May 2012

May 2012

It’s CHO Time

Margaret Cho at Lumière Place Theatre

Summer Preview

From Patios to Gay Sports Teams

1 Out of 10 Olympics or Bust

Complimentary Copy

May, 2012

DearFriends,

Welcome to our Summer Preview issue. St. Louis is known for its hot days and even hotter nights and we’ve got a little something for everyone this month. From patio dining and celebrating our area LGBT sports teams to the queer side of the Summer Olympics and beyond. It will be a summer of Pride celebrations and weekend getaways – of steamy evenings and seasonal fun.

Enjoy!

This summer will also include the August 7 Missouri Primary and Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford (D-59-St. Louis), who is term limited this year, is in a crowded race for the State Senate seat in Missouri’s 5th District. Jeanette was elected to the State Legislature in 2004 as the first out lesbian and is the dean of the Missouri LGBT Caucus which includes Rep. Mike Colona (D-67-St. Louis) and Sen. Jolie Justus (D-10-Kansas City).

Jeanette is more than our representative; she’s a member of our community who works tirelessly on challenging racism and has distinguished herself as a strong advocate for social justice ranging from anti-poverty and choice to LGBT issues. And with Sen. Justus term limited in 2014 – the Missouri State Senate is at risk of being without “out” LGBT representation. JMO has earned our support. Check her out online at www.jmo4mo.com and look for our exclusive interview with the candidate in next month’s issue.

“It is so easy for someone to make broad generalizations and stereotypes about our community when you don’t know someone who is LGBT,” wrote PROMO Executive Director A.J. Bockelman in our 2011 Icon issue. “We saw that back in 2004 when the marriage ban made its way through the legislature and there were no out elected officials. Working side by side and across the aisle in Jefferson City, these three legislators have repeatedly broken down stereotypes and put a strong, positive face to our community that is not as readily demonized.”

Advertisers – don’t forget that our next issue is our annual Pride issue and we are again proud to be presenting media sponsor for St. Louis PrideFest and the publisher of the official Pride Guide. It’s our largest issue of the year and another dazzling commemorative edition is heading your way.

Colin Murphy, Executive Editor

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May, 2012

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this

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Volume 13, Issue 5

On the COVER: Margaret Cho performs at Lumiere Theatre St .Louis, Sat. June 23.

Photo by Austin Young.

The Vital VOICE Team

Darin Slyman Publisher/Editor-in-Chief dsly@thevitalvoice.com

Colin Murphy Executive Editor/Senior Writer colinm@thevitalvoice.com Matt Jamieson Writer mattj@thevitalvoice.com

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Jeff Kapfer Art Director JeffKapfer@gmail.com Leon Braxton/Dieta Pepsi Executive Assistant /On Air Hostess Dieta@thevitalvoice.com

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Jimmy Lesch Director of PR/Communications Jimmy@thevitalvoice.com Janae Johnson Business Assistant janae@thevitalvoice.com

Contributors

Photography: Alex Galindo, Tim Brenner, Colin Murphy John Ganun, Pixie Vision Productions and International Institute of St. Louis to Photographers Writing: A.J. Bockelman, Tim Brenner & Alex Galindo

Advisory Board

William A. Donius, Thom Halter, Colin Murphy, Jay Perez, Pam Schneider, Kellie Trivers, Sharon Tucci.

Contact

Vital VOICE Magazine.

4579 Laclede Ave #268. Saint Louis, MO 63108 VitalVOICEmag@gmail.com 314.256.1196

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

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8. Online @theVitalVOICE.com 11. From Flame to Glory. 14. Curtain Up. 17. Gay Athletics in St. Louis. 22. Cho Time. 27. Chic is Forever. 30. Political Voice.

33. The Great Outdoors. 36. Summer Festival Round-Up. 39. Cocktail of the Month.

40. Dishin’ With Dieta. 42. Day Trips. 46. Playdates. 48. Scene & Styling.

Vital VOICE is printed on recycled newspaper and uses soy ink for a 100% recyclable product.

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May, 2012

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Coppafeel Meets Copperfield

A paper doll is all it took for St. Louis’ Tony Volkman (known in drag circles as Diva Coppafeel – Miss Gay Midwest America 2011) to meet his idol magician David Copperfield in Las Vegas. Tony’s daughter Bella’s class was participating in the Flat Stanley project - a literacy campaign documenting where the art project has traveled. Tony met Copperfield backstage and was able to get a photo with the legendary showman and his daughter’s doll. “She was ecstatic,” Tony recalls, upon telling Bella about her Flat Stanley’s meeting with the icon. “She thought she’d be the cool kid in her class because of it.”

Youth Art Opening at LGBT Center

The LGBT Center of St. Louis is proud to host an art opening featuring works made by St. Louis LGBT young people affiliated with Growing American Youth and debut a new outdoor poster installation by Emily Squires. The work shown (inspired by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s Remarks in Recognition of International Human Rights Day) at the opening celebrates the organization’s first public collaboration with an artist and further demonstrates the organization’s commitment to a strong partnership with the LGBT Center of St. Louis.

Homophobia Returns to Legislature

Homophobia & Bigotry made their comeback in the Missouri legislature, April 19th. House Bill 2051, sponsored by Rep. Steve Cookson (R-153) and co-sponsored by many members of the House Majority leadership such as Speaker-elect Tim Jones, John Diehl and current Speaker Steven Tilley. The text of the bill is short, but the intent is wide-ranging: 170.370.

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no instruction, material, or extracurricular activity sponsored by a public school that discusses sexual orientation other than in scientific instruction concerning human reproduction shall be provided in any public school. “By attempting to coerce teachers and students into making this core reality of our lives literally unspeakable, they have only proved why LGBT students need greater, better, and stronger protection in our schools,” writes PROMO Executive Director, A.J. Bockelman.

JMO Announces State Senate Bid

Missouri State Representative Jeanette Mott Oxford (D-59-StL) announced on March 15 that she will be running for the State Senate seat in Missouri’s 5th District. She will face off against incumbent State Sen. Robin WrightJones, D-St. Louis, state Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, and St. Louis City School Board member Bill Haas. Oxford, who is term limited this year, was elected to the State Legislature in 2004 as the first out lesbian where she has distinguished herself as a strong advocate for social justice ranging from antipoverty to choice and LGBT issues. Oxford is the dean of the Missouri LGBT Caucus which includes Rep. Mike Colona and Sen. Jolie Justus. Justus will be term limited in 2014.

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Stay Connected with us

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1 O ut of 10 Ain’t Bad! A LOOK INTO LGBT LIFE - PAST & PRESENT

From Flame to Glory Written by Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Editor Photography by OOB & John Ganun

E

ver since being transfixed by Torvill and Dean’s Bolero routine in Sarajevo or dazzled by the pageantry of Los Angeles – I’ve been an unapologetic Olympic fanatic since 1984. It turns out I’m not alone – the quadrennial games enjoy a huge gay following worldwide – including Tyler Duckworth and Charley Cullen Walters of Olympics or Bust.

can relate to this idea of being the underdogs – seeing people like Mary Decker or Kerri Strug who have something in their way, but they overcome it and rise above based on their own genetic makeup. I do think that’s one of the reasons gay people relate to the Olympics sometimes more than other people because we have lots of times where we have to rise above. “

“The Olympics offer a diversity of ability – and it’s not necessary a testosterone-driven ‘hit as hard as you can’ – but it’s about artistry, it’s about sportsmanship,” says Tyler. “So it hasn’t been marketed into the gladiator type of mentality.”

The duo officially met seven years ago at the urging of a mutual friend, but soon discovered after drinks at New York’s Gym Bar that their Minnesota families had known each other for years. What’s more – they were both equally obsessed with the Olympic Games.

“Even if they’re not into the sport aspect – it’s the pageantry and the ceremony and I’m equally obsessed with those elements as well,” adds Charley. “I think gay people – we

Charley grew up in a sports loving family the son of a former professional baseball player. He is owner/CEO of CW3 Public Relations. Tyler pursued his childhood dream of becoming

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an Olympic swimmer until it was dashed by injury.

He is employed in sports medicine (he’s also “that Tyler” from The Real World Key West).

“We immediately hit it off,” recalls Walters. “We really bonded and maybe a year later, when Tyler came out to LA, we went to Chicago and did the Gay Games together and we both competed. And that’s when we really started the discussion about getting serious about this and doing something for Beijing.”

Their goal was to cover a rarer perspective of the Games not included by mainstream outlets and

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what started out as clever, campy and fun videos and blogs sent back to friends and family turned into an online phenomenon.

Much to their amazement, on peak days during the 2008 Beijing Games, the OOB site received over 50,000 hits a day, and gathered attention from various news outlets around the world. And it’s all for a great cause – since 2008 they’ve raised thousands of dollars for Paralympics athletes in need of artificial limbs.

growing movement that was going on with the first of its kind Pride House in Whistler.

Two years later at Vancouver’s winter games, OOB was tapped by Advocate Magazine and LOGO to cover the gay side of the games and the

Charley and Tyler possess an encyclopedic knowledge of all things Olympics and have traveled to myriad host cities, including St.

“It was such a monumental, necessary thing that took a long time to happen,” says Tyler.

“And as small as it was – there were probably only 30 people there – it just kind of felt like we were witnessing history and not only that – but that we were documenting history and helping to bring it to other people.”

Louis – host of the 1904 Olympic Games. This past summer the twosome boarded a gay cruise headed for Europe and the Mediterranean and hit the International Olympic Committee and Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland and Olympic sites Chamonix and Albertville, France; Torino and Rome, Italy and Barcelona, Spain.

Looking toward the London games this summer, the duo promises more clever coverage “from flame to glory” and hint at a soon to be announced partnership.

“It’s still in works,” explains Charley. “We’re partnering with a major

partner to bring Olympics or Bust and our style of coverage to even more of the world than ever before.”

“I think we’re going to see some big break throughs in London,” he adds. “It was so great to see and get to know the organizers of the first Pride House in Vancouver – but in London – which is even more a worldly and gay city – they are going to take it to the next level.”

Tyler points to the coverage of LGBT athletes as something to watch, contrasting Vancouver’s media portrayal of flashy figure skating phenom Johnny Weir.

“I thought the way some of the commentators treated him was absolutely out of control,” offers Tyler. “It was terrible. It should be frowned upon. And I don’t think any other minority group would be treated that poorly so openly… it just really doesn’t have a place at the games. I do respect Johnny on so many levels for being himself.”

But if the Olympic movement stands for anything – it is transcending boundaries – and with LGBT rights advancing worldwide, it’s an ideal avenue for gay athletes from open countries to really shine a light on the issue.

“Matthew Mitcham out of Australia – who was a gold medalist at the games in Beijing – was lauded as national hero in Australia,” states Tyler. “So it really depends where the athlete is from.”

“I can’t wait to see some of the literal coming out stories at these games because I think we’re going to have more than ever before,” adds Charley.

The London games will also feature openly Intersex Track and Field athlete Caster Semenya from South Africa who is favored to win gold.

organization,” offers Tyler.

“But I think what’s going on with Intersex athletes is going to prepare the ground for Transgender athletes.”

“In the end it’s going to come down to Science,” says Charley. “It’s going to be a really interesting year and it’s going to come to the forefront this year. We’re really living history here.”

Check olympicsorbust.com for the latest on London or Beijing and Vancouver OOB Coverage. v

“Understand – the IOC is a very conservative

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Curtain Up on Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ New Season

Written by Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Editor Photography by OTSL

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rom opera’s most compelling femme fatale to an eye-popping wonderland of fantasy friends, Opera Theatre of St. Louis will bring audiences a cast of unforgettable characters over the course of 29 performances.

“One of the things I really wanted to do was to incorporate certain pieces that we had not done before at Opera Theatre,” explains James Robinson, OTSL Artistic Director.

“Taking them on and making sure we are really doing justice to those pieces and we do it in a way that is responsible and in a way to reach out to the community.”

Robinson works closely with OTSL General Director, Tim O’Leary and Music Director, Stephen Lord to form what he calls a triumvirate or troika of collaboration with a common goal.

“I think one of the things about opera in general is that the definition of opera is not quite as clear these days as it used to be,” explains Robinson. “And yes we are doing two major operas (Carmen and Cosi) which I think you can always define as opera. Unsuk Chin’s Alice in Wonderland, being a very recent piece, really pushes the boundaries of what opera is. And of course Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeny Todd— Sweeny has been done in so many opera houses throughout the world, even though it’s technically a musical theatre piece.”

The 2012 season kicks off with Georges Bizet’s iconic Carmen (1875) on May 19, 23, 25, 31, June 8, 10, 13 (matinee), 16, 23 (matinee). Carmen’s allure is inescapable.

This fiery femme fatale inspires passion and shatters hearts. Once Corporal Don Jose falls under her spell, his desire transforms him from a noble soldier into a common criminal… and ultimately, a murderer.

“I think we’ve all been in a situation where we’ve fallen for someone who’s just not quite right for us or good for us,” offers Robinson. “I think Don represents how most of us gay guys have at one time or another fallen for somebody who’s not good for us.

She’s the classic femme fatale and there’s something really exciting about that type of figure. I think Carmen has got such unbelievable music and when you have a really strong female in the lead who does whatever she wants—she certainly evokes all the classic, iconic female heroines of the gay world.”

Up next is Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeny Todd (1979) on May 26, 30, June 1, 7, 12 (matinee), 16 (matinee), 20, 24. Sweet

revenge never was so literal as it is in this dark comedy about the underbelly of Victorian England.

Sweeney, a barber convicted of a crime he did not commit, is a driven man in search of justice.

Mrs. Lovett, proprietress of a pie shop, is a batty woman in search of customers. When Sweeney’s quest for vengeance spirals out of control, he draws her into the depths of his madness. Soon, Lovett’s promise to “serve anyone” in her pie shop starts to ring disturbingly true.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte (1790) follows on June 3, 6, 9, 14, 20 (matinee), 22. Two suave and impossibly attractive suitors come to call on a pair of sisters… just as their fiancés go off to war. Little do the sisters know that it’s all a trick to test their fidelity: the exotic suitors are actually their fiancés in disguise.

Midsummer mischief, mistaken identities, and unexpected romance turn the men’s ill-advised wager on love into much more than they bargained for.

The season culminates with the American premier of Unsuk Chin and David Henry Hwang’s Alice in Wonderland (2007) on June 13, 15, 17, 19 (matinee), 21, 23.

With dazzling musical invention, Unsuk Chin finds captivating new voices for familiar friends: from the beguiling caterpillar, the delightful White Rabbit, the hilarious Mad Hatter and the willful Queen of Hearts to Alice herself. The denizens of this dream world blend the fantasy, whimsy, and darkness of Lewis Carroll’s original tale in an unforgettable journey down the rabbit hole to a world of wonder.

“About two years ago [I was asked] what is your favorite brand new opera of the last 10 years,” concludes Robinson. “And without hesitation I said Alice in Wonderland. I thought it was very exciting.”

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is one of the leading American opera companies, known for a spring festival of inventive new productions, sung in English, featuring the finest American singers, and accompanied by members of the St. Louis Symphony.

For more information and ticket pricing check out www.opera-stl.org or call 314.961.0644

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16 | May, 2012

GAY ATHLETICS IN ST. LOUIS Written by Matt Jamieson

S

ummer means warmer weather, which means plenty of opportunities to get in shape or just have some fun with summer sports! St. Louis is home to so many fantastic LGBT athletic teams and leagues - you just need to find a sport that suits you. Most of the teams have started practices by now, but we’ve compiled a list of our LGBT athletic teams and events in the city for you to pick and choose from.

Team Saint Louis

www.teamstlouis.org If you’re looking for indoor volleyball, one of the best kickball leagues in the city or just want more information about staying healthy, Team St. Louis is who you want.

The group boasts teams for both indoor volleyball during the winter and kickball in the spring! Recently, Team St. Louis helped to bring NAGVA (the North American Gay Volleyball Association) board to St. Louis this past February during the Team Saint Louis volleyball tournament.

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18 | May, 2012

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St. Louis G.L.A.S.S.

www.stlglass.org Batter up! Softball is what’s swinging with St. Louis G.L.A.S.S. (Gay and Lesbian Athletic Softball Society) - the premier LGBT softball society in the Bi-State area. The society gives teams the chance to compete and sharpen their softball skills in a seven-week schedule. There is also a skills day at the beginning of the season for players to help get back into the swing of things.

St. Louis SLAM

www.stlslam.com Football just ain’t for the boys. And we’re not talking powderpuff either.

The women of the St. Louis SLAM football take the sport very seriously.

The team is part of the WFA (Women’s Football Alliance), and boasts the honor of winning the inaugural WFA Championship in 2009. The team’s records continue to improve each year and they are always searching for new members and new supporters!

CS IN ST. LOUIS STL Crusaders

www.stlouiscrusaders.org Rugby is a sport that is catching on more with every year here in the U.S. And here in St. Louis, The St. Louis Crusaders are leading the way for the LGBT community. The Crusaders’ mission is to promote rugby to under-represented populations, specifically the gay and bisexual men of St. Louis. The St. Louis Crusaders are one of the best rugby teams in the area, and their matches are something of a mix between American football and soccer. Check them out at their practices in Forest Park.

Head Pins Bowling

Head Pins

www.head-pins.com If you want to be involved with a different sport, bowling is one that can just be a lot of fun.

Head Pins Bowling is THE league for the LGBT community of St. Louis - and it’s got a lot going on this year, hosting the St. Louis Show-Me Classic tournament as a part of the International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO) in late August and early September.

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in the City

Happy Hour Series for LGBT Professionals

Join host Colin Lovett at this hot happy hour at Sub Zero.

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20 | May, 2012

05.10.2012 6PM-9PM

$5 donation to The LGBT Center of St. Louis includes complimentary Bud Light.

Must be 21+ to attend. PLEASE RSVP TO OUTINTHECITY@ALIVEMAG.COM

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Cho Time @ Lumiere Place Theatre Written by Corey Stulce Photography by Pixie Vision Productions

B

e thankful that Margaret Cho moved into a new apartment in Atlanta, with no Internet connection. That might keep her off Pinterest for a little while and give her time to write a new show.

Somehow, she was finding four hours a day to post on the growing social media site. “I wasn’t going to the gym! I was making excuses so I could go online and be on Pinterest,” Margaret laughed.

Pinning pics on the addictive site did offer an interesting revelation to Cho. “The images are really predominately of white people and straight people. It’s a weird thing when you see how much of your sphere of influence is controlled by one race and one mode of being and one sexuality,” Cho said in an interview for Vital Voice.

“It’s shocking. I’m posting a lot of images that shaped me and meant a lot to me.”

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Daring divas such as Divine, Vampira and Tina Turner dot Cho’s Pinterest page.

Keeping her offline and away from the time-sucker that is Pinterest for a little while should free up some hours for Margaret to get ready for her performances at Lumiere Place in St. Louis on June 23.

Yes, Cho is working up a new show—and St. Louis will be one of the first cities to see the fruits of her labor. Will it be stand-up? Songs? Tap dance?

Fire swallowing?

“I want to do comedy, because that’s what I am,” she said.

But, as Margaret is recording a second album of music, it’s still up in the air as to whether or not she will bust out the ol’ guitar.

Though she has authored two books and written several full-length shows, such as “The

Notorious C.H.O.” and “I’m the One That I Want,” it’s blogging that has made Margaret a better writer as of late, she said.

“There’s something kind of casual about it but also it’s eternal. You think it’s a very temporary thing, but people will go to your blog and use that as your

quotes forever,” she said. “There’s permanence to it. I think it forces you to become a better writer because you have one try.

And you just have to get it right and do it right. So, I think it makes you choose words more judiciously.”

Cho will be in the Lou for PrideFest weekend, so organizers take note of this: “I’m planning this year to ride with Dykes on Bikes.

I’ve wanted to do that since I was a little girl,” she said. “I might actually get to do that with my own bike.”

For the record, Margaret has a 1966 Honda Dream 305 and she is having a custom Harley built.

She has been attending Pride celebrations since she was a child, and a memorable joke of hers is, “Some people were raised by wolves; I was raised by drag queens.”

The truth is Margaret’s parents introduced her to the gay community when she had barely entered grade school. The bookstore they owned in San Francisco was run by gays and lesbians, she said, so her education about the LGBT community happened very early. theVitalVOICE.com | 23

SOME PEOPLE WERE RAIS I WAS RAISED BY DRAG Q 24 | May, 2012

SED BY WOLVES; QUEENS.

“My father had a thing about gay men; he always thought that gay men were the keepers of cultural knowledge—art and music and literature. He said they would teach me a lot. And I think they did,” she said. “He forced it out of these guys, too. They felt so important because my father emboldened them with this idea that they had to do this.

They felt confident in sharing their books with me and their music and their art and that shaped me.”

But with all of her experiences being schooled by drag queens, Margaret has only really done drag once, when she played former South Korean dictator Kim Jong-il (before he died) on an episode of “30 Rock,” last year.

“It was sort of an accident that I was really good at it,” she laughed.

But if she should decide to explore drag more seriously, Cho has a good built-in drag king name, based on her first pet and the street she grew on: “Lucky Washington.”

Drag aside, Cho certainly hasn’t been afraid to tackle new performance skills.

She continues to embrace burlesque and belly dancing—and even showed off her ballroom skills on “Dancing with the Stars” a couple seasons back.

Music continues to be a passion, and her parents will guest with Margaret on her upcoming album, singing The Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home.”

Her 2010 album, “Cho Dependent,” featured guest spots from the likes of Ani DiFranco and Fiona Apple.

“I’d like to get more proficient at being a musician. Playing guitars, banjos, string instruments, I need to work on that all the time,” she said.

Hopefully Pinterest won’t get in the way.

To check out her blog and more info. on her tour, visit margaretcho. com. Margaret is also predominantly featured in my book, “Laugh Lines: Conversations with Comedians,” by Corey Andrew.

Check out lulu.com for a print version or visit amazon. com for the Kindle version. v

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26 | May, 2012

Tans Will Fade…

But CHIC is Forever!

Written and Photographed by Alex Galindo

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oing to the pool and tanning wouldn’t be as fun without the eye candy! Turn heads by getting rid of your old swimsuits and starting anew. Loosen up but don’t quite let yourself go this season - there are more and more styles that are being cropped shorter and tighter against the body. Most importantly - take it upon yourself to go above the knee and get rid of those board shorts!

Think patterns from tropical prints, houndstooth, and stripes, or bold neon colors. The theme across all fashion houses this season is sporty and relaxed, from the main collections off the spring runways to swimsuits that can translate from pool to gym. Be the one that makes a statement this summer and catches the eye of the sun gazers. So bake, look great and have a reason to come out of that pool strutting your stuff!

Location: Four Seasons St. Louis Clothing from: Boxers, Morris Fashions, Neiman Marcus and Blush Models: Dannah Hauck and Eric Seelbach Special thanks: Candice Coleman, Charice Pentella, Brian Smith, Mike Russena and Jimmy NoShow

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Her: Adidas by Stella McCartney Sporty Halter Swim Set from Neiman Marcus Him: 2xist Stripe Cabo Swim trunk from Boxers 28 | May, 2012

Her: Free City Zip-up Hoodie and Adides by Stella McCartney Run Perfect Shorts from Neiman Marcus Him: Hugo Boss Loose Trunk from Boxers

Her: Adidas by Stella McCartney One Shoulder Swim Set from Neiman Marcus Him: Vuthy Houndstooth Swim Trunk from Boxers and Morris Fashion Eyewear

Him: Diesel Barely Short Swim Trunk from Boxers

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Political VOICE The Culture War Comes Home to Roost Written by A.J. Bockelman Photograph by Colin Murphy

Y

ou can always tell when the economy is starting to improve because the political dialogue takes a major swing toward social issues. This time around, the culture warriors have upgraded to the 4G network, adding Gynecology to Guns, God and Gays. Yes, it seems that women are now the latest problem to plague the country. The news cycle has been awash with examples, starting with the debacle over the Susan G. Komen Foundation defunding Planned Parenthood, to health insurance coverage of birth control, and even to the renewal of the Violence against Women’s Act. Missouri’s own Senator Roy Blunt is leading this charge on multiple fronts. In early March, the Blunt Amendment was narrowly defeated. This provision would allow any employer, not just a religious institution, to opt out of carrying specific medical coverage based on moral objections. Within weeks of this vote, Blunt also came out against the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act, cynically stating “well obviously you want to be for the title.” What’s the reason for the hold up on this? A provision that would include LGBT people in domestic assault and violence protections is the real reason. Really Roy, really?

While we’ve been down this well-worn path before, something seems different to me this time around. There seems to be a grand over-reach –desperation even – on the part of Blunt and his ilk. The public has grown wiser. Each time the Radical Right attacks and stigmatizes LGBT people, poor people, non-English speakers, African-Americans, women, the American people get educated a little bit more. During that often painful process, the larger public hears the hate and the invective. But also they also hear the stories of tragedy born of inequality, and names like Tyler Clementi, Trayvon Martin, and Anna Brown (a local Saint Louis woman who was homeless and died shortly after incarceration) and begin to see what it truly means to be an outsider in our society. And for many of us these attacks become personal, and they are what finally gives us the courage to tell our loved ones, “Hey, you know those people that Senator is hating on? That’s me.”

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Look back at 2004 and the anti-marriage amendments that were voted on here in Missouri and around the country. Despite that, in the period between 2006 through 2009, we actually saw the largest historical increase in local and state pro-LGBT ordinances and laws. We also now have marriage available to same sex couples in 6 states, plus Washington, D.C. and pending in another 2 states with the possibility of even more in the near future.

We are seeing much the same thing happening socially and politically with regards to women’s issues. Of course, the LGBT community and the Choice community share many of the same foes and enjoy the same privacy-based arguments to ensure our legal protections. What these enemies of freedom actually accomplished in their shrill efforts to exempt contraception from medical plans was to educate the general public on just why birth control is so important to women as a simple medical necessity.

Indeed, according to USA Today, “In the fifth Swing States survey taken since last fall, [President] Obama leads Republican front-runner Mitt Romney 51%-42% among registered voters just a month after the president had trailed him by two percentage points.” Let’s face it, when our opponents are actually helping to educate the general public on why they should be in support of our mission, we’ve reached a tipping point.

Now don’t get me wrong. While the culture wars are starting to fizzle as a strategy for our morally bankrupt opposition, they are far from over. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they ratchet up the rhetoric even higher. After all, a wounded animal is the one that fights most fiercely. Still, our LGBT community knows what it’s like to be wounded. That’s why we are so well-equipped to fight so hard for justice and equality. The other advantage we have: Our wounds are not self-inflicted. So as we continue our work in support of the broader progressive base of issues out there, we can also let the circular firing squad formed by our combined opponents do all they can to help us – whether they like it or not. v

theVitalVOICE.com | 31

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32 | May, 2012

The Great

Outdoors Written and photographed by Tim Brenner

I

t’s summertime in the St. Louis and that means hot weather and cold drinks. What better way to enjoy both than at one of the many great outdoor spaces The Gateway City has to offer. St. Louis has a variety of different patio and rooftop bars and restaurants. So whether you enjoy keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground or partying high in the sky – our city has just the spot to please.

Osage Café 4605 Olive St. StL, MO 63108 Just John’s Bar 4112 Manchester Ave. StL, MO 63110

theVitalVOICE.com | 33

Kota Wood Fire Grill 522 North Grand Blvd. StL, MO 63103

The Boathouse in Forest Park 6101 Government Dr. StL, MO 63110

Wildflower Restaurant 4590 Laclede Ave. StL, MO 63108 34 | May, 2012

Molly’s in Soulard 816 Geyer Ave. StL, MO 63104

Cielo Restaurant and Bar 999 North 2nd ST. StL, MO 63102 theVitalVOICE.com | 35

Summer Festival Round-Up Written by Matt Jamieson

I

t’s summer, which means plenty of festivals to celebrate the arts and entertainment that St. Louis has to offer! We’ve compiled a list of some of the most fierce and fabulous entertainment festivals and fun you can get here this summer in the STL!

17th Annual Microbrew Festival

beer.stlmicrofest.org Where: Forest Park When: May 4 & 5 Cost: $30-$54 What: The Microbrew Festival boasts some of the best beers from 75 breweries and 100 international and craft brews- all for the sampling.

Admission also gets you some great food, live music and a silent auction.

And if that’s not enough, the festival’s proceeds go to benefit Lift for Life gym.

Art on the Square

www.artonthesquare.com When: May 18-20 Where: Belleville Public Square Cost: Free What: Featuring the original works of over 100 accomplished artists from around the world, fantastic musical and stage performances as well as delicious local food and drink, Art on the Square is a three-day sensation for the eyes, ears and palate! Children will enjoy the extensive and interactive children’s art section where they will create their own take-away art projects.

Shakespeare Festival

www.shakespearefestivalstlouis.org When: May 25-June 17 Where: Forest Park Cost: Free What: The annual Shakespeare Festival is back in Forest Park, this year featuring the Bard’s great dramatic work “Othello.” The festival has taken Shakespeare’s work and put a modern spin on them - all for free.

Celebrate St. Louis Summer Concerts

www.fairstlouis.org Where: Soldiers Memorial When: July 13-14, 20-21 Cost: Free What: The fun doesn’t stop when Fair St. Louis ends! The annual Celebrate St. Louis summer concert series starts in a new locale at Soldiers’ Memorial on July 13 for four dates. Artists are TBD but it’s guaranteed to be a rocking time!

36 | May, 2012

Twilight Tuesdays www.mohistory.org/education-and-events/series-list/twilight-tuesdays.

Where: Missouri History Museum When: Tuesdays starting May 1 through June 12 Cost: Free What: Enjoy the setting sun on the front lawn of fantastic Missouri History Museum with the smooth sounds of some of the best musicians in St. Louis! Things start with local American Idol alum Nikko Smith and each week gets better with such artists like Javier Mendoza, Honey Vox and Asia Lynn Barge - The Diana Ross Experience!

Fair St. Louis www.fairstlouis.org Where: The Arch grounds When: July 4, 6-7 Cost: Free What: Fair St. Louis returns with another year of celebrating America with its biggest birthday party ever. Things start on the 4th with the 135th Veiled Prophet parade in downtown, and the fun continues that day and on July 6 and 7 with celebrations on the Arch grounds. The concerts this year will be amazing, with the talents of Heart, Third Eye Blind and Dierks Bentley on the Budweiser Main Stage.

Whitaker Music Festival www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/things-to-do/events/signature-events/whitakermusic-festival.aspx Where: Missouri Botanical Gardens Cohen Amphitheater When: Every Wednesday, May 30-July 25 Cost: Free What: The 19th Annual Whitaker Music Festival returns to the Missouri Botanical Gardens for nine weeks of open-air concerts and fun! Musical artists range from blues guitar prodigy Marquise Knox, to vocalist Vince Martin and many more!

Guests can bring their own food, coolers and more.

Wig Stomp Where: The Grove When: July 14 Cost: Free What: Inspired the annual “Wigstock” in New York, Wig Stomp is a celebration of the LGBT community of St. Louis in The Grove. The festivities with include a dance party in the streets, live DJs, drag shows, and, of course, wigs!

Festival of Nations www.festivalofnationsstl.org Where: Tower Grove Park When: August 25-26 Cost: Free What: It’s time to get international! The Festival of Nations returns to Tower Grove Park for two days of performances, games, cultural diversity and plenty of international cuisine all for the tasting! theVitalVOICE.com | 37

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38 | May, 2012

cocktail

OF THE MONTH A Lush’s Guide to the Best Libations in Town.

The Classic Margarita Written and photographed

by Tim Brenner The April showers have ended and May has arrived. Hello, Cinco de Mayo! And what’s a better drink to have and celebrate with than the classic margarita.

One of the best people to make this drink is Mr. Chad Cox at Just John’s Bar. He starts by mixing two and a half ounces of Patron Tequila Sliver, one ounce of Grand Marnier, one ounce of fresh lime juice, and one ounce of sweet and sour. Next, he shakes it all together and serves it on the rocks in a salt covered rim glass with a fresh lime wedge. Enjoy the season and margarita on.

Just John

4112 Manchester Ave. Saint Louis, MO 63110 314-371-1333

theVitalVOICE.com | 39

came up o ring how I W e d n o w ell it’s n re a I bet ya’llname for this burger.cooking. I think with the hat I like drag and t! Well Odessa secret t n Keller knows tha . I got it off even Helemy early drag nameg my bedroom Blue was paint. I was paintin d ran out of a can of rtment one day an I was using. I in my apa tiful color of paint an of paint this beau the label on the c me drag looked at ould make an awesoitting. So we w me at all f a ght that it n u o h is t h t I d d n n u A ds fo ory. lue” “Odessa Bri of my frien, as they say, is hist e n o n n g to and it said st a h the re to my c ent converthope c re a name. Mucith to Dieta Pepsi and m a eks, and into a burger. So I changed ushrooms, le ms m , n o c a b e ll th se iteeat!

I love a e rt in a b p m o c d o m ld fo As for these. So I thought I wou the secret’s in the e se u e a h c c be blue his recipe you enjoy t Odessa Blue Cheese Bacon Mushroom Leek Burger Total Time: 25 minu tes Serves: 4 Ingredients • 1lb

. ground beef, 73% lean, 27% fat • 1 large leek, white pa rt only, chopped and rinsed • 5 oz. button mushroo ms, chopped • 3 slices thick cut bacon , chopped

Directions

• ¼ tsp. steak seasoning • ¼ tsp. Lawry’s season ing salt • ¼ tsp. garlic pepper seasoning • Small brick of blue che ese • 4 onion rolls

In a large skillet, on medium high heat, cook bacon about 4 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook an additional 3 minutes.

Drain leeks on a paper towel and pat dry thoroughly.

Add to skillet and cook an additional 4 minutes. Transfer mixture to bowl to cool. Wipe skillet clean.

Put ground beef in a large glass bowl. Add cooled mixture, the Lawry’s, steak, and garlic pepper seasonings. Mix together until the mixture and seasonings are incorporated evenly into the ground beef. Form 4 patties.

Heat same skillet on high heat for 2 minutes. Add patties to skillet. Let cook 4 minutes and then flip over and cook another 4 minutes. Top each burger with slices of blue cheese and cover skillet. Cook until blue cheese melts. (About 3 minutes.) Transfer burger to onion roll and add your favorite condiments.

40 | May, 2012

PArTy!

And you’re Invited!

TREAT YOUR MOM TO

y a D s ’ r e Moth ! h c n u r B Indulge her with our delicious • Prime Rib • Chicken Fried Chicken • Smoked Salmon & Trout • Peel-n-Eat Shrimp • Quiche • Eggs Benedict Four Ways traditional, with crab meat, spinach or beef tenderloin

triumphgrill.com 314.446.1801

Community Kickoff for

National Pride Month June 7 7–10pm at Kota Dieta Pepsi Emcee!

DJ Timmy B All night long!

Food Outreach A portion of the proceeds will be donated.

Silent Auction Incredible items!

Drink and Food Specials Lawn chairs and blankets welcome.

No coolers please! kotawoodfiregrill.com 522 N. Grand Blvd.

314-535-5577

Make your reservations for

Sunday May 13th Mon – Thur Fri & Sat Sun Brunch Sun Dinner

11am – 10pm 11am – 11pm 9am – 2pm 4pm – 10pm

This FREE event is sponsored by

theVitalVOICE.com | 41

42 | May, 2012

y a D ! s p i r T

Written by Matt Jamieson

W

ith summer fast approaching and gas prices on the rise, some people are thinking closer to home for their summer travels. But there ARE travel opportunities right here that you can take without breaking the bank! Here is our guide to day trips for three locations that are all within a few hours drive from the STL, and all feature different fun for visitors!

Springfield, Illinois

Springfield is rife with plenty of history and fun for all who visit. The capital city of Illinois boasts the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which is a must-see for anyone visiting Springfield. There’s also bed and breakfasts, and if you’re heading to Springfield in August - you’ll be at the site of the Illinois State Fair! You know you’ll wanna make that trip just for deep-fried...anything!

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

You’d think in Arkansas, there wouldn’t be a place for us LGBT-ers. Well that’s where you’re wrong. Eureka Springs is right across the border, and has plenty to offer. Its smalltown feel is populated with a surprising number of fabulous bars and shows! There are also spas, a walking tour of the town and opera performances from the Opera in the Ozarks series during the summer - all proving there is a LOT to do in Arkansas for the LGBT visitors to Eureka Springs!

Ste. Genevieve, Missouri

Ste. Genevieve is small-city excellence at its finest. The city boasts some of the best bed and breakfasts in the state!

In addition, Ste. Gen also boasts a fantastic museum, showcasing some of its amazing history as a French colonial village. And if that wasn’t enough, Ste. Genevieve is also home to the Route de Vin - with plenty of wineries, breweries and distilleries to make your visit well worthwhile!

Springfield, IL 108 Miles. 2 hours

theVitalVOICE.com | 43

Eureka Springs, AR 302 Miles. 5 hours 20 minutes

44 | May, 2012

Ste. Genevieve, MO 63 Miles. 1 hour 10 minutes

theVitalVOICE.com | 45

PLAYD/a/tes

Welcome to the Play Dates section of Vital VOICE. Each month the VV team will select a number of signature events to keep on your radar.

For a complete list of all vital happening in St. Louis log onto thevitalvoice.com/events.

To submit your next event, simply email vv@thevitalvoice.com with event name, date, location and a 20-word description.

Zach Wahls - My Two Moms

May 3 Left Bank Books 321 N. 10th, St. Louis, MO, 63101 www.left-bank.com

Cinco de Mayo May 5

It’s the fifth of May, and while it may be the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, we all know its a day for drinking and celebrating in our own special way. We recommend hitting up somewhere with the best margaritas and Mexican food available. Or if you just wanna skip straight to the drinking, hit up one of the bars in The Grove for this Saturday Cinco celebration!

Alison Bechdel - Are You My Mother?

May 6 Left Bank Books 321 N. 10th, St. Louis, MO, 63101 www.left-bank.com

From the best-selling author of Fun Home, comes a brilliantly told graphic memoir of Alison Bechdel becoming the artist her mother wanted to be. Poignantly, hilariously, Bechdel embarks on a richly layered quest for answers concerning the mother-daughter gulf. Bechdel will be on hand to discuss and sign her book. Fun Home costs $22.

OUT in the City

May 10 Subzero Vodka Bar 306 N. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63108 www.facebook.com/VitalVOICE Join Vital VOICE and ALIVE Magazine for our OUT in the City on May 10 at Subzero Vodka Bar! This happy hour gives LGBT professionals a chance to network and let their hair down at the same time. A $5 door charge goes directly to The LGBT Center of St. Louis. Visit Vital VOICE’s Facebook page and event for more details!

46 | May, 2012

MAY

On January 31, 2011, Zach Wahls addressed the Iowa House Judiciary Committee in a public forum regarding civil unions. Wahls’s passionate speech was posted on YouTube, where it went viral. In the inspirational spirit of It Gets Better, My Two Moms also delivers a reassuring message to same-sex couples, their kids, and anyone who has ever felt like an outsider: “You are not alone.” The book is $26 and ten percent of book sales at this event will go to benefit the LGBT Center of St. Louis.

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The New Century

May 10–20 COCA, 524 Trinity Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63130 www.maxandlouie.com With all the buzz surrounding the consequences of alternative lifestyles in the news today what better time to present Paul Rudnick’s The New Century.

This provocative and outrageous comedy features a collection of hilarious characters dealing with issues within the LGBT community. The celebrated playwright, screen writer and New Yorker contributor, Paul Rudnick, explores themes of inclusion and tolerance in these heartfelt set of vignettes, providing evidence of just where our new century might be heading. Tickets are $25 and $30.

Tour de Grove

May 11–13 The Grove www.tourdegrove.com And they’re off again! The annual Tour de Grove bicycle race kicks off on Friday and continues all the way through Sunday! If you can’t be an athlete, you should at least be an athletic supporter. Come on out and cheer the participants on as they cross the finish line - they have been working so hard for this!

Urbanaire

May 12 Dwight Davis Tennis Center, Forest Park www.promoonline.org PROMO presents a soiree under the stars with the 5th annual Urbanaire at the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park. Join Honorary Chairpersons John DeGregorio and Dani Apted, community leaders, politicians and over 400 PROMO supporters for this special evening. Tickets range from $40 for general admission to $100 for VIP.

Mother’s Day May 13

Take advantage of a glorious Sunday and celebrate your mother today!

(She IS the reason you’re living after all.) Brunch and mimosas sounds like a great way to spend the day - just relaxing and kicking back with your mom and family!

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day May 18

It has been more than 30 years since the first cases of HIV and AIDS have been reported. Even as more promising methods of fighting HIV/AIDS are emerging, it’s vitally important to know your status. Get tested today, and remember to always wrap your stump before your hump!

Sweeney Todd

May 26, 30 Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Rd., St. Louis, MO, 63119 www.opera-stl.com It’s going to be a bloody fun good time as the Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the Stephen Sondheim classic Sweeney Todd. The story of a barber gone mad takes the stage of the Loretto-Hilton for two performances in May, and six more in June! Ticket prices range from $25 to $120. theVitalVOICE.com | 47

St. Patrick’s Day Everyone was just a little bit Irish (and maybe a wee bit tipsy) celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday March 17. Partygoers had their choice of two celebrations for the day: the 43rd annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Downtown St. Louis, and the Royal Order of the Ancient Hibernians’ parade in Dogtown. Despite the rain, it was a glorious day to just celebrate...and just to drink!

48 | May, 2012

Scene Styling

Kevin Kline Awards The St. Louis theater scene were out and celebrating on April 2 at the 7th annual Kevin Kline Awards at the Loretto-Hilton Center. Vital VOICE’s own Dieta Pepsi was on hand to present the Best Costume Design award to Webster University’s Dottie Marshall-Englin.

theVitalVOICE.com | 49

More Music in the Morning Z107-7 is looking for the next great morning show. We want all of St. Louis to have a say in our selection.

Watch and listen to some of the candidates at z1077.com.

Tessa Hall will be hosting the Temporary Morning Show each weekday featuring a lot of great hit music.

z1077.com

listen to Z107-7 on your phone 50 | May, 2012

THE NEW CENTURY B Y PA U L R U D N I C K

DIRECTED BY TED GREGORY WITH PEGGY BILLO, ELIZABETH GRAVEMAN, ALAN KNOLL, JOSHUA NASH PAYNE, STELLIE SITEMAN

May 10-20, 2012 COCA BLACK BOX THEATRE, 524 TRINITY AVENUE UNIVERSITY CITY, MO 63130 WEDNESDAYS–SATURDAYS 8 PM, SUNDAYS 2 PM & 7:30 PM TICKETS $25 & $30 AVAILABLE AT www.maxandlouie.com AND COCA BOX OFFICE 314-725-6555

LAUGHTER, LUST, BETRAYAL,

AND ONE ANGRY QUEEN. Sound Like a Weekend in The Grove? It’s Just Another Season at the Opera!

AMERICAN PREMIERE

THE WELLS FARGO ADVISORS 2012 FESTIVAL SEASON CARMEN | SWEENEY TODD | COSÌ FAN TUTTE | ALICE IN WONDERLAND

SIX WEEKS ONLY! MAY 19 - JUNE 24 SPECIAL FUNDRAISING NIGHT FOR PROMO | WED., JUNE 20, 8PM AT SWEENEY TODD Reserve at ExperienceOpera.org/PROMOFundraiser

Tickets start at $25 | ExperienceOpera.org | (314) 961-0644 All operas are sung in English and performed with members of the famed St. Louis Symphony.

May, 2012

Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges 2012 Season presenting sponsor