~ I ,I[ Gay men and lesbians $ ~ still love the happiest \ :, place on earth. Page 13
tr i I Changingperceptions ~ PFLAG conference I helps students I I ~ 'heal the 'hurt' ~ ~ 11 By SHANA NICHOLSON ~.
The Houston chapter of Parents >t ~" J:' ~ and Friends of Lesbians & Gays held I ~,,~tJ its annual "Healing the Hurt" confer- I Like"-s-o-ma-n-yiConogr- ;phic-divas before her, one name is enough ence May 4 at Windsor Village i for Amber to be recognized and adored by her many gay fans. Methodist Cllurch, drawing approxi- mately sixty Houston Independent School District counselors and psy- chologists. The emphasis of each "Healing the Hurt" seminar is spe- cific since its early '90s inception, but Another mother the focus is always in equipping I GLBT youth and their allies with the tools needed to ensure they can attend school in a safe environment. Dr. Robert McLaughlin, a private Itu,love practice psychotherapist and staff t member of Baylor Collegeof Medicine presented this year's topic: "The Top I 1J Despite repeated hits, Amber is Ten Things You Should Know About il Sexual Minority Students." t more than a club music queen Deb Murphy, Program Coordinator ~ of HATCH (The Houston Area Teen ~ Coalition of Homosexuals) from ~ By JOEY GUERRA Q&A with DJ Joe Montrose Counseling Center also spoke ~ on thf' >:nf'r.ifir.'r.h:'lllf'n2"f'>: facine GLR'r ~,~.MRJj;R--'r.HE·STTT3'RY~VOlrR el'mlJdezJ~ao~J9 ---.,; t PFLAG conference I helps students f I ~ 'heal the 'hurt' ~
1
Video retailer I Mother of Montrose ~ DNR European Fast. expands intoleather I Food picks up where I pageant spreads maternal ] h with buy-out. I joy every Mother's Day. l! Butera's Deli left off. News, Page 4 I local life, Page 8 ~I Dining, Page 16'
'1
/" 2 MAY12,2006 www.houstonvoice.com HOUSTONVOICE
if • 1:t * * s~ "Renaissance ** •.••••.•••.•••••...••..• ~.~ •• H._ •••••...• o ywood L A~ ERe EN T E R Bistro & Cafe Give Yourself the Gift of Beauty ... 5 or:l.O Years Younger Is More Affordable • •• I I Omlettes r
Start Now! Look FABULOUSfor the Summer! Package Discounts-5ave $100's *,*~~** '* . s:KiN'nenaissance """"""'~'~""""';""""'" Hollywood L A~ E RC EN T E R Bistro & Cafe Give Yourself the Gift of Beauty ... We Now Have An Expanded Menu S or 10 Years Younge.t" Come in and check us out Is Mote Affordab' ' ~1"han--You~Thi Omlettes Country Breakfast Skin Rejuvena 1st Pancakes Wrinkles • Rosacea French Toast Brown SpOtsji31 FlICIal Sagging - Face V WaHles Biscuits & Gravy Fresh Fruit
.: :~. HOUSTONVOICE www.houstonvoice.com MAY 12, 2006 3
1m iF f·fit,'a1Jfl&@'¢}'tilFtO·,,'V •• -$p'I¥O," In n!0. :·:<~w WW11 x:::::& ··~fuw%.. ~ fg ~::'/ffi-" PFLAG, continued from Page 1 Research indicates thateducation and awareness makes a dramatic difference in .scultlvating a positive atmosphere far 4 MAY12,2006 www.houstonvoice.com HOUSTONVOICE "Wi I na. .t''wI*,»f1ltlna.;" 1'i'?1ff4u~VVSA· January - No meeting July 13, 2006 February 9, 2006 August 10, 2006 March 9, 2006 September 14, 2006 April 13, 2006 October 12, 2006 . May 11, 2006 November 9, 2006 June 8,2006 December 14, 2006 ,fAttend a Meeting•.. ,fApply for Membership •.. ,f Be a Participant .• Meetings are open to the general public and although only Council members are allowed to vote, public comment is always welcome. The Council meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at our offices located between Westheimer and San Felipe in the Galleria area. Call to put your name on the list for public comment, to request a calendar or JoeWalkermanagesLeatherForever,oneof the first gay-ownedbusinessesto openduringthe periodof membership application or for more information. emerginggayawarenessafter the 1969Stonewallrebellionin NewYorkCity,Thestoreisalsooneof the oldestgay-ownedbusinessesin Houston. The calendar of all Council & Committee meetings and a wealth of other information is available on our website: www.rwpc.org. Check the calendar regularly for topics of specific interest to you. We hope to see you soonl Q Video owners acquire Houston Area HIV Services Ryan White Planning Council 2223 West Loop South, Suite 240, Houston, TX 77027 Phone: 713-572-3724 It TTY: 713-572-2813 It Fax: 713·572-3740 Leather Forever Shop is a long-time oMORE INFO staple of Houston's Leather Forever RobSchmerler Insurance Agency 604 WestheimerRd. BDSM community HoustonTexas, 77006 Youragents••.youradvocates. Auto Hnm~Renters Ufe Health BUSiness And much more! 713-526-6940 6575 W loop S, Suite 185: Bellaire, TX77401 : www.$chmerlorAgcncy.com : 713.661.7700 By NANCY FORD , "Houston has a tradition of quality Mike Deitcher, owner of Q Video, locat- leather manufacturing for its diverse com- ed at 1415ACalifornia .St., has announced munity. Gator began the tradition, Leather that he has acquired Leather Forever, a Forever has continued it for more than 20 full service leather store. The acquisition years," Deitcher said. "Weplan on remain- was effective May 1. ing an important part of that tradition, con- Deitcher said he intends to continue tinuing to energize leather in Houston." ~ __ hujJdinQ..J).n thQ.....b:~t:ti.tjon~t_::u:_tod~in....t..ho !l!bO Q."'o~ £'!.~...,.i...,.].•""""••• .; "",~.•_"."..•.". ..•..•..•l....".~~""'.~ _ ,( Attend II Meeting ••. ",f"AjjplyfOrMemJiiirtihlp ••• A Be II Pllrtlclpsn •..• Meetings are open to the general public and although only Council members are allowed to vote, public comment is always welcome. The Council meets on nd ;t~ • the 2 Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at our offices located between Westheimer and San Felipe in the Galleria area. Call to put your name on the list for public comment, to request a calendar or Joe Walker manages Leather Forever, one of the first gay-owned businesses to open during the period of membership application or for more information. emerging gay awareness after the 1969 Stonewall rebellion in New York City, The store is also one of the oldest gay-owned businesses in Houston. The calendar of all Council & Committee meetings and a wealth of other information is available on our website: www.rwpc.org. Check the calendar regularly for topics of specific interest to you. We hope to see you soon! Q Video owners acquire Houston Area HIV Services Ryan White Planning Council 2223 West Loop South, Suite 240, Houston, TX 77027 Phone: 713-572-3724 A TTY: 713-572-2813 A Fax: 713-572-3740 Leather Forever Shop is a long-time ct MORE INFO staple of Houston's Leather Forever RobSchmerler Insurance Agency 604 Westheimer Rd. BOSM community Houston, Texas 77006 YouragentLyollfadvocates. Auto ".orne Reaters Life Health BusIness And much more! 713-526-6940 6575 W loop S, Suite 185 : Bellaire, TX77401 : www.SchmllrlerAgcncy.com : 713.661.7700 By NANCY FORD ; "Houston has a tradition of quality Mike Deitcher, owner of Q Video, locat- leather manufacturing for its diverse com- ed at 1415ACalifornia .St., has announced munity. Gator began the tradition, Leather that he has acquired Leather Forever, a Forever has continued it for more than 20 full service leather store. The acquisition years," Deitcher said. "Weplan on remain- was effective May 1. ing an important part of that tradition, con- Deitcher said he intends to continue tinuing to energize leather in Houston." building on the tradition started in the The store specializes in custom leather mid-'70s in San Francisco. Jacques clothing,aswellaspersonalaccessories,BDSM "Boots" Adams moved the business to accessoriesand equipment and custom fabri- Houston in the mid-'80s and later merged cation of customers' designs.A full-timetailor Leather by Boots, another leather retail and fabricatoronthe premisesprovidestimely store, into the operation that exists today. serviceat reasonablepricing,Deitchersaid ~g.Jf@sml·~"":hi. l) ~~'~fJ Narene Kee, 81 Narene Kee was born on Oct. 9, 1924and passed away on April 26 at Park Plaza Hospital in Houston. She is survived by her brother, Vance Kee, of North Carolina, and her beautiful blue parakeet, Rocky, who is now in the many years at the Brazos River Bottom. care of a good friend. Narene was a veter- Narene will be missed by many loving an, having served her country loyally in and caring friends. There will be a cele- the United States Navy. bration of her life will be held May 13, 3 Many fondly remember Narene as the p.m. at Decades Bar, located at 1205 owner of the Rocking Horse Bar and of Richmond Ave.For more information, call Kee's Bar. She was also the bookkeeper for 713-521-2224. -" / MAY12,2006 5 "k<)fu "Jl!'% '% ff4¥f2? tmWJf4,)'ffi \%;!H,W .~1l> mi;@~ ffilliwm_ curiosity. The National Mental Health by gays, it's important to include every Association saysparents should answer ques- child's family in classroom discussions,· tions about homosexuality clearlyand simply. she said. According to the 2000Census, 99 On its website, the association suggests percent of counties had at least one gay- that when your 3-year-old questions why headed household, Byard said. By EUZABETH WEILL-GREENBERG two women would have a baby,explain that "It's crucial no child feels like some- the baby has two mommies and, that it's thing is wrong with- his or her family The appropriate age at which children another type of family. The site also structure," she said. should learn about homosexuality is taking encourages parents to initiate conversa- When no students in class have gay par- center stage in battles being waged tions about homosexuality with children ents, it's not as necessary to include dis- throughout the country. But the arguments at an early age to foster acceptance. cussions of gay families with 4- or 5-year- are as varied as the families involved. , Gay rights advocates say young chil- olds, said Alan Horowitz, program special- Two straight couples in Massachusetts dren should be taught about different ist for Out for Equity, a group that develops have filed a federal lawsuit claiming school types of families - gay families, children lesson plans on gay families and anti-gay officials in the suburban Boston school dis- of adoption and single parents - at the teasing that are widely used in St. Paul, trict of Lexington violated their civil same time. They argue that providing stu- Minn., schools. .rights by trying to teach their children dents descriptive information about differ- An Out for Equity lesson plan for kinder- about homosexuality. ent types of families still leaves rooms for garteners through third graders called In Dothan, Ala., a lesbian parent also is parents and churches to offer their argu- "What is Family?" suggests students draw a upset about how her daughter's school dis- ments on the morality of such relation- family picture and write a sentence begin- trict approaches the subject, but not because ships according to their beliefs. ning with, "My family ..." Students and the lesson condones gay relationships - just "Parents should understand when teachers then talk about how the families the opposite. The lesson teaches that homo- you're talking about these issues with are different and similar, as well as dis- sexuality is "contrary to the laws of nature." Angela Williams, a lesbian parent in Alabama, objects young children it's not about sexuality," cussing other types of families. The Massachusetts couples say they to a pamphlet distributed by her daughter's school said Martha Kempner, spokesperson for Discussions about gay people should objected when a teacher read to their son's because it describes homosexuality as 'contrary to the Sexuality Information & Education take place between the ages of 8 and 10, class without notifying them a story about the laws of nature: (Photo by Danny Tindell/AP) Council of the United States. because that's typically when anti-gay two princes who fall in love. One of the teasing can begin, Horowitz said. plaintiffs, David Parker, was jailed last year Teenagers Ask about Sex." It was the ques- Learning young In 9ne of the lessons for students in the when he refused to leave school grounds tion on homosexuality that upset her. For very young students, teachers talk fourth through 12th grades, the .after educators wouldn't exclude his 6-year· "I got to Question 8 and my jaw about family trees and family structure, Demographic Guessing Game encourages old son from discussions of gay parents. dropped," she told the newspaper. "I can't said Eliza Byard, deputy executive direc- students to guess the race, age, occupation "Parents need to be the ones to deter- believe they went there." tor of the Gay Lesbian Straight Education and sexual orientation of fivepanelists. mine when it is introduced and how it is The question reads: "What can I do if I Network. During those discussions, teach- For some students this may be the first introduced," Parker told the Associated am attracted to someone of the same sex?" ers should matter-of-factly acknowledge time they are exposed to gay people, said Press last month. The answer includes the statement: that some children live with "two mom- Horowitz. Schoolsthat have used this lesson Alabama parent Angela Williams told "Too often, homosexuality is shown as a mies or two daddies." have seen a six-month change in behavior the Dothan Eagle newspaper earlier this legitimate lifestyle equal to a heterosexual "The issues come up very organically," and decreased anti-gay teasing, he said. month that she is OKwith most of the con- lifestyle." said Byard. Children "are engaged in fig- "They make the connection that 'I hurt tent of the pamphlet distributed to stu- Experts say children should learn about uring out who belongs to whom." these people's feelings'," said Horowitz. "It dents titled, "The Top 10 Questions gay relationships when they show a natural As more and more families are headed changes the way they think about it." Dean slams gav marriage on '700 Club' Two straight couples in Massachusetts ren-ShOUld-be-taU~ht-aoour-diffe lSUOrUun II ) 6 MAY12,2006 www.houstonvoJce.com HOUSTONVOICE Ill!' ', I. ::~ Teen shot to death by Iraqi police on gay prostitution claim BAGHDAD,Iraq - Human rights groups are condemning as "barbaric" the shooting of a 14-year-oldmale who allegedly slept with men for money to support his poverty-strick- en family; the Independent reported May 5.Witnesses said the youth was shot after men in police uniforms accosted him based on the allegations, the newspaper reported. The teen's death came during a surge in homophobic 5444 WESTHEIMER RD#1560 HOUSTON TX 77056 TXMB 49346 killings. by Iraqi state security services and reli- gious militias following an anti-gay fatwa issued by Iraq's most prominent Shia leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. Ali Hili, the coordinator of Abu Nawas, a group of exiled Iraqi gay men who monitor homophobic attacks inside Iraq, told' the Independent that the fatwa had instigated a "witch- hunt for lesbian and gay Iraqis, including violent beatings, kidnappings and assassinations." The boy's family fled the area fearing further reprisals, the newspaper reported. Hili said u.s. coalition forces are unwilling to address the issiIe. "They just don't want to upset the Iraqi government by bring- ing up the taboo of homosexuality even though homophobic murders have intensified," he said. Iraq's Grand Ayatollah Sistani, consid- DarIa Jordan, from the U.S. State Department said, ered the leading voice for moderate "The U.S. government continues to work closely Shiites, recently issueda fatwa calling with our Iraqi partners to' ensure the protection.of for the execution of gays in the worst, human rights and the safety of all Iraqi citizens." most severeway.' N.Y.gay partner HIV among gay men, particularly black gay granted 9/11 funds men, is on the rise. NEW YORK- The state's Court of Appeals Lesbian brains respond ruled May2that the brother of a woman who died in the WorldTrade Center attacks must more like straight men's give the woman's female partner an award WASHINGTON(AP) - The brains of les- from the federal 9/11 Victim Compensation bians respond to sexual hormones different- Fund, the N.Y.DailyNewsreported. The high ly from heterosexual women, according to a court upheld a lower court ruling that new analysis. The lesbians' brains reacted Margaret Cruz was entitled to $253,541to somewhat like those of straight men, a team compensate her for the loss of Patricia of Swedish researchers reports in the May9 McAneney,with whom she had lived since issue of Proceedings of the National 1985.James McAneney of Brooklyn, the vic- Academy of Sciences.It's a fmding that adds tim's brother, was initially awarded weight to the idea that homosexuality has a $278,000- then got another $253,541after physical underpinning and is not learned Cruz filed a claim with the fund. McAneney behavior. The researchers found that simi- refused to give up the additional share larities between lesbians and straight men awarded to Cruz. The appeals court ruled, were not as strong as between gay men and "The defendant couldnot in goodconscience straight women. "It shows sexual orienta- , retain that sum," the DailyNewsreported. tion may very well have a different basis between men and women," said Sandra AIDS epidemic approaches Witelson,an expert on brain anatomy. ••••• f""tIt. quarter-century landmark ~1.'" ~ ••••_ •••; •••••••~_~ •••_i •.••.•.,..•.•.• I•.••.. forces are unwilling to address the issue. "They just don't want to upset the Iraqi government by bring- ing up the taboo of homosexuality even though homophobic murders have intensified," he said. Iraq's Grand Ayatollah Sistani, consid- Daria Jordan, from the U.S. State Department said, ered the leading voice for moderate "The U.S. government continues to work closely Shiites, recently issued a fatwa calling with our Iraqi partners to ensure the protection of for the execution of gays in the 'worst, human rights and the safety of all Iraqi citizens." most severe way: N.Y. gaypartner mv among gay men, particularly black gay granted9/11 funds men, is on the rise. NEW YORK - The state's Court of Appeals Lesbianbrainsrespond ruled May 2 that the brother of a woman who died in the World Trade Center attacks must morelikestraight men's give the woman's female partner an award WASHINGTON (AP) - The brains of les- from the federal 9/11 Victim Compensation bians respond to sexual hormones different- Fund, the N.Y.Daily News reported. The high ly from heterosexual women, according to a court upheld a lower court ruling that new analysis. The lesbians' brains reacted Margaret Cruz was entitled to $253,541 to somewhat like those of straight men, a team compensate her for the loss of Patricia of Swedish researchers reports in the May 9 McAneney, with whom she had lived since issue of Proceedings of the National 1985.James McAneney of Brooklyn, the vic- Academy of Sciences. It's a fmding that adds tim's brother, was initially awarded weight to the idea that homosexuality has a $278,000 - then got another $253,541 after physical underpinning and is not learned Cruz filed a claim with the fund. McAneney behavior. The researchers found that simi- refused to give up the additional share larities between lesbians and straight men awarded to Cruz. The appeals court ruled, were not as strong as between gay men and "The defendant could not in good conscience straight women. "It shows sexual orienta- "retain that sum," the Daily News reported. tion may very well have a different basis between men and women," said Sandra AIDS epidemicapproaches Witelson, an expert on brain anatomy. quarter-centurylandmark Gay candidates rejectedfor ATLANTA - When the Centers for Disease Control first reported the presence of pneu- Calif.Episcopalbishop mocystis pneumonia in five Los Angeles gay SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The Episcopal men on June 5, 1981,there were concerns at Diocese of California averted another church- the agency that they would underestimate wide showdown over the role of gays in the the potential 'impact of the strange new dis- Anglican Communion when delegates reject- ease. Almost 25 years later, as that new dis- ed three openly gay candidates May 6.The dio- ease that came to be known as AIDS has cese chose Rt. Rev. Mark Handley Andrus of killed more than. 500,000 Americans, public Birmingham, Ala., on the third ballot. The gay health experts worry that the scope of the candidates were Rev.Canon Michael Barlowe Why Suffer Needlessly? disease is still being misjudged. "Denial and of San Francisco, Very Rev. Robert Taylor of complacency are still the greatest enemies to Seattle and Rev. Bonnie Perry of Chicago. Non-Surgical "Lunch-Hour" Procedure progress," James Curran, dean of Emory Perry withdrew her candidacy before the final Virtually Painless· Affordable University's Rollins School of Public Health, vote. All three have long-term same-sex part- PARK PLAZA GASTROENTEROLGY & ASSOCI- said in a CDC teleconference May 5. "It's ners. The packed Grace Cathedral erupted sometimes difficult to reflect on 25 years, ... with cheering and applause when the ATES to understand how something that began so announcement was made. The vote was close- Experienced Board Certified M.D. slowly, and quietly, and silently, could now be ly watched by Episcopalians across the nation the No. 4 cause of death around the world." and their fellow Anglicans worldwide, who Plaza Medical Center • Museum District He credits gay organizations - along with have been struggling to remain unified since individual gay men and lesbians who band- the 2003 election of the first openly gay ed together to take care of the ill - for Episcopal bishop. declining rates of HIV diagnosis among gay " men. But in the last several years, the rate of From staff and wire reperts ,," HOUSTON VOICE MAY 12, 2006. PAGE 8 Motherly love each year - not with a brunch or family Annual Mother of luncheon or' a kids' serenade, but with a pageant In it, they crown the Mother of Montrose pageant Montrose. On Mother's Day,friends gather on the combines camp patio at Houston's venerable neighbor- hood leather-Levi bar, Mary's, Naturally, drag with good causes in front of the stage in anticipation of this local rite of spring. At that time contestants vie for the title By NANCY FORD of Mother of Montrose to determine who will preside over the gay neighborhood for MOSTAMERICANSHAVEESTABLISHED the coming year in high matriarchal fash- traditions that revolve around Mother's ion. The designated winner is the honored Day, since the holiday was presidential focal point at a number of events through- sanctioned by WoodrowWilson in 1914.Its out the year, including the annual roots, however,goback to 1858when Anna Christmas tree lighting and the Easter Jarvis, a young Appalachian homemaker, Bunny High HeelRun, as wellas the Mary's organized "Mother's Work Days" to float in Houston's GLBTPride Parade. improve the sanitation and reduce deaths from disease-bearing insects and polluted THERE'SAVASTDIFFERENCEBETWEEN water. the kind of drag seen on stage performed by That maternal origin aside., many contenders for the Mother of Montrose title GLBTfamilies recognizing Mother's Day and the kind seen,' say, at a Miss Gay are no different from their heterosexual America pageant Your average Miss Gay counterparts. They celebrate by calling America contestant could likely pass as the clan togetherto enjoy a brunch buffet female on a visit to the grocery store or or luncheon at a restaurant or house of a maybe even in the Ladies' Better Shoes favorite auntie, the table appointed with department Nordstrom's. Not so with con- delicate flowers or assorted crayola'd testants in the Mother of Montrosepageant works of art, often accompanied by cho- These contestants usually sport full ruses of children serving up musical beards and moustaches plastered over tributes to the women of the day. with heavy stage makeup and outlandish- But there is another family of sorts, in ly padded costuming. The effect is accen- Montrose that celebrates Mother's Day tuated if the May sun is in an unforgiving mood, causing the makeup to smear and run. But that's the beauty of this pageant - it's not supposed to be pretty. o MORE INFO D D DeMarco,AKADanny Harris, is the Mother of Montrose Pageant anointed Mother of Montrose for 2005-06. r- .. _..J_ .. 11..1_ •• '" "\ ,;..... _ N • VV'" • ..., ••••...•...,. V""".. ••.••. pcCl:Io~u-rYt:n::l~~c.rs-veIIeraTJIe-rreTgnoo hood leather-Levi bar, Mary's, Naturally, drag with good causes in front of the stage in anticipation of this local rite of spring. At that time contestants vie for the title By NANCY FORD of Mother of Montrose to determine who will preside over the gay neighborhood for MOSTAMERICANSHAVEESTABLISHED the coming year in high matriarchal fash- traditions that revolve around Mother's ion. The designated winner is the honored Day, since the holiday was presidential focal point at a number of events through- sanctioned by WoodrowWilson in 1914.Its out the year, including the annual roots, however,go back to 1858when Anna Christmas tree lighting and the Easter Jarvis, a young Appalachian homemaker, Bunny High HeelRun, as wellas the Mary's organized "Mother's Work Days" to float in Houston's GLBTPride Parade. improve the sanitation and reduce deaths from disease-bearing insects and polluted THERE'SAVASTDIFFERENCEBETWEEN water. the kind of drag seen on stage performed by That maternal origin aside.i many contenders for the Mother of Montrose title GLBT families recognizing Mother's Day and the kind seen, 'say, at a Miss Gay . are no different from their heterosexual America pageant. Your average Miss Gay counterparts. They celebrate by calling America contestant could likely pass as the clan together to enjoy a brunch buffet female on a visit to the grocery store or or luncheon at a restaurant or house of a maybe even in the Ladies' Better Shoes favorite auntie, the table appointed with department Nordstrom's. Not so with con- delicate flowers or assorted crayola'd testants in the Mother of Montrosepageant. works of art, often accompanied' by cho- These contestants usually sport full ruses of children serving up musical beards and moustaches plastered over tributes to the women of the day. with heavy stage makeup and outlandish- But there is another family of sorts, in ly padded costuming. The effect is accen- Montrose that celebrates Mother's Day tuated if the May sun is in an unforgiving mood, causing the makeup to smear and run. But that's the beauty of this pageant - it's not supposed to be pretty. o MORE INFO D D DeMarco,AKADanny Harris, is the Mother of Montrose Pageant anointed Mother of Montrose for 2005-06. Sunday, May 14, 2 pm Harris moved to Houston from Mary's, Naturally Mississippi about five years ago, retiring 1022 Westheim~ Rd. after earlier owning and managing bars Houston, TX 77006 in Baton Rouge and Monroe, Louisiana. 713-527-9669 With unforgettable drag names like Mother of Montrose, 2005-06 D D DeMarco, aka Danny Harris, moved to Houston after retiring from Ginger Vitis, Depila DeBris and her sis- owning and managing bars in Baton Rouge and Monroe, Louisiana. (Photo by Dalton DeHart) Legacy Community Health Services ter, Alotta, contestants "always have 215 Westheimer Rd. these wild, colorful hairdo's, to say the "Each Mother of Montrose doesn't raise money for local charities as empress Houston, Texas 77006 least," Harris says. have to specify one beneficiary," Harris, of Empire of the RoyalSovereign Imperial 713-830-3000 "I think I was probably the first Mother 44, said. "Each year they do as many Court of the Single Star. As empress, www.legacycommunityhealthservices.org of Montrose that didn't have the growth on shows as they want, and can designate to Harris has chosen to support Legacy the face. I was really surprised that I won. any charitable association in Houston." Community Health Services and AIDS Empire of the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court "Mother of Montrose is camp drag," Harris's charity of choice as Mother of Foundation Houston's Camp Hopefor chil- of the Single Star Harris continues. "I was in my leather Montrose is the Colt 45s, a group that dren with HIV and AIDS. . ' P.o Box 980444 chain outfit and did some god-awful started out as a country-western organi- "This year the only thing I've got to do Houston, Texas 77098-0444 campy song - 'I Will Swallow Him.''' zation, but now focuses more- on the is show up, do my step-down number, and 281-216-0757 needs of people with HIV and AIDSin the crown the next one," Harris says, antici- www.ersicss.org BEINGCHOSENMOTHEROFMONTROSE Houston area. pating his final MOM "runway" walk. isn't ,all bright lights, bouquets and glam- "They help with housing, with rent "It's been a wonderful year for me," Colt 45's our, though. The shows the MOMspresent and utilities and so forth," he said. Harris says, thanking his "children of PO. Box 66804 throughout the year of their motherly Though Harris passes along the Mother Montrose" for their support. Houston Texas 77266-6804 reign are produced with the goal in mind of of Montrose crown this Sunday to another "I've just tried to get everybody closer www.colt45s.org raising money for local Houston charities. worthy, campy successor, he continues to and working as a group." / HOUSTONVOICE www.houstonvoice.com MAY12.2006 9 out in houston l. No secret anymore ~.ous~onE.i!Y.Con!~?I!er~~p. ~~~:~.~~'...~~~:'_~'?!!.I!s..~!'l2_~~~~~~tive .• out in houston 1 No secret anymQre Houston City Controller Annise D.Parker, John Coulter, Montrose CounselingCenter executive director Dr. Ann Robison,Brendan Mikeska and Jack Jackson at MCC's"The Secret's Out" Luncheon. 2. Champion style Reggie Hampton, Houston Comets' Sheryl Swoopes, Jim Bacy and Alisa (Scotty) Scott at House of Finesse, prior to the opening of Swoopes 22 Sportsbar and Nightclub. 3. Progressive diners Eva Geer and Ed Moss at the dessert stop of the Progressive Dinner, benefiting programs of AssistHers and Uncommon Legacy. 4. Mukuru Ken Newberry, Julie Eberly, Rodney Waters, Troy Campa and Ricardo Guajardo at AIDS Foundation Houston's Mukuru: Arts for AIDS tatin fusion party. 5. Bellying up to the bar Friends and teammates of Montrose Softball League's Houston Force enjoy post-game fun at Jeffries Bar. 6. This just in Channelll anchor Usa Foranda and Legacy Community Health Services' executive director Katie Caldwell at the Stepping Stones luncheon with honorary chair, Jesse H. Jones II. All photos by Dalton DeHart \ ~ HOUSTON VOICE vOice MAY 12, 2006 PAGE 10 EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION Executive Editor CHRIS CRAIN Editor NANCY FORD @ Art Director ROB BOEGER tJtlHl!l~I it~1:1ty! i@e);1 Production Manager ERIC GOINES Graphic Designer LISA HENDERSON Correspondents ERIC ERVIN, DYANA BAGBY, KELLY CARSON, LOU CHIBBARO, JR., MUBARAK DAHIR, MIKE FLEMING, JOHNNY HOOKS, PHIL LAPADULA, RYAN LE~,JOSHUA LYNSEN, GREG MARZULLO, BRIA~:~YLAN" KEVJN NjlFF, ANDY ZEFFER, KATHERINE VOLIN, '. ';' >.. Maybe she's born with it ELIZABETH WEILL·GREENBERG Conbibutors DON MAINES, DAWN RQRIE, ELLA Or maybe it's an interesting research question TYLER, J.A. CHAPMAN AND 8ICH ARENSCHIElDT Photographers DALTON DEHART. that'shocldnt matter a-bit to either side KIMBERLY THOMPSON Online Editor STEVE KOVAL Webmaster ARAM VARTIAN in the debate over lesbian and gay rights. Assistant Web~ STEVE RYAN By LAURA DOUGLAS-BROWN behavior," the AP declared in its report. SALES & ADMINISTRATION "The important thing is to be open to Sales Manager ERE WE GO AGAIN. the likely situation that there are biologi- ED ALVAREZ [email protected] In a study released May9 in cal factors that contribute to sexual orien- Proceedings of the National tation," Sandra Witelson, an expert on Classified Sales I Office Administrator Academyof Sciences,Swedish brain anatomy and' sexual orientation at JOHNNY HOOKS [email protected] scientists announced that les- McMaster University in Ontario, told AP. National Advertising Representative bians' brains react differently Don't get me wrong: I don't disagree Rivendell Media· 212-242·6863 to pheromones - hormones that nature trumps nurture in the debate believedto provokesexual responses - than over what causes homosexuality And I'm those of straight women. interested in the research as a way to The findings echoed those of an earlier explain a part of my identity - much as study by the same team that found even I'm fascinated by the process in utero in greater differences in the way gay men's which an amorphous ball of cells eventu- brains react than those of heterosexual ally develops into a male or female baby. men, with the gay men's brains reacting It's the reactions from both sides in the more like those of straight women, the culture war over gay rights that I dread. phobia. Wewant to believe we can't change PUBLISHER Window Media LLC Associated Press reported. Groups that oppose gay rights are cer- being gay - "we can't help it, we were born PRESIDENT Peter Polimino For each study; researchers scanned the tain to pick the study apart, anxious to that way" - because we can't completely let EXEC. V.P. EDITORIAL Chris Crain brains of study participants while they debunk any evidence that points away from go of the fear that maybe something really ART DIRECTOR Rob Boeger sniffed male pheromones, female their central thesis that being gay is a C.O.O. Mike Kitchens is wrong with us, and we want it at least to C.F.O. Steve Myers pheromones and four ordinary smells. choice, and a sinful one at that, or some be something out of our control. EXEC. V.P. SALES Steven Guerrini They found that heterosexual males sort of psychological abnormality from a Think about it. How many times have processed reactions to the male poor childhood, which makes it undeserv- you heard someone say;or maybe said pheromones in the part of the brain asso- ing of civil rights protections. yourself, "Of course being gay isn't a ciated with smell, while the female But they quickly defy their own logic, choice. Who would choose to be gay?" :.. pheromones were processed in the hypo- and it's time we started pointing it out The comment is always followedby a list- thalamus, a part of the brain associated more loudly. ing of the very real discrimination we face •.MEMBER with sexual response. The very same groups that claim being both from our families and society as a Heterosexual women processed the gay is a choice, therefore not deserving of whole. Still, every time I hear that answer, I a::: =s:; .••.•••.•.••••.•::a:::c:OJ -CHARTERMEtfBffi"'- female pheromones in the part of the protections, also frequently argue that can't decide if I want to cry or scream. - brain reserved for ordinary smells, but Christians are discrtmmated.aaainst.Iike Who_would.chooseto be gaY? I wo_uld., _ Online Editor STEVE KOVAL Webmaster ARAM VARTIAN in the debate over lesbian and gay rights. Assistant Web~r STEVE RYAN By LAURA DOUGLAS-BROWN behavior," the AP declared in its report. SALES & ADMINISTRA nON "The important thing is to be open to Sales Manager ERE WE GO AGAIN. the likely situation that there are biologi- ED ALVAREZ [email protected] In a study released May9 in cal factors that contribute to sexual orien- Proceedingsof the National tation," Sandra Witelson, an expert on Classified Sales I Office Administrator Academyof Sciences,Swedish brain anatomy and' sexual orientation at JOHNNY HOOKS [email protected] scientists announced that les- McMaster University in Ontario, told AP. National Advertising Representative bians' brains react differently Don't get me wrong: I don't disagree Rivendell Media' 212-242-6863 to pheromones - hormones that nature trumps nurture in the debate believedto provokesexual responses - than over what causes homosexuality' And I'm those of straight women. interested in the research as a way to The findings echoed those of an earlier explain a part of my identity - much as study by the same team that found even I'm fascinated by the process in utero in greater differences in the way gay men's which an amorphous ball of cells eventu- brains react than those of heterosexual ally develops into a male or female baby. men, with the gay men's brains reacting It's the reactions from both sides in the more like those of straight women, the culture war over gay rights that I dread. phobia. Wewant to believe we can't change PUBLISHER Window Media LLC Associated Press reported. Groups that oppose gay rights are cer- being gay - "we can't help it, we were born PRESIDENT Peter Polimino For each study; researchers scanned the tain to pick the study apart, anxious to that way" - because we can't completely let EXEC. V.P. EDITORIAL Chris Crain brains of study participants while they debunk any evidence that points away from go of the fear that maybe something really ART DIRECTOR Rob Boeger sniffed male pheromones, female their central thesis that being gay is a is wrong with us, and we want it at least to C.O.D. Mike Kitchens C.F.O. Steve Myers pheromones and four ordinary smells. choice, and a sinful one at that, or some be something out of our control. EXEC. V.P. SALES Steven Guerrini They found that heterosexual males sort of psychological abnormality from a Think about it. How many times have processed reactions to the male poor childhood, which makes it undeserv- you heard someone say;or maybe said pheromones in the part of the brain asso- ing of civil rights protections. yourself, "Of course being gay isn't a ciated with smell, while the female But they quickly defy their own logic, choice. Who would choose to be gay?" .,:u pheromones were processed in the hypo- and it's time we started pointing it out The comment is always followedby a list- MEMBER thalamus, a part of the brain associated more loudly. ing of the very real discrimination we face with sexual response. The v.erysame groups that claim being both from our families and society as a Heterosexual women processed the gay is a choice, therefore not deserving of whole. Still, every time I hear that answer, I L______L:_:&Oia:::::::t::.atbtdwnbwof~••• female pheromonesin the part of the protections, also frequently argue that can't decide if I want to cry or scream. CHARTER MEMBER brain reserved for ordinary smells, but Christians are discriminated against, like Who would choose to be gay? I would, -Established 1974 as the Montrose Star. male pheromones in the hypothalamus. the so-called "War on Christmas," etc. and in some ways, I did. And so did you. Lesbians processed all of the smells, Yetwhat is religion if not a choice? In I didn't choose the spark I felt the first SODLovett Blvd., Suite 200 Houston. Texas 77006 including male and female pheromones, fact, the idea that people can choose their time I kissed a girl, and I didn't choose not (7]3) 529-8490 in the part of the brain associated with religion is akey argument to most funda->. ,to feel that spark when I kissed boys. Fax: (7]3) 529-9531 smells, not the part associated with sexual mentalist and evangelical groups, who But I did Chooseto live my life openly www.houstonvoice.com response. (We'll leave aside the implica- devote much of their time to trying-to < and honestly, regardless of the bias I Office-ho~rs: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays tions for explaining "lesbian bed death," . convert others to their faith. _. - might face, and it's that courageous choice which wasn't the researchers' focus). So if someone shouldn't be discrimi- that we all make that we should celebrate, To submit a letter Lesbians and straight men also report- nated against based on their chosen reli- not bury under insistence that we should- Letters should be fewer than 400 words. We reserve the ed finding the smell of the female gion, why should they be discriminated n't be discriminated against because we right to edit for content and length. We will withhold names upon request, but you must include your name and phone pheromone more pleasant; and the male against based on sexual orientation, even can't control it. number for verification. Please send mail to Houston Voice, pheromone more irritating. if that is a choice, too? The reality of gender bias doesn't 500 Lovett Blvd., Suite 200, Houston, Texas 77006; fax (713) The basic finding of the study is hardly,' make me want to change my sex. It makes 529-9531 or e-mail [email protected]. Opinions expressed therein do not reflect those of the Houston Voice. earthshaking: Essentially; lesbians and OF COURSE,I DON'T BELIEVE BEING me want to change the straight men are attracted to women, gay is purely a choice. But I have even less world. while gay men and straight women are patience for gay rights advocates, whether Whyshould sexual ori- All material in Houston Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the attracted to men. organizations or individuals, who cling to entation be any different? written consent of Houston Voice. The sexual orientation ofp~il~ht!deh~r~r~t~:~r~:;jnfu~~~ro:i~~~~:tn~~It'sts the implications that worry me. the idea that we are "born that way" asan appearance of names or pictorial representation argument for civil rights. 6h. I..atwa Douglas- does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. ALREADY,THE STUDYIS BEING CITED No one disputes that race and sex have V Brown is news editor Hocsto« Voice accepts unsolicited editorial as evidence in the great nature vs. nur- a biological basis, but that certainly has- for Window Media. material but cannot take responsibility for its return. ture debate. "In both cases the findings n't stopped racism and sexism. So why are which publishes the Blade. The editor reserves the ripht to accept, reject or edit any submission. All rl9hts revert to authors add weight to the idea that homosexuality we so hung up on that argument? She can be reached at upon publication. GUIdelines for freelance contributors are available upon request. has a physical basis and is not learned I think the answer is internalized homo- ~ ) ? HOUSTONVOICE www.houstonvoice.com MAY12,2006 11 FRED WALTERS, JR High blood pressure and ashthma are 'manageeable conditions.' HIV is more like a minefield, and we ought to say so. Reality of living with HIV/AIDS SITTINGALONE, I LOOKEDFOR I wonder how he managed. familiar faces, hoping they were looking He didn't. for me. It seems I'm always alone at funer- Then I remembered how,less than a als, It happens that way. year.later, he finally got the courage to go . Sitting in reverent silence in.the uncom- out in public with sunglasses, a head High blood pressure can be managed I urgency to develop drug therapies that fortablemetalfolding chair trying to be. towel and a hat so no.one would recognize with medication or with nutritional supple- don'tfail thirty percent of patients and conitojtable, I'dglanceupwards-toward .htm in his yellow skin caused by a failing ments. The same can be said for highcho- give people a false sense of 'security that if movement at 'the entrance to.see who was liver. I wonder how he managed. Iesterol. Asthma, gall bladder disease, and they do become infected; all they have to coming to remember.and-honor.mvfrlend , ; He didn't. . stomach ulcers are all recognized by the; .. do is take "one pill aday" . and to hugthose Whomhe left behind .. Agency'for Healthcare Research & QuaItty Labeling HIV as manageable also Ah! Finally, a familiar face. I nodded a "t STARTEDTO FUME. EXECUTIVE as being manageable conditions, and proba- ignores that an increasing number of peo- "hello" from across the room. directors of AIDS organizations or physi- bly by.most of us. . ple with HIV refuse or delay drug therapy .·Therows of chairs were narrow. and cians who buy into the .attitude that AIDS But, unlike JIIY disease, there isn't a . . for fear of body changes caused by HIV . there was no room to crossvourlegs for has become amanageable condition are lot talk about drug toxicity or inevitable medications. . comfort. Time to oscillateback to the left boldly out of touch with the way HIV organ damage if treatment is pursued. " HIV is not a manageable disease. It is a for a few minutes. Just then, .someone intrudes on our humanity in our day-to- And if<)veare being treated for any of .minefield, People with HIY many times shouted, "Fred! Hey,"waving the service day lives. these manageable conditions, we don't are waiting for the other shoe to drop. program in the air. Folks who believe this myth tell the have to worry that our faces will deflate They may have coasted for many years on Good. More familiar faces. I waved world that our night sweats, which drive or that our belly's will abnormally inflate. drug therapy that has kept the virus without incident. our spouses to the couch for a dry sleep- When you have a manageable condition, under control, but the exit ramp to the Then it dawned on me who wasn't ing space, are manageable. you don't have to worry if the physician next wave of surprises is just a few miles there. I started to mentally listaU of Unexplained fevers, untreatable skin - treating your condition had special training up the highway. those people who are always quoted in the conditions, Pneumocystis Carinii in managing your particular illness. I don't mean to be gloomy or to say press citing that ''AIDShas become a man- Pneumonia (PCP) and failing organs are But in the treatment of HIVand AIDS,the that we aren't making progress, but I ageable condition." unfairly rubber-stamped as an acceptable kind of treatment you receiveusually believe the classification of HIV and Where are they now? part of living with HIV. depends on the knowledgeand training of AIDS as a manageable condition can) I forgot about my joints and muscles I'm 'not sure they know what a manage- your physician, And if your physician does- actually slow down our progress and that longed to stretch or move and started able condition is. n't stay informed through specialtraining turn off the alarm. to remember how this muscled, vibrant Manageable illnesses and conditions, in from the American Academyof HIV and extroverted person now lying before my opinion, are usually those that can be Medicine,treatment can becomea crapshoot. us was held captive with tubes and wires successfully treated with predictable out- ~ Fred Walters owns Houston Buyers Club while the love of his life managed to eke comes and without a lot of surprises along ATTITUDESTHAT LABEL HIV AS A V nutritional supplement store, and can be t'll1t ~ c;::rn!:ll11iuina tn noln Tl!nT tho hillc tho U7!lU 1"r'II!ln!:lloo!llhlo nico!:llco "'!JIn t!lllTo ~:nn!:ll"{Ttho '''~l'h"tIa+ j:••",drn\hnlldnnhll""~lIh ""'" SITTING ALONE,I LOOKEDFOR I wonder how he managed. familiar faces, hoping they were looking He didn't. for me. It seems I'm always alone at funer- Then I remembered how, less than a alsoIt happens that way. year later, he finally got the courage to go Sitting in reverent silence in,the uncom- out in public with sunglasses, a head High blood pressure can be managed urgency to develop drug therapies that fortable metal folding chair trying to be towel and a hat so no one would recognize with medication or with nutritional supple- don't fail thirty percent of patients and comfortable, I'd glance upwards toward ',him in his yellow skin caused by a failing ments. The same can be said for high cho- give people a false sense of security that if movement atthe entrance to see who was liver. I wonder how he managed. lesterol. Asthma, gall bladder disease, and they do become infected, all they have to coming to remember.and honor my friend, He didn't. stomach ulcers are all recognized by the' do is take "one pill a day." and to hug those whom he left behind. Agency for Healthcare Research & Qulility Labeling'mV as manageable also Ah! Finally, a familiar face. I nodded a I STARTEDTO FUME. EXECUTIVE as being manageable conditions, and proba- ignores that an increasing number of pee- "hello" fromacross the room. directors of AIDS organizations or physi- bly by most of us. ple with HIV refuse or delay drug therapy 'The rows of chairs were narrow; and cians who buy into the attitude that AIDS But, unlike mV disease, there isn't a . for fear of body changes caused by mv there was no room to cross,your' legs for has become a manageable condition are lot talk about drug toxicity or inevitable medications. comfort. Time to oscillate back to the left boldly out of touch with the way mv organ damage if treatment is pursued. , HIV is not a manageable disease. It is a for a few minutes. Just then, someone intrudes on our humanity in our day-to- And if we are being treated for any of minefield. People with HIV many times shouted, "Fred! Hey,"waving the service day lives. these manageable conditions, we don't are waiting for the other shoe to drop. program in the air. Folks who believe this myth tell the have to worry that our faces will deflate They may have coasted for many years on Good. More familiar faces. I waved world that our night sweats, which drive or that our belly's will abnormally inflate. drug therapy that has kept the virus without incident. our spouses to the couch for a dry sleep- When you have a manageable condition, under control, but the exit ramp to the Then it dawned on me who wasn't ing space, are manageable. you don't have to worry if the physician next wave of surprises is just a few miles there. I started to mentally listaU of Unexplained fevers, untreatable skin treating your condition had special training up the highway. those people who are always quoted in the conditions, Pneumocystis Carinii in managing your particular illness. I don't mean to be gloomy or to say press citing that '~IDS has become a man- Pneumonia (PCP) and failing organs are But in the treatment of HIVand AIDS,the that we aren't making progress, but I ageable condition." unfairly rubber-stamped as an acceptable kind of treatment youreceiveusually believe the classification of mv and Where are they now? part of living with my. depends on the knowledgeand training of AIDS as a manageable condition can .J I forgot about my joints and muscles I'm 'not sure they know what a manage- your physician. And if your physician does- actually slow down our progress and that longed to stretch or move and started able condition is. n't stay informed through specialtraining turn off the alarm. to remember how this muscled, vibrant Manageable illnesses and conditions, in from the American Academyof HIV and extroverted person now lying before my opinion, are usually those that can be Medicine,treatment can becomea crapshoot. us was held captive with tubes and wires successfully treated with predictable out- Fred Walters owns Houston Buyers Club while the love of his life managed to eke comes and without a lot of surprises along ATTITUDESTHAT LABEL HIV AS A ~ nutritional supplement store, and can be out a small living to help pay the bills. the way. manageable disease can take away the reached at [email protected]. No, because they could get mar- Yes. We should all have partner Yes. If the unmarried straight Yes. All valued employees of any Yes. The person we choose to love o ried if they chose to, whereas gay benefits, gay or straight. company should be treated the '%j employees are in a long-term com- and live with should be of no con- unm men and lesbians do not have FLOYDMARTINEZ. 36 mitted relationship, they should be same. cern of the place we work. The that option, Houston offered those same benefits. RALPH HERRING,47 bigger question would be why we partners of ANDREA WILBURN, 34 Accounting MICHElli lEAL. 23 Houston allow any company to not offer Seabrook, Texas Houston Optometrist any domestic partner benefits, straight , Flight attendant Community project specialist TONY GREER,45 Houston employees? Banquet Captain Sound off about what's happening in your world at www.houstonvoice.com/soundoff. Interviews and photos by Dalton DeHart 12 MAY 12, 2006 www.houstonvoice.com HOUSTON VOICE 011 "If I wrote a whole chapter [about coming out], I think it would be pretty boring." Mary Cheney on her new book "Now It's My Turn" (Washington Post, May 9) ''And though the gay movement deserves cred- it for much of the acceptance she is receiving, Mary's presence on the national stage - the daughter of the vice president of the United States discussing issues related to our lives - is most welcome and has the potential to be a transforming moment for all Americans." Elizabeth Birch, former executive director of HRC, and Hilary Rosen, former CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America, in an column applauding Cheney's opposition to a fed- eral amendment banning gay marriage (Washington Post, May 8) "[Mary] Cheney is certainly no profile in 'political courage." Ruth Marcus in a column that emphasized Cheney's missed opportunities to advocate for gay rights (Washington Post, May 9) ."'~. "Gay guys are more fun and they dress better ~,~ and they're usually hotter. All the hot ones are gay." Newly single socialite Paris Hilton (The Sun, May 8) "From the beginning, Mychal did as Jesus did and walked right in and kissed these frightened souls on the lips." Blogger Andrew Sullivan on "The Saint of 9111," a documentary about gay priest and FDNY chaplain Father Mychal Judge who ministered to AIDS patients in the '80s and who died in the World Trade Center attacks in 2001 (andretosulli- van. com, April 28) "When youths as young as kindergarteners or in second grade on up get indoctrinated with the view that they ought to engage in homosexual activity to determine their sexual identity- that it's normal, it's natural, and everyone's doing it - they ultimately, when they go down that path, can become emotionally and physically damaged because they don't know the full story." Mat Staver; president of the anti-gay Liberty Counsel, "onhow public schools have become battlegrounds with gay activists (Agape Press, April 18) "He's been sentenced to 25years. Hallelujah!" Dwan Prince, victim of a savage beating, in Brooklyn that put him in a coma and now causes him to walk with a cane and speak with a tremor; after one of his attackers, 23- year-old Stephen Pomie, was sentenced (WABC-TV, April 24) (Washington Post, May 8) "[Mary] Cheney is certainly no profile in political courage." Ruth Marcus in a column that emphasized Cheney's missed opportunities to advocate for gay rights (Washington Post, May 9) '~.,., "Gay guys are more fun and they dress better ",,'4< and they're usually hotter. All the hot ones are gay." Newly single socialite Paris Hilton (The Sun, May 8) "From the beginning, Mychal did as Jesus did and walked right in and kissed these frightened souls on the lips." Blogger Andrew Sullivan on "The Saint of 9/11, rs a documentary about gay priest and FDNY chaplain Father Mychal Judge who ministered to AIDS patients in the '80s and who died in the World Trade Center attacks in 2001 (andrewsulli- van. com, April 28) "When youths as young as kindergarteners or in second grade on up get indoctrinated with the view that they ought to engage in homosexual activity to determine their sexual identity- that it's normal, it's' natural, and everyone's doing it - they ultimately, when they go down that path, can become emotionally and physically damaged because they don't know the full story." Mat Staver; president of the anti-gay Liberty Counsel, an how public schools have become battlegrounds with gay activists (Agape Press, April 18) "He's been sentenced to 25years. Hallelujah!" Dwan Prince, victim of a savage beating in Brooklyn that put him in a coma and now causes him to walk with a cane and speak with a tremor; after one of his attackers, 23- year-old Stephen Pomie, was sentenced (WABC-TV, April 24) "You can leave this show and say, 'I think this guy is an arrogant jerk,' or think, 'This band is better than this one,' because these are your opinions. The only thing we consider unacceptable is for you to engage in sexist, racist or homophobic behavior. If you do, we don't want you as a fan. Return our merch and leave." Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, to the crowd at the rock band's show May 9 in Charlotte, N.C. (MTV News, May 10) "The ticket said 'all ages,' and your band was very foul-mouthed and anti- morals. Charlotte is not the demoralized city that liberal San Francisco and other cities across the North and West are .... This was a concert, not some liberal homosexual rally." An angry mother's e-mail to Fall Out Boy's record label after attending the Charlotte con- cert; Wentzpublicized the e-mail after learning about it (MTV News, May 10) '> Summer hasn't hit yet but Houston is already hot with happenings. Nightlife, Page 14 GAY HOUSTON NIGHTLIFE, ARTS & CULTURE www.houstonvoice.com MAY 12, 2006 4j Thousands expected for Disney's Gaynays anniversary of the event. Party events consolidat- Gay Days returns to the Royal Plaza Hotel this year. Last year, it was at the ed; Christian protesters Sheraton World Hotel because the Royal Plaza was undergoing repairs from hur- plan to warn parents ricane damage. "The RoyalPlaza is closerto the Disney parks than the Sheraton and they've always been a great partner in the past," says Chris By PHIL LAPADULA Alexander-Manley,vice president of sales and marketing for GayDays.com. ORGANIZERSOF THE 16THANNUAL This year's GayDays will include two - GayDaysat Disney- the popular name for popular performers: lesbian comedian Kate a string of gayparties thrown by several Clinton and 197Qsdisco icon Gloria Gaynor. groups in and around Disney Worldin Clinton will perform Friday evening, June Orlando,Fla. - are trying to end the feud- 2,starting at 8p.m.at the RoyalPlaza Hotel ing that has plagued the event in past years. in the Harrington Ballroom. Last year, two similarly named organ- Gaynor will headline Chisholm's One izations, GayDays.com and GayDay.com, Mighty Party - the cornerstone of the offered competing events at the park and weekend's dance events,which will take their own host hotels. place from 9:30p.m.-2:30a.m. on Sat. June 3, This year, the events are held from at MGMStudios.At least 8,000peopleare Tuesday, May 30,through Sunday, June expectedto attend the party, Chisholm said. 4, and there's only one host hotel, the The kickoff party for Gay Days will Royal Plaza Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, take place Tuesday, May 30,at the Fla. GayDays.com will handle the events Orlando Science Center, which features at the Disney parks and at the host hotel. a large dinosaur exhibit and an I-Max Gay Days revelers enjoy the event at the Magic Kingdom last year. (Photo courtesy of GayDays.com) Doug Swallow,who founded Gay Days movie of the history of Greece. .:.- II-:i.n~1_aa:t_El_n£L'O''Il[Tr\_~C_Ox1_n'O'xu::l!o.~ __hDl_o....lO''OQ.Qd "11'\lo_"b._~:'I::u::'t._-i_.f.-Oo.t-L!:Ld_i££or-£lto_n_t--,--~ro:,,:u_l_iCL..o1ro~,-r. .o.o.+-O_~o._,..,oJ_,-"ohC\]_;'t:'O_df.ll.r.o.Da, _ .uToh"H:o. tn y\-:lU .f"n.•..•tho h..::llllnnn ,,(lI:Thir-h thp oruisney-s ~ay-uoVs anniversary of the event. Party events consolidat- Gay Days returns to the Royal Plaza Hotel this year. Last year, it was at the ed; Christian protesters Sheraton World Hotel because the Royal Plaza was undergoing repairs from hur- plan to warn parents ricane damage. "The Royal Plaza is closer to the Disney parks thari the Sheraton and they've always been a great partner in the past," says Chris By PHIL LAPADULA Alexander-Manley, vice president of sales and marketing for GayDays.com. ORGANIZERS OF THE 16TH ANNUAL This year's Gay Days will include two -. Gay Days at Disney - the popular name for popular performers: lesbian comedian Kate a string of gay parties thrown by several Clinton and 197Qsdisco icon Gloria Gaynor. groups ill and around Disney World ill Clinton will perform Friday evening, June Orlando, F1a. - are trying to end the feud- 2, starting at 8 p.m. at the Royal Plaza Hotel ing that has plagued the event in past years. in the Harrington Ballroom. Last year, two similarly named organ- Gaynor will headline Chisholm's One izations, GayDays.com and GayDay:com, Mighty Party - the cornerstone of the offered competing events at the park and weekend's dance events, which will take their own host hotels. place from 9:30p.m.-2:30a.m. on Sat. June 3, This year, the events are held from at MGM Studios. At least 8,000people are Tuesday, May 30, through Sunday, June expected to attend the party, Chisholm said. 4, and there's only one host hotel, the The kickoff party for Gay Days will Royal Plaza Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, take place Tuesday, May 30, at the Fla. GayDays.com will handle the events Orlando Science Center, which features at the Disney parks and at the host hotel. a large dinosaur exhibit and an I-Max Gay Days revelers enjoy the event at the Magic Kingdom last year. (Photo courtesy of GayDays.com) Doug Swallow, who founded Gay Days movie of the history of Greece. in 1991and owns GayDay:com, has leased "We have it at a different venue every host a nonalcoholic dance. website to pay for the balloon, which the his site this year to Johnny Chisholm's year just to keep it fresh," Alexander- Women's events, also thrown by groups says will "warn" people that Gay One Mighty Weekend. Chisholm's compa- • Manley said. "The center has a beautiful GayDays.com, will include pool parties Days is at Disney World so that parents can nyis producing the circuit party and pool outdoor patio overlooking Orlando." at Best Western Friday, Saturday and "protect" their children by not bringing party events for Gay Days that aren't at Sunday: A Luscious Ladies Luau will be them to the park during that weekend. the Disney theme park or the host hotel. A NEW EVENT THIS YEAR WILL BE held at Best Western from 8 p.m. to 2 No one from the Christian Action' "I didn't want to deal with all the drama Jazz Night, which will take place Saturday a.m. on Sat., June 3. Ahd a "Ladies of Network was available by press time to and headaches this year," Swallow said. evening, June 3, from 8 p.m. -1 a.m. at the the '80s Dance" will be held Friday, June answer questions about the group's hot- Harrington Ballroom at the Royal Plaza. 2, from 9:30-2 a.m. at Royal Plaza. air balloon project. THIS YEAR'S THEME IS "GAY DAYS Alexander-Manley said the jazz event Kim Preunty, spokesperson for Walt Orlando Sweet 16" to mark the 16th . is geared to an older crowd. "It's for'peo- A HOT-AIR BALLOON IS EXPECTED Disney World, said Disney is not a spon- ple who don't want to go to the circuit TO hover over Orlando during the week- sor of Gay Days. parties," he said. end of June 2-4 announcing "Gay Days "But Walt Disney World is open to . There will also be events for the sober at Disney World." everyone every day," she said. o MORE INFO crowd. Gay Days Round Up - an offshoot But it's not a promotional stunt for the She said she was not aware of any Gay Days at Disney of GayDays.com - which includes recov- event. Instead, it's a message from the con- problems caused by Gay Days in recent May 30 - June 4 ery groups for alcohol, crystal meth and servative group Christian Action Network years. She was working in her current Orlando, Fla. sex addictions, will be held at the Best to parents who might be taking their kids position for Walt Disney World last year. www.gaydays.com Western Hotel, across the street from the to the Magic Kingdom that weekend. "It was a normal weekend at Walt -'>. www.onemightyweekend.com Royal Plaza. The Royal Plaza will also CAN has been soliciting donations on its Disney World," she recalled. Author Andy Zeffer bites off more than he You think you have reason to complain? Get a load of these can chew in Hollywood Boo~s,~age15 goofy gripes from our readers. Bitch Session, Page 23 14 MAY12,2006 www.houstonvoice.com HOUSTONVOICE M 1 t-0051"I'Mf.1 JOHNNY HOOKS @ FRIDAY MAVI2 \ Join DON GIll and 'THE GILLS" 'as they get goofy at George's Bricks, 711 Fairview at 8 p.m. for a benefit for Mommies' Day dearest People with AIDS Holiday Charities. 713-528-BI02.' Voting ends today for selecting which Houston Landmark will be featured in the new MONOPOLY BOARD GAME. The edition will be released this fall and Some bad mothers are people have the opportunity to vote on three attrac- tions within 22 cities around the United States. Visit out for some good fun www.hasbro.com/monopoly. SATURDAY this weekend MAV13 THE NA nONAl ASSOCIA nON OF lETTER "TINA!BRING ME THE AXE!" OF CARRIERS help "stamp out hunger" with their annual food drive to benefit the Houston Food Bank. Place course, this weekend is Mother's Day and nonperishable food items (please avoid expired items happily the scheduling gods and goddesses and items in glass containers) in or near your mailbox have left Sunday, May 14open so everyone before your letter. carrier arrives. can get in some good mom time. Saturday Dance diva AMBER performs at Rich's, 2401 San you can pick and choose as the day is Jacinto St., with DJ Joe Bermudez. Tickets are $15. bursting with events and hip happenings from dawn to dawn! Keep reading. SUNDAY MARY'S...NATURALLYJUST KEEPS MAVI4 on keeping on, doesn't it? Sadly the car- THE GULF COAST ARCHIVE AND MUSEUM features their History Series, at the Community Center, 3400 wash scheduled for last weekend was Montrose, in the large meeting room from 4 p.m. until rained out, but according to Daddy Rose, 6 p.m. it will be rescheduled for June, so if you bought tix, keep them they will be hon- ored then. Friday, May 12,Starlight MONDAY Empress Eartha Quake is holding a ben- MAVI5 efit for the Imperial Court of Houston Today is the DEADUNE for reserving your Pride Festival booth space for Corporate and Nonprofit's at 9 p.m. called "Hang 'Em High!" The without a late fee and for the 2006 GLBT Pride Parade flyer is very "blue", if you get my drift, so without late fee. Both applications are online at this will be good bawdy fun. Then on www.pridehouston.org. Saturday, at 5 p.m. Mary's holds a second Women's festival favorite Wendy Colonna mixes it up with the grrls at Chances Bar,with the release party Poet MAYA ANGElOU will speak and read her poetry show called "The Debris Debacle for her new CD. at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St. tonight at 7:30 p.m. Three" in honor of Depila Debris (sound Tickets are $36 to $58. Call 877-875-8124 or click on it out!) that benefits the People With warm weather always brings out lots of will recognize its five-year anniversary eventsunlimited.org. AIDS Campout. You'll enjoy hamburg- eye candy in short shorts to oogle! For all celebration at Touch with "GOLDEN: ers, hotdogs and the outdoor bar will be the details call 713-926-6368or visit The 5 Year Anniversary Celebration." THURSDAY open. You can join Ginger Vitis, Sissy www.orangeshow.org! Miami's DJ Yvette Fernandez a.k.a. DJ MAVI8 Debris and others and do your own num- PRIDE spins. In addition two artist/per- PFlAG HOUSTON SHARING GROUP, 7:30-9 p.m. ber for the masses. Mary's ...Naturally is THE GORGEOUSFIONA DAWSON OF formers, Diane Rose and Micah the Artist Tonight and every third Thursday of each month at St. located at 1022Westheimer, and can be Bering Omega fresh from co-hosting the will create multiple pieces of abstract art Stephen's Episcopal Church's Chatham Room, 1805 Alabama St. ID-46P-FLAG. reached by dialing 713-527-9669. HRC Gala, sends news of two ways you and sounds directly influericed by the can have fun and support Bering. First party environment. Touch, located at 2511 ACT OUT, the Alley Theatre's GLBT series completes OF COURSETHE EV-l "EVERYONE'S up, Saturday May 13at 7 p.m., at Keys Bissonnet St. and Kirby Dr., opens the it's 2005-06 season tonight with a Mixer at 5:30 p.m. and a performance of Agatha Christie's "Witness for Art Car Parade" rolls into town on West, 817West Dallas St. is COPA doors at 3:30a.m. for this wicked party. the Prosecution" at 7:30 p.m. at the Alley Theatre Saturday, May 13. But did you know the Productions' "Face Of The Month" con- Advance tix at M2MFashion, 3400 Center, 615 Texas Ave. Tickets purchased online get a fun actually starts on Friday, May 12and test. The winner is chosen by audience Montrose Blvd., or Male U Wear,415 20% discount when entering the promotional code continues into Sundav Mav 1:'1?This sill- annlause. and.rp.r.p.illp..'La..sasb.an(Lwj.11 Westbeimer_Rd~CU"k on_ww.w_snoiled- "~~:...~~ 10% ~f ticke~.~!.!!l1 dire~Ey. to ~~"""¥¥""'J ••.•-. •..•••&.•.•••••• _'-&..1. ..•..•..&6 6"" ••."•"."•..•..•_..•.6'-'U. •.."•'.0 ••••••••.•••• _••- •__•••- ••• ~.--- ~- ••••••••••_••,.••••••••••"'••••)'u•.•••••""•••..•"•.•• have left Sunday, May 14 open so everyone before your letter, carrier arrives. can get in some good mom time. Saturday Dance diva AMBER performs at Rich's, 2401 San you can pick and choose as the day is Jacinto St., with OJ Joe Bermudez. Tickets are $15. bursting with events and hip happenings from dawn to dawn! Keep reading, SUNDAY MARY'S...NATURALLYJUST KEEPS MAY 14 on keeping on, doesn't it? Sadly the car- THE GULF COAST ARCHIVE AND MUSEUM features their History Series, at the Community Center, 3400 wash scheduled for last weekend was Montrose, in the large meeting room from 4 p.m. until rained out, but according to Daddy Rose, 6 p.m. it will be rescheduled for June, so if you bought tix, keep them they will be hon- ored then. Friday, May 12,Starlight MONDAY Empress Eartha Quake is holding a ben- MAY IS efit for the Imperial Court of Houston Today is the DEADLINE for reserving your Pride Festival booth space for Corporate and .Nonprofit's at 9 p.m. called "Hang 'Em High!" The without a late fee and for the 2006 GLBT Pride Parade flyer is very "blue", if you get my drift, so without late fee. Both applications are online at this will be good bawdy fun. Then on www.pridehouston.org. Saturday; at 5 p.m. Mary's holds a second Women's festival favorite Wendy Colonna mixes it up with the grrls at Chances Bar. with the release party Poet MAYA ANGELOU will speak and read her poetry show called "The Debris Debacle for her new CD. at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St. tonight at 7:30 p.m. Three" in honor of Depila Debris (sound Tickets are $36 to $58. Call 877-875-8124 or click on it out!) that benefits the People With warm weather always brings out lots of will recognize its five-year anniversary eventsunlimited.org. AIDS Campout. You'll enjoy hamburg- eye candy in short shorts to oogle! For all celebration at Touch with "GOLDEN: ers, hotdogs and the outdoor bar will be the details call 713-926-6368or visit The 5 Year Anniversary Celebration." THURSDAY open. Youcan join Ginger Vitis, Sissy www.orangeshow.org! Miami's DJ Yvette Fernandez a.k.a. DJ MAY 18 Debris and others and do your own num- PRIDE spins. In addition two artist/per- • PFLAG HOUSTON SHARING GROUP, 7:30-9 p.m. ber for the masses. Mary;s ...Naturally is THE GORGEOUSFIONA DAWSON OF formers, Diane Rose and Micah the Artist Tonight and every third Thursday of each month at St. located at 1022Westheimer, and can be Bering Omega fresh from co-hosting the will create multiple pieces of abstract art Stephen's Episcopal Church's Chatham Room, 1805 Alabama St. 713-46P-FLAG. reached by dialing 713-527-9669. HRC Gala, sends news of two ways you and sounds directly influenced by the can have fun and support Bering. First party environment. Touch, located at 2511 ACT OUT, the Alley Theatre's GLBT series completes OF COURSETHE EV-l "EVERYONE'S up, Saturday May 13at 7 p.m., at Keys Bissonnet st. and Kirby Dr., opens the it's 2005-06 season tonight with a Mixer at 5:30 p.m. and a performance of Agatha Christie's "Witness for Art Car Parade" rolls into town on West, 817West Dallas St. is COPA doors at 3:30a.m, for this wicked party. the Prosecution" at 7:30 p.m. at the Alley Theatre Saturday, May 13. But did you know the Productions' "Face Of The Month" con- Advance tix at M2MFashion, 3400 Center; 615 Texas Ave. Tickets purchased online get a fun actually starts on Friday, May 12and test. The winner is chosen by audience Montrose Blvd., or Male U Wear,415 20% discount when entering the promotional code "PFLAG" with 10% of tickets going directly to continues into Sunday; May 13?This sig- applause, and receives a sash and will Westheimer Rd. Click on www.spoiled- PFLAG/HATCH youth Scholarship Foundation. nature Houston event is free and the have their picture taken and placed on the boyz.net for more. www.alleytheatre.org. or 713-228-9341. ext. 341 "Faces Wall". This is a benefit show, and all funds collected during the, contestare .READYFOR SOME GREATMUSIC? MUKURU ARTS FOR AIDS hosts Big 'Tinis, Teeny " Burgers Art" Sale' and Cocktail Event from 6-9p,m; at given directly to a charity The chatfttes.. Plan on being 'at Chances, '1100 The Daily Review Caf~, 3412 west tamar St. reahlring' change monthly. No need to RSVP. ,Westheimer Rd., on Tuesday; May 16for artwork by Houston artist Douglas Gobel. Free, Call ' However, if you plan on attending, please, the Wendy Colonna release' party for her n3-623·6796, ext. 278 for more information. email [email protected] "Right Where I Belong." This can also see more information at Louisiana diva's new disc; 'is in stores www.copaprdductions.com.now and is described as a "soulful jour- ney; sticky with gulf-coast humidity and THEN EVERYTUESDAYIN MAY,HEAD harmonies, but crisp and contemporary; a over to Meteor, 2306 Genesee St, home of timeless collection of songs that make HeddaLayne, for Drag Bingo, hosted by you shake it one minute and grab your The Empire of the Royal Sovereign, and hanky the next." 713-523-7217or Imperial Court of the Single Star from 9 www.chancesbar.com for more details.' p.m. till midnight. You'llfmd six games of Bingowith prizes. Bering Omega will pro- PLAN AHEAD FOR NOWTHE FIRST. vide the door prizes and grand prize and will annual Houston Big Men's Club garage receive 100percent of the proceeds. Again, sale, on Saturday, May 20, at 711West giveFiona a shout if you're planning on Gray St. from 8 a.m. till Noon. Youcan playing! rent your own table for $20,donate items for the club or volunteer. Set up begins at Catch the songs of the sultry Hedda Layne at HAPPY BIRTHDAY,BOYZ!LATE NIGHT 7:30a.m. Call 281-971-1906for more info for Maya Angelou - you know, Oprah'sfriend - Meteor every Tuesday. Saturday; May 13the SPOILED BOYZ this big event! reads her own poems in Houston this week. Going down and getting up cover the rent and squeak by. First-time novelist uses He observed firsthand what he calls the frenetic, drug-crazed environment of the QMOREINFO humor to turn a difficult Hollywoodwannabes. After three years of 'Going Down in La-La land' failing to find his calling in L.A.,Zeffervisit- Andy Zetter past into a literary future ed a friend, well-knownMiami party-maker Harrington Park Press Edison Farrow, and moved there in 200l. $16.95 " FORIDS BOOK,"GOINGDOWNIN LA-LA "I needed to get my bearings after the Land," Andy Zeffer (the arts editor of the craziness of L,A., but South Beach proved just as provocative (and sexually explicit) Houston Voice's sister paper, the Express too frantic for me," Zeffer says. "I realized as the title. Gay News, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) after visiting a friend in Fort Lauderdale "When I arrived in South Florida, the turned the strange and wacky experiences that this is where I belong." , only assets that I had were my used car of living for three years in Los Angeles and my stories' of the char.acters and into a fast-paced, funny-but-sad tale of WITHA PROTAGONISTNAMEDADAM crazy adventures that I'd had in L.A.," survival. Zeller, the book at times suggests memoir Zeffer laughs. , "The book really started as a series of rather than novel. "I wanted to make lemonade out of the short stories of personal events that I expe- "Some of the stories and the characters lemons that I'd experienced in my three rienced after I got out of college in New were inspired by reallife e)~pefiencesand years there, so I decided to look on those Andy Zeffer used real-life experiences in Los YorkCity,"Zefferexplains. "In New York,I people I knew,but other stotttesand charac-g,> years a~)na~v.ertent research, rather than Angeles for his steamy new novel 'Going Down in got into the Screen Actors' Guild as an ters are completelyfabr.icatedandafIgment~('failure. 4nd I,began to write it all down." La-La Land.' extra and I dabbled in all sorts of trades, of my imagination," Zeffer~ays.. ,', ..~'::.I~~His fp..~ri~~iaje aware of his Hollywood , but I had no firm grasp of what I wanted. I "Thebook is a h~brid6G:fiQt~onandP1K~~IJ~~tory afi~of DNR European Fast Food o 4621 Montrose Blvd. B120 A Chelsea surprise ~ Houston, Texas77006 713-529-0367 meal deals" - add fries and a drink for www.dnrfoods.com DNR European Fast Food about $2 more. The fries are addictive, soft inside with a crispy coating outside. Food: rei rei rei brings a continental flair Be sure you don't miss these. Service: rei _I _'Te' For those who don't eat red meat, DNR Value: Te' tel tel tel tel to the dine and dash also has chicken prepared in the same Scene: Te! tel Te' It style. Like its beef and lamb counterpart, An international tournament 2006 of 30 gay rugby teams from BINGHAM ten countries, including the first-ever women's division. CUp NEW YORK CITY MAY 25, 7~10PM MAY 28, 7·11PM OPENI~G NIGHT PARTY CLOSING NIGHT PARTY AVALON WEBSTER HALL Tickets: $50. VIP Tickets: $80 Tickets: $65, VIP Tickets: $100 MAY 26.28 Tickets both parties: $'100 COMPETITION VIP Tickets both parties: $160 RANDALL'S ISLAND Visit www.bfnghamcup.com for FREE tickets and more information. ..i·."'A·.· SPONSORED BY . . \\\winctowmedia • 11";011 •• - ••• ~ MAY 12, 2006 17 There's a Fine Line Between Telling the Truth and Talking Trash Elton on the verge John composes again, Dame Edna plays rough, and opera gets even gayer OH, POOR DELUDED ELTON JOHN. What is that girl thinking? The pop star announced that he will be creating yet another musical, this one based on gay director Pedro Almodovar's 1988 film "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown." "It's such a colorful story and different from what I've done before," John told reporters. "I could have a lot of fun with something like that." The movie follows a recently jilted lover who searches for her boyfriend, confronting the man's wife and child Bton John should be singing the blues over the reviews among other labyrinthine plot twists. for testat.' but instead, he'smoving on to a new musi- John might think he'll have a lot of cal theater endeavor.(Photo by HusseinMalla/AP) fun with this, but he also demonstrated unbridled enthusiasm for his new "It knocked my glasses off," Ladd told musical "Lestat," which opened in New United Press International. "It was a good York on April 25 to excoriating reviews. punch." "Joining the ranks of Ambien, Humphries' publicist did confirm the Lunesta, Sonata and other prescription event happened, so this isn't just vicious - lullaby drugs is 'Lestat,' a musical gossip - not that Dish is above that when sleeping pill," wrote Ben Brantley, chief it counts. theater critic for that grand dame of Dame Edna finally decided to address -theater periodicals, the New York Times. the scandalous action of her creator. "[The character of Claudia] dressed goody- "Poor Barry, desperate for publicity as two-shoes-style ...gets the evening's liveliest usual," the purple-haired maven told the song, a tantrum set to music called 'I Want press in an e-mail. "Who does my manager More,'" wrote Peter Mallis, head theater critic think he is? Russell Crowe? Kate Moss?" for the Washington Post. "It should be noted Dish is proud of the dear old Dame for that in this torpid vehicle, though, the kid making light of the issue and cutting speaks for no one but herself." down a phone-throwing boor and a coke Writer after writer drove their critical . hound in one fell swoop. stakes through the heart of the show, and , still John dusts himself off and decides Angelic voices to carryon. Dish is an old-school opera queen, The recent offerings of John, besides the worshipping MARIA CALLAS and undead one, have been huge hits, although looking down her aquiline nose at modern Dish has her suspicions thatJVithout star offerings ..but thera Is.soma.axcitement to g nun=wome Nervous Breakdown." "It's such a colorful story and different from what I've done before," John told reporters. "I could have a lot of fun with something like that." The movie follows a recently jilted lover who searches for her boyfriend, confronting the man's wife and child Bton John should be singing the blues over the reviews among other labyrinthine plot twists. fortestat' but instead, hesmoving on to a new musi- John might think he'll have a lot of cal theater endeavor.(Photo by HusseinMalia/APl fun with this, but he also demonstrated unbridled enthusiasm for his new "It knocked my glasses off," Ladd told musical "Lestat," which opened in New United Press International. "It was a good York on April 25 to excoriating reviews. punch." "Joining the ranks of Ambien, Humphries' publicist did confirm the Lunesta, Sonata and. other prescription event happened, so this isn't just vicious lullaby drugs is 'Lestat,' a musical gossip - not that Dish is above that when sleeping pill," wrote Ben Brantley, chief it counts. theater critic for that grand dame of Dame Edna finally decided to address -theater periodicals, the New York Times. the scandalous action of her creator. "[The character of Claudia] dressed goody- "Poor Barry, desperate for publicity as two-shoes-style ...gets the evening's liveliest usual," the purple-haired maven told the song, a tantrum set to music called 'I Want press in an e-mail. "Who does my manager More,'" wrote Peter Marks, head theater critic think he is? Russell Crowe? Kate Moss?" for the Washington Post. "It should be noted Dish is proud of the dear old Dame for that in this torpid vehicle, though, the kid making light of the issue and cutting speaks for no one but herself." down a phone-throwing boor and a coke Writer after writer drove their critical hound in one fell swoop. stakes through the heart of the show, and . still John dusts himself off and decides Angelic voices to carryon. Dish is an old-school opera queen, The recent offerings of John, besides the worshipping MARIA CALLAS and undead one, have been huge hits, although looking down her aquiline nose at modern Dish has her suspicions that without star offerings, but there is some excitement to director JiJLIE TAYMOR'S brilliant vision be had about the U.S. debut of 'Angels in for "The Lion King" and the emergent diva America," a new opera based on gay Act OUT, the Alley Theatre's popular series for GLBTtheatre fans and their friends, completes HEATHER HEADLEY'S performance in playwright TONY . its 2005-06 season on Thursday, May 18! Enjoy a fabulous evening of socializing and theatre at a discounted price, and support outstanding GLBTyouth in Houston. ''Aida,'' both of those shows would have KUSHNER'S Pulitzer gotten flushed down the Broadway.crapper. Prize-winning play of MIXER: Thursday, May 18, 5:30PM the same name. . Alley Theatre Production Center, 615 Texas Ave. Packing a punch The English- Don't ever cross a cross-dresser, because language opera, PERFORMANCE: Agatha Christie's, Witness Forthe Prosecution, 7:30PM they can pack a mean wallop. Malcolm composed by Peter Deep house music by DJ Mike Bell (Six Degrees, Mercury Room) Ladd, a paparazzo in Sydney, Australia, Eotvos with a libretto Complimentary appetizers, wine and beer <,' learned this noble truth the hard way - at by Mari Mezei, Meet cast members of Witness for the Prosecution [he end of a fist. premiered in 2004at Tony Kushner Ladd was stalking Paris' Theatre Enjoy o spectacular view of downtown, 14 stories above Houston BARRY Chatelet, receiving positive reviews all HUMPHRIES, the around and crazed responses from audiences. ALL FOR FREE with the purchase of a ticket to the May 18 performance of Witness for the Prosecution! creator of world The angels are landing at the Stanford superstar DAME Calderwood Pavilion in the Boston Center GET A 20% DISCOUNT BY USING THE PROMOTIONAL CODE "PFLAG." EDNA EVERAGE, for the Arts on June 16, 17, 20 and 24. 10% OF TICKET PROCEEDS SOLD AT THIS PRICE WILL GO DIRECTLY TO after he left Dee Bee's Instead of snorting poppers and PFLAG/HATCH YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION. Cafe in Sydney on clubbing 'til dawn during Pride, get some Wednesday, May 3. culture and go to the opera. Please support our 2005-06 Ad OUT Season Parlners: Hunan Downtown, Budweiser and Space City Pain Specialists. Humphries, 72,turned around and clocked Send comments, suggestions to Dame Edna the celebrity stalker. ~ [email protected] HOUSTONVOICE www.houstonvoice.com MAY 12, 2006 19 Amber brings the mother .love to Rich's AMBER, continued from Page I says, calling from her New Jersey home. "Isn't that weird? Isn't that a little twisted? Does it have to do with some The straight scoop wicked relationship with their mother or something? I'm trying to figure out the logistics of it." BERMUDEZ: I would always get, "So, where's Whatever the reason, Amber herself Getting down with DJ your older brother?" There were even a few times has shared a special bond with gay boys the door guy didn't want to let me in despite my and their straight friends since debut sin- Joe Bermudez name being on the huge poster behind him. gle "This Is Your Night" topped DJ playlists a decade ago. She has since con- By JOEY GUERRA VOICE: HaSit ever helped? tinued her assault on the dance charts. The inescapable "Sexual" even slithered OJJoe Bermu~ will pump upthe crowd beforeand BERMUDEZ: I am still waiting for a call back onto the pop charts, thanks in part to its after Amber'sset Saturdayat Rich's.Alongwith high- from Jessica Alba, so you be the judge! memorable "Li Da Di" refrain. energyremixesfor A-list artists, the Boston-basedDJpre- Amber has also landed songs on sidesoveran XM Satellite Radioshow,reviewsmusicfor VOICE: What or who inspired you to DJ? albums from Bette Midler ("Bless You OJTimesandfendsoff advancesfrom giggly gayboys. Child") and Cher (the Grammy-winning' BERMUDEZ:A few jaded queens told me I "Love One Another"), and several of HOUSTONVOICE: Tell me about your new Gay . would never amount to anything at it, and I guess I her tunes were featured on Sex & the Games Chicago 2006 remix disc, featuring Deborah had to prove them wrong. City. Her gay icon status, it seems, has Cox, Debby Holiday and Janice Robinson. been sealed. VOICE:Shakira,Kel~Clarkson,ShaniaTwain,Hilary "I might be a gay man in a woman's JOE BERMUDEZ: It was a great project to be a Duff,JessicaSimpson- whos left onyourremixwish list? body,"she says with a laugh. "I'm just very part of because proceeds benefit the actual Games. blessed with both sides of fans. Obviously, As a DJ, it's not often we get to use those skills to BERMUDEZ: Sarah Mclachlan. It would be a me and my road manager (Asia) always help out, so I was glad to. dream come true. have the most fun with gay clubs. They just have a great time. The gay fans always have VOICE: What's a nice straight boy like you doing DJ Joe Bermudez' 'Gay Games Chicago 2006' mix VOICE: 00 you have a favorite in your repertoire? a special place in my heart." spinning at gay clubs? CDfe~tures cuts from Mink, Debbie Holiday, 1 Fans got a glimpse at another side of Deborah Cox, Johnny Vicious and Deux. BERMUDEZ: Kelly Clarkson's "Behind These 1 1 Amber via her most recent disc, 2004'sMy BERMUDEZ: Honestly, I really don't care who Hazel Eyes" is a special song for me. Not only was I .1 Kind of World. It was released on the anyone goes home with at the end of the night. I VOICE: How do you handle the gaggle of boys going through a rough patch when I remixed it, " singer's own label- which she operates just like having nice people who like to have fun get- who flirt with you? Don't deny it. buLKelly even included it on her special edition .1 1 from her home - and showcased dark ting down on my dance floor. Breakaway CD. .I rock flourishes, brooding guitars and BERMUDEZ:It's flattering to have anyone think 1 I Middle Eastern rhythms. VOICE: What was your first gay club like? you are attractive. I usually thank them, tell them VOICE: Two pets? I Standout tracks "Crucified Solitude," it's not my thing and give them my roommate's num- I "Private War" and "When a Love Grows BERMUDEZ: My first experience with any club in her.], do the same with ugly girls. BERMUDEZ:They.make their own dinners and J 1 Cold" are anchored by fiercely personal general had me spinning at (a gay club). I didn't pay rent, so I don't know if I can really consider 1 lyrics written while Amber was going know how to dance very well, so I thought I would VOICE:The bio on your weQsite(wwwjoeber- them true pets. Although after some free drink tick- I through a difficult personal time. DJ, which would allow me to hang out without look- mudez.com)says,''Angelic,innocentand distinct, hisface ets, I do have to make sure they don't pee on the I ,I "I went with what I wanted to do. I want- ing awkward. isajaw-dropper." Was your pretty face everan obstacle? furniture. 'I ed to get off this everything happy-happy- 1 happy,dance-dance-dance," she says. "I felt I ,I 1 was a woman with different emotions, and I 1 needed to get rid of a lot of stuff...creative That," which has also earned national ':':'_:;::::::_::'"9._ 1 tinued her assault on the dance charts. The inescapable "Sexual" even slithered DJJoe Bermud~ will pumpupthe crowd beforeand BERMUDEZ:I am still waiting for a call back onto the pop charts, thanks in part to its after Amber'sset Saturdayat Rich's.Alongwith high- from Jessica Alba, so you be the judge! memorable "Li Da Di" refrain. energyremixesfor A-list artists,the Boston-basedDJpre- Amber has also landed songs on sidesoveran XM SatelliteRadioshow,reviewsmusicfor VOICE: What or who inspired you to DJ? albums from Bette Midler ("Bless You DJTimesandfendsoff advancesfrom giggly gayboys. Child") and Cher (the Grammy-winning .' BERMUDEZ:A few jaded queens told me I '.~ "Love One Another"), and several of HOUSTONVOICE: Tell me about your new Gay would never amount to anything at it, and I guess I her tunes were featured on Sex & the GamesChicago 2006 remix disc, featuring Deborah ,had to prove them wrong. City. Her gay icon status, it seems, has Cox, Debby Holiday and Janice Robinson. been sealed. WICE: Shakira.KellyClarksonShania, Twain,Hilary "I might be a gay man in a woman's JOE BERMUDEZ:It was a great project to be a Duff.JessicaSimpson- who'sleft onyourremixwishlist? body,"she says with a laugh. "I'm just very part of because proceeds benefit the actual Games. blessed with both sides of fans. Obviously, As a DJ, it's not often we get to use those skills to BERMUDEZ:Sarah McLachlan. It would be a me and my road manager (Asia) always help out, so I was glad to. dream come true. have the most fun with gay clubs. They just have a great time. The'gay fans always have VOICE: What's a nice straight boy like you doing DJ Joe Bennudez' 'Gay Games Chicago 2006' mix VOICE: Qoyou havea favorite in your repertoire? a special place in my heart." spitming at gay clubs? CDfeatures cuts from Mink, Debbie Holiday, Fans got a glimpse at another side of Deborah Cox,Johnny Vicious and Deux. BERMUDEZ:Kelly Clarkson's "Behind These Amber via her most recent disc, 2004'sMy BERMUDEZ:Honestly, I really don't care who Hazel Eyes" is a special song for me. Not only was I Kind of World. It was released on the anyone goes home with at the end of the night. I VOICE: How do you handle the gaggle of boys going through a rough patch when I remixed it, singer's own label- which she operates just like having nice people who like to have fun get- who flirt with you? Don't deny it. but...Kelly even included it on her special edition from her home - and showcased dark ting down on my dance floor. Breakaway CD. rock flourishes, brooding guitars and BERMUDEZ:It's flattering to have anyone think Middle Eastern rhythms. VOICE: What was your first gay club like? you are attractive. I usually thank them, tell them VOICE: Two pets? Standout tracks "Crucified Solitude," it's not my thing and give them my roommate's num- "Private War" and "When a Love Grows BERMUDEZ:My first experience with any club in ber.l do the same with ugly girls. BERMUDEZ:They make their own dinners and Cold" are anchored by fiercely personal general had me spinning at (a gay club). I didn't pay rent, so I don't know if I can really consider lyrics written while Amber was going know how to dance very well, sol thought I would VOICE:The bio onyour webJiite(wwwJoeber- them true pets. Although after some free drink tick- through a difficult personal time. DJ, which would allow me to hang out without look- mudez.com)says,"Angelic,innocentanddistinct. hisface ets, I do have to make sure they don't pee on the "I went with what Iwanted to do. I want- ing awkward. isajaw-dropper."Was your pretty faceeveran obstacle? furniture. ed to get off this everything happy-happy- happy,dance-dance-dance," she says. "I felt I was a woman with different emotions, and I needed to get rid of a lot of stuff...creative That," which has also earned national energy and also negative energy, radio play. "I was going through one of those hor- "I think it was too much to take in for rific divorces. He just wouldn't let the fuck many people. Radio had really shied away. go of me. He just kept hanging on. I didn't It was too 'weird' for them," she says. "I have any other outlet. I started writing really went with what felt right." about it." Amber says she is currently working on The dark tone took some fans 'by shock, a new project but remains mum on details. but Amber remains "very proud" of the A new set of "Just Like That" remixes will disc. She did score on the dance chart hit iTunes by month's end, and she keeps with zippy remixes of singles "YouMove fans updated via her official website Me," "Voodoo" and the current "Just Like (www.amber-mcc.com)and at www.myspace.com/ambersings. where she interacts almost daily with Amber-holies, All that, and she still manages to raise oMORE INFO a teenage son and keep her home in order. Amber with OJ Joe Bennudez "I like 'fa have my own destiny in my Saturday, May B. 9 p.m. own hands. Other people have screwed up Rich's, enough. I'm just a regular working person 2401 San Jacinto St. like everybody else,'; Amber says. "It's Houston, Texas77002 very hard being called the 'dance diva' $15 advance tickets at M2M Fashionand because when you are pushed into that Hollywood Supercenter dance genre verbally, people get it mixed 713-759-9606 up a lot. I try to stand out, and I try to www.richs-houston.com work with what was given to me." Gorgeous, straight DJ Joe B has arranged hits for a number of pop diva luminaries, including Hillary Duff. HOUSTON VOICE www.houstonvoice.com . MAY 12, 2006 21 I CLASSIFIEDS THE ART OF GIVING PLEASURE Tall, masculine, muscular. state Iicensed,AMTA certified, 12 years exp.lncredible, full body MASSAGE total release' $75. Inner Loop/SW. Mike; (713) 963-9603. Full Body Relaxation manmassage.net -..JHE ART OF GIVING PLEASURE Tall; masculine, muscular, state licensed, AMTA certified, 11 years' expo Incredible, full body 713.942.2399 total release! $75. Inner Loop/SW. Mike (713) 963-9603. ROLAND • Montrose location ·7 days/evenings • VISA/MasterCard • Out calls W0]0l1W "' SENSUAL MASSAGE IN/OUT Calls welcome. Studio cen- ...•. trally located in Memorial. 2001bs, 6' Muscular Italian Man. Companion svcs also welcome. You won't be disappointed. Rocky (832) 563-3962. ?\-liT! NOIN i-r Au. MAI(~ ~J "t1i6- \1O-n:>(~., i.~ , THE' SouP .•. 8RiN/SilJE! MIS NlEATBAu.-S kr ONE: AN. ••• -rAKiNG HER ~t..,*-ra?nj PUT it.! f'\J6(..ic .•. Au.- He:<' ~~ Wf.lAlK~1:) IJUT"~flAlli PR ~ "T1-IEf PAST" 'feAR. EJY HAN~N & NEUWiRTK NA"tHAN AI-IP 1-11$ $iS-n;;R 'Ris.o. ~lT ~ DOeroR'S oFFicE iN SHOcK ••• C;;V! ?\-liT! NOW iT Au. MAKE6 ~! "1IiEHt>'f" ~ i"-l , THe $ouP•••6RiNGiIJE. Me; MEATBAU--S kr ONE: AM '" "'TAl(iNG HER FAt.%"'T6?OI OUT it.l f'U/i!Il..ic""" Au.. He:<' ~~ WUAlf(£,1) DU'f' ~~Vic'R ~ "Tl-IE' PAS'f" 'fEAR. ESY HAN~M & N~UWiRTK NA"tl-IAN AIJ9 I-Ils SiS'TE>R 'RiSA lelCiT ~ DOc1VR's oFYi&E' iN SHoCK ••• ~VEiN I.ONe.eR. -n-IAN -n.IA T - - REM~~ APOiR PAC pjep FIVe;. 'fEARS AGto, SHE' KEPT" -rAK;t.I($ His CW"fHtoS -W""(!.le; DRY Cl£At.Ie:I<';? #10 WEE:. -nIo«I!;HT IT wA$ *' FUNNV? iT ""/>..$ PR06A6t.Y ~AR:fiN6 AI-RlOApY . 6ACK -rHe-I! PAN? Hi--714is is t-JA-n-tAt-I KI-Elt.l. REMeM6E'R Me;.? YOU ~p 1- CCUW CAU..-IF' ~ eJeR Nea:>e;P 1'0 TAUU'-lD OUT: MY MD"'lI-IER ooe;s \-lAVE: - A~j~R'S ••• HOUSTON VOICE www.houstonvoice.com MAY12,2006 23 IN LIGHT OF THE BACK AND FORTH about what Kabbalah does or doesn't I'm 28, and I haven't told my teach, I guess Christianity isn't the only religion that means whatever any particu- parents I'm .gay. Some of us lar devotee wants it to mean at any given moment. have a little more to inherit THIS REDNECK LESBIAN IS UTTERLY amazed at the lack of intelligence in these than the nicest trailer posts. I bet I take better care of my trailer than you do of your stuff. Ignorance is not in the parkl a marketable skill. - TO THE LESBIANS COMPLAINING Kabbalah because it sounds like embar- about the fag-hag bartender: Gay men are rassingly pathetic bullshit. Go figya. friendlier and tip better than lesbians, too.. Try and get a dollar bill out of your SEX TO FURTHER A CAREER?! IF I MY SOCIAL LIFE WAS SO MUCH GOT PROBLEMS? MAKE A "PRO" AND freakin' pocket instead of some quarters were 22 again and told to sleep with better when I had low self-esteem. Trying "con" list. Be honest. If someone or some- and then maybe I'd pay you some attention. powerful men while I can, I'd sue your to please everyone, letting people use me thing is teetering in between, throw them j ass into the ground while I still have a and disregard my feelings did wonders! on the "con' side. Finished? Rip off the WHY DO GAY MEN HAVE ALL lawyer. Some young men have stan- Associating only with people who are "con" side and toss it. Go with the "pro" the fun? Do women just hide or is it that . ,j dards. - good for me basically means I spend a lot side. Your life will improve instantly! we can't get along in social settings? more time home alone feeling better about Bitch Boy responds: Why actually deal Where are all the lesbians? I'd give my THE PROBLEM WITH GAY MEN IS myself. Yippee! with problems when you can just throw brother's left arm to find a decent woman that they don't listen to - wait, what was them away! here to date. that quote again? WHY IS IT THAT ALL OF THE HOT '.,' twinks turn out to be lesbians? WHEN YOUNG GAY MEN AND EXACTLY WHAT HAVE DEMOCRATS WE NEED TO START SHOWING UP women date older partners, they're likely done for us lately? Wise up, fools. Neither J at the Fred Phelps Westboro Baptist NO, HOMOSEXUALITY IS NOT A looking for a mature, level-headed adult, party is doing much to further gay rights. Church anti-gay protests with our own Western import. In fact, in large parts of not an emotionally unstable 13·year-old Keep believing the fake promises and see 1 signs. Mine will say "Comejoin the the world, homophobia is. Learn your own in the body of a paunchy middle-aged where it gets us. l Westboro Baptist Pedophile Church!" history before lecturing the rest of us on it. deadbeat. I MAKING SNIDE REMARKS ABOUT I'M JEWISH AND NEVER EVEN HEARD . WHY DO LESBIANS HAVE AN ODOR, Eartors'note:Theseare real bitches,sent in by real readers, someone's home and furnishings does not of the Kabbalah until Madonna popular- you ask? It could be any number of things, about gay life'slittle annoyances,and the big ones,too. mean you are cultured. It means you are ized it. Funny thing is, even though I including perfume, Tom's of Maine prod- Got a bitch? an extremely rude guest who will not be believe in Jewish teachings and I like ucts, diesel fuel or the unique aroma caused {ialll-000-858-8Q88 invited back. Madonna, I don't want to hear about the -, by the use of Thai crystal deodorant. or e-mail: [email protected] a~";:,:1:•.•• 1:0. -1!;•"..J:••••."""'"6-.••~Q- ••.-.a:a-Yy- .•.-.•-.r.&...,;;r-.a.;•-•o.a.-.a.-.a.-.,..a.~~.....--~~-~~ •••.••. ••••••...,...~.a;-~.Il~~ ••..,.,.•-.•-a~.., ~- .•__.. •••".".-.... . :0.-, lawyer. Some young men have stan- Associating only with people who are "con" side and toss it. Go with the "pro" the fun? Do women just hide or is it that dards. good for me basically means I spend a lot side. Your life will improve instantly! we can't get along in social settings? more time home alone feeling better about Bitch Boy responds: Why actually deal Where are all the lesbians? I'd give my THE PROBLEM WITH GAY MEN IS myself. Yippee! with problems when you can just throw brother's left arm to find a decent woman that they don't listen to - wait, what was them away! here to date. that quote again? WHY IS IT THAT ALL OF THE HOT twinks turn out to be lesbians? WHEN YOUNG GAY MEN AND EXACTLY WHAT HAVE DEMOCRATS WE NEED TO START SHOWING UP women date older partners, they're likely done for us lately? Wise up, fools. Neither at the Fred Phelps Westboro Baptist NO, HOMOSEXUALITY IS NOT A looking for a mature, level-headed adult, party is doing much to further gay rights. Church anti-gay protests with our own Western import. In fact, in large parts of not an emotionally unstable ts-vear-old Keep believing the fake promises and see signs. Mine will say "Come join the the world, homophobia is. Learn your own in the body of a paunchy middle-aged where it gets us. Westboro Baptist Pedophile Church!" history before lecturing the rest of us on it. deadbeat. MAKING SNIDE REMARKS ABOUT I'M JEWISH AND NEVER EVEN HEARD WHY DO LESBIANS HAVE AN ODOR, Editors' note: These are real bitches, sent in by real readers, someone's home and furnishings does not of the Kabbalah until Madonna popular- you ask? It could be any number of things, about gay life's little annoyances,and the big ones,too. mean you are cultured. It means you are ized It. Funny thing is, even though I including perfume, Tom's of Maine prod- Got a bitch? an extremely rude guest who will not be believe in Jewish teachings and I like ucts, diesel fuel or the unique aroma caused -&alll-800-858-8088 invited back. Madonna, I don't want to hear about the by the use of Thai crystal deodorant. or e-mail: [email protected] Q-VIDEO FORMERlY I NEW MEMBERS l- .~ WS) ISf RENTALFREE! VIDEO 'OVER to 6,000 TITLES DVD&VHS! THANK YOU HOUSTON fOR 20 YEARS AND (OUNflNG I OPEN 7 DAYS 11 AM - MIDNIGHT 1415 CALIFORNIA • 713.522.4485 "1,