Gaycalgary and Edmonton Magazine #53, March 2008 9

March 2008 Issue 53

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GLBT RESOURCE • CALGARY & EDMONTON 2 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 9

Established originally in January 1992 as Men For Men BBS by MFM Communications. Named changed to GayCalgary.com in 1998. Stand alone Table of Contents company as of January 2004. First Issue of GayCalgary.com Magazine, November 5 The Queers Must Be Crazy 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to Letter from the Publisher GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. Publisher Steve Polyak & Rob Diaz-Marino, 9 Little Shop of Horrors [email protected] “Feed Me” at Stage West Editor Rob Diaz Marino, editor@gaycalgary. 10 Newslets com 11 Original Graphic Design Deviant Designs Advertising 11 Priape Model Search Steve Polyak [email protected] Priape Wear seeks Vanilla to Fetish Contributors Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, Jason Clevett, 12 Shelter Jerome Voltero, Kevin Alderson, Allison A Special Screening Courtesy of Fairytales Brodowski , Mercedes Allen, Stephen Lock, 16 Dallas Barnes, Benjamin Hawkcliffe, Andrew Collins, Felice Newman, Evan Kayne, Romeo 14 Out of Town San Vicente, Ron Eberly, Ace and the Gay and Hong Kong Lesbian Community of Calgary and Edmonton Photographer 16 Map & Event Listings Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino Find out what’s happening Videographer Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino 23 My Organs, My Blood, My Please forward all inquiries to: Choice GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine Suite 403, 215 14th Avenue S.W. 25 Q Scopes Calgary, Alberta T2R 0M2 “Be conservative with money, Gemini!” Phone (403) 543-6960 or toll free (888) 543-6960 26 Adult Film Review 12 Fax (403) 703-0685 Cowboys, Cabin Fever, Greased, Gay for Pay E-mail [email protected] 28 Deep Inside Hollywood Print Run Monthly, 12 times a year New Projects For Madonna and Ian Ziering Copies Printed Monthly, Over 10,000 copies. 29 Whole Lesbian Sex Masthead continued on page 6 Get It How You Like It: Tips for Receptive Cunnilingus (PG-13 Version) 30 Girls Groove: A Sherri Olsen Production A Calgary-based Gathering that will Inspire You to Get Up and Groove 31 Now That’s A Little More Interesting 32 Letters to the Editor 33 Fundraising Photos

Continued Next Page gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 3 From Previous Page 35 Noirville and Writers Block Two World Premier Canadian Plays Under One Roof 36 Apollo Western Cup 2008 37 Easter More than the Easter Bunny Continued from page 5 Distribution points up to 200 points in 38 Changes in the Queer Community – What’s Calgary, largest number of distribution points for any Gay publication in Calgary. Next? Up to 150 points in Edmonton, largest number of distribution points for any Gay 40 Evolution of Community publication in Edmonton. Also distributed Open Reply to Stephen Lock coast to coast across Canada in select locations in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and other 43 Don’t Buy In places across Canada and the United Battling Against Discrimination in Calgary Schools States. Please call us if you would like to be a distribution point. 42 Bitter Girl Distributed by Gallant Distributions 33 (Calgary), Clark’s Distribution (Edmonton), 43 Vagina Monologues Canada Post (rest of Canada and USA) and by GayCalgary.com 45 The Juno Awards Deadline for Ad Bookings 25th of the month Calgary hosts Canada’s Musical Extravaganza (unless otherwise stated) Deadline for Ad copy 28th of the month 46 Juno Weekend (unless otherwise stated) More than Just Awards Legal Council Courtney Sebree Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors 47 R We Drowning in Alphabet Soup? A Humorous Look at Language Printers North Hill News This Issue Cover Model Dana Pinnock 48 A Couple of Guys taken at the Maxbell Arena. Photo by Steve Polyak. Photo Editing by Rob Diaz-Marino. 49 Movie Review The opinions expressed in this magazine are Die Mommie Die! not necessarily those of GayCalgary.com or the contributors of the magazine. 50 Calgary Cares Once More People photographed or interviewed, 51 writers, advertisers, contributors and 51 Music Review anyone else involved with this publication are not necessarily gay, lesbian, bi, I Stand, Ruby Woo bi-curious or trans gendered. They can be straight people that are gay friendly. 53 Queer Eye - Calgary & Edmonton April 2008 No part of the publication may be reprinted Community Events this Month without the expressed permission of the Press Deadlines editor-in-chief. 58 Book Review Copyright 2008 AAdd SpaceSpace BookingBooking - TuesdayTuesday MMarcharch 25th25th 20082008 Member of Canadian Gay & AAdd SubmissionSubmission - Lesbian Chamber SSundayunday MarchMarch 30th30th 20082008 of Commerce Member of International Gay & IInn CirculationCirculation - WednesdayWednesday Lesbian Travel Association AAprilpril 2nd2nd 20082008

PPleaselease contactcontact usus rightright awayaway ifif yyouou thinkthink youyou maymay havehave missedmissed tthehe BookingBooking oror SubmissionSubmission DDeadlineseadlines Member of Edmonton Rainbow Member of Tourism Calgary. Business Association.

4 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 The Queers Must Be Crazy Letter from the Publisher

on a school exam, or vandalized public property. They know By Rob Diaz-Marino these things are wrong and yet they did them anyway to fi nd out what happens. Some face serious repercussions and learn If I ask you to imagine a culture where the adults their lesson; some don’t get caught but feel so guilty that they behave like children, and the children behave like never do it again; others make a habit of it, and grow up to be adults, you might wonder what episode of Star Trek criminals. I’m talking about. In reality you may need to look Meanwhile, otherwise innocent children have witnessed no further than your own stomping grounds here on their parents putting down the goofy stereotypes on TV, or Planet Earth. I’m noticing this polarization of matu- giving them mysterious warnings about the two men or two rity levels happening more and more within the gay women that live together just down the street, or being told outright that homosexuality is shameful, wrong, and unfor- community, and I’ve been pretty darn curious as to giveable. So GLBT children are made to feel just like those why this is happening. other bad kids – perhaps even worse after being pushed to the bottom of the pecking order when bullied by those bad kids – Now don’t get me wrong – I’m happy to report that the ma- when they have really done nothing wrong. Like binding one’s jority of GLBT adults that I know are mature and responsible, feet in ancient Chinese tradition, some GLBT children crumble and not so happy to say that I’ve seen far too much of youth under the pressure to curb their “unacceptable” thoughts and my age (I’m only 26, believe it or not) that I’ve seen are mostly feelings at this early age, before they are fully formed. It only concerned about getting high and getting laid. But the scales gets worse when they try going through the motions with some have started tipping lately, and I think I might be able to offer poor girl who is destined to get her heart broken. an observation – our writer Kevin Alderson, a registered psy- chologist, might confi rm or contest this. One fairly recent scene that particularly turned my stom- ach was a televised broadcast showing parents who brought In my understanding, the whole idea of the GLBT commu- their children to a traditional marriage rally. The children had nity is to offer one another an unfair advantage, after a long sombre but blank expressions on their faces, responding to history of being dealt unfair disadvantages from the rest of the anger and indignation in their parents’ voices but looking society. Well...a tightly knit social network, a moral support up to them to watch out for their best interests - which they system, people to turn to when you need help – these things are presumably too young to understand and accomplish for are the fabric of society, they are not an unreasonable thing to themselves. What a sick joke that the parents, who boasted ask for. However in business, the nepotism, under the table this rally to be “for the children”, refused to acknowledge the deals and secret favours are. statistical inevitability that one or more of the children in that The disadvantages that past and present generations very room would grow up to be part of the group that they have had to face are numerous, and profoundly barbaric were lobbying against. How disheartening it would be to know for a society that thinks it’s above foot-binding and female your mom and dad fought so that you couldn’t get married. It circumcision. In western society we seem to rather resort to is a disgusting betrayal from those who we, as children, have mind games to cripple one another as necessary to fi t into the little choice but to trust unconditionally. But I digress. mould. Let’s go through the basic inventory – it’s not the story Still, I would argue that most, if not all of the emotional of every GLBT person, but certainly the story of some. turmoil prior to this time in a child’s life can be overcome with The fi rst trauma is faced as we come of age, getting the the help of a supportive family. Even if we are made to feel feeling that there is something wrong with us as we begin to like deviants from outside sources, it is our family that holds realize that our orientations do not match what we have been the most power at the end of the day. That is not to say that prepared for. By that age, we have a superfi cial understand- the traditional family unit is infallible - one can just as easily ing of the societal view of homosexuality, if from nothing more have abusive, dysfunctional, or unfi t parents. But the main but the overwhelming lack of representation in the media obstacle to that potential love and acceptance from them is the targeted toward our age group. We witness asexual affections often the terrifying act of coming out. between cartoon characters like Mickey and Minnie Minnie Coming out can be the pivotal moment that makes or mouse, and even the Beauty (Belle) and the Beast – a charac- breaks GLBT youth. Even in a loving family, there is still the ter not even human but for his mind. If children are meant risk of being rejected by what should be our strongest support to learn life lessons from Belle, who looks past appearances to system. When this happens, it is perhaps the single most fi nd a person she loves underneath a deceiving exterior, then devastating disadvantage that a child can face. The unfortu- why can’t Gastón (assuming he wasn’t a superfi cial jerk to nate timing can rob us of our education – the knowledge and begin with) fall in love with the Beast instead? It is hypocrisy, skills we need to become successful adults and cope with the and it teaches future GLBT children to think of themselves as real world. Furthermore, we must go on to fi nd ways to sup- damaged, if not confusing them outright. port ourselves fi nancially without an education, and with an Not many kids have to carry a secret so shameful that they emotional instability that can ruin our chances of keeping a can’t talk about it with their parents and friends. Perhaps steady, honest job. they purposely killed an animal, tried to set fi re to their The sad irony is that many parents who loathe their child school, stole a chocolate bar from a convenience store, cheated

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 5 for being queer, do so for seeing the media glorify a fi lthy life- our tickets well in advance, with my dad out of town I got style of drugs, sex and prostitution among GLBT individuals. the wild idea to invite my mom along. I hadn’t visited her in If not the media, it is the religious right treat it as a “condi- a while, so this was an excellent opportunity to spend some tion” or a disease. And yet, these parents are the ones push- time, and invite her for a night out in our world. ing their child out the door toward such a lifestyle, while they stick by their children with mental retardation, autism, atten- Now, I’ve only brought my mom out to a gay bar once be- tion defi cit disorder, down’s syndrome, and any other number fore. Steve was a little worried about the culture shock, but of horrible real diseases and conditions. More hypocrisy, no I was prepared to explain things to her in a sensitive manner matter how you look at it. as they came up. The Eagle had decorated the walls which covered up some of the more risqué posters, and of course These GLBT children do grow up physically, and while they the pornos weren’t running, so luckily the only thing that did look like adults, many are still part-way stuck in the mentality come up were the “bear crossing” signs. That was an easy of a child; they may have grown enough mentally to survive one - I was even able to point out an example at the end of our and sustain themselves, but socially and sexually they are table. no further along. Like a bound foot on an adult female in 10th century China, the child is crippled into adulthood to fi t My mom had a wonderful time; the Eagle managed to ac- society’s idea of beauty. While the foot still covers the same commodate her food allergies, and she got a chance to meet amount of surface area as it did when fi rst bound, the growth and interact with a handful of friends in the community. She has pushed out in other directions, resulting in something dis- put her foot in her mouth a couple of times, as expected (I torted and dysfunctional. showed her up with my inappropriate comment about the pink butter), but everyone rolled with it and even poked a little fun With the freedom of adulthood, some choose to sort out at her that she could appreciate. She may be a little naive, the thoughts and feelings that they were made to suppress but you can’t fault her for not having a good sense of humour. previously. Perhaps this is the “choice” that critics like to All in all, it was a very positive experience. reduce homosexuality to being – like “choosing” to exhale after holding your breath for so long. This is when GLBT adults Valentines this year wasn’t the usual story for Steve and truly start to feel inept. They know their attraction but have I. In the past I’ve made a lot of the effort to ensure we do to struggle through awkwardness, just like the phase most something special for that day, but this year between the straight teenagers were able to get safely done and over with many things on my plate, I remained completely oblivious un- when they fi rst hit puberty. But with the full needs of an til the night before. When it came up in conversation, I tried adult, they often come across as too aggressive or creepy, to act like I wasn’t surprised, but I think Steve picked up on scaring others off or alarming the greater community with it. Though I didn’t get to bed until the wee hour of 5am that behaviour that is uncharacteristic of most other adults. Some night, Steve still waited till I was asleep to secretly fi x some learn fast, others never get the hint. Some try to pick up pancakes with strawberries for us to eat the next morning. where they left off with younger individuals, others look to When morning rolled around, I woke the tired guy up with a older individuals to provide the sense of security they need. fl urry of kisses. This is my offer of an explanation why we sometimes see As the day pressed on, we went out to run a couple of er- full-grown GLBT’s throw hissy fi ts and get into fi st fi ghts, too rands. Steve sent me off to check magazine quantities while easily grow swollen egos and narcissistic qualities, fi ght tooth he did a bank deposit, and we agreed to meet for lunch back and nail to be more popular than others, get jealous or misbe- at the Earls that we had gone to the fi rst day I met him. As I have when they’re not the centre of attention, become tyrants arrived at the restaurant, he pulled out a bouquet of fl owers that bully one another around on personal whims, and shun from under the table, that he had picked up in my planned one another based on unsubstantiated gossip – to name only a absence - very sneaky, but I was too fl attered to care. Looking few of the more shameful behaviours. around, there were a fair number of other tables with couples like us. We had a wonderful lunch, and I can’t talk about the Meanwhile, I feel that my generation was on a cusp, as now rest of the day (wink). things are fi nally starting to change. More and more GLBT youth groups are emerging so that we are no longer so isolated The Calgary Eagle celebrated their 6th Anniversary this past within the school system. Parents are now budding from a February 23rd, and boy did the Bird get packed! DJ WCDB generation that is more accepting and better equipped to raise was spinning for the last time here in Calgary before he leaves a GLBT child, should things happen to end up that way. Fur- us (and Edmonton) for so-called greener pastures...hmmf! thermore, programs like Camp fYrefl y and Act Out put youth Staff and owners from most other bars showed up to join the in a position of leadership that prepares them for hardships celebration, and even wish founder Ron Scheetz a belated they might face, giving them tools and resources that they can Happy Birthday. Johnathan made himself hoarse announcing use to help themselves and others. While I’m a little sad that the prize giveaways the good old-fashioned way. I myself won I just barely missed these new opportunities for youth (the a new cum towel (subtly marked CUM TOWEL in bold black maximum age for Camp fYrefl y is 24), I feel a duty to do what I letters), while others won grander prizes like cock ring collec- can from my position to make sure the ball keeps rolling. tions, assorted gift baskets, and even a “special” shower head. With any luck, more of the new generation will be free of the Meanwhile I wrestled with our older camera, which just that fears, steer clear of the obstacles, be prepared for the dangers, night decided to start its death throes. I managed to work and leave behind some of the destructive quirks of the older around it enough to get photos, but we’ll defi nitely need to generation. In the meantime, we are seeing a rare snapshot invest in a replacement quickly. in GLBT history where a proportion of adults behave like chil- This Month dren, and a proportion of children behave like adults. Once again, the gay rush starts. With the Easter Weekend Last Month being several weeks earlier than last year, Apollo Western Cup Earlier last month the Calgary Eagle held a special dinner is happening this month alongside of The Vagina Monologues, similar to Momma G’s Christmas Dinner that happened dur- Calgary Cares, and the debut GirlsGroove dance in Calgary. ing the holiday season last year. Though Steve and I bought Continued on Page 32 6 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 7 8 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Little Shop of Horrors “Feed Me” at Stage West

By Rob Diaz-Marino Review | Theatre Having its roots in a low-budget 1960’s sci-fi fi lm, Little Shop of Horrors was adapted as an Off- Broadway musical in 1982 and has been a cult classic ever since. Many people know this play from the 1986 movie starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene – it has captured the imaginations of adults and children alike. That is why it’s so exciting to have the production happening at Stage West in Calgary, running from February 14th to April 20th. The play is about a nerdy, down-and-out fl orist’s assistant named Seymour (played by Josh Epstein), who discovers a very unique plant that he can’t even identify. He fondly names it “Audrey 2” after his co-worker and crush Audrey (Kristin Galer), and it becomes his project to nur- ture it back to health. But try as he might, it keeps wilt- ing. By accident he discovers that the plant seems to perk up when he injures himself, and so begins feeding it drops Otherwise it is the classic collection of doo-wop songs of his own blood. As it grows bigger and stronger, Seymour that breathe further quirky character into this produc- is able to use its uniqueness to attract business to save tion, such as the opening anthem “Little Shop of Horrors”. the failing Mushnik’s Florists. But when the plant starts Other well known songs include “Skid Row (Downtown)” as talking, making foul-mouthed demands for more blood to the cast lament the rough conditions “down on skid row”; sustain it, Seymour begins to realize there is a price to pay Audrey’s impassioned plea to escape to “Somewhere That’s for his newfound fame and success. As a skid-row orphan Green”; Sadistic Orin’s shameless recollection of why he who has never gotten a break - not even with his crush always knew he would be a “Dentist!”; Audrey 2’s demand Audrey who is getting slapped around by her sadistic to “Feed Me (Git It)”; and “Suddenly, Seymour” sings about boyfriend - how far will Seymour go to keep climbing the the man’s surprising success. ladder? What happiness will he fi nd once he has sacrifi ced everything he has loves to the alien Audrey 2? Best get your fi ll of Stage West’s amazing buffet spread; you might be a little reluctant to tuck into any further Probably one of the most fascinating aspects of the show desert at intermission after seeing Audrey 2 eating its fi ll of is the plant itself. In infancy it is a cleverly disguised Orin on stage just prior. The menu includes the usual cold hand-puppet, but as it grows larger, there is much more and salad selections; I always tuck into the snow crab legs, work required to animate it. We were told that children but there are also mussels, sushi and much more. The who had attended the show prior to us believed the mas- main fare includes Stuffed Chicken Breast with Artichoke sive plant to be mechanical, and were shocked to fi nd out and Sundried Tomatoes, Tandori Rubbed Oreo Dory Fillet that Kelly Wong is inside of with Curry Tomato Sauce, Pork Roulade with Cinnamon it to make it move, in time Apple and Taro Root Calvados Cream Sauce among other to the off-stage voice acting warm dishes. by Hector Johnson. The duo put on a very convincing The dark humor in Little Shop of Horrors will make your show – I dare say they feed laughter a guilt-free pleasure as you witness the beginning off the crowd! of the end of the human race. Plant yourself into a seat at Stage West this month or next, for an evening of food and entertainment that will really grow on you. Stage West Calgary presents Little Shop of Horrors February 14th – April 20th, 2008 Tickets: (403) 243-6642 www.stagewestcalgary.com

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 9 Newslets

By GayCalgary Staff Community | News Pride Center of Edmonton holds Fundraiser Dance On March 15th, the Pride Center of Edmonton is holding a closely with her, as a volunteer in ongoing OutLink projects. special Roman-themed dance at the Alberta Avenue Hall (9210 118 Avenue) in Edmonton, as a fundraiser for the organiza- “The staff positions that we have at OutLink are being re- tion. Doors open at 8pm for cocktails and snacks, and the worked by the Board to face a growing need for support to the dance itself starts at 9pm. See their ad on page 35 for more various groups we offer and a need for volunteer outreach and information. organization,” says Luhtanen. Tawde Insists Absence from Pride AGM The Board welcomes James Tweedie as their new Executive GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine’s February follow up Director, who will be leading these new initiatives for funding article, “Pride Back on Track” stated that Todd Clarke (aka. and organization. In addition to James’ position, OutLink is Tawde) had shown up for the second Pride Calgary AGM and seeking a part-time program manager. was turned away with two other individuals responsible for “This year promises to be one of growth and change. Join causing a commotion that disrupted the December AGM. us in working together to make OutLink what the community Clarke has since objected, claiming work responsibilities kept envisions as a supportive and caring community centre.” him away that night. The Pride board confi rms that Clarke did not attempt to enter the January AGM, confl icting with the Reverend to Receive Order of Canada eye witness account that GayCalgary received that night. This month Canada became the fi rst country in the world to bestow its highest civilian honour on a gay activist. Clarke also claimed GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine wrongly referred to him as Volunteer Coordinator, however The Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, gay activist and senior pastor of at the time of press, Clark was still offi cially listed as “Me- the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, was invested dia, Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator” on the Pride Calgary as a member of the Order of Canada this past February 22nd. website. John Skorka, acting Male Co-Chair of Pride Calgary believes Clarke delegated the responsibility to another direc- The Order of Canada is Canada’s highest civilian honour. tor, but is uncertain whether this was offi cially documented to Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes a lifetime warrant a website update. of outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation. Over the last 40 years, more than 5,000 Broadway Across Canada announces 2008/2009 Season! people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Broadway Across Canada recently announced its spectacu- Order. lar lineup of shows in Calgary and Edmonton for 2008 and early 2009! From August to February, Broadway fans will get “To my knowledge, Rev. Dr. Hawkes, is the only person to to see long time favorites and brand new smash hits all come receive their country’s highest honour in recognition of their to Alberta! gay activism,” said Douglas Elliott, founding president of the International Lesbian and Gay Law Association. The season kicks off with the hysterical smash hit Monty Python’s Spamalot, running July 29th to August 3rd in Ed- Rev. Dr. Hawkes has been a champion of human rights monton and August 5 – 10 in Calgary. Spamalot is followed up and social justice for decades, and is a leading advocate by the return of Andrew Lloyd Webbers CATS. Last performed in the struggle for equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual and in 2006, it just had to come back less than three years later. transgendered persons. A man of fearless conviction, he pre- CATS runs from September 23 – 28th in Calgary and Sep- sided over Canada’s fi rst legal wedding of a same sex couple tember 30th to October 5th in Edmonton. Hot off the hit fi lm – also the fi rst in the world - and has continued to call for version, Hairspray hits Edmonton November 11th – 16th and tolerance, understanding and respect for all Canadians. Rev. Calgary November 25th – 30th. International percussion phe- Dr. Hawkes has previously been honoured with the City of nomenon STOMP returns January 13th – 18th in Calgary and Toronto’s Award of Merit, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, continues on in Edmonton from the 20th to the 25th. The sea- the United Nations Toronto Association Global Citizen Award son wraps up with everyone’s favorite singing redhead (besides and the YMCA Peace Medal. Bette Midler, of course), little orphan Annie from February 17th – 22nd in Calgary and March 10th – 15th in Edmonton. Full show information and subscription information can be found at www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca! Calgary Outlink Hires New Executive Director Melissa Luhtanen, President of Calgary Outlink, was happy to announce that the organization would be returning to regular offi ce hours as of February 11, 2008. She bid a fond farewell to Tamrin Hildebrant who decided to move on to other new and exciting challenges, but looks forward to working

10 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Priape Model Search Priape Wear seeks Vanilla to Fetish

By Rob Diaz-Marino Community Event Do you have what it takes to be a Priape model? This April you will once again have the chance to held at the Calgary Eagle, while the Mr. Priape Wear Calgary strut your stuff in front of a panel of judges, win priz- competition will be at the es and more, at this 2nd annual Priape Model Search. Twisted Element. Regarding the But things are a little different from last year, namely that obvious concern, unfortunately there’s not just one but two different Calgary competitions being Priape is unable to waive the held. Up for grabs are the titles of “Mr. Priape Wear Calgary” non-admittance of unfavour- and “Mr. Rubber Calgary”, both of whom have a chance to com- ables to the latter establishment. pete in National fi nals to win the aforementioned title for all of “It depends on the particular Canada! venue that we are [using to] host the event. …We need to respect “The fetish competition - Mr. Rubber Calgary - this is the fi rst the rules and conditions of that year of the competition. This is going to be run across the coun- particular venue,” says Ain. try as well, and it’s teamed up with events such as Rub Out in Vancouver. This is not the fi rst year of the fetish event, but this Although all twelve contes- is the fi rst year of our participation with it,” said event coordina- tants from each event will be tor Mike Ain when GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine caught given prize packages, the Cal- up with him to learn more about this fast approaching event. gary winners will receive $400 worth of Priape Wear clothing. “[This is so that] Priape, which is diverse itself in its product For the winners, transporta- range and the community that participates in shopping with us, tion to the fi nals will be covered, Calgary’s First Place winner from 2007 can represent all aspects of our product line.” including food, drink, and accommodations. The Calgary winners will become Mr. Priape Wear We asked Ain what qualities Priape is looking for in a model. Calgary and Mr. Rubber Calgary, whether they go on to win the “For Mr. Priape Wear, we are looking for people who have the fi nals or not. Additionally, one or both of the Calgary winners height and size and shape to wear the clothes comfortably, but will appear exclusively on the cover of GayCalgary and Edmon- there’s not a limitation on that. We’re looking for confi dence, ton Magazine for the month of June. and somebody who is able to present themselves best on stage. For [Mr. Rubber Calgary], again we’re looking for somebody who The fi nals in Montreal are scheduled to be held the weekend has the personality to answer the Q&A, and as well be able to of June 20th to the 22nd. It will be three days of events consist- represent the product line that they’re pushing forward, whether ing of fashion shows, Q&A periods, and individual competitions it be leather, or rubber – in this case it’s rubber.” which usually change from year to year. “In Australia we did a push-up competition on the spot,” Ain muses, but didn’t say Last year’s Mr. Priape Calgary winner, Matt Tomczynk, is a what competitors would face here. resident of Edmonton, and indeed Ain encourages not only local Calgarians but anyone in Alberta to come and participate. In The winner of the fi nals will receive $1000 worth of Priape fact, similar local competitions are being held in other cities Wear Clothing. He will then become the offi cial spokesperson across Canada and the world. and cover model for the Priape Wear fashion line internationally, which now sells to 27 countries around the world. That person “Last year there were 10 contestants from 7 cities: 2 cities in will win a photo shoot with Canadian photographer Robert the US, 5 cities in Canada. [This year] there will be 6 cities in Laliberté and he will also be used in their future advertising, Canada, 2 in the US, and 3 from overseas: Australia, Berlin, and catalogs, website, and promotional events. A fair bit of travel is Singapore. …We’ve had contestants from previous years who, also on the horizon for the national winner. “Last year’s winner much like in TV or reality shows like American Idol, have gone did events with us in Vegas, New Jersey, Vancouver, Toronto, from city to city to try to compete, and that has gone success- and Montreal.” fully in the past. We invite anyone from any city to compete. We’ve just chosen these venues at particular cities to have point- So if you have the drive, confi dence, and commitment to rep- locations across the country.” resent the Priape Wear fashion line, then sign up today for the Mr. Priape Wear or Mr. Rubber competition – or both! Mr. Priape Wear contestants are expected to display their talents by modeling a variety of clothing, including swimwear Mr. Priape Wear Calgary Competition and underwear. In contrast, Mr. Rubber contestants have Friday April 4th, 2008 @ Twisted Element formal wear, minimal wear, and presentation rounds. Both are presented as a fashion show with question and answer rounds, Mr. Rubber Calgary Competition and a panel of judges who rate each contestant and determine Saturday April 5th, 2008 @ Calgary Eagle the winner by consensus. Sign up online: Both events are being held the same weekend at two separate http://www.priape.com/modelsearch2008 venues. Naturally the Mr. Rubber Calgary competition will be

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 11 Shelter A Special Screening Courtesy of Fairytales

By Jason Clevett Preview | Theatre Can’t wait until May to get your gay fl ick fi x? On Friday, March 21st, Fairytales Film Festival will be Markowitz. “It makes me giving you a shot of gay cinema with the critically realize that no matter how different we may seem, acclaimed fi lm Shelter. we are all essentially the Shelter, the gritty, romantic debut from talented writer/ same. Although situations director Jonah Markowitz, marks the fi rst project to be may differ, most of our produced under here! Networks’ Independent Film Initia- desires are quite uni- tive. With this initiative, the network commits itself to versal. We do things for providing quality, original independent projects by and for many of the same reasons, the LGBT community. often with similar results. I wanted Shelter to be a Forced to give up his dreams of art school in order to story that anyone could take care of his family, Zach (Trevor Wright) has become relate to – a story about accustomed to a life where he neglects his own needs in tuning into one’s sincere favor of taking care of others. He spends his time working desires, fi nding love, and a dead-end job at a diner, and skates the urban streets creating family.” of San Pedro stenciling his signature “crane” wherever he can fi nd vacant wall space. At home he takes care of his “To keep this story ac- nephew, Cody (Jackson Wurth), as his older sister, Jeanne cessible, I wanted to make (Tina Holmes), has clearly shown that her priorities lie sure that the characters elsewhere. Perhaps conveniently, with all his responsibili- were struggling with more ties, he barely has time to see his long term on-again, off- than just their sexuality. I wanted Shelter to be about again girlfriend, Tori (Katie Walder). identity and family. We live in a time when many of us leave our families, move far away, and create new ones. When his best friend’s older brother, Shaun (Brad Rowe, These created families are just as important in forming our recognizable as Gabriel in Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss), identities as the ones we are born with. I wanted to show returns home to cure a case of writer’s block, Shaun and that if you can create love, you can create family, and be- Zach begin hanging out. Zach sees in Shaun someone come comfortable with who you are.” who has truly claimed his life and embraced his talent. Zach is both intimidated and surprisingly attracted to him. “Shelter is a story about people – not gay people - just The two quickly transition from casual surf buddies into people. It’s not a gay story, but a story about an ideal a true, intimate relationship. Shaun presses Zach to take relationship born from a less than ideal situation. During control of his life, and to take ownership of his artwork. casting, it was important to me that the cast valued this He also develops a strong bond with Cody, and Zach hap- as much as I did. Both of the leads are straight. Instead pily notices the positive effect Shaun’s attention has on of trying to sum up the experience of being gay, we simply him. As time progresses, however, a host of new issues focused on intimacy. We talked about what it felt like to come up. Zach struggles with his identity, his family, stay in bed with someone all day – how rare and desir- and friends, while trying to understand the new emotions able it is, how fl eeting it can be, and how much it can hurt Shaun has brought him. When the cat is let out of the bag, when it’s gone. I really respect that both Trevor and Brad Jeanne threatens to take Cody away. Wanting nothing were able to see that it didn’t need to be any more compli- but the best for him, Zach is forced to decide between his cated than this. This allowed them to approach the deci- pattern of putting others’ desires fi rst, or fi ghting for what sions their characters made from a genuine and personal is really most important and appropriate for both his and place.” Cody’s future. Shelter With beautiful guys, and fantastic scenery, Shelter is Friday March 21st, 7pm and 9pm a treat for the eyes and mind. It has already won a slew Suggested donation $10 of awards including HBO Outstanding First Dramatic Emmedia Feature at Outfest, and best fi lm and actor awards at gay 203 - 351 11th Avenue SW fi lm festivals in Dallas, Tampa, Long Island, Seattle, and www.heretv.com/sheltermovie Vancouver. “Seeing the world through someone else’s eyes is what has always drawn me to cinema,” says director Jonah

12 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 13 Out of Town Hong Kong

by Andrew Collins Travel Comprising an archipelago of mountainous islands and a similarly precipitous peninsula extend- sleek upscale shopping centers and quirky, discount and specialty markets. It’s quite fascinating to stroll through the ing from the China mainland, Hong Kong is one of Flower Market in Kowloon, or to explore the clothing stalls of the world’s most spectacularly beautiful cities. It’s Stanley Market on the south side of Hong Kong Island. also one of the Pacifi c Rim’s hottest destinations for gays and lesbians, fans of fashion and gourmet din- In terms of sightseeing, there’s quite a lot to see and do, and Hong Kong is an easy place to navigate (by cheap ing, freewheeling investors and entrepreneurs, and and effi cient subway lines, ferry boats, taxis, and buses). devotees of luxury hotels. Nearly all of the world’s Hong Kong Island is laced with sculpted bays and beautiful leading hotel chains have outposts in this famous beaches, some of them with gay followings - notably Gold trading port at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta. Coast Beach, off Castle Peak Road, and Middle Bay, off South Bay Road. No visit here is complete without taking the tram From 1842 through 1997, Hong Kong was a British colony. to Victoria Peak, which rises nearly 2,000 feet above the city In the decade since the United Kingdom handed this pros- center and on clear days affords panoramic views of the ter- perous territory back to China, Hong Kong has continued to ritory and surrounding waters. Also set aside time to visit the enjoy great popularity as a center of business and trade as massive Tian Tan Buddha statue, the Hong Kong Heritage well as retaining its status as a major tourist destination. Museum, and - if you’re a fan of amusement parks - Hong Now one of two “special administrative regions” of China Kong’s own giddy outpost of Disneyland. (the other being the nearby island of Macau, which until Just keep in mind Hong Kong’s sometimes sultry, semi- 1999 had been a colony of Portugal), Hong Kong nevertheless tropical climate when planning a visit. The territory can be maintains its own distinct identity. This territory of about 7 wet and even stormy. Fall through winter is the best time to million people has its own currency ($1 U.S. equals about visit, as temperatures run from the 60s to the 70s, and the 7.80 Hong Kong dollars as of this writing), law enforcement, air is drier and fresher. From about May through early Sep- legal system, and customs and immigration policies. Automo- tember, however, the region becomes inundated by excruci- bile traffi c follows British road rules, and even though Hong atingly humid and wet weather, with highs near 90 degrees Kong is technically part of China, North American and Brit- and day after day of heavy rainfall. ish citizens do not require visas for entry, as they do when they cross the border into China. Hong Kong dangles off the tip of southeastern China like a barnacle. Most of the territory is made up of the Kowloon Although the overwhelming majority of Hong Kong resi- Peninsula and two major islands just to the south, Hong dents are of Chinese descent, visitors to Hong Kong will en- Kong Island and Lantau Island (home to the major inter- counter a large population of Westerners - not just Brits but national airport). Visitors focus most of their time in Hong also other Europeans, as well as Americans and Australians. Kong’s city proper, which consists of the northern tip of Hong In the major commercial and tourism-driven neighborhoods, Kong Island and the southern tip of Kowloon. Neighborhoods most signs and menus are written in English and Cantonese of signifi cance to gay visitors include the fast-paced, if some- (the territory’s offi cial language), and most residents and em- what tawdry, neon-lit streets of Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, ployees speak at least some English. In fact, there are parts where you’ll fi nd a number of gay saunas and karaoke bars; of Hong Kong that appear so heavily infl uenced by the West and the neighboring Lan Kwai Fong and Soho sections of that, for better or for worse, you may feel as though you’re Hong Kong Island’s city center (an area commonly referred to not in Asia at all. as “Central” by locals). In comparison with other Asian cities, Hong Kong has a The Central district is the part of Hong Kong that’s depict- fairly visible and well-organized gay community, with an ed most often on postcards - its gleaming skyscrapers fringe LGBT social and cultural scene that has grown steadily the harbor front and are set against the backdrop of lush in recent years. This is in part because the city is such an Victoria Peak. It’s here that you’ll fi nd most of the city’s top international business and leisure hub, but also because at- hotels and restaurants. Lan Kwai Fong and Soho are on the titudes toward gays and lesbians are steadily becoming more western side of Central and can be easily reached from most favorable throughout the Pacifi c Rim. Still, the traditional hotels on foot or by quick and inexpensive cab rides. This hip attitudes of China and even old-school Britain largely prevail. and trendy area abounds with gay and gay-friendly bars, dis- In this sense, gays and lesbians in Hong Kong tend to be cos, tapas restaurants, late-night cafes, fashion boutiques, more discreet and, in many cases, closeted, than in most and the like. It’s a hilly area laced with narrow streets, but major Western cities. it’s perfectly safe for exploring even if you’re unsure exactly For visitors, shopping and dining rank among the favorite where to go (if in doubt, take a cab to the intersection of Hol- local pastimes. Hong Kong isn’t quite the bargain retail desti- lywood Road and Wyndham Street, the heart of Soho). nation it was years ago, but the territory is still rife with both

14 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 skyscrapers are perfectly wonderful. Restaurants such as Pierre (helmed by 3-star Michelin chef Pierre Gagnaire) and the Mandarin Grill attract foodies, while scenesters couldn’t possibly visit Hong Kong without stopping for a martini at the swank M Bar, a 25th-fl oor lounge with incomparable skyline vistas. The nearby Ritz-Carlton is a clubby, low-keyed, and intimate property with just 216 rooms and a cloistered, serene pool and sundeck with great views of downtown skyscrapers. Enjoy the lavish high tea presented daily in the swank cafe just off the lobby, or plan a dinner here at Toscana, which serves superb contemporary Italian food. On the east edge of Central Hong Kong, in the Wan Chai district, the Grand Hyatt is distinct for its magnifi cent setting on the edge of the harbor. There are few tall buildings around it, which means that rooms enjoy knockout views of the water and Kowloon as well as the city center. This is a star in the gay-popular Hyatt brand, with some of the most lavishly decorated rooms imaginable. Don’t miss the 11th-fl oor outdoor pool, which is the city’s largest - it adjoins the beautiful Plateau Spa, which is an exceptional choice if you’re seeking a spa treatment while in town. On the Kowloon side, top upscale hotels include The Peninsula, a grand dame dating from the 1930s, and the Island Shangra-La, a regal, centrally located beauty with fi ne views of the harbor and several excellent restaurants. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to fi nd truly memora- ble accommodations for under $200 a night here, and Hong Kong is without any gay-oriented guest houses or B&Bs. In Kowloon, the Eaton Hotel is a perfectly respectable option - it’s affordable and centrally located, right by the Temple Street Night Market and close to gay nightlife. On Hong Kong Central Hong Kong’s modern skyscrapers soar above one of the world’s busiest harbors. Island, a decent mid-priced option is the Metropark, a pleas- ant hotel near Victoria Park, a 10-minute cab ride from Soho. (Photo by Andrew Collins) One mid-priced option close to Central’s gay nightlife The neighborhood’s top gay club is Propaganda, which is action does truly stand out, however. The fashionable Ice hidden down an alley just off a stairwell below Hollywood House apartment-hotel - whose rooms have kitchens, free Road. This is a hot spot for tourists and moneyed locals who high-speed Internet, and sizable sitting areas - is a wonder- don’t mind the exorbitant cover charge and steep drink pric- ful little fi nd. There are just 30 units, which are available on es. Also popular for late-night clubbing is Drop, which pulls a nightly, weekly, or monthly basis. This is the perfect choice in a mostly under-30 crowd. Opened in early 2007, the gay if you’re planning an extended stay, which can make good video lounge Volume is a must on the gay nightlife circuit. sense given all there is to see and do in this dynamic, emerg- It’s a sleek, modern space with colorful and cushy lounge ing gay hub of East Asia. seating, and DJs spin some of the best music in the city. An- other good bet is Works, whose black walls and dim lighting Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor’s Gay feel a bit dated. Nevertheless, this is actually a quite trendy Guide to the USA and eight additional travel guy’s hangout. Other worthwhile gay establishments include guides. 2M Bar, an intimate gay and lesbian cocktail bar just down the hill from Hollywood Road, and New Wally Matt Lounge, a The Little Black Book long-running pub in Kowloon just a block off Nathan Road. Club 97 (2810-9333). Drop (2543-8856, Club 97 is a snazzy mixed gay/straight spot with more of a www.drophk.com). Eaton Hotel (2782- “family” following early in the evening, especially on Fridays, 5563, www.eaton-hotel.com). Finds (2522- for happy hour. Straight and gay hipsters also mingle at 9318, www.fi nds.com.hk). Grand Hyatt Solas, a sleek lounge, and at Finds, an ultra-trendy spot in (2588-1234, www.hongkong.hyatt.com). SoHo with outstanding Asian-cum-Scandinavian food and a Hong Kong Tourism (www.discoverhongkong.com). Ice House smartly dressed crowd. (2836-7333, www.icehouse.com.hk). Island Shangra-La (2877- 3838, www.shangri-la.com). Mandarin Oriental (2522-0111, Hotels in Hong Kong can be expensive, as many of the www.mandarinoriental.com). Metropark Hotel (2600-1000, high-end properties cater largely to free-spending busi- www.metroparkhotel.com). New Wally Matt Lounge (2721- ness travelers, but if you’re willing to spend a few hundred 2568, www.wallymatt.com). The Peninsula (2920-2888, www. dollars per night, you’ll fi nd some astoundingly fabulous peninsula.com). Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong (2877-6666, www. properties. Leading the pack is the magnifi cent Mandarin ritzcarlton.com). Solas (3162-3710). Volume (2857-7683, Oriental, whose plush rooms and suites are outfi tted with www.volume.com.hk). 2M Bar (2869-9990). The Works (2868- every imaginable creature comfort. Try to book an upper fl oor 6102). with a harbor view, although those facing the city’s colorful

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 15 Events Listing Find out what’s happening

Money-Pennies 9 Chronos Apollo Calgary Listings See our ad on page 20, 28, 41 and 46 Businesses #520 922 5th Avenue SW • (403) 237-2353 A Little More Interesting 51 1742 - 10 Ave SW • (403) 263-7411 Physician directed skin care and more See our ad on page 29 http://www.money-pennies.com 1501B, 17th Avenue SW •(403) 475-7775 Cruiseline Accommodations Texas Lounge 6 http://wwww.alittlemoreinteresting.com See our ad on page 64 Westways Guest House 13 See our ad on pages 52 (403) 777-9494 trial code 3500 216 - 25 Ave SW • (403) 229-1758 308 - 17 Ave SW • (403) 229-0911 Adult Depot http://www.cruiseline.ca http://www.gaywestways.com Open 7 days a week, 11am-close 140, 58th Ave SW •(403) 258-2777 Phone chat room & talking classifieds for 18+ http://www.goliaths.ca Sex toys, and Straight, Bi, Gay video rentals, largest Deva Dave Salon 32 Bars and Clubs Gay video rental collection in Alberta 910 12th Avenue SW • (403) 290-1973 BackLot 3 Twisted Element 33 B & C Financial Services http://www.devadave.com See our ad on page 36 1006 11th Ave SW • (403) 802-0230 9298 Horton Road SW • (403) 250-55785 209 - 10 Ave SW • (403) 265-5211 http://www.twistedelement.ca eXude Productions Open 7 days a week, 4pm-close Insurance See our ad on page 51 http://www.exudeproductions.com Calgary Eagle Inc. 4 Inside See our ad on page 7 and 27 Bathhouse and Sauna’s Courtney Sebree Aarbo 24 Corner of Blackfoot Trail & 34th Avenue SE• (403) 424a - 8 Ave SE • (403) 263-5847 Goliath’s 6 1138 Kensington Road NW • (403) 571-5120 241-8550 Open Wed-Sun 5pm-close See our ad on pages 62 http://www.csalaw.ca http://www.calgaryeagle.com 308 - 17 Ave SW • (403) 229-0911 See our ad on page 30 La Fleur 41 Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Barristers & solicitors See our ad on page 52 http://www.goliaths.ca #103 - 100 7th Avenue SW (403) 266-1707 Florist Shop

16 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Lammle’s Western Wear Priape Calgary 16 a positive social framework. Chinook Centre •(403) 255-5292 See our ad on page 16 and 62 Community Groups and Join us Easter Weekend, Thursday evening, March Crowfoot Crossing •(403) 547-9808 1322 - 17 Ave SW • (403) 215-1800 Organizations 20 to Saturday, March 22, 2008 Deerfoot Mall •(403) 275-6877 http://www.priape.com Market Mall •(403) 247-9224 Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, Aids Calgary 2 Absolutely Smashing! Badminton - Location: Marlborough •(403) 273-2233 movies and magazines. Gifts. 110, 1603 10th Avenue SW • (403) 508-2500 Western Canada High School (641 17th Ave. SW). Stephen Avenue Walk •(403) 266-5226 Schedule: Wednesdays Feb. 13, 20, 27, 7:00 - Rev. Nadene Rogers http://www.aidscalgary.org Westhills Town Centre •(403) 249-2822 9:00 pm, Fridays Feb. 29, Mar. 7, 14, 7:00 - 9:00 (403) 247-0602 See our ad on page 63 pm. Drop-in Fee: $6 for each 1.5 hour session for Lorne Doucette /CIR Realtors http://www.weddingsmyway.com Apollo members or $9 for non-members (Apollo See our ad on page 50 Marriage Commissioner Saturday, March 29, 2008 - Calgary Cares memberships are $15). (403) 461-9195 Rick Grenier, Invis Mortgage Solutions 2008: Sweet 70s at the EPCOR CENTRE, Calgary http://www.lornedoucette.com Curling - The 17th season of Apollo Curling will (403) 862-1162 – The much anticipated event returns o the Jack begin in October 2007, with the same general Marcy Calberry /CIR Realtors [email protected] Singer. Calgary Cares offers a heart pounding format as last year. Games are at the North Hill (403) 291-4440 or (866) 859-4440 Marriage Commissioner evening packed with music, theatre, dance, and interpretation, in support of AIDS Calgary’s Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street N.W.) with two draws Marnie Campbell /Maxwell Realtors See our ad on page 49 HIV/AIDS awareness, education, prevention and on Saturdays: 2:20 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and at (403) 479-8619 support programs. Visit www.calgarycares.ca for the Inglewood Golf and Curling Club, Saturdays at Reymark 12:30 p.m. See our ad on page 8 more information. Online ticket sales available in Able Craftsman, Your home renovation specialist http://www.marniecambell.ca November. Apollo Squash - Location: University of Calgary. (403) 478-2411 • [email protected] Apollo Calgary Friends in Sports Day: Wednesdays. Time: 6:45 - 8:15 p.m. Dates: MFM Communications R. Cobalt 45 http://www.apollocalgary.com Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 5, 12, (403) 543-6970 See our ad on page 8 19. Cost: $120.00 for the season OR $15.00 drop http://www.mfmcommunications.com See our ad on page 2 735 12th Avenue SW • (403) 228-7822 in fee Apollo membership required ($15.00 per Web site hosting and development. Computer Hair & Aesthetics year) There will only be one or two spaces available Hardware and Software. Apollo Friends In Sports is a volunteer-operated, for Drop in players. We chose this procedure as Sol Sourced Weddings non-profit organization serving primarily members More Better Buses players last year said they would play and then not See our ad on page 49 of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered (403) 651-1692 show up. This makes it very difficult to project the (403) 270-9480 communities but open to members of all Providing unique, comfortable & affordable incoming funds to cover cost of courts. Someone http://www.solsourcedweddings.com communities. We currently have more than 400 transportation. Charter us for: High School needs to cover cost of courts if we book knowing Wedding Commissioner members and are growing fast! The primary focus Graduations, Senior Groups, Pub Crawls and they said yes but then they don’t show up. of Apollo is to provide our membership with well Sporting Events organized and fun sporting events and other Apollo Volleyball - Sunday Intermediate/ activities to allow them to participate and interact in Competitive at the YWCA, 320 – 5th Avenue SE,

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 17 from 4:30pm – 7:00pm. Friday Recreational Calgary Gay Fathers - Heading Out Fake Mustache at Langevin School, 107 – 6th Street NE, from [email protected] Peer group for men who are looking for an Calgary’s ONLY Drag King Show 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Email [email protected] http://www.geocities.com/calgaryfathers alternative social activity to the bar. Activities vary Soda Lounge: 211 - 12th Ave S.W. to confirmation dates. and are fun and entertaining. The group meets (403) 923-3953 Peer support group for gay, bisexual and the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month from 7 pm http://www.miscyouth.com Rainbow Riders Bowling League - Let’s 10 Pin questioning fathers. Meeting twice a month to 9 pm. [email protected] Bowlerama, 2916 5 Avenue NE, Wednesday’s at Calgary Humane Society A benefit show for the Miscellaneous Youth Network, 6:30pm. Season is from September to April. League - Illusions Calgary (403) 250-4455 Fake Mustache is guaranteed to please! Come see fees are $15.00 per Night. Shoe rental is $2.00 Social group for Calgary and area transgender http://www.calgaryhumane.ca our boys strut their stuff at Soda, the first Thursday community members (cross dressers, transvestites, Outdoor Pursuits - In attempting to meet our of every month. $5 cover. $2 cover under 18. Animal Adoptions and for Prevention of Cruelty to drag kings and queens). Illusions provides a safe, members requests for diverse sporting activities we Advance tickets available at Barbies Shop. Animals discrete and welcoming atmosphere, in which have formed the Apollo Outdoor Pursuits League! transgendered people can meet others of like mind. All Ages show starts at 7:30. 18+ show starts If it’s done outdoors we do it! (and occasionally Calgary Men’s Chorus Illusions offers discretion, acceptance, compassion at 10:15. we venture indoors too). This summer we will be http://www.calgarymenschorus.org and a safe place to express your gender. Cross- hiking, biking, rock climbing, rafting and a whole Gay Prairie Alumni Rehearsals are held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. dressing is the purpose of the group, but is not bunch more. If you’re interested in any of these http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayprairiealumni/ at the Old Y Centre for Community Organizations, mandatory. or something else completely, get in touch with located at 223 12 Avenue SW. This group is for all gay/lesbian/transgendered us. Tired of playing alone outdoors? Well this is - Inside Out alumni of Prairie Bible Institute and/or Prairie a GREAT opportunity to participate in events you Calgary Sexual Health Centre Peer-facilitated youth group for GLBTQ ages 15-25. High School in Three Hills, Alberta. It’s purpose enjoy doing with other interested members of the 304, 301 14th Street NW The group aims to let youth know they are not is twofold: First, social -- to renew old friendships community. To be added to the distribution list for (403) 283-5580 alone, and to connect them with their peers. Every and make new ones. Second -- to talk about regular updates please email outdoorpursuits@ http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca Monday, 7 pm to 9pm at GLCSA. It is a funky and our common experiences as gay people at a apollocalgary.com. Calgary Sexual Health Centre is a pro-choice safe environment with a variety of resources and fundamentalist school. Any other questions, please organization that believes all people have the right activities. feel free to ask. Golf - Contact [email protected], Or by and ability to make their own choices regarding phone 276-8094 their sexual and reproductive health. Calgary - New Directions Gay Readers Book Club Drop in peer-support group to provide support and Interested in poetry, prose & literature? Want to Lawn Bowling - For more information, please Sexual Health Centre started as a volunteer based, resources for individuals who identify as transsexual meet like-minded gay men? Then come to our contact Chris or Phil at lawnbowling@ grassroots organization and has been providing or inter-sexed. The group meets every 3rd Friday of meeting at Good Earth Cafe, 1502 - 11th Street SW apollocalgary.com. comprehensive sexuality education and counselling programs to the Calgary community since 1972. the month from 7 pm to 9 pm at GLCSA. at 7:30pm the last Tuesday of each month. Slow Pitch - Friday Nights - Slo Pitch League, Co-Ed If you are transsexual, or know of someone who Girl Friends * Rec * Drop-In, Every Friday at 7:00pm - starts Calgary Outlink Formerly know as GLCSA is, please contact our office for information and http://members.shaw.ca/girlfriends May 11, 2007 (tentative – based on weather), - Gay And Lesbian Community Services assistance. You are not alone! There is support! West Hillhurst Community Centre, 18 Street & 5 Association 1 GLASS, Gay & Lesbian Association of Students Avenue NW (East Field) #4, 1230A 17th Avenue SW - SHEQ Soulful Healing Ego Quest and Staff (403) 234-8973 A workshop for women that want to be themselves 279R Student Union Club Spaces Yoga - Have you always wondered about yoga? http://www.glcsa.org in a supportive, safe environment. It is a chance University of Calgary What really is down-dog? Do you think touching to grow and share their experiences related to http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass your feet with your legs straight is just humanly See our ad on page 7 women’s sexuality. Runs for a ten week period on (403) 220-6394 impossible? For the second year, Ki Essentials is Thursdays at 7pm. Call Trudy or Krista at 585- offering an exclusive yoga class to Apollo members Peer Support and Crisis Line - Front-line help service HIV Peer Support Group 7437. To participate, please call the exclusive and friends. This class comprises of 12 weekly for GLBT individuals and their family and friends, or (403) 230-5832 SHEQ line at 585-7437 (you may leave a voice 90- minute sessions that focus on basic poses and anyone questioning their sexuality. [email protected] message for Trudy or Krista) or leave your name proper alignment, and are conducted in a fun and Library - A great selection of resource books, fiction, and a contact time/number with the Gay & Lesbian ISCCA – Imperial Sovereign Court of the supportive environment. This is a multi-level yet non-fiction, videos and everything in between, all Community Services Association at 234-8973. Chinook Arch beginner friendly class. No previous experience is with a queer perspective. http://www.iscca.ca required. - Womynspace Drop-In Center - A safe and supportive environment Peer social/support group for women providing an See our ad on page 13 ARGRA – Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo for one-to-one peer counseling for many issues evening of fun, bonding, discussion and activities. Association Every Friday Shooters with the ISCCA @ the surrounding family, coming out, homosexuality, Meets every first and third Friday 7pm to 9pm at Hotline: (403) 541-8140 Backlot 7pm - Midnight loneliness and other issues. GLCSA. http://www.argra.org Every Saturday Shooters with the ISCCA @ the - Between Men and Between Men Online Deer Park United Church and Wholeness Saturday March 15, 2008 - March Dance Bunker/Texas Lounge 7pm - Midnight Peer support, sexual health education for gay Centre Saturday April 26th, 2008 - April Dance or bisexual men, as well as those who may be 77 Deerpoint Road SE - (403) 278-8263 Every Wednesday Karaoke with the ISCCA @ the See our ad on page 7 and 57 uncertain or questioning their sexuality. Discussions http://www.dpuc.ca Twisted Element 7pm - Midnight, Feb 29th Drag range from personal relationship or life issues, to Artists for the Quality of Life Worship Time - 10:00am Sundays Show. (403) 890-1261 sexual health and well-being. Saturday March 8th and 22nd Shooters with the http://www.afqol.com Meetings at GLCSA Tuesdays 7:00pm to 9:00pm Different Strokes ISCCA @ Calgary Eagle 9pm - Midnight, March http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org 23rd Drag show. Calgary Frontrunners Running Club - Calgary Networking Club Swim Club. All monies raised go to Charity: Agape Manor, When: 9 am on Saturdays, Calgary Networking Club (CNC) is back.... after a Check website for current schedule Beswick House, HIV Peer Support, Artists for Quality Where: Update! Coffee Junkies -795 1 Avenue SW 5 year hiatus, CNC is meeting again in Calgary on Don’t Buy In Project of Life, Children’s Wish Foundation (no longer meeting at Eau Claire Y) the first Thursday of every month. The networking http://www.dontbuyin.ca What: Walkers and Runners between 5 km – 15 meetings are open to all individuals who would Knox United Church This Calgary Police Service Initiative aims to km from sub 5 min/km pace to 10 min/km pace. like to promote their businesses or who would like 506 - 4th Street S.W. • (403) 269-8382 encourage youth to working towards an inclusive Who: All are welcome - Typically about 15-20 men to meet new people - no business affiliation is http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca/ environment in which diversity is embraced in their and women depending on the weather conditions necessary. schools and community. Contact: E-mail [email protected] or Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church call Tim at (403) 660-6125 18 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 located in downtown Calgary. A variety of facility Pride Dance Event - Saturday June 14, 2008 - 12 Ave.S.W.Doors open at 4:00pm Rainbow Community Church rentals are also available for meetings, events and Location TBA Mar. 05 - Free Pool at the Eagle. See our ad on page 35 concerts. Mar. 08 - Saturday Coffee at Midtown Co-op - Hillhurst United Church Pride Rainbow Project 1130–11 Ave SW at 10:00 AM. 1227 Kensington Close N.W. Worship Services [email protected] Mar. 09 - Vertigo Mystery Theatre’s production of Website: http://www.rainbowcommunitychurch.ca Wednesdays - Communion Service 12:10 pm http://www.priderainbowproject.com Noirville.Director’s performance $10.Showtime E-mail: [email protected] Sundays - 11:00 a.m. September to June The Pride Rainbow Project was started in Fall 2003 7:30pm . Be there an hour early to be assured Sundays - 10:30 a.m. in summer July and August. The Rainbow Community Church is an all-inclusive by 4 youth of the Unitarian Church of Calgary. a seat. church. Everyone is welcome (and we mean it!). NETWORKS The Pride Rainbow Project is a project designed Mar. 12 - Free Pool at the Eagle. Services are held every Sunday afternoon at 4:00 [email protected] to show support for same-sex marriage in Canada Mar. 14 - Movie Night at Don & Ross’s. Movie: PM. and elsewhere. It is a fabric rainbow banner Death At A Wedding . Showtime 7:30 Positive Space Committee at Mount Royal approximately 5 feet wide, and the goal is to make Mar. 15 - Saturday Coffee at Midtown Co-op Rocky Mountain Bears College it 3.2km (2 miles) long, in order to break the world - 1130–11 Ave SW at 10:00 AM. - Argra Dance at http://www.rockymountainbears.com 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW record (set by a group in Florida at 1.25 miles)! Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Hall, 1320 – 5th Monday, March 10th - Bear Coffee Night at the Phone: 403-440-6383 It contains the 6 colours of the pride flag: Red, Ave NW. Good Earth Cafe at 7:30pm (1502 - 11 St SW, Web: www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple. The project Mar. 18 – Card Night at Bryce & Jim’s.Meet at Calgary, AB) Email: [email protected] is youth run, but anyone can help!. MoneyPennies for their Tuesday Night Special before cards. If you would like to attend please call them Saturday, March 15th - Bear Bowling at Chinook The Positive Space Committee at Mount Royal Primetimers Calgary at 281-2637 -Executive Meeting - MoneyPennies Bowling Lanes. Meet at the Bowling Alley after College works to raise awareness and challenge E-mail: [email protected] 1:00pm 9:30pm @ B75 (Basement South end of the Mall) the patterns of silence that continue to marginalize http://www.primetimerscalgary.com Mar. 19 - Free Pool at the Eagle. Chinook Centre, 6455 MacLeod Trail, Calgary, AB lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered, two-spirited Prime Timers Calgary is designed to foster social Mar. 21 - Western Cup begins for the weekend. and queer (LGBTTQ) individuals. Saturday, March 29th - Bear Bar Night at the interaction for its members through a variety of Mar. 22 - Saturday Coffee at Midtown Co-op - Calgary Eagle, (424A 8th Avenue SW) Bears are at Pride Calgary social, educational and recreational activities. It is 1130–11 Ave SW at 10:00 AM. the Eagle after 10:00pm. (403) 262-3410 open to all gay and bisexual men of any age and Mar. 26 - Free Pool at the Eagle. http://www.pridecalgary.ca respects whatever degree of anonymity that each Mar. 29 - Saturday Coffee at Midtown Co-op Safety Under The Rainbow - 1130–11 Ave SW at 10:00 AM. - Dining Out member desires. http://www.safetyrainbow.ca Military Ball - Saturday June 07, 2008 at the at Calgary Westways Guest House. Maximum 14 Calgary Eagle Mar. 01 - Saturday Coffee at Midtown Co-op - people. If you would like to attend please call Ross Mission: To raise awareness and understanding of 1130–11 Ave SW at 10:00 AM. Pride Parade and Street Gala - Sunday June 08, at 701-0690 same-sex domestic violence and homophobic youth Mar. 02 - Monthly Gathering at the Old “Y” 223 2008 Stephan Avenue Walk and Olympic Plaza bullying.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 19 Sharp Foundation “Yeah... What She Said!” AXIS Contemporary Art Truck Gallery 46 Phone: (403) 272-2912 Every Monday evening from 8:30-9:00pm 107, 100 – 7 Ave. SW • (403) 262-3356 815 1st Street SW (Basement) • (403) 261-7702 E-mail: [email protected] CJSW 90.9 FM [email protected] http://www.truck.com http://www.thesharpfoundation.com [email protected] Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm Vertigo Mystery Theatre 34 Travel Masters - Need a vacation?, Ed Smith at YouthSafe Saturday: 10am to 5:30pm 161, 115 – 9 Ave SE • (403) 221-3708 Travel Masters has agreed to donate 25% of http://www.youthsafe.net Sunday: 11am to 3pm http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com his profit from WestJet bookings to The SHARP Alberta’s website for youth with sex-and-gender First Thursdays (the First Thursday of each month): Foundation. So before you plan your next trip with differences. Youthsafe.net lists the resources, 10am to 8pm WestJet, email Ed at TravelMasters Edmonton Listings information and services to help youth find safe and Broadway Across Canada Urban Sex caring spaces in Alberta. http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca Bars and Clubs http://www.cjsw.com Boots & Saddles 5 Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Radio Show – Every Wednesday from 9-10pm. Restaurants 10242 106th St • (780)423-5014 Calgary Eagle Inc. 4 http://www.cpo-live.com • (403) 571-0849 Focus on sexuality; gay bisexual lesbian trans Buddy’s Nite Club 6 See our ad on page 7 and 27 gendered and straight issues here in Calgary and Fairytales International Gay & Lesbian Film 11725 Jasper Ave • (780) 488-6636 around the web. Listen on CJSW FM 90.9. 424a - 8 Ave SE • (403) 263-5847 Festival http://www.calgaryeagle.com http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com Prism Bar & Grill 8 Western Canada Bigmen and Admirers 10524 101st St • (780) 990-0038 Money-Pennies 9 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ See our ad on page 58 http://www.prismbar.ca WesternCanadaBigmenGroup/ See our ad on page 20, 28, 41 and 46 1742 - 10 Ave SW • (403) 263-7411 The Roost (Now Closed) 9 [email protected] May 27th to June 5th 2008 10345 104th St • (780) 426-3150 Vigor Calgary Theatre and Art Lisa Hienricks (Artist) 43 http://www.theroostniteclub.com (403) 255-7004 Art Central, lower level, 100 7th Ave SW Alberta Ballet Woody’s 12 http://www.vigorcalgary.ca/ http://www.creamydreamy.com http://www.albertaballet.com 11725 Jasper Ave • (780) 488-6557 Violence in Gay Male Relationships (VIGOR) is a Looks Could Kill Art Boutique MOZART’S REQUIEM - March 27 - 29, 2008 in committee of professionals dedicated to increasing Art Central, lower level #11, 100 7th Ave SW • Calgary the awareness of gay men’s domestic violence and (403) 264-7576 Bathhouse and Sauna’s GISELLE - September 13 - 15, 2007 in Calgary Down Under Baths 7 the services available to them. One Yellow Rabbit 35 12224 Jasper Ave •(780) 482-7960 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects 36 Big Secret Theatre – EPCOR CENTRE for the http://www.gayedmonton.com/ Phone: (403) 294-7402 Performing Arts • (403) 299-8888 http://www.ATPlive.com Steamers 10 http://www.oyr.org 9668 Jasper Avenue • (780) 422-2581 Pumphouse Theatre 37 Steamworks 11 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW • (403) 263-0079 11745 Jasper Ave• (780) 451-5554 http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca See our ad on page 57 Businesses Skew Gallery B & D Emporium 13 1615 10th Avenue SW • (403) 244-4445 New City Compound, 10081 Jasper Avenue http://www.skewgallery.com STORE HOURS FRIDAY 9 PM - 1 AM, SATURDAY NOON - 6 PM, 9 PM - 1 AM Stagewest http://www.bdemporiumedmonton.com 727 42 Avenue SE • (403) 243-6642 http://www.stagewestcalgary.com Cruiseline See our ad on page 64 Little Shop of Horrors Feb. 14 – Apr. 20, 2008 (780) 413-7122 trial code 3500 - One of the longest running off – Broadway shows http://www.cruiseline.ca of all time, Little Shop of Horrors is about a down- Phone chat room & talking classifieds for 18+ and-out floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a Pride Construction mysterious craving for fresh blood! Soon, “Audrey (780) 239-9197 II” grows into a ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B- Construction and Renovations singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally Community Groups and revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination! This affectionate spoof of the Organizations 1950’s sci-fi movie has become household name thanks to the highly successful film version. Buck Naked Boys Club (Edmonton) Naturism club for men. Stride Gallery 47 Meets the second Saturday of each month. 1004 MacLeod Trail SE • (403) 262-8507 (780) 471-6993 http://www.stride.ab.ca http://www.bucknakedboys.ca Theatre Junction Our club has been meeting continuously for over 10 http://www.theatrejunction.com years. The similar club in Calgary ceased to exist See our ad on page 52 several years ago. Naturism is being social while everyone is naked, and it does not include sexual activity. Therefore participants do not need to be

20 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 gay, only male, but almost all participants over the Edmonton Vocal Minority Living Positive through Positive Living Society - Trans Education/Support Group years do self-describe as being gay or bisexual. http://www.evmchoir.com of Alberta 2 Support and education for all transsexual, Phone: 780-479-2038 (780) 488-5768 transgendered, intersexed, two-spirited and Camp fYrefly See our ad on page 24 questioning individuals meets 1st and 3rd Sundays 7-104 Department of Educational Policy Studies Free To Be volleyball of each month, 2-4 pm at the Pride Centre Faculty of Education, University of Alberta Amiskiwcy Academy, 101 Airport Rd. (near the http://www.edmlivingpositive.ca of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5 downtown airport) Providing confidential one-on-one peer support for 488-3234 http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca Every Wednesday and Thursday night, 8pm-10pm. infected or affected individuals…. Internet support Wednesday night recreational level: All players [email protected] - Sunday Night Mens Discussion Group See our ad on page 33 and skill levels welcome. Contact Marc for more Mens social and discussion group meets every Northern Chaps information: [email protected], Tel: (780) Sunday @ 7 pm at the Pride Centre of Edmonton Edmonton Pride Week Society http://www.northernchaps.com 445-0365. 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: 488-3234, Contact: Rob http://www.prideedmonton.org Northern Chaps is Edmonton’s original leather, Wells - [email protected] Thursday night intermediate level: Coaching and June 13 to June 22 2008 latex, fetish, uniform club. We have been in drills provided. Contact Alex for more information: - Youth Understanding Youth existence officially since 1987 but have been in [email protected], Tel: (780) 424-9984. (Please Youth support and social group meets every ERBA - Edmonton Rainbow Business existence originally around 1982 in Edmonton, note that there is limited space on the intermediate Saturday from 7 to 9 pm at the Pride Centre of Association Alberta, Canada. Everyone is welcome to join or night) Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) 488- #3379, 11215 Jasper Avenue • (780) 4915- attend events 4458 3234 Contact: [email protected] (www.members. HIV Network Of Edmonton Society 3 http://www.edmontonrba.org Pride Centre of Edmonton 1 shaw.ca/yuy ) 11456 Jasper Ave 95A St. and 111 Ave. • (780) 488-3234 Our primary focus is the provision of networking http://www.hivedmonton.com - Womonspace opportunities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and See our ad on page 35 (780) 482-1794. Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose transgendered (GLBT) owned or operated and see our ad on page 50 http://www.gayedmonton.org March 15, 2008: Looking to expand your social GLBT-friendly businesses in the Edmonton region. [email protected] scene? Mark your calendars for the Pride Centre’s Membership is open to all kinds of entrepreneurs, Turnabout 2008 - Sat Mar 1 @ 9:00PM (2h) www.gaycanada.com/womonspace “Empire Ball”, a Roman themed dance. Where from tradespeople to professionals to commission Location: Boot’s & Saddles (10242 106th Street) A non-profit lesbian organization established for - Alberta Avenue Community League - 9210-118 salespeople. Come out an enjoy a spectacular show where the Edmonton and surrounding areas. Organized Avenue. When - March 15 - Door/Cocktails/Snacks boys of the ISCWR trade places with the girls for the activities include: licenced non-smoking dances; The Edmonton Rainbow Business Association After 8:00 pm - Dance 9:00 pm. Ticket Prices Members night! Brags to be a show that will leave you in awe coffee houses; family events; games nights; golf Business Mixers. Held on the second Wednesday of $10. Non-members $15. Students $12 - Must have and perhaps a couple stiches tournaments; and more. Memberships available, every month 5:30 – 7:30 pm valid student ID Tickets not yet available, call the which also includes confidential bi-monthly Edmonton Illusions Social Club Pride Centre to reserve today - 488 3234 March 12: Garage Burger Bar & Grill, 10244 -106 Newsletters. The Edmonton Illusions Social Club meets the Street second Thursday of each month at the Roost - Bears Movie Night Spring Fling Dance - April 12 at Bellevue Hall April 9: Prism Bar & Grill, 10524 – 101 Street Bar&Grill, 10345-104St, Edmonton, in the upstairs Bears club of Edmonton meets the last Sunday of Starting at 9pm boardroom at 8pm. For info go to http://groups. the month for movies 1- 6 pm in the TV room at the Edmonton STD 4 yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions/ or call Pride Centre of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: 11111 Jasper Ave 780-387-3343. (780) 488-3234

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 21 - Prime Timers welcome. Salsa, Rhumba, Waltz, Jive. Begins GISELLE - September 18 - 19, 2007 in Edmonton Transgender And Celebrity Karaoke for Youth (EPT) is a group of older gay men and their Sunday December 2, 7:30pm-8:30pm Phone: 469 - Family Event. Why: To raise awareness Broadway Across Canada admirers who come from diverse backgrounds but - 3281 [email protected] about Transgendered Two Spirit peoples in http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca have common social interests. We meet on the our communities and raise funds to support BOOTCAMP - Monday at 7:00- 8:00pm. St. second Sunday of most months at the Unitarian Exposure, Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Transgendered youth to attend Two Spirit cultural Alphonsus until Dec 10. 11624 - 81 St. $30.00 fee Church of Edmonton (10804 - 119th Street) at Festival gatherings. When: May 10th, 2008 starting at 7:00 for the season. [email protected] 2:30 pm for a social period, a short business http://www.exposurefestival.ca/ p.m. to Midnite. Where: Canadian Native Friendship meeting and then either a guest speaker, discussion BOWLING Northern Titans Bowling resumes on Centre, 11205 - 101 Street, Edmonton, AB Who: panel, or a potluck supper. Special interest groups Saturday September 29. Every Saturday 5 to 7pm, The Two Spirit Circle of Edmonton Society will host meet for other social activities throughout the GATEWAY LANES at #100 3414 Gateway Blvd Lethbridge Listings the event with Friends, Family and Aboriginal month. In July and August we have a BBQ or picnic $15.00 per person. [email protected] GALA/LA - Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Celebrities from Edmonton and surrounding area. in lieu of a meeting and in December it’s replaced Lethbridge and Area Everyone is invited. CURLING WITH PRIDE - Resumes Mondays at 7:15. with a Christmas party. EPT is affiliated with Prime (403) 308-2893 (live on Mon. and Wed. evenings Oct 15 2007 to Mar 17 2008. Granite Curling Club Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition / Coalition Timers World Wide. If you would like to know more until 11 p.m.) 8620 - 107th Street. [email protected] santé arc-en-ciel Canada about our group, email [email protected], http://www.newgaylethbridge.ca P.O. Box / C.P. 3043 visit http://www.primetimersww.org/edmonton/, or CYCLING - Wednesdays 6:30 Various locations in The Gay & Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area Saskatoon SK Canada S7K 3S9 attend a monthly meeting. Edmonton. [email protected] dance season begins Saturday, August 25 with 306-955-5135 - Suit Up and Show Up Big Book Study KICKBOXING - Dates to be determined. Location to the next to follow the last Saturday of each month toll -free / sans frais 1-800-955-5129 Saturdays at 12 noon. At Pride Centre be determined. [email protected] (except December) until May. For more information fax/ télécopieur 306-955-5132 on dances, monthly Pot-luck Dinners (all ages) and http://www.rainbowhealth.ca - Sick and tired of being sick and tired? Cocaine OUTDOOR PURSUITS - For more information contact other programs, visit the GALA/LA website at www. http://www.santearc-en-ciel.ca Anonymous meeting [email protected] Thursdays 7-8pm CA Hotline 425-2715 newgaylethbridge.ca. Also our Support Line (403) Egale Canada RUNNING - Arctic Frontrunners. Sundays, Tuesdays 308-2893 is open Monday OR Wednesday 7 pm 8 Wellington St E, Third Floor - YouthSpace and Thursdays. Times and locales vary running@ -11 pm (leave a message any other time). PFLAG Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C5 An after-school drop-in program for gay, lesbian, teamedmonton.ca offering support through Parents & Friends for 1-888-204-7777 toll free bisexual, trans-identified, queer, questioning and Lesbians and Gays is available as well, call us any STEP AEROBICS - Resumes in September. Every http://www.egale.ca allied (GLBTQQ&A) youth under 25. time for more information. Tuesday Night. Meet in the Aerobics Studio at Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby Open Tuesday to Friday 3:00pm-7:00pm and 5pm. Kinsmen Sports Centre 9100 Walterdale Hill. organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, Saturday 2:00pm-7:00pm Located at the Pride [email protected] Red Deer Listings trans-identified people and our families. Centre of Edmonton 9540 - 111 Avenue Contact Membership fees are pay-what-you-can, although [email protected] or 488- SWIMMING - Making Waves Swimming resumes Affirm pre-authorized monthly donors are encouraged (and 3234 for more info.” September 6th. Tuesdays 8 to 9pm. Thursdays 7:30 Composed of LGBTQ people, their friends, family get a free Egale Canada t-shirt). Egale has several to 8:30. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and allies. No religious affiliation necessary. committees that meet by teleconference on a - Men’s HIV Support Group (NAIT) pool. 11762 - 106 Street. swimming@ Activities include support, faith and social justice regular basis; membership on these is national with Will be meeting on each second Monday of the teamedmonton.ca discussions, film nights, and potlucks! Affirm members from every region of Canada. month. At the Pride Center, Edmonton Starting in meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7PM at TENNIS - Dates to be determined. Tennis is April, from 7pm to 9pm. Sunnybrook United Church, (403) 347-6073. currently looking for a new coordinator for the Theatre and Art - GLBT Seniors Drop IN fall. If you are interested, please contact Norm at OUTtv Every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4pm Pride [email protected] National Listings See our ad on page 52 Centre (95A St. and 111 Ave.), The Pride Centre http://www.outtv.ca is thrilled to introduce a new program serving our VOLLEYBALL - Free to Be Volleyball resumes on October 10th and 11th, 8 to 10pm. Wednesday Businesses If you would like to add your business or non-profit GLBT seniors. Hosted by Jeff Bovee, contact the Entre Nous Recreational [email protected]. group to the list above, please call (403) 543- Centre at 488-3234 for more info. 1-866-467-5252 Thursday Intermediate volleyball@teamedmonton. 6960, or toll free 1 (888) 543-6960 or E-mail Robertson-Wesley United Church http://www.entrenousnetwork.com 10209 123 St. NW ca. Fees to be determined. 101 Amiskiwacy [email protected]. You can add your (780) 482-1587 Academy (the former Municipal Airport Terminal just Love and Pride information to the GayCalgary.com directory on the http://www.rwuc.org off Kingsway) Gay and Lesbian themed Jewelry website for free. [email protected] YOGA (HATHA) - Lion’s Breath Yoga, Every http://www.loveandpride.ca Sunday 2:00 to 3:30. Beginning September GayCalgary.com endeavors to have the information Worship Sunday morning at 10:30 am. People of Squirt here as accurate as possible. Events and listings can all sexual orientations welcome. Join us for Soul 9th, 2007. Fee: Free. This is an introductory See our ad on page 62 level class. No previous experience with yoga is change at any time so it is recommended that you OUTing, an LGBT-focused alternative worship, Dating and hookups website check with the establishment before you head out. on the third Sunday of each month at 7:00 PM. required. Bring: Yoga mat or beach towel & water. http://www.squirt.org Other LGBT events include a monthly book club Wear Comfortable sweats or shorts & t-shirt. To Wega Video Non-Profit groups get free listings. Business receive and a bi-monthly film night. As a caring spiritual confirm your participation please contact yoga@ Adult DVD’s a listing once an ad has been placed. The business community, we’d love to have you join us! teamedmonton.ca http://www.wegavideo.ca listing will last 1 year after the appear up to ad Team Edmonton Soccer - will be on the South field of the Oliver has been placed unless there is a GayCalgary.com http://www.teamedmonton.ca School every Thursday from 7 - 9pm. 10227 -118 service located at that business. Street. (weather permitting) For more information Community Groups and BADMINTON - Women’s Drop-In Recreational contact [email protected] Organizations Badminton, Oliver School Gym 10227-118 Street. Begins October 3, and then every Wednesday Alberta Transgender Support and Activities 6 to 7:30pm. Levels: Beginner, Intermediate Theatre and Art Group and Competitive. Fees: $30.00 for the season or Alberta Ballet http://www.albertatrans.org $5.00 drop in Phone: 465-3620. badminton@ http://www.albertaballet.com A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of teamedmonton.ca MOZART’S REQUIEM - April 4 - 5, 2008 in where they may be on the continuum. BALLROOM DANCING - All gender combinations Edmonton

22 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 My Organs, My Blood, My Choice

By Stephen Lock Politics Quite a bit of ink has been devoted to the recent Health Canada ban on gay/bi men donating could take to ensure the safety of the blood supply, so a ban against a specifi c group (i.e. men who have sex with men) organs, with many of the opinions seeing it as a but not against other groups (i.e. women who have had mul- ridiculous, if not outright homophobic, bit of bu- tiple sexual partners or men who have had multiple female reaucratic piffl e. sexual partners, for that matter) is clearly discriminatory. Given this most recent ban - coupled with the long-stand- The ban on donating blood by men who have had sex ing ban on blood donation by any male who has had sex with another man is being challenged and will eventually with another male, even once, since 1977 - it would appear wend its methodical way through the courts and the court to be little more than a reaction against gay and bisexual of public opinion. Frustrating, yes, this slow turning of the men. Apparently, the science behind it is quite suspect. At wheels of justice, but sometimes that’s just how things get any rate, if homosexuals donating our organs were such a changed. high risk endeavour, why on earth has it taken this long But then, out of the blue, Health Canada announces a to be banned? Not only that, but the time frame for blood ban on us donating organs, any organ; cornea, heart, lungs, donations versus organ donations is totally different. kidney, bone marrow, doesn’t matter. If it came out of a gay In the case of donating blood the rule is that even one man, they don’t want it. It’s tainted or potentially tainted. same-sex experience - even if low risk sexual contact - in the Ward it off with a crucifi x...oh, can’t do that; a bit medieval last 31 years is enough to disqualify a man from ever donat- wouldn’t you say? Okay, let’s just ban the sodomites from ing his blood, no matter how rare a type it may be or how donating. badly needed. In the case of donating one’s organs, it’s only Is it a homophobic reaction, though? Well, an argument fi ve years. could be made it is exactly that. I used to donate blood quite a bit back before what is now Health Canada provides funding and programs to address the Canadian Blood Services (formerly the Red Cross) de- the health issues faced by a variety of specifi c population cided my blood just wasn’t bloody well good enough. On one groups; First Nations, immigrants, youth, and women spring level, I was upset but I dealt with it and eventually thought, immediately to mind. And these programs are a good thing. “Okay, fi ne...don’t take it, then.” However, every time I see a However, is there funding and programs directed towards call for blood (“It’s In You To Give”), I get a twinge of...I don’t the GLBT communities? No. know...regret, maybe, or shame? Oh sure, Health Canada is involved in developing strate- Applied shame, mind you; not shame that comes from gies and providing funding in the battle against HIV/AIDS; anything I’ve done or not done, and I resent that. I have that counts for something, doesn’t it? Except the strategies fought against the dominant culture’s tendency to make and funding around HIV/AIDS target those First Nations, me, and my brothers and sisters in queerdom, feel guilt, feel immigrants, youth, and women - there is nothing directed shame, feel icky because we happen to be gay or lesbian or towards gay men, bisexuals, or other men who have sex with bisexual. men no matter how they identify in regards to their sexual “It’s In You To Give”. Yeah, well, apparently it’s not in me orientation. quite the right sort of way. Talk about an ironic phrase... As much as we might resist the statistics, the reality is I did understand the ban on donating blood given the men who have sex with men (gay, bi, or curious) comprise science and understanding at the time. We had fi nally 75 percent of the cases of HIV/AIDS in Canada and, fright- determined that HIV was, in fact, a blood-borne infection, eningly enough, 45 percent of new infections each year. we had had far too many individuals inadvertently infected Clearly, some sort of well-funded national strategy needs to with HIV and Hepatitis because of inadequate screening, be formulated and the work not just left up to chronically and the majority of HIV cases, at the time, were within the under-funded community-based AIDS service organizations. homosexual men’s community. The thinking back then was, On top of that, Health Canada is the prime force behind it was better to be overly-cautious than responsible for more not changing the policy on blood donation. Despite advanc- misery and death. es in science, and scientifi c perception, that confi rm such a However, in the years since, HIV screening has advanced ban based on sexuality (as opposed to sexual behaviour) just signifi cantly. We can now screen for the virus itself, not just does not hold up, Health Canada refuses to end the ban. its antibodies, assuming they show at all. Heating blood Now, I will admit to some ambivalence around donating to a certain temperature kills the virus. In other words, my own organs. Oh, I totally see the advantages; it could there are any number of actions Canadian Blood Services save someone’s life. Let’s face it, if I’m dead I’m not going

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 23 to need the organs, but the idea of being carved up post nate that has been taken away, but the potential recipient’s mortem and parts of me distributed...well, it creeps me out. choice to accept. A double whammy. While I am no longer “churched”, or even particularly view This sort of mentality harkens back in the 1950’s and myself as Christian, I still harbour a lingering feeling that before. What if a black person donated blood and that got if my body is incomplete, and assuming there is something into a white person’s body? Back then, it was perceived as after death besides oblivion, I probably already have a few compromising the white person’s bodily integrity, polluting strikes against me. them in some fashion, rendering them ‘less white’ since they If there is a just and benevolent Deity to whom I have to now clearly carried at least some ‘black blood’ in their veins. answer (and there are times I think there is, or might be, Blood, don’t forget, has historically been imbued with all and times I think there isn’t) and the teachings of Judaism, sorts of power. Blood lines. In the blood. Of the blood. The Christianity, Islam and a few other faiths are true, dismem- Blood of Christ. The Blood of Martyrs. Sacred blood. Holy bering my physical body might compromise my hereafter. blood. Yeah, you don’t mess with blood.... I mean, it might. Maybe. I don’t know. While part of me Anyone still holding onto such ideas would be ridiculed, at dismisses such dogmatic mumbo-jumbo, another part of me best, and accused of being a bigot at worst. Human blood is keeps circling around “Yeah...but what if....” human blood and as long as it is properly screened and the On the other hand a benevolent and all-knowing Deity is donor’s blood type matches the recipient’s, who cares who going to understand the charity and selﬂ essness of giving up donated it? a part of oneself so that another might live. The whole basis Well, Canadian Blood Services seems to care if it’s from of Christianity is centred on that very precept. some guy who had sex with another guy. And Health So, it comes down to individual choice, the whole basis on Canada cares too, if the organs that blood made viable came which our system of governance and way of life is centred. from some guy who had sex with another guy. Thing is, Health Canada has, with a stroke of a pen, Will my recipient become gay with a “a gay heart” and “gay removed the right of every human being in this country blood” coursing through their veins? Will the recipient of (or queer ones anyway) to make their own decision. Right, my cornea suddenly see the world through the eyes of a gay wrong or indifferent, if I choose to donate or not to donate man? As much as I think that more people should see the my organs, whatever the reason, that’s my choice. If you world through our eyes, and live life with the lion heart of a choose to donate them, that’s yours. But that choice has gay man, that’s just not the way it works – yet lives could be been removed by bureaucrats. It’s not only our choice to do- saved nonetheless.

24 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Q Scopes “Be conservative with money, Gemini!”

By Jack Fertig Lifestyle | Astrology As Mars enters Cancer, productive efforts are easily clouded by moods and misunderstandings. While SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your he opposes Pluto, frustrations can gain exaggerated urge for arguments seems to be coming out of importance. You may feel like you need an oar to propel nowhere. Try to focus that energy toward digging into topics that interest you. Take up a good challenge to keep your mind your craft forward, but what you may really need is a busy and your mouth out of trouble! shovel to dig to the root of existing challenges.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Yours is the sign Your sexual appetite is surging, but so is your of the lone wolf, but you are now aiming for deeper desire for commitment. One is so much more easily the role of head of the household. The responsibilities and satisﬁ ed than the other that you might ﬁ nd any effort frustrat- obligations really don’t suit you. Try for the position of “elder ing. Try seeing the glass as half full. statesperson” or dowager instead.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Is TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Little domestic ar- your partner being too aggressive, or are you guments can explode way too easily. Are you just just being stubborn? You can do something about the latter. being stubborn? How important are those details, anyway? Fights come easily, but so does passion. You really need a Your arguments may be more aesthetic than logical, but they struggle. Be nice, and you could get a good one! should still be explainable in a calm, friendly manner.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Wanting GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Be very careful and too much can be a great spur to action, but act- conservative with your money. Household and ing impulsively on excessive desire is a sure path to accidents property investments or any renegotiation of debt should be and illness. Meditate, think ahead, and conﬁ de in a friend checked out very thoroughly. Sexual urges may take an emo- with a cooler head before acting. tional cost, challenging you to think more about your deeper needs. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Acting on your playful urges will have far-reaching ramiﬁ cations. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Acting on impulse Focus those desires responsibly and creatively. Infuriating can transform your relationship, and probably people is not a mark of success per se, but be bold enough to not for the better. Channel that energy into thinking ahead risk pissing off the right people for the right reasons. and talking about what you want, what your partner wants, and how you can deepen your connection. Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is based in San Francisco. He can be LEO (July 23 - August 22): Worrying about your reached for consultations at 415-864-8302, health or work only makes problems - real or through his website at http://www.starjack. imagined - worse. Take positive steps, and check out anything com that bears watching. Remember the difference between focus and obsession, and stick to the task at hand.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Your political aims are coming from somewhere deep in your gut, which is ﬁ ne. But sensible strategy should come from your brilliant-but-now-vacationing brain. Artistic, creative expressions will give you the outlet you need.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Courtesy is usually your strongest conviction. Now other deep beliefs provoke you to speak up against authority. Think carefully about mouthing off to the police or your boss. If you want to raise hell, ﬁ nd a public demonstration that suits your politics. gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 25 Adult Film Review Cowboys, Cabin Fever, Greased, Gay for Pay

By Jerome Voltero Review | Adult Male “Cabin Fever” by Bear Omnimedia, Courtesy of that it takes place in a Priape mechanic’s shop. Dominic Pacifi co, a hot Mexican CAST: Marcus Troy*, bear cub, is in the boss’ Josh West, Butch Grand, offi ce, getting chewed out Michael Scott, Jeff yet again for not pay- Wells*, Marc Angelo, Jack ing attention on the job. Bridger*. Boss Robert Black briefl y interrupts his brutal treat- Bears, bears, and more ment of Pacifi co to review bears! In the fi rst scene, a newcomer’s resume, Butch Grand and Michael hiring James Hamilton Scott are having a hot and on the spot. Returning to heavy make out session slap Pacifi co around some on their L-shaped, white more, Black tells the cub leather couch. Perched his theory about why he in the corner, furry daddy has such a problem with Scott is able to spread his authority – an abusive legs for the younger Grand to service him awhile. father, a suppressed love Later on we get to see the “ever-vigilant forest rangers” – for cock, and a stint as a U.S. Marine that only made him Marcus Troy surveying the scene with his binoculars while want more. Black obviously has his number because Paci- Marc Angelo has already brought the man’s cock through fi co falls back into submissive mode for some fairly rough his fl y. Angelo is a newcomer for this porno, and I swear action. I’ve met him somewhere before...I just can’t put my fi nger Meanwhile, the scrawny newbie Hamilton is getting on it, though Troy gets to put his fi ngers in him. Troy is the whore-tour from the other guys in the machine shop: one of my favourites, and the two have some extremely hot Justin Riddick and Peter Axel – both well-muscled brutes. outdoor sex. Watch for the giant gob of spunk that lands Riddick fi nds some irony in talking to Hamilton about lube on Troy’s fancy watch – I hope that it’s water tight! jobs, offering his mantra, “keep ‘em greased, keep ‘em go- Butch Grand really gets around – he appears for a ing.” second time in the next scene, playing with Josh West in But before anything steamy can happen among those the steam lodge. They look a bit awkward to say the least two, Axel drags fellow employee Dominik Rider into the – the lodge has uncomfortable slate walls and a hardwood bathroom. Rider is a younger man, clean shaven and a bit deck, and the two are crammed in the corner with their effeminate. Axel complains that his dick has been hard feet almost hanging into the hot tub. I’m sure they had for hours – and no wonder with a cock ring on. Rider is to beg the producers to give them those pillows to lean up more than willing to service this hirsute muscle man. Who against the wall comfortably. West has an impressive wil- wouldn’t turn him down, especially after seeing the mon- lie, both in length and girth – in fact, Grand chokes on it ster load he shoots at the end! several times. There are a number of interesting scenes still to come, To follow is defi nitely my favourite scene, with Jeff Wells where Dak Ramsey gets accosted as he goes to tow a car, and Jack Bridger – in my opinion, two of the sexiest bears and further sexual tensions erupt back at the shop. If a in this whole fi lm. I couldn’t ask for more! If you want to little bit of rough play turns you on, this fi lm will get you see “what bears REALLY do in the woods” then this is the greasing up too. DVD to buy this month.

“Going Gay for Pay!” by Porn Team, Courtesy of “Greased” by Mustang, Courtesy of Priape Adult Depot CAST: Dak Ramsey, Robert Black, James Hamilton, The great thing about Porn Team is that I’ve personally Dominic Paciﬁ co*, Lars Svenson, Dominik Rider, Robert met one of the producers/stars and it’s often a thrill to see Thorn, Peter Axel*, Justin Riddick, Paul Barresi. him getting down and dirty...even though I do sometimes This latest Mustang ﬁ lm draws its name from the fact have to be a bit critical of his work.

26 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 For instance, if I didn’t unattractive man to jerk off as Gareth looks on unphased. know the title of the fi lm, Fast forward if this scares you, because the next scene has I probably wouldn’t have Darcy as a blacksmith, working with his shirt off – this realized the additional man is gorgeously furry and masculine. After some dialog, turn-on beyond your aver- the men grind chaps for a while before getting down to the age volley of sex scenes. I nitty-gritty. “All that pounding iron really works,” Gareth wish our star Jack Maver- comments as he undoes Darcy’s pants and goes down for ick had started the fi lm off the kill. Woof! with “Hi, my name is Jack As Gareth reads on about how Cowboys used to bathe, Maverick. I’m straight, he imagines Kyle McBride playing with himself a the metal but today I’m going gay for tub. Soon, smoking-hot bear Clint Taylor comes by with pay.” Then it would have another bucket of water for McBride, and the guy ends all made sense...that is, up pleasuring the bigger man. Strangely enough, Taylor’s until later scenes hap- voice reminded me of that of John Goodman – deep, calm, pen without him in them. and a little growly. I’m not sure whether to take that as a Then I’m really confused turn on or turn off, I’m just saying that is what I heard. who is gay for pay. If you’re one who likes his furry cowboy types then you’ll Nevertheless, if the guys be glad you wrangled this one out of Adult Depot’s huge appeal to you then I’m selection of DVD rentals! right sure it doesn’t matter who is the straight one. These are real guys, late 20’s to early 30’s with average builds, Priape Calgary freckles on their bodies, tattoos, and – thank god - many Canada’s Favorite Gay Store with body hair that hasn’t been man-scaped to perfection. 1322, 17th Avenue SW – (403) 215-1800 That element of reality is often a turn on, and probably the http://www.priape.ca reason why the genre of amateur porn is so successful. Adult Depot As guys go, my personal favourite was the puppy-dawg Over 3000 Gay Titles for Sale or Rent in the fi nal scene. He is probably one of the straight guys 140 – 58th Ave SW – (403) 258-2777 because he looked a bit distant, if not overwhelmed by his [email protected] own activities with the two other guys. Otherwise Tyler Reed is sexy as ever, and Jack Maverick himself is nice to look at – I’d just like to see him not quite so clean shaven.

“Cowboy Fantasies” by Manhunter, Courtesy of Adult Depot CAST: Gareth, Jackson, Darcy*, Kyle McBride, Clint Taylor*, Buster. This is another oldie but goody – perhaps a little early for ARGRA this year but what the heck! I won’t lie to you, there are a couple of actors (namely Gareth and Jackson) that might make you want to put your gun back in its holster. But then there are plenty of others, like Darcy, Clint Taylor, and even Buster that will really make you giddy-up again! Gareth is the main character – an outsider fantasizing about what the Wild West must have been like. The man has dirty blonde hair and a bushy moustache, making him look amazingly like (and here’s an obscure reference) the character named Gurgi from the Disney cartoon The Black Cauldron. Google it, you’ll see what I mean. In his imagination, he fi nds himself wandering through a quiet western town in the afternoon heat. Unfortu- nately Jackson is the fi rst fi gment of his imagination that remains concrete before his eyes, long enough for the gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 27 Deep Inside Hollywood New Projects For Madonna and Ian Ziering

By Romeo San Vicente Celebrity | Gossip Madonna Offers Filth and Wisdom It had to happen. Madonna, after years of enduring almost it’s still something of a small miracle when a gay indie movie rises up from unanimous disdain for her acting abilities, has traded for a the cracks and fi nds its way into real theaters outside of the fi lm-festival spot behind the camera. The fi nished product is called Filth circuit. Holding Trevor is one of those movies. From writer/producer Brent and Wisdom, and it recently premiered at the Berlin Film Gorski and director Rosser Goodman, Trevor is a dark comedy with a cast of Festival to both boos and bemusement. It stars Richard E. unknowns, about queer 20-somethings navigating the suddenly deep waters Grant and musician Eugene Hutz (of the band Gogol Bordello) of adult life. Will it attain the same appreciation that the recent “new natural- in a loose, grungy storyline that has more in common with ist” movies (aka the “mumblecore” fi lms of upstart Madonna’s Desperately Seeking Susan roots than with her lat- directors like Andrew Bujalski) about aimless youth er diva-like Evita star turns. But its supporters are calling it a have been getting from critics and audiences? The refreshing new path for the disco diva. Mrs. Ritchie may have debate begins when the fi lm gets released in May. an uphill cred mountain to climb, but given her enormous fan base, it’s almost a lock that distribution is imminent. Ready or Romeo San Vicente is not ashamed to say that not, her latest reinvention will be as an auteur. he had Luke Perry-esque sideburns in 1991. He can be reached care of this publication. Ian Ziering Moves from 90210 to OB/GYN Stretch marks, bloated ankles, and morning sickness can be hilarious. At least, that’s what the makers of Baby on Board are hoping, given the success of other recent pregnancy-themed movies. The new comedy stars Heather Graham and Jerry O’Connell as a married couple whose career-driven lives are thrown for a loop when she gets - to borrow a phrase from a recent box-offi ce smash - “knocked up.” Ian Ziering - once the owner of the shiniest, fl uffi est mul- let in all of Beverly Hills, 90210 - plays Graham’s pal, a gay obstetrician, who does his best to help out in the face of the bitterness and awful advice that she and O’Connell get from their friends, played by John Corbett and Katie Finneran. (Finneran, you may recall, played the snarky lesbian sister on the short-lived Wonderfalls.) Currently shooting in Chicago, Baby on Board should be delivered into theaters in 2009. Rachel Weisz Finds Love on the Nile Oscar winner Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener) looks like she could pull off some Cleopatra-style Nefertiti eyeliner - a good thing, considering that she’s going to be starring in a romance set in ancient Egypt. Gay Spanish director Alejandro Amenabar (The Others, The Sea Inside) will direct the fi lm, about a slave (Oscar Isaac of The Nativity Story) who falls in love with his mistress (Weisz), a professor in Alexandria, at the dawn of the Christian era. Ashraf Barhom (The Kingdom, Paradise Now) co-stars as a zealous Christian monk. Since snagging her statuette for The Constant Gardener, Weisz has taken on a broad variety of roles in movies like The Fountain, Fred Claus, and Defi nitely, Maybe, and this as-yet-untitled project - which starts shooting this month - promises to keep the talented pro’s resume soundly eclectic. Trevor No Longer Held In spite of the impact of the “New Queer Cinema” in the early 1990s,

28 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Whole Lesbian Sex Get It How You Like It: Tips for Receptive Cunnilingus (PG-13 Version)

By Felice Newman Lesbian | Sexuality Sex guides often focus on how to give pleasure rather than how to receive it - the assumption be- Join in. You can hold your lips open for your partner and simultaneously hold a dental dam (or other latex barrier), free- ing that if you know how to lie on your back, you’re ing up her hands. Or you can take your girlfriend’s head in your a pretty good candidate for getting off on a regular hands and put her face exactly where you want it. You can grab basis. Remember when sex educators referred to a vibrator and stimulate your clitoris as she reaches her tongue the “active partner” and the “passive partner”? That as far as possible inside you. tired notion was laid to rest by the Good Vibrations For many dykes, getting head is their favorite way of, well, Guide to Sex more than a dozen years ago. Receptiv- getting some. They like nothing better than the sensation of lips ity, as good bottoms know, is anything but passive. and tongues on their most sensitive parts. As one woman told me, “I’m bisexual. I’ve had both female and male lovers tell me And it’s a given that no self-respecting lesbian would ever that they weren’t into oral sex, which was my cue to tell them to turn down her partner’s willing mouth, right? Not necessarily. get out of my bed!” For the record, not all lesbian and bisexual women enjoy receiv- ing oral sex. Felice Newman is a founding publisher of Cleis Press and the author of “The Whole Lesbian Sex Book: A Passionate Guide for All of Us.” Visit her Some women don’t put cunnilingus at the top of their list at www.cleispress.com. Her book is available in Calgary at A Little More because they don’t get enough intense, direct stimulation from Interesting. their partner’s tongue to reach orgasm. But you don’t have to reach orgasm from cunnilingus. You can enjoy the sensation, and when you want to come, you can switch to some other form of stimulation that does the job for you - like your girl’s ﬁ st inside you, for instance. Yet many women say oral sex produces the most intense, toe- curling orgasms. And women who are especially sensitive may respond to the subtleties of a tongue more readily than a hand or vibrator. Here are some tips for experiencing heightened pleasure in receptive oral sex: Move. Sure, sometimes you’d like to offer up your body as a canvas for her talented tongue. But other times you might enjoy meeting her tongue with thrusts of your hips. Tell your partner you’d like to experiment with sensation through your movements. You can vary sensation by pushing your clitoris into her mouth or pulling away. You can move with her movements or counter her movements (which is an effective way to slow things down or speed them up). Choose your position according to what kind of sensation you like. If you lie on your back (or sit in a chair) with legs spread, your genitals will be stretched out, providing a wide surface for your partner’s sweeping licks, from vaginal opening to clitoral hood. You can sit on her face (actually kneel or squat). In this position, you have the most control. You can grind into her, pressing your whole vulva into her face. You can also hover just out of reach and make her earn her treat. In this position, your clitoris and labia hang down and can be sucked into her mouth. You can intensify the sensation by asking her to nibble gently on your tender ﬂ esh. If you’re into dominance and submission, try having your submissive kneel at your feet while you furiously ride her face. Mixing genital sensation with a heady dose of power is a unique pleasure.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 29 Girls Groove: A Sherri Olsen Production A Calgary-based Gathering that will Inspire You to Get Up and Groove

By Dallas Barnes Events GirlsGroove is making its event debut: a women- only dance on March 29th at Crossroads Art Space. GirlsGroove founder Sherri Olsen is hoping that Cal- gary women will come out and enjoy “a real fun and crazy pumpin’ urban vibe” with the musical talents of Saskatoon based DJ Hottboxxx. We are lucky to have Sherri Olsen in Calgary. It is not of- While travelling throughout North America, Olsen attended ten that an individual not only dedicates her time and money many women-only venues such as the Michigan Womyn’s to something she believes in, but that she does it with so Festival, The Dinah Shore Weekend in Palm Springs, and much passion. Sherri believes in the potential of Calgary. So, events in Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland. “There is some- Calgary what are you waiting for? Buy your tickets today! thing just so magical when we women come out and play and have some fun.” These venues inspired her to bring this GirlsGroove excitement home to Calgary where she wanted “an event Debut Calgary Dance that was on par with other dances in other major urban March 29th, 2008 centres.” “I’ve had conversations with many who wished for Tickets: $20 advance, $30 door more women activities here, so ﬁ nally I decided to just do it”. www.girlsgroove.ca No holds barred, and with her own time and money, Sherri Olsen has done just that. Olsen admits that the lesbian market is risky, however due to her passion for all-women events, she remains optimistic. In Olsen’s opinion the Calgary lesbian community is perceived as a city full of closeted rednecks, which has resulted in a lack in variety at women-only events. She asserts that “this city is full of amazing women’’, resulting in her willing- ness to experiment and explore the opportunities Calgary has to offer rather than simply giving in to fatalistic stereotypes. The lesbian community is changing considerably, Olsen believes, and is embracing this change by creating GirlsGroove. Sherri is not only an entrepreneur when it comes to women-only events. She is an accomplished author of two books, Crossroads Cafe, Breaking Free from the Daily Grind, and COOLdog™ A Guide to Safe Off-Leash Fun. Olsen also works independently as a turnaround coach - in her own words, a “catalyst for people to feel good.” Perhaps attending the GirlsGroove dance on March 29th will be just the boost that women need to get that good feeling. To get tickets for the GirlsGroove Dance, you can either go online to purchase them, or join Sherri at Money Pennies on March 13th from 7:00-9:00, while listening to a sample of DJ HottBox’s music. There are tickets at the door of the event, however there is a $10 savings to buy in advance instead. If you would like to know more about Sherri or even purchase a book or two, visit her at www.sherriolsen.com. You can also keep up with GirlsGroove’s events by joining Sherri’s Facebook group GirlsGroove. So what is next for Sherri? As listed on the GirslGroove website, the avid dog lover is organizing a women-only dog walking event for all dog-loving ladies on April 20th. She may even be planning an event to celebrate Gay Pride (let’s keep our ﬁ ngers crossed).

30 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Now That’s A Little More Interesting

By Allison Brodowski Review | Business There is something to be said when a sex toy store makes a point of being ”sex positive”. The indus- comfort and education where necessary. They are always with open and knowledgeable, ready to explain everything from anal try surrounding an obvious cultural obsession has play to the incompatibility of condoms and oil-based lubes, and proven time and time again that pleasure and com- of course the basic safety tips that many may be assumed to fort are sidelined by profi ts. Simple oversights such know. as cancer causing agents in dildos and cock rings, A Little More interesting certainly lives up to its ambitions. lubricants that cause yeast infections and skin ir- Open and spacious, tastefully decorated the store is welcoming. ritations, or badly placed warnings on vibrators sold Offering you the option to grab a coffee of cup of tea, take the exclusively as ‘adult novelties’ are all too common. tour, ask questions, browse the book selection, make sugges- tions or just stay a while. In most cases you won’t leave with- Dr. Brian Parker and Susan Naylen Sorrell believe they have out learning something new, be it about a product, or yourself. the answer to these problems for Calgary with their new venture, A Little More Interesting. Their goal is to create a friendly Sorrell is plowing ahead with a multitude of seminars in the non-judgmental place in Calgary for people of all walks of life works with Dr. Trina Read, a sex columnist and international to explore their sexuality. The shop is located on 1501B, 17th speaker, who carries sex positive notions by her side like a Ave SW just south of the chocolate bar, and proudly displays trusty sword. These will be open to groups hoping to learn a sex positive sign on the front step. The store has large open more about specifi c subjects. Already the store has hosted a windows, a sitting area with books, and product samples out of sex toy party for the University of Calgary’s gay and lesbian their packages on display with batteries to encourage the curi- student association, and for other private groups. ous buyer to touch and feel. While geared with an emphasis Their online store displays all of the products currently toward women, men are also encouraged to come in and fi nd available, a bevy of sexual information, a tour of the store and something for themselves or their partner. mission statement, as well as a chance to glean some advice The owners believe that sex is more than just a mindless, from Dr. Parker and Dr. Read. emotionless activity, nor is it something shameful that should Take the opportunity to go down and support a locally warrant a discreet, black bag approach to shopping. A Little owned business that is dedicated to putting your comfort and More Interesting seeks to turn this trend on its head by work- best interests at heart. Try something new or introduce your ing to eliminate the stigmas felt by fi rst timers and frequent partner to something they might like. Or drop in and have an buyers alike. Part of that is about ensuring the packaging interesting conversation about erotic cake decoration - it has to doesn’t make people uncomfortable – like those tacky fake be seen to be believed! breasts that many see as they enter the typical sex toy store – or the unrealistic clothing that average men and women are So try them out and maybe you’ll fi nd something a little expected to wear. more interesting. Part of Parker and Sorrell’s strategy is to educate while sell- A Little More Interesting ing wares. Dr. Brian Parker is a widely regarded sexologist 1501B, 17th Ave SW, Calgary and sex educator with a PhD and Ed. D from The Institute for (403) 475-7775 Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. This allows customers www.alittlemoreinteresting.com the opportunity to bring problems and questions to an expert. Small cards with interesting sexual facts and statistics are placed around the store for shoppers to read and gain new appreciation for the sexual world - although it may be daunting to learn that the most consecutive orgasms a woman has ever had was 138. Sorrell herself holds a MBA from the Ivey School of Business, and is a mother of four. The owners state that all of the toys sold in store are made of 100% medical grade silicone or elastomer, which harbor no cancer causing softening agents, and is non-porous so it can be cleaned easily and completely to maintain safe use. All the lubes sold are non-irritants; a large selection, believe it or not, is vegan friendly. They also carry a large number of sex education videos, as well as a tasteful porn selection. The owners say their stock is ethically sourced with an emphasis on local or Canadian manufactures. The staff is extremely friendly and focuses on customer

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 31 Letters to the Editor

By GayCalgary.com Staff Letters Dear GayCalgary, such. With this in mind, ‘Celebration’ is the theme of Pride On behalf of The Pride Calgary Association we would like to 2008. introduce ourselves, and inform your readers of the upcom- ing 2008 Pride Events. The Association is proud to have In order to make this ever-growing event a success, we need three returning Board members from last year: John Skorka your help. We are currently looking for volunteers, spon- (co-chair), Sharon Boutilier (director), and Sig Moser (direc- sors, vendors, and parade participants. It is imperative that tor), who are bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and the community gets involved as we want to include as many excitement to the Board. The remaining members are all new individuals as possible - without individuality, Pride would not to the Association, and bring a new outlook, dynamic, and exist. Please email us for more information. diversity to Calgary Pride this year. These members and their The Pride Calgary Association is excited and honoured to be positions are Allison Brodowski (co-chair), Dallas Barnes (sec- a part of Calgary Pride 2008, and we are encouraging you to retary), Jess Hill (treasurer), Laura Black (director), Lyn Baer be as well. Not only is it important to celebrate our commu- (director), Christy Nicholson (director), Sherina Alstad (direc- nity, it is important for us to celebrate our integral role in the tor), Megan Gill (director), and Tasia Zandboer (director). city of Calgary, as Pride in a community is what will bring it Now that we have introduced ourselves, we would like to together. We urge you to join in on the ‘celebration’! know more about you! The Pride Calgary Association is orga- Dallas Barnes: Volunteer Coordinator and Media nizing many different types of events to get everyone into the Representative ([email protected]) spirit of Pride. This is a great way of meeting new people, and Christy Nicholson: Vendor Representative and Media catching up with old friends. Please visit our website or our Representative ([email protected]) group on Facebook to ﬁ nd out more information. In order to Pride Calgary Association (http://www.pridecalgary.ca) include all members of the community we are hosting events Facebook Group (http://www.facebook.com/group. for all groups, ages, and diversities. We believe that building php?gid=15436720514) a community involves everyone, and should be celebrated as

Publisher’s Column - From Page 6

As for Edmonton, The Pride Centre of Edmonton is hosting Election Mayhem the Roman themed Empire Ball to raise funds. By the time of print, the Bear Beer Bash will have already happened, but a I swear the conservatives planned it this way – calling the new event entitled “United Gathering of Men” is kicking off, to election only a few days into the month, and holding it only happen at Boots on the 2nd Saturday of every month. a few days into the next. This is a very sneaky manoeuvre to say the least. While the Conservative party has been running For more information, check out the events in our commu- their ads and smear campaigns for a while now, candidates nity directory in this magazine, or visit the soon-to-be-new- from other parties hoping to advertise in monthly publications and-improved Events Calendar online at www.gaycalgary. are in essence screwed by only getting a few days of exposure com/events. before the election. Pastor Ron from Rainbow Community Church asked if he GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine usually puts together could write an article about Easter in this month’s magazine. an article that reviews the position of candidates running in We thought we might give it a try to include some input from a ridings across our two cities, but for the sake of getting the religious point of view that is accepting to GLBT people. This information out a few days earlier, we have opted to publish is probably the fi rst article of its type, and though it carries the article on the GayCalgary.com website instead. Make sure a message to a Christian audience, it will probably not agree you pop online to check out the views of candidates in your with everyone. The GLBT community is a diverse mingling area. of cultures and religions, and we don’t want to offend anyone that does not share the same spiritual views. Though Pastor GayCalgary on Facebook Ron would like this to be a regular column, we will have to see the community’s reaction to gauge this. For the time being We’ve fi nally given in to the craze and started up an offi cial I’ve had to put a short disclaimer that his views are not neces- GayCalgary Facebook group! Look for us online and join up sarily those of this magazine. to receive updates, browse photos, and more. You can use it to get in contact with us, and fi nd other friends in the Calgary Our Lesbian Sex column continues to surprise us. Believe area. it or not, we receive two versions of this article each month – there’s X-rated, and then there’s PG-13 which we print. It We want to hear what YOU have to say about the topics in this article, and any doesn’t seem to make much of a difference as a gay man. This other articles in our magazine. Visit the chat forums at www.gaycalgary.com and write your heart out! Or write us a letter to the publisher by E-mailing publisher@ month’s topic of Cunnilingus might be a little graphic, but dig gaycalgary.com, and we may respond to it in the magazine! in ladies!

32 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Fundraising Photos ISCRW History of Rock & Roll Show at Prism - Edmonton

Photos by Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz Marino of GayCalgary.com Magazine ISCRW Last Chance of Luv Show at Boots - Edmonton

ISCRW Oscar Night at Boots - Edmonton

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 33 ARGRA Dance - Calgary ISCCA Drag Show at the Calgary Eagle - Calgary

34 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Noirville and Writers Block Two World Premier Canadian Plays Under One Roof

By Jason Clevett Preview | Theatre The Vertigo Theatre complex at the base of the Calgary tower features two separate theatres: the Unfortunately, after setting this scam into motion, he can’t help himself, he writes a play. Possibly the greatest work he main playhouse and the studio theatre. Both have has ever penned! With his reputation and career on the line, seen their share of fantastic shows unfold on their how far will one man go to keep his secret safe and still bask respective stages. In March, the complex hosts in fi nancial success? This hilarious send up of the theatrical something truly unique – two different theatre profession will appeal to those who work in the industry and companies presenting two brand new works from those who watch it alike. Canadian authors. Noirville March 8th – 30th Two years ago, Peter Colley’s I’ll Be Back Before Midnight Calgary was a massive hit for Vertigo theatre. Always on the look- www.vertigotheatre.com out for new mystery scripts, Artistic Director Mark Bellamy asked Colley at the time if he could suggest other scripts for Writers Block Vertigo’s audience. Peter Colley and Mark Bellamy continued March 13th – 23rd open dialogue about future collaborations and, over time, Calgary Peter Colley informed Vertigo Theatre that it was always an www.gzt.ca interest for him to write a stage fi lm noir type thriller. His idea was about a big city detective who comes to a small town and uncovers a dangerous secret. That was all Mark Bellamy needed to hear – Mark instructed Mr.Colley with: ‘Peter, you write it, I’ll do it’ and Noirville was born. Life does not appear as quaint as it seems. When a burned- out city cop takes on the job as Sheriff in a small town, he is challenged with more danger than he ever faced on the mean streets of the big city. As the sun sets over the town, its pretty sunlit world turns into a place of darkness and decadence. Vertigo Theatre is always on the lookout for new mystery scripts that are not currently in the company’s extensive library and asked if Peter Colley could suggest anything else that might appeal to the Vertigo Theatre audience. Writers Block, March 13th – 23rd, is produced by Ground Zero/Hit and Myth Productions, the team who brought Uri- netown and The Full Monty to Calgary. The play is written by Calgary’s own Eugene Stickland, directed by ATP’s Artistic Director Bob White and starring one of Calgary’s most be- loved actors Trevor Leigh. Writers Block is the story of Luke Stike, the playwright in residence at a large Canadian theatre company. Frustrated with his situation with Revenue Canada, and his fi nancial situation in general, he decides to defraud his theatre’s Insurance Company by going on long- term disability, claiming writer’s block. And wouldn’t you know it… it gets approved!

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 35 Apollo Western Cup 2008

By Jason Clevett GLBT Sports For 26 years, Apollo has hosted the longest running annual LGBT athletic event in North Volleyball. Spectators are welcome and all events admission is free. America, the Western Cup. With sporting events throughout the city and three social events at the Having come off the successful North American Outgames Westin hotel in downtown Calgary, The Western in 2007, Bostock said that the organization learned a great deal about Apollo’s reputation. Cup is one of the top events on the annual gay calendar. “We really learned that the level of recognition and respect throughout North America for the Western Cup is very high. Western Cup continues the tradition of taking place on We have set a legacy and made a name that is really posi- the Easter long weekend, this year bumped up nearly four tive.” weeks to land in mid-march. Kicking off with a social event at the Westin Thursday March 20th, things shift into high Don’t forget that the sports during Western Cup are free gear Friday with a sit down dinner followed by a set from to watch! Whether you are an athlete participating in the three of Yuk Yuk’s ﬁ nest comics. This new and exciting sports, or just a fan taking part in the festivities, Apollo event replaces the former Sunday Brunch as well as the Western Cup is the ﬁ rst big gay spectacle of the year. casino night and Apollo Idol competition. Apollo Western Cup “After several years of the casino event, we wanted to March 20th – 22nd, 2008 shake things up. Change is good and this will be a very fun, www.apollocalgary.com exciting evening,” Apollo’s President, Brad Bostock, told GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. “Apollo Idol is not going to be held this year. That is simply because the person who organized that portion of Western Cup no longer lives in Calgary, and those of us here haven’t had any experience with organizing it. We promise that the evening will still be entertaining.” Saturday night gets invigorated at “reFresh”, a dance event also held at the Westin. Bostock told us that diversity makes the annual dance a favorite. ”It attracts people from 18 – 60, it really is a diverse, eclectic group of people. Many wait all year for the dance and look forward to meeting up with friends they may only see once or twice a year. We have people who come in every year from out of town such as a curling team from Winnipeg. It really is an exciting and fun evening.” There are many packages available for those wanting to attend the social aspect of Western Cup, including a hotel package with 2 tickets to the dance and a night at the Wes- tin for $139. Also available is a party pack including tickets to all three events for $75 – a substantial discount over individual ticket prices. Bostock spoke of the Westin’s contribu- tion to Western Cup. “They truly are a partner, as they recognize the uniqueness of the event and that it really is something different. They work with us to make sure that all of our needs are met. They have recently undergone extensive renovations and it really is a beautiful location for The Western Cup.” While the social aspect is a vital part of The Western Cup, the heart of Apollo remains Friends in Sports. Six different athletic events will take place over the weekend including Badminton, Bowling, Curling, Ice Hockey, Swimming and

36 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Easter More than the Easter Bunny

By Ron Eberly Spiritual More than the Easter bunny, more than chocolate eggs; Easter is more to me. health challenges, both great and small, lack of medical care, family trouble, homelessness, and hunger. More than the Easter bunny, more than chocolate eggs; Part of Jesus’ message was that we should work to end Easter is more to me. these, but Easter is not a magic pill that you can swallow to Consider this story about three people. These people were immediately take all these troubles away. standing before Saint Peter at the gates of Heaven, where they On the other hand, Jesus’ love is a tremendous comfort. It had to answer a question. If they answered correctly then can help us deal with the challenges of today and, indeed, the they would be allowed to proceed. Otherwise they would have opened tomb can become a stairway to Heaven. to go to that other place, so getting the right answer seemed to be pretty important. Back to Peter’s questions: As Rainbow People, we are “in” if we believe and trust in Easter as a beginning of new life The fi rst question to the fi rst person was basic: “What in relationship with Jesus. Accepting and trusting in Jesus’ happened at Christmas?” The answer given: “Christmas is love, we can rise to new heights. a holiday during which a man in a red suit fl ies on a sleigh from the North Pole and gives presents to children. Peter’s re- (The views expressed in the article are that of the Rainbow Community sponse: “I’m sorry. You have left out the birth of Jesus. Please Church, and not necessarily the view of GayCalgary and Edmonton move along.” Magazine.) Peter asked the second person, “What happens on Maundy Thursday?” The answer given this time was that, “On Maundy Thursday, folks gather for a great supper, with turkey, and sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Then they watch football on TV. If there’s time left in the day then they go out and shop for Christmas.” Peter replied that the person had his special days mixed up – Maundy Thursday comes shortly before a different major holiday – and that, once again, Jesus had been left out. Peter’s question to the third person was, “What is Easter about?” She replied that, “Easter is a holiday that remembers a righteous man. This man traveled far and wide. He taught and was heard by many supporters and friends. But this man was scorned and executed, and his body was left in a cave. Yet, on the third day, after that, the cave was opened…” Peter said, “Yes, this sounds pretty good so far. What happened then?” So, the woman continued. “… and the man came out into the light. If he sees his shadow then there are six more weeks of winter.” In fact, Easter can be hard to explain – and it does seem that, along with Christmas – its message tends to get buried and lost - but it is also delightful to encounter. Easter is a story about the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus loved, and loves, all of us so much that he went to the cross – taking all of our sins with him. He rose from death to show us that we can have life in relationship with him and that we are given the promise of everlasting life. He loves, and has done this, for all of us – including all of us as Rainbow People. Easter is hard for many us to understand and appreciate because of all the worldly distractions as well as all the suffering that we experience and see around us – including trouble in the workplace (or trouble fi nding a job at all),

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 37 Changes in the Queer Community – What’s Next?

By Kevin Alderson, Ph.D., R. Psych. Queer Quest “During the course of the ‘90s homosexuality went imprisoned if it were known from being largely invisible to shockingly visible to that you were having sex fairly pedestrian” [1] with each other – or maybe a “happy” parent would have I was recently asked to talk at a Parents, Families and tried to get you committed to Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) meeting. As the inviter a psyc ward! As David Reuben and I debated on the topic, we decided to focus it on changes stated in his pathetic book that have happened and emerging trends in the queer commu- called, Everything You Always nity. Although I have studied various aspects of gay and les- Wanted to Know About Sex bian life for the past 12 years, in the area of emerging trends, But Were Afraid to Ask, [7] gay one can only be speculative at best – one person’s opinion is men pursued the penis, not the just that. With that caveat in mind, here goes. . . person, as they trolled around 1. Growing Acceptance of Sexual Minorities – This one is bathroom stalls waiting for the a no-brainer really. God, before 1969, it was a criminal offense next dick to suck. When a so- to be caught engaging in homosexual behaviour in Canada ciety makes a loving behaviour and homosexuality was considered a mental disorder by the (that being engaging in an inti- American Psychiatric Association (many Canadian psycholo- mate, deep, and meaningful relationship with someone) illegal, gists and psychiatrists subscribe to their diagnostic system) people are forced to relegate their behaviour to something less until 1973. Now we have the same legal rights as heterosexu- admirable, or at least something clandestine for fear of getting als, including hate speech and hate crime protection, same- caught. Today, I hear young and old queer individuals talk sex marriage, and protection in all other legal areas of which I about the possibility of marriage in the context of their dat- am aware. ing. It is easy to forget that these conversations were virtually unheard of only three years ago. The Americans have also experienced signifi cant change. Gallup polls since 1977 have asked whether homosexual rela- 4. Changing Patterns of Sexual Behaviour – Our sexual tions should be legal. From 1977 to 2007, this aspect of gay behaviour (particularly that of gay men) has also changed, rights went from 43% to 59%, respectively. [2] Furthermore, in part due to the legitimization of same-sex relationships, today the majority of Americans (56%) believe that sexual ori- but also in part due to how the onset of HIV/AIDS in 1981 entation cannot be changed, compared to 36% ten years ago. changed the rampant pursuit of male-male sex to something [3] Media representations of sexual minorities are also more that needed to become less manic and more responsible. positive in every domain, again suggesting a trend toward an Fewer individuals are reporting the rapid and frequent casual increasingly positive view of us. sexual liaisons that became somewhat defi ning of male-male sex in the 1970s in Canada and the US. 2. Growing Interest and Legalization of Same-Sex Mar- riage – In order of legislation, the following places in the world Unfortunately, the changing pattern of sexual behaviour is have legalized same-sex marriage: the Netherlands, Belgium, not all favourable. As I reported in Queer Quest in August and Massachusetts, Spain, Canada (several individual provinces/ September 2007, barebacking (unprotected anal intercourse) territories legalized it before it became national on July 20, is on the increase with concomitant increases in HIV trans- 2005), and most recently, South Africa (since November 30, mission. We do NOT have a cure for the virus, but life can 2006). Canadians for Equal Marriage announced on Novem- be prolonged for many (but not all) with the antiretroviral com- ber 20, 2006 that a total of 12,438 same-sex marriages had bination drug therapies. For several psychological reasons, occurred in Canada up to that point. [4] Interestingly, of the some people are forgetting or denying the eventual lethality of 774 same-sex marriages performed in BC in 2003, 55.9% of HIV/AIDS. these occurred between couples who were not residents of 5. Bisexuality as a Legitimate Sexual Orientation – It Canada! [5] Canada and Belgium are the only two places in used to be thought by heterosexual and queer people alike the world that allow non-residents to bond in same-sex mar- that bisexuality was a transition to becoming gay or lesbian. riage. That perspective has been successfully refuted, particularly My prediction is that more countries will legalize same-sex through the longitudinal work of researcher Lisa Diamond. marriage as a domino effect begins to occur. Even the conser- She has tracked about 80 women with sexual minority identi- vative US is showing trends of increasing acceptance. In 1996, ties for the past 10 years, and she has found that the majority only 27% of Americans believed that same-sex marriage was of bisexual women have not relinquished their identities over legitimate, compared to 46% in May 2007. [6] this time span. [8] 3. Changing Dating Patterns – As you can imagine, it 6. Fluidity of Women’s Sexuality and Less Labelling would have been diffi cult to have dated openly before 1969 of One’s Sexuality – Another important fi nding from Lisa as a same-sex couple, given that both of you could have been Diamond’s work is showing that women with sexual minor-

38 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 ity identities change their identity labels over time. Over her affection, such as walking hand-in-hand or kissing each other 10-year study, two-thirds of the women have changed identity on the lips. labels (e.g., lesbian to bisexual or lesbian to unlabeled) at least once, and one-third have changed their labels two or more My prediction, however, is that this will slowly change in times. The most commonly adopted identity was “unlabeled.” Calgary, perhaps especially in consequence of others moving [9] here from more liberal places. Also, fewer people will live in the gay ghettos that do exist in Canada as they feel freer to live Diamond’s study and that of several others is often used as wherever. Nonetheless, a gay village provides more than just a an argument to suggest that nearly everyone – men included sense of protection – they are also places where people can po- – has a fl exible sexual orientation. It is an interesting theoreti- tentially enjoy a greater and more visible sense of community, cal question, but I don’t know of many heterosexual indi- and for some, this will remain important. viduals – male or female – who question their sexuality and consider “going to the other side” for a while. Also, there is a Lastly, I think we will continue to see fewer exclusive gay difference between sexual identity (the label you give to your bars and gay establishments. The integration of straight and sexuality – usually gay, lesbian, or heterosexual) and sexual queer cultures will continue to emphasize more the infusion orientation (the gender you fall in love with romantically or feel of straights into our culture than vice versa for some time to the strongest sexual attraction toward). come, however, as many queer people remain reluctant to reveal themselves to the potentially damaging effects of being My prediction, however, is that we will see more people ex- visible. For example, we still do not see many gay men dancing periment with same-sex sexuality and perhaps even same-sex together in the majority of straight bars. Given that it is not relationships. Some American data already suggests that this uncommon to see physical fi ghts break out in straight bars, might be happening (or maybe just more people are willing that is perhaps especially prudent until new norms become to report they have experienced a same-sex relationship than established. I believe they will, but it will take some time. before). [10, 11] I also predict that fewer men and women will label their sexuality, preferring instead to not use a label (as 9. Improving Mental Health of the Queer Community in Diamond’s study). As people gain more choices, it takes – Lastly, I want to mention that I believe the queer community longer to decide what is and what is not for them, similar to is becoming increasingly healthier psychologically. Well known how diffi cult it can be today to decide on a career choice (or on researcher Savin-Williams has written extensively about how several career choices). the development of gay and lesbian youth is not that different any longer compared to straight youth. Furthermore, he 7. Changes in the Transsexual Community – I came claims that most are hardy, resilient individuals who will get across a recent American dissertation and the author argues through their adolescence unscathed. Savin-Williams also that the transgender movement is growing, along with activ- challenges the view that they are any more suicidal compared ism associated with this. [12] Certainly many trans people are to straight youth. [14] Whether or not that is the case, clearly coming forward to begin a process of transition, and that may we live in a society that is no longer shocked or disparaged be occurring more frequently in a province like Alberta where by the reality of our existence. The growing tolerance and ac- the cost of gender reassignment surgery is covered by health ceptance of queer individuals is helping all of us to feel better care (this is not the case in all provinces). As I have mentioned about ourselves. in a previous Queer Quest column, the trans community remains small by comparison to the gay and lesbian commu- Overall, I believe we have a lot to look forward to in the com- nity, and when it comes to activism, they need our continued ing years. We are closer to attaining full equality compared support. I have helped several trans clients transition at their to any time in history (note: the idea of a gay community is place of work in Calgary, and I have been very impressed by a modern day construct, but people experiencing and acting the respect they are provided by their managers and col- upon same-sex desire has always existed). The current trend leagues. Although gender identity is not specifi cally mentioned is toward greater respect of individual differences, whatever in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, neither is that might look like for you and me. sexual orientation – that has been “written in” after several Dr. Alderson is an associate professor of counselling psychology at court challenges occurred. the University of Calgary who specializes in gay and lesbian studies. He Trans people are still largely misunderstood, and it con- also maintains a private practice. He can be contacted by confidential cerns me that no psychiatrist has come forward in Calgary to email at [email protected], or by confidential voice mail at 605- begin working with them. At present, the only gender clinic is 5234. in Edmonton, and getting there regularly is diffi cult for many References: individuals. I predict that this situation will improve over the 1) Savin-Williams, R. C. (2008). Then and now: Recruitment, defi nition, next few years, however, as Dr. Warneke’s fi ne work continues diversity, and positive attributes of same-sex populations. Developmental to create empathy with those psychiatrists-in-training that he Psychology, 44(1), 135-138. [quote contained in Doig, cited on p. 135]. mentors. 2) Saad, L. (2007, May 29). Tolerance for gay rights at high-water mark. Retrieved February 25, 2008 from http://www.gallup.com/poll/27694/Tol- 8. De-Ghettoization of the Gay Community – In larger erance-Gay-Rights-HighWater-Mark.aspx cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, gay villages or ghettos emerged, partly in response to the oppression and 3) Savin-Williams (2008). victimization that gays and lesbians once faced. Victimization 4) Over 12,000 married same-sex couples. (2006, November 20). Cana- has not stopped in its entirety, by the way. One report I read dians for Equal Marriage. Retrieved February 25, 2008 from http://www. equal-marriage.ca/resource.php?id=532 indicated that sexual orientation is the basis of hate-motivated crimes in about 10 percent of reported cases in Canada. In 5) Marriages. (2007, January 17). Statistics Canada. Retrieved February 2005, the police in Calgary reported there were 16 offenses 25, 2008 from http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/070117/d070117a. htm related to sexual orientation out of a total of 96 hate-motivated crimes reported (about 17%). [13] As I wrote in Queer Quest in 6) Saad (2007). July 2007, it remains a rare occurrence in Calgary to see gay 7) Reuben, D. (1969). Everything you always wanted to know about sex male couples (particularly) show any form of public display of but were afraid to ask. Toronto: Bantam.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 39 Evolution of Community Open Reply to Stephen Lock

By Mercedes Allen Trans Identity In the February Issue of GayCalgary Magazine (#52), “Evolution of Community: GLBTQ History Isn’t consciousness... even when one aspect appeared without the other. While varying considerably from tribe to tribe in terms Quite as Linear as One Might Think,” Stephen Lock of terminology and defi nition, Native American Two Spirit presents a brief overview of GLBTQ history in both tradition encompassed sexual orientation and gender identity, Canada and North America, but I felt he overlooked and more. Similarly, the Victorian underground frequented mention of the transgender community in places, by Oscar Wilde welcomed both homosexuals and crossdress- perhaps for brevity – it is a very complex topic to ex- ers quite indiscriminately, and Mr. Lock himself discusses the presence of both in England’s Molly Houses. But the plore in a single article. But I wanted to amend and transgender participation in the community did not end there. supplement this unintentional erasure of concern, as it may legitimize the typical Canadian view that This is where he delves into Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute with the victory of attaining same-sex marriage and of Sexual Science, and the pre-war cultural renaissance which was developing in Germany. In fact, it was at this Institute spousal benefi ts, the “last major battle” is won, and that the fi rst gender reassignment surgeries (GRS) took place, everyone can go home. and the fi rst medical cataloguing of transsexuality began. And with the rise of Hitler, it was not only homosexuals who were Mr. Lock is correct that activism existed prior to Stonewall, assigned that pink triangle. Nazi rule did not discern between and he sets a sort of genesis with pre-war Germany, followed gay and trans any more than previous cultures did. If I recall by the advents of The Mattachine Society and The Daughters correctly, the black triangle was in fact designated for “anti-so- of Bilitis. In reality, GLBTQ activism originated thousands cials,” which GLBTQ people were sometimes designated to be, of years ago, and has been an ongoing process. At the time along with teachers and other liberals; otherwise, gay, lesbian, of writing, I have a six-part transgender history running at bisexual, transgender or other non-heteronormative people all Bilerico.com (which I only mention for the sake of those who wore the pink. might want to delve further), briefl y chronicling a community that in ancient eras was respected (even venerated at times), It isn’t until the age of The Mattachine Society that the and then was pushed into hiding during Roman rule and the gay community began to defi ne itself, and distinguish sexual Middle Ages. But trans and gay expression persisted among orientation from gender identity (vilifying the latter). The the peasantry, with mummers’ dances and All Hallow’s Eve, trans community went through some of its own defi ning at with outbreaks of unrest to fi ght economic injustice... with this time, with the formation of the Tri-Ess Society in 1960 by bandit groups like “Rebecca and her Daughters,” “Mère Folle Charles (Virginia) Prince, who sought to unite MTF crossdress- and her Children,” and the “Lords of Unreason.” These ren- ers who were gynephiles (attracted to women), and alienating egades drew upon cross-gender motifs to visibly signify their androphiles (those attracted to men) and transsexuals - also allegiance with early paganism and inspire the serfs and the illustrating that having deep historical roots doesn’t always labourers. make the underlying philosophy “right.” Pocket organizations appeared and disappeared as easily as gay and lesbian Most striking about our history as it’s been recovered from groups, and trans uprisings predated Stonewall, such as the various sources, is that those early traditions respected homo- riot at Dewey’s Lunch Counter, in the San Francisco of 1966. sexual and transgender behaviour equally, interpreting sexual orientation and gender identity as all part of a dual-gendered As Mr. Lock stated, at the time of Stonewall, the participants were rabble, disenfranchised prostitutes and drag queens boiling over with frustration, anger and the heat of the June summer. They weren’t activists per se. Many, however, stepped into that role following the riot. Sylvia Rivera, often credited as having thrown the fi rst bottle (or stone, or whatever it might have been - reports vary), went on to help found the Gay Liberation Front, which later folded - with one of the criticisms levelled against it being the “embarrassment” of association with Rivera and the trans issues she championed. She and Marsha P. Johnson founded STAR, a transgender safehouse and support organization which was often little more than a trailer, and for which they often had to work the street in order to pay for its electricity. She helped found Gay Activists Alliance, which continually dropped the provisions she fought for within its ranks and which eventually uncer- emoniously dumped her in 1973. Later that same year, she was forced off the stage at a Stonewall commemorative rally (followed by Jean O’Leary’s denouncement of transgender

40 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 people as “men who impersonate women for entertainment option (especially considering how expensive transition can and profi t”) by a separatist movement that was endemic of be) - although not preferable in many other ways - is the sex a drive all across North America to exclude and dissociate trade. from transgender people. We were an embarrassment and a political liability in the eyes of gay activists at that time. Trans In America, organizations are holding fast about fi ghting activists were willing... but it was made clear that they were transgender exclusion from ENDA, primarily because history not wanted. shows that the “we’ll come back for you” approach quite often doesn’t happen. In Canada, the “coming back” has been very What I don’t want to do is rehash all of the bitterness that slow and garnered little to no interest - NDP MP Bill Siksay stemmed from that and whip it up into a new rivalry. As a recently tabled two private members bills to mandate protec- transwoman who is bisexual and in a lesbian relationship, it tion for transfolk under employment and non-discrimination hurts me to see rifts between the GLB and T. And I’ve been law, but they garnered little support and died at the end of encouraged by considerable strides in the past decade, both Parliamentary sitting. Instead, the prevailing spirit has be- among local pride organizations and on larger scales - such as come one of “our job here is done - we can go home, now.” I UnitedENDA, an overwhelming coalition of over 350 GLBTQ have to wonder if the “we owe them nothing” attitude is little organizations in the U.S. that emerged to protest transgender more than attempted justifi cation for abandoning transgender people being dropped from the Employment Non-Discrimina- people to the rights we still see no sign of obtaining, and how tion Act. But even today there are times when, in GLB spaces, refl ective this really is of Canadian GLBTQ people. I’m still made to feel like an unwelcome spectacle, just for being trans. I try not to be negative. Really, I do. And I admit to having glossed over some things that the GLB community has lob- Consequently, the absence of transgender participation bied for on transfolks’ behalf, and apologize for that. I believe from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s had as much to do with in a synchronous and co-supportive community, and that’s being pushed out as bitter abstinence on the part of the trans what I encourage building. But once in awhile, though, I do community. The gay community developed transphobia and feel the need to challenge people to step up to the plate. And the trans community developed homophobia... and those of us that’s what this is, GLB Canadians everywhere: not a rant or torn between two communities have been trying to re-estab- an accusation, but a challenge to prove me wrong from this lish that mutual respect ever since. point forward, much the same as the reciprocal challenges I’ve issued to transfolk both here and elsewhere. I concur the many landmarks in Canadian GLBTQ history that Mr. Lock points out, including Trudeau’s decriminaliza- ”Mercedes Allen is a writer who blogs at http://dentedbluemercedes. tion of homosexuality in 1968 and the bathhouse raids of wordpress.com/, has been featured on bilerico.com, PageOneQ and oth- 1979 and 1980. The win for Delwin Vriend would also fi gure ers, and has also developed the website at AlbertaTrans.org as a resource among those landmarks. And trans activists weren’t there. for transgender information and support.” Our activism took a similar detour toward its own purposes by mutual exclusion, both in terms of awareness and legislation, from Enza Anderson to Micheline Montrueil. The occasional overlap occurred: although EGALE Canada chose not to take up the fi ght to have transgender issues on the table when working to have “sexual orientation” added to hate crimes and non-discrimination legislation, they did get involved with the Kimberly Nixon case in B.C. But while the GLBTQ community is now galvanizing south of the border and waving a banner of rights for all, Canadian GLB folk are succumbing to the laissez-faire attitude that all the victories are won and further activism is unnecessary. It’s caused Canadian GLB Centres to dwindle, caused Pride Week Societies across Canada to slip into factional rifts and fall short of volunteers, caused EGALE itself to face greatly reduced participation and funding, and even brought about an implosion of sorts among GLBTQ nightclubs. Perhaps the GLB community owes the trans community nothing - although that assertion is a sad departure from the solidarity the communities experienced prior to the 1950s. Personally, I have always thought that the measure of a movement resided in how it treats its disenfranchised, and there’s no doubt that that’s what we’re talking about with much of the transgender community. Unless someone has worked their way up to a point of affl uence, security and comfort prior to transition, transfolk are very rarely fi nancially stable. Hate crimes affect the most visible of us, and unless a couple is seen holding hands, that usually means that targets will be effeminate males, “butchy” females and those of us whose gender expression or gender identity defi es what people expect to see (another way in which the GLBQ has more in common with the transgender community than it sometimes real- izes or acknowledges). Employment issues are huge in the transgender community, where sometimes the best fi nancial

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 41 42 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Vagina Monologues

By Allison Brodowski Community | Spotlight “I decided it is better to scream. Silence is the real crime against humanity.” - Nadezhda Mandelstam, appropriate. The girl’s defense stems from the word’s origin as a simple body part not shunned in any biology class, but received Hope Against Hope a negative reaction when used as an empowering symbol. Eve Ensler probably had no idea what would become of ask- Situations like these expose bias against women’s sexuality ing women to talk about their vaginas. What she got was an and identity. How are women ever going to fi nd comfort in their untapped market of women whose experiences had been shut own bodies if the medical terms for simple body parts are con- down, shut up and shut away. From screamers to fl oods, the sidered taboo? Another example of this was demonstrated by a voices of women tumble with eagerness, shyness, anger and Vagina Monologues reading in Texas, which had to be labeled power from the pages of her book and into the minds of audi- the ”woo-haw” monologues as “vagina” was deemed too offen- ences everywhere. With the live adaptation of the play, Ensler sive. That is everything this play serves to fi ght against. had the opportunity for even broader audiences to experience this type cast literature in a different light, despite ‘feminist’ V-day is approaching. Get ready for it. becoming a dirty word in some present cultural circles. The Vagina Monologues Orgasms, childbirth, periods, politics, and herstory are just a Max Bell Theater in EPCOR Center, Calgary few of the subjects that are touched on in this hour and a half March 20th -22nd of very raw emotion. Tickets: $25 Available through Ticketmaster (403) 777-0000 The live Vagina Monologues has become something of a cult www.ticketmaster.ca following yearly in most major cities, and here in Calgary the dynamic duo of Marsha Ellen Meidow and Shone Abet have done it again, bringing the performance back for another year. The play itself always takes the opportunity to allow local women to make the fi rst step as performers. At the auditions, organizers look for those brave few for whom this experience will bring the most growth. The 15-20 women who are chosen are given stories from the book to interpret and bring to an audience. This gives every night a new fl avor as these women unfold tales from every walk of life, age, and shyness. These women are your nurses, your bus drivers, your construction workers, your mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, nieces and wives. These stories are not isolated and neither is the awareness raised. Violence against women is real, at home and abroad, and needs to be dealt with to ensure that things continue to change for the better. Men have always been invited and encouraged to attend. The reactions afterwards are always positive. This is often a learning experience that opens lines of communication, even if it starts with laughter. Once again the event will be benefi ting the YWCA’s Safe Ha- ven program, “Getting young girls off the streets ad back to their lives.“ We live in a very conservative city where teenage prostitution is not seriously addressed. There is nothing more dangerous than being invisible, and to the girls and women who have gone through the program or have yet complete it, compassion and support counts for everything. Organizers are hoping to raise $30,000 towards the much needed program this year. Recently Eve Ensler came to the defense of several girls in a US high school who read a section of the vagina monologues as a class project and were suspended for uttering the word vagina. The argument on behalf of the school is that the word is in-

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 43 44 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 The Juno Awards Calgary hosts Canada’s Musical Extravaganza

By Jason Clevett Community | News April third to sixth, the annual showcase of Canadian music hits Calgary for the fi rst time. Capped off by the While there will be many other events in the city over awards broadcast live from the Pengrowth Saddledome the four day weekend, the big event will be the Juno Award broadcast on Sunday April 6th. Top award nominees include April 6th on CTV, the 37th annual Juno Awards is your Michael Bublé, Finger 11, Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne and chance to take in some of Canada’s greatest artists, all Calgary’s own Feist. in the span of four days. “Feist won New Artist of the Year in 2005. She is an incred- “It really generates excitement and pride in the host cities,” ible talent and it is great to have her as a multiple nominee says Melanie Berry, president of the Canadian Academy of the year we are in Calgary. There is a lot of great talent this Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS). “The Juno Awards year and lots of multiple nominations, which is a great sign for provides a spotlight on the city and allows them a great op- the music industry.” portunity to shine and it really is a great celebration. There is a lot of media focus on homegrown talent. There is an obvious Alberta country artist Paul Brandt will also be honored as economic impact on the city. Any city we have gone to has the fi rst recipient of the Allan Walters Humanitarian Award. been very happy to have us and we have had some of those “It is to showcase somebody who has had a substantial same cities asking us back. That says a lot.” impact. Paul Brandt has done loads of work for children’s Berry took time out of her busy schedule, which includes charities and the children’s hospital. I don’t think people know planning for the Juno awards up until 2012, to talk to that Paul has done all of this great work. I think it is a great GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. She states that the opportunity for us to stand up and say, take a look at this, he event has been a long time in the making. “I have been work- is incredible and we are very proud to have him as part of the ing with Tourism Calgary and the city for four years to bring Canadian music industry.” it to Calgary. We scouted out venues and know what the Thirty-two of the awards will be given out at a industry gala infrastructure is and that it could manage us. The timing fi t Saturday night. Sunday’s broadcast, is hosted by comedian into place. CARAS’ goal isn’t to pit cities against each other, Russel Peters. we want to line them up logically so that they work. It should be a very positive experience for everybody involved. It seemed “Russel Peters had been brought up to us before – he has like 2008 was the perfect year.” sold 100,000 copies of his DVD and has sold out Madison Square Garden. In November, in Toronto he was involved in Berry explains the future plans of the organization. “Our the Gilda’s Club fundraiser and a lot of industry people are goal is to announce the host city approximately 18 months in involved in that event and were really impressed with him. He advance. We have been working on Vancouver (which was just is kind of underground and is a huge music fan. It is going to announced as host city for 2009) for a good four to fi ve years. be really exciting with him as host.” I lead with the theory that we have grown and will continue to do so, so we need to pin things down well in advance. It The unique thing about attending the awards is the oppor- benefi ts us but it also benefi ts the host city. They get a lot out tunity to see a variety of Canadian artists all perform on one of it from a tourism factor the longer then we can announce stage. Canadian country artists Aaron Lines, Gord Bamford, it, the longer they put it in as a destination. We can also work Johnny Reid, Paul Brandt and Shane Yellowbird – four of together to create bigger events. In Calgary this week there whom are Alberta natives - will pay tribute to the Calgary are events Thurs – Sun and it becomes much more of a team and Alberta. The iconic Anne Murray will perform duets off effort instead of us just rolling into town.” her Duets: Friends and Legends album with Jann Arden and Sarah Brightman. Also scheduled to perform as of press are Having spent most years in Toronto, the Juno Awards Finger 11, Avril Lavigne, Michael Bublé, Feist and opera singer took the show on the road in 2002 in St. Johns, Newfound- Measha Brueggergosman. Regardless of your musical taste the land. After the success of that event, the decision was made awards offer something enjoyable. to continue the event as a traveling show. It has since been hosted by Ottawa - Gatineau, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Halifax, “The Juno Awards have grown because of this opportunity and Saskatoon. of moving it around the country. We have received overwhelming support from the cities and fans which is why we have “It was the province of Newfoundland that said they thought been able to grow. It is a fantastic, fun, four day weekend and the Juno Awards should come there. Everyone said it was I encourage everyone to come out and participate as much as crazy, but they went ahead and did it. It took things to a whole possible. It is something that everybody should be proud of.” new level with the interaction between the artists and the fans. It made it so much more of what it is supposed to be: a Juno Awards 2008 celebration of Canadian music and artists. It is a great oppor- April 3 – 6, 2008 tunity for so many more artists to participate which is why we www.junoawards.ca continue to tour.”

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 45 Juno Weekend More than Just Awards

By Jason Clevett Community Event The decision to make the Juno Awards a traveling event has turned it into a massive event encompass- AlexCuba, JeremyFisher, Serena Ryder and Tegan and Sara. The writers will share with fans some of their unique creative ing four days in Calgary of Canadian music. processes, challenges and songwriting successes, all the while “We have created these other public events, which is a great telling personal anecdotes behind their favourite songs. opportunity for interaction between fans and artists. I love see- “I am told the songwriters circle is one of the best events of ing that interaction and they certainly enjoy it,” CARAS presi- the weekend. It is very much up close and personal, stories and dent Melanie Berry told GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine. “It songs about how things get written. I have not spoken to one would really be a shame to have the Juno’s without these other single person who has said anything other than it is incredible,” events. They really are for the public and for the host city to says Berry. show off local talent.” Even if you don’t plan to attend the awards ceremony itself, Things kick off with an outdoor concert Thursday April there is plenty going on in Calgary’s Juno weekend to enjoy. third with Finger Eleven, Sloan, the New Odds and Bedouin Soundclash. Friday night offers a unique blend of two things “If you are a Canadian music fan, this is your opportunity to Canadian: music and hockey, with The Juno Cup. The 1989 celebrate Canadian music. We have 100s of acts, literally, play- Stanley Cup champions Lanny McDonald, Colin Patterson, Doug ing over a four-day weekend. If you are a music lover you will be Gilmour and Jamie Macoun reunite, while teaming up with NHL dying to come out and see as much as you can.” legends Bob Probert, Brad Dalgarno, Mark Napier, Mike Pelyk, For full event and artist listing and ticket information for Juno Paul Coffey and Russ Courtnall to take on a team of Canadian weekend events visit www.junoawards.ca rockers. The music team is lead by Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy and

includes Sloan’s Chris Murphy and Andrew Scott, Tom Co- chrane, Shane Yellowbird and Canadian Idol judge Zack Werner. “This is the 5th year for the Juno Cup. The rockers have not won yet, but this could be their year. We are at the Stampede Corral and expect to have over 5000 people there. It is fun and a real family event and a great opportunity to see these artists and NHL stars,” Berry explained. The event is a fundraiser for CARAS’ Band-Aid music education program. “Over the last 10 years [CARAS] has donated over 2.3 million dollars in musical instruments to schools across the country.” Another exciting event will be Juno Fanfare at the Olympic Oval at the University on Saturday April 5th. Juno Fanfare is a free event featuring artist interviews, prize giveaways and auto- graph sessions with Bedouin Soundclash, Faber Drive, Finger Eleven, Hedley, illScarlett, Jully Black, Serena Ryder and State of Shock. “There’s always an electrifying energy at Juno Fan Fare,” said Berry. “When you connect elated fans with so many of their favourite Canadian music stars in a single event, it makes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Also on tap the 4th and 5th is JunoFest – over 70 acts in 17 venues including indie artists, hometown favourites and JUNO Award nominees across-the-board performing at various venues in Calgary. One $30 wristband gets you access to all of the shows. Over 50% of the artists will be locally based, making JunoFest a great opportunity for one to go out and discover new Canadian talent. Finally, one of the most anticipated events of Juno Weekend is the Songwriters circle, held at the Jack Singer Concert Hall on the afternoon of the 6th and broadcast live on CBC radio. The intimate concert will be hosted by songwriter, Joel Plaskett, the front man of Joel Plaskett Emergency, and 2008 JUNO Award nominee for Songwriter of the Year. Plaskett will join fellow esteemed Canadian songwriters and JUNO Award nominees

46 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 R We Drowning in Alphabet Soup? A Humorous Look at Language

By Ace Humour (B4U Read this know that a list will follow this article for and creative human being. So to my readers I must say, G2G and as for me my translation Purposes.) mind is now distracted as I now see a HSG and here comes a CGG as well into the bar. As for my ADD it is probably due to my DNA and it’s a good thing I am LD While standing outside a bar me + my B.F.F were smoking T.M’s. The D.J. was and no longer MIA when it comes to reality. For I am swinging in the ABC’S of this M.I.A. only until the end of Karaoke. That’s when my B.F.F asked me is P.V.C alphabet soup in this fast paced world of abbreviations and texting to the point still P.C. if U R. not into S+M or B.D.S.M. And as she looks like a B.B.W who was where all my reality checks will be bouncing and if I try to cash in on my memory a G.W.M B4 she I.Ded herself as more that a T.V. or C.D. or even a future D.Q. bank for any more acronysms, I am sure I would fi nd NSF. So I implore you to but farther a T.G. who will ask her G.P. if she can start her on H.R.T. so she can stop all this verbal texting and use some mental muscle fl exing and at least when qualify 2 B a T.S. 4 the M.D. that does G.R.S. She was able to ask my opinion it comes to speech, use proper language. WTH, TTFN, G2G. because I was a G.W.F + D.K. B4 I IDed as FTM + T.S. I had 2 questions in my head. Is it P.C. in the world of a G.G. to wear P.V.C.? And my question on a sepa- Translations rate issue is Y is P.D.A. considered not P.C.? If a S.O. visits their S.O. @ their F/T wk and then gives them a quick xox to say T.T.F.N.? So U C the issues that me A.A. Alcoholics Anonymous assembly + my B.F.F. discussed boiled down to is P.V.C vs P.C and P.D.A vs P.C. Putting A.C/D.C. Old term used for Bi- M.G.M A movie manufacturing labels on people 2 judge them doesn’t wk. 2 C what’s inside 1 must open up. My Sexuals company son is a G.W.M. and on his P.C he e-mails while texting on his AT+T now Rogers A.C/D.C A rock band M+M’s Candy coated chocolate cell phone. Texting is not a new language. In my younger days we wk F/T in an A.C/D.C A type of electric currents treat offi ce and when the C.E.O. left 4 lunch in his B.M.W. we played D+D ate B.L.T’s A+W Fast food restaurant M.D Medical Doctor and ate M+M’s, sending memos like the following. The B.Y.O.B is a C.B 10-4 so AT+T A phone company MiB2 Men in Black 2 R.S.V.P/ A.S.A.P. But as I TK with my B.F.F. I realized that like speed-dating, A.M.A Alberta Motor Association MIA Missing in action Microwave T.V. dinners life is getting faster paced and communication is getting A.T.V. All-terrain vehicle M.T.F Male to female shortened O/T. The Str8’s R getting divorces and www is matching faceless people A.S.A.P As soon as possible N.M.P Not my problem to try 2 prevent this divorce rate increasing. I I.Ded as FTM and my S.O. is MTF B.B. Biological Boy N.P No Pets and we look Str8 but we feel that we R part of the L.G.B.T.T.I.Q community as B.B.W Big Beautiful Woman N.S No smoking we R both as they used to call it AC/DC. I didn’t end up with a B.M.W. or A.T.V B.M.X A type of bicycle N.S.F Non suffi cient funds but we have L.O.L. I look like a B.B and she looks like a G.G. R arguments R all B.F.F Best friends forever O.D Overdose in fun like whether we should buy a D.V.D or V.H.S of MIB2 or Star Wars when B.I.C Bitch in charge O.K Okay R2D2 fi rst met C3PO. We R part of the T.G. community the Str8 community B.V.D Men’s underwear O.A Overeaters Anonymous and the L.G.B.T.T.I.Q. community. But when did P.D.A become an issue for any B.L.T Bacon, lettuce and tomato P.S Post Script couple I felt like her B.I.C. should not have reprimanded her. I thought Y doesn’t C.D Compact Disc P.C Politically Correct she M.Y.O.B. I hope R son fi nds wk but all there is R service P.T @ his age like @ C.D Cross Dresser P.C Personal computer A+W, B.K, K.F.C. or McD’s. He is 18 and needs $ 4 his future for everything from C3PO An android in Star Wars P.A Prince Albert ( a type of a B.M.X or even new B.V.Ds. But as a queer family we go out to the latest M.G.M. C.G.G Cute Gay Guy piercing) movie or watch W.W.F. or H.B.O. on T.V. wishing I had a H.D.T.V. I listen to C.B.C Canadian Broadcasting P.D.A Public display of affection C.B.C radio or watch C.N.N or listen to techno, dance or R+B on my MP3. But my Corporation P.V.C A type of rubber fetish mind goes back to this P.D.A thing and the lack or R+R with my S.O. that caused C.E.O Chief Executive Offi cer outfi ts me to not B PC @ her wk. We all know that TK about one P.A. or D+C or S.T.D is D.Q Drag Queen Ph.D Doctorate degree from defi nitely not P.C. Everyone would C this as T.M.I. 4 sure. But oh well, T.G.I.F. I D.Q Dairy Queen University think I’ll just get on with my important things like if I should buy an R.R.S.P. at D.K Drag King R Are C.I.B.C or T.D. bank. I do have a lot of T.L.C in my life. Next time I visit with my D+D Dungeons and Dragons R+R Rest and relaxation S.O. at wk I will just say T.T.Y.L or write a note that ends in P.S. L.O.L., G.2.G., D.N.A Genetics R+B Rhythm and blues XOXOX, OK. And if people do not have enough of an IQ to stop worrying whether D+C Medical Procedure R.R.S.P Registered Retirement or not P.D.A is P.C. or not that is N.M.P. Their love life must be MT. for we are D.V.D Digital Video Disc Savings Plan happy and we adopted a good S.W.M. child who is an adult now and stays away D.J Disc Jockey S.T.D Sexually transmitted from young people who do stupid things like M.D.A., E, K, and L.S.D. or even E Ecstasy disease P.C.P. He only does a little T.H.C and all he needs is some T.L.C. As for the com- F.I.N.E Freaked out, Insecure, S.O. Signifi cant other munity we all need to support each other 24/7 whether or not we are Str8 or in Neurotic and Emotional S.O.B Son of a bitch the L.G.B.T.T.I.Q. community. As 4 someone who is almost 47 yrs on this planet F.T.M Female to Male Str8 Straight I have seen many technological improvements but as acronyms enter into our F.Y.I For your information S.D Social Drinker speech I wonder should we really be talking like we are texting? What happened G.P General Practitioner S.W.F Straight White Female to the old days of rock and roll and sexing. G.G Genetic Girl S+M Sadist + Masochist G2G Got to go TK Talk I think that sometimes my brain will OD if I read too many texts my IQ will be T.V Television pronounced D.O.A. My energy sometimes is best spent listening to R+B on my G.R.S Gender Reassignment Surgery T.V Transvestite MP3. If this life is confusing and you confess that reality seems like it is for those T.H.C Marijuana who can’t handle drugs, get clean like I did 13 years ago and don’t BS yourself G.W.F Gay White Female G.W.M Gay White Male T.L.C Tender Loving Care any longer. Do what you have to to embrace reality, even if that means going to T.M.J Muscle disorder of the A.A., N.A., or C.A., but just don’t join H.A, just because you are confused about H.A Hell’s Angles H.A Homosexual Anonymous jawbone area your sexuality. A natural high is enjoying who we are and helping others out. T.M.I Too Much Information After all in a city where we have to get the M.L.A. to see things our way, life is H.D High Defi nition H.S.G Hot Straight Guy T.T.Y.L Talk To You Later diffi cult. And as I see homeless people surviving cold winter nights, I get upset at T.T.F.N Ta Ta For Now the severe housing shortage. I ask myself, why do we pay so many taxes and in H.B.O Home Box Offi ce H.M.V Music Store T.G.I.F Thank God It’s Friday looking for a house to rent, why do all the ads have a big DD and say N/S and T.D Toronto Dominion N/P? How can one say for an RRSP unless they have a BA or PH.D and make a lot I.Q Intelligence Quotient L.O.L Lots of Love W.W.F World Wrestling of money to begin with? And why does our MLA not see important things like the Federation homeless issue? I mean really they TK all PC until they are so blue in the face you L.O.L Laughing out loud L.D Learning Disabled W.T.H What The Hell think they would end up with TMJ. Oh well I have fi nancially survived Xmas. So I V.H.S Video Cassette won’t continue venting like an SOB. Well as you can see I have a very ADD mind. L.S.D An illegal drug “Acid” K An illegal drug WK Work But here is something that might give you a laugh. As a dyslexic I will give you Xmas Christmas the reverse of an acronysm. For example if you are in a bad mood and you don’t M.T Empty XOXO Kisses and Hugs want to vent like an SOB because it is not PC and someone asks you if you R OK M.Y.O.B Mind your own business just say I’m FINE and smile knowing deep down that fi ne stands for “Freaked out, MP3 A music device insecure neurotic and emotional”. And if somebody vents at you and calls you a M.D.A An illegal drug BITCH say “Thank You” for that means you are a beautiful, intelligent, thoughtful M.L.A Member of the legislative

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 47 48 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Movie Review Die Mommie Die!

By Rob Diaz-Marino Review | Movie Die Mommy Die! This might pass off as your average overacted 1960s soap opera if not for the gimmick of the lead female role of Angela Arden being played by male actor Charles Busch. He plays Angela in typical sassy drag- queen fashion, and the other characters in the fi lm are none the wiser. Many of the lines that would otherwise be serious are drenched with irony because of this hook – for instance, Angela’s lover Tony Parker (played by Jason Priestley) insists he is no “fag” but passionately kisses the male actor in shenanigans in the swimming pool. No sooner he is done with disguise. her, he corners Lance in the garden shed – who had decided to play his guitar in the yard naked - to “pump” him for informa- As the story progresses, some of the plot twists take a turn tion. for the whacky. Angela’s son Lance (Stark Sands) admits to his mother that he was kicked out of college after an accusa- It’s these sorts of seedy sexual innuendoes that make this tion from the Dean that he is a sexual predator; apparently fi lm so drop-dead hilarious, and seeing a drag queen play the the boy was caught naked, on his back on a lazy-susan, being part of a rich bitch seems oddly...normal. There is no doubt shared among the 8 professors of the math department. The that this movie is geared toward gay men with all the sass, boy has a close relationship with his mother, but his father drama, and naked male eye candy. But there are many more is constantly ranting that there is something mentally wrong unexpected twists and over-the-top corny lines still to come, with him. including a drag performance from Lance impersonating his own mother! Angela’s husband Sol Sussman (Philip Baker Hall) gets compromising photos of Angela with one of her lovers, but refuses to divorce her – instead he vows to make her life hell. Movie rental courtesy of Zip.ca. Online DVD rentals carrying Angela tries to sneak poison into a glass of warm milk for her a huge selection of GLBT themed DVD’s as well as standard husband, but he refuses to drink it - he admits he cannot brand new releases, TV shows, classics and more. No Late sleep because of his painful constipation, and hates warm Fees, No Due Dates, and 57,000 Titles. milk to begin with. Angela offers to help him insert his doctor- http://www.zip.ca prescribed suppository, stirring it into the poisoned milk before telling the man to bend over. As Arden begins to blanche about what she has done, Sol comments that she has a “queer look” on her face. The death of her father makes Angela’s daughter Edith (Natasha Lyonne) very upset – the teenaged girl had an embar- rassing borderline-incestuous relationship with her father, and this only magnifi es her contempt for her mother. Luck- ily for Edith, Tony Parker is around to console her with some

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 49 Calgary Cares Once More

By Allison Brodowski Community | Spotlight Calgary Cares 2008 is kicking off this year’s celebration by delving into everything that makes you scream: candy and disco. Themed Sweet 70’s, the event is set to be a night of ab- solute decadence. Guests are going to be treated to a night of music and entertainment, the costs all going to a good cause. There will be a diverse range of entertainment from dancers to local musical acts and DJs spinning in between. Come in costume or in formal wear, and come ready for a great show and an evening you won’t soon forget. Over the years this event has grown into one of the big- gest benefi ts in the calendar year for Calgary, even drawing international attention. The night will provide a silent auc- tion featuring a variety of work from blown glass to sculp- ture and fi ne art photography, all courtesy of local artists and artisans; AIDS Calgary is always looking for donated works for this event. Calgary Cares is going green this year working with bull- frog power to promote action against climate change. All Go for the event, remember the cause. of the electricity used by the event will be sourced exclusively from producers who exceed the federal government’s Calgary Cares EcoLogo standard for renewable energy. The hope is that March 29th, 2008 by choosing green renewable energy sources the event will Jack Singer Concert Hall promote environmentally positive alternatives in the larger Tickets: $150 community. Available at www.calgarycares.ca AIDS Calgary which serves to raise awareness surround- To become a volunteer, contact [email protected] ing HIV/AIDS, and caters to a contingent of the queer community. The AIDS epidemic will always be part of GLBT culture - from the fi rst days of AIDS, to the sexual revolution of the sixties and seventies, moving through the activism of the eighties, when we lost so many of our friends, family members and heroes to a disease that it seemed no-one was paying attention to. Today AIDS is a global epidemic, crossing all lines of colour, orientation, religion, and socio-economic background. Yet we are still faced with much of the same igno- rance and social stigma of thirty years ago, making treatment diffi cult, and living with the disease a nightmare. This was echoed just recently in the recent decision regarding gay male organ and blood donation. Education and awareness is one of the most important tools we have to fi ght for a cure, or else the we may one day fi nd ourselves back at square one. Calgary Cares is just one opportunity to participate in the fi ght against HIV/AIDS. The GLBT community was the fi rst to raise the call for action, and year to year we’ve been a major part in supporting this organization to save our own and others.

50 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Music Review I Stand, Ruby Woo

By Rob Diaz-Marino Review | Music “I Stand” by Idina Menzel Spicy Latina and Tony 9) My Own Worst Enemy Award winning actress/sing- 10) Perfume and Promises er/songwriter, Idina Menzel, sounds to be the vocal love- child of Shakira and Dolly Par- “The Rise & Fall of Ruby Woo” by ton. This debut album is fi lled The Puppini Sisters with pop tunes and heartfelt This threesome is truly a ballads – intimate yet universal blast from the past! The Pup- stories of life, its challenges, pini Sisters - formed in 2004 relationships, and of course by Marcella Puppini, Stepha- the subject of love. nie O’Brien, and Kate Mullins Grammy Award winning - dress in 1940’s glamour and producer Glen Ballard, who has worked with the likes of present tongue-in-cheek ver- Alanis Morrisette, Annie Lennox, and Celine Dion, says, “it’s sions of classics on this, their very rare when you have somebody with Idina’s vocal skills sophomore disc. who also writes so eloquently about what’s important to her. “Our second album is most I knew I was working with a fi rst-rate writer. She has stories defi nitely a step forward,” comments Puppini. “Our collective to tell and they’re really worth hearing.” musical infl uences, which range from Tom Waits to Ennio Menzel built her career on two defi ning Broadway roles Morricone, are more and more evident in what is becoming – her performance as “the green girl” in “Wicked” and her part our own, distinctive sound.” in “Rent” as Maureen, an outspoken bisexual performance The album kicks off with the 1960’s pop hit “Spooky”, artist. Now begins her music career. “For the fi rst time in my reinvented as a high-energy, live drum-and-bass track. It is life, I had a feeling of complete artistic freedom,” she says. followed by a version of The Bangles’ “Walk Like an Egyptian” However, only a handful of the tracks really stood out to that displays the style, talent, and humor that the Puppini me. While I liked a lot of songs, I didn’t really have the desire Sisters are known for. Also check out their unforgettable to listen to many of them over and over again – except, per- rendition of Beyoncé’s “Crazy In Love”, and the frenzied take haps, for “Better to Have Loved” and “Gorgeous”. on “It Don’t Mean A thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”. Though I really liked the melody of the title track, “I Stand”, Aside from these covers, “The Rise and Fall of Ruby Woo” I have to say that I found the lyrics to be somewhat awkward. also has a collection of highly original songs written by the This was my fi rst taste of Menzel’s style and perhaps I was trio, including “I Can’t Believe I’m Not A Millionaire” and only hearing her unique songwriting fashion. I have to give “Jilted”. The Puppinis watertight harmonies are as strong as her points for managing to work in much more complex feel- their love and respect for music from a bygone era. ings and metaphors than your average Britney-style pop star. The third song on the album, “Brave”, really brought out the Dolly Parton quality that I noticed in her voice. “Gor- geous” was a high point of the album – upbeat and slightly sad, with a glimmer of hope. The remainder of the album goes more onto the dark side, exploring feelings of anger, fear, despair, and regret. “Per- fume and Promises” fi nishes off the album, depressingly bluesy. Track List: 1) I Stand 2) Better to Have Loved 3) Brave 4) Gorgeous 5) Where Do I Begin 6) Don’t Let Me Down 7) I Feel Everything 8) Forever

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 51 52 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Queer Eye - Calgary & Edmonton Community Events this Month

Photos by Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino of GayCalgary.com Magazine Special Long Weekend Show at Buddies - Edmonton Valentines Dinner at Calgary Eagle - Calgary

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 53 Calgary Eagle 6 Year Anniversary

54 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 Fake Moustache Drag Show at Soda - Calgary Misc Youth Alphabet Soup at Alligator Pear - Calgary

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 55 Team Edmonton Meet and Greet at Amber Brewery Calgary Cares Media Launch at the Mercury - Calgary - Edmonton

56 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 57 Book Review Out of Sync: a Memoir

By Evan Kayne Review | Book In the introduction to Lance Bass’ memoir Out before. He joins *NSYNC, they get famous, manager Lou of Sync, Marc Eliot says Pearlman screws them out of most of their money, Bass “Here was a young man tries to be an astronaut, and then the band splits up. who had the same dreams as every other American Granted, there are some small tidbits. At the height of teenager: to become a rich *NSYNC’s popularity, when Pearlman was controlling the and famous pop star, to money, the boys had to survive on a $35 per day. Also have the adulation of every during the many tours, Bass experienced only a handful kid in America.” However, of guy-guy hookups (thus shooting down the gay boy-band as detailed in this feather- gang-bang fantasy). He also gives you some background weight memoir, never has on his time training with the Russian cosmonauts and achieving such a dream the disappointment experienced when the funding and TV seemed so…bland. deals for his orbital attempt fell from the sky. For 4 short years, The experiences he recounts, while interesting, come *NSYNC was at the top of across as cotton candy light on the details. Bass’ stories the charts, causing teen- are like the ones a super nice but dull guy would relay to age girls (and no doubt a friends. Or worse yet, it feels like someone’s “What I Did few boys) to scream and On My Summer Vacation” essay. For this review, I tried swoon whenever they not to go the easy route and savage a pop culture ﬁ gure, were spotted in public. During that time Bass would strive but with the pabulum Bass serves up, it’s like trying not to to hide his sexual preference. Growing up in a Southern tear a carpet made of wet tissue. Baptist family, realizing he was gay was terrifying enough. I wanted some emotions, some anger; a snarky or bitchy Add in the squeaky clean hetero image he was expected to remark - at Pearlman for his ﬁ nancial rape of the band; at maintain as a member of a boy band and you’d expect a Justin Timberlake for stringing the rest of *NSYNC along feeling of horror and oppression. You’d expect it, but you while he recorded and set up his solo debut. Even some don’t get it here. rage at the tabloids for outing him. However, the way he For Bass, singing was always his outlet, the one time recounts these setbacks make them sound like minor an- where he could truly feel comfortable, even while he had noyances. A ninety-eight year-old grandmother dropping a to hide part of himself. He writes that as a child he was pearl while knitting seems livid in comparison. “much better at holding myself back and pretending things Basically, this book is bland. It’s as non-offensive as didn’t bother me when they did.” Unfortunately, that’s the white bread and about as exciting as tofu smeared with problem with this book – it reads like he’s still doing that mayonnaise. If you want to save yourself the money and and it’s a bit infuriating at times. time, read Bass’ and *NSYNC’s Wikipedia entries online for There’s not any new information you haven’t heard free.

58 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #53, March 2008 59 Classified Ads

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