June 2016 by The Vital Voice Magazine

JUNE 2016

THE

PRIDE ISSUE

Queens

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TRIUMEQ is a once-a-day pill used to treat HIV-1. TRIUMEQ should not be used by itself in some people. Take TRIUMEQ exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Is it time for you? Ask your doctor. APPROVED USES TRIUMEQ is a prescription HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus-type 1) medicine used alone or with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. TRIUMEQ is not for use by itself in people who have or have had resistance to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine. TRIUMEQ should not be used in children under the age of 18. TRIUMEQ does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. you get any of the following signs or symptoms: IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRIUMEQ? TRIUMEQ can cause serious side effects, including: • Serious allergic reactions (hypersensitivity reaction) that can cause death have happened with TRIUMEQ and other abacavircontaining products. Your risk of this allergic reaction to abacavir is much higher if you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701. Your healthcare provider can determine with a blood test if you have this gene variation. If you get symptoms from 2 or more of the following groups while taking TRIUMEQ, call your healthcare provider right away: 1. fever; 2. rash; 3. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain; 4. generally ill feeling, extreme tiredness, or achiness; 5. shortness of breath, cough, or sore throat. Your pharmacist will give you a Warning Card with a list of these symptoms. Carry this Warning Card with you at all times. If you stop taking TRIUMEQ because of an allergic reaction, never take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir- or dolutegravircontaining medicines again. If you take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir-containing medicine again after you have had an allergic reaction, within hours you may get life-threatening symptoms that may include very low blood pressure or death. If you stop TRIUMEQ for any other reason, even for a few days, and you are not allergic to TRIUMEQ, talk with your healthcare provider before taking it again. Taking TRIUMEQ again can cause a serious allergic or life-threatening reaction, even if you never had an allergic reaction to it before. If your healthcare provider tells you that you can take TRIUMEQ again, start taking it when you are around medical help or people who can call a healthcare provider if you need one. • A buildup of acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in some people who take TRIUMEQ. This serious medical emergency can cause death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you feel very weak or tired; have unusual muscle pain; have trouble breathing; have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feel cold, especially in your arms and legs; feel dizzy/light-headed; or have a fast/irregular heartbeat. • Serious liver problems can happen in people who take TRIUMEQ. In some cases, these serious liver problems can lead to death. You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking nucleoside analogue medicines for a long time. Call your healthcare provider right away if

yellow skin, or the white part of the eyes turns yellow (jaundice); dark urine; light-colored stools; loss of appetite for several days or longer; nausea; pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area • Worsening of hepatitis B virus in people who have HIV-1 infection. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus (HBV), your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking TRIUMEQ. A “flare-up” is when your HBV suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Worsening liver disease can be serious and may lead to death. Do not stop taking TRIUMEQ without first talking to your healthcare provider, so he or she can monitor your health. • Resistant hepatitis B virus. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus can change (mutate) during your treatment with TRIUMEQ and become harder to treat (resistant). • Use with interferon and ribavirin-based regimens. If you’re taking TRIUMEQ and interferon, with or without ribavirin, tell your healthcare provider about any new symptoms. Worsening of liver disease that has caused death has happened in people infected with both HIV-1 and hepatitis C who were taking antiretroviral medicines and interferon. Who should not take TRIUMEQ? • Do not take TRIUMEQ if you: have the HLA-B*5701 gene variation are allergic to abacavir, dolutegravir, or any of the ingredients in TRIUMEQ take dofetilide (Tikosyn®) have liver problems What are other possible side effects of TRIUMEQ? • People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during treatment with TRIUMEQ. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your liver function before and during treatment with TRIUMEQ. • When you start taking HIV-1 medicines, your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after you start taking TRIUMEQ. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicines. • Some HIV-1 medicines, including TRIUMEQ, may increase your risk of heart attack. Important Safety Information continued on next page.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see Important Facts about TRIUMEQ on the following pages. ©2015 ViiV Healthcare group of companies. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. 527405R0 October 2015

June 2016

Not an actual patient. Testimonial is based on a collection of real patient experiences.

The most common side effects of TRIUMEQ include: trouble sleeping, headache, tiredness These are not all the possible side effects of TRIUMEQ. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRIUMEQ? • Before you take TRIUMEQ, tell your healthcare provider if you: have been tested and know whether or not you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701 have or have had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C infection; have kidney problems; have heart problems, smoke, or have diseases that increase your risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes; drink alcohol or take medicines that contain alcohol are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRIUMEQ will harm your unborn baby are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take TRIUMEQ • You should not take TRIUMEQ if you also take: abacavir (EPZICOM®, TRIZIVIR®, or ZIAGEN®)

lamivudine (COMBIVIR®, DutrebisTM, EPIVIR®, EPIVIR-HBV®, EPZICOM, or TRIZIVIR) emtricitabine (Emtriva®, Atripla®, Complera®, Stribild®, or Truvada®) • Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines (for example, antacids or laxatives; vitamins such as iron or calcium supplements; anti-seizure medicines; other medicines to treat HIV-1, hepatitis, or tuberculosis; metformin; or methadone), vitamins, and herbal supplements (for example, St. John’s wort). Some medicines interact with TRIUMEQ. Keep a list of your medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider.

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your liver (steatosis). Call your HCP right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) ® IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT TRIUMEQ (TRI-u-meck) • dark or “tea-colored” urine The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn • light colored stools (bowel movements) more, talk about TRIUMEQ with your healthcare provider (HCP) or • loss of appetite for several days or longer pharmacist. Visit www.TRIUMEQ.com or call 1-877-844-8872 to get • nausea FDA-approved product information, including the Boxed Warning and • pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area Medication Guide. You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver What is the most important information I should know about TRIUMEQ? problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have TRIUMEQ can cause serious side effects, including: been taking nucleoside analogue medicines for a long time. • Serious allergic reactions (hypersensitivity reaction) that can • Worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in people who have HIV-1 cause death have happened with TRIUMEQ and other abacavirinfection. If you have Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) containing products. Your risk of this allergic reaction to abacavir is and HBV, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking much higher if you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701. Your TRIUMEQ. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns, HCP can determine with a blood test if you have this gene variation. worse than before. Worsening liver disease can be serious and may If you get a symptom from 2 or more of the following groups while lead to death. To help avoid this, do not run out of TRIUMEQ. Refill taking TRIUMEQ, call your HCP right away to find out if you should your prescription or talk to your HCP before your TRIUMEQ is all gone. stop taking TRIUMEQ: Do not stop TRIUMEQ without first talking to your HCP. If you stop Group 1: fever Group 4: general ill feeling, taking TRIUMEQ, your HCP will need to check your health often and Group 2: rash extreme tiredness, or achiness do blood tests regularly for several months to check your liver. Group 3: nausea, vomiting, Group 5: shortness of breath, • Resistant HBV If you have HIV-1 and HBV, the HBV can diarrhea, abdominal cough, sore throat change (mutate) while you’re on TRIUMEQ and become harder to (stomach area) pain treat (resistant). Your pharmacist will give you a Warning Card with a list of these • Use with interferon and ribavirin-based regimens. Worsening of symptoms. Carry this Warning Card with you at all times. liver disease that has caused death has happened in people infected • If you stop TRIUMEQ because of an allergic reaction, never with both HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus who are taking antiretroviral take TRIUMEQ (abacavir, dolutegravir and lamivudine) or medicines and are also being treated for hepatitis C with interferon any other abacavir- or dolutegravir-containing medicines with or without ribavirin. If you are taking TRIUMEQ and interferon with (EPZICOM®, TIVICAY®, TRIZIVIR®, or ZIAGEN®) again. or without ribavirin, tell your HCP if you have any new symptoms. • Within hours of taking them, you could have life-threatening What is TRIUMEQ? symptoms like very low blood pressure that might lead to death. TRIUMEQ is a prescription HIV-1 medicine used alone or with other • If you stop TRIUMEQ for any other reason, even for a few days, and antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. HIV-1 is the you are not allergic to TRIUMEQ, talk with your HCP before taking it virus that causes AIDS. TRIUMEQ contains 3 prescription medicines, again. Taking TRIUMEQ again can cause a serious allergic or lifeabacavir (ZIAGEN), dolutegravir (TIVICAY) and lamivudine (EPIVIR®). threatening reaction, even if you never had an allergic reaction to it TRIUMEQ is not for use by itself in people who have or have had before. If your HCP tells you that you can take TRIUMEQ again, resistance to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine. TRIUMEQ should not start taking it when you’re around medical help or people who be used in children under the age of 18. can call a HCP if you need one. TRIUMEQ does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must keep • Build-up of acid in the blood, called lactic acidosis, can happen taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease in people who take TRIUMEQ. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical HIV-related illnesses. emergency that can cause death. Call your HCP right away if you get any of the following symptoms Who should not take TRIUMEQ? Don’t take TRIUMEQ if you: that could be signs of lactic acidosis: • have a certain type of gene variation called the HLA-B*5701 allele. Your • feeling very weak or tired • feeling cold, especially in HCP will test you for this before prescribing treatment with TRIUMEQ. • unusual (not normal) muscle pain your arms and legs • are allergic to abacavir, dolutegravir, or any of the ingredients in • trouble breathing • feeling dizzy or light-headed TRIUMEQ. See the full Medication Guide for a complete list of • stomach pain with nausea • fast or irregular heartbeat ingredients in TRIUMEQ. and vomiting • Serious liver problems can happen in people who take TRIUMEQ. • take dofetilide (TIKOSYN®). Taking TRIUMEQ and dofetilide (TIKOSYN) can cause side effects that may be life-threatening. In some cases, these serious liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in • have liver or kidney problems. (continued on the next page)

June 2016

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT TRIUMEQ ® (TRI-u-meck) (cont’d) What should I tell my HCP before taking TRIUMEQ? Before you take TRIUMEQ, tell your HCP if you: • have been tested and know whether or not you have a particular gene variation called HLA-B*5701. • have or have had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection. • have kidney problems. • have heart problems, smoke, or have diseases that increase your risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. • drink alcohol or take medicines that contain alcohol. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRIUMEQ will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your HCP if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take TRIUMEQ. You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. What other medications might interact with TRIUMEQ? Tell your HCP about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines interact with TRIUMEQ. Keep a list of your medicines to show your HCP and pharmacist. You can ask your HCP or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with TRIUMEQ. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your HCP. Your HCP can tell you if it is safe to take TRIUMEQ with other medicines. You should not take TRIUMEQ if you also take: • abacavir (EPZICOM, TRIZIVIR, or ZIAGEN) • lamivudine (COMBIVIR®, DUTREBISTM, EPIVIR®, EPIVIR-HBV®, EPZICOM, or TRIZIVIR) • emtricitabine (ATRIPLA®, COMPLERA®, EMTRIVA®, STRIBILD®, or TRUVADA®) Tell your HCP if you take: • antacids, laxatives, or other medicines that contain aluminum, magnesium, sucralfate (CARAFATE®), or buffered medicines. TRIUMEQ should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these medicines. • anti-seizure medicines: • oxcarbazepine (TRILEPTAL®) • phenytoin (DILANTIN®, DILANTIN®-125, PHENYTEK®) • phenobarbital • carbamazepine (CARBATROL®, EQUETRO®, TEGRETOL®, TEGRETOL®-XR, TERIL®, EPITOL®) • any other medicine to treat HIV-1 • iron or calcium supplements taken by mouth. Supplements containing calcium or iron may be taken at the same time with TRIUMEQ if taken with food. Otherwise, TRIUMEQ should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these medicines. • medicines used to treat hepatitis virus infections, such as interferon or ribavirin • a medicine that contains metformin • methadone • rifampin (RIFATER®, RIFAMATE®, RIMACTANE®, RIFADIN®) • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

What are other possible side effects of TRIUMEQ? TRIUMEQ can cause serious side effects including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about TRIUMEQ?” • Changes in liver tests. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during treatment with TRIUMEQ. Your HCP may do tests to check your liver function before and during treatment with TRIUMEQ. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your HCP right away if you start having new symptoms after you start taking TRIUMEQ. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicines. These changes may include an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Heart attack (myocardial infarction). Some HIV-1 medicines including TRIUMEQ may increase your risk of heart attack. What are the most common side effects of TRIUMEQ? • trouble sleeping • headache • tiredness These are not all the possible side effects of TRIUMEQ. Tell your HCP if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufactured for:

by:

ViiV Healthcare GlaxoSmithKline Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Lamivudine is manufactured under agreement from Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc Basingstoke, UK COMBIVIR, EPIVIR, EPZICOM, TIVICAY, TRIUMEQ, TRIZIVIR, and ZIAGEN are registered trademarks of the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. EPIVIR-HBV is a registered trademark of the GSK group of companies. The other brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse the ViiV Healthcare group of companies or its products. ©2015, the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. All rights reserved. Issued: September 2015 TRM:3MG

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June 2016

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June 2016

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June 2016

REGIONS CELEBRATES LGBT PRIDE MONTH.

PRIDE has taken great strides. We’re here to help you take your next step. At Regions, we’re all about advising and supporting you in things that really matter. Let us help you achieve what you want today and be prepared for the future. Insights by Regions has relevant tips, tools and articles to assist you with an ever-changing financial landscape. Ready to take your next step? We’re here to help. Drop by a branch or visit regions.com/LGBT to learn more.

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HAVE PRIDE W H E R E YO U P L AY

In our city, diversity is embraced. We are dedicated to promoting an environment where all cultures, backgrounds and life experiences are welcomed and appreciated! 888.578.7289 | rivercity.com

Void for persons on the self or state exclusion lists or otherwise excluded from River City or any other properties owned by Pinnacle Entertainment. Must be age 21 or older to gamble. Gambling problem? Call 1.888.BETSOFF. ÂŠ2016 Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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The PRIDE Issue IMPRESSUM 16 17

maSthEaD publiShErS’ lEttEr

NIGHTLIFE 18 23 25 28

FirSt Sip playDatES St. lOuiS playDatES KanSaS City thE biG Gay* SOiréE A NEW PRIDE TRADITION

PROFILES 36

StEph pErKinS PROMO’S NEW ExECUTIVE DIRECTOR

bEtty nEElEy A VOICE OF REASON

43.

ANDY COHEN THE BRAVO PRODUCER, TALK SHOW HOST AND ST. LOUIS NATIVE IS BRINGING HIS FIRST-EVER LIVE SHOW, AC2, TO THE FABULOUS FOx THEATRE THIS FALL.

PRIDE GUIDES 51 53 55 57

mEtrO EaSt priDE priDE St. CharlES tOwEr GrOvE priDE pErFECt priDE wEEKEnD

LIFE GUIDE 60

priDE 365 SHOWCASING OUR #PRIDE365

STYLE 66

Slay in EvEry way SUMMER STYLE IN COLOR

ENTERTAINMENT 73 76 80

bEttinG On brOaDway St. lOuiS SCEnE KanSaS City SCEnE

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CEO & partnEr • Darin Slyman DSLY@THEVITALVOICE.COM publiShEr & partnEr • Jimmy lESCh JIMMY@THEVITALVOICE.COM manaGinG EDitOr • KEvin SChmiDt KEVIN@THEVITALVOICE.COM art DirECtOr • mElaniE layEr-GaSKEll MELANIE@MELANIELAYER.COM GraphiC DESiGnEr • Grant SwanSOn GRANT@THEVITALVOICE.COM SEniOr writEr • DEnny pattErSOn DENNY@THEVITALVOICE.COM COntributOr • KalEiGh JurGEnSmEyEr KMJURGENSMEYER@GMAIL.COM COntributOr • tylEr biErman TB6809@GMAIL.COM COntributOr • Jill FirnS JILLIANFIRNS31@GMAIL.COM COntributOrS ArT: DARIN SLYMAN, MELANIE LAYER-GASKELL MARK MOORE, AJ BROWN, GRANT SWANSON SMALLz & RASKIND/BRAVO COURTESY OF BIG GAY* SOIRéE TEXT: JIMMY NO SHOW, KEVIN SCHMIDT, DENNY PATTERSON, KALEIGH JURGENSMEYER TYLER BIERMAN

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June 2016

PUBLISHERS’ LETTER

WELCOME Welcome to Vital VOICE’s 7th Annual PRIDE Issue. Every year we are stunned with how the growth and involvement of our diverse and prismatic community lends itself to making this Issue our largest and most important publication to date. We encourage you to take a moment to remember that the LGBT community only continues to grow in strength by supporting one another. We encourage you to show your pride all month long, starting in Kansas City with their festival running June 3 – 5. Metro East Pride takes over Belleville on June 11. The second annual St Charles Pride will be June 18. Both Tower Grove and St. Louis Pride festivals wrap up the month. We hope to see you at all of these magnificent festivals, showing your pride and support for everyone! In addition to the festivals, be sure to visit your local LGBT bars & nightclubs. It’s important to remember that establishments like Rehab Bar & Grill and Just John Nightclub welcome our community with open arms year-round. Make sure to express your gratitude to the owners and staff for giving our community a place to come together no matter what month it is. This may be our LGBTQ community’s celebration month, but Vital VOICE has #PRIDE365 days of the year. This month we launch a year-long campaign highlighting our #PRIDE365. Being a member of LGBTQ community means

showing your pride all year long. Why not stop to celebrate and reflect on just how much great work our team have done? We invite you take a look at how Vital VOICE shows our #PRIDE365 and get ready for an amazing journey ahead: we can’t do it without our dedicated readers and advertisers who help us give back each and every day of the year! Finally, the PRIDE of St. Louis, Andy Cohen returns to the cover of Vital VOICE. Andy Cohen originally appeared on the very first Issue of Vital VOICE Magazine back in January 2010. So much has changed since then. It was fantastic to touch base with him. Be sure and look out for Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper coming to the Fabulous Fox Theatre this October. Again, we encourage you to get out and celebrate the community at one of the amazing festivals happening this month. However, remember to celebrate your #PRIDE365 all year long.

Jimmy Lesch Publisher/Partner

Darin Slyman CEO/Partner

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NIGHTLIFE

FIRST SIP

RAINBOW SHOTS Who doesn’t love a good magic show from their bartender? Well, you don’t have to be a professional to create Rainbow Shots, but a magician you will be when you pour seven different colored shots out of the same shaker right in front of your guests’ eyes. The various densities of the ingredients used allow the liquids to stack up and layer in the shaker. As the shots are poured, you’ll notice a blending occur between the layers, creating the colors of the rainbow from red to violet. Each shot is unique, with a different combination of flavors and a different amount of alcohol. Talk about tasting the rainbow.

MAKE IT Glass: Shot Ingredients: 6 oz pineapple juice ½ oz grenadine 2 oz Pearl Black vodka 3/4 oz Blue Curacao Crushed ice Tools: Shaker Cocktail strainer Big spoon

Recipe: Pour grenadine in cup and fill with ice. Add in pineapple juice slowly by pouring over big spoon. Top off with vodka and Blue Curacao. Top off the shaker with strainer and slowly pour across the seven shot glassed. Check out instructables.com for the tutorial video.

Too complicated to make? No worries! Rainbow Shots are available all month long at Sub Zero Vodka Bar in the Central West End. Text KEvin SCHMiDT Art DARin SLYMAn

June 2016

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OUR AMERICAN SPIRIT JULY 8

JULY 15

JULY 22

JULY 29

FRIDAYS IN JULY FREE 6:00 PM PARTY STARTS 9:00 PM SHOWTIME

June 2016

Connect with us slam.org/films #arthillfilms @stlartmuseum

Presented by:

Sponsors:

Join Macy’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 it’s really something to celebrate. Plus, join us in our continued support of The Trevor Project!

The Trevor Project provides life-saving crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

F O R M O R E D E T A I L S visit

MACYS.COM/CELEBRATE

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June 2016

STL NIGHTLIFE

Playdates

SAINT LOUIS

The Big gay* Soirée

24th

Casa Loma Ballroom - brownpapertickets.com

The Big Gay* Soirée will be an eye-popping, pantydropping and heart-stopping celebration of epic proportions that will surely have you over the rainbow and under the influence in no time flat. Inclusive and welcoming to every flavor of the rainbow and the people who love them, this spectacle will have something for every lady, gentleman, boy and girl. Throughout the night, The Big Gay* Soirée will feature numerous award-winning acts of drag, aerial, acrobatics and burlesque. In addition, this event will feature the best in high-energy dance music for a non-stop night celebrating the spectrum of life and love. RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 and All Stars fan favorite Yara Sofia will be headlining, along with other talented performers from St. Louis and Chicago.

All Month

11th

iT Shoulda Been you aT STageS ST. louiS

ST. louiS Surge hoMe oPener

MeTro eaST Pride FeSTival

The Robert G. Reim Theatre - stagesstlouis.org Direct from Broadway and in its Mid-Western premiere, It Shoulda Been You comes to STAGES with a madcap wedding celebration with a refreshingly modern romantic twist.

UMSL - Stlsurgebasketball.com Known for being “everyone’s team,” the St. Louis Surge’s home opener in the Mark Twain Building at UMSL features a matchup against the Nebraska Strikers.

Downtown Belleville - metroeastprideswi.org Celebrating diversity and equality, the main mission of Metro East Pride is to provide all LGBT people with enhanced cultural and educational programs and activities.

The Wizard oF oz aT The Muny

Jane lynch: See Jane Sing

Pride ST. charleS FeSTival

The Muny - muny.org One of the most popular shows—if not the most popular show – in Muny history, this lavish musical is a joyful reminder that come summer, there’s no place like The Muny.

The Sheldon - thesheldon.org Prepare for a side-splitting evening of musical comedy with more than a dash of wit as the comedienne extraordinaire displays her talents for one night only.

13th-22nd

14th

Lakeside Park - pridestcharles.org Plans for the day include an opening ceremony including local LGBT Veterans and local dignitaries, musical entertainment, food and beverage trucks and more.

18th

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Proud to welcome all to our table.

MeTro eaST Pride FeSTival

Some say Midwest hospitality isn’t what it used to be. They’re right. It’s more welcoming and open than ever. So make yourself at home. And see how Kansas City does dining, nightlife, art, music and more. VisitKC.com/LGBT 24

June 2016

KC NIGHTLIFE

Playdates

KANSAS CITY

laTe nighT TheaTre PreSenTS: clueleSSneSS

Through 18th

Missie B’s - latenighttheatre.com

Late Night Theatre is punking the 90s! The parody of the classic film from 1995 will have you “rollin’ with the homeys,” featuring an all star cast of Spencer Brown, Jessica Dressler, Ryan Gove, Stephonne Singleton and Shannon Michalsk. Written and directed by Ron Megee, with hair/makeup by Andy Chambers and styling by Chadwick Brooks, Cluelessness brings you the sounds, the fashion and the attitude of the 90s all in one night. As one of the wildest underground theaters in Kansas City, Late Night Theatre attracts a large, diverse crowd of all ages. The goal of the theatre group is to provide an environment where people can laugh, drink and be silly while enjoying a high-energy production.

3rd-5th

8th

11th

KanSaS ciTy PrideFeST

Berkley Riverfront Park - gaypridekc.org PrideFest is back this year at Berkley Riverfront Park. The three-day-long event features headliners including DEV, Ty Herndon and Tony Moran.

drag race: BaTTle oF The SeaSonS

The Midland - midlandkc.com The 2016 Extravaganza Tour takes over The Midland with host Michelle Visage, featuring BenDeLaCreme, Ivy Winters, Jinkx Monsoon, Ginger Minj, Katya, Violet Chachki and more.

WeST 18Th STreeT FaShion ShoW

huMane SocieTy oF Kc: dog n Jog

Country Club Plaza - hsgkc.org Featuring a run or walk with a Wiener Dog Dash for humans and their canine friends, all proceeds benefit The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City.

Boulevardia STreeT FeSTival

West Bottoms - boulevardia.com It’s a country within a country – that just happens to be in Kansas City. Boulevardia is a unique beer, food and music festival, and a delightful departure from the everyday.

gunS n’ roSeS aT arroWhead STadiuM

12th

17th-19th

29th

Crossroads - west18thstreetfashionshow.com As one of the biggest fashion events of the year, event organizers and a credentialed selection panel choose 18 designers to be featured on the West 18th Street runway.

Arrowhead Stadium - ticketmaster.com As the third stop on a massive “The Not In This Lifetime Tour,” Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan regroup for what will be one of the century’s most anticipated musical events.

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IM U LT

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A brand new Pride tradition is sashaying its way into town. Grander, glitzier and gayer than you could ever imagine, the creative minds behind “Spectaculaire,” “Glitterbomb Productions,” “The Vertical Sideshow,” “Jeezy’s Juke Joint” and “Lez Dance” are combining their fab forces to create a majestic Pride event like no other...

text DENNY PATTERSON art COURTESY OF BIG GAY SOIREE

June 2016

STL NIGHTLIFE

Taking place on Friday, June 24 at the beautiful Casa Loma Ballroom, The Big Gay* Soirée will be an eye-popping, panty-dropping and heart-stopping celebration of epic proportions that will surely have you over the rainbow and under the influence in no time flat. Inclusive and welcoming to every flavor of the rainbow and the people who love them, this spectacle will have something for every lady, gentleman, boy and girl. “The Big Gay* Soirée will be like nothing St. Louis has ever experienced for Pride weekend,” says Kristen Goodman, one of the event’s co-producers. “Part dance party, part spectacle, this event will be filled with unforgettable performances and secret surprises. But most of all, this will be an incredible and inclusive way for our diverse community to come together and celebrate our Pride.” Goodman and The Big Gay* Soirée’s other producers wanted to kick off St. Louis Pride weekend with an unbelievably entertaining experience that will encompass all aspects of the diverse rainbow. They hope hundreds of people from all walks of life will come out and party. “I would love to see all ages, races, genders – everyone dancing and celebrating together,” Goodman says. The Casa Loma Ballroom, located on 3159 Iowa in the Cherokee District, was chosen as the venue because it’s a St. Louis gem. Featuring a loft balcony, three bars and state-of-the-art sound and lighting, this space has enough room for nearly a thousand people.

Throughout the night, The Big Gay* Soirée will feature numerous award-winning acts of drag, aerial, acrobatics and burlesque. In addition, this event will feature the best in high-energy dance music for a non-stop night celebrating the spectrum of life and love. RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 and All Stars fan favorite Yara Sofia will be headlining, along with other talented performers from St. Louis and Chicago. “Attendees will most certainly leave feeling entertained and blown away, but we also hope to foster a further sense of community as we showcase our diversity and celebrate as one,” Goodman says. If The Big Gay* Soirée is a success, then it will most likely become the new Pride Friday tradition in St. Louis. According to Goodman, the general response from the LGBT community in regards to this event has been quite positive. “We have gotten a lot of support from the community,” she says. “People are excited and looking forward to experiencing something totally new this year for Pride. We have also been fortunate to have an amazing presenting sponsor, Pearl Vodka.” For more information and to keep updated about The Big Gay* Soiree, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/ TheBigGaySoiree. Tickets are available online at tbgs. brownpapertickets.com. General admission is $25. Photo op tickets are $35 which includes a post-show photo op with Yara Sofia and other members of the cast. VIP tickets are $55 which includes a pre-show meet-and-greet, complimentary Pearl Vodka reception, reserved table seating near the stage, access to the post-show photo op and a goodie bag of treats. Make sure to reserve your tickets now for a gay ol’ time. You don’t want to miss it. V

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June 2016

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June 2016

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Steph Perkins

PROMO’S NEW E.D. TAKES FLIGHT WITH THE RIGHT AND LEFT WINGS

SMACK DAB in the middle of the country, Missouri has two generally progressive big cities. but it is also cinched into the bible belt, where you can see churches and confederate flags on every corner. so when it comes to politics, the state naturally ends up somewhere in the middle with a combination of both liberal and conservative attitudes.

STEP H PERKINS,

the new

executive director of Promo, one of our state’s biggest LGBT advocacy organizations, says that this “somewhere in the middle” mindset is pretty representative to where Missouri stands in our nation’s fight for equality. “Every state has its own challenges when it comes to LGBT issues,” he says. “We’re a generally moderate state with progressive pockets, so text KALEIGH JURGENSMEYER art DARIN SLYMAN

June 2016

we’re ahead in some areas and behind in others.”

MISSOURI PROFILE Missouri’s health policy work, for example, is cutting edge and other states are actually using it as model to structure their own work. Since diving into the health policy work in Missouri, PROMO has updated more than 125 hospital policies, including nondiscrimination for staff, patients, and visitors, and LGBT cultural competency training requirements. PROMO has also trained more than 3,000 hospital staff and health providers. Nondiscrimination laws, however, are still an ongoing issue for the state. While there are some limited federal protections, there are no protections for LGBT individuals in the Human Rights Statute. Perkins notes that individuals can still be fired for identifying as LGBT under Missouri law. “This is something we’re trying to fix because it’s a problem,” Perkins says. “It affects so many other things in your life. If you can’t get or keep a job, it’s hard to have a place to live and have access to health care, which continually hurts quality of life.” Perkins, a transgender man, has faced his own issues and discrimination since coming out. “Before I started transitioning, when I presented more gender nonconforming or androgynous, it was beyond difficult to get help in the men’s section of a department store,” Perkin explains. “My wife, Amanda, would be approached and helped immediately, whereas employees would go out of their way to avoid me, unless they were pointing me to the women’s or single stall dressing rooms.” “I’m sure most people are well-intentioned, but constantly explaining yourself or ‘proving’ who you are can become exhausting,” he continues. “My adorably protective wife regularly becomes my advocate in situations like these, and she is a constant reminder why it’s so important to advocate for other people. Sometimes it is easier to advocate for others than yourself.” Advocating for others is one of the biggest reasons Perkins joined PROMO in the first place.

and less expensive to simply be ourselves.” Perkins first became involved in PROMO during his last semester of college at Southwest Missouri State (now MSU) as a regular volunteer. He was then hired full time after graduation, serving as Southwest Field Organizer starting in 2008 and the Deputy Director from 2011-2015. This June will be his eight-year anniversary with the organization. In Perkins’ new role as Executive Director, he hopes to continue with unfinished work in nondiscrimination and health equity, collaborate with other LGBT advocacy agencies, and make greater steps toward inclusion – especially for those who haven’t always been fully represented in the LGBTQ community. “I want to be very intentional with our work and make sure that we’re open to everyone,” Perkins says. “This includes trans folk and people of color and older adults who haven’t had a voice in the past. I want to make sure we’re challenging ourselves to be better than we were.” PROMO’s biggest goal is to make Missouri a better place to live and work through legislation, advocacy and general education. They have three major fundraising events throughout the year – Urbanaire, the Bountiful Brunch and Trivia Night. PROMO’s most recent event, Urbanaire, was highly successful and raised 20 percent of PROMO’s annual operation budget.

“are you out to your doctor? And if you are, why?” or, “have you ever faced discrimination in health care or the work place? How has it impacted you?” Perkins expects about 1,000 surveys to be turned in. “We’ll be able to use this information in a lot of ways,” Perkins says. “For example, we know health care is poorer for LGBT individuals, but we want to dive in and see why that is. We want to make sure we’re not missing a large gap, but also that we aren’t spending a lot of time on things that don’t really affect people at this point in time.” This report should be released at the end of the summer. Perkins hopes to use it as a guide for some of PROMO’s future work to ensure that what they’re doing is best meeting the needs of LGBTQ Missourians. But Perkins doesn’t want to do this alone. “I don’t want us to ever feel like we have all the answers,” he says. “We focus a lot on legislation and policy and education and have been leading this work for 30 years.” With some major legislative wins this past year, the future looks bright for Missouri and the rest of the nation. But the fight for equality is ongoing. “We’re still trying to get proactive legislation that betters people’s lives. Yes, we’ve had a lot of wins recently – but also a lot of awful legislation proposed,” says Perkins. “The opposition we’ve seen from the wins definitely puts us in a defensive place. But history is on our side. Sixteen harmful pieces of legislation were proposed, but all 16 were defeated this year.”

Funds ensure that PROMO can continue legislative work and that the LGBT community has voice in the capital. It also helps make sure the organization has staff on the ground doing training, education and Looking forward, Perkins hopes to continue advocacy work. trans advocacy work and be a leader open to change and new ideas. “What’s unique about To identify the biggest issues facing the our state is that we’ve been really successful LGBT community, PROMO has created in education, one on one or in a group. I’ve “Show Me YOU: An LGBT Health and seen that people are open-minded and ready Wellness Questionnaire” that will help to learn.” pinpoint the areas where people face the most discrimination. “We want to make “There are a lot of people who we haven’t sure what we’re doing is the most effective been able to touch yet,” Perkins says. “But we way of doing things – not just because it’s don’t have enemies, we just have people who the way it’s always been,” Perkins says. aren’t allies yet.”

“Many transgender Missourians face much larger hurdles every day to being their authentic selves, and I feel a responsibility to The survey will take about 10 minutes to To complete the Show Me YOU survey, visit use that privilege to, in time, make it easier complete, and will ask specific questions like, www.surveymonkey.com/r/ShowMeYOU. V thevitalVOICE.com

thevitalVOICE.com 37

A Voice Of Reason:

BETTY NEELEY text TYLER BIERMAN art DARIN SLYMAN

How do you feel things have changed in St. Louis for the LGBTQ community?

For more than 40 years, Betty Neeley has been a crusader for the St. Louis LGBTQ community. She was there for the vice raids of the 1950s, she competed in the 1990 Gay Games in Vancouver and today she’s working with the St. Louis History Project to preserve this city’s culture. She’s been there and done that, but she’s still working hard to keep this city moving in the right direction. She’s a woman with a lot of experience and a lot of strong opinions. That’s why Vital VOICE sat down with Betty Neeley to discuss the St. Louis community—where it’s been, where it’s going and what you should be doing to help. Here’s what she had to say. 38

June 2016

I went from changing clothes in the back seat of the car to wearing whatever I want. It’s amazing that, for the most part, you can walk around wearing whatever you want without getting the shit beat out of you. The fact that we can have the city behind our group or organization is absolutely wonderful. I’ve personally been welcome to speak to the mayor several times. People today are just much more open and because of that we’re able to actually have a dialog be heard. When I was in my 30s, I would have never gone to the Botanical Gardens. Back then it was a very select group of people that went there and, if you weren’t one of them, you would be very uncomfortable. Today, we’re all more comfortable in our skin and in our community. What is the dialog like in our community regarding all of the issues going on? There’s always been some confrontation between people. Everybody wants their own mountain and nobody wants to come down and meet half way. They want to stay on their peak. That can make things difficult. I guess they don’t want to lose their place.

STL PROFILE It seems to me—maybe because I’m older—but helping each other is just a thing of the past. Not that there isn’t a lot of helping going on, however there are just so many people that need help and events that are out there that it can be hard for people to calendar an event without overriding another event. I think that, at the very least, if you’re not going to get involved, you need to be grateful for those people and let them know that, because they’re working their asses off for you. What are your views on PrideFest? It’s pretty simple: it’s a two-day party and there’s so much more that needs to be done. That’s not to say that I’m against it. There are a lot of people that work very hard to make it happen and I don’t want to step on their toes. I’m a big supporter. It’s just that there is a lot of emphasis that’s put on the festival, and it can’t be all that we have. What about the OutGames? Nobody seemed to know what it was.We could have pulled in three or four thousand people from all across the country and showcased our city. The problem was that Team St. Louis put in the time to find the venues, the living arrangements, and so much more yet they couldn’t find the funding for it. The city was on board, but they couldn’t do it all. We, as a community, couldn’t get on board. The Advocate says St. Louis is better than a two cow town with one cowbell. What’s the ideal future for the LGBTQ community in St. Louis look like to you? The future will be whatever the younger generation is willing to do. What it looks like to me is for us to continue assimilating into the general public like we have been over the past few years. I look for that to continue happening until we’re just “regular people.” I don’t really think that’s the word to use, but I guess that’s the perspective from the outside.

We’re going to become a part of the greater culture and that’s a good thing. Within 20 or 23 years we’ll no longer be talking about the LGBT community. We’ll just be talking about the community. For example, we used to have a group dedicated to getting women together for women’s dances and entertainment, but we couldn’t get enough people. Everybody was going to more mainstream shows and events. So, there was no need for the group. From what we saw, our goal was met. We had taken our culture and made it a part of the larger culture. It’s a confusing and sort of bittersweet thing to see your culture “leaving,” but in order to make progress it has to change and evolve until it’s part of that larger culture and we’re just like everybody else. I heard you have a unique philosophy regarding women being mistaken for men. I hear people complaining about being called “sir.” I’ve been being called sir my whole life, you know. I actually feel bad for the people that do call me sir and realize that I’m a woman. I always tell them not to worry about it and that, if it bothered me, I’d look different. I don’t understand the problem. If you choose to look the way you do—like a man—then some people will mistake you. It doesn’t bother me at all, but maybe I’ve just gotten used to it over the years. You’ve also been a huge part of the St. Louis History Project. How can people get involved? The History Project is very near and dear to me. What we need is participation from the community. We need participation from the older transgender community, those that have been there through the thick of it. We also need more input from the AfricanAmerican community. It’s been very difficult for us to find people that are willing to talk about their history.

Neeley was omnipresent on the St. Louis LGBTQ Scene in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Whether you agree or disagree with her opinions, Betty is a strong advocate for the St. Louis community and urges us all to get out there and make a difference. She closes by saying, “Jump on your passions. I’ve counted 63 organizations in our community that are truly passionate about what they do—you can find one to suit you. Give your time, your money and your ideas, and good things will happen.”V thevitalVOICE.com

June 2016

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June 2016

At His Homecoming Show Andy Cohen is saving the best for last. He’s bringing his firstever live show, AC2: An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, to the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Saturday, October 15. “It means a lot to be able to bring the show to St. Louis. I wanted to make sure the show was perfect when we got there,” Cohen shared before turning his attention. “Hey! No, Wacha,” he shouted at his almost equally famous dog, named after St. Louis Cardinal’s pitcher. AC2 will feature the late night talk show host and the journalist interviewing each other and taking questions from the audience. It’s a live, interactive look behind the scenes of pop culture and world events. Cohen describes it as “going out drinking with Anderson and me: hearing us dish and gossip and tell very funny stories. It’s also interactive. We let the audience ask us questions. It’s a very fun, funny night out.” Cohen, a St. Louis Native, is best known as the Emmy awardwinning host of Watch What Happens: Live, Bravo’s late night talk show, known for it’s go-there interviews and off-the-wall segments. He is also the Executive Producer of the hugely successful Real Housewives franchise. And if that’s not enough, he hosts Radio Andy on SirusXM, and penned two New York Times’ Bestsellers: Most Talkative: Stories from the Frontlines of Pop Culture and The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year. Billed as an unscripted, uncensored and unforgettable night of conversation, we chatted with Andy to find out exactly what we could expect from the unpredictable pop culture personality. thevitalVOICE.com

The Show How did you come up with the format for the show? I hosted Anderson’s syndicated show with him a few times. We just have fun chemistry. We’ve been friends for over 20 years and people in the audience loved it. What do you think will surprise people the most about the show? How open we are and how much dirt we dish. Also, how funny Anderson is. Being unscripted, how has the show evolved since the tour began? Well, we’ve honed it in. Some of the stories we tell in every city and some we add depending on where we are and what’s happened to us. The last show we did was way different than the one before it. It evolves all the time. Is there anything you’ve learned about Anderson from the live show that, as friends, you’ve never known about each other?

Andy Cohen (L) with AC2 co-host Anderson Cooper (R) on Watch What Happens Live! (Courtesy: Bravo) Off stage, do you have any crazy road trip stories you can share? Not while your tape recorder is playing. Fair enough. How about the craziest question you’ve gotten from the audience? How big my dick is.

I think the role in his life that his father played, who passed away when he was young.

St. Louis

What’s your favorite moment for the show, thus far?

Being a St. Louisan, how do you feel about playing at The Fabulous Fox?

Anderson tells a story about something we were involved in right before he left for Hurricane Katrina. I’m not going to tell you because it’s something neither of us want in print and crazily, we’ve kept it from getting out even though we’ve told it on stage. It blows people away; it’s shocking.

It’s going to be great! I’m bringing the Silver Fox to the Fabulous Fox. It’s a huge theater and it’s in my hometown so I’m sure that I’ll know a fair amount of people in the audience.

QUICK shots 44

June 2016

Do you remember the first show you saw at the Fabulous Fox?

Gosh, I feel like I saw The Wiz there. I know I saw Diana Ross in like 1985. I had a major gay moment. What else do you enjoy doing when you’re in St. Louis? I stay pretty low-key. I’ll go to a baseball game, if they’re playing. I like to go to Cafe Manhattan. I love provel pizza. I like to go to Companion Bakehouse, which my cousin owns. I try to see Jake’s Leg, a Grateful Dead cover band. I don’t have a lot of gay friends in St. Louis but if I have any in town, then I’ll go to Just John. Any favorite memories growing up in St. Louis? The first gay people I ever came in contact with were as a doorman at Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Not many people know this. It was full of gay guys. I was 16 and really in the closet, but that was kind of a formative experience for me. I

Are the drinks on stage real?

Nerves About Doing An Unscripted Show?

Plans to move back to St. Louis?

YES.

I’m off the cuff on live TV every night. I can handle it.

Probably not. I’m a New Yorker at this point.

was seeing these gay guys that had lives out of the closet. How sick are you of answering the question ‘When is there going to be a Real Housewives of St. Louis?’” Very sick of it.

speak to Danielle. It’s just over. And you can’t force it. That’s the thing. It comes off fake. It’s one thing on Survivor to bring back past people to play the game, but this show is grounded in reality. If Jacqueline suddenly became best friends with Danielle again I would bring her back in a second. Do you think people look past the reality and just assume it’s scripted?

Housewives How do you identify which cities are a good fit for the Real Housewives franchise?

We have a very smart audience and they

We usually start with casting a city that has a strong identity. It really starts with casting, and we’ve cast in a lot of cities and never wound up doing them. We cast in Greenwich, Connecticut. We cast several times in Dallas before we ever wound up doing it. How do you feel the newer Housewives cities are doing? Dallas reminds me of early Orange County. The drama is a little more down-home and lower-key. Potomac I loved. I thought it was funny. It was very enjoyable reunion and the women were really on point.

have a high bullshit detector. They can really smell when it’s for real. Any plans for an All-Stars style season? I think we’ll do it at the very end when we’ve really run out of gas and there’s nothing left. It’s a good thing to happen at the very end where there’s nowhere else to turn. Like a greatest hits before the band split? That’s exactly right.

“I’m bringing the Silver Fox to the Fabulous Fox.”

How seriously do you take it when asked about bringing back former Housewives? I love bringing people back, but there just has to be a reason and there has to be a desire from a lot of people to see them again. We’ve probably been most successful with it in Orange County. If you could resurrect a Housewife, who would it be? I thought Danielle [Staub] was great on New Jersey. I wish we could do New Jersey with the original five. Caroline hasn’t seen Teresa in years. None of them

Favorite Cardinal Player?

Dream Celeb for Watch What Happens Live?

Rumors You’re Going to Host Live with Kelly

Randal Grichuk and not just because he has great hair.

Madonna IS still on MY list.

Logistically, I don’t see how that could happen.

Catch AC2 on Saturday, October 15 at The Fabulous Fox Theatre. Tickets via MetroTix.com, by phone at 314-534-1111 and at The Fabulous Fox Box Office. thevitalVOICE.com

June 2016

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CHANICAL 48

June 2016

Pride GUIDES

MISSOURIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PRIDE FESTIVALS 2016

PRIDE STATE Text DEnny PattErson

WIDE thevitalVOICE.com

June 2016

Pride GUIDES

METRO EAST PRIDE Downtown Belleville, IL

MetroEastPrideSWI.org Metro East Pride is back this month, hosting its ninth annual LGBT Pride festival. This is the perfect excuse not only to get out and about and show your pride, but to explore the beautiful downtown area of Belleville, jam packed with live entertainment, great food, social organization, social crafters and artists. The festival goes from 12:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11 MAIN STAGE 12:00 p.m. 12:15 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.

Opening Remarks & Welcoming Gateway Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chorus Next Best Thing Middle Class Fashion Judy McNutt Award Ceremony Drag Show POWJR72 Neon Cadillac Closing Remarks

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June 2016

Pride GUIDES

PRIDE ST. CHARLES Lakeside Park St. Peters, MO

www.PrideStCharles.org Pride St. Charles is proud to be hosting its second annual LGBT Pride Festival following last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s groundbreaking success. If you are looking for the a fun-filled day with friends and family, then Pride St. Charles is where you need to be. Plans for the day include an opening ceremony including local LGBT veterans and local dignitaries, musical entertainment, food and beverages, non-profit vendors, health information, local businesses and a family fun area. The festival goes from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18 Youth Village Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Pet Adoption Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. St. Louis Bubble Bus Hours: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Beer Garden Hours: 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

MAIN STAGE 11:00 a.m. 11:25 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:55 p.m. 1:35 p.m. 2:20 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 5:20 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

Opening Ceremony Wedding Ceremony Jen Galinski & Taradiddle Paige Alyssa Wedding Ceremony Summer Osborne Missouri Ballet Theater Drag-O-Rama (Featuring: Dieta Pepsi, Victoria VandeKamp, Mercury Jones & Justin Brightwell) Deja Vocal Crush POWJR72 thevitalVOICE.com

June 2016

Pride GUIDES

TOWER GROVE PRIDE Ritz Park St. Louis, MO

TowerGrovePride.org A cozy and intimate affair in Ritz Park, Tower Grove Pride will be featuring local vendors, food trucks, bands, entertainers, DJ sets from iwenttoashow.com, hand-built exhibits and home-grown activities. Experience the heart and soul of South Grand at this annual community-powered pride. Gather your friends and family and come on out to dine, dance, drink, shop, flaunt and show your pride! The fun starts at 12 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25 MAIN STAGE Celia Duck Brown Jamie Axton Skin Tags Mirror Mirror My Bloody Underwear Sunday Candy Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocket Ship Steve Houldsworth C-Sharp Town Cars

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June 2016

Pride GUIDES

THE MUST-DO GUIDE FOR

A PERFECT PRIDE WEEKEND

Pride St. Louis might be one of the largest LGBT festivals in the nation, but don’t let the fun and celebration be strictly contained to the fair grounds. This year will be jam packed with events and parties that will guarantee a good time. Vital VOICE is highlighting some of these events that we think will attract some special attention. Happy Pride!

Friday, June 24

Saturday, June 25

Sunday, June 26

5:00 P.M. Happy Hour at Just John

8:00 A.M. Be Well STL

11:00 A.M. Brunch at HIRO

The Grove justjohnclub.com

Westminster Christian Academy stlmag.com

1405 Washington Ave. hiroasiankitchen.com

On Friday, June 24, Just John presents: Frozen, featuring Honey Vox playing on the patio at 6 p.m. followed by DJ Irene, DJ Chrispy, DJ Danny Morris and DJ Ruben B. As always, there’s never a cover at Just John.

Through the combined efforts of St. Louis Magazine and Nowfitness, Be Well STL will introduce you to some of the city’s top fitness instructors. Whether you are a professional athlete, or just take a walk around the block, this event is offering a variety of classes that will surely get you motivated. From All-Levels Yoga to Cardio Dance, there is something for everyone.

Get your pre-Pride buzz on with specialty Bloody Marys and Bottomless Mimosas. Hiro Asian Kitchen’s twist on Sunday Brunch is a unique experience that features many creative interpretations of classic Southeast Asian dishes, such as gua bao, as well as new twists on Western dishes, like their Hiro Slinger and Chicken & Waffles.

6:00 P.M. Element Midwest Music Festival Ballpark Village stlballparkvillage.com The Element Midwest Music Festival will be coming to Ballpark Village on the Busch II Infield stage. You don’t want to miss a DJ set by Gryffin, followed by superstar Ookay and finishing off the night with headliner Dash Berlin.

9:00 P.M. Pearl Vodka Presents Big Gay* Soirée The Casa Loma Ballroom facebook.com/biggaysoiree Inclusive and welcoming to every flavor of the rainbow, Big Gay* Soirée features numerous award-winning acts of drag, aerial, acrobatics and burlesque. RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 and All Stars fan favorite Yara Sofia will be headlining, along with other talented performers from St. Louis and Chicago.

Saturday Evening Jordin Sparks at PrideFest St. Louis Bud Light Entertainment Stage pridestl.org Sparks is a singer-songwriter, Grammy Award nominee and the youngest American Idol winner. Throughout her career, she has sold over 1 million albums and more than 10 million singles in the United States alone, making her one of the most successful Idol contestants of all time. Sparks is also a public supporter of the LGBT community and collaborated with Whitney Houston on the song, “Celebrate.”

10:00 P.M. Space Jam at Rehab Bar and Grill The Grove rehabstl.com The Blacklight and Foam Dance Party is the hottest event to attend on the Saturday night of Pride weekend. Featuring DJ Charlie Buttons spinning all night, there’s never a cover at Rehab.

12:00 P.M. St. Louis Pride Parade Market Street pridestl.org Commemorating the anniversary of the New York City Stonewall Riots, The Wells Fargo Advisors Grand Pride Parade is one of the largest LGBT Pride parades in the country. The parade also serves as a gateway for legislators and candidates to illustrate their support for the LGBT community and showcases the creative talents of hundreds of LGBT-friendly businesses, non-profit organizations and community groups.

5:00 P.M. Sauce Magazine’s Saucy Soirée Union Station saucysoiree.saucemagazine.com Come taste and sip generous samples from over 40 Readers’ Choice winning restaurants and bars, listen to live music provided by Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers and check out the killer after party in the Union Station Hotel’s Grand Hall. V

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PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY

June 2016

J U LY 2 0 T H

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MAY 2016

#PRIDE365

PRIDE OFFIC IAL FESTIVAL

GUIDE INSIDE

IS COMING

JUNE 2016

June 2016

Vital VOICE Magazine arrived more than six years ago, revealing a new design, fresh content and an opportunity to showcase remarkable people doing remarkable things. As the nation’s third-oldest LGBT publication, we’ve come along way, with no signs of stopping and no desire to stop evolving. We are here every day, staying involved, keeping you informed and remaining engaged in things that stand out as exceptional. Being inspired by the pride we have in our community and the platform that we use, we remain focused on showcasing our Pride, 365 days of the year. But we are only as good as what the community gives us. While we can’t be everywhere at all times, we want you to let us know and grow with us. After all, we are all in this together, and we are only better as one united front. Join us in showcasing #PRIDE365.

LIFE GUIDE

SPARKING CONVERSATION

CELEBRATING TOGETHER

being Social is Kind of Our thing.

we Celebrate with love, For the love.

Our website, thevitalvoice.com, updates daily with a mixture of current events, vital news and local happenings. We demonstrate our #PRIDE365 through our website in showcasing the things that matter the most to our community everyday while being conscious of the greater good when it comes to news and information on the state and national levels.

From parties to celebrations, festivals and performances, we flash our #PRIDE365 by putting on a good show.

Through social media, we are able to engage our audience through connecting one another. Not only is social media a good resource to get the word out about things that are happening in our community, but it’s a platform for you to share our stories, as well as your own thoughts and comments on what matters and affects you the most.

Queens In Space celebrates with pride the huge diversity of people in the LBGT community, featuring live performances, dancing, DJs and a unique theme each year. The event is held in The Twilight Room on the 8th floor rooftop of the Moonrise Hotel with stunning views of St. Louis.

365 Through our calendar on do314.com, we are able to connect with other organizations and businesses to promote other events directly in the community. The interactive calendar is a social medium in and of itself, and you are able to be a part of it. Simply log on to thevitalvoice.com and click on the Contact Us section to submit your event to our calendar.

/VitalVOICE

@VitalVOICE

BRIEFS is our annual festival of short LGBTQ plays held each spring, bringing together numerous directors and theatre artists to showcase the work of eight different playwrights all under one roof with a variety of comedic and serious themes and genres in regards to the LGBTQ community.

Our Poolside Runway Show and Cocktail Party during Kansas City Fashion Week features local and regional designers, a fabulous rooftop venue and entertainment from our go-to Canadian DJ, Scotty Dynamo.

The Toys For Tots Fundraiser is the holiday party of the year, a perfect combination of the best of Kansas City entertainment, a great cause and, of course, a man or woman in uniform. And the list goes on, from our El Mayor De Mayo event in May, to our St. Paddy’s Day party in March, to helping produce events during Pride Month like Spice Girls at Rehab and The Big Gay* Soirée. There’s always a reason to celebrate something— we’re just a little bolder about showcasing it. thevitalVOICE.com

GIVING BACK we love Our non-profit partners.

365 “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill

As a community, we pride ourselves on giving. Vital VOICE demonstrates our #PRIDE365 in holding events and fundraisers for a wide array of causes year-round. In 2015 alone, Vital VOICE gave away $64,000 in advertising to non-profit organizations while asking for nothing in return. For 2016, because MTUG has been an excellent outlet and provider to the St. Louis trans* community, Vital VOICE is proud to recognize the organization as our non-profit of the year and major benefactor to all premier Vital VOICE events.

Being a part of St. Louis Effort For AIDS’ Dining Out For Life shows our #PRIDE365 in being part of an international event that raises millions nationally to provide vital services to people living with HIV/AIDS. This past year, Vital VOICE hosted at Hiro Asian Kitchen, helping raise funds to provide education and prevention of the disease while ensuring comprehensive support services.

In 2015, Vital VOICE joined Good Samaritan Project in producing their Harvest Brunch, which celebrated the organization’s 30 years of providing advocacy, care, and education to people affected by HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections in the Greater Kansas City community.

AIDS Walk Kansas City is one of the only major AIDS walks in the region, where people come from across the Midwest to attend. On average, the Walk garners about 3,500 participants every year. This past year was the first time Vital VOICE was able to participate in the event, accompanied by RuPaul’s Drag Race star, Ivy Winters.

Partnering with Gateway Men’s Chorus, we sponsor the annual Cabaret Risqué each year, a one-of-a-kind evening benefiting GMC’s annual production season and featuring both local and national musical sensations. We also host the GMC Trivia Night, a come-one-come-all event highlighting a night of unique trivia and huge laughs. We work with Planned Parenthood for their annual Sex Trivia, a fun evening of cheeky trivia and entertainment to benefit Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri.

OFFERING OPPORTUNITIES

working together means we all Grow.

Whether for college credit or vital career experience, Vital VOICE offers internships in writing, graphic design and photography. Our internships are a great way for college students to get a feel for life at the magazine. It’s more that just putting together a monthly publication: students produce daily news, feature, style and entertainment stories for the Web, conduct interviews, manage social media, assist in producing

June 2016

LIFE GUIDE events, help produce photo shoots for the publication, and assist graphic designers in creating original layouts and marketing campaigns. “I have done so many awesome things this summer thanks to Vital VOICE, so much more than I could ever type. I have met so many amazing people and completely amazed myself that I enjoy journalism as much as I do.” –Curtis Galloway, Vital VOICE Intern. “This was the first professional publication that ever had ‘Malana Bradford’ on a byline. It’s amazing, this is what I’ve wanted to do since I was in middle school, and I’m doing it.” –Malana Bradford, Vital VOICE Intern.

IN PRINT Making LGBTQ History From 1981 - Today. At the end of the day, the print publication is a physical embodiment of our #PRIDE365: who we are and what we are about. Changing the magazine from a newsoriented paper to a Life + Style color magazine was a chance taken that has paid off.

“The next generation was excited that I was taking over Vital VOICE, because they never read it. The generation before me was not,” Slyman explains. “People were already assuming what it was going to be. And I had to say in my head, ‘those people didn’t support the publication in the past, so I know they’re not going to support me now.’ What I did need to do was garner the next generation of not only reader support, but especially quality businesses, and that’s what I did.” Every year during Pride Month, Vital VOICE partners with Here Media, which includes The Advocate and OUT Magazine, for a media partnership for National Pride Month coverage. The partnership allows the media group to feature Vital VOICE Magazine’s coverage of St. Charles, Kansas City & Metro East Illinois’ Pride festivals.

CONNECTING CITIES Saint Louis. Kansas City. Connected. Vital VOICE launched in Kansas City in January of 2014, going out on a whim in taking the thriving Life + Style publication statewide. The magazine has seen tremendous positive support from the LGBT community and the city itself. The possibility of a new networking opportunity for the regional LGBT community with the expansion of the Vital VOICE Magazine in the coming years is a vision the team wants to make a reality.

MAY 2016

“We are no longer just a single-city LGBT community,” Darin Slyman says. “It’s about a regional community. If things are really going to happen for the LGBT community – and they are happening – it’s going to take more than just a single city to do it all.” In 2016, Vital VOICE launched its first ever Kansas City PrideFest exclusive cover. The Issue is a first of its kind for the magazine, displaying original artwork for an event that we are proud to be a part of. V

PRIDE OFF IC IA L FE STIVA L

GUID E IN SIDE

IS COMING

Text KEvin SCHMiDT Art GranT SwanSon

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B i s t r o 3 0 3 | B r u n c h | D i n n e r | C o c k t a i l s | w w w. B i s t r o 3 0 3 . c o m

June 2016

Capture the energy of the city. It’s good not to be home.

Discover an inviting atmosphere at Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch, featuring stylish accommodations, 24-hour Hyatt StayFit Gym, Starbucks® and three restaurants. Plus, vibrant nightlife is just a short drive away in neighborhoods such as Soulard, The Grove and the Central West End. For reservations, call 314 655 1234 or visit stlouisarch.regency.hyatt.com. HYATT REGENCY ST. LOUIS AT THE ARCH 315 Chestnut Street St. Louis, Missouri, USA, 63102 The trademarks HYATT®, Hyatt Regency®, and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2016 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

STLRS5331_HR St Louis Vital Voices Ad.indd 1

5/23/2016 11:08:45 AM

THURSDAY EVENINGS JUNE 2–SEPT 1 5–8 P.M.

Experience the beauty of the Garden during extended hours. Sip flora-inspired cocktails and savor delectable fare from the Botany Bar, engage with plants at sensational stations, socialize with scientists, and gather gardening tips from the experts. Members: Free | Non-Members: General Admission Applies

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Akasha

Peter Millar Shirt, Agave cotton stretch pants

IN EVERY WAY You know their faces. You’ve seen their acts. They’re some of the biggest queens in town. But have you seen them off the stage before? We’ve brought in some of St. Louis’s most prominent and out-and-about queens to showcase some major spring and summer style inspiration. Men of St. Louis, it’s time to get savvy. Roll those cuffs, clash those patterns and bring on the brights. We’re prepping you for life in color this season with some incredible pieces from Ladue-based boutique, Mister Guy. We dropped into the Cortona at Forest Park to lounge by the pool, showcase some swag and inspire you to dress your best. FEATURING: Marissa Bloomingdale | Robyn Hearts | Akasha Royale | Chasity Valentino | MaKena Knight 66

June 2016

STL STYLE

e a n e K Ma Peter Millar Denim Shirt, Colorful Print, Cottonpants, Morgan Giles Bag

a s s i r a M Silk linen blend Hickey Freeman sport coat, Circle of Gentleman shirt, Peter Millar pant

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a n e K a M Wool silk blend Corneliani Sport coat, Agave Jeans , Robert Talbott shirt

June 2016

STL STYLE

Robyn

Johnny O Polo Shirt

Chasity

Inis Meain cardigan, Stenstroms shirt, Agave jens

Clothing provided by Mister Guy Photos by Mark Moore Styling by Jill Firns Art Direction by Darin Slyman

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CELEBRATING LGBT PRIDE MONTH! 24/7 Helpline • Care Consultations • Support Groups Education • Respite Assistance The Alzheimer’s Association respects all aspects of people including age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion/no religion, national origin, language, education, marital status, body size, political affiliation/philosophy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or variance, physical and mental ability, social-economic status, genetic information, and HIV and veteran status.

800.272.3900 | alz.org 70

June 2016

We put the element of FUN into science! When you imagine, the most common reaction is FUN. Enjoy a film at our OMNIMAX® Theater, gaze under the stars at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, and dig deeper with over 700 interactive exhibits. General admission is always free. slsc.org

to stay with us is to stay with family When booking use special code VITAL for 20% discount happy pride MoonriseHotel.com • 314-721-1111 6177 Delmar in The Loop • St. Louis, MO 63112

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2016-2017 Tony Award® Winning Season

WINNER!

FIVE 2015 TONY AWARDS

BEST MUSICAL

September 13-25, 2016

November 15-27, 2016

December 6-18, 2016

January 17-29, 2017

February 7-19, 2017

March 7-19, 2017

FABULOUS FOX SEASON TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

Subscribe to the six-show season ticket package and you can SWAP for ONE of these specials: ONCE • DISNEY’S THE LION KING • ANNIE • MOTOWN THE MUSICAL THE ILLUSIONISTS • RENT • DIRTY DANCING-The Classic Story On Stage FabulousFox.com/Subscribe • 314-535-1700 • Fox Box Office 72

June 2016

Broadway

entertainment

Betting on

text DENNY PATTERSON

WHO’S YOUR TONY PICK FOR...

When the Tony Awards began in 1947 to honor excellence in the theatre, who knew it would end up becoming the grand event it is today? Celebrating plays, musicals, performers, choreography, costumes and so forth, theatre lovers dream about this prestigious award. Fortunately, a couple of Tonys have made their way right here to the Gateway City. So, for this year’s upcoming ceremony, we asked select members from prominent St. Louis theatre companies who or what they think will win a certain category and why. Do you agree with their answers? See if they are correct by tuning in to CBS for the 2016 Tony Awards on Sunday, June 12.

BEST MUSICAL

BEST PLAY

BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY

BEST LEADING ACTOR IN MUSICAL

BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Megan Larche Dominick

Jack Lane

Casting Director The Muny

Executive Producer STAGES St. Louis

Joe Gfaller

Experience: 30+ Years

Experience: 30 Years

Experience: 19+ Years

Favorite Show/Musical: Into the Woods

Favorite Show/Musical: Follies

Favorite Show/Musical: The Secret Garden

Director of Marketing Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Hamilton

It’s a level above even the most legendary shows.

It’s a groundbreaking and very much in line with 2015 winner, Fun Home.

Because, well, it’s Hamilton.

The Humans

Eclipsed

Subversive in approach and deeply moving, it left me moved by it’s humanity.

It’s one of the most important and seminal works of the past decade.

It calls to question gender, racial equality and globalism.

Ivo van Hove

Joe Mantello

The Humans

Liesl Tommy Eclipsed

He’s managed to breath fresh life into beloved classics.

He does seamless work and flawless performances.

I’m on the Eclipsed bandwagon with this one.

Danny Burstein,

Lin-Manuel Miranda,

He gives a sublime portrait of a father whos future keeps barreling him forward.

He’s the man of the year.

He is redefining Broadway. He didn’t win Best Actor for In the Heights, and it’s time.

Lupita Nyong’o Eclipsed

Jessica Lange

Lupita Nyong’o,

All the women are incredible and gave stellar but my gut says Lupita will take the it.

A brilliant performance in one of the greatest plays ever written.

From everything I’ve read, she’s gripping and radiant.

A View From the Bridge

Fiddler on the Roof

Hamilton

Long Day’s Journey...

Hamilton

Eclipsed

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WE LOVE A PARADE. BUT WE LOVE 40 PARADES EVEN MORE. Come and celebrate PRIDE month at 400 Olive Restaurant or 400 Olive Bar located in the Hilton St. Louis Downtown at the Arch. Specials will be available all month to celebrate PRIDE month. We look forward to seeing you soon! Please visit stlouisdowntown.hilton.com or call 314-436-0002

Now Open! Free admission

Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park

314.746.4599 | mohistory.org

June 2016

BRUNCH SATURDAY & SUNDAY

COMFORT FOOD MEETS ASIAN FLAIR. Catering | Craft Cocktails | Events

1405 Washington Ave

314-241-4476

#hirostl

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STL ENTERTAINMENT PROMO PRESENTS:

Urbanaire 2016

Art MARK MOORE Place UniOn STATiOn Art MARK MOORE

PROMOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual fundraising event brings together hundreds of UniOn LGBT Place STATiOn supporters, community leaders, politicians and equality enthusiasts from all backgrounds to mingle with fellow advocates. Guests indulged on PROMOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual eventand brings together hundreds LGBT some of the finestfundraising foods, cocktails entertainment St. Louisofhas to supporters, community leaders, politicians and equality enthusiasts from offer while celebrating the most recent advancements inequality. all backgrounds to mingle with fellow advocates. Guests indulged on some of the finest foods, cocktails and entertainment St. Louis has to offer while celebrating the most recent advancements inequality.

June 2016

STL ENTERTAINMENT

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• Casual Atmosphere • Live Music & Local Art • 2 Martini & Wine Bars • Private Dining • Hand Cut Steaks • Fresh Seafood

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June 2016

FREE CONFIDENTIAL HIV TESTING --- RAPID TEST RESULTS IN 20 MINUTES ---

Walk-In Hours: Monday - Wednesday 9AM TO 12PM & 1PM TO 3PM

Or call for an appointment: Thursday-Friday (314) 747-1237 OR (314) 747-1244 HIVTESTING.WUSTL.EDU HIV testing offered by the clinic is supported in part by CDC PS12-1201

Washington University Infectious Diseases Clinic 620 S. Taylor Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 Convenient to CWE Metrolink and Metrobus

COME VISIT OUR BOOTH AT PRIDE

S E RV I N G U P S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

A P R O G R A M O F S T. L O U I S E A RT H D AY w w w. g r e e n d i n i n g a l l i a n c e . o r g

#EatGreenSTL Funded by a grant from Saint Louis County Department of Public Health utilizing County landfill surcharge funds. thevitalVOICE.com

KC ENTERTAINMENT THE 28TH ANNUAL

AIDS Walk

Kansas City

Art AJ BROWn Place THEiS PARK

On Saturday, April 30th, more than 2,000 walkers hit the streets of KC to raise much-needed funds for our brothers and sisters living with HIV/AIDS. Now in its 28th year, AIDS WALK Kansas City is the primary fundraising event of the AIDS Service Foundation. Vital VOICE participated in the Walk for the first time, accompanied by RuPaulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Drag Race star, Ivy Winters.

June 2016

KC ENTERTAINMENT VITAL VOICE AND PEARL VODKA PRESENT:

KC PridE Issue

Art DARin SLYMAn Place MiSSiE B’S

Launch Party Following a successful day at AIDS Walk Kansas City, Vital VOICE & Pearl Vodka launched the first ever Kansas City Pride Issue for May 2016. Hosted by Dirty Dorothy, RuPaul’s Drag Race star Ivy Winters made a special appearance and performace, along with The “Whore of 84” herself, Genewa Stanwyck, plus River Rain, Loretta Martin, Heidi Banks and D’Rihanna Weatherby.

MAY 2016

PRIDE OFFIC IAL FESTIVAL

GUIDE IN SIDE

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IS COMING

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June 2016

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TICKETS START AT $25

Traveling from Kansas City? Ask about special hotel rates and weekender ticket packages.

Ce nte r Stage

For more information, visit ExperienceOpera.org or call (314) 961-0644