OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 108 • FREE The Voice of Alberta’s LGBT Community RuPaul Drag Race All Stars

Sean Maher on coming out in Hollywood

Jordan Knight has Unfinished Business

PLUS: Gay Night at Cowboys? Pitch Perfect Rebel Wilson Lily Tomlin

...and more! Scan to Read on Mobile Devices Nichelle Nichols http://gettag.mobi Groundbreaking Actress Business Directory Community Map Events Calendar Tourist Information STARTING ON PAGE 55 Calgary • Alberta • Canada www.gaycalgary.com

Table of Contents OCTOBER 2012 5 Mr & Ms GayCalgary Publisher: Steve Polyak Publisher’s Column Editor: Rob Diaz-Marino Sales: Steve Polyak Design & Layout: 7 Letters Rob Diaz-Marino, AraSteve Shimoon Polyak

Writers and Contributors 8 Rebel Rising Mercedes Allen, Allen, Chris Joey Azzopardi,Amato, Chris Dallas Azzopardi, Barnes, Pitch Perfect star and director on what’s so gay about the movie, Dave Brousseau, SamRob Casselman,Diaz-Marino, Jason Janine Clevett, Eva Trotta,Andrew Jack Collins, Fertig, Emily Dustin Collins, Fitzharris, Rob Diaz-Marino, Mark Gray, outsiders and spotting lesbians JanineGlen Hanson, Eva Trotta, Joan Jack Hilty, Fertig, Evan Glen Kayne, Hanson, Stephen Joan Lock,Hilty, Lisa Evan Lunney, Kayne, AllanStephen Neuwirth, Lock, Neil Steve McMullen, Polyak,

CareyAllan Rutherford,Neuwirth, Steve Romeo Polyak, San CareyVicente, Rutherford, Ed Sikov, 10 Sean Maher Comes 8 PAGE RomeoKrista Sylvester San Vicente, and Ed the Sikov, LGBT Nick Community Vivian and of the GLBTCalgary, Community Edmonton, of Calgary, and Alberta.Edmonton, and To Edmonton Alberta. Photography Firefly & Playboy Club Star on fans, Joss Whedon, and coming out in Hollywood Steve Polyak,Photography Rob Diaz-Marino Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, 13 Gordon the Giraffe VideographyB&J Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino A tale of tolerance Videography Steve Polyak,Printers Rob Diaz-Marino Web exPress 14 Jordan Knight’s Printers North HillDistribution News/Central Web Unfinished Business Calgary: Gallant Distribution, GayCalgaryDistribution Staff New Kid Brings Solo Tour To Canada EdmontonCalgary: Gallant: Clark’s Distribution Distribution OtherGayCalgary: Canada Staff Post 17 Calgary Gay History Project Edmonton: Clark’s Distribution OtherLegal: Canada Council Post Exploring Calgary’s secret history of the 50’s and 60’s Courtney Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors Legal Council 18 A Conversation With Nichelle Nichols 10 PAGE CourtneySales Aarbo, & General Barristers Inquiries and Solicitors GayCalgary Magazine Groundbreaking Actress Speaks To GayCalgary Sales2136 & General 17th Avenue Inquiries SW GayCalgaryCalgary, andAB, CanadaEdmonton T2T Magazine 0G3 21 Calgary Sexual Health Centre Celebrates [email protected] 17th Avenue SW Calgary, AB, Canada 40 Years of Service Office Hours: ByT2T appointment0G3 ONLY Phone: 403-543-6960 OfficeToll Hours: Free: By 1-888-543-6960 appointment ONLY 22 Silly Lily Phone:Fax: 403-703-0685 403-543-6960 Comedian talks longtime relationship, gay repression and retirement rumors E-Mail:Toll [email protected] Free: 1-888-543-6960 Fax: 403-703-0685 24 The Perks of Being Ezragazine Miller E-Mail: [email protected] Month's Cover Main: RuPaul, photo by Mathu Anderson Breakthrough actor talks gay teen role, why he’s queer and doing drag as a kid Top Right:This Sean Month's Maher, Cover photo by Fox ma Cher andMiddle Christina Right: Aguilera Jordan courtesy Knight of Sony Pictures; BottomAnnie LennoxRight: Nichelle courtesy Nichols of Mike Owen; 26 The Other Reproductive Rights Rex Goudie.

28 The Level Playing Field Is Still Askew 14 PAGE Proud Members of: Proud Members of: 29 BEAUTY AND THE BEAT 30 Deep Inside Hollywood Which one is Queen of The Desert? Edmonton Rainbow Business Association 31 Cocktail Chatter Gazpacho Borracho

International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association 32 Greta Gerwig: The New Gay-Loved Girl Actress talks gay fake-out in new film, preference for gay boyfriends and filling Liza’s shoes

National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association PAGE 18 PAGE Continued on Next Page  www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 3 Table of Contents

 Continued From Previous Page 34 How a Movement is Born SlutWalk co-founder, queer positive feminist to speak at upcoming event 35 AGOKWE: A Two-Spirited Love Story Magazine Figures Ojibwa Artist, Waawaate Fobister, Portrays Queer Teenage Love on the Rez Monthly Print Quantity: 7,000–9,000 copies Guaranteed Circulation: 7,000 copies 36 Out Destination Bonus Circulation: up to 2,000 copies Fort Lauderdale Readership Readers Per Copy: 4.9 (PMB) 38 Send In My Girls Print Readership: >41,650 Queens Return to All Star Drag Race Avg. Online Circulation: 150,000 readers Estimated Total Readership: PAGE 22 PAGE >191,650 readers 40 Jordin Sparkles Frequency: Monthly Singer talks acting debut, her gay following and how ‘Whitney loved her gays’ Proof of monthly figures are 42 Cowboys Nightclub available on request. Distribution Locations: Calgary: 160, Edmonton: 120 Turns A Shade Pink? Other Alberta Cities: 15 Other Provinces: 35 44 JUST A GIGOLO United States: 15 46 Queer Eye Please call us if your establishment would like to become a distribution location. 52 Chelsea Boys History 53 A Couple of Guys Originally established in January 1992 as Men for Men BBS by MFM Communications. Name changed to GayCalgary in 1998.

PAGE 38 PAGE 54 Bitter Girl Independent company as of January 2004. First edition of GayCalgary.com Magazine 55 Directory and Events published November 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary 60 Classified Ads and Edmonton Magazine. February 2012 returned to GayCalgary Magazine 62 Q Scopes Be helpful, Leo! Disclaimer and Copyright Opinions expressed in this magazine are specific to the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of GayCalgary gazine staff and contributors. Those involved in the making of this ma publication, whether advertisers, contributors, or the subjects of articles Scan for Scan for or photographs, are not necessarily gay, this Issue Latest Issue lesbian, bisexual, or trans. This magazine also includes straight allies and those who PAGE 40 PAGE are gay friendly. http://gettag.mobi No part of this publication may be reprinted or modified without the expressed written http://www.gaycalgary.com/RSS permission of the editor or publisher. Articles • Recent News • Prize Draws • Events • Travel Info Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. GayCalgary is a registered trademark. http://www.gaycalgary.com/Twitter NOV 2012 Print Deadlines Follow us on Twitter for articles, weekly news and updates! Ad Booking: Fri, Oct 26th http://www.gaycalgary.com/Facebook Submission: Mon, Oct 29th http://www.gaycalgary.com/FacebookFan In Circulation: Thu, Nov 1st Join us on Facebook for articles, weekly news and updates! Please contact us immediately if http://www.gaycalgary.com/i108 you think you may have missed the booking or submission deadline. PAGE 44 PAGE More articles and exclusive content online!

4 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com Editorial Mr & Ms GayCalgary Publisher’s Column

By Rob Diaz-Marino, MSc. Even if you don’t want to be in the spotlight yourself, take There was a time when the cover of GayCalgary Magazine this opportunity to encourage your friends to apply. You don’t regularly featured fun, creative, and sometimes even have to be famous or high profile to be selected for this feature; sexy photo shoots with local Albertans. In recent times you just have to share a bit of what makes you uniquely you. however, big name celebrities like Madonna, Cher, and Past GayCalgary Magazine cover models are eligible. Lady Gaga have stolen the spotlight. Once selected, we’ll brainstorm some photo ideas based on Can you blame us? Pragmatically speaking, as a magazine what you tell us about yourself, and arrange to meet up as we need to put our biggest highlights up front and centre so needed to execute these plans. We can’t promise anything like that we make a splash. In our industry, people often do judge the high fashion photo shoots you see on TV, but we’ll get some a book by its cover - at least until they get to know us a little great shots and have some fun in the process. We’ll also give better. Unfortunately this makes it hard for us to devote the you digital copies of your photos, including the ones we don’t cover to local people as we used to. use in the feature, for your own personal use. Nevertheless, we miss the old grassroots days when we Popularity Contest would do the photography ourselves. It was a chance to get the creative juices flowing – deciding on a concept, gathering Alexa.com is a third party website that we like to use to clothing and props, finding a setting, working with our subjects compare the popularity of GayCalgary.com to other websites to capture some truly striking photos, and then fine tuning to in our province and around the world. Alexa uses a metric get the images just right. We also miss hearing the fun stories that judges both quantity and “quality” of web traffic to millions from the people we photograph, who are surprised and excited of websites around the world, and uses it to rank them in about the wave of attention that the publicity brings them. order from best to…well, worst wouldn’t even show up on their charts. Quality of web traffic includes duration of page views, That’s why we are excited to announce a new monthly total duration of visit, quantity of other websites linking in, etc. photo feature that will help us return to those roots: Mr & Ms GayCalgary, brought to you exclusively by GayCalgary GayCalgary.com has always been a very popular site; in fact, Magazine. The feature will highlight LGBT Albertans, giving us we’re told that we have supposedly been used as a success and our readers a chance to get up close and personal with a case study for trainees at Yellowpages. Not only do we get single individual each month. Those photographed will be given approximately 5000 visitors each day, but we have what is the title of Mr GayCalgary or Ms GayCalgary for the month that called “stickiness”. Most visitors don’t “bounce” away from our they appear. site after a few seconds, but rather stay and browse for a while – an average of roughly 20 minutes, to be exact. This stickiness While we’re certainly looking to show some pretty faces, we makes us great for online advertisers, who have a better chance also give weight to an individual’s talent, hard work, community of making an impression on visitors. spirit, personal success, and more. It definitely won’t be a skinny-male-swimsuit-model-of-the-month-who-likes-long- We regularly check our ranking on Alexa to see where we walks-on-the-beach type of piece. We’re looking to focus on place, and monitor how actions we take through social media men, women, trans-people, drag queens, and drag kings of all to promote articles and other content on our website affects colours, shapes, and sizes. Each month we’ll select one person our world ranking. Usually this is a roller coaster ride as can and produce a series of quality photos that capture the essence be expected, but over the past several months we have been of who they are and what they do, accompanied by a minimal steadily trending better in the ranks. blurb of explanation. As of writing this, according to Alexa.com, GayCalgary.com is So when can you expect to see the first Mr & Ms GayCalgary currently the highest ranked website of any LGBT publication feature? We’re aiming to have the first one appear in November in Canada! 2012, which is our 9th Anniversary edition. As of publishing September 2012 this, we are starting to consider candidates. We may approach people at opportune times as we’re out covering events, but After Calgary Pride (which we narrowly squeezed into the last edition), otherwise we welcome readers to contact us by Email to be the month of September was mostly a lull in LGBT community activity. I considered (a recent face-shot of yourself may be required). Continued on Next Page 

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 5  Continued from Previous Page say “mostly” because the weekend of the 22nd was a juggling act for us to make it to events in multiple cities. Online Last Month (1/2) While I drove up to Edmonton on Saturday, Steve went down to Medicine Hat with a good friend of ours for the first Medicine Hat Pride Festival. When Sex Calls While a parade was not in the cards, Medicine Hat Pride Association did Out director and rising star talk put on a family friendly festival at Riverside Veteran’s Memorial Park comedy’s queerness, pseudo- during the afternoon, followed by an 18+ dance at Liquid in the evening. lesbianism and gay best friends Steve was impressed by the turnout to the event, and the participation “Does it feel gay to you?” Jamie Travis of people and organizations out of Lethbridge and Calgary. Organizers asks about his directorial debut, For estimated over 1100 people showed up for the festival, and say the dance a Good Time, Call, as if there was any was also very well attended. Unfortunately, Steve and company had to question that a phone-sex caper with... depart before the dance so that they would be back for the Calgary AIDS Walk the next morning. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3094 Meanwhile in Edmonton, I attended the closing party for the Junction on the Saturday evening. The Junction prided themselves in their diversity Roxette of clientele, and this final night certainly demonstrated the wide range Joyride Worth Spending My Time of people that would mourn the loss of the bar – not just the Junction, 7,000 fans headed to the Saddledome for but the legacy of past LGBT incarnations of the space like Boots. Black a blast from the past, as Swedish duo sharpies were passed around, allowing patrons to write on the walls their Roxette returned to Calgary for the first fond memories and the things they would miss. time in 20 years. Per Gessle and... The next morning, Steve and I in separate cities spent a relaxing http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3095 morning and early afternoon in the sun covering the Calgary and Edmonton AIDS Walks. We might have been able to cover the walks that Stone Temple Pilots As Good As Ever we were sponsoring in Red Deer, Grande Prairie, and Fort McMurray that 4 years ago, the reuniting of the Stone same weekend, but unfortunately we’ve perfected neither cloning nor Temple Pilots was a major draw for the teleportation. first of only 2 Virgin Festivals to play in The weekend of the 29th, right before our press deadline, was an event Calgary. Thousands packed Fort... we were majorly looking forward to: another pool party put on by ARGRA. The concept for this one was a little different, however. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3096 Starting in the evening and anticipating colder weather for the end of Deep Inside Hollywood September, the idea was to crank the heat on the swimming pool to make Kimberly Peirce is wild about Harry it bathtub if not hot tub warm. But despite the timing, it was a pleasantly warm night to be out, even wet and in a swimsuit for someone without No, the Boys Don’t Cry director is not “insulation” like me. jumping on board a reboot of Harry and Some additional details helped make the night truly magical – I mean, The Hendersons. (But wouldn’t it be... besides the $4 drinks! Two devices floated in the pool that not only http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3101 projected multi-coloured light patterns under the water, but also spouted a fountain of water above it. Furthermore, a bubble machine occasionally Hear Me Out released a flurry of bubbles out over the pool, and disco lights onthe Frank Ocean, Sparkle sidelines lit up the vapours that rose from the surface of the water. Frank Ocean, channel ORANGE We took the opportunity to test out a new toy of our own – a waterproof Even if Frank Ocean hadn’t recently Polaroid camera that we had picked up on sale for only $30. While the acknowledged that he’s an equal- image quality wasn’t great, especially at night, and the flash took a while opportunity lover, becoming one of the... to charge between photos, it still allowed us to get a little more into the action than we could have with our standard cameras from the sidelines. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3103 Both Steve and I had an absolute blast, and really cut loose. We spent Screen Queen the evening socializing, drinking, and otherwise playing around in the Weekend, The Hunger Games, Romy water; I won a prize giveaway, and simultaneously coined and advocated and Michele’s High School Reunion HnH (half-naked hugs). Weekend In an interview with Andrew By the end of the night I lay drifting around on the surface of the pool Haigh on the Criterion Collection release in an inflatable aqua-hammock, totally at ease. My back was submerged of his second feature film, Weekend, the... in the warm water while my front cooled off from the mild autumn breeze that also wafted the smell of smoke from the bonfire at the one corner http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3106 of the yard. Overhead it was a clear sky and I could see some of the brighter stars despite the city lights. I happily let Steve and others shuttle The OutField me around or give me a gentle push, as the two light-fountains floated Major league soccer kicks boy scouts between my knees, splashing my legs and feet gently with their spray. Last month, after a two-year, super-secret When 1am hit, I was almost sorry it was time to go home. study by a group of unnamed people, the Boy Scouts of America announced that... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3117 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3107 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments Thinking Out Loud Freedom and Chicken Sandwiches: Is standing up for LGBT rights tantamount to censorship? I am so happy I decided to stop eating chicken last month. It had nothing to do with the Chick-fil-A brouhaha, but... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3108

6 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com Online Last Month (2/2) Letters Deep Inside Hollywood Jodie Foster gets married to the mob Dear GayCalgary: The next time you see Jodie Foster in front Thanks ever so much to Premier Redford and Health of the camera it’ll be in District 9 director Minister Horne for restoring full funding to transgender Neill Blomkamp’s 2013 sci-fi epic.... reassignment surgery, a health matter which should never have been discontinued in the first place. As we celebrate http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3102 the Premier and Danielle Smith joining Edmonton’s Gay Hear Me Out Pride celebrations, this is like a true win for the gay/ lesbian/bisexual/transgender community. As I have stated Best of 2012 (So Far) before, being a man, but living as a woman and having Lana Del Rey, Born to Die She was all spent many thousands for medications to prepare myself anyone could talk about in the beginning to change into my true feminine self, this policy reversal is of the year, but for all the wrong reasons... like having a huge boulder lifted off of my shoulders. Now http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3104 maybe I can recover some of the costs I have incurred and be honourable in paying back my creditors first. I personally Thinking Out Loud am not gay, I will still be attracted to females only, whether Chick-Fil-A Fail: How we can do it I am gender species male or female, but for those that are better the next time around in the LGBT community, I am ever so proud. Tie that in There were so many things I could have with our superb Edmonton Public School Trustees acting written about today: openly lesbian as Pride Parade marshals and Alberta’s level of tolerance for this great community has gone up exponentially this week. Tammy Smith’s promotion to the rank... Graciously, http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3109 Walter Dean Blake, aka “Juanita Diane” Hear Me Out Melissa Etheridge, Elle Varner Dear GayCalgary: Melissa Etheridge, 4th Street Feeling Fearless Love revisited Melissa’s song-kill The media is abuzz this week about Jason Kenney’s mode when the feisty return-to-rock... bizarre email to members of the LGBTTQ community lauding the Conservative government’s work to help persecuted gays http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3105 and lesbians in Iran. Thinking Out Loud This government is now trying to sell itself as a great defender of gays and lesbians abroad. And yet in contrast, Feeling the Flames: How a frenzy of right at home, the Conservatives have consistently tried to wing comments got me thinking… undermine the equality rights of the LGBTTQ community. When I sat down to write my last column From trying to roll-back same-sex marriage as one of I didn’t think I had much to say about their first orders of business when first elected in 2006, anything. So, stumped for fresh ideas, I... to removing (and having to be shamed into re-adding) a http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3110 mention of gay rights from the “Discover Canada” booklet for new immigrants, to cutting funding for Toronto Pride, Health Talk to allowing Bill C-32, which makes changes to allow non- Pomegranates and Prostate Cancer resident same-sex couples that were married in Canada to Q: Is it true that pomegranates help divorce, to languish for months on end, this government’s record on LGBTTQ issues is nothing short of shameful. In prevent prostate cancer? If so, what are addition, we will not soon forget the hurtful and inflammatory some ways to eat them? A: The research... statements against gays and lesbians made both inside and http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3113 outside Parliament by Conservative members, including several who are now cabinet ministers. Health Talk The queer community is right to question the Exercise and Cancer Risk Conservatives’ sincerity when it comes to issues affecting Q: Does exercise still help reduce cancer them and we should be resolute in calling them out on their risk even if you don’t lose weight? A: hypocrisy. Studies presented at the most recent The Canadian government should be a leader on the research conference of the American... world stage in the fight to combat discrimination against http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3112 LGBTTQ persons, but it must be equally resolute in its work to ensure LGBTTQ equality here in Canada. Health Talk Dr. Hedy Fry Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, and Diet Liberal Health Critic Q: Once blood sugar or blood pressure MP, Vancouver Centre goes up, can people really bring them back down with healthy habits, or is that something from research but not seen... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3111

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www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 7 Rebel Rising Pitch Perfect star and director on what’s so gay about the movie, outsiders and spotting lesbians

 Rebel Wilson, photos by Universal Studios

By Chris Azzopardi an amazing voice and she’s not afraid to be herself in the world. Are Everyone’s talking about Rebel Wilson, the scene-stealer in lesbians going to take offense to that character? I don’t think so, but Bridesmaids who played Kristen Wiig’s trashy roommate and we’ll ask them. mistook her live-in’s diary for a “very sad, handwritten book.” GC: You’ve really got the belting down, Rebel. Are you ready for the The Australian breakout star has already had two other roles earlier Adele comparisons? this year with What to Expect When You’re Expecting and Bachelorette; RW: You know, interestingly, when they were casting this, they were her pilot for the ABC series Super Fun Night also just got the green light. looking at Adele to play Fat Amy, because obviously she’s an amazing Now she’s Fat Amy, the I-am-who-I-am collegiate mermaid dancer in singer and this is a musical film. They were going to make a decision on Pitch Perfect who gets all the boys and belts her butt off as part of an whether they should go with a comedy person like me or a singer-singer. all-girl a cappella group. I was so glad they went with me. Sprawled on a couch all cozy-looking in a track jacket and hand GC: Well, you hit that one really high note. bling that spells out her name, Wilson – along with out director Jason RW: Yeah. That’s really hard. That’s higher than a lot of the Wicked Moore, whose first film isPitch Perfect – chatted in her dry-wit way about notes. (Laughs) stealing the role from Adele, why the gay community will find Fat Amy GC: What are your tips for gay men who want to pursue a career in empowering and her tips for killing an a cappella audition (hint: Lady a cappella? Gaga). RW: You just gotta be committed, even if you’re not the best singer. GC: This is a gay press interview, so all of these questions will be Then they’ll see your confidence and they’ll be like, “That dude is pretty very gay. fly. He’s such a great dresser as well, so he would be a great asset to RW: Oh, cool. It’s a pretty gay movie. You’ve got a lesbian character, our group.” Also, choose your audition song wisely. I chose Lady Gaga’s and I think most of the Treblemakers, the boy band, are gay. What about “The Edge of Glory” when I auditioned for this movie. And I did my own that scene where there’s, like, nine dudes in a hot tub … naked? That’s body percussion. totally gay. GC: Why no Lady Gaga song in the movie? GC: The gay community can be fickle about gay characters. Did you JM: That’s a good question. I won’t lie, Glee had already done a Lady worry about portraying the lesbian character a certain way so it wouldn’t Gaga show and had done it really well, so how do we choose songs that come off as stereotypical? maybe could be unique to our movie? JM: I don’t know what you’re talking about. (Laughs) In a way, we GC: What are your gay roots, Rebel? were looking at all stereotypes. So yes, she’s a lesbian and they mistake I started out in the theater, and obviously, in Australia, we say her for a man at the beginning – but also, she’s got this beautiful shock RW: it’s run by the gay mafia because all of the super-talented actors and of hair, she is quite fun and feminine in the way she moves; she’s got directors are all gay – and so I have a lot of gay guy friends. Just in real

8 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com life, generally. And I live with a super famous gay man, Matt Lucas, who is just a comedy genius. We’ve been having so much fun. He’s friends, also, with a lot of gay men who come around to the house. (Laughs) GC: In the movie, you have really great gaydar. RW: Because there are 10 of us girls in the group, and so odds are at least one of us has to be gay. Yeah, I just improvised that scene; it wasn’t even in the script. I picked Ester Dean’s character. Turned out I was correct. (Laughs) GC: Is your gaydar that good in real life? RW: Gay guys are easier to spot. It’s harder to spot lesbians for some reason, unless they’re super obvious. GC: Like, in a flannel shirt? RW: Yeah, real butchy. Then you’re like, “Oh yeah, definite.” (Laughs) Lipstick lesbians, it’s hard. You wouldn’t know. GC: Jason, what drew you to this story? JM: I love Sister Act, I love Mean Girls, I love Heathers and I love Bring It On. Those movies are all about people who are obsessed with things, whether it’s popularity or cheerleading or becoming the best choir they can be. You get these underdogs and weirdos that come together to form a group and make music, and they become rock stars for a minute. GC: Why are you drawn to the outsider role? RW: I always think of myself as an underdog. I’ve had to prove myself and be, in some cases, twice or triple as talented as other people, purely because I think I came from a lower-class background in Australia and no one from where I lived was a huge movie star. I thought I looked more like a normal girl, but then, weirdly, I’ve just stuck to what I am and just gonna be proud and be myself.” Whenever I was on stage performing Hollywood has found that quite refreshing – that I just was different. in the movie, I had to really keep that in mind the whole time, so that’s Then I marched through the doors of my agency and was like, “Heyyy, why I think she’s such a lovable character. I’m Rebel! I’m an actress!” They thought I was really different from all JM: I think a lot of gay people will find her role empowering. That’s other girls out there. I’m never the alpha one; I always feel like the the point. She was always called Fat Amy, she owns her body, she’s underdog trying to achieve something. beautiful, she has lots of boyfriends; she’s a take-no-prisoners, fearless- JM: The underdog story, the outsider story – all humans are drawn to type of woman, and Rebel embodies that. it, but certainly being a gay man, there’s a gay sensibility about being an GC: What was it like working with Jason? outsider: “Do people understand me, and if I express myself, will people RW: I was quite nervous to meet him, because he’s the real-deal love me?” And Fat Amy is a great character. She says, “This is who I am, Broadway director and then he just let me have so much freedom and and I own it, and fuck all y’all if you don’t like it.” There’s a great message do whatever I wanted. He’s just got such class, and this is his first movie for anybody who feels like an outsider – which, as we know, is everybody. and it’s frickin’ funny. He gave me these words to describe my character I grew up in the South and I knew fewer gay people than if I might’ve and I wrote them down on a piece of paper and had them in my jeans lived in an urban area. I’m definitely drawn to people who are looking when I was filming every day: cocksure, confident, the instigator, loyal – for their place in the world. Avenue Q is about a kid looking for his place that was a good one. So I would just look at those if ever I was stuck. And in the world; it’s also about puppets – monsters – that are prejudiced, I did a lot of improvising in the movie; if ever I was stuck, I would look which is an outsider message (Moore directed the original Broadway at those words and think, “I’m going to be really cocksure in this take.” version). And Shrek is about an ogre who is ostracized because no one GC: Are you aware how much gay men love you? understands him (Moore directed Shrek the Musical on Broadway). So I RW: Aww, that’s awesome. I do live in West Hollywood and I do feel am drawn to those stories. very safe on the streets. (Laughs) It’s so nice, though. I love playing all GC: Tell me about your role in the Chris Colfer movie, Struck by sorts of characters, but gay guys in particular seem to like my characters Lightning. – and my writing. RW: I play his best friend. That character is totally different than GC: As a gay man, Jason, did any of your gayness rub off on the mine in Pitch Perfect because it’s based on Chris’ real friend, who I met movie? on the first day of filming. She’s a real interesting character. Inhigh JM: How could it not, first of all? Everything I touch turns to unicorns. school, she tried to pass off classic novels as her own work. (Laughs). (Laughs) I always worry about the gay sensibility. In the end, there was It was so great to work with Chris; he wrote that movie as well as one lesbian character in the movie and I love the message that sends. starred in it, and I, of course, love his character on Glee and thought Everybody else is trying to negotiate that fact that she’s gay and she’s he was great. Just to work with him – he’s such a great young guy, and like, “Yeah, that’s my girlfriend.” Again, she owns it. As they discover super talented. I think he’s got a future in directing and writing. who they are and become more empowered through singing, that’s part GC: How do you think the gay community will find Fat Amy of the message. And, you know, to keep it interesting we put some guys empowering? in a pool. RW: Because even though she might be flawed, Fat Amy just exudes GC: Did you feel like one of the girls on set? confidence – and she doesn’t really care what other people think of her. JM: There were times when I kind of wanted to be one of the girls. I Some people might say she’s not the best singer, she’s not the best love women, I feel comfortable around them and it’s fun to make them dancer, but she just comes out and is like, “Whatever. I’m loving it. I’m look beautiful. As a group of women in this story, they have such heart and they form a bond in such a special way. At the same time, I was also very aware that I wasn’t a woman. I don’t know what it’s like to walk in high heels. Well, not really. I sort of do.

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3119 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 9 Interview

 Sean Maher

be worth it. I had talked to my partner about it and we were waiting for the time to be right.” GayCalgary Magazine chatted with Maher from Los Angeles, where he balances his acting career with spending time with his partner Paul and their two children Sophia and Liam. He will be appearing at the Edmonton Expo, October 20th and 21st. It was his daughter, along with playing a closeted gay man in the short lived NBC series The Playboy Club that made the time right. “When my daughter was around three years old she was starting to understand what I did for work. I wanted to be a great role model and show her there was no shame in our family and it was quite beautiful. I couldn’t imagine explaining to her that there was something about our family that I had to hide for the sake of my career. I did it for my family. I was doing The Playboy Club and the character was perfect for me to step forward and tell the story. I’ve never been happier with a professional decision ever.” Had Maher come out when he was younger it may have been a major Sean Maher Comes To story. In the past few years entertainers like Zachary Quinto (Star Trek, American Horror Story, Heroes), Jim Parson’s (Big Bang Theory) as well as CNN’s Anderson Cooper have all nonchalantly come out. The general Edmonton reaction has been positive if not a big deal. “It is a good point. I don’t know what would have happened had I stayed strong to what I believe. I graduated college a very comfortable Firefly & Playboy Club Star on fans, Joss openly gay man – my parents and family and friends knew, I was living with somebody at the time in a comfortable life as a gay man, I didn’t understand bigotry yet I hadn’t faced it. The first job I got I was thrust Whedon, and coming out in Hollywood into Hollywood as the lead of a new show, he was a young rookie cop and there was pressure to create more smoke and mirrors than I had By Jason Clevett ever assumed I would be expected to do. I wonder what would have happened if I had said no I’m not going to do this, I’m gay, I am not going It has become more common and accepted for those in to pretend I am not for the sake of the show. I don’t know what the fate entertainment to come out of the closet. In the case of Sean of that show would have been, it was canceled really quickly anyway for Maher, he was already out when Hollywood pushed him into other reasons. My coming out in 2011 was so well received and I was the closet. For almost 15 years he hid his sexuality, until floored by the response. The day I came out I was in Chicago, I was not with my family and that is the one thing I regret. I was sitting alone in September of 2011 when he came out to Entertainment Weekly. my hotel room and the tweets were just coming in like 150 each time Ed tie corper si. Alis dolor sendit am nulpute magna facipis du“It I refreshed. It was amazing to feel this love and support which I knew was a couple of years in the making. I had met my partner, we decided I would receive, but it blew me away. I feel like they have my back no to have kids, I took 2 years off to be a stay at home dad and it was the matter what route I take in my career. I knew the fans would welcome me most wonderful time for me. Coming back to work I was having trouble with open arms and I am sure that some already knew but what shocked finding my way, I had all this new stuff percolating from being a dad. I me was the amount of industry people – studio heads, casting directors, felt like a new man and kept wondering was there a bigger picture for me people within the industry who reached out to my manager to say please in the industry,” Maher explained. “It dawned on me after so many years relay to Sean we have always been a fan of his work, we’re so proud of of being in the closet because publicists, managers and agents told me him, what a brave move, this will only make us fight harder for him. That to be, which is no one’s fault but my own for listening to them. For years is something I didn’t expect and speaks volumes to how things have and years of the fear and the suffering that I endured, it dawned on me shifted in the last 15 years or so. I do think we have a lot more work to that all of that time could be my greatest gift. I had this aha moment do but it is a different world.” where if I could come out publicly and maybe help one person it would Although coming out is becoming more and more accepted, there is still a lot of work to do. Several states in the US have initiatives on the

10 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com ballot this November to ban same- our children and are trying to find sex marriage. Maher hopes that in our way in the world.” being the “ideal” of a loving family He looks to his own family for an with 2 kids and 2 cats, that just example of how seeing firsthand happens to have 2 dads it will help can change someone’s thoughts change minds. on gay relationships. “Prior to my coming out “My father is an Irish roman- when I would sit down with catholic who goes to church every my publicist, my manager, my day. He is a wonderful simple man partner I said if at the very least and had a really tough time when I could be an example of what a I came out to him. When he met ‘non-traditional’ family could be, my partner and came to see my I would be honored. That was my home in Los Angeles and his two strategy with my publicist as well grandchildren that is all it took for her father is married to a man. him, he needed to see what kind We were trying to shed this light of life I could create for myself. that there are all these stereotypes He thought if I was gay I would be of what the gay lifestyle is, how miserable or alone or I don’t know different it is. What I was trying what. But he took such a liking to to say by stepping forward and my partner and his grandchildren shining some light on my family he can’t get enough of. It was just was that I am not that different. a matter of exposure.” We have 2 beautiful children, a Maher has had many roles on very domesticated lifestyle, are TV including Party of Five, CSI: very hands on parents and are no Miami and Wedding Wars. He is different then a family in Michigan most famous for his role as Simon who have a husband and wife and Tam on Firefly, and many fans will multiple children. There is not be in Edmonton to meet him based much difference so why is there on the show. Those same fans will so much fear that my lifestyle is be lining up to meet Charisma threatening to somebody. I wanted Carpenter, who played Cordelia to present it as something that Chase on Buffy The Vampire isn’t different. It is a family full of love, that does the best we can for

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 11 Slayer and Angel. It speaks to the magic of creator Joss Whedon that a decade later both are so known and loved for characters created in his universe. “He has been such a huge part of my career. I never thought ten years ago when I met him that I would still be talking about Firefly, which is insane and humbling and overwhelming. It really is something very special to be part of. I love that he thinks of me for other projects, he is a great friend and mentor and one of the most accessible people I have worked with in this industry. He has such a knack for storytelling, he favours the original storytellers like Shakespeare and there are certain dynamics that are universal. He creates these characters, especially for women that are so relate-able, specifically with Firefly. There was such a universal aspect with the dynamic within the characters and that is why it resonated so strongly.” It is remarkable that a show lasting only 14 episodes before being canceled by Fox, has such a cult following that continues to this day. “I used to refer to it as the little show that could, all the time. There are two sides to that, people ask me if I am surprised? Of course I am, it doesn’t usually happen that a show that didn’t even get a full season is so celebrated 10 years later but at the same time it was something so special, I get why people love it so much, because we loved it while we were doing it. Coming from being an actor, you are in this bubble when you are creating a show that hasn’t hit the air yet. Here you are with these people creating this world and telling these stories and unfortunately sometimes the ratings don’t work, the show gets canceled and everyone moves on. It was a little bit different with Firefly, it burned harder when it was canceled. We all loved coming to work, all the actors, everything that was being written and playing in the world that Joss created. After we wrapped we would continue to spend time together. So I see why people are drawn to it because they connected to the authentic connection we had off screen that was coming across on screen. So I am surprised, humbled, overwhelmed but I understand why.” The filming of Serenity wrapped up some story lines, killed off some beloved characters, and gave some closure to the cast and crew. “Being on shows that had been canceled there was always talk of this isn’t the end, we are going to shop it around. Joss was saying that and it wasn’t that I didn’t trust him but I’d heard it before. There was all this talk about a movie, we were all doing our own thing and I was at Joss’ house with Summer (Glau) and he said he was heading off to Cape Cod to write the script for the movie. I was shocked, but it didn’t sink in until the first table read. Some of the actors hadn’t seen each other, so to sit down and hear these wonderful actors that I loved tremendously speak the words of these characters that I missed so desperately and loved, was a wonderful phenomenon of coming together again to recreate something that had been snatched from us. It brought closure but I would be lying if I didn’t wish for a second or third movie.” Maher and Whedon reunite in A Midsummer Nights Dream which was filmed over 12 days at Whedon’s home. The film is expected to be released next year. “It just speaks volumes to what Joss Whedon is capable of. He was going to go on a family vacation in Italy and decided instead to make a movie. I was filming a series in Chicago at the time and got an E-mail at 1:00 in the morning in my hotel room, saying that he was doing this and needed a sexy villain, what sayeth you? So I scrambled and my manager worked it out so I could head back to LA to shoot this movie. He did throw it together and he hand picked everybody so everyone wanted to be there and it was a passion project for Joss. It was such an extraordinary project to be a part of. It was a 12 day shoot but we had a ton of rehearsal to figure the scene out for as long as it took to get comfortable. When we were going to shoot it we only had one or two takes because there was little room for error. It was a terrifying experience because I had never done Shakespeare before and it was for Joss so I wanted to do right by Joss. It was truly one of the most exhilarating experience I have had, he was shooting live theatre. Everybody stepped up to the plate in such a magnificent way, it lifted the energy. He had come right off of Avengers, did Much Ado and went right back to editing The Avengers. Whether a Firefly fan, someone who appreciates him coming out, or a fan from other shows he has appeared in, Sean is excited to be part of the Edmonton Comic and Entertainment Expo. “I am thrilled, I just found out a couple of weeks ago they wanted me to come. I’ve never been to Edmonton so I am excited. Sometimes I am moved to tears meeting people. I don’t have a lot of time with them, but I will make them stay if it is a coming out story and I inspired them to take that step I want them to share every step with me. It is extraordinary to meet people and it reinforces that coming out was one of the best decisions of my life. People are always like, I am sorry to bother you… are you kidding? Whenever someone recognizes me they are so apologetic but it means so much to me when people stop and tell me things. I can speak on behalf of the entire cast of Firefly that if there is a browncoat out there and they see us, say hi. I will see a tweet saying I saw Sean Maher in a coffee shop, fan girl went crazy and I am like, why in the world didn’t you say hello? We loved what we were doing and how strongly it resonated. I love it, I really do.”

Sean Maher Appearing at the Edmonton Comic & Entertainment Expo October 20th & 21st, 2012 Hall E Edmonton Expo Centre www.EdmontonExpo.com

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12 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com Review Gordon the Giraffe A tale of tolerance

By Evan Kayne

Bruce Brown, graphic novelist whose work has been featured in the Chicago Tribune and Wired (among others) and who has put out a series of graphic novels featuring a young Howard P. Lovecraft and his dog Spot (who’s actually Cthulu), recently finished work on a children’s graphic novel/story. It’s avery simple story of Gordon the Giraffe – but it’s also a wonderful, charming tale about learning to be tolerant, and an inspiring story once you know the background. Ed tie corper si. Alis dolor sendit am nulpute magna facipis dBruce published the story of Gordon the Giraffe as his answer to the promise he made to his late brother, who died due to complications from AIDS. “I’ve been writing graphic novels for years. I’ve done all kinds of all- ages stories...my brother knew that I did this and I had some pretty good success at it, and my brother had talked to me toward the end of his life...he had always said I would love for you to do some kind of book with maybe a positive gay character in it.”  Gordon the Giraffe, illustrated by Bruce Brown Bruce thought about it, but it seemed that just a character wasn’t enough. And since he normally writes all ages books, he thought In the book Gordon is persecuted and bullied basically because he’s a children’s book might work better. “I started to think more of my different from the other giraffes. “And in the end Gordon rises above brother’s life, his struggles as a gay man, I remember with him at times... being persecuted to help those who persecuted him even though they are he’d be afraid to go certain areas... because he was worried about being different to him.” Bruce liked how he presented the idea that while this beaten up because he was gay. Or he was discriminated against at a job person may be different to you, you are also different to them. one time...and I started to think how can I put this all into the context of a children’s story with a message of tolerance.” “I really did this book more for gay families, but the truth of the matter is a straight family could read it to their kids and say Hey...you may grow up and you may like boys, you may like girls, but whoever you like that’s okay. And whoever somebody else likes, guess what? That’s okay too.” Happily, the feedback he has received has been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s such a simple little story, but there’s so much behind the simplicity of it.” At this point, it’s too soon to gauge the overall response. Bruce has noticed with his other all-ages books, he normally would have no problem getting a review, but at times with this book he wouldn’t get a return email. Yet he’s had people in the comic book industry who have been extremely open to it. “In the end...I thought I’m just going to treat this as a book and go out and try to get whoever I can to review it...everyone I’ve gone to in the gay community has been overwhelming phenomenal.” Bruce hasn’t heard whether there are any schools who want to take the book, but there have been a few reviewers who have expressed an interest in introducing Gordon the Giraffe to school libraries. As Bruce tells it, promoting a book is a lot of work. He’s not complaining, however, as “...it wasn’t enough for me just make the book to keep that promise to my brother...I wanted to do everything I can to get it out there.” Finally, as to why the giraffe... “I don’t know what it was that clicked with me about it, but I started thinking symbolically about how the giraffe has this incredibly long neck and I thought his perspective next to all the other animals is that he’s got to see things differently than everyone else. It’s like he gets the Big Picture.” In further symbolism, within the story the giraffe mother tells Gordon, when giraffes were made they were given the biggest hearts along with their long necks so they could see and love all of creation. That worked nicely, and added to the overall charm of this book. It’s definitely a one I’d recommend to anyone with small child, or as a gift to a small child.

Gordon the Giraffe http://www.gaycalgary.com/u506

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www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 13 Jordan Knight’s Unfinished Business New Kid Brings Solo Tour To Canada

By Jason Clevett “I agree it was one of the highlights of my career. In 2009 we It has been a busy couple of years for Jordan Knight. As member of were doing a summer tour and some of the promoters suggested The New Kids On The Block, he’s toured the world on a giant penis, the Backstreet Boys open up for us. We kind of thought that was selling out arenas on the NKOTBSB tour, released a solo album, selling the whole thing short. They are a huge international act and judged last year’s Cover Me Canada. Many people would take and have so many great songs and are a class act. So we put that a break at this point, but Knight had some unfinished business in our pocket because we could go as a co-headline and make a great show, a boy band extravaganza type of thing instead of them with Canada. just opening for us. We did a show in New York City at Radio City “It is a lot of fun, I love to tour and be on the road. I had a really Music Hall and invited them to come on stage and join us to sing I nice relaxing summer for two and a half months. You kind of get Want It That Way. For the first 20 seconds the crowd was likewhat the itch and want that excitement. I didn’t do Canada on my solo is going on here? Their jaws dropped and they were silent. As the tour so I feel like I left them out. Canada is one of New Kids and my song grew and they saw that we were really collaborating together solo music’s supporters so I felt it necessary to come up there. A onstage and there was goodwill there, they went crazy. It showed lot of fans wanted me there, there were a lot of different reasons.” us that it was a good idea to tour with them. After that we were off Knight chatted with GayCalgary Magazine in advance of his Live so we put the tour together and went on the road.” & Unfinished tour which hits Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre October The stage design was... interesting. Those logging online to 16th and Macewan Hall in Calgary October 18th. Knight is excited purchase tickets and see the map of the venue were greeted with to bring the intimate solo tour to Canadian fans. what appeared to be a giant penis. “When you do a solo tour you can really showcase yourself and “The name ‘penis stage’ came afterwards. We didn’t design it to your talents. During the show I do a whole piano set. It is really look like a penis, but it did so we called it that. Nine guys on stage cool because the audiences are smaller so you can joke around there is nothing more appropriate then being on a big penis stage. with them, take some requests, and I can take my time and sing We got a lot of feedback from the fans and in these big arenas a songs I wouldn’t sing on a New Kids tour. I can sing more obscure lot of fans don’t have great seats. They are far away from the stage songs that diehard fans know, which is good for me and for the and they want to be close, and we want to be close to them. They fans that know every single recording. It is really gratifying. I love designed this long ego stage, it is called an ego thrust and it was to tour by myself but I also love to do the New Kids On The Block, the biggest ever, so they designed it and showed it to us…and we it really balances out my career as a singer. I don’t do New Kids said, it looks like a penis. We like it! It was designed to get close to stuff, all solo stuff. Some of it sounds like New Kids because I am the fans and for everybody to have a good seat.” one of them.” The tour also had VIP Meet and Greet packages, seemingly The intimate venues are quite different from the massive boy- a staple in the industry now. In Calgary I met fans who had band extravaganza that was the NKOTBSB tour which came to purchased VIP packages for multiple tours and cities, which shows Alberta in July 2011. The combined headlining show with The the rabid passion of some, who can meet Jordan in person this Backstreet Boys brought two of the most popular boy bands of all tour as well. time and was an amazing night for fans of both groups.

14 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com “The VIP thing is kind of the It wasn’t his first foray into reality modern model for touring. It also television. Knight had previously goes well with twitter and facebook been a judge on American Juniors and social media. Now instead of and participated in two seasons having fans you have fans/friends, of The Surreal Life as well as the you get to know them from the UK documentary Trust Me – I’m A tweets they send and the videos Holiday Rep. they make and the VIP stuff you “These stations like MTV and have a closer connection. It is VH1 used to play videos and now another way to really get closer and they do a lot of reality shows. know the fans better. It makes it They have taken over. A lot of more of an experience for myself people do videos on YouTube, it and the fans.” is seeing people in their everyday On a break from the tour, Jordan environment as real people. Icons was a judge on the CBC show Cover are now just regular people instead Me Canada which ran for one of these glossy polished images. season and featured contestants A lot of people want to see more singing Canadian songs. behind the curtain, raw and who “It was actually a good experience. you really are it is becoming the I wish that the show got picked up norm. It’s not that I’m interested in again so that I could pick up where reality shows, just that is what is I left as far as being a judge. It is en vogue and popular these days.” challenging for me to do that stuff, One reality show that might I know what I am talking about but be interesting would be the life of it can be hard to formulate it into Lady Gaga. In 2008 the relative words. I would love to do it again. unknown had just hit the charts To see all the emerging talent in with the song Just Dance and was Canada was great. It was filmed in one of the opening acts for the New Toronto and a lot of my fans were Kids The Block tour. Fans that 2 in the crowd every week, Deborah years later paid $200+ per ticket to Cox was awesome and Ron Fair see her headline Rexall Place likely was great. It was definitely fun.” had no idea who they were seeing.

Continued on Next Page 

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 15  From Previous Page

“You can never say 100% sure that you knew someone will be a are people that still believe it’s unnatural and a sin and blah blah star, but I felt that she was a star. We were in the studio we were blah but, it is really cool to see there is a lot of movement in the with RedOne producing and he said my brothers I have this girl direction of it not being unnatural because there are gay people in I am working with who would like to come down and write with the world and always have been so how is it unnatural? That whole you guys, she is a great writer. In comes Lady Gaga and not being notion of people being more accepting and not seeing gay people onstage or in front of a camera she exudes artist. We wrote the as something bad or is a choice, or it being a bad choice. We are song Big Girl Now with her and she was on the same label with us all opening up.” so why not do a duet? So we put her on the album and the label Boy bands have long been supported by the gay community, asked us to put her on the show. She ended up with a smash which means a lot to Knight who has long had gay people in his record. We didn’t know she would be humongous but we definitely life. saw the potential.” “I think it is wonderful. I have never really found anything wrong In 1990, I attended the New Kids on the Block concert at the with gay people, I have always worked with gay people; my brother Saddledome. Being a young male NKOTB fan had its challenges. is gay, some of the best songs and choreography have been created Teenagers could be heard complaining about how much the band by gay people. To me it is just a normal thing to work with anyone. sucked, but worse would throw around terms like “fags” to describe To be supported by the gay community is great. It shows that I am the band. Jordan reflected on the challenges in that era of dealing open and not judgmental in any way.” with the homophobia. His brother Jonathan is a member of the It has been 4 years since the New Kids reunited and released band and came out in publicly in 2011. The Block. Fans who are anxiously awaiting a new album won’t “This was more than 20 years ago so things were different then. have to wait long. Homosexuality wasn’t as accepted back then as it is now. It did “I am doing this tour and then right after I will be in the studio Jordan’s gay bug me a little bit because a lot of people would say with the New Kids doing another album. We have some great songs and I’m not. As far as Jon, it is almost like I took the attention off lined up. It is awesome when you do new material because with it the guy who was really gay, my brother. I don’t know exactly how comes new choreography, new videos, a new stage act…it is just he dealt with it; it must have been very tough for him. Back then new new new. The fans and us will both be very happy. It has been you didn’t have openly gay boy band members, it would have been 4 years since a new album so it is always fun to do new stuff.” taboo. It is hard to believe that was only 20 years ago. We banded together as a group and we were good friends so I’d be able to talk To tide you over, you can get your dose of one New Kid in October to the other guys about it. It was what it was, it didn’t bother me in what promises to be an amazing show. too much because I was just who I was so whatever.” “The show is great. There is some great choreography, there are Jon’s “coming out” was fairly casual. After 80’s pop idol Tiffany a lot of up-tempo songs on Unfinished and there are a lot of ballads said he was, he posted a statement on the bands website stating, from past albums. It showcases the things I love which is dance, “To all my fans who have expressed concern: I have never been choreography, ballads and I love good pop and R&B music. The outed by anyone but myself. I did so almost twenty years ago. I band I have is from Boston and they are all Berkeley College of never knew that I would have to do it all over again publicly just Music alumni and are incredible musicians, they just have it. They because I reunited with NKOTB! I have lived my life very openly are a great sounding band and compliment the whole show.” and have never hidden the fact that I am gay. Apparently the prerequisite to being a gay public figure is to appear on the cover of a magazine with the caption, I am gay. I love living my life being open and honest, but at this time I choose not to discuss Jordan Knight my private life any further! My fellow band members don’t discuss Unfinished available now their private lives with their loved ones and I don’t feel that just because I am gay, I should have to discuss mine!” October 16th – Edmonton The more casual way of coming out and lack of drama around it October 18th – Calgary shows progress, Jordan believes. www.JordanKnight.com “We are also going to see athletes starting to come out I think. When Lance Bass came out I was asked about it and I said, I think it’s great. He’s made it ok for a boy band to have a gay member, or http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3122 two or whatever. I am glad that it has gotten to that point. I was View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments just watching CNN and the preacher Joel Osteen was on and there

16 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com Community Calgary Gay History Project Exploring Calgary’s secret history of the 50’s and 60’s

By Carey Rutherford How often do you get to meet someone with the title of Historian in Residence? Yes, it’s a real thing – in fact, it is Kevin Allen’s role at Calgary Outlink. Calgary 2012, a foundation that helps to sustain Calgary art and culture, is currently funding him as Allen is, to put it lightly, interested in Queer Culture – specifically the history of it here in Calgary. “I had to find a host site [for the project funding]. Outlink has been an important support organization for our community, [and] they’ve been providing services right back to the ‘70s.” Funny enough, Calgary Outlink is also a subject of his research. He notes that they were previously called The Gay  Promotional postcard featuring a historical photo Information Resource Centre (GIRC), and then became The Gay and Lesbian Community Services Association (GLCSA). compared to other Canadian cities. Hence the impetus for Some of this he knows from personal experience, “I was a this research project.” phone line volunteer back in the ‘90s.” It also reiterates for us that Kevin “is the Executive Director He expands: “The project really has two arms. One is that of the Alberta Media Arts Alliance and an amateur historian, I’m doing a bunch of historical research, looking for primary with a strong interest in local audio/visual heritage.” sources like newspaper articles, programs, documents, that confirm the presence of the queer community in the 50s To broaden this profile, he tells GayCalgary Magazine that and 60s in Calgary. The other part is an oral history project, this different time, this space within which individuals really where I’m going to be interviewing queer seniors and getting had to stand up and demand respect, really fascinates him. their recollections on digital audio recordings so they can As we discuss, the modern concept of a ‘gay man’, let alone be preserved. any of the other rainbow spectrum modalities, certainly did not exist in the public perception fifty or sixty years ago. “A “This is a project I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and man may make love to another man, but it wasn’t a concept writing the grant application coalesced my idea. Now that like the way we think of it today.” And of course, this would I’ve applied for it and received public funding for it, I feel make a communal sharing extremely difficult, and probably responsible to get it done [in a reasonable time frame].” fractured. But he wants to know what people from that time To that end, he has set up a website: CalgaryQueerHistory. frame experienced to get a real viewpoint. ca and CalgaryGayHistory.ca will both take you to the same “And, of course, many people didn’t come out until later blog. That’s where he will be uploading his findings and in life,” which changes their experience as well. audio clips as the project progresses, culminating in a public presentation at the Old Y Centre in February of 2013. As of ride Week, Kevin continues to be Historian in Details of that will, of course, be on the site as well. Residence at Calgary Outlink: Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity in the Old Y Centre, conducting research and “Queer’s a word I use to describe the community, but not receiving interested members of the community. Contact one that everyone likes,” he explains, of his naming choice. him to book an appointment or for more information. So ultimately the archived information will be digitally stored for online access, though he suggests he’ll see if the Glenbow Museum is interested in archiving the physical audio recordings for historical purposes. The website’s states: “Calgary is a relatively young city, which from the 1950s on has become a key metropolitan centre and regional powerhouse. Throughout the exponential Kevin Allen, Historian population growth over the next 60 years, the city’s gay 403-890 7278 community has existed as a distinct undercurrent. [email protected] However, ...Calgary was a late bloomer when it came to http://www.calgarygayhistory.ca having a politically active gay community. Calgary’s gay community historically did not have a similar profile when Calgary Outlink 403-234-8973 In the Old Y Centre 303 - 223, 12 Ave SW http://www.calgaryoutlink.ca

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www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 17 Interview

 Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura on Star Trek, c/o Paramount

each person is new and all through the Star Trek fandom it’s like meeting the same person over and over again, only A Conversation With in a different suit or different flesh - they’re just wonderful. It’s not like celebrity and crazy fans. Nothing like that. It’s like…it truly is something that we had the privilege of being Nichelle Nichols in something that touched so many people’s lives in such a positive way that Gene Roddenberry gave to the world, because I’ll go to Europe and it’s the same thing. Wherever I Groundbreaking Actress Speaks To GayCalgary go, it’s almost like meeting the same people over again from day one. I think they’re some of the brightest people in the By Jason Clevett world because they’re not just fans, they really care about the deeper aspects of the show and and what Gene achieved in Nichelle Nichols is best known for her portrayal of portraying, using us, because that’s what life is. Lt. Uhura on the original Star Trek, but her life and GC: It is interesting how the paths of people associated with career is so much more than that. She has voiced Star Trek have crossed. You and Jonathan Frakes both voiced major cartoons, appeared in TV shows like Heroes and characters in Gargoyles, and George Takei and yourself were received critical acclaim on Broadway. She is revered for both on Heroes. breaking colour lines on TV in a racially intolerant era, NN: I think that’s wonderful….[after Star Trek, if] they was the first African American to have her handprint hadn’t done something, I would still be seeing them because in front of Mann’s Chinese Theatre, toured with Duke they all had careers of their own you know as exciting and Ellington and even worked for NASA, inspiring Dr. as well known as mine. And so, when Jonathan came on Mae C. Jemison to become the first African American board and did the next Star Trek edition that he did with new cast,when we meet at Star Trek conventions, we’re all family. female astronaut. Nichelle Nichols has a legacy that will be talked about for generations to come, and she GC: You’ve voiced a lot of children’s shows like Buzz Lightyear, Spiderman, Gargoyles. Is that something that you will be at the Edmonton Comic & Entertainment Expo specifically wanted to do? October 20th and 21st. Nichelle spoke with GayCalgary NN: I did not, I did what everybody else had done. I’m an Magazine about meeting fans and her career. actor and when they called me to work and if the price was GC: In the past few years the Calgary Expo has featured right and I had the time (laughs). And it just happened, that Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner and a Star Trek: The Next it seems like that but I’ve done other work too and I’m in the Generation reunion, and all have received a rabid response. process of co-producing and co-starring in a new movie that What are your thoughts on meeting your fans? I’ve done and it’s just,part of it goes with the territory, it goes NN: It’s very gratifying that something you’ve done has had with the gig. Sometimes it’s drama, sometimes it’s humour, a positive effect on so many people for so long. My heart just sometimes it’s for kids, sometimes it’s for very adult minded pumps a little faster or calmer. I’ve become very used to it, people. but you’re never completely used to it. Each story is different,

18 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com GC: It has been a rewarding career wise as challenge for many actors a performer, but it’s been whether in Star Trek or rewarding financially as another popular show well. to break away from that GC: You have broken character and achieve other a lot of barriers. You successes. You have had were the first African a long and varied career, American actress to what do you attribute that not play a “stereotyped” to? character. You changed a NN: Well, I had a career lot of perspective both in before Star Trek but I didn’t Hollywood and for those become noted in films or watching on TV, and things TV until Star Trek, but I’m have progressed. Your a singer, a dancer, an actor thoughts on that? and I’ve done it all. Theatre NN: Yes, and I’m very was my big thing and when proud of that and I’m very a television series came thankful. I’m thankful to along, I happened to be in Gene Roddenberry, first Los Angeles and my agent and foremost, because he said “Why don’t you go out gave me my first lead role for this, I could put you up 3 years before he did Star for it,” and I said, “Oh I don’t Trek. And that gave me do TV and movies.” I was at entry to other things and that time in negotiations to when he was doing Star do a Broadway show. He Trek he called my agent said, “go out for it anyway,” and said, “Find her and get and I said, “oh ok,” and I her back here, we’ve got a got it. (laughs) And things role for her.” And when I just keep happening, so came back, when I finally I do theatre when I am came back, he talked me available, and I do TV when into coming home, I didn’t I’m available, and I do know it was for Gene movies when I’m available, and it’s all been very very Continued on Next Page 

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 19  From Previous Page

Roddenberry or I would have been on the next flight. But when whoever that fan is, he’s going to have to wait, because I can’t I got here and went to the interview, I didn’t see Gene and he miss this opportunity, I’m going to go meet Dr Martin Luther hadn’t told anybody that he had called me in. So, I went in King.” And then he started laughing and he came over to me against 5 or 6 other girls, and there were 5 men who saw me and he said “Yes Ms Nichols, I am your greatest fan,” (laughs) and one was the director and the co-producer and lighting and I said that was just so great. And he said that Star Trek man and all of that. And Gene did that to me twice (laughs), if was their favourite show on television, his little kids and his he really wants you he never tells you. He has you go in and wife too. And he said he came in one night, from being gone get it. It confirmed that he was right, instead of saying, “this for several days, you know, and just his wife and little kids is who I want,” and so when you find that out as an actor were on the floor watching TV, and he said “Hi darlings” and you feel pretty darn good about it cause you know if you go they turned themselves to him and said “Shush, Uhura’s on!” in and get it, it’s not because you know somebody. I said to (Laughs) And he felt that that was just one of the first things him, “Well, what if I hadn’t gotten it?” He said, “I’d have been he wanted to tell me, that’s why he wanted to meet me, to tell very disappointed in you.” I appreciated that because I came me that story. And I just cherish that story. up in theatre; you go and get it on your own, you gotta go and GC: It is an amazing story thank you for sharing it. It was perform, you know. And in theatre, unless you’re married to because of him that you stayed on Star Trek, correct? the producer, you gotta go in there and get it on your own, you NN: I think it was made in heaven because when I met Dr gotta perform. And that makes me very proud in one way but King, I said to him “I’m going to miss my co-stars,” and the very respectful of my chosen career. smile went off his face and he said, “What do you mean?” And I GC: Dr. Martin Luther King was a big fan of yours. Tell me said, “Well, I’ve been offered a role on Broadway and I’m going about meeting him. to go…” and he said, “You cannot,” and he was so serious. NN: It changed my life. I had made the decision I wasn’t And I’m looking at him like, what are you talking about Dr going to do any more TV and I was talking to somebody for Martin Luther King? I just was stunned and I looked at him a starring role on a show that was going to Broadway. I was and he said, “Don’t you know what Gene Roddenberry has at a social event in Beverly Hills, I think it was an NAACP done? This is the first non-stereotypical role on television and function but I’m not sure. They were just seating me at the especially for women. You represent too much and this is lead table where they put all of the people [that are] going to going to take you farther than you think.” And I thought, this be voting on something or making decisions, you know their man is interfering in my career choice (laughs). But he said celebrities. And, I was just sitting down when the producers it with such conviction that all my doubts about whether he came over and said, “Oh pardon me Miss Nichols, there’s was right or wrong, he said that I couldn’t leave and I didn’t someone who would like to meet you, and he said he’s your leave and he was right. I have never looked back and never greatest fan.” And so I thought, “Ok, you know, I’ve had some regretted it.” greatest fans…” I turned up and I looked across the room and GC: We saw a different side of both you and George Takei at walking towards me with this big smile on his face was Dr. the William Shatner Roast... Martin Luther King and I remember thinking to myself, “Well, NN: I don’t want to talk about that. (laughs) GC: It was so much fun though. NN: I thought so too. I don’t think Bill thought it, I don’t think Bill understood what a roast is. (laughs) He couldn’t imagine all those people standing up and talking about him like a dog. And it occurred to me that I think, “My god I wouldn’t have done that if I’d known he didn’t know.” He thought we were going to stand up and say all kinds of wonderful things about him. That’s what he told somebody. He said, I didn’t know… why were they doing that. He said “they were roasting you,” and he didn’t know. He’s from Canada. (laughs) So anyway, forgive me for laughing so hard, every time I think of it, it’s hysterically funny. GC: You continue to do appearances and you mentioned you are working on another movie. Are you just going to keep doing this? You love it so much you are not going to stop? NN: Does a doctor stop being a doctor? GC: Eventually they retire, yes. NN: (laughs) Retiring is one thing, but doing something other than my career that I trained for in many aspects, as a singer, as a dancer, as an actor, as a writer, it’s what I’ll be doing, I’m never going to have enough time. I’ve already sent a message to St Peter: I don’t have time, don’t be visiting me. I still have too much to do.

Nichelle Nichols Appearing at the Edmonton Comic & Entertainment Expo October 20th & 21st, 2012 Hall E Edmonton Expo Centre www.EdmontonExpo.com

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20 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com Community Calgary Sexual Health Centre Celebrates 40 Years of Service By Lisa Lunney women. Since 1997 the centre has been delivering a strong This October, the Calgary Sexual Health Centre is anti-homophobia message and program in Calgary public proudly celebrating their fortieth anniversary of providing schools, reaching over 5000 youth each calendar year. In services to the community. The centre began in 1972 2009 the centre began offering professional development as the Calgary Birth Control Association; a grassroots workshops to social workers, youth workers, nurses, volunteer based organization focused on improving doctors, and psychologists. These workshops, Creating A access to birth control and providing support to women Culture of Respect for LGBT Clients and Co-Workers have reached thousands of professionals through this training. facing unplanned pregnancies. Factor in word-of-mouth, and individuals who attended Since 1972, needless to say the CSHC has evolved and these workshops sharing what they learned with friends and adapted with the changing times. The programs the centre family, and there are hundreds more individuals that have offers have adapted to meet the changing needs of growing been informed, and impacted by them. and diverse communities. CSHC is the only non-profit Recently the CSHC team established a Gay Straight organization in Calgary that offers an extensive range of Alliance Network to support students, teachers, schools programs and services that address sexual health issues in and community members to create safe spaces for LGBT a comprehensive way for families, youth, adults and seniors youth and their allies. This year, the centre received United across a spectrum of race, religion and sexual orientation. Way funding for a coordinator to help LGBT youth who CSHC offers no judgment, and welcomes their doors to are homeless to find the support they need to successfully whoever is in need. transition into adulthood, and to learn that who they are is If you’re a teen and are considering entering into your first just perfect. sexual relationship, there are many different resources for Step into the centre or visit their website and you will find you to explore. Counselling Services are open to all, anyone a detailed list of positive associations and support groups for who needs advice — this is the place to find it. If you’re the LGBT community. confused about your sexuality, uncomfortable with your body and too embarrassed to seek help — this is the place to Looking back at all the accomplishments of CSHC makes go! The only thing that the staff cares about is the well-being you want to celebrate! This October, they will be doing just of the client. There are no boundaries, and no restrictions that! As mentioned, this year marks four decades of service about what you can discuss. in Calgary, so it’s time to party! In the year 2011 alone, CSHC was able to attend 38 CSHC is beyond thrilled to be such a positive part of the community events thanks to the help of their enthusiastic community for four decades, the team looks forward to many volunteers. Through these events, the centre was able to more years of service, future friendships and making the reach 12,310 individuals with information and resources future brighter for all. about healthy sexuality. Through partnership, CSHC was Join CSHC on October 25th 2012 at Belgo for a night of involved with 72 community organizations and 37 schools, celebration. A Revolutionary Retrospective will bring together impacting an addition 28,788 individuals with programs, long time supporters and new friends for a fun and thought- information and resource materials. provoking celebration. Guests will enjoy a playful expose The centre stands firmly behind their mission statement, of how society’s views on gender, sexual orientation and “we aim to normalize sexual health in Alberta by proving reproductive health has shifted over the past four decades evidenced-informed non-judgmental sexual and reproductive and how CSHC has stayed on grasp with the changing times. health services; by ensuring sexual health curriculum is The sexual revolution will be played out — and mirrored by integrated across jurisdictions.” For the past four decades, cocktails, music, laughs and reminiscing about the change the centre has accomplished these goals and more. Since of times. Of course, followed with a toast to the future and 2009 CSHC has developed groundbreaking programs that dancing the night away! have changed how society views sex, and has helped lower Expect to be blown away by the silent auction! It will prejudice to those who are different. Programs such as Right include a far out selection of “woodies” (wooden props used for 2 Love are one of a kind, the centre partnered with Disability condom demonstrations) custom painted by local celebrities, Action Hall in order to support individuals with disabilities and a few celebrities that will take guests by surprise! who want to change attitudes about the right to love. Right Mark your calendars as this is an event not to miss! 2 Love participants celebrate their sexuality and fight for their right to love. Other notable programs include: Families Achieving Inclusive Relationships, WiseGuyz and Seniors A GOGO. Calgary Sexual Health Centre The centre offers all the tools and tips to practicing safe sex to avoid further spread of sexually transmitted diseases and http://www.cbca.ab.ca/ HIV. Counselling services are available to discuss prevention methods and offer advice. For those infected with any of these diseases, counselors are always ready to listen and 40th Anniversary Celebration offer advice for treatment, and tips for living a healthier Thursday, October 25th lifestyle while battling a disease. Each individual who enters Belgo (501-8 Avenue SW, Calgary) the door earns the same respect as another, no one is treated Tickets: http://revolutionaryretrospective.eventbrite.com differently. That’s what the center is about, opening doors to smiling faces and positive influences. To date, one of the feats the centre is most proud of is their http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3125 strong advocacy for the LGBT community. In 1995 CSHC started the Questioning Your Sexual Orientation group for View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 21 Interview

 Lily Tomlin, photos by ABC

GC: Back then, when you realized you were gay, people didn’t even acknowledge it. Gay was taboo. Do you think that’s part of the reason Silly Lily you and Jane have been together so long but haven’t married? Because you never expected to? LT: No, I don’t think so. I guess it doesn’t mean that much. With the Comedian talks longtime relationship, gay concept of marriage, I’ve been a little too flippant and I’ve said things like, “I was hoping the gay community would come up with a better idea repression and retirement rumors than imitating heterosexual marriage.” (Laughs) But no, I know plenty of people who married and who are pleased By Chris Azzopardi about it and are happy. I guess if we had any kids, it would mean something more. Neither of us is religious, so that means nothing to Lily Tomlin launched her career over four decades ago with a timeless us. I’m proud and happy for it, for people who want to be married. I clan of wacky characters that she established on NBC’s sketch comedy suppose symbolically it would’ve been nice if we had gotten married for show Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In. But what if she had to be friends anybody who’s interested. with Edith Ann, Ernestine or Susie the Sorority Girl? GC: You talk about Jane as your partner to the press often now. It’s something the veteran comedian – and actress, who’s starred Was that always the case? in The West Wing and Desperate Housewives – never considered until LT: I used to talk about her all the time. I just talked about it now, making Tomlin rethink her entire career. Tomlin also dished naturally, but in those days people just did not write that way. When on how, despite rumors, she has no plans to retire; missing the “the I was on the cover of Time in ’77, my publicist had almost pulled off sneaking around” before gay liberation; and what we can expect from the old two-cover coup where you get Newsweek and Time. It’s not her progressive, pot-smoking part alongside Reba McEntire in her first even important anymore. For both stories, Jane would be there. It was major sitcom role since Murphy Brown. nothing. GC: Of all your iconic characters, do you have a favorite? One story, I can’t remember which one, said, “Lily lives alone in LT: They’re like kids. You don’t show partiality. It just seems wrong. the Hollywood Hills”; another one said that we shared a house – me GC: Would you want to be friends with any of them? and writer Jane Wagner. They knew we were a couple. They used to LT: Let me think. You’re right. Golly – they’re bad news. (Laughs) I protect us. The journalists would protect us just like they would protect don’t know if I want to be friends with any of them! This is a startling politicians in the old days. awakening. No one’s ever asked me that question. I was running GC: You probably never imagined you’d be talking to gay publications through them really quickly and I thought, “Well, that one would be a like you do so often now. Is that different for you? handful, and this is a high-maintenance relationship.” LT: Yeah, of course it is. We had The Advocate. Vito Russo, who GC: Right! Could you imagine being friends with Edith Ann? was my good friend, did a piece on me in The Advocate. What year was LT: Imagine having to be her mother! I had an Edith Ann puppet that? Probably sometime in the ’70s. And he didn’t want to out me in a with eyes and a tongue – and everything was animatronics – and we really big way that would bring any kind of repercussions on me at that never did anything with her, but I was so wanting a kids show starring time, because I was very, very popular from Laugh-In. I said to him, Edith Ann. Anyway, so she sits in a big old box right now. Poor thing. “Look, I want to do the piece with The Advocate but I don’t want to lie. She’s probably all deteriorated. But they sculpted the puppet head It’s too embarrassing and too awkward to do that.” I said, “I’m leaving after me – the way I perform her – and it had a vague resemblance to it up to you. I’m not going to try to influence whatever you do.” So in me. It was always sort of spooky. (Laughs) the piece, I do say to him, “Look, if we don’t talk about the gay issue it’s going to look very strange.” And he kept writing in that vein. But GC: So, let me get this straight: Your characters are needy and they scare the hell out of you. You might want to rethink your career, Lily. LT: (Laughs) Oh gosh. This has been revelatory. This one question is something I had never heard in my life and never even contemplated. GC: You and your partner, Jane Wagner, have been together for more than 40 years, right? LT: Yeah. It’s been – what is this? 2012? I have to think back. It’s 41 years, but it’ll be 42 years in March.

22 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com it was never explicit; of course, GC: Word is that you’re I’d get a lot of flack for it, a lot retiring after this series, of heat. People weren’t that – I which you mentioned during want to say hip. the recent Television Critics GC: Isn’t it amazing how Association panel. Is that true? much progress we’ve made LT: I said it as a joke. since then? Somebody in the audience LT: It’s been remarkable. asked me a question, I mean, it’s not enough if it’s something about playing a still an issue, but yeah – I’ve woman of a certain age; it was been just really dazzled by the hard to hear. Maybe they were activism and the refusal to talking about how lately I’ve disappear and be invisible. But played all these mothers: I’m I’ll tell you: You miss a little bit playing Lisa Kudrow’s mother of repression, just on the sexy on Web Therapy and I just side. The sneaking around. did a movie playing Tina Fey’s Any kind of taboo is always a mother. I also played McGee’s little more titillating. grandmother on NCIS. (The GC: Your upcoming series, person asked) something about Malibu Country, features a playing women of a certain age, flamboyant record executive so I answered it as Edith Ann played by Jai Rodriguez from first and then I said, “Don’t Queer Eye for the Straight Guy be surprised if this is the last and a next-door neighbor who’s project I do before I go to the gay. Were you surprised that a motion-picture home.” I was show starring Reba McEntire, just kidding around. whose fan base tends to be GC: So you’re not retiring ultra conservative, was so gay anytime soon? and progressive? LT: I don’t plan to. LT: Yeah, and I’m not sure GC: You come from a  Photo by Patterson where they’re going to take generation of female comedians the kid next door, but I hope that had a very family-oriented Lillie Mae gets very political. style of comedy. What’s your I’ve sort of pitched that to take on this new wave of female them, to go in that direction comedians both in film and with my character. She’s just in stand-up who are just as more enlightened than Reba, vulgar and crass as men? even though she’s Reba’s LT: Guys have done it mother. She’s just more open forever and so the girls just and expansive, where Reba is leveled the playing field. I like a little more Nashville and shut a much more cerebral kind of down. She’ll definitely be more comedy. Well, sort of cerebral. progressive. But I still have no problem GC: So your character’s with it. I’m glad to see those name isn’t Shirley anymore? girls make successful comedy. LT: I changed it. It’s Lillie Because in the old days – I Mae. I changed it to my mean, Gilda (Radner) never mother’s name. got the chance to do the films GC: What about the that the boys did from SNL. character interested you? The I’m glad that these girls break gray wig? that taboo, that obstacle that people have put up in front of (Laughs) I built that LT: them for years. wig! I had that wig made. Wigs always interest me. Haven’t I remember I used to do a you ever heard of Wigstock? ’50s teenager at a school dance I’m kidding. I have a wig room; and the first time I did it at the I have at least 50 to 70 wigs. Ice House in Pasadena – this I’m kind of a wig queen. would be like ’71 or ’72, right after I got on Laugh-In – and (I You know, first of all, Reba. said) “boner.” And the owner I’m not close friends with of the Ice House was beside Reba or anything, but my himself. He says, “Don’t ever brother lives in Nashville, and  Photo by ABC use that language on the stage my mother and dad are both again.” The guys did anything buried in Nashville, and so they wanted, but they did not having those Southern roots, I know the culture very well. I’ve always want to see women talking about anything that was the least bit – I liked Reba, but then I saw her in Annie Get Your Gun in ’99 and she don’t know – human. (Laughs) I didn’t listen to what he said. was drop-dead brilliant. People still talk about it. She was so alive in that role. I’ve never forgotten that. And because in the pilot Lillie Mae smokes dope, I thought this is a great chance to do an older person who’s just really open to everything. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3126 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 23 The Perks of Being Ezra Miller Breakthrough actor talks gay teen role, why he’s queer and doing drag as a kid

 Photos by Summer Entertainment

By Chris Azzopardi of education, but also there was some ostracizing at play. At Twenty is a young age to have already played two that point in my youth experience, I knew that feeling all too characters that couldn’t be any more different. But well. I immediately realized that I had just turned 16 and Ezra Miller’s done it with parts as Tilda Swinton’s evil that it was best, and technically legal, for me to flee. son in We Need to Talk About Kevin and as Patrick, the GC: How was it playing a character that you wished you lovable outsider with swagger and fearlessness in the could’ve been in school? film adaptation of the coming-of-age novel The Perks of EM: I came out of the movie feeling like I had a bunch to Being a Wallflower – the boy every gay person wishes he learn from the character I just played, and then I came to could be. Even Miller. the unfortunate conclusion that he was a fictional character and he didn’t exist. I mean, to be able to hold your dignity The young actor talked about not being that kid in high and your pride, and to be able to empower yourself and love school, breaking label barriers and coming from a “whole yourself in high school, is a feat. queer-ass family” – who dressed him in drag. GC: That scene where you stand up for yourself in the What was your high school experience? Were you out GC: lunchroom was probably something that hit close to home. then? EM: Yeah. You picture that moment where you effectively Yeah, definitely. But I wasn’t shouting it out. I was EM: fight back, but then of course Patrick does, in that situation, unabashedly me. I was always having to leave high school, end up getting held and pummeled and sort of relentlessly though, because I started working, so that was pulling me beaten on – that’s a reality, too. You can cultivate all of the out of school. When I’d come back, there was a certain courage and pride and power to stand up for yourself and resentment: “You are no longer one of us. You have betrayed still get beat to a pulp. I had that experience a few times. our pack.” And I dropped out of high school when I was 16 That scene was so important to everyone – to (director) years old because, first of all, the form and function of the Stephen (Chbosky) but really to (co-star) Johnny (Simmons) schooling system never made any sense to me in the context and myself. Having experienced things like that in our lives, we were really determined to get some bruises to make that fight brutal, the way that sort of peer-inflicted violence is – just horribly brutal. GC: Bullying is brutal, and it’s obviously become an epidemic in the last few years. What do you think young people who are victims of bullying might find empowering about Patrick? EM: I’m hoping that there could be a theoretical audience member who could watch Patrick in this fearless state of self-

24 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com preservation and rebellion fast, so I even got to dance and come to the thought in drag and rock some that anyone who dares to pumps. So, I’ve definitely cultivate the courage to had some informative stand up for themselves experiences. has immediately already GC: You owe your won the battle. The second sisters some gratitude for you endow yourself to be giving you drag training. your own best protector – EM: Really, man! I your own best friend, your was such a goofily happy own best lover – you’ve kid when we were doing already won. People can that. It was such, like, a put you through a lot of ridiculous dream come horrific psychological, true. emotional and physical conditions, but if you GC: You sound like the have that for a support polar opposite of your system for yourself, by character in We Need to yourself, there’s only so Talk About Kevin. You much anyone can ever do. were so not Kevin as a child. GC: In the movie, Charlie is a troubled EM: Yeah, that’s true. loner, but you open your But it’s good to stretch in world up to him and many different directions. affect his life immensely. I’m still convinced I can Who were your queer role go much darker than models growing up? anywhere I’ve gone so far, and I’m pretty sure there EM: My sisters, who are greater possibilities. were really strong and I really feel like I’ve only really empowered and just scratched a really who just were constantly minute surface. making sure that I felt the love and that I was GC: You develop a thinking for myself, but small crush on Charlie in at the same time had Wallflower. Have you ever my back. They were, for fallen for a straight boy me as a younger person, before? the only role models I EM: I mean, I just never ever needed. My flesh believe anyone when they and blood consumed say they’re straight. almost my whole frame GC: The media obviously of perception from when I isn’t sure how to interpret was a younger child. your “queer” identity; I’ve GC: So your sisters are seen you called gay by queer too? many news outlets. Why EM: Yeah. It’s a do you prefer queer? And whole queer-ass family! what do you think of just (Laughs) You know, it’s abandoning labels all pretty much the most together? ridiculously happy and EM: I think queer is lucky situation a boy like that doorway into the me could ask for. I really L, G, B and T. Queer is thank all sorts of illusive the doorway to where deities for the family that we should all be at. In a I have every day. perfect Garden of Eden GC: After seeing you as world, we are all pretty Frank N. Furter during damn – I don’t know if you The Rocky Horror Picture Show scene, something tells me say genderless or omni- this wasn’t your first time doing drag. You were that good. gendered – but we’re all omnisexual, we’re all balanced and none of us are participating in a binary. But until EM: Thanks, darling! I’ve definitely dabbled from a young that day comes, these labels and these ways that we can age. Those older sisters of mine actually started putting identity ourselves to ourselves are all useful, and it’s really me through drag school when I was, like, 3. I remember important that people figure out how to be inclusive and running a lemonade stand and I was all made-up: My hair supportive of each and every one of them. That’s my feeling got did, I was in a dress and I remember getting it going on it. I’m queer because I think the way society splits the so hard even then that people would come up to one of my human being in half is kind of tragic, and I think we should sisters and say, “I saw you and your sister selling lemonade all be as open a book as possible when it comes to loving today.” (Laughs) another human. Yeah, I’ve definitely served some time in the mighty and honorable school of drag. When I was in middle school – it was combined with a high school, and the theater http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3127 department was the same and it was the year that high schools were allowed to do Rent – I jumped on Angel really View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 25 Trans-Identity The Other Reproductive Rights

By Mercedes Allen how people should live their lives is something that we do Recently, I was asked why in my writing at Rabble.ca indeed share. on M-312, I had suggested that trans people should During those articles I was also accused of being an be concerned about attempts to criminalize abortion. imposter, of trying to co-opt womens’ struggles over this This was from someone who was trans and angry at the issue, even though my trans history meant that I don’t suggestion, since she considered herself to be “pro-life.” have the lived experience. At the time, I was clear that I Most of us have learned from experience that far right wrote as someone who basically wanted to add a voice of transphobes are motivated by a desire to impose their support, and who has never had to participate in this kind particular ideal about how people are supposed to live of life-changing decision, and not likely to in the future. upon everyone else, and should be able to see through the Relatively speaking, that qualifies as a position of privilege, hypocrisy of people wanting to end abortion, yet also wanting even though it’s not “male privilege,” nor is it something to limit access to contraception, to keep youth from being that I feel very privileged by (although my personal choice is able to learn about sex in an age-appropriate way, to limit not to add to a world that is overpopulated as it is). the distribution of condoms, to vocally oppose relationships But it’s disingenuous to say that trans people have no that don’t result in their preferred family format (gay / place in the larger discussion of reproductive freedom. lesbian families, single parenting), and wanting to end in- Because in addition to the issue of bodily autonomy, we vitro fertilization. But beyond that, there are some obvious as trans people also regularly have our right to make reasons to empathize with reproductive rights. reproductive decisions brought into question or denied us. A significant part of trans activism is focused on surgery, For those of us who medically transition, part of the even though it affects only some trans people. This is decision involved realizing that some treatments will end because we recognize the need for bodily autonomy, the our ability to parent children. For some of us, it’s a sacrifice right to make medical decisions for ourselves. In the case we’re willing to make, but there are also people who desire of abortion restrictions, though, some of the proposed to parent as well as to have children. When Thomas Beatie mandates can go the opposite direction and even jeopardize was dubbed by media as the pregnant man and propelled the lives and health of women in medical emergencies in into the public consciousness, it was the first inkling that order to protect a fetus. many people have had about this. Even many trans people By extension, we also need to realize that bodily autonomy were appalled by his decision to bear a child, because he decisions are quite often life-changing, and that attempts challenged notions about gender, parenting choices and to criminalize abortion are attempts to wrest that choice instincts, and the presumed “one true way” to be trans. away from women. Through history and throughout the Since Beatie’s media flurry, we’ve heard of other trans men world today, pregnancy and childbirth have been used to choosing to conceive, and have come to recognize this as control and oppress women in life-changing ways. Because something that happens in modern day - although our society childbirth uniquely places a life-long obligation upon women, still hasn’t always come to grips with the implications. Only it’s been used to dictate their entire lives. There’s nothing a couple months ago, Winnipegger Trevor MacDonald made wrong with starting a family - imposing it upon someone news when the breastfeeding advocacy and counselling is another matter, especially considering life-changing organization La Leche League Canada (LLLC) refused to consequences. And that’s the thing about “pro-life”: pro- allow him to enter a leadership role in the group - a decision choice is not a question of “yay, abortion, everyone have which was later reversed. one,” but the “pro-life” lobby is very much about arresting Prior to this, trans people have had the option of storing and prosecuting any and all women and physicians involved sperm or ova prior to transition, and then exploring the regardless of circumstance, need and all of the other factors possibilities of artificial insemination or in-vitro fertilization. that could contribute to such a complex decision. For trans women, it is still currently the only option. While But this is why this is such a contentious issue for women: Swedish doctors performed the first ever mother-daughter it’s a complete life change, and implicit in the quest to ban uterus transplant [1] this September, the underlying abortion (even if pro-lifers aren’t consciously pursuing this biological infrastructure means that it will be quite some end) are the conclusions that sex should only be engaged in time before this sort of medical technology will be well for the purpose of conception, and that conception should enough developed for trans people... even though one of always result in a lifetime role of motherhood. You wanted the first attempts was tried with Lili Elbe, one of the first to go to college? You wanted to pursue a career? All of known transsexual women, in 1931 (she later died during those are secondary now. Now, you’re a mother, whether the organ rejection). you’re emotionally, financially or physically ready for it or And while modern society is still coming to understand not. Banning abortion takes self-determination right out of the concept of trans parenting, there are still places in the equation, and the effects last a lifetime. And how many the Western world (let alone elsewhere around the globe) anti-abortion organizations seek to mitigate this result where trans people having custody of pre-transition by supporting programs to enable mothers attend higher children or trans parents adopting is seen as controversial. education? How many support subsidized day care or Reproductive justice is as much about the choice to have welfare programs? Most often, it’s quite the opposite, and children as the choice not to. we end up with Rush Limbaughs bemoaning the existence What’s more is that legal identification often hinges upon of “overeducated” women. surgical status. In Canada - with the very recent exception At that point, abortion really does become a human rights of Ontario, which is still working out the implications of issue. Whenever a characteristic class has their autonomy a legal precedent - one has to have verifiable change of and self-determination taken from them, human rights are their physical sex in order to be able to change the most at issue. And that kind of struggle against the dictation of foundational of their identity documents, especially birth certificates and social insurance records (other ID can sometimes be changed sooner, under certain circumstances,

26 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com including Alberta Driver’s Licenses). Consequently, legal citizenship, enfranchisement and accommodation can require surgery, and surgery negates any ability to parent. Hormone therapy too is most often sterilizing (and it has happened a number of times in the past where transsexual people had not been informed of this prior to transition). Some countries are worse, too, literally writing sterilization into their legislation governing identification changes, or even requiring it in order to start transition. What all of this points to is that as transsexual and transgender movements are becoming more enfranchised, empowered and self-guiding, they are also raising questions about the status quo, and seeking new ways to parent, new ways to conceive, and asking new questions about what that means. It will be interesting, and will probably challenge all of us. And probably, when it happens, some of the people involved with reproductive rights movements now will reject the new questions we as trans people bring. But even so, it is important to educate ourselves about the guiding principles and be allies to those who we will probably one day ask to stand with us. Not to mention that it is simply the right thing to do.

References: 1) http://www.gaycalgary.com/u513

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www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 27 Politics The Level Playing Field Is Still Askew By Stephen Lock athlete in any of the major professional sports. Not one. True, As if there was any doubt, two separate instances in some have come out after their careers have finished, going September highlighted the lingering level of homophobia back to David Kopay thirty-seven years ago who came out and garden-variety anti-gay feelings still in professional three years after retiring from football. But current high-level sports. athletes in football, hockey, baseball or boxing and wrestling? Not one. The first instance involved an 18-year old North Dakota State College of Sciences football player by the name of Jamie Part of that, of course, is the mindset within those sports Kuntz. He had experienced a concussion earlier and so when which can definitely preclude any coming out by a player. his first college game came up, he wasn’t allowed to suit up. These are highly aggressive, one might even say macho, sports. Fair enough. Image is everything within these sports and even behaviour such as drinking/partying too much, being busted for drugs or What happened next, however, was he kissed his much older DUI, allegations of sexual assault against women, or adultery - (and we are talking far older) boyfriend up in the press box at as negative and horrific as they can be - contribute to the image the game. Kuntz was videotaping the game for his team, the of the highly masculine, driven, “jock”. Certainly athletes who Wildcats, who were down more than 40 points against Snow transgress on this level are called to task and held accountable, College when, he said, the kiss “just happened.” up to a point, but coming out as gay? Their careers would A teammate apparently witnessed the kiss between Kuntz go in the toilet in a matter of weeks, guaranteed. Even those and his 65-year-old boyfriend and reported it to the team who have been accused, if not convicted, of sexual assault can coaches. When Coach Chuck Parsons confronted the young rebound in their careers. I wonder if an openly gay middle linebacker during the bus ride back to North Dakota - so in linebacker could? other words, in front of his teammates - Kuntz said the man That mindset is in place due to a convergence of factors: the was his grandfather. players themselves, coaches, owners, franchises concerned Feeling guilty about lying, he later told the coach the man about the bottom line, even fans. Every fan in the stands wants was, in fact, his lover. Kuntz was removed from the team due to be like the player on the field, to do what he does, to have to contravening the rules about “conduct deemed detrimental what he has. If that player is openly gay would Joe Average to the team.” Fan want to, or be seen to, align himself with...with...THAT? The college acknowledges the player was disciplined by his Not in my lifetime. The players know that, as do the coaches coach, but that it had nothing to do with him being homosexual. and owners. Any pro athlete who might approach his handlers In a letter from Coach Parsons to Kuntz, the coach indicated to suggest he is thinking about coming out would be strongly the player was being removed from the team, not for the kiss discouraged not to. Maybe even threatened not to, I don’t itself, but for lying about the kiss and stating the individual was know, but I can certainly envision a scenario in which millions his grandfather. of dollars are at stake whereby he would be. Far easier to go Kuntz has also since left the college, which he was attending with the game plan and ‘discreetly’ (read: secretly) do what he on a partial football scholarship. does on the side, which is pretty much a textbook definition of The second instance involved Blue Jays’ shortstop, Yunel ‘being in the closet.’ Escobar, and his choice to write “Tu ere Maricon” (“You are Is it any wonder, then, that in such an environment it is, at a Faggot”) on his black patches - which many players in both some level, seen as acceptable to have a player either dismissed baseball and football wear under their eyes to reduce glare from from the team for lying about his relationship or having a player the sun or stadium lights - throughout the Jays’ game against think there is nothing wrong with going on the field with an the Boston Red Sox. anti-gay slur emblazoned across his cheekbones? Would Kuntz The phrase is allegedly not considered to be homophobic have been kicked off his team, and any dreams of playing pro- in Latino culture. It can also be translated more along the football dashed, if he had lied about the true nature of his lines of “You are a Pussy” or “You are a Wuss”. The phrase relationship with a far older woman? I doubt it. is a comment on another man’s masculinity...or lack thereof. Escobar is Cuban. Escobar was fined $90,000 and suspended for three games. Controversy naturally erupted when the black patches could Fair enough. But what if he had stepped onto the field with an be clearly seen in zoom lens photographs of the game released anti-Semitic slogan on his patches, or an anti-Muslim slogan or by Jays’ fan and season ticketholder, James Greenhalgh, on a racist one? I think we all know the answer to that....he’d be his Flickr page. gone so fast, all you’d see is dust. Escobar, being a far higher profile athlete than Kuntz, has In Canada, LGBTQ people finally have full equality under the come under both attack and defense. Those defending him, law. The level of acceptance is far higher than it was even a predictably, cite the differences between Latino and Anglo decade ago. On the surface, it would appear we finally have culture and claim “Tu ere Maricon” does not, in fact, have the attained what so many of us sacrificed and fought for. There same cachet in Spanish that it does in English and that Escobar are those both within and outside the community who ask, is being unfairly castigated. In effect, playing the race card. what else do we need? What else do we want? We now have Be that as it may, and even allowing for the machismo which the same legal and social rights as every other Canadian. And permeates much of Latino culture, that officials permitted him yet, when things like this crop up, it is clear there is still work to step on to the field with the phrase on his patches is one of to be done. True equality comes when all people have the same the issues here. opportunity and cannot, and are not, penalized or ridiculed for who they are. Athletes are role models for young boys and men and therefore have a responsibility to their public. They certainly get paid Professional sports has a ways to go before it can say it truly enough. That Escobar had no idea how the phrase would be has a level playing field. interpreted is simply not believable. This is Canada, not East Los Angeles or New Mexico or Cuba. Was he really that naïve? I seriously doubt it. Not too bright, maybe. Arrogant? Perhaps. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3129 But there is a greater context here than just some baseball View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments player or college football player. There is not one openly gay

28 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com BEAUTY AND THE BEAT

 Mika Newton

By Dustin Fitzharris started going to music school. Both of her parents supported her passion, Mika Newton isn’t afraid to admit she is relentless. She vows and her father even helped train her to be the kind of performer who could that she will never stop working hard, going to places, meeting sing at any given moment. Newton remembers how often times he would people, and encouraging everyone around her to make a wake her up late in the evening to entertain guests who had come by the difference in the world. If it sounds like Newton is on a mission house for a visit. to prove she isn’t just another pretty, blonde pop star, you’d be Newton continued to hone her craft and participated in various song correct. contests. In February 2011 she was chosen to represent Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest. While she finished in fourth place, she caught Last month, the 26-year old released her American-debut single titled the eye of producer and “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson. She signed “Don’t Dumb Me Down,” written by Danish composer Rune Westberg. The a contract with JK Music Group and Jackson’s Dream Merchant 21 and beat is instantly infectious. The lyrics, “Sometimes you don’t get what you moved to Los Angeles in hopes to reach a whole new audience with her ask for; Sometimes you get a whole lot more,” are empowering and yet music. clever enough to stick in your head throughout the day. “I am very honest with myself in my songs and what I want to say to “It is a song with a very encouraging message,” Newton says. “People people,” says Newton. “I want to help them be honest with themselves. I tend to think that if you are pretty, it’s unlikely that you have some brains would call my ‘stamp’ on today’s music as ‘the stamp of truth.’” too. I come across this opinion all the time!” At the moment Newton describes her audience as young people who With “Don’t Dumb Me Down,” Newton’s American career has been “understand that life is an amazing adventure and everything is in their launched on a high note. She is the latest protégé of veteran producer hands.” However, her colorful dance beats combined with empowering and “American Idol” judge, Randy Jackson, who produced the single. MTV messages about finding pride within, are finding resonance among gay fans immediately took notice of the song and its video, directed by Marc Klasfeld, too. who is known for his work with Beyoncé and Katy Perry, and named it Some naysayers may say her image is too innocent for today’s pop music “buzzworthy.” scene, but she isn’t concerned with fitting into a mold and using what is hot But make no mistake, Newton isn’t trying to be a carbon copy of her now to sell her music. “I do not really believe in fads, nor do I want to be a peers. While she believes that every artist has a gimmick, her focus is on part of it. My intention is to continue to follow my heart and create my own inviting her audience to take an emotional journey with her to recognize the art for people to enjoy and make their lives better,” Newton says. potential they have within. The future is bright for Newton. She has been quoted as saying that “My ultimate mission as a performer is to help people believe in having wings to fly was something she always wanted. If she continues to themselves, bring them hope of a better life and inspire them to be the best keep her dreams alive and work as hard as she’s doing today, she may get they can be,” explains Newton. “All our life is a struggle with something. her wish and soar to heights she never even imagined. And if we achieve everything easily, we wouldn’t appreciate what we have as much. If you do what you do with love, you don’t think of anything else and just do it because it comprises your life.” Since Newton, born Oksana Stefanivna Grytsay, was a young girl http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3130 growing up in Burshtyn, Ukraine admiring the talents of Celine Dion and Michael Jackson, she always knew she wanted to sing. At 7 years old she View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 29 Gossip

 Robert Pattinson, photo by Entertainment One

Chloe Sevigny moves to Portlandia Played an HIV-positive teenager? Check. A young woman in Deep Inside Hollywood love with a transgender man? Check. A nun? A sister-wife? A transgender female assassin? Check, check, check. But to call Which one is Queen of The Desert? yourself a true gay icon you really need to have comedian Drew Droege make crazy Internet videos starring as you in conceptual drag while satirizing the media’s perception of your personal By Romeo San Vicente life. Oh wait, check on that one, too. This, then, makes Chloe Post-Twilight, Robert Pattinson’s career heat is leading him in Sevigny’s every career move important. And it’s why we’re pleased some unexpected directions. Instead of continuing to cash in with to announce her arrival in Portlandia, the IFC “sitcom” starring above-the-title treatment in big budget Hollywood junk, the young Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein about people in Portland, actor has, instead, chosen to work with acclaimed filmmakers like Oregon. Or maybe it’s really a satire of the media’s perception of David Cronenberg, for whom he’s currently starring in the very the entire city of Portland? Whatever, we just hope that in at least strange arthouse hit Cosmopolis. Now the former teen vampire has one upcoming episode of the new season Sevigny will play a gay been cast by legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog Cave( of Forgotten male comic making Internet videos about a hipster alt-starlet. Dreams) for Queen of The Desert, Herzog’s biopic about Gertrude Tail, eat yourself! Bell. Naomi Watts will take the role of the famous adventurer and Tootsie takes the stage, Hayes joins Smash spy often known as “the female Lawrence of Arabia,” while Pattinson will play Mr. Of Arabia himself, T.E. Lawrence (made film-famous In what appears to be a now firmly entrenched trend of taking by young Peter O’Toole). Lawrence’s sexuality has long been the popular films and turning them into Broadway musicals, Sony subject of debate and Bell was unmarried for life in a time when Pictures has struck a five-year deal with Tony Award-winning women were discouraged from that sort of thing. Queer historians, producer Scott Sanders to transform Sony titles into stage- start your speculations. bound tourist pleasers. First up? Tootsie, the sweetly funny straight-man-in-a-dress comedy that starred Dustin Hoffman Gus Van Sant takes Matt Damon to the Promised Land way back in 1982. No other details besides its potential existence That untitled, in-development “Capra-esque” movie Matt Damon are forthcoming, so you may now safely return to considering the co-wrote with John Krasinski, the one they’re also starring in future of your new TV-about-Broadway addiction, Smash. Sean together and that Damon was going to direct but then gave up to Hayes is joining the cast for the upcoming season as a TV actor longtime collaborator Gus Van Sant? Remember that one? It has making his Broadway debut, something Hayes himself parlayed a name now: Promised Land. Based on a story by Dave Eggers, into a Tony nomination for the revival of Promises, Promises. As author of the acclaimed memoir A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering this character he will make Debra Messing’s life a living hell, so Genius, it’s about a shake-up in the lives and values of two greedy déjà vu on that one, too, while adding fresh blood to an already rival Wall Street types. (And are there any who aren’t awful, or do we beefed up second season cast that includes Jennifer Hudson, just not hear about them because they’re busy building Habitat for Daniel Sunjata (Take Me Out) and Jeremy Jordan (Newsies). Humanity houses on the weekend?) And Focus Features is getting Hollywood is going to make Broadway a serious thing again or behind the film, which also stars Academy Award-winner Frances die trying. McDormand, for a sizeable Oscar push with a late December Romeo San Vicente will call you. Maybe. release and rollout into awards season. If the film is halfway decent and they play their cards right, it could be Van Sant and Damon’s next Good Will Hunting. And who wouldn’t like them apples? http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3131 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

30 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com Lifestyle Cocktail Chatter Gazpacho Borracho

By Ed Sikov “It sure has been one of those summers!” the talkative senior sitting next to me on the train said as we pulled out of Penn Station toward Babylon. (Yes, there really is a town on Long Island called Babylon. They may as well have named it Gomorrah.) The train’s air conditioning was no match for the heat and humidity. It was 7:55 a.m. and my T-shirt was already soaked through. I considered taking it off, but there’s a rule against going shirtless on the train, and besides, I didn’t want the happy 80-year-old to stare at my phenomenally hairy stomach. “Sure is,” I said with a tone meant to cut off the conversation but that succeeded only in ensuring that it would last for the duration of the trip. I heard all about her grandson’s service in Iraq; the intense heat of Iraq; the sand flies in Iraq; the parched earth of Iraq… . After 20 minutes of hearing her impromptu recitation of the Britannica entry on Gazpacho Borracho Iraq, I began to see myself crawling down the aisle rasping, “Water! Water!” Fresh basil – 2 cups sliced or torn, including stems “I’m sorry, but I have to get some work done,” I lied to the Star Anise – 1 whole elderly woman. “Really! What kind of work do you do?” “I’m Clove – 1 a writer.” “Really! Have I ever heard of you?” An inspiration struck: “Not unless you read a lot of gay pornography.” The Bay leaf – 1 old woman gasped “oh!” with an air of panic and remained ½ tsp. kosher salt (coarser than table salt) glued to the window for the rest of the trip. large yellow tomatoes – 2 For that night’s dinner I planned to make a recipe from a popular food magazine, but I knew it had to be altered. First yellow watermelon, cut into chunks – 2 cups I got rid of the third of a cup of sugar. Um, it’s the height peeled and seeded cucumber – 1 cup of watermelon season! Sugaring a ripe yellow watermelon 1/4 cup lime juice would ruin it. I also nixed the plum tomato. Um, it’s the height of the tomato season! You can get taste-free plums Thai chilies (optional) all year round. I went instead with two yellow beefsteaks to Ground black pepper to taste go with the melon. Four cloves were total overkill, as were Absolut premium vodka – to taste four whole star anise pods. I went with one of each. Finally, I chopped a few Thai chili peppers and put them in a small dish for us to add or not, according to individual taste. And Put four to six martini glasses in the freezer. Wash the I added some Absolut and made it a cocktail. If you just basil and dry it. Into a small saucepan, add clove, star anise, want plain unspiked gazpacho, just leave out the Absolut. bay leaf, salt, basil and 1 ½ cups of water. Bring it to a boil, (Duh!) turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let it steep for the time it takes for you bring another small pot full of water to a boil. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3132 Cut an X into the top and bottom of the tomatoes and plunk them into the boiling water for 30 seconds; remove View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments them from the water. The skins should slide right off, but the tomato will remain uncooked. Cut the tomatoes in half sideways (one side gets the stem end, the other the bottom end); pare away any woody remnants of the stem and squeeze the tomato over the sink to remove as many seeds as you can. Cut up the watermelon into chunks, measure carefully and stop when you have more or less two cups. Place a strainer over the top of a blender or food processor and pour the basil tea through it. Toss out the contents of the strainer. Add the rest of the ingredients (except for the chilies, unless you’re sure your guests like their drinks spicy) to the blender or food processor and blend at increasingly high speeds until smooth. Pour blended gazpacho into a large bowl and stir. Blend it again in batches and pour each of these blended rounds of gazpacho into a large pitcher. Stir it, add salt and pepper, taste it, and if you’re happy with it, chill it for as long as possible. Add more salt and pepper if necessary; cold food needs more salt than room-temperature or hot food. Add the alcohol to individual glasses to taste. www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 31 Greta Gerwig: The New Gay-Loved Girl Actress talks gay fake-out in new film, preference for gay boyfriends and filling Liza’s shoes

 Photo by Fox Searchlight

By Chris Azzopardi in love and then they can have a sidekick straight girl best It was only a matter of time before Greta Gerwig would friend. enter gay consciousness. Roles in the Arthur remake, GC: Would you star in it? with Ben Stiller in Greenberg and as Natalie Portman’s GG: I would play the sidekick, and Bradley Cooper would star bestie in No Strings Attached made her a bona fide movie in it. (Laughs) star, but it was Damsels in Distress – gleefully riffing on GC: That means no sex scenes with Bradley. the power of dance in suicide prevention – that earned GG: I know. It would just be platonic. We’d make milkshakes her queer cred. Why? Just ask her. “It’s like an absurdist together in my cute apartment with my cat. college version of Mean Girls,” the actress says. GC: Tell me what you learned from having a gay first Now Gerwig, 28, stars in Fox Searchlight’s Lola Versus, a boyfriend. post-breakup dramedy about one woman’s (reckless, slutty GG: It’s a very good thing to have a gay boyfriend as your and drunken) journey to self-fulfillment. The actress will also first boyfriend. We really liked each other, and we liked all of appear alongside Penélope Cruz, Ellen Page and Alec Baldwin the same things – he loved musicals; I loved musicals. We had in Woody Allen’s summer release To Rome With Love. Charming and upbeat, Gerwig spoke to us about the gay best friend she should’ve had in Lola Versus, how even straight guys can like Ani DiFranco and the best era to be lesbian. GC: You’re really put through the wringer in Lola Versus. Where’s a gay best friend when you need him? GG: I know! What’s sad is that a lot of people who saw the trailer assume that Hamish Linklater is my gay friend, and he’s actually not gay in the movie. They just assume because he makes that Rupert Everett joke. I don’t know what kind of New York girl I am that I don’t have a gay BFF. There’s something wrong with that. GC: Are we past having the gay guy be the proverbial shoulder to lean on for the damsel in distress? GG: It’s very stereotypical of that kind of movie. I think we’re ready to have just a full-on mainstream rom-com that’s just guys. Someone should make a rom-com about two guys falling

32 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com so much fun together. He GG: I feel like I’ve oversold didn’t want to have sex with my actual credentials in me, which then – at 14, musical-theater. A lot of 15 – you don’t really want my credentials in musical- to be having sex anyway. theater is just singing We used to go to dances along to them in the car. together and, regardless (Laughs) I’m not like Lea of the theme of the dance, Michele; I was not in Spring we would create our own Awakening. I just loved theme and go as whatever musicals. we had decided the theme GC: Adam Brody had a was, so we went to dances great line in Damsels in as people from the Roaring Distress that suggests he Twenties – not the theme may have been homosexual of the dance, but very fun. in a different era, before it We just had a great time. became so trendy. If you It was much better than were lesbian, which era dating some meathead who would you be lesbian in? just wants to touch your GG: Obviously 1992- breasts. 1997. Sinead O’ Connor, GC: So what’s your call Lilith Fair – that was a on the one-night-stand super good time to be rebound who was an lesbian, right? And Melissa incubator baby and has Etheridge, baby doll a thing for Ani DiFranco, dresses with combat boots who he plays during your – awesome! sex scene with him in Lola GC: What was it like Versus . Gay or not? going to an all-girls college? GG: Yeah, no. I think GG: I love Barnard. While he just really likes Ani I was at Barnard, they DiFranco! (Laughs) One of changed the policy – my my high school boyfriends RA was transgender and loved Ani DiFranco. He was starting the process of did! He learned how to play changing from being a girl Ani DiFranco songs on to being a boy. Barnard the guitar, and he’s fully officially came out and said straight. It’s a real thing.  Photos by Fox Searchlight that’s totally cool and our GC: There’s the scene students can do that and where you wander drunk we support it, which was into a strip club. Was that pretty awesome. your first time in one? GC: You played opposite GG: It was, actually. Russell Brand in Arthur, We didn’t have full-on in the part Liza Minnelli strippers, though. I have originated in 1981. How been to places where there did it feel stepping into are naked people, but Liza’s shoes? And did your I’ve never been to a strip gay friends approve of your club. I always expect that performance? to happen to me one day, GG: They did. Although but it’s never happened to everybody was really sad me. I have only been in the that I didn’t get to wear this fictitious world. one pantsuit that she wears GC: Where else do you in the original: this giant find naked people? pink pantsuit that’s shiny GG: The Box in New and crazy. It’s insane. They York; it’s a club, and there were sad I didn’t get to wear were lots of naked people her outfits. and I was working there. My favorite Liza movie But it wasn’t, like, proper is definitely Cabaret – the strippers. Just naked ultimate. She’s so great in people. (Laughs)  Photo by Sony Pictures that, and I used to watch GC: What interested you that movie and wonder in Damsels in Distress? if my legs were as long as GG: I love Whit Stillman and the crazy universes he hers. (Laughs) I just thought she was the most beautiful woman constructs. I just think he’s totally unique as a voice; there’s I’d ever seen. I used to do that with Cyd Charisse with Singin’ in no one else like him. He’s almost like the Oscar Wilde of now, the Rain and Ann Reinking. All of those saucy girls that could in a way. I don’t think there’s another person who writes quite get their legs way up there, I wanted to be like them. like he does and has this strange, absurdist, satirical sensibility that is also somehow totally sincere. GC: How cool was it to exercise some of your musical-theater http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3133 background in it? View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 33 Community How a Movement is Born SlutWalk co-founder, queer positive feminist to speak at upcoming event By Krista Sylvester Starting a global movement against victim-blaming, slut-shaming and sexual profiling on behalf of women’s rights is no small feat, but for queer and body-positivist feminist Heather Jarvis, it’s imperative. Jarvis is the co-founder of SlutWalk, which began in early 2011 in Toronto to combat stereotypes around sexual assault after a Toronto police officer said women should “avoid dressing like sluts” to avoid getting raped. “I think unfortunately society still teaches us how not to get raped instead of how not to rape,” Jarvis says on the topic, adding, “unfortunately it’s still about what to wear, what not to wear, how to act, how not to act to avoid getting assaulted.” Since the 3,000 person march in Toronto last April, the movement has spread across the globe, including right here in Calgary, and has reached as far as London and Brazil, who are among 200 other countries who hosted the protest.  Heather Jarvis, queer and body-positive feminist “I think somehow our message just really resonated with people. It was just supposed to be a one-time thing but it “We’re calling bullshit on that theory that words don’t hurt. really resonated with people across the world,” she says. “I We need to challenge that and look at the power of words and think it’s inspiring and encouraging but at the same time sad why that is. Words like slut, whore, and homophobic language, and disappointing that this kind of thing still resonates with these words do mean something.” people.” Jarvis, who loves public speaking and does it as much Now, Jarvis and her SlutWalk co-founder Sonya Barnett will as possible, says TED talks bring together genuine and be speaking at an upcoming TEDxToronto conference later this compassionate people to have what is sometimes a difficult month. TEDxToronto is one of many satellite versions of TED conversation in an effort to move forward together. (an acronym for Technology, Entertainment, Design), and pits “That’s my optimistic goal, and I hope it brings people speakers in front of 1,000 audience members and upwards of together and they will be kinder to each other and have less 30,000 live-streaming viewers during an 18-minute speech on violence in the world.” the topic of the event. And for those in Calgary, Jarvis says anyone can make a Jarvis says she is looking forward to connecting with over difference, anywhere in the world. two dozen other like-minded individuals on speaking about “Generally, a lot of people can make a lot of difference; the topic of Alchemy and how single ideas and stories can they just don’t think they can. There are so many ways to get combine to create something much larger. And with chants involved and if you have an idea, touch base with the people of “one, two, three, four, we won’t take it anymore. Five, six, in your community and you can make it happen. Working seven, eight, stop the violence, stop the hate” heard at last together and involving the community is important.” year’s SlutWalk in Toronto, who better than Jarvis to ignite the conversation. “I think that’s the point of these talks, where you get a really broad overview of topics and connect together,” Jarvis says. At their talk, Ms. Barnett and co-founder Heather Jarvis http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3134 plan to discuss the power of language in society and why words have so much meaning. View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

34 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com Preview AGOKWE: A Two-Spirited Love Story Ojibwa Artist, Waawaate Fobister, Portrays Queer Teenage Love on the Rez

By Janine Eva Trotta are you calling me that’ he was beaten severely, waking up Based on actual events, the one-man show Agokwe by bloody in the back of an ambulance en route to hospital. Waawaate Fobister offers audiences a unique Ojibwan “That was a really hard time because I thought he was my perspective of teenage two-spirit love. friend,” Waawaate shared on the program First Story. Agokwe is the story of Jake and Mike, both played by To other teens facing the same challenges he offers these Waawaate. The two teens live on different reserves in words of encouragement. Northwestern Ontario. Waawaate, who created the show at the “Stay strong. Be brave. Have courage. Stay humble. Look into age of 22, grew up in a reserve in Grassy Narrows one hour the culture and language. It’s very empowering. We have a very north of Kenora. rich culture, especially about our two-spirited ancestors.” “I started writing the piece in 2006 at Buddies in Bad Times Waawaate got his artistic start in 2000 with the De-bah-jeh- Theatre as part of their Young Creators’ Unit,” he says. “This muh-jig Theatre Group. program was designed for young writers to create a one-man “I was 16 years old. They came to my reserve to do a show.” workshop,” he describes. “I did the workshop and they saw that “I was an artist looking for opportunities to tell stories.” I had something, so they offered me a job in the summer.” Waawaate says aside from timelines, the piece is very much Waawaate loved the position so much he decided to pursue autobiographical. Raised in a small community the artist acting as a career. He attended acting school in Toronto upon knows the hardships of being marginalized. At a party thrown graduating from high school, and still resides there today. by his babysitter Waawaate realized he was attracted to men. Agokwe, meaning ‘wise woman’ or ‘two spirited’, began as Coming out to his father was difficult, but his father, one of the a short monologue and was originally performed as part of most important people in his life, was understanding. This gave Buddies’ 2005/06 PrideCab, a 12-week youth driven cabaret, Waawaate the confidence he needed to emerge as two-spirited later developing into a 75-minute theatre piece when Waawaate on his rez. was teamed with its current director. Unfortunately coming out was not met with the same This is a story of classic teenage unrequited love; the understanding reception his father provided by everyone difference in this piece is its refreshing inclusion of Ojibwan Waawaate was close to. Waawaate was called a faggot by a elements. drunk friend, and upon confronting him, or merely asking ‘why Waawaate’s preparatory rituals include prayer and the smudging of sage, a commonly used medicinal herb by Ojibwans. “I smudge the stage, the theatre, the set, and my costumes,” he says. “I also do 1.5-hour warm-up – vocal, yoga, cardio, and a little physical workout. I do it to all to my favorite and inspiring tunes.” In addition to playing Mike the hockey player and Jake the dancer, Waawaate also performs the iconic, multifarious persona of Nanabush the trickster who adds an interesting dark component to the story. Mike and Jake meet at a Kenora shopping mall and connect through their mutual love of movement, ‘however youth, distance and isolation strive to pull the threads apart when tragedy intervenes.’ Directed by Edward Roy, who has pulled in numerous awards for his work including the Dora Award for The Other Side of the Closet, and Chalmers Awards for A Secret Life and White Trash Blue Eyes, Agokwe offers audiences a ‘provocative, rhythmic and visually rich’ production. The show won six Dora Awards when it premiered in 2009 in Toronto. This fall Alberta Aboriginal Arts, based in Edmonton, is hosting a remount of the play as it travels across Canada.

Agokwe Oct 30th to Nov 11th Catalyst Theatre (8529 Gateway Boulevard, Edmonton) 780-477-5955 ext. 301 • [email protected] http://www.catalysttheatre.ca

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www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 35 Out Destination Fort Lauderdale

By Joey Amato But the charm of Fort Lauderdale Beach lies just two blocks Known as one of the country’s foremost LGBT capital’s, inland. Those looking to avoid swanky hotel chains in favor of Fort Lauderdale definitely offers visitors a plethora smaller, more personal accommodations should head to one of over of dining, entertainment and cultural options, not a dozen LGBT-owned guest houses, most notably, The Grand Resort to mention miles of pristine beaches perfect for those & Spa. looking to catch some rays while listening to the The Grand is the largest gay-owned and operated men’s resort mesmerizing sounds of the Atlantic. on Fort Lauderdale Beach, offering 33 luxurious guestrooms, two pools, a Jacuzzi, full-service spa, fitness center and complimentary Fort Lauderdale is actually three destinations in one. The first, breakfast. Stay in one of the suites, which contain a separate living Fort Lauderdale Beach, is a picturesque ocean-front destination space and full kitchen, perfect for those looking to spend a few extra dotted with high rise condominiums and hotels, including The Ritz- days of fun in the sun. Carlton, W and Hilton. Dozens of beach front restaurants, shops and attractions line North Atlantic Boulevard, also known as A1A Guests can enjoy the resorts famous Sundown Happy Hour every and are extremely gay-friendly. Thursday thru Saturday before heading to one of the beach’s fine restaurants including Steak 954, 3030 Ocean or Coconuts, where diners can savor delicious American cuisine including New England

36 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com physical sciences and a large array of programs designed to serve diverse audiences. If you’d prefer to spend a more casual afternoon with friends, head to Rosie’s Bar & Grill, and enjoy some of the best burgers, sandwiches and salads in Fort Lauderdale. I suggest trying the She BOP Wrap consisting of grilled chicken, bacon, fresh avocado, cheddar cheese and herb mayo rolled into a tomato-basil tortilla with a side of homemade sweet-potato fries. For a different flavor, head to Rodeo, a restaurant specializing in Southwestern, Tex-Mex and Cajun cuisine. For a quick bite, sample Rodeo’s delicious Fried Green Tomatoes, Barbeque Nachos or New Orleans Quesadilla. While in town, be sure to stop by the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, an extraordinary collection of cultural and historical artifacts celebrating the LGBT community. The museum is home to over 21,000 books, 19 traveling exhibits and over 7,000 artifacts including the gavel used to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Fort Lauderdale is also home to many LGBT charitable organizations including SunServe, Out of the Closet and Broward House, South Florida’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS community service organization. If your vision of a vacation includes the hottest go-go boys in South Florida, then visit Johnny’s Fort Lauderdale, one of three bars in town featuring nightly go-go dancing. The staff and dancers at Johnny’s are always welcoming, so if this is your first time visiting, they will make you feel right at home. Upon arrival to Fort Lauderdale, be sure to pick up a copy of either South Florida Gay News or Hot Spots magazine. Both publications will provide you with great information about what’s happening around town including special events, nightly drink specials and LGBT community news. For more information, visit www.sunny.org/glbt OUT Destinations is part of OUTreach Public Relations, a company specializing in LGBT marketing. Founded by Joey Amato in 2012, OUTreach PR has quickly become one of the most sought after companies for celebrities, corporations and non-profit organizations looking to target the ever growing and affluent LGBT consumer. For more information, please visit www.outreachpublicrelations.com. Lobster Rolls, Coconut Shrimp or the fresh catch-of-the-day while watching the sunset over downtown. Enjoy some after dinner libations at any one of the many venues http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3136 on Las Olas Boulevard including Yolo, or head to Wilton Manors, View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments South Florida’s gay mecca. Just a few miles from Fort Lauderdale beach, Wilton Manors is an epicenter of gay culture. Dozens of gay- owned shops, restaurants, bars and clubs are clustered along Wilton Drive, making the area a one-stop destination for the LGBT traveler and a great place to mingle with the locals. Sports enthusiasts should head to Sidelines, a friendly neighborhood sports bar offering daily drink specials and a great mix of men and women alike. Beer aficionados should visit Wilton’s Bier Garden, a fairly new establishment offering 16 beers on tap and over 100 different bottled beers imported from countries around the world including Germany, Belgium and Scotland. Dance the night away at The Manor Complex, a huge mega club in the heart of Wilton Manors which combines a restaurant, ultra lounge and nightclub all into one upscale experience. Check out The Manor’s website for a list of daily events which include special appearances by world-renowned DJ’s and numerous live performances throughout the year. After a fun evening of partying, culture buffs should visit the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, located in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The museum is home to a permanent collection of more than 6,000 works including significant pieces by the artists of the northern European CoBrA movement and contemporary Cuban artists. The museum also offers numerous unique exhibitions which included the recent Primordial: Paintings and Glass Sculptures by Isabel De Obaldía and upcoming original exhibition, SHARK. A few blocks away is the Museum of Discovery and Science consisting of 85,000 square feet of interior space, a 300-seat AutoNation IMAX Theater, and an open-air grand atrium. The Museum features dynamic interactive exhibits in the natural and

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 37 Send In My Girls Queens Return to All Star Drag Race

 Photos by Mathu Anderson

By Jason Clevett there. The thing is, we need support from people. One of my If I were to create a list of “GayCalgary Interview All platforms is to teach young people how to support our gay Stars” RuPaul would be one of the top. Somehow he culture. As elders we have fought long and hard to have these always says something moving and thought provoking, freedoms, but it seems like young people take it for granted. If but speaking with him is also a lot of fun. He is an you want something you have to fucking support it baby.” inspiring person, and has influenced a whole new With that in mind, where’s Willam?! generation of drag queens. 12 of the best queens from “He is right here, do you want to talk to him?” Ru asked, the first 4 seasons return for RuPaul’s All Star Drag laughing. “He’s not actually here. Hopefully we will have Willam Race, premiering October 22nd at 9pm et/pt exclusively next time if we have a next time. We have unleashed maybe on OUTtv. 65 girls into ya’lls neighborhoods in the world and these girls are working. What I am most proud of is that these kids have The challenge in casting any TV show is the right combination redefined what drag is in the world. I have been at this for 30 of people. Such is the case with drag race, RuPaul explained motherf**king years, being up on stage and paid for it. To see over the phone from Los Angeles. these kids become household names around the world - we are “In choosing an ensemble we have to find the perfect mixture on in 25 countries - is the thing I am most proud of. Even the of kids. It is an interesting chemistry project actually. We kids that are dismissed the first show become famous. They are thinking about who we want to spend time with, who the really all win, and I want all of them to win 100,000, I really audience wants to spend time with, and who doesn’t clash do but that is just a bonus, they all come out of it as winners.” or cancel each other out. It is the same process when we are In addition to the queens, an all-star judging panel will looking for the new girls. They’ve got to complement each other convene, including Billy B., Kelly Osbourne, Ross Matthews and represent the different genres of drag.” and my personal favorite Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. The announcement of the cast - Raven, Jujubee, Chad “…Elvira is back for the All-Stars. Latoya is back. I would love Michaels, Pandora Boxx, Tammie Brown, Yara Sofia, Mimi to get Judge Judy, Cher and Diana Ross on as judges but they Imfurst, Nina Flowers, Latrice Royale, Manila Luzon, Shannel don’t do this kind of television. It would be great. Cher might and Alexis Mateo – sent the twitterverse and facebook afire. get sick of all the impressions, but maybe not. Maybe she is at Predictions, complaints, and the repeated question, “why isn’t a point in her life where I did this, be proud of it.” so-and-so in?!” plastered the internet. Often times “reality” TV scrapes the bottom of the barrel. “Hopefully if those people support us we will have many One of the appealing things about Drag Race is while it has its seasons of all stars and get around to getting all the girls in share of drama, it hasn’t degenerated to the lowest common denominator. 38 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com “Our goal starting out “We had to pack a lot was to bring awareness to more into fewer shows. the art of drag and how it Think of it as concentrated, is important it is, not only 6 shows have the cleaning to drag but to humans to power of 12 shows and you understand that you are will not be disappointed. not what it says on your Like with any new show the driver’s license. We walk network wants to take it around pretending to be a easy. When we started with lawyer, republican, mother Drag Race it was just eight of two. There is more to shows. It is a television it. This is where it gets a show and people love to get little creepy, but we are their shaft tickled. That is actually all god in drag what we are in the business playing dress up. We have to do. As annoying as it a bit of amnesia and drag is may seem, people love it, there to remind us who we love to talk about it. They really are and not take all went on the computers and this so seriously. It pokes went crazy - do you believe fun at these images and what they did?! That is why identities that we adopt. people tune in, they want Throughout history the job different levels of value of the shamans and witch from the TV and computers doctors and the court jester and every product we have was to do that exact thing, today.” and it is an important job.” Staring in October, it That isn’t to say the seems fitting that RuPaul’s show doesn’t have its  Cast of RuPaul’s All Star Drag Race All Star Drag Race debuts creative challenges. Trying just before Halloween, the to keep the winner from time of year when straight being leaked prior to the broadcast, Ru filmed three endings to guys dress up in drag and all sorts of horrors lurk around the the last season. Even the three finalists – Chad Michaels, Phi corner. RuPaul isn’t a fan of scary movies or Halloween. Phi O’Hara and winner Sharon Needles – didn’t know who had “I have always hated Halloween, I had resentment about it. actually been crowned the next drag superstar. Just one day that you can dress up, that is ok with society? “It is so funny, I don’t know why people would want to spoil Fuck you I will dress up every day except for that day. I watch it for other people. Actually, I do understand that the ego will Elvira: Mistress of the Dark every Halloween, which isn’t a scary do anything it can to single itself out and have something over movie just the funniest movie ever made. For me the scariest another person. It is a big part of our culture that we don’t movie ever, and I reference it all the time, is The Exorcist. It is talk about how ego minded we are. We’ve allowed the ego to so real, and the metaphor that there is a demon lurking inside run everything, when people are texting in the car they think, all of us. The truth is, there is a demon lurking in all of us, our I can get away with it, I just don’t want anyone else to do it. ego, the saboteur that can undermine all the great things you Actually, you are just like everybody else and you can’t do it. It can do on this planet. Learning how to navigate around it is is frustrating because we do all this work and somebody goes quite a task. So the Exorcist... but Poltergeist is pretty scary aha! I’ve got it and I’m telling!! It’s like, fuck you, bitch! I was in too.” bed waking up and it occurred to me - shoot three endings! No one would know until the editor at the very end. I thought, oh my god that is fucking awesome! So that is what we did. Sharon found out at a live event in New York when it broadcast on TV, RuPaul’s All Star Drag Race she found out with everyone else.” Mondays starting October 22nd The screams of frustration on the episode in which a winner should have been announced, but instead was saved for the 9pm et/pt exclusively on OUTtv reunion show, showed how involved viewers had become. Ru certainly likes to toy with us, but this time you won’t have to http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3137 wait as long. All-stars is a short six episode run. View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 39 Jordin Sparkles Singer talks acting debut, her gay following and how ‘Whitney loved her gays’

 Photos by Sony Pictures

By Chris Azzopardi the makeup and the hair – it was so much fun to transform Whitney Houston’s starring role – the last before her into that every single day. tragic death earlier this year – isn’t the only reason GC: Which outfit do you wish you could’ve taken with you Sparkle has gay written all over it: there’s the flamboyant after Sparkle wrapped? style of the ’60s, an all-girl singing group and, well, the JS: The outfit when I walk into Columbia Records: the hot movie’s name. Seated in a hotel suite outside Detroit, pink dress with the white stripes on it, when I walk into (label where the film was shot, American Idol winner Jordin head) Larry Robinson’s office. It was my favorite one. It fit so Sparks lights up – applauding, even – knowing how good! many of her gay fans will see her on the big screen in GC: What was it like spending your 21st birthday at a drag her movie debut. club in Dallas? Sparks’ return to Motown in early August was even JS: It was the best thing ever. It was my first time, and I more appropriate when Aretha Franklin, who sang on the was just beside myself because I had never seen a drag show soundtrack for the 1976 original, showed up to walk the red live before. I was just so amazed at how they transform and carpet with the remake’s star. Even though she lost a nail, lip-sync to a T. So much fun! They were doing these tiny tube the 22-year-old said having the Queen of Soul there was shots and my hairdresser and his partner were there and we “absolutely incredible.” were just having a blast. All of us had a great time. I can’t About the finger fiasco: “I was freaking out because I looked wait to go back. at the picture of Aretha and me and the nail is gone.” That’s GC: Do you hope there will be a Sparkle drag queen? not a problem today, however. “I made sure I glued these JS: I’m waiting for it! I’m waiting on them to come out in suckers on like nobody’s business!” a red dress like that (points to movie poster) with their hair Ever so bubbly, Sparks also chatted about Whitney’s down, singing to my songs. I can’t wait. And hey, Halloween mutual adoration for the gay community, addressed “mean” is coming up, too! rumors of her anti-gay upbringing and recalled her first time GC: What is your fondest memory of being here in Detroit at a drag club. with Whitney? GC: What are some of your favorite parts of Motown in the JS: For me as a singer, growing up and loving her and ’60s? listening to her so much, the whole experience was amazing. JS: I’d already grown up listening to (Motown music) But also, she was just so open and wanted to get to know us. because my grandparents introduced it to me when I was That was very unexpected. really young. I listened to Diana Ross and The Temptations GC: Was there a specific scene she guided you through? and all of them, so being here, knowing that’s where Motown She was there for a lot of the songs when she didn’t started, you could feel the energy. I loved singing the music JS: need to be there, which was really sweet. One thing she did that was like that. And the clothes, come on now! The clothes,

40 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com say was, “Believe in the about loving each other gift that you have; believe and celebrating each in your talent,” because other and it just being so there were times when I encouraging and uplifting was really unsure since I’d – I think it’s one of the best never done a movie before. gifts she could’ve left. I feel She was like, “Mama’s like that song is one of here, it’s OK.” And she the best gifts she could’ve used to call us her babies. left for the younger When you see us up on generations who are going that screen and we’re to discover her music and telling each other that discover her – and also for we love each other, it’s the people who still love genuine. We got to know her. her and we cherished her. GC: Did Whitney talk We loved her. about her gay fans on set? GC: You grew up in JS: No, but her family Arizona and now you’re would tell us. They’d be a part of Hollywood. How like, “She loves her gays, did your gay circle change honey,” and there have when you made the move? been a few other reporters JS: I didn’t know as who have interviewed her many (gay people), but I before and she absolutely did drama club, and the represented. Hello! How head of my drama club can you not? I will say, I in the ninth grade – his have Googled “drag queens name was Eric and on the singing Jordin Sparks.” weekends he was Sapphire I just love it so much. I St. Regis, and he was think it’s the best thing so amazing! He was the ever. I love watching them president of the drama sing and sometimes I’m club, and so talented like, “They look better and so fun. Then I did than I do! What is going on community theater, and here?” that introduced me to GC: When did you first more. I have some (gay) become aware of your gay family members as well, so fan base? I’ve always been used to it. JS: In the very beginning GC: The rumors of you growing up in a Christian family during meet-and-greets after concerts. There was just a huge that wasn’t very accepting of gay people are just nonsense, array of people: all different races, orientations and ages. then. I just remember because I didn’t think boys would like my JS: That’s all stuff that people write. I grew up in a Christian music, but I have some straight male fans who love my music family, but I have cousins and I have tons of friends (who are and then I have my gay fans that love my music. gay). Some of my closest friends are actually gay, and some GC: More gay than straight? of my band members are, as well. So, for me, I’m just like, JS: Yes. Very much so! It’s actually really surprising when I whatever! Those are just mean things that people say. have a straight male fan that’s like, “Yeah, I love your music.” GC: Your boyfriend, Jason Derulo, has a following in And I’m like, “Really?” the gay community for many reasons. One of those is an It GC: What’s coming up for you? A new album? Gets Better video he filmed. Have you thought about getting involved in anything like that? JS: I’m putting out a new album. I’m working on it now. I’ve got about seven songs that I’m really feeling strongly about. JS: I would love to. You see people being so hateful toward Sparkle is actually giving me the opportunity to do something other people, and I wasn’t raised like that. I was raised to love stylistically different than I did before, so it’s going to be a everybody, and some of the funnest times I have had are with little more R&B. Early Mariah, early Whitney is what I’m my gay friends. So, for me, I am all for it and I would love to going for. That’s what I grew up on. do something like that. I’m already filming my next film. It’s called The Inevitable GC: Did you make anything of how closely related the name Defeat of Mister and Pete, and Alicia Keys is executive Sparkle Glitter is to , Mariah Carey’s infamous film? producing and Jennifer Hudson is actually in it. It’s an indie JS: If you haven’t seen the original Sparkle you kind of drama and I don’t sing. I just play an Afro-Latina from the assume it’s a sequel: Glitter, Sparkle, sprinkles, fairy dust Bronx and I just get to be the character. I’m excited to see – they all go together! I hadn’t realized it was such a cult how that goes. classic. I had no idea until I got the part and then I had GC: Not as glamorous as your role as Sparkle? people coming up to me going, “You better not mess it up.” “Is this song on the soundtrack?” But I love Mariah Carey and JS: Oh, she’s glamorous! The other day I had my hair pulled I hear Glitter and I’m like, “I love Mariah!” I think Sparkle is back in twists, almost like cornrows, and then my hair was definitely very different thanGlitter . (Laughs) on the side in a huge, curly side ponytail. Then the lashes! And my nails were crazy. She thinks she’s so fabulous. GC: The song “Celebrate” with Whitney Houston could work as a gay anthem. What do you think about that? JS: Whitney and I didn’t get to do it in the studio together because our schedules didn’t allow it, but when I recorded my part, I heard her as I was recording and she sounded so http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3138 happy. Whitney loved her gays. She absolutely loved them. View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments For me, being one of the last songs she did – a song just

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 41 Cowboys Nightclub Turns A Shade Pink?

 Photo courtesy of Cowboys Nightclub

By Evan Kayne early 1990s at Club Malibu – formerly a PLE property. “I They’re a renowned Calgary business that has been can’t count the number of [LGBT] events we’ve had over the around for years. After signing an agreement with years,” Vickers admits. the Calgary Stampede, Cowboys nightclub has finally He also wanted it known both he and PLE have always returned better, bigger, and hopefully a tad gayer than been open and friendly to our community – even at times it was before. when maybe it wasn’t the popular thing to do. “In 1991 While the disbelievers roll their jaw up from the floor from I hired gay people to work for me. In 1991 in Alberta it this last comment, perhaps a bit of background is in order. wasn’t a very socially smart thing to do but I didn’t [care]. GayCalgary Magazine spoke to Paul Vickers, president of And of course, it came back to me where people - for years Penny Lane Entertainment (PLE), who recently re-opened – haunted me by challenging me that I’m gay and saying Cowboys in the huge 125,000 square-foot space - originally mean derogatory statements about me: Oh he’s gay and the Stampede Casino. He and PLE are gambling that, with of course the nastier versions of that.” In essence, Vickers all the changes to the East Village and the long term plans experienced bullying because he wouldn’t discriminate. In for the expansion/remodelling of the Stampede grounds, his mind, an employee’s sexuality was irrelevant, as long as Cowboys will become even more of a destination for night- they were good at their job. clubbers of all types. Furthermore, we discussed how Cowboys patrons PLE recently invited a small group of individuals themselves are not a monolithic stereotype of interchangeable representing event-based LGBT organizations, to take a vapid pretty girls and “big dumb dogs”. According to him, look at the new Cowboys – or rather, Cowboys Casino. The Cowboys is a wide cross-section of the population: men and Cowboys nightclub has two levels with a capacity of 1200, women of every race, sexuality, and social strata. “That’s an on-site restaurant (with plans for maybe two more), not why we want to encourage a wide spectrum of people, of to mention the casino itself. Furthermore, we are told they characters,” he explains, likening it to the idea of NYC’s have started work on a 2000-3000 seat live music venue. legendary Studio 54 – a wide variety of gay, straight, odd, and beautiful people from every walk of life. That is what Critics might say Cowboys doesn’t exactly have a gay- Vickers says Cowboys is today, and that’s what he especially friendly atmosphere. This is something Paul Vickers wants the new Wednesday Industry Night and Gay Night to disputes. “As the owner of that business...we are open to become. everyone - that I can promise you. We’re not going to be prejudiced to anyone for any reason.” Wednesday nights have been Industry nights at Cowboys currently, but “...every third week – we’d like to see a drag In recent years PLE has hosted Pride Dances and other show for entertainment. We think the public would like to LGBT events at several of their venues such as Belgo, Wild see this. It’s a really fun thing to go watch.” He explained Ginger, Coyotes, and even the old incarnation of Cowboys. that his wife has been to the popular drag show put on in During our interview, I recalled a gay dance held in the Inglewood, presumably at the Village Cantina, and thinks

42 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com that there are a lot of talented drag performers in this city personal tastes, dislikes...that’s not something we’re going who could provide fresh entertainment under the Cowboy’s to be accepting of.” roof. It would offer performers the opportunity to showcase So often we forget it’s not just us standing up for ourselves their talents to a new and wider audience. - we are also supported by our straight allies. From what As for teaming it up with Industry night, his experiences in Vickers tells us, he has been an ally to LGBT people for other clubs as Vickers has travelled Canada and the United many years, and working with the LGBT community States is that the two make a good match. “Those Industry continues to be a goal of his. Even if that doesn’t sway nights cater to a very strong gay and heterosexual crowd you, then hopefully you can be reassured that as the owner at the same time. That entails the tolerant kind of people of a high profile nightclub/casino in a new facility; as a who prefer that kind of room.” In his opinion it’s a great businessman working in corporate Calgary and serving crowd with usually little headache – just people who want corporate clientele (including interests besides PLE); as a to have a good time. This was evident when, after the tour, person working for over 25 years in an industry where a the invited LGBT representatives had animated discussions large portion of workers tend to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or brainstormed about the events that could work at Cowboys transgender; Vickers knows that estranging customers for in tandem with, or in addition to, the Wednesday nights. trivial reasons is poor business in the long run. The potential is huge, especially when discussing the “Dancing and having fun...that’s pretty much what we’re future plans for Cowboys. “We have this big entertainment selling,” he says, with the door to Cowboys and other PLE place that we’re opening upstairs,” Vickers explained. venues open. The question is now, what can Calgary’s According to him, it will be a live venue and convention LGBT community make of these opportunities? facility with an estimated capacity of up to 3000 patrons. At the moment, he says, they are working out some engineering issues, but, “our hopes are to shortly start construction...” Cowboys Nightclub And as a live venue, expect to see a wide variety of artists. “Expect Brazilian Rock N’Roll one day to Alice Cooper the 421 12th Ave SE, Calgary next to Country to Cirque du Soleil, whatever goes on...” Contact: Scarlet Lee This is in addition to the other aforementioned on-site 403-264-7111 ext. 288 attractions: Cowboys, the casino and restaurants. Melrose has already partnered with PLE to offer a restaurant inside the casino, and soon a Zen8 sushi bar will follow. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3139 The exciting part is that Cowboys is on the leading edge View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments of long term plans for the future development of Stampede Park. The area beside Cowboys is slated for more restaurants and bars to be built over the next several years. “Basically the City of Calgary and the Stampede would like to see this become the entertainment row for Calgary, and I love the idea.” Yet having a nightclub teamed with a casino has unique rules, one which may impact those showing up in drag or otherwise in costume. As the entrance for Cowboys is through the casino, there are very strict legalities about being able to match a person with 100% certainty to their ID. This is not unique to Cowboys, as Vickers tells us. “You cannot come into any casino in North America with your identity concealed.” This rule exists to protect establishments from robberies or other illegal activities - much like a bank would have a major problem with you walking in wearing a mask or disguise. So even during Halloween, masks and/or makeup may need to be removed before entering. Happily, Cowboys can compensate by being accommodating in other ways: “...we’re going to give [performers] access to specific dressing rooms to dress up... and [if] we’ve got a customer...we can make special access to go and get dressed up there as well.” Drag performers and patrons can walk around inside of Cowboys, and can leave in drag when they are ready. However, if in drag, they must leave directly out of Cowboys and not stop in the casino. Unfortunately, this also means smoke breaks could be a hassle, as the same rules apply for re-entry. Some members of the LGBT community may worry about their safety in a place like Cowboys because of “straight bar” stereotypes. Cowboys, and even Vickers to a certain degree, have a larger than life reputation here in Calgary, not all of which is necessarily based in fact. Vickers wants to reassure us that we are as welcome and respected as any other customers. His basic rules for both patrons and staff are, “...no bad behaviour, no drugs, no organized crime. We don’t let any of those three things go on in our business. Our temperament, our tolerance is for everyone. Anybody who would try to harm, disrespect – from a staff or customer standpoint – is not tolerated.” He stresses, “We don’t allow anybody to single out any person because of their ethnicity, their social stature, their

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 43 JUST A GIGOLO

 Junior Stellano, professional Escort

By Mark Gray at my 9-5 to see my family through the tough time, so I pimped Junior Stellano was just 18-years-old when, on a bet, myself out and it turned out to be the best thing I have ever done. he stepped into a tattoo parlor in New Orleans and was GC: Becoming an escort was the best thing you ever did? forever branded with the tiny heart on his right butt JS: It brought the world to my doorstep and opened so many cheek that has become his trademark. opportunities. When clients realized there was more to me then “My friends all knew my father would kill me if I got a tattoo,” “just a gigolo”, they treated me with respect and I was able to he remembers. “They dared me to do it and I was so trashed (on work with a higher-class client base. Then after I became an alcohol), I did. My father saw it and laughed his ass off. A few international porn model, the Junior Stellano brand went into years later my Dad, brother and I all got tattoos together.” over-drive. I had my family’s back covered and then some. Sadly, his father passed away in 2003 and due to an unusual GC: Why have you decided to retire from the biz? set of circumstances, his death lead to Stellano joining Rentboy. JS: I landed an amazing job in fashion and was recently com. Surprisingly to some, he calls escorting the best thing that promoted to VP. Rentboy.com opened the door but the rest was ever happened to him. He made lots of money, it lead to him all me. Also, my family’s difficult financial situation ended and we becoming a star of (strip) stage and (adult) screen, and most came out on top. My father would have been proud. My family and recently, he was chosen to grace the cover of the website’s annual our future are secure once again. But I do miss being a rent boy. calendar. GC: What would you like people to know about the rent boy So why did the world’s leading gigolo announce this month that profession? he is leaving the escorting biz? Our inquiring minds needed to JS: People should know rent boys are not sex machines or know. toys. We are people with feelings and emotions. There are escorts GC: Why do you think Rentboy.com chose you as their 2013 who have bright futures ahead of them. Like myself, many are calendar boy? educated and come from good homes and were taught morals JS: There are thousands of guys out there who are better and manners and are using Rentboy.com as a stepping-stone to looking than me so I’d like to think I was chosen for my winning bigger things. Some are escorting because of the poor economic personality. situation in our country. GC: Are you “Just a Gigolo”? GC: Can anyone be a rent boy? JS: There is way more to me than that. I earned my MBA and JS: It takes a certain type of guy to do what we do. It’s not have worked corporate jobs since I graduated from grad school. easy to separate work from play. Clients should also know hard- GC: How did you get into escorting? working rent boys are not out to con, rob or hurt them in any way. They just want to put food on the table. JS: My father was a successful businessman and when he passed away a few years ago, my family ended up in a legal battle GC: How has the escort business fared in this down economy? where all our assets were frozen. I didn’t make enough money JS: Sex sells. I had clients on unemployment hire me.

44 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com GC: Would you ever pay for a rent boy? JS: It’s funny you should ask that question and I am surprised you did. Yes! I have paid for many escorts, and trust me they are very happy when they walk in my door. GC: Who is someone you have paid for? JS: I have so my many good friends in the business from all over the world, so that’s a question I can’t answer. I have my privacy too. GC: Are you single? JS: Now that escorting is over and my life is about family and career, I have started to date again. I recently met someone special. I’m not sure I was ever really in love before because I have never felt the feelings I feel now. I think I’m in love. GC: How does he feel about your porn career? JS: He’s okay with a few more years of me making porn. It takes a mature, secure, real man to see past such things. My man loves me and he is proud of me and proud to be with me. GC: What are you most looking forward to in 2013? JS: I look forward to seeing where my new relationship will take me. I look forward to getting back to work with some of my favorite porn studios and making some awesome new movies and I look forward to being the best VP my company has ever had.

Rentboy.com’s 2013 GIGOLO Calendar http://www.rentboy.com

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3140 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 45 Photography

ARGRA Pool Party, Calgary http://gaycalgary.com/pa344

46 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com Photography

Medicine Hat Pride http://gaycalgary.com/pa341

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 47 Photography

Aids Calgary Aids Walk http://gaycalgary.com/pa343

48 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com Photography

HIV Edmonton Aids Walk http://gaycalgary.com/pa345

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 49 Photography

The Junction Closing Party, Edmonton http://gaycalgary.com/pa342

50 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 51 52 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 53 54 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com Directory & Events

24 DOWNTOWN CALGARY

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1 Calgary Outlink------Community Groups 13 Westways Guest House----Accommodations 35 One Yellow Rabbit------Theatre 58 Theatre Junction------Theatre 2 Aids Calgary------Community Groups 16 Priape Calgary------Retail Stores 36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects------Theatre 59 Village Bistro------Bars and Clubs 3 Backlot------Bars and Clubs 24 Courtney Aarbo------Services 37 Pumphouse Theatre------Theatre 5 Texas Lounge------Bars and Clubs 33 Twisted Element------Bars and Clubs 41 La Fleur------Retail Stores 6 Goliath’s------Bathhouses 34 Vertigo Mystery Theatre------Theatre 43 Lisa Heinricks------Theatre and Fine Arts

59 Village Bistro  2nd floor, 610 - 8 Avenue SE FIND OUT! CALGARY Restaurant and lounge. LGBT Community Directory Accommodations Bathhouses/Saunas 13 ✰ Westways Guest House------6 Goliaths------✰  216 - 25th Avenue SW  403-229-1758  308 - 17 Ave SW  403-229-0911  1-866-846-7038  [email protected] GayCalgary Magazine is the go-to source for information about  www.goliaths.ca  www.gaywestways.com Alberta LGBT businesses and community groups—the most  Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day extensive and accurate resource of its kind! This print supplement contains a subset of active community groups and venues, with Bars & Clubs Community Groups premium business listings of paid advertisers. 3 ✰ Backlot------2 AIDS Calgary------✰  209 - 10th Ave SW  403-265-5211  110, 1603 10th Avenue SW ✰...... Find our Magazine Here ...... Wheelchair Accessible  Open 7 days a week, 2pm-close  403-508-2500  [email protected] Spot something inaccurate or outdated? Want your business or Calgary Eagle Inc. (CLOSED)  424a - 8th Ave SE  www.aidscalgary.org organization listed? We welcome you to contact us! Club Sapien (CLOSED) Alberta Society for Kink  1140 10th Ave SW  403-398-9968  403-543-6960  1-888-543-6960  [email protected] FAB (CLOSED)  http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/  [email protected]  1742 - 10th Ave SW group.albertasocietyforkink 5 Texas Lounge------✰ Apollo Calgary - Friends in Sports  308 - 17 Ave SW  403-229-0911  www.apollocalgary.com  www.goliaths.ca  www.myapollo.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/CalgaryTravelRSS  Open 7 days a week, 11am-close A volunteer operated, non-profit organization serving http://www.gaycalgary.com/EdmontonTravelRSS primarily members of the LGBT communities but open to all 33 Twisted Element------✰ members of all communities. Primary focus is to provide Local Bars, Restaurants, and Accommodations info on the go!  1006 - 11th Ave SW  403-802-0230 members with well-organized and fun sporting events and  www.twistedelement.ca other activities. Dance Club and Lounge. http://www.gaycalgary.com/Directory • Western Cup 31  www.westerncup.com Browse our complete directory of over 650 gay-frieindly listings! www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 55 Directory & Events

Mosaic Youth Group------ 7-9pm Womynspace------ 7-9pm Sunday Services------ 10:45am Calgary Events  Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW) See 1 Calgary Outlink  2nd See Hillhurst United Church Mondays Squash------ 7:30-9pm New Directions------ 7-9pm Worship Services------ 11am ASK Meet and Greet------ 7-9:30pm By Apollo May17Jun27 See 1 Calgary Outlink  3rd See Knox United Church  Bonasera (1204 Edmonton Tr. NE) Thursdays Heading Out------ 8pm-10pm Int/Comp Volleyball------ 12:15-1:45pm See 1 Calgary Outlink  4th See Apollo Calgary Inside Out Youth Group------ 7-9pm Lesbian Seniors------ 2pm See 1 Calgary Outlink  Kerby Center, Sunshine Room  3rd Rec Volleyball------ 7-9pm Church Service------ 4pm 1133 7th Ave SW Yoga------ 7:40-9:15pm See Apollo Calgary See Rainbow Community Church See Apollo Calgary Buddy Night------ 6pm-6am Alcoholics Anonymous------ 8pm Swim Practice (June)------ 5-6pm Tuesdays At 6 Goliaths  Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) By Different Strokes 1227 Kensington Close NW  SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW) Calgary Networking Club------ 5-7pm Swim Practice (June)------ 7:30-8:30pm See 1 Calgary Outlink  1st By Different Strokes Saturdays Women’s Volleyball------ 7-8:30pm  SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW) See Apollo Calgary Between Men------ 7-9pm Running------ 9am See 1 Calgary Outlink  2nd, 4th Swim Practice (Jul/Aug)------ 7-8pm By Apollo Tuesday, October 9th By Different Strokes Bootcamp------ 7-8:30pm  SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW) JulAug Coffee------ 10am Annual General Meeting------ 7-8pm See Apollo Calgary By Prime Timers Calgary By Fairy Tales Bootcamp------ 7-8pm  Midtown Co-op (1130 - 11th Ave SW) EMMEDIA Screening Room (351 – 11 Ave SW) Karaoke------ 8pm-1am See Apollo Calgary At 5 Texas Lounge Curling------ 2:20 & 4:30pm Intimate Apparel Lesbian Meetup Group------ 7:30-9pm See Apollo Calgary By Alberta Theatre Projects Apr9Oct27 Fetish Slosh------ Evening At 1 Calgary Outlink  1st Saturday, October 13th At 3 Backlot  2nd Alcoholics Anonymous------ 8pm Alcoholics Anonymous------ 8pm  Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) Pirate & Princess Ball------ 8pm   Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW Alcoholics Anonymous------8pm By ARGRA  Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW Arrata Opera Centre (1315 - 7 Str SW) 1227 Kensington Close NW Sundays Karaoke------ Evening Worship Time------ 10am November 2012 Wednesdays At 3 Backlot See Deer Park United Church You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown  Communion Service------12:10pm Fridays By Alberta Theatre Projects Nov22Dec30 See Knox United Church Worship------ 10:30am Illusions------ 7-10pm See Scarboro United Church Pool Night------ Evening See 1 Calgary Outlink  1st At 59 Village Bistro with Prime Timers Calgary

 Calgary Contd. Legend:  = Monthly Reoccurrance,  = Date (Range/Future),  = Sponsored Event

• Badminton (Absolutely Smashing) vary from 8 km - 15 km. Runners from 6 minutes/mile to Calgary Gay Fathers Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre  6020 - 4 Avenue NE 9+ minute miles.  [email protected]  77 Deerpoint Road SE  403-278-8263  [email protected] • Slow Pitch  http://www.calgarygayfathers.ca  http://www.dpuc.ca Peer support group for gay, bisexual and questioning  [email protected] • Boot Camp fathers. Meeting twice a month. Different Strokes  Platoon FX, 1351 Aviation Park NE  http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org  [email protected] • Squash  Mount Royal University Recreation Calgary Men’s Chorus  http://www.calgarymenschorus.org FairyTales Presentation Society • Bowling (Rainbow Riders League)  [email protected]  403-244-1956  Let’s Bowl (2916 5th Avenue NE) All skill levels welcome. • Rehearsals  http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com  [email protected] • Tennis  Temple B’Nai Tikvah, 900 - 47 Avenue SW Alberta Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. • Curling  [email protected] Calgary Sexual Health Centre------✰ • DVD Resource Library  North Hill Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street NW) • Volleyball (Beach)  304, 301 14th Street NW Over a hundred titles to choose from. Annual membership  [email protected]  403-283-5580 is $10.  [email protected]  http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca • Golf • Volleyball (Competitive) A pro-choice organization that believes all people have the Gay Friends in Calgary  [email protected]  http://www.gayfriendsincalgary.ca  [email protected] right and ability to make their own choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Organizes and hosts social activities catered to the LGBT • Lawn Bowling people and friends.  • Volleyball (Recreational) [email protected] 1 Calgary Outlink------✰  [email protected] Girl Friends • Outdoor Pursuits  Old Y Centre (303 – 223, 12 Ave SW) • Yoga  403-234-8973  [email protected]  [email protected]  members.shaw.ca/girlfriends If it’s done outdoors, we do it. Volunteer led events all  Robin: 403-618-9642  [email protected] summer and winter. Hiking, camping, biking, skiing, snow  [email protected]  http://www.calgaryoutlink.com Girlsgroove shoeing, etc. Sign up at myapollo.org to get updates on Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA) • Peer Support and Crisis Line  http://www.girlsgroove.ca the sport you like. We’re always looking for people to  www.argra.org  1-877-OUT-IS-OK (1-877-688-4765) lead events. Front-line help service for GLBT individuals and their family Hillhurst United Church  1227 Kensington Close NW • Monthly Dances------and friends, or anyone questioning their sexuality. • Running (Calgary Frontrunners)  Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association  (403) 283-1539  YMCA Eau Claire (4th St, 1st Ave SW) 1320 - 5th Avenue NW • Calgary Lesbian Ladies Meet up Group  [email protected]  [email protected]  www.hillhurstunited.com East Doors (directly off the Bow river pathway). Distances • Between Men and Between Men Online • Heading Out HIV Peer Support Group • Illusions Calgary  403-230-5832  [email protected] • Inside Out • New Directions ISCCA Social Association • Womynspace  http://www.iscca.ca Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch. Charity fundraising group.. Calgary Queer Book Club  Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW) Knox United Church  506 - 4th Street SW  403-269-8382  http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca

56 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com Directory & Events

 Calgary Contd. Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church located in Unity Bowling • Calgary Drop-in Centre Community Groups downtown Calgary. A variety of facility rentals are also  Let’s Bowl (2916 - 5th Ave NE)  Room 117, 423 - 4th Ave SE available for meetings, events and concerts.  [email protected]  403-699-8216 Alberta Bears  Mon-Fri: 9am-12pm, Sat: 12:15pm-3:15pm  www.beefbearbash.com Lesbian Meetup Group Wild Rose United Church  http://www.meetup.com/CalgaryLesbian  1317-1st Street NW • Centre of Hope AltView Foundation Monthly events planned for Queer women over 18+ such  Room 201, 420 - 9th Ave SE  #44, 48 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB as book clubs, games nights, movie nights, dinners out, “Yeah...What She Said!” Radio Show  403-410-1180  Mon-Fri: 1pm-5pm  403-398-9968 and volunteering events.  CJSW 90.9 FM • Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre  [email protected]  [email protected]  www.altview.ca Miscellaneous Youth Network  1213 - 4th Str SW  403-955-6014 For gender variant and sexual minorities.  http://www.miscyouth.com Restaurants  Sat-Thu: 4:15pm-7:45pm, Fri: Closed • Fake Mustache • Safeworks Van Book Worm’s Book Club  Howard McBride Chapel of Chimes Calgary Eagle Inc. (CLOSED)  403-850-3755 • Mosaic Youth Group 10179 - 108 Street See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.  Sat-Thu: 8pm-12am, Fri: 4pm-12am  The Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW)  [email protected] For queer and trans youth and their allies. Club Sapien (CLOSED) See Calgary - Bars and Clubs. Theatre & Fine Arts Buck Naked Boys Club Mystique  780-471-6993  [email protected] FAB (CLOSED) 36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects  http://www.bucknakedboys.ca Mystique is primarily a Lesbian group for women 30 and See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.  403-294-7402  http://www.ATPlive.com Naturism club for men—being social while everyone is up but all are welcome. naked, and it does not include sexual activity. Participants do 59 Village Bistro AXIS Contemporary Art------not need to be gay, only male. • Coffee Night  2nd floor, 610 - 8 Avenue SE  107, 100 - 7 Ave SW  403-262-3356  Good Earth Cafe (1502 - 11th Street SW) Restaurant and lounge.  [email protected]  www.axisart.ca Camp fYrefly NETWORKS  7-104 Dept. of Educational Policy Studies Fairytales Faculty of Education, University of Alberta  [email protected] Retail Stores See Calgary - Community Groups. A social, cultural, and service organization for the mature Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5 Adult Depot------✰  http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca minded and “Plus 40” LGBT individuals seeking to meet Jubilations Dinner Theatre others at age-appropriate activities within a positive, safe  140, 58th Ave SW  403-258-2777  Bow Trail and 37th St. SW Gay, bi, straight video rentals and sex toys. Edmonton Pride Festival Society (EPFS) environment.  403-249-7799  http://www.edmontonpride.ca 41  www.jubilations.ca Parents for Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) La Fleur------ 103 - 100 7th Avenue SW Edmonton Prime Timers  Sean: 403-695-5791 43 Lisa Heinricks (Artist)------ [email protected]  http://www.pflagcanada.ca  403-266-1707  Art Central, 100 7th Ave SW, lower level Florist and Flower Shop.  www.primetimersww.org/edmonton A registered charitable organization that provides  http://www.creamydreamy.com Group of older gay men and their admirers who come from support, education and resources to parents, families and The Naked Leaf------diverse backgrounds but have common social interests. individuals who have questions or concerns about sexual 35 One Yellow Rabbit------ 305 10th Street NW  403-283-3555  Big Secret Theatre - EPCOR CENTRE Affiliated with Prime Timers World Wide. orientation or gender identity.  http://www.thenakedleaf.ca  403-299-8888  www.oyr.org Edmonton Rainbow Business Association Positive Space Committee Organic teas and tea ware. ✰  3379, 11215 Jasper Ave  780-429-5014  4825 Mount Royal Gate SW ✰ 37 Pumphouse Theatre------16 Priape Calgary------ 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW  http://www.edmontonrba.org  403-440-6383  1322 - 17 Ave SW  403-215-1800 Primary focus is the provision of networking opportunities  http://www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace  403-263-0079  http://www.priape.com  http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca for LGBT owned or operated and LGBT-friendly businesses Works to raise awareness and challenge the patterns of Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, movies in the Edmonton region. silence that continue to marginalize LGBTTQ individuals. and magazines. Gifts. Stagewest------✰ Edmonton Illusions Social Club Pride Calgary Planning Committee  727 - 42 Avenue SE  403-243-6642  http://www.stagewestcalgary.com  5 The Junction  403-797-6564  www.pridecalgary.ca Services & Products  780-387-3343 Primetimers Calgary Calgary Civil Marriage Centre 58 Theatre Junction------✰  groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions  [email protected]  403-246-4134 (Rork Hilford)  Theatre Junction GRAND, 608 1st St. SW  403-205-2922 4 Edmonton STD  http://www.primetimerscalgary.com  [email protected]  11111 Jasper Ave Designed to foster social interaction for its members Marriage Commissioner for Alberta (aka Justice of the Peace  [email protected] through a variety of social, educational and recreational - JP), Marriage Officiant, Commissioner for Oaths.  http://www.theatrejunction.com Edmonton Vocal Minority activities. Open to all gay and bisexual men of any age, 34  780-479-2038  [email protected] respects whatever degree of anonymity that each member 24 Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors) Vertigo Mystery Theatre------ 161, 115 - 9 Ave SE  403-221-3708  www.evmchoir.com desires.  1138 Kensington Road NW  403-571-5120  http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club Queers on Campus------✰  http://www.courtneyaarbo.ca  780-474-8240  [email protected]  279R Student Union Club Spaces, U of C GLBT legal services.  403-220-6394 HIV Network Of Edmonton Society---- ✰  http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass Cruiseline EDMONTON  9702 111 Ave NW 780-488-5742 Formerly GLASS - Gay/Lesbian Association of Students  403-777-9494 trial code 3500  www.hivedmonton.com and Staff.  http://www.cruiseline.ca Provides healthy sexuality education for Edmonton’s LGBT Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY. Bars & Clubs community and support for those infected or affected • Coffee Night 6 Buddy’s Nite Club------✰ by HIV.  2nd Cup, Kensington DevaDave Salon & Boutique  810 Edmonton Trail NE  11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6636 InQueeries Safety Under the Rainbow  403-290-1973 14 FLASH------✰  [email protected]  www.sutr.ca Cuts, Colour, Hilights.  10018 105 Street  780-938-2941 Student-run GLBTQ Alliance at MacEwan University. A collaborative effort dedicated to building capacity  [email protected] and acting as a voice for the LGBTQ community, service Duncan’s Residential Cleaning Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose  Jim Duncan: 403-978-6600 providers, organizations and the community at large The Junction (CLOSED)  http://www.iscwr.ca to address violence. For same-sex domestic violence Residential cleaning. Free estimates.  10242 106th St Living Positive Society of Alberta information, resources and a link to our survey please see Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors) our website. 12 Woody’s------✰  #50, 9912 - 106 Street 780-423-3737  403-461-9195  11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6557  http://www.facebook.com/LivingPoz Scarboro United Church  http://www.lornedoucette.com Living Positive through Positive Living.  134 Scarboro Avenue SW MFM Communications  403-244-1161  www.scarborounited.ab.ca Bathhouses/Saunas Men’s Games Nights  403-543-6970 An affirming congregation—the full inclusion of LGBT  Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street)  1-877-543-6970 11 Steamworks------✰ people is essential to our mission and purpose.  780-474-8240  [email protected]  http://www.mfmcommunications.com  11745 Jasper Ave  780-451-5554 Sharp Foundation Web site hosting and development. Computer hardware  http://www.steamworksedmonton.com OUTreach  403-272-2912 and software.  University of Alberta, basement of SUB  [email protected]  [email protected] SafeWorks  http://www.thesharpfoundation.com  http://www.ualberta.ca/~outreach Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing.

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 57 Directory & Events

DOWNTOWN EDMONTON

6 4 N 11 12 14

4 Edmonton STD------Community Groups 11 Steamworks------Bathhouses 14 FLASH------Bars and Clubs 6 Buddy’s Nite Club------Bars and Clubs 12 Woody’s------Bars and Clubs

Counseling------ 5:30-8:30pm Martial Arts------ 7:30-8:30pm Bowling------ 5pm Edmonton Events See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See Team Edmonton See Team Edmonton Mondays Knotty Knitters------ 6-8pm Intermediate Volleyball------ 7:30-9:30pm Sundays See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See Team Edmonton Boot Camp------ 7-8pm Running------ 10-11am See Team Edmonton QH Craft Night------ 6-8pm Fridays See Team Edmonton See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton TTIQ------ 7-9pm QH Youth Drop-in------ 3-8pm Yoga------ 2-3:30pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton  1st, 3rd Cycling------ 6:30-7:30pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See Team Edmonton See Team Edmonton HIV Support Group------ 7-9pm QH Anime Night------ 6-8pm Men Talking with Pride------ 7-9pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton  2nd Yoga------ 7:30-8pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See Team Edmonton Tuesdays Movie Night------ 6-9pm Ballroom Dancing------ 7:30-8:30pm QH Youth Drop-in------ 3-8pm Thursdays See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See Team Edmonton See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton QH Youth Drop-in------ 3-8pm Men’s Games Nights------ 7-10:30pm Monthly Meetings------ 2:30pm Martial Arts------ 7:30-8:30pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See Men’s Games Nights  2nd, Last  Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street) See Team Edmonton See Edmonton Primetimers  2nd Youth Sports/Recreation------ 4pm Youth Sports/Recreation------ 4pm Swim Practice------ 7:30-8:30pm See Youth Understanding Youth See Youth Understanding Youth Sunday, October 14th See Team Edmonton QH Game Night------ 6-8pm Saturdays Annual General Meeting------ 12-2pm Wednesdays See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton By Edmonton Pride Festival Society Naturalist Gettogether  HIV Red Ribbon Building (9702-111 Avenue) GLBTQ Bowling------ 1:30-3:30pm Swim Practice------ 7-8pm See Buck Naked Boys Club  2nd See GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club See Team Edmonton Saturday, October 27th QH Youth Drop-in------ 2-6:30pm AGM & Dance   See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton QH Youth Drop-in------3-8pm Women’s Social Circle------6-9pm By Womonspace See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton  2nd, 4th Monthly Meeting------ 2:30pm  Bellevue Hall (7308 112 Avenue) Youth Sports/Recreation------ 4pm Book Club------ 7:30pm By Edmonton Primetimers  2nd See 1 Youth Understanding Youth See BookWorm’s Book Club  3rd  Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street

 Edmonton Contd. Legend:  = Monthly Reoccurrance,  = Date (Range),  = Sponsored Event

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender/transsexual, Queer, • Movie Night board for the next term. If you are interested in running for • Curling with Pride Questioning and Straight-but-not-Narrow student group. Movie Night is open to everyone! Come over and sit back, the board or getting involved in some of the committees,  Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW relax, and watch a movie with us. please contact us.  [email protected] Pride Centre of Edmonton------✰  10608 - 105 Ave  780-488-3234 • Queer HangOUT: Game Night • Badminton (Mixed) • Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders)  [email protected] Come OUT with your game face on and meet some  St. Thomas Moore School, 9610 165 Street  Dawson Park, picnic shelter  http://www.pridecentreofedmonton.org awesome people through board game fun.  [email protected]  [email protected]  Tue-Fri 12pm-9pm, Sat 2pm-6:30pm New group seeking male & female players. We provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental • Queer HangOUT: Craft Night • Dragon Boat (Flaming Dragons) drop-in space, and offer support programs and resources Come OUT and embrace your creative side in a safe space. • Badminton (Women’s)  [email protected] for members of the GLBTQ community and for their families  Oliver School, 10227 - 118 Street and friends. • Queer HangOUT: Anime Night  780-465-3620 • Golf Come and watch ALL the anime until your heart is content.  [email protected]  [email protected] Women’s Drop-In Recreational Badminton. $40.00 season • Counselling • TTIQ • Gymnastics, Drop-in  780.488.3234 or $5.00 per drop in. A support and information group for all those who fall  Ortona Gymnastics Club, 8755 - 50 Avenue Free, short-term counselling provided by registered under the transgender umbrella and their family or  [email protected] counsellors. •Ballroom Dancing supporters.  Foot Notes Dance Studio, 9708-45 Avenue NW Have the whole gym to yourselves and an instructor to  Cynthia: 780-469-3281 help you achieve your individual goals. Cost is $5.00 • HIV Support Group • Women’s Social Circle  [email protected] per session.  [email protected] Support and discussion group for gay men. • Blazin’ Bootcamp Women’s Social Circle: A social support group for all  Garneau Elementary School • Hockey • Knotty Knitters female-identified persons over 18 years of age in the GLBT 10925 - 87 Ave  [email protected] community - new members are always welcome.  [email protected] Come knit and socialize in a safe and accepting • Martial Arts environment - all skill levels are welcome. Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton • Bowling (Northern Titans)  15450 - 105 Ave (daycare entrance) • Men Talking with Pride  780-474-8240  Ed’s Rec Room (West Edmonton Mall)  780-328-6414  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected] Support & social group for gay & bisexual men to discuss $15.00 per person.  [email protected] current issues. Team Edmonton Drop-ins welcome.  [email protected] • Cross Country Skiing  http://www.teamedmonton.ca  [email protected] • Outdoor Pursuits Members are invited to attend and help determine the  [email protected]

58 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com Directory & Events

Red Deer Events Wednesdays LGBT Coffee Night------ 7pm See CAANS  1st

 Edmonton Contd.

• Running (Arctic Frontrunners) • Sports and Recreation • Monthly Dances Pride on Campus  Kinsmen Sports Centre  Brendan: 780-488-3234  Henotic (402 - 2 Ave S)  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected] Bring your membership card and photo ID. A group of LGBTQ persons and Allies at Red Deer College. All genders and levels of runners and walkers are invited to join this free activity. • Monthly Potluck Dinners Restaurants  McKillop United Church, 2329 - 15 Ave S • Slo Pitch The Junction (Closed)------GALA/LA will provide the turkey...you bring the rest. Please ALBERTA  Parkallen Field, 111 st and 68 ave  10242 106th St  780-756-5667 bring a dish to share that will serve 4-6 people, and your  [email protected] own beverage. Season fee is $30.00 per person. $10 discount for players 12 Woody’s------✰ Community Groups from the 2008 season.  11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6557 • Support Line  403-308-2893 Alberta Trans Support/Activities Group • Snowballs V  Monday OR Wednesday, 7pm-11pm  http://www.albertatrans.org  January 27-29, 2012 Retail Stores Leave a message any other time. A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of where they  [email protected] may be on the continuum. Skiing and Snowboarding Weekend. Passion Vault • Friday Mixer  15239 - 111 Ave  The Mix (green water tower) • Soccer  780-930-1169 103 Mayor Magrath Dr S Theatre & Fine Arts  [email protected]  [email protected]  Every Friday at 10pm “Edmonton’s Classiest Adult Store” Alberta Ballet • Spin Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA)  http://www.albertaballet.com  MacEwan Centre for Sport and Wellness  University of Lethbridge  [email protected] Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton. 109 St. and 104 Ave Products & Services GBLTTQQ club on campus.  Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45pm Cruiseline Season has ended.  780-413-7122 trial code 3500 • Movie Night  [email protected]  http://www.cruiseline.ca  Room C610, University of Lethbridge CANADA 7 classes, $28.00 per registrant. Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY. Gay Youth Alliance Group • Swimming (Making Waves) Robertson-Wesley United Church  Betty, 403-381-5260  [email protected] Community Groups  Every second Wednesday, 3:30pm-5pm  NAIT Pool (11762 - 106 Street)  10209 - 123 St. NW  780-482-1587 Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition  [email protected]  [email protected]  www.rwuc.org  P..O. Box 3043, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3S9  www.makingwavesswimclub.ca Lethbridge HIV Connection  Worship: Sunday mornings at 10:30am  1206 - 6 Ave S  (306) 955-5135 People of all sexual orientations welcome. Other LGBT  1-800-955-5129 • Tennis events include a monthly book club and a bi-monthly film  Kinsmen Sports Centre PFLAG Canada  http://www.rainbowhealth.ca night. As a caring spiritual community, we’d love to have  1-888-530-6777  Sundays, 12pm-3pm you join us!  [email protected] Egale Canada  [email protected]  www.pflagcanada.ca  8 Wellington St E, Third Floor • Soul OUTing Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C5 • Ultimate Frisbee  Second Sunday every month, 7pm  Sundays Pride Lethbridge  1-888-204-7777  www.egale.ca An LGBT-focused alternative worship.  [email protected] Summer Season starts July 12th Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby  [email protected] organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans- • Film Night identified people and our families. E-mail if interested.  Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates. • Volleyball, Intermediate • Book Club RED DEER Products & Services  Amiskiwacy Academy (101 Airport Road)  Monthly, contact us for exact dates.  [email protected] Community Groups Squirt  http://www.squirt.org • Volleyball, Recreational Theatre & Fine Arts Affirm Website for dating and hook-ups. 18+ ONLY!  Mother Teresa School (9008 - 105 Ave)  Sunnybrook United Church  [email protected] Exposure Festival  http://www.exposurefestival.ca  403-347-6073 Theatre & Fine Arts • Women’s Lacrosse Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival.  2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm  Sharon: 780-461-0017 Composed of LGBTQ people, their friends, family and Broadway Across Canada  Pam: 780-436-7374 The Roxy Theatre allies. No religious affiliation necessary. Activities include  http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca  10708 124th Street, Edmonton AB support, faith and social justice discussions, film nights, Open to women 21+, experienced or not, all are welcome. OUTtv Call for info.  780-453-2440 and potlucks!  www.theatrenetwork.ca  http://www.outtv.ca • Yoga Central Alberta AIDS Network Society GLBT Television Station.  Lion's Breath Yoga Studio (10350-124 Street)  4611-50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB  [email protected]  http://www.caans.org The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society is the local Womonspace LETHBRIDGE charity responsible for HIV prevention and support in  780-482-1794 Central Alberta.  [email protected] Community Groups  www.womonspace.ca LGBTQ Education Women’s social group, but all welcome at events. GALA/LA  [email protected]  403-308-2893  http://LGBTQeducation.webs.com Youth Understanding Youth  http://www.galalethbridge.ca Red Deer (and area) now has a website designed to bring  780-248-1971  www.yuyedm.ca Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area. various LGBTQ friendly groups/individuals together for fun, A support and social group for queer youth 12-25. and to promote acceptance in our communities.

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 59 Classifieds

buying him drinks and asking for his number. Announcements 100 Where ever Daren went he was the “life of Employment 210 Antique 305 the party” He loved to meet people and they certainly loved him back. The Calgary Police Service Sexuality & Gender Cowboys is seeking part-time staff, including: Alberta Aviation Museum, 11410 Diversity Chief’s Advisory Board is currently Daren was naturally good at so many things. bartenders, bussers, bouncers, DJs, door staff, Kingsway Ave., Edmonton, AB. November accepting applications for new members. He a variety of jobs, which always made look drag queens/kings, and other entertainment. 2-3, 2012. Friday 2-8 P.M.& Saturday We are dedicated to working with the LGBT beautiful and effortless. But he loved the many Please contact Scarlet at 403-264-7111 ext. 10-4 P.M. $5.00 Admission. Free Parking. communities to promote effective two-way art galleries throughout Calgary, notiably the 288 for more info. Over 120 tables of Pop Culture, Vintage communication; promote education and Manager of the former Walker Hill Lifestyles Clothing, Advertising Collectibles, awareness; identify and resolve crime and from Bankers Hall and later Visual Display at Shabby Chic, Antique Furniture, Militaria, safety concerns; increase police awareness the presitigous Rubaiyat Gallery of Calgary. Jewelry, Petroliana, Art Glass, Vintage of Sexuality & Gender Diverse Communities; Daren leaves behind a partner, Cordell Hodder, Audition 215 Toys, Fine China, Records, Sports and to increase the communities’ awareness of NFld. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Memorabilia, Coins & Stamps, Watches, of police related issues. If you are interested Cordel and all the Hickey’s. For the loss of Comics, Buttons & Linens and so much in applying or would like more information, our wonderful brother, friend, partner. Have a Gay Talent Wanted more! please contact Cst. Andy Buck at pol4792@ drink for Daren, he would certainly have one Beauty & Mayhem Production Agency is are calgarypolice.ca with you. “Cheers” looking for Gay Talent to perform in Adult entertainment Productions. Call Pj @ 403 826 There was no one like Daren and he will 2670 E-mail: [email protected] certainly be missed. Love Always your friend www.xxxbmpa.com Victor and all your friends all over the world, Erotic Massage 420 Obituary 170 but especially the calgary guys. UltimateMaleMassage.com Help Wanted 240 Daren John Hickey Wedding/Union 190 Dec 8, 1968 to Oct 1, 2012 Sales Rep Wanted Welcoming the GayCalgary Magazine is looking for a part Gay Community to time sales rep. Income by commission, sales experience required. Duties include contacting WILD BILLS DJ SERVICES new advertisers and maintaining existing customers. Contact Steve at [email protected]. Best Erotic Male Massage In Calgary • Studio with free parking• Deep Tissue and Volunteer 285 Relaxation • Licensed, Professional • Video on website We supply music up to a total of 7 hours. 403-680-0533 CJSW 90.9 FM Volunteer!!! • Music From 6pm to 1am. [email protected] • Corded Microphone or Cordless • No embarrassment, private and very discreet • Lights included Models/Escorts 460 It is with the greatest sadness we annouce the • 23 YEARS EXPERIENCE AS A DJ http://www.wildbillsdjservices.com CJSW 90.9 FM is Calgary’s Campus and sudden passing of Daren, aka (The Big D) due Community radio station, spinning only the to heart attack, in St. Johns, Nf. best in underground music, showcasing stories Alberta Escort Listings He was born in Baie Verte, NewFoundland; and perspectives you won’t hear anywhere else, to a large wonderful Catholic family with 7 and connecting you to the Calgary Community. children. Daren has many neices and nephews, Adult Oriented 210 The best part? All of it is done by volunteers - He was the favorite uncle of them all. The folks just like you. At CJSW, we’re proud of our family moved to Sparwood BC, where Daren commitment to diversity in our programming, The Producer of The Great Canadian Male grew up. When Daren was 18 he moved to and also in our volunteer base. CJSW is a will be in Calgary to recruit models for our Lethbridge before moving to Calgary in 1990. welcoming environment that celebrates all website. We are looking for Gay, Bi, Straight He loved art, paint, sculpture, shoes, fashion, kinds of people. If you’ve ever wanted to get but Curious and First Timers between the ages music, dancing and was a master at billiards. started in radio, learn more about music, find of 19 - 50. Models will be selected to appear in (he couldnt be beat! and if you did beat him by out how to edit audio, and get experience future episodes on our website. 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www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 61 Q Scopes Be helpful, Leo! Saturn entering Scorpio alleviates some social conservatism and spells trouble for plutocrats. Mars, Venus, and Mercury all changing signs at the same time will help people develop strategies to make sure of that. ARIES (March 20–April 19): Think carefully about your life’s goals. Your ruler Mars entering Sagittarius makes you more open and impulsive, but reality and disappointment will slap back at you. You can handle it. Exercise foresight, responsibility and compassion.  TAURUS (April 20–May 20): To clarify questions about the future, grasp the creative challenges of today. Hard work brings focus. Don’t do it alone. Asking your partner or a friend to help can help improve a relationship – or end a bad one. GEMINI (May 21–June 20): Get to work! While energy is high, clear the decks, set goals and build momentum. When you hit a wall, ask your boss or an authority in your field for help. The answer need not make logical sense, but practice should clarify it.  CANCER (June 21–July 22): Living up to your promises is largely a matter of managing your moods. Friends want to help if you only give them a chance. Take time to be alone so you can charge up and be ready to dig in. LEO (July 23–August 22): Focusing your energy into house cleaning or community affairs will make you a force to be reckoned with. Don’t reckon wrong. Your challenge is to listen to others, to really hear what they need. Be helpful, not meddlesome.  VIRGO (August 23–September 22): Nice or nasty? Venus brings charm and grace to your sign. You’ll need it with other planets giving you a hard critical edge that could easily misfire. As always, focus your critical brilliance on yourself before sharing it with others. LIBRA (September 23–October 22): Life in general will get a little easier, but finances continue to be a problem. Helping others who have it worse will help you keep perspective. Take time alone to prioritize your goals and time with friends to vent your frustrations. SCORPIO (October 23–November 21): The real world is dragging you out of yourself but doesn’t look all that real. To stay oriented, keep your priorities in mind and your wallet in your pocket. Bring your creative and empathetic insights into practical application. SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 20): Of course friends will disappoint you. They’re only human and you’re not exactly perfect, either! Sort through your negativity alone or do something charitable to lift yourself out of it. Your positive energy will return soon. CAPRICORN (December 21–January 19): Your ruler, Saturn, entering Scorpio takes you past a career peak into two- and-a-half years of winnowing your friends to those you really value and trust. The future looks bleaker than it is, but you’re enduring and resourceful. Time is always on your side. AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18): Your ruler, Saturn, entering the top of your chart signals a two-and-a-half year career peak. Work hard and shine! Don’t let promises of success tempt you to extravagances. Money continues to be uncertain, but with time you’ll learn to manage in the new economy. PISCES (February 19–March 19): Home is an uncertain respite from the world’s troubles if your problems won’t leave your head. As worries come into clearer focus, so can solutions. Accept kind encouragements from others even if they seem fuzzy and meaningless. The late Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977 taught at the Online College of Astrology. Due to his recent passing, this is the final QScopes column.

62 GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #108, October 2012 63