Gaycalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Table of Contents Table of Contents

July 2009 ISSUE 69 The Only Magazine Dedicated to Alberta’s GLBT+ Community FREE

In depth interviews: Theo Tams Serena Ryder Xavier Rudd Mike Ruiz

Sexual Harassment Calgary Yes it DOES Happen to Us! Fringe Festival Guide

Community Directory • Map and Events • Tourism Info >> Starting on Page 17

GLBT Resource • Calgary • Edmonton • Alberta www.gaycalgary.com GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Table of Contents Table of Contents

Publisher:...... Steve Polyak 5 the Cowboy on the Inside Editor:...... Rob Diaz-Marino Publisher’s Column Graphic Design:...... Rob Diaz-Marino Sales:...... Steve Polyak 8 theo Tams Gives it All Away Writers and Contributors Our Canadian Idol on Reality TV, Debut Album, and Infamous CI Mercedes Allen, Chris Azzopardi, Dallas Barnes, Camper British, Dave Brousseau, Moment Sam Casselman, Jason Clevett, Andrew Collins, Rob Diaz-Marino, Jack Fertig, Glen

Hanson, Joan Hilty, Evan Kayne, Stephen 12 Dark Shades of Blue AGE 8 Lock, Allan Neuwirth, Steve Polyak, Mark P Randall, Pam Rocker, Romeo San Vicente, An Interview with Xavier Rudd Jerome Voltero, D’Anne Witkowski, and the GLBT Community of Calgary, Edmonton, 13 Chelsea Boys and Alberta.

Photography 14 Out of Town Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino and Three Great New York City Neighborhoods contributors Heather Chomos, Levi Cox, and Craig Salans. 17 Directory and Events Videography Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino 23 Creep of the Week Printers Leroy Swailes North Hill News/Central Web 24 military Affairs AGE 12 P Distribution Canada’s Forgotten Veterans Calgary:...... Gallant Distribution ...... GayCalgary Staff Edmonton:...... Clark’s Distribution 25 Q Scopes Other:...... Canada Post “Let go, Leo!” Legal Council Courtney Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors 26 adult Film Review Slow Heat, Anal Intruder Sales & General Inquiries GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #403, 215 14th Avenue SW 28 Deep Inside Hollywood Calgary, AB, Canada T2R 0M2 Brokeback spouses reunite Office Hours:...... By appointment ONLY Phone:...... (403) 543-6960 29 Cocktail Chatter Toll Free:...... 1-888-543-6960 AGE 28

The Best Bartending Books and The Mixer Mix-up P Fax:...... (403) 703-0685 E-Mail:...... [email protected] 30 Bathhouse Pilot Program for MSM This Month's Cover Both Innovative and Provocative! Theo Tams. Photo courtesy of Sony Music. 31 HIV - Trading a Death Sentence for a Life Sentence Criminal Law and Disclosure in Canada Continued on Next Page  32 letters to the Editor AGE 34 www.gaycalgary.com P Continued on Next Page  GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Table of Contents

 Continued From Previous Page Proud members of: 33 Pride Calgary: Thoughts from a recent Pride convert 34 Western Canadian Pride Festival A Sense of Community…in the Woods! 36 Sexual Harassment Yes it DOES Happen to Us! 39 the CPS Diversity Resources Unit AGE 40

P Keeping us Equal in the Eyes of the Law 40 the Lion King Magical Musical Roars into Alberta 43 a Couple of Guys  Continued from Previous Page Magazine 44 Bitter Girl Print Circulation:...... ~10,000 copies Pickup Density:...... ~3 readers/copy Online Circulation:...... ~125,000 readers Total Readership:...... ~155,000 readers 46 Serena Ryder Frequency:...... Every Month Chatting with a Juno Award Winner Proof of monthly figures can be requested.

AGE 46 48 a History of Gender Variance in Distribution Locations P Alberta:...... ~300 Drop-off Points Expression and Identity Please call us if your establishment would Part 5A: Stonewall and It’s Fissures (1969 - 1984) like to become a distribution point.

History 51 Fundraising Photos Originally established in January 1992 as Men for Men BBS by MFM Communications. 56 Classified Ads Name changed to GayCalgary.com in 1998. Independent company as of January 2004. First edition of GayCalgary.com Magazine published November 2003. Name adjusted 60 Click Click Boom in November 2006 to GayCalgary and Behind the Lens with Photographer Mike Ruiz Edmonton Magazine. 63 She ... Amanda Lepore Disclaimer and Copyright

AGE 60 Opinions expressed in this magazine

P “World’s Most Famous Transsexual” are specific to the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of GayCalgary staff August 2009 64 Queer Eye - Community Events and contributors. Print Deadlines Those involved in the making of this publication, whether advertisers, Ad Booking contributors, or the subjects of articles Friday, July 24th, 2009 or photographs, are not necessarily gay, http://www.gaycalgary.com/i69 lesbian, bisexual, or trans. GayCalgary also includes straight allies and those who Ad Submission Read more articles and exclusive content online! are gay friendly. Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 http://www.gaycalgary.com/RSS Articles • Recent News • Prize Draws • Events • Travel Info No part of this publication may be In Circulation reprinted or modified without the expressed written permission of the editor August 1st, 2009 Follow us on Join us on or publisher. Please contact us immediately if you think acebook Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. you may have missed the booking or GayCalgary is a registered trademark. submission deadline. www.gaycalgary.com/facebook www.gaycalgary.com/twitter

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Editorial The Cowboy on the Inside Publisher’s Column

Speaking of which, businesses wishing to have their advertis- By Rob Diaz-Marino, MSc. ing included as part of our Calgary Pride edition must submit ads on or before July 29th. Sponsors of Pride automatically receive I have to say, our cats were not pleased with us at advertising space in this edition. Visit www.pridecalgary.ca for all this past month. After the both of us spend- more details. ing three weekends in a row out of town, they have We got so many good photos of events this month! It really is been quite aggressively demanding attention out of a shame we can’t publish them all – there just isn’t enough room – so make sure you visit the GayCalgary.com website to see ad- us while we are around. The poor kids don’t know ditional photos and videos of the major events that we covered this there are still more out of town trips to come. Not month. to mention the next several issues are going to be Leather Pride Weekend pretty darn busy as well, with Calgary Pride as an anchor for community events now being in Septem- Priape in association with the Calgary Eagle decided to host their own Leather Pride weekend at the beginning of the month ber. I know, from our perspective at least, we are to rally the fetish community. I attended the Mr. LeatherSIR and thankful to have things spread out a little more. It Mr. Leatherboy competition on the Saturday, videotaping and pho- was enough of an overload with Pride Edmonton, tographing on my own while Steve was in Edmonton for Prism’s Pride Lethbridge, and Pride Saskatoon – all of whom bustling anniversary party. we sponsored – overlapping one another. With The competition was similar to the annual Mr. Leather event, GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine on board as where contestants modeled leather gear and enacted fetish fantasy scenes. A number of queens from the ISCCA were present; a sponsor of Pride Calgary, and host of the Offi- Empress Bianca LaBouche wore a wig in honour of the television cial Calgary Pride Guide, the additional strain this show I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, which earned her the month would have been brutal. nickname of “Sanjaya LaBouche” for the night. Nina Tron took on the role as hostess for the evening, and seemed to hit it off with International LeatherSIR Raul Mendez. At one point she was brought up on stage for Mendez to demonstrate his whip, and he left some pretty nasty marks on Nina’s back…a small price to pay for being the envy of the room – Raul was certainly a looker! I managed to make myself known to the out of town judges, including Raul, thanks to a slightly embarrassing situation. One of the contestants for Leatherboy enacted a scene where he carved the outline of a tattoo into his forearm using a razor blade, and this was way, way too much for me to handle. The sight (and sometimes even the thought) of blood causes a pretty intense reaction with me, like a flash fever that often results in me passing out briefly. I felt it coming on, and put the camera down in time before I slumped forward in my seat. I don’t think I was out for too long before someone checked to make sure I was okay, and brought me a glass of water. I was still pouring with sweat for a while afterward, and International Leatherboy Billy Hoeppner, who Continued on Page 45 

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Celebrity Interview Theo Tams Gives it All Away Our Canadian Idol on Reality TV, Debut Album, and Infamous CI Moment

es came from. I wanted to push the boundaries of how people By Jason Clevett think of songs. I was watching the Grammy awards a few years ago, and the intro before Christina Aguillera doing Beautiful is, There must be something in the water in Alberta. sometimes it is not about the singer, it’s the song. That is also Canadian Idol has had three winners from this a lyric in a Jann Arden song as well. That is what I took with province, including the 2008 winner, Coaldale’s me in my back pocket every time I had to select the song. The judges mentioned, dude you keep picking songs done by girls Theo Tams. While his personal life has been under and for some reason that was a big thing with them. That was the spotlight at times, his focus has always been on something I never completely understood but I wanted to go his music. On May 19th his debut album Give It All with it. It is such a cool art to be able to take someone’s song Away was released, eight months after his Idol win. and put your own spin on it, never mind being a guy singing a girl’s song.” “At the first top 24 show was when we met who was going to be the winner’s manager. His name is Jim and one of the first Of course we can’t talk about Canadian Idol without the com- things he said was that this year we were going to push for a ment that was made after Tam’s performance of Apologize on little more time. We were hoping to be able to release the record June 24th, 2008. After the song, host Ben Mulroney asked why in January or February, we weren’t expecting as much time he chose the song and Theo replied “I had been through a rela- as we did get. I think it is because the label really did jump on tionship where I had to tell him, It’s too late to apologize. Done!” board right after the finale. I laid it out for them and saidI am Tams himself brought it up in our conversation. a writer. I don’t really care what it says in the contract, I am not “The very first live Idol show had the infamous comment going to sing songs I am not completely invested in. Whether I where I said tell him. I listen to it back and I hear tell’m. I was wrote them or not I wanted to make sure I would put my stamp so shocked at how big it became. There was this cloud over on as many as I can, and even the ones I am not a writer of, whether I was a good musician or good singer anymore. It be- I want to make sure they feel just as organic and emotionally came a big heavy weight. Since then I have taken it upon myself raw.” to not tell my story but try to open the minds of people that this Tams co-wrote seven songs on the album, a first for an Idol is something that is very relevant and prevalent in our society. winner, and the disc is arguably the strongest release from We really need to encourage change and diversity.” such a winner. Full of heartfelt melodic pop music, it offers a Tams is a very open person but chooses to not discuss that great deal of substance while managing to be very catchy. It is aspect of his life at this point in time. It is the music, he says, a promising start that will hopefully see him achieve a level of that is important. success that past Idol contestants have struggled to obtain. “I think that is just how we approached it. I still to this day “My biggest thing is to learn to trust my gut. Hopefully my have not confirmed or denied anything, and that is something I instinct will carry me. From day one I went on Canadian Idol am going to continue to carry with me because why does it mat- well aware of the statistics of what previous winners have done. ter? It is just so frustrating how it becomes something about It all depends on how you measure success. I was a 22-year-old my music, my songwriting skills, how my sexuality dictates how kid trying to pass my final exams in University and now I am far I can go in this business. It is nonsense. I was so nervous living in the big city of Toronto and making music every day. I might not be selling ten million records right now but I feel pretty successful. I am really happy with the album and the fact that it is out now. I can’t wait for the next single to come out. I am just trying to keep my head in the game and keep focused.” A message from a fellow Albertan really resonated with him. “A few days ago I did a show with EZRock, the radio station in Toronto. Jann Arden recorded a message for me, and the thing that stood out was in this industry with all its ups and downs, persistence is bigger than talent. That is something that really stuck with me. These days, especially with the way the industry is changing and the economy, the fact that I can go to sleep at night knowing that I am part of the Canadian music industry is just such a blessing and is success in itself. I hope that so many great things come, but you have to take the time to smell the roses too.” On the show, Tams made some very interesting song choices from artists that are lesser known to the general public, including many female artists. ”It is really hard for me to walk on stage and do a song I am not emotionally invested in. That is really where all of my choic-

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 about that first show and when Ben threw that question at me I was just babbling. Right after that during the commercial break a couple of other contestants came up to me and said, dude what did you just say?! I was like what do you mean? I was just so out of it I had no idea. I have let it be the experience that it was. It made me much more self aware of the things that are important to me and that I want to stand up for. If I can leave the competition not only as the winner but a little more self-understood then that makes the victory even sweeter.” While a few websites and people did comment, the thought that Tams may or may not be gay didn’t affect his popularity, obviously, since he won. “Especially as a young artist, that is something I really do need to focus on. First and foremost I am a musician and a writer and I just want to perform and share my music. I think that hopefully if I am doing my job right and performing well, then my story will come out in my songs. It is not that I am ashamed, but I want my music to speak for itself and for me.” Tams knows that many of those who picked up the phone to vote for him, and that are buying his album, are from the LGBT community. He is very appreciative. “I think that just the support from the community has been overwhelming. The people who have the courage to come up and talk to me, 95% of them say they voted for me not because of any particular reason but because they connected with me and my music. What better thing is there for an artist to hear? Especially coming from a show like Idol where it is very surface, and they only show us looking and sounding our best and hopefully acting our best. It has been completely overwhelming and something I never really expected. I am a small town Alberta boy so my knowledge and experience with the community is not that large at all but it has made it such a pleasure to meet such different people and have them be inspired by me and my music.” Tams pays tribute to that support with his first singleLazy Lovers. The video features several couples in the back of a cab while it rains, including a same-sex couple. It was something Theo fought to include. With the album up, Tams is about to embark on a Canadian tour, which will kick off in Lethbridge in August at Whoop-up ”That was something that was kind of a battle for me. I really Days. While he did do a Top 3 Idol tour last winter, he is very didn’t know how it was going to be received, especially com- excited to get on the road. ing from a show like Idol which is very family friendly. Then I thought about it, what kind of message would I be giving “It is going to be such a hot show! We are starting in Alberta through my music if I didn’t? I grew up in small town southern in Lethbridge on August 18th, heading up north and then going Alberta where any type of sexual diversity was frowned upon to Toronto, the East Coast, and BC in August and September. and I think that needs to change. It is not about my story or We really wrote and produced this record in a way that I will about what I have gone through. I want to present a message really be able to shine live. I think that is my best asset and something that people took from the show is this kid can sing. I am so excited for it again. I haven’t been on tour since the Top “I think that hopefully if I am doing my job right and 3 tour in November and December of last year. I am starting to performing well, then my story will come out in my shake right now I am getting so excited just talking about it - a songs. It is not that I am ashamed, but I want my lot of surprises that people don’t expect from an Idol winner. It is always good to keep people guessing and pushing their music to speak for itself and for me.” boundaries.” Tams’ Idol experience allowed him to become a master of to kids that are growing up and feeling they are wrong, feeling making cover songs his own. Highlights of the season included shame or guilt, we as a society need to tackle that. I wanted to covers of Serena Ryder’s Weak In The Knees, Jann Arden’s present this couple just like any other couple in any other rela- Good Mother, Bryan Adams’ Heaven and Bob Marley’s No tionship. Just because two people are gay does not mean they Woman, No Cry. Expect a few covers on the tour. are less smart, brilliant, or capable of sustaining a perfectly healthy relationship. Changing the belief that they are somehow “I think that is why I am so excited to get on the road again. a little bit less is something that the gay community has gotten It will be so fun to get out there and do some covers. That is an over the past few years. That is something I really do want to appreciation I really did build in doing Canadian Idol. I never stand behind. I heard Lethbridge had a Pride Parade this year. realized how hard it is. Viewers think that the song we perform The gay community is making big, big steps not only in Alberta is our first choice, sometimes it was our fourth or fifth because but across the country and around the world. The gay and les- we have to deal with song clearance and various red tape is- bian community, sexual diversity in general is becoming more sues. Sometimes the show was about having to sit down, be accepted. If anything, that is a call to action to not only gay and creative, and work with the elements of a show like that.” lesbian people, but people who are open minded and sexually What appeals to fans of Theo Tams is not only his voice, diverse. You have momentum now, keep it going and change piano skill, and songwriting talent but also how genuine and people’s minds about the concept. You need more people that humble he came across on TV. are able to stand up.”

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 “I think for me it is just a matter of really taking the time and reflecting. I have always been a really inward person, and the challenge has been to step up and be more personable. I definitely like being the life of the party, I am not going to lie! But I do need my time to sit and chill and reflect, and in the past year I have done more of that than ever. It is such a scary industry and to be put into a role I never thought I would be in is a lot of pressure. I still have the best friends I had before Idol who have followed me every step of the way. My family, we have our ups and downs but they are so supportive. That is what it comes down to is just making a conscious decision that this is my career and I am so blessed and lucky to do music for a living. That does not change who I am. Over the years society has made it that you always have to be on and happy, which is great, but I am just as proud of my weaknesses as I am my strengths. I think that my biggest strengths and my biggest weaknesses are the same thing sometimes. It makes it a challenge in this industry but not something that I ever want to lose.” Without the votes of his fans, and their buying concert tickets and albums, Theo Tams would not be where he is today. “First and foremost, it is such a cliché but these days we need people who are willing to stand up, strengths and weaknesses and all, and be so proud to be themselves. I do want to say thank you so, so much for all of the support (not just) as an artist and a musician on a reality show but as a person. I feel very blessed. Hopefully I will be down in Cowtown and Edmon- ton soon and we can all party it up!” http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1307 View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. Photos courtesy Sony Music.

Theo Tams Give It All Away in stores now  http://www.theotams.com Win a copy of Theo’s Album! Visit www.gaycalgary. com for details!

10 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 11 Celebrity Interview Dark Shades of Blue An Interview with Xavier Rudd

By Jason Clevett

Listening to Xavier Rudd’s music is a unique experience. The Australian folk singer uses wood instruments like the aboriginal didgeridoo to enhance his rhythm and guitar for a psychedelic visit into his world. Rudd is currently on tour in support of Dark Shades of Blue, his fifth studio album. The tour brings him to Banff on June 4th, Calgary June 5th and Edmonton June 6th. We caught up with him on the phone on a tour stop in Houston, Texas before he returned to his home away from home, Canada. He is married to a Canadian girl, Marci, who he met when she was backpacking in Australia, and the couple has two sons. Needless to say, Canada is close to his heart. with the set list not being long enough at festivals; I want to keep play- “Canada is very special to me. I have a very strong connection, both ing every time. With my own shows I like the fact that I do what I want with Marci and my two kids. Half of my crew is Canadian, my manager and can play for as long as I want. I still find it is the same energy at my is Canadian, there is a deep connection there. Canada is a very power- own shows that there is at festivals. Festivals are often outside and I like ful place. Spiritually, the aboriginals are just amazing, very strong and playing outside. I would love to eventually do my own shows outside.” powerful and similar to back home. The spirit of the two cultures is in my mind what the connection is and why Australians and Canadians If you have seen Xavier Rudd live before, you are in for a different are drawn to each other’s land. They understand it because spiritually and new experience this tour. If you haven’t he promises you are in for the connection is very strong.” a treat.

Listening to his music, or doing any research on Rudd reveals a very ”This tour is nothing like I have done before. I have had a big break, deep, spiritual person. A self-professed “bare-footer” he doesn’t own or six months, and come back and am playing with two South African wear footwear, is a vegetarian, and very active in aboriginal and environ- musicians, a bass player and a drummer. We are working on a new mental rights. album this year that we are going to record in October so we have been working on that during this tour. I am redoing versions of my old songs “It is just the way I grew up. A lot of it is just where my interests lie, with these guys and it has a very African bounce. It is a trip but is pretty what I feel and care about. It translates through traveling around the groovy, I hope people are going to be stoked.” world, playing music. Based on what I write it has attracted a movement of earthy types of people who care about the environment. As I have It can be draining to be so far from home. Many touring artists are traveled I have learned a lot about different people, places, cultures and based in North America so when they tour here, if they need a break it injustices that are happening worldwide. I feel that I have to do whatever is a short flight home. Rudd is on the other side of the world from home, I can within my capacity to help those things because I am so passion- but takes time to get back in touch with his roots and keep grounded. ate.” ”At times it wears me out. The reason I had a big break was because His vegetarianism lead to him being dubbed “Worlds Sexiest Vegetar- I was pretty burnt, it was the longest break I have had in ten years. My ian Celebrity” by PETA in 2007, an honor he still laughs about today. life has changed a lot since I started touring and doing what I do. I used to avoid cities, I spent a lot of time on my own away from them. There ”That was probably the oddest thing I have ever heard of. I have al- are a lot of people in my life now and cities and things like that so I have ways seen myself as a hairy little hobbit, so I was surprised by that.” had to adjust. I love what I do and am very blessed; there is no real It is hard to describe Rudd’s music, as it really is very original. His negative. …I do like to explore places if I have some time off - I like to get youth spent in the Australian outback comes through as a strong out of the city. Usually a short distance outside of the cities is some- influence; it is just as easy to imagine sitting around a fire in the bush thing cool to do, an ocean or river, park, big tree, something to kind of listening to him play music and sing as it is to envision him in a concert escape. I find it interesting in North America the difference in land, how setting. the earth feels under my feet, what plants grow. I check all of that out.”

“I don’t really try or think too much about it. I just do what I do based Rudd’s music draws a very diverse group of fans, something he is upon what I feel. I am attracted to wooden instruments; I have always very thankful for. loved wood, handmade instruments, eclectic things. What I write about ”I am so stoked man. It is lovely, such good people come to the shows. and how the music comes through me is based on how I grew up. I grew It is always good energy at the show and it is such a blast. Thank you up in a small town on the edge of a National Park camping out in the for your support. I love coming through and love everything that comes bush and sitting by the fire and sleeping under the stars, swimming in through getting to the show. Watching people enjoy themselves, dance, the ocean. It is hard for me to explain why my music is unique; it is just what I do.” be in love, words can’t explain that. I just appreciate it.” Rudd is a veteran of the festival circuit, having played Winnipeg http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1308 Folk Festival, Bonnaroo Music Festival, Ottawa Bluesfest and a 2005 View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. performance at the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Rudd says he loves the festival experience, despite often feeling that he is being cut short.

“Festivals are always fun because people are pumped. People come Xavier Rudd and they let go for the time the festival goes on, they let their inner spirits fly, let go of their worries, take off their ties and put on the tie-died  Banff – June 4th t-shirts and trip out. That is always a great environment for playing mu-  Calgary – June 5th sic because people are really meaning to connect with music, dancing,  Edmonton – June 6th friends and family. It is always a beautiful memory. I have a problem  http://www.xavierrudd.com

12 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 13 Out of Town Three Great New York City Neighborhoods

The Boiler Room, in New York City’s East Village, has long been a favorite gay hangout in this hip and trendy neighborhood.

but definitely emphasizes - and excels - in Greek-style seafood. The By Andrew Collins grilled-octopus appetizer and broiled snapper entrees score high marks. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, Romantic East of Eighth has a cute patio, wonderful cabaret which galvanized New York City’s GLBT community and shows and delicious French food at reasonable prices. On 7th Av- helped ultimately to kick-start the modern gay rights move- enue you’ll find great noshing at Cafeteria, a trendy diner-style spot ment. To commemorate this occasion, the city has a particu- that’s open 24/7; Restivo, a romantic spot serving first-rate Italian larly impressive Gay Pride celebration planned for the end of fare and Regional Thai Taste, a reliably good Thai restaurant. the month (events take place from June 20 through June 28). It’s a terrific time to visit one of the world’s leading gay desti- Chelsea sets the pace for New York’s boy-bar scene. Longtime fa- nations, although any time of year, there’s plenty to see in this vorites include G Lounge, Splash Bar and Barracuda. If you’re a fan of gay sports bars, definitely stop by Gym for a drink. Next door, the exciting city. relatively new Ate Ave is a friendly lounge and restaurant that’s fast With this in mind, here’s a look at some of the more noteworthy developing a loyal following among Chelsea boys (it’s also a good bet places to eat, play and stay in three of Manhattan’s most gay-popu- for brunch the morning after bar-hopping into the wee hours). Fans lar neighborhoods, Chelsea, the East Village and Hell’s Kitchen. If of leather should venture to the neighborhood’s western reaches you’ve never been to New York, these are three must-see parts of and check out the venerable Eagle, which is also a fun spot to shoot the city. And if you have been, you may be surprised by some of the pool. cool new hangouts and hotels that have opened in these neighbor- This neighborhood with few hotels received a nice boost in 2009 hoods. with the opening of the GEM Chelsea, a mid-priced, sleek property that has a wonderful location on 8th Avenue, steps from bars Chelsea and restaurants. Rooms are cozy, but well-equipped and the staff The neighborhood’s gay area is situated primarily along 8th and 7th avenues, between West 14th and 23rd streets, and on the blocks connecting these two thoroughfares. Here you’ll find dozens of bars, restaurants and shops, plus a few accommodations of note. For dining, neighborhood stalwarts include Mare, which presents creative, super-fresh seafood with contemporary American and French preparations. The chatter-filled, high-ceilinged space looks like a bit like a Marseille fish market. Yet another slick corner eatery with French doors, Niso’s describes its cuisine as Mediterranean

14 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Travel couldn’t be friendlier. Just down the street, the charming Colonial bass with lemon and olive oil. A sophisticated pan-Latin American House Inn has long been a reliable place to stay in Chelsea. eatery named for the neighborhood it anchors, Hell’s Kitchen is the place to sample such stellar victuals as duck-confit empanadas, or The East Village pan-seared halibut with sweet-plantain puree and salsa verde. Although intensely gentrified over the past decade, the “EV” Dig into exceptionally tasty Moroccan fare at Tagine, a riotously acts as the city’s hub of alternative dress, nightlife, and entertain- colorful eatery with its own fleet of exotic belly dancers. Inexpensive ment. Cheap eateries, iconoclast-meets-slacker bars and lounges pan-Asian and American cooking - including Thai, Vietnamese, and and garage-sale-inspired shops keep a steady stream of tourists Chinese specialties - is served at Vynl, a funky retro diner with a and locals slinking about at all hours of the night. One of the best friendly staff. And for you homesick southern girls, fill up on amaz- streets for strolling is St. Marks Place, which is jammed with divey ingly authentic Cajun and Creole fare at the Delta Grill, a brassy bars, groovy shops and cheap restaurants. It’s not a particularly gay and seductive neighborhood canteen that pays homage to down- part of the neighborhood, but it is fun for a browse. Great shopping home faves like fried chicken with candied yams. and people-watching can be had along the neighborhood’s avenues, which take on an increasingly hip ambience the farther east you go. Sassy and sexy lounges are all the rage in Hell’s Kitchen. No- tables include Posh, which could just as easily be called “Lush” for Ethnic eateries have always thrived in this part of town. Fans its fab drink specials; Barrage, a favorite happy hour hideout for of Basque cooking adore Euzkadi, a homey, old-world space with gay scenesters and media upstarts; and Therapy, a snazzy, two- hearty, rustic food. Just a block south of the EV, Sorella serves level bar known for great music, potent drinks, and a cheeky unisex exceptionally tasty Piedmont-inspired Italian food (it’s especially bathroom. fun for brunch). You’ll often see folks lining up outside the door at Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, a simple-looking storefront pizzeria that’s You’ll find dozens and dozens of wor- become famous for its delectable thin-crust pies. One place that thy hotels near Hell’s Kitchen around shouldn’t be missed in this neighborhood is Veselka, a beloved Times Square and the Theater District. Ukranian diner that doles out generous (and amazingly tasty) por- But if you want to be away from the tions of home-style fare, from cheese blintzes to feathery pierogi touristy fray and right in the heart dumplings. of the neighborhood, check out the Skyline Hotel, an affordable property on Gay bars in the East Village still draw heavily, as they always 10th Avenue, steps from several popu- have, from the city’s dressed-in-black ranks. Just off Avenue A, lar restaurants in the neighborhood. the Phoenix is a crowded no-frills chat bar that swells nightly with A more intimate experience can be en- students, arty types and even a few Chelsea boys. There are erotic joyed at Hotel 414, a dapper boutique shows, drag events and hormone-charged crowd at the sleazy-chic hotel that’s set inside a pair of restored, Cock. Actor and East Village resident Alan Cumming is a regular at historic townhouses. You can relax over Eastern Bloc. One other gay hangout that’s long been popular in the in the leafy courtyard garden and easily neighborhood is the Boiler Room, which has a strong following with forget you’re in one of the largest, gay- students from nearby NYU. est cities in the world. Although the East Village is lacking in hotels, there are a couple of excellent lodging choices right on the edge of the neighborhood, http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1310 including the quirky yet stylish Cooper Square Hotel. And in the View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. ultra-chic Lower East Side, the Thompson LES is garnering raves for its stunning, high-ceilinged rooms and fabulous pool - plus an Andrew Collins covers gay travel for the New York Times-owned website About. outstanding restaurant, Shang. com and is the author of Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA. Hell’s Kitchen It’s almost unheard of to pass through New York City without taking in a Broadway show and strolling around Times Square. In the past decade, plenty of attention has been given to the neighbor- The Little Black Book hood to the west, Hell’s Kitchen, a once tough-as-nails Irish working-class enclave that’s become increasingly fashionable. Many lesbians and gays have moved here in recent years, and the gay-trendy  Artichoke Basille’s Pizza (212-228-2004, www.artichokepizza. dining and entertainment scene has lately spread like kudzu vine. com). Ate Ave (646-763-8355, www.ateave.com). Barracuda (212- 645-8613). Barrage (212-586-9390). Boiler Room (www.boiler- It can be a challenge scoring a table at celeb-chef Mario Batali’s roomnyc.com, 212-254-7536). Cafeteria (212-414-1717, www. fabulous space, Esca, but do persevere - you’ll be rewarded with cafeteriagroup.com). Cock (no phone, www.thecockbar.com). Colonial exceptional yet reasonably priced seafood like whole-roasted sea House Inn (800-689-3779, www.colonialhouseinn.com). Cooper Square Hotel (212-475-5700, www.thecoopersquarehotel.com). Delta Grill (212-956-0934, www.thedeltagrill.com). Eastern Bloc (no phone, www.easternblocnyc.com). East of Eighth (212-352-0075, www.eastofeighth.com). Eagle (646-473-1866, www.eaglenyc.com). Esca (212-564-7272, www.esca-nyc.com). Euzkadi (212-989-9788, www.euzkadirestaurant.com). GEM Chelsea (212-675-1911, www. ascendcollection.com/hotel-new_york-new_york-NY426). G Lounge (212-929-1085, www.glounge.com). Gym (212-337-2439, www.gyms- portsbar.com). Hell’s Kitchen (212-977-1588, www.hellskitchen-nyc. com). Hotel 414 (212-399-0006, www.414hotel.com). Mare (212-675- 7522, www.chelseadining.com/mare/). Niso’s (646-336-8121, www. nisos-ny.com). NYC and Company (aka the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau) (212-484-1200, www.nycgo.com). Phoenix (212-477- 9979). Posh (212-957-2222, www.poshbarnyc.com). Regional Thai Taste (212-807-9872). Restivo (212-366-4133). Skyline Hotel (212- 582-4604, www.skylinehotelnyc.com). Sorella (212-274-9595, www. sorellanyc.com). Splash Bar (www.splashbar.com, 212-691-0073). Tagine (212-564-7292, www.taginedining.com). Therapy (212-397- 1700, www.therapy-nyc.com). Thompson LES (212-460-8888, www. thompsonles.com). Veselka (212-228-9682, www.veselka.com). Vynl (212-974-2003, www.vynl-nyc.com). GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 15 16 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Directory and Events

9 MPs (Money Pennies)------✰ • Coffee Connection  Wednesday, November 4, 5-7pm Legend  1742 - 10th Ave SW  (403) 263-7411  Calgary Cares Centre Bring a friend, have a laugh, make a difference! Our Magazine Available Here------✰  http://www.money-pennies.com  403-508-2500, ext.116 Registration required 2 weeks prior. Wheelchair Accessible Venue------ Closed Mondays.  Jun 12th, 26th - 2pm • Women’s Healing Circle Bar and restaurant. Drop-in events for registered clients of AIDS Calgary  AIDS Calgary Training Room only. 5 Texas Lounge------✰  403-508-2500, ext.200 CALGARY  308 - 17 Ave SW  (403) 229-0911 • Core Training Workshops  Wednesdays, 1:30pm  http://www.goliaths.ca  AIDS Calgary Training Room Topics Covered: Safer Sex & HIV/AIDS, Living with Accommodations  Open 7 days a week, 11am-close  403-508-2500, ext.116 HIV/AIDS, Challenging Stereotypes.  Saturday July 11, 9am-4pm 13 Westways Guest House------✰ 33 Twisted Element Alberta Society for Kink  Tuesday August 11, 9am-4pm  216 - 25th Avenue SW  (403) 229-1758  1006 - 11th Ave SW  (403) 802-0230  (403) 398-9968 Topics Covered: Safer Sex & HIV/AIDS, Living with  1-866-846-7038  [email protected]  http://www.twistedelement.ca  [email protected] HIV/AIDS, Challenging Stereotypes.  www.gaywestways.com Dance Club and Lounge.  ca.groups.yahoo.com/ • Friday Lunch group.albertasocietyforkink Bars and Clubs Bathhouses/Saunas  Calgary Cares Centre  Meet and Greets: Mondays, 7pm-9:30pm  403-508-2500, ext.200 3 Backlot------✰ 6 Goliath’s------✰ Apollo Calgary Friends in Sports  Jun 5th, 19th - 1pm  308 - 17 Ave SW  (403) 229-0911  http://www.apollocalgary.com  209 - 10th Ave SW  (403) 265-5211  Jul 10th, 1pm - Stampede Lunch  Open 7 days a week, 4pm-close  http://www.goliaths.ca Apollo Friends In Sports is a volunteer-operated, Nutritious meal in a safe non-judgemental non-profit organization serving primarily members ✰  Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.------environment. Drop-in for registered clients of AIDS of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered  424a - 8th Ave SE  (403) 263-5847 Community Groups Calgary only. communities but open to members of all  http://www.calgaryeagle.com • Volunteer Activity Nights communities. We currently have more than 400 2 Aids Calgary------✰  Open Wed-Sun, 5pm-close  AIDS Calgary Training Room members and are growing fast! The primary focus  110, 1603 10th Avenue SW Leather/Denim/Fetish bar.  403-508-2500, ext.116 of Apollo is to provide our membership with well  (403) 508-2500 55 Marquee Room------✰  [email protected] organized and fun sporting events and other  [email protected]  612 - 8th Avenue SW  Wednesday, August 19, 5-7pm activities to allow them to participate and interact in  http://www.aidscalgary.org  http://www.marqueeroom.com  Thursday, September 17, 5-7pm a positive social framework. Alternative night every Wednesday.  Wednesday, October 21, 5-7pm 24 DOWNTOWN CALGARY

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1 Calgary Outlink------Community Groups 9 MPs (Money Pennies)------Bars and Clubs 35 One Yellow Rabbit------Theatre 52 Sandra G. Sebree------Services 2 Aids Calgary------Community Groups 13 Westways Guest House----Accommodations 36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects------Theatre 55 Marquee Room------Bars and Clubs 3 Backlot------Bars and Clubs 16 Priape Calgary------Retail Stores 37 Pumphouse Theatre------Theatre 56 Sacred Balance Piercing------Retail Stores 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.------Bars and Clubs 24 Courtney Aarbo------Services 41 La Fleur------Retail Stores 58 Theatre Junction------Theatre 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 48 Barbies Shop------Retail Stores GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 17 Directory and Events

• Badminton (Absolutely Smashing) • Monthly Dances------• Library evening of fun, bonding, discussion and activities.  St. Martha School (6020 4th Avenue NE)  Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association A great selection of resource books, fiction, non- Calgary Queer Book Club  Wednesdays, 7pm-9pm 1320 5th Avenue NW fiction, videos and everything in between, all with a  Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW) (Season has ended)  Sept 27, Oct 18, Nov 15th, Dec 6th queer perspective. First meeting. Look us up on Facebook. Fees Per session: $4 for Apollo member, $5 for non- Doors open 8pm. • Drop-In Center members. Season’s pass $75. $6 ARGRA Members, $10 non-members. Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre A safe and supportive environment for one-to-one  77 Deerpoint Road SE  (403) 278-8263 • Bowling (Rainbow Riders League) Artists for the Quality of Life peer counseling for many issues surrounding family,  http://www.dpuc.ca    Let’s 10 Pin Bowlerama, 2916 - 5 Ave NE (403) 890-1261 www.afqol.com coming out, homosexuality, loneliness and other  Worship Time - 10am Sundays  (Season has ended) issues. • Women in Rock and Roll Different Strokes  • Curling Money Pennies (1742 - 10th Ave SW) • Between Men and Between Men Online  http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org  North Hill Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street NW)  Thursday, July 16th  Tuesdays 7pm-9pm  Saturdays: 2:20pm and 4:30pm Bar-B-Q, Karaoke and performances. Peer support, sexual health education for gay • Swim Practice  SAIT Pool, 1301 - 16th Ave NW (Season has ended) • Endless Summer Beach Party or bisexual men, as well as those who may be uncertain or questioning their sexuality. Discussions  Thursdays 7-8pm • Golf  The Backlot (209 - 10th Ave SW) July 2009 to Aug 2009 (one/week only)  [email protected]  Friday, August 14th range from personal relationship or life issues, to See website for details. sexual health and well-being. Don’t Buy In Project • Cut-a-Thon  http://www.dontbuyin.ca • Lawn Bowling  Tomkins Park (17th Avenue SW) • Calgary Networking Club  This Calgary Police Service Initiative aims to  Inglewood Lawn Bowling Club  Monday, September 7th Ming, 520 - 17th Ave SW  First Tuesday of every month, 5pm-7pm encourage youth to working towards an inclusive 1235 - 8th Avenue SE Cabin Fever environment in which diversity is embraced in their  The networking meetings are open to all individuals Tuesdays, 6-9pm  Calgary Eagle, 424a 8th Ave SW schools and community.  who would like to promote their businesses or [email protected]  3RD THURSDAY every month See website for details. who would like to meet new people - no business FairyTales Presentation Society Women’s dance and social night. affiliation is necessary.  #4 - 1230A 17th Avenue SW • Outdoor Pursuits Calgary Gay Fathers  (403) 244-1956 See website for details. • Heading Out  [email protected]  2nd and 4th Friday of every month, 7pm-9pm  [email protected] • Running (Calgary Frontrunners)  http://www.geocities.com/calgaryfathers Peer group for men who are looking for an  http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com  Coffee Junkies, 7th Street and 1st Ave SW Peer support group for gay, bisexual and alternative social activity to the bar. Activities vary Alberta Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.  Tim (403) 660-6125 questioning fathers. Meeting twice a month. and are fun and entertaining. • DVD Resource Library  [email protected] Calgary Men’s Chorus Over a hundred titles to choose from. Annual  • Illusions Calgary Saturdays at 9am  http://www.calgarymenschorus.org membership is $10. Distance varies. 8km-15km. Runners from 6 Social group for Calgary and area transgender minute/mile to 9+ minute miles. During the • Rehearsals community members (cross dressers, transvestites, • Monthly Screenings summer we attempt to have evening runs during  Old Y Centre, 223 - 12 Avenue SW drag kings and queens). Illusions provides a safe,  The Plaza Theatre, Kensington the week.  Tuesday nights, Sept-Jun, 7pm-9:30pm discrete and welcoming atmosphere, in which  See website for details. transgendered people can meet others of like mind. Calgary Sexual Health Centre------✰ Gay Singles in Calgary • Slow Pitch Illusions offers discretion, acceptance, compassion  304, 301 14th Street NW  http://www.gaysinglesincalgary.org See website for details. and a safe place to express your gender. Cross-  (403) 283-5580 dressing is the purpose of the group, but is not Girl Friends • Tennis  http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca mandatory.  members.shaw.ca/girlfriends See website for details. Calgary Sexual Health Centre is a pro-choice • Volleyball (Intermediate/Competitive) organization that believes all people have the right • Inside Out Girlsgroove  YWCA, 320 - 5th Avenue SE and ability to make their own choices regarding  Every Monday, 7pm-9pm  http://www.girlsgroove.ca  www.apollocalgary.com/apollo/volleyball their sexual and reproductive health. Calgary Peer-facilitated youth group for GLBTQ ages 15-25. HIV Peer Support Group  (Season has ended) Sexual Health Centre started as a volunteer based, The group aims to let youth know they are not  (403) 230-5832 This is for seasoned players. You can sign up for the grassroots organization and has been providing alone, and to connect them with their peers. It is  [email protected] season or drop-in. comprehensive sexuality education and counselling a funky and safe environment with a variety of ISCCA Social Association programs to the Calgary community since 1972. resources and activities. • Volleyball (Recreational)  http://www.iscca.ca  Langevin School, 107 - 6A Street NE 1 Calgary Outlink------✰ • New Directions Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch. All  www.apollocalgary.com/apollo/volleyball  #4, 1230A 17th Avenue SW  Every 3rd Friday of the month, 7pm-9pm monies raised go to Charity.  (Season has ended)  (403) 234-8973 Drop in peer-support group to provide support and • Shooters at Texas Lounge All are welcome. This is for all skill levels, including  http://www.calgaryoutlink.com resources for individuals who identify as transsexual  July 7th, 14th, 21st, 8pm-11:30pm recreational players and beginners. You can sign up Formerly know as the Gay And Lesbian Community or inter-sexed. If you are transsexual, or know for the season or drop-in. Services Association (GLCSA). of someone who is, please contact our office for • BBQ at the Backlot information and assistance. You are not alone!  July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 5-9pm • Yoga • Peer Support and Crisis Line There is support! Season has ended. Front-line help service for GLBT individuals and • Shooters at the Calgary Eagle • SHEQ Soulful Healing Ego Quest  TBA Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association their family and friends, or anyone questioning  Trudy or Krista, (403) 585-7437  (403) 541-8140  www.argra.org their sexuality. • Drag Show at the Calgary Eagle  Runs for a ten week period on Thursdays, 7pm  TBA A workshop for women that want to be themselves in a supportive, safe environment. It is a chance Knox United Church to grow and share their experiences related to  506 - 4th Street SW  (403) 269-8382 Looking for Something? women’s sexuality. To participate, please call the  http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church Browse over 450 listings in our Online GLBT Business Directory, and our exclusive SHEQ line or leave your name and a contact time/number with Calgary Outlink. located in downtown Calgary. A variety of facility complete Online GLBT Community Events Calendar. rentals are also available for meetings, events and • Womynspace concerts.  Every first and third Friday, 7pm-9pm www.gaycalgary.com Peer social/support group for women providing an

18 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Directory and Events

• Worship Services interaction for its members through a variety of all to our spiritually enriching Sunday Service at  (403) 266-1707  Wednesdays - Communion Service 12:10pm. social, educational and recreational activities. It is 10:30am. Afterwards, all are welcome to join us Florist and Flower Shop. Sundays - 11am. September to June. open to all gay and bisexual men of any age and in fellowship downstairs over coffee, tea, juice, and The Naked Leaf------Sundays - 10:30am in July and August. respects whatever degree of anonymity that each home-baked treats.  305 10th Street NW  (403) 283-3555 Miscellaneous Youth Network member desires. • Sunday Worship in July  http://www.thenakedleaf.ca  http://www.miscyouth.com • Monday Walkers  St. Matthews United Church (2039 26A St SW) Organic teas and tea ware.  Every Monday  (403) 249-1721  [email protected] • Fake Mustache------16 Priape Calgary------✰   The Soda, 211 - 12th Ave SW • Lawn Bowling Through July 2009, 10:30am  1322 - 17 Ave SW  (403) 215-1800  1st Thursday, 7pm-9:45pm  Every Tuesday Sharp Foundation  http://www.priape.com Calgary’s ONLY Drag King Show. $5 cover. $2 • Free Pool at the Calgary Eagle  (403) 272-2912 Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear,  cover under 18. Advance tickets available at Barbies  Every Wednesday [email protected] movies and magazines. Gifts. Shop.  http://www.thesharpfoundation.com • Saturday Coffee Wares & Wear Ventures Inc. Canada - Retail Stores Mystique  Midtown Co-op, 1130 - 11th Ave SW Urban Sex Radio Show See .   [email protected]  Every Saturday, 10am CJSW 90.9 FM Mystique is primarily a Lesbian group for women 30  http://www.cjsw.com Services & Products • Stampede Brunch and up but all are welcome.  Every Wednesday from 9-10pm Calgary Civil Marriage Centre  Inglewood Lawn Bowling Club Focus on sexuality; gay bisexual lesbian trans • Coffee Night  (403) 246-4134  [email protected]  July 5th, 11:00am gendered and straight issues here in Calgary and  Second Cup (2312 - 4th Street SW) Marriage Commissioner for Alberta (aka Justice of around the web.  TBA • Spring Valley Ranch Campout Weekend the Peace - JP), Marriage Officiant, Commissioner  July 31st NETWORKS Western Canada Bigmen and Admirers for Oaths. ✰  groups.yahoo.com/group/  (403) 293-3356 Queers on Campus------24 Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors) WesternCanadaBigmenGroup/  [email protected]  279R Student Union Club Spaces, U of C  1138 Kensington Road NW  [email protected] A social, cultural, and service organization for  (403) 220-6394  (403) 571-5120 the mature minded and “Plus 40” gay, lesbian,  http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass Vigor Calgary  http://www.courtneyaarbo.ca bisexual, and transgendered individuals seeking to Formerly GLASS - Gay/Lesbian Association of  (403) 255-7004  www.vigorcalgary.ca GLBT legal services. Students and Staff. meet with others at age-appropriate activities within Violence in Gay Male Relationships (VIGOR) is a Cruiseline apositive, safe, non-threatening and nurturing committee of professionals dedicated to increasing • Coffee Night  (403) 777-9494 trial code 3500 environment. the awareness of gay men’s domestic violence and  2nd Cup, Kensington.  http://www.cruiseline.ca Parents for Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)  Every Tuesday, 7pm. the services available to them. Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY.  Sean: (403) 695-5791 Rainbow Community Church “Yeah... What She Said!” Radio Show DevaDave Salon & Boutique  http://www.pflagcanada.ca  CJSW 90.9 FM  Hillhurst United, 1227 Kensington Close NW  810 Edmonton Trail NE PFLAG Canada is a registered charitable  [email protected]  [email protected]  (403) 290-1973 organization that provides support, education and  http://www.rainbowcommunitychurch.ca  Every Monday evening, 8:30-9pm Cuts, Colour, Hilights. resources to parents, families and individuals who  Services: every Sunday afternoon at 4:00pm have questions or concerns about sexual orientation The Rainbow Community Church is an all-inclusive Restaurants Duncan’s Residential Cleaning or gender identity. church; everyone is welcome.  Jim Duncan: (403) 978-6600 4 Calgary Eagle Inc.------✰ Residential cleaning. Free estimates. Positive Space Committee Rocky Mountain Bears See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.  4825 Mount Royal Gate SW  [email protected] Interactive Male  (403) 440-6383  http://www.rockymountainbears.com Halo Steak, Seafood & Wine Bar  (403) 261-2112 trial code 8873  [email protected]  Canyon Meadows Plaza  1-800-777-8000 • General Meeting  http://www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace 13226 Macleod Trail SE  www.interactivemale.com  Money Pennies (1742 - 10th Ave SW) The Positive Space Committee at Mount Royal  (403) 271-4111 Jeff LeBlanc, Century 21  July 9th, 7pm  College works to raise awareness and challenge www.halosteakseafoodandwinebar.ca  #1, 4600 Crowchild Trail NW the patterns of silence that continue to marginalize • Bear Campout 9 MPs (Money Pennies)------✰  Cell: (403) 542-6926 lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered, two-spirited  Bow Valley Provincial Park See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.  Pager: (403) 509-2121 and queer (LGBTTQ) individuals.  July 17th-19th  Fax: (403) 509-2130  RSVP by July 13th: [email protected] Pride Calgary Planning Committee Retail Stores  [email protected]  (403) 262-3410  www.pridecalgary.ca • Bear Night  www.homesweethometeam.ca Adult Depot------✰  Calgary Eagle (424A 8th Avenue SE) Keith Hill, North Hill Mazda • Pride 2009 - Dance  140, 58th Ave SW  (403) 258-2777  Saturday, July 25th  1211 Centre Street NW  Sat September 5th Gay, bi, straight video rentals and sex toys. Safety Under the Rainbow  Cell: (403) 614-7359 • Pride 2009 - Parade and Street Gala  http://www.safetyrainbow.ca 48 Barbies Shop------✰  Phone: (403) 276-5962  Sunday September 6th Mission: To raise awareness and understanding of  1313 16th Avenue SW  (403) 262-8265  Fax: (403) 276-7361 Pride Rainbow Project same-sex domestic violence and homophobic youth  http://www.barbiesshop.com  [email protected]  [email protected] bullying. Bongs and Such------✰  www.northhillmazda.com  http://www.priderainbowproject.com Scarboro United Church  214, 2066 18th Ave NE  (403) 250-7004 Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors) Youth run project designed to show support for  134 Scarboro Avenue SW  4829 Macleod Tr. SW  (403) 243-5251  (403) 461-9195 same-sex marriage in Canada and elsewhere. A  (403) 244-1161  www.scarborounited.ab.ca  1-866-411-BONG  http://www.lornedoucette.com fabric rainbow banner approximately 5 feet wide  Sunday Worship: 10:30am ✰ - goal is to make it 3.2km (2 miles) long, in order Erotic Xxes Boutique------Marnie Campbell (Maxwell Realtors) Scarboro United Church is a caring community to break the world record.  4823 Macleod Trail SW  (403) 243-4196  (403) 479-8619 for risk-takers, adventurers, and explorers in  http://www.eroticxxesboutique.ca  http://www.marniecampbell.ca Primetimers Calgary contemporary Christian living. Scarboro is an Open 7 days a week and holidays  [email protected] affirming congregation, which means that the full MFM Communications 41 La Fleur------ http://www.primetimerscalgary.com inclusion of LGBT people is essential to our mission  (403) 543-6970  103 - 100 7th Avenue SW Prime Timers Calgary is designed to foster social and purpose. Scarboro United Church welcomes  1-877-543-6970

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 19 Directory and Events

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7 3 6 4 N 11 12

1 Pride Centre------Community Groups 5 Boots Bar and Lounge------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 4 Edmonton STD------Community Groups 7 Down Under Baths------Bathhouses 12 Woody’s------Bars and Clubs

 http://www.mfmcommunications.com TherapyWorks  (403) 263-0079 12 Woody’s------✰ Web site hosting and development. Computer  (403) 561-6873  http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca  11725 Jasper Ave  (780) 488-6557 hardware and software.  [email protected] Stagewest------✰ Rick Grenier (Invis)  http://www.therapyworks.com  727 - 42 Avenue SE  (403) 243-6642 Bathhouses/Saunas Take back your life from stress, sadness, and worry.  (403) 862-1162  [email protected]  http://www.stagewestcalgary.com 7 Down Under Baths------✰ Mortgage solutions. Youth Juice 58 Theatre Junction------✰  12224 Jasper Ave  (780) 482-7960 56 Sacred Balance Piercing  (403) 686-7714  [email protected]  Theatre Junction GRAND, 608 1st St. SW  http://www.gayedmonton.com  http://www.ourworldnetwork.com/dianevp  1528 - 17th Avenue SW  (403) 277-4449  (403) 205-2922 11 Steamworks------✰  www.sacredbalancetattoo.com  [email protected]  11745 Jasper Ave  (780) 451-5554 Tattos and body piercing. Theatre and Fine Arts  http://www.theatrejunction.com  http://www.steamworksedmonton.com SafeWorks 36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects 34 Vertigo Mystery Theatre------Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing.  (403) 294-7402  http://www.ATPlive.com  161, 115 - 9 Ave SE  (403) 221-3708 Community Groups • Calgary Drop-in Centre AXIS Contemporary Art------ http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com BEEF Bear Bash  Room 117, 423 - 4th Ave SE  107, 100 - 7 Ave SW  (403) 262-3356  Boots Bar and Lounge  (403) 699-8216  [email protected]  www.axisart.ca  www.bearbeef.org  Mon-Fri: 9am-12pm, Sat: 12:15pm-3:15pm Fairytales EDMONTON Bar night for hairy men and admirers. • Centre of Hope See Calgary - Community Groups. Bars and Clubs Book Worm’s Book Club  Second Cup, 11210 Jasper Ave  Room 201, 420 - 9th Ave SE Jubilations Dinner Theatre 5 Boots Bar and Lounge------✰  (403) 410-1180  Mon-Fri: 1pm-5pm  Bow Trail and 37th St. SW  [email protected]  10242 106th St  (780) 423-5014  Wed July 15, 7:30pm • Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre  (403) 249-7799  http://www.bootsbar.ca/ Rat Bohemia by Sarah Schulman  1213 - 4th Str SW  (403) 955-6014  www.jubilations.ca 6 Buddy’s Nite Club------✰  Wed August 19, 7:30pm  Sat-Thu: 4:15pm-7:45pm, Fri: Closed 43 Lisa Heinricks (Artist)------ 11725 Jasper Ave  (780) 488-6636 Maurice by E.M. Forster • Safeworks Van  Art Central, 100 7th Ave SW, lower level  Wed September 16, 7:30pm 13 PLAY Nightclub------✰  (403) 850-3755  http://www.creamydreamy.com Embracing The Wide Sky by Daniel Tammet  10220 103 Street  (780) 497-7529  Sat-Thu: 8pm-12am, Fri: 4pm-12am 35 One Yellow Rabbit------ [email protected] Buck Naked Boys Club  Big Secret Theatre - EPCOR CENTRE 52 Sandra G. Sebree, Lawyer  http://www.playnightclub.ca  (780) 471-6993  1610 - 17th Ave SW  (403) 299-8888  www.oyr.org  http://www.bucknakedboys.ca 8 Prism Bar & Grill------✰  (403) 228-8108 37 Pumphouse Theatre------✰  2nd Saturday of every month  10524 101st St  (780) 990-0038  www.sandrasebree.com  2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW Naturism club for men. Our club has been meeting  http://www.prismbar.ca continuously for over 10 years. The similar club in

20 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Directory and Events

Calgary ceased to exist several years ago. Naturism Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender/transsexual, • Prime Timers • Annual General Meeting is being social while everyone is naked, and it does Queer, Questioning and Straight-but-not-Narrow See Edmonton Primetimers.  September 26th not include sexual activity. Therefore participants student group. • Queer Youth Sport & Recreation night • Badminton do not need to be gay, only male, but almost all 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton------✰  Alex Taylor School Gym, 9321 Jasper Ave  Oliver School, 10227 - 118 Street participants over the years do self-describe as being  95A Street, 111 Ave  (780) 488-3234  Brendan, (780) 488-3234  [email protected] gay or bisexual.  [email protected]  [email protected]  Wednesdays, 6pm-7:30pm Camp fYrefly • Bears Movie Night  First Tuesday of every month, 4:30pm Season starts March 8th  7-104 Dept. of Educational Policy Studies  TV room, Pride Centre of Edmonton • Suit Up and Show Up: AA Big Book Study Women’s Drop-In Recreational Badminton. Faculty of Education, University of Alberta  Last Sunday of the month, 1-6pm  Downstairs Couch Area •Ballroom Dancing Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5  Saturdays, 12-1pm  Foot Notes Dance Studio, 9708-45 Avenue NW  • Community Potluck http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca   Main Space – Upstairs Discussion and support group for those struggling Cynthia: (780) 469-3281 Edmonton Pride Week Society with an alcohol addiction or seeking support in  Season has ended.  http://www.prideedmonton.org  [email protected] staying sober.  Last Tuesday, 7-9pm • Blazin’ Bootcamp Edmonton Prime Timers A potluck open to all members of the LGBTQ • TTIQ  Lynnwood Elementary School, 15451- 84 Ave  [email protected] community. A time to get together, share a meal  Green Room – Upstairs  [email protected]  www.primetimersww.org/edmonton and meet people from the community.  [email protected]  Every Mon + Thurs, 7pm-8:15pm EPT is a group of older gay men and their admirers  1st and 3rd Sunday, 2-4pm Starting May 4th who come from diverse backgrounds but have • Free School TTIQ is mixed gender open support group addressing  Main Space – Upstairs • Bowling (Northern Titans) common social interests. Meetings include a social the needs of transsexual and transgendered   [email protected] Gateway Lanes, 100 - 3414 Gateway Blvd period, a short business meeting and then either individuals. Brunch at a local restaurant on the last   2nd and 4th Sunday, 11am-5pm [email protected] a guest speaker, discussion panel, or a potluck Sunday of each month at 12:00.  Every Saturday, 5pm-7pm supper. Special interest groups meet for other social Free School provides workshops on a variety of topics related to local activism. • Womonspace Board Meeting Resumes Saturday January 3rd activities throughout the month. In July and August  Main Space – Upstairs $15.00 per person. we have a BBQ or picnic in lieu of a meeting and in • Get Straight – Cocaine Anonymous  [email protected] • Cross-Country Skiing December it’s replaced with a Christmas party. EPT  Downstairs Couch Area  1st Sunday, 10:30am-12:30pm  is affiliated with Prime Timers World Wide.  Thursdays, 7-8pm Gold Bar Park Womonspace is a Social and Recreational Society  Saturday January 10th, 1pm • Monthly Meetings Cocaine Anonymous: Support group for anyone in Edmonton run by volunteers. They provide  Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street struggling with cocaine or drug addictions. opportunities for lesbians to interact and support • Curling with Pride  2nd Sunday of most months, 2:30pm • Get Tested for STIs each other in a safe environment, and to contribute  Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW  July 11th-13th: BBQ and/or Campout at Pine Trails  Last Thurs of Month, 3pm - 6pm to the broader community. (780) 463-5942 Free STD testing for anyone interested. For more  [email protected] Edmonton Rainbow Business Association • Youth Movie  See website for details.  3379, 11215 Jasper Ave  (780) 429-5014 information please contact the Pride Centre.  Main Space – Upstairs  http://www.edmontonrba.org • GLBT Seniors Drop-In  [email protected] • Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders)  ERBA’s primary focus is the provision of networking  Main Space – Upstairs  Fridays, 6:30-8:30pm Various locations in Edmonton  opportunities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and  [email protected] Movie chosen by youth (aged 14 – 25), usually [email protected]  transgendered (GLBT) owned or operated and  Every Tuesday & Thursday, 1-4pm with LGBT themes. Popcorn is served. Every Wednesday, 6:30pm GLBT-friendly businesses in the Edmonton region. A social and support group for seniors of all genders • YouthSpace • Dragon Boat Membership is open to all kinds of entrepreneurs, and sexualities to talk, have tea and offer each  [email protected]  [email protected] from tradespeople to professionals to commission other support.  Tuesday to Thursday, 3-7pm We are exploring the option of setting up a dragon salespeople. • Trans Education/Support Group Fridays, 3-6:30pm boat team for 2009. Please send your name and • After Business Mixers  Green Room – Upstairs Saturdays, 3-6:30pm contact information.  Garage Burger Bar (10244 - 106th St.)  2nd Tuesday, 7:30-9:30pm A safe and supportive space for GLBTQ youth aged • Gymnastics, Drop-in  2nd Wednesday every month 5:30–7:30pm Transgender Education and Support Group: 13–25. Video games, computers with internet,  Ortona Gymnastics Club, 8755 - 50 Avenue clothing bank, and more. Edmonton Illusions Social Club Education and support for transgender, transsexual  [email protected]  Boots Bar & Grill and questioning people in any stage of transition. • Youth Theatre Project  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8pm-10pm  (780) 387-3343 • Men Talking with Pride  Downstairs Couch Area Have the whole gym to yourselves and an instructor  groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions  Main Space – Upstairs  [email protected] to help you achieve your individual goals. Cost is  2nd Thursday of each month  [email protected]  Every Wednesday, 7-8:30pm $5.00 per session. An opportunity for youth to address the problem of 4 Edmonton STD  Every Sunday, 7-9pm • Hip Hop Dancing  11111 Jasper Ave A social discussion group for gay, bisexual and homophobic bullying through theatre. Write and  FootNotes Dance Studio West transgendered men to discuss current issues and to rehearse skits, perform in the community, and help 9770 - 182nd St. Edmonton Vocal Minority offer support to each other. make a documentary.  Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30pm, July 8th - 28th   (780) 479-2038 [email protected]  (780) 469-3281  www.evmchoir.com • Men’s HIV Support Group • Youth Understanding Youth  Green Room – Upstairs See separate listing. 4 weeks for $59+GST Exposure 2009  [email protected] • Outdoor Pursuits  Nov 13th- 22nd, 2009 • Youth Yoga  2nd Monday of the month, 7-9pm  Alex Taylor School Gym (9321 Jasper Ave)  July 6th-9th 3 HIV Network Of Edmonton Society---- ✰ Support group for people living with HIV/AIDS.  Every 1st Thursday, 4:30pm Sea Kayaking at Maligne Lake in Jasper  11456 Jasper Ave  www.hivedmonton.com • PFLAG  July 9th-12th Team Edmonton Camping at Marmot Meadows in Jasper Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose  Red room - Downstairs  780-436-1998  [email protected]  [email protected]  http://www.gayedmonton.org  [email protected]  http://www.teamedmonton.ca OUTreach  1st Wednesday, 7-9pm Members are invited to attend and help determine • Running (Arctic Frontrunners)   University of Alberta, basement of SUB Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays: A support the board for the next term. If you are interested in Emily Murphy Park, meet at West End   [email protected] group for family members and friends of GLBT running for the board or getting involved in some of [email protected]   http://www.ualberta.ca/~outreach people. An excellent resource for people whose the committees, please contact us. Every Sunday, 10am-11am family members and friends have just come out. All genders and levels of runners and walkers are

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 21 Directory and Events invited to join this free activity. • Carol Cattell Golf Tournament • Soul OUTing  Every Friday at 10pm • Roller Derby (Practices)  Country Nine Golf Course (Bashaw, AB)  Second Sunday every month, 7pm • Movie Night   [email protected] July 17th-19th An LGBT-focused alternative worship.  Room C610, University of Lethbridge  Mondays & Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm Youth Understanding Youth • Film Night  Thurs, Mar 26th, 6:30pm E-Ville Roller Derby is a community-wise sports  Edmonton Pride Centre, Main Space Upstairs  Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates. Movie called “Changing Our Minds: The Story of Dr. initiative for adult females. Their purpose is for fun,  [email protected]  www.members.shaw.ca/yuy • Book Club Evelyn Hooker”.  friendly sports competition among like-minded Every Wed/Thurs/Fri, 7pm-9pm  Monthly, contact us for exact dates. Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA) women. You need no prior experience in roller A place where LGBTQ youth under 25 can gather to  University of Lethbridge  [email protected] derby. They’ll teach you everything you need to have fun and learn about themselves and others in Theatre and Fine Arts GBLTTQQ club on campus. know, including how to skate! a safe, supportive, and caring environment. Exposure Festival Pride Lethbridge • Samsara Yoga • 3rd Annual Queer Prom  http://www.exposurefestival.ca  [email protected]  Korezone Fitness, #203, 10575 -115 Street  Citadel Theater Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival.  [email protected]  Sat, Jun 6th, 7:00pm  Classes resume in September. “Paint the Town Red” RED DEER • Slo Pitch • Sports and Recreation BANFF/CANMORE  Parkallen Field, 111 st and 68 ave  Pride Centre, 9540 - 111 Ave Community Groups  [email protected]  Brendan: (780) 488-3234 Community Groups  Wednesdays, 7pm. Season resumes May 6th.  [email protected] Affirm Mountain Pride Season fee is $30.00 per person.  1st Thursday, meet at 4:00pm  Sunnybrook United Church  Brian, (403) 431-2569  (403) 347-6073 • Snowballs III Restaurants  [email protected]  2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm  February 5-7th, 2010  www.gaybanff.com Composed of LGBTQ people, their friends, family  [email protected] 5 Garage Burger Bar & Grill------Serving the GLBTQS community in Banff, Canmore, and allies. No religious affiliation necessary. Skiing and Snowboarding Weekend.  10242 106th St  (780) 423-5014 Lake Louise and Area. Activities include support, faith and social justice • Soccer 8 Prism Bar & Grill------✰ • Coffee Night discussions, film nights, and potlucks!  [email protected] See Edmonton - Bars and Clubs.  The Hub, 302 Buffalo Street • Spin  4th Tuesday, 7pm-10pm  MacEwan Centre for Sport and Wellness Retail Stores • Queer Cinema Night ALBERTA 109 St. and 104 Ave Rodéo Drive  The Hub, 302 Buffalo Street  Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45pm  11528 - 89th Street  2nd Monday, 8pm-11pm Community Groups July 8th - Aug 19th  (780) 474-0413 • Calgary Pride Roadtrip Central Alberta AIDS Network Society  [email protected]   4611-50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB [email protected]  TBA 7 classes, $28.00 per registrant.  http://www.rodeodrive.ca  http://www.caans.org • Swimming (Making Waves) His and hers fetish wear, toys, jewelry, etc. The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society is the  [email protected] The Travelling Tickle Trunk LETHBRIDGE local charity responsible for HIV prevention and support in Central Alberta. Season has ended.  9923 - 82 Avenue • Tennis  (780) 469-6669 Community Groups Western Canadian Pride Campout  Kinsmen Sports Centre  www.travelingtickletrunk.com  July 31st - Aug 3rd GALA/LA  Sundays, 12pm-3pm Sex-positive adult toy store.  www.eventmasterinc.net  (403) 308-2893  [email protected] YouthSafe Wares & Wear Ventures Inc.  http://www.galalethbridge.ca • Ultimate Frisbee See Canada - Retail Stores. Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area.  http://www.youthsafe.net  Sundays Alberta’s website for youth with sex-and-gender • Monthly Dances Summer Season starts July 12th Services differences. Youthsafe.net lists the resources,  Airforce Veterans Hall, 517 - 5 Ave S  [email protected] information and services to help youth find safe and Cruiseline  2nd or 3rd Saturday every month, 9pm-2am E-mail if interested. caring spaces in Alberta.  (780) 413-7122 trial code 3500 Bring your membership card and photo ID. • Volleyball, Free To Be Intermediate  http://www.cruiseline.ca • Monthly Potluck Dinners Theatre and Fine Arts  Kinsmen Sports Centre, next to Tennis courts Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY.  McKillop United Church, 2329 - 15 Ave S  [email protected] Interactive Male Alberta Ballet  3rd or Last Sat. every month, 5:30pm-8pm  http://www.albertaballet.com  Thursday nights from 8pm-10pm  (780) 409-3333 trial code 8871 Members/family/friends, and children are all Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton. • Volleyball, Free To Be Recreational Grass  1-800-777-8000 welcome to attend. Please bring dish that will serve  Kinsmen Sports Centre  www.interactivemale.com 4-6 people and own beverage (no-alcohol). Plates,  [email protected] Over the Top Designs utensils, and coffee provided. CANADA  Outdoor season, Sundays, 3-5pm  (780) 974-5269 • Support Line • Women’s Lacrosse Servicing Calgary, Edmonton & Red Deer  (403) 308-2893 Community Groups exclusively.  Sharon: 780-461-0017  Monday OR Wednesday, 7pm-11pm Alberta Trans Support/Activities Group  Pam: 780-436-7374 Robertson-Wesley United Church Leave a message any other time.  http://www.albertatrans.org Open to women 21+, experienced or not, all are  10209 - 123 St. NW  (780) 482-1587 • Parents & Friends for Lesbians & Gays A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of welcome. Call for info.  [email protected]  www.rwuc.org Call us for information. where they may be on the continuum. Womonspace  Worship: Sunday mornings at 10:30am • Gay Youth Alliance Group Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition  (780) 482-1794 People of all sexual orientations welcome. Other  Betty, (403) 381-5260  [email protected]  P.O. Box 3043, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3S9  [email protected] LGBT events include a monthly book club and a bi-monthly film night. As a caring spiritual  Every second Wednesday, 3:30pm-5pm  (306) 955-5135  www.womonspace.ca  1-800-955-5129 community, we’d love to have you join us! • Friday Mixer Women’s social group, but all welcome at events.  http://www.rainbowhealth.ca  The Mix (green water tower) 103 Mayor Magrath Dr S Continued on Next Page  22 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Political Humour Creep of the Week Leroy Swailes

change from men into beast? Like the Transformers? Do they By D’Anne Witkowski have to be together sexually? Can it just be two strangers in an elevator ignoring each other? If that’s the case, then shouldn’t Swailes be making the case for never letting two people with Homosexuals aren’t human. Also they are the anti- matching genitalia be alone together? And how do amputees fit Christ. And pedophiles. And bestialiacs (I don’t know into all of this? if that’s a word and while I could probably do a Equally enlightening is his explanation of how homosexual- Google search and find an official term for “one who ity is pedophilia. “What is pedophilia?” he asks. “It’s when your practices bestiality,” no deception is Adam and Adam, Eve and Eve, and you’re going to thanks, I just ate). look into the eyes of a child and you’re going to tell a child that Egale Canada sex is between Adam and Adam, Eve and Eve, you become a  8 Wellington St E, Third Floor How do I know homos are pedophile.” Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C5 all of these things? Because  1-888-204-7777  www.egale.ca I watched Minister Leroy Got that? Being a pedophile has nothing to do with sexually Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby Swailes testify before the abusing children and everything to do with simply telling chil- organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, Washington, D.C. Board of dren that homosexuality exists. Thank God Swailes isn’t against trans-identified people and our families. Elections and Ethics on June Santa Claus. Membership fees are pay-what-you-can, although 10. No, I wasn’t actually Swailes is in the wrong business. He should totally be a pro- pre-authorized monthly donors are encouraged (and there, I saw it online. Now, fessor of logic. Because he is wicked awesome at it. get a free Egale Canada t-shirt). Egale has several there’s a lot of weird shit on committees that meet by teleconference on a YouTube, but Swailes really But lest we misunderstand him, I should make clear that regular basis; membership on these is national with gives his all to top it (no pun he isn’t against human rights. “Everybody should have human members from every region of Canada. intended). rights. But you have to be human. Human means you deal with the opposite sex,” he said. Swailes, who wore a shirt Retail Stores that read, “Lesbian, Gay, Remember? Penis+penis+leg+leg+leg+leg = beast. Beast = Wares & Wear Ventures Inc. Bisexual and Transgender homosexual. Beast < human, therefore homosexual < human.  (780) 980-1977  www.wwlatex.com Morals are Worse Than Ani- It’s simple math. Fetish wear and toys. mals,” was speaking in favor of a referendum proposed by Swailes ends his comment before the council by saying, “We Services Bishop Harry Jackson that as a city, D.C., we’ve got to realize that you’ve got to discriminate would undo a recent D.C. law against something that’s inhuman. Thank you very much.” ATM Service Solutions recognizing the marriages With a guy like Swailes on their side, it’s hard to imagine how  1-866-640-8830 of gays and lesbians when the anti-gay D.C. folks can go wrong.  [email protected] they legally wed in one of the  http://www.minibanks.net several places they can legally http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1312 Squirt do that now. View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments.  http://www.squirt.org Needless to say, people are Website for dating and hook-ups. 18+ ONLY! freaking out because if D.C. D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance recognizes, say, two guys writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the Theatre and Fine Arts who tie the knot in Iowa as a world she reviews rock and roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister and teaches writing at the University of Michigan. Broadway Across Canada legally married couple, it can  http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca only mean the end of days. Or whatever. OUTtv  http://www.outtv.ca Listening to Swailes GLBT Television Station. speak is educational, if not entertaining. I learned, for example, that homosexuality Add Your Listing! is a form of bestiality. “Be- Find out how to have your business listed in our cause a beast has four legs monthly magazine directory: and one gender. If you put  (403) 543-6960  1-888-543-6960 two men together, they have  [email protected]. four legs and two penises, still Add your listing to our online directory for free: one gender, that’s a form of  http://www.gaycalgary.com bestiality,” he said. “If you put Eve and Eve together, two va- GayCalgary endeavors to keep our directory and ginas, that’s still one gender, events information accurate and up to date. If that’s a form of bestiality.” you notice anything incorrect or out of date, please contact us. OK, so wait. If two guys are together they automatically Non-profit groups receive free listings.

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 23 Politics Military Affairs Canada’s Forgotten Veterans

No word on whether gender identification is included in that, By Stephen Lock although there have been cases in recent years of Armed Forces personnel undergoing gender reassignment surgery while being an active With all the advances made in recent years around ac- member of the service and continuing to serve following the surgery with no loss of rank, privilege, or benefits. ceptance and rights, it is easy to forget what it was like in earlier periods. Even those who lived during such pe- Make no mistake, the climate that existed in the Canadian Armed Forces prior to 1992, when DND policy changed to include GLBTQ, was riods have a too-human tendency to, if not forget, then at best secretive, even paranoid, on the part of any serving member certainly gloss over the day-to-day realities. who was GLBTQ. I remember hearing the usual arguments about how “legitimizing homosexuality” within DND would negatively affect its It’s been several years since the Department of National Defence esprit de corp, that somehow having openly gay and lesbian individuals (DND) moved to fully accept gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans personnel, would affect “morale.” Of course, nothing was said about the morale of becoming one of the few nations where being queer and military simply those directly affected; the GLBTQ personnel. But that’s the military is not an issue. for you....

As I’ve mentioned before, I grew up Army during the 60’s and 70’s, We also had the usual comments about Red-Blooded All-Canadian long before the acceptance of gay/lesbian soldiers. In fact, back then guys being ogled by some homo in the barrack showers or...gasp...be- if a soldier was even suspected of being gay his fellow soldiers made ing outright propositioned! All garbage, of course. damn sure he understood they did not accept it...middle-of-the-night beatings or other forms of harassment were not unheard of and usually What’s so often lost sight of is that, it’s a particular sort of personal- unreported, even by the victim. ity that is attracted to the military, regardless of the sexual orientation of the individual. A gay soldier, sailor, or airman is more like his fellow While such outrages rarely, if ever, occur in the Canadian military soldiers, sailors, and airmen than different. Like them, he is dedicated, now - and would be severely dealt with by the military if they did - the probably a tad on the conservative side, honourable, focused on the rank-and-file has been far slower to accept GLBT comrades-in-arms job, tough, capable, respectful of authority, and willing and able to than policy would suggest. It’s better than it was, certainly, but your serve wherever DND decides to send him. More often than not, his fel- average soldier/sailor/airforce person is pretty conservative. No low soldiers are his brothers, his comrades: family. He is not about to surprise there. However, there does now seem to be a live-and-let live jeopardize that for a quickie in the showers. ethos, which is as it should be. After coming out in 1980, and when Calgary still had a military Back then, however, if the higher-ups got wind of a member’s presence, I did meet a few guys from Currie Barracks. It was pretty homosexuality, or rumoured homosexuality, he or she was out. I can’t easy to spot them when they decided to go to The Parkside Continental, speak to the experiences of women in the military but I do know the then one of only two gay clubs in town. They kind of stood out, even perception was pretty harsh: that female personnel were assumed then; soldiers have a certain look to them, even when in blue jeans and dykes anyway, unless proven otherwise...and even then she was just a a t-shirt. Like good art, I may not understand it, but I know it when I slut, especially if she was foolish enough to date servicemen. see it. Without exception, every one of them was deeply attached to the A dishonourable discharge from the military had major repercus- military even as they understood the risk they were taking by patron- sions. Many honourable, dedicated and valuable individuals were izing a known (notorious?) gay establishment. Not an enormous risk, drummed out of the Armed Forces for being homosexual, forever dis- mind you, but a risk nevertheless. graced. And not just disgraced but denied benefits and pensions. Things weren’t horrible during the 80’s, despite what those who To be dishonourably discharged had career repercussions as well. came after believe, but life for your average gay or lesbian person still “Civvie street” is an adjustment for many service personnel as it is, could have some difficulties. One could be evicted from one’s rental being quite different from what one was used to in the military. Couple accommodation (or denied it to begin with) on the mere suspicion one that with a dishonourable discharge on one’s record and it’s not dif- was gay or lesbian, let alone being known to be GLBTQ. One could ficult to imagine the adversities in landing any sort of “respectable” job. be denied a job, denied access to public services, or subjected to any Such discharges carried a host of associations; one’s whole character number of small indignities with impunity. was immediately suspect. I remember one fellow I hooked up with who was an Army cook. He Peter Stoffer, an NDP MP, has called for the federal government to had no issue whatsoever being sexual with guys, despite being mar- apologize to surviving GLBTQ veterans, or their survivors, expunge ried and living in military married quarters in Lincoln Park (where my the ”dishonourable discharge” and moral turpitude charges on their parents were still living at the time...just up the street!). A nice fellow records, and restore their benefits. from rural Quebec who, when his wife was off visiting relatives down there, would head out and meet guys. He was also a bit naive. He let it Army pensions, I can assure you, are not huge, but if the benefits be known, quite openly, to the base medical officer that he engaged in are restored retroactively (i.e. pre-1992, with some dating back to WWII homosexual sex. He was being responsible, in my opinion, ensuring his and the 1950’s Korean War), they will be substantial and allow surviv- own sexual health. The medical officer didn’t quite see it the same way ing veterans a fairly decent quality of life. and immediately informed the guy’s Commanding Officer and, within weeks, the guy was packed and heading back to rural Quebec as a Surprisingly, this issue has not been raised in the past according to civilian. Dan Dugas, a spokesperson for Minister of Defence Peter MacKay, but DND is willing to “look into it.” That could take a while, knowing how When I last saw him, he was confused and hurt, still not under- the DND works. standing why his dream of serving in the Canadian Armed Forces had been ripped from him just because he happened to enjoy sex with guys To his credit, Dugas is quoted as saying, “The Canadian Forces is now and then. I have no idea what the repercussions to his married an inclusive organization and is fully compliant with the Charter and life were; he had sort of intimated his wife was quite aware of his “other the Canadian Human Rights Act in terms of not tolerating conduct or interests” and accepted it. I hope so. behaviour that would allow discrimination based on sexual orientation.” At any rate, this young corporal suddenly found himself out of uni- Continued on Page 33  24 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Astrology Q Scopes “Let go, Leo!”

By Jack Fertig LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Know the limits of your authority before you speak out. If you The Sun and Cancer are in Mercury, making us a are in any way uncertain, it will undermine you – unless bit more affectionate and emotional. They aspect you are clear about what you know, and what you don’t, Saturn in Virgo, drawing attention to faults, details and are willing to consult an expert on the latter. and problems. You can balance affectionate gentle-  ness with critical insight, but it may be a challenge! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Arguments show the limits of friendship, perhaps end ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Your home may a few, or push you to be more accepting. If you remain not be as neat, as large, or as pretty as it could be, but principled and honest,your real friends will respect your it’s home and that’s what counts. Still, you could make opinions, and vice versa? How much must your friends it neater, and that will help pretty it up – and make more agree with your opinions?  space! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Your attempts 20): Telling others how sexy you are will provoke at wit, or at critical analysis, may be sharper than you demands for proof. You may not need to say anything; intend. Focus on being kind, supportive and helpful. Your word gets around! A confident swagger – maybe a bit of cleverness and insight will shine through. Talking about leather – will make you irresistible. Looking mature and what you enjoy can inspire improvements at work. experienced also helps! GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): With family CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): problems or community politics you can cut through the As clear as the rules of your partnership may be, there crap with brutal effectiveness. Do try to be nice about are always new wrinkles to iron out. If you’re feeling cutting down people’s unrealistic hopes. More effective constrained, talk out the issues to resolve needs and economy begins at home. Set the example you want others issues that might otherwise tempt destructive acting-out. to follow.  AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Your instinct to Although you mean well, your suggestions to coworkers be helpful is being stimulated with an annoying burst of can sound snotty and critical. Bringing cookies, especially outspokenness. Your insights are spot-on, but be sure home-baked, will help people listen more carefully, and set your advice is wanted before you offer it. When you have the tone for your efforts to be nice. the chance, write before you speak.   PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Feeling a bit LEO (July 23 - August 22): What’s really kinky and inventive? The kitchen can be a treasure trove bothering you is not so much other people stepping on of erotic toys. Turkey basters and spatulas are easy starts. your values, but your own inner demons nagging at the Or have some whipped cream and fresh fruit in season on problems in your priorities. Meditate and be ready to let go hand … or on something! of things that really have lost importance. 

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): You’re being awfully touchy, taking simple offhand comments Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since from friends as harsh criticism. What you need to take 1977 teaches at the Online College of seriously is not what they’re saying but why those buttons Astrology : http://www.astrocollege.com. on your ego are so over-exposed and raw. He can be reached for personal or business  consultations at 415-864-8302 or through his website at http://www.starjack.com

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 25 Review Adult Film Review Slow Heat, Anal Intruder

requiring prospectives to perform on the spot while the two pro- By Jerome Voltero ducers mill about the room offering the occasional comments, or covering things up so that they don’t get stained. “Slow Heat” by I have to hand it to them – they really managed to get some TitanMen.com natural sounding dialogue in this one: from Robert Van Damme scolding cute backyard intruder Cayden Banks (who sneaks in to Courtesy of Priape skinny dip in Van Damme’s hot tub), to CJ Madison conducting a Cast: Colton Steele, Del hilarious job interview with Brodie Newport as he feigns complete Cobb, Steve Carlisle, Steve stupidity. “Condoms? That’s like Ketchup and Mustard right? O’Donnell, Chad Manning, Cory …oh, you mean Condos?” Flint, Nick Capra, Zane Jacobs, CJ Madison and Josh West are their usual depressingly sexy Josh West*, Jackson Wild. selves. Antonio Milan and Nick Capra add some ethnic spice, Summer is sweltering in a while Cayden Banks and Dean Tucker counterbalance with ador- small Texas town, seeming to able guy-next-door vanilla. Paine has a cute beard and impres- take a toll on its residents in sive tattoos, while Newport looks like an army brat that you want this Titan production. For a to smack, but know it will only encourage him. Peter Axel is an studio with a reputation for odd looking guy, built like a small tank and furry all over. He hard, hairy, and hung men, sweats like a pig as he gets finger banged by Mike Powers in the Slow Heat sure takes a detour final scene – so much that his entire body glistens like he’s been from what you might expect. doused in lube. No wonder Van Damme covered up the pool table Most of the actors are slim, not for that audition. so pretty guys with not so pretty cocks. But if not appealing for With a name like “Anal Intruder”, this film has a surprising their youth, they still have a quaint, white trash charm to them. lack of emphasis on anal sex, so if you are looking for it, then The main character, deputy Falk, has the apparently fascinat- don’t get your hopes up. Nonetheless, there are some sexy scenes ing job of patrolling a forested park where he often indulges in the and fun dialog that easily redeem this misnomer of a porn flick. forbidden “fruit”. As he encounters guys in compromising states Priape Calgary of undress, who are camping or going for a swim in the pond, we Canada’s Favourite Gay Store can hear the deputy’s inner voice telling him to resist his urges. 1322 17th Avenue SW - (403) 215-1800 However, his inability to stop staring sends the opposite message. A recurring theme seems to be cock worship, with an extension Adult Depot of that being pissing…not on each other, but beside each other, Over 3000 Gay Title for Sale or Rent which gives the guys a chance to admire what their buddies are 140 58th Avenue SW - (403) 258-2777 packing. [email protected] Josh West, probably the only real Titan man of the bunch, http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1315 appears in a later scene for an over-the-top macho portrayal of View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. a police officer. It’s laughable – he wears big black sunglasses even though it’s the dead of night, and the cigar in his mouth is so big that he can barely talk…it’s as if he is speaking while the doctor looks down his throat using a popsicle stick. So yeah, a little overdone, but West is sexy and well hung enough to live this humiliation down.

“Anal Intruder” by Robert Van Damme Courtesy of Adult Depot Cast: Cayden Banks, Robert Van Damme, CJ Madison*, Geoffrey Paine, Brodie Newport, Antonio Milan, Nick Capra, Dean Tucker, Mike Powers, Josh West*, Peter Axel* Van Damme and Madison are in the business of making pornos, and on the hunt for actors to star in their film. The interview process is intense,

26 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 27 Celebrity Gossip Deep Inside Hollywood Brokeback spouses reunite

Listen up, gay people, American society is sick and tired of By Romeo San Vicente you militants trying to redefine what marriage means. It is a holy union that hasn’t changed one teeny-tiny bit over 5,000 Big-screen beckons Neil Patrick Harris years, and it needs to be protected. And what better way to showcase what Miss California calls old-school “opposite” mar- While hosting this year’s Tony Awards, Neil Patrick Harris riage than to feature it on reality television? Fox will soon be joked about his second-class status as a “TV guy.” But he’s giving us I Married a Stranger, in which a woman weds a man already proven he’s hilarious on the big screen in the Harold chosen for her by friends and family but doesn’t meet him until & Kumar movies, so now that second-tier status is about to he reaches the altar, while CBS offers Arranged Marriage, which change with two new film projects on the horizon. Harris has features the same set-up but follows the couple’s lives after the joined the cast of Beastly, the new film from gay director Daniel nuptials. Both pilots have a good chance of getting picked up as Barnz (Phoebe in Wonderland) that Romeo’s already reported on mid-season replacements. Aren’t you glad heterosexuals are do- here, but the How I Met Your Mother star will also be playing a ing such a great job of defending their most sacred institution? lead role in The Best and the Brightest. Harris plays a husband – way to break that gay-actor-curse NPH – from Delaware whose How to make a monster musical wife goes bananas about social status when they move to New York City and try to get their kid into an elite kindergarten. Amy More and more movies are being made from popular child- Sedaris, John Hodgman and Kate Mulgrew also star in the lat- hood toys, from dolls (Kit Kittredge: An American Girl) to action ter; both movies should hit theaters before the end of 2010. figures Transformers( ) to even board games (Clue). But now we’re getting a movie musical based on a toy that doesn’t even Brokeback spouses reunite exist yet and will presumably be marketed alongside the film itself. Gay super-producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are reuniting with Hairspray composer-lyricist Marc Shaiman and lyricist Scott Wittman to make an original screen musical around an as-yet-unnamed Mattel monster toy. Everything’s being kept very much on the hush-hush, but the one thing that’s been revealed is that the property will “add a fresh twist to monster lore.” No word yet on when this new musical will go into production, but Romeo bets five bucks that if the movie and the toy do well, an eventual Broadway adaptation is inevitable. And TV show. And more toys. And sequels. And …

Romeo San Vicente hopes the monster-toy musical will be like the Dracula puppet rock opera from Forgetting Sarah Marshall, complete with full-frontal male nudity. He can be reached care of this publication or at [email protected].

Photo courtesy Focus Features

Granted, the romance between Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway in Brokeback Mountain was a tragic one involving the closet and deception and death, but these actors are determined to give it another go in a movie where he won’t be playing a gay cowboy. Love and Other Drugs will feature Gyllenhaal as a pharmaceutical sales rep for Pfizer during the time when a revolutionary little blue pill was hitting the market (the film is based on the book Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Sales- man) while Hathaway will play a woman with Parkinson’s with whom he begins a relationship after they meet on a sales call. Ed Zwick (Glory, Defiance) is set to direct, with shooting set to happen possibly as early as this fall. A movie about Viagra may make audiences stand at attention, but if the film lasts more than four hours, please, call your doctor. Sanctity of marriage, reality-TV style

28 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Lifestyle Cocktail Chatter The Best Bartending Books and The Mixer Mix-up

named Teresa Marie Howes, who wrote a whole book on diet drinks By Camper English this year called Skinnytinis. Most of the recipes in the book cut calories in cocktails by adjusting the amounts of liqueurs and mixers, as The Best Bartending Books distilled spirits like gin and vodka all have about the same number of calories per volume. Her drinks call for light or diet juices and sodas, Whether it’s a lack of money or an excess of agoraphobia, you’ve and flavored water and other mixers instead of sugar-laden liqueurs decided to start making more cocktails at home. But there are so in recipes. She makes crafty placements like swapping out the or- very many recipe books on the market. Which do you choose, and do ange liqueur in a Margarita with light orange juice and Sweet ‘N Low. you really need them at all, now that everything is online? One set of mixers that are often mixed up are soda water and The problem with online drink databases is that they have thou- tonic water. They both have water in the name so you can under- sands of recipes, and most of them are just plain awful. They recipes stand the confusion, but the two are vastly different liquids. Soda come from many different sources, so you end up with 17 bad reci- water is carbonated water, and mixes well with vodka. (Gin not so pes for the Martini when you’re only looking for one good one. Also, much.) Tonic water pairs well with more spirits, and is consumed in to make the drinks you end up running back and forth between the different countries with vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and even Port wine. computer where the recipes is and the kitchen where the ingredients are. But tonic began as a tonic - a medicine used to prevent and cure malaria. It gets its flavor from the very bitter quinine that was once When it comes to collections of recipes, I say less is more. A book harvested from the bark of the cinchona tree, nicknamed the “fever with 10,000 drink recipes in it will likely have 9500 that you’d never tree” as it cured the malarial fever. To make the powdered bark pal- try. Even the classic, 1500-drink Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s atable, explorers and soldiers in mosquito-intense countries around Guide was pretty lousy with bad cocktails until this year’s makeover the world added sugar to the solution. Later, gin was added and the that eliminated a lot of the calls for pre-mixes like Collins mix and G&T was born. Hooray for medicine! sour mix. That book is a good bartender’s quick reference, but if you want and the Master’s level study on bartending pick up Gary The important thing to note in that last paragraph is the use of Regan’s very detailed The Joy of Mixology. sugar. Its presence (or more commonly, the presence of high fructose corn syrup) in drinks means it has those calories you’ve been trying I open Regan’s book when I have a nerdy drink question, but not to avoid. Many people think they’re sipping a diet drink when they when I’m whipping up something tasty for happy hour. For that, choose tonic water, but really they may as well be swilling cola. most often I turn to Dale DeGroff’s The Essential Cocktail. It has all the classic recipes you’ll need. But if I’m feeling in the mood for Now that I’m a fully functioning cocktail snob, I don’t drink the experimentation with new drinks, I’ll pick up Robert Hess’s The Es- tonic water, sodas and juices that come out of the cocktail squirter sential Bartender’s Guide (it’s not, but the recipes are good) or the in bars at all. I like fresh juices and mixers without artificial sweet- inspiring The Art of the Bar by Jeff Hollinger and Rob Schwartz. That eners - and it turns out these typically have less calories than do book will make you realize the kitchen and the bar are not so differ- the sugared-up cranberry juice and sodas you’ll get in most bars ent- you’re just cooking with liquids instead of solids. anyway. At home, you can buy high quality mixers with natural and organic sweeteners for your cocktails. Out at the clubs though, If you love a particular spirit, you can just skip the rest of the reci- you probably won’t have that option, so you can opt for diet soda or pes and go for a specialty book. W. Park Kerr’s Viva Vodka is nice, as soda water as mixers. Or better yet, opt for that sugar-laden Apple- is Joanne Weir’s Tequila, Kim Haasarud’s 101 Champagne Cocktails, Cosmo-Choco-Tini at the bar, and then spend the night working off and Jeff “Beachbum” Berry’s Sippin’ Safari for rum. those calories on the dancefloor. You can also find many of Beachbum’s recipes on an iPhone ap- http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1317 plication, called Tiki+. It was developed by the same people behind View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. great historical cocktail recipe app called Cocktails+. Gary Regan, cited above, released the app Flip N Drink with classic and modern recipes combined. Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer and publisher of Alcademics.com. The great thing about these drink applications is most of them offer only as many recipes as you’ll find in a book, rather than the tens of thousands you’ll find online. This is certainly useful when you’re out at a bar and forget a recipe, but I still find myself reaching for the hard copy instead of my phone at home. Not only do I like all the extra information about glassware and mixing technique you get from the books, I also strongly dislike getting my phone all sticky when trying to hold it and shake a drink at the same time.

The Mixer Mix-up Much as I love the name, I can’t bring myself to consume what the kids today are calling the Skinny Bitch. This cocktail is usually made with a flavored vodka, Diet Coke, and a squeeze of lime. My issue with the drink doesn’t involve the liquor, but with the artificially flavored and sweetened soda. But the Skinny Bitch is not really a drink focused on the Coke; it’s a drink focused on the Diet. Also focusing on the diet is a writer

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 29 Health Advice Bathhouse Pilot Program for MSM Both Innovative and Provocative!

The counselor then remains for a certain shift length and By Mark Randall spends time working with and assisting patrons with the com- plex psycho-social issues that we know are driving new infec- It has been a very long time since I have been in- tions of HIV. There has also been a small survey developed for spired by a new program and support system for each participant to fill out if they choose, in order to gauge the the men who have sex with men (MSM). It seems to effectiveness and tweak the program when gaps are identified. There is also a referral and follow up process in this program me over the last six to eight years there has been a for additional support outside the bathhouse and/or other steady decline and in some cases the complete loss community services. The counselor is also available to support of programming that addresses the concerns and these patrons in accessing these services. needs of the MSM community. This is not an issue So far “Towel Talk” has been implemented at four forward unique to my city of Calgary as it has been recog- thinking businesses catering to Toronto’s MSM community: Spa nized and acknowledged by almost all AIDS Service XS, Steamworks, Central Spa and Saint Marc’s. It is a bold Organizations (ASO’s) within Alberta and across our and innovative approach that I believe will reduce infections, great nation. provide support in a way that other service providers simply cannot, and give these men the tools and information they need It is my belief this decline is the direct result of funding dol- to lead long, healthy and HIV free lives. lars being reallocated by the people who control them; the Fed- Now it would not be fair of me to go on about this Toronto eral and Provincial Governments, Pharmaceutical companies based program without acknowledging two really great pro- and other private donors and funders who have shifted their grams here in Calgary developed between Safeworks, AIDS funding and rules from MSM programs away to other emerging Calgary and Goliaths Saunatel. AIDS Calgary has HEAT, a demographics. great program that focusing on the MSM population through New data shows a sharp increase in the number of new HIV direct outreach, educational information and direct support infections for women; First Nations, injection drug users (IDU) service. Meanwhile Safeworks has a program that provides HIV and prisoners. This, in combination with a steady decline of and other STI testing, Hepatitis C testing, flu shots, vaccines new cases of HIV in the MSM population, indicated that they and other important health information onsite for patrons; each understood the message of practicing safer sex and getting with set and advertised times of operation. tested. I personally think it would be a great idea to consider a simi- This loss of MSM programming made way for a decrease in lar pilot here in our major Alberta cities, as we too have a hard new infections within the aforementioned emerging groups. to reach population of men, both at risk and in need for this But sadly it saw the rate of new HIV infections rise again within very kind of support. But to take an idea like this to the next the MSM population of Alberta, as shown in recent statisti- level requires identifying the need for it. cal data collected by our provincial watchdogs within Alberta I finish this article with a few questions to all you MSM out Health and Wellness in 2008. there. Do you think a similar program would be of value in our This leads me to the most groundbreaking “pilot” program community and would you access it if it were available? Please I have heard about in a long time: “Towel Talk”. It grew from get back to me with your thoughts and suggestions. a concept originally presented at the 2007 Ontario Gay Men’s Cheers, and enjoy a HOT Safe Summer! Health Summit and is operated by The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT - www.actoronto.ca) providing an informal http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1318 counseling opportunity for MSM who are using the community View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. bathhouses as a place to meet other men. This program provides access to a professional that has undergone intense counselor training and additional three day training program with ACT prior to engaging the community - an individual that has clear boundaries and is comfortable with his own personal sexuality. This is an opportunity to approach and address the needs and issues that are unique to the MSM population, as they are not just gay men. They include gay, bi, and questioning men, who can each carry a host of issues from safer sex to guilt about being in a bathhouse in the first place. The counselor is identified by a t-shirt worn only when on duty and is provided a room by the bathhouse where he waits for someone to stop in and check out why he is there. The bathhouse also provides guests with a “palm card” 3 hours prior to his start time that says “WANNA TALK” and provides the room number where the counselor is located, as well as information on the agencies involved in the program.

30 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Health Advice HIV - Trading a Death Sentence for a Life Sentence Criminal Law and Disclosure in Canada

legions of people out there trying to spread the virus, in real- By AIDS Calgary Awareness Association ity it is rare that people intentionally seek to transmit HIV to another person. Instead, people may not to disclose their status HIV is more than an illness, it is a physical, psycho- for a number of reasons ranging from fear of rejection, concerns logical and social condition. No longer a “death sen- about others finding out about their status, fear of discrimina- tence”, sometimes people call it chronic and man- tion or violence, or the belief that the activities they are engaging in are not placing their partner at risk. Unfortunately, due ageable given the new medications that have been to the stigma attached to HIV and the challenge this creates, created. But, between taking piles of pills each day, many people living with HIV risk criminal prosecution when experiencing grave side effects and being brutalized they are unable to manage these factors. While the hard line of by the stigma attached to the illness, many people the law on this issue presents the impression that offenders are living with HIV balk at this idea of manageability being dealt with and HIV transmission is being stemmed, the reality on ground may be quite different. and see HIV as a sentence of different kind. And now, with the dramatic increase in the number of Research in some communities has demonstrated that most criminal prosecutions of people living with HIV, the HIV transmission occurs when people do not yet know their HIV status and have nothing to disclose, soon after they are sentence might actually be life behind bars. infected when their viral loads spike and it is easiest to pass Based on Supreme Court of Canada decisions, Canadian on the virus. Ironically, the fear of criminal prosecution makes criminal law requires people living with HIV to disclose their people more fearful of HIV testing or seeking information to HIV status before engaging in any risk activity that may present reduce their risks, which makes them less likely to know their a “significant risk” of passing on HIV so that their partner can status. In turn, people who do not know their status are less provide “informed consent” to engage in the activity. If they fail likely to access treatment, and more likely to be infectious, to tell their sex partner their status, they can be charged with leading to higher risks of HIV transmission. Meanwhile, nasty such serious offences as sexual assault, aggravated assault, media coverage of people living with HIV involved in criminal criminal negligence and murder. Charges can be laid even if cases leads to even greater stigmatization, social isolation and they do not pass on HIV to their partner. fears of rejection on the part of people living with HIV, contrib- uting to an increased reluctance to disclose their status. While the law is clear that unprotected vaginal and anal sex constitute significant risk, it remains unclear whether activities such as sex with a condom, oral sex or other activities pose a Research in some communities has demonstrated high enough risk to be considered “significant”. While we know that most HIV transmission occurs when people do that factors such as HIV viral load, having other STIs, or being not yet know their HIV status and have nothing to the insertive or receptive partner can influence how much risk disclose, soon after they are infected when their viral is attached to an activity, it is also unclear how the law would loads spike and it is easiest to pass on the virus. interpret these factors. What is clear is that in the absence of firm guidance in these matters, courts will continue to exercise significant discretionary power in interpreting these risks and people living with HIV will continue to live in an uncertain envi- Also, such cases provide the general public with a false sense ronment unsure of what is required of them. of security, reinforcing the message that people living with HIV are required by law to disclose their HIV status and implying This is particularly alarming as courts in the US have dem- that those who do not disclose must be “safe”. Criminalization onstrated an inability to discern real risk from imagined risk, as shifts responsibility from both partners to the person living with demonstrated in a recent case: a homeless man living with HIV HIV, creating the impression that it is the sole responsibility spat on a police officer and was sentenced to 35 years because of the positive individual to lead discussions about HIV and to the jury felt that his spit was a “deadly weapon”, despite the discuss safer sex and reducing risks. Meanwhile, the law fails lack of any scientific evidence that HIV can be spread through to take into account the power differentials and risks involved saliva. It is unrealistic to think that police, prosecutors and for people living with HIV in disclosing their status, making judges are experts in HIV transmission or immune from mis- vulnerable groups even more vulnerable (e.g. people in abusive conceptions and fears about HIV. Likewise, as these cases often relationships, sex workers, prisoners). involve lawyers appointed through legal aid who have very little time to devote to building a case, even the defence attorneys Overall, it is unclear whether the criminalization of HIV has may not have time to gather the necessary information. done more to spread HIV than to prevent its transmission. What is clear is that the impact on people living with HIV has But the real tragedy is that this criminalization of HIV does been severe. Most people living with HIV are extremely vigilant little to address the real issue. If the goal of criminalizing HIV is about not putting others at risk, and about disclosing their HIV to reduce its spread, then from a public health perspective the status to their sexual partners. Such laws stigmatize these well strategy has totally missed its mark! meaning individuals while undermining the support of the community. The lack of clarity in the law leaves people confused Increasing Stigma and Transmission about what is required of them and worried that they may While media accounts of irresponsible, callous, reckless unintentionally transgress the law. people living with HIV would have us all believe that there are Continued on Page 38  GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 31 Letters Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Celebrating Pride reminds us that there’s always an under- tone of history. Without the acknowledgment of Stonewall, and its significance to gay civil rights, there would be no reason to observe Pride. Lethbridge was ready to find its little bit of history within the movement. Lethbridge was finally ready for a full out Pride celebration, and its citizens were so incredibly supportive. Lethbridge deserves a lot of gratitude for being okay with having us take it over for three days! AND the BEST thing about Lethbridge’s support: the flag raising!! We had a rainbow flag flying until early Monday morning! ABSOLUTELY more than anyone could have ever anticipated!! We had an incredible donation from GayCalgary and Ed- monton Magazine to promote and advertise our events in the magazine and online on the website that provided much more exposure than we had hoped! Numerous cash donations from small to large from many people and companies really provided us the opportunity to create events that were unforgettable and extraordinary. Volunteers, as always, were an asset to our festival. From those working merchandise sales, to the members of the Plan- ning Committee, each worked incredibly hard to do everything possible to make all events a success! It was an honor to be the chair of Lethbridge’s very first Pride Festival. It was a historic and significant moment in time that I’m incredibly grateful to have been involved with! Lethbridge Pride Fest was an amazing success; we made HIS- TORY!! I look forward to what the future holds for Lethbridge Pride Fest! Sincerely, Heather Chomos, Chair Lethbridge Pride Fest 2009

32 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Community Event Pride Calgary: Thoughts from a recent Pride convert

The new date for Pride has been a cause of much coffee ban- By Pam Rocker ter. Opting out of the usual time in June, the board decided on Labour Day weekend. Dallas states that weather was a big fac- I have a secret that’s been bothering me but haven’t tor in their decision. “The past 7 out of 10 Prides in June have felt that I could admit it until now. Denial has got- been rained out. This year it snowed on that day, so we are ten me nowhere, which is unfortunate, because I’m extremely grateful that we moved the date! We want this year to be the biggest and best ever. In order to do this we decided really good at it. I’ve spent years perfecting my own to utilize a long weekend to make Calgary a destination for special brand of denial; honing my techniques, act- out-of-towners as well as locals. The date also prevents us from ing casual, making it look as fun and carefree as a clashing with any other city’s celebrations.” Disney musical. This hard work habitually leaves me I’m all hot and bothered to have something to look forward to crestfallen, with nothing but ulcers and a debilitat- in the rather lackluster month of September, and further exciting penchant for Lucky Charms cereal. No more, my ed to hear that there is more than one Pride Calgary virgin out friends, no more. there. Wild Ginger has hopped on board as a first-time venue for the opening Pride Dance, says Dallas. “We’re very excited to I divulge, here and now, that although I am as gay as a hold our event in a classy, upscale place like Wild Ginger. The tangerine, I have never attended a Pride event in my life. Not interior is fabulous, with a dance floor, room to hold 700 people one. Ever. Unless you feel lenient and let me count watching and plenty of space to sit and chat. The staff are extremely YouTube clips of the San Francisco Pride Parade. friendly and welcoming and the DJ’s we’ll have are all part of the local gay community. Wild Ginger is an up and coming gay I’m not sure why this is the case. I am fond of like-minded hot spot, extremely supportive of Pride’s efforts and thrilled to people, gravitating towards them as often as possible. I like host the dance!” parties, am an okay dancer, and have been known to attend pa- rades for the candy alone. This is the part where I disclose one The significance of this location is accentuated by the fact small fact that may shed some light on this query: I’ve never that Wild Ginger made the first move, offering their venue free quite understood the point. of charge. This is no small gesture, especially at a time when non-profit organizations are trying to dream big while wrestling You may relate with this feeling or have just wished some with shrinking budgets. very bad hair days upon me in atonement for my seeming lack of enlightenment. Fair enough, but because I really like my “The cost to put on this event can run between $12,000 and hair, consider that I am still a mild to medium neophyte (aka. $15,000. We began this fiscal year with a deficit of $3,000. We newbie) when it comes to Pride related activities. Having not are in the black now thanks to the hard work of our tireless taken the time to actually ask people what it all means and why volunteers and the many members of the community that have it matters, I’ve stayed away. Thinking that since I’m not sure supported us financially. But we still need more; we are hoping what happens or who is supposed to attend, that I have a valid to build a Pride weekend that is at par with other major cities. excuse to stay home by myself, eating Lucky Charms. Knowing It’s a pricey venture to pay for everything it takes for a safe and what to wear is another obstacle. I’ve heard rumours that all fun celebration,” Dallas states. real lesbians wear tank tops on a regular basis, but this is yet to be officially confirmed. It’s not too late to get involved in making Pride possible. Sponsors (including a presenting sponsor) and donations for Soberly aware of my lack of reliable information, I’ve sought their upcoming silent auction are heartily encouraged. If you’re to find others who are actually in the know. Fortunately, I in the mood for a little shopping, visit their silent auction fund- recently met some very captivating people who have led me raiser at The Calgary Eagle on August 8th. gently towards a new knowledge and appreciation of what Pride is truly about. I’m thankful to live in a city where events like this are championed by such passionate people. The overwhelming message Dallas Barnes, secretary of the Pride Calgary board, articu- is: we are not alone. I am thoroughly inspired to wipe the Lucky lates the vision behind our cities’ biggest Pride event: “Our Charms crumbs off my lap, throw on a tank top and show some theme this year is Our Rights. Your Rights. Human Rights. We’ve Pride this year. been reaching out to as many members of the community as possible, hearing their concerns and suggestions so that we The Pride Calgary celebration kicks off on September 4th at can facilitate a Pride that is reflective of Calgary collectively. Wild Ginger. Get tickets online at www.pridecalgary.ca as well We understand that the GLBT community in Calgary can be as information on volunteering, sponsoring and donating. segregated and want to make sure that Pride is not. We want the whole community coming together to celebrate.” http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1321 View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. Sam Casselman, board President, believes that there is an immense power in coming together for a common purpose. “This is a great way to make us all visible and let others know that we are not going away. There is strength in numbers and we want to help those who are just coming out to find a community.”

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 33 Community Event Western Canadian Pride Festival A Sense of Community…in the Woods!

“We have By Jason Clevett seen it grow about 25% To the uninitiated, the term “gay campout” may at every year. We first bring about a sense of trepidation. One may usually start think that if they are younger and cute they will be our marketing the weekend harassed all weekend; that there will be all night of the rodeo. orgies; awkward sexual tension; people doing things We already you weren’t even aware there are words for…much have 125 peo- like band camp! But in the case of the Western ple registered Canadian Pride Festival, you would be completely online and we haven’t really wrong. started our I will admit to being a little unsure of what I was getting into blitzing yet, when I attended the Fall Harvest campout in Blackfalds near we are expect- Red Deer, over the September long weekend of 2008. By the ing over 250 end of the weekend, I felt I had discovered something special, a people. If you feeling that was shared by everyone else in attendance. are going to register, do it The event is the brainchild of Leon and Sparky, who have now. We are been running the campouts for four years. The focus has al- not trying to ways been on bringing together people regardless of age, dating be the biggest status, or gender, and having a good time. anything, but we are trying “What is important is to remember where we are historically to grow at just right now. People are really tired of carrying their identity as the right pace their orientation. We have traveled on as a community. People so we keep the want to be more socialized and don’t want to hang out with philosophy of what we are trying to do as a camp.” non-stop sexual conversation. Overall most people just want a cool place to hang out and just be themselves,” organizer Leon So what did I experience last year? I had great food, met Thompson explained. some really cool people, took a drive to the corn maze (it won’t be open for the summer event but is worth checking out in the “We get it; we’re gay, what is the next big step? The next big fall), laughed at the U-Haul decorated by lesbians (“I fucked step is to create an environment where we feel it is no longer in your Mom’s Attic” being a particularly amusing add on) about their orientation, it is a space to go and hang out with and just had a great time that ended all too quickly. From the other people and the emphasis isn’t on being gay. It is more, games to the pools (August) and hot tubs (September), it really we’re here, we’re queer, we’re over it. That is the type of space is non-stop fun. we are trying to provide. We are really moving out of the idea of being so liberal, we are becoming more conservative now as a “The good thing about the location of the campground is it community because of the freedoms and liberties we have been is close to Sylvan Lake and in the fall the Lacombe Corn Maze. able to experience in the past ten years.” The biggest highlight for the August long weekend is the mud wrestling. We came up with the idea not based on really hot A perfect example is of a new initiative this year called girls and guys mud wrestling, but how do we get people to be- “Guess Who’s Coming To Breakfast.” I experienced this last come kids again when you are an adult. It is a way to get them year when I was wandering around and promptly sat down by to play in dirt. People are a little timid at first but we have 30 some very nice lesbians at their camper, fed waffles and bacon, – 40 people diving in there by the end. It is a floating schedule; with a side order of fun conversation. we try to adjust to where the temperament of the camp is. The “People always have tons of food left over. Because we are sports are usually in the afternoon. Saturday you see mud about community and breaking down barriers, we came up wrestling and Sunday is relay races. Saturday night is the steak with guess who’s coming over for breakfast. Instead of us doing dinner and there is food for vegetarians, then karaoke and a the toonie breakfast we came up with a little game. You choose dance starts around 10:00. A lot of people come specifically for to have people over for breakfast and you don’t know who they the dance and are welcome to. We only ask if people have been are. They will show up between 9 and 10:30am and you will drinking they don’t drive, they can stay at the campground for make them breakfast. On Sunday you will go and meet differ- $25 but have to be out by noon the next day.” ent people and they will make you breakfast at their place. It is Each event has themes, and people are encouraged to dress optional, people don’t have to do it, it is just another idea to get up and have fun. This summer the theme is “Superheroes and people to get to know each other as quickly as possible.“ Villains.” The campout has been growing each year, and this year is “We chose Superheroes and Villains not because it is a clas- already shaping up to be the best attended yet. sic type of theme, but that those of us in this journey of trying to figure (life) out, have this sense of wanting to be a hero and

34 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Community Event Politics believe we are a hero. We also have a lot of thoughts in our  Military Affairs - From Page 25 heads that work against that, the villain side of ourselves. Inside of us there is a duality between our good self and the form, ostracized, barred from the base, dishonourably discharged, and side that makes bad choices for ourselves. It is not just about sent home in disgrace. I have no idea what became of him. I realized being superheroes but understanding that when you come into then, that the DND I had grown up within and respected, whatever my political feelings regarding ”the military” might have been, had a side camp, you guys are all heroes. We are all heroes and we don’t to it I could not respect. I felt betrayed by it; heaven knows what my believe that. It is really important. The stuff we have dealt with Quebecois buddy felt. and been through, it is time for us to pat ourselves on the back, leave your crap out at the gate, and realize for four days you I came out while still living at home in the Lincoln Park Married can enjoy your life. If you have had 361 miserable days, realize Quarters. My dad was a Warrant Officer and a gentle, intelligent, I you are important, not your baggage. It doesn’t define who you would even say sensitive man, but “career Army” through and through. Having a gay son was difficult for him (don’t even get me started on my are and that is where the superhero part comes in. You have mother’s reaction!) but he struggled to understand, in his way. to stand above what your thoughts and emotions say. You may feel like shit but it doesn’t mean you are shit.” Despite having fallen in love for the first time when I was 17, I never did anything about it (besides, he was straight). Part of that was very While other plans prevent me from attending in August, I much tied into, not so much with what the effect my coming out might do plan on going to the campout in September, as do the two have for me (I was, I believed, prepared to deal with that), but what af- friends who went with me last year. I’ve been working on a few fect coming out would have on my father’s military career. Essentially, other friends in hopes they will also join us for what boils down it would have ended it. to an incredible weekend. Sure, he’d have remained in the army but his file, at least unofficial- ly but probably officially as well, would have been ”tagged.” I remained ”You should check it out for one good reason – because silent for years specifically out of concern, even fear I suppose, of what everyone is telling you to come check it out. It is a hell of a declaring I was gay would do to my father’s career. good time. It has similarities to other gay functions, but since the emphasis isn’t on being gay it is a different twist on it. We If being a gay soldier would automatically result in a dishonourable have one requirement. Leave your problems at the gate, come discharge, having an openly gay son or lesbian daughter in the 1970’s and have fun and unconditionally love each other. It isn’t about would strike the death knell for the father’s career just as surely as a discharge would. The only difference being in uniform rather than you, it is about giving and caring for other people. Just learn being denied the right to wear it, and keeping one’s pension rather than that it is ok to leave all your problems behind. It is about real- having it voided. izing we are the same as anybody else, and we are all aware of that - it is just whether or not we believe it. The camp is the Coming out in my mid-20’s had little, if any, effect on my father’s chance to figure that out.” career. Shortly after I came out, I was out of the family home and was therefore no longer a DND dependent.

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1322 I mention the personal side here only to highlight what actually liv- View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. ing within DND was like. There is a maxim every Army family knows: “The Army looks after its own.”

This is true, it does. But like any family - and the Army is a family Western Canadian Pride Festival in a myriad of ways - it can turn on you just as easily as support you.  July 31st – August 2nd If the Armed Forces believes its way of life has been threatened or compromised, the fallout from that can be dire. Authority and follow-  September 4th – 6th ing the rules and regulations is everything within a military culture and  www.eventmasterinc.net anyone who flouts that does so at their peril. Win a weekend pass for two to this event at www. This, then, was the mindset behind the pre-1992 attitude towards homosexuals within the military. It wasn’t so much that DND was gaycalgary.com! being homophobic (which of course it was), but that it was reacting to a perceived breach of its discipline, of one of its own “choosing” to go against everything the military stood for. This could not, and was not, tolerated.

However,the Canadian military establishment was never quite as rigid as the American system was, and is.

The Canadian Army, Navy and Air Force (later integrated, with some resistance within the ranks, as the Canadian Armed Forces) was, in comparison to the United States, a quite “liberal” military - even back when we were The Dominion of Canada and our military served under the Red Ensign, swore allegiance to Crown and Country, went to war for their King, and fought with distinction in two World Wars, Korea, and served under NATO with honour during the Cold War. The move to be inclusive of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans service personnel in 1992 was an extension of that.

It is only right, then, that DND continue that admirable tradition and re-instate the honour and integrity of those gay men, and lesbian women, who served Canada so well when called upon to do so. It is time. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1313 View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments.

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 35 Lifestyle Advice Sexual Harassment Yes it DOES Happen to Us!

• visual display of suggestive images; By Evan Kayne and Rob Diaz-Marino • leering or whistling; • patting, rubbing or other unwanted physical contact; The notion of Sexual Harassment has been grossly • outright demands for sexual favours; and stereotyped in the straight world to imply a man • physical assault. as the aggressor and a woman as the victim. For The most frequent complaints received by human rights agen- straight men, it has been made to seem more hu- cies are sexual harassment violations, which occur prevalently miliating to press charges against a female aggres- from workplace situations. But despite this protection under the sor than to deal with her advances, no matter how law, enforcement of sexual harassment policies falls first on the annoying or obstructive it may be to their job. It has shoulders of the businesses themselves. Sexual harassment cases can be very costly for businesses who fail to have effec- been suggested that this is a non-issue within the tive policies and/or don’t treat complaints seriously. Lodging a gay community, when in fact, adding GLBT individu- Human Rights complaint is seen as a last resort and still has its als into the mix merely results in parallel situations, disadvantages, which will be discussed later. and a wealth of new possibilities. It has been a long running joke that gay individuals earn • Your co-worker knows that you are gay/lesbian, and insults increasingly larger (but still fictitious) prizes for the number you with sexual comments or suggestive gestures to humili- of “straight” individuals that they “convert” to bisexuality or ate you. It continues despite you having made it expressly homosexuality: “I got my free toaster for that one.” Of course clear that you do not appreciate this kind of attention. we know better; there is no such thing as “converting” someone - only getting them more acquainted with their existing sexuality • Your straight landlord knows that you are gay/lesbian, but - nonetheless the pursuit of this goal in some circumstances can makes unwanted sexual advances toward you. Though lead us into territory where we are in the wrong. you’ve told him/her you are not interested, he/she vows that they will eventually “convert” you to be straight. For instance, your gaydar may go off for one of your “straight” • A gay/lesbian co-worker feels entitled to grope you, come co-workers or employees. Though it’s not necessarily wrong to onto you, or make inappropriate sexual comments about try reaching out to them (for noble intentions, or even not-so-no- you as you are working, no matter how many times you have ble ones), you have to realize the line is drawn the moment they expressed that they are unwelcome. give a clear signal for you to stop. If you continue pushing, that • You’ve had sexual relations with your employer in the past, individual may be able to make the company make you stop. and they imply a threat on your job, or suggest withholding Regrettably, there is little statistical data on sexual harass- a promotion unless you continue having this sexual relation- ment in the GLBT community. There could be many reasons ship with them. for this, but most likely GLBT victims of sexual harassment These are all prime examples of sexual harassment that can, may choose to bear it because they feel there is no support or and do happen to GLBT individuals, sometimes even within our redress available to them. Given that the Provincial Conservative own community. We are all human beings, and working togeth- regime has historically not been receptive to the concerns of the er gives rise to opportunities that we are biologically motivated to GLBT community, and that the inclusion of sexual orientation pursue. So it’s important to know where the line is drawn, your to Alberta’s Human Rights occurred just 10 years ago, many rights as a victim, and your limits as someone who may hold victims may think they are alone in their suffering and have no power over others - be they gay or straight. way to seek recompense. Melissa Luhtanen with the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre agrees. “I think the Gay and Lesbian According to the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship community is pretty used to dealing with our stuff internally and Commission, “Sexual harassment is any unwelcome behaviour, not seeking help.” sexual in nature, that adversely affects, or threatens to affect, directly or indirectly, a person’s job security, working conditions However, help and resources are available. On the employ- or prospects for promotion or earnings; or prevents a person ment front, most companies have moved forward years ago and from getting a job, living accommodations or any kind of public updated their employment policies to include sexual orientation service.” and any issues connected to it – i.e. same sex harassment. Me- lissa admitted some Human Resources staff “may giggle behind Sexual harassment is usually about exerting power over some- doors (about the issue) but they know what their legal responsi- one else. A harasser can be a supervisor, a co-worker, a landlord bilities are.” or a service provider. Sexual Harassment is discrimination based on the ground of gender; it is prohibited in Alberta’s Human Does this mean that simple flirting with a co-worker can land Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act and under every you in trouble? other human rights legislation in Canada. “Flirting is mutual, harassment is not” Melissa said. “There is The expression of sexual harassment happens in many ways, a responsibility on the person wanting to flirt to look at cues”; some subtle, some obvious, and include any of the following: cues the other person is sending out to confirm this behavior does not fall in the area of unwelcome conduct of a sexual • suggestive remarks, sexual jokes or compromising invita- nature. It has to be behavior which is mutually acceptable tions; – flirtation, chit-chat or good-natured jesting is not considered • verbal abuse; sexual harassment. If you pursue someone and they say “not

36 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Lifestyle Advice interested”, yet you continue to pursue them and they continue action might come in handy. to say “not interested”, then it turns into sexual harassment. In addition, just because the behavior was acceptable to both “It’s the company’s reaction to the sexual harassment that parties at one time, doesn’t mean it will always be so. If Susan gets them charged by the Human Rights commission,” Dar- is dating Jane, and Jane ends the relationship, Susan must end ryl added. If your company’s polices offered no solution or you all sexual behavior towards Jane in the workplace. She cannot were ignored, the Commission is usually the route to go if you threaten repercussions if their prior behavior does not continue want to keep your job – i.e., if you want to keep your contract of – that is sexual harassment. Once again, even if there was once employment intact. However, you can’t then sue your employer some kind of sexual relationship that extended into the work- for sexual harassment. “You have to quit your job and sue your place, if one person says “not interested (any more)” then the employer for wrongful dismissal because of the sexual harass- other must stop pursuing it. ment.” Also at this time you could sue the aggressor personally, but “Most people sue the employer,” says Darryl. Essentially, When sexualized environments like bars, clubs, bathhouses, if the company’s internal processes don’t work, you might also peep shows and adult stores exist in the community, the lines consider speaking to a lawyer who specializes in the area of of sexual harassment can get even murkier. One example that employment law and sexual harassment; but taking this avenue may seem dubious is to be asked to remove one’s shirt or drop usually means you won’t be going back to your job. one’s pants during a job interview for say, a nightclub. If the standard in that nightclub is for male employees to go shirtless Darryl also explained that in situations where there is no and for female employees to wear skimpy bikini tops, certainly direct employment connection between the victim and the ag- an employer could ask prospective employees to present them- gressor, there are other legal remedies which may be available, selves in a similar uniform. But the key here is that everyone is but they are not considered sexual harassment: for instance, treated equally – if you are singled out, then it’s possible that repeated unwanted advances at a bar or bathhouse might rather testing your case in a court of law could find the situation to be be considered stalking or assault in some cases. illegal…or not. There is a lot of gray area, but as Melissa puts it, So ultimately, what steps should you take if you are the victim “just because it’s happening doesn’t mean it’s legal”. of sexual harassment? A parallel in the heterosexual world might be Hooters Restau- First, you should document any and all incidents of harass- rants, who sell the image of sexy girls (with big jugs…of beer). ment. Keep this record of when the alleged incidents took place, To protect themselves, the company has made sure they have the nature of the behaviour, the names of any witnesses and any strict sexual harassment policies on what is, and is not, accept- other information relevant to any investigation which may come able. Additionally, they have three or four different channels later. Companies now will thoroughly investigate both sides of for communication of complaints – they could go through their the claim to prevent any false accusations and to ascertain that supervisor or dial a toll-free number to report any harassment, there is a valid complaint. There may be extenuating circum- for example. stances such as a breakdown in communication or in our multi- Normally, this is the route for victims of harassment to take cultural society a misunderstanding between the two parties as - speak with a superior or with the Human Resources depart- to what is acceptable behavior. If there are any penalties levied ment first and seek resolution. Although this is a form of gender on one person (up to and including termination) the company discrimination under the Human Rights, Citizenship and must be sure the action is justified. Multiculturalism Act, going to the Human Rights Commission The second thing you should do is to make it clear to the should be seen as a last resort when you have gotten no results offender and/or to a person in authority that such action has oc- or results that are less than satisfactory through your place of curred and is unwanted. Employees who are harassed may also employment. wish to contact their union or employee association. We spoke about sexual harassment in the workplace with If the behaviour persists, or corrective action is not taken, a Darryl Aarbo of the law firm Courtney Aarbo. He explained that complaint may be filed with the Alberta Human Rights and Citi- there is a third alternative - victims may consider hiring a lawyer zenship Commission. This must be done within one year of the in some situations of harassment. Beyond what resolutions alleged incident or the Commission does not have the authority are available under employment law, on the side of civil law, to investigate. Or, alternately depending on your situation, you inappropriate sexual touching is filed under the torts of assault may consider retaining a lawyer. and battery. “Assault is a fear – a shock – there’s no touching in assault, but you feel you are going to be touched imminent- Essentially it comes down to being aware of what harassment ly…you scare someone.” Subsequently, battery is when there is is, documenting any incidents, and responding to the appro- actual physical contact. For example, in extreme cases, where a priate resource. Your response depends on the circumstances harasser goes too far and their behavior becomes actual sexual – mild situations might be resolved simply be talking to the assault, they can get charged criminally with sexual assault, and aggressor, telling them you find this behavior objectionable, and their victim can also go after them in civil court for the battery. asking them to stop. In the case of overt and direct harassment, you should report it according to your company policies (usually Another example where one might need a lawyer for a sexual up the chain of command starting with your supervisor and/or harassment case would be where a victim is working for a large report the infraction to your Human Resources department). company with a policy which is not enforced when harassment You don’t just go to the Human Rights Commission on your first is reported. This might happen when the aggressor is of higher step, because your case will fall flat without first giving the com- value to the company than the victim. The company line might pany fair opportunity to resolve the situation. be to blame the victim, insist it didn’t take place, or otherwise protect the aggressor. Sometimes the company will simply pay Finally, remember this: there is support out there for you, and the victim to go away. there is no shame in confronting the situation. Harassers depend on you being fearful of reprisals or ignorant of the law, but if you “The whole jurisdictional thing…if you’ve been sexually ha- don’t stand up for yourself, their behavior will continue, and they rassed in the workplace, you can go to the Human Rights com- may also go after others until they are taught this behavior is mission and you can file a complaint. They will prosecute it be- unacceptable. cause it’s illegal contact. It doesn’t cost you any money and they prosecute the company” Darryl said. However, that’s it – they http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1323 prosecute the company but not the individual. That’s when civil View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments.

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 37 Health Advice

 HIV - From Page 31 Until we have a shift in criminal law or public health policy, the best defence for people living with HIV will remain a proac- Protection from Criminal Prosecution tive approach to ensuring you disclose your status, document the process and reduce the risk of HIV transmission through Given the requirements of Canadian criminal law, there are practicing safer sex and drug use. several steps people living with HIV can take to make sure they stay clear of the law. Sources: 1. Communicate clearly with sexual partners and avoid using • Bernard, Edwin J. (2008). Swiss experts say individuals language that might be confusing such as “poz” or “positive”. It with undetectable viral load and no STI cannot transmit is best to state “I am HIV positive” or “I am infected with HIV”. HIV during sex. http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/ 4E9D555B-18FB-4D56-B912-2C28AFCCD36B.asp Re- 2. Ensure that sexual partners understand what it means to trieved November 2008. be HIV positive, and educate them on important facts. (i.e. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, there is no cure for HIV and HIV • Study Says Swiss Commission Advice may See HIV Infection can be transmitted through sexual activities.) Quadrupling http://www.medindia.net/news/Study-Says- Swiss-Commission-Advice-may-See-HIV-Infection-Quadru- 3. Consider whether your sexual partner is in a state of mind pling-40023-1.htm Retrieved November 2008. where they can understand what you are saying and make in- • Swiss guidelines take a troubling turn. http://www.catie. formed choices. If they are heavily under the influence of drugs ca/catienews.nsf/news/A2EFD4077BD44FB285257405005 or alcohol, their ability to provide informed consent may be EE5EF?OpenDocument Retrieved November 2008. questionable and if they can’t remember that they gave consent • Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, the at all then you could have a problem on your hands later! Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and AIDS Calgary. HIV Unfortunately, even if you take these steps to educate your Disclosure, Criminal Law and Public Health Community sexual partners to make informed choices, there is still some Forum Power Point Presentation. March 2009. risk that later they could deny that you told them your HIV http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1319 status. Increasingly, people living with HIV are developing View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. strategies to gather evidence or proof that they disclosed their status to protect themselves from false accusations. Some ideas include: • Having a witness present when you disclose your status • Double checking with the person to ensure that they have understood • Saving any written records you have (e.g. e-mails, online conversations) • Talking to your counsellor to create a record documenting your disclosure • Signing a document or contract with your sexual partner, detailing your disclosure and their understanding of risk. Recently one person living with HIV suggested they have gone so far as to save the condoms they used when they had sex so that later they could prove they had protected sex. While some of these strategies might seem extreme, and certainly could take some of the fun and spontaneity out of hooking up, at least they provide some options to make sure people don’t face problems down the road. The other key thing people living with HIV can do to protect themselves is to reduce the risk of passing on their HIV. While the criminal law is unclear on what the rules are, the Alberta Public Health Act leaves no doubt. It states that people living with HIV must not engage in activities that can transmit disease and that they must always wear condoms for any penetrative sexual activity (vaginal, anal or oral). Also, people must always disclose their HIV status to their partners before engaging in any penetrative sexual or drug-sharing activity and cannot donate blood, semen, tissues or organs. The penalties for violating Alberta Public Health law are not as grave as those under criminal law, but include interventions such as public health orders requiring counselling and limiting sexual activities and isolation orders subjecting people to “house arrest”. To date in Alberta we have seen very few criminal prosecutions of people living with HIV, which may be because Alberta has a strong public health approach to dealing with people who are “unwilling or unable” to prevent the spread of HIV. This means that people are more likely to face pubic health interventions than to face the courts. As a result, using the guidelines provided by the Public Health Act may be the best way to avoid any kind of problems.

38 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Community Spotlight The CPS Diversity Resources Unit Keeping us Equal in the Eyes of the Law

Sexuality and Gender Diversity Portfolio. By Sam Casselman and Dallas Barnes Next time you see Constable MacDonald, be sure to introduce According to national statistics, between 35,000 and yourself and let her know what is on your mind. The future can hold a strong and healthy relationship between Calgary’s 85,000 residents of Calgary are either Gay, Lesbian, GLBT community and the Calgary Police Services, but our com- Bisexual, or Trans. Constable Lynn MacDonald, Li- munity must continue to be open and put our trust into them. aison Officer of the Calgary Police Service’sDiversity “If we are going to make change in the community, we need Resources Unit, is working to ensure that this sector to work together.” of Calgary’s population is looked after fairly. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1324 The Sexuality and Gender Diversity Portfolio of the CPS was View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. created in 1998, as a means for “people to report incidents to the Calgary Police Service without filing a formal complaint or having to identify themselves,” as crimes against the GLBT community are often under reported. Calgary Police Services Diversity Resource Unit Calgary’s Portfolio is the largest GLBT unit in Canada, and is now being headed by Constable Lynn MacDonald, who recently Constable Lynn MacDonald took over from Constable Christine Robinson. You may have  (403) 206-8155 seen Constable MacDonald at the Diversity Resources Unit  [email protected] booth at a number of GLBT events. As an Ambassador for  www.calgarypolice.ca/sections/dru/cru_gay.html Police Chief Rick Hanson, Constable MacDonald works as a Liaison to bridge the relationship between the GLBT community and the police services. “The Sexuality and Gender Diversity liaison officer works to build understanding, trust, and communication between the community and police through involvement in committees, commissions, and agencies that provide service to Calgary’s gay/lesbian community.” Taking this position to heart, Con- stable MacDonald has recently joined the Pride Calgary Plan- ning Committee, ARGRA, and Apollo. She is also connecting with other groups, particularly those involving youth, to make certain that she is aware and connected to community issues. Currently, The Sexual and Gender Diversity Portfolio is campaigning awareness on issues that are critical to the community; “Bashing is a Crime” is perhaps the most recognizable initiative, with the goal of encouraging victims to report incidents to the Police, as gay bashings are believed to be extremely underreported. Similarly, the CPS wants to give a greater visibility to the issue of same-sex domestic abuse. Likewise, domestic abuse in any relationship is often not reported, but even more so in the GLBT demographic. MacDonald stresses to all members of the community that there is help out there for domestic abuse victims. As Calgary’s population grows, so too does the GLBT population. Calgary Police Services has been instrumental in making certain that crimes against and within the community receive proper attention. Constable MacDonald encourages individuals and groups to help spread the word by checking out their web page and downloading posters that promote their various cam- paigns. MacDonald would also like community groups to get in contact with her if you would like her to attend one of your meetings or give a presentation. The Calgary Police Service is marching in the Pride Parade on September 6th, and will also have a strong presence at the Pride Street Gala: Chief Rick Hanson will make a speech before the festivities begin, and the Diversity Unit will have a booth there. There are also many new projects in the works for the

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 39 Theater Preview The Lion King Magical Musical Roars into Alberta

By Jason Clevett

I will never forget March 11th, 2004. My first trip to New York City, and the one night I could see a Broadway show. I was overwhelmed with choices; bright colorful signage was everywhere trying to lure me in. I wandered into the lobby for The Lion King and asked at the box office what they had available. Despite my feet protesting, I grabbed a standing room ticket for $20. My foot ache was quickly forgotten when right beside me, a life sized elephant puppet began to make its way down the middle of the theatre. Across the stage Antelope sprung, and The Circle of Life began. I spent the rest of the evening in teary-eyed wonder at the epic show that unfolded before me. touring production of The Lion King comes to Edmonton from July 2nd to August 2nd and Calgary from August 4th to 30th. If you haven’t had the chance to get to New York since the show opened in 1997, or you haven’t made it to LA or Toronto Vancouver’s Ian Yuri Gardner, who went to Canadian Univer- for their long running productions, then the time has come. The sity College in Red Deer, has been in four different companies of the show. We caught up with him in Sacramento where the tour is currently located. “It is so amazing from different perspectives. If I am a character where you can see my face, like the rhino or antelope, you see people just erupt. In Sacramento people are applauding four or five times during the opening number. You see that and feel that and it is just a wonderful motivation to just power it out and give more. Sometimes I am in the elephant; you hear people because you are right there, and they are screaming. It is really overwhelming. I am not always onstage so I get to sit back and watch the show from that perspective, and…I have seen people cry and bawl. It impacts so many people, it is quite the phenomenon.” Being part of a tour can be amazing, but oftentimes artists comment that they see the world without really seeing it. Most Broadway shows have one week stops in each city, but in this case, Gardner enjoys the opportunity to settle down for a longer run and get to know the cities that they visit. “So far we have had a chance to explore, go do the tourist thing and see the sights of the city. It is nice sitting down in a city for a few weeks. I haven’t really spent a lot of time in Cal- gary or Edmonton so it will be nice to get to know those cities.” Coming from Broadway is an interesting contrast. Transi- tioning a show as massive as The Lion King into theatres with different acoustics, stage sizes, even dressing rooms presents unique challenges. “Because we are in transition so frequently, the stages change, the backstage area changes, and it is an adjustment. I cover nine roles in the show so there is that extra work, like learning the show again every time we change cities. That is something that drastically changes: onstage they adjust many times because the stage may not be exactly the same. A lot of people don’t think about it. It is definitely challenging.”

40 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Theatre Preview

I personally can’t wait to see The Lion King again as it has very personal meaning to me. In December of 2002 I lost my father, who was a drama teacher, to cancer. One of the things that we had long spoken of was going to New York City together and seeing a show on Broadway. Seeing a production there without him was emotional enough, but the themes at the heart of the show had me bawling throughout. During the second act, a song called He Lives In You features Simba looking to the stars where an image of his father Mufasa appears. I will be the guy wiping my eyes during that number. Strangely, Gardner and I have a similar background that draws us to this musical.

“I am not always onstage so I get to sit back and watch the show from that perspective, and…I have seen people cry and bawl. It impacts so many people, it is quite the phenomenon.”

“My father died after I finished college, literally that same year. Your parents always want you to do the best, they were supportive but always thought of me as more of a Doctor or Lawyer. My Dad never got to see me being successful doing the thing I love to do. There are Canadians that do go to Broadway or tour the world, but it is a rare group. To be in Broadway in a hit production and also going around the world with it, the success of that is amazing but it does hit the heartstrings because he is not there. During that Mufasa moment, you do well up. We are onstage doing what we call the ’flashlight moment’ because you see our faces appear. It makes me reflect on that, how I wish he was here to see me successful in the thing he wasn’t quite sure if it would work out with me.” If you don’t have your tickets, get on that, as many dates in both cities are completely sold out. Gardner explains that The Lion King is not just any musical. “It is visually stunning. It has one of the best opening numbers I have ever seen. People see this huge elephant walk- ing down the aisle - it is the last thing they would expect to happen. It culminates in this amazing visual moment on stage with all of the animals. We sing in four different South African languages. We have a core group of South Africans that help keep the authenticity of the show, which a lot of people don’t know. It is more than just a show, it is a cultural experience. It is funny and offers a story that appeals, with a lesson. There are so many reasons why people should come.” http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1325 View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments.

The Lion King  Jubilee Auditorium - Edmonton  July 2nd to August 2nd  Jubilee Auditorium - Calgary  August 4th to 30th  http://disney.go.com/theatre/thelionking/tour/  http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.com

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 41 Celebrity Interview

 Amanda Lepore - From Page 63 Like, I always studied pictures (to) know what works on me and what doesn’t. You could look better if you have that and getting married. I know transsexuals that get a husband knowledge. I don’t really need any stylists or hairdressers or or something and go as far as getting married and never tell anything, I could really do it myself. them. I think it was sort of a goal for transsexuals – for the guys not to know. It’s like a game, kind of. GayCalgary: You put your own makeup on? I was the opposite and just said, “Hi, I’m the No. 1 Trans- Amanda: Yeah, sometimes people do it for me, but most of sexual in the World,” and I probably got that title because the time I do it. nobody wants it (laughs). I think that it really opened the door GayCalgary: Wow. So no glam entourage for Amanda for transsexuals on TV. I went to a college one time in Ohio Lepore, huh? and there were girls becoming boys and they had hair on their legs, and they were going to college. When I went to school I Amanda: Well, I’m one of those people that – like when I did had to have a tutor, like I couldn’t even go because people just photos with, like, David LaChapelle, I’d always ask, “So, what couldn’t deal. did you do? What did you do?” I like doing myself, and I’d always ask a million questions. Someone like Pamela Anderson GayCalgary: Dolly Parton has called herself a cartoon be- doesn’t even do their own makeup; they’re really dependent cause of all the plastic surgery she’s had. So how does being on somebody doing them, where I could look as bombshell as made into a totally different person on the outside change could be … right now (laughs). your perception of yourself? GayCalgary: What do you think or feel when you look Amanda: I always got attention even before I did any plastic through old photos of you, before you underwent the plastic surgery at all. I was just really striking. People think I did a lot surgery? more plastic surgery than I really did; I mean, for a transsexual I don’t think I did so much. A lot of transsexuals had way Amanda: I’m just fascinated that I look better. It’s fascinat- more plastic surgery than me. At least double. ing, but it happens. I see some women that I know that are older and that look incredible. I went to a Louis Vuitton party GayCalgary: What’s real then? once and I saw Iman – David Bowie’s wife – and I know that Amanda: People think that my bone structure is (fake), but she’s been around longer than me, but she looks better now. I only had one nose job. Everything else is just natural – that’s GayCalgary: When you were younger did you ever pretend what made me striking was the bone structure, more than that you had them by, maybe, stuffing your shirt with socks? anything else. And that’s natural. Amanda: Nah, not really. I kind of liked that look – that GayCalgary: You’ve said that you wanted to look as close to model-y look – at the time. I didn’t really want big ones. I as- Jessica Rabbit as possible. sociated them with “big mamas,” and I just didn’t have that Amanda: Well, the blond bombshell, too. But I liked Jessica body type. I was really tiny. It just looked right at that time to Rabbit too, because that was even curvier and prettier. have little ones. GayCalgary: How do you feel about aging? GayCalgary: Tell me about the breasts you have now, because you’ve got some of the perkiest ones I’ve ever seen. Amanda: It doesn’t bother me only because I seem to get prettier. I’m one of those people who look better when they’re Amanda: I got them done three times. I started off really older, so it doesn’t really bother me. I definitely look softer and skinny, so I went small. I wasn’t one of those girls that gets prettier now than I did in the ’90s. giant breasts; I wanted them to be soft and pretty, so I went really small my first time. And, actually, I had my sex change GayCalgary: Good genes or plastic surgery? before I even had breast implants, like I had little breasts and I looked good like that at the time. I had, like, Angie Har- Amanda: I don’t know. I probably take care of myself better, mon breasts, very Kate Moss type, and it looked good. Then I I think. I go to the gym. I’m just smarter. I just look better. wanted more of a sexy look, so I started getting the lips, and And probably experimenting with hairdos and everything. wanted bigger breasts. It’s a proportion thing, too – you do one thing, then you do something else. So for a while I had the bigger lips and maybe C breasts, but they looked really big. It was more stripper-y because I didn’t have a really curvy body. I wanted more curves, (so I did) my hips and behind. Then, the breasts looked small, so I got bigger breasts to balance it – and then it was done. And I’m perfect now (laughs). http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1333 View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments.

42 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 43 44 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Editorial

 The Cowbow on the Inside - From Page 5 The first GayCalgary and Edmonton Community Carnival got off to a good start, with 5 community organizations providing a was sitting beside me, mused to Black Jack Pierce that he had myriad of carnival games to entertain spectators at the entrance never seen someone pass out at a leather event before. Wow did I to the rodeo grounds and beer garden. Organizations raised a feel foolish…but at least I know how to identify myself if I ever run moderate amount of money, but also accomplished a great deal of into these Leather community celebrities again: “I’m the guy who valuable networking and public face time. passed out in Calgary.” Amy Darling of the Fairytales Film Fest, put herself out there to The end result was that Johnathan won as LeatherSIR, and get pied in the face at their carnival game “Pie a Fairy”. Amy called David as Leatherboy, so we can be sure that Calgary will be well out all sorts of creative taunts and reasons to pie a fairy…as I took represented at the International LeatherSIR/Leatherboy competi- photos, she cried, “If you’re taking pictures right now, you should tion. pie a fairy! If your coverage includes both Calgary and Edmon- ton, you should pie a fairy!” So I did…and though I stayed a fair Edmonton Pride Week distance back, it was a direct hit (sorry)! Shortly afterward, one We covered this extensive festival over the course of two week- of the Calgary Police Officers from the Diversity Unit walked past ends: the first for the Parade and Street Festival, and the second minding her own business. Not to be discouraged by the cream for a number of the wrap-up events. pie all over her face, Amy called out, “If you have handcuffs and pretend they’re for your job, pie a fairy!” The turnout this year was just phenomenal, with a parade that lasted a healthy half hour, and a packed beer garden at Sir I spent most of the weekend videotaping the rodeo from the up- Winston Churchill Square that had a lengthy lineup to get in for per tier of the grandstands. Despite the wonderful sunny weather, most of the afternoon. It was beautifully sunny that day, and I was in the shade and at a choke point for the blowing wind to many people worked on their tans while watching the drag show boot. I was almost shivering despite wearing my heavy jeans on the main stage and getting hopelessly soused. Employees of jacket. When I got the opportunity to pop out, people looked at me this year’s title sponsor, TD Canada Trust, handed out Mardi Gras like I was crazy for wearing so much clothing. Most were shirtless beads in their company colour – humorously with the heat and and well on their way to looking like boiled lobsters (also resulting sweat, the beads left odd green rings around people’s necks. in some very nice cowboy scenery), so when I touched my icy cold hands to the backs of their necks (or other places when invited), MLA Lindsay Blackett was supposed to be present to make a they understood. speech to Pride attendees, but we were told he had cancelled at the last minute to be in Calgary for the grand opening of the new During our spare moments we scrambled to review the thou- Crowfoot transit station. Another representative from the Conser- sands of photos and hours of video footage that we had collected. vative party attended in his place, but had to cut her speech short We had the slide presentations together (just barely) in time for the as the crowd booed, and picketers rushed in front of the stage to Sunday award ceremony and Happy Trails dance that followed. It protest Blackett’s controversial Bill 44. was very well received. With the beer gardens being their main money-maker, Edmon- With nothing left to do but pack up our equipment after the ton Pride opted not to hold a dance this year, leaving it open for dance, Steve and I finally had some time to decompress and have the bars to hold their own after party events. There were so many a few drinks in our RV. After last call, I returned to the dance unique Pride events throughout the week – like the Edmonton venue to collect our equipment, and got a ride back to our camp- Queer History Bus Tour, Queer Images film festival, Edmonton site in a golf cart by one of the ARGRA board members who looked Police Chief’s Pride Reception, and Mayor’s Pride Brunch - that we completely tapped out but satisfied after pulling off such an amaz- were simply unable to be in Edmonton for everything. ing weekend. ARGRA Rodeo Weekend He gave us further compliments on the slideshow, and thanked us for our support of this year’s rodeo in general. Perhaps it was Last year we had put off booking our RV for the rodeo weekend the exhaustion, but at that moment it slipped my mind that many so late that we had to look beyond Calgary to find something that ARGRA board members are urbanites just like us. I blurted out was available. What a godsend it was finding them. We used the that this was the only way a pair of city boys like us knew how to same company out of Red Deer again this year and they delivered contribute and participate in the making of an event like this. I us a beautiful 5th wheel camper capable of sleeping 10! In that mean, we don’t own or work on farms, we don’t know the first aspect, our camper was sorely underused, but it made for a com- thing about riding horses…in hindsight, pretty lame examples. fortable camping experience – especially since us technology gurus But his reply was, “I don’t either, but I do this because I still feel had work to do, both for ourselves and for ARGRA. like I’m a cowboy on the inside.” The new rodeo location in Strathmore turned out even better http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1306 than what was anticipated, and rodeo goers finally got to see what View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. we were raving about months prior. The main camping area, easily twice the size of overflow in Symon’s Valley, was nearly We want to hear what YOU have to say about the topics in this article, and full. This isn’t a worry because there are still additional fields any other articles in GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. Visit our chat surrounding the arena that can be used for campers as the event forums at www.gaycalgary.com/forum and write your heart out! Or write grows. On Saturday the grandstands and arena seating were full, us a letter to the publisher by post or by E-mailing publisher@gaycalgary. and that night they sold 700 dinners, which their caterers were com, and we may publish or respond to it in the magazine! somehow able to accommodate despite only expecting 500! Liquor orders were doubled from last year, and still required restocking. We’re told that several Strathmore liquor vendors were cleared out of much of their product by campers. Many Strathmore residents chose to volunteer despite being offered payment for their time – some even donated back their tips! Though the official numbers are not in yet (give those poor ARGRA organizers a break!), it’s safe to say that the event was an overwhelming success, and the town of Strathmore welcomed the GLBT community with open arms. Though there were some minor glitches and oversights as a result of moving to the new venue, organizers are already in the process of collecting feedback on what they can concentrate on improving for next year. GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 45 Celebrity Interview Serena Ryder Chatting with a Juno Award Winner

for two months, home for a week and back on the road for a few By Jason Clevett weeks. It is a bit of a whirlwind.”

Millbrook, Ontario singer-songwriter Serena Ryder In 2008 at the Juno Awards in Calgary, she won Best New Artist, and this year in Vancouver walked away with the award released her first indie album at 15, has had inter- for Adult Alternative Album for Is It O.K. She is still amazed national success, opened for bands like Aerosmith, to have received the award in a category that also included won back to back Juno Awards, and is only 25 years Hawksley Workman, Kathleen Edwards, Sarah Slean and Ron old. It is enough to make anyone want to pinch Sexmith. themselves. “When I found out the other nominees I was totally knocked on my ass, I couldn’t believe that I was in the same category. All “I should, shouldn’t I? That would be a really good idea. of those people are on my iPod, I know all of their catalogues. When I am talking to people outside my own little world I think They are people who have inspired me to do what I do. It was I should stop and pinch myself. Just in the past six months I another affirmation for me. We all exist in this together but it have realized this is now my life and my home, the only home is amazing,” she recalled. “To be nominated was enough for me I can find which is inside my skin,” Ryder told GayCalgary and so I was totally blown away and semi-speechless when I won. Edmonton Magazine in an exclusive interview. “I am just start- I had no idea what I was going to say if I were to possibly win ing to become comfortable with my skin and my life, but I am it. I remember being so nervous and freaked out I had no idea constantly reminded of how blessed I am to be doing what I am what I would even begin to try and say. I felt very humbled by doing. This is an unreal job doing unreal things. You have to it. When I got up on stage the only thing I could remember right try and keep yourself grounded by realizing you have a home before the category was the music that was played beforehand. that you carry around with you at all times. I do think pinching There was a trio of musicians that had played and they made is a good idea it helps with blood flow.” me feel so safe and I forgot about everything that was around Ryder is extensively touring in support of her album Is It me. I felt like you could disappear into a different time and O.K. She performs live on the Coca-Cola Stage at the Calgary state of being by allowing yourself to relate to music. That is Stampede July 6th. what I talked about. It was an absolute huge honor.” “Yeah!! I am really excited!! I have always wanted to play there, I love that whole culture, horseback riding and cowboys. “When you get into a room full of these amazing I grew up riding horses and did a lot of barrel racing and pole people it is not only inspiring but fulfilling and bending at summer camp. So I am pretty stoked, my band is empowering to realize you have that power inside of pretty excited too. It seems to be constantly on the go for me. I am touring on the road 85 to 90 percent of the time: touring you too, everybody does.”

Being in a room with musical heavyweights like Bryan Ad- © 2008 Mary Rozzi. ams, Sarah McLachlan, k.d. lang, Buffy St. Marie and others is truly inspiring for the young artist. ”I have found it to be more of a reality check than anything for me. There is so much talent, passion, inspiration and pos- sibility in every single human being that exists. You have a perspective of who you are because of your life, your parents, how other people treated you. When you get into a room full of these amazing people it is not only inspiring but fulfilling and empowering to realize you have that power inside of you too, everybody does: to be able to do whatever it is you do the best that you can do it. To be honored for that is amazing. I was sitting watching Buffy St. Marie give her speech, three meters away from her, watching her bright shiny light on stage. The things she has done politically and emotionally for so many people out there in the world is so amazing. What she said, about being another person on the planet and being blessed to be able to share her thoughts and emotions, she has this child- like excitement and awe, and it was awe-inspiring to be there.” People who have never heard Ryder’s incredible vocal range got to hear it for the first time on the broadcast, where she performed part of Little Bit of Red in a segment that also included performances from Crystal Shawanda and Divine Brown.

46 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Ryder’s songwriting and voice draws a wide variety of people, which gives her great pride. In fact, she admits that her current album, and most of her songwriting in general, focuses on themes of being comfortable with oneself. ”I have such a diverse fan base and I am so stoked about it. … I lived in Portland for a while and had a great time, I got a tattoo because that is what you do in Portland. I came back to Toronto and realized I am so blessed to live in such a diverse city it is amazing. People from all over the world, all different races and sexual orientations, it is magical to be part of that. When I travel through the states and see how segregated a lot of places are, it is painful. I didn’t actually realize that still existed, being a young white girl who lives in North America you grow up in a certain way of living and it pains me to think that someone would ever judge anybody else for where they are from or their sexual orientation. It is horrible.” © 2008 Mary Rozzi. “It is really exciting how more people identify themselves as just people in the world that they exist. I am really frustrated when people feel they need to put labels on themselves in order “It was very brief. I didn’t really have much time to think to identify themselves in the world. I think a lot of people are about it. I personally found it a bit difficult to totally rock out in frustrated with that in general but don’t know the reasons; they 1-point-something minutes. It usually takes me about twenty are constantly trying to identify themselves as this kind of per- minutes to warm up on stage, let alone not even having a whole son, but not this kind. My record is really about being comfort- song. I think this year the biggest deal for me about the Junos able in your own skin and not trying to fit yourself into boxes. It - and I was able to watch some of the pre-rehearsal stuff from is important to do what you feel and feel what you do.” backstage - Kathleen Edwards and Bryan Adams were magic, it was amazing.” “We all have this abundance of inspiration and love inside of us. The less that we try and fit ourselves into boxes…we will Ryder is a very busy woman, constantly touring. She is a big definitely succeed in the world and have a lot less pain. That is part of the Festival circuit, having played events like Bonnar- a big deal for me in a lot of my songwriting, being able to feel roo, Lollapalooza, South by Southwest and Denver’s Mile High comfortable in my own skin and emotions.“ Music Festival. A lot of artists her age - especially young females - are not “If I could (just) do festivals for the most part I would be typically involved in the songwriting process of their own music. pretty happy. You have the best of both worlds - you have your However, Ryder continues to hold fast to that aspect of her tal- spot, your show - but you also get to share the stage with other ent in Is It O.K, as she has done since day one. musicians. When you are doing your own shows for the most part it is all about you. You rarely see people outside of your “There are a lot of different ways that (songwriting) has been camp aside from people coming to your shows. It is you and important in building my career. Everyone has a choice in your band, and maybe the people that are opening for you or how they want to be seen and heard. For me personally there that you are opening for. With festivals you are able to catch are a lot of ideas and concepts inside of myself that need to be up with musicians or meet ones you haven’t met and always verbalized. I do think people need to give just as much respect wanted to. You can go out and hang out with the audience in to people who are singers alone; there is something that is a way that you don’t really get to in a venue because you have translated and articulated in the vibration of the voice that your backstage and have to be in a certain place at a certain words can’t do.” time. I love festivals they are my favorite thing to do.” “I have always been intrigued with melding the two and Another favorite thing is covering other artists, of which trying to find some sort of symbiotic relationship between the she has done Bruce Springsteen’s Racing In The Street, Kylie vibration of voice and the words that are said. I find that how Minogue’s Slow, and Hank Williams’ Ramblin Man among I write songs is very similar to that. I will find a certain sound others. Her 2006 album If Your Memory Serves You Well is a that sounds good with a certain chord and I will move my collection of covers of Canadian Songwriters including Leonard mouth around it until the words come. Sometimes the words Cohen, The Band and Paul Anka. don’t even make sense when I start to write a song…the words come later on when I listen back. There is a lot to be said about “It is almost like a vacation for me. Being able to celebrate just writing it beautifully and that is a part of my own process.” other people’s music and contributions to the music world is amazing. I feel that is how we do most of our learning, from the mirrors that are other people in music, art, and in the world. http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1328 Other people mirror back at us who we want to be, and learn View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. how to be who we are. I find a lot of my lessons have come from people who have come before me or exist as well with me in the world. They have a different perspective because of their different lives and different things they have gone through. If I have the opportunity to sing that touches me in that kind of a Serena Ryder way, it is like a vacation for me. It feels like a relationship with the song instead of something that comes directly from your  July 6th at 3pm own brain. You get to have this little mystery journey with other  Calgary Stampede people’s interpretations with the world and their emotions.”  www.SerenaRyder.com

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 47 Trans Identity A History of Gender Variance in Expression and Identity Part 5A: Stonewall and It’s Fissures (1969 - 1984)

and lesbian liberation movements, and later becomes the event By Mercedes Allen commemorated at Pride celebrations around the world.

By 1969, alongside the questioning of authority, resent- Following the riots, which carried over sporadically into the days following, Rivera helped to found both the Gay Liberation ment of war and youthful unrest that had been hap- Front and the Gay Activists Alliance. By 1974, those organizations pening with the “hippie” movement, the frustrations would abandon Rivera, seeing transgender people as being an em- of non-heteronormative communities was coming to a barrassment and a political liability to the gay rights cause. By the boil. The flashpoint would finally be a series of -at 1990s, political gay and lesbian groups would denounce Rivera’s tempted arrests stemming from a law that required contribution, even denying that she was present during the riots. Rivera gradually fell into alcoholism, and it wouldn’t be until the people to wear at least three articles of clothing pertain- turn of the millennium that she would reemerge as a public figure. ing to their biological gender (a law which still exists on the books in some States, today). While periods 1969 also saw the first Gender Symposium, which would develop into the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria of unrest were common in San Francisco, where the Association (HBIGDA). Compton’s riot and a few others took place, New York was far less accustomed to what would take place at In 2006, the organization would change its name to the World Professional Association for Transgender a gay establishment that June. But Health (WPATH). ironically, as quickly as their uni- fied strength would empower the gay, 1970 - Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. John- son form STAR, the first transgender activist lesbian, bisexual and transgender organization, which later included a safe- communities, they would soon fall into house (at times - in the beginning, it depended division, with the more-visible gender- on when they were able to find an abandoned transgressive people particularly left on trailer). the outside. Virginia Prince, of Tri-Ess, coins the word “trans- There were a number of factors attributed to what gender,” albeit with a limited definition to describe occurred on the night of June 28th, 1969. In New York her transvestitism. “Transgender” originally applied City, police routinely harassed and arrested patrons of gay exclusively to gynephile (attracted to females) cross dress- establishments, with the three-garment law making drag ers, and a divisive scorn was applied to transsexuals and queens and transsexuals easy targets to justify raids. androphiles (those attracted to males). “Transgender” would later evolve into an all-inclusive term, as both the derision for One of these establishments, the Stonewall Inn, was said to transsexuals subsided and the desire for a term for transsexu- be affiliated with the mafia and using gay Wall Street patrons to als that didn’t seem to emphasize “sex” emerged. gather information to blackmail others - the intent to investigate thus stepped up these raids on the Stonewall (while raids usually April Corbett’s (neé Ashley; alternate link) marriage is annulled occurred monthly, they became more frequent here, the previous and she is declared to be legally still a man, in spite of a legal sex one happening only 3 nights prior). Other factors also intensi- reassignment, leaving United Kingdom post-operative transsexuals fied the atmosphere: studies dating back as 1956 asserted that in legal limbo, unable to marry as either sex, until 2004. Similar homosexuality was wrongly classified as a mental disorder, yet occurrences take place in various U.S. states in subsequent years. the medical establishment refused to budge (it would remain in Andy Warhol protégé and transwoman Holly Woodlawn debuts the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual used by the psychiatric in the movie Trash, for which the Academy of Motion Picture Arts profession until 1973). Four other establishments were forcibly and Sciences would be petitioned to nominate her for an Oscar closed in Greenwich Village. On June 22nd, 1969, actress Judy (they wouldn’t). Woodlawn would appear in a few more films and Garland, who was a popular figure in the gay community (at the then disappear from sight, but not before being immortalized time thought of as a single community, rather than separated into (along with Candy Darling) in the Lou Reed song, “Walk on the GLBT etc.), died of an overdose of Seconal. One factor that is only Wild Side.” mentioned occasionally was that on the day before the incident, Canada passed a law that decriminalized sodomy, with then-Prime After initial rejection by founder Betty Friedan (who referred to Minister Pierre Trudeau famously declaring that “there’s no place lesbians as “the lavender menace”), the National Organization for for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.” Although seldom Women (NOW) expands policy to include lesbian rights. Embrace mentioned now, one has to suspect that news from not far away of transgender issues does not come until circa 2003, and then of positive change of this magnitude for the gay community would only gradually adopts trans-friendly policies (the situation is much have been fresh on the minds of patrons as well. better today). As NOW represents much of the core of the feminist movement, feminism as a whole is still somewhat resistant to ac- 1969 - Several police officers enter a gay bar in New York City’s cepting transwomen as “women,” even after surgery is performed, Greenwich Village, bar the doors and order everyone into lines. but conversely has tended to eject transmen from the moment of Marsha P. Johnson (1945 - July 6, 1992 - Johnson is one of the beginning transition. many we remember during the Transgender Day of Remembrance) throws a stone or bottle (accounts vary) in retaliation for the 1970s (specific year unknown) - Metoidioplasty is developed for harassment at Stonewall Inn; friend Sylvia Rivera (July 2, 1951 female-to-male transsexuals. Phalloplasty had existed previously, - February 19, 2002) follows with a molotov cocktail and then but Metoidioplasty was seen as a more affordable option, with bet- several others join in. The Stonewall Rebellion touches off the gay ter results in sensation.

48 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Trans Identity

1972 - John Money (with Anke Ehrhardt) publishes “Man & 1974 - Jan Morris publishes Conundrum, the story of her quest Woman, Boy & Girl: Gender Identity from Conception to Matu- for personal identity, and one of the earliest autobiographies to rity.” He would go on to publish several more books asserting that shed light on the transsexual dilemma. gender is learned, and not genetically predetermined. This theory is seized upon by the feminist movement as evidence that women 1976 - Reneé Richards (August 19, 1934 - present) is “outed” are socialized to be passive against their true natures, and this and barred from competition when she attempts to enter a wo- later becomes a wedge between lesbian feminists and transsexual mens’ tennis tournament (the U.S. Open). Her subsequent legal women. In many of his writings of this time, Money cites his battle establishes that transsexuals are fully, legally recognized in famous “John/Joan case”, which he touts as being a socialization their new identity after SRS, in the United States. Her story would of a boy whose penis had been lost in a circumcision accident, to be told in the book and movie, Second Serve, but Richards would be raised successfully as a girl. “John/Joan,” however, is David later decide that she regretted her transition and the resulting Reimer, who is not settling into his reassigned gender as “Brenda” public harassment. as well as Money believes. As a consequence of many of Money’s Jonathan Ned Katz publishes Gay American History: Lesbians writings, pediatricians mistakenly take up the practice of gender and Gay Men in the U.S.A. and the connection between Jonathan assignment at birth. This is most often determined by the length of Gilbert’s “H” and Dr. Alan Hart, but asserts Hart as a lesbian, ef- the penile / clitoral tissue: if it is smaller than a certain length, the fectively stealing transgender history. child’s tissue is trimmed and they are assigned to be raised as a girl. This policy continued up to the turn of the millennium, and is The City of San Francisco clears away antiquated laws about a major factor in the origins of many intersexed children. clothing and gender, to make crossdressing legal. Jamie Farr’s cross-dressing character, Corporal Maxwell Q. 1977 - Sandy Stone is “outed” while working for Olivia Records, Klinger, debuts on the CBS television show, M*A*S*H, the first the first women’s music record label, as a recording engineer. Les- transgender-related character to appear regularly on TV. Although bian activists threaten a boycott of Olivia products and concerts, Klinger was said to cross-dress only as an attempt to be given forcing the company to ask for Stone’s resignation. Angela Douglas a discharge from the Army, it is the first moment of particular writes a satirical letter to Sister as a protest of the transphobia in visibility outside comedians’ sporadic use of cross-dressing for co- the lesbian community in general, and the attacks on Sandy Stone medic purposes (popularized by Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in in particular. the movie “Some Like It Hot” as well as by comedians ranging from 1979 - Janice Raymond publishes The Transsexual Empire, a Milton Berle to Jerry Lewis to Monty Python’s Flying Circus). semi-scholarly transphobic attack. In the book, she cites Douglas’ 1973 - Folk singer and accomplished activist Beth Elliott, aka letter out of context as an example of transsexual misogyny, and “Mustang Sally,” becomes vice-president of the Daughters of Bili- casts Sandy Stone’s involvement in Olivia Records as “divisive” tis. Soon afterward, she is “outed” as a transsexual, and hounded and “patriarchal.” (Stone would reply to these accusations in her out of the organization by transphobic lesbian separatists. At the book, The Empire Strikes Back: A Posttranssexual Manifesto.) She West Coast Lesbian Conference held in Los Angeles later that year, championed the idea that gender is purely a matter of “sex role the controversy would continue as lesbians protest the fact that Elliott is scheduled to perform at the meeting. She would mostly abandon activism until 1983. This division continues, as Sylvia Rivera is followed at a Gay Pride Rally by Jean O’Leary, who denounces transwomen as female impersonators profiting from the derision and oppression of women. Following this, Rivera leaves the groups she helped to found (except for STAR). Over these years, the exclusionary principles of the Mattachine Society and Daughters of Bilitis become the direction of the 1970s gay and lesbian movement, encouraging gender conformity as a political tactic, feeling that a message to mainstream society that “we’re just like you” is necessary to secure protections based on sexual orientation. Homosexuality is delisted from the medical community’s standard DSM, declaring that it is no longer a mental disorder (and never was). Transgenderism, however, remains listed as a mental disability, termed “Gender Identity Disorder,” to this day. The earliest version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is introduced as voting legislation. It is not transgender- inclusive at this time, and does not pass. The stage musical, The Rocky Horror Show debuts in London. Jim Sharman and Richard O’Brien would later translate it to film as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which would become a true cult phenomenon. The theme, “don’t dream it, be it” becomes a rallying cry for many transsexuals as well as many libertarians of all stripes. Australian showgirl-turned-actress Carlotta (known for her performances in the long-running 1963 Les Girls cabaret, in which she was a founding member) debuts in the soap opera, Number 96 playing Robyn Ross, a transgender showgirl. When the character’s (and actress’) identity is revealed, she is quickly written out of the show due to viewer response. Carlotta later becomes the inspiration for the movie, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 49 Trans Identity socialization” (an opinion that coincided very much with John film works include a win for Hilary Swank (Oscars, 2000, “Boys Money’s, despite her open attacks on him), writing “... All trans- Don’t Cry,” Best Actress), a Golden Globe win for Best Picture (“Ma sexuals rape women’s bodies by reducing the real female form to Vie En Rose”), and nominations for Jaye Davidson (Oscars, 1993, an artifact, appropriating this body for themselves. However, the “The Crying Game,” Best Supporting Actor; Neil Jordan won the transsexually constructed lesbian feminist violates women’s sexu- Oscar for his screenplay but lost the Directoral nomination), Felic- ality and spirit as well....Transsexuals merely cut off the most ob- ity Huffman (Oscars, 2006, “Transamerica,” Best Actress; Golden vious means of invading women, so that they seem non-invasive.” Globe win for same category), and Edouard Molinaro (Oscars, 1980, “La Cage Aux Folles,” Best Director). Johns Hopkins Medical Center closes its Gender Clinic, under the recommendation of new curator, Paul McHugh, John Money’s 1984 - The International Foundation for Gender Education successor and an opponent to both Money’s idea of gender as (IFGE) is founded, becoming the first major transgender organiza- being learned, and Money’s support of transsexuals’ need to tion to welcome both transsexual and cross-dressing members, transition. Over the next two decades, many of the other Gender along with dual inclusion in its magazine, Tapestry (later, Trans- Clinics across North America would follow suit. The closure was gender Tapestry Journal). justified by pointing to a 1979 report (“Sex Reassignment: Fol- low-up,” published in Archives of General Psychiatry 36, no. 9) by Heavy Metal band Twisted Sister brings gender-bending to Jon Meyer and Donna Reter that claimed to show “no objective the fore in a different music genre, although glam rock had been improvement” following male-to-female GRS surgery. This report somewhat previously popularized by Aerosmith and KISS in the was later widely questioned and eventually found to be contrived 1970s. Censorship contributes to the failure of their follow-up al- and possibly fraudulent, but the damage had been done. bum, and front man Dee Snider spends two years heavily occupied with the music industry fight against the PMRC music labeling Musician and synthesized music pioneer Wendy Carlos transi- movement. tions and goes public. The Folsom Street Fair is organized as a continuing show of Gays, lesbians and transsexuals, who were previously con- resistance to San Francisco’s redevelopment plans, which would demned to death in Iran, are given a new fate under law: they are drive poorer working-class folks from the area. It would become a forced to undergo SRS surgery to “correct” the inclination. Trans- counterculture Mecca, attracting the gay, leather and transgender sexuals are still held with a great deal of derision in Iran, and are communities. Originally entitled “Megahood,” it draws some inspi- encouraged to keep silent about their past. ration from George Orwell’s novel, “1984.” 1980 - David Reimer (as “Brenda”) learns at the age of 15 from Mid-1980s - Bugis Street, in the city-state of Singapore, is his parents that he had been born a boy, and decides to re-es- renovated, bringing to an end its reputation as a gathering place tablish a male identity. This process would take until 1997, and for transsexual women. It had been a major tourist attraction involve testosterone injections, a double-mastectomy and two for this reason since the 1950s, being particularly popular with phalloplasty surgeries. American G.I.s. During the “disco” era, it would be nicknamed “Boogie Street.” Transsexual tourism gradually becomes limited to Joanna Clark, aka Sister Mary Elizabeth, an Episcopal Nun, Thailand and “safe” parts of Rio de Janerio. organizes the ACLU Transsexual Rights Committee. Futanari, a genre of Japanese comics featuring characters Paul Walker organizes the Harry Benjamin International Gender with fully-developed versions of both male and female sex organs Dysphoria Association to promote standards of care for transsexu- (which is literally impossible), develops during this time, growing al and transgender clients. He also founds the Janus Information out of manga and often being highly pornographic. Facility, continuing the work of Erickson Educational Foundation. Later, he would fall ill, and Joanna Clark and Jude Patton would Next: Part B, 1985-1995. co-found J2CP Information Services to continue this legacy. Partial Bibliography: 1981 - Model, actress and Bond Girl Caroline Cossey (“Tula”) is “outed” by the British press. She would later become the first post- Much of this had been compiled over time, and not all the operative transsexual to pose for Playboy. By 1988, she would be sources have been recorded. Some online sources have been struggling with the European Court of Human Rights to recognize involved as well, although I search for more corroboration in these her as a female - she would win in June 1989, but the court would cases. overturn their decision a year later. Recognition would not come • Bullough, Vern: Homosexuality: A History From Ancient until The Gender Recognition Act of 2004. Greece to Gay Liberation 1982 - Boy George (George Alan O’Dowd) and Culture Club • Califia, Patrick: Sex Changes: The Politics of Transgenderism emerge on the pop charts with the song, “Do You Really Want To • Colapinto, John: As Nature Made Him: The Story of a Boy Who Hurt Me?” His cross-dressing image is not totally new (androgyny Was Raised as a Girl had been played with by the likes of David Bowie, Steve Tyler and • Currah, Paisley; Richard M. Juang and Shannon Price Minter: Aerosmith, Hall and Oates, Elton John...), but had certainly never Transgender Rights been taken to the same extreme. By 1986, however, the disintegra- • Feinberg, Leslie: TransGender Warriors tion of his relationship with drummer Jon Moss and drug prob- • Fletcher, Lynne Yamaguchi: The First Gay Pope (and other lems would hamstring him and Culture Club would be disbanded. records) Despite some resurgences (he had a hit with the Roy Orbison song • Kessler, Suzanne; and McKenna, Wendy: Gender: An Ethno- for the movie “The Crying Game,” for example), he would never methodological Approach reach the same heights, and would continually encounter legal • Rudacille, Deborah: The Riddle of Gender troubles. • Walker, Barbara: various works • Williams, Walter: The Spirit and the Flesh 1983 - Jessica Lange wins the Best Actress Oscar for her role in “Tootsie,” a Sydney Pollack movie in which Dustin Hoffman plays http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1329 an actor who takes on a female persona in order to secure work View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. in a soap opera. Hoffman and Pollack are also nominated in the Best Actor and Best Director categories but do not win an Oscar. Mercedes Allen is a writer who blogs at http://dentedbluemercedes.wordpress. Although not a portrayal of the transgender community, the movie com/, has been featured on bilerico.com, PageOneQ and others, and has is the first gender-transgressive one to be recognized with such an also developed the website at AlbertaTrans.org as a resource for transgender honor. Lange also later appears in the transgender positive made- information and support. for-TV movie, “Normal.” Later recognition for transgender-related

50 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 FundraisingPhotography Photos

ISCWR Written in the Stars Pageant at Boots - Edmonton

Apollo AGM - Calgary

ISCCA AGM - Calgary Calgary Outlink AGM - Calgary

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 51 Fundraising Photos

Womonspace Pride Dance - Edmonton Team Edmonton Pride Sports - Edmonton

EVM Rainbow Madness Concert - Edmonton

Fake Mustache Show at The Soda - Calgary

52 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Fundraising Photos

AFQOL 2 Queens in a Tub at Texas Lounge - Calgary (Photos by Craig Salans)

Princess Pride Show at Boots - Edmonton

Underwear Affair - Calgary Pride Brunch at Edmonton Pride Centre

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 53 54 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 55 Classified Ads

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GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 57 58 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 59 Celebrity Interview Click Click Boom Behind the Lens with Photographer Mike Ruiz

being a teenager seeing videos and having this burning desire to By Jason Clevett be here. It all panned out. At the time when I was living in that delusional fantasy world, I used to have very vivid daydreams Photography is an unappreciated art, and often about hanging out at Studio 54 when I was 13. It was a cause for those artists whose snapshots make people and concern for my parents but then fortunately it manifested in a way that I hoped it would. My parents were no longer concerned places look so amazing are overlooked. In the case once I started making a living doing this.” of Mike Ruiz, his personality shines out from behind the camera, and has lead to cameos on shows like His list of clients include Justin Timberlake, The Backstreet Boys, David Boreanez, Ricky Martin, Joshua Jackson, and Mark RuPaul’s Drag Race and Kathy Griffen’s Life on the Whalberg to name a few. Some very good looking guys, but Ruiz D-List. Not to mention he is on the judging panel for separates business from pleasure. Canada’s Next Top Model the current season of . We ”It is all in a days work for me. I am like a gynecologist now. caught up with Mike in New York City for a lengthy The whole celebrity thing, I never really understood why being but fun chat about life amongst the famous. in movies or TV separates you from the rest of humanity. I hang around these people, I was at a function last night with a bunch “I can be in a room with a celebrity and be fine, but when of celebrities and people I have worked with. They all are normal I look through the lens it hits me and I get goosebumps. I am people to me, with hang-ups. I don’t get all thrilled and flustered thinking oh my god! How did a fat little queen from Montreal because I worked with the likes of Justin Timberlake. I was doing end up in the same room with some of these people? I am always my job, he was there to promote his thing and I was paid to help so thankful and grateful that the universe took care of what it him do that.” needed to. I do pinch myself every single day, not only when I am shooting but just the fact that I live in New York City. I remember He has also photographed many important LGBT figures and supporters including RuPaul, Sir Ian McKellen, Kathy Griffen, Katy Perry. “I am always glad, it is a thrill to work with people that are supporters of the community and elevate the experience. I loved working with Katy Perry for that reason, she is not gay herself but she made kissing a girl a mainstream thing. I respect and admire that. I have to say I am not a huge activist person, I am not politically charged. My virtue is just being myself as an openly gay man enjoying my life. I hope that sets the best example of all. It is a very transitional time, gay marriage is becoming more prevalent in the States, but there is still a lot of opposition to it. I hope that just living a life in a happy, functional, successful way is political and educational enough to the mainstream. I am just my wacky self on Canada’s Next Top Model, I don’t alter my personality at all for anything, I don’t censor what I say and I am hoping that is enough to educate the ignorant masses. I admire people who do the same. I am really happy that Adam Lambert casually came out in Rolling Stone and it wasn’t a big deal, early in his career. That diffuses all of the speculation and crap that would follow. Now nobody cares and it is great. He is super talented and people still love him. I like people who live their lives in a happy functional way. Anyone in entertainment who lives their life like that I am happy to work with them.” Ruiz has taken a distinctive journey to his career. From growing up in Montreal to modeling, acting and directing, he feels most at home behind the camera. “Hooking wasn’t an option. I modeled for a long time and in 1993 I moved from Miami to Los Angeles to be an actor. I realized that I hated it. I had mentioned to a pal of mine that I was going to all these cool places and I should be documenting it, and he got me this crappy little point and shoot for Christmas. I opened the box and a light shone out of it. I had an epiphany and immediately became obsessed with photographing everything in sight before finally settling on people. When I go on modeling jobs I would take this camera with me and be shooting models, and that was more interesting than shooting the scenery. I found it very gratifying and satisfying and was doing it as a side hobby. Then models started asking me to shoot stuff for them! A couple

60 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 of magazines asked me to do stuff and I realized maybe I could make a go at this. So I made a conscious decision to make a career out of photography. I bought a bunch of expensive equipment, taught myself how to use it, and the rest is history.” He is frequently asked for advice on how to break into the industry. ”My approach is so not typical. There is no formula; the only advice that I ever give is you have to assess whether you genu- inely love doing it. If you are doing it for the wrong reasons - the money, the fame, anything like that - it will never work out. The thing with photography, you have to have a point a view and it has to be a cathartic view for you to express it. If you are not able to tap into that, it is not your vehicle. I tapped into it and was shooting for a year and a half before I even considered making it a career, every single day because I LOVED doing it. It gave me the biggest hard on to do this stuff.” In addition to photography and TV work, he is writing a dance track to re-launch Tracy Lord’s career with Anton Baff and Sylvia Tosem which will be released this fall, and pitching a show called 10-10 to networks. “It is based on these elitist gay guys in Los Angeles that is loosely based on me and my friends in the 90’s. We were termed elitist. Picture LA 1994, I had 9 other friends and one guy who felt excluded dubbed us the 10-10’s in a derogatory way. Look at them they think they are all 10’s. We thought it was kind of funny and adopted the name and started having 10-10 parties that were very exclusive. It was all poking fun at ourselves but it became this legend in LA to the point where, fast-forward 15 years, a talented writer named Benjamin Morgan has heard of these guys, he has written a script for a pilot and a film, a novel, and a treatment for a reality show. I bumped into him in Palm Springs and he introduced himself and told me he loved Starbooty which I directed. He said he was a writer and wanted to collaborate. I asked what he was working on and he said I have been obsessed it is all jaw droppingly real. Wait until you see later on in the with this idea of these 10-10’s. I smirked and said tell me about season! When we do challenges sometimes they will make me a it. He told me all about it and said his friend was advising him, repeat a thing if there is a mic problem but outside of that it is all I asked his name, and I said no he wasn’t one of them. Benja- off the cuff and improvised. The interaction between the girls is min asked how I would know and I said Because I was one of 100% real. It is not airing here in the States so I don’t know what them! His jaw dropped. The characters don’t really resemble us episode they are on but some of those girls carry their feelings anymore but it is a very funny and dark script and I had to be a towards the other girls to this day, you can see it on Facebook.” part of it.” Ruiz’s passion comes through loud and clear in his photos. His He enjoyed working on Canada’s Next Top Model and assures eye for color and design is amazing. us that much of the drama is real. ”It is a result of having a precarious childhood. It wasn’t all “It is a result of having a precarious childhood. It chocolate sprinkles and rainbows; that is probably why I had a rich fantasy life as a child. I have a simplistic mantra, everything wasn’t all chocolate sprinkles and rainbows; that is I do has to be fun and everything has to be pretty. So I developed probably why I had a rich fantasy life as a child. I an esthetic where I looked at everything through rose-colored have a simplistic mantra, everything I do has to be glasses. It is a manifestation of my fantasy life. I want to create fun and everything has to be pretty.” images that I can look at and take me to a happier, more colorful place. I want to, and do, live there. 44 years of intensive therapy have allowed me to stay there. I live there and perceive everything as good and happy and all people are good. It takes a long “I have known Tyra forever. I worked with her when she was time. When you are subjected to certain things in life you tend fresh out of her teens, early on in my career. I was always on her to develop cynical and bitter views of things and I chose to go radar, and then I befriended Jay Manuel. They got me to do an the opposite route. Photography is cathartic in doing that and I episode on Cycle 5 of America’s Next Top Model and Jay and I want to just create pretty pictures. I don’t mean to trivialize it. have become super wonderful friends. He is so giving and loving, It means more than that. It is my point of view. There is always I don’t know if that lends to his on-air persona but he is just an some underlying darkness because I do need to keep one foot in incredible guy. He is always thinking of me in the professional re- reality to keep myself grounded. At the end of the day none of it spect. He bullied the executive producers that I was right for the is real. What is real is feeling connected to humanity.” show, and they all agree now, and the president of CTV is thrilled I am on the show now. It was a hard sell, and I owe it all to Jay,” www.MikeRuiz.com he recalled. “I watch reality TV on occasion and would think it is so contrived, it is crap, none of it is real. Having been on a http://www.gaycalgary.com/a1332 whole season of Canada’s top model, you cannot write that shit. View additional pics/videos. • Share with a friend. • Post your comments. Jay showed me a couple of episodes before they aired and I was riveted. All I saw while taping was the girls in the judging room. I never saw them behave out of there. None of it is manufactured

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 61 62 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Celebrity Interview She ... Amanda Lepore “World’s Most Famous Transsexual”

By Chris Azzopardi

Amanda Lepore is pretty. Really pretty. And she has no qualms about pouting her lips or pouring out her cleavage enough times so you know it. The “My Pussy” singer’s been plasticized into something of a caricature – she’d probably be the first to tell you, she modeled herself after Jessica Rab- bit – which is one of the reasons the model/actress/nightlife queen’s been dubbed “World’s Most Famous Transsexual.” Breaking from packing for Switzerland, Lepore chatted with us about that title, the I … Amanda Lepore album due July 7, and what it takes to look as good as her (and it’s not plastic surgery). GayCalgary: How are you, Amanda? Amanda: Good. GayCalgary: And your pussy? Amanda: It’s good. Famous (laughs). GayCalgary: “I … Amanda Lepore” doesn’t drop until next month, but what can we expect from it? Amanda: Different styles of music. It isn’t just club music. There’s slow songs; there’s all different styles. GayCalgary: Will you be exploiting your private parts on any of the tracks? Amanda: Um, let me think … no, I don’t think so (laughs). GayCalgary: You’re obviously known for your transforma- tion, including a synthetic vagina. Watching a sex change procedure being done on TV inspired you, right? Amanda: Well, I heard that it was obtainable – you know what I mean? – but I always wanted to be a girl. There was no question about it. I mean, that TV show didn’t put that in my mind; it just kind of gave me direction to where you could go to get it (laughs). GayCalgary: How old were you then? Amanda: I think 12. GayCalgary: How did you envision yourself at that age? Amanda: I just wanted to be a girl. For a long time, I didn’t really (care about) anything except for wanting to be a pretty girl (laughs). I think all through Limelight (a string of night- clubs Lepore performed at), I really was just so happy dressing up and being a glamorous girl and being an “it” girl that I really didn’t have any motivation to be anything else (laughs). GayCalgary: Do you feel like a role model to other transgender people? Amanda: Definitely. Nobody at the time wanted to call themselves the No. 1 Transsexual in the World. It was something they didn’t want to be known as (laughs). Ten years ago, transsexuals (wanted) to blend in; there were more who wanted to blend in on the streets than wanted to be on the cover of Vogue. They would really go out of their way to not do anything too flashy; it was more about meeting a straight man

Continued on Page 42  GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 63 Queer Eye - Community Events

Leather Pride Weekend at Calgary Eagle

Leather Night at Boots - Edmonton PURE Pride Party at Play - Edmonton

Wet Jockey Contest at Calgary Eagle

64 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Queer Eye - Community Events

Prism Anniversary Party

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 65 PhotographyQueer Eye - Community Events

Edmonton Pride

66 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Queer Eye - CommunityPhotography Events

Kate Reid at Prism - Edmonton Underwear Party at Steamworks - Edmonton

Sailor Party at Buddys - Edmonton Pink Party at Buddys - Edmonton

Gay Cup Baseball Tournament - Edmonton

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 67 PhotographyQueer Eye - Community Events

Buddys BBQ - Edmonton Dr. Seuss Circus at Play - Edmonton

Lethbridge Pride (Photos by Heather Chomos, Levi Cox)

ARGRA Survivor Party at Backlot - Calgary ARGRA Last Stand Party at Calgary Eagle

68 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 Queer Eye - Community Events

ARGRA Rodeo Weekend - Strathmore

GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 69 70 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine #69, July 2009 71