June 2015 by The Vital Voice Magazine

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No matter what you’re craving, Lumière Place can accommodate. Enjoy modern Italian cuisine and stunning skyline views from every table at Cielo. Take a culinary tour of The Kitchen Buffet & Bistro. Embark on a roundtrip flavorful journey to the Orient and dine on authentic Asian cuisine and hand-rolled sushi at The Wok. Cheer on your favorite team at Ozzie’s Sports Bar & Grill in between bites of sophisticated bar food.

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Everyone deserves a little rest & relaxation. Book a 50-minute Your Choice Massage or a 50-minute Classic Facial and ask for the “Pride St. Louis Spa Package”. You’ll pay the retail rate and Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis will donate a portion of sales to Pride St. Louis, Inc. It’s a win-win situation!

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June 2015

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June 2015

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April 2015 | Volume 16 | Issue 4

CONTENTS PUBLISHER’S LETTER LILY TOMLIN CEO & PARTNER • DARIN SLYMAN DSLY@THEVITALVOICE.COM PUBLISHER & PARTNER • JIMMY LESCH JIMMY@THEVITALVOICE.COM ART DIRECTOR • MELANIE LAYER MNLAYER@GMAIL.COM CONTENT MANAGER • KEVIN SCHMIDT KEVIN@THEVITALVOICE.COM WRITER • CHRIS ANDOE CHRIS@THEVITALVOICE.COM WRITER • DENNY PATTERSON

CHARACTERS EIGHT IN EIGHT

BILL SVOBODA

ELLEN VANSCOY

YOUR GUIDE TO PRIDE

LEANN RIMES

SARA HERTEL, BOBBY QUILLARD, MATT HOYLE, GREG GORMAN, GUY GUIDO, MERCEDES MONROE, PETER WERNER, ST. LOUIS IS FRIENDLY CAMPAIGN TEXT: KEVIN SCHMIDT, CHRIS ANDOE, DENNY PATTERSON, KARLA TEMPLETON DESIGN: MELANIE LAYER ONLINE FACEBOOK.COM/VITALVOICE TWITTER.COM/VITALVOICEMAG YOUTUBE.COM/THEVITALVISION INSTAGRAM.COM/VITALVOICE

50 56

ORIGINAL SOUND JOSH ZUCKERMAN

PURE AUTHENTICITY KINK 101

EXPOSING THE UNDERGROUND AFTER THE GAYBORHOOD PLAYDATES ST. LOUIS SCENE

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COUNTRY SPITFIRE DAVID HERNANDEZ

GABRIELLE MOTTAZ, MARK MOORE, JON BARBE,

MASTER OF THE PARADE

WRITER • KARLA TEMPLETON

ART: DARIN SLYMAN, MELANIE LAYER, KEVIN SCHMIDT,

KC PRIDE GOES PRO

KC, METRO EAST, TOWER GROVE, STL

CONTRIBUTORS

SUMMER IN ST. LOUIS

DENNY@THEVITALVOICE.COM KARLATEMPLETON1213@GMAIL.COM

19 23

KANSAS CITY SCENE LAST CALL

62 66 68 70 73

50. LEANN RIMES

The country superstar talks all things Pride, from headining the event in St. Louis to her most recent involvement in LGBT organizations.

THE INSIDER

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June 2015

Where to go, what to do and who to see: We’ve got your ultimate guide for all things Pride throughout the region this month.

David Hernandez opens up about going back to his roots in his new album, and what he has planned for headlining PrideFest in St. Louis this year.

Get to know the names and faces of the people behind the scenes that make Pride events such a success in St. Louis and Kansas City every year.

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Join Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as we Celebrate Family + Friends + Love + Life + Equality + Respect We are proud to join the parade across America in honor of National Pride Month. We think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really something to celebrate.

PEN NOW O

Plus, join us in supporting The Trevor Project this year! The Trevor Project provides life-saving crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

TEXT: DARIN SLYMAN ART: KEVIN SCHMIDT

The Fabulous Fox Presents a 2015-2016 Season

HAPPY PRIDE! January 19-31, 2016

april 5-17, 2016

Feb. 23-Mar. 6, 2016

oct. 21-nov. 1, 2015

apr. 26-may 8, 2016

march 15-27, 2016

season tickets on sale may 31

Subscribe to the six-show season ticket package & you can SWAP for ONE of these specials: Wicked • Mamma Mia! • Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Cirque Dreams Holidaze • Riverdance 20th Anniversary Disney’s Beauty and the Beast • Jersey Boys FabulousFox.com/subscribe • 314-535-1700 • Fox Box office 18

June 2015

This year marks the fifth annual Pride Issue of Vital VOICE Magazine. Traditionally, we celebrate Pride as a memorial to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City. For many of years we had to band together as a community to protect ourselves from those who would like to do harm to our lives. Today, there are many protection orders in place and our march to full equality continues. It still takes us coming together and helping one another to continue that mission. In honor of National Pride Month we are honored to sponsor Kansas City Pride, Metro East Pride, Tower Grove and St. Louis Pride, all of which you will find information about in this issue. Vital VOICE has always been a supporter of many diverse organizations within our community, and that support continues even today. On top of all the Pride Festivals, this year Vital VOICE has been honored to support such organizations and events like Q-Fest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, PROMO’s Urbanaire, Kansas City AIDS Walk, The Midwest Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Human Rights Campaign and even our own LGBT softball team in Kansas City, called “Chaos,”which we partnered with Bistro 303 and Pearl Vodka to become team owners of. Each of Vital VOICE’s signature events with Pearl Vodka also benefit local non-profit organizations. This year our anniversary event FIVE benefited St. Louis Effort for AIDS. BRIEFS: A Festival of Short

LGBT Plays benefited SAGE and MTUG. El Mayor de Mayo, our Cinco De Mayo Event in Kansas City, helped out Kansas City AIDS Walk. Queens in Space 3: Divas benefited St. Louis Effort for AIDS and finally SOAK’D in Kansas City partners with the Millennial League. A special acknowledgement is in order for St. Louis Effort for AIDS and its team both past and present as they celebrate 30 years of bringing the finest and most educated information to our community. Pride is also a great time to reflect on some of the new aspects that have joined our community within the last 12 months. In St. Louis alone we have seen the addition of Bombers Hideaway and the new ladie’s venue of Lilly’s Music & Social House. Just John celebrates the arrival of their general manager Harrison Roberts’ twins just last month. It’s important that we all strive to support one another and work together to advance our community. Let the battle be for our community, not within it. From the entire team at Vital VOICE Media, we wish a safe and happy Pride Month. V

Jimmy Lesch Publisher/Partner

Darin Slyman CEO/Partner

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5/8/15 11:32 AM

SEARCHING FOR A CITY WITH A PULSE ON THE GAY COMMUNITY?

Look for the heart. You don’t need a coast to pick a side. Equality is right here in Kansas City. And with attractions like our vibrant Power & Light District, numerous art galleries, and some of the best dining and nightlife you’ll find, there’s more to love in KC than ever before. VisitKC.com/LGBT

June 2015

text KARLA TEMPLETON art MATT HOYLE/GREG GORMAN

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do crazy stuff. Just do it in the direction of something good and positive. Be productive or it doesn’t matter. Your personal and professional lives have intertwined throughout the years working frequently with your partner, author Jane Wagner.

ily Tomlin, one of America’s foremost comedians, made her television debut in 1966 on The Garry Moore Show, followed by several memorable appearances on The Merv Griffin Show. She continues to venture across an ever-widening range of media, starring in television, theater, motion pictures, animation and video throughout the last four decades. Tomlin is most recently the star of popular Netflix original Grace and Frankie, in which she plays a recent divorcee coping with the coming-out of her husband of more than 40 years. Jane Fonda, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston co-star in this hilarious and sentimental tale. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to speak with Tomlin about Grace and Frankie, her current tour (coming to Missouri this summer) and her longtime loves both personally and professionally. Two shows have been confirmed in Missouri with you this summer, Kansas City at the Kauffman Center and in St. Louis at River City Casino. What can your fans expect? I’ll do like ten or 12 characters. It’s like my version of stand-up. I talk to the audience. I talk about the human condition. I use video sort of to satirize myself. But I don’t want to give too much away. For those who haven’t yet discovered Grace and Frankie, how would you summarize the concept? Jane Fonda and I are in it. Sam Waterston plays my husband and Martin Sheen plays her husband. It’s about women of our age who’ve been married to the same two men for 40 years—they’re law partners— and we don’t like each other much because we’re so different. She’s very Republican, and I’m sort of bohemian. Our husbands are going to retire, and we’re hoping we’ll have our husbands to ourselves, and we’ll go traveling and all that stuff. They take us out to dinner and they announce to us that, for the last 20 years, they’ve been having an affair together, and they’re going to get married and divorce us. So we kind of only have each other.

June 2015

Jane is such an excellent writer. I’m glad she was willing to work with me when she did. What was the process for you and Jane Wagner when creating characters?

The entire season is currently streaming on Netflix. Any news on a second season? I don’t officially know. I feel like it’s likely, but they will announce it. You do something like that and you don’t know —you just don’t know how it’s going to be received or whatever. But I’ve been getting a lot of great feedback from everyone. From different publications and friends all over the country. So has Jane [Fonda]. I’m just so glad people are liking it. It’s very cool. What was it like working with Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston in this context?

I’ve ever done, and less so in Jane’s case because, as I said, Jane is such an excellent writer. For a totality of a piece, from beginning to end, I’m proudest of The Search. I just love it. I love what it says, how it says it, the opportunity it gave me, the opportunity it gave Jane. I think that’s the reason I love it so much. And that people love it. So many people have said to me “Truthfully, that’s the best piece of theater I have ever seen.” What an amazing compliment to the both of us. V

There wasn’t much of a process. I would physicalise a character and go to her with that character and try to get her to write a definitive monologue so that I could perform it. And she would, and sometimes she wouldn’t. But she mostly writes as a solitary writer. There was never a lot of process there because she doesn’t write on request.

“ Being kind is something you should subscribe to in all your life in all respects.”

They are such great guys. We are lucky to have them. You’ve been with your partner Jane Wagner for over 40 years now, and your most recent role focuses on the evolution of your decadeslong marriage. Do you have any personal advice for young married couples? [Jane and I] have only been married for like a year or something, but we’ve been together for 44 years. I advise you to be kind. And if you’re kind you’ll be laughing. You’ll be laughing quite a lot. As an out lesbian, do you have any advice for the LGBT community at large? Oh god. Again, be kind. Being kind is something you should subscribe to in all your life in all respects. At the same time, I want to say to people “Be bold.” You can’t always be kind when you’re being bold. You just, you’re going to loose your temper, you’re going to act badly at different times. You’re young, you’re going to

What are you most proud of ? I’m proudest of The Search [for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe]. We tried so hard for Jane to be credited as the author, which she is. Because when you work with someone like me, who is known for working by herself and doing stand-up, or my version of stand-up, and being famous as I was, you know, I kind of usurp everything from her. I get credit for everything. And I don’t deserve credit for The Search as a writer. That is such a wonderful play, and I loved doing it. I just wanted her to get her authorship established. And we really, really tried, and it’s really been hard. Because inevitably, people will quote The Search and say “As Lily Tomlin said,” and so on. And that we collaborated on The Search. And we did collaborate in the sense of staging it and producing it, but we did not collaborate on the writing any more than any other vehicle that I

An Evening of Classic

Lily Tomlin June 13 - Muriel Kauffman Theatre Kansas City, MO | www.kauffmancenter.org June 24 - River City Casino St. Louis, MO | www.rivercity.com

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

June 2015

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Lily Tomlin June 24

One of America’s foremost comediennes, hilarity ensues when this comedic icon takes a microphone in hand. With a comedic repertoire that spans through decades, Tony Award winning performer Lily Tomlin is a fixture in comedy and entertainment. She takes the stage at River City Casino in St. Louis this June. Tickets are available now and are very limited. Get yours today and secure your spot for this legendary performance.

Two

Wednesday, June 24 @ River City Casino – 8 p.m. Visit entertainment.rivercity.com for showtime information and tickets.

PrideFest June 26 - 28

Pridefest St. Louis has been a steadily growing event for decades here in the metro area, and Pridefest 2015 is raising the bar yet again. Huge acts from DEV, LeAnn Rimes, and David Hernandez will take the main stage throughout the weekend, accompanied by hundreds of vendors, thousands of people and a parade that’s unlike any the Arch has ever seen. This weekend is never a let down and the party doesn’t stop downtown! PRIDE is a citywide event with multiple options for pre- and post-pride shenanigans.

Four June 2015

Seven

Slide the City July 11 - 12

A slip and slide that flies you through the streets of downtown?! What?! Embrace your inner child and get ready for the slip and slide of your life! After debuting this event across the country, Slide the City is bringing the biggest water party of the summer to downtown St. Louis. Starting at North Jefferson and Market and ending at 20th and Market, this 1000ft slip and slide is three football fields in length. There will be music, dancing, food and drinks available. Single, Triple and Unlimited Slider pass options available.

Janeane Garofalo July 29

Meet Me at The Muny June 15 - 30

Nothing says summer like a sunset show at The Muny, and the first two shows of the season are sure to please! My Fair Lady runs June 15-21 and Hairspray runs June 23-30. Kick off the summer in grand fashion by enjoying the beauty that is Forest Park, and meet me at The Muny!

If you have not heard of this comedian, you are missing out on some of the 90s best laughs. She was the cranky girl from high school who cursed a lot and chain-smoked after chemistry lab. Actress and comedian Janeane Garofalo has been an American institution since she burst on the scene in 1992. With many memorable and critically acclaimed roles in films such as Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion and The Cable Guy, she also co-authored the bestseller Feel this Book with Ben Stiller. Janeane was also once a cast member on Saturday Night Live.

Monday, June 15 @ The Muny in Forest Park Visit Muny.org for a full listing of summer events.

Wednesday, July 29 @ The Ready Room – 8:30 p.m. Visit thereadyroom.com for tickets and details. V

SUMMER 2015

Art Hill Film Series Fridays in July

Nothing says summer like outdoor movies and music. This year’s film lineup has something for everyone: Jaws, Back To the Future, even Brittany Murphy in Clueless. Grab your blankets, kick off your flipflops and settle in for a movie under the stars. Food trucks and music start at 6 p.m. Films start promptly at 9 p.m. Show up early to secure your spot on the beautifully scenic Art Hill.

Saturday-Sunday, July 11-12 @ Downtown St. Louis Visit SlideTheCity.com to join in the fun.

Eight

Three

This is the saucy soiree that packs the punch for St. Louis PrideFest annually. This year, the event will be hosted at Grand Center’s Public Media Commons, a one-of-a-kind outdoor event space featuring interactive multimedia experiences created uniquely for the space. ALIVE Magazine and Bud Light are proud to present the first ever ULTRA Pride Awards honoring three outstanding individuals in the categories of business, non-profit and personal achievement. Honorees will be recognized at an awards presentation to kick off the night with cocktails, DJs and dancing to follow. Saturday, June 27 @ Grand Center - 7-11 p.m. Visit EventBrite.com for more information.

Speaking of things to do in Forest Park, this year’s musical acts include Blondie, Melissa Etheridge and Kool and The Gang. Forest Park provides all the fireworks from stage to sky. Since 1981, The Fair St. Louis Foundation, in partnership with the City of St. Louis and the National Park Service, has hosted a spectacular celebration featuring live music, educational activities, air shows and fireworks over the Fourth of July Weekend.

Friday, July 10: Back to The Future Friday, July 17: Jaws Friday, July 24: Clueless Friday, July 31: The Sound Of Music Visit slam.org/filmseries for details.

Friday-Sunday, June 26-28 @ Downtown St. Louis Visit pridestl.org for complete itinerary and for more information.

Ultra June 27

Fair St Louis July 2 - 4

Thursday, July 2: Natalie Stovall and The Drive, Parmalee, Chris Young Friday, July 3: Blondie and Melissa Etheridge Saturday, July 4: Morris Day and The Time and Kool and the Gang Visit FairSaintLouis.org for a complete list of events and details.

Six

One

Break out the fire pits, hit up a patio, grab yourself a Pearl cocktail and let’s do this summer right. These are the top eight things to do in the next eight weeks —make the most of it.

Five

SUMMER IS HERE!

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BUD LIGHT PRESENTS

Joan Lipkin Writer/Director/Social Activist Producing Artistic Director, That Uppity Theatre Company

Bud Light ULTRA Pride Awards Honoree for Personal Achievement Photo by Matt Kile Hair/Makeup by Jordan Fox

Presented by

May 23 to August 23 Magic Reimagined In the summer of 2012, Chinese lanterns illuminated the Missouri Botanical Garden. This year the Garden is hosting an ALL-NEW Chinese lantern exhibit to amaze and inspire visitors once more. The 2015 Lantern Festival features unique installations with environmental, historic, and plant-based themes.

Get your tickets now! 4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110 Learn more and order online: www.mobot.org/lanternfestival For tickets, call: (314) 678-7442 ($5 service fee for phone orders) For information, call: (314) 577-5100

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ST. LOUIS’ ULTIMATE VIP PARTY DURING PRIDE WEEKEND

to stay with us is to stay with family

THIS YEAR FEATURING THE BUD LIGHT ULTRA PRIDE AWARDS

JUNE 27

7PM-11PM PUBLIC MEDIA COMMONS IN GRAND CENTER GET TICKETS NOW AT 2015ULTRA.EVENTBRITE.COM

When booking use special code VITAL for 20% discount

ALIVE Magazine and Bud Light are proud to present the first ever ULTRA Pride Awards honoring three outstanding individuals in the categories of business, nonprofit and personal achievement. The honorees will be recognized at the ULTRA VIP Pride Party Presented by Bud Light on June 27.

happy pride MoonriseHotel.com • 314-721-1111 6177 Delmar in The Loop • St. Louis, MO 63112 30

June 2015

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KC PRIDE

COMEBACK BILL SVOBODA text CHRIS ANDOE art DARIN SLYMAN

FREE walk-in testing for HIV gonorrhea, and chlamydia 3:00-7:30 p.m.

STOP IN AND GET TESTED!

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BECAUSE OF YOUR SUPPORT.

- Case management for people living with HIV/AIDS - Outreach and preventive education - Referrals for mental health and other social services

3030 Walnut Street Kansas City, MO 64108 816-561-8784 info@gsp-kc.org #GSPkc #KnowYourStatus #GetYourselfTested #FightAIDS

June 2015

We all know that any Pride Festival takes a lot of effort. From those who work hard behind the scenes to those who are front and center on stage, putting on such a grand production relies heavily on everyone working as a team. And while many of those people behind the scenes go unnoticed, Vital VOICE is spotlighting two individuals who have continually worked to make the events the great successes that they are. One of those individuals we feature is Bill Svoboda of Kansas City, who has strenuously worked to make the KC Pridefest the ever-growing event that it has become. After being named one of the top ten Pride Festivals in the nation by The Advocate in 2008, KC Pridefest went into a long, steady decline. For a couple of years it was held at the touristy Power & Light District, which many weren’t happy with, and there were complaints the events were catering to a small, exclusive group rather than the LGBT community at large. At one point bar owners began planning their own piecemeal events because of the total lack of communication from the Pride committee. The KC Diversity Coalition formed in October of 2012 and took over the event from Show Me Pride LLC. Last year they secured the region’s premier event planner, Bill Svoboda of EventPros, to run the festival, which in his first season drew twenty thousand participants.

Reached at his Kansas City office, Svoboda spoke about how the city is a natural magnet for LGBT people from hundreds of miles around. “You’ve got a lot of smaller but sizable cities within a three hour drive,” Svoboda says, “and Kansas City gets a lot of visitors and transplants from places like Omaha, Des Moines, Tulsa…” Svoboda’s bona fides include serving as the Executive Director & Producer for KC Riverfest, the region’s Independence Day celebration drawing fifty thousand visitors. With his expertise in running the largest festival in Kansas City, organizers had confidence he could pull off the city’s second largest. Among those happy about the changes is drag legend Melinda Ryder, who will be the emcee Sunday, June 7. “Kansas City’s Gay Community has always had Pride. It has gone through some growing pains but once again KC Pridefest is back on track and is going to be a celebration for everyone,” Ryder says. Ryder, who has been active in every one of Kansas City’s 36 Pride celebrations to date, is also thrilled with how easy it is to work with Svoboda. “It’s all been effortless. He sent me a contract and we’re all set,” she says.

Last year, the KC Pridefest was held at the West Bottoms and the turnout for the event only showed the growing momentum the festival is experiencing in the city. Both professionals and volunteers alike have come together to bring the festival to be one of the highlighted events Kansas City produces every year. This year’s event will be held in scenic Berkeley Riverfront Park with the Missouri River and Kansas City skyline as the festival backdrop. The host hotel is the Hampton Inn located in the cosmopolitan Country Club Plaza, minutes from the festival and LGBT nightlife. KC Pride is one of the earliest Prides, making it a great kickoff to Pride Month. The threeday festival is taking place on Friday, June 5, from 6 p.m. until midnight (tickets cost $5 and include free entry to the popular gay bars Missie B’s and Sidekicks); Saturday, June 6, from noon until 11 p.m. (tickets are again $5); and Sunday, June 7, from noon until 6 p.m. (it’s free Sunday). Known for fountains, friendly, relaxed people, and world-class shopping, Kansas City is a great weekend destination anytime. Things are happening in Kansas City, and things are consistently changing for the better. Add to that their best Pride in years and you’re guaranteed an unforgettable time. V thevitalVOICE.com

Master Of The

Parade

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SUMMER IN ST. LOUIS BEGINS HERE! “For anyone depressed about the future of the arts in America, I suggest a trip to The Muny in St. Louis. Sitting amongst many thousands of people at The Muny, watching a performance reminds us that the arts truly are one of the last bastions of social activity.”

ELLEN VANSCOY text DENNY PATTERSON art DARIN SLYMAN With more than a decade of service, Ellen Vanscoy is one of the longest serving Board Members in the history of Pride St. Louis and director of the annual parade. Pride St. Louis has one of the largest parades within the nation. In addition, Vanscoy has also implemented a larger and more exciting children’s area where families can bring their children and still enjoy the festival. Vanscoy believes that educating the community is crucial to the entire concept of Pride, which is why she pours her heart and soul into making the parade a monumental success. She’s not in it for the fame or recognition. There is no room for ego. In August, Vanscoy will be up for re-election. If she chooses to run again and gets re-elected, that would put her in another two year term until 2017 which would be her tenth year anniversary on the board. No one can rock a parade like Vanscoy.

2015 SEASON

How did you obtain the role of parade director? In my second year of volunteering, I sort of became float director. I was sort of running where people went. The next year, Kristen Goodman was director, and I was kind of her assistant. She had to step down and she asked me if I could take over. So we kind of flip flopped. She became my right hand, and I became parade director. How has the parade evolved since you took over?

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Oh gosh, tremendously. In terms of size, it’s grown tremendously due to the tremendous amount of support we get from everything. From politicians to local businesses, as well

as our own LGBT organizations who come out and showcase their work. Do you believe a parade is significant to Pride? Absolutely. The parades are pretty much all Pridefest started. The parades were the marches to fight for our rights and fight for our support. We’ve gained so much of that, but the fight is far from over. Obviously, if you look at what’s going on around the world, in addition to everything from the fight for marriage equality, to just equal rights in general. The parades are an important part of showcasing. I mean it’s a giant parade going down the center of our metropolitan area with 90,000 people coming out to show their support. Has there been a parade that left you in awe? In 1994, I lived in Madison, Wisconsin and I went to Milwaukee Pride. It was my first Pride ever. I remember after the parade, it was much smaller back then, the whole crowd would step into the street and follow the parade through the city. There were no barricades. I remember stepping in that street and thinking, “Oh my God, look at all these people just like me.” I was very young and only been out a few years. What would you say is the most difficult part of organizing the parade? Probably the staging. Moving from Grand to downtown was a challenge. We have to determine which sites you can use, and which groups are going to go where, and which are going to go first, and who you have to

bring in early, and dealing with sponsors and politicians and maybe organizations that are award winners. What can we expect from the parade in the future? I hope to see it get bigger. Not just for the numbers, but that means more people support and more people coming out. I would like to see a bigger and better parade just from a parade director’s viewpoint. I would like to see bigger floats and more color and bigger groups, but I hope to see it continue to be a tool for our community and allies to show the support of the rights that we fight for every day. Besides the parade, you are the children’s area director. How did you get involved with that? I always loved working with kids. Years ago, I was going to be a preschool teacher. I kind of took this area on as my pet project to see where we could go with it and it’s grown immensely since being downtown. We have a bounce house and water slides and arts and crafts and several hundred kids each year and that grows. It’s grown beyond that, so it’s a sunny area and I have several friends now that have kids and are appreciative of that area. Lastly, and probably most importantly, how do you unwind after Pride? Lots of tequila [laughs]. Well we pretty much start all over again. We go out and celebrate, but then you’re doing your wrap up meetings and going through all the numbers and details of how it happened. Then we go into elections in August and start all over again. V

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June 2015

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Kansas City Pride JUNE 5, 6 & 7

BERKLEY RIVERFRONT PARK GayPrideKC.org Presented by:

June 5 – 7, 2015 Berkley Riverfront Park Friday, June 5th (6pm – midnight)

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 6:00 p.m.

Festival Hours Admission: $5.00 Free entry to Missie B's and Sidekicks with your festival wristband

12:00 p.m.

Main Stage Emcees: Melinda Ryder Flo

Main Stage 6:00 p.m. DJ Chef Nguyen

DJ Daniel Weaver

DJ Aaron Fries

DJ Wes Warner

DJ Shad Slater

Cyon Flair

Men of Skin

DJ Barry Harris

6:00 7:30 8:30 9:30 10:00

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

Emcee: Dirty Dorothy DJ Chef Nguyen DJ Daniel Weaver & DJ Aaron Fired DJ Remix Wes Warner & DJ Chad Slater Cyon Flare with DJ Daniel DJ Barry Harris with Men of Skin.

12:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

Saturday, June 6th (12pm – 11pm)

Festival Hours Admission: $5.00 Free entry to Missie B's and Sidekicks with your festival wristband

Main Stage Josh Zuckerman

Material Girl

MK Nobilette

First Ladies of Disco

Also Appearing

PerformOUTKC • Daniel Weaver • Devint Tait Heartland Mens Chorus • Chelsea Hastings • Widow Von’Du/KC Sunshine • Missie B’s Production

Sunday, June 7th (12pm – 6pm)

The Clementines • Sidekicks Stage Show • Royalty Court Black Gay Pride • Latino Gay Pride

Weekend Emcees

Dirty Dorothy • Widow Von’Du • Melinda Ryder • Flo Admission $5 on Friday and Saturday, FREE on Sunday

3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 12:00 1:00 2:20 3:00 3:30 4:30 5:00 5:30 6:00 7:30 8:40 9:15 10:00

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Emcees: Widow Von'Du Cyon Flare DJ Daniel Weaver. PerformOUTKC Devin Tait Heartland Men's Chorus DJ Daniel Weaver Chelsea Hasting Kansas City Mayor Sly James and Dignitaries Widow Von'Du/KC Sunshine Josh Zuckerman Material Girl Missie B's Production Number MK Nobilette The First Ladies of Disco

Festival Hours Admission: FREE

1:00 2:00 3:30 3:15 3:30 3:50 4:25 5:30 5:45

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The Clementines Royalty Court Melinda Ryder Black Gay Pride Latino Gay Pride Loreal Sidekicks Flo Volunteer Thank You

Ongoing Activities East Side:

• Children’s Area (Sat. & Sun.) • Animal Adoption (Sat. & Sun.) • Food Fair • Volleyball (Sun. 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.) • LGBTQ Youth Hangout

West Side:

• Market Place • Verizon Pavilion • Health Village

Come and celebrate diversity in Kansas City on June 5-7 at Berkley Riverfront Park. Check out the schedule of events so you don't miss out on the fun! Admission is $5.00 on Friday and Saturday, but free on Sunday. Kids 12 and under are free all weekend. In addition, there where be a Symposium on Tuesday, June 2 and an Interfaith Service on Wednesday, June 3. For more information, go to gaypridekc.org.

Plus: June 3:

June 2: Symposium at UMKC Interfaith Service at Central Presbyterian Church presented by the Kansas City Coalition for Welcoming Ministries

www.gaypridekc.org for discounted tickets 40

June 2015

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Metro East Pride JUNE 20

DOWNTOWN AREA OF BELLEVILLE, IL MetroEastPrideSWI.org 12:00 12:15 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:00 2:30 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 9:15

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Opening Remarks from MEPSI Board Gateway Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choir Becky Kern Dance Studio POWJr72 Broadway on Main Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale for Photo Opps Special Announcements Award Ceremony Gary Robert Strickland Middle Class Fashion Metro East Pride Drag Show Avery Hill Band Judy McNutt

Closing Remarks Following Judy McNutt's Performance. Be sure to get down to the beautiful downtown area of Belleville, IL on June 20 for the annual Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois. Come and check out the new and exciting things Metro East Pride has in store for the Metro East Community! The festival goes on from noon until 10 p.m. providing fun and entertainment. For more information on the festival visit MetroEastPrideSWI.org.

June 2015

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Tower Grove Pride JUNE 27

SOUTH GRAND AT HARTFORD, ST. LOUIS, MO TowerGrovePride.org

Featuring

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Tower Grove Pride is once again embracing its roots and rebranding its third annual event as Renegayed; a cozy affair along the South Grand business corridor featuring local vendors, food trucks, bands, entertainers, hand-built exhibits and home-grown activities held on Stonewall Saturday. Experience the heart and soul of South City at this third annual community-powered Pride. Renegayed is kid and Fido-friendly. Come on out to dine, dance, drink, shop, flaunt and show your Pride! The fun starts at 12 p.m.

June 2015

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Pride St. Louis JUNE 26, 27 & 28

SOLDIERS MEMORIAL DOWNTOWN PrideSTL.org FRIDAY, JUNE 26 4:30 p.m. PrideFest Grounds Open 4:30 p.m. Craft Beer Fest Presented by Master Card and Friday Food Trucks

4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m.

Bud Light Entertainment Stage Emcee: Trish Busch That 80’s Band Zach Noe Towers Hot House Sessions, Live DJ & Glow Stick Dance Party

SUNDAY, JUNE 28 7:00 a.m. St. Louis Front Runner’s 6th Annual Pride 5K: Soldiers Memorial 12:00 p.m.

Children's Area 6:00 p.m. Hours of Operation 4:00 p.m. Special Entertainment Live DJ Dance Area Hours of Operation

SATURDAY, JUNE 27 7:00 a.m. 2nd Annual Team Saint Louis Pride Ride: 1000 North Lenore K. Sullivan BLVD 11:00 a.m. PrideFest Grounds Open LGBT Military Wreath Laying Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. Soldiers Memorial 2:00 p.m. Commitment/Marriage Ceremony: City Hall Rotunda Children's Area 12:00 p.m. Hours of Operation 12:00 p.m. Arts and Crafts 1:00 p.m. Special Entertainment Live DJ Dance Area 2:00 p.m. Hours of Operation

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1:00 5:00 1:00 1:15 1:30 1:45 2:15 3:00 3:45 4:40 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:45 8:00

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2:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00

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Bud Light Entertainment Stage Emcees: Lola Von Ella Adore Delano Lola Von Ella Pride Idol Winner (Audience’s Choice) Pride Idol Winner (Judge’s Choice) CHARIS Women's Chorus Gateway Men's Chorus 2015 Pride Royalty Review Lola Von Ella Live Band Performance. Anti-Gravity Bella and Lilly Kim Massie Mary Griffin Adore Delano Dev

Monsanto Entertainment Stage Emcee: Tajma Stetson Dawn Weber and the Electro Funk Melissa Neels Band Vigil and Thieves Middle Class Fashion

PrideFest Ground Open Wells Fargo Advisers Grand Pride Parade: Down Market Street, Downtown St. Louis

2:15 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:15 p.m. 2:45 p.m. 3:45 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m.

2:00 4:00 2:00 2:45 3:30 4:30 5:30

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Bud Light Entertainment Stage

Emcees: LaTrice Royale Michelle McCausland Pride Dignitaries and Proclamations LaTrice Royale Hank and Cupcakes Pride Royalty Drag Review Wells Fargo Advisers Pride Parade Awards. Anti-Gravity Michelle McCausland David Hernandez Pride Board Swag Toss LeAnn Rimes

Monsanto Entertainment Stage Emcees: Trixie LaRue Summer Osborne Electric South Side Jen Norman All Mixed Up Super Majik Robots Summer Osborne

Make sure to check out St. Louis' annual PrideFest celebration June 26-28 located in downtown St. Louis at Soldiers Memorial. With over 150,000 attendees last year, Pride St. Louis is one of the nation's largest LGBT festivals. This year's theme is “Color Our World.” Make sure to check out the schedule of events. You don't want to miss a thing.

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text KARLA TEMPLETON art SARA HERTEL

eAnn Rimes is one of the most successful entertainers in the world with a career spanning more than two decades. With 44 million albums sold, two Grammy Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards and 12 Billboard Music Awards, she has made her mark in the world of music. Unstoppable from the age of 11, LeAnn was the youngest person to ever win a Grammy Award and was the first country artist to win the Grammy Best New Artist. Adding to her extensive list of venues and audiences, Rimes is set to headline PrideFest 2015 in St. Louis, taking place June 26-28 at Soldiers Memorial downtown. Vital VOICE was able to speak with the world-renowned artist recently about headlining PrideFest 2015 and her sincere connection to the LGBT community. How do you feel about being chosen as the headliner for PrideFest 2015 in St. Louis? I love playing PrideFests. There’s a lot of love, and they’re so much fun. I’m super excited to be a part of this Pride celebration. I know it’s going to be such a good time. What’s it like playing festivals compared to your sold out arenas? I have played so many different kinds of venues and they all come with a different kind of energy. I love really intimate venues. I love being able to see everyone’s face. I love to be in the moment with everyone instead of seeing a black hole, which sometimes happens. Festivals like this are always a lot of fun. Everybody’s coming out to have a 50

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good time, especially PrideFest. It brings a whole different kind of energy than I’ve ever performed around. I’ve only performed this type of event three or so times — a couple of PrideFests and the White Party in Palm Springs. It’s a different kind of show- a lot of love. A whole different energy than what I’ve performed for before.

We talked about the love of playing darts, singing karaoke and the love of country music in the LGBT community in St. Louis. If you were to sing a karaoke song, what would it be? Ha! You know, that’s a hard one. My husband is a big Kenny Rogers fan. So if we were going to do a duet, we would probably do “Island in the Stream,” which we have done around our piano on a very intoxicated occasion. I don’t know if we would do it in public, but around our friends, yeah. I’ll have to get back to you on a solo song. I’m actually pretty good at darts though.

While the fun-loving performer is intent on keeping music the

focus of her career, LeAnn has long-supported a variety of charity organizations including the National Psoriasis Foundation, The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, StandUp For Kids as well as The Trevor Project. She most recently began her work with the Friend Movement, an antibullying organization.

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You’ve been very active in anti-bullying campaigns. Where did this calling stem from?

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I have been. Lord knows, I have an understanding with the LGBT community. I’ve been in the spotlight since I was a kid and been judged and talked about left and right. I’ve been lied about. Once you’ve been judged like I have been judged by the world, I think you really have a lot of empathy for others. I know that at moments I felt like I was bullied. I know what those feelings are. Even though they’re in different situations, I can really empathize with those core feelings. So yeah, I’ve been very much a part of these campaigns and I will continue to be.

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I have very dark moments at times. That’s why I love giving back so much and being a part of other peoples’ lives and stories and inspirations because I know what that feels like. I’m one of those people that tries to see the positive in what I’ve gone through and being able to help other people that are going through those feelings and emotions. You know, I think I was put in this position for a reason, and that gives me a little peace along the way. As a community, we love and appreciate the support you’ve been giving. Do you feel that country music as a whole is starting to embrace the LGBT community?

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June 2015

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I’m proud of people like Chely Wright, Ty Herndon and Billy Gilman. I’ve known Ty since I was eight years old. I’m proud of them for actually coming out and inspiring other people and being able to be themselves. They’ve all always been dear to my heart and very good friends. I’ve always been very vocal about supporting them. I don’t remember a time when I haven’t been vocal about supporting the LGBT community. I hope it changes quicker. Because of them now coming out, I know that there are people in the country music community that support them, but it’s privately, not vocally or publicly. So I hope that changes. It definitely still has a stigma, and people still have their walls up, which I don’t quite get. That’s not who I am. So I hope that changes quicker than it’s changing now. I hope everyone starts to see everyone as equals.

We know you’re married, sure. But do you have a celebrity girl crush? Yes, actually. I’m a huge fan of [volleyball star] Gabrielle Reece. I think she’s fantastic. She’s such a strong woman. I don’t usually go up to people and seek people out if we’re in the same business. I’ll say “Hello,” but I actually couldn’t speak when I saw her in Melbourne. I was just standing there in awe of her. Her and Elle MacPherson are two very strong and beautiful women. They empower health and strength and I think that’s why I love them so much. We certainly love LeAnn and are anxiously awaiting her performance later this month. LeAnn Rimes takes the Bud Light Entertainment Stage late Sunday afternoon, following acts such as DEV, RuPaul Drag Race stars LaTrice Royale and Adore Delano, David Hernandez, Mary Griffin and St. Louis legend Kim Massie, among others. V

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Tell us a little bit about the new album.

ORIGINAL SOUND:

I have been working on an album for a while now with Printz Board of the Black Eyed Peas. The album is almost done! I write all of my own music, but I like to co-write as well. A lot of the songs on there are fun summer songs, and you get into the later part of the album, there are ballads, mid-tempo songs that are really personal. I think it’s different from my last album because the last album was over-produced, and I kind of listen lyrically to what other people had to say more than myself. The sound is very pop and R&B influenced because that’s what I grew up on.

Overall, what is your favorite genre of music to perform?

I’m getting in on Friday night, and I want to hang out with everybody. One thing you’ll get to know about me is when I get done singing I don’t just go into my hotel room or dressing room, I actually go sit back at the table or wherever the people are and start signing CDs. I just like hanging out, I feel as though I owe it to people. Being they saw me on Idol or another show, they come out, they see you, and they take the time out of their day, and it’s 45 minutes to an hour out of mine. That’s what I’m excited about doing, but if you know of anything Friday night let me know because I want to get turnt up!

My favorite genre, I love the blues. I grew up on R&B music, rhythm and blues, but I love Ben King and Etta James, some of those soul singers.

Speaking of, if you went out one night in St. Louis at a karaoke bar, what would be your go-to karaoke song?

What are you most looking forward to coming to St. Louis?

text KEVIN SCHMIDT art BOBBY QUILLARD

I have been to St. Louis, but I never been to Pride in St. Louis. I’m looking forward to that because I hear it’s a lot of fun, and I’ve done a few Prides and the energy is positive. Everyone is just so excited and happy to out and be themselves. I’ve never been to a Pride where there wasn’t just a bunch of positive energy. Everyone can be natural and be who they are, it’s kind of dope! I love that aspect of it and they obviously support their mission when they come and show up at their festival. It’s just an overall fun event.

You’ve done a few Pride festivals before, why do you like to do them so much?

David Hernandez, the amiable singer/songwriter/actor who gained national attention in 2008 on American Idol, joins the cast of headliners in St. Louis for PrideFest this year. Hernandez is no stranger to the city, most recently being a performer at the HRC St. Louis Gala this past November. And from doing appearances, making the talk show circuits to opening for headline acts such as John Legend, Hernandez has been keeping himself busy since his Idol days. He currently resides in L.A. where he is working on new, original music inspired by the sounds and inspirations of his roots, a blend of pop and R&B. As Hernandez makes his rounds at various Pride Festivals around the country this summer, he’ll take the stage in St. Louis on Sunday, June 28. Vital Voice talked with Hernandez about his most recent projects, and what he has planned for his trip to the Lou.

June 2015

Do you have any other plans on what you’d like to do while you’re here?

I don’t know! Initially, I didn’t pick that I wanted to go and do Pride. I really didn’t know that there was a desire to have me perform at these. I had no idea until I got with my booking agent, Steven Ford. He created this thing called an award sheet for me that listed all my accolades, all my promo videos, and he started blasting them all over the country. This was about three years ago, and everybody else promises you that they’re going to get you work and stuff so I thought it was just bullshit. When he started calling me every other week and was like “Oh, I got you booked and they want you to do 30 minutes,” I was like “What!” So it sort of happened organically, I didn’t plan for it. You know I work for the Human Rights Campaign where I go sing for them or open for whatever artist and perform at their after parties. I did the GLAAD awards once, but I think I’m their go-to for the Human Right’s Campaign so it’s an honor.

Oh, so I don’t have one. I love “All of Me” by John Legend, that’s a good up-to-date one. But if we’re going back in the day, I’ll say “Hello” by Lionel Richie. I was watching The Voice before you called, and I saw Kimberly Nichole perform “Creep” by Radiohead and I was like ‘I want to go do karaoke and sing that.’ So we have “All of Me,” “Hello” by Lionel Richie, and “Creep.” That’s a weird combination!

What are the three things you must bring to a Pride festival? Obviously, wear minimum clothes as possible. That’s always a good thing, especially at Pride if you’re single. Then, sun block and sunglasses. Then, a water bottle full of vodka. That’s what I’ll bring.

You were in the band Vinyl Four. One Direction now has an opening for another member. Would you ever consider? I would need to be like the lead vocalist or at least the front man of the band. I don’t mind helping leading vocals, but I don’t like doing backup. I was kind of designed throughout my life to be in the front, bringing the crowd to the stage. I don’t know about One Direction. They’re talented, but I don’t know. I might be too old for that group. Maybe if I shaved my beard and put on some make-up. I would much rather join the Pussycat Dolls first. Have those beautiful women behind me singing powerhouse vocals.

Anything else to add? No, if I do I’ll text you guys. V

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experience text DENNY PATTERSON art GUY GUIDO

Known as high-spirited and energetic, Kansas City is happy to welcome back singer/songwriter Josh Zuckerman as he headlines this year’s Pride celebration on Saturday, June 6. Born and raised in St. Louis, Zuckerman is expanding musical horizons. He developed his love for music at the age of eight when he was introduced to the violin and believes the lyrics to his songs are truthful and meaningful as they explore life’s challenges and his quest for spiritual growth. His motto is “Be who you are, be real, it’s all about love.”

unique. authentic. fun.

June 2015

Zuckerman has performed for numerous charitable events including the American Red Cross, Relay for Life, The Rivington House and The Matthew Shepard Foundation. His style includes a mixture of alternative, rock and pop, in addition to some soothing ballads. Vital VOICE received the chance to chat with Zuckerman about headlining for Pride KC.

So Josh, why did you accept the offer to headline for Pride KC?

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I actually didn’t know I was headlining until recently. When I played in Kansas City before, the people treated me so nicely. They would pick me up from my hotel and airport, they treated me like royalty. So I always wanted to go back. Kansas City is a great experience.

When you performed in Kansas City before, were you headlining? No, I was opening up for another artist. Pride KC will be my first time headlining.

What can we expect from you at Pride KC?

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Well I recently put out a new CD that I’m really excited about. I’m looking forward to playing new music at Pride for the people of KC. This will also be my first time doing a solo show. I have always played with a band before. Audiences can expect pop and rock, but with an edge to it. I will also be bringing my violin to play “Devil Went Down to Georgia.” It’s a favorite of mine to play.

What does the LGBT community personally mean to you? To me, it means freedom. Being true to yourself and being able to love who you love openly and honestly. It’s about being authentic.

Authenticity is also a primary message in your music, correct? It really is. I’m a very spiritual person. When I came to the whole realization in my life that there’s something better out there and my life made sense, I wanted to incorporate it into my music somehow. I started off being a rock star kid – a kid who wanted to be validated. When I got older, I understood and learned how to love myself. Authenticity can come in many ways – fun, sexual, sensual, you name it. It’s a good message for people to relate to.

Where did your passion for music come from? From just being a kid who loves music, I grew up with it. It was an outlet for me to really be confident in myself. Like my own separate world. I guess you can relate this to the whole Superman/Clark Kent persona. When not performing I felt dorky and unaccepted, but when I’m on stage I’m Superman and ready to fly. As I got older, I learned to be confident off stage as well as on. It was a challenge in the beginning.

What are you looking forward to the most about headlining? Just being with the people. I enjoy being around new people and I look forward to seeing their responses on how they like my music.

Tell us more about your newest single, “Evaporate.” Well I just recently shot the music video for it in L.A., directed by my nephew actually. The video is about being in a relationship with someone. The looks of it are all beautiful and roses on the outside, but on the inside you’re unhappy and wish that person was gone – wish they would evaporate. It’s just an imaginary idea, but all ends up okay. Significant others can be quite frustrating sometimes, so you need a way to vent. It’s a tongue and cheek version of that idea.

Is it true that you are also a teacher? Yeah! I’ve tought kindergarten for 13 years.

Pride is a big outdoor festival. What is the best thing about summer concerts and being with so many other performers?

What got you interested in teaching?

I think just being at outdoor festivals reminds me of Woodstock. Growing up and seeing all of my favorite bands outdoors in the summer makes them more authentic. It’s not about the glamour and glitz. It’s about seeing the artists perform and hearing their music. Playing with other performers also gives me a chance to personally see their style and work.

After having a lot of dead end jobs, I basically wanted to do something I enjoyed while making music. This came at the time in my life where I didn’t know if music would happen for me the way I wanted it to. [I] really love teaching children and it all worked out. It’s a bit ironic though that I became a teacher and my music career picked up. V

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I’ve been on a mission recently to explore new avenues of this life that I have not before. I am exploring, asking questions and going places I would have previously shied from, seeking exposure to a new level of culture. I have always been a creature of habit - a creature of habit that claims to have seen it all. Obviously, I have not. My recent exploration has led to a desire to answer an age-old question in more of its entirety than has previously been done before: “How do lesbians have sex?” It is the question that started it all. “Bumping turtle shells” is how a “hilariously heterosexual” friend sums it up. While it seems silly, it’s not a far cry from the stereotypes and generalizations made everywhere in mainstream society. Check any large porn site. All of us cringe at how we are so frequently represented: the long nails, the “O” face on annoyingly tan bodies, dressed like schoolgirls with “toys” that honestly just do NOT work the way they portray them. I wanted to provide an actual answer. Nothing restrictive or boxy, just honest and sans-satire that usually accompanies responses to such (often invasive) inquiries. I realized quickly that there is an entire community of queer folk who are already on this educational mission, opening their minds and others’ to the myriad of sexual possibilities. Kink and BDSM became particularly interesting and a big piece of my educational journey. My quest on this topic began with an idea of a photo shoot that stemmed from a conversation about leather with leather craftsman Jerry Miller. Finding the models and props for the photo shoot was fairly easy, as lots of people jumped up to talk about the topic. Coffee was served and the conversations went in a spider web of directions. I found in my first two conversations with Jerry and Sara Michelson (owner of the under-construction BOX, a new feminist sex toy shop in the Cherokee neighborhood) that my naivety spans so much further than I ever imagined.

text KARLA TEMPLETON art DARIN SLYMAN

June 2015

This produced more in-depth conversations. I began to reach out and ask more questions and search for more education in the areas that I personally couldn’t understand: the community beyond the identified lesbians in our fair cities. I found that not only are we a top purchaser in leather and bondage gear from our local basement shop at CheapTrx, but that there are many customers across the spectrum who are interested in handcrafted leather pieces designed to fit them perfectly. That’s where Jerry Miller comes in. He specializes in creating one-of-a-kind leather pieces for any individual that meanders into his shop at Bombers Hideaway. Harnesses, cuffs and collars are proudly displayed on the walls, even a swing made of studded leather decorates the ceiling like a chandelier. I asked Jerry if he has a non-Bear customer base, and he does. It is something he wishes to branch out and dig more intensely into. Leather is just one of many avenues some take; metal, glass and different types of role-play are also prevalent. Some of the more interesting conversations were those I have had with my close friends in the Trans community. One of my girlfriends told me about the years she has spent exploring and creating her own private version of personal play. One example: a key frozen in an ice cube that held her freedom from her self-applied handcuffs, in which she patiently waited for the cube to melt so she could catch the key in her perfectly aligned hand. My talks with longtime friend Brock McCalmon led to conversations about the misconceptions of femininity and masculinity, and the home he found in the Kink community. I found a newfound kink of my own in the process: beards and lipstick.

Not only lesbians are affected in the stereotype of “vanilla” sex. The queer community in general is under this mass confusion and lack of understanding from the outside and often within our own community. Sex isn’t just about the act; it’s about so much more. Education, classes, toys, communication, sub cultures, sub-sub cultures and even a different language and verbiage are all used to describe this whole underbelly of our community’s world. I came to the realization that I had no clue that any of this existed, though honestly I seemed to be one of very few that didn’t in some way. I found that a whole world here in St. Louis and Kansas City exists: a world that is exciting, deep rooted and complex.

“My journey has been far from the usual when it comes to Kink and sexuality,” says Brock. “Five years ago I started my transition from female to male, though my interest in Kink stems from before I can remember. There was always something so alluring about the exchange of power and the trust and communication that happens in BDSM (Bondage/Discipline, Dominance/Submission, and Sadism/Masochism) relationships. When I was contacted for this photo shoot, I was ecstatic. I was given the opportunity to push the envelope, to challenge ideas on gender and the typical macho-male Dom and the femme Submissive. I learned early on in my Kink career in the Queer Dungeons of New York City and all over the East Coast that our ideas of femininity and masculinity and their roles were all wrong. I learned everything I know as a Male Dominant and a Sadist from Femme Dominants. I learned that femme/female and submissive were not one in the same and vice versa. I can honestly say, as a Lifestyler (someone who practices Kink and their dynamics 24/7), these relationships have been the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences I have ever had, when done consensually and responsibly.”

“When our sexualities can only be seen through a patriarchal lens, it is important to craft safer spaces, like Box, to make sure that folks who may not fit into what society views as ‘normal’ can explore and exist safely,” says Sara Michelson.

After all of the conversations I have had, my imagination has just begun to gear up. I have discovered one solid fact: The queer community has been adding spice to their granola all along… We just haven’t been talking about it. V thevitalVOICE.com

The Great Purge Think of the faces that define your city. Those iconic personalities: the entertainers, the organizers, the politicos, and now imagine your region has become so unlivable most of them begin a mass exodus alongside many of your friends and neighbors. That’s exactly what’s happening in our nation’s coastal capitals, chief among them San Francisco. “I have given my all to the fight and it has left me living below poverty level in the most expensive city in the US and that will not be changing any time soon. It is no longer my home though because my friends and chosen family are leaving in droves as well,” says activist and drag legend Anna Conda. When Glendon Hyde, a.k.a. Anna Conda, ran for SF Supervisor in full drag several years ago, the city was already propping up its “Counterculture Capital” reputation like the Weekend at Bernie’s corpse as longtime residents were forced out by the thousands to make room for commuting Silicon Valley tech workers. Laws and ordinances were changed to make the influx of mainstream residents more comfortable – culminating with the controversial nudity ban.

text CHRIS ANDOE art MERCEDES MONROE/PETER WERNER

Conda’s quirky and colorful campaign delighted and validated the self-conscious city, and her strong showing led to her high-profile post as entertainment commissioner and to her becoming president of the Harvey Milk Democratic Club.

War on Fun The plague of expensive and tightly packed condos overwhelming San Francisco are choking out nightlife in what Conda famously calls “The War on Fun.” Venues that have been around forever are being demolished to make way for more residential units, or find themselves embattled by the new, monied neighbors who complain about noise, forcing the businesses to either close or make costly modifications. As San Francisco’s first ever drag queen entertainment commissioner, Conda was a fierce defender of nightlife for the city and the larger LGBT community. She fought to ensure nightlife had a voice when development on neighboring property was proposed, and she mounted a wildly ambitious effort to save the historic SF Eagle, which seemed like a hopeless fool’s errand to me at the time but was ultimately successful. Despite her successes, the changes to the city are seemingly irreversible. The people who made the city what it was are largely gone and the “War on Fun” appears all but lost.

Evolve or Die Our historic gayborhoods, from the San Francisco’s Castro to Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, were born out of necessity because there were so few places we could be ourselves. They were at their LGBT zeniths

June 2015

when they were at their low water mark for mainstream desirability. From roughly the mid-50s to the 80s old, urban neighborhoods were out of fashion as people flocked to the suburbs. Big old houses in places like the Castro, and even in local districts like the Central West End were considered white elephants, and were going cheap. We flooded into these neighborhoods when nobody else wanted them and made them great, which makes me wonder why we cling to outdated notions of them now that they’ve evolved into something different. Are we not still a people with imagination and ingenuity? Can we no longer forge new territory? Of course there’s still plenty of LGBT life and many other redeeming qualities to the now prohibitively expensive markets where we once thrived, but like Anna Conda, either by choice or necessity many are switching gears and taking their talents elsewhere. In Conda’s case, she’s making 90-mile trek to Sacramento, which is roughly the size of Kansas City. Unlike thirty years ago, we’re now awash in choices when it comes to where LGBT people can live comfortably and openly. Our world is suddenly big, which can make life interesting even in places that are small. I’ve been spending time in the historic and picturesque river town of Alton, Illinois recently, and one night I found myself in a busy gay bar sitting next to a gay military policeman and his friends. I thought back to all the nights spent around guys posing in uniform, but here was the genuine article next to me. “Evolve or Die” is the mantra of Vital VOICE publisher Darin Slyman, and being a nostalgic man I have to work to keep my appreciation for history from blinding me to the opportunities and the magic of the moment. In this case, a moment where I’m enjoying a few beers with friendly, nice looking, openly gay military men in Alton. V

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CLASSIC MOVIE ANNIVERSARIES 20TH 30TH

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Soldiers Memorial PrideSTL.org Join Pride Saint Louis for the 2015 PrideFest celebration! Last year, more than 150,000 attendees visited the PrideFest grounds over the two-day event. The annual Pride Parade steps off from 8th and Market at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 28. The theme for the 2015 PrideFest celebration is “Color Our World.” Produced by Pride Saint Louis, Inc. the festival is one of the largest free Pride Festival celebrations in the country.

THE 2015 FESTIVAL SEASON AT OPERA THEATRE OF SAINT LOUIS A K I N G , A F E W Q U E E N S , A S T Y L I S T,

TA K E P R I D E I N D I S CO V E R I N G O N E O F T H E N AT I O N ’ S

Two lovebirds. One wingman. A close shave.

Kansas City

Pridefest KC

J U N E

2015

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Berkley Riverfront Park GayPrideKC.org Named one of the top 10 Pride Festivals in the nation, the festival is the second largest festival in Kansas City. Taking place in the heartland, the objective is to use the many voices and talents to celebrate, educate and share diversity with those in the greater Kansas City area and surrounding region.

A CO U R T E S A N , A N D F O R B I D D E N LOV E

L E A D I N G O P E R A C O M PA N I E S I N YO U R O W N B A C K YA R D !

Fly away to a land of dreams and sunlight.

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Secrets at the end of innocence.

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2015 OTSL Festival Season

My Fair Lady

Jesus Christ Superstar

Lily Tomlin

A Little Bit Wicked

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The Muny in Forest Park

Musical Theater Heritage

Folly Theater

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Kauffman Center for the Arts

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JUNE 3, 12, 18, 20, 24, 28

JUNE 4, 6, 10, 14, 17, 27 “Bright, beautiful, funny, relatable, awe-inspiring, and extraordinarily entertaining” – PHILLY NOW

Starring Corinne Winters “an outstanding actress… a singer of extraordinary grace and finesse” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

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Starring Tim Mead “vocally and dramatically outstanding” – GRAMOPHONE

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SUBSCRIPTIONS START AT $82. SINGLE TICKETS START AT $25.

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ALL OPERAS ARE SUNG IN ENGLISH AND PERFORMED WITH MEMBERS OF THE FAMED ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY.

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Lindsey Stirling

Lily Tomlin

ULTRA Public Media Commons in Grand Center

Maker Faire: Kansas City

Brit Floyd World Tour

Camelot

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Union Station

Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland

Fabulous Fox Theatre

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MidlandKC.com

(Closing Date)

Starlight Theatre KCStarLight.com .

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JUST JOHN SIXTH ANNUAL

BEACH BASH art MARK MORE

June 2015

URBANAIRE art DARIN SLYMAN

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70 June 2015 thevitalVOICE.com

KC CARE’S

art JON BARBE

(Left)

CAMP BLOOM

art JON BARBE

(Right)

E L M AY O R D E M AY O

Kristen Goodman last call

art DARIN SLYMAN place LILLY’S MUSIC & SOCIAL HOUSE

“I love creating a gathering place where women are celebrated and people feel comfortable being themselves,” Kristen says. Goodman specializes in creating events and experiences that bring friends together and make amazing memories, whether it’s playing music, mixing up some good libations or hanging out with amazing people. “I absolutely love what I do!” she continues. Not only that, but Goodman is great at it too. “I’m experimenting with cocktails that feature hard cider, ginger beer, or grapefruit ale. Pearl Citrus Vodka with Illusive Traveler Grapefruit Ale is a tasty (and potent) summer brunch twist on the classic screwdriver.”

Lilly’s Music & Social House “Lilly’s has a comfortable, laid back atmosphere where we celebrate delicious drinks, good music, and great women,” Kristen says. Patrons can enjoy special events like the Open Cabaret or Game Night, listen to live music, or just hang out on the beautiful patio with friends.

While you can catch Kristen at the bar all of the time, her favorite time there is working brunch on weekendsespecially on a gorgeous day! When she’s not playing host to her patrons at Lilly’s, she usually decompresses with some Netflix guilty pleasures like Frasier, Bob’s Burgers, or Unbreakable

Kimmy Schmidt.

“St. Louis has a lot of great spots to grab a drink or a bite to eat, but I believe we need a place where we celebrate women first and foremost,” Kristen continues. “Ladies-who-love-ladies have been wanting another nightlife option for a while. Lilly’s hopes to fill that void, while providing another community gathering place where people of all genders, ages, and races can be themselves and have a great time.”

Pearl Plum Blossom • 1 1/2 oz Pearl Plum Vodka • Equal parts Cranberry Juice and Pineapple Juice • Served over ice in a classic Mason jar glass and garnished with a lime wedge

June 2015

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