salt lake magazine
UTAH’S GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND ALLY
September 2012 Issue 210 GaySaltLake.com
FALL ARTS IN LOVE WITH
PHOTO: JT NIEKAMP
CATÁN’S
FLORENCIA EN EL AMAZONAS jan 19–27
FUMIAKI MIUrA
THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS
Bruch’s SCOTTISH FANTASY For VIolIn anD orchestra | noV 30 & Dec 1
may 3–4
HILAry HAHN
mozart, mahler, & hIlary hahn | noV 16 –17
ROMEO & JULIET FeB 14–16
MICHAEL CAvANAUgH IN CONCErT:
vErDI’S
IL TROVATORE oct 13–27
the musIc oF BIlly joel anD more! | sept 7–8
C
M
Y
HOLIDAy CELEBrATION WITH BrAvO BrOADWAy Dec 21–22
BAIBA SKrIDE
straVInsKy’s VIolIn concerto | FeB 8–9
INgrID FLITEr
saInt-saËns’ pIano concerto no. 2 | noV 9–10
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
LOUIS LOrTIE
tchaIKoVsKy’s 3 pIano concertI | apr 19–20
vLADIMIr KULENOvIC all-star eVenInG | may 21
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4 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | NEWS
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
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Copyright © 2012, Gay Salt Lake, Inc. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission from the publisher. 15,000 copies of QSaltLake Magazine are distributed free of charge at over 300 locations across the Wasatch Front. 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 Magazine 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.
6 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | FIRST PERSON
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
from the publisher
Boycott the boycotts by Michael Aaron michael@qsaltlake.com
Someone
sneezes and someone else yells, “boycott!” It seems like a knee-jerk reaction to any and all disagreements lately. Frankly, I haven’t eaten but a nibble of anything made by Chick-fil-A since they arrived at Crossroads Mall in the 1980s. (I was 4.) Employees would walk around the mall with platters of chicken. I knew even then that my politics likely didn’t align with theirs, for the mere fact that they were closed on Sundays — the only store in the mall that was. And I have told anyone who would listen that I wouldn’t throw my hard-earned money at them. But organized boycotts, by either side of this social divide, are rarely successful. And
boy, was this last one not successful. Let’s face it, we lost this one big time, and for good reason(s) which I won’t even go into. There was also a case in Colorado where a cake maker refused to sell his wares to a gay couple because he was against gay marriage. Boycott! Petition! Force him to let us eat cake. My question is this: Why do you want to give your dollars to someone who will very likely use them against you? My answer is this: Buycott. Wikipedia: “A buycott is the opposite of a boycott; that is, an active campaign to buy the products or services of a particular company or country.”
We have hundreds of businesses and service people in this state who actively pursue our business and our dollars. Wouldn’t it make more sense to use them than to bully a hater into submission? We have advertisers in this magazine, businesses and services in our Gay Salt Lake Directory, members of the Utah Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and contributors to the Utah Pride Center Boycotts are for and Equality haters. Buycotts Utah who are for lovers. would love to offer their Love, not war. services to us. I say let the haters know (individually) that you will not be using their services; but let our ally- and gay-owned businesses know we are happy to count them among our friends and wish them to succeed ... with our dollars. Leave the boycotts to the haters. Buycotts are for lovers. Love, not war. Peace out. Q Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and ally businesses can be found online at biz.gaysaltlake.com.
NEWS | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 7
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
Andrew McCullough for Utah Attorney General Libertarian
The only candidate who fully supports the LGBT community.
The candidate of personal freedom. Endorsed by Stonewall Shooting Sports
andrewmccullough.org facebook.com/andy4utahag
8 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | NEWS
news
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
10 things you should know happened last month (Full stories at gaysaltlake.com.) First woman in space dies, is outed by obit The first woman in space may have been a very public advocate of science in education, especially women in the sciences, but she was incredibly quiet about aspects of her personal life. Sally Ride died July 23 after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer — a battle she kept secret — leaving behind her partner of 27 years, Tam O’Shaughnessy, of whom she was also mum.
on the floor and lighting it on fire. The woman escaped from her home, completely naked and bleeding from multiple wounds and reached her neighbor’s house, where they called police.
Controversial gayparenting study is severely flawed, internal audit finds
Texas gay bar raid subject of film to screen at Utah festival A documentary film chronicling the 2009 police raid on a gay bar in Fort Worth, Texas, and its effects on the community is set to screen at a Dixie State College film festival. The screening of Raid at the Rainbow Lounge will be held Sept. 8, 1 p.m., the closing day of the DocUtah Film Festival. The second annual film festival will attract more than 300 submissions from 42 countries and screenings will be held around St. George, Utah, Sept. 5–9.
Attackers carve ‘Dyke’ into woman, BURN her A Lincoln, Neb. woman was attacked in her home and tied to her bed when her attackers carved gay slurs into her skin and lit her house on fire on July 22. The woman said she was attacked early that morning by three masked men who entered her house, tied her wrists and ankles with zip ties, cut her with knives and carved, “dyke” into her skin before dumping gasoline
ongoing challenge. The law was struck down in a federal court and the decision was upheld by an appeals court. Specifically, the anti-gay advocates asked the court to decide “Whether the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits the state of California from defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman.”
Police seek help in identifying suspect A description and sketch of the man who called a Salt Lake City bar patron a gay slur and smashed a cocktail glass into his head on July 7 was released and police are looking for help in identifying him. Jake Allred said he was outside Maxwell’s in Salt Lake City when a man approached him and asked him if he found some women in the bar attractive. Avoiding the subject, the assailant said, “you kind of sound like a faggot,” Allred said. The attacker then slammed the glass into the side of Allred’s head.
Anti-gay group asks Supreme Court FOR Prop. 8 challenge Supporters of California’s Proposition 8 banning marriage equality have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the
The recently published and widely publicized study that seemed to raise doubts about the parenting abilities of gay couples was severely flawed and had many disqualifying problems, according to a new audit by the same journal that published it. An analysis of the study will be printed in the November issue of the journal, Social Science Research. The article points out conflicts of interest among the reviews and states that “scholars who should have known better failed to recuse themselves from the review process.”
The Matrix’ director comes out as transgender The director of The Matrix and the highly anticipated film Cloud Atlas is the first major Hollywood director to publicly come out as transgender. Lana Wachowski revealed she has transitioned while promoting her new film starring Tom Hanks and Halle Berry.
Photo of BRIGHAM YOUNG’G son dressed in drag surfaces A photo of Mormon Church leader Brigham Young’s 35th child, Brigham Morris Young, dressed in his drag persona, Madam Pattirini, has surfaced. Brigham Young had 55 wives and 56 children. Brigham Morris Young, aka Madam Pattirini, founded the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association. He performed as Pattirini in Utah venues from 1885 to the 1900s. He had a convincing falsetto, and most did not realize that Pattirini was Young. He did marry one wife and had children.
Radio host calls for removal of kids from GAY homes Conservative radio host and American Family Association President Bryan Fischer is calling to have children of gay parents removed from their homes. In what he calls an “Underground Railroad,” Fischer said children are not safe with gay parents. “There is an underground railroad and we need one to protect innocent children from same-sex households,” he said.
NEW Law prohibitS protests at military funerals A law prohibiting protests during or near military funerals cleared Congress with bipartisan approval, including President Barack Obama. “We have a moral sacred duty to our men and women in uniform,” said Obama.
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september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
2nd Pinkdot Utah to bring families and friends closer
Pinkdot Utah, a gathering for queers and their families, friends and allies, will be held Saturday, Sept. 22, 2–6 p.m., at Jordan Park, 900 W. 1000 South, Salt Lake City. Supporters are asked to wear pink and participate in a group photo at 4 p.m. Entertainment and activities will be held throughout the afternoon. Last year’s inaugural Pinkdot Utah event attracted hundreds of people and even more are expected this year as word is spreading about the gathering, said event organizer and spokesperson Ken Kimball. Pinkdot is designed to be a family-friendly event and people are encouraged to bring picnics and enjoy an afternoon in the park with family and friends and the soon-to-be announced entertainment and ambassadors. Last year’s lineup included Cheer Salt Lake, Kurt Bestor and local vocal group
The Wanted. This year is going to have equally exciting entertainment and the full lineup will be released as the event nears. “It’s a perfect chance to invite family and friends to come out and show support,” Kimball said. “It’s completely nonpolitical and nonthreatening. There is no agenda except to bring families and friends closer together.” Globally, the first Pinkdot celebration was held in Singapore in 2009 and now regularly attracts more than 15,000 people each year. Homosexuality is punishable by up to two years in prison in Singapore, though the law is rarely enforced. There
are bans on gay men and women from serving in political positions and so-called “ex-gay” therapy groups are subsidized by the government. Utah’s Pinkdot organizers hope to continue the pattern of Singapore Pinkdot by reaching across the aisle and emphasizing the human aspects that make everyone similar, Kimball said. “We want to have families. We want to have kids. We want to have gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants. But we want to have families and friends most of all,” Kimball said. For more information, go to pinkdout.org.
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branch usbank.com/lowrate 800.209.BANK 1. 3.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is available on Equiline Home Equity Lines of Credit with a U.S. Bank Package and a 70% or 80% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. Minimum credit limit conditions may also apply and vary, depending upon the market. The APR will vary with the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal. As of August 1, 2012 the variable rate for home equity lines ranged from 3.99% APR to 8.99% APR. Higher rates apply depending upon the credit limit and a higher LTV. The rate will not vary above 25% APR or applicable state law, nor below 3.25% APR. An annual fee up to $90 may apply after the first year. Offer is subject to normal credit qualifications. Rates are subject to change. 2. Property insurance is required. 3. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Some restrictions may apply. Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit are offered through U.S. Bank National Association ND. © 2012 U.S. Bancorp. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.
10 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | NEWS
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
Equality Utah to honor Huntsman at 11th Allies Dinner By Seth Bracken
The 11th annual Equality Utah Allies Dinner marks a growth spurt of the organization, as well as queer rights in the Beehive State. The dinner will attract an estimated 2,000 people, making it the largest indoor lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender event in the Intermountain West. This year’s honorees include former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and his wife, Mary Kaye Huntsman. The event will be historic in size and with its honorees and speakers, said EU Executive Director Brandie Balken. “This is a historic moment for Utah’s LGBT community, as well as for all residents of our Former Gov. Jon state, as we move closer to makHuntsman ing everyone feel welcome and respected. Few elected officials in Utah have done as much to foster civility and understanding as Gov. and Mrs. Huntsman. They are beacons of hope for Utah and the nation. Together with the LDS Church’s 2009 support for anti-discrimination laws, the Huntsman’s efforts bridged increased
not as I do Pastor longs for death penalty for gays Pastor and radio host Kevin Swanson expressed desire to return to a time when homosexuality was punishable by death. He said he wished he could bring back the times when Christians “brought the death penalty upon homosexuality.” Later in his program, he spoke about the backlash against Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy’s anti-gay statements. After hearing of the Jim Henson’s company denouncing the restaurant chain, Swanson said he wondered if The Muppets supported pedophilia and if Kermit is interested in another frog. He also suggested
understanding and support of Utah’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.” While serving as governor, Huntsman voiced support for advancing queer equality and even said he would support civil unions for gay couples. The keynote address will be given by Idaho Sen. Nicole LeFavour, the Democratic nominee running for U.S. Congress. If elected, she will be the second openly lesbian member of Congress. She’s facing off against 12-year incumbent Mike Simpson, a popular and well-liked Republican. She said she hopes to use her experiences as a state lawmaker for nearly a decade, and Idaho’s first openly lesbian senator. “I think one of the biggest challenges for me was putting a face on gay people in Idaho,” LeFavour said. “Now that so many more people know gay friends, family members and co-workers, we’ve been trying to change minds on important policy decisions.” With the poor economy playing a pivotal role in American politics, emphasizing the economic impacts of equality is a key tactic, she said. In addition to attracting jobs from employers who want a welcoming environ-
Chick-fil-A serve “frog filet” and “Miss Piggy on a bun” to memorialize The Muppet’s decision to “take the sodomy route.” Because nothing says Christian like calling for the death of men, women and The Muppets.
Transgender group targeted by religious extremists A newly formed Latina group for transgender women in Washington, D.C. has been targeted by a religious group calling for “divine punishment” on its members. The group, Casa Ruby, was started to offer social activities as well as other support for trans women who have a Latin background. However, recently the group has received threatening letters, including one that said, “You
deserve divine punishment and death, but before death you should suffer. You are damned from birth to death.”
B&B owners tell neighbors God will punish gays A New Jersey lesbian mother was dismayed to learn a local bed and breakfast and petting zoo owner supported Chick-fil-A. After Joianne Fraschilla wrote the B&B a Facebook message expressing her concern and dismay, she was not prepared for the vitriolic response. Claiming to be Christians, the owners attacked the mother’s young son and said he would be a society outcast. The response also allegedly cited the Bible and said, “‘Lay down with dogs, get up with fleas.’ Guess that’s why God invented AIDS.”
ment for all their employees, having a clear course of action makes for a more productive, and safe, work environment. If elected to the U.S. House, LeFavour said she would back nondiscrimination efforts, but also sees marriage equality as a bellwether for equality. “I have pleaded with national organizations not to give up on the marriage fight. It is such an important measure of equality and we may never see legislation come from our own states of Idaho and Utah,” LeFavour said. “We need federal action on so many important equality issues.” While LeFavour and other national lawmakers focus on fighting for marriage equality, Equality Utah, with the help of personal donors, as well as corporate donors, is continuing efforts to pass a statewide nondiscrimination bill protecting against bias based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing and the workplace. One of the corporate sponsors of Equality Utah this year is the genealogy website Ancestry.com. With offices in Orem, Utah, the company has a vested interest in what happens in Utah, said Billy Stern, a company spokesperson as well as a EU board member. The company was a key part of a business initiative last legislative session when queer rights advocates tried to sway Republican votes by illustrating the potential business impact the nondiscrimination bill could have. “We’re trying to attract people into this great state,” said Tim Sullivan, president and CEO of Ancestry.com, during a legislative forum. “We do find perceptions outside the state that make it difficult in particular to recruit gay or lesbian employees.” Ancestry.com is making the decision to support Equality Utah, as it has supported other organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, not only because it makes business sense, but because it’s the right thing to do, Stern said. The dinner will be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center on Sept. 27 and tickets are $100. Other speakers and honorees include Trevor Southey, Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays and Ogden residents Rev. Theresa Novak and Anne Spatola for their extraordinary efforts in increasing understanding about, and securing equal rights and protections for, LGBT Utahns. Q alliesdinner.org
NEWS | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 11
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Moab Pride uniting a community The second annual Moab Pride Festival will continue the community building and the family-friendly atmosphere of last year with a weekend of events and an awareness march. With events from Sept. 28-29, the focal point will be the march through the streets of Moab. Last year’s march, led by community activist and local actor Sister Dottie S. Dixon, was an enormous success and included hundreds of participants, said parade planner Jenn Oestreich, in a press release. “The hope this year is to increase our presence, particularly because it is an election year, and highlight those individuals, businesses and organizations who are committed to bringing awareness of and support to topics such as equal rights, marriage equality, bullying, military support and finding a cure, just to mention a few,” Oestreich said. “And this event is made possible because of the community of Moab’s support and the acceptance of every individual to be and express themselves authentically.” The festival, activities and march are designed to offer
an affirming environment for queer people, but also to reach out to the community and let business owners, community leaders and others know they have lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender neighbors, said event organizer Amy Stocks.
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Moab Pride Festival Schedule Friday, Sept. 28 7.30 p.m. The Orange Party Frankie D’s, 44 W. 200 North Wear orange with a hint of pink for this Moabulous meetn-greet.
Saturday, Sept. 29 10 a.m. Pride March Congregate at the southeast corner of Swanny Park, the corner of 400 North and 100 West, to walk through town. 12 p.m. Moab Pride Festival Located at Old City Park and will include contemporary musicians. Musical entertainment will be announced. 9 p.m. Festival After Party World famous Woody’s Tavern, 221 S. Main St., with the very talented and highly entertaining disc jockey from San Francisco, Jen Woolfe.
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12 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | NEWS
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
Utah groups continue to tout ‘ex-gay’ therapy By Seth Bracken
The leader
of the largest “exgay” organization in the nation declared last month that there was no “cure” for homosexuality and that the group would stop its “reparative therapy” practice. “Change is possible,” was the slogan on ads for Exodus International showing the group’s president, Alan Chambers alongside his wife, Leslie. Now, however, he says, “Exodus needs to move beyond that slogan.” In several recent speeches, Chambers declared there was no cure for homosexuality and that “reparative therapy” offered false hope to gays and could even be harmful. In Utah, however, two major groups continue to advocate its use. Evergreen International and the National Association for Research and Therapy Alan Chambers, of Homosexuality president of Exodus have representaInternational tives capitalizing on people who want to change their sexual orientation. In addition to an annual conference in September that carries a $127 entrance fee, Evergreen has online mentoring ($50) and other regional meetings with the details of the place and time only disclosed to faithful members of the group. NARTH holds national conferences in Florida and Arizona semi-annually and operates a regional office for resources in Murray. “We have various services for men, women and families,” said an Evergreen spokesperson that identified herself as Rachel. “The level of success in diminishing same-sex attraction varies with everyone. But we work on addressing peripheral concerns and we found that SSA seems to diminish as we line other aspects of our life up.”
Robert Spitzer, author of a 2001 study that showed gay people could change their sexual orientation. He later renouced the study as flawed. Along with mixed assurances from the Mormon Church that eradicating gay feelings is possible, Evergreen touts the merits of a 2001 study by Robert Spitzer. The study found evidence that occasionally sexual orientation could be altered. The study is one of the largest pieces in the puzzle Evergreen uses so proudly to admonish gay people to try to stop feeling attracted to members of the same sex and eventually find peace in a heterosexual relationship. But when Spitzer acknowledged the flaws in his own study, the reparative-therapy groups went into damage control. “I felt that I needed to not only say that the study is not valid, but I thought I should also say to the gay community that I apologize for any harm I have done to them because of the study and my initial interpretation,” Spitzer said in a YouTube apology. “And I certainly apologize to any gay person who, because of this study, entered into reparative therapy and wasted their time and energy doing that.” He later asked “ex-gay” organizations to stop referring to the study. Rather than ignoring the study and relying on religion alone, Evergreen and NARTH are now claiming that Spitzer was forced into the apology.
“He’s getting older and he was pressured into apologizing by the study’s critics,” Rachel said. “We stand by its merits and still believe it supports Evergreen’s overall message.” NARTH issued a statement that read: “Spitzer likely knows infinitely more gay and lesbian persons than he does individuals who report change in sexual orientation. This may have made it difficult for him to see that in trying to atone for the harm gay men and lesbians in his professional network claimed resulted from the study, he simultaneously caused harm to participants in his study who experienced change and now are told they were deceived or lying. All of this serves to underscore how personal and subjective the practice of social scientific discourse can be when the subject matter is entangled in a major sociopolitical debate.” In attacking the gay community, NARTH and Evergreen are shifting blame for the retraction of the study to an easily identifiable and already vilified group. And reparative-therapy advocates in Utah don’t seem to be noticing a diminished attendance or number. “NARTH can help people change orientation in a professional manner,” said the local NARTH representative. Both the local NARTH organization and Evergreen refer members to David Matheson, a local therapist who touts his own supposed sexual orientation switch as evidence that his methods are successful. Both representatives sing Matheson’s praises and hold him in the highest regard. In fact, when asked for a second referral, none are offered. Matheson has a two-month waiting list for hour-long appointments which cost $200 each and will be billed upon booking. Since he does not work with most major insurance providers, the cost comes out of the pocket of each individual or family. With weekly visits, the annual bill could be more than $10,000 for each patient. “I know it works, I mean, I can’t say that you will always be able to completely diminish the SSA, but I know it got easier for me to ignore with time and Dr. Matheson can help,” Rachel said.
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David Matheson, a private practice counselor whose “clinical focus is on helping men who want to diminish unwanted homosexuality and feel whole as men.” Evergreen is affiliated with the Mormon Church, although not officially endorsed. And while technically NARTH is not tied to Evergreen, Dave Pruden is vice president of operations for NARTH as well as executive director of Evergreen. During the last Evergreen conference, Pruden rallied against the American Psychological Association, which insists homosexuality is a healthy expression of human sexuality. The APA, with more than 154,000 members, is the largest and most comprehensive group of psychologists worldwide. Pruden, on the other hand, has a degree in social work.
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“Nobody is born with same-sex attraction,” Pruden said. “Same-gender attraction is not the same as homosexuality. Isolation from healthy same-sex relationships makes your unholy attractions more acute… The APA doesn’t get much right. (Homosexuality) is manageable and correctable. We know that for a fact.” The APA and all other major medical organizations do not endorse any therapies or groups, such as Evergreen, that would suggest changing sexuality is possible, and it can even be detrimental to the mental health of the patient, said Jerry Buie, owner and director of Pride Counseling. “I work a lot with gays and lesbians that have tried those therapies and my observation is that they are more severely and chronically depressed. They’re discouraged and often quite suicidal. The idea that their sexuality needs to change runs so deep, and these programs just reinforce that. Ultimately, it comes down to thinking if my sexual orientation doesn’t change, it’s because of my own lack of effort, which simply isn’t true,” Buie said. Q For more information about Pride Counseling, a guild for affirming therapists, go to pridecounseling.tv.
Estimated annual cost for so‑called reparative therapy
Semi-annual Evergreen conferences: . . . . . . . . $200 Evergreen membership and suggested donation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100 Suggested literature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $130 Weekend ex-gay weekend: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $650 David Matheson therapy sessions: . . . . . . . $10,000 Total: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,080
Landis Salon is proud to recognize Lacey Hepworth as a Master Stylist who has been with Landis Salons for 5 years. We want to thank Lacey for providing our guests with exceptional service. She always strives to make her guests feel beautiful and ensures that they leave happy. Thank you, Lacey. Richard Surber CEO - Landis Salons, Inc.
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14 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | NEWS
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
Ukrainian activists visit QSaltLake, share the state of gay rights When By Seth Bracken
Svytoslav Sheremet left a secured building to alert the press that the Ukrainian Pride March would be canceled, he cited the threat of violence from the 2500 anti-gay protestors against the 200 marchers. His words proved to be true as he was brutally attacked shortly after making the announcement. First, he was assaulted with pepper spray. Next, 10 masked man began punching and kicking him. After he fell to the ground, the assailants jumped on his back and kicked him in the face and all over his body. Although he was battered and bruised, Sheremet insists that Ukraine’s Svytoslav Sheremet was asfirst Pride was saulted by anti-gay protesta success in a ers at a Ukraine Pride event QSaltLake interview while visiting queer-rights groups in Salt Lake City as part of a U.S. Department of State program to examine LGBT advocacy in the U.S. “We may not have had a march, but only two of us were attacked and we were able to start a lot of conversations in homes, with families and in the press,” he said. “Politicians, educators and parents had to have the discussions that are so important and what will ultimately advance the cause.” Sheremet is the president of the Gay Forum of Ukraine, which launched in 2004. What was first a simple organization designed to list gay bars, saunas and other gay-friendly destinations has blossomed
into a national organization with more than 1,000 unofficial members and more than 200 registered members. Sheremet, along with his colleagues in the group, has launched more than 40 nongovernmental organizations to support queer Ukrainians. Before the group was founded, the entire country had less than a dozen such groups. “Surprisingly, things have become far worse in Ukraine in the past decade because homosexuality isn’t so hidden. People want to come out and be open about who they are,” he said. “Before everyone was fine just keeping it all underground in a few gay bars. But as soon as people started to ask for equal protection, there was immediate backlash.” Gays and lesbians are frequently blackmailed by underpaid police officers who threaten their exposure, he said. And while there is some recourse against such actions, in order to find help, the victims must be ready to publicly declare their sexuality, which is not common, Sheremet said. Also, Ukrainian police officers are not often friendly to victims of gay hate crimes and most attacks simply go unreported, he said. The Ukrainian parliament is currently debating a bill that would ban any positive public portrayal of homosexuality and would effectively stop all Pride celebrations, as well as block the sale of movies and TV programs such as Brokeback Mountain. The bill is sponsored by the president’s political party and offenders would face unspecified fines and up to five years in prison. Pavlo Ungurian, one of the six lawmakers who authored and sponsored the bill told reporters that gay rights progress is “not evolution, but degradation” and that it needed to be stopped. “Our goal is the preservation of the
moral, spiritual and physical health of the nation,” Ungurian said. “We must stop the propaganda, the positive description and the publicity ... of this abnormal lifestyle.” Sheremet faces similar attitudes from lawmakers, politicians, businessmen and other community leaders on a daily basis, but hopes to be an agent of change so others won’t have to be subjected to the same discrimination that he’s faced. While working for a political agency in 1999, Sheremet’s sexuality was discovered and he was fired for being gay. He used the experience as a positive impetus for action. First he came out of the closet to friends and family so no future employer, police officer or individual would have the ability to use his own identity against him. Since then, he has launched his own consulting firm and uses it to advance equality around his country. All his hard work as the president of the largest gay rights organization in Ukraine is completely voluntary and unpaid. “I was finally able to be at peace with who I am. I came out and knew I’d face some problems because of it, but ultimately, I am so much happier with where I am now,” he said. In addition to be being brutally beaten, he’s been threatened and protested against. He even had one demonstrator throw yogurt on him during a recent press conference. But through all the protests, threats and attacks, he’s somehow remained positive and said he hopes to see some form of civil unions or marriage rights for gay couples in Ukraine. “We are in the middle of it all right now. It’s as bad as it’s going to get, I hope,” he said. “But the work we’ve done must be continued. We have some progress and that has to be pushed.” Q
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16 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | NEWS
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
Walk to benefit suicide prevention As a part of a national effort to raise awareness and funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Salt Lake City will host a Out of the Darkness community walk and gathering on Sept. 15, 9 a.m. at Sugar House Park. The AFSP is one of the only avenues to support and educate in Utah schools about suicide awareness and prevention, said Taryn Aiken, chair of the AFSP-Utah chapter. Public schools in Utah do not include suicide prevention as part of the regular curriculum, which is where the AFSP comes in, Aiken said. The AFSP is also involved in support for survivors, and general education and awareness. “One of our main goals is to get people in the schools to help educate about suicide. Our fundraising goal is about $40,000 for the year,” she said. In its third year the walk will attract about 1,000 people; some will participate in remembrance of those lost to suicide, others to celebrate their own survival, and all will support increased awareness. For Tristan Bills, the participation and fundraising is personal. In the two years since he found his roommate had tried to
take his own life, Bills has become a strong advocate to the cause. “My life changed that day,” Bills said. “I want everyone to come participate, whether or not their lives have been affected by a suicide attempt or not, this is an issue that should be important to everyone.” Bills is attempting to raise funds for the organization by finding individual sponsors for his walk. His goal is to raise $1,000. “There’s not a day that goes by that it doesn’t affect me. I have to help,” Bills said. More than 35,000 Americans take their own lives each year and it’s the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.; and for every effectual suicide, there are up to 25 failed attempts. “Suicide is 100 percent preventable. That’s why we have to raise awareness about avenues to support and help options,” Aiken said. “The LGBT statistics are so much higher than they should be and so we’re trying to hit that hard.” The AFSP-Utah chapter meets monthly to organize events and coordinate volunteer efforts.
Qmmunity
Utah Pride Golf Classic
Utah AIDS Foundation Walk and Roll fundraiser Take an important step in preventing HIV infections and support those living with HIV by registering for the 24th annual Walk and Roll pledge event. Registration is simple, quick and free for participants in the walk ($15 for bikers). After registration, participants will have a personal fundraising page they can share with family and friends. For help registering, call Chet at 901-487-2323. WHEN: Sept. 15, 9 a.m. WHERE: Liberty Park, 900 S. 700 East INFO: utahaids.org
Las Vegas Pride From pool parties to a fabulous night parade, Las Vegas Pride attracts thousands from around the world. While still not quite as fabulous as Utah’s annual celebration, Vegas Pride will feature nightly parties and events including a roller skating night. WHEN: Sept. 7-8 INFO: lasvegaspride.org
sputahchapter.com.
Now in its 13th year, the Utah Pride Golf Classic attracts an impressive list of who’s who in the queer community and many wonderful allies – including television personalities, politicians and golfers of all ability levels. The annual precursor, Party on the Patio, will be on Aug. 24 at The Green Pig, 31 E. 400 South, 7-9 p.m. WHEN: Aug. 26, 7 a.m. WHERE: Stonebridge Golf Course, 4415 Links Dr., West Valley City INFO: utahpride.org COST: $95
Avenues Street Fair This event, which started in the 1970s, brings together the Salt Lake City community and features art and food vendors, entertainment and a children’s parade. Among the dozen local music performances are Lake Effect and The Folka Dots. WHEN: Sept. 8, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. WHERE: 9th Avenue, between B and G Streets INFO: slc-avenues.org
Quips&Quotes
“
It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail.” “The United States was founded by the brightest people in the country — and we haven’t seen them since.” “Fifty percent of people won’t vote, and fifty percent don’t read newspapers. I hope it’s the same fifty percent.” “The four most beautiful words in our common language: I told you so.” “There is no human problem which could not be solved if people would simply do as I advise.” “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” “Every time a friend succeeds, I die a little.” “Today’s public figures can no longer write their own speeches or books, and there is some evidence they cannot read them either.” “Never miss a chance to have sex or be on television.” “Any American who is prepared to run for president should automatically, by definition, be disqualified from ever doing so.” “Apparently, a democracy is a place where numerous elections are held at great cost without issues and with interchangeable candidates.” “By the time a man gets to be presidential material, he’s been bought ten times over.” “It is the spirit of the age to believe that any fact, no matter how suspect, is superior to any imaginative exercise, no matter how true.” “Actually, there is no such thing as a homosexual person, any more than there is such a thing as a heterosexual person. The words are adjectives describing sexual acts, not people. The sexual acts are entirely normal; if they were not, no one would perform them.” “[Professor] Frank recalled my idle remark some years ago: ‘Never pass up the opportunity to have sex or appear on television.’ Advice I would never give today in the age of AIDS and its television equivalent Fox News.” —Openly gay author, playwright, critic and champion of the bon mot Gore Vidal. He died at age 86 on July 31 of pneumonia.
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
NEWS | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 17
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18 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | VIEWS
views
“
I probably know over a hundred gay men (and a few gay women) who are or were in mixed-orientation marriages (including myself). The only ones who made it past the fifteen year mark did so with tremendous self-sacrifice and considerable angst and unhappiness. I’ve been incredibly lucky in that my ex has been understanding and supportive. We’re still best friends. But even so, coming out and navigating the end of a marriage has been difficult and painful for everyone involved. I cannot recommend mixed-orientation marriage as a viable solution for any gay man or woman, no matter the apparent (tenyear) “success” of a couple featured in a news piece.”
“ “
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
QSaltLake Magazine welcomes your letters to the editor.
8 things we heard last month
Please send your letter of 300 words or less to letters@ gaysaltlake.com. We reserve the right to edit for length or libel if a letter is chosen for publication.
—Scott Nicholson
Yay Lana! Thank you for openness and I can hardly wait for the new movie!” —Jen Killpack, supporting newly out transgender director Lana Wachowski
Am I reading correctly? He supports a constitutional amendment banning abortion, opposes equal marriage (but is for civil unions), supported the repeal of DADT, has vowed to veto any funding for Planned Parenthood, says would want to appoint anti-choice judges but wouldn’t oppose a litmus test. It seems to me that calling on him is pushing it, especially if you are female or gay.” —Kevin Boyer, on Jon Huntsman being honored at the Equality Utah Allies Dinner
“ “
It’s really too bad for those that invested in the Chickfil-A franchise that aren’t bigoted homophobes. Bad investment. I’ll never step foot in a Chick-fil-A and encourage all not to do so.” —Bryan Payne
That’s fine, as long as there will be a removal of straight parents from gay kids.” —Aaron Michael Woods, on a conservative call to have all kids taken from gay couples
“
Sometimes, I’m ashamed to be a human being. There is no excuse for denigrating anyone. Why is it so hard to see that it doesn’t matter the political orientation, sexual orientation, gender, shade or location? A human is a human. News flash to the heterosexuals – I, as a heterosexual, have hugged and kissed gay and lesbian people before. I have not contracted cooties, my skin hasn’t fallen off, and my eyes haven’t burst into flames inside my skull.” —Charyl Schlayer
“ “
“Very cool. I like that his personal experience was shared, as well as some of the statistics on risks for sex workers. I love that you are getting this article out there, and commend Jose for this intimate perspective!” —Nikita on a story about a Craigslist prostitute
I hope the employee that did this is man or woman enough to take the credit and that UDOT subsequently handles this appropriately.” —Sarah Elizabeth Lundquist, on a construction sign being altered to an anti-gay message
VIEWS | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 19
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
from the editor
Mormons moving faster than leadership By Seth Bracken
It’s been
two and a half years since I came out to my family. It was a big, awkward talk on a cold January evening in 2010. I purposely waited until after the holidays, fearing the experience would be a dark blight for my parents during an otherwise cheerful time of year. There were tears and concerns. But no one was as distraught as I. My secret was finally out and I was vulnerable and felt judged. My parents were concerned for my spiritual and physical well-being, and my
The gall of the damn homosexuals! mother especially took the news very hard. Over the course of the next year my family grew immensely. I was able to speak openly with my mother and feel comfortable in their home again. When I told them I had been seeing someone with regularity, they insisted on meeting him and welcomed him with open arms. Simply put, my family has treated him with the utmost respect and dignity. They invite him to family functions, take an interest in his life and compliment my choice of boyfriend. He was even encouraged to take part in our family photo. Like any family relationship, there’s always room to grow and we all have our faults, but from Independence Day barbeques to Thanksgiving dinner, we’re treated just like my brothers and their opposite-sex partners. Just as I was beginning to feel encouraged by the progress of my family and even the Mormon Church, I came across a 2006 interview with one of the 12 top leaders of the church, Dallin Oaks. The extensive conversation delved into how Mormons should treat gay sons and lesbian daughters. When asked how to treat holidays and family gatherings when the gay child wants to participate, Oaks responded, “In
most circumstances the parents would say, ‘Please don’t do that. Don’t put us into that position.’ Surely if there are children in the home who would be influenced by this example, the answer would likely be that.” Oaks went on to say gay couples should not be allowed to stay overnight or be treated like heterosexual couples and should not be introduced to family and friends when visiting. His colleague Lance Wickman, a member of the Seventy, added, “It’s hard to imagine a more difficult circumstance for a parent to face than that one.” Really? It’s difficult to imagine a more difficult situation than finding out your son or daughter has finally found someone to spend his or her life with? It’s difficult to imagine a more difficult situation than your child having an added measure of stability — financial, physical and emotional — through a supportive and loving partner? And now, heaven forbid, they want to come and visit for Christmas? The gall of the damn homosexuals! Instead of complimenting your son or daughter for progressing in life, settling down and encouraging him or her to keep a healthy family relationship, Oaks wants parents to send their children to a hotel, pretend like they don’t exist and never introduce them to family and friends. Perhaps Wickman could consider the devastating effects of drug habits or other illegal activity. Perhaps he could consider the terrible effects of unemployment, poverty and homelessness. Or maybe, he ought to consider how he would feel as a parent if his son or daughter were to be involved in gangs, illegal gambling, prostitution, sex trafficking, child slavery, embezzlement or spousal abuse. My only hope is that my parents, and other kindhearted Mormons, don’t find his shockingly ignorant interview, and if they do, that they ignore their leaders’ counsels. Q
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20 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | VIEWS
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
thinking out loud
Is standing up for LGBT rights tantamount to censorship? By Abby Dees
I’m so
happy I decided to stop eating chicken last month. It had nothing to do with the Chick-fil-A brouhaha, but rather, a chance encounter with a sweet wandering hen in Minnesota. That story’s for another time, but for now I’m relieved I got to have my chicken sandwich period of mourning privately, without having to hear everyone’s opinions about it on CNN. However, when I was still a chicken eater, I’d already boycotted Chick-fil-A (sigh — I loved their sandwiches). They’d been donating scads of money to antigay groups for years and even founded a “pro-marriage” organization through their charitable wing, WinShape. They’re not the first company I’ve stopped patronizing for political reasons (Carl’s Jr., Dominos, Walmart and even the Salvation Army are on the list), and will probably not be the last. I thought this was one of the core concepts in capitalism – customers create demand not just for products but for business practices as well. It’s almost a national tradition. Thus, I’m baffled by the sudden uproar
over CEO Dan Cathy’s comments in support of the “biblical definition” of marriage. It’s not like he said anything surprising, considering that Chick-fil-A has funded groups like the Eagle Forum (remember Phyllis Schlafly? Still going strong!), Focus on the Family (founder James Dobson recently declared that Glee was in the hands of “the enemy”), and Exodus (praying the gay away ... but not very well). If he’d sung the lumberjack song in full drag, now that would’ve been a fabulous shock. Please don’t misunderstand; I think Cathy is a moron. But why is everyone so upset by what he said, and not so concerned about what he’s been doing all along? And why does the dialogue seem so screechy? Predictably, the far right is calling the entire left intolerant and against free speech because some of us have called for a boycott, and a few more want Chickfil-A officially banned. Meanwhile, Texas is rolling out the red carpet. Rahm Emanuel has declared Chicago a “no-Chick-fil-A zone” while the Palins are posing with thumbs up and holding bags of the stuff.
sanctity of marriage ‘The Notebook’ ruined R. Kelly’s marriage The so-called King of R&B and one of the most successful artists of all time, R. Kelly says in his new book that The Notebook was the end of his marriage to his second wife. While most agree the film is a stoic statement about the lasting power of love, R. Kelly had a different reaction that ended his marriage — and it wasn’t a man-crush on Ryan Gosling. Instead, he said he realized his relationship was not as wonderful as the fictional
Nicholas Sparks characters, so he ended it.
Texas man ‘screwed up’ for shooting wife A retired 75-year-old Texas man accused of shooting his wife said he “screwed up.” Bobby Nichols told Associated Press that he doesn’t remember the details of the night but he does recall coming home drunk and shooting his wife. He posted a $750,000 bail and was released from jail. The couple had been married for 26 years. “We just got in a fight
and I screwed up and killed her with a gun,” he said.
Wife gives husband a ‘surprise’ ending An English woman is charged with luring her husband into bed and stabbing him in the heart after they had sex. Nooshin Nedjah, 30, said she was convinced her husband, Medi Sangachin, had married another woman while traveling abroad. She told her husband she would have a surprise waiting for him when he returned from vacation. After luring him into bed, Nedjah, stabbed him multiple times in the chest. She faces 11 years to life in prison if convicted.
And Facebook has caught on fire. Everyone is screaming about free speech, but my impression is that few know what that actually is. I never thought that I’d be using my legal background to explain free speech as it applies to chicken sandwiches, but here it goes. Each of us has a right to vote with our wallets for any reason. Money talks, and talk is protected by the Constitution (see the Citizens United case for a vivid example of that). A Chick-fil-A boycott is a lawful, and I’d even argue, American, thing to do. Meanwhile, evangelicals get to boycott you, me or Kermit the Frog for boycotting Chick-fil-A (and Kermit has boycotted Chick-fil-A, by the way). Dan Cathy’s remarks are offensive, but I’d still defend his right to speak. Rahm Emanuel, however, as the mayor of Chicago doesn’t get to ban Chick-fil-A from his city; neither does Boston Mayor Thomas Menino nor D.C. Mayor Vincent
Customers create demand not just for products but for business practices as well Gray. This is because our Constitutional guarantee of free speech only applies to government action. You and I are free to protest Chick-fil-A as much as we like, but no government official can interfere with its operations just because its CEO is an odious jerk. You might wonder, then, why each of these mayors is spouting off anyway. As individuals, they can express their opinions, even if they can’t actually head off Chick-fil-A at the city limits. We can support their bully-pulpit leadership, or scream outside of City Hall because ... well, almost any reason. Personally, I suggest a nice note to Mayor Gray for tweeting about “hate chicken,” which gets my vote as best new term describing the intersection of inequality and fast food. If this still seems convoluted, you only need to remember one thing: Imagine if the tables were turned and politicians were allowed to ban local businesses for publically supporting LGBT rights. There is an old legal axiom that applies now as much as ever: the best response to bad speech is more speech. It’s messy, loud and often painful, but it’s way better than the alternative. Q
VIEWS | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 21
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
the straight line
Use equality to inspire voters, candidates By Bob Henline
In my
last column I wrote about splitting equality into various degrees, lamenting the fact that we seem to have allowed our candidates for office to ignore, or even oppose, full equality as long as they support other steps like housing and employment protections or shared insurance benefits. A very dear friend of mine commented, after reading that column, that it’s a great idea, but unrealistic for candidates in Utah to openly support full equality, including marriage equality, as taking that kind of stance in this environment would be tantamount to political suicide. That conversation gave me pause for thought, bringing to mind a conversation I had with another dear friend about integrity in politics. Putting all of this together takes us back to the old debate between political reality and idealism. Compromise is a necessary element in any political or social system. Ideally, each of us give a little in order to greatly improve the common situation. That makes sense from a policy standpoint, but I can’t wrap my head around it from the perspective of ideals. Our ideals define us and by compromising those ideals we compromise ourselves. It has been argued that our “political reality” precludes any strong proponent of true equality from being elected in Utah. I tend to disagree, and with deference to my dear friend, I shall try to disagree without being disagreeable. I believe that the voters of this
state (and this country, for that matter) are ready to respond to real leadership. Look at Utah’s voter turnout; it’s ridiculously low and decreasing with every election cycle. Young people are walking away from political participation at alarming rates. Why? I think the answer is much simpler than anyone wants to believe: the people aren’t being inspired. If we want to see more people involved in the process, if we want to energize our voter base, then we need to find candidates who will inspire the people. Inspiration requires commitment, taking a stand and taking risks. True leaders will step up and fight for what is right, regardless of the potential political cost. True leaders inspire, they command respect without demanding respect, and people respond to that kind of charisma and personal integrity. Fortunately, we have candidates of that caliber on our ballots this year. We have candidates such as Josie Valdez, Jeff Bell, Liz Muniz, Angela Romero, Chris Stout and Mark Sage. While politicos and the mainstream media tend to ignore these “lower-ballot” candidates, I look at them as our hope for the future. These are the candidates that will most profoundly impact our daily lives. As we look for that inspiration, leadership that will energize voters and bring real social, economic and political change, we need to be looking at our local candidates. Real change has always, and will always, come from the “bottom up.” Our system is inherently
conservative; it’s reactionary, responding slowly to the demands of the people. We, as the people, need to make those demands. We make those demands through our officials elected to represent smaller constituencies. It’s in these races that we have greater impact upon the elections, and those officials, in turn, have greater impact upon the system. As voters and activists, we need to pay more attention to these candidates and races. Our donations of
time and money are better spent and more effective when focused on local candidates and smaller races. As the election approaches I urge all of you to dig deeper than what you find in our typical media outlets. Take a few minutes to identify the candidates further down your ballot and learn who they are and what they believe. Reach out to them, become informed and involved. Use your idealism to inspire real leadership and change. Q
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gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
lambda lore
Utah’s gay oppression, expression: The beginning By Ben Williams
At the
outbreak of World War II, the United States’ draft boards processed nearly 10 million men. To determine what men were physically or psychologically fit to serve, the military used medical professionals, including psychiatrists, to eliminate those unfit for combat. Homosexuality was one classification deemed unfit; all inductees, therefore, were questioned about any homosexual experience. Hundreds of thousands of homosexuals denied they were such so they could serve in the armed forces. The government’s efforts to ban homosexuals from the military accomplished little, but they did have an unintended consequence. By using the medical term homosexual, urban and rural Americans had identified, for the first time, a name for their feelings. Toward the end of the war, 10 percent of Utah’s men were in military uniform. Nearly 1,300 Utah women also served in the auxiliary of the military. Many of these men and women were gay. When World War II came to a conclusion in the summer of 1945, homosexuals returned home with the knowledge they were neither unique nor alone. Historian John Berube referred to it as a national coming out experience. The changing mores of the 1940s were harbingers to the perception of homosexuality in later decades. World War II also changed Utah. At the beginning of 1940, Utah’s unemployment was second highest in the nation. As the United States entered the war, Utah converted its economy to wartime production. Among lesbians, one of the most liberating aspects of war was that females were freed from constraints of male supervision. Because of the draft, thousands of women worked outside the home for the first time in their lives. Women replaced men in the factories, on farms and even at military installations, which provided much needed jobs in Utah. In early 1942, because government officials feared sabotage and attacks on the Pacific coast, two major military installations were moved to Utah. The United States Army 9th Service Command moved
headquarters from San Francisco’s Presidio to Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City, above the University of Utah; and the Air Force’s training bases were moved to Kearns, a farming community in Salt Lake County. By spring of 1943, Kearns had become Utah’s third largest city with 40,000 troops stationed there. Prosperity returned, and Utah changed from a provincial backwater to the location of the largest inland Unites States military installations. The influx of military personnel, job seekers and migrant workers to Kearns and Fort Douglas brought about the largest demographic shift in Utah’s history. Only the displacement of the native populations by Mormon pioneers was more dramatic. The state’s desired isolation was forever altered as increase in the “gentiles,” or nonLatter-day Saint newcomers, disrupted the homogeneous Mormon culture. Additionally, the state became home to thousands of German and Italian prisoners of war and displaced Japanese Americans, who were forcefully removed from their homes on the West Coast. Wartime often brings about a loosening of sexual standards; World War II was no exception. Religious leaders feared the thousands of single young men away from home for the first time, seeking willing sexual partners among the Mormon sons and daughters of Utah. The church leaders’ fears were real since it was only natural that premarital sexual relations, as well as covert homosexual ones, would flourish in wartime, despite religious admonitions against immorality and vice. For the most part, the sober residents of Salt Lake City were therefore reluctant to interact with the new arrivals. The young servicemen stationed at Fort Douglas and Kearns were barely tolerated by suspicious Latter-day Saints who feared the demoralization of their youth. Newcomers, as well as Jack Mormons, or non-practicing Latter-day Saints, managed to find sexual liaisons in the many bars, taverns and canteens that sprang up to cater to the military installations. Back rooms of restaurants opened elite officer clubs and upstairs offices were converted into sleeping quarters for sexual liaisons.
In Ogden, 25th Street was considered one long brothel due to the rows of houses of ill repute. This promiscuity had real consequences, as noted by The Salt Lake Tribune in 1945. The Utah Health Department confirmed 1,097 cases of gonorrhea in Utah, an all-time high. In Utah’s civilian world, the informal prohibition from fraternizing with non Latter-day Saints couldn’t be sustained by religious leaders. The fear for church members was not so much about homosexuality but about any type of premarital sex. The relaxation of standards among the faithful was seen as a moral crisis. In 1945, Marvin O. Ashton, first counselor in the LDS presiding bishopric, wrote a passage in the LDS Church’s “Improvement Era” as assurance to worried parents that times would return to normal as soon as the war ended. He urged Latter-day Saint parents to be patient with their children and servicemen who acquired “bad habits” during the war. Post-war Utah mirrored the rest of the United States in its changing morals and an almost compulsive anxiety over the Communist nuclear threat. This growing paranoia among Americans forced them to couch cultural and political ideals in terms of us versus them. The “them” was any ideology or people that threatened American security and its wholesomeness. Homosexuality was definitely defined as a “them,” especially in Utah were policymakers chose to believe that homosexuality was alien to their communities and was only found among non-LDS transients or newcomers. As Utahns adjusted to a time of peace, there was an onset of change toward acknowledging the presence of homosexuals in Utah. A case in point is when the formerly forbidden subject was broached in the 1946 winter issue of The Pen, University of Utah’s literary magazine. Student Robert Shelly wrote a disparaging article called “Streak of Lavender” wherein he ridiculed “the inverted Libido” of male ballet dancers who he claimed were “shrilly lisped” and “more graceful than the women.” Shelly was unquestionably referring to homosexuality by use of the term “invert” an early 20th century synonym of homosexual. Not long after the war, Dr. Alfred Kinsey published his seminal work, “Sexual Behavior in the Human Male.” The study reported 37 percent of post-adolescent males had achieved orgasm through contact with another male. The 1948 report was a milestone study which indicated about 2 to 4 percent of all males were conContinued on page 61
VIEWS | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 23
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
who’s your daddy?
Silence speaks volumes By Christopher Katis
In May,
I saw an online interview with Mia Love; she was poised, intelligent and witty — everything you’d want in a congresswoman. She also expressed her belief in the equality of all Americans. Hmmm, that got me thinking: Does that mean she supports marriage equality for gay Americans? I called her campaign headquarters to find out. After a few seconds of awkward silence, the woman who answered the phone finally informed me that Mayor Love believes marriage means one man to one woman. When I asked her how that jived with believing in equality for all Americans, there was more quiet contemplation. Finally, I asked if I sent an email to Love, would I actually receive an answer from her. “Absolutely.” When I didn’t get a response after six weeks — even resending my email — (and I still haven’t gotten one) I began to think: marriage is an important issue to me and my family; it’s important to everyone in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. So, I decided to try to find out which — if any — of the major candidates running for federal office was willing to discuss the issue with me. I called, emailed and sent Facebook messages to the 10 men and women vying to represent us in Washington, D.C. Republicans Sen. Orrin Hatch and Rep. Rob Bishop (1st House District) simply didn’t respond to my outreach.
Though a Hatch supporter did reply on Facebook to tell me how irritated he was at “homosexual activists” trying to embarrass the senator. Donna McAleer, Jay Seegmiller and Soren Simonsen, the Democrats running for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd House Districts respectively, and Chris Stewart, the Republican in the 2nd, each requested that I email the questions to them, but none responded. McAleer’s spokesperson directed me to an earlier interview she did with QSaltLake in which she stated unequivocal support for marriage equality, but declined to answer any of my other questions. However, she did have time to send me a fundraising pitch! Through his spokesperson, MJ Henshaw, I was told Rep. Jason Chaffetz (3rd House District) was too busy to answer any questions. Really? He’s too busy to answer five email questions in three weeks? Apparently, his press representative is darn busy too because he — or she — wouldn’t respond to my email asking him — or her — to clarify if he — or she — was a man or woman so I could use a proper pronoun when referring to him ... or her. Love’s spokesperson was no more accommodating to me as a member of the press than the campaign was to me as a voter in the 4th House District. After reviewing my email requesting input for this column, I received the following response, “I apologize for the inconvenience but we are going to politely pass on this request.” My attempts to ascertain
why Love wouldn’t respond, or if she would comment on the fact that her own interracial marriage was illegal just 50 years ago, were ignored. Love’s opponent, Rep. Jim Matheson, wouldn’t answer my questions either. His media person told me that the congressman had answered similar questions in a recent interview with QSaltLake, and that his position hasn’t changed. In my friend Seth Bracken’s story, Matheson highlighted his work on repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell,” and his support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. He also supports domestic-partner status. Of course, I already knew his position on marriage equality; I wanted to know why he opposes it. I also wanted to know why Matheson felt his relationship with his wife was a “marriage,” but my 24-year relationship with Kelly could only be a “domestic partnership.” I never received a response. So who did get back with me? Scott Howell, the Democratic nominee for the Senate. Now, in full and fair disclosure, he may have responded because I interviewed to be his communications director. Howell started by mentioning his endorsement by
Equality Utah. But he opposes marriage equality. He cited his deep-rooted religious beliefs as the reason. I respect that he at least answered the question truthfully. He also mentioned support of domestic partnerships and other less controversial issues like anti-bullying laws, but was vague on details. When I asked if discrimination, even when based in deep-rooted religious beliefs, is appropriate in matters of public policy, he replied, “I will not take strong action to support or oppose gay marriage laws for the following reasons: my stance does stem from my religious beliefs, though I also believe marriage laws should be left to the states and ultimately to the courts if there is a question of constitutionality.” (His emphasis.) I also asked Howell, based solely on this issue, why should LGBT people vote for him. He replied, “If there are singleissue voters, while I would hate to lose their vote, I am hoping I can convince them to consider the entirety of my campaign.” He has to hope for that consideration. All the candidates do. Because when it comes to marriage equality — with the notable exception of McAleer — none of them deserve our vote. Q
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gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
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By D’Anne Witkowski
Dear Log
Cabin Republicans, We need to talk. It’s about your new boyfriend. Look, I know you’re all smitten with him and think he’s the best thing to happen to you in a long time. But that’s only because all of your previous boyfriends have been abusive creeps. I know you think it’s different, now that you’ve finally found someone special. I’m sorry to tell you, however, that this Paul Ryan guy is a douche canoe, just like the rest of them; which makes me think that the problem rests with you. It’s a sign of some serious issues when everybody you consider a strong and stable boyfriend doesn’t actually think very much of you at all. Sure he may want a quick “endorsement” in a bar parking lot, but you know damn well he’s going home to his wife. So when Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper says, “Congressman Paul Ryan is a strong choice for vice president, and his addition to the GOP ticket will help Republican candidates up and down the ballot,” the only way I can manage to make sense of it is if I read “up and down” as a sexual innuendo. A really desperate and gross one. So what does Ryan have that’s just so irresistible to you? Oh, that’s right, money. Cooper continues, “As chairman of the House Budget Committee and author of the Republican ‘path to prosperity’ that provided the blueprint for serious spending cuts in this Congress, nobody is more qualified to articulate a conservative economic vision to restore the American economy and stimulate job creation.” Ah, yes. Ryan’s budget, a.k.a. prosperity porn. We know how stimulating you Log Cabin guys find that sort of thing. But just like I wouldn’t call Lord of the Cock Rings a serious film, I would hardly call anything about Ryan’s budget serious. “Ryan hasn’t ‘crunched the numbers’, he has just scribbled some stuff down, without checking at all to see if it makes sense,” said Paul
“GOP Boner Killer” Krugman. “This is just a fantasy, not a serious policy proposal.” But wait, you’re going to say Ryan is sorta, kinda pro-gay, in that he voted one time for something pro-gay way back in 2007. And yes, you’re right. In that it happened one time in 2007 when Ryan voted for the Employment Nondiscrimination Act. And while you may want to point to an anomaly in Ryan’s record in order to prop up your fantasy, I think you should also know that, according to Michelan-
Ryan has a big fat zero from the Human Rights Campaign for his time in office gelo Signorile, Ryan voted in favor of the federal anti-gay marriage amendment, voted against hate-crimes legislation, voted against ending “don’t ask, don’t tell”, and favored an anti-gay marriage amendment in Wisconsin. As Gay City News reminds up, Ryan has a big fat zero from the Human Rights Campaign for his time in office. He’s also voted in favor of letting faith-based organizations skirt LGBT nondiscrimination measures and wanted to ban same-sex couples in D.C. from adopting. So when LCR’s Copper cites Ryan’s “consistent willingness to engage with Log Cabin on a range of issues speaks to his record as a fair-minded policymaker,” it sounds a lot like you’re in love with him because he’s even willing to talk to you at all. And that you either don’t know or don’t care about his actual record. Because it sure isn’t “fair-minded” when it comes to LGBT equality. I think that LCR’s enthusiasm over Ryan is actually a cry for help. May they get it soon. Q
VIEWS | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 25
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
a mom’s view If you don’t know, phone a friend By Leesa Myers
When my
son, Jay, told me he was gay, I knew he was uncomfortable with me asking him questions. I really wanted to be sensitive to his feelings, but I didn’t know exactly what it meant to be gay. I had questions. I had a friend I had known for several years who was gay. I knew I could ask him anything and he would be straightforward with me. I called Mike when I got home from my evening with Jay. I told Mike that Jay had told me he was gay; he asked how I felt. “I’m OK with it, I’m just sad that Jay didn’t feel safe enough to tell me until now. I really want to know what you went through and what is it to be gay.”
Mike told me he had a hard time telling his parents and to this day his parents are not comfortable with his sexuality, even though they say they accepted him. Mike came from a strong Catholic family. In fact, he and his family thought that one day he would be a priest. But he had a long and powerful relationship which brought him to Utah. When he and his partner broke up, it was devastating. He went into self-destruct mode. He began binge eating and he became promiscuous, avoiding relationships, looking for men to have sex, which took him to his lowest of lows. He eventually found a 12-step program and changed his life. I asked Mike about being gay, and he said, “Everyone’s mind immediately goes to sex and how two men can have sex together.” Mike put it very bluntly, which I wanted. “We are not doing anything that your husband has not asked you to do in the privacy of your own bedroom,” he said. He went on to explain that a relationship is more than that for you and for me or anyone. It’s about being intimate, it’s about loving, sharing and caring and building a life with the one you love. We want the same things, to have a life with a part-
ner, to have a family, to be accepted and to be loved for ourselves. Mike said I could call him anytime and if Jay needed help he could call his “auntie Mikey” too. I left that conversation understanding that Jay is going to have the same experiences of dating, of getting hurt, wanting to build a relationship and have a family just like any straight man or woman. I can support Jay as I do his sister in her struggles, pains and triumphs. It was good to talk with Mike; even today I have many great friends that are gay, lesbian and transgender that I can call and ask questions and get advice. Jay and I have built a stronger relationship since he told me that he’s gay, we are able to talk openly and he also has brought me literature to read. What I learned is that if I want help I can ask friends and that there are a lot of resources available too. Here are some resources that can help if you are looking for answers: utahpridecenter.org, equalityutah.org, community.pflag.org, hrc.org, gaysaltlake.org/directory and Coming Out to Parents by Mary V. Borhek. Q Leesa Myers is a positive change consultant and can be reached at Leesa@LeesaMyers.com and leesamyers.com.
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26 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | VIEWS
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
queer shift
Aging gracefully with a queer perspective By Charles Lynn Frost
Our Utah
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thanks to QSaltLake that this “Queer Shift” article will now be featured and hopefully help us navigate all that life has to offer — who can embrace the shifts that happen in our lives.
On aging I spent half of my life being a big secret-keeper; in 1994, during a year of tremendous shifting and upheaval I made an exactly bound decision to spend the rest of my life being a truthteller. I recently read a book that was highly recommended to me by another truth-teller. Roger Rosenblatt’s Aging Gracefully. Rosenblatt is the winner of a Robert F. Kennedy Book Prize, a Peabody Award, an Emmy and two George Polk awards. He writes essays for Time Magazine and for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. I quickly ordered it and then devoured it. Upon arrival, I admit I didn’t necessarily appreciate the title, having to acknowledge I was indeed entring the phase of life that experts categorize as ‘the young-old.’ The author boldly offers up a whopping 56 rules for wisely navigating life into your golden years. Rule No. 1 is the best, when it comes to queer shifting — “it doesn’t matter.” “It doesn’t matter that what you think. Follow this rule and it will add decades to your life. It does not matter if you are late or early, if you are here or there, if you said it or didn’t say it, if you are clever or if you were stupid. If you were having a bad hair day or a no hair day or if your boss looks at you cockeyed or your lover looks at you cockeyed, if you are cockeyed. If you don’t get that promotion or prize or house or if you do — it doesn’t matter.” Tremendous aging wisdom. Rule No. 1 requires a huge mindset change for all of us as well, particularly in a queer culture obsessed with youth, beauty, perfection, being in the know, A-list, informed! Seeing, really seeing and understanding “it doesn’t matter” demands change. I am a believer that
change and choice are the only two real constants in life. Change is not in the opposites we as humans tend to crave and gravitate toward. Not in the totality of good or bad, right or wrong, love or hate, liberal or conservative, all or nothing, fresh or dried, organic or processed, truth or lie, lightness or darkness. You must see the gray! Gray, gray, gray, gray and gray — in all its shades; boring slate, sea serpent, storm cloud, morning fog, serious gray, Wall Street, steel, Gibraltar, granite, evening shadow, and according to Sherwin Williams — 56 other varieties. Because the very shift in aging, the necessary change, the new direction, the many compromises, the collaboration and cooperation, the little wins, the one heart changed at a time, the better person, home, community, county — all live in the that vast, vast gray — which is life! Life is gray, unsure, non-absolute, unclear, there for each of us to detect and determine. Embrace the gray. That is life. You’re 30-something, navigating your 40s, sliding into your 50s or beyond and that question keeps nagging at you: Is this all there is as a gay man? Being fabulous has become overrated. Hooking up serves a purpose but doesn’t lead to everlasting contentment. Having it all just isn’t … well ... filling the void(s). Your intuition constantly tickles you with visions of authentically living with greater purpose, but distracting voices taunt you off track. Question yourself, see if any of these ding your dong! • It will be too much work to change who I am. • My inner circle will reject me. • Being more authentic is boring. Truth is, you don’t know until you try it. Just like you didn’t know until you came out of the closet what would happen, or how you would feel, until you did it! So, considering surrendering to an “it doesn’t matter” mindset, embracing the enormous spectrum of gray life, and engaging in real, sincere personal change — what are you feeling? Possibly curious, wishful, inspired? Confused, unsure, or intimidated? Resolute, determined, ready? Ready to move? Take action, and be more than another shade of gay? The queer shift can only happen by living your truth, relishing your freedom, and living your powerful, passionate purpose each and every day. Stay tuned, remain committed to questioning the life you not only want, but equally grounded in the life you need. Q
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september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
guest editorial
Mixed-orientation marriages are inherently flawed By Allen Miller
ABC’s
Nightline interviewed several of us in connection to a recently aired segment about Josh Weed, a gay active Mormon man, happily married for 10 years to a straight woman. The problem with the story is it paints an entirely misleading picture about mixed-orientation marriage. At 10 years, my former wife and I, like Josh and his wife, Lolly, were confident, idealistic and devoted. We believed with all our hearts that we could make our marriage last. The simple truth, as so many have sadly experienced, is that it becomes impossible to sustain confidence and commitment as time passes. It’s interesting that the two poster boys of Mormon mixed-orientation marriage,
Josh Weed and Ty Mansfield, are both young and relatively inexperienced. Where are the men and women who have been in MOMs for 20, 30 or 40 years? Most of us are divorced and readily acknowledge that our devotion was misspent. My former wife knew I was gay from nearly the beginning of our marriage. We built what appeared to others to be the perfect Mormon relationship despite the fact that we were in a MOM. In the end, our marriage wasn’t perfect and the pain and heartache we endured to maintain the charade was unbearable. We do not want that for anyone else. Since coming out I have met countless men who tell the same story, even more men who continue sham marriages while engaging in promiscuity and deceit. I’ve met heartbroken,
faithful women who wonder, “why me?” This is the real story of mixed-orientation marriage that should be told. For every happy Josh and Lolly who are still at the beginning of their lives, there are hundreds of men and women who, burdened with pain, anguish and loneliness, wish they would have done things differently. I hope nothing but the best for Josh and Lolly, and for others in similar situations. At the same time, I recognize the sad truth that MOMs are, by nature, fatally flawed, no place for a heterosexual Mormon woman or man and no place for my children. Those of us who find this situation so reprehensible are not filled with antipathy or anger toward Josh and Lolly. It’s just that at the other end of life, we’ve touched the stove and been severely burned. As a result, we feel it our obligation to warn others not to touch the stove. Q
by the numbers 77%
of gay men and 84 percent of lesbians plan to vote for Barack Obama, and many are actively involved in financial and volunteer support
76%
of bisexual and 80% of transgender respondents plan to vote for Barack Obama
82%
of lesbians and 91% of gay men own smartphones, up 23% from 2011
3 50%
Straight men drink times more beer than gay men more Gay men drink spirits/cocktails than straight men
49%
of gay men under age 30 have a gym membership.
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28 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | VIEWS
like
Pelosi, 80 Democrats want protection for binational gay couples Much ado was made when President Barack Obama came out in support of same-sex marriage. This, in concert with his an-
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
nouncement last year that immigration officials would use discretion in deportation of “low-priority” cases, offered hope to binational gay couples. However, a year later there is still little explanation of this order or how it would affect gay couples. To speed up the process of outlining a procedure, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and 80 other Democrats are pressuring Obama to
establish a working policy. Currently, the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act prevents gay couples, even married couples, from utilizing citizenship benefits.
Vietnam considers gay marriage The communist government of Vietnam is often criticized for a dismal humanrights record, but over the past five years, it has been changing for its gay citizens. Homosexuality was listed as a threat to society and officially discouraged by the government. But recently, state-run media that is unable to criticize the government has started to explore gay issues and has produced dozens of positive portrayals of gay people. And public opinion is changing. Support for gay marriage has improved and while there’s no guarantee gay couples will be legally recognized, even the discussion is hailed as a success by gay-rights advocates.
wtf?! Missouri hate crime A Missouri woman is recovering from an attack by teenage neighbors who have been harassing her and her partner for months. Jeana Terry was pulled out of her home by three siblings who forced her to the ground and beat her. She sustained facial injuries, including a black eye, as well as bruises all over her body.
Police raid gay theater in Lebanon Dozens of men were arrested in Beirut after police raided a theater known for showing gay cinema. According to reports, police performed anal probes on the men and threatened to out them if they were not paid off. The probe was allegedly to determine which men were gay. No details about the very unscientific approach were given.
Baptist priest investigated for affair with teen One of the largest mega-churches in the nation, Indiana’s First Baptist Church, fired head Pastor Jack Schaap for an adulterous affair with a young girl. While he has not yet been arrested, police are investigating possible sodomy and statutory rape charges.
FALL ARTS
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gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
Wilson Phillips holds on By Seth Bracken
Wilson
Phillips, perhaps best known for three No. 1 singles and six Top 20 hits before 1993, are still holding on; in addition to a new album, they are the subject of a reality TV series on TV Guide Network. They’re about to kick-off a nationwide tour, including a stop at the Utah State Fair on Sep. 7. Tickets are $20 and available at utahstatefair.com. QSaltLake chatted with Carnie Phillips, talented singer, talk show host and reality TV star, to preview their upcoming performance. She shared her love for Utah and her personal message for young gay teens in Utah. Your new CD, Dedicated, is comprised of The Beach Boys and The Mamas & the Papas covers. Since you grew up around that
music, it must have been hard to choose the 12 tracks that made the CD — how did you decide? Well it wasn’t easy. It was actually really hard. There were so many great songs to choose from. The Mamas & the Papas had a smaller catalog so that was just a little bit easier. But we tried to focus on who would sound good singing what. It wouldn’t really suit us to do “409,” and we stayed away from the surf songs that were more male driven. We were thinking about the songs that we sound good singing and that were meaningful to us. Are you happy with the outcome? Oh my god, yes. It’s a beautiful record. It is so well made and I think Rob, my husband, did a magnificent job. He kept the songs so true to the original vibes. But the delivery of the feelings and emotions was taken to the next level.
How has it been, being back in the recording studio and how has the industry changed? Well you don’t do it to make money anymore. Seriously, good luck making money with an album. But the financials come from other opportunities. We’re grateful to be on the road and back in the studio. We want to keep the music as the focus. Do you feel like momentum is building for Wilson Phillips, with the album, TV show and tour? Oh, yes, absolutely. Our guest spot in Bridesmaids took it to another level and made it possible to increase the money coming in. Touring is so expensive. We’ve got an eight-piece band and traveling with everyone costs a fortune, so we need fans to show up to keep the tour going. We’ve been getting a lot of feedback from the fans and it’s been unbelievable. I think it’s an exciting time and there seems to be a sparkle on the horizon for Wilson Phillips. What can we expect to see at your show? Our favorites mixed with the last album? We’re going to be doing all the hits, some from our last album and some of our favorite covers from bands that we love so
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much. We have two dedicated records and we love paying tribute to our inspirations. But the show really is a mixture of a lot of things. We seem to add songs about every six months. We have to add stuff because we get bored with the status quo. It’s part music act, part comedy act, but it’s completely wacky and fun. You’ve been to Utah before. Do you remember much about your previous visits? Absolutely. It is always really great to visit. We love Utah. My daughter Lola just loves it there. She always tells me she wants to go back. Our last show had about 2,500 people and there’s always a party atmosphere. Why do you think you’ve developed a large gay following? I don’t know. I feel like there’s sort of a connection between strong women and gay men. I don’t think we’re considered divas, but I think that gay men are able to connect to women that have a lot of chutzpa and that are gregarious. I think gay men love women with balls, you know? I’ve always loved gay men and I feel like I’m a gay man inside. I just love being around gay men.
I have to ask, are you familiar with the YouTube video, Chow Down at Chickfil-A which parodies your big hit, ‘Hold on’? Of course! We saw it the minute it came out. We loved it! I just wish the overweight one realized that I’m a lot thinner now. She didn’t have to take it so far. I think that it is really funny and a little out there. When she said, “Is there mayo in this? Fuck!” I was in hysterics. It’s awesome and I love any impersonation of us, especially by fabulous drag queens. What’s in the future for Wilson Phillips? Oh my goodness, more records, tour dates, TV — and there’s a big iron in the fire that we can’t talk about just yet. But overall, I hope and pray we can stay together forever. I’m also working on some projects of my own and I’ll be co-hosting a show on CBS and working on a show for the Food Network. Do you have any last words for young gay fans growing up in a conservative area? I would just say be true to who you are. And never be ashamed of who you love. Fuck everyone else’s opinion. Q DecideToDrive.org
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FALL ARTS
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Hot Summer Nights with ONJ By Tony Hobday
A brilliant
beacon of hope to millions of people worldwide, Olivia Newton-John has worked tirelessly for decades to help erase cancer as a world’s plight. Many people, however, became enamored with her as an actress and singer far preceding her heroic bout with breast cancer. For those of younger generations, Olivia is an example of excellence in many areas of life, an example you should get to know. Now in her early 60s, the English-born entertainer/ philanthropist is stronger than ever. The four-time Grammy winner and beloved actress of iconic films such as Grease, Xanadu and Sordid Lives, talks about her multifaceted career, her new flick, her A Summer Night Tour stop in Utah and her most aspired dream. First and foremost, Olivia, you are a true angel among us. I have been an adoring fan for many years, and this is a great honor. Your life, your career, have been incredibly inspiring. Your philanthropy, your compassion, your optimism — I can’t always fathom them. What’s your secret? To be involved in all that you are, it must be extremely challenging. Oh thank you, that is very sweet. I’m very lucky to have the opportunity to use things that have happened to me in my life to help others. We all go through things — good and bad; it’s all about how you look at the situation and what you choose to do with your reaction. For example, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 it was one of the lowest times of my life but, here I am, thriving and, almost 20 years to the day of my diagnosis, we just opened the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in my hometown of Melbourne, Australia. For me it’s the greatest billboard I will ever have — seeing my name on that hospital every time I drive up to it! Your debut album, some 30 years ago, titled Let Me Be There cer-
tainly rings true to this day. Did you foresee this as a benchmark for your life, or just a noteworthy coincidence? I can’t believe that was 1973! I’m just happy I’m still here and that I get to do what I love ... and that people still turn up to see me. (Laughs) As you know your hit films Grease and Xanadu were made into hit Broadway musicals, now being mounted all over the country. Have you ever been approached or interested in reprising one or both roles on stage? I mean, at least in reference to Grease, your age shouldn’t be a factor — you were 29 when you landed the role of high-school sweetheart, Sandy. Plus, I think the world would support it with open, loving arms. Oh, I think I am beyond the Sandy days. (Laughs) I was approached for the Broadway production of Xanadu to play one of the evil muses when it was running. I loved that show on stage and laughed harder than anyone else on opening night, but to do a show on Broadway is a really hard job — eight shows a week is a grueling schedule and I have such respect for those who do that all the time. You were cast as Bitsy Mae Harling, a lesbian country singer and ex-con, in Del Shores’ Sordid Lives, which is a classic among the gay population; how did you come to get the part? As well as in the short-lived (unfortunately) television series. I saw the stage show in Los Angeles with my sister Rona (Del is a great friend) and I told him, “If you ever make a movie out of this, I want to be Bitsy!” Well, a few years later he called me ... and then there we were on set! It was so much fun and everyone in the cast was so
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
FALL ARTS GUIDE NEWS | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 33
talented — we had a great time. The character was so different for me, which is what made her so much fun to play.
of course a few surprises. I can’t tell you everything — we have to always throw in some surprises.
Tell us a little about your latest film, the Australian comedy A Few Best Men. Are you in the know of the film being released in the U.S.? Well, let’s just say it’s a wedding farce and I play the mother of the bride. I start off as a very proper wife of a politician and by the end of the film, due to various events, I ... well, let’s just say I go off the other side and my character Barbara really lets her hair down. It’s directed by Stephan Elliott (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) and it’s written by Dean Craig (who wrote Death at a Funeral). It was for sure the most fun I have had on the set of a movie. We filmed it in the Blue Mountains of Australia and the cast was amazing, from Xavier Samuel to Kris Marshall to Rebel Wilson, who I think is about to become a huge star in America. We are still waiting on the USA release date; hopefully we have it soon as it’s been a huge hit everywhere else it’s been released in the world so far.
Your widely known single “Phyiscal” was banned from air play in Utah when it was first released in the ’80s. Do you have any comments on that and will it be part of your set in Utah? Oh, and the song was recently named the “sexiest song of all time” in a poll conducted by billboard. com. Comments? That was such a funny time for me. When I first recorded the song I told my manager, “Oh, we have to pull that song, it’s just too risque.” He said, “Too late, it’s gone to radio.” Of course it shot to number one so fast and became one of my biggest hits. Back when it was banned from the radio I was a bit surprised, but I compare that song to some of the songs today and it’s so tame in comparison! I think the fact that Billboard named it the sexiest song of all time is an honor. A good song is a good song.
Your tour stop in Utah includes two nights of performances — give us a snippet of what to expect from the shows such as songs, theatrics, costumes — whatever you like. It’s going to be a fun couple of nights. Basically the concert is a retrospective of my (music) career from my first record nearly 40 years ago to songs from the new film, A Few Best Men. Of course there will be songs from Grease and Xanadu, my country years, some from my new healing CD, Grace and Gratitude, and
The video for “Physical” was revamped for an episode of Glee, and starred Jane Lynch. What was it like to work with Jane? Jane was so much fun! We laughed so hard and I didn’t know she was such a big fan of mine. She told me she named one of her dogs after me and I thought that was so cute. She is so talented and it was great to have that time to work together. It was a bit spooky when we walked on to the set at Paramount as they recreated the actual set from the music video. It was such a flashback! That entire cast — Jane, the kids and, of course, Ryan Murphy, the creator, are all so talented.
Being an active supporter of HIV/AIDS research, which was once known solely as the “gay” cancer, what is your approach today in educating homosexuals about the disease? What advice would you give today’s LGBT youth about prevention? I am so happy that such progress has been made with research and treatment, and like any disease, the main thing is knowledge and early detection. My advice is to take care of yourself and your partners; just to be smart about how you treat yourself. Early detection is key to survival — from cancer to HIV. OK, so I just have to ask this because as a young gay boy when Xanadu came out, I was enamored by, and desperately wanted, the white dress you wore in it — the one you’re also wearing on the cover of the soundtrack. Did you get to keep that dress? It’s hot! (Laughs) I don’t remember. I might have it somewhere. Unless you’ve been raiding my closet! (Laughs). I do have my leather jacket and pants from Grease and one day I plan to auction them off to raise money for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre. Everything I do today — from my new cookbook, Livwise: Easy Recipes for a Happy, Healthy Life, to my recording projects, they all have some connection so that money is donated to my hospital. It’s my dream that we find a cure for cancer in my lifetime. I would love to see that dream come true for you, and for all of us. Q ONJ performs Friday, Sept. 7, Sandy Amphitheater, and Saturday, Sept. 8, Kenley Centennial Amphitheatre, Layton. Tickets available at smithstix.com and davisarts. org, respectively.
COMING SEPTEMBER 27th, 2012 Tickets at 800-745-3000 and ticketmaster.com
FALL ARTS
34 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | FALL ARTS GUIDE
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
The joy of disillusionment
Wasatch Theatre Company gets their hands dirty in season 15 premiere by Tony Hobday
Started
in 1997 by a group of Westminster College graduates as an outlet for recreational theater, Wasatch Theatre Company’s style of minimalism has been growing momentous. Their inaugural production was performed in the lobby of the Westminster Jewett Center; they then spent four years performing shows on weekends in a deli owned by WTC Artistic Director Jim Smith’s father; further productions were held in coffee shops, churches and the Columbus Center; today however, Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center is home-sweet-home to WTC. “The most rewarding part of being artistic director of WTC is seeing people experiment in new and exciting ways with theater. We love seeing directors, actors and technicians emerge and grow from their experiences with us,” says Smith. “The biggest challenge in being artistic director is building an audience. We try to do pieces that speak to us artistically; however, it can be challenging to do this and still interest the public in what we’re doing.” In September, WTC opens their 15th season with the three-time Tony Awardwinning musical Avenue Q, an undertaking far beyond their standard experimental curriculum. Rick Rea, a Musical Theater graduating senior at Weber State University, who proposed the idea to WTC, is also directing the production, and while he says that some artistic licensing (experimentation) has been at the forefront of his mind, he feels that “to impose a radical new concept would likely destroy the production.” “Take a musical like Godspell, which has probably been produced thousands of times, thousands of different ways,” Rea says in comparison. “You have so much flexibility because the content of the show allows you to go so many different aesthetic and artistic directions whilst staying true to the text. The PHOTO: JT NIEKAMP
same goes for most of Sondheim’s musicals (Sweeney Todd, Company, Assassins) — they leave so much to the director. “Not so with Avenue Q. Now don’t get me wrong, our actors’ performances and my direction and choreography are fresh, original and as much as possible, distinctly our own. But the framework in which you can work in Avenue Q is tighter than many others. Avenue Q does not exist in a vacuum — it is very much a parody of a very specific art form (children’s television, specifically Sesame Street) and a very specific medium.” Therefore, Rea avows that this WTC production will carry a similar look to other professional productions of Avenue Q, and he iterates it’s the right decision to make. “Our job is not to try to be different for the sake of being different, but to put on this show like putting on a costume and seeing how our voice, our life experiences, our love and our pain can bring them (the puppets) to life in a way no one else has.” Speaking of the puppets, the company has brought in the original animations and puppets (designed by Rick Lyons) created for the Broadway production. “Every character is a dyed in the wool spin-off of either specific Sesame Street characters such as Bert, Ernie and Cookie Monster, or an archetypal character from the Jim Henson world,” Rea says. George Plautz, a WTC board member, joins the stage crew as puppet master. “I’m creating the role of puppet master as I go, as I’ve never done it before,” says Plautz. “There are no guidelines, no money, just a lot of ‘hands-on’ fun. Mostly, it’s supervising the care and maintenance of the puppets, and helping with operational tips.” Plautz, however, is not without experience with puppets. He is a playwright for the Starry-Eyed Puppets, a local puppet theater. “The genesis of the Starry-Eyed Puppets began when I helped form a traveling theater
troupe, Bookspeak Theatre Company, which performed children’s books for schools, libraries,” he explains. “When it became difficult to get human schedules to work out, we reformed as the Starry-Eyed Puppets ... puppets have no schedules and can’t talk back ... most of the time. We do very Rocky/ Bullwinkle-like shows, with songs and some irreverent humor for the parents to enjoy.” Avenue Q is more adult-driven — at times, more American Pie-like — with songs and some irreverent sex for the audience to enjoy. According to Rea, the original content of the show will be left uncensored. In fact, he says that a couple of the numbers are perhaps a bit more colorful than in the Broadway show. “I was up literally all night two days ago choreographing three minutes of puppet sex,” he admits. “It’s a challenge but also a joy. These are the kind of problems I wish I always had!” A satirical, biographical coming-of-age tale, Avenue Q follows a group of friends and neighbors in New York City, who are just starting out in life; they find themselves duped by their upbringing and unprepared for the realities of adulthood. Rea conceptualizes the show as “the joy of disillusionment.” “Seeing the actors on stage singing and dancing along with the puppets they are operating, you are simultaneously seeing the illusion (fantasy) and the modus operandi (reality),” explains Rea, “and you quickly realize that this is not a bad thing, but a wonderful thing. When you see things as they really are, and embrace the fact that your life sucks right now and you may never get your dreams, suddenly reality becomes OK. Disillusionment becomes liberation. And when you add to that a person, or people, or a community, that loves you and going through that stage with you, reality becomes a fantasy.” “While we are playing all of the comedy to the fullest, there is an especially tender quality to this production,” Rea says. “Some of that comes from the concept and staging but a lot of it comes from a choice to cast not just talent but also people who exemplify love and community — there is no place for cynicism in this company or this show (though it may deceptively seem cynical, it’s anything but.) I firmly believe that Avenue Q is not only a great musical, but one of the very greatest in the history of the art form. We only hope to do it justice, and to entertain and inspire this community that we love so much.” Q Avenue Q runs Thursdays-Saturdays, Sept. 6–22, Studio Theatre, Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. Broadway. Tickets $20, 801-355-ARTS or arttix.org. The cast: Aaron Cole, Lorinda Griffiths, Jeremy Heaps, Maddiey Howell, Cameron Kapetanov, Natalia Noble, Alicia Washington, Sam West.
FOUR... Sept. 20-22 7:30 pm | Rose Wagner Center $30 general public | $15 students/seniors
www.ririewoodbury.com | 801-355-ARTS Emma Eccles Jones Foundation
FALL ARTS
36 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | FALL ARTS GUIDE
Cho Mama! By Seth Bracken
Actress,
comedian and queer-rights advocate Margaret Cho will make a rare Utah appearance with her new stand-up show, “Mother.” The raunchy and hilarious Cho has been heralded as “murderously funny,” by The New York Times and “fearless,” by The Boston Globe. She was also recently nominated for an Emmy for her performance on 30 Rock as Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un. She’ll be at Wiseguys in West Valley City on Sept. 5 for two shows, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available online at wiseguyscomedy.com. Congratulations are absolutely in order for your Emmy nomination. What was it like to work with Tina Fey on 30 Rock? Well she’s great. I’ve done a few episodes now. She and I have a friend in common and it’s nice to know someone who knows him as well. He is the head writer of Saturday Night Live. She’s like an extended family member you’ve never met. I’ve wanted to do something with 30 Rock since the beginning. And this felt so perfect. It was so funny and so fun to do. It’s a real honor to be nominated, especially considering everyone else from the show and how talented they all are. I guess because I really looked so different it’s like switching over. As an actor, you want to be a bit like a chameleon, in a different space where people don’t know who you are. I’m sure you realize that in Utah the approval for Mitt Romney is off the charts. Will the presidential race and Romney be big parts of the new act? I think so; I’m just kind of figuring it out myself. The act is kind of personal — it’s all about my mother. It’s her journey in becoming an American, how she became part of the country and part of me. It’s about having me and raising me. I’ve always wanted to do a show all about my mother and I haven’t exactly finished all the details, yet. I can tell you that I know that I’m voting for Obama and I hope to work for the campaign again, like I did in 2008. I’m all about the Obama administration. I’ve never taken any GOP candidate seriously, and I hope the American people don’t take this one seriously. Will you change your act to match your Utah crowd? What do you remember about your previous Utah visits? I think there’s a basic form that we draw from wherever we go. There’s a measure of improvisation and Utah is such a different place and I rarely perform there. I remember my first visit I performed at a club in Provo. It was so clean. The city was the cleanest place I’ve ever seen, it was shockingly clean. I remember doing the show and so many people were very upset that I used a lot of profanity. People were really offended by my act. I had never
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
encountered that — ever. I was especially surprised because it was a younger crowd with a lot of college-age kids. But boy did they let me know they felt that I was being too dirty. It was my first experience with protestors. I stayed in a Travelodge that night in Provo and the sink in my room exploded during the night. It covered the room and everything in it with about a foot of water. This was before the age of electronics; if that happened now I would be so upset. But it was the early ’90s, so I didn’t even have a computer. I was really shocked and freaked out. Honestly, I was kind of scared. I wasn’t sure if it had something to do with the protest, or if it was just an accident. Your new show is about mothers and women, who are some of the strong women you look up to in your life and career? Definitely my mom. And then all the greats, like Madonna and now Lady Gaga. And then the great queer icons who are also my friends like Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett and others. They may not be queer themselves, but they speak up for the queer community, which is so important to me. I’ve noticed is that you’re not just a great comic and a great actress, but it appears to me that you’re very careful about the roles you select and the material you talk about in your shows. How do you decide what to talk about and what roles to take? I select things I think I can do and are possible for me. I just do what I think is right and what feels authentic. My writing process is simple. I’m also a blogger and for stand-up I do a lot of writing and I touch all different sorts of topics. I try to think about what would be productive and helpful — and of course funny and interesting. I’m curious about your take on queer politics and women’s rights and how they intersect. They seem to meet directly with you in the middle. Do you identify as stronger for one
FALL ARTS GUIDE | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 37
or the other? How do you feel they’re related? I don’t know if there’s a separation between women’s rights and queer rights. I don’t think there is a separation between queer, race and gender because they’re all combined in my person. I don’t need to focus on just one because they’re all so important to me and are all so related. What do you think is going to happen with queer rights in the country and in conservative areas like Utah? How long until full equality is achieved? I hope that we get it soon, especially in Utah. What’s so great is that things have happened solidly and quickly recently. I think gay marriage is such an important symbol for equality. Same-sex marriage is really a way to define equal rights and I’m hoping that there is an even bigger shift soon. Hopefully Obama coming out in favor of gay marriage will shift the country and the
world, even Utah. We need equality and we need it now. Do you have any words for your young Utah fans that are growing up in a conservative area? It absolutely does get better. Those words are so simple and so remarkable because they encapsulate how we can face the future and the present. Hang in there and remember that it does get better. You will finally be able to make your own choices. You’ll be so much more grateful for autonomy and freedom. It’s not always about leaving, but surviving and thriving and making your community a better place. And that’s totally possible and important. Bur right now, especially with the Internet, the best thing is to reach out and connect, find others like you and that understand you. We’re out there, never forget that. Q
38 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | FALL ARTS GUIDE
fall arts in love with the
Wicked-er! Aug. 30–Nov. 10 My Big Fat Utah Christmas Nov. 15–Jan. 5
Empress Theatre
empresstheatre.com
Go forth and find splendor in great theater, dance, concerts, visual arts and festivals
Beauty and the Beast Jr. Now through Sept. 13 Hello, Dolly! Oct. 12–Nov. 10 The Christmas Box Nov. 30–Dec. 22
theater & dance
Grand Theatre
Ballet West BALLETWEST.ORG
The Lottery Nov. 2–10 The Nutcracker Nov. 30–Dec. 29 Cinderella Feb. 14–23
Broadway Across America-Utah
saltlakecity.broadway.com
The Addams Family Nov. 13–18 Dreamgirls Feb. 5–10 Shrek The Musical Feb. 25–Mar. 3
Centerpoint Legacy Theatre CENTERPOINTTHEATRE.ORG
Little Women Now through Sept. 23 The Scarlet Pimpernel Oct. 8–Nov. 3 A Christmas Carol Nov. 26–Dec. 22
Desert Star Theatres desertstar.biz
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
the-grand.org
Into the Woods Oct. 11–27 The Voice of the Prairie Jan. 24–Feb. 9 Death of a Salesman Mar. 7–23
Hale Centre Theatre
halecentretheatre.org
9 to 5 the Musical Now through Sep. 29 Oliver! Oct. 10–Dec. 1 A Christmas Carol Dec. 8–22 The 39 Steps Dec. 31–Feb. 2 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Feb. 15–Apr. 13
Odyssey Dance Theatre odysseydance.com
Thriller Sept. 28–Oct. 7, Park City Oct. 5–6, Ogden Oct. 10–30, Kingsbury Hall Oct. 24–31, St. George
Off Broadway Theatre theobt.org
“Y” Light Sept. 28–Oct. 29 Off White Christmas Nov. 23–Dec. 28
Pinnacle Acting Company
pinnacleactingcompany.org
The Lion in Winter Nov. 2–17
Pioneer Theatre Company
pioneertheatre.org
In the Heights Sept. 14–29 Of Mice and Men Oct. 19–Nov. 3 A Christmas Carol: The Musical Nov. 30–Dec. 15 The Philadelphia Story Jan. 11–26 Clybourne Park Feb. 15–Mar. 2
Plan-B Theatre Company planbtheatre.org
Radio Hour: Sherlock Holmes and the Blue Carbuncle Dec. 18 Adam & Steve and the Empty Sea Jan. 31–Feb. 10 Eric(a) Feb. 28–Mar. 10
Pygmalion Theatre Company
pygmalionproductions.org
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill Oct. 25–Nov. 11 Cheat Feb. 21–Mar. 10
Repertory Dance Theatre rdtutah.org
Embark Oct. 4–6 Time Capsule: A Century of Dance Nov. 16–17 Charette Feb. 9
RirieWoodbury Dance Company ririewoodbury.com
Four Sept. 20–22 Three Dec. 13–15 Two Feb. 1–2
Salt Lake Acting Co.
saltlakeactingcompany. org
Saturday’s Voyeur Now through Sept. 9 Love, Loss & What I Wore Sept. 13–30 Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson Oct. 10–Nov. 4 Manning Up Nov. 7–Dec. 9 Click Clack Moo: Cows that Type Dec. 14–Jan. 5 How to Make a Rope Swing Feb. 6–Mar. 3
SB Dance sbdance.com
WTF! Dec. 1 The Beast of SB Dance Jan. 25–27
Terrace Plaza Playhouse terraceplayhouse.com
The Pirates of Penzance Now through Sept. 15 The Drowsy Chaperone Sept. 28–Nov. 10 Scrooge: A Christmas Carol Nov. 23–Dec. 22
UofU Babcock Theatre theatre.utah.edu
Vernon God Little Sept. 21–30 ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore Nov. 9–18 A Flea in Her Ear Feb. 1–10
40 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | FALL ARTS GUIDE
SUGAR HOUSE FARMERS MARKET
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
UofU Studio 115 theatre.utah.edu
Geography Club Oct. 3–7 Sweeney Todd Nov. 1–18 The Eccentrics Feb. 21–24
UofU Modern Dance dance.utah.edu
PDC Fall Concert Oct. 18–27 Graduate Thesis Concert Nov. 29–Dec. 1 Student Concert I Dec. 6–8
Wasatch Theatre Company wasatchtheatre.org
Avenue Q Sept. 6–22 Page-to-Stage Festival Oct. 4–7 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged Oct. 18–Nov. 3
Westminster Players
westminstercollege.edu
Antigone Sept. 7 The Diviners Oct. 18–27 Noises Off Nov. 8–17
gallery & museum exhibits A Gallery
agalleryonline.com
Suzanne Kanatsiz & Jake Gilson Open Sept. 12
Art Access accessart.org
Annual Partners & Teens Exhibits Now through Sept. 14 Off the Map and Altered Photographs by Al Mecklenberg Sept. 21–Oct. 12 Waldo Kidd, Paula Kaye Rudd & Daren Young Oct. 19–Nov. 9 Holiday Group Exhibit & Miranda Whitlock Nov. 16–Dec. 19
Kimball Art Center
kimballartcenter.org
Relevant 2012 Show Now through Sept. 30 One of a Kind: New Monotypes by Kathryn Stedham & Jeff Juhlin Now through Sept. 16
Local Colors of Utah localcolorsart.com
Essence of Summer Now through Sept. 14
Phillips Gallery phillips-gallery.com
Carolyn Coalson, Lee Deffebach, Michael Hall Sept. 21–Oct. 12 Patty Kimball, Lindey Carter & Stephen Seko Oct. 19–Nov. 9 Holiday Group Show Dec. 7–Jan. 11
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
symphony, opera & special engagements Egyptian Theatre Presents egyptiantheatrecompany.org
Jekyll & Hyde The Musical Oct. 18–28 Forbidden Broadway Nov. 8–11
Kingsbury Hall kingsburyhall.org
Morrisey Nov. 4 Ballet Folklorico Nov. 20 Trey McIntyre Project Nov. 27 Hair Jan. 19–20 Joan Rivers Mar. 9
utahmoca.org
Cantastoria Now through Sept. 15 Alex Israel: AS IT LAYS Now through Sept. 29 Mr. Winkle: Object of Projection Now through Oct. 20 Jason Metcalf: ABRACADABRA Sept. 7-Dec. 21 Battleground States Oct. 5–Jan. 5 Jonathan Horowitz: Your Land/My Land: Election ’12 Oct. 5–Nov. 24 Megan Geckler Nov. 2–Feb. 23 Analogital Jan. 19–Apr. 20
Utah Museum Of Fine Arts umfa.utah.edu
5 Blocks Sept. 21–Apr. 21 Dale Nichols: Transcending Regionalism Sept. 28–Mar. 18 Horizon: Guild of Book Workers Oct. 5–Dec. 30 Nancy Holt: Sightlines Oct. 19–Jan. 20 Salt 6: Emre Huner Oct. 26–Jan. 13
Maverik Center maverikcenter.com
Cirque du Soliel - Quidam Oct. 31–Nov. 4
Peppermill Concert Hall wendoverfun.com
Thunder From Down Under Oct. 20 Lisa Lampanelli Nov. 17
Salt Lake Men’s Choir saltlakemenschoir.org
Brothers, Sing On! Oct. 6 Holiday Concert Dec. 7–9
Spy Hop Productions spyhop.org
PitchNic Premiere Nov. 8
Olivia Newton-John in concert
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
FALL ARTS GUIDE | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 41
Bring a picnic, sit under the stars Saturday, September 8 at 8pm and enjoy “those su-hum-mer niiii-iiights” Orchestra - $79 sold out at the Kenley Amphitheater in Layton Reserved - $69 sold out Free parking - one mile from Frontrunner General Admission - $41 available
801.546.8575
davisarts.org
42 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | A&E
Utah Symphony utahsymphony.org
Michael Cavanaugh in Concert: The Music of Billy Joel and More Sept. 7–8 Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 Sept. 14–15 Pictures at an Exhibition Sept. 21–22 Rhapsody in Blue Nov. 2–3 A Scottish Symphony Nov. 30–Dec. 1 Debussy & Ravel Dec. 7–8
Utah Opera utahopera.org
Il Trovatore Oct. 13–21 Florencia en el Amazonas Jan. 19–27
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
concerts
Owl City smithstix.com
Sugarland smithstix.com
Sept. 1, USANA
O.A.R. with Guster smithstix.com
Sept. 1, Deer Valley
Stolen Babies smithstix.com
Sept. 2, Metro Bar
Olivia Newton-John smithstix.com
Oct. 1, The Depot
The Psychedelic Furs thestateroomslc.com
Oct. 8, The State Room
Kimbra
smithstix.com
Carrie Underwood Oct. 10
bard.org
Yelawolf smithstix.com
Big Freedia
The Script
Sept. 19, Urban Lounge
Utah Shakespeare Festival
maverikcenter.com
Sept. 7, Sandy Amphitheater 24tix.com
festivals
Oct. 9, The Depot
Now through Oct. 20, Cedar City
Oct. 14, In the Venue smithstix.com
Oct. 22, Rail Event Ctr
Emilie Autumn
Train
smithstix.com
Smithstix.com
Sept. 20, Gallivan Ctr
Juana Ghani with Firewater 24tix.com
Oct. 24, The Complex
Yellowcard
SLC International Jazz Festival Smithstix.com
Sept. 2
Utah State Fair utahstatefair.com
Sept. 6–16
smithstix.com
Nov. 28, The Complex
Sept. 26, Urban Lounge
Avenues Street Fair slc-avenues.org
Sept. 8
Live AND IN CONCERT.
Parachute - Sept. 6 Wilson Phillips - Sept. 7 Jars of Clay - Sept. 8
Sheena Easton - Sept. 9 Victoria Justice - Sept. 10 Lonestar - Sept. 11 Blues Traveler - Sept. 12 Frank Caliendo - Sept. 13 Texaco Country Showdown PMS 4625 w/ headliner Eric Paslay - Sept. 14 PMS 7500 Fiesta Mexicana - Sept. 15 PMS 485
Sept. 6-16
utahstatefair.com
Sept. 6-16
PMS 370 PMS 633
PMS 144
9th & 9th Street Festival 9thand9thstreetfestival. com
Sept. 15
X96 Big Ass Show smithtix.com
Sept. 29, Gallivan Ctr
Moab Pride Festival moabpride.org
Sept. 28–29, Moab
Moab Folk Festival
moabfolkfestival.com
Nov. 2–4, Moab
Sundance Film Festival sundance.org
Jan. 17–27, Park City
A&E | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 43
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
October 4-6, 2012 | 7:30 pm Rose Wagner Perfoming Arts Center
daring expanding challenging re-deening dance.
Scan with your smart phone for a chance to win tickets!
www.RDTutah.org
Weber State University 2012-13 Theatre Season • Play Your Cards Right!
Nov 2-10 by Ahrens & Flaherty directed by
Jim Christian
Mar 22-30
Oct 5-13
by Ali Salim directed by
by Kathleen Cahill directed by
Jennifer Kokai
Tracy Callahan
Feb 7-9 19-23 by Stone, Comden, Green, Coleman
directed by
Jim Christian
Apr 9-13 Plays TBA • announced 2013
directed by
WSU Students
American Sign Language interpretation provided the first Saturday performance. Weberstatetickets.com or 1-801-626-7000
44 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | A&E
Qgiggles
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
visit our student spa esthetics: the art of enhancing the face and body both physically 801.530.0001
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A&E | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 45
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
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TO YOUR IDEAS AND PROJECTS
46 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | A&E
arts
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
15 things you should do this month (More events at gaysaltlake.com.)
24friday
By Tony Hobday
I feel like a louse — a big, gay, sick-minded louse. I’ve been exuding this primal urge to mate with Paul ryan every time I see him on tv, aaannd I start to
perspire
in
sexual
frenzy when he stands ever so intimately alongside mitt. What the jesus freak is the matter with me? Before I know it this run of abstinence i’m on will land me behind the counter of a chik-fil-a (sorry mIChael) and joining an ex-gay therapy group ... ummm, called ‘Y U B all up in my butt’.
The charity outreach group of male impersonators, the Salt City Kings, is hosting a Kings for a Cause national event, in celebration of their 10year anniversary. The spirited troupe of women raise funds for local organizations as well as for individuals in crisis by putting on shows with artistic ingenuity and humor. Tonight’s event is in support of the national It Gets Better Project and will also raise funds for local beneficiaries. 9pm, Paper Moon, 3737 S. State St. Tickets $10 at the door.
Snowbird’s Oktoberfest is already in full swing, celebrating its 40th year with new games, expanded grounds and new food and wine options. The festival of all things German includes live music, arts and crafts, apple strudel, yodelers and accordian players, a lot of freakin’ beer, and the Alp horns will chorus the festivities daily at 3:15 p.m. from Hidden Peak. Guten Mutes! Noon–6pm, Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort, Little Cottonwood Canyon. Free, snowbird.com
25saturday
The charity outreach group of female impersonators ... yes, drag queens, the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire, is hosting a Car Wash & BBQ, to kickoff efforts to fill the purse of their People With AIDS Christmas Fund. While your car is being hosed and polished by scantily clad men in bikinis and fire-proof wigs, you can mac down on weiners and patties with condiments and good cheer ... well, that’s if Gene Naté refrains
from wearing a bikini. Eeeww! This is an all-age event. Noon–3pm, Club Try-Angles, 251 W. 900 South. The cost depends on how much stain remover they need to use on your vehicle’s upholstery. Ha!
1saturday
The hills of Deer Valley are alive with the Sound of Music Sing-Along. Oh lord, those poor bastards who own condos up there — besides the constant threat of wildfires and smoke inhalation, now they will be subjected to a cackle of Julie Newmar look-alikes ... it is Julie Newmar, right? Anyhoo, come dressed as your favorite character, object or song and sing along with every song .. you know the words, you know it’s true-ue-ue! 6pm, Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheatre, 2250 Deer Valley Dr. S., Park City. Tickets $15–25, 435-655-3114, ecclescenter.org.
Six local performing arts companies join forces for THE ROSE EXPOSED, an epic, first-ever day of the best dance, theater and music in Salt Lake City, and concluding with a fabulous variety show — a unique opportunity to sample the 2012/13 seasons of Gina Bachauer, Plan-B Theatre Company, Pygmalion Theatre Company, Repertory Dance Theatre, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company and SB Dance. 7 & 9pm, Jeanne Wagner Theatre, Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. Broadway. Tickets $10, 801-355-ARTS, arttix.org.
I guess David Willeiturhiney (or whatever his last name is) with ultraviolet rays tonight for the Black Light White Party. The Try-Angles mixologist ex-
traordinaire (he paid me to write that) wants to attract more than just the insects from under his shower cap (I paid him to write that) to trip the lights fantastic. This is your last chance to wear white for a time, unless of course your Jackie O. or Elvis or ... David, cause he’s a god among mites! 10pm, Club Try-Angles, 251 W. 900 South. For info call 801-364-3203.
6thursday
Some of Utah’s finest restaurants, caterers and breweries will serve up delicious food at the wildest party in town, the annual Zoo Rendezvous. There will be a silent auction, featuring one-ofa-kind zoo items, plus live music by Sensations. Renowned wildlife artists Fred Krakowiak will be onsite creating a work of art. All proceeds from the event are dedicated to animal care and exhibit. 6–11pm, Hogle Zoo, 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave. Tickets $150/adv–175/day of, must be 21 or older, 801-584-4546 or zoorendezvous.org.
7friday
Best known for his role in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out, Michael Cavanaugh is a singer, pianist and actor who’s earned a Grammy and Tony nomination. He’s worked with the Boston Pops and he’s touring his orchestra engagement show The Songs of Billy Joel & More. In collaboration with the Utah Symphony, and conducted by Jerry Steichen, this should be a night to remember. 8pm, through Saturday, Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple. Tickets available soon through arttix.org.
Artes de México en Utah presents Mexico Then & Now, a special exhibition that examines the history and national identity of Mexico through the photgraphic works by the late Mexican photographer Agustin Victor Casasola, and mixed with current day photographs by Salt Lake community members. The Casasola Archive contains powerful photographs depicting the treatment of LGBT individuals in México during the first part of
A&E | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 47
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
Pride Festival stage with his signature gay rap movement known as Sissy Bounce ... hey that’s what I call it when I’m jumping on my bed naked or with pom poms, just sayin’. Check out Big Freedia in a return performance, that’s sure to knock your Bounce-scented socks off. 9pm, Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East. Tickets $15, 24tix.com.
20thursday the past century. This portion of the exhibit, called The Night/La Noche will be on display at the Utah Pride Center, with an opening reception, Sept. 10, 7–9p.m. Venues & times vary, through Oct. 4. Free, for venue information visit artesdemexicoenutah.org.
9sunday
For 60 teenagers from 30 regional competitions — it’s BROADWAY OR BUST this fall on PBS. To compete, they beat out 50,000 performers from 1,000 high schools across the U.S. in a nationwide casting call of regional competitions. They descend on New York for a week of intense “theatrical boot camp” and a shot at Broadway stardom and scholarships. The kids hail from such cities as Dallas, San Diego, Memphis and Salt Lake City. Featured coaches and experts include Leslie Odom Jr. (Smash, Rent) and Michael McElroy (Rent, Miss Saigon). Two winners of this fast-paced competition will be crowned after only three episodes. 7pm, Sundays through Sept. 23 on PBS. Check your local listing.
Five years ago singer/songwriter Sheena Easton graced a Utah Pride Festival stage; now she’s back in Utah — at the State Fair. She’ll be among many great acts seen only at the fair like The Fritters, Captain Arr and Barrel Racing. Ummm, I don’t think I’ve done her justice, here. Anyhoo, catch her act, catch a chicken, catch Clown High-diving action, but down catch the swine flu. HA! 7:30pm, Grandstand at the Utah State Fairgrounds, 155 N. 1000 West. Tickets $7–10, 801-538-8400, utahstatefair.com.
13thursday
Over 13 million American kids (and possibly one bus monitor) are bullied on the school bus, online, at school, at home, through their cell phones and on the streets of their towns, making it the most common form of violence young people in this country experience. BULLY is the first feature documentary film to show how we’ve all been affected by bullying. Directed by Lee Hirsch, the film depicts the effects of bullying on the victims; those that do the bullying and those that stand by and do nothing about it.
Celebrating 50 years, RirieWoodbury Dance Company’s season holds four productions titled numerically in descending order, perhaps as a countdown to the departure of atristic director Charlotte Boye-Christensen. Opening the season is FOUR, and features the works of nationally and internationally recognized choreographers Brook Notary, Ann Carlson and John Utans. Don’t miss out on this end of an era! 7:30pm, through Sept. 22, Jeanne Wagner Theatre, Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. Broadway. Tickets $30, 801-355ARTS or arttix.org.
upcoming sep. 28–29 moab pride festival @old city park, moab oct. 9 kimbra @the depot nov. 4 morrissey @kingsbury hall nov. 17 lisa lampanelli @peppermill concert hall, Wendover
801-554-0890 1055 E 2100 S, Ste. 202 Sugar House
7pm, Jim Santy Auditorium, Park City Library, 1255 Park Ave., Park City. Free, 435-615-8291 or parkcityfilmseries.com.
14friday
The 2008 Best Musical Tony Award-winner, In the Heights, opens the 2012/13 season of Pioneer Theatre Company. BTW, this show was my top choice when I filled out PTC’s annual survey distributed at the end of last season. All of a sudden I feel like Donald Trump in a tutu. Anyhoo, the story explores three days in the lives of a group New York City DominicanAmericans who live in the barrio called Washington Heights. The show has been heralded “a collective joy,” “exciting choreography” and “an uncalculated charmer.” 7:30pm, through Sept. 29, Pioneer Theatre, 300 S. 1400 East, UofU. Tickets $38–64, 801-581-6961 or pioneertheatre.org.
19wednesday Last year, bounce rapper/deejay Big Freedia graced a Utah
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 23 - FINE ARTS DAY
48 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | A&E
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
book review
The Absolutist AUTHOR: John Boyne By Tony Hobday
Irish
author John Boyne (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas) for years has wanted to write a novel with a gay main character, but needed the right story. Released last month in the U.S., The Absolutist is that story. Set during, and shortly following, the Great War (WWI) — historical fact being a recurring theme in the majority of Boyne’s published works — The Absolutist is deep and forlorn as the dank trenches described in it: We live here, beneath the ground like cadavers, and carve streets into the terrain, then we name them and erect signposts to give us the illusion that we remain part of a common humanity ... It’s easy to get lost if you don’t know where you’re going, and God help the man who is not where he is supposed to be when he supposed to be there. Bloodied battles, are not however, the anchor to Boyne’s story, although they too are not without significance. The year is 1919, one year since the end of the Great War. Tristan Sadler, a 21-year-old veteran soldier and aspiring writer from London, seeks out a stranger named Marian, perchance bringing redemption and closure to a past unhinged. Upon his arrival in Norwich, England, his history of foolhardiness is brought to the surface, reigniting doubt and fear, and particular skepticism from Marian. Through a series of frill-less and painful memories during a few months in 1916, from training camp to the battlefields of France, Tristan tells Marian of his tumultuous “friendship” with her brother Will, a fellow soldier. Boyne’s development of the main characters, Tristan and Will, are hauntingly human and the onset of their
save the date
relationship is an all-too-familiar account for anybody who has ever ached for belonging. Even the most inconsequential supporting characters have depth and dimensions so indelible they offer some relatability, even to those who have never been to war. “... I let the painting come together before my eyes. I start to recognize the brushstrokes and the intention of the artist. ... I say this, Mr. Sadler, because you remind me of a painting. That last remark of yours, I don’t quite know what it means but I feel that you do.” Writing the past in present tense and the present in past tense is, by far, Boyne’s most brilliant move. It signifies Tristan’s inability to move on, that his past is still present, that it’s always at the forefront. With Boyne’s aptitude in children’s literature, the language is straightforward and without pomposity — a story simply unfolds, laying out an intricate response. The Absolutist is a great piece of storytelling; Tristan’s frailty and Will’s pretense of apathy and the remnants of war do all but save romanticism. I was intrigued almost immediately into the first chapter and as I continued to read, I was intermittently reminded of, and questioned, my own treatment of people; though I’ve not experienced firsthand many of the moments in the book, I appreciate Boyne’s insight to the complexities of human nature and how our emotions dictate who we will become at any given moment. Some may “conscientiously object” to The Absolutist, but they will not deny, or forget, its bone-jarring effect. Q
September 15
September 28–29
Walk for Life/Bike for Life
Moab Pride Festival
utahaids.org
moabpride.org
september 22
October 5–7
Pink Dot Utah
Gay Days Anaheim
pinkdotut.org
gaydaysanaheim.com
August 26
September 27
October 6
Pride Center Golf Classic
EU Allies Dinner
SLMC: Brothers, Sing On!
utahpridecenter.org
equalityutah.org
saltlakemenschoir.org
Email arts@qsaltlake.com
October 7
December 7–9
utahpridecenter.org
Salt Lake Men’s Choir Christmas Concert
November 12
saltlakemenschoir.org
Natl Coming Out Day Brunch TransAction Gender Conference utahpridecenter.org December 1
World AIDS Day
utahpridecenter.org
January 17–27
Sundance Film Festival sundancefilmfestival2013. com
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
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A&E | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 49
F
50 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | FASHION
Footwear fashion for fall Footwear can complete an outfit — even define it. And while other rules and trends may apply to pants, shirts, belts and accessorizing, shoes are in a fashion world of their own. “The first rule to remember is wear whatever you’re comfortable with,” said Jessica Hughes, a spokesperson for Bastille clothing in Salt Lake City. “There are a lot of ideas that you can use to maximize impact, but don’t let supposed rules hold you back: Boots in summer? Why not? Bold colors in winter? Sure! Just go for it!” However, there are some pointers for maximum impact, and Hughes uses the impressive stock of locally made Zurrick shoes to show how to have the most fashionable feet in the city. 1. Try making a statement with shoes: Go bold, bright and beautiful and then
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
fashion have a soft color T-shirt and a dark pair of jeans or chinos. This is a perfect look to draw attention without wearing a billboard of bright colors. 2. Watch for darker solid colors this winter and fall: Color blocking (using solid colors to play off one another) is still recommended, but match the season with navy blue or dark brown instead of the bright baby blue. 3. Experiment with design and fabric: Watch for more weathered looks this fall and winter. Also, boots for both men and women are going to be huge. Check out the stock of Zurrick shoes for men, women and the undecided at Bastille, 79 S. Rio Grande St., at the Gateway Mall or online at ilovebastille. com. The expertly designed store also carries an enormous selection of G-Star, Marc Jacobs and other gay-approved apparel. Q
Undie Run returns to Salt Lake Also Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning
Boxers, briefs, panties and bras in various shapes, colors and sizes will take center stage at the second annual Utah Undie Run on Sunday, Sept. 9, 4:30 p.m. The run will start at Library Square, 300 East 500 South, and runners will make their scantily-clad way up to the Utah State Capitol and back. Last year’s event had more than 2,000 runners and smashed the previous world record of 550. While the world record was an admirable accomplishment, the real purpose of the event was to buck the stereotype that all Utahns are conservative and prudish, said event organizer Nate Porter. “We wanted everyone to know that not everyone who lives here supports Prop. 8 and crazy liquor laws,” Porter said. “It was a protest against being uptight.”
Many people painted or drew slogans about why they were running and some attendees sported pro-gay and lesbian messages, such as “No H8” and “Equal Rights.” Some had messages supporting transgender rights. Many supported such hot topics as liquor laws. The gathering attracted people of all ages, races and, although to be officially counted, participants had to be wearing only underwear, many people were in costumes. The official 2012 run begins at 6 p.m. on Sept. 9, but the event will include body painting, a charity drive and entertainment from 4:30-9 p.m. For a full lineup, go to facebook. com/utahundierun. Q
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
FASHION | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 51
52 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | FOOD&DRINK
sweet&sour
food& drink
Ritas & Guac By Matt Andrus and Josh Jones
Sweet and Sour are two brothers, separated at birth, in search of the perfect meal and a restaurant serving liquor before 10 a.m.
Live Organic Vegetarian Gluten Free Food
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
Utah can be hard, as our liquor laws require a tiny amount of tequila, which too often results in a margarita that tastes of nothing but corn syrup and cheap sweet and sour. SOUR: It’s hard to say “sweet and sour” when our column is named SWEET AND SOUR.
SOUR: Margaritas and guacamole? In Utah? We’ll be searching forever to find that ideal combination of ambiance; lime and tequila; and mashed avocado — the perfect semblance of Mexico. It’ll be harder than an Idaho congressman in an airport bathroom. SWEET: Sure it’s difficult, but it will involve a lot of tequila.
Try Our Bean Burrito! 2148 Highland Drive
801-486-0332
www.omarsrawtopia.com
SOUR: I’m in. SWEET: Rating margaritas in
Cebicheria Peruana GRAND OPENING!
310 BUGATTI DRIVE South Salt Lake
801.467.2890
% 5 1 F OF
d is a h t with
Rio Grande is a classic, known for its ambiance and yes, margaritas. SWEET orders the classic margarita ($9) and SOUR gets the Top Shelf ($8). SWEET: I always figured you as a top. SOUR: Well, I like to think of myself as versatile, but generally, yes. The Classic was overly sweet, with a cloying hint of bottled mixer. The Ultimate is better, the smoky Herradura Anejo cuts through the sweetness. The Top Shelf was another good choice, with a pleasantly strong orange flavor. The guacamole was fresh and chunky, with just a hint of tomatoes and onion. The simple preparation lets the perfectly ripe avocado do the talking on the taste buds. Next stop: Red Iguana II, where the usual hustle and bustle swept away the breezy atmosphere of Rio Grande. The basic margaritas were very
serviceable, less sweet than Rio Grande’s basic. They make a fine accompaniment to Red Iguana’s excellent food, but not enough to make it a margaritaonly destination. The pepina cucumber margarita ($6.50) was very refreshing but the thick cucumber puree masked any tequila flavor. SOUR’s Jalapeño margarita was spicy, as advertised, but that’s all it was — a thick and chunky onenote drinkable salsa. Also disappointing was the guacamole ($9.40) which was, to put it nicely, Costco-esque and an unappealing brown. For a veritable food institution like Red Iguana, it was a major let-down.
We went to Z Tejas on SWEET’s recommendation, who insisted that it was a great place for margaritas, if not food. SOUR was not excited, but his attitude turned quickly when our server, John, appeared. SOUR: I won’t turn this into a love letter, but this kid is gorgeous and worthy of a trip alone; but we’re not here to talk about the most affable, friendly, lovely man I’ve laid eyes on in a long time.
FOOD&DRINK | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 53
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
SWEET: Um … when I said we were writing a column about things we’d like to eat, that wasn’t what I meant. The basic was a bit too sweet, but the lime was fresh tasting. The Z-top was nice take, simple and very good. The 20th Anniversary was a blended margarita with a beautifully deep color of purple from the Chambord and tequila. The Pepper Melon margarita was a good blend of spice and sweet that didn’t overpower the tequila. The giant watermelon garnish might make one feel like a member of the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire. But the stand-out for both of us was the guacamole: fresh avocado, cotija cheese, cilantro and pepitas, blended table side by John’s shaved, young, muscled arms. SWEET: It was amazing! SOUR: It was gorgeous, heavenly ... so firm. SWEET: Are we still talking about the guacamole? Heading south to Tres Hombres, our attentive server, Alex, brought guacamole, which was OK but had an off-citrus note. The drink menu is a dizzying array of more than 25 tequilas and margaritas. La Isla, was quite orange-y, but well balanced — like a tequila creamsicle. La Don was well-balanced, the tequila poking out like a man in boxer shorts. Venturing into the more creative offerings, the Especial de Casa was a bizarrely refreshing blended margarita of avocado and cucumber, even if it could have stood another shot of tequila. You’ll find Mexican haute cuisine at Frida’s, a pricey, but delicious place in the warehouse district. The avocado and other ingredients in the guacamole were balanced and wonderful. The Fresca Rita, was a good basic margarita, with some nice tequila flavor, but an unfortunate back note of fake margarita mix or Rose’s lime juice. The El Jefe top shelf was better, the tequila cutting the citrus and sweetness of the basic. The specialty margaritas, such as the Cucumber and Black Pepper or the Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño, were tasty enough, but the large glass allowed the juices and spices to overwhelm any tequila flavor. SWEET: So there you go. We know that there were a lot of great places we just didn’t have the time to get to. SOUR: Yeah, once the acid reflux passes we could do a second part.
winners
Guacamole: 1. Z Tejas 2. Rio Grande 3. Frida 4. Tres Hombres 5. Red Iguana
Margaritas: 1. Tres Hombres 2. Z Tejas 3. Rio Grande 4. Red Iguana 5. Frida
54 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | FOOD & DRINK
cocktail chatter The Sidecar By Ed Sikov
All the
housemates – Craig, Sal, Sean and Sal’s friend Colton – arrived at the same time, having ended up on the same ferry, as I was putting together the makings of le cocktail du weekend: the Sidecar. One bottle of brandy and one of Cointreau were lined up along with a mid-century pitcher I’d picked up at a flea market for a song (the rights for which were evidently owned by the Beatles, given how much I’d paid for the damn thing). In my hand was a red plastic reamer, and I was reaming lemons. Craig was the first to comment. “You told me you hated rimming!” “Here it starts,” I said under my breath. “And it’s not going to stop for a very long time.” “He told me once in confidence – um, well, forget that part; it’s only our housemates, dear one, and they won’t tell a soul! (They were all shaking their heads no – violently – and grinning.) “The one sex act he refuses to perform on anyone is rimming. Poor Dan has never been rimmed.” Dan was in the living room reading The Economist but evidently following the conversation closely because he immediately exclaimed, “I have, too! Just not by him. He wouldn’t do it if our marriage depended on it, which come to think of it, it just might. I’m unfulfilled.” “Stop braying, Martha,” I said, hoping to change the subject. “I don’t bray, George.” he responded. “Flores para los muertos! Flores!” I said softly, seeing myself as one of los muertos in question. “He’s just too much of a priss,” Dan continued, utterly oblivious to my humiliation. “I’d have to soak my ass in Clorox for a week before he’d even consider it, and even then I’d have to cover the whole thing in Saran wrap.” “I knew it!” Sean shouted triumphantly. “Mr. Ed is exactly the type of overly fastidious and basically selfish gay guy who won’t put his Listerined mouth anywhere near anybody’s bunghole, thereby denying his innumerable partners one of the greatest physical pleasures the human body can produce. I told you so! I’ve said it a million times.” To whom, I wondered? BBC World
food& drink
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
News? NPR’s “All Things Considered?” Was Terry truly Gross? With the imaginary taste of ass on my tongue, I spat, “Now that we’ve played Humiliate the Host, and before we are forced to move on to Get the Guests, does anybody want to know what drink I’m making?” In unison they all cried, “No!” They drank them anyway. One by one they told in excruciating detail about the first time they were rimmed; the first time
awful people, my so-called friends and – oh good Lord – my husband. So when Craig emerged from his rectal reverie and asked, “Hey, why aren’t you cooking anything?” I stood up and announced, “Not my problem. Hey, I know! Go to the meat market and buy a rump roast and lick it till it’s done!” I stomped off and, as my housemates and husband looked on in shock, I slammed the door behind me as I left the house and took myself out for
they rimmed another guy; the best rim job they ever had; the smoothest ass they ever rimmed; the hairiest; and on and on. Sean told a story so foul that I will not repeat it here, other than to say that I wanted to throw up at the end. Sidecars are not only delicious but easy to make (if, unlike me, you use bottled lemon juice instead of – I’m sorry – reaming fresh lemons through a strainer and into a measuring cup). But I must say that the endless discussion of sticking your tongue in somebody’s anus and the equally endless references to my aversion to the practice completely destroyed any desire I had to prepare dinner for these awful,
dinner. I got myself hammered, picked up a muscular stud on the boardwalk, took him to the deserted beach and let him do what he wanted to me. Take a wild guess what it was.
The Sidecar (makes one drink) 1.5 oz. brandy .75 oz. Cointreau .75 oz. fresh lemon juice Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice and shake hard; strain into a chilled cocktail glass and think about worthier body parts that you enjoy playing with. And don’t invite your friends.
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
FOOD & DRINK | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 55
56 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | OLYMPIC MOMENTS
Our favorite Olympic moments
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
Q Day at Lagoon
Q DAY AT LAGOON | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 57
58 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | NIGHTLIFE
nightlife
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
DJ Jen Woolfe
returns to Moab Pride The sexy
and fabulous DJ Jen Woolfe will be headlining the Moab Pride Festival, Sept. 28–29. She’s eclectic and has a mad sense of music blending. For more information about Moab Pride, go to moabpride.org.
You were at the inaugural Moab Pride Festival. How was the experience? Positive and welcoming. To be honest, the entire experience blew me away. The support from the town, the warmness of everyone I met, all the talent that was there. I was honored to be part of it all.
For those that aren’t familiar with your work, how would you describe your sound? My sets are influenced by my history of pop, alternative, hip-hop, folk and electronic rock, but my first love is house music. House is any music where there’s a kick drum on every beat. What that means is that you can make house music out of anything, so I tend to use a base of underground house tracks with pop remixes and a lot of familiar vocal samples as hooks. The constant beat holds the vibe on the dance floor, but hearing a random gem that takes you back to a middle school dance makes everyone smile. Who are your biggest musical influences? Who’s on your iPod right now? This should cover the gamut: Jason Rivas, Sharam, Tiga, Missy Elliot, XX, LCD Soundsystem, Oasis, Beth Orton, Madonna, M.I.A. and a whole slew of extremely talented local West Coast disc jockeys. Do you have any guilty pleasure music? A Lindsay Lohan or Hillary Duff CD hidden somewhere? Always! My current is probably Tegan and Sara. What do you find attractive in a partner? Independence, openness and someone who is willing to grow and experience. I need playfulness, too. I can often get too serious. If you could date any celebrity, who would it be and why? Kate Winslet. She seems to know herself and live life on her terms, but with a powerful voice and compassion toward others. Besides, those lips! Q
Sample set list: I Dance U by Darftphunk Rock U (Chewy Chocolate Cookies Radio Remix) by Alexander Technique feat. Princess Superstar Overdose feat. S. La Rock the Mic by Rishie & Nunans Shame On Me (Viking Remix) by Amanda Blank Bass Down Low (Proper Villains Remix) Scare Tactics by MonoPunk
NIGHTLIFE | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 59
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
Qgiggles
Q doku
Each Sudoku puzzle has a unique solution which can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits 1 through 9 into the
Each Sudoku puzzle has a unique solution which can be reached logicalblank guessing. spaces. Every must contain9 one digit, as must ly without Enterrow digits 1 through into of theeach blank spaces. Every row must contain and one each of each as must each each column 3x3digit, square. Qdoku is column actuallyand fiveeach 3x3 square. Qdoku is actually five separate, but connected, Sudoku puzzles.
Q doku
Level: Medium
separate, but connected, Sudoku puzzles.
Level: Medium
3 9 5
4 1
2 6 4 7
8 9 1 3 8 4 5 6 2
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60 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | HEALTH
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
health
Waiting to exhale By Lynn Beltran
It is not
often that I’m surprised by new data about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. But I was taken aback recently when data in Salt Lake County and in the State of Utah showed that almost 30 percent of new HIV cases are being diagnosed at the late stages, where AIDS is part of the picture. This same data showed that only 25 percent of cases are being diagnosed early, when the immune system appears to be functioning at a high level and when infection likely occurred within the past two years. The high number of cases being diagnosed late in the disease is worrisome to me for a couple of reasons. It indicates
that a significant proportion of men out there who are in the highest risk category for acquiring and transmitting HIV are not getting tested regularly or in some cases are not getting tested at all. I often see patients who identify as men who have sex with men and who report never having been tested or its been over 10 years since their last test. I often get the sense that fear is what is driving this. I simply didn’t realize that the number of men falling in to that category was quite so high. Negative consequences are much more likely to occur whenever a patient is diagnosed late in the progression of the disease. In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention came out with new recommendations that everyone 18–64 years of age be routinely screened for HIV as part of their annual exam. The intent of this recommendation was twofold: First, to normalize HIV testing as part of a new social paradigm and, second, to allow us to identify cases in people who were not actively seeking testing. The Salt Lake Valley Health Department and much of public health also recommends that anyone who is engaging in high-risk behaviors be screened for HIV every six months. Those who are at highest risk for contracting HIV are men who have sex with men and people with a history of intravenous drug use. When a patient is diagnosed late in the course of the disease, or when too much time passes after a patient is infected with HIV and then seeking HIV-
related health care, damage to the immune system may not be repairable. There seems to be a social norm among some MSM that they don’t need to get tested or see an HIV physician until they become sick. The thinking is that when they reach that point of poor health, then they can start seeing an HIV doctor, get the HIV drugs and things will be fine. HIV affects the immune system; it impairs the body’s ability to provide protection. The primary mission of HIV is to infect as many healthy cells with the virus as possible, thereby exhausting the body’s immune system so it can no longer do its job. HIV drugs, referred to as antiretrovirals are designed to interfere with the virus’ ability to replicate or to infect healthy cells. When a patient’s immune system becomes compromised before medical intervention occurs, there is no guarantee that the immune system will fully recover, even with HIV antiretrovirals. If a patient is not diagnosed until late in the course of HIV, where they are immune-compromised, the patient often requires extended hospitalization for opportunistic infections or other health consequences. They may not recover from these infections despite the medical intervention and may die. They often require significant follow up, and are burdened with large hospital bills. They often experience more complications from the antiretrovirals and never develop fully functioning immune systems. The quality of life moving forward is more likely to be compromised. In an ideal world, we would be able to diagnose all HIV infection at its earliest stage or shortly after the infection occurs. Early medical intervention provides the best hope for a positive outcome and will allow those with HIV to experience the best quality of life. In order for this to occur, everyone needs to be tested at least once a year. Anyone who is considered to be high risk for HIV should be tested every six months. HIV testing has advanced to the point where test results are now available within 15 minutes. Many agencies in Salt Lake County offer free or low-cost testing to the community on a regular basis. The Salt Lake Valley Health Department offers free HIV testing at the Pride Counseling Center, 124 S. 400 East, the first Monday evening of each month, 5–7 p.m. Q To find out more about HIV testing in Salt Lake County, please call 385-468-4242.
NIGHTLIFE | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 61
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
Lambda Lore Continued from page 22 firmed homosexuals. Kinsey’s findings supported the notion that homosexuality is found in significant numbers in any given community. In 1949 John A. Pennock, a University of Utah sociology student, confirmed the existence of a high percentage of homosexuality within the “shadow of the Everlasting Hills” by submitting a study of the sexual experiences of 200 University of Utah male students. Of those interviewed for his master’s thesis, 69 percent said they were Latter-day Saints. All said they planned to marry. Surprisingly, Pennock found that 16.5 percent of the men reported having homoerotic experiences. Pennock’s study was most likely influenced by the publication of Kinsey’s report and was the first public research of male homosexuality within a Utah population. Unexpectedly, Utah became
the first state to reference the Kinsey Report in the case State v. Cooper. In January 1949, the Utah Supreme Court referred to Kinsey’s study while ruling on a sodomy case. Grant Cooper, whose conviction of indecent assault of a minor was upheld by the court, and Justice James Wolfe, wrote that Cooper’s crime “is a type of homosexual offense and [h] omosexual practices may result either from congenital homosexuality, psychopathic homosexuality, or excessive sexual vigor expressed in homosexual practices in the absence of opportunity for heterosexual relations. Congenital homosexuals, and to a certain extent, psychopathic homosexuals, may be wholly irresponsible for their homosexual acts. They are motivated by biological and physiological factors which may be beyond their power to combat or control.” Two other members of the five Justices of the Court joined Wolfe, which gave his opinion precedent value. Q
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62 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | COMICS
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
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 sassy comedian who plays Wiseguys Sept. 5
her cargo mat ________ ___
cryptogram A cryptogram is a puzzle where one letter in the puzzle is substi-
Jane’s World
tuted 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: V = P
Theme: A quote by Paul Ryan, running mate of presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
Lja aruwfc oltz ialt xefjaz exp Ulp, xlf ulnzaxtzxf. Dz valtrcz zbjey lvvlafjxrfk, xlf zbjey ljfoltzc. ___ ______ ____ ____ ______ ___ ___, ___ __________. __ _______ _____ ___________, ___ _____ ________.
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
COMICS | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 63
64 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | FUN
Anchor’s Aweigh
43 Put the collar on 46 Uses a gifted tongue 50 Neither Rep. nor Across Dem. 1 Act up, with “on” 51 Man who doesn’t 6 Used a forked tongue date women 10 Sitcom radio station 55 St. that follows My 14 Threesome member Own Private ... for Dumas 56 Statement by 15 160 rods 20-Across 16 Strong as ___ 60 Nannies’ cries 17 It may slip over one’s 61 Oompa Loompa head creator 18 Can of worms, maybe 62 Judges 19 Salty bodies 63 Seizures for Caesar 20 CNN anchor in the 64 Do a nocturnal news activity 23 “Look at Me, I’m Sandra ___” 65 Shrek and others 24 Poet Rimbaud 66 On top of that 25 Ewe’s milieu 67 Parts of a min. 27 Give out 68 Gay rodeo accessory 30 Medical treatment 32 Like something in the Down 1 Where PrideVision state of Denmark originated 36 Persian Gulf land 2 Makes up 37 Website that published a statement 3 Where a Colossus straddled all who by 20-Across entered the harbor 41 Evita’s husband 42 Cowboy’s job in The 4 Deep pink 5 North Sea feeder Boys in the Band
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6 What a surrogate mom goes into 7 Impotence confession 8 John of Gay Sex Quotes 9 Alternate route 10 Ethnic acronym 11 Oral sex providers, perhaps 12 Really enjoyed, as a Margaret Cho routine 13 GI suppliers 21 Vixen’s master 22 Vein contents 26 Objectivist Rand 28 Cara of Fame 29 Alanis Morissette role, in Dogma 31 Sporty Mazda 33 Reason for extra innings 34 Above-ground trains 35 MSG container? 37 Shake your 44 Letters from South moneymaker? Beach 38 Condoms, to a Brit? 39 ___ of Leather, Slip45 Sports deals pers of Gold 47 Pussies with sharp 40 Make a blunder 41 ___ alai teeth
48 Mingo’s portrayer in Daniel Boone 49 Affirms orally 52 Start of Caesar’s boast 53 Set of principles
54 River deposits 57 Canadian oil company 58 Clay Aiken was almost one 59 Huge opening? 60 Writer’s deg. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS PAGE 66
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66 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | SEX
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
the dating diet
Chicken fellatio By Anthony Paull anthony@qsaltlake.com
Tapping
the steering wheel, my friend Johnny is clearly on edge during the drive to dinner. I can understand why. Minutes earlier, he was engaged in a heated debate over the phone with some random hookup because of his diet. “I can’t believe it. He’s pissed off because I used to eat Chick-fil-A. My mom’s pissed because I eat meat in general, and my dad’s pissed because I eat penis. What am I supposed to eat?” “Seriously. Since when did what I put in my mouth become a political statement?” “Since you started giving head.” He twists his lips. “Since middle school?” He sighs, turning up the radio. “Well, at least things were easier back then. I could eat cafeteria nuggets and still kiss a boy without an argument. Life was simpler back then.” Lost in thought, he stares out the car window. “Maybe I need to rewind, date a guy who’s less informed. You know, someone stupid.” That night, Johnny finds a few dimwitted options on a dating site. He says it’s easy. Instead of asking about penis size he questions their educational background, along with their thoughts on queer existentialism. Anyone who asks ‘what’s queer existentialism?’ passes the first round. “What’s next? An IQ test?” I ask. “No, a writing sample,” he states. “I’ve asked three guys to shoot me an email stating why I should sleep with them. The one with the most grammatical errors wins.” I tell him he’s taking it too far, that dating stupid guys is only cool in college. At
some point, after the sex slows, what’s left? Stupid doesn’t age well. What do stupid men talk about? My experience has been that when stupid men have nothing to say they get drunk to form sentences, only to end up in conversations that remind the world why they shouldn’t be talking in the first place. How many of us have gone on a movie date, hoping to spark conversation afterward, only to hear “I don’t know. I didn’t get it.” Talk about anti-climatic. “Well, it beats dating a whiny bitch with an opinion,” Johnny defends. On a hike through Whole Foods, he tries to figure out what grain is in vogue when he pulls up an email on his phone. “Check out this guy,” he states. “He wrote his paragraph using chat acronyms and shorthand.” The paragraph reads: I’d b da best luva ud eva hav. I’ll take you NSA (no strings attached) 2 da moon if ud like. Poof. “Well, he might not be that stupid,” I gather. “Apparently he’s into astronomy.” “Please. He probably still thinks Pluto’s a planet.” “Or just a Disney character,” I laugh. Johnny chuckles, scooping a bag of quinoa. “Whatever. I don’t care if he makes me watch cartoons all day. I just want him to go along with whatever I say, and I want him to eat rugged objectionable things. A real man should never say the word quinoa.” The problem is Johnny discovers his
Moon Man can’t say much else either. It wouldn’t be a big deal, but Johnny likes to talk during sex. Still, when Johnny asks Moon Man for some dirty conversation to spice up their first salami session, Moon Man begins to stutter, failing to find the proper words to get Johnny off. Johnny says he was about to use cue cards when Moon Man finally managed to speak. “You like that?” he said, pumping away. “You fag. You silly fag you. You fag bitch.” “Ugh! Being degraded is not exactly my idea of hot,” Johnny complains to me on the phone. “Now, whenever he texts, he jokingly refers to me as his fag bitch. He thinks it turns me on.” “You wanted the lowest common denominator.” “Well, I didn’t want some vegan quoting Maya Angelou while he was fucking me. But I didn’t want this either. Isn’t there a happy medium?” “Yes,” I reply. “But if you want to continue with this guy, you’ll need to educate him.” Harrowing, yes, but isn’t that how it works in a relationship? The sharing and challenging of ideas, the passing knowledge to one another to strengthen the union, isn’t that what keeps things spicy outside of the bedroom? Johnny says he never put that much thought into it because he hasn’t met a man that has lasted more than a week. Moon Man is different though. Johnny finds him cute, eager to learn and malleable. When Johnny explained that gay men don’t like being called fags, Moon Man stopped using the word, asking how else he could improve. This week, Johnny plans to help him with the basics, starting with legible texts and edible sex talk. “No field trips to Whole Foods to teach him about quinoa?” I inquire. “I’ll save that for later,” Johnny laughs. “I mean, I don’t care if he eats it. I just can’t see the relationship going any further if he starts talking about it.” Q
SEX | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | 67
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
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68 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | HOROSCOPE
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
q scopes
CANCER June 21–July 22 This full moon is especially werewolvish. Indulge your inner beast, but remember, there is a time and a place for that. While humanoid, keep your ambitions in check. Focus your critical mind on your goals and keep your critical tongue in check.
Consider Your Partner, Virgo By Jack Fertig
8 6 2 1 9 7 3 5 4
7 3 5 8 6 4 2 1 9
1 4 9 3 2 5 7 8 6
4 7 6 9 8 3 5 2 1
5 2 1 7 4 6 9 3 8
9 8 3 5 1 2 4 6 7
9 6 1 7 2 3 8 5 4
5 3 4 9 6 8 2 7 1
7 2 8 4 5 1 9 3 6
8 4 7 6 3 5 2 1 9 8 3 7 4 6 5 3 8 9 1 2 7
5 6 3 9 2 1 4 8 7 5 1 6 3 9 2 7 5 1 8 6 4
8 3 6 1 4 5 9 7 2 4 2 5 1 9 6 7 3 8
6 4 8 5 9 2 7 3 1
7 1 9 2 6 8 5 4 3
2 5 4 9 7 3 6 1 8
9 7 1 5 6 2 8 4 3
6 1 8 2 7 3 5 9 4
7 3 9 4 5 8 6 2 1
5 7 3 4 1 6 2 8 9 3 5 6 8 4 9 1 7 2
9 2 1 8 3 7 4 5 6 2 8 4 3 1 7 9 6 5
Cryptogram: Our rights come from nature and God, not government. We promise equal opportunity, not equal outcomes.
1 9 2 7 8 4 3 5 6 2 9 4 1 8 7 6 2 4 3 9 5
Hey! We made eye contact a few times tonight. You are in the performance, “Marry the Night” at Lagoon. I don’t know if you swing this way or not. I don’t really have much of a gaydar... Well, I guess tell me something about me. I was there with some of my family.
Anagram: Margaret Cho
2 1 7 4 3 8 6 9 5 1 8 2 7 4 3 1 8 6 5 2 9
Lagoon performer – M4M
puzzle solutions
SCORPIO October 23–November 21 Your mind is getting unusually sharp; try to keep 3 9 4 6 5 1 8 7 2 3 4 5 6 1 9 4 5 2 3 7 8
I was driving around downtown enjoying the summer afternoon when I looked to my left. You were jamming to tunes and your cute dog was taking in the city scene. You then got behind me to take a picture of my bumper stickers. I tried to go slow so you could get a clear one, but the lights kept turning green. Then at 700 East you drove past and charmed me with your beautiful smile. It made my entire day. Thank you for your boldness and lovely personality. I love falling in love with strangers.
GEMINI May 21–June 20 Trading barbs with your friends is all good fun until someone gets hurt. It’s way too easy to cross that line. Apologize quickly. Wounded pride can harden quickly into alienation. With some focus you can put your wit to better use.
6 5 8 2 7 9 1 4 3 6 7 9 5 2 8 7 9 3 4 6 1
Silver Prius, jamming to tunes — W4W
LIBRA September 23– October 22 Worrying won’t get you anywhere. Take a very practical look at your problems and flaws and determine practical steps to improvement. Gentle exercise (swimming?) will help you stay positive and productive. Pushing too hard, at the gym or elsewhere, is asking for trouble.
2 9 7 5 4 1 8 3 6
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TAURUS April 20–May 20 Life rarely goes as planned, so don’t beat yourself up for it. In these tough times give yourself full credit for what you have done. Friendly suggestions are more aggravation than help, but could be springboards to sensible ideas.
3 6 1 9 2 8 7 5 4
8 01 - 8 2 4 - 07 7 4
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4 8 5 6 3 7 9 1 2
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VIRGO August 23–Sep. 22 hen your ruler Mercury comes home to your sign on the 31st, you will be witty, wise and compassionate. Until then, keep your ego and your mouth under control. Especially be considerate of your partner. Remember what’s important – and who!
9 7 6 3 1 4 2 8 5
Hypnosis
ARIES March 20–April 19 You generally prefer a more direct approach, but subtlety and intuition are working for you now. A stronger air of authority is also working for you. Learn how to work it now if you want to keep it.
1 5 2 8 7 9 6 4 3
Consulting
LEO July 23–August 22 Efforts to help others will probably backfire big time. Focus on your own problems. Get expert advice. You won’t like it, but at least consider it carefully. Exercise and clearing away small tasks will help relieve tension.
8 3 4 2 6 5 1 9 7
Ceremonies
A long-running Sun-Venus aspect peaks this week, making everyone try too hard to be nice. Both orbs make a hard aspect to Eris boosting pushiness and manipulation. Everyone has room for improvement. Focus on yourself.
your tongue from following suit. Save your critical remarks for those who ask to benefit from your insight, which is still and always best focused on yourself. SAGITTARIUS November 22– December 20 Feeling lost and disconnected? Hiding in books and ideas could be a good strategy. Whining is not. It’s too easy to feel sorry for yourself. Be mature and philosophical. This will pass. CAPRICORN December 21– January 19 Your instinct to take charge and protect can be simultaneously charming and annoying to your partner, or whomever you want in that role. It’s obvious that you care, but your sweetie is a grown-up too and needs a little room to breathe. AQUARIUS January 20–February 18 Advice from your partner may sound a bit harsh, but it’s worth heeding. Resist the urge to reciprocate; just resolve to improve. Review your diet and health regimen. Vanity could be interfering with your health. Or is it your sweet tooth? PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19 Keep your codependent tendencies in check. A creative outlet can help. Remember that it’s therapeutic, probably not to be shared with others. Still your artistic efforts can also be exercises in technique leading to greater proficiency.. Jack Fertig is QScopes@qsaltlake.com.
september, 2012 | issue 210 | gaysaltlake.com
Come get Hunky Every Sunday night at The Tav SUNDAYS KARAOKE
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70 | Q SALT LAKE MAGAZINE | final word
gaysaltlake.com | issue 210 | september, 2012
the perils of petunia pap smear
The tale of a wink and a smile By Petunia Pap Smear
The road
to Las Vegas is fraught with danger
and excitement. My eyes were glued to the television, viewing the men’s gymnastics at the London Olympics. I watched in awe as the parade of jaw-dropping, beautiful, incredibly buff and ripped athletes performed their routines to perfection. Who knew the human body could bend into those unnatural positions? Speaking of hunky studs bending their hot bods into unnatural positions, I’m reminded of a road trip a few of my sister queens and I took to Las Vegas. On one adventurous evening, after we had gorged ourselves on good old food porn at the Mirage buffet, we realized we weren’t yet fully satisfied. In the local paper we noticed an advertisement, announcing a new strip club where the hunks would go “full monty.” “Could it be true?” we asked ourselves and knew we had to investigate. What self-respecting queen from Utah would pass up a chance to experience such a real life lesson in human anatomy? Squealing in anxious anticipation, all eight of us piled into Queertanic, my 1975 Buick land yacht, and sped out of the Mirage parking structure so quickly that after clearing a slight rise in the pavement, Queertanic actually caught a little air. Upon landing in a shower of sparks amid
trunk of the month
This month’s Trunk of the Month is brought to you by the delectable Salvador Pozo and Aussie Bum underwear.
the sickening sounds of screaming queens and metal scraping concrete, we raced toward the Old Boulder Highway to partake of this beefcake buffet. With a street map in one hand, and the advertisement in the other, and everyone else yelling directions all at once, I drove Queertanic like a maniac. We were queens on a lofty mission to advance our education. Shockingly, we arrived at the club without wrecking and the oil pan still intact. Jostling for position, we entered the door with much anxious trepidation, only to find the place was empty because it was still early in the evening. Since we were the first customers to arrive, we had our pick of seats. There was a small stage at one end of the room. Attached to the stage was a two-foot long runway that bisected the room with chairs located right up against the platform. In the middle of the runway there was an honest to God stripper pole, just like in the movies. I quickly elbowed the other queens aside and plopped my bodus rotundus into the chair closest to the pole. I did not want to miss even a single pubic hair. Soon, the house lights dimmed. My heart began beating faster. The music began. I began to perspire (glisten). Five totally naked, stunning, handsome, buff, tanned, toned, six pack-packing studs entered the stage one by one, and performed a classic Zoolander runway walk, waving their dangling participles close enough for me to feel the breeze. They all retreated to the stage and began manipulating their mangos, racing to see who could be the first to be Captain Standish and fix his bayonet. With their magic wands firmly in hand, it felt as if they cast a full-body bind spell on me. I could not move. It was solo time; one by one, the Adonis’ took their turns, demonstrating their strength, agility and beauty on the stripper pole. The most handsome dude, and the object of my lust, came last. He
moved effortlessly to the pole. I was close enough to see the pores in his skin. A faint musky breeze wafted over me each time he rotated around the pole. His bazooka and cannon balls were well within firing range. Suddenly he quit swinging on the pole and stopped, facing me. I couldn’t breathe. While staring directly into my eyes, he gave me a big wink and then reached out with one hand and caressed my cheek. Seductively, he slowly traced around my quivering lips with his finger. He began slowly thrusting Mr. Happy and the chestnuts closer to my face as his finger found its way between my lips moving in and out in perfect harmony with each thrust of his divining rod. My heart stopped beating. In a blur of sudden movement, he spun quickly around the pole and returned having gyrated such that he was now upside down on his shoulders and his smooth as silk full moon and my face were now cheek to cheek to cheek to cheek. I was close enough, that if I was Pinocchio and told a lie, my nose could have done a dive in the dark. I nearly passed out. With seductive tenderness, he inserted his finger, still moist from my mouth, in and out of his “back door” as if he were checking the oil. Having never seen this act of seduction before, I was totally at a loss. After playing the ninth hole for some time, he moved on to the next queen and I was left sitting there a stunned and quivering mess, so much so that I had forgotten to stuff tip money into his stocking. Like always these events leave us with several eternal questions: 1. In gymnastics, should the name of the men’s high bar event be changed to beefcake on a stick? 2. Should I install rubber bumper pads on the underside of Queertanic? 3. Should I begin carrying a defibrillator in my purse? 4. Do I need to take some defense against the dark parts classes? 5. How many times must you insert the dipstick, in order to properly check your oil? These and other important questions to be answered in future chapters of: The Perils of Petunia Pap Smear. Q