September 2012

September 2012

Sexy?

What Makes You Feel St. Louis Answers

Complimentary Copy

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September, 2012

DearFriends, Dear Friends,

Welcome to our second annual SEXY issue. Within these pages you will find stimulating stories and edgy features that explore and celebrate the sexuality of the LGBT city.

From Chi Chi LaRue and The Hankie Code to Alex Galindo’s sizzling Spread – we know this issue will have you talking.

So what makes you feel sexy, St. Louis? Staff Writer, Matt Jamieson posed the question and we loved your responses!

Whether a frame of mind or physical attribute – we asked and you told.

Make sure to check out my “1 Out of 10” column which explores the history of the gay bathhouse in The Gateway City. Now into its sixth decade – Club St. Louis is the oldest LGBT institution in Missouri.

For our lesbian readers – make sure to look for a new Sapphic centric column all about you beginning next month – and a special welcome to our former publisher, Pam Schneider who will be contributing starting this issue.

Thanks to everyone who made it to the polls on Aug. 7 – and don’t forget to vote this November. Democracy in action – there’s nothing sexier than that!

In Pride,

Colin Murphy, Executive Editor

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Volume 13, Issue 9

On the COVER: Models: Harrison Elliot Massie, Kyle Hanten and Patrice Clements Photography by Alex Galindo

The Vital VOICE Team

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

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

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Matt Jamieson Writer mattj@thevitalvoice.com 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, Darin Slyman, Colin Murphy, Gio, Jack Beal, Chi Chi LaRue, April Yokley, Sarah Estopare, Bob Dunnell, Chris Donald, Rebecca Lenk, Dallas PinUp, Montreal Buz and Keith Roberts Writing: Alex Galindo, Colin Murphy, Matt Jamieson, Corey Andrew, Pam Schneider, Todd Heywood, Paige Garner and Denny Patterson

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

vv@thevitalvoice.com

Online

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September, 2012

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8. Online@theVitalVOICE.com 11. Saunas, Sex & Steam. 14. Chi Chi LaRue. 18. Political Voice. 21. 5 ?’s with Tom Wolfe. 22. Sexy Hits & Tackles.

26. Whips & Chains Excite Me. 34. The Hankie Code.

37. Slut Walk. 39. What Makes You Feel Sexy? 43. Cocktail of the Month.

44 Dishin W/ Dieta. 46. Playdates. 48. Scene & Styling. 46. Where Should You Live?

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

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Wild About Washateria

Got dirty clothes? Don’t have a washer? Well look no further – a new Laundromat is in town. Local LGBT business owner, Tim Rodgers has opened up a new business called Washateria at 2901 Shenandoah Ave. in South City, StL. Washateria opened for business on July 10. “This is a vision I’ve had since 2005, and I’ve always wanted to have my own business,” Rodgers said. “People need to have clean clothes, and I envisioned something much more upscale than a regular Laundromat.”

Amendment 2 Passes; Missouri LGBT Caucus Shrinks to Two Seats

The August 7th Missouri Primary wrapped up with 31 of 39 Equality Candidates endorsed by PROMO prevailing at the polls and one race too close to call. The election also saw the Missouri LGBT Caucus shrink by half and the passage of Amendment 2 - or the “Right to Pray” amendment allowing religious expression in public places and prayer in public schools.

Plans Begin to Bring Back St. Louis AIDS Walk

The first preliminary meeting of community members interested in bringing back the St Louis AIDS Walk was held on July 26 at The LGBT Center of St. Louis. The meeting was attended by about a half a dozen individuals, including representatives from The LGBT Center of St. Louis and St. Louis Effort for AIDS. It was agreed that a stand alone event would take place in July 2013 to benefit St. Louis area AIDS Service Organizations (ASO’s).

Cards & Registry On Target?

Recently, Target surprised many when it unveiled an ad for its online wedding registry featuring two grooms hand-in-hand beneath the tagline, “that’s love.” In rolling out this ad, Target has many in the LGBT community wondering if the retail giant might be turning the other cheek and pushing forward towards marriage equality. What’s more, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has reported that gay affirming greeting cards are also appearing on shelves.

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September, 2012

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

Saunas,

Sex & Steam The Gay Bathhouse in St. Louis Written by Colin Murphy - Executive Editor Photography by St. Louis LGBT History Project

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othing represents the intersection of LGBT rights and sexual freedom quite like the bathhouse. For a generation of men post Stonewall – gay liberation was very much sexual liberation. They had come of age amid isolation, fear and a climate of shame – but the modern LGBT rights movement born from the 1960s free love and anti-war movements changed everything.

By the early 1970s, shame had given way to joy and when it came to cruising for gay sex – it was all about the bars, the bushes and the baths. Now the bars cost money and didn’t always guarantee success – and cruising the parks proved dangerous with its risk of attack or arrest. But the baths – or tubs, as they were called, were a sure thing.

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In a pre Internet, pre Grindr world – before any semblance of an organized LGBT community – bathhouses were a gathering place for gay men. Starting with ancient Greece and Rome, history records gay men meeting in bathhouses for sex with other men throughout the centuries.

Beginning in 1907, St. Louis city built a total of six bathhouses to improve hygienic conditions in working-class, immigrant neighborhoods where most households lacked indoor plumbing. These bathhouses were typically open 16 hours a day and seven days a week to satisfy the high demand for bathing facilities. According to The St. Louis LGBT History Project – many of these were popular with gay men in the late hours for decades.

The first gay bathhouse in St. Louis was The Belcher – but it didn’t begin that way.

Opening in 1894 amid Missouri’s spa craze, The Belcher – later known as the Belcher Bath Hotel or the Belcher Health Club was erected on the northwest corner of Fourth and Lucas and known for its warm sulfurous waters and all marble décor.

During the construction of Interstate 70 the pipeline from the Belcher well was ruptured ending its days as a celebrated spa. Its owner immediately started courting a gay clientele and with the help of The Red Bull’s Chuck Charleston – St. Louis’ first gay bathhouse was born in the late 1960s.

The Belcher and The Red Bull (a gay bar across the river in East St. Louis) would send customers each other’s way. Bette Midler was even brought in to perform during her bathhouse circuit.

Also popular in the 1960s and 70s was Kerpens’ Bathhouse at Vandeventer and 44.While never a gay establishment, Kerpens was the real deal – a fully operational bathhouse with all the amenities and also popular for cruising late nights.

Just west of Union Station on South 20th Street was the Stadium Hotel – home to the famed 1970s gay behemoth Bob Martin’s Bar and its Stadium Baths which offered lockers, rooms, a steam room and other amenities.

But St. Louis’ best known gay bathhouse is The Club and came to be in 1968 when Jack Campbell opened the Club Bath Chain here. CBC was located in the Washington Hotel at 600 North Kingshighway – and after rebranding twice and as many changes of address is still in operation at 2625 Samuel Shepard Drive as the oldest, continually operating LGBT institution in the state.

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With its dark cubicles, maze of rooms, seasonal pool, steam room, sauna, media lounge and full range gym – the private men’s club caters to the gay community in eight different cities, using the same membership card.

At its zenith the gay bathhouse, including The Club, was one of our community’s most popular, profitable and charitable businesses.

It was as glamorous as it was alluring and operated with little controversy until the emergence of AIDS in the early 1980s.

While gay bathhouses in cities like New York and San Francisco were temporarily shuttered to curb infection rates – The Club Bath Chain remained open rebranding itself Club Body Center - designed for AIDS-conscious gay men. As early as 1983 on site HIV testing was offered. Also put in place were CBC guidelines where each health spa would provide a gym or workout area, a whirl pool or swimming pool, extensive distribution and materials on AIDS risk reduction, as well as eliminate facilities viewed as conducive to high-risk sexual activities such as common rooms and dimly lit portal areas.

No matter your opinion of the bathhouse or the clandestine encounters they invite, it is an integral part of our LGBT story.

To that end, Director Malcolm Ingram is chronicling New York’s legendary Continental Bathhouse in his upcoming documentary, Continental. He admits he’s “surprised” no one tackled the subject matter before.

“The story is so incredibly rich: The place had a dance floor, a restaurant, a bar, a beauty salon and a boutique,” Ingram told queertv. “It was one of the first establishments to introduce convenient STI testing, and its cabaret shows are now legendary,” says Ingram. The Continental was also one of the first places straights and gays mingled openly, years before Studio 54.”

The Club St. Louis, now in its sixth decade in business, is presently starting a major remodel. According to patrons, its pool, sundeck and Sunday brunch is one of the best kept secrets in town. The Club continues to offer on site STI testing and provides an abundance of condoms and information on how to prevent transmission. v

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“Chi Chi LaRue’s

Chokin’ on C@ck.”

Written by Corey Andrew Photography by Chi Chi LaRue

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ovie titles like that have built an empire for Larry Paciotti a.k.a. Chi Chi LaRue. With nearly three decades in the adult film biz and more than 2,000 titles released via Chi Chi’s Channel 1, LaRue is one of the biggest names in porn.

Corey: What do you do to create a fun atmosphere on the set?

I make sure everyone is comfortable. I make sure I know what everybody does and doesn’t do.

And just make everybody happy. I’m my own witty, fantastic self!

Chi Chi, though, is no longer one of the physically biggest. Three years ago, she had gastric bypass and recent photos prove that while she still loves to pose with her mouth wide open, it’s not to gorge on chicken wangs and beer.

Obviously, the industry has changed a lot over the years. What have you done to stay relevant and stay successful?

I keep slapping on the drag! And now that I’m deejaying, I can go out and reach more people in clubs and take the boys around the world. It’s keeping my name out there. I stay true to myself as a director, including the safer sex aspect. And we make hot, filthy scenes and give the customer what they want.

Vital VOICE caught up with Chi Chi in Florida— right before she was shooting three back-to-back (but never bareback) films.

Anything you can tell me about these particular shoots?

They’re all daddy/bear movies. That seems to be the genre that everyone is leaning toward. It used to be twinks and hairless jocks, but now it’s rounding itself back over to daddies.

How long do you envision these shoots taking?

A week.

What’s a really good day of accomplishment?

I have shot an entire movie in a day. You just have to schedule it and know what you’re doing and get everything you need and not pontificate.

A lot of directors these days, this is their social life. Of course, it’s a fun atmosphere. The name of the game is to get the job done as it is in any profession. I know how to get something done, whether it’s a two-way or a 10-way.

Anyone with a cell phone can make a movie. Are you torn about that?

I was for a while but I made peace with it.

People will do what they’re gonna do, and you can’t blame them for wanting to do this. It’s fun. It feeds into people’s sexual desires and perversions. Hey, listen, if I’d come along now, I wish people would welcome me. I came in at the heyday and I’m lucky and I’m blessed that I was able to come in the days of Jeff Stryker and Falcon. I’ve used a lot of the tools I’ve been given by some amazing people to keep going.

Hopefully, I’ve built some tools and people can learn from me. I have people thanking me for teaching them and I think that’s pretty amazing.

I’m trying to understand how you can be in the porn business for 28 years yet only be 28 years old?

I’m 52.

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Wow. You look fantastic.

I’m 52 and better than I’ve ever been. I’m sober. I’m thin. I had gastric bypass surgery and I’ve been able to keep the weight off for three years. I’m not gonna eat myself back up. I’m not gonna do a Carnie Wilson. More power to her, because she’s recently gone through another one.

Hopefully, she’ll keep at it. You’re given the tools and you have to use them. If you don’t use them, then you’re not gonna be able to be successful at something.

What are you spinning these days in the clubs?

Ooh, girl, I’m a 15-year-old girl trapped in a 52-year-old man’s body. I’m a pop culture lover.

I am Lady Gaga. I am Britney. I am The Wanted.

I also love the Scissor Sisters. I love breaking in new music. Willam from RuPaul’s Drag Race, I just directed the video for his new song called, Trouble, which is a fabulous song. It’s probably the best song to come out of those RuPaul girls.

No shade to any of the girls.

You’ve been a longtime proponent of safe sex in films. Has your message caught on?

I’ve tried to make it catch on, but I don’t know.

I frankly can’t care anymore. I just have to be conscious of what I do. I have to take care of myself and the people I work with. I’ve shoved it down people’s throats for as long as I’ve been in the industry.

When was the last time you had a filthy thought?

Right now!

What are you thinking about?

I’m actually thinking about these delicious, nasty mussels at this restaurant on the beach. My filthy thoughts tend to be about food these days; it’s so funny. Sometimes a filthy thought is a large pizza. I am gearing up to do these movies. I am looking at these amazing singlets that CellBlock underwear gave me. I am hoping that whoever I put these on will be nasty enough to maybe pee in one. I’m always thinking porn. If I’m not thinking about porn, I’m thinking about music. If I’m not thinking about music, I’m thinking about food. v

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Political VOICE

HIV Prosecutions May Deter Testing Written by Todd Heywood - The American Independent

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hould people living with HIV be charged with a crime if they fail to disclose their status to sex partners?

That’s currently the law in many places.

But a new study suggests that such prosecutions might actually deter at-risk individuals from seeking medical advice and getting tested—thus making them more likely to transmit the virus.

In the wake of a series of high-profile HIV nondisclosure prosecutions, researchers surveyed men who have sex with men in Ottawa, Canada. They found that a significant minority of participants—17 percent—said the prosecutions had “affected their willingness to get tested for HIV,” and nearly 14 percent said the prosecutions “made them afraid to speak with nurses and physicians about their sexual practices.”

The researchers found that this same group reported receiving less testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, was more likely to engage in higher-risk sexual activities and had a higher number of recent sexual partners.

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The findings provide the first empirical support for the contention that HIV-related criminal laws might pose an obstacle to HIV testing. Until now, advocates for those living with HIV have only been able to point to anecdotal evidence that some people at risk for infection might avoid getting tested out of fear of being prosecuted—a phenomenon they have dubbed “take the test, risk arrest.” The reasoning? Knowing of an HIV-positive status can make one criminally liable, while not knowing can be a defense against prosecution.

headline, front-page media attention.”

O’Byrne pointed specifically to a case in which law enforcement officials “released the [accused’s] full name, photograph and sexual orientation.”

Patrick O’Byrne, a professor in nursing at the University of Ottawa and the study’s lead author, cautioned that the research has several limitations. The sample was not randomized; subjects were recruited in high-risk sexual activity locations, and the demographic skews to white, gay men. The results, therefore, cannot be generalized.

Carol Galletly—a professor, lawyer and researcher at the Medical College of Wisconsin—says the results of the Canadian study might not translate to U.S. experiences. According to Galletly, preliminary analysis from at least one U.S. study on HIV criminalization currently undergoing review “did not reveal a deterrent effect” on testing.

In addition, O’Byrne says that the research “must be interpreted within its context: Ottawa, Canada within one year after a nondisclosure prosecution involving

Still, Galletly says scientists “can’t afford to ignore” O’Byrne’s research.

Indeed, according to a 2010 report by the Global Network of People Living with HIV, Canada has convicted more than 60 people of HIV-related crimes. That’s second only to the United States, which has convicted more than 300. (However, other countries had higher rates of prosecution per 1,000 people living with HIV.)

While HIV nondisclosure laws might be

intended to stem HIV transmission, studies have suggested that they have little impact on risk behavior.

“Incidence of HIV infection in states with and without HIV exposure laws does not differ, as one would expect if the laws were preventing new infections,” says Galletly, who has been a leading researcher on the impact of HIV criminalization laws on behavior.

In addition, research suggests these laws may provide a misplaced sense of safety in relying on a partner to disclose his or her infection.

According to Galletly, “Preliminary data from an unpublished study seem to indicate that among persons who are at increased risk for HIV infection, awareness that one’s state has an HIV exposure law may be associated with increased confidence in [HIV-positive] status disclosure—a very problematic HIV prevention strategy.”

This information has important implications for HIV prevention in Missouri, where the

law not only criminalizes exposure through needle-sharing and sex without disclosure, but also criminalizes biting—which, according to the CDC, has a “negligible” risk of HIV transmission. It is also a crime in Missouri for an HIV-positive individual to be a blood, organ or sperm donor for anything other than scientific research.

In July, the Global Commission on HIV and the Law recommended that HIVspecific laws be repealed. The report also recommends that those convicted under such laws be pardoned. v

Missouri is one of 34 U.S. States and two territories that criminalize HIV with HIVspecific laws. The remaining states rely on the traditional criminal law—murder, bioterrorism, aggravated assault and attempted murder are all statutes that have been used to criminalize people with HIV in the U.S. The issue of criminalization is slowly shaping into an international dialog. In several U.S. states, citizen groups are working to repeal HIV-specific laws. In Congress, a bill has been introduced by Rep. Barbara Lee that would encourage reform of state and federal HIV policies.

And in 2010, President Barack Obama’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy called on states to revisit their laws. theVitalVOICE.com | 19

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Written by Matt Jamieson Photography by GIO The adult entertainment industry seems like it’s all on the coasts. But one of the industry’s greatest gay stars resides right here in the STL. We sat down with the sizzling hot Tom Wolfe to talk about the industry, his career and future!

How did you get into the adult entertainment industry?

I was approached by a local photographer to participate on some fine art and poster projects. As time passed and I evolved into a fine art model gaining more experience as each shoot was completed; I was asked if I would be interested in adult work.

I was unsure at the moment, not fully rejecting the idea but bypassing for the time being. I then found myself being scouted by several companies. As my interest and experience grew I opened the door to the first adult shoot. Trusting the photographer as he came to be a personal friend, soon I was climbing a ladder to larger and more well-known companies as the demand for me increased.

What is one misconception that people have about the industry?

There are several misconceptions of the industry. The industry is not a dirty and seedy underground cult as most believe it is, actually it is a functioning business machine with many safety nets in place for the protection of the models. As with any type of business there are always a few bad ones that the media catches a glimpse of and completely extorts those that are good, by the wrong doing of the not so legitimate. Testing, safe and safer sex practices and NO Drug policies are just a few of those safety nets. Not everyone who is in the adult industry partakes in shady activities. Most all of my friends in the industry are very well educated with doctorates and master’s degrees and hold professional careers.

How many films have you starred in?

Soon rolling over to my eighth year in the adult entertainment industry, I have accomplished around 45-55 productions.

What has been your proudest moment to date?

I have two amazingly proud moments. The first being offered an exclusive contract with the most well-known studio in the industry, Falcon Studios, who produces amazing products and has taken very good care of me. The second because of my exclusivity with Falcon, I was able to meet my amazing partner, best friend and husband, Cal Skye, former Falcon exclusive.

Would you ever give this up?

Someday yes, however remember I have a professional life besides the adult entertainment industry and an extensive education to boot. The industry offers me an outlet for my extreme sexual passions giving me the ability to strive to promote safe sex and safer sex practices, as well as fantasy entertainment and motivation. v theVitalVOICE.com | 21

y x Se

Hits & Tackles Written by Paige Garner Photography by April Yokley, Sarah Estopare & Bob Dunnell

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adies, it’s your lucky day.

The guys won’t be the only ones ogling sexy athletes representing the STL after you hear about two sports that will leave your jaw dropped—and not just from a close game.

What’s sexier than hot women smashing into each other? How about hot women smashing into each other in fishnets and lowcut tops, all the while keeping their balance on a pair of roller skates. That’s talent. Welcome to roller derby.

Roller derby is a hard hitting, fullcontact race on skates played by two teams of five members roller skating in the same direction around a track. Game play consists of a series of short matchups, or “jams” in derby lingo, in which both teams designate a scoring player, referred to as the jammer, who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. The teams attempt to assist their own jammer while hindering the opposing jammer — in effect, playing both offense and defense simultaneously.

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The ladies of Confluence Crush are St. Louis and the Metro East’s very own bunch of roller babes.

Amy Jane Bellm, also known in the derby realm as Jamheiser Bush, is a member of the Crush and can attest to how sexy roller derby is.

She even goes as far as to say that she doesn’t think that anything could make her feel quite as sexy as roller derby does.

“I’ve seen the way roller derby has changed the lives around me,” said Bellm. “It allows women of all shapes and sizes to feel strong, confident and totally capable of success.”

The spandex booty shorts and fishnet stockings adorned by the derby girls definitely make the girls appear sexy to spectators and opponents, but it’s the confidence that comes with the outfits that make these athletes so attractive.

“Roller derby’s sexy factor comes from its empowerment of women from all walks of life,” said Bellm.

“Also, the booty shorts don’t hurt.”

The “derby names” and fairly provocative uniforms may allow the sport to be received in a less serious manner, but roller derby is just as serious as any other sport played around here. These athletes practice and play as hard as any other sports team do.

“It’s just a bonus that we get to hit really hot chicks,” said Bellm.

Roller derby isn’t the only hard hitting sport one can find in St. Louis.

Ever heard of the Lingerie Football League? If you haven’t, it is a women’s

theVitalVOICE.com | 23

professional indoor football league that is similar to the NFL, with a twist on the uniforms. And St. Louis houses the newest team, recently named the St. Louis Saints.

The season will kick off in the spring of 2013 and the Saints will compete in the Eastern Conference with teams from Omaha, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Tampa.

Lingerie football is nationally broadcasted on MTV2, which means you can enjoy the scantily clad ladies and all the tackling that goes with it all from the comfort of your couch in the living room.

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It’s obvious as to why anyone would find lingerie football sexy; any woman in a sports bra and boy shorts tackling another woman gets the juices flowing.

Saints’ quarterback Julia Bradenberg says it isn’t just the uniforms that make her feel attractive.

“Being an athlete in general makes me feel sexy,” said Bradenberg. “I have the ability to get out there, hit people, and compete. And that’s sexy.”

Saints’ running back Sarah Estopare says that each woman is different, with different

feelings and emotions that may play into what makes them feel sexy.

“For me, the fact that I’m showing off my body and feeling confident at the same time, while playing football and showing off my athleticism is very sexy for me,” said Estopare.

Estopare thinks that even those opposing lingerie footballs because of the uniform, or lack thereof, would change their minds if they witnessed the Saints practice and play the game.

It isn’t just about the scandalous uniforms though. It’s the fact that this group of women is coming together to master a sport dominated primarily by men.

This makes these women seem alluring.

Confidence and skill are just as sexy as showing off your midriff.

The season starts in 2013, so be sure to be on the look out for some lingerie football near you.

“Because we are in the early stages of LFL in St. Louis, I have not noticed an LGBT following as of yet,” said Estopare.

“However, I would hope that this community would want to become fans and supporters of our team!”

Keep up with your St. Louis Saints by checking www.lflus.com/stlouissaints.

Interested in catching a home bout or become a roller derby girl yourself?

Visit www.confluencecrush.com to learn more about your hometown derby girls. v

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Excite Me

Whips & Chains

Written & Photographed by Alex Galindo

Accessories are to your outfit what sex toys are to your love life. Spice it up with some chains and leather – no names have to be mentioned when spikes are involved. One pendent necklace, a pair of chandelier earrings, sunglasses, feathers, stones and jewels can heat up and define what you are wearing. They can also be the statement piece you want seen amongst a skin revealing plain tank top and a pair of cropped denim. You can spend as little as one dollar or as much as hundreds or thousands, but remember – size does matter when it comes to carats!

The same goes with sunglasses, the bigger the better! If size isn’t your thing, take a cue from the jaguar, faguar, owl, chickenhawk, pougar (or whatever other word you have for your LGBT cougar) you’re seeing – they seemed to have it right with the still raging wayfarer and mod inspired frames. Either way, spice it up and don’t be afraid.

Accessory infidelity 101: if you don’t wear it, there’s always someone out there that will!

Special Thanks: Michael Mahler, Tatyana Vaughn, Kimberly Burford, Harrison Elliot Massie, Kyle Hanten, Patrice Clements, Shelly Buchanan and Heaven Lee. Cheap Trx, SEE in the Galleria and House of TA

26 | September, 2012

Leather Blindfold, Stainless Steel Handcuff Necklace, Leather Crop, Cheap Trx Collared Nipple Clasp, House of TA theVitalVOICE.com | 27

Sunglasses, SEE Stone Pennant Necklace, Ring, House of TA 28 | September, 2012

Winged Earrings with Connected Chain, Chest Medallion Piece, House of TA theVitalVOICE.com | 29

Sunglasses, SEE 30 | September, 2012

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Green Leaf Back Piece, House of TA theVitalVOICE.com | 31

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ARIANNA STRING QUARTET: CELEBRATION September 7 MADCO: OUTBURST September 14 & 15 ORCHID ENSEMBLE September 22 POLLY FERMAN: TANGO PIANIST October 6 EIGHTH BLACKBIRD October 12 ARIANNA STRING QUARTET: PASSPORT: LATIN AMERICA November 2 KYO-SHIN-AN ARTS featuring the Arianna String Quartet November 30

October 5-21, 2012 ExplorE a citywidE fEstival cElEbrating amErican music, dancE, drama, visual arts and morE!

Build your own e xperiences at w w w.americanart s stl.org sponsored By

partners Arts and Education Council, HEC-TV, The Jewish Light, Paradowski Creative, Regional Arts Commission, St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

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–Calvin Wilson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

MADCO: OUTBURST A Choreographic Coming Out

MADCO dancers debut their own pieces

SEPTEMBER 14 & 15

theVitalVOICE.com | 33

All About

The Hankie Code Written by Matt Jamieson Photography by Montreal Buzz and Colin Murphy

A

significant part of LGBT history is within our sexual behaviors, and one part of that is the hankie code.

For those who don’t know, the hankie code is a method of communication by the wearing of a handkerchief to indicate sexual fetishes, positions and more.

“It’s a good conversation starter,” DJ Kaiser, Mr. Missouri Leather 2011 said of the hankie code. “It’s not as prevalent as it was, but it is still used.”

The wearing of various colored bandanas around the neck was common in the late 19th century among cowboys, railroad engineers and miners in the western United States.

It’s believed bandana wearing by gay men originated in San Francisco after the Gold Rush when, because of a shortage of women, men dancing with each other in square dances, developed a code. The man wearing the blue bandana took the male part in the square dance, and the man wearing the red bandana took the female part (these bandanas were usually worn around the arm or hanging from the belt or in the back pocket of one’s jeans.)

S&M

34 | September, 2012

Fisting

The modern hankie code is believed to have started in New York City in late 1970 or early 1971 when a journalist for the Village Voice joked that instead of simply wearing keys to indicate whether someone was a “top” or a “bottom”, it would be more efficient to subtly announce their particular sexual focus by wearing different colored hankies.

“Different hankies have had different meanings. There is no one uniform code - colors tend to be uniform but the meanings can be different.” Kaiser said. “I once saw somewhere a red hankie could mean you’re into regular sex, fisting or that the police are around.”

The hankie code itself is not as prevalent as it originally was, but it still used within the leather community.

“At bigger events I see people using the handkerchiefs,” Kaiser said. “Make sure to know what they mean, because people will start conversations with you. It’s a subtle way to communicate, and it can be a way to expedite things.”

Below is a modern hankie code, taken from Larry Townsend’s The Leatherman’s Handbook II. There are many variations on the code, but this is the easiest to understand. v

Anal Sex

Oral Sex

Water Sports

Scat

Hustler/ Prostitution

Anything, Anywhere, Anytime

Into Piercing

Bondage

(but not necessarily anyone)

theVitalVOICE.com | 35

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Slut Walk Street Action Written by Colin Murphy – Editor Photography by Keith Roberts

W

hen Constable Michael Sanuinetti suggested to a Toronto university audience in January 2011 that one way to avoid being sexually assaulted was not to dress like “sluts” he set in motion a grass roots movement of global proportion.

“You know, I think we’re beating around the bush here,” Sanuinetti allegedly told a handful of students at York University in Toronto. “I’ve been told I’m not supposed to say this, however, women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.”

Sanuinetti has since apologized, but his words gave birth to the Toronto-based Slut Walk which has seen satellite actions take place world wide, including right here in St. Louis.

Organized in part by Sex Positive St. Louis, Slut Walk – A March Against Women’s Violence was held for the second year on July 14 in The Grove. Over 350 participants from the scantily clad to the festively provocative marched the one mile route which was followed by a series of panel discussions and evening events.

“I think one of the things over the last two years this phenomenon has done is make the case that violence against women and anti LGBT violence ultimately have the same root cause,” says Claire Louise Swinford, Executive Director of TransHaven, which has been a sponsor and presenter at Slut Walk for the past two years.

“To me, anti-women’s violence is very much a queer issue, but it’s also true that marriage equality is very much a women’s rights issue,” she explains. “We’re ultimately fighting the same enemy here.”

Slut Walk St. Louis’ aim is to protest sexual violence in the St. Louis area, and to support survivors of sexual assault. By challenging the stigma of being a ‘slut,’ organizers recognize everyone’s right to sexual expression in an environment free from threat. Slut Walk also insists that all victims of sexual assault have a right to fair and dignified treatment in our culture and in the justice system.

“I think there are some really, really good people in St. Louis who are really willing to put it on the line and put in the effort

– that makes a big difference.” offers Swinford. “We would like to see a radical change in the culture away from this dominance culture, rape culture as we call it – that’s a very tall order. But I think in the process we are really seeing a lot of really good things come out of this.”

Swinford points to some of the panels like the Sex Workers roundtable and Men’s Teach In as conversations that weren’t happening four years ago.

“I think Slut Walk was this wonderful, bombastic, street level thing that really got people thinking in some new directions and connected people that weren’t connected before, “ Swinford concludes.

“Going forward, a lot of the things we’re seeing springing up out of it are potentially bigger.”

According to Swinford, Slut Walk is the first women’s movement action that is fully and completely transgender affirming.

“My community has a seat at the table on this one, and historically that was not the case.” v theVitalVOICE.com | 37

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What Makes

You Feel

Sexy

Written and Photographed by Matt Jamieson “From the moment I was six I felt sexy.

And let me tell you it was hell, sheer hell, waiting to do something about it.” ~Bette Davis What is sexy?

There isn’t really one definition to this term. It’s different for everyone. In fact, we’re pretty sure if you asked a group of people, you’d wind up with different answers from everyone.

So that’s what we did - we hit The Grove up and asked people the same question. We also posted the question to Facebook to further the results of our queries. Simply: “What makes you feel sexy?”

The answers we got ranged from heartfelt, to dirty, flirty and more.

Check it out!

Matthew Larrabee “My naked body. I love my body for the passion, and the intimacy and the vulnerability it gives me.”

Rhea Liberty “When I have on my matching Victoria’s Secret lingerie.”

Michelle Schaeffer “Feeling healthy and on target with my goals. At the same time, having fun and just living - that’s the secret to life.” theVitalVOICE.com | 39

Steven Fields

“There are a lot of things that make me feel sexy. Dancing, having on as less clothes as possible, the looks on other peoples’ faces when they see me, sensual touch, kissing, watching myself in the mirror.”

Steven Gant “Waking up in the morning with someone who wants to cook me breakfast. It means they haven’t left yet.”

40 | September, 2012

Jenny Shriver “Dancing in rain. It’s wet, it’s wild and beautiful. You can really just be and express yourself.”

Sherry & John Jones “We make each other feel sexy.

I mean...look at him!”

Jordan Gelencir

John Zakibe “Confidence. If I’m feeling confident about myself on a certain day, trust me, I know I got it going on.”

“A great pair of heels for you to walk the walk! For being someone of short stature, it gives me a little extra height as well as a little extra self confidence.

The sound you make when your heels click along the floor just has a certain sexy tone to it.”

Chris Suess “I feel sexy when I dress up and go out. I feel good and I love it when I lock eyes with beautiful men then add a little smile.”

theVitalVOICE.com | 41

Connor Murray “Waking up in the morning makes me feel sexy. It’s really contradictory because a lot of people think they look terrible when they wake but I’m at my most sexy when I wake up.”

Max Reid “Making a room full of people laugh makes me feel sexy. To me, laughter is the greatest form of flattery. I’m most turned on by people who can make me laugh.”

April Morrison

“The way my girlfriend looks at me makes me feel incredibly sexy. Even in a crowded room, we can have a conversation with our eyes. When I catch her looking at me from across the room, I get goose bumps and feel incredibly sexy.”

Linsey March

“I’m very much into that ‘pin-up’ style of sexy. I love lace - I own so many pieces of clothing with lace that I will wear lace under my underpants. When I match lace with red lipstick and black eye-liner, it’s the absolute perfect combination that makes me feel irresistible!”

If you had to sum it up - sexy is in the eye of the beholder. It’s whatever makes you feel good about yourself. Sexy is whatever the heck you want it to be! v 42 | September, 2012

cocktail

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

Written by Matt Jamieson Photography by Darin Slyman

Sirene’s Trap For our sexy issue we wanted something that was sexy in name, taste and look. Our friends at Sanctuaria were more than happy to oblige with the tasty Sirene’s Trap. This deceptively sweet cocktail is a mixture of Plantation 5 Year Rum, Angostura 7 Year Rum, Flor de Cana 7 Year Rum, W.L. Weler Reserve bourbon, lime & passionfruit juices. The end result is hot - there’s a lot of citrus but it’s not too sweet. And the best part? The cocktail is topped off by a flaming orange garnish: the flame drains the oils from the garnish into the cocktail itself.

Now THAT’s what we call sexy!

Sanctuaria

4198 Manchester Ave St. Louis, MO 63110 314.535.9700 sanctuariastl.com

theVitalVOICE.com | 43

Since it’s our sexy iss ue dish that screams se I wanted to prepare a xy. When I think sexy of, well besides myse I think lf, seafood and chor iz o. Chorizo is made from pork, he av characteristically re ily seasoned, and has a d co many regional varieti lor. Although there are e be placed into one of s, most chorizo can usually two categories - Sp anish or Mexican. In this dish I it can be made with am using Spanish chorizo but e dish for your special ither. So squirrels, make this someone, some candles and ma get a bottle of wine, ke a night of it.

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Serves: 4–5 Ingredients 1 medium onion, chopped 3 tablespoons butter 3 cloves garlic, minced 8 ounces fresh chorizo, removed from casing 1 tablespoon harissa 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 3/4 cup white wine 1 1/2 cups chicken stock 2 to 3 pounds fresh mussels, scrubbed and debearded 3 soft shell crabs 1 pound jumbo shrimp French bread, for dipping

44 | September, 2012

oft Shell S & p m i r h S ls, Spicy Musse Chorizo & Wine Crab Directions NOTE: If harissa cannot be found, substitute 1 tablespoon of tomato paste plus 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the onions in the butter over medium heat until soft (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic and chorizo to the onions and cook until the sausage loses its raw color (about 5 minutes). Add the harissa and red pepper flakes, and then turn up the heat to high.

Once fragrant, deglaze the pan with the wine, allowing to bubble for a minute. Lower the heat to medium, add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add the soft shell crab and cook for 3 minutes. Add prepped mussels and shrimp and cover to steam until the mussels open and the shrimp turn pink (3 to 4 minutes). Serve immediately with plenty of sliced French bread for dipping.

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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.

Labor Day Parade

September 3 Soldiers’ Memorial, 12th and Market, StL, MO 63103 Come out to Soldiers’ Memorial for the Annual Labor Day Parade and be part of the 99%! Bring your family and friends to help support your union.

Parade begins at 9 a.m.

Miss Gay Illinois

September 7– 8 Casa Loma Ballroom, 3354 Iowa, StL, MO 63118 Get out there and support our girls as they compete in the Miss Gay Illinois pageant for a chance to compete at Miss Gay America in Columbus, Ohio.

The pageant honors MGIA 2011 Adria Andrews and Miss Gay America 2012 Kirby Kolby. Come out and watch as 10 qualified contestants compete in categories of Male Interview, Talent, Solo Talent, Evening Gown and On Stage Question. Pageant starts at 7 p.m.

Grandparents Day

September 9 You should hug your grandparents today! Take them to lunch, send your grandmother flowers, help your grandfather “fix something” or just spend some quality time with them. They deserve it!

40th Annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race

September 14 –16 Central Field in Forest Park, St. Louis, MO www.greatforestparkballoonrace.com Head out to Central Field in Forest Park to enjoy the 40th anniversary of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race! The Balloon Glow will take place Friday evening beginning at 7 p.m. on the Central Field as well, with the festivities starting on Saturday at noon. All events and parking are free to the public

HRC St. Louis Gala Dinner

September 22 Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, 315 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, MO 63102 www.hrc.org Join the St. Louis Human Rights Campaign at their 20th anniversary Gala Dinner to make equality count. The HRC is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for us, so attend the Gala to show your appreciation and benefit the extraordinary life changing work they’ve accomplished. The dinner begins at 7 p.m.

General admission tickets are $195.

Taste of St. Louis

September 28 –30 Soldiers’ Memorial, 12th and Market, St. Louis, MO 63103 www.tastestl.com What’s better than good food? How about a celebration of the best food, art, music and culture that our great city has to offer? Stop by Soldiers’ Memorial to experience the satisfy your taste buds and be sure to check out the 45 restaurants on Sauce Magazine’s Restaurant Row. This event kicks off at 4 p.m. September 28.

46 | September, 2012

SEPTEMBER

PLAYD/a/tes

theVitalVOICE.com | 47

Beach Blanket Bingo On Saturday, July 28, St. Louis’ Gateway Men’s Chorus held their annual trivia night. This year’s theme was Beach Blanket Bingo.

Participants were encouraged to dress in their swim trunks, flip flops and bring their beach balls. The Gateway Men’s Chorus annual trivia night is a fundraising event so that the group can continue daily operations within the Chorus and to support their mission – to affirm and promote gay culture and acceptance through excellence in musical performance and education. This year’s trivia night raised $3,500. Sponsors for the Gateway Men’s Chorus include G Ink, Hartford Coffee, Met Life, Tripp Co. Creative and Vital VOICE. 48 | September, 2012

Scene Styling

Black Pride On August 17–19, St. Louis held its 14th annual Black Pride. The theme of this year’s pride was “Just the Way You Are.” St. Louis Black Pride is a non-profit organization that serves the community for all of those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered. Black Pride got its start in 1999 when the St. Louis Black Gay and Lesbian Pride Committee was formed following the B-Boyz Blues Festival, an annual event sponsored by a legendary AIDS service organization that was the pioneer of HIV/AIDS prevention among the African American community. Black Pride is made up of volunteers, federal and private donations. Events that happened throughout the weekend included Bayard Rustin Centennial Celebration and Black Pride Opening Reception, Black Pride’s kick-off party, vendors, music and entertainment. theVitalVOICE.com | 49

Where should we live?

The City or County?

That is the Question….

LGBT Friendly Neighborhoods in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area

Written by Pam Schneider

T

he City of St. Louis has long had neighborhoods that residents refer to as “Gay Friendly”. Most neighborhoods with a large number of LGBT residents began as depressed or somewhat blighted areas.

Historically, the LGBT community has moved into these areas, “dressed them up” and made them their “own”. Examples of such neighborhoods are, the Central West End, Lafayette Square, Tower Grove, Shaw and more recently, The Grove and Downtown. However, when it comes to urban living, most St. Louis neighborhoods can be considered LGBT friendly!

St. Louis County has been a different story. About 6-8 years ago Denise Lieberman at the ACLU of Eastern Missouri created a list of municipalities in St. Louis County that had ordinances “prohibiting” unmarried individuals from living together and would not be considered gay friendly. Given that a large number of LGBT couples lived in the county, this was a real eye opener.

50 | September, 2012

Keep in mind these ordinances did not just pertain to the LGBT

community. An example of one such city that had such an ordinance was Ladue.

It is probably the most publicized case and involved Joan Kelly Horn, a former congresswoman & Terry Jones UM-St. Louis Professor.

In 1985, the city of Ladue sued them for violating a city ordinance prohibiting an unmarried man and woman from living together if they were not ‘related by blood, marriage or adoption.’ A year later, the Missouri Court of Appeals upheld the ruling against the couple, who had lived in the home since 1981.” The legal battle did accomplish something in posh Ladue nevertheless. The current City of Ladue Zoning Ordinance defines “family” for their purposes as: “Family. (a) One or more persons related by blood, marriage or legal adoption, or (b) any number of persons so related plus one unrelated person, or, (c) two unrelated persons, occupying a dwelling unit as an individual housekeeping organization.”

This is but one example.

PROMO is on the front line fighting on behalf of the LGBT community to expand domestic partner registries and definitions within St. Louis County.

University City became the first local government in St. Louis

County to set up a registry for same-sex partners and other unmarried couples who live together. The University City bill defines a domestic partnership as “two unmarried adults who consider themselves to be members of each other’s immediate family, share a common residence and affirm that they share responsibility for each other’s common welfare.”

Other cities that have followed suit are Clayton, Creve Coeur and Olivette. PROMO continues to lobby to expand these registries to other St. Louis County cities. Currently they are working on Mapelwood/Richmond Heights In spite of the lack of domestic registries another city that has a large LGBT population surprisingly is Saint Charles.

Given that more lesbians (with children) live in Saint Charles, this is likely due to affordability and schools. Regardless, the more domestic registries that pass in the county, the more neighborhoods we have to consider when buying.

Have a Real Estate question? Tell us what you’d like to read about at VitalVoicemag@gmail.com

JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL DINNER GALA SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 HYATT ST. LOUIS AT THE ARCH BE A PART OF OUR FIGHT FOR LGBT EQUALITY! THIS EVENT SOLD OUT LAST YEAR, PLEASE DO NOT WAIT TO SIGN UP TO ATTEND! For More Information: Michael Dunning—MichaelDunning@ATT.Net www.hrc.org/stlouis http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/197522560348364/ To Purchase Tickets: BoxOfficeTickets.com

SPONSORED, IN PART, BY: