out words the voice of Montana’s LGBTIQ community February 2010

Fine Art A LGBT Exhibt Serving the LGBTIQ Community The Since 1998 Western Montana Inside This Edition of Out Words CommunityCenter 127 North Higgins, Suite 202 Missoula, MT 59802 Phone: 406-543-2224 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gaymontana.org City Ordinance Campaign Kicks Off...... 2 Editors: Suzie Reahard Acton Seibel Contributors: Acton Seibel, Lee Misner, Jory Interview with Steve Fellner ...... 6 Mickelson, Ron Blake, Josh Davis, Bree Sutherland Cover Art: Irit Rabinowits of Tel Aviv, Israel Pay to Be Gay ...... 9 Advertising: Suzie Reahard Monthly Circulation: 3,000 copies Last month’s major events ...... 3-4 Annual subscriptions cost $25. Mail a check to Out Words via the Center address. A&E Briefs ...... 4 Submit letters to the editor at [email protected] Center Board Members Mija [email protected] Trip the Light Fantastic ...... 5 Tim Adams [email protected] John Blake [email protected] David Herrara [email protected] Movie Review ...... 5 Angel Nordquist [email protected] Acton Seibel [email protected] Bree Sutherland [email protected] Fighting Your Biggest Enemies...... 7 Linda Tracy [email protected] Kate Wenninger [email protected] Unitarian Universalist Fellowship...... 9 One copy of Out Words is available free of charge for each reader at current distribution locations. Copies of Out Words which have not been picked up for the purpose of reading them are the property of the Center. Any unauthorized Community Resources ...... 10 person who takes or moves multiple copies of Out Words to prevent other people from seeing or reading them shall be considered guilty of theft. Violators will be prosecuted. Calendar of Events ...... 11 Multiple copies can be sent to any distribution location. Please call or email us for information. The Western Montana Gay & Community Center is a 501(c)3 organization and cannot endorse any candidate for public office. Articles or advertising is strictly here I was feeling bad supporting an ordinance that the opinion of the writers or advertisers, not that of the Board of Directors, would protect people from being unfairly discriminated members of the editorial staff of the Out Words, nor the Western Montana Gay What’s Left & Lesbian Community Center. Those who contribute, advertise and distribute Out against because of their sexual orientation or gender Words do not necessarily identify as LGBTIQ. identity. What the hell was wrong with me? Then all of Out Words is distributed at the following locations: to Fight For? a sudden, it occurred to me. We as a community have Billings: Barjon Books, Hastings, YAP, The Loft, Good Earth Market had to fight for our rights, everything from holding hands Bozeman: Bozeman Community Food Co-Op, Bridger Clinic, City Brew Coffee, to making funeral arrangements for our partners. I was Gallatin Community Clinic, Leaf and Bean, Nova Café, Plonk Everything. by A D Seibel reminded of this song lyric by the Gossip (I know cheesy Helena: Bert & Ernie’s Restaurant , Birds & Beaslies , No Sweat Café , Real right, but pertinent). “I don’t want the world, I only want Food Market & Deli , Staggering Ox , Taco Del Sol , Tori’s Antiques & Exquisite I was asked recently if I supported a proposed anti- Jewelry, GamePODS, Gaia’s Galleria what I deserve.” You and I deserve equal protections discrimination ordinance for the city of Missoula. It would Kalispell: City Brew Coffee, Dolce Villa, Flathead Valley Alliance, Starbucks under the law, not because we’re “special,” but because make Missoula the first city in Montana to offer protections we are human beings. I swallowed my fears and said Livingston: Coffee Crossing, Montana Cup Coffee House and Bakery, The Owl to everyone, including LGBTIQ community members, in “yes.” That’s why I was proud to hear that on February Missoula: The Badlander/Palace Billiards, Bernice’s Bakery, Betty’s Divine, Butterfly employment, housing, and public accommodations. You’d 22, 2010 the Montana Human Rights Network officially Herbs, Catalyst, Chocolat, Crystal Video, Dan Fox Foster Homes, Dauphine’s, Ear be surprised to know, I actually paused for a moment. I kicked off its Montana Equality Campaign in support of Candy Records, Fact and Fiction, FDH & Associates, Forward Montana, Front actually had this fear come over me or a weird moment of Street Pasta and Wraps, Taco Del Sol, Staggering Ox, The Good Food Store, The internalized discrimination; I didn’t want people to think this ground-breaking ordinance. Check it out at www. Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, Liquid Planet, Missoula AIDS Council, Midnight mhrn.org/equalityproject or at www.forwardmontana. Dreams, Missoula Community Food Coop, Pita Pit, Public Library, ClubQ that I needed protection in order to live my life. This feeling was immediately followed by an equally weird sensation of org. Also, keep an ear out, as the word on the street is Also distributed to: Havre MT, Browning MT, Butte MT, Culbertson MT, Victor MT, Ancorage AK, Tacoma WA, Boise ID, Portland OR “not wanting to rock the boat” or seem as if I was asking that the proposed anti discrimination ordinance will be too much. Can you believe it?! A queer all my life and coming up soon in the Missoula City Council for debate. February 3, 2010 . Galileo Capital Management says February 15, 2010 . Charl Van den Berg, who runs a “why hate the gays, when you can make money instead?” restaurant in Cape Town South Africa, wins the 2010 Mr. Ok, maybe, they didn’t say that exactly, but they did open Gay World pageant. Van den Berg beat out stiff competition up LGBT Capital, a specialist corporate advisory and from Australia, Hong Kong, China, and Spain. Xiaodai Muyi News investment management unit that focuses on the LGBT took fourth place, despite Chinese authorities attempts consumer market. LGBT Capital is the first of its kind and to prevent him from participating in the event. Xiaodai’s seeks to tap into the largely underestimated, and potential identity was kept secret up until the event in which over powerhouse, of LGBT consumer products and services. 20 dudes from around the world competed for the Mr. Gay World title. Talk about some serious a man candy. Briefs February 4, 2010 . President Obama finally denounces the proposed anti-gay law in Uganda at the National Prayer Compiled by A D Seibel February 15, 2010 . In less happy news, but by no means Breakfast. less interesting, a lesbian couple married in Massachusetts February 1, 2010 . Utah lawmakers agree to disagree on sought a divorce in Texas. Texas Attorney General Abbott February 5, 2010 . For some reason, we at the OutWords the issue of discriminating against gay and in the intervened on the women’s case arguing that the women office were not so surprised when new research on bullying could not be legally granted a divorce because Texas law workplace and in housing. Proponents for a law banning such by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital revealed that gay and discrimination statewide had hoped to build on momentum defines marriage as between a man and a woman. State lesbian teens are bullied more than their straight peers. At District Judge Scott Jenkins has granted the women’s divorce after the Salt Lake City Council had passed a similar ban. least, 2 to 3 times more. Let’s not also forget the fact that orally and ordered the parties to put their agreement in Instead state lawmakers will take a year to study the issue. “homo”, “fag”, and “queer” are the go to insults for bullies writing and return next month for his signature. This is In return opponents of the gay-rights legislation agreed to even if their targets are not gay. The study also found that the second time Attorney General Abbott has sought to table proposed bans preventing local governments from older gay and lesbian adolescents were still vulnerable to intervene in the court’s decision on same-sex divorce. passing their own nondiscrimination ordinances. We’ll see bullying. Researchers gathered information from more than Abbott argued unsuccessfully in front of District Judge what happens next year as Utah lawmakers rarely make 7500 adolescents who participated in the Growing Up Tena Callahan who ruled that the prohibition of same-sex a move with out Church approval especially since 80% of Today Study (GUTS). The research also showed that youth marriage violates the right to equal protection under the lawmakers are Mormon, including their Republican governor, identifying as gay or lesbian were less likely to be bullies U.S. Constitution. The ruling granted two gay men a divorce Gary Herbert. Good Luck Utah. themselves. in Dallas. Abbott has appealed that ruling which is currently pending in the state’s 5th Court of Appeals. February 2, 2010 . As Congress, US military chiefs, and February 7, 2010 . Iowa legislator, Rep. Jason Schultz wants to remove protection to lesbians, gay and President Obama hem and haw over whether or not to February 16, 2010 . France becomes the first country students from the Safe Schools Law in a poorly thought out repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell”, reports from across the pond to de-list Transgenderism as a mental illness. Although the effort to reverse the Iowa’s Supreme Court’s decision to declare that the British military actively recruits gay soldiers. World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric legalize same-sex marriage. Rep. Schultz admits that his bill Britain dropped its ban in 2000 and we find, 10 years later, Association continue to list the condition as a mental illness, to do so won’t go anywhere, but as he states that isn’t the that allowing gay soldiers to serve openly has not affected trans activists hope this will encourage them to follow suit. point. The point for Schultz is to have the wording taken military cohesion, readiness, morale, or even recruitment. out of the Safe Schools Act, and all Iowa legislation, so the Go figure, you mean gay military personal are just like Virginia governor, Bob McDonnell, issue of same-sex marriage can be debated on the legislative February 17, 2010 . their straight counter parts who work to protect their signed an executive order that prohibits discrimination “on floor. Rep. Schultz said, “The Bully Bill or Safe School Act country? Britain also introduced civil partnerships in 2005, doesn’t protect anyone anyway. Schools are already doing the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, which gives same-sex couples the same rights as married this, so to remove a few words doesn’t change the intent political affiliation, or against otherwise qualified persons straight couples. The British Army adapted by renaming or effect of the law.” We have two words for Rep. Schultz, with disabilities.” The order also protects veterans. The the married quarters for military staff to the Service Family “douche” “bag.” only problem is it leaves out gays and lesbians who were Accommodation and homosexual couples were given the previously protected under the order as state employees. same housing access as heterosexual couples, together February 8, 2010 . A statewide poll lists main concerns Although the new republican governor’s office suggested with equal pension and compensation rights. The British for Iowans this legislative season is a ban on texting while that the order prevents any and all discrimination it still Navy has even gone as far as putting recruitment ads in the driving. That piece of legislation came in at 72% were as gay leaves the potential for people to be denied state jobs leading gay newspaper, The Pink Pages. WTF! We at the marriage came in last with only 36%. because they are gay or lesbian. OutWords office, think it’s time that the US military gets their act together and drop “don’t ask, don’t tell.” February 11, 2010 . Rep. Gordon Fox becomes the first February 19, 2010 . As threatened, the Archdiocese of openly gay lawmaker elected speaker of the Rhode Island Washington DC has ended its foster-care program. Catholic Charities transferred its case load of 43 children and 35 foster February 3, 2010 . Holy Crap! The U.S. Tax Court rules House of Representatives. Rep. Fox steps into the position families and seven member staff to Maryland based National that our American transgender taxpayers can now take a when Rhode Island faces massive budget deficits and high Center for Children and Families. One question remains, tax deduction for their sex change expenses. Rhiannon unemployment rates. However, the new speaker of the however, is how Catholic Charities plans on remaining a O’Donnabhain successfully sued the IRS after they denied house also has the backing of a veto-proof Democratic city contractor if it is forced to offer employment-related her $5000 deduction after deeming her procedures as majority that gives him discretion over which bills come to a vote and which bills die. benefits to the partners of gay employees. By the way, the “cosmetic.” The Tax Court took the IRS to task, calling their city of DC had previously paid Catholic Charities $22.5 argument for denying O’Donnabhain’s claim was, “at best a February 12-28, 2010 . The 21st Winter Olympics begin million to run 63 social service programs, two of which superficial characterization of the circumstance.” The Tax in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. AfterEllen.com were the foster care and adoption program. It’s hard to Court also wrote that Gender Identity Disorder is widely wonders how many out gay and lesbian athletes there are imagine that the Archdiocese would give up such a lucrative recognized by the medical community and that sex change in the 5000 plus currently attending this year. They find cash cow in the wake of a city ordinance requiring them procedures are considered medically relevant as treatment four out lesbian athletes total. However, the Vancouver not to discriminate against their employees on the basis of for said disorder. O’Donnabhain was unable, however, Winter Olympics debut Pride House, the first Olympic sexual orientation. to write-off her breast augmentation, that was definitely house devoted to gay and lesbian athletes, their family, and considered “cosmetic.” their friends. (continued on next page)

Out Words 3 More News Briefs make some great prime time viewing. February 3, 2010 . Like many of you I was a little pissed Sir Elton John makes the quote of the A&E February 19, 2010 . when I found out we couldn’t watch the Prop. 8. Trial. The month (and just in time for Lent) with, “I think Jesus was a proponents of Prop 8 had successfully argued that gay ac- compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood tivists could potentially harass witnesses if the media were human problems.” Briefs allowed into the courtroom. What we got instead was min- Compiled by A D Seibel ute-by-minute Tweeting by those allowed into the courtroom February 25, 2010 . Maryland begins recognizing same- and blogs instantly updated via cell phones. However, two sex marriages from other states. Maryland’s Attorney February 2 . 2010 . HBO seems to be developing a biopic on L.A. filmmakers have taken it upon themselves to shed some General, Doug Gansler, said effective immediately, that state 70’s Christian pop star and orange juice beauty queen, Anita light on the previously “blacked out” trial. John Ireland and agencies are now required to treat same-sex marriages from Bryant. Bryant was already a successful writer and singer John Ainsworth sifted through hours of testimony to create when she decided to switch to political activism and fight other states as valid marriages under Maryland law. Many, a script and got a multitude of actors to donate their time the ungodly tide of homosexual influence. Her Save the including Gansler, expect his opinion, which is intended to for the characters. Each episode closely follows the trial, the Children coalition successfully set gay rights back 20 years in shortest one being 5 1/2 hours long. Check it out on You- guide state agencies on how to treat same-sex marriages, to Miami-Dade County when they got an ordinance prohibiting Tube. be challenged in court. Maryland becomes the second state, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation overturned including New York, to recognize same-sex marriages from within a year. Unfortunately, the tide changed for Bryant Two movies we want to see NOW. I other states, but not allow their own in lieu of civil unions. when she lent her support to the Briggs Initiative in 1978 that February 19, 2010 . sought to ban gay teachers from public schools. The Briggs love you Phillip Morris starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor Initiative was defeated at the polls but by the then it was on as two convicts who meet in prison and fall in love. Based on like Donkey Kong between Bryant and her opponents. In re- a life and times of Steven Russell, this dark comedy is sched- taliation gay activists organized a national boycott of Florida uled for release of April 2010. We’re keeping our fingers Have a brief bit of news to share with us? Email orange juice, with support from celebrities such as Barbra crossed. Next, we would like to see Undertow (Contracorrien- it to [email protected]. Who knows Streisand, Bette Midler, and Mary Tyler Moore. Bryant was te), a film about a handsome young fisherman, husband, father you might see yourself in print! even publicly “pied” in the face at a press conference. Long to be, and secret lover to a handsome painter. The dramatic story short the fall out from Bryant’s political activism should write up alone is well worth the wait to see this film.

Annual Events v Peace Party v Peace Maker Of The Year Award v Peace & Justice Film Series v Children’s Search For Peace Awards

Enjoy a Hike to our peace park on water works hill .

Out Words 4 me). Were I to have that experience with a woman, I’m sure I would ask her to take me home directly after the music Trip the stopped. Review of the The power of the leader in partnered dancing can light fantastic be intoxicating to a follower. That relationship of leader by Lee Misner to follower mimics the relationships of top to bottom or film Scorpio dominant to submissive. When the follower turns over his or With the recent advent of television programs like her rhythm and creativity to the leader, the unison and beauty Dancing with the Stars and Dance Your Ass Off, partnered of good partnered dancing can be achieved. The same is true Rising by Lee Misner dancing has enjoyed a renewed popularity. Of course, many of the exhilarating sexual achievement capable between a top and bottom or dominant and submissive. fans of partnered dancing would contend that it’s been I’m willing to bet that I’m not the only person who Of course, the leader is responsible for respecting the present in our culture since its inception. I can remember allows the internet to lead her around by the nose. Yesterday, watching televised ballroom dancing competitions on the follower and guiding the pair through the dance with flair while listening to music gifted to me by a friend, I thought Public Broadcasting Service throughout my childhood. My and finesse. That type of respect is necessary for any healthy I heard a particular singer singing on another band’s album. favorite part was the Latin Dance competition with the and quality relationship. It should be present in sexual and So I looked that up. I was correct (as per usual, ‘cause I’m undulating hips and provocative costumes. How I wanted kinky relationships, too. Respect makes a follower want to so brilliant). Then in reading about the album, I noticed it one of those beautiful women in my own arms, leading her give more of him or herself than previously thought possible. was inspired by an avant-garde film directed and produced through sweaty and sexy movements! Of course, there are The evolving experience of being respected and taken to new by Kenneth Anger. So I wandered off to Wikipedia to check more examples of contemporary partnered dancing like levels becomes seduction’s culmination. out the filmmaker. Inadvertently, I found a link to the 28 minute film on YouTube. Off I went again; with one click I the Soul Train Line, a bride and groom’s first dance at their The other experience of partnered dancing and leading/ was watching the film Scorpio Rising. reception, and even polka dancing complete with ruffled following relationships is harmony. When it comes to music, skirts and bow tie costumes. harmony augments and enriches the melody. The same is One of the greatest features of partner dancing is the true of the interaction between partners when dancing. The relationship developed between the partners. Even if you are follower’s complimentary movements elevate the leader’s dancing with a stranger at a local bar to music you’ve never steps to a more complex and pleasing expression. This heard before, a relationship must be established if only for a elevation wouldn’t be achievable without the submission of brief time. Ideally, with every pair of dancing partners, there the follower and the confident dominance of the leader. is the relationship of leader and follower. This occurs for It is incredibly easy to envision the elevation of harmony obvious reasons. Without a leader and follower, the dancing in the context of sexuality. Imagine the difference between would be awkward and could result in scuffed shoes and sore masturbating alone and sexual escapades with a partner. While toes. Taking the interactions between leader and follower each is fun and often fulfilling, partnered sexual experiences farther, there are also the enticing experiences of sexual are usually more complex and intense. No wonder sex with seduction and harmony. a partner is often described as dancing between the sheets. Seduction is such an obvious outcome of partnered Based on my writing, you might have guessed that I’m dancing, it is played up in commercials, movies, novels, and bars a follower. You might have also guessed that I have bottom around the world. I confess that in the past I’ve personally and submissive tendencies. However, I would challenge experienced my own arousal by a complete stranger who preconceived ideas and suggest that following, bottoming, and led me through a dance with such mastery that I wanted submitting are outward expressions of a seemingly contrary Let me tell you, this movie caught me off guard while him without even knowing his name (uncharacteristic for inner state. Good following requires self-confidence. You I sat and watched it in the local coffee shop surrounded by must trust your own abilities to feel the music, know the retired men and people having business meetings outside steps, and follow the leader. When you have that confidence the office (I love the privacy of my headphones!). I found and inner strength, the leader will feel it and be inspired to myself grinning from ear to ear as the dark and experimental film depicted muscular men wrenching on motorcycles honor your submission in the relationship. and putting on leather gear. Scorpio Rising could easily be I don’t want to come off as cocky, but I’ve had dance mistaken for a fetish film if it weren’t packed with additional partners who have told me they prefer to dance with me. controversial content such as images of Jesus, Hitler, and They appreciate my confidence as a dancer, my trust in skulls. The shadowy, shaky scenes of motorcycle jackets, their leadership, and my ability to follow their lead without boots, and cuffs made my mouth water. The young, moody a missed step. Those leaders have told me they are able to men showing their chiseled abdomens and disenfranchised, dance better with me than with other partners. As a quality vacant eyes almost made me wish I was a philandering gay follower, I have led them to a better performance. Taking the man - almost. What a deliciously rebellious world Kenneth analogy one step farther, I’ll leave you to imagine what other Anger explores to the saccharine yet lively music of the types of partners of mine have said. 1950’s and 60’s. As I said, I had not expected to find myself watching an These are the things I think about when I dance with experimental, post-modern film from 1964 (it was seized a partner or consider the roles of top and bottom and by Hollywood police at its premier because it was believed dominant and submissive. I will admit I over-think things to be pornographic) while I sipped my Earl Grey yesterday sometimes. But I believe it is important for my partners morning. But what a treat to discover this provocative and to fully understand where my following and submission arousing film! Being a motorcycle and leather enthusiast originates in me. It doesn’t come from a place of being myself, I found my body, as much as my mind, reacting to the insecure, invaluable, or incompetent. To the contrary, it is my film. I could almost smell the exhaust, leather, and pomade own leadership skills that make me a good follower, bottom, while the young hoodlums revved their engines. Such a and submissive. If my leading or dominating partner can’t unique and ground breaking film like Scorpio Rising deserves respect that, then our dancing will be off. And most likely, revisiting OFTEN. But perhaps from now on I’ll watch it at home where I can slip into my own boots, chaps, and cuffs. I won’t accept the next invitation to trip the light fantastic.

Out Words 5 where I would write about the books and poems of other JM: With gay bookstores folding like…well gay men. I figured if I wrote about the men in my own independent bookstores, there are fewer places An Interview community it would undoubtedly be read. And it is being to see gay books on the shelf . Queer people are read. It makes me very happy and gives me a feeling that losing visibility for their work . Is this the price of with Poet words matter--something I had forgotten. wider acceptance? JM: One question I always have for writers is how SF: I only think certain sorts of gays with certain sorts of do you know when a poem, story or manuscript is identities are getting wider acceptance. So I think the loss done? Does an editor say, “Okay Steve, really, that of gay and independent bookstores is fatal. For example, Steve Fellner is enough now” or do you have some intuition that at a queer bookstore, I just bought Tim Dean’s scholarly By Jory M. Mickelson your work has come to completion? book “Unlimited Intimacy: Reflections on the Subculture of Barebacking.” This is probably one of the most important SF: Something is done when I’m bored. I get bored easily. ethical issues in our community. Would I find that at Steve Fellner’s first book of poemsBlind Date with Cavafy If I’m not having fun, then I figure I might as well stop. If Barnes & Noble? I doubt it. Would I find the works of was released by Marsh Hawk Press. It won the Thom Gunn I’m bored, my reader will be. queer rebel David Wojnarowicz in Waldenbooks? I doubt Gay Male Poetry Award. His new memoir, All Screwed Up it. Everyone’s favorite David Sedaris has always pretty (Benu Press), centers on his odd relationship with his mother, JM: What are you reading right now or what is much bored me--not that he hasn’t had wonderful essays. who was once a champion trampolinist, and now a champion waiting to be read on your nightstand? But lately he’s a queer Erma Bombeck. And how many of the unpredictable. He currently teaches in Brockport, NY. people in their mid 30’s remember who she is anymore? SF: I’m going to rip off something that O’Hara said. I wish I could remember exactly what it was. I’ve always want JM: Are we going to all be jaded twenty-something Jory Mickelson: It seems to me that there is a to be one of those people who can recite quotations on post-queers someday? growing trend among poets to also write memoirs . demand. But I can’t. Breakdowns mess up your memory Mark Doty’s Heaven’s Coast and Thomas Lynch’s even more. It’s something he said about movies. I’ve been SF: I don’t plan on being jaded. I think that’s one of the excellent Undertaking come to mind . As a poet much more into movies. I just watched Jane Campion’s personal missions of my blog: to see what’s new and who has written a memoir, why do you think “Bright Star” about Keats and loved it. exciting. I’m the sort of person who only rents New this is? What led you from poetry to writing a Releases. I like to see what’s out there right now. And memoir? JM: You work as a creative writing professor . What there’s always something that makes me happy. has being an instructor taught you about your own Steve Fellner: I was very sick when I decided to write a work? JM: Any last words? memoir. In fact, I didn’t plan on my scraps of memory ever becoming a full-length book. This is the truth: I was very SF: If I had to choose between teaching and writing, I’d SF: I just want to thank you for doing this interview with sick and lonely at the time. I’ve never had many friends. choose the former. It’s fun to see someone improve. me. People like you keep me going and help me resist the And that one-on-one interaction has become even more temptation to be cynical and, yes, jaded. For some inexplicable reason, all these hives started to important, having gone through the psychic pain I was appear on my body; they wouldn’t go away. I had no one finally forced to confront. to talk to. I had no idea what to do. I thought I was going to die. Several weeks went by and things got worse, and I JM: Living in a larger city on the East Coast you assumed I had AIDS. So I got a test and everything came have greater access to a queer arts culture . What out fine. Which made things even worse. I was left to would you tell gay poets who live in small towns far my imagination and that can have fatal consequences for a away from large cities and urban centers? Or since writer. we are actually talking about my situation…how can gay rednecks like me get involved with a wider Convinced that I had an unknown disease, I decided to tell queer writing community? the people who I loved that I indeed did love them. The first one was my greatest love: my mother. I didn’t know SF: I know it might not be the same thing. But I live to do it. And I couldn’t concentrate, as scared as I was. in Brockport, a village about 45 minutes away from the So I wrote a fragment, a single self-contained memory. It city. Most of my peers live in the city, and in the winter, I was a paragraph long. And then I wrote another. And then rarely see them. I have a debilitating fear of driving--it was another. And that’s how it continued. Until I had a book. crucial that I live in walking distance to the campus. A book which was nothing more really than a warped love letter for my mother. I’ve never had that many friends. I’m awkward and weirdly shy. I think the most important thing is to find one super JM: Your memoir came out in June 2009 from Benu close friend--not a boyfriend, but someone platonic. And Press, what have you been working on since then? to talk regularly, if not every day, enough so that when you hear about their life it becomes somewhat tedious. It’s SF: After the memoir, I had a breakdown. A very bad important to know peoples’ patterns. You can help them breakdown. I don’t want to go into the details. But I felt identify things they might not have noticed if left to their hopeless; I felt I had nothing more to offer the world. I own devices. didn’t know what to do. So I decided to write something that had nothing to do with me. And that thing was a blog

Out Words 6 maniac Lex Luthor. Batman and Robin were vexed with lurking to derail your plans today? Out of the bushes and Who are your the likes of the Joker when they weren’t exploring the over the grassy knoll are fired two shots. They are in the depths of their Batcaves. You and I have much worse form of two tickets to that sold-out Erasure concert. No greatest enemies? enemies to ward off. These foes rear their ugly heads way! Get out! Andy Bell is in town and you’ve got your by Ron Blake daily and seek to divert us from our health and fitness claws on some front row seats. You know every song and goals. The Bangles rendition of Manic Monday starts us every lyric. That arm and chest workout can be shelved Who are your greatest enemies? Luke Skywalker heading through a sea of procrastination and fitness until tomorrow! battled the respiratory challenged scoundrel Darth evasion. What a concert! You have a hoarse voice but at least Vader. Superman played chess games with the Mensa There is the Monday happy hour and 2-4-1 drinks it’s Friday. Oh no! It’s Friday! There’s no way you can hit the rest of the night at your favorite watering hole. the gym tonight. Everybody who’s anybody will be at that This double headed monster lures you from your daily new club in downtown. Those hot DJ’s from KGAY will workout with promises of sweet intoxication and the be handing out free T-shirts and selling $1 shooters for aroma of tangy mouth-watering boneless buffalo wings. charity. You have all weekend off work and you can surely This enemy gets extra fire power during October, make up for missed workout time then. After all Scarlet, November, and December with Monday night football. tomorrow is another day. Resistance is futile. Saturday brings bright skies and temperatures in Tuesday night should be your cardiovascular the low 90’s. The phone rings and it’s the boys. They’re workout with the running club at the park. However, that heading for the lake with the boat, sunscreen, and a new television lineup on NBC isn’t going to watch itself. cooler stocked full of barley pops. There is no way you It took scores of actors, directors, producers, grips, and can miss this. I know you’ve said it before. But this has cameramen many weeks to compile “Must See TV” for just been an unusual week. You really will get back on your excitement. You could just TIVO it all and catch up some other night. You would then be terrifyingly ignorant track soon. Right? around the water cooler the next morning. That’s too Sunday comes and you can probably write your dangerous to chance. Bad guys win again! own defeat against an evil enemy. It doesn’t have to be It’s hump day and you’ll get back on that fitness this way. Stay strong against the dark side. With some wagon that you fell off of earlier in the week. (I smell discipline and some proper planning, you can keep a a conjunction coming) BUT....the guy in shipping and workout routine. Know what is important and stay receiving is requesting your attendance at his birthday focused. Tomorrow is always the busiest day of the year. bonanza at the Hoo-Ha Lounge. The enemy here calls Don’t let it be that way. Take charge today! himself GUILT. Your coworkers needle you about This column is brought to you by that guy who likes missing the retirement party for Nallely in the claims to stomp his feet in bathroom stalls JUST for attention. department. The decision is clear. You can always hit the That guy is Ron Blake and he can be reached at www. weights tomorrow at the gym. myblakefitness.com. Thursday dawns on you and what knave could be How about a quickie?

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Suite 600 The Florence • 111 N Higgins Ave P.O. Box 4747 • Missoula, MT 59806 (406) 721-3400

Out Words 7 I was excited by the warmth with which the two aids in- teracted with us. I'm sorry not to include their names here, but I'm not good with names in general, and Jim I'm fairly certain you have them. I have met with many Senators aids over the years, and very infrequently have I been in a situ- ation in which I felt like my views/feelings about a situation were being recorded with more than a pen and paper. They related their personal positions with us, and expressed their support in being real access to our representatives. I found this very positive.

Out Words 8 I was excited by the warmth with which the two aids in- teracted with us. I'm sorry not to include their names here, but I'm not good with names in general, and Jim I'm fairly certain you have them. I have met with many Senators aids over the years, and very infrequently have I been in a situ- ation in which I felt like my views/feelings about a situation were being recorded with more than a pen and paper. They related their personal positions with us, and expressed their support in being real access to our representatives. I found this very positive.

The Fourth principle Pay To Be Gay By Josh Davis Dear Out Words, I want to start off this month with a little coming-out, of sorts. My last few columns here have appeared under the byline “Josh Dahal.” This is actually a nickname I acquired in Nepal Last month in response to an article originally published here in OutWords, Mike Might, the where I spend a good deal of time in the village of Dahalgaon, where about 80% of the one legged guy who runs Amvets, came out publicly and stated that his establishment was population has the surname Dahal. I was surprised and a little bemused to see it in print, the unintended consequence of a fit of anonymity I had while registering my gmail account. most certainly not a gay bar. People might have been understandably confused, considering At any rate, as publishing under a pseudonym in an LGBTIQ paper seems to me ripe for he only seems to hire gay people to work there, and he proudly displays a giant rainbow misinterpretation and as the novelty has now worn off, I’ll “reveal” that my last name is, in above the entrance. fact, Davis, though I’ll answer to Dahal too. Now, on to the fun. As long as I’ve lived in the area, Mr. Might has always been an odd topic of discussion The fourth principle of the Unitarian-Universalist Association calls us to affirm and because of his homophobic, racist and all around bigoted remarks to people who patronize promote “a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” There are a lot of heavy, the business. Much of the gay folk in town refuse to even set foot in the place because of ponderous words in that short phrase; truth and meaning, freedom and responsibility. We might spend endless ages debating and discussing what is meant by each, but to my mind various incidents in the past few years. In addition, the aim of the bar in the last year or so the most important word in the fourth principle is one that we might easily overlook in to cater to a more douche-chill inducing clientele who only need alcohol-infused gelatin and the midst of such philosophical and ethical heavies as ‘meaning’ and ‘responsibility’. It’s that one working urinal in the joint to have a good time has made the atmosphere increasingly little word right in the middle. uncomfortable. Search. This is what makes us UUs. People often become involved in a church or religious Like it or not, Mr. Might is right. Amvets is not a gay bar, it’s a veterans bar. You can just see community hoping to find something, often truth and meaning. UUs, however, are those all the veterans dancing there on Friday nights and toasting lime Jello to forget about the people who have joined together in spiritual community not in order to find, but rather ‘Nam. But whether you believe that or not, you can’t deny the words out of the horse’s to better continue their searching. UUs are unique in that we have turned doubt and the questioning of received wisdom into a spiritual exercise. I would suggest to the Missoula mouth. When the “owner” of the bar tells you in thousands of copies of newspaper that he Fellowship that we make our motto “Keep Searching!” if I wasn’t afraid prospective don’t like your kind, you have to wonder why the fuck people keep spending money there. members might get the wrong impression. Are we, as a community, such docile little sheep that we will take tacit half-acknowl- But while we may not claim to have found the final answers to anything, we do believe that edgement of our existence as validation enough to keep spending money at Amvets? Are in the process of searching some truths will come to light. Now, in my view, there is Truth we so desperate at the possibility of another gay person being in the same room that we and there is truth. Truth, with a big ‘t,’ is reality, being, the cosmos as it actually is. Little keep enabling the shitty treatment received there? Do we continue to be novelties to ‘t’ truths are approximations or rules-of-thumb that we use to negotiate and deal with straight people who proudly post their pictures on Myspace and Facebook of the time they this infinite reality. While no one will ever be privy to Truth, the many little ‘t’ truths are nonetheless valuable and valid, though never universal. John Lennon summed up this rather saw the gays once? Do you like being the wallpaper for a space where breeders can go to pragmatic outlook when he sang; “whatever gets you through your life is alright.” What gets act like immature fucktards and justify it by labeling themselves open-minded? I’d rather not me through my life and what gets you through yours may be different, may be represented be the moose head hanging on the wall of the hunting lodge of breeder civil rights warfare. by different truths, but that doesn’t mean one is right and the other wrong, only that our Yes, I still can’t be an open queer at work, can get thrown out of my house for being gay and different searches have revealed different treasures to each of us. It is in the sharing of still can’t get married. So I hope you choke on your Jello shot you dumb slut. these treasures with our fellows that the joy of spiritual community resides. Exactly how important is it to have a physical space in town devoted and supported Like truth, the meaning that we are called to search for is also one that is unique and by the gay community? Over the years the answer to that question has been many and individual; not universal meaning but personal meaning. To have meaning simply means to point to something beyond the self. We live in a culture of self-aggrandizement and varied. I still hear stories about the existence of three competing queer bars a generation narcissism, conspicuous consumption driven by relentless advertising and a collective ago. Club Q existed as long as it could, considering the circumstances. The Red Light Green weakness for shiny objects. Everywhere we turn we are encouraged to gratify our every Room dances, so revered in their time in their ability to provide three dance floors to kill whim, exert every fiber to glorify the self. But all this only serves as a constraint on our drag queens, are now gone. Even here at the Western Montana Community Center the meaning. If I exert myself only on my own behalf, if with my actions I point to nothing but question of physical space comes up every time we pay that rent check. Other communities my own desires, my life has, by definition, no meaning. A perfectly self-centered person is like Spokane don’t even have a physical office space anymore. like a sign that reads “sign.” In order for a sign to have a meaning it must point to something One problem that has existed over the years is a unified front for any sort of gay beyond itself, and in order for a life to have meaning it must be about something other than that individual life. To the extent, then, that we can focus our energies outward, we fill our activities. At the same time the internet becomes so useful in allowing people to openly lives with greater and greater meaning. exchange information and find ideas and resources so easily, it also allows people to com- And just a few short words on freedom and responsibility. By freedom, I take it to mean that pletely check out of society and any kind of social world. The only thing I’ve reliably seen we are free to come to our own conclusions, get people out are combinations of dance music and cheap booze. When we did a guerrilla that there is no dogma we are expected to gay bar event last year, the reason we held it at Badlander was because there was no cover, accept. By a responsible search we mean to cheap booze, good dance music and a supportive establishment. remind ourselves that while we conduct our searches individually we must not become Until some gay millionaire comes into town and buys a liquor license, there will be egotists, placing our own fulfillment above all no gay bar. There will only be sporadic movements and occasionally successful gatherings. other aims. A responsible search for truth and This may not be so bad. Our ultimate goal really was to be so integrated into our worlds meaning is one that maintains a respect for that instead of relying on a physical space to provide us safety, we provided ourselves a safe and commitment to the beloved community enough space that hitting on the straighties wouldn’t get us an ass kicking. But I don’t buy within which our personal searching goes on. that we’re there quite yet. So in the meantime, be a little more conscious of where your We search for truth and meaning not only money gets spent, and whether a giant dungeon that smells like piss is really the best place for our own benefit, but also for the sake of all, and each benefits from the searching of to invest your time and energy. Or go kidnap some gay millionaire. others. So, for all of our sakes, keep searching! -Tim Adams Out Words 9 Community Resources Butte Men’s Group Support Bozeman GLBTIQResource Center M University Congregational Church U T Outfield Alliance Officer Nicole Pifari Missoula PFLAG Missoula CityHealthDepartment Missoula AIDS CouncilHousing Assistance Missoula L W Keep ItSimple Al-Anon Family Group Imperial Sovereign Court of the State of Montana Gay Men’s Gay Men’s Chorus KISMIF M  Last Monday of the month 406-491-1378 or 406-490-6125 [email protected] www.BozemanRC.org, 406-600-3608,  2367 andaskfor NickorLeslie.. Centerat(406)-243- Contact theClinicalPsychology (406) 552-6300 (main) 435 RymanStreet •Missoula, MT59802 LGBTI LiaisonOfficerMissoula Police Department [email protected] or406-240-2881. 406-258-4745 for HIV+individualslivingin Western MT. andlong-termhousingassistanceisavailableShort-term Call Andrew Laueat406-327-9445 Meet Wednesday evenings 7-9p.m. classroom 3. ContactRandyat406-726-3525. p.m. at1stMethodistChurch, 300E. Main, alley entrance, LGBT andfriendsmeetingevery Thursday 5:30-6:30  3525 entrance upmetalstairs. ContactRandyat406-726- St John LutheranChurch at202Brooks, parkinglot LGBT andfriendsmeetingevery Monday 7-p.m. at or Jordan at543-4770.  Program iving Forward Group: Men ransgender Support Groupransgender Support [email protected] orcall406-243-2762 attheUniversityand theirsupporters ofMontana. Email A CoalitionofLGBTIfaculty, graduatestudents, staff 406-829-8075 370-9876 127 N. Higgins Ave., at406- Suite202-ContactGary Meeting every Monday 7-9p.m. at The Center, 406-243-5922 http://www.uccmsla.org •406-543-6952 405 University Avenue, Missoula 406-543-4770 406-543-2224 or406-721-3824 http://www.iscsm.org Call RosalindadelaLunaat406-499-0078orvisit: of M omyn’s Night issoula ont L ambda Alliance Aids Council ana T ask Force W ho Are L iving Call Annette W ith HIV

LGBT State-wideEvents LGBT -Friendly AA Bozeman HIV Positive Group Support -Helena HIV Positive Group Support -Butte Hot Springs, MontanaGay andBisexual Men’s Hamilton PFLAG Gallatin Valley HumanRights Flathead Valley Alliance Butte Services AIDS Support Y S .HO Seeker’s HarborFaith Community QSA -MSU PFLAG Great Falls/Golden Open HandsFoundation -Great Falls Montana ofPublic Health& Montana Department Metropolitan Community Church MCC Montana Lewis &Clark AIDS Project Support GroupSupport 406-741-2810 questions contactDustin(406)-591-0169 in BILLINGSattheyap officeat4pmages15-24. Any www.qnewsmontana.com 406-599-3230 Meets monthly-Call Greg at596-2013for more info 6125 for timeandlocation. For information call406-491-1378or406-490- Monthly Chapter Meetings. 4 Every www.EmbraceDiversity.org www.flatheadvalleyalliance.org •406-758-6707 406-490-6125 . Center BASSoffice. CallRick406-491-1378or Meets 2nd Becky Taylor •[email protected] www.seekersharbor.org •406-661-1584 www.qsamsu.com •406-994-4636 located at122017thSt. So. (406)868-1064. Meets onthe3rd Tue. ofeachmonthattheMCCChurch www.openhandsfoundation.org •406-868-8382 sites around state. Hepatitis Ctesting. www.bozemanrc.org/mtap.html for Free andanonymous 20minrapid HIVtesting andfree www.dphhs.state.mt.us/hpsd Sunday Worship: 10:30a.m. Rev. GinaL. Hartung, Pastor 406-771-1070 •www. mccmontana.org 1220 17thStreet South•Great Falls Great Falls•[email protected] 530 S. Harris •Helena406-447-6030 E-mail: [email protected] Program Understand Billings Human Services information. 7 P.M. Contact Terry at406-363-7656for more ellowstone AIDS Project Housing Assistance .u .t AIDS (StudentsHelpingOthers T argeted Prevention W ednesday ofeachmonthatBlaine T www een Aids) .buttebassonline

meets every Thursday T riangle T ask Force th Thursday @ .org N W Stonewall News Northwest Queer Core Pride Foundation Pacific NorthwestGay Rodeo Association Out Spokane Human RightsCampaign Gay Men’s HealthCrisis AEGIS: AIDS EducationGlobal Advocates for P Y Y Victorian – HIV by the 20th of each monthforby thenextissue! the20thofeach Do you have LGBTI resources you want listed? Email us www.wrapp.net www.stonewallnews.net www.queercore.org www.pridefoundation.org www.pacificnwgra.org www.outspokane.com www.hrc.org www.gmhc.org www.endAIDSnow.org 406-245-2029 406-247-3376 Information Systems Department ellowstone Aids Project ellowstone City-CountyHealth Gay Men Together, A safe and affirming place for gay & 406- 245-4293 www.advocatesforyouth.org a yoming Rural AIDS Prevention Project a Community The cific tional Montana Western Weekly Events Center Gay Men’s Chorus Rehearsal N Beginners Yoga Classes Y bisexual men to meet. T outh R orthwest esting 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Thursday Thursday Saturday Monday esources 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. - & Since Community LGBTIQ Serving the 1998 full bar with proceeds benefiting Next Step Wilderness. Recurring Events Around Montana March: Prizes from local businesses including Betty’s Divine, Cutting Crew, Big Sky Brewery, Scooterville, Montana Friday, March 5th: The University of Montana Lambda rd Mobile Oil & Lube, Hot House Yoga and many more. Center Board Meeting, 3 Wednesday, Alliance will be partnering with the Western Montana WORD has been providing critical programs to 7 p.m. at the Center [Missoula] Community Center during the month of March to Missoula’s families for 24 years. Come and visit with Christian LGBTI Support Group meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month host Fine Art, an art exhibit that focuses on the LGBT WORDies and learn about their programs. 7p.m. at the Center [Missoula] community. LGBTI Community Potluck, 3rd Saturday every month, 7 p.m. at the University Current artists include Irit Rabinowits, Bree Sutherland, Saturday, March 13th: Maren Christensen’s 3rd CD Congregational Church - Fireside Room (405 University Avenue) [Missoula] Whitney Wilkinson, Jen Smith, among others. The opening Release Concert at The Elks Lodge on the main floor. PFLAG Missoula / Five Valleys meeting, 3rd Saturday every month prior to will be between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM on First Friday. potluck at the University Congregational Church, call 406-721-5013 or 406-541-0163 for Doors open at 7:15 PM and show starts at 8:00 PM. Special guests include Matthew Marsolek, Jen Adams more information. [Missoula] Saturday, March 6th: Formal event and fundraiser and Lawrence Duncan among others. Purchase advance HIV+ Monthly Dinner, 3rd Tuesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. at the University for WMGLCC with silent auction and dancing. 7:00 Congregational Church, call Mike or Annette at PM - 2:00 AM featuring music by Full Grown Men and a tickets for $10 at Rockin Rudy’s. 543-4770 [Missoula] late night dance party with DJ Kris Moon at the Holiday The Mr, Ms, and Miss Gay Gay & Lesbian AA Meeting, every Monday 7 to 8:30 p.m., call Randy at 406-726- Inn Parkside. Tickets are available for purchase online at Saturday, March 20th: 3525 [Missoula] gaymontana.org Missoula Pageant. Please come help say thank you and celebrate our current Gay Missoula title holders and Keep It Simple / Al-Anon Family Group LGBT and friends meeting every Thursday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at 1st Methodist Church, 300 E. Main, alley entrance, classroom 3. Wednesday, March 10th: Pint Night benefitting the help us vote in a new reign of Gay Missoula Titleholders. Contact Randy at 406-726-3525 [Missoula] Montana Human Rights Network at the Northside Voting will take place during the pageant. Must be a Montana resident with a valid ID and 18 years or older University of Montana LAMBDA Alliance General Meetings, every Kettlehouse. 313 N. 1st St. W. 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Tuesday, 7 p.m. at the UC (Room 330), call 406-243-5922 for more information. [Missoula] Celebrate MHRN with the Kettlehouse Brewery’s to vote. Pageant will be held at the Holiday Inn Parkside starting at 8:00 PM. Living Forward Group: Men Who Are Living With HIV, every Wednesday Community U-Night. For every pint sold 50 Cents from 7 to 9 p.m., call Andrew Laue, LCSW for more information at 406-327-9445. benefits MHRN and their work in Missoula. Come, chat [Missoula] with friends, and buy a pint (or 2) to support a long-time Wednesday, March 24th: LUNAFEST is a nationally touring film festival featuring short films made by, for, and Hot Springs, Montana, a Gay & Bisexual Men’s Support Group meets Montana organization working for justice. on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m.. Call 741-2810 for directions and information. [Missoula] about women. Sponsored by the LUNA bar company, all proceeds benefit the YWCA’s GUTS! girls leadership Capitol City Gay Men meet every Thursday at 7pm. Location: 80 East Lawrence Thursday, March 11th: 3rd Annual Voices, Power, program and the Breast Cancer Research Fun. 6:00 PM Street, Room 105, Helena MT 59601. For more information visit www.capitalcitygaymen. Politics in the South Ballroom of the University Center org [Helena] at the University of Montana. Michelle Goldberg, a - 9:00 PM at the Wilma Theater Call 543.6691 or visit www.ywcaofmissoula.org for more info. Women’s Coffee and Chat meets on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Location: Fireside Coffee journalist and author based in Brooklyn, New York, will House 1446 Euclid Ave, [Helena] be visiting the University of Montana in Missoula to Sunday, March 28th: Celebrating the Kennedy Legacy Women’s Potluck, 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm. Location changes. speak about reproductive rights and how the rise of at St. Anthony Parish in Missoula 217 Tremont St. Join Contact Sandy at 406-442-0200. [Helena] right-wing extremism has had a profound impact on women’s human rights. 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm this event is Mayor John Engen, Congressman Pat Williams and the GLBT Open AA Meeting Every Thursday 7:30 p.m. Missoula Democratic Legislative Delgation at a dinner 1417 13 St. West. Call Duane Nez at 406-861-8478 [Billings] free and open to the public. of Butte pasties to celebrate the legacy and memory Cancer Patient Support Group Every Other Friday: 12 p.m. 2835 Fort Missoula WORD’s After Party at Historic of Senator Ted Kennedy and raise money for the Rd., Ste. 301, Call Joni or Susie at 406-721-1118 E-mail [email protected] Friday, March 12th: Montana Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. [Missoula] Fort Missoula in Heritage Hall. Come Support and Celebrate with WORD as they end their annual Social hour begins at 4:30 pm with dinner at 5:30 pm. Billings AIDSpirit Meeting 2nd Tuesday of the month at Holy Rosary Church, 521 fundraiser with lots of dancing, drinks and prizes. Admission is $25, payable to MDLCC. Space is limited Custer at 7:00 p.m. [Billings] Featuring music by Zootown DJ a photo booth and a please call 541-2602 to reserve your space. Billings PFLAG Meeting 2nd Wednesday of the month held at the UCC Church in Conference office located at 2016 Alderson at 7:00 p.m [Billings] more than 10,000 miles to pieces from the heart of Client Advisory Board Meeting 4th Monday of the Month at YAP at 6:00 Fine Art Missoula Missoula. The collection provides a vast perspective on PM [Billings] A Night of Fine Art, the view of sexuality and gender diversity. POZ Night Monthly opportunity for socializing and fun! For more information contact Most importantly, this year Fine Art Missoula is the Client Action Body at [email protected] or staff at (406) 245-2029. [Billings] Fine Wine, and Fine Life creating a joint effort between the Western Montana QSA General Forum Meetings Every Monday In the Strand Union Building room By Bree Sutherland Community Center and the University of Montana 276 at 7 p.m. [Bozeman] Lambda Alliance to raise funds for both organizations JavaQ Coffee Social - 7 p.m., every first, third, and fifth Thursday at International Art is a process, an expression, and a lifestyle. Art de- through the sale of all art on display during the month Coffee Traders, 720 S 10th Ave. [Bozeman] fines a person, a culture, an identity, and an individual’s of March at the community center. The Bozeman Resource Center bi-weekly meetings. At International Coffee view of reality. Fine Art Missoula explores the process Traders, 720 S 10th Ave, the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. Contact John at 600- of defining sexual identity in all phases, starting with Artists like Irit Rabinowits, Ali Pelletier, myself, and 3608 or at [email protected] [Bozeman] displays that are cold and reserved, pieces that con- many others have graciously donated pieces that focus on and around the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender Bozeman PFLAG Meeting 2nd Thursday of the month. Check out: bozemanpflag. vey a sensation of detachment and isolation, followed com for more information. [Bozeman] by displays of revelation and enjoyment derived from and queer community. Without their time and effort, this event, and many like it would not be a possibility. Bozeman HIV/AIDS Support Group meets the 1st Monday of each month. the beauty and sexuality of the human body, and finally Call Greg at 406-596-2013 for time and location. [Bozeman] through a warm and comforting set of displays which Come enjoy fine wine, fine food and fine life for Poz Affected Pot Luck occurs on the 3rd Sunday of each month in simply celebrate love and the pride of individual iden- a night of Fine Art in downtown Missoula. Our first BOZEMAN. Contact AIDS Outreach at 406-551-1016 for details.[Bozeman] tity. showing will be on First Friday, and pieces of the exhibit Flathead Valley Alliance monthly meeting, 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the The Exhibit explores the sexual identities of all in- will continue to be on display for the month of March. Flathead Count Library basement. [Kalispell] dividuals and shows the basic simplicity of one’s self, and Select pieces from the exhibit will be auctioned at this Pride Committee meeting every Sunday – Call Dee or DJ at 756-0050 for time and emphasizes journeys of true sexual exploration. year's Black and White Ball, so please come out and en- location – volunteers needed [Kalispell] Fine Art Missoula has collected a series of artwork joy a weekend of artistic expression, exploration and from far and near - with several pieces having traveled true celebration of the all of the community. Montana Targeted Prevention

Blackfeet Outreach Services in Browning 406-338-7808

Butte AIDS Support Services 406-494-4123

Connections in Bozeman 406-556-1139

Flathead Family Planning in Kalispell 406-751-8156 Montana Fort Peck Tribal Health in Wolf PointTargeted 406-768-3129Prevention

BlackfeetMissoula Outreach AIDS Council Services 406-543-4770in Browning 406-338-7808 Open Hands Foundation Butte AIDSin Great Support Falls Services 406-494-4123406-868-8382

YellowstoneConnections AIDS Project inin Bozeman Billings 406-556-1139406-245-2029

FlatheadProject Family coordinator: Planning in Kalispell Blackfeet OutreachMontana Services Targeted PreventionFlathead Planning provides in Kalispell free anonymousYellowstone HIV AIDStesting Project 406-751-8156 Bill – (406) 450-1479 Blake (323) 842-0056 in Billings Fort Peck Tribal Health Fort Peck to high-risk individuals (MSM, IDU, MSM/IDU)Blayne- (406) 861-2647 in Wolf Point Mike- (406) 650-6273 Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control Jay- (406) 591-8029 406-768-3129 Missoula AIDS Council Kelly- (406) 598-8068 Missoula AIDS Council BASS in Butte in Missoula 406-543-4770 For any questions contact Rick- (406) 491-1378 Val (406) 207-3003 Open Hands Foundation Kookie- (406) 491-1427 John (406) 240-3992 Kathy Reddies in Great Falls Tammy- (406) 491-0451 Program Coordinator - MTAP 406-868-8382 (406) 543-4770

Yellowstone AIDS Project Connections in Bozeman Open Hands in Great Falls Montana in Billings Casey- (406) 451-9995 Ki- (406) 868-8382 406-245-2029 Targeted John- (406) 600-3608 Prevention Project coordinator: Montana Targeted Prevention provides free anonymousBlackfeet OutreachHIV testing Services in Browning to high-risk individuals (MSM, IDU, MSM/IDU)406-338-7808 Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control Butte AIDS Support Services 406-494-4123

Connections in Bozeman 406-556-1139

Flathead Family Planning in Kalispell 406-751-8156

Fort Peck Tribal Health in Wolf Point 406-768-3129

Missoula AIDS Council 406-543-4770

Open Hands Foundation in Great Falls 406-868-8382

Yellowstone AIDS Project in Billings 406-245-2029

Project coordinator: Montana Targeted Prevention provides free anonymous HIV testing to high-risk individuals (MSM, IDU, MSM/IDU) Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control