SAVING
PRIDE NEWS
U
RNO
Premier Issue
1
Praying that Reno Pride will all come together
Saving Reno Pride Over the horizon sails in three ships. The Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria of gay pride in Reno this summer (August 13th-14th). All come with similar missions to “create visibility with the largest gathering of GLBT people together at any one time in Northern Nevada,” as stated by original event organizer Kaye Crawford. The three separate organizing bodies that have been working on their own series of events, activities, and parties to represent and celebrate our diversity under a banner of unity are: Reno Rainbow Fest, Reno Gay Pride, and Build Our Center. In the process of their planning each of the three have aligned with different community groups and businesses. What one association might not offer another has scrambled to provide that service. Thus, presenting the preception to the community members U-News RNO has spoken to as vicious competition full of confusing facts and often rumors. “Why are so many people biding to have a pride event? Reno Pride Week has turned into a whirlwind of chaos with too many people trying to create their own glory,” argues Rocky Winnebago Silver Dollar Court Empress 34. Ms. Crawford explains it has been this way since Stonewall when the first drag queens fought back and that she also, “wants the same glory as that first valiant drag queen.” Sailing the waters to Reno Pride Weekend has surely been tedious. Early in 2010 there was the announcement by Reno Gay Pride that not enough money was raised to conduct a parade. “It’s all local (politics)that we aren't having a parade. The money is there. People just don't want to put it together because last year we didn’t have a parade, and don't want put their money up front this year,” stated Matthew Christopher Embrey-McClain on a Facebook discussion on the issue. This would have been the second year in a row of if it were not by the efforts of Build Our Center to arrange the activity in the last few months. As the importance of having a GLBT community center is to the backbone of any city so is having a parade during Gay Pride. “A parade has historic significance to our community and the lack of a parade the last two years has affected the way our community comes together and celebrates,” states Sam Olson president of Build Our Center. As for funding the parade; Spectrum of Northern Nevada, Erickson Thorpe Law Firm, and Harvey Law Firm all helped with covering the cost. Even with last minute promotions, fifteen various organizations have thanked the efforts of Build Our Center’s staff by signing up for the parade and/or the street celebration to happen afterword. Reno Pride Parade has the theme of being Green. Therefore, no motorized modes of transportation will be present. Maybe this theme is unintentionally a reflection of grassroots efforts that have made an impact on society through out history. Instead its purpose is to provide an ecology friendly message. Still, no having no engines present does disappoint those who love the tradition of Dykes on Bikes that announce the launch of the march. Maybe Dykes on Bikes will be allowed to come back next year, or allowed back when there is a way to make Harley’s hybrid powered. Still, an all walking parade allows for more interpersonal interaction something that Mr. Olson states is a plus. Green Pride CommUNITY Parade will start at 10am on West 1st and Ralston Streets to end at West Street Market. Afterword Build Our Center will be providing an addition street festival where one may go visit representatives of the local non-profits and even enjoy entertainment for free. Reno Gay Pride organization also offers booths of community groups and vendors along with entertainment in Wingfield Park for a cost of $5. U-News RNO learned that many are still apprehensive about going to the Pride events being offered because of past negative experiences, lack or services/faculties, and concerns of financial mishandlings. In the past, certain groups and individuals were given restrictions of how they could represent themselves either in behavior and/or dress because “this is not San Francisco”. Though many applaud Reno Gay Pride for working with the city to get the Festival back in Wingfield park we have seen the location move frequently to being on Virginia Street, the parking lot of Sand’s Hotel and Casino, 2
(cont. pg 5)
NEWS
U
RNO
Premier Issue “He’s BACK.” Some of you might say with the terror of a Poltergeist, others with
Executive Director, Matthew Free Materials expressed in this issue maybe of the sole opinion or information provided to the author at the time of press. Please no duplication without U-News RNO written consent per copy write regulations. The sexual identities of the voices provided and mentioned are unknown unless otherwise specified.
Proud Member of..
complete bewilderment, and the rest to say, “who is this guy anyways.” As Reno native I have grown up here for 26 years, and been involved in the Reno GLBT community with a few organizations when in attendance of UNR. The last two years I have lived in Portland, Oregon. Though I thought this move was permanent events of the world/economy had the Silver State calling me back. I guess home does mean Nevada for me. During my years in the Northwest I had the opportunity to work for two of the local big queer media outlets, and recently for a national publication. Though my training in college is different than journalism I have found my passion for community activism is expressed in this forum. Thus, I have started the U-News Reno label to provide more of the connecting information that is actually out there. I was surprised to see others come aboard to share my vision. Our team did not want to waste any time to provide an example of our writing styles with Reno Gay Pride now a few days away. Thus, this newsletter format was created to jump onto the scene. We hope you enjoy and stick with us as the product is in the process of developing to a web-based “direct personalized media resource.” Interested in helping with your comments or providing your talents to the team? Let us know. In any case, it is wonderful honor to be back. Happy Pride!
WIN $100 GIFT CARD!!! Take the U-News Survey & be entered to win.
3
NEWS
U
RNO
Premier Issue
Community
Family Matters
Community is about family. For some of us this includes not only our closest GLBT friends and allies but our children (biological and/or adopted). The proportions of gay and lesbian parents have been increasing often breaking down the false notions associated with the queer lifestyle. U-News RNO would like to share with you the unique experiences of Reno father Kevin Orput who came out about four years ago.
What was your coming out experience like?
I think that I had a typical coming out. Of course, there was fear and hesitance, but in the end, I know that it was the best decision I could have made for myself and for my family. I was fortunate to have an extended support system in place, a luxury that I am still thankful for.
Do your children know and/or understand about your sexuality? How did they first take it and have grown since then?
Yes, my children are completely aware of and understand my sexuality. One of the decisions that we made and stuck with was to be completely open about the subject of sexuality. The ultimate goal is to raise the kids to be understanding, accepting, and supportive. It seems logical, but still strikes me as surprising, that the sexuality piece is such a non-issue to them. We also knew that it would be necessary to expose them to the facts, as they would need to face it as they grew and had interactions with friends at school.
Kevin Orput with his children Nathan, Chase and Bayleigh.
How would you describe your kids? What dreams/hopes do you have for Nathan, Chase and Bayleigh?
My kids are all amazing, and each contribute unique pieces to our family unit. Bayleigh provides compassion and selflessness; Chase provides humor and loyalty; Nathan provides challenge and sincerity. All of these aspects work together to create a very cohesive unit of love and support. Ultimately, I hope and dream that they will maintain these unique qualities as they enter the community, and never lose sight of the fact that they have something unique to offer to the world.
What have been some of the most enjoyable experiences about having children, and then one of the most difficult?
The most enjoyable thing about having children is the feeling of unconditional love that goes along with it. Unlike relationships, partnerships, marriages, or whatever, the love a parent feels for their children is undying and absolute. Along with this comes the most challenging aspect of parenting: the love triggers within me a reflex to shelter and protect my children from any negative aspect of life. I have to step back and remember that conflict and dilemmas in their lives only makes them stronger in the long run. The instinct is very animalistic- protect, protect, protect, but if the protection is constant, they will never function properly in the real world.
From any references you might have do you find being a gay parent any different than your straight counterparts?
I think that, while there are many similarities in gay and straight parenting, there are some notable differences. One of the most notable challenges is experienced and known well within the community: acceptance. My personal opinion is that the Northern Nevada area has made great strides in acceptance, but there is still work to be done. It can be challenging to explain to the kids the fact that there are some people that are not accepting, but that those people should have the free will to not be accepting should they choose to do so. In the minds of the kids, it boils down to nice versus mean, rather than free will to believe what we want to believe. Another notable challenge is definitely the lack of camaraderie with parents in similar situations. Parents, gay or straight, tend to gravitate toward other parents. Due simply to the low 4 population in the area, it can be a challenge to form relationships with other gay and lesbian parents.
NEWS
U
RNO
Community
Premier Issue Culture/Entertainment
If you have dated someone since being out what are the challenges of the relationship as having kids? What advice would you have for men who might date you with this consideration? I honestly don’t believe that the challenges I face are any different than those of any other single father. As with any single parent, it is necessary for me to attempt to find balance between my children, career, personal commitments, and partner. Ultimately, my kids and career are my top priority, which can create challenges. For that reason, finding someone with similar priorities is necessary.
Do you have connections with other gay parents in the area?
Unfortunately, I have very few connections with people in the community in similar situations that I am in. I have looked, and as far as I know, there are no social networks or social groups that have formed catering specifically to gay or lesbian parents. I would support the formation of a group in the area, should there be a demand. Saving Reno Pride cont. and “The Pit/Cage” (the enclosed area where the old Mapes once stood). Confusion of moving the venue is deterring attendance. Additionally, potentially attendees are not encouraged to pay $5 for the festival when Reno Gay Pride has allegations of previously being a for profit entity and not providing funds back to supporting our community needs. It has been learned this year Reno Gay Pride has restructured to be non-profit. Cost would not be an issue for a celebration if there was proper services being provided not only during the Pride Weekend but thereafter. The new leadership of Reno Gay Pride, Kevin Ray and Bob Robinson, could not be reached to provide comment regarding this issue but their website does state they are “ a registered non-profit that does not solicit donations.” A lot of trust needs to be rebuilt back in the Northern Nevada GLBT community so that we can have as much as possible a unified voice of who we are not only politically but also socially in the Northern Nevada area. True, competition is good ,but only if it advances the desires of the market with better services. For now many feel conditions are no different than ten years ago, and it is not because we live in a considered conservative culture. Is there a way these three groups can work better next year to provide a more unified program for Pride or can anyone else “Save Reno Pride?”
(Porn) Star Attraction Tronix Video Music Club is proud to bring one of the long standing Channel 1 Release performers Johnny Hazzard to meet and dance for patrons during Gay Pride weekend in Reno. “Everyone knows to come to Tronix for Pride,” shares manager YeVonne Allen. As Studio on 4th offers a party more focused for women, Tronix wanted to equally provide some pleasurable entertainment for the men. “When we announced Hazzard I was surprised to know how many young and old men alike know of his work on camera very well,” continues Yevonne. Still, women of all sexualities are welcome to enjoy Tronix’s eye candy Saturday night. If you have never seen Mr. Johnny Hazzard in person it is recommended to do so. With a meet and greet at 5pm and his performances starting at 10pm (both events at Tronix) you will be in awe of this man. The beautiful tattoo artwork that is adoring his body. How soft looking his gluteus are when in movement to any dance beat. Above all his heart warming personality. Tronix Music Club is also happy to host the Pink Party with La Bussola to benefit Build Our Center Inc on Friday August 13 stating at 10pm. For more information about the club and upcoming events see tronixreno.com 5
NEWS
U
RNO
Business
Premier Issue
Vino 100: Tastings of Business Success The Staff of U-News RNO has been exploring the various business of the Northern Nevada region looking for those that are GLBT owned or friendly. As many of you which we have spoken with knowing of these businesses to support is very important to you even in rough economic times. Vino100 in the Double Diamond Area is one such gem to share with you. Owned by partners Edmund So and Darin Beyer they provide a friendly social atmosphere to not only share a bottle of wine with friends and family, but help excite your taste buds in new ways. We sat down with Darin Beyer to learn how he and Ed are creating a successful business. For more information check out www.vino100reno.com.
What was your interest in owning this type of business?
The Vino100 name is part of a 30 year franchise which is based out of Philadelphia with many of the stores on the east coast, four in California and this one in Nevada. We both enjoy wine and the social atmosphere of having friends in our home to share a bottle. We wanted to extend that pleasure into a business. So we were introduced to this business and location from a previous owner who was not doing so well. Knowing with a few changes to the business model we could make more money at it.
What was changed and what are the products services now offered?
Upon obtaining the business in November 2009 we added more features like a seating area and internet service that allowed the customer to feel more welcome to come in, stay, and socialize while having a glass of wine. Eliminating the corking fee also showed an increase of our products being sold. Adding a guest chef on Friday nights customers to enjoy a wonderful dinning experience with our wine flavors.
Has the economic situation affected you as with other retail businesses?
Yes, we have a product here that is traditionally a bit more of a luxury and therefore expensive. But we work hard to fill the motto of the company of providing over 100 wines under $25. Actually we have 192 wines under $25 and even 40 under $15.
How have you been involved in the Reno Community?
We are creating partnerships and increasing visibility by participating in events like the Wedding Fairs, and recently did a bus tour of various local wineries. For the GLBT community we advertised in the Reno Pride Guide, sponsoring the “pop a cork or two for the ribbon” event on August 19th for the Reno AIDS Walk, and gladly host about a dozen customers each Friday night from 8-Midnight. A group that keeps growing each week to our delight.
What do you hope the customer learns or experiences by visiting your store?
Ed and I enjoy helping to expand minds, taste, and overall experience of our customers that might have been stuck on one brand or region of wine. We don’t really want to take away from what you know and like but realize that there are so many other great brands with varieties of flavors they may enjoy ranging from all over the world. One way we do this is have free wine tastings of three reds and three whites open each Thursday through Saturday. These rotate weekly.
Where do you see the business growing in the near future?
Vino100 is moving to a new location—in the Damonte Ranch area of the Home Depot/RC Wiley shopping center—come October 2010. This new location will be wonderful as we get to have more of a say about the design. Therefore, we plan to add more of a lounge area that our customers are interested in, and even an outdoor area that could include a fire pit.
What advise would you give anyone interested in establishing a food and/or wine business?
No matter the business you need to do a lot of research and have a ton of patience. Above all though the biggest key to success is to connect with people. You have to have the personality where you can reach out to the customer and mold with them instantaneously, sometimes in a few seconds. 6
NEWS
U
RNO
Premier Issue
Health & Fitness
Northern Nevada Frontrunners Forming -- Daniel Enrique Pérez
If you are tired of running or walking alone, join the Reno Frontrunners. As the founder and former president of Arizona Frontrunners, I am excited about establishing a running/walking group in the Northern Nevada area to serve the LGBTQI community. I moved to Reno in 2004 and since then I have been interested in beginning a running group in the area. Recent conversations with Matthew Free and Kevin Orput have made it clear that there is enough interest in the Northern Nevada area to begin the club now. The first Frontrunners group began in 1974 in San Francisco; it was inspired by Patricia Nell Warren’s novel The Front Runner—a gay literary classic about a track coach and an Olympic athlete who fall in love. Today, Frontrunners is an international organization with approximately a hundred clubs all over the world. Frontrunners clubs have helped to build communities and motivate others to get out, get fit, and have fun. In the five years I spent running the Arizona Frontrunners group, I saw many people literally transform their lives and their bodies by getting and remaining active, and by meeting new people. It was a very rewarding experience and I hope it will help our community to move forward in healthy ways. As of August 1, Reno Frontrunners will host two runs per week: Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. (The schedule will change during the winter months.). We meet at the Chinese Pagoda Pavilion in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park (1595 N. Sierra). We invite people at all fitness levels to join us. Frontrunners groups are comprised of walkers, experienced runners, and everything in between; you can run or walk at your own pace or try to keep up with other members. All you have to do is show up with your running or walking shoes; there are no membership fees or registration requirements. We meet, introduce ourselves, run or walk for 45 minutes, then regroup and do a cool down stretch. Typically, we grab a bite somewhere afterwards and we will be organizing other social and outdoor events throughout the year. For more information, visit www.frontrunners.org or send an e-mail to renofrontrunners@hotmail.com
7
NEWS
U
RNO
Premier Issue
RENO 5000 Invites You --William M. Contreras, Race Director
The RENO 5000 was created out of pure passion for sport and helping people succeed physically, athletically and to boost confidence. It has been the culmination of over 30 years of racing worldwide. Wherever I have competed, I always noticed people who worked hard in training, but were never rewarded in their racing. These RENO 5000 events will fill that void and at the end of the day, there will be more winners than anyone has ever seen at any running event in the world! I wanted to bring a world-class running event to Northern Nevada that everyone could participate in. This is a very unique event in that it is a series of 5k races. This format will provide short-term goals to anyone who is seeking motivation in their daily training. It will help people get in shape, stay in shape, or reach a new level of running fitness. With the new concept at the 5k level, everyone can compete in races 1-6, but only those that qualify can make it to the Championship event in October. The official series starts April 2011. In 2010, we have 3 'themed' 5k's that the whole family will enjoy. Go online to www.reno5000.com for all the race dates. Our slogan for now is "Run From The Recession", so at the RENO 5000, there will be Cash Awards at every event (for Elite and Age-Group Categories), random Cash Award drawings, $1,000's in FREE participant raffles and a 2-day expo at each event (Friday/Saturday). All events will be located in South Reno and RC Willey. Having the same course each time out, will let participants gauge and monitor their improvements. It's a fast, flat, fun and completely closed course to traffic - so it's extremely safe!
RENO 5000 2010 Schedule: ALL events located @ RC Willey In Southeast Reno Date Sept. 3, 2010
Time Event 12:00pmRENO 5000 Launch Race 7:00pm
Sept. 4, 2010
8:30am1:00pm
Oct. 29, 2010
12:00pmRENO 5000 7:00pm
Oct. 30, 2010
8:30am1:00pm
RENO 5000
RENO 5000 "Trick-or-Treat�
Nov. 19, 12:00pmRENO 5000 2010 7:00pm Nov. 20, 8:30am2010 1:00pm
RENO 5000 "Turkey Trot“
In the future, we will implement new categories, new events and new locations around America, but Reno, Nevada will always host the Championship Event each October. We look forward to seeing you all at the RENO 5000!"
8
NEWS
U
RNO
Premier Issue
U-Turn
Reno Dating:Diving In the Pool with Clothes On --Kelvin Dacio Truth be told, dating another guy is difficult for me. Sex on the other hand, is not. With the internet being accessible anywhere at any time, I have come to know some online “dating” lingo for gay men pretty well. The list of acronyms M4M (man for man), HWP (height weight proportionate), very GL (good looking)for example is quite extensive. Some of these ads are very specific when it comes to what is searching for. For me, it all came down to sex. So, I decided to try a new approach to meeting a guy. Instead of going online to meet a dude, I should go offline and meet one face to face first. Date first before the sex. No need to give me applause for this epiphany. First, I had to look for a place that was gay friendly. Unlike popular metropolitan cities, Reno doesn’t seem to have a hip gayborhood (gay-neighborhood). At night, there are a few gay bars around town filled with social butterflies. Thus this is where I decided to started my search for a date. The 5 Star Saloon was my first attempt. Sipping my vodka tonic I allowed my eye to wander around the dim establishment, and headed towards the dance floor with some acquaintances that came with me for the hunt. The only direct eye contact I got was with a woman who later told me, “nice moves my boy.” Oh well, I figured it was early. In order to really have a conversation with a man, I should probably stop grooving to the music. Back at the bar, I stood still, smiled, and said hello to a few passing patrons. Suddenly, it happened. A tap on my shoulder allowed my head to turn to this guy with a bright smile. I thought to myself, this semi-charming dude is going to converse with me, we’ll laugh, and charm each other, exchange numbers and plan a date mimicking a Nicholas Sparks novel. Unfortunately, this scenario didn’t happen. Instead, he asked me if he can have my seat so his girlfriend can sit down. I kindly obliged and stepped aside to continue the evening’s hunt. I ended up leaving home alone that night. Maybe my standards were too high, or maybe I’ve been living in a cave not knowing anything beyond the M4M internet sites. Whatever the issue is, I figure I just need a little practice. I’ll start at the shallow end of the dating pool and keep sex in the deep end for now.
About Cover Model Bjarne Avery-
Home town of Carson City. Now Lives in Reno, NV Currently Single. Describes himself as easy going and fun. Passionate about photography, and going to Lake Tahoe. Enjoys music ranging from Country to Heavy Metal. Political views of Republican Party. Favorite Book is Great Gatsby, and TV show Kyle XY. Quotation to live by “A bird may love a fish! But where would they live.”
For More Info email: Creations_RNO@yahoo.com 9