Gaycalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Table of Contents Table of Contents
May 2009 ISSUE 67 The Only Magazine Dedicated to Alberta’s GLBT+ Community FREE Laramie Project Remembering Matthew Shepard
Trans Healthcare Nightmare 19 Cents Too Steep to Save Lives? Fairy Tales 11 Film Guide
Community Directory • Map and Events • Tourism Info >> Starting on Page 17
GLBT Resource • Calgary • Edmonton • Alberta www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Table of Contents Table of Contents
Publisher:...... Steve Polyak 5 adventures in Drag Editor:...... Rob Diaz-Marino Publisher’s Column Graphic Design:...... Rob Diaz-Marino Sales:...... Steve Polyak 8 Suzanne Whang Writers and Contributors Multi-tasking Entertainer visits The Comic Strip Mercedes Allen, Chris Azzopardi, Camper British, Dave Brousseau, Jason Clevett, Andrew Collins, James S.M. Demers, Rob 10 Pimpin Ain’t Easy Diaz-Marino, Jack Fertig, Glen Hanson, An interview with Gay Pimp Jonny McGovern
Joan Hilty, Evan Kayne, Stephen Lock, AGE 5
Allan Neuwirth, Steve Polyak, Romeo San P Vicente, D’Anne Witkowski, and the GLBT Community of Calgary, Edmonton, and 13 chelsea Boys Alberta.
Photography 14 out of Town Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, and Taos, New Mexico contributors Karen Hofmann.
Videography 17 Directory and Events Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino
Printers 23 the Delisting of Hope North Hill News/Central Web
Distribution 24 creep of the Week
Calgary:...... Gallant Distribution National Organization for Marriage AGE 8 ...... GayCalgary Staff P Edmonton:...... Clark’s Distribution Other:...... Canada Post 25 Q Scopes “You need down time, Gemini!” Legal Council Courtney Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors 26 Leather Pride Weekend Sales & General Inquiries Priape and Calgary Eagle Bring Major Fetish Event to Calgary GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #403, 215 14th Avenue SW Calgary, AB, Canada T2R 0M2 Office Hours:...... By appointment ONLY 27 Laramie Project Phone:...... (403) 543-6960 Misc Youth Network and AIDS Calgary Remember Matthew Shepard Toll Free:...... 1-888-543-6960 Fax:...... (403) 703-0685 E-Mail:...... [email protected] 28 Deep Inside Hollywood AGE 10 Lucy Lawless to Imprison Spartacus P This Month's Cover Szejn Della Rocca, James Demers, Seema Doad, Barry Gagliardi, Mallary Gallant, 29 cocktail Chatter Kevin Johnson, Megan Leigh, Christina Building a Better Bloody Mary and Hangover Helper Parker, Bobbie Perron, Abbey Shaw. Photo taken by Rob Diaz-Marino. 30 entre Nous Matchmaker or Money Maker? Continued on Next Page 32 trans Healthcare Nightmare 19 Cents Too Steep to Save Lives? AGE 26 www.gaycalgary.com P Continued on Next Page GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Table of Contents
Continued From Previous Page Proud members of: 34 corner Gassed A Slice of Small Town Life at Jubilations 35 a Couple of Guys 36 Bitter Girl 40 almost a Person
AGE 28 41 Letters to the Editor P 43 Fundraising Photos 44 the Buddy Holly Story Stage West Tributes Music Icon 50 Years After his Death Continued from Previous Page Magazine 45 Studies in Motion Print Circulation:...... ~10,000 copies Pickup Density:...... ~3 readers/copy Visual Treat Wraps Up ATP Season Online Circulation:...... ~60,000 readers Total Readership:...... ~90,000 readers 46 Music Review Frequency:...... Every Month Hide Nothing, Workout, Scream, Perfect World Proof of monthly figures can be requested.
AGE 34 Distribution Locations P 48 classified Ads Alberta:...... ~300 Drop-off Points Please call us if your establishment would like to become a distribution point.
51 Fairytales Film Guide History Originally established in January 1992 as Men for Men BBS by MFM Communications. 57 Queer Eye - Community Events Name changed to GayCalgary.com in 1998. Independent company as of January 2004. First edition of GayCalgary.com Magazine published November 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine.
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AGE 44 Opinions expressed in this magazine
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Editorial Adventures in Drag Publisher’s Column
ally had the desire By Rob Diaz-Marino, MSc. to do drag. We like our beards and body I’ve been watching and photographing Drag Shows hair, and we deem since I first met Steve. Before I understood what any interruption of its it was all about, I was a little put off by his appar- presence to be com- pletely unacceptable. ent interest in men wearing dresses. It took nearly Nevertheless, we a year of periodic exposure to drag shows before I had still planned out began to appreciate them for their entertainment what our drag names value. I suppose one needs to collect enough memo- would be, should either of us ever get ries of the hard-hitting numbers, rather than the roped into drag for more transient weekly ones, to really get into the a rare occasion. We right mindset. Admittedly, I enjoyed some of the told ourselves that outrageously crude numbers by Selma Body (“Like we’d only do this for A Virgin”, “I Keep a Piece of You”) and Candy Cum- some sort of big fund- raiser, but this night I mings (“C is for Cookie”) on the Detours stage before was feeling like doing I appreciated the more classical styles of queens like something crazy. Nina, Voodoo, Carly, and Kricket. The premise of My first Coronation was somewhat confusing. I remember tough drag meant heading to the Days Inn after a final exam, to join Steve who was that I could perform in the process of photograph- without any preparation al a razor. Of course I still had a cou- ing and videotaping (using a ple of concerns. My first, of actually getting into drag, was taken tripod) so I didn’t have much care of by Makayla (Steve R.) who graciously offered to do the to do but stand and watch the makeup and lend me clothes and a wig. By gracious, I probably equipment, and of course, the mean eager to help me make a fool of myself (wink). My next show. I remember that year was having a song to perform that I knew well enough, which was an Egyptian theme with Makayla helped me find in her CD collection. Once I knew those some reference to Stargate were taken care of, I had no more excuses. - and one performance sticks out in my mind for the fact I believed him when he told me I might be less nervous that the performer was carried if I didn’t look at myself until after I had performed. onstage inside a sarcopha- Indeed I would later discover that I looked like some gus. I wasn’t sure how to act demented peppy prostitute, fresh out of a Ponoka around the queens in crowns who introduced themselves to mental institution. me. I ended up kissing a few of them on the hand, thinking It all happened so fast - I had waffled long enough and show it was customary to do so after time was approaching. Makayla rushed to get my face painted seeing someone else doing it. in a mere 10 minutes, got me into a dress (ironically the same I’m sure none objected, I just one worn by Vadge The Bucket only a month ago…that’s Karma felt a little silly when I later re- for you) with balloons for breasts, and a wild bushy wig. If you alized it wasn’t necessary, and thought socks and sandals was a bad combination, try socks perhaps a little flirtatious. and heels. I believed him when he told me I might be less ner- Fast forward through nearly vous if I didn’t look at myself until after I had performed. Indeed 7 years of being purely an I would later discover that I looked like some demented peppy observer and supporter of the prostitute, fresh out of a Ponoka mental institution. As train drag scene, to the Tough Drag wrecks go, I was spectacular, but that was exactly the point of show the night after this year’s tough drag. Coronation. Both Steve and I Continued on Page 37 were exhausted and I suppose I must have been in a particu- larly malleable mood because when Dion Boink approached me with the idea, my answer was NOT a flat-out “no” as Steve’s was. Steve and I have never re-
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Celebrity Interview Suzanne Whang Multi-tasking Entertainer visits The Comic Strip
have to be at the pres- By Jason Clevett ent moment. It kicks in endorphins and To list the resume of Suzanne Whang would take up boosts your immune a full page of this magazine. So to sum it up, she is system, you feel good. a comic, author, TV host on HGTV’s House Hunters, Truly it is the best way to have people learn. The best way starred in the TV show Las Vegas, and has landed for me to teach is to present things guest roles on Cold Case, Two & a Half Men, Boston Le- with a sense of humor. I can’t seem to gal, Still Standing, Criminal Minds, Nip/Tuck, The Prac- hear people when they are standing on tice, Strong Medicine, Robbery Homicide Division, Norm, their soapbox being serious, scream- and NYPD Blue. She was also in the filmConstantine ing at me or wagging their finger.” and was the first person to send Oprah WinfreyThe If you are looking for some Secret. But that is just scratching the surface. laughs, you will get them at the show. Watching clips on her As a performer however, Whang’s heart belongs to Sung Hee website shows her to be, if not Park. The politically incorrect alter-ego will leave you rolling in the hysterically funny, then very aisles at Edmonton’s The Comic Strip May 28th to 31st. politically incorrect. “It all started in my acting class,” she told GayCalgary and “I think what is happen- Edmonton Magazine over the phone from Los Angeles. “We were ing on the planet right now, encouraged to write our own material and take risks and not be we need more laughter. afraid to fail. I am a ballsy chick so I decided to write some stand People who haven’t seen up comedy and performed it for the teacher. That wasn’t the my show before, or only character initially. The bit was originally about stupid shit that seen me hosting on (House people say to Asian women. I know I look like this, but I was born Hunters) will be floored. in Virginia. People say ‘Your English is so good!’ Thanks, I learned …It will make you laugh, it in Virginia. So these are stupid things people have said to me make you cry and make throughout my life.” you feel like you’ve got your money’s worth.” “The teacher laughed hysterically and said ‘this is great mate- rial you could do it in comedy clubs, but you should embrace the She also hopes that Asian stereotypes that you hate so much.’ What? Are you kidding the GLBT community me? I have been proving to everyone my whole life that I am not will come out to the like that. And he said ‘Exactly. You should embrace it as part of show. She was very you and see what happens.’” supportive in stand- ing up against Prop The suggestion did not go over well at first, but Whang gave it 8 in California and some afterthought. has a huge gay fan ”I was livid and thought about quitting the class, even though base. he had been a great teacher up until that moment. I thought about “Provincetown, it for awhile and decided to at least try what he was saying. So I Massachusetts has created the character. I put on the Asian dress and stood there been my favor- livid in my living room. Then I decided, what if she was a stand ite place to do shows because of the incredible gay audiences. I up comic from Korea who doesn’t speak English very well and thought I knew how to entertain an audience and then I played tells jokes that are really inappropriate and filthy but she doesn’t for an all-gay audience. You would have thought I was Cher or understand what she is saying. I got really excited about that. I Madonna or something, it was incredible. I have never experienced brought that back to my acting class and it was such a huge suc- that kind of respect until I played for an all-gay audience.” cess. It made me realize that embracing what I had been resisting so much really was great. It really gave me a way to use my Asian http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1240 ancestry in a satirical way to make fun of stereotypes, racism and View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. prejudice in America. People either think it is the funniest thing they have ever seen or they want to picket my act.” The result is a blend between Archie Bunker from TV’s All In The Family and Andy Kaufman. In fact, Whang won the inaugural Andy Kaufman award at the New York Comedy Festival. Perform- ing comedy and doing speaking engagements is her favorite thing, she says. Suzanne Whang ”Anything where I am standing by myself on a stage in front of May 28th – 31st people saying things I have written, is my favorite thing. I tailor The Comic Strip whatever I say to whom I am talking to. I feel like I was born to stand at a podium and talk to people. The ability to make people www.thecomicstrip.ca laugh, in my opinion is a great gift. When you are laughing you www.suzannewhang.com
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Celebrity Interview Pimpin Ain’t Easy An interview with Gay Pimp Jonny McGovern
By Jason Clevett
It’s been a heck of a ride for Jonny McGovern. He gained a buzz in his early days in the clubs in New York City before becoming a viral sensation in 2003 with the video Soccer Practice. Now he divides his time between his Gay Pimp podcasts, albums, stand up shows, and to being a headline player on LOGO’s Big Gay Sketch Show. McGovern’s alter-ego, The Gay Pimp, was the launching pad for much of his success, ironically because of rapper Eminem. ”I had been doing a series of midnight musicals in the east village with a bunch of other artists down there, we were putting on these retarded late night musicals. At the same time Eminem started picking on the homos. I remember thinking that lots of people didn’t seem to think it was that bad that he was calling us fags and things like that. So the thing I could do as a comedian was to do my own super rock musical. That was my own way of protesting.” The Wrong Fag to Fuck With: The Gay Pimp vs. Eminem was born. “Gay Pimp was a pop star who confronts Eminem at the MTV music awards. You can imagine how it ended; Eminem got fucked in the ass and gay teens were set free forever. The songs I was performing were also really popular and it was fun for me to dabble podcast, my web series Three Dollar Bill are both on the internet in music. In high school I imagined that I would be an R&B singer and doing very well. It is key for me to be able to continue to release and be taken very seriously. As I grew up I realized that, as a 6’4” things without any rules or someone corporate telling me what I white homo, that probably wasn’t going to happen. Suddenly all can do. As a gay artist that is extremely important.” my music came in, I was performing them around town and DJ’s Of course, his videos are chock full of incredibly good-looking, started picking them up. I could see that something was on a roll.” scantily clad men. Poor Jonny McGovern has to be surrounded by We caught up with McGovern on the phone while rehearsing for cute boys all day. While it may seem glamorous, he testifies that it the third season of The Big Gay Sketch Show. The fun thing about is still a lot of work. his music is that it is incredibly catchy (check out the video for ”The hanging out with cute guys is very fun. As an independent Somethin’ For the Fellas (That Like the Fellas) and try to get it out of artist, putting together a video is a long and arduous process. I your head, I dare you!) but also hysterically funny. usually am co-directing and producing the video with a crew on a “I am a comedian before anything, it is not like I am going to sing non-existent budget to look like it is a very high budget. There is a serious ballads. There will always be a joke or a wink in the mate- lot of pretend glamour going on and pulling in favors from every- rial. I usually start with some funny concept and start building a one you can. Luckily all the homos that roll in our crew are in the track around it. So the comedy always comes first.” entertainment industry and can lend a hand that way. It is a lot of shuffling, shucking, and jiving to try and get people to show up For an independent gay artist, the viral world is a great asset. on time and look like it magically happened, like it would for Janet McGovern’s music videos can be found on YouTube and he also Jackson. Janet Jackson doesn’t have to call people up and remind hosts a podcast. them to come to the shoot.” “It was the key to it, and continues to be so. Even though I am Drag and Trans artists are a big influence on McGovern, whose on the Big Gay Sketch Show now, the internet was how I was dis- videos include Linda James, Ericka Toure Aviance, and Maxinne covered in the first place. When I did the video forSoccer Practice Innis. While McGovern’s own drag is purely comedic, he does re- that was before there was even YouTube. People were just trading spect the art form. that back and fourth to each other. Had that happened today I would have had an easier route to riches. There are a lot more ways “I keep my own personal drag for comedy only, because I know I for people to make money from their content that is online than make one ugly woman. I certainly love the art of doing drag. In my there was even five years ago. It allowed me to build on that. My videos drag queens are everywhere because in my life drag queens are everywhere. Working in nightlife in New York City I have met and seen some amazing drag queens like Kevin Aviance, Sweetie and the girls I work with - Coco, Ericka and Linda James, who is my co-host on the podcast. I think it is an art form that sometimes is not treated as such. There is so much creativity. It is great to see RuPaul’s Drag Race showing all the different things it takes to be a drag queen and shedding light on that. Even the clothes, most of the queens are wearing outfits created by them. There is a lot of craft and ingenuity in just the clothes that are made for shows, let
10 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Celebritity Interview alone the nuances of performance. It is something I don’t look too extremely edgy, topical material and our funniest one yet,” said beautiful in but I can appreciate the art in all the queens around McGovern, before going on to recall some of his favorite characters. the world.” “I really enjoyed the Logo Life Tips characters, although they were never brought back for season 2 or 3. One of my favorite characters While most of the songs are upbeat, fast paced club mixes, Mc- is Tranny Chocolate Puddin’, who was in the first season inTranny Govern did channel his inner R&B singer for Don’t Fall In Love With 911 and in season 2 So You Think You’re Smarter Than a Tranny A Homo (A Song For The Ladies), which describes what many a gay Hooker. That is a character I used to do in my one man show Dirty boy has gone through with his girlfriend(s). Stuff, and in my podcast, it is a character I have done for so long it “I found that over the years, no matter how gay the material, is great to bring out. This season I get to play Karl Lagerfeld, which is a lot of fun.” I found that over the years, no matter how gay the It is remarkable to think that we live in an era where there are material, even if I sang a song called ‘hey ladies I like TV stations dedicated to gay content. McGovern is happy to be breaking ground and have the opportunity to influence gay youth. to fuck guys in the butt’ I would get a girl or two who would have inappropriate questions of me. “The network is doing well but there are so few doing extremely gay material, it is still a struggle to get past what someone thinks. They ghettoize you as ‘too gay.’ I am certainly glad to be on LOGO even if I sang a song called ‘hey ladies I like to fuck guys in the because what better place for me to do gay comedy? It is great that butt’ I would get a girl or two who would have inappropriate ques- there is a place for it but it still needs to be branched out more. tions of me. The girl who used to direct all of my one-man shows Now kids have role models and pictures of gay life that aren’t what around New York had a crush on me. It became a long-standing we had. I remember looking on TV for any kind of gay person when joke, I would just tell her, girl there is no way you can’t fall in love I was in High School and only found Blanche’s brother on Golden with a homo, you gotta find a real man. Obviously that is some- Girls. That was not something that made me feel like, yeah I’m thing that happens to everybody. When I was putting together Gays great, I’m gay - I can be like Blanche’s lonely older brother! Now Gone Wild we wanted to end the record with a big 70’s style ballad. there is a lot more different points of view for people to see. When If you are going to talk to the ladies you have to talk to them in a the Soccer Practice video came out all those years ago I got an over- really smooth way to get your message across. We sat down and whelming amount of E-mail from gay teenagers who had never seen the lyrics flowed because it came from a very true place. Whenever something that was gay, tough and cool, and they thanked me for I perform the song live, the girls get really into it and their homos it. There is a lot more of that now. When I did that video the idea of say ‘yes! This one right over here!’ I always know in a room full of a an independent gay artist doing a video that might get on MTV or straight audience I can get half the crowd on my side because the VH1 was unheard of. Now everywhere I go in the East Village some- ladies can relate to that song.” body is shooting a video, and there is the LOGO clicklist. We still have awhile to go but thank goodness we’ve made some strides.” McGovern has gained huge exposure for his projects as part of the hilarious Big Gay Sketch Show. The show is entering its third It is great to see a talented, openly gay man having such success. season on Logo and is spearheaded by two early lesbian activists McGovern is thankful for what he has achieved so far, but at 33 – director Amanda Bearse (Married with Children) and producer years old, he feels he still has lots to accomplish. Rosie O’Donnell. ”I am grateful to have been able to find my way as an artist from “It is pretty amazing. Rosie was very involved early on in the obscure theatres on the lower east side, to be able to be in videos process; she picked us in the auditions. When we taped the pilot that were seen on MTV in Europe and Asia, toured the world and she was there every step of the way to help us figure out the tone been on LOGO. I am still growing and trying to figure out myself. and she visited the set quite a bit. During the second season she Every year I ask, what am I going to do new? What will be inter- appeared at the end of each episode like Waldorf and Statler in the esting for me? How do I evolve? If you don’t evolve it gets boring. Muppets. With her being someone I watched on TV it was amaz- Especially as a gay independent artist you have to love what you ing to chat with her and have her know my name. When she was are doing, so you have to know yourself and what you are going doing The View we used to get a lot of inside dirt. She would come to do and if it will make you happy. I just want to get bigger and directly from The View set to our set and we heard stories, which better. I’m on LOGO, let’s go and get a Jonny McGovern show on was a lot of fun. Amanda is our director, so every season we are primetime!” working hand in hand with her. We have gotten to know her really well. She is a great lady. Being one of the first, visible out lesbians http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1241 in Hollywood when I was growing up, it is amazing to get to work View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. with her.” The show has experienced its growing pains but has evolved into a very entertaining television spot. “The first season everyone was testing the waters to see how LOGO wanted us to do the show. In season two is where we really hit our stride, they really gave us a lot more freedom and it got a lot funnier and dirtier. This season is going to be even better; it is
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 11 12 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 13 Out of Town Taos, New Mexico
View of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, from a casita at the American Artists Gallery House B&B.
hotel’s Living Spa offers a wide range of fabulous treatments, and By Andrew Collins El Monte’s elegant De la Tierra restaurant serves superb, globally influenced cuisine, such Moroccan lamb with harissa and bar- Remote and resplendent Taos, a diminutive town of becue eggplant, and crispy Onaga snapper with a Russian caviar about 6,500 nestled beneath New Mexico’s highest beurre blanc sauce. peaks, has long been a haven for artists, bohemians Another great pick right in the heart of Taos is historic - and al- and free spirits. The percentage of gays and lesbi- legedly haunted - Taos Inn. ans in the population is likely far less than Santa Some of the retro-cool rooms in this atmospheric hotel open onto Fe or Albuquerque, but Taos nevertheless pulls in a a small courtyard, while others are inside the 1930s main building. Even if you don’t stay here, enjoy margaritas in the classy Adobe considerable number of GLBT visitors. It’s a perfect Bar, or on the adjacent patio - it’s the top perch for people-watch- long-weekend destination, just 90 minutes from ing in Taos. Hotel La Fonda is another excellent, upscale option Santa Fe and a little over four hours from Denver. - it’s right on Taos Plaza and is home to the phenomenal Joseph’s The town abounds with exceptional art galleries, no- Table restaurant, where you might sample such creative fare as soy-cured duck breast with ginger sauce and a sweet-potato table restaurants, gay-friendly B&Bs and an almost tamale. Rooms in this rambling adobe inn come in a good range of endless supply of cultural and outdoors diversion. configurations and prices and have attractive Southwestern fur- nishings - some have kiva-style gas fireplaces and separate sitting In choosing a place to stay, go with either of two strategies: If rooms. you’re here more for relaxation and romance, and to soak up the 50-mile views, opt for one of the gay-friendly inns 10 miles north of An enchanting, reasonably priced option that’s just a short town in the spectacularly scenic village of Arroyo Seco, which also drive south of downtown, the gay-friendly American Artists Gallery has a couple of superb restaurants. If you’re more the type to ex- House consists of 10 charmingly furnished rooms and suites, all plore art galleries and museums and sample as many restaurants with wood-burning fireplaces and knock-out views of the Sangre as possible, pick one of the excellent properties right in the heart of de Cristos. Each unit has a private entrance, but guests can also Taos’ small downtown. mingle over a hearty full breakfast each morning in the sunny din- ing room. Among downtown properties, the swanky El Monte Sagrado ranks among the most stunning small resorts in New Mexico. This Up in Arroyo Seco, the luxurious, light-filled Adobe and Stars sumptuous compound - built with revolutionary environmental B&B offers stunning 360-degree vistas of the surrounding country- technology that makes it one of the “greenest” hotels anywhere side. This contemporary house is surrounded by decks and patios - has individually decorated rooms, suites and casitas in all sizes, and filled with big windows, high ceilings and elegant furniture; with international themes and priceless art and furniture; most some guest rooms have Jacuzzis and fireplaces. Nearby, Salsa del have fireplaces and some have private decks with hot tubs. The Salto is an inviting inn with spacious rooms, some in the main
14 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Travel building and others in a more private wing. The best rooms have Country Club (which is open to the public) offers 18 holes of golf jetted whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, but all are handsomely fur- out along a magnificent high mesa south of downtown. Surround- nished. ing Taos is Carson National Forest, much of which sprawls across the 13,000-foot Sangre de Cristo mountains; this is prime hiking With an especially peaceful and hidden-away location on a mesa territory. Finally, in winter, Taos Ski Valley - about 20 miles north- a few miles west of Arroyo Seco, the moderately priced Little Tree east of downtown - is a huge attraction. It’s consistently ranked by B&B affords panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains top ski magazines as one of the most difficult and exciting facilities and Rio Grande Valley. The four simple but refined guest rooms in the country. in this authentic adobe house open onto a flowery garden usually buzzing with hummingbirds. Taos may be small and informal, but it enjoys an excellent repu- tation for outstanding - and highly sophisticated - restaurants. Taos is a vibrant mix of the region’s Indian, Spanish and fron- Two of the musts for foodies are Joseph’s Table and De la Tierra, tier legacies, further influenced by the legions of artists, writers mentioned above. Another top pick, up in Arroyo Seco, is Sabroso and creative spirits who have settled - or at the very least passed Restaurant and Bar, which occupies a romantic hacienda-style through - among them Ansel Adams, D.H. Lawrence, Georgia building and serves delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. It’s O’Keeffe and Aldous Huxley. You can tour dozens of art galleries in known for its stellar wine list (lots of hard-to-find Spanish and the center of town, which also contains quite a few funky specialty Italian varietals), and there’s live music in the bar many evenings. shops, selling everything from Day of the Dead figurines to New Taos has no gay bars per se, but the bar at Sabroso (as well as the Age crystals. one at the Taos Inn) both have something of a GLBT following. Downtown also has four superb art museums of the caliber On Taos’ south side, the Trading Post Cafe has made a name for you’d expect of a much larger city. Start with a tour of the Taos itself serving hearty contemporary American and Italian fare; the Art Museum, a striking adobe house that was once the home of walls here are hung with local art. A favorite with locals, Byz- famed Russian portraitist Nicholai Fechin. Here you get to explore antium occupies a discreet courtyard a short walk south of the Fechin’s life and see his portraits, and you also get a good sense Plaza and serves up unusual, globally inspired creations, such as of Taos’ early master painters and the history of this fabled art lobster potpie with artichoke hearts and sweet corn, simmered in colony. a brandy bisque. The Apple Tree, in an 19th-century Territorial- Two other excellent art museums - the Blumenschein Home style house near the Plaza, offers an eclectic mix of Southwestern and Museum and the Harwood Museum - are just a few blocks and American dishes, from smoked trout to veggie green curry. It’s away. Ernest Blumenschein was one of the founders of the Taos especially popular for Sunday brunch. art colony, and his stunningly restored 1797 hacienda contains For lighter, healthful fare, head to the Dragonfly Cafe & Bakery, original furnishings, vintage photos and paintings by him and his a European-inspired eatery with a lovely courtyard and a con- many prominent colleagues. A few doors down, the prodigious and venient location near shopping and prestigious Harwood Museum contains a mix of items, from Span- galleries. A popular venue for breakfast ish Colonial religious iconography to stark and provocative modern or lunch, the Dragonfly serves such works by such 20th-century notables as Marsden Hartley (who was memorable fare as fennel pancakes openly gay), John Marin and Agnes Martin. with orange syrup, and udon noodle It’s the Millicent Rogers Museum, however, that’s often the top bowls with fresh shrimp. If you’re highlight of arts-minded visitors. This rambling adobe house over- passing through Arroyo Seco, be sure flows with thousands of decorative arts and crafts, mostly of local to visit Taos Cow, a lively cafe serv- Hispanic and Native American origin. You can find everything here ing tasty deli sandwiches and iconic from Navajo blankets to turquoise jewelry to fine pottery. It’s an house-made ice cream (pinon-caramel excellent place to gain an overview of New Mexico’s rich arts legacy, is a favorite flavor). It’s the perfect spot which dates back many centuries. If you have time, leave the to soak up local flavors, people-watch, museum by continuing north on U.S. 64, turning left (still on U.S. and enjoy the magnificent views of the 64) at the traffic signal, and following the road about 7 miles west high desert and soaring peaks that sur- to the vertigo-inducing Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which rises some round Taos. 650-feet above the wild river below - it’s a terrific photo op. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1243 If museum-hopping isn’t your thing, consider the town’s wealth View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. of outdoors activities. A favorite draw is white water rafting through Taos Box, a dramatic 17-mile span of the Rio Grande River that Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA and eight cuts through a deep gorge of steep, black-basalt cliffs. Mountain- additional travel guides. biking and fly-fishing are similarly popular diversions, and Taos
The Little Black Book
Adobe and Stars B&B (575-776-2776 or 800-211-7076, www. taosadobe.com). American Artists Gallery House (800-532-2041, www.taosbedandbreakfast.com). The Apple Tree (575-758-1900). Byzantium (575-751-0805). Dragonfly Cafe & Bakery (575-737-5859, www.dragonflytaos.com). El Monte Sagrado and De la Tierra (800- 826-TAOS, www.elmontesagrado.com). Hotel La Fonda and Joseph’s Table (575-758-2211 for hotel, 575-751-4512 for restaurant, www. lafondataos.com and www.josephstable.com). Little Tree B&B (575- 776-8467 or 800-334-8467, www.littletreebandb.com). Momentitos de la Vida (575-776-3333). Sabroso Restaurant and Bar (575-776- 3333, www.sabrosotaos.com). Salsa del Salto (575-776-2422, www. bandbtaos.com). Taos Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau (575-758-3873 or 800-732-8267, www.taoschamber.com). Taos Cow (575-776-5640, www.taoscow.com). Taos Inn (575-758-2233 or 800-826-7466, www.taosinn.com). Trading Post Cafe (575-758-5089, www.tradingpostcafe.com).
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 15 16 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Directory and Events
http://www.twistedelement.ca • Badminton (Absolutely Smashing) • Tennis Legend Dance Club and Lounge. St. Martha School (6020 4th Avenue NE) See website for details. Our Magazine Available Here------✰ Wednesdays, 7pm-9pm • Volleyball (Intermediate/Competitive) Wheelchair Accessible Venue------Bathhouses/Saunas (Season has ended) YWCA, 320 - 5th Avenue SE Fees Per session: $4 for Apollo member, $5 for non- 6 Goliath’s------✰ www.apollocalgary.com/apollo/volleyball members. Season’s pass $75. 308 - 17 Ave SW (403) 229-0911 (Season has ended) CALGARY http://www.goliaths.ca • Bowling (Rainbow Riders League) This is for seasoned players. You can sign up for the Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Let’s 10 Pin Bowlerama, 2916 - 5 Ave NE season or drop-in. Bars and Clubs (Season has ended) Community Groups • Volleyball (Recreational) 3 Backlot------✰ • Curling Langevin School, 107 - 6A Street NE 209 - 10th Ave SW (403) 265-5211 2 Aids Calgary------✰ North Hill Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street NW) www.apollocalgary.com/apollo/volleyball Open 7 days a week, 4pm-close 110, 1603 10th Avenue SW Saturdays: 2:20pm and 4:30pm (Season has ended) (403) 508-2500 (Season has ended) All are welcome. This is for all skill levels, including 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.------✰ [email protected] recreational players and beginners. You can sign up 424a - 8th Ave SE (403) 263-5847 • Golf http://www.aidscalgary.org for the season or drop-in. http://www.calgaryeagle.com [email protected] Open Wed-Sun, 5pm-close Alberta Society for Kink See website for details. • Yoga Leather/Denim/Fetish bar. (403) 398-9968 • Lawn Bowling Season has ended. [email protected] 55 Marquee Room------✰ [email protected] Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association ca.groups.yahoo.com/ See website for details. (403) 541-8140 www.argra.org 612 - 8th Avenue SW group.albertasocietyforkink http://www.marqueeroom.com Meet and Greets: Mondays, 7pm-9:30pm • Outdoor Pursuits • Monthly Dances------Alternative night every Wednesday. See website for details. Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association Apollo Calgary Friends in Sports 1320 5th Avenue NW 9 MPs (Money Pennies)------✰ • Running (Calgary Frontrunners) http://www.apollocalgary.com May 30th, Sept 27, Oct 18, Nov 15th, Dec 6th 1742 - 10th Ave SW (403) 263-7411 Apollo Friends In Sports is a volunteer-operated, Coffee Junkies, 7th Street and 1st Ave SW http://www.money-pennies.com Tim (403) 660-6125 Doors open 8pm. non-profit organization serving primarily members $6 ARGRA Members, $10 non-members. Closed Mondays. of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered [email protected] Bar and restaurant. communities but open to members of all Saturdays at 9am • Canadian Rockies International Rodeo Distance varies. 8km-15km. Runners from 6 Strathmore, AB 6 Texas Lounge------✰ communities. We currently have more than 400 308 - 17 Ave SW (403) 229-0911 members and are growing fast! The primary focus minute/mile to 9+ minute miles. During the June 26th-28th, 2009 http://www.goliaths.ca of Apollo is to provide our membership with well summer we attempt to have evening runs during Artists for the Quality of Life Open 7 days a week, 11am-close organized and fun sporting events and other the week. (403) 890-1261 www.afqol.com activities to allow them to participate and interact in • Slow Pitch 33 Twisted Element • Fundraiser a positive social framework. 1006 - 11th Ave SW (403) 802-0230 See website for details. The Texas Lounge (308B - 17th Avenue SW) DOWNTOWN CALGARY
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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 17 Directory and Events
Friday, June 19th uncertain or questioning their sexuality. Discussions Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre Knox United Church Hosted by Mz Toni & Dyna Myte range from personal relationship or life issues, to 77 Deerpoint Road SE (403) 278-8263 506 - 4th Street SW (403) 269-8382 Cabin Fever sexual health and well-being. http://www.dpuc.ca http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca Calgary Eagle, 424a 8th Ave SW • Calgary Networking Club Worship Time - 10am Sundays Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church 3RD THURSDAY every month Ming, 520 - 17th Ave SW Different Strokes located in downtown Calgary. A variety of facility Women’s dance and social night. First Tuesday of every month, 5pm-7pm http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org rentals are also available for meetings, events and The networking meetings are open to all individuals concerts. Calgary Gay Fathers • Swim Practice who would like to promote their businesses or [email protected] SAIT Pool, 1301 - 16th Ave NW • Worship Services who would like to meet new people - no business http://www.geocities.com/calgaryfathers Sundays and Thursdays, 6-7pm Wednesdays - Communion Service 12:10pm. affiliation is necessary. Peer support group for gay, bisexual and Different Strokes Calgary accommodates both Sundays - 11am. September to June. questioning fathers. Meeting twice a month. • Heading Out recreational and competitive swimmers. Coaching Sundays - 10:30am in July and August. Calgary Men’s Chorus 2nd and 4th Friday of every month, 7pm-9pm is offered to assist with technique and fitness Miscellaneous Youth Network http://www.calgarymenschorus.org Peer group for men who are looking for an development. After swim practice is a nice cool http://www.miscyouth.com alternative social activity to the bar. Activities vary down in the hot tub where announcements will be • Fake Mustache------• Rehearsals and are fun and entertaining. made. Usually team members will go for dinner The Soda, 211 - 12th Ave SW Old Y Centre, 223 - 12 Avenue SW after practice and everyone is welcome. Tuesday nights, Sept-Jun, 7pm-9:30pm • Illusions Calgary First Thursday of every month Social group for Calgary and area transgender Don’t Buy In Project Calgary’s ONLY Drag King Show. $5 cover. $2 • Eclipse Concert community members (cross dressers, transvestites, http://www.dontbuyin.ca cover under 18. Advance tickets available at Barbies Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary drag kings and queens). Illusions provides a safe, This Calgary Police Service Initiative aims to Shop. All Ages show starts at 7:30. 18+ show Sat June 20th, 8:00pm discrete and welcoming atmosphere, in which encourage youth to working towards an inclusive starts at 10:15. Tickets $20. To purchase, please visit website. transgendered people can meet others of like mind. environment in which diversity is embraced in their • Laramie Project Calgary Sexual Health Centre------✰ Illusions offers discretion, acceptance, compassion schools and community. Engineered Air Theatre, EPCOR Centre and a safe place to express your gender. Cross- 304, 301 14th Street NW FairyTales Presentation Society 205 - 8 Avenue SE (403) 283-5580 dressing is the purpose of the group, but is not #4 - 1230A 17th Avenue SW May 14th - 16th, 8:30pm http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca mandatory. (403) 244-1956 Mystique Calgary Sexual Health Centre is a pro-choice • Inside Out [email protected] [email protected] organization that believes all people have the right Every Monday, 7pm-9pm http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com Mystique is primarily a Lesbian group for women 30 and ability to make their own choices regarding Peer-facilitated youth group for GLBTQ ages 15-25. Alberta Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. and up but all are welcome. their sexual and reproductive health. Calgary The group aims to let youth know they are not • DVD Resource Library Sexual Health Centre started as a volunteer based, alone, and to connect them with their peers. It is • Coffee Night Over a hundred titles to choose from. Annual grassroots organization and has been providing a funky and safe environment with a variety of Second Cup (2312 - 4th Street SW) membership is $10. comprehensive sexuality education and counselling resources and activities. May 2nd, 7:30pm-10ish. programs to the Calgary community since 1972. • Monthly Screenings • New Directions NETWORKS The Plaza Theatre, Kensington 1 Calgary Outlink------✰ Every 3rd Friday of the month, 7pm-9pm (403) 293-3356 See website for details. #4, 1230A 17th Avenue SW Drop in peer-support group to provide support and [email protected] (403) 234-8973 resources for individuals who identify as transsexual • Annual Film Festival A social, cultural, and service organization for http://www.calgaryoutlink.com or inter-sexed. If you are transsexual, or know May 28th - June 6th, 2009 the mature minded and “Plus 40” gay, lesbian, Formerly know as the Gay And Lesbian Community of someone who is, please contact our office for Girl Friends bisexual, and transgendered individuals seeking to Services Association (GLCSA). information and assistance. You are not alone! members.shaw.ca/girlfriends meet with others at age-appropriate activities within • Peer Support and Crisis Line There is support! apositive, safe, non-threatening and nurturing Girlsgroove Front-line help service for GLBT individuals and environment. • SHEQ Soulful Healing Ego Quest http://www.girlsgroove.ca their family and friends, or anyone questioning Trudy or Krista, (403) 585-7437 • Sunday Brunch their sexuality. Runs for a ten week period on Thursdays, 7pm HIV Peer Support Group Steak House and Bar (contact for address) (403) 230-5832 • Library A workshop for women that want to be themselves Sun May 31st, 10am-1pm [email protected] A great selection of resource books, fiction, non- in a supportive, safe environment. It is a chance Parents for Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) fiction, videos and everything in between, all with a to grow and share their experiences related to ISCCA Social Association Sean: (403) 695-5791 queer perspective. women’s sexuality. To participate, please call the http://www.iscca.ca http://www.pflagcanada.ca exclusive SHEQ line or leave your name and a Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch. • Drop-In Center PFLAG Canada is a registered charitable contact time/number with Calgary Outlink. A safe and supportive environment for one-to-one • Investitures organization that provides support, education and peer counseling for many issues surrounding family, • Womynspace Calgary Eagle resources to parents, families and individuals who coming out, homosexuality, loneliness and other Every first and third Friday, 7pm-9pm Sun May 17th, 7:45pm have questions or concerns about sexual orientation or gender identity. issues. Peer social/support group for women providing an • Shooters at Texas Lounge evening of fun, bonding, discussion and activities. • Between Men and Between Men Online Tuesdays and Saturdays, 8pm-11:30pm Positive Space Committee 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Tuesdays 7pm-9pm Calgary Queer Book Club • Shooters at the Backlot (403) 440-6383 Peer support, sexual health education for gay Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW) See website for details. or bisexual men, as well as those who may be First meeting. Look us up on Facebook. [email protected] • Shooters at the Calgary Eagle http://www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace May 2nd, May 16th The Positive Space Committee at Mount Royal • Drag Show at the Calgary Eagle College works to raise awareness and challenge Looking for Something? May 18th the patterns of silence that continue to marginalize lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered, two-spirited Browse over 450 listings in our Online GLBT Business Directory, and our All monies raised go to Charity: Agape Manor, and queer (LGBTTQ) individuals. complete Online GLBT Community Events Calendar. Beswick House, HIV Peer Support, Artists for Quality of Life, Children’s Wish Foundation Pride Calgary Planning Committee www.gaycalgary.com (403) 262-3410 www.pridecalgary.ca
18 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Directory and Events
• Pride 2009 - Dance Scarboro United Church is a caring community Open 7 days a week and holidays MFM Communications Sat September 5th for risk-takers, adventurers, and explorers in 41 La Fleur------ (403) 543-6970 • Pride 2009 - Parade and Street Gala contemporary Christian living. Scarboro is an 103 - 100 7th Avenue SW 1-877-543-6970 Sunday September 6th affirming congregation, which means that the full (403) 266-1707 http://www.mfmcommunications.com inclusion of LGBT people is essential to our mission Florist and Flower Shop. Web site hosting and development. Computer Pride Rainbow Project and purpose. Scarboro United Church welcomes hardware and software. [email protected] all to our spiritually enriching Sunday Service at The Naked Leaf------Rick Grenier (Invis) http://www.priderainbowproject.com 10:30am. Afterwards, all are welcome to join us 305 10th Street NW (403) 283-3555 (403) 862-1162 [email protected] Youth run project designed to show support for in fellowship downstairs over coffee, tea, juice, and http://www.thenakedleaf.ca Mortgage solutions. same-sex marriage in Canada and elsewhere. A home-baked treats. Organic teas and tea ware. fabric rainbow banner approximately 5 feet wide 56 Sacred Balance Piercing • Sunday Worship in July 16 Priape Calgary------✰ - goal is to make it 3.2km (2 miles) long, in order 1528 - 17th Avenue SW (403) 277-4449 St. Matthews United Church (2039 26A St SW) 1322 - 17 Ave SW (403) 215-1800 to break the world record. www.sacredbalancetattoo.com (403) 249-1721 [email protected] http://www.priape.com Tattos and body piercing. Primetimers Calgary Through July 2009, 10:30am Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, [email protected] movies and magazines. Gifts. SafeWorks Sharp Foundation http://www.primetimerscalgary.com Wares & Wear Ventures Inc. Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing. Prime Timers Calgary is designed to foster social (403) 272-2912 See Canada - Retail Stores. • Calgary Drop-in Centre interaction for its members through a variety of [email protected] Room 117, 423 - 4th Ave SE social, educational and recreational activities. It is http://www.thesharpfoundation.com Services (403) 699-8216 open to all gay and bisexual men of any age and Urban Sex Radio Show Mon-Fri: 9am-12pm, Sat: 12:15pm-3:15pm respects whatever degree of anonymity that each CJSW 90.9 FM 57 BRAZILya member desires. http://www.cjsw.com #3, 1114 - 11th Street SW • Centre of Hope (403) 457-2955 Room 201, 420 - 9th Ave SE • Free Pool at the Calgary Eagle Every Wednesday from 9-10pm www.brazilyalaser.com (403) 410-1180 Mon-Fri: 1pm-5pm Every Wednesday Focus on sexuality; gay bisexual lesbian trans gendered and straight issues here in Calgary and Calgary Civil Marriage Centre • Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre • Saturday Coffee around the web. (403) 246-4134 [email protected] 1213 - 4th Str SW (403) 955-6014 Midtown Co-op, 1130 - 11th Ave SW Marriage Commissioner for Alberta (aka Justice of Sat-Thu: 4:15pm-7:45pm, Fri: Closed Every Saturday, 10am Western Canada Bigmen and Admirers groups.yahoo.com/group/ the Peace - JP), Marriage Officiant, Commissioner • Safeworks Van • Monthly Gathering at MoneyPennies WesternCanadaBigmenGroup/ for Oaths. (403) 850-3755 Please check the website. [email protected] 24 Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors) Sat-Thu: 8pm-12am, Fri: 4pm-12am • Pumphouse Theatre Night 1138 Kensington Road NW Vigor Calgary Sandra G. Sebree, Lawyer Ticket office: (403) 263-0079 (403) 571-5120 (403) 255-7004 www.vigorcalgary.ca 1610 - 17th Ave SW May 12th - Murder at Rillington Place http://www.courtneyaarbo.ca Violence in Gay Male Relationships (VIGOR) is a (403) 228-8108 May 16th - Grease GLBT legal services. committee of professionals dedicated to increasing www.sandrasebree.com • Card Night the awareness of gay men’s domestic violence and Cruiseline TherapyWorks Harvey and Tony’s (403) 547-9129 the services available to them. (403) 777-9494 trial code 3500 (403) 561-6873 May 21st http://www.cruiseline.ca “Yeah... What She Said!” Radio Show [email protected] Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY. Queers on Campus------✰ CJSW 90.9 FM http://www.therapyworks.com 279R Student Union Club Spaces, U of C [email protected] DevaDave Salon & Boutique Take back your life from stress, sadness, and worry. (403) 220-6394 Every Monday evening, 8:30-9pm 810 Edmonton Trail NE http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass (403) 290-1973 Theatre and Fine Arts Formerly GLASS - Gay/Lesbian Association of Restaurants Cuts, Colour, Hilights. 36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects Students and Staff. 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.------✰ Duncan’s Residential Cleaning (403) 294-7402 http://www.ATPlive.com • Coffee Night Jim Duncan: (403) 978-6600 See Calgary - Bars and Clubs. AXIS Contemporary Art------ 2nd Cup, Kensington. Residential cleaning. Free estimates. ✰ 107, 100 - 7 Ave SW (403) 262-3356 Every Tuesday, 7pm. 9 MPs (Money Pennies)------See Calgary - Bars and Clubs. Jeff LeBlanc, Century 21 [email protected] www.axisart.ca Rainbow Community Church #1, 4600 Crowchild Trail NW Fairytales Hillhurst United, 1227 Kensington Close NW Cell: (403) 542-6926 Retail Stores See Calgary - Community Groups. [email protected] Pager: (403) 509-2121 http://www.rainbowcommunitychurch.ca 51 A Little More Interesting------✰ Fax: (403) 509-2130 43 Lisa Heinricks (Artist)------ Services: every Sunday afternoon at 4:00pm 1501B, 17th Avenue SW (403) 475-7775 [email protected] Art Central, 100 7th Ave SW, lower level The Rainbow Community Church is an all-inclusive http://wwww.alittlemoreinteresting.com www.homesweethometeam.ca http://www.creamydreamy.com church; everyone is welcome. Adult Depot------✰ Keith Hill, North Hill Mazda 35 One Yellow Rabbit------Rocky Mountain Bears 140, 58th Ave SW (403) 258-2777 1211 Centre Street NW Big Secret Theatre - EPCOR CENTRE [email protected] Gay, bi, straight video rentals and sex toys. Cell: (403) 614-7359 (403) 299-8888 www.oyr.org http://www.rockymountainbears.com Phone: (403) 276-5962 48 Barbies Shop------✰ 37 Pumphouse Theatre------✰ Fax: (403) 276-7361 Safety Under the Rainbow 1313 16th Avenue SW (403) 262-8265 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW [email protected] http://www.safetyrainbow.ca http://www.barbiesshop.com (403) 263-0079 Mission: To raise awareness and understanding of www.northhillmazda.com http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca Bongs and Such------✰ same-sex domestic violence and homophobic youth Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors) 214, 2066 18th Ave NE (403) 250-7004 Stagewest------✰ bullying. (403) 461-9195 4829 Macleod Tr. SW (403) 243-5251 727 - 42 Avenue SE (403) 243-6642 http://www.lornedoucette.com Scarboro United Church 1-866-411-BONG http://www.stagewestcalgary.com 134 Scarboro Avenue SW Erotic Xxes Boutique------✰ Marnie Campbell (Maxwell Realtors) 58 Theatre Junction------✰ (403) 244-1161 www.scarborounited.ab.ca (403) 479-8619 4823 Macleod Trail SW (403) 243-4196 Theatre Junction GRAND, 608 1st St. SW Sunday Worship: 10:30am http://www.marniecampbell.ca http://www.eroticxxesboutique.ca (403) 205-2922
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 19 Directory and Events
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[email protected] www.primetimersww.org/edmonton 4 Edmonton STD http://www.theatrejunction.com Community Groups EPT is a group of older gay men and their admirers 11111 Jasper Ave who come from diverse backgrounds but have 34 Vertigo Mystery Theatre------BEEF Bear Bash Edmonton Vocal Minority common social interests. Meetings include a social 161, 115 - 9 Ave SE (403) 221-3708 Boots Bar and Lounge (780) 479-2038 [email protected] period, a short business meeting and then either http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com www.bearbeef.org www.evmchoir.com Bar night for hairy men and admirers. a guest speaker, discussion panel, or a potluck supper. Special interest groups meet for other social Exposure 2009 Book Worm’s Book Club activities throughout the month. In July and August Nov 13th- 22nd, 2009 EDMONTON Second Cup, 11210 Jasper Ave we have a BBQ or picnic in lieu of a meeting and in ✰ [email protected] 3 HIV Network Of Edmonton Society---- Bars and Clubs December it’s replaced with a Christmas party. EPT 11456 Jasper Ave www.hivedmonton.com May 20, 7:30pm is affiliated with Prime Timers World Wide. 5 Boots Bar and Lounge------✰ “The Front Runner” by Patricia Nell Warren. Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose • Monthly Meetings 10242 106th St (780) 423-5014 http://www.gayedmonton.org Buck Naked Boys Club Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street http://www.bootsbar.ca/ (780) 471-6993 2nd Sunday of most months, 2:30pm • “SPRING” White Party 6 Buddy’s Nite Club------✰ http://www.bucknakedboys.ca May 10th: Presentation by HIV Edmonton Boots Bar & Lounge 11725 Jasper Ave (780) 488-6636 2nd Saturday of every month June 14th: Bingo Sat May 9th, 10pm Naturism club for men. Our club has been meeting 13 PLAY Nightclub------✰ July 11th-13th: BBQ and/or Campout at Pine Trails • 007 - Boys Night Out continuously for over 10 years. The similar club in 10220 103 Street (780) 497-7529 Woody’s Pub Calgary ceased to exist several years ago. Naturism Edmonton Rainbow Business Association [email protected] Fri May 15th, 8pm is being social while everyone is naked, and it does 3379, 11215 Jasper Ave (780) 429-5014 http://www.playnightclub.ca not include sexual activity. Therefore participants http://www.edmontonrba.org • General Meeting 8 Prism Bar & Grill------✰ do not need to be gay, only male, but almost all ERBA’s primary focus is the provision of networking Tues, May 19th, 8pm-10pm 10524 101st St (780) 990-0038 participants over the years do self-describe as being opportunities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and • Dinner with the Imperial House transgendered (GLBT) owned or operated and http://www.prismbar.ca gay or bisexual. Boots Bar & Lounge GLBT-friendly businesses in the Edmonton region. 12 Woody’s------✰ Sat May 23rd, 6pm-8pm Camp fYrefly Membership is open to all kinds of entrepreneurs, 11725 Jasper Ave (780) 488-6557 All you can eat pierogi dinner, $10/person. 7-104 Dept. of Educational Policy Studies from tradespeople to professionals to commission Faculty of Education, University of Alberta salespeople. • Amateur Drag King Contest Bathhouses/Saunas Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5 Prism Bar and Grill • After Business Mixers 7 Down Under Baths------✰ http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca Sat May 30th, 10pm Garage Burger Bar (10244 - 106th St.) 12224 Jasper Ave (780) 482-7960 Edmonton Pride Week Society 2nd Wednesday every month 5:30–7:30pm • Meet and Greet http://www.gayedmonton.com http://www.prideedmonton.org PLAY Nightclub Edmonton Illusions Social Club 11 Steamworks------✰ Sat June 6th, 10pm-2am • Pride Week 2009 - Age of Aqueerius Boots Bar & Grill 11745 Jasper Ave (780) 451-5554 June 12 to 21, 2009 (780) 387-3343 • Mr./Mz/Ms Gay Games Night http://www.steamworksedmonton.com Edmonton Prime Timers groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions Woody’s Pub [email protected] 2nd Thursday of each month Thur June 11th, 8pm-2am
20 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Directory and Events
• Princess Pride Show allied (GLBTQQ&A) youth under 25. • Gymnastics, Drop-in derby. They’ll teach you everything you need to Boots Bar and Lounge • Youth Understanding Youth Ortona Gymnastics Club, 8755 - 50 Avenue know, including how to skate! Sun June 14th, 9pm-12am See separate listing. [email protected] • Samsara Yoga Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8pm-10pm • Mr./Mz/Ms Gay Karaoke • Youth Yoga Korezone Fitness, #203, 10575 -115 Street Have the whole gym to yourselves and an instructor Prism Bar & Grill Alex Taylor School Gym (9321 Jasper Ave) [email protected] Wed June 17, 8pm-10pm to help you achieve your individual goals. Cost is Every Sunday, 2pm-3:30pm Every 1st Thursday, 4:30pm $5.00 per session. • Written in the Stars Team Edmonton • Slo Pitch Boots Bar and Lounge • Outdoor Pursuits Parkallen Field, 111 st and 68 ave [email protected] Friday, June 19th, 8pm Sat, May 30th [email protected] http://www.teamedmonton.ca [email protected] Wednesdays, 7pm. Season resumes May 6th. • Mr./Mz/Ms Gay Pageant Members are invited to attend and help determine Paintball! Please contact to sign up. Boots Bar and Lounge the board for the next term. If you are interested in Season fee is $30.00 per person. Fri June 19, 8pm-12pm running for the board or getting involved in some of • Running (Arctic Frontrunners) • Soccer the committees, please contact us. Emily Murphy Park, meet at West End [email protected] OUTreach [email protected] University of Alberta, basement of SUB • Ab Blast Class Every Sunday, 10am-11am • Tennis [email protected] 11113 113 Street NW All genders and levels of runners and walkers are [email protected] http://www.ualberta.ca/~outreach [email protected] invited to join this free activity. • Volleyball, Free To Be Intermediate Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender/transsexual, May 6, 13, 20, 27 • Swimming (Making Waves) Kinsmen Sports Centre, next to Tennis courts Queer, Questioning and Straight-but-not-Narrow 5:30pm-6:30pm, 6:30pm-7:30pm [email protected] student group. NAIT Swimming Pool • Badminton [email protected] Thursday nights from 8pm-10pm 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton------✰ Oliver School, 10227 - 118 Street Every Tuesday, 8am-9pm Outdoor grass season resumes June 14th 95A Street, 111 Ave (780) 488-3234 [email protected] Every Thursday, 7:30pm-8:30pm • Volleyball, Free To Be Recreational • Open House Wednesdays, 6pm-7:30pm The final day of swimming this season is May 14th. Mother Teresa School, 9008 - 105A Ave Sat May 9th, 2pm-5pm Season starts March 8th [email protected] Women’s Drop-In Recreational Badminton. • Roller Derby (Practices) • Bears Movie Night [email protected] Indoor season has concluded. TV room, Pride Centre of Edmonton •Ballroom Dancing Mondays & Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm • Women’s Lacrosse Last Sunday of the month, 1-6pm Foot Notes Dance Studio, 9708-45 Avenue NW E-Ville Roller Derby is a community-wise sports Sharon: 780-461-0017 Cynthia: (780) 469-3281 initiative for adult females. Their purpose is for fun, • Get Tested for STIs Pam: 780-436-7374 Sundays, 7:30-8:30pm friendly sports competition among like-minded Last Thurs of Month, 3pm - 6pm Open to women 21+, experienced or not, all are April 19th-June 21st women. You need no prior experience in roller welcome. Call for info. • GLBT Seniors Drop-In Beginner Ballroom program is designed for people Every Tuesday & Thursday, 1-4pm who have no previous dance instruction and have Program serving our GLBT seniors. Hosted by Jeff the desire to gain confidence on the social dance Bovee. floor. *Students may take level 2 upon completion of the beginner course. *All gender combinations of • Trans Education/Support Group dancers are welcome. *Partners are not required. 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month, 2-4pm $149.00 +GST / 10 weeks. Call to register. Support and education for all transsexual, transgendered, intersexed, two-spirited and • Blazin’ Bootcamp questioning individuals. Lynnwood Elementary School, 15451- 84 Ave [email protected] • Men’s Discussion Group Every Mon + Thurs, 7pm-8:15pm [email protected] Starting May 4th Every Sunday, 7pm Mens social and discussion group. • Bowling (Northern Titans) Gateway Lanes, 100 - 3414 Gateway Blvd • Men’s HIV Support Group [email protected] 2nd Monday of the month, 7-9pm Every Saturday, 5pm-7pm • Prime Timers Resumes Saturday January 3rd See Edmonton Primetimers. $15.00 per person. • Queer Youth Sport & Recreation night • Cross-Country Skiing Alex Taylor School Gym, 9321 Jasper Ave Gold Bar Park Brendan, (780) 488-3234 Saturday January 10th, 1pm [email protected] • Curling with Pride First Tuesday of every month, 4:30pm Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW • Suit Up and Show Up Group (780) 463-5942 Every Saturday, 12 noon [email protected] Big Book Study of Alcoholics Anonymous. See website for details. • Sick and tired of being sick and tired? • Cycling Every Thursday, 7pm-8pm Various locations in Edmonton Escape Cocaine. [email protected] • YouthSpace Every Wednesday, 6:30pm [email protected] • Dragon Boat Tuesday to Friday, 3pm-7pm [email protected] Saturday 2pm-7pm We are exploring the option of setting up a dragon An after-school drop-in program for gay, lesbian, boat team for 2009. Please send your name and bisexual, trans-identified, queer, questioning and contact information.
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 21 Directory and Events
Womonspace • Book Club Thurs, Mar 26th, 6:30pm http://www.rainbowhealth.ca (780) 482-1794 Monthly, contact us for exact dates. Movie called “Changing Our Minds: The Story of Dr. Egale Canada [email protected] Evelyn Hooker”. 8 Wellington St E, Third Floor www.womonspace.ca Theatre and Fine Arts Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA) Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C5 Women’s social group, but all welcome at events. Exposure Festival University of Lethbridge [email protected] 1-888-204-7777 www.egale.ca • Pride Dance http://www.exposurefestival.ca GBLTTQQ club on campus. Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby Hellenic Canadian Community Hall Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival. organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, 10450 - 116 Street • Movie Night trans-identified people and our families. TBA Sat June 13th, 9pm-2am Membership fees are pay-what-you-can, although Members: $15, Non-Members: $20. BANFF/CANMORE Mon May 11th, 7pm-10pm pre-authorized monthly donors are encouraged (and A dedication to Queer TV. get a free Egale Canada t-shirt). Egale has several Youth Understanding Youth committees that meet by teleconference on a [email protected] www.members.shaw.ca/yuy Community Groups regular basis; membership on these is national with Every Saturday, 7pm-9pm Mountain Pride RED DEER members from every region of Canada. Youth support and social group. Brian, (403) 431-2569 [email protected] • 3rd Annual Queer Prom Community Groups www.gaybanff.com Retail Stores Citadel Theater Serving the GLBTQS community in Banff, Canmore, Affirm Wares & Wear Ventures Inc. Sat, Jun 6th, 7:00pm Lake Louise and Area. Sunnybrook United Church (780) 980-1977 www.wwlatex.com “Paint the Town Red” (403) 347-6073 • Coffee Night Fetish wear and toys. • Sports and Recreation 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm The Hub, 302 Buffalo Street Pride Centre, 9540 - 111 Ave Composed of LGBTQ people, their friends, family Every 4th Tuesday, 7pm-10pm Services Brendan: (780) 488-3234 and allies. No religious affiliation necessary. ATM Service Solutions [email protected] • Queer Cinema Night Activities include support, faith and social justice 1-866-640-8830 1st Thursday, meet at 4:00pm The Hub, 302 Buffalo Street discussions, film nights, and potlucks! Every 2nd Monday, 8pm-11pm [email protected] http://www.minibanks.net Restaurants • Calgary Pride Roadtrip ALBERTA Squirt 5 Garage Burger Bar & Grill------ TBA http://www.squirt.org 10242 106th St (780) 423-5014 Community Groups Website for dating and hook-ups. 18+ ONLY! 8 Prism Bar & Grill------✰ Central Alberta AIDS Network Society See Edmonton - Bars and Clubs. LETHBRIDGE 4611-50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB Theatre and Fine Arts Retail Stores Community Groups http://www.caans.org Broadway Across Canada The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society is the http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca Rodéo Drive GALA/LA local charity responsible for HIV prevention and OUTtv 11528 - 89th Street (403) 308-2893 support in Central Alberta. http://www.outtv.ca (780) 474-0413 www.newgaylethbridge.ca Western Canadian Pride Campout GLBT Television Station. [email protected] Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area. July 31st - Aug 3rd http://www.rodeodrive.ca • Monthly Dances www.eventmasterinc.net Add Your Listing! His and hers fetish wear, toys, jewelry, etc. Airforce Veterans Hall, 517 - 5 Ave S • Bingo Find out how to have your business listed in our The Travelling Tickle Trunk 2nd or 3rd Saturday every month, 9pm-2am Boots, Edmonton monthly magazine directory: 9923 - 82 Avenue May 23rd Mon May 11th, 6pm-10pm (403) 543-6960 1-888-543-6960 (780) 469-6669 Bring your membership card and photo ID. [email protected]. www.travelingtickletrunk.com • Monthly Potluck Dinners YouthSafe http://www.youthsafe.net Add your listing to our online directory for free: Sex-positive adult toy store. McKillop United Church, 2329 - 15 Ave S Alberta’s website for youth with sex-and-gender http://www.gaycalgary.com Wares & Wear Ventures Inc. 3rd or Last Sat. every month, 5:30pm-8pm differences. Youthsafe.net lists the resources, GayCalgary endeavors to keep our directory and See Canada - Retail Stores. May 31st Members/family/friends, and children are all information and services to help youth find safe and events information accurate and up to date. If Services welcome to attend. Please bring dish that will serve caring spaces in Alberta. you notice anything incorrect or out of date, 4-6 people and own beverage (no-alcohol). Plates, please contact us. Cruiseline utensils, and coffee provided. Theatre and Fine Arts Non-profit groups receive free listings. (780) 413-7122 trial code 3500 Alberta Ballet http://www.cruiseline.ca • Support Line http://www.albertaballet.com Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY. (403) 308-2893 Monday OR Wednesday, 7pm-11pm Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton. Robertson-Wesley United Church Leave a message any other time. 10209 - 123 St. NW (780) 482-1587 [email protected] www.rwuc.org • Parents & Friends for Lesbians & Gays CANADA Worship: Sunday mornings at 10:30am Call us for information. People of all sexual orientations welcome. Other • Gay Youth Alliance Group Community Groups LGBT events include a monthly book club and Betty, (403) 381-5260 [email protected] Alberta Trans Support/Activities Group a bi-monthly film night. As a caring spiritual Every second Wednesday, 3:30pm-5pm http://www.albertatrans.org community, we’d love to have you join us! • Friday Mixer A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of • Soul OUTing The Mix (green water tower) where they may be on the continuum. Second Sunday every month, 7pm 103 Mayor Magrath Dr S Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition An LGBT-focused alternative worship. Every Friday at 10pm P.O. Box 3043, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3S9 • Film Night • Movie Night (306) 955-5135 Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates. Room C610, University of Lethbridge 1-800-955-5129
22 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Politics The Delisting of Hope
It’s not like your average transperson is a CEO of a major company, By Stephen Lock or pulling down a fat paycheque (though they could be if such igno- rance wasn’t so prevalent to begin with). The controversy over the Stelmach government’s delist- Plus, many of the subsidiary procedures are not covered by ing of Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS) is fraught Alberta Health, such as surgery to “feminize” the face, larnyx shaving with what certainly appears to be “political” motiva- to increase the pitch of the voice, electrolysis, and breast implants tions and most certainly with, to be charitable, numer- for Male-to-Female (MtF) transsexuals or masectomies for Female-to- Male (FtM), and hormone treatments. Only the actual reassignment ous misunderstandings of exactly what the procedure surgery, commonly referred to as “bottom surgery”, is covered, so the means and what transsexuality is. individual already must pay for these procedures. That we, as a province, need to trim some fat off various budgets The actual genital surgery is done in Montreal, necessitating is a given. Once again, we are in a recession following an overly-in- travel and related expenses while one recovers from the complex and flated boom and, like the last time, we suddenly find the bottom has highly invasive surgery. Alberta Health only covered the costs of the dropped out from under us. actual surgery and recovery. But the fact that those we elected to manage our provincial affairs and tax monies did not learn anything from the last go-round, and got suckered punch by this recession with little or no contingency in Many transfolk are forced to constantly carry place is, quite bluntly, incredible. documentation indicating their transsexual status Booms are followed by busts and while the previous boom didn’t or their transitioning status, such as a doctor’s or last long, it was inevitable a recession was going to hit. The provin- psychologist’s letter. So much for just blending in cial government should have understood that. That they appeared to and getting on with one’s life. not have understood that, let alone neglected to take steps to shore up such safety nets as social assistance, medical care, housing, etc., suggests rather strongly what their level of competence is; and it Such surgery, be it “only” the genital aspect or the whole spec- doesn’t look good. trum, is hardly what any reasonable individual upon reflection would Be that as it may, to delist GRS in order to save a paltry $700,000 consider “elective” or “merely cosmetic.” (and it is paltry when we are looking at a deficit of $4.7 billion) is Certainly, to suggest transfolk “choose” to become the opposite unconscionable. To even put the discussion in terms of dollar and gender and therefore should pick up the costs themselves is naive at cents is unconscionable. best and cruel and willfully ignorant at worst. Yes, I realize when one is dealing with budgetary concerns it Transsexuality is a recognized medical condition and the treat- comes down to dollars. Having sat on numerous boards over the ment is surgery to bring the physical body in line with the actual years, I understand the headaches of dealing with budgets, trying gender identity of the individual. If one were to make an analogy to be responsible and cutting unnecessary expenditures, or at least - and I hesitate to do so for fear of further trivializing the issue - for expendable ones. That transsexuals are seen as “expendable” is many MtF transfolk the presence of a male appendage is like having disturbing. some sort of major tumor on their body that impacts all aspects of There also seems to be an ignorance on the part of “average their lives. Albertans” when it comes to this issue. The letters to the editor in They may look, act, dress and, for all intents and purposes, be fe- both of Calgary’s major newspapers, and no doubt in other newspa- male but as long as they possess the genitalia which, in our culture, pers throughout the province, are full of misdirected calls for those defines them as male, there is a profound and ongoing disconnect seeking GRS to save up some money and fund the procedure(s) occurring in their lives and psyches. Ditto for FtM transsexuals. themselves. Tell me, who in this current economic climate can realistically save the tens of thousands of dollars the surgery costs? There are also some legal issues involved. If one presents as one gender yet all one’s documentation is issued under another, it creates a myriad of roadblocks to successful daily living. You get pulled over for a simple traffic violation and the officer asks to see your driver’s license. Your license indicates you are the opposite sex. Your average cop is not that well-versed in gender politics so, as far as the officer is concerned, you’re “in drag” and immediately suspect. And say you want to travel to the States. It doesn’t take much to get an inkling of the hoops one would have to go through, to get the appropriate documentation (passport, travel visas, etc.) when your birth certificate lists you as the opposite gender. Many transfolk are forced to constantly carry documentation indi- cating their transsexual status or their transitioning status, such as a doctor’s or psychologist’s letter. So much for just blending in and getting on with one’s life. In some jurisdictions, you cannot get your birth certificate altered to reflect who you are now. As far as the powers that be are concerned, it doesn’t matter what gender you are supposed to be,
Continued on Page 33 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 23 Political Humour Creep of the Week National Organization for Marriage
Granted, the ad campaign gets more attention every time By D’Anne Witkowski someone makes fun of it, but I don’t think the increased expo- sure of NOM’s original ad will do them much good. It’s no secret that anti-gay right wingers are ob- Rich claims that the ad marks “a historic turning point in sessed with sex. No doubt folks like Tony Perkins, the demise of America’s anti-gay movement.” Don Wildmon and Maggie Gallagher think about your sex life more than you do (and yet gays are “What gives the ad its symbolic significance,” Rich writes, “is supposedly the sex obsessed perverts). not just that it’s idiotic, but that its release was the only loud protest anywhere in America to the news that same-sex mar- So when the National Organization for Marriage nicknamed riage had been legalized in Iowa and Vermont. If it advances their new Two Million for Marriage initiative “2M4M,” they any message, it’s mainly that homophobic activism is ever received plenty of ribbing for being so outside of the gay sex more depopulated and isolated as well as brain-dead.” lingo loop. For the first time in history, my friends, it’s going to start As MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow said, “If you don’t know what raining M4M. the abbreviation M4M stands for, I do not want to spoil your Googling fun, but here’s a hint: The related search that Google http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1246 suggests is for the Web site Manhunt.” View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments.
In other words, don’t Google M4M at work unless you’re self- D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance employed or work for, say, a self-righteous anti-gay marriage writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the organization. world she reviews rock and roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister and teaches writing at the University of Michigan. Even better than the initiative’s name, however, is the com- mercial NOM produced to spread the word. Dubbed “A Gather- ing Storm,” the made-to-be-parodied ad features actors (and I use that term loosely) expressing their fear about gay marriage whilst standing amidst lightning and thunder clouds in what I guess is supposed to be what heaven will look like once gays can legally wed all across this nation. New York Times columnist Frank Rich described the ad as what would happen “if you crossed that creepy 1960s horror classic ‘The Village of the Damned’ with the Broadway staple ‘A Chorus Line.’” Stephen Colbert said, “I love that ad. It is like watching The 700 Club and the Weather Channel at the same time.” The ad opens with a blonde woman saying, “There’s a storm gathering” then cuts to some guy saying “The clouds are dark and the winds are strong.” A woman who bears a striking re- semblance to Ugly Betty says, “And I am afraid.” After parading the multi-ethnic cast of scaredy cats before us, the ad starts presenting real folks who’ve been discrimi- nated against. The thing is, they aren’t real folks, and the dis- crimination they detail is just hypothetical. There’s a tiny, tiny disclaimer in the ad, but clearly folks are supposed to watch the dumpy woman in the dark pantsuit say, “I’m a California doctor who must choose between my faith and my job,” and take it as fact. The ad has inspired countless parodies on YouTube, includ- ing a mash-up with the video for “It’s Raining Men.” The best one, however, comes from faux-newscaster Stephen Colbert. Using a cast of various ethnicities rotating from line to line and a strikingly similar set, it’s far better than the original. “There’s a storm gathering,” it begins. “A giant gay storm. With rough winds blowing in from the east. And even rougher winds blowing from the west. Before long, the winds will be blowing each other.”
24 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Astrology Q Scopes “You need down time, Gemini!”
By Jack Fertig LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You could lose your balance in an explosion of passion. Stay The Sun in Taurus leads us to sensuality and stub- mindful of previous commitments, especially to your bornness. The latter is being shot to hell by aspects health (and your partner’s!). Keep proper prophylaxis from Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune. Find ways in handy. If you’re trying new techniques, be very sure of safety considerations. which flexibility and innovation can honor your core values. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): The ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Worrying about family that plays together … Seriously a little fun and money can become a downward spiral. Deal with problems games would help to alleviate troubles at home. The shift proactively. Friends can offer good advice, but take it with of mood would at least help everyone see problems in a a grain of salt. Even a modest donation to charity will light more conducive to solutions. boost your financial karma. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Take advantage of 20): You have a lot to say to your colleagues, but birthday cheer to promote yourself. Your friends are eager remember to listen at least as much. Even if they don’t to help you, although you and they probably have very seem quite logical, you can learn a lot. Look at work different ideas of what kind of help is best. Their surprises problems as community issues, and keep an open mind. really are better than your plans. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You need down A new look at your investments, whether of money or time, but can’t escape the demands of the world. However energy and attention, can raise surprising issues. For you balance your needs and others’ will be much observed. better insight, talk it over with a sibling – or someone close Take some quiet time and perform your duties cheerfully. enough to feel like one. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Mixed signals with AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): some friends can lead to confusion about how deep and Money isn’t the real problem at home, but may point to a close those friendships really are. It can be tempting to solution. The real problem is your own uncertainty about brush any misunderstanding and embarrassment under who you are and how you fit in. Basic values learned in the rug, but talking it out really is better. childhood could be either building blocks or stumbling blocks. LEO (July 23 - August 22): As eager as you are to strut your stuff, some things are better kept stuffed away. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Meditation People trusted with your secrets will blurt things out, even should help calm your worries, but it doesn’t always work if they mean well. It could work to your favor. Be nice and that way. What you really need is to break out of a rut. Go keep a sense of humor about it. shopping with a “sister” and let him or her pick things out to at least try out a new look. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Wanting to do things your way is likely to cause arguments. Suggestions from others may sound wacky, but at least be polite enough to listen. Outré as they may be, there may Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since be a seed of brilliance to inspire helpful new ideas. 1977 teaches at the Online College of Astrology : http://www.astrocollege.com. He can be reached for personal or business consultations at 415-864-8302 or through his website at http://www.starjack.com
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 25 Event Leather Pride Weekend Priape and Calgary Eagle Bring Major Fetish Event to Calgary
International LeatherSir, By Rob Diaz-Marino Raul Mendez; International Leatherboy, Bill Hoeppner; The movement of Calgary Pride to September has International Commu- left a weekend open in early June that, this year, the nity Bootblack, Black-Jack Alberta Leather Scene has claimed as their own. Pearce; International Mr. Rubber, Stéphane Don- “In past years, part of Pride Weekend was a Military Ball at aldson; and Mr. Leather the Eagle and there’s never really been a Leather Pride weekend Toronto, Matt Pavelich. in this city, and we thought people are looking for something to do that weekend,” says Jim Heaton, Manager of Priape Calgary “For the judges we have which is behind the event all the international title in cooperation with the holders. We invited Chris- Calgary Eagle. tine Baker to be a judge as well. Boy Alex from So certainly mark off Toronto is coming out for Friday June 5th and the weekend and will also Saturday June 6th as an be a judge.” eventful weekend of fetish and fantasy. Friday night Mr. Rubber, and Mr. will be a meet and greet LeatherSir/Leatherboy competition winners receive around for the leather contestants, $1000 worth of fetish clothing from InSeam, Priape Leather, and a fetish auction to raise and Nasty Pig; but also win the honor of representing Western money for the travel funds Canada in International competitions. While LeatherSir and of the contest winners, Leatherboy contestants will compete separately for their titles alongside the main fare of here in Calgary, they will function as a duo in the International the Mr. Rubber Calgary contest. competition. Proceeds from the fetish auction, and a percentage of sales “It’s a contest for people from the Leather Flea Market go toward the travel fund for who are rubber enthusi- contestants, to ensure that the costs are covered for them to asts, or latex enthusiasts… represent our region. where they are judged on Heaton says contest winners can also represent and rally their originality, gear, stage the leather/fetish community locally. “There’s hope that they’ll presence, and a private help out at fetish weekends…make sure that they support the interview they have with the judges,” explains Heaton. events locally. Help with ticket sales, door prizing, things like Saturday promises to be equally lively, starting with a that.” Leather Flea Market in the afternoon. “We’re inviting people to Those wishing to compete in either competition are asked to bring down their slightly used or worn gear – things that don’t sign up either in person at the Calgary Eagle or Priape Store, or fit them anymore or that they don’t have an interest in wear- online at the Priape website (details below). ing any more. Because there are a lot of people out there who can’t afford $300 to $400 for a pair of leather pants, but might You don’t have to be part of the scene to come out and enjoy be able to afford $70 or $80 these events. The Leather Pride Weekend will be a great op- for a slightly used pair.” portunity to see what the leather/fetish community is about, mingle with some interesting people, and even score some gear In the evening will be the of your own. Western Canada LeatherSir and Leatherboy contest, http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1248 which Heaton tells us, will View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. be centered on a locker room theme for fantasy performances. This prom- Mr. Rubber Calgary 2010 ises to be dangerously sexy! Fri, June 5th, 2009 at 10pm This weekend is nothing At the Calgary Eagle to scoff at, with the promise of 4 international title www.priape.com/MRC2010 holders coming out, and as Western Canada LeatherSir and Leatherboy such Heaton expects this will be quite a draw for the Sat, June 6th, 2009 at 10pm Alberta leather community. At the Calgary Eagle On the celebrity roster are www.priape.com/WLSLB2009
26 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Theatre Preview Laramie Project Misc Youth Network and AIDS Calgary Remember Matthew Shepard
McKinney and Henderson were each convicted of murder and By Dallas Barnes both are serving two consecutive life sentences, with no possibili- ty of parole. Although Shepard was killed because he was gay (the Matthew Shepard would have been 33 this year. girlfriends of the accused testified that they set out to rob and Instead, the 21 year-old University of Wyoming kill a gay guy), the two murderers were never charged with a hate crime. Wyoming, to this day still has no hate crime legislation. student who happened to be gay, is only a memory, a victim of a hate crime felt throughout the world. The individuals involved in Calgary’s Laramie Project believe Calgary’s own Miscellaneous Youth Network and that the hatred that caused Shepard’s death needs to be read- dressed because GLBT and all minority groups need to fight to AIDS Calgary are allowing Calgarians to be a part of erase hate. Demers asserts that people need to understand that the legacy of Matthew Shepard with the presentation victories like gay marriage rights do not mean the abolition of of Laramie Project. hate and discrimination. After all, the rights for gays to marry in many States were overturned, and hate crime legislation is The production is about the reaction to the 1998 murder still not considered necessary everywhere. How often are people of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming. Created by Moi- threatened, verbally and physically assaulted, or killed today ses Kaufman and his Tectonic Theatre Company “[it] draws on solely because they are gay? Hate is still a major epidemic in the hundreds of interviews conducted by the theatre company with global consciousness. Laramie Project, and Matthew Shepard’s townspeople, company members own journal entries, and pub- story is still very relevant. lished news reports.” Laramie Project is not your typical production. With 64 charac- For James Demers, member of the Miscellaneous Youth ters both straight and gay, of all ages and ethnicities, the creative Network and the individual responsible for the inception of the team needed to find a diverse cast. This “exceptional group of Laramie Project in Calgary, the story of Matthew Shepard was one inspired people” as Demers refers to the cast, consists of nine he couldn’t get out of his head. Not one to finish a book, 11 year actors, only 3 of whom are professionals, volunteering their time old James read Beth Loffreda’s Losing Matt Shepard from cover to make the project work. Each cast member brings a diverse set to cover. Shortly afterwards, James came out, despite the image of characters to life, making one mindful that the 1998 incident of a 21 year old, 5‘ 2”, braces wearing young man being beaten to could just as easily happen in Calgary today. death simply for being gay. Several years later he read the book again, this time understanding the significance of Shepard and The production staff and professional design team has also his town of Laramie, Wyoming in comparison to what was still generously donated their time, as have many other businesses in happening in the world. The similarities were tremendous. James the community. Shae Barrie of the Calgary store Does it Come in believed now and today that it is important for us to remember Black has donated her costuming talents, while Blame Betty and this. Priape have donated their products for fundraisers, and Money Pennies and the Eagle have allowed the use of their venues for It is unlikely that Matthew Shepard knew that he would be an rehearsal space and fund raising events. The Sublime Dance icon; his life and violent death is often seen as a metaphor for the Group has performed at fund raisers free of charge. High school North American human condition. Born in 1976, Shepard enjoyed drama coach Barry Gagliardi has donated his invaluable time as a typical American childhood, eventually enrolling in the Political director to create the Calgary production of Laramie Project in his Science program at The University of Wyoming. On October 7th, own vision. 1998 Shepard met Aaron James McKinney and Russell Arthur Henderson at a local bar. Eighteen hours later Matthew was Laramie Project carries not just a message about hate, but found unconscious and tied to a fence post in rural Wyoming, also a message of hope. James is determined to promote hope, beaten, tortured, and unrecognizable. Five days later Matthew “because this doesn’t have to happen again for things to change.” Shepard was dead. By understanding who we are as a society in reaction to a hate crime, perhaps we can find a way to change. The crew is also hopeful that this message might bring together Calgary’s somewhat segregated gay community. It is important for us as a minority to support each other because we are not done fighting. Tickets for Laramie Project are only $15 and are available at Ticketmaster. All proceeds go to charity. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to see this moving production; we still have so much to learn about ourselves and our society. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1249 View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments.
The Laramie Project May 14th-16th, 2009 The Engineered Air Theatre, Calgary www.ticketmaster.ca
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 27 Celebrity Gossip Deep Inside Hollywood Lucy Lawless to Imprison Spartacus
the title role of a man on a mysterious road trip to uncover By Romeo San Vicente the truth about a long-ago event involving several men in the Navy. And if that brings to mind The Village People then, well, that’s not exactly the movie’s fault. Yet Handsome Harry is about a disruption in the ranks of traditional masculinity and stars Steve Buscemi as a dying man out to make amends for that breach of the brotherhood. Joining him are Campbell Scott, Aiden Quinn and John Savage as participants in the wrongdoing and keys to the puzzle. From Bette Gordon (direc- tor of 1983’s acclaimed feminist drama Variety), this serious exploration of gay denial is already making the film festival rounds and wants a distributor, so catch it while you can. Almodovar on the Verge of a Fox TV Series If you were brainstorming about unlikely pairings in the entertainment world, and even if you were brainstorming really hard, then Fox TV Studios and Pedro Almodovar’s breakthrough hit 1988 film Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown still might not ever cross paths in your mind. But Almodovar himself is in the process of developing his crowd- pleaser for an international English-speaking TV audience with the production company right now. The one-hour, so-far- untitled pilot will focus on a suburban group of women (cue Desperate Housewives comparisons, even though that series studied at the feet of Almodovar) who are confronting middle age and all the comedic scenarios that come along with it. Un- known is if, like in the film, one of the women on the verge will be a voice-over actress who gets abandoned by her lover and proceeds to drug houseguests with sedative-laced gazpacho. But it could happen. Broadway + Liberace: What could go wrong? Romeo’s already reported on a Liberace biopic in the works, but are modern theater audiences clamoring for a recreation of one of his Las Vegas concerts, starring an accomplished Photo courtesy of Sci-Fi Channel Liberace impersonator? Even if they aren’t, it looks like they’ll be getting one if Liberace: the Man, the Music and the Memo- Lucy Lawless to imprison Spartacus ries opens this fall season as planned. Starring Wayland Pickard as the be-sequinned one, it appears that this chan- A perfect storm of gay TV is on the horizon, thanks to an- neling of one of the late pianist’s showroom revues is going to cient Rome and Xena. The upcoming Starz series Spartacus: be, pardon the pun, done with as straight a face as possible. Blood and Sand was already set to feature a 300-style inter- Pickard’s already been performing a version of the show, most pretation of the Spartacus legend, meaning that lots of muscu- recently at the Welk (as in Lawrence) Resorts Theater in Es- lar, barely-dressed men would be training or battling non-stop condido, Calif., which tells you something about its audience on your basic-cable system. We’ve also been promised queer and what’s most likely not in the show itself, aka any kind of characters. But now that the cast is fixed, lesbian audiences commentary on the man’s life. But then that would be fitting, have a reason to tune in: Lucy Lawless. Yes, yes, it’s a cliché, as Liberace himself vehemently denied his homosexuality even but it would appear that all lesbians everywhere on earth still as he died from AIDS in the 1980s. love Lucy. Recently seen online interrogating former L Word Still though, doesn’t this all seem a cast members about the murder of Jenny, Lawless will star little bit weird? on Spartacus as the owner of the gladiator prison holding the rebel slave. That means she’ll probably be somewhat wicked. And who doesn’t like that? So while the warriors may be men, Romeo San Vicente is never straight-faced. He the princess returns to weekly TV in January of 2010. That can be reached care of this publication or at gives you about eight months to plan the viewing party. [email protected]. Steve Buscemi is not Handsome Harry The new indie drama Handsome Harry stars veteran char- acter actor Jamey Sheridan ( ) in
28 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Lifestyle Cocktail Chatter Building a Better Bloody Mary and Hangover Helper
By Camper English Hangover Helper In addition to being painful, hangovers are a waste of time. Building a Better Bloody Mary I’ve got things to do in the morning - work, exercise, brunch cocktails - and it’s much harder to do those things with a You can tell a lot about a person from his or her choice in a churning stomach and throbbing headache. Bloody Mary. Some people try a little too hard to butch up the drink with seven kinds of hot sauce. Others are all about flair, For a cocktail writer, hangovers are an occupational hazard. bedazzling the drink with enough garnish to decorate Carmen I try to attend every restaurant opening, tasting session, open Miranda’s hat. And a certain segment of the population just bar party, brand launch, bartender brunch, and after-party in likes drinking at breakfast. whatever city I happen to be in. But I rarely endure hangovers the next day because I make a vigilant effort to avoid them. I suppose my style of Bloody Mary reveals both trust and Here’s how: control issues. I don’t trust the bartender to make the drink for me most places; I’d prefer to control the process at the make- Eat first. If dinner isn’t part of your plan for a night out, your-own Bloody Mary bar. I want the drink to have a perfect make it your plan for the pre-party. Food in the stomach helps combination of savory flavors, with a dash of olive brine and slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, but it the tiniest pinch of celery salt. I don’t like the saltiness of a does more than that. I drink more when I’m hungry, filling my Dirty Martini or even olives in the drink (“Can I get those on stomach with liquids instead of solids, so I always try to grab the side?” I’ll ask,) but when you add savory tomato juice to the a snack on the way to the bar. Also, if I have a belly full of food situation then all my issues are going to come out. there isn’t room for a six-pack of beer in there. These days savory cocktails are all the rage in experimental Hydrate. Surely you know that much of a hangover is caused bars. I’ve consumed drinks with carrot juice, cucumbers, yo- by dehydration, yet still you do not drink enough water. Order gurt, and even mustard - but those weren’t Bloody Marys. Sa- a glass of water with every drink and not only will you stay vory additions to that drink mostly involve mixing meat into it, hydrated, you’ll spend more time peeing instead of drinking. with beef bullion and clam juice inside the cocktail and bacon Drink water before you go out and more when you get back and shrimp on top as garnish. Some bartenders are infusing from the bar. Water is your friend. vodka with bacon, though that often leads to gloppy vodka. Watch the caffeine. Most people underestimate their level of But that’s all recent history. The Bloody Mary’s history goes sobriety when combining caffeine with alcohol. If you dink five back to 1920 or 1939 (or some other date) depending on whose Rum and Cokes you’re likely to feel less buzzed than you would story you believe. Like most of the famous cocktails of today, its on six shots of rum, though you’ll have just as much liquor in origin is in dispute. It may have been created in France; maybe your system. Additionally, all the sugar in flavored sodas con- New York. It may have originally been made with vodka, or tributes to a hangover, so if you’re having more than a couple of maybe with gin. drinks watch your mixers too. Today some call the gin version a Red Snapper; the tequila Drink lighter. Consider consuming beverages with less alco- version a Bloody Maria; sake in the Bloody Geisha, and so on. hol if you’re planning to drink more than a few. One beer has No matter what you call it, there are plenty of ways to adjust the same quantity of alcohol as an ounce and half of a spirit the recipe to your personal taste. Within the vodka family, like vodka, but at the average gay bar they pour two or three flavored or infused vodkas go great in this drink - citrus flavors times the standard amount of vodka into the glass. (Admittedly, like lemon and even lime can work, and you can sometimes this is a great from a bargain drinking standpoint.) Or try a find special edition chipotle flavored vodka, or the more readily non-alcoholic cocktail in between drinks - try bitters and soda, available pepper (Peppar) flavor. or soda water with a splash of cranberry and lime. These give the experience of a standard cocktail without contributing to Speaking of spicy, I love wasabi paste, horseradish, and the next day’s ruin. muddled jalapeno and red bell peppers in the drink. You can also infuse them in vodka overnight - I’ve tried them all, and Drink better, not more. Top-shelf spirits tend to have less they were each differently delicious. Ethnic hot sauces for hangover-causing congeners than those mystery bottles poured Asian and Latin cuisine are great in the drink, as are savory from the drink well. Additionally, if you order fancy cocktails soy, Worcestershire, and steak sauces. Outside the glass, I say from the drink menu you may spend more time savoring the the more the merrier - more olives, pickled green beans, celery drink instead of slurping it up through the straw. stalks, lemon wedges, cucumbers, tomolives, etc. I even like Skip out early. Nothing good ever happens at the after-hours salt and pepper and more celery salt around the rim. Bring it party anyway. The later you stay out the more trouble you’ll on. get into, and the more of the next day you’ll miss. And nobody Now that I see my Bloody Mary drink preferences all written wants to miss brunch. down - hot and savory and a whole salad as garnish - it’s clear I don’t have control issues at all. I think I’m just a big old glut- http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1251 ton. View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer and publisher of Alcademics.com.
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 29 Business Review Entre Nous Matchmaker or Money Maker?
small room filling out forms”. This sent up red flags for John – he By Evan Kayne started to sense something wasn’t right. Finally, when he asked how much Entre-Nous wanted to charge, he was told it would Steve Martin once said “there’s someone out there cost anywhere from $10,000-$20,000 to sign up. This was a large for everyone - even if you need a pickaxe, a compass, investment, even for a successful businessman. and night goggles to find them.” For some people John hesitated, and asked for more time to think about it…at in Calgary’s GBLT community, they are also using which point Entre-Nous staff gave him more forms to fill out. In the extra tool of a gay matchmaking agency – En- this time, John decided against signing up: “I told them, it’s not about the money. I don’t know you from a hole in the wall. I don’t tre-Nous. But will you walk away with the person of know where you’re from; you told me you’re leaving tomorrow for your dreams, or will you just end up with the money Vancouver, so that means you’re here for only one day. …As a sucked from your wallet? business person – you know when people scheming something.” Entre-Nous bills itself as “Canada’s only matchmaking service Unfortunately, Entre-Nous wasn’t going to let John get away catering exclusively to same-sex relationships.” Like most match- that easily. “They come back with a receipt – $15,000 on my making services, there are fees to be paid; fees which are not Visa. I said, excuse me, I have not given you any permission to cheap, but fees which people have paid in hopes that the service put this on my Visa. I said I want it back, and I’m not leaving is using the money to find you an appropriate match. until I get it back.” “Sam”, an IT consultant, has been together with his partner He waited there for almost 2 and a half hours, as they tried for a year; to that he credits Entre-Nous. When it comes to public to convince him they couldn’t refund the money. John told knowledge of his sexuality, he described himself as “reserved”. He them, “I want a signed piece of paper showing me you owe me used the dating service out of frustration – Sam wanted to meet the $15,000.” Then they had to phone management and further someone he could settle down with; of the men he had been dat- delay him. He was livid – he never permitted them to charge his ing, none of them were considered long-term material. card nor had he seen any form indicating this was going to hap- pen. “They were just trying to push it through that you would He admits the membership cost isn’t cheap, but he felt you get pay for it.” what you pay for. Regarding the fees, due to the confidentiality agreement with Entre-Nous, Sam couldn’t tell us what he paid, This happened on a Saturday. On Monday John got a call but he did confirm that he and his partner have guessed they back from Montreal. Again they gave him excuses, but John was paid roughly the same. Prior to the agency introducing him to adamant – especially after verifying the amount was charged to his current partner, Sam met with two other men, but no sparks his Visa. Then it got more interesting. flew. As he did find his partner through the service, he felt it was “I was offered to keep my mouth shut,” John said. “I was of- worth the money – or as he said, “you can’t put a price on a rela- fered for $5000 - a membership.” He didn’t bite, and insisted tionship”. When asked if he’d heard of any negative feedback on on getting a full refund. John promised that if he was not given Entre-Nous from his friends, he admitted he hadn’t, but he also a refund, he’d make a loud and very public stink about what said he hadn’t told anyone he used a dating agency. occurred through his media contacts. A week and a half later he finally got his money back. “They come back with a receipt – $15,000 on my Visa. I said, excuse me, I have not given you any He doesn’t think it was a simple mistake or miscommunica- tion. “It is a scheme, absolutely a scheme.” As a business owner, permission to put this on my Visa. I said I want it John has encountered situations where errors are made, and he back, and I’m not leaving until I get it back.” knows that the manner in which such errors are handled is a sign of how professional a person or company is. While he would not use their services, had Entre-Nous at the start simply told However, finding negative feedback about Entre-Nous was not him “so sorry, it was a mistake, we keep our word, here’s your hard. full refund,” he would have been happy to forget the whole situ- John Freriksen is the owner of a successful business in down- ation. town Calgary. The one thing missing from his life was a romantic After this encounter he doesn’t believe a word Entre-Nous partner. He didn’t like meeting people at the bars, didn’t use the says. “They might find - once in a while - the right person for chat lines or any of the various dating websites, and was too someone,” John said, but he thinks they are swindling a lot of busy to look into any other alternatives for mating and dating. people in the meantime. “A lot of people keep their month shut. He considered using Entre-Nous to match him with a potential Like me…I said to myself, it’s over and done with, I should have mate. All he had heard about them was that they were good, but not cheap. Last Spring, John took a chance, and was soon in a small meeting room going through their interview process – which consisted of filling out about twenty pages of forms to help build a profile of him and what he wanted in a partner. The Entre-Nous staff checked on him periodically, but the set up felt odd – like a marketing scheme: “You feel really weird, because you know these people are not from here (Calgary), and you’re sitting in a
30 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Business Review known better, and I’m glad I found that out before I paid a dime.” That non-response, along with other concerns, might raise warning signals. Here we have a business which legally binds Fortunately, John didn’t sign any confidentiality agreements. their customers to keep quiet about their prices, but doesn’t have This is important because that agreement keeps you from dis- a set price for rendering what is conceivably a similar service. closing your fee to other people (including any prospective dates Imagine walking into a store and being required to put on a they send to you). Both from researching news stories on the blindfold, then told that the amount of the product you want is web and speaking (anonymously) to other Entre-Nous clientele, based on what’s in your wallet. No, you can’t check out their I discovered the price can vary from around $500 to $8000. inventory – they’ll bring out the product for you. And if you even One gentlemen commented Entre-Nous’ screening of applicants think of comparing notes with another customer, there could be seemed to be based on whether you can pay. He offered his credit consequences. card and was swiftly approved as a member – no time seemed to be taken verifying other important details – such as “no sub- Of course the target market for this service would likely have a stance abusers, or persons with criminal convictions” as stated large component of closeted or semi-closeted males and females, on their website. and/or people who might not want to admit that they used a dating agency. This means that if this agency is truly doing their While I can’t speak to the drug equation, I can tell you the only customers wrong, they can count on the fact that most will not time you can request a record of someone’s criminal history (or fight back for fear of outing themselves in more ways than one. lack thereof) is if you are an existing or potential employer. This is another misrepresentation – a promise that they can’t possibly While Sam has proof of success through Entre-Nous’ service deliver on. in his ongoing relationship, John on the other hand would not recommend Entre-Nous whatsoever. His philosophy toward Indeed, regardless of the amount charged for membership, the business mistakes is to admit them, fix them, and move on. With product provided by Entre-Nous seems to come up short not just Entre-Nous, he got the run-around and the feeling that (and I in Calgary, but in several other cities. I had a quick conversa- quote) “…they didn’t give a shit.” When you’re feeling vulnerable tion with Fred Kuhr, writer with GBLT weekly Xtra!. His paper in the search for your future spouse, the last thing you want is and Xtra! West have reported on several similar situations. In for someone to mess with your mind, and your wallet. January, Xtra! reported the Ontario Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services “charged Entre-Nous with two counts http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1252 of failing to deliver on a valid contract, two counts of failing to View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. deliver a refund within 15 days and two counts of false, mislead- ing and unfair practices.” Additionally, “in 2006 Terry Wong of Toronto filed a small claims suit against the company for alleged misrepresentation and allegedly failing to live up to its contrac- tual obligations. Last June, Wong won his suit and was awarded close to half of the nearly $8,000 he claims to have paid to the dating service.” Digging a little deeper into additional reports from Xtra! West, Entre-Nous themselves admitted fees can vary. Patricia Ross, their client service representative stated “desirability” could play a factor in deciding to charge someone less for the service. As well, hesitancy may lower the fees, as another gentleman found out. Paul F., a 74-year old retiree from Vancouver balked at the price and Entre-Nous eventually lowered their rates to $500 in installments over five months. His experience with the service was less than stellar, as the company didn’t honor his require- ments in a potential date. Additionally, he discovered the fee disparity when one of his dates told Paul he paid even less than $500 for the service. Interestingly enough, dubious behavior in a matchmaking agency is not unique to the GBLT community alone. In 2008, CBC’s Markeplace broadcast an episode on a straight match- making service (“Can’t Buy Me Love”). They found out much like Entre-Nous, the straight dating agency’s fees could vary based on desirability. Women of different ages were charged different rates ranging from $2.00 to thousands of dollars. Again, like Entre-Nous, members of this service were not aware such price differentials existed. While clients of Entre-Nous may – for the most part – be keep- ing quiet, a paper trail is forming. A search on the Better Busi- ness Bureau of Ontario (where Entre-Nous is based) came up with multiple complaints and a ranking of “F”. That being said, in our community small slights can get mag- nified to dramatic levels. I sent a list of my questions and con- cerns to Entre-Nous, with the hopes of including their side of the story in this article. At the time of publication, I had yet to hear back from them (even though, I’m told, they had time enough to contact my editor with concerns over the article and my ques- tions). This was not surprising, because according to Kuhr, Entre-Nous has a reputation of being secretive when it comes to the inner workings of their company.
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 31 News Trans Healthcare Nightmare 19 Cents Too Steep to Save Lives?
It could have just as easily been me that got the short end of By Will Sutherland the stick. I just got my surgery approval in the mail today, and I’m happy, but what about the rest of us?” In the Alberta Government’s 2009 budget, the prov- The Government seems to have unilaterally deemed GRS as ince announced it was cutting the Gender Reassign- a disposable cost. It’s safe to say this because there is only one ment Surgery (GRS) program to save $700,000 a professional in the province that deals with Gender Reassign- year. Since this took effect, it has been an Interna- ment, and they were not consulted. In a letter to the Editor tional topic grabbing the attention of many writers, of The Edmonton Journal, Dr. Lorne Warneke stated,”At the news casts and celebrities including Oprah Winfrey. present time I am virtually the only psychiatrist in the Province of Alberta that has an interest in this area. A few years ago But do people actually understand what is being there was a gender clinic in Calgary but it closed because one taken away? psychiatrist deceased and the other left because of internal funding issues. This left two psychiatrists in Edmonton who With the letters and e-mails we have received at the Pride were doing this type of assessment and follow up. For a number Centre of Edmonton, it is clear that most of this province does of reasons this shrank to one and I am now doing about 95% not. Many have the understanding that GRS is just “cosmetic or more of such assessments for all of Alberta. With only one surgery”, no different from elective surgeries such as breast psychiatrist involved in this area of work, it would have been augmentation or liposuction in people who aren’t satisfied with relatively simple for the office of the Minister of Health to have their body image. They just don’t understand why Gender Re- had a discussion about the impact of delisting SRS with myself assignment Surgery should be paid for by taxpayers. before making the decision. Some dialogue, even as a courtesy, Since the release of the proposed budget many people have would have been appreciated.” stepped up and taken a stance on the rights of the Trans com- munity, Sarah King and Cynthia Jasmyn Paish were two of The Government seems to have unilaterally deemed many people that have filed human rights complaints, King GRS as a disposable cost. It’s safe to say this because taking it as far as a class-action lawsuit against the provincial there is only one professional in the province that government for cutting the funds. When asked how she felt about the GRS cuts King stated “I was devastated. I felt my life deals with Gender Reassignment, and they were not coming to an end. But I felt that I could not be negative about consulted. this situation and sit on the sidelines while my rights were vio- lated and the sense of getting a kick in the head by the Govern- Ironically the Health Minister has been quoted saying, “we ment. My transition has already cost me greatly, and as such, I want to ensure that that we look after the most vulnerable in formed a group to file a civil lawsuit against them.” society.” Dr. Warneke commented on this remark. Most medical professionals who provide Gender Reassign- “This was in reference to seniors. However individuals who ment services to adults, state that when able to live out their are transgendered are also a very vulnerable and [marginalized] daily lives with both a physical embodiment and a social group in our society. What has happened to a compassionate expression that most closely matches their internal sense of approach to them? Also, what message is being given to trans- self, transgender individuals live successful, productive lives gendered youth and adolescents? They need support and to be virtually indistinguishable from anyone else. The various medi- secure in the knowledge that help is available for them at the cal treatments and procedures that alter an individual’s pri- time that they need it, and they will not be treated as second mary and/or secondary sexual characteristics are considered class citizens.” highly successful, medically necessary interventions for many transgender persons, especially those who experience the deep Dr Gail Knudson, Psychiatrist and President of The Canadian distress of body dysphoria. Professional Association for Transgender Health states, “The fact that the Alberta Government made this decision without While speaking to a few individuals about the issue I was consultation shows how little they understand transgender blown away by the support they had for the community as a issues and how little awareness they have about the effect of whole. Cynthia Jasmyn Paish shared, “I know my voice has their actions. We can reasonably assume that this news will been heard because I’ve seen changes in the last two weeks. Big create profound despair in individuals waiting for these life sav- changes.” ing medical interventions”. Said Paish bringing herself public was a big step “and to put The Tory government was not expecting this kind of reaction the issue in front of Albertans, and Canadians for that mat- from the community, and is scrambling to calm the storm after ter, there was a downside to that, in that I would much rather receiving so much flack. Liepert has guaranteed that anyone remain “stealth”, not having everyone know my history. But if on the waiting list for the GRS will be covered, and not have to we’re going to win this, I had to stick my neck out for the rest of worry about coming up with the anywhere between $20,000 to my community.” $70,000 to pay for their surgery. Many Trans individuals don’t share with the rest of the world Paish assured me that even though her surgery approval that they are Trans - they want to live as the women or men has been received, she will not back down, “I have received my that they truly are. “It’s a small price to pay when I look at all funding, but the people to follow me need all the support we those behind me who have not even been diagnosed with GID.
32 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 News Politics can give them in this.” The Delisting of Hope - From Page 23 Sarah King has a message for our province: “This issue because in their view the birth certificate reflects how you were born, affects ALL Albertans. Not just the Trans community. Many in- and cannot/should not be changed. cluding myself have lost friends, family, employment and even children.” As for personal relationships, which are so important to us as hu- man beings, imagine meeting someone and reaching a point where One would think that each Alberta taxpayer could stand to intimacy is likely. Then you must have ”The Conversation” with the part with the mere 19 cents in order to afford this service to person you hope feels as strongly about you as you feel about them those who can’t afford it on their own, and in many cases quite - only to be met with an adverse, and too often a violent, reaction. literally can’t bare to live without it. For many MtF transwomen the reaction on the part of their (male) partners is not just violent, it alarmingly often becomes homicidal. To show your support you can find the petition at http:// The list of murdered transwomen, commemorated each year during www.thepetitionsite.com/1/re-list-sex-reassignment-sur- Trans Awareness Week, is long...too long. gery-funding-in-alberta or join the Facebook Group Reinstate I am not as aware of the statistics for transmen in such a situa- Gender Reassignment Surgery Funding in Alberta. Forums at tion. While many transmen have come out of a strong dyke culture, http://transequality.ca/forums (There are 2 separate registra- and of these many elect to not undergo so-called ‘bottom surgery’ tions for security purposes) since phalloplasty or similar procedures are nowhere near as suc- cessful-looking as created vaginas and labia, clearly transmen are The Unitarian Church of Edmonton presents an evening of not exempt from violence or negative reactions regardless of whether film and discussion about who transsexuals are, why Gender their partner of choice is genetically female or male. I am aware of Reassignment Surgery is necessary and the assumptions and some transmen who identify as gay men and I am certainly aware misperceptions that have driven this decision. of the attitude many gay bio-males (not a great term) have towards their trans brothers, so I am assuming gay-identified transmen http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1253 experience similar reactions to that which heterosexual transwomen View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. experience. When I was the Prairies/NWT/Nunavut Regional co-director for Egale Canada, one of the committees I sat on was the Trans Issues Sunday. May 24, 2009 Committee. The key issue at that time was Ontario’s delisting of GRS and having the procedure re-listed under the Ontario Health Insur- 10804 – 119 Street, Edmonton ance Plan (OHIP). It was a long and stressful process for all involved, Doors open 6:30pm, presentation starts 7:00pm. but especially for those directly affected by the delisting. Admission is free. Just as we are seeing here in Alberta, many transfolk found themselves suddenly left in limbo. The long-awaited and long-hoped for surgery designed to assist them in being who they were was sud- denly and inexplicably off the table. Disappointment doesn’t even begin to describe what some of these individuals experienced. They were panic-stricken, by and large, and what hopeful- ness they had finally been able to garner after years of heartache, struggle, dysfunction, and in some cases suicidal tendencies was suddenly ripped away from them. One day, the future at last ap- peared within their grasp. The next day, it was gone. Luckily, through the efforts of some very brave and persistent individuals within the trans community and the support of openly gay then-Minister of Health George Smitherman - the decade-long delisting of GRS in Ontario was reversed. Of course there are still some issues to work out, such as having candidates for GRS vetted at least in part through Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) - which has come under extensive fire from trans activists for its treatment of trans people in the past - and having only one doctor, based in Montreal, respon- sible for all surgeries. But overall it would seem the relisting of GRS in Ontario has been successful despite OHIP currently covering only genital reconstruction for both MtF and FtM surgeries, as well as mastectomies. OHIP will not cover breast augmentation or hormone treatment, although a spokesperson for OHIP has stated some people may be eligible to have hormones covered by the Ontario Drug Plan. It would seem a reasonable, and reasonably easy thing to do for Alberta to learn from Ontario’s experience and follow suit. If his- tory is any indication, however, the Alberta government will dig in its heels to force a time-consuming and expensive human rights battle, and it will be years before GRS is relisted here. Meanwhile, real tragedies and real trauma will continue to unfold. And that is unconscionable. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1245 View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments.
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 33 Theatre Review Corner Gassed A Slice of Small Town Life at Jubilations
By Jason Clevett
If you were sad that Corner Gas wrapped up this year after 6 seasons, you still have the chance to visit small town Saskatchewan life one more time at Jubilations Dinner Theatre. Corner Gassed, based on the hit TV series, runs in Calgary until June 21st. It’s the Bi-centennial celebration for Cat Creek, Saskatch- ewan. Big plans to celebrate include a pageant, talent contest, pickle competition and much more. Brett Sass (Jeremy Coulter) runs the local gas station he bought from his dad Owen (Ga- briel Stinson). Owen is brewing up something special to add to the punch bowl under the nose of local police officer Sharon (Jaclyn Nestman). The show is rounded out with Jolee Alberts as Sandra, Vicktoria Adam as Tracey and a human rubber band named Kevin Pownall as Frank.
Sticking with the uniquely Canadian theme, the soundtrack things that appeal to older people like The Unicorn and The consists solely of Canadian artists, such as The Band, Tom Co- Logdrivers Waltz, which people our age remember from CBC be- chrane, kd Lang, Sarah Mclachlan and many others. The music tween The Friendly Giant and Mr. Dressup. The rest of the cast is what brought Jubilations veteran Jeremy Coulter back to the do such a great job of tapping into those things that make the company after a three year hiatus. characters on the show so quirky. It really is a lot of fun.” “I got bored. I was a cabinetmaker for three years in Prince http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1254 George, BC and it just wasn’t me, that constant repetition of View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. building the same box for the 2000th time. I did a community theatre show up there and after that knew what I had to do. So I contacted (artistic director) Randy Apostle and let him know I was interested. He called me back and said ‘We are doing Corner Gas, do you want to be Brett?’ Yes I do,” he recalled. Corner Gassed “Corner Gas is a Canadian icon, like The Red Green Show was Running until June 21st years ago. Everybody knows it. Even people who haven’t seen Jubilations Dinner Theatre the TV show recognize it. But for me it is the music, it is all Canadian. I get to sing The Weight by The Band, which is one of www.jubilations.ca my all time favorite songs.” Now in his 10th show, Coulter isn’t concerned with having to portray such a well known character. ”I have done a couple of shows where the character I am playing is a takeoff of a character that is known. There is a little bit of pressure, but with the Brett character it is really easy. He is the straight man, he is the one relatively normal person amongst this whole band of loonies. We have a lot in common, we are the same height, roughly the same build, into comic books and science fiction and love to eat. He is 10 years older than I am but we are relatively similar people. So getting into the character to Brett was easy. As long as I can bring the es- sence of that character to the stage show, I have done my job and am happy.” The show is fairly standard Jubilations fare. A fun night out with friends to interact with the additional cast, have a four course meal, listen to some music and have a few laughs. The show has such a broad spectrum of music that it will appeal to people regardless of age Coulter says. “Musically this is one of the best shows in a while because it has appeal to everyone. Songs appeal to our generation like Trooper, Barenaked Ladies, and Bryan Adams. We also have
34 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 35 36 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Editorial
Adventures in Drag - From Page 5 April 2009 I hobbled out of the back room, and went on a tour of the bar Right near the beginning of the month was the Taboo Sex to see people’s reactions. Naturally I tried to plant a big kiss Show in Red Deer. Though we didn’t have a booth in place, we on my Steve but he held me off at an arm’s distance, using the still had arranged with the organizers to have our magazines excuse that he didn’t want to get lipstick on him. I can’t say available. We hadn’t intended to go up and visit the show in that wearing a dress felt strange…if anything it was like wearing person, but the opportunity presented itself. I have to say, a bathrobe. The heels were a little uncomfortable, but I got the about every second guy in Red Deer was super hot in a blue-col- hang of them pretty quick by focusing on walking on my toes. lar sort of way. We definitely need to visit there more often! My number came closer to the end of the drag show. I sat It was slightly bittersweet that Apollo Western Cup, with only on the sidelines, waiting, my mind racing. Makayla checked a four sports, was a little easier for us to cover this year. Instead couple of times to make sure I wasn’t freaking out. The strange of splitting up, Steve and I spread the task out over the two drunken guy sitting beside me kept wanting to shake my hand, days, visiting each sporting event together and photograph- and even grabbed my ass as I got up at one point - what the ing from different angles. The food was fabulous at the Friday hell! I watched the numbers ahead of me go by, having a good dinner, and the Saturday dance in the Westin ballroom was its laugh as Emperor Joey did a spot-on impression of Empress usual popular draw for the whole community. Bianca. Eventually my turn came, as they announced the debut The very next week we were back at the hotel for the ISCCA of “Tara Hymen”, performing Britney Speers’ hit song “Toxic”! Coronation. After our experiences with past venues, I have to People began laughing almost immediately, as I attempted to say that the staff and management of the Westin were amazingly run (hobbled frantically) up onto the stage. But in this case I helpful and accommodating. As we got our video equipment set didn’t find the laugher intimidating whatsoever – in fact, it only up, and our big screen projector to broadcast the video footage, encouraged me. I like making people laugh sometimes with my the Westin took care of our every need. During the event, they writing, so it felt gratifying. As I swayed and mouthed the song, even specially delivered dinner to us at the platform where we ideas started coming to me and I went along with them, chan- were situated. I can’t speak for the ISCCA but I’m pretty certain neling the psychotic and undignified Britney that we all know they were equally happy with their new venue. and love to make fun of. I raised my dress in reference to her While the venue was originally expecting to provide seating well known beaver shot, and during the interlude I pretended to for 200 attendees, the stellar ticket sales tipped organizers off shave my head, dropping the wig to the ground, then proceed- that they needed room for more, and so seating and food for ing to spazz out so much that I popped my right breast some- an additional 50 people was added at the last minute. Despite what intentionally. After adjusting my left breast to the center this upsizing, as the night went on, the ISCCA was forced to sell to serve as a uni-boob, I accepted tips, then popped the last standing room tickets to many more individuals who came to balloon as the song came to a close. The audience roared with attend. It was the largest crowd that the ISCCA has seen out for laughter, and what humored me was that Steve heard people a Coronation in many years. commenting about how I must have practiced all of this ahead of time. I left the stage somewhat relieved that it was over, with In the second set, ISCCA President Neal DeWitt announced close to $20 worth of bills and coins clutched in the death grip that the year’s fundraising total came to $35,000. He went fur- that was my left hand. Just about everyone that I encountered, ther to put into perspective the difference that the ISCCA makes from the stage to the back room, had praise for me. in the community by pointing out that the organization has, over the last 3 years, given away a grand total of $102,000 toward I got back into my regular running shoes, returned the wig, their various charities. but left the dress on for the remainder of the show. At the end, Empress Bianca called all of the performers up, but much to my As expected, Empress Nina and Emperor Michael had emo- surprise she announced me as the winner! Not realizing it had tional step downs. Nina overcame a lot of obstacles this past been a competition, I was so dazed that I didn’t pay attention year, and garnered a great deal of support from our own city to what I had won until Dion explained to me that I had just and others. Michael became Emperor when Ashley Carmichael received an honourary title from the ISCCA. I finally got rid of needed to step down for health reasons, and he certainly rose to the tips I was clutching, donating them back to the organization, the challenge and filled his new position well. and thanked Bianca and Joey. At the end of the night, the newly elected Emperor and Em- Even long after I was out of face and back into my boy clothes, press were announced to be Joey Hailey and Bianca LaBouche. people I had never seen before at the Eagle were shaking my At the Victory Brunch the next morning, they proclaimed the hand and wanting to talk to me. The whole experience left me reign of “Hungarian Sausage and Italian Meatballs,” along with with an ego high that lingered for the next several days, much the theme for their Coronation next year, “Tea with Musolini”. like the grating taste of makeup at the back of my throat. The voting results were also revealed: a total turnout of 247 After observing drag for so long, it took an experience like this voters. As the only candidate for Emperor, Joey Hailey received to help me finally understand how someone might get hooked on 196 yes votes and 33 no votes. Bianca LaBouche won with 91 it in the first place. It’s definitely not for the “thrill” of wearing votes, by a reasonable margin over Malibu Stacey with 71 votes. women’s clothes as mainstream thinking tends to believe. It’s a Argintina Hailey-Santos and Onyx Myte trailed the other two way to let loose, to become famous and popular within the gay candidates. community, and possibly make a little money in tips while doing it. People are so appreciative of what you do that it makes you This year for the first time I had enough hard drive space feel extremely good about yourself, but I can also see how easy it on my computer to download and prepare the over 7 hours of might be to let it all go to your head. footage from the Coronation so that performers and attendees can relive the experience. I have split the night by set, over four Much to Steve’s relief, Tara Hymen will definitely not be mak- DVDs with custom Coronation 33 themed menus, and chap- ing regular appearances, although that night has unquestion- tered the footage by performer to make it easier to jump right to ably prodded at the long dormant side of me that enjoyed Drama the ones you want to see. The set will come with custom DVD class back in high school. I’ve caught myself idly practicing labels and jewel case inserts to make it all pretty. Once I have dance moves, and imagining what songs I might do were I ever determined the cost for materials, we will be selling the four-disc required to perform again. Oh god, we created a monster! sets, with a portion of the proceeds going back to the ISCCA. If
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 37 Editorial you are interested in purchasing a copy, we are currently col- in advance of September 5th and 6th. This is actually good lecting names and phone numbers on a waiting list, so please news for us because our quietest edition of the year will now contact us by phone, E-mail, or Facebook. be packed with Calgary Pride, Calgary/Edmonton Fringe, and ISCWR coverage. Coincidentally we are also doing some minor This Month cross-promotion with Saskatoon Pride this year, which will be occurring from June 7th to 13th. We have a very packed edition for you this month, and we’ve needed to give a couple of our regular features a rest to make As sponsors of all of these organizations, our magazines room for slightly more time sensitive articles. We are also trying will be prevalently available at all major events. So these two something new by putting a small selection of articles on our editions are great opportunities for advertisers to reach an audi- website only, as they become available over the course of the ence that may not come out any other time of year. month. For now they will appear in the regular article listing when you visit the Magazine page, but marked with a special Trans Healthcare icon to distinguish them from regular print articles. The big news this past month has been about changes to Aside from the usual monthly events, the Fairytales Inter- Alberta Health Care coverage that now excludes gender reas- national Queer Diversity Film Festival is the big happening for signment surgeries. Trans individuals are rightly upset by this May, even though it is right at the end (May 28th – June 6th). development, as many would be unable to afford the procedures For the first time we’re publishing a full movie guide, which can themselves, and some may be left halfway to completing their be found on page 51. There is also a big leather/fetish weekend sex change. We have a number of writers weighing in on the planned for June 5th and 6th here in Calgary – read more about issue in this edition. it on page 26. Here in Calgary, to add insult to injury, many businesses As if that early June weekend wasn’t busy enough, Prism have experienced a rash of harassing voicemails containing in Edmonton is also celebrating their first anniversary under some pretty ugly and misguided hate speech on the topic. In new ownership, on Saturday June 6th – congrats Deborah and one message that I heard, which appeared to be a pre-recorded Tracy! message, the individual was condemning us “faggots” for using government money toward this “perversion”. Okay, I’m con- This month’s cover features the cast of Laramie Project, with fused. So these extremists don’t want us to be gay, don’t want director Barry Gagliardi. The symbolism may have been slightly same sex couples to be able to marry, and yet they balk when lost due to the angle of the shot, but the group is standing on it comes to helping pay for trans individuals to go through this a train track that comes to abrupt end, alongside other tracks process in pursuit of (in many cases) a heterosexual lifestyle – to that continue going. It was a pretty exciting cover shoot, albeit in essence NOT be “faggots” any more. Once again, it’s obvious short and sweet. We got a number of other amazing shots that that such shit-for-brains individuals don’t really care about right sadly wouldn’t fit on our cover, so we’ve included them with the or wrong, even by their own standards. They are just looking for online article instead. You can read more about the production someone to kick in the ribs while they’re already down, and as on page 27. usual, the already disenfranchised GLBT community is an easy target. Where’s the Pre-Pride Guide? However, the outpouring of dissatisfaction on the govern- For the past several years we have published a pre-pride ment’s decision, due to the impact on Trans folk, is already guide in our May edition to give Pride-goers event information making an impact - it has even received attention from the well in advance. However, with the move of Calgary’s event to Oprah show! The hope is that the government will see that this September, it no longer makes sense to publish such a guide matter is not to be taken lightly, and reconsider. as we cannot conveniently group Edmonton and Calgary Pride information together in one edition. But this certainly hasn’t Anyone that may have received one or more of these hateful slowed us down from being involved! voicemails or phone calls are encouraged to add to the case that has been filed with the Calgary Police, under report number Readers and advertisers make note that information for 48076. Edmonton Pride (June 12th – 21st) and Lethbridge Pride (June 12th – 14th) will be published in the June edition, along with Sandra Casey ARGRA Rodeo events. Incidentally, this will be the first time Lethbridge Pride has engaged in a weekend-long festival! Then, Friends and family of Sandra Casey, who was killed in a hit our magazine will host the official Pride Calgary Pride Guide and run incident this past January, were relieved to find out in the August edition so that the information is available well that the man responsible, Stavros Costoulas, had officially entered a guilty plea. This means that justice can be served swiftly, rather than being dragged out over the course of years. He will be sentenced on July 9, 2009. In a message to the members of Sandra’s memorial Facebook group, her wife Deb Boniface said, “I will be there on this day, as no doubt a lot of her friends and family will be. On this day I am able to read a Victims Impact Statement. I hope some of you will share in your feelings into this crime, so that the judge knows just how this death has had its impact.” http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1239 View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. We want to hear what YOU have to say about the topics in this article, and any other articles in GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. Visit our chat forums at www.gaycalgary.com/forum and write your heart out! Or write us a letter to the publisher by post or by E-mailing publisher@gaycalgary. com, and we may publish or respond to it in the magazine!
38 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 39 Trans Identity Almost a Person
would ever have to jump through. In reality, it is something By Mercedes Allen that can bring closure to an anxious, distressful, dysfunctional phase of life. In reality, one of many things that have been made It came in as registered mail. This was good news of inaccessible to Albertan transsexuals by delisting the surgery is course, so when I’d received the notice, I ran down personhood. to the postal outlet to collect the envelope that would Imagine being outted every time you buy cigarettes or go to have an update about my eligibility for surgery. I knew the bar. You apply for a job, and sometimes it is there again: what the letter should say because of a conversation “let’s see your driver’s license.” Imagine the person carding you with Alberta Health a couple days prior, so I was pretty and then loudly drawing attention to you with their vocal objec- excited. I was to be one of the “46” (we still can’t figure tions - or even some clerk trying to be nice and say “oh, you’re transgender, that’s cool” and unintentionally informing every- out who is all included in that number) who was to be one in the line behind you. With the strict gender binary we’re grandfathered through before funding for Gender Reas- forced to live, each of these moments opens an opportunity for signment Surgery (GRS) would be completely cut off. prejudice, confrontational hate speech, “moral” pontification or And then the girl behind the desk at the postal outlet at least the cold shoulder, passive aggression and poor service. said, “I need to see some ID.” And it doesn’t stop there. Passports have few provisions - you can get a temporary passport if you’re The bubble burst fairly quickly at that. scheduled for GRS surgery, but under new I pulled out my Driver’s License, trying to changes, it can no longer be renewed. And keep my thumb over the “M” specifying if you’re stopped at the US border with an gender. She pulled the card from my fingers, appearance that doesn’t match your gender made a note and then stiffened for a full marker on documentation by a border officer’s second when she saw the dreaded M. Without standards, you can be held indefinitely by moving her head, she glared up at me, crooking Homeland Security. In my own case, I am unable an eyebrow. Then, after a pause, she tossed my to obtain a Metis card which would make avail- license and the letter at me, saying nothing as she able to me some valuable education programs. This waited for me to leave. is because I need a copy of my baptismal certificate Yay. Outted again in a small town. and the Catholic Church that baptized me, flagged the file and refused once they figured out what my name Of course, for me, it’s still good news. Once I have change indicated. the surgery later this year... then get my letters from the surgeons declaring that GRS has been performed... and then This is only one example of the true cost of delisting GRS get them notarized... and then have an examination with my coverage. It will mean the difference between taxpayers leav- family doctor to get a letter from him...and have that notarized... ing the Province - or worse, turning to illegal means of obtaining and pay all the registry fees for processing the Birth Certificate cash - versus developing into comfortable, secure, confident, change... and pay all the fees for the D/L change... and pay for creative and productive individuals. It will mean an increased all new ID cards... and I’m sure I missed a few other steps in cost of mental health beds used to treat transsexuals for de- there somewhere, I’ll have to check.... pression and anxiety, or holding them after their latest suicide attempt (suicide being an abnormally high statistic among pre- But once I’ve done all that, I can be a person again (it’s a good operative transsexuals). It will mean the cost of the psychia- thing I wasn’t born in BC where this process gets complicated). trists and social workers needed to monitor them everyday. It Though, for the larger part of an entire community, that person- will mean the judicial fees of charging, prosecuting and incar- hood is now another $20,000 (if MTF) to $100,000 (if FTM) away. cerating people who have turned to theft or prostitution...and In an age of inflated rents, falling wages and dwindling McJobs, perhaps human rights abuses suffered by imprisoning male-to- just breaking even financially is difficult enough - the Alberta female transsexuals with men and housing female-to-males in Government seems to want to make the sex trade a reasonable psychiatric hospitals (which is the Federal government’s policy). career path for the unemployed, underemployed and moderately It will mean the expense of addictions counseling and recovery. employed transsexuals who are seeking to fix their lives. It will mean the cost of hospital fees of transsexuals who have been victims of violence from people who have reacted extremely $700,000 isn’t much in a $13 Million health budget - it works negatively because of who they are... or the cost of a murder out to19 cents per Albertan taxpayer. But it’s often inacces- trial, if it were to come to that. Even when you put it into terms sible to individual transsexuals, who are frequently facing stable of dollars saved minus dollars lost/cost, delisting GRS and forc- employment concerns and economic marginalization. Health in- ing many transsexuals to live in the in-between almost indefi- surance plans, too, typically make a specific exemption of GRS, nitely does not make sense. even though all major Canadian and American Medical bodies recognize it at a medically necessary procedure (the American And of course, sometimes you have to look at it under the Medical Association restated this in June of last year for this sterile microscope of cash, because that is the language that Al- reason). So the option of private health care funding is rarely bertans listen to. The bigger picture is not always obvious, and there, either. Albertans and Health providers like to pretend the Alberta Government is counting on the moral furor to cover that GRS is cosmetic surgery done on a lark... never mind the the larger agenda. After all, there are some 40 health cuts in de- therapy, and the real-life test that extends sometimes to 3 or velopment, all tests to see what Albertans are willing to tolerate: 4 years in Alberta, or the other hoops that no cosmetic patient will they tolerate cuts to drug benefits if it only affects seniors? Will they tolerate cuts to suicide prevention programs if they 40 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Trans Identity Letters only affect Native youth? In the case of GRS, it allows them to test whether medically-necessary procedures are likewise touch- able (even without consultation with the medical community, Letters to the Editor or consultation on how it will affect the patients in question) if they only affect a small and unpopular community. We’ve seen the slashing done to our health and education systems in the 1990s, the non-reparation made to these systems during the boom years, and now the suggestions of more slashes to further drive toward two-tier health under the guise of “recession.” We’ve seen the Government play comparative games, saying, Dear GayCalgary, “oh, we need to cut Downs’ Syndrome care so we can pay for I would like to thank everyone who attended Coronation 33: Ab- cancer patients’ needs,” so that different communities in need solutely Flawless. It was a great night, and was well attended both can compete with each other for compassion and salvation. The by in-town and the Courts of Canada and the USA including Sur- system was not being fixed when it could have been. Instead, it rey, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Toronto, Halifax, is being dismantled, and the Conservatives saw an opportunity Regina and Alaska. It was great to see such numbers at Coronation to prey upon Albertans’ inclination to discriminate in order to as well. send up a test balloon. This year, the 32nd House of Style, Sophistication, SuperModels Unfortunately for them, it hasn’t all gone according to plan. and SuperTrannies raised $35,000.00 over the past year and it was When even the Calgary Sun begins an article on the delisting dispensed to our charities of choice on April 18, 2009. Children’s with “What, there weren’t any crippled puppies around for Ron Wish Foundation, Beswick House, Agape Hospice, HIV Peer Sup- Liepert to kick?” it becomes very clear very quickly that not all port, AIDS Calgary Positive Living Lunch Program, The Alberta Liver Albertans are buying it. Foundation and the Sandra Boniface Last Wish Fund were the re- cipients of the 32nd House’s Fundraising this year, and I was proud People are contacting their MLAs and expressing their con- to be a part of the team that put in the time and effort to benefit cerns. The outpouring, even if just from people who simply these worthy charities. don’t want to see the Province go down the same legal road that It has been very satisfying and humbling that businesses within it did with Delwin Vriend, was unexpected, and appreciated be- the city are so very supportive and go above and beyond what is yond words. The outcome is still up in the air, with debates still necessary, and indeed, suggest creative ways to raise funds within proceeding and the budget still days from being finalized. their establishments. To the owners, operators and staff of all the This response is because people are starting to see the human intown business, from bars to print publications to retail stores, cost. They are starting to realize what it means to be in legal this couldn’t have been done without your help. limbo, what it means to be lost in the margins, what it means My biggest bow goes to the community within Calgary. You to be at risk of alienation, discrimination or violence because of people are those who we approach day after day, month after month who we are. whining for contributions, and you all selflessly give every single time. If it was not for your generosity, the ISCCA would not be the Albertans may not understand why we need to make a change viable entity it is today, and for that I sincerely thank you all. in life as drastic as changing gender, but they are seeing that it is clearly something done because of a real and present need, I’d like to thank the Board of Directors for all their hard work this considering all that is risked and often lost in that process. year and for producing an amazing Coronation. Honorable mention to our Ball Coordinator this year, David Patten aka Ernestine in Now if only the Provincial Government could be enlightened his 15th consecutive term in the role, as well as Cory Yanciw, who on this fact. not only coordinated the hotel, but was also the Treasurer and Ball Program Coordinator. All of your efforts, advice and contributions http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1257 throughout the year were treasured and appreciated. View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. Our new venue for Coronation, the Westin Hotel was absolutely Mercedes Allen is a writer who blogs at http://dentedbluemercedes.wordpress. amazing. The levels of service, execution, hospitality, and food com/, has been featured on bilerico.com, PageOneQ and others, and has service was simply outstanding to say the least. They were the new- also developed the website at AlbertaTrans.org as a resource for transgender age “I Dream Of Jeannie”…we needed something and 30 seconds information and support. later it was done. Tim Gregus and the entire crew at the hotel, thank you so much for everything. To Their Most Imperial Sovereign Majesties Joey Hailey and Bianca LaBouche, Calgary’s 33rd Elected Monarchs, I wish you the best of luck and success. I hope your year garners you the enrich- ment and friendships that mine has for me. Finally, to my dear friends, whether from Calgary or ones I have met over this past year, and most especially to those who took care of all the little things over Coronation weekend to keep my stress level manageable; I love you all and treasure everything you have brought to my life. I am a more complete person having you close to me. Thank you for everything, I love you all. Here’s a toast to the beginning of the 33rd Reign…may it be pros- perous, successful and rewarding! I remain as always in service to the Community, Emperor 14 ½ of Hamilton-Wentworth, Emperor 22 ½ of Toronto, Emperor 9 ½ of Halifax, Emperor 35 ½ of Vancouver, The Black Diamond Demon Arisen from the Bow River Two Years Early, His Most Imperial Sov- ereign Majesty Emperor 32 of Calgary and all Southern Alberta Michael Shadow Wolf-Would Myte
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 41 42 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 FundraisingPhotography Photos
AFQOL Muy Caliénte Gala at La Pachanga - Calgary ISCCA Farewell Show at Money Pennies - Calgary
Queers on Campus Gender Bender - Calgary
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 43 Theatre Review The Buddy Holly Story Stage West Tributes Music Icon 50 Years After his Death
By Jason Clevett
I’ll admit to having some trepidation in the final show of the 2008/2009 Stage West season. My parents were just kids when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper died in a plane crash on February 3rd, 1959. By the end of the opening night of the production, I leapt to my feet with the rest of the audience for a much-deserved standing ovation – the third time I have witnessed this in five seasons of covering Stage West. The Buddy Holly Story chronicles the life of music icon Buddy Holly, played by Zachary Stevenson, from late teens in Lubbock, Texas through his rise to fame. With Mother’s Day approaching, I thought it would be appropriate to invite my Mom Linda and her the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. It is at this point where the friend Shirley to the show. Their delighted reactions were almost as show elevates from a musical into a magical experience. Aaron entertaining as the show itself. Walpole and Dominic Calla add their own authentic turns as The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens respectively, before Stevenson plays a ”He moves just like Buddy did!” Mom exclaimed during intermis- string of Holly hits, backed up by the entire ensemble. It is intense, sion. “It is like actually seeing him here.” electrifying, and simply amazing. Even as someone who didn’t expe- rience Holly’s original music first hand, I was singing along, bobbing my head, and clapping - caught up in a wistful feeling I didn’t know The music is rooted in great melodies and harmonies I could tap into. and things that transcend genre and era. People of any age respond to the music. If you are looking for a good way to celebrate your Mom, without a doubt The Buddy Holly Story is a great way to do it. Even if you don’t take someone older, the show is worth checking out and learn- ing about an artist that profoundly influenced the music of today. Stevenson has absolutely captured the essence of Buddy Holly. When he sings, it is easy to close your eyes and hear Holly shining ”You will have a good time. If I were a producer I would do a mon- through, just like he did on the old records my parents listened to ey back guarantee. I have a lot of confidence in the quality of the while I was growing up. Stevenson is part of indy-rock group The show, story and music. Even if you are young, you will be surprised Human Statues, and just like me was born decades after Holly’s at the number of songs you know,” Stevenson assures. “You hear death. I asked what the appeal was in playing the character. the songs so many times as original recordings, but very few people are performing Buddy Holly live in any context. The performers have ”As a musician I have a fascination with all pop music and its gone to reasonably great lengths to do as authentic a version as origins. [The Human Statues’] primary musical influence is The possible, and give you an experience of what those shows were like Beatles, and one of their top influences was Buddy Holly. It doesn’t in the 50’s. You get absorbed into the world and learn about a very take long to trace back his influence to us. So dissecting his life, interesting character, and insight into what the rock n roll culture where he came from and the type of tunes that he wrote, and how was then. It had a massive impact on the development of pop music. his career developed is interesting, even in relation to our own musi- I think anybody who has an interest in music will enjoy the show.” cal pursuits,” he said. “Another thing that is kind of cool is, because we are too young to have lived in that era, it gives us a different The Buddy Holly Story marks the final show at Stage West before perspective. We don’t hold it in a nostalgic way, there is a separation they close for extensive renovations over the summer. They reopen from it which helps as an actor. If I had a preconceived idea of who August 297h with Married Alive. After the contractors are done he was, I might attack it in a different way. It is like experiencing invading, surely 2009/2010 will bring more glorious shows at Stage the music from the inside out, I am in the mind frame that these are West. new tunes that are fresh and exciting. It is a different experience to play it that way.” http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1260 Stevenson’s partner in The Human Statues, Jeff Bryant, explained View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. how the show transcends the generation gap. Read an in-depth interview with The Human Statues at www.GayCalgary. ”The music is rooted in great melodies and harmonies and things com that transcend genre and era. People of any age respond to the mu- sic. Obviously for the older demographic there is the nostalgia thing, it brings them back to memories that they had. We did not exist when these songs came out so that is not the reason we respond to The Buddy Holly Story it. People just respond to good melody. I have no doubt that people of any age have an opportunity to enjoy this show, it is very acces- April 23 – June 28, 2009 sible.” Stage West Calgary The show culminates in re-creating Holly’s last performance at www.stagewestcalgary.com www.thehiddenstatues.com
44 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Theatre Review Studies in Motion Visual Treat Wraps Up ATP Season
By Jason Clevett
The first thing you see when you walk into the Martha Cohen Theatre is a giant image of Eadweard Muybridge, the focus of Alberta Theatre Project’s final show of the season: Electric Company Theatre’s Studies in Motion: The Hauntings of Eadweard Muy- bridge. Once the show starts, a naked man walks across the stage. Then another. A third runs across stage, also naked. Several naked women walk across as well. One is slightly taken aback by this – we are in Calgary after all. You don’t exactly see a man’s penis in every theatre production, although some may wish life was like that. However, you quickly get over the nudity (lots and lots of nudity) and suddenly find yourself drawn into the story. The show is a look at English photographer Eadweard Muybridge who is known primarily for his early use of multiple cameras to In 1885 Muybridge embarked on a mission of cataloguing capture motion. What is now taken for granted with webcams, animal movement and human gestures, dissecting time, and digital recording and film was basically created by Muybridge. in so doing revealed a world invisible to the naked eye. How- ever, Muybridge is haunted by the ghosts of his past actions; the man he killed, the child he abandoned, and the woman he thought he knew. The play, a physically and visually explosive spectacle, explores themes of memory, identity, and the quest for meaning at the very beginning of our culture’s obsession with images. It is almost impossible to truly describe this show. Visually it is stunning, with incredibly creative lighting, use of Muybridge’s own photos projected on screens, and stage sets created purely out of hologram and light. While the show clocks in at two 65- minute acts, the time flies by and is over before you know it. I have never experienced anything quite like Studies in Mo- tion: The Hauntings of Eadweard Muybridge, and I’m willing to guess, neither have you. It certainly has Calgary’s theatre community buzzing and with good reason. Artistically brilliant, aesthetically innovative, and truly engrossing, it isn’t a show you go to watch as much as one to experience. If that doesn’t have you sold, then by all means, go for the cute naked boys. This production deserves to have an audience, and if that is what it takes to sell tickets, then so be it! By the time the performance is done however, you’ll be raving about it to everyone you know. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1261 View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments.
Studies In Motion: The Hauntings of Eadweard Muybridge Runs until May 9th, 2009 www.atplive.com
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 45 Music Review Music Review Hide Nothing, Workout, Scream, Perfect World
tracks by our cover celebrity RuPaul! For instance, “Looking By Rob Diaz-Marino Good, Feeling Gorgeous” is a great track – used as the theme song for NBC’s The Biggest Loser, and #1 dance download on “Hide Nothing” by Matt Alber iTunes. And of course who wouldn’t recognize the cover track Matt Alber grew up the gay, white choir boy, though his “Workout”, although it sounds quite different as a remake of debut soul album Hide Nothing has little religious content. the Frankie Knuckles house classic. His melodies tell stories that range from a 3rd grade crush I also particularly enjoyed the joyful “Found a Cure”, and (“Field Trip Buddy”), love unravelling (“End of the World”) and chuckled over the lyrics to “Ding Dong (Pick Up the Phone personal awakening (“Monarch”). B*tCH)”. Though, if you enjoy retro pop mixes, you might Reminiscent of Ben also quite like “Mindbuster” and many others. Folds, Iron&Wine, and The bonus CD is a single-track continuous mix that uses Imogen Heap, all of Alber’s many of the songs from the album. This gives you an alter- songs are built on soul- native if the breaks between the tracks take the steam out of ful vocals with lingering your non-stop workout. melodies. The lyrics feel like his own personal “Scream” by Chris Cornell thoughts, told with piano, I found that the somewhat lame cover gives completely harp, strings, bassoon, the wrong impression about the musical journey on this CD. (and I’m told, Matt’s old Smashing a guitar seems a bit cliché, and to me brings a pre- house keys). conception of heavy metal. “Scream” isn’t that. It’s unique, Hide Nothing comes creative, gritty, and in my opinion bloody brilliant! If such a on the heels of a 5-year cover was the result of careful planning and not a rush-effort, world tour with America’s the only explanation I can conceive is that it camouflages a premier classical acapella jewel as something ordinary so people will find it by accident ensemble, Chanticleer, with whom he recorded two Grammy and receive a pleasant surprise. Award-winning albums. His solo album was recorded at Chris Cornell is known home, he boasts, on Macintosh computers with co-writer/ as the gutsy, wailing voice producer Jeff Creire of Utmosis. behind the multi-platinum Many of his songs are quiet and soft like lullabies; only a bands Soundgarden and few are accompanied by minimal percussion. My favourite Audioslave. The fact that songs were the opening track “Monarch”, and the soon to such an iconic frontman of follow “Field Trip Buddy”. The last half of the album I found hard rock had chosen su- to be quite a snooze...literally...I took a nap and the songs per-producer Timbaland to provided a pleasant backdrop that set me at ease. helm this new album may come as a shock. While Says Alber, “I feel like I’m just scratching the surface with Cornell provides the fiery songwriting. I don’t have hundreds of songs. I don’t even lyrics and rocker voice, have 25 songs. These are my first cracks. Maybe I’ll write Timbaland brings in a cool some more.” air of hip-hop/R&B, and “Workout: Pumping House” by UPhonic Records even electronica. “I have never sounded like this,” Cornell admits, “The whole album is The Workout package includes a double-disc set with 16 a pretty radical musical departure for me. It is the highlight heart-pumping tracks, and a bonus 72-minute megamix. The of my career.” album creates an interval- like workout with alternat- The album starts with a strange cinematic opening se- ing tempos and unforget- quence before launching into the irresistibly catchy “Part of table house vocals. Not to Me” – its name from its catchy chorus line, “that bitch ain’t a mention that the album part of me.” cover features Sydney- As you continue listening, you’ll notice odd transitions be- based personal trainer, fitness model, and former DNA magazine cover boy, Vinny Gough. The timing is delicious for us to be reviewing this CD this month, which features a number of
46 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Music Review tween tracks. The album plays almost like a continuous mix, where foreshadowing of the next track begins near the end of the previous one. But the actual change is jarring enough that you know it has happened, almost like walking through a door into another room. My absolute favorite was “Never Far Away” with its cascad- ing synths and splashy cymbals that give it a vast, almost epic sound. I also loved the harmonies and stutter-stepped beat in “Time”, and the ominous yet upbeat “Ground Zero”. The last half of the album falls into a slightly tedious groove except for the powerful “Enemy”, and the energetic finish “Watch Out”. Then if you sit through a minute of silence, you’ll hear the bonus track – a slow and simple lament. “Scream” gives you the best of both worlds: hard rock with- out the headaches, R&B without the monotony – the result, a modern and danceable pop fusion. “In a Perfect World…” by Keri Hilson Keri Hilson’s first R&B album took me a bit by surprise. I was expecting another CD of this genre where I would have to feign inter- est and try to see beyond my own personal tastes. But I found a number of the songs had some melodic accompaniments that made them rewarding for me to listen to. Funny enough, like the previous review, Timbaland is also credited for this creation - maybe that explains it. Nevertheless, Hilson ren- ders the heart and soul of the songs with her voice and songwriting. “I deliver my songs with emotion,” she enthuses. “I don’t like a lot of effects. It takes away from the emotion. …straightforward, throwback, and old school. I don’t want that feeling taken away. I’m so particular about those mo- tions. I don’t want anyone to walk away from my album just thinking, ‘that shounds nice.’ Anybody can do that. I’m much more concerned that they walk away thinking, ‘that felt great.’” “Return the Favor” was the first song to make me real- ize this wasn’t the average R&B album for me. I found the rich pan-pipe synths and take-off rhythms quite appealing, though still a little repetitive. Then the next track, “Knock You Down” really drove it home – a bouncy and joyful song featuring a rap bridge by Kanye West, that occasionally erupts with a frantic double-time hi-hat. Even some of the slower numbers like “Slow Dance” and “Tell Him the Truth” had a fair amount of appeal. Another clump of favorites arose later on in the sequence, with the fun, slightly oriental air of “Intuition”. It sharply contrasted the subsequent, formidably epic sounding “How Does it Feel” with its bold trumpets and somber choir, and then the sweet and reflective “Alienated”. So in my view, not bad at all, for an R&B album. It’s still not my favorite genre, but I’m happy to have taken the time to listen to “In a Perfect World…”. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1262 View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments.
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 47 Classified Ads
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Apollo Western Cup - Calgary
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 57 PhotographyQueer Eye - Community Events
Dee Luv Show at Prism - Edmonton (Karen Hofmann) An Evening of Art at Prism - Edmonton (Karen Hofmann)
Stardust Lounge at Boots - Edmonton (Karen Hofmann)
The Roost Reunion at PLAY - Edmonton
58 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 Queer Eye - CommunityPhotography Events
Girls Groove - Calgary Kinky Flea Market - Calgary
Rubber Demonstration Night at the Calgary Eagle Taboo Sex Show - Red Deer
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 2009 59 PhotographyQueer Eye - Community Events
ISCCA Coronation Week in Calgary Photos taken at Backlot, Calgary Eagle, Money Pennies, Texas Lounge and the Westin Hotel
60 GayCalgary GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #67, May 22009 Queer Eye - CommunityPhotography Events
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