OCTOBER 2011 ISSUE 96 • FREE magazine The Voice of Alberta’s LGBT Community Frankmusik Mixes It Up!
Ronnie Burkett Penny Plain marks 25 Years
The Gospel According to Kristin Chenoweth PLUS: Weekend Footloose Flogging Molly Photos from Calgary Pride ...and more! Scan to Read on Mobile Devices Gloria Estefan http://gettag.mobi Reaches out to the Gays Business Directory Community Maps Events Calendar Tourist Information STARTING ON PAGE 17 Calgary • Edmonton • Alberta www.gaycalgary.com 2 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Table of Contents OCTOBER 2011
Publisher: Steve Polyak 5 GayCalgary™’s Pride and Joy Editor: Rob Diaz-Marino Publisher’s Column Sales: Steve Polyak Design & Layout: Rob Diaz-Marino, Steve Polyak 8 Small Film, Big Heart Writers and Contributors Why Weekend isn’t just another gay movie Chris Azzopardi, Dallas Barnes, Dave Brousseau, Jason Clevett, Andrew Collins, Rob Diaz-Marino, Janine Eva Trotta, Jack Fertig, Glen Hanson, Joan Hilty, Evan Kayne, Stephen Lock, Allan Neuwirth, 10 Penny Plain Steve Polyak, Carey Rutherford, Romeo San 25th Year Marked with Apocalyptic Puppet Show
Vicente, Ed Sikov and the LGBT Community of 8 PAGE Calgary, Edmonton, and Alberta.
Photography 12 Bear Yoga Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino Videography 14 Resumé Padding with Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino a Gay Reality Show Printers Transcontinental Printing
Distribution 17 Directory and Events Calgary: Gallant Distribution, GayCalgary Staff Edmonton: Clark’s Distribution 23 Holding Bullies to Account Other: Canada Post
Legal Council Courtney Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors 24 Flogging Molly
Sales & General Inquiries 10 PAGE GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine 26 This Year’s Exposure Festival 2136 17th Avenue SW ‘Raucous’ and Affordable Fun Calgary, AB, Canada T2T 0G3 Office Hours: By appointment ONLY 27 ‘Footloose’: So Much Gayer Phone: 403-543-6960 Toll Free: 1-888-543-6960 Than You Thought Fax: 403-703-0685 Director and star on updating a classic, its subliminal gayness and the E-Mail: [email protected] making of a new heartthrob This Month's Cover Frankmusik, photo by: Jam Sutton. Ronnie Burkett, photo by: Sean Dennie. Kristin Chenoweth, photo by: Jeremy Cowart. 30 Deep Inside Hollywood Gloria Estefan, photo by: Jesus Cordero. 31 Cocktail Chatter Proud Members of: Irene – a Category 5 Cocktail 14 PAGE 32 The Gospel According to Edmonton Rainbow Business Association Kristin Chenoweth Singer talks country music, queers and Christians
International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association 34 The Return of Movember 35 Cazwell Comes to Calgary NYC Bad Boy DJ Plays Saturday at Club Sapien National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association PAGE 27 PAGE Continued on Next Page www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 3 Table of Contents
Continued From Previous Page 36 Out of Town Michigan Vacation: Saugatuck, Ann Arbor & Detroit Magazine Figures 38 Fundraising Photos Monthly Print Quantity: 9,000–11,000 copies Guaranteed Circulation: 8,500 copies 43 A Couple of Guys Bonus Circulation: 500–2,500 copies
Readership 44 Bitter Girl Readers Per Copy: 4.9 (PMB) Print Readership: >41,650 Avg. Online Circulation: 150,000 readers Estimated Total Readership:
PAGE 32 PAGE 46 Gloria Reaches Out >191,650 readers to the Gays Frequency: Monthly The Queen of Latin Pop talks conservative upbringing, gay marriage Proof of monthly figures are and controversial Target deal available on request. Distribution Locations: Calgary: 160, Edmonton: 120 48 Monoceros Other Alberta Cities: 15 Suicide, Grief, and Unicorns Other Provinces: 35 United States: 15 Please call us if your establishment would 49 Frankmusik Mixes It Up like to become a distribution location. Pop music-maker on ‘restricted’ straight guys, teaming with Erasure History and getting naked for the gays Originally established in January 1992 as Men for Men BBS by MFM Communications. Name changed to PAGE 46 PAGE 52 Chelsea Boys GayCalgary in 1998. Independent company as of January 2004. First edition of GayCalgary.com Magazine published 53 Queer Eye November 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary and 60 Classified Ads Edmonton Magazine. Disclaimer and Copyright 62 Q Scopes Opinions expressed in this magazine are specific to the author, and do not Get rocking, Scorpio! necessarily reflect those of GayCalgary staff and contributors. Those involved in the making of this publication, whether advertisers, contributors, or the subjects of articles Scan for Scan for or photographs, are not necessarily gay, this Issue Latest Issue lesbian, bisexual, or trans. This magazine also includes straight allies and those who PAGE 49 PAGE are gay friendly. http://gettag.mobi No part of this publication may be reprinted or modified without the expressed written http://www.gaycalgary.com/RSS permission of the editor or publisher.
Articles • Recent News • Prize Draws • Events • Travel Info Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. GayCalgary is a registered trademark. http://www.gaycalgary.com/Twitter Follow us on Twitter for articles, weekly news and updates! Nov 2011 Print Deadlines Ad Booking: Thu, Oct 27th http://www.gaycalgary.com/Facebook http://www.gaycalgary.com/FacebookFan Submission: Mon, Oct 31st Join us on Facebook for articles, weekly news and updates! In Circulation: Thurs, Nov 3rd Please contact us immediately if http://www.gaycalgary.com/i96 you think you may have missed the booking or submission deadline. PAGE 53 PAGE More articles and exclusive content online!
4 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Editorial GayCalgary™’s Pride and Joy Publisher’s Column
By Rob Diaz-Marino, MSc. these days, but I definitely felt the pull...I might have gotten into the fray September was a reasonably quiet month, aside from if it weren’t for my photo duties. On the other hand, I was glad to not be the spikes of community activity that were Calgary Pride hurting so much the next morning. and the AIDS Walks across Alberta. The Street Festival was held at Shaw Millennium Park, rather than Calgary Pride took place on the September long weekend, right at Olympic Plaza where it has been for the past several years. While there the beginning of the month. This year’s focus was inclusion of the T was some resistance to the change during early discussions (as there in LGBT. Along that vein, attendees of the Pride Dance on Friday were always is), it was difficult to argue that it wasn’t a good move after seeing treated to an awesome performance by The Clicks – talented headman the outcome. Lucas Silveira is a trans man. The only bearing that this change of venue had on the Parade was I was certainly excited. I’m definitely a fan of their music, as was that it went the opposite direction along 8th Avenue. We were treated apparent from the glowing music review I wrote on their first album to another healthy length parade with a great variety of colourful floats Snakehouse several years ago. It has been a while since I’ve listened and walkers – in fact, organizers estimate the parade was 50% longer to it, but the tunes and lyrics came back to me quite readily. I was than the previous year. While the Calgary Flames didn’t march as many definitely proud to see how far the group has come, and excited to of us had been told, their street team showed face with a vehicle in the witness them live for the first time. Parade. Mayor Nenshi didn’t disappoint as parade marshal, and had supportive and encouraging words for us all when he made his speech The dance was well attended, with 350 tickets sold, according to at the Street Festival. organizers. It certainly wasn’t a male-dominated event, but that’s okay because the boys got their chance to party the next night at the much The weather that Sunday morning was gorgeous, and Shaw anticipated Pure PRIDE dance. Millennium Park provided a huge open area for people to frolic in front of the stage, or sit and rest on the green grass. The vendor tents skirted the The obvious pun was that Flames Central became FlamERS Central south and west edges of the park, and we certainly gave out a schwack of for the night. A predominantly male crowd packed the dance floor and magazines at our booth. Of all the booths that we operate to promote the surrounding area solid. Those who waited till that day to buy their magazine at different events throughout the year, I seem to enjoy Pride’s tickets were simply out of luck – organizers estimate they had to turn the most – everyone is in such a happy mood and it’s easy to get into away over 700 hopeful people at the door to favour actual ticket holders. friendly conversations even with complete strangers. By the end of the There were some fantastic onstage performances, awesome lights and day my face hurt from smiling so much, but that only made me want to visuals, and hundreds of sweaty shirtless men! I’m not much of a dancer
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 5 smile more. Organizers estimate anywhere between 13,000 and 20,000 people came out to celebrate that day. Online Last Month (1/2) The new Beer Garden area at the park was a real hit. It consisted Calgary Dyke March - Video Footage of a circular courtyard area with a spiral ramp along its back edge that Video footage from the Calgary Dyke March made for a great viewpoint out over the park and toward the stage. on Saturday, September 3rd, 2011. Organizers were able to get this area licensed for double the number of www.gaycalgary.com/a2458 people from last year’s beer garden, but that still wasn’t enough as there was a substantial line up to get in. It was quite a lively party out in the Calgary Pride Parade - Video Footage Video footage from the Calgary Pride Parade on sun, and as if they hadn’t gotten enough from the night before, more shirtless guys! Sunday, September 4th, 2011. www.gaycalgary.com/a2459 While there’s always room for improvement, the board and volunteers of Pride Calgary Planning Committee really deserve kudos for their Carlos Santana King of Solos efforts this year, and things look even brighter for the future. For all Santana is at an odd point in his career. of us at GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine, as a sponsor of Pride Although the August 29th concert at the through thick and thin, it was very gratifying (if not a little emotional) for Saddledome was far from full, at about 7,000 us to see how far they have come. people, he still draws... www.gaycalgary.com/a2373 The AIDS Walks As I’m sure we all know, AIDS Calgary and HIV Edmonton hold No-Frills Godsmack A annual AIDS Walks in their respective cities. I spent a sunny Sunday Great Rock Concert morning the weekend of the 18th on my own in Edmonton to cover “Check this out. No video, no pyro, just us, you, theirs. While the walkers were away, I had a chance to relax and poke and some good old fashioned fucking rock n’ around the vendor tents at Sir Winston Churchill Square, and even take roll baby!” Those were the words of... some artistic photos around City Hall. www.gaycalgary.com/a2461 After about an hour the walkers returned and gathered on the stone Josh Groban Lays On The Charm steps for a very wide group shot. Us guys with cameras had to retreat Oh Josh Groban. You are so lovely. The 30 year nearly to the other side of the square to fit everyone in. The total was old pop-opera singer has become loved for two announced on stage: $116,222, a new record for the organization. reasons - his incredible voice, and his sense... The Saturday morning of the following weekend, Steve and I made www.gaycalgary.com/a2462 our way up to Red Deer to check out their AIDS Walk. It was our first time attending it, in fact, our first time sponsoring it too. As things were Calgary’s Mayor Nenshi getting set up before the walk, Steve asked one of the organizers, “So do shows his Pride you have about a hundred people that show up?” She laughed. It’s a lot Calgary’s mayor Naheed Nenshi made history smaller than what we know from Calgary or Edmonton, plus it seemed as the first of the city’s mayors to marshal the there was so much other stuff happening that day. We practically had Pride Parade this past September 4th... to plough through a busy farmer’s market to get to the park where the www.gaycalgary.com/a2464 AIDS Walk was held. But in the end it was a beautiful day, a chance to meet people face to face and show our support. Blind Date Sends In The Clones The day after, Steve and I had a booth at Calgary’s AIDS Walk where Show has Calgary warm up before tour we spent another sunny Sunday morning taking photos, enjoying I have a confession to make. I am addicted to performances, and cheering on walkers. Another excellent event, raising the show Blind Date. No, not the TV show with a grand total of $171,834! the corny thought bubbles, but the... www.gaycalgary.com/a2465 Some Calgary Culture For how busy we are, Steve and I rarely get the opportunity to see the Ke$ha Brings Glitter And latest productions by the many theatre groups in Calgary that we deal Sleaze To The Dome with. Last month however, we were invited to Media night for Theatre Pride has nothing on Ke$ha. Just days after Calgary’s production of Tosca Café. While the production has already glitter decorated the streets of Calgary during wrapped up as of October 2nd, I still want to say what a great job and it’s Pride festivities, Ke$ha brought her... beautiful story Theatre Calgary brought to the stage. Prior to the show, www.gaycalgary.com/a2463 Theatre Calgary was excited to announce that they had already exceeded their expectations for season ticket sales. Our theatre-going readers Book Marks should definitely check out what’s to come this season, if you haven’t The Two Krishnas already. The Two Krishnas, by Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla. Magnus Books, 348 pages, $14.95 paper. A GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine was proud to sponsor the closeted husband, an unsuspecting wife... Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) again this year. We were in www.gaycalgary.com/a2473 attendance for the opening gala movie, and the two LGBT theme movies that we sponsored. An Ordinary Family was a sweet, honest and heart- Creep of the Week: Sally Kern warming film. Cloudbursts was a raucous good time, with Olympia Haters gon’ hate, am I right? And Dukakis doing an amazing job of playing an abrasive but lovable lesbian according to Oklahoma State Rep. with great lines like, “If that dress were any shorter, you’d need another Sally Kern, the most hateful thing you hair net!” If you missed them, I highly recommend you keep an eye out. can say to a gay person is that... www.gaycalgary.com/a2474
Hear Me Out Barbra Streisand, Joss Stone What Matters Most Five decades into her career and Barbra Streisand still doesn’t need much else to sell a song than her voice... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2507 www.gaycalgary.com/a2479 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments
6 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Online Last Month (2/2) The OutField Austin Snyder’s long run There are three keys to documentary filmmaking: a good subject, a good story line and good luck. Scott Bloom found all three. His goal... www.gaycalgary.com/a2482
The 12th Annual Calgary International Film Fest Makes a Multi Red Carpet Launch This past Wednesday, fondue, gherkins, and Wurst champagne delivered by towering, square-coiffed babes, marked the launch of this year’s... www.gaycalgary.com/a2490
Creep of the Week: Rick Santorum I have to admit, Rick Santorum has good reason not to like gay people. I mean, with the help of Dan Savage, one of the leaders of the Homosexual Cabal... www.gaycalgary.com/a2477
Deep Inside Hollywood Darren Criss succeeds in Business and with Bridesmaids It’s good to be Darren Criss right now. Gleeks already know the news that the New Directions collective fantasy of starring in a Broadway show will... www.gaycalgary.com/a2478
Out of Town New Orleans New Orleans has long ranked among the top destinations in the United States for gay travelers - it’s been the case for decades, and even following... www.gaycalgary.com/a2481
Hear Me Out David Guetta, Natalia Kills David Guetta, Nothing But the Beat David Guetta has a way of bringing out the best in his collaborators, as he did with Kelly Rowland’s “When... www.gaycalgary.com/a2480
10 Tips for Cheap (But Fun!) Travel This past week, my boyfriend and I wanted to embark on a fun, easy and cheap getaway. Since I live in Rhode Island, we were sold on the idea of a short... www.gaycalgary.com/a2483
True Love Lies a fantastic kick off to ATP Season In 1989, a production of Brad Fraser’s Unidentified Human Remains And The True Nature of Love ran at Alberta Theatre Projects. 22 years later the acclaimed... www.gaycalgary.com/a2505
Cazwell Comes to Calgary If I was a gay boy my new love would be Cazwell, AKA the best thing to happen to the NYC party scene in the last five years. Luckily for all... www.gaycalgary.com/a2506
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 7 Interview
Photos by IFC Films
boyfriend ways; Russell (Cullen), the sweet and semi-closeted one, isn’t nearly as freewheeling as Glen, even finding it Small Film, Big Heart awkward to recount their first drunken sex shenanigans. Really, the only thing about them that’s the same is their scruff. But for all their differences, both are two of the most relatable Why Weekend isn’t just another gay movie characters in gay film. “I’m probably somewhere in between the two of them,” Haigh By Chris Azzopardi attests. “When I’m angry, I’m more like Glen; when I’m not, I’m more like Russell. I’m certainly not as dogmatical as Glen.” Gay films once overlooked how much we’re actually like Says New: “There are a lot of people who are quite similar to everybody else. We live, we hurt, we love. And we don’t (Glen) who have had some sort of difficulties. I mean, it’s a hard all know people who look ready-made for the runway. thing to say now, because there are so many different ways for But director Andrew Haigh’s Weekend is the latest in a flood of people to grow up being gay. It’s not just you’re in the closet and queer cinema that know we’re just as capable of loving, hurting suddenly you come out of the closet and everybody hates it.” and screwing up as any character in a mainstream movie. It’s In the last few years, after 2005’s Brokeback Mountain set the refreshingly outside-the-box with real-people characters who gay-movies-don’t-have-to-suck standard in motion, filmmakers don’t live in some fabricated world where they only speak in have tapped into a treasure trove of tales involving LGBT people dick jokes and only six-packs and a spray tan get you some. that haven’t been done to death – many released to critical “I didn’t think too much about the other gay films out there,” kudos. Last year’s The Kids Are All Right, awarded a Golden says Haigh, whose only other movie credit is 2009’s Greek Pete. Globe for Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy), looked at “I suppose in my head I made the film not thinking it was going family dynamics when the children of a lesbian couple want to to be seen alongside all the other gay films in the world. All I reach out to their sperm donor dad. Harvey Milk’s legacy was wanted to do was make a good film on its own merit and not fall at the center of Gus Van Sant’s 2008 Oscar winner Milk. The into the clichés of a lot of gay films.” next year, style icon Tom Ford made his directorial debut – an Oh, so it was made in opposition to them? artistic masterpiece according to many critics – with A Single “Yeah, maybe only in retrospect,” admits the British director, Man, starring Colin Firth as a gay man contemplating suicide who carefully picked the film’s setting (the story is set in after his partner’s sudden death. Nottingham instead of the what-might-be-more-typical London) Now, Weekend joins the ranks of admired gay cinema. After and leads, relatively unknowns Chris New and Tom Cullen. being screened at the SXSW Film Festival, the indie walked Far from twinky, New and Cullen, as Glen and Russell away as the Audience Award Winner. “To be honest, it’s crazy,” respectively, engage with each other – sexually, intellectually Haigh says, flustered even just acknowledging it. “I don’t even and emotionally – over a brief period of 48 hours, after meeting like to think about that because it’s almost too odd for me. We at a bar on a Friday night. That’s it. The whole plot. And it’s made the film for not much money, and you don’t know if it’s a romantic slice-of-life that will stay with you longer than a going to resonate for anybody. I thought it’d be just my mom weekend. who’d see it!” How we affect each other, even in brief encounters, is at the New couldn’t be happier over all the positive buzz, which isn’t core of Haigh’s realistically powerful rumination on human just building in the gay community – or among moms. “One connection. In fact, Glen and Russell’s bond is so evident it’d of the best things about it is that it hasn’t been a totally gay make Jack and Ennis envious. audience,” says the British actor. “We never even dreamed that people would go see it, but to have a proper release and to have “It’s about two people muddling through things and just not such good word of mouth is really surprising – and across all quite sure what to do and how to be,” Haigh says. “I suppose it’s ages, all sexes, all sexualities. just about the confusion of things. “Andrew told the story so well that all or any impediment “There are a lot of people who don’t quite understand gay just sort of falls away, because the story’s so strong. I mean, people and gay relationships, but we are all struggling with you don’t go, ‘Only beasts and pretty French girls would go see some of the same issues, as well – whether you’re gay, straight, Beauty and the Beast.” bisexual or whatever.” It was Haigh’s intention all along. “I always wanted it to The stubborn and fearlessly bold Glen (New) is experiencing be a film that wasn’t just for a gay audience,” he says, “and post-relationship damage that leaves him set in his anti-
8 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com that’s important to me, “I wanted these because even though it’s characters to feel very about two gay people – I real. They’re spending never wanted to pretend this short amount of time it wasn’t and not water together, and I think it down to a straight they would discuss all of audience – I still wanted these things that go on it to be acceptable to a in their heads as a way wider group of people.” to get to know each other So don’t worry: and define themselves to There’s sex, and the each other.” guys get naked like To critics who say there’s not a camera in there’s too much sight. Thankfully there chitchat, who say show was, though – because don’t tell, Haigh adds: both gents can’t only “I’ve never really kind of act, but they look good understood that, because doing it. New wasn’t in real life people talk a sure about all the lot. So it seems good to nudity at first, though me to put that on screen Haigh assured him it wouldn’t be unwarranted nakedness. sometimes. Because people do talk.” The actor laughs. “But it was to me because, you know, They do, and many of them are talking about the sexuality of it’s me! But no, I think the balance is right – both in the way one of the actors, Cullen, who’s actually straight. Heterosexuals emotions are shared and all the other ways in the film. It never flip-flopping is nothing new in film (Heath Ledger and Jake goes too far.” Gyllenhaal did it in “Brokeback Mountain”), but Haigh’s already We do, however, see Russell’s post-climax stuff all over his getting hell for it. tummy. It’s not what you think, though. The trick? Handsoap. “We didn’t really want to say to anyone who was gay in real life “That’s it,” Haigh says. “We did lot of tests to find what looked and who was not, but obviously the question comes up so many the most appropriate. Soap was always the one we used, but times that in the end you just have to be honest,” he says, “and it getting the right color soap (was the issue) – because sometimes it usually pisses off someone. Some people are like, ‘Why didn’t you looks a bit too white, sometimes it’s a bit too yellow. It’s gotta be use two gay characters?’ You just go with the best people.” a little bit off-white.” Similarly, he’s getting flack for the way Glen and Russell meet “We shouldn’t tell people these tricks!” New says. (at a bar), engage (in a bathroom) and then end up (in bed). The film addresses the difficulties of meeting other gay people, and so Orgasm fakers, though, might find it handy. does Haigh, who defends their encounter: “That’s how I did it, and “Right!” he says. “Just grab soap and throw it on your partner: I think when you’re gay you don’t have so many opportunities to ‘See, loads!’” meet people. You kind have to go to bars to meet people” – or fire Soapy sex or not, it was still awkward when it came to, well, up Grindr, as the film notes – “so it’s an inevitable part of gay life shooting those scenes – even though they weren’t the hardest. for a lot of people.” “Tom is straight, but he had no problem at all with those But Cullen and New’s onscreen connection is so powerfully scenes,” Haigh says. “They were in the script. Everyone knew they magnetic, breaking through all sexuality barriers, that Weekend were going to happen. And they were just as difficult for Chris as doesn’t just feel restricted to gay life. Just life in general. they were for Tom. And they were fine. They were more nervous “It’s a part of human interaction,” says New, who recently about the big dialogue scenes than they were doing sex scenes.” married his partner. “We meet people and some people have very Those conversational scenes were worked out at the apartment strong effects on us and some don’t, but those strong effects are the two of them shared, where Cullen and New stayed for the the ones we remember.” month-long shoot. (“Longer than a weekend,” Haigh quips.) The Even if just for a Weekend. film was unusually shot in sequence, allowing for spontaneity and, in Haigh’s case, sanity. “It’s just the way my brain works,” he says. “I find it quite stressful shooting completely out of order.” http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2508 It also helped the actors live out the experience of the relationship as if it were actually happening, though New admits how bizarre it View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments is to go between make-believe and real life. “It’s very strange, actually, because you kind of feel as if you’ve got a very strong connection but know at the same time you don’t; it’s only pretent,” New says. “It’s a very strange thing that your mind does to you.” But it was worth some insanity – and not just because New was all about the script. He and Haigh also clicked immediately. “What really got me into the film was when I met Andrew,” he recalls. “We just got deep very, very quickly.” The film does as well, with intense chats – and sometimes heated arguments – on same-sex marriage and being openly gay. One particularly touching scene involves Glen role-playing Russell’s dad, as if they were reenacting a coming-out. “The gay struggle, if you want to call it that, changes as new issues arise,” Haigh says, “and I think it’s good to discuss those issues on the screen. I’m sure a lot of people have those same kind of discussions in their own lives.
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 9 Penny Plain 25th Year Marked with Apocalyptic Puppet Show
Photos courtesy of ATP
By Jason Clevett Those who have been longtime fans of Burkett saw a major “Who’d think? It is kind of stunning honestly. When I started change in style in his last show Billy Twinkle: Reqium for a on that ATP stage 25 years ago I don’t think they or I thought Golden Boy. Penny Plain returns to the style he became known that this would hit. There wasn’t really an audience or circuit for. for that sort of thing. The fact that people kept coming back is “Billy is very specific in my mind in it being different, there why we have a 25th anniversary, it could have been a very clever was a lot more me down there and it was brighter, fresher, a one or five year experiment otherwise. What is even scarier is I more in-your-face performance. Near the end of Billy Twinkle realized I started doing shows for cash around Alberta when I I wasn’t disliking the show but I realized that it had perhaps was 14 so it is 40 years of being a working puppeteer and 25 for been a little sideways step to try something different. Ultimately the Theatre of Marionettes. That kind of depressed me.” I wanted to get back to what I think I do best, and Penny Plain Ronnie Burkett is on the phone from Edmonton, on an off day is that on a bunch of levels. At first glance, the puppets forBilly from his new show Penny Plain playing at the Citadel Theatre. looked like puppets with big heads and moving eyes, I wanted The show, receiving rave reviews, was created to mark 25 years to get back to the naturalistic proportions and delicacy that of his Theatre of Marionettes. The company has spawned shows I started doing with Tinka and Street of Blood. Penny Plain is like Tinka’s New Dress, Streets of Blood, Happy and Ten Days back to that design of marionette that I feel happiest with. I was On Earth, as well as multiple awards and accolades. Much like a so present all the time in Billy I wanted to get out of the way parent, Burkett is challenged to pick a favorite in the 25 years. and do a show where the puppets got all the focus. This is a “I think each one was what came out of me at the time. I bridge show where I am up above and the bridge is the highest have never been that guy who had a marketing mind where I I have ever done so the strings are stupidly long, so I can step would build up the strength of something that really worked. If out of their realm a bit more. This show is a weird, funny look I was more clever or Cirque du Ronnie I would have done Tinka at darkness which is what I tend to do. It is the last three days Returns, Son of Tinka, that sort of thing what hit really well of mankind but there are huge laughs in this show. So I guess and worked. Each show is specific and a reaction to what I was you could say, I’m baaaaack.” thinking at the time. I don’t know if I could do a show like Street Twinkle ran at Alberta Theatre Projects in the spring of 2010, of Blood now because it was so of its time, talking about the creating a show that was a lot of work, but worth it, Burkett blood crisis in Canada and the rise of the then reform party. It said. seemed to have a place in time as the others did. I think Tinka “Billy closed last fall in Toronto on Halloween. So it was less was the one where things kind of changed and there was more than a year to opening Penny Plain. I had started preliminary of a direction of what I did and what I could do.” work on this show last summer, all the design work and
10 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com principal sculpture was “What I am doing is done. Then I had to put trying to get your focus it down and do Billy down into this little because it was such world. The first five an exhausting show to minutes of the show is do every night and a the audience going who long, hugely successful is up there, what has run. The minute Billy he got in his hand, how stopped, I had to take does that walk. There is off the hat I had been always that opening few wearing for a couple of minutes of getting used years, performing guy, to the form. Hopefully and go back into getting if the storytelling is up at 5:30 and being good enough after workshop guy. It was a everybody has digested pretty abrupt dive back the mechanics of what into building all these is going on they go into puppets. This is a big the story. If there is show, it has 35 puppets a disruption, or even in it which is more than an intermission to sell Billy had.” twizzlers and wine in the Burkett has mastered the ability to make puppets do lobby then we all have to go back to square one and everything unbelievable things, a trend continuing with Penny Plain. He is broken. That is primarily the reason. It isn’t my arrogance, it admits sometimes what he conceptualizes just won’t work but is out of courtesy to the other 299 patrons who actually thought when it does, it is magical. to pee before, or had the decency to just pee into their pants “One of the first images I had was of an old man walking and sit there and be wet.” across the stage with a suitcase, putting it down, taking a In writing a preview or review of a show like Penny Plain the marionette out of it, doing a little show, and picking up the challenge becomes not giving anything away. There are many suitcase. I had it in my brain for years until we were actually twists and surprises and creative moments that are remarkable building the show and I thought, that’s stupid, we can’t do that!” and shouldn’t be spoiled. So it is best left to the man himself to The rest of it was pretty straightforward. I had done so much describe the show. work on this script and so many readings across the country, “I think ATP used every word I gave them as an option for so I had a real handle on the story and the script and a straight their marketing. A dark apocalyptic gothic comedy thriller. It ahead view of what we were building in the studio. I worked so is kind of all of those things; it is a Fantasia on the end of much on the script all year that when we were building we all mankind. It is set in a rooming house run by a blind lady and it knew what that character and costume we had to do. There was is the collapse of civilization and we witness the last three days a lot of collaboration and discussion about everything we were through characters living in the rooming house. It is funny and building and I really, really liked that.” dark and despairing and kind of hopeful in a weird way.” Also important in creating the show was the workshop process, which saw Burkett do a read through of the script in Calgary in March. It helps streamline the process to the actual show. Penny Plain in Edmonton “What it is now is a leaner version of what you heard, after we spent a week just editing and doing timing of scenes. When Citadel Theatre – Until October 8th we started rehearsals in Edmonton I thought it was the finished www.citadeltheatre.com script, but I made edits every day. It is a leaner version, there is not a lot of fluff in this one. I was reminded that the first Penny Plain in Calgary preview for Street of Blood in Winnipeg went two hours and Alberta Theatre Projects – October 18th to November 6th forty-five minutes. That made my jaw drop. Penny Plain comes www.atplive.com in at one hour and thirty-nine minutes. So I have learned how to shave off that time and still tell a good story. “ If you have tickets, give yourself plenty of time to make it to http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2509 the theatre, the shows have a no late or re-entry policy. View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 11 Community
to meditate, and in meditating to achieve a state of samadhi, which is that union with the divine, or the higher self, or the collective unconscious.” Bear Yoga If it sounds like there’s a whole bunch of other stuff going on besides the image I get of people sitting on mats, sunlight streaming past their placid features, while their body is By Carey Rutherford pretzeled into unimaginable knots. And I’m right. Chris McBain runs Bear Yoga, but it’s not like he’s the “In fact, in the most ancient Vedic CEO or anything like that. After all, his subtitle and tag scriptures, there are only really three line for the company is “The Travellin’ Yogi: There’s no physical postures described in yoga. place like OM.” It’s only really in the last 200 In that persona, he instructs me about the niceties of Vedic years that you see the hundreds Yoga history before we’ve even really introduced ourselves. He of postures come into play, is definitely a teacher at heart, and all that poetic biographical more accurately in the last history stuff on his website appears to be genuine. 100 years, especially when “I provide consulting and workshops to organizations, to local yoga came to the west.” fitness groups, gyms around the city, tourist organizations, and But Chris cautions that I also provide substitute teaching to local yoga studios.” this doesn’t mean that the Chris fleshes out the details of that poetic biography, and physical maneuvering is any his unguided, unending, search. He personifies the ‘hungry less of a connection to the more ghost’ of Buddhist philosophy, searching for enlightenment metaphysical purposes from everywhere and anywhere, changing countries and jobs and which yoga originated. social environments in the pursuit of what he eventually “In the physical practice describes as a self-acceptance. of yoga - hatha yoga - ”When we talk about what yoga is, (it) is an ancient Vedic ‘ha’ means ‘sun’, ‘tha’ science of uniting the mind, body and spirit. So I guess my means ‘moon’, and the journey has happened since the beginning of my life, because literal translation is the of the hunger I have had; in searching for meaning: that union, unification of the masculine that completeness. So to define yoga in its broadest terms, I’ve and feminine energies that been practicing since I was a wee baby.” are inside every person.” Chris explains that Hatha And this is not just because of his pursuit of some kind of yoga encompasses all physical perfection, by any means. modern variations of “When we hear ‘yoga’, people often think of this workout, the physical expression but it’s much broader than that… There’s Bhakti yoga which of yogic exercise, is devotional yoga (everything from meditation to prayer to “whether it’s yin yoga religious activities); there’s also karma yoga, which is the yoga or kundalini yoga, of selfless service. These (two forms) are the bedrock of Indian ashtanga yoga or power spirituality. They form what Indians would say is the truest yoga, or even dude yoga, it’s all of all yogas, because the physical practice of yoga began in hatha: physical. Vedic tradition as a means of preparing the mind and body
12 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com “If you’ve ever seen ashtanga yoga, where people are moving really fast, and they’re sweating their brains out…they’re engaging tapas, which is a heat that builds in your body, a fire, and it burns off all of that monkey energy where your mind is racing and you can’t concentrate. And by the end you’re able to sit, and there’s just a stillness and a contentment that happens.” So where does Bear Yoga fit into all of this? “It’s for gay, bi, trans men of the beefy/hairy variety! I’m not a skinny little yogi, and that’s a misconception: that you have to be this perfect athlete with the V shape to engage in yoga and reach its benefits. There is a benefit to yoga that can reach anybody and everybody. “I came into yoga, maybe like every gay man, with a negative self- perception. We talk about women’s struggles with social perceptions and societal pressures creating eating disorders and the like, but gay men also face that… And so when I first engaged yoga I thought I was fat, I thought I was ugly, whether consciously Bear Yoga or not. But as I started to engage with yoga with intention, I Call 587-987-3768 for details. started to love my body just as it was. And I started to love myself, just as I was. And I don’t have a V! I’ve got a U!” “Yoga taught me to love myself.” http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2510 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 13 Resumé Padding with a Gay Reality Show
Photos courtesy of OUTtv
By Evan Kayne are, but most of them are just guys, and they’re trying to do The reality show Don’t Quit Your Gay Job (DQYGJ) is in their job.” the middle of its second season on OUTtv. At first glance In the episode with the VPD, the boys had to walk a fine you might assume the set-up is gay guys try to do a job line between cheerleading and behaving as people who have a not traditionally known for employing gay men but it’s lot of power over the average citizen. Sean and Rob know they more than that. As Rob Easton, one of the two stars wouldn’t YYY actually ever apply to work as an officer, but going of the show puts it, “gay people are everywhere doing through training and working with the VPD did give them an everything.” Whether it be bus drivers, models, hockey understanding of what some officers go through, and why they players, police officers or strippers. might seem like “assholes” when in reality they are just doing their job. “They’re kind of trained that way...to be authority For those who have seen the first season, you may notice figures...I think shit disturbers like me and Sean...we wouldn’t a different feel with the second . Rob told me, “as far as Sean do well in that kind of situation,” Rob admitted. and I as hosts, we definitely know what we’re doing now. We have our shtick. We also kind of know our characters...We’re Sean did find it interesting the VPD actually reached out to portrayed in a certain light. Both Sean and I have embraced DQYGJ, as the gay community and police forces traditionally who we are in our show, and what our roles are, and what we have had a rocky relationship. “For them in Vancouver to can do to make it a better, more polished product.” actually have a Hate Crimes squad that was launched within the last few years and then now actually reaching out to a gay It’s like any TV show, Rob continued. Much like how the television show (to) drive up gay recruitment in the force...it’s first episode of Sex and the City was different from those in pretty cool...I was flattered to be part of that.” subsequent seasons, the first episodes of DQYGJ were different. Rob and Sean were nervous about the show and filming. Now, As for the show itself, it’s fun to watch, not just because of the “The nerves aren’t to do with the television anymore or the comedic interplay between Sean and Rob, but also because it’s cameras, it’s to do with whether we’re going to die getting body not what you might expect. DQYJB plays more like a Canadian slammed in a wrestling ring.” version of “the Simple Life” with politer, better looking hosts. Unlike Paris and Nicole, they actually do look like they are Sean Horlor, the other host of the show, added, “I think part trying to accomplish the tasks and are even enjoying it. of the change that happened is when we started working with the police and the extreme wrestlers, they’ve had a chance to As to how they decide which jobs to do, Sean said, “Rob and I look at the episodes from the first season and they sort of came sit down and we get the first pick...a big part of why we created in as well realizing we are a reality comedy show. That helped it and wanted to be involved is to go out and try those things change the tone because it didn’t have to be as serious because that we’re interested in. I always find that going into these jobs they knew what to expect.” I have a feeling whether I’d want to do them or not.” Of course, in a reality show where you try on a different Adding to the tension, not only do they have to accomplish occupation for a week, there are some things you learn that the job competently, they are competing against each other. change your perception of a job. This certainly happened in The first season saw Rob and Sean evenly tied as to who was the episode where the boys worked with the Vancouver Police the better drag queen/model/stripper (etc.); and so far in the Department (VPD). second season Rob has a slight lead. “I think with the police, at least with me, a lot of people have Besides all the jobs they try out for the show, they don’t have this idea that all cops are assholes,” Rob said. “Some of them to worry about their real occupation as hosts of DQYGJ as that
14 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com looks to be secured. saying, I get this on my Sean mentioned there is satellite channel, I’m enough interest for them a big fan, I don’t know to come back for a third any other gay people in season. Besides OUTtv, my town. Thank you for the show has been having this show. It is picked up in Europe, really rewarding to get and in the United States feedback like that.” on here! Network as As for the future, they well. still have two episodes This welcoming left this season. Next response has been a bit year, they ask our amazing for the boys, readers to write OUTtv as Rob told me. “You’re and push for a “Pop- always your own worst star” type of episode. critic, and I’m always Additionally, we may surprised how much get to see them here people like the show... in person, because the it’s bizarre how people boys would like to come have reacted to it...by and try being cowboys and large positively...it’s at the gay rodeo, Rob really cool talking to people from all over.” told me. “If you can get the people in Calgary really stoked on They will admit that yes it’s on a gay channel, it’s got a gay us coming, that would help our cause for getting OUTtv to get name, and the stars are gay, but they wanted it to be something us out there. We would love to do it.” anyone can watch. Yet there are moments when they realize the show is actually helping make some change, Sean says. “I have people write me on Facebook from all over the world regularly to talk about the show.” Don’t Quit Your Gay Job This is one reason Sean wanted to do a show like this - http://www.outtv.ca/dqygj.php growing up (before there was the Internet) there wasn’t any kind of television program targeting the gay community. They also know people in small towns will get to see positive and inspiring http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2511 LGBTQ role models. “I had a kid who wrote me probably about a year and a half ago from the middle of nowhere British Columbia View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 15 16 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Directory & Events
24 DOWNTOWN CALGARY
61 43 41
37 55 4
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1 Calgary Outlink------Community Groups 9 FAB------Bars and Clubs 35 One Yellow Rabbit------Theatre 58 Theatre Junction------Theatre 2 Aids Calgary------Community Groups 13 Westways Guest House---- Accommodations 36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects------Theatre 60 Club Sapien------Bars and Clubs 3 Backlot------Bars and Clubs 16 Priape Calgary------Retail Stores 37 Pumphouse Theatre------Theatre 61 Holidays on the Hill------Retail Stores 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.------Bars and Clubs 24 Courtney Aarbo------Services 41 La Fleur------Retail Stores 62 Concept Bar & Lounge------Bars and Clubs 5 Texas Lounge------Bars and Clubs 33 Twisted Element------Bars and Clubs 43 Lisa Heinricks------Theatre and Fine Arts 6 Goliath’s------Bathhouses 34 Vertigo Mystery Theatre------Theatre 55 Marquee Room------Bars and Clubs
60 Concept Bar & Lounge------✰ 908 17th Ave SW 403-228-1006 FIND OUT! CALGARY www.facebook.com/ConceptLounge Accommodations Premiere crossover lounge. Entrance on 16th Ave. LGBT Community Directory 55 Marquee Room------✰ 13 Westways Guest House------✰ 612 - 8th Avenue SW 216 - 25th Avenue SW 403-229-1758 www.marqueeroom.com GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine is the go-to source for 1-866-846-7038 [email protected] Alternative night every Wednesday. information about Alberta LGBT businesses and community www.gaywestways.com 9 FAB------✰ groups—the most extensive and accurate resource of its kind! This 1742 - 10th Ave SW 403-263-7411 print supplement contains a subset of active community groups Bars & Clubs www.fab-bar.com Closed Mondays. and venues, with premium business listings of paid advertisers. 3 Backlot------✰ Bar and restaurant. 209 - 10th Ave SW 403-265-5211 5 Texas Lounge------✰ ✰...... Find our Magazine Here ...... Wheelchair Accessible Open 7 days a week, 2pm-close 308 - 17 Ave SW 403-229-0911 www.goliaths.ca Spot something inaccurate or outdated? Want your business or 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.------✰ 424a - 8th Ave SE 403-263-5847 Open 7 days a week, 11am-close organization listed? We welcome you to contact us! http://www.calgaryeagle.com 33 Twisted Element------✰ Open Wed-Sun, 5pm-close 1006 - 11th Ave SW 403-802-0230 403-543-6960 1-888-543-6960 Leather/Denim/Fetish bar. www.twistedelement.ca Club Paradiso Dance Club and Lounge. [email protected] 1413 - 9th Ave SE, 2nd Floor 403-265-5739 Bathhouses/Saunas www.clubparadiso.ca [email protected] Fri: Garter Girls Burlesque. Sat: Carly’s Angels. Weekdays: 6 Goliaths------✰ http://www.gaycalgary.com/CalgaryTravelRss Magic, Comedy & Music. 308 - 17 Ave SW 403-229-0911 www.goliaths.ca http://www.gaycalgary.com/EdmontonTravelRss 60 Club Sapien------✰ Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day 1140 10th Ave SW 403-457-4464 Local Bars, Restaurants, and Accommodations info on the go! http://www.clubsapien.ca Dance Club and Restaurant/Lounge. Community Groups http://www.gaycalgary.com/Directory 2 AIDS Calgary------✰ 110, 1603 10th Avenue SW Browse our complete directory of over 600 gay-frieindly listings! 403-508-2500
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 17 Directory & Events
Lesbian Meetup Group------ 7:30-9pm Alcoholics Anonymous------ 8pm Saturday, October 15th Calgary Events At 1 Calgary Outlink 1st Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW Halloween Dance------ 8pm Mondays Fake Mustache Show------ 7:30pm By ARGRA ASK Meet and Greet------ 7-9:30pm By Miscellaneous Youth Network 1st Tuned Out Music Trivia------ Evening Saturday, October 16th Bonasera (1204 Edmonton Tr. NE) Quincy’s (609 7th Ave SW) At 9 FAB 1st, 3rd Great Chili Cook Off------ 6pm Inside Out Youth Group------ 7-9pm Fake Mustache Show------ 9pm Go-Go Boy Competition------ Evening At 4 Calgary Eagle See 1 Calgary Outlink By Miscellaneous Youth Network 3rd At 60 Club Sapien At 60 Club Sapien Friday, October 21st Karaoke------ Evening Sundays Turnabout------ 10pm At 60 Club Sapien Alcoholics Anonymous------8pm Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) Worship Time------10am By ISCCA at 33 Twisted Element Tuesdays See Deer Park United Church 1227 Kensington Close NW Saturday, October 22nd Calgary Networking Club------ 5-7pm Worship------ 10:30am Fridays Kinky Flea Market------ 11am-5pm See 1 Calgary Outlink 1st See Scarboro United Church Leather Night------ Evening By ASK Between Men------ 7-9pm At 4 Calgary Eagle Sunday Services------ 10:45am Forest Height Community Centre See 1 Calgary Outlink 2nd, 4th See Hillhurst United Church 4909 Forego Ave SE BBQ Fundraiser------ 5-9pm Karaoke------ 8pm-1am By ISCCA at 3 Backlot Worship Services------ 11am Dark Knight------ 9pm At 5 Texas Lounge See Knox United Church At 4 Calgary Eagle Rec Volleyball------ 7pm Saturday, October 29th Fetish Slosh------ Evening See Apollo Calgary Int/Comp Volleyball------ 12:15-1:45pm At 3 Backlot 2nd See Apollo Calgary Illusions------ 7-10pm Halloween Party------ 9pm At 4 Calgary Eagle Alcoholics Anonymous------ 8pm See 1 Calgary Outlink 1st BBQ Social Sundays------ 2pm Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) At 4 Calgary Eagle Womynspace------ 7-9pm PURE Masquerade------ 9pm 1227 Kensington Close NW By PURE Pride at 60 Club Sapien See 1 Calgary Outlink 2nd Church Service------ 4pm Wednesdays See Rainbow Community Church New Directions------ 7-9pm Halloween Howl Dance------ 8pm By Girlsgroove Communion Service------ 12:10pm See 1 Calgary Outlink 3rd Swimming------ 5-6pm See Knox United Church By Different Strokes Inglewood Venue (1008 14th Street) Heading Out------ 8pm-10pm SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW) November 2011 Women’s Healing Circle------ 1:30pm See 1 Calgary Outlink 4th See AIDS Calgary Women’s Volleyball------ 7-8:30pm Loud & Queer Cabaret Alcoholics Anonymous------ 8pm See Apollo Calgary By Guys in Disguise Nov5Nov6 Free Pool------ All Day Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) At 4 Calgary Eagle with Prime Timers Calgary 1227 Kensington Close NW Sunday Socials------ Afternoon Taboo At 4 Calgary Eagle Mosaic Youth Group------ 7-9pm Stampede Park Nov10 Nov13 Saturdays Upper Big 4 Building Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW) Free Pool------ All Day Running------ 9am At 4 Calgary Eagle December 2011 Thursdays See Apollo Calgary Saturday, October 8th Lesbian Seniors------ 2pm Mad World------8pm Coffee------ 10am By Calgary Men’s Chorus Dec3 Kerby Center, Sunshine Room 3rd Value Village Party------ 8pm By Prime Timers Calgary Rosza Centre, U of C 1133 7th Ave SW Midtown Co-op (1130 - 11th Ave SW) At 4 Calgary Eagle Swimming------ 7-8pm Thursday, October 13th Christmas Dinner & Show------6pm Curling------ 2:20 & 4:30pm By ARGRA Dec3 By Different Strokes See Apollo Calgary Risen------ 7pm SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW) Arrata Opera Centre (1315 - 7 Street SW) Oct13
Calgary Contd. Legend: = Monthly Reoccurrance, = Date (Range/Future), = Sponsored Event
[email protected] • Bowling (Rainbow Riders League) • Squash • Monthly Dances------ www.aidscalgary.org Let’s Bowl (2916 5th Avenue NE) Mount Royal University Recreation Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association [email protected] [email protected] 1320 - 5th Avenue NW Alberta Society for Kink All skill levels welcome. 403-398-9968 • Curling Artists for the Quality of Life [email protected] North Hill Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street NW) • Tennis 403-890-1261 www.afqol.org http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/ [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] group.albertasocietyforkink Will return in September 2010. Sign up at myapollo.org to receive updates. • Volleyball (Beach) Calgary Gay Fathers Apollo Calgary - Friends in Sports [email protected] [email protected] www.apollocalgary.com • Golf http://www.calgarygayfathers.ca www.myapollo.com [email protected] • Volleyball (Int/Comp) Peer support group for gay, bisexual and questioning A volunteer operated, non-profit organization serving West Hillhurst Community Center fathers. Meeting twice a month. primarily members of the LGBT communities but open to all • Lawn Bowling 1940 6th Avenue NW members of all communities. Primary focus is to provide [email protected] [email protected] Calgary Men’s Chorus members with well-organized and fun sporting events and http://www.calgarymenschorus.org other activities. • Outdoor Pursuits • Volleyball (Recreational) [email protected] 235 - 18 Ave SW • Rehearsals • Western Cup 30 If it’s done outdoors, we do it. Volunteer led events all [email protected] Temple B’Nai Tikvah, 900 - 47 Avenue SW www.westerncup.com summer and winter. Hiking, camping, biking, skiing, snow Easter long weekend, 2012. shoeing, etc. Sign up at myapollo.org to get updates on • Volleyball (Women’s) Calgary Sexual Health Centre------✰ the sport you like. We’re always looking for people to YWCA Calgary (320 - 5th Avenue SE) 304, 301 14th Street NW • Badminton (Absolutely Smashing) lead events. [email protected] 403-283-5580 6020 - 4 Avenue NE http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca [email protected] • Running (Calgary Frontrunners) • Yoga A pro-choice organization that believes all people have the YMCA Eau Claire (4th St, 1st Ave SW) World Tree Studio (812 Edmonton Trail NE) right and ability to make their own choices regarding their • Biking [email protected] Robin: 403-618-9642 sexual and reproductive health. [email protected] East Doors (directly off the Bow river pathway). Distances [email protected] vary from 8 km - 15 km. Runners from 6 minutes/mile to $120 (10 sessions); $14 Drop-ins open to all levels. Apollo 1 Calgary Outlink------✰ • Boot Camp 9+ minute miles. membership is required. B1, 1528 16th Avenue SW Platoon FX, 1351 Aviation Park NE 403-234-8973 [email protected] • Slow Pitch Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA) [email protected] [email protected] www.argra.org http://www.calgaryoutlink.com
18 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Directory & Events
Calgary Contd.
• Peer Support and Crisis Line Mystique gay men’s domestic violence and the services available Duncan’s Residential Cleaning 1-877-OUT-IS-OK (1-877-688-4765) [email protected] to them. Jim Duncan: 403-978-6600 Front-line help service for GLBT individuals and their family Mystique is primarily a Lesbian group for women 30 and Wild Rose United Church Residential cleaning. Free estimates. and friends, or anyone questioning their sexuality. up but all are welcome. 1317-1st Street NW Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors) • Calgary Lesbian Ladies Meet up Group • Coffee Night “Yeah...What She Said!” Radio Show 403-461-9195 Second Cup (2312 - 4th Street SW) http://www.lornedoucette.com • Between Men and Between Men Online CJSW 90.9 FM • Heading Out NETWORKS [email protected] Marnie Campbell (Maxwell Realtors) • Illusions Calgary [email protected] 403-479-8619 • Inside Out A social, cultural, and service organization for the mature Restaurants http://www.marniecampbell.ca • New Directions minded and “Plus 40” LGBT individuals seeking to meet others at age-appropriate activities within a positive, safe 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.------✰ MFM Communications • Womynspace environment. See Calgary - Bars and Clubs. 403-543-6970 1-877-543-6970 Parents for Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) 60 Club Sapien------✰ http://www.mfmcommunications.com Calgary Queer Book Club Sean: 403-695-5791 1140 10th Ave SW 403-457-4464 Web site hosting and development. Computer hardware Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW) http://www.pflagcanada.ca http://www.clubsapien.ca and software. A registered charitable organization that provides Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre 9 FAB------✰ MPs Catering 77 Deerpoint Road SE 403-278-8263 support, education and resources to parents, families and See Calgary - Bars and Clubs. 403-607-8215 http://www.dpuc.ca individuals who have questions or concerns about sexual orientation or gender identity. Halo Steak, Seafood & Wine Bar SafeWorks Different Strokes Canyon Meadows Plaza Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing. http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org Positive Space Committee 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW 13226 Macleod Trail SE 403-440-6383 403-271-4111 • Calgary Drop-in Centre Don’t Buy In Project Room 117, 423 - 4th Ave SE http://www.dontbuyin.ca http://www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace www.halorestaurant.com 403-699-8216 This Calgary Police Service Initiative aims to encourage Works to raise awareness and challenge the patterns of Mon-Fri: 9am-12pm, Sat: 12:15pm-3:15pm youth to working towards an inclusive environment in which silence that continue to marginalize LGBTTQ individuals. diversity is embraced in their schools and community. Pride Calgary Planning Committee Retail Stores • Centre of Hope Room 201, 420 - 9th Ave SE 403-797-6564 www.pridecalgary.ca FairyTales Presentation Society Adult Depot------✰ 403-410-1180 Mon-Fri: 1pm-5pm 403-244-1956 140, 58th Ave SW 403-258-2777 http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com Pride Rainbow Project [email protected] Gay, bi, straight video rentals and sex toys. • Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre Alberta Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. 1213 - 4th Str SW 403-955-6014 http://www.priderainbowproject.com 61 Sat-Thu: 4:15pm-7:45pm, Fri: Closed Youth run project designed to show support for same-sex Holidays on the Hill------• DVD Resource Library 210 - 7th Ave SW 403-263-3030 marriage in Canada and elsewhere. A fabric rainbow Over a hundred titles to choose from. Annual membership Christmas, Halloween, and much more. • Safeworks Van is $10. banner approximately 5 feet wide - goal is to make it 403-850-3755 3.2km (2 miles) long, in order to break the world record. 41 La Fleur------ Sat-Thu: 8pm-12am, Fri: 4pm-12am Gay Friends in Calgary 103 - 100 7th Avenue SW Primetimers Calgary http://www.gayfriendsincalgary.ca 403-266-1707 [email protected] Organizes and hosts social activities catered to the LGBT Florist and Flower Shop. Theatre & Fine Arts people and friends. http://www.primetimerscalgary.com Designed to foster social interaction for its members 36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects The Naked Leaf------ 403-294-7402 http://www.ATPlive.com Girl Friends through a variety of social, educational and recreational 305 10th Street NW 403-283-3555 [email protected] activities. Open to all gay and bisexual men of any age, http://www.thenakedleaf.ca members.shaw.ca/girlfriends AXIS Contemporary Art------respects whatever degree of anonymity that each member Organic teas and tea ware. 107, 100 - 7 Ave SW 403-262-3356 desires. [email protected] www.axisart.ca Girlsgroove 16 Priape Calgary------✰ http://www.girlsgroove.ca ✰ Queers on Campus------ 1322 - 17 Ave SW 403-215-1800 Fairytales 279R Student Union Club Spaces, U of C Hillhurst United Church http://www.priape.com See Calgary - Community Groups. 403-220-6394 Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, movies 1227 Kensington Close NW http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass (403) 283-1539 and magazines. Gifts. Jubilations Dinner Theatre Formerly GLASS - Gay/Lesbian Association of Students Bow Trail and 37th St. SW [email protected] and Staff. www.hillhurstunited.com 403-249-7799 Services & Products • Coffee Night www.jubilations.ca HIV Peer Support Group Calgary Civil Marriage Centre 2nd Cup, Kensington 43 Lisa Heinricks (Artist)------ 403-230-5832 403-246-4134 [email protected] [email protected] Art Central, 100 7th Ave SW, lower level Safety Under the Rainbow Marriage Commissioner for Alberta (aka Justice of the Peace http://www.creamydreamy.com http://www.safetyrainbow.ca ISCCA Social Association - JP), Marriage Officiant, Commissioner for Oaths. Mission: To raise awareness and understanding of same-sex 35 http://www.iscca.ca 24 Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors) One Yellow Rabbit------domestic violence and homophobic youth bullying. Big Secret Theatre - EPCOR CENTRE Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch. Charity 1138 Kensington Road NW 403-299-8888 www.oyr.org fundraising group.. Scarboro United Church 403-571-5120 134 Scarboro Avenue SW http://www.courtneyaarbo.ca Knox United Church 37 Pumphouse Theatre------✰ 403-244-1161 www.scarborounited.ab.ca GLBT legal services. 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW 506 - 4th Street SW 403-269-8382 An affirming congregation—the full inclusion of LGBT http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca Cruiseline 403-263-0079 people is essential to our mission and purpose. http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church located in 403-777-9494 trial code 3500 downtown Calgary. A variety of facility rentals are also Sharp Foundation http://www.cruiseline.ca Stagewest------✰ available for meetings, events and concerts. 403-272-2912 Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY. 727 - 42 Avenue SE 403-243-6642 [email protected] http://www.stagewestcalgary.com • Worship Services http://www.thesharpfoundation.com DevaDave Salon & Boutique 10:30am in July and August. 810 Edmonton Trail NE 58 Theatre Junction------✰ Unity Bowling 403-290-1973 Miscellaneous Youth Network Theatre Junction GRAND, 608 1st St. SW Let’s Bowl (2916 - 5th Ave NE) Cuts, Colour, Hilights. 403-205-2922 http://www.miscyouth.com [email protected] • Fake Mustache Urban Sex Radio Show Quincy’s (609 7th Ave SW) CJSW 90.9 FM Club Sapien (609 7th Ave SW) http://www.cjsw.com Calgary’s ONLY Drag King Show. Early show 7:30pm, Focus on sexuality; gay bisexual lesbian trans gendered and late show 9pm. straight issues here in Calgary and around the web. • Mosaic Youth Group Vigor Calgary The Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW) 403-255-7004 www.vigorcalgary.ca For queer and trans youth and their allies. Violence in Gay Male Relationships (VIGOR) is a committee of professionals dedicated to increasing the awareness of
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 19 Directory & Events
DOWNTOWN EDMONTON 1
5
7 3 6 4 N 11 12 14
1 Pride Centre------Community Groups 5 The Junction------Bars and Clubs 8 Prism Bar & Grill------Bars and Clubs 13 PLAY Nightclub------Bars and Clubs 3 HIV Network------Community Groups 6 Buddy’s Nite Club------Bars and Clubs 11 Steamworks------Bathhouses 14 FLASH------Bars and Clubs 4 Edmonton STD------Community Groups 7 Down Under Baths------Bathhouses 12 Woody’s------Bars and Clubs
Calgary Contd.
[email protected] Prism Bar & Grill (closed)------✰ Book Worm’s Book Club 4 Edmonton STD http://www.theatrejunction.com 10524 101st St 780-990-0038 Howard McBride Chapel of Chimes 11111 Jasper Ave 34 Vertigo Mystery Theatre------http://www.prismbar.ca 10179 - 108 Street [email protected] Edmonton Vocal Minority 161, 115 - 9 Ave SE 403-221-3708 12 Woody’s------✰ 780-479-2038 [email protected] http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com 11725 Jasper Ave 780-488-6557 Buck Naked Boys Club www.evmchoir.com 780-471-6993 http://www.bucknakedboys.ca 3 HIV Network Of Edmonton Society---- ✰ Bathhouses/Saunas Naturism club for men—being social while everyone is 9702 111 Ave NW www.hivedmonton.com EDMONTON 7 Down Under Baths (temp. closed) naked, and it does not include sexual activity. Participants do not need to be gay, only male. Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose *RELOCATING* 780-482-7960 http://www.iscwr.ca http://www.gayedmonton.com Bars & Clubs Camp fYrefly 7-104 Dept. of Educational Policy Studies OUTreach 6 Buddy’s Nite Club------✰ 11 Steamworks------✰ University of Alberta, basement of SUB Faculty of Education, University of Alberta 11725 Jasper Ave 780-488-6636 11745 Jasper Ave 780-451-5554 [email protected] Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5 http://www.steamworksedmonton.com http://www.ualberta.ca/~outreach http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca 14 FLASH------✰ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender/transsexual, Queer, 10018 105 Street 780-938-2941 Questioning and Straight-but-not-Narrow student group. [email protected] Community Groups Edmonton Pride Festival Society (EPFS) http://www.edmontonpride.ca Alberta Bears 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton------✰ 5 The Junction------✰ www.beefbearbash.com Edmonton Prime Timers *RELOCATING* 780-488-3234 10242 106th St 780-756-5667 [email protected] http://www.junctionedmonton.com [email protected] AltView Foundation www.primetimersww.org/edmonton #44, 48 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB Group of older gay men and their admirers who come from • Community Potluck PLAY Nightclub (closed)------✰ TBA 403-398-9968 diverse backgrounds but have common social interests. 10220 103 Street 780-497-7529 [email protected] [email protected] Affiliated with Prime Timers World Wide. [email protected] www.altview.ca A potluck open to all members of the LGBTQ community. A http://www.playnightclub.ca For gender variant and sexual minorities. Edmonton Rainbow Business Association time to get together, share a meal and meet people from 3379, 11215 Jasper Ave 780-429-5014 the community. http://www.edmontonrba.org Primary focus is the provision of networking opportunities • Free School TBA for LGBT owned or operated and LGBT-friendly businesses monika\[email protected] in the Edmonton region. Free School provides workshops on a variety of topics Edmonton Illusions Social Club related to local activism. 5 The Junction 780-387-3343 • Get Tested for STIs Free STD testing for anyone interested. For more groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions information please contact the Pride Centre.
20 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Directory & Events
Thursdays Saturdays Monthly Meetings------2:30pm Edmonton Events Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street) GLBT Seniors Drop-in------ 1-4pm Naturalist Gettogether See Edmonton Primetimers 2nd Mondays See Pride Centre of Edmonton See Buck Naked Boys Club 2nd Thursday, October 20th Boot Camp------ 7-8pm Get Tested for STIs------ 3-6pm AA Big Book Study------ 12-1pm See Team Edmonton See Pride Centre of Edmonton Last See Pride Centre of Edmonton Exposure Festival------ All Day By Exposure Oct2023 Men’s HIV Support Group------ 7-9pm Youthspace------ 3-7pm Monthly Meeting------ 2:30pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton 2nd See Pride Centre of Edmonton By Edmonton Primetimers 2nd Sunday, October 23rd Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street Tuesdays Youth Sports/Recreation------ 4pm BigDaddy’s Perogy Dinner------ 5-8pm By ISCWR at 5 Junction GLBT Seniors Drop-in------ 1-4pm See Youth Understanding Youth Youthspace------ 3-6:30pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton See Pride Centre of Edmonton Youth Understanding Youth------ 7-9pm Friday, October 28th TTIQ------ 2-4pm At 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton Bowling------ 5pm PURE Masquerade------ 9pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton 2nd See Team Edmonton By PURE Pride at 14 FLASH Book Club------ 7:30pm Youthspace------ 3-7pm See BookWorm’s Book Club 3rd Sundays Rocky Horror Picture Show------ 9-10:30pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton By ISCWR at 5 Junction Oct2829 Martial Arts------ 7:30-8:30pm GLBT African Group Community Potluck------ 7-9pm See Team Edmonton At 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton 1st, Last Saturday, October 29th See Pride Centre of Edmonton Last Intermediate Volleyball------ 7:30-9:30pm Running------ 10-11am Trick or Treat------ Evening Martial Arts------ 7:30-8:30pm See Team Edmonton See Team Edmonton At 14 FLASH See Team Edmonton Fridays Free School------ 11-5pm Annual General Meeting------ 6-7:30pm Wednesdays See Pride Centre of Edmonton 2nd, 4th By Womonspace Edmonton Illusions------ 8:30pm Bellevue Hall (7308 - 112 Ave NW) PFLAG------ 12:10pm At 5 The Junction 2nd Womonspace Meeting------ 12:30-1:30pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton 1st See Pride Centre of Edmonton 1st Halloween Dance------ 7:30pm Youthspace------ 3-6:30pm By Womonspace Youthspace------ 3-7pm See Pride Centre of Edmonton Yoga------ 2-3:30pm Bellevue Hall (7308 - 112 Ave NW) See Pride Centre of Edmonton See Team Edmonton Youth Sports/Recreation------ 4pm November 2011 Youth Sports/Recreation------ 4pm See Youth Understanding Youth Men Talking with Pride------ 7-9pm See Youth Understanding Youth See Pride Centre of Edmonton Taboo Youth Movie Night------ 6:30-8:30 Northlands Expo Centre, Hall A Nov2426 Youth Understanding Youth------ 7-9pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton Ballroom Dancing------ 7:30-8:30pm At 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See Team Edmonton Youth Understanding Youth------ 7-9pm At 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
Edmonton Contd. Legend: = Monthly Reoccurrance, = Date (Range), = Sponsored Event
• GLBT African Group (Drop-In) • Womonspace Board Meeting • Blazin’ Bootcamp • Hockey [email protected] TBA Garneau Elementary School [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 10925 - 87 Ave Group for ALL gay refugees and their friends and families, Womonspace is a Social and Recreational Society in [email protected] • Martial Arts from all around the world. Edmonton run by volunteers. They provide opportunities 15450 - 105 Ave (daycare entrance) for lesbians to interact and support each other in a safe • Bowling (Northern Titans) 780-328-6414 • GLBT Seniors Drop-In environment, and to contribute to the broader community. Ed’s Rec Room (West Edmonton Mall) [email protected] SAGE building, Classroom B [email protected] [email protected] 15 Sir Winstone Churchill Square • Youth Movie $15.00 per person. Drop-ins welcome. [email protected] TBA A social and support group for seniors of all genders and [email protected] • Cross Country Skiing • Outdoor Pursuits sexualities to talk, have tea and offer each other support. Movie chosen by youth (aged 14 – 25), usually with LGBT [email protected] [email protected] themes. Popcorn is served. • Men Talking with Pride • Curling with Pride • Running (Arctic Frontrunners) TBA • YouthSpace Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW Emily Murphy Park, west end [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] A social discussion group for gay, bisexual and A safe and supportive space for GLBTQ youth aged 13–25. All genders and levels of runners and walkers are invited to transgendered men to discuss current issues and to offer Video games, computers with internet, clothing bank, • Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders) join this free activity. Various locations in Edmonton support to each other. and more. [email protected] • Slo Pitch • Men’s HIV Support Group Team Edmonton Parkallen Field, 111 st and 68 ave TBA [email protected] • Dragon Boat (Flaming Dragons) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] http://www.teamedmonton.ca Season fee is $30.00 per person. $10 discount for players Support group for people living with HIV/AIDS. Members are invited to attend and help determine the • Golf from the 2008 season. board for the next term. If you are interested in running for [email protected] • PFLAG the board or getting involved in some of the committees, • Snowballs V January 27-29, 2012 TBA 780-436-1998 please contact us. • Gymnastics, Drop-in [email protected] [email protected] Ortona Gymnastics Club, 8755 - 50 Avenue Skiing and Snowboarding Weekend. Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays: A support • Badminton (Mixed) [email protected] group for family members and friends of GLBT people. An St. Thomas Moore School, 9610 165 Street Have the whole gym to yourselves and an instructor to excellent resource for people whose family members and [email protected] • Soccer help you achieve your individual goals. Cost is $5.00 [email protected] friends have just come out. New group seeking male & female players. per session. • Prime Timers • Badminton (Women’s) See Edmonton Primetimers. Oliver School, 10227 - 118 Street 780-465-3620 • Suit Up and Show Up: AA Big Book Study [email protected] TBA Women’s Drop-In Recreational Badminton. $40.00 season Discussion and support group for those struggling with an or $5.00 per drop in. alcohol addiction or seeking support in staying sober. •Ballroom Dancing • TTIQ Foot Notes Dance Studio, 9708-45 Avenue NW TBA Cynthia: 780-469-3281 [email protected] TTIQ is mixed gender open support group addressing the needs of transsexual and transgendered individuals.
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 21 Directory & Events
Edmonton Contd.
• Spin MacEwan Centre for Sport and Wellness Retail Stores 109 St. and 104 Ave Rodéo Drive GRANDE PRAIRIE ALBERTA Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45pm 11528 - 89th Street Season has ended. 780-474-0413 Community Groups Community Groups [email protected] [email protected] 7 classes, $28.00 per registrant. http://www.rodeodrive.ca GALAP Central Alberta AIDS Network Society His and hers fetish wear, toys, jewelry, etc. 10113 - 103 Ave, T8V 1C2 4611-50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB • Swimming (Making Waves) 780-512-1990 http://www.caans.org NAIT Pool (11762 - 106 Street) Gay and Lesbian Association of the Peace. The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society is the local [email protected] Products & Services charity responsible for HIV prevention and support in www.makingwavesswimclub.ca • Wednesday Coffee Nights Central Alberta. Cruiseline • Tennis 780-413-7122 trial code 3500 Western Canadian Pride Campout Kinsmen Sports Centre http://www.cruiseline.ca www.eventmasterinc.net Sundays, 12pm-3pm Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY. LETHBRIDGE [email protected] YouthSafe Robertson-Wesley United Church http://www.youthsafe.net • Ultimate Frisbee 10209 - 123 St. NW 780-482-1587 Community Groups Alberta’s website for youth with sex-and-gender differences. Sundays [email protected] www.rwuc.org Youthsafe.net lists the resources, information and services Summer Season starts July 12th Worship: Sunday mornings at 10:30am GALA/LA to help youth find safe and caring spaces in Alberta. [email protected] People of all sexual orientations welcome. Other LGBT 403-308-2893 E-mail if interested. events include a monthly book club and a bi-monthly film http://www.galalethbridge.ca night. As a caring spiritual community, we’d love to have Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area. Theatre & Fine Arts • Volleyball, Intermediate you join us! Amiskiwacy Academy (101 Airport Road) • Monthly Dances Alberta Ballet http://www.albertaballet.com [email protected] • Soul OUTing Henotic (402 - 2 Ave S) Second Sunday every month, 7pm Bring your membership card and photo ID. Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton. • Volleyball, Recreational An LGBT-focused alternative worship. Mother Teresa School (9008 - 105 Ave) • Monthly Potluck Dinners [email protected] • Film Night McKillop United Church, 2329 - 15 Ave S Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates. GALA/LA will provide the turkey...you bring the rest. Please CANADA • Women’s Lacrosse bring a dish to share that will serve 4-6 people, and your Sharon: 780-461-0017 • Book Club own beverage. Pam: 780-436-7374 Monthly, contact us for exact dates. Community Groups • Support Line Open to women 21+, experienced or not, all are welcome. Alberta Trans Support/Activities Group Call for info. 403-308-2893 Theatre & Fine Arts Monday OR Wednesday, 7pm-11pm http://www.albertatrans.org • Yoga Leave a message any other time. A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of where they Exposure Festival may be on the continuum. Lion's Breath Yoga Studio (10350-124 Street) http://www.exposurefestival.ca [email protected] • Friday Mixer Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival. The Mix (green water tower) Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition P..O. Box 3043, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3S9 Womonspace The Roxy Theatre 103 Mayor Magrath Dr S Every Friday at 10pm (306) 955-5135 780-482-1794 10708 124th Street, Edmonton AB [email protected] 1-800-955-5129 780-453-2440 Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA) http://www.rainbowhealth.ca www.womonspace.ca www.theatrenetwork.ca Women’s social group, but all welcome at events. University of Lethbridge [email protected] GBLTTQQ club on campus. Egale Canada Youth Understanding Youth 8 Wellington St E, Third Floor 780-248-1971 www.yuyedm.ca BANFF/CANMORE • Movie Night Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C5 A support and social group for queer youth 12-25. Room C610, University of Lethbridge 1-888-204-7777 www.egale.ca Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby • Sports and Recreation Community Groups Gay Youth Alliance Group organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans- Brendan: 780-488-3234 Betty, 403-381-5260 [email protected] identified people and our families. [email protected] Mountain Pride Every second Wednesday, 3:30pm-5pm BOX 4892, BANFF, AB, T1L 1G1 Brian, 403-431-2569 Lethbridge HIV Connection Products & Services Restaurants 1206 - 6 Ave S 1-800-958-9632 Squirt 5 [email protected] http://www.squirt.org The Junction------ www.gaybanff.com PFLAG Canada 1-888-530-6777 Website for dating and hook-ups. 18+ ONLY! 10242 106th St 780-756-5667 Serving the GLBTQS community in Banff, Canmore, Lake [email protected] Louise and Area. 12 Woody’s------✰ www.pflagcanada.ca 11725 Jasper Ave 780-488-6557 Theatre & Fine Arts Pride Lethbridge Broadway Across Canada [email protected] http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca OUTtv http://www.outtv.ca RED DEER GLBT Television Station. Community Groups Affirm Sunnybrook United Church 403-347-6073 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm Composed of LGBTQ people, their friends, family and allies. No religious affiliation necessary. Activities include support, faith and social justice discussions, film nights, and potlucks!
22 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Politics Holding Bullies to Account
By Stephen Lock be severe enough to send a clear message because, as it stands now, A year ago I wrote a column entitled “Bullying is Deadly” there is a significant amount of ‘grey area’ where the law pertains to in which I wrote about the effect of anti-gay harassment bullying and harassment. and bullying resulting in the death by suicide of a “Harassment here in New York state is a violation....[I]t’s important to understand that a violation is really no different than a traffic Rutger’s freshman named Tyler Clementi. Celementi ticket. It’s most likely something that the family court would not jumped off a bridge after his roommate, Dharum Ravi, even entertain, unless it escalates to something bigger where we see posted a ‘hidden cam’ video of Clementi kissing another some true physical injuries on a person,” she said. male in his dorm room. Based on the type of bullying Jamey allegedly endured, such as cyber bullying, charges could be limited to harassment or aggravated Ravi has pleaded not guilty to the charge of invasion of privacy harassment. Hate crime or aggravated suicide charges would be and bias intimidation. His co-accused, hall mate Wolly Wei, who more severe. viewed the video, has not been charged in exchange for testifying against Ravi. On April 20th, 2011, Ravi was indicted by a Middlesex Bullying has evolved beyond mere schoolyard teasing and taunts. County grand jury on 15 counts, including the charges of invasion It is not “teasing”; it is a form of harassment which, in any other of privacy, bias intimidation, witness tampering and evidence circumstance, would be illegal. The National Center for Educational tampering. His defense has launched an appeal. Wei’s charges Statistics, a program within the United States Department of were dropped in exchange for her testimony and the completion of a Education, reports 28 percent of students aged 12 to 18 reported 3-year counseling and community service program. being bullied in school during the 2008-2009 school year. Despite bullying appearing to slow down as children get older from a high of In the same month that Clementi killed himself, four other young 39 percent of all sixth graders to 20 percent of high school seniors, males also suicided as a result of harassment over being gay; Asher harassment of students based on sexual orientation or perceived Brown, 13, Billy Lucas, 15, Raymond Chase, 19, and Seth Walsh, sexual orientation and gender identity remains at 90 percent. 13. Ironically, Jamey’s suicide coincided with National Suicide To this list can now be added Jamey Rodemeyer, 14, who killed Awareness Week as well as the United States Department of himself outside his home in Buffalo, New York after being bullied Education’s first national conference on bullying on September 21st and abused by at least three other students following a post online in Washington D.C. in which he talked about his “confusion” over his sexual identity. In May 2011, he recorded a YouTube video for the It Gets Better His death has garnered international attention. Celebrities campaign in which he self-identifies as bisexual, talks about his lack ranging from Lady Gaga, one of Jamey’s icons, to Ricky Martin, Perez of “guy friends” and how all his friends are girls and how he has been Hilton and Dan Savage, founder of It Gets Better and a well-known bullied for that; how happy he was with the support he had received openly gay sex columnist, to Anderson Cooper and Diane Sawyer from strangers via the Internet who encouraged him to hold his head have expressed outrage, sadness, and support for his family and up high, be proud, and carry on. Four months later he was dead. called for tougher harassment and anti-bullying laws. Police have opened a criminal investigation. The Amherst Police That’s wonderful and such calls should be applauded. But each Department’s Special Victims Unit has said it will determine whether time we hear of these suicides-due-to-bullying deaths, we hear the to charge the students with harassment, cyber-harassment or hate same calls for action and nothing is done. School districts speak crimes. The Police said three students in particular might have been out against bullying and talk about their anti-bullying programs, involved. but nothing significant is done. Bullies are never held accountable. Parents too often turn a blind eye to it, refusing to believe it is their In a recent interview with Anderson Cooper on Anderson 360, child who is engaging in this or, if the little darling is involved, “it’s Rodemeyer’s sister, Alyssa, spoke about how the harassment just kids being kids.” It’s not. continued even after Jamey’s death. On the day of Jamey’s wake, she and a group of friends, with the encouragement of her parents, I worked on a program through Planned Parenthood a number of attended a Home Coming dance at the school she and Jamey years ago trying to get anti-bullying material, specifically that aimed attended. When the Lady Gaga song “Born This Way” came on, she at sexual orientation, into schools throughout Southern Alberta, and her group started chanting Jamey’s name in tribute to him. both urban and rural. Some school districts did take the material and “made it available” through guidance counselor offices to those The three individuals who had harassed him, and apparently who asked. Others flat out refused to accept the material, citing some others, reacted by chanting “We’re glad you’re dead!” and “parental concerns.” “You’re better off dead!” referring to Jamey. When various right-wing groups, posing as “concerned parents” The three boys had, over the previous year, posted several learned of the material, they immediately launched a campaign comments to Jamey’s Formspring page, writing things like “JAMIE denouncing “the gay agenda” and how we were attempting to IS STUPID, GAY, FAT ANND [sic] UGLY. HE MUST DIE!” and “I infiltrate the schools with our “pro-homosexuality propaganda.” wouldn’t care if you died. No one would. So just do it :) It would Considerable energy, that would have been better spent in reaching make everyone WAY more happier!” out to the youth who needed reaching out to and in refining and Jamey had just started his freshman year at the high school but updating the material, was spent in debate at school board level the bullying predated that, starting in middle school. He had told with these people. And when some of us finally refused to continue his parents and school counselors about it. Jamey did everything meeting or debating with them, refused to continue to supply them he was supposed to, even reaching out to others online in support. with a platform to spew their misinformed views and arrogant refusal By all accounts, he was a nice kid, open, friendly, intelligent and to learn, were accused of stifling “healthy discussion”! Somehow, caring of other people. One need only view his It Gets Better video because we refused to be subjected to this vitriol, we became anti- to see that. And now he’s dead, at 14. And his tormentors continue democratic! to torment and apparently are of the opinion they did nothing wrong. That was over ten years ago. And we haven’t progressed very According to Captain Michael Camilleri of the Amherst Police much, have we? Department no bullying laws exist in the state of New York. Even though the Special Victims Unit is investigating the circumstances leading to his death, Camilleri has stated it is not clear if “there is anything criminal or not.” That being the case, police would have to determine whether aggravated harassment charges were appropriate. Whether or not the three suspects would be tried in juvenile court would depend on whether the alleged bullies were 16 years of age or older, Camilleri said. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2513 Donna Zimpfer, an assistant criminal justice professor at Hilbert College, has stated it is extremely important that bullying charges View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 23 Flogging Molly
Photos by Dan Monick
By Jason Clevett Against on the road. It is a great opportunity to reconnect with With their unique blend of punk and Irish influence, not long time fans and make some new ones while touring arenas, to mention their thought provoking lyrics and high energy he says. live shows, over 14 years Flogging Molly has made a name for “We are really looking forward to it, we have known Rise themselves. The band hits Edmonton October 8th at Rexall Against for 10 years and they are friends of ours, we respect Place and Calgary at the Saddledome October 9th opening for them. Flogging Molly is the type of band that doesn’t get a lot Rise Against. of opportunities to support other bigger bands. We have done The band – Dave King, wife Bridget Regan, Dennis Casey, it a couple of times with The Foo Fighters and Green Day and Matthew Hensley, Nathen Maxwell, Robert Schmidt and George both of them were great, we are looking forward to a similar Schwindt – are touring behind Speed of Darkness, their 5th experience. We were just with Rise Against in Budapest and studio album. King, who is the primary songwriter for the hanging out backstage with them - it feels right, like a family. I group, lives part time in Detroit, and the state of the world am looking for a real good time. Also we usually play a 2 hour today was a heavy influence on the new album. set every night, with them it is a 40 minute set so it should be “When you walk on the streets of Detroit you can’t help but a cakewalk in front of a big crowd.” notice the abandoned buildings, something like 80% of the It does pose a challenge, how to present the definitive Flogging buildings downtown are abandoned,” explained bassist Nathen Molly experience in such a short time frame. Maxwell. “Anyone who lives in the States, every time you turn “We have so many songs with 5 studio albums out that we on the TV you are constantly being bombarded with how shitty love, it can be difficult to pick a set to play. We aren’t a jam everything is. Most of us have friends and family who are out band playing a different set completely every night. We will find of work and hitting hard times. It is hard to escape it and a a set that works and tweak it here and there to make for a songwriter writes about what is going on inside of you, which powerful experience. It is a work of art in itself, making a set is affected by what is going on around you. I have met people list and that is usually left up to Dave as well. He takes a lot of that are grateful we are singing about it. At the same time it is pride in the way the set flows and is very particular about it. We important to be said that it isn’t all woe is me look at how bad have had a lot of experience through warped tour of short sets the situation is. It is really an album of hope and solution. Let’s so it is nothing new to us. It should be a pretty high impact, stick together, maybe we can’t rely on our governments to help high energy 45 minute set and a lot of fun.” us so let’s get together and move forward.” You might look at bands like Flogging Molly, Rise Against, GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine caught up with Maxwell Foo Fighters and Green Day and see a common thread of on the phone in Moncton, a few days prior to them joining Rise
24 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com “music with a message” whether political or otherwise. Maxwell sees things a little differently. “If you look at all three bands you will see three great rock bands who have been doing it for a long time and been soundtracks for a lot of our lives. I’ve been listening to Green Day for going on 20 years now. Is there a theme to how we all write songs? I don’t think so, we all have our politically motivated songs or social commentary songs but overall it is just great bands and we are thrilled to share the stage with them. Over the years we have genuinely developed friendships with these guys. Sitting backstage with Tre Cool from Green Day or Pat Smear from Foo Fighters it is still a thrill. They are normal guys but they have had a lot of success and hopefully that rubs off on you.” Music is a powerful tool. Rise Against has supported the It Gets Better Project, with their anti-bullying song Make It Stop (September’s Children). “Music saved my life, it is my church. You can’t underestimate the power of music. On our last record we did a video dedicated to those with post traumatic stress disorder. This is not a new story, it has been going on forever but a lot of people are coming back from war and having a hard time dealing with it all, so at the end of the video we had a message with a hotline reaching out to them. Everyone is trying to do the best they can. Even just putting on an old Bob Marley or Otis Redding record it soothes the soul and takes you out of the situation you are in. Music can take you away from your situation long enough that maybe you have a different point of view when you get back to your own reality. I don’t think musicians are preachers, we don’t have all the answers but we are just like every other human being – alive, aware, and have the right to speak our opinions through our music. In my life music connected to me when politics didn’t, when religion didn’t. The power is true.”
Flogging Molly Live in Concert with Rise Against October 8th - Rexall Place - Edmonton October 9th - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary www.floggingmolly.com
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www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 25 Event This Year’s Exposure Festival ‘Raucous’ and Affordable Fun
By Janine Eva Trotta The eight Papirmasse prints will be exhibited at the closing Teeming with accessibility-focused events, this year’s party on Saturday, October 22nd, and prints of these will be Exposure Queer Arts and Culture Festival promises to on sale for $1 each. “question, inspire, celebrate and expand the spectrum Thursday evening also offers a reading by Toronto based of Queer expressionism” from October 20th to 23rd in queer author Farzana Doctor from her new book Six Metres Alberta’s capital city. of Pavement. In its fifth annual run, Exposure has begun an ongoing “Farzana’s first novel, 2007’s Stealing Nasreen, received partnership with the SPACE project, which promotes the immense critical acclaim and we are thrilled she is able to assembly of community in sustainable, political, accessible stop in Edmonton and spend some time with Exposure on spaces in Edmonton. As such, all Exposure 2011 events will her way to the Vancouver International Writers Festival,” be held in venues both physically and monetarily accessible Cato says. to all, meaning pay what you can or suggested donation. No For anyone who has ever wanted to drag or vogue, a Drag one will be turned away for lack of funds. and Vogue workshop will take place on Saturday, where “Partnering with the SPACE project is a natural extension participants can “get out there and strut their stuff with two of Exposure’s commitment to social justice, a commitment seasoned veterans of the stage.” Added bonus: those who that extends beyond fighting homophobia to fighting racism, take part in the workshop will get to perform in the closing sexism, ableism and working for economic justice,” says festival party later that evening. Exposure Chair Catherine (Cato) Clune-Taylor. “We want this “This year, the board felt we really wanted to not only give to be a festival for the community, that the community has a back to the community that has supported us such that we real hand in the making of, and a real investment in.” can celebrate our fifth anniversary this year, but we wanted “Furthermore, we want the festival to be a vehicle for to queer the traditional passive art experience,” says Cato. positive change, not only within the queer community, but “For this reason, you definitely see more of an emphasis in within Edmonton and Alberta at large,” she continues. “For our program on interactive events; collaborative works.” this reason we felt it particularly important to make clear As with most festivals, Exposure would not be possible that Exposure was not simply working for sexual justice, but without community fundraisers and good sponsors. A for social justice for everyone.” QueerCuts Dance Party, October 8th at the Ponytails and Information on the accessibility features of every venue Horeseshoes Salon and the Jekyll and Hyde Pub, will mark that will be part of this year’s festival will be available on the the festival’s third fundraiser of the year. Attendees can get Exposure website. If you notice the website looking a little their coiffures cut for a suggested donation of only $10. blank, that’s because the team has been hard at work finding While their first two fundraisers, All Bodies Pool Parties suitable venues, a greater challenge over years past, but the I and II, didn’t generate an overwhelming amount of funds festival program will be ready for perusal. for the festival, Cato still touts them “unqualified successes.” “Happily [the site] is currently under construction and “We rented outdoor pools that were physically accessible, we do have a team of fabulous folks working on it,” Cato and made the washrooms gender neutral, providing a safe says. The festival does, however, require volunteers for other and accessible space for those members of our community projects including preparation and hands for the events who might not normally feel comfortable, or be physically themselves. Those interested are asked to email Exposure able to go to a public pool. It gave them the opportunity to volunteer coordinator Crystal (volunteer@exposurefestival. relax with friends, have some snacks, swim and simply enjoy ca). themselves at a pool party,” she says. In addition to new and exciting events 2011’s festival Keep your eyes open for more events like these throughout promises the return of old favourites. The festival will once the year; to be held indoors of course. again be partnering with the Jubilee Theatre Auditorium Exposure also thanks sponsors HIV Edmonton, TD Bank, to present the Arty Carnival Redux, an interactive family VUE Weekly, GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine, and their program slated to take place the afternoon of Sunday, volunteers. October 23rd. “Volunteering with the festival is an amazing way to get The Mindful Queer Body Workshop is also back – an involved, to meet other wonderful, rad, queer folks in the opportunity for community members to “explore the issues community and to learn more about how the festival works of self care in the context of non-normative bodies and lives,” from the inside,” Cato says. “We’re also going to begin board and, Cato says, “the festival closing party looks to be just as recruitment during the festival, so we would like to invite much raucous fun as in previous years.” anyone who is interested in getting involved with the board Brand new to 2011, the festival is thrilled to be opening to come out to the festival and chat with board members.” with Papirmasse-a-thon Exposure, a collaborative event led by Edmonton born, Montreal based artist Kirsten McCrea. “Kirsten’s commitment to making art accessible led her to found Papirmasse (www.papimasse.com), a monthly art subscription wherein subscribers receive a new print in the Exposure Festival mail every month for only $5 a month,” Cato describes. “Over the course of this eight hour event, which will stretch from October 20th - 23rd the afternoon into the evening, festival patrons are invited to www.exposurefestival.ca come and take part in the printmaking process, with a new Papirmasse print being produced every hour.” http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2515 View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments
26 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Interview
Photos by Paramout Pictures ‘Footloose’: So Much Gayer Than You Thought Director and star on updating a classic, its subliminal gayness and the making of a new heartthrob
By Chris Azzopardi harm than they do good, and it usually takes somebody outside Footloose is known just as much for its dancing as it is for of the tragedy, outside of the whole town trauma, to say, “This the guy who did most of it – Kevin Bacon, who played Ren is actually not right. This should be my right – I should be able McCormack in the cult classic. But there’s a new heartthrob to dance anyway I want.” cutting loose on the dance floor in director Craig Brewer’s GC: It’s another way of looking at the gay rights struggle. remake of the 1984 film. CB: There’s a good argument that that may have been part of Meet Kenny Wormald, a professional dancer out of Los the intention all along. Dean Pitchford wrote the original movie Angeles who knows what he’s in for with his first film: lots and the lyrics of the song, and I think there was something there of gay fans. The 27-year-old, who stars alongside Burlesque – that you could be a guy who wore a skinny tie and spiky hair actress/Dancing with the Stars winner Julianne Hough, takes and go to a school that does not dress this way, that you know on the star-making lead role, about a big-city boy moving to a is going to make fun of you for being really into gymnastics. small redneck town where the local community rules that the There is a defiance that Ren McCormack represented. As a kid root of so many problems is dancing. So, they ban it. who grew up in the ’80s with gay friends, Ren McCormack was How could something so harmless be illegal? There’s more to a hero. it than you think, Brewer tells us, discussing how the point of People refer to it as a gay movie at times because of the Footloose may have more to do with gay rights. dancing and the cheese factor, to some extent, and I understand Sitting down in a Detroit hotel suite, the Hustle & Flow that and I get it – but there’s a bigger theme there, which is, are director – along with Wormald, who said he’s ready for all the you respectful and mature and confident in your own self that gay adoration (if you saw him face-to-face, you’d know he has you can stand up in front of people and say, “Hello, my name no choice) – also chatted about the missing shower scene, what is Ren McCormack”? was so gay about the ’80s and how you don’t have to be gay to GC: After giving us so much Justin Timberlake skin in Black get footloose. Snake Moan, I was very sad to see the notorious shower scene GC: Craig, what were important updates to make to a film cut out of this Footloose. that’s over 25 years old? CB: I am so glad you brought that up! So glad! (To Kenny) I CB: The biggest update was the thing that initially bumped don’t know if you know what he’s talking about, but let’s just with me about doing a remake, because I’m sure there are say if the camera went down just an inch you’d see some junk. plenty of people who are angry and asking why we’re doing this GC: It wouldn’t be a family movie. – I was one of those people. CB: (Laughs) It wouldn’t be! And they’re all talking about how The head of the studio called me to say, “I just refuse that to go up against the city council and they’re all dripping wet, you’re not going to do Footloose. You have the story, you have fresh out of the shower – Chris Penn, Kevin Bacon, that big the music, you have complete creative control over this. What’s beefy dude. You can totally see pubes! your Footloose?” That made me stop and think. Footloose was the most important movie to me in my young adult life; it really My assistant always gave me shit, like, “What, you’re not made me who I was. I was a kid in community theater, a singin’- going to do the shower scene?!” But yeah, it’s pretty erotic…for and-dancin’ kid, and seeing that movie was an important the right people. seminal moment for me when I was 13. GC: Kenny, do you think most people still consider dance a I thought to myself, “If I did Footloose, I needed to make it less “gay” thing? about god-damning kids to hell for dancing.” It wasn’t so much KW: When I was getting made fun of, I saw Footloose and the about the ban on dancing as much as – what’s kind of our new dance scene, and Ren was masculine and cool and it validated American pastime – overreacting. So if something happens, we what I did. I was like, “Screw you!” Look at this guy – he’s make a bunch of laws. But sometimes those laws cause more Continued on Next Page www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 27 Interview - From Previous Page
awesome, he’s cool, he’s masculine. It definitely made me feel Robbins’ choreography. It’s like West Side Story. When I go to better about myself as a dancer. the angry dance scene and I’m seeing these guys in tight jeans Nowadays with all the television shows, So You Think You and tight wife beaters and they’re flipping their head around Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars, it shows that dance and dancing, yeah, it may look gay, but boy, I loved it. And my isn’t just for girls. Boys are doing hip-hop in the schoolyard and dad loved it. And all the beefy Marines that were working down it’s cool; they’re not getting made fun of. It’s amazing how it’s in Mare Island in Vallejo, Cali., they loved it too. (Laughs) changed in a matter of a decade or two. GC: The language in the scene where Ren confronts his bully, GC: When did you see the original Footloose? Chuck Cranston, with a powerful comeback is changed from pansy to fag. Why that switch? KW: I was probably 10, sometime in the ’90s. I was born in 1984. Me and Footloose came out together. (Laughs) CB: We actually said pansy and I was worried. I didn’t know if preteens were going to understand. We shot both pansy and GC: Footloose made Kevin Bacon a heartthrob – but not just for the girls. Gay guys fell for him, too. Are you prepared for the fag. I was a little nervous about using the word fag – needless to same kind of attention, Kenny? say a lot of collaborators on this movie, even from the original, are gay, and I remember going to them, “I really want to make KW: Absolutely. It’s funny, I did a show called Dancelife on sure this comes off right. I need Chuck to say this but Ren’s MTV and the majority of people who came up to me to say hey reaction needs to show that he thinks it’s unacceptable, but it would be gay guys. I was flattered by that. But I embrace it. I needs to be in a cool way.” So I played Footloose in Memphis, love it. If it keeps happening and continues and they follow me Tenn., and the line gets applause and I remember turning to my in my career, it’s beautiful. wife with a grin on my face going, “Could we be changing things CB: I’ve read some comments on Twitter. I think my favorite with Footloose?” Like, I can’t believe I’m sitting here in a red was, “I’m going to have to see Footloose because that guy’s kind state and the whole audience just reacted that way. of hunky hella hot.” I’m like, Kenny’s going to be huge in this GC: As a dancer yourself, how did you relate to Ren community! McCormack? And what did saying that line mean to you? It’s also, though, a testament to the role. I know a lot of people KW: I used to get it pretty bad in school. They knew I danced say it’s Kevin’s role and I understand that. Kevin did a lot for and they were kind of cool with it because I was on the baseball that role but, really, that role did a lot for Kevin. Back in ’84, team, but all the new kids found out and it was hell, man. I’m I didn’t know who Kevin was, no one knew who Sarah Jessica at the water fountain and it’s like, “fag,” “ballet boy” or “pussy.” Parker was, and that’s the great thing that actually doing a It was pretty rough, specifically in junior high. remake affords a filmmaker like myself – that the title of the movie is actually the biggest star. I’m a dancer in L.A. and I’ve been there for eight, nine years now, so I’ve become friends with literally some of the most So how do I make people, especially young people, feel that flamboyant humans on the planet, and I love them and we’re same feeling that I felt when I saw it? Part of that is a fresh cast. like brothers. They would – pardon my French – fuck someone When you have stars who’ve been in a bunch of movies now up for me and have my back. My dancer teacher growing up is being the character that Kevin Bacon used to play, it just didn’t a gay guy, and he’s like my second dad. He’s probably going to feel right to me. It felt like what people were assuming would get a little choked up at that part. To have their back and to get be the worst of our intentions, which was we’re just doing this to say that line in the film is very powerful. for a money grab. The biggest risk was that we took Footloose seriously. GC: You’ve also danced in videos for some major gay icons like Mariah and Madonna. GC: When you look up Footloose and “gay” in Google, one of the links that comes up is, “Why does watching Footloose make KW: I love what they’ve done for the community, so if I can me feel gay?” Did you ever feel that way watching it? get a little credit in that community, too – how great. CB: You got a good start with Footloose. (Laughs) CB: You know, per that comment, what’s funny about growing up in the ’80s is there are a lot of things that were kind of gay in KW: Even without the shower scene! That’ll be in the next the ’80s, but we didn’t completely know it. So yes, I was wearing one. fat-laced Pumas with neon shoelaces. Mousse was in my hair CB: The European version. every day. And then, you’re even in a more difficult position because you’re a big Michael Jackson fan and you transition into being a Prince fan. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2516 But with Footloose, you can’t help it – you’re watching the angry dance scene and here’s a guy dancing with Jerome View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments
28 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 29 Gossip
Zachary Quinto’s gay for Horror While Zachary Quinto (Heroes, Star Trek) has maintained what we might call a “respectful silence” about his private life, he’s certainly never shied away from taking on gay roles, most recently in the acclaimed Broadway revival of Angels in America. (Or from making an “It Gets Better” video, for that matter.) Now Quinto’s about to take on another gay role, this time on Ryan Murphy’s much-anticipated scary show for FX, American Horror Story, where he’ll portray the man who sells the haunted Victorian manor to the show’s lead characters, played by Dylan McDermott and Connie Britten. Quinto and Britten are slated to become pals on the show over the four episodes in which Quinto is slated to appear – he’ll first turn up on a two-part episode airing Halloween week. So if you like getting spooked by Spock (and really, who doesn’t?), tune in.
Billie Piper’s Love Life is all student/teacher–y Once known as a ’90s British pop princess, Billie Piper has successfully leapt the wall into acting with her acclaimed turns as a companion on Doctor Who and as an entirely different kind of companion on Secret Diary of a Call Girl. But now Piper will be getting an apple (at the very least) on a new BBC drama called Love Life. Her character is described as a schoolteacher who, after a disappointing fling with a married man, discovers herself being attracted to one of her female students. TV schoolboys have gotten hot for teacher on everything from Dawson’s Creek to Degrassi, but getting a lesbian spin, from the instructor’s POV no less, helps level the pop culture playing field of inappropriate romance. We’ll see how it works out when Love Life – which also stars Ab Fab’s Jane Horrocks and Piper’s fellow Doctor Who alum David Tennant Blake Lively, photo by Warner Bros. Pictures – premieres next year.
Sundance hit Shut Up Little Man! heads for Theaters Two Midwestern punk rock dudes moved to San Francisco in the Deep Inside Hollywood late ’80s, only to be kept awake at night by the loud and boisterous arguments of their drunken neighbors, one gay, one straight and both The Young Carrie Bradshaw Chronicles very familiar with alcohol. The fascinated new tenants tape-recorded Ready for ? the fights, which later led to zines and duplicated cassettes and staged readings that became an underground cultural phenomenon. That’s the By Romeo San Vicente story of Shut Up Little Man!, the darkly hilarious (and also remarkably sad) documentary that premiered at Sundance this year, and now it’s From this summer’s X-Men: First Class to the upcoming The heading to theaters in New York and Los Angeles on Sept. 16. (The film is Amazing Spider-Man, youthful reboots are all the rage – but prequels currently available on-demand as well.) It’s a fascinating portrait, not just aren’t just for superheroes anymore. And while first there were just of the battling boozehounds next door but also of pre-Internet culture, rumblings, there are now more definite plans for HBO’s developing when something going “viral” was a process that took months and years, series (that would probably air elsewhere, most likely the CW) the products of cassette tape or copy paper. Given how today’s YouTube focusing on younger versions of the Sex and the City quartet. Imagine sensation becomes tomorrow’s has-been, it’s a strangely retro reminder something along the lines of Smallville, only with Carrie, Miranda, of the extremely recent past. Charlotte and Samantha instead of Clark Kent. With two recent “Teen Carrie” books by Candace Bushnell, The Carrie Diaries and Summer Romeo San Vicente is ready for sweater weather. He can be reached care in the City, freshly ready for adaptation, this could all get moving of this publication. quickly. Early casting news buzzing about Blake Lively has now grown to include talk of Emma Roberts. Who knows, maybe Selena Gomez is looking to change her image; if so, then there’s your Charlotte. And http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2517 if the show wanted to incorporate a genuine element of the surreal into the proceedings, they could just let Kim Cattrall keep playing View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments Samantha. OK, maybe Samantha’s slutty grandmother.
30 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Lifestyle Cocktail Chatter Irene – a Category 5 Cocktail
by Ed Sikov “Jack Fogg started it,” I whined. Pernod and Roses “You sound like a 6-year-old,” Dan replied. “I went out with Jennifer and the gals last night,” Ramona said “But he did! It wasn’t my fault.” just before she dug into her salad Niceoise. A little bistro had opened “Oh yes it was,” Dan said with finality. “He held out the bait, but on West 18th Street – Le Quai à Nice. All very lovely and evocative, you’re the one who made the choice to bite.” until Ramona made a face after tasting the tuna. She shrugged and I hate this kind of conversation – where you begin in satisfying moral took another bite. “We went to that awful ‘Kittens’ place in Soho on outrage and end in abject shame. This one flipped in 15 seconds. I had Saturday. Blecchhh! Lily wanted to go. Never again. Anyway, for the no time to vent before Dan terminated the discussion with his wise first time in like forever I got really wasted. Margaritas.” She leaned observation, which was a line I’d used on him about eight months ago. toward me confidentially. “So I did something I never did before: I There had been un petit scene at the beach house. It was mercifully took the bus home!” “So?” I said. “Well, I made it home safely, which short – no blood, no corpses – but only because I bit my tongue and was surprising, since I never drove a bus before.” didn’t point out to Mr. Harvard C. N. N. Aging Prepster that he was She spread out her arms in a “ta-da!” gesture, which caused the most obnoxious ass I had ever plowed, and that he’d taken quite a different tone with me when I rammed my etc. etc. etc. me to laugh so abruptly that I choked on a bit of frisee and briefly wondered if Ramona could be trusted to actually perform the We were all lined up on loungers around the pool: Jack Fogg, Sammy, Paolo, Chipper, Dan and me. Having finished sweeping up the leaves Heimlich maneuver rather than just take my gagging literally – as a and branches that littered the deck, we stripped down to our swimsuits, gag. The joke was pure Ramona. I’ve adored her for 35 years. and were happily watching in lust as the shirtless, straight, but turned- “So Mo,” I said. “What am I going to do about Dan?” on-by-gay-gawkers pool boy skimmed and vacuumed more leaves out of “Dan who?” It’s not that she didn’t like my partner. She was just the pool. Each of us had un cocktail du weekend in hand, and life was beautiful. wildly jealous of him. If I hadn’t come out during our senior year in college, I’d have married Ramona. She was stunned and hurt Then Jack Fogg cleared his throat portentously. My back was up even before he said anything. “Don’t you think you’re being, uh, a little by my big revelation, which I accomplished involuntarily when Mo obvious?” “About what?” I snarled. “I mean, really. Hurricanes?” He caught me getting blown by an all-but-blind physics major. After the snickered smugly. operatic and very public first week (the spectators being the entire “It’s a theme drink,” I said with forced merriment – “the bartender’s student body of Haverford College, the opera reminiscent of Lucia di answer to occasional verse.” Lammermoor), she recovered quickly. Her rampant sex drive saw to “Every queen on this island is drinking Hurricanes this weekend,” Jack that. She didn’t exactly set out to plow her way through the soccer Fogg barreled on. “You made us trite.” I noted with bitter amusement team, but she didn’t leave many guys out in the cold. Her mother that he was polishing off his second Hurricane at the time. hasn’t spoken to me since. “I told you,” I said, irritated. “They are not Hurricanes. They are “Come on, Mo,” I said. “This isn’t funny.” New York State had just Irenes.” legalized same-sex marriage when Dan stopped speaking to me over “You only used guava juice instead of passion fruit because the Pantry my fling with Jack Fogg. The timing wasn’t ironic. It felt more like sold out of passion fruit. Their entire stock of passion fruit juice had inescapable fate – dark and portentous, kind of like Oedipus but already been snapped up by every other cliché-prone cocktail dominatrix without me screwing my mother and gouging my eyes out. in the Pines.” “Guiltyflora.com?” She smirked at her own wit. I giggled. Dan’s hand shot over and held my arm down. He knew that I was about to throw my Irene in Jack Fogg’s face. “Please?” I begged. “Boys,” said Paolo. “OK,” she said through a mouthful of green beans. “Here’s “Girls,” said Chipper. whatcha do. One night when he’s at home working into the wee “Dudes!” said Sammy. “You’re both out of your friggin’ minds! I don’t hours, get out of bed, go to the secret place where you’ve hidden a care what they’re called or what’s in them or whether they’re named dozen red roses – long stem; you’ll look bad if you cut corners – and ‘Michele Bachmanns.” “Wait a minute,” Dan objected, but Sammy surprise him. Be naked. It’s both sexy and abject, both of which steamrolled through. “They’re awesome!” you are.” She forked another bunch of beans and delivered them “I named them,” Chipper announced. to her still-chewing mouth. “Mmm, ‘n get down on one knee. Act “What? You think ‘The Irene’ is clever? That was the goddamn storm’s chivalrous.” name!” This came not from Jack but from Paolo. So I did. I hid the roses in a vase in the closet where I keep my “I didn’t call them ‘the Irene.’ They are simply, chicly named ‘Irene.’ toolbox; I’s bet his life he’d never go in there. Naked, I offered my Just one diamond-solitaire word. Like Adrian or Travilla. In fact, like apology, roses and love to my life partner, and he accepted it. I also Irene!” I high-fived Chipper for his command of one-named costume brought out a bottle of Pernod and two glasses. Then we… well, it’s designers from the 1930s. actually too personal to write about, even for me. “Who?” asked Sammy. Pernod, the legendary anise-flavored aperitif, is mixed with a little “Never mind,” I said, winking at Chipper. “You’re too young. And water and served in what are called longdrink glasses – tall liqueur that’s why we adore you.” I got up, knelt next to Sammy, kissed him squarely on his rock-like six-pack, and headed for the kitchen to make glasses that flare out beautifully at the top. I bought ours on eBay. another round. I remember the items’ description vividly: “Rare and Superb Pernod Glasses.” I got two for $1.98 each plus shipping. “Irene” – a Category 5 Cocktail 2 oz. dark rum 2 oz. light rum 1 oz. guava juice .5 oz. orange juice 1 squirt lemon juice http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2518 Add all the ingredients to a tall glass, stir, add some ice, and serve. Makes one drink. View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 31 The Gospel According to Kristin Chenoweth Singer talks country music, queers and Christians
Kristin Chenoweth, photos by Jeremy Cowart
By Chris Azzopardi KC: (Laughs) You can’t?! I can’t wait for my family to hear One of the most happy-go-lucky ladies in showbiz, that one. Kristin Chenoweth doesn’t get miffed very easily. But GC: I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s thought this. when she does, she does. KC: Oh no. Are you kidding? I was like, “Wait a minute!” And last year she did, after Newsweek published a But I just think the most important thing for me as an commentary on the inability of gay actors to play straight actress, because of the lines that come out of my mouth, is roles. It upset the 43-year-old actress/singer so much she to just have to speak them and keep going, because they’re wrote an extensive letter to the magazine, calling the article so funny and her name is so funny and the whole thing is “horrendously homophobic,” which was published shortly just so great. I love it. after the debacle – and which she spoke about during this GC: Does your character have anything in common with interview. April Rhodes, who you play on Glee? Chenoweth’s allegiance to the gay community goes way KC: (Laughs) Probably not on paper, but they’re both pretty back to being a child and growing up in the South – a place outlandish people. Carlene, though, is the antithesis of April. she returned to for her latest album, Some Lessons Learned, GC: Speaking of April, when do you think we’ll see her on her first of four to fully embrace her country roots. But her Glee again, considering the ban on guest stars for the third success hasn’t been confined to just the music business; season of the show? Chenoweth broke out on Broadway, where she originated the role of Glinda in Wicked and most recently starred alongside KC: I don’t know! Nobody’s mentioning it, so I’m hoping it Will & Grace star Sean Hayes in Promises, Promises. There’s happens. I certainly love her. She’s so fun to play. also been a book (2009’s A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love and GC: You grew up in Oklahoma, so country music is your Faith in Stages), and several TV spots: Pushing Daisies, Glee roots. How is this album a reflection of that? and, coming soon to ABC, Good Christian Belles. KC: It’s so funny, because I get asked, “Why a country So we had lots to talk about when we recently caught up album now?” But that’s how it all began for me – and, of with Chenoweth, who was on a dinner break from shooting course, why would anyone know that? It’s not something I’ve her upcoming sitcom. During it, she discussed her history of been talking about a lot, but it’s the music I grew up listening dating gay men, her opinion on Michele Bachmann’s support to. One of my biggest influences is Dolly Parton, and when of gay conversion clinics and being a little bit wicked. you look at the history of songs in musical theater and in GC: I can’t get over your character’s last name on Good country, they’re both usually great storytellers. Christian Belles: Cockburn. Carlene Cockburn.
32 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com I know just how lucky I am to do this kind of music. Getting get where he is, and he said, “Work hard, play hard, Kris,” to go to Nashville and sing this music that feels like home to and I guess that’s kind of been my motto in life. So when I me was a real gift, and one that I don’t take lightly. see people squandering opportunities or having a sense of GC: “What Would Dolly Do?” reminds me a lot of entitlement, that really makes me crazy. Because I don’t Dolly herself. understand it. It’s not a world I get. KC: I co-wrote that, and (producer) Bob GC: You’re driving, so how about something that Ezrin asked, “Who’s had the biggest influence ticks you off about other drivers? on you country music-wise?” I said, “Dolly, KC: You know what, I don’t get road rage! I just without question.” And he said, “How don’t. I’m like, “OK, you cut me off – you must need would she approach it? Let’s think: What to go somewhere a lot quicker than I do. Go on would Dolly do?” I said, “Bob, why aren’t then.” And also, I’ve had so many people in my we writing that song?” life be affected by car wrecks, and I’ve had a few There’s something about her that I feel myself, that I just have realized, “Eh, you know, very attuned to. There’s only one Dolly. life’s too short.” I’m not comparing myself, but I’m just GC: I know one thing that makes you upset, saying her spirit and the way she looks and that’s homophobic people. at life is pretty similar to me. And the KC: I don’t like that, you’re right. cover I did of hers (“Change”) is actually a GC: Your letter in response to that Newsweek very emotional thing and it reminded column said it all. Why was it important to me – of course, how could I ever address your feelings on that issue? forget? – what an amazing songwriter she is. You know, KC: To be honest with you, I wasn’t prepared I didn’t do a lot of covers. I for what was going to happen. I was on did two covers, one of Carrie Broadway doing Promises, Promises, (Underwood’s) and one of and I read the article and I actually Dolly’s, and I just love both thought it was pretty irresponsible. of them. I love their music, I I’m not even talking about whether love their spirit; everything a person agrees with being gay or they stand for. not, I’m talking about artistry and gay actors trying to play straight. GC: It makes total sense, It just made me mad, because because, to me, both I thought, “Well, I’ve played a you and Dolly epitomize prostitute, does that mean I am happiness. one? No.” I just thought it was KC: Oh my god, thank a little bit of a bullying thing, you. That’s the biggest and I honestly prayed about it compliment you could – no kidding, I prayed about it. give me. I wrote that letter in one fell GC: It’s true. You are swoop and I gave it to a good two of the happiest people friend of mine to proofread, I know of. So, tell me… because the last thing I wanted what pisses you off? to do was sound like an idiot, KC: (Laughs) Oh gosh. which I can do as well. So we I don’t really get mad that sent it on and the next thing I often. But I’m not going know, they printed it. to lie, when I do, there’s a And by the way, I’m a big fan quiet that comes over me of the magazine, which is why I that is a little like whoa, and was so bummed. But I think that that happens when I don’t feel they felt bad and hopefully there’s other people are prepared or been some discussion about it and doing their job or pulling their some learning, because that’s what weight. I come from a family we’re here to do on this Earth, to learn our where my dad came from purpose. Well, one of my purposes in this nothing and worked hard to life – since I’m a believer and a Christian – Continued on Next Page
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 33 Interview - From Previous Page Event is to help people realize that not every Christian thinks that being gay is a sin. GC: To reinforce your stance that gay actors can indeed act The Return of Movember straight, you made out with your Promises, Promises co-star Sean Hayes at the Tonys last year. KC: It might’ve been a little jib. It might’ve been a little one. (Laughs) By Carey Rutherford GC: What was it like to make out with a gay man, and was Prostate Cancer Canada is running off with the month that your first time making out with one? following October. They are swapping it for Movember, KC: Well, let’s face it, my high school boyfriend is gay, so I and focussing our awareness on men’s health initiatives. don’t think it’s my first time making out with gay men – and I With that in mind, the PR firm that is helping them in bet a lot of women don’t even know they’ve done it! And Sean this effort supplies an information sheet with some of Hayes is just a darn good kisser, what can I say? those wonderfully scary statistics that we all love to GC: Wait, so you dated a gay man in high school? read, and hate to be. KC: Yeah, and I’m like, “Well, that’s why we were such Occurrences of prostate cancer in men is comparable to a great couple!” He didn’t pleasure me in any way but he the rates of breast cancer in women; 1 in 7 men will be helped me pick out my prom dress! diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime; 1 in 2 men GC: Was he one of the first gay people you knew in and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their Oklahoma? lifetime; men of African or Caribbean descent are 65 per KC: Yeah. I want to tell you something I know about myself: cent more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian When I was in the second or third grade, I first heard the word men. “dyke,” and it was in reference to a girl in our school who was There is an unfortunate, and unexpected, fact underlying very, very tomboyish – and I didn’t really understand what these stats: you’ve probably heard about breast cancer the word was, but I knew I didn’t like the way it was said. checkups, but how often do you hear about prostate cancer And for some reason I’ve always been drawn to the person checkups? Women have addressed and organized a response that was alone, and I don’t mean to make me sound like I’m to their major health concern of the late 20th century, and Mother Teresa, because I’m not, but I’ve always been drawn men have fallen behind. As the information above mentions, to people who felt left out or different, and maybe it’s because prostate cancer claims a comparable number of victims to I too felt different and unique. People would not think this breast cancer, but it is a hidden disease. We (men) don’t of me, because there’s this perception of me that, “Oh, life’s talk about it, we don’t have it monitored, and so like other been perfect and things have come so easily.” cancers, we become victims. Jack Layton was unfortunately, But let’s face it, my speaking voice is very interesting. Yes, simply a reflection of a general men’s cancer statistical I was a cheerleader but I also wanted to do all the plays, I was trend. And he would have been a perfect Movember poster in renaissance choir, and I too felt a little bit like an outsider. boy, with his infamous mustache. I was always drawn to people who felt that way too. And sure, Let’s be honest, man to man: have you ever even said the some of them were gay and I never did understand – I guess words “prostate cancer”, to anyone, let alone another man? the word is fear. We thought not. God made us all equal. He made me short, he made Movember was begun in Melbourne by a group of beer someone gay, he made someone tall – whatever it is, it’s not drinking men looking for a cause, and believing, more a sin; it’s how we’re made. And that’s the way I feel about it. importantly, that “it was time to bring back the moustache.” It flies in the face of a lot of what Christians believe, but as In order to justify their “Mo” (Aussie slang for moustache), I’m finding out there’s a lot of Christian people who think the the astonishingly successful Movember Movement was same as me. So that’s my deal, and I think we should not be started. And despite these humble roots in 2003, “this careful of the unknown but rather accepting and loving of it. November will mark the 5th Movember campaign in GC: As someone who’s Christian and supports the gay Canada, which will continue to raise funds for Prostate community, how do you feel about the pray-away-the-gay Cancer Canada. In 2010, almost 119,000 Mo Bros and Mo program that Michele Bachmann supports? Sistas used the power of the Mo to raise $22 million for KC: (Long pause) Um, you know what – you can have your our beneficiary partner… The funds raised are directed to opinion. One of the great things about being in this country programs run directly by Movember and our men’s health is we get to freely say what we believe. I just don’t happen to partner, Prostate Cancer Canada.” agree with that. I like the pray part! (Laughs) As an internet-focussed campaign, Movember is both a lot viral and a little irreverent. Whether you’re picking up Mo grooming tips, checking out the ‘Moscars’ (videos by http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2519 participants celebrating, bemoaning, or fantasizing about View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments their Mos), or registering online as an individual, a team or a company, it’s no surprise that so far 1.1 Million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas have agreed to participate. Formal campaigns have cropped up in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and Ireland. “Movember believes that a moustache crafted with pride is a sign of (a) true gentleman.” Let the Mo-ing (and the conversations) begin.
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34 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Event
heterosexual one. I want stars to come out without a worry. I believe by performing as a gay person about gay topics I am helping with that.” Cazwell Comes to Calgary So, for all those who complain that Alberta lacks in gay entertainment (you know who you are), it’s time to think again. With class acts such as NYC Bad Boy DJ Plays Saturday at Club Sapien Cazwell making his debut in both Edmonton and Calgary this year, we have only just begun. By Dallas Barnes If I was a gay boy my new love would be Cazwell, AKA http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2521 the best thing to happen to the NYC party scene in the View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments last five years. Luckily for all you guys in Calgary that had the chance to see him play a live DJ show at Club Sapien the night of this past October 1st, it was tremendous. This was the first time he has been to Calgary, and he couldn’t have been more excited about seeing what and who Calgary had to offer. “Canada has always been good to me,” says Cazwell as he takes time to talk to me from New York City. “I plan on performing while DJing,” which is definitely his style. Check out his videos on YouTube, especially Ice Cream Truck, which is also full of eye candy from what I can tell. Speaking of eye candy, Pure Pride, co-sponsor of the event provided their own cast as “Ice Cream Truck Boys” and scouted out potential guys to join their team. Cazwell was definitely looking forward to this part of the event. “I am looking for boys that can smile and shake their ass,” mused Cazwell, “I love go-go boys that smile.” Opening for the show were Calgary faves DJ JayFraid and DJ Goldstar. For Mike Gray, owner of Club Sapien the night was perfect. “We are building a positive gay culture and community with sold-out shows like Miami Heat and Cazwell. What an awesome night! Calgary has really responded to our positive high energy events.” This is the type of operation that Cazwell seeks for his performance venues. “In New York City there are some amazing smaller parties that are replacing the ambience of big clubs that were popular years ago, such as BCBG and The Roxy,” Cazwell explained. “It isn’t the drug vibe that was popular before. Now the worst I see is generally alcohol and pot. These are smaller parties in smaller locations and there is a real sexy vibe going on.” Cazwell explained his motivation behind the homoerotic nature of his music. “I like to talk about my life in my songs and in my performances. I want gay men to feel just as entitled to have sex with other men as a straight man is to have sex with women.” And why not? Straight men have been singing about women since the beginning of time. “I remember playing a show and there were about 100 bears that were singing along. They knew all of the lyrics! I felt really cool to be gay!” He continued to elaborate on his theory of queerdom. “I am not a political person by any means, but I am very political in the way that I live my life and perform. I want the queer conversation to be just as comfortable as a
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 35 Out of Town Michigan Vacation: Saugatuck, Ann Arbor & Detroit
Oval Beach, in Saugtauck
By Andrew Collins com) coffeehouse, a good place to pick up an over-stuffed sandwich, As the cooler weather of early autumn settles in, slice of carrot cake, or espresso. In downtown Douglas, the outstanding southern Michigan becomes a particularly enchanting Everyday People Cafe (everydaypeoplecafe.com) serves beautifully spot for a vacation. prepared contemporary fare and has a lively bar following among the local gay set. And for a light lunch or decadent snack, try Cookies on Call Here’s a look at three very different communities in this (www.cookiesoncall.com), noted for its white-chocolate-and-caramel or part of the state: artsy and coastal Saugatuck, collegiate dark-chocolate-and-dried-blueberry cookies. and progressive Ann Arbor, and scrappy and culturally rich Detroit. Each makes an appealing weekend destination, or Considered the Midwest’s largest gay hotel, the Dunes Resort you could easily visit all three of these places as part of an (dunesresort.com), is also the area’s top nightlife draw, with a large extended road trip through the region. dance floor, piano cabaret, and a huge fenced-in sundeck and bar with a large pool and lush foliage. The rambling 20-acre compound has 65 Here’s the skinny on what these three Michigan destinations hotel units, ranging from cottages to conventional rooms; some rooms have to offer, from friendly gay bars and stylish restaurants to have fireplaces and hot tubs. some of the Midwest’s most acclaimed cultural attractions. You’ll find no shortage of historic B&Bs in the area, many of them gay- Saugatuck owned, including the elegant and inviting Kirby House (www.kirbyhouse. com), a stately 1890 Queen Anne on the edge of downtown Douglas. The charming town of Saugatuck (www.saugatuck.com), in Talented gay author Salvatore Sapienza (Seventy Times Seven) and his combination with the neighboring village of Douglas, offers a bounty partner Greg operate Saugatuck’s wonderful Beechwood Manor (www. of urbane restaurants, handsome B&Bs, funky boutiques, and high- beechwoodmanorinn.com), which has three lovely rooms and a pet- quality art galleries, as well as some of the most picturesque beach friendly three-bedroom cottage. It’s close to downtown but on a quiet, frontage on Lake Michigan. tree-shaded street. A bit farther afield is the gracious Belvedere Inn (www. The towns are separated by a wide expanse of the Kalamazoo River, thebelvedereinn.com), a regal 1913 mansion designed by a colleague of which empties into Lake Michigan. From one village center to the other, Frank Lloyd Wright - it’s about 3 miles northeast of Saugatuck. The it’s just a mile’s drive or stroll, and it’s also a mile from either community Belvedere’s superb restaurant, which serves such rarefied Continental to the sweeping Oval Beach (gays and lesbians tend to congregate more cuisine, makes a perfect setting for celebrating a special occasion. at the northern section of this sandy sunbathing mecca). If you’re in an There are also a few affordable motels around the area, including the outdoorsy mood, consider paddling around town in a kayak - Running gay-owned Pines Motor Lodge (www.thepinesmotorlodge.com), a rustic Rivers Kayak Rentals offers tours and rentals. For a little more exercise, but retro-hip, pale-green motor court that’s been beautifully restored, climb the 282 steps to the top of the area’s highest sand dune, Mt. its 13 rooms with simple but stylish decor. The owners also rent a guest Baldhead, which affords stunning views. house and cottages. Worthy dining options in Saugatuck include Wicks Park Bar & Grill (www.wickspark.com), an attractive gastropub that presents live music many nights, and convivial Uncommon Grounds (uncommongroundscafe.
36 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com An absolute must-see is the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), whose central foyer contains spectacular Depression-era frescoes by Diego Rivera. The museum, whose collection holds 65,000 works, anchors the Cultural Center district - near the campus of Wayne State University. Nearby you can visit such notable attractions as the Detroit Historical Museum as well as the Motown Museum, which celebrates the careers of such R&B legends as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and the Jackson 5. Walk along downtown’s main drag, Woodward Avenue, and you’ll come upon a stellar theater district, a highlight of which is the fantastically elaborate 1927 Fox Theatre. Within walking distance is the Bonstelle Theatre, where Lily Tomlin got her start; Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center, home of the Detroit Symphony; and the impressive Detroit Opera House, which boasts one of the world’s largest stages. To get a full sense of metro Detroit, venture out of downtown. A bit east you’ll find 1,000-acre Belle Isle, an urban retreat in the middle of the Detroit River - it’s home to a fine beach and good jogging and biking paths. Drive northwest along Woodward Avenue to Ferndale, a formerly working-class community that’s become something of a gay stronghold over the years. Its main drag, West 9 Mile Road, has a few cool boutiques and vintage stores. The next town north, Royal Oak, is another bastion of hip dining and retail. And still farther up Woodward Avenue, you’ll find upscale restaurants and shops in attractive Birmingham, andthe acclaimed and recently renovated and expanded Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills - it was designed by modernist architectural legend Eliel Saarinen, whose nearby house is open seasonally for tours. The 73-story GM Renaissance Center is one of the icons of the Detroit skyline Head west to Dearborn, the heart of the America’s auto-manufacturing heritage, to tour the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, a Ann Arbor fascinating 81-acre complex of historic homes and structures moved here from across the country as well as an incomparable museum that Ann Arbor, which is anchored by the University of Michigan (U of M), traces the development of American technological innovation over the has long been a beacon of liberal politics, high culture, and vibrant campus generations. living. For the city’s many gays and lesbians, the great sense of community When it comes to dining, metro Detroit has a number of highly regarded and tolerance make it a wonderful place to live. The city’s human-scale options. One of the most famous is Opus One (www.opus-one.com), set downtown and spirited campus meld together almost imperceptibly. inside a former taxi garage built by Louis Kahn in 1916, and serving You can get a feel for area by strolling across the campus green - known superb contemporary food. A funky eatery on the edge of the Cultural as the Diag (short for “Diagonal”). Be sure to set aside time to visit the of Center, the Majestic Cafe (majesticdetroit.com) scores high marks for U of M Museum of Art, whose collections span 13,000 years; the U of M its art exhibits and eclectic comfort food, while lesbian-owned Avalon Museum of Natural History, one of the best such-museums in the state. International Breads (www.avalonbreads.net) is renowned among foodies Ann Arbor’s downtown is characterized by brick sidewalks, old- for its fine coffees, artisan breads, and delicious sandwiches and salads. fashioned gas lamps, diverse architecture, and an abundance of boutiques, And Slows Bar-B-Q (slowsbarbq.com) is one of the top urban barbecue art galleries, and restaurants. It’s a short walk to the funky Kerrytown joints in the country, earning raves for its St. Louis-style ribs and sliced neighborhood, where you can stop by one of the most acclaimed gourmet- brisket. food markets and delis in the Midwest, Zingerman’s (www.zingermans. In Ferndale, snag a table at the atmopsheric Fly Trap Diner (www. com), and grab a seat on the sunny terrace to enjoy a memorable lunch theflytrapferndale.com) to sample heavenly gingerbread waffles or one of or breakfast. the best BLTs in the area. Long-time gay favorite Como’s (comosferndale. Other notable eateries around Ann Arbor include the contemporary com) is a good bet for red-sauce Italian fare. Royal Oak restaurant West End Grill (www.westendgrillannarbor.com), which draws raves for its notables include the dapper Town Tavern (towntavernroyaloak.com), and deftly prepared seafood and steaks. For stellar mod-Asian cuisine, consider the charming Cafe Muse (www.cafemuseroyaloak.com), which serves a Pacific Rim by Kana (pacificrimbykana.com). Seva (www.sevarestaurant. delectable grilled cheese that’s been featured in Esquire Magazine. com) vegetarian eatery is a great spot for bountiful salads and garden Fans of clubbing will find plenty of options in these parts. The burgers, and Grizzly Peak (grizzlypeak.net) turns out terrific hand-crafted most popular spots include Royal Oak’s gay video bar Pronto (www. beers and interesting food. If you’re in town at breakfast of brunch-time, prontorestaurant.com), which adjoins the lovely restaurant of the same check out Zola Cafe and Bistro (www.cafezola.com), which is also quite name; Ferndale’s sophisticated yet friendly SOHO (www.sohoferndale. popular for lunch, dinner, or even just a latte or fresh smoothie. com) lounge; and such Detroit mainstays as Menjo’s Complex, where Ann Arbor has one gay bar, Aut Bar (autbar.com), a welcoming venue Madonna used to party back in her early days; Gigi’s (www.gigisbar.com), with a diverse crowd - it’s set inside a converted 1916 house in Kerrytown, which employs a stable of hot male dancers. next to the GLBT bookstore, Common Language. The city’s favorite dance Among lodging options, consider the upscale Marriott Detroit (www. club, the Necto (www.necto.com) is also fun and has a gay party on marriott.com), which is set inside the soaring 73-story main tower of the Tuesdays. GM Renaissance Center, and - across the street - the more moderately Ann Arbor contains a typical mix of chain motels and hotels as well as a priced Courtyard Marriott (www.detroitdowntowncourtyard.com). Also handful of smaller, more distinctive properties. Right on campus, the Bell excellent is the sleek Atheneum Suite Hotel (www.atheneumsuites.com) - Tower Hotel (www.belltowerhotel.com) occupies a handsomely preserved all of these are close to Detroit’s festive Greektown and that neighborhood’s building with reproduction antiques. And the Burnt Toast Inn (www. popular Greektown Casino. A short drive from downtown, the charming burnttoastinn.com) has seven moderately priced rooms, a great location and historic Inn on Ferry Street (innonferrystreet.com) offers inviting in a historic neighborhood, and - despite the name - tasty Continental accommodations - it comprises four meticulously renovated Queen Anne breakfasts. homes plus a pair of Victorian carriage houses.
Detroit The country’s 18th largest city is difficult to get a full grasp of on a short visit, but with a couple of days, you do at least have enough time to see http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2522 some incredible museums, dine at some outstanding restaurants, and check out a few of Michigan’s best gay bars. View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments
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Aids Calgary Aids Walk
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HIV Edmonton Aids Walk
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ISCWR Investitures at the Junction - Edmonton
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Gong Show at the Texas Lounge - Calgary
CAANS Aids Walk - Red Deer Onyx’s Beswick Fundraiser at the Texas Lounge - Calgary
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Photos by Jesus Cordero Gloria Reaches Out to the Gays The Queen of Latin Pop talks conservative upbringing, gay marriage and controversial Target deal
By Chris Azzopardi different looks that they were able to reenact – the one in the chaps Gloria Estefan isn’t called the Queen of Latin Pop for and the “Mi Tierra” dress – and “Everlasting Love” celebrated all nothing. Over three decades – and counting – she’s those different looks. I just feel fortunate that somebody would want to do me. (Laughs) earned it. GC: It’s been eight years since your last English-language studio Since needing a “Dr. Beat” to control her feet in the ’80s, then as album, Unwrapped. Why did you decide to step back from music and part of Miami Sound Machine, Estefan has amassed seven Grammy showbiz, and what prompted your return? awards and released 25 albums (selling over 90 million copies of Well, stepping back was easy – I had (my daughter) Emily and them worldwide), spawning hits like “Conga,” “Reach” and “Rhythm GE: I know how quickly time goes by. That’s why my last English album is Gonna Get You” – which it did, many times over. And it will yet was in 2003 – then in 2007 we did 90 Millas – and I purposefully again with Miss Little Havana, her first English-language release only went out promoting in the summer when she was available to since 2003 that returns to her Latin-dance roots with producer go with me, because she really loves school. My son wasn’t too fond Pharrell Williams’ urban flair. of it, so I dragged him all over the world and he didn’t care. (Laughs) The album, though, isn’t just getting buzz for being her long- I don’t like to just go into the studio to just go into the studio. I awaited comeback – but the way it’s being released. Estefan partnered really want to have a musical idea, some creative spark that makes with Target, known for its recent support of anti-gay politics, for the me excited about doing what I’m doing. Pharrell called me – he had release of Miss Little Havana (it’s also available through iTunes). In written a song for me called “Miss Little Havana” – and he wanted to this exclusive chat, the 54-year-old performer opened up about the delve into that Hispanic world and even go further than he already deal, why she hopes you’ll give the corporation another chance and has. It was really a very interesting idea. We clicked so well in the just how deep her everlasting love for the gay community goes. studio that I think this album is a real example of how much we GC: Have you done an interview with gay press before? clicked – creatively and on many levels. GE: Oh yes, many times. (Laughs) That’s my core audience. These After we had done the nine tracks with Pharrell, we took it to the are the people that broke me in a lot of clubs. My gay following has club in the last four tracks with different remixers and producers always been cutting edge in music and discovered my stuff before it that are on the cutting edge of the clubland side. I wanted to give ever became big on radio. The very first remix we did of “Dr. Beat” fans not just the nine concept-y tracks that we did with Pharrell – was done by a guy named Pablos Flores who became huge in the although they didn’t start that way, there was a storyline I discovered dance market after that, but he used to spin at a gay club in Puerto after we finished the songs – and really take it to hardcore dance. Rico and we found out he was a big fan. So they’ve always been a big Zumba fanatics will love it. part of my career. GC: (Laughs) While we were doing “Wepa,” Pharrell said, “You GC: Ever got down and done the conga in a gay club? GE: have to take it to all those Zumba clubs!” It’s so fast. It’s like a GE: Not the “Conga,” because in that gay club we were unknown nuclear merengue with the urban sensibility from Pharrell and the at that time, but I did a lot of dancing there in Puerto Rico. drunk guy on trombone in the street festival, so we kept thinking, Unfortunately, for me, I haven’t been able to go to any clubs, period “They’re going to sweat to this one!” – gay or straight – because I’ve been working since I was 17 in a You said your 2004 world tour would be your last. Have you band, so usually I was the one performing when everyone else was GC: changed your mind? Are you going to pull a Cher on us? having a good time. But I would love that – they’re the most fun clubs, I’m sure. GE: I don’t have a tour planned. What I’ve been doing is just going to places worldwide, little by little. And I’ll always do something. I GC: Who does a better conga – gay or straight men? never ever said that I was retiring. I said I was just going to stop GE: (Laughs) Are you kidding me? You’re actually asking that doing those world tours and that was going to be the last one, and it question? I mean, who dances better, period?! did end up being that. You never say never, but I really don’t foresee GC: When you look back at your career – the hair, the fashion, doing that kind of thing again. I will do different, interesting and all of that – why do you think you make such a great drag queen? unique stuff, but it’s like boot camp for me. It’s hard on me. GE: I don’t know, but I got to tell you: I love it! Every time I see GC: Your song “Always Tomorrow” was a lifeline for so many them, I say, “They do me much better than I do,” because I’m the people, especially your gay fans – including myself. How does it feel reluctant diva. I didn’t like being the center of attention, but I had knowing that?
46 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com GE: I love that. That’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written, so that makes me happy. You know, that was the idea. When I wrote that tune it was like a message of hope. I wanted to celebrate the hero in each of us and the fact that we can survive and be stronger. I’ve had fans tell me they were going to do themselves in and this song came on the radio and they felt better; they actually got through some really tough moments, so that to me is the best reason to do what I do – that I can somehow get into people’s brains and hearts that I may never meet, and get them through. That’s what music was for me. I had a really tough time growing up and other people’s music got me through those moments, so it means a lot to me that that was good for you, as well. GC: It’s a song that so many gay kids who are bullied into suicide should’ve heard before they took their own life. GE: I know. I did a video message for the It Gets Better campaign and I talked about that – that when I was 15 I felt so overwhelmed and everything was so heavy on me that, believe me, I thought about it. Kids think that problems are going to last forever and they need to realize that life changes in a second. I can understand where they get overwhelmed, but we have a short enough time as it is on this earth without having to end it early. GC: Considering how Target has supported anti-gay candidates and indirectly anti-gay causes, there’s been much controversy in the gay community surrounding your partnership with them for the release of Miss Little Havana. What do you have to say to gay fans who might question your support for them? GE: To my gay fans, I would say this: Always go with your heart and do what you need to do, because I think that every human being needs to stand on principle. But I’ve got to tell you: I would never work with someone who is anti-gay. I know that they donated to a third party who then donated to this candidate and – I did my homework – since then they donated $150,000 to that candidate. They apologized profusely for having done so, and they have established an actual committee that oversees all political donations to make sure that this doesn’t happen again. They’ve also donated a half-million dollars to LGBT organizations. They’re part of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. They give domestic partner benefits. They have 300,000 employees that are from all walks of life, and it’s very important for them to be supportive. They’ve extended family medical leave benefits and But you have to realize that even the Equal Rights Amendment only adoption benefits to their gay employees. They’ve really supported happened in 1972 (Editor’s note: It was never ratified), so we’re still very much their gay peeps. trying to grow rights for everyone. I think it’s still tough because Believe me, in my own life I’ve gone through a lot of these there’s still judgmental people, there’s still racism, there’s still things. When I had Obama at my house, I got nailed by the Cuban homophobia. It’s a human condition. So as we become more and community – even though I’m not affiliated politically. Sometimes more educated and people become more open, it’s going to go in a the information you want to get out there doesn’t, because the first positive direction. thing that blows up is what people hear. GC: So you’re a gay marriage supporter? So I will always respect what (my gay fans) want to do, but I have a Of course I am. I think everyone should be able to marry who long history with Target. I’ve put out my children’s book, we’ve done GE: they love, and it just should be. programs for the troops – they really have been very supportive, so I would say: Do some more research, check out what Target has done GC: Do you think you would’ve had that mentality years ago, to make up for its gaffe – and they know it was a gaffe. It was lack considering you grew up in a very Catholic-conservative home? of information, not knowing everything about everybody that your GE: I did, and I don’t know if my mom – I think nowadays she money goes to. I was actually very surprised when that whole Target would, because my mom has grown a lot, but my mom was also thing happened, but I know how these things happen. I’ve been on raised in a very restrictive atmosphere in Cuba. She has a lot of other side of that. So give them another shot and if not, I respect hardcore ideas. I’ve never talked to her about this, but she’s very very much whatever they may want to do or need to do to stand up supportive of all her gay friends, and sometimes I go into her house for whatever principles they’re upholding. and I tell her it’s like La Cage Aux Folles – all her best friends are I just want them to know that I’m so supportive of the LGBT gay guys! (Laughs) They’re over there always taking care of her and community. They’ve been a big part of my success and they’ve always being really sweet with her. been there for me. I would not want to do anything that hurts them. GC: We’re very nurturing. GC: Your birthplace of Cuba has evolved a lot in the way it treats GE: Hey, listen, the best son a mom could have is a gay son. gay people. In the ’70s, many LGBT people were imprisoned simply They’re not going to leave you high and dry, and they always watch for being gay. What do you remember it being like for gay people? their mothers and take care of them very much. GE: Well, I was a baby. I came over here when I was 18 months GC: Does that mean you’re going to have more kids until you get old, so I really have no real memories of Cuba. But I always stay on a gay one? top of the news from Cuba and I know that Raúl Castro’s daughter GE: Me?! I can’t! Are you kidding me? I would love a grandkid. is gay and she’s trying to do a lot for that community, but Cuba in Listen, the president of my corporation is gay and I see how he is general – just that macho mentality – was tough even though it was with his mom, and I have a lot of friends who are just fantastic sons. one of the wildest places in the world. They’ve come a long way, but Very nice to speak with you, Gloria. they did horrendous things when the AIDS epidemic came out. And GC: since nobody has rights in Cuba, imagine the gays in Cuba – just GE: Thank you so much. A pleasure as well. Tell all my gay fans regular schmoes have no rights and can be jailed at a moment’s I love them. notice, so they were very, very rough. GC: Do you think it’s harder for a Latino artist, Ricky Martin for instance, to be gay and out? GE: I think it’s harder for anyone, to be honest. Even though fortunately we are definitely moving forward – you see all these http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2526 states where it’s becoming legal to marry your same-sex partner, as View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments it should be everywhere – and we’re heading in the right direction.
www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 47 Book Review Monoceros Suicide, Grief, and Unicorns
By Evan Kayne antagonist.” Suzette also found as a character there wasn’t much By the time you’re reading this article, chances are we to her, so she didn’t give Petra much room. Her needs are pretty will have heard of yet another LGBTQ youth who has simple – her man, her musical education and university. If you taken his/her life because of homophobic bullying. get in the way, like Patrick Furey did with Ginger, you’re road kill. The questions you should be asking yourself are What could I Petra can be forgiven and understood a bit if you step back and have done about it and How does it make me feel? look at her from a distance. Suzette and I both discussed this and Those two questions are what the absent protagonist asks of we both know with a lot of teenagers, to a certain degree they still the other characters in Calgarian author Suzette Mayr’s new book haven’t learned or developed the sense of empathy, of knowing Monoceros. Inspired by real life events in Suzette and her partner’s what lines not to cross. “That terrible lack of compassion...it’s life, the book tells the story of a gay youth at a catholic high school partly because you just don’t have the experience to understand who, because of bullying, commits suicide. the consequences of some of those actions.” The story doesn’t end with his death – that’s where it starts Another person I feared might have turned into a stock character (literally). The death of the youth (Patrick Furey) hangs over the was the drag queen Crêpe Suzette. After reading the blurb on the pages, tainting the lives and thoughts of staff and students at back of the book, I feared I would witness the appearance of the his high school – whether it be his closeted boyfriend Ginger, the “magical” gay person. closeted school principal and his boyfriend the equally closeted According to author Suzette, this did happen in early drafts. school guidance counselor, or a virginity and unicorn obsessed Yet she realized the drag queen needed more, so she was toned classmate who wishes she would have made friends with him. down and made into the uncle of one character, and the potential Rather than concentrating on those immediately impacted by love interest of another. “I really wanted her to be whole... I sure Furey’s death, the book looks at how those who were peripheral to didn’t want any of the characters to fall into stereotypes of the the boy’s life are yet still touched by the tragedy. It’s a book that’s ineffectual gay man or the asexual gay man or any of that stuff...” frustrating for all the right reasons – Suzette Mayr has written That these characters are just people like you and I, is what’s very believable characters you want to confront in person for the best and hardest to read in Monoceros, yet it’s understandable mess in their lives, and for their indifference which helped kill the because Suzette pulled from real life for this story. The inactivity boy. of the school administration to aid Furey when he was alive, then Most of the characters in the book are not true mourners, but the reluctance to recognize officially the boy’s death, mirrored the disenfranchised mourners – mourners who are forced to carry efforts of the real life school administration. “Just based on what their burden alone. You have the situation with the closeted my partner went through, there was a lot of inactivity. I think the boyfriend Ginger – he as a griever isn’t recognized. You have the adults were complicit with this - they certainly didn’t want it to closeted principal Max trying not to recognize the loss, lest it end up in suicide...but...who knows?” lead to suicide contagion. And you have Maureen and Faraday, Therefore, we do need to discuss events like this, not hide them. teacher and student respectively who represent grievers who are Unfortunately, like the rest of us, Suzette has no easy answers. “I not recognized, yet still feel the impact of the boy’s suicide. think the It Gets Better campaign is terrific except that what it is In Monoceros, Suzette also shows characters who aren’t relying on is for some people it does get better; that when you leave necessarily going to fall into that familiar paradigm of crying (high school) everything will be fine.” Yet that’s assuming these and then getting over the loss. The grief is as individual as each people make it better – many of the characters in the book, and person, she told me. “I think there’s the official way in which we many people in real life will closet themselves and shut themselves mourn, and the way we’re supposed to feel about how people die. off from changing, evolving, accepting and growing. But...people have their different methods of responding, they have Suzette does agree we need to change laws. Much like bullying their different methods of coping.” kids for other things in their life (race, creed, disability, etc) Unlike the mother or the boyfriend, so many of the characters currently results in penalties like suspension and expulsion, didn’t actually know Patrick, so they’re not confronted with the there needs to be some penalty for bullying based on the actual or immediacy of his absence every minute of the day. They have perceived sexual orientation of the victim. their other concerns and other lives; but nevertheless, they are Speaking for all the victims, I do worry that the focus on impacted by his death. students committing suicide because of bullying will eventually The particular structure of this book – the absent protagonist, fade. The media and the public will find some new shiny toy and disenfranchised mourners, each chapter almost like a short we won’t make any progress on solving this issue. Suzette doesn’t story focusing on a different character – was something Suzette know of any easy answers either: “..kudos to Dan Savage for struggled with; but the resulting novel comes together ideally. making a viral video phenomenon and writing a book, but the last I was satisfied she also didn’t take the obvious route with two death (Jamey Rodemeyer)...that was horrible because it was an It characters who, in another author’s book, might have been stock Gets Better kid, and those bullies sure aren’t learning anything. I roles. don’t know...I hope it’s not just a trendy thing...but it sure would help if it was against the law.” The first of the two is Petra – the girlfriend of Ginger. Petra is single-and bloody minded about what she wants. Her behavior I’m not sure even if that will help, but I can hope for the day is shocking, yet plausible for a spurned lover, a teen without a when the Patrick Fureys, the Jamey Rodemeyers, the Tyler grown adult’s common sense, and also as someone who seems to Clemetis, the Ryan Halligans of the world live and graduate and be used to getting what she wants. She’s probably closest to being get a chance to try to make it better. Because there are far too the antagonist in the book and yet Suzette says she’s not the only many people trying to make it worse. villain. All of the characters were complicit. Petra is “...the one who’s the most explicit...the most aggressive about it, but Patrick faces all sorts of homophobia and indifference http://www.gaycalgary.com/ and apathy from all kinds of people who should know better. So I a2527 wasn’t interested in cultivating Patrick as the hero and she as the View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments
48 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Frankmusik Mixes It Up Pop music-maker on ‘restricted’ straight guys, teaming with Erasure and getting naked for the gays
Photos by Jam Sutton
By Chris Azzopardi Frankmusik goes where no straight man’s gone before. Just look at what he did in 2008, when he disrobed – and bared his bum – for a spread in one of the U.K.’s gay magazines. Then, recently, he got naked again – on a massage table, for a promo that has a bunch of bears giving him a rubdown. Clearly the guy’s an original, which isn’t just evident in his friendliness with the gays – but his music, too. With that, he’s proved that pop isn’t just a woman’s world, mixing music for Lady Gaga and Pet Shop Boys and releasing his first album,Complete Me, two years ago. The 25-year-old follows up his electro-pop debut with Do It in the AM, but it’s not the only project with his name attached to it – he also produced Erasure’s new album, Tomorrow’s World. On the road with the synth-pop legends during their first U.S. tour in five years, Frankmusik chatted about how working with Erasure was his “calling,” being an anomaly in the music business and why he wishes more straight men would let go of their inhibitions. GC: Hey, Frank, how are you? FM: Hot. Not hot in a physical sense. Like, it’s actually hot. GC: I already know you’re hot physically, anyway. FM: Thank you, sir. Compliments will get you everywhere. (Laughs) GC: Where does mine get me? FM: This is a recorded conversation. I’ll tell you off the record some other time. GC: How did the title track, “Do It in the AM,” come about? FM: It’s about losing it in my mind. I’ve never really spoken about this in an interview properly because I don’t really think anyone’s really been highbrow enough to engage with it but, being creative, I like having the creative freedom at night, because it’s like my little secret. I’m making the party in my studio, and I’m making the songs that people want to party to. GC: So do you keep an alcohol stash in the studio?
Continued on Next Page www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 49 FM: No, no. I don’t GC: You’ve gotten drink. Well, hardly. It naked for the gays on just doesn’t agree with a couple occasions. Do me. I used to drink like your gay friends call you a fish, but I just get a tease, because I think heartburn. I’m getting you might be? old, man. And the FM: I could be a tease; hangovers – I actually it depends on if you fancy cannot stand the me or not. The main thing concept of a hangover. is, I’m having fun. That’s GC: What’s your such a shit thing to say, a.m. routine? but it is actually that. FM: Shower, shit, Straight male artists are shave. No, wait – shit, restricting themselves shower, shave. You through their sexuality, don’t want to shit after and I think you should you’ve already had a just be open to anything, shower. The three S’s. especially in press. If Sometimes you can do someone has an idea and four S’s if you’re lucky, it’s tasteful, yeah, I’ll do which is sex, shit, it. Fuck it. When I did the shower, shave. That is much more likely to happen these days nude photo shoot, that was for male eating disorders. I wanted since my missus has moved in. to support that cause, and if it meant a few famous guys getting their clothes off and talking about their own experiences with GC: How did your move from London to L.A. influence the album? eating and their health, then fuck – any day dude, any day. GC: Why is it such an issue for straight guys to open up like FM: Just not being in London, being in a new city. I haven’t got any really massive circle of friends or anything. I came here that? to experience emptiness. European culture is very clustered, FM: You have to ask them, because I’m definitely not one very pedestrianized and everyone is very closely knit. I love L.A. of them. I think it was because I was brought up by my mom; for its vastness. It’s devoid of any real sort of social integration I didn’t have a dad, so I didn’t have, like, this tenacious male because it’s so spread out, and I love that. I love the fact that I figure in my life that was trying to make me fit a certain mold or can be really anti-social and obnoxious in my studio and just anything. My mom sent me to ballet school and poetry recital concentrate on work. classes. I mean, I was dancing around in a fucking leotard! I didn’t know any different. If you don’t know anything different,
50 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com it doesn’t mean anything. It’s imposed on you, this kind of straightness. I feel so bad for guys, because you have this culture where people’s gender has to fit into a demographic, which is just stupid. Men are just as expressive as women. I was just lucky enough that somebody as intelligent as my mother brought me up that way. It’s a combination of common sense and not sort of digesting the bullshit that’s fed to you in culture. I wish more men were expressive because, I’ll tell you, there’d be a lot less trouble in the world. GC: Do people ever think you’re gay? FM: I hope so, because that means I’m surrounded by stupid people that I can manipulate. That’d be nice. GC: Who are your boy crushes? FM: George Clooney. He’s an absolute gentleman and a brilliant, brilliant human being and very good at what he does. And he’s just really classy about it. I love classy guys. Not being a gentleman drives me crazy. I think being respectful and well- mannered is one of the most attractive things that any human can be. GC: You’re an anomaly in pop music, because the genre is so dominated by young females – and you’re a straight white guy. Why do you think there are so few like you in pop music? FM: Once again, it goes back to what it’s like to be a man these days. Why is it that we feel that the only type of males that should succeed in this market are ones that come from a boy band? Or they’ve got to be a rapper, or they’ve got to be some beardy guy holding an acoustic guitar. Apparently dancing around and singing pop songs is only reserved for people like Usher and black culture, which I think is bullshit. White guys can do it too, but I think we’re having a huge identity crisis. I’m not a heavily political person, but I think there are some real plain facts staring us in the face that need to be dealt with – why can’t a guy dance and sing without being seen as queer? Does that say anything bad about me, or does that say something really bad about the culture? GC: Tell me about your relationship with Erasure’s Andy Bell. Has he ever tried to get into your pants? FM: No, no – not at all. The closest we got was when we were doing the new single and he enjoyed what I was making so much he said something like, “I could fall in love with you,” but I think he was referring more to the music that we were creating. (Laughs) He’s a wonderful human being and incredible to work with. I see Andy more as a family member than a sexual stranger. GC: When did your relationship with Erasure start? FM: Beginning of this year, I think. I met Vince (Clarke) at his house in Maine and I met Andy in London. I met them both separately – and I’ve yet to actually meet all three of them at the same time, so that will happen when I’m on tour with them. GC: How would you compare the sound of their album and yours? FM: I mean, it’s Andy Bell. The vocals are incomparable. His male tenor is like a freight train running through a china shop. I mean, the power! You believe every word he says, because he lives what he says. He is in the song. It’s not some cookie-cutter bullshit, and that’s what I love about him. They stand for actually creating so many things that have been imitated blandly since they first made it. They’re incredible, incredible pioneers. And I’m glad I could celebrate their originality once again. GC: Was it intimidating working with them? FM: No, no. It felt like my calling, it really did. I felt like I needed to make that album – for me and for them.
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www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 51 52 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Photography
PURE Pride at Flames Central - Calgary
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Calgary Pride Dance, Parade, and Street Festival
54 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com Photography
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Pride Afterparties - Calgary
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Misc Youth Pride Show at Club Sapien - Calgary Mark Shepard at FLASH - Edmonton (c/o FLASH)
The Dong Show at Stoneworx Gallery - Calgary
Misc Youth Homo Hop - Calgary
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ProPride - Calgary Cazwell at Club Sapien - Calgary
James Randi - Calgary
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Dyke March - Calgary Miami Heat at Club Sapien - Calgary
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www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 61 Q Scopes Get rocking, Scorpio! The Sun conjoins Saturn in Libra, clarifying the limits of relationship. Such reality checks can be unpleasant, but romance can’t last without work and realism. Work on it! ARIES (March 20–April 19): Not getting the attention you want, especially from the person you want, can make you especially cranky. Avoid angry and inappropriate outbursts “Brilliant” inspirations probably need some work, but your creative juices are high. Show what you can do. TAURUS (April 20–May 20): If you’re not partnered yet you might meet that someone special by the end of the week! There’s no predicting true love, but exciting, challenging conversations can open doors to meeting amazing new people. Don’t be shy! GEMINI (May 21–June 20): Fanciful notions can take a dark turn, either delicious or morbid. If morbid, stay with it and see where that’s coming from. Focus on work! Your colleagues deserve some input on new ideas that affect them before you take any initiative. CANCER (June 21–July 22): You’re shining at work, although that might make you feel precarious, as on a tight rope or “king of the hill” needing to defend yourself. Acknowledging the effort and support of others will help you feel less lonely at the top. LEO (July 23–August 22): Taking yourself too seriously is sure to lead to arguments. If you’re really so smart, prove it by taking a class in something entirely new, or read a book that will challenge your mind. VIRGO (August 23–September 22): Take conversations to new depths. Challenging your own thinking is smarter than challenging others’. Someone you’re sweet on may be ready to get more intimate. Raise the subject, but be careful and read the signals carefully to know how. LIBRA (September 23–October 22): Sex and money are the biggest issues in relationship. Both are likely to come up. The actual argument would be over money; sex could even be the resolution, but either way, stay focused on what’s important and where your partner ranks on that list. SCORPIO (October 23–November 21): Working your ass off, but does anyone notice? It may not seem so, but they do. Keep your attention on your goals and don’t worry about the attention. Opportunities for love – or a rocking facsimile – are coming up. If you got love, get rocking! SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 20): Boundary issues with co-workers need some discussion. Financial opportunities will be coming up soon, but they’ll need hard work and perhaps some sacrifice. Don’t screw it up by arguing with someone who wants to help. You can say, “No, thanks,” politely. CAPRICORN (December 21–January 19): Friends who challenge you can be the best friends around – or are they? Pay close attention. Are they really for you or against you? Be attentive, especially when you don’t like what they say. Even from enemies, harsh criticism can prove helpful. AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18): Wanting to show off your intellect could end up demonstrating your limits more than your genius. Don’t speak too soon and be open to teachers who can help you toward even clearer thinking. An open mind makes you a better partner. PISCES (February 19–March 19): Hiding feelings of loss and dread only makes them worse. Sharing them with your partner can help increase emotional intimacy. Many others feel the same. This experience and your strong empathy will soon prove helpful. Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977 teaches at the Online College of Astrology: http://www.astrocollege.com. He can be reached for personal or business consultations at 415-864-8302 or through his website at http://www.starjack.com 62 GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 www.gaycalgary.com www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine #96, October 2011 63