January 2011

January 2011

fit

the issue

Humble Beauties

Matt Schiermeier & Cameron Earnheart

One Last Drag

The Great Smoke Out

Power & Grace

Cedar Lake Ballet

Fighting Cabin Fever

Kick The Winter Blues This issue is dedicated to Complimentary Copy

As we kick off 2011, I‘m excited to announce the launch of the newly redesigned website at thevitalvoice.com. This modern format will usher in a new era in LGBT media for our community and we’ve added tons of fun new features to allow us to bring you more stories, videos, photos, events and your new digital community resource, “The V List”. I invite you all to check it out and check it often.

Speaking of invites… did you know that this year St. Louis celebrates 30 years of Vital VOICE? I ask you to join us on January 15th for V2 presented

by Bud Light, where we’ll ring in this monumental milestone. Team Vital VOICE has planned an amazing evening of cocktails, entertainment, food and festivities-a-plenty. Please note this is a 21+ event, and yes- we are having an open bar. Log on to brownpaperticket. com/event/138589 and get your tickets today. I want to personally thank Bud Light, Absolut, Malibu, Pernod Ricard, Just John, Maytag, Lou Fusz Subaru, Pure Power, Salon Service Group, Studio 16 Salon and Glitterbomb Productions for sponsoring V2. This event will benefit SAGE Metro St. Louis. You can make a donation at the event—for more information about SAGE log on to sagemetrostl.org.

Team Vital VOICE is exited about the New Year and asks that you stay tuned for the many exciting ventures yet to come. We wish you success, happiness, love and community—now, let’s kick 2011 off right!

Cheers,

Darin Slyman, Publisher

Saturday, January 15 LUMEN 2201 Locust Street in Downtown St. Louis

PRESENTS

7pm – Midnight Open Bar until 9pm brownpapertickets.com/event/138589 theVitalVOICE.com | 3

this

N ISSUE Volume 12, Issue 1

7 Fighting Cabin Fever 11 One Last Drag

Index

Contributors

Darin Slyman – Publisher/Editor vitalvoicemag@gmail.com

Lisa Mandel – Photography www.lisamandelphotography.com

Jeff Kapfer – Art Director design@thevitalvoice.com

Rick Day – Photography www.rickdaynyc.com

Drew Baumgartner – Marketing/Vital VISION Dbaumgartner05@gmail.com

Daniel Geahlen – Photography www.danielgeahlen.com

Kristen Goodman – Business Director kristengoodman@ymail.com

Julieta Cervantes – Photography www.julietacervantes.com

Dieta Pepsi – On Air Hostess/Vital VISION dietapepsi@gmail.com

Erez Sabag – Photography www.erezsabag.com

Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Web Editor colin_murphy@sbcglobal.net

15 Power & Grace 19 Humble Beauties 21 Twerk It Out 27 Lessons 4 Healthy Living 31 RED @ 10 32 Scene & Styling

oi

ce

Raj Tailor – Writer rajeevTailor@gmail.com

Richy Quigley – Graphic Design www.richyquigley.com

ADVISORY BOARD

Colin Lovett – Writer colin.lovett@gmail.com

William A. Donius

Chris Andoe – Writer chrisandoe@gmail.com

Colin Murphy

Joshua Barton – Writer josh.barton49@gmail.com

Pam Schneider

Thom Halter

Jay Perez

Sydney Britt Eisenstein – Fashion Editor sydney.eisenstein@gmail.com

Kellie Trivers

CONTACT

ONLINE

ADVERTISING

Vital VOICE Magazine 4579 Laclede Avenue #268 Saint Louis, MO 63108 VitalVOICEmag@gmail.com 314.256.1196

thevitalvoice.com facebook.com/VitalVOICE twitter.com/VitalVOICEmag youtube.com/TheVitalVISION

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6 | January, 2011

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Written by Raj Tailor

The holidays are over, the excitement of the New Year is behind us and all of a sudden, BAM! You’re hit with a case of cabin fever. The same chill in the air that put you in the mood for the season now appears bitter and uninviting. Fortunately, this is a condition with a cure. Here are some ideas on ways in which you can fight your affliction of cabin fever. theVitalVOICE.com | 7

Have them come to you!

Spruce up your digs

Get out & give

Try something out of the box

Just because you are staying in, it doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Chances are if you are suffering from a little cabin fever, so are most of your friends.

Instead of a fussy stressful party, consider inviting a small group over for a casual night in. Consider hosting a themed (Tapas, Indian, comfort food, etc.) potluck.

Or just order some takeout or delivery pizza and pop in a movie. I mean, who wouldn’t want to come over for some Pad Thai and “The Devil Wears Prada”?

During the holidays, our thoughts may center on those who are less fortunate, yet, schedules are so tightly packed that many of us only catch a moment to make a donation here and there. With the craziness of the holidays behind us, now is the perfect time to make a more meaningful donation of your time and effort. A stint-even a short one- of volunteer work can truly make you value and appreciate your own achievements and personal connections while making the lives of others better. Whether your interest is in planning a great event or cooking a warm, healthy meal, there are organizations chomping at the bit to benefit from your time, talent and energy. Plus, you’ll likely meet some great new people!

Forget resolutions; take on a (small) project

The one thing a New Year’s resolution offers is the promise of a sense of accomplishment but who needs the added pressure? I think a better avenue to self satisfaction is through taking on a little project. Yes, you could always clean out clutter in the basement or garage but I’m thinking even smaller… and more fun. What about getting all those thousands of pictures off your digital camera and organizing them into albums that you can share? Or creating some new play lists of both your favorite new and old songs? If you love to cook, chances are you have a ton of recipes that could use a little organizing. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Invite some friends over with their laptops and you can open a bottle of wine- or two- and do it together!

8 | January, 2011

Well, if you are stuck in your cabin, you might as well give it a little attention. I’m not talking about major renovations but, rather, little updates that you can accomplish in an evening or weekend. Paint a couple of walls a fresh, new accent color, install some dimmers, or swap out dated cabinet hardware. Or perhaps, enlist a little help and explore new furniture arrangements. If you are tad more ambitious, consider installing a new tile backsplash or fireplace mantle and surround. These are all examples of small, inexpensive fixes that you will enjoy everyday.

Have you ever wanted to try rock climbing? Are you curious about learning how to meditate? Maybe you’ve wanted to try your hand at something artistic?

The advent of the New Year is a perfect time to take on the challenge of exploring a long-standing curiosity or interest. In addition, many of the local colleges and universities offer courses on a variety of subjects from Chinese Art to mastering Photoshop.

While some of these courses meet regularly throughout the academic semester, some of the workshops offered meet only a handful of times and are easy to work into busy schedules.

Check out these helpful websites: Rock Climbing upperlimits.com/st-louis Meditation Classes us.artofliving.org/mo/stlouis Art Classes craftalliance.org Courses/Workshops stlcc.edu ucollege.wustl.edu Volunteer Opportunities volunteermatch.org stl.unitedway.org/volunteer.aspx 100 “Must See” Movie List getgoodmovie.com

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1 Out of 10 Ain’t Bad!

Written by Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Editor Photography by Lisa Mandel

I’ve never been one to make New Year’s resolutions, let alone put them in print—but this year I’m making an exception. To mark my 40th birthday, I’ve decided to quit smoking after 21-years. It’s just time. Joining me in the effort will be my publisher, Darin Slyman. DSly’s been puffing away for over 20-years as well and we’ll each quit on Jan. 1 using different cessation techniques. You can follow our progress in the coming months at thevitalvoice.com.

Recent studies have confirmed what most in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community have known for some time: LGBT people are more likely to use tobacco.

Specifically, gay men are nearly two and a half times more likely to smoke than straight men. Lesbians are twice as likely compared to straight women, and our bisexual brothers and sisters appear to have the highest risk of all.

The reasons for this are myriad: The bar culture plays a big role as do coming out and family stressors. Many fall victim to the pressures of body image and smoke to stay thin. And then there are the aggressive marketing techniques by tobacco companies aimed squarely at our tribe. theVitalVOICE.com | 11

I’ve never been one to make New Year’s resolutions, let alone put them in print—but this year I’m making an exception. To mark my 40th birthday, I’ve decided to quit smoking after 21-years. It’s just time. Joining me in the effort will be my publisher, Darin Slyman. DSly’s been puffing away for over 20-years as well and we’ll each quit on Jan. 1 using different cessation techniques. You can follow our progress in the coming months at thevitalvoice.com.

Recent studies have confirmed what most in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community have known for some time: LGBT people are more likely to use tobacco. Specifically, gay men are nearly two and a half times more likely to smoke than straight men. Lesbians are twice as likely compared to straight women, and our bisexual brothers and sisters appear to have the highest risk of all.

The reasons for this are myriad: The bar culture plays a big role as do coming out and family stressors.

Many fall victim to the pressures of

12 | January, 2011

body image and smoke to stay thin. And then there are the aggressive marketing techniques by tobacco companies aimed squarely at our tribe.

Now for me, personally—I blame Bette Davis. That’s right—she and her fellow sirens of the screen just looked too damned glamorous with their “fags” in hand. And who doesn’t want to be a bit of a hell cat?

When I came out my only experience with tobacco had been with older relatives and the time my cousins and I lifted my grandfather’s pack of Winstons and made ourselves sick, much to his delight.

But when I started going out to “the bars” at 18, it seemed that everyone smoked. The entertainers, the patrons and bartenders all brandished a brand of choice and seemed so polished and oddly alluring.

Accordingly, I started smoking to fit in and as an affectation.

When my parents discovered my dirty little secret (the cigarettes—they were fine with my sexuality) they hit the roof.

“I don’t inhale,” I protested—two years before Bill Clinton even thought of the line. “So I can’t possibly get addicted.”

Boy was that an ill-conceived notion.

Research shows that smoking kills more LGBT people each year than hate crimes, suicide and HIV/AIDS combined. What’s more—lung cancer kills more lesbians than breast cancer. It’s a wildly expensive burden that stains your teeth, ruins your clothes and complexion—and let’s face it—makes you social pariah.

So alas—we’re quitting the habit. We do so for our health and for the health of our community. We quit to feel better and yes, to look better. And on a personal note—as unapologetic as a smoker as I’ve been—I can no longer ignore the statistics of second hand smoke. It’s simply time to quit.

DSly and I both will be going cold turkey in the New Year. The patch is there if we need it, but I’ll be going the auricular route at Easy Way Auricular Therapy and DSly will try to be “glamoured” at Carole Ewald Hypnosis. Both are popular treatments used by former smokers and we’re excited to partner with both companies.

Our quitting coincides with the new non-smoking ordinances going into effect in both St. Louis City and County, Jan. 2. The new laws prohibit smoking in all indoor workplaces and public places including restaurants and bars. A limited amount of exemptions are made in the Code for establishments that meet the criteria.

It remains to be seen which of our LGBT haunts will be going non-smoking, given the exemptions. Many will qualify based on the fact that they don’t sell food—but within 5-years all bets are off—both City and County will be smoke free, bars included.

I’m not going to lie and say that I didn’t enjoy smoking. I did. But somewhere in this city a kid is telling his parents— “I don’t inhale, I can’t get addicted”—and then they’ll be hooked. It is my sincere hope that we can stop the next generation of LGBTers from ever picking up the habit.

So as we prepare to take one last drag on New Year’s Eve, we do so with the knowledge that we owe it to ourselves, to our loved ones and to our community to see this through. For both of us are fairly public people. I’d like to continue to hold my head up high—I just can’t do that any longer with a cigarette in my hand. v

theVitalVOICE.com | 13

14 | January, 2011

Power

&Grace Written by Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Editor Photography by Julieta Cervantes and Erez Sabag The stage of the Touhill will spring to life, Jan. 28-29 when Dance St. Louis presents Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet. The New York-based company of 16-international dancers is a diversely talented powerhouse that has charmed choreographers from across Europe into joining the company, just seven years young.

Paris-born Artistic Director Benoit-Swan Pouffer, a former dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, has an impeccable flair for picking the plums of cutting-edge dance and arranging them in fascinating programs. Among them is the amazingly gifted and out dancer, Jon Bond.

theVitalVOICE.com | 15

“It’s edgy, put-you-on-the-edge-of yourseat dancing,” said Bond of Cedar Lake’s upcoming engagement.

The Southern California native began his professional training at age ten and in 2004 spent eight weeks as a Winner Circle Finalist on CBS’s “Star Search.” Prior to joining Cedar Lake Bond was a member of Dance Theatre of Harlem’s DTB Ensemble and has choreographed numerous award-winning competition pieces throughout the nation.

Indeed, Bond is a fine-tuned instrument of acrobatic grace—a testament to his years of training. He became interested in dance after watching the opening credits of “The Steve Harvey Show” and by his early teens had mastered jazz, tap and ballet.

“Go for it—get in a class, do your research,” Bond urges young people considering a career on stage. “Take as many classes and workshops as you can, and never say this is the only type of dance I can do.”

For performance & ticket information check out www.dancestlouis.org v

16 | January, 2011

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18 | January, 2011

Humble Beauties Written by Joshua Barton Photography by Rick Day If you picked up this magazine because your eyes were drawn to a pair of gorgeous men on the cover then trust that you are not alone. Meet Matt Schiermeier and Cameron Earnheart. They are American bred Adonises whose bodies are living testaments of queer lusts and longings. We all know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder but for many gay men the duo and their bodies define masculinity and sexuality.

But a closer inspection reveals there is more behind these men than their shy smiles and adamantine abs. They are lovers, partners and self-described small town country boys. In 2010 they became role models for sexual and physical health when they graced the cover of Instinct Magazine to publicly announce that Matt was HIV positive and that they were living a serodiscordant partnership (Serodiscordant relationships essentially include partners where one is HIV-positive and the other HIV-negative).

Matt and Cameron manage to remain grounded and humble to their rural roots despite their recent publicity within the realm of gay men’s media. The couple recently relocated to San Diego from St. Louis but when asked about Missouri Matt becomes instantly nostalgic.

Matt: I miss home every day and I think about it everyday. My heart and soul are there and it’s where I have peace. I would run back to it if I ever needed that moment of sanctuary.

Their relationship began here in St. Louis when the two met each other at The Complex. It was 2003 and Matt had already been living openly with HIV for three years. Cameron was a fresh face from Arkansas who just beginning to understand and accept his own sexuality.

Cameron: I wasn’t “out” in college or when I came to St. Louis. I was still unsure of myself so when I would go to the clubs a lot of people knew me as the shy guy in the corner.

His shyness instantly caught Matt’s attention. An introduction was made and a strange spark of energy was born. That spark led them to make plans to see each other again and with that Matt knew he could only be honest with Cameron about his status.

Matt: I was openly positive with people so the St. Louis community knew me as an HIV-positive person. I knew if I wanted to have the next step with a boyfriend I had to be honest with myself and people. I told Cameron the next night. I wanted to lay it on the table because I didn’t want him to even begin to know me without knowing my status.

theVitalVOICE.com | 19

Now Open!

Cameron: I honestly had not known anyone with HIV. I had no experience with any of it so when he did mention his status I was taken back but at the same time I have never been the type of person to run away from something I didn’t know about. He was up front and honest and that brings a lot of respect for me. When he told me, I had to go to work but I had this on my mind. At the same time there was something about Matt and his honesty that just drew me back to him. I wanted to know more about who he was and it drove me to seek out more knowledge about HIV. From there the two decided to approach the relationship slowly.

Matt: It wasn’t about commitment at all. It wasn’t even about sex. It was a year of us getting to know one another and truly understanding who we were. It was more of a natural progression where we became friends.

Their friendship became a bond that both say is built on honest communication and kindred love. It was that love and their sparks of positive energy that fueled their desire to become more than just your average fitness or fashion models. They want their story and their relationship to inspire others to embrace all the possibilities of life with no fears even if HIV happens to be a part of that life.

Matt: I want to break through that fear around HIV and allow people to talk openly about it. If we can start there with honest communication then that is a start period. The stigma that I would like to break down is that you can still have a loving, trusting and beautiful relationship. I think that with the fear and all that comes with HIV it can keep someone from having those things because of fear and ignorance. Okay, so you are positive. Nothing can change this but people will still love you.

Cameron: When Matt and I started dating, some people saw me going into a relationship with someone who is positive so they assumed I would become positive and that’s not true. We can love and have sex and push boundaries and still be safe and protected.

Matt and Cameron’s personal message of health and wellness boils down to honesty and self-respect. They challenge others around them to enter the universe with the power of positive thinking and honest communication.

Image © Photo.12.com – Pierre-Jean Chalençon.

Forest Park (314) 746-4599 mohistory.org To purchase tickets, visit mohistory.org or call (314) 361-9017.

The exhibition is produced and distributed by Exhibits Development Group in cooperation with Cultural Arts Entertainment Group.

20 | January, 2011

Matt: Stop for a moment and put your life into perspective. It took me until I was in my thirties for me to actually get to a place in my life where I feel that I know myself now. It may be my own selfgrowth as a man or with my relationship but it took me until 34 to talk to Cameron about my hidden fantasies. It is being able to communicate everything from a relationship to disclosing HIV to your fantasies. Take yourself into consideration and be honest with yourself. But most importantly, love yourself.

When you look again at those beautiful boys on the cover you may still see a cluster of muscles, broad shoulders and firm abs.

Their bodies will still drive one’s mind into wet fantasies of blue bliss. But ultimately they are simple, humble beauties who are living their lives with a degree of dignity and integrity born from rural roots. They see the potential for true beauty in this world and they’ll work to make it well. v

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stlouisfrontrunners.org info@stlouisfrontrunners.org TIP: Be active this winter! Start running in the coldest months

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St. Louis Frontrunners is a non-competitive club for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender, and Straight-Allied runners and walkers of all abilities. Membership in SLFR is open to all. The group meets at 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays and 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Forest Park at the Visitor and Education Center (formerly known as the Lindell Pavilion).

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314.241.ROCK (7625)

TIP: Learn to be Disciplined. Don’t fall into the trap of over-

training. While the Winter may seem like a great time to push your training schedule, it is also an easy way to injure yourself. The human body actually does not get stronger directly from exercise, but rather after it has had time to repair the micro-traumas incurred during exercise. Allow your body to fully recover after training, whether it be from an intense climbing session, a workout at the gym, or any other athletic activity.

Upper Limits is the premier climbing gym in the Midwest.

Housed in a historic railroad factory near Union Station, its 10,000 square feet of climbing surface offers something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for routes to challenge experienced climbers or something fun for beginners, you’re sure to find it at Upper Limits Rock Gym!

TIP from Dr. Gregory Neff: Keep hydrated. Dehydration can cause illness. By drinking the recommended amount of water daily (half your body weight in ounces) you are less likely to feel hungry and avoid overindulgence. Water intake helps burn calories as well.

InMotion Health Center is one of St. Louis’ most diverse and experienced holistic health care clinics. Together Dr. Fitelson and Dr. Neff offer more than 40 years of practice, with a fullservice menu including chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, and nutrition, plus our new Posture Program!

Russell Ellison – Swedish Massage AintiStres@aol.com 314.795.3123

I still need more healthy rest in order to work at my best.

My health is the main capital I have and I want to administer it intelligently.

–Ernest Hemingway.

TIP: Take a moment throughout the day to go to your “happy place”. Sit back in your chair and vividly imagine the most relaxing place you have ever been. Now take a slow, relaxing deep breath in through your nose for a count of 10, hold for 3, and exhale through your mouth, making sure to count again to 10. Do this for three times, and you will be astounded at how much stress this will take away.

Russell Ellison has been a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) for over 15 years. He uses aromatherapy, relaxing music and soft lighting to relax all of your senses. His soothing techniques incorporate basic hypnosis methods to help relax your mind and your muscles. Swedish Massage... because you deserve it.

theVitalVOICE.com | 29

or even

BUY SELL STAY Raj Tailor

Realtor | Designer www.circaSTL.com Raj.Tailor@CircaSTL.com 314.952.5472 30 | January, 2011

________________________________ I N T E R I O R D E S I G N

“Questions about whether design is

RED @ 10 Written by Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Editor

It’s a night not to be missed! On Feb. 5, DOORWAYS Tenth Annual RED Event unfolds at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch.

The festive evening benefits men, women and children affected by HIV/ AIDS in the bistate region who are in need of housing and supportive services.

RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN - ARCHITECTURE - EVENT PLANNING

DOORWAYS’ Keystone Society is proud to welcome Ameren as presenting sponsor and Centene Corporation, Edward Jones and Express Scripts as mission pagoda sponsors of the area AIDS Service Organization’s most important fundraising event.

“The AIDS epidemic is not a disease of yesterday—it is here and now,” said DOORWAYS president, Lynne M. Cooper, D.Min. “Although talk of it may have faded from the current news cycle, we continue to see alarming increases in the rates of new infections, especially in young persons and people of color. There is still much to talk about when it comes to beating HIV/AIDS. DOORWAYS’ Board and staff are committed, now more than ever, to lead the way as advocates fighting for safe, affordable housing options for those who rely on us for safety, health and comfort.”

Complete information on RED 2011: Lighting the Way in Another Decade of Hope, including sponsorship opportunities and ticket prices are posted at www.doorwayshousing.org theVitalVOICE.com | 31

Naughty or Nice The Complex December 4, 2010 Pridestl.org

The Annual Pride St. Louis Drag Review brought community supporters to the Complex in celebration of charitable organizations and “booger drag”. Both seasoned entertainers and drag “newbies” alike performed in this group-effort event, raising funds and awareness for organizations like SAGE, Transhaven, Growing American Youth, and I CARE.

32 | January, 2011

&

Scene Styling

Friend Factor Launch Party Erney’s 32 December 9, 2010 FriendFactor.org

Curiosity was a motivating factor for many who attended this surprise event. Droves of attendees packed Erney’s 32, where they were informed of the launch of Friendfactor, a new online organization bringing together supporters of the gay community, particularly straight friends. The website provides a forum for allies to post videos and personal statements of support for their gay friends and family. Founder Brian Elliot was one of the special guests at the event. theVitalVOICE.com | 33

Vital VOICE dedicates this issue to our Non-profit of the month

St. Louis Frontrunners The St. Louis Frontrunners celebrate pride in motion! Join them on Pride Weekend for the annual Pride 5k to benefit Growing American Youth, and join them three times per week for runs and walks in Forest Park throughout the year! What a great way to jump start your fitness in 2011!

The St. Louis Frontrunners are an inclusive group of LGBTQIA runners and walkers with a strong belief in moving their bodies, on foot, on wheels, with canes, strollers, or doggies on leashes!

They are a chapter of an international club and their members can visit chapters in other cities or countries allowing them to be a part of a large network of active people. They also love eating and strive to replenish some of the calories they burn by having brunch every Saturday.

Participants include first-time runners, dedicated walkers, experienced master runners, former smokers, and nature lovers.

All ages and abilities are welcome! Membership is not required in order to participate in a run/walk. The St. Louis Frontrunners meet at the Forest Park Visitor’s Center on Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm and Saturday at 9am.

34 | January, 2011

PRESENTS

Saturday, January 15 LUMEN

2201 Locust Street in Downtown St. Louis

7pm – Midnight

Open Bar until 9pm

30 years of gay media, 12 amazing issues of Vital VOICE Magazine, ONE unforgettable night! $25 General Admission

21+ w/ID.

Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets

brownpapertickets.com/event/138589 This event will sell out!

Join us for the official after party at This event benefits