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2014 30–FEB 12, JAN TRINITY

#533 WESTERN UPDATE E 7 QMUNITY REACHES OUT E 10 THE BOBBERS ARE BACK E 17 @dailyxtra

facebook.com/dailyxtra facebook.com/dailyxtra ASYLUM A gay Ugandan finds freedom in Canada E14 dailyxtra.com dailyxtra.com More at at More THE DUNGEON

2 JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 XTRA! VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS XTRA VANCOUVER’S Published by Pink Triangle Press GAY & LESBIAN NEWS PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Brandon Matheson #533 JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 Roundup EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Robin Perelle STAFF REPORTER Natasha Barsotti COPY EDITOR Lesley Fraser EVENT LISTINGS [email protected] ISRAEL

THINKSTOCK CONTRIBUTE OR INQUIRE about Xtra’s editorial content: [email protected] GAY PRIDE EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE Niko Bell, Angelina Cantada, Nathaniel June 9 – 17, 2014 Christopher, Tom Coleman, Tyler Dorchester, Jeremy Hainsworth, Shimon Karmel, Shauna Lewis, Dara Parker, Raziel Reid, Pega Ren, Tallulah, Stacy Thomas TEL AVIV

ART & PRODUCTION “the city that never sleeps” 2QWDULR5HJ CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lucinda Wallace GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Experience this spectacular adventure, with fun events during Darryl Mabey, Bryce Stuart, Landon Whittaker *D\3ULGHDQGDVSHFLDOSHUIRUPDQFHRI9HUGL·V/D7UDYLDWDDWWKH ADVERTISING foot of the breathtaking Masada. Designed exclusively for the ADVERTISING & SALES DIRECTOR Ken Hickling NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Jeffrey Hoffman DGYHQWXURXV/*%7WUDYHOHUWKHSURJUDPLQFOXGHVYLVLWVWRVRPHRI SALES ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Lexi Chuba ,VUDHO·VEHVWNQRZQVLWHVDQGSOHQW\WRFHOHEUDWHDORQJWKHZD\ DISPLAY ADVERTISING Corey Giles, Teila Smart CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Jessie Bennett ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Gary Major Visit www.aufgangtravel.com‡ DISPLAY ADVERTISING Call 604-684-9696 'XӽHULQ6W6XLWH7KRUQKLOO21/-0 or email [email protected]. LINE CLASSIFIEDS Call 604-684-9696 or email classifi[email protected]. The publication of an ad in Xtra does not mean that Xtra endorses the advertiser. Storefront features are paid advertising content. www.westend-dentist.ca SPONSORSHIP AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Erica Bestwick, [email protected] ASK THE EXPERT Printed and published in Canada. ©2014 Pink Triangle Press. Xtra is published every two weeks by Pink Triangle Press. ISSN 1198-0613 Address: 501–1033 Davie St, Ex-Mormon masturbation Vancouver, BC, V6E 1M7 Office hours:Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm E Phone: 604-684-9696 Fax: 604-684-9697 Unravelling the shame of self-love 12 Website: dailyxtra.com Email: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS $55 for one year (26 issues); Editorial $65 (US) in the US; $100 (US) overseas. Breaking the global Out in the City [email protected], 800-268-XTRA gay impasse PINK TRIANGLE PRESS By Natasha Barsotti E4 The Bobbers come home Founded 1971 Queer improv troupe returns DIRECTORS Jim Bartley, Gerald Hannon, Feedback E4 to Village after two-year Glenn Kauth, Didier Pomerleau, Ken Popert, Xcetera E5 Gillian Rodgerson absence E17 HONORARY DIRECTOR Colin Brownlee E PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ken Popert Real Estate 21 CEO, DIGITAL MEDIA David Walberg Upfront Blitz & Shitz CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Andrew Chang The Blitz roundup BC Law Society considers By Raziel Reid E22 Trinity Western application E Debate will be open and What’s On 22 thorough, president says E7 Xtra Living E25 GSAs good for COVER PHOTO students’ health E8 BY SHIMON KARMEL Council amends West End zoning Councillor Tim ondailyxtra.com The smile that you send out Stevenson hails more housing options near gay hub E8 E Love Sense author returns to you. says we’re (mostly) like Indian Proverb Alleged lesbian-basher monogamous voles in court Walko charged in connection with Hastings E Russia: New bus incident E9 bill proposed to Dr. Dean Wershler broaden scope of gay Guest column General Dentistry propaganda law New facility for Qmunity E New patients welcome. Saturday and By Dara Parker E10 Uganda: President evening appointments available. wants scientists to weigh Cover story in on sexual orientation Escaping Uganda before taking action on As President Yoweri Museveni anti-gay bill reviews his country’s anti-gay E bill, one man finds freedom Azerbaijan: Gay in Canada E14 rights leader found dead in apartment T/

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 3 email [email protected] comment dailyxtra.com & facebook.com/dailyxtra Comment tweet @dailyxtra

FEEDBACK Breaking the global gay impasse QQ questions ‘queer’ “ideological enemies” whom they seek I know I’m old, but I remember the to exclude. So said, so done a year later, and all that one the freedom — and the means — to word queer used very hatefully by They seek to replace all references EDITORIAL to “gay” with “queer” and have been NATASHA BARSOTTI now stands in the way of the bill’s full make informed decisions about very people, and it is still jarring to me enactment is a stroke of Museveni’s pen. basic aspects of one’s life — one’s sexual- [“Questioning the Use of Queer,” Xtra relabelling the organizations in the Two recent initiatives The reason pen has not yet been put ity, health and if, when and with whom #532, Jan 16]. I understand the idea gay community which they control. offer ways forward out of to paper, is, in part, because of the col- to have relationships, marry or have of reclaiming, but it never felt good to They consider gay men who don’t the global gay-rights impasse that often lective efforts of governments, human children — without any form of discrimi- me. I hope that we can still consider support them to be “corporate sell- boils down to West-versus-The-Rest. rights groups and online campaigns that nation, coercion or violence,” he said. ourselves a community, albeit a very outs” and “self-hating homosexuals.” The first was a visit to Uganda by a buttress diplomatic envoys with indica- While we are somewhat aware of the diverse community. Diversity does They publicly and viciously attack delegation from the Robert F Kennedy tors of outrage to support their quiet work of gay and other human rights orga- not preclude inclusivity; it may be our their enemies with such insults and Center for Justice and Human Rights to calls to rethink legislated persecution. nizations on the ground in Africa, we are defining characteristic! other venom. They are the bullies of meet with President Yoweri Museveni The deal is often best sealed behind often jarred when we hear heads of state, SHAWN LUCAS the Toronto gay community. about the Dec 20 passage of a bill that closed doors, where leaders can save sitting or former, weigh in positively on (FACEBOOK) These queer leftists are just as mean and hateful as the bullies I en- further criminalizes homosexuality. face and make concessions and better an issue that is ridiculed and rejected. Twenty-five-year-old gay man here. Word from the delegation is that decisions away from the heated atmo- Zimbabwean President Robert countered as an effeminate child and I reached queer saturation in, like, a young, closeted, gay teen. As a result, Museveni — who has called homosexu- sphere of political grandstanding. Mugabe’s homophobic outbursts are first year of university. As soon as I ality “abnormal” and believes people The battle is an uphill one. Homo- far better publicized. I associate the word “queer” with hear about queer stuff now, my eyes these hateful people. are bribed or recruited into being gay sexuality is often seen as a Western We need to hear more often from the glaze over and my brain shuts down. — called the current draft of the bill continent’s public figures, like Chis- ENDOR construct, an extension of the colonial- Going about with queer queer queer (DAILYXTRA.COM) “fascist” and planned to reject it. ism and imperialism that African, Asian, sano and Zambia’s first lady, Christine on your lips is a sign of membership in A potentially promising step forward Latin American and Caribbean societies Kaseba-Sata, who last year called for the an ephemeral subculture that’s privi- Who remembers “smear the queer”? or a meaningless, conciliatory bone have historically navigated. silence around men who have sex with leged and oblivious to the teeming It usually happened after school, meant to appease the global village? Homosexuality is just another front men to be broken and for discrimina- masses of repressed homosexuals who when we were beginning to wander Time will eventually tell. in the ongoing battle involving issues tion against sexual minorities to be aren’t even ready to call themselves by off toward home. One of the dominant The take-away from this diplomatic of sovereignty and self-determination, eliminated. those filthy words (irony intended) boys would point to someone, one of gander is that quiet, respectful con- a push-back against being told what to “As an African who has been around “gay” or “lesbian,” let alone take an the weaker boys, and yell, “Smear the versation may achieve more concrete do and how to be. a long time, I understand the resistance interest in intolerably narcissistic queer” and everybody would jump on results in the long run. Which brings me to the second ini- to these ideas,” Chissano says. “But I can postmodern “queer” culture (wince). him and grind him into the grass, yell- Compare that to the predictable um- tiative: an open letter that a former also step back and see that the larger Besides, my generation doesn’t even ing joyously, “Smear the queer! Smear brage taken by Uganda’s parliamentary Mozambican president wrote to African course of human history, especially of remember a time when the go-to slurs the queer! Smear the queer!” speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, when, in 2012, leaders in the midst of mulling future the past century or so, is one of expanding were anything but gay gay gay faggot Eventually, the dog pile would dis- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird development priorities. human rights and freedoms. African lead- faggot faggot. perse and some poor schmuck would very publicly took her to task over her Joaquim Chissano identified the sexu- ers should be at the helm of this and not It felt good to create a dailyxtra.com drag himself up, try to wipe off the dirt country’s gay-rights record. Kadaga al and reproductive health and rights of hold back. Not at this critical moment.” account just to let that out. and grass stains while other people stormed home to press for passage of the continent’s people as a critical issue. We need to listen to these poten- MONTREALTIMMY watched and laughed at him. Then the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. “This simply means granting every- tial gay-rights game-changers, even (DAILYXTRA.COM) he would slink off home feeling sad, as Western envoys quietly lend their weak and humiliated. So... what do I In Toronto, queer leftists constant- The outcome that we seek is this — gay and lesbian support behind the scenes. feel when I hear the word queer? Like ly claim to speak for the entire gay I want to kill someone. people daring together to set love free. community. While they claim to be DON HIX Xtra is published by Pink Triangle Press, at 2 Carlton St, Ste 1600, Toronto, M5B 1J3. Natasha Barsotti is the staff reporter at Xtra Vancouver. inclusive, these queer leftists have (DAILYXTRA.COM)

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GAY-LY ROUTINE SABRINA FOR PRIME MINISTER Atlanta gay dads Kordale and Kaleb and their three kids have taken Instagram by storm with regular postings of their daily routine that’s a mix Public policy, of hotness and cuteness, with a heavy helping of adorableness — whether it’s doing homework, written by a #news getting ready for school or looking fi ne in family photos. How’s that for gay propaganda? four-year-old After learning that her mom’s friends Lukas and Greg had #arts married in New York because they couldn’t in Australia, Sabrina Franco, four, decided to pen Prime Minister Tony Abbott a policy proposal on same-sex #travel marriage . . . and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which is facing budget cuts. “Dear Tony Abbott, #events Don’t get rid of the ABC because we love it. And let boys marry boys and girls marry girls if they love each other or COWBOY ARIAS? they’ll be sad forever. Thank you, Sabrina.” Everything gay,

GAY POOP- AGANDA? every day. HIS & HIS MAYOR’S MARRIAGE TOILETS Political ploy or love connection? Discuss BBC correspondent DAILY Steve Rosenberg’s photo of Texas Senator Dan Patrick: “I am not shocked that Mayor Parker decided side-by-side toilets in a men’s dailyxtra.com to elope to California for a marriage that is unconstitutional in Texas. This is washroom at Sochi got tweeters obviously part of a larger strategy of hers to turn Texas into California.” all a-twitter, some wondering if Houston Mayor Annise Parker on tying the knot with Kathy Hubbard: the facility is up to Russia’s anti- “You don’t commit 23 years of your life to someone to make a political statement.” gay-propaganda code. Da? Nyet?

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 5 Support the businesses that support YOU Xtra would like to thank all our advertisers from 2013. Without their commitment, we would not be able to tell our community’s stories. By choosing to advertise with us, they make it possible for us to document our successes and to challenge oppression. They help us celebrate our culture, chronicle our growth and reflect on our evolution. We couldn’t do it without them.

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6 JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 XTRA! VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS Regardless what I tell myself, every time I jack off it feels good while Upfront I’m doing it, but I feel shameful and guilty afterward. Ask the Expert E 12 BC Law Society considers Trinity Western application Debate will be open and thorough, TWU TRANSPARENCY More than a dozen organizations are calling on president says the Law Society of BC to implement a full and public process with respect to Trinity Western University’s (TWU) law school accreditation. EDUCATION “The Law Society has a mandate to protect JEREMY HAINSWORTH the public interest and exercises a critical gate- The final decision on whether Trinity Western keeper function in deciding who qualifies to University (TWU) can operate a law school now become a lawyer in BC,” says Laura Track, legal rests with the society governing the province’s legal director of the West Coast Women’s Legal Ed- profession, which began debate on the issue Jan 24. ucation and Action Fund, which sent a letter to To be admitted to TWU, students must sign a Law Society president Jan Lindsay on Dec 21. covenant agreeing to uphold Christian biblical “Its decision about whether to accredit a law teachings, including no premarital sex and no school whose admissions policies are discrimi- homosexuality. Failure to uphold these com- natory must involve a transparent process that mitments, according to the student handbook, includes input from concerned members of could result in discipline, dismissal or a refusal the public and the profession,” Track says. to readmit a student to the university. Trinity Western president Bob Kuhn says The issue boils down to balancing equality highly qualified lawyers have already consid- rights with freedom of religion, board member ered arguments in favour of and opposed to Sharon Matthews told the Law Society of BC TWU’s law school proposal. meeting. “They also obtained a legal opinion from President Jan Lindsay says the debate could renowned constitutional law expert John take several months. Laskin, who concluded that the Supreme What the society, and its counterparts across Court of Canada ruling in Trinity Western Canada, must evaluate is whether TWU gradu- University v British Columbia College of ates would meet requirements for admission to Teachers would very likely be upheld were it the legal profession in their province. to be relitigated,” Kuhn says. Gavin Hume, a past president of the society, In 2001, the Supreme Court of Canada told the board that TWU’s application highlights upheld TWU’s right to teach Christian values several areas of concern, including teaching eth- to would-be teachers. The high court found ics and teaching public law, human rights and the the university’s teacher program graduates are Charter of Rights and Freedoms. entitled to hold “sexist, racist or homophobic Hume says there is “tension” between the beliefs” as long as they don’t act on them in teaching of those subjects and the covenant that the public-school classrooms to which they TWU insists its students sign. might be assigned. “No sex outside of marriage except between a UBC law professor Margot Young says Gavin Hume, past president of the Law Society of BC, says TWU’s application highlights several accreditation with the Law Society is normally man and a woman,” he says. “There is no doubt areas of concern, including teaching ethics and teaching public law, human rights and the an expedited process with no public input. that is the focus of the issue.” Charter of Rights and Freedoms. JEREMY HAINSWORTH TWU’s application to open a law school was “This is unproblematic for law schools that approved in December by BC’s Ministry of compatible not only with its own rules, but also “Our meetings are open to the public,” she says. don’t have these broad civil-liberties issues Advanced Education and by the Federation of with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. “We will be thorough. We will be fair. We will be attached to them,” she says. “But that’s Law Societies of Canada, an umbrella group for Lindsay says the BC Law Society needs to thoughtful. We will be open.” not the case, of course, with TWU, where territorial and provincial regulators of the legal investigate the issue carefully. “Trinity Western Lindsay says the society will soon open its there has been significant concern for a long profession. is going to take up a lot more of our time than website (lawsociety.bc.ca) to invite submissions time about the impact of the covenant.” Joe Arvay, a Law Society of BC board member we anticipated, but we will do the job,” she says. on TWU. — Nathaniel Christopher who represented Little Sister’s bookstore in its Lindsay says that with the exception of privi- fight against Canada Customs’ book seizures, leged legal opinions, all submissions and infor- Read the full story Read the full story on dailyxtra.com. says any decision the society makes has to be mation will be “made available.” on dailyxtra.com.

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 7 Council amends West End zoning making the law work for all of us Stevenson hails more

Family law, wills & estates, housing options near gay hub human rights, immigration, GAY VILLAGE & civil litigation SHAUNA LEWIS 100% success rate for same sex spousal sponsorships Vancouver city council approved since 1992 amendments to West End zoning bylaws Jan 23 that will provide so- 1033 Davie St. 604-251-4356 cial housing, laneway housing and EMI#EDUEDUDÀQGOD\FRP increased density in the lower Davie Village. The amendments were the final details in the city’s new West End Plan, passed in November. Councillor Tim Stevenson called the changes “significant” and said they will have a positive impact on the gay BALLET BC village by providing the community with additional housing options near the gay hub. Others expressed concern that the Randy Helten opposed the motion changes were made without sufficient because, he says, the public was not public consultation. sufficiently consulted. SHAUNA LEWIS GRACE Randy Helten was one of approxi- mately 20 speakers before council. Brent Granby, former executive SYMMETRY He asked council to reject the amend- director of the West End Residents As- CHOREOGRAPHY ments and send the proposal back for sociation, said the bylaw changes are KEVIN O’DAY “proper consultation.” needed. “We need rental housing in MEDHI WALERSKI NPA councillor George Affleck op- the West End and we need affordabil- WEN WEI WANG posed the motion. It stops spot re- ity, and I think these bylaw changes AN EVENING IN COLLABORATION WITH zoning, he acknowledged, but it also will support that,” he said. TURNING POINT ENSEMBLE creates the impression that city hall is Granby also supported laneway making decisions without any public housing, calling it a “transformative discussion. type of housing in the West End.”

EDUCATION “...PHYSICALLY GSAs good for students’ health , Having gay-straight alliances (GSAs) lescent Health Survey to test links RIGOROUS and explicit anti-homophobia poli- between school policies and programs, DRAMATICALLY cies in schools may reduce the chanc- discrimination because of perceived es of suicidal thoughts and attempts sexual orientation, and suicidal , and in both queer and straight students, thoughts and attempts. SOLID says a study released Jan 20 by re- She found that in schools with GSAs searchers at the University of British implemented three or more years ago, TRULY Columbia (UBC). the odds of homophobic discrimi- CONTEMPORARY.” “When policies and supportive nation and suicidal thoughts were –Dance Magazine programs like GSAs are in place long reduced by more than half among enough to change the environment lesbian, gay, bisexual boys and girls of the school, it’s better for students’ compared to schools with no GSAs. mental health, no matter what their In schools where anti-homophobia orientation,” says the study’s author, policies have been in place for more

JOIN THE BALLET BC E-LIST: professor Elizabeth Saewyc. than three years, the odds of suicidal FEBRUARY 20-22, 2014 balletbc.com According to Statistics Canada, 458 thoughts and attempts for gay and bi- young Canadians between the ages sexual boys were more than 70 percent QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE | BALLETBC.COM | TICKETMASTER.CA of 10 and 24 committed suicide in lower. —Jeremy Hainsworth 2008. Studies have found suicide rates PLATINUM SEASON SPONSOR HOTEL SPONSOR PRODUCTION SPONSOR MEDIA SPONSORS SUPPORT FOR BALLET BC HAS BEEN GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY among gay youth are four times higher For more on these stories, than among their non-queer peers. go to dailyxtra.com. DANCER RACHEL MEYER. PHOTO MICHAEL SLOBODIAN. Saewyc studied data from BC’s Ado-

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GAYBASHING mercial Drive, where he allegedly JEREMY HAINSWORTH attacked them. Caprent.com “He grabbed me by the shoulder, and The man charged in connection with he punched me in the face with all his [email protected] an alleged assault on two lesbians body strength,” Matson claims. “My *Call for details. Limited time offer, some restrictions apply. made his second court appearance in nose was bleeding everywhere, and Vancouver Jan 17. he gave me two black eyes. He was not Andrew Joseph Walko, 45, is holding back at all.” charged with assault and assault caus- Matson and Clarke believe they ing bodily harm in connection with were attacked because of their sexual dr. langston the Sept 18 incident. The Vancouver orientation after they exchanged a kiss GENERAL Police Department announced the and were fl irting during the bus ride. raymond charges Jan 14. “He just did not like to see two girls Walko told Justice of the Peace kissing,” Matson suggests. DENTISTRY T Hill that he had no lawyer and was The alleged attacker was described applying for legal aid. Crown prosecu- as a Caucasian male, 35 to 40 years tor Julie Robinson gave Walko a fi le of old, six feet tall and 220 pounds with the particulars of his case for him to short black-and-grey hair and facial Offering cosmetic restorative give to a lawyer or legal aid. stubble. He wore a black T-shirt, jeans Walko refused to speak to reporters and black shoes. The stocky, greying dentistry. Botox & Invisalign Braces outside court. Walko wore a black jacket, burnt- in a comfortable environment Surveillance footage from Trans- orange T-shirt and black shoes when Link shows a man boarding a west- he appeared in court. bound #135 bus at Hastings and Vancouver police Constable Randy Serving the Community Kensington in Burnaby at about 5:15pm Fincham said earlier in the case that dr. anna on the evening in question. The tape police take the allegation that the since 2000 preis also shows Ali Matson and her girl- crime was motivated by the women’s friend, Jacqueline Clarke, boarding the sexual orientation very seriously and bus at 6pm at Hastings and Renfrew. that their hate-crimes unit has re- Suite 512-1033 Davie Street on-site parking available The women allege the man followed viewed the fi le. Walko is due to return 604.687.1008 them as they left the bus at Com- to court on Feb 7.

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 9 tion to ensure that a range of feedback is collected in a transparent manner. We know the new space will be ap- proximately 10,000 square feet; at a location in or close to the West End; New facility for Qmunity accessible, with some street-level ac- cess; and will have a mix of flexible, multipurpose spaces designed to meet Information night planned after 20 years of effort results in $7 million the diverse needs of the community. The new centre will serve as an an- GUEST COLUMN back almost 20 years. Old files at Qmu- to fund a new location. City staff rec- largely by real estate availability and chor for all different types of queer DARA PARKER nity reveal that there have been numer- ommended that the Burrard Gateway other market factors. Ultimately, we organizations and services — it will be ous attempts over the years to secure a Project, a redevelopment proposal at plan to leverage another development a dynamic, inclusive hub for everyone Since 1979, Qmunity has new space, none of which ultimately Burrard and Howe streets, provide a to fund the additional $3 million needed in the queer community, including our worked toward a world came to fruition. Recently, we have $7 million cash contribution toward to complete the project. allies and neighbourhood supporters. where all queer people are included focused on the most viable option, a new facility. In December 2013, the We hope to secure a new site as early We’re thrilled at this historic oppor- and free from discrimination. We do working with the City of Vancouver to project went to public hearing and was this in three ways: delivering high- leverage a community amenity contri- formally approved. quality community programs, providing bution to build a new facility. After almost 20 years, this was an education and training, and advocating For the last two years, Qmunity ac- incredible victory for our community. We’re thrilled at this historic opportunity, for our communities. As the only queer tively participated in the public West Our next step is to work closely with and we take the responsibility of umbrella organization in the province, End Neighbourhood Planning process, the City of Vancouver to secure a site we are a dynamic hub for the LGBTQ advocating for a new LGBTQ facil- location. We have budgeted $10 mil- shepherding the process very seriously. community across BC. ity. After 18 months of robust public lion to build a new facility based on a For almost 20 years we have been consultation, the plan was adopted in 10,000-square-foot model taken from actively looking for a new home. Lo- November 2013. As part the feasibility study as June 2014. Upon securing a site, tunity, and we take the responsibility of cated at 1170 Bute St since 1984, our of a comprehensive QMUNITY conducted in 2007. we will launch a comprehensive com- shepherding the process very seriously. geographical location has been ideal. public-benefit strategy INFORMATION NIGHT In previous consul- munity consultation process led by an This is why we look forward to having Unfortunately, our facility falls short totalling $600 million, Thurs, Feb 6, 6:30–7:30pm tations, Qmunity re- independent, arm’s-length third party. the diverse voices of our communities Gordon Neighbourhood House on almost every other front: it is not Qmunity was named 1019 Broughton St ceived overwhelming Waiting until a site is selected is nec- contribute to this process — to build accessible; it is grossly undersized and as a priority to receive Wheelchair accessible feedback that a new essary to help focus the consultation a new facility for our community, to- overbooked; it lacks basic amenities; a new, purpose-built facility should remain on the possibilities and limitations of a gether. and its programming spaces do not meet facility in the West End. in or close eto the West End. We have known space. It will also provide enough the needs of the community. This gave city staff official direction confirmed this with the city, but other- time to develop a broad and meaningful Dara Parker is the executive director of The search for a new facility dates to prioritize working with developers wise, the site selection process is driven process and engage the right organiza- Qmunity, BC’s queer resource centre.

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10 JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 XTRA! VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS STOREFRONT Increased rates Preventing HIV of HIV testing through technology among gay men Studies have shown that more than half of gay men in Vancouver tested for HIV in the last year. Many of them were tested at the and social media HIM Health Centres, where competent, understanding nurses have administered more than 17,000 tests since HIM opened HIM pilot program a success its doors four years ago. Demand contin- ues to grow at both the Davie Street and A local study published in the AIDS a negative result — were diagnosed Commercial Drive locations. journal estimates that between 25 and by pooled NAAT. These 25 men were 75 new HIV infections were avoided as diagnosed sooner, reducing the risk a result of a pilot program aimed at gay of their passing on the virus. HIM ON DAVIE and bisexual men. HIM is well known for its attention- 421-1033 The program featured a collabora- grabbing communications. The DAVIE ST tion combining new testing technolo- Vancouver-based gay men’s health gies used by the BC Centre for Dis- organization uses current evidence ease Control with community-driven when developing its social-marketing BURRARD ST social marketing developed by the campaigns. Previous evaluations have Health Initiative for Men (HIM). shown that gay men recognize and The campaigns — What Are You trust the HIM brand. Waiting For? and Hottest at the Start HIM’s Do the Math campaign was — were promoted online, in print and recognized by 48 percent of the more-

at venues gay men frequent. The study than 900 men who responded to a 2011 ST DAVIE concluded that the combination of survey. Of those who recalled that pooled NAAT (a new testing technol- campaign, 82 percent thought about ogy) and social-marketing campaigns their own HIV risk, and 58 percent HIM ON THE DRIVE was found to be highly effective in al- learned new HIV risk-reduction ideas. 101-1416 most doubling the rate of acute HIV de- For more information on the Acute COMMERCIAL DR tection in the six participating clinics. HIV Study, visit acutehivstudy.com or In total, 25 men with acute HIV — check HIM out at checkhimout.ca. who would have otherwise received

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MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 13 COVER STORY ESCAPING UGANDA As President Yoweri Museveni reviews his country’s infamous anti-gay bill, one man gets a new lease on life in Canada

BY NATASHA BARSOTTI

14 JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 XTRA! VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS ichael Kivumbi says. “Really, when I first heard that, were four; we were two. My boyfriend he met Reverend Dan Chambers, min- (not his real I thought...” was a little bit stronger than me, and ister of congregational life. name) didn’t Kivumbi can’t finish his sentence. He’s he tried to resist, but it went on and “He told me at the end of the day, a get much sleep at a loss to describe how he felt hearing on, back and forth. church should be welcoming, irrespec- the night be- those words uttered from thousands of “They had sticks and one had a buck- tive of someone’s sexual orientation,” fore his Jan 17 miles away but loud and clear in his ear. et, and he kept hitting us with all these Kivumbi says. hearing at the Still, his mother’s reaction confirmed objects,” he says. “All I remember is I The service format at St Andrew’s- Immigration the fears he had had all along while kept losing consciousness.” Wesley is the same as that in Uganda, and Refugee he was still under her roof in Uganda. When it was all over, Kivumbi says, he notes, but it’s different because he Board (IRB). “Definitely, there was no way I was he tried to stand up but couldn’t put feels welcome. Chambers says Kivumbi “I was really ever going to make my status known to any weight on his right foot. He says has been at services almost every Sun- Mnervous; it’s really psychological. You them. You live a discreet lifestyle. Even his boyfriend, who sustained welts and day since September. are not guaranteed anything. You have in your own family, you aren’t going to bruises on his body from the attack, had “I empathized with his family situ- to pour out your heart to someone who open up to anyone. You aren’t going to to help him to a taxi. ation — recognizing the cultural dif- has never been in your shoes and who ask anyone for advice or to guide you.” At the hospital, Kivumbi, who found ferences — how incredibly difficult it you wouldn’t want to be in your shoes,” Aware of the anti-gay views of vari- out that he had a fractured tibia and would be to be ostracized from your the tall, slightly built, 23-year-old gay ous pastors, he didn’t open up to any- now has plates in his leg, kept the story family, from your society, from basical- man from Uganda quietly recollects. one at church, either, in case he was about the attack simple, leaving out the ly everything you have known,” Cham- (He has asked Xtra to use a pseudonym ostracized. He has heard the fire-and- reason for the assault for fear of facing bers says. “I’m glad that the church can for fear of future repercussions.) brimstone sermons from anti-gay pas- further discrimination. be there for him, for people who are in Kivumbi’s hearing began around tors like Martin Ssempa. He didn’t bother reporting the attack his situation.” 8:45am. By 9:20, the IRB member had “It just makes you feel lonely; it just to the police. “They don’t support gay Being heterosexual, bisexual or ho- read and heard enough of his story to presents you like a total outcast,” he says. people. What was I going to say hap- mosexual is “just the way you come into rule in his favour. Kivumbi also kept his own counsel pened?” Neither did he give his mother the world,” Chambers says. “It’s not “I’m glad to have someone to under- at the Christian and Islamic schools a full airing of how he was injured, tell- something to be fixed. It’s something stand me, just like the communities that to be lived, and hopefully lived with have received me here. What can I say... much love and joy.” the 17th at my hearing, it was just the While Kivumbi’s refugee hearing icing on the cake, because I really don’t understandably filled him with uncer- like going back to what happened to me.” THEY HAD STICKS AND ONE HAD tainty and despair, Chambers says, the asylum he’s now been granted is reason A BUCKET, AND HE KEPT HITTING for optimism. “He does seem to be in a Kivumbi arrived here from Uganda in better, stronger place.” August, about four months before his country’s lawmakers passed a widely US WITH ALL THESE OBJECTS. condemned but long-anticipated bill “It was really fast; we were there for to further criminalize homosexuality. ALL I REMEMBER IS I KEPT LOSING less than an hour,” says lawyer Kirk Under pressure to reject the measure Olearnek, who represented Kivumbi or give it his assent, Ugandan President CONSCIOUSNESS. at his refugee hearing. Yoweri Museveni says he intends to “When people are from countries review the bill, which reportedly no with atrocious human-rights records, longer includes the death penalty but basically, it’s all about credibility,” Ole- still imposes a 14-year prison term for he attended, instinctively feeling that ing her only that he was jumped while arnek says. “There’s more scrutinizing a first conviction and life imprison- it would be too risky to reveal his sexu- walking in the street. of ‘Are you really gay?’ Once they get ment for the offence of “aggravated ality. But, he says, his fondness for While he doesn’t know for sure how over that threshold, usually everything homosexuality.” It also criminalizes tight-fitting tank tops and fitted pants police found out about his sexuality, he just falls into place.” the “promotion” of homosexuality and attracted his schoolmates’ ridicule. suspects that his attackers in the park Kivumbi did all the heavy lifting, says promises to punish with prison time “The way I dressed caused me prob- may have spoken to authorities. Olearnek, who had his submissions anyone who fails to report homosexual lems at times. They would make fun He says the attack buttressed his re- “ready to go” but was told by the IRB activities to police. of me. They would say I look feminine solve to leave Uganda to pursue higher member early on that they weren’t Museveni has called the bill “fascist” and make those sorts of jokes, saying education sooner rather than later. needed — a sign that things would go and objected to its passage by parlia- that I’m trying to attract boys. There “I was so traumatized. It pushed me Kivumbi’s way. ment without quorum, but he hasn’t was that category that always used to to apply more quickly.” “That often happens with gay cli- ruled out approving it. point fingers at me.” With the police inquiries and his ents, because the member can see the Kivumbi sees the bill as superfluous. Even though fellow students were family’s rejection, he doesn’t see him- country evidence,” Olearnek says. He In Uganda, people don’t need legal speculating about his sexual orien- self returning to Uganda. says the board member noted the Dec licence to be homophobic, he says. tation, Kivumbi says, he was never 20 passage of Uganda’s anti-gay bill as Just weeks after Kivumbi arrived in physically harassed at school. His first a development that threatens to ex- Canada to pursue his studies at Simon encounter with violence occurred after “I’m trying to pick myself up now,” acerbate an already-serious situation. Fraser University last fall, police paid he graduated in 2010. he says. Kivumbi still can’t believe that his his mother a visit at her Kampala home, Seeking privacy, he and his boyfriend, Kivumbi is trying to build a commu- request for asylum was granted. “Even he says. They told her they were looking who would usually meet at their respec- nity of support. He volunteers with the now I have not woken up from the for him because he has sex with men. tive homes, decided to go to a Kampala Health Initiative for Men (HIM) and is dream; I haven’t yet faced the real- He was not yet out to his mother. park, where they began making out. also involved with Qmunity. ity,” he says. Kivumbi, who was raised in a con- Kivumbi says they were interrupted “I met good people, counsellors at For now, he doesn’t want to focus on servative Christian family, says he con- by the sound of footsteps. He looked Qmunity — people who understand me the evolving saga of his home country’s This gay Ugandan man, who fessed to his mother when she called around and saw four young men, three and showed me people whose stories anti-gay bill or on what Museveni will has now been granted asylum in Vancouver but still fears him. of whom he recognized from school. are not exactly like mine, but people or will not do about it. He would rather repercussions if his identity is “My mom, she got so angry, she in- “I heard them shouting derogatory who have gone through the same kind focus on the new life that he gets to revealed, says the new anti-gay sulted me. She told me she wished she terms. They were saying, ‘We should of problem, where they had to leave build here. bill is superfluous. In Uganda, had produced a dog. She told me she kill them. We should beat them and their home country for such reasons.” “I’m looking at discovering my- people don’t need legal licence to didn’t want to have anything to do with Kivumbi also says that prayer has self... as a person who has rights, as be homophobic, he says. hand them to the police.’” SHIMON KARMEL me, and she was going to tell the whole He says the situation then turned brought comfort. He has been attend- a person who can live with dignity as family so they would disown me,” he violent. “They kept punching us. They ing St Andrew’s-Wesley Church, where a gay man.”

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 15 16 JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 XTRA! VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS More than 450 people entered Backdoor Out in the City (almost as many as entered mine!). Blitz & Shitz E 22 The Bobbers come home Queer improv troupe returns to Village after two-year absence

COMEDY STACY THOMAS

“By round of applause, who’s never seen queer-prov before?” A few meek hands, including my own, are raised in the air accompanied by a spattering of applause. “Who has seen queer-prov before?” The room erupts with noisy cheering, shouts and whistles as the majority of the people seated in Heaven’s Door show their love for the ragtag group of actors lined up onstage. It’s a telling moment for queer impro- visation group The Bobbers, who, after two years away from their home in the Davie Village, are reclaiming their turf at the newly refurbished Bute Street restaurant that once housed J-Lounge and before that the Jupiter Café. It’s been a rough couple of years for the eight-year-old comedy troupe. For five years, they enjoyed local fame and a The Bobbers — from left: Aamir Khan, Pearce Visser, Jamie Chrest, Dan Dumsha, Amy Wilding, Alan Pavlakovic and Sarah Dawn Pledge — prepare for their weekly Queer-Prov performance, Jan 20 at Heaven’s Door. TALLULAH loyal fan base in the West End, perform- ing their Tops & Bottoms show, a sort of the group; they had access to a proper this disparate bunch of improvisers, the remaining members decided to that, together with the players, forms improv training camp involving members stage, props and lighting and had the we’ve been able to accomplish a whole change the format to pure improv. “We an intimate queer community close of the audience. That ended abruptly in chance to learn from other improv pros lot, working together,” she says. “At the said, ‘Let’s do what we’re good at; let’s to home. 2011, when J-Lounge went into sudden who perform there regularly. But they beginning, it was so empowering to get do improv,’” Dumsha says. “There are queers everywhere, of receivership and left The Bobbers home- did lose much of their audience. together with a bunch of other queer- Back onstage at Heaven’s Door, course, in Vancouver. When we were less and scrambling for a venue. “Our hardcore fans are in the West identified performers. I think we’d all, troupe member Amy Wilder has a task on Granville Island, people came out. They spent the next two years drifting End,” explains Lee Ann Keple, The in our different ways, carried our closets for the crowd. “I want you to look to It’s great to have queer presence else- from venue to venue around the city, Bobbers’ “original woman.” with us to other comedy that we were do- your left and scream out where,” Dumsha says. from Granville Island to Kitsilano; there “We really are excited this time. Ev- that person’s name as if “But there’s something ing, where it would almost be this small THE BOBBERS was even some downtime when there erything’s kind of synched,” she says. subversive victory, if you did 15 scenes, to you just slept with them,” Mondays, 7–9pm about being in Davie wasn’t a show at all. The experience “We’re in our neighbourhood, in the have one where it was a same-sex couple. she says, “and chances are, Heaven’s Door Village that’s especially was challenging, but it wasn’t entirely gay village, back at the place where we “So it was very empowering to be with this queer group, you 1216 Bute St special and unique. And No cover a bad one. have so many good memories, and ev- with a troupe where we were all queer- probably did sleep with it feels really good to be “Our troupe has grown,” says Dan erything has come together for optimal identified and it was okay if every single them at some point.” in the heart of the Village Dumsha, improviser and current presi- performance.” scene was reflecting aspects of our own The crowd laughs in what can only doing queer improv with a queer troupe. dent of the Queer Arts Society, which Keple, who also performs standup lives.” be described as a tone of agreement, It’s a really significant thing because runs the group. Their year at Granville with the Laff Riot Girls, should know. When Bobbers’ founder David C reinforcing the significance of The Bob- there’s a community of people around Island’s Improv Centre, in particular, She’s been with the group since its first Jones, who started Tops & Bottoms, bers’ homecoming. It’s the pleasure of this show that come out on Monday marked a valuable growing period for audition in 2006. “From starting from retired from the group in December, performing for an audience that gets it, night, and we’ve restarted it.”

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TIP TOP TAILORS do itsowell they have aword for it, like you’re tryingtoo hard —ortryingat all?Italians You know that ability to look fabulous withoutlooking 302 WCordova St, 604-568-6767 Alfie Italia opportunity to say, “What, this? Ijustthrew iton!” texture withacasual undercurrent creates theperfect and Bologna. Tailored lines married to deconstructed Alessandrini —ishandpicked ontripsto Rome, Milan it —including labels like Arsenal UomoandDaniele George Martinscurate for Alfi No surprise, then, that everything Grace Chumfong and essentially refers to theartofmakingitlook eff VANCOUVER’S GAY &LESBIAN NEWS e Italia isItalian. Mostof sprezzatura ortless. , which

ANGELINA CANTADA Wright Mariner GASTOWN BUSINESS Supply IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY 485 Broughton St, 604-682-3788 ANGELINA CANTADA wrightmariner.ca

This floating store in Coal Harbour is ISLANDMALEGRAPHICS.COM where Fassbinder-inspired French sailor fantasies come true. Dress your cabin boy in authentic blue-and-white Brit- tany stevedore stripes, or deck out your captain in nautical style with a truly BIA OF GASTOWN COURTESY hand-knit Irish fishing sweater and a 100-percent Canadian wool, reliably seaworthy pea jacket. In business since 1954, Wright Mariner Supply is not just a maritime hardware store; its expanding selection of smart-looking foul-weather wear is perfect for Wet Coast living, on land or at sea. Ask manager Steve Law about the sacrificial zinc shaft protec- tors just to get a giggle out of him.

332 Water St, 604-683-5650 gastown.org “It’s the best place for men to shop,” boasts Leanore Sali, from the Gastown Business Improvement Society, of the neighbour- hood she’s dedicated to enhancing. WRIGHT MARINER SUPPLY It’s hard to argue with her when you look Top Drawers at Gastown’s list of retailers: The Block, 1030 Denman St, 604-684-4861 Roden Gray, Motherland, Inventory, Haven, topdrawers.com Alfie Italia, Fluevog and Fortknight, to men- tion only a few. “It’s not just the number of If you’ve dated a guy in Vancouver who’s made a shops,” Sali says. “It’s also the diversity and good first impression with a pair of bold and eye- quality of what they’re selling.” catching unmentionables, you probably have David ANGELINA CANTADA Of course, as an area becomes increas- King of Top Drawers to thank. Top Drawers has ingly trendy, the big chains take notice. been wrapping our packages since 1992. It has also Sali recognizes that their arrival could be a been the starting point for many Vancouver-based death knell to an exciting and creative com- undie designers, such as Ginch Gonch, Saxx, Naked, munity. “We’ve worked for years with key Mckillop and Equmen. If you sign up for Top Drawers’ property owners to create and maintain the e-newsletter, I guarantee hours and hours of enjoy- opportunities for small, independent retail- ment! There are also rumours of expansion — always ers because the city needs an area like this. important when we’re talking briefs and boxers. We need local businesses.” And if you need a shopping break, you can choose from a number of cafés, restaurants and pubs in the area or put your feet up for a shave and a haircut at Dominion Barbers, State of Mind Bryan of London or JD’s Barbershop. For complete ease, Fortknight offers barbering ANGELINA CANTADA 1100 Davie St, 604-682-7116 right inside their store. Search for State of Mind “These people are very passionate about Boutique on Facebook what they do and why they do it here. As a stylist, Linda K makes They’re creative, young and very talented a point of knowing her entrepreneurs. They understand fashion. Global Atomic clients well and offering But they also understand community and personalized service you they give back,” Sali says. 1144 Mainland St, 604-806-6223 won’t find anywhere else. When a nearby gym frequented by young globalatomic.com “I have clients I’ve known people from the Downtown Eastside faced Catering to everyone from club kids to doc- since we first opened our eviction, local bartenders organized Aprons tors and lawyers outfitting themselves for a doors. I love this part of my for Gloves, a boxing-match fundraiser pit- weekend of playtime, Global Atomic has with- job,” Linda says. “As people ting servers against each other to raise stood the test of time by staying just ahead of evolve, their style evolves. It money to help the gym find a new venue. the trends and intuitively scoping out what’s makes my day when a client There’s also the Gastown Bartenders Cal- coming next. “It’s heritage versus space right comes into the store and I endar, featuring 12 bartenders in various now. Space is going to win,” owner Warren W can help him find clothes stages of undress, with all proceeds bene- predicts. Enjoy a cup of Black Echo Coffee (the that are contemporary, fiting breast- and prostate-cancer research. beans are roasted in butter and sugar) while that suit his body and his “I love that calendar,” Sali gushes. “I put a you savour local designer Paloma Salgado’s lifestyle.” Appointments are copy up in the office, but someone’s hidden tongue-in-cheek butch beads for men or highly recommended but it on me!” Joseph Henry’s handmade wallets and cuffs. not essential.

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 19 Come watch the big game Monogamy’s crusader February 2nd at the pub Big specials, big prizes and big fun! Love Sense author Sue Johnson says we’re like voles (mostly) 1025 DAVIE ST • (604) 687-2222 IN PRINT NIKO BELL

From academics challenging treasured myths about supposedly monogamous animals to Dan Savage’s “monogamish” advice columns, monogamy has been taking a beating lately. Vera's Top Ten Slogan List - The Countdown Into this tide wades University of Ot- tawa clinical psychology professor Dr Sue Johnson, with her new book Love Sense: The Revolutionary New Science of Romantic Relationships. Johnson (not to be confused with “The fact that we can occasionally get turned on by someone other than sex educator Sue Johanson) maintains our partner does not mean that we are not suited for monogamy,” says author that humans are intrinsically, bio- Sue Johnson. JÉRÔME SCULLINO logically monogamous; that monoga- gay relationships. “My perception is The fact that we can occasionally get mous marriage is the best, healthiest, that in 20 years’ time, I’m not sure if turned on by someone other than our #4 Big, most natural form of relationship; and there’s going to be much difference partner does not mean that we are not that casual sex, pornography, non- between the gay and heterosexual suited for monogamy. We are much Beefy & monogamy and even excessive kink population,” she says. more complex than rodents.” are pathologies of weak or damaged That depends on whether humans When I push Johnson on why hu- relationships. are naturally monogamous. Johnson mans should be like voles in all ways Beautiful Johnson is at the forefront of attach- is convinced we are and compares us but one, she returns to her clinical ment theory, a branch of psychology to prairie voles, mammals known for experience with couples. that says romantic relationships are raising children and bonding as cou- “The problem with people who based on emotional bonds of attach- ples. Just like the voles, make arguments about ment, replacing the loving care of a she writes, humans pro- monogamy not being parent fi gure. Because of this, she says, duce the bonding hor- natural is that they go couples should embrace emotional mone oxytocin, care for on to draw conclusions codependence, strengthen pair bonds our mates and raise our about relationships that and reject modern narratives of ro- young together. are — from my point of mantic and sexual independence. This is where John- view — completely nuts,” It would be easy to dismiss John- son’s argument gets she says. “I do think it’s Check back each issue son as a conservative moralist, but weird. Prairie voles, exceedingly diffi cult to to find out! The grand reveal in many ways she is not. For one, she genetic studies have have a secure supporting will be on April 24th! is unreservedly pro-gay. She argues shown, are not actually bond when you’re trying vehemently for gay marriage on the sexually monogamous. to allow for open sex, be- basis that gay couples also deserve In fact, almost no mam- cause it’s a threat.” the benefits of socially recognized mals are — no matter the The core thesis of Love Two great locations! monogamy. salutary eff ects of oxyto- Sense is not really about When you start talking about gay cin. Our closest cousins, LOVE SENSE monogamy, but rather 1030 Davie St. The Revolutionary men and monogamy, however, things chimpanzees and bono- New Science of Romantic the human need for se- 604.893.8372 get complicated. It is diffi cult to know bos, certainly are not. Relationships cure, attached relation- how many coupled gay men have non- Many mammals raise By Sue Johnson ships. It is hard to read 1181 Denman St. monogamous arrangements, but the their young in couples, Little, Brown & Company the book as anything but 604.681.5450 proportion is large. Even in the midst but that does not stop a retort to monogamy- of gay-marriage victories, one study them from having promiscuous sex skeptical books such as Cacilda Jethá Follow us: showed that half a recruited sample on the side. and Christopher Ryan’s best-selling of San Francisco gay male couples Johnson freely admits this but Sex at Dawn. Johnson is no less than a were consensually non-monogamous. writes that in this one respect, we social crusader of love — she says she (Some argue that heterosexual couples should end our comparison with the hopes her book will help change the way Locations throughout the Lower Mainland are no diff erent, just signifi cantly less voles. “Should we take this to mean the Western world views relationships honest.) that an occasional fl ing has a biological — but she does not care if you like men verasburgershack.com Johnson thinks gay non-monogamy rationale — that it supports the old ‘it or women; she just hopes you choose will likely fade as society legitimizes didn’t mean anything’ argument? No! only one.

20 JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 XTRA! VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS Real Susan Cameron P rofessional VOTED BEST REALTOR Xtra! Reader’s Poll R esponsive Estate Top 10% of all Lower Mainland Bringing you home... I n Touch Realtors - 17 years Former Gay & Lesbian Business with pride! D ependable Association Board Director () . E thical Donates 5% of commissions to Xtra’s susancameronrealtor.com your favourite charity upon purchase of a new home guide Award-winning service to the Gay and to the ,ESBIAN#OMMUNITYFOROVERYEARS Re/Max Real Estate Services PREMIER 0HONEs&AX REALTY lucrative 4OLL&REEsIAN IANHOLTCOM gay & Top Producing Agents & Team Royal LePage City Centre lesbian Real Estate Mike and Will Team A LL I D O E N M C NATIONAL

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MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 21 who came together after the brutal stabbing of a mutual friend. The group’s anti-violence message spread across The Blitz roundup the globe and eventually took the form of the Human Library, an initiative that exposes the root of all prejudice: ignorance. Partying, laughter and truth The event is brought to Vancouver BLITZ & SHITZ Delux while being wrapped in the glow for the second year by the PuSh Fes- RAZIEL REID of lighting design by Featherlite Pro- tival and Dave Deveau; you can check ductions. If you had, Toronto nightlife out a “book” at the Vancouver Public There are two things you would be something you coveted about Library (VPL) for 20 minutes at a time need to know about Matt as much as Rob Ford’s seventh chin. and hear stories from the marginalized Troy: first, he has a big penis. He showed More than 450 people entered Back- and misunderstood. me once on the stairwell of Oasis, but door (almost as many as entered mine!), There are more than 30 books to unfortunately, he didn’t let me touch it! creating a mosh of gay and straight choose from, including Polyamorous, The second thing you need to know hipster twerkers werking out all night. Interracial Couple, Bio Queen, Male about Matt is that he throws good par- I just wish I had won the door prize Nanny and Born Again Christian. ties. Backdoor is the latest from the of an oxygen facial and microdermabra- I got involved by sharing my story, boy who brought you Camera Whore sion to restore me. The aerobics were so Raziel, centre, is tickled pink by The Bobbers’ Dan Dumsha and Amy Confessions of a Rent Boy. Come check Wilding and their Queer-Prov comedy fest at Heaven’s Door. TALLULAH and #7ibe. intense I’m still recovering! me out — and I won’t even charge you! Chinatown smells like fish, but it’s not I was asked to participate in Hu- just from seafood anymore: it’s from all Do you want to work on your, uh, fitness? me to check out how much the troupe so come for dinner or a snack and join man Library last year, but having put the people who set their pussies free at Find out about Backdoor’s next session at has evolved, and she was right: the the frenzy that is Alan Pavlakovic as escorting behind me to roll around in Vancouver’s hottest new event. In true matttroy.net. chuckles come easier than ever before. an algae-eating fish, Jamie Chrest as a the millions of dollars I’m paid as a East Van spirit, Backdoor is held at a Unlike the competition format of mentally handicapped songstress and writer for Xtra, I was afraid to open my venue where no one except a molly- Heavenly hysterics Tops & Bottoms, Queer-Prov is an all- Pearce Visser as Joan-E: “Hi, I’m your little black book and expose my truth induced genius would think to throw a for-one, one-for-all good time, with the hostess for the night and all the pro- to strangers. party. Tipofit is a fitness and medi-spa The Bobbers have reinvented their troupe members sharing the laughs ceeds are going to charity. Deal with it!” But this year, I realized that I had by day, rave house by night. Well, that’s improv company and found the perfect among themselves. The result is a fast- been missing the point of the project — one way to get people to the gym! venue from which to share it with Davie paced, no-pressure playtime delivered Mondays, 7–9pm. 1216 Bute St. No cover. to face your fear and stop being enslaved Anyone who thinks Van City’s party Village. The newly styled Queer-Prov through an assortment of skits. by it. The result? Empowerment! scene leaves a lot to be desired has obvi- (formerly Tops & Bottoms) takes over The cast is solid, with all the members ously never danced under a cable cross- the newly styled Heaven’s Door (for- finding moments to make absolute asses Human Library Get empowered Fri, Jan 31–Sun, Feb 2 at over to the music of DJs Kasey Riot, merly J-Lounge) every Monday night. of themselves/shine. It all started in Copenhagen with a the VPL main branch, noon–5pm. Jay Douglas, Blondtron, Bikes and Lisa Show manager Amy Wilding invited It’s a manic Monday at Heaven’s Door, youth group consisting of five people

check at Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. Timberline Vancouver’s country- $10 at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St. friendsforlife.ca western dance group meets every tfdpresents.com Thursday. Dancers of all levels are Sun, Feb 2 welcome. 7pm. St Paul’s Anglican Sun, Feb 9 Church, 1140 Jervis St. $10 donation Man Up Amateur Hour Man Up United DJ/producer Cindel makes partially benefits A Loving Spoonful. opens its doors to aspiring gender his Big Roger Events debut. Doors timberlinedance.org performers of all varieties: kings, at 11pm. Gorg-O-Mish, 695 Smithe WHAT'S ON queens, biomonarchs, queer Fri, Feb 7 St. Tickets $30 at eventbrite.ca. musicians and more. 9pm. The bigrogerevents.com. FOR MORE EVENT LISTINGS, GO TO DAILYXTRA.COM Cobalt, 917 Main St. $5. Register Gender Failure Storyteller Ivan Bearracuda Vancouver’s popular at [email protected]. Coyote and musician Rae Spoon bear party is back, with DJ Paul manupvancouver.com present their multimedia take on competition begins tonight with a Goodyear in the main room and DJ gender. Tonight and Saturday, Wed, Jan 29 preliminary round. Door proceeds Joan-Eleveneightyone Joan-E Jay Douglas downstairs. 9pm. Club 8–10pm. Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 @bypoststreet YouthCO benefit benefit the Dogwood Monarchist hosts an evening of drag fun with 560, 560 Seymour St. $12 advance 88th Ave, Surrey. $35, $30 seniors, Support Vancouver’s group for Society. 8:30pm. Celebrities, 1022 special guests, followed by DJ at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St and $15 students at 604-501-5566 or youth with HIV and hepatitis C at Davie St. $5. Advance tickets at Mumbles. 10:30pm–3am. 1181, 1181 bearracuda.com. tickets.surrey.ca. @bypoststreet’s inventory clear-out Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St and Davie St. No cover. Hershe Bar Hershe Bar hosts sale and spring collection presale. AJ’s Café Join other HIV-positive celebritiesnightclub.com. Jujubee — Oasis, Sat, Club Skirts, with LA’s DJ Amara YouthCO will receive 100 percent of gay men every Friday for this social Chest Surgeries Qmunity offers Tues, Feb 4 and ticket giveaways for the Dinah coat check/bar sales and 10 percent Feb 8 DANNY GRAY FOX gathering/support group sponsored a free peer- and service-provider- Men on Men A weekly discussion party. 10pm–2am. Red Room Ultra of product sales. 7–9:30 pm. 568 by Positive Living BC. 3–6pm. The facilitated workshop on preparing group for men who love or have sex Bar, 398 Richards St. $15 advance Seymour St. No cover. 7pm. Britannia Community Centre, Junction Pub, 1138 Davie St. Free. for and recovering from chest with men. Every Tuesday, 6:30pm. at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St; youthco.nationbuilder.com Seniors’ Lounge, 1661 Napier St. positivelivingbc.org surgeries for trans and gender- Gordon Neighbourhood House, 1019 Kokopelli Salon, 2052 Commercial For more information, contact Mabel League Baseball variant folks. Light refreshments Broughton St. checkhimout.ca Leather Den4Men Vancouver’s Dr; or flygirlproductions.com. Memories Vancouver’s lesbian provided. 6:30–8:30pm. [email protected]. newest gay sex club reserves the softball league is looking for stories, Qmunity, 610-1033 Davie St. Après Ski: Hanky Mingler The first Friday of each month for a Mon, Feb 10 photos and memorabilia from Health Initiative for Men presents Wed, Feb 5 play party with the Vancouver Men For more information or to register, GPS: Gay Poz Sex Positive Living players, coaches and spectators for an après-ski social for WinterPride. Vancouver Men’s Chorus Open in Leather. Dress code: leather. contact [email protected]. BC presents a weekly sexual health publication in a book exploring the 3–6pm. Whistler Conference Centre, Rehearsals Join the chorus for an 8pm–2am. Club 8x6, 1775 Haro St. program for gay and bisexual HIV- history of the Mabel League. Email 4010 Whistler Way. No cover. open rehearsal. 7:15pm. Vancouver $10 members, $15 guests; includes Fri, Jan 31 positive men, facilitated by gay, [email protected]. gaywhistler.com Academy of Music, 1270 Chestnut locker. meninleather.ca Naked Heaven The Pacific St. Free. vancouvermenschorus.ca HIV-positive men. Every Monday, Thurs, Jan 30 Canadian Association of Nudists Sat, Feb 1 Sat, Feb 8 6:30–8:30pm. Positive Living BC, hosts the Ski Bum edition of its Thurs, Feb 6 1107 Seymour St. Contact Michael or The Odd Couple Mismatched Naked Heaven Party. Underwear is Party for Life Friends for Life Jujubee TFD presents Jujubee, Jonathon at 604-240-7205 or gps@ roomies or something more? The accepted, but nudity is preferred. presents an all-day fundraiser Gay and Bisexual Men’s from RuPaul’s Drag Race, with positivelivingbc.org for more info. Arts Club presents Felix Ungar and 8pm–2am. Club 8x6, 1775 Haro St. celebration in the Davie Village, with Bereavement Support DJ Mr President. 10pm–3am. Oasis, Oscar Madison. 8pm. Show runs $15, includes locker. 8x6.ca wristbands for VIP access to your This support group for men 1240 Thurlow St. Tickets start at until Sun, Feb 23. Stanley Industrial grieving the loss of a same-sex Queer Women on the Drive favourite Village haunts, including Alliance Theatre, 2750 Granville St. partner meets the second and Qmunity hosts a crafts-focused Celebrities, The Junction, Oasis, $29–65 at artsclub.com. fourth Thursday of every month. get-together for queer women PumpJack and the Fountainhead Submit your event listing to [email protected]. The Search for Vancouver’s Next Pub. $10 wristbands at Little 7–9:30pm. Qmunity, Room 610, the last Friday of every month. Deadline for the Feb 13–26 issue is Wed, Feb 5. Drag Superstar The four-week Sister’s, 1238 Davie St, and the coat 1033 Davie St. Free. qmunity.ca

22 JAN 30–FEB 12, 2014 XTRA! VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS STOREFRONT Holistic rejuvenation Clinic prides itself on integrated approach

In today’s tough competitive environ- Naturopathic Medical Centre apart. “In our skin centre we use PRP ment, 30 years for any small business “It gives our clients a real choice,” instead of collagen and inject your is an accomplishment. For the newly Dueck says. “When you come to our own stem cells into the areas where renamed Integrative Naturopathic clinic, each of the doctors has a different you want a little more plumpness,” Medical Centre, that longevity can scope and we can match you with the Dueck explains. be attributed to its founders, Dr Eric best practitioner that suits the need.” Treatments aside, Dueck says that Posen, Dr Lawrence Chan and Dr Hal Included in the choices available are it really is the caring nature of everyone Brown, who are still actively involved services like the Rejuveness Skin Treat- who works at Integrative that has kept and who believe in a truly integrated ment, a lymphatic drainage treatment many patients coming back since it approach to healthcare. exclusive to Integrative, used for both opened 30 years ago. “It really is like “They are a fantastic team and medical and cosmetic applications. a family. Heart first, everything else complement each other really well,” “When you drain the lymphatic second.” says general manager Carmen Dueck. system everything tightens up because “They were one of the first in Canada to everything begins to move better,” Integrative Naturopathic Medical establish an alternative wellness centre Dueck says. “On the face, for example, Centre, 730–1285 W Broadway with a bigger scope beyond just offering the collagen gets some elasticity back integrative.ca chiropractic care.” as it lifts and tightens the skin.” While the centre originally started out Integrative is also on the cutting edge as a chiropractic clinic, it has grown over with its stem-cell treatment PRP (Plate- Integrative Naturopathic Medical Centre offers a range of treatment the years to include a diverse range of ser- let Rich Plasma Injection Therapy), options, from Rejuveness Skin vices. Today, its well-rounded and holistic which uses a patient’s own platelets for Treatment to Hot Stone Massage. naturopathic offerings set the Integrative both medical and cosmetic applications. INTEGRATIVE NATUROPATHIC MEDICAL CENTRE

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