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4 JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 XTRA! TORONTO’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS Ŕ
TORONTO’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS Roundup #763 JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 VINCENZO FLORAMO VINCENZO

INTERNATIONAL Strange creatures Burma’s brave LGBT community refuses to stay silent as the Southeast Asian country undertakes a historic political transition E16

Editorial Kris Kluwe, role model Upfront Out in the City By Robin Perelle E6 Toronto photographer Arts roundup Strike a pose E19 Feedback E6 to document LGBT lives E Cover story Xcetera 8 in Russia Desperate times, desperate Kristy Boyce wants to learn measures Toronto author Greg more about day-to-day life COVER PHOTO BY Kearney’s first novel is hilarious, for queer Russians E11 ALEJANDRO SANTIAGO harrowing and — dare we say? Local news Manor Hair — heartwarming E20 Lounge closes, 7-24 Video to Toronto at Night move into its space E12 online at How to throw the greatest National news HIV-positive (and gayest) award-season dailyxtra.com Ottawa man must remain in get-together solitary confinement E13 By Ryan G Hinds E22 E Phillip Coupal wants International news E What’s On 24 TORONTO’S to set sexuality free GAY & LESBIAN Gays welcome at Sochi, Club Scene E25 NEWS E Deborah Cox, Putin says, but ‘leave children E E Xtra Living 26 Martha Wash to in peace’ 13 Xposed Create a team of 8 people, raise a minimum of $1200 and enjoy two History Boys perform at WorldPride By Anna Pournikova E27 hours of bowling and buffet on us! This year we have 3 different A play about a romance times you can bowl with us: 1, 4 & 7pm! Register early to get the E Questioning E between two women is Classifieds 28 time you prefer. We want to thank you for your support over the past the use of ‘queer’ an inspiration to us all Xtra Hot 40 years as we continue to work towards a violence free city. By Michael Lyons E14 By Drasko Bogdanovic E29

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#762 1ȻO Chris Kluwe, role model Peloso memorial T‡e ISSUE1ȻO I do think that severely depressed ISSUE EDITORIAL because they’re worried about losing ers my secret?’ ROBIN PERELLE their job?” “You can’t play to your full poten- people should see a physician and be Kluwe blames the National Foot- tial that way,” he says, pointing out put on anti-depressants [“Hundreds Whether or not we ball League’s older coaches and ad- the obvious. Turn Out for Peloso Memorial,” Xtra can ever defi nitively ministrators for the less-than-warm Nor can you play to your full po- #762, Jan 9]. In the same way that @dailyxtra prove that homophobia caused Chris welcome gay athletes and their more tential when your coaches label you a anti-HIV drugs have gotten better over facebook.com/dailyxtra facebook.com/dailyxtra Kluwe’s termination, the now-former outspoken allies may receive. Though “distraction” and turf you for having the years, anti-depression drugs are dailyxtra.com dailyxtra.com punter could teach his coaches a thing he doesn’t think homophobia is the courage to stand up for others. getting better as well. Only today, I read at More or two about being a team player. pervasive in the league among play- The Vikings deny that Kluwe was about how joint Israeli-US research Kluwe is the former Minnesota ers — whom he generally describes released for his activism. They main- is pointing the way to more eff ective includes the recent closure of The Vic Vikings football player who shook as young and supportive, cycling up tain that the decision was “strictly anti-depressants. Of course, the drugs Public House at 580 Church St. Most the sports world in early January from college with new attitudes — based on his football performance.” should be coupled with psychotherapy people who go to a sit-down restaurant with his allegations that he was cut he says some coaches may be less I’m skeptical. Given Kluwe’s consis- from a qualifi ed practitioner. do so to have a relaxing meal and a not for poor performance, but for his open-minded. tent performance throughout his ca- ALEX S pleasant time. Who wants to sit on a TORONTO, ON vocal support of same-sex marriage “I think problems would come from reer and the record-high net average patio and pay for overpriced food and in the run-up to Minnesota’s 2012 coaches and administrators because yards he punted in what turned out drinks if they are constantly asked for Perhaps he was blinded by grief and referendum. they tend to be older individuals to be his last season with the team, change by street people or if they get not thinking straight, but how bizarre He says he doesn’t regret [with] a certain mindset,” he says. I think his vocal advocacy for gay depressed looking at the street people for Smitherman to take a swipe at a speaking out, even though it likely Kluwe suggests the key to chang- rights tipped a previously dormant lined up in front of The 519 for its soup former political opponent who has cost him his job. “It’s the basis of a ing these coaches’ attitudes lies in scale out of his favour. kitchen or its health bus? Now that 7-24 been nothing but gracious in the wake sound society,” he tells me. “People showing them the player potential Asked if he would encourage others Video is moving near The 519, I hope of this tragedy. It also shows how self- have to be free to live their own lives.” they’re failing to capitalize on. If to speak out, despite the consequenc- they don’t meet the same fate. centred Smitherman is to be referring He says he’d want others to speak coaches need players to play at their es he faced, Kluwe doesn’t hesitate. BRENT S out for him if his rights were in jeop- full potential to win as many games “Yeah, there might be consequences to his own legacy while eulogizing his TORONTO, ON ardy — even if it cost them their jobs as possible, then maybe they’ll be for speaking out. Yeah, there is a pos- late husband. too. The consequences reinforce the more receptive to the argument that sibility that you could lose your job. KEVIN BROWN TORONTO, ON Steven Boone need to speak out, he says. If we live in players play best when they’re free to But at the end of the day, if you feel The judge is an idiot: if the sexual a world where people can be penalized express themselves fully. strongly about the issues — you feel Manor Hair partner was advised, there is nothing for expressing their views, shouldn’t “I’ve talked with former players that people should be treated with Lounge closure illegal in the act [“HIV-Positive Ot- we “commit to making it better”? who came out after they fi nished play- respect and you’re willing to fi ght for tawa Man Must Remain in Solitary “What kind of world do we want to ing,” Kluwe says, “and their message that — accept the consequences,” he The 519 welfare centre on Church Confi nement, dailyxtra.com, Jan 17]. live in?” he asks. “Is it one where we was that ‘I didn’t feel like I could be says. “If you’re not willing to risk what Street is a drag on any neighbouring The article said the partners were in- are free to speak out on important myself. I felt like it aff ected my play- you have, then your heart’s probably business [“Manor Hair Lounge Closes, formed and condoms were available, social issues? Or is it one where every- ing because I was always worried that not in it.” 7-24 Video To Move Into Its Space,” but the other person did not want to one is tip-toeing around things and someone’s going to fi nd out who I am. I know it’s only January, but dailyxtra.com, Jan 10]. The 519 is a use them. So where is the justifica- worried about saying anything at all Is today the day that someone discov- I’ve already found my straight ally magnet for street people — including tion? The judge is going beyond the of the year. alcoholics, drug addicts and mentally ill law and corrupting the legal process The outcome that we seek is this — gay and lesbian people who often harass gay people as with personal prejudice. Robin Perelle is the managing editor they walk by. A number of restaurants people daring together to set love free. MICHAEL TOWER (FACEBOOK) of Xtra Vancouver. Go to dailyxtra.com located across from The 519 at Church OTTAWA, ON Xtra is published by Pink Triangle Press, at 2 Carlton St, Ste 1600, Toronto, M5B 1J3. for her full interview with Kluwe. and Dundonald streets have failed. This

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‘A hard-partying, homophobic cowboy’ “... Someone finally cared for my Joachim David Gauck Benjamin Description of Cameron President, Ron Woodroof, well being. They gave me hope François Netanyahu, the main character Prime Minister, Germany Viviane Reding Hollande Prime Minister, of Dallas Buyers that I could go on.” United Kingdom European Union President, France Israel commissioner Club. * Former ASH Client 30 days QUOTABLE Amount of time Woodroof The Addictions Supportive was given You’ve got no cunt to live after his AIDS Housing (ASH) team provides diagnosis in 1985. support so residents can in your strut / You’ve got succeed. no hips to shake / And you 1985 The year Tears for know it’s obvious / But we Fears’s single “Shout” Fife House has been providing housing and support services to people living was declared song of the summer by with HIV for 25 years. Everyone deserves Hope, Help and a place to call Home. can’t choose how Billboard magazine.

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10 JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 XTRA! TORONTO’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS Even if we face legal failure against the police, this kind of thing makes everyone more Upfront motivated and encourages them to stand up. Burmese activist Aung Myo Min E 16 Toronto photographer to document LGBT lives in Russia Kristy Boyce wants I’ve always to learn more about known that there’s day-to-day life a possibility . . . for queer Russians that they may not even let me into SOCHI 2014 the country. ELAH FEDER

As Russia gears up for the Olympics, Toronto you, we don’t have $10,000 or $20,000 dollars to photographer Kristy Boyce will be quietly setting get you out.’” up shop in St Petersburg and embarking on the But with her experiences as a freelance photo- latest and riskiest endeavour of her What Dyke journalist, including stints in Zimbabwe and Ghana, Looks Like project: capturing the faces and stories Boyce feels equipped to manoeuvre through Russia. of LGBT Russians. “I have been in neighbourhoods referred to by The project’s main focus to date has, as the locals as Sodom and Gomorrah... but you know, name implies, been on dykes. Aiming to disrupt you’ve got someone local who you trust, and away mainstream notions of dykeness, Boyce has you go,” she says, adding that extensive research and photographed more than 100 women and gen- local contacts are key. The trick is casting a broad net derqueer folks over the past three years, everyone without drawing the attention of the government. from two-spirit elders to femmes in pin-up girl She’ll also need to be careful within the LGBT poses, but all North Americans. She’s now taking community. Even prominent gay activist Nikolai that project to Russia. Alexeyev fell under suspicion in August when There’s some precedent for this project. In he suddenly started airing more Putin-friendly September, muff magazine published portraits views and dismissed “Western hysteria around of Russian lesbian couples commissioned from LGBT rights in Russia.” (His fall from grace was photographer Anastasia Ivanova. Unlike Ivanova’s complete a few weeks later when he went on photos, however, Boyce will broaden her project’s anti-Semitic tirades on Twitter and Facebook.) scope to include the full LGBT spectrum of identi- As for the safety of her subjects, Boyce will ties, as the community collectively endures and protect the identities of those who request ano- resists bigotry and oppressive laws. nymity and will let the rest assume the risk of Of course, she’ll have to get through the border open participation. first. “I’m not labouring under any assumption that “I’ve always known that there’s a possibility... I know what’s better for Russian gays than they that they may not even let me into the country.” do,” Boyce explains, “because they know what life A simple internet search would quickly alert is like there and what the risks are.” immigration authorities to Boyce’s plans, but She notes that some of her contacts in Russia are it’s too late to stuff her internet presence back in very out, even kissing their partners in Facebook the closet. She just hopes Russia will be too busy photos, so it’s hard to know what day-to-day life with the Olympics and putting on a human-rights- is really like for LGBT Russians in the current friendly face to bother with her. climate. Of course, that’s largely the point of the Boyce’s girlfriend is supportive, but not every- project. one is convinced this is a good idea. “There are a lot of conflicting stories we’re “My dad’s not impressed. My grandmother Toronto photographer Kristy Boyce is the hearing out of Russia. I don’t think I’ll know even just keeps saying, ‘You don’t come from a fam- creator of the What Dyke Looks Like project. a percentage of what the reality is until I’m actu- ily with money, so if something bad happens to ally there.”

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 11 Manor closes 7-24 Video to move into its space

NEIGHBOURHOOD She’s signed a five-year lease on the ROB SALERNO new location. “This community is still very sup- Video rental business 7-24 Movies and portive of this business,” she says. More has found a new home in the Vil- The space 7-24 is vacating will even- lage, although its gain is the loss of The tually become the new home of Star- Manor Hair Lounge and Day Spa, which bucks, currently a few doors down was closed abruptly to make room for it. the block. As previously reported, the owners As for The Manor, the business own- of 7-24 decided to close the current er, who is also the landlord, decided to location at 501A Church St because of close shop at the beginning of the year high rent and the declining nature of to make room for 7-24. Employees of the movie rental business. They plan the spa were given less than a day’s to relocate to 584 Church, on the block notice that their jobs were gone, former north of Dundonald. The unit was for- manager Chris Ryan says. merly occupied by The Manor; its much “He didn’t really give any of the staff smaller floor space means that the rent notice or explanation,” Ryan says. “I is more affordable. don’t think it was ever their intention “We’ll offer the same range of movies; to own a spa in the area. I think it was we’re keeping everything,” owner Mary their intention to develop the building, Bu says. “We’re just shrinking the cases but when it didn’t get developed, they [to fit more into the smaller space]; ran a spa.” that’s the only thing we’ll change.” Ryan says eight people worked at the Bu says she’s very happy she was spa, and all have since found employ- able to keep the business in the Village. ment at other salons. Mary Bu, the owner of 7-24, explains to a customer that the business is moving just a block away. ROB SALERNO

LOCAL NEWS Health is working to help change that. ticular,” she says. “Depression, anxiety, are having babies with partners of the Ross is also co-authoring a new study The Re:searching for LGBTQ Health suicidality, drug use... I’m interested opposite sex. with Nathan Smith, who works as an team, led by Lori Ross, has focused a in how social exclusion fits with that. The study will follow its subjects associate professor in educational psy- Four bisexuality- significant amount of its resources on “For gay and lesbian people, having from late-term pregnancy into the first chology at the University of Houston. looking into a part of society that, until a community buffers the effects of ho- year post-childbirth and should wrap Their research will look at 600 bisexual related projects recently, has rarely been studied on its mophobia; a lot of bisexual people don’t up in about two years. Having pre- men in three cities to determine the own. Of the group’s 10 active projects, have that community.” viously worked on a smaller sample specific predictors of HIV risk among underway at CAMH four are related to bisexuality, looking Ross — co-author of a book called study, Ross’s hypothesis is that invisible that group. The study will collect data at issues as diverse as mental health, Where Is the ‘B’ in LGBT Parenting? — is sexual-minority women will experience about participants’ behaviours, atti- In the research world, as in real life, sexual behaviour and drug use. the lead researcher on a study of post- higher rates of postpartum depression. tudes and stresses through an online bisexual people have often found “When you look at ‘LGBT,’ the ‘B’ has partum depression among “visible and “The exclusion experienced by invis- questionnaire and should conclude in themselves invisible — lumped along- been very neglected,” Ross says, adding invisible sexual minority women.” In ible minorities isn’t well understood. less than a year. — Saira Peesker side their gay or straight companions, that the existing body of research indi- other words, it compares the outcomes For women, the moment of getting mar- depending on their partner at the mo- cates bisexuals have it worse than their for new mothers who are in homosexual ried and having a baby is the ultimate For more on these stories, ment. But a research team at Toron- gay or straight peers in several areas of relationships with those who have been heterosexual moment. The invisibility go to dailyxtra.com. to’s Centre for Addiction and Mental health. “Mental health outcomes in par- with same-sex partners in the past but is really acute.”

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will be no discrimination against gay RFK Center: people, who, he says, enjoy “the same rights and freedoms as everyone else.” In recent weeks, Russian authori- ‘No visit scheduled’ Ugandan president ties have released members of the Pussy Riot band, businessman Mikhail to reject ‘fascist’ Khodorkovsky and Greenpeace activ- ists in what many observers see as a anti-gay bill bid by Putin to offset ongoing criticism with Nigerian president about the country’s deteriorating civil A release issued by the Robert F Ken- liberties. Earlier this month, Putin also While a number of media reports say nedy Center for Justice and Human issued a less restrictive order than the that a state visit by Nigerian President Rights says Uganda’s president has one handed down last August govern- Goodluck Jonathan has been can- called the current draft of an anti- ing demonstrations during the Winter celled because of an anti-gay law he gay bill “fascist” and has promised to Games. signed recently, Canada’s Department reject it. But authorities must sign off on any of Foreign Affairs says that “no visit is A three-person delegation from public gatherings or protests before scheduled.” the centre met with President Yoweri they can take place in designated areas, “As Commonwealth partners, Cana- Museveni Jan 18 in Entebbe, Uganda, while the number of people allowed da and Nigeria enjoy a shared interest to discuss the legislation, a conversa- to participate in protests will be re- in expanding opportunities for eco- tion that Archbishop Desmond Tutu stricted. —Natasha Barsotti nomic, social and security cooperation joined by telephone, according to the between our two countries. No visit is release. Kerry Kennedy, president of scheduled. However, we look forward the RFK Center, and Tutu had writ- Protester with to the opportunity of welcoming Presi- ten to Museveni last month to express dent Jonathan to Canada at a future their concern about the bill, which date,” reads the Foreign Affairs state- lawmakers passed Dec 20. rainbow flag ment sent to Xtra by email. At the Jan 18 meeting, Museveni said When Xtra asks if there was ever a he plans to consult with his party and detained in Russia visit planned for February and then would like to introduce new legislation cancelled, as suggested in a Nigerian that seeks to protect minors from being during Olympic Monitor report, the same statement coerced into sexual activity. The cen- is re-sent. tre’s delegation “strongly advised” that The Nigerian Monitor report cites such a bill should focus on reinforcing torch relay unspecified sources in the capital city, already-existing child protection mea- Abuja, as saying that Nigeria’s high sures, not discriminate against people Russian security guards detained a pro- commissioner to Canada, Ojo Uma based on their sexual orientation or tester who unfurled and briefly waved a Maduekwe, was allegedly told to advise gender identity, and should respect rainbow flag as the Olympic torch relay Jonathan that authorities cancelled his rights to freedom of expression and made its way through Voronezh, a city planned visit in February. Pink News Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. association. to the north of Sochi, where the Winter carried a similar report, adding that “I am pleased that President Musev- Games are set to begin in February. Jonathan’s media advisor, Reuben the northern state of Bauchi received anyone who “registers, operates or eni has upheld his promise to reject any In a video that captured the incident, Abati, indicated there would be a re- 20 lashes after an Islamic court found participates in gay clubs, societies and piece of discriminatory legislation,” Pavel Lebedev is briefly seen jumping sponse from Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs him guilty of breaking laws against organizations, or directly or indirectly Kerry Kennedy says. “While we are and running with the flag as the relay Ministry on the matter. homosexuality, acts he reportedly makes public show of same sex amo- concerned with plans to move forward passes by before being wrestled to the With the signing of the anti-gay committed seven years ago, the BBC rous relationship in Nigeria commits with a new bill, we urge the President to ground by two security officials, who measure into law came reports that reports. an offence and is liable to conviction ensure it will not discriminate against leave him on the sidelines. He gets to dozens of people have been arrested According to the provisions of the to a term of 10 years imprisonment.” LGBTI people nor imperil the legiti- his feet, holding the flag aloft, then in the country. Last week, a man in law that Jonathan recently signed, —Natasha Barsotti mate work of human rights defenders another man in uniform, believed to be in the country.” —Natasha Barsotti an Olympic official, leaves the passing relay and grabs him. Two more officials HIV-positive Ottawa man must remain in solitary confinement then bundle Lebedev to the side of the Gays welcome road, where a policeman detains him. Steven Boone’s application to get out of “Given that I find it would be unsafe Smith said in his ruling. Lebedev later told the Associated segregation has been denied. for an inmate to be placed with the In December, Champ acknowledged Press that hosting the Games in Russia Since May 29, 2013, Boone has been applicant in the same cell and that it is that Boone had had unprotected sex in Sochi, Putin flies in the face of Olympic principles. held in solitary confinement at the necessary for the applicant [to] remain while at OCDC but pointed out that —Natasha Barsotti Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre alone in a cell at night, the application his client was open about his HIV sta- says, but ‘leave (OCDC). He was convicted in October is dismissed,” Justice Robert J Smith tus, that he requested and received For more on these stories, 2012 of attempted murder of three wrote in his ruling. condoms and lubricant from the jail’s children in peace’ go to dailyxtra.com. men, three counts of aggravated sexual The ruling referred to Boone’s “abili- nursing staff, and that it was Boone’s assault and administering a noxious ties to manipulate young men into sexual partner who wanted to have Russian President Vladimir Putin says substance (his semen). having unprotected sex” and the fact unprotected sex. that homosexuality is not a crime in the During a two-day hearing in Decem- that he had engaged in unprotected sex “According to the logic of this ruling, country and that gay people should feel ber, Boone’s lawyer, Paul Champ, argued while at the jail. “I find that if the appli- any inmate who is HIV-positive and “at ease” at the Sochi Winter Olym- that neither the jail nor the Crown cant is placed with a cellmate there is a having sex behind bars should be placed pics, but they should “leave children provided a lawful reason for his client’s very high risk that the applicant would in solitary confinement,” Champ said in in peace, please,” the Moscow Times Get in here! long-term solitary confinement. Champ manipulate the cellmate into having a statement emailed to Xtra. “There are reports. told Xtra he was hoping to get Boone out sexual intercourse and a high risk that serious human-rights implications, and Putin made the remarks at Kranaya advertising.toronto of solitary by Christmas, but the court this cellmate would [contract] HIV put- I will be reviewing this decision closely Polyana, an Olympic venue outside @dailyxtra.com didn’t make a ruling until late in the day ting any such cellmate in a dangerous and discussing [it] with my client.” Sochi, the report says. The president has Jan 16, and it was not in Boone’s favour. situation if placed with the applicant,” —Adrienne Ascah repeatedly issued assurances that there

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 13 SAME-SEX LEGAL ISSUES CYNTHIA BOROVOY WARREN BARRISTER & SOLICITOR 416-964-0900 [email protected] Domestic Matters: Domestic Agreements Love hurts Real Estate: Purchase, Sale & Mortgages: Estate Planning: Wills and Powers of Attorney A play about a daring romance between 30 St Clair Ave W Suite 400, Toronto ON M4V 3A1 two women is an inspiration to us all

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MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 15 INTERNATIONAL Strange creatures Burma’s brave LGBT community refuses to stay silent as the Southeast Asian country undertakes a historic political transition

BY CARLOS SARDIÑA GALACHE Q PHOTOS BY VINCENZO FLORAMO

ast year, on a sweltering do “frog jumps” — in order “to correct in Rangoon (also known as Yangon), the evening in July, a dozen their behaviour.” Police then released former capital and the country’s biggest old men sat around a po- them on bail. city, and Mandalay. dium in a cavernous hall Such incidents are not new in a coun- His is the first organization to work in Mandalay, the second try where homosexuality is technically on LGBT rights in Burma; albeit, its L largest city in Burma illegal. A penal code passed during Brit- scope is not limited to this. The NGO has (also known as Myanmar). A group of ish rule forbids “unnatural sex acts,” and been quite active since its inception: “In crossdressing men wearing shimmery no government has abolished it since April, we were able to set up the Burma outfits approached the podium to pay Burma attained its independence in LGBT Rights Network, including small respect to the men by kneeling on the 1948. Yet only a few days after their ar- organizations from 13 areas across the floor. The group at the podium included rest, the gay men who had been detained country,” Aung Myo Min says. some of the eldest gay people in Man- did something with no precedent in the He says the fact that the people de- dalay, and they were receiving homage country: instead of being cowed by the tained in Mandalay decided to speak from the local LGBT community. abuse or staying silent as the police had out indicates that something is chang- Burmese society places great im- demanded, they spoke out at a press ing in the Burmese LGBT community. portance on seniority, and the LGBT conference and denounced the abuses “I see the empowerment from zero to communities are no exception. But they had suffered. hero, from nothing to something. Even the ceremony serves another purpose. A few months later, the country’s new if we face legal failure against the po- Because the gay veterans don’t have LGBT Rights Network publicly called on lice, this kind of thing makes everyone children, at their advanced age they the government to do away with 19th- more motivated and encourages them have more difficulties than heterosexual century laws that allow officials to dis- to stand up.” men, who have offspring to help make criminate against the LGBT community. But the LGBT communities don’t ends meet. Thus the ceremony also Burma has been undergoing a process have to surmount only legal obstacles provided an occasion to give the men of political transition ever since the gen- and those set up by the police. Burma donations collected among the local erals who ruled the country with an iron is a Buddhist-majority country where gay community. fist for five decades decided to establish religion plays a big role — the prevailing Many members of the Mandalayan a quasi-civilian government two years mentality is deeply conservative, largely LGBT community attended the cer- ago. This transition has brought the because of 50 years of almost complete emony, as well as several families with relaxation of censorship in the media, isolation under the dictatorship. Ac- children. The fact that such an event the release of hundreds of political cording to Aung Myo Min, many Bud- takes place at all might give the impres- prisoners and the mushrooming of civil dhists regard LGBT people as “strange sion that LGBT people are socially ac- society organizations that would have creatures” who are being punished in and sometimes feared in the country, how a gay man has to struggle in Burma. cepted in the country, but Burma is far previously operated clandestinely. their present life for sins committed in to which many people give offerings to He realized he was gay at the age of 12. from being a paradise for queer people. The LGBT communities are also or- previous incarnations. improve their luck. In these festivals, When he was 21 years old and at univer- Only two weeks before the event, police ganizing, giving birth to an incipient Under these circumstances, a gay intoxicated men dance dressed as their sity, he decided to come out of the closet detained 12 gay men in Mandalay. The movement to reclaim their rights. scene is almost non-existent. Other particular nat. Usually only men dance, during a nat festival. Dressed as a female men had reportedly been hanging out Perhaps the most famous LGBT- than in Rangoon — where some discos impersonating both male and female nat, he went to the festival to dance, but and chatting near the luxurious Sedona rights advocate is Aung Myo Min, a host monthly gay nights — few gay or nats, and the nat festivals have turned his father found him there and took him Hotel, a known meeting point for gay 47-year-old man who was able to return lesbian spaces exist in the country. In into meeting places for gay people. home, where he beat him for hours and people in the city. A report from the to the country last year after 24 years in Mandalay, a much more conservative Zin Min Htun, a 32-year-old makeup kept him locked in his room for a week. Asian Human Rights Commission says exile for his political activism. Shortly city, there is not a single gay bar. artist from Mandalay who prefers to be After that, he went to live in another the police allegedly beat and humiliated after his return, he founded Equality But there are festivals devoted to the called by the feminine Ma Pwint, knows city and pretended to be heterosexual. the men — including forcing them to Myanmar, an organization with offices nats, popular spirits much worshipped the world of the nats well. He also knows But after three years he moved back to

16 JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 XTRA! TORONTO’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS Not all LGBT people in Burma lead anonymous lives. One of the most fa- mous fashion designers in the country is Pauk Pauk. The designs of this 42-year- old trans woman are demanded by ac- tors, pop stars and women of Burmese high society. But her path to success has not been easy. It took her from the town of Mogok, where her mother ran a hairdressing business in which Pauk ABOVE: TJ shouts out “Chit tai” (I love you) from Pauk first learned the ropes, to Milan, the top of Mandalay Hill, where she studied design before eventu- a complex of Buddhist ally rising in the profession. temples. He’s shouting to Pauk Pauk has suffered insults because his boyfriend, a boy he met she is different and at times has been un- on the internet who lives in the capital, Rangoon. der constant threat of sexual harassment. But now she is in love with an actor from TOP RIGHT: Harry (second Rangoon who fully accepts her as she is: from left), a 17-year-old lesbian from a working- “I’ve always felt like a woman, a Burma class family in Mandalay, Mandalay to come out once and for all. loves to play football, a sport reserved woman who has never sought easy sex, with her friends from a He now lives with his parents, an old and for men in Burma, and claims that she but rather a relationship of love.” local organization that conservative couple who still cannot feels at home only in the NGO headquar- While Burma might be years from dis- promotes LGBT rights. bring themselves to accept his homo- ters. “It’s like a second family” where The 17-year-old says she’s playing the proverbial tolerance toward found a second family at sexuality, and is one of the best-known she is respected in a way she rarely LGBT people found in its neighbour the organization, where faces in the local gay scene. He dances experiences elsewhere. In any case, she country, Thailand, incidents like the she is respected for who often in nat festivals across the country. believes that lesbians are slightly less arrest in Mandalay are starting to gen- she is. Life is not any easier for lesbians. discriminated against in Burma because erate some debate about LGBT rights RIGHT: Pouk Pouk, dubbed “Harry,” a 17-year-old student from many people believe that tomboys will among the public at large. the “fairy godmother” by Mandalay who volunteers in a local be men, widely regarded as superior Discussions about same-sex marriage some of her friends, is one NGO promoting LGBT rights, also faces to women, in their next reincarnation. are not on the agenda, but there are of Burma’s most famous fashion designers. challenges at home. Her father, a cab In this environment, some prefer people who are ready to bring them to driver, does not accept her homosexu- to wait before being open about their the table: “I don’t know about others, LEFT: Ma Pwint is a ality and her mother and grandmother homosexuality at home. That is the case but I’m ready for that. I would say that crossdressing makeup artist from Mandalay who accept it only reluctantly; her mother for “TJ,” a 19-year-old boy who left his the debate should be activated,” says often dresses as a nat, or contents herself thinking that at least home village in Magway Division two Aung Myo Min, with characteristically Burmese spirit, and dances Harry is not in danger of getting preg- years ago to study English in Mandalay. cautious optimism. at festivals across the nant, and her grandmother believes that His friends in the city know his sexual In the meantime, LGBT Burmese live country. this is just a phase that will pass. orientation and support him, but he has their lives negotiating with their own FAR LEFT: Harry says she’s But Harry does not have any doubt not come out to his family. “I know my identities in an environment where always felt ridiculous about her sexual orientation. This parents will understand me when they role models and support from others dressing in typical girls’ thoughtful and mature tomboy has find out, because they love me so much,” clothes. is scarce. And they struggle to find their always “felt ridiculous” dressing as a girl he says in his soft voice, “but I will wait place in a society where they are still and feels “free dressing as a boy.” She until they ask me to tell them.” looked upon as “strange creatures.”

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 17 #news #arts #travel #events

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18 JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 XTRA! TORONTO’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS There’s just such a void in recent literature Out in the City around the meth craze. Greg Kearney E20 STRIKE A Picking up the slack Like Ylvis’s song “The Fox,” regular lesbian club nights tend to burst into existence and then disappear all too quickly. But that’s not the case with two newish Toronto monthlies: Bush Beat and Back to Church. Bush Beat is a laid-back west-end POSE party that features music from a variety Are you a closet voguer? Do you have an inner of genres and eras, with a focus on retro dance tunes (1980s and ’90s), and often schoolboy dying to come out? Is it time to sport draws a somewhat older crowd (30 and your bizarre side on the outside? Harbourfront up). Like Back to Church, it is open to all Centre’s #artlive Vogue Ball is your chance. Hosts queer people but is geared more toward Mother Trouble and Father Titus, from House of the ladies. Nuance, answer a few essential newbie questions. Bobby Valen, owner of the Henhouse, Lady Ice Nuance where the party happens, encouraged I’m new to the ball scene. shakes at the Bizarre Jenny Watson to create this regular What do I need to know? Ball last summer. JACKLYN ATLAS monthly event after seeing the success Don’t be nervous and don’t be shy. People worry of her Pride 2014 happening, Bible Camp. they have to dress a certain way or know certain Watson enlisted her girlfriend, Jess On the runway, darling! As the song says, all queens in the street. The streets are the biggest runway of language. The truth is you just have to be brave Tollefsen, to help organize the party. “It’s a enough to attend. After that, it will all start to think they’re fierce. But the runway is the truth- all. And all the ice this time of year teaches you to great, creative thing for us to do together,” make sense. teller. Storm that shady bitch when she steps on adapt and learn to handle shady opponents. But Watson says. “There aren’t enough the runway and have the judges pick you as the the better question is why aren’t your roommates women’s nights in the west end, so it’s Any tips for a low-cost, high-glamour top dog. Then she’ll know to eat it without you walking with you in your very tiny apartment? nice having a space for that.” look on a budget? saying a word. Shady fuckers. — Chris Dupuis Back to Church is a Two simple rules: The glue gun is your salvation. very different kind I live in a very tiny apartment with The #artlive Vogue Ball is Sat, of party, which Glitter is your enemy. Open up your mind because roommates. What’s the best way to Feb 1, 8pm at The Brigantine Room focuses on newer almost anything is possible. work on my runway walk? at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens dance hits, tends to appeal to a Someone’s throwing me shade. One of our babies, Chili Nuance, is walking a runway Quay W. harbourfrontcentre.com What’s the best way to respond? all the time. He puts on his music and pumps it out younger crowd, and takes place smack in the middle of the Village. Brittany Leigh, the party’s Brittany and Anushki, promoter, says, “In Celebrating a year of sex-positivity from Back to Church. terms of music, the Church Street crowd Sapphic Aquatica will soon celebrate a year of pro- ments to the party going forward. likes stuff that they know, viding a rare space where women and trans people In addition to Oasis Aqualounge’s Some regular like top 40.” can get their freak on, with amenities ranging from four floors of fun and debauchery, Sapphic As its name suggests, the party was Aquatica created, in part, as a response to parties a well-equipped dungeon area to a flirty hot tub. heated outdoor pool and playrooms, attendees. ending or moving away from the Village. When Fatima Mechtab, the party’s organizer Sapphic Aquatica’s anniversary par- JASNA FILIPOVIC and host, took over the party about a year ago, it ty will feature a performance from Anushki Bodhinayake, resident DJ of Back was little more than “a date on a calendar, with the drag duo Jasai & Chocolate; to Church, explains, “After Slack’s closed, I noticed that more and more lesbians nobody backing it or promoting it” and was known prizes, courtesy of The Stag Shop on were leaving Church Street and moving to primarily as a lesbian event. Church Street; and DJ Nix spinning the west end, and I thought it was so sad, One of the biggest improvements to the party hip hop and R&B. Those who make so I came up with the concept of Back to has been its shift from a women- and trans- a cash donation to Supporting Our Church, because I wanted to bring people women-only event to one that welcomes women Youth (SOY) will be entered for back to Church Street.” — Jeremy Willard and all trans folk (or, to put it simply, everyone a chance to win a Dream Rabbit except cisgender men). Over time, Mechtab started Vibrator. Mechtab plans to incor- Bush Beat takes place the second Saturday to “feel that it was a little transphobic to say some porate a fundraising element into of each month at Henhouse, 1532 Dundas trans people could come but not other trans future events as well. St W. henhousetoronto.com people, and not genderqueer people,” so for the Regular Sapphic Aquatica attend- Back to Church takes place the second summer of 2013 she adjusted the mandate. As the ees will be interested to learn that beginning Feb Sapphic Aquatica’s First Anniversary Party is Friday of each month at Church on Church, party’s inclusivity increased, so did its attendance, 23, the event will move from the last Tuesday of Tues, Jan 28, 8pm–2am at Oasis Aqualounge, 504 Church St. churchonchurch.com and Mechtab is eager to make further improve- each month to the last Sunday. —Jeremy Willard 231 Mutual St. oasisaqualounge.com

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 19 DESPERATEDESPERATE TIMESTIMES

Toronto author Greg Kearney’s first novel is hilarious, harrowing and — dare we say? — heartwarming

BY SCOTT DAGOSTINO

Canadian novelists are trapped in “a caste system,” Russell Smith for fans, and Kearney was careful with his name-dropping. “You have to argued recently in The Globe and Mail, in which all attention is paid be!” he says. “I’d be read to fi lth by my peers if I fucked any of them up!” to literary awards and promoting only a few potential prize-winners. More importantly, Kearney was cautious in depicting an era that’s had This blockbuster mentality can lead only, he fears, “to a homogenized disturbingly little attention. Edmund represents a huge group of gay men literary landscape and no place at all for the weird and uncategorizable.” battle-scarred from the AIDS crisis and looking for release. This would be a tragedy for Canadian literature and for Toronto writer “There’s just such a void in recent literature around the meth craze,” Greg Kearney, whose fi rst novel, The Desperates, is weird, uncategoriz- Kearney says. “It’s briefl y touched upon in How To Survive a Plague and able and deserving of a place on any award shortlist. Is other documentaries, but there’s been no comprehensive it Kearney’s fearless look at cancer, AIDS, crystal-meth text or work of fi ction on this... and I have a rare perspec- addiction, awkward rim jobs and personal failure that will tive in that I was on the sexual frontlines totally sober.” keep The Desperates off the CBC’s mainstream radar? Or While he avoided the meth pipes off ered to him, Kearney is it the fact that he somehow makes all of this hysterically says, the parties that featured them “were way hotter, funny? Propriety be damned, Kearney is that rare writer initially at least, than most turgid, awkward group-sex who drags us to the darkest of places while making us scenes.” Crystal meth has been a scourge to the gay com- laugh the entire time. munity this past decade or so but, as Edmund experiences “The book is all about frenzy,” Kearney says, keenly in the book, immediately liberating, too. observing how a person’s carefully cultivated persona, “Marc [Côté, the book’s editor] was quite happy to have illusions, even sense of self can be utterly stripped away it be a cautionary tale on every front, but I kept thinking, in the throes of drug abuse, sexual obsession or, worst ‘What would Mikiki think?’ [A former HIV-positive pre- of all, love. vention offi cer at the PWA Foundation], Mikiki works in In 1998 Toronto, 19-year-old Joel is painfully realizing HIV/AIDS and harm-reduction and his politics are fl aw- that he’s not particularly good at anything, much less a less. I needed to make sure it was sex-positive, that Binny career as a phone-sex operator, but it’s over the phone was depicted as a sex worker with some agency and not just that he meets Edmund, who he immediately decides is the some vampire, that the drugs were rendered accurately.” love of his life. Edmund is a middle-aged widower “quietly, THE DESPERATES It’s this compassionate fairness that permeates The even contentedly, dying” but surprised to fi nd himself vital By Greg Kearney Desperates, even as Kearney makes savage fun of his again, thanks to the just-introduced cocktail of anti-viral Published by characters’ failings. Joel’s grandmother, for example, is a Cormorant Books drugs. Meeting diva-obsessed hustler Binny introduces Available at Glad Day character he loves “who’s based pretty clearly on my own him to the thrills and terrors of a crystal-meth spree as Bookshop maternal grandmother, who was just a bilious old hag,” he the two of them search for Toronto’s most punishing top. 598 Yonge St says with a laugh. Kearney says that his partner, while reading the drafts, By novel’s end, Kearney has left most of his characters “was really resentful towards Binny, who I just fi nd so charming. Wrong stripped of all their delusions, defences and even dignity, but it’s only or right, Binny’s survival skills have sustained him, he knows his appe- in that place that real life can begin for the ones who survive the experi- tites, and there’s really no subterfuge with him, which I adore. I loved ence. Even its author is left with nothing. Greg Kearney’s debut novel, riffi ng off him and pouring all my arcane 1980s pop lore into him.” While “I’m not sure what to do next,” Kearney says. “I feel like I’ve used up ev- The Desperates, is a fearless look the ritual Joel endures to remove the evil spirit of Fleetwood Mac’s Chris- erything in my jewellery box for this novel. There’s really no autobiography at cancer, AIDS, crystal-meth addiction and awkward rim jobs. tine McVie is the book’s silliest set-piece, there’s a lot of “diva realness” left to mine at this moment. It’s all there.” ALEJANDRO SANTIAGO

20 JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 XTRA! TORONTO’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 21 Host with the most Organic leaders for 30 years! How to throw the greatest (and gayest) Ontario’s 1st Certified Organic Retailer! Look for the Certified Organic Logo on products available in our Vegetarian Deli, Juice Bar and throughout our store. award-season get-together

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award-show party should treat its at- party: don’t take things so tendees with respect and humour. If seriously! We are celebrating you’re hosting on Oscar night, put some make-believe, so make it fun thought into your menu; if generous and whimsical. TOM LEBOUR broker, abr helpings of Bayou boeuf à la 12 Years The Grammys, on the other a Slave seems likely to off end socially hand, are notoriously hard to plan 905.822.6900 | 416.464.3753 conscious guests, consider Gravity- a party around. Think the Oscars run [email protected] defying cake for dessert. If you want a long? The Grammys boozy night, get creative and serve up have 82 catego- Blue Jasmine cocktails, Wolf of Wall ries, and even al- Royal LePage R.E. Serv Ltd. Brokerage Street whiskey sours, or Captain Phil- lowing for the ones 1654 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga lips jolly roger shooters (complete with that aren’t broadcast, skull-and-crossbones shot glasses). For that’s a helluva lot. added messiness, have a shot every time When you factor in per- some hapless winner or presenter does formances, tributes and in the “Now I’m going to turn the wrong memoriam — in addition to way before they lead me off stage” dance. nominees and speeches — it Fortunately, oscar.com has a handy becomes an almost nightmar- printable ballot sheet to help plan your ish abyss of award-show hell. party, so why not pick up a couple of My advice is to save your energy movie passes to award whoever scores for the Oscars and invite only highest? Decent prizes liven up Oscar’s other award-show junkies and sometimes tedious proceedings, so non- hard-core music fans... and offi cial categories like First to Trip on open the bar early, because it’s Dress, Who Will They Leave Out Of the going to be a late night. CHARMING OLDE PORT CREDIT In Memoriam Section?, Fakest Tears Beneath the fun, frivolity, and Best Shade Throwing (particularly glam gowns and sappy speeches, Unique design, 1195 sq.ft loft style 2nd fun during the red-carpet portion), will what are all these silly award floor master quarters, plus 1656 sq.ft help your soirée be the belle of the ball. shows actually celebrating? It’s ground floor. Sunroom addition o/l pool. Speaking of the red carpet, dress not movies or music; it’s our 30 min commute to T.O via GO train. codes are de rigueur. Some choose shared experiences in the dark. Potential B&B in a tourist destination. black-tie formal, while others like to go These are things best shared Steps from shops, restaurants & lakefront. with ideas from that years’ nominated with others, so it’s only fi tting movies. Depending on how savvy your www.12-hiawatha-pkwy.com friends are, dressing in costume as your Get creative and serve Wolf Just listed for $ 1 Million favourite celebrity who died this year or of Wall Street whiskey sours as best Oscar-night fashion ever (you’ll at your Oscar party. THINKSTOCK get lots of Chers, Björks and Sally Kirk- lands) also work well.

22 JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 XTRA! TORONTO’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 23–FEB 5, 2014 23 LGBT Rights in India A panel presentation on the recent Jeni Walls — Flying Beaver, decision by the Indian Supreme Fri, Jan 31 MARINA DEGTEVA Court to criminalize homosexuality. For more info, contact juliapyr@ yorku.ca. Mon, Jan 27, 12:30– 2:30pm. Osgoode Hall Law School, WHAT'S ON Rm 1001, 92 Scholars Walk, York University. Free. osgoode.yorku.ca

SOY Monday Night Drop-In Queer youth ages 14 to 29 gather to watch movies, participate in art projects and special workshops, and seek the support of Supporting Our Youth’s community mentors. For more info, contact jcaffery@ sherbourne.on.ca. Every Monday, 5:30–8pm. Sherbourne Health Centre, 2nd floor, 333 Sherbourne St. Free. soytoronto.org

Bisexual Men of Toronto A peer-support and discussion group focused on community and solidarity. Tues, Jan 28, 8–9:30pm. TKO OC-Pucci Monroe-Hall and Idiot’s Delight for themselves” in a “celebrationebration of Sherbourne Health Centre, Rm music by DJ John Caffery. Sat, A host of eccentric and international possibility.” Runs Wed, Febeb 12–Sat, 1077, 333 Sherbourne St. Free. Feb 1, 8pm–2am. Harbourfront figures — arms dealers, showgirls, Feb 15, various showtimes.es. $39. torontobinet.org Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. $10. revolutionaries and lovers — spend harbourfrontcentre.comm harbourfrontcentre.ca a weekend in the Italian Alps while Positive Routes dark clouds of war roll in. Runs until The 35th Rhubarbb Festival to Recovery On Dreams and Sat, March 1, various showtimes. For two weeks, Buddies in Bad TimesTimes A peer-led support group for gay The Green Cat Young Centre for the Performing and the surrounding areaa become a men working through substance- An exhibit of new art work focusing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery hotbed of artistic experimentation,mentation, abuse issues. Takes place the first on André Ethier’s depictions of Historic District. Cost varies. featuring new works in performanceperformance and third Tuesday of each month. “unlikely narratives in various stages soulpepper.ca art, dance, music and more.ore. Runs Tues, Feb 4, 6–8pm. The 519 of unfolding” and Ron Giii’s images Wed, Feb 12–Sun, Feb 23,3, variousvarious Community Centre, 519 Church St. of couples. Runs until Sat, Feb 15. Roar: A Solo Play showtimes. Buddies in BadBad TimeTimes,s, Free. pr2r.org Paul Petro Contemporary Art, 980 about Beefy, Burly, 12 Alexander St. PWYC–$20.–$20. Dina Martina — Flying Beaver, Queen St W. Free. paulpetro.com buddiesinbadtimes.comm Fri, Feb 14 & Sat, Feb 15 Brawny Love FTM Support Group A workshop presentation of Trans men share their experiences Spencer Charles Smith’s new play FOR MORE EVENT LISTINGS, GO TO DAILYXTRA.COM in a supportive environment. THEATRE about the spectrum of identities in SEX & BURLESQUEQUE Takes place the first and third the bear community and Smith’s Men 4 Men: Friday of each month. For more Manon, Sandra and unapologetic desire for bearish men. is Jeni Walls?” Fri, Jan 31, 7pm. The information, contact ftmtoronto@ the Virgin Mary Wed, Feb 5 and Thurs, Feb 6, 8pm. Touch Exchange Flying Beaver, 488 Parliament St. yahoo.ca. Fri, Feb 7, 7:30pm. In parallel monologues, the pious Videofag, 187 Augusta Ave. PWYC. Men explore sensuality by ggivingiving COMEDY & CABARET $15 advance, $20 door. pubaret.com The 519 Community Centre, Manon contemplates her purchase videofag.com and receiving full-body ttouching.ouching. For Chris Tsujiuchi: 519 Church St. Free. the519.org of an extravagant new rosary, while more info and to register,er, contact Comedy, Cabaret Back in the Saddle Sandra, an irreverent drag queen, Untitled Feminist Show phillipcoupal.ca. Sun, Janan 26, and Coffee Talk: The After his successful three-night tries to decide what she will wear Young Jean Lee’s Theatre Company 1–6pm. Awaken Studio, 270 Carlaw Anniversary Show holiday run at Buddies in Bad Times LEISURE & PLEASURE tonight. Runs until Sun, Feb 2, presents a play almost entirely Ave, Unit 102. $45. phillipcoupal.capcoupal.ca Theatre, the cabaret marvel returns Brassy cabaret juggernaut Ryan G various showtimes. Buddies in Bad without words and entirely without to the Pubaret with special guests. Hinds holds court with musicians Being Gay in the Times, 12 Alexander St. PWYC–$32. clothing. Without gender signifiers, Pansexual Playgroundround Sun, Jan 26, 8pm. The Flying Beaver, Vivek Shraya and Chelsea Manders Canadian Forces buddiesinbadtimes.com its six performers “define themselves DJ Johnny B Goode spinsns electro 488 Parliament St. $10 advance, and stripper Dainty Box. Fri, Jan Lieutenant Stephen Churm talks pop and dance remixes,, while $15 door. pubaret.com 31, 9pm. The Flying Beaver, 488 about his experience as a gay man people of all sexual orientationsentations and Parliament St. $10 advance, $15 in the Canadian Armed Forces. #artlive Vogue Ball — gender identities enjoy eeachach other’s Harbourfront, Sat, Feb 1 Queer as Fuck door. pubaret.com RSVP by Thurs, Jan 30 to meet@ naughty bits in a relaxed,d, sexysexy ALEJANDRO SANTIAGO In a departure from the usual thefraternity.org. Mon, Feb 3, 5:45– atmosphere. Sun, Jan 26,6, 88pm–pm– standup-comedy format, this Dina Martina 9pm. Courtyard Marriott, 475 Yonge 3am. Oasis Aqualounge,e, 231 MutuaMutuall month’s event comprises stories, The cult drag sensation returns St. $35 members, $40 guests, $20 St. $30. oasisaqualounge.comge.com sketches and characters from such to Toronto with a new show full students. thefraternity.org performers as Marco Bernardi, of malapropisms, unattractive Chubs at the Tubs:s: Danz Altvater and the Haus of costumes and unnecessary dancing. Queer Confessions Winter Edition Bot. Wed, Jan 29, 9:30pm. The Fri, Feb 14 and Sat, Feb 15, 7 and A new monthly reading series Big handsome gay men and their Steady, 1051 Bloor St W. PWYC. 9pm. The Flying Beaver, 488 focused on LGBT memoirs. Thurs, admirers get cruisy in thehe 12-man thesteadycafe.com Parliament St. $20 advance, $25 Jan 23, 7pm. The 519 Community Jacuzzi, relax in the saunana or plaplayy a door. pubaret.com Centre, 519 Church St. Donation round of pool. For more info, contact Write On suggested. queerconfessions.com [email protected]. Sun, This open-mic series provides a Feb 2, 3–8pm. Spa Excess,ess, 105 platform for queer people of colour HEALTH & ISSUES Queer Swing Dancing Carlton St. $6–42. spaexcess.comexcess.com to flaunt their talents, from spoken The queer swing dance club, word to dance. For more info, The 519 Legal Clinic Swingin’ Out, offers a 45-minute Be Mein Valentinee contact writeonopenmic@gmail. A free, accessible service for low- lesson for beginners. For more info, The burlesque troupes SkinSkin TiTightght com. Thurs, Jan 30, 7:30pm. Glad income people. Volunteer lawyers contact [email protected]. Outta Sight and Boylesqueque TO Day Bookshop, 598 Yonge St. $5. provide legal advice, referrals and Every Thursday, 6:30pm. The 519 present two nights of WeimarWeimar gladdaybookshop.com help with forms and letters. The Community Centre, 519 Church St. era Berlin–themed Valentine’sentine’s confidential and private visits PWYC–$6. swinginout.ca naughtiness, with performancesrmances by Jeni Walls as Jeni Walls are first-come, first-served. Bring the Stocking Stripping LLederladsederlads After the success of her show Liza any necessary documents. Every #artlive Vogue Ball and the Teutonic Terrorss in Live! Walls performs as herself for Thursday; registration 6–6:30pm. A ball that’s sort of like a Uniform. Thurs, Feb 13, 8p8pmm and the first time in four years, playing The 519 Community Centre, 519 competitive fashion show, but Fri, Feb 14, 9pm. The Gladstoneadstone her favourite pop and rock music Church St. Free. the519.org with more dance and fierceness. Hotel, 1214 Queen St W. $25–40. and answering the question “Who Features commentary by Mother gladstonehotel.com

24 JAN 23-FEB 5, 2014 XTRA! TORONTO’S GAY & LESBIANBIAN NEWSNEWS for one night of pure Euro dance, 518 Church St. No cover. Italo disco and electro. 10pm. ogradyschurch.ca Henhouse, 1532 Dundas St W. No Punk Rock Bingo Punk-rock drag cover. henhousetoronto.com queen Jenna Syde performs for the Fly 15th Anniversary DJs Stephan dauber-crazy drinkers. Proceeds Grondin and Shawn Riker spin go to various Toronto charities. house and tech birthday beats Hosted by Daddy-O. DJ Triple-X on CLUB SCENE for the big one-five. 10pm–5am. decks for the afterparty. 9pm. The Fly, 8 Gloucester St. $15 advance. Beaver, 1192 Queen St W. No cover. Tangos and Club Lite Friday, with flynightclub.com beavertoronto.ca Thurs, Jan 23 DJ Relentless, in the Zone, both at Crews & Tangos Thursday The 10pm; Bitchapalooza, with Daytona Sissyboy Hissyfit DJ Orange Butch & The Bitch, with Tyler Bitch and special guest, at 11:30pm. Pekoe spins danceable pop that Thurs, Jan 30 Uptight and Daytona Bitch, at Crews & Tangos, 508 Church St. No won’t stop for lovers, BFFs, FWBs Ladyplus Party DJ Todd Klinck is 9pm; DJ Craig Dominic in Tangos cover. crewsandtangos.com and friends you want to sleep with. on decks for the meet-and-socialize and Vocal Rehab karaoke, with Performance by MC Jazz. 11pm. event for T-girls, their friends, allies Elyse, in the Zone, both at 10pm; Sat, Jan 25 The Beaver, 1192 Queen St W. $5. and admirers. Spontaneous T-girl Drama Queens, with Ivory Towers beavertoronto.ca go-go shows and private VIP dances Cue POC DJs Sissy Fuss and and guests, at 11:30pm. Crews & Squirt.org Best Men’s Ass throughout the night. 8pm. Club120, WizQid spin old and new school Tangos, 508 Church St. No cover. Contest Sofonda Cox returns 120 Church St. $5 before 11pm, $10 while celebrating WizQid’s birthday. crewsandtangos.com to host with Devine Darlin, while after. club120.ca Hosted by Hiba Al-a-Mode. 9pm. the butt-exposing boys onstage Stumpgrinding DJ Mary Mack on Cold Tea, 60 Kensington Ave. No compete for $300 in cash prizes. decks for dancers and prancers cover. Fri, Jan 31 the fourth Thursday of every DJ Mark Falco on decks. Midnight. Surprise Party DJ 4est spins ’80s El Convento Rico Friday month. Buttons, patchesp and Woody’s, 467 Church St. No cover. andand ’90s’90s atat thethe west-endwest-end party,party, Russella, Devine Darlin and Sofonda sscreen-printedcreen-printed T-shirts with wwoodystorontoodystoronto.co.comom wherewhere a lucklucky,y, random Cox take centre floor, performing quequeer-empoweringer-empowering ssloganslogans winner getsgets a surprise ggiftift drag for the mixed crowd; 11:30pm for sale. 1010pm.pm. The Beaver, Sun,Sun, Jan 26 and a stack of wrawrappedpped and 1am shows. DJ Level spins top 11119292 QQueenueen SStt W. No cover. goodies to open frfromom Underbear:Underbear: FrozenFrozen DJ SteStephenp 40, dance and Latin faves. 9pm. beabeavertoronto.comvertoronto.com CCardinalardinal RulRulee and KnightKnight spins for minimally ccladl men El Convento Rico, 750 College St. AmsterAmsterdamdam BrewerBreweryy at inin tightytighty whiteys and stylinstylingg briefs elconventorico.com midnimidnight.ght. 10pm. Cardinal at this underwear party hostedhost by Crown Jewels: A Tribute to Rule,Rule, 5 RoncesvaRoncesvalleslles Ave. BradBrad Hill and JamJameses FForrester.orreste The Grace Jones DJ Aural spins all-Brit No cover. Clothesline is backback,, with underwearund pop, paying homage to Ms Jones. fromfrom Andrew Christian, CellCellblockb Pop Machine DJs ShanShanee Mahogany Brown is onstage for a andand more at discountdiscount pprices.rices PercyPercy and AuralAural tribute performance. 10pm. WAYLA, 4–10pm.4–10pm. Black Eagle, 457 ChurchCh St. spinspin disco, totopp 40 996 Queen St E. $5. waylabar.com NoNo cover. blackeagletoronto.comblackeagletoronto Eurovision — Henhouse, and debauchery-debauchery- Fly Pop DJ Sumation spins top 40 Sat, Jan 25 JAMES LOURENÇO encouragingencouraging BeaverBeaver Karaoke ChooseChoose frfromo the and dance faves to warm up the dancefloordancefloor faves.faves. 1131,000-plus31,000-plus sonsongsgs from AdAdam’s winter-chilled crowd. 10pm. Fly, 10pm.10pm. WAYLA, 996996 ggeekyeeky library. Belt out a tear-tear- 8 Gloucester St. No cover before female-identified folks, friends and QueenQueen St E. $5$5 jjerkingerking balladballad or ggetet otothershers ssinging midnight, $4 after. flynightclub.com Sun, Feb 2 alalongong withwith pop faves.faves. 11pm. TThe respectful admirers. 10pm. The beforebefore 11pm,11pm, Chubs at the Tubs By popular BBeaver,eaver, 1192 Queen St W. NoNo cover. Steady, 1051 Bloor St W. No cover. $$1010 after. Sat, Feb 1 demand, the celebration of big, bebeavertoronto.comavertoronto.com thesteadycafe.com waylabar.waylabar. The #artlive Vogue Ball House handsome men and their admirers AX CHNY DJ Alex spins K-pop, com of Nuance marks a new year is moved forward, with guys coming J-pop, top 40 remixes, EDM and Mon,Mon, Jan 27 of live art, with DJ John Caffery from all over to enjoy the boys vocal house as AX pays tribute to WAYLA’sWAYLA’s ’90s Trivia NiNightght Kaleb throwing down runway beats and the bathhouse. 3–7pm. Spa the year of the horse. Performance RobertsonRobertson and Miss FluffFluffyy S Soufflé and Mother Trouble Nuance Excess, 105 Carlton St. $6–39, plus by Sofonda Cox and the AX shareshare hostinhostingg ddutiesuties at the rretro hosting. Dress code (encouraged): $5 deposit (returned at checkout). Maximus go-go dancers. 10pm. quizquiz event, with dance movmoves,e authentic self, whether it’s taffeta spaexcess.com Courthouse, 57 Adelaide St E. $10 audio clues and more. MadMadonna,o or lederhosen. 8pm. 235 Queens advance; $5 door before 10:30pm, NirvanaNirvana and Fly Girls ggalore.alore. 7pm. Quay W, Brigantine Room. $10. $10 until 11:30pm, $15 after. Mon, Feb 3 WAYLA,WAYLA, 996 QQueenueen St W. NoN cover. harbourfrontcentre.com Singular Sensation: A Musical- waylabar.com,waylabar.com, kkalebrobertson.caalebroberts meetmeatax.com Tramp DJ Jacqie Jaguar spins Rise DJ David Picard on decks for Theatre Open Mic Amateur Gay DodgeballDodgeball NiNightght DJ BlueBl the girls-who-love-girls party for the boys, beards, bulging biceps crooners perform their favourite PePeterter onon decksdecks fforor ththee rreturneturn of the show tunes with a live band every Crown boysboys you won’t be doddodgingging iin the and a few girls, too. Hosted by Jewels — Monday night. Hosted by Jennifer bar.bar. 8pm. WoodWoody’s,y’s, 467 ChuChurch St. AX CHNY — Chris Munro and Dale C. 10pm. WAYLA, Fri, Walls. 10pm–1am. Statlers, 487 No cover. wwoodoodystorontystoronto.coo.com Courthouse, Church, 504 Church St. $5 before Jan 31 Church St. No cover. Sat, Feb 1 midnight, $10 after. facebook.com/ Tues, Jan 28 DANNY DAN churchonchurch Pitbull: F**K Winter DJs Sumation Tues, Feb 4 Gay TriviaTrivia GinaGina HamiltHamiltonon aand and Dwayne Minard spin house and Reveal Me Daytona Bitch hosts BunniBunni LapinLapin are quizquiz mistressesmistres dance beats at a beach-themed a burlesque social of virgin vixens forfor this weeklweeklyy event, with llotso edition sure to ease the midwinter and professional peelers the first ofof fun prizesprizes to be won. 99pm.pm blues. 10pm. Fly, 8 Gloucester St. Wednesday of every month. 8pm. O’Grady’s,O’Grady’s, 518 Church St. NoNo cover. $10 advance. flynightclub.com Rivoli Back Room, 332 Queen St W. ogradyschurch.comogradyschurch.com Tapette DJ Phil V hosts the $10. aprofessionaldistraction.com VarsityVarsity TuesdayTuesday SofondaSofonda Cox afterparty for the Tapette poster- hhostsosts thethe amatamateureur SSoo YYouou Think Fri,Fri, Jan 2424 boys photoshoot. Come see the Wed, Feb 5 You Can StriStrip?p? comcompetition,petit LGBT Salsa Social: new French faces and dance Zipperz/Cellblock Wednesday with a $100$100 cash prize. 11pm. WWinterinter Warm-Warm-UpUp JJanuaryanuary CrushCrush TO: UnUnderder thethe like you’re in France. 10:30pm. The Toronto Wranglers get ReminRemington’s,gton’s, 337979 YonYongeg St. insinstallmenttallment of a newnew SeSeaa TheThe all-inclusivall-inclusivee Henhouse, 1532 Dundas St W. $5. stomping, 7–10pm; Toronto Drag $5$5;; no cover with stustudentd monthlmonthlyy salsa partparty.y. The partyparty for sex-positive, likelike-- henhousetoronto.com Kings take the stage for the weekly nnewew roundround ofof classesclasses starts minded peoplepeople calls for ID before 1111pm,pm, $2$2 after.aft Short Circuit DJ The Robotic drag-king show, 11pm–1:30am. offiofficiallycially Fe bFeb 2, 2,wit withh a amini mini merfolk, fishfishyy fashion and remremingtons.comingtons.com Kid and guest spin deep house, Zipperz/Cellblock, 72 Carlton St. bebeginnerginner lesson included marine-themedmarine-themed accessories.accessories. tech and nu disco for the edgy No cover. facebook.com/zipperz wwithith entrentry.y. 8pm. Glad DayDay BurlesqueBurlesque and dragdrag shows, Wed, Jan 292 electronic crowd. 10:30pm. Black Bookshop, 598A YonYongege St, withwith privateprivate consent-monitoredconsent-monitored DirtyDirty BBingoingo GinaGina Eagle, 457 Church St. No cover. 3rd floor. $5. llgbtdance.comgbtdance.com booths. Hosts JesseJesse,, Caitlin and HamiltonHamilton hostshosts ttheh blackeagletoronto.com Crews & TangosTangos Friday KhadejaKhadeja provide a safer space for weeklyweekly ggameame ninightg Fierce anandd FFlawless,lawless, witwithh IvorIvoryy all. 1010pm.pm. Club120, 120 Church St. whilewhile talkintalkingg dirtydir Towers, KatherineKatherine HHytesytes Dior $10.$10. id-taid-tap-that.comp-that.com to her gguestsuests aand Submit your event listing to [email protected]. anandd gguests,uests, at 8:30pm; InIndigodigo EurovisionEurovision DJs omomgblog.com,gblog.com, MMississ givinggiving out prizes.priz Deadline for the Feb 6 issue is Wed, Jan 29. Vibes,Vibes, witwithh DJ RoxannRoxanne,e, in MargotMargot and Jeff Freeman are back 8pm. O’GraO’Grady’s,d

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ANNA POURNIKOVA PHOTOS BY XPOSED BECCA LEMIRE 1E Be warned: everything is 5E Pandora Box is just one of happening in this column. the many talented and drag- Where to start? How about alicious performers from Drag with (from left) OUTtv’s Wil- Race’s Battle of the Seasons. ma Fingerdoo, Scarlett Bobo It was really off the chain, with and Brooke Lynn Hytes at Ru- drag royalty coming out in Paul’s Drag Race Battle of the their fi nest. Seasons? Stiletto fascinators, 6E Peter’s outfi t is so on point, 2 Barbie-pink fans, thunderbolt I feel like I need to write it pants and a Swarovski full-body down to replicate it on one of stocking outfi t that would cause my butchier nights out. First catfi ghts between Mariah and off , serious kudos to him for Britney. This is the level that pulling off two shades of red was brought to Battle of the in the jacket and pants and Seasons. My word, it’s hot. making it work. The touch of 2E I didn’t want it to get too zebra print up top works with queenie — the column’s been the old-school Vaseline top, a little queenie lately, I know too. On Star Search, he’d get — but it’s just so hard to get the full fi ve gold stars. 3 good photos of normies. The 7E Haters need love, too, as queens give good face, as they Salem’s hat proclaims. The say. At Battle of the Seasons, we only thing I’d change on saw some really beautiful and this outfi t is the cran and ecstatic revellers, like soda in his hand. It should Michelle and Karla. be something with a stem 3E Every now and then we or on the rocks; nothing in capture a tender moment like between for this swagger. this one, between a clothing- I love the pants, I love the optional John Caff ery and shoes, I love the jacket and the Jinkx Monsoon at Battle of the hat; just needs some big Rick Seasons. This is the kind of Ross glasses and a bourbon caress we wait in the shadows, and this little number is like snakes in the garden of fi nger-lickin’ good. Eden, to capture. 8E Fast forward a few hours 4E There is some serious Don- past Battle of the Seasons and na Summer vibe reading from we found ourselves at Myles every pore of Devine Darlin’s Sexton’s debut collection, body, which is just the kind of inspired by Thailand’s jewel vibe we were hunting at Battle bug. The jewellery and even 4 of the Seasons. The pearl over- this lovely gown on Vanessa lay is a lovely fi nishing touch to (pictured with the designer) an ice-capades-worthy ensem- were made using the bug as 6 ble. But the hair and bedroom adornment. So, so sexy. Myles eyes really sell the Donna Sum- is always nailing it. mer easy-breezy attitude.

8

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Checking in with Jeremy: Week 2 I’m a couple weeks into my improved somewhat. I no longer walk four-month workout campaign like a drunkard after doing squat- at Evolution Fitness and still curl-presses (though I get a bit red in pear-shaped. the cheeks after thrusting my ass out My first session with my personal so whorishly), I’m able to lift more trainer, Sam, included a lot of squat- weight all the time, and I relish cardio. curl-presses (a difficult manoeuvre The mantra of my nutritionist, that combines squats — lots of Dr Abs, seems to be “You are at the comical almost-twerking involved beginning of a long journey,” which there — and shoulder presses), which is sort of amusing — I feel a bit like After a couple weeks of training, turned my legs completely to jelly, Bilbo being coerced by Gandalf to join Jeremy no longer walks like a drunkard making it very difficult to walk for the dwarves in raiding Smaug’s hoard after doing squat-curl-presses. several days. By the end of the session, — but his enthusiasm for nutrition EVOLUTION FITNESS I was not only still pear-shaped, but is so impressive and contagious that jelly-legged. Some kind of jellied I’ve already embarked on the first leg pear — maybe a chutney. It seems of my journey to Lonely Mountain. my carb intake. NAME: AUSTIN NORRIS appropriate, given I spent much of the Besides which, he made it very clear I will continue to brave the cold and AGE: 24 SIGN: LEO, EARTH SNAKE session talking to my hulking trainer early on that he would brook no haul my aching ass over to Evolution about my grandmother, a notorious challenges to his dietary decrees, Fitness in Yorkville four times a week jam enthusiast. Don’t ask me why. stating matter-of-factly, “You will to work out, break in my ugly new Inspired by “individuals who have faced extreme hardships but have Never fear: we didn’t expect my eat what I tell you to eat!” Through Reeboks and regularly report my managed to embrace the beauty in their lives,” Austin, a personal trainer physique to improve much after only his stern guidance, I’ve increased my progress back to Xtra. and the owner of Primal Motion, defines his work as “helping people achieve a couple weeks. Sam is guiding me protein consumption (ahem), tried their fitness goals by optimizing their posture, teaching them how to master expertly through my workout twice to make my first meal of the day the For more information about Evolution essential movement patterns and by building incredible functional strength.” a week, from cable rows to planking largest (each meal decreasing in size Fitness and its team of experts, visit Austin trains to physically express his creativity through fire spinning, dance — god, I hate planking — and I have as the day progresses) and adjusted personaltrainerstoronto.com. and parkour. By day, he likes to hang out in Kensington Market; at night, you can find him in the Distillery District. His favourite haunt is Guu SakaBar at Bloor and Bathurst. Austin likes meeting inspiring people and dancing, and his guilty pleasure is cigars. “Pair that up with a quality ale or scotch and I’m

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