Gaycalgary and Edmonton Magazine

October 2008 Issue 60

FREE of charge CCarly’sarly’s AngelsAngels CCantinaantina QQueenueen SShowhow tturnsurns EEightight

HHappyappy Halloween!Halloween! GGayay HauntsHaunts SScreamfest,creamfest, aandnd CCalgaryalgary GGhosthost TToursours A SSupernaturalupernatural VVisitisit toto CCalgary’salgary’s GayGay BarsBars IInterviewsnterviews with:with: HHenryenry RRollins,ollins, BBernieernie KKoppel,oppel, aandnd AAmbermber

>> STARTING ON PAGE 16

GLBT RESOURCE • CALGARY & EDMONTON 2 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Table of Contents 5 The Fear and the Fight Letter from the Publisher Established originally in January 9 Bernie Koppel 1992 as Men For Men BBS by MFM Love Boat’s “Doc” Talks Gay Hollywood, Aging, and Viagra Falls Communications. Named changed to GayCalgary.com in 1998. Stand alone company as of January 2004. First Issue 11 Play Nightclub of GayCalgary.com Magazine, November Edmonton’s Newest Hot Spot 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. 12 Adult Depot 34 Publisher Steve Polyak & Rob Diaz-Marino, A Living Piece of Calgary’s Gay History [email protected] Editor Rob Diaz Marino, [email protected] 14 Out of Town 16 Exploring London’s Soho Neighborhood Original Graphic Design Deviant Designs Advertising 16 Map & Event Listings Steve Polyak [email protected] Find out what’s happening Contributors Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, Jason Clevett, 23 The Danger of Voting For Andrew Collins, Jerome Voltero, Stephen Lock, Jack Fertig, Romeo San Vicente, Felice Harper Newman, Evan Kayne, Mark Randall, Matt Salton, Mercedes Allen, Joan Hilty, Dave 25 Q Scopes Brousseau, Kevin Alderson, James S. M. Demers, Ted Kerr, Linda Eckess, Brian Pawlak, “Charge your batteries, Sagittarius!” Keith Andony, Glen Hanson & Allan Neuwirth, and the Gay and Lesbian Community of 26 Adult Film Review Calgary and Edmonton Centurion Muscle, Big and Beefy, Serbia, Father Knows Best 57 Photographer Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino 28 Deep Inside Hollywood Videographer New Projects For Michael Douglas and Matt Damon Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino 29 Whole Lesbian Sex Please forward all inquiries to: GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine Lesbian (Detachable) Fellatio Suite 403, 215 14th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2R 0M2 30 Pride Center Keeps Moving Forward Phone (403) 543-6960 or toll free (888) 543-6960 31 East of Berlin Groundbreaking Canadian Play Comes to ATP Fax (403) 703-0685 E-mail [email protected] 32 Television Review Print Run Monthly, 12 times a year 33 Calgary Ghost Tours Masthead continued on page 4 A Spooky Walk through Calgary’s History 34 A Conversation with Henry Rollins 37 Gay Haunts A Supernatural Visit to Calgary’s Gay Bars 38 Some Statistics Regarding Human Sexuality 40 Amber Dance Diva Talks Gay Rights, Music Industry, and No More Tears Continued Next Page 59 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 3 From Previous Page 42 Fundraising Photos 45 Billy Twinkle Puppet Master’s Newest Show Debuts in Edmonton 47 HIV and Gonorrhea and Syphilis – OH MY! Continued from page 3 48 Understanding That Bashing is a Crime Copies Printed Monthly, 10,000 copies. The Calgary Police Sexuality and Gender Diversity Committee Distribution points up to 200 points in Calgary, largest number of distribution 49 Screamfest points for any Gay publication in Calgary. Have a Scare at C.O.P. Up to 150 points in Edmonton, largest number of distribution points for any Gay publication in Edmonton. Also distributed 50 The Quest to Pee II coast to coast across Canada in select locations in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, 52 Letters to the Editor Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and other places across Canada and the United 53 A Couple of Guys States. Please call us if you would like to 45 be a distribution point. 54 Music Review Distributed by Gallant Distributions Ghost Colours, Love is Dead, Chemical Rising, Prima J (Calgary), Clark’s Distribution (Edmonton), Canada Post (rest of Canada and USA) 57 CockTales and by GayCalgary.com Ground Zero/Hit and Myth talk the Cock Deadline for Ad Bookings 25th of the month (unless otherwise stated) 58 Carly’s Angels Deadline for Ad copy 28th of the month Cantina Queen Show turns Eight (unless otherwise stated) Legal Council Courtney Sebree Aarbo, 59 Rough Drag and Rider Queens Barristers and Solicitors A Diva Danielicious Idea Printers North Hill News This Issue Cover Model Mercedes, Josh 62 Bitter Girl Gilmour, and Carly York Jones taken at ScreamFest in Calgary. Photo taken by 63 Monsters In The Closet Steve Polyak. DVDs Worth Unearthing for Tricks or Treats this October The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of GayCalgary.com or 72 66 Concert Reviews the contributors of the magazine. Sleepercar and Elton John People photographed or interviewed, writers, advertisers, contributors and 67 Chelsea Boys anyone else involved with this publication November are not necessarily gay, lesbian, bi, 72 Queer Eye - Calgary and Edmonton bi-curious or trans gendered. They can be 2008 Press Community Events this Month straight people that are gay friendly. No part of the publication may be reprinted Deadlines without the expressed permission of the editor-in-chief. Member of AAdd SpaceSpace BookingBooking - Friday,Friday, Canadian Gay & Copyright 2008 OOctoberctober 31st31st 20082008 Lesbian Chamber of Commerce AAdd SubmissionSubmission - Member of International Gay & MMonday,onday, NovemberNovember 3rd3rd 20082008 Lesbian Travel Association

IInn CirculationCirculation - Thursday,Thursday, NNovemberovember 6th,6th, 20082008

PPleaselease contactcontact usus rightright awayaway ifif yyouou thinkthink youyou maymay havehave missedmissed tthehe BookingBooking oror SubmissionSubmission Member of Edmonton Rainbow DDeadlineseadlines Member of Tourism Calgary. Business Association.

4 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 The Fear and the Fight Letter from the Publisher

that there is a quota to fi ll, By Rob Diaz-Marino, MSc. even if it means making a mountain out of a mole- Any other time of year, being afraid is considered a hill. Without the stresses negative experience – an unwelcome departure from of bona-fi de survival, we an overdeveloped sense of security. But Halloween are ticking time bombs for is a chance to wrap ourselves in the very vision of physical violence (fi ght) and death, decay and darkness that frightens some of irrational hatred (fl ight). us so much. By doing so, we make our fears just Without realizing it, as tangible and mortal as the people pretending to many of us gravitate toward be them. Then we suspend our disbelief to pretend controlled situations that those zombies, ghosts, werewolves etc. are real, so test our reactions. For that we can be afraid of them knowing we aren’t ac- instance, playing sports lets tually in danger. It seems bizarre and backwards. you channel that violent energy into a structured The only explanation I can conceive of is that we want competition. Watching to be scared, or even like to be scared, as Josh Gilmour of sports puts you in the place Screamfest put it (see page 49). Frankly, I think we have a of your favourite player or primal need to be scared every once in a while, or else we team; you go through the start to question whether there is something wrong with stress of their struggle, and us. adopt a temporary or permanent hatred for their op- In today’s society, people are expected to behave like ponent. If you fi nd yourself obedient, effi cient and reliable machines, but they are liking a horror or disaster not! The simple fact is that human beings (like all other fl ick, or even a violent video living beings) are equipped with instincts that serve to game, it’s likely because it keep us alive. But how often in your everyday routine do allows you to exercise the you encounter a direct threat to your life? Those survival mental stresses of fi ghting instincts are going largely unused. for your life without actu- Inconveniently we still need those impulses if there ever ally fi ghting for your life. does come a time when we truly are threatened. For lack Music can invoke turbulent of a better option, our psyche will fi nd ways to compensate emotions, and dancing lets so that we still make use of those instincts, to keep our you express them. It seems physical responses sharp, in case of an actual emergency the whole entertainment - like a fi re drill for your fi ght-or-fl ight response. For that industry is there to channel reason, a threat to your livelihood can seem just as dire as your ugly and dangerous a threat to your life; a disparaging comment can seem just inclinations into something as threatening as a strike across the face. My hypothesis is less destructive (and make a pretty penny while doing it)! These outlets are your metaphorical punching bags; hit them or hate them. What’s the worst that can happen if you don’t cope with your daily need for confl ict? Just ask any brand of fanatic, phobic, drama queen, and career criminal walking the earth. If their lifestyle doesn’t bring enough misfortune to challenge them, they end up looking for a fi ght which

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 5 visits suffering on themselves, those they love, and those the minds of that crowd about the gay bar scene before they choose to blame and hate. Next time you meet one they go back into hiding. If everyone plays their cards of these types, save them from themselves – give them a right, this can be a saving grace even for the other bars: punching bag so they won’t practice on people. plenty of people to go around, and a renewed curiosity in the gay bar scene. Time to show off your best, and keep Halloween is a great opportunity to scare ourselves the customers coming back! senseless, and that’s healthy. So if you take anything away from this article, I hope it is this: you choose most of But it can also inspire the worst in those who are resis- your own demons, so unless your life is actually in danger, tant to change, who perceive the new kid on the block as a there is no excuse to fi ght or hate a person over a punch- threat to their usual way of doing things. Business owners ing bag. work hard to maintain what they have, and the prospect of dealing with a changing dynamic can compound their In With the New already stressful lives. It’s easy and almost instinctual to Last month was quite eventful, especially in Edmonton panic, to try and attack that perceived rising threat head- with the opening of PLAY Nightclub. Steve was up for the on before it gains a grip. A dangerous approach; time weekend to kill several birds with one stone – the grand spent on the war path is time wasted away from your own opening on the Friday, the Pure Party and Buddys White business, and if that falls apart then you lose anyway. Party on the Saturday, and the Edmonton AIDS Walk for “The best offense is a good defence.” In this case, a Life on the Sunday. business’s defence is to concentrate on improving itself to The story of PLAY’s opening brought out an interest- remain competitive. Competition is what keeps a business ing phenomenon that we saw happen once before, when lean and mean, adapting to the changing world, and ready the Twisted Element opened here in Calgary. I’m going to for the other hurtles that are coming down the road. draw a few comparisons before I go on to frame the story Of course, there’s also the saying, “if you can’t beat as a lesson in cooperation. them, join them.” You don’t have to give up what you hold On opening night, Steve texted that the new bar likely dear to do this. Fighting only causes suffering for both of hit capacity before they even opened, thanks to the VIP you, and collateral damage to innocent bystanders. Before line down the block, the likes of which Twisted Element you do something unforgiveable, and if you are clever didn’t see on their opening night until much later in the enough to realize the inevitable truth that you can never evening, and even then not this long. When PLAY did open truly beat someone completely and permanently, then you at 9pm, they proceeded to let in as many people as they can get on with joining them. A plan that stands to sig- could, before their fi re capacity forbade them from taking nifi cantly benefi t all parties, without harmful side effects, any more. People continued to wait in line for hours, and and where the benefi ts are justly balanced by each party’s some got frustrated and gave up. When everyone wants to contribution is an offer that shouldn’t be refused. come take a look, we have to take turns. Steve comment- Vote or Die! ed that he felt strange, perhaps a bit relieved that he didn’t have to pitch in with bussing, or running to get change, Just kidding, but do vote, no matter which way you de- as we did on Twisted Element’s opening night. For a fi rst cide to go. Though we have our own opinions on the mat- night, PLAY was extremely well organized, and that meant ter, GC&E’s approach has always been to help you make Steve could enjoy himself. an informed decision within the scope of the gay community, rather than fl at out tell you who to vote for. A bright, shiny new gay bar seems to draw out hundreds of gays and lesbians that otherwise keep a low profi le. Most likely your mind is already made up, after see- These might be the people who became jaded toward the ing the stance taken by XTra, Egale Canada, and many gay bar scene and stopped going out long ago, but never- other prominent GLBT+ fi gures. Stephen Lock took on the theless, something new piques their curiosity. For the fi rst tricky matter of weighing in on the topic, and agreed with year or so, those unfamiliar faces come out regularly – a the potential dangers (in general, and specifi c to GLBT+ great chance for a new bar to get a foothold, and to change individuals) of a Conservative majority government. The one thing we will say is this. As a media outlet it of course irks us to hear reports about Stephen Harper ban- ning media whom he believes won’t refl ect him positively, and imposing an allowed list of questions on those who are authorized to attend. It’s not exactly honest or account- able...if anything, it’s biased and evasive. Every other candidate has to face cameras and questions from media outlets that favour the conservatives (and shame on them too, for taking sides), so what’s the problem? If Harper does make it back into power, I hope he realizes that Cuba also has a government that looks bloody brilliant on local TV. It counts for nothing. The gay vote can make a difference, we’ve already seen it happen in our cities. Only you can do it, so don’t let it go to waste!

Continued on Page 36 6 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 7 8 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Bernie Koppel Love Boat’s “Doc” Talks Gay Hollywood, Aging, and Viagra Falls

By Jason Clevett Review | Theatre Bernie Koppel is a charming guy onstage in Stage West’s current production, Viagra Falls, playing until November 16th. Offstage, the 77-year-old actor is just as charming and personable. “When she says ‘tart’, don’t take it personally,” he told my date Sarah as he dug into one of Stage West’s delicious desserts as a post-show snack. It was the ﬁ rst of many offbeat and amusing comments Koppel made during our half hour chat. Viagra Falls is the story of Charley Millhouse (Lou Cutell) and Moe Krubbs (Kopell). The two widowers get together to celebrate Charley’s birthday, and Charley is determined to invite over a hooker to celebrate. Enter Jaqueline Tempest (Teresa Ganzel), girl for hire with a soft spot for older men. The show has a number of big laughs and a lot of heart. “The relationship between Moe and Charlie you could say is latent homosexual. Their wives just died, they are in advanced age, they take care of each other and love each other. It is actually a love story between Charlie and Moe. They have done great things for each other, they argue like a married couple. Obviously there is love between them,” Koppel said. “Young people enjoy it as much as older people because it relates to everybody. Is everybody free to be showing their personal parts? I don’t think so. People have trepidation about being naked. You can be very comfortable being naked with someone you trust, but with someone you’ve never met, and this strange woman coming in, no. Once we get to know our life partner we are cool because there is that element of trust that happens ideally in every relationship.” When asked what appealed to him about doing the show, Koppel joked, “the cheque!” He went on, “I’d heard about it, and it rings a bell. I am 75 and you have these issues. Will I be able to perform? Will I be attractive enough? I know I myself am attractive enough because I have a young wife and I have a ten year old and a six year old, two beautiful boys. Some people may think it is an anomaly to have two young kids at my age but they are beautiful. It is wonderful.” He did have high praise for his co-stars, especially Lou Cutell, who co-wrote the show in addition to performing in it. ”Lou is a sweetheart, and I have to take my hat off to the guy. The little fart wrote this play! He obsesses about the play, every time we come off he goes ‘you know that line, we started too early.’ I say

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 9 ‘get off my ass Lou!’ It’s his baby, he is 77 and this is his big deal in life.” Bernie Koppel’s 50-year career reads as a history list of classic television shows. It would be impossible to list his impressive resume here. While best known as Dr. Adam Bricker on The Love Boat, he has been seen on shows ranging from The Doris Day Show, The Odd Couple and The Six Million Dollar Man to Charmed and Scrubs. He played multiple characters on Bewitched, Jerry Bauman on That Girl and Siegfried on Get Smart. “Love Boat was my reward for putting on the moustach- es and accents over the year. Bewitched was a party on the set every day. Elizabeth Montgomery, everyone thought she was just the cutest person. She was very bubbly.” Bewitched is also notable due to several cast members being gay. Of course, in 1969 the world was a very different place, and hiding their sexuality took its toll. gay and was very quiet about everything. Maurice Evans (Maurice), also gay but under the radar. Just about every “Paul Lynde (Uncle Arthur) was a victim of the con- one of the producers with the exception of Aaron Spelling ventions of the time. Paul could not be open. One of the were predominantly gay. But it was 30 years ago so it was results was that he was a very unhappy human being hush hush.” because the pressure was a horrible, torturous thing for him. He would have a drink at our wrap parties or Christ- Koppel is thankful to be around to see how much things mas parties and go into attack mode as compensation for have progressed in the world. being suppressed. I always wanted to stay away from him “I did a dramatization of a book called The History of when he had a drink, but I felt bad that he couldn’t be Shadows. It referred to gay men in the 1930s and 40s who comfortable,” Koppel recalled. “Dick Sargent (Darrin) was had to keep everything a secret. Their jobs were in jeopar- dy. There was an actor in a movie, a ﬁ lm composer, a costume designer and a director. It was fascinating that these guys lead their lives under the radar. Now it is a healthier situation. We should all be very grateful for that.” Koppel also gave us an interesting look at how TV royal- ties work (a big issue in last year’s writer strike). In the 1960’s there were no such things as VHS tapes, let alone DVD’s, so consideration was never taken for the potential revenue that shows would generate years later. With The Love Boat Season 1 now out on DVD, you would think Koppel would be receiving some nice fat cheques. “Before 1974 you were paid for six reruns and no more. After 1974 you are paid in perpetuity but on a diminish- ing scale. So I am getting these gigantic cheques for $3.20, $2.48, once I got a cheque for 90 cents! Not even enough to buy something in the dollar store.” Don’t worry about Bernie Koppel however. Smart planning has ensured that, regardless, he and his family are taken care of. “I have invested well, as opposed to the Ed McMahon nightmare. The man was making a big living for thirty years he just wasn’t paying attention. So many actors get that big paycheque and then no paycheques and they blow it. I have too much knowledge of things like that, and it is so sad. Some people are broke after making big salaries. I have the wisdom of experience to not do stuff like that.” Viagra Falls September 11th – November 16th, 2008 www.stagewestcalgary.com

10 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Play Nightclub Edmonton’s Newest Hot Spot

By Jason Clevett Business | Spotlight Since the closure of the Roost at the end of 2007, there has been a noticeable void in the gay club negative and should not be used, others feel it is an acceptable term. Wyneff weighed in on his view. scene in Edmonton. On September 19th, 2008, Play opened its doors with the intention of not just fi lling “Queer is a little more inclusive. Gay is usually associated that void, but becoming an entity all their own. with men, not a representative word of the whole community. Play is a safe place for everyone in the community whether Still thrilled with the success of opening weekend, owner you are gay, trans, lesbian, bi or questioning. Rather than Cory Wyneff gave GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine a call listing all of the letters, queer is a word that encompasses to discuss all things Play. everything,” he said, adding “It is a word that the younger generation seems to be using a lot more, and taking back. It “It took four or fi ve months from the initial idea to opening is becoming a more progressive term. I know it used to have a - it was really fast. It was the meshing of two things: Bob Long bit of a stigma to it but we are trying to change that and show and myself bring the community side of things, we know a lot it is an encompassing term, not how it used to be used. It is a about the queer community and the need to have a queer bar. small percentage but when we use it, we really use it in a good We partnered with the Oil City Group, who own The Bank, light, to market it and brand it a little bit.” Vinyl, and The Boathouse. They have a reputation of opening successful well-run clubs. There didn’t seem to be any issues. The bar launched with a lot of buzz, and not surprisingly The guys from Oil City Group already had this spot in mind gathered lineups on both nights of opening weekend. and we ended up getting it. The space leant itself to a lot of charm, there is a lot of brick and old fi r wood pillars, with a “Opening weekend was really good. It was on the busier contemporary feel to it.” side, there were tons and tons of people because it was new. The only negative I heard was about the lines. That is the The decision to refer to themselves as a “Queer Bar” has nature of opening a club, I can only keep it at capacity and already received some criticism. Some feel that the word is people had to wait. We tried to make it fun and I think most people have had fun but there are always people that will have issues with that,” he said. “The second weekend went smoother because we were ready for the amount of people. I knew it was going to be big because everyone is really thirsty for a [new] club, but I never expected it to be so big. It is great to have all that feedback and energy, and it does a lot for our community as well.” Throughout the interview, the importance of community was a subject that frequently came up, and one that is very important to Wyneff and the rest of Play. Opening weekend saw HIV Edmonton and Edmonton Pride Centre both on-site, fundraising. As someone who was heavily involved in Calgary, including stints on the Pride Board and the GLCSA board, he knows how vital it is to give back. “First and foremost that was one of our main missions. We have a meeting space, a board room for groups to meet. We have a bunch of fundraisers that we are working towards with different groups, that will always be a part of Play. We have a community board going up, and that is important because a club is a good way to communicate to the larger community and that is important to me,” he said. “The community advantage is an important one because it makes us one of the hubs for the community and allows us to give back as well. It is a synergy of things because by giving back to the community, they will in turn want to come out and have fun. And they need a place to fundraise and have meetings, so if I can do them both then I am doing something good.” The novelty factor will likely have Play as the “hot new thing” in Edmonton for a while. But the club industry is fi ckle, and today’s top club can quickly become yesterday’s Continued on Page 57 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 11 Adult Depot A Living Piece of Calgary’s Gay History

By Evan Kayne Business | Spotlight When a small local business survives for nearly 30 years, it’s notable. When it’s a gay-owned business, it should be recognized as a milestone. That business is Adult Depot on 58th Avenue, in the Southwest, which, as of this October, will have been in business for 29 years. You may remember it as “After Dark” when it was on 1st Street SW in the downtown, or under its original name – “Numbers Erotic Boutique” (originally on 11 Avenue and 3rd Street SW, then on Stephen Avenue Walk). Adult Depot owner Jerry Daiter sat down with GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine for about an hour to discuss his business as it played out in Calgary’s Gay history, and shared his thoughts on the future of Adult shops. Numbers Erotic boutique opened in October 1979 with a $2000 investment from Jerry. It’s hard to conceive of that meager amount in our current economic times, but $1000 paid for fi rst month’s rent and deposit, with the rest going to people decide. Even so, he has had his share of eyebrow- store fi xtures and basic stock. They catered to all types and raising moments. For instance, one time a straight couple persuasions, but the focus was (and still is) the gay market. came in and purchased a dildo. The husband hesitated At the time, Calgary had TWO adult stores. Numbers wasn’t and asked the wife “are you sure this is what you want?” to anything fancy - just a basic store. If you wanted fancy, which the wife replied “well, it’s up to you, it’s going up your you’d visit the competition “The Love Boutique” (located in ass”. the old Grain Exchange building in the spot currently occupied by Gypsy bistro). Jerry described it as “absolutely The 1980s brought changes, but Numbers remained com- gorgeous…like an Arabian sheik’s tent…very neat. And their mitted to supporting the gay market. Back in 1979-80 they sales clerks were not clerks, they were consultants.” Check- carried more gay magazines than anyone in the city. Then, ing out the competition one day, he was told by the “consul- as soon as video cassette movies came out, Jerry went out tant” exactly what he need within a few minutes of stepping of his way to fi nd gay titles. At the time, this was diffi cult in the store. Needless to say, such class came at a price, and due to the limited supply. the Love Boutique went bankrupt. Meanwhile, Numbers suc- ceeded and moved downtown onto Stephen Avenue Mall (in The other alteration was a move to 1st Street SW and a the location currently occupied by Belvedere restaurant). name change to After Dark. The name change was made because Jerry saw the opportunity to open up a peep show, The reason for Numbers’ success was because Jerry’s cus- and didn’t want the city to get advance knowledge of it. tomer service philosophy was a lot more basic than the Love Boutique’s: never assume anything about anybody, let the In nearly 30 years, this was the only issue over which Jerry and Numbers/After Dark/Adult Depot had to fi ght the city. After Dark’s peep show experiment motivated the pu- ritanical elements in the city administration to change the bylaws, such that the shows weren’t allowed in their current location. Jerry tried again in their present location on 58th Avenue under a different name: Adult Depot. Despite meeting all requirements, this fi nal time the city stepped in and changed the bylaws such that peep shows were ef- fectively banned. Ironically (and unoffi cially), some police offi cers preferred having the peep shows running, because it reduced cruising in the parks and put this activity out of the public eye. The end result was that Calgarians can sleep safe, secure in the knowledge that unlike most other major Canadian cities, ours is free from the terrible scourge threatening men…peep shows. The 58th Avenue location has remained Adult Depot’s

12 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 home, but the 1990s and beyond have seen further evolu- tions for retailers of Adult entertainment. Canada Customs became less restrictive on what pornographic material they allowed across the border, which beneﬁ ted Adult Depot because most movies they carry are imported from the States. However, the biggest change for better and for worse, was the Internet. For items other than movies, the internet allowed Adult Depot to source product direct from the manufacturer at a better price. In addition, the internet has speeded up the distribution cycle of movies. Jerry explained, “if a studio makes a movie, they want to milk it on their own site, then sell it to their distributors in the USA, then in Canada. We cycle through movies faster than before. A new movie we used to get could have been 6-8 months old. Now as soon as it goes into distribution in the USA, we have access to it [possibly in half that time].” On the down side, Jerry sees movie studios embracing the internet as a low cost distribution channel directly to customers. “It’s cheaper for them…because with a master copy the world can watch; they don’t have to process, they don’t have to package, they don’t have to pay the middle man.” His view on the future of the internet, adult content, and how it will impact Adult stores is not rosy. “You can rent movies on TV; you can download from the web. They’re still very expensive, but they will get cheaper. The adult stores we have now won’t exist in 10 to 15 years. It’ll be clothing stores. I’ve been saying this for some time - I said maybe 20, 25 years, but the way the internet is going and prices are dropping, I’d [now] say in about 10 years.” Yet Adult Depot has changed with the market. The interesting thing I found about the business was in the way it looks and feels, very similar to a mainstream video rental store. Granted that the movie posters on the wall advertise titles like “Bareback Mountain” and “The Twin Dicks of Haz- ard”, but like a mainstream store, Adult Depot has different sections – their focus still remains the gay market, but they also rent/sell straight, transsexual, and bisexual titles, and have subcategories within those groups. Another paral- lel: they have specials for less recent movies running at a similar price (e.g. 4 for $25). The latest blockbuster will sell around $60-70, similar to the prices of regular Hollywood movies…except here we get to see exactly what went down between those cowboys. Putting aside any bias you may have about the products, the secret of Adult Depot’s success and longevity is Jerry’s philosophy: he runs a straightforward store, he’s helpful to Continued on Page 56 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 13 Out of Town Exploring London’s Soho Neighborhood

by Andrew Collins Travel It may just be the most expensive city in the world, especially for travelers from the United States and even stronger gay presence. On certain blocks, this 1-square- mile neighborhood can still feel a bit seedy, and on weekend Canada, but there’s no denying that London makes nights, you can barely move among the throngs of tourists, for an enchanting and exciting big-city getaway. In- locals, and suburbanites who crowd the narrow streets. But terestingly, the London neighborhood that most in- Soho is otherwise quite safe, and it’s become increasingly terests GLBT visitors, Soho, lacks any museums or trendy among foodies, artsy types, media moguls, fashionis- formal attractions. But this colorful, slightly risque tas, and other West Enders. district abounds with festive gay bars, hip restau- Despite Soho’s lack of attractions, it’s adjacent to several rants, offbeat shops, and arguably the best people- neighborhoods with cultural cachet. To the west and south- watching in Great Britain. Here’s a look at where to west are ritzy Mayfair and St. James Park; just south is the city’s vibrant Chinatown. And the literary Covent Garden, eat, play, and stay in London’s defi nitive Gay Village. Strand, and Bloomsbury neighborhoods lie to the east. Soho This neighborhood bounded by Oxford Street, Charing has one of the most appealing small parks in the city, Soho Cross Road, Shaftsbury Avenue, and Regent Street was laid Square, which is a must-see on warm days. It’s surrounded out in the late 17th century and initially attracted mostly by fashionable houses and offi ces, and when the sun is out, working-class immigrants. As adjacent areas became more you’ll see scads of “family” out lying or sitting cross-legged on desirable, Soho steadily declined in respectability, to the point the grass - it’s a lovely place to picnic, cruise, and enjoy a little that by the middle of the 19th century, the warren of crowded break from central London’s sometimes intense crowds. lanes had become overrun with brothels and music halls. This Dining is one of the Soho’s leading draws. For light snack- legacy would eventually secure Soho’s place as the heart of ing, just stroll along Old Compton Street, and you’ll discover London’s West End theater scene - it remains a popular neigh- a slew of gay-popular places serving espressos, sandwiches, borhood for catching a musical. The London Theatre Guide’s and international fast-food. Among cafes, the Soho branch of website (www.londontheatre.co.uk) is an excellent resource for the popular London franchise Patisserie Valerie is a good bet, fi nding out what’s playing where and for booking tickets. with its addictive almond-frangipane tarts and fruit scones Soho’s louche Victorian reputation carried well into the 20th with butter. For a more substantial meal, Balans is a clas- century, when its gritty vibe began to attract a fair share of sic choice for dinner - it’s in the very center of Soho’s gay bar bohemian sorts and intellectuals. In the 1950s, it became the action, and the staff and crowd are good-hearted, lively, and heart of the city’s jazz scene. Leading rock and punk musi- chatty. The kitchen turns out commendable international fare cians performed in clubs and recorded in studios in Soho at reasonable prices - try the Thai crab cakes with a honey- during subsequent decades. The neighborhood’s freewheeling, miso dipping sauce, or tapenade-crusted cod with crushed countercultural attitude made it a naturally appealing hub for new potatoes and tomato-and-red-onion salad. London’s emerging gay community, and by the 1980s, Soho An icon among London’s gay cafes, First Out opened in had begun to glow pink, especially along Old Compton Street, 1986 and has enjoyed a phenomenal lesbian and gay following which remains the most queer-visible thoroughfare in the city. ever since. It’s a great little community hub serving creative In more recent years, Soho has continued developing an veggie cuisine (falafel, curries, pastas) and fair-trade organic coffee. A cheery little bar in the basement is popular with after-work types for wines by the glass, imported beers, and designer cocktails. Although mixed male/female most of the time, First Out draws a mostly lesbian crowd on Friday nights. Along Frith Street, which is rife with excellent eateries, drop by stylish Barrafi na for such authentic Spanish tapas as octo- pus grilled with capers, and chorizo sausage with potatoes and watercress. Boheme Kitchen earns high marks for its stellar contemporary European fare and rustic decor (exposed brick walls, wood-plank fl oors) - it’s a favorite for weekend brunch (try the scrambled eggs with smoked salmon). Tasty, affordable ethnic fare is easy to come by in Soho - consider Imli for superb and creative Indian fare, including cumin-mint tilapia with a pine-nut coriander sauce; and Bar Shu for tantalizingly good Szechwan cuisine amid artful surroundings. Much of the city’s hard-core gay-clubbing action has moved to the scruffy but much-hyped South London neighborhood

14 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 friend, or join the masses outside on the sidewalk, smoking up a storm (London bars are smoke-free inside). Across the street from Comptons, the Admiral Duncan has been a fi xture in Soho for years, and it remains a friendly, attitude-free place to mix with locals of all ages. Other Soho gay bars of note include Barcode, with its busy downstairs dance fl oor, a cruisy male crowd, and comedy shows on Tuesday nights; and Village Soho, a hip and en- ergetic spot known for its buff go-go boys. Rupert Street is an unpretentious and friendly gay pub serving drinks and reasonably good pub food, from burgers to traditional sticky toffee pudding. It’s a bit airier and less stuffy than some of its neighbors, and it draws a convivial all-ages bunch. The neighborhood may have lost its reputation for hardcore adult entertainment, but Soho still has a number of boutiques selling gay fashion and underwear, adult movies and mags, and various Pride novelties and gifts - defi nitely check out Boy on Old Compton Street and Prowler on Brewer Street for the best selection of these items. Soho doesn’t have much in the way of accommodations, but you will fi nd one gay-popular gem, Hazlitt’s, set along trendy Frith Street. The smartly decorated, mid-priced boutique hotel occupies three adjoining Georgian houses. Guest rooms are decorated with gilt-frame paintings, four-poster beds, and unfussy but elegant antiques, along with such modern touches as fl at-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is named for early 19th-century essayist (and confi dant of the gay poet Byron) William Hazlitt, who lived and died in one of the terraced homes that make up the hotel. Another fi ne option is the Soho Hotel, Soho’s famed Candy Bar is one of the most popular lesbian nightlife venues in London. a sophisticated 91-room property just (Photo by Andrew Collins) off Dean Street that occupies a soaring loft-style brick building. Rooms have high ceilings and huge windows, and some of Vauxhall (a.k.a. “Voho”), where countless discos lie side- have terraces overlooking the neighborhood. The hotel’s swish by-side beneath an expanse of railway arches near Waterloo Refuel Bar & Restaurant serves very good mod-British fare, Station. Still, good old Soho claims a couple of world-famous such as roast monkfi sh with olive-tomato salsa, and a salad of queer clubs and legions of smaller, convivial gay pubs. shaved fennel, feta, bacon, and chives. Heaven, one of Europe’s defi nitive gay discos, is a wild show For sheer luxury and supremely personal service, it’s hard that keeps busy until 5 in the morning. Ku Bar is fun and to beat the Radisson Edwardian Mayfair, a sleekly restored stylish, catering to a stand-and-model under-30s set, while G- 1927 grande dame that’s a favorite of celebrities and discern- A-Y Bar is Soho’s premier see-and-be-seen hangout - lesbians ing travelers in the know. The swank suites with ornate design tend toward the intimate basement lounge, while the other themes are a big draw, but even the standard rooms here are three fl oors draw a mix of women and men. It can get a bit spacious and sumptuously furnished - the hotel is in ritzy touristy here, but that also means it’s an easy place to meet Mayfair, an easy walk to Soho nightlife. If the nonstop revelry folks visiting London from all over the world. At G-A-Y Bar, and merriment of Soho proves a bit exhausting to you, this you can learn the latest about upcoming G-A-Y Club parties discreet property on a quiet lane near leafy Green Park may - these wildly popular events take place several days a week just be the perfect place to rest your head each evening. (usually Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) at the Lon- don Astoria nightclub on Charing Cross Road. Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA and eight additional travel guides. Candy Bar is Soho’s most inspired lesbian hangout, offering up a good mix of music, drinks, and entertainment, including strippers. On Wardour Street, stop by the Duke of Wellington pub to check out the multi-generational, mixed-gender bunch of revelers. Edge is a distinctively decorated (note the huge fi sh The Little Black Book tank as well as a baby grand piano) four-story club overlook- Balans (www.balans.co.uk). Barcode (www.bar-code.co.uk). Barrafina (www.barrafina.co.uk). Bar Shu (www. ing Soho Square and drawing a fairly professional bunch of bar-shu.co.uk). Boheme Kitchen (www.bohemekitchen.co.uk). Candy Bar (www.thecandybar.co.uk). Comptons of women and men. If it’s cabaret you’re into, check out 79 Char- Soho (www.comptons-of-soho.co.uk). Edge (www.edgesoho.co.uk). First Out (www.firstoutcafebar.com). G-A-Y ing Cross Road, which presents popular piano entertainment Bar (www.g-a-y.co.uk/bar.asp). G-A-Y Club (www.g-a-y.co.uk). Hazlitt’s (www.hazlittshotel.com). Heaven (www. nightly and also has a popular open-mic night on Sundays. heaven-london.com). Imli (www.imli.co.uk). Ku Bar (www.ku-bar.co.uk). London Theatre Guide (www.londontheatre. co.uk). Patisserie Valerie (www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk). Radisson Edwardian Mayfair (www.radissonedwardian. Bears and dressed-down types, mostly ages 35 and older, com/londonuk_mayfair). Rupert Street (www.rupertstreet.com). 79 Charing Cross Road (www.79cxr.co.uk). Soho pack into Comptons of Soho - head for the cozy upstairs Hotel (www.firmdale.com). Village (www.village-soho.co.uk). Visit London’s official Gay and Lesbian Guide (www. lounge if you’re looking for a quiet spot to chat with a new visitlondon.com/people/gay)

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 15 Events Listing Find out what’s happening

Money-Pennies 9 Battistella 54 Calgary Listings 1742 - 10 Ave SW • (403) 263-7411 Bathhouse and Sauna’s 192 15th Avenue SW • (403) 290-1664 Goliath’s 6 http://www.money-pennies.com www.battistella.ca 308 - 17 Ave SW • (403) 229-0911 Looking for a new twist on the dance floor? DJ Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Dr. Beverly Osachoff Accommodations Curtis will be in from 9pm-1am playing all your http://www.goliaths.ca (403) 253-3103 Westways Guest House 13 favorites old a new on a dedicated dance floor. [email protected] 216 - 25 Ave SW • (403) 229-1758 That’s right no dancing around tables and chairs! http://www.acupuncturehealthcalgary.com http://www.gaywestways.com Businesses As always, shooter special all night long. Don’t A Little More Interesting 51 Traditional Chinese Medicine forget we also have our almost world famous wings 1501B, 17th Avenue SW •(403) 475-7775 Courtney Aarbo 24 Bars and Clubs on for 25 cents each from 3-8 pm every Saturday. http://wwww.alittlemoreinteresting.com 1138 Kensington Road NW • (403) 571-5120 BackLot 3 Come on out and shake your booty on our dance http://www.csalaw.ca 209 - 10 Ave SW • (403) 265-5211 floor! Adult Depot Open 7 days a week, 4pm-close 140, 58th Ave SW •(403) 258-2777 Barristers & solicitors Texas Lounge 6 Sex toys, and Straight, Bi, Gay video rentals, largest Cruiseline Calgary Eagle Inc. 4 308 - 17 Ave SW • (403) 229-0911 Gay video rental collection in Alberta (403) 777-9494 trial code 3500 424a - 8 Ave SE • (403) 263-5847 Open 7 days a week, 11am-close http://www.cruiseline.ca Open Wed-Sun 5pm-close http://www.goliaths.ca B & C Financial Services http://www.calgaryeagle.com 9298 Horton Road SW • (403) 250-5578 Phone chat room & talking classifieds for 18+ Twisted Element 33 Cabin Fever!! - Thursday, August 7, 2008 at Insurance Deva Dave Salon 32 1006 11th Ave SW • (403) 802-0230 9:00pm 910 12th Avenue SW • (403) 290-1973 http://www.twistedelement.ca Barbies Shop 48 1313 16th Avenue SW • (403) 262-8265 http://www.devadave.com [email protected] http://www.barbiesshop.com

16 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 La Fleur 41 Rick Grenier, Invis Mortgage Solutions Join us for our AGM. Tuesday, October 21, 5:00pm format as last year. Games are at the North Hill #103 - 100 7th Avenue SW (403) 862-1162 at the Red and White Club Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street N.W.) with two draws (403) 266-1707 [email protected] on Saturdays: 2:20 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Alberta Society for Kink Florist Shop Marriage Commissioner (403) 398-9968 • albetasocietyforkink@ Sunday Intermediate/Competitive Volleyball - YWCA Lorne Doucette /CIR Realtors Reymark hotmail.com (320, 5th Avenue SE, Calgary). Join us weekly from (403) 461-9195 Able Craftsman, Your home renovation specialist http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group. 4:15pm – 6:30pm. In the Fall season will last from http://www.lornedoucette.com (403) 478-2411 • [email protected] albertasocietyforkink Sep. 7 to Dec. 14 - no volleyball on Oct. 12. This Weekly Meet and Greets. Mondays from 7pm- is for experienced players. You can sign up for the Marnie Campbell /Maxwell Realtors R. Cobalt 45 9:30pm season or drop-in. For more info, go to our website (403) 479-8619 http://www.marniecambell.ca 735 12th Avenue SW • (403) 228-7822 at www.apollocalgary.com/apollo/volleyball. Hair & Aesthetics Kinky Flea Market - Saturday, October 18th (12pm- MFM Communications 5pm). Forest Heights Community Centre (4909 Friday Recreational Volleyball - Langevin School (403) 543-6970 Sandra G. Sebree 52 Forego Ave SE). Admission $3. Call for more info. (107, 6A Street NE, Calgary). Join us for a casual http://www.mfmcommunications.com 1610 17th Avenue SW • (403) 228-8108 volleyball game from 7pm to 9pm every Friday. Web site hosting and development. Computer [email protected] Apollo Calgary Friends in Sports In the Fall, we will play from Sep. 12 to Dec. 12 Hardware and Software. Barrister & Solicitor http://www.apollocalgary.com - no voleyball on Oct. 10, Nov. 21, Nov. 28. All More Better Buses Sol Sourced Weddings Apollo Friends In Sports is a volunteer-operated, are welcome. This is for all skill levels, including (403) 651-1692 (403) 270-9480 non-profit organization serving primarily members recreational players and beginners. You can sign Providing unique, comfortable & affordable http://www.solsourcedweddings.com of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered up for the season or drop-in. For more info, go to transportation. Charter us for: High School Wedding Commissioner communities but open to members of all our website at www.apollocalgary.com/apollo/ Graduations, Senior Groups, Pub Crawls and communities. We currently have more than 400 volleyball. Vandrea Jewellers 53 Sporting Events members and are growing fast! The primary focus 1127 17th Avenue SW • (403) 244-2832 of Apollo is to provide our membership with well Rainbow Riders Bowling League - Let’s 10 Pin The Pet Stop [email protected] organized and fun sporting events and other Bowlerama, 2916 5 Avenue NE, Wednesdays, 7PM 507, 2355 - 162 Avenue SW •(403) 256-2224 http://www.vandrea.ca activities to allow them to participate and interact in (Sept 3, 2008 - March 4, 2009). COST: Nightly - $17.00/night ($12.50 for lineage; $4.50 in prize Priape Calgary 16 a positive social framework. money) and shoe rental is $2.50 Register at Let’s 1322 - 17 Ave SW • (403) 215-1800 Community Groups and Absolutely Smashing Badminton - Absolutely Bowl on September 3, at 6:45pm. http://www.priape.com Organizations Smashing! at St. Martha School (6020 4th Avenue Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, NE), Wednesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Oct. 8 to Dec. Calgary Frontrunners - Saturdays at 9am. Coffee movies and magazines. Gifts. Junkies (7th Street and 1st Avenue SW). Distance Aids Calgary 2 10, Jan. 7 to Apr. 1. Fees: Per session: $4 for Apollo varies. 8km-15km. Runners from 6 minute/mile to Rev. Nadene Rogers 110, 1603 10th Avenue SW • (403) 508-2500 member, $5 for non-members. Season’s pass $75. 9+ minute miles. During the summer we attempt (403) 247-0602 http://www.aidscalgary.org Curling - The 18th season of Apollo Curling will to have evening runs during the week. Our Saturday http://www.weddingsmyway.com begin on October 18, 2008, with the same general runs are always at 9am year round. For more Marriage Commissioner gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 17 information, contact Tim at (403) 660-6125 or resident Nikki B Nottie. Held at the Calgary Eagle - Heading Out environment in which diversity is embraced in their e-mail [email protected]. Also, don’t September 18th - Cabin Fever Back to Old School Peer group for men who are looking for an schools and community. forget to choose running as one of your interests in alternative social activity to the bar. Activities vary Party at the Calgary Eagle Fake Mustache your www.MyApollo.org profile to ensure you are and are fun and entertaining. The group meets Calgary’s ONLY Drag King Show kept up-to-date! Calgary Gay Fathers the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month from 7 pm Soda Lounge: 211 - 12th Ave S.W. [email protected] to 9 pm. Outdoor Pursuits - In attempting to meet our http://www.geocities.com/calgaryfathers (403) 923-3953 members requests for diverse sporting activities we - Illusions Calgary http://www.miscyouth.com have formed the Apollo Outdoor Pursuits League! Peer support group for gay, bisexual and Social group for Calgary and area transgender [email protected] If it’s done outdoors we do it! (and occasionally questioning fathers. Meeting twice a month community members (cross dressers, transvestites, A benefit show for the Miscellaneous Youth Network, we venture indoors too). This summer we will be Calgary Men’s Chorus drag kings and queens). Illusions provides a safe, Fake Mustache is guaranteed to please! Come see hiking, biking, rock climbing, rafting and a whole http://www.calgarymenschorus.org discrete and welcoming atmosphere, in which our boys strut their stuff at Soda, the first Thursday bunch more. If you’re interested in any of these transgendered people can meet others of like mind. of every month. $5 cover. $2 cover under 18. or something else completely, get in touch with Do you like to sing? Come out and join the Calgary Illusions offers discretion, acceptance, compassion Advance tickets available at Barbies Shop. All Ages us. Tired of playing alone outdoors? Well this is Men’s Chorus. Rehearsals take place weekly on and a safe place to express your gender. Cross- show starts at 7:30. 18+ show starts at 10:15. a GREAT opportunity to participate in events you Tuesday nights from 7 pm to 9:30 pm at the Old Y dressing is the purpose of the group, but is not Gay Prairie Alumni enjoy doing with other interested members of the Centre for Community Organizations, located at 223 mandatory. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayprairiealumni/ community. To be added to the distribution list for 12 Avenue SW. - Inside Out This group is for all gay/lesbian/transgendered regular updates please email outdoorpursuits@ A Christmas Carol - Saturday, December 20, 2008 Peer-facilitated youth group for GLBTQ ages 15-25. alumni of Prairie Bible Institute and/or Prairie apollocalgary.com. at 8:00 pm. Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary. The group aims to let youth know they are not High School in Three Hills, Alberta. It’s purpose Golf - Contact [email protected],. Duality - Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 8:00 pm. alone, and to connect them with their peers. Every is twofold: First, social -- to renew old friendships Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary Monday, 7 pm to 9pm at GLCSA. It is a funky and and make new ones. Second -- to talk about Lawn Bowling - For more information, please safe environment with a variety of resources and our common experiences as gay people at a contact Chris or Phil at lawnbowling@ Calgary Sexual Health Centre activities. fundamentalist school. Any other questions, please apollocalgary.com. 304, 301 14th Street NW • (403) 283-5580 feel free to ask. http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca - New Directions Apollo Slow Pitch - takes place from Friday, May 9, Calgary Sexual Health Centre is a pro-choice Drop in peer-support group to provide support and Gay Readers Book Club 2008 until the end of August at the West Hillhurst organization that believes all people have the right resources for individuals who identify as transsexual Interested in poetry, prose & literature? Want to Community Centre (18th Street and 5th Avenue and ability to make their own choices regarding or inter-sexed. The group meets every 3rd Friday of meet like-minded gay men? Then come to our NW, East Field), from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. their sexual and reproductive health. Calgary the month from 7 pm to 9 pm at GLCSA. meeting at Good Earth Cafe, 1502 - 11th Street SW Apollo Tennis - Thursday evenings from 7 pm to 9 Sexual Health Centre started as a volunteer based, at 7:30pm the last Tuesday of each month. If you are transsexual, or know of someone who pm at West Hillhurst Racquet Centre from May 17th grassroots organization and has been providing is, please contact our office for information and Girl Friends to September 13th. The address is 1940 6 Ave NW. comprehensive sexuality education and counselling assistance. You are not alone! There is support! http://members.shaw.ca/girlfriends It is weather dependent, therefore we won’t play programs to the Calgary community since 1972. in either strong wind or rain. The fees are $3 for - SHEQ Soulful Healing Ego Quest Taste Buds Bi-Monthly Dinner Event - Saturday, Apollo members and $5 for non members . Pop and Calgary Outlink Formerly know as GLCSA A workshop for women that want to be themselves October 18th (7:00pm). Dae Jang Geum Korean water is $1 each. - Gay And Lesbian Community Services in a supportive, safe environment. It is a chance Resaurant(1324 10th Avenue SW). We’re Association 1 to grow and share their experiences related to continuing our “taste around the globe” with a Yoga - Have you always wondered about yoga? #4, 1230A 17th Avenue SW • (403) 234-8973 women’s sexuality. Runs for a ten week period on Korean theme this time! Please join us for an What really is down-dog? Do you think touching http://www.calgaryoutlink.com Thursdays at 7pm. Call Trudy or Krista at 585- evening of good food and of course great company! your feet with your legs straight is just humanly 7437. To participate, please call the exclusive We have booked a private room at the Dae Jang impossible? For the second year, Ki Essentials is Peer Support and Crisis Line - Front-line help service SHEQ line at 585-7437 (you may leave a voice Geum restaurant. The restaurant is in a strip mall offering an exclusive yoga class to Apollo members for GLBT individuals and their family and friends, or message for Trudy or Krista) or leave your name with additional parking available on the street. and friends. This class comprises of weekly 90- anyone questioning their sexuality. and a contact time/number with the Gay & Lesbian One of the specialties you may wish to order is the minute sessions that focus on basic poses and Library - A great selection of resource books, fiction, Community Services Association at 234-8973. Korean BBQ where you cook your food at the table. proper alignment, and are conducted in a fun and non-fiction, videos and everything in between, all If that’s not your preference there are other meals supportive environment. This is a multi-level yet - Womynspace with a queer perspective. to choose from. Seating is limited for this event. beginner friendly class. No previous experience Peer social/support group for women providing an Please rsvp by Wednesday, October 15th so we can is required. Registration fee: $126.00 (for all Drop-In Center - A safe and supportive environment evening of fun, bonding, discussion and activities. try to accommodate everyone. sessions plus two free passes to Ki Essentials), for one-to-one peer counseling for many issues Meets every first and third Friday 7pm to 9pm at Apollo membership is required. Mat rental: $1.00, surrounding family, coming out, homosexuality, GLCSA. Games Night - Saturday, November 15th (7:00pm). Dates: 10 weeks, starting April 14, 2008, Time: loneliness and other issues. Tuscany Club (212 Tuscany Way NW). Back by Deer Park United Church and Wholeness 7:45 - 9:15 pm. Please note no classes Victoria popular demand is our second annual Games Night. - Between Men and Between Men Online Centre Day. Drop-ins for this class are offered on a first- Join us for an evening of cards, poker and board Peer support, sexual health education for gay 77 Deerpoint Road SE - (403) 278-8263 come-first-serve basis. Space is limited so please games. Don’t worry if you haven’t played many or bisexual men, as well as those who may be http://www.dpuc.ca check ahead of time. Cost for drop-in is $15 for games before. We’ve arranged for some wonderful uncertain or questioning their sexuality. Discussions Worship Time - 10:00am Sundays womyn to coach new players on the rules of the Apollo members. range from personal relationship or life issues, to Different Strokes games. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be ARGRA – Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo sexual health and well-being. Meetings at GLCSA http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org provided. This will be an alcohol free event. If Association Tuesdays 7:00pm to 9:00pm Different Strokes Calgary (DSC) is a non-profit, you any special dietary needs, please let us know Hotline: (403) 541-8140 • http://www.argra.org - Calgary Networking Club volunteer run swim club inclusive of lesbians, gay so that we can try to accommodate you. The cost Dance - October 18, 2008 Calgary Networking Club (CNC) is back.... after a men, bisexuals and their straight friends, dedicated is $10 per person, payable at the event. You can Dance - November 15, 2008 5 year hiatus, CNC is meeting again in Calgary on to the master swim program philosophy of “fun access The Tuscany Club off of Tuscany Blvd which is off of Stoney Trail. Please RSVP by Thursday, Artists for the Quality of Life the first Thursday of every month. The networking and fitness for life” in an environment that is both November 13th so we can ensure we have enough (403) 890-1261 • http://www.afqol.com meetings are open to all individuals who would positive and supportive. like to promote their businesses or who would like food and drinks. Cabin Fever to meet new people - no business affiliation is Don’t Buy In Project 3RD THURSDAY every month, featuring UberHot necessary. http://www.dontbuyin.ca This Calgary Police Service Initiative aims to encourage youth to working towards an inclusive

18 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Girlsgroove Treasurer, Volunteer coordinator and 8 director Earth Cafe at 7:30pm (1502 - 11 Street SW). “Yeah... What She Said!” http://www.girlsgroove.ca positions: 1 year term. Bylaws will also be up for Thursday, October 16th - General Meeting at Money Every Monday evening from 8:30-9:00pm review. CJSW 90.9 FM HIV Peer Support Group Pennies 7:30pm (1742 10th Avenue SW). [email protected] (403) 230-5832 Pride Rainbow Project Saturday, October 18th - Bears Dine out and Casino [email protected] [email protected] Night at Casino Calgary, 1420 Meridian Road NE, YouthSafe http://www.priderainbowproject.com Calgary, AB. Meet in the Casino restaurant at 7;00 http://www.youthsafe.net ISCCA – Imperial Sovereign Court of the PM, please RSVP via e-mail to gerrynbrad@ Chinook Arch The Pride Rainbow Project was started in Fall 2003 Alberta’s website for youth with sex-and-gender shaw.ca so that we can make the appropriate diner http://www.iscca.ca by 4 youth of the Unitarian Church of Calgary. differences. Youthsafe.net lists the resources, reservation. The Pride Rainbow Project is a project designed information and services to help youth find safe and Tuesday - Shooter at Texas Lounge 308b 17ave to show support for same-sex marriage in Canada Saturday, October. 25th - Bear Bar Night at the caring spaces in Alberta. SW 8:00 and elsewhere. It is a fabric rainbow banner Calgary Eagle after 10:00pm (424A 8th Avenue Friday - Shooters and BBQ at the Backlot 209 approximately 5 feet wide, and the goal is to make SE). 10ave SW 5:30 Restaurants it 3.2km (2 miles) long, in order to break the world Saturday Shooters at Texas Lounge 308b 17 ave Safety Under The Rainbow Calgary Eagle Inc. 4 record (set by a group in Florida at 1.25 miles)! SW 8:00 http://www.safetyrainbow.ca 424a - 8 Ave SE • (403) 263-5847 It contains the 6 colours of the pride flag: Red, Sunday BBQ at the Eagle 424 8 ave SE 5:30 http://www.calgaryeagle.com Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple. The project Mission: To raise awareness and understanding of Birds of a Feather...A FLOCKING good Reason to is youth run, but anyone can help!. same-sex domestic violence and homophobic youth Money-Pennies 9 Give - Thanksgiving Drag Show, At Money-Pennies, bullying. 1742 - 10 Ave SW • (403) 263-7411 9:00pm Primetimers Calgary [email protected] Sharp Foundation Prelude to Fright Night - Halloween Kickoff Drag http://www.primetimerscalgary.com Phone: (403) 272-2912 Theatre and Art Show for Charity, at the Calgary Eagle, 9:00pm [email protected] Alberta Ballet Turnabout. Drag Switch Night...DAMN IS THIS Prime Timers Calgary is designed to foster social http://www.thesharpfoundation.com http://www.albertaballet.com interaction for its members through a variety of GONNA BE SCARY, at the Calgary Eagle, 9:00pm ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects 36 social, educational and recreational activities. It is Travel Masters - Need a vacation?, Ed Smith at Phone: (403) 294-7402 All monies raised go to Charity: Agape Manor, open to all gay and bisexual men of any age and Travel Masters has agreed to donate 25% of http://www.ATPlive.com Beswick House, HIV Peer Support, Artists for Quality respects whatever degree of anonymity that each his profit from WestJet bookings to The SHARP of Life, Children’s Wish Foundation member desires. Foundation. So before you plan your next trip with AXIS Contemporary Art Knox United Church Oct. 1 - Free Pool at the Eagle WestJet, email Ed at TravelMasters 107, 100 – 7 Ave. SW • (403) 262-3356 506 - 4th Street S.W. • (403) 269-8382 Oct. 4 - Coffee at Midtown Co-op 1130- 11 Ave. Urban Sex [email protected] http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca/ S.W. Meet at 10:00 am http://www.cjsw.com Broadway Across Canada Oct. 5 - Monthly gathering at MoneyPennies around Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca 4:00pm Radio Show – Every Wednesday from 9-10pm. located in downtown Calgary. A variety of facility Oct. 8 - Free Pool at the Eagle Focus on sexuality; gay bisexual lesbian trans Fairytales International Gay & Lesbian Film rentals are also available for meetings, events and Oct. 11 - Coffee at Midtown Co-op 1130- 11 Ave. gendered and straight issues here in Calgary and Festival concerts. S.W. Meet at 10:00 am around the web. Listen on CJSW FM 90.9. http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com Worship Services Oct. 15 - Free Pool at the Eagle Western Canada Bigmen and Admirers Lisa Hienricks (Artist) 43 Wednesdays - Communion Service 12:10 pm Oct. 18 - Coffee at Midtown Co-op 1130- 11 Ave. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ Art Central, lower level, 100 7th Ave SW Sundays - 11:00 a.m. September to June S.W. Meet at 10:00 am. ARGRA Dance WesternCanadaBigmenGroup/ http://www.creamydreamy.com Oct. 21 - Card Night at Harvey & Tony’s.Meet for Sundays - 10:30 a.m. in summer July and August. [email protected] dinner at MoneyPennies for the Tuesday special One Yellow Rabbit 35 NETWORKS before cards.Games to begin around 7:30. If Vigor Calgary Big Secret Theatre – EPCOR CENTRE for the (403) 293-3356 attending please call them at 547-9129. (403) 255-7004 Performing Arts • (403) 299-8888 A social, cultural, and service organization for Oct. 22 - Free Pool at the Eagle http://www.vigorcalgary.ca/ http://www.oyr.org the mature minded and “Plus 40” gay, lesbian, Oct. 25 - Coffee at Midtown Co-op 1130- 11 Ave. Violence in Gay Male Relationships (VIGOR) is a bisexual, and transgendered individuals seeking to Pumphouse Theatre 37 S.W. Meet at 10:00 am committee of professionals dedicated to increasing meet with others at age-appropriate activities within 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW • (403) 263-0079 Oct. 29 - Free Pool at the Eagle the awareness of gay men’s domestic violence and apositive, safe, non-threatening and nurturing http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca the services available to them. environment. Queers on Campus, (Formerly GLASS) 279R Student Union Club Spaces Positive Space Committee at Mount Royal University of Calgary College http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW (403) 220-6394 Phone: 403-440-6383 http://www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace Rainbow Community Church [email protected] Hillhurst United Church 1227 Kensington Close N.W. The Positive Space Committee at Mount Royal http://www.rainbowcommunitychurch.ca College works to raise awareness and challenge [email protected] the patterns of silence that continue to marginalize lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered, two-spirited The Rainbow Community Church is an all-inclusive and queer (LGBTTQ) individuals. church. Everyone is welcome (and we mean it!). Services are held every Sunday afternoon at 4:00 Pride Calgary PM. (403) 262-3410 • http://www.pridecalgary.ca Rocky Mountain Bears Annual General Meeting - October 6, 2008 http://www.rockymountainbears.com (7:30pm). Knox United Church (506 - 4th Street SW). Positions up for election are Male Monday, October 6th - Bear Coffee Night @ Good Co-Chair:2year term, Female Co-chair, Secretary,

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 19 Stagewest everyone is naked, and it does not include sexual Edmonton STD 4 Bathhouse and Sauna’s activity. Therefore participants do not need to be 11111 Jasper Ave 727 42 Avenue SE • (403) 243-6642 Down Under Baths 7 http://www.stagewestcalgary.com gay, only male, but almost all participants over the 12224 Jasper Ave •(780) 482-7960 Edmonton Vocal Minority years do self-describe as being gay or bisexual. Theatre Junction http://www.gayedmonton.com/ http://www.evmchoir.com Camp fYrefly Phone: 780-479-2038 http://www.theatrejunction.com Steamers 10 7-104 Department of Educational Policy Studies 9668 Jasper Avenue • (780) 422-2581 Free To Be volleyball Vertigo Mystery Theatre 34 Faculty of Education, University of Alberta Amiskiwcy Academy, 101 Airport Rd. (near the 161, 115 – 9 Ave SE • (403) 221-3708 Steamworks 11 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5 downtown airport) Every Wednesday and Thursday http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com 11745 Jasper Ave• (780) 451-5554 http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca night, 8pm-10pm. Wednesday night recreational http://www.steamworksedmonton.com/ Edmonton Pride Week Society level: All players and skill levels welcome. Contact Edmonton Listings http://www.prideedmonton.org Marc for more information: padremark@hotmail. com, Tel: (780) 445-0365. Thursday night Businesses Pride Week 2009 - Age of Aqueerius, June 12 to Bars and Clubs intermediate level: Coaching and drills provided. Cruiseline 21, 2009 Boots Bar and Lounge 5 (780) 413-7122 trial code 3500 Contact Alex for more information: flipside@telus. 10242 106th St • (780)423-5014 http://www.cruiseline.ca ERBA - Edmonton Rainbow Business net, Tel: (780) 424-9984. (Please note that there http://www.bootsbar.ca/ Phone chat room & talking classifieds for 18+ Association is limited space on the intermediate night) #3379, 11215 Jasper Avenue • (780) 4915- Buddy’s Nite Club 6 HIV Network Of Edmonton Society 3 4458 11725 Jasper Ave • (780) 488-6636 11456 Jasper Ave Community Groups and http://www.edmontonrba.org http://www.buddysedmonton.com http://www.hivedmonton.com Organizations Our primary focus is the provision of networking PLAY Nightclub (Opening Fri. Sept 19) 13 Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose opportunities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and 10220 103 Street •[email protected] Beef Bear Bash http://www.gayedmonton.org http://www.playnightclub.ca transgendered (GLBT) owned or operated and www.bearbeef.org GLBT-friendly businesses in the Edmonton region. IAmateur Drag King Contest - Friday, October 17, Prism Bar & Grill 8 Bar Night Membership is open to all kinds of entrepreneurs, 2008 (10:00AM - 12:00AM) at 10524 101st St • (780) 990-0038 October 4th, 8:00pm from tradespeople to professionals to commission Prism Bar & Grill, 10524 101st Street. Join new http://www.prismbar.ca Boots and Saddles (10242 106 Street) salespeople. members of the court try their hand at being a The Roost (Now Closed) 9 Buck Naked Boys Club (Edmonton) The Edmonton Rainbow Business Association After drag king. The winner of this event will be asked 10345 104th St • (780) 426-3150 Naturism club for men. Business Mixers. Held on the second Wednesday of to compete in the Hey Drag Queen/King contest http://www.theroostniteclub.com Meets the second Saturday of each month. every month 5:30 – 7:30 pm later this year. (780) 471-6993 Edmonton Illusions Social Club Woody’s 12 October 14, 2008 - Prism Bar & Grill (10524-101 http://www.bucknakedboys.ca The Edmonton Illusions Social Club meets the 11725 Jasper Ave • (780) 488-6557 Street) Our club has been meeting continuously for over 10 second Thursday of each month at Boots Bar&Grill, November 11, 2008 - Garage Burger Bar (10244- 10242-106St, Edmonton. For info go to http:// years. The similar club in Calgary ceased to exist 106 Street) several years ago. Naturism is being social while groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions/ or call 780-387-3343. 20 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Northern Chaps visit http://www.primetimersww.org/edmonton/, or 7-10pm. There are chipminks at the top so be $149.00 +GST / 10 weeks. To register call: http://www.northernchaps.com attend a monthly meeting. careful of your food. All level of hikers welcome (780)469-3281. - this is not technical but simply a whole bunch of Northern Chaps is Edmonton’s original leather, - Suit Up and Show Up Group BOOTCAMP - The group meets at the Oliver hard work. Ride sharing is available. Approximate latex, fetish, uniform club. We have been in Community Hall from 7-8:15 pm every Monday Big Book Study of Alcoholics Anonymous. Saturdays cost of ride share is $15.00 per person and $15 existence officially since 1987 but have been in and Thursday night. The hall is located at 10326 at 12 noon. At Pride Centre for dinner and drinks after the hike. To confirm existence originally around 1982 in Edmonton, -118 Street. There is no bootcamp on September - Sick and tired of being sick and tired? your participation contact Barb at dayhikes@ Alberta, Canada. Everyone is welcome to join or 1st for the long weekend. Bootcamp will run teamedmonton.ca attend events Escape Cocaine. Thursdays 7-8pm @ the Pride biweekly outdoors until the end of September. In Centre. BADMINTON - Women’s Drop-In Recreational October bootcamp will move indoors and be held Pride Centre of Edmonton 1 - YouthSpace Badminton, The season runs from October 3 on Monday nights. For more information about 95A St. and 111 Ave. • (780) 488-3234 2007 through March 19 2008. badminton@ bootcamp, email [email protected] An after-school drop-in program for gay, lesbian, teamedmonton.ca - Bears Movie Night bisexual, trans-identified, queer, questioning and BOWLING Northern Titans Bowling resumes on Bears club of Edmonton meets the last Sunday of allied (GLBTQQ&A) youth under 25. BALLROOM DANCING - The Beginner Ballroom Saturday September 29. Every Saturday 5 to 7pm, program is designed for people who have no GATEWAY LANES at #100 3414 Gateway Blvd the month for movies 1- 6 pm in the TV room at the Open Tuesday to Friday 3:00pm-7:00pm and previous dance instruction and have the desire $15.00 per person. [email protected] Pride Centre of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: Saturday 2:00pm-7:00pm Located at the Pride to gain confidence on the social dance floor. (780) 488-3234 Centre of Edmonton 9540 - 111 Avenue Contact CURLING WITH PRIDE - The 2008-2009 Season The Beginner program focuses on the four most - Trans Education/Support Group [email protected] or 488- will soon be starting! Planning is underway for the common social dances, Waltz, Jive, Foxtrot and season, and ice we’re inviting any new players and Support and education for all transsexual, 3234 for more info.” Rumba. If you can do these four dances, you can teams interested in playing to get in touch with transgendered, intersexed, two-spirited and - Men’s HIV Support Group dance the night away at most social events! You us through September. Curling with Pride is a fun questioning individuals meets 1st and 3rd Sundays Will be meeting on each second Monday of the will learn how to do the basic steps and two to league, open to members of the Greater Edmonton of each month, 2-4 pm at the Pride Centre month. At the Pride Center, Edmonton Starting in three patterns in each dance. You will learn to GLBT community, their friends and families. No of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) April, from 7pm to 9pm. recognize when to use these dances, and you will experience is necessary and pre-season clinics are 488-3234 - GLBT Seniors Drop IN learn basic technique, like frame and posture. arranged each year to provide opportunities to - Sunday Night Mens Discussion Group *Students may take level 2 upon completion of learn the basics or, for more experienced players, Every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4pm Pride the beginner course. *All gender combinations of Mens social and discussion group meets every to improve on skills. Skill level within the league Centre (95A St. and 111 Ave.), The Pride Centre dancers are welcome. *Partners are not required. Sunday @ 7 pm at the Pride Centre of Edmonton ranges from very experienced Brier hopefuls to raw is thrilled to introduce a new program serving our Absolute Beginner Session Dates: September 21st 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: 488-3234, Contact: Rob beginners, but all are drawn to the league for a GLBT seniors. Hosted by Jeff Bovee, contact the - November 30th, January 18th - March 29th, Wells - [email protected] Centre at 488-3234 for more info. fun, social and GLBT-positive sporting experience. April 19th - July 5th. Sundays 7:30-8:30pm at Monday nights, 7:15 - 9:15 pm, Granite Curling - Youth Understanding Youth PURE Foot Notes Dance Studio 9708-45 Avenue NW. Club, 16 games - Oct 27 to March 2nd. Opening Youth support and social group meets every http://www.pureedmonton.com Saturday from 7 to 9 pm at the Pride Centre of [email protected] Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) 488- 3234 Contact: [email protected] (www.members. Pure:Stephan shaw.ca/yuy ) Sat. September 20th, Doors at 9pm PLAY Nightclub (10220 – 103 Street) - Womonspace Robertson-Wesley United Church (780) 482-1794. • [email protected] 10209 123 St. NW www.gaycanada.com/womonspace (780) 482-1587 A non-profit lesbian organization established for http://www.rwuc.org • [email protected] Edmonton and surrounding areas. Organized Worship Sunday morning at 10:30 am. People of activities include: licenced non-smoking dances; all sexual orientations welcome. Join us for Soul coffee houses; family events; games nights; golf OUTing, an LGBT-focused alternative worship, tournaments; and more. Memberships available, on the third Sunday of each month at 7:00 PM. which also includes confidential bi-monthly Other LGBT events include a monthly book club Newsletters. and a bi-monthly film night. As a caring spiritual October A. G. M. & Dance. Saturday, October 25, community, we’d love to have you join us! 2008, Bellevue Community Hall 7:00 PM to 8:30 Team Edmonton PM. Annual General Meeting. 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. http://www.teamedmonton.ca Dance Admission: $10 members and $15 guests of members Members are invited to attend and help determine the board for the next term. If you are interested in - Prime Timers running for the board or getting involved in some (EPT) is a group of older gay men and their of the committees, please contact us. For more admirers who come from diverse backgrounds but information about the meeting or volunteering, have common social interests. We meet on the please contact [email protected] second Sunday of most months at the Unitarian September 20th (7:30am) - Day Hike. Kelsey’s Church of Edmonton (10804 - 119th Street) at Restaurant (104 Ave and 117 St). Spend a day 2:30 pm for a social period, a short business exploring the scenic surroundings of the Bald Hills meeting and then either a guest speaker, discussion in Jasper. This hike located near Maligne Lake is panel, or a potluck supper. Special interest groups described as moderate and offers some of the most meet for other social activities throughout the impressive views from the top. Hikers should be month. In July and August we have a BBQ or picnic prepared for Fall weather conditions and bring lots in lieu of a meeting and in December it’s replaced of water, lunch and suitable footware. The group with a Christmas party. EPT is affiliated with Prime will meet at Kelsey’s restaurant located at 104 Ave Timers World Wide. If you would like to know more and 117 St. and will return that evening between about our group, email [email protected],

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 21 Night Funspiel (October 27). St Paddy’s Day Cost is $5.00 per session. Ortona Gymnastics Club Broadway Across Canada Community Groups and Spiel and Awards (March 2). $250/person. Early (8755 - 50 Avenue). gymnastics@teamedmonton. http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca bird registration draw (2 prizes of $50 off fees) ca Exposure, Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Organizations register by 1 October 2008. Final registration date: ROLLER DERBY - If you can’t play nice, play E-ville. Festival 10 October, 2008. For more information or to Roller Derby, that is! E-Ville Roller Derby is a http://www.exposurefestival.ca/ Alberta Transgender Support and Activities submit a registration, contact us at 463-5942If community-wise sports initiative for adult females. Group you are interested in joining Curling with Pride Their purpose is for fun, friendly sports competition http://www.albertatrans.org for the 2008/2009 season contact curling@ among like-minded women. Their aim to promote teamedmonton.ca Banff/Canmore A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of an active lifestyle for women, to provide a safe where they may be on the continuum. CYCLING - Wednesdays 6:30 Various locations in environment for contact sports, and to encourage Listings Edmonton. [email protected] alternative sporting options for women. E-ville Mountain Pride Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition / Coalition OUTDOOR PURSUITS - For more information contact Roller Derby is recruiting skaters and referees for (403) 762-1947 santé arc-en-ciel Canada [email protected] their 2008 season. You need no prior experience in roller derby. They’ll teach you everything you http://www.gaybanff.com P.O. Box / C.P. 3043 RUNNING - Join the Arctic Frontrunners as they run need to know, including how to skate! Practices Serving the GLBTQS community in Banff, Canmore, Saskatoon SK Canada S7K 3S9 throught the scenic river valley this Fall. All genders are Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 Lake Louise and Area. 306-955-5135 and levels of runners and walkers are invited to join pm. E-mail [email protected] for more toll -free / sans frais 1-800-955-5129 this free activity. Runs begin every Sunday from information. fax/ télécopieur 306-955-5132 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the West end of Emily Lethbridge Listings http://www.rainbowhealth.ca Murphy Park. For more information, contact Bill at: Skiing and Snowboarding Weekend 2009 GALA/LA - Gay and Lesbian Alliance of http://www.santearc-en-ciel.ca [email protected] - Snowballs Part Deux. Gay-themed ski trips are rapidly gaining in popularity as gay men and Lethbridge and Area Egale Canada SWIMMING - Making Waves will resume swimming women head for the hills for snow, shopping and (403) 308-2893 (live on Mon. and Wed. evenings 8 Wellington St E, Third Floor in the Fall of 2008 at the NAIT swimming pool. The socializing. ‘Snowballs!’ is your chance to get until 11 p.m.) Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C5 first swim will be on Thursday September 4th at away from January 16-18, 2009. The early bird http://www.newgaylethbridge.ca 1-888-204-7777 toll free 7:30-8:30pm. Tuesday night swims are held from fee is $375, if paid by October 1, 2008. Final http://www.egale.ca 8-9pm. For more information contact swimming@ The Gay & Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area payments are due December 19, 2008. For more Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby teamedmonton.ca dance season begins Saturday, August 25 with information, contact organizers at snowballs@ the next to follow the last Saturday of each month organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, TENNIS - If you are interested in playing tennis, teamedmonton.ca, visit the Snowballs! Facebook (except December) until May. For more information trans-identified people and our families. please contact Sam or Tony and let them know. All group, or call Mike at 780-905-8180 or Aaron at on dances, monthly Pot-luck Dinners (all ages) and Membership fees are pay-what-you-can, although skill levels and genders welcome. The new time as 780-908-5151. other programs, visit the GALA/LA website at www. pre-authorized monthly donors are encouraged (and of September 7 will be every Sunday from 4-5:30 YOGA (HATHA) - Samsara Yoga will resume on newgaylethbridge.ca. Also our Support Line (403) get a free Egale Canada t-shirt). Egale has several pmat the outdoor tennis courts at the Kinsmen September 7th and continue every Sunday from 2- 308-2893 is open Monday OR Wednesday 7 pm committees that meet by teleconference on a Sports Centre. New players are always welcome. 3:30pm at Lion’s Breath Studio, located at #206, -11 pm (leave a message any other time). PFLAG regular basis; membership on these is national with [email protected] 10350-124 Street. All procedes from yoga classes offering support through Parents & Friends for members from every region of Canada. FREE TO BE VOLLEYBALL - The indoor season in September will be donated to HIV Edmonton Lesbians and Gays is available as well, call us any of Intermediate Free To Be Volleyball begins on Walk for Life. For more information, contact Romeo time for more information. Theatre and Art October 9 at Amiskiwaciy Academy located at 101 at [email protected] OUTtv Airport Road. The intermediate night is scheduled Soccer - will be on the South field of the Oliver http://www.outtv.ca for Thursday nights from 8-10pm. For more School every Thursday from 7 - 9pm. 10227 -118 Red Deer Listings If you would like to add your business or non-profit information about intermediate volleyball, contact: Street. (weather permitting) For more information Affirm group to the list above, please call (403) 543- [email protected]. contact [email protected] Composed of LGBTQ people, their friends, family 6960, or toll free 1 (888) 543-6960 or E-mail RECREATIONAL VOLLEYBALL - IMPORTANT NOTICE: and allies. No religious affiliation necessary. [email protected]. You can add your Please note that the day and location for Free to be Restaurants Activities include support, faith and social justice discussions, film nights, and potlucks! Affirm information to the GayCalgary.com directory on the recreational volleyball has changed due to facility Garage Burger Bar & Grill 5 meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7PM at website for free. availability. Recreational volleyball will now be held 10242 106th St • (780)423-5014 on Tuesday nights from 8-10pm at Mother Teresa Sunnybrook United Church, (403) 347-6073. GayCalgary.com endeavors to have the information Elementary School at 9008-105A. The first night of One Stop Roadhouse here as accurate as possible. Events and listings can Recreational Volleyball will be October 7th and the 8205 83rd Street • (780)490-0675 change at any time so it is recommended that you final date will be April 10th. For more information National Listings Home-made Pizza, Subs, Burgers, Fast Food and check with the establishment before you head out. about recreational volleyball contact Chris at Soup. Daily Lunch and Supper Specials. [email protected] Businesses Prism Bar & Grill 8 ATM Service Solutions Non-Profit groups get free listings. Business receive DROP-IN GYMNASTICS - Have you ever had 10524 101st St • (780) 990-0038 1-866-640-8830 a listing once an ad has been placed. The business the urge to swing on the bar or bounce on the http://www.prismbar.ca [email protected] listing will last 1 year after it has been placed trampoline? Gymnastics is for adults too! Why not http://www.minibanks.net unless there is a GayCalgary.com service located at drop in Tuesday and Thursday evenings between that business. 8:00-10:00 p.m. and see for yourself? As adults, Theatre and Art Entre Nous you have the whole gym to yourselves and an Alberta Ballet 1-866-467-5252 instructor to help you achieve your individual goals. http://www.albertaballet.com http://www.entrenousnetwork.com Squirt Dating and hookups website http://www.squirt.org

22 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 The Danger of Voting For Harper

By Stephen Lock Politics Living in Alberta, it is perhaps bordering on apos- tasy to say this but voting for the Conservatives nothing to do with party affi liation (small “l” liberal as op- in the next federal election is just not something I posed to capital “L” Liberal). can understand. I understand it even less if those Liberal democracies are, according to Wikipedia, “...rep- within our community do so...and there are those resentative democrac[ies] in which the ability of the elected who will. representatives to exercise decision-making power is subject to the rule of law, and moderated by a constitution [i.e. our Of course, in a democracy, one can vote for whichever Charter of Rights and Freedoms] that emphasizes the protec- party or individual one wants. That’s an important under- tion of the rights and freedoms of individuals, and which standing to have. places constraints on the leaders and on the extent to which the will of the majority can be exercised against the rights of However, at the same time others are free to argue why minorities.” a vote for Stephen Harper and his party is a vote which will ensure a party, that is no friend of the GLBTQ community, That doesn’t sound to me much like what Harper and the has a running chance at continuing to form our government. Federal Conservatives have been doing since forming the current government. It never ceases to amaze me that despite the record of the provincial Tories, and not just under the Klein regime Harper even breaks his own rules, with very little if any but dating back through the premierships of Getty and even repercussions. It was his idea to set fi xed election dates (a Lougheed, the Conservatives are repeatedly voted back into offi ce. The sins of various Conservative governments in this province are legion. To name a few: destruction of hospitals, environmental issues, cutbacks to social services; a lack of political will to deal with homelessness back when it was, more or less, manageable; and a refusal to acknowledge that lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and our transsexual and transgendered sisters and brothers deserve full recognition under law. The federal Conservatives are not much better. While I hesitate to climb on to the “Harper’s Secret Agenda” band- wagon - much of that smacks of conspiracy theories - I do think it is reasonable, based on the facts, to suspect there is an agenda that is contrary to what many Canadians would consider reasonable and fair. I just don’t happen to believe it is all that “secret.” Considerable power is now centred in the Prime Minis- ter’s Offi ce (PMO). As Prime Minister, Harper and his Offi ce decides what media will know and what will be withheld. He decides what media are present at press conferences, when he holds them, and what questions will be allowed. This is undemocratic, just as having so much power concentrated within the PMO is undemocratic; we are a par- liamentary democracy and, whatever one might think of individual MPs and their effectiveness or even the effectiveness of Parliament (which includes both the House of Commons and the Senate), the fact remains the system is in place to ensure, as much as is possible, that the will of the people is carried out. It is dangerous to allow one department, let alone an individual, have as much authority and power as the Prime Minister of Canada and his staff now hold. The Dominion of Canada, as we were once known, was founded as a liberal democracy - liberal in this case having

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 23 good idea, in my opinion) then almost immediately he cir- “fascist” use of suing the Opposition for statements it made cumvents the very ruling he created because it simply suited regarding allegations by the widow of Chuck Cadman; that his purpose to do so. the federal Conservatives attempted to bribe Cadman, who was dying of cancer at the time, by offering him a $1 million It was the PMO which dismantled the Court Challenges life insurance policy if he sided with them in voting against Program (CCP), one of the few federal initiatives set up to as- the then-Liberal government’s budget amendments. The sist various minorities, including GLBTQ, to launch Charter budget vote amounted to a confi dence vote and, if lost, challenges against the federal government. would have forced an election and likely caused the Liberal It was an important initiative as it allowed those of us un- government to fall. Cadman supported the Liberals. able to afford legal fees and all the other expenses attached When the allegations of attempted bribery surfaced, the to defending our Charter rights via the courts, some avenue Liberals grilled the new Tory government of Stephen Harper to do so. Without it, future abuses will largely go unchal- both in the House of Commons and in public. The Liberals lenged, even in cases where lawyers would be willing to alleged that not only did Harper know of the alleged bribe, forego their fees (pro bono). he approved it. Under the CCP our battles for inclusion under provin- MPs are allowed to stand in the House of Commons and, cial human rights legislation (Vriend vs The Government of short of personal insults, can ask anything without fear of Alberta, 1997), access to survivor benefi ts (Hislop), access facing a libel or defamation suit. In this case, Harper took to reproductive technologies, access to gender reassignment the unprecedented step of suing the Liberals for defamation surgery, equal marriage, and other rights we now enjoy to the tune of $3.5 million dollars for statements posted on would never have been fought through the courts. In all the party’s website regarding the Cadman affair. likelihood we would not have them at all, or would still be struggling to obtain them by lobbying government...the very The use of libel laws to silence political opposition is government that was denying them to us in the fi rst place. undemocratic. It creates a chill whereby ones political op- ponents are, essentially, forced into silence for fear of being Xtra, a Toronto-based national queer newspaper (it also sued for allegations they may make. Constitutional expert, includes Ottawa’s Capital Xtra and Vancouver’s Xtra West), University of Toronto professor Peter Russell, is quoted as has launched a campaign to highlight various reasons to saying, “...[U]se of legal action to silence the opposition is “dump Harper.” It makes for interesting reading (www.xtra. characteristic of authoritarian governments.” ca). Of course, it also bears pointing out that while many Ca- Amongst some of the accusations are those of Harper’s nadians now view Stephen Harper as leader of the Conserva- tive Party, this is not the Progressive Conservative Party of Brian Mulroney or John Diefenbaker and certainly is not the Conservative Party of Sir John A. MacDonald. This “new Conservative Party” is a hybrid of disaffected former Progressive Conservatives and the Alliance (formerly The Reform) Party. It is far more right-wing than its previous incarnations. The Reform/Alliance Party, it will be re- membered, was a highly socially-conservative, anti-feminist, anti-gay, anti-immigration, populist right wing party with strong connections to some of the more reactionary elements within the conservative Christian movement. Neither Harper nor his party are friends of ours. Vote for who you want - that is your right. But know that a vote for Harper is another nail in our closet door.

24 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Q Scopes “Charge your batteries, Sagittarius!”

By Jack Fertig Lifestyle | Astrology Uranus, Neptune, and Eris are in a long, slow dance, provoking questions of identity and alienation. What SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Could you labels, if any, describe your spirituality? Venus in Scor- be any sexier? Your allure is hard to contain, pio is kicking these around, seducing, provoking, and but do make the effort! In work or family situations, be fun and push the envelope gently. Being a little outre is ﬁ ne; just arousing sexual issues, as triggers to bigger questions consider your audience! of belonging vs. individualism.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): A ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Your now-height- little quiet time at home can help charge your ened erotic charisma can be indulged privately, batteries. Better yet, take that time to clean up, and have and/or sublimated to help social concerns. What you do will some friends over for fun and games or a salon. Anything is help you understand your place as a unique individual in our fair game for witty repartee, but guard your secrets well! complex GLBT community.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Your partner may Friends can help you negotiate struggles sense your unmet needs more than you admit between the values you grew up with and your ideals and to them yourself. Talking about it with a good friend can help dreams for the future. Discuss the problem with pals, or bet- you get perspective. An expert opinion can also help, especial- ter yet, siblings. ly if it is uncomfortably challenging.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Knowing GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): It’s easy enough how to make more money is no problem. Watch- to curry favor with your bosses, although your ing your mouth and behaving in order to get it are different sudden popularity with the higher-ups may create some fric- matters. You love defying the “time and place for everything” tion with colleagues. Let the tension and arguments play out. rule, but it comes down to simple economics. Do you want the Clearing the air will help restore harmony. play or the pay?

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Don’t bring that PISCES (February 19 - March 19): When will they playful attitude to work! It will only create prob- ever beam you off this dull planet and bring you lems. Still, new fun and games can invigorate you, bringing a home? Actually, you do belong here, and the feeling that you fresh attitude and insights to your job. Pushing for excellence don’t comes with the ability to heal other aliens, oddballs, is ﬁ ne, but don’t compete against teammates. and freaks. Seeking beauty in new places will help you restore yourself.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): What with your natal family, your queer community, and your other Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since afﬁ liations, you may feel pulled in too many directions. You’ll 1977, is based in San Francisco. He can be feel a bit alien wherever you go, so go with your passion. A reached for consultations at 415-864-8302, chat with a distant relative should help. through his website at http://www.starjack.com

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Labeling sexuality is like trying to put mist into pigeon- holes - it just doesn’t go. You do need to discuss some prob- lems with a partner, friend, or therapist, but don’t worry about making logical sense.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Are you shopping in co-operation or in competition with your partner? Agree on a budget and make a much-needed splurge on something healthy and fun, maybe joining in some sporting activity or an organic cooking class.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 25 Adult Film Review Centurion Muscle, Big and Beefy, Serbia, Father Knows Best

By Jerome Voltero Review | Adult Male “World of Men: Serbia” by Collin O’Neal, Courtesy of someone, that she wants to marry. She arranges to bring Adult Depot her boyfriend Steven to meet her father, over dinner that evening. Cast: Collin O’Neal, Roman Ragazzi*, Dakota Rivers, Rob- Steven is best described as a twink, with delicate fea- ert Brankov, Bijan*, Robby, tures, spiky blonde hair, and a fl aming voice that gives him Julian Vicenzo*, Brennon*. away. Marino fi nds himself drifting in and out of reality as he imagines Steven unbuttoning his shirt and making the Serbia is a country in moves on him. As he rambles on about how he likes to go central Europe directly north fi shing, also a passion of Steven’s, he somehow gets wran- of Greece, and bordering on gled into going on a fi shing trip with the kid; the day before Hungary, Croatia, Romania the couple is getting married, no less. Awkward! and a few others. Now that I’ve bored you with the geog- As Marino gets ready for bed that night, he is haunted by raphy lesson, let’s talk about the ghosts of his past. He wanks off to the vision of, what I the men. One might imagine believe to be an alternate version of his younger self, enjoy- this part of the world to be in- ing the company of a male friend. Is this how things would habited by the tall, blonde-haired blue-eyed Germanic type. have been if he had come out of the closet earlier in his life? Actually, the men featured in this fi lm seem to dot the spec- Will his fi shing trip with Steven cross the boundary from trum between Greek and German. Roman Ragazzi, Bijan, fantasy to reality? Watch and see! and Julian Vincenzo are quite obviously on the Greek end, while on the German end we have Dakota Rivers, Robert Brankov, and Robby. Brennon is somewhere in the middle, “Centurion Muscle” by and O’Neal is just a bloody American! Raging Stallion Studios, So of course the Greeks caught my attention with their Courtesy of Priape sexy facial hair / stubble, though aside from Ragazzi, their Cast: Bo Knight*, Erik bodies were just as smooth as the Germans! However, judg- Hunter*, Ken Braun*, Hues- ing by the hairlessness of Vincenzo’s beefy loins, I believe he sein, Carlos Morales, Rueben must be a chronic shaver. He’s drop dead sexy nonetheless. De Angelo. O’Neal gets his moment of glory in the fi nal scene, portray- Having already reviewed ing a steamy threeway with Bijan and his new pet Dakota the later installments of this Rivers. Darn you O’Neal, and your worldly sexual exploits series, it is interesting to come that make the rest of us jealous! back to its roots. Well…if you fi nd more of the same interesting. Nevertheless, if you like “Father Knows Best” the formula then it’s not a bad by Dirty Bird Pictures, thing. The premise is simple Courtesy of Adult Depot – no story, no pretense, just Cast: Nick Marino*, Tory brutish muscle guys and their Mason, Zackary Pierce, Tyler smooth counterparts, in the grips of passion. Riggz, Jordan Vaughn, Tristan My favorite scene was the very fi rst one, depicting black Mathews*, Levi. muscle god Erik Hunter making dungeon love with muscle The movie starts off with pup Ken Braun. Braun has a shaved head with reddish- super good-looking Hispanic brown goatee and body hair, an impressive tattoo across his star Nick Marino, having a right shoulder, and wears leather chaps, bracers and an arm telephone conversation with band. They switch positions frequently, working their way his daughter as he gets ready from oral and rimming to anal. You it’s good when it leaves for work in the morning. His you feeling weak in the knees. daughter talks about col- If you like Huessein (never seen it spelled with that fi rst lege for a while, dropping the “e” before) from such memorable pornos as Arabesque, then bombshell on her father that you might enjoy his solo scene; he strokes and grinds, in a she has found someone…the jock strap, on a leather couch. Although his body is mus-

26 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 cular and wicked-hairy, sadly his mug has never done it for me. Bo Knight was a new face for me - an older not-so-gentle gentleman, he shows off some amazingly chiseled pecs and abs. His thick goatee seems to gives him a muzzle, empha- sizing an animalistic quality in him. Carlos Morales and Rueben De Angelo are the pretty faces in the ﬁ lm. Though they may exude that latino mystique, and take it like men, they aren’t particularly muscular and seem out of place considering the theme of the movie.

“Big and Beefy” by AlphaMale.com, Courtesy of Priape Cast: Marcus Troy*, Oliver Rockwell*, Uncle John*, Edu Boxer*, Ross Hurstone*, John Thomson*, Charlie Fabravo*, Claudio Pezzano*. Speaking of leaving you weak in the knees – this one did that for me, all the way through. As the title suggests, this DVD is heaven for those who like big, beefy, and hairy men. It unites a few previ- ously known stars with others I’ve never seen before – trust me, I would remember these guys if I had! In the credits, muscle daddy Oliver Rockwell does a slow- motion hair swish and brush back with his hand…hilarious because he is buzzed practically bald. The movie starts off with Rockwell stroking off on the couch in his home. Marcus Troy walks by through the forested scene outside of Rockwell’s window, and defi nitely likes what he sees. The two tease each other through the glass before Troy makes the move to go inside and get things really heated up. Later on we see forest sex with Uncle John and Edu Box- er; sex in a barn with Ross Hurstone (never seen his name spelled with an “e” before…where are all these damn extra letters coming from?) and John Thomson; and fi nally in an odd abandoned cabin with a brick fi replace on one wall and two toilets in the corner, with hella-hairy Charlie Fabravo and Claudio Pezzano. I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite scene from this lot!

Priape Calgary Canada’s Favorite Gay Store 1322, 17th Avenue SW – (403) 215-1800 http://www.priape.ca

Adult Depot Over 3000 Gay Titles for Sale or Rent 140 – 58th Ave SW – (403) 258-2777 [email protected]

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 27 Deep Inside Hollywood New Projects For Michael Douglas and Matt Damon

By Romeo San Vicente Celebrity | Gossip Douglas and Damon Tune Up for Liberace Movie While rhinestone-encrusted pianist Liberace has become queer poet Allan Ginsberg in Howl, about the obscenity a pop-culture joke over the years, he spent decades being trial surrounding the Ginsberg poem that gives the movie adored by millions of fans, most of them women who never its title. And now the courtroom will be packed with a had a clue that the showman was actually gay. But with passel of terrifi c actors, including Paul Rudd, Jeff Daniels, Ray Charles and Johnny Cash being the subjects of high- and Mary Louise-Parker as witnesses, David Strathairn profi le biopics, why not Liberace? Steven Soderbergh will as the prosecuting attorney and Alan Alda as the trial reunite with two stars from his biggest fi lms, with Michael judge. It’s fi tting that a gay artist of an earlier era is being Douglas (Traffi c) playing the show-biz legend while Matt celebrated by a current crop of them - Gus Van Sant is the Damon (the Ocean’s series) co-stars as Scott Thorson, executive producer, and documentarians Rob Epstein and Liberace’s lover who went public about their relationship Jeffrey Friedman (The Celluloid Closet) will be making their after they broke up. With screenwriter Richard LaGraven- narrative debut on Howl, which is set to open in 2009. ese (P.S. I Love You) attached, the outcome promises to L Word Alum Makes Grey’s More Vivid be lots of fun. Alas, it’s not one of Soderbergh’s next two If you’re a fan of Showtime’s The L Word, you probably projects, so who knows when we’ll get to see it? spent much of the last season asking yourself, “Hey, what happened to Papi?” While Shane’s sultry and sexy rival pretty much disappeared from the show without a trace, at least the actress who played her is no longer missing in action. Janina Gavankar, who so memorably brought Papi to life, has joined the cast of the ABC hit Grey’s Anatomy. She’ll be playing an intern in a recurring role that could become a more permanent thing, depending on how her fi rst outings go. If she can put the same whammy on Se- attle Grace that she worked in the lesbian haunts of West Hollywood, they’ll make her chief of surgery. Keep an eye out for her when Grey’s returns with new episodes. Dwayne Johnson Flutters to Tooth Fairy As pro wrestler The Rock, Dwayne Johnson was never one for outrageous costumes. In the upcoming Tooth Fairy, however, he plays the title role - wings, tutu, magic wand, the whole package. Johnson stars as a hockey player Rudd, Alda, Other Stars to Howl known as “Tooth Fairy” for his ability to separate his op- Romeo has already reported that James Franco - who ponents from their teeth. When he discourages a child, plays gay-adjacent in Pineapple Express and full-on gay the real tooth fairy punishes him by making him work in the upcoming Milk - has signed on to play pioneering the titular job for a week. Romeo hopes Disney can make a movie about a hockey player in a tutu without getting homophobic, but we’ll have to wait and see. It helps to know that Julie Andrews, Ashley Judd, and Stephen Merchant (Extras) round out the cast. Look for Johnson under your pillow when Tooth Fairy begins shooting in October. Romeo San Vicente once thought he was dating the tooth fairy, but it was just a very compe- tent dental hygienist.

28 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Whole Lesbian Sex Lesbian (Detachable) Fellatio

By Felice Newman Lesbian | Sexuality Some women who read my column on masturbating with a strap-on (“Jerking Off Like a Guy”) re- Some women combine fellatio with vaginal penetration, using a double-headed dildo angled just right for fellatio. You quested a column on blowjobs - that is, oral sex with can insert one end into your vagina and offer up the other to a detachable phallus. Seems my readers are running be sucked. Or you can invite your partner to slip her fi ngers through the list of male sex acts that we can co-opt inside you. to our own pleasure. One woman was particularly For others, vaginal penetration and fellatio is a confusing blunt: “Blowjobs are so much better,” she wrote. mix. They may not want attention paid to their vagina. The What’s a lesbian blowjob? You strap on your favorite dildo. way their female sexual anatomy fi ts with their gender identity Your partner takes it in her mouth, sucking, licking, deep- is nuanced. throating, usually while holding onto the shaft of the dildo so For butches who don’t identify as women per se - along with that she can rub the base into your mons and clitoris. You tranny boys, transmen, and third genders - receiving fellatio is can also thrust into her mouth. Her hand will help control the a marker of gender identity. Receiving a blowjob is one of the depth of your thrusts. great payoffs of masculine sexuality. Why would anyone want to suck a hunk of silicone? The Felice Newman is a founding publisher of Cleis Press and the author of allure of this practice is part fantasy and part sensation. Most “The Whole Lesbian Sex Book: A Passionate Guide for All of Us.” Visit her women who enjoy fellatio with a strap-on get off on the gender at www.cleispress.com. Her book is available in Calgary at A Little More twist. Many of those who “pack” - tucking a strap-on dildo into Interesting. Levi’s 501s - enjoy the ritual of a woman unbuttoning their jeans to reveal their package. Others get off on the feeling of power they experience when watching their partner on her knees, servicing them. And if you’re into butch-on-butch gay boy fantasies, well, reserve your gloryhole and send out the invitations. As with masturbating by manipulating one’s strap-on, lesbian fellatio is a sexual art drawing on imagination and presence. In other words, dear reader, if you think that thang is real, it is. Presence is that quality that lets someone feel your energy in a room before they can see or hear you. Fact is, your hot self extends well beyond your fl esh and bones. Your sexual energy can reach all the way to the tip of that silicone wonder you stuff inside your jeans. You can imagine the action of your partner’s mouth on your tool drawing sensation from your clitoris into the base, shaft, and head of your strap-on. As one woman wrote me, “I really can’t explain the rush I get from a woman sucking my strap- on. It’s almost like it’s a real extension of me; and at times it has gotten me off.” You can combine fellatio with other kinds of stimulation. Your partner can lick her way to your butt or insert a fi nger into your anus. You can wear a butt plug while your partner gives you head. Your partner can slide her fi ngers behind the harness and stroke your clitoris. (For that matter, you can slide your own fi ngers behind your harness and stroke your own clitoris.) You can slip a small battery-operated vibrator under the harness to provide direct clitoral stimulation. One woman wrote, “Sometimes while I’m getting sucked off, I’ll put a pocket rocket on my clitoris and visualize myself shooting down my partner’s throat.”

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 29 Pride Center Keeps Moving Forward

By Ted Kerr Community | Spotlight Over the last few years the Pride Center of Edmon- ton has been able to build upon successes, starting on donation, something that he would like to see supple- mented by more stable and sizable funding. As the city and with having a stable home at its current location the culture changes more funds are needed to keep up with just east of downtown Edmonton. The stand-alone the demand. building is on a corner across from a school, and One of the most popular groups that meet at the center is near a few different bus stops. Little Italy, China the Prime Timers (Tuesdays from 1-4pm). The group is aimed Town and the Royal Alexander Hospital is only min- at GLBTT people over 65, and is seeing an increase in atten- utes away. Once inside the Pride Center, you feel as dance, often times reaching over 20 people. One specifi c chal- though you have found the house of your long lost lenge that faces the Prime Timers is often that some have lived friend. most of their lives in the closet. Sutherland tells of one man who dreads the idea of coming out to his great grandchildren The yellow hue of the place creates a warm atmosphere that let alone his own children. makes it easy to thumb through the books that are part of the Center’s extensive library, or fall into the comfy sectional For those who have lived openly gay lives, the dilemma is that is parked in front of a large screen TV equipped to play what to do when they begin to not to be able to live on their both DVDs and VHS tapes. There is a number of computer own or not take care of themselves. In a dream world Suther- terminals with Internet access, and tones of entertaining and land would like to partner with the Seniors Association of enlightening information on the walls. Downstairs are the Greater Edmonton or SAGE (with whom they have been work- meeting rooms, a coffee bar and a living room. Throughout ing to create GLBTT friendly senior programming) to create a the space are friendly volunteers, busy working on projects, GLBT seniors center where people could live out their remain- but never too much to share a smile with whoever is in the ing decades without going back into the closet. Center. The day I was there, the place was a buzz with the up- Working with groups like SAGE is part of Sutherland’s coming GLBTT Election forum that they are hosting. With all master plan to give the Pride Center a higher profi le within the Edmonton East and Edmonton Center candidates expect- Edmonton. To spread the word, the Pride Center has had a ed to attend (except for Conservative Laurie Hawn) the evening booth at the opening of PLAY (Edmonton’s newest gay bar), promises to be an engaging event. participated in HIV Edmonton’s annual AIDS Walk for Life, The Centre is as it was meant to be - a community hub and had a booth at a Non-Profi t, Volunteer Event called Every- where people can come together to exchange information, be- thing Edmonton. come friends and fi nd a sense of belonging and security, in a For the fi rst time, this summer through the help of the Duke world that is still sometimes hostile to members of the GLBTT of Edinburgh, the Pride center was able to host and facilitate community. CAMP OUT, an event that took 10 youth out into the country In his new position as the Pride Center Administrator, Will to experience the great outdoors. Growing up in the city, many Sutherland has been happy to see growth in existing and new of them had not had the means in which to leave the city on a services since he began his job 3 months ago. With Emily vacation and so this was the fi rst time they got to go camping. Johnson off to Yale, the Pride Center was primed for a new This is nothing new for the Pride Center. According to Suther- bright person to keep the center heading in the right direction. land, 60% of the people who currently access the center’s Sutherland brings with him experience growing up gay in rural services are low income and living on the street. To meet their Alberta, and also what he learned being a youth worker at the needs, as well as the needs of the GLBTT people who come in Hope Mission. It is only fi tting, given his experience, that the from the suburbs looking for other services, the Pride Center Pride center would now be offering weekly drop in counseling. of Edmonton is always looking for new money. The counseling (offered from 7-9pm on Wednesday evenings) To increase their community exposure and raise funds, the is free, confi dential and provides one-time solution-based Center is putting on a Halloween fundraiser called “Witches, counseling, meaning that people accessing the service will Bitches and a Couple of Brew” that will be happening in late have an idea of how to proceed with their issues before they October. leave. Currently 3 councilors donate their time and are busy The Pride Center has also revamped their website not only solid during the sessions. Moving forward, Sutherland would to be more user-friendly but to also accept donations. Visit it like to see a mix gender of councilors and would like to have for more information on the Pride Center of Edmonton, Ser- more counseling available. vices and Upcoming Fundraisers. Along with his counseling experience, Sutherland also The Pride Center of Edmonton brings a history of accessing new monies for under-funded 9540 - 111 Avenue, Edmonton projects and groups. The Pride Centre fi ts those criteria. As (780) 488-3234 Sutherland tells it, the Center’s cash fl ow is primarily based www.pridecentreofedmonton.org

30 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 East of Berlin Groundbreaking Canadian Play Comes to ATP

By Jason Clevett Preview | Theatre Hannah Moscovitch’s story is that of the son of a Nazi doctor who deals with the torment of his father’s crimes against humanity. It is one of the most creative, fresh new works by a Canadian playwright in ages. This incredible story comes to Alberta Theatre Projects from October 21st to November 8th. East of Berlin is told in fi rst person narrative by Rudi, who as a child, went into hiding in Paraguay with his father after World War II. Rudi fi nds out about his father’s crimes – working in the concentration camps of Auschwitz. After his relationship with his father is destroyed, due to a brief homosexual affair, Rudi goes to Germany where he meets and falls for a Jewish girl named Sarah. What follows is a look at how the sins of the father are revisited upon the son. Anyone familiar with Calgary’s theatre community, if reading the script, would instantly envision one actor in the role of Rudi – Rylan Wilkie. Fortunately, ATP agrees and the talented actor was cast in the role. “Funnily enough I was in Toronto last year and East of Ber- lin was premiering at the Tarragon Theatre. I was staying it was fi rst person accounts of the Holocaust and Auschwitz. I with my friend Brendan Gall, who was playing Rudi there, and read a lot about what it was like to be uprooted and taken to I went to school with Hannah. I saw a dress rehearsal and these camps to get the horror of it. There was some grotesque saw myself in the role. By the time I got back to Calgary and stuff the Germans did that was defended as medical research, mentioned it to ATP they had already read it, they were on top but it was really just cruel, barbaric medical science. That of it,” recalled Wilkie. The show marks his return to a theatre period was only 70 years ago and it is endlessly fascinating. It company he considers family. is just bizarre to me that this could happen. A lot of the fi rst ”I really enjoy their programming and the artistic choices person accounts of it are like otherworldly nightmare occur- they make, especially this season being all Canadian contem- rences, and it happened not that long ago really. I think we porary plays. This will be my 7th or 8th show and it feels like are just sort of drawn to that pure evil of the Nazi’s and Hitler. family. It was the fi rst place I auditioned out of school and I The physical and mental preparation will just be the rehearsal feel like this is the place I started my career. I feel comfortable process, much like working out, it is getting it into your body within that space. I always and mind.” love coming back here.” While some may initially be intimidated by the subject mat- We caught up with Ry- ter, Moscovitch has infused her story with so much character lan as he was preparing to and heart that it is compelling. go into rehearsals for the “It is a different take on the holocaust. We always hear the show. I asked him what Jewish side of it, and it was very brave of Hannah to show preparation he had taken, us the German side of it. A lot of people don’t care about the mentally, physically, and German side, because why would you? You can’t feel sorry with research to ready for the Nazis and to hear someone tell their side, the instinct himself for the demanding is to go ‘who cares they got what they deserved.’ So it will be role. interesting to try and win over the audience. It is dark mate- “[I did] a lot of research rial, but Hannah has written some humor as well - it is not into that period. We are all just bleak.” familiar with it but I really “A lot of these Nazi men lead a bit of a split personality with went in depth and read the their lives. They would be at the camp all day shooting Jewish literature. There is so much prisoners in the head and then go home and read stories and out there - volumes of stuff. play with their children. It is really bizarre. To grow up shel- Hannah was great at send- tered from it and just fi nd out one day that the reason why you ing out a list of books she are living in South America is because your father is in hiding used for research. A lot of Continued on Page 55 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 31 Television Review

By James SM Demers Television | Review iChannel Talks Gay Parenting three legal parents - his birth mother, her partner and his With gay marriage now biological father. It is an interesting variation of a nuclear integrated fairly smoothly family. The phrase ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ comes in Canada, and no over- to mind. Though this method doesn’t require medical whelming social collapse intervention, the legal complications still exist. or cases of people mar- The series is handled very respectfully and offers an rying their dogs, it is rea- important look at the changing face of family that comes sonably safe to say that hand in hand with the changing face of queer politics; marriage is here to stay Kevin O’Keefe gives gay parents s voice. The show airs and has served to benefi t October 13th, 14th, and 15th, following national coming those who it was intend- out day on October 11th. iChannel is available through ed to include. Now, some providers all across Canada. For more information, visit gay couples are ready to www.ichannel.ca. move onto the next step - raising kids. Despite the obvious biological barri- Canada’s New Dance Channel Pays Tribute to Queer Culture ers between individuals The fall season of Canada’s fi rst and only dance channel of the same sex having has taken the opportunity to reach out to the community a baby, it is a growing by airing the top ten Gay anthems countdown, featuring trend. coverage from Toronto’s 2008 Pride celebration. Kevin O’Keefe, host and producer of iChannel, decided It mostly features queer-positive artists or dance/club it was high time these issues come to the forefront, and hits – not really queer political artists, but rather gay icons pitched the idea to the head of programming. The response such as Madonna and Janet Jackson. Some stylistic hits was overwhelmingly positive and resulted in a three part from Gwen Stefani made the cut, as well as the simple series called “Gay-by Boom”. “I thought we had reached a “Gay and Proud” techno beat. time in our society when this is a subject that is suited for more media coverage,” says O’Keefe. It’s good background music for a dance party, and fun look at the gay community. For more information, visit www. This series covers the three most common methods used bpmtv.com by gay couples to create their own bundle of joy: adoption, surrogacy and co-parenting. Adoption has always been a popular option, although there are signifi cant hoops for a queer couple to jump through. On top of that, there are diffi cult social conse- quences, as the rest of the gay community does not yet place a large emphasis on families. Surrogacy is another popular method but the cost is usually the largest concern - often an upwards of one hundred thousand dollars - along with the logistical nightmares and ‘legal minefi eld’ of opting to use a surrogate mother. It is not a risk a lot of couples are willing to take. The couple shown in the episode, Drew and Sam, chose to have fertilized eggs placed in a surrogate mother, who gave birth to twin girls (a fairly common occurrence with inver- tro fertilization). Drew and Sam feel strongly about their decision and have a strong relationship with their surrogate mother. They make an effort to make it work and are thrilled with the result. Co-parenting is an issue that came up recently in Canada, with the case of a young boy who was granted

32 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Calgary Ghost Tours A Spooky Walk through Calgary’s History

By Jason Clevett Event | Spotlight It’s fairly well known that Calgary has many haunted places. Many know about The Dean House up there, we saw a young girl, she looked Native American and she moved from the middle window to the left hand window, in Inglewood and The Prince House at Heritage to the right window, and we didn’t see her pass the middle.’ Park, but did you know that a madam haunts old No one else had seen it on the tour because they were at the city hall? Or that restaurants Divino, Rouge, The back. We decided to do more research into it to see if possibly James Joyce Pub and The Hose and Hound all offer there was something and we lucked out because it is hard different types of “spirits”? How about the monkeys to research murders and such without exact dates. When it had been a nightclub in the 1980’s, some girls lured a young and horses that haunt the old fi re halls? Take a trip Native girl down into the bathroom because she had looked through history with the spooky stories of Calgary at one girl’s boyfriend. They beat her and left her to die in the Ghost Tours. basement. Perhaps that is her still wandering around.” Ghost tours have been popular around the world. It was in In addition to the walking tours, Calgary Ghost Tours has Boston that Calgary Ghost Tours founder Johanna Lane fi rst lots of exciting things on tap including corporate events, came up with the idea. private tours, and special events, all of which can be learned about on their website. They are also compiling stories for “I had taken some wonderful tours there and thought I books. would love to take something here. So of course we had nothing. I asked someone and was told, we are in Calgary not Bos- ”The fi rst one is more about the historical buildings that we ton and don’t expect any tours about our city,” Lane recalled. cover and the stories we have “I thought, well, if I am interested, other people would be. It had. A second book will be just happened that there was a big event for friends and they more about people’s own expe- said, why not do it for them? So we tried it out on these poor riences, not necessarily places people from out of town and they loved it, so we tried it out to on the tour, just haunted see if people really wanted to do it or not, and they do.” Calgary. If you have any of your own experiences, please After a few months of research at the Glenbow Museum and do contact me!” the Central Library, Lane began running tours of Downtown and Inglewood in 2007. This year it has expanded to include Taking a Calgary Ghost the beltline/17th Avenue, Kensington, Union Cemetery, and Tour is unlike anything else Banff. As the oldest part of the city, Inglewood has more sto- in Calgary. It’s an inexpensive ries than can be told in the 90-minute tour. evening out that is both educational and fun. “We haven’t quite fi gured out what we are going to do yet. We may do two separate tours of Inglewood just so we can fi t “I like to think of us as an in the rest of the stories. There is so much great history in evening’s entertainment. You Calgary to explore,” she gushed. can go out for dinner and then come see a show. Then you Lane is often asked if she has experienced any ghostly have a couple of hours of en- happenings on tour. “Not yet, but I really, really want to!” she tertainment, and you aren’t sit- replied. Instead, it is often the guests that get the experiences. ting around, you are out walk- “I am usually walking backwards and talking too much so I ing and learning and having a don’t get to see much. We were going to the Dean House and great time. If we play our cards we were on the sidewalk by the river. One of the women in right and get a nice night you front of me said ‘what about the woman in white?’ and I said might just be spooked out.” ‘We are just going to wait for everyone to get here and hear Calgary Ghost Tours the story’ and one of the other women said ‘No, the woman in 403-472-1989 white now!’ She pointed and four people gasped. By the time I www.calgaryghosttours.com turned around it was gone. They swear that they saw a woman pull back the curtain and then let it go.” The tours have evolved as people have shared their own stories or had their own experiences, such as at the former Bank Nightclub building on 8th Avenue. “It wasn’t initially on our tour. We were walking across to go to another location and as we walked we had a couple stop and were staring at the window. They said ‘There is somebody

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 33 A Conversation with Henry Rollins

By Jason Clevett Interview One wouldn’t think that an outspoken, heavily tattooed punk singer would be a likely gay activist. Despite his public support of gay rights, if you ask Henry Rollins himself, he would say that he isn’t. “I am not exactly pro gay and I am not anti-gay, I just don’t think it is an issue, and certainly not one that should be met with violence,” Rollins told GayCalgary and Edmon- ton Magazine over the phone from his offi ce in Los Ange- les. “My attitude to someone being gay is ‘so what?’ In this country when you don’t care if Paul marries Tom, all of a sudden you are a gay activist. Well no, I am just imbued with a sense of fair play and burdened with a conscience. I will not be homophobic, I am not wired that way. If Jill wants to marry Jane I don’t see the harm in that. It is like people saying to me ‘You are healthy, you are a health nut.’ No, I just don’t want to be overweight, diabetic, and die in my 50’s. Eating well must make me a hippie. No I just don’t me. I am not insecure about my sexuality and if I was gay want to eat a cow every day, if that is ok with you. It is too I wouldn’t see that being a problem because you are what bad that it is an issue. It is too bad that a gay guy in high you are, and that is fi ne. To me it’s not an issue unless I school has to fear retribution from people who do not share encounter homophobia or an interviewer makes an issue or his orientation. What’s wrong with him? Nothing. I have takes issue with something I have said.” never been able to stand that argument so I have always “I still see the people I grew up with in Washington, DC pushed against it.” on a regular basis. None of us are homophobic or racist. We Despite his statement, no one will argue that Henry Rol- are all rabid book-reading people who want to get onto the lins hasn’t been a positive advocate for the LGBT communi- next thing. So I have never had a lot of that around me. I’ve ty. His stance has confused some of his fans, including one certainly experienced homophobia but I have never been in who wrote “You’re into men marrying men and stuff. What a band with a guy who had it, or gone out with a woman the fuck man! Men marrying horses, is that next?” Rollins who was homophobic or racist – if they were I was out of shared this story during his Provoked tour last year, and did there. It is never a thing until people make it a thing. I don’t eventually respond to the writer. consider myself an activist, I have common sense and when I encounter homophobia it infuriates me. You can’t conduct “I asked the guy, is man ass the gateway ass to bigger yourself in my country like that and not hear about it from more bestial anuses? What’s the next step, canine into bo- me.” vine and eventually move up to equestrian or do you move right to horses? What’s your problem, they aren’t having Rollins’ new spoken word tour Recountdown, named for a honeymoon in your bed, get a life! I don’t know anyone Bush’s fi nal days as president, is coming to the Jack Singer personally who thinks that way to my knowledge. Could you Concert Hall in Calgary on October 20th, and Edmonton’s imagine being trapped in a mind that stupid? What a drag Francis Winspear Centre on the 21st. Part stand up com- your every day would be. Everything would be awful and edy, part political and social commentary, an evening with an imposition and everyone an enemy. When you are that Henry Rollins certain to be entertaining. dumb, life must really suck.” “We are going to be talking a lot about places I have Of course, his stance has caused some backwards think- recently been, which is the source and substance of all of ers to just assume Rollins is gay. Some gay men only wish! my tours so far: where I’ve been, what I saw and how I feel Rollins told an amusing anecdote while on tour last year about it. Since I was last in Canada I have spent a lot of about attending an event at a gay bar, and people were time in Africa and places like Burma, Vietnam, Laos and handing over money on bets they thought they had lost. Cambodia. I learned a lot, saw a lot, met a lot of interesting people and heard a lot of great stories. We don’t have “I will answer when I am asked ‘what is your sexual ori- to spend all evening dwelling upon what will be on Election entation’ but I never mention it until I am asked. If some- Day in America. It is going to be what it’s going to be. I am one says ‘You stick up for gays’ I am not going to say ‘but pretty sure that all you wonderful sexy Canadians have I am not gay’ because I don’t care what that guy thinks of made up your mind as to who you think would be a more

34 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 desirable candidate for president, and we will have to see my ass off, tell those stories and give it as much as I have, what shakes out on November 5th.” and then I am given a bed to sleep in, which I go to as soon as I can because I am pretty tired.” We asked Henry how he develops his shows. With his on-the-mark assessment of politics and the “I take notes constantly and a lot of photographs with a world, we asked Rollins if he would ever run for offi ce. Abso- few different cameras when traveling. If I see something in lutely not, he replied. the Middle East or Africa that I can tie into a point I can make about something in America, that is very interesting “I wouldn’t want to be part of government because I think to me and I will go after that with everything I have. To get you lose a lot of steam. I would rather be a private citizen the idea up and running I will talk the idea out loud in a and have the latitude and the effi ciency that I can have as a room, processing the idea verbally. It is one thing to have it private citizen. I don’t have to spend most of the day raising in your head it is another thing to put it into sentences out money or trying to gain favor with someone.” loud; it almost becomes a different idea. People who tour Another thing I brought up was his reaction to people in with me are used to seeing me sitting and kind of mum- both the gay and straight community thinking he is hot. His bling, seeing how the idea sounds and working on it vocally. response was classic Henry Rollins. On tour these ideas evolve on stage. One night you get part- way through and realize what you thought was the main “Oh it is so hard, everywhere I go I need bodyguards to part of the story isn’t, and the emphasis will change. It is a keep people from tearing my clothes off,” he replied sar- continual state of focusing and focusing and focusing.” castically. “There is really no evidence of people thinking I am hot in my life. I go to the store in my mighty Subaru I mentioned to Henry how my brother has spent the last Outback and the guy at the counter says ‘when are you go- eight months in Southeast Asia and how his stories have ing on tour?’ and I say ‘You’ll know because I won’t be here left an impression on me. While my brother can only share for 6 weeks.’ Past that I don’t really get much evidence that his stories with those he knows, Rollins gets to share with anybody really registers me at all until I walk onstage. Until thousands of people a night. then I am a white man with gray hair who is 47 years of “(Southeast Asia) is a part of the world I had been curious age and walks slower than he used to. Sometimes someone about for so long but never had the time to go. But I found will say ‘hey you are very attractive.’ Well thank you! I don’t myself in New Zealand and realized in a few hours I could know what else to say other than that and move on to the be in Laos, so I went. Then I went back a couple of weeks next topic. I don’t want to get married or have kids, and later into Burma and shot a documentary, drove around dating women has just been problematic with my schedule. the no roads of Burma for two weeks which is very hard I am on the move a lot and when I have that conversation on your frame, but I survived it,” he recalled. “There are so that ends the relationship with ‘How come you haven’t many stories like crawling through the tunnels in Vietnam. called me in a couple of days’ off I go, I’m out.” The killing fi elds of Phnom Penh are not something you While he may not want to get married, he has no qualms forget very quickly if at all. It looks like a small farm and if about the fact that those who want to, should be able to. you look on the ground you start noticing bones and teeth poking out of the dirt. Tree roots bring clothing out of the “I think it should be legal everywhere. The people who ground so you will see dresses and pants stuck in the roots are against it, so what? Tell them to shut up and get a life, at the base of a tree. There are that many bodies still under- please move on. I think what might be a thing that would ground. You fi nd teeth and baling wire and bullets and it is help is if perhaps we could move the terminology over and everywhere you look.” call it something else and not give the rabid religious right a leg to stand on. If gay people were ok with it not being called In a world where marriage and call it anything else where the Christians it can cost you two can’t say ‘ohh you are intruding upon our sacred hunting days pay for a 70- grounds’ we all of a sudden take the conversation away from minute show, one them. People want tax breaks that married people enjoy thing you get with in states in America and if the state will not recognize the Henry Rollins is union then you are not getting the benefi ts and your mar- value for your dol- riage is not legitimate. So what I would like to do is take it lar. His show fl ies out of the religious realm so the Christians are forced to by, and suddenly shut their mouths. Anything but letting Pat Robertson and you realize it’s over all these idiotic psychos have a leg to stand on. I would love three hours later. to be able to say ’sorry, you don’t get to talk about this any- “I have got big more because we aren’t doing it in your house, so shut up.’” stories to tell, and Enter to win free tickets for two to the Calgary or Edmonton I do one show at show – visit www.gaycalgary.com for details. a time and that is all I think about. Henry Rollins – The Recountdown Tour Get through this October 20th – Calgary show, do good, and Jack Singer Concert Hall collapse later. I October 21st – Edmonton couldn’t do it twice Francis Winspear Centre a night - I have, but I’d rather not. I just www.henryrollins.com do my show, work

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 35 Letter from the Publisher - From Page 6 September 2008 • The AIDS Calgary Walk for Life happened on a slightly rainy Sunday morning, but nevertheless organizers were thrilled to announce the grand total of $122,000 raised, exceeding their target by $12,000! Once again Bryon Callaghan received an award for single-handedly raising $23,000 with his walk. Mark Randall was awarded the Roger LeBlanc Spirit Award for dedication and contribution to the awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS. • GirlsGroove hosted their Garden Party at the Pioneer Memorial building, once again stunning us with their resourcefulness in fi nding unique and beautiful venues to so the position is still open. hold their events. I spent the good part of a sunny after- • This month we fi nally got to implement an article idea noon hanging out and chatting with the girls, and having we have been sitting on for years. After watching televi- a great time. But regrettably I had to take off before the sion shows like “Most Haunted”, we thought doing a ghost dancing started. walkthrough of the gay bars would be fascinating. Our • The Calgary Eagle hosted their annual Mr. Calgary writer Jason arranged for a psychic to accompany us to Leather weekend, this year sponsored by Priape. It started the bars and do some readings, with the hope of uncover- with the Meat and Greet on the Friday, which happened ing some interesting stories. Unfortunately we didn’t make in conjunction with Boot Black David’s Shine for Beswick, it to all of the bars, but it’s a fun start to a possibly recur- an interesting fundraiser that accepted donations for a ring article. Read it on page 38. genuine spit-polish. My black sneakers look good as new! • Photographs from June and July 2008 have been The Saturday was very busy, as competitors went through posted online. the necessary hoops, and the victor was Ron Yakymyshyn (who appeared on our cover back in July). This Month • Our poll question last month asked, “Do you feel that • BEEF Beer Bash Bar Night is on Saturday, October the word ‘queer’ is an acceptable umbrella term for the 4th. GLBT community?” 27% said Yes, 66% said No, and 7% • Pride Calgary is having their AGM on Monday, October weren’t sure. So it appears that the gay population in 6th. Also look out for their Cursed Cabaret Halloween Alberta has not completely warmed up to the term “queer” Pride Dance on Friday, October 31st. For more informa- just yet. tion, visit www.pridecalgary.ca • September was the month of non-profi t group AGMs, • The Backlot is celebrating their 12th anniversary on and there are a few more to come this month. ARGRA Wednesday October the 15th, starting at 7pm. Congratu- elected their new board, as did Apollo in a record 16 min- lations guys! utes. Unfortunately nobody ran for Western Cup Director, • Cruiseline is hosting a very special event at the Calgary Eagle on October 17th, starting at 10pm. • Fairy Tales is presenting a special screening of Car- rie at the Marquee Room (7pm) followed by an afterparty at 9:30pm. Proceeds from the afterparty go to support CJSW’s Radio Queer Programming. • The Texas Lounge is hosting their annual Skaryoke fundraiser on November 1st, benefi ting Beswick House. • The November edition of GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine will mark a major milestone for us – our 5-year Anniversary Edition!! We want to hear what YOU have to say about the topics in this article, and any other articles in our magazine. Visit the chat forums at www.gaycalgary.com and write your heart out! Or write us a letter to the publisher by E-mailing [email protected], and we may publish or respond to it in the magazine!

36 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Gay Haunts A Supernatural Visit to Calgary’s Gay Bars

By Jason Clevett Entertainment Downtown Calgary has a rich history behind the buildings that our gay bars are now inhabit. Those and what it attracts. There have been 10 – 15 deaths in this area alone. It is not nasty energy, not anything that is upset.” who live and work in these venues often tell stories of strange sounds, moving furniture, and mysteri- Taking her further in, the energy she read was warm and ous happenings. Perhaps even you have experienced welcoming. it yourself. When you’re alone, you get the sudden “What has been created here feels good to me, it is warm feeling that someone else is with you; that prickly and inviting. I think you still have some regulars who hang feeling on the back of your neck, or perhaps the out here, there are quite a few [spirits] here. …There have sensation of something unseen brushing past you. been some deaths, and regulars, people that like the place are still fl oating in and coming for pleasure purposes.” Whether you believe in ghosts or not, one has to admit there is a lot that can’t be explained. Berthelette had the strongest readings of actual people at the Eagle as well. We invited local medium Niki Berthelette and friend Sa- brina Naprawa out for a visit to Calgary’s gay hangouts. Time ”I don’t know if the name Sheldon or Shelby means any- constraints prevented us from visiting MP’s, and although thing connected to here. He feels like a taller guy, sandy attempts were made to involve the Twisted Element, who have blonde hair, really cute, blue eyes, nice body. I was picking many stories to tell, our calls were not returned. We took Niki up on him before we even got here. There are two guys that to The Calgary Eagle, The Texas Lounge, and The Backlot to were murdered out front, many years ago, not related to the see what otherworldly impressions she could sense. bar, and one of them was native. He still comes in here and is lost. He wouldn’t hurt anybody but he is angry. There is an “For as long as I can remember, I have always had experi- older gentleman walking around who was affi liated with this ences with spirits,” she explained. “I can remember being a building. He still keeps an eye on things and is protecting it... kid and seeing them everywhere. The gift changes over time, There seems to be a connection with this building and the I used to be more clairvoyant, now I am more clairaudiaul. I hotel. The energy outside is wandering back and forth. There have always been able to tap into it.” is also someone sitting by the back bar who gives off a very protective energy. There is an astral dog in here too. I wasn’t “I have had some very scary experiences. The reason why expecting to see that. A little white dog with a little brown they were scary is because I didn’t have the knowledge and strip, like a Jack Russell but bigger.” tools to know how to deal with it. In retrospect if I had known then what I know now, it wouldn’t have been that scary. I For those who have read so far and are skeptical, it is easy have had things thrown at me [by spirits], been yelled at, all of to understand why. However, if you had been with us, your that.” skepticism might have been erased when she began speaking of an event in recent history of the bar. For privacy purposes, Our fi rst stop was The Calgary Eagle, and Berthelette’s im- we can’t write about it, but bartender Kevin seemed stunned pression as we walked down the street to the bar was at fi rst as he confi rmed the tale. not a good one. That all changed when she We snapped some pictures from the stage at the front of the stepped through the bar, and discovered what are called “orbs” in the room. Orbs door. are transparent balls of light that show up in photographs that many feel represent spirit activity. In one photo, a small “When we were orb can be seen right by our editor Rob’s feet. “That’s likely walking outside, all the dog,” Berthelette explained. that energy is like a funnel coming from “I really feel like you are being supported here. I feel more the St. Louis hotel. It welcome here than I have in any pub in so long. The Eagle was terrible I thought staff is brilliant at what they do it is like a family and that my head was going fall comes through in the energy.” off. I try not to come in this area…because The spirits in Goliaths were not quite as friendly. We spent there is just so much exactly two minutes in the front lobby of Goliaths itself before tension, you can feel Berthelette needed to step outside. While the staff in the front it. The bar feels good room welcomed us, unseen others were not so hospitable . though, it actually “Just standing in the doorway, I felt an energy that was feels protected. The negative. There was a gentleman standing at the foot of the problem is not this stairs literally screaming ‘get the F out.’ He is not a pleasant place, but the area Continued on Page 39 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 37 Some Statistics Regarding Human Sexuality

By Kevin Alderson, Ph.D., R. Psych. Queer Quest Many changes in sexual behaviour have oc- sexual partners as com- curred over the past 50 years. In the 1950s, 45 per- pared to 16.5 lifetime sexual cent of the women and 17 percent of the men in the partners among heterosexual US were virgins when they married. By the 1980s, males, 9.4 lifetime sexual only 5 percent of women and 3 percent of men were partners among lesbian wom- virgins on their wedding night. One consistent sex en, and 4.6 lifetime sexual difference is that boys experience fi rst sexual arous- partners among heterosexual al earlier than girls, they are aroused more frequent- females. [9] ly, and they masturbate more often. Men are also Other research with a more often excited by visual materials compared to sample of 1,450 men found women and they generally present a stronger desire that only two reported having to have a variety of casual sexual partners. [1] had 100 or more same-sex partners. There was a con- According to data from 2000-2001, the average Canadi- siderable overlap between the an male has fi rst intercourse at 16.7 years of age, which is number of partners that gay not much different from females at 16.8 years. There has men had compared to heterosexual men. However, there been a long-term trend toward people having sex at earlier were was a small subgroup of gay men who had sex with ages. Over 70 percent of Canadian males and females will far more partners than any heterosexual man reported. have sexual intercourse before the age of 20. [2] [10] Adolescents who identify as gay are even more likely to In the fi rst two years of a relationship, about 67 percent be sexually active – usually less than 10 percent of boys of gay male couples, 61 percent of heterosexual couples, and 20 percent of girls are sexually inactive. The average and 33 percent of lesbian couples report a high frequency gay boy has fi rst sex with a same-sex partner at age 13 or of sexual activity (at least 3 times per week). [11] Sexual 14 and for the average lesbian girl, about one or two years activity declines in all types of couples during years 3 to later. Another fi nding is that same-sex attracted girls are 10, however, gay male and heterosexual couples continue having sex with both boys and girls earlier than in the past to engage in sex three or more times a week much more and with greater frequency! The fi rst male sexual partner frequently than lesbian couples (32%, 38%, and 7%, re- of another male is, on average, six years older while the spectively). Gay male couples are least likely to be sexually fi rst female sexual partner of another female is usually exclusive, and for many, this results in “issues of jealousy, similar in age. [3] inventiveness, competitiveness, and perceived or real health risks.” [12] The most common sexual activity for homosexual men is mutual masturbation, followed by oral sex, leaving anal An international study from the mid 1990s focused on sex in third place. [4] In gay male teens, nearly 90 percent homosexual behaviour and attraction in the United States, have had manual and oral sex with another male. Only the United Kingdom, and France. In these three countries, about half, however, have engaged in anilingus (oral-anal respectively, the researchers found that 8.7, 7.9, and 8.5 contact). [5] It has also been estimated that about 25 per- percent of males and 17.8, 18.6, and 18 percent of females cent of adults have had heterosexual anal intercourse. [6] reported some degree of same-sex attraction but no same- sex behaviour since age 15. When individuals reporting Sexual milestones are also different for males and fe- same-sex attraction or same-sex behaviour were added, males. Regarding sexual identity, the context is primarily the respective numbers increased to 20.8, 16.3, and 18.5 emotionally-oriented for young women and sexual oriented percent for males and 17.8, 18.6, and 18.5 percent for for young men. First same-sex attractions often occur females. Lastly, when only homosexual behaviour was con- between eight and nine years of age, but fi rst disclosure sidered over the previous fi ve years in these three coun- of this averages 10 years later for both sexes. For female tries, respectively, they found 6.2, 4.5, and 10.7 percent youth, identifying as a sexual minority often occurs before of males and 3.6, 2.1, and 3.3 percent of females reported sexual activity commences: the opposite is true for male same-sex sexual contact. [13] youth. [7] Although statistics give us a glimpse into the lives of the A 1994 US report is often touted as the most compre- “average” person, whether heterosexual or queer, they tell hensive survey of sexual behaviour in the general popula- us very little about any specifi c individual. If, for example, tion that has been published to date. [8] The researchers you did not become aware of same-sex attractions until found that gay males on average reported 42.8 lifetime

38 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 you were in your thirties, does that really matter, despite Calgary Ghost Tours - From Page 37 the average being closer to age 10? Alternatively, if you are a woman and fi nd that visual stimuli is very sexually ghost, not a fun guy. I think he would be that way with some arousing to you, does it say anything about you, other patrons. He is very protective of what Goliaths is and I did not than this is how you are different compared to the “aver- feel welcome there at all. It is not what [Goliaths] is, it is me age” woman? You are unique and realizing you do not fi t being a woman. It was nervous energy about women coming in there.” into a statistic can be really empowering. It is important to own your own experience, whatever it looks like. Bartender Perry had a pretty good idea who it was. “One of the ghosts down here is a person that had a heart attack Dr. Alderson is an associate professor of counselling psychology at that used to be here every day. He is very friendly, maybe not the University of Calgary who specializes in gay and lesbian studies. He to Niki but to all of us he was a pussycat.” also maintains a private practice. He can be contacted by confidential email at [email protected], or by confidential voice mail at 605- The older gentleman is not the only one who haunts the 5234. building. There is a younger man who Nikki says died within the past six years, who enjoys messing with people. That may References: explain some of the goings on – staff told of ashtrays that have 1. Townsend, J. M. (1998). What women want – what men want: Why gone fl ying down the hallway when no one else was around the sexes still see love and commitment so differently. New York: Oxford to throw them, bar stools have moved inexplicably, and staff University Press. have walked by lockers that were closed one moment, only to 2. McKay, A. (2005). Sexual health education in the schools: Questions turn around and fi nd all of them wide open. & answers. Retrieved July 7, 2005, from Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN) Web site: http://www.sieccan.org/pdf/sexu- “He gets enjoyment from messing with people and freaking al_health_qs.pdf them out. But it is not malicious, he is actually very nice.” 3. Savin-Williams, R. C. (2005). The new gay teenager. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. We returned to the building to visit the Texas Lounge. Once 4. Ross, M. W., & Schonnesson, L. N. (2000). HIV/AIDS and sexuality. In we stepped into the lounge itself, Berthelette’s discomfort dis- L. T. Szuchman & F. Muscarella (Eds.), Psychological perspectives on human sipated. sexuality (pp. 383-415). New York: John Wiley & Sons. “This area feels happy, it is just in the stairwell and outside 5. Savin-Williams (2005). that is a creepy feeling. A completely different energy, people 6. Seidman, S. N., & Rieder, R. O. (1994). A review of sexual behavior in come in here and have a good time. The patrons here feel the United States. American Journal of Psychiatry, 151, 330-341. good, business feels good, just the ghosts are unhappy.” 7. Savin-Williams, R. C., & Diamond, L. M. (2000). Sexual identity tra- jectories among sexual-minority youths: Gender comparisons. Archives of We wrapped up our tour with the Backlot. The bar had the Sexual Behavior, 29, 607-627. least amount of supernatural energy, although staff have still 8. Wagstaff, D. A., Abramson, P. R., & Pinkerton, S. D. (2000). Research experienced their share of strange occurrences. in human sexuality. In L. T. Szuchman & F. Muscarella (Eds.), Psychological perspectives on human sexuality (pp. 3-59). New York: John Wiley & Sons. “It is peaceful, not a lot of bigtime activity. This is the calm- est bar of the three. There is a fi re connected with this area 9. Laumann, E. O., Gagnon, J. H., Michael, R. T., & Michaels, S. (1994). but I am not sure where. The energy is very laid back here, The social organization of sexuality: Sexual practices in the United States. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. not frazzled at all. There isn’t anything negative here. This property…has a lot of history to it.” 10. Friedman, R. C., & Downey, J. I. (1994). Special article: Homosexual- ity. New England Journal of Medicine, 331(4), 923-930. That isn’t to say we didn’t fi nd anything. Niki sensed the 11. Blumstein & Schwartz, cited in Coleman, E., & Simon Rosser, B. R. ghost of a tall redheaded man sitting in a booth in the front (1996). Gay and bisexual male sexuality. In R. P. Cabaj & T. S. Stein (Eds.), room, and when we went upstairs she instantly saw children Textbook of homosexuality and mental health (pp. 707-721). Washington, playing. Photos taken in the area defi nitely showed more orbs. DC: American Psychiatric Press. As we were preparing to leave however, someone else made an 12. Coleman & Simon Rosser (1996, p. 717). appearance. 13. Sell, R. L., Wells, J. A., & Wypij, D. (1995). The prevalence of homosexual behavior and attraction in the United States, the United Kingdom and ”Wow, a large muscular heavily tattooed man just popped in France: Results of national population-based samples. Archives of Sexual here and pointed next door. He is very angry, he won’t do any- Behavior, 24(3), 235-248. thing but I defi nitely get a feeling like he has been to prison. He isn’t associated with this building at all, it’s another building attached to this one.” The building next door offers low income housing on the second level, which seems to fi t with this man’s appearance. “I really enjoyed this evening. It is so good to be out of a certain reality for awhile,” Berthelette said as our evening ended. “I really thought it was fun, I enjoyed the different frequencies in every location, I feel like I have learned a little bit.” There is much to learn from this experience, and perhaps next year we can expand further. With some research and discussion, we can learn more about some of these ghosts that haunt the bars, from a very interesting past. To book Niki Berthelette for readings, reconnective healings, events or personal inquiries, call 403-875-9664.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 39 Amber Dance Diva Talks Gay Rights, Music Industry, and No More Tears

By Jason Clevett Interview The booklet in most CDs usually included a generic thank you to fans. On the Dutch-born dance queen Amber’s 2002 album Naked she took it one step further, writing “To the gay community - you know I have to give you a special shout out! I have nothing but love for you - because that is all I experience when I am around you. Thank you for your undying support.” It is that support that has kept hits like This Is Your Night¸ Sexual (Li Da Di) and One More Night, along with a number of others on the charts, in a genre of music that often sees one- hit and then obscurity. “I am lucky in that I have a straight and gay fan base. I ﬁ nd that the gay fan base is extremely loyal. Artists like Bette Midler, Madonna and Cher couldn’t do without them, they would not be here without the gay fans. I don’t know what prompts them to be so loyal, that is just the way they are. They are a lovely crowd to perform for, they are thankful, have fun and enjoy a good time. A lot of gay people have had issues with their lives, [and needed] to come clean with themselves… So when they go out to have a good time everyone enjoys it. So I have had very good experiences and that is why on my third full-length album I wanted to speciﬁ cally thank them for their support.”

The story of Amber, born Marie-Claire Cremers in the Neth- It worked a bit better, as she had more freedom with her erlands, is one of strength and perserverance. Initially she was third album Naked but, still she remained unhappy. discovered by European producers The Berman Brothers (who had success with The Real Mccoy), who helped her create her “Naked was closer to the truth because I was more in fi rst song This Is Your Night. She was signed to Tommy Boy charge, but I was unhappy how my label handled and pro- Records… and it all went downhill from there. moted me. They never took the time to visually promote me, I didn’t have enough videos and those I did, had too many “They took the song to America to labels and we right away distractions. Musically I felt very unfulfi lled. So in 2003 I went got offers and signed. I think it happens like that with 99% of directly to the CEO, who was nice enough to have personal the artists, all of a sudden you are just there, and it happened conversations with me and I told him I was unhappy. I wanted to be a dance song.” to just step out. I caught him at a moment where I was in a While grateful for the initial success, she quickly soured. “I conventional contract that gave me incredible advances to pro- wanted to be out, but you have contracts. I wanted to get rid duce albums, which was great obviously but with every album of my producers because they were getting on my last rotten your advances go up and they were not willing to pay them nerve! They were trying to take everything away from me and deep down inside. I used that to my advantage. Thank god not give me any rights. Their production just hurt my ears. he gave me the release, because that is very hard to get. At I did not even want to produce a second album with them that time a lot of labels were just shelving artists to keep the but they forced me to. So I tried to fi nd a medium ground competition from getting them. In the meantime these artists and work with other writers and producers, which in the end would just age and not be able to move forward.” they just took it and put their name underneath it. There are With the release, she set up her own label, JMCA Enterpris- some really shady things that go on in this industry. It took es, and released 2004’s My Kind of World. me about two years to negotiate my way out of the contract with them. At about 2002, I saw very clearly that the industry “It was an entirely different album. I really felt free as an was in disarray and said, listen people, either the companies artist. I wanted to show some more variety because I am an are going to cut in with the illegal downloading we are dealing artist of many layers. So I am very proud that I chose that and with or its not going anywhere and we will have to fi gure out it gave me a real artistic statement.” alternative ways to promote music properly. I was just not Her artistry has been one thing very important to Amber. happy.”

40 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 “I never intended to become a ‘dance artist.’ I come from a So the project was simply an idea in her head until 2004, classically trained family, my father is an opera singer and my when she performed at Gay Pride in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. mother is a piano teacher and songwriter. I was very aware Zelma Davis was opening for her. that sometimes the music industry comes in as a fl uke and leaves you. So I fi nished my education and studied to be an “I saw her on stage and thought, wow! She is fi ve foot two, orthopedic doctor’s assistant, and always had a backup. In this little tiny thing with a huge voice. I said, my god where the meantime I invested in my career, did shows, modeled a the hell do you pull that voice from? She laughed and we bit and sang at fashion shows. Dance music overall, you are started talking and we right away connected. We were sitting not in good company when it comes to longevity, and I was next to each other on the plane and I said, listen, would you very aware of that and not going to succumb to that. I believed be interested in doing a duet with me because I have this idea. in myself as a vocalist and a songwriter. You can make every She is a huge Donna fan so she said yes. I said I wanted to song a dance song if you put a remix to it. I wanted to have have my stuff straightened out fi rst and see what route I was more depth to it. After awhile people really talked about going, because it was a very insecure market at that point in Amber’s standards, and that told me that within that genre I time. It was the beginning stages of non-existence. We stayed was well on my way to defi ning myself. I think that probably in touch all these years and became good friends. Finally last was one point that distinguished me from other artists.” year my producer came for a surprise visit and I just brought her in and got the vocals done. We are very happy with the Family is very important to Amber, who mentioned she outcome, we didn’t abuse the original but we brought it into would be moving from New York State, where she currently 2008. It took a long time to prepare because I wanted to do lives, back to Germany after 12 years in the US. it right. You want to make sure when you pay everything out of pocket there are a lot of things you have to watch. When I “I have a son that I would like to get a good education for. I actually started researching this song I saw some versions out have been a single mother throughout [his life]. It is time for there and they were just not right. So it made me more ambi- him to be back with my family. We stay in touch constantly tious to do it better and I am confi dent to say that we did a but my brothers and sisters are starting to have babies and good job with that.” I am at a point where I just want to be back with my family. The world is a smaller place now with digital and international Talk of the pride event took as once again back to the sub- releasing I could be in India and make music. Right now I am ject of gay rights and the current climate in the US regarding at a point in my life where family is fi rst, I want to enjoy the gay marriage. rest of my life with my family and my parents and be with the people who really matter to me. Over there you have free “It is just ridiculous. I always say love is love. Think of all education and health care and it is a better life situation. After these kids who are created by straight people and have the he is done he can do whatever he wants but right now I just chance to be adopted by gay parents, why should they not think it is a good idea for him to be there.” have the same rights? I couldn’t care less if it was called marriage or legal partnership as long as they have the same Amber was also part of Stars on 54, with Ultra Nate and rights. When people live together and share their lives together Jocelyn Enriquez to cover If You Could Read My Mind, one of and raise their families, they should receive the same rights, the only memorable things to come out of the fi lm 54. It is a period. I remember a fan of mine whose partner was sick and song that is still heard in clubs ten years later. he was not allowed to see him in the hospital. How sick is that? It just drives me nuts.” “I think the song is bigger than the movie itself. The VP of Tommy Boy, Monica Lynch, put it together, she was a very “It is not a gender issue. We have too many issues in the smart woman and they did a lot of soundtracks. She came up world where people hate each other, wars are being fought, to me and asked if I would be interested. I said yeah sure why and people are killing each other every day. People don’t ask not? I think it was a good collaboration and brought a good me why I am straight. It is what you are born with. My neigh- crossover to what I had to offer. I absolutely do not regret that bour’s son, from day one I said ‘that boy is gay’ and everyone song because it has a lot of crossover appeal. I thought it was said ‘no he’s not.’ I said, trust me, I have gaydar, he is gay! a great project at the time. You still hear it a lot in Canada And he is! It is something that is there, I believe it is a genetic because Canada only plays 30% outside music. So if you want thing that is predestined in the person and there is nothing to have a song on the board in Canada you’d better come up wrong with it. You are just as fi ne as everybody else. The less with a Canadian songwriter. There are very strict regulations. we make an issue as an outsider, the less issues people will Gordon Lightfoot is a huge icon from Canada so I think being have with themselves because that refl ects on them, and they that the song has that history, that is a big reason why it was think something is wrong with them. It just pisses me off. I am so big in Canada.” pro gay rights and give support wherever I can.” That said, Amber is not a big fan of cover songs. There is In fact, there are times when Amber wishes her own 17- one exception, and the result is her duet with former C&C Mu- year-old son were gay. sic Factory singer Zelma Davis covering the 1979 classic No More Tears (Enough is Enough) by Donna Summer and Barbra ”Teenagers give you issues and I am at that stage with my Streisand. son with rebellion and testing his grounds, and it can be very hard. I said to my Mom, my neighbour has a gay son and I “I have always loved that song, I am a huge fan of Barbra wish my son would be gay for god’s sake! I don’t know why it Streisand. For six years I said if I ever did a cover, I would is, but they are very close to their Moms, they just adore them. want to do that song. It was just a matter of fi nding the right Just let him be gay already so he comes back to me! I wouldn’t partner because you need big chops to do it. You don’t want have an issue with it at all. It would not break down love or to embarrass yourself. You want to make sure that you do it anything, you are what you are, and as long as you are a good properly and even then you will still run into people who will person that is what it comes down to.” say ‘It’s not Barbra and Donna.’ That was not the point. We wanted to do a good job with our interpretation and it was Amber paying homage to people we adore as vocalists.” www.myspace.com/ambersings www.amber-mcc.com

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 41 Fundraising Photos Boot Boy Fundraiser for the Sharp Foundation at the Photos by GayCalgary Staff Calgary Eagle ISCCA show at Money Pennies - Calgary

42 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Aids Calgary Aids Walk

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 43 Aids Calgary Aids Walk

44 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Billy Twinkle Puppet Master’s Newest Show Debuts in Edmonton

By Jason Clevett Preview | Theatre In January 2007 at the inanimate objects festival, I joined a fascinated audience to watch Alberta-born onette and he dreams of a sparkly life, but he is Ronnie Burkett do a reading of his work-in-progress from Moose Jaw. I really Billy Twinkle, Requiem for a Golden Boy. Proving believe that ‘gay’ doesn’t why he is one of Canada’s greatest artists, Burkett come from Hollywood or showed he doesn’t even need puppets to put on an New York on Broadway, incredibly entertaining show, and the audience went it comes from wherever home happy and excited to someday see the fi nal that person grows up. As product. Burkett, however, felt differently. much as you aspire to be twinkly and sparkly “There is a funny story about that reading actually. That and Hollywood, this is a night was my father’s 80th birthday and I agreed to come kid from Moose Jaw was out west so I could go to Medicine Hat,” he recalled. “I already a little queen as a walked off the Vertigo stage at that reading and went ‘Huh. kid and just took it to the That’s not it,’ threw the script in the trash and went to cruise line.” the hotel and sobbed my eyes out because I’d written this turkey. Somewhere on the trans Canada highway around People are going to see Strathmore it hit me what I needed to do. That public read- the show and think it is ing was really benefi cial and led me on the right road.” autobiographical. Initial drafts of the piece may “It has retained the best part of the initial script, but I have been, but that is no longer the case. have a whole new hook on it. I realized that Billy’s mentor Sid Diamond needed to come back from the dead as a hand “Billy has been in my head for a long, long time and I puppet and make him look at his life. It became very funny, vowed I couldn’t do it until it was not about me. Now it is so it’s now like It’s a Wonderful Life meets A Christmas Carol not about me that everybody will think it is me telling my where Billy is dragged kicking and screaming through his life story. I had to get to the place where Billy was a com- life as a marionette.” plete invention and I held off until I felt it was more about the audience than me. Everybody is stuck in the middle Billy Twinkle is a middle-aged cruise ship puppeteer who of something, whether you are 20 and in the middle of gets fi red from his job, so he decides to kill himself by jump- university, or elderly and in the middle of dying. I just had ing off the boat. His mentor appears as a hand puppet and to invent him completely. So what I have here is a toothy- Billy is forced over the course of that night to relive his life grinned showbiz guy. I have known those guys but never as a marionette show. When we spoke to Burkett in 2006, performed that way. So now I have to perform that and it Burkett described it as kind of goes against my grain but I have to be Billy Twinkle “My big gay piece.” for the next few years.” “In terms of it being “It is different from me because this is a form of showbiz I the big gay piece, he is have never worked in. I have had a lot of people ask if I was unabashedly gay. The fi rst going to put together a variety show and do cruise ships as time he talks he is doing a research. I reply that I didn’t actually go to the concentra- roller-skating bear and he tion camps to do Tinka’s New Dress so I don’t need to go looks out at the audience, on the cruise ships because I know enough guys who have gritting his teeth, talking done it, and told me their experiences that I know what the about the audience and life is like. It was just setting it somewhere - the guy is liter- going ‘that’s right Mister, ally adrift at sea which was interesting to me. I have never I am just a big faggot.’ So been in that American version of showbiz, and we have this right at the top we know battle between his mentor who was a great artist and Billy that he is gay. There is a disappoints him by being this variety act. My path has been great funny scene where one where puppet shows resonate at home, I was able to do he goes home to his a kind of puppetry that not many thought they could do. It boyfriend Brian and their is very different from me personally because Billy is middle dog Mr. Havalind. All the aged, disappointed and stuck in a rut and I personally don’t way through the play we feel that. We have seen enough of those ‘this is my midlife’ see this little boy with one person shows in this country. If anything we need his little showgirl mari- something that is a little sparkly.”

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 45 Billy Twinkle makes its world premier at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre October 17th to November 9th. The show will then embark on a world tour taking Burkett to Australia and the UK. Calgary fans will either have to head up to Ed- monton, or wait until spring 2010 when it comes to Alberta Theatre Projects. “Hopefully some people will come from Calgary and see it on this run. It will be with me through the 2010/2011 season. Interestingly it hasn’t gotten a booking in Toronto yet for a number of different reasons. I think it will get a booking there in 2010… If anything this one feels like it may have a little longer shelf life in it, I don’t know why it feels that way but it does. I already have the next one in mind so we will see when the next one takes precedence in my brain - I will just have to stop Billy and move on to the next one.” and an opera singing diva who gets drunk on stage, sings The last time Burkett brought his puppets to Alberta was this wild number, and her eyes bat and her mouth moves. fall 2006, with stops in both Calgary and Edmonton for the We really changed our building process, all of the heads and incredible 10 Days on Earth. The previous show has now bodies are made out of paper-mâché, which I haven’t done been retired. since I was a kid. I wanted to see if we could get a porce- lain-like fi nish out of brown paper and cornstarch glue. We “It got published and so it is out there. I was asked challenged ourselves everywhere along the line just to keep whether I wanted to keep doing it, and I just don’t seem to it fresh.” have the focus or energy anymore. It came time to decide whether to keep it alive and keep touring it or move into So why see Billy Twinkle? While I haven’t personally seen Billy Twinkle zone. It was really hard for me, during the last it yet, based on the reading, having seen Burkett’s past run of the show I kept thinking, ‘I hope I am doing the right shows, and with how enjoyable it is speaking to him, I am thing because I think this one is special.’ The minute it re- just telling you that you need to go see this show. If that tired and I was back in the studio working on Billy I realized isn’t enough, I will let Ronnie himself offer his reasons. it was time to move on to the next conversation. I think Billy is exactly where I should be right now, and I can only be “You can’t see this on TV or anywhere else. The point here because I did my past shows.” of the live performing arts is that you are in the room and experiencing that music live, whether it is an acoustic voice After retiring the show Burkett returned to Toronto to telling a story or seeing a marionette show that gets you begin the lengthy work process of creating a new show: de- emotionally. It is not like we live in a culture where there are signing puppets, making script rewrites, and creating sets. a lot of adult marionette shows that you see and have a really good time, that tweak your heart and brain at the same “After 10 Days on Earth I hadn’t been on the road for 15 time. I can’t believe I am going to say this fi nally but I think months, which is the longest I have ever been home. I have it is just special: it is good to be in a room with a bunch of been in-studio all year and I found myself, last week, feeling other strangers and hear a nice story.” like I was done, I couldn’t be in the studio anymore. The whole gang is still working in the studio on the puppets With Billy Twinkle being a middle-aged puppeteer much but I just kind of left. It is a massive amount of work to put like Ronnie himself, we asked how long Burkett plans to these things together. But I think it looks good and we have continue to work. a real luxury of being in the theatre rehearsing for “Till I drop. This is what I do. We were editing the script a three weeks on set.” little bit this afternoon in rehearsal and there is a line where Billy’s childhood friend Benji, who becomes the great art “We have 29 puppets, puppeteer, goes to the gym and gets laser eye surgery and and I realized that if I was looks fabulous and quits puppetry. Billy’s quite incensed going to be building all by this and says ‘we don’t quit, we die with a puppet in our this I wanted to build it in hands’ and that is how I feel I guess. I am a bit long in the a whole new way. There is tooth to be retrained to do anything else so I am cursed with a lot of facial animation in this. Not joking, as long as audiences keep coming out I feel the puppets, which I have like that is a vote of confi dence to keep going. If there were never done. All of the Billy three people a night in the theatre I would have to take the puppets actually blink. hint but for some reason people keep coming to see these Because Billy is a variety puppet shows, so that’s what propels me to think of the cruise ship puppeteer, we next one.” see his act four times. I went to Los Angeles last Billy Twinkle, Requiem for a Golden Boy October to learn how to October 18th – November 9th, 2008 make a marionette strip- Citadel Theatre, Edmonton per, so the fi rst puppet www.citadeltheatre.com you see takes off four layers of clothing. There is also a roller-skating bear

46 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 HIV and Gonorrhea and Syphilis – OH MY!

By Mark Randall Advice | Health As our province continues to enjoy all the benefi ts of a strong economy, we see an increase in the num- With all this said, Alberta continues to grow with a con- ber of people moving to, and living in Alberta. It is tinuation of people moving to the province to meet the ever growing labour demands. It is important to understand important to recognize that a booming city comes that the rate of these STI’s will continue to grow in pro- with another kind of boom that remains silent and portion to that growth, without the proper knowledge and often unspoken by those touting the benefi ts of understanding of how to protect yourself and others. economic prowess. That being the rapidly rising rate If you want or need to be tested for one or all of these of newly diagnosed Sexually Transmitted Infections STI’s, remember the tests are covered under your Alberta (STI’s) or STD’s. Health Care and are accessible through your personal In the province of Alberta, the rates of newly diagnosed physician, the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic, or infections of Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia have Calgary Safeworks. You can also contact AIDS Calgary increased at almost twice the usual rate between the years Awareness Association for free workshops, HIV/STI infor- of 2004 and 2007; HIV infections are also on the increase mation and referrals to other appropriate services (more but at a lower rate. It is my belief that this lower rate of info appears at the bottom of this article). new HIV infections has more to do with people not being It is important to remember that any existing STI can tested. greatly increase the chance of contracting HIV, so get the I have had people tell me they do not believe they are at facts about STI’s and risk factors for infection. Protect risk of contracting HIV for a number of classic reasons, yourself and your partners though safer sex practices and or simply afraid of getting a positive result if they do get with open honest discussion in your personal relation- tested. It is unfortunate that stigma and fear continue to ships. Live and love healthy and well. hinder people’s willingness to get tested for HIV. It is also Resources: important to know that an HIV test must be specifi cally requested when getting tested for STI’s in Alberta. Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic Although I know an article can get boring with numbers (403) 944-7575 and stats here we go just to show that it is really happen- Calgary Safeworks ing in our province and we need to be informed and aware. (403) 955-6014 The range in the ages of persons becoming infected with one (or more) of these STI’s is from under 15 to over AIDS Calgary Awareness Association 60. The rate of new HIV infections has increased between 110, 1603 10th Avenue SW, Calgary 2006 and 2007 after remaining at a consistent level of (403) 508-2500 reported new cases for fi ve years. What is disturbing is the References: rate of newly diagnosed cases of Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in our province; ones that are now twice the Alberta Community Council on HIV report compilation: national average. Ameeta Singh BMBS, MSc, FRCPC Infectious Disease Consultant Syphilis has increased from 1.2 persons per 100,000 Offi ce of the Chief Medical Offi cer of Health in 2003 to 7.3 persons per 100,000; a rate increase of Alberta Health and Wellness 6.1 people in just 4 years. There has been a large spike of Communicable Disease Reporting System new infections among the population of men having sex Provincial Program Development and Disease Control 2008. with men (MSM) in the past three years with Calgary at a whopping 60% increase and Edmonton at 14% as of May Communicable Disease Reporting System: Notifi able Diseases and 2008. Rates of Gonorrhea have been steadily increasing Sexually Transmitted Infections Databases as of May 23, 2008. at a rate of 10 cases per 100,000 persons in the years of Surveillance and Epidemiology Section, Centre for Communicable 2003 to 2007; with a staggering 64.4 persons per 100,000 Disease and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada 2008; reported in 2007. Chlamydia rates in Alberta have been http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/stdcases casmts/index.html) consistently higher than the national average between and Disease Control and Prevention, Alberta Health and Wellness May the years of 1993 and 2007. On a brighter note the rates 23, 2008. of newly diagnosed Hepatitis C infections has been on a Alberta Health and Wellness Disease Control and Prevention data steady decline since 2000 although the First Nations con- pulled February 2008. tinue to have the highest rate per 100,000.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 47 Understanding That Bashing is a Crime The Calgary Police Sexuality and Gender Diversity Committee

By Dallas Barnes Community | Spotlight Calvin Campbell understands violent homophobia fi rst-hand. Last summer, as he was walking home from a night out with friends, a male yelled “Look at these f--king f-ggots walking by”. Admittedly, Camp- bell responded unfavorably, and as a result, eight to nine guys surrounded them. “If you’re gay just tell us and we’ll leave you alone” was what Campbell and his friends were asked. They responded that indeed they were gay, and in reaction to this hon- esty, Calvin was punched in the face and fell to the ground. He remembers his friends telling them to stop because they didn’t want to fi ght. This only resulted in his friends getting hit, and Campbell being kicked in the ribs and head while lying in the middle of 5th Street, downtown. Bloody and bruised, they got up off the road and ran home to their apartment a couple of blocks away. They phoned the police non-emergency number and told their story. “That’s just the way big cities are nowadays” was the response they got from the other end. Undeterred, Calvin Campbell phoned the police again the next morning. The police came by and were polite; however no one was ever caught or charged with the assault. committed to serving our community with dignity and professionalism and [they] want you to feel safe reporting A friend let him know about a group within the Calgary an incident.” Police Service that dealt specifi cally with GLBT incidents. This is how Calvin Campbell became involved in the Diver- The Sexuality and Gender Diversity Advisory Board sity Resources Unit. meets with members of the GLBTT community once a month to keep the lines of communication open. Calvin In January 1996, members of the GLBTT community ap- Campbell has taken over redesigning posters for the poster proached the Calgary Police Diversity Unit with an interest campaign, organized by members of the community, which in developing a professional liaison within the two parties. advertises the Diversity Unit. He has been part of the com- Constable Christine Robinson, the designated liaison be- mittee for over a year, and is excited about what has been tween the GLBTT community and the Diversity Unit works accomplished and what is yet to come. in partnership with the GLBTT community to “promote two-way communication thereby reducing stereotypi- “I don’t always feel 100% safe as a gay man in Calgary cal negative images, promote education and awareness, yet. People in every industry in the city have a lot of preju- identify and resolve crime concerns and increase police dices that need to be broken down. But this is a start. I’m awareness of community issues of concern.” proud of the fact that I can say that the other members of the committee and myself are doing our part to change The Diversity Resources Unit’s Sexuality and Gender society in our city and our country for the better.” Diversity Advisory Board is reaching out to the public in order to promote awareness of who they are, and to let If you are interested in obtaining a copy of one or both of the posters, the GLBTT community know that they are there to help. or becoming part of the Committee, please contact Constable Christine Ultimately, the goal of this Board is to have all hate crimes Robinson at 403-206-8159. If you would like to report a hate crime anonymously, please call the Liaison Officer at 403-206-8150, or for and incidents reported and followed through. 24-hour support call 1-877- OUT IS OK. The three main reasons these crimes and incidents aren’t reported are: a fear of revictimization from the of- fender, a fear of victimization from the police, and a fear of victimization from the courts. In the end the Calgary Police would like the GLBTT public to know that they “are

48 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Screamfest Have a Scare at C.O.P.

By Jason Clevett Event | Spotlight It is a dark, moonlit night. You’re walking with your lover snuggled in close and suddenly the two We’ve had extra staff on this summer to rebuild, and had of you are surrounded by zombies! You break away to buy extra props to replace stuff.” and head towards an area of light, and stumble Screamfest employs 4 full time staff, year round, which upon four “houses” circling a green space. One balloons to 250 between the two cities for the actual seems to be something out of an alien invasion, events. We caught up with Josh Gilmour, who has worked another just looks plain creepy. Hearing a chainsaw for Screamfest since its inception, and asked what appeals to him about working there. behind you, you are forced to choose between wandering through the dark or going into what appears “I have never been able to be scared when I go to a to be a circus. You choose the circus because clowns haunted house, so it is scare or be scared for me. You can’t hurt you, right? can’t be nervous or shy to work here. You have to be able to scream and not care that you kind of look like an idiot.” Wrong. Welcome to Screamfest! “Our employees have a love of the game. The majority of “We provide entertainment, and that comes in the our employees are not here for the money. They have other form, for some people, of fear, and for others in watching jobs or go to school full time,” added Sheppard. “It is just [others] get scared. We don’t have to make you jump to a fun job and a quick way to make extra money. Over the have a good time,” Screamfest owner Mike Sheppard told years people have come back and told us it is their most GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. memorable, favorite job.” Screamfest runs from October 17th to November 1st and “I am hyperactive, insane, crazy. I will jump off things, I is a combination of six attractions – four haunted houses, have climbed into parents’ cars because they have un- a maze, and the “Fest-evil” tent, which offers carnival locked their doors so I can get their kids; made full-grown games and a second maze. Dubbed “The Bowels of Hell”, men run out the front door screaming, to their cars,” re- admission to the maze costs $2 and all proceeds go to the called Gilmour. “I made one woman fall to the ground and Crones and Colitis Foundation. The fastest time for the pray. I make people soil themselves, run screaming and event wins $1000. peeing at the same time. I have had people faint, you name “We wanted to involve a charity with the company. My it and I have scared somebody to the point where they brother has colitis, and his son has crones. Last year we have done pretty much anything.” raised $10,000 for the foundation.” So why go to Screamfest? This is the third year that Screamfest has haunted “[People] should come because it is a once-a-year Canada Olympic Park, and the company also runs “Fright chance, there is nothing like it. We do everything we can Nights” in Vancouver. However, this year almost didn’t to make it very unique from the actors we hire to props happen - a massive warehouse fi re in April nearly brought and lighting. The prizes in the carnival games are prizes both events to a halt. you will only fi nd at our event, you won’t fi nd them at the “It did a lot of damage, destroyed our building. When Stampede or other fairs. Defi nitely come early, most people it fi rst happened we said, okay, what do we do? We still wait until the last three days and end up spending a lot of don’t know what we are going to do for the future of the time in line,” advised Sheppard. Josh Gilmour’s response company, but we had commitments and contracts signed was remarkably deep. to do events in Calgary and Vancouver. We can’t back out “People like to be scared. It is as simple as that. People on those. So we decided to do everything we can to worry go to horror movies to be scared, they come here because about this season, and we will worry about the future of they want to step out of reality. People go to work, or go the company after that. We don’t know what will happen to school, they go home, do whatever they do. This is a after this year, but the fi re losses were a big hit to our step out of human reality. You come here and there are company.” zombies and insane clowns and morticians and aliens, it is Sheppard, his family and team, regrouped and focused not your life.” on rebuilding. Screamfest “Luckily none of the haunted houses were burned, they October 17th – November 1st, 2008 were all trailers stored outside. What we lost was supplies, Canada Olympic Park tools, all of our inventory. We do not make the t-shirts www.screamfest.ca and prizes for the games so we had to buy a lot of it again. gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 49 The Quest to Pee II

By Mercedes Allen Trans Identity If you had gone to the State of Colorado, this past summer, chances are, you would have heard the fol- is down south, compared to Canada) since 1975 in Min- lowing on radio or television, in heavy rotation: neapolis, Minnesota. The number of times these pieces of legislation have been used to justify predatory behaviour “ANNOUNCER: If the Colorado Legislature has its way… against women or children in a washroom? Zero (if there had been, you can bet that CRG would have seized upon GIRL 1: Mom! A man in a dress came into the girl’s them). The number of times that usage of these laws has bathroom at school today! been attempted and failed because the judge used com- ANNOUNCER: We could all be dealing with a new type mon sense and realized that the defendant wasn’t really of predator trans and was motivated by purely predatory motives? Once (Portland, Oregon). WOMAN: [ambient sound under of woman getting out of car, door beep and close] Honey, there was a man using Still, in an advancing trend, the entire trans civil rights the women’s showers today at the fi tness center I asked issue is repeatedly fi ltered down to a debate about wash- the management why?!...They said it was Colorado law! rooms, with conservatives brashly fl aunting assumptions that all transsexuals are “male” and that all males are sex ANNOUNCER: And instead of our kids worrying about predators (female-to-male transsexuals are usually com- fi nals and the prom they’ll have to worry about who’s in pletely disregarded in these arguments). Everything else the bathroom with them at school.” is summarily negated by playing on a fabricated spectre of That was the voice-over for an advertisement put out by the transgender bogeyman and the squick factor of having Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family, in the newest to share a washroom with “one of them.” It plays on an approach to combat civil rights for transgender and oc- assumption that transsexuals are sexually-motivated to casionally even all GLBTQ persons. In the past year, there make their life change (which is usually not the case, and have been a number of areas in which the potty debate if that were true, male-to-female-specifi c hormone replace- has mushroomed into mass panic. This began in Mont- ment therapy would often be self-defeating), and preys on gomery County, Maryland, when Councilmember Duchy the societal inclination that anything sex-positive is bad Trachtenberg sponsored a bill on November 13, 2007 that and a danger to children. extended civil rights to transgender people. This caused Fortunately, the washroom argument is not holding one right-wing lobby group, called Citizens for a Respon- water. In Colorado, the Governor signed the trans-inclu- sible Government (CRG) to unleash a fi restorm campaign sive bill into law, and the furor died down. On September of fearmongering designed to get people to sign a petition 10th, the particularly fi erce battle in Montgomery County to repeal the law. The State of Colorado followed, as did Maryland came to an end when a judge ruled that due to Hamtramck, Michigan and Gainesville, Florida. a series of dubious signatures, confusion on the number Legislation that includes “gender identity” and “gender of signatures required, and the misinformation that was expression” is generally targeted to protect transsexu- being fed to the public through fearmongering, an initiative als, other transgender people and genderqueer persons to place the legislation on the ballot for a public vote was who might not even think of themselves as “trans” in any invalid. Montgomery County’s approach to fi ghting and/or way (i.e. women who appear masculine or “butch,” men repealing trans-inclusive laws had been hailed as a model considered effeminate - which is why trans protections for right-wing organizations to follow in the future, so are still often a full GLBTQ community issue). It is often CRG’s failure here is signifi cant. Still, the battle rages on aimed to prevent discrimination in employment, housing, in Hamtramck and in Gainesville, the latter battle of which access to health care, recognition of gender status, and/or is particularly insidious. In Gainesville, the deceptive peti- protection under hate crimes legislation. Over 105 such tion wording is that petitioners want legislators to match pieces of trans-inclusive legislation have been introduced discrimination legislation to that of the State of Florida, across the US (which shows how far ahead trans activism which would not only prevent protection of transgender people, it would also negate existing protections from discrimination for people based on sexual orientation. Whether or not such battles come to Canada will likely depend on if any of these campaigns accomplish any measure of success, and also on Canadians’ susceptibility to transphobic fearmongering. As trans activism is much further behind similar advocacy in America (currently,

50 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 there is no national trans advocacy organization, nor any group that has taken on trans issues as a key part of its mandate - if you want to change this, check in at http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/transactioncanada/ and make your voice heard), it could be some time before we fi nd out. Our southern cousins accomplished an equally signifi cant win on a second front. On September 19th, the Federal District Court in D.C. set down a landmark ruling in the employment discrimination case of Schroer v. Bil- lington. Diane Schroer, a retired veteran with untouch- able credentials in the military, had applied for a job as a counter-terrorism expert with the Library of Congress, was accepted, and then had the offer withdrawn. The reason: she had interviewed for the job while presenting as male, but after accepting, had thought it wiser to inform the director of her intention to transition from male to female (thinking it less disruptive to begin work as Diane than it would be to transition midway into the job). The case was a rarity in that the withdrawal was clear and obvious discrimination, unlike so many such cases where the employer is able to drum up several alternate excuses, and the onus is put on the plaintiff to prove that discrimination was the primary or sole causal factor. The Library’s director bluntly stated that her concern was that being transsexual would affect Schroer’s security clear- ance, that it would cost her credibility, and that it would be a distraction. She also argued that transgender people are not specifi cally protected from discrimination, which apparently made this okay. It wasn’t okay. The ACLU successfully argued that transgender people are in fact protected in the US from employment discrimination on the basis of “sex,” based on previous rulings in cases where people had been discrimi- nated against because of “sex stereotyping” - ie. women wrongly fi red for not appearing “feminine” enough or males for not appearing “masculine” enough. This may not be the last word in this case. The Li- brary of Congress is considering appealing the ruling to the Supreme Court. And historically, such rulings have proven to be subject to interpretation, which is why specifi c inclusion of “gender identity” and “gender expression” is still an important goal. In Alberta, as with most provinces, transgender people are considered protected from discrimination on the basis of “sex,” but this has also been dismissed at times by the courts, or interpreted creatively. This is why we can anticipate some more potty wars ahead of us, and maybe closer to home. ”Mercedes Allen is a writer who blogs at http://dentedbluemer- cedes.wordpress.com/, has been featured on bilerico.com, Pa- geOneQ and others, and has also developed the website at Alberta- Trans.org as a resource for transgender information and support.”

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 51 Letters to the Editor

By GayCalgary Staff & Contributors Letters Dear GayCalgary, Dear Misc Youth Network, As the Executive director of the Miscellaneous Youth Net- work I was unaware of the true age of Connor Donavan Prau I apologize with the deepest regret and remorse for ill until the September 4th Fake Mustache show. At this point informing the Board of my true age. Acting with such a in time, Connor had been performing with us since July. manner of disrespect and immaturity was unbefi tting of a During the July show I had asked him his age directly, as respectful and upstanding organization such as yourselves. well as the age of all the new performing members. Everyone My actions, though inexcusable, were not without reason. said they were over eighteen and as per the requirements of The need to express myself in a time of stress overpowered the bar, at 9:10pm everyone in the bar was ID’d. I was under my sensibilities. I am truly sorry for the unnecessary risk the assumption that someone had seen Connor’s ID as there and stress I put you through. were several members of our organization as well as the bar staff checking on everyone, and some individuals were Sincerely, escorted out, not having valid ID. Connor Donovan Prau It has been the practice of the bar to do this round of IDing since March and I had no reason to believe Connor was lying about his age because of the nature of his independence. He Dear GayCalgary, never drank at shows; however, he has tattoos, a high level The 2008 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life held on Septem- of independence and shared stories of his life that gave me ber 21, 2008 at Eau Claire Festival Square was an over- every reason to believe he was of age, if not at least nineteen whelming success. More than seven-hundred people ven- or twenty. No other members of the organization were aware tured out into the cool, wet weather to take part in the 14th of his true age until just prior to the September show, at annual walk in support of AIDS Calgary raising in excess of which point it was revealed that he was a minor. It came to $122,000 surpassing our goal of $110,000. the attention of the Board members and myself during the September show and immediately following it. Continuing the great tradition of competition between our provinces’ two major cities, AIDS Calgary competed in the His choice to withhold this information is a direct violation fi rst annual Alberta Throwdown. Calgary and Edmonton of the trust of the Network and while this situation was not stepped up their fundraising efforts in a friendly competition addressed as timely as it could have been, it is being ad- to see which Walk can raise the most money. Funds contin- dressed now with great sensitivity and transparency. ue to pour in and champion has yet to be determined. Connor has been informed that his membership and The 14th Annual AIDS Walk introduced a new national participation within the Network has been suspended until title sponsor, Scotiabank. “The Scotiabank AIDS Walk for his eighteenth birthday, at which time he may appeal to the Life is an important event for all Canadians,” said Rick Board. A letter of apology must be submitted stating his Waugh, Scotiabank President and CEO. “AIDS and HIV do intent in withholding this crucial information and that the not discriminate. Men, women, youth, and children across Network and none of its members were responsible for his this country in the communities where we live and work face choice to do so. He acted of his own accord in an attempt to the realities of this unforgiving disease every day. We are secure a place within the community. He must take respon- proud to support an event that provides important funding sibility for his actions and show that he knows, while what to fi ght AIDS and raises awareness about prevention of HIV.” he did was done with the best intentions, it was still wrong and could have jeopardized the Network and what it stands The goal of the AIDS Walk is to raise funds in support of for. the education, outreach, prevention and support initiatives AIDS Calgary offers the community. Every year an estimated To ensure this does not happen again in the future, all 1000 Calgarians – walkers, volunteers, entertainers, spon- performers must provide valid ID to the Executive Director sors and staff – unite in an effort to raise funds and increase or any participating Board member and sign a membership awareness of HIV/AIDS. form upon their fi rst attendance of any event or performance presented by the Network. Whether you are walking, volunteering, or making a donation, you can make a difference in the fi ght against This has been the record of events surrounding the situa- HIV/AIDS. Last year, the 2007 AIDS Walk for Life met its tion of a minor participating in the Fake Mustache Drag King goal and raised over $100,000! All proceeds from the Walk shows dated September, 16th 2008. go directly to support, prevention and education programs Kaitlyn S. C. Hatch for those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS in Calgary. For Executive Director more information visit www.calgaryaidswalk.com AIDS Calgary Awareness Association

52 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 53 Music Review Ghost Colours, Love is Dead, Chemical Rising, Prima J

By Rob Diaz-Marino Review | Music “In Ghost Colours” by Cut Copy With a title like this, and a The fi rst several songs of the album are utterly stellar. It track entitled “So Haunted”, starts off with the powerful title track, “Love is Dead”, leading one would think this was a into the dark and creepy “Walking on Air” and the surprisingly great CD to review in anticipa- joyful “The Creationist”. “I Want Nothing” absolutely blew me tion of Halloween. Well, not away with its punchy electric guitars, break-neck pace and quite. I believe the imagery of epic melody. Ghost Colours symbolize the fl eeting moods and timeless After that, the energy takes a dip with the reggae rhythm of emotions that this experimen- “Up, Up, Up”, the demented “Creep Show” and the completely tal dance album invokes. depressing “Butterfl y Cry”. But before the end, it bounces back with hard hitting techno-rock number “Hurt Me”, and Band member Dan Whitford the poignant “Fragile”. spoke about band mate Tim Goldworthy’s unique approach to recording: “[It involved] a lot of experimentation. A lot of I never pictured myself liking an album with such dark and time it was a matter of listening to where a track was at, then rebellious undertones, but I defi nitely have to give “Love is going over and picking up a random piece of gear, or messing Dead” two enthusiastic thumbs up! around with pedals and fi lter, and seeing what you could get “Chemical Rising” by Jarred from it.” Nicklen The songs are generally upbeat, ranging from playful to Young Jarred Nickeln is trance. The singing is reminiscent of Depeche Mode: a relaxed an emerging Canadian musi- male vocalist with a slight accent to give it texture. They cian, with “Chemical Rising” seamlessly mix standard percussion with electronic leads, being his fi rst album release. occasionally giving way to instruments such as the saxophone According to his bio, he grew and electric guitar. Nevertheless there aren’t too many sharp up in Saskatchewan with a edges, making it altogether quite relaxing to listen to – you passion for music and song- could dance to it, or let it play as you drift off to sleep. writing, and now bases himself right here, out of Calgary, with My favorites were “Unforgettable Season” for its blithe mood, a band named Discourse Poetic. “Hearts on Fire” for its dance rhythm/bass and sultry saxo- Quoting musical infl uences like phone, “So Haunted” for its exhilarating chorus, and “Nobody Sarah Slean, U2, and Coldplay (also including gay icons like Lost, Nobody Found” for its disco fl avour. Jann Arden and Annie Lennox), Nicklen’s album is a blend “Love is Dead” by Kerli of indie, rock, and pop. The album title comes from a lyric in With a voice tantamount to the song “Nothing Changed”, which goes, “you’re the sounding Evanescence, Kerli rocks this board of something more than a chemical rising in me.” collection of dark-laced and Although the instrumentation was well done, I still feel that dramatic tracks. At fi rst glance Nicklen has a distance to go with his vocals and phrasing. one might think this is solely a Indeed, his bio talks about his recent efforts to write lyrics for gothic rock album, but in fact himself to sing, rather than writing for others as he has done it mixes tracks of rock, reggae, for so long. In addition, his venture toward becoming a solo R&B, and even techno! vocalist has lead him into new territory, and it takes a lot of Love is Dead is an autobio- time, effort, and practice to hone such a skill. graphical album that tells Ker- I got the impression that he was trying so hard to make this li’s life story from her troubled fi rst album something mainstream that he lost sight of mak- childhood in Estonia, up to her ing his music unique to himself. My understanding is that escape to America to realize her dreams. Nicklen identifi es as a gay artist, but in “You’ll be Missed”, he “I’m a passionate person. Where I come from, it was a sang, “Tonight, you’re gonna wear that dress I like.” Whether shame to show your emotions. You could never be too happy, it is a cop-out to patronize straight listeners or an awkward because something bad might happen. I was always a pas- remnant of his time in the closet, that line has potential to re- sionate person. I wanted to live every moment. I looked ally REALLY bug gay listeners. around me, and it was beautiful, but I wanted something For independent artists, the fi rst album is often a wobbly more.” Indeed, in “Walking on Air” she sings, “Little creepy fi rst step – a necessary checkpoint, but seldom a career- girl/Oh she loves to sing/She has a little gift – an amaz- maker. But from listening to this album, I can see that he ing thing…She will go and set the world on fi re/Nobody ever has a defi nite spark of something great - it will just take time thought she could do that.”

54 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 to cultivate. The trick now is to not be discouraged, and keep moving forward. Help support a budding Canadian artist, because Stephen Harper certainly won’t! Visit www.jarrednicklen.com for more information, and to hear samples from the album. “Prima J” Here are two gorgeous Latinas that should get the lesbians licking their lips! Jessica and Janelle Martinez (known as Jesse and Nelly) made quite a splash with their single “Rock Star” even before releasing this self-titled debut album. In fact, they took their time completing this fi rst album, to get it just right. Identifying as the “girl-next- door type”, these two are also careful to portray themselves as good role models. “We want to have a good time, but we also want to send a positive message to younger people,” says Nelly. “Too many people don’t know that if they set their mind to it, they can accomplish anything, just like we have.” The track “Chilosa” has a unique story behind it. The song exemplifi es the word that the duo have coined to describe the “fun and fearless girls next door with a lot of spirit and a deep- rooted sense of self-confi dence”. I found this song was right on the fence for me – if not for the gripping chorus it might have been one of my dislikes. Granted, this album delves into two music styles that I personally am not a fan of: hip-hop and R&B. Tracks like “Tame” and “Girlfriend” turned me right off. “Boom” has a similar feel, but a humorously primal lyric that goes “We like the cars, the cars that go boom. We’re Jesse and Nelly and we like the boom.” The remaining R&B tracks were characteristically laid back, quite nice to listen to, but didn’t leave much of an impression on me. Nevertheless, I still appreciated the album for some of its brighter pop melodies such as “Corazón (You’re Not Alone)”, “Nadie (No One)”, “Infatuated” and of course “Rock Star”. And it’s diffi cult not to smile about the sassy “Leftovers” which refers dismissively to a cheating partner, and “Go Hard” was an interesting remix of the classic “Mambo Italiano”. Like with any album, you’ve got to cherry-pick the ones you like.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 55 Adult Depot - From Page 13 Play - From Page 10

news. Play has no plans of falling into the traps that can lead a bar to close its doors. “A big part of that is being a big part of the community, which puts us in everyone’s mind all the time. We change things up here all the time, bringing in bigger DJ’s and performers from across Canada. It isn’t going to be the same show every week, the same energy. Sundays is kind of a show- case featuring local artists all the time from piano players to dancers to singers to cabaret. There is going to be something all the time. A lot of clubs get complacent and stuck in the same formula and people get tired of it.” The last time a new club opened up in Alberta was in 2004 when The Twisted Element opened its doors in Calgary. The buzz generated by Play has already resulted in comparisons, which Wyneff says aren’t valid. “I think they are two different venues, and I think our phi- the customer without making assumptions, and he doesn’t losophy is different than Twisted. We have a big strong com- disparage the competition whatsoever. “Play up what you’ve munity side to us and I don’t know if Twisted still does, I know got, and don’t play down what the competition has,” Jerry they did at the beginning. Our expectations for ourselves are said. This philosophy, and the loyalty of his employees (one very high. We are trying to be a bigger gay club, we are draw- for the whole 29 years) are impressive. ing on the successes of The Roost and Detour and successful Vancouver clubs. We really studied the market and what Said Jerry proudly, “A milestone.” made those clubs really successful.” Adult Depot In the gay community it can be fairly common for some 140 – 58th Avenue SW individuals to put up stark resistance to new businesses (that (403) 258-2777 may compete against their favorites), ﬁ nding any reason to criticize without necessarily giving them a fair chance. The location of Play has been discussed as “being too close to the homeless and drug users” while others were not impressed with security measures that include pat downs at the door. Wyneff was happy to address those statements. “It is the nature of downtown Edmonton. We are closer to the Grand, but if you look at the police reports there is very little crime that happens down our way. We have a really great relationship with the Edmonton Police Service, they have a foot patrol that comes by a couple times a night. They are very supportive and have increased their presence in this area as well. The reason for the security is just a safety thing for everyone. I have a sign that says ‘be prepared to be felt up and patted down.’ We make it fun and play with it and my security staff is great for that. Some of them are bigger guys but they aren’t those guys that stand there with their arms crossed trying to look tough. They are used to things like crazy twinks coming and wanting to hang off their arms. Everyone here has a really good attitude. One of the most positive things people have been saying is that they feel really comfortable here, that it is nice to belong again to a club. They were ready for a place to go where they could be safe and can just be themselves and I am seeing that a lot.” Although Play has only been open a few weeks, their goal is to support the community as well as have longevity and leave a lasting legacy in Edmonton. “I think we are just going to keep building on our model of being part of a community. We are going to be the ones who start bringing in a lot of DJ’s and acts. I pay a lot of attention to the feedback people give, because I think that is a key to success. If you look at the trends and follow what people want, you will be in business longer.” Play Nightclub 10220 - 103 Street Edmonton Open Thursday to Sunday, 8pm to 3am www.playnightclub.ca

56 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 CockTales Ground Zero/Hit and Myth talk the Cock

By Benjamin Hawkcliffe Theatre | Preview Last November, Cocktales: The Retool- ing ran at Calgary’s cozy Vertigo Studio theatre and the show sold out almost instantly. Now it’s back, at the Jack Singer Concert Hall October 21st and 22nd, as well at the Myers Horowitz Theatre on the UofA campus in Edmonton October 23rd to 26th. year. It is the start of taking CockTales from a Calgary- The show is hilarious. based show to going to other cities and selling it in other After seeing it last year, markets, and a wonderful opportunity to see how the show I cannot do it justice in transitions from our club days to our arena rock days...if it words, how awesome it even does.” is. The talented cast took ”Or if it even does, and that is the best part of the ex- me from laughing so hard my stomach hurt, to sadness, to periment: we want to see if it will or not,” added Luhning. shock and awe. Now that the show is back, take advantage “We love the 150-seat cabaret style but past shows like of this opportunity to see it, instead of hearing your friends Puppetry of the Penis, Menopositive, Vagina Monologues, discussing it once it is too late. these shows went on to much larger things after starting The show has run three times in Calgary, in 2001, with the same roots. I think the work is going to translate 2002 and 2007. Each run sold out, and now Ground nicely whether there are 100 people or 1000. But it is a Zero/Hit and Myth are taking the show to a broader scale. great experiment to see where we go from here.” GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine caught up with Ryan If you did see the show last year, you know how good it Luhning and Joel Cochrane from the company to talk is. But this year will see some changes, Luhning said. cock. ”We are in rehearsals now, and seeing what may not “We were approached by Jeff Parry Promotions about have worked so well last time and adding new pieces. One putting it in a larger venue,” Cochrane explained. “It isn’t topic that hasn’t been touched on yet is vasectomy, so we like A Christmas Carol where you can run it every year. are talking about that in this version. We are still adding, But there is a market, a lot of people didn’t get to see it last taking away and fl eshing the script out a bit more. I don’t know if this show will ever be fi nished, you can always take away and add new songs and pieces. It is just an amazing project to be a part of.” One of the strongest pieces in the show is titled My Father’s Penis. Cochrane simply sits on stage and does a monologue about his father, refl ecting back on his childhood and then fast forwarding to adulthood and visiting his father, who is dying of cancer. The room goes quiet except for sniffl ing, and it truly is an amazing, powerful piece of theatre. “It is the anchor piece. It is strategically placed second- last for various reasons, because people connect to it and it completely comes from left fi eld. It also shows a tender side to what has been a very shticky show up to that point.

Continued on Page 61 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 57 Carly’s Angels Cantina Queen Show turns Eight

By Jason Clevett Event | Spotlight Calgary drag icon Carly York Jones is marking a major milestone. November 4th she will celebrate They then explained the differences between playing a gay club and a straight audience. eight years as a regular performer at Inglewood’s Village Cantina, the longest running drag show that “The environment, dynamic, and format are different. can be seen today in Calgary. At a gay bar it is usually a bit of talking and number after number, half an hour and you are done. We are much more The show features Carly, her fellow October cover girl Mer- audience interactive, it is a huge part of the show. We spend cedes, and Chez in a two-hour show fi lled with comedy and more time in the audience then we do on stage,” said Carly. performance. The shows are wildly popular, selling out 4 to 6 “ Even before the show we are warming them up from table weeks in advance, simply through word of mouth. to table. We open up the fl oor for a question period and they can ask any question they want to know about, right down “It is part impersonation, part comedy. I mostly do comedic to ‘where do we put it’. We are not shy about any of that, we stuff. Mercedes does a lot of comedy and quite a few imper- will answer anything. Not truthfully,” she jokes, “but we will sonations, while Chez does more of the impersonations. That answer it.” is why it works so well: three defi nite personalities that com- pliment each other,” Carly said. “The people that are involved She then turned the question over to Mercedes, who ap- in it are the reason for the success. The three of us that do parently gets the really odd inquiries from the audience. the show work so well together and have very different performance styles and it works. It’s not offensive which is why “I had one man ask if I had a hairy ass. Why they wanted people love it so much.” to know that I don’t know. A British woman asked if I had sex with my tits on. ‘Yeah but I can put mine on my back.’” Jones and Mercedes chatted with GayCalgary and Edmon- ton Magazine just prior to the shoot for this month’s cover, “A lot of the questions are in jest but, they do ask a lot of on site at Screamfest. One of the interesting things about the serious questions like how do our families react or the differ- show? That it is geared towards a straight audience. ence between a transvestite and a drag queen. So we do get to educate,” Carly continued. “98% that come to the show are straight and I think they appreciate it a little more. Drag and gay has gone hand in All three are established performers – Carly for 14 years, hand for so many years, and gay people have seen it over and Chez 24 and Mercedes an shocking 25. I say shocking be- over again. It is a new industry for a straight audience because she looks like she isn’t much older than 25. After all cause they don’t get to see it a lot and it is something new for these years, what keeps them motivated to still put in all the them. You don’t have to work as hard to entertain a straight effort to get dressed up and perform? audience as you would a gay audience,” she said. “The audience is huge. Reinventing yourself and coming up ”I think the straight audience is open to more too. Just the with new ideas, concepts, numbers and costumes. Some- simple fact that you can get dressed up like this on a Satur- thing that gives you a little bit of a challenge,” said Mercedes. day night, look absolutely fantastic and move the way you do, Carly agrees. “I can be the most tired thing on a Satur- they are just astounded,” Mercedes added. “We draw a mass day when I sit down in front of the make-up mirror and go, selection of people from 18 to 85!” ugh I don’t want to do this. Once I get to the restaurant the Both performers gave examples of why they think the show excitement and energy the audience gives back to me, I feed has done so well. off of it and it wakes me up, and I am up and ready for it,” she said, adding that she will be performing until the day “We may look really good in drag but we don’t try and pass she dies. “I will have that wheelchair and oxygen tank and be as women. I don’t think if we tried to pass as women that the wheeled onstage if I need to. I don’t see any end for me at all, show would be as popular because it would make the audi- I have too much fun doing it. I have been putting on women’s ence feel uncomfortable, especially the men,” said Carly. “I clothes since as far back as my Mom can remember. I was fi nd that when I have an audience that is a little bit butcher, four years old when the fi rst picture was taken of me in a like a bunch of 18 year old football players, I will actually dress.” butch up my act to make them more comfortable. I think the fact that we don’t try to pass, even if we could, they can take Carly’s Angels it in more.” Saturday Nights, 9:30pm Village Cantina in Inglewood/Club Paradisco ”I don’t [butch it up]! When it is a bunch of straight boys, 1413 – 9th Avenue SE the hemline goes up to my hip!” quipped Mercedes, adding “It (403) 265-5739 is a safe environment for them to be in because they are not in a gay club or at a gay social event. We are going into their environment; the word gay doesn’t even come up much.”

58 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Rough Drag and Rider Queens A Diva Danielicious Idea

By Linda Eckess, freelance photojournalist View From A Broad An Imperial convoy from Calgary to Regina ar- rived with 35 Calgary court members, the largest ever. Empress 31 Lonnie and I were the last to leave. Regina’s Masquerade Ball is the same day as Regina Roughriders football game - now that’s a party city you don’t want to miss. But, why am I really going? To celebrate the charitable fundraising efforts made by the Imperial Courts. For those not in the know, allow me to give you the 411 and get you up to speed. The Imperial Court System is one of the largest predominantly gay organizations in the world. The court raises money for charity through large annual fancy-dress costume balls in cities and smaller fundraisers each year. They are a legally in- corporated charitable non-proﬁ t organization that raises funds and awareness for various charities and people in need.

Here’s the kicker: there are NO paid positions! The ofﬁ ce of Lilliputian. Here’s a good quote from someone that will remain monarch (Empress/Emperor) requires a large commitment nameless: ”Linda you should have seen me last night. Bianca of their time and money. Many actually spend thousands of did me”…no, sorry, my mistake; it was “Bianca did my face. I dollars of their own money each year on costumes, travel and was beautiful. I looked like a hooker!” donations to numerous charities. The annual Coronation is their largest fundraiser attended by locals and people from all I didn’t know that was a Good thing! Canada’s next top over North America. model would have been better methinks. Note to the lesbians reading, I did not say Bianca “Gives Good Face “, so settle Now, in Regina’s case…football and drag queens - a sold out down. …But, wouldn’t that just double her popularity? city! Arriving on drag time, early in the morning on the day of the main event, we got the very last hotel room in the city. But My favorite diss came from someone who snapped at me, wow, was it worth it! Roxy Diva and Daniel Delissio certainly “Go away you irritating woman!” In my defense, all I asked know how to show you a good time. was, “Does your cane come with batteries?” “And YOU! What ever happens in Regina stays in Regina,” is Oh, and check this out. In the hospitality suite, I see the ﬁ rst thing I was told. this gorgeous hunk of man (I booked male strippers for two decades so this is an informed opinion) with a personality You know that just made me curious as hell - what did I that was not only entertaining but didn’t come with a “bag miss on the two days before? Inquiring minds want to know, of chips” attitude - talk but that damn rule. So let me try another way. about refreshing! So, I ask Calgary’s Empress Well, I can tell you Roxy Diva’s hair made me look like a Nina Tron (who by the way knows how to “Give it” all on stage) “Who is THAT?” She replies, “Oh girl, that’s Robyn Graves.” Well I just about fell off my chair, never mind the fact that someone had smacked the back of my chair (you know who you are). Back in March I photographed Robyn Graves when she stepped up in her hometown, and then again at Calgary’s Ball in April. Obviously, now I am sooo looking forward to

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 59 At the Victory Brunch the monarchs give awards to other monarchs. If it were the Olympics, Calgary would be the Men’s US Swim Team, and Dyna Myte would be Michael Phelps. Oh, and now I know how she got her name. she exploded on stage, as you’ll see in the photo, and took your clothes off…oops that damn rule. Thank the powers that be for Empress Lonnie, “Driving Miss Linda” once again, getting me home safe and sound. Well, safe anyway. But, that’s just a view from a broad! PS: Thank you Regina! Thank you for the special attention, Martine @ Coachman Inn, Regina, and Tania Park@ Park Lane motor hotel, Medicine Hat. For more photos of the ball visit Facebook/Linda Eckess

more photo shoots…perhaps a little different next time!! Speaking of stud mufﬁ ns, there’s Daniel. Now I know why your last name is Delissio. What a genuine and wonderful man you are. And Roxy Diva, you vixen! I have never, ever met a more kind, gentle, caring soul. You rock Roxy! But back to the dirt. As no candidates ran for Emperor or Empress this year (remember this takes serious commitment), the responsibility went back to the college. Strangely enough, 5 past Empresses and 5 past Emperors have taken on the responsibility this year. When the ball was over, I got kidnapped by Empress 29 Argentina who says to me, “Linda, I’m going to take you to the gay bar.” Who am I to say no? East of Berlin - From Page 31 Off we go, ironically to Broad Street and the bar GLCR; sure because he did these terrible things - I have no idea what that enough we beat the rush. Now, this ain’t no every day gay bar. is like. I tried to immerse myself more in the thought of the lies GLCR is run by VOLUNTEERS - imagine a nightclub run by a and the betrayal, of being lied to for 17 years.” Non-Proﬁ t Organization! Wilkie continued, “Rudi’s biggest thing is he is such a lonely But, I digress. guy, he has so few friends that those few people that he meets like Hermann or Sarah he really grasps onto, and sexually In walks the rest of Calgary’s best, talk about taking over a town. We planted ourselves at the end of the bar (mama in this play as well. Rudi’s actions and motivations to re- didn’t raise no fools, we don’t do line-ups). I’ve never seen so ally divorce himself from his father and his father’s past goes many men stumble all over themselves to talk to them. And, through extremes. Hermann has every right to be pissed off, to Brandy Bishop-Towers…”Lady, you played that one guy like a be used as a device for revenge, it would really hurt. It is inter- Stradivarius”! Ooops, I almost forgot the rule: what happens esting because Hannah pulled it from some research material in Regina… about a son of a nazi who did end up having an affair with a young gay man and then divorced himself from it. It is very ex- Needless to say we closed down the bar. The shuttle bus treme in terms of a way to piss off your father. But at that time picks us up, cuz gee, we have to go back to the hotel for the and with such a strict German father it is logical for Rudi. It is afterparty! After a while Lonnie says, “Let’s go back to our interesting how he slips into a lot of his father’s lies and deceit. hotel. We still have Victory Brunch at 11am.” Ouch! How do you tell somebody something like that, how does that conversation ever begin? And once you tell that one lie it is very hard to take back and spins out of control.” One of the most anticipated shows of the 2008/09 theatre season, promises to be a must see. “I just think it is a really unique and fresh story, I think Hannah is going to be a very hot up and coming writer. Her use of dialogue and description is just so fresh it is a treat to work on a show like this, I don’t think it is like anything we have seen in Calgary in a long time. I was just totally sucked in and I hope Calgary feels the same way.” East of Berlin October 20th – November 8th 2008 Martha Cohen Theatre www.atplive.com

60 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Cocktails - From Page 57

It is an absolutely beautiful piece and you just tell the story, it requires nothing else,” Cochrane said. “It is a great piece to be able to do, and there is a moment every night when you can hear the pin drop and it is dead silence in the house. On stage you just hear the silence and the rus- tling from people crying. It is a pretty powerful and moving piece to get to perform every night and I love doing it.” The show then transitions into a monologue best described as a young farm boys’ experimentation, and one of Luhning’s favorites. “Everybody loves a good cow-fucker story. It always has that great reaction with half the audience in shock and the other half is laughing hysterically. It is such a well-written piece, and last year we were outside the theatre and we actually had a fan who came running up and said ‘awh dude, that last piece, that totally happened to me when I was a kid!’ You have to leave them on a lighter note. You can’t let them leave the building holding on to My Father’s Penis. That piece has always ﬁ nished the show.” ”It is our Freebird or our Stairway to Heaven,” Cochrane quipped. The show will appeal to everyone – those with a penis, those who play with penises, and those who do both. “Our biggest audiences were women and gay men. That is just ﬁ ne, that is who buys tickets and is smart enough to come to theatre. Would we like straight guys to come? Sure we would like everyone to come. We had a lot of stags and drag queens show up as well,” Luhning said. “We have had so many people tell us what they related to from the show. Anybody who has a penis will be able to relate to the show. To me it is just great entertainment. If you have seen it before, there are going to be a few things you haven’t seen. And if you haven’t seen it, talk to the people who have. It is such a great entertaining night out at the theatre.” Cocktales October 21st & 22nd – Calgary October 23rd – 26th – Edmonton www.groundzerotheatre.ca www.jeffparrypromotions.com

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 61 62 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Monsters In The Closet DVDs Worth Unearthing for Tricks or Treats this October

By Matt Salton Review | Movie Now I have nothing against the recent invasion of queer-fear indies like Hellbent, Socket, The Gay on Elm Street 2, audiences Bed & Breakfast of Terror, Creatures From The Pink got a taste for blood in the deliciously fun, Fright Night. Lagoon and Make A Wish, but if you’re like me and William Ragsdale plays enjoy your horror with a little more irony and a lot Charlie, a typical boy-next- more innuendo than I humbly recommend some of door with a love for late my frightful faves. night horror fi lms hosted by horror legend Peter Vincent A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: (Roddy McDowall) who was Freddy’s Revenge (1985) once famous for playing The creative team behind fearless vampire hunters the fi lm swore there was never in classic horror fi lms but a hidden gay agenda when is now a fading memory making this sequel to the hosting schlock at the lo- popular Wes Craven original, cal cable station. Charlie’s although watching it through curiosity is piqued by his a lavender lens one can’t help new neighbours, the tall, but wonder how they couldn’t dark and handsome Jerry have known they were making (hot in that 80s way, Chris the gayest horror movie of all Sarandon) and his bottom time. This time around, the boy Billy (Jonathan Stark who went on to write for Ellen’s main character Jesse (played sitcom years later). Amanda Bearse (Married with Children’s by out actor Mark Patton) is favourite TV lesbian before Ellen) plays Amy, Charlie’s girl- a young man who moves into friend and gay Adult Film star Stephen Geoffreys plays Evil the house originally occupied Ed, Charlie’s creepy BFF. The three teens begin to believe by the previous fi lm’s lead that the A&F boys next door aren’t sucking each other, but character Nancy and begins to rather the blood of gorgeous models that seem to have a ha- have sweat-drenched nightmares of Freddy Krueger trying to rem tucked away in their sleepy little hamlet. The kids seek possess him to further carry out his dirty work. Yes that’s the help of Peter Vincent to vanquish the bloodsuckers and right; Jesse is having wet dreams about a man trying to get make their neighbourhood safe from predators. inside his body. Bottom Line: Bearse plays lipstick, Sarandon seduces The viewer is treated to Jesse unpacking a phallic-like Geoffreys, and fey McDowall saves the day. wooden device (possibly a croquet tee?) which he uses as Voodoo Academy (2000) a microphone to sing along to his favourite 80s band while Arguably one of the jumping on the bed and then pumping it crotch-level with most homo-erotic of David the avid enthusiasm of a Marine’s fi rst day in Iraq. There Decoteau’s exhaustive list are numerous scenes of Jesse in tighty-whiteys that would of D-grade horror cheapies make David Decoteau blush (more about Decoteau below) that includes such clas- and while yes, there is a female love interest introduced, sics as Beastly Boyz, she is more a fag hag that resembles a cross between Meryl Leaches, Killer Bash and Streep and Kathy Griffi n. Jesse and his jocular bud spend The Brotherhood series. much of the fi lm sweating, working out, talking in the bed- Voodoo Academy is run room, making eyes at each other, and gossiping about the by Mrs. Bouvier (Debra hard-ass gym teacher who turns out to be a connoisseur of Mayer) a bookish adminis- all things leather and painful (unfortunately so does Freddy, trator by day, S&M voodoo which leads to a scene that would make even the owners of dominatrix by night and The Eagle uncomfortable). the hunky Rev. Carmichael Bottom Line: Exploding parakeets, leading men who (Chad Burris). The new scream like girl guides, and Days of our Lives soap diva boy at school, Christopher Christie Clark plays Jesse’s little sis. (scrumpdillyicious Riley Smith), uncovers a seedy yet totally incomprehensible plot Fright Night (1985) by the Academy to transform the bevy of male beauties into A banner year for gay horror in addition to Nightmare

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 63 tiny voodoo dolls by strapping them to a table in their boxer razor-sharp tips to slit the briefs and then pouring a magical KY potion all over their throats of sexually adven- semi-nude, gym sculpted bodies. If I had a nickel for every turous euro-trash. Despite time that plot was rehashed… I’d have a nickel. their creamy vanilla good looks, lavish furnishings Bottom Line: The director’s cut with commentary from De- and swellegant brownstone, coteau is priceless and the extended cut includes a lengthy all is not well for John and set-piece involving the male cast sleeping in the same room Miriam as John has begun writhing in ecstasy under Bouvier’s spell - the epitome of to age, which is a real cock-tease. breach of vampire contract. Carrie (1976) Enter Dr. Sarah Roberts My Momma used to say, (Susan Sarandon) whose “If you have a lemon, than research, John believes, make lemonade!” so that’s will put a stop to his ac- just what an ugly duck- celerated aging. However, ling, raised by a religious realizing that John is a lost nutcase decides to do when cause, and not wanting to she gets her fi rst period spend eternity without a in her senior year of high partner, Miriam sets her school. For everyone that sights on Sarandon who is was ever teased by high also entranced by Miriam’s school mean girls or foot- beauty and mystique, despite the fact she is involved with ball lunkheads, this Brian colleague Tom (Cliff DeYoung). DePalma adaptation of Bottom Line: Perhaps one of the most beautiful artfully Stephen King’s best-seller shot lesbian sex scenes in screen history involving two of the was the ultimate vicari- cinema’s most famous actresses. Miriam and John’s brown- ous revenge vehicle that stone is worth the rental price alone. Also, an early appear- saved hundreds of homos ance by Guiding Light soap veteran Beth “Harley” Ehlers, from spending a fortune in channelling her best Jodi Foster circa Freaky Friday as the therapy bills. Sissy Spacek smart-assed kid-next-door. received an Oscar nomination for her excellent portrayal of Carrie White who is not only a victim of constant abuse by Inside (2007) her peers, but by her domineering mother played to the hilt Still looking for an original and beyond by Piper Laurie channelling Faye Dunaway in Halloween costume inspired Mommy Dearest and possibly Anita “pie in my face” Bryant. by the cinema? For those It isn’t until the arrival of Carrie’s fi rst menstrual cycle that with a fl air for horror haute she realizes that she was born with the gift of telekinesis, couture, might I suggest the power to move things with her mind, which becomes the character of La Femme stronger under emotional duress. Feeling guilty over their in France’s intense horror cruel treatment of Carrie, popular curly-haired couple Sue gore-fest INSIDE, as she is (Amy “I made $50 million off my divorce with Speilberg” one of the most terrifying Irving) and Tommy (William Katt) design to make Carrie’s villainesses in recent hor- fi nal days of high school memorable by having Tommy take ror history. Beatrice Dalle Carrie to the Senior Prom. But before you can say “dirty (France’s answer to Sandra pillows” things go horribly wrong and Carrie’s power is un- Bernhard) plays La Femme leashed. with a menace darker than Star Jones and Al Reynolds Bottom Line: Cult icon PJ Soles is supposed to be one of bedroom mood lighting. The the most popular girls in school but wears a rainbow ball viewer is unsure why La cap, even to the prom, more befi tting of someone in Special Femme shows up at the iso- Ed. Nancy Allen proves herself to be the ultimate multi- lated doorstep of pretty and tasker by delivering a monologue and a blow job to John very-pregnant heroine Sarah Travolta at the same time. Broadway Diva Betty Buckley on Christmas Eve but, only that she wants to be let inside. plays a butch, chain-smoking, bitch-slapping gym teacher She carries a serious pair of scissors capable of getting even who befriends Carrie and inadvertently wins the hearts of farther inside than just Sarah’s home! gay men everywhere. Bottom Line: The ultimate affi rmation that we should be The Hunger (1983) counting our lucky stars that we can’t procreate. Tony Scott directed this stylish gothic love story set in contemporary Manhattan as if he were making the lon- Matt Salton is the festival director of the Fairy Tales International Gay gest 80s music video. Goth anthem Bella Lugosi’s Dead & Lesbian Film Festival in Calgary. He can be reached for comment at by Bauhaus opens the fi lm as ravishing vampire couple [email protected] Miriam (Catherine Deneuve) and John (David Bowie) prowl amid the new-wave revellers at a posh night club looking for Movie rental courtesy of Zip.ca. Online DVD rentals carrying a swingers to quench their thirst. Throat biting apparently huge selection of GLBT themed DVD’s as well as standard brand new is much too gauche for Miriam and John, who prefer death releases, TV shows, classics and more. No Late Fees, No Due Dates, by bling necklaces in the shape of ankhs with handy-dandy and 72,000 Titles. http://www.zip.ca

64 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 65 Concert Reviews Sleepercar and Elton John

By Jason Clevett Community | Events Sleepercar – September 10th at Marquee Room Elton John – September 12th When City and Colour at the Saddledome played Calgary in May, Some advice if you much of the discussion plan to attend a sold post show was about how out concert that will be impressive opening act frequented by a more Sleepercar was. Those mature audience – take newly converted fans had the train. I joined the the chance to check out long line of cars making the band again when they their way to the Stampede brought their southern- Grounds because older style rock to the Marquee people prefer to drive, but room for an intimate I still made it in for the show. opening strains of Funeral for a Friend. I walked into Sleepercar is the side the bowl of the arena and project of Jim Ward of there he was, Sir Elton, the band Sparta. Their seeming larger than life due to the giant screens hanging on set ran through songs from their debut album West Texas, either side of his simple stage. The Saddledome was packed, highlighting songs like A Broken Promise, Fences Down, and even behind the stage as Elton’s setup allowed for the seats the incredible Wednesday Nights, and a cover of Bob Dylan’s behind, for some of the best views in the house. Lay Lady Lay. The band took advantage of the cozy venue to make jokes about how they smell due to being on tour, as Backed up by his talented band, the show was straight- well as asking an audience member to grab them beer. forward – Elton playing piano, nailing a hit song, bowing, sitting, and playing another classic. Simple, but effective. The fi rst major sing-along of the night came third in the set – a roof-raising rendition of The Bitch is Back. The fi rst half of the show featured a few megahits like Le- von and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road interspersed with lesser- known songs. The show hit high gear about an hour and twenty minutes in, and just got bigger and better – Crocodile Rock, Benny and the Jets, Rocket Man, I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues, and I’m Still Standing. The main set-ender, Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting), echoed through the arena as the crowd played backup singer for every word. Elton wasn’t done, returning to the stage for Pinball Wizard and wrapping up the 2 hour and 45 minute show with Your Song. That’s right, I said 2 hours and 45 minutes - and the Having seen the band twice now, it’s fair to say that they time fl ew by. At 61 years of will not be playing smaller venues like The Marquee room for age, who knows how many long. Ward is an instantly likeable frontman, their music is shows Sir Elton still has left great, and they have so much energy playing live. I’d highly in him? He certainly had the recommend checking them out next time they come through energy and performance of town, while you have the chance to see them up close and someone 40 years younger. personal. If Elton John returns to this neck of the woods, simply www.sleepercarmusic.com put, he is a must see. You will not regret it, he is phenomenal.

66 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 67 On the Arts Bradley Harms at Newzones

By Brian Pawlak Art | Review You have worked on aluminum; tell me about your aluminum paintings. My experience with painting on aluminum had always been these slick manufactured looking things so I wanted to ultimately create something that was gratifying to me as a painting, rather than a sort of manufactured product on aluminum. So these, I guess expose, you to a way more painterly kind of esthetic than I was used to seeing on this really slick manufactured surface. What’s your inspiration for your colour? It’s deﬁ nitely not arbitrary - you can see by walking around that I do use a lot of the same colours in most of my paintings, so I have a quiver of colours that I like to use and I arrive at them through experimentation. I’ve been making paintings for twelve years now and they’re just the sort of colours I gravitate to. Some of them I use because of their viscosity ability to be luminous when different colours are underneath them, and some of them are just really nice punchy colours that stand out on anything. What’s the time frame between the one with the horizontal strips and the more organic one? They were done simultaneously so this one had been an exercise in using all of the same elements, all of the same colours to create two extremely different paintings. They It’s were it takes you along the way and it just seems that are still related to one another in their genesis, in everything these ones take me to this place of balance within them. that put them together and they became this really beauti- Can you tell me about some of your latest works? ful contradiction in terms of how I used to paint and how I now paint. There’s always a combination of the two of those They are the newest incarnation of this loosening, a little within the new paintings, so this was a jumping off point. bit of a combination of the two because they do have this all over composition, they do have this expansive space, Your paintings seem very balanced almost in a classical they look like they could go on forever and they also have sense, do you feel that? a surface space. They go back and forward, as well as they It’s not something that I ultimately strive for, but it’s expand… something that just happens within. The great thing about One of the major points in terms of what I’m doing is that painting is that it’s not a preconceived notion of a ﬁ nal a lot of it looks very digital. It’s about a certain notion of per- product. fection, however it’s the opposite of that, because they’re all hand painted. It’s not a perfect grit, there are wobbles and wavers, and I’m very mindful of striving to be perfect, but I really pay attention to the process of imperfection because I think we live in such a controlled era. We are sort of in the cult of the screen right now, so the hand-made has taken a back seat to it - a well crafted painting versus a computer printout.

Bradley Harms Running until October 18th Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art 730 – 11th Ave SW, Calgary

68 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 69 70 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 71 Queer Eye - Calgary and Edmonton Community Events this Month

Photos by GayCalgary Staff White Party at Buddy’s - Edmonton

72 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Pure Party at Play Night Club - Edmonton Girls Groove Dance - Calgary

Team Edmonton - Outdoor Pursuits Bald Hills

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 73 Mr. Calgary Leather Contest at the Calgary Eagle

September ARGRA Dance - Calgary

74 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Play Night Club Opening Night - Edmonton

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 75 Classified Ads

Classified Ad Categories SSeekingeeking EEmploymentmployment ...... 227575 SSaleale ...... 337272 BBeauty/Skin/Haireauty/Skin/Hair ...... 551010 MMedical/Dentaledical/Dental ...... 556262 VVolunteerolunteer ...... 228585 SSportsports EquipmentEquipment ...... 337575 BBodyody AArt/Tattoosrt/Tattoos ...... 551212 MMovingoving ...... 556565 • AAnnouncementsnnouncements ...... 110000 SStudiotudio SSpacepace ...... 337777 CChiropractorhiropractor ...... 551515 MMusicianusician ...... 556767 AAnniversarynniversary ...... 111010 • SSales/Rentalsales/Rentals ...... 330000 VVehicleehicle ...... 338585 CCleaningleaning ...... 551717 PPhotographyhotography ...... 557272 BBestest WWishesishes ...... 112020 AAntiquentique ...... 330505 CClothing/Fashionlothing/Fashion ...... 552020 RRealeal EEstate/Mortgagestate/Mortgage ...... 557575 BBirthdayirthday ...... 112525 AArtworkrtwork ...... 330707 • PPersonalsersonals ...... 440000 CComputers/ITomputers/IT ...... 552222 RRelaxationelaxation ...... 557777 BBirthirth ...... 113030 AApplianceppliance ...... 331010 CClub/Grouplub/Group ...... 441010 CConstructiononstruction ...... 552525 RRetirementetirement HHomesomes ...... 558080 EEventvent ...... 114040 AAudio/Videoudio/Video ...... 331212 DDatingating ServiceService ...... 441515 CConsultingonsulting ...... 552727 LLostost aandnd FFoundound ...... 115050 BBusinessusiness FForor SSaleale ...... 332020 EEroticrotic MassageMassage ...... 442020 CCounselingounseling ...... 553030 • DDestinationsestinations ...... 660000 MMemoriamemoriam ...... 116060 CClothinglothing ...... 332525 FFemaleemale FFriendsriends...... 443030 DDiet/Nutritioniet/Nutrition ...... 553232 AAccommodationccommodation ...... 661010 OObituarybituary ...... 117070 CComputeromputer EEquipmentquipment ...... 333030 FFetishetish ...... 443535 EEducation/Trainingducation/Training ...... 553535 BBar/Restaurantar/Restaurant ...... 662020 WWedding/Unionedding/Union...... 119090 FFurnitureurniture ...... 333535 IInternetnternet ...... 444545 FFinancial/Bookkeepinginancial/Bookkeeping ...... 553737 CCultureulture ...... 663030 GGaragearage SSaleale ...... 334040 MMaleale FFriendsriends ...... 445555 FFitness/Trainingitness/Training ...... 554040 GGuideduided TTourour ...... 664040 • EEmploymentmployment ...... 220000 HHomeome FForor SSaleale ...... 334545 MModels/Escortsodels/Escorts ...... 446060 FFood/Cateringood/Catering ...... 554242 TTouristourist SSightsights ...... 667070 AAdultdult OOrientedriented ...... 221010 HHomeome FForor RRentent ...... 334747 PPhonehone CChathat ...... 446565 FFuneraluneral...... 554545 TTimeime SSharehare ...... 667575 AAuditionudition ...... 221515 HHomeome TToo SSharehare ...... 335050 SSightingsightings ...... 447575 GGraphic/Webraphic/Web DDesignesign ...... 554747 TTravelravel ...... 668080 BBar/Restaurantar/Restaurant ...... 222020 IInvestmentnvestment OOpportunitypportunity ...... 335555 HHealth/Wellnessealth/Wellness ...... 555050 BBusinessusiness OOpportunitypportunity ...... 222525 MMusicalusical IInstrumentnstrument ...... 336060 • PProducts/Servicesroducts/Services ...... 550000 IInsurancensurance ...... 555252 HHelpelp WWantedanted ...... 224040 OOffice/Businessffice/Business SSpacepace ...... 336262 AAesthetics/Decorationesthetics/Decoration ...... 550202 LLandscaping/Gardeningandscaping/Gardening ...... 555555 OOfficeffice ...... 226060 PPet/Animalet/Animal ...... 336565 AArtistrtist ...... 550505 LLegalegal ...... 555757 SSalesales ...... 227070 SSeekingeeking AAccommodationccommodation ...... 337070 AAnimalnimal CCareare ...... 550707 MMassageassage ...... 556060

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine Classified Ads Form Deadline for Classified ads is the 25th of every month. Fill out the form below and mail it to, GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine, Suite 403, 215 14th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T2R 0M2 or Fax it to (403) 703-0685. Please print clearly. All phone numbers listed will be verified. GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine is not responsible for errors in the ad submission. Any address placed in the classified will not be placed into the map or business listing. Please verify your information before sending to reduce errors. If you have questions, please call us at (403) 543-6960 or toll free 1 (888) 543-6960. Payment Method Cheque Money Order Category # (above): Date: Cash (only if paid in person) Months to Run: Credit Card (fill out below or pay online) Name: Address: Credit Card Info Name on Card: City, Prov, Postal/Zip: (AMEX ONLY*) Card Number: Day Phone: Expiry (MM/YY): Night Phone: * For VISA and MasterCard transactions, please visit www.gaycalgary.com/PayInvoice.aspx Headline for Ad (add $4.00): First 25 Words - $10.00 Invoice First 25 Words: $10.00 Each additional word: $0.20 Bold entire ad: $5.00 Entire ad in capitals: $6.00 Headline: $4.00 Colour Photo: (1.66”x 2.25”) $15.00 Border around ad: $6.00 Mail Forwarding: $5.00

Additional Words - .20¢ per word Single Month Cost: Number of months: X Full Run Cost: =

Frequency discount: - 3 Months=15%, 6 Months=20%,12 Months=25%

5% GST: + TOTAL: =

76 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 Classified Ads into drugs. Love cooking, coffee and of six treatments. Free consultation. WWedding/Unionedding/Union 119090 HHomeome toto SSharehare 350350 long walks. If this sounds like you, Call Massage For Health Clinic Inc. leave a message at (403) 714-4940. 403-660-2299. Sean and Peter Engaged! Downtown Beltline Sean Hogan proposed to his Apt to Share Single GWM, early 40’s, general beloved partner Peter after being On corner of 16ave & 10st SW, non-scene. Fit, good shape. Looking CCleaningleaning 551717 together for 4 years. They plan Skygate Tower. Looking for clean, for like-minded normal fun, down to to have their marriage ceremony responsible, quiet male roomie earth, honest, kind, professional, ma- on February 14th, 2009, at the to share 2 bdrm apt starting Oct ture male for long-term relationship. Texas Lounge. Nuptuals will begin 1st. Rent $610/month, DD $600. Hoping to find someone to be both at 5pm, followed by Karaoke at Doesn’t include parking, power, a life-long partner and best friend. 7:30pm. cable, phone, internet. Apt fully Is that you? Reply to box1001@ furnished, except your bedroom. gaycalgary.com or mail to Box 1001 Bldg has laundry facility, excercise c/o GayCalgary Magazine. room with sauna. Parking available underground/outdoor. Call Single GWM early 40’s looks younger. HHelpelp WantedWanted 240240 403-475-1613 evenings, for more Passive bottom, very oral. Looking Private housekeeper, early 20’s, nice details. for a masculine top. Cannot entertain. looking. Will clean nude. Boyish Goliath’s Saunatel & Texas Lounge Very discreet. Safe. Clean. Drug looks. Justin (403) 922-7894. are now seeking qualified customer free. n/s. No mind games. Reply to service representatives for all shifts MMaleale FriendsFriends 455455 [email protected] or mail to f/t or p/t. Please pick up or drop off Box 1002 c/o GayCalgary Magazine. HHealth/Wellnessealth/Wellness 550550 application at front desk, or E-mail Wanted: Active, decent man between Traditional Chinese medicine custom [email protected] Single GWM 38 Fit, good shape, looks 60-70. No fems, fats, smokers, drink- made for your unique needs. Mi- younger. Looking for a guy between ers, druggies, moochers, talkers, pet- graines, back pain, insomnia, trauma 18 to 30 in good shape that has a owners. Must have car, home, a “life”. recovery - why suffer? Call today! Dr. passion for horses or desire to learn. Reply to [email protected] Beverly Osachoff, R.Ac, DTCM. Acu- For fun time or more. Okotoks area. AAudio/Videoudio/Video 331212 or mail to Box 1009 c/o GayCalgary puncture and Health Group (403) email [email protected] or (403) Magazine. 253-3103. How Can We Pleasure You? 540-4502 Single GWM, 38. Fit, good shape. Looks younger. Looking for a guy be- PProducts/Servicesroducts/Services 500500 HHealth/Massageealth/Massage 560560 tween 18-30 in good shape that has a passion for Horses or desire to learn. Marriages Massage in Edmonton For fun times or more. Okotoks are. Walk in or by appointment. Registered Massage Therapist in Email [email protected] or (403) •Non-religious downtown Edmonton. Relaxation 540-4502. •Elopements and therapeutic massage. Insurance •Cross-cultural claims are welcome. For appointment Male 40’s 6’1-“ 140lbs tanned, look- •GLBT phone Dwayne at 780-483-3190 or ing to meet other males for fun times THE PLEASURE DOME - DVD, •Witness provided. 780-918-5856. or more. Fort McMurray area. Lets and VHS Movies. Sales, and Contact Rork Hilford meet. Phone (780) 868-9216. Rentals Toys, Magazines, Mens, Marriage Commissioner for Alberta TTravelravel 680680 and Womens Clothing, and (403) 246-4134 • [email protected] Married male, early 40’s, 6’3, good Shoes. LARGE GAY, BI, AND Northern Lights B&B shape, looking for a good friend, TRANSGENDERED SELECTION. EDMONTON married too, about same age for 446A 16TH AVE NE CALGARY, Swimming pool and Antique rooms long term relationship. Email justmo- BBeauty/Skin/Haireauty/Skin/Hair 510510 AB, T2E 1K2. (403)230-5030. TV/VCR (780) 483-1572 [email protected] Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat Laser Hair Removal www.nlightsbnb.com 10am-Midnight, and Sun Noon- New Laser Hair Removal. Virtually [email protected] Single GWM, 50, Hairy chest. Look- 10pm. www.pleasuredome.ca painfree. Start now and be hair free ing for other hairy guys 30-55 for fun. [email protected] for next summer. Offering 20% off Possible long-term relationship. Not 1st treatment or 30% off package

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 77 78 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008 79 80 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #60, October 2008