JULY 2011 ISSUE 93 • FREE The Voice of Alberta’s LGBT Community magazine

One-on-One with LADY GAGA

Interview with Dallas Green

PLUS Coverage of: Edmonton Pride Lethbridge Pride ARGRA Rodeo Interview with and more! Scan to Read on Mobile Devices k.d. lang http://gettag.mobi

Business Directory Community Maps Events Calendar Tourist Information STARTING ON PAGE 17 Calgary • Edmonton • Alberta www.gaycalgary.com 2 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Table of Contents JULY 2011 5 Not In Kansas Anymore Publisher: Steve Polyak Publisher’s Column Editor: Rob Diaz-Marino Sales: Steve Polyak Design & Layout: Rob Diaz-Marino, Steve Polyak 8 Dallas Green’s Little Hell City & Colour back with new album Writers and Contributors Chris Azzopardi, Dave Brousseau, Jason Clevett, Andrew Collins, Rob Diaz-Marino, Janine Eva Trotta, Jack Fertig, Glen Hanson, Joan Hilty, Evan 12 Queer Eye - Part 1 Kayne, Stephen Lock, Chantal Macleod, Allan Neuwirth, Steve Polyak, Carey Rutherford, Romeo

San Vicente, Ed Sikov, Nick Vivian and the LGBT 17 Directory and Events 8 PAGE Community of Calgary, Edmonton, and Alberta.

Photography Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, 23 Kicking Balls The Bow River Football Club Videography Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino

Printers 24 A Conflict between Faith-based Transcontinental Printing Education within Public Schools and Distribution Calgary: Gallant Distribution Secular Tradition GayCalgary Staff Edmonton: Clark’s Distribution Other: Canada Post 26 Calgary Outlink Reaches Out Legal Council Courtney Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors 27 Q Scopes Sales & General Inquiries Pay attention, Capricorn! 12 PAGE GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine 2136 17th Avenue SW Calgary, AB, Canada 28 Deep Inside Hollywood T2T 0G3 Hugh Jackman can’t help loving musical theater Office Hours: By appointment ONLY Phone: 403-543-6960 Toll Free: 1-888-543-6960 29 Cocktail Chatter Fax: 403-703-0685 Jack Fogg Rolls In: The Bourbon Sour E-Mail: [email protected] This Month's Cover Lady Gaga (Photo by Nick Knight), Dallas Green 30 Why the Umbrella Failed – Part 1 (Vanessa Heins), and k.d. lang (Photo by The Fun Star). 32 Alyssa Reid Brings The Game Proud Members of: Edmonton-born singer returns home 33 Anything Goes 23 PAGE This Year’s Fringe Fest Celebrates Sexuality, Individuality and

Edmonton Rainbow Community Spirit Business Association 36 Out of Town The French Riviera: Nice and Cannes

International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association 38 Wicked Impresses in Calgary Debut 39 k.d. lang: ‘Loud’ and Proud National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association Singer talks being butch, out and the first gay country star PAGE 32 PAGE Continued on Next Page  www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 3 Table of Contents

 Continued From Previous Page 43 A Couple of Guys 44 Bitter Girl Magazine Figures 45 Star Trekking in Calgary Monthly Print Quantity: Beaming Down White Hats 9,000–11,000 copies Guaranteed Circulation: 8,500 copies Bonus Circulation: 500–2,500 copies

46 InnerSPACE Readership Sci-fi Hosts at the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo Readers Per Copy: 4.9 (PMB) Print Readership: >41,650 Avg. Online Circulation: 150,000 readers Estimated Total Readership:

PAGE 39 PAGE 48 Western Canadian Pride Festival >191,650 readers For the Community, by the Community Frequency: Monthly Proof of monthly figures are 49 Classified Ads available on request. Distribution Locations: Calgary: 160, Edmonton: 120 51 The (Gay) GAGA Interview Other Alberta Cities: 15 Superstar talks activism, her legacy and how being a gay icon is a ‘tall order’ Other Provinces: 35 United States: 15 54 Chelsea Boys Please call us if your establishment would like to become a distribution location. 55 Queer Eye - Part 2 History Originally established in January 1992 as Men for Men BBS by MFM Communications. Name changed to PAGE 46 PAGE GayCalgary in 1998. Independent company as of January 2004. First edition of GayCalgary.com Magazine published November 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine.

Disclaimer and Copyright Opinions expressed in this magazine are specific to the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of GayCalgary staff and contributors. Those involved in the making of this publication, whether advertisers, Scan for Scan for contributors, or the subjects of articles or photographs, are not necessarily gay, this Issue Latest Issue lesbian, bisexual, or trans. This magazine also includes straight allies and those who PAGE 48 PAGE http://gettag.mobi are gay friendly. No part of this publication may be reprinted http://www.gaycalgary.com/RSS or modified without the expressed written permission of the editor or publisher. Articles • Recent News • Prize Draws • Events • Travel Info Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. http://www.gaycalgary.com/Twitter GayCalgary is a registered trademark. Follow us on Twitter for articles, weekly news and updates! August 2011 Print Deadlines http://www.gaycalgary.com/Facebook Ad Booking: Thurs, July 28th http://www.gaycalgary.com/FacebookFan Submission: Tues, Aug 2nd Join us on Facebook for articles, weekly news and updates! In Circulation: Thurs, Aug 4th

http://www.gaycalgary.com/ Please contact us immediately if i93 you think you may have missed the More articles and exclusive content online! booking or submission deadline. PAGE 51 PAGE

4 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Editorial Not In Kansas Anymore Publisher’s Column

By Rob Diaz-Marino, MSc. bars showed us some great hospitality on this rare occasion that I was out June never fails to be a crazy month, and this one was both a drinking. literal and figurative whirlwind… I STILL Heart Geeks! Pride 2011 This year’s Comic & Entertainment Expo was a huge hit yet again. Though we hadn’t originally planned to do so, as a sponsor of the event we At its very outset we were up in Edmonton for their Pride celebrations. were able to get a table to promote the magazine whilst we covered the event Though the parade went down a different route this year, it still had its and interviewed further sci-fi celebrities (to appear in this edition and next). destination at Churchill Square for the street festival. People lined up for While manning our booth, two things became clear to me. One: Many of hours to get into the packed beer gardens, however plenty stayed on the those male geeks that get teased and taunted when they are young, grow up sidelines to take in the live entertainment and enjoy the sunny weather. to be some damn handsome and formidable looking men – you sure wouldn’t As we’ve done for the past several years, I took a video recording of the want to mess with some of them now! Two: Our magazine was surprisingly parade which can be viewed on our website (at www.gaycalgary.com/a2292) well received by the open-minded sci-fi crowd. while Steve took photos. Then we split off, each with cameras, to photograph At one point, a large procession of people in zombie costumes shuffled the show and attendees having fun and losing clothes. I followed suit, losing through the expo in honour of George Romero, despite being unable to attend my shirt for my first opportunity of the year to soak up some sun through a because of a recent injury. My witty comment, from the perspective of a layer of SPF 30. vendor, was, “the worst thing about zombies is that they never buy anything!” This year’s entertainment wasn’t as drag-heavy as it has been in previous We were also on the hunt for autographs from the people that we had years, which made way for a unique variety of bands and singers. One singer interviewed in the June edition of GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine. While was Robin S, the voice behind the famous song “Show Me Love”, while the William Shatner was not accessible to us (and most mainstream media too), lead of another act wore gold spandex pants and sung Lady Gaga’s Judas to we were still able to meet a few of them. Most memorable was Elvira, who a pygmy-sized blow-up doll with Stephen Harper’s face taped onto it. signed the cover of several copies for us. As she was doing this, some officials As the celebration was winding down, we got packed up and headed of the expo emerged from the curtain behind her, escorting Mayor Nenshi toward the Edmonton Expo Centre for the Pure Pride dance. We stopped in a through to meet her! It was such a bizarre coincidence, but he was excited nearby parking lot for a brief nap before heading in. You may remember the for us to get photos of him with Elvira. Pure Pride dance last year, which was held in a huge underground parking lot. Once again the boys from Pure Pride put on a spectacular event that Lethbridge Pride Weekend included a fashion show by Priape, performances by Mark Sheppard, several high-end DJs, some celebrity go-go dancers, and some highly suggestive The following Friday we went ahead with my originally planned Birthday shadow play by porn star Brent Everett. party at the Calgary Eagle where we hung out with some friends and I got a The next morning, still a little groggy from all the activity the day prior, shameful reminder why I don’t overdo it on the drinking anymore. Thankfully we headed out for the Pride Festival Pancake Breakfast, and shortly after, the only place I didn’t vomit was in the cab on the way home. brunch at the Pride Centre of Edmonton. The next evening was Master Barry’s Celebration of Life party. Boy David explained onstage that he and Barry had a conversation about how A GAYmazing Birthday to honour him after he passed away, and Barry’s wish was to bring people of the community together to celebrate his life rather than to mourn. As he The next weekend, I had been up quite late the Friday night completing hoped, the evening filled the Calgary Eagle and brought a lot of old friends the electronic side for the GAYmazing Race being put on by Pride Calgary. together again. We had published a number of tags in the June edition of the magazine, their GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine has sponsored Lethbridge Pride for the purpose mysterious until they came into play for this scavenger hunt. Teams past 3 years, but this was the first time the event has not conflicted with were given clues at each location of which tag to scan, and what password to other major events happening in both Calgary and Edmonton that we needed use to access the clue that would lead them to the next location. to cover. Steve and I made the road trip down on Sunday for their OUT in the My 30th birthday fell on the Saturday of that weekend, and it was planned Park festival. Compared to Calgary and Edmonton Prides it was a fairly small that I would be up in Edmonton to cover the Gilligan’s Island Riverboat Party crowd, thinned by the constant flip-flopping of sun and rain that day, and the being put on by Buddys. I was supposed to leave Calgary shortly after the voracious mosquitoes in the park. GAYmazing Race kicked off. However, we received the news that the party We finally had the chance to meet a number of the organizers that we’ve had been postponed due to unfavourable conditions on the river caused by been corresponding with by Email for the past several years, and interact with the high volumes of rain. The event has been rescheduled to Friday, July some of the attendees. Fendi from Calgary performed some drag numbers 22nd starting at 7pm, and will be part of their week-long 11th birthday bash. amidst a variety of colourful belly dancers, hula dancers, clowns, and live So unexpectedly I ended up in Calgary for my birthday with no plans music. The Calgary-based band Hashmagandy finished off the afternoon. whatsoever. Following the GAYmazing Race Afterparty, we headed out for dinner at our favorite Chinese buffet, then went out for some drinks at Club Sapien and FAB since they were in walking distance from home. Both

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 5  Editorial Contd.

Rodeo Weekend It’s irrefutable that the annual Canadian Rockies International Rodeo put Online Last Month (1/2) on by ARGRA is the biggest LGBT event of the year for Alberta, and as was Advice for LGBT Mortgage Applicants pointed out, the second largest in Western Canada next to Vancouver Pride. Deploy preemptive tactics in 2011 Since their move to Strathmore 3 years ago, ARGRA has been taking steps LGBT real estate buyers and homeowners each year to grow and engage a wider LGBT audience. This year we saw some major improvements to the layout of the midway, and the variety of who have been thinking about taking attractions offered. out a home loan or doing a mortgage The Grandstands, food vendors, vendor tables, GayCalgary & Edmonton refinance may now have more reasons... Magazine Community Carnival, Beer Garden and Showboat Stage were all www.gaycalgary.com/a2271 along a single line going toward the evening dance venue and location for the pancake breakfasts and dinners. Between the Carnival and the Beer Garden Creep of the Week: Linda Harvey was the new Memorial Garden – a picnic area amongst small cedar trees, Calling all homos: do you live near anyone flowers, and a water fountain! facing foreclosure? Well, the least you can do At the GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine Community Carnival, non- is help them move because it turns out that... profit groups set up carnival games in order to fundraise, or simply raise www.gaycalgary.com/a2274 awareness. Groups were relieved to have tenting overhead this year, other than the particularly popular dunk tank run by the ISCCA. Dunking a drag Deep Inside Hollywood queen is a particularly irresistible prospect, made even sweeter by the notion Jane Lynch swaps tracksuit for Wimple in of a transparent window in the base of the tank to see them floundering Stooges underwater. Even I took a few throws before the weekend was out. Jane Lynch knows a thing or two about playing Unfortunately by the end of the day it was difficult to see anything through the cloudy dregs of their makeup swirling around in the water. Current terrifying teachers, what with her Emmy- reigning Emperor Chris Tron, who was convinced to put himself up on the winning stint as cheerleading taskmaster... plank at one point over the weekend, reported that the ISCCA raised over www.gaycalgary.com/a2278 $1500 thanks to dunking enthusiasts. I booked some holiday time off of work so that we could head out on Oh Susanna Thursday and enjoy those two days before the real work began. During the Soon The Birds singer/songwriter day on Saturday and Sunday we were rushing around taking photographs hits Alberta with Matthew Barber around the campsites and midway, as well as photographing and videotaping Vancouver born, Toronto based singer- the main rodeo events in the arena. At the nighttime dances we put on a songwriter Suzie Ungerleider, better known as presentation of photos and video taken during the day’s events. To pull this off, this year we made use of a 12 foot (diagonal) inflatable screen outside Oh Susanna, took her time when producing... of the dance venue and one of the demo hybrid trucks provided by fellow www.gaycalgary.com/a2289 sponsor Jack Carter to contain our projection equipment – a reverse drive-in theatre, so to speak. MARY B’s AUSTRALIA On Sunday at about 3 in the afternoon, roughly half way through the ADVENTURE [PART 1] second day of rodeo events, a particularly nasty storm blew in. It was during I’ve never really had a Bucket List, but if I did, the transition between Women’s Barrel Racing and Men’s Barrel Racing it would obviously be called The Buckheit List. that the weather went from sunny to severely windy in a matter of seconds, On top the top, in bright red ink... sending dust and debris (including unsecured tents) flying through the air. www.gaycalgary.com/a2281 Rodeo officials asked spectators in the grandstands to move back from the front rows for their own safety while they waited to see if the conditions would Hear Me Out clear up as quickly as they manifested. Brandi Carlile, Augustana Steve left the shelter of our grandstand box to go secure the contents of our vendor booth, and by the time he got back the wind was so bad that No wonder Brandi Carlile’s always releasing live he couldn’t get the door to shut properly. He told me he had overheard music – her big, bellowy voice... ARGRA Officials discussing the fact that a Tornado warning was in effect www.gaycalgary.com/a2283 for Strathmore, so we decided to close the shutters on the box, pack up our equipment and head back to our camp site to secure everything. Sure Mamma Mio is ABBA-tastic enough, as we were walking away, there was an announcement at the While the Jubilations concept has always been Grandstands asking everyone to evacuate to the nearby dance hall. about taking pop culture – films and TV shows We headed there and I stayed put while Steve went back outside to find primarily – and putting a musical spin on... our writer Evan, secure our campsite, and help round up anyone he saw www.gaycalgary.com/a2290 in the campground. Soon the dance hall was full of competitors, campers, and their pets. The official announcement was made to the crowd. The bad The OutField news: the Tornado warning, and reassurance that if the situation grew any worse, we could take shelter in the basement of the dance hall. The good Changing the game for good news: the bar was open for everyone, excluding competitors. Over the past two decades, LGBT educational issues surged into the headlines. Library books, After a long wait Evan, and then several minutes later Steve, arrived at the dance hall – both a little wet from the rain. Soon after, an announcement curricula, protection for gay students – all... was made that the tornado warning had been upgraded to a tornado watch, www.gaycalgary.com/a2286 meaning that there had been touchdowns reported in Strathmore. Soon after that, ARGRA president Greg Holsworth announced that the Rodeo Book Marks events would not be able to continue due to safety concerns. We found out Nina Here Nor There: My that regardless if the weather conditions improved in time, the debris in the Journey Beyond Gender arena and in the grandstands, not to mention shaken mental state of the Leche, by R. Zamora Linmark. Coffee House people and the animals, would have made it dangerous to resume the rodeo events. And so, the rodeo was effectively over. Press, 280 pages, $15.95 paper. The message As the weather improved nearly an hour later, and reports showed of this kaleidoscopic novel is that you can... Strathmore in the clear, people were permitted to leave the dance hall and www.gaycalgary.com/a2272 Creep of the Week Dave Agema If you go to Michigan State Rep. Dave Agema’s website you see quotes related to Michigan’s economy. It’s pretty boilerplate Republican... www.gaycalgary.com/a2275

6 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com  Editorial Contd.

return to their campsites. The Awards Ceremony and Happy Trails Dance Online Last Month (2/2) were still a go, so we prepared the presentations for those events and got all set up. Deep Inside Hollywood At the Awards Ceremony, it was clear that a few individuals were unhappy Paperboy delivering about how the missed rodeo events were handled, however ARGRA officials McConaughey and Efron insisted that they followed the guidelines of the International Gay Rodeo Two high-profile gay filmmakers Association. collaborating on a sexy thriller? That’s the After this I made a quick trip back to Calgary to check on things, and news with The Paperboy, a feature being returned to the dance in time to have a few drinks and relax. Amidst several “friends of Dorothy” references from people at the dance, Judy Munson told produced by Pedro Almodovar and... us about how her Wild Drag Race team that day was slated to wear costumes www.gaycalgary.com/a2279 in a Wizard of Oz theme. How appropriate.

Catalina Island Positive Voices Award A Gay and a Lesbian Makin’ At the AIDS Calgary Annual General Meeting last month, GayCalgary & Romance Out at Sea Edmonton Magazine was recognized for our support of the organization and “Are there more resident bald eagles its goals and mandate, with the Positive Voices Award. We declined giving on the island or resident gays?” My a speech since neither Steve nor I am particularly confident with public lesbian wife, the always-sunny Mary speaking – writing is my stronger suit, and so they heckled that I should B., and I are 22 miles away from... write something in this edition. www.gaycalgary.com/a2282 Neither Steve nor I am HIV positive, and yet from its initial conception we have wanted this magazine to help disseminate AIDS awareness information. Queeries We recognize that HIV/AIDS has devastated prior generations in the gay Must two brides dress like twins? community. We also recognize how difficult it is to motivate people to protect Q: My fiancée and I are planning our wedding, themselves from this disease without at the same time encouraging them to which is going to be very “traditional” in many shun the people who are already affected by it. ways. We agree on almost all the details... While HIV/AIDS is not exclusively a “gay disease” as some would believe, www.gaycalgary.com/a2285 it is certainly a cause that the community has adopted as its own. For us, it was never a question of whether we should be involved. Creep of the Week: Dwight Probasco Since we started working with AIDS Calgary, their sister organization When Wasilla High School Principal Dwight HIV Edmonton, and numerous other sexual health organizations in Alberta, Probasco told the jazz choir they could not we have helped to promote and cover countless fundraisers in the LGBT community for HIV/AIDS related causes, and helped carry those messages of perform Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” at awareness back to our readership. We have offered space whenever needed graduation, the kids in... to publish articles related to HIV/AIDS prevention and sexual health. We www.gaycalgary.com/a2276 have sponsored numerous AIDS Walks in both Calgary and Edmonton, and this year we are proud to say that we are sponsoring every AIDS Walk event Deep Inside Hollywood across Alberta! Carrie ruins prom for everybody. Again. While it once may have been believed that the LGBT community was a Once Is Not Enough is more than just part of the problem, we are showing how the LGBT community of Alberta is the name of a best-selling Jacqueline playing a major role in being part of the solution. Susann novel, it’s how Hollywood does business all the time, cranking out... Thanks www.gaycalgary.com/a2280 We have to give a huge thank-you to our writer Evan Kayne who volunteered his time this month to hold the fort at the GayCalgary & Hear Me Out Edmonton Magazine booths at Edmonton Pride, the Comic & Entertainment Jennifer Lopez, Matthew Morrison Expo, and the ARGRA Rodeo. While Steve and I had to be running in all Jennifer Lopez, Love? On her first album in four directions, Evan helped to ensure there was consistently someone at our years, J.Lo isn’t waiting for tonight – it’s already booths to answer questions and to engage with. here. There’s debaucherous drinking and... www.gaycalgary.com/a2284 The Snoopy Fence Early this month before things got too busy, we finally finished building The Outfield our front fence to a point where it fully contained our front yard. The evening Brian Burke and the Bowdoin ‘bubble’ that we completed our final push – installing the gate and sealing the Bowdoin College is a warm, welcoming place. passageway at the side of the house with a piece of plastic trellis - we brought Nestled in a small Maine town, it’s the kind of Snoopy out to freely explore the front yard for the first time. place where Ben Chadwick could be out... It was after dark and the grass was slightly wet from the rain during the www.gaycalgary.com/a2287 day, however Snoopy immediately took to exploring the perimeter, sniffing the grass and plants, hiding in the shadows, pouncing at bugs, and occasionally Rihanna Heats Up The Dome dashing around the yard making a comical “oor-oor-oor” sound. It was clear In 1998 I attended Janet Jackson’s Velvet that he was excited about this new world. Rope tour in Vancouver, in which she We brought out Salem for a bit, who hasn’t seen the grass since he was tied an audience member to a bed and a kitten. Snoopy playfully pounced on him from a dark corner, startling him. Salem was anxious to run back toward the house, but seemed to enjoy proceeded to seduce them. Fast forward... hanging out on the porch for a while. www.gaycalgary.com/a2291 We also tried bringing out Sparky, who supposedly spent his time prior to Creep of the Week: Stacey Campfield us adopting him on a farm. Initially he was outright terrified – we plunked him in the yard and he immediately tried to scuttle back inside, except Bowdoin College is a warm, welcoming he couldn’t figure out that the stairs were climbable. He sat and howled place. Ah, yes. The joys of sex education. pathetically until we carried him up the stairs and onto the porch. I think all of us have fond memories of We had fulfilled my promise to Snoopy, and as I realized, a similar promise that day in fifth or sixth grade when the to Salem that I had made shortly after his brother passed away. I was boys got shuffled into one room... definitely pleased with myself that day. www.gaycalgary.com/a2223

Edmonton Pride Parade www.gaycalgary.com/a2292 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2293 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 7 Interview

 Dallas Green - City and Colour. Photos by Vanessa Heins

“I have a lot going on in my brain. If I had just said ok we finished touring with Alexis I am going to take a year to myself, I wouldn’t have Dallas Green’s Little Hell been able to do that because I had all these songs demoed and in my head, I had been sitting on some of them for almost two years. It took me a few months after Bring Me Your Love to start writing what City & Colour back with new album would become City and Colour material because we were so fixated on doing Old Crows. I don’t think I could have taken a break. We finished By Jason Clevett touring in December with Alexis and I was supposed to finally go on my honeymoon, it has been two years since we got married and I still haven’t For some, learning that you are the #1 album in Canada, ahead gone on one. We ended up canceling because I didn’t think I’d have of heavyweights Lady Gaga and Adele, would be cause for a enough time between the vacation and going into the studio because I lavish champagne-fueled celebration. Something you should had already booked it and I knew I needed to prepare mentally. With the know about Dallas Green is he’s not a champagne wishes and attention span being so short today, you have to keep people interested caviar dreams kind of guy. When he got word of his newest in what you are doing. I guess I fear one day people won’t be interested album Little Hell‘s ranking (it was also #2 in Australia and #28 so I might as well give them everything I’ve got now. I guess I just have a problem, and a very understanding wife which really helps. Hopefully in the US) his reaction was to carry on with everyday life. one day I will take a break or have a nervous breakdown and force myself “It is always nice when you hear things like that. I honestly don’t really to take a break.” know or try and worry about numbers, I don’t know what they mean. When the first single Fragile Bird was released, the rock style of the I appreciate that it sold so many copies. It is a great accomplishment I music came as a surprise. guess. Somebody asked me how it felt to be number one, well I still took “The first version of that song was acoustic and very slow, reminiscent the trash out yesterday.” of my older stuff. I just thought there was more to discover from my own GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine spoke with Dallas in our third perspective to that song. So I kept trying to re-work it and re-work it and interview with him, just 1 day after the announcement. He had just one day I discovered the groove that is now recognizable with that song. wrapped up 6 interviews with media in Mexico, where Little Hell is the I demoed it in my basement and at first I thought it was a little weird first City and Colour album released there, and was enjoying doing for what people would assume is a City and Colour song. Then I realized media from the comfort of his living room. A lot of media focuses on City and Colour can be anything I want it to be, because I’m in charge.” awards and accolades, which Dallas says has never mattered to him. “The reason I made it the first single was because I wanted to put “I think if you let it overwhelm you it can [matter], but I don’t care something different out and see how people would react. It is a good about stuff like that. I am more concerned with writing a good song and sign of if people are going to grow and evolve with you. I know there will singing well and performing well, that’s what I care about. If I had to always be people who just want me to put out a record of me playing choose, I could do without the interviews and photo shoots and awards. acoustic guitar sadly or quietly. I like lots of different music which in I appreciate that it is part of it and comes along with it, but it’s not why I turn makes me create lots of different styles of music. I thought it was do it. I have been playing guitar and singing for more than half my life, it a good song so it is on the record, which is full of peaks and valleys and has become something I need to do rather than something I enjoy doing. ups and downs.” Winning a Juno doesn’t make me a better songwriter or sing better. It “Most of the stuff I have been hearing is that people are liking it. There is just something else for people to talk about. I still have to work and are definitely some people who aren’t fans of it, but I think they just want worry about the song, which is why I concentrate more on that.” me to be the way I used to be. As a musician and songwriter you always Little Hell is Green’s third City and Colour album, and combined with have to deal with that because music is such an emotional thing, you get the three albums released as part of Alexisonfire, it is his 6th since 2004. invested in certain songs and people, and when they change you aren’t I asked Dallas when he last took time off. ready for it. What people forget is that they also change as well, they are “It depends on how you look at time off. I have days off between tours not the same person they were six years ago - when Sometimes came where I am at home for a week. I haven’t really taken time away from out and they fell in love with that record - they are different and have music since 2004. Right before Watch Out came out was when I had different tastes. I can’t really worry about what people will say, because some time. Then Sometimes came out in 2005, Crisis in 2006, we toured if I do that, I won’t be writing honest music from my perspective, I will be on that for two years, Bring Me Your Love in 2008 and Old Crows/Young thinking about what other people think. That works for other people that Cardinals in 2009 and now Little Hell is out. So I guess 2004.” are trying to be the biggest and best in the world but I just want to write When Alexisonfire wrapped up touring in December, Green was the songs that make me happy and hope some people get it.” already recording in the studio in January. At first, Green planned on naming the album after the first song We Found Each Other In The Dark.

8 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com “That was what I was originally going up houses, and nowadays there are a lot of with, when I first started thinking about a those around the world. I always wonder record and writing new songs. I wrote that whenever I see one, what got it to that point. song early on and thought it was a cool What was it like before? I find myself staring title. Then I wrote Little Hell and started at it and wondering if a family had lived there, thinking about what Little Hell means to what circumstances brought it to the way it is me on a grander scale, and it just seemed now. That is what Natural Disaster is about, right. And the title is shorter which is which is something I probably never would always good.” have written about without seeing the world. Since Bring Me Your Love was released, My life directly relates to what the songs are Green has toured the world with both about.” bands, gotten married (to So You Think City & Colour returns to Calgary for the first You Can Dance Canada host Leah Miller), time in 2 years at the Calgary International played at the Vancouver Olympics, won Folk Festival on July 21st. It is a stop among awards, and made some awesome tall a number of festivals including well known friends, among other things. Many of these ones like Glastonbury in the UK, Coachella in experiences tied in with the songwriting for California, and Lollapalooza in Chicago. this album. “The main reason for doing festivals, “The way I write songs is a very personal especially ones around the world, is to play thing, I write about things in my life. All for people who don’t know who you are, or those things have affected the songs. have heard of you but haven’t seen you, and O’Sister is about my sister, who went are there to see their favorite band and will through some things and I wasn’t there check you out. It is an opportunity to play for for it because I was on tour so much new [people] and create new fans out of that with my two bands, which is directly experience. You also get to see bands that you responsible for the way I was feeling about probably otherwise would never get to see. I it. I probably would have felt this strongly got to play at Coachella the same day as Kanye if I had been home but it may have come West. I didn’t get to stay and see him because across differently because I would have he played really late and I had to go and catch been there to help and there to express my a flight but the idea that I got to play on the feelings. Because I wasn’t, I had to write a same day as Kanye West is pretty cool because song about it.” it isn’t something that will happen very often. “Touring so much you get to see a lot of different things in the world. Eminem is playing Lollapalooza and we are playing that. It is cool to be Something that always resonates with me whenever I see it is boarded on shows with such an eclectic bill of artists. We are playing a festival in

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 9 England that The Eagles are headlining. I’m not an Eagles fan but it is crazy that we are playing a festival that they are at.” The challenge in doing a festival set is selecting a set list. Instead of 2 hours for a theatre show, they may have 25 minutes to an hour to leave an impression. With three albums plus often adding covers to his sets, it can be hard to narrow it down. “With the festival slots around the world where I am not as well known as Canada, I have learned that you just have to go out and be short and sweet. You get half an hour, you play five upbeat fun loving songs that I can muster in the songs that I write, and that is it - go out, do your thing and come off. If I headline some festivals in Canada, I try to mix it up with new and old. I probably won’t play many new songs yet because I want to keep people interested and it is hard to play a bunch of new songs when people want to hear the old ones. We will save the new songs for when we come back on a headlining tour. In 2007 Green upset a writer for refusing to play his “hit” Save Your Scissors at the Edmonton Folk Festival. Hopefully that writer isn’t planning on attending the Calgary Folk Fest, or he will once again be disappointed. “That is definitely not going to happen, I have way more songs to pick from now.” One of the songs you likely will hear is Body in a Box off of Bring Me Your Love. If you search YouTube afterwards, hopefully you won’t find it; Green has been encouraging fans to put their cameras and cell phones away for the song. “That is something recently that I had been doing at my shows, trying to have one song where people remember what it is like to just watch a concert. People are so focused on remembering the moment that they are actually forgetting to experience it while it is happening. I wanted to have at least one song where people put their cameras and cell phones down and just sang along and watched and didn’t stare at blue lights. Since I started doing that I haven’t seen one new video on YouTube of Body in a Box. That makes me happy because people are paying attention to that. I have had a lot of people come up to me after and say that they didn’t pick the camera back up for the rest of the show which is really cool.” In recent years, I’ve seen a large number of gay and lesbian patrons attending City and Colour concerts. On a recent US tour with Tegan and Sara, Green became aware of a number of them as well. “I noticed, definitely, after I toured with Tegan and Sara in America. That opened up more of a lesbian crowd to me because they have a large gay and lesbian following... I would go out and sing a song with them and it would be 20 minutes before we got into the song because we would be yapping away talking about nonsense. They are two amazing, amazing women.” That said, while he embraces anyone who listens to his music, Dallas isn’t one to brag about who is in his audience. “When you meet someone you can assume they are gay or straight but, I don’t know who is or isn’t, or if there are a lot of gay people who like my music. I never really like to go oh yeah I’ve got a huge gay following or I’ve got a huge straight following. I want as many people to listen to my music as possible and that is the main goal. You write a song and hope whoever is listening, it doesn’t matter what they are to me as long as they’re not an asshole then I am cool with it. As far as Canada I don’t really know where it comes from. I am not going to say gay people are more attracted to sensitive, honest music because I don’t know that for certain. I appreciate their support just as much as I do the support of anyone that listens to my music.”

City & Colour Little Hell available now. www.cityandcolour.ca

In Concert Calgary Folk Music Festival - July 21st

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Edmonton Pride

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PurePride Dance - Edmonton

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 13 Photography

Canadian Rockies International Rodeo - Strathmore

14 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Photography

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 15 Photography

Lethbridge Pride Festival

16 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Photography

24 DOWNTOWN CALGARY

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1 Calgary Outlink------Community Groups 9 FAB------Bars and Clubs 35 One Yellow Rabbit------Theatre 58 Theatre Junction------Theatre 2 Aids Calgary------Community Groups 13 Westways Guest House---- Accommodations 36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects------Theatre 59 Village Bistro & Lounge------Restaurant 3 Backlot------Bars and Clubs 16 Priape Calgary------Retail Stores 37 Pumphouse Theatre------Theatre 60 Club Sapien------Bars and Clubs 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.------Bars and Clubs 24 Courtney Aarbo------Services 41 La Fleur------Retail Stores 61 Holidays on the Hill------Retail Stores 5 Texas Lounge------Bars and Clubs 33 Twisted Element------Bars and Clubs 43 Lisa Heinricks------Theatre and Fine Arts 62 Concept Bar & Lounge------Bars and Clubs 6 Goliath’s------Bathhouses 34 Vertigo Mystery Theatre------Theatre 55 Marquee Room------Bars and Clubs

60 Concept Bar & Lounge------✰ CALGARY  908 17th Ave SW  403-228-1006 FIND OUT!  www.facebook.com/ConceptLounge Accommodations Premiere crossover lounge. Entrance on 16th Ave. 55 Marquee Room------✰ LGBT Community Directory 13 Westways Guest House------✰  612 - 8th Avenue SW  216 - 25th Avenue SW  403-229-1758  www.marqueeroom.com  1-866-846-7038  [email protected] Alternative night every Wednesday. GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine is the go-to source for  www.gaywestways.com information about Alberta LGBT businesses and community 9 FAB------✰ groups—the most extensive and accurate resource of its kind! This Bars & Clubs  1742 - 10th Ave SW  403-263-7411 print supplement contains a subset of active community groups  www.fab-bar.com  Closed Mondays. Bar and restaurant. and venues, with premium business listings of paid advertisers. 3 Backlot------✰  209 - 10th Ave SW  403-265-5211 5 Texas Lounge------✰  ✰...... Find our Magazine Here ...... Wheelchair Accessible Open 7 days a week, 2pm-close  308 - 17 Ave SW  403-229-0911 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.------✰  www.goliaths.ca Spot something inaccurate or outdated? Want your business or  424a - 8th Ave SE  403-263-5847  Open 7 days a week, 11am-close organization listed? We welcome you to contact us!  http://www.calgaryeagle.com 33 Twisted Element------✰  Open Wed-Sun, 5pm-close  1006 - 11th Ave SW  403-802-0230 Leather/Denim/Fetish bar.  403-543-6960  1-888-543-6960  www.twistedelement.ca Club Paradiso Dance Club and Lounge.  [email protected]  1413 - 9th Ave SE, 2nd Floor  403-265-5739 Bathhouses/Saunas  www.clubparadiso.ca  [email protected] Fri: Garter Girls Burlesque. Sat: Carly’s Angels. Weekdays: 6 Goliaths------✰ http://www.gaycalgary.com/CalgaryTravelRss Magic, Comedy & Music.  308 - 17 Ave SW  403-229-0911  www.goliaths.ca http://www.gaycalgary.com/EdmontonTravelRss 60 Club Sapien------✰  Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day  1140 10th Ave SW  403-457-4464 Local Bars, Restaurants, and Accommodations info on the go!  http://www.clubsapien.ca Dance Club and Restaurant/Lounge. Community Groups http://www.gaycalgary.com/Directory 2 AIDS Calgary------✰  110, 1603 10th Avenue SW Browse our complete directory of over 590 gay-frieindly listings!  403-508-2500 www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 17 Directory & Events

Free Pool------ All Day Womynspace------ 7-9pm Church Service------ 4pm Calgary Events At 4 Calgary Eagle with Prime Timers Calgary See 1 Calgary Outlink  2nd See Rainbow Community Church Mondays Badminton------ 7pm New Directions------ 7-9pm Swimming------ 5-6pm ASK Meet and Greet------ 7-9:30pm See Apollo Calgary Sep8Dec15 See 1 Calgary Outlink  3rd By Different Strokes  Bonasera (1204 Edmonton Tr. NE)  SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW) Bowling------ 7pm Heading Out------ 8pm-10pm Inside Out Youth Group------ 7-9pm See Apollo Calgary Sep1Mar30 See 1 Calgary Outlink  4th Women’s Volleyball------ 7-8:30pm See 1 Calgary Outlink See Apollo Calgary Mosaic Youth Group------ 7-9pm Alcoholics Anonymous------ 8pm Yoga (A)------ 6-7:30pm  Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW)  Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) Sunday Socials------ Afternoon 1227 Kensington Close NW At 4 Calgary Eagle See Apollo Calgary Sep27Dec6 Thursdays Saturdays  Yoga (B)------ 7:45-9:15pm  Free Pool------All Day Lesbian Seniors------2pm At 4 Calgary Eagle See Apollo Calgary Sep27Dec6  Kerby Center, Sunshine Room  3rd Running------ 9am 1133 7th Ave SW See Apollo Calgary Squash------ 8:15-9:45pm Friday, July 8th See Apollo Calgary Oct18 Swimming------ 7-8pm Coffee------ 10am Drag Queen H20------ 8pm Tuesdays By Different Strokes See Prime Timers Calgary By ISCCA at 3 Backlot  SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW) Calgary Networking Club------ 5-7pm Curling------ 2:20 & 4:30pm Kevin the Hypnotist------ 9pm See 1 Calgary Outlink  1st Tues Lesbian Meetup Group------ 7:30-9pm See Apollo Calgary At 4 Calgary Eagle At 1 Calgary Outlink  1st Boot Camp (A)------ 7-8:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous------ 8pm Saturday, July 23rd   Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) See Apollo Calgary Sep7 Fake Mustache Show------7:30pm  By Miscellaneous Youth Network  1st 1227 Kensington Close NW Dark Knight Dress Code Party------9pm At 4 Calgary Eagle Between Men------ 7-9pm  Quincy’s (609 7th Ave SW) See 1 Calgary Outlink  2nd, 4th Tuned Out Music Trivia------ Evening July 2011 Fake Mustache Show------ 9pm At 9 FAB  1st, 3rd Rehearsals------ 7-9:30pm By Miscellaneous Youth Network  3rd Camp fYrefly Alberta------ All Day Sundays See Calgary Men’s Chorus Jun At 60 Club Sapien Jul28Jul31 Worship Time------ 10am  Alcoholics Anonymous------ 8pm   Karaoke------8pm-1am See Deer Park United Church Western Canadian Pride Festival-- All Day At 5 Texas Lounge  Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance)  Watipi Lodge, Blackfalds, AB Jul29Aug1 1227 Kensington Close NW Worship------ 10:30am    Fetish Slosh------Evening See Scarboro United Church Calgary Fringe Festival------All Day At 3 Backlot  2nd Fridays Jul29Aug6 Boot Camp (B)------ 10:30am-12pm  Leather Night------ Evening August 2011 Alcoholics Anonymous------8pm See Apollo Calgary Sep12  At 4 Calgary Eagle Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) Bowls for Beswick------ 1pm 1227 Kensington Close NW BBQ Fundraiser------ 5-9pm Worship Services------ 11am By SHARP Foundation Aug7 Wednesdays By ISCCA at 3 Backlot See Knox United Church  Inglewood Lawn Bowling Club 1235 - 8th Ave SE Communion Service------ 12:10pm Rec Volleyball------ 7pm Int/Comp Volleyball------ 12:15-1:45pm See Knox United Church See Apollo Calgary See Apollo Calgary Drag Queen H20 II------ 5pm By ISCCA at 3 Backlot Aug19 Women’s Healing Circle------ 1:30pm Illusions------ 7-10pm BBQ Social Sundays------ 2pm See AIDS Calgary See 1 Calgary Outlink  1st At 4 Calgary Eagle

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

 [email protected] Will return in September 2010. Sign up at myapollo.org • Volleyball (Int/Comp) • Rehearsals  www.aidscalgary.org to receive updates.  West Hillhurst Community Center  Temple B’Nai Tikvah, 900 - 47 Avenue SW 1940 6th Avenue NW Alberta Society for Kink • Golf  [email protected] Calgary Sexual Health Centre------✰  403-398-9968  [email protected]  304, 301 14th Street NW  [email protected] • Volleyball (Recreational)  403-283-5580  http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/ • Lawn Bowling  235 - 18 Ave SW  http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca group.albertasocietyforkink  [email protected]  [email protected] A pro-choice organization that believes all people have the • Outdoor Pursuits right and ability to make their own choices regarding their Apollo Calgary - Friends in Sports • Volleyball (Women’s) sexual and reproductive health.  www.apollocalgary.com  [email protected]  YWCA Calgary (320 - 5th Avenue SE)  www.myapollo.com If it’s done outdoors, we do it. Volunteer led events all  [email protected] 1 Calgary Outlink------✰ A volunteer operated, non-profit organization serving summer and winter. Hiking, camping, biking, skiing, snow  B1, 1528 16th Avenue SW primarily members of the LGBT communities but open to all shoeing, etc. Sign up at myapollo.org to get updates on • Yoga  403-234-8973 members of all communities. Primary focus is to provide the sport you like. We’re always looking for people to  World Tree Studio (812 Edmonton Trail NE)  [email protected] members with well-organized and fun sporting events and lead events.  Robin: 403-618-9642  http://www.calgaryoutlink.com other activities.  [email protected] • Running (Calgary Frontrunners) $120 (10 sessions); $14 Drop-ins open to all levels. Apollo • Peer Support and Crisis Line • Western Cup 30  YMCA Eau Claire (4th St, 1st Ave SW) membership is required.  1-877-OUT-IS-OK (1-877-688-4765)  www.westerncup.com  [email protected] Front-line help service for GLBT individuals and their family Easter long weekend, 2012. East Doors (directly off the Bow river pathway). Distances Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA) and friends, or anyone questioning their sexuality. vary from 8 km - 15 km. Runners from 6 minutes/mile to  www.argra.org • Badminton (Absolutely Smashing) 9+ minute miles. • Calgary Lesbian Ladies Meet up Group  6020 - 4 Avenue NE • Monthly Dances------• Between Men and Between Men Online  [email protected] • Slow Pitch  Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association  [email protected] 1320 - 5th Avenue NW • Heading Out • Biking • Illusions Calgary  [email protected] • Squash Artists for the Quality of Life  Mount Royal University Recreation  403-890-1261  www.afqol.org • Inside Out • Boot Camp  [email protected]  [email protected] • New Directions  Platoon FX, 1351 Aviation Park NE All skill levels welcome. • Womynspace  [email protected] Calgary Gay Fathers • Tennis  [email protected] • Bowling (Rainbow Riders League)  [email protected]  http://www.calgarygayfathers.ca Calgary Queer Book Club  Let’s Bowl (2916 5th Avenue NE) Peer support group for gay, bisexual and questioning  Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW)  [email protected] • Volleyball (Beach) fathers. Meeting twice a month.  [email protected] Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre • Curling Calgary Men’s Chorus  77 Deerpoint Road SE  403-278-8263  North Hill Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street NW)  http://www.calgarymenschorus.org  http://www.dpuc.ca  [email protected]

18 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Directory & Events

 Calgary Contd.

Different Strokes Positive Space Committee 9 FAB------✰ Duncan’s Residential Cleaning  http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org  4825 Mount Royal Gate SW See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.  Jim Duncan: 403-978-6600  403-440-6383 Residential cleaning. Free estimates. Don’t Buy In Project  http://www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace Halo Steak, Seafood & Wine Bar  http://www.dontbuyin.ca Works to raise awareness and challenge the patterns of  Canyon Meadows Plaza Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors) This Calgary Police Service Initiative aims to encourage silence that continue to marginalize LGBTTQ individuals. 13226 Macleod Trail SE  403-461-9195 youth to working towards an inclusive environment in which  403-271-4111  http://www.lornedoucette.com diversity is embraced in their schools and community. Pride Calgary Planning Committee  www.halorestaurant.com  403-797-6564  www.pridecalgary.ca Marnie Campbell (Maxwell Realtors) FairyTales Presentation Society 59 Village Bistro & Lounge------ 403-479-8619  403-244-1956 Pride Rainbow Project  2F, 610 8th Ave SE  http://www.marniecampbell.ca  http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com  [email protected]  403-262-6342 ext 236 Alberta Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.  http://www.priderainbowproject.com  M-R: 9am-4pm, F: 9am-5pm, S: 11am-5pm MFM Communications Youth run project designed to show support for same-sex  www.villagebistrocalgary.com  403-543-6970 • DVD Resource Library marriage in Canada and elsewhere. A fabric rainbow  1-877-543-6970 Over a hundred titles to choose from. Annual membership banner approximately 5 feet wide - goal is to make it  http://www.mfmcommunications.com is $10. 3.2km (2 miles) long, in order to break the world record. Retail Stores Web site hosting and development. Computer hardware Adult Depot------✰ and software. Gay Friends in Calgary Primetimers Calgary  http://www.gayfriendsincalgary.ca  140, 58th Ave SW  403-258-2777 MPs Catering  [email protected] Gay, bi, straight video rentals and sex toys. Organizes and hosts social activities catered to the LGBT  http://www.primetimerscalgary.com  403-607-8215 people and friends. Designed to foster social interaction for its members 61 Holidays on the Hill------through a variety of social, educational and recreational SafeWorks  210 - 7th Ave SW  403-263-3030 Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing. Girl Friends activities. Open to all gay and bisexual men of any age,  [email protected] Christmas, Halloween, and much more. respects whatever degree of anonymity that each member  members.shaw.ca/girlfriends 41 • Calgary Drop-in Centre desires. La Fleur------ Room 117, 423 - 4th Ave SE  103 - 100 7th Avenue SW Girlsgroove • Free Pool  403-699-8216  http://www.girlsgroove.ca  403-266-1707  Mon-Fri: 9am-12pm, Sat: 12:15pm-3:15pm  4 Calgary Eagle Florist and Flower Shop. Hillhurst United Church • Saturday Coffee • Centre of Hope  1227 Kensington Close NW The Naked Leaf------ Room 201, 420 - 9th Ave SE  Midtown Co-op, 1130 - 11th Ave SW  (403) 283-1539  305 10th Street NW  403-283-3555  403-410-1180  Mon-Fri: 1pm-5pm  [email protected] ✰  http://www.thenakedleaf.ca Queers on Campus------Organic teas and tea ware.  www.hillhurstunited.com  279R Student Union Club Spaces, U of C • Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre  1213 - 4th Str SW  403-955-6014  403-220-6394 16 Priape Calgary------✰  Sat-Thu: 4:15pm-7:45pm, Fri: Closed HIV Peer Support Group  http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass  403-230-5832  1322 - 17 Ave SW  403-215-1800 Formerly GLASS - Gay/Lesbian Association of Students  [email protected]  http://www.priape.com • Safeworks Van and Staff. Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, movies  403-850-3755 and magazines. Gifts. ISCCA Social Association • Coffee Night  Sat-Thu: 8pm-12am, Fri: 4pm-12am  http://www.iscca.ca  2nd Cup, Kensington Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch. Charity Services & Products Theatre & Fine Arts fundraising group.. Safety Under the Rainbow  http://www.safetyrainbow.ca Calgary Civil Marriage Centre 36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects Knox United Church Mission: To raise awareness and understanding of same-sex  403-246-4134  [email protected]  403-294-7402  http://www.ATPlive.com  506 - 4th Street SW  403-269-8382 domestic violence and homophobic youth bullying. Marriage Commissioner for Alberta (aka Justice of the Peace  http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca - JP), Marriage Officiant, Commissioner for Oaths. AXIS Contemporary Art------Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church located in Scarboro United Church  107, 100 - 7 Ave SW  403-262-3356 downtown Calgary. A variety of facility rentals are also  134 Scarboro Avenue SW 24 Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors)  [email protected]  www.axisart.ca available for meetings, events and concerts.  403-244-1161  www.scarborounited.ab.ca  1138 Kensington Road NW An affirming congregation—the full inclusion of LGBT  403-571-5120 Fairytales • Worship Services people is essential to our mission and purpose.  http://www.courtneyaarbo.ca See Calgary - Community Groups.  10:30am in July and August. GLBT legal services. Sharp Foundation Jubilations Dinner Theatre Miscellaneous Youth Network  403-272-2912 Cruiseline  Bow Trail and 37th St. SW  http://www.miscyouth.com  [email protected]  403-777-9494 trial code 3500  403-249-7799  www.jubilations.ca • Fake Mustache  http://www.thesharpfoundation.com  http://www.cruiseline.ca Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY.  Quincy’s (609 7th Ave SW) Unity Bowling 43 Lisa Heinricks (Artist)------ Club Sapien (609 7th Ave SW)  Let’s Bowl (2916 - 5th Ave NE) DevaDave Salon & Boutique  Art Central, 100 7th Ave SW, lower level Calgary’s ONLY Drag King Show. Early show 7:30pm,  [email protected]  810 Edmonton Trail NE  http://www.creamydreamy.com late show 9pm.  403-290-1973 Urban Sex Radio Show Cuts, Colour, Hilights. 35 One Yellow Rabbit------• Mosaic Youth Group  CJSW 90.9 FM  Big Secret Theatre - EPCOR CENTRE  The Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW)  http://www.cjsw.com  403-299-8888  www.oyr.org For queer and trans youth and their allies. Focus on sexuality; gay bisexual lesbian trans gendered and Mystique straight issues here in Calgary and around the web.  [email protected] Vigor Calgary Mystique is primarily a Lesbian group for women 30 and  403-255-7004  www.vigorcalgary.ca up but all are welcome. Violence in Gay Male Relationships (VIGOR) is a committee • Coffee Night of professionals dedicated to increasing the awareness of  Second Cup (2312 - 4th Street SW) gay men’s domestic violence and the services available to them. NETWORKS  [email protected] Wild Rose United Church A social, cultural, and service organization for the mature  1317-1st Street NW minded and “Plus 40” LGBT individuals seeking to meet “Yeah...What She Said!” Radio Show others at age-appropriate activities within a positive, safe  CJSW 90.9 FM environment.  [email protected] Parents for Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)  Sean: 403-695-5791 Restaurants  http://www.pflagcanada.ca A registered charitable organization that provides 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.------✰ support, education and resources to parents, families and See Calgary - Bars and Clubs. individuals who have questions or concerns about sexual orientation or gender identity. 60 Club Sapien------✰  1140 10th Ave SW  403-457-4464  http://www.clubsapien.ca

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 19 Directory & Events

DOWNTOWN EDMONTON 1

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1 Pride Centre------Community Groups 5 The Junction------Bars and Clubs 8 Prism Bar & Grill------Bars and Clubs 13 PLAY Nightclub------Bars and Clubs 3 HIV Network------Community Groups 6 Buddy’s Nite Club------Bars and Clubs 11 Steamworks------Bathhouses 14 FLASH------Bars and Clubs 4 Edmonton STD------Community Groups 7 Down Under Baths------Bathhouses 12 Woody’s------Bars and Clubs

 Calgary Contd.

37 Pumphouse Theatre------✰ Prism Bar & Grill (closed)------✰ Camp fYrefly OUTreach  2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW  10524 101st St  780-990-0038  7-104 Dept. of Educational Policy Studies  University of Alberta, basement of SUB  403-263-0079  http://www.prismbar.ca Faculty of Education, University of Alberta  [email protected]  http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5  http://www.ualberta.ca/~outreach 12 Woody’s------✰  http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender/transsexual, Queer, Stagewest------✰  11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6557 Questioning and Straight-but-not-Narrow student group.  727 - 42 Avenue SE  403-243-6642 Edmonton Pride Festival Society (EPFS)  http://www.stagewestcalgary.com  http://www.edmontonpride.ca 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton------✰ Bathhouses/Saunas  95A Street, 111 Ave  780-488-3234 58 ✰ Theatre Junction------7 Down Under Baths------✰ Edmonton Prime Timers  [email protected]  Theatre Junction GRAND, 608 1st St. SW  12224 Jasper Ave  780-482-7960  [email protected]  403-205-2922  http://www.gayedmonton.com  www.primetimersww.org/edmonton • Community Potluck  [email protected] Group of older gay men and their admirers who come from  Main Space – Upstairs  http://www.theatrejunction.com 11 Steamworks------✰ diverse backgrounds but have common social interests.  [email protected]  11745 Jasper Ave  780-451-5554 Affiliated with Prime Timers World Wide. A potluck open to all members of the LGBTQ community. A 34 Vertigo Mystery Theatre------ http://www.steamworksedmonton.com time to get together, share a meal and meet people from  161, 115 - 9 Ave SE  403-221-3708 Edmonton Rainbow Business Association the community.  http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com  3379, 11215 Jasper Ave  780-429-5014 Community Groups  http://www.edmontonrba.org • Free School Primary focus is the provision of networking opportunities  Main Space – Upstairs Alberta Bears for LGBT owned or operated and LGBT-friendly businesses  monika\[email protected] EDMONTON  www.beefbearbash.com in the Edmonton region. Free School provides workshops on a variety of topics related to local activism. AltView Foundation Edmonton Illusions Social Club  #44, 48 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB Bars & Clubs  5 The Junction • Get Tested for STIs  403-398-9968  780-387-3343 Free STD testing for anyone interested. For more 6 Buddy’s Nite Club------✰  [email protected]  groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions information please contact the Pride Centre.  11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6636  www.altview.ca For gender variant and sexual minorities. 4 Edmonton STD • GLBT African Group (Drop-In) 14 FLASH------✰  11111 Jasper Ave  [email protected]  10018 105 Street  780-938-2941 Book Worm’s Book Club  [email protected]  [email protected]  Howard McBride Chapel of Chimes Edmonton Vocal Minority Group for ALL gay refugees and their friends and families, 10179 - 108 Street  780-479-2038  [email protected] from all around the world. 5 The Junction------✰  [email protected]  www.evmchoir.com  10242 106th St  780-756-5667 • GLBT Seniors Drop-In  http://www.junctionedmonton.com Buck Naked Boys Club 3 HIV Network Of Edmonton Society---- ✰  SAGE building, Classroom B  780-471-6993  9702 111 Ave NW  www.hivedmonton.com PLAY Nightclub (closed)------✰ 15 Sir Winstone Churchill Square  http://www.bucknakedboys.ca   10220 103 Street  780-497-7529 [email protected] Naturism club for men—being social while everyone is Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose A social and support group for seniors of all genders and  [email protected]  http://www.iscwr.ca naked, and it does not include sexual activity. Participants do sexualities to talk, have tea and offer each other support.  http://www.playnightclub.ca not need to be gay, only male.

20 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Directory & Events

Wednesdays Intermediate Volleyball------ 7:30-9:30pm Running------ 10-11am Edmonton Events See Team Edmonton See Team Edmonton PFLAG------ 12:10pm Mondays See Pride Centre of Edmonton  1st Fridays Free School------ 11-5pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton  2nd, 4th Boot Camp------ 7-8pm Youthspace------ 3-7pm Edmonton Illusions------ 8:30pm See Team Edmonton See Pride Centre of Edmonton At 5 The Junction  2nd Womonspace Meeting------ 12:30-1:30pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton  1st Men’s HIV Support Group------ 7-9pm Youth Sports/Recreation------ 4pm Youthspace------ 3-6:30pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton  2nd See Youth Understanding Youth See Pride Centre of Edmonton Yoga------ 2-3:30pm See Team Edmonton Curling------ 7:15pm Youth Understanding Youth------ 7-9pm Youth Sports/Recreation------ 4pm See Team Edmonton Oct4Mar21 At 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See Youth Understanding Youth Men Talking with Pride------ 7-9pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton Tuesdays Mixed Badminton------ 8-10pm Youth Movie Night------ 6:30-8:30 GLBT Seniors Drop-in------ 1-4pm See Team Edmonton Jan13End of May See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton Ballroom Dancing------ 7:30-8:30pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton See Team Edmonton Thursdays Youth Understanding Youth------ 7-9pm At 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton TTIQ------ 2-4pm GLBT Seniors Drop-in------ 1-4pm Monthly Meetings------2:30pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton  2nd See Pride Centre of Edmonton Saturdays  Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street) See Edmonton Primetimers  2nd Youthspace------ 3-7pm Get Tested for STIs------ 3-6pm Naturalist Gettogether Saturday, July 23rd See Pride Centre of Edmonton See Pride Centre of Edmonton  Last See Buck Naked Boys Club  2nd  Bowling------ 6:45-9pm  Entertainer of the Year Pageant------9pm Youthspace------ 3-7pm AA Big Book Study------12-1pm By ISCWR at 5 The Junction See Team Edmonton Sept7Mar15 See Pride Centre of Edmonton See Pride Centre of Edmonton Saturday, July 30th Community Potluck------ 7-9pm Youth Sports/Recreation------ 4pm Monthly Meeting------ 2:30pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton  Last See Youth Understanding Youth By Edmonton Primetimers  2nd A Royal Toga Affair------ 9pm  Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street By ISCWR at 5 The Junction Recreational Volleyball------ 8:30-10:30pm Swimming------ 7-8pm See Team Edmonton Oct5 See Team Edmonton May19 Youthspace------ 3-6:30pm August 2011 See Pride Centre of Edmonton Swimming------ 7:30-8:30pm Youth Understanding Youth------ 7-9pm Baseball Tournament------ 12-5pm See Team Edmonton May19 At 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton Bowling------ 5pm By Emily Morgan Foundation Aug14 See Team Edmonton  Diamond Park Ball Field (River Valley) Martial Arts------ 7:30-8:30pm Book Club------ 7:30pm See Team Edmonton See BookWorm’s Book Club  3rd Sundays ISCWR Coronation------TBA By ISCWR Aug27 Martial Arts------ 7:30-8:30pm GLBT African Group See Team Edmonton At 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton  1st, Last

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

• Men Talking with Pride Movie chosen by youth (aged 14 – 25), usually with LGBT  Main Space – Upstairs themes. Popcorn is served.  [email protected] A social discussion group for gay, bisexual and • YouthSpace transgendered men to discuss current issues and to offer  [email protected] support to each other. A safe and supportive space for GLBTQ youth aged 13–25. Video games, computers with internet, clothing bank, • Men’s HIV Support Group and more.  Green Room – Upstairs  [email protected] Team Edmonton Support group for people living with HIV/AIDS.  [email protected]  http://www.teamedmonton.ca • PFLAG Members are invited to attend and help determine the  Red room - Downstairs  780-436-1998 board for the next term. If you are interested in running for  [email protected] the board or getting involved in some of the committees, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays: A support please contact us. group for family members and friends of GLBT people. An excellent resource for people whose family members and • Badminton (Mixed) friends have just come out.  St. Thomas Moore School, 9610 165 Street  [email protected] • Prime Timers New group seeking male & female players. See Edmonton Primetimers. • Badminton (Women’s) • Suit Up and Show Up: AA Big Book Study  Oliver School, 10227 - 118 Street  Downstairs Couch Area  780-465-3620 Discussion and support group for those struggling with an  [email protected] alcohol addiction or seeking support in staying sober. Women’s Drop-In Recreational Badminton. $40.00 season or $5.00 per drop in. • TTIQ  Green Room – Upstairs •Ballroom Dancing  [email protected]  Foot Notes Dance Studio, 9708-45 Avenue NW TTIQ is mixed gender open support group addressing the  Cynthia: 780-469-3281 needs of transsexual and transgendered individuals. • Blazin’ Bootcamp • Womonspace Board Meeting  Garneau Elementary School  Main Space – Upstairs 10925 - 87 Ave  [email protected]  [email protected] Womonspace is a Social and Recreational Society in Edmonton run by volunteers. They provide opportunities • Bowling (Northern Titans) for lesbians to interact and support each other in a safe  Ed’s Rec Room (West Edmonton Mall) environment, and to contribute to the broader community.  [email protected] $15.00 per person. • Youth Movie  Main Space – Upstairs • Cross Country Skiing  [email protected]  [email protected]

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 21 Directory & Events

 Edmonton Contd.

• Curling with Pride • Volleyball, Intermediate Theatre & Fine Arts Pride Lethbridge  Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW  Amiskiwacy Academy (101 Airport Road)  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected] Exposure Festival • Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders) • Volleyball, Recreational  http://www.exposurefestival.ca Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival.  Various locations in Edmonton  Mother Teresa School (9008 - 105 Ave) RED DEER  [email protected]  [email protected] The Roxy Theatre • Dragon Boat (Flaming Dragons) • Women’s Lacrosse  10708 124th Street, Edmonton AB  780-453-2440 Community Groups  [email protected]  Sharon: 780-461-0017  www.theatrenetwork.ca  Pam: 780-436-7374 Affirm • Golf Open to women 21+, experienced or not, all are welcome.  Sunnybrook United Church  [email protected] Call for info.  403-347-6073 BANFF/CANMORE  2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm • Gymnastics, Drop-in • Yoga  Ortona Gymnastics Club, 8755 - 50 Avenue Composed of LGBTQ people, their friends, family and  Lion's Breath Yoga Studio (10350-124 Street) allies. No religious affiliation necessary. Activities include  [email protected]  [email protected] Community Groups Have the whole gym to yourselves and an instructor to support, faith and social justice discussions, film nights, help you achieve your individual goals. Cost is $5.00 Womonspace Mountain Pride and potlucks! per session.  780-482-1794  BOX 4892, BANFF, AB, T1L 1G1  [email protected]  Brian, 403-431-2569 • Hockey  www.womonspace.ca  1-800-958-9632  [email protected] Women’s social group, but all welcome at events.  [email protected] ALBERTA  www.gaybanff.com • Martial Arts Youth Understanding Youth Serving the GLBTQS community in Banff, Canmore, Lake  15450 - 105 Ave (daycare entrance)  780-248-1971  www.yuyedm.ca Louise and Area. Community Groups  780-328-6414 A support and social group for queer youth 12-25.  [email protected] Central Alberta AIDS Network Society  4611-50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB  [email protected] • Sports and Recreation  http://www.caans.org Drop-ins welcome.  Brendan: 780-488-3234 The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society is the local  [email protected] GRANDE PRAIRIE • Outdoor Pursuits charity responsible for HIV prevention and support in  [email protected] Restaurants Community Groups Central Alberta. Western Canadian Pride Campout • Running (Arctic Frontrunners) 5 GALAP  Emily Murphy Park, west end The Junction------ www.eventmasterinc.net  10242 106th St  780-756-5667  10113 - 103 Ave, T8V 1C2  [email protected]  780-512-1990 All genders and levels of runners and walkers are invited to YouthSafe 12 Woody’s------✰ Gay and Lesbian Association of the Peace.  http://www.youthsafe.net join this free activity.   11725 Jasper Ave 780-488-6557 • Wednesday Coffee Nights Alberta’s website for youth with sex-and-gender differences. • Slo Pitch Youthsafe.net lists the resources, information and services  Parkallen Field, 111 st and 68 ave Retail Stores to help youth find safe and caring spaces in Alberta.  [email protected] Season fee is $30.00 per person. $10 discount for players Rodéo Drive LETHBRIDGE Theatre & Fine Arts from the 2008 season.  11528 - 89th Street  780-474-0413 Alberta Ballet • Snowballs V  [email protected] Community Groups  http://www.albertaballet.com  January 27-29, 2012  http://www.rodeodrive.ca Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton.  [email protected] His and hers fetish wear, toys, jewelry, etc. GALA/LA Skiing and Snowboarding Weekend.  403-308-2893  http://www.galalethbridge.ca • Soccer Products & Services Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area.  [email protected] CANADA Cruiseline • Monthly Dances • Spin  780-413-7122 trial code 3500  Henotic (402 - 2 Ave S) Community Groups  MacEwan Centre for Sport and Wellness  http://www.cruiseline.ca Bring your membership card and photo ID. 109 St. and 104 Ave Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY. Alberta Trans Support/Activities Group • Monthly Potluck Dinners  Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45pm Robertson-Wesley United Church  http://www.albertatrans.org Season has ended.  McKillop United Church, 2329 - 15 Ave S A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of where they  10209 - 123 St. NW  780-482-1587 GALA/LA will provide the turkey...you bring the rest. Please  [email protected]  [email protected]  www.rwuc.org may be on the continuum. 7 classes, $28.00 per registrant. bring a dish to share that will serve 4-6 people, and your  Worship: Sunday mornings at 10:30am own beverage. Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition • Swimming (Making Waves) People of all sexual orientations welcome. Other LGBT  P..O. Box 3043, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3S9  NAIT Pool (11762 - 106 Street) events include a monthly book club and a bi-monthly film • Support Line  (306) 955-5135  [email protected] night. As a caring spiritual community, we’d love to have  403-308-2893  1-800-955-5129  www.makingwavesswimclub.ca you join us!  Monday OR Wednesday, 7pm-11pm  http://www.rainbowhealth.ca Leave a message any other time. • Tennis • Soul OUTing Egale Canada  Kinsmen Sports Centre  Second Sunday every month, 7pm • Friday Mixer  8 Wellington St E, Third Floor  Sundays, 12pm-3pm An LGBT-focused alternative worship.  The Mix (green water tower) Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C5  [email protected] 103 Mayor Magrath Dr S  1-888-204-7777  www.egale.ca • Film Night  Every Friday at 10pm  Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates. Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby • Ultimate Frisbee organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans-  Sundays Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA) • Book Club  University of Lethbridge  [email protected] identified people and our families. Summer Season starts July 12th  Monthly, contact us for exact dates.  [email protected] GBLTTQQ club on campus. Products & Services E-mail if interested. • Movie Night  Room C610, University of Lethbridge Squirt  http://www.squirt.org Gay Youth Alliance Group Website for dating and hook-ups. 18+ ONLY!  Betty, 403-381-5260  [email protected]  Every second Wednesday, 3:30pm-5pm Theatre & Fine Arts Lethbridge HIV Connection  1206 - 6 Ave S Broadway Across Canada  http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca PFLAG Canada  1-888-530-6777 OUTtv  [email protected]  http://www.outtv.ca  www.pflagcanada.ca GLBT Television Station.

22 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Community

 Photos by Kyle Marquardt (kylefoto.com)

“During the game we play the hardest, score a couple of goals, usually on the opposing net, sometimes on our own, but it’s all in good Kicking Balls fun.” “The intention was to have a team in Calgary that was GLBT friendly, that would be able to be competitive in a league that may not be a The Bow River Football Club ‘gay’ league, but would still have the same opportunities for play, competitiveness; to just have a socially inclusive and fun team, to have By Carey Rutherford that outlet in Calgary. There’s so many times that it’s a ‘gay’ volleyball league or a ‘gay’ bowling league, and it’s very gay-centric. This is a way First of all, don’t be confused by Mitch Matthews, the Bow River of branching out and having a bigger team, and involving us in the Football Club coach, when he’s talking about their soccer team. greater community. We have some straight members on the team, and With the dramatic increase of FIFA awareness in recent years, their partners and wives and husbands come out to the games, and we simple North Americans should have learned the global other spectators and family and friends, so that’s pretty exciting. lingo of those who play ‘footie’ (soccer). So they are the Bow “And,” he adds, “(the Fusion League) provides uniforms, so we look River Football Club, but they play in the Fusion Soccer League. pretty damn sharp out there, too.” Okay? The season is 12 league games, and if you advance to the final Secondly, when Mitch exclaims, “Our women are fantastic,” and it’s (“which at this time we’re not forecasted to do,” as they’ve only won one coming from his chest-shaking rumble of a voice, it suggests something game), you’re into a few playoff games. Another season runs July to much more salacious to the average Albertan than what he continues September, so the F&L’s (as they call themselves), are starting up their with: “They’re great players, they’re really fun to play with, and they recruiting drive again. They want YOU! give it their all.“ And then he says, “You’ve got to put that in your “If they want to contact us, they can contact me…and I’ll set them article!” Done. up and let them know when our practices are. There’s no tryouts Mitch played on The Rovers, a gay men’s soccer team in Melbourne, for the team: if you want to play you’re more than welcome to come and when he moved back to Calgary from Australia, he says he “really walk aboard right now. If you’re curious about soccer and have no wanted to play on a soccer team.” Having played competitively in experience, it absolutely doesn’t matter. We host the practices to help Calgary, and then in the Australia-based Victoria Football Federation, people through that natural progression as it goes along.” Mitch contacted Apollo Calgary about getting access to their mailing “We’re looking for drag queens, too, to come along with pom-poms list. He and Apollo’s president agreed to a test run for the team, and to support us. This is a no-barrier opportunity for people to come out, Mitch did further prospecting for players on FaceBook and Grindr. “So experience soccer [any skill level], and meet a bunch of great people you can use Grindr for something other than what it’s intended for,” outside of the traditional venues in Calgary.” said Mitch with a grin. “We got some pretty excited people, and [some] “It’s a really good opportunity even for those who are Questioning who wanted to do things with the soccer team that shouldn’t be done and want to meet people outside of the bar, but they’re not quite sure with a soccer team.” They ended up with 30 people at their first practice how to get into the community.” - a great turnout. But you’ll pigeonhole this team at the risk of incurring the wrath Mitch says the intention was to be very open and developmental in of the Coach. “Some people…may think it’s just a bunch of poofters their approach to this club. “In Calgary there’s a women’s-only league or faggots running out there, wearing the Daisy Dukes and with bows and a men’s-only league, and they’re quite competitive, and for mixed in their hair, but it’s not: it’s a competitive league. This isn’t a Pride leagues there’s the Calgary Sports & Social Club and the Fusion Soccer parade, and we’re not all out there on a float. We’re active in the League. We chose the Fusion League because it’s officiated, which community,” Mitch insists, “but, if you haven’t figured it out yet, THIS would give those members of the team that have never played soccer IS SOCCER!” before (the chance to) concentrate on learning the game and not how to self-officiate.” “Generally how we work is we have a practice on Mondays from The Bow River Football Club 7:45pm [at ‘13th Avenue Park’, between 1st and 2nd Street, and 13th and 14th Avenue, SW] until we’re tired or we want to go for a beer. We [email protected] do some drills and stuff, and generally if there’s a good turnout we play a scrimmage at the end of it. And then we play our games on Thursdays at 6pm or 7:15pm at different locations around the city. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2297 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 23 Politics A Conflict between Faith-based Education within Public Schools and Secular Tradition By Stephen Lock document states that, “A fundamental purpose [of the Logos program] One of the great irreconcilables of our age is likely the chasm would be to support the traditional values of the home ... [and] a teacher between “faith” and “sexuality”, specifically GLBT sexuality. in this program would be expected to bring a Christian viewpoint to issues and topics from all curriculum areas... Furthermore, sex education would While some liberal Christian churches and Jewish synagogues have emphasize traditional Christian and family values.” [Emphasis included by moved to a greater acceptance of gay men and lesbians and, to a lesser Logos] degree transfolk, there still remains a massive disconnect between most faith communities and the GLBT communities. He goes on to argue, “Some of the proposed policies of the Policy Review Committee also violate our rights specified in theCanadian Charter of Rights The Edmonton Logos Society, a non-denominational Christian program and Freedoms which states under the section “Fundamental Freedoms”, operating within Edmonton’s public school system, has come out - as it Clause 2, that everyone has: “(a) freedom of conscience and religion; (b) were - against the recent Edmonton school board’s draft policy regarding freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression...” making public schools safer and more welcoming for sexual minorities. School trustees voted eight to one in March to create the policy for schools “They also violate our rights under Article 1(b), (c) and (d) and Article 3(1) dealing with discrimination based on sexual orientation, with a draft policy of the Alberta Bill of Rights as well as under the Code of Conduct, Article 3 posted on the school board website and an invitation for public feedback of the Alberta Human Rights Act.” through a then-online survey, which has since closed. The Bill of Rights sections refer specifically to the right of the individual The proposed policy states, in part, that sexual and gender minority to equality before the law and the protection of the law, freedom of religion, (meaning those of us who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, two- and freedom of speech. Article 3(1) refers to no subsequent ruling or statute spirited, queer, or trans) students, staff, and families, including same-sex can negate or “side-step” these pre-existing rights. Artlcle 3 of the Alberta parented families, have the right to be “included, affirmed, and represented Human Rights Act outlines the parameters under which individuals cannot in an inclusive, positive and respectful manner by all school personnel”. It discriminate or cause a person or class of persons to be exposed to hatred goes on to state they also have the right to have their “unique identities, or contempt because of their status within any number of protected areas. families, cultures and communities valued and affirmed within all aspects Exemptions to this include the free expression of opinion or if the notice in of the school environment.” question is displayed “by or on behalf of an organization that is composed exclusively or primarily of persons having the same political or religious In early June, Logos sent an “alert” via their newsletter The Logos beliefs...” Lantern to parents of children enrolled in its program, stating the policy “... means that our Logos teachers and principals would no longer be able to The proposed school board policy does not, I would suggest, violate the express freely in their classrooms that the homosexual lifestyle [sic] is not rights of Logos members. They are free to believe whatever it is they believe in accord with their Christian beliefs, and that they would be required to about GLBTQ people and they are certainly free to continue to worship ‘affirm’ homosexual lifestyle as acceptable to traditional Christian family and practice their religion...the churches they worship in are not being values, [and] we cannot accept this.” burned, they are not being rounded up for being Christian, and they are not being persecuted. It could, however, be argued GLBTQ youth are Logos seems to be most concerned with the affirming aspect included persecuted within our school system by their peers. If a teacher condemns in the proposed policy, believing this would have “a significant, negative homosexuality, or transsexuality for that matter, as against God’s will and impact on [their] Logos Christian Alternative Program” which was stated in as an evil, as sin, and a GLBTQ student is exposed to that belief, it could be the June edition of the Logos Lantern in boldface lettering. argued that it constitutes a form of persecution. The alert, written by Bruce Wilkinson, President of the ELS, then goes As mentioned, the balancing of rights is complicated and tricky, at best. on to say, While I do not share many of the beliefs promulgated by organizations like “The Policy review Committee’s document states that Trustees are ELS, or the Christian Church itself, whatever manifestation it presents, I do “committed to implementing proactive measures that will [amongst other respect individuals have the right - legal, ethical and moral - to hold those things]: Develop, promote and implement inclusive educational strategies, beliefs and to conduct their own lives in accordance with them. While for professional development opportunities, and administrative guidelines to instance I would disagree with a teacher - in this case, a Christian teacher - ensure that sexual and gender minorities and their families are welcomed stating in the classroom that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian and treated with respect and dignity in all aspects of the school community” teachings, I also believe there is a way to present that without belittling or [Emphasis added by Logos] dis-affirming those of us who are GLBTQ. It would certainly offer what is “We have met twice with Edmonton Public School authorities and prior commonly called ‘a teaching moment’ and open up discussion about beliefs, to the second meeting we forwarded [to] the Policy Review Committee dogma, and any number of other issues such as Nature vs Nurture etc. 12 written questions asking for clarification. They gave us only flimsy, This would appear to be in total keeping with Logos’ own Mission anecdotal evidence in answer to our query of why their proposed policy was Statement, which states in part, “That students, taught in a spiritually even necessary. The rest of the questions they did not answer. For example nurturing, intellectually challenging and disciplined environment, acquire they were unwilling even to state what “affirm” will mean for teachers, the knowledge, attitudes, skills and training necessary to seek after principals and other staff.” ‘whatsoever things are true.’” In all fairness, Wilkinson does support the school board’s existing policy In Alberta, as in other provinces and territories within Canada, we have of zero tolerance toward bullying, stating, “As followers of Jesus, we believe essentially two systems of education; a public, secular one and a ‘separate’ that every child should be free from bullying, whether it is because of his school system operated by the Roman Catholic Church. In recent years, or her physical appearance or their sexual orientation, or for any other various religiously-based charter and private schools have also come onto reason, and that all persons and families should be treated with respect the field. I have no issue with parents sending their children intothe and dignity,” but then qualifies that by also stating, “Yet, if the Trustees separate school system or to a Jewish, Christian, or Islam-based charter would insist that their already-existing policies on bullying were strictly or private school, if that is their wish. However, I also think it is important enforced by the Superintendent and school principals, there would be no to maintain the secular aspect of the public school system, I would hope a need for an additional policy at all.” [Emphasis included by Logos] system designed to equip youth with the background and cognitive skills He then moves into the minefield area of conflicting rights, an area rife to make a life for themselves as adults. The role of religion, or faith, in with challenges for anyone involved in equality, civil, or human rights work, this context should fall outside the public school system; by all means, stating the proposed policy in fact violates Christians’ rights of expression study the various religions and examine their respective belief structures. and freedom of belief. Doing so offers students an opportunity to be exposed to something outside He argues the proposed policy, “violates the motion approved by former themselves and broadens their understanding of the world, something that Trustees which inaugurated the Logos Program on January 23, 1996. That

24 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com would define “education”, but to institute a faith-based curriculum into the public system, as was done with the introduction of Logos in 1996, well.... did nobody anticipate a collision of beliefs was inevitable? It would seem obvious to me. I am not for one second suggesting anyone compromise truly held convictions and beliefs. I am suggesting, however, that such a curriculum as Logos expounds, and the philosophy behind it, while good and noble in and of itself, has no place in a public education system which schools a plethora of students from a myriad of backgrounds, faiths, and cultures. To be clear, this is also not to suggest there is no role for such a curriculum if that is what individual families feel they need and require. I am suggesting there are alternatives to the public education system in which to pursue that agenda, and there should be those alternatives, but the public education system itself needs to remain, and be seen to remain, neutral in such matters. The approach the Edmonton School Board is taking with its policy regarding GLBTQ is not in conflict with the views I have just stated. Including and affirming GLBTQ individuals and our families in a respectful and positive manner within all aspects of public schooling is an extension of the role public education plays in society. GLBTQ community, and GLBTQ individuals, are part of society - we pay taxes, we support public (or separate) education and have the right to access that without fear of reprisal, attack, persecution, bullying, or any and all forms of discrimination, however subtle or camouflaged it may be. Believe what you wish to believe, that is your right. But it is not your right to impose those beliefs on any one else under the guise of ”religion” and your interpretation of ”God’s will.” What would Jesus do? “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and render unto God that which is God’s....”

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www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 25 Community Calgary Outlink Reaches Out

By Carey Rutherford • A Photovoice Project, which invited members of Calgary For the longest time the Calgary Outlink webpage stated a stale Outlink’s Inside Out Youth Group to creatively express what message: ”Stay tuned for exciting changes Over the Next 60 queer life meant to them using photography and narratives. Days!” Okay, fair enough, we’re patient folk, aren’t we? Right now, Sam is most concerned about the LGBT GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine asked Sam Casselman, community perspective which the internet survey shines some the newly instated President of the Board of Directors for the light on. Calgary Outlink Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity: How “The part of the survey that is more relevant to what we’re long has it been in this state? A month or two? trying to do right now was the part where they spoke to the Apparently it’s a little more embarrassing than that… community and asked them how they saw Outlink, what they “I’m not sure exactly, but a year at least. But this is something knew about it… I think that some of the findings in that survey the current board is doing, and we’re going to have it up and didn’t reflect all that favourably on Outlink. running hopefully within a few weeks; sooner if possible,” she It was this element of invisibility and disconnection that rang stated last month. “But it is done: I’ve seen myself the final, out for Casselman, who was an Outlink client long before that new website. It looks amazing, and is full of new resources, and became its name. great information.” “I myself have been frustrated in the past [with Outlink’s As of publishing this article, indeed the new website is up issues] and have just wanted to get involved and try to make it and running. something fantastic… I’ve been out since I was 15, and Outlink Casselman is was certainly unhappy with the delay, because was a resource my mom contacted then [which at the time was she’s aware of how perceptions of the organization have slipped called the Gay and Lesbian Community Services Association], in recent years, giving rise to some frustration and a bit of an to ask what kind of resources were available. At that time it was image problem. And this was exacerbated by the organization’s very much a thriving organization that [was well known].” own internet survey which she admits did not reflect well on “A big part of what we’re trying to do now is reconnect with Calgary Outlink. the community; make people aware of the services that are “I think for a lot of people [Calgary Outlink is invisible]. The available, and that sort of thing.” space has moved a few times and there were some staffing “The concern is that it just hasn’t been really out there. For me issues. I’d love to be able to say we’re just here to tell you how Outlink, is working towards becoming an organization that will great things have been; things are going to be better and even be there to support the community, be available for everybody, greater, but honestly there have been issues and I think the and be a resource that people can easily find out about. And community is aware of that.” part of that is us being out there and connecting with other “What I really want to bring to light is that there are changes groups and sources that can use Outlink as a referral.” happening and they’re for the better, and we hope that we can We discussed whether part of Outlink’s difficulties stem all build new relationships; rebuild old relationships.” from having to support and encourage Calgarians, while The research, which was sponsored by Calgary Outlink and simultaneously needing to label them in order to provide that conducted by the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work, service. included four parts: “It’s tough when you have anything that makes you different • The above-mentioned internet survey of 230 people, which from what society calls ‘the norm’… Obviously our resources was promoted through various means to members of the LGBT are geared towards a certain population, one just doesn’t have community and their families and friends the ability to offer them to the entire population. It’s difficult, you do identify with some sort of label to be a part of the • An environmental scan of 35 “existing services, programs or transgender group, or the transsexual group, and that can groups for the LGBT communities” go on to the women’s [lesbians] group, or the men’s group, or • A literature review of 11 different research databases to the [LGBT] youth group. So I think it’s difficult [to provide the gain some other research findings in the area of LGBT youth resources without requiring labels].” and adults Despite being directed down this philosophical path, Sam still likes what Outlink stands for, and it’s potential to support others as significantly as she remembers when she needed it.

26 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Q Scopes “In lots of ways Outlink has been continuing to do a lot of things really well. It’s just more about making sure that the community is aware that these things are continuing, and [that Pay attention, Capricorn! OutLink is] being involved.” Mercury in Leo, cranking up egos and voices, is at the end of a “yod” In particular, she feels the Inside Out Youth Group continues with Pluto and Chiron. The real challenge is to shut up, listen and adapt to be one of their successes. to difficult new realities. Venus making a T-square to Uranus and Pluto “I was in the space where we have our office and groups…and stresses relationships, forcing major adaptation. Your work is cut out! the youth group was happening in another area, and there were probably 25 youth in that space. That is a regular occurrence ARIES (March 20–April 19): Brash overconfidence is sure weekly: anywhere from 15 to 20-some youth will attend. And to get you into trouble. You do have what it takes, but consider they come every week!” slowly and carefully what your strongest virtues are. A little “We keep track of kids that have been there before, and those humility will give you perspective and enhance your strengths. that are there for their first time. Every single week, on the TAURUS (April 20–May 20): You can get away with sheets the facilitators fill out, there are new kids. So this is almost anything, but second-guessing yourself will ruin this something that’s continued to happen, no matter what issues lucky streak. Meditation aids focus, but don’t get trapped in Outlink has had. distraction or dawdling. Stay clear on your ideals and purpose; “And for me, to see all these kids there, happy, in a space  they will pull you through. where they can be themselves and be supported, make new friends and get new skills and resources to deal with all the GEMINI (May 21–June 20): As usual, your mouth is the crap that teenagers deal with already. …All of that stuff for me surest opening to trouble. Think ahead! When in doubt, trust is the best thing that Outlink does right now.” in your friends for appropriate guidelines. Meditative reflection is helpful, not just for verbal discipline, but for clarity in It’s hard to argue with that. professional goals and partnership.  CANCER (June 21–July 22): Venus in your sign makes you more attractive, but not necessarily to whom you want to Calgary Outlink attract! Stick to your standards. Do not submit to pressure! 1528 16th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T3C 0Z8 A philosophical sense of humor will get you through awkward advances and other potentially ugly situations. P: 403-234-8973 E: [email protected] www.calgaryoutlink.ca LEO (July 23–August 22): You need to clear the air and explore new ideas. Just be careful when and where! This is what friends are for, not your boss. Actually, once you have those http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2299 ideas honed and polished your boss will probably love them! View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments VIRGO (August 23–September 22): Whatever you’re worried about, face the problem directly. Discussing it with your partner could solve it. (Not discussing it together could in fact be the problem!) If words fail you, try round one in the bedroom. LIBRA (September 23–October 22): It’s your moment to shine. Worrying about family and relations could hold back your career, but understanding them as important support and resources will strengthen you. It’s all in your attitude and knowing how empowering your roots really are.  SCORPIO (October 23–November 21): There is a special pleasure in getting to the truth of the matter, but doing so could be very disruptive to personal and work relationships. Conspire with, not against, your potential allies in your search for understanding. SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 20): Allow yourself to be challenged by new ideas without arguing about them. Just consider them and see how they might be constructively applied. You love your theories, but practical experience is what proves truth and value. CAPRICORN (December 21–January 19): Asserting yourself can create disaster at home. Pay attention and be ready to adapt. It may take some sacrifice, probably of some aspect of your ego, but foresight and your willingness to transform will save you. AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18): Pay close attention to what your partner has to tell you. Don’t argue! You don’t have to agree; you do have to think about it. Affirming roots and community will give you the strength you need to make necessary changes. PISCES (February 19–March 19): Changes at work are likely to be a blessing in disguise. Friends’ advice that you don’t like will prove most helpful. It may need more discussion for you to fully understand. Keep an open mind. Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977 teaches at the Online College of Astrology : http://www.astrocollege.com. He can be reached for personal or business consultations at 415-864-8302 or through his website at http://www.starjack.com

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 27 Gossip

Smith (90210) plays the twentysomething Sonny, a gay man returning to the fictional town to find his family. But which family? Still a secret. Boyfriend soon? Also a secret. Can this storyline top the Noah/Luke saga on the now-cancelled As The World Turns? Be sure to tune in tomorrow. And the day after. And the day after… Lance Bass plans to keep it real Maybe it was dating Reichen and hanging out with Kathy Griffin that did it to him, but Lance Bass is now looking to get his own reality series. Granted, it won’t be a “this is my life on a list, be it A or D” kind of show, but still, Lance Bass is climbing aboard that wagon with VH1. And it has to be acknowledged that his best idea of the several he’s recently sold – an as- yet-untitled music competition series – is sort of genius. In Bass’s own words: “I got a member from Backstreet Boys, A.J. McLean. A member from *NSYNC, Joey Fatone. A member from New Kids on the Block, Joe McIntyre. And a member from New Edition, Bobby Brown. They’re all going to form a boy band, each, from the most talented guys in America that I’ve scouted, and then they’ll go head-to-head in a competition to see who the best band is, so it’s bragging rights for the guy in the group, for sure.” Of course, technically, Bobby Brown hasn’t signed on yet. But there’s little chance he won’t. The Whitney Houston bus dropped him off a while back. The man has a living to make. Now, next question: Why is no former member of O-Town involved? Waiting patiently for more Downton Abbey? It’s shooting now. If good things really do come to those who wait, then American fans of the U.K. period drama series Downton Abbey are in for a serious treat early in 2012. The thinking person’s luxury soap, set at the start of World War I, starring Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville, has been renewed for a second season and a Christmas special that’s in production right now in England and is due to air there this autumn (the Christmas special in December). Now, for reasons  Hugh Jackman, photo by 20th Century Fox unknown, audiences on this side of the Atlantic who aren’t up on how to locate illegal streams of their favorite TV shows online will have to be patient a little longer for PBS Masterpiece to get its broadcast rights. But sometime early next year all the class Deep Inside Hollywood warfare drama – including the storyline with handsome Rob James-Collier as that evil, treacherous and gay “first footman” Hugh Jackman can’t help loving musical theater – will unfold. Naturally, this will all take place tastefully and will be served with some very expensive teas and cakes. By Romeo San Vicente Romeo San Vicente knows that the butler did it and in which linen closet it happened. He can be reached care of this publication. Check the If you want to get technical about it, Hugh Jackman has GayCalgary.com website every week for more Deep Inside Hollywood! already made one movie musical: Happy Feet. Granted, you didn’t see him in the film, but that was his singing voice coming out of one of those dancing penguins. So it kinda-sorta counts. And yes, the Aussie action star has been all over Broadway and the Tony Awards and done his song-and-dance thing at the Oscars. But now he might get his first movie musical role http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2301 in the long-awaited film version ofLes Miserables. He’s in talks View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments right now to come aboard and play… well, who exactly, nobody knows. But safe bet it’s a big role like Jean Valjean and that the musical’s rabid, devoted, huge following will make it a hit when it finally lands in theaters sometime before… well, when exactly, nobody knows, either. Paul Bettany is also rumored to be among the actors in talks but, again, for what role is anyone’s guess. And they’re going to find a spot for Susan Boyle, right? Because they should. Days of Our Lives finally gets its first gay No, it’s not exactly groundbreaking at this point for a daytime drama to begin a gay storyline. It’s not even groundbreaking when the show allows the gay character to be involved in a torrid same-sex kidnapping-and-blindness-and-paranormal- activities-centered relationship. But it’s still news, and as each show (of the few left standing in this time of waning ratings and soap opera audience attrition) brings a gay or lesbian character on board, it’s nice to pay attention to how it all turns out. And so, on Days of Our Lives, the first gay person is going to visit Salem and it’s happening this very week. Actor Freddie

28 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Lifestyle Cocktail Chatter Jack Fogg Rolls In: The Bourbon Sour

by Ed Sikov after some cajoling of Chipper, he switched around enough housemates An afternoon in June. Under a bright blue dome of a sky, boys paraded to keep Kyle away from Craig, who was sitting in ashes in a sackcloth around like Speedo models and dressed accordingly. Cher’s “Believe” muumuu from Lane Bryant. wafted through the air from two different houses, off sync. Since it was only Surprisingly, Robbie stepped up. In fact, he became such a mensch Thursday, our witless but ever-giggling, wretchedly visible neighbors weren’t (Yiddish for best dude; antonym of douchebag) that we wondered if he’d in residence yet. In a blazing stroke of architectural stupidity, our outdoor been forced into psychopharmacology. Turns out he had. He’d fallen into shower directly overlooks their deck. I’d done some heavy yardwork, and depression after being fired as news producer for Simonton Austin, the without the annoying onlookers – they either cheered or booed depending on ridiculously closeted CNBC star who we’d all seen either shepherding or the drugs they were on – I washed off in solitude under our outdoor shower. purchasing boys in every bar in town. Robbie told Kyle (who blabbed) There’s also a clean shot to the front gate, which opened, to my horror, just that Austin groped him in his dressing room after snorting something as I was washing my most rarely-seen-in-public region. Jack Fogg waved a brown – Robbie didn’t know what it was – and Robbie shoved him off. cheery hello, raised his eyebrows, and disappeared into the house. The next morning he found a pink slip on his desk and was out the door “Where’s Sammy?” I asked when we met again upstairs, I having scooted within the hour. This was just before the housemates’ rent was due, and into some gym trunks, Jack into his standard Madras shorts. “Don’t mention Kyle paid Robbie’s share. Even Robbie couldn’t be an arrogant dickhead that name,” he snarled. “Yesterday I caught him in my own bed with the now that he was living on handouts. The Cymbalta didn’t hurt either. Indian delivery boy!” I tried to look sympathetic, but the mental image was Last Saturday, we were lying around the pool puffing some old- like Spanish Fly. “He had the balls to tell me he had a craving for chicken fashioned herb, which freed Robbie to tell some refreshingly self- vindaloo!’ It’s happened before. Sammy’s insatiable. But the delivery boy?!” deprecating stories. His first sexual experience was a catastrophe; at Classic! Harvard ’89 was offended not by Sammy’s cheating but by the 16, after a swim meet, he got so turned on by one of his teammates in a trick’s caste! I said nothing but “You want a drink?” “Sure – what are you gang shower that he spontaneously came right in front of the kid, who mixing?” “I dunno. Let’s see what we have.” I found some bourbon while Jack immediately did the same. His first true love: his film professor at the leaned into the open refrigerator. “Voila!” A hand emerged clutching a plastic tiny Quaker college he’d attended. His worst habit: sneaking farts in lemon. “If there’s sugar I’ll make bourbon sours.” “Snap to!” I barked. My crowded rooms. (This we already knew.) And my favorite – the inspiration command pulled Jack out of the fridge with a faint blush. “Syrup! Not sugar!” for that evening’s cocktail: “Yes, sir,” he replied, his cheeks reddening, and swiftly made us the most Robbie had moved to New York at 22. On his third night in the city enormous bourbon sours I’ve ever seen. Sours go in 5-ounce glasses. Jack he wandered into an Irish bar near his one-bedroom, three-roommates Fogg’s required 12-ounce tumblers. apartment. The bar was a typically skanky dive, but a few slumming I plunked down on the couch. Jack Fogg plunked down right next to me. preppies counteracted the resident rheumatic drunks. Robbie, clad in a We clinked. “Cheers!” pink gingham sleeveless shirt, pranced to the bar and ordered a daiquiri. I still harbor a robust jealousy toward Jack Fogg. He’s well built and The geezer bartender reacted poorly. “You’re either under age or a fag,” handsome and an Ivy League A-lister, whereas I’m Shrimp Boy from a two-bit he snarled. “Which is it?” “Fag, sir,” Robbie helpfully announced and town north of Pittsburgh who went to a college nobody’s heard of. But there I was promptly thrown out of the bar. This cruel injustice struck us all was in gym trunks getting blotto next to an equally shirtless Jack Fogg, who, as hilarious, so much so that I ran to the harbor to buy lime juice and noticing that I kept glancing at his blond chest hair, actually flexed. “These rum. things are mighty fine!” I declared after emptying my glass. “Which?” he said with a leer. “The drinks or my pecs?” The Daiquiri Time began to careen: Jack returning with two more flagons of bourbon Unless you completely lack self-respect, do not use frozen sours… guzzling them while rating our housemates’ dicks… Jack’s hand concentrate. For 1 mid-sized cocktail: stroking my inner thigh…. My head was spinning but the rest of me remained in firm control as I grabbed his wrists and leaned into him with enough force 3 tablespoon white rum to pin him on his back with his arms over his head. Miracles occurred. Then I 1 tablespoon lime juice urged him onto his belly. So much shorter am I than he, I accessed his entire 1 teaspoon superfine sugar or to taste backside with ease and pulled down his Madras shorts, revealing his fuzzy Put everything in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake, perfection. Reader, I porked him. and quickly pour into a festive glass. If you do not own festive glassware, get your sorry ass onto eBay and buy some. Jack Fogg’s Humongous… Bourbon Sour 2/3 cup bourbon 3 squirts lemon juice Ed Sikov is the author of Dark Victory: The Life of Bette Davis and other books about films and filmmakers. 1/2 teaspoon simple syrup Mix the three together, add ice, be sure to have a couple of condoms and some lube in a nearby drawer, and serve. Avoid the conventional cherry unless you plan to do something very http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2302 unconventional with it. View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments Ch-ch-ch-Changes: The Daiquiri Craig and Kyle were Splitsville after the Judy Carne fiasco. Their heartbreak was my joy, since I’d been praying to Eros and darker forces since that ghastly night at Rolf’s. One bleak night I snuck to the beach, drew a rudimentary pentagram in the sand, lit a “Coconut Creme” scented candle I found in the back of drawer, and spilled goat’s blood around it all in a shaky circle – OK, it was canned beef consommé. The hot if equally bogus Eros rituals will go undetailed, other than to say that the body is a wonderful toy. Anyway, Dan had to do some deft rescheduling so Craig and Kyle wouldn’t share any more weekends, but

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 29 Trans-Identity Why the Umbrella Failed – Part 1

By Mercedes Allen easy way out). Except that a non-binary gender marker becomes While writing “The Death of the ‘Transgender’ Umbrella,” a scarlet letter for many transitioned transsexuals. it became necessary to clarify something in my own mind. We’re not consciously doing it, but this is how we’re presently The language is changing, yes, but the aspect of the word initiating the discussion. “transgender” that had especially changed was also the thing It was a particularly difficult article to write for a number that seemed to make it most valuable: its use as an umbrella of reasons, not the least of which were the facts that I am still concept. personally comfortable with the term “transgender,” and that I The way we frame our issues currently, sets us up for still realize that there are issues that touch on most or all trans serious conflict between binary-identified and non-binary trans people, requiring a collective response. The Transgender Day of people when addressing issues of legal documentation and Remembrance is one such reminder that transphobia touches all accommodation. It also spawns confusion and misunderstanding of us. But points of mutual empathy should not be mistaken as when the general public is faced with multiple narratives and evidence of sameness, and that is why the umbrella failed. tries to figure out how to parse them into a single entity. We need to recognize — and sooner rather than later — how couching Decolonizing Trans transsexual and gender diverse issues under a single umbrella I’ve been interested in decolonial theory for awhile, although I creates an expectation of a single narrative with a single solution look at it somewhat differently than most do. I won’t go into depth, to all associated challenges. but in simple terms decolonialism is about how various classes lay I doubt that people who embrace a trans umbrella of any sort claim and ownership over each other and impose regulations, will ever intended to erase these differences — instead, the intent often and rules of conformity that run counter to other classes’ needs. It’s was very much a spirit of “let’s accomplish everything together.” not a popular subject, since the language of communicating colonial But umbrella thinking usually leads us down a path where we’re struggles — words like “oppression” — tend to cause immediate looking to one solution, one neat and tidy accommodation that defensive reactions, and something I didn’t initially recognize as a will work for everyone. It also causes us to give the impression proponent of a transgender umbrella was how I was slipping into (intentional or not) that a single one-size-fits-all solution will work that trap. In this argument, we had people clearly reacting to a for transsexual and gender diverse people. Just like some of the perception of colonial annexation. The typical colonial response is things we struggle against, it too expects a certain amount of to dismiss it as “all in their heads” or simply rationalizing it away conformity. And this is where shedding a trans umbrella hurt as bigotry or reverse discrimination. I didn’t like the part I found most — acknowledging my own hypocrisy. myself playing. In my defense, this was largely because I wanted to believe One problem that decolonial theory has is that academia treats that gathering under an umbrella didn’t have to mean erasure, it as its own possession, as though it’s their noble responsibility and didn’t have to mean forcing a single narrative on everyone, to lead the unwashed masses to salvation, thus perpetuating provided we were all conscientious and diligent. But what I know colonialism yet again. This is something I’ve experienced plenty about decolonialism tells me otherwise. of myself, having had no shortage of people throughout my life to decide that they’re a better authority than I am on who I am and Imply / Infer what I need. In order for real decolonial change to happen, it needs To me, the umbrella didn’t mean a single narrative. To those to be something that’s recognized and understood by the public I interacted with, though, this was very much not the case, no at large. When I bring it up here, it’s not to be aristocratic, but to matter how clearly I tried to communicate it. This was most simply engage the discussion on a community level. evident when speaking on trans issues to general audiences or Most often, decolonial theory is used as an examination of how medical groups. What became most organic was to say a bit at a primary class governs others, but minorities do it to each other the beginning on how diverse the trans community was, and then too. In this understanding of minority issues, privilege is not a move on to specifically transsexual issues while trying to remain you-have-it-or-you-don’t proposition, but rather an edge that we clear that the medical processes and needs were specific to find ourselves on differing sides of, in differing situations. So I see transsexuals only. Invariably, the question period afterward was colonialism not as something that happens between nations but fraught with questions from people who were trying to resolve for as something that happens among majority and various minority themselves where non-binary trans people fit into that narrative. classes as each seeks personal power. Colonialism keeps getting I wanted to believe that unity didn’t have to mean erasure, but perpetuated because it’s the only framework we’ve ever had with inevitably, I needed to recognize that’s what had been happening, which to view society, and we expect that one collective group once I started to reflect: (whether democratic, economic class, ideological or characteristic in nature) is supposed to rule, and everyone else needs to be How are we to be identified in society? Are we to be accepted as governed or to “get with the program.” And when the majority men and women, or have a third-sex / third-gender designation? makes accommodations for various minorities, it’s often in a As long as we’re under a single name, society will look for a single paternal, tokenistic way because its privilege blinds it to the deeply- solution and see us as a single entity, so there’s a serious risk rooted needs that the minorities have, and instead seeks easy and of it becoming an either/or question, affecting identification, soft fixes. Which is why true beneficial change for a minority needs accommodation in gendered spaces, and to some degree how we to be initiated and defined by the people in question themselves. interact with society overall. The whole point is that by looking at the struggles of minorities We don’t get to frame the whole debate, but the way we frame it on a global scale, patterns emerge in how they self-define, seek when we initiate it through lobbying, instruction and protest forms personal power through the same colonizing behaviours they a foundation. Society’s understanding of trans people is growing have struggled against, assert authority (sometimes justifiably, and evolving, and with the “you can’t change your chromosomes” sometimes not), and often succumb to the idea of ownership rather attitudes that are out there, it’s certainly a risk that as society than partnership. Decolonialism attempts to rethink this process, becomes more trans-aware, non-binary gender markers could recognizing that either we’re truly committed to social justice, or become the easy solution for legislators, seeming to appease both we’re simply seeking to better one’s own class – if we do the latter, trans people and our opponents (because they always look for an

30 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com we inevitably perpetuate colonial thinking, however much or little we’ve been able to elevate ourselves. If There Are Different Defining Characteristics, You Can’t Portray Sameness And when you have a group or groups with unique and strongly defining characteristics (say, a medical process, identification issues that affect citizenship, accommodation concerns in the 24/7 day-to-day) grouped with ones who don’t share all or some of those characteristics, all the while claiming to speak with one voice, you have a situation that is absolutely rife with the potential for colonial conflict and attempts at possession. Personally, I don’t think that transsexuals have been completely annexed by other gender diverse peoples (and yes, I realize that “gender diverse peoples” is itself an umbrella phrase, but am currently using it for now because it at least acknowledges diversity), nor gender diverse peoples completely annexed by transsexuals. In my local community, I see more danger of the latter happening. But by setting up an umbrella communal framework, we’ve created a colonial structure, and we’re now seeing the push-pull. It’s happening more often online because that is where our self- definition has been mostly taking place, and that is also where people feel most empowered and safe enough to speak about it. It only escalates from here, unless we rethink how we’ve defined things. And we may not have had a conscious will to annex anyone — but the conviction that it is advantageous to present ourselves as a single whole is all the seduction we need to do so unwittingly. The idea of an umbrella is that we can all stand under it — race, ability, sexual orientation, age, gender identity and/or expression — and that is why the idea is so seductive. It appeals to a sense of strength through unity. But an umbrella implies one people, one collective narrative and one solution, allowing colonial thinking to set in as we try to define a singular course of advocacy, thinking that anyone who doesn’t initially like it will one day thank us anyway. We also often rationalize a transgender umbrella by equating it to a spectrum of gender expression. While some of the conflicts can be separated between binary and non-binary -identified people, we as individuals cannot always easily be sorted that way. Some gender diverse people feel a need to transition to a degree; some transsexuals don’t completely adopt one gender or the other for a myriad of reasons — this all seems to validate the idea of a spectrum, and maybe it does. But we can’t use this as a reason to ignore the potential for conflict along binary and non-binary lines. In fact, the impulse to see everyone as part of a whole has caused us to completely fail to understand how people at either end of the question can feel triggered or erased when someone else’s narrative becomes perceived as dominant. Next Month: Part 2

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www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 31 Interview

“Alone was such an iconic song, Ann and Nancy Wilson are crazy talented. At first I wasn’t even planning on using the song, I wrote a completely different song and I threw the chorus on as filler and sent it to my label to see what they thought about it. I ended up falling in love with it so by then I had no choice but to do it. I know it is very difficult to match up to Ann Wilson and know 100% that I don’t outshine the classic, it was such an amazing song. People either love it or they hate it. Some love it and are glad they get to hear it again, or they feel I ruined a classic. Either reaction is a good reaction because people care enough to comment. I am grateful for the opportunity to revive it and allow people that are 10 and 11 to sing the song now in 2011.” That is one of the great things about songs being covered and re-imagined. Although the original was released a decade before Reid was born, it has lead people her own age and younger to hear the original. “A lot of people didn’t know it was a cover until they saw media on it, a lot of younger people hadn’t heard Alone before. When I started doing interviews they YouTubed the original. It is really cool to be able to reference the video and song from the 80’s. It is really cool that people my age and younger get to listen to both songs now.” A lot of focus has been on the single, but The Game, on the whole, is an excellent debut album. From the opening Letting Go through Live To Tell, it is an enjoyable pop album that shows a lot Alyssa Reid Brings The Game of potential for Reid. “I have been writing and co-writing it for the past year. One of the first songs I ever wrote with my label is on the album calledWithout Edmonton-born singer returns home You. It is amazing that I got to take songs that were very personal to me, that I sat in my bedroom and wrote, and got to put them on the By Jason Clevett album. It was a long process; I was excited for it to come out finally.” Something we haven’t seen is Reid dancing around in her Edmonton-born Alyssa Reid, who currently resides just outside underwear or grinding on male dancers. What you see with her is of Toronto, has all the tools for success. At just 18 years old she what you get, and she takes her influence on young girls seriously. has a top single in Canada with Alone Again and released her “I am just doing me. I am being true to who I am, not only as an debut album The Game on June 21st. As part of a cross Canada artist but as a person. I don’t think prancing around in barely any tour she returns home to Alberta, performing on the Coke Stage clothes to sell records is what music is about. It is very important at the Calgary Stampede, July 11th, and opening for Natasha being a role model. People don’t realize how influential they are. Beddingfield on the EdFest stage at Edmonton’s Capital Ex, People look up to them and want to emulate them. I think it is July 22nd. important to see the real Alyssa Reid as a person and not just a Reid’s early exposure to the music industry came through YTV’s singer.” reality show The Next Star. I recently had the misfortune of taking Reid returns to Alberta this month as a rising star. a friend to the Calgary auditions for the show, a nightmare that echoed Reid’s experience. “I always wanted to go (to the Calgary Stampede) but never did. I am so excited to play there. I have heard so many amazing things “It wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be. The auditioning about The Calgary Stampede and how fun and lively it is.” process and getting to the show was a lot more fun than actually being on the show. I wouldn’t say it prepared me for the future, “Coming to Edmonton means I get to see my family. I love when I actually got into the industry and had a song out it was Edmonton and I go back a few times a year, and I love performing completely different. It was very different than what I expected it there because my family gets to come out and watch. This will be to be.” the first time I play there since Alone Again was released. I have no idea what it will be like. My family gets it but they don’t actually So she went another route. YouTube has become a way for understand what happens because they haven’t seen it yet. When singers like Greyson Chance and Winnipeg’s Maria Aragon, among I sing Alone Again the crowd joins in and belts it at the top of their others, to get noticed. Such was the case with Reid, who re-wrote lungs. I am emotional just thinking about my family seeing the Justin Bieber’s One Less Lonely Girl from a female perspective. One entirety of what this has done. It is going to be one of my best shows More Lonely Boy has received over a quarter of a million views, and because of the people who are going to be there and what that is stirred up some angry Bieber fans. going to do.” “Right now YouTube is one of the best outlets for putting your talent out there and getting a fan base. It is the number one video streaming site and there are millions of people on that site every day. So it is an amazing opportunity for people to put their talent out there whether it’s film-making, singing or playing an instrument,” Alyssa Reid Reid said. The Game in stores now. “I just re-wrote it to a girls version. At the beginning of the video www.myspace.com/alyssareidmusic I said I wrote it for Justin Bieber, and some die-hard Beliebers took that the wrong way and thought I wrote it bashing him. I actually just wrote it for him to hear. Once they figured that out it was good. In Concert Some people thought I’d had a secret relationship with Justin and written a song about it.” The Calgary Stampede - July 11, 2011 Edmonton Capital Ex - July 22nd, 2011 The video resulted in a meeting with label Wax records. After playing a few songs on her guitar, they signed her on the spot. The first singleAlone Again samples the chorus of Heart’s classic Alone. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2304 Reid admits that tackling such a prominent piece was a daunting View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments task.

32 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Event

 Gametes & Gonads  Fucking Stephen Harper  slut (r)evolution Anything Goes This Year’s Fringe Fest Celebrates Sexuality, Individuality and Community Spirit

By Janine Eva Trotta Hitting the eclectic community of Inglewood this month of shows that wouldn’t necessarily be set in a traditional theatre environment,” she says, And “that creates more of a will be the sixth annual Calgary Fringe Festival. What festival vibe up and down 9th Avenue.” started as one Calgary man’s dream has quickly All of the festival performers are selected by way of lottery- blossomed into an exciting local event that showcases style draw and composed of 15 percent national acts, 15 both local and international talent. percent international, and 70 percent local. Each performer Michele Gallant and her husband were performing at the selected is guaranteed six shows throughout the festival’s renowned Edmonton Fringe roughly seven years ago when duration. the simple thought was posited: “why doesn’t Calgary have “The draw means that everyone has an equal chance to one of these?” get in,” Michele explains. “Because of that, it’s an anything And so the Gallants launched Calgary’s first Fringe in goes festival – we don’t edit.” 2006. Over the half dozen years that the festival has taken The only requirements that the Fringe does ask of its place, it has grown “organically”. Fringe will include 34 participants is full disclosure on what their performance different artists this year, up from roughly 24 at the last. entails, a nominal application fee, and that no laws are Venue space has also increased. Six Inglewood resident broken. businesses have agreed to open their doors and host various “Otherwise whatever you want to throw up on stage – you artists in what Michele termed a BYOV – bring your own go to town; from family shows all the way up to, you know, venue – performance system. Added to the four main stage slut (r)evolution.” venues, this brings the total tally of performance spaces up Many of the artists tour the Canada Fringe circuit every to 10. summer, with the last dates of the season taking place “Performers were saying, I can perform standing in a window of a shop, or I’d be able to go into a nightclub Continued on Next Page  environment,” and so the venue boutiques idea originated, Michele says. The goal was to provide performers with spaces better suited to their act. These spaces will include an evening of musical storytelling, performed by Calgary’s Red Flame, at the Nine Café (formerly Serendipity); Six Guitars and slut (r)evolution at DaDe Art & Design Lab; Sabotage, performed by a Loose Moose alumni at the Loose Moose Theatre in the Crossroads Market; a melodic whodunit at Jacqueline Suzanne’s Bistro; Fucking Stephen Harper and Folk with Benefits at Club Paradiso; as well four shows, including ONEymoon, at the Lantern Church sanctuary. “The pastor there is programming spiritual/family-based shows in the sanctuary of the church,” Michele says, in addition to the gym space the church is providing for five other performances. “Merchants are getting more involved… which means that it opens the doors for Fringe artists to have special types www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 33  From Previous Page in Victoria, bringing with them their latest show and an audience follows her zany journey through a solo marriage entrepreneurial spirit. celebration of song, dance, and dilemma. Artists can choose their own admission price at Calgary’s “We all struggle with relationships, whether it’s with a Fringe – from $8.50 to $13.50 – of which they receive 100 partner, or a relationship with yourself,” Christel Bartelse, percent of the proceeds. In addition the festival charges the show’s sole performer, says. “This show is about the $1.50 per ticket to cover box office, advertising, promotional long struggles of relationships, and that sometimes it’s materials, marketing and tech support. On average, Michele better to just be with yourself, although even that has says, artists from last year went home with $2,300 apiece. consequences.” “These are artists that care passionately about what Bartelse’s first one-woman show, CHAOTICA, was invited they’re doing,” she states. “They’re not reading scripts; for inclusion in Toronto’s Pride festivities and toured Ottawa, they’re doing what’s important to them.” Wakefield, Saskatoon and Edmonton Fringe. In London it Michele recommends that if you haven’t been to Fringe received the Best in Venue Impresario Award and scored before, go and check out something you would not ordinarily a nomination for the Brickenden Award for Outstanding attend. She is sure you will not regret it. Touring Production. To take place each year, the Fringe relies almost entirely “Christel’s work, while hilarious and high-energy, also on a huge team of volunteers. Michele is the festival’s sole has a strong undercurrent of real emotion which stems from full-time employee, with the addition of an assistant she the conflict between what an individual wants and societal hired on in May, and tech staff that work through the expectation; and deals with the difficulty of self-invention in duration of the event. the face of these two opposing forces,” Bartelse’s manager, Sponsorship is also a big help to the festival. GayCalgary Sheila Sky, states. “While I can’t speak for all audience & Edmonton Magazine will be proudly sponsoring the four members, gay or straight, I think it is this undercurrent following shows out of this year’s stellar line-up, running which leaves such a lasting impression.” from July 29th to August 6th at various venues in Inglewood. ONEymoon has received a host of international accolades ONEymoon – A Honeymoon for One, written by Jimmy Hogg by both media and theatre aficionados. and Christel Bartelse, has sold out audiences, earned five- “This production – a celebration of independence and star reviews and a nomination for the Canadian Comedy girl power – is an energetic, manic and hilarious tale full of Award in the category of Best One Person Show. Last obligatory audience participation...original music, rapping, year the act toured the Toronto, Minneapolis, London and inebriated cabana boy seduction and tap dancing,” Thandi Victoria Fringe Festivals, as well as Frigid Festival in New Fletcher, for the Victoria Times, praises. “A masterful York City, where the show attracted an invite to Indianapolis improviser, Bartelse is a bouncing ball of energy who clearly the following month. enjoys the spotlight.” ONEymoon is the story of Caroline, a woman with ONEymoon will be performed six times during Fringe at ambiguous ideas about marriage, bent on finding perfection, the Lantern Church Sanctuary. Tickets are $15 and the who decides to reinvent the traditional convention. The show runs 60 minutes in length. Gametes and Gonads, is written, directed and performed by Saanichton, British Columbia’s Jim Leard, of Active Salad Productions. Leard says the show follows the themes of forbidden love, massive scale war and tragedy, and blind religious dogma. “But mostly it is just a solo comedy about sexuality with a sci-fi background, making references to Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, a touch of Shakespeare and various tidbits of pop culture,” he explains. Leard completed the script last year and performed Gametes and Gonads at the 2010 Victoria Fringe Festival where it was received with acclaim by audiences, and graced 4.5 starts by the Victoria Times Columnist. Leard also performed the show earlier this month at the Toronto Fringe. “Gametes and Gonads is about the massive battle going on inside your genitals at all times,” he says, describing the sperm as “a massive military force…in an all out assault on their greatest enemy: the Egg” while the ova, guided by ancient pagan religion, “are forced to sacrifice one of their own every month… to appease the Goddesses of the reproductive system.” Gametes and Gonads is rated Age 14+ as it contains violence, sexual content and mature language. Leard will be performing the 40 minute show at the Alexandra Centre Society six times throughout the festival. Tickets are $10. FUCKING STEPHEN HARPER: How I Sexually Assaulted the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada and Saved Democracy will be performed by journalist Rob Salerno, the script’s writer, director and inspiration, at Club Paradiso for six of the festival nights. Salerno has toured the show across Canada, including festivals in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Victoria, and Vancouver, winning audiences over every time. The show has sold out dates in every city it’s ever played and has been recipient of audience pick awards in Winnipeg and Ottawa, including Best of Fringe.

34 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com  Interview - From Page 41

“It’s a solo act, and probably should be rated R, but I figure the title lets people know what they’re in for,” Salerno says, though this show is restricted in Calgary to audience members 19+. “The show is about my actual experiences reporting on the 2008 federal election for Xtra, attempting to get an interview with Stephen Harper, and instead finding myself arrested for sexually assaulting the prime minister.” Sounds funny right? But it is a true story. Maclean’s calls the journalist’s account of what happened a “hilarious take on Canadian politics, the media, the gay community, and what Stephen Harper’s balls feel like.” In a more serious light, “It’s also about the struggle for queer rights and my outrage at the current government’s attempts to roll back our rights and victories,” Salerno states. “Gay Calgarians will appreciate that the show is as queer and Canadian as they come.” FUCKING STEPHEN HARPER has helped to raise funds for persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS with the Ten Foot Pole Theatre. Tickets for this one hour event can be purchased for $15. Last, but not least, slut (r)evolution (no one gets there overnight) will entertain audiences all nine nights of the Fringe at DaDe Art & Design Lab. KD: I can’t imagine, because I was always out and coming From Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, playwright Cameryn out wasn’t really a big deal for me just because I was living Moore is this comedy cabaret’s sole performer, directed by Elizabeth DuPré. out to my family, and in the world, for a long time. But it certainly made things easier. I can’t imagine what it would Attendees of last year’s Fringe might remember Moore as the phone whore. This year she comes back to merge be like, but at the same time it’s definitely made my life memory with manifesto, “to explore incendiary events from easier just because it kind of stripped away the question her very sexual life”. marks in the audience’s minds or the business mind – the Moore has been recipient of Best Female Solo at the San sort of public understanding of who I was. It took away Francisco Fringe and excels at dramatic storytelling. This any pretense or any question. So even though in some show is rated 18+ for its mature, and sexual, content. circumstances it’s more difficult, it’s definitely open and Tickets for the 60 minute show are $13. honest, so in that respect it makes it so much easier. For more information on the Fringe, venue addresses, GC&E: There was this big hoopla when Chely Wright show information or to purchase tickets in advance, visit came out last year as the first gay country star, because their website, listed at the end of this article. there was the argument that you beat her to it. How did you feel about all that? KD: I don’t know who Chely Wright is. But I don’t care. Calgary Fringe I mean, to a whole generation of people who know Chely July 29th to August 6th Wright, they probably don’t know who I am, so to them it http://see.calgaryfringe.ca is the first country star to come out. (Laughs) I don’t really care who’s the first, who’s the last, because before me there were a lot of people that helped get me to a place to feel http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2305 confident and comfortable with coming out. View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments GC&E: When you look back at the films that you’ve done in the past, like “Eye of the Beholder” or “Salmonberries,” what do you think? Do you watch them? KD: No, I don’t watch them. (Laughs) I don’t watch a lot of movies, and if I were to watch a movie, I certainly wouldn’t pick one of mine. GC&E: Last year you lent your voice to a song on a Glee soundtrack. Would you ever do the show? KD: I don’t know. I don’t really watch Glee, but I know it’s very popular and very gay friendly, which is great. And Jane Lynch is hilarious. So I guess if they asked me I would consider it, but I’m really happy that I could be a part of something that’s supportive and promotes alternative and varying lifestyles.

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2308 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 35 Out of Town The French Riviera: Nice and Cannes

 View from Fort Royal of Île Sainte-Marguerite and, across the harbor, the hills above Cannes and the French Riviera. Photo by Andrew Collins.

By Andrew Collins the miles of pretty (but pebbly) beaches. A couple of the many The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, ranks among Europe’s beachside restaurants along here fly rainbow flags to welcome their most enduring - and alluring - gay playgrounds. True, this sizable gay clienteles: the beach at Castel club (www.castelplage. stretch of rugged Mediterranean coastline at the southeastern com), which is lies in the shadows of Castle Hill, and the beach club tip of France doesn’t generate quite as much buzz with GLBT run by the trendy HI Hotel (www.hi-beach.net), a favorite see-and- travelers as Sitges, Ibiza, or Mykonos, as it’s not a pure party sun spot of the Nice A-listers. The clothing-optional section of rocky playground. But the sunny and sophisticated French Riviera shoreline right below Restaurant Coco Beach, a short walk beyond (www.frenchriviera-tourism.com) is ideal for a romantic getaway, the Port of Nice, is another favorite gay hangout. and the most gay-popular communities - Cannes and Nice - Continue east around Cap de Nice to reach the exclusive village abound with beautiful beaches, chic shopping, exceptional art of Villefranche-sur-Mer, immortalized in the Bond movie Never Say museums, and atmospheric cafes and open-air markets. Never Again. It’s also home to St-Pierre Chapel, whose restored Nice interior contains murals painted by famed gay novelist Jean Cocteau. Across the bay is one of the world’s wealthiest enclaves, Nice (www.nicetourisme.com) - the largest city in the region, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat - everybody from Tina Turner to Bill Gates with about 350,000 residents and an international airport with have homes around here. Head farther toward the Italian border, direct flights from North America - also supports an active GLBT and you’ll reach the ancient cliff-top village of Eze and beyond that organization, AGLAE (www.aglae06.fr) which sponsors Gay Pride the Principality of Monaco, with its exclusive casinos and ritzy each July and produces a gay guide to that’s distributed free at many shopping. businesses. The city is home to several fine museums, including the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Matisse Cannes Museum of Nice. This is also a fine city for shopping, with dozens The Riviera’s other gay hub, Cannes (www.cannes.travel) - which of upscale boutiques set along Rue Pastorelli and Rue du Marechal is renowned for its legendary film festival each spring - curves gently Joffre, including the famous Galeries Lafayette department store. around a sheltered bay, its glamorous hotels and swanky beach For great views of the city and harbor, climb the stairs to Castle bars strung like jewels along La Croisette promenade. Cannes has Hill and stroll among the botanical gardens and medieval ramparts, an increasingly visible GLBT community - Cannes Rainbow (www. soaking up the views of the bustling port neighborhood - you can cannes-rainbow.com) promotes gay tourism to the area. see for miles up and down the coast. At the base of the hill, bustling, This city of about 80,000 is perfect for strolling and window- Old Town’s narrow streets, classic architecture, esteemed galleries, shopping, rife as it is with antiques and food markets as well as and open-air flower and food markets contain a number of the city’s luxury boutiques and department stores. To get your blood flowing, gay-frequented businesses. climb the steep, narrow streets to Suquet hill for majestic views of Old Town fringes the city’s shoreline, which you can stroll along the harbor, and then walk back down through Old Town, perhaps the broad, palm shaded Promenade des Anglais, which fringes stopping at a sidewalk café for lunch.

36 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Set aside a half-day for taking a passenger ferry across the cocktails, conversation, and dancing; and Le Glam club (www. harbor to the Lerins Islands, the most famous of which is Île Sainte- leglam.org), a small but lively spot for dancing to pop tunes. Fairly Marguerite, home to the famed 17th-century Fort Royal, the cliff- near the harbor is the Eagle (www.eagle-nice.com), a typical leather- top fortress (now a museum) in which the legendary Man in the oriented and cruise bar, and the fetish/sex club called Le Block Iron Mask was imprisoned in the 1600s. The island is also home (www.leblock.com). Nice also has a few very popular gay saunas, to the excellent (seasonal) open-air restaurant, La Guerite, which including the small but quite clean and attractive Les Bains serves superb seafood, including the addictively delicious tiny fried Douches, and the large and always-crowded Sauna du Chateau fishes, called blanchaille. (www.saunaduchateau.com). In Cannes, the intimate and rather ancient Zanzibar tavern Picasso’s stomping grounds makes a nice starting point, perhaps before heading to the city’s Between Cannes and Nice, you can visit a pair of lovely top gay venue, trendy Le Night Disco (www.night-club-cannes. communities, Vallauris Golfe-Juan and Antibes (www.antibes- com). Also, the nightclub and casino Palm Beach Cannes (www. juanlespins.com), whose Roman fortifications overlook the largest casinolepalmbeach.com) occasionally hosts gay parties and is pleasure-boat harbor in Europe. A walk through Old Town’s narrow always very GLBT-welcoming. lanes leads to the exceptional Picasso Museum, outside of which a You’ll find a nice mix of swanky seaside hotels and affordable gay small sculpture garden looks over the sea. Around the corner you’ll B&Bs throughout the region. Movie stars in Cannes regularly nest at find the city’s famous city market, which hums with activity and the stunning Carlton Inter-Continental Hotel (www.ichotelsgroup. sells everything from fresh peaches to stuffed rabbits. com) - many suites are named for luminaries, from Sean Penn to Vallauris Golfe-Juan, where Picasso lived for many years, has Elton John. The gay-popular Hôtel 3.14 (www.3-14hotel.com) lies boasted a reputation for pottery-making that dates back 2,000 just around the corner and is notable for its over-the-top quirky years. It’s home to several arts museum, including the amusingly rooms - floors have fun, if bizarre, themes like American pop art offbeat Museum of Kitsch, a celebration of jade-hued ceramic and Moroccan chic. The rooftop pool is a wonderful place to while poodles and tropical-fish ashtrays. More esteemed attractions away an afternoon. include the Castle Museum complex, which comprises three In the leafy, inviting Juan les Pins section of Antibes, the gay- distinct art museums, including the National Picasso Museum friendly Hôtel Juana (www.hotel-juana.com) and Hôtel Belles Rives “War and Peace” (with massive murals by Picasso. Finally, there’s (www.bellesrives.com) - which have the same owners and are within Espace Jean Marais, a gallery celebrating the sculpture (and film walking distance of each other - make excellent bases for exploring career) of the celebrated gay actor, Marais, who was the lover at one the entire Riviera. Hotel Belles Rives, in which F. Scott Fitzgerald time of Jean Cocteau. lived while writing Tender is the Night, is the more historic and Two nearby interior villages of note include the medieval town atmospheric of the two, and it’s home to the exceptional restaurant, of Vence, whose delightful village center is home to Chapelle du La Passagere. Up in the hilly Vence, the gay-owned La Maison du Rosaire, which contains stained-glass by Henri Matisse, and Frêne (www.lamaisondufrene.com) is an exquisitely decorated B&B nearby Saint-Paul de Vence, a walled, medieval hilltop town whose whose stunning rooms are hung with bold, playful contemporary cobblestone alleys are lined with art galleries, open-air cafes, and art - it’s a perfect hideaway for a romantic vacation. fashionable boutiques. Be sure to walk through the cemetery in Nice has the best variety of lodging options, which include which artist Marc Chagall is buried - he lived here late in life, as reasonably priced gay B&Bs like Blue Angels (www.blueangels. did the gay American novelist James Baldwin. Down the hill, check fr) and ThyJeff Guesthouse (www.thyjeff.fr), both of which are out the Maeght Foundation museum, whose grounds and galleries close to the train station - the owners of the latter also run a are filled with dramatic, large-scale contemporary art installations cheerful gay café nearby, Le ThyJeff. Also consider the upscale and sculptures. four-room guest house, Mas des Oliviers (www.masdesoliviers- nice.com), a gay-owned retreat set amid quiet gardens in the Fabled culinary foothills above Nice - amenities include a pool, fitness room, The French Riviera enjoys a fabled culinary reputation - you’ll find and two terraces with lovely views. no shortage of superb restaurants in every town, plus markets and Among larger properties, the chic and artfully design HI gourmet shops specializing in local olives, oils, cheeses, pastries, Hôtel (www.hi-hotel.net) - with its bold color schemes, rooftop and every other imaginable treat. Rosé is the most commonly pool, and stellar sushi restaurant - is a favorite of trendy and produced wine in Provence, and locals consume it happily and discerning gay travelers. The hotel also operates the previously regularly at virtually every meal. If you’re looking to pick up a bottle mentioned HI beach club and restaurant, a few blocks. Other or two, check out the outstanding La Cave Bianchi (www.cave- Nice favorites include the opulent Hôtel Palais le la Méditerranée bianchi.fr) wine shop in Cannes. The town also has some favorite (palais.concorde-hotels.com), a grand dame with a magnificent gay restaurants, including breezy Restaurant le Vegaluna (www. Art Deco facade overlooking the sea, and the elegant and smartly vegaluna.com) along the beach; see-and-be-seen Le Sparkling et undated L’Hôtel Beau Rivage (www.hotelnicebeaurivage.com), son Club (www.sparkling-cannes.com), which is also fun for pre- an 1860s beauty overlooking Promenade des Anglais - it’s been clubbing cocktails; and Barbarella (www.barbarellarestaurant.fr), a a favorite accommodation of such arts and literary figures as romantic spot with sidewalk seating in at Old Town. Matisse and Chekhov. In Nice’s pedestrianized Cours Saleya district in Old Town, you’ll Andrew Collins covers gay travel for the New York Times-owned website GayTravel. find dozens of sidewalk cafés, most of them specializing in local About.com and is the author of Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA. He can be reached seafood and pizzas, among the flower and food markets. If you care of this publication. make it around the Cape to Villefrance, do not miss the wonderful seafood restaurant La Mère Germaine (www.meregermaine.com), which has tables right on the bay. If you’re seeking a lunch spot http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2306 in Vallauris, try cozy, gay-owned Le Clos Cosette, which turns out traditionally Provencal cuisine, or fashionable Cafe Marianne (www. View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments cafemarianne-vallauris.com). The interior village of Saint-Paul de Vence is one of the country’s finest small towns for dining - it’s home to a handful of Michelin-star restaurants.

Gay nightlife Gay nightlife in the region is relaxed, very friendly, and concentrated in Nice and Cannes. In Nice, consider Bar Le Fard (www.lefard.com), a snug spot on Promenade des Anglais - it’s a good place to start the night. Other good bets include centrally located Le 6 Bar (www.le6.fr), which draws a stylish mix for www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 37 Wicked Impresses in Calgary Debut

By Jason Clevett Since it debuted on Broadway in 2003, it seems everyone, including me, has been eagerly awaiting Wicked to tour Canada. Every time I was told of an announcement of the next Broadway season I waited with baited breath to hear one word, and time and time again was let down. I even tried to see it in San Francisco, only to discover that the only nights I could see it, the theatre was dark. So it was with a great deal of anticipation that I joined a packed Jubilee Auditorium for the opening night of Wicked. Having waited for this moment for years, after all this anticipation, I really really liked it, even if I didn’t love it in the way I expected to. Wicked is essentially the story of The Wicked Witch of the West, her development from school and overlapping with the story told YYYin The Wizard of Oz. Elphaba, being born with green skin, is essentially shunned everywhere including at school. Glinda being the popular girl is among those treating Elphaba poorly, until a change of heart leads to the two becoming friends. There is a lot to the story – themes of being an outcast, acceptance, political corruption, and how rumors and myths can quickly spin out of control. The sets are impressive. Natalie Daradich is brilliant as Glinda, and Anne Brummel is equally stellar as Elphaba. There is just enough of Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, who originated the roles, to pay tribute without being a copy. Jody Gleb as Madame Morrible and Don Amendolia as The Wizard also tackle their roles with gusto. There are several clever jokes and references to the original Wizard as well, and the audience learns how the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion come to be. Musically the cast is strong, although I’ve always felt the lyrics to the show weren’t its strong suit. Popular and For Good received a warm response from me, while Defying Gravity stood out as the best song in the show. The general consensus among people I’ve spoken to since, is that they loved the show, though your own enjoyment of Wicked will depend on your personal preference. It lacks the spectacle of Phantom or Lion King but the story and dialogue is well written. Just as I will always be fond of The Phantom of the Opera because my father took me to it as a teenager, I am sure that this run will leave a lasting impression on kids who will long treasure that memory, and on those who are attending their first show. It is definitely worth seeing at least once. The large scale shows like Wicked, Phantom and The Lion King only seem to arrive sporadically, so best to check it out now while it flies through Alberta.

Wicked Calgary - Jubilee Auditorium - June 29th to July 17th Edmonton - Jubilee Auditorium - July 20th to August 7th

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2307 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

38 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com k.d. lang: ‘Loud’ and Proud Singer talks being butch, out and the first gay country star

 Photos by The Fun Star

By Chris Azzopardi k.d. lang is manning up, and here’s why: Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and all the other sexpots of pop who shoot whipped cream from their chests and ride disco sticks. In our recent interview with lang, a longtime gay activist and singer of the purest form who turns 50 later this year, she told us how her decision to boost her butchness was a rebellious choice. The look is evident in “I Confess,” the lead single from the recently released Sing it Loud. k.d.’s first record made entirely with a band in over 20 years ago, the new album features her sublime voice in all its glory. The singer chatted about the album’s evolution, how being the first out country star doesn’t matter (she doesn’t even know who Chely Wright is), and why she’s proud to have been part of Glee.

Continued on Page 41  www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 39 40 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com  Interview - From Page 39

GC&E: Why did you approach Sing it Loud with a fuller know better than that – being very exaggerated, I thought, I sound and, for the first time in a while, a band? can exaggerate too. (Laughs) KD: It just seemed to be the right thing to do. It was just GC&E: You mention the aesthetic of performers today, what I was feeling. I was working with Joe (Pisapia), writing which seems to be more important than vocal talent these songs, and it came time to record them and I just felt like days. But you’ve always been about the voice. What do you the band was the right way to approach it – very live and make of the way the music business has shifted in the way spontaneous and kind of rock. We put the band together it sells music? and it was beyond my wildest dreams what transpired. We KD: It’s kind of the direction it’s been going. If you’re recorded eight songs in three days and the love in the room really a historian you can probably go back to television, was palpable, and the communication and the magic was to video, to multimedia and see how it sort of extracted it just extraordinarily creative. from its purist form, which is making music. Now you’re GC&E: There’s lots of love on the album. What inspired on camera every single time you open your mouth. I’m all of it? surprised someone isn’t video taping this interview for the KD: We wanted to write something that was unpretentious web. (Laughs) and uplifting and made the listener feel good and felt good I actually think it’s boring because everything is so while we were playing it. It’s not really an autobiographical overexposed. But it’s fine; it is what it is. I’m not going to record because it’s highly collaborative. be one of those people going, “Oh, it’s gotta be like it used GC&E: How will the new songs translate to a live venue? to be.” I think it’s relative and it’s the evolution of the way things are. In terms of music, there is always going to be KD: I really believe that the energy that we feel for each other and for the music will translate to the audience – at a place for someone who can sing and someone who can least I’m hoping, but I’m pretty sure it will. communicate with an audience. I don’t think that will ever be in danger, because that’s what separates the cream from GC&E: Explain the line “I’ll be your daddy” on “I Confess.” the crop. If you can walk on stage and really deliver, yeah – KD: Well, it’s pretty self-explanatory, isn’t it? (Laughs) you can’t fake that. GC&E: Definitely, but how did it come about? Was it your GC&E: Did you ever feel pressure to conform in your line? career? KD: We were just sitting around and I said to Josh KD: That would depend on what I wanted to reap from (Grange) and Daniel (Clarke), who I wrote the song with, “I my music. I’ve always been quite sure that I wanted to have want to write a Roy Orbison song.” It just started coming a more artistic career and a career of longevity, so in that out of us, and I was just kind of riffing on lyrics and fooling respect, no. I’ve made decisions that have nurtured my art around – “I love you madly,” and I just went, “I’ll be your rather than my public awareness or my celebrity. That’s daddy” – and Josh is like, “Oh my god, that’s so cool. You been self-determined, so no, I never felt the pressure. have to keep it.” GC&E: So do you think people who nurture their celebrity GC&E: How do you think that line would’ve been received status are less likely to endure than people who don’t? had you recorded this song 20 years ago when you first KD: I don’t know. I wouldn’t say less likely. You get what came out of the closet? you get; it’s fate. You either have a huge amount of success KD: Probably the same as now. I think there’s going to at the beginning and then your career kind of dwindles, or always be people who feel uncomfortable with it and there’s you have something kind of consistent like me and it goes always going to be people who are titillated by it. You just for years and years, or you work really hard and nothing have to know that’s going to be the case for a long time. happens and then you explode later on in life. I don’t really GC&E: Would you say you’re embracing your butchness think that one is better than the other. more than you used to? GC&E: If you hadn’t come out publicly at 30 and you were KD: Yeah – this music really asks for it. I also think that still closeted, how do you imagine your life and career now? the aesthetic nature of today’s music, with people like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry – not that it’s new, it certainly isn’t; I Continued on Page 35  www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 41 42 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 43 44 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Event Star Trekking in Calgary Beaming Down White Hats

By Evan Kayne the steady career as a director that he has carved out for himself. Or as he put it, “(acting is) a brutal and unjust bedmate.” Continuing the tradition from last year of having one He noted that he does prefer directing to acting because one guest from the original Star Trek and one guest from can get work both based on your skills as a director and also Star Trek: the Next Generation, this year visitors to the through the people you know and work with. As well, it keeps Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo got to see both him better occupied, while acting involves a lot of waiting around William Shatner and Jonathan Frakes talk about their between takes (or, in his case, napping). experiences and current projects. Known as “Two Takes Frakes” for his efficient filming style during Star Trek: First Contact, as a Director he has tried to William Shatner (Captain James T. Kirk) insert some of his sense of humour into his directing. Besides What is there to add to the legend of Captain Kirk? After his TNG and two Star Trek movies, he has directed episodes for lean days of the early 70s, the man has been working nonstop. several series including Dollhouse, Castle, Leverage, and NCIS: His panel at the Expo was exactly what we would have expected LA, among others. – entertaining. After a humorous ceremony where Mayor Nenshi Frakes was entertaining and worked with the moderators, gave him Calgary’s traditional White Hat and made him an teased the attendees, and generally seemed to have a good time honorary Calgarian, Shatner went on to riff off such “Canadian at the show, telling everyone about little bits of Trek history, moments” as impromptu riots post-Stanley Cup, to percussive and running through the panel in a relaxed, playful, yet efficient maintenance for Winter Olympic closing-show teleprompters. manner. While not a fan of his character, from this visit to the He discussed his disappointment with the cancellation of Expo and from the interview we had with him in last month’s the sitcom $#*! My Dad Says but repeated a mantra of always edition, he is certainly easy to listen to, and as some Bears in our putting one foot after the other and continuing forward. It’s not community think, still quite easy on the eyes. like he’s lacking for work. Additionally, he has an interview show on The Biography Channel (Shatner’s Raw Nerve) , and he hosts the Discovery Channel television series Weird or What? Furthermore, he has created a documentary focusing on the http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2311 many captains in the various Star Trek pantheon. The Captains View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments has Shatner interviewing each of the various actors who played captains in their series: Patrick Stewart, Avery Brooks, Kate Mulgrew, Scott Bakula, and Chris Pine – the young Captain Kirk in the recent Star Trek movie. For a man who just turned 80 he is remarkably busy, and yet still full of energy for quips about what it was like being Captain Kirk (“I had to wash that green stuff off every night!”), racy banter with a young woman (“This is getting exciting....”) and thoughts on how he’d like to die (right in the middle of a performance so people think it was part of the act). If there was any complaint I had with it - and yes, I’m fully aware I may be attacked by green skinned Orion slave girls for voicing such heresy – he began to wear a little thin halfway into his session. Perhaps on television where there are directors or producers to tighten up his routine it works better. Perhaps he was tired...he laid out a stressful week he had prior to the Expo, and given that he’s 80 years old it’s okay to excuse his rambling. I’m not saying he’s NOT interesting...I hope he stays with us and healthy for many more years. However, this time, this big cheesy captain came across to me a bit stale.

Jonathan Frakes (Commander Will Riker) From the moment he stepped onstage and was White-Hatted, he entertained fans with his laid back irreverent style of banter – from demonstrating the “Riker Lean” (“HE WENT FULL RIKER!!”) to stretching out on the couch while engaging with the audience. This was a bit jarring to me, as the character of Riker always struck me as humourless with only the occasional nod to the relaxed attitude of the actor underneath the uniform. As if to both express Frakes’ fondness for the character while simultaneously undercutting Riker’s serious nature, he pitched a possible idea for a new Star Trek series: “Half-hour sitcom. The Rikers in Space with their wacky Uncle Data and their little dog Worf.” On a serious note, when asked, Frakes was surprisingly blunt about a career as an actor. He acknowledged how lucky he was to get on Star Trek: the Next Generation, but also told the audience that 95% of actors are not able to get work compared to

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 45 Interview

 InnerSPACE Hosts  Ajay  Teddy InnerSPACE Sci-fi Hosts at the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo

By Evan Kayne dressed up in costumes – than at a lot of other con[vention] Amidst the sea of science fiction/horror/fantasy fans in s.” attendance for the 2011 edition of the Calgary Comic For Ajay, this was his first Expo. He has been to Calgary and Entertainment Expo, you might have seen two blurs before, for the Calgary International Film Festival. Before running back and forth from event to event. That would the Expo, he told us that because of Teddy’s review from have been Teddy Wilson and Ajay Fry – hosts of SPACE 2010, he was counting down the days until he left for TV’s science fiction entertainment and news show Calgary. Of course, he was put to work – besides the panels InnerSPACE. he hosted with Teddy, Ajay got to moderate the Matt Frewer Like any fanboy, they were there to enjoy the Expo. panel and the Mike Mignola panel – the latter of which was However, for them it was a double barrelled pleasure as a bonus for him, as he’s a huge Hellboy fan. they were attending in their professional capacity, hosting What did Ajay think of the experience? “My first Calgary or moderating several panels with subject matter varying Expo was fantastic. And I choose that word specifically from Todd and the Book of Pure Evil, Stargate, and the big because the fans were in large part what made it such a fun star of the Expo this year, William Shatner. experience. I got to know a number of them as they came Returning for his second time, Teddy told me Calgary out to various panels and events over the weekend.” As well, has been exceptionally welcoming. He had a blast at the he was impressed by and wanted to send a big thank you 2010 Expo schmoozing with all the guests. Yet what he out to the volunteers: “Every one of them was friendly and found more interesting was the reception of the fans here in helpful.” Calgary: they seem to come out in droves. “I don’t know if Furthermore, he was thrilled – as were many people – that it’s the kinship between the western frontier spirit and the Mayor Nenshi embraced his inner nerd and attended the exploratory, boundary pushing nature of sci-fi,” Teddy said, Expo. Unlike last year with Dave Bronconnier, Nenshi didn’t but he implied there seems to be a strong alchemy between just show up, present a White Hat to the major celebrity, the two. and then split. “It’s great to see a local politician hanging This kinship or alchemy is not new, Teddy continued. After out with us geeks. I heard he actually spent some time on all, Gene Roddenberry pitched Star Trek as Wagon Train “to the convention floor too...how cool is that?!” the stars”. The weird marriage between Western and Science Besides the panels they hosted featuring sci-fi favorites, Fiction has recently been seen in Firefly, upcoming movies Ajay and Teddy also had their own InnerSPACE panel. It’s like Cowboys and Aliens, comics like Jonah Hex and even a bit overwhelming for them to see the fan reaction at this in literature with Steven King’s “Dark Tower” novel series. panel, Teddy stated. “We shoot our modest little show in a “I think it’s a natural fit that the West would have a really little studio in downtown Toronto...you’re kind of in your strong sci-fi genre fanbase. Calgary was great...just great bubble a little bit. But then you go out to...anywhere across spirit,” Teddy added. However, what set this Expo apart the country and you get this fan love.” from others for him was not just the attendance (though it Ajay’s response was much the same: “[There were] so did double from 2010), it was the participation of fans. “(In many people who knew not just general aspects of our show 2010) I came back and mentioned to Ajay that I noticed a InnerSPACE, but specifics as well. It just goes to show you larger percentage of fans who were cosplaying – who were people all over the country really are watching and hearing what we have to say.” Of course, this wasn’t their first

46 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com experience with fan feedback. At the Halifax convention, Ajay is eagerly anticipating Outcasts, a show about Teddy and Ajay were shocked to see the panel discussion humanity struggling to colonize a distant planet, starring for InnerSPACE being crowded to the point of standing room Jamie Bamber, “Apollo” from Battlestar Galactica. As well, only. Ajay mentions SPACE has something for a lot of the folks who This year, they did do some homework for the major star. attended the Expo – Fanboy Confessional. “The first episode This was necessary, as one of their most surreal convention is set at Anime North and follows a bunch of cosplayers. moments came courtesy of William Shatner at Toronto’s But it explores all different elements of fandom including expo last year. They were moderating a panel with him, Furries, Steampunkers, LARPers. There’s six episodes and and normally there’s some interaction with panel hosts it begins on Space July 13th at 10pm.” and guests. But Shatner came out after the introduction, Of course, for those sci-fi fans who want to be in the took the mike and away he went on a roll...leaving Ajay and know, this the Fall when InnerSPACE resumes its normal Teddy standing in the background. “About ten minutes in, broadcasting schedule, you can tune in to get the latest news he looks back and goes, What are you two guys still doing on what’s happening in the science fiction entertainment here?...and the whole crowd erupted in laughter at us.” At world. Hopefully, we’ll also get the chance to welcome Teddy which point they slunk offstage. “I don’t think we’re going and Ajay back at the 2012 Expo. to stay at the podium this year...we’re probably just going to introduce him and let him do his thing.” Which is pretty much what happened. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2312 As both geeks themselves and media figures, the appeal View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments Teddy and Ajay offer to their audience is their enthusiasm about new and exciting science fiction projects. Besides their thoughts about the Expo, I talked with them about the upcoming shows on SPACE. There are the staples: Doctor Who is returning in the Fall for the second half of this incredible season, and Teddy is really excited for the next season of Torchwood: “Miracle Day” starting on July 9th. If you’re a fan of TV shows about superheroes, “...there’s also a cool looking show called Alphas coming to Space July 11. Fall, we’re having Todd and the Book of Evil returning for season two, which is amazing. ”

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 47 Event

Western Canadian Pride Festival For the Community, by the Community

By Leon Thompson, Festival Organizer tradition for those who have attended in the past. For many, The Western Canadian Pride Festival is one of the it’s the highlight of their year. The cost this year is $100.00 for largest campouts in the Canadian West for the LGBT members, non-member early bird tickets $120.00 (ending July community. Our success stems directly out of the great 28th). people who join us annually for the August long weekend. Paying at the gate? There will be 2 types of tickets available: The Campout is open to all members and invited guests, Bring a Buddy pass for $220.00, and single gate ticket: $130.00 friends and families. In past years we have always (cash only at the gate). Limited Tickets are available this year chosen themes and this year we will be carrying on with so please do not wait too long to register. We have never turned that tradition with “Fairy Tales Gone Wild”. anyone away at the gate and will always make room for you, but please help us out by registering. It is hard to say how we got to where we are today, but one Once again the Campout will be held at Watipi Lodge, a private thing is for sure: the people we met on the way have had a great campground centrally located between Edmonton and Calgary - influence on what we do. We like to think that we do not put on just 5 minutes north of Blackfalds, 10 minutes from Lacombe, an event, rather we join you as participants in the sand box. By and 15 minutes from Red Deer. Gates open on Friday at noon, us bringing our toys, sharing, entertaining and playing fair we but early bird campers are welcome prior to that. If you do want are hoping you will come and do the same. The WCPF grew out of to come early and stay later, the cost is $20 per night. Please let the idea of celebrating who we are. We are not just the “Big Gay us know that you are arriving early. Campout” as some have called us, but a campground full of gay people ... and there is a bit of a difference, there is much more to Our only requirement is that you leave your problems at the us than just our sexual orientation. gate and let us take you on a much needed break. If you have had 361 days of garbage over the last year, it’s totally ok to leave Enjoy 4 days of camping, Live music with Eve’s Hell and The it at the gate. You are what’s important, not your problems! Razors at the Friday night meet and greet, 3 dance admissions with DJ Fly Girl, Saturday dinner, karaoke, games, pools, Come out and play with us, dress up with us and laugh with activities and a few other surprises. The WCPF has become a us...you will love it!

Western Canadian Pride Festival Watipi Lodge, Blackfalds, AB [email protected] www.mywcpf.com

Fairy Tales Gone Wild July 29th to August 1st

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2313 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

48 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Classified Ads

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50 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com The (Gay) GAGA Interview

Superstar talks activism, her legacy and how being a gay icon is a ‘tall order’

By Chris Azzopardi GC&E: We have lots more to talk about this time than Lady Gaga is one of the biggest superstars in the your love for Italian sausages. world. But speaking to her only briefly during this rare LG: (Laughs) I love Italian sausages ... as much as I love interview, she evades her larger-than-life image with my own. affable charm, self-deprecating humor (take that, so- GC&E: Don’t take this the wrong way, but as a fashion called penis) and a down-to-earth demeanor. icon I have to ask: What are you wearing? She’s sweet, perverted, articulate and talkative. And she LG: I’m actually in a black bra and underwear. That’s can’t stop gushing about how much her fans mean to her it. The top one is lace and the bottom one is just plain – and when I have to cut her off to get a few last minute and silky. This is my daywear. I’m walking around my hotel questions in, she doesn’t pull a diva trip. She’s cordial as room and I’m going to yoga soon, and I probably won’t can be. “I could talk to you forever, you’re so cute,” she change. (Laughs) says, almost in baby goo-goo, ga-ga talk. GC&E: How did you spend your last day off? Point is, Gaga doesn’t sound like someone who just LG: I watched So You Think You Can Dance, and I’ve been scored the best first-week sales of the year so far with Born planning my performances for the next few months for This Way, her opus that seems to position her as the Mother television and getting ready for the new tour. Teresa of music. Since we last spoke, nearly two years ago GC&E: That’s work. That’s not time off, Gaga. when “Just Dance” was charting, she was barely a blip on the pop scene. How quickly things can change. LG: (Laughs) I know, I know. I always do that. I’m sorry. I don’t really take time off. I try, but I think I find comfort This time, Gaga spoke about inspiring young gay people, in my creativity. It’s like a warm blanket for me, so I will why she cried for a week straight, what she’d do with an end up in some sort of way creating something or writing Ann Coulter-like kid and the legacy she wants to leave. something. www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 51 GC&E: How do you feel about your role as a gay icon and a leader in the LGBT rights movement? LG: That’s a really, really tall order and quite a description. I never set out to be a gay icon or become one or be revered as one, and I’m just really grateful to all the people that have believed in me and my music and my work. The most special thing of all has been that my sort of assimilation as a public figure has very organically stemmed out of who my natural friends were in high school. I had a lot of gay friends growing up, not even realizing they were gay. We didn’t really talk about it and I went to theater school and I did a lot of shows, so I guess it never really mattered to me if they were gay or straight – and we never really talked about it. We just loved talking about music and art and theater and fashion. So now it’s less about being a leader and more just about being a part of my generation and being part of the fight for equality that I feel is part of who I am and part of my childhood, and part of where I’m going. GC&E: The message you stand for as a public figure – about being yourself no matter who you are – is also a big part of Born This Way. LG: The album was inspired by the spirit of the fans, the spirit of the show and the spirit of people all over the world every night talking to me about social justice and sharing their stories with me and me realizing that my mission with music was driven in a very specific way at this point. So social justice has to be the most paramount issue that I address on the album. GC&E: I wish I knew who you were when I was a teenager. Young people these days are lucky to have such a role model. LG: That’s so sweet. Thanks for saying that. I hope that I can really be that, and I hope that they know that it’s so genuine and so authentic. GC&E: Which album gave you a sense of belonging and allowed you to be yourself when you were a kid? LG: I always talk about Green Day, because Dookie was the first album that I went to buy on my own. I think because I got bullied in school there was something I really appreciated about punk culture. It allowed me to feel unified with something that was separate from my community at school. Even though I didn’t have a lot of punk friends or I didn’t go to punk shows – because when I was 13, my mother would never have allowed me to leave the house and go downtown to see a punk show – just

52 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com having the album in my hands and reading the lyrics and listening to the music made me feel like I was a punk, feel like a Green Day fan, feel like I was part of a union that was separate from my situation. That’s really carried through into my music and my dream and my message. But what’s been so great is social media. Unlike when I was a kid, my fans now have a way to get to know each other and be connected through social media so that the culture can grow. GC&E: And you’re using social networking a lot as a political platform, urging fans to step up in the fight for equality. LG: Oh yeah. I just got on Twitter and I was firing away like I was on the Senate floor. I couldn’t stop because I think to myself, almost instantly, there are 11 million people who are receiving this message from me and they have to know what’s going on. Even if I just get five people to call in New York, I can make that small bit of difference. GC&E: If you had a daughter and you found out she was going to be the next Ann Coulter, what would you do? LG: Oh. I’d have to have a sit-down with her. GC&E: What’s been the most rewarding moment of your career so far? LG: So many different things. It was a very, very huge shock for me when I heard the album sales for Born This Way. I just cried for, like, a week straight. (Laughs) It was seven full days of rainwater tears. I think I could’ve filled an entire ocean of gratitude. I just worked so hard on the music and I cared so much that the fans loved it, and all that mattered to me was they loved it. The feedback of the music and of the videos has been so wonderful. I sat down with the label and I talked to my team and we talked about the new album cycle and I said to them, “I don’t want for the goal of this to be that we gain new fans. If we gain new fans, that’s wonderful. But the goal for me is to strengthen my artistic evolution and strengthen the bond between the fans.” That was the single most important thing to me. Not to sell more records, not to gain more fans, not to convert people that didn’t like me before to like me now. That was not what I wanted. What I wanted to do was to look out into the crowd and know that they were stronger than ever, and the thing that has been the most exciting for me is to watch that happen, because what we have – what I have witnessed so far with the release of this album – is that the super fan section of my fans has grown. GC&E: This is basically a dedication to your Little Monsters, right? LG: It’s a dedication, exactly. It’s not fair- weather fans. These are real fans. GC&E: If you could be reincarnated as a real living monster, what would you come back as? LG: Myself. But I would have all my protrusions be real and I would be a real fairy monster. GC&E: How gay of you. LG: I know. But she would be mean and fierce, too. And have a fake mole. And I would be able to instantly change a wig with a thought in my mind or change my bone structure based on my thoughts. GC&E: It’s like a drag queen’s dream. Continued on Page 61  www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 53 54 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Photography

FAB Anniversary Party - Calgary

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Backlot Anniversary - Calgary

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Bowling: My what a Drag! - Calgary AIDS Calgary AGM - Calgary

Pistols & Pearls 2 at the Texas Lounge - Calgary

2011 Pride Kick Off Party at Junction - Edmonton

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Buddys Baseball Challenge - Edmonton Calgary Outlink AGM - Calgary

Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo

Edmonton Pride Centre Breakfast

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Master Barry’s Celebration of Life - Calgary Apollo AGM at Club Sapien - Calgary

ARGRA Pool Party - Calgary

ARGRA Afterparties at Backlot and Eagle - Calgary

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GAYmazing Race (photos at FAB) - Calgary Pink Party at Buddys - Edmonton

Party Monster at Buddys - Edmonton

Fake Mustache 100th Show at Club Sapien - Calgary

60 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #93, July 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Photography  Interview - From Page 53

LG: Yeah. It’s my dream. It’s every girl’s dream! (Laughs) Pure Pride Kickoff Party at FLASH - Edmonton GC&E: Two of your songs are named after human features – “Hair” and “Teeth.” What’s the next body part you’ll write about? LG: Who knows. I didn’t even think of it that way. Where should I go next? I don’t know. I’ve already been thinking about the next album, though. Don’t shoot me. GC&E: Can you give us a glimpse into that one? LG: No, no. Stay on this one. We’re not done yet. (Laughs) I am planning on making the “You and I” video, though, and I’m really excited about that. GC&E: Everyone talks about overexposure when you’re as big of a star as you are. Does that worry you at all? LG: No. You’re just a right or left click away from the other direction. GC&E: Have you thought about the legacy you want to leave and what that might be? LG: Yes, I have. And it changes and grows. I would say that my wish is to be remembered as a cultural force, as someone who was fearless and unpredictable, who didn’t care what anyone thought about what I have created but only cared that they thought about it.

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Wet Jockey Contest at the Calgary Eagle

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