July 2010 by The Vital Voice Magazine

July 2010

Sports & Summer Fun St. Louis Aces : Anna Kournikova Gay Games Oil Crisis Project

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Friends, Squirrels… “It’s gettin’ hot in here” and heating up our cover is the sizzling Anna Kournikova. Miss Kournikova, along with Lindsay Davenport, Venus Williams Martina Hingis and JanMichael Gambill will all be burning up the court this month with the St. Louis Aces. Please join Vital VOICE on July 6th for a throwback to the 1970’s kick off party. Log onto stlouisaces.com for more information! Continuing with our sports theme, Team St. Louis is preparing for their trip to Cologne, Germany for the 2010 Gay Games. In this month’s 1 out of 10—Senior Writer/Web Editor, Colin Murphy explores the growing excitement running up to the world wide sporting event. Finally, I want to thank Pi Restaurant in University City for hosting the amazing CELEBRATE pride kick off party. Over 200 people packed the place to kick off PrideFest St. Louis. I’m already working on next year’s event! Cheers,

Darin Slyman Publisher

‘ n THiS ISSUE

7 15 11 13 19 23 29 31 34

TOMS Shoes Coming of Age with LGBT Elders LGBT and the Media Team STL –Cologne Bound St. Louis Aces Dig those DJs Music Festivals Oil Crisis Project Non-profit of the Month

Volume 11, Issue 7 Index Darin Slyman – Publisher/Editor vitalvoicemag@gmail.com Tess Tulley – Director of Business Affairs tesstulley@thevitalvoice.com Jeff Kapfer – Art Director design@thevitalvoice.com

Contributors Colin Murphy – Writer R. Lee Bond – Writer Corey Stulce – Writer Matt Jameison – Writer Sarah Fentam – Writer Katherine Bish – Photography Jennifer Noelle Everett – Photography

Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Web Editor colin_murphy@sbcglobal.net R. Lee Bond – Associate Editor rleebond.vitalvoice@gmail.com Drew Baumgartner – Marketing/Vital VISION Dbaumgartner05@gmail.com CONTACT Vital VOICE Magazine 4579 Laclede Avenue #268 Saint Louis, MO 63108 VitalVOICEmag@gmail.com 314.256.1196

ONLINE thevitalvoice.com facebook.com/VitalVOICE twitter.com/VitalVOICEmag youtube.com/TheVitalVISION ADVERTISING Tesstulley@thevitalvoice.com 314.256.1196 (office)

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LGBT & the Media: A Symbiotic Relationship Written by R. Lee Bond The often-tenuous relationship between the LGBT community and the printed press seems of late to be improving. Recently LGBTers are enjoying more exposure and attention from publications in both the editorial and advertising departments. Why? Perhaps publications are simply channeling a pro-gay Zeitgeist? Or is the community perhaps being exploited for the so-called “pink” dollar? I thought I’d ask someone who’s been around the block a few times. Enter Ellen Futterman—former editor-in-chief of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, current editor of the St. Louis Jewish Light and long-time gay rights activist. Futterman says that as a journalist in the early 1980s—during the paralyzing onset of the AIDs epidemic— she not only struggled to get watered-down LGBT stories printed, but also found the gay community resistant and fearful of media exposure. “People weren’t allowing me to use their names,” Futterman stated. “People weren’t out like they are now.” She believes that “One of the changes that needed to happen was for the gay community to become more vocal.” That is, when LGBT visibility increases, so does the media coverage—creating a kind of self-multiplying cycle. Encouragingly, Futterman can’t recall any recent acts of discrimination that mitigated, slowed or stopped the publishing process. She says that today the mindset is generally “A story is a story.” But there is something else at work pushing the LGBT community into a bigger spotlight—a spotlight that some fear could burn. The notion that publications are in a Darwinian-esque struggle for survival is now a foregone conclusion. Triedand-true business models are being discarded and steadfast ideas are being uprooted. Publications must either innovate and evolve or crash and burn. Sure, evolution’s a bitch, but queer money has caught the eye of some hungry publications in need of sustenance. In the March VOICE we ran “Pink Is the New Green,” which, inter alia, discussed the enticements of the LGBT dollar—sweeteners such as a whopping annual buying power of over $835B and one of the highest per capita

disposable incomes of any demographic. It’s no wonder why the struggling publishing industry has begun pursuing the rainbow in hopes of finding that big fat pot of gold. One way in which publications are tapping into LGBT wallets is by increasing gay-relevant coverage to lure in more LGBT readership. This creates a tempting advertising platform for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses seeking their own slice of the pink. In fact, this phenomenon is evident in many local publications right here in St. Louis. The St. Louis Business Journal now ranks gay-friendly companies; St. Louis Magazine, St. Louis Beacon and Jewish Light are all taking another look at and spotlighting, for one reason or another, the LGBT cohort. Just ask Futterman: Recently, while working with the St. Louis Beacon on a recent Jewish hate crime series, she actively sought out the LGBT community and included them in her series—she aptly saw hate crimes as a confluent issue for both communities. “I want [LGBTers] to feel that there’s a way into our newspaper,” said Futterman. “For me it’s a way to say, ‘You matter on many fronts’ or ‘You’re our readers too’ and a way to pull them in.” Indeed, this isn’t the first time that the LGBT dollar has been sought after, nor the first time the pink dollar has had a positive impact on whomever or whatever taps into it. Take, for example, Manuel Castells’s chef-d’œuvre, The City & the Grassroots, widely hailed as one of the most important works on urban movement and gentrification ever produced. In his seminal work, Castells describes American gay men as “gentrifiers” (i.e., a group who increase their property value at a faster-than-average rate) and finds that “many gay men were single, did not have to raise a family, were young and connected to a relatively prosperous service economy.” If past is prologue, then going after the pink dollar is certainly a propitious move. Lastly, it should be noted that commodifying the gay community doesn’t sit well with some of its members. They view the situation as exploitative in nature and believe that the pink dollar isn’t a reliable tool for social change. It’s unclear what the future portends for the relationship between the media and LGBTers, but what is clear is that, for now, both camps are mutually benefitting from each other. 11

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1 Out of 10 Ain’t Bad!

Team STL

— Cologne Bound! Written by Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Web Editor Photography by Alice Cooperman, Amy Moseley & Beth Rooney

I’ve always been a bit of an Olympics nut. I love the pomp and ceremony, the competition and the cultural coming-together of the many nations of the world. So it goes without saying—I’m a big fan of the Gay Games to boot. The Games—a quadrennial celebration of sport and culture—will be held July 31-August 10, 2010 in Cologne, Germany to celebrate 11-days of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allied kinship and competition. Some 12,000 participants from over 70-countries will converge for Gay Games VIII to compete in 35-athletic disciplines and revel in the music and artistry of our tribe. The Federation of Gay Games was founded in 1980 under the direction of the San Francisco Arts and Athletics Association by Dr. Tom Waddell, a 1968 Olympic decathlete. The first Games were held in 1982 in San Francisco and have subsequently traveled the globe to impact Vancouver, New York, Amsterdam, Sidney, and Chicago alike. Waddell’s vision was a “vehicle of change” to offer LGBT participants the opportunity to express

themselves openly and to experience camaraderie and validation through sport and culture. Waddell died from HIV/AIDS in July 1987. It was less than a year after Gay Games II but his ideals and legacy live on as The Federation of Gay Games perpetuates his vision and safeguards its founding principles of “Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best.” Team St. Louis Tom Walsh served as president of Team St. Louis from 19942004 and was a participant at the Games in New York, Amsterdam, Sydney, Chicago and the OutGames in Montreal. According to Walsh, representing Team St. Louis and his city’s LGBT community at a national or international competition is an unforgettable honor. “Walking into the Opening Ceremony of the Gay Games is the most incredible, emotional experience of my life,” said Walsh.

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“Each time, each city—it just gets better. Seeing your face and friends from Team St. Louis on the JumboTron and looking up into the stands and realizing there’s a hundred thousand people just cheering you on for being you is the best experience I’ve ever had. I can’t tell the stories of the Opening Ceremony and the Parade of Athletes without tearing up and taking a moment to breathe and re-live the experience.” Having participated in the Games since their inception, Team St. Louis is well-known and respected within the Federation. What’s more, its members all know one other and champion each sport— whether as athlete, cheerleader, volunteer, or financial contributor. Team St. Louis will again send a contingent to this year’s competition. The venerable sport non-profit fundraises year-round to collect money for expenses ranging from their trademark uniforms to travel to and from the Games. The beauty of the Games is that all can participate no matter their age or ability. Betty Neeley was 53 when she first went to the Vancouver competition in 1990. “I’ve done a lot of amazing things in my life and the Gay Games along with Team St. Louis ranks right up there as number two,” said Neeley. “I never thought I’d live long enough to see 7,500 gay athletes gathered in one stadium—let alone the 13,000 in Australia. From 1988 until 2008, I was very much involved in everything that Team St. Louis did.” Now 74, Neeley has cut back on her involvement, “due to my get up and go—got up and went.” But as their greatest cheerleader, Neeley asserts her belief that the Games are one of the greatest things to have happened to the gay community. “I’m so thankful Dr. Tom Waddell had a dream and shared it with the world,” she said. For more information check out teamsaintlouis.org or gaygames.com

Aces St. Louis Written by Corey Stulce Photography by Camera Works USA

Dani Apted Schlottman might be dating herself when she recalls the days of the St. Louis Blues heading to the play-offs and when a night at the Checkerdome meant ladies in dresses and guys in suits—cheering Bernie Federco and Co. to victory. “Everybody talked about it. It was a big deal if you went,” Dani told the Vital Voice. That atmosphere—fan interaction, prizes and a cocktail-infused VIP section—was what she envisioned for the St. Louis Aces, part of World Team Tennis, which was co-founded by tennis legend Billie Jean King and sees its 35th season take place this month. As President of the St. Louis Aces, Dani spends the better part of a year preparing for seven weeks of court action in the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park. The 2010 Aces roster includes former World No. 1 Lindsay Davenport playing in six home game matches and former pro Anna Kournikova, returning for her third season as an Ace.

“I have such a great time in St. Louis!” Anna told the Vital Voice. “There is such amazing fan support. The World Team Tennis format is incredible. You get to see retired players, current players—Billie Jean King! You get to see the men, women, singles and doubles. The fans really get into it. They scream and shout and there’s music. It takes a few minutes to adjust but it’s great for us players.”

“When I was playing, I never gave it a thought,” she said.

Anna said Aces Prez Dani is like one of the team. “How great is she?” Anna added. “She really takes it all to heart.”

“I’m 29 now. I hope I’ve grown up, matured and become wiser.”

Dani said planning an Aces season is like putting on seven weddings in 19 days. “You’ve got 2,000 guests, the bride’s a diva and the mother-in-law is Billie Jean King,” she laughed.

Both Dani and Anna credit Billie Jean King as being one of the biggest motivating forces in their lives. “I have received tremendous amounts of support from Billie Jean during some of the most difficult times of my life,” Anna said. “I know that if I call her, she will always be there for me.” Billie Jean King—and her contemporary Martina Navratilova—are still among only a handful of professional tennis players, much less other pro athletes, who are out of the closet. It’s an unfortunate reality in a changing world, Anna agreed.

If the match is the ceremony, then the raucous reception in the stands—with painted faces, spectators hollering to the players and a DJ setting the atmosphere with pumping club tunes.

“We want to give the fans an experience they won’t get anywhere else,”

“People have tons of pre-conceived notions about you from what they read. I’m sure I’ve done that about people I’ve read about. The most important thing people forget is that the quotes they’ve read from me—or imaginary quotes—are from when I was 16, 17 or 18 years old.

“Hopefully everybody will be able to live their lives the way they want to,” she said. “I hope people get enough

Dani said.

Anna said she loves the family atmosphere World Team Tennis provides, traveling on the road with the team and getting into a comfortable routine. WTT provides the opportunity for team members to take to the court with their contemporaries and play athletes they might not have had the chance to on the pro circuit. The 2010 season will see Venus Williams and Martina Hingis take on the Aces. Former Aces team members include Andy Roddick, Pete Sampras and Serena Williams. None of those names rattle Anna on the court, but she was taken aback by another legend—Sir Elton John. “He was really, really intimidating to play,” Anna said about facing Elton during one of his WTT Smash Hits matches. “He’s just an icon. But he’s so respectful and so nice—a cool human being.” The former Russian tennis star became a world-wide media phenomenon as a teen, and wild speculation and paparazzi and modeling photos filtered through the Web making Anna one of the most-Googled people of all time. She laughs about it now, though.

support and strength to be able to make those decisions for themselves. It’s horrible to be judged … “I think of what’s important. You have to focus on yourself and let other people be.” Being around all of these tennis legends has certainly improved Dani’s game, right? “Has my cocktail drinking game improved?” she laughed. But seriously, she and her father did win a WTT owners game a few years back and she’s since retired from “competition.” Aside from offering first-class service to tennis pros and fans in St. Louis this season, Dani is looking forward to one thing: “Winning,” she said with confidence. “Come on out.” Visit stlouisaces.com for more information on the St. Louis Aces season, which begins on July 6.

g i D

Those

DJs By Matt Jamieson Photography by Jennifer Noelle Everett

Have you ever been out on the dance floor at your favorite club and wondered who is manning the turntables? Well worry no longer! Here are four local area DJs sharing about their starts, their influences and more about why they love what they do.

Josh Waters DJ at: Erney’s Nightclub (Tuesday-Saturday) DJ for:12 years at various St. Louis nightclubs. Also in radio for several years prior. Influences: Every artist has their own specific touch and so many have influenced me along the way. I absorb everything I hear, so to name them all is impossible. What I Like Most About DJing Is: The most rewarding part is the emotional vibe from the right crowd. Knowing you have everyone’s attention, and their fun is depending on you, is a great rush. The perfect cap is just one person walking up and saying “thank you.” Then I know I did my job.

Charlie Buttons DJ at: The Complex (Fridays--GlitterBomb shows, Sunday-after Dieta Pepsi’s Super Sunday Show) DJ for: Six years. Originally started out running lights and sound at Faces in 2004, and began DJing in 2006; started at Complex in 2007. Influences: I could give you a long list of people who have influenced me one way or another, but the most important lessons I’ve learned thus far have been from Steve O, Joe Tracy, Tyler Cross, and Landyn Cade. What I like Most About DJing is: The most rewarding part for me is always seeing the smiles on peoples’ faces on and around the dance floor. Whether there are five or 500, if they’re having a good time, it’s a party!

Brandon Gray DJ at: Just John’s on Sundays for “Showtune Sundays” (4-8pm) DJ For: 14 years. I bought my first equipment when I bought my first car---when I was 16. Influences- Sidetracks bar in Chicago. I love what they do with showtunes and videos. Locally I have a lot of influence from the members of London Calling. What I Like Most About DJing is : I love when any DJ plays against type. Like an 80s night without Wham!, or showtunes night with TV themes. I also love when people laugh. It makes me happy if I can be a part of that. Showtunes Sunday gives me the chance to do that.

Danny Morris DJ at: Just Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s--Friday and Saturday. The Loading Zone--Tuesday (Legendary Showtune Tuesday) and Thursday (Retro Throwback Thursday). DJ for: 20 years professionally, beginning July 1990. Influences: DJs Mark Buxton, Gary Mac, and (DJ Sledge) Mark Selmann who worked at Faces. But my mentor was the incredible DJ Mike Carroll that I worked with at Twist and Fallout. What I Like Most About DJing Is: I love to be able to entertain and make people happy. You give them energy to dance or move and you receive energy in return then give it back to them. There is a synergy to the whole process that I think is very fascinating.

Voice goes Viral By Matt Jamieson

Vital VOICE isn’t just limited to the print medium. This magazine is just one part of a thriving omnimedia empire that also includes Vital VISION—a monthly video webisode starring Dieta Pepsi, and featuring segments which highlight various aspects of the St. Louis LGBT community. “Vital VISION is our online digital outlet to reach our audiences through social media,” said Vital VISION executive producer Andrew Baumgartner. “It’s a different perspective which offers a modern aspect on LGBT media for the community in St. Louis.” Visit youtube.com/thevitalvision.

Sizzling Summer Music Festivals for the Modern Written by Sarah Fentem It’s a tale as old as time: After gleefully cashing your paycheck, you and your loaded wallet go out to kick back a couple of drinks on Friday night. Newly acquired funds allow you to finally fill your tank up with gas, repair that leaky faucet, and—what the hell, splurge on a new pair of shoes. After a fun-filled après-pay day weekend, you open up your wallet to pay the brunch tab and… wait, where did all that cash go? All of a sudden you’re dipping into your laundry quarter stash to scrounge together enough cash to pay for a drink on dollar PBR night. Lucky for you, summer is the season of free concerts. St. Louis offers a wealth of outdoor music for the benefit of the more financially irresponsible among us—completely free of charge. Behold your guide to the crème of the summer concert season.

FAIR ST LOUIS

Located directly beneath the Gateway Arch, Fair St. Louis offers entertainment all day during the Fourth of July weekend. The event opens at noon on Saturday and 11am on Sunday, with local bands playing throughout the afternoon and a headlining act taking the stage at eight. Fair St. Louis celebrates its 30th anniversary this year by bringing back the popular air show and ending each night with a spectacular fireworks display. Main acts perform on the Budweiser main stage, and the best seats are located on the stairs in front of the Arch. Get there early—they fill up quickly! John Legend (Saturday, July 3rd, at 8pm). After collaborating behind the scenes with artists like Lauren Hill and Kanye West, R&B and neo-soul artist John Legend shot to fame with his 2005 debut Get Lifted, which won a Grammy award for Best R&B album, as well as garnered him an award for best new artist. His next album, Once Again, snagged him another Grammy. His last studio album, 2008’s Evolver, was released to great reviews and was certified gold. Sometimes described as the “male Alicia Keyes”, the sexy singer’s moniker describes his classic soul influences. The B-52s (Sunday, July 4th, at 8pm) Known for their danceable, party-centric hits; campy style, and unique “guys vs. girls” singing style—the band formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976 and was one of the coolest, weirdest bands of the eighties. A new wave, post-punk band that also incorporated surf rock and sixties pop into their sound, they are probably best known for their 1989 single, “Love Shack”. “Love Shack”, however, was considered a comeback for the band, which had enjoyed success earlier with gems like “Rock Lobster” and “Private Idaho”. The B-52s remained popular throughout the nineties and 2000s, touring and releasing new material. Whatever the era, you know the B-52s from and be sure to tease your hair into a beehive, don something hot pink, and be ready for a good time this Independence Day.

LGBT ’er

CELEBRATE ST. LOUIS CONCERT SERIES

Formerly known as Live on the Levee, the Celebrate St. Louis Concert Series features live music from both local and national acts. Also located underneath the Arch on Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., the series serves up free concerts every Friday and Saturday night during the month of July. Doors open at six and close at ten, after (what else?) a spectacular fireworks display. Each Saturday evening, the series offers a “Sauce Café”, which features a three-course meal from different local eateries. Unfortunately, while the concerts are free, the Sauce Café is not. Sara Bareilles (Friday, July 23rd) Grammy-nominated pianist and pop singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles shot to fame when her hit single, “Love Song” was featured as iTunes’ “free single of the week.” In 2009, first lady Michelle Obama chose the songwriter to perform at the G-20 summit for first ladies from 20 different countries. After touring throughout 2008 and 2009, Bareilles has recorded a follow-up to her sophomore album, Little Voice. Called Kaleidoscope Heart, it debuts in September 2010. Fans of artists like Norah Jones and Maroon 5 should not miss this concert!

WHITAKER MUSIC FESTIVAL

The classic south city concert series returns for its 17th year in 2010. The Missouri Botanical Garden offers free concerts every Wednesday night through the beginning of August. Admission to the garden is free after 5pm on Wednesday nights, with concerts beginning at 7:30 at the Cohen Amphitheater just west of the Climatron. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on. These concerts also are the only time when picnicking is allowed at MOBOT, even though food like snow cones and brisket sandwiches will also be available for purchase. Beyond Abbey Road (Wednesday. July 21st) Longtime Jimmy Buffet guitarist Peter Mayer invites other talented musicians to join him for a night of re-interpreting Beatles songs. “No one in his/her right mind recreates a Beatles song with the intention of doing it better”, the musician has said, “it is simply our way to sing along… it’s a thank you to the Fab Four’. This Beatles tribute under the stars is sure to “please please you”!.

CARONDELET PARK CONCERT SERIES

Another free concert series takes place in the leafy south city oasis of Carondelet Park. Every Sunday from 6-8 p.m. the Cardondelet Community Betterment Federation sponsors a concert by different local artists. Concerts take place at the music stand at the intersection of Loughborough and Leona Avenues. Power Play (July 11th) A St. Louis-based party band, Power Play specializes in performing disco favorites Motown, and R&B classics. The 5-8 piece dance band is sure to get people dancing.

LOVE MY PET LLC

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Take “paws” in your busy life right now, and call: 314-776-3392 . For more info, see our website: www.LoveMyPetLLC.com

Oil Crisis Project Written by Sarah Fentem Photography by Katherine Bish

After seeing news footage of gulf coast wildlife drenched in oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill, local photographer Katherine Bish was inspired to create a photography series featuring people covered in “oil”. In order to create the evocative images, Bish covered people in chocolate syrup, which on black-and-white film bears a striking similarity to greasy tar. The artist has photographed about fifty people, all volunteers, with the goal of promoting awareness of the disaster in the Midwest. Ultimately, Bish will hold an exhibition and auction of the series in order to raise money for wildlife relief efforts by organizations like the National Wildlife Fund and the Audubon society. To learn more about the project, visit Bish’s website KatherineBish.com

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

Independence Center

Few things are as stigmatized in today’s society as having a severe and persistent mental illness. Diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression are often misunderstood by the general public and often misrepresented in the media, resulting in those who have a mental illness being marginalized and separated from the rest of the community. However, 1 in 4 people living in the United States has been diagnosed with some type of mental illness and severe mental illnesses are most commonly diagnosed between 18 and 25 years of age, the most exciting and promising part of most peoples’ lives. But the Young Friends of Independence Center are working to eradicate this stigma and make St. Louis a better place to live, work and play. Independence Center is a nonprofit that assists adults living with severe mental illnesses by helping them go back to work, find safe and affordable housing, go back to school, and connect with friends and the community. Its Young Friends group, made up of professionals typically ages 21-45, work to build awareness for mental health issues and raise money for the Center’s programs. Lead by Sarah Thompson, an IC board member, the group hosts networking and social events throughout the year including monthly happy hours and a large signature event each August called Summer Fusion, a chic rooftop party offering a fusion of St. Louis’ best in music, food, cocktails and entertainment. This year’s Summer Fusion event, presented with an exciting Southern Sophistication theme, is scheduled for August 22.

Summer Fusion is a fantastic party, but it is also the ultimate stigma-buster. Members (service recipients) of Independence Center work side by side with staff, the Young Friends and the guest chefs to prepare the food, work at the registration table, and every step in between. It is an opportunity to showcase their vocational skills, break social barriers and interact without the label of a mental illness, and guests get to see the reality that people with mental illnesses are no different from those without. The Young Friends started out with about ten core members and is now a bustling group of almost 100 people. It is the same spirit and growth that Independence Center has experienced as an agency since opening its doors 29 years ago. Started by a group of concerned family members, the agency served just 20 people in its first year. Now, Independence Center is the second largest program of its kind in the world, serving more than 1,400 people annually. The Center is always looking for volunteers to get involved. If you or someone you know would like to find out more about IC or the Young Friends, visit the website at independencecenter. org or call 314-880-5404 and arrange a tour of our new building in the CWE.