October 2011 by The Vital Voice Magazine

October 2011

the

HOME Queer Spaces

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Your Favorite Room?

STL GAYborhoods From the CWE to The Grove

HEy Paula!

Out Comedienne Paula Poundstone

This issue is dedicated to

Complimentary Copy

intimate feel. all-star appeal. coming this october

cowboy mouth saturday, October 1

better than ezra saturday, October 15

gin blossoms saturday, October 22

aaron lewis of staind Thursday, October 27

tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, charged by phone at 314.421.4400 and at etc inside lumière Place. general admission – standing room only $25 for each show J u s t o f f i n t e r s tat e 7 0 • P l e n t y o f Pa r k i n g • 9 9 9 n o rt h s e c o n d s t r e e t • l u m i e r e p l a c e . c o m • 8 7 7 . 4 5 0 . 7 7 1 1 October, 2011

concert is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Valid id required. Must be 21 or older. not valid for persons who are on the Missouri disassociated Persons list or persons who have otherwise been excluded from lumière Place and Pinnacle entertainment’s affiliated casinos. gambling Problem? call 1.888.Betsoff. ©2011 Pinnacle entertainment, inc. all rights reserved.

Dear Friends,

As the seasons change from summer to fall and we welcome the autumnal chill, I’m excited to announce some changes here at Vital VOICE. On the editorial front–our Senior Writer/Web Editor Colin Murphy has now been promoted to Executive Editor of Vital VOICE Omni-Media. I’m so proud of his long-standing accomplishments within our community and know that this new position is long overdue. Assisting him in the editorial department will be Staff Writer Joshua Barton. Josh has been promoted to Associate Editor in charge of all life/style departments. Speaking of departments–over the next few months, Vital VOICE will be introducing you, our loyal readers, to some new and exciting features each issue. In September, we rolled out the magazine’s new “Play Dates” calendar section and this month we are proud to debut “ONLINE@ thevitalvoice.com” to inform you about some of the great stories that have not made it to print but can be found exclusively on our website. We are also unveiling Dishin’ With Dieta where our very own Dieta Pepsi will share some of her favorite recipes for all to try–and our “Cocktail of the Month” to tempt your seasonal palette. In November and December, we will be introducing our new will be our new Health & Fitness tips and PROMO Political Departments. We will continue to bring you more news stories and exciting features as well. So stay tuned!

I would be remiss if I didn’t bring to your attention this year’s Victory Fund Brunch taking place on October 23th 2011 at the Renaissance Grand Hotel. Vital VOICE is proud to sponsor this uber important event. For more information and to reserve your ticket log onto www.victoryfund.org/stlouis. On behalf of the entire Vital VOICE team, I want to thank you for your continued support and loyal following. Indeed, the seasons change—and so do we. Vital VOICE is truly your VOICE!

Ciao, Darin Slyman, Publisher

theVitalVOICE.com | 3

presents

th SEASON CELEBRATION

Meyer's Grove

4510 Manchester Ave

Saturday, October 15th Launching at 6pm

Suggested $5 Donation at the door

Featuring:

25th Season Celebration Special performance by Gateway Men’s Chorus Releasing GMC's newest CD “I Want To Fly” Introduction of the new Artistic Director Live Auction

Special Thanks To:

Meyer’s Grove for donating 50% of the bar ring to Gateway Men’s Chorus. Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres by Hartford Coffee Company.

GatewayMensChorus.org 4 |

October, 2011

St. Louis has many places that inspire us to think of what might be. We’ve been inspired to improve the crops that feed and fuel our world because we dream of a better tomorrow for all of us.

theVitalVOICE.com | 5

this

N ISSUE

Volume 12, Issue 10

On the COVER Photo:

Shot on location in St. Louis’ historic Dutchtown. Photography by Darin Slyman

The Vital VOICE Team

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

13.

31.

Colin Murphy Executive Editor/Senior Writer colin_murphy@sbcglobal.net Joshua Barton Associate Editor josh.barton49@gmail.com Jeff Kapfer Art Director JeffKapfer@gmail.com

27.

Leon Braxton/Dieta Pepsi Executive Assistant /On Air Hostess Dieta@thevitalvoice.com Jimmy Lesch Director of PR/Communications Jimmy@thevitalvoice.com

Contributors

Writing/Graphics: Derick Allison. Writing/ Photography: Corey Stulce, Raj Tailor. Photography: Alex Galindo, Tim Brenner Research: Claire Beeman Production: Jess Batter

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

Advertising

VitalVOICEmag@gmail.com

Online

thevitalvoice.com facebook.com/TheVitalVOICE twitter.com/VitalVOICEmag youtube.com/TheVitalVISION 6 |

October, 2011

40.

22.

8. Online @theVitalVOICE.com 13. StL Gayborhood. 19. The V List. 22. Our Spaces. 25. Ask the Expert. 27. Wildflower. 31. The Q Guide. 32. Hey Paula! 35. Cocktail of the Month. 36. Playdates. 38. Dishin’ With Dieta 40. Scene & Styling. 42. Non-profit of the Month. Vital VOICE is printed on recycled newspaper and uses soy ink for a 100% recyclable product.

VICTORY FUND CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH Sunday, October 23, 2011 Renaissance Grand Hotel St. Louis, Missouri

11am - 2pm

FEATURING:

Joel Burns

Fort Worth City Councilmember The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund's Champagne Brunch is a fun annual event that celebrates the accomplishments of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender leaders and provides critical support to LGBT political candidates across the country.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY AT

WWW.VICTORYFUND.ORG/STLOUIS The Victory Fund would like to especially thank VItal Voice for their continued support.

Photo: Tyler Driscoll Paid for by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, www.victoryfund.org, and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Your contribution may be used in conjunction with state and local elections and be subject to state and local laws. Contributions to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund are not tax-deductible.

theVitalVOICE.com | 7

ONLINE@thevitalvoice.com It’s here, it’s queer and it’s only at thevitalvoice.com

The Audacity of Hope

You don’t grow American youth any better than Gabe Aderhold. The 17-year-old LGBT activist recently made headlines during the Iowa GOP Strawpolls when he publicly confronted and challenged Republican bigotry and homophobia. If he can make Michele Bachmann run for the hills then we can’t wait to see what this kid does next!

Leon Braxton Named Executive Director of New LGBT Center

You know him as the legendary Dieta Pepsi, but Leon Braxton can add a new title to his resume: Executive Director of the new LGBT Center of St. Louis. Click over to thevitalvoice.com to find out how Braxton has worked toward LGBT equality and visibility in St. Louis.

Robyn’s Trans Advocacy Tour

Robyn Carolyn Montague is on a mission: To bring awareness to transgender issues and equality in a whirlwind road trip across the country. Follow her journeys through her online travel journal only at thevitalvoice.com.

Dirty Blonde

Many a gay man have dubbed Mae West the Queen of Camp, and how could you not with famous one liners like, “I’ve been in more laps than a napkin,” or, “When I’m good, I’m very good, but when I’m bad, I’m better.” Last month, VV theater correspondent Andrea Braun caught up with the creative team behind the Chesterfield Dramatic Licence Production of Dirty Blonde to talk Mae and her influence on gay culture.

The Addams Family

Colin Murphy interviews actor Brian Justin Crum (Lucas Beineke) from the national tour of the new musical THE ADDAMS FAMILY, based on the bizarre and beloved family of characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams. Performances at the Fabulous Fox Theatre are September 27–October 9. For ticket info check out www.fabulousfox.com. 8 |

October, 2011

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r a l u c a t k o o sp

halloween

weekend

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saturday 10-29

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sunday 10-30 Happy hour

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

StL GAYBORHOOD Written by Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Editor Photography by Darin Slyman

ince the mid-20th century, the gayborhood has served as the center of urban LGBT life—an enclave of queer culture nestled in modern cities across the country. Following WWII, middle class white families vacated America’s inner cities for suburbia in great numbers while many LGBTers remained decidedly metropolitan. Back then, we didn’t see the need for the big backyards or quiet cul-de-sacs that attracted parents of young children to the county. Further, we weren’t as paranoid about racially mixed neighborhoods or ailing schools or the elevated crime stats of urban dwelling. “Gays might also have been less likely to have the financial means to relocate to suburbia,” explained Ian Darnell, a Ph.D.

student in American history and member of the St. Louis LGBT History Project. “Flamboyantly gay men and gay men who had gotten in trouble with the law had severely limited employment opportunities. So did gays who had been ejected from the military—and they also couldn’t take advantage of the generous veterans benefits that helped so many other young men hoist themselves into the middle class and relocate to suburbia.” The Central West End would become one of St. Louis’ prominent gay neighborhoods with its disproportionately large and visible LGBT population vis-a-vis the rest of the metro area. Indeed, the CWE was a growing hub of queer social life throughout the 1960s, and by the 1970s—was the epicenter of Gateway City LGBT politics.

“First, I’d say it had to do with its status as liminal racial territory,” offered Darnell. “The area itself had a mixed black/white population, and it was at the edge of the ghetto. This racial betweenness kept many straight whites out and property values low—but was less objectionable to the gays.” Darnell also points to nearby institutions of higher learning (Washington University and Saint Louis University), a major entertainment district (Gaslight Square), Forest Park and the local art and theater scenes as major draws for young, unattached, adventurous and idealistic residents—all traits that made the area more hospitable to queers. Eventually heterosexual awareness of the CWE with its newly rehabbed homes, businesses and nightlife led to yuppies

theVitalVOICE.com | 13

moving back to the neighborhood and city officials taking note. So much so that in 1984 the St. Louis LGBT publication, No Bad News hit the streets with a January 1984 cover asking “Are Gays Being Pushed Out of the Central West End?” In the mid 1970s, St. Louis Mayor A.J. Cervantes acquired development rights to an area surrounding the central Maryland/Euclid corner as rumors of anti-gay policies at the Maryland Plaza Redevelopment Corporation grew. Seemingly overnight, rents were raised and certain leases were not renewed. The first queer casualty was famed gay disco Herbies’ nightclub on Maryland

14 | October, 2011

Plaza. Soon other LGBT bars and businesses shuttered or moved to more affordable addresses. Similarly – LGBTers experienced sticker shock as apartment and home rentals skyrocketed. Indeed, the neighborhood around Waterman and McPherson known as “Homo Heights” throughout the 1960s and 1970s was predominantly queer no more. The St. Louis LGBT community has also played a large role in the revitalization of Soulard, South Grand and Lafayette Square. But if there is an heir apparent to the CWE, one needs look no further than The Grove.

In the early 1980s, the stretch of Manchester Ave. between Vandeventer and Kingshighway was in terrible shape. But pioneering LGBT bars such as Genesis I & II, Spikes and Attitudes laid the foundation for a rebirth of the area as seen in today’s vibrant entertainment district anchored by five queer bars and the LGBT Center of St. Louis along with a host of diverse eateries and watering holes. Still, there are concerns among many in the LGBT community that history could be repeating itself and what happened in the CWE could happen in The Grove. A longtime LGBT Grove business owner

points to the courting of the “straight hipster” crowd and minimal LGBT presence at GroveFest as examples. “The majority of the murals that were painted in the Grove about a year or so ago didn’t have a single gay bar on them,” they explained. “You will see Atomic Cowboy, Sweetie Pies and Gramophone. Just recently after complaining several times they started adding the gay bars. It kind of seemed like they were trying to white-wash us out. Even the article which announced the Grove sign dedication didn’t list the gay bars.” The truth is, it’s a mixed bag. While Pride St. Louis and The LGBT Center of St. Louis

both participated in this year’s GroveFest, the annual festival was moved further down Manchester and away from our bars. Still—The Grove website does make a point to include a LGBT narrative in its history, along with quotes from queer community members. Vital VOICE has also confirmed the absence of any organized participation of LGBT business owners at neighborhood meetings. Our community needs a few things to happen to improve LGBT standing along Manchester. First—unlike previous St. Louis gayborhoods—we don’t live in The Grove. There are hundreds of houses in need of a little lavender TLC and rehab. We should

invest in the neighborhood by not just patronizing, but living there as well. This will go a long way in making our voices heard. What’s more—both The Grove organizers and the LGBT community need to better their communication. Instead of endless infighting, we queers must form a cohesive caucus of community members who regularly attend neighborhood meetings and add to the discussion. And as for the powers that be in The Grove–they should be more sensitive of our history, and like other minority groups, our struggle to maintain cultural relevance in the neighborhood. v

theVitalVOICE.com | 15

16 | October, 2011

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12140 Woodcrest Executive Dr. #150, St. Louis, MO 63141 314.628.2182 phone 314.453.2182 fax tbusch@usa-mortgage.com tbusch.usa-mortgage.com Specializing in assistance with LGBT Partnership Mortgages, Purchases, Refinances, FHA/VA, Reverse Mortgages, 203K Loans, Fast & Easy Approvals, and Grant Programs.

18 | October, 2011

{The V List: Home}st The V List The

V Li

Welcome to The V List! Each month Vital VOICE spotlights some of the top-notch StL businesses that support the LGBT community. For a complete roster of valued V List members, log onto thevitalvoice.com/the-v-list. Interested in being featured on The V List in print and online? Drop us a line @ vv@thevitalvoice.com

Circa Properties Raj Tailor, Realtor Multiple Locations in West County, South County, Hazelwood, St. Peters, Collinsville, and Fairview Heights/Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Fallon, IL www.beckyscarpet.com Aside from carrying the finest carpet, tile, area rugs or wood flooring, Beckyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Carpet can also suggest professional carpet, rug cleaning and repair services in your area. Becky is a champion for many local charities and an ally to the LGBT community.

314.952.5472 direct 314.352.5200 office Raj.Tailor@CircaSTL.com A full-service real estate brokerage agency, specializing in the neighborhoods in St. Louis that give our city personality, and the homes that give our neighborhoods character.

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Your environmentally responsible Home Repair and Improvement Specialists! Free Estimates, No Job Too Small. Serving OUR community for over 10 years.

2748 Mary Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63144 314.961.4300 phone www.closetfactory.com/stlouis Proud to offer superior custom closets and home organizer products made right here in St. Louis. Every job is handled as if it were in own homes. In-home designer consultations by appointment - flexible scheduling.

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Coldwell Banker Gundaker Pam Schneider, Realtor 314.267.3787 pamschneider@cbgundaker.com Looking to build a lasting relationship long after close. Providing superior service by listening to your needs, understanding your situation, educating you on the process, and negotiating on your behalf. theVitalVOICE.com | 19

Monthly Networking Happy Hour Our Goals:

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Our Spaces Edited by Joshua Barton Photography by Alex Galindo

e live in the Georgian Condominiums in Lafayette Square and my favorite place in the condo is the living room because it is a calm, open space. We chose a color palette of smokey blues, grey-purples and light silver to create a sense of calm and the furniture is espresso leather. We have a dog and a cat Adrian Fox/ Lafayette Square (Baxtor and Lamon) and they shed a lot so we decided to go with y Webster Groves Craftsman Cottage leather furniture because is the perfect locale for entertaining the it is easier to clean. masses.

Have you ever wanted to take an innocent peek into the homes of complete strangers? Well, you’re in luck. We at Vital VOICE want to satisfy that voyeur’s impulse and keep you away from any restraining orders by giving you a private tour inside the SPACES of four very unique St. Louis homes. So put away the binoculars and get to know your neighbors!

I also have to have some green in the house so fresh flowers is a must. I think they can brighten up any space. I’m also a strong believer in candles. A great scent always creates an inviting space and I love buying candles from Gilt.com. I usually go for more masculine scents like amber, tobacco, leather and frankincense. The only other special thing about the space is that I collect pigs. I have a shelf of small pigs from around the world: wood, ceramic, glass, silver, even paper. It started in high school when I wanted a potbellied pig so my grandmother bought me a tiny, clay pig figurine.

22 | October, 2011

They always say a way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach and if that is true, my dining room has been a perpetual love affair! It is my favorite space because it is the one place I can have my loved ones in rotation for dinners in honor of the amazingness they are to me every day. My boys and I, decorate this room for each holiday since it is the hub of the house and all festivities. We rotate between Italian pottery and luxe Versace dishes depending on the occasion. The kitchen is designed with practicality and whimsy in mine. The rug is all weather (with three cats, a dog and two boys, being able to hose it off is a must!). The art is an eclectic mix of framed art by my sons, a killer Flight of the Concords poster, giant stars and glass bobbles. All of the black and cherry furniture is warm and functional and complimented by my custom teal damask curtains (aka: jungle gym for the kittens). Over the last year a couple friends stepped up to be a part of my family, teaching my sons to garden, produce music, play guitar and piano (and to be little gentlemen). Every Monday and Tuesday, I cook a huge organic meal to repay them for their friendship and kindness. This routine has become my favorite part of the week and rarely gets interrupted.

Alexis Tucci Hansen/Webster Groves

hen asked about what I consider my favorite space in my home the first area that came to mind was the living/dining room area. I can still remember walking through the door the first time I saw the house two years ago. The space was very different then but I still knew that it was going to be my home. It was a foreclosure that I purchased after seeing more houses than I care to remember and it was definitely a diamond in the rough. The house was dirty and smelled heavily of smoke but I was confident I could make it something great. After some cleaning, painting, demolition, construction and decorating I now have a space I can be proud of. The design for the space was inspired by my love for all things mid- century modern, eclectic and reused or repurposed. The majority of the furnishings are from thrift stores, garage sales or Craigslist.

Garrett Haas/The Hill

When I look around the room now, I obviously see the finished product but I also picture all the time I spent with family and friends working on the house or scavenging for my next great find for the space.

live in a townhouse in “Old Town Clayton” which today looks more like “New Town Clayton” given all the tearing down of the original homes and construction of the new homes that have taken place over the past 10 years! The design throughout the house is contemporary but not the cold austere type. I have utilized some “Ralph” colors which really have clean lined design pop! I am not one to have a million colors, just one or two “it” colors will do. Perhaps my kitchen is one of my favorite rooms. It brings together everything I love, warmth, color, the smell of good food and light, a lot of light. It is a compact room but feels ample in size given the layout. It is an “eat in” kitchen that makes you feel like you are in a bistro very close to where the cooking takes place. I am very drawn to natural elements when decorating/designing a space. That is most true in this room. The floor is slate (not the prefab type of slate) with actual stone cut into large squares. When we first moved in we had white cabinets which are NOT my favorite. I had no reveal solid natural maple cabinets installed with stainless pulls. In addition, there are the standard stainless appliances. What really sets the whole design off are the stainless counter tops! I simply love them--being the neat freak that I am, I take great pleasure in wiping them down after cooking. They make the kitchen look spotless!

Pam Schneider/Old Town Clayton theVitalVOICE.com | 23

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24 | October, 2011

This section sponsored by

ASK THE

EXPERT: Top Real Estate Questions I’m Getting These Days Written by Raj Tailor

What’s a short sale? The market is really bad right I get this question all the time. So, unlike a foreclosure, which is when a now. I guess I should just sit tight bank or mortgage company has even though I want to move actually taken back a house and is selling it, the owner of the house is eventually, right? still in the picture. In this case, the seller has gotten the bank to sell the house “short”, meaning the bank will allow the seller to sell the house for less than what is owed on it. In this case, the seller and the bank/mortgage company must both agree to the deal. Purchasing a short sale can take quite awhile and be a little more complicated than a normal purchase…so keep that in mind.

My house payment is killing me. Do I have any options?

Assuming selling is not an option, I would have a conversation with your banker or mortgage company about refinancing. They will be able to advise you if there are any options to restructure your mortgage to make it more affordable. If that doesn’t pan out, consider renting. While home prices have fallen, rental rates are actually on the rise. So, consider taking on a roommate to help with expenses. Or you might even rent out your place and find yourself a more affordable living option. Either way, you can hold on to your place and buy some time until the payment is more manageable.

Things might be a little tough but all is not gloom and doom. We all want to sell high and buy low, but that never happens. You have to look at buying your next home and selling your current one as one global transaction. Yes, you might be selling at a lower price that you would like but if you are buying your next home at a discount, especially if it’s going to be a place you will be happy for many years, it makes sense to make the move now.

Is it wise to invest more money in my house now?

I think it is. To what degree is really determined by your individual circumstances (location, house, price point, etc.) Now is a great time to make upgrades and updates that can give you a competitive edge in market, should you ever decide to sell. Contractors are looking for work and materials can be purchased at a discount, if you shop smartly. And, if you’re going to be staying for a while, make sure you get some enjoyment out of it! I’ve never had a client tell me that they wished they had done it all later. If you have good chunk of equity, you might be able finance your project at an attractive interest rate.

I want to take advantage of this Buyer’s market and want a deal. Should I be looking primarily at foreclosures? Everyone wants a deal…myself included! However, don’t pigeon hole yourself with a buzzword. In a buyer’s market, the best deal is going to be purchasing a desirable property at a good price. That isn’t the same thing as buying a marginal property at a steep discount. Also, keep in mind a foreclosure might require some work to get it back to snuff. Those improvements are tougher to finance, so you might have to be ready to write a check for it. I wouldn’t say to rule out foreclosures but to evaluate them just as any other house you might look at.

I’m a first time homebuyer. Is now the time to buy or should I wait for the market to get to the ultimate low?

Hmm…you might have better luck finding the love of your life in the missed connections section of craigslist. In all seriousness, timing the market…any market…is virtually impossible. As a first time buyer, this is one (and possibly the only) time at which you will have nothing to sell, which means you can truly take advantage of a Buyer’s market. One word of advice: if you are shopping for a condo, check into the restrictions on renting. You may want to make sure that if you end up moving, you have options other than selling. 314.952.5472 direct

Have a question? Contact me

314.352.5200 office

Raj.Tailor@CircaSTL.com theVitalVOICE.com | 25

26 | October, 2011

Wildflower

The Surreal, True Life Adventures of an American Gurl. Written by Derick Allison Photography by Darin Slyman

an Barnes is living a modern-day odyssey. Tenaciously forging her own path from a small Southern Illinois town all the way to New York and back, she transcended the small-minded community of her youth and dove into the early 90’s Club Kid scene in both Chicago and The Big Apple. Van has since returned to the Midwest empowered, “edumacated,” and embracing her country girl roots. She now resides just outside St. Louis, where she has carved out a niche for herself through her artistry. Van picks, purchases, and sells furniture and decor to designers, dealers, decorators, and collectors mostly from the East and West coasts. She scours flea markets, junk stores, and backwater hoards for hidden treasures. Her refined aesthetic and sophisticated eye are sought after internationally. “I realized that I either needed to go to rehab for my shopping addiction, or turn it into something positive.” This transformative power is elemental to her personality, and intrinsic to her art. Van’s ability to positively manipulate situations in her life, and objects with her aesthetic, has facilitated her success. “Growing up I didn’t have a lot of adult guidance, which really allowed my personality to develop in an uninhibited way,” she explains. “As soon as I could drive I started dumpster diving and hitting thrift stores.” Van was hand picking clothes and accessories out of the catacombs of junk that were amassed in small town re-sale shops. She was training

herself to use the aesthetic properties of vintage items for the sake of self expression. Van’s artistic spirit was too vibrant to tame, and impossible to hide. She was bullied all throughout her youth. Though, towards the end of high school Van found a glimmer of hope in the pages of Project X, an underground nightlife magazine dedicated to Club Kid culture. “I saw how free and expressive it all was,” she recalls. “I knew I belonged somewhere like that. I wanted to be a part of it.” As soon as Van graduated she packed up her belongings and embarked on a cultural pilgrimage to Chicago and eventually, New York. Van’s first performance in Chicago was the perfect introduction to the adventures that would ensue: “I arrived in a cardboard casket with tons of balloons flying out in front of me.” Van regularly go-go danced and performed at Crowbar and Shelter, and was exalted in the nightlife press for her year and a half spent in the Windy City. Van’s time in New York had a much more tumultuous beginning. She lived initially with her friend Steven Ashmore, who resided in a dilapidated squat. “I used to wait out in the cold and rain in skimpy outfits and fake furs at all hours for someone to come and open the door so I could make my way up to the top of that tenement,”Van says. “It was a very trying time in my life…I didn’t have a real home that I could run back to. At that time in my life it was either sink or swim.” Van regularly danced at Webster Hall’s Makeup Room, and occasionally at Limelight. During her performances at Limelight, a re-purposed Gothic Revival Church, she descended over the dancing crowd from the cavernous ceiling in a giant bird cage, writhing in a rhythmic fervor. Her striking performances made her into a New York sensation. She was photographed for fashion spreads, artistic photo projects, and gallery shows including a show at Gramercy Art Club. Van was also cast in various film projects, including her brief speaking part in the documentary film, Wigstock. theVitalVOICE.com | 27

Still barely scraping by, Van decided to respond to an ad on the back page of The Village Voice seeking individuals to perform transgender make-overs on cross-dressers, which she soon found out was a cover for a call-girl service. Though Van had known since early childhood that she was indeed a woman, she was born genetically male. Van began her first round of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) while working as a high-end escort/ dominatrix/psychodramatist for two years. “My time as a Club Kid was a step towards femininity, but HRT was giant leap,” Van quips. “I never walked the streets honey, I just walked into a lot of really expensive hotels and penthouses. I always practiced safe sex when I was working as a call girl, and I never really got mixed up in the hard drugs that were all around me in the club scene. Staying away from those hard drugs is probably the main reason I’m still alive today.” When the luster of her fast-paced lifestyle wore off, Van withdrew herself from the party scene, and began questioning her decision to reassign her gender. “No one at that time would hire me being a transgender person. Being passable is one thing, undetectable is another, and I had no job skills beyond what I knew previously.” Van chose to stop HRT and revert back to living a masculine life. He worked his way into corporate America.

28 | October, 2011

“It was an important time, She says. “I learned aspects of business and deal-making that I couldn’t have learned any other way. College was never an option for me. I had been called a faggot before I ever reached the age of puberty, and I didn’t want to risk being the victim of a hate crime. Looking back I could have ended up like Matthew Shepard, being drug down a dirt road by a chain to my death, all because of my gender and sexuality.” Van’s immersion into the corporate world transformed him and his artistic spirit was tempered into steel. The process yielded an individual who possessed a passionately artistic soul and an unbreakable constitution. It was a vital period of growth though it took an emotional and physical toll. “I was completely unhappy while living as a man,” she admits. “I began having very self-destructive sexual habits for the first time in my life, because I felt like I would never grow into the person I was supposed to be. Self-destructive behavior is often produced by that overwhelming sense of hopelessness.” When the time was right, Van decided to live again as the gender she was born to be. She left her corporate job, and returned to her old Midwestern stomping grounds. “I realized that I had to continue with my HRT,” she says. “I had to find a

way to be my own boss, so that I could not be fired for being transsexual. So I began junking.” Van’s ability to pick out the elemental qualities of an object or accessory and place them perfectly to the appropriate situation was now coupled with her corporate life experience. She had become an artist with a business side. Instead of selling her aesthetic in the form of herself to crowds of party people she now sells it as high-end decorative art and artifact. The artist has come full circle and is now living out her childhood dream. She and her committed partner often escape to a secluded cabin owned by her partner’s family, where they, camp, hike, swim, fish, fourwheel, shoot guns, garden, landscape, and bask in the beauty of nature. “I’m essentially a Midwestern girl at heart,” Van concludes. “I loved my previous life, but now I cut trails through the woods, build pathways out of rocks that I dig up by hand, and love one man. It’s so great to grow up and become exactly what you dreamt of as a little boy.... I wish my level of happiness on everyone!” v

theVitalVOICE.com | 29

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30 | October, 2011

• Bright and Open Floor Plans • High Ceilings

uide

Guide Fall weather is perfect for an afternoon picnic in Tower Grove Park or an afternoon curled up on the couch. Either way, you’ll look and feel fabulous with this Vintage Knotted Yarn Blanket from Rothchild’s. The blanket is super-soft and a oneof-a-kind find with it’s hand knitted star burst designs. Vintage Knotted Yarn Blanket: $195 Rothchild’s Antiques & Home Furnishings 398 N. Euclid, St. Louis 63108.

To An Autumn Afternoon

After a sweltering summer spent on the road and in the air, we’re looking forward to those crisp, autumn afternoons at home with a great book and a glass of wine. So cuddle up with your booskie and check out these amazing autumn finds.

With a summer saturated with Gaga, Beyonce and Britney, you were probably too brainwashed to download the soulful sounds of Teedra Moses on her mixtape: Luxurious Undergrind. Anyone who has ever GONE THRU IT to a song will immediately be captivated by Moses’ soft but soulful voice as she croons about falling in and out of love. In “To Hell With It” she’s fed up to the point that she sings, “I just said to hell with love/Ima go out and have some fun/Instead of waiting home for you at night/While you were doing yours/I was doing mine”. The majority of the mixtape follows an emotional roller coaster of vulnerability and hesitation that feels deeply familiar and painfully honest as you begin to recognize Moses’ love scars as your own. In the mixtape’s concluding tracks, Moses delivers the powerful “Get Free” where she declares, “You just want a princess doll/To perform for all of ya’ll/Well if you want a magazine queen/ Pick her not me”. Now, that’s a TRUE diva! Teedra Moses’ Luxurious Undergrind Mixtape: Free Download: urbaneverything.com/2011/07/teedra-mosesluxurious-undergrind-full.html

This is the story…of a lovely lounger…that was sitting at Retro 101! Yes, we found this close-to-replica version of the Brady Bunch family room lounger at Retro 101 Cherry Bomb Vintage. This amazing, 70’s Plaid Lounger doubles as a day bed and is a perfect addition to your den or guest room. We expect many Fall, cat naps to be had on this one. 70’s Brady Bunch Lounger: $395 Vintage Battle Ship Board Game: $30 Retro 101 Cherry Bomb Vintage, 2303 Cherokee Street, St. Louis 63118. Lesbian mystery-crime novels don’t get any better than this. Trick of the Night by Val McDermid, revolves around the dark and complex lives of a group of lesbians in Oxford, England. The plot lines are thick with sex, lies and murder and McDermid not only pulls you into the unfolding murder mystery but also into the lives and secrets of her female characters. Trick of the Night will leave you captivated and perplexed. Trick of the Night by Val McDermid: $14.95 Left Bank Books, 399 North Euclid Avenue, St. Louis 63108 And finally, an autumn afternoon wouldn’t be complete without a great bottle of wine to enjoy while watching the leaves change colors. White wine drinkers will love the 2010 Eric Chevalier Chardonnay. This unoaked Chardonnay is rich in fruit notes like sweet golden apple, apricot, peach and citrus. It’s full bodied and crisp without the overpowering taste of oak. We suggest pairing it with fresh fish like salmon or smoked trout. If you prefer red wines, the 2008 Shooting Star Pinot Noir from Jed Steele is a perfect autumn alternative to a heavy winter red. The Shooting Star is a very smooth, medium bodied pinot noir with bright fruit tones like green apple and strawberry and hints of spice and has a slight character of sweet tabacco and hints of spice. This will go great with a spicy, red sauce pasta or steak tar tar. 2010 Eric Chevalie Chardonnay $15 & 2008 Shooting Star Pinot Noir $18: Copia Urban Winery and Market, 1122 Washington Avenue, St. Louis 63101 theVitalVOICE.com | 31

Hey Paula! Written by Corey Stulce

Despite her valiant efforts, comedian Paula Poundstone has not been able to create a viral video. Even her opus, “My Cat’s Don’t Do Anything,” failed to get re-Tweeted enough to make her an online supastah. Internet icon or not, Poundstone has remained a comic headliner for more than 20-years, and she will make her triumphant return to St. Louis on Nov. 12 at The Sheldon. One reason Poundstone has remained a fan favorite—and of this writer to interview—is that while she may arrive with a set list of topics, you never know what you’ll get. Her repartee with the crowd is affable, playful and typically gut-busting. During the chat for this article, she kept me giggling through topics of holidays, her 16 camera-ready felines and her aforementioned homemade videos. Poundstone said while she spends a lot of time on them, the short films have yet to pay off when it comes to increasing awareness of her live shows. “I have 40,000 followers, but YouTube, much, much less. Even if you take that 40,000 and divide it state by state, and then you divide that by the amount of people you could get to watch the film to begin with and then you divide that by the people who live near the town, saw the film and have that night available, I’m not sure that I can say that’s really generating a crowd for me. But you know, it’s a dream and I live with it,” she laughed. Though it took some cajoling, Poundstone has fully embraced the time-wasting efforts of Face-TweetTubing. Here’s one of her posts the day this article was written: “The Burger King at the airport is late to open. He’s working with his speech therapist.” Visit Paula Poundstone dot com and be treated to a Cat Cam right next to the bowl of food, where one to 16 kitties will visit, and usually at least one will get its butt a little too close to the lens. 32 | October, 2011

“What I really wanted to do was give people the great view of the majesty of almost 16 cats eating at the bowl. It is a spectacle. The fact is when there’s that many you get Butt Cam or somebody’s fur is so close up you can’t discern what it is,” Poundstone said. She’d like people to let her know when she’s not online if the dog is at the bowl, too. It boggles her mind that a hamster pooping video can get a million hits, but Poundstone’s painstakingly-created cat video is languishing. It really irked Paula when her daughter kept watching videos of guys on camera just talking about nothing. “I started telling her, ‘You can’t use my computer for that.’ She was on to me right away. She said, ‘You’re just jealous.’ ‘You betcha. Don’t use my computer for that. You’re damn right I am! How many hours did I spend on ‘My Cat’s Don’t Do Anything’?” (Please, go online and watch “My Cat’s Don’t Do Anything.”) Poundstone is typically seen on stage in a button-up shirt and a festive necktie—and don’t expect much of a different look with Halloween approaching. “When I go out with the kids, I’ve had a very similar theme to my costumes. Last year, for example, I went as a kind of tired 50-year-old woman. This year, I’ll be going as a tired 51-year-old woman. It’s not entirely different but there are some nuances,” she said. Isn’t it fair to say that as a chaperone to trick or treaters, she is entitled to some of the treats?

Partway through the night, he doesn’t even remember what night it is. He’s like, ‘What are we doing again?’ We can only go to the shorter driveways or he can’t make it. ‘Go to the door! Remember honey, go to the door.’” With the rest of the big holidays creeping up right after Halloween, you can expect Paula to re-Tweet her real story of the first Thanksgiving, where she plays all the characters. “It’s nothing short of brilliant for God’s sake. And it’s an annual,” she added. Again, low hits. For Christmas, she plans to continue her adaptation of Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol,” performed one line at a time, in front of the Cat Cam. “In order to do that, because the camera is in a fixed position, I have to lie down on the floor, slide my head under a desk and hover slightly over the cat bowls,” she said. If anything, Paula thinks she’ll have a Vincent van Gogh experience, and her videos will be appreciated after she’s gone. “Of course, after he died, ‘Oh, he’s a genius.’ Now his stuff goes for the most amounts of money that stuff goes for,” she said. “I know my children are hoping that’s what happens.” For more with Paula Poundstone and more than 50 other comedians, such as Kathy Griffin, Phyllis Diller and Margaret Cho, please check out my new book, “Laugh Lines: Conversations with Comedians,” by Corey Andrew, available on Lulu.com and coming soon to Amazon and Kindle. v

“Oh yes, no question. In fact, they don’t always know that. What I often do is I say, ‘Why don’t I hold that for you.’ Fortunately my son has ADD,” Poundstone said. “ theVitalVOICE.com | 33

BUY SELL STAY

Raj Tailor

Realtor | Designer www.circaSTL.com Raj.Tailor@CircaSTL.com 314.952.5472

34 | October, 2011

cocktail

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

The Crackberry Martini It may be October, but who says you can’t revisit bright summer tastes in a refreshing pink cocktail? To do just that, head over to Mango Peruvian Cuisine where the Crackberry Martini will reignite your taste buds with fresh strawberries, sweet basil and cracked black pepper. The Crackberry is one of Mango’s most popular signature martinis and was named the best martini by the RFT in 2010. It combines Grey Goose vodka with muddled strawberries, basil and crushed black pepper. Add a little bit of simple syrup and some fresh citrus and you have a perfect blend of sweet, tart and peppery scents and flavors. Try it for yourself! Mango Peruvian Cuisine, 1101 Lucas Avenue, Downtown.

theVitalVOICE.com | 35

PLAYD/a/tes

2 6 11

“Diverse/Diversity”

October 2nd, 5:30 pm Stages St. Louis Lecture Series. Robert G. Reim Theater, Kirkwood Community Center, 111 S. Geyer Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122.

Special TV and Broadway guest Bryan Batt, from AMC’s Mad Men, looks at equality in a diverse society. For more information go to stagesstlouis.org

CADILLAC PRESENTS ST. LOUIS MAGAZINE’S

FEVER Fashion Show

October 6th, 7 pm–10 pm Niemen Marcus, 100 Plaza Frontenac, St. Louis 63131 Dig out those Dior pumps and those vintage Chanel cocktail rings because you don’t want to be seen in anything less than SICKONING for the FEVER Fashion Show presented by St. Louis Magazine and Cadillac. FEVER will showcase on the runway the hottest fall fashion trends by Niemen Marcus as guests go glam with music, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails from Purus Vodka and beer from Bud Select. For tickets and information go to: stlmag.com/St-Louis-Magazine/ Events/Fever-2011/

National Coming Out Day October 11th, Worldwide

36 | October, 2011

October

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

Tickets are $40 for standing room or $75 for VIP. A portion of the proceeds benefit Ranken Jordan.

Come out, come out, where ever you are! 2011 marks NCOD’s 23rd anniversary as LGBT communities across the globe celebrate the death of THE CLOSET. NCOD was born to commemorate the 1987 March on Washington for LGBT Rights. It was the second march ever on the nation’s capital demanding queer equality and was the seed of many other nationally known LGBT organizations and projects. LGBT activists worldwide now celebrate NCOD. Do your part and celebrate your truth! Celebrate National Coming Out Day! To see what NCOD events are being planned near you, visit: www.hrc.org/ncod/

Belleville, IL: Metro East Pride will be holding its 2nd Annual NCOD Candlelight March. Join them as they LIGHT THE NIGHT to remember those in our community who we have lost to suicide and violence—and to express visibility for those in our community who are not yet able. Event kicks off at 7pm at Belleville Public Library (121 East Washington) and will go down Main St., ending at Club Escapade.

22 Harvest Moon Music Festival

October 22nd at 9 amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;October 23rd at 12 pm Osborne Family Farm, Rural Route 2, Box 682, Vandalia, IL 62471

Looking for an outdoor, fall weekend of music, camping and relaxation? Harvest Moon will be bringing together women and their friends from around the St. Louis region, showcasing the most talented female acoustic artists against the peaceful and picturesque backdrop of Illinois farmland. There will be more than 11 different acoustic artists, camping, arts and a warm bonfire! For more info on tickets and registration go to moon-fest.com

VICTORY FUND CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH Sunday, October 23, 2011 Renaissance Grand Hotel St. Louis, Missouri

11am - 2pm

Victory Fund Champagne Brunch

October 23rd, 11 amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;-2 pm Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63101 Do you wish more of your elected representatives were openly LGBT? If you do, and you know you do, then consider attending the Victory Fund Champagne Brunch in Downtown St. Louis at the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel. The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund works to get LGBT elected leaders into office and to ensure that the politics of LGBT equality are front and center in local, state and national political debates. For tickets and information on the brunch please visit: www.victoryfund.org/about_us/events/id:107

FEATURING:

Joel Burns

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY AT

WWW.VICTORYFUND.ORG/STLOUIS The Victory Fund would like to especially thank VItal Voice for their continued support.

theVitalVOICE.com | 37

Okay St. Louis, you know her. You’ve heard about her cooking. Now it’s time to get Dishin ’ with Dieta. 38 | October, 2011

Zucchini Boats

this for us on special As a child, my mother made favorite meals. I occasions. It was one on my pare this meal. It remember helping her pre cchini and dig out was my job to cut up the Zu and dance around the insides. We would sing making this recipe. the kitchen while we were think of her. I always Recreating this makes me loved cooking with my mom. Total time: 35 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients

5 large, firm zucchinis, with skin 1 pound Italian Sausage (use a meat substitute to make vegetarian) 2 large garlic cloves, minced 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, divided 1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs 2 Roma Tomatoes (8 ounces), chopped

Directions

Trim and discard zucchini ends. Working with the 4 widest, cut across width into 2-inch pieces. Scoop out inner meat and seeds of each 2-inch piece, leaving a thin base at bottom so “boat” stands for stuffing. Roughly chop remaining zucchini and inner meat. Set aside. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium high heat 5-6 mins. or until browned, breaking up sausage into small pieces with side of spoon. Add chopped zucchini mixture and garlic and cook 4 minutes or until very soft. Turn off heat. Sir in bread crumbs and 1 cup of cheese. On a microwave safe plate, place zucchini boats cut side up and cover with plaster wrap and microwave on high 4-5 mins. Turn oven to broiler. Stuff zucchini boats with sausage mixture. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese over tops and place under broiler until slightly golden, about 1 minute. Top with tomatoes. Serve immediately. ! gurl, i’m hungry

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theVitalVOICE.com | 39

Encore!

Copia Urban Winery â&#x20AC;˘ August 30th A Night of Arts & Entertainment with Vital VOICE! Where else could you find delicious food, drinks, interactive art, photography and amazing live performances? Try our very own Encore! Vital VOICE Magazine presented the Arts & Entertainment event in honor of our 2011 A&E Luminaries. The audience gathered Downtown in Copia Wineryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful wine garden. Guests were treated to a delicious spread of signature appetizers and rainbow cocktails from Copia as the legendary Dieta Pepsi honored our Luminaries on the mic. The event also included live performances from Stages St. Louis, Opera Theater, a vaudeville act from Sammich the Tramp, spoken word poetry from Kyela Jackson and the Fruit Jam Jazz Band. Artwork and designs from Charles Houska, Deanna Chafin and A.J. Thouvenot were also on display. 40 | October, 2011

Scene Styling

St Louis 19th Annual Human Rights Campaign Gala

The Hyatt Regency • September 17th Former Vital VOICE ICONS Bert Coleman and (Sherrill Wayland) SAGE were honored with the Individual and Group Equality Awards by the St. Louis Human Rights Campaign (HRC) at the non-profit’s 19th annual Gala held at the Hyatt Regency. In addition to the honorees’, the capacity crowd of St. Louis LGBT and allied movers and shakers was also treated to a impassioned speech from Allison Herwitt, Legislative Director for HRC—and the powerful vocals of lesbian singersongwriter, Jennifer Knapp.

theVitalVOICE.com | 41

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

ntil 2005, ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions formerly operated as Consumer Credit Counseling Service of St. Louis (CCCS) at 1300 Hampton Avenue. ClearPoint is now a national nonprofit agency that has been in business for over 30 years and serves St. Louis from six metro locations as well as by phone and online. ClearPoint’s mission is to help consumers obtain a clear understanding of their financial situation and how to improve it through counseling and education. Working closely with our clients, our credit counselors help identify and resolve the source of their financial concerns. ClearPoint has more than 30 years of experience providing innovative solutions and education services for consumers’ unique financial circumstances. Our organization has worked with over a million people get back on the path to financial success. In addition to helping many LGBT clients individually, ClearPoint has partnered with SAGE Metro St. Louis to become a referral partner, has attended the 2011 LGBT Resource Fair and has been represented at OUT in the City networking events.

42 | October, 2011

ClearPoint also provides free financial education seminars to other organizations, conducts “ask a credit counselor” TV phone banks and partners with other like-minded agencies to promote consumer health through financial education. ClearPoint is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and the Independent Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (IACCIA), a system-wide accredited business of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counseling agency and Department of Justice (DOJ)approved bankruptcy education counseling agency. ClearPoint’s metro locations include the Hampton regional office, Webster Groves inside Arsenal Credit Union, Arnold, Florissant, St. Charles and Belleville, Illinois. Free appointments for credit, debt, budgeting and most housingrelated issues may be made by calling 877-877-1995. For more about ClearPoint, visit www.ClearPointCCS.org.

October, 2011