Gaycalgary and Edmonton Magazine #42, April 2007 Established Originally in January 1992 As Men for Men BBS by MFM Communications

April 2007 Issue 42

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Herland Film Festival Dining Out For Life 2007 Riding for a Good Cause Official Gay Media Sponsor of: Two Gay Men Mount Up in Fundraising Efforts

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GLBT RESOURCE • CALGARY & EDMONTON gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Established originally in January 1992 as Men For Men BBS by MFM Communications. Named changed to 35 GayCalgary.com in 1998. Stand alone company as of January 2004. First Issue of GayCalgary.com Magazine, November 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. Publisher Steve Polyak & Rob Diaz-Marino, [email protected] Table of Contents Editor Rob Diaz Marino, editor@gaycalgary. com 5 rollin’ 8 Original Graphic Design Deviant Designs Letter from the Publisher Advertising Steve Polyak [email protected] 8 Jami Symons Contributors Face To Face with HUSTON Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, Jason Clevett, Jerome Voltero, Kevin Alderson, Benjamin 16 Hawkcliffe, Stephen Lock, Arthur McComish, 12 Dracula Allison Brodowski , Linda “Huston” Eckess, Royal Winnipeg Ballet brings the Prince of Darkness IMU URME and the Gay and Lesbian to Alberta Community of Calgary Photographer 16 Map & Event Listings Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino Find out what’s happening Videographer Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino 23 Support from Within Please forward all inquiries to: Edmonton’s Womonspace GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine Suite 100, 215 14th Avenue S.W. 24 Sitting on Paradise Calgary, Alberta T2R 0M2 ATP Season Closes with Calgary Story Phone (403) 543-6960 or toll free (888) 543-6960 25 Q Scopes Fax (403) 703-0685 “Listen and learn, Aquarius!” 12 E-mail [email protected] 26 Adult Film Review Print Run Monthly, 12 times a year Boiler, Instinct, AWOL, and Trash Masthead continued on page 4 28 Q Puzzle “Clothes Call,” 29 Dining Out For Life 2007 In Edmonton 30 A Couple of Guys 31 It’s All So Messy Because...it should be!

Continued on page 4 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Continued from page 3 32 Taste of the Nation Eat and Drink for a Good Cause 33 Music Review Closer to the Flame 34 Bitter Girl Continued from page 3 38 Copies Printed Monthly, Over 10,000 35 Herland Film Festival copies. Distribution points up to 200 points in 36 riding for a Good Cause Calgary, largest number of distribution Two Gay Men Mount Up in Fundraising Efforts points for any Gay publication in Calgary. Up to 150 points in Edmonton, largest number of distribution points for any Gay 38 Fundraising Photos publication in Edmonton. Also distributed coast to coast across Canada in select 44 OUTrageously Real locations in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary’s Spoken Word Festival on The Cutting Edge Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and other places across Canada and the United States. Please call us if you would like to 46 Queers in Sports and the “Games” be a distribution point. 48 GLASS Gender Bender Distributed by Gallant Distributions (Calgary), Clark’s Distribution (Edmonton), Canada Post (rest of Canada and USA) 50 True Colours and by GayCalgary.com 53 Letter to the Editor Deadline for Ad Bookings 25th of the month 36 (unless otherwise stated) 55 Down Under Bathhouse Deadline for Ad copy 28th of the month (unless otherwise stated) 60 Queer Eye - Calgary & Edmonton Legal Council Courtney Sebree Aarbo, Community Events this Month Barristers and Solicitors Printers North Hill News 68 Classifieds Ads This Issue Cover Rob Bede, taken by Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz Marino. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of GayCalgary.com or the contributors of the magazine. People photographed or interviewed, writers, advertisers, contributors and anyone else involved with this publication are not necessarily gay, lesbian, bi, bi-curious or trans gendered. They can be straight people that are gay friendly. No part of the publication may be reprinted May 2007 Press without the expressed permission of the editor-in-chief. Deadlines Member of Copyright 2007 Canadian Gay &

Lesbian Chamber Ad Space Booking - Wednesday of Commerce April 25th 2007 Member of International Gay & Ad Submission - Lesbian Travel Association Friday April 27th 2007

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gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Rollin’ Letter from the Publisher

would be forced to stand our ground on discrimination issues. By Rob Diaz-Marino The only reason why we are becoming more accepted today is Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like there’s some real that we have found a way to be visible despite our invisibility. Without this, people would not notice how much we are an inte- momentum building. In Junior High Science Class we gral part of society, that we make useful contributions just like were taught Newton’s third law of motion: For every ac- everyone else, and that the world wouldn’t even resemble what tion there is an equal and opposite reaction. As we fight it is today if gay people taken out of the equation. and gain our equal rights, many are staring to exert Among ourselves, we need this visibility to help us identify them. gay role models, because we are lost without an ideal to look up Steve takes the Transit a lot when he is in Edmonton, and to. For people in important and influential roles, the prospect one day this month he witnessed two things that were quite of coming out was career suicide in the past, but now we are telling of society’s state of mind. The first was two younger guys seeing those people being strong. That strength is contagious who decided to start kissing as they were riding on the bus. – we are on a roll. This was no peck on the cheek, but full-on making out as the OutGames young ones like to do. A number of people saw it – most looked away politely, a few others seemed annoyed or disgusted, but By the time this magazine hits the streets, the week of Out- not a word of objection was spoken. This was very positive in games (Western Cup, OutRights, and OutFest) should already that the reaction had little difference to what people would do if be underway. As of writing this article however, the schedule it had been a straight couple making out with equal gusto. for OutRights has only recently appeared on the Calgary2007 website, but the Western Cup itinerary has yet to make an Later on that same day, Steve noticed a cross-dresser getting appearance. It is slated to be included in the Program Guide onto the bus, which spurred a flurry of giggles and whispers pamphlets available to participators and attendees. among the bus passengers. It shows that a better understanding of homosexuality doesn’t necessarily lead to a more open Unfortunately, leaving things up in the air until such a late mind about gender stereotypes in the general populace. date has had a negative impact on some of the smaller events that are occurring alongside or in conjunction with the Out- Meanwhile, as I’m in Calgary photographing the Sunday Games. Many in the gay community are keeping their sched- Drag Show at Twisted, I noticed a middle-aged straight couple ules free for the main fare, and thus overlooking some of these photographing the show as well. Their enthusiasm was evident other events. as each one had their own camera out, but they were primarily interested in Selma Body – hmm, her new biggest fans? In a Though this will be remedied when the Program Guides manner of speaking, yes. I later found out that they are Nick’s are released, already the Wedded Bliss Ball has sadly been parents; Nick is Selma’s boyfriend, and it was his birthday that cancelled due to lack of response. Powder and Pride made a day. As friends were taking photos, I saw Nick put his arm supreme effort to grow their event for this year, but vying for the around his dad and at first it looked strange to me. It made me same crowd as the OutGames sanctioned ski weekend put on realize what a big thing this actually was to have a whole fam- by Different Strokes has put a damper on things. Powder and ily come out to a gay bar with their son, and be proud enough Pride is still going ahead with the event, however unless they to take photos of their “son-in-law” in drag. I wanted to tell see a rush of last minute bookings, they are not expecting the his parents, especially his dad, how much something like this turnout they were hoping for. would mean to a lot of people in the gay community…myself included. Nonetheless, don’t forget that the Western Cup sporting events are as much for fans as they are for players. Many gay The opposite reaction is that now, some gay businesses are Calgarians are participating against an increased number of toning down their visible gay affiliations – bright rainbows and out-of-towners, so we should (that’s a “wishful should”, accord- pink triangles – to generalize and make themselves available for ing to IMU URME, pg. 31) see lots of local support. If you don’t broader consumption. Incidentally, we have plenty of our origi- have a favorite team, then it’s time to find one and cheer them nal GayCalgary.com bumper stickers that would work well as a on! rainbow sticker in a shop window – they’re free if any businesses want them. As a graphic designer I understand, however, This Month that rainbow colors can be a bit too gawdy, and this may not fit Besides the OutGames, another very important upcoming well into the corporate identity. Still, I worry. event this month will be the ISCCA Coronation week. When it comes to ethnic and gender groups, you are continu- Voting for the new Emperor and Empress happens on April ally reminded that these people exist because you see them on 14th from noon until midnight at the Backlot. This year we the street. You know that they belong to these groups without only have one candidate for each position, so votes will be exchanging a word. As cynical as it may sound, it can be im- yes/no. If “no” votes prevail for any candidate, the Emperor or portant to know who is who in order to keep score, and perhaps Empress from last year will be asked if they will accept the role one of our biggest curses is that we can hide the fact that we once again, and if they refuse, then the Emperor or Empress have attractions to the same sex. If being gay were a contribu- from the year prior will be asked, and so on. tor to our physical appearance, where people could notice it as obviously as a person with darker skin, then a lot more of us The elected Emperor and Empress 31 will not be announced

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 until the night of the Coronation (April 21st), when the current added another new feature – the GayCalgary.com Alexa Toolbar. reigning Emperor Wolfgang and Empress Dyna Myte step down. Wolf and Dyna have worked incredibly hard this past year and Alexa is a third party ranking service that collects statistics it has truly paid off. They announce their fundraising total in on the popularity of sites across the web, worldwide. They mea- their letter to the publisher on page 53. Steve and I are ex- sure popularity by gauging the amount of traffic that a website tremely, EXTREMELY proud of their determination and devotion receives – that is, the number of people that view it in a month, to fundraising. They have made a major impact on Calgary’s how long they stay on the website, and how well connected the community, as well as the courts in other cities. Remember site is to the rest of the internet, among other criteria. The those gay role models I was talking about? There won’t be a dry toolbar allows you to see the ranking of the website that you eye in the house when they step down this year, and I only hope are currently visiting as you browse the web. The most popular that the community at large will take this opportunity to show sites, Yahoo.com and MSN.com rank as 1 and 2, while websites their appreciation equivocally. lower than 3 or 4 million may not be ranked at all. There are a total of 9 events happening over the course of Compare GayCalgary.com to other local and national websites Coronation week, not including the voting, so check out their ad and I think you’ll be pretty surprised how well we do! To make on page 11 or view the itinerary online at www.iscca.ca. Tick- the comparison easier, we added Alexa rank buttons for us and ets for the Coronation and other events can be bought on the other websites, so that you can compare them side by side – re- website through PayPal, or in person at the Texas Lounge. member, lower numbers are better! Visit the Advertise With Us section to download the toolbar or view the comparisons. Last Month Reader’s Choice I’m really starting to lose track of time here. Things that occur at the beginning of the month can seem so distant that I In order to do the official tally, all written survey submission forget that I should be talking about them! needed to be manually entered into our database. As of going to press this month there were simply too many un-entered For instance, the Dirty Bird Awards at the Calgary Eagle was surveys for us to complete in time for the April edition. Winners way at the beginning of March, and I almost forgot – how could for Calgary and Edmonton will now be announced in the May I?! The event kicked off with a duet sung by “the same bitch edition of our magazine. and bastard as last year,” hosts Johnathan and Niel (in no If you’re looking rather to express your opinion, write a letter to the particular order). Our title from last year of Best Lesbian Couple publisher by E-mailing [email protected]. If you’ve got something was intended to go to Linda and Anette, but they called us up good to say about someone or something, then that’s awesome! If you’ve to accept it again this year in their absence…whether we’re got something bad to say about someone or something…well, just try to keep supposed to pass it along, I don’t really know. Makayla was those claws sheathed! asked to help facilitate the event, and she invented an insanely funny new drag character named “Vadge TheBucket”. Need I say more? Congratulations are in order for two businesses in Edmon- ton this month. On the weekend of the 24th, Steve was up in Edmonton to photograph Woody’s landmark 5th anniversary! The weekend before, B&D Emporium opened their new second location in New City, a goth/punk club. To celebrate, B&D was handing out green leather cock rings to the clientele, who seemed delighted at having new wristbands. Steve had to explain to a few of the straight guys what it was actually for, and even then they seemed confused. Granted I didn’t know what a cock ring was until I came out, though a big bulging package might make their straight buddies a little uncomfortable. While Steve was away, I went to Money Pennies for Lorrie’s birthday and ended up sticking around for Name that Tune. It was actually quite fun, unfortunately I was so totally clueless that I was of no use to my team. I had to take off before the competition was over, but we seemed to be winning anyway. Go “Popey’s People”! In the News The new budget pushed through by Stephen Harper has gen- erated a lot of outrage by its favoritism to couples with children. The budget makes for higher taxes for people who are single, or couples with no children, and even screws single mothers. Con- sidering his disdain for gay marriage, this is obviously a move to encourage a higher “breedership” across Canada, a tactic not too dissimilar from that used by Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany to strengthen the country for war (as I learned at Paragraph 175 this month). On the Web We’ve made a number of minor updates to the GayCalgary. com website, and have many more planned down the line. Last month we launched the Sponsored Events section along the side of the website’s welcome page, and this month we have

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Jami Symons Face To Face with HUSTON

By Linda “Huston” Eckess Individual | Spotlight I finally caught up with elite Calgary hairstylist Jami Symons, Artistic Director for AG Hair Cos- H: You’ve been a hairdresser for how long now? metics, owner of Jami Symons Salon, and one of Jami: 20 years. Canada’s most celebrated hairdressers. As we sit H: Now you own a salon down and talk face to face at Key West Bar and and you travel extensively to Grill, Jami smiles his devilish grin, “I always had learn and teach? a thing for hair. I was playing with it by the time Jami: Well, I took my I was 5, getting brushes caught in my aunt’s hair, original training here in Cal- cutting off my own bangs…” gary at Marvel. From there, I’ve been all over the world. H: So, you always knew you had a gift! I was fortunate to spend a Jami: I always knew I had a flair for it! I was cutting month in Spain to study hair in grade 7 with no formal training at all; doing the there in Barcelona. I’ve been Farrah Fawcett flip in high school when I learned to layer to London, England, New hair just by watching hairdressers and observing getting York, LA, Toronto, every- my own hair cut. where. H: And from there you went on to get your license? H: What was one of your favorites? Jami: I did, but in high school I didn’t think I was go- Jami: Barcelona…sexy!! I went to the Luis Llongueras ing to go to hair school. I thought I was going to become Academy in Barcelona. He’s a hairdresser that has a an English Professor or a Psychologist. chain throughout Spain and Portugal, and he’s traveled the world. I saw him do a hair show here in Calgary back H: Actually, Jami, you did become a psychologist of in 1990. I’ve been following his work ever since. So, I sorts. You’re a hairdresser! What is the politically correct had the opportunity to go to his Academy and learn from term for hair professionals anyway? him...with an interpreter of course! Jami: I like being called a hairdresser. That is the au- H: Tell me about you and your involvement with AG thentic title for what I do. Hair Cosmetics. Jami: I’m the Artistic Director for AG Hair Cosmet- ics. I’ve been with them now for 13 years. This company was started by a husband and wife team by the name of John and Lotte Davis, who basically made shampoo and conditioner in their basement and now they’re all over North America. I grew with their company and helped develop their education and artistic team. So, now I have an Artistic Team that works with me, headed by Jo-Anne Dicken, of The Fringe here in Calgary. She’s my Artistic team leader and I have 7 artistic team members, all the way from New York, Detroit, Indianapolis, Toronto, Van- couver, Winnipeg and Calgary. What I do is kind of like a fashion designer. I create a series of hairstyles under a philosophy and inspiration and turn it into a collection. Then we teach it to our artistic team and they go out and show it for us. H: Oh! That’s fab! So, anything new we should be watching for? Jami: I’ve just launched my new collection, called “Precious Metal.” It’s to celebrate how hair and metal are really quite similar, in that, you can change both the

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 texture and shape of hair and metal with heat and chemi- came back and had a big cals. A curling iron can give you rippling waves of spun reception here that my Mom gold, short hair can be etched in gray, like that of steel. threw for us for 120 people. And, I’m gearing up for a huge presentation of “Precious And, we did register at The Metal” in New York at the Copacabana (the one Barry Ma- Bay! nilow sings about) for 1000 hairdressers. Also I’m going to H: Give me one of your be doing a hair fashion show in Calgary called “Locks and worst hairdressing stories. Frocks”. It is a fundraiser for Autism. Jami: Well, back in the H: That’s quite a hectic schedule. Didn’t you just get day you had clients come back from Arizona? in weekly to get their once Jami: Yes, I just came back from Scottsdale to launch a week shampoo, style and the collection to all our distributors and top sales reps set. One of my great clients, and I’m going to Vancouver next to teach the artistic Phyllis came in for a sham- team. poo and curling iron set. So, I got this new curling H: Somewhere in all that craziness you got married? iron and it was way too hot! Jami: Yes, I got legally married as a gay man in Can- You know, normally I would ada. ...We got married in Dan’s hometown of Kitchener, start the curl at the back, Ontario on March 19th, 2005. but this time I thought I’d start right in the middle and I put that curling iron on and it singed her hair right off! H: How long did you and Dan date or see each other before you got married? H: And does she still come to you? Jami: We actually met each other 7 years ago at a hair Jami: She does! show. We met at the shampoo bowl, shampooing our H: OK! Tell me a favorite moment. models. I saw him a little earlier before that. It was like “Oh my god, I gotta figure out a way to say ‘hi’ to him.” I Jami: I had some great training in New York just last was shampooing and I looked up and there he was! And I spring with one of the best hairdressers in the world. Her said ‘hi’! name is Vivienne Mackinder. She used to be the Artis- tic Director for Vidal Sasoon. She’s since been British But, because we were in different cities for 7 years, I Hairdresser of the Year many times. She’s won North mean, it wasn’t like we were hot and heavy during those American Hairdresser of the Year many times. She has an seven years. We kept in contact, and tried to see each academy in New York and she has a salon in the Hamp- other whenever we could. Obviously we were seeing differ- tons. I got to work with her for 4 days, side by side. It was ent people but we met up again about three years ago and a dream come true!! I brought him out to Calgary for his first time. Then, we’d be going back and forth and it was just after my birth- H: I just saw you on CityLine. day he asked me to marry him, or that we should have a Jami: That’s one of the fondest moments and great- commitment ceremony. I said, “Well, it’s legal in Ontario est opportunities I’ve had, being on CityLine now my fifth isn’t it? If we’re coming out there, we might as well do it time with Marilyn Denis. She’s from Calgary. When she right. Let’s just go to city hall!!” But City Hall at that time comes to town she comes to our Salon to get her hair and wouldn’t allow gays to get married in City Hall because make-up done. then straight people wouldn’t want to get married there. So, we had to get married outside of City Hall. We got a H: Now, in your free minutes, you are also on the board Justice of the Peace. His name was Reverend John and for Artists for Quality of Life (AFQOL), with the 4th Annual he was probably about 90 years old and he was awesome! Donnie Peters Memorial Cut-a-thon coming up. Your in- Absolutely, awesome! But he left his wife in the car the volvement has been supreme and that’s one board we do whole time...in the middle of March! But he was really share. Tell me how you feel about being involved on the nice; he was really impressed by our enthusiasm and board and memories of Donnie! he thought that the heterosexual world could take a few pointers from us. Jami: Well, ya know, I actually feel privileged that I can help in keeping Donnie’s memory, keeping Donnie’s H: Well, that’s nice, really! vision of the Cut-a-thon alive and keep it going. It’s totally something that hits home with me and it’s absolutely Jami: Yeah! For me, someone of old school, other than heartfelt! I would LOVE to see it skyrocket to something my grandmother. I’ve got a great grandmother... She’s that is nationwide one day - where Donnie would never still here and she’s the first one I ever told I was gay! have had any idea that it could be as BIG as it is. I hope H: What did she say? to take it to the next level using my role with AG, bringing them on board and being the #1 sponsor, not only with Jami: “Oh honey, I love you, that’s OK.” She always product but with funds. This year we’re bringing on more knew because I always wore her dresses and played with hairdressers, and we will REALLY rock the park! her jewellery or her wigs and high heels. But, she’s still here. And my grandmother, she celebrated our reception. H: Couldn’t have said it better my friend, what a plea- So, we had a small intimate wedding in Kitchener and sure!

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 10 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 11 Dracula Royal Winnipeg Ballet brings the Prince of Darkness to Alberta

By Jason Clevett Preview | Theatre Since 1998, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s production of Dracula, created by Mark Godden, has been thrilling and enchanting audiences around the world. Now the Prince of Darkness comes to Alberta for four special shows this April. The story has been told in hundreds of different varia- tions – from Bram Stoker’s book to creepy portrayals on screen by Bela Lugosi and Gary Oldman and many others. Vampire Dracula takes the life of Lucy Westenra and is pursued by her suitors as well as vampire hunter Profes- sor Van Helsing. “It does well everywhere we take it, and showcases our company very well and focuses on our strengths. To put on a full length ballet with only 25 people is not that easy. The way it has been done definitely showcases what we can do and puts our best foot forward,” dancer Darren Anderson, who performs as Van Helsing in the show, told GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. “The show changes so much with the storyline from Lucy’s bedroom to a crypt to Dracula’s lair. It isn’t like sitting through a full-length ballet, it changes so much, it is like a journey that takes you to different places. There is not a lot of room to get bored in it. I know that sometimes the complaint with ally grow facial hair for it and the outfit I wear is a three- other ballets is it can be quite long but this keeps you go- piece suit and glasses. Some of my friends actually didn’t ing because there are so many theatrics.” recognize me when I came on stage because it is so dif- The character of Van Helsing has also been played in ferent from what I normally do. It was a great challenge. I many different ways. Frequently played as an older char- know there have been many different takes on Van Helsing acter, he has been given a different approach from the film but that is mine,” he said. Anderson is only thirty years starring Hugh Jackman. Anderson places his character in old so it was a new challenge to train his body to move like the middle of the two. someone twenty years older. ”In my head I am playing him in his late fourties. I usu- ”When I was getting ready for this role I did a lot of people watching and watched the types of people I was going to try and emulate. Mark was great in helping me figure out that I had to be more into the ground, my dance and posture had to be more introverted and changed. I have to separate myself from the other three suitors and Dracula. Once I get on stage it is all in my body and just let that be. It is something that I had to think quite a bit about in rehearsal to make it believable.” Another challenge of being a dancer is playing a multitude of roles simultaneously. When we spoke to Anderson he was in Mobile, Alabama as a guest performer for the

12 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 my body is used to transitioning. It is hard wearing white tights one day and a pair of jeans the next.” If you have never attended a ballet performance before, Dracula may be just the one to add the experience to your resume. Anderson spoke about the appeal of the show to a general audience. “I think it is a show that would appeal to anyone, whether a family or a couple of friends. My grandma in Edmonton is going to come to it and she is 92. I would say you can bring some kids. They may get scared at certain points that are scary like when I chop Lucy’s head off with a shovel, but it’s nothing worse than anything you would see on television,” he said. “Because it is so theatrical and there is so much going on, there is something for everyone whatever level you are into watching ballet. Whether it’s Mobile Ballet’s version of Cinderella. Three days later he your first time or your 200th there is something that will was set to perform in The Magic Flute. During the tour of appeal to you. I wouldn’t say that about every show we Dracula he will also be rehearsing for a tour of Messiah. perform but I think with Dracula, the audience loves it and We asked Darren how he keeps all the steps straight with it is easy to sit back and enjoy.” so many different pieces of work! The Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents ”It is a lot to remember but when you get to a certain Dracula level as a professional you can flick a switch and go into April 9th – 10th in Calgary. Southern Alberta Jubilee it. Sometimes we haven’t touched a ballet in a year and Auditorium the music will come on and we can go right into it. It is in April 12th -13th in Edmonton. Northern Alberta Jubilee your body and part of the muscle memory. You go over the Auditorium. steps in your head before you go on but it isn’t that dif- Tickets at Ticketmaster. ficult. The most difficult thing is going from classical ballet to contemporary because you aren’t using the exact same form. In this company we do so many types of ballet that

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 13 14 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 15 Events Listing Find out what’s happening

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16 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Chronos Apollo Lorne Doucette /CIR Realtors Reymark Share knowledge, create action, raise awareness. See our ad on page 47 See our ad on page 60 See our ad on page 29 Unify human rights for all. #520 922 5th Avenue SW • (403) 237-2353 (403) 461-9195 Able Craftsman, Your home renovation specialist AIDS Calgary is pleased to present OutRights Physician directed skin care and more http://www.lornedoucette.com (403) 478-2411 • [email protected] 2007. Bringing together diverse audiences of Cruiseline Marcy Calberry /CIR Realtors local, national, and international business and Russell’s Cobalt 45 See our ad on page 71 See our ad on page 25 community leaders, academic scholars, students, See our ad on page 49 (403) 777-9494 trial code 3500 (403) 291-4440 or (866) 859-4440 activists, politicians, philanthropists, members 735 12th Avenue SW • (403) 228-7822 http://www.cruiseline.ca of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender MFM Communications Hair & Aesthetics Phone chat room & talking classifieds for 18+ (GLBT) communities, their allies and the broader See our ad on page 32 Sol Sourced Weddings community from across North America, OutRights Deva Dave Salon 32 (403) 543-6970 See our ad on page 12 will be held in Calgary, on April 2-3, 2007. 4th Floor, http://www.mfmcommunications.com (403) 270-9480 1304 4th Street SW • (403) 290-1973 Web site hosting and development. Computer Apollo Calgary Friends in Sports http://www.solsourcedweddings.com http://www.devadave.com Hardware and Software. See our ad on page 7 and 72 Wedding Commissioner http://www.apollocalgary.com Doug R. Glasser More Better Buses Z-Group 9625 MacLeod Trail SW • (403) 278-2900 (403) 651-1692 Apollo: Friends in Sport, is coordinating the Calgary Voice over IP (VOIP) phone service and long Re/Max Reality Professionals Providing unique, comfortable & affordable teams for both the Montreal Outgames and Chicago distance transportation. Charter us for: High School Gay Games. Uniforms will be created for both First Class Flowers (403) 770-1940 Graduations, Senior Groups, Pub Crawls and events so that teams can march into the opening Elbow and Heritage Drive SW• (403) 255-2239 Sporting Events ceremonies under “Team Calgary” banners. Sizing Jane Doe Marketplace & Cafe 50 Community Groups and and orders will be done at the Apollo tent at the Priape Calgary 16 See our ad on page 63 Pride Street Fair on June 11. Please let Apollo See our ad on page 58 311 17 Avenue SW • (403) 245-5263 Organizations know if you are going to compete at one or both 1322 - 17 Ave SW • (403) 215-1800 Aids Calgary 2 Calgary’s Only Marketplace featuring Women games by E-mailing outgames@apollocalgary. http://www.priape.com 200, 1509 Centre St South • (403) 508-2500 Entrepreneurs. Coffee Shop too! com or [email protected]. Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, http://www.aidscalgary.org  movies and magazines. Gifts. Absolutely Smashing! Badminton- The 2006/2007 La Fleur 41 Safer Sex & HIV/AIDS, Living with HIV/AIDS, See our ad on page 10 season for Badminton starts on Sunday, September Rev. Nadene Rogers Challenging Stereotypes #103 - 100 7th Avenue SW 17, 2006 (FREE FIRST DAY). Special extended See our ad on page 15 (403) 266-1707 Dates: May 12, 2007, 9:00am – 4:00pm at AIDS session. We will start at 12:30 p.m. and go to 3:00 (403) 247-0602 Florist Shop Calgary Training Room, 200, 1509 Centre Street p.m. on this session only. All future sessions are http://www.weddingsmyway.com South 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Location: Western Canada Leather and Lace Marriage Commissioner High School (641 17th Ave. SW) Schedule: Sunday OutRights 2020 32nd Avenue NE • (403) 291-4060 afternoons in the MAIN GYM, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 The art of romance April 2-3, 2007 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 17 p.m. Drop-in Fee: $5 for each 1.5 hour session for Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Centre. Join us Calgary Men’s Chorus Calgary a safer place for people of diverse sexual Apollo members or $6 for non-members (Apollo there (1320-5th Avenue NW) for a country-rockin’ See our ad on page 45 orientation? If UR, we are looking for dynamic memberships are $15) good time! (403) 262-6295 volunteers for our Anti-Homophobia Program. http://www.calgarymenschorus.org This program is intended to raise awareness Curling- The 16th season of Apollo Curling will ARGRA Dance Saturday May 26th, 2007 - We’re and understanding among students about the begin in October 2006, with the same general kicking up our heels in our new digs at the The Calgary Men’s Chorus is excited to announce experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, two spirited, format as last year. Games are at the North Hill Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Centre. Join us that rehearsals for its 2006-2007 season begin transgendered, queer and questioning youth. If Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street NW) with two draws there (1320-5th Avenue NW) for a country-rockin’ Tuesday September 5, 2006. Rehearsals are held you are interesting in sharing your experiences with on Saturdays: 2:20 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and at good time! from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Old Y Centre other youth, and are available days, please call us the Inglewood Golf and Curling Club, Saturdays at for Community Organizations, located at 223 12 Artists for the Quality of Life at 283-5580 and ask for an Educator or contact 12:30 p.m. Avenue SW. (403) 890-1261 [email protected].. Squash -Location: University of Calgary. Mondays, http://www.afqol.com Calgary Networking Club Deer Park United Church and Wholeness 6:45 - 8:15 p.m. (90 minutes), Sept 11 - Dec November 2, 5:00-7:00pm 4th Annual Donnie Peters Memorial Cut-a-thon Centre 11 (Fall Session) Cost: $89.00 for the 13 weeks At Money Pennies (upstairs) Tomkins Park (17th Ave sw &8th St) Labour Day 77 Deerpoint Road SE - (403) 278-8263 (6.85 per week) OR $10.00 drop in fee Apollo 1742 - 10 Ave SW Monday September 3rd, 2007 http://www.dpuc.ca membership required ($15.00 per year) Calgary Networking Club (CNC) is back.... after a Worship Time - 10:00am Sundays Between Men and Between Men Online Volleyball.- The 2006/2007 season for volleyball 5 year hiatus, CNC is meeting again in Calgary on (403) 234-8973 Different Strokes starts on September 10, 2006! New this year: the first Thursday of every month. The networking http://www.glcsa.org/ http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org Recreational volleyball Friday Nights! Recreational meetings are open to all individuals who would Peer support, sexual health education for gay Swim Club. Volleyball King George School, 2108 10th Street like to promote their businesses or who would like or bisexual men, as well as those who may be Check website for current schedule NW, (a few blocks north of SAIT) Friday Nights to meet new people - no business affiliation is uncertain or questioning their sexuality. Discussions 7:00pm – 9:00 pm. Intermediate/Competitive necessary. Did You Say Bike? range from personal relationship or life issues, to YWCA, 320 5th Avenue SE. Sunday afternoons Riders Wanted - experience or no! sexual health and well-being. CNC is for members of the LGBTQ community to 4:30pm – 6:30 pm Meetings at GLCSA Tuesdays 7:00pm to 9:00pm make new friends or business contacts. This group is Come ride your bike with us and make new friends, Rainbow Riders Bowling League - Let’s 10 Pin not age or gender specific. learn how to maintain your wheels, even learn Bowlerama, 2916 5 Avenue NE, Wednesday’s at Calgary Big men and Admirers Come listen to our monthly guest speaker, have a a few tricks, and best of all get Fit. Everyone 6:30pm. Season is from September to April. League http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ snack, and enjoy talking with some new people. Welcome. fees are $15.00 per Night. Shoe rental is $2.00 CalgaryAlbertaBigmenClub/ Admission to the meeting is $5, or a yearly A group for gay and bisexual men only. Interested subscription pass can be bought for $25 (a 28% Starting April 15th Outdoor Pursuits - WE DO IT OUTDOORS. Skiing, parties are welcome to join our VIRTUAL Group in savings). If you have a GLCSA membership take The Windmill at Eau Claire hiking, camping, biking. Any outdoor sports. Why Alberta to: Ease Friendly meetings between big guys an additional $5 off your yearly subscription cost. 12 till 3-ish do it alone when you can do it with a group. and those who love them, organize different social GLCSA memberships will also be available at Tasty snacks and refreshments later on. Weekends and weekdays, all year round. Drop activities, and market a positive image of big men. the meeting for $10. (Call GLCSA for details on us a line. Hope to See you soon... membership benefits). For more info E-mail us at: For more information contact GLCSA at (403) 234- [email protected] Yoga - Have you always wondered about yoga? Big men’s and Admirers Sunday Brunch @ 11am. 8973....or just drop in on the meeting. What really is down-dog? Do you think touching Mother Tuckers ,345 10th Ave S.W., Calgary. A Don’t Buy In Project Calgary Networking Club (CNC) is a Gay & Lesbian your feet with your legs straight is just humanly social outing for bigger guys and those who enjoy http://www.dontbuyin.ca Community Services Association (GLCSA) event. impossible? Ki Essentials is now offering an their company AND its a FOOD DRIVE, so bring This Calgary Police Service Initiative aims to Food and venue sponsored by Money Pennies Bar exclusive yoga class to Apollo members and something that is non perishable so we can help encourage youth to working towards an inclusive and Eatery. friends. This class comprises of twelve weekly out the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank! RSVP before environment in which diversity is embraced in their 90-minute sessions that focus on basic poses and November 10th to [email protected] Calgary Sexual Health Centre schools and community. proper alignment, and are conducted in a fun and 304, 301 14th Street NW Calgary Frontrunners Running Club Fake Mustache supportive environment. This is a multi-level yet (403) 283-5580 When: 9 am on Saturdays, Calgary’s ONLY Drag King Show beginner friendly class. No previous experience is http://www.cbca.ab.ca Where: Update! Coffee Junkies -795 1 Avenue SW Soda Lounge: 211 - 12th Ave S.W. required. Registration fee is $150 (includes GST) Calgary Sexual Health Centre is a pro-choice (no longer meeting at Eau Claire Y) (403) 923-3953 and an Apollo membership is required. Mat rental is organization that believes all people have the right What: Walkers and Runners between 5 km – 15 http://www.miscyouth.com $1 in case you do not have one. This class runs on and ability to make their own choices regarding km from sub 5 min/km pace to 10 min/km pace. [email protected] every Wednesday from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, between their sexual and reproductive health. Calgary Who: All are welcome - Typically about 15-20 men A benefit show for the Miscellaneous Youth Network, February 6, 2007 and May 2, 2007 (no class on Sexual Health Centre started as a volunteer based, and women depending on the weather conditions Fake Mustache is guaranteed to please! Come see April 3). Registration deadline is February 5. NOTE: grassroots organization and has been providing Contact: E-mail [email protected] or our boys strut their stuff at Soda, the first Thursday A tentative second class may run on Friday from 6 comprehensive sexuality education and counselling pm to 7:30 pm. However, it will not run until the call Tim at (403) 660-6125 of every month. $5 cover. $2 cover under 18. programs to the Calgary community since 1972. In Advance tickets available at Barbies Shop. Wednesday class is full. Please indicate if Friday the early 70’s, CBCA’s work focused on improving is your preferred time slot. Drop-ins for this class Calgary Gay Fathers All Ages show starts at 7:30. 18+ show starts [email protected] access to birth control and increasing support for are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Space women facing unplanned pregnancies. Since that at 10:15. is limited so please check ahead of time. Cost for http://www.geocities.com/calgaryfathers time Calgary Sexual Health Centre has evolved to Gay Prairie Alumni drop-in is $13 for Apollo members and $15 for Peer support group for gay, bisexual and include a range of services to ensure that individuals http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayprairiealumni/ non-members. For drop-in, mat rental is $1 per questioning fathers. Meeting twice a month are able to make informed choices about their session. This group is for all gay/lesbian/transgendered Calgary Humane Society sexual and reproductive well being. Our programs alumni of Prairie Bible Institute and/or Prairie ARGRA – Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo See our ad on page 49 promote sexuality as a normal, positive and healthy High School in Three Hills, Alberta. It’s purpose Association (403) 250-4455 part of life to be valued and respected. Currently is twofold: First, social -- to renew old friendships Hotline: (403) 541-8140 http://www.calgaryhumane.ca the Calgary Sexual Health Centre offers education and make new ones. Second -- to talk about http://www.argra.org and youth peer education programs, counselling our common experiences as gay people at a Animal Adoptions and for Prevention of Cruelty to and groups for women who are questioning their fundamentalist school. Any other questions, please See our ad on page 15 and 67 Animals sexual orientation. feel free to ask. ARGRA Dance Saturday April 21st, 2007 - We’re RU a lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirited or queer kicking up our heels in our new digs at the youth, ages 17-24? RU interested in helping make

18 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Girl Friends Illusions Calgary Victory Brunch - Sunday April 22nd, 11:00am at Positive Space Committee at Mount Royal http://members.shaw.ca/girlfriends (403) 234-8973 the The Twisted Element (1006 11th Avenue SW). College http://www.glcsa.org One of the best on the circuit! Tickets: $20 each. 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Girlsgo Productions Phone: 403-440-6383 (403) 510-2502 Social group for Calgary and area transgender Alaska Ice Water Party - Sunday April 22nd, Web: www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace http://www.girlsgo.ca community members (cross dressers, transvestites, 3:00pm at The Calgary Eagle (424a - 8th Avenue Email: [email protected] Event production and promotion in Alberta for drag kings and queens). Illusions provides a safe, SE). Not to be missed! Hosted by Eldon from women. Check online for fun things to do! discrete and welcoming atmosphere, in which The Positive Space Committee at Mount Royal Alaska. Next Dance Party for Women transgendered people can meet others of like mind. College works to raise awareness and challenge Illusions offers discretion, acceptance, compassion the patterns of silence that continue to marginalize St. Patrick’s Day Tough Drag Show - Sunday April 22nd, at The and a safe place to express your gender. Cross- lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered, two-spirited Saturday, March 17th, 2007 Twisted Element (1006 11th Avenue SW). Doors dressing is the purpose of the group, but is not and queer (LGBTTQ) individuals. Join GIRLSGO for a little Shamrock hunting and open at 8pm, show at 9:00pm. mandatory. Leprechaun mischief... and a little dancing too! Find Pride Calgary a four-leaf clover and it could be your lucky night! Inside Out Integrity Calgary (403) 262-3410 GLASS, Gay & Lesbian Association of Students (403) 234-8973 http://members.aol.com/DWFrancis/integrity.html http://www.pridecalgary.ca http://www.glcsa.org and Staff A transdenominational Christian fellowship under Pride Festival 2007 - June 01 - 10, 2007 See our ad on page 45 Peer-facilitated youth group for GLBTQ ages 15-25. the auspices of the Anglican Church, for gays, Pride Kick-Off Party - Friday, June 01, 2007 279R Student Union Club Spaces The group aims to let youth know they are not lesbians, bisexuals, and our friends. We have for Pride begins with the official Pride Kick-Off events University of Calgary alone, and to connect them with their peers. Every the moment stopped our monthly Eucharist on party and continues with a celebration of arts and http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass Monday, 7 pm to 9pm at GLCSA. It is a funky and the second Sunday of the month at 7:00pm in cultural festivities, community events presented by (403) 220-6394 safe environment with a variety of resources and St. Stephen’s Anglican Church (1121- 14 Avenue Pride Calgary in conjunction with local arts cultural activities. S.W.): NO SERVICES TILL PRIDE Saturday April 14- Gender Bender and community organizations. Our annual drag show at the den. Saturday April ISCCA – Imperial Sovereign Court of the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church is a very welcoming Pride Parade - Sunday, June 03, 2007 14 doors open at 8. Tickets are on sale now for Chinook Arch community that you may consider going to, The Pride Parade will start at 8 St SW and head $5 or for $7 at the door. If you are interested in See our ad on page 11 they worship every Sunday morning at 8:00 east along 8 Ave SW into Stephan Ave Walk, performing or would like more details please email am (traditional prayer book service) and the http://www.iscca.ca Calgary’s Historical Main Street. [email protected] contemporary worship service at 10:30 am. Last Sunday of the month - Texas Lounge Movie Street Gala at the Plaza - Sunday, June 03, 2007 GLCSA - Gay And Lesbian Community Services Rainbow Community Church of Calgary meets at Matinee Formerly known as the Street Festival, located Association 1 Hill Hurst United Church off (Kensington Close NW). Tuesdays and Saturdays - Texas Lounge, 7:00pm at Olympic Plaza, the heart of Calgary’s Art See our ad on page 27 They’re a GLBTQ etc. church (and straight folks are Shooters Community. Entertainment with spectacular #4, 1230A 17th Avenue SW welcome too!) that seeks to provide tools for the Wednesday - Twisted Element - TNT 7:00pm to Performers, Bands, DJ’s. The Family Zone, Vendors, (403) 234-8973 spiritual journey thorough developing a supportive 9:00pm Beer Garden and more. http://www.glcsa.org community. They are an interdenominational church Last Sunday of the Month - Texas Lounge, “Buca in the Christian traditions with an evangelical and Military Ball - Friday, June 08, 2007 Peer Support and Crisis Line - Front-line help service and a Slice” for GLBT individuals and their family and friends, open flavour. Sundays at 4 PM. Pre-service prayer Located at The Calgary Eagle this is an exhilarating or anyone questioning their sexuality. Please click VOTING DAY - Saturday April 14th, Noon - Midnight gathering at 3:30. uniform event packed with hot firemen, bare- at The Backlot (209 - 10th Avenue SW). Cast your chested sailors and camouflaged soldiers. here for further information on our Peer Support Knox United Church vote for Emperor and Empress 31! Yes/No Vote for Program. 506 - 4th Street S.W. • (403) 269-8382 Xist 2007 Lonnie Starlight & Yes/No Vote for Conrad 24-Hour Info Line - Calgary’s resource directory http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca/ Forbidden Fruit - Saturday, June 09, 2007 An exhilarating evening of theatre, dance, and for information, events, business referrals, Imperial State Dinner & Murder Mystery - Monday Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church interpretation stage performances and music by the organizations and support for the GLBT community. April 16th, 6:00pm at Money Pennies (1742 - 10th located in downtown Calgary. A variety of facility best house, disco and pop DJ’s. Location TBA Library - A great selection of resource books, fiction, Avenue SW). Cocktails at 6pm, Dinner and Mystery rentals are also available for meetings, events and non-fiction, videos and everything in between, all at 7pm. Tickets: $20. concerts. Pride Rainbow Project [email protected] with a queer perspective. Worship Services Imperial Roast - Tuesday April 17th, 7:30pm at the http://www.priderainbowproject.com Wednesdays - Communion Service 12:10 pm Drop-In Center - A safe and supportive environment Texas Lounge (308 - 17th Avenue SW). Karaoke Sundays - 11:00 a.m. September to June The Pride Rainbow Project was started in Fall 2003 for one-to-one peer counseling for many issues and $2.75 Shooter Specials. surrounding family, coming out, homosexuality, Sundays - 10:30 a.m. in summer July and August. by 4 youth of the Unitarian Church of Calgary. The Pride Rainbow Project is a project designed loneliness and other issues. Memories and Mayhem - Wednesday April 18th, New Directions to show support for same-sex marriage in Canada 8:00pm at The Backlot (209 - 10th Avenue SW). A (403) 234-8973 or [email protected] Unity Pages - A service directory of GLBT or GLBT- and elsewhere. It is a fabric rainbow banner casual get together. http://www.glcsa.org/ friendly businesses, organizations, and services approximately 5 feet wide, and the goal is to make In Town Show - Thursday April 19th, 7:00pm at The within Calgary. Drop in peer-support group to provide support and it 3.2km (2 miles) long, in order to break the world Calgary Eagle (424a - 8th Avenue SE). A donation resources for individuals who identify as transsexual record (set by a group in Florida at 1.25 miles)! Heading Out at the door is appreciated. Doors open at 7pm, or inter-sexed. The group meets every 3rd Friday of It contains the 6 colours of the pride flag: Red, (403) 234-8973 show at 8:00pm. http://www.glcsa.org/ the month from 7 pm to 9 pm at GLCSA. Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple. The project is youth run, but anyone can help!. Peer group for men who are looking for an Out of Town Show - Friday April 20th, 7:00pm at If you are transsexual, or know of someone who alternative social activity to the bar. Activities vary The Twisted Element (1006 11th Avenue SW). A is, please contact our office for information and Primetimers Calgary and are fun and entertaining. The group meets donation at the door is appreciated. Doors open at assistance. You are not alone! There is support! E-mail: [email protected] 7pm, show at 8:00pm. http://www.primetimerscalgary.com the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month from 7 pm PFLAG Calgary to 9 pm. Meetings are held the last Saturday of each month. Coronation 2007 - Saturday April 21st, 6:00pm Prime Timers Calgary is designed to foster social PFI Research INC HIV Peer Support Group sharp at the Metropolitan Centre (333 4th interaction for its members through a variety of Suite 500, 703 6th Ave SW (403) 230-5832 Avenue SW), Tickets: $30 advance, $35 at the social, educational and recreational activities. It is Calgary AB [email protected] door. Includes finger food. Fantastic line-up of open to all gay and bisexual men of any age and (403) 234-0445 ext 801 performers!

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 19 respects whatever degree of anonymity that each Sharp Foundation Alberta’s website for youth with sex-and-gender See our ad on page 54 and 66 member desires. Phone: (403) 272-2912 differences. Youthsafe.net lists the resources, http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com E-mail: [email protected] information and services to help youth find safe and Rainbow Community Church Looks Could Kill Art Boutique http://www.thesharpfoundation.com caring spaces in Alberta. See our ad on page 23 Art Central, lower level #11, 100 7th Ave SW • Hillhurst United Church SHARP Art Auction - May 24, 2007, Join us at Art (403) 264-7576 1227 Kensington Close N.W. Mode for an evening of fine art, wine and food. Restaurants New Gallery 25 Website: http://www.rainbowcommunitychurch.ca Make a bid and support the Foundations programs Calgary Eagle Inc. 4 516D - 9 Ave SW • (403) 233-2399 E-mail: [email protected] and services. Doors open at 5 pm. For more See our ad on page 27 Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm information or to donate a piece of art please call 424a - 8 Ave SE • (403) 263-5847 The Rainbow Community Church is an all-inclusive (403) 272-2912. Open Tues-Sun 4pm-close One Yellow Rabbit 35 church. Everyone is welcome (and we mean it!). http://www.calgaryeagle.com Big Secret Theatre – EPCOR CENTRE for the Services are held every Sunday afternoon at 4:00 SHEQ Soulful Healing Ego Quest Performing Arts • (403) 299-8888 PM. (403) 234-8973 or [email protected] Jane Doe Marketplace & Cafe 50 http://www.oyr.org http://www.glcsa.org/ See our ad on page 63 Rocky Mountain Bears 311 17 Avenue SW • (403) 245-5263 A workshop for women that want to be themselves QUAB Gallery Inc. 43 http://www.rockymountainbears.com Calgary’s Only Marketplace featuring Women in a supportive, safe environment. It is a chance 212, 100th 7th Avenue SW • (403) 261-2855 Entrepreneurs. Coffee Shop too! Thursday, April 12 - Movienite - Chinook Center to grow and share their experiences related to http://www.quab.ca Movie Theaters. Movie T.B.A. 7:00pm approx. Some women’s sexuality. Runs for a ten week period on Money-Pennies 9 Pumphouse Theatre 37 coming attractions include “300”, “Sunshine”, Thursdays at 7pm. Call Trudy or Krista at 585- See our ad on page 28 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW • (403) 263-0079 “Shooter”, “The Last Mimzy”, “The Lookout”, 7437. To participate, please call the exclusive 1742 - 10 Ave SW • (403) 263-7411 http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca “Blades of Glory” SHEQ line at 585-7437 (you may leave a voice Stagewest Thursday, April 19 - Annual General Meeting message for Trudy or Krista) or leave your name Theatre and Art 727 42 Avenue SE • (403) 243-6642 - Location T.B.A. Bears will be needed to fill the and a contact time/number with the Gay & Lesbian Alberta Ballet http://www.stagewestcalgary.com vacancies for Vice-President, Treasurer, and both Community Services Association at 234-8973. http://www.albertaballet.com Bear-at-Large positions on the R.M.B. Executive. Speak Sebastian Dracula - April 9 - 10 NUNSENSE – a Musical Comedy, Book, Music & Memberships expire on April 18 and you may http://www.cjsw.com Lyrics by: Dan Goggin, February 15 – April 22, purchase/renew membership at the meeting. You ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects 36 2007 Radio Show – Every first & third Wednesday from may vote without actually attending and there will Phone: (403) 294-7402 Winner of four “Outer Critics Circle Awards” 9-10pm. Radio for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, be info on how to do this sent out soon. Please http://www.ATPlive.com including “Best Off-Broadway Musical” in its trans gender and kink community. Listen on CJSW contact one of the current Executive if you would be original New York production, the show is a FM 90.9. April 17 – May 5, 2007 - SITTING ON PARADISE, interested in running. fundraiser put on by the Little Sisters of Hoboken to by Eugene Stickland Urban Sex raise money to bury a sister accidentally poisoned Saturday, April 21 - Volunteer Nite - Calgary http://www.cjsw.com AXIS Contemporary Art by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). Eagle - 424A 8 Avenue S.E. Bears work as front 107, 100 – 7 Ave. SW • (403) 262-3356 “You don’t have to be Catholic to love Nunsense” door greeters at the Calgary Eagle from 9:30pm Radio Show – Every second & forth Wednesday [email protected] (Entertainment Tonight). “ A hall of fun an frolic! to 2:00am. Volunteers needed. Contact Bob at from 9-10pm. Focus on sexuality; gay bisexual Wacky and outrageous with a hysterical anything [email protected]. lesbian trans gendered and straight issues here Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm goes sense of fun” (N.Y. Times). in Calgary and around the web. Listen on CJSW Saturday: 10am to 5:30pm Saturday, April 28 - Bears Bar Nite - Calgary Eagle FM 90.9. Sunday: 11am to 3pm CANADIAN EXPLOSION – The Best of Canada’s Pop, - 424A 8 Avenue S.E. Bears head to the Calgary Rock and Country, Written by: Howard Pechet, April Eagle to enjoy a beverage anytime after 10:00pm Western Leather Federation First Thursdays (the First Thursday of each month): 26 – July 1, 2007 Coffee Night – Wed, 8:30pm. At the Calgary Eagle. 10am to 8pm Safety Under The Rainbow We tuned into the Americans and the Brits Womynspace Broadway Across Canada http://www.safetyrainbow.ca throughout the 60’s and 70’s and then came Bryan (403) 234-8973 or [email protected] http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca Adams, Shania Twain and Celine Dion. By the 90’s Mission: To raise awareness and understanding of http://www.glcsa.org/ Jun. 19 -24, 2007 - Mamma Mia!, Southern Canada boasted a flourishing music industry and same-sex domestic violence and homophobic youth Peer social/support group for women providing an Alberta Jubilee Auditorium some of the world’s greatest recording stars. Let bullying. evening of fun, bonding, discussion and activities. us take you on a “Spinning Wheel Ride” from the A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip Project Areas: Meets every first and third Friday 7pm to 9pm at Guess Who in the 60’s to Nickleback today. GLCSA. down the aisle you’ll never forget! Over 20 million Partnerships – Create partnerships with like-minded people all around the world have fallen in love with Stride Gallery 47 groups. Organize a meeting to discuss a province- Vigor Calgary the characters, the story and the music that make 1004 MacLeod Trail SE • (403) 262-8507 wide cross-sector entity addressing domestic (403) 255-7004 MAMMA MIA! The ultimate feel-good show! Writer http://www.stride.ab.ca violence and homophobic bullying. http://www.vigorcalgary.ca/ Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Theatre Junction Violence in Gay Male Relationships (VIGOR) is a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, Training - Develop and pilot training modules that http://www.theatrejunction.com committee of professionals dedicated to increasing a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her address GLBTT domestic violence and homophobic the awareness of gay men’s domestic violence and father brings 3 men from her mother’s past back to Truck Gallery 46 youth bullying. See the website or contact the office the services available to them. the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story- 815 1st Street SW (Basement) • (403) 261-7702 for information on the next training session. telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this http://www.truck.com “Yeah... What She Said!” Research – Conduct an enviro-scan of services and enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, Every Monday evening from 8:30-9:00pm Vertigo Mystery Theatre 34 support available to GLBTT family violence and and every night everyone’s having the time of their CJSW 90.9 FM 161, 115 – 9 Ave SE • (403) 221-3708 abuse victims. lives! With more productions playing internationally http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com [email protected] than any other musical, MAMMA MIA! Is the Directory – Publish a province-wide directory of Youth 4 Youth World’s No.1 Show services and supports addressing same-sex domestic (403) 283-5880 violence and homophobic bullying. Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra http://www.youth4youth.com http://www.cpo-live.com • (403) 571-0849 Survey – Conduct a survey on how same-sex YouthSafe domestic violence and homophobic bullying affects Fairytales International Gay & Lesbian Film http://www.youthsafe.net GLBTT individuals. Contact the office if you would be Festival willing to fill out this survey. 20 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Edmonton Pride Week Society Apr 11 Hulbert’s Coffee House, 7601 – 115 St, Edmonton Listings Businesses http://www.prideedmonton.org (780) 436-1161 B & D Emporium 13 May 9 Woody’s, 11723 Jasper Ave, (780) 488- #101 11745 Jasper Ave• (780) 428-5847 Edmonton Pride Week 6557 http://www.bdemporiumedmonton.com Bars and Clubs 2007 Pride Week: June 15 - 24 Jun 13 Prism, 10524 – 101 St, (780) 990-0038  Cruiseline Friday, June 15 Kicking off Pride with the Annual Boots & Saddles 5 Edmonton STD 4 See our ad on page 71 Pride Awards and Reception and the raising of the 10242 106th St • (780)423-5014 11111 Jasper Ave (780) 413-7122 trial code 3500 Pride Flag at City Hall  Buddy’s Nite Club 6 http://www.cruiseline.ca Saturday, June 16 - Pride Parade! (Heading down Edmonton Vocal Minority See our ad on page 6 Phone chat room & talking classifieds for 18+ Jasper Avenue and ending up at Churchill Square) http://www.evmchoir.com 11725 Jasper Ave • (780) 488-6636 After Parade Party: on Churchill Square -(Includes Phone: 780-479-2038 Pride Construction http://www.buddysniteclub.ca/ the Business and Community Group Fair, Family (780) 239-9197 Free To Be volleyball  Fun area, live entertainment, food vendors and Prism Bar & Grill 8 Construction and Renovations Amiskiwcy Academy, 101 Airport Rd. (near the Beer Gardens) See our ad on page 23 downtown airport) Thursday, June 21 - EVM Concert: Forever Young 10524 101st St • (780) 990-0038 Every Wednesday and Thursday night, 8pm-10pm http://www.prismbar.ca Community Groups and - A Folk Music Hootenanny Cloverdale Hall with the Bridge City Chorus of Saskatoon Welcome GLBT players! The Roost 9 Organizations Friday, June 22 - Acts Of Pride (An evening of Queer 10345 104th St • (780) 426-3150 theatre, dance and all things wonderful.) at La Cite Wednesday night recreational level: All players Buck Naked Boys Club (Edmonton) http://www.theroostniteclub.com Francophone Theatre and skill levels welcome. Contact Marc for more Naturism club for men. information: [email protected], Tel: (780)  Saturday, June 23 - Pride Dance, Location TBA Woody’s 12 Meets the second Saturday of each month. 445-0365. See our ad on page 58 (780) 471-6993 ERBA - Edmonton Rainbow Business 11725 Jasper Ave • (780) 488-6557 http://www.bucknakedboys.ca Association Thursday night intermediate level: Coaching and #3379, 11215 Jasper Avenue • (780) 4915- drills provided. Contact Alex for more information: Our club has been meeting continuously for over 10 4458 [email protected], Tel: (780) 424-9984. (Please Bathhouse and Sauna’s years. The similar club in Calgary ceased to exist Down Under Baths 7 http://www.edmontonrba.org note that there is limited space on the intermediate several years ago. Naturism is being social while See our ad on page 67 night) everyone is naked, and it does not include sexual Our primary focus is the provision of networking 12224 Jasper Ave •(780) 482-7960  activity. Therefore participants do not need to be opportunities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and HIV Network Of Edmonton Society 3 http://www.gayedmonton.com/ gay, only male, but almost all participants over the transgendered (GLBT) owned or operated and 11456 Jasper Ave Steamers 10 years do self-describe as being gay or bisexual. GLBT-friendly businesses in the Edmonton region. Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose 9668 Jasper Avenue • (780) 422-2581 Membership is open to all kinds of entrepreneurs, Camp fYrefly http://www.gayedmonton.org from tradespeople to professionals to commission Steamworks 11 See our ad on page 49 salespeople. See our ad on page 65 See our ad on page 65 7-104 Department of Educational Policy Studies 11745 Jasper Ave• (780) 451-5554 Faculty of Education, University of Alberta The Edmonton Rainbow Business Association After Living Positive (Edmonton Persons Living with http://www.buddysniteclub.ca/ Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5 Business Mixers. Held on the second Wednesday of http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca every month 5:30 – 7:30 pm gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 21 HIV Society) 2 personal private time for them to express how it has Dracula - April 12 - 13 See our ad on page 15 changed their outlook on life. As well to support and Community Groups and (780) 488-5768 help each other dealing with being HIV positive. Broadway Across Canada Organizations http://www.edmlivingpositive.ca Whatever is said in the room stays within the room. http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca Remember! You are not alone! July 17 - 22, 2007 - Mamma Mia!, Northern Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition / Coalition Providing confidential one-on-one peer support for - Youth Understanding Youth Alberta Jubilee Auditorium santé arc-en-ciel Canada infected or affected individuals…. Internet support Youth support and social group meets every P.O. Box / C.P. 3043 [email protected] A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip Saturday from 7 to 9 pm at the Pride Centre of Saskatoon SK Canada S7K 3S9 down the aisle you’ll never forget! Over 20 million Northern Chaps Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) 488- 306-955-5135 people all around the world have fallen in love with http://www.northernchaps.com 3234 Contact: [email protected] (www.members. toll -free / sans frais 1-800-955-5129 the characters, the story and the music that make shaw.ca/yuy ) fax/ télécopieur 306-955-5132 Northern Chaps is Edmonton’s original leather, MAMMA MIA! The ultimate feel-good show! Writer http://www.rainbowhealth.ca latex, fetish, uniform club. We have been in - Womonspace Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a http://www.santearc-en-ciel.ca existence officially since 1987 but have been in 1st Sunday of every month from 10 am to 1 pm Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, existence originally around 1982 in Edmonton, at the Pride Centre of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her Egale Canada Alberta, Canada. Everyone is welcome to join or Ave. Ph:488-3234 Contact Womonspace for details father brings 3 men from her mother’s past back to #310, 396 Cooper attend events http://www.gaycanada.com/womonspace/ the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story- Ottawa, ON K2P 2H7 telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this 1-888-204-7777 toll free Northern Chaps is a social group existing for the April 15th - Coffee House at Prism Bar & Grill, enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, Stephen Lock – Regional Co-Director (Male) purpose of providing a safe, accepting social climate 10524-101 St. 7 to 10 pm $3 for members, $5 for and every night everyone’s having the time of their Prairies/NWT/Nunavut to people interested in the leather/fetish/uniform non-members lives! With more productions playing internationally (403) 708-5302 cell phone lifestyle. May 12th - May Dance and Silent Auction, Bellevue than any other musical, MAMMA MIA! Is the http://www.egale.ca Northern Chaps believes that people should be Community Hall, 7308-112 Ave. 9 pm to 1 am. $5 World’s No.1 Show [email protected] free to express their individuality and to exercise for members, $10 for non-members. Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby personal lifestyle choices without social constraint, organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, to the extent that they do not interfere with the - Prime Timers Lethbridge Listings trans-identified people and our families. freedoms of others. Monthly Member Meetings at the Pride Centre of GALA/LA - Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Membership fees are pay-what-you-can, although Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph:488-3234 Lethbridge and Area pre-authorized monthly donors are encouraged (and In particular, Northern Chaps defends and pursues (403) 308-2893 (live on Mon. and Wed. evenings get a free Egale Canada t-shirt). Egale has several this belief on behalf of gay men and lesbian women - Suit Up and Show Up Big Book Study until 11 p.m.) committees that meet by teleconference on a who, through positive alternative lifestyles, seek to Saturdays at 12 noon. At Pride Centre http://www.newgaylethbridge.ca regular basis; membership on these is national with explore the boundaries of their sexuality, including - Sick and tired of being sick and tired? Cocaine members from every region of Canada. the use of certain associated dress, signs and Monthly dances (Sept.-May) start Sept. 16 at Anonymous meeting symbols, and safe, sane and consensual behaviors. Croatian hall Call for directions, or for information Thursdays 7-8pm CA Hotline 425-2715 on P-Flag, campus groups and monthly pot-luck Theatre and Art Pride Centre of Edmonton 1 - Youth Drop-in dinners Brothers TV 95A St. and 111 Ave. • (780) 488-3234 Every Wednesday at 5:00pm See our ad on page 56 - Bears Movie Night Open to all youth 25 years and under http://www.brotherstv.com Bears club of Edmonton meets the last Sunday of Contact [email protected] or Red Deer Listings the month for movies 1- 6 pm in the TV room at the call 488-3234 for more info. Affirm OUTtv Pride Centre of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: Composed of LGBTQ people, their friends, family See our ad on page 52 - Men’s HIV Support Group (780) 488-3234 and allies. No religious affiliation necessary. http://www.outtv.ca Will be meeting on each second Monday of the Activities include support, faith and social justice - Trans Education/Support Group month. At the Pride Center, Edmonton Starting in If you would like to add your business or non-profit discussions, film nights, and potlucks! Affirm Support and education for all transsexual, April, from 7pm to 9pm. group to the list above, please call (403) 543- meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7PM at transgendered, intersexed, two-spirited and 6960, or toll free 1 (888) 543-6960 or E-mail - Parents Rock the World Workshops Sunnybrook United Church, (403) 347-6073. questioning individuals meets 1st, 3rd and last [email protected]. You can add your PFLAG Canada: Edmonton Chapter - Workshop Sunday of each month, 2-4 pm at the Pride Centre information to the GayCalgary.com directory on the Series Tuesdays (Feb 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) website for free. June 6), Pride Centre (95A St. and 111 Ave.) 7:00 National Listings 488-3234 – 10:00 p.m. Ph: (780) 488-3234 GayCalgary.com endeavors to have the information - Sunday Night Mens Discussion Group A series of workshops for Parents of Gay, Lesbian, Businesses here as accurate as possible. Events and listings can Mens social and discussion group meets every Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning children. Entre Nous change at any time so it is recommended that you Sunday @ 7 pm at the Pride Centre of Edmonton Each session will feature a 30 – 45 minute See our ad on page 2 check with the establishment before you head out. 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: 488-3234, Contact: Rob topic specific presentation, followed by a group 1-866-467-5252 Wells - [email protected] discussion. Social time for sharing and networking http://www.entrenousnetwork.com Non-Profit groups get free listings. Business receive will follow at the end of each session. Call the Pride - Monday Movie Night Love and Pride a listing once an ad has been placed. The business Centre to register or for more details. Weekly movie nights, with themed movies Gay and Lesbian themed Jewelry listing will last 1 year after the appear up to ad and discussion afterwards at the Pride Centre - GLBT Seniors Drop IN http://www.loveandpride.ca has been placed unless there is a GayCalgary.com of Edmonton 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) Every Thursday Pride Centre (95A St. and 111 Squirt service located at that business. 488-3234 Ave.), 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm See our ad on page 70 The Pride Centre is thrilled to introduce a new - The HIV Positive Gay Men’s Group Dating and hookups website program serving our GLBT seniors. Hosted by Jeff Drop in caring circle every Thursday, 1-4 pm @ 7- http://www.squirt.org Bovee, contact the Centre at 488-3234 for more 9 pm in main area, at the Pride Centre of Edmonton info. Wega Video 95A St. and 111 Ave. Ph: (780) 488-3234 See our ad on page 16 Facilitator: Mark, HIV Outreach Theatre and Art Adult DVD’s The HIV positive Gay Men’s Group is a place for http://www.wegavideo.ca gay men to come and share their feelings on Alberta Ballet how it is affecting their personal lives. This is a http://www.albertaballet.com

22 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Support from Within Edmonton’s Womonspace

By Allison Brodowski Community | Spotlight Many issues are often left by the wayside of our community’s predominant political campaigns. The most importantly, through dances (held every second month). Womonspace provides opportunities for lesbians to interact community tends to maintain a vision of external and support each other in a safe environment, and contribute unity, though it is evident that this rarely exists to the broader community. Womonspace has worked closely in any form of perfect harmony. Segmentation in with The Pride Centre of Edmonton and through this avenue regards to health care, women’s issues, the defini- provides assistance to concerns surrounding those experienc- tion and support of a separate trans struggle, and ing same-sex domestic abuses, queer youth and transwoman’s issues. even adoption and parenting seems systematically pushed aside in the greater concentration of our hu- “Over the past few years Womonspace has evolved into a man rights struggle. The great failings of any minori- very organized and successful lesbian group with by-laws and ty group often have existed in the overlooked inter- direction that were missing in the past. This, together with dedicated volunteers on our Board of Directors and volunteers nal issues of basic humanity. Thankfully there exist at our events, will continue to help Womonspace move forward institutions created by groups of queer individuals in a positive direction.” who seek to address these issues. The Edmonton The limitless positive impact on a community which in- Women’s Center is one of these places. cludes such bastions for safety and support has proven itself The Womonspace has held its ground since 1981, when it over the years in the community. “Womonspace hopes to be was established by lesbian organizers over the need for a safe able to continue to offer recreational activities in a safe envi- space in the Edmonton community. Now more than ever vis- ronment to lesbians of the Edmonton area. With the help of ibility is becoming a major issue, especially within the queer its members and other volunteers and sponsors, it is possible community. Colleen Sutherland originally began volunteering, to continue with this dream.” knowing the organization was having some difficulties finding “As for the future, Womonspace would like to continue as and keeping dedicated volunteers at that time. As of Septem- a successful lesbian organization with an increased member- ber 2006 she was granted the official position with Womons- ship and awareness in the Edmonton area. We are currently pace of Membership Director. striving towards this goal in the hopes of reaching more and “Visibility is extremely important when it comes to women’s more lesbians every year!!” One can only hope we continue to issues. As a lesbian-based group, it is difficult to reach a support organizations such as Womonspace, and acknowledge great majority of women that are either not currently ‘out’ or our individual needs within our unique community. they do not frequent the bar scene. We have been hoping to Womonspace get more exposure in local magazines and other community P.O. Box 128, Edmonton based publications in order to help make Womonspace more T5J 3K4 visible and accessible”. (780) 482-1794 Womonspace is a not-for-profit group funded predomi- http://www.gaycanada.com/womonspace/ nantly through its members, advertising in Newsletters and

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 23 Sitting on Paradise ATP Season Closes with Calgary Story

By Jason Clevett Preview | Theatre The stellar 2006/2007 season at Alberta Theatre Projects is sadly coming to a close. Sitting on Para- between the rich and the poor growing by the day.” dise by Calgary’s own Eugene Stickland was origi- It’s a unique opportunity to get the story behind a show nally part of the 1996 playRites festival, and now from the playwright’s perspective, and Stickland told us a bit returns to the Martha Cohen Theatre a decade later about how the concept came to life. as a cornerstone play. ”It really did come about as a result of me trying to buy a second hand couch from a wealthy couple in the oil patch. I ”This is the third play of mine that opened at playRites and don’t really like furniture all that much and would have been then has been subsequently produced in the regular season. quite happy to live without any, but I was married at the The others were produced when I was still at the theatre, so time and my wife insisted we have something. This couple they just seemed a part of day to day life in a way,” Stickland who had the couch were so over-the-top that I told the story told GayCalgary and Edmonton magazine. to my director/collaborator Bob White in the Auburn Saloon “I left ATP under very good terms, but I suppose it crossed one night. He thought it would make for a good play, which my mind that I might never have another production in the I guess it has. Out of all my plays, this one was very difficult Martha Cohen Theatre, which is my favorite theatre in Cana- for me to write. At the time I wrote it, I was the Playwright in da. And now, here we are. So it feels very special, a gift, really Residence at Alberta Theatre Projects, and was on a two-year - a bit like coming home again.” cycle, where we would present the play as a platform play one year and it would be at playRites the next. So it took basically Sitting on Paradise is the story of Roy, a successful Calgary two years from the first scribble on a piece of paper till it had businessman who follows the advice of his spiritual guru and its opening night. I did this six times with ATP altogether” decides to develop his land into a New Age retreat: Synchron- icity Ridge. But to make this dream come true, Roy must win Seeing this show supports not only local theatre and actors, over his social climbing wife and wean her off materialistic but a local playwright as well. Stickland has had a great deal tendencies, and a few of her prized possessions. Many of the of success in Canada in addition to a column in the Calgary themes that Stickland dealt with when writing the play exist Herald. In many ways he is an example of a local boy done now in society. well. ”The ongoing struggle between materialism and spirituality ”Well, fame is fleeting and one of my favorite oxymorons seems ever of greater concern now than when I wrote the play is ‘famous Canadian playwright’. I think it’s fair to say that ten years ago. One only has to watch the constant parade of through the residency at ATP and my column in the Calgary Hummers and beamers going down 17th Avenue to know that Herald, I’ve influenced Calgary more than it has me. When I we live in a very materialistic society. But how do we reconcile first got here most people didn’t have a clue what a playwright that need for “stuff” as we drive by squeegy kids and bottle was. They’d say, ‘So you write for TV?’ or ‘What do you really pickers?” he acknowledged. do?’ You have to remember we live in a city where engineering is thought to be one of the most noble and exalted of human “A lot of the humour in the play comes from debunking endeavors,” he said. some of the New Age movement, if that’s what “People I would meet wouldn’t know the difference between it can be called. If any- ATP and Theatre Calgary - many still don’t. They wouldn’t thing, much of that stuff know there was no ‘r’ in my last name. I’d like to think I’ve has become much more helped change the culture a little. I guess I feel I have as much mainstream now than it of a right to be here as someone who helps get oil out of the was in 1996. Obviously ground. Someone once said to me if I lived in Europe they’d the world has changed probably have a statue of me in the town square. Oh well, we in ten years, as have have a ways to go. At least I don’t have pigeons shitting on my I. The whole notion of head all day.” real estate development Alberta Theatre Projects presents must have changed when Sitting on Paradise people are making small April 17th – May 5th, 2007 fortunes from flipping www.atplive.com basement apartments. But I didn’t know much about it then and probably even less about it now. Certainly, worldwide, we see the gap

24 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Q Scopes “Listen and learn, Aquarius!”

By GayCalgary Staff Lifestyle | Astrology Mercury entering Aries provokes an already dismal Saturn-Neptune opposition. Foot-in-mouth disease  SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Creativity will be rampant. Think carefully; focus on spiritual and initiative should help your career, but such efforts are miscalculated now - not just at work, but also at ideals and good manners. (Funny how they usually home. Puttering around the house with everyday tasks can coincide!) Initiative is good, but think of others first. help you clear your head to focus better on your job.

ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Take careful stock  SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20):  of who your friends are and what values bind Defending your home turf can land you in some you together. Then ask yourself what you can do for them or stupid arguments. Is there really any need for such defense, your community. In your service role, accept frustrations with or is your wounded ego simply lashing out? A creative, playful good grace and learn from them. response is probably more appropriate. Be nice!

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Juggling demands  CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): You’re  of career and family can be a real challenge, and feeling trapped by sexual expectations. Simply both seem at odds with your current ideals and goals. Take talking with your partner may aggravate the situation for now, some time out for meditative exercise, martial arts, biking, or but with hard work can lead to resolutions. Retail therapy (on a long walk. a careful budget!) can help, especially getting something nice for your home.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You feel a need to  assert your personal ambitions and your intellect.  AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Impulse- Thinking before speaking is more of a challenge than usual. spending can shock your partner, even if you’re What better set-up for disastrous arguments? Have faith in on a first date. Be careful with money, but generous with yourself; don’t waste time arguing with fools, and stay focused speech. Saying what’s on your mind will make you more sym- on long-term goals. pathetic to others. Listening and learning is even better!

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): The role and value  PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Your verbal  of sex cause you some confusion. How does outbursts right now may make solitude seem like your sexuality mesh with your ideals and life goals? You won’t a good idea. Watching your mouth is a better one. Too much much like the answers, but the incitement to think more withdrawal is not healthy! Set aside a little money and allow about them, to adapt and grow, can prove very helpful. yourself an indulgent, impulsive luxury.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your sexual needs are  at odds with those of your partner. Demanding what you want only makes it worse. Focusing on more philosophical questions will strengthen your partnership and help put the sexual problems into perspective.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Time out to  meditate and relax is essential, but too much time alone can be a trap. Conflicting needs for social activity and quiet privacy can make both uncomfortable. Some simple, uncomplicated sex can help you find balance.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): The siren’s  call of fun and games is distracting you from work that absolutely needs to be done. Give yourself a reason- able amount of play time with your partner or a good friend, which will make it easier to focus on your duties

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 25 Adult Film Review Boiler, Instinct, AWOL, and Trash

By Jerome Voltero Review | Adult Male “Boiler” by Titan Media, Courtesy of Priape There’s no story to this film, only sex and more sex – mostly anal in fact. Hotties like Jack Deckard, Dirk Jager, Francois The film revolves around a se- Sagat, and Dean Monroe help keep it interesting throughout the cluded underground boiler room ample hours of mindless mating. where men work together and get randy with one another. The first .“AWOL Spunk” by Sneek scene is very…how should I put Peek Productions, Courtesy of it? Oral. The alarmingly tall yet Adult Depot hunky black man, Diesel Wash- ington, takes on the shorter white “REAL Str8 Guys Seduced” guy, CJ Knight, and they really brags the cover of this hot ama- seem to like salivating over one teur video. As usual it’s an older another. They do some sloppy guy filming a young army stud kissing, and drool to excess when who has been paid a nominal taking the full length of one an- fee to show the goods and play other in their mouths. They each around a little. climax, and Washington licks his The army brat that they’ve cho- own off Knight’s work boots. The sen happens to be quite a cute two of them go on for a second puppy, especially when he has round, this time doing some rimming and anal play. his facial hair. At times he looks For a good part of the scene, Knight leans up against the boiler like a young Ashton Kutcher, with his bare skin touching the metal. Anyone smell something except with army pants and a burning? I didn’t think so…the boiler itself looks pretty fake - ‘A’ skull-cap buzz cut. You see him for effort though. with a scruffy beard at the beginning of the first scene, but then he soon shaves it off completely. The second scene continued with the trend of deepthroating and Now that he’s all dolled up, it’s down to business. The kid seems excessive spitting, though I was myself drooling over the hunky a little tense as the older guy steps out from behind the camera to men: Tober Brandt and Vinnie D’Angelo. They get quite rough, give him a hand – and a mouth. Throughout this, the boy keeps a smacking one another’s manhood around, and trying to choke one pretty stoic expression on his face, I suppose trying to pretend that another with it. The action makes for a level of macho dirtiness he’s not enjoying it. you won’t find in too many pornos – at least none that I’ve seen so far. I kept getting deija vu from the grunting sounds Brandt Eventually the older guy turns it all over to him, and he climax- was making, until I realized that they repeat footage from different es with a slightly traumatized look on his face. Poor straight boy. angles to draw things out. At least it is really hot footage – Brandt Now either my mind is playing tricks on me, or this is the same is one sexy beast! guy in all of the scenes, just at later dates. In the next scene he Don’t miss the remaining steamy scenes on this DVD, especially looks slightly bigger and hairier. He keeps his beard, and smokes if you like things rough and…well…wet. a cigarette while he plays with himself. Once again the camera man comes around to assist, with his shirt off and wearing a base- “Instinct” by Raging Stallion ball cap. Actually, he doesn’t look half bad, though the straight Studios, Courtesy of Priape boy still looks down his nose quite suspiciously. There is one thing I dread Finally in scene number three more than watching 4+ pornos in he cracks a smile after spunking one day – that is two-disc sets! on the camera guy’s face. I like Instinct comes with 8 scenes his look here by far – a more even of steamy man-on-man action. buzz cut, and a cute chin beard. Thanks guys, make more work for me why don’tcha! Over all the film was pretty hot, just keep your remote handy The film takes place in a to fast-forward through some of dungeon setting with bars, the dull parts. chains, metallic surfaces, and red ambient lighting. Preditably the “Bareback Trash” by Thresh- guys are decked out to match, in Hold Media, Courtesy of Adult denim jeans, black boots, leather Depot harnesses, armbands, and jocks. Once again, better to see it They are hairy and well hung, than actually do it – barebacking with chiselled muscles and sexy I mean. tattoos. I might not have picked this

26 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 one up for the guy on its cover, though the smaller inset picture shows a tattooed trailer-trash daddy that didn’t disappoint. With a buzzed head and beard, a light layer of fur on his torso, and the initial stages of a beer gut, my interest was piqued. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to determine his name from the credits, or else I’d be watching out for more films with him. Aside from him, the majority of the cast are younger guys in their early 20s. It’s interesting how that little bit of baby fat around the waist turns them from the much sought after twink to the classification of “trailer trash”. They are certainly too smooth to be bear cubs. Similarly, skinny older guys with tattoos also make the cut. The second scene is a bit different, as the Josh Groban look- alike from the DVD cover starts out on his bed with several sex toys strewn out – a dildo, a cock-stroking pump, a rubber mouth, and something else that I don’t know what to call. Thankfully his black buddy joins him part way through for some real action. With pretty average looking people, this film makes for a good breath of fresh air if you’re tired of the candy-coated young model stereotypes. Real people are sexy too, even if they do get classified as “trash”. Priape Calgary Canada’s Favorite Gay Store 1322, 17th Avenue SW – (403) 215-1800 http://www.priape.ca

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gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 27 Q Puzzle “Clothes Call,”

By GayCalgary Staff Fun | Crosswords CLUE: crossword featuring a quip about cross- dressing

Across 41 Cockeyed 1 Nightclub in a Manilow 45 Love, to Amelie Mau- song resmo 5 Like Alexander Pope? 46 Invitation to a man- 10 Radio jock Don hunt? (abbr.) 14 Force that causes you to 47 One well-hung and mak- go down ing big bucks 15 Shell competitor 48 “Ring My Bell” singer 16 Frasier actress Gilpin Ward 17 Pink Triangle Press 50 It’s a good thing publication 53 Bear lair 18 Foams at the mouth 54 End of quip 19 Ball of TV and film 57 Direction from Stephen 20 “Clothes call” quip be- Pyles ginning 58 Be active in B&D 23 “We ___ Family” 59 “... can’t believe ___ the 24 Group of manhunters whole thing” 25 Clark of fashion 61 Deity on Xena 26 Slangy word for destroy- 62 Rimbaud’s room er, in the navy 63 Trick joint, maybe 28 Show with C. Kattan 64 Container weight 30 McCullers’ Ballad of the 65 What you might lend ___ Cafe Marc Antony 2 Province of 17-Across others 31 Kind of mouth 66 Banjoist Scruggs 3 Piece of the action 38 Singing Nancy 32 Cathedral of Hope area 4 It makes gelatin get hard 39 Lover of Kaye, some say 34 More of quip 5 Manse dweller 42 Pop artist Robert 35 More of quip Down 6 Come together 43 Ruler’s rod 38 More of quip 1 Courteney, or the sound 7 Small, wet bodies 44 “I’m proud of my gay 40 Inches and Curve of penises? 8 Sarah Paulson and ___” Heather Matarazzo 45 Pesters, as Albert to Ar- 9 Blow, as a game mand 46 Postcoital sigh 10 Transvestite boast? 47 It may vibrate when 11 Oscar winner Etheridge someone wants you to come 12 Family member that’s 49 Closemouthed out of this world? 51 Ancient erection 13 Barely burned 52 Longtime Miami head 21 Eyeball benders coach Don 22 Bernstein’s fifth 55 Words with shame or 23 It swallows plastic and boy spits cash 56 Some ___ It Hot 27 Sandwich and salad 60 Long, slippery one restaurant chain 29 Beatty of Roseanne Answer key is on page 70 32 Patricia Todd, for one 33 Small basket? 34 Note to Joe Solmonese’s staff 36 Blaster for 11-Down 37 Author Crowley and

28 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Dining Out For Life 2007 In Edmonton

By Arthur McComish Community|Spotlight There is no better way to help others than to do what you would do everyday; eat a great • Wild Tangerine Tel: (780) 429-3131 for Lunch or Diner meal. This is the fabulous premise of Dining Out If you want to treat your taste buds to some delicious For Life. Taking place on April 26th throughout food and give to a great cause then head out to one of the participating restaurants and don’t forget to mention that Edmonton and North America, Dining Out For you will be part of “Dining Out For Life” when making your Life is an international event that is centered on reservations. fundraising via participating restaurants that will There are important volunteering opportunities for Dining donate a portion of profits from that evening to Out For Life, which include restaurant ambassadors. The local groups that run programs focused on HIV time commitment is not too large but the value to Dining issues. Out For Life will be immeasurable. If you are a restaurateur and would like further information, call (780) 488-5768 or Created in 1991 by Action AIDS in Philadelphia, Dining (780) 982-9916 or visit www.diningoutforlife.com. Out For Life has expanded across North America to thirty- three cities, including four Canadian cities located within Living Positive British Colombia and Alberta. Since its inception over two (780) 488-5768 million dollars has been raised in this combined effort. This www.edmlivingpositive.ca will be the second year that Edmonton has participated in the event. Last year close to $6000 was raised during Dining Out for Life in Edmonton, and it is hoped that this year’s event will be an equal success. Twenty five per cent of each meal from Dining Out for Life will go directly to Living Positive in Edmonton. Living Posi- tive is a coalition of persons with HIV infection that provides tangible social support to fellow individuals living with HIV. They do this through the sharing of mutual experience, information and insight, while promoting AIDS awareness, basic human rights and a positive, dignified, hopeful attitude to HIV positive individuals in our community. This years participating restaurants include: • The Blue Pear Tel: (780) 482-7178 for Diner • Blue Plate Diner Tel: (780) 429-0740 for Lunch or Diner • Chianti Café Tel: (780) 439-9829 for Lunch or Diner • The Crêperie Tel: (780) 420-6656 for Lunch or Diner • cul•ina Tel: (780) 437-5588 for Breakfast, Lunch or Diner • The Dish Bistro Tel: (780) 488-6641 for Lunch or Diner • Fresh Start Bakery Tel: (780) 433-9623 for Lunch or Diner • Jack’s Grill Tel: (780) 434-1113 for Diner • Parkallen Restaurant Tel: (780) 436-8080 for Lunch or Diner • il Portico Tel: (780) 424-0707 for Lunch or Diner • Red Ox Inn Tel: (780) 465-5727 for Diner • Upper Crust Café & Catering Tel: (780) 433-0810 for Lunch or Diner

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 29 30 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 It’s All So Messy Because...it should be!

By IMU URME Life |Advice What’s with all of this dissatisfaction and discontentment in the world? If you ask me, the this Dependent Origination to all things at all times, not just in science class. So why do we, in the West seem to stop ap- world is frequently a tough place where crappy plying the principle of cause-and-effect on our way out of the things happen, because that’s exactly what it science classroom door? In a word: emotion. More specifi- should be. That’s right - tough and crappy sounds cally, negative emotion. right to me! This is the mature and world-wise In science class, no one gets too caught up in whether a view, and this is how I try to consistently use the hypothesis turns out to be true or not. Unless you hap- word ”should”. pen to be a mad scientist, should and shouldn’t carry little emotional weight in a lab. But out here in the larger world, Sometimes we use should in an unhelpful way: “He life is anything but simple. Out here, we constantly get shouldn’t be such a jerk; that promotion should be mine; ensnared by emotion – grasping at wanted ‘things’ while I shouldn’t have to do this.” These misuses of should are, pushing away unwanted ‘things’. It is out here where an at best, childish wishful thinking. Whether we approve otherwise emotionally-neutral word such as should be- or disapprove of a given event is usually irrelevant, and comes weighed down with wants. ”If I like something, then this pointless use often deepens our dissatisfaction with a it should be; if I don’t like something, then it shouldn’t be.” situation without changing it one little bit. So why bother What the heck is that?! thinking and speaking in terms of what I call the “wishful should”? Isn’t life difficult enough without us supercharg- Who hijacked should and turned it into a weapon of ing our own dissatisfaction? Children make wishes; adults mass destruction? No doctored satellite photos needed for make changes. “proof” here. These weaponised shoulds destroy our satisfaction with life. If your name is Dorothy and you’re sporting Far more harmful than wishful shoulds are the shoulds a snazzy-but-stolen pair of Ruby slippers, something will that we wield as concealed weapons. We know them well: not be the way you want because you want it that way! But “I should be doing the laundry right now…you should call these expectations coming from non-medicated grown-ups me more often…she should do what I want her to do”. seems a little cuckoo. Weaponised shoulds conjure up regret, assign guilt, pass judgment, or pencil in an appointment with anxiety in the Things are as exactly as they should be - a tough world future. With what seems to be deliberate self-hatred, we full of crappy things, a gentle world full of wonderful things. harm ourselves with these weaponised shoulds, and as if There are no accidents; there is no luck. To change an effect, that’s not destructive enough, we often aim the weaponised we must change the causes through action, and changing should outwards to harm others. That’s probably not news causes (if it is even possible) typically requires hard work. to any of us. But how many of us bare in mind that when we Why waste the energy needed for positive change by sputter- fire these off at others, they always blow up in our own face? ing out shoulds? If altering the causes is not possible, then We will always harm ourselves because weaponised shoulds isn’t learning to accept that less-than-ideal situation the worsen our own frustration and impatience. Who started smart move? Why waste the energy needed for making the this pandemic of satisfaction- and contentment-destroying best of a situation by bawling about what should have been? nonsense anyway? To get out of this trap, let’s try looking Let’s create a gentler and more compassionate world for east. ourselves and each other through daily action. Less mean- In Eastern philosophy, one of the core teachings that ness, more kindness and fewer shoulds! I care because I am deals with should is summed up in these two sentences: you, and you are me! Because there is this, that exists. Because this is not, that “Imu.urme” has studied and practiced Buddhism for over does not exist. ten years – first here in Canada and later during five years of travel in Mexico and throughout East Asia. Having returned This is called Dependent Origination – all things that to Canada early in 2006, he wishes to share some Buddhist originate (exist) depend on other things for their existence. principles that may offer some useful philosophical tools for Not one single thing can exist independently of other things. living in a busy world. No matter what the spiritual tradition This elegantly simple idea is echoed in the Western prin- of readers, this writing is offered without motive – other than ciple of cause-and-effect. Either way, things are as they are love and compassion for all others. Questions or comments because they should be that way! The only practical differ- are most welcome: [email protected]. ence between Dependent Origination and the principle of cause-and-effect is one of application. That is, the societies of the East – both ancient and more modern – have spared themselves oceans of grief and bullshit by broadly applying

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 31 Taste of the Nation Eat and Drink for a Good Cause

By Jason Clevett Community | Spotlight On April 30th over eighty of Calgary’s finest restaurants and beverage suppliers will team up to create hunger on a global level. These agencies provide programs for a premier tasting event that raises funds for worthy self-efficiency and others fight hunger by feeding the immediate needs of those in crisis,” Church said. causes, focused on the ever-growing need for hunger relief. Taste of the Nation is now in its 15th year in Cal- “Our committee is 100 percent volunteer-driven. There are gary. One ticket buys you an evening of fine food and no paid organizers. We can always use people on committees or manpower just for the day of the event. People wanting to beverages, live entertainment and a silent auction. be involved can email [email protected] to offer their “You really must attend this year! You can expect restau- assistance.” rants to provide spectacular samplings of their finest morsels With so many charitable causes in Calgary to support, - anything from canapés to desserts,” Marketing Chair Lori GayCalgary and Edmonton asked Church what makes Taste of Church told GayCalgary.com “Our beverage suppliers typi- the Nation unique and a must-attend event? cally introduce us to their latest and greatest offerings - you’ll find all manner of beers, wines, liqueurs, water, non-alcoholic ”We hope your readers will take the opportunity to go to beverages, etc. You may find the latest organic wine or a new ticketweb.ca and order tickets. It’s a great social event and a local brew. Each year the event changes and evolves so it’s chance to see a great menu of fabulous restaurants and bever- never exactly the same except that it’s always wonderful and the age suppliers. Again, all tastings are included in the price so the support of the food and beverage industry is amazing as they value is huge. As many organizations, we struggle with corpo- supply all of their own product. We always have some eclectic rate sponsorship as each year we start from $0 - it’s mandated entertainment throughout the evening and a fantastic silent so each year we are faced with going out and getting sponsors. auction for those looking to support the event further.” As we are not a paid committee, each member has a full time job, and donates his or her valuable time to the event. With Also included in the event is the popular silent auction. Al- many companies working harder with less people, it’s even ways bigger, always better. Donated gifts continue to roll in for more difficult for our people. So again, we can always use help this year’s Silent Auction. Even if you can’t bid on the big-ticket corporately and committee-wise to help spread the workload items, the beauty of the Taste of the Nation silent auction is the involved,” she said. sheer volume of auction items. You almost can’t help but take something home! And remember, every dime goes to the chari- “There isn’t one reason not to attend. If you like good food ties. and beverages, this is a place to come and sample all night for a single price of $75. You also receive a $40 tax receipt. The value The event is an international effort supported by an organi- is far beyond the price and considering that 100% of your ticket zation called Share our Strength whose mandate has been to price goes to the chosen agencies, I challenge anyone to find a eliminate world hunger. Taste of the Nation is celebrated in better value in a tasting event.”. the spring in over 100 cities across Canada and the US. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Calgary event goes to Taste of the Nation the Mustard Seed, The Back Door, The Calgary Food Bank and Monday, April 30. 7:00 pm Oxfam. Big Four Building, Stampede Park Tickets www.ticketweb.ca “The first three agencies all work at various levels to allevi- http://www.tastecalgary.com ate hunger at a local level while Oxfam Canada works to fight

32 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Music Review Closer to the Flame

By Rob Diaz-Marino Review | Music

4) The Good Stuff  5) Sacred Heart  6) Remember the Song  7) Hymn Number One  8) You Feel It  9) At the Drive In  10) Guide Us Home  11) Nothing but the Stars  12) These Quiet Streets  13) Déjà vu (Bonus Track) 

“Closer to the Flame” Closer to the Flame marks Vancouver singer/song- writer Joel Kroeker’s 3rd CD release. It is a unique blend of pop and country gospel; the catchy rhythms, guitar tracks and mystical lyrics result in an appealing spiritual and earthy tone. “The flame refers to that internal source within that can guide us along the path, especially in times of personal tragedy,” says Kroeker on his website. “When I approach a song I’m always looking for that moment of transformation where the light balances the shadows. …it really came through on this record. This is a more hopeful album.”

My favorites were the slow but moving “Sacred Heart”, and the more upbeat “You Feel It”. There were a good deal of other songs that I found really enjoyable, however “At the Drive In” had an air to it that might appeal to an older, straighter audience – just not to me.

Track List: 1) Against Myself  2) King of Hearts  3) Closer to the Flame 

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 33 34 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Herland Film Festival

By Allison Brodowski Review | Theatre The Herland movie festival is coming of age with its 18th run since 1989 in Calgary. This locally based film festival dedicated to “Promoting and contributing to the professional advancement of, and cultural exchange between independent Canadian women media artists, and foster an appreciative audience for the media arts in Alberta through thought-provoking and innovative film and video programs, artist and curator talks and workshops, and community events.” This includes nurturing a need for herstory - the recording and celebrating of women’s achievements in history - which is something Michelle, festival co-coordinator for this year’s event advocates especially in the silver screen industry. “Creative outlets in this city are very small and independently run, but growing.” Satellite screenings of the festival are available due to the large archive rented out to membership for research and educa- their films. tional purposes. One of the eventual goals of Herland is to start working with the U of C and Mount Royal College’s women’s Every February prior to the festival an intensive workshop studies program using the collected pieces as a demonstration of entitled “In; Camera” takes place. The workshop awards ten Herstory at work. days of intense training to nine women, who must create, write and cut a film that will be shown at the festival. A media project Herland was created by the Calgary Status of Women Action is currently in the works to showcase the talent that youth can Committee (CSWAC) in 1974 and presents a sliding scale from bring to the silver screen. a suggested ten dollar donation to a pay-what-you-can policy. This is to ensure the festival is available to a large and diverse The festival carries over ninety percent Canadian content, audience. The Grand Theater accommodates these values, and and is one of only three annual festivals to do so. The require- is both blocks away from transit and wheel chair accessible. ments of each film are: A) that it must be produced written or Patrons also have the option to request transportation and directed by women; and B) the film has to fill two of threes three child-care subsidies in order to attend. All films are acquired by roles to be eligible. Variety within the festival is encouraged and submission from independent artists and independent distribu- maintained to cover a wide range of issues such as: Interna- tors, and reviewed by volunteer committees to assure that they tional, queer, aboriginal issues, eco-feminism, the gender con- meet the aforementioned criteria. This is a non-competitive tinuum, etc. Local artists each receive a night’s worth of filmed festival, and no official age limit is posted. This being said all the attention to themselves. For example, the gala feature ”Nadia’s films are reviewed and classified by Alberta Films Classification Journey” is a story centered on women’s confinement in Algeria. Board which dolls out ratings applicable to each film. Herland Herland is one of only three events in Canada to be avail- makes an effort to avoid censorship as much as possible in all of able strictly for women; also the programming criteria includes an emphasis on first works, local artists, works by women of colour, queer women, transgendered persons, Aboriginals, and women with disabilities. The opportunities to create international content exist in the hands of the women who submit their work to the festival. Herland Film Festival www.herlandfestival.com

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 35 Riding for a Good Cause Two Gay Men Mount Up in Fundraising Efforts

By Jason Clevett Community | Spotlight While the gay community is known for its generosity, there are people who go the extra mile in their quest for a better world. Such is the case with Edmonton’s Jerry Battley and current Banff resident David Watson. The two are embarking on their own individual journeys for two separate but important causes. Battley is heading out to New York State for the Empire State AIDS ride. The seven day ride from August 12th to 18th will take him 901KM from Niagara Falls to Manhattan. His ride is inspired by a fellow Everquest 2 player and online friend named Tristin, who is positive himself and rode in 2006. “As we learned more about each other, I learned he was positive, and how it impacted his life. He did the ride last year, and his story moved me. Knowing his health condi- behind it shows the world one of those ‘if I can do it, you can tion and that he went through the challenge on his own, it do it’ sentiments.” motivated me to do something more. I promised him that he would not ride alone this year, if I had to finance the entire Battley is also doing this for personal reasons. thing myself,” Battley told GayCalgary.com. ”I used to be an extremely active individual back in high He explained why he chose to participate in a fundraiser school, but a car accident messed up my back. This caused south of the border. “AIDS does not respect border cross- weight to land on my hips more readily, and of course activi- ings and nor should my efforts. The cost to travel so far ty to drop. I recently have gotten my physical condition back away does not faze me, when I consider that the funds will to a state where I can take part in a lot of activity.” Battley be donated to global AIDS research. I made a promise to now works weekends, with all of the money going towards be at a friend’s side during a challenge in his life, and I too his expenses for the ride, or toward donations. Depending am taking on a great challenge. I am not exactly a slim guy, on how this ride goes he may consider doing it again in the a physical challenge of this caliber with someone like me future. ”Depends on how sore my arse feels after 901KM in a bike seat. Seriously though, it is something I would love to do more than just once, and depending on how my body feels when I do it will decide on the frequency. It is a life style change, and it is a hard one to adapt to. Dedicating every day of my week equates to having two jobs. Albeit I am less concerned about my social life, and more concerned with ensuring my effort makes a difference.” For current Banff resident David Watson, his “Bike Can- ada for Kidney” ride takes on a personal note. Raised in the small town of Harvey Station, New Brunswick his family has a history of kidney disease, which he himself was diagnosed with at the age of 22. ”As a child, my father’s Kidney disease had a large effect on my life. It changed the whole lifestyle of our family. We stopped traveling, dad was rarely working, and often in the hospital. I was only diagnosed 2 years ago, and have not had any side effects to date. I am confident that by living an active healthy lifestyle and by remaining positive, my kidneys will function well into my later years. At the same time, I am well aware of the lifestyle changes that would come if I do start having problems, which is a big reason why I am living out as many of my dreams and goals now while I can,”

36 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 and plan on making a documentary film. My dream is to enter the film into the Banff Mountain Film Festival, where I am currently working. Neither of us have traveled around Canada that much. We are really looking forward to seeing the west coast, with the old growth forests and amazing scenery. We are also very excited to bike through northern Ontario, Cape Breton, and Newfoundland. Our goal is to not bike on the highway at all, and to follow the Trans Canada Trail as much as possible. We will be riding mountain bikes, pulling custom trailers to bring our gear. The ride is completely self-supported – camping in our tent and cooking our own food. All of the funds donated will go directly to the Kidney Foundation.” There are many ways people can support the ride in addition to donations. If you happen to meet them somewhere along the way, stop to talk or share a meal. They will also gladly take offers for a place to set up their tent. he said. With that in mind he and long time friend Justin There is no doubt that this journey will be one that these McGee will embark on May 1st for a four month ride across two young men will remember for a lifetime, and will surely Canada. bring them closer together. ”Justin is 4 years younger than me so I did not know “This upcoming bike ride across Canada will only him really well during school years. I was planning a solo strengthen our friendship even more. We know there are backpacking trip through New Zealand and Australia and times when we will have fights, but we have very compatible was contacted by Justin. He was planning a similar solo personalities and interests in life - enjoying the outdoors and trip, [and contacted me] to see if I we could fly over together getting the most out of life, so we are not too worried about and hang out for a couple weeks. We hit it off right away this. I am the organizer, planner, and motivator. Justin will and became great friends. We traveled and lived together in keep us laughing along the way!” New Zealand and Australia for 15 months. After returning Both fundraisers have websites that include photos, to Canada last December, I moved to Banff to fulfill my life information about their charities, and journals of their path long dream of a ski season in the Rockies. Justin joined me leading up to and including the rides. out here in September and we have had an amazing winter skiing the various mountains here in Banff.” Donation Websites Jerry Battley’s Empire State AIDS ride It was in March of 2006 that David came out. http://donate.trelin.net “Justin did not know I was gay the entire time we were traveling overseas. This was very tricky for me, as I always David Watson & Justin McGee’s Bike for Kidney. had to pretend to hook up with girls. I came out of the closet www.bikeforkidney.com while living here in Banff, and called Justin to tell him over the phone – he was shocked beyond belief. But he is a very supportive and understanding friend and is happy for me. Coming out has been a great experience for me, although living in Banff has certainly limited my chances at meeting any guys!” While raising funds and awareness for Kidney disease is the major goal, Watson and McGee have other aspirations in mind as well. ”I have several goals. The main goal of this bike ride is to raise as much awareness as possible about Kidney Disease and the importance of living an active healthy lifestyle, and the importance of organ donation. We also have a goal of raising $20,000 dollars for the Kidney Foundation of Canada,” he said. “On a gay note, I want to be a role model for young gay people. I came from a small town where the only reference I had to being gay were the characters I saw on TV – and this scared me. I think it is important that young gay people have role models they can relate to. So I am doing this for all of the young gay people out there who don’t necessarily fit the typical gay stereotype.” The ride begins in Victoria and will end in New Brunswick. The duo will be traveling through Alberta at the end of May, and Watson hopes to turn the trip into a documentary. ”We will be videoing our entire journey across Canada,

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 37 Fundraising Photos

Photos by Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz Marino of GayCalgary.com Magazine ISCCA Karaoke at Texas Lounge - Calgary AIDS Calgary - Spring for Life

SHARP Fundraiser at Texas Lounge - Calgary

38 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 ARGRA Dance - Calgary

“Lucky” GirlsGo Dance - Calgary

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 39 AIDS Calgary - Calgary Cares

40 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 ISCWR Drag Shows at The Roost - Edmonton

ISCWR Drag Shows at Prism - Edmonton

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 41 ISCCA Drag Shows at Money Pennies - Calgary Different Strokes - Mardi Gras - Calgary

42 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 ISCCA Midnight Cafe Reunion - Calgary U of A Scholarship Fundraiser at The Roost - Edmonton

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 43 OUTrageously Real Calgary’s Spoken Word Festival on The Cutting Edge

By Stephen Lock Preview | Theatre When one thinks of Calgary, the image of it being avante garde isn’t necessarily the first that comes its focus. I find that amazing.” to mind. Yet, Calgary is forming a tradition of quite “We still do not have an anthology of women’s writing in edgy, even transgressive work within its visual and this country. I find that pretty amazing, too.” performing arts communities. Given the nature of Spoken Word, an art form rooted in “Four years ago, when I was performing at Poetry Africa, the beatnik tradition of jazz-influenced poetry, the genre is I was really moved by the idea so many poets and activists unique. Wilson studied under such luminaries of the Beat have had their voices silenced in some way, internation- Generation as Allan Ginsberg and William Burroughs. ally,” said Festival Director Sheri D. Wilson. “When I got “Spoken Word is not theatre, it’s not poetry,” Wilson back to Calgary, I looked around and saw there really points out. “While rooted in beat, it grew to incorporate wasn’t anything happening here. I was inspired to give hip-hop and reggae-style phrasing, just as the beatniks artists here that voice, to highlight poets, and groups of incorporated jazz phrasing in their work.” poets like queer poets and francophone poets, who have traditionally been unacknowledged in Calgary.” “It is social commentary and tends to be quite edgy and often humourous. Spoken Word is the voice of the people Calgary’s International Spoken Word Festival is now the for the people, not art created by some elite. Within that second largest festival of its kind in Canada, after Montre- there is often a sort of epiphany. You receive it in mind, al’s Voix D’Amerique, something that amazes Wilson. body, spirit and heart because that is where it comes from “When I first got this going, I thought it would just be within the artist.” this small, weekend event. However, it has grown enor- Because Spoken Word gives voice to those communities mously and has garnered so much support, not just from and individuals too often silenced, Wilson has always had the arts community but Calgarians in general,” she said. queer voices involved, most notably that of Ivan E. Coyote This year, the festival will run for the entire month of (who many readers may be familiar with through his regu- April, with two events being held in Banff. lar column in Xtra West). “We have this loose network of Spoken Word artists “Ivan has been involved since the beginning. While called Spoken Word Arts Network, or SWAN. We meet female, he identifies as male and has a wealth of experi- informally to discuss the work and bounce ideas off each ence to draw on. His writing is powerful anyway, but to other.” hear him tell stories on stage is an experience,” chuckled Wilson. This year, SWAN is bringing in twenty artists to The Banff Centre (April 8th - 18th) for workshops, network- Through Ivan E. Coyote, Wilson was introduced to ev- ing, organizing and collaboration. As a result of that work, elyn parry, a well-known queer spoken word artist out of there will be an ongoing Spoken Word program at The Toronto, who will also be performing at this year’s festival. Banff Centre. In addition, the Canadian Theatre Review is “I really needed a strong female energy to balance out dedicating its entire April issue to a series of essays on the the male energy in this year’s event,” said Wilson. festival. While they have always involved queer artists, Wilson “We are also launching Arsenal Press’ Seminal: An decided last year to actively highlight a queer voice. Anthology of Canada’s Gay Male Poets which is Canada’s first anthology of non-erotic gay male writing,” Wilson said, “Queer culture is a culture unto itself, and it is under- adding “Can you imagine…this is the first gay Canadian represented within the dominant culture; it needs to be anthology that is not featuring erotic writing – every other heard and seen.” anthology of gay male writing has had sex and eroticism as “I did Queer Conscience at last year’s festival and took a lot of flack from artist friends across Canada who joked nobody in Calgary would attend. Well, we showed them - it was the sold out event of last year’s festival. People loved it!” Wilson was approached this year by Kevin Allen to tie the Spoken Word Festival in with OutFest, as part of the OutRights conference also happening in Calgary in April.

44 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 As part of that collaboration, the Festival is featuring the Body & Soul photography exhibit, organized by Brad Bostock. A visual art form like photography might initially appear to be an odd fit for a festival dedicated to the vocal. How- ever, Wilson has a quick answer to that. “Photography is a poetic extension of the story-telling Spoken Word. Anything that brings community together more is important and valid. An event like this creates dialogue, and with dialogue comes understanding.” One of the featured performer’s is Calgary’s Empress 30, Mz. Dyna Myte. “I met Dyna Myte when I was emceeing Annie Sprinkle’s wedding a few months ago. I was very taken with her understated elegance and her – well – peaceful aura. Most drag queens are pretty out there and she just wasn’t like any drag queen I’d encountered,” recalled Wilson. Dyna Myte often performs songs in her own voice rather than lip-syncing, and so Wilson asked the Empress if she would perform the national anthem at the festival. “Calgary is becoming like the Paris of the 20’s. Isn’t that amazing?” Calgary’s International Spoken Word Festival Running the entire month of April www.calgaryspokenwordfestival.com

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 45 Queers in Sports and the “Games”

By Kevin Alderson, Ph.D., R. Psych. Queer Quest “All women in sport are asked to prove their hetero- especially when the team and sexuality, and lesbians are asked to stay in the closet organization accepts players for the good of the game.” [1] as they are. [8] Once teams form, the foundation is laid After seeing previews of the movie 300, I knew I needed to for the wholesome competi- see it, and apparently so did millions of others. Hollywood tion of sport. Now let’s take a knows what sells – straight women and gay men love to see look at the Games and two of (generalizing here) hot-bodied men running around in capes the factions that have formed. and speedos while straight men love battle scenes that ultimately portray hyper masculinity. Perhaps Sigmund Freud The most famous of queer wasn’t wrong about us humans: perhaps our drives are sports competitions is the mostly about sex and aggression. How sad that many soci- International Gay Games, eties emphasize and legitimize the latter over the former. founded by Olympic gay athlete Dr. Tom Waddell. It In sport, the normative social pecking order that plac- was initially named the Gay es heterosexual masculinity at the top of the pyramid Olympic Games, but the abounds, and the psychological literature is full of reference United States Olympic Committee successfully won their in- to it. Much of the “playful” behaviour in sports, frequently- junction in court to prevent the word “Olympics” from being heard antigay epithets in locker rooms, and derogatory ref- used. Since then, there have been a total of seven Games, erences made about women and lesbian athletes in sporting the next to be held in Cologne, Germany, in 2010 (i.e., Gay contexts are testimonials of this hierarchy. [2, 3] Games VIII). Media itself usually buys into the code of silence, focus- The seventh Gay Games were meant to be held in Mon- ing on the heterosexuality of athletes and rendering those treal in 2006, but disagreements between organizing bodies who are queer as invisible, trivial, laughable, or worse: as led these games to be held in Chicago instead. The Montreal inferior, pathological, or sinful. The movie 300 does the committee, however, did not let the dream disappear, and same in its portrayal of Greek warriors who are bold, vio- from their conflict emerged the first World Outgames. These lent, masculine men who appear to be nonsexual with each Games, with over 12,000 participants, were held in Mon- other (which is historically inaccurate). treal from July 26 to August 5, 2006. Unfortunately, these Needless to say, queer athletes face a host of issues. Like Games lost a significant amount of money (to the tune of all queer individuals, athletes must (a) decide whether to 5.3 million). Nonetheless, Copenhagen has agreed to host conceal their sexuality, (b) decide who they can trust, (c) the second World Outgames in 2009. cope with pressures to change their sexual orientation, (d) Following on the heels of these other major queer sports resolve religious conflicts, and (e) deal with other people competitions, Calgary will be hosting the first North Ameri- assuming they are heterosexual. In addition, however, can Outgames during the first week of this month. An In- queer athletes also deal with additional pressures, such as ternet source from 2006 predicted that about 2,500 people (a) avoiding success for fear that the media will “out” them; are expected to visit the city for the event, which is really a and (b) facing pressure, either subtly or overtly, to leave series of events as it offers a human rights conference, cul- the team or their sport. Queer athletes, queer coaches, and tural festivities, and the athletic competitions themselves. some who “look like” they belong to our community have also not been recruited because of the way they are per- Such events as queer Games have the potential to do ceived. [4] enormous good for queer individuals and for society at large. Psychologically, they enhance our sense of com- Homophobia and heterosexism is rampant within profes- munity by creating the feeling of belonging to something sional sports, and this remains true in liberal countries like larger than ourselves: people working and playing together the Netherlands as well. [5] Perhaps largely because there with a common purpose and a common vision. There are is greater homophobia directed at gay men compared to demonstrable improvements in self-esteem for the athletes lesbian women, we find that, given their prevalence in the and others who become involved in some way. [9] Theorists population, proportionately fewer gay men but proportion- have also suggested that such Games have the potential to ately more lesbian women participate in team sports. [6, 7] improve society’s tolerance and/or acceptance of the queer I suspect that queer sports teams emerged for a myriad of community and its diverse individuals. [10] reasons, and partly to deal with the difficulty of giving one’s Let me extend a special thank you to the organizers of the best when feeling diminished or ostracized for being queer. North American Outgames. You have collectively provided Being part of a team provides a sense of camaraderie, an outstanding contribution to the queer community, and

46 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 ultimately to the betterment of all. Now let’s show the world a side of Calgary that ought to make us all proud! Dr. Alderson is an assistant professor of counselling psychology at the University of Calgary who specializes in gay and lesbian studies. He also maintains a private practice. He can be contacted by confidential email at [email protected], or by confidential voice mail at (403) 605-5234.

References:

1) Plymire, D. C., & Forman, P. J. (2000). Breaking the silence: Lesbian fans, the Internet, and the sexual politics of women’s sport. International Journal of Sexual- ity & Gender Studies, 5(2), 141-153. [quote from p. 142]. 2) Cogan, K. D., & Petrie, T. A. (2002). Diversity in sport. In J. L. Van Raalte & B. W. Brewer (Eds.), Exploring sport and exercise psychology (2nd ed.). (pp. 417-436). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. 3) Plymire & Forman (2000). 4) Cogan & Petrie (2002). 5) Hekma, G. (1998). “As long as they don’t make an issue of it. . . “: Gay men and lesbians in organized sports in the Netherlands. Journal of Homosexuality, 35(1), 1-23. 6) Elling, A., De Knop, P., & Knoppers, A. (2001). The social integrative meaning of sport: A critical and comparative analysis of policy and practice in the Neth- erlands. Sociology of Sport Journal, 18(4), 414-434. 7) Cogan & Petrie (2002). 8) Price, M., & Parker, A. (2003). Sport, sexuality, and the gender order: Amateur rugby union, gay men, and social exclusion. Sociology of Sport Journal, 20(2), 108-126. 9) Krane, V., Barber, H., & McClung, L. R. (2002). Social psychological benefits of gay games participation: A social identity theory explanation. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 14(1), 27-42.

10) Ibid.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 47 GLASS Gender Bender

By Arthur McComish Community | Spotlight According to the world of Wikipedia, gender bending is, “an informal term used to refer to a person who cause in reality half the fun of gender bending is watching actively transgresses, or ’bends,’ expected gender roles. the all-new personas that emerge from people, you would be very surprised what happens to a six foot two football player Gender bending is a form of social activism in response in pumps. to assumptions or over-generalisations about genders.” But on Saturday April 14th at the Den on the The So if you don’t want to miss all the fun then come out on University of Calgary campus, gender bending will be Saturday April 14th and get bending! about celebrating a year’s worth of efforts by the queer GLASS Annual Gender Bender community on campus. It is about having that perfect Doors open at 8. opportunity to ask about, or experience, what a drag Tickets: $5 through Glass, $7 at door. king or queen does to hide their bits and pieces. Yes we The Den, MacEwan Hall are talking about the tuck here. University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW The annual University of Calgary gender bender is presented by the Gay and Lesbian Associates of Students and GLASS Staff (GLASS). They are a campus resource for everyone at [email protected] the University of Calgary; Lesbian, Bi, Gay, Trans, Straight, (403) 210-8837 Asexual, Queer, or Questioning, all are welcome. GLASS is composed of a variety of people from different faculties, backgrounds, and experiences in life, who support the principle that all people should be treated with dignity whatever their sexual orientation. Hosting the gender bender for the third time will be local Calgary drag king Bruce Lee. For Lee it’s all about the entertaining, “ It’s fun, I love it. I really like to give the audience something.” And for anybody who has taken in one of Lee’s performances before, you know that you can expect nothing short of a whole hearted number to get the room shaking. You can also expect to watch a multitude of other fantastic performances by seasoned drag queens and kings along with some newcomers. Don’t forget to come dressed up as gender bending is not intended to be limited to the professionals of the evening; guests are also encouraged to make the gender switch. Be-

48 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 49 True Colours

By Stephen Lock Politics Within the evangelical Christian ranks, debate The Internet was flooded with commentary regarding this around whether sexual orientation is in-born or particular study, much of which asserted the researchers acquired continues. While a frustrating process were engaging in genetic manipulation to ensure hetero- for those of us who know we didn’t wake up one sexuality. The researchers have since issued at least one day and say, “Gee, I think I’m going to be sexu- rebuttal to this, claiming this view misrepresents the study and its conclusions. Apparently PETA, well-known for its ally and romantically attracted to my own sex opposition to animal research and not above some ques- from now on,” it is of major interest in parts of the tionable tactics itself, was behind the erroneous claims. Christian and, to a lesser degree, some Jewish, As an activist, I have long taken the position nobody Muslim and Sikh communities. “chooses” to be homo- or bisexual, any more than anyone Of course, it is Christian evangelicals who grab most of “chooses” to be heterosexual. Claims to the contrary simply the spotlight as they have wider access to such things as fly in the face of the experience of lesbians, gay men, and television and radio programs aimed at the faithful. Even bisexuals. at that, it should be noted it is primarily American evan- Various agenda of the Christian Right are, however, pre- gelicals who seem to set the various agenda…which is not mised on the idea that gay, lesbian or bisexual orientation to let Canadian evangelicals off the hook; our homegrown is chosen. Heterosexuality of course is not, simply because versions tend to also accept questionable science in this heterosexuality is “normal” and therefore we decadent, self- matter. absorbed perverts clearly have chosen to abandon that in The latest volley comes from one Albert Mohler who cre- favour of the hedonistic pleasures afforded us by others of ated a bit of a kafuffle a few weeks ago by stating that even our own sex. if homosexuality was genetic rather than a choice, he would The most pernicious of these agenda is that of the so- still see it as wrong. Not only that, but Mohler insinu- called “ex-gay” movement. One would be hard-pressed to ated that where it could be proven sexual orientation – by find a more psychically damaging undertaking than trying which he and his ilk mean homosexuality – was genetic or to change one’s sexual orientation from homosexual or chromosomal or somehow inborn, he would support the bisexual to heterosexual. While behaviour can be altered, aborting of “homosexual fetuses.” one’s orientation cannot be, no matter what various shills of Given conservative Christians’ position on the “pro-life” the “ex-gay” movement say. end of the spectrum, Mohler didn’t quite couch it in those So-called reparative therapy (i.e. therapy to “repair” the terms; he did, however, advocate parents’ choice to interfere broken homosexual and “return” him or her to normal het- with a homosexual fetus either through genetic manipula- erosexuality) is a crock. It maintains that if one only tries tion or, perhaps, actual abortion. hard enough, or prays hard enough, one can emerge from Mohler, apparently, was picking up on a recent – and the darkness of homosexuality and enjoy healthy, whole- erroneously understood – study involving so-called “gay some, normal heterosexual relationships. rams.”

50 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 As a gay peer-counsellor for many years, I can attest I was once asked by a student in a class I was speaking to the walking wounded that such a philosophy leaves in to whether, if a straight pill was invented, would I take it. its wake. Individuals who, for whatever reason, sought to I immediately responded with a resounding no. When he “escape the homosexual lifestyle,” and who often had social looked surprised, I asked him if he would take a pill that adjustment issues to begin with, too often ended up more would turn him gay. Well, of course not, he replied. Right. disturbed than they might have been originally. Being heterosexual was as much a part of his self-identity as being gay is to mine. Why would I change that? I would Instead of working on how to become healthier gay men cease to be me. While not always happy with “me,” at the and lesbians, for instance, these individuals were manipu- core I don’t want to be “not me” because then who would I lated into seeing their homosexuality as the problem, rather become, who would I be? It’s a major philosophical ques- than their attitude towards it. They were convinced they tion…. could change…and when they couldn’t it wasn’t a false ideology that was at fault, but them. The Mohler’s of the world seem not to understand this. If a fetus was found to be homosexual and genetic manipu- For those who appear to make the transition to functional lation was undertaken to render that fetus heterosexual, heterosexuality, some important questions arise. I am in no who that fetus was – or would become – would be forever position to know what goes on in some one else’s psyche, altered. That, to me, is the stuff of nightmares. but I strongly suspect that one of two things likely occurs in such a situation: First, the individual was a Kinsey 3, 4 or Stephen Lock is a long time gay activist in Alberta. He is also the Secretary 5, already possessing some sexual attraction to the opposite and Regional Co-Director (Prairies/NWT/Nunavut) of Egale Canada, the sex and, through sheer will, has suppressed or supplanted national equality seeking organization for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans- their attraction to the same sex. Kinsey – who is vilified by identified people and our families. He is the producer and host of Speak the Right but was nevertheless a leading researcher in the Sebastian, a semi-monthly queer radio show broadcasting the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 9pm on CJSW FM 90.9, and a freelance area of human sexuality – stated human sexual behaviour writer. The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the could be gauged on a continuum numbering zero to six, views of Egale Canada, CJSW, or any other organization or publication with zero being absolutely heterosexually-behaving with no unless specifically stated as such. homosexual activity, and six being absolutely homosexual in behaviour. A Kinsey One would be primarily heterosexual with inci- dental homosexual activity, a Two primarily heterosexual with significant homosexual activity, and a Three being the classic ‘bisexual’ with behaviour equally involving both male and female partners. The scale then goes in the opposite direction until one reaches six. The scale, it needs to be noted, gauged sexual behaviour, not orientation. The second probability is, while the individual is now behaving heterosexually, they remain a gay man having sex with a woman, or a lesbian having sex with a man. In other words, the orientation remains as it has always been; only the sexual object choice has changed. I can’t imagine a more soul-destroying situation than having sex with someone you inherently are not physically attracted to, and never again to have sex with someone that you are. If you do, it is then seen as not unlike an alcoholic who falls off the wagon. On just about any level one cares to imagine, this subverting of one’s nature, the denying of that nature, is destructive and, quite bluntly, truly evil. The evil comes not from the person themselves, but from those who would try and thwart another person’s natural instincts, and who claim those instincts are a sinful and perverted choice. To then have someone like Mohler reinforce such hog- wash by claiming that, even if it was proven sexual orientation is determined in utero, he would still see homosexuality and bisexuality as sinful and wrong, defies comprehension. If one has no choice over something, theologians are clear; that is not sin. I personally don’t ascribe to the “who- would-choose-to-be-gay” argument. I see it as inherently negative - as if being gay, lesbian or bisexual condemns us to eternal victimhood. I like being gay. I LOVE being gay. I am fascinated by how we, as men, are in the world and the energy I sense in other men.

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 51 52 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Letters to the Editor

By Contributors and Staff Letters Greetings to one and all, most of the time. As our reign draws to a close, we wanted to take a moment to thank each and everyone of you. We have been What happened to us? Is everyone scared to be out of the blessed this year with a very successful reign and this is due closet? I never met more “bi-sexuals” in my life than I did to the overwhelming support that the community as a whole here...are they so far in the closet they’re finding next year’s has offered us. Christmas presents? We must extend our gratitude to Twisted Element, Yours Truly, Backlot, The Calgary Eagle, Money Pennies and Texas Lounge. We thank you for allowing us to use your venues; - Jody without this support we would not be in the position we are today. It was all of you that made the 30th House a success and for that we are eternally grateful. Dear Editor, With your help we have raised $30,000 which will be go- While my husband and I were out Saturday night at the ing out to those in need here in Calgary. There are so many Backlot we picked up your latest edition and just as I had worthwhile charities and we only wish we could do more. finished reading your column titled “Homosexual Sexism” we We have enjoyed this year very much and we hope that received a phone call from a friend of ours who was so upset we, as Ambassadors of Calgary, have represented you well. that he was crying. He had gone up to Edmonton for his Mother’s 50th birthday and decided late Saturday night that The 30th House would be greatly honoured if you would he really wanted to get laid and since he had never been to a join us on the eve of April 21st, 2007 for Coronation 31 “An bath house before, he went to the newest one in Edmonton. Evening of Exxxtacy, A Night in the Garden of Good and He was very impressed with the look, cleanliness and atmo- Evil.” At this time we will pay tribute to all of those who sphere of the place and went to relax in the hot tub. made this year possible. Now let me first explain that our friend is a post operative We cannot find the words to thank you enough. transsexual (now a complete male) but who does have some scars from the operations. When he went to sit in the hot Sincerely, tub there were several individuals that not only made rude Emperor and Empress 30 comments out in the open, but went so far as to actually Wolf and Dyna state that they wondered if he even should have been allowed into the bath house. My friend could not have gotten dressed and out of there Dear GayCalgary, any faster, and was so upset that he just had to call us to vent and have a little cry to get it all out. I recently moved to Calgary for my career from my hometown, population 2,000 people. I am very disappointed This is not the first time that he has experienced such in the gay community in Calgary if you want to call it a ignorant comments (ironically he looks like a very young 14 “community” at all. The only gay community I see is bitchy year old boy at first), BUT he does look like a young man, drag queens huddled in the corner of the only gay dance not a woman. And yet he is subjected to not only ridicule club here, and twinks just using people for their evil plots. but open hostility and derogatory comments. Something like The gay people here don’t really care about this community this is abhorrent but the fact that it happens within our own which in my opinion is really sad. community makes it even more reprehensible. What if something happens, like a gay bashing or some- In this day and age when gay men still must face discrimi- one can’t get a job because of their sexuality? Where do we nation and inequality, where many must still remain in the turn to? I called the centre here many times and all I got closet due to their own fears of persecution, ridicule or even was an answering machine. excommunication by religion, family and friends, what gives them the right to be even more bigoted against members I’m not really attacking anyone but just got really jaded, of their own community. This behaviour is an absolute as we call ourselves a non-judgemental community and disgrace within the so called gay community and should be all I’ve been getting is judgements about myself. I ain’t no condemned by all GLBT people who should be a little more peaches and cream here, but I get more respect from my accepting. If not, we have no cohesion within, and thus no redneck hometown than I do here, and I have my cheeks actual gay community. pierced, I wear 6 inch platforms with a full face of make-up

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 53 All one must do is open their ears for a night in a busy gay put one another down for the sake of boosting their own establishment to hear negative comments made in regards self-worth. Unfortunately these people are already viewed to someone’s age, their size, their physical beauty, that they as adults, and there is no teacher to dole out detention for are a drag queen (forgetting that it was drag queens that inappropriate behaviour. helped start the gay rights movement) - anyone that does Jody, I myself have not met too many bisexuals in Cal- not fit their cloned stereotype. To all those that have the gary; perhaps it’s because I never specifically asked, or audacity to pass judgements upon others that they know because we exist in different circles. As you noted, Calgary nothing about, look in the mirror and take a long hard look does have an oddly closeted atmosphere outside of the bars. at yourself and ask whether or not you are so perfect that I’m sure the monster of homophobia has been much dimin- you have the right to pass such judgement on others. The ished in Calgary over the past years, but who is going to catty put down comments that are so prevalent within the stick their neck out to check? That is something you can’t gay world is NOT becoming of an accepting community, force on anyone else – you can only try to set an example something that all GLBT people MUST become if they truly and hope that others follow. want to set an example for the rest of the world, to accept us for who we are. Paul, that sort of behaviour toward your friend should have gotten those other people kicked out of the bathhouse, Paul Alberstat perhaps for good. They have a right to choose who they - Jody want to play with, but none to do what they did. I understand that your friend has been through a lot, but in future he needs to try and stand his ground or call them out. If he doesn’t offer some resistance, those people will continue Dear Jody and Paul, to use this tactic to push out people who are different, but have just as much right to be here. I certainly understand where both of you are coming from. I remember back in Junior High and High school when the kids would behave much like what the two of you are see- Yours truly, ing in our gay community today. I often wonder if the days - Rob Diaz-Marino of suppressing our sexuality have lead to a generation of people whose emotional development has been stunted; one where they are stuck in their higschool-style cliques, and

54 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Down Under Bathhouse

By Benjamin Hawkcliffe Review |Business Opened on February 6th, 1998, Down Under has developed its reputation as a clean and well run of being one of the cleanest and well-maintained Bath Houses in Canada. Another misconception is that you are at greater establishment. Featuring a “something-for-everyone” risk of catching an STD at a bathhouse. We try our best to atmosphere, Down Under is a great place to unwind promote safe sex by giving each customer a free condom and in Edmonton. lube pack upon check in. Extra condoms are always available free of charge. We also have tips for safe sex posted in each of “Down Under attracts men of all ages, size, colour and our rooms.” sexual orientation,” said manager Bob Halldorson. “Each day can see a different mix of people, and there is never a time Down Under is also proud to host the GayEdmonton.com when the place is empty, there’s plenty for everyone!” website. This 100% free site specifically focuses on the local community with its many interactive areas. The facility features 54 Lockers, 33 Single Rooms, 4 Double Rooms and sling rooms. Outside of the private areas there “No other site offers opportunities for ‘hook-ups’ like the is also a cable TV lounge, two XXX video areas, a dry sauna, CruiseBoard where one can post for a hook-up, add a picture steam room, glory hole booths and free high speed internet. and email address. There are also the LiveChat rooms where They also boast a ten man hot tub, the only bath house in you can chat in real time with other users, and the popular Edmonton to offer this amenity. In addition they often have GuyList, which allows you to post some basic info and a pic. special pricing and events. This feature updates continually and displays profiles based on their most recent login activity. A new area is being intro- “The Nooner special is by far one of our biggest draws. This duced this month providing users with their own blog space. can sometimes be the busiest period of the day. Customers And all this is free to all users and specific to Edmonton and can check in between 11am and 2pm for a room or locker at Northern Alberta,” webmaster Ron Byers said. “The website almost half price. They can stay up to 4 hours. It is not un- has also allowed us to forge a relationship with HIV Edmon- common to have a full house on some days. We also carried ton, who often uses the site as an opportunity to be available the nooner into the evenings with our Dip n’ Dash on Tues- through the LiveChat and CruiseBoard. Users can connect days and Thursdays between 7pm and 9pm. These nights as with staff from HIV Edmonton for advise and questions which well are becoming very popular,” Halldorson said. can range from safe sex practices, places where testing can be “A couple of years ago, we started the Friday the 13th 24- done, to general questions regarding sexuality.” hour nooner Madness. This is a customer appreciation special Like many gay businesses, community involvement is a in which nooner prices are available from midnight Thursday vital part of what makes Down Under tick. Halldorson told us until Midnight Friday. The actual nooner, from 11am-2pm about some of the non-profit groups Down Under works with, is absolutely FREE! The rooms fill up quick and the place is and how. packed. The next one is happening this month. Wednesdays are Buddy Night; 2 for 1 check ins between 4pm and mid- “Down Under has always been actively involved in sponsor- night. Sunday nights we have our Young Adult Night. Anyone ing many community events annually, such as the ISCWR‘s 18-25 checking in between 4pm and midnight receive a 20% Coronation Ball, Mr.Edmonton Leather, The Loud and Queer discount. It’s a great way to wind down after the weekend.” cabaret and The Roost’s Aids Benefit, to name a few. We offer support through either advertising or prize donations.” It was a very well thought out process to put together the establishment. Down Under continues to be an important part of Edmon- ton’s gay community. They aren’t sitting on their laurels “During the construction stages the management team however. Halldorson told us that there are plans in the works was careful to ensure that each concept of the business met to do some major upgrades. The first of which will be a notice- with the approval of the various City of Edmonton agencies able change in the wet area, beginning late April/early May. involved, including fire, health, and police. This openness and honesty developed an excellent working relationship which If you have ever been curious about a bath house but never has been continued over the last nine years.” actually set foot in one, long time patrons will tell you that Down Under is a good place to experience it for the first time. While most bathhouses are well run establishments, there are many phobias both in and out of the gay community as to what they are and what takes place there. Halldorson cleared Down Under Bathhouse up some of the misconceptions. 12224 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB, CANADA “A popular misconception is that bathhouses are dirty. At T5N 3K3 Down Under our staff work hard to maintain a high level of Phone: (780) 482-7960 cleanliness to ensure our customers enjoy their stay and will http://www.gayedmonton.com/Down/down.html come back time and time again. We have gained a reputation

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 55 56 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 57 58 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 59 Queer Eye - Calgary & Edmonton Community Events this Month

Photos by Steve Polyak and Rob Diaz-Marino of GayCalgary.com Magazine

Woody’s Pub 5th Anniversary - Edmonton

60 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Western Cup Launch Party at Twisted Element - Calgary

Going Away Party for Rhoda Stiffy Fetish Night at the Calgary Eagle at the Backlot - Calgary

Calgary Networking Club Meeting at Money Pennies

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 61 Drag Shows at Buddy’s - Edmonton

Lorrie’s Birthday at Money Pennies - Calgary B&D Emporium Grand Opening - Edmonton

62 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Drag Shows at The Roost - Edmonton Drag Shows at Twisted Element - Calgary

Paragraph 175

gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 63 St. Patrick’s Day at Money Pennies - Calgary

Deal or No Deal Night at Money Pennies - Calgary

64 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 65 66 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 67 Classified Ads

Classified Ad Index Arts & Leisure 200 Domestic 304 Chiropractor 402 Auditions 201 Gardening 305 Classes & Seminars 403 Announcements 100 Body Art 202 General 306 General 404 Anniversaries 101 Cafes Lessons 203 Hair/skin & Beauty 307 Massage 405 Best Wishes 102 Concerts 204 Help Wanted 308 Nutrition 406 Birthdays 103 Events 205 Hotel 309 Peer Support 407 Births 104 Galleries 206 Law 310 Physical Fitness 408 Groups 105 Musicians Wanted 207 Medical/dental 311 Relaxation 409 In Memoriam 106 Performing Arts 208 Modeling 312 Yoga 410 Legals/tenders 107 Restaurants 209 Office 313 Lost And Found 108 Submissions 210 Sales 314 Merchandise For Sale 500 Notices 109 Theatre 211 Seeking Employment 315 Antiques/artwork 501 Obituaries 110 Workshops 212 Technical 316 Appliances 502 Psychic/astrology 111 Trade 317 Arts & Crafts 503 Spiritual Services 112 Employment 300 Volunteers 318 Computers 504 Unions 113 Adult 301 Fashion 505 Bar & Restaurant 302 Health & Fitness 400 Furniture/home Furnishing 506 Business Opportunity 303 Beauty Care 401 Garage Sale 507 GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine Classified Ads Form Deadline for Classified ads is the 25th of every month. Fill out the form below and mail it to, GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine, Suite 100, 215 14th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T2R 0M2 or Fax it to (403) 703-0685. Please print clearly. All phone numbers listed will be verified. GayCalgary.com is not responsible for errors in the ad submission. Any address placed in the classified will not be placed into the map or business listing. Please verify your information before sending to reduce errors. If you have questions, please call us at (403) 543-6960 or toll free (888) 543-6960. Payment Method Check Money Order Category # Date Cash (only if paid in person) Name: Credit Card (fill out below) Address: City, Prov, Postal/Zip: Credit Card Info Type: American Express Only Day Phone: Name on Card: Night Phone: Card Number: Expiry (MM/YY): Headline for Ad (add $4.00): First 25 Words - $10.00 Invoice First 25 Words: $10.00 Each additional word: .20¢ Bold entire ad: $ 5.00 Entire ad in capitals: $ 6.00 Headline: $ 4.00 B/W Photo 1.66”x 2.25”: $ 6.00 Colour Photo 1.66”x 2.25”: $15.00 Border around ad: $ 6.00 Mail Forwarding: $ 5.00 Additional Words - .20¢ per word Subtotal: Frequency Discounts 3 Issues Subtract 15%: 6 Issues Subtract 20%: 12 Issues Subtract 25%:

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68 gaycalgary and edmonton magazine #42, April 2007 Hi Fi 508 Insurance 616 Office/business Space 709 Internet 908 Miscellaneous 509 Landscaping/gardening 617 Real Estate Agent 710 Leather 909 Musical Instruments 510 Leather 618 Rooms To Rent 711 Mail Orders 910 Pets 511 Legal Services 619 Seeking Accommodation 712 Model & Escort 911 Promotional 512 Medical 620 Studios 713 Phone lines 912 Vehicles For Sale 513 Movers 621 Professional Services 913 Musical Services 622 Travel 800 Sightings 914 Professional Services 600 Painting 623 Accommodations/rentals 801 Xxx Videos/magazines 915 Animal Care 601 Photography 624 Adventures 802 Carpentry 602 Physicians 625 Camping 803 Catering 603 Plumbing 626 International Travel 804 Cleaners 604 Skilled & Technical Service 627 Travel Agencies 805 Computer Services 605 Training 628 Travel Canada 806 Construction 606 Travel USA 807 Consulting 607 Real Estate 700 Counseling 608 Business For Sale 701 Personals 900 Courses 609 Cottages 702 Announcements 901 Design/interiors 610 Homes Furnished 703 Business Personals 902 Fashion 611 Homes/condos/lofts For Sale 704 Dating Services 903 Financial/bookkeeping 612 Homes/condos/lofts/apt. For Rent 705 Erotic Massage 904 Funeral Services 613 Homes/condos/lofts/apt. To Share 706 Friends Female 905 General 614 Investment Opportunity 707 Friends Male 906 Hair Removal 615 Mortgages 708 General 907

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