JANUARY 2013 ISSUE 111 • FREE
The Voice of Alberta’s LGBT Community
Winter Pride
DJ Dwayne Minard
SETH
BARBRA
ROGEN
STREISAND
Bette Midler
The Showgirl Goes On
PLUS:
Serena Ryder One Bad Son Alberta Bar Survey Results ...and more! Business Directory
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Community Map
Calgary • Alberta • Canada
Events Calendar
Tourist Information
Holden Nowell
Sexiest Man Alive?
STARTING ON PAGE 55
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Table of Contents
JANUARY 2013
Photography
Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino, Videography Steve Polyak, B&J Rob Diaz-Marino
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Steve Polyak, Diaz-Marino Web Rob exPress
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North Hill News/Central Web Calgary: GayCalgary Staff Edmonton: Greenline Distribution Distribution Other: Canada Post Calgary: Gallant Distribution Legal Council GayCalgary Staffand Solicitors Courtney Aarbo, Barristers Edmonton: Clark’s Distribution CanadaInquiries Post SalesOther: & General GayCalgary Magazine Legal 2136 17thCouncil Avenue SW Courtney Aarbo, and 0G3 Solicitors Calgary, AB,Barristers Canada T2T sales@gaycalgary.com
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GayCalgary Magazine Office Hours:andByEdmonton appointment ONLY 2136 17th Avenue SW Phone: 403-543-6960 Calgary, AB, Canada Toll Free:T2T 1-888-543-6960 0G3 Fax: 403-703-0685 E-Mail:Hours: magazine@gaycalgary.com Office By appointment ONLY Phone: 403-543-6960 This Month's Cover Toll Seth Free: 1-888-543-6960 Main: Rogen & Barbra Streisand, photo Paramount Pictures Fax:by403-703-0685 Right: DJ Dwayne Minard E-Mail:Topmagazine@gaycalgary.com Middle Right: Bette Midler, photo by Kerry Hayes ThisRight: Month's Cover Bottom Holden Nowell, Cher and Christina courtesy of Sony photo by Aguilera Amber Morgan Pictures; Annie Lennox courtesy of Mike Owen; Rex Goudie.
Proud Members of: Proud Members of:
In Memory of (DJ) Don Turgeon Publisher’s Column
12 Look Out Nelly!
Singer returns to Alberta with Spirit Indestructible tour
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14 Eastsiders
A new and notable web-series
16 This Is What Happens Next Daniel MacIvor wraps solo show in Calgary
18 Results from the Alberta Gay Bar Survey 22 Queer Stories from the Disability Community
Two groups join forces to speak out about rights for LGBTQ people with disabilities
24 United States’ Supreme Court Enters Equal Marriage Fray 25 Trans Human Rights Bill C-279: Where it stands
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Writers and Contributors
Mercedes Brett Aberle, Allen, Mercedes Chris Azzopardi, Allen, Chris Dallas Azzopardi, Barnes, Dave Brousseau, Sam JasonCasselman, Clevett, Andrew Jason Clevett, Collins, Andrew Rob Diaz-Marino, Collins, EmilyJanine Collins,Eva RobTrotta, Diaz-Marino, Glen Hanson, Janine Eva Evan Trotta, Kayne, JackStephen Fertig, Glen Lock,Hanson, Lisa Lunney, Joan Hilty, Allan Evan Neuwirth, Kayne, Stephen Steve Polyak, Lock, Neil Romeo McMullen, San Vicente, Allan Neuwirth, Ed Sikov,Steve Krista Polyak, Sylvester Careyand Rutherford, the LGBT Community Romeo SanofVicente, Calgary,EdEdmonton, Sikov, Nickand Vivian Alberta. and the GLBT Community of Calgary, Edmonton, and Alberta. Photography Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino and B&J
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26 Hot News for a Cold January
Calgary’s own Holden Nowell Justifies his new title: Sexiest Man Alive
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28 Deep Inside Hollywood
Viggo Mortensen & Kirsten Dunst are The Two Faces of January
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29 Cocktail Chatter
Without Ice, Part 1 & Part 2
30 Out of Town Mexico City
32 Saskatchewan Boys, They’ve Got it Going On
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Publisher: Steve Polyak Editor: Rob Diaz-Marino Sales: Steve Polyak Design & Layout: Rob Diaz-Marino, Ara SteveShimoon Polyak
One Bad Son rockers team up with Buckcherry for New Year tour
Edmonton Rainbow Business Association
33 Serena Ryder Stompas To The Top Singer-songwriter returns with Harmony
36 Gayby Making
Stars of acclaimed indie talk awkward sex scenes and what their film says about family
National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
PAGE 38
International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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Table of Contents Continued From Previous Page
38 You Gotta Have Faith
Paloma Faith talks being a ‘tranny,’ her drag queen style and marriage equality
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40 Bette Midler: The Showgirl Goes On
‘Miss M’ talks boys in heels, bullying and ‘bittersweet’ bathhouse days
42 Barbra Streisand: The ‘Funny Girl’ Returns
Legend talks screen comeback, being a gay icon and her own guilt trip
45 Two Hit Wonders a Musical Joyride
46 Sounds of the Night
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48 52 53 54
Queer Eye Chelsea Boys A Couple of Guys Mr. GayCalgary January 2013 - Mr. Justine Bonczek 55 Directory and Events 60 Classified Ads
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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Readers Per Copy: 4.9 (PMB) Print Readership: >41,650 Avg. Online Circulation: 150,000 readers Estimated Total Readership: >191,650 readers Frequency: Monthly
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Toronto DJ Dwayne Minard set to play Whistler Pride
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History Originally established in January 1992 as Men for Men BBS by MFM Communications. Name changed to GayCalgary in 1998. Independent company as of January 2004. First edition of GayCalgary.com Magazine published November 2003. Name adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. February 2012 returned to GayCalgary Magazine
Disclaimer and Copyright Opinions expressed in this magazine are specific to the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of GayCalgary staff and contributors. Those involved in the making of this publication, whether advertisers, contributors, or the subjects of articles or photographs, are not necessarily gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans. This magazine also includes straight allies and those who are gay friendly. No part of this publication may be reprinted or modified without the expressed written permission of the editor or publisher. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. GayCalgary is a registered trademark.
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Submission: Fri, Feb 1st In Circulation: Thu, Feb 7th Please contact us immediately if you think you may have missed the booking or submission deadline. www.gaycalgary.com
Editorial
In Memory of (DJ) Don Turgeon Publisher’s Column
By Rob Diaz-Marino, MSc. During the course of running this magazine, we are often notified of people in the community passing away. In some cases we may write an article on them to summarize their contribution to the community, helping to ensure they are properly enshrined in history for generations to come. In other cases we leave it to friends and family to write an obituary (if they choose) to try to capture the essence of who their loved one was, and how they lived their life. Now we are in a position where we feel we need to do both. Approaching 10 years of publishing, we suffered a loss last month that has hit closer to home than any we’ve experienced before. Don Turgeon was not only an extremely close friend and confidant to Steve and I, but he also did a great deal behind the scenes to help us with the magazine. He wasn’t one to brag, but during his life he did a great deal that positively impacted the people around him, both within the LGBT community, and outside of it. In his youth, Don joined the army. He would often tell us the anecdote of how he joined to try to “straighten” himself out – and yet, spending time in close quarters with other men had the complete opposite effect. During that time of his life, he told us he found his way into training other personnel how to operate large vehicles such as trucks and buses. But this was long before most in the LGBT community met him. Steve has known Don for much longer than I have – around 20 years in total. He told me the story of how they first met: two complete strangers passing by one another at the entrance to a Shoppers Drug Mart store, and yet something possessed them both to say “Hi” to each other at the same time. Ever since then, Steve knew they had a special connection. Don was an owner of the Rekroom, the lounge downstairs from the popular private men’s dance club, Metro Boyztown, along with his then-partner Kevin, and others. Though he started out as a bar tender, Don earned his moniker “DJ Don” from occasionally DJing upstairs at Boyztown. Steve spent a lot of time hanging out at the bar around Don, and often Don would find ways of encouraging Steve to get past his self doubt and apply himself to do things. From their discussions and bouncing ideas off one another, Don was excited to see Steve move forward with setting up the Men for Men Terminals in both the Rekroom and Boyztown, which became a unique and popular feature of the club. Don also introduced Steve to the Scala presentation software that
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Don Turgeon
powered the TV slide presentations that Men for Men was known for, and that we continue to use for presentations today. Another idea that they bounced off one another was that of “Metro Magazine”, a newspaper for the club. The idea never quite came to fruition at the time, but a good deal of their brainstorming became the seed for the concept of GayCalgary Magazine.
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From Previous Page
Online Last Month (1/2) The Best Year Yet?
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Hear Me Out
Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson
Steve and his straight roommate Mark would often take Don out on his days off to strip clubs and straight bars, just for fun. It was always a sore point for Mark that all the women were more interested in Don than in him. Back in those days, there were so many people named Steve (including Boyztown’s main DJ, Krazay Steve) that were in their circle of friends that they attempted to come up with nicknames for each them, such as Massage Steve, and KYme Steve, etc. Don’s suggestion for our Steve was “Big Heart Steve”, but unfortunately across the bar Steve heard and reiterated, “Big ARSE Steve?” Don just about fell over, he was laughing so hard. I came into the picture quite a bit later. I first met Don shortly after I had met Steve, while he was taking me out to visit the gay clubs for the first time. He introduced me to Don as he was DJing, and as a newbie there, it definitely made me feel special to be hanging out in the DJ booth with the two of them. For those who knew Don, it was no secret this was a turbulent time of his life. Although his DJing role lead him to get involved with the community and meet many people, he also struggled with many of the vices and peer pressures that present themselves at a nightclub. Through this, it was often a battle for Steve to maintain a stable friendship with him, though he remained steadfast despite some of the mixed signals Don would give him. After witnessing one particular incident where Don had teased Steve on one night, then tried to deny his part in it and chew out Steve for it the next day, I got fed up. I stood up to Don – a 22 year old kid still new to the scene outright scolding the gruff and sometimes intimidating DJ and bar owner for his unfair behaviour. Ever after that, he treated Steve a great deal better for fear of pissing me off. As for me, he realized I was more than just eye candy and treated me with a new (almost fearful) respect. Over time I softened my attitude toward him so that he knew I still liked him, and this created a new, healthier dynamic for our friendships moving forward. After he retired from the bar scene, he went into trucking, which took him on trips across Canada and into the US. Most of the time he and Steve would keep in contact over the internet, but once in a blue moon he would ask Steve to accompany him for particularly grueling trips, to keep him company and to help navigate. He once told us a story about how on a trucking trip, he went to check the container he was hauling and a swarm of dragon flies flew out from underneath it, causing him to freak out. Steve and I found this story hysterically funny because it was hard for us to imagine a tough guy like Don losing his composure over such harmless (albeit large) insects. In good
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
Christina Aguilera, Lotus Christina Aguilera opens her seventh album by calling this a “rebirth” despite her... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3267
Deep Inside Hollywood
Admission: Tomlin’s here, but you’re probably coming for Tina Fey
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Creep of the Week:
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Remember that old saying about trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results being the definition of... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3270
Cocktail Chatter
Homemade ‘Smoked’ Salmon
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Alexisonfire Burns Down The BMO Band says farewell as only they can
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Online Last Month (2/2) Hear Me Out
Taylor Swift, Diamond Rings
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fun, we would often tease him about dragon flies, which gave him a good laugh too. When not away on a trucking run, we could always count on Don to help us out. At the time we didn’t own a car, and he was regularly willing to help us with transportation, whether to events in and out of town, or to drop off magazines at locations that were difficult for us to get to on foot. At one point, he even helped us out by doing a great deal of data entry to get old editions of the magazine into our website database. When he made the difficult decision to break up with his partner Kevin, we did our part as friends to help support him through the separation and help him get on his feet as he started his new life. He moved in with us for about a month until he was able to find a place for himself. During the time he stayed with us, he fell in love with our cats - especially Snoopy, because he reminded Don, sometimes tearfully, of his own cat Butchie who had passed away many years ago. He was just as devastated as we were, when Snoopy passed away in January of 2012 from his kidney condition. Around this time in his life, Don bought his blue Jeep; the thing was horribly fuel-inefficient and more of a status symbol than anything, but he loved it. Not needing it any more, he practically gave away his old Ford Escort to us to
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Hairy navels make my mouth water. I’m referring to guys’ belly buttons here, not the cocktail. (I’ll get around to that in a... http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3275
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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From Previous Page help us get a step closer to being self-sufficient. It meant that when I got my driver’s license, I immediately had a car ready to use. Even so, he would still volunteer his time to drive Steve around in the Jeep when I wasn’t available, or I was away handling other errands. We continue to use his old car to this day. In general, he was very protective of us and looked out for our best interests. When we were working too hard, he would often be the one to tell us to take a break, or nag us to go see a doctor when we were too busy to take care of our ailments. Steve would often do the same in return. As we were running the magazine, Don was a sounding board for us. We knew that we could trust him with our ideas until we were ready to make them public, and with our frustrations until we could sort ourselves out. As we were working toward press deadlines, he would check in on our progress and offer encouragement. He took a great deal of pride in the work we did with the magazine, and it showed by how eager he was to get a copy of our latest edition for himself. He never asked for any credit for the things he did to help out with the magazine. In most cases, he didn’t enjoy being in the spotlight at all – he was much happier helping behind the scenes. Being on the road alone began taking its toll, so he went down a new path in the same industry by becoming a driving instructor for people learning to operate trucks. He seemed to excel in this teaching role, and although he was a tough instructor, he
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had one of the highest success rates in Alberta when it came to his students passing their final driving exams. When we were out with him, he would occasionally bump into one of his students - he must have done something right for the way they loved him and were thrilled to see him. There were a few times when he tagged along with Steve and I as I was driving his old car, and he couldn’t help the instructor in him shining through as he’d offer me a good driving tip here and there. Don went through a tough enough time when his brother passed away from cancer. Less than a year later his mom was also diagnosed, and so Don moved to Red Deer to be with her and help support her through it. The plan was that he would move back to Calgary once an outcome was reached, and once again was going to move in with us for a while to collect himself, find a stable job and get back on his feet anew. A few months later in Red Deer, Don went to the doctor complaining of stomach pains and he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. There were so many things that could have contributed: his family history, his smoking habit, his heavy drinking, even possibly his frequent use of his propane BBQ. It had spread so severely that only a small fraction of his stomach was still functioning. To prolong his life the doctors recommended he have an operation to remove his stomach entirely and attach his esophagus directly to his small intestines. When we heard this, it took us several days to wrap our
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heads around this notion because we didn’t even know it was possible for a person to survive without their stomach. Don was determined to fight, so he went ahead with several months of chemo to prepare him for the operation, and then more chemo and radiation treatment to follow. Some days he coped with it well, and other days he told us it was really taking its toll. His treatments were administered in Calgary, so often he would stop by our house during the day to rest for a while before making the drive back to Red Deer. This was all happening during the summer of this past year, so he would enjoy sitting on our front porch in the gorgeous weather, watching the world go by along 17th Avenue as our cat Spike played in the yard. The operation and treatments caused him to lose his hair and drop a substantial amount of weight, and his appearance made him a little self conscious about going out. We had to kick his ass to come down for the Boyztown reunion party at Vinyl, and in the end he was glad he went. It was a priceless chance for him to reconnect and reminisce. From his check-up after his treatments concluded, his doctor had informed him that he appeared to now be cancer free. Aside from his mom whose condition was still growing worse, Don finally felt free to start living his life again. He went back to his job, he adopted a cat, and he started pursuing new love interests. Steve and I were so happy for him. Despite this, Don hinted to Steve that he was still dying, that he could feel the cancer was still there. Thinking he was just being negative, Steve discouraged him from saying that, and just to enjoy his life. Without his stomach, Don’s biggest concern was keeping his weight up, so Steve had a whole list of suggestions of things that he knew he himself should not eat because of the fat and calorie content. Don was a huge Star Trek fan, and somewhat of a closet scifi geek, so he was thrilled when the magazine started crossing paths with actors from the Star Trek series. He got to meet George Takei (Sulu) as we interviewed him at the Hyatt Hotel just prior to the Calgary Comic expo a few years ago, and in October of 2012 he went with Steve to the Edmonton Expo where he was ecstatic to meet, and even participate in the interview with Nichelle Nichols (Ohura). Otherwise, he drove out to Calgary a number of times to visit the bars and have a few drinks in moderation. Sadly his drink of choice, Labatt Blue, was off the menu along with any other carbonated beverages, due to his dietary concerns. After he got home from one trip, he panicked because he thought he had lost one of his hats in Calgary. Don always wore a ball cap that showed off something he was proud of, such as the logo of the trucking company he worked for, or the EMS hat he had received from a close friend. After Steve did an exhaustive search at the Backlot where they had been the night before, and in our place where he had stayed overnight, Don was relieved to find it tucked away safely in his Jeep. Those hats meant a lot to him. Early in December he was having pain trying to eat. He struggled through for a few days but eventually found that he couldn’t force himself to eat at all. He spoke to his doctor who at first thought the join between his esophagus and intestines had healed too narrowly, and that a procedure was needed to widen it. But after he checked into the hospital the prognosis became increasingly grim - he told us they then thought he had a blood clot that was blocking a duct in his liver, then they thought he had developed pneumonia. Steve and I went to visit him in the hospital in mid-December. We thought it would be a simple visit to spend time with him while he recovered, as we had done when he had gone through his first operation. We weren’t prepared for the condition he was in. He had lost so much weight, and he was having difficulty summoning enough breath to speak. He tried to explain to us what the doctors had told him, but it was difficult to understand him. However, he still seemed quite strong and coherent, so we felt there may be hope that he could get past the pneumonia and return to being well enough to have the operation to remove the clot from his liver. Steve managed to corner the doctor at one point to ask what was going on, which is when we got the crushing news that his
cancer was back with a vengeance. There was no blood clot or pneumonia, it had grown back both in his liver and lungs. Though I had to head back to Calgary on Sunday night, Steve stayed behind in Red Deer for a few days to spend time with Don. During that time he met Don’s stepfather Al for the first time, and several of his friends and co-workers from Red Deer who were also stopping by to visit. The morphine left Don a little loopy and there were times where he would stare up at a particular spot on the window beside his bed. Some of the more religious of Don’s friends from work went into a frenzy of prayer, believing that he was “seeing angels”. But after some thought Steve figured out Don was just staring at the reflection in the window so he could see out the doorway of his room that was otherwise blocked by the curtain. At one point, Don noticed the Apollo Western Cup t-shirt that Steve happens to wear as part of his standard rotation of clothes. He pointed to it and gave Steve a thumbs-up. Don had fond memories of DJing at one of the big Apollo Western Cup dances back in the day. The next day Steve wore his ARGRA t-shirt which brought back fond memories of the time Don had spent with us camping at the Rodeo. Steve fussed over him for those days he was there, to the point that Don surprised everyone by summoning enough breath to clearly say “would you sit the fuck down already?” It made everyone in the room laugh, because it was so typical of Steve to fuss, and for Don to get annoyed at him for fussing. All the worry that we were going through, Don’s stepfather Al was experiencing two-fold as Don’s mom – his wife - was also in deteriorating health. Because neither were in any condition to travel, they weren’t able to see each other. The best they could do was say a few words on the phone, which was difficult for Don. Steve returned to Calgary mid-week to get caught up on work, and then we prepared to head up to Red Deer again
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over the weekend, so that Don would have someone there with him through to, and during Christmas. But after being there for only 24 hours, Steve received a page that one of our web servers was not responding and critical websites were down because of it. It was the worst time for such terrible luck to strike us. We might have ignored it if it wasn’t for the fact that one of the websites was for the Distress Centre, whose suicide hotline is particularly important over the Christmas holidays. I made the drive home on my own and tried my best to stabilize the server, but it was clearly experiencing a hardware failure that needed Steve’s expertise to deal with. Greyhound was fully booked for the next several days, so Steve grudgingly caught Red Arrow back into town. The only surefire way we could deal with the complete systemic failure that was happening on the machine was to migrate the data over to a new machine entirely. 24 hours later we were fairly confident the web server was stable again, and as we were already preparing to make the trip back up to Red Deer, we received a text that Don’s condition was worsening. As we made the drive back up again on the 23rd, the bitter cold temperatures that day began wreaking havoc with the car, and we were fearful that we might break down along the way. I did my best not to aggravate the odd symptoms we were experiencing, and we managed to make it to the hospital. Don was still hanging on, although unconscious for most of the time, only waking up for a few seconds every now and then. Unbelievably the new web server went down the next morning just as we were arriving at the hospital. I was completely furious and cursed as quietly as I could, but I refused to let Steve come back with me whether he was needed to fix it or not. I couldn’t take him away again at a time like this. Probably the hardest thing I’ve had to do in my life so far was to say goodbye to Don, knowing I would likely never see him again. I could have taken the easy way out and pretended like I would be back in time to see him again, but I didn’t. When nobody else was in the room, I spoke to him to wake him up and through tears I said what I needed to say and thanked him for what I needed to thank him for. I can’t even be certain he understood what I was saying because once I was finished he simply closed his eyes and went back to sleep. When I got back home to Calgary, I found that the computer had rebooted due to a windows update, and it was trying to boot from a thumb drive that we had left plugged in from setting it up. I simply removed the thumb drive and it was fixed. Well, fuck. I couldn’t force myself to go back onto the highway again that night, I was just too tired and frazzled. I decided to wait for tomorrow. My parents were surprised but happy to have me over for Christmas dinner. I had already informed them days prior that I would be missing it (for the first time ever) to be with a friend in the hospital. I felt really sad that in all the bustle I hadn’t been able to finish my Christmas shopping for them, but they understood. Usually I would stay the night in my old room and spend the next morning with them too, but preparing for the worst, I opted to head home instead. I woke up at 9am, Christmas morning to the sound of the phone ringing. It was Steve. He had already tried phoning numerous times and I had somehow slept through it. Don had passed away nearly an hour ago. Steve told me how he had woken up that morning in one of the hospital quiet rooms, after staying up most of the night and having taken a nap for an hour or two. He had a sudden 10
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feeling of urgency, and rushed to Don’s side. The hospital was very empty, as one would expect for Christmas morning, and Steve was the only one there. He was by Don’s side as he passed. Don’s mother Pat made it through to the New Year, but had already passed at the time of writing this. The funeral for both of them is set for Monday, January 14th at 1pm in a Catholic Church in Red Deer. More details can be made available to close family and friends. For those unable to attend on such short notice, we’ve planned an informal wake for his friends in the LGBT community to happen at the Backlot on Wednesday, January 23rd starting around 8pm. While this article was purely from our point of view, this event is an opportunity to share your own stories about him with his other friends. We’d also like to put together a slide presentation of photos, so we welcome you to share any photos that you may have of him that we don’t. Finally, we would like to dedicate this edition to our dear friend Don G. Turgeon. He knew about some of the exciting things we have coming up with the magazine this year, so we hope that we do him proud. Rest in peace, my friend. December 2012 Cowboys hosted their second drag show this month, entitled “Jingle Balls”. Once again April Storm hosted, and performed with Farah Moan, Argentina, and Selma Body to a packed room of over 600 people – a class act for a Wednesday night. You can watch a video of the show on our website. Also, there is an exciting event in the Canadian drag scene coming up at Cowboys. Look for the full page ad in this edition. Aftermaths You’ll notice that our usual New Years Eve coverage is missing this year, aside from the ISCWR’s NYE Gala in Edmonton (photos submitted by B&J Productions). The reason for this is that on December 31st, we returned to Red Deer to help move some of our late friend Don’s furniture and possessions out of his apartment. We began at 10 in the morning and didn’t make it back into town until after 7pm. Completely exhausted from the heavy lifting and heavy hearts, we decided for the first time since we started the magazine that we would take the night off, and just go out and celebrate New Years Eve together. In addition, our magazine is out a little later this month than we had intended. Many people have been contacting us on Facebook to express their condolences on the loss of our friend, and while we appreciated the thought, it also made it difficult for us to set the situation aside so that we could concentrate on completing our work on this edition of the magazine. Additionally, we also received the sad news that past ISCCA Empress 26, Kylie Van Doren, had passed away over the first weekend of January. We offer our deepest condolences to all of her friends and family. After all of this, we can only hope that 2013 starts to get better from here.
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
11
Look Out Nelly!
Singer returns to Alberta with Spirit Indestructible tour Photo by Richard Bernardin
By Jason Clevett Nelly Furtado last visited Calgary in 2006 and 2007 on the Get Loose tour. The multi-talented singer-songwriter returns with three Alberta dates this month in support of her new album The Spirit Indestructible. The tour hits the Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary January 12th, the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre in Medicine Hat January 14th and Edmonton’s Jubilee Auditorium January 15th. For both fans and Furtado, it is has been a long time since they last reconnected live. “It has been six years since I toured Canada, which is pretty crazy. It will be nice, this is the first place where my music became popular almost overnight in Canada. It has been embraced over the years. I feel grateful and am excited to play for these audiences. It is going to be really special. The more I tour the more I like it, as time goes by I appreciate it more and more,” Furtado told GayCalgary Magazine. The tour kicks off in her hometown of Victoria. Her experiences growing up on Vancouver Island are featured heavily in the new album, making it extra special to kick off the tour there. “My new album has a bunch of Victoria themes from growing up there like hanging out in the 7-11 parking lot and having fun in the song Parking Lot. I talk about hanging out at different landmarks in Big Hoops. So starting in Victoria is a full circle journey for me into adulthood. It is going to feel great to play there in front of friends and family.”
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With so many songs under her belt and multiple hits, it is a challenge to whittle down what to play. “It is really hard to put a set list together because I have 5 albums which are all completely different and it has been six years so you have no idea who is coming to the show! The show is an hour and a half so we have to make sure it is a fun show. We play songs that people connect with and are familiar with and throw in a few surprises. The songs that are most exciting for me to play are the new ones because I am playing them for the first time.” Songs like Powerless and I’m Like a Bird will likely make the set. Released almost 13 years ago, when Furtado was 21, she still connects with the songs from early in her career. “Believe it or not I do. I really enjoy playing songs like I’m Like A Bird because I have played it all around the world. This summer I played in Taiwan and I was just in awe of all the people that were singing the words to the song, it was cool. The song has meaning to me as well. What I will do is rearrange a song for awhile and then go back to the original arrangement maybe on the next tour.” During her time off the road Furtado raised her daughter Nevis. Now 9 and in school, it poses new challenges to tour while being a mom. “I toured more when she was a baby before school. That is the advice I give to other singers with small children, go out on the road now and get it out; you won’t want to be on the road when she is in school. I have been touring for 10 years now and I have never been the type of person who really likes to be www.gaycalgary.com
on the road for a very long time regardless of being a mother or not. It has been an interesting balance. Now we tour more in the summertime and on school breaks.” It seems like a very Canadian thing to tour across the country in winter. In the past few years Canadians like Theory of a Deadman, Nickelback, City & Colour, Jann Arden and Tegan & Sarah have travelled across the wintery Canadian landscape on tour. The thought of being on a tour bus in -30 gives me chills, and I mentioned it to Nelly. “Oh I haven’t even thought about that! Now you’ve got me worried, the bus will be cold? I have to rethink this!” she exclaimed, laughing. “We will embrace the cold and will do some winter sports on our off days, some skating and tobogganing and maybe skiing. It feels very Canadian to be touring the country in January. I just have to bring a warm coat. It is challenging as a singer because you are going from hot to cold, so sometimes it can cause a problem.” Furtado is ecstatic to feature Dylan Murray, who is signed to her label Nelstar, and Jessica Tyler, who portrayed Jenna Middleton on Degrassi, opening on the tour. “Dylan is a current Nelstar signing, the label I founded a couple of years ago. He is an incredibly gifted singer songwriter from Toronto, he wrote a song for me, we have a duet called Be Ok. His songs are very rich and meaningful and melodic, I think people are going to embrace him. Jessica Tyler is a young singer-songwriter who is 19 and writes these great songs. It will be a nice homegrown tour.” The opportunity to give back to new artists is a big part of what motivates Furtado, and she got very excited when speaking about her label and working with young talents. “That is why I started the label, before I started it I was engaging in artist development in my spare time. That was an organic thing that happened. The first signing was Fritz Helder & the Phantoms and started as a friendship and it was like you know what guys, I am at all your shows anyways why don’t we just put out your album. It is something I love to do, I am actually more of a behind the scenes person instead of in front of the camera. By default I have become that person in front of the camera but I actually really love all of the stuff that people don’t see behind the scenes. It is important now more than ever, the music industry as a whole is down these days and you have to find creative ways to let people be themselves. If you have a mentor with that first hand information you can’t get any better than that. Jessica is asking me what to bring on the bus, any special things she might need and what to expect. For me it is really rewarding.” Furtado almost retired to focus on working behind the scenes, but fortunately for her fans, she had a change of heart. “It is always the music, I will be in the studio and get inspired again. I was going to announce my retirement, not a full retirement but as a performer and was going to pursue other musical interests like producing and writing for other artists. I was being inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame and thought that would be a great place to announce it. But a week before I was jamming with a bunch of musicians and thought how can I give this up this is so much fun. It is always the music that keeps me going and the different genres that I am interested in. I think the next album might be in Portuguese. I am getting increasingly interested in doing a standards or jazz album. I worked with David Foster recently on a song for Andrea Bocelli’s new album called Bravado. Every experience I has leads it different in a different way. I love music and it keeps me going.” I remember seeing Furtado in 2004 at the Stampede. Her high energy performance wowed the audience. Expect more of the same when she returns. “I haven’t been in a few years but I am looking forward to it. That is one of the great things about this tour, is going back to where I haven’t been for awhile and places I haven’t been [before]. Medicine Hat has a brand new state of the art theatre. Nobody goes to these places so it is great to have a night out in these cities and I am excited to be part of that. It is a fun show and an emotional ride. You will feel energized and feel positive. I really like to connect with the crowd and transmit emotion in the songs and it is a party too. It is an engaging show we play all kinds of instruments and really have a good time.”
Nelly Furtado The Spirit Indestructible available now. On Tour Calgary - Jubilee Auditorium January 12th Medicine Hat - Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre January 14th Edmonton - Jubilee Auditorium January 15th http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3282
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
13
Eastsiders
A new and notable web-series By Evan Kayne By now we’ve seen that the world hasn’t ended; yet everyday “worlds” end as people fall out of love and relationships crumble. Eastsiders - a new web-series - explores the personal apocalypse surrounding the aftermath of infidelity. Cal (Kit Williamson) discovers Thom (Van Hansis) has cheated on him with Jeremy (Matthew McKelligon) and the couple must question the state of their relationship. Writer / Director / Actor, Kit Williamson, was lucky getting two “names” for his series. He has been long time friends with Steven Guarino and Kit met Van Hansis through a mutual acting coach. Van Hansis has appeared on several TV shows, but is currently best known as gay character Luke Snyder in the long-running CBS soap opera As the World Turns. I asked Kit, given the subject matter of Eastsiders, whether fidelity in gay couples was something to embrace or whether being faithful to your other half was more of a traditional holdover from heterosexual couples. “I don’t believe that gay couples should be forced to subscribe to any one particular viewpoint. I think each couple should have the freedom to define their relationship by their own terms,” he said. He personally has only been in monogamous relationships but, his attitude is that he’s all for whatever works for two people in love...as long as they are honest in the relationship. “I don’t think you can have a good relationship without having honesty and transparency and trust between two people.” As well, the series highlights how people in their 20s and 30s tend to be more prone to making messes out of their lives. As to whether this was inspired by Kit’s friends, he admitted it may have provided some ideas. “I think that’s just a natural part of your 20s. It’s all trial and error; and we make a lot of errors in our life experiments. It’s very easy to self-sabotage.” This is evidenced in the first episode – Cal and Thom have an opportunity to start fresh, but instead Thom creates a new lie. Meanwhile, Cal’s best friend Cathy (Constance Wu) is almost self-destructively obsessing about her relationship with her new boyfriend. 14
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Yet there’s something to love and hate about each one of the characters. “There’s not a clear-cut protagonist or antagonist to the series. I don’t want there to be a good guy and a bad guy. I think as the series goes on, hopefully you’ll take turns picking sides with Cal and Thom.” What’s more interesting to Kit as a writer and actor is to have complex characters living outside of a black and white morality. As in life, you need to consider people’s circumstances before you pass judgement. Finally, I asked Kit about the production itself and why he thought the web-series medium seems to be catching on lately. Kit said there are several reasons: “I think it’s the realization you can make quality content at a lower cost, coupled with the fact more and more people are turning to the Internet to watch their television in general.” Like me, all of Kit’s TV viewing is done through the Internet; he doesn’t have cable. Kit watches Hulu and Netflix among others and if it’s not on one of those providers, he won’t watch it. He thinks this trend has made it a fertile ground for people to produce and market web-series to ready audiences. “They’re more acclimated to watching content online.” And having a well-written series with attractive people doesn’t hurt either. Eastsiders is currently available on their website and YouTube (possibly iTunes in the future), and I highly recommend checking it out. They’ve filmed three episodes and are looking at a full season of nine episodes, with the possibility of it being available as a full movie.
Eastsiders http://www.eastsiderstheseries.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3283
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
15
Preview
Daniel MacIvor
This Is What Happens Next Daniel MacIvor wraps solo show in Calgary By Jason Clevett As one of Canada’s most successful playwrites, Daniel MacIvor’s work has received critical acclaim even around the world. Audiences who have seen him perform works such as Monster, Communion and Here Lies Henry know that he is truly one of our country’s best artists. MacIvor retired from doing solo shows for several years, getting married and settling in Nova Scotia. The relationship ended, and the result is MacIvor returning to collaborate with Daniel Brooks on This Is What Happens Next. The one-man show runs January 23rd to February 3rd as part of the High Performance Rodeo. “I was on the road about 8 months of the year touring with the solos. I felt that doing the solo work was getting in the way of my life, so I retired to get a life. Having got a life I realized that I already had a pretty good life so I went back to the original after having failed at the life part,” MacIvor explained. “I called Daniel Brooks who I make the shows with and said I think I have another one in me. We went back to work and it turned out that what I felt was getting in the way wasn’t the work I was doing, it was more the touring. So as a result I am coming to Calgary for three weeks which is easier than the schedule I used to do. It was a rock n roll schedule where I would go to different cities for 2 nights and that is what had me on the road for so long. Now I come and go, so it’s good.” Like many artists, life on the road as a performer is a vital part of his career. “I was trying to live some idea of a real life by other people’s standards. That just wasn’t me. This is what I do and as real as I get. I went out and I had the relationship and the house and the whole thing and that just didn’t quite work for me. I didn’t do a very good job of it and it was a big mess. That is why I called Daniel and said I need to look at all this stuff and ask some questions by doing a solo show. I did get a dog which I suppose some people would attribute to a real thing, I have managed to succeed at that part of a real life.” Described as a “comic adventure through the dark forest of addiction, divorce, The Little Mermaid and the life of
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John Denver”, This Is What Happens Next explores themes in MacIvor’s life that many people would not want to revisit. “All the shows were autobiographical to some degree but this show actually has a character named me. That character talks about having been recently married and it falling apart and losing the house, which is all stuff that happened in real life to me. So you start off with a sense that it blurs the line between the performer and me, so in a way it is more autobiographical than the other shows. I have never been shy about telling the truth about where I am at, how I failed and the mess I’ve made of things. That may be one of the strengths of my work. One of the things at the centre of this play is the idea of the pursuit of happy endings. I don’t think my work was about that before, I am asking the question about the possibility of a happy ending. The show goes to some dark places but there is hope in the show.” Addiction and divorce aren’t topics people find to be funny, it is in retrospect that we can find humour in our failures, he says. “They are funny if you have done it and [are on] the other side of it, but not when you are in the middle of it. How ridiculous are we? When we make bad choices there is nothing funny about it because we are in regret. Once we are out of it and look back at it, our motives are so transparent it is laughable. We think we are making our decisions for the right reasons and on the right road when we are clearly in the ditch. When you look back, that you spent all this time in the ditch pretending it was a road it is pretty funny. It takes some distance, perspective and a little bit of health to look back and see how foolish we are. I just try and tell the truth and find that when I do, a lot of people are going through the same sort of things. That is why the work I do has an autobiographical part. We aren’t all that different. There are different tastes and aversions but at the end of the day, at the bottom of everything we all want the same thing. Peace and acceptance and love of some sort or another. These are the sort of things we share and the rest is the different things.” Being part of the rodeo is a highlight for many artists from around the world. MacIvor has a close connection to the city and is thrilled to be ending This Is What Happens Next here in Calgary. “It is a big deal for me to be in Calgary because a lot of my work has come from there. I found my voice there and did a lot of work with One Yellow Rabbit. It is also important that it is a co-production with ATP; it is important to see them building bridges with the rabbits and sharing the production. There was a time when I first started with the rabbits, the idea that they would be co-producing with ATP you wouldn’t imagine would ever happen. It is nice to see these kinds of bridges being built. I love the Calgary audiences, I have played in every major city in the country and Calgary audiences are really gung ho and up for it and excited and present. I really love that about Calgary audiences, so it is the perfect place to finish the show. In a way it a coming home for the show, we have done all of our solo shows there except this one, so the idea of finishing the show [in Calgary] is perfect.”
This Is What Happens Next Part of the High Performance Rodeo January 23 – February 3, 2013 www.hprodeo.ca
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
17
Editorial
Results from the Alberta Gay Bar Survey By Rob Diaz-Marino Less than 10 years ago, Alberta was home to 17 LGBT bars operating simultaneously. Since the end of this past September, Alberta only has 6 LGBT bars still in operation. The dramatic decline of LGBT bars and clubs is a trend that other LGBT communities across North America are also reporting. Some believe we are witnessing the decline of the LGBT community, others think we are in a temporary slump, and yet others think the definition of community may be shifting away from the bar scene. From August to the end of October last year, GayCalgary Magazine ran the “Alberta Gay Bar Survey” - an online survey designed to help us understand the attitudes of people in Alberta’s LGBT community towards bars, clubs, and some other LGBT community events. It was designed both for people who go out to bars/clubs, and for those who do not. No prize draws were offered in conjunction with this survey to ensure all respondents were participating purely for the sake of giving their input. The response was the largest we’ve seen of any previous internal survey. In this article, we share some of the tabulated results and individual responses to open questions. Additional results may be shared privately with partnering bars/clubs and nonprofit groups. Note that this survey was conducted prior to the closure of the Calgary Eagle and The Junction in Edmonton, so we have included statistics relating to both bars. Who took the survey? Everyone who took the survey answered a collection of questions to help pinpoint their demographic and give us a baseline for their attitudes and opinions: Q: Which option best describes your gender identity? A: 66.7% Male, 29% Female, 4.3% Trans-identified Q: Which terms describe your sexual identity? (Choose any that apply) A: 63.8% Gay, 18.8% Lesbian, 13.0% Bisexual, 11.6% Queer, 1% Questioning, 2.4% Two-Spirited, 4.8% Straight, 0.5% Asexual, 0.5% None of these Q: How open are you about your sexuality? A: 81.2% Open, 17.4% Semi-Closeted, 1.4% Closeted Q: How old are you? A: 30.9% aged 18-29, 30% aged 30-39, 21.7% aged 40-49, 11.1% aged 50-59, 6.2% aged 60+
What makes a “gay” bar? There are many ways to define a gay bar, so we asked respondents to choose what, to them, are the 3 most important distinguishing factors. 90.8% said the majority of clientele in the bar has to be “gay”, 61.4% said that the bar has to host regular events for “gay” community groups, and 52.7% said that the bar has to advertise themselves as being a “gay” bar. Other significant answers included: Sponsors “gay” community events (27.1%); Owners are openly gay (24.2%); Promotes other “gay” businesses/groups (18.8%); and Hosts drag shows (13.0%). How are attitudes toward “straight” bars changing? When asked, 75.3% indicated that they have visited “straight” bars and clubs in the past year (21.7% frequently, 53.6% rarely). 18
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The gap is surprisingly narrow from the 87.9% that indicated they have visited “gay” bars and clubs in the past year (33.3% frequently, 54.6% rarely). This shows that “straight” bars are gaining ground, and further results hint at why. Some of it boils down to people’s motivation for going out to bars in the first place. 25.8% stated that they go out to bars to hook up, which in most cases does require a “gay” venue. However, the majority of other significant expectations for bars/clubs can be satisfied at straight venues: Socialize (86.1%), Hang out with friends (83.0%), Dance (72.2%), Peoplewatch (68.6%), Consume alcohol (66.0%), and Meet new people (58.2%). Another question is how comfortable people feel in a “straight” venue. Of the 24.6% of respondents who indicated they never visited a “straight” bar in the past year, their motivations included: I don’t feel I can be myself (62.7%), I don’t feel safe (37.3%), and I feel I have less chance of meeting someone (35.3%). For the rest who have visited a “straight” bar in the past year, 62.8% said they are open about their sexuality if asked; 5.1% said they flaunt their sexuality, and 20.5% use their discretion per establishment. Of those who attended gay bars in the past year, 50.0% think that having “gay” special events in “straight” bars and clubs is a great idea; 35.7% don’t care either way, and 14.3% are opposed. However, 45.9% of all respondents said they have attended such an event and would do it again, and only 5.3% said they wouldn’t do it again (the remaining 48.8% said they haven’t attended such an event). Perhaps the bottom line is that in the absence of variety in LGBT bars, many people are finding that variety by exploring straight venues. Why are LGBT Bars losing popularity? To begin with, respondents identified that compared to 2 years ago, 54.1% are going out less frequently to bars and clubs in general (27.1% are going out the same amount, and 18.8% more frequently). Instead, 55.6% say they frequently drink at home or at house parties rather than at bars. We also saw a shift of where people live in their respective city, away from downtown (41.1%) more toward the suburbs (56.5%) compared to results from our 2009 reader survey (57.1% Downtown, 39.8% Suburbs), which makes it more difficult and/or costly to arrange transportation to and fro. In fact, of respondents who stated they are going out to bars less, 48.3% cited the cost of Taxis as having an impact on the frequency of their outings; similarly, 14.3% cited the change in the legal limit for driving as a factor. This shows that transportation is a major hurdle for people going out to bars. Furthermore, people are also trying to be financially responsible. As above, 50% stated work commitments are limiting their outings, and 21.4% stated that a bad economy is a factor. The majority of those who do not go out to bars at all stated that they cannot afford to go drinking (58.3%). There is also a strong belief that the bars are mostly a place for singles (27.7%), so as more couples settle down, they are going out to bars less frequently. One respondent even commented: “I find it is impossible to have a relationship if going to the gay bar frequently because people attempt to sabotage it and cause unnecessary and childish drama.” A popular theory has been that electronic services like Grindr and Scruff are rendering gay hangouts unnecessary for meeting people. Of our male respondents, 50% say they use such a service. Within “gay” bars, 46.9% say they have tried them and
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“As society becomes more accepting, it’s likely more queer folks will simply be open about themselves at straight/ unlabeled bars. But there will always be a market for a place where you can be more certain potential partners are queer. As a trans woman, I hang with a crowd of cisgender straight and queer women, and we simply take over whatever bar space we’re in, whether it’s gay or straight, and have the numbers to feel safe expressing our sexuality.”
successfully met people, but only 15.7% say they have seen success using them at straight bars. After possibly dishing out money for a taxi, a cover charge to get into a bar or club on a regular night is an unwelcome thing for 58.9% of respondents (44.4% dislike it, and 14.5% will go elsewhere if charged). When asked directly what they believe is happening to the Alberta “gay” bar/club scene, 33.0% said they believe it is declining permanently, but will never fully disappear; 26.4% believe it is declining but will bounce back, 23.6% believe it is falling apart completely, and 14.8% believe it is becoming obsolete. When asked what directions people wanted to see “gay” community events going, there was no clear winner. 51.2% stated they wanted to see more adult oriented events, 50.2% stated more events open to everyone, and 47.3% said more events targeted to specific demographics (ex. For men, for women, etc.) Only 27.1% were interested in seeing more family friendly events.
“Several bars are closing due to neighborhood changes or building loss. As bars close people will adapt and open new businesses to fit the new needed niche.” “I think meeting people at bars is becoming a thing of the past, partly due to online dating, therefore, gay bars serve little more purpose than a straight bar, if all anyone does there is dance, or hang out with friends. Why need a gay bar, when a straight bar can have better music, better facilities, better drink prices, etc.” “The very limited selection of gay clubs is the biggest reason why I do not go clubbing very often these days. In Calgary, the only club I relate with is Twisted Element, but I get bored with the idea of going there and only there. I feel that once the economy rebounds, more gay-friendly or gay-oriented bars/clubs will open and everything will turn around.”
What did people have to say? The survey included two open response questions, the first explaining what they believe is going on with the Alberta “gay” bar scene, and the second as general comments. We received many interesting perspectives and thoughtful answers. Here is a small but varied selection of those responses:
“It comes and goes in any city or province - it is cyclical. It is also related to economics and the cost of living/drinking.”
“It appears to me that rather than having exclusive gay clubs like Boyztown, the club owners are not really committed to an exclusive gay club (I think they believe for economic reasons) so they try to be everything for everyone which at the end of the day does not work. Eventually they become a gay bar full of breeders and I have no interest in going. I truly believe we need a men’s club like Boyztown with membership and controlling who is coming into the club. I truly miss that venue.”
“I’d love to see some options that are not exclusively bar/ club focused. Victoria’s, Money Pennies, The Verge, were all wonderful because they were restaurants as well. I supported those places in the past, and would absolutely patronize a mixed queer restaurant space regularly.”
“I think there are a lot of people that enjoy going out for a drink, but you have to have it open to everyone in the community, not just for the younger ones that get in ahead of others at some bars. We need to get a gay sports bar.”
“It feels like I’m right back in High School with the cliques, the backstabbing BS, the cruel rumors, and the hate... Who would ever want to be a part of that?”
“Clubs should clean their act regarding drug [use]. I see too many staff doing drugs while on shift, tolerating the sale of drugs on premises and I even noticed bar staff suggesting names of dealers to clients.”
“Every city and community goes through a process of renewal and rebirth when an older generation stops going to the bars and hanging out, and the newer generation starts to discover it. I think it is typical of any community to go through the ebb and flow of time. I do feel that the bar scene and social scene in Calgary is going through major changes and am disappointed that there are not as many gay bars that cater to the gay community as a whole, or specific parts of the community. BoyzTown is surely missed, and the Eagle will be too!”
“I think gay bars are dying right now in favour of gay nights at straight clubs. I appreciate that straight bars are willing to do it, but I prefer exclusively gay bars. I hope that will change after a few years (or decades?) of missing gay spaces.” “Too many clubs are just opening their doors and expecting people to dish out cash. They are not focused on the experience, creating an environment that people are driven to go to because it is the best place to be.”
“Over all I think that many gay people no longer identify with the bar scene whether straight or gay. In my opinion there are great changes in lifestyle choices with more emphasis on healthy balanced life style. Gay bars in my opinion do not fit that paradigm, which is why I tend to avoid them. I would much rather save my cash and go travel, host a dinner party or attend a play.”
“Too much drama with the younger generation! Older clientele prefer more laid back atmosphere. The booming of the music is fine once in awhile but not every time out.” “…If a bar had really good interior decorating, a lot of character and kept up with the times in terms of style and culture, had quality entertainment, creative ways of getting strangers to meet who might be interested in one another then I feel that would get me interested in going out more. I definitely don’t like having to go to bars that have no creativity in them in terms of decoration, character and style. Just go to Europe (or Montreal) and you’ll get my meaning. How about a roof top terrace? How about walls that aren’t just painted black? Bars with different rooms and themes would be interesting too. Just more imagination would be nice. And a clean, crisp look, unless the theme IS a garage, then it would be fitting. …”
“It’s not particularly welcoming at all, to be honest. Almost half the time, guys think you’re beneath them and won’t talk to you if you approach them in a bar. Almost all of the other half, they’ll be nice to your face, then gossip about you when you go get a drink - they’re catty bitches. The tiny sliver of the time that remains, you’ll actually get a decent conversation...then you just have to understand that in the majority of those instances, they’re simply going to try to take you home. If you don’t want to sleep with them, return to the first outcome and watch them ignore you.”
“While there is more social acceptance and a wider use of technology to meet people - which I think has hurt the bars - I believe straight bars are still not safe places for gay couples to frequent if they show any signs of romantic interest in each other.” www.gaycalgary.com
“The degree of healthy socialization, emotional adjustment and self-respect of individuals is pivotal to the future of the real-world gay community. The younger members are - and generally have been for at least twenty years - mentally
GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
19
and emotionally better adjusted and with higher self-esteem than the older members (in general). The gap is closing, as most of the chillingly creepy and deeply closeted selfhaters of rural Canada have been replaced by those who are urbanized and progressively less isolated and less selfhating. We’ll need to be more united physically speaking. There won’t be enough of a bar crowd to sustain boutique bars for all of our self-imposed labels/types.” Favorite Alberta Bars/Clubs The Alberta Gay Bar Survey was purposely not advertised as a “reader’s choice” survey to eliminate bias created by bars or bartenders campaigning for votes. Furthermore, no prizes were offered for entering this survey, which eliminates an additional source of error that might be introduced by prizeseekers not interested in giving their real input. As such, these results are a more accurate and less biased representation of how bars stack up to a primarily LGBT audience (see the respondent demographics at the beginning of this article for more information), than popular mainstream “best of” surveys. Q: Which Alberta “gay” bars and clubs do you consider your
favorite hangout? (Check all that apply) Top 3 Answers for Calgary: The Backlot (41.8%), Calgary
Eagle (37.4%), Twisted Element (32.4%)
The Backlot (Calgary) Gay/Straight Ratio: 81.4% / 18.6% Men/Women Ratio: 75.9% / 24.1% Top 4 Likes: I feel safe there (33.0%), Good service (28.6%),
I feel my money goes back to the “gay” community (28.6%), My friends go there (27.5%). Likes Score: 234.3% Top 4 Dislikes: Too empty (11.0%), Too grungy (7.7%), In-
convenient for me to get to (6.6%), Too dark (5.5%) Dislikes Score: 72.0%
Over-all Score: 162.3% Buddys (Edmonton) Gay/Straight Ratio: 66.7% / 33.3% Men/Women Ratio: 61.2% / 38.8%
(23.1%), Woodys (18.1%)
Top 4 Likes: My friends go there (24.7%), Good music (12.6%), Convenient for me to get to (12.1%), I feel my money goes back into the local “gay” community (12.1%).
Q: If you had to select ONE gay bar or club as your favorite
Likes Score: 113.0%
Top 3 Answers for Edmonton: Buddys (23.1%), Junction
hangout, which would it be? Top Answer for Calgary: The Backlot (25.3%) Top Answer for Edmonton: The Junction (13.2%) Q: Which “gay” bars that have closed in the past decade do
you most miss visiting? (Choose up to 5) Note: The Calgary Eagle and The Junction were still in operation at the time of the survey. Top 3 Answers for Calgary: Club Sapien (44.9%), Boyztown
(35.7%), Money Pennies (32.9%) Top 3 Answers for Edmonton: The Roost (33.3%), Play
(14.0%), Boots & Saddles (11.1%)
Alberta Gay Bar Report Cards In the survey, we asked respondents several questions about their attitudes toward each of the main “gay” bars/clubs in Alberta. It provided them the same list of possible likes and dislikes for each establishment, and respondents were allowed to check any that they felt applied – or none at all if they preferred. For the sake of brevity, we are only listing the top 4 likes and dislikes for each establishment, along with a likes and dislikes score representing the total number of selections for each. We also calculated an over-all score for each establishment, which indicates the balance between the positives and the negatives. These results do not imply an opinion on the part of GayCalgary Magazine, nor do they necessarily confirm that occurrences of certain activities have been observed. These results purely reflect the opinions and perceptions of survey respondents, who were not required to justify their selections.
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
Top 4 Dislikes: Too grungy (15.4%), I don’t like paying cover (11.0%), Clientele too sketchy (10.4%), Too much drama (9.9%) Dislikes Score: 122.7%
Over-all Score: -9.7% Calgary Eagle Gay/Straight Ratio: 89.5% / 10.5% Men/Women Ratio: 83.3% / 16.7% Top 4 Likes: My friends go there (34.1%), I feel my money goes back into the local “gay” community (30.2%), I feel safe there (28.0%), I like the clientele (26.4%). Likes Score: 234.3% Top 4 Dislikes: Too grungy (10.4%), I don’t fit in (9.9%), Too
empty (9.9%), I don’t feel safe travelling there/back home (9.3%). Dislikes Score: 102.9%
Over-all Score: 131.4% Flash (Edmonton) Gay/Straight Ratio: 60.4% / 39.6% Men/Women Ratio: 56.7% / 43.3% Top 4 Likes: My friends go there (16.5%), Good music
www.gaycalgary.com
(15.4%), I like the clientele (11.0%), I feel safe there (9.9%)
(26.9%).
Likes Score: 96.8%
Dislikes Score: 417.4%
Top 4 Dislikes: I don’t fit in (9.9%), Too much drama
Over-all Score: -277.3%
(8.8%), I don’t feel my money goes back into the local “gay” community (7.7%), Too much drug use (7.1%)
Woodys (Edmonton) Gay/Straight Ratio: 77.8% / 22.2%
Dislikes Score: 86.5%
Men/Women Ratio: 68.9% / 31.1%
Over-all Score: 10.3%
Top 4 Likes: My friends go there (23.1%), Convenient for me
to get to (13.2%), I like the clientele (9.9%), I feel safe there (9.3%)
Junction (Edmonton) Gay/Straight Ratio: 75.7% / 24.3% Men/Women Ratio: 52.0% / 48.0%
Likes Score: 100.5%
Top 4 Likes: My friends go there (27.5%), Hosts special
Top 4 Dislikes: Too grungy (9.9%), Clientele too sketchy
events (24.7%), I feel my money goes back into the local “gay” community (23.1), Good service (21.4%).
(7.1%), Too dark (4.4%), Don’t like the music (4.4%) Dislikes Score: 60.9%
Likes Score: 225.1%
Over-all Score: 39.6%
Top 4 Dislikes: Too grungy (6.6%), Too dark (3.8%), I don’t
fit in (3.8%), Poor entertainment (3.3%) Dislikes Score: 47.8%
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Over-all Score: 177.2%
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Texas Lounge (Calgary) Gay/Straight Ratio: 82.5% / 17.5% Men/Women Ratio: 78.5% / 21.5% Top 4 Likes: My friends go there (17.6%), I feel my money
goes back into the local “gay” community (13.7%), Hosts special events (10.4%), Good service (9.9%). Likes Score: 94.2% Top 4 Dislikes: Too grungy (19.2%), Clientele too sketchy
(16.5%), I don’t fit in (8.8%), Too much drug use (6.6%) Dislikes Score: 104.8%
Over-all Score: -10.6% Twisted Element (Calgary) Gay/Straight Ratio: 56.4% / 43.6% Men/Women Ratio: 55.6% / 44.4% Top 4 Likes: My friends go there (28.0%), Good music
(21.4%), Convenient for me to get to (19.2%), I feel safe there (15.9%) Likes Score: 140.1% Top 4 Dislikes: Too much drama (34.6%), I don’t like
the owner(s) (32.4%), Too much drug use (29.1%), I don’t feel my money goes back into the local “gay” community www.gaycalgary.com
GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
21
Community
Queer Stories from the Disability Community Two groups join forces to speak out about rights for LGBTQ people with disabilities By Brett Aberle, Calgary Outlink, and The Right 2 Love Group “It’s okay. It’s actually good,” is Cool’s response when asked what it’s like to be gay and have a disability. Like Madonna or Cher, Cool from the Right 2 Love Group and from Between Men (Calgary Outlink’s group for gay, bi, trans, and queer men) is simply going by that one name for the purpose of this article. When asked what challenges he faces as a gay person with a disability, he responds “Finding a boyfriend. In the Disability Community people make fun of you [for] being gay. In the Queer Community I am made fun of for having a disability. People mostly look down at me because of my cerebral palsy.” And Cool isn’t the only one who has had a hard time finding community and making friends in the LGBTQ community. Carl, another man who identifies as being gay and disabled, says “It’s kind of hard coming out and then finding a boyfriend. You don’t know who you can trust and you live in fear that a lot of people may look down on you.” This is a common occurrence for LGBTQ people with disabilities. “I have to have a worker’s trust.” - Carl When it comes to people with disabilities dating, loving and having relationships, many parents, guardians and support workers get squeamish. Many are so squeamish that they don’t
allow the people they are supporting to have relationships, go on dates, or even attend social functions where they might find a date. When asked if his support workers were supportive of his sexual orientation, Carl said “I think so, yeah. But I am not sure if everyone knows. I have to have their trust first. I like to work with them for a while before I say anything. Not everybody is queer positive. Some people are really scared, like when they start saying gay bashing words, their use of language tells me if I can trust them or not.” Cool says, “Everyone has the right to love and it’s ok to come out to your worker if you feel they are a safe person to tell.” Being proud Carl talks about last year’s Gay Pride Parade as one public space where he felt accepted. “I’ve been to the pride parade with my worker Dale only. I am not sure if any other worker would go with me. We went to Puerto Vallarta together.” Puerto Vallarta is also a queer positive city. “I didn’t know what to expect. I would like to go again. It was easy to speak to people.” But in Calgary it is a different story, Carl continues. “I have not found support in the queer community. I’ve been to the Gay Pride Parade and that is about it. I would like to find more support places that are safe and comfortable, where I am wanted and accepted. When I am working at my job in Calgary, it’s hard to know how to act in the community. Nobody knows at work. I’m scared of coming out in case people talk behind my back or I get fired.” “The right to feel safe wherever you are.” - Frances The Right 2 Love Group talks about how your home should be one of the first places to feel safe. And yet, it is also the hardest place to be yourself. Brad from the Right 2 Love Group states, “Everyone is entitled to be our own person.” Frances, another Right 2 Love Group member, says “more help [is needed] with our landlords so that it’s okay to have a guest over” and that it is important to have “the right to feel safe wherever you are.” Carl also talks about how he lives in the basement of a shared duplex, how the two people above him have 24/7 support, and why he doesn’t want to bring people home. “I am worried about my privacy and if people will talk about me behind my back.” It takes more than a Pride Parade to be proud of being gay and disabled… Dale Dale, a support worker of Carl’s who is also gay, talks about how even without a disability, seeking support is difficult. “As a support worker who is gay, I haven’t found support in the gay community. I found the support through close friends. One of the places I noticed that is welcoming for Carl was at the gay pride parade booth where people are able to offer the support that Carl was looking for. However, even I don’t find it is very easy [to access] other queer friendly supports; I have not seen anything. It is hard to find the support unless you seek out the gay community, or often pick up a copy of GayCalgary Magazine (and you have to be able to read it). Even when Carl and I go to gay events together, I need to pay attention as some of them make Carl feel very alone. ...When I start [getting] that ‘alone feeling’, Carl may be feeling it. I then ask Carl if he would like to leave, as more often than not, he [feels] ‘alone’ a lot more than I would.” Why finding support is hard for people with disabilities Thomas Poulsen speaks from the point of view of being a support worker and a person who lives with a disability.
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
www.gaycalgary.com
“Persons with disabilities, especially those living with their birth families in care facilities/group homes and supportive roommate situations, are often not given any encouragement and support to express their sexuality. People living with disabilities are frequently judged by society and mainstream media to be asexual and undesirable. On top of this, they may be completely dependent on others to help them gain access to opportunities to meet and socialize with others who also identify as being along the queer rainbow. Maybe they have had little or no access to sex ed. If they are able to find a peer group or network, they may have difficulty participating due to low literacy, the use of complex language/jargon, physically inaccessible facilities and other factors.”
Resources When asked where they have found a community that supports their sexualities, they have some resources at their disposal, though all of them agree that there need to be way more. Here are a number of them, and more information can be found in the “Find Out” section of this magazine:
Between Men A support and social group for gay, bi, trans, queer and any other men in the community run by Calgary Outlink: Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity.
“We too are human beings who deserve to be accepted in society just like everyone else.” - Mary S.
Calgary Outlink
Mary S, a member of Right 2 Love, talks about how sometimes being labelled ‘disabled’ creates more barriers. “I am tired of being labeled and rejected from different service providers because of my disability. I wish that I would just be accepted as a person and that I would automatically get the help that I need. I think that sums up what I feel when it comes to people in the LGBTQ community regardless if they are disabled or not—they (we) too are human beings who deserve to be accepted into our society just like everyone else.”
The “Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity” offers in-person peer support, support groups, referrals, a community resource room and a peer support phone line (1.877.OUT.IS.OK). Old Y Centre (303 – 223, 12 Ave SW) 403-234-8973 info@calgaryoutlink.ca http://www.calgaryoutlink.com
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The Calgary Sexual Health Centre
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Provides comprehensive sexual health education in the public school system, counseling programs for individuals and families, and works with the disability community and the LGBTQ community raising awareness and providing nonjudgmental support. 304, 301 14th Street NW 403-283-5580 http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca
Right 2 Love Group films A community-based research project with the Right to Love Group using participatory video. Members of Right to Love created a series of short films to celebrate and advocate for their sexual rights. http://www.gaycalgary.com/u534
Right 2 Love Group Men’s Group “A social, support and sex positive group for men with disabilities”. Contact: Thomas Poulsen Mobile: 403.606.2207 E-mail: thumper1@shaw.ca
www.gaycalgary.com
GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
23
Politics
United States’ Supreme Court Enters Equal Marriage Fray By Stephen Lock As the debate around same-sex marriage continues to rage in the US, with the country divided between pro-equality states and states taking extraordinary steps, such as constitutional amendments, to ensure equal marriage cannot happen in their jurisdictions, the United States’ Supreme Court took the unprecedented step in early December 2012 of involving itself in the issue. Supreme Court justices have agreed to review two specific challenges to federal and state laws that currently define marriage as being the union between a man and a woman. Their ruling on these two areas will have a profound effect on the future of the issue in the United States. The court will review the case against a federal law denying legally-married same-sex couples the same benefits granted to opposite-sex married couples. The court will also examine the notorious California ban on same-sex marriages, Proposition 8, which was passed in 2008 by a narrow margin of the electorate. Thirty-one of the fifty states in the Union have now passed legislation and constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage. The remaining nine states, along with the District of Columbia, the autonomous region surrounding Washington, have legalized it. However, merely legalizing same-sex marriage does not assure full equality for American same-sex couples. Even where it is legal, couples are denied a significant number of federal benefits. The issue here centres around the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as passed by Congress in 1996. DOMA states that the federal government of the United States only recognizes marriages between one man and one woman, regardless of what individual states have in place. Some of the benefits currently denied gay and lesbian couples include Social Security survivor benefits and the right to file joint tax returns. Being able to file a joint tax return rather than two individual ones gives financial benefit to heterosexual couples and penalizes homosexual couples who are forced to file separate returns. The justices considered applications to hear seven cases that deal with same-sex relationships. Five of them are challenges to DOMA, one is a challenge directed at Proposition 8, and the seventh case is a challenge to Arizona’s law banning domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples. As with any decision or move by the Supreme Court - as is also the case in Canada - the justices do not explain or give reasons for why they choose to hear, or not hear, specific cases. However, this move was not unexpected. Two federal appeal courts had found DOMA to be unconstitutional and it was therefore probably inevitable the Supreme Court would choose to hear at least one of the DOMA cases. It is less clear, however, what the court plans to do in regard to Proposition 8 as it involves state rights, an area federal and federally-aligned agencies are loathe to become involved in. States have considerable more autonomy in many areas of law in the US than provinces do in Canada and those rights are fiercely defended against even a suggestion of federal interference. This was one of the delicate issues facing the Kennedy Administration in the 1960’s with the Civil Rights Movement and the dismantling of segregation. Several Southern states had laws against ‘race mixing’ in the schools and public services sector, such as restaurants and transit services, and the often violent reaction we see in old news clips from that era had as much to do with a reaction against perceived federal interference in state autonomy as it did with garden-variety racial bigotry. Despite criticisms that to make the comparison somehow denigrates the Civil Rights Movement, there are similarities between that era and the current era of Equality Rights which do exist. Certainly, while there is not the level of violence, including murder,
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
civil rights activists often experienced from segregationists directed at equality rights activists, the degree of polarization and much of the rhetoric coming from ‘pro-traditional marriage proponents’ is eerily similar to the rhetoric from segregationists and white supremacist groups of the 1960s. We also lack a charismatic leader such as the Civil Rights Movement had in Martin Luther King Jr. The GLBTQ movement, including but not confined to the movement towards equal marriage, is somewhat more fluid, not as contained or specific, if you will, as that movement. While we have our sexual orientation in common, and face the same hurdles and discrimination because of that, the GLBTQ community is a far more diverse one than the “Negro” communities of 1960’s America were. The GLBTQ community is more economically, racially, ethnically, and socially diverse than was the case amongst Black Americans prior to and during the Civil Rights movement...or since, for that matter. Most Black Americans experienced - and continue to experience - very distinct economic disadvantages due to race but also have tangible and identifiable commonalities in place that the GLBTQ community simply doesn’t. As one activist said to me many years ago, the lesbian and gay men’s community has about as much in common with each other as the smokers’ community. Since then, the concept of ‘community’ has expanded even further to include bisexuals, transsexual and transgendered and queer-identified people, all with their own agenda and concerns. Sexual orientation is not confined to any one particular socioeconomic or ethnic group and, while that is a strength in many ways, it can also make organizing a politically-charged movement a challenge. Much of the organizing done within the GLBTQ community since the early 1980’s has been - or seen to have been - around urban, middle-class, and primarily WASP (white AngloSaxon Protestant) issues. Certainly the fight for equal marriage was, at least initially, seen as a middle-class urban issue and one of the challenges faced by those of us involved in the push for equal marriage in Canada was to form coalitions with other groups within the GLBTQ community and have them ‘buy in’. Over all, I’d say we were successful in that. In Canada, federal vs provincial jurisdiction issues are far less pronounced than they are in the US. When it came to equal marriage, for instance, it was very clear the federal government could - and ultimately did - define what marriage was. The federal government was responsible for the ‘what’ of marriage whereas the provinces and territories were responsible for the ‘how’; provinces decide how marriages are performed but do not have the authority to define it. This is not the case in the US and so we have this patchwork of legal same-sex marriage in some states, legal domestic partnership but not marriage in others, permitted but not technically ‘legalized’ domestic partnerships in still others, or outright bans against officially recognizing either form of relationship in yet others. It is all very confusing, needless to say. Then, over-arching all of that, is DOMA and access to federal benefits...or, rather, the lack of access to those benefits even in states which recognized same-sex marriages under law. It is this stew of conflicting rights that the United States’ Supreme Court will hopefully address and perhaps bring some order to. The repealing of DOMA would be a major step in that direction.
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Trans-Identity
Trans Human Rights Bill C-279: Where it stands By Mercedes Allen The Parliamentary process has more twists and turns than a mangled Slinky. Consequently, there is a bit of confusion about where things stand for the federal trans human rights bill, C-279, An Act to Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (Gender Identity and Gender Expression). The bill proceeded to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST) in November, for three meetings. The first meeting heard testimony from Sara Davis Buechner, Hershel Russell, and Egale Canada on their experiences and why the bill is important. The second heard representatives from the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) and Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to clear up for once and for all the Conservative argument about the bill’s necessity. Unexpectedly, a spokesperson from R.E.A.L. Women of Canada was added on at the last minute and went on a widely-reported off-topic ramble about pedophiles. Then, when she was cut off and told her remarks were offensive, the floor was turned over to a member of the committee, Robert Goguen, who bade her to continue in the same vein for another five minutes. Fortunately, she doesn’t appear to have been taken seriously by anyone present, and committee member Françoise Boivin expressed getting “a feeling of déjà-vu with Ms. Watts. I do not think that anyone else here was at the meetings of the special committee on same-sex marriage, but I had the great pleasure to be part of that committee in 2005...” Necessity Proven The neo-conservative website LifeSiteNews attempted to characterize the testimony of Canadian Human Rights Commission acting secretary general, Ian Fine, as proving that explicit inclusion of trans people is unnecessary, quoting when he said that “strictly speaking, I suppose the legislation isn’t necessary…” But that’s not the impression one is left with on hearing the full quote, and as scuttled as the committee process became, it is worth noting what he said on record: ”To answer your question, strictly speaking, I suppose the legislation isn’t necessary, but we see other reasons why it would be important to include these two grounds under our act, and we do support them. “For one thing, it would provide the clarity that I think we believe is missing at this point, because as much as it’s true that the commission and tribunals and courts do accept transgender issues as falling under the ground of sex, parties still debate that issue before those very tribunals and courts and question whether or not transgender issues fall under sex. In one case I know of, an issue was raised as to whether or not you could even raise the issue under sex and instead should raise it under disability. “There continue to be these debates, so for clarity reasons, we believe it would be a good thing to add these two grounds. Also, as I said at the outset, it would be a recognition of the discrimination that this group faces: the sometimes hostile and violent acts that this group faces in our society. So it would recognize the vulnerability of this group, of these individuals...”
The Filibuster In the third meeting of the Standing Committee for Justice and Human Rights to discuss Canada’s trans human rights Bill C-279, the clock ran out. When a bill is entered into Second Reading, it can either be forwarded on, or be given 60 days for clause-byclause review and amendments. Thursday December 6th was the last possible day to review the bill. There would have been a way to get a 30-day extension (given that 2 meetings devoted to C-279 were disrupted by Parliamentary votes), but Conservatives filibustered the motion, by starting an hour-long debate over procedural issues (including a 15-minute time-out so tempers could subside), and the meeting ended before the vote on that motion could happen. Which bill? Because the committee process didn’t conclude, what technically happens is that the original unamended bill would proceed to Third Reading. The original bill amends the Canadian Human Rights Act to include gender identity and gender expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination. It also amends the Criminal Code to note gender identity and gender expression as aggravating circumstances to be taken into consideration at the time of sentencing. However, there were two amendments proposed during the committee process which the bill’s sponsor, Randall Garrison, is considering asking the Speaker of the House to add. One is to drop gender expression from the bill. The other is to define gender identity as “each person’s deeply felt internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth, including the personal sense of the body….” He believes that the amendments will help the bill to pass, but is also being mindful of concerns in the trans community that dropping gender expression may exclude some people from protections. There is some disagreement about what would happen if the characteristic is left out, and it is uncertain if any harm would happen. Transitioning people are mostly considered read into existing legislation already, although there is some feeling of precariousness to that, and it takes some effort to demonstrate inclusion in each case - it would be non-transitioning people (i.e. genderqueer, gender fluid or gender “transgressive”) who are most helped by the bill’s passage, but those same people are also most at risk with the omission of gender expression. Also, Bill C-279 applies to federal contractors and federal institutions. It would provide an important signal to provinces, employers and Canadians in general as well, but it doesn’t of itself provide total protection to everyone across Canada. It’s important, but not to the level of the emotional involvement people sometimes have with it. Consequently, a number of trans people believe we have the luxury of being pragmatic, taking time and seeking something comprehensive, rather than risking having to fix a flawed or abbreviated bill later. By late January, Mr. Garrison expects to know what course of action he will take with the bill. By late February or early March, it will proceed to the next step in the Parliamentary process.
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
25
Interview
Hot News for a Cold January Calgary’s own Holden Nowell Justifies his new title: Sexiest Man Alive By Janine Eva Trotta He’s a jock and a rapper; an aspiring father and a dedicated romantic. Plus he just got selected as one of People Magazine’s picks in the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ issue. One might say 2012 was damn good to model/actor Holden Nowell, and he’d agree. The Calgary born and raised model represented by Sophia Models never thought he’d be using his chiselled good looks for magazine spreads, lest they be sports publications. “How I first got into modeling it was more of just kind of a fluke than anything,” he says. “I was never too into it; I just wanted to do sports.” Nowell was first sighted in a mall by Mode Model scouts, but as he was already en route to play basketball in a Los Angeles college he thought nothing of it. “[Playing college ball] was really fun but it didn’t last too long,” he says. Less than a year into his freshman stretch, injuries sent him back home. Completely thrown off what he had bet was his path, Nowell had no idea what to do next. “Friends said, what do you have to lose – go check out this modeling thing,” he recalls. “I wasn’t too pumped on it but it was either that or go work construction.” So into Mode he went; developed a hot portfolio and “Badda boom badda bing: two weeks later I moved to New York. After that, “It all happened pretty quick,” he says. LA a year, New York a year, then back to the west coast for more shoots; the now budding model returned home to work out a visa that would allow him to continue to work in the US. And that’s when a singer by the name of Carlie Rae Jepsen, then unknown to Nowell, came unexpectedly into his life. Nowell made the switch from Mode Models to the newly created Sophia Models under the direction of Bill Giofu. “I knew Bill from Mode and always liked him,” Nowell said of the agent. He contacted Giofu from Vancouver and asked that he represent him. Nowell got a call from the agency telling him that a role in a music video requiring some acting was up for grabs, and that the singer had placed third in the fifth season of Canadian Idol. “They said this girl, Carly Rae Jepsen,” he recalls. “I had never heard of her, unlike everyone else.” “I thought, you never know it could be really good exposure.” Despite his only acting experience being some extra spots as a youth, Nowell felt good going into the audition and said he hit it off with everyone right away. “We all just jelled,” he says. And then he endeared himself unto them with his third talent and first passion: a rap. “All my homies call me H ‘cause no one can really get Holden,” he says. “H just kind of stuck. 6trey is like a play on words and an alter ego. I’m 6 foot 3.” Meaning his rap name is H da 6’Trey. I had to hear it to believe it myself, so I checked out his tunes, Hold it Down, Wutchu Gon’ Do (Gangstas Don’t Die), and Hip Hop Save My Life on his Sound Cloud site. The lyrics are pretty hard-core for the Calgarian boy we see mowing the lawn in Jepsen’s video for Call Me Maybe. “I don’t look like the 17 year old boy next door all the time,” he says. “Usually I have a beard or something.” Indeed the “Canadian Ashton Kutcher” has a completely different look as H da 6’Trey. That’s why his friends down in 26
GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
Holden Nowell, photo by Amber Morgan
the States got a kick out of the finish to the Call Me Maybe video. “Everyone got a good laugh at the end of it,” he says. “I wasn’t sold on the ending at first, but now I really like it.” Nowell says his newfound street recognition is the best part of fame thus far, though it’s not exactly on the streets where people recognize the dreamboat from Jepsen’s hit. It’s at the gym. “It must be the tattoos that people recognize,” Nowell says. Oddly, however, while modeling for a shoot in Milan the new Canadian icon enjoyed daily identification. “It was cool to get that recognition on a global scale,” he says, adding that the grandeur of the career “hasn’t been the money just yet.” Though nothing is set in stone Nowell has some big aspirations for 2013. His agent Giofu says he sees his client “auditioning for great jobs and different gigs,” and brandishing a “big campaign of some kind.” “I’m working on a mix as we speak,” he says, adding that he hopes to release an EP this year. “I’ve been doing music a long time,” he says. “I’ve been writing music since junior high and getting more serious over the last three years.” www.gaycalgary.com
It was also during junior high when Nowell first met his
girlfriend of roughly one year. Nowell attended junior high at Colonel Irvine and high school at St. Francis here in Calgary. “I’ve been in love with her since I was 12,” he says with a big smile in his voice. In addition he would love to land a movie role or TV spot, do more modeling and “just book more things”. Though he is currently adjusting to life in Calgary where his girlfriend lives, a move back to the west coast he loves so much could be in the cards. The house will have to be big though, as Nowell wants three to four kids, “when I’m financially stable and established,” he confirms. I’m sure that just as he excelled in a modeling and acting career from ground zero, so too will he excel at parenthood, a rap career, or anything else he decides to pursue this year.
Holden Nowell http://www.soundcloud.com/hda6trey
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
27
Gossip
Kirsten Dunst photo by Magnolia Pictures
Deep Inside Hollywood Viggo Mortensen & Kirsten Dunst are The Two Faces of January By Romeo San Vicente Eventually they’ll run out of Patricia Highsmith books to adapt into films, but until that day, the late bisexual author’s body of work continues to make for great entertainment of the rich-people-pluscrime variety. Currently in production is The Two Faces of January, based on Highsmith’s 1964 novel and starring Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst. Set in Greece and France, the psychological thriller concerns a con man (Mortensen) who accidentally kills a Greek police officer. The con man’s wife (Dunst) and a stranger (Oscar Issac) help to cover up the incident before fleeing the country in some really impeccable period costumes. And if all of that sounds more than a little bit like The Talented Mr. Ripley, give or take a handful of details, that’s because Highsmith wrote that one, too. The film is set for a late 2013 release. Make sure your shoes are properly shined and your necktie is knotted just-so before then. New gay HBO pilot: the names behind the camera Some people call it jumping the gun when you talk about a show with no cast yet. But when the behind the scenes people are accomplished and generate excitement all by themselves, it’s never too early to start buzzing. Proof: HBO has picked up a comedy pilot about three thirtysomething gay friends in San Francisco. Title? Not yet. Actors? Nope. But it’s from creators David Marshall Grant (Brothers and Sisters) and Sarah Condon (Bored to Death), written by Michael Lannan (assistant director of James Franco’s upcoming experimental “sequel” to the film Cruising called Interior. Leather Bar.). The pilot will be directed by acclaimed Weekend filmmaker Andrew Haigh, whose presence alone is cause for confidence. True, if you’re not already paying attention to who actually makes and produces the gaythemed shows and films you love then these aren’t names you’ll know. But you should. And if this thing goes to cable you will. Look, nobody used to know who Lena Dunham was, either.
Bravo plans to keep up with The Joneses It’s okay if you never saw The Joneses. The Demi Moore/David Duchovny comedy caper came to movie theaters and left quickly after with very few tickets sold. The story was intriguing, though. A picture perfect family moves into an upscale neighborhood and makes fast friends with families in the community, helpfully sharing tips and hints about this or that new gadget or product they happen to be using at home. And why? Because they’re not a real family. They’re actors playing a family for marketing research and development, gathering information and selling, selling, selling. Even the kids (one of whom is gay and closeted for the role) are part of the corporate brandbuilding team. Well, if at first you don’t succeed there’s always a reboot, which is just what Bravo has ordered, intending to turn The Joneses into a weekly series. No cast is set yet but the creators are adapting the scenario for the long haul. If it works it might just fill the void left behind by the departing drug-dealing-in-the-suburbs sitcom Weeds. And if it doesn’t then nobody can say they didn’t try. Twice. Pan’s Labyrinth, this time with more singing If we learned any lessons from the all-singing stage adaptations of Les Miserables and Carrie, it’s that just about anything, for better or worse, has musical theater potential. Even the Spice Girls have their own jukebox show happening right now in London. That’s why it’s not really much of a shock to hear that Guillermo Del Toro’s critically acclaimed cult hit, the horrorfantasy-historical-drama Pan’s Labyrinth, is gearing up to serenade you, monster-style, in the near future. The story of a young girl in 1944 Fascist Spain who finds a hiding place from her cruel army officer stepfather by retreating to her own fantasy world of horrible creatures, Labyrinth’s stage life has been quietly taking shape for a few years now and del Toro has already co-written the book. Meanwhile, Paul Williams and Gustavo Santaolalla (composer of Brokeback Mountain’s score) are on board to write music and lyrics. The costumes for the sheer variety of creatures alone cry out for the Julie Taymor treatment. And if and when it all comes together (Note to Smash: promote this thing!) it’ll make for a genuinely freaky Tony Awards broadcast.
Romeo San Vicente has met more than his share of monsters already.
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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Lifestyle
Cocktail Chatter Without Ice, Part 1 & Part 2
By Ed Sikov “What did you drink during the Great Blackout, Daddy?” It’s just too bad I don’t have kids! If I did, they’d ask this crucial question around the age of 6, when their dawning awareness of history’s imperative met their equally fresh-awakened interest in their father’s love of a dwinkie. Maybe it’s just as well I’m childless. In any event, Hurricane Sandy is beginning to fade into the mists of the past, but your intrepid columnist is still musing on Sandy’s effect on his cocktail hour. Hours. Days. Whatever. As you may recall, Dan and I spent the night the hurricane slammed ashore without electricity drinking Kirs Royale while fondly remembering the superb casting of the old sitcom The Mothers-in-Law, with two inimitable gay demi-icons – Kaye Ballard and Eve Arden – playing the title roles. We could enjoy the Kirs Royale only because the lights went out after we’d opened the champagne; our first round was thus properly chilled. By the time we’d polished off the bubbly, we no longer cared that it was nearing room temperature. The ensuing four nights and days without power would have been hell on earth were it not for the fact that certain types of liquor can, and sometimes should, be consumed at 70 to 75 degrees. While others were scurrying around Manhattan buying superfluous items like batteries and bottled water, I concentrated my emergency preparations on procuring enough booze to see us through the storm and its aftermath. That’s just a joke. Although Dan makes fun of the Spam I keep on hand, the truth is that I’ve kept our apartment stocked with batteries, water, canned goods, and candles and the equally mandatory liquor ever since 9/11. Only on Day 2 of Sandy did I realize that our ice supply had melted. Quelle horreur! Also: Duh! What doesn’t require ice? Well, Scotch and whiskey for starters. We had more than enough on hand to keep us toasted and toasty after the sun went down. The apartment was a little chilly without our usual central heating, but after we each had a hefty dram of The Glenlivet, we warmed up just fine. Some Scotch connoisseurs insist that the best way to enjoy the classic whiskey is not, in fact, neat – at room temperature without the addition of a mixer – but with a single ice cube. This delivery method is said to open the Scotch’s bouquet. I think they may be right, but there’s something to be said for the pleasant kick to the nose and tongue offered by plain, unadulterated Scotch. It grabs your full attention in a way that a one-icecubed drink does not. It’s like smelling salts, only pleasant. For this reason, I like to serve Scotch neat in a big-bowled wine glass or brandy snifter. Try it. Pour a healthy jigger of your favorite Scotch into such a glass. Hold it between your third and fourth fingers with your palm cupping the bowl so the heat of your hand warms the contents slightly. Then shove your nose into the glass and inhale. Ahhhhh! That’ll wake you up! Snob that I am, I prefer single malt Scotch to blends; I like the raw, individualistic character single malts present to the mouth. The Glenlivet, Aberlour, Talisker, Oban, Longmore, Strathisla, Redbreast…. They’re all quite delicious and run the range from peaty to smoky. These single malts tend to be pricier than blends. The exception is Chivas Regal, the best blend insofar as easy drinkability is concerned. (Then again
there’s the rare Royal Salute, a scrumptious blend that’s been aged for 25 years; I’ve seen it offered on the Internet for as much as $179.99. It’s not surprising to learn that Royal Salute is made by the bonnie folks who produce Chivas.) So next time you find yourself in the path of a hurricane, make sure you’ve stocked some Scotch. Ye can tell your wee bairn that – och! – ye was prepared for the blackout, an’ it dinna faze ye at all.
Without Ice, Part 2 When last we left our fearful columnist, he was attempting to transliterate his wretched Harry Beaton imitation into print. Harry, of course, is the character from the musical Brigadoon who threatens to leave the quaint, out-of-time village in Scotland and therefore bring ruin to all who inhabit it. The subject, perhaps needless to say, was Scotch – the whiskey, not the people of Scotland – and its ability to be enjoyed without that critical electricity-dependent product known as ice. The scars left by Hurricane Sandy include billions of dollars in reconstruction costs and this writer’s inability to get beyond cocktails best served neat. I was traumatized, dammit! Cut me some slack! Scotch served my husband, Dan, and me well for the second and third nights of Sandy-induced powerlessness. But by Evening Four, we’d both grown a little tired of even my favorite single malt, Talisker. I’d been careful to stock the bar in the days before Sandy swept in, and in retrospect, I think I’d been steered to the Scotch department unconsciously by the name “Sandy”: “Now all of ye come to Sandy here/ Come over to Sandy’s booth!/ I’m sellin’ the sweetest candy here/ That ever shook loose a tooth!” (Guess that musical! I’m sorry. I can’t help it.) So we turned westward to the Emerald Isle. No, I don’t mean the National Rental Car desk at our nearest airport. I mean Ireland, people! Leprechauns! The Stone of Scone! Joyce, Yeats, and Peter O’Toole! (As the great John Waters once observed: Peter O’Toole? That’s as bad as Muffy O’Clit.) Moving right along … Dan grunted unpleasantly when I suggested another Talisker at cocktail hour on the fourth evening of our forced confinement. We were down to eating unheated canned soup and tuna salad without the celery or mayonnaise. (OK, call it what it was: tuna straight from the can.) Our meal was grim, but cocktail hour was saved by the bottle of Jameson just waiting for an occasion to be opened. How I love the Irish! Scotch, Canadian and Irish whiskey are all distilled from fermented grain mash; grains include barley, rye, wheat and corn, some of which are malted. (Malting involves halting the germination process by drying the grain with hot air.) Each nation’s whiskey has its own particular taste, though, not only because the grain tastes different depending on the soil and climate of the country, but also because of differences in each liquor’s aging as well as the type of grain itself. Typically (though not necessarily), Scottish whiskey crafters use peat smoke to dry the malt; characteristically – though again not necessarily – Canadian whiskey is brewed from corn. Irish whiskey, of which Jameson is the exemplar, is generally distilled from unpeated malt and has a faintly sweet aroma and taste. It’s not as sweet as bourbon, but it’s distinctly sweeter than Scotch. Jameson, like any good whiskey, can be enjoyed on the rocks or neat. Dan and I had ours neat by necessity, there being no ice. There being no running water either, I might add, the two of us had begun to – how shall I put it? – stink. Given alcohol’s marvelous ability to kill germs, perhaps we should have swabbed ourselves with Jameson, but that would have been reckless. So we each gave ourselves a “French whore’s bath,” meaning a quick wipe-down with a washcloth dipped in the bathtub we’d filled with water as a precaution before the storm hit. Later, we got into a little – um, well – rank piggy action under the influence of the whiskey. My, my, my! Who said smelly old dogs couldn’t learn new tricks?
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
29
Out of Town Mexico City
Photo by Andrew Collins
By Andrew Collins Few places in North America are more misunderstood by U.S. travelers - and to a certain extent by travelers worldwide - than Mexico City, a dynamic and unquestionably enormous metropolis that’s incredibly rich in history, abundant with culture, blessed with chic restaurants and gay-friendly bars, and abuzz with trendy hotels. This city with a staggering metro-regional population of 21.6 million and a dizzying - to many newcomers at least - elevation of about 7,500 feet is expensive by Mexico standards, especially when it comes to international hotels, restaurants, and other establishments that cater to business travelers. But if you factor in the strength of the dollar against the Mexico peso, and especially if you venture a bit off the beaten path, you can enjoy a five-star vacation here for a fraction of what you’d pay for a comparable experience in many U.S. cities. Mexico City (visitmexico.com/en/mexico-city) is relatively safe - violent crime rates here are about what they are in U.S. cities like New Orleans and Chicago. It happens, but if you take the same common-sense precautions you would in any big city, you’ll likely feel as safe here as you would in the French Quarter or Lincoln Park. Pollution is another longtime knock on Mexico City, and it’s still an issue here, but drastic measures over the past decade to ameliorate air quality have resulted in significant improvements. Most visitors who spend a few days or more here come away surprised, if even perplexed, by the lousy and unfair press Mexico City has received over the years. Whatever the city’s risks and inconveniences, they’re greatly 30
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outweighed by its bohemian sophistication, creative energy, and friendly demeanor. Mexico City’s Key Neighborhoods For such an expansive place, it’s relative easy and very affordable to get around Mexico City. Cabs are inexpensive, although traffic - especially from late afternoon to early evening - can be frustratingly slow in central neighborhoods, and the city’s efficient, safe, and unbelievably cheap subway system, the Metro, is the second most extensive in North America, with 12 lines. No visit here is complete without spending at least a day downtown in the Centro Historico and adjoining Alameda Park areas, where you’ll find a number of noteworthy attractions. Here at the city’s main square, Zocalo, you’re a stone’s throw from the National Palace, the cathedral, the fascinating Templo Mayor Aztec excavations, the Museum of the City of Mexico, and San Ildefonso College (now a museum and cultural center with huge murals by Rivera, Orozco, and others). The neighborhood is also home to the beloved gay club, El Marrakech Salon, an extremely fun and friendly (no cover charge) space for dancing and drinking. Also worth a look is the endearingly dive-y, to the point that it’s somewhat trendy, Cerveceria Viena. Around nearby Alameda Park, you’ll find many of the top arts attractions in the city, among them the spectacular Palacio de Bellas Artes, with its glorious art deco interior; the Museo Mural Diego Rivera; and the Museo Nacional de Arte.
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Fringing the north side of enormous and beautiful Chapultepec Park, the upscale Polanco district is a favorite area for high-end shopping and dining. In the park itself, you’ll find such iconic attractions as the Museum of Modern Art, National Museum of Anthropology, Museum of Natural History, Chapultepec Zoo, and Chapultepec Castle. There’s not much of a gay scene in this part of the city, although the Friday-night party Envy (envytheclub.com) and Saturday-night fete Guilt (at Anatole France 120) are two of the hottest GLBT events in Mexico City and are well worth checking out if you like dancing into the wee hours. Hipster Approved On the east side of Chapultepec Park, you’ll find the artsy and increasingly trendy Condesa and Roma neighborhoods, which have a sizable GLBT population and enough cool and inviting bars, cafes, and restaurants to keep you busy for weeks. Condesa is well past being “edgy” at this point - it’s a certifiably gentrified, hipster-approved neighborhood with leafy parks, quite a few galleries, and an artsy, relaxed pace compared to parts of the city more dominated by skyscrapers and traffic-choked boulevards. There’s a fun gay hangout, too, Tom’s Leather Bar (which actually draws a very mixed crowd). Think of Palermo Viejo in Buenos Aires, Greenwich Village in New York City, or Kreuzberg in Berlin - Condesa and Roma have somewhat similar vibes. A short walk north, Zona Rosa contains the lion’s share of Mexico City’s gay bars and businesses, many of them along Calle Amberes and the blocks just off of it, from about Paseo de la Reforma south for a few blocks to Avenida Chapultepec. It’s reasonably safe to walk around here, but do keep your wits about you and avoid wearing flashy jewelry or attire. Top picks for partying include the drag cabaret El Butter, the adjoining bars Pussy (for women) and Gayta (for guys), the come-as-youare Nicho Bears & Bar, the stand-and-model Papi Fun, and the large and quite scene-y nightclub Lipstick - but there are many other fun options. Also check out the Thursday-night party Ken, at Chapultepec 420, on the border between Zona Rosa and Roma. Off The Beaten Path Two charming and fascinating neighborhoods that are a bit off the beaten path but right beside each other are San Angel and Coyoacan - you can reach the latter by Metro, or figure on about a $10 to $15 (20- to 30-minute) cab ride from Polanco or downtown. San Angel is anchored by charming Plaza de San Jacinto, with its famed Saturday art market and many fashionable restaurants; it’s a short cab ride from here to visit the former home and studio of Diego Rivera, now a museum. In Coyoacan, take a tour of La Casa Azul, the rambling and beautifully restored in which bisexual artist Frida Kahlo resided - it’s now a fantastic museum. It’s a short walk from here to visit the eerily well-preserved Leon Trotsky House, where the larger-than-life Russian revolutionary lived in exile, until he was assassinated - in this very house - in 1940. Walk a few blocks south of Museo Frido Kahlo into the colonial center of Coyoacan, stopping by the Mercado (a bustling market where you can nosh on delicious and inexpensive tostadas topped with ceviche, octopus, and shrimp), and continuing to the town square, which is rife with charming bars, shops, and cafes.
A few doors away, the gay-friendly brand Hyatt has entered the Mexico City market, opening the Hyatt Regency (mexicocity. regency.hyatt.com) in spring 2012 (it had been a Nikko hotel prior to this). Popular with business travelers, the 756-room hotel rises some 45 stories above Polanco, and the views of the city - in all directions - are spectacular. Marble baths with soft robes and well-designed work desks create a sense of urban sanctuary in the rooms, and amenities include a huge and well-equipped fitness center with a pool and tennis courts, plus several restaurants and bars. The service at the Hyatt is topnotch. Another Polanco favorite with discerning, design-minded travelers is Habita Hotel (hotelhabita.com), a stylishly minimalist, 36-room boutique hotel with a distinctive frosted-glass exterior. In Condesa, few addresses in town offer better access to hip shopping and dining and a more contemporary, clubby vibe than Habita’s sister, the four-story Hotel Condesa DF (www. condesadf.com), an uber-mod lodging set in a 1920s Beaux Art building that’s been given a highly imaginative and sophisticated makeover. Some rooms face the street, others a leafy courtyard. Standard rooms are a bit on the cozy side, but the sleek furniture, plush linens, and smartly designed bathrooms provide plenty of comfort. Scenesters flock here to dine on Japanese-Mexico cuisine in El Patio restaurant, and sip colorful cocktails and nibble on sushi on the fabulous rooftop bar, which offers lovely views over the neighborhood’s verdant canopy. Arty, gay-owned, and affordable, Condesa Haus (condesahaus. com) is a five-room inn that’s in the heart of this lively neighborhood. Catering to a mixed gay-straight crowd, the dapper inn is decorated with a mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings and prints, and all rooms have flat-screen TVs, WiFi, and high-end bath products. Another good value in Condesa is the quirky and historic Hotel La Casona (hotellacasona.com. mx), a rambling 1923 architectural landmark with 30 rooms done up in colorful antiques as well as modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and safe-deposit boxes. For close proximity to Zona Rosa gay nightlife, the shiny and glamorous St. Regis Mexico City (starwoodhotels.com) is a great choice, just a few blocks west of the gay bars along Calle Amberes, in a striking skyscraper designed by Cesar Pelli. The 189 warmly furnished rooms and suites are posh and spacious, starting at 538 square feet. Even closer are the Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel and Towers (starwoodhotels.com), a solid upscale favorite of business travelers with some terrific weekend deals; and the Room Mate Valentina (valentina.room-matehotels.com), a Mexico City outpost of the trendy and gay-popular Spanish brand with cool, compact rooms; reasonable rates; and a hip design. It’s right on Calle Amberes, steps from gay clubs, and a substantial breakfast is included in the rates.
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Top Hotels in Mexico City Polanco is the city’s top address for high-end hotels, especially along Campos Eliseos, where you’re steps from the greenery of Chapultepec Park and the dozens of swanky restaurants and designer shops in the neighborhood. Here you’ll find the celebfrequented W Mexico City (starwoodhotels.com), a striking 26-story tower with several trendy bars, a mod steak-and-seafood house called Solea, and an alluring spa and fitness center. Playfully contemporary rooms have huge walk-in showers with jet showers, and - provocatively - hammocks..
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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Interview Promoting their third album, just released last fall, the tightly woven semantics the band is based on are evident in the record’s tight sound. One Bad Son signed with 604 Records in Vancouver late 2010 and released the 11-track self-titled album, produced by Default drummer Danny Craig, in collaboration with Universal Music Canada. The record offers a fun listen from the sorrowful have-a-drink-inhand El Camino to the 70’s power rock feel of opening track She’s On Fire. The track that has really taken the airwaves by storm is the Bon Jovi-ish Scarecrows which hit 15 in Canada at the time of writing and is “getting played and picked up everywhere,” Volk says. The band was slated to shoot the video for the track over the Christmas holidays in aim of a mid-January release. “People have really started to take notice of us,” Volk boasts. That includes the Agency Group who paired up One Bad Son with Californian favourites Buckcherry for a tour that commenced January 4th in Lloydminster, Alberta and wraps up on the 19th in Toronto.
One Bad Son
Saskatchewan Boys, They’ve Got it Going On One Bad Son rockers team up with Buckcherry for New Year tour By Janine Eva Trotta What keeps four guys united and friendly into their ninth year of writing, recording and touring rock music together? A simple goal: to create the best music possible. Front man of Saskatoon’s four-dude rock band One Bad Son, Shane Volk, says that the musicians’ central focus is what has kept them together and amicable since 2004. “It’s kind of like we have really become over the years more than just friends and writers and cowriters and such. We’ve really become like family,” Volk says. “We learned how to fight about the real things, and egos went out the window years ago.” A necessary skill for a band that spends a great deal of time cramped in a small van on lengthy drives between gigs. Just days before Christmas Volk had 20 minutes for a chat as the band pulled into hometown Saskatoon, from Red Deer, to play the last two sold out shows of 2012. “It’s really weird trying to pin point what you like about touring because on the surface it seems like there’s so many negative aspects: being away from your family and friends, cooped up in your van; we all have personal lives too,” Volk says. “But [touring] is this great feeling of it being the four of us and getting out there as a unit.”
“We’re a good match with those guys; we don’t sound exactly like they do but it’s all good, high energy rock,” Volk says. “I’ve been a Buckcherry fan a long time, so it’s cool to start touring with some of your heroes.” One Bad Son has played with Buckcherry, somewhat randomly, twice before at two separate New Years Eve parties, but this is the first time they’ve hooked up for an extended tour together. Though Volk is the main lyric writer for the group, all four band members contribute equally to the song writing process. This has kept their creative method from growing stale or routine. “When we sit down and write, things always seem really fresh and really new,” Volk describes. “We have a loose structure to our writing. The music literally comes from everywhere and anywhere.” The band listens and gleans inspiration from a full gamut of music icons; from heavy metal to 70’s rock. Volk lists Bob Dylan, The Who, Zeppelin and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers as some of their favourites. “Our music comes from just listening and devouring as much music as we can and sitting around just playing,” Volk says. “When you get creative like that, things really just fly out of the air.” Volk keeps a lyric book with him at all times in which he jots down anything that might be useful for later. The book sometimes serves as a source of inspiration when he gets stuck. “It’s full of ideas, poetry, interesting things and even titles to songs,” he says. Volk’s clear vocals do his story telling lyrics credit. It’s easy to follow along to the melodic lines and make out every word he is singing. “I’m a history buff,” he states, adding that being real is huge in his writing process. “We don’t pretend; we wear our emotions on our sleeves.” After the Buckcherry tour winds down, One Bad Son plans to continue touring as much as they possibly can in 2013. The names of several different bands have been thrown out as to whom the Saskatchewan boys might join next, though nothing has been set in stone. “Our goal in this band has always been to get as big as we possibly can while still keeping our identity.… We always see ourselves doing bigger better things,” Volk says. That includes a dedicated mission to ‘travel the world and play rock and roll’. “People can expect to see us live a lot this year and many years to come.”
While drummer Kurt Dahl is newly married and guitar and bass players Adam Hicks and Adam Grant have girlfriends, Volk prefers the status of lone wolf when it comes to relationships outside of his band pack. “I typically fly solo; I have a hard enough time keeping my head together,” he jokes, adding though that all of the band members are especially close knit with their parents and siblings. “It’s fun out on the road,” Volk continues. “It’s all new cities, new places, getting out in front of crowds that have never seen us and winning them over. At this point in our career it doesn’t seem like the grind yet.” “We get along which is great too.”
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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Interview
Serena Ryder Stompas To The Top Singer-songwriter returns with Harmony By Jason Clevett When I interviewed Serena Ryder in the July 2009 issue I asked the then 26 year old if she pinched herself during some of the amazing experiences she had already had. Fast forward through a few years that saw Ryder open for Melissa Etheridge, appear at the Fashion Cares fundraiser headlined by Elton John, tour the world and releas her most successful album to date, Harmony. So the question had to be asked, is she pinching herself yet? “I am for sure! I would say I feel like I am reminding myself to be present a little bit more. It is easy to get lost in it all about what could happen instead of being in the moment and experiencing what is happening. Getting back in your skin and going this is where I am and what is happening. Holy shit this is amazing. That is totally where I am at right now, I am so blessed and excited about this record, the success it is having and that people are genuinely liking it. I really enjoy what I am doing right now and know where I am and am honored to be here.” Ryder spoke to GayCalgary Magazine in December amidst a whirlwind promotion tour behind Harmony. The album’s first single Stompa has been a mainstay on multiple genres of radio stations and is her most successful single so far. It is a great way to celebrate turning 30 on December 8th. “My friends threw me an amazing surprise party. It was brilliant. I am the hardest person to surprise and they totally surprised me because I have been so busy with the record. It was so awesome. Everyone says 30 is such a gigantic year and milestone, but I feel like every year can be a milestone. I am really happy about being 30 I feel almost relieved. In a lot of my teens and 20s there was far too much in my head about what other people thought. A lot of people think that way and I haven’t totally gotten rid of that but I feel more comfortable in my own skin and like I can relax a little bit more.” Ryder describes her new album as “a bit of something for everybody.” After writing 65 songs, she went to LA and wrote with producer/songwriter/musician Jerrod Bettis (Gavin Degraw, Better Than Ezra) and producer/songwriter/musician Jon Levine (K’naan, Nelly Furtado). The result was Harmony while the original songs written have been stored for future use.
“Everyone keeps saying I scrapped the songs, I didn’t scrap them! I can write over years and years and then I pick songs for certain times. I didn’t record Weak in the Knees until three or four years after I wrote it. I feel like songs are written and recorded for a reason. The songs that I wrote before I went into the studio are maybe for another record, and the songs I wrote after them all came within a period of weeks and were born together,” she explained. “I have been co-writing for years. My last record was all co-written as well. It is really important to be able to get out of your own head and bounce your ideas off of somebody else. It is easy to stay in your own head and see things your own way, it is important to speak to as many people as possible. I wrote 90% of the lyrics and melody on this record which is more than the last one. This was more of a music collaboration with Jon and Jerrod. They have a totally different style than I have really explored on my own terms as Serena Ryder. I have done different styles in other peoples bands but not my own thing. There are a lot of different styles and influences on the record. It is very high energy and honest, I poured my soul out. The thing I like the most about this record is, it is going to make you want to dance and move, it is really groovy and really great music.” People are noticing Ryder for the first time with Harmony. Long time fans are saying “finally” after years of believing Ryder was one of the best new talents in the country. Serena feels that this is the right time for this moment in her career. “Everything happens at the right time, I have felt that way my entire career. I like how things have spread out and unfolded. I have been on the road since I was 20. I am really glad that I was able to see all the different things I have seen and I appreciate it a lot more and understand the hard work that goes behind making a success as well as being somewhere at the right time and place. There are so many bands and so much great music out there and there are so many aspects as to why something
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is successful or not. It is not just a crap shoot there is a bunch of reasons why something is successful and the one you can’t help is the right time and place. I am really happy it is happening now, I feel ready for it and excited and can appreciate it. When something really awesome happens you go into fight or flight mode in your head and aren’t really paying attention but I feel like I am paying attention. This is really great and I feel like I and everyone on my team has really worked hard for it.” Some artists with a decade on the road and multiple Juno awards would be offended to be called an “emerging artist” by radio stations but Ryder takes it in stride. “How lucky am I to be the new artist again? So many people have one chance at their life and the prime years of your life, it is really not true. As long as you are doing what you love you are on the right path. I get to start over again. People always say if I could go back to when I was younger but have my experience and start again with what I know now? I feel like you can do that, it is never too late. You don’t have to be physically younger to be younger in your brain.” Serena Ryder has often been referred to as having a similar voice and style to Melissa Etheridge. It seemed like a perfect match when Ryder opened for Ethridge on a Canadian tour in 2011. The two immediately clicked. “It was something my manager and A&R guy put together. She was doing a Canadian tour and they needed a Canadian artist so it was the perfect match as she hadn’t toured in Canada for a long time. Melissa was already a fan of my music which was phenomenal and humbling. I was pretty stoked when I heard that. No way, seriously? Melissa Ethridge likes my music? That’s awesome. They wanted to put something on the radio to give it some buzz and suggested a duet. I had a song that I hadn’t recorded, Broken Heart Sun, and the lyrics really rang true to Melissa, I had written it with her producer. So she was able to hear it and put her vocals over it. It was amazing. We met each other on the first stop on the tour. You know when you meet someone and you feel like you know them already? It wasn’t, because I had seen her on TV I felt like I knew her and was comfortable right away. I thought I would be really nervous. She has turned into a total soul sister and is like family. Even when I was writing this record I was doing demos in LA and went over to her house and we swapped each other’s demos for our new records. It was pretty awesome going back and forth saying This is my new song!” The pair debuted Broken Heart Sun for the first time in Vancouver. “It was like a dream, it was amazing. That whole tour was phenomenal. It was a really great moment. The best part wasn’t on stage it was off stage, the heart-to-heart times. There is a lot of bullshit in this industry and this world and a lot of things you can believe or not believe. The one thing she told me that really struck me is that you have to love what you do and if you don’t, do something else. Those are words of wisdom that have been
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said billions of different ways but how she said it was the right way for me to hear it.” One of Ryder’s favourite places to play is festivals. She was one of the headliners of the Calgary International Folk Music Festival in 2012 as well as the CityTV New Years Eve special at Olympic Plaza. The exposure to fans who may not have heard of them before is one of the many benefits of touring the festival circuit. “It is huge because there are so many people that are going to see other artists that wouldn’t have the opportunity or interest to hear about you. I feel like if you hear something you like outside at a festival and it sounds interesting, you are going to walk towards it. You have the choice to stay or leave. It is an open come or go situation and you don’t have to feel rude about not staying on the grass outside in front of that person. It allows you the option to fully commit and see a person and really loving the show, and they can stand up and dance and see you play several times. Festivals really give the opportunity for fans to have a real relationship with you and see what you’re like in many different lights. You are walking around doing workshops sometimes. It is fun for me and I am in a good mood because I get to hang out with a shit-tonne of musicians that I love. We do love each other because we understand each other and know where we have come from. I feel a sense of comfort when I am with a bunch of musicians.” Ryder will be heading back on the road this spring in support of Harmony. After being home it will be an adjustment to go back on the road again. “We aren’t going to start touring until probably about March. Once we start touring we will be going everywhere – across Canada, the states, the UK, Australia and other different places in Europe. It is going to be a lot of fun. Canada is home so we will be back and forth here. I love being at home and that I get to have a routine. It is familiar and stabilizes me. I don’t have to prepare emotionally for something; I don’t know what is going to happen. My life has been flying by the seat of my pants, everything changes every day. …” “What I realized is I am going to take that on the road with me and have routine. I am going to take home with me a bit more when you travel the only thing you take with you is you. That is your home and you have to make your body into the best home possible. I am excited to practice that when I am touring.”.
Serena Ryder Harmony available now http://www.SerenaRyder.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3294
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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Interview
Gayby Making
Stars of acclaimed indie talk awkward sex scenes and what their film says about family By Chris Azzopardi There are lots of ways to have a baby if you’re a gay man who wants one with his platonic girlfriend. Surrogacy is one option. You could adopt. Maybe even go the donor insemination route. Or you could just get naked and stick it in. Gayby, an acclaimed indie film from writer/director Jonathan Lisecki (recently nominated for Best First Screenplay by the esteemed Spirit Awards) now on DVD, is the story of two besties, Jenn and Matt (real-life friends Jenn Harris and Matthew Wilkas), who decide to finally fulfill a lifelong promise to have a kid … by having sex together. Love at First Sight Jenn: We met during our freshman orientation at Boston University, and it was literally and completely love at first sight. I don’t mean love like, “Oh my god, I want to marry that guy”; it was like, “You’re coming with me.” He’s just one of those soulmate people that knows you. We go together really well; he’s very much my brother. So I can’t even think of him having sex. It totally creeps me out. But neither of us really can. We get grossed out. Matt: Yeah, we’re never going to have sex. That’s never gonna happen. The Real Life Jenn & Matt Jenn: I remember reading, “Jenn’s walking around the city depressed and she falls into a bush” and thinking, “I can’t wait to fall into a bush!” I thought it was this big moment, like I’m gonna fall from a cliff into a bush, and it wasn’t. I have as much fun as my character does and I work hard like she does, but it’s obviously high comedy – I’m not walking around falling into bushes. I was also a spinning instructor for years, and that is my motorbike. Matthew: We’re both really neurotic. I think we both share that quality, so I don’t think Jenn is the only neurotic one in this relationship like she is in the film.
Photos by Wolfe Video
If sex were the only option, I think I’d be able to handle it. I mean, it’s very strange. It’s obviously more an excuse to write a really funny scene than something that happens in reality. (Laughs)
Having Babies
The First Sex Scene
Matthew: I have no desire to have a baby. Jenn wants to have a baby. She always says that I’m gonna be involved in the child’s life, and I’m sure I will be. Jenn: If gay-couple friends of mine wanted me to have their baby or something – I’m not in the market to do that right now. I’m not ready to mother at this moment – but I’m not against it. I’m not even against having sex with a gay man!
Jenn: That was actually our favorite scene to shoot. It was really hard not to break. We had actually shot that scene in the short a couple of years ago, when Gayby used to be a short. It’s longer in the film, obviously, but it’s pretty much what we did in the short. I think we were just so comfortable. Matt and I travel. We’re always sleeping in the same bed. It was really easy. Like, “Oh, this is a familiar moment.” Matthew: It was a blast. There’s a comfort there that I wouldn’t have had if it were with someone I didn’t know. A lot of the awkwardness was authentic in that it was so easy to imagine how awkward it would be in real life to have to go through that, so I think part of that added to the fun of making that scene. It’s totally awkward but doable. (The shoot) was pretty casual. Jonny is one of those directors where I didn’t feel like I was under his control too much. It felt a lot looser than that. I guess for the physical stuff it would depend on the shot, like if they needed the shot of me jerking off under the sheet and Jenn’s face in the background, there was definitely a specificity to have that be done – the angle of the camera and how high my hands could jerk upward. That sort of thing. (Laughs)
Does this Really Happen? Matthew: I would say maybe, like, less than 1 percent of the time. But maybe it’s more. I don’t know anyone who’s done it this way. I feel like people are more apt to go the turkey baster method.
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Sex Work Jenn: People who say that sex scenes – at least with the gorgeous gentleman I’ve been given the pleasure to be cast opposite of – are awkward, hard and weird are lying. They’re lying because they want to be artsy-crafty. It’s bullshit. There is nothing weird about it. People were watching! People were filming! Come on, that’s great. I was given my best friend and three gorgeous men who are wonderful gentleman. Going to work to make out with someone? Not difficult. I can see the allure of the porn industry. Advice to Gay Men Matthew: My character, Matt, has it right: He suggests that he gets off outside of her and then rolls over and sticks it in when it’s just about to happen. That’s the best way for a gay man to go about having sex with a woman. It saves you from actually having to go through with it for too long. Family is What You Make It Jenn: The film is very much about the family that we create. We have our biological family and then we grow up and move to big cities, or we move away from our family of origin and we build our own little family with our friends, coworkers and our neighbors. We get to choose who we want in our family when we get older. We have the gift of choice. Just like I chose Matt, and Matt chose me. He’s definitely my gay husband. Matthew: The definition of family isn’t exclusive to just blood relatives. It’s really beyond that. I am not very close to my family, and I moved to N.Y. and I had to create my own family, essentially. That’s what the film is about. It’s about creating your own family when you don’t necessarily have one.
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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You Gotta Have Faith
Paloma Faith talks being a ‘tranny,’ her drag queen style and marriage equality
Paloma Faith, photos by Epic Records
By Chris Azzopardi Few artists these days have what people like to call “the voice.” Paloma Faith has it – a force of nature so strong that it could lift the whole world up with just one note. Already certified double platinum in the U.K., the 27-year-old British sensation known for her emo-pop theatricality recently dropped her second album, Fall to Grace, on American soil. Faith recently filled us in on the story behind that big voice, the reason for all her bear friends and why you’ll never see a Twitter pic of her stoned. GayCalgary: Are you ready to take over the States with Fall to Grace? Paloma Faith: I’m feeling really good about it. I’m really excited about new possibilities and the future and what it may bring and all those things. I’d also like for it to work, but if it doesn’t, then I’ll go back with my tail between my legs. GC: You’ve called “Blood, Sweats & Tears” your gay anthem. How did that come to be? PF: When I was writing it, I was listening to a little Chaka Khan and I was like, “I wanna do a diva-disco song that people can put their hands in the air to.” That’s what I came up with. All my male gay friends – it’s their favorite song. GC: It’s also just your gay male sensibility that you’ve admitted to having. PF: Absolutely. I’m definitely a tranny. You know, in America, that’s considered offensive to say, but over here it’s considered a compliment. I love the word “tranny” and I love calling myself one. GC: Have you gotten some flack for using that word in the U.S.?
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PF: Yeah, but I’m not changing it, because that’s what we do over here. It’s acceptable over here. We have whole nights called things like “Tranny-tastic.” I was at a festival the other day and 20 drag queens passed me and went, “Paloma, the trannies love you!” (Laughs) GC: Why do you think trannies adore you? PF: Because my wardrobe’s very similar. I love to dress up, and one of my best friends is a drag queen and he’s always calling me up going, “Can I borrow something?” (Laughs) GC: Do you ever borrow clothes from your tranny friends? PF: Sometimes, yeah. I borrowed a cape from one of them this week. I just enjoy dressing up a lot. The difference between being a fashionista and a drag queen is when you’re a drag queen, you don’t take yourself too seriously. That’s why I consider myself a drag queen. GC: What you wear, though, seems very consciously selected. Most female artists – Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Florence Welch, for instance – have very distinct styles. You do, as well. How do you define yours? PF: As Hollywood glamour, at this point. But occasionally I’ll throw in something a bit funny. Last night I went to this Amy Winehouse Foundation Ball, and I dressed really elegantly in all black and everyone was saying how much they loved my hat, which I basically made out of a net curtain and some safety pins – like what old ladies have in their house – and everyone was going, “Who designed the hat?” And I was like, “Me! It’s a net curtain I bought on eBay.” I was in my house with my stylist and he was like, “I have this dress but I don’t have anything to put on your head.” I said, “Don’t kill me, but I’ve got some net curtains upstairs.” (Laughs) GC: So you wore them. PF: Why not?
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GC: With these pop stars doing everything from wearing meat dresses to cupcakes, does it make it harder to be original? PF: It’s not something that concerns me or that I’m trying to be. I don’t think about other people. I just think about who I am and I just rely on being honest about myself, so I don’t really care what they’re doing, to be quite honest. GC: You have quite the gay fan base – and a lot of bear friends. How did you end up with more bears than twinks? PF: I think I’m looking for a father figure. (Laughs) I just love cuddling big, bearded men. I’ve got a group of bear friends called Bearlesque and they do bear burlesque. GC: Where does that big voice of yours come from? PF: I’ve worked for it. I don’t think it was something that has been with me forever. You know how when you do interviews with singers and quite often they’re like, “I was singing when I was a kid and it just came”? It didn’t for me. First and foremost I was a creative mind – an artist. And then I was doing all sorts of things at the same time, and I started to do cabaret and use my voice in it. People were like, “Oh, it’s good! Your voice has potential.” At that point it wasn’t as strong. I sort of learned. Then I started to write songs – what I was trying to say was more important than the technique side of it. I wanted to write lyrics that moved people, so it was all about the lyrics and the way I performed it on stage. In the last kind of year or so, I took singing lessons, because I just thought I should probably learn how to not lose my voice. I think you can hear the difference between the vocals on the first and second album. This album is a lot stronger vocally. GC: In the Out4Marriage video you shot, you acknowledged that everyone should be able to marry. Why is this important to you? PF: Marriage equality is important to me because everyone is entitled to do whatever the hell they want. I performed recently at a club called G-A-Y in London and I said, “Personally I don’t want to get married and I don’t necessarily believe in marriage, but that doesn’t mean that a homosexual or lesbian couple shouldn’t be allowed to make that choice themselves.” I just believe that everyone should be free to choose. If everyone can’t marry, we should just abolish marriage entirely. GC: One of my favorite lines off this album comes from “Black & Blue,” when you say, “I know people who use chat rooms as confessionals.”
PF: Do you relate to that? GC: Well, maybe. I told a friend, “I wonder if she wrote that about Manhunt or Gay. com.” Have you ever used one as a confessional? PF: (Laughs) I haven’t, you know. I’m not really that technologically minded. I probably couldn’t even figure out how to use one of those sites, so no. But I do know people who use chat rooms as confessionals. I think a lot of people do, even people in the public eye who are going on Twitter posting pictures – like Rihanna looking stoned. It’s the new thing. It’s like whispering a secret into a tree, but in this case the whole world is listening. It’s quite strange to me. I’m a bit more private. GC: You strike me as this woman who, like gay men, loves her big-voiced divas. Besides Chaka Khan, who are some of your other favorites? PF: My all-time favorite is probably Etta James. I always tell people she was my singing teacher, because I learned to sing by trying to impersonate her way of singing. I love Tina Turner, Grace Jones – not the biggest vocals, just the massive personality – and Edith Piaf. High drama. GC: Are you saying you’re high drama? PF: I think so, but I try to tone it down, because sometimes people get afraid. I am known to collapse on the floor in a writhing mess or pass out. People are always like, “Oh my god, what’s she doing?” I trained originally as a dancer and was famously told from a guy in my dance school, “The problem with you, Paloma, is you’re useless – but the other problem is, nobody can take their eyes off of you, because you’ve got something that commands attention. So now all the audience’s eyes are being drawn toward the most useless girl on the stage; you’re going to have to do something with that in your life, but I know it’s not gonna be dance.” I bumped into him about three years later at the airport; he put his bags down and went, “I fucking told you.” (Laughs) My taste always goes toward extremes. I feel like in order to find the truth you have to go to extremes – that’s just the way that I live my life. It’s just balancing between polar opposites. Mediocrity scares me. I’m so afraid of it.
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39
Bette Midler: The Showgirl Goes On
‘Miss M’ talks boys in heels, bullying and ‘bittersweet’ bathhouse days Parental Guidance photo by 20th Century Fox
By Chris Azzopardi More than 30 years have passed since Bette Midler made her screen debut as a rocker with a self-destructive drug habit. The film, 1979’s The Rose, turned the Hawaii native’s dreams, and her nights performing for halfnaked gay men at a New York City bathhouse, into a legendary and undeniably influential career in music – the title song is one of her biggest hits – and in film. Later roles would include parts in Beaches, Hocus Pocus and The First Wives Club, all of which go down as gay cult classics. A star of the stage, screen and recording studio, with numerous Grammys, Golden Globes and Emmys to her name – even the moniker “The Divine Miss M” doesn’t quite do her justice. But now that the curtain’s closed on her two-year Las Vegas spectacle – The Showgirl Must Go On wrapped in 2010 – she returns as a leading lady in her first major picture in more than a decade. In Parental Guidance, the 67-year-old plays a grandparent alongside Billy Crystal, who both try to navigate modern-day parenting conundrums when they’re stuck watching their daughter’s three kids. In this chat with Midler, she talked about Parental Guidance – including the film’s stance on bullying – and the “bittersweet” beginning of her career. GayCalgary: You share some similarities with your character, Diane Decker, in Parental Guidance. One thing I’d like to believe you don’t have in common with her, though, is when one of the kids dresses up as a girl. You would have let that boy wear those high heels, wouldn’t you have? Bette Midler: I haven’t seen it. I wasn’t in that scene. GC: The part where you and Billy Crystal won’t let the youngest boy go to school in those heels – that wasn’t you? BM: (Laughs) Oh, yes – that’s right. 40
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GC: You would have let him wear those, right? BM: What are you trying to get at? GC: That you’re a gay icon. I could see you being OK with him in heels. BM: I sort of try to avoid encouraging kids to be hustlers. GC: The movie also takes a stand against bullying. It suggests standing up for yourself and fighting back. Is that what you would tell a kid? What would your advice be? BM: I would tell them to tell someone immediately. Tell a grown-up. Tell an older person immediately that this is happening. Say, “Please help me stop this.” You shouldn’t keep it a secret. I would encourage a child not to keep it a secret and to get help as quick as they can, and if they don’t get help in one place, try to get help in another place. It’s completely unacceptable. It’s a big country and there are so many different kinds of people in this country now – and everybody doesn’t raise their kids the right way, you know? Sometimes children who are a little bit different are not considered – and they have to be! Everybody has to be considered and treated fairly. It’s just unacceptable. GC: You must’ve appreciated that Parental Guidance spotlighted that issue, right? BM: Oh, you know, Billy’s a guy with a pretty big heart, and he’s a fair-minded guy and I’m sure that was something he never even thought of not putting in. Of course he’d be a fan of doing the right thing. GC: Who came up with the singing bits in the film? You and Billy? BM: It was his idea. We had been singing to the kids to keep them entertained for a week or two. We had a big tornado scare and everyone was in the basement at one time, so we were entertaining the kids. It just sort of happened that we were
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singing these doo-wop novelty part that was exciting because songs, and the kids seemed there was nothing that they to like them. They had never were allowed to do. There was heard any of this stuff before, all this stuff about doing things so it just sort of fell into place under the radar that was also and seemed like a fun addition exciting in a whole other way. to the movie. So it’s interesting to watch. Very interesting to watch. And GC: Which songs were you I’m happy for those who are singing? happy. I really am. BM: “Get a Job,” “Yakety GC: Have you heard of this Yak” and “Poison Ivy” – the old documentary that Malcolm Leiber and Stoller catalog. Both Ingram is working on about of us are around the same age, the Continental Baths that you so that’s our childhood music. performed at? I read that he We’re very steeped in it. was trying to get you involved. GC: It was cool to see Marc BM: No, I have not. This is Shaiman’s name on the project the first I’ve heard of it. too, because you’ve worked together before. What was GC: Where do you stand on it like having him work on the new wave of gay icons? Do Parental Guidance, as well? you follow them? BM: He’s a dear friend of BM: No, I don’t. I have to Billy’s and a dear friend of say I don’t. I think that the gay mine, so when they needed community has always liked Parental Guidance photo by Phil Caruso someone to score the picture, a certain type, and there are Billy brought him up because plenty of those around. But he has such a great sense of humor. no, I don’t follow it. I do my work; I keep my head down. I have my family, and I do – it’s all fascinating and it’s all wonderful, GC: Your career started in the ’70s when you performed with and it’s a big river of life and people get on on one bank and Barry Manilow at the Continental Baths in Manhattan, where you got your nickname “Bathhouse Bette.” Do you have any wind up in another place. There are new people all the time. Paul Simon said it best when he said, “Every generation throws good stories or memories from those days? a hero up the pop charts.” So I’m used to the idea that people BM: To tell you the truth, it’s in the dim, dark recess of time. I remember I had a wonderful time. I remember I made a great come and go, and it’s always fun to watch. It makes life glittery and fun. And that’s what we’re looking for. mark. I remember that I had a lot of friends in the gay world. GC: But Adele is now considered a gay icon, and I’ve heard I mean, I remember friends more than I remember instances. you’re a fan of hers. Unfortunately, a lot of those people are gone, and I think about them often. They would’ve just been hitting their stride at this BM: I do love Adele. I adore Adele. I think she’s a really good point. It’s very bittersweet. singer and a terrific songwriter. Her voice is such a beautiful voice. And she’s funny and she’s warm and she’s all the things GC: You mention having lots of gay friends then, but I’m sure you want a performer to be. I mean, outside of who her fan base there’s no shortage of them in your life now. is, I think just as a human being she stands out. I’m really BM: Of course I have a lot of gay friends. I’m in show business! happy that she’s around. I’m really happy that she’s made it GC: Do you still keep in touch with anyone from those and that people adore her. She’s going to have a long, long bathhouse days? career. BM: Actually, most of them have passed. I hear from a couple GC: Now that you’ve made your screen return, will we be of people. My old assistant from those days is still in my life, seeing more of you soon? A new studio album? Maybe a tour? and so is my costumer. We’re still in touch and I see a couple of BM: You know, I’m listening to music. Every day I pick the girls, The Harlots, from time to time. But honestly, it’s a big, something out of the pot to listen to. I do keep very active big life and a big world, and people go off on their own and do with that part – in the songwriting world – and I’m studying what they do. Everyone tries to do the best they can. the guitar just because I love music. So I’m very interested in I will say that in the old days when all of this was all so music just as an art form, not necessarily to have records or underground, the excitement in the gay community now about to have hits or anything – just to make music. That’s never left gay marriage and coming above the ground, older people (must) me. I’ve always loved that and I’ve always loved people who are think, “Wow, look how far the gay community has come by actual musicians. I love the singers and the musicians, too. So sticking together and toughing it out.” You know, gay marriage, I’m always interested in what people have to express and the being able to adopt children, being part of the mainstream as way in which they choose to express what they have to say. So opposed to always being sub rosa – it must be so fascinating that part of me – the art part – will never leave. I do keep busy and such a strong validation. with that. GC: You’ve really seen the evolution of the gay rights GC: But you know how much we’d love to hear a new album, movement. right? BM: I certainly have. BM: Oh, you’re very kind. I’ll do my best to deliver it … before GC: You were at the forefront of it when you got your start, so the afternoon is up! where do you think – or where do you hope – the gay movement is headed? BM: I’m not gay so it’s kind of hard for me to answer that question. I watch and I’m fascinated and I’m interested. And I’m enthusiastic. I’m all those things. I try to help where I can. I just think it’s just fantastic for the gay community. Just fantastic. And I know they’re happy. I know there’s a lot of joy in the http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3297 community. I know there are a lot of people who are very, very excited about the change that all this acceptance has given View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments them. I know it’s a real thrill. At the same time, there’s also the www.gaycalgary.com
GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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Barbra Streisand: The ‘Funny Girl’ Returns
Legend talks screen comeback, being a gay icon and her own guilt trip Barbra Streisand, photo by Paramount Pictures
By Chris Azzopardi Barbra Streisand takes center stage, but she’s not busting out “The Way We Were.” Not today, anyway. The legend is promoting her first major film in 16 years at the Four Seasons Los Angeles. Her hair is perfectly coiffed and – dressed in her usual all-black attire – she’s got the off-theshoulder look going on. Hello, gorgeous, indeed. Not long into the interview, a makeup artist waiting in the wings pats any remnants of forehead sweat. You don’t let a legend perspire – and Barbra Streisand is the epitome of an American treasure: a consummate singer with a timeless mezzo-soprano; an Emmy, Oscar and Grammy award winner; and the woman who stole hearts in A Star is Born. To us, a gay icon. After a short stint of recent sold-out shows, Streisand returns to starring-role status in The Guilt Trip alongside goofball Seth Rogen – for real: Babs with the Zack and Miri Make a Porno actor – as a mother-son duo that goes road-tripping together and gets into all sorts of shenanigans. If it weren’t for director Anne Fletcher (The Proposal), who would only do the film with Babs, there’d be no movie – and, worse, no Barbra. Streisand, along with Rogen and Fletcher, sat down to chat about the reason she finally gave in (thank her own gay son for that), what she thinks of being a gay icon and how she’s managed to stay successful for nearly six decades. GayCalgary: What was it like meeting each other for the first time? Barbra Streisand: Seth sussed me out. He called people. Seth Rogen: And she checked out. This Barbra Streisand lady checked out. So I thought I’d give her a shot. (Laughs)
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BS: I didn’t know who to call. I don’t know any of those people from his movies, so what was I gonna do? No – I thought he was adorable. GC: What are you two like off set? SR: The way we talk in real life is not entirely different than our rapport in the movie. It’s a lot of me trying to explain things to her about modern times and her trying to feed me shit I don’t want to eat. BS: I was the one with the iPhone. SR: She had an iPhone before me. I was like, “I gotta get myself one of these. If Barbra can work an iPhone, it’s gotta be fun.” BS: Yesterday he asked me if I had a Twitter account. I said, “I don’t know.” SR: I showed her that she did! I change her clocks during daylight savings and all that stuff. GC: You must know a lot of gay people are going to see this movie – BS: We hope so. GC: Because Seth is such a huge gay icon. SR: (Sarcastically) I’m a gay icon? Do gay people like Barbra, too? I didn’t know that. GC: Barbra, how do you feel about the label of “gay icon” – and do you think your own son, Jason Gould, thinks of you as one? BS: He doesn’t see me as an icon. He sees me as his mother who touches his hair too much. No – I love being an icon to anybody. Equal rights, you know! SR: Yeah. Me too. (Laughs)
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Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand, photo by Paramount Pictures
GC: What did your gay friends think when you told them you were working with Barbra? Anne Fletcher: Everyone in my life is gay, but I have one best friend who has been obsessed with her since he was a child. His entire childhood was saved because of Barbra – with her music and her movies. His mom had just died four or five years ago, so for him to meet her on the movie – and her and I having such a relationship – was just full circle. GC: Barbra, how much contact did you and Jason have when you were considering the role? BS: He actually was very important in my decision to make the movie. He was recovering from back surgery, so he was in bed for a few days after, and I brought the script over and we read it out loud. It was interesting, actually. His father was in the room, too. Isn’t that funny? We were both coddling our son, so he became the audience and Jason was reading the parts with me and he said, “I think you should do it, Mom.” I really trust his integrity and his opinion. He has great taste in whatever he chooses to do. And he clinched the deal. AF: I was with you all over the world, but I love that Jason just one night says, “Yes, Mom, do it.” (I said that) for a whole year! BS: Well, he’s my son. (Laughs) GC: What about reading it with your son sealed the deal? BS: Mothers develop guilt trips. I feel guilty as a parent that I couldn’t pick up my son every day from school and bake him cookies. I know that feeling. I know that feeling a lot. Having a famous parent is an odd thing. I thought it was interesting to investigate trying to be my son’s friend versus a mother. It was a true story. It’s (writer) Dan (Fogelman) and his mother. She was a fan of mine, and Dan wrote this lovely script. It just felt like it was meant to be. Meant for me to come back to work in a starring role. It was time to challenge myself again.
Of course, I made it very difficult for them to hire me, because I kept wanting an out: “I really don’t wanna schlep to Paramount. It’s two hours each way, so would you, like, rent a warehouse and build the sets in the Valley no more than 45 minutes from my house?” They said yes. AF: I wasn’t gonna do this movie without these two. There wasn’t backup. If Seth said no, there was no replacement; if Barbra said no, there was no replacement. It was them, or I wasn’t gonna make the movie. BS: I said to Anne, “Would you make the movie without me?” And she said no. And I felt bad! Another guilt trip, right? SR: I was open to Shirley MacLaine. (Laughs) No, it’s not true. I only would’ve done it if Barbra was doing it. BS: It was great to feel wanted. GC: Who is another gay icon you want to work with, Anne? AF: I don’t really like the “gay icons,” by the way. I don’t really respond to them very well. I think Barbra is so grounded in many different things, but there’s some of them – I’m really insulting gay sensibility. (Laughs) But Liza Minnelli. I do love Liza. GC: What was Barbra like? What surprised you most about her? AF: We became friends instantly. She’s easygoing, funny, kind, strong and knows who she is. She’s unbelievably awesome. She’d tell me some of the greatest, most personable stories that happened in her life that I can’t remember one iota of. My best friend’s a little pissed about that. (Laughs) GC: I imagine directing a legend like Barbra Streisand would be intimidating. Was it? Did she call the shots? AF: It’s not intimidating. She comes to work as an actor, as an artist, and she’s been doing it for so long that all the pieces fall back into place exactly how they were. We’re all there for the common good, so she would come to work as any other actor.
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She’s a legend, so that’s a little different. But it was never intimidating, because she’s just so genuine. She had my back, and the support I had from her was extraordinary. GC: So no diva moments? AF: Never. I know we’ve all heard the stories about her endlessly throughout all these years, but I can’t say whether they’re true or false. I just know from my experience I had an unbelievable experience with her, and I would do it again. She works harder than anyone. And her brain never shuts off. That’s the only thing I would complain about! Like, “Please stop thinking for just five minutes – because I’m tired.” (Laughs) GC: Even if people think of her as a diva, this role really takes you out of that mindset. You never think of Barbra Streisand, “the diva.” AF: That’s the best compliment. I’m glad you say that. This was part of our conversation: “If we’re gonna win the audience, you have to be every mother. You have to capture the essence of moms now. You can’t be glamorousbeautiful. You have to be every mom for us to tell the story the right way.” GC: Barbra, what’s your beauty secret? BS: God, what is my secret? SR: Sitting next to me helps. BS: (Laughs) He is so funny. If you knew all my self-doubt, my god – I don’t know. Maybe I’m slightly childish. AF: Your spirit is youthful. BS: Yeah. I kind of like the child part of me. GC: What was harder for you, Barbra: the drama or the comedy elements of the film? BS: Eating steak! That was the hardest thing, I think. But no, they’re both the same. I don’t think there’s a distinction between how you play drama or comedy, if it’s based in truth. AF: This woman may not like steak, but she’s a foodie. You’ve never met a foodie in your whole life until you’ve been with Barbra Streisand. This woman loves food more than anything – and she will eat it! She’s a bottomless pit. We had many discussions about that steak scene. From Barbra’s side it was, “Does it have to be that? It seems a little gross.” GC: Anne, did Barbra ever break into song? AF: Never. Barbra will not sing. I sang an awful lot to her. But she will not sing. There’s a thing that she did in the movie that we cut out where she’d go, “Hmm, hmm, hmm.” She would do rhythmic things that she does with her voice that only Barbra 44
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can do – and I would take that as singing. But she would never do it. Never. She’s so rude. (Laughs) Give us a free concert, Barbra. She’s like, “Pay for it!” GC: You can sing, act, produce, write and direct. What can’t you do well? BS: I can’t cook at all. I mean, I would not know how to make coffee. I took cooking classes. I know how to make chocolate soufflé. Just ask me if I want to make it. I’d rather have somebody else make the chocolate soufflé – and I eat it. When I tried to cook, put it this way: It was never appetizing to eat. And the hands! So filthy with the stuff. And then cleaning up – no, I don’t like that part. GC: Barbra, you must see a lot of scripts, right? BS: I don’t. You see, everybody thinks like you. Meanwhile, I go, “Where are the scripts?” (Laughs) It’s not the same as when I last made a film. They’re not interested in love stories. It’s a different time. I don’t like it as much. GC: What’s the secret to your success? BS: Oh my god. I don’t make that many movies and I don’t make that many appearances so I ... SR: ... leave them wanting more. BS: Less is more. Maybe that keeps a little mystery or something. GC: What do you want audiences to take away from the film? BS: I want them to be moved and I want them to see themselves in the movie. I want them to get closer to their children. A lot of things. It’s a transformative kind of movie. They start at one point and are both kind of tragically alone, not finding a mate, and then at the end there are many more possibilities. Horizons open. He took me out of my shell. It’s about love. I always say it’s a different kind of love story. SR: Which to me sounds gross. BS: See where your mind goes? Always to the sexual. SR: Right in the gutter.
http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3298
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Two Hit Wonders a Musical Joyride photo courtesy of Stage West Calgary
By Jason Clevett
2008’s One Hit Wonders remains one of my favourites of the many great musical revues that Stage West has produced. The idea of a sequel – that of artists who topped the charts twice, or songs that became hits under 2 different artists – is an interesting twist that brings about Two Hit Wonders. Part of the appeal for me at this type of shows is the “ah-ha!” moment of recognition with many of the songs. In looking at the song list in the program, I honestly had no clue what some of them were purely by their name. While it still remained a mystery to me for some of them, there were quite a few songs like Spiral Starecase’s More Today Than Yesterday or Sugarloafs Green-Eyed Lady that jogged my memory. My favourite part of the first show were the novelty songs; even though Two Hit Wonders has a segment dedicated to songs like Guitarzan and The Streak as well as a Tropical Wonders section featuring songs like Montego Bay and Margaritaville, I found this didn’t quite live up to the part of the original show. Two Hit Wonders success is in the talent of the cast, in which respect it shines. The woman who escorted me to the show commented at intermission that “The cast is certainly easy on the eyes, and boy can they sing!” I whole-heartedly agree. Katrina Reynolds, Lee Siegel and Aaron Walpole return to Stage West after appearing in the revival of Jesus Christ Superstar in Stratford and on Broadway. I expect all three will be returning to www.gaycalgary.com
Broadway at some time based on their incredible talent, so this is an excellent opportunity to see them again without a plane ticket. Andrew McGillivray’s personality and charisma shines as it did in One Hit Wonders, including a hilarious take on Ice Ice Baby. Chris Sams amusing Tarzan portrayal and Daniel Greenberg busting out some Marky Mark are other highlights; plus Kraig Waye’s beat boxing segment is hilarious (just say “boots and cats, Eric”). The ladies – Elena Juatco, Shawna Van Omme and Michelle Bouey – bring killer vocals to songs like Lady Marmalade, I Will Survive and Give Me One Reason. The entire cast is awesome and they really bring the songs to life. If you haven’t seen a Stage West revue, well then you haven’t been reading this magazine. There is a reason we rave about nearly every one of them. Part theatre, part concert, part cool facts, Two Hit Wonders is a must for music lovers. So Hey There Lonely Boy, Somewhere Out There is a show that is Up Where We Belong. So Pass The Dutchie, Put A Little Love In Your Heart and Drift Away to Stage West to check it out.
Two Hit Wonders Playing until February 3rd www.StageWestCalgary.com http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3299
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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Interview
Sounds of the Night
Toronto DJ Dwayne Minard set to play Whistler Pride By Krista Sylvester DJ Dwayne Minard just might go down as the first in history to lay down some tracks with guys having sex – him and a guy he dated precisely – and it’s aptly titled “Night Moves”. “Every year there’s a new track with a girl faking a climax or you know, climaxing,” Minard explains. “I love those tracks, I grew up with those tracks but I wanted to make one of my own. I’m sure the idea has been tossed around but don’t think anyone has actually done it.” If you’re lucky you just might hear him throw it down in the darkest hour of the night at Whistler Winter Pride next month. But until then you can find the safe for work version on YouTube or the not-so-safe-for-work version on XTube – and either way it’s hot.
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So naturally, Minard took some stuff off of his own iPhone and laid it to a track. “There was this guy I was dating and he wanted to tape us having sex so I obliged and after we watched it I just looked at him and said don’t be surprised if I take this audio and make a track out of it. And you know, I just thought why not have some man on man action.” Minard says the response has been positive, even if it is more of a “bathhouse” song to set the mood than an early night club track. And if Whistler Pride in February plays its cards right, they just might hear the track there. “It depends on how dark I get to go,” Minard says. “If I do play it then it will be at the end of the set at the end of the night. If I played it at like one in the morning people would be like, what the hell is this.” But the UK house music-influenced DJ is excited about playing at Whistler Pride, which will be his first time. He was supposed to play about seven years ago but ended up in the hospital with appendicitis, so second time is the charm. “I’m really excited to perform. I’ve had a lot of friends attend and they had only good things to say. It’s going to be exciting and I’ve always wanted to be a part of it,” Minard says. Minard has been deejaying since 1990 and he was more of a party DJ spinning top 40 until he came out in 97’ and switched to house music. And it has been going strong ever since. “It’s blown up since then and I love what I do. You get the right crowd, the right venue and the right people and they go crazy. Gay men love their house music.” Whistler Winter Pride guests can expect Minard to play really fun, really sexy house music – with some anthems thrown in for good measure – on February 8th when the spinster headlines “Furrocious.”
DJ Dwayne Minard http://www.gaycalgary.com/u527 Night Moves on XTube http://www.gaycalgary.com/u520 http://www.gaycalgary.com/a3300
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Photography ISCCA - BS at The Backlot
ISCCA - A Royal Christmas Time
http://gaycalgary.com/pa367
http://gaycalgary.com/pa366
ARGRA 2012 Christmas Dinner http://gaycalgary.com/pa365
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www.gaycalgary.com
Photography Jingle Balls at Cowboys Nightclub Calgary http://gaycalgary.com/pa368
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Photography ISCWR - Miss Mary Christmas Pageant at Flash photos by B&J
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Photography ISCWR - NYE Gala photos by B&J
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Justine was kicked out by her parents when she was 18 years old because of her sexuality. She says she was lucky to hit the ground running as she was taken in by a group of people that she says were amazing to her, and kept her out of trouble. They got her hooked on volunteering, and also encouraged her to speak out and be vocal about her opinions, perspectives, values, and what she believes in.
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Today, Justine is 21, and has lived in her own place in Inglewood for over a year now. She earns her living at Community Natural Foods, and just started school in September. She has been dating her girlfriend for nearly a year. Justine is very involved in Calgary’s LGBT community. She is currently co-chair for the Miscellaneous Youth Network, facilitator for Mosaic Youth Group, and handles communications for the Fake Mustache drag king troupe. On top of all that, you can catch her at Fake Mustache shows performing under the Drag name Sid E. Slicker. For more photos visit: http://gaycalgary.com/pa371
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Directory & Events 24
DOWNTOWN CALGARY
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59 34
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36
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60
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13
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Calgary Outlink---------- Community Groups Aids Calgary------------- Community Groups Backlot------------------------Bars and Clubs Texas Lounge-----------------Bars and Clubs Goliath’s--------------------------Bathhouses
13 Westways Guest House----Accommodations 16 Priape Calgary----------------- Retail Stores 24 Courtney Aarbo-----------------------Services 33 Twisted Element--------------Bars and Clubs 34 Vertigo Mystery Theatre------------- Theatre
FIND OUT!
One Yellow Rabbit-------------------- Theatre ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects-------- Theatre Pumphouse Theatre----------------- Theatre La Fleur------------------------- Retail Stores Lisa Heinricks--------- Theatre and Fine Arts
CALGARY
LGBT Community Directory GayCalgary Magazine is the go-to source for information about Alberta LGBT businesses and community groups—the most extensive and accurate resource of its kind! This print supplement contains a subset of active community groups and venues, with premium business listings of paid advertisers.
✰....... Find our Magazine Here
35 36 37 41 43
......... Wheelchair Accessible
Accommodations 13 Westways Guest House------------------- ✰ 216 - 25th Avenue SW 403-229-1758 1-866-846-7038 westways@shaw.ca www.gaywestways.com
Bars & Clubs 3 Backlot---------------------------------- ✰ 209 - 10th Ave SW 403-265-5211 Open 7 days a week, 2pm-close
Spot something inaccurate or outdated? Want your business or organization listed? We welcome you to contact us!
60 Cowboys Nightclub------------------------ 421 12th Avenue SE
403-543-6960 1-888-543-6960 magazine@gaycalgary.com
424a - 8th Ave SE
Calgary Eagle Inc. (CLOSED) Club Sapien (CLOSED)
1140 10th Ave SW
Local Bars, Restaurants, and Accommodations info on the go! http://www.gaycalgary.com/Directory
Browse our complete directory of over 650 gay-frieindly listings! www.gaycalgary.com
5 Texas Lounge------------------------------ ✰ 308 - 17 Ave SW 403-229-0911 www.goliaths.ca Open 7 days a week, 11am-close 33 Twisted Element--------------------------- ✰ 1006 - 11th Ave SW 403-802-0230 www.twistedelement.ca Dance Club and Lounge.
59 East Village Bistro 2nd floor, 610 - 8 Avenue SE Restaurant and lounge.
Bathhouses/Saunas 6 Goliaths------------------------------------ ✰ 308 - 17 Ave SW 403-229-0911 www.goliaths.ca Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Community Groups 2 AIDS Calgary-------------------------- 110, 1603 10th Avenue SW 403-508-2500 info@aidscalgary.org www.aidscalgary.org
✰
Alberta Society for Kink
403-398-9968 albetasocietyforkink@hotmail.com http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/ group.albertasocietyforkink
Apollo Calgary - Friends in Sports
FAB (CLOSED)
1742 - 10th Ave SW
http://www.gaycalgary.com/CalgaryTravelRSS http://www.gaycalgary.com/EdmontonTravelRSS
58 Theatre Junction--------------------- Theatre 59 East Village Bistro------------Bars and Clubs 60 Cowboys Nightclub-----------Bars and Clubs
www.apollocalgary.com www.myapollo.com A volunteer operated, non-profit organization serving primarily members of the LGBT communities but open to all members of all communities. Primary focus is to provide members with well-organized and fun sporting events and other activities.
• Western Cup 31
www.westerncup.com
GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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Directory & Events Calgary Events
Wednesdays
Mondays At 6 Goliaths
Bonasera (1204 Edmonton Tr. NE) See 1 Calgary Outlink See
Apollo Calgary
Calgary Networking Club-------------- 5-7pm See 1 Calgary Outlink
1st
Student Night------------------------ 6pm-6am At 6 Goliaths
Church Service---------------------------- 4pm
Rec Volleyball--------------------------- 7-9pm
Swim Practice (June)------------------- 5-6pm
See 1 Calgary Outlink
Mosaic Youth Group-------------------- 7-9pm
See
Thursdays
Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW
Flashlight Night--------------------- 6pm-6am
Saturdays
Women’s Volleyball---------------- 7-8:30pm
Lesbian Seniors--------------------------- 2pm
Tuesdays
Heading Out----------------------- 8pm-10pm
Student Night------------------------ 6pm-6am Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW)
Yoga----------------------------- 7:40-9:15pm
Int/Comp Volleyball----------- 12:15-1:45pm
See 1 Calgary Outlink
Prime Timers Calgary
At 6 Goliaths
Inside Out Youth Group---------------- 7-9pm
New Directions-------------------------- 7-9pm
Pool Night----------------------------- Evening
Knox United Church
At 59 Village Bistro with
ASK Meet and Greet---------------- 7-9:30pm
Worship Services------------------------- 11am
See 1 Calgary Outlink
See
Buddy Night------------------------- 6pm-6am
Womynspace---------------------------- 7-9pm
Communion Service----------------- 12:10pm
Kerby Center, Sunshine Room 1133 7th Ave SW
3rd
2nd 3rd 4th
Apollo Calgary
Alcoholics Anonymous-------------------- 8pm
Running----------------------------------- 9am
Uniform Night----------------------- 6pm-6am
By
Swim Practice (June)------------ 7:30-8:30pm
By Prime Timers Calgary Midtown Co-op (1130 - 11th Ave SW)
At 6 Goliaths
Apollo
Coffee------------------------------------ 10am
Between Men--------------------------- 7-9pm
By Different Strokes SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW)
Bootcamp--------------------------- 7-8:30pm
Bootcamp------------------------------- 7-8pm
See
Karaoke------------------------------ 8pm-1am
Lesbian Meetup Group------------- 7:30-9pm
Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW
See 1 Calgary Outlink See
2nd, 4th
Apollo Calgary
At 5 Texas Lounge
Fetish Slosh---------------------------- Evening At 3 Backlot
2nd
Alcoholics Anonymous-------------------- 8pm Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW
See
Curling------------------------- 2:20 & 4:30pm
Apollo Calgary
At 1 Calgary Outlink
1st
Alcoholics Anonymous-------------------- 8pm
Apollo Calgary
See See
Knox United Church
Apollo Calgary
Rainbow Community Church
By Different Strokes SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW) At 6 Goliaths See
Apollo Calgary
Thursday, January 24th
Town Hall Meeting------------------- 6-10pm By
ARGRA at The Old Y (223 12 Ave SW )
Saturday, January 26th Sleigh Ride--------------------- 12:30-5pm By ARGRA at Anchor D Ranch
Alcoholics Anonymous-------------------- 8pm
Wednesday, January 30th
Sundays
Next Drag Superstar------------------- 8pm By ARGRA at 60 Cowboys Nightclub March 2013
Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance) 1227 Kensington Close NW
Worship Time---------------------------- 10am
Karaoke-------------------------------- Evening
Worship------------------------------ 10:30am
Off White Dance----------------------- 8pm By ARGRA Mar16 Arrata Opera Centre (1315 - 7 Street SW)
Fridays
Sunday Services--------------------- 10:45am
Western Cup------------------------- All Day By Apollo Calgary Mar2830
See
At 3 Backlot
Illusions------------------------------- 7-10pm See 1 Calgary Outlink
See See
Deer Park United Church Scarboro United Church Hillhurst United Church
1st
Legend: = Monthly Reoccurrance, = Date (Range/Future), = Sponsored Event
Calgary Contd. • Badminton (Absolutely Smashing)
See
• Squash
http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca A pro-choice organization that believes all people have the right and ability to make their own choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
• DVD Resource Library
Platoon FX, 1351 Aviation Park NE bootcamp@apollocalgary.com
• Tennis
• Bowling (Rainbow Riders League)
• Volleyball (Beach)
http://www.gayfriendsincalgary.ca Organizes and hosts social activities catered to the LGBT people and friends.
beachvb@apollocalgary.com
1 Calgary Outlink---------------------------- ✰ Old Y Centre (303 – 223, 12 Ave SW) 403-234-8973 info@calgaryoutlink.ca http://www.calgaryoutlink.com
• Volleyball (Competitive)
• Peer Support and Crisis Line
6020 - 4 Avenue NE badminton@apollocalgary.com
• Boot Camp
Let’s Bowl (2916 5th Avenue NE) bowling@apollocalgary.com
• Curling
North Hill Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street NW) curling@apollocalgary.com
• Golf
golf@apollocalgary.com
Mount Royal University Recreation squash@apollocalgary.com All skill levels welcome. tennis@apollocalgary.com
vb@apollocalgary.com
recvb@apollocalgary.com
• Yoga
• Lawn Bowling
Robin: 403-618-9642 yoga@apollocalgary.com
• Outdoor Pursuits
www.argra.org
lawnbowling@apollocalgary.com outdoorpursuits@apollocalgary.com If it’s done outdoors, we do it. Volunteer led events all summer and winter. Hiking, camping, biking, skiing, snow shoeing, etc. Sign up at myapollo.org to get updates on the sport you like. We’re always looking for people to lead events.
• Running (Calgary Frontrunners)
YMCA Eau Claire (4th St, 1st Ave SW) calgaryfrontrunners@shaw.ca East Doors (directly off the Bow river pathway). Distances vary from 8 km - 15 km. Runners from 6 minutes/mile to 9+ minute miles.
• Slow Pitch
Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA)
• Monthly Dances----------------------------- Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association 1320 - 5th Avenue NW
Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre
77 Deerpoint Road SE http://www.dpuc.ca
Calgary Men’s Chorus
http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org
FairyTales Presentation Society
Temple B’Nai Tikvah, 900 - 47 Avenue SW 304, 301 14th Street NW 403-283-5580
GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
403-278-8263
Different Strokes
http://www.calgarymenschorus.org
✰
403-244-1956 http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com Alberta Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
Gay Friends in Calgary
Girl Friends
girlfriends@shaw.ca members.shaw.ca/girlfriends
Girlsgroove
http://www.girlsgroove.ca
Hillhurst United Church
1227 Kensington Close NW (403) 283-1539 office@hillhurstunited.com www.hillhurstunited.com
HIV Peer Support Group
403-230-5832 hivpeergroup@yahoo.ca
ISCCA Social Association
Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW)
calgaryfathers@hotmail.com http://www.calgarygayfathers.ca Peer support group for gay, bisexual and questioning fathers. Meeting twice a month.
Calgary Sexual Health Centre---------
• Calgary Lesbian Ladies Meet up Group • Between Men and Between Men Online • Heading Out • Illusions Calgary • Inside Out • New Directions • Womynspace Calgary Queer Book Club
Calgary Gay Fathers
• Rehearsals
slow.pitch@apollocalgary.com
56
1-877-OUT-IS-OK (1-877-688-4765) Front-line help service for GLBT individuals and their family and friends, or anyone questioning their sexuality.
• Volleyball (Recreational)
Over a hundred titles to choose from. Annual membership is $10.
http://www.iscca.ca Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch. Charity fundraising group..
Knox United Church
506 - 4th Street SW 403-269-8382 http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church located in downtown Calgary. A variety of facility rentals are also available for meetings, events and concerts.
Lesbian Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/CalgaryLesbian Monthly events planned for Queer women over 18+ such
www.gaycalgary.com
Directory & Events Calgary Contd. as book clubs, games nights, movie nights, dinners out, and volunteering events.
Miscellaneous Youth Network
http://www.miscyouth.com
Room 201, 420 - 9th Ave SE 403-410-1180 Mon-Fri: 1pm-5pm
• Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre
Restaurants
• Fake Mustache • Mosaic Youth Group
1213 - 4th Str SW 403-955-6014 Sat-Thu: 4:15pm-7:45pm, Fri: Closed
Calgary Eagle Inc. (CLOSED)
See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.
The Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW) For queer and trans youth and their allies.
• Safeworks Van
See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.
Mystique
• Coffee Night
Good Earth Cafe (1502 - 11th Street SW)
NETWORKS
networkscalgary@gmail.com A social, cultural, and service organization for the mature minded and “Plus 40” LGBT individuals seeking to meet others at age-appropriate activities within a positive, safe environment.
Parents for Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Sean: 403-695-5791 http://www.pflagcanada.ca A registered charitable organization that provides support, education and resources to parents, families and individuals who have questions or concerns about sexual orientation or gender identity.
Positive Space Committee
4825 Mount Royal Gate SW 403-440-6383 http://www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace Works to raise awareness and challenge the patterns of silence that continue to marginalize LGBTTQ individuals.
Pride Calgary Planning Committee
www.pridecalgary.ca
Primetimers Calgary
primetimerscalgary@gmail.com http://www.primetimerscalgary.com Designed to foster social interaction for its members through a variety of social, educational and recreational activities. Open to all gay and bisexual men of any age, respects whatever degree of anonymity that each member desires.
Queers on Campus---------------------
279R Student Union Club Spaces, U of C 403-220-6394 http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass Formerly GLASS - Gay/Lesbian Association of Students and Staff.
✰
• Coffee Night
2nd Cup, Kensington
Safety Under the Rainbow
www.sutr.ca A collaborative effort dedicated to building capacity and acting as a voice for the LGBTQ community, service providers, organizations and the community at large to address violence. For same-sex domestic violence information, resources and a link to our survey please see our website.
Scarboro United Church
134 Scarboro Avenue SW 403-244-1161 www.scarborounited.ab.ca An affirming congregation—the full inclusion of LGBT people is essential to our mission and purpose.
Sharp Foundation
403-272-2912 sharpfoundation@nucleus.com http://www.thesharpfoundation.com
Unity Bowling
Let’s Bowl (2916 - 5th Ave NE) sundayunity@live.com
Wild Rose United Church
1317-1st Street NW
www.gaycalgary.com
Theatre & Fine Arts
FAB (CLOSED)
See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.
36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects 403-294-7402 http://www.ATPlive.com
59 East Village Bistro 2nd floor, 610 - 8 Avenue SE Restaurant and lounge.
AXIS Contemporary Art--------------------
107, 100 - 7 Ave SW rob@axisart.ca
Retail Stores Adult Depot-----------------------------
✰
140, 58th Ave SW 403-258-2777 Gay, bi, straight video rentals and sex toys. 41 La Fleur------------------------------------ 103 - 100 7th Avenue SW 403-266-1707 Florist and Flower Shop.
The Naked Leaf----------------------------
305 10th Street NW http://www.thenakedleaf.ca Organic teas and tea ware.
403-283-3555
16 Priape Calgary------------------------- ✰ 1322 - 17 Ave SW 403-215-1800 http://www.priape.com Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, movies and magazines. Gifts.
Services & Products Calgary Civil Marriage Centre
403-246-4134 (Rork Hilford) MarriageCommissioner@shaw.ca Marriage Commissioner for Alberta (aka Justice of the Peace - JP), Marriage Officiant, Commissioner for Oaths. 24 Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors) 1138 Kensington Road NW 403-571-5120 http://www.courtneyaarbo.ca GLBT legal services.
Fairytales
Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors)
403-461-9195 http://www.lornedoucette.com
MFM Communications
403-543-6970 1-877-543-6970 http://www.mfmcommunications.com Web site hosting and development. Computer hardware and software.
SafeWorks
Camp fYrefly
7-104 Dept. of Educational Policy Studies Faculty of Education, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5 http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca
Edmonton Prime Timers
43 Lisa Heinricks (Artist)--------------------- Art Central, 100 7th Ave SW, lower level http://www.creamydreamy.com 35 One Yellow Rabbit------------------------- Big Secret Theatre - EPCOR CENTRE 403-299-8888 www.oyr.org
edmontonpt@yahoo.ca www.primetimersww.org/edmonton Group of older gay men and their admirers who come from diverse backgrounds but have common social interests. Affiliated with Prime Timers World Wide.
Edmonton Rainbow Business Association
37 Pumphouse Theatre------------------ 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW 403-263-0079 http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca
✰
3379, 11215 Jasper Ave 780-429-5014 http://www.edmontonrba.org Primary focus is the provision of networking opportunities for LGBT owned or operated and LGBT-friendly businesses in the Edmonton region.
Stagewest-------------------------------
✰
5 The Junction 780-387-3343 groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions
58 Theatre Junction---------------------- Theatre Junction GRAND, 608 1st St. SW 403-205-2922 info@theatrejunction.com http://www.theatrejunction.com
✰
Edmonton Illusions Social Club
727 - 42 Avenue SE 403-243-6642 http://www.stagewestcalgary.com
34 Vertigo Mystery Theatre------------------ 161, 115 - 9 Ave SE 403-221-3708 http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com
EDMONTON Bars & Clubs 6 Buddy’s Nite Club------------------------- ✰ 11725 Jasper Ave 780-488-6636 14 FLASH-------------------------------------- ✰ 10018 105 Street 780-938-2941 flashnightclub@hotmail.com
The Junction (CLOSED)
10242 106th St
12 Woody’s------------------------------------ ✰ 11725 Jasper Ave 780-488-6557
Bathhouses/Saunas 11 Steamworks------------------------------- ✰ 11745 Jasper Ave 780-451-5554 http://www.steamworksedmonton.com
Community Groups
Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing.
• Calgary Drop-in Centre
Room 117, 423 - 4th Ave SE 403-699-8216 Mon-Fri: 9am-12pm, Sat: 12:15pm-3:15pm
780-471-6993 http://www.bucknakedboys.ca Naturism club for men—being social while everyone is naked, and it does not include sexual activity. Participants do not need to be gay, only male.
Edmonton Pride Festival Society (EPFS)
Jubilations Dinner Theatre
DevaDave Salon & Boutique
Jim Duncan: 403-978-6600 Residential cleaning. Free estimates.
Book Worm’s Book Club
Howard McBride Chapel of Chimes 10179 - 108 Street bookworm@teamedmonton.ca
http://www.edmontonpride.ca
Bow Trail and 37th St. SW 403-249-7799 www.jubilations.ca
Cruiseline
Duncan’s Residential Cleaning
403-262-3356 www.axisart.ca
See Calgary - Community Groups.
403-777-9494 trial code 3500 http://www.cruiseline.ca Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY. 810 Edmonton Trail NE 403-290-1973 Cuts, Colour, Hilights.
info@altview.ca www.altview.ca For gender variant and sexual minorities.
Buck Naked Boys Club
403-850-3755 Sat-Thu: 8pm-12am, Fri: 4pm-12am
Club Sapien (CLOSED)
mystiquesocialclub@yahoo.com Mystique is primarily a Lesbian group for women 30 and up but all are welcome.
403-797-6564
• Centre of Hope
“Yeah...What She Said!” Radio Show
CJSW 90.9 FM yeahwhatshesaid@gmail.com
Alberta Bears
www.beefbearbash.com
AltView Foundation
#44, 48 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB 403-398-9968
4 Edmonton STD 11111 Jasper Ave
Edmonton Vocal Minority
780-479-2038 www.evmchoir.com
sing@evmchoir.com
GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club
780-474-8240
tuff@shaw.ca
HIV Network Of Edmonton Society----
✰
9702 111 Ave NW 780-488-5742 www.hivedmonton.com Provides healthy sexuality education for Edmonton’s LGBT community and support for those infected or affected by HIV.
InQueeries
inqueeries@gmail.com Student-run GLBTQ Alliance at MacEwan University.
Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose
http://www.iscwr.ca
Living Positive Society of Alberta
#50, 9912 - 106 Street 780-423-3737 http://www.facebook.com/LivingPoz Living Positive through Positive Living.
Men’s Games Nights
Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street) 780-474-8240 tuff@shaw.ca
OUTreach
University of Alberta, basement of SUB outreach@ualberta.ca http://www.ualberta.ca/~outreach Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender/transsexual, Queer, Questioning and Straight-but-not-Narrow student group.
Pride Centre of Edmonton-------------
✰
10608 - 105 Ave 780-488-3234 admin@pridecentreofedmonton.org http://www.pridecentreofedmonton.org Tue-Fri 12pm-9pm, Sat 2pm-6:30pm We provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental
GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
57
Directory & Events DOWNTOWN EDMONTON
11 6 12
N
4 14
4 Edmonton STD---------- Community Groups 6 Buddy’s Nite Club------------Bars and Clubs
Edmonton Events Boot Camp------------------------------ 7-8pm Team Edmonton
TTIQ------------------------------------- 7-9pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
1st, 3rd
HIV Support Group--------------------- 7-9pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
2nd
QH Youth Drop-in---------------------- 3-8pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
Martial Arts--------------------- 7:30-8:30pm Team Edmonton
Swim Practice------------------- 7:30-8:30pm See
Counseling---------------------- 5:30-8:30pm
Martial Arts--------------------- 7:30-8:30pm
Knotty Knitters-------------------------- 6-8pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
QH Craft Night-------------------------- 6-8pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
Cycling--------------------------- 6:30-7:30pm See
Team Edmonton
Team Edmonton
Yoga--------------------------------- 7:30-8pm See
Tuesdays
See
14 FLASH-------------------------Bars and Clubs
See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
Mondays See
11 Steamworks----------------------Bathhouses 12 Woody’s-----------------------Bars and Clubs
Team Edmonton
See
Fridays
Men Talking with Pride---------------- 7-9pm
QH Anime Night------------------------ 6-8pm
Ballroom Dancing-------------- 7:30-8:30pm
Movie Night----------------------------- 6-9pm
Monthly Meetings--------------------- 2:30pm
See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
See
Team Edmonton
See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton See
BookWorm’s Book Club
2nd, 4th 3rd
See
Men’s Games Nights
2nd, Last
Youth Understanding Youth
See
Buck Naked Boys Club
2nd
QH Youth Drop-in------------------ 2-6:30pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
Monthly Meeting---------------------- 2:30pm By Edmonton Primetimers Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street
• Queer HangOUT: Craft Night
• Counselling
Come and watch ALL the anime until your heart is content.
Come OUT and embrace your creative side in a safe space.
• Queer HangOUT: Anime Night • TTIQ
A support and information group for all those who fall under the transgender umbrella and their family or supporters.
• Women’s Social Circle
andrea@pridecentreofedmonton.org Women’s Social Circle: A social support group for all female-identified persons over 18 years of age in the GLBT community - new members are always welcome.
Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton
robwells780@hotmail.com Support & social group for gay & bisexual men to discuss current issues.
780-474-8240 tuff@shaw.ca
• Movie Night
president@teamedmonton.ca http://www.teamedmonton.ca Members are invited to attend and help determine the board for the next term. If you are interested in running for the board or getting involved in some of the committees, please contact us.
Movie Night is open to everyone! Come over and sit back, relax, and watch a movie with us.
• Queer HangOUT: Game Night
Come OUT with your game face on and meet some awesome people through board game fun.
58
Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street) See Edmonton Primetimers
2nd
Friday, January 11th By
ISCWR at 14 Flash
2nd
Starlite Room (10030 102 Street NW)
Turnabout--------------------------------- 9pm By ISCWR Mercury Room (10575 114 Street) Saturday, February 2nd
Together 2013---------------------------- 9pm Starlite Room (10030 102 Street NW)
Legend: = Monthly Reoccurrance, = Date (Range), = Sponsored Event
drop-in space, and offer support programs and resources for members of the GLBTQ community and for their families and friends.
• Men Talking with Pride
Team Edmonton
Team Edmonton
Edmonton Contd.
Come knit and socialize in a safe and accepting environment - all skill levels are welcome.
See
Big Gay White Party---------------------- 9pm
Naturalist Gettogether
See
• Knotty Knitters
See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
Saturdays
QH Game Night------------------------ 6-8pm
See
Bowling----------------------------------- 5pm
huges@shaw.ca Support and discussion group for gay men.
Team Edmonton
QH Youth Drop-in---------------------- 3-8pm
Saturday, January 19th
Book Club----------------------------- 7:30pm
• HIV Support Group
Team Edmonton
Yoga--------------------------------- 2-3:30pm
Trippin Into the Sixties-----------------------9pm
Youth Understanding Youth
Youth Sports/Recreation----------------- 4pm
780.488.3234 Free, short-term counselling provided by registered counsellors.
See
Youth Sports/Recreation----------------- 4pm
See
Women’s Social Circle------------------ 6-9pm
See 1 Youth Understanding Youth
Team Edmonton
Youth Sports/Recreation----------------- 4pm
See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
QH Youth Drop-in---------------------- 3-8pm See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
See
Sundays
Running------------------------------ 10-11am
Men’s Games Nights-------------- 7-10:30pm
Swim Practice--------------------------- 7-8pm
GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club
Intermediate Volleyball-------- 7:30-9:30pm
See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
Thursdays
GLBTQ Bowling------------------ 1:30-3:30pm See
Team Edmonton
QH Youth Drop-in---------------------- 3-8pm
See 1 Pride Centre of Edmonton
Wednesdays
See
Team Edmonton
GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
• Badminton (Mixed)
St. Thomas Moore School, 9610 165 Street coedbadminton@teamedmonton.ca New group seeking male & female players.
• Badminton (Women’s)
Oliver School, 10227 - 118 Street 780-465-3620 badminton@teamedmonton.ca Women’s Drop-In Recreational Badminton. $40.00 season or $5.00 per drop in.
•Ballroom Dancing
Foot Notes Dance Studio, 9708-45 Avenue NW Cynthia: 780-469-3281
• Curling with Pride
Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW curling@teamedmonton.ca
• Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders) Dawson Park, picnic shelter cycling@teamedmonton.ca
• Dragon Boat (Flaming Dragons) dragonboat@teamedmonton.ca
• Golf
golf@teamedmonton.ca
• Gymnastics, Drop-in
Garneau Elementary School 10925 - 87 Ave bootcamp@teamedmonton.ca
Ortona Gymnastics Club, 8755 - 50 Avenue gymnastics@teamedmonton.ca Have the whole gym to yourselves and an instructor to help you achieve your individual goals. Cost is $5.00 per session.
• Bowling (Northern Titans)
• Hockey
• Blazin’ Bootcamp
Ed’s Rec Room (West Edmonton Mall) bowling@teamedmonton.ca $15.00 per person.
• Cross Country Skiing
crosscountry@teamedmonton.ca
hockey@teamedmonton.ca
• Martial Arts
15450 - 105 Ave (daycare entrance) 780-328-6414 kungfu@teamedmonton.ca kickboxing@teamedmonton.ca Drop-ins welcome.
www.gaycalgary.com
Directory & Events Red Deer Events Wednesdays
LGBT Coffee Night------------------------ 7pm See
CAANS
1st
Edmonton Contd. • Outdoor Pursuits
outdoorpursuits@teamedmonton.ca
• Running (Arctic Frontrunners)
Kinsmen Sports Centre running@teamedmonton.ca All genders and levels of runners and walkers are invited to join this free activity.
• Slo Pitch
Parkallen Field, 111 st and 68 ave slo-pitch@teamedmonton.ca Season fee is $30.00 per person. $10 discount for players from the 2008 season.
• Snowballs V
January 27-29, 2012 snowballs@teamedmonton.ca Skiing and Snowboarding Weekend.
• Soccer
soccer@teamedmonton.ca
• Spin
MacEwan Centre for Sport and Wellness 109 St. and 104 Ave Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45pm Season has ended. spin@teamedmonton.ca 7 classes, $28.00 per registrant.
• Swimming (Making Waves) NAIT Pool (11762 - 106 Street) swimming@teamedmonton.ca www.makingwavesswimclub.ca
• Tennis
• Monthly Dances
Restaurants The Junction (Closed)----------------------
10242 106th St
780-756-5667
12 Woody’s------------------------------------ ✰ 11725 Jasper Ave 780-488-6557
Retail Stores Passion Vault
15239 - 111 Ave 780-930-1169 pvault@telus.net “Edmonton’s Classiest Adult Store”
Products & Services Cruiseline
780-413-7122 trial code 3500 http://www.cruiseline.ca Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY.
Robertson-Wesley United Church
10209 - 123 St. NW 780-482-1587 jravenscroft@rwuc.org www.rwuc.org Worship: Sunday mornings at 10:30am People of all sexual orientations welcome. Other LGBT events include a monthly book club and a bi-monthly film night. As a caring spiritual community, we’d love to have you join us! Second Sunday every month, 7pm An LGBT-focused alternative worship.
• Film Night
• Ultimate Frisbee
Monthly, contact us for exact dates.
• Volleyball, Intermediate
Amiskiwacy Academy (101 Airport Road) volleyball@teamedmonton.ca
• Volleyball, Recreational
Mother Teresa School (9008 - 105 Ave) recvolleyball@teamedmonton.ca
• Women’s Lacrosse
Sharon: 780-461-0017 Pam: 780-436-7374 Open to women 21+, experienced or not, all are welcome. Call for info.
• Yoga
Lion's Breath Yoga Studio (10350-124 Street) yoga@teamedmonton.ca
Womonspace
780-482-1794 womonspace@gmail.com www.womonspace.ca Women’s social group, but all welcome at events.
Youth Understanding Youth
780-248-1971 www.yuyedm.ca A support and social group for queer youth 12-25.
• Sports and Recreation
Brendan: 780-488-3234 brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org
www.gaycalgary.com
• Monthly Potluck Dinners
McKillop United Church, 2329 - 15 Ave S GALA/LA will provide the turkey...you bring the rest. Please bring a dish to share that will serve 4-6 people, and your own beverage.
• Support Line
Theatre & Fine Arts
M-T: 1:30pm - 4:30pm W-F: 8:30am - 4:30pm
The Mix (green water tower) 103 Mayor Magrath Dr S Every Friday at 10pm
Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA)
University of Lethbridge GBLTTQQ club on campus.
BANFF Community Groups Bow Valley Cares Centre
302 Buffalo Street, Banff, AB PO Box 3160, Banff, AB T1L 1C8 403-762-0690 1-877-440-2437 info@aidscalgary.org
LETHBRIDGE Community Groups GALA/LA
galia@uleth.ca
• Movie Night
Room C610, University of Lethbridge
Gay Youth Alliance Group
Betty, 403-381-5260 bneil@chr.ab.ca Every second Wednesday, 3:30pm-5pm
Lethbridge HIV Connection
1206 - 6 Ave S
PFLAG Canada
1-888-530-6777 lethbridgeab@pflagcanada.ca www.pflagcanada.ca
Pride Lethbridge
lethbridgepridefest@gmail.com
RED DEER
Exposure Festival
10708 124th Street, Edmonton AB 780-453-2440 www.theatrenetwork.ca
356 - 2 Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB 403-527-5882 1-877-440-2437 info@aidscalgary.org
• Friday Mixer
Community Groups
http://www.exposurefestival.ca Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival.
The Roxy Theatre
Community Groups Medicine Hat Cares Centre
• Telephone Support
Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates.
• Book Club
MEDICINE HAT
403-308-2893 Monday OR Wednesday, 7pm-11pm Leave a message any other time.
• Soul OUTing
Kinsmen Sports Centre Sundays, 12pm-3pm tennis@teamedmonton.ca Sundays Summer Season starts July 12th ultimatefrisbee@teamedmonton.ca E-mail if interested.
Henotic (402 - 2 Ave S) Bring your membership card and photo ID.
Affirm
Sunnybrook United Church 403-347-6073 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm Composed of LGBTQ people, their friends, family and allies. No religious affiliation necessary. Activities include support, faith and social justice discussions, film nights, and potlucks!
Central Alberta AIDS Network Society
4611-50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB http://www.caans.org The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society is the local charity responsible for HIV prevention and support in Central Alberta.
LGBTQ Education
LGBTQeducation@hotmail.ca http://LGBTQeducation.webs.com Red Deer (and area) now has a website designed to bring various LGBTQ friendly groups/individuals together for fun, and to promote acceptance in our communities.
M-F, 8:30am - 11:30pm
• In-person Support
ALBERTA Community Groups Alberta Trans Support/Activities Group
http://www.albertatrans.org A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of where they may be on the continuum.
Theatre & Fine Arts Alberta Ballet
http://www.albertaballet.com Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton.
CANADA Community Groups Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition
P..O. Box 3043, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3S9 (306) 955-5135 1-800-955-5129 http://www.rainbowhealth.ca
Egale Canada
8 Wellington St E, Third Floor Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C5 1-888-204-7777 www.egale.ca Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transidentified people and our families.
Products & Services Squirt
http://www.squirt.org Website for dating and hook-ups. 18+ ONLY!
Theatre & Fine Arts Broadway Across Canada
http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca
OUTtv
http://www.outtv.ca GLBT Television Station.
Pride on Campus
rdcprideoncampus@gmail.com A group of LGBTQ persons and Allies at Red Deer College.
403-308-2893 http://www.galalethbridge.ca Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area.
GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
59
Classifieds Event
140
Jeremy Dias in Edmonton Jeremy Dias, the founder of Jer’s Vision (http://www.jersvision.org/), will be speaking at a luncheon at McDougall United Church in Edmonton on Sunday, February 3, 2013. The program, which starts at 12 noon, is free. Donations to help cover the cost of the lunch are appreciated. Jer’s Vision is an organization that works to reduce bullying, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination in schools and youth communities. McDougall United Church, 101 Street and MacDonald Drive, Edmonton, AB, T5J 2B7, http://www.mcdougallunited.com/, 780-428-1818
The Fetish Slosh at the Backlot! Come on down to the Backlot the 2nd Tuesday of every month for a no-cover Fetish party. Upcoming dates are November 13, December 11th, etc. You can dress up in Leather, Latex, cuffs, collars, or just your skivvies. Have the conversation you like without offending a vanilla in sight. The Backlot supports and promotes the alternative lifestyles of Calgary so feel free to express your KINK!
Audition
Antique
305
Elizabeth’s Antique & Collectible Sale
Alberta Aviation Museum, 11410 Kingsway Ave., Edmonton, AB. March 15-16, 2013. Friday 2-8PM & Saturday 10-4PM. $5.00 Admission. Over 120 tables of Pop Culture, Vintage Clothing, Advertising Collectibles, Shabby Chic, Antique Furniture, Militaria, Jewelry, Petroliana, Art Glass, Vintage Toys, China, Records, Sports Memorabilia, Coins, Stamps and so much more!
Erotic Massage
420
240
Alberta Escort Listings
Check out www.Squirt.org for the Hot Escorts in Calgary, Edmonton, and the rest of Alberta. New Improved Features. Free to Post and Browse. Videos, Pics, and Reviews. Join Now! Code: GCEE
Products/Services 500 Rork Hilford MC, Commissioner for Oaths. MarriageCommissioner@shaw.ca | 403246-4134
Cleaning
517
GET A LIFE! STOP CLEANING!
Does your home or business need a professional cleaner? Steve is bonded/Insured. Flexible prices and brings all his own supplies. Steve is apart of the LGBT Community and has been cleaning for over 5 years in Calgary. getalifecleaner@gmail.com http://www. getalifecleaner.com (403)200-7384 www. facebook.com/getalifecleaner
Consulting
527
Want to attract the LGBT local or traveler to your business?
UltimateMaleMassage.com Do You Need a Computer Hero? On-site home and business computer service. 15yrs experience. Certified, insured, BBB member. GLBT Owned. Friendly & respectful service. Call 403-444-0700, Calgary & Area.
Gay Talent Wanted
Help Wanted
460
Marriage Ceremonies
215
Beauty & Mayhem Production Agency is are looking for Gay Talent to perform in Adult entertainment Productions. Call Pj @ 403 826 2670 E-mail: pj@beautymayhem.ca www.xxxbmpa.com
Models/Escorts
Best Erotic Male Massage In Calgary • Studio with free parking• Deep Tissue and Relaxation • Licensed, Professional • Video on website 403-680-0533 mike@ultimatemalemassage.com
Sales Rep Wanted GayCalgary Magazine is looking for a part time sales rep. Income by commission, sales experience required. Duties include contacting new advertisers and maintaining existing customers. Contact Steve at sales@gaycalgary.com.
Adult Depot Large selection of gay DVDs from $9.95, aromas and toys. Open Mon-Fri 12-11pm, Sat 12-6pm, closed Sundays and holidays.
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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GayCalgary Magazine #111, January 2013
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