VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS 2015 15–28, JAN

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2 JAN 15–28, 2015 XTRA! VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

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Leo Burnett 175 Bloor Street E. North Tower, 13th Floor Toronto, ON M4W 3R9 (416) 925-5997 XTRA Published by Pink Triangle Press VANCOUVER’SVANCOUVER S GAYGAY & LELESBIIANAN PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NNEWSEWS Brandon Matheson #558 JAN 15–28, 2015 Roundup EDITORIAL Hair Removal Services MANAGING EDITOR Robin Perelle STAFF REPORTER Natasha Barsotti body clipping For Men COPY EDITOR Lesley Fraser EVENT LISTINGS [email protected] CONTRIBUTE OR INQUIRE about Xtra’s editorial waxing BOBBY MILLER BOBBY content: [email protected] EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE shaving belle ancell, Niko Bell, Grace Cameron, Nathaniel Christopher, Tom Coleman, electrolysis Tyler Dorchester, Jeremy Hainsworth, Back Pat Johnson, Ash McGregor, Pega Ren, in Mark Robins , Gregory Whiting All body ART & PRODUCTION Vancouver! CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lucinda Wallace areas DESIGNERS Darryl Mabey, Landon Whittaker ADVERTISING ADVERTISING & SALES DIRECTOR Ken Hickling SALES ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Lexi Chuba SALES TEAM LEAD Lorilynn Barker DISPLAY ADVERTISING Corey Giles ONLINE ACCOUNT MANAGER Jessie Bennett ADVERTISING COORDINATORS Please visit my website www.buffthehairslayer.com Brad Deep, Gary Major DISPLAY ADVERTISING Call 604-684-9696 Contact ALEX at [email protected] or email [email protected]. CLASSIFIEDS Call 604-684-9696 Vancouver (Cambie & 20th) 604 499 4105 or email classifi [email protected]. SPONSORSHIP & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Kero Saleib, [email protected] The publication of an ad in Xtra does not mean that Xtra endorses the advertiser. Storefront features are paid advertising content. Action features are advertising intended to advance community involvement and political action. ONSTAGE Printed and published in Canada. ©2015 Pink Triangle Press. Xtra is published every two weeks by Pink Triangle Press. ISSN 1198-0613 Address: 501–1033 Davie St, Vancouver, BC, V6E 1M7 O ce hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm The Christeene Machine Phone: 604-684-9696 Fax: 604-684-9697 Website: dailyxtra.com Email: [email protected] invades PuSh Festival 15 SUBSCRIPTIONS $55 for one year (26 issues); $65 (US) in the US; $100 (US) overseas. [email protected], 800-268-XTRA PRESENTS PINK TRIANGLE PRESS Editorial Sex Now seeking Founded 1971 DIRECTORS Jim Bartley, Gerald Hannon, Nous sommes Charlie participants Researcher Glenn Kauth, Didier Pomerleau, Ken Popert, By Robin Perelle 4 hopes survey results will Gillian Rodgerson shape public policy 9 HONORARY DIRECTOR Colin Brownlee Feedback 4 PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ken Popert Cover story CEO, DIGITAL MEDIA David Walberg Xcetera 5 CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Andrew Chang Soul sisters Vancouver’s Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Upfront turn fi ve 10 Ask the Expert Chosen Family plaque Cruising versus controlling defaced Unknown vandal By Pega Ren 12 covers portrait of gay couple in paint 7 New Brunswick still supports Out in the City TWU Directors deadlock on The things vote to rescind approval for Whistler’s WinterPride VEBC Luau... So wear your favourite Christian law school 8 rebrands Gay ski week secures Hawaiian shirt, or grass skirt, if you dare... new funding and headliner Alex Leslie’s Margaret Cho 16 poetry It’s sure to be a blast, on dailyxtra.com What’s On 18 and we hope to see you there! Blitz & Shitz Sentencing delayed Raziel Reid will be back next can do March 13 - 15, 2015 for man who assaulted issue with his scene column lesbian couple vcbc.ca for details Xposed Video: The Great Gay bowling night Travel Challenge, Part 1 By Ash McGregor 20 SPONSORED BY MEDIA SPONSOR LGBT legal protection The Brotherhood dailyxtra.com uneven in Canada By Tyler Dorchester 21 Storm Golden Globes dailyxtra.com The bowler’s company 2015 roundup COVER PHOTO BY BELLE ANCELL

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 15–28, 2015 3 email [email protected] comment dailyxtra.com & facebook.com/dailyxtra Comment tweet @dailyxtra

FEEDBACK

Christian lawyers I appreciate Robin Perelle’s point of view [“Heroes and Villains of TWU,” Nous sommes Charlie Xtra #556, Dec 18], but as a Canadian EDITORIAL who has lived in the US, I automati- ROBIN PERELLE cally think of graduates of Christian law schools like that at Liberty Univer- “L’humour c’est de sity in Lynchburg, Virginia, founded s’interdire à rien,” car- by the late Jerry Falwell. Many, or toonist Georges Wolinski once said, most, of their lawyers joined Chris- before he was assassinated with sev- tian legal organizations whose main en of his Charlie Hebdo colleagues at function was to counteract any and an editorial meeting in their Paris all legal gains by the LGBT citizens of I believe that stigma plays a large office Jan 7. America. They are devoted to hatred, part in these people not having dis- Translated it means, “Humour has bigotry and exclusion. And there are covered their bisexuality or homo- no prohibitions.” No subject is too many such groups stateside. sexuality before. I see this as a huge sacred to satirize, to critique. Kudos, big time, to those who fought pool of undiscovered bisexual (or even In the deluge of coverage follow- and are fi ghting Trinity Western Uni- homosexual) men. ing the murders, it can be easy to get CHRIS ROGERS versity’s e orts to establish a similar distracted by the manhunt, the logis- VANCOUVER, BC law school. tics of the shootings, the assassins’ HUGH VINCELETTE identities, what they learned where DAILYXTRA.COM Vision not for all of us and from whom. It can be equally This op-ed is so sickly sweet for Gregor Charlie Hebdo’s “Love Is Stronger than Hate” cover, published after its o ce Even after any covenant is dropped essential to monitor the predictably and company that I almost gagged. You was fi rebombed in 2011, and its 2006 cover depicting Muhammad saying, I wouldn’t support it. There is no place deplorable anti-Muslim backlash and even used their campaign slogan as the “It’s hard being loved by jerks.” for religion in law. government justifications to suspend title [“Moving Forward with Vision,” civil liberties for more anti-terrorism debate, we live in a society steeped being loved by jerks.” STEPHEN FOSTER FACEBOOK Xtra #555, Dec 4]! I, like many other measures. in fear, distracted by manhunts and The magazine took equal aim at queer voters, cast ballots for worthy But at the heart of this story lies vacuous celebrity gossip, and generally everybody: no topic was off-limits, Sex, stats and candidates from every party, specifi - freedom of expression and the beating unwilling to engage in painful discus- they said, and none should be. And cally because I think the city is best it’s taken on multiple fronts since fear sions of how to address long-standing no one was exempt, fear of reprisals ‘straight’ men served by a diversity of voices and seeped into our social consciousness power imbalances and emerging in- be damned. “I don’t see why we can’t In your article “1 in 10? Not Even don’t think any party should “domi- and sapped our courage to discuss all compatibilities to try to fi nd ways to critique all ideologies,” Jean Cabut Close” [Xtra #555, Dec 4], it says that nate” city hall, park board or school topics openly. coexist without squashing each other. (Cabu) said. just 11 percent of people have ex- board. Mainstream media are obsessed “In the face of ambient nervous- They didn’t back down when their of- perienced same-sex attraction. But Painting the NPA as some quasi- with tracking terrorism threats yet ness, our fear is to be too cautious, fi ce was destroyed by Molotov cocktails what about the people who have never fascist, extremist and homophobic shy away from in-depth discussions of too reasonable,” Charlie Hebdo con- for another Muhammad cover in 2011. consciously experienced same-sex at- party that would “roll back” queer what scares us into silence and, most tributor Laurent Sourisseau (known With his now-famous retort, “I prefer traction but who are attracted to the rights, revoke civic status for the importantly, how to openly communi- as Riss), injured in the Jan 7 attack, to die standing than live on my knees,” same sex nevertheless? parade or trample on the West End cate with each other instead, to foster once remarked. editor Stéphane Charbonnier (Charb) A study I read about in The Van- community plan is a completely dis- truly pluralistic societies where no I’ve certainly felt the chill: don’t hired bodyguards and put another couver Sun suggests that this is a large ingenuous load of crap. Fact is, the subjects are taboo and we can learn to question this, don’t challenge that. Muslim man on the cover — this time group. In that study (University of NPA ran a fantastic slate of candi- o end without excluding each other. But if Charlie Hebdo’s team taught kissing a male cartoonist. Georgia, Athens, Department of Psy- dates; many of them were queer and Learning to offend and especially us anything, it’s to fi ght the chill and No doubt the cover was designed to chology, August 1996), they assem- accomplished and worthy of a shot at to feel o ended without resorting to critique without fear. needle their opponents and take aim bled a group of self-identifi ed straight leading and governing in this city. The shaming or silencing tactics doesn’t Riss knew that, as he put it, fun- at yet another taboo — that was, after men, gave them a questionnaire and same goes for many of the other slates. come easily. In our own community, damentalists have no sense of hu- all, the satirists’ raison d’être — but divided them into two groups: non- Are they perfect? No. But they were we are quick to try to silence each mour. But that didn’t stop him or his like most of their work, it also made homophobic and homophobic. They a pretty legitimate alternative to the other as well as perceived anti-gay colleagues from challenging them a profound point: “Love is stronger then showed them gay porn and mea- past six years, in my view. Vision does or anti-trans enemies when we feel all, especially the segment of Islamic than hate.” sured their arousal by measuring the not have a monopoly on representing threatened or o ended — anyone who fundamentalists who launched violent Taboos don’t spread love; they cre- circumference of their penises. About the queer community, except maybe dares to challenge the rights we’ve protests around the world after a Dan- ate barriers and block discussion. If 30 percent of the non-homophobes when it comes to empty platitudes. painstakingly carved for ourselves or ish newspaper dared to represent and we truly want to build a pluralistic were aroused, as were about 80 per- FOX IN A HOLE sometimes, simply, to question estab- even caricature Muhammad in 2005. society that sets love free, we can’t cent of the homophobes. DAILYXTRA.COM lished or emerging “truths.” Charlie Hebdo reprinted the vilifi ed yield to anyone’s demands for silence Rather than celebrating open discus- cartoons and added its own cover: a on any topics — whether out of fear, sion and the importance of genuine weeping Muhammad saying, “It’s hard misplaced sensitivity or shame. I believe that stigma plays a large part in Je suis Charlie, and I won’t be these people not having discovered their The outcome that we seek is this — gay and lesbian silenced. people daring together to set love free. bisexuality or homosexuality before. Robin Perelle is the managing editor Xtra is published by Pink Triangle Press, at 2 Carlton St, Ste 1600, Toronto, M5B 1J3. RE: SEX, STATS AND ‘STRAIGHT’ MEN of Xtra in Vancouver.

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6 JAN 15–28, 2015 XTRA! VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS Upfront Right now, we’re licking our wounds and recovering. Ted Flett • 8 Chosen Family plaque defaced Unknown vandal paints over portrait of gay couple COMMUNITY NATASHA BARSOTTI

A photo of two gay men hugging fea- tured on a plaque near Milestones res- taurant on Denman Street has been vandalized. Roger Chin, who is pictured in the photo along with his husband, Jim VanDeventer, says someone thoroughly covered the plaque in white paint in what seemed “like a professional job.” He says the paint appears to have been rolled on in a “premeditated” rather than a spur-of-the-moment act Above, Roger Chin and his husband, Jim VanDeventer, pose with their Chosen of vandalism. Family portrait. The plaque was whitewashed, left, by an unknown vandal or “It’s almost a neat excision,” he says, vandals. COURTESY OF ROGER CHIN adding that the whitewash job gives the impression that whoever did it was say- Dawn, former program director at Out on incidents and trying to identify who is ing, ‘We don’t want to see this.’” Screen, told Xtra that the project, which doing the damage and any other related Chin, who lives in Duncan, estimates was funded by all three levels of govern- damage in the area. that the plaque had been in that state ment, offered a “learning moment” for “When the city does report it through for about a month before he found out the general public and an opportunity 9-1-1, then we’ll have our officers inves- about it. He learned about its deface- for the LGBT community to be more tigate it,” he says. ment from a friend during the holiday visible. “Representation is a powerful As of press time, no one from the city season and saw the damage firsthand in tool in generating discussions,” she said. had responded to Xtra’s question about early January. One of his first thoughts Within hours of hearing about the whether staff plan to report the incident on seeing it, he says, was “Why us?” vandalism, the City of Vancouver dis- to police for investigation. That such an act can be committed in patched a crew to fix the plaque. Chin is pleased with how quickly the Vancouver raises questions about how Richard Newirth, managing director city responded once it was alerted to gay-friendly the city really is, he suggests. of cultural services for the city, emailed the vandalism. “I think there are factions that are very Xtra to say that the paint had been suc- While he is surprised that a cosmo- conservative,” he says, citing the high- cessfully removed. “As you can see, when politan city like Vancouver still sees in- profile gaybashing at the Fountainhead anything like this is brought to our atten- cidents targeting gay people, he says the Pub in 2009 that left Ritchie Dowrey tion, we try to remedy the situation as climate seems to be changing as more permanently incapacitated and the re- quickly as possible,” he wrote. people notice and respond. “I guess sistance of former trustees Ken Denike Vancouver police spokesperson Ser- that’s the silver lining.” and Sophia Woo to the Vancouver School geant Randy Fincham says vandalizing The idea behind the plaques is to Board’s recent transgender policy. city property is a crime. “The criminal raise awareness, he notes. “I think this The plaque, one of eight installed on offencewould be mischief — so damag- is, in some ways, an opportunity to raise lampposts in the West End and China- ing property, defacing property, acts of awareness again, to renew what the town and on Commercial Drive and graffiti.” Chosen Family portrait series was about, Granville Street in 2011, is part of Out on Asked if police are now investigating, to realize that these are our families Screen’s multimedia Celebrate Queer Fincham says police will look into it if that we have formed because our blood Vancouver project, which marked the the owner of the property (in this case relatives often disown us.” city’s 125th anniversary. the city) reports the incident. Chin, who is a teacher, says he is a Prior to the installation of the plaques, Fincham says there is a graffiti task strong supporter of sharing the com- which feature portraits of communi- force within the police department munity’s stories. “It’s a great way to ty members’ chosen families, Amber that is dedicated to working on such educate.”

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 15–28, 2015 7 be meeting soon to discuss its options. “Right now, we’re licking our wounds and recovering.” Dispute over the proposed school has New Brunswick also divided lawyers in BC. In April, the Law Society of BC (LSBC) approved the school after vigorous debate by directors. However, members forced a special general meeting in June, where still supports TWU a majority urged the directors to re- consider. The directors opted to hold a referendum, where members voted Directors deadlock on vote to rescind 74 percent against approval. On Oct approval for Christian law school 31, the LSBC honoured its members’ referendum results and reversed its EDUCATION also grappling with the issue, is TWU’s earlier approval. JEREMY HAINSWORTH community covenant, which states that TWU is now suing the LSBC, as well as students must agree to uphold Christian the law societies of Nova Scotia (where Despite calls from members to withdraw biblical teachings and abstain from any a hearing was held in December) and support for Trinity Western University’s sex that “violates the sacredness of Ontario. (TWU) proposed law school, the Law marriage between a man and a woman.” Meanwhile, a gay would-be law stu- Society of New Brunswick (LSNB) main- Beaulieu notes that the issue is now dent is proceeding with his complaint tained its support Jan 9 after directors at a standstill in several provinces, with against the BC government for ap- tied 12-12 in a vote to repeal. court cases pending in Nova Scotia, proving the school, even though the “It’s not an easy issue,” LSNB council BC and Ontario. She says the LSNB government has now withdrawn its president Hélène L Beaulieu tells Xtra. is watching those cases, as well as the support. Lawyer Clayton Ruby told the “It was down the middle. We did not BC government’s Dec 11 decision to “The Law Society of New Brunswick council is out of step with its members,” BC Supreme Court Jan 5 that the con- anticipate that [result] at all.” withdraw support for the school. “Our says OUTlaw member Ted Flett. COURTESY OF TED FLETT stitutional violations allegedly underly- Like in BC, the LSNB voted initially in approval was conditional on the law ing the government’s original decision June to accept TWU’s proposed school, school being approved,” Beaulieu says. decision to stand by its original decision tells Xtra the vote is “a terrible decision.” to approve TWU’s school remain an but its members voted 137 to 30 at a TWU president Bob Kuhn welcomes of June 27, 2014,” TWU spokesperson “The Law Society of New Brunswick unresolved issue that still needs to be special general meeting in September to the LSNB decision. “I think it’s an ap- Guy Saffold adds. council is out of step with its members,” heard in court. direct the council to rescind its approval. propriate decision on the part of New But Ted Flett, a member of OUTLaw, Flett says. “It’s extremely disappointing At issue in New Brunswick, BC, and Brunswick,” he says. the LGBT student group at the Uni- to those of us who protect human rights For more on this story, for many other provincial law societies “We are very pleased with the LSNB’s versity of New Brunswick’s law school, across Canada.” He says OUTLaw will go to dailyxtra.com.

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8 JAN 15–28, 2015 XTRA! VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS TM 1 Level One Construction Sex Now seeks Terror, Dream. Design. Build. firefighters participants and the Researcher hopes survey sounds of results will shape public policy sodomy

STUDIES new generations of gay men committed NATHANIEL CHRISTOPHER to researching gay men’s health be- cause it’s still largely a gay enterprise. The Community-Based Research Cen- “We don’t see a bunch of great schol- tre (CBRC) is seeking gay and bisexual ars entering this area to try and dem- Award Winning Renovations men of all ages and backgrounds to onstrate the health impact of sexual dailyxtra.com participate in Sex Now 2015, a national stigma that gay men face,” he explains. Serving the community since 2000 604 . 337. 1428 | levelonerenovations.ca survey about sex between men. “The reason is because anyone do- “The primary thing we are look- ing the research is suffering the same ing into this year is the difference stigma. We’re one of the extremely few amongst generations of men,” says research organizations that is conduct- Terry Trussler, research director at ing leading-edge research on the health CBRC. “Are there things we can de- impact of stigma and discrimination on tect in the survey that would show as gay and bisexual men.” differences among the generations?” Trussler hopes the survey results will Trussler says this approach is in- make public policy more responsive to formed in part by a past Sex Now sur- the needs of gay and bisexual men. vey that showed that gay men born “We know that numbers have an ef- after 1980 report higher instances of fect on how people think policy-wise,” anti-gay discrimination than older he says. “It’s one thing to do qualitative generations. “The reason we think research and show those findings, but the WINTER sale

Terry Trussler hopes to learn more about the generational differences among gay men with this year’s Sex Now survey. NATHANIEL CHRISTOPHER that’s happened is because there’s people don’t seem to wake up to what been more visibility of gay men in the it all means until they see it in numbers media, with shows like Will & Grace and have some assurance that the num- and so on appearing more commonly,” bers are there and the impact is there.” he says. “That has created more ten- He hopes the survey will also reveal sion, particularly for younger people.” the impact of societal changes on gay Trussler hopes the 2015 survey will and bisexual men. “Is health better 1606 West Second Avenue at Fir shed light on how this discrimination because of social change, or are we Armoury District, V ancouver affects the health of younger genera- still living with products of stigma?” he East India Carpets Mon-Sat 10-5:30 604 736 5681 tions as time goes on. wonders. “Also, the people who attack D ISTINCTIVE DESIGNS SINCE 19 48 eastindiacarpets.com The survey was developed largely gay development still seem to have a by the CBRC’s Investigaytors team, a voice, so does this still have an impact training and education program that on our lives?” provides young gay men with the skills to research gay men’s health. Trussler To take the survey, go to says it’s critically important to foster sexnowsurvey.com.

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isters The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence put a queer spin on spirituality

GRACE CAMERON PHOTOS BY BELLE ANCELL

he Holiday fanfare,” says Mark Mahl, AIDS Van- says she always felt called to the ministry In February 2010, along with three cluding France, Germany, Uruguay and Grocery pro- couver’s director of development and and studied theology for two years in the other queer nuns, she founded a local Australia, the sisters rank with Catholic gram at AIDS Vancou- external relations. “Plus, they pretty up mid-1990s at Queen’s Theological Col- chapter for the Sisters in Vancouver nuns in the US as the fastest growing ver on Seymour Street the place and add a nice fl air.” Even be- lege (now Queen’s School of Religion) called the Abbey of the Long Cedar order of nuns in the world, she says. was already in full swing fore they carolled for the clients, Mahl in Kingston, Ontario. Canoe. As fate would have it, the San Fran- when four members of says, the Sisters had donated $1,000 to But she just couldn’t “buy into the The abbey also owes its existence to cisco Sisters were just a step ahead of the Sisters of Perpetual the grocery program. old dead white man theology.” So she another quartet of gay men, this time the 1980s AIDS crisis. With thousands Indulgence hit the fl oor. They’re not just a group of brightly left before being ordained but kept in San Francisco, who were looking for of gay men dying, they realized that Draped in festive red dresses glitter- painted, pretty drag faces, says Brian looking for other avenues for spiritu- ways to pass the Easter weekend in 1979 they could be a force for the greater ing with gold, with their white-painted Chittock, AIDS Vancouver’s executive ality. She eventually found the Sisters and decided to dress up as nuns. Wear- good. They were among the first to faces, bright red lips, dark eyeliner and director. The Sisters work hard to help of Perpetual Indulgence, but it was 15 ing costumes from a production of The visit HIV/AIDS patients and organized hornlike headdresses (their version of a people living with HIV/AIDS and to years before she heeded their call to join Sound of Music that had been staged themselves into a charitable organiza- nun’s wimple), the Sisters serenaded the alleviate poverty and homelessness, the order of queer nuns. by one of the four men, they ventured tion to raise money for causes, “like real 800 clients passing through to pick up he says. “The way they dress draws “Their drive to feed the need for spiri- into The Castro, San Francisco’s gay nuns,” Merry Q says. donated groceries. “Joy to the queers,” attention, and people are taken aback tuality in the gay community — without mecca. The “amazing reaction” to this The Vancouver chapter is also a reg- they sang, “the nuns are here.” when they fi rst meet the Sisters until shame and guilt around sexuality — and and to subsequent outings where they istered charity, with 22 sisters, includ- The clients smiled. Some stopped to they hear their story.” the fact that they were creating joy and ministered and took confessions “with ing Sister Alma Bitches, otherwise tap their feet, while the young women In Vancouver, the story starts with Sis- raising money for groups doing work a queer spin” (sending o those who known as James Goranko, who joined volunteering at the pasta-and-sauce ter Merry Q Contrary (known in civilian in the community” fi nally convinced sought solace to “go forth and sin some the order in late 2010. Over the last table giggled, then clamoured to take pic- life as Michael Anhorn). A self-described the reticent Anhorn. Merry Q took her more”) led them to believe that they fi ve years the pace has been blistering, tures with Sisters Sweet Cheribum, Lois introvert, she seems an unlikely can- vows to “expiate stigmatic guilt, pro- could be “a vehicle for advocacy and Alma says, with the Sisters participat- Price, Lucy Caboose and Tora Wholes. didate to assume the habit and public mote universal joy, and be of service to public justice,” Merry Q says. ing in Pride events and numerous “The Sisters do wonderful things in ministering of a sister. An administrator the community” and began to live the Now, with more than 700 nuns in fundraisers for AIDS Vancouver, the the community, and they do it without at a non-profi t by profession, Merry Q ordained life that she was meant to lead. more than 65 abbeys in countries in- Out in Schools program, the LOUD

10 JAN 15–28, 2015 XTRA! VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS With more than 700 nuns in more than 65 abbeys in countries including France, Germany, Uruguay and Australia, the sisters rank with Catholic nuns in the US as the fastest growing order of nuns in the world, Sister Merry Q says.

Sister Alma Bitches, Vancouver chapter co-founder Sister Merry Q Contrary and Sister Tora Wholes. You can see more photos from this series at the Unveiled show, opening Feb 24 at The Junction.

scholarship fund, Rain City Housing makeup, we’d look a lot better,” she She notes, however, that the stages can “It’s so thrilling to watch their growth. the work being done by the abbey, says for queer youth and many more. jokes. Alma, a burly, bearded guy who be completed in as little as one year. It gives me the warm fuzzies,” says Lois, whose name outside the nunnery While it may seem all fun and games, calls himself a “hard-nosed business Raising money for charity is only part community activist and media consul- is Tim O’Brien. the life of a queer nun is not for the faint type,” instead shares cost-cutting tips of the sense of accomplishment, she tant Barb Snelgrove, who was granted As the order has evolved so has its of heart, Alma says. “It takes patience, — like using olive oil to remove makeup says. “You also get a sense of fulfi llment Sainthood by the Sisters in 2012 for her membership, which now includes les- persistence, commitment and time.” — with new nuns just joining the order. when you hug someone who needs it countless hours serving the community. bians, straight women, Muslims, Chris- Alma says that she has participated in Being a Sister “is a way to give back,” and you know you’ve made their day. It’s Other honorary saints include the late tians, wiccans, people who practise up to eight functions some months, and says Alma, who at one time juggled like a Mother Teresa moment of caring.” Jim Deva, a hero to many and a tireless First Nations traditions and atheists. each event can take six to eight hours, working part-time with attending mas- Sister Tora Wholes, defender of free speech “And we range in age from 20s to 70,” from applying and removing makeup, sage school full-time in New Westmin- also known as Gary SISTERS OF PERPETUAL and sex without shame, Merry Q adds. travelling to and from locations and par- ster and commuting from Langley to Shergill, says she joined INDULGENCE and artist John Ferrie. Some people, thinking the Sisters FIFTH ANNIVERSARY & ticipating. Some activities, like working Vancouver for the abbey’s events. the order about three UNVEILED PHOTO SHOW Snelgrove cites a late are mocking the Catholic Church, have the doors and coat checks at local bars For Sister Sweet Cheribum, Justin years ago to give back to Tues, Feb 24, 7–11pm December function, resisted the nuns’ presence over the and parties (sometimes from 8:30pm Saint in everyday life, the path to be- the community. Look- The Junction, 1138 Davie St where some of the Sis- years. “But we take our vows seriously,” to 3 or 4am), can mean a commitment coming a Fully Professed (lifelong) ing back, she describes yvrsisters.blogspot.ca ters bagged groceries Merry Q says, “and like Catholic nuns, of up to 10 hours. “We donate all the Sister was lined with hours of minister- the hours poured into in a West End store our philosophy is to be of service to the tips — an average of $5,000 a year over ing at charitable events (“too many to projects like creating and distribut- to raise awareness for the abbey, as community. We don’t have to dress up the last two years — that we raise doing count”), pinching about $45 a month ing condom packs with safer-sex and an indication that the group is reach- to do good work, but doing so helps to coat checks and working the doors to from lunch money to buy makeup, and HIV-testing information as “a labour ing beyond its usual scope in the gay open people’s minds and pushes them charity,” Alma notes. wearing hand-me-down dresses. The of love.” community. Novice Sister Lois Price to let go assumptions.” The Sisters use their own money to once-shy Cheribum says it took her two Alma says the abbey is growing and organized the three-hour event, and Snelgrove impatiently brushes aside buy makeup and clothing for the events years to complete the four-part process now looking for projects of its own to shoppers responded by donating $420, any thought of disapproval. “The Sisters they participate in. “I tell people that — from Aspirant to Postulant to Novice fund, rather than contributing solely even though the sisters were not solicit- work to spread love and light. What’s not if we used the money we raise to buy and fi nally to a Fully Professed Member. to the e orts of other organizations. ing donations. Such is the recognition of to love?”

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 15–28, 2015 11 Check out our columnists and bloggers on dailyxtra.com Cruising versus controlling Are women more likely than men to be possessive? A sex ASK THE EXPERT worker’s tale DR PEGA REN Trading a blowjob for 20 bucks and Dear Dr Ren, a half pack of I’m 30-something, a cigarettes had happy gay man with a partner of eight brought me to a new years, and I’ve just had the chance level of debauchery. to exercise the “bi” card I’ve always Courtney Love wanted to explore. I have a girlfriend, would have been and everyone’s in on the deal. That proud. part is actually easier than I’d feared. But here’s the problem . . . maybe. My girlfriend is almost militant about shutting down any sexual interest I have unless it directly relates to her. Adventures I’ve even learned to stare at the side- in gay walk when we’re walking together to parenting avoid her accusations that I’m looking It’s not that I don’t at other women or men. like Hot Wheels or My boyfriend, on the other hand, Thomas the Tank thinks it’s totally hot when other guys Engine, but I can’t give me the eye, and he even encour- quite figure out my ages flirting. Just a totally different son’s predilection attitude. toward traditionally I don’t understand what’s going on masculine pursuits. here. Is this a gender thing? A gay/ straight difference? Old relation- ship versus new? Simply personality variations? THINKSTOCK And primarily, is it important? all the messages about beauty have your constellation. You may find she History Am I . . . — Overthinking merged with those about sex, some eases up a bit with time. Or maybe not. Boys women believe it means they are not Finally, you ask about individual Dear Overthinking, being treated well if their man wants personality variations. Could that The Wonder You’ve created a new relationship that is somebody else, too. “Exclusivity” explain the difference in attitude Woman comics from the 1940s are different from your established one in a comes to equal “value.” It can also between your lovers? Well, yes, to a rife with BDSM. On number of critical ways. It’s not surpris- feel like safety — she holds on tight to point. Some people are nesters, while almost every page ing that you are noticing the effects of prevent his straying to someone taller, others dread fences; some merge, there’s kidnap, these contrasts. Good on you for doing thinner, richer, smarter . . . while others demand freedom. Good slavery or bondage. so. It can be difficult to see clearly in the So in those ways, gender plays a part, relationships require a balance of beginning of a new coupling. but only a part. Orientation matters, intimacy and independence, and each You have spotted a distinct dissimi- too. This examination forges in us couple’s needs are individual. Still . . . larity in your lovers’ attitudes toward an ownership of and responsibility Overriding all is each person’s atti- tude about the value of sex. It’s not easy becoming or remaining sex-positive in It’s not easy becoming or a culture that is so constipated about sexuality, especially other people’s! Hooking up remaining sex-positive in a So, regardless of how you interact in public with these two different individuals, When I find culture that is so constipated what is at stake is how their disparate myself exploring a attitudes can affect your sexual and dungeon party on about sexuality, especially interpersonal relationships. a Sunday afternoon, Generally, those who have tasted I know why I’m other people’s. freedom resent cages. And those who there. I’m on a attempt to extinguish another’s desire journey searching the role of sex. Your boyfriend takes for how we manage our personal and are, sadly, often successful. Watch your for those a friendly approach, embracing the interpersonal sexuality. Straight folks reactions to your girlfriend’s focused connections. arousal-boosting charge of acknowl- can dodge some of the steps of this in- attentions as well as your responses edging another’s appreciation of the trospection, bolstered as they are with to your boyfriend’s more expansive guy who is going home with him. He heteronormative cues along their way. approach. Can you appreciate both, does not view lust as a threat. Old versus new relationship dy- different though they may be? Your girlfriend, however, lives in a namics play here, too. You and your Monitor your comfort, rewards and different social world, where power boyfriend have established trust and costs. Absorb information, and learn distribution makes the rules distinct. security over your years together. He what works best for you. Women are held to unattainable com- knows where he stands with you. On petitive standards with other women the other hand, your new girlfriend is Have a question for Dr Ren? Email her for the attention of men. By the time still tentative regarding her place in at [email protected].

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14 JAN 15–28, 2015 XTRA! VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS This year: success. Whistler has kicked in $25,000 OutintheCity for the festival. WinterPride rebrands 16 Practical tips for Tomboy Survival Queer content at PuSh festival is slim but substantial

ONSTAGE MARK ROBINS

Though presenting only three queer shows — and all outside its main stage — might seem a bit thin, the quality in this year’s queer trio at the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is indisputable. Two of the three productions with queer con- tent will take place at Club PuSh, which features cutting-edge performances in a less formal, less traditional space. “It gives us a lot of leeway to bring smaller and more experimental shows to PuSh,” explains Veda Hille, one of the club’s cura- tors. “We’re really big on the inter-arts — people who are doing work that crosses boundaries with dance, theatre and music.” Hille is a big proponent of showcasing edgy new voices and experiences onstage, something she says never seems to be lacking in the queer submissions to the festival. “As far as edgy art goes, the queers have always led the way,” she says. “There is so much queer performance that it isn’t one area that we have to dig very far to fi nd great content.” One of the edgiest productions THE CHRISTEENE this year comes from Austin, MACHINE Texas, as Paul Soileau brings Thurs, Jan 22 & Fri, Jan 23 Performance Works his alter-ego Christeene to Club Granville Island PuSh, a character Spin magazine TOMBOY SURVIVAL describes as “a manic combina- GUIDE tion of Alice Cooper and Hedwig Fri, Feb 6 (of the Angry Inch).” The theat- Performance Works Granville Island rical incarnation of the persona From left: Pebbles Willekes, Alison Gorman, Ivan Coyote and Sally Zori star in Tomboy Survival Guide at Club PuSh. COURTESY OF IVAN COYOTE Soileau created five years ago HUMAN LIBRARY Fri, Jan 23–Sun, Feb 8 and has featured in music vid- Vancouver Public Library tips for tomboys, the Guide is the books covering a range of topics, such as Hitch- especially if the borrower has a burning question eos, The Christeene Machine Central Branch 350 W stage version of what will become a hiker and Autistic Actor, available for festival- they are looking to have answered.” stage version is more than sim- Georgia St book in 2016. goers to literally check out at the main branch of With a collection of up to 40 books available, ply music. pushfestival.ca “This is the guide that I wish I had the Vancouver Public Library. Deveau says there are a number with queer stories While partly scripted, the growing up,” says Coyote, who uses Conceived 15 years ago in Denmark, the Human to tell, like Bearded Drag Queen, the provocative show is also an improvised con- the gender-neutral pronoun they. Library mimics the book-borrowing experience Queer Islamaphobe and a currently untitled book versation Christeene has with her audience, “I can’t tell you the number of times I was told with a real live person, who not only provides a about violence in a gay male relationship. exploring the idea of queer assimilation in society it wasn’t ladylike or what I was doing wasn’t be- narrative on their topic, but will also answer any Deveau also urges community members to and using her own unique metaphor to resis- coming of a lady. When you can fi nally give up on questions the borrower might have about their branch out beyond the queer stories to check tance. “Christeene believes that everyone has a trying to be pretty, it can be a very freeing thing.” particular subject. out some of the other “books” too. “Born Again pony inside their belly,” Soileau says. “She wants The Guide is as practical as it is affirming. “It is part performance, part interaction,” Christian is one that many queers, like myself, you to understand that pony inside you, and then “There are so many skills that a tomboy needs to explains curator Dave Deveau who, with Zee Zee may fi nd very eye-opening,” he says. “Or Invisible ride those ponies down the street.” learn,” they say. “We even have a Stomp-inspired Theatre, is once again co-presenting the library. Minority, which could be very interesting, as there Also at Club PuSh is author Ivan Coyote’s latest number about how to tie a half-Windsor knot.” “Each ‘book’ will have prepared a short narra- is sometimes a commonality between an ethnic work, Tomboy Survival Guide. Combining Coy- Outside Club PuSh and returning for a third tive about their lives and why [they chose] their minority who is not particularly visible and queer ote’s storytelling prowess with music and practical year is the Human Library, a selection of human title. There is a potential for it to be interactive, people who are not out.”

MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 15–28, 2015 15 Censorship, meat cleavers and India’s trans mayor

dailyxtra.com Skiers and snowboarders enjoy a sunny day on the slopes at last year’s gay ski week in Whistler. GREGORY WHITING WinterPride rebrands Gay ski week secures new funding and big names

PRIDE some of those funds early so we could roster of DJs will spin at a succession PAT JOHNSON actually use the funds to augment some of parties; the UK DJ band Freemasons of our programming and drive more will also perform. A rebranded Whistler Pride and Ski business,” Nelson says. Nelson says the rebranding to the Festival will take place at the end of This year: success. Whistler has straightforward Whistler Pride and Ski January, with headliner comedian kicked in $25,000 for the festival, Festival came in part because there are Margaret Cho and a number of tweaks which has allowed organizers to book now at least a dozen events worldwide intended to spike participation and Cho as the headlining entertainment. dubbed Winter Pride — and not all of revenue. Crucially, Cho’s show takes place on them are gay. Some are just proud it’s The annual gay ski event, now in the festival’s Wednesday night, Jan 28, winter. its 23rd year, has morphed over time, which is meant to increase the length “To avoid brand confusion, we with various names, producers and of stay for attendees who might other- thought it’s better for us just to be changes to programming. Since 2006, wise have scooted up for only a couple more in control of our brand and, with Dean Nelson has run the event, in of days over one of the two weekends. partnership change, with Sunil coming collaboration with business partners. The festival runs Jan 24 to 31. on board as a full partner, there was This year Nelson’s company, Alpen- After two years of being rebuffed, an opportunity to redo the website glow Productions, partners with Sunil Nelson is thankful for and everything,” Nelson Sinha, of Big Roger Events, to produce the funding. says. “We decided this the renamed festival. “It definitely helps,” WHISTLER PRIDE AND is a good time to really SKI FESTIVAL The festival generates $9 million he says. “It helps reduce Sat, Jan 24–Sat, Jan 31 own the new name.” in economic activity and $300,000 the financial risk to us in gaywhistler.com Visitors to Nelson’s in tax revenue for the municipality of bringing huge headline ski week roughly tally Whistler, according to an economic artists like Margaret in, up as 40 percent Cana- impact study undertaken by the local so we’re really quite thrilled with it. Of dian, 40 percent American and 20 government. But in the past two years, course, we would’ve loved to have had percent international. Nelson says, the festival had been un- more funding, but for the first time out “One of our largest markets is actual- able to access funds the province gives and third time lucky in applying for the ly California,” Nelson says. “New York, to resort municipalities like Whistler funding, we’re pretty happy with it.” Florida, the UK, Australia — they’re all to promote tourism. Attendance is expected to at least really strong markets for us.” The problem, he says, is that ski match last year’s numbers of about The event also has a charitable week happens early in the year, before 3,000, though Nelson is hopeful that component. Last year, Nelson says, local governments learn what their new programming will draw more. In Whistler Pride guests contributed annual program allocations from the addition to Cho, who will be joined by $16,065.70 to organizations including province are. actress, comedian and burlesque per- the Rainbow Refugee Committee, Van- “We had to create a case for us to former Selene Luna, a mini film festival couver Frontrunners, Cutting Edges be able to apply for those funds and on the Monday and Tuesday nights will Hockey, Qmunity, the Vancouver Pride have the municipality try and release offer two features and a short. A long Society, Egale and others.

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MORE AT DAILYXTRA.COM XTRA! JAN 15–28, 2015 17 6–9pm. 8x6, 1775 Haro St. $12. vancouverjax.com Whistler Pride and Ski Festival — Caliente Night Junction presents Whistler, Sat, Jan 24–Sat, Jan 31 Latin beats, salsa lessons and DJ GREGORY WHITING Limon. 9pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. $5. junctionpub.com Mon, Jan 19 WHAT'S ON Senior Sessions at Generations FOR MORE LISTINGS, GO TO DAILYXTRA.COM Join other LGBT seniors the third Monday of every month Thurs, Jan 15 at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St or to chat, connect, socialize, notsostrictlyballroom.ca. play or learn something new. NSFW: Hip Hop Meets Striptease 3:30–5pm. Generations O ce, NSFW celebrates a year of down- Absolutely Drag-u-lous Carlotta Gurl and her guests regale the Room 610, 1033 Davie St. The and-dirty striptease with a variety workshop is limited to 10 LGBT show set to a hip hop and rap crowd every Saturday night with drag, live numbers, contests and people aged 55 and up. Email soundtrack. Doors 9pm, show 10pm. [email protected] to register. The Cobalt, 917 Main St. $12 advance more. Show 11pm. The Junction, Condom-Packing Party Join the at brownpapertickets.com, $15 door. 1138 Davie St. $5. junctionpub.com guys at the Health Initiative for Men nsfwvancouver.tumblr.com Sun, Jan 18 to help package condoms and lube for distribution to other gay guys. Fri, Jan 16 Beauty for Life Salons and spas in the Lower Mainland This social group is known for its AJ’s Café Gather with other lively conversation and donated HIV-positive gay men every Friday raise funds for Friends for Life. For more information, contact free meals. 6–9 pm. for this free group sponsored HIM o ce, by Positive Living BC. 3–6pm. [email protected] or visit beautycouncil.ca. Ste 310, 1033 The Junction Pub, 1138 Davie St. Davie St. female binary meets the fi rst and Chestnut St. Jan 21, 28 and Feb 4. positivelivingbc.org Vancouver Jax checkhimout.ca Sat, Jan 24 Join other guys who love third Monday of every month. vancouvermenschorus.ca Queer Women’s Book Club This Genderqueer This support Whistler Pride and Ski masturbating the third 6–7:30pm. Qmunity, 1170 Bute St. Bingo for Life A weekly free monthly book club for women Festival Celebrate community Sunday of and social group for people qmunity.ca. meets the third Friday of every extravaganza fi lled with brilliant on and o the slopes at this every month. who identify outside the male/ month at Qmunity’s library, Out Naked Yoga Nude Dude Yoga hosts prizes, cheap drinks and snappy winter festival, which runs until on the Shelves. New members a weekly class to help men develop drag queens. 8–10:30pm. Sat, Jan 31. See story on page 16. are welcome but asked to register greater awareness of their bodies. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. $10 gaywhistler.com 7:30–9pm. Club 8x6, 1775 Haro St. donation at door for bingo cards. by calling 604-684-5307 x112. Brain Teasers Valynne Vile, Miss 7–9pm. Qmunity, 1170 Bute St. $15 per class. Also runs Saturdays celebritiesnightclub.com 10–11:30am. 8x6.ca Dee Twenty and Sherry Hymen qmunity.ca Adore Delano RuPaul’s Drag Race present a variety show with music, Vancouver International Sketch Hominum This group for gay, star Adore Delano joins Valynne comedy, dancing, drag and more. Comedy Festival Our local Ryan bisexual and questioning men Vile, Jane Smoker and host Peter 7pm. Club 560, 560 Seymour St. and Amy Show and Kids in the Hall discusses the challenges of Breeze. 8pm. Fortune Sound $10. facebook.com/vanbrainteasers co-founder Kevin McDonald perform marriage, separation or single life. Club, 147 E Pender St. $30–75 at Meets every Monday, 7:30–9:30pm. fortunesoundclub.com. 16th Annual Gay Surrey Pageant at this weekend’s festival of Come say farewell to Mr Gay sketch comedy, which runs For info on meeting places and to Faux Girls Support the Dogwood register, go to hominum.ca. Surrey, Luc, and welcome the new until Sun, Jan 18. Waterfront Monarchist Society’s 43rd reign titleholders. Doors 7pm, pageant Theatre, 1412 Cartwright St, Queer Prov A little improv and enjoy a drag show hosted by 8pm. Olympia Pizza, 10257 King Granville Island. Schedule comedy starts your week o Emperor XLIII JJ Nation and Empress George Hwy, Surrey. Tickets ($20) and tickets — $15 per show, right. 8–9:30pm. 1181, 1181 XLIII Kiki Lawhore. 10pm. The and info at epama.ca/pageant.htm. $20 for evening pass — at Davie St. No cover. 1181.ca Junction, 1138 Davie St. $3 cover goes Out in Harmony Vancouver’s queer vancouversketchfest.com. to DMS charities. junctionpub.com Tues, Jan 20 choir presents its winter concert, Tomboy Turns One The Thurs, Jan 22 Perchance to Dream. 7:30pm. fi rst anniversary of this Men on Men A Unitarian Church of Vancouver, Timberline Dance There’s always monthly queer burlesque weekly discussion 949 W 49th Ave. $15 at Little a partner available and a lesson party is hosted by Mello group for men Sister’s, 1238 Davie St, but no one included with Vancouver’s gay Meg and features DJ who have sex turned away for lack of funds. country and western dance group. Kasey Riot, burlesque, with men. The outinharmony.org drag kings and more. facilitated, themed 7–9:30pm. St Paul’s Anglican Lost Girls Burlesque This month’s 10:30pm. Fox Cabaret, workshops aim to build Church, 1140 Jervis St. A portion of burlesque party features Diamond 2321 Main St. $8 at skills and encourage the recommended $10 donation Minx. Doors 8pm, show 9pm. eventbrite.ca. Search for lively interaction. Every at the door benefi ts A Loving Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main St. $13 at #Tomboy Vancouver on Tuesday, 6:30pm. Gordon Spoonful. timberlinedance.org lostgirls.brownpapertickets.com. Facebook. Neighbourhood House, 1019 Rainbow Refugee Committee Broughton St. This information and support group Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Sat, Jan 17 checkhimout.ca for LGBT people making refugee Carlo The world-famous Trocks present their take on classical ballet. Trans Gathering Join claims meets the fourth Thursday of 8pm. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 trans-identifi ed and Wed, Jan 21 every month. 7:30pm. Qmunity, 1170 Hamilton St. $29 at 604-684-2787 gender-variant folks to Gab Youth Drop-In A fun, Bute St. rainbowrefugee.ca or ticketstonight.ticketforce.com. connect, share, discuss and inclusive drop-in group for trockadero.org learn in a safe and supportive LGBT youth and their allies. Fri, Jan 23 environment. Signifi cant others Wednesdays, 4pm; Fridays, Amy Lives! A Screaming Weenie Glitter: Whistler Pride Opening and family are welcome. 1–3pm. 7pm. Qmunity, 1170 Bute St. Cabaret Delica C hosts this hip- Party Big Roger Events throws Qmunity, Room 610, 1033 Davie [email protected] hop themed cabaret honouring the the opening party for Whistler Pride here in Vancouver, with St. For more information, call Yoga in Surrey The Health late, great Amy Winehouse. DJs Abel and Del Stamp. 10pm. 604-684-5307 x100 or email Initiative for Men now o ers Doors 7:30pm, show 8pm. The FiveSixty, 560 Seymour St. $40 at [email protected]. drop-in yoga sessions every Junction, 1138 Davie St. $10 at ticketzone.com/whistlerpride. The Junk Yard A no-holes-barred week in Surrey. 7–8:30pm. HIM brownpapertickets.com or door. sex party on the fi rst, second and Health Centre, #220-10362 thefranktheatre.com third Saturday of every month. King George Hwy, Surrey. Flashback Indulge your nostalgia Sun, Jan 25 8pm–3am. Club 8x6, 1775 Haro St. checkhimout.ca for the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s and The Teabag Sessions DJ Ta Louis brings you a weekly tea-dance in $10, two-for-one before midnight. Vancouver Men’s Chorus their signature soundtracks. 8x6.ca 9–11pm. Heaven’s Door, 1216 Bute Gastown. 4–8pm. 303 Columbia, The Ryan and Amy Auditions Vancouver’s St. No cover. facebook.com/ 303 Columbia St. No cover. Not So Strictly Ballroom Party Show at Sketch Fest — talented, friendly gay heavensdoorevents 303columbia.ca Gigi teaches a free tango lesson at Waterfront Theatre, chorus invites you to a non- 8:45pm, and newcomers are always competitive audition. Bring Sun, Jan 18 welcome; no partner required. a song you’re prepared Submit your event listing to Stay for the dance party until RHONDA DENT to sing. 7:30–10pm. 11:30pm. Let’s Dance Studio, 927 Vancouver Academy [email protected]. Granville St. $12–15, sliding scale, of Music, 1270 Deadline for the Jan 29 issue is Wed, Jan 21.

18 JAN 15–28, 2015 XTRA! VANCOUVER’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS OUT IN HARMONY

PRESENTS

Nicola Hamilton Dan Lauterbach DIRECTOR ACCOMPANIST

# n e w s 24 JANUARY 2015 SATURDAY, 7:30 pm # a r t s Unitarian Church of Vancouver 949 W 49th Ave. wheelchair accessible # t r a v e l

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