Pittsburgh's Out December2011 issue 417 by OUT ONLINE / OUT TV

December 2011 Issue No. 417

Double trouble: Will our Guys get naked?—page 24

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Pittsburgh RED = AIDS Awareness

Continued on page 5

The new Mr. and Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish: Matthew Bronson and DOC

The two women competing for the Ms. title were Doc and Octavia Graham, both residing in Pittsburgh. In the first judged category of the night Bar Wear, the contestants strutted their stuff in what they felt most comfortable in when they were out at a leather bar. From there, they gave the audience a glimpse of what they felt sexy in for the Skin category. The audience whooped and hollered as the men previewed their favorite jocks and harnesses, and the women added their own flavor of skin when Doc came out in a latex skirt and leather harness and Octavia wowed the audience in a leather bikini and black thigh-high boots. Rounding out the night was the Formal Wear category and the On-Stage Question. Continued on page 16

Local playwright revives, updates personal AIDS story Yep, wronged Kelly’s Stronger—page 21

by Laura Kingsbury More than 20 years after the tragic loss of her two sons to AIDS, nationally-recognized playwright Beverly Pollock has dusted off her notes of her family’s difficult experience and taken them to the stage. Just after World AIDs Day, Pollock’s Looking for Magic will premiere Dec. 2-4 at the University of Pittsburgh’s Henry Heymann Theater with support from the Pitt Men’s Study, the LAMBDA foundation and the Actor’s Co-op. As a benefit for the Shepherd Wellness Community, the only HIV/AIDS community center in Western Pennsylvania, Pollock hopes by sharing the story that younger

generations will be touched, entertained but also understand the severity of the disease and its impact. Pollock, now 87, said she started writing down her thoughts when her son Robert (“Bobby”) became severely ill in 1990. She and her late husband, Mel, picked up and moved to Los Angeles to live with Robert and his partner for Robert’s final months. “We became very close to each other, though it was so terribly hard,” Pollock said. “The experience opened our eyes to so many things. [Robert] insisted that we went to a support group, and there we met a lot of loving and caring people—and a lot that weren’t.”

While she said she and her husband were always supportive of her son’s sexuality and were there for him when he fell ill, she remembers that time period as being filled with confusion, fear and a general lack of understanding about HIV/AIDS. Pollock remembers parents who refused to leave their cars and sat reading the paper while their child was in the support group, not understanding enough to give their child the support he needed. “Those were terrible, dark days when everyone was dying and no one understood if you could get it from touching people or using the same bathroom—even our son Continued on page 16

CMYK

Unwrapped present under Yuletide tree—page 27

by Paula Smith Pittsburgh’s leather community is clearly on the rise. With the successful weekend Nov. 4-6 of Pittsburgh Leather Obsession Weekend (PLOW) in conjunction with the second annual Mr./Ms. Pittsburgh Leather-Fetish Contest, things are heating up around town. This weekend was created in order to bring all facets of the community together, and the producers did a wonderful job demonstrating that. Co-Producers David A. Dean (Mr. Pittsburgh Eagle Leather 2009) and Nick Daemous, president of Three Rivers Leather Club, created a weekend filled with the celebration of leather titleholders, play, comradeship and the task of including four of the LGBT venues in Pittsburgh. Kicking off the weekend was a Meet and Greet held at Leather Central on Polish Hill. This gave the community and judges an opportunity to become acquainted with the six contestants competing for the coveted title of Mr/Ms Pittsburgh Leather Fetish. Saturday morning the judges were charged with the difficult task of interviewing the six contestants, which took place at one of the newer establishments in Pittsburgh, Cruze Bar in the Strip District. From there, all headed out to Cattivo Lounge in Lawrenceville to move into the remainder of the competition. Representing the men of the community were Chris Shelton, Matt Kolas and Tony Irwin (all from Pittsburgh) as well as Matthew Bronson from Emmaus, PA.

John Colombo

Awesome Chad as Cher wowed Colombo—page 31

by Frank Siaca Once again, for one day of the year Pittsburgh will be represented by the color red instead of black and gold. On Thursday, Dec. 1, Pittsburgh will commemorate World AIDS Day with a series of events and vigils organized under the RED campaign to draw attention to the status of AIDS research and prevention and those suffering with the disease throughout the world. “This is the third year for the event and every year it gets bigger and bigger,” said Christine L. Bryan, director of marketing for the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh. The campaign starts off with the Highmark Spire changing to red beginning on Nov. 29 through Dec. 2. According to Bryan, on Dec. 1 Mayor Luke Ravenstahl will hold a press conference at 10am at the City-County Building to discuss the 30th anniversary of the disease, giving a status update on AIDS in Allegheny County and the unfortunate statistic that HIV-positive rates are increasing rather than decreasing. This year’s events will include a candlelight vigil on Dec. 1 at 6pm on the Carnegie Mellon University campus, at the corner of Forbes and Morewood Aves.

Leather scene on the rise again

THE SEX GURU

Events Calendar

:H¶YH *RW /DGLHV 'DQFLQJ DQG : :H¶YH *R RW /DGLHV 'DQF FLQJ DQ QG //RUGV D /HDSLQJ WKLV +ROLGD\ 6HDVRQ RUGV D /HD DSLQJ WK KLV +ROLGD\ D\ 6HD DVRQ DW &UX]H %DU DW D W &UX]H %DU FRIDAY, 12/9

by Emerson Evans and Alan Jones Dear Sex Guru, I have been paying a lot of attention to HIV news lately since my best friend recently became infected and saw where there was a study that was completed last year where the study participants took a pill and their chances of not getting HIV were reduced by 44%. I like to have unprotected sex a lot and I think this pill would be the perfect way for me to enjoy sex and not worry about getting a STD or HIV. What are your thoughts? —Pillsabilities

Dear Pillsabilities, Yes, there was a study, the iPrex study which was completed last year where participants who were HIV negative were placed on an antiretroviral regimen of Truvada. This study refers to a new HIV prevention technique called Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP. Let us be clear, PrEP is not a magic bullet. Continuing to have unprotected sex puts you at a very high risk for contracting HIV. The participants of this study had strict adherence to the medication, meaning they did not skip any doses and received a monthly HIV test, counseling and condoms, all of which would be hard to mirror in a real world setting. Also PrEP would not be covered by medical insurance

and would have an estimated out-of-pocket costs of about $10,000-$12,000 a year. PrEP does have some promising results if used properly, meaning not being used as a cure all but as a supplement to existing risk-reduction measures, which include using condoms during anal intercourse, and getting tested for HIV every 3-6 months. Finally, HIV is only one of many sexually transmitted diseases out there. This pill will not protect other very dangerous STDs. If you are bent on unprotected sex, the best bet is to find one monogamous partner and both get tested for HIV and all other STDs after the 3-6 month window periods for these diseases. In the meantime, take care of yourself and your sexual partners, and wrap it up!

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Dear Sex Guru, I had vaginal burning for the past week and the doctor said I have herpes. I have only been with my life partner for the past four years sexually. How is this possible? —Burning Bush Dear Burning, Each person’s body reacts differently to herpes. One person may have very obvious or even severe symptoms during an outbreak, while others have very mild symptoms. Especially with females, it can be easy to overlook a very small herpes sore on the multiple folds of the vagina where your partner’s infection may have been lurking. Avoiding direct and indirect contact with herpes sores during an outbreak—while the herpes sores are present and one day before and after they are present—is key to preventing it from spreading. This can be done with a dental dam, latex gloves, condoms or avoiding the sore spot all together during the outbreak. Check with your partner to make sure you got it from her before continuing the sexual endeavors!

www.outonline.com • 412-381-3350 PAGE 2 • OUT • DECEMBER 2011

OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 35

CMYK

Dear Sex Guru, My roommate and I are young horny guys. We aren’t boyfriends, but we like to play around. We don’t want to have anal sex but would like to know some good alternatives that are very similar. —Horny Roommate Dear Horny, There are countless hot times to be had without even embarking on a voyage down the Hershey highway. There is the “Boston Rub,” for instance. One guy lies on his back with a lube coated abdominal area while the partner lies on top and the two grind together until orgasm. Try out different motions while you’re at it. Another technique know as the “back slider” is the same as the Boston rub, but the bottom is stomach down, and the shaft rubs against the groove in the lower back. Feel free to give the bottom a hand with a reach-around for added pleasure. The key is to keep your fluids away from your buddy’s anus. You can do this by shooting your load across his back or chest. Third is a technique called the “Thigh Master” where you lube up your partners thighs while lying “spoon style” and make sweet love to the tight slot between his legs. Other than transmission of crabs or an active case of herpes, syphilis or genital warts, these techniques are a good way to have wholesome fun with your roommate without fear of spreading HIV, hepatitis, gonorrhea or chlamydia.

THURSDAY, 12/15 CMYK

There’s no ‘magic bullet’ so please play safe

X-PHILES

Legendary leatherman subject of new book by Jesse Monteagudo Chuck Renslow, at 82, is one of our community’s undisputed greats. During a business career that spanned more than 50 years, Renslow started and/or owned more than two dozen businesses in the Chicago area, including bars, discos, photo studios (Kris), gyms, bathhouses, newspapers (Chicago’s GayLife), hotels, restaurants and bookstores. Renslow led the LGBT community as it emerged as a major force in Chicago politics. Leather folk worldwide know Renslow as the owner of the legendary Gold Coast, Chicago’s first leather bar; owner of the Chicago Eagle and Man’s Country; founding member of the Second City Motorcycle Club; founder of Chicago’s annual International Mr. Leather contest; and a founder of the Leather Archives & Museum (also in Chicago). Like other queers, this “Leatherman of the Century” redefined the family as daddy of a loosely-knit, self-supporting family of lovers, slaves, tricks, friends and business partners. His longest and most famous life and business partner, the late Dom Orejudos, achieved leather immortality as the erotic artist Etienne. With all his achievements, it is amazing that Chuck Renslow remains rather unknown outside of Chicago and what my friend Mauro Montoya calls “the kinky community.” Hoping to correct this, Chicago jourTracy Baim nalist (Windy City Times) and author (Out and Proud in Chicago; Obama and the Gays) Tracy Baim joined forces with author Owen Keehnen (The Sand Bar) to write Leatherman: The Legend of Chuck Renslow (Prairie Avenue Productions). A massive tome of over 400 pages, Leatherman collects Renslow’s recollections as well as those of his lovers, friends and colleagues, all in a well-written, compelling narrative illustrated by scores of historic photos and drawings by Etienne and other artists. “Chuck approached me last summer around the time he turned 81 years old,” Baim said. “Many people had tried to do his biography before, but none had finished. He knew that I could get it done, hopefully before he passed away. I was honored to be asked, but Owen and I told him it has to be all there, the good and the bad.” “A biography of Chuck Renslow was an ideal means to tell the story of being gay in Chicago,” Keehnen added. “There are so many facets to this story—the McCarthy era, Stonewall and gay liberation, AIDS, activism, etc. With Chuck you have a male physique studio battling postal laws for obscenity, you have the mob, cop payoffs, the leather world, disco, the bathhouses, AIDS, community organization for fundraising, politics, The Kinsey Institute—all of it. Chuck Renslow’s story was an ideal means for telling a much bigger story, and I am so thrilled

PAGE 34 • OUT • DECEMBER 2011

PITTSBURGH

Leather—and was rightfully proud of it all regardless of what anyone else thought. I guess for me personally Chuck Renslow’s greatest legacy is his example and realizing the amazing things a person can accomplish when they are who they are without apology.”

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Highmark Spire Turns (PITTSBURGH) RED DATE: Mon. Nov. 29-Fri. Dec. 2 LOCATION: Fifth Avenue Place 11th Annual Update in the Care of HIV Infection DATE: Wed., Nov. 30, 7:30am-4:30pm LOCATION: George J. Magovern, MD Conference Center, Allegheny General Hospital

ADDRESS: CITY:

World AIDS Day Events: Press Conference with Mayor Luke Ravenstahl DATE: Thurs. Dec. 1, 10:30am LOCATION: Lobby, City-County Building

24th Annual World AIDS Day Memorial Service DATE: Thurs., Dec. 1, 7pm LOCATION: Heinz Memorial Chapel

Candlelight Vigil DATE: Thurs., Dec. 1, 6pm LOCATION: CMU Campus Corner of Forbes and Morewood Avenues

Performance of “Looking for Magic” DATE: Dec. 2 & 3, 8pm, & Dec. 4, 2pm LOCATION: Heymann Theatre, Oakland

Seventh Annual Red Ribbon Gala DATE: Thurs. Dec. 1, 6pm LOCATION: Omni William Penn Hotel

Shepherd Wellness Community AIDS Wellness Dinner DATE: Fri. Dec. 2, doors open 6pm LOCATION: First United Methodist Church 5401 Centre Avenue, Shadyside

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we got the chance to get a lot of it down.” As an activist and entrepreneur with considerable power and influence in his community, Chuck Renslow is a very controversial figure. On the other hand, in Leatherman the authors paint a very positive and respectful picture of the man, his businesses and his contributions. According to Keehnen, “most critics declined to be interviewed, but even many of those who had differences with Chuck over the years recognized the importance of having a trailblazer like him around. And most of them saw the need for the story to be told. Even his detractors seem to have an appreciation for what he did.” In both his business and personal lives, Renslow was involved with such politically incorrect pastimes as S&M, pornography and promiscuity. According to Baim, “Renslow was the first to see how that could hurt the community in the mainstream, so in some ways he protected the community by not being as out about his contributions. But, overall, I think most people understood the connections between free sexuality and the movement, so in the 1970s he was fine. “But when AIDS started its devastation, some people did criticize him for the bathhouse and conflicts in owning a newspaper. I would actually say Renslow was more conservative than many of the 1980s activists, which is why he felt passed over by more radical elements.” “Lesbians who are part of the leather community are certainly aware of him, as he has always seemed very open to diversity in the leather world,” Baim added. “When he ran GayLife newspaper there were vast differences in the LGBT community, so some lesbians did have issues with how GayLife covered them. As a lesbian, I did not have too many issues with Renslow. I always felt respected by him, and he trusted me to be his managing editor when I was just 22, in 1985.” “Chuck Renslow’s legacy,” Keehnen noted, “is that Chicago’s LGBT community is a very integral part of the political make-up of the city. He fought homophobic legislatures and laws, the mob, and a lot of preconceived notions about who gay people were and how they should be ashamed of who and what they are. Chuck challenged that in every way he knew how and he challenged it to his very core.” Keelnen added, “ He owned leather bars, discos, adult bookstores, bathhouses, started International Mr.

Seasons of Healing: Winter, Presented by Persad Center DATE: Sat. Dec. 3, 10am-4pm LOCATION: St. Andrew Lutheran Church 304 Morewood Avenue in Shadyside South Side Works Holiday Open House DATE: Sat. Dec. 3, 2-9pm LOCATION: Visit the (PITTSBURGH) RED table in the lobby of South Side Works Cinemas

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Red Plate Specials Local bars, bakeries, and restaurants are supporting World AIDS Day by offering Red Plate Specials. Please visit www.pittsburghred.org for participating locations. 3 DIGITS_________

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Renslow back in the day

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OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 3

LOCAL NEWS

ADULT CLASSIFIED

Sandusky maintains innocence in Penn State rape case

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by David Doorley In a telephone interview with NBC’s Bob Costas, former Penn State Assistant Football Coach Jerry Sandusky stated he was innocent of the charges that he molested eight young boys between 1994 and 2009. Although he admitted to showering with young boys, Sandusky denied any “sexual contact” took place. “I have horsed around with kids, I have showered after workouts,” he said. “I have hugged them and I have touched their legs without intent of sexual contact.” But according to The New York Times, police sources report that nearly 10 more victims have claimed they were also sexually abused by Sandusky. Originally eight victims were listed in the indictment filed against Sandusky, who was charged with 40 counts of sexual assault. When Costas asked Sandusky if he raped a young boy in the locker room showers, which was allegedly witnessed by Penn State Assistant Coach Mike McQueary, Sandusky answered, “I would say that’s false.” McQueary says otherwise. Until now, McQueary has not spoken out. Only the indictment describes his actions. It alleges that McQueary witnessed the rape but did nothing to stop it, and that he left the locker room, called his father and then talked to Head Coach Joe Paterno the next morning. Harrisburg’s newspaper the Patriot-News obtained an email from McQueary in which he wrote, “I did stop it, not physically... but made sure it was stopped when I left that locker room.” McQueary, who is on administrative leave, also re-

trustees. Athletic Director Tim Curley and Gary Schultz, vice president for finance and business, have been charged with failing to report abuse to the authorities and lying to the grand jury in the case. They have denied the charges against them. Curley has been placed on administrative leave, and Schultz has retired.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Fan Morning Show fails to decry hate crime I’ve listened to 93.7 The Fan since the day it went on the air. I’ve often recommended listening to family and friends. That is why this morning’s redneck rant on the morning show was all the more disappointing. The homophobic comment regarding gay marriage which was followed by the Hate Message “...I’ll shoot them if they are on my lawn...” this morning was disturbing. Even more disturbing was that these comments brought about a round of laughter from the show’s hosts. Those hate filled comments do not belong in sports, and they certainly do not belong on sports radio. I am disappointed that the show would host a guest who would make such comments. I am also very disappointed that the show’s hosts behaved like teenage boys with their laughter. I would have expected that they might behave as men. I’ve listened for the last week as these same hosts

have discussed the recent developments involving Penn State coaches. There have been many rants by this morning show’s hosts regarding the Penn States coaches’ behavior and about how they, the shows hosts, would have been better men in the same situation. Each host went on at great length about how silence is compliance. It’s disconcerting that they did not realize that so was their laughter. What message is it supposed to send when the spot was then later placed on the website. It is either the show’s hosts or the radio station that is confused about how to portray basic human decency. How terribly disappointing for the city of Pittsburgh. One would hope that these hosts would have had the courage to not laugh at jokes about killing a married gay couple. One would expect that they might even say it was wrong. Eva Sciulli

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portedly said in the email that he “did have discussions with police and with the official at the university in charge of police.” Football legend Paterno was fired though not charged with any criminal wrong doing. Because of not acting on the allegations, Penn State President Graham Spanier was fired by the board of

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PUBLISHERS: Tony Molnar-Strejcek and Ed Molnar-Strejcek (publisher@outonline.com) EDITOR IN CHIEF: David Doorley (davidd@outonline.com) EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Frank Siaca (frankS@outonline.com) PHOTOGRAPHER: John Colombo PRODUCTION MANAGER/GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Laura Annibalini OFFICE MANAGER: Doe Swank (does@outonline.com) DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES: Tony Molnar-Strejcek, Frank D. DiFolco ONLINE WEBMASTER: David Stanton ONLINE ADVERTISING SALES: Tony Molnar-Strejcek CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: Laura Annibalini, Chris Azzopardi, John Colombo, J. J. Cox, Abby Dees, David Doorley, Laura Kingsbury, Richard Labonte, Charlene Lichtenstein, Jesse Monteagudo, Romeo San Vicente, Mark Segal, Frank Siaca, Paula Smith, Ed Molnar-Strejcek, Tony Molnar-Strejcek, Steve Warren, D’Anne Witkowski

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OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 33

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Pittsburghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RED = AIDS awareness Continued from page 1

â&#x20AC;&#x153;They will be shutting down Forbes Ave. for the vigil, which should create quite a presence,â&#x20AC;? said Bryan. Also on Dec. 1 a flash mob will surprise folks in Market Square at noon; the Seventh Annual Red Ribbon Gala, organized by Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS, Inc., will be held at 6pm at the Omni William Penn Hotel with a reception, silent auction and dinner; and the 24th Annual World AIDS Day Memorial Service will be held at 7pm in Heinz Memorial Chapel. Not all of the activities for the campaign are limited to Dec. 1. There will be three performances of local playwright Beverly Pollockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play Looking for Magic at the Heymann Theatre in Oakland at 8pm on Dec. 2 and 3 and at 2pm on Dec. 4. (See feature on page 1.) The 11th Annual Update in the Care of HIV Infection will feature speaker George J. McGovern, MD, at the Conference Center of Allegheny General Hospital on Nov. 30 7:30am-4:30pm. Persad Center will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seasons of Healing: Winterâ&#x20AC;? on Dec. 3 from 10am-4pm at the St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Shadyside. The GLCC will be providing Free HIV Rapid Testing on Dec. 1 from 9am-9pm at 210 Grant St. The events are sponsored by a variety of local Pittsburgh organization. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the only event that happens where all of the participating organizations join together, so it is pretty unique,â&#x20AC;? said Bryan. For more information about World AIDS Days and other events and participating organizations, check out (Pittsburgh) RED on Facebook.

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Colombo zig zags around town on busy gay weekend by John Colombo On Oct. 21 Pittsburgh was treated to a performance by Cher Impersonator Chad Michaels at Cruze Bar. One of the world’s premier Cher impersonators for nearly two decades, Chad has worked with Elton John, Christina Aguilera, Cyndi Lauper and even Cher herself. Chad has been featured on such television productions as “The Cher E! True Hollywood Story,” “The Cher A&E Biography,” MAD TV and “The Comedy Central Gene Simmons Celebrity Roast” to mention a few. Currently, Chad produces and performs with one of the longest running female impersonation shows in California, The Dreamgirls Revue. A true professional, this seasoned performer offers a comprehensive collection of Cher’s “Bob Mackie inspired” wardrobe and an extensive repertoire of Cher’s legendary performances from the last four decades. Even People Magazine’s “Celebrity Transformations Special Edition 2009” confused Chad with the real Cher, including his image in a photo montage depicting Cher’s changing looks through the decades. Chad will be featured in the upcoming season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Backstage before the show Chad posed and was interviewed by me for Out. Various Cher wigs adorned the room as did costumes and lots of makeup. That night Chad opened his show with “Welcome to Burlesque,” and the crowd watched in awe. Seen at the show: Rege McManus, Ben Mac, James Reese, JP O’Connor and Shawn Gossman. And speaking of RuPaul, one of Pittsburgh’s own will be appearing on season 4. Local performance artist Sharon Needles, who just got back after filming, will grace the Logo channel in January. I have watched and enjoyed Needles’ Andrea Somberg with artist Michael Lotenero off-the-wall performances at many local clubs over the years—and she can pack a house to the point that many cannot even get past the door. Sharon can be controversial at times; so it will be interesting to see how this plays on Drag Race. I don’t own a TV and I have never seen the show, but if it’s anything like Survivor, Needles, may be the first kicked off the “Island.” That is, if congeniality is the primary consideration of the judges. If it’s all about balls to the walls, madcap drag adventures, Needles may already have won. Only time will tell and we wish her luck. Needles, as per her contract with Logo, was closed lipped about the subject, but I have a feeling we’re in for a hell of a ride.

On Oct. 27 The National Council of Jewish Women of Pittsburgh kicked off their Designer Fashion day’s sale at the Monroeville Convention Center. This was the group’s 41st annual sale, and this year’s title was “A Resale Fairytale” with the theme of reinventing fashion, reinventing lives. The LGBT community of Pittsburgh has a history of helping with this event, and this year Veruca la’Piranha, Mahogany La’ Piranha and Georgia Bea Cummings sold raffle tickets for the organization. Seen: Drue Miler, Sally Wiggin, Buddy George, Laura Konk and Melanie Crockard. PLOW (Pittsburgh Leather Obsession Weekend) was held Nov. 4-6. Formerly known as Mr. and Ms. Leather Fetish Contest, in its second year it now has a new name and is a whole weekend. The show was conceived by David Dean, Chris Lewellyn and Nick Daemous. The weekend included a meet and greet with the contestants at Leather Central, the show at Cattivo, an afterparty at Club Pittsburgh and a celebratory brunch at the smart house on Mount Washington. The six contestants participated in an opening game called Project Leather Runway where they were split into two groups and had to dress each other out of provided bags of random fetish wear and accoutrements. Seen at the opening night’s festivities: Nick Arndt, Branden Dudek, Craig Connors, Mike Natale, Doug Dantzer and Boy Eric. (For more on PLOW, see Paula Smith’s article on page 1.) I couldn’t attend the contest the next night, which I heard was packed, or the after-party because of my busy schedule—one of the events I had to shoot was the gay volleyball tournament the next morning at 8am. I’ve said it before, and I’m saying it again, there is way too much going on in this town—and, yes, that’s a good thing. It’s just hard to be everywhere at once. Next morning I found myself at the Steel City Classic, a gay volleyball tournament, and it was a massive event. New to me, the classic is now in its 6th year and was played at the Monroeville Sports Center. The director of the event is a wonderful man named Ben Dejesus, who began playing last year in Pittsburgh then ended up moving to Lexington Kentucky; so he’s now organizing this event from seven hours away. While the guys and girls were in town, they were treated to parties at both 5801 and Cruze. Of the 28 different teams from around the country, several teams were from Pittsburgh. My favorite team name was the Mean Girls, whose guys wore black shorts with pink lettering and were some fierce competitors. I had a wonderful day wandering among the players, taking photos and smiling at a few hotties along the way. On Sunday at 1pm I raced from Monroeville to Mount Washington to attend PLOW’s celebratory brunch. Oh, and did I forget to mention that the brunch was clothing optional? It was a gorgeously warm day for November. Mimosas and Bloody Marys flowed from the bar. I chatted with the two winners. I learned that as part of his duties Matthew Bronson will be expected to compete in International Mr. Leather in Chicago, and Doc told me she wanted to promote the fetish and leather lifestyle to the women of Pittsburgh as even she wasn’t aware how prevalent the local scene is. She will go on to compete in either American Brotherhood weekend or in International Ms. Leather. Both winners will be featured prominently at Pittsburgh’s annual Pride Fest this summer. The Michael Lotenero Art Show, held at Bakery

Square, was free and open to the public with half of the proceeds benefiting Persad Center. A VIP reception was held Nov. 11. As a regular contributor to Celebrate Life, Celebrate Art for years, Michael has an impressive body of work—enough to fill 4,000 sq ft. His work was mixed media, mostly paintings, but there were sculptures as well. At the opening: Teekie Smith, Out’s former photographer Mara Rago, Linnea Glick, Brian Holderman and Mike Alberter. On Nov. 13, Kierra Darshall, creator and producer of the Miss Tri- State All- Star Pageant pulled off the 19th—and one of the best pageants I’ve ever witnessed. Held in the stunning cabaret space, Cabaret at Theatre Square downtown, everybody who was anybody was there dressed in their finest and looking elegant. The contest now features a Mr Tri-State as well, with nine female and two male contestants this year. This year’s contestants were Angelica Young, Deloris Van Cartica, Kristina Kelly, Lucky, Da Quan Bre Jee, Coutney Brown, Veronica Voloure Sky, Jareje Rashad, Fantasia Dior, Georgia Bea Cummings and Victoria Parker. I have never seen so many lovely gowns, hairstyles, make up and talent before—all brought together into one show. I have no idea how the judges were even able to pick a winner, but when it was all said and done, Victoria walked away with the title, as did Lucky in the men’s category. Georgia Bea placed for second runner up, and I’d have given her a million bonus points for singing live and sounding pitch perfect in her blue evening gown. Kristina Kelly tied for second runner up. First runner up was Deloris Van Cartica. Seen at the pageant: Sara Luby, Scott Noxon, Claire Voyance, Marsha Monster Mellow, Sean Gray and Kevin Keene, who was dressed classically in a tux. A big thanks to Kierra for an exceptionally magical evening, and cheers to the lighting person who expertly lit the contestants. Next up, the city’s gearing up for World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. Representatives from PACT, PERSAD, PATF, the mayor’s office and others all gathered in the Strip to collect the pamphlets and literature that will be passed out in preparation for the annual event—a reminder that AIDS is not over yet. Watch for the Highmark Spiral to turn from its normal blue to red Nov. 29-Dec. 2. I’ll see you at one of the many events. [Out would like to take a moment of silence to acknowledge John’s happy birthday, since he sat home to finish this column on that sad day. Talk about dedication!] Email invites, social events and rumors, or just say hi: john@outonline.com

OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 31

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Photos by John Colombo

A GAY BAR FOR MEN AND WOMEN

NATIONAL NEWS

RESOURCES Resources is provided as a convenient directory for the tri-state area. Information regarding changes, additions or deletions to this guide should be sent in writing to Out, 801 Bingham Street, Suite 100, Pittsburgh PA 15203, or e-mail at out@outonline.com. Area code for all phone numbers is 412 unless noted. Pittsburgh area codes: 412, 724, 878.

Baths ·Club Pittsburgh, 1139 Penn Ave.; 471-6790; www.clubpittsburgh.com. Counseling ·George Dalzell, LCSW, 904-1480. ·James Manzella, LCSW, MA 488-8102. ·Debbie Szajna, LPC, 412-877-3846. ·Persad Center Inc., 5150 Penn Ave., 15224; 4419786. ·Sherri Williams, MSEd, NCC, LPC, CCDP; 5123135; www.thelovingchoice. Health/AIDS ·AIDS Info. Hotline,1-800-662-6080 . ·AIDS Leadership for Prevention and Health Awareness (ALPHA), PO Box 90097, Pgh, PA 15224; alphapittsburgh@gmail.com. ·Allegheny County Health Dept. STD Clinic, 3441 Forbes Ave.; 578-8080. ·Hemlock Society; 341-6459. ·National Org. of Restoring Men Foreskin Support Group, www.NORM.org; NORM.Pittsburgh@verizon.net. ·Pitt Men’s Study, PO Box 7319, Pgh., 15213; 6242008. ·Pitt Treatment & Evaluation Unit, PO Box 7256, Pgh., 15213; 647-8125. ·Pgh. AIDS Task Force,5913 Penn Ave., Pgh.,15206; 345-7456. ·Positive Health Clinic; Allegheny Hospital; 359-3360. ·Shepherd Wellness Community, 4800 Sciota St.,Pgh.,15224;683-4477; www.swconline.org. ·Southwestern Pa. AIDS Planning Coalition, 201 S. Highland Ave., Suite 101, Pgh. 15206; 363-1022 or 877-732-0401.

Organizations-Political/rights ·American Civil Liberties Union Committee for Lesbian and Gay Equality, 313 Atwood St.; 681-7736. ·Equality Partners of Western Pennsylvania, 429 First Ave., Suite 1, Pgh. 1521;. 206-0874. ·Gertrude Stein Political Club of Greater Pgh., P.O. Box 8108,Pgh., 15217; gertrudesteinclub.org. ·Outright Libertarians of Greater Pgh., Jerry, 6541154. ·Resyst, radical queer project of the Thomas Merton Center; 361-3022. ·Steel-City Stonewall Democrats, www.steelcity.org or president@steel-city.org. ·Western PA Freedom to Marry Coalition, PO Box 81253, Pgh., 15217. Organizations-Religious ·A Common Bond (ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses), 127 Harrison Ave., Pgh., 15202. ·Bet Tikvah (Jewish)., 256-8317. ·Church of the Redeemer - Episcopal, Sundays, 8am and 10:30am. 5700 Forbes Ave.,Pgh.,15217;www.redeemerpittsburgh.org 422-7100. ·Dignity Pittsburgh (Roman Catholic), Box 362, Pgh., 15230; 362-4334. www.dignitypgh.org. ·Gay and Lesbian Alternative Dimensions, 6814222. ·Golden Triangle Church of Religious Science/Center for Positive Living; 362-6149. ·Lutherans Concerned. Info: (724)228-0914. ·Metropolitan Community Church of Pgh., 4836 Ellsworth Ave., Pgh., 15213; www.mccpittsburgh.com; 683-2994. ·More Light Presbyterians, PO Box 9022, Pgh., 15224. ·Open Arms Church, Sundays, 6:30pm. Smithfield United Church, 620 Smithfield St., downtown; 5128913. ·Pgh. Church of Religious Science, 2nd Sundays, Nuin Center, Highland Park. 362-5096. ·Pgh. Friends (Quaker). Silent worship, Sundays, 10:30am. 4836 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside,15213; 683-2669. ·Rainbow Buddhists of Pgh.,www.zenbowpgh.com ·St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Sundays, 11am. 304 Morewood Ave., Shadyside; 682-3342. ·Three Rivers Interweave, c/o First Unitarian Church, Ellsworth and Morewood Aves.,15213; 343-2523. Organizations-Service ·Anti-Hate Hotline. 24-hour support service for hate activity due to sexual orientation; 820-0111. ·CONTACT Pgh.24-hour crisis/suicide hotline; 820-HELP. ·Gay Alcoholics Anonymous; 422-0114. ·G/L Community Center, 210 Grant St. Pgh PA 15217; 422-0114. Phone staffed Mon.-Fri., 6:309:30pm; Sat., 3-6pm. Send mail to : P O Box 5441, Pgh. 15219. www.glccpgh.org. ·Gay/Lesbian Community Food Bank, sponsored by MCC; 683-2994. ·GLENDA. Community volunteer organization; 422-1303; www.glenda.org. ·GLSEN, 210 Grant St. Pgh PA 15219 361-6996. ·Lambda Foundation, PO Box 5169, Pgh., 15206; 521-5444. ·P-FLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). PO Box 5406, Pgh., 15206; 833-4556; email:info@pflagpgh.org. Organizations-Social/recreational ·Asians & Friends International of Pgh., PO Box 99191, Pgh., 15233; 521-5451. ·’Burgh Bears, PO Box 6426, Pgh., 15212-0426; www.burghbears.org. ·Delta Foundation/Pittsburgh Pride. PO Box 100057, Pgh., 15233. 246-4451. ·Dreams of Hope Youth Performance Group, 412361-2065; www.dreamsofhope.org or info@dreamsofhope.org. ·Dining Out Pittsburgh, GLBT Supper Club: dinner@diningoutpgh.org or www.diningoutpgh.org ·Dykes on Bikes Pittsburgh Chapter, www.pittsburghdykesonbikes.com.

PAGE 30 • OUT • DECEMBER 2011

·Families Like Ours (FLO), support for GLBTQ parents. www.facebook.com/groups/Families LikeOurs. ·Flying Colors, www.geocities.com/cyclepgh; email: cyclepgh@yahoo.com; 731-8198. ·Friends of All Colors Together; 427-7053. ·Frontrunners, gay, lesbian running group; 2431781;www.pittsburgh-frontrunners.org. ·G2H2 Gay Guys Happy Hours, www.g2h2pittsburgh.com. ·Gay Anglo and Latino Alliance/La Alianza de Latinos y Anglos Gay, 362-5451. ·GLBT Youth Program-Gay & Lesbian Community Center; 422-0114. ·Greater Pgh. Men’s Society; 481-3402. ·Iron City Squares, gay, lesbian square dancing; 724-464-4324. ·ISMIR (International Sexual Minorities Information Resource). PO Box 81869, Pgh., 15217-0869; 422-3060. ·Pittsburgh Gay Book Club. Pgbc Bookclub on facebook. ·Pgh. Gay Motorcyclists; 531-8303, http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/PghGayMotorcyclists. ·Pgh. General Health Professionals Assn.; 3613557. ·Pgh. Lesbian & Gay Film Society, PO Box 81237,Pgh., 15217; 422-6776. www.plgfs.org. ·Pgh. Men’s Collective, 2226 Delaware Ave., 15218; 421-6405. ·Pgh. Transsexual Support Group; 661-7030. ·Pgh. Prime Timers, PO Box 99292, Pgh., 152339200; 519-4320; e-mail: contact@ pittsburghprimetimers.com. www.pittsburgh primetimers.com. ·PONY Gay Rodeo Assn., PO Box 99321, Pgh., 15233; 370-1548. ·Renaissance City Choirs, 116 S. Highland Ave.,Pgh.,15206;362-9484. www.rccpittsburgh.org ·Sex/Love Addicts Anonymous; 441-0956. ·Staying Positive: Pittsburgh. http://stayingpostivepgh@inpgh.org;stayingpositivepgh@gmail.com ·Steel City Bowling League; PO Box 16220, Pgh. 772-8243. ·Steel City Softball League, PO Box 99493. Pgh., 15233, 683-7676. ·Steel City Tennis League; 681-6831. ·Steel City Volleyball League, 506-3187. ·Three Rivers Leather Club, PO Box 5298, Pgh. 15206; www.trlc.net. ·TransFamily Support Group, 962 Rockdale Rd, Butler,16002; (724)758-3578. ·TransPitt, cross dressers, transvestites, transsexuals. PO Box 3214, Pgh., 15230; 454-5557. ·TREAT (Three Rivers Eastern Area Tournament), PO Box 99604, Pgh., 15233; 922-8308. ·Youth Adult Services of PA, PO Box 3539, Pgh., 15230. ·Youth Empowerment Project, PO Box 7319, Pgh., 15213; 624-5508. Organizations-Student/academic ·GLBT Allies at CMU; http://allies.andrew.cmu.edu. 268-9994. ·Gay, Lesbian Law Caucus of the University of Pgh. School of Law. 3900 Forbes Ave., Pgh., 15260; 648-1388. ·Gay-Straight Allaince at Community College of Allegheny County, Office of Student Activities. 808 Ridge Ave., Pgh., 15212; 237-2675. ·GLSEN Pittsburgh, PO Box 110288, Pgh. 15232; 361-6996. ·Pride at Carlow University, (GLBT, Straight Alliance), 3333 Fifth Ave., Pgh., 15213; pride@carlow.edu ·Rainbow Alliance, University of Pittsburgh, 611 William Pitt Union; 412-648-2105. Professional Services ·Lisa Anderson, Northwood Realty. 367-3200, ext. 340. ·Biancheria, Eriksen, Maliver and Angell, P.C. Attorneys-at-Law. 401 Wood Street, Ste, 1600, Pittsburgh PA 15222; 394-1001. ·Evolve Counseling and Coaching, 773-1220 or 818-0312. ·Edward Jasiewicz, Prundential Preferred Reality, 521-5500. ·Leone’s Florist, 5504 Center Ave. Shadyside. 687-1595.

·Lowtide Swimwear and Apparel. 2614 Lincoln Way, White Oak PA 15131. 412-751-4799. ·Weishouse Home Furnishings. 324 S. Highland Ave., Shadyside. 412-441-8888. Pennsylvania Bars, clubs, restaurants ·Chumley’s, 108 W. College Ave., State College;(814) 238-4446 (mixed). ·Club 231. 231 Pittsburgh St., Uniontown; (724) 430-1477. ·Escapade, 2523 Union Ave., Altoona, 16602; (814) 946-8195. ·Lucille’s, 520 Washington St., Johnstown; (814) 539-4448 ·Michael’s Café, 1413 11th Ave., Altoona, 16601; (814) 941-0803. ·Papermoon, 1325 State St., Erie, 16501; (814) 455-7766. ·Rumors in Town, 1413 11th Ave., rear, Altoona, 16602; (814) 941-0803. ·The Zone, 133 W. 18th St., Erie; (814) 452-0125. Organizations ·AIDS Intervention Project, PO Box 352, Altoona, 16603; 1-800-445-6262. ·Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Help line of Altoona, (814) 942-8101. ·Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Task Force, c/o Family & Children’s Service, 2022 Broad Ave., Altoona 16601; (814) 944-3583. ·Gay, Lesbian Switchboard, PO Box 805, State College, 16804; (814) 237-1950, 6-9pm. ·Gay, Lesbian Switchboard of North Central Pa., c/o Susquehanna Lambda, PO Box 2510, Williamsport, 17703; (717) 327-1411. ·IUP Alliance, 724-357-2598. ·Laurel Highlands Gay and Lesbian Alliance, PO Box 145, Somerset, 15501. ·Lawrence County AIDS Network, PO Box 1674, New Castle, 16103; 800-359-AIDS. ·League of G/L Voters, Erie. PO Box 8083, Erie, 16505; (814) 833-3258. ·League of G/L Voters, State College regional chapter. PO Box 10986, State College, 16805; (814) 237-5520. ·LGBTA Resource Center at Bloomsburg University, 266 Students Services Center, 400 East Second St. Bloomsburg PA 17815. ·LGBTA at Penn State, 101 Boucke Bldg. University Park, 16802, 814-863-1248. ·LGBA, PO Box 444, Slippery Rock, 16057; (724) 738-2939. ·Log Cabin Republican Clubs of Pennsylvania, 1903 Walnut St., Suite 175, Phila., 19103; (215) 247-6344. ·Mon Valley AIDS Task Force, Box 416, Monessen,15063;(724)258-1270. ·PA. Council for Sexual Minorities, 238 Main Capital Bldg., Harrisburg, 17120. ·Penn State Sexual Health Awareness Program, Ritenour Health Center, University Park, 16803; (814) 865-TALK. ·P-FLAG (Parents, Families, Friends of Lesbian and Gays) New Castle; (724) 658-3578. ·Project HOPE, 697 State Street, Beaver PA 15009; (724) 581-6825 or (724) 728-8220; projecthope_2009@yahoo.com. ·State College Gay Men’s Alliance, PO Box 545, State College, 16804. ·UPJ Alliance. 814-269-7065. Ext.7180. Ohio Bars, clubs, restaurants ·Adams St., 73-77 N. Adams St., Akron; (330) 4349794. ·Club MAXX, 122 N. Sixth St., Steubenville; (740) 284-1291. ·Crew, 304 Cherry Ave. NE, Canton; (330) 4522739. ·The Grid, 1437 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland; (216) 623-0113. ·Interbelt, 70 N. Howard St., Arkon; (330) 2535700. ·PJ’s at the FED, 169 N 4th St., St., Steubenville; (740) 283-2747. ·Pulse, 169 S. Four Mile Run Rd., Youngstown; (330)318-9830. ·Tear-EZ, 360 S. Main St., Akron; (330) 376-0011. ·Utopia, 876 E. Midlothian Blvd., Youngstown; (330) 781-9000.

Lodging ·Circle JJ Ranch, 1104 Amsterdam Rd., Scio; (330) 627-3101. ·Freedom Valley, 1875 US 250 S, New London, OH; (419) 929-8100. Organizations ·Brotherhood Leather United Equal, Steubenville; www.blueohio.net. ·Live and Let Live, gay alcoholics, St. Newman Center, 26 Rayen Ave., Youngstown, 44503. ·Mahoning County Area Task Force on AIDS, PO Box 1143, Youngstown, 44501; (216) 742-8811. ·The Ohio State University Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Alumni Society, PO Box 2012, Columbus, OH 43216; Jim Ryan, (614) 421-9389. ·Washington County AIDS Task Force, Marietta; (614) 374-9119. West Virginia Bars, clubs, restaurants ·Broadway, 210 Broad St., Charleston, 25301; (304) 343-2162. ·Driftwood, 1121 7th Ave., Huntington; (304) 6969858. ·Eagle’s Nest Club, 1500 Brinker Road, Wellsburg WV 26070. ·Lee St. Deli & Bar, 1111 Lee St. East, Charleston, 25301; (304) 343-3354. ·The New Electric Flag, 1044 Market St., Wheeling, 26003; (304) 639-8390. ·O-Zone, 1107 Main St., Wheeling; (304) 2320068. ·Polo Club, 1037 7Th Ave., Huntington, 25705; (304) 522-3146. ·Stonewall Club, 820 7th Ave. (alley entrance), Huntington, 25701; (304) 523-2242 ·Tap Room, 1022 Quarrier St., Charleston, 25301; (304) 342-9563. ·Trax, 504 Washington St., W., Charleston, 25302; (304) 345-8931. ·True Colors, 515 Market St. (rear), Parkersburg, 26101. (304) 428-8783 (TRUE). ·Vice Versa, 335 High St. (rear), Morgantown, 26505; (304) 292-2010. ·Weezies, 3438 University Ave., Morgantown, 26505; (304) 598-0088. ·WoodStarr Nightclub. 322 5th St. Parkersburg; (304) 422-3711. Lodging ·Eagle’s Nest, (412) 417-1099. ·Long Fork Campgrounds, Walton; www.longfork.com; (304) 577-9347. ·Roseland Resort, RD 1, Box 185B, Proctor, 26055; www.roselandWV.com; (304) 455-3838. Organizations ·AIDS Task Force of the Upper Ohio Valley/Buddy Program, PO Box 6360, Wheeling, 26003; (304) 232-6822. ·BiGLT Mountaineers WVU, Morgantown, 26506;(304) 293-8200; BiGLTM@hotmail.com ·Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Mountaineers (BiGLM), PO Box 6444, SOW, WVU Morgantown 26506 (304) 293-8200. ·Charleston AIDS Network, PO Box 1024, Charleston, 25324; (304) 345-4673; www.aidsnet.net. ·Friends Who Care, PWHIV support, Joni Constante, (304) 292-8234. ·G/L Alcoholics Anonymous, Wednes-days, 7pm; St. John’s Espiscopal Church, 1105 Quarrier St, Charleston, 25301. ·Huntington AIDS Task Force, PO Box 2981, Huntington, 25728; (304) 522-4357. ·Mid-Ohio Valley AIDS Task Force, PO Box 1184, Parkersburg, 26101; (304) 485-4803. ·Mountain State AIDS Network, 235 High St., #306, Morgantown, 26505; 800-585-4444. ·PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbian and Gays) Parkersburg, PO Box 836, Parkersburg, 26102; (304) 428-8089. ·P-FLAG (Parents, Families, Friends of Lesbian and Gays) Wheeling, 115 18th St., Wheeling, 26003; Liz (304) 232-8743 or (740) 484-4141. ·Together in Pride, PO Box 836, Parkersburg, 26102. ·WV Coalition for Lesbian, Gay Rights, PO Box 11033, Charleston, 25339; (304) 343-7305.

‘Yes on 8’ versus ‘No on H8’ In the latest round of the battle on same-sex marriage in California, the California Supreme Court ruled on Nov. 17 to allow opponents to defend Proposition 8 in federal court. Proposition 8 is the anti-gay marriage ballot measure that amended the California Constitution in 2008 to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples, prohibiting California from recognizing any same-sex marriages performed on or after Nov. 5, 2008. On Aug. 4, 2010, U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker struck down the ban, saying it unfairly targeted gay men and women, but that was a temporary victory. When it was discovered that Judge Walker is gay and

in a committed relationship with another man, proponents of Prop 8 argued in court that “Walker should have disclosed any interest he may have had in marrying his partner of 10 years, or stepped aside when he was randomly chosen to preside over the case.” Opponents of Prop 8 countered that “no reasonable person could reasonably question Judge Walker’s impartiality based on his sexual orientation or his same-sex relationship.” Both sides presented arguments to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit over whether or not Walker should have recused himself from the case. U.S. District Court Judge James Ware affirmed

Walker’s original decision stating, “We all have an equal stake in a case that challenges the constitutionality of a restriction on a fundamental right.” Supporters of Prop 8 were still smarting from the decision handed down by a federal judge in California which forced their campaign finance records to be open and part of the public record. The status of same-sex marriage in California is unique in that the state formerly granted marriage licenses to same-sex couples, but has discontinued doing so. As Reuters reports, that means the legal battle over the ban is most likely to wend its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which could rule on whether there is a federal constitutional right for same-sex couples to wed. In other Prop 8 news, Rob Reiner, a vocal opponent of Prop 8 from the beginning, announced plans to produce a film based on the legal maneuvering and fight that has occurred over the controversial legislation.

Michigan passes bill without ‘license to bully’ As Reported by Change.org, when Katy Butler was in junior high, bullies who called her a “dyke” slammed a locker door on her hand. Katy never reported the assault because she was afraid her school wouldn’t do anything to help. If the Michigan state Senate had its way, Katy’s school wouldn’t have to help students bullied in the future either. When the Senate passed the anti-bullying bill on Nov. 2, minutes before they voted, Republican lawmakers inserted special language into the bill to create a huge loophole. State Sen. Rick Jones, a Republican, inserted a carve-out for a “sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction.” Thus, bullying done because of a “sincerely held religious or moral conviction” isn’t covered by the law. Critics felt that rather than protect students, the Senate law actually provided a road map that teaches kids how to bully—and how to get away with it. Katy and her friend Carson Borbely know what it’s like to be bullied for who they are. They started a Change.org petition demanding that the state legislature enact a strong anti-bullying law with no exceptions. Katy and Carson wanted them to strengthen the bill and eliminate the religious exemption inserted by the state Senate. Some legislators began to waver in the face of public outrage. On Nov 10, before Michigan’s House of Representatives passed their own version of the anti-bullying bill, the House removed the controversial wording. The House’s version of the bill requires all public, charter and intermediate school districts to implement the policy. The bill passed 88-18 and is also a bipartisan result of the House’s promise to seek a compromise that Republican Speaker of the House Jase Bolger said will “bring everyone to the middle of the road and provide protection to all students.” As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Jones said on Nov. 14 he would drop his amendment and urged Senate Republicans to vote in favor of the House version when they return from recess on Nov. 29.

www.outonline.com • 412-381-3350

OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 7

CMYK

Pittsburgh Area Bars, clubs, restaurants ·941 Saloon. 941 Liberty Ave. (Downtown);2815222. ·1226 on Herron, 1226 Herron Ave. (Polish Hill); 682-6839. ·5801 on Ellsworth, 5801 Ellsworth Ave. (Shadyside); 661-5600. ·Acanthus Fine Dining, 604 W North Ave. (North Side); 231-6544. ·Blue Moon, 5115 Butler St. (Lawrenceville); 7811119. ·Brewer’s Hotel, 3315 Liberty Ave. (Lawrenceville); 681-7991. ·Cattivo, 146 44th St. (Lawrenceville); 687-2157. ·Cruze Bar, 1600 Smallman St. (Strip District); 471-1400. ·Headquarters, 2016 Smallman St. (Strip District). ·Hoi Polloi Vegetarian Café, 1100 Galveston Ave. (North Side); 586-4567. ·Images Pgh., 965 Liberty Ave. (Downtown); 3919990. ·Leather Central, 1226 Herron Ave. (Polish Hill); 682-9869. ·The Link, 91 Wendel Rd., Irwin (Herminie); (724) 446-7717. ·Longbada, 108 W. Pgh. St., Greensburg, 15601; (724) 837-6614. ·M&J’s Lounge, 124 Mercer St., Butler PA ·P-Town, 4740 Baum Blvd. (Oakland); 621-0111, ptownpgh.com. ·Real Luck Cafe, 1519 Penn Ave. (Strip District); 471-7832. ·Remedy, 5121 Butler St. (Lawrenceville); 7816771 ·Spin Bartini/Ultra Lounge, 5744 Ellsworth Ave. (Shadyside); 362-SPIN. ·Square Café, 1137 South Braddock Ave. (Regent Square); 244.8002. ·There Ultra Lounge, 931 Liberty Ave. (Downtown); 642-4435. ·Tilden, 941 Liberty Ave., 2nd floor (Downtown); 391-0804.

Lodging ·Arbors Bed & Breakfast, (Northside); 231-4643. ·The Inn on the Mexican War Streets (Northside); 231-6544.

OPINION

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAPPENING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WEEKLY

Prop 8ers apoplectic over gay judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ruling

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happeningâ&#x20AC;? is compiled from information supplied by business advertisers and event sponsors. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but sponsors and readers are urged to inform Out of changes, cancellations and incorrect or outdated listings. Send e-mail to calendar@outonline.com or write to Calendar Editor, Out, 801 Bingham St., Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. Consult Outâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Resourcesâ&#x20AC;? guide in this issue or at www.outonline.com for addresses and phone numbers of businesses and organizations where not listed.

by Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Anne Witkowski Hey, did you hear the one about the judge who ruled against Prop 8 in California being a homo? And how his ruling shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count because heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gay? LOL, am I right? Actually, the idea that a gay judge canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be trusted to make a ruling on a case that impacts gay people is ridiculous. But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the very argument proponents of Prop 8, Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2008 anti-gay marriage amendment, are continuing to make about U.S. Chief Judge Vaughn Walker, who struck down the amendment as unconstitutional. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license,â&#x20AC;? Walker wrote in his opinion. Naturally supporters of Prop 8 werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t particularly happy with this ruling. But when it became known that Walker was not only gay but also had been in a 10-year relationship with a man, Prop 8ers went absolutely apoplectic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But, but, but... heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of them,â&#x20AC;? they stammered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Walker is nothing but a secret gay soldier in the war against marriage! He must be stopped!â&#x20AC;? Prop 8 proponents believe that Walker is an activist judge of the worst kindâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the kind that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rule in their favor. As far as Prop 8 supporters see it, Walkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ruling is nothing but a blatant display of self-interest. You see, only heterosexuals should be allowed to decide whether or not gays and lesbians are allowed to marry. And so Prop 8 supporters have asked a federal judge to vacate Walkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ruling because Walker doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count as a real judge since heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a homo and homo judges should

only be able to rule on non-homo cases. Keep in mind that Chief Judge James Ware, who replaced Walker after Walker retired, already ruled that Walkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ruling is fine and not at all invalid because of his sexual orientation, essentially telling the Prop 8 folks where to go. Ware said that claims that Walker couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be trusted to rule on cases involving LGBT issues was â&#x20AC;&#x153;as warrantless as the presumption that a female judge is incapable of being impartial in a case in which women seek legal relief.â&#x20AC;?

Anti-gay marriage foes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to be the best judge of what a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;reasonable personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is. This, of course, only led Prop 8 folks to claim that two judges were wrong. And apparently theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to keep on searching until they find a judge who has an answer they like. In an effort to counter arguments like Wareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the Prop 8 team is claiming that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think gay and lesbian judges arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever fit to rule in LGBT related cases, just not ones that directly impact their lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know of no reason to believe, for example, that Judge Walker would have any personal interest in the outcome of litigation over, say, the constitutionality of the militaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Ask, Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Tellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; policy,â&#x20AC;? they claim. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nor would there be any issue with a gay or lesbian

judge hearing this case so long as a reasonable person, knowing all of the relevant facts and circumstances, would not have reason to believe that the judge has a personal interest in marrying if Plaintiffs prevailed.â&#x20AC;? In other words, since Walker was in a 10-year relationship he probably wants to get married, which means his ruling is really just a glitzy high-profile marriage proposal clearly meant to show up the heteros who rely on their local sports stadiumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jumbo-tron or a bannerpulling airplane to pop the question. An obvious red flag here is the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;reasonable person,â&#x20AC;? since anti-gay marriage foes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to be the best judge of what a â&#x20AC;&#x153;reasonable personâ&#x20AC;? is. It does not seem particularly reasonable to me to fight tooth and nail to keep civil rights away from a certain group of people arguing that marriage is yours and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be damned if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to share that institution with any queers. Or, in the case of Prop 8ers vs. Judge Walker, let a queer tell you no.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nightlifeâ&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;Ś your guide to the monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best bar/club events

only in PITTSBURGHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

CHOOSE

Because we care about your well being

â&#x20AC;˘Male dancers: P-Town, Real Luck CafĂŠ. â&#x20AC;˘Steeler Game Sunday Party: Real Luck CafĂŠ. Free buffet, souvenirs, prizes. Info: 412-471-7832. â&#x20AC;˘Worship: Metropolitan Community Church. Friends Meeting House, Shadyside. 7pm. Info: 412-683-2994. â&#x20AC;˘Worship: Dignity. Roman Catholic mass followed by social. Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. 7pm. Info: 412-362-4334. â&#x20AC;˘Worship: Gay-welcoming Holy Eucharist. St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 304 Morewood Ave., Shadyside. 11am. Info: 412-682-3342. â&#x20AC;˘Worship: Allegheny Open Arms United Church of Christ, 707 East St., North Side. 10:30am, Info: 412-321-1328, www.alleghenyopenarms.org. â&#x20AC;˘Worship: OneChurch. Bricolage Theater, 937 Liberty Ave., downtown. 1pm. Info: 412-390-5400. â&#x20AC;˘Worship: Community House Presbyterian Church, 120 Parkhurst St, North Side. 10:45am. 412-321-3900. â&#x20AC;˘Meditation, worship: Pittsburgh Center for Spiritual Living, 5655 Bryant St., Highland Park. 10am. Info: 412-362-5096, www.oneintruth.com. â&#x20AC;˘YOGA with Mike! GLCC. 4:30-6:30pm. 412-422-0114.

Every Monday in December

â&#x20AC;˘Male Dancers: Real Luck CafĂŠ. â&#x20AC;˘Rapid oral HIV testing: Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, 5913 Penn Ave., East Liberty. 9am-5pm. Info: 412-345-7456, www.patf.org. â&#x20AC;˘TransPitt phone line: 7-9:30pm. Info: 412-454-5557 or transpitt_org@yahoo.com. â&#x20AC;˘Recovery: Into Action AA, Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. 7:30pm. â&#x20AC;˘Support: Sex, Love Addicts Anonymous: Calvary Episcopal Church, Shady Avenue and Walnut Street, Shadyside. 7pm. Info: 412-441-0956.

Every Tuesday in December

â&#x20AC;˘OUT TV News, LGBTQ news. Noon. Talk It OUT, live chat, guests, current events.

Call Persad for an appointment: EXT WWW PERSADCENTER ORG

Every Friday in December

â&#x20AC;˘OUT and Wild, live chat, guests (human and animal). Noon. Live on www.vidutv.com, re-run on www.outonline.com. â&#x20AC;˘Out on the Town, live chat, guests, LGBT bar reviews. 1pm. Live on www.vidutv.com, re-run on www.outonline.com. â&#x20AC;˘Karaoke: P-Town. â&#x20AC;˘Dinner: Shepherd Wellness Community. 6pm. 412-683-4477 or www.swconline.org. â&#x20AC;˘Flying Colors GLBT bicycle riding group: meet at statue in front of Phipps Conservatory, Oakland; rides depart at 6:45pm. Info: send e-mail to pghbikeguy@verizon.net. â&#x20AC;˘Gospel singing: with the OneVoice Choir. Wood Street Galleries, Sixth and Wood Streets, downtown. 6:30pm. Info: 412-281-4655. â&#x20AC;˘Recovery: Gay, Lesbian, Friends AA. Fayette County Health Center, 100 New Salem Rd., Uniontown. 8pm. Info: 724-439-3173. â&#x20AC;˘Recovery: Sober as Folk AA. Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. 7:30pm. Info: 412-373-3739. â&#x20AC;˘Support: Sex, Love Addicts Anonymous. West View United Methodist Church, Princeton and Center Avenues, West View. 12:15pm; St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, 720 Arch St., North Side. 6:30pm. Info: 412-441-0956. â&#x20AC;˘Nude Male Yoga. 7pm. 115 Sedgewick Street, Millvale. â&#x20AC;˘Male dancers: Real Luck CafĂŠ, P-Town.

Every Thursday in December

â&#x20AC;˘OUT TV News, LGBTQ news. Noon. Talk It OUT, live chat, guests, current events. 12:30pm. Live on www.vidutv.com, re-run on www.outonline.com. â&#x20AC;˘Positive OUTlook. Health issues in the LGBT community. 1pm. Live on www.vidutv.com, re-run on www.outonline.com.

Thursday, December 1

Thursday, December 8

ÂˇEVENT: World AIDS Day. Pittsburgh RED. www.pittsburghred.org. ÂˇTESTING: Free HIV Rapid Testing, 9am-9pm. GLCC. ÂˇVIGIL: Candlelight, 6pm. CMU Campus. ÂˇMEMORIAL SERVICE: 24th World AIDS Day, 7pm. Heinz Memorial Chapel. ÂˇSTAGE: Defending the Caveman through Jan. 8. CLO Cabaret. ÂˇCLASS: Master Class Series with Gwen Ritchie Hunter through December 14. Kelly Strayhorn Theater. 412-363-3000. ÂˇART: Fifteen Minutes: Homage to Andy Warhol through January 8. The Andy Warhol Museum. 412-237-8300.

ÂˇSTAGE: Oy Vey in a Manger with The Kinsey Sicks through December 11. City Theatre. 412-431-CITY. ÂˇDEADLINE: January 2012 issue. News to Pittsburghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Out. 412-381-3350 or out@outonline.com.

ÂˇSTAGE: Looking for Magic through December 4. Heymann Theatre. ÂˇDINNER: Shepherd Wellness Community AIDS Wellness Dinner; doors open at 6pm; First United Methodist Church, Shadyside. ÂˇSTAGE: The House of Yes through December 17. Off The Wall Theater, Washington, PA. 412-394-3353. ÂˇBENEFIT: World AIDS Day Variety Show. Vice Versa, Morgantown, WV. www.viceversaclub.com. ÂˇSTAGE: Staycee Pearl Dance Project-Octavia through December 3. Kelly Strayhorn Theater. 412-363-3000.

â&#x20AC;˘OUT TV News, LGBTQ news. Noon. Talk It OUT, live chat, guests, current events. 12:30pm. Live on www.vidutv.com, re-run on www.outonline.com. â&#x20AC;˘Drag Talk, live chat, guests, current events. 1pm. Live on www.vidutv.com, rerun on www.outonline.com. â&#x20AC;˘Deep, Dark and Naked Fridays. Club Pittsburgh. 412-471-6790. â&#x20AC;˘Male dancers: Images, Real Luck CafĂŠ, and P-Town. â&#x20AC;˘Recovery: New Hope, beginners and regular AA, Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill, 7pm; Joy of Living AA, Trinity Lutheran Church, North and Buena Vista Avenues, North Side, 8pm; Rainbow Bridge NA meeting, Persad Center, 7pm. â&#x20AC;˘Support: Sex, Love Addicts Anonymous; East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Ave. 7:30pm. 412-441-0956. â&#x20AC;˘HIV Wellness Dinner; 6pm; Shepherd Wellness Center, 412-683-4477 or www.swconline.org. Check for weekly location. â&#x20AC;˘Youth Drop-In. GLCC. 7-10pm. 412-422-0114. â&#x20AC;˘Good Fridays. Half price admission and cash bar. The Andy Warhol Museum. 5pm-10pm.

Every Saturday in December

â&#x20AC;˘Frontrunners: meet at Columbus statue, Schenley Park. 9am; run at 9:10am. Info: 412-481-5549, www.pittsburgh-frontrunners.org. â&#x20AC;˘Support: Sex, Love Addicts Anonymous. Carnegie Library, South 22nd and Carson Streets, South Side. 10:30am. Info: 412-441-0956. â&#x20AC;˘Male Dancers: Real Luck CafĂŠ, P-Town. â&#x20AC;˘Request Night, Club Pittsburgh. 11pm. 412-471-6790.

ÂˇSee weekly events for every Tuesday of the month located above. Dancers, parties, live shows, worship, support and more.

Saturday, December 10

ÂˇSee weekly events for every Friday of the month located above. Dancers, parties, live shows, worship, support and more.

ÂˇSHOW: One-Woman Show, Coti Collins. Vice Versa, Morgantown, WV. www.viceversaclub.com. ÂˇSHOW: God-des and She. 11pm. No Cover. Cruze Bar, Strip District. www.cruzebar.com. ÂˇBINGO: Outgageous Bingo, sponsored by Pittsburghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Out, benefits GLCC and Shepherd Wellness Community. Doors open at 6:30pm, games begin at 7:30pm. Rodef Shalom, Oakland. 412-422-0114. ÂˇART: The Word of God: Jeffrey Vallance through February 5. The Andy Warhol Museum. 412-237-8300.

Sunday, December 4

Thursday, December 15

ÂˇSee weekly events for every Sunday of the month located above. Dancers, parties, worship, yoga and more.

ÂˇBENEFIT: Persad Center Charity Event. Cruze Bar, Strip District. www.cruzebar.com.

Monday, December 5

Friday, December 16

ÂˇSPA: Foot Spa for HIV+ people. 5:15pm meal, 6pm class. Shepherd Wellness Community, Bloomfield. 412-683-4477.

ÂˇSHOW: Olivia Knowles, Faith Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly and Jasmine Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly. Vice Versa, Morgantown, WV. www.viceversaclub.com. ÂˇDEADLINE: January 2012 issue. Classified advertising to Pittsburghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Out. 412-381-3350 or out@outonline.com.

ÂˇTHERAPY: Hypnotherapy for HIV+ people. 5:15pm meal, 6pm class. Shepherd Wellness Community, Bloomfield. 412-683-4477.

ÂˇSPA: Foot Spa for HIV+ people. 5:15pm meal, 6pm class. Shepherd Wellness Community, Bloomfield. 412-683-4477.

Tuesday, December 20

ÂˇEVENT: Seasons of Healing: Winter. Presented by Persad Center. 10am-4pm. St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Shadyside. ÂˇPARTY: Lady Gaga Party. Vice Versa, Morgantown, WV. www.viceversaclub.com. ÂˇPARTY: SPARK, featuring RuPaul Drag Race winner Raja. 1111 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15222. 888-71-TICKETS, www.pittsburghpride.org. ÂˇWORSHIP: JUDAH Fellowship. 6pm., 120 Parkhurst Street (Northside). 412512-2171.

Wednesday, December 7

Monday, December 19

ÂˇSHOW: Anna Steezia, Robin Hearts and Seduce Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;lottamen. Vice Versa, Morgantown, WV. www.viceversaclub.com. ÂˇTOY DRIVE: Three Rivers Leather Club Toy Drive. Cruze Bar, Strip District. www.cruzebar.com. ÂˇDEADLINE: January 2012 issue. Display advertising, calendar information to Pittsburghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Out. 412-381-3350 or out@outonline.com.

Sunday, December 11

ÂˇSee weekly events for every Tuesday of the month located above. Dancers, parties, live shows, worship, support and more.

WORSHIP: JUDAH Fellowship. 6pm., 120 Parkhurst Street (Northside). 412512-2171

Friday, December 9

Saturday, December 3

Tuesday, December 6

PAGE 8 â&#x20AC;˘ OUT â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 2011

Every Wednesday in December

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAPPENING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DAY BY DAY

Friday, December 2

Persad can help you with: s #OUPLES AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS s 3UBSTANCE ABUSE s $OMESTIC VIOLENCE s ()6 !)$3 s %MOTIONAL PROBLEMS s 'ENDER OR SEXUAL IDENTITY ISSUES s ',"4 FRIENDLY REFERRALS

â&#x20AC;˘Karaoke: Images. 9:30pm. â&#x20AC;˘Rapid oral HIV testing: by Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force. Women only: Miryamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 1410 Fifth Ave., Uptown, 11am-3pm; all welcome: GLCC, 6-9pm. Info: 412-2422500, www.patf.org. â&#x20AC;˘Frontrunners: meet at Columbus statue in Schenley Park, 7pm; run at 7:10pm. Info: 412-481-5549, www.pittsburgh-frontrunners.org. â&#x20AC;˘Recovery: Celebrate Sobriety AA, First Unitarian Church, Ellsworth and Morewood Avenues, Oakland. 8pm; Beaver County AA/NA meeting, 2pm, Info: 724-375-0760. â&#x20AC;˘Free rapid HIV testing, 6-9pm, GLCC, 412-422-0114. â&#x20AC;˘Yoga for HIV+ people. 5:15pm. Shepherd Wellness Center. 412-683-4477.

Wednesday, December 21 ÂˇFILM: Movie Night for HIV+ people. 5:15pm meal, 6pm movie. Shepherd Wellness Community, Bloomfield. 412-683-4477.

Friday, December 23 Saturday, December 24 - Christmas Eve. ÂˇOPEN: Male dancers, free munchies buffet, free Christmas gift. Open 4pm. Real Luck CafĂŠ, Strip District. 412-471-7832 ÂˇOPEN: 4pm-2am. Cruze Bar. www.cruzebar.com.

Sunday, December 25 - Merry Christmas! ÂˇOPEN: Male dancers, free traditional Christmas buffet, free Christmas gift. Open 5pm. Real Luck CafĂŠ, Strip District. 412-471-7832 ÂˇOPEN: 10pm. Club Pittsburgh, Strip District. 412-471-6790. www.clubpittsburgh.com.

Monday, December 12

Wednesday, December 28

ÂˇSPA: Foot Spa for HIV+ people. 5:15pm meal, 6pm class. Shepherd Wellness Community, Bloomfield. 412-683-4477.

ÂˇSee weekly events for every Wednesday of the month located above. Dancers, parties, live shows, worship, support and more.

Wednesday, December 14

Friday, December 30

ÂˇCLASS: Ceramics Class for HIV+ people. 5:15pm meal, 6pm class. Shepherd Wellness Community, Bloomfield. 412-683-4477.

ÂˇSHOW: Drag Golden Oldies Show. Vice Versa, Morgantown, WV. www.viceversaclub.com.

Saturday, December 17 ÂˇSHOW: XXX-MAS. Vice Versa, Morgantown, WV. www.viceversaclub.com. PARTY: Annual Holiday Party. Starts at 11pm. Club Pittsburgh, Strip District. www.clubpittsburgh.com.

Saturday, December 31 New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve ÂˇPARTY: New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve. Cruze Bar, Strip District. www.cruzebar.com. ÂˇPARTY: New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve. Starts at 10pm. Club Pittsburgh, Strip District. www.clubpittsburgh.com. ÂˇPARTY: New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve. Male dancers, balloon drop, buffet, giveaways. Open at 4pm. No cover. Real Luck CafĂŠ, Strip District. 412-471-7832. ÂˇPARTY: New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve. The Link Bar, Herminie, PA. www.thelinkniteclub.com. ÂˇPARTY: New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve. 5801, Shadyside. www.5801videolounge.com. ÂˇPARTY: New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve. Vice Versa, Morgantown, WV. www.viceversaclub.com.

OUT â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE 29

CMYK

Persad Center Counseling Services

Every Sunday in December

12:30pm. Live on www.vidutv.com, re-run on www.outonline.com. â&#x20AC;˘Male dancers: Images. 6-8pm, 10:30pm. â&#x20AC;˘Frontrunners: meet at Columbus statue in Schenley Park, 7pm; run at 7:10pm. Info: 412-481-5549, www.pittsburgh-frontrunners.org. â&#x20AC;˘Worship: supper, 6pm; gay-welcoming Holy Eucharist, 7pm. St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 304 Morewood Ave., Shadyside. Info: 412-682-3342. â&#x20AC;˘Support: Just for Today AA, First United Methodist Church, Centre and South Aiken Avenues, Shadyside. 7:30pm. â&#x20AC;˘Radio: This Way Out. WYEP 91.3. 7:30pm. â&#x20AC;˘Buddy Night at Club Pittsburgh. 412-471-6790.

OUT AND ABOUT SWC has it all

Seeing is believing

The Shepherd Wellness Community is there to help members of the HIV+ community with meals, films, free classes, yoga, discussion groups and more. Find out their full slate of activities—or how you can volunteer—by calling them at 412-683-4477 or visit www.scwonline.org.

Celebrate 32 years of seeing clearly at Eyetique’s 40% off anniversary sale starting Nov. 25 thru Dec. 24. Call 800-422-5320 for more details or visit the branch nearest you: Mall at Robinson, Squirrel Hill, Wilkins Twp., Wexford, Shadyside, South Hills Village, or South Side Works.

Book your table and get your cards because it’s time for OUTrageous Bingo at 6:30pm on Dec. 10. “It ain’t your grandma’s bingo…but bring her anyhow” to Rodef Shalom in Oakland. Reserve your table now at 412-422-0114.

Get Scrooged again this Christmas

Start your engines!

Pittsburgh CLO celebrates a holiday tradition with its 2nd annual production of A Musical Christmas Carol from Dec. 8-23 at the Byham Theater. On Dec. 10 they’ll put a kettle on for you during Holiday Tea at the Renaissance Hotel starting at 2:30pm. The CLO will be holding two Girl Scouts Events this month: Lock-In on Dec. 10 and Pizza Party on Dec. 16. Come to A Very Merry Meal on Dec. 17 at 6pm at Braddock’s American Brasserie. Just for kids the CLO is holding a coloring contest with details available online. Entry deadline is Dec. 5. And there are just nine weeks left to catch Defending the Caveman playing Now-Jan. 8 at the CLO Cabaret. Event tickets are available online or by calling 412-456-6666.

Raja, fabulous winner of season 3 of Rupaul’s Drag Race, will be appearing live at Spark on Dec. 3 at Bill Chisnell Productions, 1111 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh. The show is presented by Pride Pittsburgh and the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh. Tickets are available at www.PittsburghPride.org or by calling 888-71-TICKETS.

NIGHTLIFE

Do something Get involved and attend the next meeting of QUILTBAG on Mon. Dec. 5 from 5:30-7:30pm at the East Liberty Library. On the agenda this month are the break out groups: 5 year plan, Queers for Social Justice and Networking. For more information or to RSVP e-mail raydensorock@gmail.com.

Get connected to those in the know The M2M Project offers a safe and confidential place for men to get information on HIV testing, substance use and safe sex. Receive up to $140 in gift cards for participating. Text FndOut to 76274 or call 412-804-1725.

Bringing 40 years of professional, confidential and non-judgmental counseling experience, Persad Center is now open in Erie. Persad offers help with relationships, emotional problems, coping with HIV/AIDS, sexual identity issues, gender transitions, issues of aging, youth and family conflicts, etc. Call 814-864-9064 or go online to www.persadcenter.org.

Just say Yes! Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary way to celebrate the holidays? Look no further. Off The Wall Productions is presenting Wendy MacLeod’s The House of Yes this December at the Off The Wall Theater in Washington, PA. The play is a particularly twisted look at a particularly twisted family. Adultery, incest and the Kennedy assassination? What more could you ask for? Book your tickets now. Performances will be held Dec. 2-3, 9-10, and 15-17, at 8pm, with a matinee on Dec. 11 at 3pm. Tickets can be ordered online at www.ProArtsTickets.org, or by telephone at (412) 394-3353. The Off The Wall Theater is located at 147 N. Main St., Washington, PA 15301.

Holiday toy drive The Allegheny County Department of Human Services is once again collecting toys for foster children in the Pittsburgh area. Donation events are being held on Dec. 3 at Leather Central during the Leather, Rubber and Other Flea Market, and also during OUTrageous Bingo on Dec. 10 at Rodef Shalom in Oakland. Please bring unwrapped toys or cash donations, or contact Ky Eaton at 412-3353595 for more details. www.outonline.com • 412038103350

PAGE 28 • OUT • DECEMBER 2011

The Pittsburgh Public Theater presents two shows to tickle your funny bone this winter. The Second City troupe stars in Laugh Out Loud! on Jan. 5 and 6 at 8pm, and Jan. 7 at 5:30 and 9pm, and Ted Pappas directs Shakespeare’s As You Like It which will be showing from Jan. 19 thru Feb. 19. Tickets are available at 412-3161600 or ppt.org.

Another queen will be crowned The 20th Anniversary of the Miss Gay Pennsylvania USofA Pageant will take place on Dec. 3 at the Eagle Firehouse Ballroom in New Hope, PA, presented by Party Gurlz Productions. Doors open at 6pm. Ticket information is available online at www.missgaypausofa.com or by calling 215-862-2588.

Have yourself a campy little Christmas

Catch the game at 5801 Enjoy the game and a couple of cold ones at 5801 on Ellsworth, a video lounge and café in Shadyside. Doors open at 12:30pm for 1pm games, 3:30pm for 4pm games. Gather up your friends to root the Steelers to victory. And don’t forget daily Happy Hour from 6-8pm. Check out 5801 on Ellsworth Ave.

Out with a bang in Morgantown

The party never ends at Vice Versa, Morgantown’s hottest night club. December events include A World AIDS Day Variety Show on Dec. 2 and a Lady Gaga Costume Party on Dec. 3. Anna Steezi, Robin Hearts and Seduce A’lottamen take the stage Dec. 9. On Dec. 10 Coti Collins brings her One-Woman Show to the club. The party continues on Dec. 16 with Olivia Knowles, Faith O’Reilly and Jasmine O’Reilly. Evan and Justin are back live on stage on Dec. 17, and on Dec. 30 go back in time for the Drag Golden Oldies Show with Tasha Kane, Pandora Boxx and Sassy DeHaven. Then party like it’s the end of the world at Vice Versa’s NYE 2011 starring Gigi Monroe and Jezebel. The club will be closed on Christmas Eve. Vice Versa is at 335 High St. in Morgantown, WV.

Get in the holiday spirit at the Club

Get ready for an outrageous good time when the City Theatre presents Oy Vey in a Manger from Dec. 8-11, featuring the vocal stylings of The Kinsey Sicks, the awardwinning “dragapella beautyshop quartet.” Show times are Dec. 8 and 9 at 8pm, Dec. 10 at 2pm and 8pm, and Dec. 11 at 2pm. The City Theatre is located at 1300 Bingham St. on Pittsburgh’s South Side. Tickets are available online at CityTheatreCompany.org or by phone at 412-431CITY.

DJ Billy will play your requests every Saturday night in December at Club Pittsburgh. Sit on Santa’s lap on Dec. 17 at the Annual Holiday Party starting at 11pm. Party all night long at the New Year’s Eve bash on Dec. 31 beginning at 10pm. On Dec. 25th Club Pittsburgh will close for the holiday at 7am and re-open at 10pm. The Club will offer free HIV & Syphilis testing on Thurs. Dec. 15 & 29, 10pm-1am. Club Pittsburgh is located at 1139 Penn Avenue, downtown.

Primetimers sets Dec. events

Make the New Year a Lucky one!

The Pittsburgh Prime Timers are having a holiday social Dec. 18 at 4pm at Max’s Allegheny Tavern, 537 Suisman St. Cost is $20 for members and $26 for nonmembers and guests. RSVP by Dec. 13. The monthly breakfast at Ritter’s Diner will be on Dec. 24 at 10am. Meet in the parking lot.

Riverside’s Glass dazzles Dec. 3 and 4 will be Riverside’s Design Group’s 10th Annual Glass Sale, benefitting Persad Center. Saturday hours for the sale are 9am-4pm; Sunday hours are 9am1pm. Pick up something for holiday entertaining or giftgiving at the group’s warehouse at 3441 Butler St. Call Bob McGrogan at 412-441-9786 x 225 for more information.

Cole Porter anyone? Sam Bendrix at the Bon Soir by Keith Bunin continues through Dec. at City Theatre. The production features the music of Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein and others and will star Luke Macfarlane of TV’s Brothers and Sisters. For tickets, call 412-431-CITY.

CMYK

Persad offices open in Erie

Laugh away your winter blues

B-I-N-G-O!

Don’t miss any of the Steelers action on the 8-foot screen at Real Luck Café, a gay bar for men and women at 1519 Penn Ave. in the Strip District. Game days include free souvenirs, free buffet and the chance to win a Big Ben autographed football. Hot male dancers strut their stuff nightly Wednesdays-Sundays. Celebrate Christmas with a free buffet and gift on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Doors open at 4pm on Dec. 24 and at 5pm on Dec. 25. On Dec. 31, starting at 4pm, ring in the New Year with a traditional buffet, champagne and strawberries. Then come back on New Year’s Day to recover starting at 5pm with free Alka-Seltzer and aspirin.

Book your seat for a holiday Cruze Cruze Bar starts the Christmas celebration with a Toy Drive on Dec. 9 sponsored by the Three Rivers Leather Club. Get a taste of Heaven when God-des and She perform live at 11pm on Dec. 10. Get in the spirit of giving on Dec. 15 when PERSAD holds a charity event. Then make it a merry one on Dec. 24 for the Christmas Eve party, 4pm-2am. Don’t forget to save the date for the 1st annual New Year’s Eve Party on Dec. 31. Cruze Bar is located at 1600 Smallman St. in the Strip District.

OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 9

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Down the chimney to get your holiday jollies Nathan considers a DILF, seems like a total idiot until we learn it’s because he’s perpetually stoned. The house is overdecorated for Christmas, in contrast to the bland, butch wardrobe Gunn only wears when he’s at home. Anya still hopes Olaf will hook up with the girl next door, Abby (Hallee Hirsh), who was his high school sweetheart, even though she doesn’t like Abby’s mother (Alison Arngrim), a slutty widow. Abby’s holding back some secrets of her own (“No one our age...tells their parents everything”), giving her the most range of any character in the movie. The melodrama is sometimes as over-the-top as the comedy, as when Gunn says of his parents, “I don’t think I could take it if they stopped loving me” and Nathan’s statement, “I would rather have my parents’ love than their money.” But it’s touching when Nathan says, “I miss how my mom treated me before she found out [I’m gay].” The dialogue is full of silly double-entendres, some funny and some tired. These gay comedies often seem like they’re made to be seen by people who have never seen a gay movie before. Make the Yuletide Gay isn’t as bad as some in that respect. In the spirit of the season (and I watched it over Labor Day Weekend), I got my jollies from Make the Yuletide Gay.

www.outonline.com 412-381-3350

CMYK

by Steve Warren A cut above the average comedy made for a queer niche audience, but not good enough to compete in the general marketplace, Make the Yuletide Gay (TLA Releasing) is worth one holiday viewing, even if it’s not likely to become an annual tradition. It was released on DVD two years ago and is being re-released this year, suggesting at least a biennial tradition. Olaf “Gunn” Gunnunderson (Keith Jordan) and Nathan Stanford (Adamo Ruggierro of Degrassi: The Next Generation, who needs to lose his Canadian accent if he wants to play Americans) are out and in love at college, but Gunn’s not out to his Wisconsin parents, Anya (Kelly Keaton) and Sven (Derek Long). (Nathan should know this but doesn’t.) That doesn’t matter because while Gunn’s home for the holidays, Nathan, a trust fund baby, will be with his own parents (Ian Buchanan, Gates McFadden) at their East Coast estate. Oops, no he won’t. The Stanfords forgot to tell their son they’re going on a cruise to the Holy Land and won’t be home, so at the last minute Nathan changes course and surprises Gunn at Chez Gunnunderson. From then on it’s a pleasantly frustrating wait for Olaf, as he’s called at home, to break the news so we can get to the mandatory sweet, sappy ending. It’s how we pass the time that counts, and a lot of it is fun. Writer-director Rob Williams often lets his cast play the script more broadly than he wrote it, perhaps hoping it will seem funnier than it is. Anya sounds like Sarah Palin in Roseanne’s body, dontcha know. Sven, whom

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OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 27

CMYK

PAGE 26 • OUT • DECEMBER 2011

OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 11

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OUT â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE 25

OPINION

STARGAYZER

Naughty or nice? Santa knows—ho, ho, ho Continued from page 23

SAGITTARIUS

success even more so than mere words. But that is up to you, queer Scorp.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23Dec. 22)

You will work hard for what you get, but that should not be a concern to you because you are indeed working hard right now. And there is a light at the end of the work tunnel. All your efforts can pay off, and you will be well heeled for the holiday season. So eat, drink and be very merry now, gay Archer. Even rats on a treadmill deserve a coffee break.

Capricorn (Dec. 23-Jan. 20) If there was anyone who could use a good party it is you, pink Cap. So don your gay apparel and plug into the

holiday party circuit. It is time to see and be seen. And you can even make a scene. All is forgiven because you are so dynamic, charismatic and engaging now. I think the wire hanger holding the mistletoe over your head is a very nice touch.

Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19)

For Entertainment Purposes Only. © 2011 THE STARRY EYE, LLC., All Rights Reserved. Lichtenstein’s blog www.thestarryeye.typepad.com covers everything new age. Her astrology book HerScopes; A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians is the best in tongue-incheek astrology. Order now at tinyurl.com/herscopes

Am I post-gay—or overcompensating for old gay stereotypes? by Abby Dees Have you become complacent about being gay? I have. As LGBT rights evolve, and LGBT life becomes more normalized to mainstream America, some of us have the good fortune to be blasé about being gay. It’s a normal response to progress, but there might be something else going on as well: overcompensation.

There is a lot bubbling below the surface that is waiting to burst out. Secrets should be shared this December and why not? It will make you seem all knowing and mysterious. And that can be very attractive. Plan some festive surprises at home with some good friends and family, and don’t be surprised if you are surprised yourself. Why am I not surprised?

I live in a liberal neighborhood in Los Angeles, and except when I have a deadline for one of these columns looming, I do not think about being a lesbian. At no point in my day do I stop and think, “Oh, wait, I’m a lesbian— what’s our special gay laundry technique again?” Despite what my straight guy friends hope, when I kiss my partner at the end of the workday, I do not think, “Let’s have a hot lesbian kiss now before we make dinner.” My lesbian life is boring, maybe even a let down. This is probably as it should be. By contrast, though, many of my straight friends (who I don’t mean to keep maligning, really) think that

Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) Your desire to make a name for yourself becomes an obsession. And maybe that oomph is what you need to finally get some long dormant plans launched. Talk to advisors and do your research. You have toiled too long in the background, and now you deserve some recognition. Success is at hand, Guppie. See if you can transfer from the hand to the wallet.

A COUPLE OF GUYS It ain’t your grandma’s bingo…but bring her anyhow!

SATURDAY CMYK

Doors open at 6:30 PM Games begin at 7:30 PM

SITE

Rodef Shalom in Oakland

4905 Fifth Avenue Entrance from parking lot between Devonshire St. & Morewood Ave.

TICKETS $12 in advance from OUTlet sponsors: • Banner Coin Exchange • Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor • On Line at glccpgh.org or $15 at the door.

For more information or table reservations, call the GLCC at 412-422-0114.

PITTSBURGH’S

Table reservations are for advance-purchased tickets only and will not be held past 7:00pm Event proceeds benefit the Gay & Lesbian Community Center and the Shepherd Wellness Community. OUTrageous Bingo conducted by permit to Shepherd Wellness Community.

PAGE 24 • OUT • DECEMBER 2011

Print Media Sponsor:

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OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 13

CMYK

Dec. 10th • Jan. 14th Feb. 11th • Mar. 10th

I’m all-gay-all-the-time and perhaps oversensitive to the subject. I’ve written a book about communicating with your LGBT loved one, I’ve got this here column, and I am prone to screaming in a tic-like fashion at the TV when sweetfaced TV preachers say that God loves all his children, but probably loves straight people a little more. I get how this looks to my friends. But I don’t really put that much energy out in a specifically gay-ish fashion. In fact, I probably babble on way more about a greater passion in my life: the Beatles, though one seems to think I’m oversensitive about John Lennon. So, even with people I care about, I find myself downplaying my already mild support for my own community. I confess that I worry my friends will say, “Oh, she’s off again,” just because I have to point out that however much you might like Rick Santorum’s economic ideas, he actually used the words “man on dog” to explain his opposition to same-sex marriage. I know why I’m biting my lip: I’m showing that I don’t have a chip on my shoulder, that my lesbian identity is a joy-joy modern thing. I worry that if I make too many comments about injustice against LGBT people, folks will think I’m—yes—an angry, miserable lesbian. I know better, but it’s an old, deep reflex against an old image that hovers around whenever I have a moment of righteous anger or am feeling emphatic. I see it there in its mannish gray suit and severe hair-do, but others may not. If you are too young to know what I’m talking about, first, let me say how happy that makes me. Second, it’s time for a LGBT history refresher. Please stop everything now and read Vito Russo’s seminal The Celluloid Closet (or stream the movie). When I came out in the ’80s, I was only too familiar with the persistent message in the media that Russo so beautifully exposed: that all LGBT people were suicidal, homicidal, mistaken, or—in a strangely repetitive trope— vampires, before they got all cuddly. In movies from Basic Instinct to Personal Best to The Hunger, there wasn’t a feel-good lesbian character to be found. This was so routine that when the sweetly positive lesbian flick, Desert Hearts, came out in 1985 in L.A., every lesbian I’d ever met was in that ticket line opening day, it was so exciting. The audience erupted when the film’s lesbian ingénue arrived on the screen, defiant and joyful, driving backwards at 60 miles an hour in her convertible. Now that we are moving quickly into no-big-deal-land, I sometimes feel like it’s my job to be the model post-liberation lesbian, to treat this recent history as quaint and silly—which is a mistake. Last month an 17-year-old boy was shoved and taunted in Tennessee for wearing a GSA t-shirt at his school—his principal reportedly egged his tormentors on. That same week 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer killed himself in Buffalo, New York after relentless bullying. Those old images are still around, giving permission to violence and stupidity. We’re not post-anything yet. Abby Dees is a civil rights attorney-turned-author who has been in the LGBT rights trenches for 25+ years. She can be reached through her website: queerquestionsstraighttalk.com.

STARGAYZER

Dragging history out of the closet: Historians, step up to the plate

Naughty or nice? Santa knows

IMAGINE

by Mark Segal Was President Lincoln a gay man? Were President Buchanan and Francis King partners? Can we prove that lesbians and trans people fought in the Revolutionary and Civil wars? Was a gay man the founder of the U.S. military? Why is any of this important? A new passion has taken hold of me the last year or so: LGBT history, especially LGBT people in American history. MY intensity on this was in full bloom as part of our sixth annual National Gay History Project in October. In the first year of the National Gay History Project, we asked Congressman Barney Frank to write an essay on gay history. He wrote eloquently about his early years in politics, his coming out as an openly gay member of Congress and how difficult it was. He explained very clearly how even in the liberal 1960s, under liberal presidents such as Kennedy and then Johnson, antigay legislation was still being ushered through the political system. The article showcases a man who is passionate about politics and the system that makes change. Some children grow up wanting to be doctors, lawyers or artists. There are also those who grow up wanting to be like Barney: a part of a system that will foster change and equality. For them to know that LGBT people were a part of this system from the start, and were founders of this country, gives them great pride in themselves and hope for a future political career or work in government. And those are the children who will make the changes that will affect our future. This year’s National Gay History Project started out with a premise stated by a member of the far-right-wing Republican Party. The quote was, “Our founding fathers did not have homosexuals in mind when they created this country.” The project this year proved that statement utterly false. It was an ambitious project and our writers delivered more than what was expected of them. If you hear that quote again, tell them about Baron von Steuben. Without von Steuben, a gay man, there would be no U.S.A. Benjamin Franklin was the first U.S. official to recruit a gay man for the military; at that time, the Continental Army. Did you know that one of the most patriotic songs, “America the Beautiful,” was written by a lesbian, Katharine Lee Bates? And thanks to our reporting, the official library and home of President Buchanan is finally beginning to admit that it is possible that he was gay. Read about Buchanan, his partner William Rufus King and the rest at www.epgn.com under Special Coverage. So, we’ve done our work. Now it’s the time for historians to step up to the plate. My personal promise: That will happen. Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is an award-winning commentator for the LGBT media. He can be reached atmark@epgn.com.

PITTSBURGH’S

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PAGE 14 • OUT • DECEMBER 2011

GRATEFUL AND TEENAGER

IN THE SAME SENTENCE. There are over 1,000 children waiting to be adopted in Pennsylvania. And all they want is a loving home. Talk to us during National Adoption Month to make their dreams a reality. 1-800-585-SWAN | adoptpakids.org

STATEWIDE ADOPTION & PERMANENCY NETWORK

by Charlene Lichtenstein Ho ho ho. December is here, and the planets are not only jolly but generous. Jupiter redirects and trines Sun in Capricorn. Gather your gifts and see who has been naughty and who has been nice.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

All your plans for corporate domination may have an opening this December. Proud Rams can capitalize on all their hard work and planning and can secure a place at the boardroom table. Of course, if you are more interested in entrepreneurial goals, it is a good time to break ground on your new business. Santa rewards the good. Now you are very good.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

All eyes have been on you for so long, you may forget that they are even there. But this is no time to forget to cultivate your public face. While things might have gotten out of hand in the past few months, December will prove to be a good time to consolidate your efforts and reap international acclaim. The sky is the limit. Fly it in first class style, queer Bull.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

Although you love to play coy, even you will be caught up in the game of love this December. And what a game it will be! Secret admirers who have been biding their time to make their move will now make their move. All of a sudden you are the one to meet, greet and sweet talk. Can you handle all this adoration without it going to your head? Ho ho ho.

Cancer (June 22-July 23)

Prepare for a rush of holiday inspired festivities this December that will enliven current relationships and maybe even create new and exciting ones. Store up your energy so you can last the entire month in party mode. And in that time you will find ways to expand your list of friends and try out some new organizations. How about Occupy the Nearest Party?

Leo (July 24-Aug. 23)

When it comes to your career, the bigger the better now. Proud Lions find that a particular professional project opens a big door of opportunity at work. Showcase your talents to the big wigs and see where it can lead. Of course, you might just decide to keep a few pet projects tucked under your hat. All the better to hide your own big wig designs.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 23)

What is it that inspires you, queer Virgin? You will find out this December as you get drawn into several different types of artistic ventures. And you know what they say—nothing ventured, nothing gained. So explore, experiment and take a risk. It may not all succeed but so what? Your creativity hits a high note, even if you can’t sing.

Libra (Sept. 24-Oct. 23)

Deck your home with not only holly but a bunch of other friends. Get into the holiday party scene and make a scene. Not only will you have a month of home entertaining ahead of you, you will also be able to reconnect with long lost relatives. Try your hand at genealogy. Who knows what buried treasure lies at the foot of the family tree? Or is it a secret?

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

EARLY JANUARY ISSUE DEADLINE FOR DISPLAY ADS - DECEMBER 9. 412-381-3350.

Let your words fall like sugarplums this December. You will need to be especially diplomatic and coaxing in many of your relationships. And this is because you are angling for some pretty big end-of-year favors. Certainly an expensive gift could help pave the way to your eventual Continued on page 24

OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 23

CMYK

OPINION

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

OPINION

Two AIDS-related memoirs bookend December’s book selection

Why the LGBT community should care about women’s reproductive rights

by Richard Labonte Folsom Street Blues: A Memoir of 1970s SoMa and Leatherfolk in Gay San Francisco by Jim Stewart (Palm Drive Publishing, paperback)—It was a time and a place that will never be again—freewheeling, pre-AIDS San Francisco, South of Market, an era echoed faintly today by the city’s annual Folsom Street Fair but chronicled with gusto by a survivor with a splendid memory, an easy wit and a way with words.

PAGE 22 • OUT • DECEMBER 2011

status.” So it’s snippets of thought, then, suitable for posting (if not all actually posted) for White’s friends and “friends” to see? Could be. Most of the entries are pithy: “Fall is forgiveness weather.” Some are witty: “No, skinny jeans ain’t Jesus but yes, you can rejoice in their second coming.” Some ask questions of unfathomable depth: “Why is it legal for dogs to pee outside and not you?” Some assume the tone of a self-help thought-a-day book: “Take some credit for just being here” and “Cut this joy with water to make it last longer.” And, most Facebookly: “Friend requests are ‘Hello’ and not marriage proposals or IRS audits. Enjoy the familiar spirit of Facebook and the nosy neighborliness of it all.” Inventive, addictive and inspirational, this is one weirdly great book. Richard Labonte has been reading, editing, selling and writing about queer literature since the mid-’70s. He can be reached in care of this publication at out@outonline.com.

PITTSBURGH’S

www.outonline.com 412-381-3350

BITTER GIRL

by JJ Cox No matter what members of this community may think about abortion, it is time for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to stand up for reproductive justice. It is a fight that benefits everyone—even the gayest of the gay men who don’t want children. It may not seem like LGBT individuals have a stake in the debate, but that assumption is an absolute fallacy. There is a huge overlap between the interests of LGBT liberators and advocates of women’s reproductive rights. In fact, victories for women actually provided legal precedence for victories of the LGBT community. Skeptics should look at the case law. Many readers may recall that in 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the case Lawrence v. Texas in favor of decriminalizing sodomy at the federal level. On that fateful day, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote the judgment, “…liberty gives substantial protection to adult persons in deciding how to conduct their private lives in matters pertaining to sex.” The legal underpinnings for this victory came from a series of decisions made in favor of awarding reproductive rights, from Griswold v. Connecticut to Roe v. Wade. “Roe grounded the right to privacy in the protection of personal liberty guaranteed by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, and it recognized a notion of liberty that includes a woman’s right to make fundamental decisions affecting her destiny,” wrote Cynthia Daillard in a 2003 edition of The Guttmacher Report on Public Policy. The crossover here is simple. Lawrence v. Texas was successful because of a previous case arguing for the equal protection of personal liberty through due process and privacy. Therefore, the legal decisions which gave women reproductive freedom have since been used to create protections for sexual freedom. In simpler terms, there are parts of the body where the government may not intervene, namely sexual organs. For those readers who suffered at the hands of abstinenceonly sex educators, sexual organs also happen to be responsible for reproduction. Ergo the fight for gay rights and the fight for women’s rights are inseparable. Set sexual and reproductive freedom aside for the moment, and there is a third layer to the argument which applies to both camps. Both women and members of the LGBT community are denied equal access to preventative healthcare. The staggering truth about unequal access to healthcare was published by The Center for American Progress in their 2009 article, “How to Close the LGBT Health Disparities Gap.” They found that only 77% of LGB persons have access to healthcare, compared to only 57% of transgender individuals. Additionally, LGBT people are more likely to avoid or delay seeking medical care and fulfillment of prescriptions, to experience psychological distress, and they are significantly more likely to ideate or attempt suicide. The list of inequalities doesn’t stop there. It goes on and on and on, like a crazed disciple of the Westboro Baptist Church. LGBT folks see the same systematic oppression in healthcare that a woman sees when she walks through a picket line to pick up her birth control from Planned Parenthood, and anytime there is a roll back in funding for reproductive health services. These discriminations are based in moral judgments, and equally oppose the rights of LGBT people and women alike. Add further insult to injury if there is any trace of

poverty, disability, or any difference in race, religion or ethnicity. If one accepts that sexual and reproductive freedoms invoke different sides of the same argument, the question remains: Why must the government needlessly interfere with our bodies doing things that are both harmless and consensual? Answer: It must not. There is already an initiative that provides the structure for LGBT organizations and advocates of reproductive freedom to become “Causes In Common.” Their mission states that it is, “…an organizing initiative of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in New York City, bringing together activists in the LGBT Liberation and Reproductive Justice Movements to work toward shared goals.” For example, Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania is already a partner of Causes in Common, which means that they signed the pledge stating their commitment to, “The right to individual autonomy in all matters related to adult consensual sexuality, gender expression and reproduction.” They offer countless general health services such as checkups, STD/ HIV testing, counseling and contraception, all regardless of a patient’s gender, sex or sexuality. They are also currently seeking funding for a semi-annual Trans Health Initiative, whose goal is to offer medical treatment specific to the needs of transgender individuals. Wouldn’t some reciprocity be nice? Reproductive

rights are diminishing, funding for these clinics is disappearing and women need the support of the LGBT Family now more than ever. What about LGBT sympathizers who oppose abortion? They can advocate for reproductive freedom and unborn children at the same time. Access to birth control goes a long way toward preventing abortion, which is great news for all who are Pro Life. The categorical denial of reproductive rights is downright illogical when coming from an LGBT advocate. Go on opposing abortion, but don’t throw out the birth control with the bathwater of unborn babies. There is no time like the present for LGBT liberators and reproductive justice advocates to join forces. The Defense of Marriage Act is still very much in effect, 40 states still have constitutional bans on same sex marriage, countless stories of transgender youths taking their own lives continue to make headlines, and 2011 has seen an aggressive rollback on the reproductive rights of women both at state and federal levels. It is time to fight for both causes, because they are one and the same. For organizations and individuals alike, let this be a long overdue call to action. Divided, we run the risk of failure. United, we will stand up for LGBT liberation and reproductive justice. JJ Cox was a host on the Inqueery show on Out TV.

CMYK

BOOKS Stewart’s jaunty memoir of his years living in the Folsom—with a short detour to the Russian River—is more personal narrative than it is sweeping history. And, as befits a man who in younger years photographed the butch and the beautiful, it’s more a series of anecdotal snapshots than it is a linear narrative. Intertwined with Stewart’s own occasionally bawdy memories are notable gay names of yore, including leather legend Jack Fritscher (publisher of this book almost four decades after meeting Stewart) and artist Chuck Arnett, whose manly mural for South of Market’s Tool Box bar was featured in Life magazine in 1964. For the author’s peers, this is a breezy trip down memory lane; for younger readers, it’s a proud remembrance of things past. The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach (Little, Brown)—College baseball is merely the surface subject of Harbach’s perfect-pitch debut novel. At its heart is a shy and scrawny shortstop prodigy, Henry Skrimshander, plucked from dusty, small-town playing fields by Westish College baseball team captain Mike Schwartz to power the Harpooner’s—so named because college president Guert Affenlight, as a student, unearthed long-lost writing by Herman Melville—to long-sought nationals. The games recounted along the way are riveting, even for nonfans of baseball. But off the playing field, this is a coming-of-age novel that is at once spirited and melancholy—and quite, quite queer. Henry’s dorm-mate is fashionably effete Owen Dunne, effortlessly comfortable with his gay self whether as man-about-campus or at bat. Life-long bachelor Affenlight—though he has a flighty daughter, Pella, who also figures in the story—is smitten with the lad. As the story unfolds, the destinies of these five characters reach a tipping point, leaving the reader unsure whether their dreams will be realized. In that sense, this impressively affecting novel is a lot like real life. We the Animals by Justin Torres (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)—This enthralling debut novel, knitted into propulsive story form through a series of disconnected vignettes, recounts six rambunctious years in the wild-boy lives of three brothers: Manny, Joel and the unnamed narrator. In their younger years, they are tough and inseparable—sitting at the kitchen table joyously smashing toma-

toes one day, another day sheltering one another from their white mother’s and their Puerto Rican father’s erratic behavior and tempestuous moods. Often, there is violence. Just as often, there is tenderness. And, always, there is a sexual undercurrent. In one scene, the three boys are witness, after a bedtime bath, to their parents copulating against the bathroom sink; in another, an older boy lures them into his basement and plays a porn tape in which a father abuses his son; and—hinting at one boy’s eventual coming-out—he comments often on the fierce feel of his father’s muscle. By book’s end, the “we” of the title has shattered into an “I” and a “them,” as the narrator understands that his “pansy scent” has set him apart. Women of the Mean Streets: Lesbian Noir, edited by J.M. Redmann and Greg Herren (Bold Strokes Books, paperback)—What this is: a collection of quite good—and several outstanding—short stories, most of them well-crafted mysteries. What this isn’t: the promised mean streets of “lesbian noir.” There aren’t as many hardboiled, rye-swilling private investigators or as many dark and dangerous urban alleyways as promised by the title. That said, Carson Tait’s “Boomerang,” about a lusty bounty hunter who falls hard for her amusingly named prey, Diamond Collier, hits all the right noir notes. Redmann’s own “Lost” features P.I. Mickey Knight—taking a 30-page detour from the author’s several mystery novels—engaged by an annoying relative to sleuth the whereabouts of a sleazy cousin. Genres are mixed—but noir wins out—in Lindy Cameron’s science-fictional collection-closing story, “Feedback,” featuring a legless cybercop who “trawls the mean streets of Cy-city and the other virtual resorts—the ones that ordinary beat cops fear to tread.” Stories by Laura Lippman, Lori L. Lake, Victoria Brownworth and Miranda Kent also stand out—tough, creepy, eerie and intense tales, to be sure, dark-hued but not traditionally “noir.” At Home with Myself: Stories from the Hills of Turkey Hollow by David Mixner (Magnus Books)— After decades of high-powered, sharp-elbowed political and cultural activism, gay and otherwise—Mixner advised electoral campaigns for the likes of George McGovern, Gary Hart and Bill Clinton—the author retreated, at 60, to a rural mountaintop home in the Catskills. These collected reflections and ruminations are the result. Some chapters dwell on the past: Mixner laments the AIDS deaths of friends, alludes to anti-homophobic fights, recalls the horror of both John F. Kennedy’s Robert F. Kennedy’s assassinations, and excoriates himself for screwing up the execution of the vaunted Peace Walk Across America. But most of the easygoing entries—some read like offthe-top-of-the-head blog postings or extended emails to friends—recount a relaxed, companionable rapport with country neighbors, country ways and changing seasons. Where once Mixner protested his old friend Clinton’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, he now celebrates Turkey Hollows’ annual Tractor Parade, commiserates with others at Johnny’s Barbershop about a summer heat wave and welcomes the departure, come September, of pushy summer residents. This is mellow Mixner, meditating on a life well lived. Status by Marvin K. White (RedBone Press, paperback)—This amusing, reflective, quixotic, self-proclaimed collection of poetry (looks more like prose, though) is a splendid oddity. According to the back cover, the handsized book is “...an emergent poetic form, the Facebook

OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 15

FEATURES

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Local leather scene on the rise again

Winter’s music selections: all about woman power

Continued from page 1

Fetish Play after party was held at Club Pittsburgh. Sunday morning a Leather Brunch Buffet was held atop beautiful Mt. Washington at Steve and Pete’s place to celebrate not only the winners but a great weekend for our community. “This event had the complete support and tireless dedication of multiple GLBT venues and community leaders,” commented CoProducer David A. Dean. We were lucky to have community leaders from across the nation join us in order to choose the next leaders for our local community. In addition to the leaders already mentioned, they included Sir Ky Eaton (Mr. Mid-Atlantic Sir 2009), Chester Munro (Mr. Chicago Leather 2010), Dru Irwin (Mr. Akron Leather 2010) and Head Judge/Coordinator Todd White (Mr. Gay United States 2004). The Masters-of-Ceremony were CJ Smith (Mr. Club XS 2008) and Joe King, local columnist. Tallymaster for

by Chris Azzopardi Kelly Clarkson, Stronger—If Kelly Clarkson wasn’t making music, you have to wonder: Where would she take out her wronged-woman rage? It’s a scary thought, considering how much the reigning “American Idol”—it’s been nearly 10 years since she was crowned as the inaugural winner—uses power-pop beats as a punching bag for her vehement venting.

MUSIC

Ahren Hollis

Matt Bronson and Chris Shelton wore leather pants and leather uniform shirts with boots shined perfectly. Matt Kolas dressed in a mix of leather and neoprene, and Tony Irwin wore a camo shirt and pants. As for the women, Doc’s leather kilt and black and green leather bra was a huge hit. Octavia once again captured the attention of the audience in a beautiful white and black corset and black pants with a tulle bow. All of the contestants represented the Pittsburgh leather community well, but there could only be two titles handed out that evening. The winners of the night: DOC won the title of Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish 2012 and will go on to compete either at American Brotherhood Weekend for the national title or choose to compete for International Ms. Leather (IML). Matthew Bronson became Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish 2012 and will compete at Mid-Atlantic Leather (MAL) in January 2012. These titleholders have large shoes to fill, since they’re following Jessi Strucaly (Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish) and Doug “D” Pamplin (Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish) who also won the title of Mid-Atlantic Leather 2011 as well as first runner-up to International Mr. Leather. Once the contest was over, RAGE the Leather and

the weekend was Ron Koski, Vice-President of Three Rivers Leather Club, and Judges Boy was Brandon Mikal. Paula Smith won the title of American Leather Woman in 2000 and can be reached in care of out@outonline.com

Local playwright revives, updates personal AIDS story was afraid,” she said. “At times, I would look at it like it was a play, like it was happening to someone else. So, I started taking notes. I know it sounds odd, but you do what you can do to cope.” A few short years later in 1995, Pollock also lost her oldest son, Larry, to the AIDS epidemic, further fueling her need to share the play she began writing shortly after Robert’s death. However, Pollock said she eventually set her writing aside for more than a decade, questioning its relevance in light of medical advances that made it possible to live with HIV. But when she learned that Larry Kramer’s 1985 play The Normal Heart had returned to Broadway, she was confident her message should still be heard. She then got to work on modernizing the play, using her 12 years of Pitt playwriting instruction and years of feedback from her writers’ group to create a full range of characters. This included a father figure, serving as the play’s antagonist—though she notes that aspect was not true to her personal story. “We lived through it,” Pollock said. “It is based on reality, but isn’t the whole truth. The characters have to change over the course of the play or the audience is disappointed.” Both Pollock and those involved with the production expressed excitement about putting this story to life on

PAGE 16 • OUT • DECEMBER 2011

stage, especially considering the rare parent perspective on this issue. “I love Beverly’s writing,” said Ron Siebert, a professional actor who’s featured as the father in the production. “The more I work on it, the richer it becomes. She has a warm heart, a wonderful ear for language, and rhythm and poetry that makes it easy to perform.” Siebert, who has performed on Broadway and in more than 60 theaters nationally, said he hopes the play will raise money for Shepherd Wellness Community as well as raise AIDS awareness. “Acting is like open heart surgery,” he said. “I want to open up the hearts of the audience to what has happened to this family, and how it can happen to anyone.” The director of Looking for Magic, Marci Woodruff, agreed. She said she’s excited for the play, which has never even had a reading, to “get its toes wet” with a full production and all professional actors. A recent Lifetime Achievement award winner, Woodruff is directing alongside Debra Gordon, founder of the Actor’s Co-op. Both women worked with Pollock on her last play, It’s Business, and were eager to put this story to life in honor of World AIDS Day. “I’m almost 60,” Woodruff said, “and my generation lived through the discovery of AIDS. By the time I lost the 20th friend to AIDS, I couldn’t count anymore.” Like Pollock, Woodruff remembers the time period when even the doctors were scared to touch HIV/AIDS patients because they didn’t know how it was transmitted. She said it was almost as if their attitude was, “You’re dying, and I can’t do anything for you.” Woodruff also feels there is a “huge lost generation” of younger people who aren’t as concerned about HIV/AIDS because of medical advances and no first-hand knowledge of the ’80s AIDS crisis. She said she has spoken to many young gay men who don’t know anyone affected by the disease, and thus aren’t as concerned or as cautious

as they should be. “I hope it will cause people to think a bit,” Pollock said. “It is very touching and hits home to hear actors read the story, and I’m so thrilled that I have wonderful people involved.” Tickets are on sale at the William Pitt Union Box Office and on Showclix.com for the 8pm Dec. 2-3 shows as well as the 2pm Dec. 4 matinee. Suggested donations are $25 for adults and $5 for students. For more information on HIV/AIDS awareness, support and outreach programs visit Shepherd Wellness Community at www.swconline.org or the Pitt Men’s Study at www.pittmensstudy.com.

days nostalgia (“Feed and Water the Horses”) and a thoughtful rumination on the Egyptian revolution (“War Rugs”). It’s not their most melodic or accomplished work, though they still nail those harmonies as they swap songs, and of the two other traditional studio albums released in just the last couple of years—so many CDs in so little time practically ask for comparisons—this latest one trails behind the rest. But it’s growth. BReach Chris Azzopardi at out@outonline.com.

Beginners justifies the means by Steve Warren I thought I was late coming out—I was nearly 26— but Hal Fields (Christopher Plummer) in Beginners (Focus Features) wins the prize, coming out to his son Oliver (Ewan McGregor) at 75, six months after the death of Hal’s wife of 44 years.

DVD Writer/director Mike Mills based Hal on his own late father, which gives the movie a personal feel, but Mills isn’t overly reverent or maudlin, no mean feat when Hal spends most of the film dying. The point is that Hal lives life to the fullest, making up for lost time and making the most of the time he has left. After an awkward entry into the contemporary gay world (compared to the closeted life of his youth, where he could only find homosex in public rest rooms), Hal meets a much younger man, Andy (Goran Visnjic), who’s attracted to older men because his own father never accepted him. Their relationship is non-exclusive, especially on Andy’s part, but sincere and loving. Hal’s is actually the movie’s “B” story, told in fragments through flashbacks that aren’t always consecutive. The “A” story is Oliver’s, starting two months after Hal’s death. A 38-year-old cartoonist, he’s had serious relationships with women but always stopped short of marriage because he had sensed things weren’t right between his parents, long before he knew what was wrong.

Some friends from work drag Oliver to a party in an effort to cheer him up. There he and Anna (Mélanie Laurent of Inglourious Basterds) “meet cute” and begin seeing each other. She’s also good at leaving people, with the demands of her work providing a good excuse for moving on. Did his father’s final fling leave Oliver with a more positive attitude toward the potential of love? That’s the answer he’s seeking as he flips through his memories. Every relationship involves trade-offs, including yours with Beginners. Making it more entertaining but less believable, everyone speaks as if they were witty screenwriters—especially Oliver, who serves as the narrator. If you could tolerate it in Juno it shouldn’t bother you here. You may also be mildly offended by the fact that the audience surrogate, learning about Oliver as you do, is a Jack Russell terrier named Arthur. Oliver inherits him from Hal, even though Andy would seem the more likely heir of the dog. Beginners is brought to you by Focus Features, which explored lesbian family values last year in The Kids Are All Right. Beginners is comparable in presenting a gay man’s life in a way all audiences can relate to on some level. Again there will be some PC flak because Hal’s life wasn’t picture perfect, and there are those who don’t think we should reveal our flaws to the world, but if we don’t, how many of us can live up to the idealized image they want portrayed in films?

OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 21

CMYK

Continued from page 1

Miss Independent meets “Mr. Know It All” on the first single, a scorching kiss-off that has her spewing lines like “you don’t know a thing ’bout me” in glorious fury. It’s the kind of no-BS cut we’ve come to know from Clarkson, an expert at turning done-me-wrongs into club anthems. Look no further than the second song, and single, “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger),” just about the danciest, balls-to-the-wall song she’s recorded. “I Forgive You,” a could-be sequel to “Since U Been Gone,” follows similarly with wonky synths. Vocally she rocks “The War is Over” and “Honestly,” her breathy tones building to a full belt; it’s a voice that can make even lowest-common-denominator lyrics, like on “Einstein,” rise above the material. But Clarkson’s music on her fifth album, though much less hooky than her last, All I Ever Wanted, has an advantage: It’s easy to feel her pain. She hurts, she gets angry, and she can’t please everyone. “You Can’t Win,” for all the outcasts, is how she addresses that problem, with a line that we can all relate to: “If you’re straight, why aren’t you married yet? If you’re gay, why aren’t you waving a flag?” It’s a win-win for everyone. B Miranda Lambert, Four the Record—Usually the one to set things ablaze, Miranda Lambert’s on fire this time ’round. Her best album, and easily atop the year’s finest, is everything the country outlaw’s done so extraordinarily well on the three before it—just better. Having already told the gender-rigid conservativeness of the country genre to shove it with her girl-power, whiskey-guzzling ways, she doesn’t waste time to do so again with a pro-everyone anthem that’s wonderfully endearing: “All Kinds of Kinds,” unfolding like a storybook, with a character that’s a cross-dressing congressman and a moral often unheard in country. “Some point the finger, let ignorance linger,” she sings, reminding people to look at themselves before passing judgment. If only for standing out among her play-it-safe contemporaries, being different is obviously something Lambert understands. Lambert, though, has vengeance and vulnerability: she understands the narrator’s frustration of being unsure of herself on Gillian Welch’s “Look at Miss Ohio,” another great cover of hers; the simplistic pain in “Over You” means more coming out of Lambert’s mouth; and the ethereal “Oklahoma Sky” mesmerizes. Vocal nuances, broken boundaries and supreme songwriting: there are all kinds of kinds, but only one Miranda Lambert. A Björk, Biophilia—Breaking down Björk isn’t easy. The Icelandic “dance- in-the-dark’s” unpredictable output, ever since 1993’s electro-pop Debut, has been high-concept art that has challenged and provoked (concerned more with experimenting than straightforward melodies and gotcha hooks). The gradual pull of Björk’s warped style takes hold once again on the progressively tinkered, iPad-made Biophilia, her first playground of sound in four years. As fantastical as 2007s Volta, though not nearly as sonically bipolar or off-putting, Biophilia is another from her out-

there oeuvre, further establishing Björk as a shot of cheap vodka. This one, though, goes down easier. She whispers with her otherworldly voice gliding over gentle strings on “Moon,” a simple-sounding starter that’s perfectly suited to set the scene of dream-like whimsicality. Then there’s the dark, ever-morphing, organ-strutted stunner “Thunderbolt”; the comforting ting-ting on the anthemic “Crystalline,” which builds to a thrillingly spastic end as abruptly as a nightmare; and finally “Cosmogony,” easily the most gorgeous song on the album (“Virus” is nearly as breathtaking). It’s almost empty as it fills up with Björk’s angelic intones about, of all things, the Big Bang Theory. That she can say so much with so little this time— when things go oh so quiet, the silence still speaks—is a testament to her evolving, and often misunderstood, talent. B+ Indigo Girls, Beauty Queen Sister—Three albums in two years and a constant touring schedule, it’s almost impossible to keep up with the Indigo Girls. After last year’s Staring Down the Brilliant Dream and Holly Happy Days, their first holiday-themed LP, the gay-revered duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers do their thing on this 13song set of reliable storytelling. But as they’ve come to show during the three-decade trajectory of their longstanding run, some reinvention is necessary to keep the magic coming. It ebbs and flows on Beauty Queen Sister, which is, considering their seemingly bottomless breadth of material, a pretty decent album in their career canon. Overarching themes like love, loss and the world—the give and take—surface once again, but this is one of their most outward-looking albums, telling stories of good-ol’-

CMYK

PAGE 20 • OUT • DECEMBER 2011

OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 17

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Season 3 winner of

& % !4 5 2 ) . '

Gay icons dominate upcoming film/tv projects by Romeo San Vicente

The Glee Project refuses to stop believing Glee? A record-breaking pop culture phenomenon. But The Glee Project? Less so. How much less so? Well, remember that 3D Glee concert movie that nobody went to see? The low-rated Glee Project was sort of like that, only free and on television. In other words, they couldn’t give it away. But sometimes shows just need time to develop and build their audience. And the powers that be must have gotten at least something of what they wanted from the reality competition, because a second season casting call is already in the works. Will tenacity pay off for the struggling Oxygen show? Will an audience rise up to meet it during season two? And does it matter? Because either way, it’s probably a cost-effective way to restock the show as aging “high schoolers” move on, no matter how many people tune in for the process.

RAJA

Alan Cumming visits a less groovy 1970s in Any Day Now The struggle for LGBT marriage equality and adoption rights makes the news pretty regularly now and each step forward feels like a small victory. Now imagine dealing with all of that in 1979. That’s the subject of Any Day Now, a film about gay adoption, inspired by a true story, written and directed by Travis Fine (The Space Between) and produced by Anne O’Shea (The Kids Are All Right). It stars Alan Cumming (The Good Wife) and Garret Dillahunt (Raising Hope) as a couple who take in an abandoned teenage boy with Down Syndrome. When the authorities learn that gay men

are acting as caretakers, they step in to remove the boy and the family’s fight begins. The film, which also stars Frances Fisher as a family court judge, will explore the issues faced by families—then and, by extension, right now as everything starts to change, bit by bit, for the better. It just finished principal photography and will probably start showing up at film festivals in 2012.

Roseanne Barr is Downwardly Mobile again So they axed Roseanne’s Nuts. Big deal. It’s not like she needed the money. And besides, the blue-collar comedy diva’s Hawaiian macadamia farm isn’t going to keep her from fulfilling her TV destiny. She just sold a show to NBC—the network that passed on Roseanne back in 1987, oops—and the title makes it sound like the Connor family might be back in business again. It’s called Downwardly Mobile, about a trailer park family struggling to make ends meet. No, it didn’t sound appealing to the Suits back in 1987, either, but look what happened: America responded to the grittier version of reality and poverty-based humor of Barr’s first series and then went along for the ride when she introduced lesbian smooching later in the show’s run. Who knows what she’ll accomplish this time? Stay tuned as the outspoken heroine of the working class starts kicking up dust again.

The Revolution will be televised and it will star Tim Gunn What are they replacing all of those canceled soap operas with? Talk shows, that’s what. Everybody wants to be The Talk, The View or The Chew these days, and ABC is aiming for another ratings grab with January 2012’s The Revolution. The self-improvement/lifestyle-oriented show will include Project Runway’s Tim Gunn, fitness and

nutrition guru Harley Pasternak and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s gung-ho host Ty Pennington. And those are just the first three to be announced. Given the current trend of large panels with rotating experts and guest co-hosts, the field is still wide open for other names to hop on board and help the fledgling show make audiences feel guilty for sitting on the couch and watching TV. And in the long run, with Oprah more or less out of the picture, it’s anybody’s game to win the daytime sweepstakes. Best of all, it can only help The Soup with new material.

Jena Malone aims for Lonely Hunter She was married to a man, but Southern literary icon Carson McCullers, the author of The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, was bisexual and frequently involved with women. And now her life story will come to the big screen in Lonely Hunter. The biopic is set to star acclaimed young actress Jena Malone (Sense and Sensibility, Bastard Out of Carolina), with lesbian cred behind the camera provided by screenwriter Sarah Schulman (The Owls) and director/producer Deborah Kampmeier (Virgin, Hound Dog). Meanwhile, you can bet that indie A-listers will be lining up to grab the roles of McCullers’ pals Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Ethel Waters and Gypsy Rose Lee. None of them will look as cool as Malone in McCullers’s signature menswear, but they can give it a shot. Pre-production is where it’s at right now, so it’ll be a while before audiences get a chance to look at it. Read a book while you’re waiting. Romeo San Vicente flies solo but he’s never lonely. He can be reached care of this publication at out@outonlone.com

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FEATURES

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Local leather scene on the rise again

Winter’s music selections: all about woman power

Continued from page 1

MUSIC

Ahren Hollis

PAGE 16 • OUT • DECEMBER 2011

OUT • DECEMBER 2011 • PAGE 21

CMYK

Continued from page 1

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

OPINION

Two AIDS-related memoirs bookend December’s book selection

Why the LGBT community should care about women’s reproductive rights

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OPINION

STARGAYZER

Naughty or nice? Santa knows—ho, ho, ho Continued from page 23

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OUT AND ABOUT SWC has it all

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PAGE 8 â&#x20AC;˘ OUT â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 2011

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World AIDS Day Events: Press Conference with Mayor Luke Ravenstahl DATE: Thurs. Dec. 1, 10:30am LOCATION: Lobby, City-County Building

24th Annual World AIDS Day Memorial Service DATE: Thurs., Dec. 1, 7pm LOCATION: Heinz Memorial Chapel

Candlelight Vigil DATE: Thurs., Dec. 1, 6pm LOCATION: CMU Campus Corner of Forbes and Morewood Avenues

Performance of “Looking for Magic” DATE: Dec. 2 & 3, 8pm, & Dec. 4, 2pm LOCATION: Heymann Theatre, Oakland

Seventh Annual Red Ribbon Gala DATE: Thurs. Dec. 1, 6pm LOCATION: Omni William Penn Hotel

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There’s no ‘magic bullet’ so please play safe

December 2011 Issue No. 417

Double trouble: Will our Guys get naked?—page 24

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Pittsburgh RED = AIDS Awareness

Continued on page 5

The new Mr. and Ms. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish: Matthew Bronson and DOC

Local playwright revives, updates personal AIDS story Yep, wronged Kelly’s Stronger—page 21

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Unwrapped present under Yuletide tree—page 27

John Colombo

Awesome Chad as Cher wowed Colombo—page 31

Leather scene on the rise again