Gaycalgary and Edmonton Magazine #56, June 2008 Table of Contents 5 Gay with a Purpose Letter from the Publisher

June 2008 Issue 56

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GLBT RESOURCE • CALGARY & EDMONTON 2 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Table of Contents 5 Gay with a Purpose Letter from the Publisher

Established originally in January 1992 as Men For Men BBS by MFM 9 k.d. lang Communications. Named changed to Alberta’s Country “dykeon” opens up about touring Watershed GayCalgary.com in 1998. Stand alone company as of January 2004. First Issue of GayCalgary.com Magazine, November 11 Big Gay Laughs 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. 12 Wrap Yourself in the Rainbow 9 Publisher Steve Polyak & Rob Diaz-Marino, Stocking Up for Pride [email protected] 14 Pride Guide Editor Rob Diaz Marino, editor@gaycalgary. 16 com Calgary and Edmonton Original Graphic Design Deviant Designs 16 Map & Event Listings Advertising Find out what’s happening Steve Polyak [email protected] Contributors 23 The Wrong Lesson Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, Jason Clevett, Jerome Voltero, Kevin Alderson, Allison 25 Q Scopes Brodowski , Mercedes Allen, Stephen Lock, “Take time to meditate, Virgo!” Dallas Barnes, Benjamin Hawkcliffe, Evan Kayne, Dominic Scaia, Ian Krell , Monmen, Andrew Collins, Felice Newman, Romeo San 26 Adult Film Review Vicente, and the Gay and Lesbian Community Edinburgh, The Mat, Stark Naked, Muscle Men of Calgary and Edmonton Photographer 28 Deep Inside Hollywood Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino New Projects For Rose McGowan and Cyndi Lauper Videographer Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino 29 Whole Lesbian Sex Body Mechanics for Determined Sapphists Please forward all inquiries to: GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine Suite 403, 215 14th Avenue S.W. 30 What’s Gay in LA? Calgary, Alberta T2R 0M2 Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area Phone (403) 543-6960 or toll free (888) 543-6960 31 Dallas Green Solo on City & Colour Project 11 Fax (403) 703-0685 E-mail [email protected] 33 Letters to the Editor & Newslets Print Run Monthly, 12 times a year 35 Bitter Girl Copies Printed Monthly, Over 10,000 copies. Masthead continued on page 4 36 A Couple of Guys 38 Sexual Orientation in Men 40 The Revision of the Diagnosis of Transsexuality And the Surrounding Controversy 42 70’s Fever Do Disco at Stage West Continued Next Page 42 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 3 From Previous Page 44 15 years of Gay Rodeo ARGRA Reaches Milestone Year 46 Dave Bronconnier Pride Q&A with Calgary’s Mayor 47 Stephen Mandel Continued from page 3 Pride Q&A with Edmonton’s Mayor Distribution points up to 200 points in Calgary, largest number of distribution points for any Gay publication in Calgary. 48 Out of Town Up to 150 points in Edmonton, largest Eight Ways to Enjoy Boston number of distribution points for any Gay publication in Edmonton. Also distributed 50 NDPs & Liberals Seek End to Discrimination coast to coast across Canada in select Conservatives say “No” locations in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and other places across Canada and the United 51 “She’s A Boy I Knew” States. Please call us if you would like to An Interview With Director Gwen Haworth be a distribution point. Distributed by Gallant Distributions 44 53 Music Review (Calgary), Clark’s Distribution (Edmonton), Funplex, Live 3, Crayons, Hard Candy Canada Post (rest of Canada and USA) and by GayCalgary.com 54 Womonspace Hits the Green Deadline for Ad Bookings 25th of the month (unless otherwise stated) 55 The Works Deadline for Ad copy 28th of the month Art and Design Festival (unless otherwise stated) 57 Edmonton Pride Week 2008 Legal Council Courtney Sebree Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors Edmonton Celebrates Pride the Mardi Gras Way Printers North Hill News 58 Pride Calgary 2008 This Issue Cover Model k.d. lang. Photo It’s Time To Show Your Pride! provided by Warner Music. The opinions expressed in this magazine are 60 Jully Black Wows ‘Em at The Grand not necessarily those of GayCalgary.com or the contributors of the magazine. 61 Banff’s Alphabet Soup Thriving People photographed or interviewed, writers, advertisers, contributors and 62 62 Silver Jubilee anyone else involved with this publication One Yellow Rabbit Marks 25th Anniversary with Special Show are not necessarily gay, lesbian, bi, bi-curious or trans gendered. They can be 63 Margaret Cho is Beautiful straight people that are gay friendly. A Chat with America’s favorite Fag Hag No part of the publication may be reprinted July 2008 Press without the expressed permission of the Deadlines 66 Fundraising Photos editor-in-chief. Copyright 2008 69 Queer Eye - Calgary & Edmonton AAdd SpaceSpace BookingBooking - WWednesday,ednesday, JuneJune 25th25th 20082008 Member of Canadian Gay & AAdd SubmissionSubmission - Lesbian Chamber MMonday,onday, JuneJune 30th30th 20082008 of Commerce Member of International Gay & IInn CirculationCirculation - Thursday,Thursday, JulyJuly Lesbian Travel Association 33rdrd 20082008

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4 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Gay with a Purpose Letter from the Publisher

biological children of gay men and women are no more likely By Rob Diaz-Marino, MSc. to turn out gay than we were. If that is truly the case, how can we be carrying a “gay gene” if it is not being effectively As a man of science I have spent a fair amount of passed on? time trying to justify the purpose of my existence To be honest, I had not resolved these inconsistencies in within my own belief system, while also considering my own mind, and couldn’t even say I particularly liked my how it might fi t into those of others. As a gay man, bleak explanation. The beauty of science is that I’m obligat- some would argue that I have no purpose because ed to keep an open mind, and that I’m welcome to hold onto my sexual preferences point me in a direction that my theory until a better explanation comes along – one that does not bare offspring. Some believe that I’m some- describes and predicts more accurately what we actually see thing disgusting, poisonous, and even contagious. happening in the world around us. Some believe that because I’m different in this one Recently I was directed by one of Steve’s sisters to read an particular way, I am something unnatural and hate- article in Psychology Today that talked about some of the ful in the eyes of their god. But people can only latest breakthroughs in the scientifi c understanding of why believe what’s in their means of understanding, and homosexuality exists. I have to admit, it really shook up my we often default to the explanation that fi ts most understanding, and absolutely for the better. I forwarded the article to Kevin Alderson, who I hope will weigh in on comfortably into our world views without disturbing the topic with better authority at some future point, but I the framework thereof. Thankfully, the fi eld of sci- wanted to discuss it here from a layman’s point of view. ence often refuses to let us languish in our comfort zones. To summarize what was stated in this article, it seems this is further confi rmation that homosexuality is part For a long time, my own personal belief had been that ho- genetic and part hormonal. But the innovation has come in mosexuals existed as a means of population control. As the the realization that the occurrence of homosexuality seems world, or perhaps a smaller community gets overcrowded, to be linked to the occurrence of larger families – a genetic some kind of genetic trigger goes off in a percentage of indi- predisposition of the mother to be able and willing to bare viduals. We are still fully functional human beings, given more children throughout her lifetime. Furthermore, a male the biological inclination to satisfy our human needs for child is supposedly more likely to be gay the more older sexual and social intimacy in a way that doesn’t add to the brothers he has, hinting at some kind of resistance that the overpopulation problems in the world. Keep in mind I’m no mother may build up when carrying male children. Keep in expert in this fi eld, nor am I particularly well read – in fact, mind, this newer theory only explains about a third of the putting it in writing I realize it was pretty naïve. gay population, and is based mostly on studies involving gay males. It was stated that homosexuality is likely a common Nonetheless this was my working theory, one that fi t into outcome of many possible factors in the womb, of which my own limited understanding - though I knew it couldn’t other explanations have yet to be discovered. be correct for a number of reasons. For one, the percentage of gay people in the world is not increasing at a rate that Though I myself am an only child, I have a large number would be useful in capping the Earth’s population – in fact, of cousins on both sides of my family. During my mother’s estimates nowadays are showing our 10% is more like 6% or pregnancy, there were two failed fetuses that emerged before even lower, while the greater population continues to grow me – very possibly brothers. Some pieces defi nitely fell into exponentially. Furthermore, the theory of evolution would place for me personally while reading this. Certainly now, have homosexuality as a genetic trigger eliminated from our my mental cogs are spinning over all the implications that species long ago, simply because we are not passing those come from these new discoveries, even if these hypotheses genes along to the next generation. That homosexuality still are not yet fully developed or proven. exists today would imply there is some kind of evolutionary They shift the idea of a “gay gene” in the offspring to a advantage to keeping it around, though if we’re not the ones “man-loving gene” in the mother, which gives an evolution- perpetuating it, who is? Even if members of our minority ary advantage far exceeding the drawback of producing off- do succumb to societal pressures and bare offspring with spring that do not carry the bloodline further. This certainly someone of the opposite sex, I get the impression that the

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 5 shoots down the religious-right’s theory that homosexuality exists to destroy the human race by interfering with the natural course of reproduction. If it wasn’t clear before it certainly is now, that homosexuality is indeed natural – a byproduct of something that is very benefi cial to the con- tinuance of our species. But I’m still a little confused…does this mean we are Danny DeVito to the straight world’s Ar- nold Schwartzenegger? Maybe not. I would argue that being a man with some “feminine” traits, or a woman with some “masculine” traits, still fi lls a niche that straight men and woman would be hard pressed to survive without. Imagine the benefi t to the single mother of many children, having a son that is willing to help take care of his siblings rather than running off to Last Month war like his other brothers? Imagine the benefi t to a child of having a mother that can better defend it from the many This May was the silence before the storm – fairly sparse dangers in the world, without succumbing to aggressive at the beginning, with a very busy wrap up thanks to males that are a big part of that danger. These are just two Fairytales! examples that come to me readily – I’m sure there are many I started things off at the Pride Prince/Princess Pageant more. The point is, this new development has lead me to – a competition designed to select a single individual from realize that gays and lesbians still have a vital purpose in the community that best embodied this year’s spirit of Pride. the survival of our species, as much as some small-minded Sig Moser organized and hosted the event, and a panel of individuals may hate to admit it. judges decided the winner. Contestants were given the op- I’m eager to see how this research develops. The more portunity to show off their talents on stage, but also faced that science can divulge about why we exist, the less wiggle a volley of questions about what Pride means to them. At room anti-gay extremists will have to make bogus claims the conclusion of the event, Auntie Pattie (aka. Patrick) was to sully our reputation. Today they may protest that our crowned Pride Princess 2008. existence opposes the will of God, or the course of nature. Skip ahead two weeks and I was photographing at the But to prove beyond a doubt that gays and lesbians are a Investitures ceremony for our new Emperor and Empress. deliberate outcome of nature, thus a purposeful creation of Some battery troubles had me panicking mid-way through God, would fl ip the entire gay debate on its head. Most im- the evening, but thanks to Matt I was able to get my prob- portantly, such external validation might help the downtrod- lems sorted out and back to photographing without much den to recover their sense of self worth, and the ashamed to disruption. Nina and Ashley gave out a number of fun titles stop fi ghting their biology. to members of the community, including ourselves, now So, in my mind I’ve discovered something new about “Lords of Prints, Pics, and Publicity”! myself to be proud of – and maybe this resonates with you The next weekend was Pride Calgary’s “Show Your too. I’m no longer a lottery winner for population control, Colours” dance, hosted at the intimate South Calgary Com- but someone who has been favoured to change the world for munity Hall. Then a few days later, Steve and I went out for the better during my lifetime. Perhaps I’m not here to bring dinner at Gypsy Rose in support of SHARP Foundation for about new life, but instead to take better care of what we their annual Taste for Life fundraiser, before proceeding to already have. If this is my purpose, then I smile peacefully the Fairytales Opening Gala fi lm. as I say, “don’t anyone dare get in my way!” Steve left to Edmonton two days later for the ISCWR’s No matter what you believe, I hope you also fi nd what Coronation weekend, so it was up to me to photograph at a you need to understand you hold an important place in number of the Fairytales screenings and events. I started the world. This month is Pride Month in both Calgary and off by going to see “Boystown”, a wonderfully entertaining Edmonton, and it seems to me like this feeling is something Spanish fi lm with English subtitles, and some smoking hot to celebrate! actors! The day after I saw “She’s a Boy I Knew” (Mercedes has an article in this month where she interviews the director), and the much anticipated “Mulligans” which had me both laughing and sobbing. The organizers commented that most of their shows were dangerously close to selling out, so that really speaks to the success of this year’s festival. The brunch next morning with Charlie David and Thea Gill was completely sold out – there were only two tickets left by the end of the “Mulligans” screening, so they didn’t stand a chance of not getting snapped up! While there, I chatted for a bit with the creator of House of Venus, and bumped into Mr. Pam, director of “eXposed: The Making of a Leg- end”, which we had already reviewed in the November 2007 edition of our magazine. Even though it was just a brief en- counter, she was really cool to talk to – always friendly and giddy with laughter. She wasn’t shy to take photographs of Continued on Page 37 6 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 7 8 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 k.d. lang Alberta’s Country “dykeon” opens up about touring Watershed

By Jason Clevett Interview Icon. Vegan. Albertan. Singer. Songwriter. Lesbian. These are only a few of the adjectives used to de- perhaps her most confi dent and revealing work, with scribe the incredible K.D. Lang. Born in Edmonton gorgeous arrangements fea- and raised in Consort, AB, Lang rose to prominence turing strings and guitars; in the 1980’s. She lived up to her 1985 Juno for most distilled lyrics that come promising female vocalist and skyrocketed with 1992 across as intimate reveries; album Ingénue, and her biggest hit Constant Craving. and warm, understated, and often very sexy vocal Fast forward to 2008, and the release of Lang’s fi rst album of performances. new work in eight years, Watershed. “Watershed is like a “I was writing it for six or seven years. During that time I did culmination of everything A Wonderful World with Tony Bennet, Hymns of the 49th Paral- I’ve done - there’s a little bit lel (covers of her favorite Canadian songwriters) and (compila- of jazz, a little country, a tion album) Reintarnation, and touring those albums,” Lang little of the Ingénue sound, told GayCalgary and Edmonton magazine on the phone from a little Brazilian touch. It a tour stop in Regina, Saskatchewan. “After a while I realized I really feels like the way I had enough material to really focus on getting it fi nished.” hear music, this mash-up of genres, and I think it We spoke with Lang for this exclusive one-on-one interview refl ects all the styles that while she is in the midst of touring Canada for Watershed. have preceded this in my Reviews of the tour so far have been positive, while the shows catalogue. I didn’t feel the need to be genre-specifi c because have received multiple standing ovations, including after her this experience felt so wide open. I didn’t have a band in the rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. Touring continues to studio where I had to come up with a feel for a song because be an important part of her life, says Lang. the clock was ticking and dollars were fl ying out the window.” ”I do enjoy it. Singing is everything for me, when I get up on Taking on all roles in creating the album unfolded in a natu- stage it feels like that is what I am supposed to be doing, it is ral progression. very natural and rewarding. Over the years I have gone through different stages of it and I am quite relaxed to be on stage. I am “I began to demo the songs in such a way that all the per- excited to be playing, and with this band of handsome young formances could be used on the record if I wanted them to. I men who are very enthusiastic. It is really exciting to be on would just step back from a song, revisit it later, and if I liked stage with them because they breathe new life into my music. it, I would keep the track. It was a matter of chronicling, of I am really having fun this time around. I am excited to come documenting the songwriting process. A lot of what you hear out to Calgary and Edmonton, so to speak, and look forward to on Watershed is fi rst approaches, the creative moment of seeing all you big queers out there.” songwriting rather than just the performance of a song. For example, the vocal on the Shadow and the Frame, that’s the fi rst With 24 years of history and a dozen studio albums, we time I sang it. I tried to capture the most real, the most honest asked if it was diffi cult to performance to me. In a lot of cases, it was the very fi rst one. I narrow down a set list. was always looking for a producer, but in the back of my mind “I focus around Water- I was thinking, I can produce this. I guess I kind of grew into shed at this point, and the fact that I could do it, that I had the confi dence to do it. I then mix it with the back kept working on the songs and then I brought in Lynne Earls, catalogue. It isn’t that hard a friend who’s an engineer and a programmer, and we started as I gravitate towards songs cleaning them up. As I kept doing that, I realized I am produc- that I like at the time and ing this record - so just fi nish it. I went into the process a little what I think will work with more intensely in the last year and a half, more intensely into the instrumentation.” editing and overdubbing, staying focused and diligent, and then I was done. And I had produced the record.” Watershed represents a milestone in Lang’s already The result is a very special album for Lang. extraordinary career. For ”All of my albums are special to me. This one is special the fi rst time, she has because it is original and I produced it myself. It is my fi rst #1 taken on the role of produc- record, in Australia. It was hard for me to be really truly inde- er - as well as writer, singer pendent and confi dent enough to do everything myself, and the and multi-instrumentalist - rewards of having it be successful feel really good.” for this album. The result is

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 9 Lang has collected a multitude of accolades, from Grammy homosexual I kind of miss the cryptic nature of our lifestyle and Juno awards to being awarded the Order of Canada. She that was kind of underground and exciting. But it is very good will add to that on June 11th with an honorary Doctorate of that people can experience equal rights.” Laws degree from the University of Alberta, and in Septem- ber with the addition of a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in One of the most important things about Lang coming out is Toronto. that it prompted conversation, positive and negative. This conversation has lead to many a person saying the words “I’m gay ”It makes me feel important. I don’t take these things too too.” When asked about being a gay icon, Lang humbly accepts seriously, but I am really honoured. It makes my Mom really the praise. proud and that makes me proud. It is something I can’t even fathom personally, but it seems like a great honour so I am “This woman in Toronto, Debbie Pearson, came up with the excited,” she said. term ‘dykon’ which I think is hilarious. If I helped people have a more open, healthy relationship with their parents or friends, “I am certainly proud to be Canadian. My mom still lives or more importantly themselves that makes me really happy. in Alberta and I go back all the time. It is defi nitely my roots, Anything I can do to help people feel more comfortable and there is no changing that and it makes me who I am. No matter confi dant in who they are, that is great. It doesn’t end with where I end up or live in the world, it is who I am fundamen- their sexuality but their confi dence in being an individual.” tally. I am very proud to be a Canadian and Albertan.” Who knows what the future holds for K.D. Lang, but there Lang has also long been an activist, most recently against is no doubt that she already has established a legacy, as an China for their actions towards the people of Tibet. Lang wrote artist, activist, and member of the queer community that will an article for Australia’s The Age newspaper explaining why. last forever. She has always supported causes close to her heart. “My causes have expanded by one. Really it’s AIDS centric, animal centric, and human rights issues and my Buddhism. k.d. lang The recent struggles that Tibet has had with the Olympics has June 8th – Edmonton been one of my recent causes. I really try to make sure that the June 9th – Calgary causes I involve myself with are from a very personal level, that Watershed is available now through Warner music. I have a passionate connection to. Basic human rights mean a www.kdlang.com lot to me.” After wrapping her Canadian tour, Lang will head overseas to Europe. She admitted to being unable to answer when I posed the question “being a Canadian artist, does it give you a different perspective and fan base than if you were an Ameri- can artist. “I know that being a Canadian certainly gives you a different edge in that... I don’t know, it is a really good question and not something I can answer in our timeframe. Yes, I do. I don’t know in comparing it to being a US artist, but being a Cana- dian artist gives you a different visa, so to speak.” Her career has spanned every type of musical medium - vi- nyl, cassettes, CDs - and now the digital age. While music industry labels bemoan the effect of the Internet on music, Lang feels that music remains a strong industry in other ways. ”I think music is alive and well. It is all going to boil down to how good you are live, that is never going to go away. When you can stand in front of an audience and communicate with them on a lot of different levels - that is untouchable, no one can ever take that away or fake that. I think the Internet is fantastic; I do most of my music shopping on the Internet, which I pay for of course. Internet radio and browsing the Internet and myspace, you can access so many different artists that are hard to fi nd. It will always be a pendulum that swings back and fourth, and people will always, always have a need for music. I feel pretty good about the music business.” When she came out in 1992 as a lesbian, it seemed that her sexuality would overshadow her accomplishments as a musician. Before Ellen, Elton, or Rosie, there was K.D. standing bravely in a world that did not accept the LGBT community. The world is a better place now, 16 years later, and nobody can dispute that Lang’s honesty was a large part of that revolution. “I am very proud to be part of the evolution of the integration of gays in society. It is certainly something I didn’t do alone but I am proud to be a part of it. With gay marriage, which I think is fantastic with the changes in Canada and California recently, it is very exciting. At the same time, being an old school

10 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Big Gay Laughs

By Evan Kayne Interview There are sketch shows which have the occasional gay character (for example, Daffyd on Little Britain, or dress with a big wig?!”). “Kids” are just like the girl Buddy Cole on Kids in the Hall). However, there hasn’t at work. They would wear really existed a sketch show written by our communi- those 80s sort of cinched- ty that ridicules the world from our perspective. That waist belted dresses the changed April 2007, when The Big Gay Sketch Show one with the belt loops (BGSS) premiered on the Logo network in the United built in. States. With industry veterans Rosie O’Donnell and Q: In season 2, Chastity Amanda Bearse guiding it, the show built a regular Bono and (executive pro- audience and folks north of the border are starting to ducer) Rosie O’Donnell ap- take notice. pear in comedic “bookends” sitting in a theatre balcony Troupe member Stephen Guarino took time out from his heckling the sketches. Do schedule to talk to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine about you see Rosie often on a the show and his career. day-to-day basis? Q: The reviews for the fi rst season of the BGSS were reserved A: No. You’ll probably see – the most common theme seems to be “shows promise” or her once at the beginning “growing pains” and the inevitable comparisons to Saturday of the season and once at Night Live and MADTV. You fi nished season two earlier this the end. In the fi rst season year; some of the reviews are more positive. What do you feel she was there all the time was different coming back? Does it feel like the show is fi nding approving sketches and its pace? improvising with us. But she trusts Scott King, our head writer so much that she let him go off and do it; she signs off on it A: Absolutely. The show takes a while to fi nd its footing. The in the end. The bookend is interesting, because it’s a test of most important thing is convincing the executive level (Logo somebody’s sensitivities. I have a lot of people, mostly straight and Viacom). Logo plays it very middle of the road; they don’t people, who think it’s rude of her to rag on the show after and I want to make it very far in any direction, but once they saw think it’s the perfect quintessential gay entertainment bookend. that the possibility of being edgier was an option, and the kind Kind of bitchy. It’s not an apology, as much as a “hey, it’s just of characters people responded to, then they could convince comedy, lighten up if you don’t like it.” the higher powers the other stuff could go in. The second season is INFINITELY better. Q: You also work as a professional comedian; with the writers of the BGSS, is there some collaboration and back and Q: For season 3, do you anticipate pushing it even further forth on ideas? – on the lines of the stuff you see in Little Britain, or in Canada Kids in the Hall? A: You come in at the beginning of the season, stand in front of the writers and pitch them all your characters. I think I A: Little Britain was an did about 16 different characters on my pitch, and if a writer inspiration for us. They’re responds to that character, they’ll go off and write a treatment, very catch-phrase charac- submit it to the head writer and give it a table read. If it doesn’t ter oriented, as opposed succeed the fi rst time at a table read, you never see it again. to satirizing a particular (For characters that succeed) they will make it TV-friendly, but element of the gay culture, they’ll keep the essence of what the actor made up, so it’s very which ours does more. much a collaboration. That’s just a character- driven show. I think it will Q: You’ve got parts in two upcoming movies – “Confessions go that way (Little Britain) a of a Shopaholic” – and “The Clique”. What roles are you playing little more. in them? When I was growing A: The Clique is a Tyra Banks movie – a series of six. It’s up, Kids in the Hall was Mean Girls but set in junior high, and I’m the persnickety art it – my number one show teacher that’s very good friends with the popular girls. That of all time. The way they comes out in the fall, and I hope it’s a huge hit. I’m sort of like play women so casually, the Tina Fey character in Mean Girls. compared the American sort of full out drag (“isn’t it “Shopaholic” is really a big budget Disney Jerry Bruckheimer hilarious that I’m in a crazy fi lm that’s coming out in Thanksgiving (November) with all these really interesting female comics like Joan Cusack and Continued on Page 59 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 11 Wrap Yourself in the Rainbow Stocking Up for Pride

By Rob Diaz-Marino Product Review The Pride Parade is a chance to publicly showcase the many facets of our community to outsiders, and Rainbow Serongs (DevaDave, Priape) – A nice excuse not to wear pants, and feel even to each other. It often helps to fl y a common like a frat boy/girl again. Find a vent in emblem as a reminder that despite our differences, the sidewalk and give Marilyn Monroe a we are united and strong together. The rainbow fl ag run for her money! and its variations are the traditional way of accom- plishing this, and this year there are so many dif- Ranbow Wig (Deva Dave) - A curly clown-wig in rainbow colours. ferent and fun ways to wrap yourself in the rainbow and show off your colours. Rainbow Codpiece (Priape) – A great accessory to snap on the DevaDave Salon and Boutique has gone to the lengths of front of your ass-less chaps. ordering a broad range of Pride products that were previously very diffi cult (if not impossible) to fi nd in Calgary. You “Primp” your Ride can visit them in person, or place orders through their online store. Also visit the Priape store in Calgary, or go online to Mini Rainbow Disco Balls fi nd additional Pride-related items not mentioned in this (DevaDave) – Perfect to hang article. from your rear-view mirror. It’s shiny, need I say more? Wearables Rainbow Antenna Balls Rainbow Belts (DevaDave) - If (DevaDave) – It’s not a ball- you decide to wear pants at gag so calm down. You can all, this nifty rainbow stripe place this decorative foamy and buckle will hold them sphere on the tip of your up until it’s time to let them car’s antenna. down. Rainbow Licence Plate Rainbow Ring Necklaces Frames (DevaDave) (DevaDave) - This jewelry – A tasteful frame for your is a subtle way to show the license plate, with a built-in rainbow colours, and can rainbow stripe. Not likely to easily be worn year round. fade or peel off as a sticker might. Rainbow wristbands (DevaDave, Priape) – Even Bumper Stickers (DevaDave, Priape) – Stickers galore! Choose if you’re not a fanatic about from a huge range of shapes, sizes, and styles – including collecting them, these Bear Pride and Leather Pride stickers. rubbery wristbands are something nice and colourful to adorn your arm. Trinkets and Knick- knacks Rainbow Cuff Links (DevaDave) – Just because Pride Shot Glasses (DevaDave) – JFK you’re wearing a suit doesn’t might shift uncomfortably in his grave if mean you have to be boring. you bring these to the parade, but they These cuff links will add can be fun at the bar or at home when a splash of colour to your the drinking starts. formal attire, and you may even want to save them for Pride Keychains & Belt Loops later if and when you get (DevaDave) – Just a little something to married. keep in your pocket with your keys. Or if you prefer to keep your keys handy Pride Pins (DevaDave) – Pin you can show if off by fastening it on the the pride on your pocket! outside with a rainbow belt loop.

12 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Rainbow Lighters (DevaDave) - Smoke a fag in style!

Rainbow Playing Cards (DevaDave) - Let your ﬁ rends can play with your deck!

Bear Picture Frames & Fridge Magnets (DevaDave) – A little extra memorabilia, just for the bears.

Mouse Mats (Priape) – Well, you need one for your mouse to drag its ball across, so might as well make it something fun!

Rainbow Umbrellas (DevaDave) – Let’s pray for sun this year, but it’s never bad to have a backup plan.

Flags and Banners

Mini Flags (DevaDave, Priape) – Something easy to carry and fun to wave. They are made of paper or cloth, and come in Rainbow/Bear/ Leather Pride colours.

Pride Flags (DevaDave, Priape) - Your standard Rainbow/Leather/Bear pride ﬂ ags in various sizes. March with them in the parade, or ﬂ y them proudly elsewhere.

Rainbow Windsock (DevaDave) – Finally, something that can get blown in your yard without the neighbours complaining!

Rainbow Beach Towels (DevaDave) – Okay, not quite a ﬂ ag. But it is round about the same size, it serves a purpose other than looking pretty, and it’s not a big deal if you drop it.

DevaDave Salon and Boutique 910 12th Avenue SW, Calgary (403) 290-1973 www.devadave.com

Priape Calgary 1322, 17th Avenue SW (403) 215-1800 www.priape.com

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 13 Wednesday, June 4th (9pm) Friday Night Cabaret (9pm-2am) Lesbian Dance Party (2pm) Pride Afterparties at the Bars Symon’s Valley Ranch (12pm) Grand Entry & Rodeo Events Marquee Room/Uptown All Gay Bars in Calgary Symon’s Valley Ranch See advertisements for more details. Saturday, June 28th (5pm) Doors Open at the Driftwood Hall Thursday, June 5th (8am–10am) Pancake Breakfast Thursday, June 12th Symon’s Valley Ranch (7pm) Fake Mustache Amateur & 18+ shows (8pm–2am) Awards Ceremony/Happy Trails Dance The Soda (211 12th Ave SW) (9pm-2am) Soul Disco Marquee Room/Uptown (9am) Contestants Meeting Symon’s Valley Ranch Monday, June 30th Friday, June 6th First time competitors MUST attend. (5pm) ARGRA’s Official Survivor Party (9pm) Priape Model Search Friday, June 13th (6pm-1am) Homo-Hop Youth Dance Money Pennies Eatery (1742 – 10th Ave SW) Calgary Eagle (424a 8th Ave SE) (10am) Roping Events Mr. Priapewear modelling competition. Hillhurst Community Hall (1320 - 5th Ave NW) Symon’s Valley Ranch (10pm) The Last Stand Party Cover: Pay What You Can (12pm) Calgary Eagle (424A 8th Ave SE) (10pm-2am) Haute Purse Suit Grand Entry & Rodeo Events Marquee Room/Uptown Free Coat Check, Two dollar mocktail bar. Entertainment provided by the Fake Mustache Drag Symon’s Valley Ranch King Troupe and the music stylings of “Must Be Saturday, June 7th Tuesday’.” DJing by Morag Misselbrook. This All (6:30pm) Dinner Ages Event is open to the entire community but Symon’s Valley Ranch LETHBRIDGE (6pm) AFQOL: Artistes Del Fuego specifically for those members aged 14-25. Doors open at 5pm and tickets must be purchased Sunday, June 22nd BackLot (209 - 10th Ave SW) in advance. Summertime BBQ at 6:00pm, Showtime 8:30pm. Saturday, June 14th (6pm) GALA/LA Pride BBQ/Potluck Hosted by Justine Tyme, featuring friends of AFQOL. (9pm–2am) Bud Light Barn Burner Dance Pride Tribal Awards Party Pavan Park Symon’s Valley Ranch (John Martin Recreation Area) Military Ball Money Pennies (1742 - 10th Ave SW) Invite friends/family, bring some drinks/chairs/a Calgary Eagle (424a 8th Ave SE) Sunday, June 29th dish to share, and wear your pride. We will provide This is an exhilarating uniform event packed with Friday, June 20th (8am–10am) Pancake Breakfast burgers, plates, utensils. Entertainment will include hot firemen, bare-chested sailors and camouflaged (8pm) Calgary Men’s Chorus: The Strength to Dream Symon’s Valley Ranch a performance from Pretty, Witty, & Gay 2008 soldiers. This is an exciting evening of queer culture Rosza Centre, University of Calgary and music from Calgary’s Smith on Sunday. Pets and pride. (10am) Roping Events should be on a leash. Saturday, June 21st Symon’s Valley Ranch (11:30pm) Top Gun (free movie) (8pm-2am) Celebration 2008 The Uptown Chinese Cultural Centre The Pride Dance event is one of the largest com- Sunday June 8th munity dance events in the year, where everyone (12pm) PRIDE PARADE can celebrate and party into the evening. This is Starting at 8 Ave & 8 St SW, down Stephen Avenue an extravagant themed event and an exhilarating Walk evening of theatre, dance, and interpretation stage We welcome you to participate in this year’s Pride performances and music by the best house, disco Parade. Come out and join us in the colorful display and pop DJ’s, featuring incredible sound, lighting of the Pride Parade and show your true colors in and visuals. This is definitely the event to be at... celebration and support of diversity, culture, spirit everyone will be there shakin it up, so don’t miss and history of Pride. Bring your creative energy and out! express your vision of “Got Pride!” (3am-9am) Celebration After Party (1pm-6pm) Pride Street Gala The Warehouse Olympic Plaza Bring out the whole family, your friends and Thursday, June 26th celebrate in the spirit of Pride. The Street Gala is an (8pm) Prairie Fire Warm-Up important event that offers the chance for various Money Pennies (1742 – 10th Ave SW) GLBT organizations and businesses to acquaint themselves with the general public and each (9:00pm) Wet Jockey Contest other with their services. There will be plenty of Calgary Eagle (424A 8th Ave SE) entertainment and great music with DJ’s, Bands, Singers and Performers on the Plaza Stage. This Friday, June 27th is a free event and open to everyone and will have (6pm–9pm) Contestants & Grand Entry Registration the Family Zone for people to relax and kids to Symon’s Valley Ranch, Valley View Hall play! Don’t forget to check out the Beer Garden (admission required).

14 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Friday, June 6th (7pm-8:30pm) Edmonton Vocal Minority experiences. Mardi-Gras themed live music during cocktails. Prism Grand Re-Opening Royal Alberta Museum Theatre Free admission. Men’s and Women’s underwear fashion show, Prism Bar & Grill (10524 101 Street) (12845 - 102 Ave) ballroom dance demonstration, followed by a Tickets: $15, $12 for low-income individuals. Wednesday, June 18th Louisiana/Creole dance with a live band. Beads Tickets available at The Front Page, Earth’s General and Bon-Temps! Tickets: $25 advance, $30 door Saturday, June 7th (6pm-9pm) Queer Images: GLBT Film Fest - Part 1 Store, TIX on the Square or through EVM members. Metro Cinema, Zeidler Hall - available at Tix on the Square or Pride Centre of Smirnoff Glamazon Party Edmonton Woody’s (11725 Jasper Ave) (Citadel Theatre Complex, 9828 - 101A Ave) (8pm-2am) Womonspace Unity Dance Doors at 6, start time 7:00 PM. Tickets $10.00, Bellevue Hall (7308 - 112 Ave) available at the Pride Centre and Tix on the Square. Sunday, June 22nd Friday, June 13th Doors open at 8 with free dance lessons from 8 (11am-1pm) Pride Centre Family Brunch Pink with Pride Party - 9, courtesy of Footnotes Studios. Mixed dance to Thursday, June 19th Edmonton Pride Centre follow, beginning at 9 PM. Woody’s (11725 Jasper Ave) (6pm-9pm) Queer Images: GLBT Film Fest - Part 2 (9540 - 111 Ave) Tickets: $10 for members and $15 for guests of Metro Cinema, Zeidler Hall Come out to the Pride Centre of Edmonton for members. Tickets are available at Earth’s General Kate Reid Live Performance (Citadel Theatre Complex, 9828 - 101A Ave) pancakes, eggs and sausages (vegetarian options Store, or by calling the Womonspace line at (780) Prism Bar & Grill (10524 101 Street) Doors at 6, start time 7:00 PM. Tickets $10.00, available). This is a family friendly event, with 482-1794. Opened by Smith on Sunday. available at the Pride Centre and Tix on the Square.. activities planned for the kids. This event is free and open to anyone. (7pm-9pm) 2008 Pride Awards Sunday, June 15th Friday, June 20th City Hall (#1 Sir Winston Churchill Square) (11am-1pm) Mayor’s Brunch (2pm-6pm) Team Edmonton: Come Out and Play (3pm-10pm) Pride Youth Animé Masquerade Held in the beautiful City Room of our own City Crowne Plaza - Chateau Lacombe (10111 Bellamy Day Pride Centre of Edmonton Hall, this event, co-sponsored by HIV Edmonton, Hill) Kinsmen Sports Centre (9450 - 111 Ave) acknowledges the contribution and achievements Join us for the 3rd Annual Mayor’s Pride Brunch in Tickets $5.00, available in advance at the Pride of groups and individuals in our queer community. support of Camp fYrefly. Ticket includes free admis- (3:30-5:30pm) 3rd Annual Gay Cup Centre. This event will include the raising of the Pride Flag sion to the Art Gallery of Alberta during Edmonton’s Kinsmen Sports Centre Field #2 in front of City Hall, with a reception following the Pride Week. This annual event is a rubber match this year as (3:30pm-7pm) Movie Marathon, Video Games, awards ceremony. This event is free and open to all. Tickets: $40 + GST Rainbow Slo Pitch won 2 years ago and the police Drama Games took it last year. Bring your own lawn chair and (8pm-3am) Manhunt’s 7 Sexy Sins of Summer Tour (7pm-8:30pm) Soul OUTing cheer us on! (7pm-10pm) Masquerade Dance New City Suburbs (10081 Jasper Avenue) Robertson-Wesley United Church (10209 - 123 St) A youth (age 25 and under) focused afternoon & Manhunt.net makes its stop in Edmonton for Pride. Celebrate Pride and connect with the sacred and End of Pride Drag Show evening featuring a movie marathon, video game The evening boasts entertainment from Raging others in an open, LGBTQ-focused worship service. Buddy’s (11725 Jasper Ave) tournaments, drama games and more, followed by Stallion Exclusive Ricky Sinz, music from Dj Sexy People of all spiritual traditions are welcome. Featuring Ashley Love and Tequila Mocking bird. Sean and Squirly B, giftbags, go go boys and door an Animé- themed Masquerade Dance. This event is non-alcholic. prizes! Brought to you by the creators of Snowball Pride Drag Show Friday, June 27th Envy and Green with Envy, hosted by Bitch! Bitch! Buddy’s (11725 Jasper Ave) Saturday, June 21st Barley Wik Live Performance Bitch! Fridays at New City Suburbs. Tickets: avail- Featuring Ashley Love and Tequila Mocking bird. Prism Bar & Grill (10524 101 Street) able at Tix on the Square, Chance Productions or at (8pm-12am) 2008 Pride Dance New City Suburbs. Pride Drag Show U of A Enterprise Square (10230 Jasper Ave) Boots (10242 106th Street) Saturday, June 14th Hosted by Binky and Vanity. (2pm-3pm) 2008 Edmonton Pride Parade 108 Street, Jasper Ave to Churchill Square Tuesday, June 17th Groups are encourages to submit a parade entry by (5:30pm-7pm) Chief Boyd’s Pride Week Reception clicking here. This year we will be awarding cash Heritage Room, City Hall (#1 Sir Winston Churchill prizes for best float, vehicle, and walking entries. Square) This year’s parade marshall celebrates our queer A chance for members of the LGBTQ community families. to meet and mingle with Police Chief Mike Boyd, the Police Commission, and the EPS LGBTQ Liaison (3pm-8pm) Celebration on the Square Committee. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be Sir Winston Churchill Square served. Free admission. The Celebration on the Square encompasses a wide range of activities. Family Fun Zone and Beer (7pm-9pm) Parents in the Closet: The Family’s Gardens, plus community and business fair, food Coming Out Experience vendors, buskers, and a fantastic and fabulous main Staney Milner Library’s Centennial Room (7 Sir stage of entertainment, hosted by Edmonton’s own Winston Churchill Square) premiere divas Vanity Fair and Bianca. At this event A PFLAG Edmonton event - Join moderator the Mayor will be officially proclaiming Edmonton’s Jenny Adams from HelpTV and a panel of four Pride Week. parents who will discuss their families’ coming out

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 15 Events Listing Find out what’s happening

Texas Lounge 6 Sex toys, and Straight, Bi, Gay video rentals, largest Florist Shop Calgary Listings 308 - 17 Ave SW • (403) 229-0911 Gay video rental collection in Alberta Lammle’s Western Wear Open 7 days a week, 11am-close B & C Financial Services Chinook Centre •(403) 255-5292 http://www.goliaths.ca 9298 Horton Road SW • (403) 250-55785 Crowfoot Crossing •(403) 547-9808 Accommodations Insurance Deerfoot Mall •(403) 275-6877 Twisted Element 33 Westways Guest House 13 Market Mall •(403) 247-9224 1006 11th Ave SW • (403) 802-0230 216 - 25 Ave SW • (403) 229-1758 Courtney Sebree Aarbo 24 Marlborough •(403) 273-2233 http://www.twistedelement.ca http://www.gaywestways.com 1138 Kensington Road NW • (403) 571-5120 Stephen Avenue Walk •(403) 266-5226 http://www.csalaw.ca Westhills Town Centre •(403) 249-2822 Bars and Clubs Barristers & solicitors BackLot 3 Bathhouse and Sauna’s Lorne Doucette /CIR Realtors 209 - 10 Ave SW • (403) 265-5211 Goliath’s 6 Cruiseline (403) 461-9195 Open 7 days a week, 4pm-close 308 - 17 Ave SW • (403) 229-0911 (403) 777-9494 trial code 3500 http://www.lornedoucette.com http://www.cruiseline.ca Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Marcy Calberry /CIR Realtors Calgary Eagle Inc. 4 http://www.goliaths.ca Phone chat room & talking classifieds for 18+ 424a - 8 Ave SE • (403) 263-5847 (403) 291-4440 or (866) 859-4440 Deva Dave Salon 32 Open Wed-Sun 5pm-close Marnie Campbell /Maxwell Realtors Businesses 910 12th Avenue SW • (403) 290-1973 http://www.calgaryeagle.com A Little More Interesting 51 (403) 479-8619 http://www.devadave.com 1501B, 17th Avenue SW •(403) 475-7775 http://www.marniecambell.ca Money-Pennies 9 http://wwww.alittlemoreinteresting.com La Fleur 41 1742 - 10 Ave SW • (403) 263-7411 #103 - 100 7th Avenue SW MFM Communications http://www.money-pennies.com Adult Depot (403) 266-1707 (403) 543-6970 140, 58th Ave SW •(403) 258-2777 http://www.mfmcommunications.com

16 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Web site hosting and development. Computer http://www.solsourcedweddings.com Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street N.W.) with two draws contact Chris or Phil at lawnbowling@ Hardware and Software. Wedding Commissioner on Saturdays: 2:20 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and at apollocalgary.com. the Inglewood Golf and Curling Club, Saturdays at More Better Buses Apollo Slow Pitch - takes place from Friday, May 9, 12:30 p.m. (403) 651-1692 2008 until the end of August at the West Hillhurst Providing unique, comfortable & affordable Community Groups and Apollo Volleyball - Sunday Intermediate/ Community Centre (18th Street and 5th Avenue transportation. Charter us for: High School Competitive at the YWCA, 320 – 5th Avenue SE, NW, East Field), from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Graduations, Senior Groups, Pub Crawls and from 4:30pm – 7:00pm. Friday Recreational Organizations Apollo Tennis - Thursday evenings from 7 pm to 9 Sporting Events at Langevin School, 107 – 6th Street NE, from pm at West Hillhurst Racquet Centre from May 17th Aids Calgary 2 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Email [email protected] Priape Calgary 16 to September 13th. The address is 1940 6 Ave NW. 110, 1603 10th Avenue SW • (403) 508-2500 to confirmation dates. 1322 - 17 Ave SW • (403) 215-1800 It is weather dependent, therefore we won’t play http://www.aidscalgary.org http://www.priape.com Rainbow Riders Bowling League - Let’s 10 Pin in either strong wind or rain. The fees are $3 for Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, 14th Annual AIDS Walk for Life Calgary - Sunday, Bowlerama, 2916 5 Avenue NE, Wednesday’s at Apollo members and $5 for non members . Pop and movies and magazines. Gifts. September 21st, 2008. 6:30pm. Season is from September to April. League water is $1 each. fees are $15.00 per Night. Shoe rental is $2.00 Rev. Nadene Rogers Yoga - Have you always wondered about yoga? Apollo Calgary Friends in Sports (403) 247-0602 Outdoor Pursuits - In attempting to meet our What really is down-dog? Do you think touching http://www.apollocalgary.com http://www.weddingsmyway.com members requests for diverse sporting activities we your feet with your legs straight is just humanly Marriage Commissioner Apollo Friends In Sports is a volunteer-operated, have formed the Apollo Outdoor Pursuits League! impossible? For the second year, Ki Essentials is non-profit organization serving primarily members If it’s done outdoors we do it! (and occasionally offering an exclusive yoga class to Apollo members Rick Grenier, Invis Mortgage Solutions of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered we venture indoors too). This summer we will be and friends. This class comprises of weekly 90- (403) 862-1162 communities but open to members of all hiking, biking, rock climbing, rafting and a whole minute sessions that focus on basic poses and [email protected] communities. We currently have more than 400 bunch more. If you’re interested in any of these proper alignment, and are conducted in a fun and Marriage Commissioner members and are growing fast! The primary focus or something else completely, get in touch with supportive environment. This is a multi-level yet Reymark of Apollo is to provide our membership with well us. Tired of playing alone outdoors? Well this is beginner friendly class. No previous experience Able Craftsman, Your home renovation specialist organized and fun sporting events and other a GREAT opportunity to participate in events you is required. Registration fee: $126.00 (for all (403) 478-2411 • [email protected] activities to allow them to participate and interact in enjoy doing with other interested members of the sessions plus two free passes to Ki Essentials), a positive social framework. community. To be added to the distribution list for Apollo membership is required. Mat rental: $1.00, R. Cobalt 45 regular updates please email outdoorpursuits@ Dates: 10 weeks, starting April 14, 2008, Time: 735 12th Avenue SW • (403) 228-7822 Absolutely Smashing Badminton - no information apollocalgary.com. 7:45 - 9:15 pm. Please note no classes Victoria Hair & Aesthetics for this month. Day. Drop-ins for this class are offered on a first- Golf - Contact [email protected], Or by Sol Sourced Weddings Curling - The 17th season of Apollo Curling will come-first-serve basis. Space is limited so please phone 276-8094 (403) 270-9480 begin in October 2007, with the same general check ahead of time. Cost for drop-in is $15 for format as last year. Games are at the North Hill Lawn Bowling - For more information, please Apollo members.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 17 ARGRA – Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Peer support, sexual health education for gay Centre Knox United Church Association or bisexual men, as well as those who may be 77 Deerpoint Road SE - (403) 278-8263 506 - 4th Street S.W. • (403) 269-8382 uncertain or questioning their sexuality. Discussions http://www.dpuc.ca http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca/ Hotline: (403) 541-8140 range from personal relationship or life issues, to Worship Time - 10:00am Sundays http://www.argra.org Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church sexual health and well-being. located in downtown Calgary. A variety of facility Artists for the Quality of Life Meetings at GLCSA Tuesdays 7:00pm to 9:00pm Different Strokes rentals are also available for meetings, events and (403) 890-1261 - Calgary Networking Club http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org concerts. http://www.afqol.com Swim Club. Calgary Networking Club (CNC) is back.... after a Worship Services Calgary Frontrunners Running Club Check website for current schedule 5 year hiatus, CNC is meeting again in Calgary on Wednesdays - Communion Service 12:10 pm When: 9 am on Saturdays, the first Thursday of every month. The networking Don’t Buy In Project Sundays - 11:00 a.m. September to June Where: Update! Coffee Junkies -795 1 Avenue SW meetings are open to all individuals who would http://www.dontbuyin.ca Sundays - 10:30 a.m. in summer July and August. (no longer meeting at Eau Claire Y) like to promote their businesses or who would like This Calgary Police Service Initiative aims to What: Walkers and Runners between 5 km – 15 NETWORKS to meet new people - no business affiliation is encourage youth to working towards an inclusive km from sub 5 min/km pace to 10 min/km pace. [email protected] necessary. environment in which diversity is embraced in their Who: All are welcome - Typically about 15-20 men schools and community. and women depending on the weather conditions - Heading Out Positive Space Committee at Mount Royal Contact: E-mail [email protected] or Peer group for men who are looking for an Fake Mustache College call Tim at (403) 660-6125 alternative social activity to the bar. Activities vary Calgary’s ONLY Drag King Show 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW and are fun and entertaining. The group meets Soda Lounge: 211 - 12th Ave S.W. Phone: 403-440-6383 Calgary Gay Fathers the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month from 7 pm (403) 923-3953 Web: www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace [email protected] to 9 pm. http://www.miscyouth.com Email: [email protected] http://www.geocities.com/calgaryfathers [email protected] - Illusions Calgary The Positive Space Committee at Mount Royal A benefit show for the Miscellaneous Youth Network, Peer support group for gay, bisexual and Social group for Calgary and area transgender College works to raise awareness and challenge Fake Mustache is guaranteed to please! Come see questioning fathers. Meeting twice a month community members (cross dressers, transvestites, the patterns of silence that continue to marginalize our boys strut their stuff at Soda, the first Thursday drag kings and queens). Illusions provides a safe, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered, two-spirited Calgary Humane Society of every month. $5 cover. $2 cover under 18. discrete and welcoming atmosphere, in which and queer (LGBTTQ) individuals. (403) 250-4455 transgendered people can meet others of like mind. Advance tickets available at Barbies Shop. http://www.calgaryhumane.ca Pride Calgary Illusions offers discretion, acceptance, compassion All Ages show starts at 7:30. 18+ show starts (403) 262-3410 Animal Adoptions and for Prevention of Cruelty to and a safe place to express your gender. Cross- at 10:15. Animals dressing is the purpose of the group, but is not http://www.pridecalgary.ca Gay Prairie Alumni mandatory. See the Official Pride Calgary Pride Guide on Calgary Men’s Chorus http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayprairiealumni/ page 14. http://www.calgarymenschorus.org - Inside Out This group is for all gay/lesbian/transgendered Peer-facilitated youth group for GLBTQ ages 15-25. Rehearsals are held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. alumni of Prairie Bible Institute and/or Prairie Pride Rainbow Project The group aims to let youth know they are not at the Old Y Centre for Community Organizations, High School in Three Hills, Alberta. It’s purpose [email protected] alone, and to connect them with their peers. Every located at 223 12 Avenue SW. is twofold: First, social -- to renew old friendships http://www.priderainbowproject.com Monday, 7 pm to 9pm at GLCSA. It is a funky and and make new ones. Second -- to talk about Calgary Sexual Health Centre The Pride Rainbow Project was started in Fall 2003 safe environment with a variety of resources and our common experiences as gay people at a 304, 301 14th Street NW by 4 youth of the Unitarian Church of Calgary. activities. fundamentalist school. Any other questions, please (403) 283-5580 The Pride Rainbow Project is a project designed feel free to ask. http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca - New Directions to show support for same-sex marriage in Canada Calgary Sexual Health Centre is a pro-choice Drop in peer-support group to provide support and Gay Readers Book Club and elsewhere. It is a fabric rainbow banner organization that believes all people have the right resources for individuals who identify as transsexual Interested in poetry, prose & literature? Want to approximately 5 feet wide, and the goal is to make and ability to make their own choices regarding or inter-sexed. The group meets every 3rd Friday of meet like-minded gay men? Then come to our it 3.2km (2 miles) long, in order to break the world their sexual and reproductive health. Calgary the month from 7 pm to 9 pm at GLCSA. meeting at Good Earth Cafe, 1502 - 11th Street SW record (set by a group in Florida at 1.25 miles)! Sexual Health Centre started as a volunteer based, If you are transsexual, or know of someone who at 7:30pm the last Tuesday of each month. It contains the 6 colours of the pride flag: Red, grassroots organization and has been providing Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple. The project is, please contact our office for information and Girl Friends comprehensive sexuality education and counselling is youth run, but anyone can help!. assistance. You are not alone! There is support! http://members.shaw.ca/girlfriends programs to the Calgary community since 1972. Primetimers Calgary - SHEQ Soulful Healing Ego Quest GLASS, Gay & Lesbian Association of Students E-mail: [email protected] Calgary Outlink Formerly know as GLCSA A workshop for women that want to be themselves and Staff http://www.primetimerscalgary.com - Gay And Lesbian Community Services in a supportive, safe environment. It is a chance 279R Student Union Club Spaces Association 1 to grow and share their experiences related to University of Calgary Prime Timers Calgary is designed to foster social #4, 1230A 17th Avenue SW women’s sexuality. Runs for a ten week period on http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass interaction for its members through a variety of (403) 234-8973 Thursdays at 7pm. Call Trudy or Krista at 585- (403) 220-6394 social, educational and recreational activities. It is http://www.calgaryoutlink.com 7437. To participate, please call the exclusive open to all gay and bisexual men of any age and HIV Peer Support Group SHEQ line at 585-7437 (you may leave a voice respects whatever degree of anonymity that each Peer Support and Crisis Line - Front-line help service (403) 230-5832 message for Trudy or Krista) or leave your name member desires. for GLBT individuals and their family and friends, or and a contact time/number with the Gay & Lesbian [email protected] anyone questioning their sexuality. June 1 - Monthly Gathering at the Inglrwood Lawn Community Services Association at 234-8973. ISCCA – Imperial Sovereign Court of the Bowling Club at 4:00pm.If you will be attending Library - A great selection of resource books, fiction, Chinook Arch - Womynspace ,please call Harvey at (403) 547-9129 or Ross at non-fiction, videos and everything in between, all http://www.iscca.ca Peer social/support group for women providing an 809-4110 with a queer perspective. evening of fun, bonding, discussion and activities. Events to be announced. June 3 - Apollo Lawn Bowling Drop-In Center - A safe and supportive environment Meets every first and third Friday 7pm to 9pm at All monies raised go to Charity: Agape Manor, for one-to-one peer counseling for many issues GLCSA. June 4 - Free Pool at the Eagle surrounding family, coming out, homosexuality, Beswick House, HIV Peer Support, Artists for Quality Deer Park United Church and Wholeness June 7 - Coffee at Midtown Co-op (1130- 11 Ave. loneliness and other issues. of Life, Children’s Wish Foundation S.W.) Meet at 10:00am - Between Men and Between Men Online 18 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 June 10 - Apollo Lawn Bowling The SHARP Foundation Bingo - June 25th, 2008 Looks Could Kill Art Boutique (5:00 pm to 9:30 pm) - Looking for a way to help Theatre and Art Art Central, lower level #11, 100 7th Ave SW • June 11 - Free Pool at the Eagle Alberta Ballet out? SHARP volunteers run a bingo at Five Star (403) 264-7576 http://www.albertaballet.com June 12 - PrimeTimer’s Picnic Bingo Hall once a month and are always looking One Yellow Rabbit 35 for new volunteers! No experience necessary! ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects 36 June 14 - Coffee at Midtown Co-op (1130- 11 Ave. Big Secret Theatre – EPCOR CENTRE for the To volunteer, please call Jaclyn at (403) 272- Phone: (403) 294-7402 S.W.) Meet at 10:00am Performing Arts • (403) 299-8888 2912. Come out and enjoy the new SMOKE FREE http://www.ATPlive.com http://www.oyr.org June 17 - Apollo Lawn Bowling ENVIRONMENT!! AXIS Contemporary Art Pumphouse Theatre 37 June 18 - Free Pool at the Eagle Urban Sex 107, 100 – 7 Ave. SW • (403) 262-3356 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW • (403) 263-0079 http://www.cjsw.com [email protected] June 19 - Rain alternate date for PT Picnic http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca Radio Show – Every Wednesday from 9-10pm. Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm Skew Gallery June 21 - Coffee at Midtown Co-op (1130- 11 Ave. Focus on sexuality; gay bisexual lesbian trans Saturday: 10am to 5:30pm 1615 10th Avenue SW • (403) 244-4445 S.W.) Meet at 10:00am gendered and straight issues here in Calgary and Sunday: 11am to 3pm http://www.skewgallery.com around the web. Listen on CJSW FM 90.9. June 24 - Apollo Lawn Bowling First Thursdays (the First Thursday of each month): Stagewest Western Canada Bigmen and Admirers 10am to 8pm June 25 - Free Pool at the Eagle 727 42 Avenue SE • (403) 243-6642 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ Broadway Across Canada http://www.stagewestcalgary.com June 27 - ARGRA Rodeo begins for the weekend WesternCanadaBigmenGroup/ http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca June 28 - Coffee at Midtown Co-op (1130- 11 Ave. [email protected] April 24 – June 29, 2008 - 70’s Fever. Ah…. S.W.) Meet at 10:00am Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra The 70’s. Many say it was the best time of their Vigor Calgary http://www.cpo-live.com • (403) 571-0849 lives…. Disco, platform shoes, John Travolta –style Rainbow Community Church (403) 255-7004 white suits and dance moves. Do you remember Fairytales International Gay & Lesbian Film Hillhurst United Church http://www.vigorcalgary.ca/ where you were in the 70’s? What song was playing Festival 1227 Kensington Close N.W. Violence in Gay Male Relationships (VIGOR) is a that made you get up and boogie? “Stayin Alive”, http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com Website: http://www.rainbowcommunitychurch.ca committee of professionals dedicated to increasing “We are Family”, “YMCA”? We’ll take you back E-mail: [email protected] the awareness of gay men’s domestic violence and May 27th to June 5th 2008 to the 70’s as we pay tribute to the hits and the the services available to them. hit makers…. The Bee Gees, KC and the Sunshine The Rainbow Community Church is an all-inclusive Lisa Hienricks (Artist) 43 Band, Donna Summer, ABBA, Earth, Wind and Fire, church. Everyone is welcome (and we mean it!). Art Central, lower level, 100 7th Ave SW “Yeah... What She Said!” Kool and the Gang and others. It will be hard not to Services are held every Sunday afternoon at 4:00 http://www.creamydreamy.com Every Monday evening from 8:30-9:00pm be dancin’ in the aisles during this show. PM. CJSW 90.9 FM Rocky Mountain Bears [email protected] http://www.rockymountainbears.com YouthSafe Safety Under The Rainbow http://www.youthsafe.net http://www.safetyrainbow.ca Alberta’s website for youth with sex-and-gender differences. Youthsafe.net lists the resources, Mission: To raise awareness and understanding of information and services to help youth find safe and same-sex domestic violence and homophobic youth caring spaces in Alberta. bullying. Sharp Foundation Restaurants Phone: (403) 272-2912 Calgary Eagle Inc. 4 E-mail: [email protected] 424a - 8 Ave SE • (403) 263-5847 http://www.thesharpfoundation.com http://www.calgaryeagle.com Travel Masters - Need a vacation?, Ed Smith at Money-Pennies 9 Travel Masters has agreed to donate 25% of 1742 - 10 Ave SW • (403) 263-7411 his profit from WestJet bookings to The SHARP Foundation. So before you plan your next trip with WestJet, email Ed at TravelMasters

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 19 Stride Gallery 47 activity. Therefore participants do not need to be Bjerky at 488-5742 ext. 222 or email misty.b@ 1004 MacLeod Trail SE • (403) 262-8507 Bathhouse and Sauna’s gay, only male, but almost all participants over the hivedmonton.com. Down Under Baths 7 http://www.stride.ab.ca years do self-describe as being gay or bisexual. 12224 Jasper Ave •(780) 482-7960 Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose Theatre Junction http://www.gayedmonton.com/ Camp fYrefly http://www.gayedmonton.org http://www.theatrejunction.com 7-104 Department of Educational Policy Studies Steamers 10 Edmonton Illusions Social Club Faculty of Education, University of Alberta Truck Gallery 46 9668 Jasper Avenue • (780) 422-2581 The Edmonton Illusions Social Club meets the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5 815 1st Street SW (Basement) • (403) 261-7702 second Thursday of each month at Boots Bar&Grill, Steamworks 11 http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca http://www.truck.com 10242-106St, Edmonton. For info go to http:// 11745 Jasper Ave• (780) 451-5554 Edmonton Pride Week Society groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions/ or Vertigo Mystery Theatre 34 http://www.steamworksedmonton.com/ http://www.prideedmonton.org call 780-387-3343. 161, 115 – 9 Ave SE • (403) 221-3708 http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com June 13 to June 22 2008 Living Positive through Positive Living Society Businesses of Alberta 2 ERBA - Edmonton Rainbow Business Cruiseline (780) 488-5768 Association Edmonton Listings (780) 413-7122 trial code 3500 Providing confidential one-on-one peer support for #3379, 11215 Jasper Avenue • (780) 4915- http://www.cruiseline.ca infected or affected individuals…. Internet support Bars and Clubs Phone chat room & talking classifieds for 18+ 4458 Boots & Saddles 5 http://www.edmontonrba.org Northern Chaps http://www.northernchaps.com 10242 106th St • (780)423-5014 Community Groups and Our primary focus is the provision of networking Buddy’s Nite Club 6 Organizations opportunities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and Northern Chaps is Edmonton’s original leather, 11725 Jasper Ave • (780) 488-6636 transgendered (GLBT) owned or operated and latex, fetish, uniform club. We have been in GLBT-friendly businesses in the Edmonton region. existence officially since 1987 but have been in Prism Bar & Grill 8 Buck Naked Boys Club (Edmonton) Membership is open to all kinds of entrepreneurs, existence originally around 1982 in Edmonton, 10524 101st St • (780) 990-0038 Naturism club for men. from tradespeople to professionals to commission Alberta, Canada. Everyone is welcome to join or http://www.prismbar.ca Meets the second Saturday of each month. salespeople. attend events (780) 471-6993 The Roost (Now Closed) 9 http://www.bucknakedboys.ca The Edmonton Rainbow Business Association After Pride Centre of Edmonton 1 10345 104th St • (780) 426-3150 Business Mixers. Held on the second Wednesday of 95A St. and 111 Ave. • (780) 488-3234 http://www.theroostniteclub.com Our club has been meeting continuously for over 10 every month 5:30 – 7:30 pm years. The similar club in Calgary ceased to exist - Bears Movie Night Woody’s 12 several years ago. Naturism is being social while June 10: Prism Bar & Grill, (10524 – 101 Street) Bears club of Edmonton meets the last Sunday of 11725 Jasper Ave • (780) 488-6557 everyone is naked, and it does not include sexual the month for movies 1- 6 pm in the TV room at the Edmonton STD 4 Pride Centre of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: 11111 Jasper Ave (780) 488-3234 Edmonton Vocal Minority - Trans Education/Support Group http://www.evmchoir.com Support and education for all transsexual, Phone: 780-479-2038 transgendered, intersexed, two-spirited and Free To Be volleyball questioning individuals meets 1st and 3rd Sundays Amiskiwcy Academy, 101 Airport Rd. (near the of each month, 2-4 pm at the Pride Centre downtown airport) of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) Every Wednesday and Thursday night, 8pm-10pm. 488-3234 Wednesday night recreational level: All players - Sunday Night Mens Discussion Group and skill levels welcome. Contact Marc for more Mens social and discussion group meets every information: [email protected], Tel: (780) Sunday @ 7 pm at the Pride Centre of Edmonton 445-0365. 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: 488-3234, Contact: Rob Thursday night intermediate level: Coaching and Wells - [email protected] drills provided. Contact Alex for more information: - Youth Understanding Youth [email protected], Tel: (780) 424-9984. (Please Youth support and social group meets every note that there is limited space on the intermediate Saturday from 7 to 9 pm at the Pride Centre of night) Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) 488- HIV Network Of Edmonton Society 3 3234 Contact: [email protected] (www.members. 11456 Jasper Ave shaw.ca/yuy ) http://www.hivedmonton.com - Womonspace AIDS Walk for Life 2008 (September 21st, 2008) (780) 482-1794. see our ad on page 50 The 17th Annual AIDS Walk for Life will take place [email protected] Sunday September 21st, 2008 at Edmonton City www.gaycanada.com/womonspace Hall! Remember how fun the last one was – the A non-profit lesbian organization established for sunshine, the prizes, the food, the entertainment… Edmonton and surrounding areas. Organized and more!? Or if you’re new to town and didn’t activities include: licenced non-smoking dances; have the chance to join us – this is your chance coffee houses; family events; games nights; golf to join one of the most easy ways to show your tournaments; and more. Memberships available, support, help out a great cause, meet new friends, which also includes confidential bi-monthly and do something healthy for yourself! It’s a Newsletters. 5km walk around the heart of downtown, and everyone is welcome – even pets! Find out how Carol Cattell Golf Classic 2008, July 18-22, 2008. you can participate, or even volunteer! Call Misty Golf Tournament July 19 - Join us for a weekend of

20 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 camping, golf and good times! - Men’s HIV Support Group - 3281 [email protected] [email protected] Will be meeting on each second Monday of the - Prime Timers BOOTCAMP - Monday at 7:00- 8:00pm. St. VOLLEYBALL - Free to Be Volleyball resumes on month. At the Pride Center, Edmonton Starting in (EPT) is a group of older gay men and their Alphonsus until Dec 10. 11624 - 81 St. $30.00 fee October 10th and 11th, 8 to 10pm. Wednesday April, from 7pm to 9pm. admirers who come from diverse backgrounds but for the season. [email protected] Recreational [email protected]. have common social interests. We meet on the - GLBT Seniors Drop IN Thursday Intermediate volleyball@teamedmonton. BOWLING Northern Titans Bowling resumes on second Sunday of most months at the Unitarian Every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4pm Pride ca. Fees to be determined. 101 Amiskiwacy Saturday September 29. Every Saturday 5 to 7pm, Church of Edmonton (10804 - 119th Street) at Centre (95A St. and 111 Ave.), The Pride Centre Academy (the former Municipal Airport Terminal just GATEWAY LANES at #100 3414 Gateway Blvd 2:30 pm for a social period, a short business is thrilled to introduce a new program serving our off Kingsway) $15.00 per person. [email protected] meeting and then either a guest speaker, discussion GLBT seniors. Hosted by Jeff Bovee, contact the YOGA (HATHA) - Lion’s Breath Yoga, Every panel, or a potluck supper. Special interest groups Centre at 488-3234 for more info. CURLING WITH PRIDE - Resumes Mondays at 7:15. Sunday 2:00 to 3:30. Beginning September meet for other social activities throughout the Robertson-Wesley United Church Oct 15 2007 to Mar 17 2008. Granite Curling Club 9th, 2007. Fee: Free. This is an introductory month. In July and August we have a BBQ or picnic 10209 123 St. NW 8620 - 107th Street. [email protected] level class. No previous experience with yoga is in lieu of a meeting and in December it’s replaced (780) 482-1587 CYCLING - Wednesdays 6:30 Various locations in required. Bring: Yoga mat or beach towel & water. with a Christmas party. EPT is affiliated with Prime http://www.rwuc.org Edmonton. [email protected] Wear Comfortable sweats or shorts & t-shirt. To Timers World Wide. If you would like to know more [email protected] confirm your participation please contact yoga@ about our group, email [email protected], KICKBOXING - Dates to be determined. Location to Worship Sunday morning at 10:30 am. People of teamedmonton.ca visit http://www.primetimersww.org/edmonton/, or be determined. [email protected] all sexual orientations welcome. Join us for Soul attend a monthly meeting. Soccer - will be on the South field of the Oliver OUTing, an LGBT-focused alternative worship, OUTDOOR PURSUITS - For more information contact School every Thursday from 7 - 9pm. 10227 -118 - Suit Up and Show Up Group on the third Sunday of each month at 7:00 PM. [email protected] Street. (weather permitting) For more information Big Book Study of Alcoholics Anonymous Other LGBT events include a monthly book club RUNNING - Arctic Frontrunners. Sundays, Tuesdays contact [email protected] Saturdays at 12 noon. At Pride Centre and a bi-monthly film night. As a caring spiritual and Thursdays. Times and locales vary running@ community, we’d love to have you join us! - Sick and tired of being sick and tired? teamedmonton.ca Escape Cocaine Team Edmonton STEP AEROBICS - Resumes in September. Every Theatre and Art Thursdays 7-8pm @ the Pride Centre. http://www.teamedmonton.ca Tuesday Night. Meet in the Aerobics Studio at Alberta Ballet 5pm. Kinsmen Sports Centre 9100 Walterdale Hill. http://www.albertaballet.com - YouthSpace BADMINTON - Women’s Drop-In Recreational [email protected] An after-school drop-in program for gay, lesbian, Badminton, Oliver School Gym 10227-118 Street. Broadway Across Canada bisexual, trans-identified, queer, questioning and Begins October 3, and then every Wednesday SWIMMING - Making Waves Swimming resumes http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca allied (GLBTQQ&A) youth under 25. 6 to 7:30pm. Levels: Beginner, Intermediate September 6th. Tuesdays 8 to 9pm. Thursdays 7:30 Exposure, Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Open Tuesday to Friday 3:00pm-7:00pm and and Competitive. Fees: $30.00 for the season or to 8:30. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Festival Saturday 2:00pm-7:00pm Located at the Pride $5.00 drop in Phone: 465-3620. badminton@ (NAIT) pool. 11762 - 106 Street. swimming@ http://www.exposurefestival.ca/ Centre of Edmonton 9540 - 111 Avenue Contact teamedmonton.ca teamedmonton.ca [email protected] or 488- BALLROOM DANCING - All gender combinations TENNIS - Dates to be determined. Tennis is 3234 for more info.” welcome. Salsa, Rhumba, Waltz, Jive. Begins currently looking for a new coordinator for the Sunday December 2, 7:30pm-8:30pm Phone: 469 fall. If you are interested, please contact Norm at

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 21 Lethbridge Listings Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition / Coalition GALA/LA - Gay and Lesbian Alliance of santé arc-en-ciel Canada Lethbridge and Area P.O. Box / C.P. 3043 (403) 308-2893 (live on Mon. and Wed. evenings Saskatoon SK Canada S7K 3S9 until 11 p.m.) 306-955-5135 http://www.newgaylethbridge.ca toll -free / sans frais 1-800-955-5129 fax/ télécopieur 306-955-5132 The Gay & Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area http://www.rainbowhealth.ca dance season begins Saturday, August 25 with http://www.santearc-en-ciel.ca the next to follow the last Saturday of each month (except December) until May. For more information Egale Canada on dances, monthly Pot-luck Dinners (all ages) and 8 Wellington St E, Third Floor other programs, visit the GALA/LA website at www. Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C5 newgaylethbridge.ca. Also our Support Line (403) 1-888-204-7777 toll free 308-2893 is open Monday OR Wednesday 7 pm http://www.egale.ca -11 pm (leave a message any other time). PFLAG Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby offering support through Parents & Friends for organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, Lesbians and Gays is available as well, call us any trans-identified people and our families. time for more information. Membership fees are pay-what-you-can, although pre-authorized monthly donors are encouraged (and get a free Egale Canada t-shirt). Egale has several Red Deer Listings committees that meet by teleconference on a Affirm regular basis; membership on these is national with Composed of LGBTQ people, their friends, family members from every region of Canada. and allies. No religious affiliation necessary. Activities include support, faith and social justice Theatre and Art discussions, film nights, and potlucks! Affirm OUTtv meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7PM at http://www.outtv.ca Sunnybrook United Church, (403) 347-6073. If you would like to add your business or non-profit group to the list above, please call (403) 543- National Listings 6960, or toll free 1 (888) 543-6960 or E-mail [email protected]. You can add your Businesses information to the GayCalgary.com directory on the Entre Nous website for free. 1-866-467-5252 http://www.entrenousnetwork.com GayCalgary.com endeavors to have the information here as accurate as possible. Events and listings can Love and Pride change at any time so it is recommended that you Gay and Lesbian themed Jewelry check with the establishment before you head out. http://www.loveandpride.ca Squirt Non-Profit groups get free listings. Business receive Dating and hookups website a listing once an ad has been placed. The business http://www.squirt.org listing will last 1 year after the appear up to ad has been placed unless there is a GayCalgary.com Wega Video service located at that business. Adult DVD’s http://www.wegavideo.ca Community Groups and Organizations

Alberta Transgender Support and Activities Group http://www.albertatrans.org A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of where they may be on the continuum.

22 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 The Wrong Lesson

By Stephen Lock Politics Perhaps it is just me, but somehow I think those tasked with the responsibility of education should toss around “gay,” “homo,” “lezzie,” “fag” and other epithets freely. Kids perceived as being gay or lesbian, to say nothing be better informed, educated if you will, about vari- of any number of gender-nonconforming kids who may or ous events and ideas. may not be trans, are still routinely bullied and harassed, I know teachers are just people like everyone else, subject sometimes to the point of suicide. to the same foibles as all of us. However, I ﬁ nd it disturbing While teachers will often step in when racial epithets are when teachers, whose mandate is to instruct youth in how tossed out, too many remain silent when sexual orientation- to utilize critical thought processes - to think about issues targeted epithets are uttered. - get it wrong. I suspect it is not so much the individual teacher’s Take, for instance, the recent actions of students at Ches- antipathy towards homosexuals that is the issue, although termere Lake Middle School. A few aware students learned that could be part of it. I suspect there is a fear that if a about the May 17th National Day Against Homophobia teacher is seen as being queer-supportive in any way there (NDAH), organized each year by the Montreal-based Fonda- will be repercussions from “concerned parents.” The term is tion Émergence, and decided to get involved in the campaign. often code for conservative/rightwing elements, which is a The students did up some t-shirts with “Homophobia Is So shame as it is important that parents are concerned about Gay” with “gay” stroked out and “Lame” written above it. their kids, the curriculum, and what is going on at school. In the lexicon of youth, “gay” is often used as a synonym At any rate, the powers that be at Chestermere Lake for “lame” or something that is weird, nerdy, or unaccept- Middle School totally did NOT get what the message was or able; it really has nothing to do anymore with sexuality or what NDAH is all about, which of course reinforces the need sexual orientation, although of course that is exactly where for campaigns like NDAH. it originated. Not only did they not “get it,” but by not getting it they I think the students’ picking up on that was quite clever. missed out on a golden opportunity to have what is known They clearly had managed to do some analytical thinking, as a “teaching moment.” synthesized the evolution of the term, and created a catchy slogan which reinforced the message NDAH is attempting to One teacher was quoted in a recent Calgary Herald article disseminate. that one of the concerns was over having an elementary student ask what homophobia meant. This is a concern? How, However, the administration and staff at Chestermere exactly? Seems to me if a six-year old or seven-year old asks Lake Middle School felt the t-shirts were “inappropriate” and what homophobia means, it’s an opportunity to tell them. “offensive” and ordered students wearing them to go home Yes, yes, of course in age-speciﬁ c terms.... and change or cover up the offending items of clothing. It would appear they were reacting to having the word “gay” The real concern here, I would venture to suggest, was emblazoned on t-shirts, or perhaps to having “gay” stroked not so much having to explain what homophobia means out and “lame” written above it. Surely they couldn’t have but what homosexuality means. The social conservative been reacting to the actual message, that homophobia - like types get their knickers in a real twist when that particular sexism, racism and bullying - is a social evil that needs to be subject comes up. Oh, you can’t tell a six- or seven-year addressed? old about that! “You know, those people and...well...what they do with each other...oh no....” It is just plain silly. Of Despite recent legal and social advances made by the gay, course, you don’t need to go into detail about sexual be- lesbian and bisexual communities, homophobia, along with haviours when talking to a Grade One or Grade Two child. its nasty cousin, heterosexism, is still a reality. Good grief, the thought of a man putting his weenie into a Walk by a schoolyard and it’s not unusual to hear even woman’s hooey grosses them out, heaven knows what hear- elementary students and certainly high school students, ing about oral and anal sex is going to do.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 23 Mind you, if it’s approached in a sensible, non-inﬂ amma- The kids at Chestermere Lake Middle School certainly tory and calm manner during the usual birds-and-the-bees did, and more power to them. Too bad the adults charged talk, I personally see nothing wrong with it, but most par- with guiding them to a greater understanding of the world ents are ill-equipped to do so. And so prejudicial attitudes didn’t. What the kids at the school did learn, however, was about homosexuals and homosexuality persist because that homophobia is a real presence, even in their own lives nobody is talking about it in a matter-of-fact, for-some-folks- and even at Chestermere Lake Middle School. this-is-perfectly-normal manner. Instead people goes into Make no mistake, the reaction of the administration, paroxysms about how some sort of Gay Agenda is being teachers and parents upset with the message on the t-shirts foisted on innocent children, and how treating homosexual was a textbook homophobic reaction and one the students acts as normal will encourage kids to try them (or actually will not likely forget. turn them gay), or how talking about homosexuality to kids normalizes it and that’s a bad thing, apparently. What can be explained to this supposedly potentially traumatized elementary school kid is that homophobia is not very nice. It’s like when Billy bullies you, or calls you names, but it is a very special type of bullying, used against gay people. But what’s gay mean, Mommy/Daddy? Oh lord.... This is the question parents and teachers dread. I have no idea why. Well, actually, I do. Again, they have it in their heads for some strange reason that in order to explain to a young child what “gay,” “lesbian,” or “homosexual” (or “bisexual” for that matter) means, it is somehow necessary to go into detail about the sex. It isn’t necessary to go into detail about the sex until the child is old enough to understand what sex is and means. Until then, something along the lines of “Well...you know how Mommy and Daddy love each other? Some people feel that way about another boy or another girl...”. Most kids will get it, absorb it, and move on.

24 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Q Scopes “Take time to meditate, Virgo!”

By Jack Fertig Lifestyle | Astrology Mars in Leo promotes bold, fl ashy initiative. Now he’s opposing Neptune in Aquarius, tempting us to more trouble than it’s worth. Invite, but don’t insist! Going jump way ahead of ourselves and the limits of common alone is fi ne, too! sense. Take a little time out to meditate on your actions and to discuss them with reliable friends or colleagues SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Push before you act! ahead toward your goals and ambitions. You can make terrifi c progress, but if there’s any lack of clarity in your motivations or your process, it will trip you up. A little humil- ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Your creative vision ity and respect will help a lot! is bold, assertive, and a bit mad. That’s wonderful in art; in contact sports, you could break something. Resist friendly inducements to drugs. This is so not the time to be SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): experimenting with new highs. You’re a little too eager to show off your intellectual prowess. While you’re good on general ideas and princi- ples, you can easily trip over faulty details and statistics. Just TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): This is not the week be careful and be certain of those pesky little facts! to invite the boss home for dinner. Keeping work and private life separate is a good idea, at least in principle. Wanting to excel and shine for your family can distort job CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Your goals. Try to be realistic! sexual charisma is high, and you can certainly have terrifi c times. Don’t sell yourself short and settle for less than you really feel you deserve. Being a libertine is one thing; GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): If you want to show being cheap is quite another! off your keen grasp of facts and fi gures, stick to the facts and fi gures. They should fi t into an overarching phi- losophy, but your long-range vision is a bit blurry right now. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Fights Keep it simple! with someone close to you come from inner uncertainty, and the faults you see most sharply in others refl ect your own. If you feel short and snappish, take time out for a CANCER (June 21 - July 22): High-minded, spir- fast attitude check before responding. itual aspirations can lead you into expense and debt as easily as baser indulgences. You can’t buy fulfi llment. What seems vital now is likely illusory. Make an inventory of PISCES (February 19 - March 19): You can only do what you know deep down to be important. so much at work. Trying to do more will make you crazy. Take time out for breaks and some real relaxation to stay in balance and work more effectively and less frantically. LEO (July 23 - August 22): You’re amped up to a degree that might be fabulous on a Las Vegas stage, but can be hard to take in person. If you have the op- Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since portunity to perform, go for it. Off-stage, be considerate and 1977, is based in San Francisco. He can be defer to your co-star. reached for consultations at 415-864-8302, through his website at http://www.starjack.com

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Worry and doubt can impact your physical well-being. Take time out to meditate or to indulge in a relaxing physical retreat, ideally at a spa or a beach, but any place restful and soothing is ﬁ ne.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Explore artistic styles and media you would never normally consider. Check out some surrealistic or allegorical ﬁ lms or art. Finding company for these aesthetic adventures may be

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 25 Adult Film Review Edinburgh, The Mat, Stark Naked, Muscle Men

By Jerome Voltero Review | Adult Male “Edinburgh” by Raging Stallion Studios, Courtesy the ring, more power to you – it’ll be like foreplay before the of Adult Depot foreplay. Cast: Collin O’Neal, For- The fi rst scene is Brandon vs Tyler Michaels. Brandon neus, Fernando Leon*, Fred wants to become a bartender but Michaels doesn’t think he’s Colcci, Josue*, Marco, Ryan tough enough to work at this bar. After Michaels throws the Garcia, Japser Emerald. bartender wannabe to the ground several times, Brandon complains that his clothing is too restrictive, and they con- Welcome to yet another tinue the fi ght sans clothing. Brandon gradually wears the edition of Collin O’Neal’s smaller man down, who decides if you can’t beat em, blow em! World of Men series. In my experience, O’Neal is notori- Scene two has a fi ght between Ben Foster and Jay Arm- ous for shameless plugs strong, two distributors fi ghting over a contract with the bar. – producing and starring in Foster is a loud-mouth with a British accent who seems to his own fi lms as he tours enjoy dominating the quieter but cuter Armstrong. Both guys the globe seems to me like have medium builds and smooth bodies, baring nice big tat- a glorifi ed excuse to…well… toos. plug and get plugged by Lastly, the sexy Bigg Pete fi ghts with Johnny Mack over how men from around the world. to dance like a gay man. Yes I know, a silly thing to fi ght over, The lucky dweeb. but they take it to the mat anyway. Both men are beefi er and Edinburgh is not exactly an exotic location in the world; it’s hairier than the guys from the previous scenes, and they play a city in the UK. As such, the cast members are mostly pale, a lot rougher than the others too. Even if these men weren’t smooth-bodied britts. O’Neal once again manages to look my type, I would have to admit they share the most intense completely out of place with his thick mat of chest and belly sex scene of the bunch. hair. “Stark Naked” by Hot The fi rst scene has O’Neal walking in on Josue who has just House Video, Courtesy of been taking a nap. As clothes start to come off, we see that Priape Josue is smooth but still a nicely beefy guy. Fernando Leon Cast: Ross Hurston*, Nick in the next scene looks like a slightly thinner version of Josue. Piston, C.J. Knight, Dil- If nothing else, Leon has a very nice cock and set of balls that lon Crow, Tyler Saint, Jake appear unusually dark compared to the rest of the skin on his Dakota*, Kristian Alvarez, body. Jackson Wild, Johnny I have seen lots of editions of World of Men, and O’Neal usu- Gunn* ally appears in one scene if any at all. However, if you’re going If you like a little bit of to like this porno you had better like Collin O’Neal, since he storyline, you’re not going appears in a whopping 3 out of the 6 scenes. Sounds like slim to fi nd it in “Stark Naked”. pickings in Edinburgh to me! The set of the movie is “Take it to the Mat” very…minimalist art. The by On Top Productions, backdrop is a bunch of Courtesy of Adult Depot coloured mats of different sizes, suspended in mid Cast: Brandon, Tyler air, while the guys stand on Michaels*, Ben Foster, Jay carpeted pedestals as they Armstrong*, Bigg Pete*, do the nasty. It made for a Johnny Mack pretty neat intro sequence, but in the end amounts to sense- less sex. Each scene in this porno is a pairing of two competitors The title of the movie refers to the fact that we never see a who resolve their bar confl icts thread of clothing on any of the men – they start off naked and by taking it to the mat. Each stay that way throughout. bout has two parts: the wrestling, and the sex. If you’re The cast has a larger helping of smooth-bodied muscle turned on by two sweaty men boys. Nevertheless, one of my favourites, Jake Dakota, graces throwing one another around the screen for this fi lm in a threesome with Nick Piston and Johnny Gunn. The sexy bear cub ends up being the centre of

26 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 attention in this scene as Gunn pounds him from behind, and Piston feeds him his meat. All of the scenes are your standard suck, rim and fuck - I mean, there’s not much else you can do without being clas- siﬁ ed as a fetish ﬁ lm these days. But if you like the guys on the DVD cover, you probably just want to see them in action anyway!

“Muscle Men Moving Company 2” by Big Blue Productions, Courtesy of Priape Cast: Ty Fox, Dakota James*, Marcos Pirelli, Mark Slade, Hans Ebson, Cody Miller Yikes, I was a little worried when I saw Raw Diva, a woman, in the cast of characters – luckily she plays a non-sexual role as “skanky bitch” house owner. At fi rst she seems to be trying her darndest to fl irt with the guys, and I’m a little surprised that Ty Fox falls for it. Hmmm, maybe he’s the token straight guy. Or not…Mark Slade comments that “just thinking about those tits make [his] dick hard”. Hard enough for Marcos Pirelli to go down on him as they’re moving boxes in the bedroom. Ironically, Slade looks like Sam from Lord of the Rings, however he’s anything but a hobbit. He’s chunky, with a furry chest and a pretty thick cock, and moans quite loudly as he gets serviced by the smaller latino. I had a chuckle in the next scene as an unlikely paper boy (Hans Ebson) shows up to deliver some magazines to the woman of the house. Dakota James follows the little man up the stairs and gropes his ass. Comically, Ebson moans “not again” like this happens to him all the time. James takes off his muscle shirt and reveals the beautiful body underneath. Even without a compliment of body hair, the man gets my respect. Meanwhile, at the top of the stairs, Fox hears what’s happening and watches from a distance while jerking off. I thought he was supposed to be off goggling the lady of the house! Oh whatever, now I’m just as confused as he must be. If big beefy guys with fl awless and furless bodies do it for you, then Muscle Men Moving Company 2 will make for a great purchase.

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gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 27 Deep Inside Hollywood New Projects For Rose McGowan and Cyndi Lauper

By Romeo San Vicente Celebrity | Gossip Rose McGowan! In Chains! It seems like Hollywood’s suddenly into imprisoning women. Trinidad, Colorado: Transgender Capital Of course, they’ve been doing that for years now, fi guratively The non-transgender population of Trinidad, Colorado, prob- speaking, but now the literal is taking center stage. First came ably never expected their town to become the sex-reassignment news of gay fi lmmaker Alan Ball’s adaptation of the earnest U.K. surgery hub of the United States, but in 1969, when Dr. Stanley prison soap, Bad Girls; then Fox announced it would be launch- Biber began performing the procedure there, the demograph- ing a female version of Prison Break. Now, Grindhouse co-direc- ics of the 9,000-person town began to shift. Now it’s home to a tor Robert Rodriguez will bring his ‘70s exploitation vibe to the small but visible community of transgendered people, patients pilot Women in Chains! That exclamation point speaks volumes who settled in the rural area for privacy and support. The docu- about the level of wild lesbian mud wrestling planned for the mentary Trinidad, by from directors PJ Raval and Jay Hodges, series, set to revolve around Rose McGowan, Rodriguez’s fi ancee currently making the fi lm-festival rounds, sets out to explore the and Planet Terror star. The director is shopping the show around tensions and the progress made as different groups of people to networks and looking to bring his deranged, Caged Heat-like learn how to co-exist in the kind of town where everyone knows vision to a TV near you. And that mud wrestling will be taste- your name and your business. Expect a cable and DVD home fully shot, of course for this fascinating fi lm after its current brief theatrical debut tour. Fahrenheit 451 Tries to Re-ignite Fahrenheit 451, the classic novel about oppression and book-burning from sci-fi writer Ray Bradbury, was made into a hit fi lm in 1966 by Francois Truf- faut, starring Julie Christie. And now, more than 40 years years later, a remake is in the works. Gay producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Hairspray) have been casting their nets to get a star attached to the dystopian drama about a fi refi ghter whose job it is to burn books for a dissent-crushing government. Tom Hanks and Brad Pitt have, at various points, been connected to the fi lm, but both have since reconsidered. For the project to get out of development limbo, a solid A-lister will have to say yes to the warrant the high-concept’s sure-to-be-equally-high budget. Until then, though, those books might have to fi gure out a way to set themselves on fi re. Romeo San Vicente has known men who were hot enough to burn up entire libraries. He can be reached care of this publication.

Cyndi Lauper Shows “True Colors” to World It took long enough, but a mainstream daytime drama, As the World Turns, has ﬁ nally introduced a gay male storyline into its regular ongoing mix - the cute, young, college-boy romance of Luke and Noah (Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann). The addition has not only revitalized the show, but has also attracted an eager fan-base that wants to see the queer love story blossom (so far there’s been lots of kissing, but a lot more teasing about whether or not the two will wind up in bed). Enter guest star Cyndi Lauper, who’ll appear on a July 3 episode to sing and promote her annual gay-rights-themed True Colors tour. But will Noah’s Iraqi green-card wife make trouble with Cyndi? Will his murderous dad kidnap them? Will Luke stop pouting about it all? Tune in to ﬁ nd out.

28 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Whole Lesbian Sex Body Mechanics for Determined Sapphists

By Felice Newman Lesbian | Sexuality Does your neck hurt when you go down on your girl? Does a wild ride with a strap-on leave your lower through our ordinary activities is shaped by our life experiences. Those patterns can be broken. You have some choice back aching? Does your hand get fatigued or cramp here. You can become more aware of the things that you do up at just the wrong moment? If you have a repetitive that produce pain. Somatic coaching, Alexander Technique, stress injury or chronic neck or back pain, partner Feldenkrais, and other body-based learning techniques can sex - and even masturbating - can make you feel like help you do everything you do better (including sex) - and you have to pay for your pleasure with hours of (non- without strained muscles or infl amed ligaments. consensual) pain. And that’s really frustrating Honey, you can be as polyamorous as the day is long, and Vibrators can help - or they can aggravate a mean case of you do not ever have to end up in a wrist brace. carpal tunnel syndrome. Try using a vibrator you don’t have Felice Newman is a founding publisher of Cleis Press and the author of to hold in your hand, such as a strap-on butterfl y vibe, an “The Whole Lesbian Sex Book: A Passionate Guide for All of Us.” Visit her insertable egg vibe, or a vibrating butt plug held in place with at www.cleispress.com. Her book is available in Calgary at A Little More bondage tape. You can grip a Hitachi magic wand between Interesting. your legs or nestle it between you and your partner. Spare your lower back during strap-on sex by inviting your girl to sit on your lap and bury your toy deep inside her. She can pump up and down on you while you sit in a chair. Or you can prop her up with pillows or a foam wedge and stand at the edge of the bed with her legs wrapped around you - though for some, this position may still be a strain on the lower back. Pillows and foam wedges can be really helpful during oral sex, too. A company called Liberator Shapes sells a high- density urethane core wedge that slopes upward to support your partner’s hips and butt, raising her vulva closer to your mouth. Get your girl off her back - she can straddle your face as you lie prone. Let her thrust into your mouth in her own rhythm. (Don’t forget to keep your knees raised to take the strain off your lower back.) Make sure she’s well warmed up with other activities before you put your neck between her legs. Slip a fi nger in her butt, tweak her nipples, or pull her over your lap for a spanking. Then observe her body’s cues - moans, rocking hips, breath- ing. You don’t have to go down on your sweetie for hours. You can use your fi ngers to supplement your mouth. Or use your lips and tongue to supplement your hand. You can offer her a vibrator or bury your fi st inside her vagina to bring her to orgasm. If you get a crick in your neck during oral sex, perhaps you’re holding tension in your neck during other activities, too. How does your neck feel during the rest of your day? For instance, do you get a lot of headaches? Grind your teeth? If you tense up your hand while masturbating, how are you on the computer keyboard? We are creatures of habit, and there’s no reason to think that we’d leave our patterns of bodily tension at the bedroom door. Our lives mold us - literally - and I don’t mean just what size jeans we wear. How we hold our bodies as we move

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 29 What’s Gay in LA? Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area

By Dominic Scaia Community | Events Lethbridge is the fourth largest city in Alberta, with a population of approximately 80,000. But de- sexuality/sexual activity of men, and a youth program named “Colors”. spite its relatively large size, the gay scene is unfortunately a little sparse. Not to say that there aren’t This past year, GALA has started working towards securing any queer people in Lethbridge, because there are operating funds for an offi ce/center of their own, so that they can provide more programs and services to Lethbridge’s LGBT actually quite a few. They are everywhere, and in ev- community. GALA has recently updated their bylaws and ap- ery profession - doctors, lawyers, students, bakers, plied to be registered with the federal government as a charity reporters, mechanics, bankers, teachers, butchers, organization, which will allow them to apply for more grants sales clerks, hair stylists, and even city councillors. and issue tax receipts for donations. A donor in Toronto has indicated that they may provide some support once they fulfi ll It’s just that there are very few who are boldly active in the these requirements. They have also started the long process gay community or publicly advocate for GLBT issues. Reli- for obtaining bingo and casino licences to raise additional gious and political conservatives have a strong presence in funds. Southern Alberta, and this city, like most towns in Alberta, has a reputation for being a “hick town”. This article concludes with a brief inventory of Lethbridge’s current LGBT events: Perhaps the GLBT residents of Lethbridge are afraid to come out of the closet for this reason. Red neck Albertans with Social Dances right-wing beliefs can be cruel and extremely closed-minded. For the past 11 years, dances have been scheduled up to For instance, take Pretty, Witty, & Gay, an annual event nine times a year, typically running from August to May (with presented by University of Lethbridge students and staff. It is the exception of December). These events provide an opportu- described as “A Celebration Of Sexual Diversity on Stage” and nity to meet and interact with other GLBT people in a safe and the show gives voice to important issues through drama, com- welcoming environment. Attendance ranges from 120 to 180 edy, dance, songs, stories, and poems. Nevertheless, posters people, often including individuals from Lethbridge, surround- for this event often get torn down by town folk. ing communities, Medicine Hat, Crowsnest Pass, and Calgary. There are no gay bars in the city, and with the exception The next social dance will be held on August 30th from of GALIA (The Gay and Lesbian Integrity Association, at the 9:00pm - 2:30am at Creation Hall (4410 - 43 St N). Hot University Of Lethbridge), almost no resources for the GLBT music, fabulous drink prices, good friends, great fun, and community. Naturally the queer residents of this town are lots of dancing. All proceeds go to support programs/services anxious for something to do, and are tired of living in a town provided by GALA. where there is no gay “scene”. But hopefully one day soon, this will all change. Friday Drinks & Social They’d like to be able to have a place to go and have a few Held every Friday at La Bella Notte, upstairs (402 - 2 Ave S), drinks with friends without getting bothered by homophobes, starting at 10 pm. and many of them would like for there to be more support available to them. GALA Occasion That is exactly the goal of GALA/LA (Gay and Lesbian Alli- GALA Occasion has been published eight or more times a ance of Lethbridge and area). year for the past fi fteen years, featuring news about Lethbridge and from around the world. Three hundred copies are printed GALA/LA was formed in 1991 and incorporated as a Society for each edition, mailed to members across Canada, and dis- in 1996. Like many other GLBT groups, GALA’s history relates tributed to coffee shops and organizations in Lethbridge and back to the 80’s and the early days of HIV/AIDS in the gay surrounding cities, including Medicine Hat and Calgary. community, when people started to unite to provide support and share information. GALA provides programs and social Peer Support Phone Line networking to a membership of 200 Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, (403) 308-2893 - Volunteers accept calls Mon/Wed 7:30pm Two-Spirited, Queer and Trans-Identifi ed individuals. to 10:30pm and provide support with topics such as self-ac- Ongoing services have been the Peer Support Phone Line, ceptance, coming out, employment issues, information about GALA Occasion (monthly newsletter), the website, coffee events or businesses, relationships, and safer sex. The service nights, monthly family potluck dinner gatherings, dances (9 a has been running since 1994, and been used by friends and year), and the pride BBQ. family of GLBT, and even teachers, counsellors, and media. Over the years, GALA has received funding for short term Lethbridge LGBTQ Youth Group projects such as: Education and Awareness of HIV/AIDS, Meets every second Wednesday from 3:30 - 5:00 pm. Con- Outreach to educators and service providers, research in Continued on Page 32 30 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Dallas Green Solo on City & Colour Project

By Jason Clevett Interview There are three things you should know right off the bat about Dallas Green. He has the voice of an some of the people that liked Alexis would get into angel, he’s hilarious, and he is an incredibly nice and them and that would be it. humble guy. That may come as a surprise to those Then it turned into a big who know Dallas only from the post-hardcore band thing,” he said humbly. “I Alexisonfi re, where his vocals are matched up with am not a horn tooter, I re- the screaming of co-vocalist George Petit. The softer ally don’t think I am that special, I just try and write side of Dallas Green is evident with his solo project songs that make me happy “City & Colour”. Dallas chose the name, derived from and I feel good about play- his own (the city Dallas and colour green) as he didn’t ing, that’s it. My goal is feel comfortable just releasing material under his that someone gets what I name. His second album, Bring Me Your Love is now am going for, listens to it available in stores. and can relate to it. When I was younger I didn’t want I sat down with Dallas before his May 25th show at the Jack to be famous or a rock star, Singer Concert Hall (which had sold out in minutes) for his fi rst I just wanted to play music. interview with a Gay media outlet. “I appreciate this. This is I wanted to make people awesome, I am stoked,” he said. feel like I did when I heard a song that really made my Growing up in St. Catherines, Ontario, Green always knew chest tight, and the fact that I am able to do that is fantas- he wanted to play music. He picked up a guitar when he was 8 tic. Canada especially has embraced me with such open arms. years old and started writing songs in his teens. He took advan- People identify with what we are doing, but we are just a bunch tage of living close to Toronto and Buffalo, NY to grow his love of kids from a small town in Canada that just wanted to make of music through watching bands. records.” “In our group of friends there were only a couple of us that Playing as City & Colour also opens up a whole different listened to a lot of music at the time. I remember going to see the group of supporters for Green. Melvins play when I was in grade 9 and we had to get one of our older brothers to drive us to Toronto because we were too young ”Lately now I am noticing a more diverse line up. I am not to drive. I always tried to play in bands and went to shows,” he seeing only the kids that like Alexis, but their Mom and even recalled. “There was a club called The Hideaway where Mother their grandparents are coming to the show. It’s a different style Earth and Our Lady Peace, all those bands breaking out way of music because obviously George screaming his head off is back then would come play, and I would try and go see those not for everyone. I am playing the singer-songwriter type thing shows because I wanted to get into music.” which I guess is a little more accessible than Alexisonfi re.” In 2002, Green and band mates George Pettit, Wade Mac- Green returns to Calgary June 22nd as part of the Virgin Neil and Jordan Hastings released their self-titled debut album Festival at Fort Calgary. He isn’t a stranger to festivals, having (they would later be joined by current drummer Chris Steele). played Folk Fest last year. They quickly achieved critical acclaim and a young fanbase “I am stoked! The Tragically Hip, Attack in Black, and the thanks in part to their high energy shows. Constantines are playing. I don’t think that I would go to a ”It has always just been about energy. George is not scream- festival as a fan anymore, maybe that is because I have played ing because he is angry, it’s because of the energy. We’ve also many now. When I was younger I went to Lollapalooza and ways said that if we can get everybody to have as much fun as Summersault. It was really wicked that I was asked to play the we are having on stage, it will be a great show and you don’t Calgary Folk Festival and some other Folk Festivals last year. A need smoke and mirrors.” The energy output is exhausting. “We lot of people look at me like ‘who’s that tattooed guy?’ but then are really tired by the end of a set, especially after we start a they learn I can sing.” tour. It makes you feel good afterward if you are completely Green’s playing at the Edmonton Folk Fest lead to Edmon- drained after a show.” ton Sun writer, Mike Ross, publishing a scathing criticism of Green ‘s album Sometimes was released in 2005, lead by the Green’s refusal to play the hit Save Your Scissors. The song is single Save Your Scissors. Green admits that he had no idea back in the setlist now, but Green, amused by the article, gave that his solo work would explode the way it has. further explanation. “I didn’t think it would. I released a record of a bunch of “That article is hilarious. He talked about Bon Jovi and Hill- acoustic songs, a lot of them I had written as a teenager, and ary Duff. How can you compare what they are doing to what I I was so far past those songs I didn’t think about it. I thought am doing? Jon Bon Jovi has to play the hits because all of his

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 31 songs were hits, and he is playing four nights at the Air Canada brothers and stuff were gay. It was always around. If you are a Centre in Toronto. Those people are coming to hear those hits. nice person I am going to like you, it doesn’t matter if you are He is a rock star. My view on it is I won’t play a song if I am not gay or black or white, and if you are an idiot I am probably not in love with it, and at that point I wasn’t in love with Save your going to like you. I really think that is how people should judge Scissors. It had been overplayed and wasn’t mine anymore, it other people, based on the way they are as a person as opposed had been turned into something else. I remember after that to how they choose to live their life.” show a kid came up to me and asked why I hadn’t played it and I explained to him that I wasn’t in love with it and didn’t feel like Judging by the audience at the Jack Singer, Green has de- playing it and he said that was cool. I wish that reporter had veloped a solid gay fan base for his solo work. Green closed the been there for that moment.” interview with a message directed to the readers of GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. “We just play the song that we want to play. There are songs we will never play again from the fi rst Alexis record because you “Tell your readers thank you very much and I hope I keep look back at the place you were in when you wrote it and you making records that they enjoy. I appreciate them as much as I have no idea how to identify with it anymore,” he continued. do anyone else who listens to the records. I don’t write songs for ”As much as there are kids in the audience that it may be their a particular group of people, I write songs and hope that some- favorite song, for us it is all about honesty. If we play a song just one, girl, guy, whatever, can relate to what I am doing.” because you want to hear it, not because we want to hear it we aren’t giving you the best performance we can give. We are just gonna go through it because they want to hear it. I think kids Dallas Green have come to know that we are about being honest and doing www.cityandcolour.ca what we want, that is our thing.” www.theonlybandever.com Something that amuses Dallas greatly is his status as unlikely sex symbol. Sporting full sleeve tattoos as well as several on his body, glasses, and a preference for plaid shirts, it’s a mystery to him why he is considered sexy by so many fans. “I think it’s pretty funny, really, because I would never look What’s Gay in LA? - From Page 30 at myself like that. I always try to make a point if someone says something like that at the stage ‘your shirt is great’ or ‘you’re tact the coordinator Betty Neil at [email protected] or (403) hot’, that is great but I hope they like the music that is what 381-5260 for more information. you are here for. I could really care less about that other stuff. Gay in LA I think people especially nowadays, you are on TV, sell records and in magazines and have tattoos, people automatically just A radio show hosted on the University of Lethbridge com- call you that based on the fact that you are in the media. But I munity radio station. The radio waves are rocking the colours would never call myself that or look at myself that way, I would of the rainbow, the hottest tracks, and the latest on the LGBT rather just be known as an honest musician,” he said before scene in Lethbridge. The show runs Saturdays 7:30pm- telling us about his body art. “I was 17 and always wanted to 9:00pm (www.ckxu.com and [email protected]) get one and I did, and kept getting them and here we are. I guess they are a part of me now, but I don’t really know what Family Gatherings made me want to do it. I always wanted to have sleeves, to cover Family gatherings for potluck, movies, and games have been my arms in colour. Some days I look at them like ‘Why did I do scheduled each month from September to June. These gather- this?’ but other times I think it’s great.” ings provide opportunity for social interaction and support. He is off the market, living with long time girlfriend and Much- The potlucks are coordinated with GALIA, and are held on the Music personality Leah Miller. Unlike in the US, it is easy for second Sunday of each month (from September to June) from the high profi le couple to keep their relationship fairly private. 5:30pm-8:00pm, at McKillop United Church (2329 - 15 Ave S). “Thankfully we are from Canada, so nobody really cares that Pride BBQ much about paparazzi and that. It’s not like we are out partying This year’s Pride Barbeque will be held Sunday, June 22nd every night and being crazy celebrities. She works and I work at 6:00pm at Pavan Park (at the John Martin Recreation area and we meet at our house, lay on the couch and watch The - North on 13 Street). Invite friends/family, bring your own Bachelor and America’s Next Top Model and that’s it.” drinks, and wear your pride. Alexisonfi re played in San Francisco last September, coincid- Food, plates/utensils will be provided. Play some games, ing with the Folsom Street Fair, the annual Leather & Fetish visit with friends, and celebrate. Entertainment will include: street fair. They checked out the event, which Dallas described Calgary’s “Smith on Sunday”, and performances from Pretty, as fun and interesting. Witty, & Gay 2008. You are welcome to bring your pets, but “We walked around and I was excited to see if I would get any they must be on a leash. attention, then I will see if I am actually a good looking guy. I didn’t really get any but George got lots of it and has been rub- GALA/LA bing it in my face,” he said. It wasn’t a culture shock as Green c/o Lethbridge HIV Connection has always been supportive of the LGBT community. “I used to 1206 - 6 Avenue S, Lethbridge, AB work for my dad and we would sell all natural fruit Popsicles [email protected] at festivals and such and we worked the Toronto Gay Pride festival, back when being gay wasn’t nearly as ok. I was 15 and got a lesson there. I am with it because my family has always been accepting. I was raised that way, to treat everyone equally. Some of my friends from growing up are gay; some of their older

32 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Letters to the Editor

By GayCalgary.com Staff & Contributors Letters Dear GayCalgary Readers, There is truly no other event in the city that unites and You’re invited to join us for Pride Festival 2008! It’s encourages all aspects of the community to come out and almost that time of the year and the start of Pride Festival celebrate, the way that Pride does. We hope to see you all 2008 with the annual Pride Parade and Street Gala. Like out this year! last years’ festivities the Pride Parade will begin at 8 Ave & 8 St SW heading east into Stephen Ave Walk. The parade For more information go online www.pridefestival.ca, will end at Olympic Plaza to kick off the annual Street or refer to the Offi cial Pride Calgary Pride Guide in this Gala, featuring numerous vendors, artisans, and food, as month’s edition of GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. well as the Family Zone and the Beer Garden. There will be Happy Pride, music all afternoon on the Energy 101.5 fm stage. Everyone @ Pride Calgary A record number of people attended and participated in last year’s Pride Parade and Street Gala, and we anticipate those numbers will continue to grow for this year. The Pride Festival plays a very important role in a rapidly growing city such as Calgary, through tourism, business and quality of life. Newslets This is an opportunity for everyone to promote oneself and create public awareness within the community. It also By GayCalgary Staff enables us to build bridges and create partnerships with other organizations and businesses. Edmonton’s Prism Bar Under New Ownership Edmonton’s Prism Bar & Grill has admittedly been strug- Offi cial Pride Events: gling for a while, but new owners Deborah and Tracey are • Butch Jamie (Film) – Wednesday June 04 @ 7:00pm hoping to breathe new life into the bar with so much potential. Prism will be closed for renovations from June 3rd to - Plaza Theatre June 5th, with a grand reopening party planned for the 6th. • Lesbian Dance Party – Wednesday June 04 @ 9:00pm The bar has a number of events planned for the remainder of – 2:00am – Marquee Room/Uptown June, including performances by Kate Reid, Smith on Sunday, and Barley Wik. • Haute Purse Suit (Pride) – Friday June 06 @ 10:00pm – 2:00am – Marquee Room/Uptown Fake Mustache Releases Community Calendar • Military Ball – Saturday June 07 – Calgary Eagle The Boys of Fake Mustache are happy to an- • Top Gun (free screening) - Saturday June 07 @ 11:30pm nounce that Calgary’s fi rst – The Uptown ever Drag King Calendar • Pride Parade – Sunday June 08 @ 12:00pm – Stephen will be hitting the streets Avenue Walk this June, featuring 11 of your favorite mustachioed • Street Gala – Sunday June 08 @ 1:00pm – Olympic characters. The calen- Plaza dar spans June 2008 to June 2009. Calendars can • Soul Disco – Thursday June 12 @ 9:00pm – 2:00am – Marquee Room/Uptown • Homo Hop - Friday, June 13 @ 6:00pm – 1:00am - Hill- hurst Sunnyside Community Hall • Pride Tribal Awards Party - Saturday, June 14 @ 6:00pm – Money Pennies • Celebration 2008 - Saturday June 21 @ 8:00pm – 2:00am – Chinese Cultural Centre • Celebration After Party - Saturday June 21 @ 3:00pm – 9:00am – The Warehouse

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 33 34 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 35 36 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Letter from the Publisher - From Page 6 posters and postcards that will be available soon at participating stops in town. two shirtless constructions workers taking a break across the road from the Siding Café…I hid while she did this. GayCalgary Online Though I still want those pictures, Pam! As promised, we launched the new version of the Later that night, I found out what the “twist” was, at this GayCalgary website in mid May, and many of you may be month’s ARGRA Dance - the last one before the rodeo. The seeing it for the fi rst time as you hop online to download this organizers put on a couple of mini-rodeo events that were edition. Much of it was an upgrade in appearance and pre- a total blast! The fi rst was Goat Dressing, where ARGRA sentation to be more widely browser-friendly (even for mobile Trustee Pierre Cadieux played the part of the goat – dressed devices), however a number of new features were included in in fun-fur and everything. Competitors raced to put a pair this release. Take a moment to browse the site and see what of underwear on him (over his jeans), and Kevin Boyce was has changed. pretty rough taking them back off afterward. Even with the We are dedicating this month to sorting through our photo mats, he should have worn some knee pads! Next was pole archives and getting as much of them online as we can, bending, where participants had to weave between a row of within our busy event schedule. The photo area probably poles (under the infl uence of alcohol, to boot) while riding got the biggest overhaul with the launch of the new site, and a horse-head-on-a-stick. Finally came the barrel racing, with a user account you can now build your own personal where participants had to run between three barrels and album of photo favourites. rotate around them with the butt of a baseball bat to their forehead. Naturally this made them dizzy and weave all over The online poll question last month asked “Are you sup- the place while running. I think that Shane and Caffee were portive of Paul Vickers’ initiative to open a new GLBT dance the fi nal winners, which was impressive since Caffee was in club in Calgary?” We saw the results shift from 77% yes, drag and high heels. 13% no, 10% unsure before the May Edition came out, to its fi nal total of 84% yes, 10% no, 6% unsure at the end of May. Last month we expanded to 80 pages for the fi rst time in Next month we’ll have a number of new poll questions, so the history of our magazine – until previously, our biggest make sure you cast your vote when you arrive at the main issues had been 72-pagers. Lots of people have commented page of the site. that they were impressed with the number of celebrity interviews we managed to land. The trend continues into Lastly, it’s been something Steve and I have discussed for this month, with Jully Black, Dallas Green, Margaret Cho several years now and just shortly after the June Edition and…oh yeah, cover girl KD Lang! In addition, they’re not hits the streets we’re fi nally going to do it. With a business celebrities per se, but we’re proud to feature interviews this name like ours, being listed in the phonebook makes us a month with the Mayors of both Calgary and Edmonton! It’s natural fi rst point of contact for people seeking community really exciting that these new doors are open to us, but we information in both Calgary and Edmonton. While all this is are mindful not to get too carried away. As always, we have available in the magazine and online, the people who phone plenty of community content to balance things out. us are tourists, closeted individuals, or people that don’t have a private internet connection, or don’t yet know where Next Month they can fi nd a copy of the magazine. While Steve and I Right now I can’t even fathom how we’re going to survive have fi elded phone calls from our home, and have been through two Prides and ARGRA over the course of 4 weeks. happy to read out our community listings (even at 3 in the After Calgary’s Pride, I will get to join Steve in Edmonton for morning), people have been plain out of luck if we are out at their Pride – going up there may be routine for Steve, but I’m an event or insisting on getting our sleep. That’s why we’re quite looking forward to visiting our sister city again. Then launching a special voice messaging system so that these we get to camp out at Symon’s Valley Ranch for ARGRA, and callers can access the community information they need let me tell you we have our work cut out for us this year! even when we’re not around to help them personally. It is a We’re doing something special on the rodeo grounds this menu-driven phone system that can read out information, year, so keep an eye out. take voicemail messages, and even forward calls. Among other things, it will contain a watered down selection of On top of it all, we’re running the Rodeo Bus again, with listings for key businesses, non-profi t groups, and events. a number of changes to work out the kinks from previous We’re defi nitely excited, if only so that we can fi nally get years. The schedule is very different, so if you’re planning some undisturbed rest with the ringer turned off! to ride, make sure you refer to it and plan ahead. Bus trips are arranged to coincide with events on the rodeo grounds, We want to hear what YOU have to say about the topics in this rather than on a bi-hourly schedule. To make things article, and any other articles in our magazine. Visit the chat forums simpler, there is no longer a round-trip cost – it will be $10 at www.gaycalgary.com and write your heart out! Or write us a letter per direction to ride. This is still far cheaper than cab fare, to the publisher by E-mailing [email protected], and we may which can run you between $40 and $60 per direction. publish or respond to it in the magazine! Finally, passengers be aware that the bus will no longer be stopping in the main parking lot at Symon’s Valley as it has previously done; instead, the lower parking lot will be the pickup and drop-off location. This lot can be accessed by the service road that wraps around to the back of Driftwood hall, as well as the pedestrian path behind the main RV Park. For more information, view the ad on page 34, visit www. gaycalgary.com/Promotions/RodeoBus.aspx, or look for the

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 37 Sexual Orientation in Men

By Kevin Alderson, Ph.D., R. Psych. Queer Quest I remember the monumental occasion of “coming sexual identity for 30-to-40% of out” as gay. Wow! Both scared and exhilarated at the bisexual men over the one year same time, I proudly left the closet and assumed like period, also highlight the dif- everyone else that there was no going back. I believe I fi culty that many bisexual men always had same-sex feelings and attractions, despite have in defi ning themselves. doing my best to ignore or minimize them through My reading of the literature suggests that there is a true most of my life. I am happy to report that comparable bisexual sexual orientation and to 61% of a sample of 181 gay men [1], I always saw accompanying sexual identity myself as homosexually inclined. Okay, except what in many bisexually-identifi ed does this say about the remaining 39% of that sam- men and women. My point is ple? Were they unaware of their attractions for males merely that for some, defi ning from a young age, or did their sexual orientation oneself temporarily as bisexual refl ects a time of uncertainty, change over time? The only way we could reliably fi nd requiring further time to ques- out is if we followed a large sample of men over sev- tion and explore. eral years and tested them regularly with instruments Another study focused on 156 urban youths, ages 14-21, designed to measure sexual orientation. We do know with sexual minority identities. Nearly 80% of the group were that the majority of heterosexual men would report ethnic minorities, which is actually very rare in social sci- that their sexual orientation as unchanged [2], but we ence research. After a one-year period, about half the youths would not know the reason why they are reporting no who identifi ed as bisexual had adopted a lesbian or gay label, change. Is it because nothing has actually changed, whereas 7% of the lesbian or gay youths transitioned to bisex- or is it because they do not want to open “Pandora’s ual labels. Overall, 72% consistently identifi ed as gay, lesbian, or bisexual over time. The authors noted that this fi gure of box” by looking at what is inside? In other words, it’s 70% is consistent with fi ndings from other research. [4] What easier to simply not look closely at one’s sexuality. this suggests, then, is that about 30% of sexual minority youth Easier to take a predetermined and rigid stance of, have diffi culty deciding on an appropriate identity label. I sug- “I’m straight...no two ways about it.” gest this is not surprising, given the fact that certain identity labels are sometimes in vogue and considered trendy (e.g., Strangely, there have been few long-term investigations of queer, bisexual, no label), and also the fact that we have known male sexuality. You would think researchers would be deeply for a long time that sexual feelings and behaviours expressed interested in such a topic, but if they are, they are keeping in adolescence are not always refl ective of an enduring sexual their fi ndings secret from the rest of us! I am aware of four orientation. Adolescence is meant to be a time of discovery, so studies that offer some insight into this, but none are particu- change should not be considered all that consequential. larly convincing in my mind. Let’s take a look at these since they are all we have available. The study with the longest follow-up (fi ve years) was conducted in Dunedin, New Zealand and published in 2003. The One of the earlier studies, published in 1993, focused on 105 sample of men interviewed was representative, meaning that it self-identifi ed bisexual men between ages 19 and 62. Sexual accurately refl ected the age cohort of those born in Dunedin in orientation was measured by one question that used a 7-point 1972-1973 (i.e., the study did not rely on a convenient sample scale with “1” being completely homosexual and “7” being com- of simply taking anyone willing to participate). These research- pletely heterosexual. Only 30 could be contacted at the one- ers sampled 485 men between age 21 and 26. Participants year follow-up period, and of these 30, 12 reported that they were asked about same-sex behaviour and their attitudes had moved toward a homosexual orientation, 16 experienced toward same-sex relationships. By age 26, 10.7% of the men no change, and 2 had moved toward a heterosexual orienta- indicated that they had been attracted to other males at some tion. [3] I think the authors would have been more accurate time, but only 5.6% reported having some current same-sex in their report if they stated that what they were measuring attraction. A much smaller percentage of men were mostly at- was sexual identity and not sexual orientation. Nonetheless, tracted to their own sex or to both sexes equally (1.6%). Over their follow-up suggests that indeed 40% of these 30 were more the fi ve-year period, more men moved away from exclusive sexually inclined toward men than a year earlier. heterosexual attraction (1.9%) than moved towards it (1.0%). Two of the same researchers in the previous study replicated The authors concluded that their results tell us that “much their study, published in 1997, this time using a sample of 216 same-sex attraction is not exclusive and is unstable in early bisexual men. Seventy-three (34%) of the sample moved toward adulthood.” [5] The results also suggest that more young men a homosexual orientation, 106 (49%) did not change, and 37 became aware of some degree of same-sex attraction over the (17%) moved toward a heterosexual orientation. I believe that fi ve years compared to those who reported a loss of same-sex these two studies, apart from showing a migration to a homo- attraction.

38 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Physical attraction to other males can and does diminish or disappear for some men over time. In one Dutch study, half of the 14% of men who reported having attraction to males reported that their attraction disappeared later in life. [6] Also, the stability of sexual orientation depends on what aspect is being assessed. Whereas sexual identity and sexual behaviour may undergo considerable change through adolescence and young adulthood [7], sexual attraction and romantic feelings are likely more enduring. Another study asked 762 participants (ages 36-60) to rate (using 7-point scales) their sexual fantasy, romantic attraction, and sexual behaviour toward or with men and women in consecutive ﬁ ve-year intervals beginning at age 16. Although one-third of the sample reported no change at all in any of their ratings, two-thirds reported some change across the three dimensions measured. [8] Furthermore, a percentage of their sample changed identity labels over time: 3% of heterosexual men and women, 39% of gay men, 65% of lesbians, 66% of bisexual men, and 77% of bisexual women. As some heterosexual individuals “join the ranks” of non- heterosexuality, some non-heterosexual individuals migrate toward a heterosexual identity. [9] Does this mean that sexual orientation has actually changed? Again, researchers must specify which aspect of sexual orientation they are referring to if change is being reported. What we can safely conclude about sexual orientation in men at present (based on the available research) is that the majority of heterosexuals maintain their heterosexuality, although a small percentage become aware or develop same-sex attraction over time. Although the majority of adolescents and young adults with a non-heterosexual identity will continue to deﬁ ne as non-heterosexual, a sizeable percentage will experience changes in their self-chosen sexual identity and/or in their sexual behaviour over time. We know next to nothing about men with non-heterosexual identities beyond the age of 25. Do they continue to experience change long after most heterosexuals have settled into a stable sense of identity? Well, the only way to answer this is for researchers to begin to study this population. In the meantime, your guess is as good as mine. Dr. Alderson is an associate professor of counselling psychology at the University of Calgary who specializes in gay and lesbian studies. He also maintains a private practice. He can be contacted by confidential email at [email protected], or by confidential voice mail at 605-5234.

References: 1. Kinnish, K. K., Strassberg, D. S., & Turner, C. W. (2005). Sex differences in the ﬂ exibility of sexual orientation: A multidimensional retrospec- tive assessment. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 34(2), 173-183. 2. Savin-Williams, R. C., & Ream, G. L. (2007). Prevalence and stability of sexual orientation components during adolescence and young adulthood. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 36(3), 385-394. 3. Stokes, J. P., McKirnan, D. J., & Burzette, R. G. (1993). Sexual behavior, condom use, disclosure of sexuality, and stability of sexual orientation in bisexual men. Journal of Sex Research, 30(3), 203-213. 4. Rosario, M., Schrimshaw, E. W., Hunter, J., & Braun, L. (2006). Sexual identity development among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths: Con- sistency and change over time. Journal of Sex Research, 43(1), 46-58. 5. Dickson, N., Paul, C., & Herbison, P. (2003). Same-sex attraction in a birth cohort: Prevalence and persistence in early adulthood. Social Sci- ence & Medicine, 56(8), 1607-1615. [quote from p. 1607]. 6. Sandfort, 1997 (as cited in Savin-Williams, & Ream, 2007). 7. Savin-Williams & Ream (2007). 8. Kinnish, Strassberg, & Turner (2005).

9. Savin-Williams & Ream (2007).

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 39 The Revision of the Diagnosis of Transsexuality And the Surrounding Controversy

By Mercedes Allen Trans Identity It was one of those news items that almost slipped by everyone, despite the potential ramifi cations that the subject of much dissention. CAMH has itself bragged about turning away approximately 90% of the people who it could have for the transgender community and its come to them for treatment, and so it is inevitable that these allies. Days after the fact, Lynn Conway reported therapists see a primarily narrowly-slanted cross-section of that on May 1st, 2008, the American Psychiat- the community. ric Association (APA, not to be confused with the TransActive Education and Advocacy (TAEA), Transgender American Psychological Association) named its work American Veterans Association (TAVA), AlbertaTrans.org group members appointed to revise the Manual for and others have issued press releases asking that the APA Diagnosis of Mental Disorders in preparation for the reconsider these appointments. The National Center for DSM-V. Such a revision would include the entry Transgender Equality (NCTE), Transgender Law Center, for “Gender Identity Disorder” (GID), the classifi ca- Transgender Law and Policy Institute and Transgender tion that governs how transsexuals are diagnosed Youth Family Allies (TYFA) followed with a joint statement and then treated. It was a day or two more before it expressing concern, as have the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) and ally organizations. would ring out like a shot. However, there has been some confusion generated by The news was that one of the most controversial doc- the panic surrounding this controversy. The DSM does not tors dealing with the transsexual community, Dr. Kenneth in fact recommend treatments, only diagnoses, although Zucker, was named to chair the work group. Appointed to some concern remains that giving these therapists authority work with him was Dr. Ray Blanchard, another extremely over the diagnosis also gives them a perception of authority controversial fi gure, and Zucker’s mentor. Both hail from regarding the treatment. Some of the controversy extends Toronto’s Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH, beyond the listing for GID to that of “Transvestitic Fetish,” a formerly the Clarke Institute), which has drawn criticism category of paraphilia that some fear Dr. Blanchard is likely and concern from transsexuals across North America. Dr. to modify to encompass autogynephilia, and potentially Zucker is infamous for utilizing reparative (i.e. “ex-gay”) cause many transsexuals’ diagnoses to be diverted to this therapy to “cure” gender-variant children (the APA recently category. put out a press release that correctly affi rms that he does not apply this treatment to change sexual orientation but This event has also coincided with the reinstatement of misses the essence that it is still practiced nonetheless health care coverage of Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS) regarding gender identity). Dr. Ray Blanchard is Head of in Ontario, as it is the same clinic and the same therapists Clinical Sexology Services at CAMH and creator of the theory who are given exclusive authority to approve or deny treat- of autogynephilia, defi ned as “a man’s paraphilic tendency ment at every step. Many local activists consider this a to be sexually aroused by the thought or image of himself as bittersweet victory, as the return to the same situation from a woman,” a theory that does not match the experience of ten years ago really does not leave them any further ahead. most transsexuals. Drs. Blanchard, Zucker, J. Michael Bai- Moving forward, the hopes are twofold: there is some effort ley (whose work has even gone so far as to touch on eugen- to fi ght the exclusivity given to CAMH in Toronto, and there ics) and a small cadre of others are proponents of dividing have been statements and discussions with allies within the the transsexual population by sexual orientation (“homo- APA who are part of the checks and balances used in estab- sexual transsexuals” vs. “autogynephilic”). Meanwhile Dr. lishing diagnoses. Via the latter, the doctors at the centre Zucker also endorses the potentially damaging procedure of of the issue will likely be put to task, but we will not know assigning gender to intersex infants at birth, a practice that the outcome until the DSM-V edition is published, which is was halted in many centres when Dr. John Money’s theory expected in 2012. that gender is malleable in children proved tragically wrong. This was demonstrated in his own classic test case, the Both cases, however, demonstrate a need for some liaison female-to-male intersexed person of David Reimer, known in body between transgender advocates, who see a much larger Money’s writings as “John / Joan.” and more honest sampling of transsexual people, and the medical professionals who care for them. Perhaps this is the It should be pointed out that most of the transgender next step. community realizes that these doctors honestly wish to help transsexual populations and believe that they are doing so. ”Mercedes Allen is a writer who blogs at http://dentedbluemercedes. Characterizing them as evil is unfair. CAMH, too, has a pos- wordpress.com/, has been featured on bilerico.com, PageOneQ and itive reputation in many other areas of treatment in which others, and has also developed the website at AlbertaTrans.org as a they engage. However, the research, treatment and theories resource for transgender information and support.” from these doctors and the gender clinic they operate are

40 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 41 70’s Fever Do Disco at Stage West

By Jason Clevett Review | Theatre While I wasn’t alive to experience the 1970’s, the era lives on in its music. That era’s message continues on today, and this is especially evident in 70’s Fever, playing until June 29th. It was while watching the show that I realize just how many “gay anthems” came out of the 70’s. Sure there are the obvious ones like It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, We Are Family, and, well, anything by the Village People. But also songs that have reached a whole new generation like Thelma Houston’s Don’t Leave Me This Way which was on the Queer as Folk Soundtrack, or Lady Marmalade which found new life with the cover on the Moulin Rouge Soundtrack. “It is a showcase of costumes and choreography and we have a lot of fun and a good time,” gay cast member David Lopez told us. “The cast loves each other. We have a lot of fun and really support each other. Some of us have done the show before (in Mississauga) but experiencing it with a whole new cast brings a different energy that is a lot of fun.” yond me. All of the top acts from the era are present including The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and of course, ABBA. Another One thing about 70’s Fever is that it is very, very gay. In highlight is the Motown Medley with The Jackson Five, Rick fact, topics like HIV and Stonewall are mentioned in the James, Thelma Houston, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and show, which is surprising considering the age of many of the Peaches & Herb. Lopez, Keith White, Tiffany Deriveau and patrons. And the set that pays tribute to The Village People Keisha T. Fraser infuse the set with a legitimate Motown feel. tops it, no pun intended, with a hilariously fun romp through Can’t Stop The Music, Macho Man, Go West, In The Navy, and “I would have to say Motown is my favorite part of the show. YMCA. Lopez was even talked into stripping out of his cop All of that music - people instantly know it, and see the smiles outfi t for the segment. on the audience’s faces when we come out for that number.” “I did it as a joke once in rehearsal a long time ago, and it Regardless of whether the 70’s will bring back memories stuck. It is one of those things that I thought I would regret from your youth, or will just make you wish you had been but it is what it is.“ there, 70’s Fever is a fantastic gay old time at Stage West. One of the standouts of Stage West’s musical revues is how “The music spans all generations, they aren’t gay specifi c true they are to the original performances. How they continue although at the time it probably was thought of as. It touches to fi nd people who can portray some of these legends is be- everybody in different ways. People who lived through the 70’s will get to experience it again. Hearing it live, seeing the costumes and the lights I am sure many will remember exactly what they were doing the fi rst time they heard that song. Also, there is lots of eye candy for everybody no matter what your preference is,” Lopez concluded. On a side note, shortly before this article was written Stage West’s long time publicist Debbie Sturrock advised us that she was leaving Stage West. Debbie, you have been absolutely awesome and we here at GayCalgary would like to thank you for a wonderful 4 years and wish you the best!

70’s Fever April 24th – June 29th, 2008 www.stagewestcalgary.com Tickets: (403) 243-6642

42 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 43 15 years of Gay Rodeo ARGRA Reaches Milestone Year

By Jason Clevett Community | Spotlight One of the biggest LGBT events in Western Can- ada, the Bud Light Canadian Rockies International never come out that often. This allows them to come Rodeo rides into its 15th year this June 27th – 29th. out to the dance, socialize ARGRA celebrates this huge milestone by continuing with people they see only to offer its winning formula. at the event every year. Some people make it an “I am extremely proud of ARGRA and the fact that we annual camping and party have made it to this milestone. I thought the ten-year was for themselves. I think it is incredible, and it feels like it was just yesterday. Meeting the great that they come out 15-year milestone is exciting for an organization that I think every year and feel like is still growing. Who knows where we will be at 20 years?” they are part of a family, ARGRA trustee Pierre Cadieux told us. part of something bigger. As always, ARGRA has a huge party planned, includ- We make up for the fact ing the Friday Night cabaret with Aaron Pritchett and the that we unfortunately legendary Budweiser Barn Burner dance on the Saturday do not have a country & night. western bar in Calgary, as ARGRA has become the “We are pleased to have Aaron Pritchett playing at our outlet for staying in touch Friday cabaret. That will be an exciting and energy packed with our country and event. I am looking forward to seeing Aaron performing western roots.” again, he was with us a couple of years ago and had really high energy, and it was a good concert. Then we have one Many participants and attendees are also from out of of the best - if not the best - dances all year to celebrate the town. fi rst day of competition. We have a BBQ dinner catered by “We have a lot of people that come from Edmonton, Symon’s Valley. Come out and have some dinner and stay Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer. The bulk of the for dancing and socializing. It is a huge, huge event.” membership comes from Alberta. We have members Huge is an understatement, as anyone who has attended right across our province and we are proud of that,” says can attest. Organizers estimate up to 3000 will fi ll the dance Cadieux, adding that he is expecting a few new faces from hall this year, many of whom only make rare appearances south of the border as well. “For a number of years we were at community events. It allows old friends to meet and catch doubled up with another gay rodeo that was held in Min- up. nesota. This year they are holding it the weekend after ours, so we are the only rodeo happening on the international gay “I think it is an absolutely wonderful thing. In some ways rodeo circuit that weekend. Obviously the Canadian dollar we are the country and western lifestyle outlet in our com- and price of fuel has deterred some people, but I think we munity. There are members of our community that would will have a number of American competitors coming up. We already have entries from Arizona, California and Colorado.” The rodeo also benefi ted from BUMP!, the LGBT travel show which taped an episode at the 2007 rodeo. “Yes we have gotten way more e-mails of interest asking for travel requirements and general information about traveling to Calgary, because of BUMP! We see a lot of interest from overseas: Australia, Germany, Poland, from people wanting to travel here to check out the rodeo. We send them to the website because we have a lot of great information there.” ARGRA encourages its out of town visitors to spend time in Calgary after the rodeo; it’s no coincidence that it ends only days before the Calgary Stampede starts. “When we pick our dates we stay constant with the end of June, the weekend just before Stampede starts. If people come to visit Calgary, it is a warm-up to the Stampede. We

44 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 say to come out to the Bud Light Canadian Rockies Interna- tional Rodeo and stay through the next weekend for Stam- pede, make it a trip. We have really encouraged our Ameri- can friends to make a mini-vacation out of it.” While the dance and cabaret are the primary social aspect, there is plenty going on throughout the weekend – starting each morning with a pancake breakfast. The rodeo itself features standard events like bull riding and steer roping, as well as non-traditional events like wild drag and goat dressing. There is prize money and awards not only for the events, but attendees as well. ”The competitors come out to defi nitely look at winning their event, the coveted prize being the buckle. To change it up just a little bit we have prizes for best-decorated campsite in day and night categories. It is something anybody can do, get creative and try to have some fun and make it a more social atmosphere. We also have a prize for the best wild drag race team outfi t. We want the whole team to have a theme. That really encourages people to go above and beyond the rules and make it really colorful … and the spectators get the experience of how much fun it is.” Running an event of this magnitude is not without its challenges. Although after 15 years the ARGRA board has job for gay was a real possibility, and gay marriage was only things down to a science, staffi ng can still be diffi cult. a fantasy. While the event itself hasn’t changed, people are a lot more comfortable with themselves. “The biggest challenge we face at the moment is recruit- ing volunteers. We aren’t in dire straits but we’re working “We have always provided a safe environment to have hard to make this go off without a hitch. We are volunteer a good time and experience country and western lifestyle. based - without them we couldn’t do this and we appreciate The biggest change is acceptance. 15 years ago we hardly every hour of labour they are willing to donate to us. Find- had any media on site - even people like yourself - because ing enough volunteers to pull off an event of this magnitude people were so scared to be photographed and outed, and continues to be our biggest challenge. It takes hundreds of we still ask that the media respect the wishes of those who volunteer hours to bring it together, and it is a wonderful they are fi lming or taking pictures of. But it has become less thing to see people band together. Even if someone can only and less of a concern because people don’t have to worry as give us an hour, every hour counts towards making this much about losing their jobs or being outed to their families successful.” and all that kind of stuff. Being gay has become so much more socially accepted, even in the province of Alberta where Also important in their success is the involvement of spon- we are still a long ways behind some parts of the world. We sors, without whom ARGRA and the rodeo would not exist. have a much stronger working relationship with all forms of media, gay and straight, than we ever had before.” “We have a number of different gold and platinum sponsors, and our title sponsor Bud Light. At the end of the day, While most of the events take place on site at the gorgeous sponsorship is crucial to us being successful, without them Symon’s Valley Ranch, there are things happening around we would have a harder time paying the bills. Their gener- town as well. Money-pennies hosts the Prairie Fire Warm-Up ous sponsorship allows us to keep pricing in line and allows on June 26th and the offi cial survivor party on Monday the us to bring an event 30th, while the Calgary Eagle features a Wet Jockey contest to our community at on the 26th and “The Last Stand” Party on the Monday. the lowest cost pos- Once again there will be buses from downtown out to the sible while gaining rodeo grounds for those who don’t drive, or don’t want to. a bit of funds that we can donate back So what are you waiting for? Catch up with old friends, to charity. Without make some new ones, and just have a great time! these sponsors we The Bud Light Canadian Rockies International Rodeo couldn’t do this, so June 27th – 29th, 2008 whenever possible www.argra.org use our sponsors products and services.” ARGRA’s existence has paralleled an important time period in LGBT history. When the fi rst rodeo took place in 1993, losing one’s

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 45 Dave Bronconnier Pride Q&A with Calgary’s Mayor

By Jason Clevett Interview Dave Bronconnier is a born and raised Calgarian anybody. who has been on city GC: Canada and Alberta has come a long way in the last de- council since 1992. He cade. How do you feel your city has embraced the gay community was elected Calgary’s 35th in that time? mayor in 2001, and is DB: Our city has embraced human rights. Not to debate your presently serving his third question, but I don’t follow it because I don’t really understand that message. The message of promotion of Pride is one of toler- term. ance, understanding and of inclusiveness as a society that says GC: What does pride mean regardless of sexual orientation, race or religion, you are welcome. to you? People tend to want to push this thing only on the basis of sexual orientation. I look at that and say as the mayor of this city we are DB: Pride is really a celebra- here to support people. When you pick up the phone I don’t ask tion of a group of Calgarians you what colour you are and I don’t ask you what your sexual and Canadians who go out and demonstrate, or provide infor- orientation is because that is not important to me. What is impor- mation from my perspective, to other Calgarians particularly on tant is who you are as a person and what you contribute to this Calgary Pride Day. These are tax-paying Calgarians out there community. working away. It is about human rights and saying “We are your neighbours, your friends, taxpayers and voters.” GC: The mayor of Edmonton has participated in the pride parade, as well as for three years has hosted a fundraising brunch GC: How important has the gay tourism industry become to during Pride. Would you have any interest in participating in Calgary? similar activities? DB: From my perspective the tourism angle is one of a red her- DB: No. We do a proclamation every year for Pride day in Cal- ring, quite candidly. I know that came up during the campaign gary. last year. In reality tourism delivers a tourist product, and the product we have to deliver is a great city that’s safe, clean, with GC: There has been some controversy in past elections regard- lots of things to do, from rodeo events to going out to Banff just ing anti-gay candidates. How will city hall in the future protect like everyone else. It is not focused around people’s sexual orienta- minority groups from having people who are discriminatory, tion as to where they go to visit. I think Calgary is a friendly and whether against race, sexuality, or religion, from being a part of welcoming city and that’s the key. Visitors, wherever they happen local government? to originate from, are well received. Calgarians like to see people DB: I think there is no place in Canadian or Calgary society for who have spent the money in their town. that. Unfortunately people tend to use that as a political lightning GC: Since you brought that up, lets touch on it briefl y. That rod for their own agenda instead of looking at the Human Rights incident during the election debate and fi restorm that followed it... aspect. I believe that all Canadians have the right to freedom of speech, to practice their own religion and to their own sexual DB: There was no fi restorm that followed it, there were a few orientation. I think that candidates that use that as a vehicle, and people that decided to use it as an issue during the campaign. we have seen that in previous elections with one or two candidates There was no fi restorm. that want to use it to garner publicity and support for themselves. I think that is a clear demonstration of a void of any type of intel- GC: But it did get misconstrued… lectual thought or policy that you would like to take out to the DB: Absolutely it did. It was fi red up during an election for voter. So you have to go with anything that might get you some political reasons. publicity and we have certainly seen that in the past with some candidates. GC: So can you clarify for our readers what you meant by that? GC: Anything else you would like to add? DB:I meant exactly that Calgary should be promoted as a destination, not on the basis of people’s sexual orientation, if you truly DB: We have a great city here in Calgary, as you know, you live believe in human rights as I do. Calgary is a destination that is a here. It really speaks to what Calgary is all about - an opening welcoming and inviting city. We don’t go out there and say we are community that respects people’s right to their own lifestyle choic- catering to one segment of society based upon sexual orientation, es but at the same time is not afraid to say if that is your choice, it colour, race or religion; it’s not what we do. We promote a city that is your choice. It is not an issue with most Calgarians. Most look is safe and welcoming and we say “Calgary is a great place to vaca- at it as a human rights issue and say ”you know what, the charter tion and for tourism.” of human rights is there for a reason.” We want people that are contributing members to this community. And to be a contributing GC: Cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal have a gay member nobody asks you what your religion or sexual orientation area or street. 17th avenue SW and the Beltline have a very high is. gay population. What are your thoughts on having a “gay area” in Calgary? GC: Thank you for taking the time to speak to us. DB: I think Calgary has great streets that are welcoming to DB: You’re welcome. Take care.

46 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Stephen Mandel Pride Q&A with Edmonton’s Mayor

By Jason Clevett Interview Stephen Mandel moved to Edmonton from Wind- GC: Can you see another gay councilor in City Hall? sor, Ontario in 1972. He SM: If I am going to vote for someone it is because they was elected to city coun- are going to do a good job not because they have a particular cil in 2001 and elected anything. If someone runs and has a strong platform, sure. Edmonton’s 34th mayor That was Michael’s strength, he was a gay individual but he was a councilor fi rst. He stood up for what he believed in but in 2004. He is presently in that same belief was in individual rights, he would fi ght just his second term of offi ce. as strong for immigrant rights or any individual’s rights as he GC: What does pride mean would his own. Michael epitomized the kind of person you want to you? on City council, someone who fi ghts for what they believe in. SM: I think it is the ability GC: You raise the pride fl ag in front of city hall. When did for people to acknowledge who that start? they are, respect that and fl ourish with it. SM: I don’t know if we have done it before, I only know when GC: How important has the gay tourism industry become to I became mayor I decided to do it to support a very important Edmonton. part of our community. It would be the same thing if it were Ukranian or Polish. SM: I think it is a big industry. Communities need to be gay friendly, just like they would be friendly to everybody, to be GC: What has the reaction from the public been to the rain- open and welcome. It is an important industry across North bow fl ag? America, and we are as aggressive as anybody to make sure we SM: Nothing. I think it isn’t an issue. Those days are gone, get a share of every market. except for a very small, lunacy group. People accept it as part GC: Cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal have a gay of our society - let’s get on with life - which I am quite pleased area or street. West End Jasper Avenue has a very vibrant gay about. community. What are your thoughts on having a “gay area” in GC: There has been some controversy in past elections Edmonton? regarding anti-gay candidates, primarily an anti-gay mayoral SM: It is not something I have really thought that much candidate in the last election. How will city hall in the future about. I think it adds a great deal of vibrancy to the area. It protect minority groups from having people who are discrimi- will create industry for some creative businesses and creative natory, whether against race, sexuality, or religion, from being works. That is one of the really neat things if you do have a gay a part of local government? area; there is more creativity that will fl ow into the area, which SM: My belief is everybody has the right to express belief, would help the city. within the boundaries of our hate legislation. I thought that GC: You have participated in the Pride Parade in Edmonton, individual went beyond that, but when those issues were ap- as well as host the pride brunch. Why do you get involved with proached within the court system they didn’t feel that that pride events? Tell me more about the Mayor’s Pride Brunch in individual had gone too far. We must protect every individual’s support of Camp fYrefl y. rights. That includes the rights those whose say things I don’t like, as well as those who say things I somewhat agree SM: …I try not to treat it as anything different from being with and things that I do agree with. If they don’t protect the a city event. I am a big supporter of that event because it is a individual’s rights to express opinions, as long as it is within lot of fun. I don’t want to bring it down to individual rights be- the confi nes of accepted social legislative processes, then your cause I think that issue is slowly beginning to disappear. This and my rights will be taken away as well. is about sharing a good time with a neat group of people. As for the brunch, it helps raise money for a camp that helps young GC: Anything else you would like to add? people realize their sexual preferences and to deal with those SM: It is a great community, it is vibrant and fi nding its challenges and allow them to be open. roots. We are getting a reputation in the city as being friend- GC: Tell me how Michael Phair had an infl uence on the com- lier than we were before. It has a lot to do with people who are munity. part of the community, like Michael and many others, who have worked very hard to show it is an integral part of today’s SM: Michael is great; a warm, wonderful, kind, sweet, nice, Edmonton and tomorrow’s Edmonton. incredibly hard working young man. He is probably one of the most highly respected individuals in Edmonton and has done GC: Thank you very much for speaking with us. immense good for the gay community. He has not shied away SM: My pleasure. from his sexual preference but he has just shown what a fi ne person he is. He is loved in Edmonton, I can tell you that.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 47 Out of Town Eight Ways to Enjoy Boston

by Andrew Collins Travel With its tree-lined streets, spectacular gardens, and youthful yet intellectual personality, Boston’s The Boston Common has been the city hub since 1630. The side of the park fringed by Boylston and Tremont streets an easy city to love in the springtime. Winters last is more commercial than the stretch along stately Beacon a while in New England’s largest metropolis, but by Street, but the whole park merits exploration. The adjacent May the sidewalks buzz with pedestrian life and the Boston Public Garden, the centerpiece of which is a placid Charles River fi lls with kayaks and sailboats. One pond traversed in summer by foot pedal-powered swan boats, of the nation’s gay-friendliest cities, Boston encom- also contains several acres of formal gardens. Overlooking the Common stands Charles Bulfi nch’s golden-domed neoclassical passes a considerable range of charms, from presti- State House, where legislation was signed making the Bay State gious museums and historic parks to swish cocktail the fi rst (and so far only) one in the Union to legalize same-sex lounges and hipster-infested restaurants. Here’s marriage. a look at eight different ways to take advantage of One of the nation’s earliest urban residential neighborhoods, Boston’s myriad attributes: nearby Beacon Hill was settled in the early 1800s by the city’s wealthiest merchants and is today the domain of brick side- 1. Have breakfast or brunch in Jamaica Plain. walks, stately town houses, shade trees, and boutiques (the Once considered an out-of-the-way neighborhood whose best are on Charles Street.). shops and restaurants catered chiefl y to locals, the lesbian- 4. Hit the shops and galleries along Newbury Street in the popular Jamaica Plain neighborhood has grown up in recent Back Bay. years, especially as a culinary destination. It’s not far from lovely Back Bay Fens Park and its esteemed art museums, and The relatively young Back Bay (a tidal fl at before the 1860s) has several fi ne restaurants specializing in breakfast or brunch, - with its broad avenues of four-story town houses, its grid making it an apt spot to begin your day. layout, and its bustle of sidewalk cafes and swank boutiques - recalls Paris. It’s still one of Boston’s preeminent residential The longtime traditional favorite for breakfast is Sorella’s, a (and favorite walking) neighborhoods. Beacon and Marlborough small and bustling diner-style cafe that’s justly renowned for its streets are predominantly residential and contain impressive omelets stuffed with goat cheese, chorizo, and similarly enticing single-family homes. Commonwealth Avenue is divided by a ingredients. A bit more dapper and elegant inside, the French gracious grassy mall. The best area for whiling away an after- bistro Bon Savor serves up such delicious breakfast dishes as noon is Newbury Street, which is lined with offbeat boutiques fried-banana crepes and smoked salmon eggs Benedict. And and stylish eateries that range from high-end, up by the Public don’t overlook the airy Dogwood Cafe, with its hardwood fl oors, Garden, to funky and somewhat collegiate, down toward Mas- exposed-brick walls, and creative cuisine. Consider the blueber- sachusetts Avenue. ry buttermilk pancakes or the unusual-sounding but delicious “breakfast pizza” topped with scrambled eggs, breakfast sau- 5. Explore Harvard Yard. sage, applewood-smoked bacon, home fries, and mozzarella. Puritans settled Cambridge, just across the Charles River 2. Wander through Back Bay Fens Park and explore the city’s from Boston, in 1630 and soon after founded America’s fi rst two best art museums. university, Harvard, now a top tourist draw. Walking tours of campus are given daily and focus heavily on tree-shaded Har- North of Jamaica Plain and west of downtown Boston is the vard Yard. From here you’re steps from such vaunted cultural Fens, an amalgam of relatively modest residential and slightly institutions as the Widener Library, with the country’s second- scruffy industrial blocks and site of the campuses of Northeast- largest book collection; the Fogg Art Museum, whose 80,000 ern and Boston universities as well as Fenway Park, home to holdings concentrate mostly on European and American paint- baseball’s Boston Red Sox. ing; the Arthur M. Sackler Museum, which emphasizes Asiatic, The topographical feature that best defi nes the neighborhood, ancient Greek and Roman, and Egyptian, Buddhist, and however, is Back Bay Fens Park, the city’s only area of tidal Islamic art; and the mammoth Harvard University Museums of marshlands that was never fi lled in with gravel as Boston ex- Cultural and Natural History. panded. Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted converted Dozens of shops and eateries line the streets around Harvard this wilderness into a subtly manicured park. On its south side Square (where Massachusetts Avenue and John F. Kennedy is the Museum of Fine Arts, whose highlights include Asiatic Street intersect). Finish up your exploring with a scoop of the art and French Impressionists. The museum is in the midst of amazingly thick and delicious ice cream at Herrell’s, which is adding a dramatic new wing, slated for completion in 2010. To known for such fl avors as malted vanilla, chocolate pudding, the west is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a stunning and cookie-dough peanut-butter swirl. if idiosyncratic collection of paintings, drawings, textiles, and furniture (mostly Western European). 6. Have a progressive dinner along Tremont Street in the South End. 3. Stroll the Boston Common.

48 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 luxe bath amenities, and mini-bars stocked with unusual good- ies. Smaller and containing 112 rooms outﬁ tted with red-suede chairs and custom-designed desks, the Onyx Hotel exudes warmth and luxury. Just across the river in Cambridge, consider Kimpton’s supremely inviting Hotel Marlowe, whose 236 handsomely furnished rooms have animal-print carpets and opulent velvet fabrics. Guests can use bikes and kayaks (to paddle on the Charles River, just outside the door) for free. If you get a chance, grab dinner at the fabulous Bambara restaurant, which serves superb regional American fare to a sexy, see-and- be-seen crowd. Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA and eight additional travel guides. The Little Black Book

The Massachusetts Statehouse rises importantly over the historic Boston Common, a Aquitaine (569 Tremont St., 617-424-8577, www.aquitaineboston.com). perfect spot for a stroll on a sunny afternoon. (Photo by Andrew Collins) Bon Savor (617-971-0000, www.bonsavor.com). Boston Eagle (617- 542-4494). Club Cafe (617-536-0966, www.clubcafe.com). Dogwood Gentrifi ed steadily over the past two decades, Boston’s gay- Cafe (617-522-7997, www.dogwoodcafe.com). Franklin Cafe (617-350- popular South End neighborhood has become one of the East 0010, www.franklincafe.com). Fritz (617-482-4428, www.fritzboston. Coast’s great dining destinations, and it’s diffi cult to narrow com). Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau (617-536-4100 down the many fi ne choices to just a few. A solution to this di- or 888/SEE-BOSTON, www.bostonusa.com). Hamersley’s Bistro lemma is to plan a leisurely, progressive dinner at three South (617-423-2700, www.hamersleysbistro.com). Herrell’s Ice Cream (617- 497-2179, www.herrells.com). Hotel Marlowe (617-868-8000 or 800- End restaurants, sampling one or two dishes at each place. 825-7140, www.hotelmarlowe.com). Hotel Nine Zero (617-772-5800 or Start at one of the neighborhood’s fi rst restaurants to earn 866-906-9090, www.ninezero.com). Onyx Hotel (617-557-9955 or 800- major acclaim, Hamersley’s Bistro, where you won’t go wrong KIMPTON, www.onyxhotel.com). Sorella’s (617-524-2016). with either the crispy duck confi t with beet-walnut salad, or the spicy halibut and clam roast with bacon-braised greens. Next, venture a few doors down to Aquitaine, where you might sample house-cured salmon with creme fraiche and pomegranate, or tender braised pork with mashed celery root and sauteed spinach. Be warned: This beautiful-peopled yet surprisingly low-key bistro is often packed. Enjoy your fi nal dining course at the cozy and gay-popular Franklin Cafe, which is open late and serves terrifi c seasonal contemporary fare. You might tuck into a plate of garlic-grilled calamari with white beans and basil pesto, or the sunfl ower-crusted chicken with chive-mashed potatoes and tarragon jus. 7. Go bar-hopping in the South End. The South End is home to three of the city’s longest-running and most popular gay bars, making it a favorite neighborhood for barfl ies. Club Cafe draws the most mixed-gender crowd and is also home to an excellent restaurant. It’s largely the domain of smartly dressed professionals - there’s a sophisticated cocktail lounge-cabaret that gets busy after work, and a larger, cruisier (though more attitude-y) video bar in back. Long ago a fi xture of the city’s leather scene, the Boston Eagle has gradually shifted into a more laid-back but fi ercely popular cruise-and-chat bar with a mostly male crowd of guys in their 30s and 40s. This intimate, if cramped, tavern is justly known for its cheap and potent cocktails. Finally, the dapper- looking Fritz bar is often described as Boston’s gay Cheers - it’s busiest around happy hour and on Sunday afternoons. 8. Stay in a hip boutique hotel. In addition to the usual chains and several gay-friendly B&Bs, Boston has several snazzy little boutique hotels that have a strong following among gay travelers. There are three outposts of the gay-friendly (and pet-welcoming) Kimpton Group, including the stately Nine Zero, overlooking Boston Common, which is home to the opulent KO Prime steakhouse and contains 190 units furnished with super-cushy bedding,

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 49 NDPs and Liberals Seek End to Discrimination Conservatives say “No”

By Benjamin Hawkcliff Community News It has been ten years since the landmark battle for rights of Vriend vs. Alberta. Delwin Vriend sued orientation as a ground protected against discrimination?” the government for allowing discrimination based on Mr. Blackett responded with a resounding no. sexual orientation, which came to a head in 1998 ”Given that your so-called consultation on the issue has no when the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the budget, no timetable associated with it, will you admit that provincial government could not exclude GLB indi- there is no consultation process and that you’re simply trying viduals from human rights legislation. to delay until the issue maybe gets dropped?” Notley asked in response. A decade later, the human rights code has still not been amended to include sexual orientation. This was brought up “I am not going to admit that,” replied Blackett. “I never on April 16, 2008 in legislature by Offi cial Opposition MLA said the word consultation. I talked about review in the con- Kent Hehr (Calgary Buffalo). text of, fi rst, within our department. You’re trying to put words in my mouth, and I’m not going to agree to this.” “In recent days Albertans celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Vriend versus Alberta decision,” Hehr is quoted saying. When Notley pressed by asking if the PC government has “After several years in provincial courts, the Supreme Court of written policy that opposes homophobia and discrimination Canada at last ruled that the provincial government could not based on sexual orientation, he replied “As it stands right exclude gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered people from now, the implication from the Supreme Court decision is that human rights legislation. Delwin Vriend’s struggle began in a gays and lesbians are protected in Alberta, and if individuals very different world from the one we enjoy today. The cur- were to go to our website or talk to anybody on the Human rent level of acceptance for various sexual orientations is far Rights Commission, they would fi nd out that they are indeed greater than that of the early 1990s. To stand up for a just but protected, and we will stand up for them.” unpopular case required tremendous courage. The personal A week later, Hehr once again brought up the subject. cost of standing up for yourself or for a minority group often far outweighs any benefi t that an individual may gain. But “Last week the hon. Minister of Culture and Community perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised by Vriend’s outspoken Spirit indicated in no uncertain terms that this government determination; these are typical Albertan traits. Despite the would not add sexual orientation to the enumerated list of challenges he faced – and there were many – Vriend proved protections already granted in human rights legislation. To that an individual citizen can bring about change if he or she the minister. History has shown that when a minority group shows the strength to act for the common good. such as disability or race is listed as a protected ground of discrimination, the members of that group gradually suffer less ”In this the 27th Alberta Legislature we have the opportuni- prejudice. Can the minister tell me why race and disability are ty to celebrate the power of the individual and to recognize the currently enumerated grounds but not sexual orientation?” fundamental human rights of thousands of Albertans. This Legislature should act as quickly as possible and explicitly “I’ve said in this Legislature before, we are going through extend protection for sexual orientation to our human rights a review of the entire Human Rights Commission. Issues of code. Doing so would ensure that Albertans facing discrimi- sexual orientation will be looked at if and when we decide to nation will have explicit recourse in the legal system, but implement new legislation,” Blackett replied. more importantly it will show that we as a society value each and every one of its members regardless of who or how those “These Albertans deserve equal protection under Alberta members choose to love. Mr. Speaker, we are near the end of law. In fact, they need it more now than other minority groups the fi rst decade of the 21st century. It is long past the time for in Alberta today. To the same minister: when considering the Alberta to join the other Canadian jurisdictions by explicitly effectiveness of our human rights legislation, how does this recognizing and protecting civil rights of our gay, lesbian, minister explain to a gay, bisexual, lesbian, transgendered, transgendered, and bisexual citizens.” or transsexual individual the current decision of this government?” Hehr asked. On May 15th, NDP MLA Rachel Notley (Edmonton Strath- cona) again asked the Minister of Culture Lindsay Blackett “As I will explain to Murray Billett, who’s an advocate for (Calgary NW) to amend the human rights code to prohibit gay and lesbian rights in this province later on this afternoon, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. they are protected under legislation now as mandated by the Supreme Court decision. Right now on any type of complaint “Here in Alberta the government still won’t amend the hu- they are respected and they are protected, and we will con- man rights code to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex- tinue to do so.” ual orientation. To the minister responsible for human rights: in the spirit of striking an important blow against homopho- Hehr then spoke from his own experience as a quadriplegic, bia, will the minister reconsider his previous statements and a result of being an innocent victim in a drive by shooting in do the right thing by introducing legislation to include sexual 1991. Continued on Page 65 50 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 “She’s A Boy I Knew” An Interview With Director Gwen Haworth

By Mercedes Allen Review | Theatre Bold, honest and tinged with a healthy dose of levity, Gwen Haworth’s fi lm, “She’s A Boy I Knew” fi lm. How much does time heal that, and how much do you think will continue to linger? (showing recently at the Fairy Tales International Film Festival), is an excellent jumping-in point for Gwen: I realized even before telling my parents that I need- coming to an understanding of transsexualism and ed to let them go through their emotional reactions, whatever seeing it with a human face - as well as witnessing they may be. I needed to let them know it was okay to express their fears and apprehension. If I had rebuked everything I the dramatic changes that others also experience didn’t agree with by saying “Yes, but…” then I don’t think when confronted with the reality of a transgendered they’d be in my life at this point. loved one. Not just a “transgender movie,” “She’s A We’ve all healed much more than I initially expected. Boy I Knew” has much to say universally on gen- There’ll always be those moments where they’ll miss their son, der, relationships and identity, through the raw and but time does help, especially as new experiences convey to frank experiences of the director and her family. my mom that my life isn’t going to be doom and gloom. She was incredibly happy that I completed my graduate degree and GayCalgary: Although documenting your own transition, the fi lm. She also loves my partner Heidi, and I’m sure when your fi lm really is as much or more about your family and we have her grandchildren, all will be right in her world. spouse, and their discovery of what your transition meant to them. How did the fi lming affect the dynamic between you GC: In the fi lm, you speak of the pre-transition self-im- and your family? Was it embarrassing or painful hearing posed isolation you’d lived, and the new openness that you’ve some of their responses in interviews? found since becoming Gwen. Would you consider this one of the vital themes of the fi lm, and a demonstration of the harm- Gwen Haworth: The fi lm is an ode to my family. It’s defi - ful effect of Gender Identity Disorder? nitely brought me closer to them. I had already heard most of what they said during my transition, but because I was now Gwen: Absolutely, although I would say it’s more a repre- hearing everything at once, it was intense. The editing process sentation of the harmful effects caused by our society’s limited was incredibly emotional. I was reliving the most turbulent view of gender as binary. The impact on trans folk is only an moments of my life over and over again, and so I shed many amplifi cation of how rigid and suffocating gender roles are on tears during the process. It was very cathartic. Almost like a almost everyone’s individual self-expression. debriefi ng session for the past seven years. GC: You’ve said that your decision to document your GC: Were you surprised at how deep their own transition transition was because of the dearth of positive and accurate was? depictions of transgender people in fi lm history. Do you see this changing, and why do you feel that this is important? Gwen: I was surprised that they were still in my life! Almost everything I’d seen in the media had suggested they wouldn’t Gwen: That’s the great thing about video cameras and the have anything to do with me. Internet. Sure there’s a lot on YouTube that you wouldn’t call high art or quality entertainment, but more importantly, the GC: At one point, you mention the diffi culty your father had technology gives everyday people a voice, something that was telling your grandparents about the change you were making. non-existent when I was a teenager. There’s a more visible and There’s an old adage that as we come out of the closet, often diverse community out there, and that helps people recognize our family goes in. Was this your family’s experience? How they don’t have to go it alone, or conform to antiquated no- has it changed? tions of what it means to be transgender. Gwen: The fi rst year or so my parents didn’t tell anyone. As The trans community’s self-representation is incredibly im- it became more apparent to them that this wasn’t going to go portant because the media’s representation of trans folk still away, they moved beyond the shock & denial, and began the sucks. Sure, there are now characters that are more likeable, long road to acceptance. They’re still working on it, but we’ve but if you look at the big picture, most of the representations all defi nitely come a long way. show the trans individual as having little power or personal In fact, a few days ago my mom went with my partner Hei- agency, unless it’s tied to their gender or sexual status. di’s mom down to the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival to When the media continues to only select a small segment present the fi lm. How incredibly amazing is that! The audience of the trans community to heavily represent, society (including was so appreciative of the moms for being supportive parents trans folk) can easily be led into believing that those lifestyles to their queer children. I can’t wait to see how this experience and ways of presenting yourself are the only options that exist affects my mom, in the months to come. for us. The media drums it into our head and then we start to GC: It’s common for parents to have some sense of mourn- believe it, become it, and even self-police. It’s frightening. ing and guilt, both evidenced on a couple of occasions in the That’s why I absolutely hate the statement, “I’m a woman

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 51 trapped in a man’s body.” It’s a dumbed-down over-simplifi ca- up quite easily to others, but I still catch myself shutting down tion of transsexuality that has an incredible amount of stigma around my family. Especially my father. It’s something I’m attached to it. It belongs to those stock phrases that are as- sure I’ll be working on for years to come. sumed to be a part of every transsexual woman’s repertoire, such as, “I played with my sister’s dolls,” “I never liked com- GC: Some of the interviewees in the fi lm refer to those fi rst petitive sports,” “I was disgusted by my genitals,” and “I would few months of fi nding your style, sort of as a “wobbly chick” have killed myself by now if I didn’t transition.” I don’t relate recently hatched. Is it sometimes diffi cult to look back at that to these statements. As a child, I was repelled by the repre- footage of yourself in early transition or pre-transition? sentations of transsexuals that I saw on television, because I Gwen: It was incredibly horrifying! Especially my awkward didn’t see myself in any of them. I was sure I didn’t want to be cross-dressing footage. I used to cringe at it, but at a certain a sex trade worker, use my gender for stage performance, or point realized I needed to get over myself. Editing the fi lm be some guy’s fetish object. Like most people, my gender was helped me learn to laugh at myself, embrace my vulnerabili- just one of countless aspects of my identity, not something ties, and generally accept myself, quirks and all. that I wanted to consume my entire personality and life. GC: In earlier versions of transgender treatment – still Even today, non-trans fi lmmakers are still pretty dismal at adhered to by some therapists in the Western world, today – it portraying transsexual women. Where are the diverse rep- was required that a transitioning person cut all ties to their resentations and the empowered individuals? Where are the former life, their family, their friends, and their jobs. You’ve trans women who don’t identify as heterosexual after they clearly not done that, stating that you “didn’t jump out of one transition, or the ones who aren’t overtly feminine? Watching closet just to jump into another.” Can you imagine what life the television, you’d think coming out as a transsexual women would have been like if the older standards of care were forced means that I’d have to give up my reality as a complex human upon you? being with my own unique balance of masculinity & feminin- ity, in the obsessive pursuit to make sure everybody reads my Gwen: If I had been faced with that ultimatum in 2002, I gender identity correctly. The overused stock images of trans- would have very likely used an alternative route or the black sexual women putting on lipstick and heels make me want to market to transition. I realize in the past that therapists were puke. I’ll stick to my Converse and combat boots, thank you concerned about safety issues, but I think they were incred- very much! ibly unperceptive of the damage they did to people by asking them to sever their ties from friends and family. The trans GC: Are there things that we could be doing better, given population has a high suicide rate due to depression, which is some occasional issues of self-image, complacency or reckless- obviously aggravated by the isolation people feel when they’ve ness (and by this, I don’t mean to point fi ngers at any par- lost most of their strong relationships. I relied heavily on the ticular cross-section) within the transgender community that emotional support of my friends and family during my transi- could stem the tide of these depictions? tion. It would have been devastating without them. I think Gwen: Yikes! This is such a complicated topic that I don’t it’s completely irresponsible of any therapist nowadays to still think I can suffi ciently answer it here. One of the fi lms I’m require this from most of their clients. hoping to complete in the next few years is about internalized GC: You mention in the past looking in back alleys for transphobia and how the media perpetuates self-hate. It’s clothing, because of the fear of overtly shopping for it. Society something many people grapple with at one time or another, has a clear double standard in that women can dress up just so I’m sure it’ll strike a chord. to feel good about themselves, but male-bodied persons who I will however state that I don’t believe in squashing any- do so are automatically assumed to be “fetishists” by main- one’s self-expression “for the betterment of the community.” stream society. What needs to be done to break this percep- I don’t think this is the right approach. It saddens me when tion? LGBT communities ostracize individuals for being too gay, too Gwen: It defi nitely was an issue for me before and through femme, or too fl amboyant. To me, the whole idea of trying to my transition. Even now I’m still struggling with how to pro- streamline the LGBT community’s self-representation in order actively address this. There’s a wonderful writer, fi lmmaker, to be more palatable to non-queers is counterproductive, as it and performance artist in Vancouver by the name of Michael V buys into the self-hate that many of us are trying to overcome. Smith. He has done some amazing work around these issues. GC: In the fi lm, you comment about sometimes slipping I admire him for his ability to put it all out there, to be incred- back into the non-communicative mode you’d learned growing ibly honest and vulnerable, to help us think about our own up. While the existence of transsexuality demonstrates that self-expression. much of our identity is biologically driven, there are still rami- GC: You mention the courage it takes for our loved ones to fi cations that our socialization plays in our lives. How much give up the ambitions that they had for us. What are the new of an obstacle do you see that to be? ambitions – yours and theirs – for you now? Gwen: I saw it being a bigger obstacle in the past than I Gwen: Our biggest ambition is probably for me to pay down do nowadays. Before, I was afraid of standing out, of how my the nearly $100,000 debt that I’ve incurred from transitioning voice would sound, of the masculine qualities I had acquired genders, graduate school, and making this fi lm. Due to inter- growing up. Nowadays I embrace my idiosyncrasies and rec- est, my debt is steadily growing and I can see bankruptcy as a ognize all people have a balance of masculine and feminine huge potential in the next year or so. qualities inside of them. On a brighter note, when my life is fi nancially under con- The place I am struggling the most is in breaking down trol, Heidi and I are eagerly looking to start our family, which the wall I put up between my family and my emotions. I come is defi nitely an ambition our two moms are anxious to see from a long line of strong stoic men who talk in a monotone come to fruition! to their family. I don’t think any of us would have chosen this for ourselves, but we were conditioned in our formative years and it’s incredibly hard to deprogram. I can emotionally open

52 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Music Review Funplex, Live 3, Crayons, Hard Candy

By Rob Diaz-Marino Review | Music “Funplex” by The B-52’s If this was my fi rst time hear- delivers a mixed bag of high energy dance songs, ballads, and ing the B-52’s, my question would more. be “what is all this random hippie crap?” Don’t get me wrong, I’m just A big name in the 1970’s and 1980’s for her breakthrough as much of a fan of Love Shack as fusions of R&B, soul, pop, funk, rock, and disco, Summer’s the next homo but, just about ev- last album release was in 1991. “Crayons” is guaranteed to eryone I mentioned the new album put her back on the charts right quick! to was super excited over it. So I “Every song is a different color. Since I’m also a visual art- feel like there might be something ist, that title ties a lot of those loose ends of my life together,” wrong with me for not responding favourably to this new al- says Summer. The title track, Crayons is admittedly her bum. Yes, “booo” on me! favorite, and in my opinion the best on the album. “The This is their fi rst CD release of the 21st century, and band song wrote itself pretty quickly. Taking it to the next level, member Fred Schneider comments that this new album we infl uence each other in life. …Everybody gets crayons at sounds updated from their 70’s hits. “It’s the B-52s now – or some point in their lives, everybody can relate to the basics. It fi fteen years from now.” I certainly can’t fault the band for comes down to that child in us…” not being energetic and having their own quirky and distinct Other memorable tracks are Stamp Your Feet, and Fame sound, but perhaps it’s all that wild and whimsical energy (The Game). If you like a little Hispanic fl avour, Drivin’ Down that makes me feel almost exhausted listening to them. Brazil will give you a thrill! Nonetheless, there were a few tracks that caught my fancy. Pump gets you going right off the bat - its bass line and guitar riffs build a sense of anticipation for the excitement to come. “Hard Candy” by Madonna Juliet of the Spirits had an yearning melody that grabbed me, Brace yourselves, Madonna fans, and Deviant Ingredient was fun and cheeky. this is not the high energy dance album you were hoping for. I was a little let down too, but after get- “Global Groove: Live 3” by DJ David ting past that fact I realized there Knapp and DJ Escape is still quite a good selection of The thing about groove is that it songs. all the songs sound the same - that’s not accidental, it’s the very defi nition Candy Shop starts the collection of groove. For those who get into it, off with a cheeky analogy for sex, this CD is 75 minutes of enjoyment. as she sings about being a “one- For those like me who appreciate stop candy shop” that is “sticky and sweet”. The next track, 4 diversity of melody and rhythm, it Minutes is a collaboration with Justin Timberlake, however its can be slightly monotonous. discordant rap feel left me pretty cold. As with the past albums in the series, the continuous mix Many of my favorite tracks were more upbeat numbers, maintains a steady rhythm and each track touches on a sim- such as Give It 2 Me, She’s Not Me, and Dance 2night. In ple overlay of vocals and bass. No particular song really takes particular, I loved the sense of happy abandonment and hold, making the CD ideal as background music for work or snap back to reality in Incredible, but I also quite enjoyed the driving. However, some tracks might sound familiar, as they slightly sad and nostalgic tone of Miles Away. are special remixes of songs from top artists that have defi ned dance music over the past decade. Spanish Lesson on the other hand struck me as fun, even a little bit silly. She seems to, literally, try teaching the listener Three tracks in particular jumped out at me because of a common set of Spanish phrases, but explaining them to their stronger melodies: The Boss, have very specifi c, personal meanings. Eye Can See U, and E.Q. (I am an Effect for You). Otherwise, aside The CD ends off with Voices, which conveys a very dark from fi nding Chaa Chaa Chaa a and diabolical sense of confoundment about who is really in bit annoying, the rest of the tracks control of their life and love. It asks “who is the master, who grooved on by. is the slave” - a very sombre melody, somewhat reminiscent of a theme from “The Matrix” in its fi rst few bars.

“Crayons” by Donna Summer Even if you’re only into Madonna for her dance anthems, By far my favorite album of this “Hard Candy” is still worth a listen. It’s further demonstration month’s batch, Donna Summer of what a dynamic artist she can be.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 53 Womonspace Hits the Green

By Allison Brodowski Community Event With Pride fast approaching, people of all sorts are coming out of the woodwork. From supportive event, including golf. If you only want to partake in the camping and BBQ steak dinner, the cost is only $35. For community churches to the Asexual Visibility Edu- further information contact Womonspace or go online. cation Network (AVEN) to bois in Mustaches and queens in all their best sequins the many diverse Since its inception in 1981 Womonspace has been fi lling representative faces of the community are going to the niche for lesbian events in the Edmonton community. Now hosting ten dances each year along with a variety of hit center stage reminding us of what a mixed bag other social events, they are fulfi lling their mission state- our culture really is. ment by “providing opportunities for lesbians to interact Often in the queer community it is diffi cult for a single and support each other in a safe environment, and con- organization to reach all the niche markets present under tribute to the broader community.” the rainbow. The defi nition of family becomes somewhat Run by an enthusiastic volunteer board of directors fl uid especially in Alberta where red neck sensibilities lie Womonspace is continuing to expand its membership, as close to the surface and we remain ten years behind most well as publishing a monthly newsletter created by open other large cities lie in terms of visible community. Part of submissions through the website (www.womonspace.ca). maintaining that visibility involves allowing that community to be accessible by those who have recently discovered Also offered online is an extensive resource page cover- it as a missing part in their lives; and often the best way ing much of the available Edmonton queer outlets and to get involved is by attending events that pique additional organizations, upcoming events, and an open discussion common interests in your life. forum with a variety of topics from coming out to adoption. Through the years, sport has played the role of bringing So if your looking for a relaxing weekend away, with together large parts of the lesbian community (How many good food, even better golf and good old fashioned camp softball jokes to you know?), and the tradition is continu- fi re sing-alongs late into the night, gather together a ing with the Carol Cattell Golf Classic, being held on the couple of friends and head out to the Carol Cattell Golf July 18th weekend by Womonspace. Classic in July. The golfi ng weekend is jam packed with things to do. Womonspace presents The ticket cost gets you lunch and a BBQ steak dinner Carol Cattell Golf Classic on Saturday (with a vegetarian option), a private camping July 18th – 22nd, 2008 area from Friday until Tuesday, and nine holes of golf in [email protected] Bradshaw, Alberta. Registration forms are already online, www.womonspace.ca so get your team signed up now - there are only 72 spots available and the deadline is July 1st. Tickets are $65 dollars for members $75 for non members for the whole

54 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 The Works Art and Design Festival

By Ian Krell Community Event The Works Festival, now in its 23rd year, is a free, all-ages arts and design festival taking place across Encompassing four holidays, including National Aborigi- nal Day and Multicultural Day, The Works Festival truly is 28 locations in Edmonton. Beginning June 20th a celebration of Art. Through the widespread public venues, and continuing for thirteen days, the festival is the viewer participation, and the open call to enter, the festival largest of its kind in North America, showcasing makes art accessible to the everyday person. For the casual work from a wealth of Canadian and international individual seeking entertainment, the tents at Sir Winston artists. This year’s festival begins a three-year theme Churchill Square provide the perfect diversion for an after- entitled “The Big Picture”, with each festival having noon, while the guided tours will stimulate the art enthusi- a sub-theme: “Water” for this year, “Heat” for next asts of Edmonton. year, and “Earth” for 2010. The series of festivals focuses on exhibits highlighting sustainability and The Works Art and Design Festival environmental consciousness, combining “art, sus- Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB tainability, and social responsibility in an exciting June 20 - July 2, 2008 matter, while provoking discussion.” www.theworks.ab.ca The Works Festival was established in 1986 by The Works International Visual Arts Society, an organization dedicated to “[promoting] the visual arts among the public at large and the artistic community by developing, producing and mar- keting special projects, programs and events that elicit the continued fi nancial support of sponsors in the public and private sectors and the professional support of the artistic community.” Anyone, from students to professional artists, can submit works in any genre, from traditional (paintings, sculptures) to the more cutting edge (graffi ti, “sonic instal- lations”), to be considered for exhibition in the festival. Festival-goers can watch artists as they work, or even create their own pieces. Although the large outdoor site at Sir Winston Churchill Square offers artisans, live music, and international food, the festival also utilizes over 25 unusual venues such as offi ce lobbies, restaurants, hotels, and even the YMCA to showcase the exhibits, many of which are as unique as their venues. One such piece “[challenges] Edmontonians to go 24 hours without their cell phones. The collected cell phones will be suspended from the ceiling of a tent and will be al- lowed to ring and text away for 24 hours.” Another one of the featured exhibits is that of Artist-In-Residence, Richard Watts, entitled “Arc”. He will be creating a “new large-scale work as he sandblasts away the practical, functional aspects of boats and transforms them into unfamiliar, animal-like creations. ...Using industrial and Biblical metaphors, ‘Arc’ connects with global issues of water, energy and environ- mentalism.” This year’s festival also coincides with Quebec’s 400th anniversary, and The Works Festival has taken advantage of the opportunity to celebrate French Canadian art. Local French entertainment, including music, spoken word, and drama, can be heard on The Works Street Stage, and bilin- gual tours of the exhibits run three times daily. Keeping with the spirit of participation, festival-goers can also help create the largest French collage at City Hall.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 55 56 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Edmonton Pride Week 2008 Edmonton Celebrates Pride the Mardi Gras Way

By Dallas Barnes Community Event The Edmonton Pride Week Society proudly presents Pride Week 2008: Mardi Gras, Unmasked and Outrageous, running from June 13th to the 22nd. This event will keep Edmonton abuzz with awards galas, the parade, and a variety of interesting events and venues. Kicking off Pride this year are the 2008 Pride Awards, which recognize the many contributions made by individuals and organizations to the gay community. Feel free to nominate Tickets are $5 in advance at the Pride Centre. an individual or organization of your choice by visiting www. prideedmonton.org. The awards will be held at City Hall on To end this spectacular week Pride Edmonton presents the June 13th at 7:00pm, and will feature the raising of the Pride Pride Week Mardi-Gras Gayla, a dance that mixes entertain- fl ag. ment and fashion. Located at the University of Alberta’s Enterprise Square, this must-go extravaganza runs from 8pm The highlight of Edmonton Pride 2008 is, of course, the to midnight. Encompassing a Louisiana/Creole Mardi Gras Pride Parade, followed by the Celebration on the Square. theme, party-goers will enjoy a Creole live band, so make sure Although the parade is always a fabulous event, this year you dress up! there will be cash prizes awarded to the best entrants in three categories: best fl oat, best vehicle, and best walking entry. There is nothing better the morning after a big event, than Travelling down Jasper Avenue, the parade eventually ends at an even bigger breakfast. The Pride Centre of Edmonton is Sir Winston Churchill Square, where the Celebration begins. hosting a pancake, egg, sausage, and vegetarian family break- Attracting a diverse and ever-growing crowd, the Celebration fast on June 22nd from 11am to 1pm. on the Square offers food vendors, buskers, beer gardens, a community and business fair, and fantastic entertainment If you are still up and running after this full week, why not featuring Edmonton’s own Vanity Fair and Bianca on the main check out the Team Edmonton: Come Out and Play Day, run- stage. This year, to widen the scope of entertainment, there ning from 2pm to 6pm at the Kinsmen Sports Centre. Take will also be a family fun-zone for all ages to enjoy. The offi cial part in a preview of all the summer sport events including start to Pride Week, the Celebration lasts from 3pm to 8pm on yoga, tennis, and volleyball, ending with a free barbeque at June 14th. 5pm. At 3:30 make sure to check out the Third Annual Gay Cup at Field 2 of the Kinsmen Sports Centre, where the Rain- A highly publicized event at this year’s Pride is the Mayor’s bow Slo Pitch team attempts to take the Championship back Pride Brunch in support of Camp fYrefl y. In its third year, the from the Edmonton Police team. This is a free event, just show brunch is held at Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe on June up to play or take a seat and cheer on your favourite team! 15th, and the $40 ticket includes an admission to the Art Gal- lery of Alberta. “Camp fYrefl y is Canada’s largest leadership The time and effort that the Edmonton Pride Week Society retreat for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identifi ed, two-spirited, has put into this week of festivities is obvious. The events queer, and allied (LGBTTQ&A) youth.” Founded in 2004, the appeal to all facets of the community, and they have taken camp has helped over 100 youths aged 14 to 24 build leader- the steps to ensure family-friendliness - something lacking in ship skills, self-esteem, and social understanding. Tickets for many past Pride Festivals. In order to continue making Pride this event are available at the University of Alberta’s bookstore Edmonton a success and to promote its growth, public sup- and online. port is necessary. The Edmonton Pride Week Society has made it fun to get out there and strengthen your community. Why If you didn’t manage to catch this year’s Fairytales Film not take some time to celebrate who you are? Festival in Calgary, you can still catch two nights of full-length documentaries and short fi lms featured at this year’s screen- Anyone can take part in this event by sponsoring, display- ings. The Queer Images GLB Film Festival runs June 18th and ing an exhibit booth, or participating in the parade. There are 19th at Edmonton’s Metro Cinema, beginning at 7:00pm both a variety of options available on the Edmonton Pride Week evenings. Society website, just make sure you sign up by the deadline of June 8th. Catch up on Pride events, and stay involved! Exact fi lm information and timesn can be found at www. prideedmonton.org. For youth under 25, Pride can sometimes feel like an Pride Week 2008 “adults-only” kind of event. That changes with this year’s Pride Mardi Gras, Unmasked and Outrageous Youth Animé Masquerade. This afternoon and evening event June 13th – 22nd, 2008 on June 20th is non-alcoholic, and features movies, video www.prideedmonton.org games, and ends with an Animé-themed Masquerade dance.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 57 Pride Calgary 2008 It’s Time To Show Your Pride!

By Dallas Barnes Community Event Pride Calgary offi cially kicks off its 2008 season this coming June 8th at 12 noon, as thousands of spectators come to Stephen Avenue to watch a celebration like no other. As the second largest parade in Calgary (next to the Stampede Parade), gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trans-identifi ed, and two-spirited, as well as their allies proudly display their unity in diversity. Pride celebrations occur internationally, immortalizing the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Perhaps the most frequented bar publishing the letter. Undeterred, Dr. Lund continued his fi ght in New York “by hustlers, drag queens, bar-dykes and other with a letter to the chief government human rights offi cial. An young, restless homosexuals”, the Stonewall Inn was a target appeal was granted, and the pastor was held responsible for of New York City Police’s fi ght for Puritanism and social mo- “publication of the letter which contained the infl ammatory, rality. Often raided, the Inn’s patrons were frequently jailed, hateful, and untruthful comments being complained about.” A beaten, raped, and humiliated by New York’s authorities. true crusader for human rights, Dr. Darren E. Lund repre- Nevertheless, this ”underbelly of society” continued to stand sents what Pride Calgary is celebrating. proud and celebrate who they were by going right back to the Inn. Following behind Dr. Lund will be a multicolored grouping of individuals, groups, non-profi t organizations, and busi- On June 21st, 1969, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn had nesses on fl oats, cars, trucks, and on foot – marching by the enough. Rather than being taken down without a fi ght, hun- estimated 3500 plus spectators. The parade will lead into dreds of gays, lesbians, drag queens, butch dykes, and any Olympic Plaza (7th Street and MacLeod Trail SW) where the other customer that happened to wander in on that fateful Street Gala will be held. From 12 noon until 6pm there will evening, rebelled. Unbeknownst to them, they set a precedent be enough entertainment, food, drink, and businesses to keep for all queer communities. After three days of rioting police you occupied for the whole afternoon. were unable to take down a crowd that had now grown into thousands. With the few that they did arrest, the media cap- On stage, local Calgary DJs will be spinning all day, while tured the cruelty and homophobia that was blatantly occur- countless brave souls cool off in the wading pool. There will ring in plain sight. In a decade of change and social liberation, be a large beer garden, quenching the thirst of many, and a this complete hatred and discrimination became a catalyst variety of food vendors happy to keep you fed throughout the for the establishment of the Gay Rights Movement. Today, we day. Spread throughout the park will be local businesses, celebrate this victory through Pride. non-profi ts, and organizations, showing you what they have to offer and keeping you informed of what is happening in Calgary has been offi cially celebrating Pride for 18 years. Calgary. This is a perfect opportunity to get involved! Kids will In 1990, 192 brave and proud souls rallied, some with paper also have a great time at this family-friendly event with the bags over their heads, to march down the streets of Calgary. infl atable castle in the Adventure Zone, conveniently placed Calgary Pride, as we know it today, really only began in 1991. next to the Lost and Found Tent - just in case. The parade was led by The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch with Empress XIV Tiffany and Double-Crown On June 24th, Pride Calgary 2008 will close with its largest Emperor XI & XIV Kris the Kaiser in the lead car. event ever, Celebration 2008. This occasion will bring together the community and their allies through dance and entertain- On June 8th this year, the Parade will be lead by Parade ment. Located at the exquisite Chinese Cultural Centre (197 Marshall Dr. Darren E. Lund. Dr. Lund is a professor at 1st Street SW), Celebration 2008 promises to be an affair to the University of Calgary, and a Human Rights Advocate. In remember. DJs Wax Romeo and Christina Skeith will bring 2002, a local pastor working with troubled youth in Red Deer, the house down with tunes that will appeal to all. Memorable sent a letter to the Red Deer Advocate claiming that “our performances by the fabulous Khole Dube, Sydney Sterling, children, your grandchildren, are being strategically targeted, and Pride Calgary’s Princess will knock your socks off, as will psychologically abused and brainwashed by homosexual and the presentations by the Silver Fever Dance Troupe, Fake pro-homosexual educators.” Apparently the concept of being Mustache, and The Latin Corner Dance Studio. With a little an alienated and tormented gay youth in a small town didn’t luck, you could leave at the end of the night with a portion of register with this pastor. the $1500 of door prizes! Lund disagreed with the pastor’s assertion, and fi led a com- The Pride Calgary Association has worked tirelessly through plaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission. It wasn’t the last few months to make sure that this year’s Pride is the until 2005 that a ruling was passed, dismissing the charge as best ever. They would like to thank their volunteers, spon- a failure in judgment on behalf of the Red Deer Advocate in sors, and vendors for all of their support. There has been

58 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 some amazing suggestions and feedback from the Calgary gay BIG GAY LAUGHS - From Page 11 community, and the Pride Board wants to ensure that they hear what is being said. There is a renewed energy amongst Julie Hagerty. It’s kind of a big New York fashion magazine/ the Board to ensure that Pride Calgary is just as large as that Devil Wears Prada type of story. I play Allon who is (lead char- of other major metropolitan cities in Canada. There is an im- acter) Isla Fisher’s confi dante and partner-in-crime for her to mense gay community in Calgary, and the Pride Board wants get the job and get the guy. The gay part will always be second- to make sure that they are recognized and introduced to the ary in a big budget movie, but we’ll get there. city. Q: Besides the two movies, and the upcoming season 3 of It is said that the best advertisement is word-of-mouth, and BGSS, what’s next for you that you can tell us? the Pride Board has realized this within the last year. It is A: I might be doing a play in New York; I’m up for a couple so important to spread the word about what is offered in the shows on ABC. Nothing else is set in stone. I can’t commit for community, and the Board encourages everyone to bring a anything else until I get word on the third season of the con- friend or two to the events. Keep informed of all Pride informa- tract. Since Logo is not covered by Neilson ratings, the network tion by checking out the Pride Calgary website at www.pride- depends on iTunes sales and DVD sales to foot the bill. calgary.ca, or by joining their Facebook group, or reading the Offi cial Pride Calgary Pride Guide in this edition of GayCalgary Q: You have played some straight roles. Which medium and Edmonton Magazine! would you say has so far given you the chance to expand beyond playing gay roles? There is still time to support Pride! If you or your organization would like to take part in the Parade, Street Gala, or be A: At this point I’d say television. I played a straight guy on a Vendor, simply register on the website as soon as possible. Wedding Bells on Fox who everyone thought was gay. Can I tell To become a member of the Pride Calgary Association contact you that someone still bitched? No one’s happy: if a straight [email protected] to get this set up. With the escalating person plays a gay person they bitch – if a gay person plays a attendance and involvement with the festivities, Pride Calgary straight character but they don’t come out, they bitch. Here I is still looking for volunteers that can volunteer any spare time am, a gay man playing a straight person that everyone thinks they may have to assist in its success. If this is something you is gay and there was STILL internet blogs saying “How dare are interested in please contact [email protected]. they not cast a straight person who’s just effeminate”. They were offended that a gay person had to play a nelly straight Pride Calgary would like to involve not only the gay commu- person. nity, but also all supporters as well to join in on the celebration. There have already been numerous supporters taking I defi nitely lean towards the character stuff – killers, weirder part in Pride activities, and more are always welcome. This parts. It’s probably unlikely that I’ll be a romantic straight lead being said, there will be a number of monthly events sched- – it’s not really in my nature, and my looks don’t go that direc- uled throughout the year that the Pride Board encourages all tion necessarily. to take part in. Keep up to speed by checking out the Pride Q: Has being on BGSS changed your social life – either with Calgary website. your friends or any men you date? Community is an integral part of what Pride Calgary stands A: It changed my social life in the sense I don’t have to work for, but no single bar, business, or organization can attain any other kind of job, so therefore I have a lot of time off. But community on their own. Pride is about coming together, no socially…I play a lot of nelly characters on the show. In real matter what your sexual orientation, gender, gender choice, life I try to keep a beard and I’m acting all tough when I’m at cultural or ethnic background, colour, age, physical or mental the bars, so no one ever really recognizes me until I tell them. ability, socioeconomic status or political, religious or social af- It hasn’t helped or hindered my sex life. Contrary to popular fi liation or beliefs may be. In doing so, Pride seeks to identify belief, no one likes to sleep with famous people. They want to and remove barriers to full participation in Calgary’s diverse hang out with them but they don’t want to have sex. community. So come out on June 8th to be a part of this monumental celebration. Q: Has there been any memorable fan mail or fan reaction to you or the show that surprised you (good or bad)? Pride Calgary 2008 Parade and Street Gala A: There was this boy – about 13 – and his sister who’s 9 or Stephen Avenue and Olympic Plaza 10; they put on YouTube fully acted skits from the show. It’s June 8th, 2008 amazing that a) this kid is aware of himself and b) of all the 12pm - 6pm things to mimic, I’m so glad he’s mimicking our show. I think it’s pretty impressive so I wrote him a note that I really appreci- Celebration 2008 ated that. Chinese Cultural Centre Q: Anything else you’d like to add? June 21st, 2008 8pm - 2am A: Just that I tip my hat to all the Canadian comics that Tickets: $25.00, available at Priape, Money Pennies, The Eagle, have inspired us. Back when I was in the improv festival tour- and at the door nament world, we’d always play Canadians and they would just kick our asses. There was a team from Calgary that would just www.pridecalgary.ca annihilate us every year. I love Vancouver and I dream of living there. I think it’s one of the cities of the future.

The Big Gay Sketch show will soon start shooting their third season. Seasons 1 and 2 are currently available at www. logoonline.com, through the iTunes store, and through HMV (in-store or online at HMV.ca).

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 59 Jully Black Wows ‘Em at The Grand

By Jason Clevett Review | Concert If you caught the 2008 Juno Awards, you saw Toronto’s Jully Black steal the show with the broad- cast-ending rendition of her hit Seven Day Fool. Black returned to Calgary on May 13th with an intimate, sold out show at the Grand Theatre, and anyone who saw the Juno’s knew they were in for a treat. Backed up by four talented musicians and two singers, Black marched onto stage looking astounding in a pink dress and got the crowd into the show with Queen, off of her current album, Revival. The show contained many songs from the CD including DJ Play My Song, Temporary Insanity, and Until I Stay. Most of her songs are high-tempo and the energy she brought to the room had the audience clapping and singing along. She slowed things down with the beautiful Catch Me When I Fall, which she wrote for her sister who died in 1991 at the age of 24 (when Black was 11). The song is absolutely incredible and left many in the audience in tears not only from woman from the front row on stage to dance with her. The the lyrical content but the passion in which she delivered downside with a theatre however, is that people just don’t the song. seem comfortable with getting up and dancing, despite Black is engaging and charming, stating early in the show Black’s music making you want to do just that. It wasn’t un- that as the youngest of 9 children she always had to fi ght til fi nale Seven Day Fool that the audience fi nally rose to its for attention, so she would be talking a lot. She regaled the feet to dance and clap and sing along the way they should audience with stories of her childhood as well as experiences have the entire show. Just like at the Juno’s, this number working with R&B heavy hitters like Nas, Missy Elliott, was fantastic. Choclair, Kardinal Offi shall, Destiny’s Child, and Sean Paul. After the show, Black signed autographs and took pictures Although she obviously enjoyed working with them, as she with fans. She may be experiencing a surge of popularity, said during the show, it is defi nitely Jully time now. but she certainly has not forgotten where she came from, One of the advantages of seeing an artist in concert at an and made a point of taking time to speak to everyone indi- intimate venue like the Grand is how close you get to them. vidually and spend a few moments with them, making them She invited two kids wearing her t-shirt on stage for a group feel special. hug, high fi ved members of the audience, and brought a If you didn’t make it to The Grand that night, you are likely kicking yourself that you didn’t or couldn’t see it. If this performance is any indication, Jully Black’s career is about to blossom and this will probably be the last time to see her in a smaller venue. I’m willing to predict that it is only a matter of time before she is once again gracing the Saddledome stage, this time with her own tour. In the meantime, there is another chance to see her perform at the Calgary Stampede this year on July 11th, and Edmonton’s CapitalEx on July 21st.

www.jullyblack.com

60 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Banff’s Alphabet Soup Thriving

By Monmen Community | Spotlight “GLBTTQQ? Yes, we do have a community in Banff!” read one of the fi rst posters that Mountain numbers fl uctuate seasonally and so, therefore, do volun- Pride posted in town, and things have gone steadily teers. Like many locals, Kevin himself is going traveling in November, so a new group leader will be needed. Other chal- uphill. lenges surround the addition of minors to the membership In September 2005, I met Meagan Paige through Calgary and decisions on the group’s degree of local activism. Outlink’s Soulful Healing Ego Quest. By December of that Though Mountain Pride continues to organize social year, we had decided to form a queer networking and social events and provide informal peer support to a wide range group for Banff, and applied for a Town of Banff grant. of ages and orientations in the Bow Valley, the group’s At the time, I was too wary of bi-phobia to sign my name mandate is expanding. Current projects include assessing to the application. But that all changed once the group employers in the area for their gay-friendliness. “I want to started and I learned how many other queer folk lived in establish a job board,” Kevin says, as a resource for queer my town; they just started jumping out of the woodwork! folk looking for work in the area. To that end, Kevin has be- People I had worked with or said hello to in the grocery store gun contacting the Human Resources departments of vari- for years turned out to be “family”. Suddenly I felt so much ous local businesses. He hopes to also increase sensitivity to more positive about living in Banff, despite the lack of rain- matters of orientation in the interview process, and establish bows and parades. partners for future projects. One such project may involve a partnership with Aids Bow Valley providing sexuality educa- The group, then nameless, was granted $396 plus free tion in cooperation with employers. meeting space by Family & Community Support Services. We held our fi rst meeting in January of 2006 with fi ve at- Mountain Pride’s regular coffee night is held on the third tendees. By June 2006, our e-mail contact list had grown to Friday of each month. Social events are announced both on 46 members. the website and via e-mail to those who have joined the contact list. You are welcome add your letter to Banff’s alphabet When Meagan left Banff for a career opportunity, I focused soup! on ensuring the group’s survival, not expecting it instead to grow. That year, the Town of Banff more than doubled their funding for us, and I fi nally dubbed the group “Mountain Mountain Pride Pride”, establishing a blog and Facebook group and launch- Box 4556, Banff, AB ing the logo designed and donated by volunteer Russel Cook. T1L 1E8 Two other volunteers, Kevin Richardson and Brian Dins- more proved invaluable. They created business cards, and (403) 762-1947 Brian designed and produced a banner for Mountain Pride’s [email protected] participation in Calgary’s Pride Parade. They obtained hun- www.gaybanff.com dreds of dollars of donations from Banff businesses for Pride prizes and giveaways. It was a great year thanks to these volunteers! The group is now under the leadership of Kevin Rich- ardson, former Calgary Outlink volunteer and alumnus of University of Alberta’s Camp fYrefl y. Still 100% volunteer- run, Mountain Pride has reached a total membership of ninety-seven. Since taking over, Kevin has established a group phone and launched a website with the assistance of GayCalgary’s donation of web design and hosting. The Banff Community Foundation added their grant to the ongoing support of Town of Banff’s FCSS, who have increased their contribution annually. A University of Calgary Social Work student is on board for the summer, volunteering mainly in the communications/social area so Kevin has time for other projects. “My focus now is to bring more stability to the group,” says Kevin, reminding me of the ongoing challenges posed by the transient nature of Banff’s population. Membership

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 61 Silver Jubilee One Yellow Rabbit Marks 25th Anniversary with Special Show

By Jason Clevett Preview | Theatre On Sunday, June 12th at the Jubilee Auditorium, One Yellow Rabbit (OYR) will celebrate its Silver back in the day. Theatre has often been lead by and Jubilee. The evening will feature the OYR ensemble is really quite gay. I am of Michael Green, Denise Clarke, Andy Curtis, cognizant of the fact that Onalea Gilbertson and Richard McDowell perform- the picture of where we live ing some of their favorite pieces from OYR history. now is not the same as it They will be joined by The Kids in the Hall’s Bruce was when we started out, McCullough, Daniel MacIvor, The Rheostatics, and and I think that’s a good thing.” many more. It truly is a celebration worthy of 25 years! Toronto’s MacIvor is looking forward to being “Fuck no, not a chance. I didn’t think I would be a guy who part of the celebration. started a job and worked there for 25 years, and it turned out like that so it is kind of weird,” says co-artistic director and “I love those guys, and I one of the Rabbit’s co-founders Blake Brooker, when asked if can’t believe it’s 25 years he had any idea they would be around for so long. because they are all so young looking still. It is “When you think about it, the world has so many little parts exciting for Calgary and and so many things that happen to it in the world of com- Canada that there is an munication, culture, commerce, family, love, sport, event and audience for non-tradi- politics. It is so intricate like the great clock of the world, and I tional theatre and a place am aware that doing theatre is just one of the tiny bits of it.” for people with a non-traditional voice to perform. OYR has long been a theatrical outlet for the Queer commu- It shows that as a country we have an interest in not just the nity. Recent years have seen the production Bash’d, the band traditional theatre,” MacIvor said. “The Rabbits have sup- The Hidden Cameras, and the wedding of Annie Sprinkle as ported me from the beginning. I fi rst discovered them when I part of their High Performance Rodeo. was doing The Glass Menagerie at Theatre Calgary. We clicked “Annie’s wedding was a wild community happening with so just hanging out, and I saw their work and really identifi ed many people involved from the Queer and Alternative com- with what they were doing. When I began to identify politically munity. There was a sense of merry transgression all night as queer, back in the early 1990’s, the Rabbits are about as and was a beautiful visual expression; so many people were in queer as you can get. It is more of a lifestyle thing than just a costume. It was just a remarkable, wild thing.” sexual preference thing. The Rabbits have made me feel like I am part of a community, and they set the bar for international It was a very different style from the formalism and coolness touring. They helped not only to make me feel at home here, of a Daniel MacIvor piece, or the fl amboyance and incredible but elsewhere too. They have been an incredibly supportive virtuosity and passion of marionette artist Ronnie Bur- and inclusive group of people.” kett. Burkett & MacIvor, as well as Brad Fraser are three of Canada’s biggest queer artists, and all have had an extensive MacIvor has created many solo works that he still presents history with OYR. today, that had their early incarnations with OYR. “When you look at those three male voices from that part of “Pretty much all of my solo shows were all presented at the the Queer spectrum, they are the leading fi gures. We have had Rodeo in very early stages of their development. Monster I re- arrangements and associations and been involved with them ally found in Calgary. There was something about the crowd for many years, which is something I feel really positive about at the Big Secret Theatre and their excitement that picked me as well. In the case of Ronnie, it was a question of collaborat- up and kicked me up a notch. It was a show the Rabbits really ing, and we used to present him all the time. Daniel MacIvor embraced with me. They supported me at the early stages of has done many pieces here. With Brad we did The Ugly Man.” these solo works at a time when I needed it in order to see that someone was interested in what I had to say.” It is hard to grasp in today’s society the sort of challenges that faced a theatre company in the 1980’s and 90’s in trying We asked Brooker what we can expect on June 12th for the to present alternative and queer theatre. celebration. “When you do something that is handmade and what we re- “It is going to be light, fun, and celebratory not of One fer to as local and authentic, it is not a big ticket item. It isn’t Yellow Rabbit but of Calgary and that community of Do It advertised everywhere. The gay community has always been Yourselfers. OYR came of age and derived out of the punk a dynamic community that is incredibly communicative when movement in a sense. The idea and ethic of expressing ideas, it is against the world and the world is against it especially Continued on Page 64 62 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Margaret Cho is Beautiful A Chat with America’s favorite Fag Hag

By Jason Clevett Interview I was recently in Seattle, Washington and was offered the chance to not only see Margaret Cho live, but go backstage and meet the Queen of Queer comedy. We chatted with Margaret for a few minutes and then took our seats to laugh until our stomachs hurt with the rest of the crowd at the beautiful Para- mount Theatre. Cho’s current tour, Beautiful came about when Cho was asked during a radio interview “What would you do if you woke up tomorrow and you were beautiful? What if you woke up and you were blonde and had blue eyes and were 5’11 and weighed 100 pounds and you were beautiful?” In typical Cho response, she retorted, “I probably wouldn’t get up because I would be too weak to stand.” So thus, the Beautiful Tour was born, her fi rst solo tour in three years. “It is really important to talk about beauty and to acknowledge and celebrate it. It is important for people that are outside of the mainstream, to talk about it and really emphasize it,” Cho told GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. were off the mark and didn’t know what they were doing and “This is my fi rst solo tour, but I did the True Colors Tour, it was an awful situation to be in,” she recalled. She will be which was very fun. I did an Off-Broadway show called The returning to TV soon with a reality show on VH-1, The Cho Sensuous Woman that I toured with for a bit. So I was busy Show. “Now I am very excited to be on television again and doing other projects and not focusing on stand up. I worked to really understand it and have a lot of creative control and out a lot of it while I was doing the other two shows. It is a mix support from the networks. It is very different now, back then of different infl uences that all came together with this show.” it was very tough.” I caught up with Margaret a few days after her Seattle dou- Cho battled alcohol and drugs and acted in several fi lms, ble-shot for this exclusive interview. Off-stage Cho is charming including 1996’s classic It’s My Party about a terminal AIDS and well-spoken, but don’t expect her to be a non-stop comedy patient throwing a party to say goodbye to friends and family. machine. She admitted that people have approached her in The tear-jerker is a must-see, and also led to Cho bonding public and asked her to be funny right then and there. with fellow gay icon Olivia Newton John. “That happens, and I never know what to do. I am never “It was wonderful, I loved being in that movie, and the story really good at being off the cuff that way so I can never satisfy and director and the cast were incredible. It is a beautiful fi lm. their needs, I feel bad.” It is one of those great gems of gay cinema and I hope people rediscover it because it is such a beautiful story and was a Cho started her career wonderful fi lm to work on, I thought it was incredible. I met in stand-up opening for Olivia Newton John on that show and we have formed a fag Jerry Seinfeld, and soon hag bond that lasts to this day.” had her own TV show, 1994’s All American Girl. Cho returned to comedy with a vengeance on her 2000 tour Criticized by the network I’m the One That I Want, also publishing a book of the same for her face being “too name. That tour was followed by 2002’s Notorious C.H.O, round” Cho starved herself, Revolution in 2003, State of Emergency in 2004 and 2005’s which resulted in kidney Assassin. failure. The show was can- celled after 19 episodes. “I just didn’t give up because I really love comedy and didn’t stop or take no for an answer and committed myself to it. I am “It was alarming, the so focused that I wouldn’t let go of this dream, I wanted it,” amount of infl uence the she said. A huge part of her success has been based on her (network) had in issues of incredibly loyal LGBT fanbase. race and authenticity and what they wanted from the “The things that I talk about, my subject matter and politics show compared to what are very queer. I grew up in the Queer community; I always they were getting. They was a fag hag and always had that point of view. It is my

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 63 natural instinct to write about these issues, and that connects love Kelly and wanted to work with her. I put her in Sensuous me to the gay community. It is also a community I am very Woman. I really love him and think he is a great performer political in; I have done a lot of campaigning for gay marriage and a great friend and we have a really great time.” and generating support for a lot of gay organizations. That has something to do with it too. I am always involved in the gay One thing Cho has not done is a full cross-Canada tour. community whether it is writing about it or talking about.” She admits to really liking Canada but so far has only played Toronto and Vancouver. In fact, Cho describes herself as queer, and frankly comments on the appeal of both men and women in her past in “I would love to, I think that would be really fun and it is a her shows. It comes as a surprise to many when in 2003 she good idea. I am looking forward to coming up there someday married artist Al Ridenour. and hopefully I will be there soon.” “People are confused by it, because I am queer, but I think Margaret Cho is beautiful, and her fans love her. She counts you can be married and be queer. Just because this relation- herself as blessed to be so supported by the LGBT community ship is what is in my life doesn’t mean it negates anything “I do enjoy being on tour and on stage, I really thrive off it else I have felt or had, it is just another part of who I am,” she and it is something I am very familiar with. It is close to who I said, adding that her husband has no issues with her show am naturally, and I have done it a lot. I am quite busy. being so sexual. “He loves it, he really laughs. This show is his favorite to date because he thinks it is so hilarious. We have People are wonderful and supportive and really connect with the same sense of humor which is one of the reasons we are a lot of things and appreciate the humor and honesty. I really so close and get along so well.” love that and feel a close connection with fans, who have come to see me time and time again - it is a wonderful thing.” As an activist and supporter, Cho gave her thoughts on both the pressure to be closeted in Hollywood, as well as her www.margaretcho.com thoughts on gay marriage, which only days after the interview www.myspace.com/margaretcho was legalized in her home state of California. “Hollywood itself and the industry is so dominated by gays and lesbians in every part of the industry, it is odd to me that anyone is closeted at all because it is quite welcoming. It is very open in a sense but at the same time there is the myth of the glass ceiling that you can only get so far as a Queer artist. I don’t think that is true. I have never felt otherwise, I felt it was an incredibly queer industry. As for opponents of Silver Jubilee - From Page 62 marriage, I don’t get it. I feel it is a really insulting thing for Arnold Schwarzenegger to ban gay marriage, it is hypocritical thoughts, and concerns for someone who comes from a queer industry like show busi- about the world but from a ness, it is insulting to have one of our own reject us in that local perspective that is what way. I don’t understand why we can’t have gay marriage or we have always done. We why anyone would be against it, it feels weird to me.” have been very fortunate to interact with these people, Gay topics are a big part of Beautiful. After kicking off the and as an organization we show talking about getting a “G-shot” injection in her vagina have an ensemble and work, (making the many gay men in the audience cringe) and anal interpret, and present pieces bleaching, she went into her fag hag status and admitted to and have a festival, and being a bear hag, or Goldilocks, because “You know you’re also we tour. Hopefully the gonna eat!” evening that we have going is just going to be fun.” “Bear culture is very new and growing and sort of happening, so not everyone knows the terminology yet but that is a real term. I am not sure why bears woof but I guess it is all animalistic.” One Yellow Rabbit’s Silver Jubilee The 80 minute show had the audience in stitches as she Thursday, June 12, 2008 spoke about Paris Hilton, Larry Craig, Eliot Spitzer, Religious Jubilee Auditorium groups, strap-ons, her vagina, oral sex, and much more. Con- www.oyr.org sidering the success of her previous tours, her fans expect a lot from each new tour. “I put a lot of pressure on myself because it has to be really good. I get worried in the writing process, what is going to be major, be really great and stand out? I am pretty hard on myself to get it to where I want it to be. You want to do your best, and with me people who have come to see me, have seen me time and time again and are aware of my other work.” The show is opened by Liam Sullivan, the Internet sensation behind Kelly of the videos Shoes, Text Message Breakup, and Let Me Borrow That Top. “My husband made the robot in the Shoes video. I was one of the ﬁ rst people to see that video and I ﬂ ipped. I love, love,

64 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 NDPs and Liberals Seek End to Discrimination - From Page 50 “As I know from personal experience – and possibly the minister may well know through his own personal experience – individuals in minority groups look to their government to protect their legal rights. Why is this government not leading the fi ght to protect people of differing sexual orientation from discrimination?” “As the hon. member says, yes, I understand from personal experience what discrimination is all about. The very thing is that it’s protection for all Albertans that we’re concerned with, not just one particular group,” Blackett, who is part of a minority himself, replied. “There are advocates for other groups, for all Albertans irrespective of race, colour, or creed. I’ve said before many times in this House that when the time comes, after we’ve gone through and made sure that the process works for all Albertans, we will look at the legislation, and we’ll look at making changes to help those particular groups.” Ten years and no change. The PC government insists that we are already protected, and yet refuses to make the necessary amendments to refl ect this. Perhaps only by continuing to voice our concerns, by continuing to apply pressure to those with the power to make this vital change, will this policy ten years in the making fi nally come to light.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 65 Fundraising Photos AIDS Research Fundraiser at Buddys - Edmonton

Photos by GayCalgary Staff

Taste for Life at Gypsy Rose - Calgary

66 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Fairytales 10th Anniversary Party - Calgary Homophobia Day at Pride Centre - Edmonton

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 67 ISCWR Candidate Shows at Prism - Edmonton Fake Mustache Show at the Soda - Calgary

68 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 ISCWR Candidate Shows at Boots - Edmonton ARGRA Dance - Calgary

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 69 Show Your Colours Dance - Calgary

Womonspace Dance - Edmonton

70 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Pride Kick-off BBQ at MPs - Calgary Pride Prince/ess Pageant at the Calgary Eagle

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 71 72 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 73 74 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 75 76 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Queer Eye - Calgary & Edmonton Community Events this Month

Photos by GayCalgary Staff Investitures at the Calgary Eagle AIDS Calgary Open House - Calgary

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 77 Beef Bear Beer Bash at Boots - Edmonton ISCWR Drag Shows at Boots - Edmonton

78 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 Fairytales Film Festival - Calgary

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 79 IML Party at the Calgary Eagle Melanie C. Concert - Calgary

Just One of the Dolls at Prism - Edmonton Long Weekend Drag Show at Buddys - Edmonton

80 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 ISCWR In Town Show - Edmonton ISCWR Out of Town Show - Edmonton

ISCWR Victory Brunch at Prism - Edmonton

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #56, June 2008 81 ISCWR Coronation - Edmonton

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