St. John’s LGBT Guide/Lifestyle Magazine
The
OUT
PORT Drag Files Amanda Twerks
Hot Spot Review Rocket Bakery
One Year Anniversary A Look Back At The Year
! n o i dit
E d e end
Ext Edition 05/14
www.theoutport.com
This Edition’s Contributors Writers
Josh Eddy (Publisher/Design & Layout) theoutport@outlook.com Ryan Crocker (Editor/writer) theoutport@outlook.com
DJFabian Newfoundland Betty Boo @DJFabianNL betty_boo_kakke@hotmail Robyn Noseworthy Taylor Stocks vcarrie_1@hotmail.com taylor.stocks@gmail.com Doris Anita Askdorisanitadouche@gmail.com
|DJ Fabian’s Top 10| 10. You & I |One Direction| (Big Payno remix)
Check out the new things happening at www.theoutport.com
April Snow showers bring May flowers... HOPEFULLY... Some current hits hold steady and some new ones are ready to bloom! Visit www.theoutport.com to watch these music videos
9. G.U.Y. |Lady Gaga| (Cosmic Dawn remix ) 8. I’m a Freak |Pitbull ft. Enrique Iglesias| (Cosmic Dawn Tony Mendes edit) 7. I Walk Alone |Cher| (Tracey Young’s Ferosh remix) 6. Take me Home |Cash Cash feat Bebe Rexha| (Fareoh remix)
5. Partition |Beyonce| (Dave Aude remix) 4. Drunk in Love |Beyonce| (Cosmic Dawn remix) 3. All of me |John Legend| (Tiesto remix)
2. Talk Dirty |Jason Derulo| (original & remixes) |2| |2|
May May
1. #Selfie |The Chainsmokers|
Theatrical Events NightlifeEvents Other Events
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LGBT Specific Events
Repeating Shows
DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER
Presented by Joint Productions When a husband and wife accidentally plan rendezvous with their lovers at their home on the same weekend, each resorts to great lengths to preserve their clandestine affairs. Arts & Culture Centre, St. John’s May 29 - Jun 1, at 8 pm| May 31, at 2 pm |
Events
For up to date events check out the Events Section at www.theoutport.com
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Monday May 12
Saturday May 3
“The Womyn Station” Spring Fling Bash
The Station Lounge Come on down on May 3rd and help us welcome in the Spring DJ Hernia 10 pm
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Monday May 5
RuPaul’s Drag Race Viewing Party The Rose & Thistle 10:00 pm
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Friday May 9
Flashback Friday
DjFabian & DJ Hernia Velvet Club & Lounge 11:00 pm
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Saturday May 10
All Out Live & Silent Auction Uptown, St. John’s St. John’s Pride Inc. 11am-5 pm
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RuPaul’s Drag Race Viewing Party The Rose & Thistle 10:00 pm
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Friday May 16
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Trans* support meeting
PFLAG will be holding a Trans support meeting in partnership with the Trans Support Group to friends to come together to share support, resources, and knowledge. Contact: pflagnl@gmail.com The Landing (UC 3016) at MUN 7:00 pm
Thursday May 29
Bianca Del Rio (Co-hosted by Amanda Twerks) From RuPAul’s Drag Race Season 6 $25 Admission Velvet Club & Lounge 8:00 pm
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DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER
Arts & Culture Centre, St. John’s 8 pm
Friday May 30
Monday May 19
RuPaul’s Drag Race Viewing Party The Rose & Thistle 10:00 pm
Thursday May 27
DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER
Arts & Culture Centre, St. John’s 8 pm
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Divas After Dark Doris’s B-Day Show Velvet Club & Lounge 11:00 pm
Thursday May 29
DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER
Arts & Culture Centre, St. John’s 2pm, 8 pm
Online Store www.theoutport.com
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From all of us at The ‘Out’port:
THANK YOU, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR! It’s been a year since the first edition of The
‘Out’port hit newsstands and social media across the province - and what a year it’s been!
”Our community is very involved in the arts, so it’s important to us that we celebrate all the great entertainment that’s going on,” Eddy said.
With
Another popular story was EGALE
the encouraging support of local organizations, businesses, and countless individuals, we’ve been able to share and celebrate the goings on in our community, from Labrador City, to Corner Brook, to St. John’s. “I can’t believe it’s already been a year,” said Josh Eddy, owner and publisher of The ‘Out’port. “Time flies when you’re working hard. It’s been so much fun interviewing local members of the LGBT community, profiling celebrities, and covering all of our exciting events.”
Editor Ryan Crocker added the response to
the magazine has been tremendous. “When we started The ‘Out’port, it was so important to us that we reflect everything that’s going on in our province,” Crocker said. “It’s not enough for us to be a footnote in some mainland magazine. We have a famously accepting province with lots going in and we need a magazine of our own to share our story.”
And those stories have been popular. One
of the most-viewed stories of the past year was an interview with Manila Luzon, who performed at Velvet Night Club last year. ”It was great to meet her and to see our own drag community reinvigorated,” Eddy said. Crocker added, “There were so many drag queens out to celebrate her visit and the community has only grown sense. We have a world-class drag scene.”
And, as everyone knows, we also have a
world-class arts scene. Darryl Davis’ coverage of the local arts scene has made him a favourite guest at plays and other performances throughout St. John’s. His popular video interviews and a big hit with The ‘Out’port’s readers.
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May
Canada’s praise for Newfoundland and Labrador’s mandatory Safe School Initiative. The organization said our province is leading the country when it comes to providing a safe school environment for LGBT youth and, while there’s still work to be done, we have the support and drive that’s missing in some other provinces.
Left: Ryan Cocker, Right: Josh Eddy
That support extends well beyond LGBT youth to the magazine itself.
“When I meet with organizations and businesses in St. John’s, I’m always impressed by just how passionate they are about the magazine,” Eddy said. “People here really want the LGBT community to know they’re appreciated. With my background in business management, it’s been great to see just how much this city was crying out for an outlet like The ‘Out’port.”
For Crocker, one of the highlights of the year has been the photo shoots. “I love photography and it’s been great getting to meet all of the people in our pictures,” he said. “Whether it’s Manila Luzon, or Amanda Twerks, or our Back to School cover with Garry Dart, it’s always been a laugh and a lot of fun.”
There were serious moments as well.
Within hours, the campaign was spreading
across Newfoundland and Labrador. Within days, it had crossed the entire country. It made Eddy and Noseworthy proud to see St. John’s and numerous other communities in Newfoundland and Labrador credited with kicking off the campaign. The Mayor of Montreal even said he decided to raise the rainbow flag because he was inspired by our city on the edge of the continent.
The ‘Out’port writers have strived to sup-
plement these great stories with ongoing features. From the fascinating profiles in On Our Gaydar, to the delicious confections of Cooking with Betty Boo, to the dry humor of Dear Doris - there’s something for everyone. “That’s what we hope to continue for the year ahead,” Eddy said. “We want The ‘Out’port to be where you go for the latest local news affecting the LGBT community, and a celebration of everything that makes living here so great.”
When Russia passed a series of homopho- Crocker bic laws, Eddy and The ‘Out’port writer Robyn Noseworthy decided they needed to do something to show their support for all athletes competing, including members of the LGBT community, as well as support our values. They decided to ask the City of St. John’s to raise the rainbow flag during the games, a request the city unanimously approved.
added, “We’re so lucky to have such a beautiful, accepting, and fun city and province to call home. It’s great to be able to share everything we’re doing here.”
So, from all of us at The ‘Out’port: thank you for a great first year!
HOTSPOT Review
Rocket Bakery
Rocket Bakery is another of Rocket the many world-class coffee houses and cafes in St. John’s, a list that includes everything from Coffee Matters to the always delicious Coffee & Co.
An acquaintence of mine is something of a food connoissuer, travlling the world and checking out the best coffee blends and cafes in cities from Montreal, to New York, to London.
Whether he’s in Paris or back in his hometown of Calgary, he misses Rocket Bakery. He describes it as one of the best he’s ever visited and particularly loves their savoury menu items. I have to agree whole-heartedly.
When The ‘Out’port visited,
we all ordered a pulled pork roll, pain de chocolat, and an old-fashioned soda.
All three were to die for - in fact, I could
have eaten those pulled pork rolls until I exploded. I fell in love with pulled pork living out on the prairies, where the delicious dish has been perfected. For me, pulled pork anywhere else is like trying to find a good touton in Miami.
Bakery shattered the rest of the world’s losing streak. It was, without a doubt, the best pulled pork anything I’ve ever had.
As if all that isn’t enough, like other cafes
- such as Fixed Coffee and Baking and the brand new Broken Books - it has a wonderful atmosphere. There’s something about sitting in the Rocket’s bay window on our city’s high street that adds to the romance of living in one of the most beautiful corners of the world.
By Ryan Crocker
Drag Files
Amanda Twerks
Check out the Extended Online Version at www.theoutport.com
Work it, Amanda Twerks!
The
past two years have been busy for the reigning St. John’s Drag Idol, Amanda Twerks. Since first dipping her high heels into the drag world in 2012, Amanda has studied and practiced to perfect her craft. Her labour of love paid off with her coronation at Velvet Club and Lounge several months ago. “Competing for drag idol was crazy. There was so much going on, and so many costume changes involved that, by the end of the night, I was ready for it to be over,” she told The ‘Out’port. “It was my first time ever performing so I was a little nervous, but I knew I was gonna go up there and do my thing for myself. If I didn’t win, there was always next year!”
Amanda’s excitement grew with every elimination she survived and it was only then, in the middle of the competition, that she realized she might win. “When I found out I won, a million thoughts went through my head. Would I be expected to continue drag now? Would expectations for me be too high?” she said. In true drag queen fashion, Amanda gets
as much shade as the next queen - but she loves the drag community and all of the great events she’s been able to participate in as a result of her win. “I work my ass off to make Amanda flawless. Everything I get is because I worked for it. I worked to win Drag Idol, and I’ve continued working since that,” she said. “I’ve received some tremendous support as well, and it is always heart warming to know that people support and appreciate the art you make - be that by voting for me, telling me in person, or especially tipping me on stage!”
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May
Looking at pictures of Amanda, from her first appearance at Zsa Zsa LaWhore’s Pride Party in 2012 alongside partner Veruca Vagabond, to today, the results of her hark work are striking. Like many drag queens in St. John’s, she’s learned the tricks of the trade and always looks world-class on stage. Looking at pictures of Amanda, from her first appearance at Zsa Zsa LaWhore’s Pride Party in 2012 alongside partner Veruca Vagabond, to today, the results of her hark work are striking. Like many drag queens in St. John’s, she’s learned the tricks of the trade and always looks world-class on stage. “My first drag experience is very strange to look back on. At the time I didn’t really know what drag was about. I had no idea what I was doing and why I was there,” she said. “I decided I wanted to be a chola and took a lot of inspiration from Bon Qui Qui, a character from MadTV. I ordered a red wig online and wore my friend’s dress from Urban Planet. I was living for myself at the time, but looking back now I can see how much of a mess it all was!” It was the beginning of a liberating trans-
formation for Amanda, whose stage persona is very different from the man behind the make-up. “I do a complete personality flip when I’m in drag. When Amanda walks in a room she demands attention. She knows all eyes are on her and likes it that way. Bottom line, Amanda is the shit and she knows it - everyone else can eat it,” she said with a laugh. “The best thing about having a drag persona is that you can make it whatever you want. However, to keep up a character like that it is very exhausting!”
It’s hard to be tired when the reaction from her family, friends, and the public is so positive. “Some have told me I’m hot, and some people whistle at me. I’ve never had a negative experience. Just last week I heard a guy pass me that said to his friend “I can’t tell if that’s a drag queen or just a really beautiful woman.”
Photos By Ryan Rocker
I felt like saying, “Really? How many women do you know that are eight feet tall and have ten pounds of hair?” she said.
All that hair is going to have some big competition for the spotlight on May 16 when The Bianca del Rio of this season of RuPaul’s Drag Race graces the stage at Velvet Club and Lounge. As the reigning Drag Idol, Amanda has earned the privilege of hosting the event. “I am extremely nervous about hosting a show with Bianca del Rio! Everyone knows she is vicious! I was told she is going to read me to filth, so I guess I can look forward to that.” Amanda said. “But in all seriousness, I am extremely excited to get my face out there to a new audience and to build my name. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to meet such an amazing and polished queen and I can only hope to do the local girls proud and represent St. John’s drag in a positive way!” Her advice for the community is simply to do drag for you. “Don’t compromise your vision to appeal to everyone else. Even if you don’t go out of the house, still get out your makeup brushes and beat that mug!” she said. “But remember, ALWAYS take a selfie to study your face and see where you can improve! Look at professional drag queens and study their makeup. That’s where I have learned most of my tricks.”
On Our Gaydar Alexander The Great
Alexander III of Macedon, commonly known as Alexander the Great, was one of history’s greatest warrior kings. During his life, he conquered just about everything from the Adriatic Sea to the Indus River, establishing one of the largest empires in history.
H
e also very likely had intimate sexual and emotional relationships with men. That said, it’s incorrect to say Alexander was gay, straight, or bi.
The idea that sexuality was confined to such categories simply didn’t exist in Alexander’s time and it was completely uncontroversial for men who would generally be considered heterosexual today to engage in homosexual acts.
that were surprisingly friendly and equal for the time. We also know his male bodyguard, Hephaestion, was one of the great loves of his life.The confusion surrounding how to categorize Alexander’s sexuality is a fitting sign of the times. Bisexual people today often have to deal with the misconception that their sexual orientation is a cop out, or simply doesn’t exist.
But there have always been people who enjoy
a little bit of everything from the great buffet of flesh, and Alexander the Great is perhaps one of history’s greatest examples.
Remembering John Furlong By Robyn Noseworthy L
ast month this province lost one of the most influential media icons we’ve ever been blessed to have in our corner.
As a journalist he worked in print newspapers, on television, and of course
in his beloved niche of radio talk shows. Famous for his Newfoundland Fisherman’s Broadcast (renamed Fisheries Broadcast) John also produced and hosted other shows on CBC such as Radio Noon’s CrossTalk.
W
hat most people don’t know or realize is that within the last year he did more for the LBGT community than even he knew. John Furlong passed away as a true Newfoundlander and Labradorian, a true journalist, and without even knowing it a true activist for our community.
Back
in November, Jamie Harnum, Danny Coombs , and myself were invited as members of the St. John’s Pride Inc. committee to discuss issues that were important on John’s radio noon show.
For
Photo Provided by Sarah Furlong
We know that Alexander married two women during his life and had relationships with women
me, that was a really memorable moment. John got into discussion with Jamie about gender and sexuality and that opened up flood gates of conversation, allowed for education, and more importantly visibility.
e had a real curiosity about our community and what it means to be I was regular on his CrossTalk show as a member of his youth panel, as H LBGT in St. John’s, the province and even the world. He was aware that the
well as a few times outside of the panel when I was a guest as a part of St. John’s Pride Inc. Every show I had with him was full of a banter and of a humor that allowed either guest to feel comfortable and open for discussion.
lives we live can be at times difficult and that many still don’t understand or are open to acceptance and tolerance, but he did more for the LBGT people of this province than he even knew.
he openness, the healthy discussion and the visibility he provided our As well, when as a guest of the youth panel, two of whom were straight, Tcommunity did not go unnoticed and it will not be forgotten. John always allowed there to be a topic that was up for discussion that affected LBGT people, whether it was the controversial topic of gay bashing, or politics and its role in the LBGT community.
S
arah Furlong remembers her father became very excited when given the opportunity to discuss LBGT issues on the air. “He was fascinated by it,” she said, “Whether it was the Patt Blackburn case, or Jennifer McCreath running for Deputy Mayor, he was more than happy to give a voice to those who needed one.”
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May
J
ohn Furlong, you were a visionary, a broadcaster, and a journalist of the highest prestige. Even more than that may we remember you were an amazing father, friend, and ally. Our thoughts go out to you and your family.
From the LBGT community, may we take this moment to say thank you for the work you did for us, and for the platform you gave which allowed us all to be heard. As CBC reporter Maggie Gillis said during his last show on air, “You can never be replaced.”
The Dirty P Word From all evidence available to me, it appears to
be the case that some lives are easier to live than others. I am incredibly grateful for the good things I have been given through no cause of my own: a loving family, compassionate friends, an excellent education, a (mostly) working body, an aesthetic that allows me to move easily through society. I have had it easy in many ways, living surrounded by abundance; my basic needs have been more or less constantly assured. This has allowed me to do many things, acquire a number of skills, make increasingly independent choices, and enact a particular level of power within my surroundings. My background and my history gave me access to the person I am today.
My background and my history gave me access to the person I am today There are other lives around me that seem hard-
er to live- problems that are dealt with daily that I rarely or never encounter. People I know and love have stories that I can only begin to grasp, stories soaked with pain and grief, stories that expose. I might not be able to understand the details or the logic, but I do understand the hurt, the sensitivities developed, and the need for a soft, safe space where release can happen. For me, this place is made of kind words, snuggly blankets, a cup of tea, and the never-closed possibility of silence.
I have my own stories; few have the luxury of moving through life with total ease. Most recently, I have found language that allows me to convey the troubles I have encountered that can be loosely categorized under the gender umbrella. Through deep introspection, critical analysis, and pursuit of gender-speak, I have begun to see that my sensitivity to the way concepts of woman/girl and man/boy is not just a pit of opaque misery; it is also a source of a different kind of knowledge and a unique tool for taking apart the world.
My sensitivity to gender allows me to write a
gender column authentically. It lets me play around with drag and my appearance and the way that I interact with situations. It also makes me uncomfortable when I choose which washroom to use. It means that negative comments that have to do with my gender presentation hit a lot closer to home and make me feel worse than the average insult might.
M
y sensitivity to common things like pronouns often feels like an allergy- irrational, hyperactive, and endlessly tedious. What’s more is that I regularly seem to be the only one in the room so afflicted; the majority of people I interact with never deal with the nausea induced from the lack of chest binding. And so, I feel crazy. I feel like I am outside sanity, seeing ghosts of gendered-past, lost in the lunacy of my many selves, forever trapped alone because I felt too much about too many little things. It is near impossible to speak.
I feel crazy. I feel like I am outside sanity, seeing ghosts of gendered-past In safer spaces, I am more willing to talk about
gender and my other sensitivities. When I do, I find there are others who feel as I do. There are other people like me who share my particular discomforts; I have found solace in the fact that I am not alone. By stitching together our experiences under banners of trans* and other identities, we give our problems a legitimacy by giving them voice.
We must do this because without this legiti-
macy, it is easy to see us as the crazy person in the room, including from within ourselves. By binding together, we gain the ability to say, “No, what you are doing right now is part of a larger trend, and this is hurting more than just me, even though I’m the only one present who is upset right now.” There is finally a choice besides silence and irrational outburst.
By Taylor Stocks
The truth is, there are quite a number of things
in everyday life that make basic tasks difficult for a trans* person. The way language moves is a big one because of how gendered it is. When dealing with large scale issues, the use of the trans* narrative can lend power to those often without voice. If I ask you not to use ‘tranny’ because it bothers me, you can ignore me easily. If I ask you not to use ‘tranny’ because it’s transphobic, it becomes a bit more difficult to dismiss off-hand. This all being said, most trans* folk will not jump down your throat every time you misuse a pronoun; most will be extraordinarily patient if they know you are learning.
We have a responsibility to be patient and kind For we are all learning, in the end. Those of us
with sensitivities are learning how to navigate the world with perpetual irrationality and communicate our experiences with those who will never share in full understanding. Those of us with privilege are learning when it is necessary to be thoughtful with language and to make the space necessary for the silenced to come through. We have a responsibility to be patient and kind. There is no route forward that is not compassionate and reflective for us all.
Art lessons For Adults & Children Call Sherry at 763-7921
painter-1@hotmail.com
Ask Doris!
Ask me a question at: Askdorisanitadouche@gmail.com @officialdoris
Why hello there Kittens! Dear Doris: What is your favorite moment?
It’s
been a busy month! A lot of excitement happening over Bianca Del Rio from RuPaul’s Drag Race visiting the Rock (May 16 at Velvet) by fans of the show. As well, May is my 8th anniversary year of when I started doing drag! So this edition I have answered some questions about drag. Dear Doris: Hi, I’ve been to Velvet a couple of times and I have to say I’ve enjoyed the drag queens that I’ve seen. I am really shy, and I don’t know where I should start. Any Tips?
Dear “Really Shy” Good question my dear! When I first started doing drag, it was to help out a queen with a missing act in her show. My roommate at the time lent me her clothes, a friend lent me his wig and another friend did my make up. “Doris Anita Douche” was born! I picked 3 songs that I knew the words to, and went on down to The Zone (this was 2006). I
was really nervous. I was sober and I didn’t have any cash for booze to help my courage. I just went up, bombed my first performance and nailed the second. After that, I won Drag Idol and I just kept going. My tip for you is to just do it. Show confidence. If you mess up during your performance, work it into your performance! People will laugh with you, rather than at you and it will give you that extra boost to keep doing it.
When it comes to make up, I’m the wrong
person to ask (my signature is Cover Girl leftovers). But YouTube is a fantastic resource for everything you want to know! Hope this helps!
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May
There are literally TOO MANY but my fa-
vorite moment was at the Tommy Sexton benefit. I did a performance of “Rolling down the River” where T had a huge fake joint that, when you blow into it, powdered sugar came out. I ran up to Tommy Sexton’s mother and made her do it, the priests and nuns at the table with her weren’t impressed, but she laughed and went along with it. Best moment hands down.
Dear Doris: Why do you do drag?
Dear “WHY” Not everyone is the same. The reason I started doing drag is because I love making people laugh. Dressing up as a different character, performing songs, even being cheeky (to put it lightly) on a microphone for a few laughs is a lot of fun! Before I put performing on hold I used to do shows for different venues, cities, and even staggette party or two. It’s all for entertianing. There’s so much going on in the LGBT community these days where people just need to get away for a night, laugh at someone else and just forget about the crapday they had even for a few
a
I hope you enjoyed the column this month kittens. And don’t forget, my anniversary show is scheduled or May 30 at Velvet Club & Lounge, hosted by myself and Anna Bortion. It’s going to be a show to remember! Thank you to everyone over the years who has supported me!
St a Fabu y lou
s!
py
Nails By Cassie 709-743-9403
Baking with
Betty Boo
For The LOVE of Chocolate
Ingredients
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (255 grams) unsalted butter at room temperature (2 1/4 sticks) • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar • 1 cup (215 grams) light brown sugar • 2 eggs • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 2 1/2 cups (350 grams) all-purpose flour • 3/4 cups (60 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 12 ounces milk chocolate chunks (about 2 1/2 cups)
Welcome back to another session of Baking with Betty! This month we are going to explore, one of my favorite ingredients in baking – chocolate! Who doesn’t love chocolate? Let me hear ya say LOVE! There is something about that dark, sweet treat that just makes everything feel so much better – no matter the mood, chocolate invokes a sense of pleasure that lifts you up. Some even say it’s better then sex, but let’s not get crazy people.
I have included some of my favorite recipes when I want nothing but chocolate, so I hope you enjoy! Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees,
Then, line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Add butter and sugars to a large bowl, turn a hand
mixer to medium speed and beat until creamy, light and fluffy.
3. Add one egg, then turn mixer to medium and beat until well incorporated. Add the second egg as well as the vanilla extract and beat until they are well incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and the salt with a whisk. Whisk at least 6 to 10 times.
364 Duckworth Street (709) 579-5485
5. With the hand mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The cookie batter will become very thick. You only need to mix until everything has combined. 6. Then, use a large knife to chop the choc-
olate into small chunks. Add the chocolate to the batter then use a spoon or spatula to stir in the chocolate.
7.
Drop cookie dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets (or use a medium cookie scoop). Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until the cookies have puffed a little and the tops are dry. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
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thesproutrestaurant.com
May
Easy Flourless Chocolate Cake with Silky Chocolate Glaze Ingredients For Cake
• 6 1-ounce squares coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter • 3/4 cup sugar • 3 large eggs • 1/2 cup cocoa • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon vanilla
For Glaze
• 2 1-ounce squares coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate squares • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1 1/2 teaspoon milk OR light coconut milk • 1 1/2 teaspoons Agave syrup OR honey • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla
Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F Spray a 7-inch tart pan with removable bottom with cooking spray. If you don’t have a tart pan, use a 6 to 7-inch springform pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and spray the paper.
1. Melt 6 ounces of chopped chocolate and butter in a heavy saucepan over medium low heat. Stir until chocolate and butter are melted and smooth.
2. Add sugar and salt and reduce heat to low. Cook while stirring for about one minute, until sugar starts to dissolve.
3. Remove pan from heat. Whisk in eggs, one at a time. The mixture will look smooth and glossy. 4. Use a mesh hand sieve to sift cocoa into mixture. This prevents lumps. Whisk until the cake batter is smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes. The center of the cake should be just firm to the touch, but be careful to not overbake the cake or it will be dry.
6. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Invert the cake on a plate. 7. To prepare the glaze, melt 2 ounces of chopped chocolate and 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the
same saucepan you used to make the cake. When melted and smooth, remove the pan from heat. Add milk and Agave syrup OR honey and vanilla and stir until smooth and glossy. Let the glaze cool for about 3 minutes before pouring it on the cake.
8. Pour all of the glaze in the middle of the cake. Use a silicone or rubber spatula to spread the glaze evenly over the cake, allowing the glaze to evenly run down the sides of the cake.
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May
XO BBK
By Ryan Crocker
The Gay Way to Say “I Do”
5 Trends in Same-Sex Weddings
May/Jun 2013
So, you’ve fallen head over heels in love with someone who has the same goodies as you in their loot bag and now you’re engaged. What’s next? Weddings are awesome. They’re the touching ceremonies by which two consenting adults declare their undying love for each other and promise to make it exclusive (usually). They’re also a shitload of work. Wedding planning is a full-time job for any couple but especially for us fabulous ones because the industry has less experience catering to same-sex dreams. But through the the trial and error of brave couples who have gone before, trends in same-sex weddings are starting to emerge.
5.
Joint Bachelor/ Bachelorette Parties
Same-sex couples often have matching junk. This pretty much negates the need for separate bachelor/bachelorette parties, something same-sex couples have noticed. They’ve replaced this night of segregated debauchery with something more inclusive and a hell of lot more fun. Joint Bachelor/Bachelorette parties aren’t meant to mourn the end of singledom like their traditional counterparts. No, they serve as a celebration and reminder of why you got engaged in the first place.
4.
Destination Weddings
We can’t imagine why, but same-sex couples often choose not to have a traditional church wedding. Instead, they choose a local venue or exotic destination to exchange vows. In St. John’s, this often means a ceremony in scenic locations such as Cape Spear and Quidi Vidi. For those who travel abroad, it’s common to choose tropical destinations, such as Mexico, or famously LGBT-friendly countries in western Europe, such as the Netherlands.
3.
Altar Equality
Same-sex couples often do away with the tradition of the bride’s family dragging her down the aisle as a gift to the waiting groom. Male, female, or anything in between - same-sex couples seem to prefer starting their marriage on more equal footing. For most, this means walking to the altar together. We’d suggest having both carried on golden thrones by go-go dancers but to each their own.
2.
Surprise Dance
Sometimes just the couple is in on it, sometimes the whole wedding party - but, at some point during the reception, the ballad screeches to a stop and those in the know burst into a tightly-choreographed dance routine. You can tailor the surprise dance to suit your own tastes and talents from cheesy to professional. And it’s always a big hit with wedding guests. Not to mention it’s a grand bit of fun.
1.
Matching Rings
When couples get engaged, the one who does the asking has always ended up without an engagement ring. For same-sex couples, this situation sometimes feels unnatural. Instead, some same-sex couples opt to purchase two engagement rings. This way all involved get to feel the giddy excitement of showing off their engagement rings.
So, that’s it, b’ys - the Top 5 Trends in same-sex Weddings according to The Outport. Have a better suggestion? Or a great wedding story to share? Visit us on Facebook and let us know!
NL leading Canada in LGBT Education Part 1
- Ryan Crocker
Nov/Dec 2013
When it comes to ensuring schools are a safe environment for LGBT youth, Newfoundland and Labrador leads the country - but there’s still a long way to go. Susan Rose, President of EGALE Canada, sat down with The ‘Out’port to share the great news and detail the steps her organization is taking next to build on our remarkable progress. It all began with EGALE Canada’s seminal report, Every Class in Every School: The First National Survey on Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia in Canadian Schools. The results were horrifying.
Across Canada, almost 65% of LGBT youth felt unsafe in their schools (compared to just 15% of non-LGBT students). And it was no wonder why: 68% of trans students were verbally harassed, as well as 55% of lesbian or bisexual women and 42% of gay or bisexual men. Sexual harassment was also a huge problem, reported by 49% of trans students, 40% of gay students, and 33% of lesbian students. A full 20% of LGBT students were physically abused at school. The results specific to Newfoundland and Labrador varied little from the national average. “These results are a clear human rights violation,” Rose said, noting that taught for years at a suburban school in the St. John’s region and experienced the destructive impact of homophobia first hand. “It was happening every day. The environment at some schools was absolutely toxic, including the one where I taught. I left teaching in 2006 because of all the harassment I experienced. I couldn’t handle it. And I’m an adult. I can’t even imagine how much harder it was on students, on these children.”
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Fortunately, when EGALE brought these troubling survey results to the government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the province decided to support their efforts. “Newfoundland and Labrador endorsed the results and became the only province in the country to begin a mandatory LGBT Safe School initiative,” Rose said. “The fact it was mandatory was critical. There are school boards across Canada that, to this day, won’t let us in the door. But your province said: in Newfoundland and Labrador, every single principal, vice-principal, administrator, and guidance counsellor will get EGALE’s intense training. And they did. The feedback we received was tremendously positive, even from those who confessed they would have opted out had that been an option. Several educators told us they’d been waiting for something like this for years, but were too afraid to face the potential backlash alone - so having the Department of Education on their side, making it mandatory, made all the difference.”
According to Rose, the training has led to some very positive changes in the school system - especially for trans students, who until recently did not enjoy the same protection from discrimination in this province. Students at any school have the right to establish a Gay-Straight Alliance. Trans students now have the right to demand to be addressed by the name they choose, even if they have not legally changed it. Documents that must use the student’s legal name still will, of course, but in class, in daily conversation, referring to a trans student by a name they no longer identify with is classified as harassment and no longer tolerated. New schools being built in the province will have gender-neutral washrooms available for anyone more comfortable in that environment. The list goes on and on.
Treatment as Prevention
A National Strategy for HIV/AIDS By Ryan Crocker Much like our rainbow flag campaign prompted Canada to sup-
port our athletes and values during the Sochi Olympic Games, a campaign recently started in British Columbia is making waves across the country.
From sea to shining sea, Canada is pushing for a National AIDS Strategy. The push is coming from SIAGS (Southern Gulf Islands AIDS Society) in rural British Columbia. Next steps Rose said there’s still a lot more to do. She wants the province to contin-
ue with the next two steps of the LGBT Safe School initiative: training all of the province’s teachers and introducing LGBT-friendly curriculum.
She has every confidence that, although Danny Williams is no longer
Premier and there may be a change of government in the relatively near future, the province will continue with the LGBT Safe School initiative.
“...It’s about saving lives And Newfoundland and Labrador is really leading the way for Canada.” “Right now, an LGBT student can go from Kindergarten to Grade 12 without ever learning anything about others like them,” Rose said. “That sends the message that we’re not valued, that we’re not worthy, that we’re not an accepted part of society. It has a huge impact.”
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he said providing the same training for teachers that other school officials have already received is a critical step since teachers are the ones who interact most with students. “And the curriculum is just meant to show that we exist, and we’re valued in this society,” she said, noting LGBT existence will be acknowledged even in courses like math and science (Mary and her wife Jane each have 8 apples...). “We want everyone to know there are LGBT youth in our school system, and there are heterosexual children who have LGBT parents. We want to ensure they all feel safe, that they see themselves represented in the curriculum, that they feel they belong. We lose about 600 children to suicide in Canada every year, and 40% of them are LGBT. It’s about saving lives. And Newfoundland and Labrador is really leading the way for Canada.”
That province recently - and proudly - became the first in the
country to adopt a Treatment as Prevention for HIV/AIDS strategy. Now the group is sharing their story with LGBT organizations across the country in an effort to push for change at the federal level. “Newfoundland is very progressive when it comes to LGBT issues,” the group explained. “Together we can make it happen!” They’ve created a petition demanding the federal government adopt a National AIDS Strategy and have the support of Green Party MP Elizabeth May, who is hosting the petition on her website.
It calls for the federal government to adopt the principle of Treatment as Prevention, which has demonstrated effective HIV treatment also helps prevent the transmission of the virus.
The goal is to lessen the stigma of HIV and AIDS by encouraging
the LGBT community to get tested more regularly. Frequent testing reduces the risk of people unknowingly infecting others with HIV, and effective treatment in combination with safe sex enables sexual partners to make better informed decisions. That makes us all safer.
In addition to adopting this approach, the petition also seeks to
expand access to HIV testing and treatment across Canada, especially among First Nations people living on reserves and Canadians in remote communities - which would definitely benefit a province like Newfoundland and Labrador.
For more information, or to add your name to the rapidly growing list of petition signees, visit http://elizabethmaymp.ca/get-involved/national-aids-strategy
SGIAS
http://sgias.org/
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Around the World Chile
May/Jun 2013
We know that in other parts of the world gay life is very different and particularly how people in St. John’s understand and live. Each culture of each country has its own way of seeing, understanding, and experience what it means to be gay. The way a person experiences life as LGBT varies from country to country, because culturally the society of each country was formed and built in a different ways. Keeping in mind the notion of “cultural difference” we can learn how in other nations of the world, gay life, can be known and understood by others. This magazine will give a glimpse into the realities of how other LGBT people live and have fun in a different cultural and social setting. I, The ‘Out’port’s Chilean correspondent, went to see how people experience the gay nightlife and entertainment in the main clubs in this country. Chile is geographically located in South America, and its territory is a long narrow piece of land that bounds the Pacific Ocean. More than 16 million people and its society is known for being conservative on issues of gay acceptance. A few months ago the country proclaimed a revolutionary anti-discrimination law, for Chilean society, was a great advance on issues of equality and discrimination against gays. Before this year there was no legislation protecting people from discrimination. While in Chilean society gay rights and acceptance have a long way to go, the gay nightlife exists in a more open way, accepting changes and is great for lots of fun!
Divino We visited Club Divino, a gay club located in the city of Viña del Mar, Chile’s V region, where space and comfort seems to be the main features that stand out. It is very large, has excellent lighting and an interesting dynamic space. Club Divino, has become one of the most visited places in the summer in Chile, gay people from all regions and cities go there primarily for the comfort and spaciousness of the place Divino has two large dance floors, 5 bars with great drinks, two stages for performances, places to eat and drink with friends, and a terrace for smokers. One attendee stated that, “Divino is very entertaining, you can dance comfortably and that is a big place, and the music is the best, because it is the same as in the nightclubs of Europe and the U.S.”. “I like this place because it offers very good show, with talented dancers and drag queens,” said another attendee. Club Divino is one of the most famous options for nightlife entertainment in Chile.
Pagano We travel now only a couple of miles to the city of Val-
paraíso, located adjacent to Viña del Mar. “Pagano” has been a part of the nightlife in Valparaiso for many years, it is a classic of that city. If you refer to Pagano you refer to history and tradition of a gay identity that has not lost its value and success throughout the years. Many define it as a safe business, and not for nothing, it opens its doors to the public every day of the year, Monday to Sunday. Located in the heritage area of Valparaiso, Pagano is situated in a very historic building, and right in front of the port of Valparaiso, together this gives Pagano an environment with a sense of identity and tradition while maintaining a very urban interior architecture. Hence, their formula for entertainment is a success every day of the year. Upon entering you see clients laughing and enjoying the drag shows which include stand-up comedy and funny stories. The main bar transforms into the stage where they do the shows, this is signature Pagano. The “bar scene” transforms Pagano into a place with a unique identity and characteristics that make it different to other gay clubs in Chile. We also find that customers walk through the different areas of the place, up and down stairs to different dance floors and spaces for conversation and drinking. In itself, Pagano is a dynamic place, ideal to visit with friends.
Santiago
We visited “Bunker”, a large gay club in Santiago, it is the largest in the capital of Chile and known as much by gay people as by straight clientele. The entertainment show there is a mixed presentation for all in the audience. Note that, in Chile there are clubs for gay people and heterosexual people, therefore the type of music and artistic tastes differ from the heterosexual establishments. Chile despite now having an anti-discrimination law, gay and heterosexual people typically do not live together with tolerance and respect. Continuing with Bunker. The audience knows that the shows are of very good quality and it is for this reason that many customers go to the club: “I like coming here, they have a powerful production, very incredible performances, very bright, light and colorful,” says one of the customers waiting for the show to begin, “Being here is like being abroad, there is a lot of quality in the concept,” says another club goer while he also waits for the entertainment show to begin. Before and after the show, people can dance to their favorite songs, essentially, those that are popular around the world, with all the major world pop Idols which is the preferred music for gay Chileans to dance to. Bunker in Santiago de Chile is a classic entertainment establishment where not only Chilean LGBT will enjoy, but LGBT people from all over the world. The gay entertainment in Chile puts great emphasis on artistic expressions,
giving platforms for talented people to show their talents as dancers, entertainers and drag queens. The important thing is that Chile has spaces for LGBT people to express themselves and meet others. There are opportunities for entertainment and fun in the same way and under the same standards as in places where “being gay” is not as much of an issue. As a magazine we are pleased to be able to give people in St. John’s a peek at the life in Chile. We have shown that there is much to see and do in the nightlife in chile for fun and enjoyment, something that without doubt all of us in this world deserve because we all just want to live in equality and respect. Thank you St. John’s for taking this little journey with me to the other side of the planet and we hope to see you here sometime soon!
But not only in Chile’s V region do you find great LGBT
establishments, the capital of Chile, Santiago is not far behind in good entertainment, for it is the Largest city in the country. Santiago offers the largest variety of clubs for gay people throughout Chile, many of these places were theaters or cinemas, and now are restored and transformed into nightclubs. “Club Miel” and “Nuevo Zero” are examples of this. Santiago has many other forms of entertainment for gay people, bars, cafes, saunas, clothing stores, art shows, café -concert (Stand Up), restaurants and obviously the dance clubs. The mix of humor and dance have applied in virtually all the clubs. For example, the comedy shows are presented in the middle of the night, The dancing stops for a while for a comedic break and shows with actors and dancers.
Chilean Corresponent Hernan Moctezuma
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Pop On The Rock
By Cara Brown Jun/Jul 2013
LGBT Characters in Comic Books: A History It’s hard to believe that as little as 25 years ago, most comic books (those published in the United States) were forced to adhere to the Comics Code Authority. The Comics Code, as it was called, was created in 1954 in response to public concern over gory and horrific comic book content and served as an alternative to government regulation. The Code banned graphic depictions of violence and gore in crime and horror comics; zombies, vampires, ghosts, werewolves; victory for villains; and “sex perversion” (a.k.a homosexality). Any publisher whose comics did not abide to these restrictions faced a lack of distribution, as comic book wholesalers only agreed to handle comics featuring the CCA seal on their covers. As a result, many publishers cancelled titles in favour of Code-approved content, while others went out of business.
Over the years, the Code has been revised to reflect the changing times. In the 70s it was updated to allow “sympathetic depiction of criminal behaviour” and corruption of public officials. Zombies, werewolves, vampires and ghouls were also allowed, but only “when handled in the classic tradition such as Frankenstein, Dracula, and other high calibre literary works”. Marvel Comics created a loophole and on multiple occasions called the walking dead “zuvembies”. Throughout the next decade, comic book publishers, most notably DC and Marvel, defied the code on numerous occasions in favour of controversial story lines depicting drug use (and on one occasion mentioning masturbation) and instead published issues without the CCA seal.
Fast forward to present day. LGBT comic book characters have evolved from characters in low-profile publications vaguely alluding to their orientation to high profile characters in committed same-sex relationships, many even going a far as getting married. The most visible and drastic transformation being (in my books) Batwoman, who has gone from being Batman’s beard when introduced in the 50s to being reintroduced in 2006 as a lesbian.
In 1989 the Code was revised to lift the ban on referring to homosexuality to allow non-stereotypical depictions of gays and lesbians, but its influence was beginning to wane and publishers began lessen the seal’s prominence on their covers. By the 2000s, new publishers were deciding not to join the CCA and advertisers were no longer making their decisions to advertise based on CCA compliance. In 2001, Marvel Comics withdrew from the CCA, with DC Comics followed suit in January 2010 and Archie Comics the following day.
It all started in late 70s when Northstar debuted in Uncanny X-Men as a member of the Canadian team Alpha Flight. Flash forward to 1983 and Alpha Flight was given its own comic book series and Northstar was a charter member. To make the characters less two dimensional and more developed, Northstar’s sexual orientation was subtly introduced at the start of the series-
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– by having it vaguely stating that women never interested him, which at the time was passed off as due to his drive to be a ski champion. Creators were finally given permission to unequivocally state he was gay in 1992. Northstar is also notable in that he is one of few (and probably the first character, to the best of my knowledge) who was originally intended to be gay. Things kind of snowballed from there.
C
urrently there are several LGBT characters in mainstream comic books (not including comic books based on a TV series or movie), including Batwoman in 52, Countdown, Final Crisis, Detective Comics and Batwoman; Northstar in Alpha Flight, X-Men: Age of the Apocalypse, X-Men: The End, Wolverine and Astonishing X-Men; Green Lantern (Alan Scott) in Earth 2; Mystique in Mystique, The Uncanny X-Men, and numerous other X-Men publications; Renee Montoya in Gotham Central, 52 and Batwoman; Maggie Sawyer in Detective Comics and Batwoman; Hulkling and Wiccan (a newly engaged couple) in Young Avengers (and several other Avengers comics since its cancellation in 2006); Bunker in Teen Titans; Starling in Birds of Prey; Sir Ystin (a.k.a. The Shining Knight) in Demon Knights, the only implicitly trans character in any DC or Marvel comic; Silhouette, Captain Metropolis and Hooded Justice (three members of the Minutemen) in Before Watchmen: Minutemen; Anole in Wolverine and the X-men; Rictor and Shatterstar in X-Factor; Daken (Wolverine’s son) in Dark Wolverine, Wolverine and Uncanny X-Men.
I would have loved to explore each character’s story lines further and elaborate on why I thought each was significant, but there are just too many of them (a very comforting problem to have). Multiple comic books have even begun marrying off their gay characters, which is in direct correlation to the growing legalization of marriage in the United States.
Northstar (a man of firsts) married his boyfriend Kyle last year in Astonishing X-Men, and Hulkling and Wiccan recently became engaged, setting the stage for yet another Marvel same-sex wedding in the near future. Surprisingly, Archie Comics was the first mainstream comic to marry off a gay character. Kevin Keller was introduced in 2010 and married just last year. DC Comics has yet to marry a gay couple.
I will sign off here in hopes that I will explore this topic in further detail in a future article. The listing of comic book appearances I have provided are (obviously) not the character’s only appearances, but series in which their LGBT story lines are explored. Feel free to let me know what you would like to read in future Pop on the Rock columns via email at carajeanbrown@gmail.com or Twitter @ReallyCJB.
Jun/Jul 2013
Manila Luzon in St. John’s
“This REALLY IS THE FAR EAST honey!”
couture was hotter than Theusual at Velvet on May 17 as St. John’s welcomed worldfamous drag queen Manila Luzon.
T
he couture was hotter than usual at Velvet on May 17, 2013 as St. John’s welcomed world-famous drag queen Manila Luzon. A household name in many circles of the LGBT community, Manila first rose to international prominence following her beloved appearance on season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her sharp wit, artistic talents, and unique lip-syncing style made her a consistent hit with the judges and fans. And thanks to organizer (and St. John’s native) Del Stamp, her fans here in the City of Legends were able to enjoy all that talent up close and personal.
During her visit, Stamp shared the best of St. John’s with Manila - including, of course, the view from Signal Hill. Manila shared photos and video clips of our city with her hundreds of thousands of fans on Facebook, praising its beauty. But the highlight of her trip, and the reason for her visit to a city she joked “really is the far east, honey”, was a thrilling performance in front of a standing-room-only crowd at Velvet. That crowd included much of the St. John’s LGBT community, visitors from across the island, and even tourists from around the world who came especially to see Manila. To the delight of her local fans, Manila “I see various queens from RuPaul’s Drag performed live - including her hits The Race frequently between Vancouver and Chop and Hot Couture. In between her Seattle and I’ve had the pleasure hosting two sets, she invited The ‘Out’port back events that they’ve headlined there,” Stamp said, thanking sponsors OUTtv and to her dressing room for an exclusive interview. Priape for making it all possible. Being a successful drag queen requires a “I’ve gotten to interact with them and lot more than the traits of great performer. know some of them on a personal level Manila is a make-up artist, a fashion de- and there is no reason why the people signer, a stylist, a singer, a comedian, and of St. John’s shouldn’t get to share the so much more. Manila said her favourite same experiences I have. So I contacted parts of being a drag queen are all the ones the team at Velvet - and together we were that enable her to express herself. able to make it happen. I love St. John’s to pieces and I’m so happy myself and Velvet “I consider myself an artist first,” she said. “I love anything that involves artistic could do this for everyone.” creation. You know I can’t have children - because I’m a homo and and they won’t “You know I can’t have let us marry or adopt children where I’m children - because I’m a from. So my drag art, that’s my baby. That’s homo and and they won’t what I create.” let us marry or adopt” During the interview, Manila was surchildren where I’m from. rounded by more than a dozen drag queens, including many of the best-known and loved stars of the St. John’s drag scene. She said she’s touched knowing that her high-profile career has given her the opportunity to inspire other drag queens. “I never actually had a drag mother when I first started doing drag,” she said. “I feel so honoured that people are watching me, and learning from me, and taking my tips the way I stole everything from a whole bunch of drag queens who came before me.” anila uses her powers for good in many other ways as well. As a prominent AIDS activist, she stresses that we still have a lot of work to do. Just because treatments are helping people with HIV and AIDS live longer and fuller lives doesn’t mean we’re home free. “We have to keep ramming this message down people’s throats,” she said.
M
“I love getting to see all of my drag sisters,”
S
ince appearing on the reality television program, Manila’s career has only continued to accelerate and expand. She’s been seen on RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race, RuPaul’s Drag U, MTV’s Made, and more. She’ll be back with our own Del Stamp again this summer to kick off Vancouver Pride at LIBERACE at Celebrities Night Club. And one of the biggest events on her horizon is Drag Stars at Sea. From November 30 to December 7, Manila will join nearly 40 other drag queens aboard a brand new luxury cruise ship, the MSC Divina. She can’t wait. “I love getting to see all of my drag sisters,” she said. “It’s wonderful that we’re all going to be together in the same place, and for an extended period of time. We rarely get to see each other all at once. It’s going to be AMAZING!” And that’s exactly what Manila’s visit to St. John’s was for our LGBT community: AMAZING.
Ryan Crocker
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Transgender in High School Liam’s Story Jul/Aug 2013
My name is Liam and this is my story. I identify as a straight transgender man. I first started to realize that I was different than the people around me when I was in gender-divided sports for the first time in Grade 6. Volleyball only had a girls’ team, and basketball only had a boys’ team. This confused me a lot, and made me think about gender differently than what I saw around me. I decided that even though I was supposed to dress and act one way, I really dressed and acted the opposite.
My best friends are like my pack, they support me the most. They were the ones who would listen to me rant about the problems I come across being transgender and they have the best advice. They try to be as educated as possible and they want to understand. I’m extremely comfortable around them.
I’ve been out for about a year now, and I’ve been taking testosterone injections as a part of hormone replacement therapy for four months. I’m looking into getting chest surgery soon in the future, hopefully by the end of the year, and I legally changed my name to Liam on June 27, 2013.
I felt very out of place, and sort of alone. At such a young age, I didn’t know how to deal with my head being so confused. I waited a long time before telling my parents and my older brother. My coming out to them happened recently as well. I wrote a letter to my mom before I left for work on Saturday, June 22. I explained everything very bluntly but reminded her that we would talk later and asked her to be as open minded as she could. We later had a discussion about it, and she was surprisingly accepting, but still confused. I came out as transgender to my peers and the teachers at my school at the beginning of my senior year, in September, 2012. With only a month of coming out experience to my best friends behind my belt, I was afraid of what the other people would say, especially with the way rumours spread. I didn’t want to be some sort of spectacle to my peers, I didn’t want to be held for Q&A sessions all the time. Most of the people in the school were openminded and they accepted me, though some of the teachers were really slow to get it right and understand completely. They started calling me Liam and using male pronouns with me and it was good knowing that they cared so much.
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My journey? It’s different things at different times. It’s painful and hard and not fair sometimes, but other times it’s really rewarding and satisfactory. The different steps of transition can be different for every transgender person. Many people start HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to make their sex hormone levels change. Then transgender people will probably start looking into surgery and legal name changes/gender markers.
My hope in sharing this story is to encourage the LGBT community to know the struggle we face, and although the LGB parts of the community are now being recogized and respected, the T still has a far way to go. Still, grad was stressful for me, but once I got over that, I had a lot of fun. I had to make sure that my birth name wasn’t posted anywhere, so I had to change everything to say Liam. I also had to change where my name was in the grand march so I could walk on the boys’ side. When I walked down, everyone cheered and it blew me away. I was so happy to have that much support in that one moment. It was great! I did take a date to grad, but she was my best friend, not my girlfriend. We had a lot of fun, just laughing and enjoying ourselves all night, no problems whatsoever! My girlfriend’s name is Kathleen, and she’s a huge supporter of mine. She’s probably just as educated about these kind of issues as I am. She’s awesome.
Society should know that people who are transgender just want to be accepted in the world for the gender they identify as. Try not to make these people’s lives any more difficult than they already are. For anyone who feels they were born into the wrong gender as I did, keep your head up! Don’t forget that this hurting and struggle you’re going through now is only temporary. Even if it’s not soon, eventually you’ll be where you want to be, and that feels amazing. Just don’t give up on being yourself no matter what anyone else says to you. Only you know exactly how you feel and not one person can tell you otherwise.
-Liam Johnson
Happy Ever After (Prince not Included)
Photography by Sandra Lee
Aug/Sep 2013
Jennifer & Holly’s fairy tale wedding
A
ll weddings are joyous occasions, a chance for two people to publicly declare their love for each other and vow to spend the rest of their lives enjoying their time together. For same sex couples, the occasion is especially sweet. After having been denied the right to marry for centuries, these lovebirds get to experience the fairytale themselves. The ‘Out’port was thrilled to see a photo of a local same sex wedding making the rounds on Facebook, shared by hundreds of people as a show of support for the couple and everything their love representes. We reached out to the newlyweds to share their story in the hopes it gives members of our LGBT community something to look forward to, and our supporters something to celebrate. Jennifer Ivany-Ryan, who goes by Jen, and Holly Ivany-Ryan - from St. Mary’s and St. John’s respectively - met under hilariously unconventional circumstances.
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“In 2009, the Zone hosted a Bachelorette night where contestants competed to win a date with some lucky lady,” Jen said. “I happened to be that lady and Holly won! It sounds tacky but we did go to dinner and a movie. We say one of the Ice Age movies, then sat in a coffee shop talking until morning.” The two continued to see each other, falling in love effortlessly. “Things happened very naturally,” Holly said. “It was as if, all of a sudden, out of nowhere, we were just where we wanted to be - without consciously deciding anything. We are very in sync with each other. We have matured and grown together and consider ourselves a family. Oh! And Jen learned to like cats, ha!” It wasn’t long before Jen knew she simply had to propose to Holly.
Although they had acknowledged their desire to get married, Jen still managed to keep the timing and circumstances of the proposal a secret from Holly. This despite the fact that, as a same sex couple, both women wanted engagement rings. “I’m really good at keeping secrets, so it was pretty easy for me,” she said. “Even after I bought the rings, I would still take her into stores to look so she wouldn’t suspect anything. We wanted to get the rings at the same time so, in order for me to keep it a complete surprise, I bought both rings and proposed. She was completely surprised when I asked.” Holly was absolutely delighted - and touched by the positive feedback and support from family and friends. “It was overwhelming, but in a good way,” she said. “I had butterflies for sure, and it all felt very romantic. I definitely wasn’t expecting it to happen when it did. I am still blown away by my wife’s ability to keep secrets, ha!”
First up was a joint stagette. “Our bridal party planned it,” Jen said. “It was pretty traditional: a house party with drinks and games that, of course, ended up downtown. Everyone planned to wear a different colour of the rainbow and there was an awesome photobooth. It was definitely something we will never forget.” The two were touched by how easy it was to find and hire all of the professionals they needed for their wedding, from caterers to photographers. “It was definitely easier to find what we wanted as a same sex couple,” Holly said. “People wanted to be part of something new and different and came to us asking to be a part of our wedding. Our photographer, Sandra-Lee Photography, is a great example of this. She was amazing to worth with.”
Here come the Brides The two lovebirds successfully tailored the traditional wedding ceremony to suit their relationship and personalities. When the time came to walk down the aisle, both women had their turn in the spotlight, each escorted by their fathers. As they walked, they looked around at a tastefully-decorated scene that served as a physical manifestation of their love and loved ones. “Our wedding, down to each decoration, had a special meaning for us because almost everything was handmade by us, our family, and friends.” For the most important part of the ceremony, their vows, the two opted for a hand-fasting ceremony. “A vow was said for each piece of ribbon that was laid across our hands,” Jen said. Holly added, “We tried to keep a mix of romance and humour.”
And now they’re enjoying wedded bliss. “Being married makes us feel a little older, ha!” Jen joked. “We hear a lot of, ‘I can’t believe you guys are married now!’. People tell us they look up to our relationship.” Both women hope their experience makes other members of the LGBT community more comfortable exercising their right to get married, if that’s what they want. “Do what makes you happy,” Holly said. “Getting married doesn’t necessarily mean having a wedding with all the bells and whistles. Surround yourself with the people who support you and, when you’re ready, do it your way.” Jen added that being part of the first generation of LGBT people who are able to marry is wonderful, adding, “It feels normal. And that’s what’s important.”
Around the World The Land Down Under: Sydney, Australia
Sydney has long been regarded as a must-see destination for LGBT travellers, exuding tolerance, individuality and vibrancy. The best thing about being LGBT in Sydney is the range of activities and events, from wild nights on Oxford Street to relaxing brunches in Newtown. There are a number of gay hubs in this very gay-friendly city and there is always something to satisfy your unique preferences, something that makes the Sydney LGBT community dynamic and highly visible..
Mardi Gras At the top of the list of must-see events is the world famous Sydney Mardi Gras festival. Consisting of a curated arts festival, fair day, dance party and parade, it’s three weeks of wonderful mayhem. You will wonder how on earth you survived to come out the other side! Sydney is transformed by thousands of visitors swarming the city, an event you won’t want to miss. If the past 35 years of Mardi Gras history takes your fancy, make sure you head to the Sydney Mardi Gras Museum in Darlinghurst. It exhibits a wide array of archival material following the controversy, triumphs and evolution of the festival..
Jun/Jul 2013
Oxford Street If you’re still in the mood to party after Mardi Gras, look no farther than Oxford Street. This is the burgeoning party heartland of Sydney’s LGBT scene. There are too many venues to list them all, so I’ll just mention the faves. Basement Bar Phoenix (Exchange Hotel) is the best dose of Sydney’s underground scene, where every night differs from the last, and where the party continues well after the sun’s up. If the alternative scene is what you’re in to, then the Underground Bar at The Oxford Hotel is intimate, dark and hosts awesome alternative events. For a Sydney favourite, check out the Midnight Shift with regular events, and in true Sydney style, lots of drag shows! Arq is one of the bigger venues on Oxford Street and offers a great mix of music and crowds. There are regular lesbian nights - so check the website. For something a little more stylish where you can escape to a world of excessive delight, Slide has cabaret, burlesque, performance art, and the acclaimed El’Circo. All that AND a fantastic menu. If you’re looking for a girl’s night on Oxford Street, GiRLTHING is where it’s at - and the newest epic lesbian night in Sydney happens every second Friday of the month at Q-Bar.
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May
Inner West Hubs If Oxford Street isn’t your scene, don’t worry. There is loads more to keep you busy. Newtown - and surrounding suburbs Erskineville, Marrickville, Enmore, Glebe, and Annandale - is where life in the LGBT community revolves around strolls through the park, café afternoons, bookshop visiting and market hopping. But don’t be fooled into thinking these inner west hubs go to sleep when the sun goes down. In fact, quite the opposite just without all the glitz of Oxford Street. Check out the Sly Fox in Enmore, one of my personal favourites, hosting one of the best girl’s nights in town every Wednesday. It would seem that Sydney is the home of lesbian nights with Birdcage, Zanzibar Newtown usually attracting a younger crowd in great spirits to dance the night away. Then just a stroll down to neighbouring suburb Erskineville you will find Moist at the Imperial Hotel. It attracts a young crowd for a spinky night on the last Friday of every month. The Imperial is a long standing, much-loved LGBT venue in the area, so if you don’t go for Moist, make sure to head there for one of the famous drag shows!
Beaches! Now for the obvious. Let’s face it: you are coming to Sydney, a city with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Bondi Beach is the classic tourist beach and it’s also very gay friendly. However, for something a bit more off the beaten track, travel that little bit further to either Obelisk or Lady Jane Beaches. Both are nudist beaches, attracting a mixed crowd, but a favourite among the Sydney gay community! Coogee Women’s Pool (Grant Reserve, Beach Street) is a If you’re not cruising down King Street Newtown and instead public pool which has become a lovely hangout for Sydney lesbians. The beautiful blue water of Sydney’s coastline will area leave you craving more! If you’re looking for a taste of something that’s uniquely Sydney, one establishment I highly recommend is Rainbow Tango at the Colombian Hotel, Darlinghurst. Do something good for your mind, body and soul with this intimate, relaxing and enlightening activity.
So I look forward to welcoming all you Newfoundlanders to Sydney. You won’t ever get bored here - and will leave being amazed by the openness, diversity and love within our Sydney LGBT community!
By Sammy Goyen
Chicks with Picks is another activity which will make you feel at home and cosy with Sydney’s LGBT community. This acoustic open mic night for girls sees beautiful, talented women hit the stage while friends and family relax with a beer and sausage sandwich in hand. This happens every second Friday at 4 p.m. in the Clare Hotel, Ultimo. And be sure to check out LOTL (Lesbians on the Loose) café in Darlinghurst. Enjoy a great coffee while reading up on the latest Sydney lesbian-focused events.
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May
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