Missoula ( 4 0 6 ) 2 0 7 - 7 0 7 8 C a L L C E N T E R O P E N E V E R Yd a Y 8 a M - 9 P M Medical Records Not Required, No Waiting, Walk Ins OK! Mtmj.Org

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

The ordinance issue A community fights back Freedom From Pain and Suffering... “A person who possesses a registry identification card... may not be arrested, prosecuted, or penalized in any manner 9,000+ Patients Served or be denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty...” - 50-46-201(1) Montana State Law

Cannabis Conventions April 1 - Butte Meet with a Physician April 2 - Bozeman April 3 - Billings Get the Card April 4 - Havre & Get Legal April 5 - Great Falls April 6 - Kalispell April 7 - Missoula ( 4 0 6 ) 2 0 7 - 7 0 7 8 C a l l C e n t e r O p e n E v e r yd a y 8 A M - 9 P M Medical Records Not Required, No Waiting, Walk Ins OK! mtmj.org

Need Anonymity? Can’t Wait? Cards Provided for: ™ HIV, AIDS, Cancer, Glaucoma TeleClinic Cachexia, Wasting Syndrome Nausea, Pain, Muscle Spasms S e c u r e I n s t a n t O n l i n e Seizures, Crohn’s, Epilepsy, MS Private Doctor Visits Serving the LGBTIQ Community The Since 1998 Western Montana Inside This Edition of Out Words CommunityCenter 127 North Higgins, Suite 202 Missoula, MT 59802 Phone: 406-543-2224 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gaymontana.org The Ordinance: A Community Fights Back...... 8-9 Editors: Suzie Reahard A.D. Seibel News Briefs ...... 4 Contributors: A.D. Seibel, Lee Misner, Jory Mickel- son, Ron Blake, Josh Davis, Stanley Upstanding, Amanda Armstrong, April A&E Preview ...... 5 Kindle Lewis, Tim Adams, Amy Cannata Cover Art: A.D. Seibel Interview with Alyx Dellamonica ...... 6 Advertising: Suzie Reahard Monthly Circulation: 3,000 copies Fitness ...... 7 Annual subscriptions cost $25. Mail a check to Out Words via the Center address. The Source of My Activism ...... 10 Submit letters to the editor at [email protected] Center Board Members Mija [email protected] The Marriage Issue ...... 10 Tim Adams [email protected] John Blake [email protected] Black and White Ball Wrap Up...... 11 David Herrara [email protected] Angel Nordquist [email protected] Acton Seibel [email protected] UUF of Missoula ...... 12 Bree Sutherland [email protected] Linda Tracy [email protected] Kate Wenninger [email protected] Blue Mountain Clinic Health Services for All...... 12 One copy of Out Words is available free of charge for each reader at current distribution locations. Copies of Out Words which have not been picked up for the purpose of reading them are the property of the Center. Any unauthorized Calender of Events ...... 13 person who takes or moves multiple copies of Out Words to prevent other people from seeing or reading them shall be considered guilty of theft. Violators will be prosecuted. Community Resources ...... 15 Multiple copies can be sent to any distribution location. Please call or email us for information. The Western Montana Gay & Lesbian Community Center is a 501(c)3 organization and cannot endorse any candidate for public office. Articles or advertising is strictly the opinion of the writers or advertisers, not that of the Board of Directors, Sister Spit is Coming members of the editorial staff of the Out Words, nor the Western Montana Gay & Lesbian Community Center. Those who contribute, advertise and distribute Out Words do not necessarily identify as LGBTIQ. Out Words is distributed at the following locations: April 12th 9PM Billings: Barjon Books, Hastings, YAP, The Loft, Good Earth Market Bozeman: Bozeman Community Food Co-Op, Bridger Clinic, City Brew Coffee, Gallatin Community Clinic, Leaf and Bean, Nova Café, Plonk Helena: Bert & Ernie’s Restaurant , Birds & Beaslies , No Sweat Café , Real at the Badlander Food Market & Deli , Staggering Ox , Taco Del Sol , Tori’s Antiques & Exquisite Jewelry, GamePODS, Gaia’s Galleria Kalispell: City Brew Coffee, Dolce Villa, Flathead Valley Alliance, Starbucks Livingston: Coffee Crossing, Montana Cup Coffee House and Bakery, The Owl Missoula: The Badlander/Palace Billiards, Bernice’s Bakery, Betty’s Divine, Butterfly Herbs, Catalyst, Chocolat, Crystal Video, Dan Fox Foster Homes, Dauphine’s, Ear 208 Ryman Candy Records, Fact and Fiction, FDH & Associates, Forward Montana, Front Street Pasta and Wraps, Taco Del Sol, Staggering Ox, The Good Food Store, The Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, Liquid Planet, Missoula AIDS Council, Midnight Dreams, Missoula Community Food Coop, Pita Pit, Public Library, ClubQ Also distributed to: Havre MT, Browning MT, Butte MT, Culbertson MT, Victor MT, all ages 5 Ancorage AK, Tacoma WA, Boise ID, Portland OR $ Cuccinelli’s statements and instead opt to chat with their was the last remaining adoption service fighting for a boards and get second opinions from lawyers. gay adoption exemption after recent equality laws were March 11, 2010. Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell passed in England. Catholic Care claimed that it would be issues a directive to all state employees that all forced to abandon its work of finding homes for children if News discrimination, even on the basis of sexual orientation, will required to consider gay parents seeking to adopt. Other not be tolerated. McDonnell issued the directive the same Catholic adoption services have either severed their ties day as over 1,000 students amassed in protests at Virginia to the Church or have dropped their services completely Commonwealth University in response to Cuccinelli’s in the wake of recent legislation. previous recommendations to drop sexual orientation Briefs from school’s anti-discrimination policies. March 22, 2010. The City Commission of West Palm by A D Seibel Beach in Florida voted unanimously to pass a resolution March 11, 2010. The sponsors of the Stars on Ice to lift the gay adoption ban, which has been in place since March 1, 2010. The proverbial “shit hits the fan” in the Tour dis Johnny Weir when they decline to invite him to 1977. Florida is currently the only state that does not Netherlands after a priest refuses to give communion to perform for their celebrity ice capades because, as Weir allow gay adoption and all though the resolution only an openly gay man. Over a hundred people showed up to claims, he’s “not family friendly.” Weir is a three time US affects West Palm Beach it sends a clear message that the Sunday mass, some in pink outfits and wigs, and then walked National Champion and two-time Olympian and although city wants the state to lift its ban against gay adoptive out to protest the priest’s refusal to give communion. Gay he has never announced his sexuality his LGBT fan base parents. Lake Worth and Wilton Manors have also passed rights are widely supported in the Netherlands and the has grown exponentially. The Stars on Ice Tour explained similar measures to lift the gay adoption ban. country was the first to introduce gay marriage in 2001. that they simply had no more room on the tour and were certainly not discriminating against Weir because of his March 23, 2010 finds us still waiting in suspense for U.S. March 3, 2010. Washington D.C. issues its first gay- perceived sexual orientation. Although do expect to see District Chief Judge Vaughn Walker’s verdict to determine marriage licenses after the Supreme Court declines to gold medal men’s figure skater, Evan Lysacek and Jeremy whether or not the U.S. Constitution prevents states from address the issue. D.C. becomes the sixth place in the Abbott (who placed 9th in the 2010 Winter Olympics.) By outlawing gay marriages. Judge Walker upheld a previous country to allow such marriage licenses after Connecticut, the way, Weir placed 6th overall. ruling stating that sponsors of Prop. 8 were entitled to Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Gay certain information as evidence in their defense against marriage opponents had hoped to win a temporary March 13, 2010. Will Philips, the 10-year-old who a lawsuit challenging the ban. The ACLU and Equality injunction arguing that D.C. locals should vote on the refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance until all U.S. California were ordered to produce the documents but legislation and not the City Council. Congress declined to citizens are treated equally, accepted the GLAAD award have said they plan to appeal the decision. The groups intervene and the D.C. Court of Appeals also rejected an for Outstanding TV Journalism Segment for a CNN piece. have until March 29th to determine if the 9th U.S. Circuit injunction to the legislation last week. Check out the CNN piece and his acceptance speech Court of Appeals will hear their objections. Meanwhile, at the GLAAD awards at www.youtube.com. Both will the lawyers in defense of Prop.8 have until April 12th to March 4, 2010. Southern California Senator Roy Ashburn knock your socks off and quite possibly give you new hope submit their remaining evidence. joins the great and storied history of anti-gay (yet, secretly for America’s youth. GAY) politicians after he’s pulled over for a DUI in front March 24, 2010. Notmybathroom.com posts its press of a gay bar. Later the same week, during an interview, March 15, 2010. It’s announced that the Rev. Robert release announcing their plans to try and stop the Senator Ashburn finally admits that he is in fact gay. Too Carter, gay rights activist and one of the founders of the passage of Missoula’s anti-discrimination proposal. Their bad he has consistently voted against every piece of gay Gay and Lesbian Task Force, has passed away. Rev. Carter web site states that they don’t hate homosexuals or the rights legislation that has come up in the past 15 years. died at age 82 on February 22nd in the Bronx. His death “gender confused,” they just don’t want men in women’s Good luck Roy and thanks for proving, yet again, that was confirmed by the Rev. Thomas R. Slon the executive bathrooms. Anyway once you get past all the fear hypocrisy is still alive, well, and encouraged in American assistant to the provincial of the New York Province of the mongering and out right ignorance of Notmybathroom. politics. Society of Jesus. Rev. Carter not only had a Masters in com we hope that you’re inspired and decide to sign the Greek studies he also had a Masters in Social Work from online petition in support of Missoula’s anti-discrimination March 5, 2010. What, another gay sex scandal in the Columbia. As an out gay man and Catholic priest he went proposal at www.mhrn.org or show your support at the Vatican? Ok, so a guy who sings in the Vatican choir on to advocate for gay rights and council other gay priests hearing Monday, April 12th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Missoula loses his job after its revealed by the Italian police that and lay Catholics. City Council Chambers at 140 W. Pine St. he’s procuring male prostitutes for this other guy who happens to be a personal assistant in the Pope’s house. March 17, 2010. Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, March 25, 2010. Defense Secretary Robert Gates All this comes out because the personal assistant guy was Bisexual, and Transgender Elders (SAGE) releases a report modifies “don’t ask, don’t tell,” making it harder to discharge actually under surveillance by Italian authorities for alleged stating that LGBT senior citizens face extensive social and gay service members from the military. The new rules put corruption in public works contracts. To say the least, we financial problems and that Social Security and Medicaid higher-ranking officers in charge of discharge proceedings at the OutWords office, had no idea that the Vatican was rules should be amended in order to help them. AARP and impose tougher requirements for evidence used such a juicy place. and the American Society on Aging have also endorsed the against military personnel who are outed as gay. Gate’s report by SAGE. Specifically, the report calls on legislators changes go into effect immediately and will apply to cases March 8, 2010. We get another WTF moment from to recognize same-sex relationships so that aging partners already open while Congress debates whether or not Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II after he urges in committed relationships can have access to the same to repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell.” It’s interesting to note the state’s public colleges and universities to drop their support system offered to heterosexual seniors. Including that now (17 years later) third party statements outing a policies that ban discrimination on the basis of sexual survivor benefits offered by Social Security and making service member must be made under oath and that some orientation. The argument being, that the schools had medical decisions for each other. confidential information also will no longer be allowed no legal authority to adopt such statements to their including statements made by gay service members to charters and only the General Assembly can extend legal March 17, 2010. Catholic Care, a catholic adoption lawyers, clergy, psychotherapists, or medical professionals protections to gay state employees, students, and others. service, wins the right to discriminate against potential in the pursuit of health care. Various universities officials declined to comment on parents who happen to be homosexual. Catholic Care

Out Words 4 by A D Seibel Next up is the Tranny Roadshow, a spectacular Last, but not least, Eighteen Individual Eyes comes to group of individuals dedicated to sharing the experience the Palace on April 24 and, according to the Palace web For the record, April in Missoula of trans-identified people through a hodgepodge of site, with local hellions, Rooster Sauce. EIE, as one my doesn’t always bring May flowers, in fact multimedia performance, art, and music. As their of friend’s so eloquently blurted out, “are some fantastic I’m pretty sure it brings snow flurries, website states, “The Tranny Roadshow is a multimedia broads.” Jamie Hellgate is on drums with Samantha midterms, and oodles of short sporting, performance art extravaganza. It is composed of an Wood on bass while Irene Barber and Chrysti Harrison sandal wearing locals frolicking in 42 eclectic group of artists, each one self-identified as are on guitars. They released their debut EP, Slightly degree, “ohmygod it’s so warm,” weather transgender, and includes poets, rappers, filmmakers, Frightened, Mostly Happy, on Scissor City Records this trying to encourage Spring to get here a storytellers, break-dancers, rock bands, comedians, January. Not only has EIE been getting radio airtime little sooner. However, April has decided actors, folk singers, photographers, zinesters, and in their hometown of Seattle, WA, their new album was to make it up to me and bring three more. Stationary art (i.e. photography and sculpture) is recently blogged about on NPR’s, “All Songs Considered.” shows that give me new inspiration for displayed, but most of the presentation is the live show, They were also featured on MSN Music’s Consumer queer culture, music, and performance a unique variety show where the expression of gender Guide, Venus Zine, and The Stranger. Needless to say, I while at the same time allowing me to put and the expression of self are inseparable. The show is might be slightly biased as I consider Jamie Hellgate and off turning over the garden plot a little a fluid entity, changing to suit the artists and the crowd, longer. First up in April are Sister Spit, but always it is full of intelligence, fun and humor.” Look the long running (since 1997), traveling for Tranny Roadshow on April 19, 2010 at the University show of queer, trans, and feminist poets, of Montana in the University Center. It’s an all ages performers, novelists, and writers. This show with the doors open at 7 p.m. and the show at literary spectacle will feature the likes of 7:30. Room location is T.B.A. Check them out at www. fiction writer, Michelle Tea, author of Rose trannyroadshow.com. of No Man’s Land, trans film director and screenwriter of By Hook or by Crook, Silas Howard, and Eileen Myles current visiting professor at the U. of M. and author of The Importance of Being Iceland. Those names are only the tip of the iceberg for her compatriots some of the most talented musicians this show and include a host of other this side of The Rockies. Check out their music stream activists, graphic novelists, slam poets, and at www.myspace.com/eighteenindividualeyes or their performance artists. Sister Spit comes to official website, http://eighteenindividualeyes.wordpress. town April 12, 2010 at the Badlander at 9 com and get ready to fall in love with EIE’s lyrical magic, p.m. There’s a $5 cover charge, however, tremendous musical prowess, and their ridiculously no one will be turned away. For more info awesome YouTube videos of their own self described

April Shower s check out www.radarproductions.org. photo courtesy of trannyroadshow.com “band of loners and lovers.”

A cash prize of $125 will be awarded to the top karaoke Montana Entertainment Management webpage at: http:// Mustachio Bashio-Karaoke performer, $50 for second-place, and $25 for third-place. umtentertainment.org/. Donated prizes will be distributed to the individuals with Mustachio Bashio’s downbeat will begin with DJ Hase, Roulette Competition the most unique mustaches and costumes. and followed by the Karaoke Roulette competition. The University of Montana Entertainment Management stu- This event is for ages 21+ and a $5 cover charge will evening will conclude with more music from DJ Hase. Ka- dents are donning mustaches and displaying their karaoke occur at the door, $3 if a costume is worn, and all proceeds raoke Jockeys Cheyne Shoultz and Evan Eeds will also make vocal talents to support Missoula’s future young musicians. will be donated to YMusic. YMusic exists to inspire people appearances throughout the evening. Come celebrate an Students in the Management 402 class have organized a of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to make music. Enter- evening of musical spontaneity and facial creativity. special events group titled, Students Giving Back, with the tainment Management students are supporting the effort purpose of helping out tomorrow by celebrating today. to keep music alive in Missoula through this fundraiser. This celebration will be held on April 23, 2010 at 9:30pm The University of Montana Entertainment Manage- at the Central Bar & Grill. This historical landmark is part ment program is a certification which covers most aspects of the Palace Hotel and is located at 143 West Broadway of the entertainment business. The purpose of the pro- in downtown Missoula, Montana. At Mustachio Bashio, Mis- gram is to introduce students to the business profession- soula’s artistic culture and creative diversity will be em- als in the industry in a relaxed, classroom environment. braced by students and participants. Throughout the program, students learn the processes Mustachio Bashio will include daring rounds of Kara- involved in developing, presenting and sustaining an artist’s oke Roulette, in which the participants must spin a giant career, while incorporating related business aspects of the wheel that will determine their musical fate, and randomly entertainment profession. Students also aid in the produc- choose the song they must sing. Costumes and mustaches tion of various live events, and support local and regional are strongly encouraged to be worn to this event, although events that serve to benefit people and organizations in a limited supply of mustaches will be provided at the door. need. For more information, please visit the University of

Out Words 5 Singing out the Notes: an Interview with Author Alyx Dellamonica By Jory M. Mickelson bisexual main character whose mother is a Trans man, and I friends, or people I’ve, to some extent, been. I’m further from think they’re both more convincing, as people, because I get to my comfort with other subcultures--Olive is a practicing witch, spend time with this wonderful, diverse group of singers. Patience is one of the last survivors of a (fictional) First Nations My other artistic pursuits do creep into my writing, band, and the military world of Colonel Roche is very far from definitely. I have written about photography, and I’ve written a my day to day existence. Giving these characters authenticity couple stories about my having been in a concert band, in high was a lot harder, for me, than writing about a bisexual gardener school--there’s “The Riverboy,” for one. I’ve also just finished or a working-class Trans guy. the draft of a book called Daughters of Zeus, which is set in a One book I’m currently in love with is Elizabeth Bear’s small-town community theater company based heavily on the CARNIVAL, which reunites a pair of guys whose relationship acting and technical theater I did in the Seventies and Eighties. fell apart because of heterosexist politics in a very creepy and I love learning new things, and weaving those new experiences well-realized far-future universe. It’s messy and complex and into my writing is a form of research I particularly enjoy. heartbreaking, a really terrific book. Jo Walton’s Small Change series, which is alternate history, is amazing too. And then JM: Rebecca Brown said that her nonfiction essays there are Nicola Griffiths Aud Torvingen mysteries: THE BLUE were the justification for her obsessions. She said it PLACE, STAY, and ALWAYS, which are so beautifully written; became “research.” Do you listen to music when you they really soak you in Aud’s unique worldview. write? Did your novels have soundtracks as you write-- any CDs or artists that helped you enter into the space JM: You are a Canadian and legally married to your you write from? wife. Do you feel that the lack of civil rights for gays and lesbian in the United States colors queer Alyx Dellamonica writes novels and short fiction. Her work has AD: The sequel--and the two books I’ve drafted since-- literature there? The larger question being do you definitely have a soundtrack! think oppression shapes a body of literature? appeared in Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine, SciFi.Com, I do almost all of my draft-writing and a good chunk of and Realms of Fantasy. Her first novelIndigo Springs was released my revision at Cafe Calabria on Commercial Drive in East AD: Interesting question! I have read more than one essay in October 2009. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with Vancouver. It’s a big, noisy family business with lots of writers where Canadian SF writers try to define what it is that makes her wife Kelly Robson and is hard at work on the sequel to Indigo and no Internet, and the music is programmed by the patriarch our fiction different from that written by U.S. authors. I don’t Springs. of the family that owns the place, Frank Murdocco. Frank is know that I’ve ever seen a similar piece that focuses on queer from Italy, by way of Montreal. He speaks half-dozen languages writing. Jory Mickelson: I am currently reading an essay by Durs fluently, and he loves to make mix CDs. He favors Italian pop, It’s fair to say, though, that any artist is going to be affected Grünbein in Poetry Magazine where he talks about the including cheesy covers of well-known pop songs (think ABBA by oppression, and that most of us probably couldn’t keep that questions that writers are always asked after a reading. or the *Grease* soundtrack, in Italian), French chanteuses, out of our work if we tried. For me, every little thing tied to He states that the question, “How long have you been obscure Fifties rock and roll, a bit of country, and the occasional the legalization of my marriage was profoundly affecting and writing?” is really a search to see what made someone pop rendition of an opera classic, like “Va, Pensiero.” memorable: the moment I realized the law was going to change into a writer. Do you feel that you were inclined to You never know what you’re going to get at Calabria. within my lifetime, hearing the Supreme Court decision on write from early on or were there factors that shaped You can walk in to comfort music, something like Ben E. CBC Radio, getting to go into a drug store a few days later you? King’s “Stand By Me,” and ten minutes later Joe Dolce will be to buy a marriage license for two women (like any other bellowing “Shaddup You Face” or Dalida will croon “Ti Amo” at ordinary human being!) and of course the day itself, when Kelly Alyx Dellamonica: Writing is very much something I you. Or some unrecognizable tenor will sing something simply and I exchanged vows with our family and friends present. I am compelled to do--if I go more than a few days without gorgeous and heartbreaking. I’ve made some great musical could go on and on. Everyone’s wedding is earth shattering, writing fiction, I become restless and unhappy. This began, for discoveries there, though it’s sometimes hard to identify the unforgettable, and deeply emotional to them, I know. But being me, in early childhood. I wrote my first Doctor Seuss-inspired songs--for some reason, Frank will rarely tell you who you’re told you can have something that has been arbitrarily forbidden doggerel when I was five. As a kid, I wasn’t a gifted athlete or hearing, and his sons claim not to know. As I type these words, you your whole life, being allowed to exist... it’s mindboggling. especially graceful socially. The first thing I learned to do at all he’s playing a French version of Kenny Rogers’ “Lucille.” Does that have something to do with the fact that “The well was read, and I ran with it, as fast and as far as I could. About a year ago, it looked like I might move away from Riverboy,” which was written before my legal marriage, has Does that mean I think it was all nature, no nurture? No. Vancouver, and I immediately started assembling a Calabria a gay-bashing in it, while “What Song the Sirens Sang,” which My surroundings in those years utterly reinforced my bookish mix--I was that worried that I might not be able to function came afterward, has an upbeat vision of a futuristic queer tendencies. My parents were deeply involved in Community without my random cafe tunes. community? It’s impossible to say. So many other things go into Theater and were producing shows for adults and kids. My I rarely write to any of my favorite bands, the material I any given piece; we’re never just one experience. home was full of books and scripts, actors and singers. It was think of as “my” music. I find it draws too much of my attention, a very arts-identified atmosphere. I have trouble imagining because part of me is trying to actively listen to it. JM: Many times in interviews with authors I ask what what it might have been like to grow up among people who kind of advice you would give to others queer writers. were actively hostile to creativity, or even one that was simply JM: The Cafe sounds like a lot of fun; I love the Let’s mix it up. What advice or guidance would you focused on elsewhere... say, on becoming a dentist, or serving a Commercial Drive neighborhood. Your book Indigo give to queer readers? church community, or being outdoors-y. Springs features a bisexual main character and a transgendered character. The sci-fi and fantasy AD: Besides a hearty “Thank you!”, for being into books and JM: I know that you sing in the Vancouver Lesbian genres have traditionally been set within heterosexual stories when there’s so much else out there, mediawise? In my and Gay Choir. Do you feel that singing has informed paradigms. Were there any challenges for you in own reading, I know how easy it is to just hit ‘my’ sections of your writing? And conversely, has your writing given creating these characters or the world in which they the bookstore--the history and political and SF shelves--and you any insight into singing? interacted? to fall into the rut of only looking for things that match my expectations. I’m not always delighted by what I find when I AD: I haven’t written anything long with choral singing in it Also, who do you think handles queer characters and range out of my comfort zone, but I have made some of my (though I’ve had a novel idea on the back-burner for awhile that ideas well in the sci-fi and fantasy genres? best discoveries that way. So, on the theory that what works would use this experience, if I ever manage to write it.) VLGC for one may work for more, that’s my advice: prowl beyond are among my biggest supporters--they sang at my November AD: I didn’t have much trouble with Astrid’s sexuality or with your favorite shelves, at least now and then. You might find book launch--and they are an inspiration. Indigo Springs has a Ev’s transition, really--they seem very much like so many of my something new and remarkable.

Out Words 6 The kind of overload you would experience while on the conditioned blood for your brain’s processing of your drug LSD, which does temporarily disable the RAS. impure thoughts and the stomach’s digesting of those The Body’s The winner for best supporting role goes to roast beef sandwiches ladled with horsey sauce. the diaphragm. This veteran provided enough action The best director goes to the adrenaline. This little and drama for five hysterical queens. It was capable of behemoth was responsible for preparing all your body Academy Awards providing sufficient pressure change in your thoracic By Ron Blake parts for that fight or flight reaction when you came cavity to send blood soaring happily back to the heart on face to face with that curmudgeonly pit bull in the park. many an occasion. It has so ardently allowed you to give By the time you read this, the Academy Awards gadabouts Audience members cheered furiously when you chose that much needed extra push while grunting and groaning the flight version, outpaced the Hound of the Baskervilles, will be looking forward to next year’s red carpet faux pas. on the toilet. It was even so chivalrous to accompany you You will likely have listened ad nauseam to the incessant and then leapt that six-foot brick wall to the safety of to the health club and save you from muscle tears during those Hydrangea bushes on the other side. Only a capable prattling of that sham fashion critic Joan Rivers. You will your heavy lifting exercises. director could cajole you out of your slothful ways to probably be joining the droves of lemmings to rent the The best makeup award is presented to the circulatory negotiate that feat. Oscar winning movies at the corner Blockbuster. I will system for its presentation of the numerous bruises that There were many nominees for great body parts now beseech your participation for my health version of you displayed to the world. These hematomas are more and their exciting roles. With all due respect to the the body’s Academy Awards. I promise to shut up when than just clotted blood masses and it is long overdue that the music starts to play. the Academy finally recognizes these purveyors of black aforementioned winners, the body does function as The winner for best editing goes to the reticular and blue marks. They maintained their iridescent beauty a whole and winning team. Keep learning about your activating system, or the RAS as it is known to those in until the body naturally reabsorbed the escaped blood anatomy and physiology. This knowledge is what will keep a hurry. This system was responsible for filtering all the that clotted just beneath the skin’s surface. you healthy and prepare you for the recipient of the unnecessary dreck that made its way to your brain during The best leading role goes to the lungs. This organ is lifetime achievement award. the past year. It decided what was important for you to usually secondary to the perennial favorites such as the This column is brought to you by that guy who frequently pay attention to. It concluded that 99% of the sensory heart, brain, or the stomach. This year the voters spoke and sophomorically ordered Whopper sandwiches while input that approached your cerebral cortex was to be and showed the world that nobody puts the lungs in a in the McDonald’s drive-throughs in his carefree youth. ignored. Without this RAS, you would likely have been corner. This tour de force has provided the heart with That guy is Ron Blake and he can be castigated at www. bombarded with an overload of drab detail all around you. all its oxygen which in turn has provided the properly myblakefitness.com.

Out Words 7 not my bathroom Dear Notmybathroom.com, Show up I have a secret to tell you. Chances are I’ve already used your bathroom. by Amanda Armstrong There, I said it. I wish I could tell you with more certainty that yes I have definitely used your bathroom, but you choose to be a network of17 On Monday, April 12th at the Missoula City Council nameless faceless organizations. Well I got news for you, the bathroom meeting, the council members will vote on proposed issue is mine and has been for years. When was the last time you got the changes to the Missoula Municipal Code Title 9 Pub- dirty hairy eyeball for doing something that is just one of those things lic Peace, Morals and Welfare. These changes include that everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or for that adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender matter criminal background (scary mean people pee too) do three or expression to the anti-discrimination language already more times a day. in place. The fact of the matter is bathrooms are already not safe and keep- I strongly believe in equality for the LGBT coming them gender specific does nothing to rectify that situation. Think of munity and the issue of equal rights and equal protec- a father out on an outing with his daughter. She’s 5 and really has to pee, tions. While gay marriage has been the focus for many but all of the bathrooms are gender specific. The father is forced to either in the LGBT community and as a person who doesn’t find a stranger to trust his daughter with or let her fend for her self in desire to marry, I have found it difficult to be motivated the bathroom. This scenario exponentially increases the dangers for the to help make that change. This ordinance, however, af- child that could easily be rectified with gender-neutral bathrooms. Un- fects every person in the LGBT community on a daily basis. fortunately, what this ordinance does not require is businesses to put in This is not about gay marriage or bathrooms. This gender-neutral bathrooms. However, if someone feels unsafe using an es- is not about forcing values upon unreceptive people or tablishment’s bathroom and asks for assistance to have a safe comfortable changing anyone’s mind. The LGBT community simply peeing experience (you know the kind you take for granted every day) seeks the protection from discrimination afforded to and they are denied that courtesy the business could face consequences. I almost every other person based on perceived race, would think as Christian business owners you would want to go out of your color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, age, way to help your neighbor feel safe in your environment. I see no conflict marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, with your views and our ordinance. or military veteran. The beauty of this is that we are Since the inception of your site threats have been made against city not asking anyone to agree with us or our “lifestyles.” council members who support the ordinance and organizers who have We only want protection from discrimination in hous- been working to get the ordinance passed. Your misinformation and fear ing, employment and public accommodations. tactics have put people and families in Missoula in danger and city council I believe that there really is no valid moral or re- members are now being warned to take safety measures when attending ligious reason not to support this ordinance. This isn’t the vote on April 12th. I would like you to know that despite your efforts about personal values or the “sanctity of marriage.” to scare them away they a will show up and we will show up to support and We, as a community, are simply seeking the same protect them and this ordinance will pass. rights all other citizens are afforded by law. I hesitate to mention the arguments of the opposi- Sincerely, tion to this ordinance. I believe that reasonable people looking at their points, will find them irrational and fear-based. I also believe that it is important that we Stanley Upstanding spend our time and energy mobilizing allies instead of arguing with irrationality. Please show your support for equality in Missoula. There will be a rally at 6:00 PM on April 12th in Caras Park. This rally is organized by NCBI Mis- soula’s middle school Respect Club students. We will have a parade from the park to the City Council Chambers. Please join us in keeping Mis- The ordinance soula the diverse and inclusive place we love. A community fights back iOut ssueWords 8 By Kindle Lewis Diversity Diversity Mark your calendars for April 12th as Missoula celebrates its first annual Diversity Day! Diversity Day is the vision of NCBI Respect Club students from C.S. ...Why? Porter, Meadow Hill and Washington Middle Schools. The day will be cele- by A.D. Seibel brated with a rally at Caras Park at 6:00 p.m., featuring youth and community speakers representing all of Missoula’s diverse community members. I’m sure all of you have heard by now that Missoula is on The rally will be followed by a parade that will leave Caras Park and head down Higgins before ending at the Missoula City Council Chambers, where the verge of history this month as the City Council gets participants are able to lend their support to the passing of the more inclu- ready to vote on Montana’s first ever anti-discrimination sive non-discrimination ordinance. ordinance. In fact, by the time you read this you might Respect Club is an after-school program facilitated by the Missoula already know how it turned out. However, what I want chapter of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI Missoula) and to talk about is why this is so important for us in the LG- offered through the Flagship Program. Respect Club students change their BTIQ community, the city of Missoula, the state of Mon- schools by promoting non-violence, prejudice reduction, and increasing the tana, and, inevitably, our nation and the rest of the world. awareness of issues affecting young people and their communities. Each There have been some who say we, as LGBTIQ commu- spring Respect Club students design, and implement a community action nity members, cannot experience love. That some how project based on community needs. This year they chose a project that we are incapable of emotional connection and only seek would increase our community’s awareness around the fact that our city out deviant sexual encounters with others of our kind. has great diversity and uniqueness but is still leaving some groups isolated. Some have said that we cannot be trusted to be around, One Respect Club student said, “being out would make life so much give birth to, or even parent children, as our corrupt na- easier but because there is so much prejudice and misinformation among tures would only seek to injure and abuse them. I have people in my age group I find it hard to connect and interact with people even heard that we should be run out of town, sent to on a daily basis. Having a Diversity Day I believe would put more informa- islands, or housed in camps. You probably think that I’m tion out there and educate people about why things like ‘that’s so gay’ can being dramatic, but why shouldn’t I be? Discrimination be truly hurtful. Not only can Diversity Day help the LGBTIQ community happens everywhere, and it’s naïve to think other wise. but it can help anyone who has felt mistreated and over all make Missoula d I was also told that gay rights should not be com- a more open and understanding community.” pared to the civil rights movement of the 60’s because Please come and join these amazing youth on April 12th and represent

the part of our community that makes Missoula outstanding: you! ay it’s not the same. Those people were black; they were fighting against 400 years of oppression. The idea of “sep- NCBI Missoula is a statewide nonprofit working to end mistreatment and strengthen arate, but equal” was merely a pretense to continue the communities. Since 1998, NCBI Missoula has facilitated prejudice reduction, violence practice of institutionalized discrimination. Of course, prevention and leadership development workshops for Montana organizations, schools these two fights are not the same, but the parallels and community groups, reaching more than 8000 people. Learn more at www.ncbimis- are as relevant as they are distressing. It is the process soula.org. (and more often times, the rhetoric) of dehumanizing a group of people to maintain a status quo. To dehumanize someone is to take away their identity, their name, to re- duce their sense of worth, to make it easier to disregard them. The Missoula anti-discrimination ordinance is a small and simple step towards a future that some of us only dream about. The ordinance prohibits, “…any discriminatory practices in the areas of employment, public accommodations and housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, age, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.” This one statement reflects the reason why I am proud to be a citizen of the United States and member of the Missoula community; not because I’m some queer identified trans guy of color, but because I’m a human being who deserves the same rights and protections granted to everyone under the law. The ordinance A community fights back Out Words issue9 By Amy Cannata lesbian woman grieving the death of her part- ACLU of Montana ner can be forced out of her home by her part- THE SOURCE OF ner’s parents if there isn’t a clear will leaving the Commitment is a precious thing, especially house to the woman or that will is challenged. when that bond is between a loving couple. While heterosexual husbands and wives MY ACT IVISM But when the state refuses to acknowl- cannot be forced to testify against each other in By Lee Misner edge relationships between same-sex partners, court, LGBT couples have no such protection. couples and families must endure painful and Or, the discrimination could be something Last night, I realized I’m the child of a legacy. Without even no- far-reaching consequences. as simple as being denied the ability to buy your ticing it, I took up my father’s mantle. I carry forward his steady The ACLU of Montana is committed to partner his or her fishing or hunting license. determination to be heard and seen on matters of importance, winning legal protection for LGBT families in Worst of all, prohibiting same-sex civil regardless of the impact on me. It matters not whether the Montana, and we need your help. unions hurts the hearts of loving couples com- origin is genetic or learned behavior; I can’t escape the obvious “Real families with real stories will help us mitted and devoted to one another. connection between his propensity to speak up and my own convince the public, the courts and the legisla- It’s true that securing civil unions for LGBT activism. ture that lesbian and gay couples need and de- couples in Montana is short of repealing or Our similarity surfaced in the midst of an organized dis- serve the same basic legal protections afforded invalidating Montana’s discriminatory, and mis- cussion about speaking up on important matters. In conjunc- heterosexual couples,” said Niki Zupanic, public named, Marriage Protection Act. But real people tion with the regional director of Organizing for America, I was policy director for the ACLU of Montana. need real legal protection right now. facilitating a community group’s discussion at a local smoothie We’ve been fortunate to work with many shop. As facilitator, it was my goal to explore the personal of our allies, such as the Montana Human Rights experience of speaking up and being heard. The discussion Network, on legislation, local ordinances and participants shared intimate emotions and experiences. I was inspired by their insights and determination. other efforts to advance the rights of the LGBT Ironically, I hadn’t expected my father to come to the dis- community. cussion group and worried he might feel out of place. Yet, his Zupanic is heading up the ACLU’s search contributions were poignant and supportive of other group for couples that have been impacted by state- members. At one point in the discussion I attempted to play sanctioned discrimination against lesbian, gay the role of “good facilitator” and keep him on topic. I asked and transgender couples. him if he had ever felt strongly about something and not spo- The many ways LGBT partners are denied ken up about it. He joked with me and said, “You should know the rights and privileges automatically granted me better than that, Daughter. I’ve never been silent on any- heterosexual married couples are heartbreak- thing of importance.” ing and infuriating. Of course, my path is different than my father’s. Informed One gay man’s family members may refuse by different personal experiences, philosophies, institutions, to allow his partner to take part in medical de- and mentors, I strive to accomplish different goals. Yet, I be- cisions or even visit him in the hospital. lieve our motivations are the same. He would say he speaks up Married couples automatically inherit because he is a person of integrity and capable of bearing the property from each other absent a will, but a burden that comes with public dissent. While I was in graduate school, I remember saying something very similar to a professor. I said I would advocate for marginalized groups because I could, because I should. However, it is not my intention to be the voice of some- Tell us your story. one else. I never want to take the place of another person who rightfully deserves to be heard. I can only share my per- Fill out our online survey at http://action.aclu.org/couples. This information may sonal truth and experiences. I can only be one voice. Yet, I do strive to be an ally, a partner in the struggle to be heard be shared with other LGBT organizations hoping to work for relationship protec- and seen. Also, I use my own battles as a member of several tions in Montana, but nobody will use your name without contacting you for your marginalized groups to develop common ground and mutual permission first. respect. Together with other voices, my voice will be louder, truer, and stronger. If you wish to have your family’s story considered only for ACLU civil union work,

If I asked my father whether he speaks up in order to Thing. is a Precious Commitment call Niki Zupanic at 406-443-8590. teach me to do the same, he would probably say “no”. Most likely, he would say he speaks up because it’s the right thing to do. But I know he would feel honored to realize that I was watching and learning from him. I know he would encourage me to continue, even if he disagrees with some of my activism and goals for social reform. How about a quickie? When I came out to my father, when I told him I am Queer, he truly surprised me. He told me he just wants me to be happy, he doesn’t care how I do it. Since that day, I have carried that comment in my heart and felt his unwavering support. RAPID HIV TESTING We offer a safe, confidential and anonymous environment for free HIV testing with gay men testing and counseling other In being like him, in speaking up, I feel the confidence to carry gay and bisexual men. Accurate results in 20 minutes.9am-5pm M-F (weekend and evenings by appointment). on being myself and to help others to do the same. Call 829.8075 or e-mail [email protected], or just stop by127 N. Higgins, Suite 205. A service of the Montana Gay Men’s Task Force, FDH & Associates, and the MT Dept. of Public Health and Human Services.

Out Words 10 Thanks Missoula! By Tim Adams Thank you to our 2010 Black & White Ball Corporate Sponsors: On Saturday, March 6, 2010 the Western Montana Gay & Sponsors Lesbian Community Center held its Fifth Annual Black and Guardian Oncology White Ball at the Holiday Inn in downtown Missoula. Once again this fundraiser for The Center provided a great night Missoula Men’s Chorus of entertainment, philanthropy and dancing for members of western Montana’s gay community and its allies. Pride Foundation Full Grown Men once again provided a great set of jazz music to start out the evening. Emcees Mark Heyka, Worden Thane P.C. Bernie Kneefe and reigning ISCSM Empress, Gabrielle, helped to set a great mood for attendees and welcome Platinum Sponsors: the crowd who had dressed in their best duds to come out High Stakes Foundation Montana Pride Network and enjoy themselves for a great cause. Later, attendees danced into the night by the great beats of local DJ Kris Imperial Sovereign Court of the Quality Maintenance Enterprises, Moon. Local photographer Shane McMillan took photos for attendees of the event who wanted to memorialize the State of Montana INC. night on film. The board of The Center would like to sincerely The Living Room Sue BooDesign thank all the people who came together over the past few months and night of the event to make this great night pos- Montana Gay Men’s Task Force William M. Row sible. We had a great deal of people who volunteered their time in the planning and execution of the Black and White Gold Sponsors: Ball, and they all deserve the thanks of our community for giving of their money and time to make this event happen. Good Food Store Paul and Beth Loehnen Additionally, we would also like to thank all of our sponsors who generously gave to make sure this event Karen Holcomb & Ruth Havican Susan & Charles Freeland took place once again. Without the great commitment from our local businesses and community members and Montana Department of Health, Dave and Suzanne Peterson, organizations, we wouldn’t be able to continue to put on HIV/STD Section Quality Supply such fun and exciting events. Also, we would like to thank all the community members who donated to the silent auction. In addition to the money raised for the Center, Silver Sponsors: a lot of great art and merchandise were donated to help W.O.R.D Bryan Cochran make the night a success. We sincerely appreciate all the time, energy, money and passion that everyone puts into Planned Parenthood Dick Blumberg this event and what it means to our community each year. As The Center moves forward, we would like to Morgan Halvorson Robert Waugh encourage everyone to get involved! Without a work- Mark Heyka study student this semester, we are relying on volunteers Diane Sands to make sure our doors are open and available to greet ACLU of Montana Heidi and David Kendall anyone who wishes to visit or utilize our great resources. While we still encourage use of our GayMontana.org web Fireside Coffee (Helena) John Brown, MD site, we also have other great resources that can only be Susan Ridgeway & Lar accessed in person. Anne Harris and Sue Mayer We have a library with over 1,200 books and growing Summit Valley Speech & Language that you can check out on a variety of subjects relevant to MT Human Rights Network Jamee Greer20 GLBTIQ people in Missoula and western Montana. This list UM Women’s and Gender Studies is accessible on our web site if you want to save yourself Theresa Reed Department the visit to see what’s available. We also have programs that continue such as the Missoula Gay Men’s Chorus on Maureen & Jamie Hoffmann University Congregational Church Mondays, Gay Men Together, which meets on Thursdays, and a growing beginner’s gay yoga group on Saturday morn- ings. All of these services are available free of charge. Special Thanks to the Planning Committee As The Center moves forward we encourage you to 10 Tim Adams Mija Suzie Reahard let your voice be heard on what you would like to see happening with your community center! If you have DVD’s Erik Benson Pete Mueller Acton Seibel or books, we are always taking donations for our lending Hobie Hare Angel Nordquist Bree Sutherland library. David Herrera Justynne Pedersen Chantz Thilmony Look for upcoming events The Center is going to be sponsoring and we look forward to seeing you next year!

Out Words 11 Hooray for Local Healthcare The Fifth principle By A.D. Seibel By Josh Davis When I first moved back to Missoula I had one hell of a time finding a doctor, one who would The fifth principle of the Unitarian-Universalist Association calls us to affirm and promote not only write me a script for my hormone treatments, but who would also treat me like a regu- “the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations lar person. I needed a doctor who would listen to my concerns and still respect me as trans and in society at large.” Democracy, of course, is one of our contemporary secular deities. identified individual. To say the least, I had a few years of trial and error, as did others in our Much like the “God” of previous epochs, democracy is seen as universally positive and as community. I had one doctor call me at five o’clock on a Friday afternoon to tell me that I was having a right to dominion over all peoples. In the past we would invade countries and going to have a heart attack by the age of 35. I had another who seemed perpetually confused murder and enslave their populace in order to “save their souls” and convert them to “the about whether I was going FtM or MtF and asked me a few times “Now, which hormones are you one true religion.” Nowadays we are much more evolved and enlightened as a people, and taking again?” Then there were the times were I just didn’t have a doctor, let alone health care, we no longer wreak havoc among the poorer countries of the globe in the name of “God.” and just prayed to God that nothing happened. I remember a buddy and I would conference Enlightened as we are, we now bomb, maim and kill people in far away countries in the about which doctors we had seen, who was cool with the whole “trans thing,” who had the best name of Democracy and in order to convert them to the one true political system. As the prices on prescriptions, and which doctor’s receptionists got our pronouns right. old man said, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Of course, we both ended up finding doctors or clinics that not only suited our healthcare We seem to take it for granted in this country that we live in a democracy. This needs, but also didn’t squirm at having to deal with “the trannies.” However, it was recen tly proposition, however, I find rather dubious. For most of us, it seems, the actual practice brought to my attention that Blue Mountain Clinic had already been offering transgender health of democracy takes place on one day, every couple of years. But outside of election-day care services for years. WTF? In my mind BMC had always been a women’s health clinic; you the vast majority of our day-to-day lives seem to me to be carried on in anything but a know, abortions, birth control, treatment of STI’s, and birth planning. I had to investigate and democratic fashion. At work, for instance, most of us are required to give up, at least that’s how I ended up having an in-depth conversation with BMC’s executive director, Anita Kue- while on the clock, the right of free speech (if you don’t believe this, try talking about your nnen. As I pulled up to BMC’s building, it occurred to me that I had been there years before, wages with a co-worker). Unless we are at the top of the workplace pecking order, we having been referred there for a diagnosis on my repetitive stress injury; and yes, I had tendonitis, are probably rarely asked to participate in the decision-making processes of the place in and no, it wasn’t from what you’re thinking it was from stocking endless six packs of soda. which we spend a majority of our waking life. If we are at the top of the pecking order the Now, BMC has been providing women with safe, legal access to abortion care and counsel- situation isn’t much better, as we’re asked to act, essentially, as a type of minor autocrat. ing since 1977. They have been an undaunted supporter of, not only a woman’s right to choose, In the larger economy too, outside individual workplaces, there is little that resembles but also of a woman’s right to adequate health care since before most of us were twinkles in our any sort of democratic process. While taking my economics degree, one particularly silly parent’s eyes. Yet, what I think a lot of us don’t know about BMC is that for over 30 years they professor claimed that a capitalist economy was, in fact, a species of democracy: “dollar have actively worked to provide health care to all people in our community. What I didn’t know, democracy,” where everyone gets to vote with their dollars. As any thinking organism and what Anita enthusiastically described to me, is that BMC offers medical care to women, must soon realize, though, this set-up is a democracy only if you yourself happen to be an men, and children. They are a full service medical practice that integrates western medicine and actual dollar bill. Then, indeed, you have just as much say in the economy as everyone else alternative therapies. So, other than that, what makes BMC better than any clinic in Missoula in (i.e. as all the other dollar bills). However, if you have the misfortune to be a Human being, offering transgender health services? Well, what makes them stand out in my book is stated right instead of a dollar bill, the capitalist system appears anything but democratic. In short, in their pamphlet that I grabbed on the way out, “Our staff is sensitive to individuals who have our economic system is undemocratic because power is unequally distributed among the specialized sexual health needs. We encourage you to talk to one of our clinicians about your members of our society. The economic system responds only to the demands of those needs so you may receive high quality and non-judgmental care.” If you’ve ever had a conversa- with the dough, and those without any may as well not exist. tion with a trans guy who’s ever had to talk about being a dude with a vagina, then yeah, we’ve Democracy relies on open communications between members of a group. Open got specialized sexual health needs. communication is only possible between equals. In situations of power imbalance, those More than that, BMC has made the commitment to offer the best health care they can with less power end up lying to those above them; telling them what they want to hear and provide to our community regardless of gender, age, race, or sexual orientation and all based on generally brown-nosing in order to gain a higher position and more power for themselves. the simple and inherent belief that everyone deserves access to adequate and non-judgmental Because of this, hierarchical authoritarian systems always end up making quite poor healthcare. Check them out at www.bluemountainclinic.org or give them a call at (406) 721- decisions, as much the information received by the man at the top (it is still generally a 1646 to find out more about BMC’s services. man) is misinformation and flattery. The pragmatic justification for democratic decision- making is that by encouraging all members to participate in the process, decisions can be reached which take into account all the information available to the group, rather than just that information available to one member of the group. Truly democratic processes require equality between group members, which means that in order for any democracy to function, each member of the group must feel themselves equal with all other members; not better and not worse. This is why the fifth principle first mentions the right of conscience and only then democracy. The right of conscience means that we don’t have to agree with each other; that you and I can disagree without either of us trying to impose our opinions on the other. If I feel secure in my value as a member of the group and affirm the value of the other members, even those with whom I may disagree on some issues, then and only then can dialogue take place. Dialogue is the foundation of democracy. We do not have a culture of dialogue in this country, only a culture of debate. Rather than engaging in respectful conversation with one another, we are presented with two slightly different proposals over which we are expected to argue. Whoever argues the best (or most vociferously) gets to implement their policies for a while, until somebody else can out-debate and/or out-insult them. No matter what side of the political spectrum they are on, most people seem to be of the opinion that those who do not share their views are either evil or stupid. This attitude is at least a prevalent on the left as on the right. This is a childish attitude, however, and not suited to adults (who seem to be a dying breed in this country) and can never lead to dialogue, only dissension. So, if we are truly concerned with democracy, we must be willing to grant to all equality with ourselves. The minute that we think that another person is evil or stupid or crazy we immediately cut ourselves off from the possibility of communication and dialogue with them and undermine any chance of real democracy.

Out Words 12 This Night of Mayhem and Creativity. Come celebrate Recurring Events Around Montana April: women in the arts, while supporting your favorite feminist organization--The Women’s Resource Center. Current A benefit Friday and Saturday April 2nd and 3rd: musical line-up includes Vera, Lauren Wagner, DJ Mermaid Center Board Meeting, 3rd Wednesday, reading of select monologues from Eve Ensler’s new and more. 6 p.m. at the Center [Missoula] project “I Am An Emotional Creature: The Secret Be ready for performances by fire-spinners, female dance Christian LGBTI Support Group meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month Lives of Girls”. This performance is student-directed, groups and many more talented women as well as a display 7p.m. at the Center [Missoula] student-acted and student-run. The performance of works by local female visuals artists. Show starts at 8pm. LGBTI Community Potluck, 3rd Saturday every month, 7 p.m. at the University benefits WORD’s Futures program. Purchase tickets Cover is $7 for 18+ and $5 for 21+. For more info please Congregational Church - Fireside Room (405 University Avenue) [Missoula] online at www.wordinc.org. Friday’s show starts at email [email protected] PFLAG Missoula / Five Valleys meeting, 3rd Saturday every month prior to 7:00PM, Saturday’s show starts at 3:00PM potluck at the University Congregational Church, call 406-721-5013 or 406-541-0163 for Friday, April 16th: The Loft in Billings presents Fish Stix’ more information. [Missoula] Poetry Slam--Prose & Poems Tuesday, April 6th: drag show DIVAS. Doors open at 8PM. Show starts at 9PM. rd 7:00pm - 9:00pm in the UC Gallery at the University HIV+ Monthly Dinner, 3 Tuesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. at the University Tickets $7 Congregational Church, call Mike or Annette at Center, 2nd Floor. Students will gather for dramatic 543-4770 [Missoula] readings of original works of prose and poetry Saturday, April 17th: The Loft in Billings presents Fish brought to you by the Oval Magazine and UC Gay & Lesbian AA Meeting, every Monday 7 to 8:30 p.m., call Randy at 406-726- Stix’ drag show WICKED ‘LIL GIRLS 7:30PM to 8:30PM Student Involvement. An emphasis is placed on the 3525 [Missoula] - Reception with The Fish Stix & premium seating, tickets delivery of their performance. Audience members Keep It Simple / Al-Anon Family Group LGBT and friends meeting every $10. Doors open at 8:30PM. Show starts at 9PM and will judge the readings and give their opinion of the Thursday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at 1st Methodist Church, 300 E. Main, alley entrance, classroom 3. tickets are $7. Contact Randy at 406-726-3525 [Missoula] best performance. This isn’t your traditional poetry reading, audience participation is encouraged and University of Montana LAMBDA Alliance General Meetings, every Monday, April 19th: The Tranny Roadshow will perform noise can be made. Join us for a night of discovery, Tuesday, 7 p.m. at the UC (Room 330), call 406-243-5922 for more information. [Missoula] at the University of Montana in the University Center. It’s collaboration and good fun. If you are interested in Living Forward Group: Men Who Are Living With HIV, every Wednesday an all ages show with the doors open at 7:00PM with the reading something, please email your name along from 7 to 9 p.m., call Andrew Laue, LCSW for more information at 406-327-9445. show at 7:30PM. Room location is T.B.A. Check them out with a brief description of the type of work you [Missoula] at www.trannyroadshow.com. Hot Springs, Montana, a Gay & Bisexual Men’s Support Group meets would like to read to [email protected] on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m.. Call 741-2810 for directions and information. [Missoula] Friday, April 23rd: Mustachio Bashio 9:30PM at the Diversity Day Rally. Join Capitol City Gay Men meet every Thursday at 7pm. Location: 80 East Lawrence Monday, April 12th: Central Bar & Grill. This event is for ages 21+ and a $5 members of NCBI’s Respect Club in celebrating Street, Room 105, Helena MT 59601. For more information visit www.capitalcitygaymen. cover charge will occur at the door, $3 if a costume is Missoula’s 1st annual Diversity Day. The event will org [Helena] worn, and all proceeds will be donated to YMusic. See page begin with speakers and a rally at 6:00PM in Caras Women’s Coffee and Chat meets on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Location: Fireside Coffee 5 for more information. House 1446 Euclid Ave, [Helena] Park. From there participants are encouraged to join in a parade to City Hall to show support for the anti- Women’s Potluck, 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm. Location changes. Saturday, April 24th: Seattle’s Eighteen Individual Eyes discrimination ordinance. Contact Sandy at 406-442-0200. [Helena] comes to the Palace. Doors open at 9:00PM. See page 5 GLBT Open AA Meeting Every Thursday 7:30 p.m. for more info on EIE. Monday, April 12th: Missoula City Council Meeting 1417 13 St. West. Call Duane Nez at 406-861-8478 [Billings] 7:00PM at City Hall. Come Cancer Patient Support Group Every Other Friday: 12 p.m. 2835 Fort Missoula show your support for Rd., Ste. 301, Call Joni or Susie at 406-721-1118 E-mail [email protected] Missoula’s anti discrimination [Missoula] ordinance. See the center 2nd Tuesday of the month at Holy Rosary Church, 521 Billings AIDSpirit Meeting spread for more information Custer at 7:00 p.m. [Billings] regarding this. Billings PFLAG Meeting 2nd Wednesday of the month held at the UCC Church in Conference office located at 2016 Alderson at 7:00 p.m [Billings] Monday, April 12th: Sister Client Advisory Board Meeting 4th Monday of the Month at YAP at 6:00 Spit will be performing at PM [Billings] the Badlander at 9:00PM. POZ Night Monthly opportunity for socializing and fun! For more information contact Featuring queer luminary the Client Action Body at [email protected] or staff at (406) 245-2029. [Billings] Michelle Tea, legendary QSA General Forum Meetings Every Monday In the Strand Union Building room trans film director and 276 at 7 p.m. [Bozeman] screenwriter Silas Howard, JavaQ Coffee Social - 7 p.m., every first, third, and fifth Thursday at International queer graphic novelist Coffee Traders, 720 S 10th Ave. [Bozeman] and anti-racist activist The Bozeman Resource Center bi-weekly meetings. At International Coffee Elisha Lim, lesbian slam- Traders, 720 S 10th Ave, the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. Contact John at 600- poet/performance artist 3608 or at [email protected] [Bozeman] Lenelle Moise, trans psychic Bozeman PFLAG Meeting 2nd Thursday of the month. Check out: bozemanpflag. memoirist Len Plass, queer com for more information. [Bozeman] zinester/portraitist/graphic Bozeman HIV/AIDS Support Group meets the 1st Monday of each month. novelist Nicole J. Georges, Call Greg at 406-596-2013 for time and location. [Bozeman] and Power Point loving Poz Affected Pot Luck occurs on the 3rd Sunday of each month in shape-shifter translady, Annie BOZEMAN. Contact AIDS Outreach at 406-551-1016 for details.[Bozeman] Danger. Flathead Valley Alliance monthly meeting, 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Flathead Count Library basement. [Kalispell] Wednesday, April 14th: Pride Committee meeting every Sunday – Call Dee or DJ at 756-0050 for time and 8:00PM at the Palace the location – volunteers needed [Kalispell] Women’s Resource Center Presents: The 2nd Annual Montana Targeted Prevention

Blackfeet Outreach Services in Browning 406-338-7808

Butte AIDS Support Services 406-494-4123

Connections in Bozeman 406-556-1139

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

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

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

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

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

Connections in Bozeman 406-556-1139

Flathead Family Planning in Kalispell 406-751-8156

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

Missoula AIDS Council 406-543-4770

Open Hands Foundation in Great Falls 406-868-8382

Yellowstone AIDS Project in Billings 406-245-2029

Project coordinator: Montana Targeted Prevention provides free anonymous HIV testing to high-risk individuals (MSM, IDU, MSM/IDU) Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control Community Resources Butte Men’s Group Support Bozeman GLBTIQResource Center M University Congregational Church U of M Lambda Alliance Transgender Group Support Outfield Alliance Officer Nicole Pifari Missoula PFLAG Missoula CityHealthDepartment Missoula AIDS CouncilHousing Assistance Missoula Living Forward Group: Men Who AreWomyn’s Night Living With HIV Keep ItSimple Al-Anon Family Group Imperial Sovereign Court of the State of Montana Gay Men’s Task Force Gay Men’s Chorus KISMIF M Last Monday of the month 406-491-1378 or 406-490-6125 [email protected] www.BozemanRC.org, 406-600-3608, 2367 andaskfor NickorLeslie.. Centerat(406)-243- Contact theClinicalPsychology (406) 552-6300 (main) 435 RymanStreet •Missoula, MT59802 LGBTI LiaisonOfficerMissoula Police Department [email protected] or406-240-2881. 406-258-4745 for HIV+individualslivingin Western MT. andlong-termhousingassistanceisavailableShort-term Call Andrew Laueat406-327-9445 Meet Wednesday evenings 7-9p.m. classroom 3. ContactRandyat406-726-3525. p.m. at1stMethodistChurch, 300E. Main, alley entrance, LGBT andfriendsmeetingevery Thursday 5:30-6:30 3525 entrance upmetalstairs. ContactRandyat406-726- St John LutheranChurch at202Brooks, parkinglot LGBT andfriendsmeetingevery Monday 7-p.m. at or Jordan at543-4770. Program [email protected] orcall406-243-2762 attheUniversityand theirsupporters ofMontana. Email A CoalitionofLGBTIfaculty, graduatestudents, staff 406-829-8075 370-9876 127 N. Higgins Ave., at406- Suite202-ContactGary Meeting every Monday 7-9p.m. at The Center, 406-243-5922 http://www.uccmsla.org •406-543-6952 405 University Avenue, Missoula 406-543-4770 406-543-2224 or406-721-3824 http://www.iscsm.org Call RosalindadelaLunaat406-499-0078orvisit: issoula onta na Aids Council Call Annette

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

meets every Thursday th Thursday @ N Wyoming Rural AIDS Prevention Project Stonewall News Northwest Queer Core Pride Foundation Pacific NorthwestGay Rodeo Association Out Spokane Human RightsCampaign Gay Men’s HealthCrisis AEGIS: AIDS EducationGlobal Advocates for Youth P Yellowstone Aids Project Yellowstone City-CountyHealth Victorian – HIV Testing by the 20th of each monthforby thenextissue! the20thofeach Do you have LGBTI resources you want listed? Email us www.wrapp.net www.stonewallnews.net www.queercore.org www.pridefoundation.org www.pacificnwgra.org www.outspokane.com www.hrc.org www.gmhc.org www.endAIDSnow.org 406-245-2029 406-247-3376 Information Systems Department Gay Men Together, A safe and affirming place for gay & 406- 245-4293 www.advocatesforyouth.org acific ational Community The Montana Western Weekly E Center Gay Men’s Chorus Rehearsal N Beginners Yoga Classes bisexual men to meet. R orthwest 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Thursday Thursday Saturday Monday esources 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. - vents & Since Community LGBTIQ Serving the 1998 Finally !!! we got our Crap together!!!

Whips O r Chains? Meat O r Veggie? Your perfect match is o 3 to 5 mi nly Missoul nutes a’s first sp away eed dating . event for men only

Here’s how it works Saturday • register online before 4/30/2010 • Show up on the 8th of May May 8th • Spend 3 minutes with 10-12 potential dates 7pm-9pm • Tell us who you want to get to know better • If there’s a match, we exchange your information Holiday Inn by • The rest is up to you The Park Pre-registration is required for this speed dating event Mix and Mingle at Don’t miss out...Register online by 4/30/2010 Brooks & Brown afterwards www.missoulaaidscouncil.org $5 cover at the door