DEC 16/JAN 2017 ® ISSUE 156 • FREE of Alberta’s LGBTQ Community

Interview with MICHAEL BUBLÉ Alaska All Stars 2 winner comes to YEG

Joe on ‘fun’ gay rumors

PLUS: Best of 2016 • Emeli Sandé DJ Matt Effect • Casey Everett Alison Bechdel • Nathan Sykes Pam Ann Scan to Read on ...and more! Mobile Devices Flying into Whistler Pride 2017

Business Directory Community Map Events Calendar Tourist Information STARTING ON PAGE 55 Calgary • Alberta • Canada www.gaycalgary.com

Table of Contents DEC 2016/JAN 2017 ® 5 Publisher’s Column PublisherPublisher: & Editor: Steve Steve Polyak Polyak 25th Anniversary of Men For Men/GayCalgary CopyEditor: Editor: Rob Janine Diaz-Marino Eva-Trotta Sales: Steve Polyak Design & Layout: 10 GayCalgary Magazine’s Top 20 Most Read Rob Diaz-Marino,Steve Polyak Ara Shimoon Articles in 2016 Writers and Contributors ChrisMercedes Azzopardi, Allen, Jeff Chris Berry, Azzopardi, Brousseau, Dallas Barnes, Keith DaveJohnson, Brousseau, Lisa Lunney, Sam Casselman, Ivy Miller, SteveJason Polyak, Clevett, MikeyAndrew Rox, Collins, Romeo Emily San Collins, Vicente, Rob Brandon Diaz-Marino, Shultz, 11 DJ Matt Effect Janineand the Eva LGBT Trotta, Community Jack Fertig, of Calgary, Glen Hanson, Edmonton, Joan On Love, Life, and his First Time...In Calgary Hilty, Evan Kayne,and Stephen Alberta. Lock, Neil McMullen,

Allan Neuwirth, Steve Polyak, Carey Rutherford, 11 PAGE Romeo San Vicente,Photography Ed Sikov, Nick Vivian and the GLBT CommunitySteve of PolyakCalgary, Edmonton, and Alberta. 12 Touched By An Angel Videography Emeli Sandé talks first in five years, empathetic gay fans and PhotographySteve Polyak Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, her musical savior SalesB&J Steve Polyak [email protected] Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino Legal Council 16 Finding Nathan Sykes Courtney Aarbo,Printers Barristers and Solicitors Boy bander on self-discovery, gay rumors and his sometimes- North Hill News/Central Web ‘bromosexual’ relationship with Tom Daley General Inquiries GayCalgaryDistribution® Magazine Calgary2136: 17thGallant Avenue Distribution SW Calgary,GayCalgary AB, Canada Staff T2T 0G3 [email protected]: Clark’s Distribution 18 January, Snow, Alaska Other: Canada Post Interview with “RuPaul’s All Stars 2” winner, Alaska 13 PAGE Office Hours: By appointment ONLY Phone:Legal 403-543-6960 Council 12 PAGE CourtneyToll Aarbo,Free: Barristers1-888-543-6960 and Solicitors 21 Positive Thoughts Fax: 403-703-0685 A sense of community E-Mail:Sales [email protected] & General Inquiries GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine 2136This Month's17th Avenue Cover SW Main: MichaelCalgary, Bublé, photo AB, Canada by Warner Bros. Top 22 Deep Inside Hollywood Right: Alaska, photoT2T by Magnus-Hastings-Green. 0G3 Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, , ‘Finding Prince Charming’ Mid Right: , photo by Scott Schafer. Office Hours:Bottom ByRight: appointment Pam Ann. ONLY Phone: 403-543-6960 Toll Free: 1-888-543-6960 23 Casey Everett Fax: 403-703-0685 It’s Fun & Hard E-Mail: [email protected] This Month's Cover magazine Cher and courtesy of 25 Philips Smoke-less Indoor Grill Pictures; courtesy of Mike Owen; How to BBQ indoors and eat healthy Rex Goudie. Proud Members of: 27 Philips Wake-up Light 18 PAGE Proud Member of: Waking up to a simulated sunrise 28 Pam Ann At Whistler Pride 2017 30 Stink, Stank, Stunk 7 of 2016’s Biggest Grinches International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association 31 The Frivolist 6 Ways to Start the New Year as the Best Gay You Can Be

National Lesbian & Gay Gay European Tourism Journalists Association Association 32 2016 in Review

What the Celebs Said 23 PAGE Continued on Next Page  www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 3 Table of Contents

 Continued From Previous Page

®

33 Hear Me Out Magazine Figures Monthly Online Magazine Best Of 2016 Readership: Combined total of PDF and ISSUU Downloads/Reads –100,000 copies 36 Catching Up with Total Readership of PDF/ISSUU/WEB Alison Bechdel Readers Per Copy: 4.9 (PMB) Dykes to Watch Out For Avg. Online Circulation: 310,000 readers Out cartoonist on new , the universal appeal of Estimated Total Readership: PAGE 28 PAGE Fun Home and her doubts about making it a musical >319,800 readers Frequency: Monthly Proof of monthly figures are 40 Having His Cake and available on request. History Eating It Too Originally established in January 1992 as Joe Jonas on ‘fun’ gay rumors, fandom and the Men for Men BBS by MFM Communications. pleasures of S&M Name changed to GayCalgary in 1998. Independent company as of January 2004. First edition of GayCalgary.com Magazine published November 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary 44 Love Is Love Is Love and Edmonton Magazine. February Michael Bublé on leaving an LGBT-affirming legacy, man crushes and 2012 returned to GayCalgary Magazine. male admirers February 2013, GayCalgary® becomes a registered trademark. December 2014/ January 2015 is the last print edition. PAGE 36 PAGE 48 Queer Eye February 2015 is the first digital only edition. 50 A Couple of Guys Disclaimer and Copyright 52 News Releases Opinions expressed in this magazine are specific to the author, and do not 55 Directory and Events necessarily reflect those of GayCalgary staff and contributors. 60 Classified Ads Those involved in the making of this publication, whether advertisers, Scan for this Issue: Scan for Latest Issue: contributors, or the subjects of articles or photographs, are not necessarily gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans. This magazine magazine also includes straight allies and those who are gay friendly.

PAGE 40 PAGE No part of this publication may be reprinted or modified without the expressed written permission of the editor or publisher.

Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. GayCalgary® is a registered trademark. http://www.gaycalgary.com/RSS Articles • Recent News • Prize Draws • Events • Travel Info FEBRUARY 2017 Deadlines Ad Booking: Fri, Feb 3rd http://www.gaycalgary.com/Twitter Submission: Tues, Feb 7th Follow us on for articles, weekly news and updates! Online: Friday, Feb 10th http://www.gaycalgary.com/Facebook Please contact us immediately if http://www.gaycalgary.com/FacebookFan you think you may have missed the Join us on Facebook for articles, weekly news and updates! booking or submission deadline. http://www.gaycalgary.com/i156

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4 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com Editorial

 Men For Men logo  Men For Men BBS login screen Publisher’s Column 25th Anniversary of Men For Men/GayCalgary By Steve Polyak forum became part of GayCalgary.com, where the X-rated As I brought up in the November 2016 publisher’s photos became part of the MenForMenGalleries.com. column – which marked GayCalgary Magazine’s 13th Once I got my first digital camera, photos I was taking Anniversary – there was another milestone forthcoming. throughout the community started getting added to the In January, 1992, Men For Men BBS was up and running. GayCalgary.com website. In 2000, we broadcast the first drag Men For Men BBS allowed guys in Calgary to connect using their show live over the Internet. The videos became so popular that computers and dial-up modems to interact with one another. a separate website called GayCalgary.TV was created. After a This was all done before the Internet became mainstream. while, it was brought back into the GayCalgary website to be Think of the apps Scruff or Grindr; the website Squirt.org with along the photos that were also taken during those shows. no photos or graphics, with all text, no mouse or touch, but This was all done before YouTube existed, and streaming text menu options that you selected where you want to go. sites, like Netflix. Though it was used primarily for hook-ups or guys looking for In 2002, we did our first email blasts letting digital friends, there was still a community events calendar, business subscribers know what was going on in Calgary. GayCalgary directory, discussion groups and an extensive X-rated photo Internet kiosks were set up throughout Calgary’s gay bars. gallery, wherein you needed to download the photo to see it. Also, in several gay bars, the computer screen savers were While you were downloading, you could not do anything else adapted to run on the TVs, which showcased events going on on the site but wait for it to complete. in the community, as well as inside the bars. Each bar had The number of guys you could chat with live, one-on-one, photos of guys intermixed with the ads, but the photos of the was dependent on how many phone lines the system had. It guys were custom selected for each bar to go along with the started with one phone line, and all you could do was leave a clientele. Guys could also download the screen saver from the message for other users, or post a message on the discussion GayCalgary website so they could watch it at home. forum. Once BBS got busy, I added four phone lines, and then It was too cost prohibitive to set up a computer to generate guys could chat live one-on-one. it live, even though I really wanted to, so all the bars needed it I was running it out of my apartment; I found out four lines recorded to an eight-hour VHS tape every month. Eventually are the limit for residential, even though I was paying for we could burn them to recordable DVDs, but it still took a long business lines. Eventually I had to move the system down to time to do it and – depending on how old the bar’s DVD player Boyztown and the Rekroom so I could expand to eight. Inside was – we could not always make sure the new recordable DVD Boyztown and the Rekroom I set up four terminals throughout format would work. the bar so guys inside could chat with guys dialing in from There was an off-shoot service called GayNetmeeting.com outside. As the Internet finally became publicly available, I that allowed users with webcams and the Microsoft application set up the BBS to allow people that were online to be part of NetMeeting, which was on Windows ’95 to Windows XP, to the system. video-chat with one another. It was not as well-developed as Men For Men BBS became so popular that Men For Men webcam chat sites like you see today, since the technology Fridays were set up so guys could come down and meet one was extremely new. There was a list of users on the site with another face to face in the Rekroom. Lots of these guys were their handle, a description of themselves, location in the world either in the closet, married, or just not part of the regular and if they were available to chat or were busy. You clicked on gay scene. Using the BBS helped them become comfortable in who you wanted to video chat with and off it went to connect exploring their sexuality. you to them. It was only set up for one-on-one connection but, at its peak, we had several thousands of guys on the site at a Once we were on the Internet, GayCalgary.com, time. Since the technology was new-tech – and more designed MenForMenGalleries.com and several other domain names for business use than guys chatting with one another over were registered in 1997 and 1998, and websites were setup shortly after. The business directory, events listings and the Continued on Next Page  www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 5  From Previous Page

Online Last Month Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again.. One Last Time ABBA Musical Farewell Tour Comes to Alberta It seems like at this point everyone should have seen Mamma Mia. The show, which wrapped up on Broadway in 2015 but still runs in London’s West End going on 18 years, is on its... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5338 Creep of the Week Log Cabin Republicans The Log Cabin Republicans have refused to endorse Donald J. Trump for President. On the one hand, Good for them. I mean, LCR isn’t a group with especially high standards (they... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5396 Hear Me Out Frank Ocean, , Bon Iver  First graphic update to Men For Men Terminals Frank Ocean, Blond The genius of Frank Ocean’s intimate second release is its scant the Internet – it was hard to make sure everyone was of legal emphasis on sexuality. Despite the attention age, to monitor the site, or stop spammers. So I took it offline; given to Ocean’s queerness after his it was starting to be easier to chat with webcams on other groundbreaking... services. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5397 With the newsletter email blasts doing well, and after talking to the owners of some of the gay bars and some of Calgary’s Creep of the Week gay community groups, I decided to bring everything together. Donald Trump (Again) I launched in November, 2003, the first edition of GayCalgary At this point in the election, you hardly need me Magazine. My background was in computer technology and I to point out that Donald Trump is a creep. He’s saw that so many tech companies were also becoming media done so plenty of times himself. Not only that, companies or merging with existing ones, so it became a but even people like Glenn Beck... logical next step for GayCalgary to do the same. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5351 As people started to use their own home computers to access the Internet and Internet cafes started closing their doors, Il Divo Serves Cheese & Chills we removed the Internet terminals from the gay bars. Also, Water dripping slowly into a puddle. A horse. to concentrate on the magazine more, we stopped doing the A woman standing in a building. Close ups videos for the bars. It was hard to make sure they were getting of each member of the band walking slowly. played and, with so many bars for us to do these videos for, Everything filmed in black and white. This was... it started taking several days every month to get them done. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5354 The magazine grew and expanded into the Edmonton market. We added to the title “and Edmonton” and eventually Creep of the Week realized that it was too hard for people to remember and say. So, it got rebranded back to GayCalgary, but tailored to an Brian Brown Alberta-wide readership. They’re baaaaaaack. The National Organization for Marriage, that is. Though, Technology advanced again and the print media industry they never really went anywhere. They were just needed to change along with it. Luckily, GayCalgary Magazine stuck in place for awhile during the Obama roots were already online: all editions of GayCalgary Magazine administration.... had been online since 2003. We even introduced features like streaming video in PDF editions of the magazine several http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5401 years before devices like the iPad were launched. Advertiser ads were linked to their websites, that is, if they had one. As The Frivolist smart phones and tablets became more popular, some of these 8 Things You Need to Do Now features became standard for other online magazines. That the US Election is Over When we noticed that over 60 per cent of our readers were It was the US election that would never end – online, we knew it was time to start cutting back magazine until it did. Now that we’re free and clear of locations and the size of the print run. I remember that – four who’s our new president (which is still undecided years into doing the magazine – we noticed that more people as of press time, by the way), let’s... had read the edition online before we had the hard copies in our hands for distribution, which was usually only a 24 to 48 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5403 hour turn around. But once it was consistently more than 95 per cent of our readers reading us online, we decided the December 2014/ January 2015 edition was going to be the last in print. Shortly thereafter we saw other magazines follow suit. Even the newspaper industry was having problems keeping up with

6 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com the changes in technology: at one point we had more digital subscribers than some of the major local newspapers. Buying the Perfect In 25 years, Men For Men/GayCalgary has done a lot. I Home for Your Needs tried to keep things in the bleeding edge technology area, and If you’re ready to take the plunge into try things out before they became mainstream, all on a tight homeownership, one of the first things you budget. How many companies rose and fell over the past 25 need to do is to determine your housing needs. years that were in media or technology; how many merged with Buying a home without knowing what you need others or became a memory? The BBS ran on my Commodore would... Amiga 2000. It would be interesting to see how many of our http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5356 current readers even know what that is today. For history’s sake, the machine is still in my possession. Bryan Adams Gives Red During these 25 years, the gay community has changed a Deer a Night to Remember lot too. So many bars opened and closed their doors … and it There was an interesting energy in the Centrium is still changing. Community groups have rebranded; some in Red Deer on November 22nd. Despite having favourites are gone and new ones emerge amid the increased a moderately sized arena of their own, fans in amounts of gay friendly space. Cowboys Nightclub and Flames the city typically have to drive to... Central were places never before seen as gay venues – now they host large events and the staff and management have http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5357 been great to deal with. Nick Carter Shines Gay Pride has grown to be bigger than I think anyone would have thought. Changes to gay rights have happened, like in Solo Spotlight marriage equality and proper protection in our human rights Nick Carter’s concert at Cowboys November code for the LGBTQ community. 18th – part of his “All Canadian Tour” in support of album All American – was awesome. Which I know I use the term we as I bring up the history of Men shouldn’t come as a surprise to... For Men/GayCalgary; people forget that it has mostly been I doing just about everything. I started all of this. I come up http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5358 with most of the ideas. I do the tech research of where it needs to go to next and still do just about everything now. Just think Wintersleep Wakes Up of how many businesses, or non-profit groups in the LGBTQ MacEwan Hall Ballroom community, still have the same person heading them after 25 Wintersleep may be one of the hardest working years. Canadian bands today. Having just returned But I use the term we because numerous people have come home from Europe the bands November 16th along the way to help with the parts I could not do by myself. show at MacEwan Hall is the bands third Without Rob Diaz-Marino, there would be no way GayCalgary Calgary... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5359 Deep Inside Hollywood ‘American Gigolo,’ ‘Ocean’s Eight,’ trans cinema, Rosie O’Donnell American Gigolo is coming, eventually Back in 2014, before the world began falling apart in earnest, there were rumblings about a TV series based on the 1980 classic glamour-noir... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5410 This Little Light Meet the playwright whose life story inspired this year’s acclaimed gay- themed hit “Moonlight” “It was a lot,” Tarell Alvin McCraney says of his oddly coincidental evening recently, when the out playwright attended the premiere of Moonlight in Miami, where he grew... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5417 The Frivolist: 5 Things You Should Be Thankful For as a Modern LGBT Person If you believe post-election social media, the world is going to hell in a deplorable hand basket. Our LGBT brothers and sisters are frightened for the rights they’ve fought for... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5418

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 7  Early version of GayCalgary.com  GayCalgary.tv or the magazine would be where it is today. Development done with their favourite celebrities, I have added keyword of what the website is, layout and design, editing, graphics searches at the bottom of each article. All new articles are and so much more. We have known each other since 2001, getting them, and I have gone back to the very first edition and including dating, for most of that. His decision to leave the started updating those to contain the same feature, and the magazine in 2014 was needed to give him time to work on his same layout standards we use today. own projects, which he has been wanting to do for a long time. Back to the contributors who have helped create the He and Justin, his new boyfriend, still support me; they both content: I will be setting up a special web page to highlight know it is a lot of work, and Rob helps when I need it. our current contributors with a link to the articles they have There have been so many contributors that I have lost written. Contributors that are no longer writing for us will be count; others who have helped with programming parts of listed, but not highlighted as the current ones will be. The new the website, the original GayCalgary logo, and pushing me feature update will take time; there are close to 6,000 articles forward. When I talk to other magazines, they see what has to update, but at least readers can use it right away on some. been accomplished and all assume I have a staff of at least Once I get through the first year or so of magazines, I will 25 working in a large office. There are times that I wish that start to post them onto social media. I tried to do this before, were the case, but our local gay economy could never really but realized that I needed to bring things together so readers support that. could continue reading the next article that we did on a Back when the servers for Men For Men/GayCalgary were specific bar or non-profit group. I also want to see whatit in the Rekroom, people did not know that as the party was was like when the magazine first started, and how much our happening outside the office doors, I was working away in the community has changed. office. From the time the cleaning staff would come in to when I also need to ensure every edition is properly set up on the staff would leave, I was working on the different websites, ISSUU and Magzter. This way people can find all editions of sorting through photos, doing computer maintenance, testing GayCalgary and access it through those apps without needing out new tech, etc. I would pop out to the bar, order a drink, to be going through the GayCalgary website, which should and then head back in. The only time I would really interact expand our readership further. It is also part of holding the with people was when I was taking photos of events or video magazine off site in a digital world. Unless you go to the Gay of the drag show. and Lesbian archives or a museum, you can’t easily access Once the sever farm moved to my home, I could work on defunct publications and see what the gay community was things a lot more easily without worrying about other people’s like. By having it on ISSUU and Magzter, I am hoping those hours of operation. I would roll out of bed, work away on sites will last. magazine stuff, and sleep again. Food and other things do Other changes I’m working on will appear slowly. happen, but most of my time is dealing with magazine stuff. I Unfortunately, this gets me behind on other tasks, like getting leave the house when needed, like to cover events, shopping, current editions online in a timely manner. All articles and banking or just to get a break, which I do need every now and ads go online within a couple days of me receiving them plus, then. with the weekly email blasts, events listings, and social media Has it been easy to do what I do for the past 25 years? postings, readers can remain in the loop without having a GOD NO. With how many gay magazines have disappeared in complete edition online. Alberta during the last decades – some of them having ads We are still going strong with over 21,750+ digital for either Men For Men or GayCalgary – I am happy that I subscribers; readers are still on the website an average of 20 persevered. Without this, so many things would have been minutes; there are over 300,000 readers per month; and, for forgotten about or only discussed between friends on social the past five years, GayCalgary Magazine is the most popular media. LGBTQ+ magazine in Canada, according to Alexa.com. There So, what is in store for the next 25 years? When I started might be bumps in the road, especially as the economy I was 20. I am 44 now, and if I am 69 and still doing this, rebuilds, but the future looks good for us. that would be scary. I am not planning on shutting things down, but the future of GayCalgary will change according to technology and demand. Over the past several months, I have been working away on http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5420 some back-end stuff. To help people find articles on specific topics, articles by specific contributors, or interviews we have View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

8 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 9 GayCalgary Magazine’s Top 20 Most Read Articles in 2016 By Steve Polyak 11. Blue Rodeo Continues The Ride: Canadian Band Playing 30 Years of GayCalgary Magazine’s most read articles from 2016! Music on Tour The list is created from the 5,600 articles we have online http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4966 that have accumulated since the start of the magazine 12. Deep Inside Hollywood: Paul Rudd, Guy Pearce, James Franco, in November 2003. Check out the top articles of 2015 at ‘I Love Dick’ http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4965. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5052 Which articles are your favourites? Any articles you think should have 13. This Light of Ours: Actress Judith Light talks longtime LGBT been included in the list? Let us know in the comments section in the advocacy, Transparent and how she ‘wanted to be like the gay community’ online article. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4946 1. Whole Lesbian Sex: What Do Butches Want? http://www.gaycalgary.com/a178 14. The Orchestration of Rufus Wainwright: Singer-Songwriter Plays 2 Special Alberta Concerts 2. Lesbian Sex Positions: More than just lesbian sex http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4964 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4172 15. VIDEO INTERVIEW - What the Frack? Tahmoh Penikett and 3. VIDEO INTERVIEW - Kris Holden-Ried: Hungry like the Wolf Aaron Douglas http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3701 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1676 4. A Conversation with Henry Rollins 16. A Couple of Guys: Getup and Go http://www.gaycalgary.com/a575 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4988 5. NSFW: Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? An interview with “Best Top” 17. NSFW – Solosexual: Portrait of a Masturbator: Exploring Austin Wolf Bateworld.com and the book about being Solosexual http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3741 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5073 6. Patrick Masse: The out country singer talks country music 18. VIDEO - Ian Parks: Skyping with “Hot Toddy” from http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4952 Where the Bears Are http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4069 7. Lucas Silveira’s Stairway to Heaven: Defying labels and loving Prides. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5013 19. Mr. Jackson If You’re Nasty: Cheyenne Jackson on Botox, his ‘bi phase’ & getting his butt grabbed by Lady Gaga 8. NSFW VIDEO - Billy Santoro, Fast Porn Nation: One Million Served? http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5032 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5068 20. Man at Work: Tyler Saint talks leaving the work at work 9. VIDEO - Charlie Harding & Scotty Rage Interview http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3671 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5227 10. Whistler Pride 2016 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a4957 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5406 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

10 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com Interview

 At PurePride Calgary DJ Matt Effect On Love, Life, and his First Time...In Calgary

By Ivy Miller DJ and producer Matt Effect joins GC’s Steve Polyak for Matt’s first time in town, and they immediately jump into how anal Calgary is… about cleaning. Matt would know, having been to a variety of cities and countries. In fact, he’s moved from Australia to San Diego where he lives now with his new husband. Matt and Steve cover other differences between countries, namely: gay rights. While some countries are picky about who to give rights to, Matt isn’t picky about what events he’ll do. “I guess I just kind of like to have fun, more than anything,” he says. There is a huge network of people in the gay community making it easy for Matt to promote his business, especially through social media. At the same time, it’s easy to miss people what a lot of people don’t understand: what equality really in the masses. He and his husband shared mutual friends for means. They think it’s just getting married, but it’s the social years before they met. acceptance, and people realising we are humans.” Speaking of which, Steve points out, “…when you actually He points out that while there’s still a ways to go to achieve said his name, you actually had this nice smirk on your face. equality for gay people, there’s even more for trans people to It was adorable!” overcome. Matt’s quick to say how lucky he is, not only for having the Finally, Matt thanks his fans for all the support and words of opportunity to marry, but for having found the right person encouragement. “I’m very fortunate that I get to do something I to marry. When asked whether his husband travels with him love and meet some amazing people along the way.” much, Matt responds, “he go-go dances.” Possibly a hint for next year? Matt and Steve further discuss Calgary. “Everybody’s fun and nice and, just approachable,” he says. “Even the hotel staff – and they don’t have to be!” Hotel staff turn out to be a good indicator of a city’s http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5421 friendliness. Unfortunately, some are terrible at acceptance. This leads to a heartfelt monologue from Matt. “I think that’s View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 11 Touched By An Angel Emeli Sandé talks first album in five years, empathetic gay fans and her musical savior Mariah Carey By Chris Azzopardi

Hello, it’s… Emeli Sandé, this generation’s only performer able to rival as a powerhouse, tear-jerking force of nature. The Scottish vocalist (born, funny enough, Adele Emily Sandé) is back for your pillow-sopping nights with her much-anticipated , a rumination on new versions of events, particularly the dissolving of a decade-long relationship that ended in divorce in 2014. Among the best albums of 2016, Sandé’s triumphant catharsis pushes through the pain with spirited, choir-lifted credos of faith and love-led empowerment. In this revealing interview with Sandé, the 29-year-old opened up about the gay fans who helped her realize she needed a break, discovering President Obama’s daughters listen to her music and how Mariah Carey helped her feel less alone. GC: It’s been nearly five years since you released your debut, Our Version of Events. Why the wait? ES: I was just going through such a personal and spiritual growth. I mean, we spent so long promoting Our Version of Events, and it was amazing, touring, but I found it almost impossible to get back to ground zero and write music. I needed a timeout. I also was going through stuff myself that I needed to understand before I could put it in music and feel steady enough to go out there and give it to other people. So, it was a combination of both. I feel like for two years I just needed that time to dedicate to making this music. GC: How would you describe the process of writing these songs while going through something as difficult as your divorce? ES: I was always writing; this kind of feels like real diary entries. With every song, it was almost like I was sponging up my life. I find it a lot easier to express emotions through music, so I was acting like I was fine, but the music was all telling the truth in what I was feeling internally. It was all kind of me writing my emotions as I felt them, or if I’d do sessions, whatever I was going through at that time in my life, it just kind of came out. GC: Do you get emotional singing these deeply personal songs? ES: Not really. I feel quite empowered when I sing them just because it gives me an honesty on stage. Obviously, I hope they’re entertaining and they make people feel great, but it was really my truth. So, when I’m on stage it feels like I’m connecting with the audience and just kind of sharing myself fully. So, seriously enough, I kind of feel quite strong when I sing them. I feel liberated to tell the truth on stage. GC: Tell me how your connection with your gay fans has evolved since releasing your debut album. ES: During every show, I can feel my gay fans out there, and there’s a real kind of depth and understanding. I remember I was doing a show at KOKO in London, and it was around the time everything was going so fast, and I got a couple of notes from fans. A gay couple wrote, “Are you OK? If you want to come hang out with us, you can come on holiday with us.” I just thought it was so nice that they recognized – I must’ve been exhausted at that point, and I think they could see that. I really appreciated that letter from them. And I just appreciated all the different stories. I just love that I can also empower them through the music. GC: Did you end up going on vacation with this gay couple? ES: (Laughs) I didn’t end up going on holiday. But I just thought it was such a sweet offer, and it showed there was a real level of understanding and empathy. I never even got a chance to thank them, but it meant the world to me. I just kept going at the time. But it was really empowering to be like, “Actually, maybe I do need to take time off if it’s that obvious to the audience.”  photos by

12 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com GC: What kinds of stories do gay fans share with you? ES: When I was in Washington, there was a guy – a big fan – and he was just saying how much he loved “Read All About It,” and Our Version of Events helped him through coming out. He was there with his mom, and it just felt so amazing. And, recently, I’ve had a few gay fans talking about how (that album) empowered them to express their love to one another, how everything I had written gave them those words as they were getting married. I love stories of love. It really keeps me going and encourages me to write songs about that. GC: How do your outsider feelings, which you’ve acknowledged you felt as someone growing up biracial, play into the music you write? ES: I feel like that’s why I give music 100 percent of myself, because it’s always been this confidante in my life where I’ve found my own identity. Growing up feeling pretty different in Scotland, I started to identify with and black music, and that’s the reason why I’ve always put everything into my music. It’s never been something that I wanted to be too shiny. Like, I’ve never faked it. Having that kind of release and anchor in my life, it’s always just made me want to be 100 percent honest in what I’m doing, so hopefully that speaks through the music. I remember how alone I felt and what comfort music was to me, and that was only through artists who were telling the truth and being so real. So, that’s how I wanted my career to be. Even if things are difficult to speak about or process, it’s important to me to keep doing it as is, so if people are like me when I was younger, they have someone who is telling the truth and making them feel not so alone. GC: For me, Mariah Carey’s Butterfly album made me feel that way. I identified with a song on that album, “Outside.” For you, what was – ES: (Laughs) Me too! Oh my god, I love that album, equally. It’s so funny you mention that song, too, because it was one of my favorites. When she speaks in interviews about how she felt being mixed race and how certain songs were based on that – and even though this was someone I’d never met, and we were on different ends of the world – I felt comforted by that. GC: Have you been able to share that with Mariah? ES: I have never been able to speak to her about the music, but I met her a couple of times. I met her on once and she said, “You’re the girl who’s writing all those songs!” and I’m like, “Oh my god, Mariah Carey knows that I write songs!” (Laughs) I was completely starstruck. And I remember “Hero.” I remember that song she did on the Rainbow album, “Can’t Away.” I would love one day to meet her properly and tell her how much her music influenced me. GC: Do you call yourself a “lamb” like the rest of her hardcore fans? ES: I didn’t even know that’s what we were called, but yeah! ES: It’s just so important to me, especially when you’re looking at Africa. My father is from Zambia, and you just see it’s affected the country GC: I’m envisioning a collaboration. and a lot of communities. If there’s more research and awareness about ES: That would be a dream. it, so much suffering wouldn’t have to happen. So, I’m really proud to GC: How would you compare Our Version of Events to this new album? be a part of Elton John’s foundation and spread awareness about it. It’s ES: This album is a lot more personal and specifically about things so important because a lot of things are preventable, especially what’s that I’ve experienced. I wanted to make a conscious effort to be that happening in Africa. honest, because it was such deep emotions for me that I didn’t want GC: In 2013, you performed in front of President Obama and the First them to be generic. I wanted to get straight to the point. So, it’s a lot Lady. How many Xanax did you need to take beforehand? deeper, a lot more grown up. This is me stepping into womanhood, like ES: Just a couple of glasses of wine! (Laughs) I remember stepping a crash course in life bottled in an album. into the White House with all the security you have to go through to get GC: Which song did you write at your rawest moment? there and walking through the corridors, and we got a little tour before. ES: “Shakes.” The weird thing is, I didn’t feel like it was me channeling And meeting them – they’re so tall. That was the big thing. I’m like, this emotion into this song, but when I listen to it now, I was almost “Wow, you guys are superhuman.” predicting the future. “Shakes” was pretty deep. But “Sweet Architect” They were talking about the music, and he was such a rock star. He is probably the rawest moment on the album, where I just – beyond was just so chilled out, and he made us feel relaxed and charged up. He relationships, beyond the – this was my direct prayer had a chat with all the performers: “OK, let’s put on a show!” He made us to God. That’s probably the rawest and deepest moment on the album. feel like we were a part of some football team. He’s a true leader. GC: Which song in particular do you think might resonate with your GC: Does Obama have a favorite Emeli Sandé song? LGBT fans? ES: He just said, “I think my daughters know your music!” And I ES: I love “Babe.” “Babe” is the last song on the album, and I feel was like, “Wow. My music might be getting played in the White House!” liberated when I sing that song. It’s all about letting love be love and (Laughs) letting go of any kind of fear. So, for the gay community and the rest of the community, I just feel like allowing yourself to love and feel and take care of someone and be good to someone else – I hope that one resonates. GC: On the heels of World AIDS Day, tell me why it’s important to you to be a part of Elton John’s AIDS Foundation. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5412 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 13 14 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 15 Finding Nathan Sykes Boy bander on self-discovery, gay rumors and his sometimes-‘bromosexual’ relationship with Tom Daley

 photos by Global/Def Jam Recordings

By Chris Azzopardi you’re working so hard with four other people, it’s amazing for the first Since serenading queer crowds at gay clubs as a teenager, time to focus on being myself. Nathan Sykes has been the subject of prurient curiosity GC: In so many words, you recently said that after you turned 21, gay regarding his own sexuality. He’s British, so there’s that. And men have been less subtle with their thirst for you. the whole thing, which began in 2009, when Sykes NS: (Laughs) I didn’t mean that in an arrogant way. That’s not a thing joined Eurodance group , didn’t exactly disband “is at all. I mean, I wish people had thirst for me! That would be amazing. he or isn’t he?” rumors. It’s just a massive compliment. I can go out with my friends and have an amazing time, whether that’s at a straight or gay club. We always Now, with his solo debut Unfinished Business out in the midst of a have an amazing time when I’m with people who are gay, who are just so band hiatus, the giggly 23-year-old opens up about ongoing interest amazing and so flirty as well, which is fun. So, what I was trying to say in his sexuality (“I didn’t know I was gay, but OK!”), his sometimes- is that people don’t see me as a baby anymore; they don’t necessarily see “bromosexual” relationship with Tom Daley and being “really drunk” at me as the youngest member of a boy band. People are seeing me as an a gay club at 4 a.m. adult now for the first time, which is cool. GC: You’re 23, but you sound like you’re 30, and that’s a compliment. GC: What’s been your best night at a gay club? NS: Thank you so much. That’s a marvelous compliment. It’s been (Laughs) There’s been quite a few really, really amazing ones. part of this journey of self-discovery as an artist, which has been NS: I think just ending up in G-A-Y in London, drunk at 4 o’clock in the incredible. morning, because I’ve got loads of friends who are gay. It’s just fun and GC: What does your journey to self-discovery involve? nice, and everyone is up for a good time and fun to be around. It doesn’t NS: Just really figuring out for the first time who I am. I knew who matter to me what the company is, whether you’re straight or gay, as Nathan from The Wanted was, and I lived my life for five years as Nathan long as everyone is happy and in a good place and having a good time. I from The Wanted. I’d be walking down the street (and people would say), draw off people’s energy, so as long as people are having a good time, I’ll “Oh my god, that’s Nathan from The Wanted!” (Laughs) Then, for the first have a good time as well. time, I sat there, especially after the band decided to take a break, and GC: How do you handle a gay man who makes a pass at you? I went, “Who the hell is Nathan Sykes?” And it was for me to figure out I mean, it’s a compliment for anyone to make a pass at you. I who that was, and it was an amazing journey of figuring out who I am NS: think people always say it as a passing comment, and it’s the same as as an artist, what music I wanted to create, how I want to be portrayed, if anyone flirts with you: You take it as a compliment and you’re very how I want to look, how I’d like to come across. And then I was like, “Just nice back. be yourself,” and even that was a breakthrough moment. Because when GC: When were you first aware that gay fans had an appreciation for you?

16 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com NS: I don’t think ever. I still wouldn’t think that, because I never think that anyone would have an appreciation for me because I always go about my life just being me, so I wouldn’t really expect or acknowledge people having an appreciation. But when they do in person, that’s amazing. And when I see gay fans, it really is amazing. I make music for everyone, whether you’re straight, gay or any member of the LGBT community. Anybody who is a fan of me and likes my music, I’m always very grateful for them. GC: What was your introduction to the gay community? NS: You know what, I’ve been fortunate to have had a fantastic and open-minded upbringing, so I’ll always be grateful for that. I started performing at a very young age, and even from the age of 6, when I’d be performing and ended up on TV shows, I’d be around gay people. So, I’ve always been surrounded by gay people. When I went to Sylvia Young Theatre School in London – obviously being at theater school, I was around people who were gay. They’ve always been part of my life. GC: As a boy band member, how often did you get pegged as the gay one? NS: When you’re in a boy band, there’s always speculation that you’re gay. I think at one point there was speculation that all of us were gay – probably in relationships with each other! GC: It did not help matters that your bandmate Jay McGuiness said in 2013 that “most of us would have a dabble” with a guy. NS: (Laughs) That is a very Jay comment. Obviously, people thought (we were gay) straightaway when we started off as a band. We started playing club shows and school gigs; we really started from the ground up. We’d be doing two schools a day and then probably two clubs in the evening, probably one straight club and one gay club, then potentially another one later. So, we were always very much aware of our gay fan base and the gay community, and had a lot of respect for any fan who came to see us because we obviously started out without any fans at all. Any fan we could get – I mean, we started off with more members in the band than we did fans! (Laughs) To build on that and have great success and sell something like 11 million records as a band is just a lovely, lovely lad. I haven’t seen him in a while. Every now and then humongous compliment. And to have support from a fantastic gay fan we cross paths, so I think when we do cross each other we probably base was obviously a massive part of that, so we’ll be forever grateful for have a bromosexual relationship. That’s gonna be a word I’m gonna be all the support that we had as a band. wrapping my head around. I’m out for a friend’s birthday tonight who’s GC: , your collaborator on “,” is gay and that’s definitely going to be a topic of conversation. I’m going to a very vocal supporter of LGBT issues. She once called homophobes be like, “I learned a new word today and I need to share it with you.” So, “dumb as fuck.” thank you very much. NS: I mean, I completely agree. I think as equal members of the GC: You’ve expressed interest in recording music with your friend, community, everyone should be seen as an equal and there should Sam Smith. What’s the latest on that venture? be a lot of support. And also, I think education is important to bring Nothing further, really. Whenever I see Sam, it’s as a friend. He’s awareness at a younger age because that’s when people are discovering NS: one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He really is just the sweetest who they are, and there needs to be the support there from friends, person, so whenever we do see each other, it’s as friends and not as teachers and the community. Anything that can be done to help any potential collaborators. As a massive fan of Sam’s, I’d love to collaborate issues in the LGBT community is incredible, and it’s one that I feel with him. He’s phenomenal in so many ways, so it’d be an honor, but it’s strongly about and that I think is massively important. not something we’ve both spoken about. I think it could be really cool! I’m someone who really prides himself on being close with my fans. I’ve Lastly, I want to acknowledge your shirtlessness in videos for grown up with a lot of them, and I’ve seen people go on their own journey GC: “Give It Up” and “Over and Over Again.” of self-discovery. There was a fan the other day who turned up to a gig and introduced me to her girlfriend, and it was just the most amazing NS: Yeah, sorry about that. I do apologize. moment because I’ve seen this very quiet girl go through this journey GC: Was it just really warm on set? and come out a wonderful, confident human being. And to introduce me NS: It was really, really warm. During “Give it Up,” it got so hot I to her girlfriend, which you could tell she was a tiny bit nervous about, had to get in the shower just to get away any sweat. You know, you do it really was an incredible moment. It really got me, and I was like, “I’m get very nervous and quite self-conscious because you have quite a few just so proud of how confident and how comfortable you are.” people (there). My manager is never going to forgive me for saying this, GC: What did you make of people thinking you were the gay ex- but at one point I had two pairs of boxers over each other for the “Give boyfriend Ariana was referring to during her song “Break Your it Up” video. I walked into the room and went, “Should I wear these Right Back”? boxers?” and then I took them down and went, “... or these boxers?” NS: That was news to me! I’m not gonna lie. I woke up with a lot Of course, she had the fright of her life because she thought I was just of messages on Twitter congratulating me, which I was quite confused taking them off completely, but yeah, I mean, you do get quite nervous about. Then, when I looked into it, I was very confused because it was and like, “Should I contour my abs?” But in the end, I was like, it’s news to me. I was like, “I didn’t know I was gay, but OK!” I think it was a natural and everyone has different bodies and everyone’s body should be misunderstanding that she later went back and (acknowledged). celebrated. People shouldn’t feel pressured into looking a certain way, so I was like, I’m not going to try to contour my abs into something they’re GC: Are you familiar with the term “bromosexual”? not, because if people see them in real life, they will be disappointed. NS: I’m not, no. (Laughs) I am who I am who, and I’m just gonna be that way. GC: It’s basically a straight guy who has gay friends. Would you say you have a bromosexual relationship with Tom Daley? NS: You know what, I think I have a bromosexual relationship with http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5416 quite a few gay men, but I’m not sure Tom is one of them. Tom is a View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 17 January, Snow, Alaska Interview with “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 2” winner, Alaska

 photo by Garrett-Matthew

By Brandon Shultz bankruptcy. I’m hoping that the two are not related. And I hope With the holidays over and nothing but wintry weather that other companies will see that drag queens are marketing on hand for months, it’s the perfect season for a visit machines. We’re built-in marketing monsters so other from the reigning queen of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, companies should catch on. I would love to see the Sears Girls. Alaska. Later this month, Alaska brings her icy glamour The Payless Girls. I would love to be a K-Mart girl, so K-mart, if to Edmonton, so we sat down with her after a recent you’re reading, call me. Christmas show in to discuss her crown, GC: It’s true that drag queens never stop promoting, putting brands out of business, and the best way for and probably interact with individual fans more than most entertainers. Do you spend a lot of time replying to fans on fans to reach her. social media? Gay Calgary: You just wrapped up another season of your A: Not as much as I used to. I like Twitter a lot because it’s a hilarious Christmas show, and lots of other queens did, too. direct line with kids who are fans and fanatical about Drag Race Why is Christmas such a goldmine for ? and about Alaska, so those are the people that I’m writing these Alaska: Commercialism. Capitalism. Drag goes so hand albums for and I really love Twitter for that. That’s the best way in hand with consumerism because we’re poster children for to contact me—tweet at me. excess. We’ve got jewels and everything you can think of glued GC: You’re obviously busier than ever coming off your All onto our eyes, our fingers, everywhere. We look like Christmas— Stars win. I think it was fairly obvious to most that you it was we’re always donning our gay apparel. Everybody’s spending your crown to lose from day one. Did you have any sense of money at Christmastime and if they want to spend it on drag that, too? queens, drag queens will be there to take it. A: I wish I knew from the beginning. It would have been less GC: Speaking of donning apparel, American Apparel signed scary and a lot easier. I felt like a lot of people were watching you as a rep this fall. Do you have big modeling plans for with the idea that I was going to win, but that also meant there Alaska’s future? was more pressure on me and the judges were looking a little A: Well immediately After American Apparel asked me, harder at me because of that. But there’s no guarantees! I was , and Willem to be spokesmodels, they filed for putting a lot of pressure on myself, and that’s not healthy to do

18 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com  photo by Austin-Young in any scenario. I wish I would have just smoked a joint and chilled out, and eased into a little more and had fun doing it, but that’s where I was at in my life then. I was really serious about it and I really fucking wanted to win. I was taking it seriously. And, I mean, I guess I won, so… GC: You also won this season. Why did you choose Mae West? A: I vaguely knew All Stars was coming awhile back so I started thinking of different things. I was thinking of Blanche Devereaux, but she’s a fictional character and they’re not allowed, and Rue McClanahan wouldn’t really translate. So basically Mae West is Blanche Devereaux with a different accent. Always mind in the gutter, always sex. Sex everything. GC: It’s a little risky because if a lot of the younger Drag Race audience doesn’t even know who Mae West is anymore. On the  photo by Magnus-Hastings other hand picked Little Edie and also won. Maybe it doesn’t matter. GC: What else do you want to do? What are Alaska’s goals? A: If you’re out there trying to pick a Snatch Game character A: Um. [Long pause.] You can put “long pause” there. for Drag Race, there’s really only one person who has to know who the fuck it is and like it, and that’s RuPaul. And you. You I like getting to be an artist and in the next year I want do have to know it inside and out, and live and breathe it. But only projects that I’m really excited about. And I’m really secretive so Ru’s opinion counts. I’m not gonna tell you what they are! GC: Give me a general field, a genre, something! GC: You famously applied for Drag Race many times. Would you have won if you got on Drag Race the first time you applied? A: Definitely music because I love doing music and it’s just fun. And, um . . . and other things, too! A: No I would not have. The first time they brought me in for an interview they sat me in a tiny little room in front of a camera GC: And what about for you not as Alaska? and I froze. I didn’t know how to just relax on camera and speak A: I need to schedule time off from Alaska. For non-Alaska, like I’m speaking to my friend, and that’s a huge thing. I see I would like for him to have a day or a week off. I haven’t seen it happen with a lot of girls. They’re so stunning on stage, so that in awhile and that’s challenging. Of course I’m really gorgeous, fierce, and amazing, but then when they camera’s on grateful that I get to work, but it’s also like, okay, I need to take they’re a different person. They’re trying to be what they think a minute and grow a beard for a few days. they’re supposed to be. Learning to relax into yourself and not GC: You’re performing at Evolution Wonderlounge in late really give a fuck about it is a really important key. January. Any last words for your Alberta fans until you see GC: That reminds me of Bro’laska, which I only recently them there? discovered and binge watched. You and your brother are so A: I would like to say that my new album Poundcake is relaxed together, even though you’re talking about all sorts of available on iTunes, and that anusthing is possible. insane shit. How did that show come about? A: The people at World of Wonder were like, so we have this idea where you and brother just sit and talk about topics and I was like “that is the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard. No one’s ever going to watch that. It’s stupid. But sure. Fine.” So we did it. It really came from doing “Be$ties for Ca$h,” where you sit Alaska Performing at Evolution, Edmonton with your bestie and answer questions about each other for cash. They did one called “Bro$ for Ca$h” with me and my January 21st, 2017 brother and we had chemistry and they just thought it was fun so we started doing our show. And now I really like watching it, my mom likes watching it, my grandmother likes it… it’s fun http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5407 for the whole family! It’s been a year or two now and I love it. View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 19

Lifestyle Positive Thoughts A sense of community

By Jeff Berry man with a soft-spoken demeanor, and an eloquent speaker Community is a word I often hear bandied about at who is living with HIV. As he began talking, the auditorium fell into a hush. various HIV meetings, conferences and gatherings, but it’s sometimes a loaded word that often means different “At the start of a very busy conference, with many stresses and demands and anguishes, I want to start by asking us to things to different people, and its definition depends on pause quietly for just a few moments. It has been 35 years the setting or context in which it’s used. Community can since the Western world was alerted to AIDS. The first cases of a be based on geography, such as the actual community baffling new, terrifying, unknown syndrome were first reported of Hollywood, Florida, or it can be used to describe in the northern summer of 1981... those who share a common history, or social, economic “These last 35 years since then have been long. For many of and political interests. Then there is the psychological us, it has been an arduous and exhausting and often dismaying sense of community, defined as “a feeling that members journey.” have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to My eyes started tearing up. one another and to the group, and a shared faith that “Since this first report, 35 million people have died of AIDS members’ needs will be met through their commitment illnesses – in 2015 alone, 1.1 million people. “We have felt the to be together.” burden of this terrible disease in our bodies, on our minds, All of our various communities are in flux right now with on our friends and colleagues, on our loved ones and our an overall general increase in awareness of social injustices communities. that exist in our society, and the realization that positive “AIDS exposes us in all our terrible human vulnerability. It change needs to occur. Some communities have recently come brings to the fore our fears and prejudices. It takes its toll on under attack, both literally and figuratively, in the midst of a our bodily organs and our muscles and our flesh. It has exacted very divisive political climate. A direct attack on our brothers its terrible toll on our young people and parents and brothers and sisters at Pulse nightclub in Orlando was devastating, and sisters and neighbors.” and touched all of us deeply, and is beyond the realm of Then I began to cry. understanding. But even in the darkest moments, hope rises “So let us pause, first, in remembrance of those who have up, as seen with the lines of people that grew to be blocks long, died: those for whom treatment didn’t come in time; those for waiting to donate blood; the makeshift memorials of flowers whom treatment wasn’t available, or accessible; those denied and candles that instantly began popping up; the tales of grace treatment by our own failings as planners and thinkers and and heartbreak that emerged from those who survived. And the doers and leaders; those whom the internal nightmare of shame faces and stories behind the 49 members of our community and stigma put beyond reach of intervention and help. who we lost but are not, and will never be, forgotten. “These years have demanded of us a long and anguished When recently summoned for jury duty at the Circuit and grief-stricken journey. “But it has also been a journey of Court of Cook County in , I spent a day with 41 other light—a journey of technological, scientific, organizational, and individuals while being questioned by the judge and lawyers for activist triumph.” the plaintiff and defendants in a civil suit. I really didn’t want to be selected because I would have had to cancel a vacation By then I was sobbing, uncontrollably, almost to the point of I had been planning for months, but as the day wore on I was wailing out loud. It took all I could at that moment to suppress fascinated by the process of jury selection, and quite impressed my emotions that came bubbling up to the surface from almost by the knowledge and wisdom of the judge overseeing the case. 30 years of living with HIV, and nearly a quarter of a century He kept stressing to all of us in the room how we are the only working in the field. It was as though someone finally gave me country in the world in which civil cases are left to 12 members the permission to feel all that sadness, shame, neglect and of a community to decide, after weighing all of the facts. He used anguish. It was OK, and I was going to be OK. the word “community” several times throughout the day, and Cameron went on to highlight the stunning achievements after being in the same room all day with the other prospective made by doctors, researchers, but most of all the advocates, to jurors, all of us sharing personal details about our lives, whom many of us with HIV owe our lives. I felt a true sense of education and work history, I felt a strong sense of community. community in that moment, and the sense that great things can Yes, we were all very diverse and had different backgrounds, be achieved when we all come together to achieve a common but we were coming together to work toward a common cause, cause. So the next time you hear the word “community,” think one that I believe benefits us all. about how wonderful and amazing communities are, and In July I was extremely fortunate to be able to attend the the potential they have and what they can truly accomplish. International AIDS Conference in Durban. Shortly after my Changing the world can seem daunting, next to impossible. But arrival I was invited by Barb Cardell of Positive Women’s true change in our community starts with us, one person at Network-USA to participate in a demonstration against HIV a time. We only have to take the time to reach out, take our criminalization during Tuesday’s opening plenary. We arrived neighbors by the hand, and lift each other up. at the convention center early that morning in order to get seats Jeff Berry is the editor in chief of Positively Aware magazine, and Director toward the front of the room, a strategic move, I was told, when of Publications at Test Positive Aware Network in Chicago. Find him on one is planning a demonstration. I had my chant memorized Twitter @PAEditor. This column is a project of Plus, Positively Aware, POZ, and my Stop HIV Criminalization T-shirt ready to go, so I felt The Body and Q Syndicate, the LGBT wire service. Visit their websites -- prepared. Edwin Cameron, the final speaker, stepped up to http://hivplusmag.com, http://positivelyaware.com, http://poz.com and the podium to give the Jonathan Mann lecture. (Mann was a http://thebody.com – for the latest updates on HIV/AIDS. prominent HIV researcher and activist who pioneered the idea of a link between human health and human rights, and died at age 51, with his wife, in a plane crash in 1998.) Cameron, a http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5398 judge on the Constitutional Court of South Africa, who is well known for his activism on AIDS and gay rights, is a tall, lanky View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 21 Gossip

Gadot perhaps singlehandedly redeeming DC’s superhero movie output. Isn’t it always up to the lesbians to make sure this stuff gets done right?

The mystery of Stephen Fry’s the Hippopotamus Though he’s currently starring on the CBS sitcom The Great Indoors, comic veteran Stephen Fry doesn’t allow himself the luxury of laziness in between acting gigs – he writes books. Good news for all of us, then, that one of them is in the process of a big screen adaptation. The Hippopotamus, from director John Jencks (The Fold), currently in post- production, stars British character actor Roger Allam (The Lady In The Van) as the title’s hippo, a poet on a downward spiral who also happens to love long soaks in the tub. Out of work, he moves to a friend’s country home and encounters a variety of apparent miracles (or at least unexplained events) and presumably gets to the bottom of them. Joining Allam is Looking’s Russell Tovey, Fiona Shaw (Harry Potter’s Aunt Petunia Dursley), and Matthew Modine. Expect eccentric British country manor goings on and generous amounts of Fry’s wit in between lazy bathtimes.

Margaret Cho knows Alaska Is A Drag Until now the words “drag” and “Alaska” have conjured only one image, that of RuPaul’s Drag Race super-queen 5000. Well, she’ll have to move over a little to accommodate the new movie, Alaska Is a Drag, from lesbian filmmaker Shaz Bennett. Based on her own short film, it’s the story of a young black gay man from Alaska named Leo (newcomer Martin L. Washington Jr.) who dreams of drag stardom, but whose reality is a job in a fish cannery. This won’t do at all, of course, and thus begins our hero’s journey to Charisma, Uniqueness, etcetera. The indie film co-stars Jason Scott Lee (Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story), Nia Peeples (Pretty Little Liars), and comedy diva Margaret Cho, who knows all about it thanks to having spent time in the judge’s chair on Drag Race. Wishing the movie luck and  Luke Evans, photo by Starfrenzy hoping it all turns out sickening. Oh good, Finding Prince Charming has been renewed And now here’s something that will make you cheer or Deep Inside Hollywood jeer, maybe a little of both: Finding Prince Charming has been renewed for a second season. Logo’s reality dating Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Margaret Cho, competition, a gay version of The Bachelor hosted by and featuring contestants who make you shout rude ‘Finding Prince Charming’ comments at the TV (don’t lie, girl, you know you hate-watch this thing just like we do), was a runaway hit and the best- By Romeo San Vicente worst thing on that channel since The A-List: New York. So the good people at that network are ramping up the unreality Luke Evans stars in Professor Marston & The Wonder for a second season. We assume that nothing will change Women and we hope nothing does, because we love the tacky “fancy” Here’s one you might have missed: the story of a man house they all live in, we love watching large platters of named William Marston, a Harvard psychologist who helped food go uneaten, we love the fights, and we especially love invent the lie detector test. He also created a woman – the weird quasi-spiritual talk about “positive energy” that Wonder Woman, to be exact. Perhaps more unusually, he potential suitors blabber on and on about instead of having was married to psychologist Elizabeth Marston, and the personalities. It’s all delicious, and we absolutely want more. two of them were involved in a polyamorous relationship Thank you, Logo; make it soon, please, because our bodies with academic Olive Byrne, whose early feminism informed are ready. Wonder Woman’s character. When Marston died in 1947, Romeo San Vicente is his own Prince Charming. the women remained a couple and raised the trio’s children. Now, let’s say it together: This should be a movie! And thanks to writer-director Angela Robinson (D.E.B.S., The L Word) it will be. Starring Luke Evans as the professor, Rebecca Hall (Christine) as Elizabeth and Bella Heathcote (The Neon http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5402 Demon) as Olive, Professor Marston & The Wonder Women will land in theaters sometime in 2017, hot on the heels of Gal View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

22 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com Interview

 photos by GayCalgary Casey Everett It’s Fun & Hard

By Keith Johnson At Evolution Wonderlounge in Edmonton Steve Polyak found some time to catch up with relative porn star newcomer Casey Everett. Since embarking on the scene in 2014 Case Everett has been kept extremely busy (his sweet backside paying off) and it appears there is no slowing down any time soon! He likes his backside used and appears as though it is no effort at all even though he repeatedly states “it is really hard work, fun but hard”. He certainly is making a great many hard as he discuss his career, his personal life and his love of pool parties! The , resident has recently signed with DominicPacifico.com and reminds viewers that his dog tags were earned the old fashioned way. Recently exiting the military he had few career prospects so he thought he would Appearing at Whistler Pride in 2017 will be his first time on give porn a try. And try he does! He points out how difficult his a ski hill. Unfortunately Casey Everett does not escort. “I tried first scene was but with the right partner almost anything can escorting but it just doesn’t work for me”, he proclaims. Instead be accomplished. “It’s easy and a good way to make money” he will spend the year developing new content, making club he giggles nervously. Quick to point out that it is not easy for appearances, and spending time joking around on set. “The everyone. “Remember to keep breathing and you are sure to gay for pay boys often make that a bit difficult”, he reminds burn at least 200 calories per scene” he says. Steve. But as long as everyone has their favorite porn queued up on their cell phone (gay, straight or bi) then the parties on. Casey thanks his fans for their love and support in this brief but candid interview with the rising star.

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www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 23 24 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com Review

Philips Smoke-less Indoor Grill How to BBQ indoors and eat healthy By Steve Polyak GayCalgary had a chance to review a new kitchen appliance from Philips: the Philips Smoke-less Indoor Grill. I was really excited to hear that we were getting something that would allow me to do BBQs inside the house. We don’t own a propane BBQ, but do own a George Forman Outdoor Grill, so having something on, warm and off, which makes it easy for those who don’t that I could use indoors makes things easier when the know what temperature to cook food at. The grill cooks at a weather sucks and involves less set up time. constant 450 degrees Fahrenheit. There are two different ways the product is packaged: As the patties cooked, I noticed some smoke, and then one with the non-stick grill and wire grill; and one without flipped them. With the amount of grease coming off, there the wire grill, the difference being the wire grill accessory is was even more smoke. After looking at the instructions, there designed for delicate foods like fish, seafood and vegetables. is mention that items with a high fat content will cause some The package we got came with both so we could see the smoke. If cooking these, they recommend you place the grill difference. under the stove hood. Though the house filled with smoke, When I took the grill out of the box, I realized that the by opening the windows, I avoided triggering the smoke unit is larger than I thought it would be. It looks a good size, detector. However, each subsequent attempt at cooking these but the bulk of the space is below the grill tray. The grill burgers did set off the alarm. Putting the grill beneath the cooks from under the food, but the element heating the food hood fan also makes it hard to cook other items to go along is located along the inside of the grill base, and mirrors help with dinner. project heat up to the food. The element is protected under Another issue I ran into is that if you want to put anything glass so food cannot make contact to it directly. Think of on top of the patty, like cheese, it needs to be processed placing a toaster oven on its back and a grill on the opening, slices. There is not enough heat on the top of the patty to and you get something similar, but don’t do it for tons of melt or cook anything else. But the patties did come out with safety reasons. Directly on the bottom of the grill base is the nice grill marks and tasted like they came off a BBQ. easily removable and dishwasher safe fat/drip tray. Seeing that the grill is supposed to be smokeless, I tried The package comes with a basic quick-read manual, which grilling a full-sized fish – enough for two people – on the wire offers tips on use, cleaning and safety. It also comes with a grill top. Even though I greased the grill, the skin of the fish cook-book. There are some recipes I would like to try and got stuck to it, so it was difficult to turn over. In the end the they did not look to be too complex; it also helps you get an fish broke up while cooking. It still tasted great and there idea that you should be able to adapt other recipes for the was virtually no smoke. grill. We decided to use the non-stick for an attempt with salmon The first thing I decided to grill was your typical premade filets. Using the non-stick grill is highly recommended. There frozen hamburger patties from President’s Choice. The four were no issues with the fish sticking to the grill and they patties were a little big for the grill tray and a couple of them turned out amazing. It takes some getting used to seeing the hung over the edge but, as they cook, they get smaller so side that is cooking with the bright red light shining up from I wasn’t too worried. There are only three cook settings:

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 25 underneath. Sometimes it helps to pull the items off onto a making the patties from scratch, with very little fat, I could plate to check them vs. doing it on the grill. see it being ok. But not if you are purchasing them frozen, We tried doing steaks on it several times. They were easy as a lot of people do. It would also be inconvenient to use to check and turned out perfectly done. If there is space for parties without keeping people waiting. It is ideal for use alongside of them, you can also grill peppers and other for two people. The steaks and salmon were smaller pieces, vegetables. We did not have an issue with smoke cooking so space on the grill tray was not an issue. If you are mostly these. There were small amounts, but not as bad as the wanting to make those type of items, or kabobs or items with burgers. low fat content, you should be fine. From what I can see, the smokeless grill is not truly I wish the grill came with a cover. It would be nice to be smokeless: it depends on what you are cooking. If you are able to reflect some of the heat back down so things like cheese on the patties would melt, or to help with speeding up the cooking process. Checking online, it seems they don’t have something available yet. A rotisserie add-on would also be cool. This way, instead of having the grill tray on the top, you could skewer something like a chicken a little lower into the base and have it slowly turning. The grill tops and the grease tray are dishwasher safe. The protective glass of the elements should be cleaned if things spill on it. It does not come with anything to do that, but recommendations for glass top stove cleaners and a ceramic scrapper are included. So, if you are looking for something that will help you eat healthier, don’t want to buy a BBQ for outside or deal with propane tanks, but crave that BBQ taste year-round, then the Philips Smokeless Grill would work for you. The price ranges between $375 and $400 depending on where you buy it.

Philips Smokeless Indoor Grill http://www.philips.ca

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26 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com Review

Philips Wake-up Light Waking up to a simulated sunrise

By Steve Polyak I let Rob do the testing on this product. Since I work my own hours, I rarely ever need an alarm clock, but Rob needs it to get up early in the morning for work. The alarm clock he was using, prior to this, he would set to a radio station that he would get really annoyed with, and thus prompt him to get out of bed to turn it off. He looked forward to trying something that was going to gently wake him instead. The concept behind this alarm clock is that is supposed to help you wake by using yellow light that slowly gets brighter over the 30 minutes prior to the alarm going off. It is supposed to simulate the sun rising in the morning. There are two audio choices: natural bird sounds or FM radio, which is on the model we had. The audio goes off at the end of the 30-minute light cycle. The display shows up amber in colour: it’s a nice, warm colour vs. the harsh grey that Rob’s other alarm clock lit the room with, which made it hard to sleep. It was so bright that he needed to place it across the room, whereas this one he placed right beside him on the nightstand without any issues. Phillips recommends the clock be 40 to 50 cm away from your head. It can also be used as a bedside lamp with 10 different levels of brightness. After a stretch of use, Rob needed to add the natural bird sound along with the light to wake up. Light alone was not face-front, where the time is displayed lower down compared to enough. Features he wishes it included are USB charging, it being centered. It does have double the amount of brightness Bluetooth or audio input so he could connect his phone. He settings and five natural sounds along with the FM radio. It also found it disappointing that there is no battery backup. If goes for about $170. When I asked Rob if he would go back to the power goes out, the clock is reset, which is bad if it happens the old alarm clock now, he said no way. in the middle of the night. The clock includes a snooze feature, wherein you lightly tap the top of it. All the buttons are on the face of the clock, with an AM/PM or 24-hour switch and an alarm sound-setting switch Philips Wake-up Light on the back. http://www.philips.ca The model that we had tested is the HF3505/60 which came with FM radio, where the other model HF3500/60 does not. The HF3505/60 goes for about $100, where the HF3500/60 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5424 goes for about $75. Everything else is identical other than the FM radio. The top model, HF3520/60, has a little bit different View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 27 Interview

double fisted. I make sure I leave a bottle of water in my carry on purposely just so I can be pulled aside... have you ever seen Israeli security HOT!!! GC: The question we are all dying to have answered. Why are bagged nuts are such a popular snack? Pam Ann: Everyone loves warm salty nuts. GC: What are your thoughts on Stewardess fashion and the practicality of a miniskirt? Pam Ann: It’s amazing what a mini skirt can do for an air hostess. I’m always bending over picking up invisible forks. GC: Any dreams of being a pilot? Pam Ann: I’m not a pilot but I can fly a plane especially after a few cocktails. The Airbus is flown by a computer so it’s one switch on and one switch off... the rest of the time I’m doing shots with the crew, sucking cock and smoking pot. What Pam Ann At you don’t want on an Airbus is the rainbow wheel (like on a computer) because then you have to reboot and at 37,000ft you’re fucked. Whistler Pride 2017 GC: Real talk. Who has joined your mile-high club? Who would you like to add? By Lisa Lunney Pam Ann: Celine Dion, , Pamela Anderson have joined and I’d like to add Ryan Gosling and Obama. Whistler Pride 2017 is set to be invaded by the one and GC: Have you experienced any turbulence both in the air and only—Pam Ann. Everyone’s favourite air hostess is set your personal life lately? to cause some turbulence and debauchery during pride. Pam Ann: I love turbulence nothing makes you more alive GayCalgary caught up with her for a chat about fashion, than the fear that you might die. As for my personal life, I live visiting Canada and most important—her mile-high half the year in NY half the year in Miami busy, busy, busy. club. GC: What can pridegoers expect from you at Whistler? GC: Canada is excited to have you back, what are some of Pam Ann: Spontaneous hysterical offensive (to some) fun your favourite things about this snowy country? filled with elements of horrific fear. Pam Ann: People are so nice especially the cabin crew on Air GC: Any closing thoughts for readers? Canada, I once got fingered flying on Air Canada from NY to Pam Ann: I’d rather cry in a Rolls Royce than be happy on Vancouver. a bike. GC: How did the world of aviation sweep you off your feet? Pam Ann: When you grow up in the middle of fuck knows PAM ANN – International comedian superstar takes flight where Australia all you dream about is getting on a plane and and touches down for a Snow Landing at the 25th Anniversary the fuck off the island. I wanted to see the world and the only of Whistler Pride! way is to fly. GC: What can you tell readers about the current state of the air travel industry with increased security? http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5415 Pam Ann: Personally, I love being fisted at security especially when I’m flying El Al en route to Tel Aviv, sometimes you get View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

28 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 29 Politics Stink, Stank, Stunk 7 of 2016’s Biggest Grinches

By Mikey Rox disturbing was the rise of the alt-right, whose ideology is firmly From wayward politicians and Olympians to dangerous planted in white nationalism (and homophobia; don’t let ’em fool ya), cults and corporations, this year had all the tenderness even if the cowards behind the movement won’t admit as much. Far of a seasick crocodile. But before we bid adieu to 12 more frightening than a journey to 2020 with a Commander-in-Queef beleaguered months that we’re all eager to send packing, at the helm, it’s this group of “young rebels” – like traitor-to-our- let’s vilify once more these seven Grinches with hearts cause Milo Yiannopoulos, a gay conservative “journalist” – of whom we should really be afraid. (and other appendages) three sizes too small. Facebook Scientology Buzzfeed News made an astonishing discovery last month: Fake Three years after Leah Remini publicly cut ties with the Church clickbait headlines on Facebook hooked users more often than real of Scientology (of which she was a member for more than 30 years), headlines. In fact, Facebook users engaged with farcical election- the actress continues her crusade to expose the underbelly of the related headlines – most of which were either anti-Clinton or pro- “religion,” which culminated in November with the premiere of the Trump, says CBS News – with a share, like or comment more than explosive docu-series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, 8.7 millions times while real news from legitimate sources garnered currently airing on A&E. Through interviews with other ex-members, engagement fewer than 7.4 million times. What does this prove, you the reality program provides new details on what appears to be ask? Something you already know: We’re a nation full of idiots, and commonplace violence and harassment through the ranks; makes now they’re in charge. shocking revelations about the church’s policy on shunning anyone suspicious of Scientology and its opposition to same-sex relationships; Dakota Access reveals gross abuses of power by leader David Miscavige, and shows harrowing glimpses of its cult-like brainwashing abilities. If Dakota Access, the energy company responsible for a proposed underground oil pipeline from North Dakota to Illinois, had its way, Donald Trump it would have bulldozed tribal land of the Standing Rock Sioux while waving its middle finger in the rearview mirror. But despite bringing Every week it seems President-Elect Trump is embroiled in a new in a security force with attack dogs to goad environmental protesters controversy, the flames of which are fanned by his famously thin into submission, the Army Corps of Engineers eventually denied skin and a strange affinity for stream-of-consciousness social media easement of the line, declaring the land off limits while alternative usage. If he wasn’t degrading women, he was practicing xenophobia, routes are investigated. and if he ran out of steam in those regards, it was because he was busy choosing anti-LGBT cabinet members while taking potshots at Ryan Lochte the United States military. By all accounts, he’s the thinking person’s worst nightmare – most of whom will spend the next four years with Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte, who endeared himself to their heads under the covers. the nation during the 2012 Games with his every-bro demeanor and doofus-y grin, made us collectively regret that he was ever Death issued a passport when he falsely claimed that he and three other American swimmers were robbed at gunpoint in Rio de Janeiro. While They say the only two certainties in life are death and taxes – and surveillance video of what really went down that drunken night at a 2016 gave us a long list of famous people who no longer have to Brazilian gas station didn’t bode well for anyone involved – guns were pay taxes. This year we said goodbye to some of the most prolific actually drawn – his “over-exaggerated” retelling of the events had us people on the planet (many of them allies to the LGBT community), wishing he’d swim back under the rock he came out of. including (but not limited to) , Prince, Alan Rickman, Garry Marshall, Florence Henderson, Elie Wiesel, Alexis Arquette, Gene Wilder, and Anton Yelchin.

The Alt-Right http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5425 This election year gave us myriad new concepts to bear, like how is very much involved in our politics. But perhaps the most View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

30 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com Lifestyle The Frivolist 6 Ways to Start the New Year as the Best Gay You Can Be

By Mikey Rox 5. Uphold Your Convictions and Fight For Your Rights Another new year means another set of resolutions. But given the kind of 2016 that most of us had, 2017 Just when we thought it was safe to be LGBT, along comes a new political regime that, on the surface at least, threatens all we’ve worked demands a different sort of resolve. Sure, you can still to accomplish civilly over the past few decades – which means that kick the smoking habit and cut back on the drinking 2017 is no time to rest on our laurels. We don’t know yet what’s coming and lose a couple pounds – if those are commitments our way, but whatever happens we must be prepared to fight for our you want to make for yourself – but we also need to rights. Stay proud, stay vigilant, and most importantly stay on the right remember to include bigger-picture concepts that keep side of history. Do that, and together we’ll always come out on top. our lives as a whole cohesive and in a continued pursuit of positivity. Here are six ideas to give you that fresh 6. Set New Goals and Map Out Paths to Success start we all so desperately need right now. I’m a goal setter through and through, and I’ve found that the only way I have success in reaching them is to build an actionable 1. Organize Your Personal and Professional Life plan around the end game. For example, if you want to increase your savings this year, it’s important to set weekly or monthly savings goals I’m self-employed, and as a result I have the luxury of taking the last that, little by little, inch toward that larger sum. If you’d like to take a week of the year off not only to relax and celebrate the holidays with much-needed vacation, start planning ahead by researching what it’ll my family and friends but also to prepare for the year ahead. I make a cost in terms of transportation, lodging, food, activities, shopping and big list of to-dos right before Christmas of items I’d like to accomplish other expenses that you may incur. Whatever your lofty goals are, you’ll to get my personal and professional life in order so I can hit the ground have an easier time meeting them when you break down into smaller running when I’m back at it in January. At home, I like to deep clean tasks what it’ll take to get there. The payoff will be that much sweeter and organize the house, which is somewhat chaotic this time of year as well; you earned it and you deserve it. Happy New Year! with all the holiday trimmings, and where work is concerned, I delete unused files on my computer, sift and expunge expired emails, prepare client schedules for the months ahead, and – on a day where I’m feeling particularly patient – organize my taxes so I can cop that refund ASAP. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5426 Completing these tasks while I have the extra time during break keeps View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments me just busy enough to not get bored between holidays, but it also makes the transition into a new year that much smoother.

2. Eliminate the Literal and Figurative Toxicity There’s no denying that 2016 was a real bear. It took its toll on all of us emotionally and mentally, the genesis for most of which can be blamed on the lead up and subsequent fallout of a highly contentious election year. But that’s all over now, and it’s time to move on. Think positive, and steer clear of any negativity that tries to infiltrate your life – particularly on social media. Maybe a hiatus is order. If that’s what you need to clear your head and start thinking straight again (wink), shut it down and distance yourself until you feel ready to engage. Take it from me that you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how freeing the stepping-away experience can be. You may never want to go back.

3. Focus on Your Physical, Emotional and Mental Health I wholly believe in living your life at 110 percent. Eat healthy; exercise most days of the week, if only for 30-minute sessions; and stimulate your brain by reading or playing strategy games (yep, mobile games apply), both of which are scientifically proven to enhance your creativity. If you find it difficult to schedule in this “me time” due to a hectic schedule, compromise and do what works for you. Plan a night or two a week, for instance, to make a new recipe, or drop in on a class at your gym to find the fitness motivation that you might not otherwise have on your own. It’s up to you how so long as you’re doing it.

4. Practice Tolerance For Others It seems like no matter where you turn, the scene is straight-up vitriol. This year, rise above the fray. Don’t let bad attitudes bring you down, and show compassion for those who are having a hard time finding their inner peace. Remember, we don’t all have to agreeon everything, but we do need to respect one another. If respect isn’t reciprocal, however, you owe it to yourself to distance yourself from the negativity and focus on brightening your own light. It’s the only one that matters in the end.

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 31  Photos by Jake Bailey, KathClick, Starfrenzy, Warner Bros., Fox Searchlight Pictures, Jamie Nelson, Netflix, Webster PR. Mariah Care, and E!

going to have to live with that; that’s going to be their legacy. I 2016 in Review refuse to have that as part of my legacy.” – Michael Buble “I’m not saying ‘Will & Grace’ is responsible for gay marriage; I’m saying that maybe there was an element that helped in some What the Celebs Said way.” – Megan Mullally

By Chris Azzopardi “I think some of the shoes I wear are ugly but they don’t hurt. I just don’t want my feet to hurt anymore.” – Cyndi Lauper Beyond Mariah Carey calling me “dahhhling” in her famous diva affectation as my childhood self landed “There are thousands upon thousands of voiceless LGBT people somewhere over the moon, a lot happened in 2016. Acting within even just the Mormon community who feel like they can’t queen Meryl Streep spoke affectionately to me about her ask questions and can’t have doubts and can’t be themselves. lifelong love for the LGBT community. Country queen I want to be able to give a microphone to those people.” – Tyler Glenn Dolly Parton revealed that she, naturally, has been a confidante to her own gay and lesbian family members. “When we get married we want our wedding party to just be our And then there’s Joe Jonas, who shared his fondness for two sisters in tuxedos. Jack has a straight sister, I have a queer S&M, potentially inspiring some adventurous bedroom sister; they’d be our best men/women and we’ll call it a day. behavior this year. Here’s a collection of some standout That’s our dream.” – Lena Dunham quotes from Hollywood queens – and one horny JoBro. “It’s definitely fun when you bring some whips and leather and “I’ve grown up with gay people and been in love with gay people.” whatever you may be into - a little bit of S&M - into the bedroom.” – Meryl Streep – Joe Jonas

“I have a song called ‘Outside’ that a lot of people from the gay “I know what dark places feel like and I know what the absence community have always said they grew up listening to and were of love and community feels like, and if I had a me when I was like, ‘That helped me come out to my family.’” – Mariah Carey growing up to see, I would have perhaps been familiar to you guys a lot sooner than two years ago.” – Tituss Burgess “I’ve had many people through the years who I have helped to feel good about themselves. I say, ‘You need to let people know who “In my teenage years, I was very girly. I remember when I used you are and you need to come on out.’” – Dolly Parton to go on a French exchange in and all the locals called me ‘mademoiselle’ because they thought I was a girl.” – Hugh Grant “I would be blessed with a gay son.” – Gwen Stefani “I was a funny kid and that was one thing I always knew I had. “We love you, sweetie darlings!” – Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie You know how you’re insecure as a kid? I was like, ‘Well, I know actresses Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders I’m funny.’” – Jane Lynch

“There are a lot of people, and time does this, who are going to be severely embarrassed for their bias and intolerance. And they’re http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5427 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

32 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com Review Hear Me Out Best Albums Of 2016

By Chris Azzopardi song from Michael Kiwanuka’s stunning sophomore release, that we hear the British soul artist’s vintage-sounding croon wash over us like a warm bath. Kiwanuka is a modern-day 10. Britney Otis Redding, and his sensitive-man voice is unshakeable as it imprints an old-school vibe on each of these timeless Spears, Glory tunes.

If you counted the Holy Spearit out after 2013’s weird let-down Britney 7. Angel Olsen, Jean, you should know better. Brit’s next My Woman success is always her next comeback, but Some voices make Glory wasn’t just the everything in their teeter-totter effect – she’s path disappear. Angel over, she’s back – in full Olsen’s heavenly drawl swing. Her return to is one of them. With My artistic, well, glory repositioned the Vegas-headlining mom Woman, the St. Louis somewhere between the hazy Blackout and In the Zone with native tangled you within its celestial pop and less-fabricated production. And the nod her intoxicating world to her Southern roots, the country-licked “Liar,” where she’s of stirring melodies actually, like, singing? More of this singing thing please and and whispery vocal stat. flourishes. If she didn’t have you with the stark synth-specked opener “Intern,” well, that’s probably your fault. But there’s no way you could resist “Sister,” a guitar sprawl that will have you yearning right along with it. 9. Tyler Glenn, Excommunication

Mormonism – but really 6. Emeli Sandé, all organized religion – got a much-needed Long Live wake-up call thanks the Angels to Tyler Glenn. On Excommunication, the Five years is practically a Neon Trees frontman was lifetime between albums not about to sugarcoat in the transient pop his cutting words world, but for Emeli when he held the LDS Sandé, that time, it Church accountable for seems, is just what she his suicidal thoughts and made no apologies for being a needed. Reeling from glammed-out gay. In the process, Glenn’s first solo project the end of a longtime as an out man sticks to his pop sensibilities, which make relationship to her for the best music of his career. Standouts include the childhood sweetheart, the gifted “Next to You” soprano soaring “Midnight” and the sparsely produced “John, Give let her forlorn feelings simmer into this devastating (the ‘Em Hell,” a sincere moment of encouragement that every breathtakingly raw “Shakes”) and empowering (the lifting shamed queer kid needs to hear. mid-tempo “Babe”) diary of a healing heart.

8. Michael Kiwanuka, Love & Hate

It’s not until nearly halfway through “Cold Little Heart,” the cinematic-like launch

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 33 relationships (with women and men) and one very moving car ride (the mesmerizing James Blake-assisted “White Ferrari”) into your life story as Ocean reveals his own. 5. Lori McKenna, The Bird & the Rifle 2. Bon Iver, Songwriter-to-the- 22, Million stars Lori McKenna is nominated for four Grammys this year: “It might be over soon,” one for Tim McGraw’s a piping voice cuts in. rendition of “Humble Amid the loop, a gospel and Kind,” a song she sample and garbled wrote and also recorded synths, Bon Iver laments for The Bird & the Rifle, along with best Americana album, the inevitably of dissolve. American Roots performance and American Roots song. Throughout 22, Million, The recognition is overdue. As intimate as eavesdropping the Wisconsin-born on a room full of revealing conversations, McKenna’s 10 songwriter is grappling character-driven songs – from the sincere “Wreck You,” with time through lyrical about a relationship that’s gone off course, to the sharp vignettes of life that are ageism-commentary “Old Men, Young Women” – are fleeting, just like this fly-by album and its transcendental showcases for her unique ability to tap into the human back half. If you’re not moved to tears by the time you get to condition. the album’s quiet coda, “00000 Million,” then it will purge you with its wistful reminder to surrender to the sometimes nasty doings of fate.

4. Miranda Lambert, The 1. Beyoncé, Weight of Lemonade These Wings Who even remembers Country music’s Beyoncé before 2016? incipient legend wanted With Lemonade, the Slay her double-disc divorce Queen recast herself album to speak for itself. as an edgy auteur, She eschewed the typical thrashing radio pop promo interviews. There parameters with a few was no buzzy primetime swings of her baseball confessional. Instead, bat. Yes, she pretty much Lambert’s glorious 24-song narrative – easily some of her ran the world – and yes, best work – plunges deep into the heart and renders insight she definitely made through her drunken, cigarette-dragging, broken-hearted earlier career efforts look like amateur hour. Suddenly, she path to contentment. The journey starts and ends with a was more than a song slayer – she was a black voice that pair of steadfast mantras, “Runnin’ Just in Case” and “I’ve mattered. A risk taker. A meme-starter. She was the reason Got Wheels,” meanwhile also challenging gender norms on we couldn’t stop talking about some good-haired hussy “Tomboy” and enlisting rebound sex to remedy her breakup named “Becky.” The storybook narratives lifted the curtain woe on the glorious Grammy-nominated “Vice.” At least to potential personal reflections on married life with Jay Z, half of Lambert’s steel-pedal confessionals – undoubtedly, but also took a broader look at current gender and racial “Pushin’ Time,” which is sweet, tender, perfect – will be divides. “Freedom” furnished the strength for us to survive sitting comfortably amid country’s classics. Trump’s America. “Daddy Lessons” was the country song you never knew you needed from Beyoncé. And Lemonade as a whole? A cultural and genre-busting touchstone in both Bey’s career and itself. 3. Frank Ocean, Blond http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5428 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments Out music maverick Frank Ocean is responsible for some of this past decade’s best R&B, and this year, Blond proved that his skillful debut Channel Orange wasn’t just a fluke. The open-hearted Blond works like magic, slow burning snapshots of childhood nostalgia, bygone

34 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 35 Catching Up with Alison Bechdel Out cartoonist on new Dykes to Watch Out For, the universal appeal of Fun Home and her doubts about making it a musical

 photo by John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

By Chris Azzopardi who are so passionate about musicals. That was not me. You For all her newfound commercial clout, it might seem know, I sort of thought of musicals as Guys and Dolls and people strange that Alison Bechdel recently returned to her bursting into song inexplicably, but I also understood that there less-mainstream roots. are beautiful musicals out there. I was a big fan of Sondheim, Even though her self-proclaimed “tragicomic” novel Fun Home but somehow didn’t think of Sondheim stuff as musicals in the has become a Tony Award-winning commercial smash, and is traditional sense. currently on its first national tour, Bechdel couldn’t ignore her GC: Do you have a new appreciation for musicals now that Fun despair when Donald Trump was elected president. Attempting Home is one? to process the startling outcome, the Vermont-based graphic AB: Absolutely, yeah. It’s an amazing form, or it can be in the novelist sat down to draw the iconic characters from her popular right hands. I’m just thinking about the sort of stock Broadway Dykes to Watch Out For, which was first published in 1983 in a musical where there’s a conflict, but things end up all happy. feminist newspaper, WomaNews, before being widely syndicated That’s not so interesting. But the amazing emotional depth you to outlets across the U.S. can get in a musical is really interesting to me, and I was excited Bechdel hadn’t revisited her popular strip’s lesbian clan in eight to see that happen with Fun Home. years. GC: What was your first thought when you heard Fun Home Within that time, she released two graphic novels: 2006’s Fun was getting the musical treatment? Home, about her father’s gay secret and her coming out, and its AB: My first thought, honestly, was, “That’s impossible. Yes, 2012 companion piece, Are You My Mother? In 2014, Bechdel was I’ll take your option money, but good luck.” I did not know much the recipient of the prestigious MacArthur “Genius” Grant. about musicals or the stage at all, and it just seemed like a crazy, Recently, the 56-year-old artist talked about getting back to complex book. Of course, they left out large parts of the book as the lesbian characters that first endeared her to LGBT audiences one has to do, but in the early days, I just couldn’t imagine how decades ago. Moreover, she discussed her doubts about Fun Home that would be put on a stage. Also, because it’s just so dark and becoming a Broadway musical (“I’ll take your option money, but so sad, it seemed like the antithesis of a musical. good luck!”), the next-level catharsis she experienced when it did, GC: Because of the emotional depth you explored in your book, and the pressures of critical and commercial success. did you have trepidation about how it might be portrayed on stage? GC: Are you a fan of musicals? AB: If I had known more about musicals when I said yes to AB: Honestly, I really have not been. I didn’t quite understand that project, I would’ve had a lot of trepidation, but I didn’t quite the whole culture around musicals, and there are just people know what I was getting into. I also knew that Lisa Kron would be writing the book (for the musical), and I was a great admirer

36 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com of hers and really trusted her GC: Do you have a favorite to get it right as much as she song from the musical? could. AB: It’s really hard to pick. GC: Were you consulted I know that sounds corny, during its evolution? but I love all of the songs. Of AB: I had pretty much zero course “Ring of Keys” is just to do with what you see on incredible. You know, I’m not stage, and didn’t have any really a big song person. Some official involvement in making people just don’t have that that show. part of their brain, and I think I’m one of them. (Laughs) It’s GC: How difficult was giving up control of your source funny to me to see how that material? song has caught on in the culture, to see just how it’s AB: It was a leap of faith. I gripped people, especially trusted Lisa, and (composer) young people. Children just Jeanine Tesori came on board. love that song. I mean, little I also had trust in her. When I kids who don’t even know say I wasn’t involved, it wasn’t what it means are singing it that they kept me out – I just on YouTube – it’s crazy. didn’t have any formal role. Fun Home But they would meet with me GC: is the first periodically and pick my brain Broadway musical with about ideas about the book a lesbian lead, which is and my process writing it. So, groundbreaking. Did you ever I felt very connected to them think we’d have a lesbian lead even though I didn’t know on Broadway and the lesbian what I was doing or what I lead would be you? was telling them. (Laughs) AB: No, I never did! (Laughs) Not that Broadway GC: Fun Home opened off- Broadway in 2013 at New ever took up any space in York’s Public Theater. When my brain at all, but yeah, it’s did you first see it, and what pretty surprising all around. was your initial impression? GC: How do you process the mainstream appeal of AB: The whole process took Fun Home years, but the first thing I and its resonance saw or heard was at the end beyond the LGBT community? of 2010. I got a script in the AB: I guess it’s just really a mail and a CD with music on picture of what’s been going it from a workshop they had on in the culture, and my all done that I didn’t see. Up story and the play came along until then, it just seemed like at this particular juncture a fantasy that may or may not when people were finally open happen one day. But when to hearing a queer story that’s I heard those songs, I was also a human story. There just blown away. It was really was finally space for that. I powerful, and very few of those think if the play had come actually made it through to out a little sooner, if the book the final musical. There were had come out a little sooner, it so many songs that came and might not have caught on the went, but I knew that they way that it did, but somehow had something really magical people were ready for it. happening. GC: What do you think it GC: Do you remember the is about the musical and the experience of seeing this stage book that is resonating on interpretation of your life? such a universal level? AB: That too went through AB: For one thing, it’s an amazing transition. about a family. Everyone’s At one point the stage set got a family, of one fashion was an exact replica of my or another. Also, I think it’s home studio, where I spend about a family with secrets, all my time, and that was and most families have some really freaky. It was like I kind of secret. I think people was looking in the window relate a lot to that, to the at myself working. But that catharsis of having a secret got abandoned at one point brought out in the open. and the set became a much I’ve heard stories of people more stripped down, sort from all different kinds of of imaginary space. But it permutations – not just gay was pretty freaky all around, family members, but all kinds watching this musical about of issues: mental illness, me and my family. affairs, double lives. I think  photo by Alison Bechdel

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 37 it’s a great relief for people to emotional resonances. Some see this secret cracked open. lighter, some darker. GC: What have been some GC: What intersections of the most memorable do you see between graphic responses you’ve heard novels and musicals? regarding the book over the AB: There’s a way the years? combination of music and AB: God, you know, it’s hard drama is sort of like the to hang onto those. Whenever combination of pictures and I go to the show – I’ve seen it text. Very different too. But 15 or so times – people will the way those two planes recognize me in the audience combine to create something afterwards, and I hear the greater than the sum of their most incredible stories, and parts is very similar. people are sobbing. I get so GC: What kind of influence caught in those exchanges does the mainstream appeal – it’s really intense – that I of Fun Home have on your can’t remember the details. current work? So, I’m sorry I can’t give AB: I feel a bit like there are you a good anecdote, but more eyes on me than there I’ve had amazingly intimate used to be. (Laughs) I used encounters with audience to be able to work free of that members. sense of anyone waiting for GC: Of the three characters my work. So, I feel like there’s representing your life at a little added pressure now, various stages in the musical, but I’m trying to use that in a do you have a favorite Alison positive way, like to motivate Bechdel? me. AB: (Laughs) I don’t. To GC: How’s the fitness me they all sort of fuse into a memoir coming along, then? whole, and they’re bound up. AB: It’s coming along. I couldn’t single one out. I do I’m not as far along as I’d think it was a really interesting like to be. I’m juggling a lot choice to have the adult Alison of different projects, so it’s telling this story because that hard to stay focused, but it’s wasn’t really technically part coming, you could say that. of the book at all. That was part of Lisa Kron’s genius,  photo by Elena Seibert GC: Are these projects and it’s an odd role. She’s just you’re working on graphic mostly observing the action. novels? The adult is having memories of her childhood and her young AB: Oh, some of them. I’m doing a lot of big stuff I can’t really adulthood and her family, and they’re playing out before her as even explain. she’s trying to write about them, trying to make sense about them. GC: Do you ever plan to revisit the characters from Dykes to So in a way, she’s kind of a passive observer, but she’s really Watch Out For? not; she’s actually very actively engaged with these memories of AB: Funny that you should ask that, because right now I’m her former self. I think it really pulls everything together in an just so distraught over the election that the only way I could see amazing way. out of it, the only way I could help myself figure it out, was to GC: Is there something you get out of somebody else’s start writing a Dykes to Watch Out For strip. I haven’t thought interpretation of your life versus the way you presented it in the about these characters in eight years, but I’m right in the middle book? of writing an episode and kind of dragging them all out of storage. AB: Yeah, I feel like this play has been such a gift to me – a GC: I can’t think of a better and worst time. real kind of healing or catharsis that I thought I was getting from AB: I know. (Laughs) I don’t know if I’ll keep it up, but I’m writing my book. But there was another level the play went to definitely writing at least one episode. I’ll put it up online. I’ll do it that’s much more emotional. Before, I was talking about the for my local alternative weekly and put it on my website. emotional power of musicals, and I felt … it sounds so trite to say healed, so I don’t want to say that. It was just such an amazingly GC: Why did this feel like the right time to revisit these respectful look at my particular family, the way that they stuck to characters? my story and the details of the character. They invented a lot of AB: When I wrote the comic strip, I did it in some ways just for stuff – they invented almost everything the character said because myself to figure out what was going on in the world. I always found there wasn’t much dialogue in my book – but somehow it felt very the world so confusing and baffling, and by using my characters accurate to what I had written. and having to talk through stuff that was happening in the world, I could find my own way. I felt like – I’m so confused at what just GC: Did you worry about the way they might portray your father? happened to our country that I needed to sit down with these characters and figure it out, so that’s what I’m doing. AB: I hadn’t considered the ramifications of that, and then in these early versions that I saw – different workshops and stuff – he GC: Will you continue working with these characters? would go from being a super negative character to being a little too AB: I might not have time, but maybe I’ll have to keep going. soft. It was very interesting to see how that got calibrated in the end. It’s a very delicate balance to make him sympathetic enough to care about and also threatening enough for the story to work. GC: So you were seeing these drafts of his evolution? AB: I was seeing actual actors portraying him in different ways, http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5429 reading the same lines in many cases but with really different View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

38 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 39 Having His Cake and Eating It Too Joe Jonas on ‘fun’ gay rumors, Barbra Streisand fandom and the pleasures of S&M

 photos by Scott Schafer

By Chris Azzopardi – when you’re that age. But cut to when you’re 27, and you’re Why is Joe Jonas talking about whips and leather? going through things that are a bit more mature, sexually or Apart from recalling his experience with both, the answer is what not, and that’s what you’re gonna write about. simply because he can. Because the former baby-faced JoBro GC: A song from your new album, “Be Mean,” is essentially is all man now, from his 5 o’clock shadow to his steel physique, about S&M. Tell me about your decision to be so sexually which he’s not been shy about showing off. liberated in your music. While making the promotional rounds for his debut as JJ: Some people say, “We finally can talk about these kinds lead singer of -formed collective DNCE, the newly of things, and we want to go wild and crazy,” but really, it’s just liberated 27-year-old hasn’t merely shifted away from the stuff we’re going through. I feel like I’m free in my life to speak much-publicized “purity ring” of his youth, taking on a kinky about it, and yeah, everyone should try a little bit of something array of topics including porn, boners and penis size – he’s new in the bedroom. It’s definitely fun when you bring some erased its very existence. whips and leather and whatever you may be into – a little bit of Like younger brother Nick, middle sibling Joe wasn’t done S&M – into the bedroom. I wrote it about me and someone I was destroying any traces of his Disney halo when he freewheeled getting wild with, and maybe (we) busted some outfits out – you through our recent talk. Read on as he chats about his know, you get a little crazy. It’s a fun song, and I hope people fondness for S&M, gay fans who send him pics of their privates can have fun with it and learn from it. and preferring an “older, mature” man play his hypothetical GC: What do you want them to learn? onscreen lover. JJ: (Laughs) Well... I would love for them to learn that it’s GC: It’s been surprising to hear you talk so salaciously while good to try new things. promoting this album. But then again, I keep forgetting you’re GC: Maybe you should teach them, Joe. not 17 anymore. JJ: I’ll do a handbook. JJ: (Laughs) A lot of people do! GC: Have your brother, Nick, write the foreword. GC: What about your current professional life differs from JJ: Exactly. I expect you to be one of the reviewers. your career as a Jonas Brother? GC: Were there moments before when people were trying to The biggest difference is the writing. I’m proud of the stuff JJ: guide you to be something different than who you felt you were? I did with my brothers, but you grow up and go through a lot of different things, so you may be talking about something very JJ: I would say “yeah” to that. Yes, because it may have innocent – a first kiss, taking somebody out for the first time been subconscious; it could just be friends you’ve surrounded yourself with, or on a deeper level it could be music people

40 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com around you saying, “This is the right direction for you, and this GC: What do gay men DM you? is where you should go next.” JJ: I bet you could take a wild guess. (Laughs) It’s all over the I remember when I did a short run of a solo project (2011’s map, from selfies to you-know-what. It’s funny, too, because , released on ’s ), you can’t really tell what people are sending because everything all signs were pointing to a very R&B, smooth, sexy vibe for an now is blurred out, and I like to read some of the DMs and hear album, and I listened without taking time for myself to really stories. But, of course, sometimes there are crazy ones, and it’s utilize influences that I love. I learned from it, but at the same just straight nudity. You have to just find something good in time, it was jarring. it – or laugh, depending on what it is. But I feel really comfortable in my life and career right now. I GC: I have to say, few things are making me feel optimistic definitely feel like the best version of myself, and I’m glad I can about the current state of America, but your album is one of have a good label now that allows me to spread my wings and them. create music that really is, for all of us (in the band), unique JJ: Oh, man. Thanks! You know, honestly, that’s what we’re and special. all about: taking people out of a place they don’t wanna be in GC: Another change: Your body. What inspired the muscles? and bringing some joy to a situation. JJ: I wanted a change of pace and to put myself through GC: Why is it important for you and the band to perform at a challenge. It’s easy to eat junk food and party every night Pride events or, like you did recently, at a club like G-A-Y in on tour, so I put myself through a season where I challenged London? myself physically, and I really enjoyed it. There were days JJ: In the world we live in now more than ever, it’s especially that were tough, but seeing your body slowly changing, you important that, like you said, our music can take you out of just want to keep on it. I had a trainer on tour with me – this that. I think, what is a better time than now for everyone coming amazing boxer Ava Knight – and she came out and busted my together and being stronger together, whatever your thoughts ass, and I was really enjoying it. are on the election? It can be a heartache for some. I think for GC: Has your beefier body gotten you more attention from DNCE we try to bring some joy to you and happiness and share gay men? the love, and that’s what it’s all about for us. If we can put a JJ: I think so! Probably, yeah. I’m seeing it just through DMs. smile on your face, that’s what’s important to us. And look, our It’s quite funny. But I take it as a compliment. It’s cool. At the gay fans are awesome and we want to give back in every way we end of the day, for me, it goes back to the music, and DNCE has can, so we’re putting on shows for them. done a lot of cool concerts, like Pride shows. We have a lot of GC: How have you been processing the election outcome? gay fans, and we love that they’re so supportive, so hey, if that makes them happy, it’s all good.

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 41 JJ: I’ve been able to see a lot of different viewpoints. What amazing because I always make sure we play the song “Barbra I mean is, I just presented at the Glamour Women of the Year Streisand” when we walk in the room before a fitting. event, and it was a pretty somber crowd, obviously. Toward GC: Do you have a favorite Barbra album? the end, there was a bit of hope. Bono actually won Man of the JJ: That’s tough to say. Look, I love theater as well. I had the Year, and he said it best when he was like, I shouldn’t even opportunity to be on Broadway when I was younger, and I hope be up here, but now more than ever, men and women should to be able to do it again one day. So, I would say the theatrical be uniting and coming together. It was interesting to see how side of Barbra, I really love. they’re handling it, but for me, personally, I was bummed. Now, it’s time to come together, and there’s going to be some positive GC: You’ve also dabbled in acting. If you ever followed in your things hopefully. It may suck, but I love this country and I brother Nick’s footsteps and played gay, who’s on your shortlist think that’s what it’s about. of male romantic interests? GC: There are several videos online of paparazzi chasing you JJ: That’s a great question. I’d say for sure Daniel Craig. I down and asking if you’re gay. Why do people think you’re gay? think Matthew McConaughey is a hunk of a man. I’d have to go with George Clooney. Older, mature men. JJ: I don’t know the real answer to it. I don’t have an issue with it. I think it’s a compliment. I have a lot of gay fans. It’s GC: What message do you hope to send to people who are not like it bothers me. Some people handle it differently, but at reluctant to support LGBT issues? the end of the day, I’m cool with it and think it’s kind of funny. JJ: Look, we’re all human. Some of the best friends in my life You have to learn to laugh; people are gonna create a story out are gay, and we don’t look at each other any differently, and it’s of anything. not like there’s any separation of who we are as people. Love You know, it’s probably because I’m in touch with my is love. And if you have a problem with that, then you can just feminine side. Look, I love fashion; I love to dress well. I love get out of this world – first trip to the moon, first trip to space – certain things like that. And I have a lot of gay friends, as well, because I honestly feel like life’s too short to worry about dumb so that could probably point them in that direction. But again, things like that. People are people, and I’m gonna help out in the gay community is something that is close to my heart, so I any way I can. And what better time than now? don’t mind. Hey, if they wanna think I’m gay, it’s fun. GC: Reinforcing those rumors: the fact that you want to collaborate with Barbra Streisand. JJ: Yeaaah! I love Barbra Streisand. It’s so funny: Our stylist http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5430 is like the biggest Barbra Streisand fan in the world, and it’s View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments

42 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 43 Love Is Love Is Love Michael Bublé on leaving an LGBT-affirming legacy, man crushes and male admirers

 photos by Warner Bros

By Chris Azzopardi GC: How would you describe the affection for you from the “You know what I’ll be Googling tonight: Bublé, gay, gay community? queer, all that stuff,” says Michael Bublé one recent MB: The truth is, I don’t think I could’ve given them as much afternoon, after being informed that said search terms joy as they’ve given me. I’m in a business where, as you can render colorful results. imagine, I’m surrounded by the gay community. I mean, that’s All you lovers, though, needn’t search beyond the dreamy just my life. I’m an artist, and so I’m surrounded by other crooner’s recently released album, Nobody But Me, and its 10 artists. And everyone from my hair stylist who lives with me on feel-good tunes, including several new originals and reimagined the road to (my stylist) Jeff Kim, who puts me in my suits every classics gleaned from the Great American Songbook. day – I mean, god, the question isn’t who’s gay? The question is, who isn’t? (Laughs) And by the way, the ones that seem the Love, naturally, is featured prominently on Bublé’s ninth most macho, they’re probably gay. studio album, as well as in our recent chat, during which the affable ally spoke about the “joy” the LGBT community has GC: Now would be a good time to talk about how your wife, brought him and the importance of standing up for queer Luisana Lopilato, thought you were gay when she first met you. issues. And no, not solely because he’s a staunch LGBT-rights MB: (Laughs) Yes, she walked in this room with a man, and advocate – when his kids grow up and read this interview, he the man was so good lookin’ that he made Brad Pitt look dumpy, says it’s important to him that they feel “proud.” so I assumed they were together. I naturally assumed that this GC: In 2010, you performed on a stage you deemed “phallic” was her boyfriend or her husband, so I refused to hit on her. because it resembled a penis. Then, a gay man threw you his And listen, it didn’t help that she didn’t speak English either keys, and you were not shy about bending over and picking at the time. Not a word. But the more I drank that night, the them up. more brazen I got about trying to find out what the situation was between them. Finally, after two hours – and I don’t know MB: (Laughs) I remember! That was a guy named Paul how many shots and glasses of whiskey – I finally said, (effects O’Grady, and he’s very famous in the UK. He does an act where a drunk slur) “You guys are such a beautiful couple,” and he he dresses up as a woman, who is also very famous, almost like said, “We’re not together.” He said, “She came because she likes Dame Edna. He’s a sweetie pie. I was so happy that he did that you.” And at the same time, she was on the phone texting her that night because it just gave me so much. mom saying, “Oh my god, Michael Bublé is all over my friend. He’s so gay.”

44 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com GC: She knows you’re straight now, right? MB: (Laughs) I assume so. I mean, after the kids. Also, I assume viral with, and if that’s the worst thing, then you know what, I she thinks I’m not gay when every night I say, “Mmmmm?!” and just gotta laugh at myself. she says, “No, I have a headache.” GC: But seriously: When did you know you had a gay GC: You recently donated items that were auctioned off to following? benefit the Stonewall National Monument. MB: Listen, I’m not . I don’t look out and see MB: To be honest, I’m doing more because of (my publicist) thousands of gay couples out at the shows, but even at the start, Liz Rosenberg. There’s something I have in the works. There’s man, when I played the Blue Note (a jazz club in Greenwich the Harvey High School that she was talking about here in Village, New York City). I’ll tell you the honest truth: I played New York, and I want to help there too. Listen, I love being able to spout words, but sometimes you gotta put your money where your mouth is. (Liz) said, “Should I call your manager to find out if he thinks it’s OK?” So she called my manager and my manager said, “Why are you asking me? Of course!” GC: How long before there was a pic of you suggestively eating corn on the cob did you become aware of your gay following? MB: (Laughs) I think it was hours. GC: Just hours? MB: Hours! You know, that day I took my godson, my best friend and his wife to Disneyland, and I was looking after him because he’s a little guy. He’s 4 years old and he had this corn, and butter was everywhere. So, I was trying to help him with napkins, and then I grab mine and it was dripping… and my first thought was… oh god, you know what I mean. It was just the worst timing ever. The truth is, I had fun with it. There are so many terrible things you could do to land in the press or go

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 45 the Blue Note 16 years ago, outs the person, but it always and the other night I had a made me wonder: “Why?” I show there, and I’m still close understand if they are afraid, with one of the first fans I or they don’t want to tell their ever had in America. Forget parents, but the fact that it about the world. In America. could be a question within And his name is Johnny this business of hurting your Blue Note, and he’s about business is just mind-blowing 6-foot-5, a New Yorker with to me. a huge personality, and he’s GC: Do any of them confide beautiful. I got sentimental in you? the other night. I did a big MB: No. I mean, I have radio show to open up the the worst gay-dar ever. I record, and I looked into this really do have the worst gay- little, intimate club, and there dar. I could be hanging with was Johnny Blue Note. And I somebody and my friends got sentimental. I talked about will be like, “Michael, he was (him) during the show. hitting on you hard,” and I’m So, I think from the very like, “What are you talking start there was Johnny. That about – he’s just a really nice was my first ever gig, and one of guy!” Sometimes I don’t pick my greatest fans and harshest up the shit people are puttin’ critics was Johnny. He was down. my foray into my relationship GC: If a gay couple asked with the gay community and you to sing any of the songs me as an entertainer. Even off this new album at their before my music director was wedding, which would you Alan Chang, there was Bryant sing and why? Olender and Bryant is this really smart, funny, talented, MB: Aww. I think maybe slutty, very gay musical “The Very Thought of You.” director. And to be honest with you, man: I don’t care if it’s a gay GC: You say you’re no or a straight or a black or a Madonna, but still, you’ve poor wedding – love is love. performed with several gay And I think that would be a icons: Barbra Streisand, really beautiful, romantic first Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue… dance. MB: Kylie Minogue, yes. I GC: In the past, you’ve man- sang with her, and actually, crushed on Blake Shelton and I was supposed to see her in ’s Niall Horan. Vancouver. She was going to Who are you currently man- come over and have tea with crushing on? me, but I had to fly to Europe. She had been there and was MB: That’s a good question. going to come over, because I God, you wanna hear who I’m happened to sing with her on man-crushing on? There’s a a Rod Stewart special and we couple of them. My No. 1 man really got on and liked each crush is probably John Oliver other, so I was just gonna (host of HBO’s Last Week hang out with her literally Tonight with John Oliver). The weeks ago. other is (The Daily Show host) Trevor Noah. Goddamn – what And Elton John is somebody a stunning South-African I’ve gotten to know. I love him man. You know what I love very much. Obviously, we man? I love that they’re self- don’t have to talk about how deprecating and funny, and talented he is – we know how I know they’re empathetic talented he is. He’s also really because their point of view warm and effusive with me, tells me that. Obviously, and I just saw him in Vegas. they’re liberal, progressive, I went backstage and gave self-confident; they have him a big hug. He was so a great sense of humor. I happy, and he really enjoyed just love that. (American being there. It’s funny, man, astrophysicist) Neil deGrasse because I gotta guess that Tyson too. And god, the late there are people out there who (Anglo-American author are gay in this business but and essayist) Christopher won’t tell anyone. Hitchens. If you can man GC: Have you met these crush on a dead guy, I am closeted stars? man-crushin’ on a dead guy. MB: Yeah, I meet them and I (Linguist and philosopher) get the impression. And listen, Noam Chomsky, I love. I’m I’m not gonna be the guy who trying to think of people I spend most of my evenings

46 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com with, because this is who I spend most of my evenings with. Oh, I don’t get it, but I can choose to listen to their point and hear it. Lawrence Krauss, the greatest astrophysicist. Honestly, their I don’t agree with it. I always joke, everyone jokes: Why can’t gay intelligence and skill at orating just… I mean, I’m wet. people be just as miserable as straight people who are married? GC: Is it true that your Uncle Frank and Uncle Mike, who But listen to me, we are in a world – a dangerous world – right have been together for over 40 years, taught you acceptance and now, and if you’re not standing up against intolerance, then open-mindedness? you’re for it. God, I sounded like George W. fucking Bush right there, holy shit. “If you’re not with us, you’re against us!” MB: With or without them, the truth is, my father and my mother were so progressive, and I’m so lucky that my father just GC: As an ally with a massive platform, it’s important for you made it very simple. He just said, “It’s nature. A man can love to say that for this movement to move forward. a man and a woman can love a woman, and this doesn’t just MB: I agree. And you know what, I think people are so afraid happen with human beings – it’s science. It happens in nature. of losing fans. It happens with almost every animal.” Having two boys of my GC: Are you afraid of that? own who I love more than I’ll ever love myself, I can’t tell you MB: No, no. I’m not. Because you know what, years from now, how crushing it would be if they couldn’t feel that they could tell when my kids grow up and they read this, they’re going to be their father that they were gay – or different in any way. To me, proud of their father because their father was on the right side (because of them), it just became a much bigger issue. of the line. GC: If one of your sons were to come out to you, how might There are a lot of people, and time does this, who are going you respond? to be severely embarrassed for their bias and intolerance. And MB: With nothing but love. And I’m not saying that to you they’re going to have to live with that; that’s going to be their because it’s you or the magazine. It’s because I love them, man. legacy. I refuse to have that as part of my legacy. I love them so much that I just want them to be happy. My goal in life is to make them beautiful, happy human beings, and if that’s who they are – because I’m killed, just devastated, when I hear people saying they “choose.” “Choose”? What are you fucking talking about? You don’t choose. It isn’t a choice. It is genetic. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a5411 And I understand some people have an issue with the whole View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments marriage thing and the sanctity of this word “marriage.” I mean,

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 47 Photography

Grand Opening 628 Stage & Lounge, Calgary HOT MESS Hockey Butts II at Dickens Pub, Calgary http://gaycalgary.com/pa1278 http://gaycalgary.com/pa1277

48 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 49 50 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 51 News Releases

Walmart Settles Class-Action NSFW - Circuit Festival Presents Suit Alleging Anti-LGBTQ Bias Its Mannequin Challenge Making Change at Walmart (MCAW), the Lights, cameras and... Mannequin Challenge! national campaign to change Walmart into a The Circuit Festival team was in a photo more responsible employer, along with... shooting for their 10th anniversary when... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2325 http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2328

Research Finds Sexual NSFW - NEW Andrew Christian Victimization Perpetrated VIDEO: Boys Will Be Toys Welcome to the sexy house of AC. Models. We by Women More Common provide a stable of beautiful men for you to than Previously Known enjoy this holiday season;) Andrew Christian... A New Journal Article Explores Sexual Victimization by Women Using U.S. federal http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2329 agency data, researchers find that female sexual... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2326 NSFW - Steam Room Stories: Camping it up! When is it appropriate to camp it up? Ray Tezanos and Evan Bonifant let out their sassy Broadway Cares/Equity Fights sides on the latest episode of Steam... AIDS Releases Vivacious http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2330 2016 Holiday Album The 18th volume in the “Broadway’s Carols for a Cure” collection is full of Broadway’s favorite musicals such as Hamilton,... Drag Queen Sherry Vine http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2327 Celebrates Hanukkah with “Oy To The World” gaySVTVworld Presents New Videos For Every Day of the Jewish Holiday gaySVTVworld is bringing viewers home for the Challah-days... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2331

Watch Calgary Opera’s Mannequin Challenge! Watch Calgary Opera and the cast and crew of Christmas at the Opera – Doctor Miracle (Le Docteur Miracle), recorded at Mamdani... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2332

3rd annual Carol of the Belles brings seasonal cheer and a message about empathy and consent Now in its third year, Carol of the Belles brings a dozen Calgary artists together to celebrate the season and raise important... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2333

VIDEO - Surprised 9 Year Old Fan For Halloween ABC News and Bob took his youngest fan trick- or-treating in Los Angeles...Purse First!... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2334

52 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com News Releases

VIDEO - PEG Presents Challenges For LGBT People CHRISTMAS QUEENS 2 In The Workplace And How Album and Webseries To Overcome Them We’ve heard your requests for more “Christmas LGBT is a short form to the initialism which Queens” and the ladies have answered! PEG stands for lesbian, bisexual, gay and a proudly presents the “Christmas... transgender. It was a term used to replace... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2335 http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2340

New Council of Europe Report 8 Major Obstacles to Equality Highlights Mistreatment of .GAY That LGBT Americans Still Face The mounting evidence that points to an unfair LGBT Americans stands for Lesbians, Gays, “community evaluation” for .GAY has reached bisexual and transgender Americans. LGBT fever pitch since the Council... rights in the United States got legalized on... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2336 http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2341

Christmas Festivities in Munich Beyond Stereotypes: Poverty Stand Out with a Dedicated in the LGBT Community LGBT couples are struggling worldwide to LGBT Christmas Market Holiday time in Munich is the time for festivity, find their own identity and some respect. After shopping, entertainment and treats at their enduring a lot, now few couples successfully... world-famous Christmas markets.... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2342 http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2337

4 LGBT Issues to Focus Some America LGBT Rights on Now That America Has Milestones Fast Facts Marriage Equality LGBT couples are still struggling for their rights Same sex marriage legally is a great victory in and identity. Despite, the long battle, few have the world’s history. Still American LGBT faces won the battle and some courageous... many cases of discrimination based... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2338 http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2343

Special Concerns of History Of Lesbian, Gay, LGBT Caregivers And Bisexual Social As the Americans live longer much attention is Movements In The US paid to the concern related to caregivers. There The United States is the superpower. There are are some unique consideration... so many burning topics to discuss. Among all, http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2339 LGBT movement is the hottest one.... http://www.gaycalgary.com/n2344

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 53 54 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com Directory & Events

DOWNTOWN CALGARY

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1 Calgary Outlink------Community Groups 5 Goliath’s------Bathhouses 9 Dickens Pub------Bars and Clubs 13 The Pint------Bars and Clubs 2 HIV Community Link----Community Groups 6 Twisted Element------Bars and Clubs 10 Flames Central------Bars and Clubs 15 The Blind Monk------Bars and Clubs 3 Backlot------Bars and Clubs 7 Broken City------Bars and Clubs 11 Local 522------Bars and Clubs 16 Backwards / Six 2 Eight------Bars and Clubs 4 Texas Lounge------Bars and Clubs 8 Cowboys Nightclub------Bars and Clubs 12 Ten Nightclub------Bars and Clubs

8 Cowboys Nightclub------Apollo Calgary - Friends in Sports  421 12th Avenue SE  403-265-0699  http://www.apollocalgary.com FIND OUT!  http://www.cowboysnightclub.com  http://www.myapollo.com A volunteer operated, non-profit organization serving 9 Dickens Pub primarily members of the LGBT communities but open to all LGBT Community Directory  1000 9th Ave SW  403-233-7550 members of all communities. Primary focus is to provide  [email protected] members with well-organized and fun sporting events and  http://www.dickenspub.ca other activities. GayCalgary Magazine is the go-to source for information about Alberta LGBT businesses and community groups—the most 10 Flames Central------• Western Cup  219 8th Ave SW  403-935-2637  http://www.westerncup.com extensive and accurate resource of its kind! This print supplement  http://www.flamescentral.com contains a subset of active community groups and venues, with • Badminton (Absolutely Smashing) premium business listings of paid advertisers. 11 Local 522------ 6020 - 4 Avenue NE  522 6 Ave SW  403-244-6773  [email protected] ...... Wheelchair Accessible  http://www.localtavern.ca • Boot Camp 14 Night Owl  Platoon FX, 1351 Aviation Park NE Spot something inaccurate or outdated? Want your business or  213 10 Ave SW  587-224-5200  [email protected] organization listed? We welcome you to contact us!  http://www.vinylandhyde.com • Bowling (Rainbow Riders League) 16 Six 2 Eight ------ Let’s Bowl (2916 5th Avenue NE)  403-543-6960  1-888-543-6960  628 8th Avenue SW  587-352-2582  [email protected]  http://www.628stage.com  [email protected] • Curling 12 Ten Nightclub (closed)  North Hill Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street NW)  1140 10th Ave SW  403-457-4464  [email protected] http://www.gaycalgary.com/CalgaryTravelRSS 15 The Blind Monk------• Golf http://www.gaycalgary.com/EdmontonTravelRSS  918 12th Ave SW  403-265-6200  [email protected][email protected] Local Bars, Restaurants, and Accommodations info on the go!  http://www.blindmonk.ca • Lawn Bowling  Mon-Sun: 11am-2am  [email protected] http://www.gaycalgary.com/Directory 13 The Pint • Outdoor Pursuits  1428 17th Ave SW  403-384-9777  [email protected] Browse our complete directory of over 750 gay-frieindly listings!  [email protected] If it’s done outdoors, we do it. Volunteer led events all  http://www.thepint.ca/calgary summer and winter. Hiking, camping, biking, skiing, snow shoeing, etc. Sign up at myapollo.org to get updates on the sport you like. We’re always looking for people to 6 Twisted Element Bathhouses/Saunas lead events.  1006 - 11th Ave SW  403-802-0230 5 CALGARY  http:.//www.twistedelement.ca Goliaths  308 - 17 Ave SW  403-229-0911 • Running (Calgary Frontrunners)  www.goliaths.ca  YMCA Eau Claire (4th St, 1st Ave SW) Bars & Clubs (Gay)  Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day  [email protected] Bars & Clubs (Mixed) East Doors (directly off the Bow river pathway). Distances 3 Backlot------vary from 8 km - 15 km. Runners from 6 minutes/mile to  209 - 10th Ave SW  403-265-5211 These venues regularly host LGBT events. Community Groups 9+ minute miles.  Open 7 days a week, 2pm-close 7 Broken City Alberta Society for Kink • Slow Pitch 4 Texas Lounge  613 11th Ave SW  403-262-9976  403-398-9968  [email protected]  308 - 17 Ave SW  403-229-0911  [email protected][email protected]  Open 7 days a week, 11am-close  http://www.brokencity.ca  http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/ group.albertasocietyforkink www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 55 Directory & Events

Fetish Slosh------ Evening Alcoholics Anonymous------ 8pm Saturdays Calgary Events At 3 Backlot  2nd  Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW Coffee------ 10am Mondays Alcoholics Anonymous------ 8pm By Prime Timers Calgary Buddy Night------ 6pm-6am  Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) Karaoke------ 7pm  Midtown Co-op (1130 - 11th Ave SW) 1227 Kensington Close NW At 3 Backlot At 5 Goliaths Alcoholics Anonymous------ 8pm ASK Meet and Greet------ 7-9:30pm Wednesdays Fridays  Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW  Bonasera (1204 Edmonton Tr. NE) Communion Service------ 12:10pm ISCCA BBQs------Dinner See Knox United Church By ISCCA at 3 Backlot  2nd Sundays Inside Out Youth Group------ 7-9pm See 1 Calgary Outlink Student Night------ 6pm-6am Illusions------ 7-10pm Worship Time------ 10am See Deer Park United Church Tuesdays At 5 Goliaths See 1 Calgary Outlink  1st Calgary Networking Club------ 5-7pm Mosaic Youth Group------ 7-9pm Womynspace------ 7-9pm Worship------ 10:30am See Scarboro United Church See 1 Calgary Outlink  1st  Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW) See 1 Calgary Outlink  2nd Beers for Queers------ 6pm Thursdays New Directions------ 7-9pm Sunday Services------ 10:45am See 1 Calgary Outlink  3rd See Hillhurst United Church By YYC Badboys at 13 The Pint Lesbian Seniors------ 2pm  Kerby Center, Sunshine Room  3rd Student Night------ 6pm-6am Heading Out------ 8pm-10pm Worship Services------ 11am 1133 7th Ave SW See Knox United Church At 5 Goliaths See 1 Calgary Outlink  4th Uniform Night------ 6pm-6am Between Men------ 7-9pm Alcoholics Anonymous------ 8pm Church Service------ 4pm At 5 Goliaths See Rainbow Community Church See 1 Calgary Outlink  2nd, 4th  Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW Lesbian Meetup Group------ 7:30-9pm Karaoke------ 8pm-12:30am Flashlight Night------ 6pm-6am At 1 Calgary Outlink  1st At 5 Goliaths At 4 Texas Lounge

 Calgary Contd. Legend:  = Monthly Reoccurrance,  = Date (Range/Future),  = Sponsored Event • Squash • Calgary Lesbian Ladies Meet up Group • Telephone Support support, education and resources to parents, families and  Mount Royal University Recreation • Between Men and Between Men Online  M-F, 8:30am - 12:30pm + 1:30pm - 4:30pm individuals who have questions or concerns about sexual  [email protected] orientation or gender identity. All skill levels welcome. • Heading Out Hillhurst United Church • Illusions Calgary  1227 Kensington Close NW Positive Space Committee • Tennis • Inside Out  (403) 283-1539  4825 Mount Royal Gate SW  [email protected][email protected]  403-440-6383 • New Directions  http://www.hillhurstunited.com  http://www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace • Yoga • Womynspace Works to raise awareness and challenge the patterns of  Robin: 403-618-9642 HIV Peer Support Group silence that continue to marginalize LGBTTQ individuals.  [email protected]  403-230-5832 Calgary Queer Book Club  [email protected] Pride Calgary Planning Committee Calgary Expo  Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW)  403-797-6564  www.pridecalgary.ca  http://www.calgaryexpo.com ISCCA Social Association Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre  http://www.iscca.ca Primetimers Calgary Calgary Gay Fathers  77 Deerpoint Road SE  403-278-8263 Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch. Charity  [email protected][email protected]  http://www.dpuc.ca fundraising group..  http://www.primetimerscalgary.com  http://www.calgarygayfathers.ca Designed to foster social interaction for its members Peer support group for gay, bisexual and questioning Different Strokes Knox United Church through a variety of social, educational and recreational fathers. Meeting twice a month.  http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org  506 - 4th Street SW  403-269-8382 activities. Open to all gay and bisexual men of any age, FairyTales Presentation Society  http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca respects whatever degree of anonymity that each member Calgary Men’s Chorus Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church located in  403-244-1956 desires.  http://www.calgarymenschorus.org downtown Calgary. A variety of facility rentals are also  http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com available for meetings, events and concerts. Queers on Campus------• Rehearsals Alberta Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.  279R Student Union Club Spaces, U of C  Temple B’Nai Tikvah, 900 - 47 Avenue SW • DVD Resource Library Lesbian Meetup Group  403-220-6394  http://www.meetup.com/CalgaryLesbian Over a hundred titles to choose from. Annual membership  http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass Calgary Sexual Health Centre Monthly events planned for Queer women over 18+ such  304, 301 14th Street NW is $10. Formerly GLASS - Gay/Lesbian Association of Students as book clubs, games nights, movie nights, dinners out,  403-283-5580 and Staff. Gay Friends in Calgary and volunteering events.  http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca • Coffee Night A pro-choice organization that believes all people have the  http://www.gayfriendsincalgary.ca Organizes and hosts social activities catered to the LGBT Miscellaneous Youth Network  2nd Cup, Kensington right and ability to make their own choices regarding their  http://www.miscyouth.com sexual and reproductive health. people and friends. Safety Under the Rainbow Girl Friends • Fake Mustache  www.sutr.ca 1 Calgary Outlink A collaborative effort dedicated to building capacity  Old Y Centre (303 – 223, 12 Ave SW)  [email protected] • Mosaic Youth Group  The Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW) and acting as a voice for the LGBTQ community, service  403-234-8973  members.shaw.ca/girlfriends For queer and trans youth and their allies. providers, organizations and the community at large  [email protected] Girlsgroove to address violence. For same-sex domestic violence  http://www.calgaryoutlink.com  http://www.girlsgroove.ca Mystique information, resources and a link to our survey please see • Peer Support and Crisis Line  [email protected] our website. 2 HIV Community Link------Mystique is primarily a Lesbian group for women 30 and  1-877-OUT-IS-OK (1-877-688-4765)  110, 1603 10th Avenue SW up but all are welcome. Scarboro United Church Front-line help service for GLBT individuals and their family  403-508-2500  1-877-440-2437  134 Scarboro Avenue SW and friends, or anyone questioning their sexuality.  http://www.hivcl.org • Coffee Night  403-244-1161  www.scarborounited.ab.ca  Good Earth Cafe (1502 - 11th Street SW) An affirming congregation—the full inclusion of LGBT people is essential to our mission and purpose. NETWORKS  [email protected] Sharp Foundation A social, cultural, and service organization for the mature  403-272-2912 minded and “Plus 40” LGBT individuals seeking to meet  [email protected] others at age-appropriate activities within a positive, safe  http://www.thesharpfoundation.com environment. Spectrum Volleyball Calgary Parents for Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)  http://www.spectrumvolleyball.ca  Sean: 403-695-5791  [email protected]  http://www.pflagcanada.ca Join us for recreational, competitive or beach volleyball. A registered charitable organization that provides

56 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com Directory & Events

 Calgary Contd.

Unity Bowling DevaDave Salon & Boutique (closed) Theatre Junction------Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5  Let’s Bowl (2916 - 5th Ave NE)  810 Edmonton Trail NE  Theatre Junction GRAND, 608 1st St. SW  http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca  [email protected]  403-290-1973  403-205-2922 Edmonton Expo Cuts, Colour, Hilights.  [email protected]  http://www.edmontonexpo.com Wild Rose United Church  http://www.theatrejunction.com  1317-1st Street NW Ellen Embury Edmonton Pride Festival Society (EPFS)  403-750-1128  www.DBBlaw.com Third Street Theatre  http://www.edmontonpride.ca Restaurants & Pubs Fellow, American Academy of Reproductive Technology  #3 306 20th Ave SW  403-703-4750 Attorneys  http://www.thirdstreet.ca Edmonton Prime Timers 10 Flames Central------ [email protected] See Calgary - Bars & Clubs (Mixed). Hardline Vertigo Mystery Theatre------ www.primetimersww.org/edmonton  Calgary: 403-770-0776  161, 115 - 9 Ave SE  403-221-3708 Group of older gay men and their admirers who come from  Edmonton: 780-665-6666  http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com 16 Six 2 Eight ------diverse backgrounds but have common social interests.  Other Cities: 1-877-628-9696 See Calgary - Bars & Clubs (Mixed). Affiliated with Prime Timers World Wide.  http://www.hardlinechat.com Webster Galleries Inc. 13 The Pint Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY.  812 11 Ave SW  403-263-6500 Edmonton Rainbow Business Association  http://www.webstergalleries.com See Calgary - Bars & Clubs (Mixed).  3379, 11215 Jasper Ave  780-429-5014  T-S: 10am-6pm, N: 1-4pm Hot Water Pools & Spas  http://www.edmontonrba.org  2145 Summerfield Blvd  403-912-2045 Primary focus is the provision of networking opportunities Retail Stores  http://www.hotwaterpoolsandspas.ca for LGBT owned or operated and LGBT-friendly businesses Adult Depot (CLOSED) Interactive Male in the Edmonton region.  140, 58th Ave SW  403-258-2777 EDMONTON  403-355-3335 Edmonton Illusions Social Club Gay, bi, straight video rentals and sex toys.  http://www.interactivemale.com Bars & Clubs (Gay)  780-387-3343 Adult Source------Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors)  groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions  10210 Macleod Tr S  403-271-7848  3 Buddy’s Nite Club (CLOSED) 403-461-9195 2 Edmonton STD  #102 2323 32nd Ave NE  403-769-6177  http://www.lornedoucette.com  11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6636  1536 16th Ave NW  403-289-4203  11111 Jasper Ave  4310 17th Ave SE  403-273-2710 6 Evolution Wonder Lounge MFM Communications Edmonton Vocal Minority  http://www.adultsourcecalgary.ca  403-543-6970  10220 - 103 St  780-424-0077  780-479-2038  [email protected]  1-877-543-6970  http://www.yourgaybar.com  www.evmchoir.com Best Health  http://www.mfmcommunications.com  206A 2525 Woodview Dr SW  403-281-5582 Web site hosting and development. Computer hardware FLASH (CLOSED)  [email protected]  10018 105 Street  780-938-2941 Fellowship of Alberta Bears and software.   http://www.besthealthcalgary.com  [email protected] www.beefbearbash.com NRG Support Services La Fleur (closed) UpStares Ultralounge (CLOSED) GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club  Suite 27, Building B1, 2451 Dieppe Ave SW  780-474-8240  [email protected]  403-266-1707  403-471-0204  780-922-3347  4th Floor, Jasper Ave and 107th Street Florist and Flower Shop.  [email protected] 4 Mama’s Gin Joint HIV Network Of Edmonton Society------   The Naked Leaf------http://www.nrgsupportservices.com  11725 Jasper Ave  780-488-6557 9702 111 Ave NW 780-488-5742  #4 - 1126 Kensington Rd NW  403-283-3555  www.hivedmonton.com SafeWorks Provides healthy sexuality education for Edmonton’s LGBT  http://www.thenakedleaf.ca Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing. Organic teas and tea ware. Bars & Clubs (Mixed) community and support for those infected or affected • Calgary Drop-in Centre These venues regularly host LGBT events. by HIV. Priape Calgary (CLOSED)  Room 117, 423 - 4th Ave SE  1322 - 17 Ave SW  403-215-1800 Hooliganz Pub (CLOSED) InQueeries  403-699-8216  [email protected]  http://www.priape.com  Mon-Fri: 9am-12pm, Sat: 12:15pm-3:15pm  10704 124 St NW Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, movies Student-run GLBTQ Alliance at MacEwan University. and magazines. Gifts. • Centre of Hope 7 The Starlite Room  10030 102 St [email protected] Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose  Room 201, 420 - 9th Ave SE  http://www.iscwr.ca Pushing Petals  403-410-1180  Mon-Fri: 1pm-5pm  http://www.starliteroom.ca   1209 5th Ave NW 403-263-3070 Living Positive Society of Alberta  http://www.pushingpetals.com • Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre 8 Yellowhead Brewing Co.  10229 105 St  #50, 9912 - 106 Street 780-424-2214  1213 - 4th Str SW  403-955-6014  [email protected]  Sat-Thu: 4:15pm-7:45pm, Fri: Closed  [email protected] Services & Products  http://www.yellowheadbrewery.com  http://www.facebook.com/LivingPoz Living Positive through Positive Living. 6th and Tenth - Sales Centre • Safeworks Van  633 10th Ave SW  403-239-5511  403-850-3755 Bathhouses/Saunas • HIV Support Group  http://www.6thandtenth.com  Sat-Thu: 8pm-12am, Fri: 4pm-12am  [email protected], [email protected]  M-W: 12-6pm, R: 2-7pm, S-N: 12-5pm 5 Steamworks Support and discussion group for gay men. Wheel Pro’s  11745 Jasper Ave  780-451-5554 Barry Hollowell  4143- Edmonton Trail NE  http://www.steamworksedmonton.com Men’s Games Nights  403-819-5219  403-226-7278  Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street)  http://www.bcbhcounselling.com  http://www.wheelpros.ca  780-474-8240  [email protected] “Experts in Everything for Wheels” Community Groups Calgary Civil Marriage Centre AltView Foundation OUTreach  403-246-4134 (Rork Hilford) Theatre & Fine Arts  #44, 48 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB  University of Alberta, basement of SUB  [email protected]  403-398-9968  [email protected] Marriage Commissioner for Alberta (aka Justice of the Peace ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects  [email protected]  http://www.ualberta.ca/~outreach - JP), Marriage Officiant, Commissioner for Oaths.  403-294-7402  http://www.ATPlive.com  http://ww.altview.ca Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender/transsexual, Queer, Questioning and Straight-but-not-Narrow student group. Christopher T. Tahn (Thornborough Smeltz) Fairytales For gender variant and sexual minorities.  11650 Elbow Dr SW  403-808-7147 See Calgary - Community Groups. Book Worm’s Book Club Pride Centre of Edmonton------ [email protected]  Howard McBride Chapel of Chimes  10608 - 105 Ave  780-488-3234  http://www.thornsmeltz.com One Yellow Rabbit------10179 - 108 Street  [email protected]  Big Secret Theatre - EPCOR CENTRE  [email protected]  http://www.pridecentreofedmonton.org Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors)  403-299-8888  www.oyr.org  Tue-Fri 12pm-9pm, Sat 2pm-6:30pm  3rd Floor, 1131 Kensington Road NW Buck Naked Boys Club We provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental  403-571-5120 Pumphouse Theatre------ 780-471-6993 drop-in space, and offer support programs and resources  2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW  http://www.courtneyaarbo.ca  http://www.bucknakedboys.ca for members of the GLBTQ community and for their families  403-263-0079 GLBT legal services. Naturism club for men—being social while everyone is and friends.  http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca Cruiseline naked, and it does not include sexual activity. Participants do not need to be gay, only male. • Counselling  Calgary: 403-777-9494 Stagewest------ 780.488.3234  Edmonton: 780-413-7122  727 - 42 Avenue SE  403-243-6642 Camp fYrefly Free, short-term counselling provided by registered  http://www.stagewestcalgary.com  Other Cities: 1-877-882-2010  7-104 Dept. of Educational Policy Studies counsellors.  http://www.cruiseline.ca Faculty of Education, University of Alberta Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY.

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 57 Directory & Events

DOWNTOWN EDMONTON 1

8 6 N

4 2 5 3 7

1 Pride Centre of Edm.----Community Groups 3 Buddy’s------Bars and Clubs 5 Steamworks------Bathhouses 7 The Starlite Room------Bars and Clubs 2 Edmonton STD------Community Groups 4 Mama’s Gin Joint------Bars and Clubs 6 Evolution------Bars and Clubs 8 Yellowhead Brewing Co.-----Bars and Clubs

Youth Sports/Recreation------ 4pm Women’s Social Circle------ 6-9pm QH Youth Drop-in------ 2-6:30pm Edmonton Events See 1 Youth Understanding Youth See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton  2nd, 4th See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton Mondays Counseling------ 5:30-8:30pm Book Club------ 7:30pm Monthly Meeting------ 2:30pm Boot Camp------ 7-8pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See BookWorm’s Book Club  3rd By Edmonton Primetimers  2nd See Team Edmonton  Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street Knotty Knitters------ 6-8pm Martial Arts------ 7:30-8:30pm TTIQ------ 7-9pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See Team Edmonton Bowling------ 5pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton  3rd See Team Edmonton QH Craft Night------ 6-8pm Intermediate Volleyball------ 7:30-9:30pm HIV Support Group------ 7-9pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See Team Edmonton Sundays See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton  2nd Cycling------ 6:30-7:30pm Fridays Running------ 10-11am See Team Edmonton See Team Edmonton Tuesdays QH Youth Drop-in------ 3-8pm QH Youth Drop-in------ 3-8pm Yoga------ 7:30-8pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton Yoga------ 2-3:30pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See Team Edmonton See Team Edmonton QH Anime Night------ 6-8pm Martial Arts------ 7:30-8:30pm Thursdays See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton Men Talking with Pride------ 7-9pm See Team Edmonton See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton QH Youth Drop-in------ 3-8pm Movie Night------ 6-9pm Swim Practice------ 7:30-8:30pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton Ballroom Dancing------ 7:30-8:30pm See Team Edmonton See Team Edmonton Youth Sports/Recreation------ 4pm Men’s Games Nights------ 7-10:30pm Wednesdays See Youth Understanding Youth See Men’s Games Nights  2nd, Last Soul Outing------ 7pm  Robertson-Wesley United (10209 123 St)  2nd GLBTQ Bowling------ 1:30-3:30pm QH Game Night------ 6-8pm Youth Sports/Recreation------ 4pm See GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See Youth Understanding Youth Monthly Meetings------ 2:30pm  Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street) QH Youth Drop-in------ 3-8pm Swim Practice------ 7-8pm Saturdays See Edmonton Primetimers  2nd See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See Team Edmonton Naturalist Gettogether See Buck Naked Boys Club  2nd

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

• Knotty Knitters Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton • Bowling (Northern Titans) • Martial Arts Come knit and socialize in a safe and accepting  780-474-8240  Ed’s Rec Room (West Edmonton Mall)  15450 - 105 Ave (daycare entrance) environment - all skill levels are welcome.  [email protected][email protected]  780-328-6414 $15.00 per person.  [email protected] • Men Talking with Pride Team Edmonton  [email protected][email protected][email protected] • Cross Country Skiing Drop-ins welcome. Support & social group for gay & bisexual men to discuss  http://www.teamedmonton.ca  [email protected] current issues. Members are invited to attend and help determine the • Outdoor Pursuits board for the next term. If you are interested in running for • Curling with Pride  [email protected] • Movie Night the board or getting involved in some of the committees,  Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW Movie Night is open to everyone! Come over and sit back, please contact us.  [email protected] • Running (Arctic Frontrunners) relax, and watch a movie with us.  Kinsmen Sports Centre • Badminton (Mixed) • Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders)  [email protected] • Queer HangOUT: Game Night  St. Thomas Moore School, 9610 165 Street  Dawson Park, picnic shelter All genders and levels of runners and walkers are invited to Come OUT with your game face on and meet some  [email protected][email protected] join this free activity. awesome people through board game fun. New group seeking male & female players. • Dragon Boat (Flaming Dragons) • Slo Pitch • Queer HangOUT: Craft Night • Badminton (Women’s)  [email protected]  Parkallen Field, 111 st and 68 ave Come OUT and embrace your creative side in a safe space.  Oliver School, 10227 - 118 Street  [email protected] • Golf Season fee is $30.00 per person. $10 discount for players  780-465-3620  [email protected] • Queer HangOUT: Anime Night from the 2008 season. Come and watch ALL the anime until your heart is content.  [email protected] Women’s Drop-In Recreational Badminton. $40.00 season • Gymnastics, Drop-in • Snowballs V or $5.00 per drop in.  Ortona Gymnastics Club, 8755 - 50 Avenue • TTIQ  January 27-29, 2012 A support and information group for all those who fall  [email protected][email protected] under the transgender umbrella and their family or •Ballroom Dancing Have the whole gym to yourselves and an instructor to Skiing and Snowboarding Weekend. supporters.  Foot Notes Dance Studio, 9708-45 Avenue NW help you achieve your individual goals. Cost is $5.00  Cynthia: 780-469-3281 per session. • Soccer • Women’s Social Circle  [email protected][email protected] • Blazin’ Bootcamp • Hockey  Garneau Elementary School Women’s Social Circle: A social support group for all  [email protected] • Spin female-identified persons over 18 years of age in the GLBT 10925 - 87 Ave  [email protected]  MacEwan Centre for Sport and Wellness community - new members are always welcome. 109 St. and 104 Ave

58 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com Directory & Events

Red Deer Events Wednesdays LGBT Coffee Night------ 7pm See CAANS  1st Friday, August 15th

 Edmonton Contd.

 Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45pm events include a monthly book club and a bi-monthly film bring a dish to share that will serve 4-6 people, and your Season has ended. night. As a caring spiritual community, we’d love to have own beverage.  [email protected] you join us! ALBERTA 7 classes, $28.00 per registrant. • Support Line • Soul OUTing  403-308-2893 • Swimming (Making Waves)  Second Sunday every month, 7pm  Monday OR Wednesday, 7pm-11pm Community Groups  NAIT Pool (11762 - 106 Street) An LGBT-focused alternative worship. Leave a message any other time. Alberta Trans Support/Activities Group  [email protected]  http://www.albertatrans.org  http://www.makingwavesswimclub.ca • Film Night • Friday Mixer A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of where they   Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates. The Mix (green water tower) may be on the continuum. • Tennis 103 Mayor Magrath Dr S  Kinsmen Sports Centre • Book Club  Every Friday at 10pm  Sundays, 12pm-3pm  Monthly, contact us for exact dates. Theatre & Fine Arts  [email protected] Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA)  University of Lethbridge  [email protected] Alberta Ballet • Ultimate Frisbee Theatre & Fine Arts GBLTTQQ club on campus.  http://www.albertaballet.com  Sundays Exposure Festival Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton. Summer Season starts July 12th  http://www.exposurefestival.ca • Movie Night  [email protected] Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival.  Room C610, University of Lethbridge E-mail if interested. The Roxy Theatre (closed) Gay Youth Alliance Group CANADA • Volleyball, Intermediate  10708 124th Street, Edmonton AB  Betty, 403-381-5260  [email protected]  Every second Wednesday, 3:30pm-5pm  Amiskiwacy Academy (101 Airport Road)  780-453-2440 Community Groups  [email protected]  http://www.theatrenetwork.ca Lethbridge HIV Connection • Volleyball, Recreational  1206 - 6 Ave S Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition  Mother Teresa School (9008 - 105 Ave)  P..O. Box 3043, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3S9  [email protected] PFLAG Canada  (306) 955-5135 BANFF  1-888-530-6777  1-800-955-5129 • Women’s Lacrosse  [email protected]  http://www.rainbowhealth.ca  Sharon: 780-461-0017 Community Groups  www.pflagcanada.ca  Pam: 780-436-7374 Egale Canada Open to women 21+, experienced or not, all are welcome. Pride Lethbridge  8 Wellington St E, Third Floor HIV Community Link  [email protected] Call for info.  102 Spray Ave Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C5  PO Box 3160, Banff, AB T1L 1C8  1-888-204-7777  www.egale.ca • Yoga  403-762-0690 Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby  Lion's Breath Yoga Studio (10350-124 Street) organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans-  [email protected] RED DEER identified people and our families. Womonspace  780-482-1794 JASPER Community Groups Products & Services  [email protected] Squirt  Central Alberta AIDS Network Society http://www.womonspace.ca Accommodations  4611-50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB  http://www.squirt.org Women’s social group, but all welcome at events.  Website for dating and hook-ups. 18+ ONLY! Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge http://www.caans.org Youth Understanding Youth The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society is the local  Old Lodge Road  1-866-540-4454 charity responsible for HIV prevention and support in  780-248-1971  www.yuyedm.ca  http://www.fairmont.com/jasper Theatre & Fine Arts A support and social group for queer youth 12-25. Central Alberta. Broadway Across Canada Whistlers Inn • Sports and Recreation  105 Miette Ave  1-800-282-9919 LGBTQ Education  http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca  Brendan: 780-488-3234  [email protected][email protected]  http://LGBTQeducation.webs.com  [email protected]  http://www.whistlersinn.com OUTtv Red Deer (and area) now has a website designed to bring  http://www.outtv.ca various LGBTQ friendly groups/individuals together for fun, GLBT Television Station. Restaurants & Pubs Community Groups and to promote acceptance in our communities. 12 Mama’s Gin Joint Jasper Pride Festival Pride on Campus See Edmonton - Bars & Clubs (Gay).  PO Box 98, 409 Patricia St., T0E 1E0  [email protected][email protected] A group of LGBTQ persons and Allies at Red Deer College. Retail Stores  http://www.jasperpride.ca Passion Vault  15239 - 111 Ave MEDICINE HAT  780-930-1169 LETHBRIDGE  [email protected] Community Groups “Edmonton’s Classiest Adult Store” Community Groups HIV Community Link Products & Services GALA/LA  356 - 2 Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB  403-308-2893  403-527-5882  1-877-440-2437 Cruiseline  http://www.galalethbridge.ca  780-413-7122 trial code 3500 Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area. • Telephone Support  http://www.cruiseline.ca  M-F, 8:30am - 12:30pm + 1:30pm - 4:30pm Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY. • Monthly Dances  Henotic (402 - 2 Ave S) Robertson-Wesley United Church Bring your membership card and photo ID.  10209 - 123 St. NW  780-482-1587  [email protected]  www.rwuc.org • Monthly Potluck Dinners  Worship: Sunday mornings at 10:30am  McKillop United Church, 2329 - 15 Ave S People of all sexual orientations welcome. Other LGBT GALA/LA will provide the turkey...you bring the rest. Please

www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 59 Classifieds

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60 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 61 62 GayCalgary Magazine #156, December 2016 / January 2017 www.gaycalgary.com