Heartland News Healing with wedding venue The Laramie Project Grimes turns away same-sex couple Interview by Angela Geno-Stumme
Dick and Betty Odgaard, proprietors of the Gortz Haus in Grimes, declined to accommodate a gay couple’s upcoming wedding earlier this week. Mr. and Mrs. Odgaard said that their decision came from their deeply held religious beliefs. The Iowa Civil Rights Act, specifically Iowa Code section 216.7(1), states that it is “unfair or discriminatory” to deny services of public accommodations because of sexual orientation.
Minnesota Supreme Court Refuses to Prosecute HIV-Positive Man
Kelli Hamlow as Marge Murray and Jason Rainwater as Greg Pierotti in The Laramie Project. Photo courtesy of Leila Subasic. The death of Matthew Shepard has touched our community like others across the nation, and continues to through performances of The Laramie Project. David
TTLARAMIE continued page 27
Iowa Women’s Music Festival 20th Anniversary
by Angela Geno-Stumme The Iowa Women’s Music Festival reaches its 20th anniversary this September and celebrates with an exciting new lineup of performers and a new location. The festival returns to the Johnson County Fairgrounds, where the Iowa Women’s Music Festival started in 1993, in acknowledgement of the 20th anniversary but also to handle unpredictable autumn weather. Performers include Andrea Gibson, Zoe Lewis, and Julie Goldman. These artists took the time to discuss their excitement in performing at Iowa Women’s Music Festival, their personal styles, and what inspires them.
Zoe Lewis
Zoe Lewis returns to the Iowa Women’s Music Festival with her Gypsy jazz, jump jive, Latin grooves, swing, international folk, and funk originals. Considered a “band in a body” Lewis plays on anything from the piano to the spoons. With a
TTIWMF continued on page 15
Page 4
Page 14
The Supreme Court of Minnesota today upheld a lower court’s ruling that an HIV-positive man cannot be held criminally responsible for engaging in consensual sex after disclosing his HIV-status to his partner. The court’s decision affirms that the government must respect the personal and private decisions of consenting adults regarding sexual intimacy and procreation.
TTNEWS continued on page 34
Queer Theatre and the Legacy of Cal Yeomans by Arthur Breur
Harvey Fierstein. Andrew Holleran. Cal Yeomans. What? You recognize the first two names, but you’ve never heard of the third? This is exactly the point and the true tragedy revealed by Robert A. Schanke’s new book Queer Theatre and the Legacy of Cal Yeomans. Yeomans was legitimately one of the founders of “gay theatre”—a gay playwright who was very likely on the verge of becoming a well known name in gay theatre in the late 1970s
TTYEOMANS continued page 8
Page 22
The Misfits of Sissy’s Sircus
Interview by Angela Geno-Stumme TT page 11
What’s Inside:
Section 1: News & Politics
Advertising rates 3 QC Pride, Inc. Equality 5K Run/Walk 3 25th Annual Iowa Leather Weekend Des Moines, IA 3 Who Are These People In Crowns? By Matthew Millard 4 Susie Weinacht by A Geno-Stumme 4 From the Heartland by Donna Red Wing 5 Remarkables by Jonathan Wilson 5 Iowan Advocacy by Tami Haught 6 Northwest Iowa by D. Raymond Wetherell 6 Shrink Rap by Loren A Olson MD 7 Warren’s Words by Warren J. Blumenfeld 7 Relating to Discomfort by Tony Dillon-Hansen 8 Minor Details by Robert Minor 9 In the Name of Religion by Rev. Irene Monroe 10
Section 2: Fun Guide
Entertainment Picks for the Month 11 The Misfits of Sissy’s Sircus by Angela Geno-Stumme 11 Song Whisperer by Ellen Krug 12 New GOglbt Business Referral Group 12 Wired This Way by Rachel Eliason 13 Honor Your Body, Honor You by Davey Wavey 13 Just Sayin’ by Beau Fodor 14 Iowa’s Gay Weddings by Scott Stevens 16 National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Ad 21 The Bookworm Sez by Terri Schlichenmeyer 22 NKOB Anniversary 23 Comics and Crossword Puzzle 22-23
Section 3: Community
FFBC: Quinn and Food for Thought by Bruce Carr 25 Prime Timers of Central Iowa 25 LGBTQ Patient & Family Education and Support Groups 25 From the Pastor’s Pen by Rev. Jonathan Page 26 Ask Lambda Legal By Beverly Tillery 26 Business Directory 28-29 Planned Parenthood of the Heartland by Penny Dickey 31 Plymouth Celebrates Twenty Years of Open & Affirming 32 The Project of the Quad Cities 32 PITCH Calendar 2013 32 Bibliotherapy Project by Diane Peterson 33 Obituary: Rex Carl & Carolyn Marie Jones 34
Page 23
Page 34
SEPTEMBER 2013
PUBLICATION INFORMATION Copyright © 2013, All rights reserved. ACCESSline
P.O. Box 396
Des Moines, IA 50302-0396 (712) 560-1807
www.ACCESSlineAMERICA.com
editor@ACCESSlineAMERICA.com ACCESSline is a monthly publication by
FIRESPIKE LLC. The paper was founded in 1986 by the non-profit organization ACCESS (A Concerned
Community for Education,
Safer-sex and Support) in Northeast Iowa.
Arthur Breur, Publisher Angela Geno-Stumme, Editor in Chief
Publication of the name, photograph or
likeness of any person, business or organization in ACCESSline is not to be construed as
any indication of sexual orientation. Opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ACCESSline or the LGBT+ community. Letters to the editor may
be published. We cannot be responsible for errors in advertising copy.
We welcome the submission of origi-
nal materials, including line drawings and
cartoons, news stories, poems, essays. They should be clearly labeled with author/artist
name, address, and phone number. We
reserve the right to edit letters and other material for reasons of profanity, space, or clarity. Materials will not be returned. A writer’s guide is available for those wishing to submit original work.
Advertising rates and deadlines are
available at ACCESSlineAMERICA.com. All
ads must be approved by ACCESSline’s editorial board.
Section 1: News & Politics
ACCESSline Page 3
QC Pride, Inc. Equality 5K Run/Walk QC Pride, Inc. announces the Equality 5K Run/Walk to support scholarships for QC Area College students. Davenport’s scenic Mississippi bike path will be the setting for the event scheduled on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 9 am. Entrants registered by September 14 will be eligible for the early $25.00 registration fee that includes an Equality 5K Run/ Walk T-shirt. A $30.00 fee will be charged after September the 14th. Interested runners should go to GetMeRegistered. com or qcpride.org to register for the race. Packet pick-up will be from 4-7 pm on Friday, October 4 in the Modern Woodmen Park parking lot west of the stadium.
Packets can also be picked up between 7:30-8:30am the day of the race. The 5K route starts at Modern Woodmen Park heading east to the turnaround point near the Boat House on Oneida and back to the staging area. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three runners in the under 50 and 50 plus categories. Children 12 and under will receive participation ribbons. Profits from the event will fund the QC Pride Scholarships awarded during the 7th Annual QC Pridefest on June 7 & 8, 2014. The scholarship rewards students who demonstrate both academic achievement and leadership as members, friends and allies of the GLBT community. There have
been two previous recipients of a $1000 award announced during the 2012 and 2013 festivals. It is the goal of QC Pride to be able to increase the number of scholarships awarded to eligible students and the Equality 5k Run/Walk will help to achieve this goal. The event also serves as an occasion for the community to get involved as volunteers and/or sponsors. Individuals interested in volunteer and sponsorship opportunities or with additional questions about the event can contact Mike Hetrick by email at Equality5KRunWalk@qcpride. org or phone: 309-798-7700 to request information.
The Iowa Leather staff would like to formally invite everyone to come enjoy fun and debauchery in the corn fields for the 25th Annual Iowa Leather Weekend, Oct. 4-6 in Des Moines, IA. All events are free and open to the public and will take place at The Blazing Saddle, located on E 5th Ave in the Historic East Village area of downtown. We are delighted to announce the return of Le Chateau Exotique from New Hope, PA as our official leather vendor. Liberty Gifts, Des Moines, is our official lube and toy vendor. Both vendors will have merchandise available at the Blazing Saddle throughout the weekend. New this year, the leather ladies of Iowa will compete to be the inaugural Ms. Iowa Leather on Friday, October 4 at 10:30pm. The winner will go on to represent Iowa at International Ms. Leather, held in San Francisco in April, 2014. The judging panel for Ms. Iowa Leather includes International Ms. Leather 2013
Sarha; Elena Franco, owner/producer Heart of America Leather Weekend and producer of Kink-U Kansas City; Mike Pagano, Mr. Iowa Leather 2011 and co-founder of Titans of the Midwest; His Most Imperial Majesty, Matthew ‘Wait for it’ Aspire Jackson, Emperor for Reign XX of the Imperial Court of Iowa, and Her Most Imperial Majesty Muffy Rosenberg, Empress for Reign XX of the Imperial Court of Iowa. Mark Turnage, Mr. Iowa Leather 2013 will host the evening and our tally master will be Pup Itus. The 25th Annual Mr. Iowa Leather contest takes place Saturday, October 5, 10 pm. The winner of Mr. Iowa Leather 2014 will go on to represent Iowa at International Mister Leather XXXVI held in Chicago, IL in May 2014. Our esteemed judges panel includes Chad Neil, co-founder KC boys of Leather; Chester Munroe, Mr. Chicago Leather 2010; Sir Papa Bear, Great Lakes Leather Sir 2013;
Jesse Driscoll, Mr. Midwest Rubber 2013; and Mark Turnage, Mr. Iowa leather 2013. David Watt, Mr. Michigan Leather 2009 and founder of Mr. Friendly, serves as the Master of Ceremonies. Pup Itus is the tally master for the evening and our den daddy is John Jack Trujillo. The traditional Victory Brunch for the new Ms. and Mr. Iowa Leathers will be at noon, Sunday Oct. 6. The winners will also host their first official fundraiser, a victory beer bust, starting at 2pm. Both events will be held at the Blazing Saddle and all proceeds go to support the Ms. and Mr. Iowa Leather travel fund. Contestant applications are available at the Blazing Saddle, by contacting Iowa Leather Weekend on Facebook or from a former Mr. Iowa Leather. For full list of events and schedule, please visit Iowa Leather Weekend on Facebook or our website at TheBlazingSaddle.com.
25th Annual Iowa Leather Weekend Des Moines, IA
ACCESSline Wants To Hear From You!
Send in photos and stories about your events... especially benefits, pageants. and conferences!
Please send us information on any of the following: Corrections to articles • Stories of LGBT or HIV+ interest • Letters to the editor Editorials or opinion pieces • Engagement and wedding ceremony announcements or photos Questions on any topic we print • Photos and writeups about shows, events, pageants, and fundraisers Please email us at Editor@ACCESSlineIOWA.com. You may also contact us at our regular address, ACCESSline, P.O. Box 396, Des Moines, IA 50302-0396 ACCESSline reserves the right to print letters to the editor and other feedback at the editor’s discretion.
Subscribe to ACCESSline
Thank you for reading ACCESSline, the Heartland’s LGBT+ monthly newspaper. Our goal continues to be to keep the community informed about gay organizations, events, HIV/AIDS news, politics, national and international news, and other critical issues. Don’t miss it! $42 for 12 issues. Subscribe at: ACCESSlineAMERICA.com Send this completed form with check or money order for $42 for a one year subscription (12 issues) or RENEW for $36. Send to:
ACCESSline, P.O. Box 396, Des Moines, IA 50302-0396 and we’ll send you ACCESSline in a plain brown envelope!
Good for the $42 annual rate or $36 renewal!
Name:________________________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________ City:______________________________ State:______ Zip:______________
ACCESSline Page 4
Section 1: News & Politics
SEPTEMBER 2013
Who Are These People In Crowns? Susie Weinacht for Cedar By Matthew Millard aka Matthew Wait-For- Rapids City Council It Aspire Jackson, Reigning Emperor of the Imperial Court of Iowa So there’s this group of people that get together, put on shows, run beer bust, sometimes host BINGOs, and wander around Iowa in Crowns and Fancy Clothes. What’s up with that? They are members of an organization called the Imperial Court of Iowa (ICIA). The ICIA is one of more than 65 chapters of a much larger organization called the Imperial Court System (ICS). The ICS has been in existence for 45 years throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico and is the 2nd largest LGBT Organization in the world and collectively has raised millions of dollars for many different charities including different AIDS related charities, the Matthew Shepard Scholarship Fund, and the Trevor Project. It all started in 1965 when a drag queen in San Francisco, “Mama” Jose Sarria, proclaimed herself the Empress of San Francisco to bring awareness to gay rights and to raise money for those less fortunate and it blossomed from there. Jose was a pioneer in the gay rights movement in during the 60s and 70s and was the first openly gay candidate for a public office in the United States. He ran for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1961. Unfortunately we lost this great man at the age of 90 on August 19, 2013. One of my favorite quotes of his is, “United we stand, divided they will pick us off one by one.” The Imperial Court of Iowa began in 1992 when Mongo of the Blazing Saddle and Naomi del Rey were crowned as Absolute Emperor I and Absolute Empress I at the old Chances bar in Des Moines, Iowa. After that first year if anyone wanted to have the titles of Emperor and Empress and wanted to be the figure heads of the fundraising for that year they had to “run” and be elected into that position by the membership of the ICIA. This is not a pageant, so those Aspirants to the Thrown must present themselves to the membership during about a six-week-long campaigning process across Iowa and then are voted on by those who have chosen to become members. The winners are then announced and crowned during Coronation, a Ball to celebrate the accomplishments of the current Reign and to welcome the beginning of the next. The Reigning Monarchs then choose
a Royal Family to stand by their side and help in the fundraising efforts. So kinda like Russian Monarchy, they will bestow titles like Prince and Princess Royal, Duke and Duchess, Barron and Baroness…and every member of the organization is bestowed a Camp Title for that year related to the theme of the Reign. It’s all very Silly and Fun. This past year alongside my Empress Muffy Rosenberg, we celebrated the 20th Reign of the Imperial Court of Iowa and have spent the last 11 months raising money for our chosen charities of Youth Emergency Services and Shelter (YESS) and the Reputable AIDS Charities of Iowa as well as other charities chosen by some of our membership including the Matthew Shepard Scholarship Fund, Shoes that Fit, the Trevor Project, and the National Kidney Foundation and as of the end of August we have raised over $35,000 for the different charities putting us at over $250,000 of fundraising in our 20 year existence. On September, 21st the ICIA will be hosting Coronation XXI: A Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball at the Voodoo Speakeasy in Downtown Des Moines which will include a Cocktail Hour from 5 pm until 6 pm with free Hors d’oeuvre and a cash bar and then the Show will start at 6 pm with some of the most amazing entertainment from across the United States and you get to see everyone dressed in their finest gowns, tuxes, costumes and of course masks. There will also be a sitdown served dinner! All this for a $40 ticket price and the event is open to the public. At the end of the evening you will get to see who is crowned as the Emperor and Empress for Reign XXI. We have a candidate for Emperor, Deric St. Jonn III, and a candidate for Empress, Shelby Anne Baker. They’ve spent the last few weeks traveling across Iowa explaining their plans of how they plan to grow the organization and how they plan on raising money for their chosen charities. All of their hard campaigning work is leading to Voting Day, September 14th. There will be voting locations in Sioux City, Des Moines, Waterloo, and maybe Cedar Rapids. Check our website at ImperialCourtofIowa.org for voting locations and times.
interview by Angela Geno-Stumme
Susie Weinacht With two At Large seats available on the Cedar Rapids City Council, Susie Weinacht has stepped forward as a candidate. Susie is Executive Director of the Iowa PTA, as well as Manager for the RWDSUUFCW Local 110 in Cedar Rapids, which represents Quaker Oats and Cole’s Quality Foods, Inc. Her most recent involvement spans Community Corrections Improvement Association (CCIA), United Way Education Solutions Team and Ready by 21 Stakeholders committee, Blue Zones Advisory Council, Parks and Recreation Commission (elected secretary by fellow commissioners), Board of Ethics, city referendum campaigns, local, city and state-level PTA, Junior League and a host of other organizations. She talks about what influenced her run for City Council, her experience, and her beliefs in community and diversity. What influenced you to run for City Council? As a pro-active and involved resident of Cedar Rapids I was approached and asked about stepping forward as a candidate for an At Large seat on the Cedar Rapids City Council. Our community and leaders know me as never one to procrastinate and hope for things to get done, but rather as an active solution-oriented advocate bringing individuals and groups together to meet challenges and engage opportunities to enhance our community progress and well-being. A paramount objective for me is working as a member of a team to establish a shared vision for the future of Cedar Rapids, formulating plans to realize that future, and working with the community to define and enact policies and laws that will ultimately lead to accomplishment. I have the proven passion, drive and experience that is solution focused, that’s why I’m running for a seat on Cedar Rapids City Council. The ‘ah ha’ moment that spoke to me during my contemplation was one from about a year ago. I had an opportunity to participate in a leadership training that spurred unique thoughts about bringing
positive change into our neighborhoods and community. That training energized me to move from being an involved community advocate to an elected official. A recent example of my solutiondriven community leadership with proven results: Our community, through our Parks & Recreation Department, recently hosted an event, Hard Charge at Seminole Valley Park—4.2 miles of obstacles, mud and mayhem. As a member of the Parks & Rec commission, we were brain storming ideas to generate funding to provide scholarships for community members in need. Through my connections and interactions, I knew tough mudders to be a popular trend and was able to bring the resources together for the Department to make this happen—school, city, businesses, several sectors of our community. This first-time event netted economic impact of over $384,000 in direct visitor spending in our community, while 1,100 participants were cheered on by 2,000 spectators. Also notable is that 19% of the participants joined us from outside our state. While providing a fun quality of life experience for our community, Hard Charge also resulted in $10,000 in recreational scholarships for those who cannot necessarily afford swim passes, sports leagues, music classes and swimming lessons for their families. As a woman, how do you feel you will contribute to the Council? I look to the future of all children, including my own, and believe that together we will move forward to see future leaders as leaders rather than genders. I’m an advocate in every sense of the word. I am focused on bringing the voice of the people to the City Council, and as a leader representing all residents of Cedar Rapids, making sure that the basic rights of all communities are protected for basic services including housing, jobs, and transportation. I will actively look for avenues of opportunity for members of minority communities to serve on boards, committees and commissions. What issues do you feel are important to the citizens of CR? Residents continue to be interested in seeing Cedar Rapids as a dynamic and vibrant community that offers job stability, new job opportunities that provide a living wage, great schools, neighborhood revitalization and drive-able streets. Enjoyable family-friendly activities, cultural, and recreational opportunities that enhance our quality of life, as well as attract people and business to our community are also important to Cedar Rapidians. How will you address the needs of the LGBT community if elected to the council? Fully understanding that whether advocating or governing, finding common
Together we will move forward to see future leaders as leaders rather than genders.
TTWEINACHT cont’d page 33
SEPTEMBER 2013
Section 1: News & Politics
ACCESSline Page 5
From the Heartland by Donna Red Wing, Executive Director One Iowa Two Iowa Narratives: Family Leader and Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame
I attended two events in August that could not have been more different in style, tone or spirit. Each represented a part of Iowa, a part of the Midwest. The first was the Family Leadership Summit in Ames, an event designed to educate and mobilize the conservative base on marriage, immigration and abortion. Presidential candidate Rick Santorum urged the assembled to stop giving money to colleges if they “pervert the minds of our children.” David Nobel, former director of Summit Ministries, referred to the former Assistant Deputy Secretary for the Office of Safe and DrugFree Schools at the U.S. Department of Education as Kevin “Queering Education” Jennings. Evangelical Del Tackett, former president of the Focus on the Family Institute, spoke of the “horrific consequences for those who defy God’s designs,” and conservative columnist Doug Napier of the legal group Alliance Defending Freedom claimed that we should condemn “dangerous social experiments” brought on by “our friends who have made destructive sexual choices.” The Family Leader CEO and president Bob Vander Plaats declared, “Absolute tolerance is absolute chaos.” The speakers included: Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds; Iowa’s Senior Senator Chuck Grassley; Texas Senator Ted Cruz and his father Reverend Rafael Cruz;
Brian Brown of the National Organization for Marriage, a group currently under investigation by the Iowa ethics board for violations of state law during the judicial retention campaign; and, conservative talk show host Jan Mickelson, who in 2010 made the outrageous claim that AIDS and HIV was God’s “invention” to punish the LGBT community. Even Donald Trump took the stage long enough to clarify his position on marriage equality, among other things: “I am a conservative Republican, I am pro-life, I support ‘traditional marriage’ and the second amendment 100 percent.” When “the Donald” spoke about protecting traditional marriage I wanted to ask him if he meant his first, his second or his third marriage. I also made it a point to meet with Mr. Vander Plaats for a few minutes during the summit. That is a conversation for another time. The second event, two weeks later, was the 2013 Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame Ceremony at the State Historical Building in Des Moines. Four extraordinary women were inducted. According to Phyliss Peters, chair of the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women, these four inductees “symbolize the diversity of Iowa, demonstrating outstanding achievements in the fields of health care, higher education, agriculture, media and law. Generations of Iowans look to these remarkable individuals as role models.” Dr. Mary Louise Sconiers Chapman’s story was one of community leadership. The first woman to serve as Dean of Des
Moines Community College, Dr. Conier Chapman’s life has been one of commitment to housing, economic advancement and education. Patty Jean Poole Judge was Iowa’s first female Secretary of Agriculture and later served as Governor Culver’s Lieutenant Governor. Her work, however, spanned across farming, health and wellness, racial disparity in our prisons and much, much, more. Dr. Deborah Ann Turner was the first African-American woman to integrate a sorority at Iowa State University. She was also the first African American woman to be certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the specialty of gynecologic oncology. While maintaining her medical practice she studied nights for her law degree. She serves as a clinical professor at Des Moines University Medical School and as adjunct clinical faculty at the University of Iowa and, in her spare time, offers medical mission work in Tanzania. And Barbara Marie Mack, whose husband posthumously accepted her award, was simultaneously the highestranking woman in the Des Moines Register corporate history and its youngest executive. With a degree in journalism and a law degree, she went on to become a beloved teacher and mentor at Iowa State University. The Cristine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justice was awarded to Sharon Malheiro, the iconic “equality” attorney. Malheiro has been at the forefront of Iowa’s struggle for LGBT justice for decades; most recently in the marriage ruling and the birth and death certificate cases. It was her acceptance speech that became a clarion call for LGBT equality. In
patible with Christianity, which remains the official stance of the United Methodist Church and countless others: (1) defines a Christianity that is anathema to gays and lesbians and (2) implicitly teaches this as a “moral lesson:” if gay people are in committed same-sex relationships for a lifetime or utterly promiscuous with persons of the same sex until they drop dead from exhaustion or worse, it’s a moral equivalent—it’s the same thing, sinful, incompatible with Christianity, and you go to hell in either case. Preposterous, of course, but that’s the implicit “moral lesson” coming from such a church (the supposed repository of moral teaching). Why is the dialogue itself off-putting? Think about how it feels to be expected to be “in” the church while your fellow worshipers debate about your sinfulness as if you weren’t in the room. That might be most easily understood if we imagined a church where there was continuing, “loving” dialogue over the equal worth of women as if it were a legitimate, Christian-based matter of differing opinions. Imagine such a church having sermons and sponsoring
seminars and adult Sunday School lessons designed to enlighten congregants about the supposed equality of women, and taking comments from those who read the Bible and easily draw a contrary conclusion. How would that make self-respecting women (or those struggling to be self-respecting) feel? Not good, I’d venture to say. It would be, or should be, off-putting to them without exception. Or, as another example of clinging to a First Century view of things that we KNOW today to be untrue, suppose that the church today were having a lively, “continuing dialogue” (as if it were a legitimate difference of opinion within the Christian faith) over whether or not the earth is flat or the center of the created Universe (as obviously believed by the Biblical writers no matter how God-inspired their writing). How long does any post-1492 enlightened person, in touch with reality, feel comfortable in that church environment? Are you kidding me?! Not long. As far as I’m concerned, the debate is over. My Bible says that God so loved the
The Family Leader CEO and president Bob Vander Plaats declared, “Absolute tolerance is absolute chaos.”
Remarkables by Jonathan Wilson Off-Putting Churches Despite Good Intentions
To say that the church, in the universal sense, is making progress with respect to the issue of LGBT children of God would be a blessed understatement. Among recent developments comes a remarkably enlightened open letter from the presiding Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Florida, making a gentle but compelling case for inclusion. Add to that the Pope himself, the official representative of Jesus Christ on earth, saying that he declines to condemn LGBT people of good will— mighty nice of him. And add to that the statement of Bishop Tutu of South Africa who said recently that he would not worship a homophobic God and would prefer Hell to a homophobic Heaven. These are positive developments as the church universal is dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century—a phenomenon that’s by no means unprecedented in the history of the church and civil rights. That said, and despite not wanting to seem unappreciative, I have to say that the very fact there’s continuing dialogue within the church on the subject of gay and lesbian children of God is extremely off-putting to us as gay people, or should be. The premise that homosexuality is incom-
Donna Red Wing is the Executive Director of One Iowa. She served as Executive Director of Grassroots Leadership, as Chief of Staff at Interfaith Alliance, she was a member of the Obama’s kitchen cabinet on LGBT concerns, and was Howard Dean’s outreach liaison to the LGBT communities. Red Wing was the first recipient of the Walter Cronkite Award for Faith & Freedom. Red Wing serves on the national board of the Velvet Foundation, which is building the national LGBT museum in Washington, DC. Contact Donna at OneIowa.org or donna@oneiowa.org. a room filled with mostly women ranging from the conservative to the progressive, Malheiro called for an Iowa that was inclusive, an Iowa that respected its diversity. She used the words: gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender again and again. And everyone in the room heard her. Each of these women spoke of their lives, the challenges and the joys of their achievements. They talked about those who mentored them, who stood with them. They spoke of diversity, of justice and equality. They talked about their families, their values and their faith. Each of these
TTRED WING cont’d page 32
I have to say that the very fact there’s continuing dialogue within the church on the subject of gay and lesbian children of God is extremely off-putting to us as gay people, or should be.
TTREMARKABLES cont’d page 32
Jonathan Wilson is an attorney at the Davis Brown Law Firm in Des Moines, and chairs the First Friday Breakfast Club (ffbciowa.org), an educational, non-profit corporation for gay men in Iowa who gather on the first Friday of every month to provide mutual support, to be educated on community affairs, and to further educate community opinion leaders with more positive images of gay men. It is the largest breakfast club in the state of Iowa. He can be contacted at JonathanWilson@DavisBrownLaw.com.
ACCESSline Page 6
Section 1: News & Politics
SEPTEMBER 2013
Iowan Advocacy by Tami Haught Kris Davis, Healing Angel
On September 20, 2013, Iowa’s HIV positive community will say a fond goodbye to one of our greatest allies, supporters, healers, and friends. Kris has been an integral part of the HIV Community for years, some patients call her their “Healing Angel” and she will be missed greatly by everyone. Even as she retires she continues to give back to the community, with a fundraiser for Positive Iowans Taking Charge (PITCH). Kris Davis, ARNP, will be retiring in September after serving 25 years in the University of Iowa HIV Program. Kris was hired to serve as the nurse coordinator for the new HIV/AIDS clinic (The Virology Clinic) in1988, a few weeks before the official opening of the clinic. She established methods in the clinic to optimize patient care and to monitor HIV disease progression, and wrote much of the successful Ryan White Early Intervention Services grant application in 1998. Kris served as the Program Coordinator of this Ryan White program until recently turning
it over to Tricia Kroll in anticipation of retirement. In addition to patient care and HIV-related research projects, Kris has been the primary administrator for our grant until very recently, and has led the program through the large and often unwieldy bureaucracy of this federal program. Without Kris’s efforts and her management of the Ryan White grant, life would have been much more difficult for countless patients. While these facts are noteworthy, what truly sets Kris apart has been her selfless service to her patients and to the HIV/AIDS community in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and the State. She is a true patient advocate who has provided rides to patients stranded in clinic, organized fundraisers, set up support groups, served on various community based program boards, brought medications to patients in her hometown of Cedar Rapids when they could not find transportation to
Iowa City, served on numerous statewide HIV/AIDS committees, and traveled to Africa to provide training for local HIV care providers. Her patient advocacy for our clinic patients began on day one (June 15, 1988), and her legacy will be remembered by innumerable patients, family, and all of us at the University of Iowa HIV Program. While we are very sad that she will not be here to work with us after September, we wish her all the best for her retirement. PITCH will be hosting the retirement party/fundraiser at Belle’s Basix, 3916 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, on September 20, 2013 from 5 to 8 pm with a show starting at 8:30 pm. Light refreshments will be provided along with raffle prizes, candy/condom bouquets for the first 10 people who buy 20 raffle tickets, and a champagne toast. One patient wrote: “Kris Davis is my angel. To say she will be missed, is a gross understatement. Kris you are LOVED”.
I have to admit that it seems a bit difficult to believe that it has already been a month since I sent in my last article. But obviously it has and frankly what a month it has been. It seemed like every day I went online I was reading news even in mainstream publications about issues of interest to the LGBT community. There is, of course, the ongoing Olympic controversy. This is in the news very regularly so I won’t discuss it here. And there is the sad news mentioned in last month’s issue of ACCESSline, with another LGBT teen committing suicide after enduring bullying. I can simply not think of any single event that reminds us that despite the great progress we have made, we still have a long way to go. With that in mind I’ll move on but I hope we all take a moment to remember this poor, young man and others like him as we go about our daily lives. The first other area of interest that caught my eye was the continued evolution within the Department of Defense and the Armed Forces as they adapt to both the repeal of DADT and the Supreme Court ruling on DOMA. I’ll admit to being skeptical
that even if changes were ordered that they would be done in a timely manner. Just a few days ago I read an article though that outlined the benefit proposal being made for same-sex couples. Essentially if approved it would offer samesex couples the same healthcare, housing and other benefits as their straight counterparts. Call me a skeptic but this frankly amazed me. To see the government moving so quickly defies belief. As I continued to read the article something else stopped me dead. In addition to the other benefits, LGBT military personnel who do not live in a jurisdiction which allows samesex marriage will be granted leave to travel somewhere where it is legal. All I have to say is thank you to everyone whose hard work made something like this come about. In this case though, like so many, the subject is not quite so cut and dry. I refer of course to the transgendered who are still barred by military regulation from serving openly in the Armed Forces. To tell you the truth when I mentioned this in my July column while I was sympathetic I did not imagine there would be a great deal of impact.
That was until of course that our efficient and helpful editor Angela Geno-Stumme sent me a study by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the Williams Institute about transgendered personnel and the military. According to their study twenty percent of the nearly 6,500 transgendered and gender nonconforming individuals surveyed had once or are presently serving in the military. Twenty percent! Just think of that. Compare it to the 9% if the general population that has served. This is my mea culpa. I had been ambivalent to the subject thinking that it was a relatively insignificant issue. I have to admit that I am a bit ashamed and disappointed in myself because I remember times when I have felt alone and abandoned. Then as things start to improve for me I do the same to another portion of the LGBT community. Be that as it may I promise not to forget again and maybe more importantly to remember that even when you are talking about a smaller group the impact on them of things like this is no less significant—particularly
The Des Moines Chapter of Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) will meet at 6:30 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1800 Bell Avenue Des Moines, IA 50315 on the third Tuesday of every month. The meeting begins with a short business meeting followed by an educa-
tional presentation, and a social and support session. All are welcome! Made up of parents, families, friends, and straight allies uniting with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality through its mission of support, education and advocacy.
One patient wrote: “Kris Davis is my angel. To say she will be missed, is a gross understatement. Kris you are LOVED”.
Tami Haught has been living with HIV for almost 20 years. She is the CHAIN Community Organizer, President for PITCH, and new member of the SERO Project Board of Directors. Tami started speaking out about her HIV status when her son started school hoping that providing education and facts would make life easier for her son, by fighting the stigma, discrimination, isolation, and criminalization people living with HIV/AIDS face daily. Contact info: tami. haught2012@gmail.com website: www.pitchiowa.com
Northwest Iowa: My little corner of the world by D. Raymond Wetherell In addition to the other benefits, LGBT military personnel who do not live in a jurisdiction which allows same-sex marriage will be granted leave to travel somewhere where it is legal.
PFLAG - Des Moines Chapter Meeting
The author after a decade and a half away for college, work and the military moved him back to the rural northwest Iowa community where he was born and raised. Originally slated to write about military issues he now pretty much writes about whatever catches his interest. Please feel free to contact him with questions, comments or story suggestions at nwiowan@gmail.com. as an individual. That’s all from my corner of Iowa this month. Look forward to seeing you all back here soon.
SEPTEMBER 2013
Section 1: News & Politics
ACCESSline Page 7
Shrink Rap by Loren A Olson MD Orgasm and Erectile Dysfunction
Dr. Olson, My partner is several years older than I am. Sometimes I feel like he might not be attracted to me because he doesn’t get an erection every time we are intimate. Unsure Dear Unsure, Unless your fifteen years old most men won’t get an erection every time they are touched, no matter how much we enjoy it, the older you get, the less likely it is. All men are going to have difficulty from time to time getting erect, but most erectile dysfunction is psychological. Once a man has had some difficulty, he begins to become an observer rather than a participant in sexual activity. Instead of enjoying sex for its pleasure, he begins to worry about losing his capacity to function sexually. “Will I get it up? Will I maintain it if I do get it up? Will I be able to get off?” All of this destroys the pleasure of the event. Through the years I have treated many men with this problem, but most of the problems could be eliminated if men—young and old—just had a better understanding of normal male sexual functioning. Masters and Johnson wrote Human Sexual Response following about ten years of laboratory work and building upon the work of Kinsey before them. They described the stages of human sexual function that
revolutionized our understanding of sexual response and erased years of thinking in Freudian terms about “neurosis.” The stages for men and women are parallel: Stage 1 – Arousal Stage 2 – Plateau (Commonly referred to as “edging”) Stage 3 – Ejaculatory inevitably (A point of no return) Stage 4 – Refractory period/Recovery (The time before one can begin to become aroused and erect again). Masters and Johnson made what at the time was an astonishing discovery: Women are capable of multiple orgasms while men typically are not. The discovery empowered women to take charge of their own sexuality. Very young men can progress through these stages very quickly and the recovery time is very short. As one ages, the stages become drawn out. Older men may be distracted during the “arousal stage,” and it isn’t uncommon for them to lose their erections. And it usually takes more to get there in the first place, often not only a sexual thought, but also direct physical stimulation. What often happens is that a man who loses his erection during the arousal phase begins to worry, and worry becomes a tremendous anti-aphrodisiac. Sometimes the partner recognizes the loss of erection and begins to
work harder to force it back, putting pressure on the flaccid man and further complicating the problem. If a man begins to think, “I really need to become erect again,” you can be fairly certain he won’t. Masters and Johnson’s revolutionary finding was what was described as “sensate focus exercises.” They found an 80% cure rate for sexual dysfunction using this technique. Now we jump immediately to Viagra or Cialis (at $30 a pill) for a “guarantee’ that this won’t happen, when what really needs to happen is better communication between the couple. Sensate focus exercises basically say, “Back off. Go back to playfulness in love-making. Make love in slow time.” In the process what they are doing is to try to get the man out of his state of worrying to focusing just on the pleasure of touch. Men who understand male sexual functioning can actually see this as an opportunity that comes with aging. Those who successfully understand this can appreciate sex in a much broader context of romance; cuddling, kissing, and slow sex. Far too many men think that sex is just about chasing ejaculation but sex can be pleasurable without erections and without ejaculation when seen in this broader context. It is also important to recognize that while older men may have diminished sex drive, erectile function, and ejaculatory
in than to see him bow down because one person complained.” Sweet Cakes has certainly left a bitter taste for this couple, who have lodged a formal complaint, since the Oregon Equality Act of 2007 protects residents from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The tradition of the wedding cake dates back centuries. It symbolizes the anticipation of a sweet life together. The couple cut the confectionary delight hand-in-hand representing their first of many combined and cooperative undertakings in marriage. They feed each other a piece to show their joint commitment. Now picture this: The scene is Des Moines, Iowa, 2011. A joyous and excited engaged couple, in preparation for their upcoming nuptials, entered Victoria Childress’s home bake shop for a taste testing appointment for their wedding cake.
When the couple entered Victoria Childress’s shop, she inquired who was getting married? A member of the couple, Janelle Sievers, told the baker that they were, she and her partner Tina Vodraska. Upon hearing this, Childress informed the couple, according to published accounts: “I’ll tell you I’m a Christian, and I do have convictions. I’m sorry to tell you, but I’m not going to be able to do your cake.” Later, according to Janelle, “I don’t think either one of us knew what to say. We were just shocked.” Interviewed by a reporter for local TV station KCCI, Childress gave her reasons: “I didn’t do the cake because of my convictions for their lifestyle. It is my right as a business owner….[I]t’s to do with me and my walk with God and what I will answer [to] him for.” The Iowa State Supreme Court in 2009 voted unanimously to uphold a lower court ruling legalizing marriage for same-sex couples, preceded by the Iowa Legislature, which amended Iowa’s Civil Rights Act in 2007 to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” in the areas of employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Janelle and Tina have yet to decide whether they will file a civil law suit. Now picture this: The scene is the small Virginia town of Central Point in Caroline County in 1958, when childhood friends fall in love and marry across the Potomac River in Washington, DC. Virtually the entire
Sex can be pleasurable without erections and without ejaculation when seen in a broader context.
Warren’s Words by Warren J. Blumenfeld Distinguishing “Morality” from “Ethics” in the Wedding Debates
Picture this: The scene is Gresham, Oregon, January 17, 2013. A woman walks into Sweet Cakes Bakery and cheerfully exclaims to the owner, Aaron Klein, that she is about to marry and would like to order a wedding cake. This is a return order from a satisfied customer since the woman’s spouse-to-be ordered a cake not very long ago for her mother’s wedding. When Klein learns that this cake is meant for a same-sex wedding, however, he refuses the order, and tells the woman that he must first live in accordance with his religious beliefs protected by his First Amendment rights granted by the U.S. Constitution. According to reports from local station KATU, Klein argued that he would rather close down his business than “be forced to do something that violates my conscience…I’d rather have my kids see their dad stand up for what he believes
The tradition of the wedding cake dates back centuries. It symbolizes the anticipation of a sweet life together.
The National Organization for Marriage has violated no campaign finance rules in Iowa, and we decry the decision by the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board to open an investigation. This inquiry is a witch hunt spawned by a delusional homosexual activist who fancies himself becoming the president of the United States and who is a serial filer of frivolous allegations against us whenever we stand up for traditional marriage. The complaint is another attempt to shut down criticism of activist judges and politicians who wish to redefine marriage. We are concerned about the continual use of the legal system by Karger and other homosexual marriage advocates who are intent on denying us and the people of Iowa their civil rights to defend marriage as God created it. ~Hate group leader Brian Brown, quivering with rage against Fred Karger.
Loren A. Olson MD is a board certified psychiatrist in the clinical practice of psychiatry for over 35 years. Dr. Olson has conducted research on mature gay and bisexual men for his book, Finally Out: Letting Go of Living Straight, a Psychiatrist’s Own Story. He has presented on this subject at conferences across the United States and Internationally. His blog, MagneticFire. com, has a strong following among mature gay and bisexual men. He established Prime Timers of Central Iowa, a social organization for mature gay/bisexual men. For more information go to FinallyOutBook.com or contact him on Facebook.com. volume, studies show that sexual satisfaction can remain high. In other words a satisfac-
TTSHRINK RAP cont’d page 10
Warren J. Blumenfeld is author of Warren’s Words: Smart Commentary on Social Justice (Purple Press); editor of Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price (Beacon Press), and co-editor of Readings for Diversity and Social Justice (Routledge) and Investigating Christian Privilege and Religious Oppression in the United States (Sense). www.warrenblumenfeld.com town attends the reception festivities in the Central Point home of one of the partners, whose family invited the young couple to live with them until they could afford a home of their own. Soon afterwards, as the couple sleeps peacefully embracing in their bed, local police officers crack the silence by abruptly storming the room, guns poised, flash light beams temporarily blinding the couple who suddenly find themselves shacked in handcuffs as they march terrified to the town jail. “Richard,” asked Mildred, “what did we do wrong?” Richard could only shake his head in bewildered astonishment, though they both know why they had been brought there. Richard Loving, a man of European descent, and Mildred Jetter Loving, a woman
TTWARREN’S WORDS cont’d page 10
ACCESSline Page 8
Section 1: News & Politics
SEPTEMBER 2013
Relating to Discomfort by Tony Dillon-Hansen In dreams and fantasies, we would like to live in luxurious settings and lazy beaches or tending to our favorite hobbies every day of our waking existence. We, all, would love to have no problems and no worries. We would love to love, to believe, to act, to talk or to think without distress or pain. Rev. Barr remarked in sermon, “It’s not love at all if it’s so plain and simple and nice that the truth isn’t welcome.” The challenge is not that we want peaceful existence or how we may characterize good love. The challenge is not to avoid fear, anger, or uncertainty but also how we “relate to discomfort” because there is something to learn in discomfort. Things left unsaid, undone, half-done, or avoided can be destructive to our own being. If we are constantly avoiding challenges to our lives, we may miss great opportunities to learn what can be improved in ourselves. Uncomfortable things do not have to be always confrontational, but we can choose the manner in which things are questioned. Perhaps, we, ourselves, were subjecting incorrect assumptions upon a situation. Perhaps, what was unfamiliar to us was frightening but something worth more research. By avoiding the questions around the event(s), we would never learn the intricate details of thinking differently. We can challenge our own viewpoints without sacrificing the essence of who we are, and we might just improve how we interpret the world. Things left unsaid might need to consider if we are taking ourselves too seriously over matters. That is why I like the character Goofy from Disney to remind me that things I do and say are as well goofy. That recognition should also come with a willingness to temper oneself and accept when I am wrong.
We may consider that our words may be harmful to the person(s) causing our current discomfort. We may think that our thoughts may be considered controversial or may “ruffle feathers” that we think should not be. We know many examples of this when working as part of teams. We may observe patterns that are causing issues (may even choose only to reveal our concerns to select people), but then we do not share them with the people that can help to make a positive impact. When we do this, we rob people, or the whole team, of their potential growth. A project can easily get sidetracked or worse if the team loses focus or if team leaders focus upon bad targets. Would the Titanic have arrived in New York if officers questioned the Captain’s decisions? We could see a spouse or significantother doing or saying something troubling to us. Communication is important here because you could go down the long path of regret and anger over a simple misunderstanding while nothing changes during silence. Also, such matters could get worse. In some cases, things left unsaid can result in someone else’s pain, injustice or misery. Maybe, we do not think our place is to say anything. Perhaps, we should speak up when great injustices are before us. Maybe, we did not believe we had the authority to challenge someone. This can happen when someone with supposed authority or superiority is doing the injustice, and we struggle to find our proper place in the discussion. Yet, we know too well what happens when someone is being abused and no one is there to help. If you have the opportunity to correct an injustice—time will see that you are vindicated. Clever sounding rhetoric or show of muscle by bullies is no match for the
Clever sounding rhetoric or show of muscle by bullies is no match for the truth that true justice and love brings.
SScontinued from page 1
YEOMANS and early 1980s, but whose work suddenly went out of fashion when HIV and AIDS changed global—and personal—perspectives on gay sexuality. Had events happened differently, Yeomans might now be remembered and compared to, perhaps, Andy Warhol or Robert Mapplethorpe. His work, while very personal and thoughtful, was also unflinchingly graphic and even shocking. He strove to be a gay playwright unapologetically targeting a gay audience. But for his having funded a professorship at the University of Florida, Cal Yeomans might have been completely forgotten—yet another treasure lost to the dark ages that followed the AIDS epidemic. However, in addition to the professorship, his legacy to the University of Florida included a “truckload” of photos, letters, journals, and other documents. A colleague of Robert Shanke’s brought all of this to his attention, and started what would be a sixyear journey of rediscovery. The rewarding result of
Shanke’s work is a biography that is both engaging and scholarly, and which includes a level of detail that is seldom available in such writing. (The book includes 16 full pages of end notes.) Due to Yeoman’s life and personality, this book is also unflinching in its use of the Yeoman’s own language, descriptions of his life, and even selects photographs (which include full frontal male nudity). From the perspective of this reviewer (who is a gay man) this facet of the book was both surprising and refreshing—probably a feeling very similar to what gay audiences would have experienced attending one of Yeoman’s plays. Queer Theatre and the Legacy of Cal Yeomans is not a long book, but it is dense with both details and drama. By its final
TTYEOMANS cont’d page 16
truth that true justice and love brings. Maybe, we should just quietly live without instigating anything. There are, of course, remedies for forgetting pain through drugs, alcohol, and dangerous behaviors (even conducting our own version of the pain to someone else). Then, we may find ourselves painfully attached to yet another grievance. With these, the path of fear and violence is that of more fear and more violence whether we internalize such or we allow the environment to continue around us. Further, we remove ourselves from the world both in mind and body through the supposed escapes while maintaining our anxiety and angers because none of these techniques results in quieting of the mind. I, like Minister Barr and most everyone, want people to like me and that throwing a concern into the open may seem to jeopardize those kind views. Yet, maybe that is not what we should want; that to act only in accordance with other peoples’ wishes. When we do not speak out, we could find ourselves building walls with mirrors around ourselves because we take too much stock in what we currently think. Our ability to learn and to grow diminishes when we do not challenge our own comfort zones. We do not have to judge others for not also trying, but we can be an example of how this can work as revealed within ourselves to ourselves. Karma has a way of showing these traits to others. Who we are is what we do, not just what we say (but words can go a long way to help.) We may like pleasantries of nice, profession-
Tony E Dillon-Hansen is a web developer, organizer, researcher, writer, martial artist, and vocalist from Des Moines. For more information go to tigersnapdragons.com. alism exhibited, or simply to live in peace. Yet, when moments arrive that demand justice, we cannot be in peace if we let them go on without rebuke. We do not need and should not justify our existence or the rights of anyone else, but sometimes we must. Again, we do not have to be confrontational; we should be willing to remind people the value and worth of every soul. Justice deserves its day before the collective good, and anyone not willing to recognize that also does not understand love or justice. If we decide to be silent about injustice, we help no one increase their being. That is the absence of justice or love if not utter selfishness. Yet love is sometimes an act of discomfort.
SEPTEMBER 2013
Section 1: News & Politics
ACCESSline Page 9
Minor Details by Robert Minor Will You Boycott the Russian Olympics?
Boycotting sponsors is as Capitalist an act as any. It’s about consumers voting with their feet and pocketbooks. It’s not about free speech even if the plan is to boycott sponsors of some offensive radio talker. It’s about not paying to have them spew their vitriol because corporations are buying their ability to do it in the media. Crying interference with freedom of speech is a laugh. Sponsored speech isn’t free; it’s bought and paid for, it’s about providing their speech with a microphone. But boycotts have to be carefully thought out if they’re going to do any good, even symbolically. They have to target what really matters to their target: its income stream. It’s hardly possible today to boycott a nation by refusing to buy an internationally distributed product identified with it. International corporations have little loyalty to any country they’re in beyond making money off of them. Coors and Miller are owned by a South African company, Budweiser by a Belgian/ Brazilian company, and Stoli Vodka by a Latvian company that’s currently fighting
with the Russian government. So when columnist Dan Savage called for a boycott of Stoli in response to antiLGBT legislation passed in Russia in June, it seemed like a good idea, but turned out to be controversial. Something clearly had to be done, because the new Russian law against “gay propaganda” was only the latest in Russian anti-LGBT brutality that marked violence toward and prohibition of Gay Pride demonstrations as well as a proliferation of rightwing torturing of LGBT people. This coming February we are supposed to appreciate the Winter Olympics in Sochi as if Russia deserved to get worldwide accolades for hosting an event that claims to celebrate worldwide togetherness, inclusion, and acceptance. Yet on June 30th Russian President, Vladimir Putin signed the anti-gay law, reflecting not only his usual arrogance toward world opinion, but his need to pander for votes to those outside the major cities and for money from his wealthy elite backers to bolster his chances in the next election. In 2010, the European Court of Human Rights had already ruled that Russia violated the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms when
This coming February we are supposed to appreciate the Winter Olympics in Sochi as if Russia deserved to get worldwide accolades for hosting an event that claims to celebrate worldwide togetherness, inclusion, and acceptance.
Russia prevented gay pride parades in Moscow in 2007, 2008, and 2009. But the anti-gay crackdown continued, and in May 2013 authorities in Moscow refused to allow a pride parade because, according to an official, it’s imperative to, “work clearly and consistently on maintaining morality, oriented toward the teaching of patriotism in the growing generation, and not toward incomprehensible aspirations.” And if Republicans in the US could get the religious right-wing to vote against their own economic interests by playing the fear-the-gay card to protect children, why not Putin? After all, he needed the Russian Orthodox Church on his side as well as the rural vote to solidify his political future. The anti-gay “propaganda” legislation, after all, had begun out in the provinces in 2006 with similar local laws. In that year the Ryazan region banned “propaganda of homosexuality among minors,” making “promoting homosexuality among juveniles” punishable by fines of up to 20000 rubles ($608). As if that weren’t enough, in July Putin eagerly signed a law banning the adoption of Russian children by same-sex married couples and single people who live in countries where same-sex marriage is legal. At the end of the month the Chairman of the St. Petersburg legislature’s committee for legislation and the author of that city’s antipropaganda bill said the laws will be applied to foreign athletes and visitors during the Winter Olympics in Sochi. But who is responsible, and who should be boycotted if something effective is to be accomplished? Well, according to the Director of Global Initiatives of Human Rights Watch in an interview with Michelangelo Signorile: “The International Olympic Committee, the United States Olympic Committee, the so-called top corporate sponsors—Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble—these companies all, as [HRW] did, tracked the progress of this law.” “If any of the Olympic stakeholders, the sponsors who are literally paying for the Games, or the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee or the other Olympic committees, if they weighed in on this, I don’t think this law would have been signed by Putin or passed by the Duma. If they had leaned on [Russia] before the law was signed, it would not have been signed. That is absolutely true.” Individual athletes are courageously standing up daily to protest, but LGBT institutions and their supporters who distribute, sell and use sponsors’ products can do it
Robert N. Minor, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas, is author of When Religion Is an Addiction; Scared Straight: Why It’s So Hard to Accept Gay People and Why It’s So Hard to Be Human and Gay & Healthy in a Sick Society. Contact him at www.FairnessProject.org. most effectively. How about refusing to buy from Coca Cola until this is settled? What about all the gay bars refusing? What about emailing McDonald’s, Procter and Gamble, and NBC Universal. That would be protesting that really matters—targeting the real sponsors of the events. And the International Olympic Committee and US Olympic Committee could end this at any time. In July, the IOC responded: “The International Olympic Committee is clear that sport is a human right and should be available to all regardless of race, sex or sexual orientation. The Games themselves should be open to all, free of discrimination, and that applies to spectators, officials, media and of course athletes. We would oppose in the strongest terms any move that would jeopardize this principle.” If it were committed to international human rights, the IOC could ban Russia from its own Olympics. And the US Olympic Committee could put heavy pressure on Russia as they have in other cases. But on top of boycotting those sponsors who are paying for this showcase in Russia, any of us can write both Committees telling them not only that we will not attend, but will refuse to watch unless an open and proud LGBT athlete is in the event. It’s the least we can do if we think it matters. It’s the least we can do to support our sisters and brothers who are suffering in Russia today.
Jose Sarria, founder of the International Court System showed us how to turn a night into a grand occasion and a grand occasion into a means of providing support. That support led so many who did not “fit in” to actually proudly stand out, together, creating a local sense of community and an international network that would raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local and major charities. He paved the way for my uncle Harvey Milk to run for public office by being the first openly gay man to put his name on the 1961 ballot and was right there to support Harvey’s first campaign in 1973. José’s extraordinary life on this earth has come to an end. And the extraordinary good that he did lives on. For the International Court System he was a guardian and an inspiration. For anyone who felt like they were different he was a defender of our dreams. He taught us how to turn an idea into action, how to wear a tiara and how to laugh and ultimately he taught us how to lift up and nourish a marginalized community. We will forever keep Jose in our history books and in our hearts. ~Stuart Milk of the Harvey Milk Foundation on the passing of Jose Sarria.
ACCESSline Page 10
Section 1: News & Politics
SEPTEMBER 2013
In the Name of Religion by Rev. Irene Monroe The queer politics of writing on race
When Sue O’Connell, the publisher and editor of the Boston-based LGBTQ newspaper Bay Windows, which I also write for, penned her piece “Sharing our experience: White gay men and black men have more in common than they think” a firestorm erupted. Evidence of the conflagration was not only seen on the paper’s website but it was also buzzed about around town. Re s p o n s e s to the piece created a deluge of criticism ranging from thoughtful advice to damning personal attacks. The fury O’Connell’s piece ignited raised for me this query: “Can white LGBTQs suggest or give advice to communities of color from their own experiences of discrimination?” It’s a polemic that has been avoided because of the politics of political correctness as well as how any discussion on race, no matter who’s stirring the conversation—a rabid racist, the president or Attorney General Eric Holder—invariably inflame our emotions more that inform our faculties. Many communities of color contest that white people—straight or LGBTQ— show no real vested interest in engaging in this country’s needed dialogue on race. And many whites have confessed their aversion to such a dialogue, stating that while a cultural defense of “white guilt” plays a role in their reticence so too does their cultural fear of “black rage” for inadvertently saying the wrong thing. What further complicates the dialogue on race is a perceived, as well as, a real avalanche of attacks coming from communities of color, spewing how whites are as unconsciously racist as they are incurably so. This, too, leaves the needed dialogue on race in the balance. But with the dominant LGBTQ community’s continued indelicate dance of white privilege and single-issue platforms thwarting efforts for coalition building with communities of color the notion, for some people of color, that white marginalized and struggling groups (white women, LGBTQ, the poor, to name a few) in this country might have something to offer communities of color in terms of advice and/ or shared
(not same) experiences appears absolutely preposterous. And it is also equally absurd to think that they don’t. But how, then, do we, as an entire LGBTQ community, broach our needed dialogue on race? My answer: past harms need to be redressed. For example, civil rights struggles in this country, unfortunately, have primarily been understood and demonstrated as tribal and unconnected rather than intersectional and interdependent. As for our queer community one way to broach our needed dialogue on race is to address white LGBTQs appropriating from people of color’s history of struggle and then whitewashing it as solely their own. Case-in-point, the inspiration and source of an LGBTQ movement postStonewall is an appropriation of a black, brown, Trans, and queer liberation narrative and struggle. The Stonewall Riot of June 27 to 29, 1969 in Greenwich Village started on the backs of working-class African-American and Latino queers who patronized that bar. Those brown and black LGBTQ people are not only absent from the photos of those nights but they also have been bleached from its written history. Many LGBTQ blacks and Latinos continue to argue that one of the reasons for the gulf between whites and themselves is the fact that the dominant queer community rewrote and continues to control the narrative of Stonewall. For many years I taught a collegelevel course titled “Power and Privilege,” exploring how many of our stereotypes about people whom we perceive as being different invades our lives without much conscious deliberation on our part. Issues of race, gender, social class, sexual orientation, age and ability, among others, were considered, and how such distinctions often lead to an inequitable distribution of political power, social well-being, and the resources available to individual members of society. On the syllabus I laid out the rules regarding classroom interaction: 1. We will address our colleagues in our classroom by name.
The Stonewall Riot of June 27 to 29, 1969 in Greenwich Village started on the backs of working-class AfricanAmerican and Latino queers who patronized that bar.
SScontinued from page 7
SHRINK RAP tory sex life for an older man is not contingent upon successful sexual functioning in those first three domains. So here are my recommendations: Don’t use your partner’s penis as a measure of your self-esteem. Find more reliable and dependable ways to do that. If he fails to show arousal or loses his erection, don’t push it. Keep your hands off his penis! Find other ways to give him physical pleasure. Use some good lotion and touch him on non-genital areas of his body. Recognize that he may be completely
satisfied with your love-making but never be able to “prove” it to you by having a fully erect penis. You can learn from him that slow lovemaking is ultimately often more gratifying than slam-bam sex. Search the internet for “Sensual Massage and Sensate Focus Exercises”. Talk to each other about sex. What do you like? What don’t you like? What do you want more/less of? Sex should be about communicating your feelings to one another both physically and verbally, and not a contest to prove you love each other. Don’t depend on a pill to solve the problem.
2. We will listen to one another— patiently, carefully—assuming that each one of us is always doing the best that s/ he can. We will speak thoughtfully. We will speak in the first person. 3. Although our disagreements may be vigorous, they will not be conducted in a win-lose manner. We will take care that all participants are given the opportunity to engage in the conversation. 4. We will own our assumptions, our conclusions, and their implications. We will be open to another’s intellectual growth and change. 5. We cannot be blamed for misinformation we have been taught and have absorbed from our U.S. society and culture, but we will be held responsible for repeating misinformation after we have learned otherwise. 6. We each have an obligation to actively combat stereotypes so that we can begin to eradicate the biases which prevent us from envisioning the well being of us all. O’Connell blundered in her piece— some on facts and the other thinking the community could have a civil conversation on race.
SScontinued from page 7
WARREN’S WORDS of African descent, married in a state that passed and retained its anti-miscegenation statute, the so-called “Racial Integrity Act” of 1924, making it unlawful for a White person and a Person of Color to engage in sexual relations. At the trial, the judge, Leon Bazile, convicted and sentenced them both to one-year imprisonment with a suspended sentence on the condition that the couple leaves the state of Virginia for a period of 25 years. Staring at Richard and Mildred during the sentencing, Bazile invoked Biblical justifications to convict the couple: “Almighty God created the races—white, black, yellow, Malay and red—and He placed them on separate continents. And but for the interference with His arrangement, there would be no cause for such marriages. The fact that He separated the races shows that He did not intend for the races to mix.” Mildred and Richard filed a number of law suits taking their case all the way to the highest court in the land. In the case of Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1 (1967), the Supreme Court of the United States declared the state of Virginia’s anti-miscegenation statute unconstitutional, thereby overturning Pace v. Alabama (1883), and ending all race-based legal restrictions on adult consensual sexual activity and marriage throughout the U.S. I mention these three cases in an attempt to distinguish two vital concepts. The first is the issue of morality, which I see based on our values and our set of beliefs derived by some from religious faith traditions, and by others from secular humanist principles. We live in a country that protects all of our moral belief systems, which no one has the right to take from us. Our beliefs
Rev. Irene Monroe is a graduate from Wellesley College and Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University, and she has served as a pastor at an AfricanAmerican church before coming to Harvard Divinity School for her doctorate as Ford Fellow. She is a syndicated queer religion columnist who tries to inform the public of the role religion plays in discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. Her website is irenemonroe.com. are our own to cherish and to live by as long as we deem fitting. Some people may refer to “morality” as the “Golden Rule,” whereby we treat others how we want to be treated. A closely aligned but also somewhat distinct notion is the concept of ethics. For me, this applies to what some refer to as the “Platinum Rule,” whereby we treat others how they want to be treated. We consider their needs, their best interests, their values and beliefs, even if these do not necessarily connect or bond with our own. As a university professor of pre-service teacher education students, I raise the distinction between moral convictions and professional ethics when we discuss issues of controversy within the field of education. For example, I discuss how as teachers, they may find their moral teachings in opposition to the beliefs or lived experiences of their students. For example, their students may “come out” to them as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, or they may live with samesex parents or guardians. Or some of their students’ parent(s) or care givers may be undocumented workers. Or students may be followers of faith traditions they may neither understand nor approve. As teachers, however, they have ethical obligations to serve all their students with the highest degree of professionalism and to treat them equitably. With this backdrop, then, I ask us, how would the Oregon couple, Janelle and Tina, and Mildred and Richard wish to be treated, and what would be in their best interests? You be the judge.
ACCESSline’s fun guide Misfits of Sissy’s Sircus Our Picks for September The Interview by Angela Geno-Stumme
9/6, Waterloo Community Playhouse, Waterloo, Iowa, Leading Ladies, WCPBHCT.org 9/7, Broad View Wildflower Seed Garden, Grinnell, Iowa, Wildflower Tour , BroadViewWildflowerSeed.com 9/6-29, Des Moines Playhouse, Des Moines, Iowa, Fiddler on the Roof, DMPlayhouse.com 9/12, Des Moines, IA, The Garden Nightclub, I.C. Kings at The Garden, GRDN.com 9/13, Des Moines, IA, The Blazing Saddle, The Friday the 13th Show, TheBlazingSaddle.com 9/13, Iowa City, IA, Iowa Soul Festival Stage, Buddy Guy, Hancher.UIowa.edu 9/15, Des Moines, IA, The Blazing Saddle, Last Beer Bust of Reign XX, TheBlazingSaddle.com 9/18, Des Moines, IA, Des Moines Performing Arts, Chris Mann, DesMoinesPerformingArts.com 9/21, Des Moines, IA, The Blazing Saddle, Coronation XXI, ImperialCourtofIowa.org 9/21, Sioux Falls, SD, Pasley Park, Sioux Falls AIDS Walk, AidsWalkSiouxFalls.org 9/21-22, Davenport, IA, Lindsay Park, Riverssance Festival of Fine Art, MidCoast.org/Riverssance.htm 9/27, Iowa City, IA, Johnson County Fairgrounds,
20th Anniversary Iowa Women’s Music Festival, PrairieVoices.net
9/27-28, Des Moines, IA, Des Moines Performing Arts, Sleeping Beauty, DesMoinesPerformingArts.com 9/28, Iowa City, IA, The Englert, Suzanne Vega, Englert.org 9/29, Des Moines, IA, Le Boi Bar, Miss Le Boi, LeBoi.com
Sissy’s Sircus performance of BurlesQUI Benefit, May 2010. Courtesy of Sissy’s Sircus. When the “normal” label didn’t seem to fit, a group of fabulous individuals got together and started a burlesque group. Sissy’s Sircus is a neo-burlesque and drag troupe based in Cedar Falls, Iowa that strives to create an all-inclusive environment. Sissy’s Sircus offers a creative outlet for young artists who seek to build a supportive community and pushes the limit of sexuality in performance. Director Laura A. Neill talks about the inspiration of Sissy’s Sircus, its beginnings, and how it continues to question and challenge societal boundaries. What was the inspiration for Sissy’s Sircus? In 2007 there was a small burlesque show put on by a group of students at UNI. Laura Neill was a sophomore and attended the show by chance, but was intrigued by this self-produced fun filled evening. Sissy Allen made her Cedar Falls debut during that show. In 2008, Laura joined the underground cast and Sissy continued to be a featured performer.
We all have a common ground with questions regarding gender and sexuality, so we have focused our mission to represent the group.
...and October
10/3, Iowa City, IA, The Mill, Martha Redbone Roots Project, Hancher.UIowa.org 10/4-6, Des Moines, IA, The Blazing Saddle, Iowa Leather Weekend, TheBlazingSaddle.com 10/5, Iowa City, IA, Englert, Mason Jennings, Englert.com
At the end of that project, Sissy and Laura decided to form a new burlesque group. Sissy’s Sircus formed out of a collaboration between a group of friends and a desire to put on an independent burlesque show. Who were the individuals that brought about Sissy’s Sircus? Bryan “Sissy” Allen-White, Co-founder, Diva, Artistic Visionary Thomas Allen-White, Co-founder, Technical Coordinator, Director Laura A. Neill, Co-founder, Director, Company Manager To r i Rezek, Co-founder, Production Manager, Costume Designer What were some of the boundaries and norms you questioned in the first Sissy’s Sircus production: Burlesqui Benefit? As we have continued creating work, our mission has become more focused. The first boundary we had to break through was simply existing. We wanted to produce an independent burlesque show on a bigger scale, which requires money, time, space, and people. We spent months searching for a venue that was available, convincing friends to perform, and raising money. We held a banquet in our living room and most of the guests were company members. After many months we found a space at The Oster Regent, but the only weekend was the week before finals. Looking back on the whole process, I’m really glad the show came together. The product turned out pretty well and about 100 people came each night, but we had a lot of fun and decided to do another show. Once the boundary of existence was broken, we were able to use our performance to present issues that are present in our lives. We all have a common ground with questions regarding gender and sexuality, so we have focused our mission
Sissy’s Sircus 2013 Pride Tour.
TTSIRCUS cont’d page 31
The Fun Guide
ACCESSline Page 12
SEPTEMBER 2013
Song Whisperer by Ellen Krug My daughter Emily communicates to me through songs. She’s done that for close to ten years, which just happens to coincide with how long it’s been since I moved out of the family home to start what became a very lengthy gender journey. Some music is by artists I didn’t know—The Dresden Dolls, Maria Digby, The Hush Sound. Others are familiar: Aretha Franklin and Adam Lambert. Usually, the songs come on a single CD, Emily’s annual Christmas present. Sometimes, I have requests (I’m partial to Elvis Costello and The Cure), but Emily never includes every song on my list. Instead, she adds her fillers, music that I didn’t know even existed and for which my old ears can barely make out lyrics. It took a few years to figure out that Emily’s music was more—way more— than a teenage girl’s passing hobby. My first clue was with Aretha. Her “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” showed up in the middle of a CD populated with a bunch of unknown artists. It caught me off guard. Why is this here, I asked myself. If you’re in the midst of transitioning from man to woman, it’s impossible not to be touched—wait, shaken is more accurate—by the authenticity of Aretha’s words. And voice. Which I eventually surmised was Emily’s point, exactly. Or take Ani DiFranco, another familiar name. Her “In or Out,” is flush with gender queer attitude. It’s a hymnal for anyone who subscribes to being different, their own person, regardless of what society thinks. Once more, the lyrics went to my heart. What is Emily trying to tell me? Gentle readers, let me step back to add context: I have two children, both daughters. In early 2004, when I left their mother, Lydia, to begin my gender journey, Emily was fourteen and Lily was twelve. As LGBT people know all too well, coming out sometimes throws loved ones into real tilt—some are anything but supportive. For Trans people, coming out can be particularly difficult; after all, moving from “Dad” to “Ellen” with the clothes, hair and make-up can really challenge any child. Just about every Trans person I know
has “lost” someone important—like a son or daughter—as they transitioned genders. Some have lost their entire family—they become Trans persona non grata. I often joke that “I’m batting .500” in coming out with my daughters. The youngest, Lily, now a college senior, couldn’t be prouder of me. She’s never wavered as I confusedly figured out that I was Trans and needed to surgically transition to womanhood. Eventually, Lily even stood up to Lydia and insisted that she call me “Ellen” instead of my male name. Emily, the other half of my coming out batting average, has had a more difficult time accepting my transition. She’s a perfectionist, something that was obvious even when she was a toddler. Emily has also always worried about what others think of her and those around her. Translated to my world as a Trans person, Emily simply can’t bring herself to be with me in public. I get it that Emily’s afraid she’d run into someone she knows while she and I sat for lunch at a restaurant, necessitating that Emily either introduce me or come up with a good explanation about that tall blonde who speaks with a way-toomasculine voice. In other words, Emily’s scared to death of being judged for being my daughter. There’s far more to Emily than shame, of course. Much has to do with erroneously believing that she’s lost her father, her protector, and now not knowing what to make of the new substitute, a female imposter. While I can’t understand everything about Emily’s pain, I do know that she’s never given up on me, as her Christmas CDs will attest. Emily lives 1000 miles from Minneapolis, yet she makes sure we talk by telephone every Sunday. Since my voice hasn’t changed all that much—to my utter frustration—I’ve become “telephone Dad.” My voice is something, maybe the only thing, for Emily to hold onto. Which gets us back to Emily’s music and her way of connecting. Two months ago, there was an email from Emily in my in-box. It contained nothing more than a link. At first, I was suspicious, so I emailed Emily. Did you send me an email with a link? Yes. It’s safe to open.
GOglbt is starting a new group of GLBT business owners or business professionals to meet twice monthly to support each other’s businesses by providing referrals. They will meet every other Thursday from 7:30am-8:30am at a TBD Wells Fargo sponsored location. Refreshments
will be provided. Once they secure the location the meetings will start. Membership Fee is $50.00 and will include a business listing on the GOglbt.com website. To sign up to be a part of this group please call Tom Luke at 402-650-2917, or email him at tom@lukedirectmarketing.com.
If you’re in the midst of transitioning from man to woman, it’s impossible not to be touched—wait, shaken is more accurate— by the authenticity of Aretha’s words.
New GOglbt Business Referral Group
A few minutes later, I clicked on the link. It opened to a music video featuring Jillette Johnson—another unknown to me—at a piano. The title of the music video? “Cameron.” Song and video about a young transgender boy to girl poured forth for 4.11 minutes. I froze as Jillette lovingly belted out the story of young Cameron who wasn’t an “alien,” but instead, a “real, life human.” Jillette’s powerful lyrics are filled with emotion and sheer guts. So powerful that I bawled for a good ten minutes. Just like I bawl now writing this column, thinking of the video. Why in the world would a daughter who doesn’t accept me send a video about society’s need to accept little transgirls? Unless, of course, I was wrong about Emily. Maybe she does understand after all. Or at least desperately wants to. I’ve written and spoken extensively— as if I’m some damn expert—about living authentically and being true to one’s self wherever it takes you. Even if it means hurting someone you love so incredibly much. Like a beloved daughter. It’s easy for me to say. After all, I took the journey and got the accolade, “You’re such a brave person,” time and again. I’m not the one who’s stuck, left
Ellie Krug is a columnist and the author of Getting to Ellen: A Memoir about Love, Honesty and Gender Change. She resides in Minneapolis and welcomes your comments at ellenkrugwriter@gmail. com. Visit her blog at GettingToEllen.com. behind with nothing more than memories of someone masculine and comforting. Someone who no longer exists. So here’s a nod to resiliency and strength, to not giving up, and to making what you can out of a bad situation. Here’s a nod to Emily, my personal song-whisperer. Thank you for loving me, Emily. Daddy
The Fun Guide
SEPTEMBER 2013
ACCESSline Page 13
Wired This Way by Rachel Eliason All across the nation LGBT watering holes are dumping out vodka. No it’s not sacrilege, it’s a political protest. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into effect some of the toughest anti-gay laws outside of Africa. The “anti-propaganda law” labels virtually any acknowledgement of LGBT people as both propaganda and a crime. These laws in and of themselves are only the tip of the iceberg. Russian police are turning a blind eye as Neo-Nazi groups single out, entrap homosexual men and torture them. Several gruesome videos have been posted on the internet. To say that the LGBT population of Russia is suffering from some of the most severe repression and oppression would not be an understatement. Noted activist and writer Dan Savage has spearheaded the #dumpstoli campaign, a boycott against the popular vodka brand Stoli. The boycott has picked up steam in a matter of weeks and many watering holes have dumped all Russian vodka. Not everyone has jumped on the bandwagon. Huffington post writer Ryan Davis is probably one of Dan Savage’s harshest critics. He has called #dumpstoli “Bullsh*t” and “fake activism”. Critics of the boycott often point out that the Stoli vodka that is shipped to the U.S. is produced in Latvia, not Russia and the owner Yuri Sheffler has been exiled from Russia for several years. The company itself SPI group has a relatively liberal nondiscrimination policy. Ryan Davis however cuts right to
the chase of the boycott mentality. Putin doesn’t care. This is not a western consumer nation we are talking about. Corporations don’t have the same clout in Russia as they do in the United States. Boycotting a company that the Russian government has been trying to drive out of business won’t bother Putin. Personally I am torn on the whole boycott. I tend to agree with the friend who said, “If I saw Russian vodka being sold in a gay bar it would leave a bad taste in my mouth.” Still the boycott smacks of clicktivism, a quick easy thing to do that won’t really help our LGBT brothers and sisters in Russia. Roose Laakonsen of the Russian LGBT Network is also on the fence about boycotts. I spoke with the Russian activist via email. She reiterated Ryan’s point that the company that produces Stoli vodka is based in Luxemburg, not Russia. Some companies do have a lot of clout in Russia, companies like Gazprom. However boycotts on fuel, iron and fertilizer aren’t as media friendly as vodka she says. The upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia have been another target of boycott talks. A petition has been started to ask the International Olympic Commission to pull out of Russia. Another petition is asking the Obama administration to pull America out of the games. Neither petition has much hope of succeeding however. As an interesting aside, in the course of researching the movement to ban the Sochi games I came across another organization that had already been working to ban the
games for an entirely different reason. Nosochi2014.com has been working to boycott the game because of the genocide of native Circassian tribes in the region. Assuming there is no official action on either petition, LGBT athletes and spectators are put in a difficult position. Will the draconian laws be applied to foreign athletes and tourist attending the games? The answer appears to be yes. Gay or gay friendly athletes and visitors will have to stay silent about homosexuality throughout their trip or face imprisonment. It’s a scary proposition. The same friend I quoted earlier pointed out that even Hitler made exceptions for foreign born Jewish and Black athletes at the 1936 Olympics. “And when you are being compared to Hitler unfavorably,” she went on about Putin, “you really are not a good person.” What can we do about Russia’s draconian anti-gay laws and sweeping anti--gay sentiment? The good thing about the internet is that it brings us news from around the world almost instantly. The bad thing is we are so helpless in the face of that news. But in this case you are not completely helpless. Make the dollars you save by not buying Russian Vodka or other Russian products count twice by donating that money directly to the Russian LGBT network. They can be followed on facebook and information about bank transfers (the only way to get money to them) can be had by emailing roosa@lgbtnet.ru. Several human rights organizations and LGBT rights organizations work internationally. All Out is an international advocacy group for LGBT people. Groups like amnesty international have long histories of working towards LGBT rights and they are active in places like Russia. You could consider a monetary donation to either.
Some examples from the study: Half-cup of apple: $0.26 / One Fruit by the Foot: $0.45 Half-cup of grapes: $0.46 / Package of M&M candies: $0.75 Half-cup of sweet potato: $0.31 / Stovetop stuffing: $0.38 Half-cup of sliced cucumber: $0.14 / An ounce of Lay’s Potato Chips: $0.27 In other words, this study challenges the notion that eating healthy is expensive. In fact, the opposite is often true. And since most Americans aren’t getting their recommended servings of fruits or vegetables, all of us would be well served—in the waistline and the wallet— to replace some unhealthy packaged foods with healthier alternatives. Unhealthy foods also come with a hidden, long-term cost. For instance, medical expenses. Obesity accounts for 21% of U.S. healthcare costs. In fact, obese people incur annual medical costs that are $2,741 higher than non-obese people. Of course, to be fair, fruits and vegetables often have a shorter shelf life than packaged options like M&M candies
or potato chips. But remember that frozen fruits and vegetables are a great option—and are often cheaper and even more nutrient dense (as they’re picked and frozen at the peak of freshness). If you want the fruits and veggies to last longer, buy frozen!
The biggest reason the Olympic Boycott isn’t likely to go anywhere is that we have too many conservative politicians…
Honor Your Body, Honor You by Davey Wavey Eating Healthy is more Affordable Than You Think.
A common excuse for eating unhealthy foods is that the more nutritious options are too expensive. As I’ve said before, the excuse is untrue; it’s a myth. It’s totally possible to eat healthy without spending a lot of money. In fact, I even made a video about it. A new study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest takes things a step further. According to the study, fruits and vegetables are not only more nutritious than packaged snacks and side dishes, but also more affordable. For the study, 20 snacks and 19 side dishes were analyzed. After the numbers were crunched, the study found that the average price per fruit or vegetable snack was $0.34. The price per unhealthy packaged snack was nearly double at $0.67. The nutritious vegetable side dishes averaged $0.27 while packaged side dishes averaged $0.31.
The bottom line: “Healthy” isn’t a license to overeat.
Rachel Eliason is a forty two year old Transsexual woman. She was given her first computer, a Commodore Vic-20 when she was twelve and she has been fascinated by technology ever since. In the thirty years since that first computer she has watched in awe as the Internet has transformed the LGBT community. In addition to her column, Rachel has published a collection of short stories, Tales the Wind Told Me and is currently working on her debut novel, Run, Clarissa, Run. Rachel can be found all over the web, including on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Goodreads. Protests and flash mobs are being organized outside more Russian Consulates. I am a big fan of the old saying, think global, act local. There is a place for local political activism in this fight. The biggest reason the Olympic Boycott isn’t likely to go anywhere is that we have too many conservative politicians have either failed to speak out against what is happening in Russia or have implied that they would like to see it here. Iowa congressman Steve King (R) has yet to make an idiotic sound bite about the crackdown. Perhaps he is currently too
TTWIRED continued page 24
People Eat Larger Portions of “Healthy” Food.
If a food is labeled healthy, do you give yourself a free pass to overindulge? According to a recent study, you’re not alone. The study, commissioned by Ireland’s Safefood agency, examined the relationship between consumer eating habits and product packaging/marketing. When participants were asked to serve themselves appropriate-sized portions of “healthy” and regular food brands, the participants both served larger portions of the so-called healthy foods and underestimated the caloric content. Of course, this study brings to light what food marketers already know. According to Dr. Cliodhna Foley Nolan, the director of Human Health and Nutrition
Davey Wavey is an AFPA certified personal trainer shares his passion for and knowledge of fitness, exercise, health and nutrition with the world. For more information go to DaveyWaveyFitness.com. at Safefood: “Foods are marketed as being healthier for a reason, because food producers believe, and they correctly believe, that those labels will influence us to eat their products and perhaps eat more of their products. Marketing a food product with health claims will not only get consumers to buy
TTHONOR continued page 14
ACCESSline Page 14
Just Sayin’ by Beau Fodor
The Fun Guide
A Grand River Wedding in Dubuque
Kim and Jo-Jo picked beautiful Dubuque to celebrate their inspiring relationship and their commitment to each other. An unbelievably “architectural” space with a pioneering young couple, Kim and Jo-Jo had a breathtaking ceremony at the waters’ edge. With a reception that truly sparkled and dazzled over the Mississippi. Four days spent at the Grand Harbor Resort on the banks of the Mississippi River, well.... I will never forget this for sure! I’m truly exhausted, and will try not to do this all by myself ever again! But I’m also so incredibly grateful for the experience and to have been part of this joining. Joining of family, with a true community that traveled through Wisconsin to Dubuque. From the rehearsal dinner on, where I had my first alligator bites, it was about family, friendship, and unconditional love. The bi-lingual (Spanish), minimalistic, elegant, candle-lit sand ceremony left me in
SScontinued from page 13
HONOR that product—but it will also get consumers to eat more of the product. In other words, it means more money and bigger profits for the companies producing these foods.” The moral of the story is two-fold. First and foremost, don’t believe claims on product packaging. Instead,
SEPTEMBER 2013
awe. And the handsome ring bearers almost out-shined the trio of musicians from the Dubuque Symphony. The chic reception venue, Grand River Center, was a fairy-talelike space to work in, even in 90 degree temps, but by 4 p.m. it was like a movie—picture perfect. It cooled to a comfortable 72 degrees and the guests said they were in awe from the moment they walked in. With the signature drink of “Peach Hibiscus” for the cocktail hour, conversations began immediately around the tables with water-based 7-foot elevated centerpieces, all while the wedding party was photographed along the gorgeous River walk. I’m also very grateful to have witnessed Beau Fodor is the owner of PANACHE, an Iowa event and wedding planner who focuses specifically on weddings for the LGBT community. He can be reached at his blog www.panachepoints.com. Photo courtesy of Blake Staake Photography.
Kim and Jo-Jo review the nutrition information and ingredients for real insight. Second, review your portion size against the product’s serving size. Even if a product is truly healthy, it’s still not an excuse to overeat. If your body takes in more calories than it needs, then those excess calories will be stored as body fat—regardless of where they came from. The bottom line: “Healthy” isn’t a license to overeat.
Kim and Jo-Jo’s Wedding Topper.
the toasts, filled with raw emotions and some heart-wrenching tears, because no parents were in attendance. But hearing the forgiveness, seeing and feeling the genuine love these two young women shared for the past several years makes me believe they will live happily-ever-after. Especially the gratitude expressed during the toasts—it was extremely humbling. Both women are role models to a brand new generation.
SEPTEMBER 2013
The Fun Guide
SScontinued from page 1
IWMF wander-lust that has taken her performances around the world and her talent includes written film scores, 2 musicals, and 6 albums. She discusses her memories of the Iowa Women’s Music Festival, how her wanderlust is a part of her music, what inspires her lyrics, and slowing things down. You are considered one of the most popular performers at Iowa Women’s Music Festival, what number will this year’s performance be? I think I was there in the early days of the festival. It’s always been a gorgeous community effort, and it’s grown and it’s so great to see how successful it is. I love how they do it, because it’s in the park. It is so inclusive, and it brings everyone together. And it just celebrates women’s music—great. So, I have very sweet memories of that festival. I’ve played in these venues, and outside in the actual festivals. I think I am kicking off the festival at a fund raiser for it the night before. But if you ask me to number things, I don’t even know how long I’ve been in the United States when I came from England. I don’t count (laugh). Well, I am going to give you a number. Did you realize it’s their 20th anniversary this year for Iowa Women Music Festival? Gosh, I suppose it’s because I’m one of the early ones and I’m in denial, that time flew, didn’t it. I am with Olivia Cruises too, and they like to number things— 40th anniversary and blah, blah, blah. They’re like, “How many years have you been working for Olivia?” I’m like I don’t know, but it’s nice. But 20 years, that’s so good—those guys rock. You mentioned you have some memorable moments. Can you share one of them from your performances at Iowa Women Music Festival? If only I can remember the bar that we all played…it was packed I remember it was always packed and so much fun. I remember playing Frisbee afterwards a lot and making so many friends—which was really fun. The thing I remember most is just grabbing all the different musicians and everyone will join in. The biggest memories that I have of the Iowa Woman Music Festival is the sense of community—and I think that’s why it has gone on for so long. The performers they pick are of that same easy going nature and they join in at a drop of a hat, so I’ve had all sorts of fun jams there. I love to jam, and bring everyone together—for me, it’s a perfect festival. And I haven’t done it for a few years, so I am glad to come back. Your bio is listed that you play the spoons. I was wondering how you got interested in playing the spoons. I’m from England, and my main instrument is the piano, but you can’t carry a piano around when you have wanderlust. I had wanderlust and I still do, which shows in my music—some call it, music like a map. I take in all these different world music beats like a sponge on my travels. When I was out on the road I learned that people can make music out of anything. You don’t have to be rich and buy a piano, or have a fancy guitar, or anything. You can grab a set of keys, or a calabash from a tree and put some beans in or you can even play on garbage. I’ve seen people play on buckets, trash cans—all sorts of things. People would join in and play anything available; all the instruments that they make are cheap. They just take rubbish or things
Zoe Lewis that grow from trees, and they’re adapted. I’d draw it, take it with me and play this piece People make the most amazing things, hear of paper—to make me happy. You improvised amazing sounds, and from very rudimentary and used what you had available, when you instruments. I’m always astounded by finding felt the need to have music in your life. Have some spontaneous instruments all these instruments, so the spoons are one. You can in the kitchen and with a pair popped up, like on the way to a show or in of spoons and jive. You can take spoons to being in different areas like that? Well, I mentioned buckets. My drummer, another level—it’s amazing. And I am at just the basic level. You can bang it out. You have sometimes she forgets stuff, and we have rhythm with the spoons. I actually have a nice improvised with buckets. Or, if you’re on a pair of wooden spoons that I got in Quebec. plane and you can’t carry everything, you They’re quite folkloric, the wooden spoons can piece a drum set together with what you from Canada—I didn’t know that. And I’ve find by the kitchen door, or in the dressing played washboards and such—I am very room. I tend to travel a lot and I have no idea rhythmically driven—and you can write what will be provided, I take my ukulele and something around those instruments. It’s a guitar. The ukulele, by the way, why I think it is so popular is because it is so portable. And crowd pleaser, and the kids love it. If you have the feeling and the whim to that is one of the most sought after instrudo it, you can make music out of anything. I ments in the United States now. And I think have a kids workshop that I do sometimes that’s why it’s really come back. Improvise called, Music In The Pocket, which tries to music, I don’t know but I do have some pretty demonstrate that very fact. You empty your interesting pieces when I make instruments pockets out and then see what music you can out of garbage. I have a ukulele made out of make; your coins or your keys, even your body. old vegetable boxes and I have, what I call, So, that’s why I play the spoons (laugh). Plus a laundry liquid flute. Which is a mandolin when I first got to the States, I jumped freight made out of an old washing detergent bottle, trains, and that’s when I learned to play the I play a musical saw or two, but I can’t carry harmonica—just put it in my pocket. I went all these things, and you cannot carry that traveling around America and sitting on the onto an airplane. But I still will bring plenty train, playing the harmonica. It’s sometimes of instruments just a bit smaller. nice to have a portable instrument. When I What inspires your music, besides the was little in England I used to go on holidays world and the places you’ve been? What with my mom and dad, I’d take a tiny keyboard. kind of drives your lyrics?
ACCESSline Page 15 The thing I like about traveling is that it takes you out of your comfort zone, and then you start to notice things that you didn’t notice before. It’s like you’re a child, seeing something new, everything is new if you’re in another country. Everything is new, every moment of the day—for a writer, that is very inspiring. So, I try and make myself see life like that, even when I’m just at home. You can look at anything like that, if you can fit your head into a traveler’s or a writer’s eyes. But for me, it makes you look into the tiny things—there’s a song in everything, you just have to listen to it. It comes naturally to me when I am traveling. When I am home and it is familiar, I have to sort of have to hit myself on the head and make myself see things like that—then you are in a lovely state. I like being in that writing state, because then you start seeing everything new around you and you’re inspired. But, the trouble is sometimes you have to force out all the little things, life and the mundane things, booking gigs…I get through the business side, and my hat change, and I’m not doing my writing side. I try to remind myself, look at just around you in the same way when you are traveling. I am old fashioned too. I like to write about the things that make life so simple. Like my latest album, Rotary Phone, it’s about when life was more simple—you didn’t have a cell phone or have to deal with modern technology. I suppose that is something I have lots of thoughts about—I always seem to be writing something about that. I can just picture the rotary phone and it just puts me in a whole different era, just by thinking about it. When life was slower, and I tend to be slightly hyper, I find when I write songs, when I’m telling people to think about this, I am really telling myself, “Zoe really think about it.” The last album, a lot is about slowing down, and I think life is very fast, and moving fast is not necessarily a positive thing. Slow could be positive too—you focus on what you need. I guess I need that, and that is what I write about. Can your fans look forward to some songs from your new album at the Iowa Woman Music Festival? They’re going to have a new one, for sure! I have actually been rather busy channeling my energies into writing musicals. I have two musicals that I wrote that have done really well here in Cape Code. Musicals are a whole new genre for me—It’s really fun, and it’s big! A whole cast and I’m in it, and I’ve written the music, and we’ve got a director in from New York. So, I have been putting my energies into that but then, I’m writing songs too. There is an album in the works, I am writing poems, and thinking about putting a little book out. It’s all the different ways you want to put your thoughts out. But they will get songs from Rotary Phone, the album from last year—that certainly hasn’t been to Iowa yet. Life’s too short to put all the things out that you want to write, or create. For more information on Zoe Lewis go to ZoeLewis.com.
Andrea Gibson
Andrea Gibson
Poet Andrea Gibson shares her truths at the Iowa Women’s Music Festival. Gibson is the first winner of the Women’s World Poetry Slam; she has headlined prestigious performance venues coast to coast with powerful readings on war, class, gender, bullying, white
TTIWMF cont’d page 24
ACCESSline Page 16
The Fun Guide
Iowa’s Gay Weddings by Scott Stevens Wedding Cakes My favorite part about weddings is the wedding cake. The pastry is so revered by our society that we decorate it, stack it high, fill it with cream and decorate with it anything and everything! There is always that one couple that smears it on each other during a ceremony. And I will digress here to give you some helpful advice. Nothing says I love you like rubbing cake all over your newly wed’s face! Am I right? Actually, feeding cake to each other symbolizes the commitment to provide each other with love and care. Take my advice, if you want to put frosting on your husband or wife—do it on your honeymoon. Ok, I will now get off my soapbox. Wedding cakes have changed over the last decade. The days of dry white cake and white frosting with the little waterfall
Now we have fresh fruit, mocha and cream fillings, butter cream, fondant and sugar sculptures—the sky is the limit!
under the cake is over. Now we have fresh fruit, mocha and cream fillings, butter cream, fondant and sugar sculptures—the sky is the limit! So where do you start? I recommend setting up a meeting with a few bakeries before you settle on your choice. The best part about cake shopping is the cake tasting! Come in prepared, bring in a swatch of your wedding colors and I recommend collecting a number of your favorite cakes off Pinterest, this will help the chef understand exactly what you want and you won’t be shocked when you end up with the
SScontinued from page 8
YEOMANS pages, the reader is left feeling as if they knew Cal Yeomans personally. This is a benefit to the book, though at times there is so much detail as to feel almost overwhelming. However, Shanke balances the writing nicely, keeping the narrative moving, letting us get to intimately know the talent and the tragedy that was Cal Yeomans. Robert A. Schanke is Professor Emeritus of Theater at Central College, where he served for twenty-seven years. A native Iowan, he received his BA from Midland College in Nebraska and both his MA and Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska. His articles on theater history appear in Theatre Survey, Theatre Topics, Southern Theatre, and Central States Speech Journal.
Scott Stevens owner/operator of Iowa’s Gay Wedding Planner.com wrong cake! I always recommend looking at their yelp profile as well. Questions you should be ready to ask your pastry chef are: 1) Do they deliver? I know I don’t want to dump a chocolate cake on my wedding dress on my way to the altar! 2) If this is an outside wedding, that cake can melt really fast! Make sure your cake can withstand the heat or will only be in the elements for a short time. 3) Get a clear estimate of what the cake will cost including delivery and setup. 4) Make sure the cake is made in-house and isn’t frozen before-hand. 5) Make sure to save the cake top for your one-year anniversary! For those of you on a tight budget or hosting a smaller wedding you are in luck! You can have mini wedding cakes made for as little as $100 and the newest trend is specialty cupcakes. They are inexpensive and you can offer your guests a verity different flavors and styles. Let your wedding day be special and sweet and in the words of Marie Antoinette—let them eat cake!
He has contributed to numerous reference books and anthologies, including Women in American Theatre, Cambridge Guide to American Theatre, and Shakespeare Around the Globe. Besides his writing, he has directed theatre productions in England, Wales, and Mexico. Several universities have invited him to present guest lectures on their campuses. He is a Fellow of the MidAmerica Theatre Conference and was honored with Alumni Achievement Awards by both Midland College and the University of Nebraska. He was recently chosen as the Dean-elect for the College of Fellows of the American Theatre. Meet the Author: Robert A. Schanke, 1pm, Saturday, September 7, 2013, Beaverdale Books, 2629 Beaver Avenue, Suite 1 Des Moines, IA 50310
Absolutely. Look at me. Ya know. I’m a WWE superstar and to be honest with you, I’ll tell you right now, I’m gay. And I’m happy. I’m very happy. ~Darren Young said in response to the question “can a gay wrestler be successful within the WWE.”
SEPTEMBER 2013
SEPTEMBER 2013
The Fun Guide
ACCESSline Page 17
ACCESSline Page 18
The Fun Guide
SEPTEMBER 2013
SEPTEMBER 2013
The Fun Guide
ACCESSline Page 19
ACCESSline Page 20
The Fun Guide
SEPTEMBER 2013
SEPTEMBER 2013
The Fun Guide
ACCESSline Page 21
The Fun Guide
ACCESSline Page 22
SEPTEMBER 2013
The Bookworm Sez by Terri Schlichenmeyer “Man Up! Tales of My Delusional SelfConfidence” by Ross Mathews, c.2013, Grand Central Publishing, $25.00 / $28.00 Canada, 219 pages You’d be such good friends. You and your favorite Hollywood star would be besties, in fact. The two of you would hang out every weekend, going to auctions and having cookouts. You’d shop together, lunch together, and gossip together every chance you got. Yep, you and your favorite star would be absolute BFFs… if you could only actually meet once. And in the new book “Man Up!” by Ross Mathews, you’ll learn how one guy made that big Hollywood dream happen. Practically from the time he was born, Ross Mathews was “the MVP of TMI,” and he loved to talk, connect, and be the center of attention. Learning to swear like a man helped some (his father happily taught him). Being glamorous and fabulous helped, too—until his crew boss at his first job called him a terrible name. That tore Mathews down because, even though his mother knew he was gay, he hadn’t yet admitted it to himself. He, in fact, dated girls—until he finally came out to the first one he’d tried to sleep with. Making out with girls, he says “is much like making out with a guy—except softer and much less enjoyable.” So dating girls bombed. But there were different successes ahead. At a tender young age, while sitting on the couch watching Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee with his mother, Mathews
suddenly realized, with crystal clarity, that he would someday become a TV talk show host. Yes, he was only ten, but he “knew it was my destiny.” For years, he kept that idea front-and-center until, at the end of college, he had a chance to intern at The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and was (little to his surprise) hired. Interns, of course, rarely get paid, but Mathews was happy to do the job for free. He soaked up all the info he could find, asked questions, and was rewarded with a last-minute bit on-air—which became a long-term, important part of the show. Today, Mathews is still his fabulous self, only more so. He meets with celebs and gets to do all kinds of cool things, on- and off-camera. Oh, and he counts Gwyneth Paltrow as his BFF—because he asked her to be. While I wouldn’t, in a hundred years, say that “Man Up!’ is “hilarious,” it does have its moments. Those moments are mostly punny groaners, but still…
Making out with girls, he says “is much like making out with a guy— except softer and much less enjoyable.”
Across
1 Slapped on the butt, e.g. 7 Took part in a bee 12 Foaming at the mouth 15 Frigid period of history 16 Make corny, as a joke 17 “We ___ Family” 18 Start of a quote from Orange Is the New Black 20 ACLU concern 21 Head turners? 22 Norse race 23 Actor Mapa 24 “___ Walked Into My Life” (Mame) 25 More of the quote 27 Bully 29 West African republic 30 MTF operation 31 Fat Man and Little Boy 36 “Give it ___!” 37 End of the quote 39 BBC sitcom 43 Soft seat 44 Baseball card stat 47 Boyfriend 48 Aft 50 Tiffany of Orange Is the New Black, who “reoriented” a lesbian 56 Wistful word 57 2012 Ben Affleck movie 58 Screwup for Billy Bean 59 Reproduce nonheterosexually 60 Suffix with bear 61 Orange Is the New Black, for one 63 The daily grind
I think I might have liked this book a little better if the humor in it wasn’t so forced. Author Ross Mathews is a very funny guy and his stories are great. They would have been better, I think, without the sometimes-insulting asides to readers and the faux “I’m an old man” type comments. Mathews’ über-fan status could’ve easily carried this memoir. The silly digressions were a distraction. And yet, I can see where Mathews (and Leno) über-fans would really connect with this book so, if that’s you, I think it’s worth a try. You might find “Man Up!” to be a fairly good book.
Q-PUZZLE: Orange Is the New Black
64 Bill of legend 65 Commit a foul a la Sue Wicks 66 Professional voyeur? 67 Cartoonist DiMassa 68 Leave the union
Down 1 Company outings, sometimes 2 Want in the worst way 3 Emulates Socrates 4 Oil-carrying ship 5 They get laid only once 6 “Look at Me, I’m Sandra ___”
7 Gay-friendly prez portrayer on TV 8 Suds seller 9 Online letters 10 Filthy smackers 11 Rd. where they toll you so 12 Dietrich of Blonde Venus 13 Diana, to the Greeks 14 Going down 19 Red Book author 23 Spit it out confidently 25 Arrears 26 Eases up 28 The Clash’s “Rock the ___” 32 Areas for Dr. Callie Torres 33 West of Hollywood 34 What you put in a stallion’s mouth 35 Army N.C.O. 38 Enjoy phone sex 39 Flings 40 Endures like a hairy guy? 41 Like one of Earhart’s trips? 42 Low-voiced lady 44 Make easier to bear 45 Used irons 46 Trendy 49 Apron, of a sort 51 Beginning to come? 52 Lucci’s Kane in All My Children 53 Burning desire 54 Almost ready for the tooth fairy 55 Directional ending 59 Minute opening 61 Not COD 62 Coins w. Abe images • SOLUTION ON PAGE 34
SEPTEMBER 2013
The Fun Guide
ACCESSline Page 23
NKOB Anniversary The New Kings on the Block are now 1 year old! We can hardly believe that just a year ago was our very first show at Club CO2, the venue we now think of as our primary stage. If it wasn’t for Club CO2 bar owner Scott Alt giving us a chance this all would never have happened. And to that we will be forever grateful for all that Club CO2, our drag home, has given and continues to give to us. In the past year we have also had the pleasure of being welcomed to many other Iowa stages such as: Kings & Queens Club in Waterloo, IA thanks to the lovely Ruby James Knight, the amazing 920 Main in Dubuque, IA at the request of Matthew Cornwall, and fellow local gay venue Belle’s Basix of Cedar Rapids, IA. We also created a float for and marched in the Cedar Rapids Saint Patrick’s Day Parade with CRPrideFest. And we were honored to organize and star in the drag entertainment for this year’s Cedar Rapids Pride.
If it wasn’t for Club CO2 bar owner,Scott Alt giving us a chance this all would never have happened.
There have been countless people who have enabled our success but a few people stand out the most. Certainly the mastermind behind this epic year has been our group’s organizer and founder Jill Kennedy. We will be forever indebted to her hard work and tenacious entrepreneurship—without her none of this would have ever happened. And while we’re giving credit where credit is due, we would like to thank local artist Alana Hyatt for being the look behind the group. Hyatt has been our sole graphic artist and primary photographer for nearly this entire year. She alone has designed our show’s posters, uploaded the majority of our event’s photos, and she even went so far as to design portraits for our kings—a feature no other drag group has had the courtesy of benefiting from. Please check out her work on online at facebook/ AlanasArtwork and prepare to be amazed. We wish we could go on with the shout-outs to all the people that deserve them. Surely our fans are the most significant part of our act. Please come on down and see us the second Friday of every month at Club CO2, 616 2nd Ave. SE Cedar Rapids.
Justin Cider Justin Cider: It’s been an epic year. I’ve had a lot of fun and I’ve met some awesome people. I’ve learned how to calm down a bit; and it’s been a blast getting to work with the drag family we’ve created. I made a lot of great memories and I’m thankful I’ve been able to spend time working next
TTNKOB continued page 24
I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly. ~Actor Wentworth Miller
ACCESSline Page 24 SScontinued from page 13
WIRED busy comparing immigrants to dogs and trying to convince us that they are “mostly drug mules”. He did recently take some time out of his day recently to announce his complete lack of sympathy for Pussy Riot. Three members of the Russian punk band have been imprisoned for speaking out about freedom of speech and equality for women. However he certainly is not a strong advocate for LGBT rights here or abroad. Of course Mr. King might not be aware of the crackdown in Russia since Fox news has consistently failed to report on it. Still voting out conservatives politicians who openly or tacitly support the Russian crackdown might be a viable and beneficial goal for local activists. Write
SScontinued from page 23
The Fun Guide your local congressman to express your concerns about what is going over there and request that they support any and all diplomatic measures against Russia until these laws are lifted. Remember their reply on this issue when the next mid-term elections come up. Finally if you can still manage to keep your sense of humor in the face of this tragedy you might want to consider the “send a dildo to Putin” campaign. It’s not likely to change the situation but it’s a great way to thumb your nose at the man responsible. The campaign originated in San Francisco but has spread via a facebook group of the same name. If you have any new or used dildos you’d like to donate to the cause Putin can be reached here: Vladimir Putin 23, Ilyinka Street Moscow, 103132, Russia
NKOB to my drag brother, Holden, as well.
Charlie Diamond and this has just been an amazing year so far for us as a drag family. I couldn’t ask for a better group to work with! We love all our fans and supporters most of all!
JD Lesbiani Jd Lesbiani: I would have to say I have met a lot of great people that I never knew before and got to do drag in a lot of different places. I learned you have to work together or it will not work.
Star E. Knight Star E. Knight: I’ve never had a better experience learning to be social and just having fun. I’ve met some great people and some of my best friends. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to perform with a great group.
Jayden Knight Jayden Knight: It has been an amazing gift to perform beside this wonderful group of women/drag brothers. Drag is truly my passion and I’m so glad I’ve had a place like CO2 to call home and perform at. I’m also so grateful to have my fiancée (Star E.) join me at my side performing with me. Charlie Diamond: I feel this year has gone by fast and it has been an incredible experience. I have met so many new people
Holden Cider Holden Cider: It has been a roller coaster of awesomeness. We have had many talents come and entertain on stage with us and we hope to continue to build the Cedar Rapids’ drag king community! I’m so thankful for our past year’s wonderful photographer A. Hyatt, our regular venue Club CO2, and the group’s founder, Jill Kennedy, to help the group get up and running!
SScontinued from page 15
IWMF privilege, sexuality, love, and spirituality. She talks about her style as a spoken word performer, not being gentle with truths, and her inspirations. Lisa Schreihart described you as a “kick-*ss spoken word performer”. I have never seen a spoken word performance; could you describe one to me? I think every spoken word artist puts on a different kind of performance, but I personally love spoken word that is emotional, intimate, hilarious, furious, political, compassionate and inspiring all at once! I want yelling and whispering and I want to leave the space feeling more lit up inside than I did before I got there, and I hope that’s some of what happens at the festival. You are known for not being “gentle” with your truths. Why do you feel your truths should be blunt in your performances? Because the idea of tip-toeing around what is true makes my skin crawl, and censoring myself in my life or in my writing or on the stage makes me feel completely out of integrity with who I want to be. As a white person in the U.S I am constantly aware of what a privilege it is that I am, for the most part, safe to publicly talk about the things I want to talk about. When a HUGE percentage of the world does not also know that kind of safety it feels terrible to not speak up. ACCESSline is an LGBT+ newspaper, please share your views are on gender, bullying, and sexuality. That’s a pretty huge question. I’m not sure I could answer it in a novel’s worth of words. I spend a lot of time talking about each of those topics in my writing and I feel hopeful about all I’ve personally been learning from the dialogues happening within the queer community. I find as soon as I think I KNOW something I learn something new that flips that knowing on its head. For me, I think a lot of getting older is accepting how much I don’t know, and staying curious about what’s possible. Gender and Sexuality and Bullying become larger conversations for me every year and I rarely write a piece that doesn’t touch on one of those topics. What can fans look forward to in your performance at Iowa Women’s Music Festival? I’ve spent this past summer writing a ton for a new album I’m releasing this fall. I’m excited to share some new poems and I’m also excited to read some pieces I haven’t
SEPTEMBER 2013 read out loud in a while. I’ll be reading love poems, political poems, and a lot in between. I’ve heard great things about the festival and I feel thrilled to be a part of it! Also, I just generally love Iowa! For more information on Andrea Gibson go to AndreaGibson.org.
Julie Goldman Comedian, actress, writer, and musician Julie Goldman is excited to experience her first performance at the Iowa Women’s Music Festival. Goldman is the founder of the allwomen stand-up and variety show, Offensive Women, and co-host of the web series Julie & Brandy in your Box Office. She discusses why she considers women offensive, creativity and social pressures for women, and highlights from her review of Sex in the City 2. You have been to other Women’s Music Festivals, what are you excited about experiencing in Iowa? First, I’ve never been to Iowa, at all. It’s one of those place that I don’t know what to expect—I don’t even know visually what it’s like. It’s like a mystery to me, and I’m excited to go there and see it. So, that is exciting to me—it’s unpredictable and I have no idea what is going to happen, and who is going to be there. You have created a very interesting description, talk to me about offensive women. About, I guess about five years ago, maybe a few more, I started this show in New York called, Offensive Women. We did a bunch of show and ended up doing two big shows in the Zipper theater in New York. I received a grant that gave just enough money to pay everybody, have a band, and it was a culmination of what I wanted to do with the show. The performers excited and inspired me, but, unfortunately, I’m not a good producer. So, I couldn’t keep it going, even though I wanted to. But basically Offensive Women was a comedy show with women that I thought were awesome. Had it gone on, I think it would have been a place, a venue for comedians and musicians—the kind of performers that would not want to be censored and anything-goes. For me, that was the most important thing, everybody gets to have their voice, nobody gets offended, and nobody gets to feel sensitive. Nobody gets to write you a letter and say, “I don’t like that.” Because that’s the show, it’s called Offensive Women. What did it take for a woman to be considered an Offensive Woman to you?
TTIWMF cont’d page 33
SEPTEMBER 2013
Section 3: Community
FFBC: Quinn and Food for Thought by Bruce Carr
Dr. Kenneth M. Quinn The First Friday Breakfast Club guest speaker on August 2nd was Dr. Kenneth M. Quinn, President since 2000 of the World Food Prize Foundation, headquartered at the former Main Library building on the riverfront in downtown Des Moines. Dr. Quinn provided a concise but thorough, and most engaging, account of the development of the Foundation under his leadership, which he assumed following his retirement from the US State Department after an impressive 32-year career in the Foreign Service. Inspired by the vision of Iowa native Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, who used his 1970 Nobel Peace Prize award to found the World Food Prize, Ambassador Quinn (who served as US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia from 1995 to 1999) has endeavored to build this annual $250,000 award into “the Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture.” Held here each October on or around World Food Day (October 16), the World Food Prize Laureate Award Ceremony, “Borlaug Dialogue” International Symposium, and Global Youth Institute, have grown in size and stature under his direction. With the support of the John Ruan family, Dr. Quinn has led the campaign which
successfully raised $29.8 million to restore the historic Des Moines Public Library and transform it into the World Food Prize Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates. He provided the personal leadership to have the building designed to achieve LEED Platinum certification, the highest possible level of energy efficiency and resource conservation. Dr. Quinn’s diplomatic talents came to the fore in the Q&A after his presentation to us, when he dealt forthrightly and convincingly with such issues as the involvement of the Monsanto Corporation and the labeling of foods produced with genetically modified organisms. During his diplomatic career, Ken Quinn served: as a Rural Development advisor in the Mekong Delta; on the National Security Council staff at the White House; as Narcotics Counselor at the U.S. mission to the United Nations in Vienna; four years as Chairman of the U.S. Inter-agency Task Force on POW/MIAs; and Director of Iowa SHARES, the humanitarian campaign that sent Iowa doctors, nurses, medical supplies, and food to starving Cambodian refugees. Dr. Quinn emerged from these experiences as one of the US government’s foremost experts on Indochina. He wrote his doctoral dissertation on the origins of the radical Pol Pot regime and is widely acknowledged as the first person anywhere to report, in 1974, on the genocidal policies of the Khmer Rouge. Twenty years later, while serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, his plan of agricultural enhancements and rural roads led to the final eradication of the Khmer Rouge. Ambassador Quinn rose to become one of the most decorated Foreign Service officers of his generation, recognized for the important role he played in humanitarian endeavors, as well as for his actions in dangerous and violent situations. A graduate of Loras College in Dubuque, Quinn has an M.A. in Political Science from Marquette University and a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Maryland. He and his wife Le Son have three adult children. The World Food Prize can be contacted at (515) 245-3783 and wfp@worldfoodprize.org.
ACCESSline Page 25
Prime Timers of Central Iowa
Prime Timers of Central Iowa, the Iowa chapter of Prime Timers World Wide, continues to grow and has expanded across Iowa and even across our borders. It has now launched its website: www.primetimersww.com/centraliowa/ Attendance at our monthly dinners has grown to fill our current space. In July, about fifty mature gay/bi men took a river boat trip down the Des Moines River with Prime Timers of Central Iowa. In August PTCI is planning a Country Barbeque. Membership continues to grow with about 60 members from all across Iowa and even a couple of members from
Nebraska. PTCI’s mailing list is about 200. Mature gay/bi men are welcome to broaden their relationships with other men through a variety of activities. A monthly newsletter with a schedule of activities is available. If you want to learn about membership or be on the mailing list, contact PrimeTimersIowa@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook. For more information contact: PrimeTimersIowa@ gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PrimeTimersOfCentralIowa
LGBTQ Patient & Family
Education and Support Groups
Come join the UI LGBTQ Clinic providers and other health professionals to learn about various health and wellness topics and have the opportunity to meet new people! This Thursday, July 18th at 5:30pm in 2520B UCC, come for the next installment of the LGBTQ Patient & Family Education & Support Groups. August 1 - Medical Care for the Gender Non-Conforming Child, Katie Larsen Ode, MD August 8 - Safer Sex for Gay and Bisexual Men, Cody Shafer, Health Educator: HIV and Hepatitis Programs August 15 - Lesbian and Bisexual Women PMS, Susan Johnson, PhD August 22 - Gay and Bisexual Men and Fatherhood, Ellen Lewin, PhD August 29 - Creating a Supportive Environment for the Gender Non-Conforming Child, Peter Daniolos, MD
Hours: Every Thursday evening 5:30-7:00pm Location: University Capitol Center (UCC), Located in Old Capitol Mall 201 S. Clinton St., Iowa City IA RM 2520B Contact: meagan-schorr@uiowa.edu or www.uihealthcare.org/lgbt/
ACCESSline Page 26
Section 3: Community
SEPTEMBER 2013
From the Pastor’s Pen by Rev. Jonathan Page The Virtues of Gay Community
I have to admit that I was a bit apprehensive about the Iowa gay scene when I moved here. At the time I was living outside Boston and dating a guy who lived in New York City. I had a great group of gay friends in Cambridge, Massachusetts—Chicago, Boston, New York, D.C., Philadelphia—I had spent time in all of those gay scenes and loved them. But Iowa? Ames, Iowa? Suffice it to say that I came to Iowa for many reasons, and the gay scene was not one of them. But I have to admit, after two years of living in Ames, I have come to appreciate the virtues of the gay scene in ways I never thought I would. In major East Coast cities, the concept of a gay community has all but disappeared. People usually hang out with their own small group of friends. If you go to a gay bar, you tend to chat with the people you came with. Perhaps you might leave with a plus one, but more often than not, going out does not expand your circle of friends or acquaintances. In Cambridge, Massachusetts, gays and straights mix without regard to sexual orientation. While that might seem charmingly post-gay, it also undermines the chance at any real gay community and, in fact, the gay life is quite fragmented. I remember once, several years ago, being invited to a party in Boston thrown by a couple of Bain Capital gays. I began chat-
ting with one or two of the guests and as soon as they found out that I was not in finance, I received a not-so-subtle cold shoulder. It was as if I were a parasite, potentially only there to mooch off those with mid-six-figure salaries. Never mind that I had once worked as an investment banker or interned as a strategy consultant. I was an outsider and most certainly unwelcome. Ames, Iowa, could not be more different. There is a monthly gay potluck at the Unitarian Church. Coming from Boston where I had never been to a church potluck in my life, the concept of an explicitly gay church potluck was a culture shock. Ames has its own gay Friday night movie group, and, since there is no gay bar in town, some of the residents host monthly house parties with an open invitation to any gay man over 21. (As a side note, starting a gay bar in Ames is probably the best business opportunity in central Iowa.) The online gay community is so small that a mobile app like Grindr is more like a gay chat room than anything else. “Hey, honey, LOVE your new picture!! Is that from the State Fair? Was it fun? Sorry I missed it. I was busy. LOL.” While the Ames gay scene would seem downright provincial by the standards of
any major city, it does have the virtue of being a true community. Not long ago I was hanging out at a house party, and I thought to myself, “Look at the diversity of this crowd.” Ages ranged from 21 to 65 with people falling in every age group in between. I counted seven different nationalities and more than a dozen areas of academic interest. While Iowa State University dominated the group, there were also those who worked in hospitals, hospitality, non-profits, business, and government. There were lawyers, doctors, researchers, teachers, students, hair stylists, computer programmers, ministers, those with multiple doctorates, and others with only a high school education. The best part was that people were talking with one another and meeting all sorts of new people. A college junior from rural Iowa was talking with a former musical theater guy who had lived on three continents and had a dog who understood Korean. But the most remarkable aspect of the Ames gay scene is the care that people show for one another, a level of concern that would be unthinkable in a place like New York. When someone comes out, he finds support, people to help him talk with his parents, new ways of thinking about
with the police department. Unfortunately, this type of incident is all too common. Throughout history, LGBT people and those living with HIV have been targeted by police for harassment and abuse. Lambda Legal has a long history of challenging all kinds of government misconduct through litigation and advocacy. In 2009 in the case, Calhoun v. Pennington, the Atlanta Police Department (APD) dispatched dozens of officers to a gay bar,
some even dressed in SWAT team gear. The patrons were subjected to extreme harassment. Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit against the city of Atlanta, and reached reach a settlement requiring the Atlanta Police Department to rewrite its policies on arrest, search and seizure, and also provided for a payment of $1,025,000 by the city of Atlanta. Recently, Lambda Legal has been supporting efforts to end the profiling practices of the New York City Police Department that unfairly target people of color and LGBT people. In 2012, with the help of more than 50 partner organizations, Lambda Legal conducted a survey called Protected and Served: Survey of LGBT/HIV Contact with Police, Courts and Prisons. Of the more than 2,300 completed surveys, 25% of respondents with any recent police contact reported at least one type of misconduct or harassment. Respondents who were people of color, transgender, or low-income all reported higher than average instances of police misconduct or harassment. Some of the people who responded to the survey had stories very similar to yours. Some people reported being detained for no reason, were physically or verbally assaulted—all because the police officer at the time seemed to hold prejudice against them because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It will take many of us coming together
Coming from Boston where I had never been to a church potluck in my life, the concept of an explicitly gay church potluck was a culture shock.
Ask Lambda Legal By Beverly Tillery Protected and Served? Tell us your story
Dear Ask Lambda Legal, Q: I was walking down the street the other day, and a police officer stopped me, and started asking me all these questions and was overly aggressive. I was very careful and cooperative, but suddenly felt unsafe. What should I do? A: First of all, it sounds like you did the right thing by staying respectful. Police can have a lot of power over us, so in these situations it’s important to try to remain calm. Once the incident is over, try to remember everything in case you want to file a complaint
FFBC member Jonathan Page is senior pastor of the Ames United Church of Christ, 217 6th Street, Ames, Iowa. Sunday service is at 10:45. He can be reached at jon@Amesucc.org. religion and sexuality, relationship advice, help with budgeting, and lessons on safe sex. When a student ends up in a serious life crisis, he has a half dozen people looking after his welfare. I have seen it firsthand, and it can be deeply moving. If only the straight students at ISU had half the support of the gays, they would be lucky! The hard part is that someone has to come out to know how caring the Ames gays can be. In the religious world, we extol the benefits of community. Community is the basis for religious observance and education, and it provides mutual support
TTPAGE cont’d page 31
Throughout history, LGBT people and those living with HIV have been targeted by police for harassment and abuse.
Beverly Tillery, Director of Community Education and Advocacy. and speaking out to end this kind of discrimination. Lambda Legal has just launched a campaign to collect personal stories like yours, of instances where LGBT people, or people living with HIV, have felt discriminated against, abused, or mistreated by the police or a government employee. One thing you can do today is share your story with Lambda Legal. Together, these stories will be used to strengthen our ongoing and developing work on these issues. You can tell your story here: http:// www.lambdalegal.org/personal-stories/ government-misconduct For more information contact Lambda Legal’s Help Desk1-866-542-8336 or http:// www.lambdalegal.org/help
SEPTEMBER 2013 SScontinued from page 1
LARAMIE PROJECT Van Cleave directs The Laramie Project this September 14-15 at Des Moines Community Playhouse. David talks about Matthew Shepard’s death, his connection to The Laramie Project, being a gay Christian, and audience participation with the upcoming performance of The Laramie Project. Tell me about your directing background. I first started volunteering at The Des Moines Playhouse in 1998 as an actor. That eventually turned into volunteer-
Section 3: Community and then choosing which characters they will play, was challenging in and of its self. None of my actors ever leave the stage. All costume changes and set changes happen on stage, completely visible to the audience, and by the actors. They never stop. And finally, in an attempt to drive home the notions of community and insiders v. outsiders, I have extended the playing space beyond the stage and into the audience. Staging scenes in what the audience has come to expect as their territory is liberating. Since our audience sits on three sides of the stage, creating dynamic staging while ensuring every
Emily Stavneak as Romaine Patterson in The Laramie Project. Photo courtesy of Leila Subasic. ing as an actor, backstage crew, props designer, stage manager and an education internship. I first thought about directing during my junior year of high school while working as props designer for a children’s show at The Playhouse. I directed a short one act at my ridiculously tiny private high school and then went on to study at The Theatre School at DePaul University. I directed The Laramie Project there in 2008 for the 10th Anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s death. How has directing the Laramie Project been unique in your experience? Directing The Laramie Project is, for many reasons, unlike any show I’ve worked on. First of all, I remember vividly hearing about Matthew’s attack. I remember watching the news, at the age of 10, just when I began to question and wonder about my own sexuality. I remember being so struck that an individual could cause so much pain to another human being—even more so when you think about the pain and grief extended to the family and friends, and in the case of Matthew, the fear and grief sent to the global LGBT community. Because of this connection, and fear, TLP will always be one of the most emotional shows to work on. There have already been several rehearsals where I was moved to tears by the words of this play. Anytime there’s a strong emotional connection in the rehearsal room, it becomes more than just a play. In addition to the emotional aspects, TLP is structured differently than most plays. I have eight actors ranging in age from 16-mid 50s who collectively play over 80 characters. Choosing those eight actors,
audience member can still see clearly is definitely a challenge. What interested you about the Laramie Project in your decision to direct? Well, again, this is my second time directing Laramie. The first time was while I was in school at DePaul and I have learned and matured immensely since. Part of me wanted to direct the show, selfishly, to prove to myself that I’ve grown. To be able to tell this story again, only this time, better. I thought was poignant that I did it for the 10th anniversary and now for the 15th. Additionally, and more importantly, I read a report released in December 2012 by National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs that was an in-depth study of anti-gay hate crimes committed during the year 2011. That report showed that, while the number of anti-gay attacks has steadily decreased over the years, there were more murder victims from anti-gay hate violence in 2011 than ever recorded. So many people believe that The Laramie Project is outdated—we’ve achieved so much and as a society, we are more accepted. There is no longer a need for it. But there is. The more support we get, the more passionate we become, those who disagree are fueled just as much. And to me, Laramie Project is about far more than Matthew Shepard or anti-gay hate crimes. Laramie Project is about a community healing from a tragedy and the complexities of doing so with worldwide media examining them under a microscope. That is a universal theme. Finally, I am drawn to Laramie
TTLARAMIE cont’d page 30
ACCESSline Page 27
ACCESSline Page 28 DIRECTORY NOTICE
The ACCESSline community directory is updated each issue. LISTINGS ARE FREE but are limited by space. Free online listings are available at www.ACCESSlineAMERICA.com. Information about new listings must contain a phone number for publication and a contact (e-mail address, land address, or website) for our records. For more information or to provide corrections, please contact Editor@ACCESSlineAMERICA.com or call (712) 560-1807.
The ACCESSline is expanding our resource directory to include heartland resources outside of Iowa. Please bear with us as we continue improving our resource directory. NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Breur Media Corporation : Website Consultation, Design, Programming, and Hosting. HIV and STD Testing Sites near You, including places where you can get tested for free: hivtest.org/ Crisis or Suicide National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: suicidepreventionlifeline.org Information on Mental Health National Alliance on Mental Illness: nami.org Counseling, Information and Resources about Sexual Orientation GLBT National Help Center: glnh.org or 1-888-843-4564 Information on Mental Health for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender nami.org Information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health, cdc.gov Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund 1133 15th Street NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20005, victoryfund.org 202-VICTORY [842-8679] Human Rights Campaign, National political organization, lobbies congress for lesbian & gay issues, political training state and local, hrc.org, 1-800-777HRCF[4723] Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund I I E. Adams, Suite 1008, Chicago, IL 60603 lambdalegal.org, 312-663-4413 Rivendell Media National Advertising 212-242-6863, sales@rivendellmedia.com National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) - ngltf.org - taskforce.org 1325 Massachusetts Ave NW, Ste 600, Washington, DC, 20005 National Organization for Women (NOW) 733 15th ST NW, 2nd Floor Washington, DC 20005, now.org 202-628-8669 PFLAG National Offices 1133 15th Street NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20005, info@pflag.org - pflag.org, 202467-8180 The Trevor Lifeline |Crisis and suicide prevention lifeline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. (866) 4-U-TREVOR - (866) 488-7386 Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All calls are toll-free and confidential - thetrevorproject.org/
IOWA ORGANIZATIONS
Diviners of God Support line for ex-Amish & ex-Mennonite. 402-328-3229, evenings & afternoons. Equality Iowa P.O. Box 18, Indianola, IA 50125, equalityiowa.org - 515-537-3126 Faithful Voices Interfaith Alliance of Iowa’s marriage equality project. faithfulvoices.org Imperial Court of Iowa Non-profit fundraising & social, statewide organization with members from across the State of Iowa. PO Box 1491, Des Moines, IA 50306-1491 imperialcourtofiowa.org Iowa Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) Janis Bowden, President, IA NOW janleebow@aol.com PO Box 41114, Des Moines, IA 503111
Section 3: Community Iowa Gay Rodeo Association (IAGRA) 921 Diagonal Rd, Malcom, IA 50157 polebender60@yahoo.com 641-990-1411 Iowa PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gay) State Council, PO Box 18, Indianola, IA 50125 http://community.pflag.org/Page. aspx?pid=194&srcid=-2 515-537-3126 or 641-583-2024 Iowa Pride Network 777 Third Street, Suite 312, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 - Iowapridenetwork.org, Executive Director: 515-471-8062, Outreach Coordinator: 515-471-8063 LGBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force PO Box 1997, Des Moines, 50306 515-243-1221 One Iowa 500 East Locust St, Ste 300, Des Moines, IA 50309 - 515-288-4019 - OneIowa.org The Quire Eastern Iowa’s GLBT chorus, thequire.org
NEBRASKA ORGANIZATIONS (LIST IN PROGRESS)
Citizens For Equal Protection-402-398-3027 1105 Howard St, Suite #2, Omaha, NE 68102. cfep-ne.org - info@cfep-ne.org The Imperial Court of Nebraska Meets the third Monday of Every month at the Rainbow Outreach Resource Center at 17th and Leavenworth in Omaha, NE. Meetings start at 6pm and are open to the public. PO Box 3772, Omaha, NE 68103 Nebraska AIDS Project Omaha Office (Home Office) 250 South 77th Street Suite A Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 552-9260 - Email us: info@nap.org (also serving Southwest Iowa)
AMES, IOWA
First United Methodist Church 516 Kellogg Ave, Ames, IA 50010, Contemporary worship Sat 5:30; Sun 8:30 & 11am acswebnetworks.com/firstunitedmcames/ 515-232-2750 ISU LGBTA Alliance GLBT Support, Activism, Social Events, Newsletter - 515-344-4478 L East Student Office Space,2229 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014-7163, alliance@iastate. edu - alliance.stuorg.iastate.edu Living with HIV Program, MICA 230 SE 16th Street, Ames, IA 50010, Ask for Helen (Director), 515-956-3333 ext. 106 or 800-890-8230 Lord of Life Lutheran - 515-233-2350 2126 Gable Lane, Ames 50014, Services Sundays at 9:00a.m.; Wed. 7:00pm. PFLAG Ames Youth and Shelter Services Offices, 2328 Bristol Drive, Ames, IA 5001, 2nd Tuesday, 7pm - pflagames.org 515-291-3607 Romantics Pleasure Palace 117 Kellogg Street, Ames, IA 50010-3315 romantixonline.com 515-232-7717 United Church of Christ-Congregational 217 6th Street, Ames, Iowa, 50010, Sunday Continental Breakfast, 9:00am; Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship 10:45am. office@ amesucc.org 515-232-9323 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames 1015 Hyland Ave. Summer services: 10:00 am, Sunday. Services 10 a.m. for the rest of the summer. Contact uufa@uufames.org and www.uufames.org or call 515-231-8150. Also, the email and website are uufa@ uufames.org and www.uufames.org Unity Church of Ames - unityofames.com 226 9th St, Ames, IA 50010-6210, Sunday service and Sunday school 10:30am. Wednesday mediation 6:30pm Daily dial-a-blessing 515-233-1613
ARNOLDS PARK, OKOBOJI, SPENCER, SPIRIT LAKE, IOWA
The Royal Wedding Chapel 504 Church Street, Royal, IA 51357 712-933-2223 TheRoyalWeddingChapel.com Wilson Resource Center An Iowa Great Lakes area gay-owned, nonprofit community based organization. PO Box 486, 597 W. Okoboji Rd., Arnolds Park IA 51331-0486 - 712-332-5043 F.JosephWilson@aol.com. wilsonresource. org
BURLINGTON, IOWA
Arrowhead Motel - arrowheadia.com 2520 Mount Pleasant St, Burlington, IA 52601-2118 - 319-752-6353 Faith Lutheran Church E L C A 3109 Sunnyside Ave, Burlington, IA 52601 HIV/AIDS Screening @ Des Moines County Health Department in Burlington, 522 N 3rd By appointment between 8:00am to 4:30 319-753-8217 Confidential
RISQUES IV (adult store) 421 Dry Creek Ave, West Burlington, IA 52601 (319) 753-5455, Sun - Wed 8am-Midnight Thurs - Sat Open 24 Hours, LoversPlayground.com Steve’s Place 852 Washington St, Burlington, 319-7545868 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Services start at 10:30 am, 625 N 6th St, Burlington, IA 52601-5032, (319) 753-1895 uuburlington.org
CEDAR FALLS - WATERLOO, IOWA
Adult Cinema 315 E 4th St, Waterloo, IA 50703-4703, (319) 234-7459 Black Hawk Co. Health Department Free HIV testing (donations accepted); MW, 1:00pm to 3:00pm; Thurs, 1:00pm to 4:45pm 1407 Independence Ave. (5th fl), Waterloo 50703 319-291 -2413 Cedar AIDS Support System (CASS) Service, support groups & trained volunteers for persons with HIV/AIDS in Waterloo/CF call Elizabeth or Karla, 319-272-AIDS(2437). cvhospice@forbin.net Cedar Valley Counseling Services Promoting personal growth and development in a strengths-based environment, Joan E. Farstad, MA, Director. 319-240-4615, cvcounseling.com farstd@cvcounseling.com. Cedar Valley Episcopal Campus Ministry. In Lutheran Center, 2616 College St, Cedar Falls, IA - 319-415-5747, mcdinoiwa@aol. com, episcopalcampus.org Community AIDS Assistance Project (CAAP) - PO Box 36, Waterloo, IA 50704 LGBTA Support Group at Hawkeye Community College, Call Carol at 319-296-4014 or carol.hedberg@hawkeyecollege.edu Iowa Legal Aid Free civil legal service available to low income persons who qualify under income/asset guidelines. 607 Sycamore, #206, Waterloo, IA 50703 1-800-772-0039 or 319-235-7008 Kings & Queens 304 W. 4th St, Waterloo, IA, 319-232-3001 Romantix Waterloo (Adult Emporium) 1507 La Porte Rd, Waterloo, IA 50702 319-234-9340, romantixonline.com Stellas Guesthouse 324 Summit Ave, Waterloo, IA Private B&B, Overnight accommodations for adults only. 319-232-2122 St. Lukes Episcopal Church - 319-277-8520 2410 Melrose Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Services: Sunday 8:00 & 10:15, Thurs 11:30 st-lukes-episcopal.org St. Timothys United Methodist Church 3220 Terrace Drive, Cedar Falls, 50613 sttims-umc.org, 319-266-0464, info@sttimsumc-org, “Welcome of all persons, including those of all sexual orientations and gender identities.” Together For Youth 233 Vold Dr, Waterloo, IA 50703, TogetherForYouth.net 319-274-6768 UNI-LGBTA Alliance-Student Organization, 244A Bartlet Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls 50613 - lgbta@uni.edu 319-222-0003 United Church of Christ Cedar Falls 9204 University Avenue, Cedar Falls 319-366-9686 Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk County - 319-266-5640 3912 Cedar Heights Dr, Cedar Falls, IA
CEDAR RAPIDS/MARION, IOWA
Adult Shop 630 66th Ave SW, 319-362-4939 Adult Shop North 5539 Crane Lane, 319-294-5360 CRPrideFest (formerly Cedar Rapids Unity) Social activities, non-profit Pride festival organization. PO Box 1643 Cedar Rapids 52406-1643 - CRPrideFest.com Christ Episcopal Church “We have a place for you.” 220 40th Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-363-2029 ChristEpiscopal.org Belle’s Basix - 319-363-3194 Open 5pm to 2am M-F, Sat & Sun 3pm-2am 3916 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids Club CO2, A GLBTQA Nightclub, 616 2nd Ave SE, 319-365-0225, Open 7 days a week 4PM-2AM, Happy hour from 4-8 pm, clubco2.com
Coe Alliance GLBTQ and straight students, staff and people from the community. Coe College, 1220 First Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. coealliance@coe.edu or Erica Geers, faculty advisor at 319-8616025 Community Health Free Clinic 947 14th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 - 319-363-0416 - communityhfc.org Free Medical Services provided for the uninsured and underserved patients of Cedar Rapids, Marion and the surrounding areas in Eastern Iowa. CSPS Legion Arts Contemporary Arts Center - 319-364-1580 1103 3rd St. SE, info@legionarts.org Diversity Focus, 222 2nd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401, 319-363-3707, DiversityFocus.org, Lead in the promotion of diversity, cultural awareness, and inclusion in the Corridor community. Eden United Church of Christ 351 8th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 (319) 362-7805 Sunday School 9am - Worship 10:15am Foundation 2 Crisis Counseling 24-hour telephone crisis counseling. f2crisis@aol.com or www.f2online.org 1540 2nd Ave. SE Cedar Rapids, IA 319-362-2174 or 800-332-4224 Linn County Public Health 501 13th NW, Free confidential HIV testing, 319-892-6000 Linn County Stonewall Democrats For more info, contact linnstonewall@ gmail. com People’s Church Unitarian Universalist A welcoming congregation. 4980 Gordon Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 11am Sunday. 319362-9827 - peoplesuu.org PFLAG CR, Linn Co and Beyond Support Group meets on the 4th Thursday at 7pm except for Nov Dec - call for details. 319-431-0673, pflaglcb@gmail.com The Linn County Stonewall Democrats Meet 2nd Wednesdays, Blue Strawberry, 118 2nd St SE in Cedar Rapids, IA. Contact Harvey S. Ross, HRoss007@aol.com. Tri-ess, Iota Kappa Phi Chapter P.O. Box 8605, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52408 We are a transgendered organization supporting crossdressers, their families, and friends. - ri-ess.org, 319-390-6376, georgia523@ yahoo.com - marlenemarschel@yahoo.com Unity Center of Cedar Rapids “A center of positive, practical Christianity.” 4980 Gordon NE, Cedar Rapids unitycr.org - (319) 393-5422
CLINTON, IOWA
18 and Beyond (aka ABC Books), 135 5th Ave South, 563-242-7687 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clinton 309 30th Avenue North, Clinton, IA 52732 (563) 242-4972 - uuclinton.org, Sunday services at 10:30 (year-round), Where YOUR spiritual and ethical journey is welcome! Rev. Ruby Nancy, minister
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA
Council Bluffs Community Alliance “…will promote the city of Council Bluffs as a developing gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender family community, & to assure the equality of all Council Bluffs’ residents.” CouncilBluffsCommunityAlliance.org Council Bluffs NOW PO Box 3325, Omaha, NE 68103-0325 Romantix Council Bluffs (North) (Adult Emporium) 3216 1st Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501-3353-romantixonline.com515-955-9756 Romantix Council Bluffs (South) (Romantix After Dark) 50662 189th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 romantixonline.com, 712-366-1764
DECORAH, IOWA
Decorah Human Rights Commission Contact: City Clerk, 400 Clairborne Dr, Decorah, 563-382-3651, Meetings: First Tuesdays, 5:30pm Luther College Student Congregation Contact Office for College Ministry 700 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101, 563-3871040. Luther College PRIDE-Diversity Center, 700 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101 Contact Charles 563-210-6570 PFLAG Northeast IA (Waukon/Decorah) Meets 4th Monday of the month at 7 PM in Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center, 119 Winnebago St., Decorah. Contact Ellen C. at 563-380-4626.
SEPTEMBER 2013 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Meets alternating Sundays at 10:30am, Decorah Senior Center, 806 River St, Call Bill at 563-382-3458.
DES MOINES, IOWA
AIDS Project of Central Iowa Free HIV testing, prevention supplies, care services, food pantry, information. 711 E. 2nd, Des Moines, IA 50309, 515-284-0245 Blazing Saddle 416 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA theblazingsaddle.com - 515-246-1299 Buddies Corral 418 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA - 515-244-7140 Church of the Holy Spirit-MCC, Interim Pastor Peter Trabaris - Sunday service 11am at the 1st Christian Church, 2500 University (2nd floor chapel), Des Moines, IA, Facebook. com/CHSMCC, chsmccdmia@aol.com, 515-287-9787 Des Moines Diversity Chorus [A gay-friendly mixed chorus] Rehearsals on Mondays at 7 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Beaver Ave. at Franklin St., Des Moines. All are welcome, no auditions. PO Box 65312, West Des Moines, IA 50265, Julie Murphy, Artistic Director jahmurphy@hotmail.com, 515-255-3576, desmoinesdiversitychorus.org Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus 515-953-1540, 4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines - administrator@dmgmc.org Des Moines Pride Center @ One Iowa (temporary location) 419 SW, 8th St., Des Moines, IA 50309 Family Practice Center - 515-953-7560 Safe, supportive LGBT health care. 200 Army Post Road, Ste 26, ppgi.org First Friday Breakfast Club Educational breakfast club for gay/bisexual men. Meets first Friday of each month. Contact Jonathan Wilson for meeting topic and place. 515-288-2500 info@ffbciowa.org ffbciowa.org First Unitarian Church 1800 Bell Avenue, Services Sundays at 9:30 & 11am - 515-244-8603, ucdsm.org Franklin Family Practice Dr. Joe Freund, MD 4908 Franklin Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310 515-280-4930, ucsinformation@ucsdsm.org, UCSOnline.org/FranklinFamilyPractice The Gallery (adult store) 1000 Cherry St, Des Moines, IA 50309-4227 - (515) 244-2916 Open 24 Hrs, LoversPlayground.com The Garden 112 SE 4th Des Moines, IA, 515-243-3965 Wed-Sun. 8pm-2am grdn.com Gay & Lesbian AA & AI-Anonymous Mon 7pm; Tue-Thu 6pm; Sat. 5:30pm, at Drake Ministries in Ed. Bldg. 28th & University Gay and Lesbian Issues Committee 4211 Grand Avenue, Level-3, Des Moines, IA 50312 - 515-277-1117 Lavender Victory Fund Financial assistance for women in need for medical emergencies. lavendervf@aol.com Le Boi Bar 508 Indianola Rd, Des Moines, IA Liberty Gifts 333 E. Grand Ave, Loft 105, Des Moines, IA Gay owned specialty clothing, jewelry, home decor. 515-508-0825 MINX Show Palace - 515-266-2744 1510 NE Broadway, Des Moines, IA 50313 North Star Gay Rodeo Association of IGRA, Iowa Division of North Star, NSGRA@ NSGRA.org or 612-82-RODEO Primary Health Care Inc., David Yurdin, 2353 SE 14th St., Des Moines, 503020, Works with GLBT ages 16 to geriatric, 25 years of experience. 515-248-1427 Rainbow Union, Drake University ru@drake.edu PFLAG Des Moines - 515-243-0313 1300 Locust , Des Moines, IA 50312 Plymouth Congregational UCC Church and the Plymouth GLBT Community 4126 Ingersoll Ave. 515-255-3149 Services at 9am & I lam Sunday. PlymouthGLBT.com Polk County Health Department Free STD, HIV, and Hepatitis B & C testing. HIV. Rapid testing also offered. 1907 Carpenter, Des Moines, IA, 515-286-3798. Pride Alliance, AIB College of Business Gay and straight students celebrating diversity. Contact: Mike Smith, Advisor, PrideAlliance@aib.edu - aib.edu/pride Pride Bowling League for GLBT & Supporters - Every Wednesday, 7 PM, Air Lanes Bowling Center 4200 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321-2389. Email pridebowlingleague@gmail.com or 515-447-2977.
TTDIRECTORY cont’d page 29
SEPTEMBER 2013 SScontinued from page 28
DIRECTORY
Raccoon River Resort Accommodations for men, women, or mixed in campgrounds, lodge, Teepees or Treehouses. Reservations: 515-996-2829 or 515-279-7312 Ritual Café - ritualcafe.com On 13th between Grand and Locust. Gay owned, great music, awesome food & coffee. 515-288-4872 ritualcafe@aol.com Romantix North Des Moines Iowa (Bachelor’s Library) 2020 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, romantixonline.com 515266-7992 Spouses of Lesbians & Gays Support group for spouses of gays and lesbians. 515-277-7754 St. John’s Lutheran Church 600 6th Ave “A Church for All People.” Services Sat 5pm, Sun 7:45, 8:45 & 11am. See web page for other services. 515-243-7691 - StJohnsDSM.org TransformationsIOWA Meets every Wednesday at 7pm, 2nd saturday of each month at 1pm at OneIowa, 419 SW 8th St, Des Moines, IA. For more information email sophia.transformations@gmail.com or call 515-288-4019 x200 Trinity United Methodist Church 1548 Eighth Street - 515-288-4056 Services Sundays 10am, trinityumcdm.org Urbandale UCC - An open & affirming congregation. 3530 70th St., Urbandale, IA 50322, 515-276-0625, urbucc.org Walnut Hills UMC Join us at 8:30 or 10:45am for Sunday worship. Sunday classes & group studies at 9:30am. 515-270-9226, 12321 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50323, whumc.org Westminster Presbyterian Church 4114 Allison Ave - WestPres.org Sunday services 8:45 and 11am. Of note is their GAY-LESBIAN-STRAIGHT AFFIRMATION GROUP, GLSA 515-274-1534 Women’s Culture Collective (WCC) A lesbian social group. Des Moines, IA iowawcc.org Word of God Ministries, Sunday service: 3:00pm, at 3120 E 24th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50317, Gay, lesbian & straight affirmation 515-707-5947. Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure Open daily. Gay-friendly, 515-244-7694 2723 Ingersoll, Des Moines, IA
DUBUQUE, IOWA
920 Main 920 Main St., Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Tue Sat: 8:00 pm - 2:00 am, (563) 583-2121 or dbq.gaybar@hotmail.com Adult Warehouse - 563-588-9814 975 Jackson St, Dubuque, IA Dubuque Friends Worship Group (Quakers) Join us at an unprogrammed worship service on Sunday at 10am. Welcoming and Affirming, 563-582-9388 St. Mark’s Community Center, 1201 White Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Rainbow Pride support and socialization group. For members of the LGBT+ community who want to expand their social circle, get support for LGBT specific issues, & help with advocacy. Meets Mondays at 1pm Hillcrest Wellness Center 225 W 6th St., Dubuque, IA 563-690-1239 PFLAG Dubuque/Tri-State Carnegie Stout Library, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 360 W. 11th St. 3rd Tuesday, 7pm 563-581-4606 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Dubuque - “The uncommon denomination.” general services at 10am. 1699 Iowa St, Dubuque, IA uuf-dbq.org 563-583-9910
ELKADER, IOWA
Bethany Church (ELCA) - 563-245-1856 307 3rd St. NE, Elkader, IA 52043 Inclusive. Welcoming. A ‘ReconcilingWorks’ congregation. www.bethanychurchelkader.org bethanychurch@alpinecom.net Schera’s Restaurant & Bar 107 S Main St, Elkader, IA 52043, Scheras.com, E-mail: info@scheras.com Fine dining featuring Algerian & American Cuisine. 563-245-1992
FORT DODGE, IOWA
Romantix Fort Dodge (Mini Cinema) Sun-Thu 10am-12am, Fri & Sat 10am-2am 15 N. 5th St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501-3801 RomantixOnline.com - 515-955-9756
Section 3: Community GRINNELL, IOWA
Broadviewwildflowerseed.com, Broad View Wildflower Seed, 428 Hamilton Ave., Grinnell, Iowa 50112, Manager/Owner: John C., chicoski7@yahoo.com Saints Ephrem & Macrina Sunday services at 10am. (Affiliated with the Orthodox-Catholic Church of America.) Divine Liturgy is served Sundays during the College academic year 1:30 p.m., Herrick Chapel, Grinnell College Campus, 1226 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA, 641-236-0936 Stonewall Resource Center Open 4:30pm to 11:30pm, Sun through Thurs and by Appointment., Grinnell College, 1210 Park Street PO Box B-1, Grinnell, IA, 50112, srcenter@ grinnell.edu 641-269-3327 United Church of Christ-Congregational, ‘An open and affirming church.’ 902 Broad St, 641-236-3111
INDIANOLA, IOWA
Crossroads United Church of Christ (UCC) An Open & affirming congregation. Services: Sunday 10:30am, Summer worship: June, July, Aug, @ 9:30 am, worshiping in the Lounge at Smith Chapel, Simpson College, corner of Buxton and Clinton. Mailing address: P.O. Box 811, Indianola, IA 50125 515-961-9370. crossroadsucc.org
IOWA CITY, IOWA
AA (GLBT) 319-338-9111 Meetings Sundays 5 - 6pm at First Baptist Church, 500 North Clinton Street. For more info, call IC Intergroup Answering Service, Congregational Church UCC An Open and Affirming Congregation, Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m. 30 N Clinton St (across from Ul Pentacrest) 319-337-4301 - uiccic.org Counseling Clinic 319-354-6238 Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sensitive and supportive counseling for individuals, couples, families and groups. Sliding Fee. 505 E Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 Counseling and Health Center Client-centered therapy. Les-Bi-Gay-Trans always welcome. 616 Bloomington St, Iowa City, IA - 319-337-1679 Crisis Center 319-351-0140 1121 Gilbert Ct, Iowa City, 52240 Emma Goldman Clinic 227 N. Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52245 319-337-2111or 1-800-848-7684. Faith United Church of Christ An open and affirming congregation. 1609 Deforest Street, Iowa City, 52240 Sunday Worship 9:30 AM 319-338-5238 bob.faithucc@g.com, faithucciowacity.org GLBTAU-U of lA Student support system and resource center, info, activism, events, and other community involvements. 203 IMU, University of IA, Iowa City, IA 52242-1317 - 319-335-3251 (voice mail) glbtau@uiowa.edu Hope United Methodist Church Worship Service at 9:30am. 2929 E. Court St., Iowa City, IA - Contact Rev. Sherry Lohman. 319-338-9865 Human Rights Commission (City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission) 319-356-5022; 391-356-5015; 319-356-5014 Fax 319-887-6213 humanrights@iowa-city.org ICARE (Iowa Center for AIDS Resources & Education) Practical & emotional support, youth programs, information, referrals and support groups. 319-338-2135 3211 E 1st Iowa City, IA 52240-4703 Iowa City Free Medical Clinic - 319-337-4459 Free & strictly confidential HIV Testing. 2440 Towncrest Dr Iowa City, Call for appointment Iowa City NOW PO Box 2944, Iowa City, IA 52244 Iowa Women’s Music Festival P.O. Box 3411, Iowa City, IA 52244 319-335-1486 Men Supporting Men 319-356-6038, Ext 2 HIV prevention program. Discussion Groups, Educational Series, Safer Sex Workshops, Book Club. Andy Weigel, email: aweigel@ co.johnson.ia.us New Song Episcopal Church 912 20th Ave, Coralville, IA. Sunday services at 10am. Jennifer Masada, Jane Stewart, and John Greve. 319-351-3577 Pride Committee WRAC, 130 N Madison, Iowa City, IA 52242 Bridget Malone - 319-338-0512 Charles Howes - 319-335-1486 Romantix Iowa City - 319-351-9444 (Pleasure Palace I) 315 Kirkwood Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240-4722 - romantixonline.com
Studio 13 13 S. Linn St. (in the Alley) Iowa City, IA Open 7pm ‘til 2am, daily 319-338-7145 U of I Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Staff & Faculty Association, c/o WRAC, 130 N Madison, Iowa City, IA 52242, 319-335-1486 Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City Inclusive & free religious community nurturing intellectual & spiritual growth & fostering ethical & social responsibility. uusic.org 10 S. Gilbert, Iowa City, IA Sunday services: 9:30am & 11:15am. 319-337-3443 United Action for Youth (UAY) A GLBTQA youth group providing support and counseling for teenagers and young adults processing sexual identity issues. Meets Mondays 7-9pm at UAY 410 Iowa Ave. Iowa City, IA. 319-338-7518 or Teen Line, 319-338-0559. The Ursine Group Bear Events in the Midwest. PO Box 1143, Iowa City, IA 52244-1143 - 319-338-5810 Women’s Resource Action Center (WRAC) Leads & collaborates on projects that serve U of l and the greater community, offers social & support services, including LGBT Coming Out Group. University of Iowa, 130 N Madison, Iowa City, IA 52242 - 319-335-1486
MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA
Adult Odyssey (Adult Video Store) 907 Iowa Ave E - 641-752-6550 Domestic Violence Alternatives/ Sexual Assault Center, Inc., 132 W Main St. 24 hour Crisis Line: 641-753-3513 or (instate only) 800-779-3512
MASON CITY, IOWA
Cerro Gordo County Dept. of Public Health 22 N. Georgia Ave, Ste 300 Mason City, IA 50401. Free confidential AIDS testing. 641421-9321 PFLAG North Iowa Chapter 641-583-2848, pflagmcni@yahoo.com, Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Cafe @ 7 p.m. Wed.
MOUNT VERNON, IOWA
Alliance Cornell College 810 Commons Cir # 2035 - alliance@cornellcollege.edu - orgs.cornellcollege.edu/alliance/
PELLA, IOWA
Common Ground (Central College) Support group for GLBT students and allies. Contact: Brandyn Woodard, Director of Intercultural Life woodardb@central.edu 641-628-5134
QUAD CITIES, IOWA
AIDS Project Quad Cities Info, education & support. Davenport, IA 52804, www.apqc4life.org 319-762-LIFE Black Hawk College Unity Alliance Serving GLBT community at Black Hawk College. 6600 34th Ave, Rock Island, IL 309-716-0542. Connections Nightclub 563-322-1121 822 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802 DeLaCerda House 309-786-7386 Provides housing & supportive services, advocacy and referrals for people living with HIV/ AIDS. P.O. Box 4551, Rock Island, Il. 61201 Good Samaritan Free Clinic 309-797-4688 Provides free primary medical care to patients age 16-64 who are working but have no medical insurance. gsfc@mchsi.com 602 35th Ave, Moline, IL GoodSamaritanFreeClinic.org The Hole-In-The-Wall 309-289-2375 A Private Membership Men’s Club, Located 3 miles east of Galesburg, IL. just north of I-74 at Exit 51. HoleInTheWallMensClub.org Holy Spirit Catholic Faith Community Meets one weekend a month for mass. Please visit our web site: www.transformationalcatholicchurch.com for more information or call: 309-278-7909. Lucky Shamrock 313 20th St, Rock Island, IL - 309-788-7426 An Irish Pub open to all types. Mary’s On 2nd 563-884-8014 832 W. 2nd St. Davenport, IA MCC Quad Cities - Svcs Sun 11am, Bible study Wed 7pm 563-324-8281, 3019 N Harrison, Davenport, IA 52803 Men’s Coming Out/Being Out Group Meets 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7pm. QCAD. outforgood@gmail.com 309-786-2580 PFLAG Quad Cities 563-285-4173 Eldridge United Methodist Church 604 S.2nd St., Eldridge 1st Monday, 6:30 pm Prism (Augustana College) 309-794-7406 Augustana Gay-Straight Alliance, Augustana Library - 639 38th St, Rock Island, IL, Contact Tom Bengston
Quad Citians Affirming Diversity (QCAD) Social & support groups for lesbian, bi, and gay teens, adults, friends & families; newsletter. 309-786-2580 - Community Center located at 1608 2nd Ave, Rock Island. Quad Cities Pride Chorus (Call Don at 563324-0215) At the MCC Church in D’port, 7pm Wed. qcswede64@aol.com Rainbow Gifts www.rainbowgifts.net - 309-764-0559 T.R. Video Adult books & video, 3727 Hickory Grove Rd, Davenport, IA. 563-386-7914 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities, Rev Jay Wolin, Sunday Service 11am - 563-359-0816 3707 Eastern Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807 Venus News (Adult) 902 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA. 563-322-7576
RED OAK, IOWA
First Congregational United Church of Christ (open and affirming) - 712-623-2794 608 E Reed St, Red Oak, IA 51566 Rev. Elizabeth Dilley, Pastor uccwebsites.net/firstcongredoakia.html firstconguccredoak@yahoo.com
SHENANDOAH, IOWA
PFLAG Shenandoah 1002 South Elm Street - 712-246-2824
SIOUX CITY, IOWA
Am. Business & Professional Guild. Gay Businessmen. Meets last Sat. of the month; ABPG, P. O. BOX 72, Sioux City, 51102 - abpguild@yahoo.com Grace United Methodist Church 1735 Morningside Avenue - 712-276-3452. Jones Street Station (Bar) 712-258-6922 412 Jones St., Nightly 6:00pm to 2:00am. Mayflower Congregational Church 1407 West 18th St - 712-258-8278. Morningside College Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Alliance Contact Professor Gail Dooley, Advisor Morningside College GSA. 1501 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106-1717 dooley@morningside.edu - 712-274-5208 PFLAG Siouxland PO Box 1311, Sioux City, IA 51102 siouxlandPFLAG@aol.com Romantix Sioux City 712-277-8566 511 Pearl St, Sioux City, IA 51101-1217 St. Thomas Episcopal Church Service Sun 10:30am 406 12th St, Waverly, IA Rev Mary Christopher - 712-258-0141 Western Iowa Tech. GSA widemal@juno.com for info.
SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
Toppers, 1213 N Cliff Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57103, (605) 339-7686, Su-Tu 7:00pm - Close : We-Sa 3:00pm - 2:00am, sdtoppers.com Center for Equality, PO box 2009 Sioux Falls, SD 57101-2009, 605-331-1153, centersforequalitysd.org
WAVERLY, IOWA
Cedar Valley Episcopal Campus Ministry. 717 W. Bremer, (St. Andrew’s Episcopal) episcoplcampus.org - 319-415-5747 Gay, Lesbian Bisexual Student Alliance Wartburg College, Waverly, IA 50677. Contact Susan Vallem - 319-352-8250 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 717 W. Bremer. We welcome all to worship with us on Sunday at 10:30am. Bible discussion Wed. 6:45pm 319-352-1489 Rev. Maureen Doherty, Pastor
NEBRASKA (CONTENT IN PROGRESS) HASTINGS, NEBRASKA
PFLAG Hastings - pat@datacc.net
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA
Club Q Lincoln - 402-475-2269 226 South 9th St, Lincoln, NE 68508 Indigo Bridge Books The Creamery Building, 701 P St, Ste 102, Lincoln, NE 68508 - 402-477 7770 “Indigo Bridge Books strives to provide a solid, relevant Gender Studies section with a focus on LGBT titles. indigobridgebooks.com Nebraska AIDS Project (Lincoln Office) 1921 South 17th Street, Lincoln, NE 68502 (402) 476-7000 - nap.org OUTLinc - outlinc.org Bringing Lincoln’s LGBT Community Together Panic - 402-435-8764 200 S 18th St, Lincoln, NE 68508
ACCESSline Page 29 PFLAG Cornhusker Chapter PO Box 82034, Lincoln, NE 68501 Meetings 4th Tuesday, Unitarian Church of Lincoln, 6300 A St, 7-9pm pflagcornhusker.org PFLAG Helpline: 402-434-9880 - Confidential Support & Information - We’re Here For You ! Planned Parenthood of the Heartland Sexual and Reproductive Health Care, Transgender Care - (402) 441-3302 2246 O St, Lincoln, NE 68510 The Rainbow Clinic in the UNL Psychological Consultation Center “…a specialty outreach service to the GLBTQ community. Psychological services, including individual, couples & family therapy, are provided within the UNL Psychological Consultation Center by regular PCC staff…open year round; day & evening appointments available. $10 for intake & $25 for therapy sessions. Application can be made for reduced fees based on federal poverty guidelines. 325 Burnett Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588 402-472-2351 unl.edu/psypage/pcc/ Star City Pride starcitypride.org - info@starcitypride.org The Unitarian Church of Lincoln 6300 A Street, Lincoln, NE 68510-5097 (402) 483-2213 - unitarianlincoln.org Sunday from 10am to 11am
OMAHA, NEBRASKA
AIDS Interfaith Network 100 N. 62nd, Omaha, NE Call Br. Wm. Woeger, 402-558-3100 Citizens For Equal Protection-402-398-3027 1105 Howard St, Suite #2, Omaha, NE 68102. cfep-ne.org - info@cfep-ne.org DC’s Saloon - (western/levi/leather) The Midwest’s hottest GLBT Country & Dance Bar! 610 S 14th St, Omaha, NE, Open everyday 2pm-1am Front Runners/Front Walkers Walking/jogging club. P.O. Box 4583, Omaha, NE 68104, 402-804-8720, frontrunners.org GLBT Rainbow Outreach Omaha Serving GLBT community in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. Also office for Imperial court of Nebraska. 1719 Leavenworth St, Omaha, NE, rocc.org - 402-341-0330 Greater Omaha GLBT Network - goglbt.org “…to advance growth & equality for its members, businesses & allies by providing educational, networking & community-building opportunities. Meetings 1st Thursday every month locations at a traveling location to see the community and be seen. For more info or to be included on the e-newsletter list, please email us at info@goglbt.org. Heartland Gay Rodeo Association (HGRA) (Midwest Division of the International Gay Rodeo Association) PO Box 3354, Omaha, NE 68103, hgra.net - 402-203-4680, Serves Iowa and Nebraska Heartland Pride ”…to develop a high impact and relevant cultural festival & events annually that promotes equality & unity for the LGBTQ & Allies Communities of Western Iowa and Greater Nebraska. heartlandpride.org Imperial Court of Nebraska 402-556-9907 P.O. Box 3772, Omaha, NE 68103 Inclusive Life - inclusivelife.org “Religious and Non religious care, services and ceremonies for all!”, 105 S. 49 Street, Suite E, Omaha, NE 68132, (402) 575-7006, The Max 1417 Jackson at 15th, Omaha, NE 68102 6 bars in 1 - 402-346-4110 McLovin 1010 South 10 Street, Omaha, NE, 68108 info@mclovinstore.com, MclovingStore.com 402-915-4002, A store for men. MCC Omaha 819 South 22nd, Omaha, NE 68103, Sun 9:30AM & 11:15 AM. Wednesday “ReCharge” Worship, Wed 7pm - 402-345-2563 PFLAG Omaha Mead Hall, First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St. (Omaha), 2nd Thursday, 7, 6:30 Social, 402-291-6781 River City Gender Alliance Peer support, friendship, and understanding for crossdressers, transgenderists, and transsexuals. PO Box 4083 Omaha, NE 68104, 402-291-6781, info@rcga.us - rcga.us River City Mixed Chorus Gay/lesbian chorus, PO Box 3267, Omaha, NE 68103, Call Stan Brown, 402-341-7464 Tri-ess Chapter, Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter, Omaha, NE 68107, Transgendered organization supporting crossdressers, their families, and friends. tri-ess.org, 402-960-9696, Judy marlenemarschel@yahoo.com Youth Support Group for GLBT Youth 13-21, meets twice monthly. Omaha, NE - 402-291- 6781
ACCESSline Page 30 SScontinued from page 27
LARAMIE PROJECT
Spencer Gilbert as Aaron McKinney and Mark Maddy as Rob Debree. Photo courtesy of Leila Subasic. because I am a gay Christian. And that is a dichotomy that is impossibly difficult to navigate in our society. I have fellow Christians telling me that because of my sexuality and lifestyle, I am going to hell. I then have fellow members of the queer community chastising me for my religious beliefs. One of the main themes in TLP is faith. Baptist, Catholic, Unitarian, Mormon, and Islam are all explored to some degree. There are prime examples of how hurtful and harsh religious opinions can come off, regardless of the position of love they originate from. There are examples of how someone must renegotiate some of their core religious beliefs because they directly contradict their desire to be a kind and compassionate human being. I’m interested in exploring the various
Section 3: Community communities (Universities, LGBT community, local communities, faith-based, work, racial...) represented in both Laramie and right here in Des Moines. Which community do I most identify? Which community plays the largest role in dictating my life and choices? What has the cast brought to The Laramie Project in their performances? My cast truly is extraordinary. I have actors who are relatively new to theatre and actors who have been performing for decades. We have various religious backgrounds represented, different demographics and life experiences that allow us to really delve deep and explore the themes and content of the play. But most importantly, they all have the desire to bring honesty to these beautiful characters. What scene stands out to you in The Laramie Project? You know, it changes every time. There’s a moment at the end of the first act called “Finding Matthew Shepard,” which presents testimonies from the boy who found Matthew, the police officer who responded to the 911 call and the doctor who first operated on him in the emergency room. It’s heartbreaking. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the vigil scene paints such a beautiful picture of communities around the nation joining together to pray and hope for Matthew’s recovery. I gave that scene over to my actors to stage and it is simply
beautiful. With such an emotional story, how do you feel the performance will be received? The Laramie Project has so much controversy tied to many productions— including the Ottumwa High School production that was recently shut down (by the way, the OHS students are staging their production off-site, and they will be joining my cast for a special preview performance and talk back). I’m honored that The Playhouse has allowed me to direct this piece and I am confident that audiences will appreciate something a little different than the typical offerings the Playhouse presents, while still meeting the exceptional standards for high quality volunteer theatre. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, definitely. But above all the heartbreak and pain experienced, this is a story of hope. What do you hope the audience takes away from The Laramie Project? We are holding panel discussions following each performance which will feature members of various clergy, family members of victims, cast members, queer activists, etc. I am hoping our audiences will stay...not only to listen, but to actively participate. If we can start a conversation within our communities, we have done our job as theatre artists. From discourse comes progress. One of my favorite quotes is from Jose Esteban Munoz, a queer theorist and
One of the main themes in TLP is faith. Baptist, Catholic, Unitarian, Mormon, and Islam are all explored to some degree.
SEPTEMBER 2013
Director David Van Cleave of The Laramie Project at Des Moines Community Playhouse. performance artist, who said, “Queerness is essentially about the rejection of a here and now and an insistence on potentiality or concrete possibility for another world.” I think that applies so strongly to The Laramie Project. What happened to Matthew Shepard in 1998 is disgusting and terrifying, but it is only a magnified example of the bullying, discrimination and hatred felt by members of the LGBT community on a daily basis. We as a society must reject that intolerance and move towards the promise of tomorrow. For more information on The Laramie Project and to purchase tickets go to DMPlayhouse.com.
SEPTEMBER 2013 SScontinued from page 26
Section 3: Community
ACCESSline Page 31
SScontinued from page 11
PASTOR’S PEN
SISSY’S SIRCUS
and accountability. For many people in congregations, it is the community more than the religious doctrines that keep people coming back week after week. There is something holy and sacred about the bonds that develop. Those connections are a powerful statement on the goodness of humanity, and you can see the same thing with the Ames gays. Now, I don’t want to get too carried away. A small community means that you know everyone else and everyone else’s business. That can lead to cattiness and drama that puts most reality TV shows to shame. Also, if you are over twentyfive, you have about as much chance of meeting a boyfriend in Ames as you do in Antarctica. You would have more luck at a GOP convention. Nevertheless, I must say that I have come to appreciate the virtues of Ames in ways that have surprised me. Of course, the vast majority of the younger set will leave Iowa when they graduate ISU and will not return. I do hope, however, that they can bring some of the positives of the Ames gay scene to the big cities where they settle. Most of those places could use a little Midwestern influence.
to represent the group. In that first show we questioned sexuality and gender on a pretty basic level. We had sexy songs, but very little nudity. There was a lot of improv and each of the performers took on a character in the world of the Sircus. The burlesque world is typically represented by a matriarchal hierarchy. Our lead Diva is a drag queen, so right away we pushed the boundaries of burlesque. How are you continuing to question boundaries and norms? As Sissy’s Sircus has grown as a group, we have also become more artistically diverse. So much of our work is dependent on who is doing it. As we have included more backgrounds, skills, and characters, ages, body types, etc... we have grown to support more visual artists, graphics, and animation, as well as our dance company, choreographers, musicians, and our production management teams. We believe everyone can be an artist, despite training, professional status, or experience. As long as there is a passion to collaborate and create new work, everyone is welcome. We have more drag performers in our
Sissy’s Sircus a BurlesQUI Benefit 2010. group this year, so we’re exploring new topics within the Trans community this season. We are continuing to showcase open sexuality and we’ve also been exploring our kinkier side with some BDSM, sexy dominatrix, and consensual fetishes. The Cedar Valley has voiced a new public support for LGBT issues and we hope that our work can ignite a public discussion of weirdness, equality, and acceptance for all misfits. Why do you feel Sissy’s Sircus is important to the community? Sissy’s Sircus is a community of
Planned Parenthood of the Heartland
misfits, or people who have never quite fit with the “normal” label. We are artists and non-artists who collaborate to create shows because we want to, we need to. We work with businesses and venues that support our productions, but we also have a very loving and supportive audience who has blown us away with their enthusiasm. The Sircus encourages everyone to be yourself, because we will love you as you are. Sometimes people need to hear that message. For more information go to SissysSircus.com or find them on Facebook.
by Penny Dickey, Chief Operating and Public Affairs Officer Obamacare and You: The Basics
health insurance plan.
age.
Almost everyone has heard about the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—more commonly known as Obamacare—but most of us don’t have a good understanding of what the new health care law involves, or who it will affect. For example, did you know that most Americans must get insurance next year, or they will be fined? If not, don’t panic. There’s still time to learn more, and to get signed up. We want you to have all the information you need to make the best decisions about your health insurance needs, so you can select the coverage that’s best for you, your partner and your family. If your employer provides health insurance, this information may help you understand some of the changes you may see in your
Under the new health care law, also known as Obamacare, all Americans must get health insurance next year. Enrollment begins October 1, 2013. Coverage begins on January 1, 2014. Most people who don’t have insurance will have to pay a fine. People who have affordable coverage from their employer do not qualify for financial help with new insurance options. If you’re uninsured, you should ask your employer if they plan to offer cover-
Eligibility
Here’s how it works
Applications can be completed online, in person, or on the phone. Millions of uninsured people will have access to more affordable health insurance under Obamacare. Most people who are uninsured will have new, more affordable health insurance options available to them. How you qualify for new health insurance will vary based on a variety of factors, including income and citizenship. The type of coverage you’re eligible for varies from person to person, even within one family. If you’re under 26, and your parents have health insurance, you can be on their plan.
Under Obamacare, health insurance plans will no longer be able to deny you coverage based on a pre-existing condition.
Insurance Basics
All insurance plans will have to cover preventive care, including annual exams and a range of birth control options, at no cost—so you pay nothing for these services. Most insurance plans will still have some out-of-pocket costs for the health care you receive but there are limits on how much you will pay out-of-pocket. One type of out-of-pocket cost is a deductible, which is the amount you owe before your plan starts to pay for health care. Another type is a co-pay, where you pay a certain amount when you are accessing health care
or a prescription drug. There will be a variety of plans that will be available for you to choose from. They’ll vary in terms of cost and services covered. Under Obamacare, health insurance plans will no longer be able to deny you coverage based on a pre-existing condition. All plans must cover birth control and annual visits, doctor visits, hospitalizations, maternity care, ER care, and prescriptions.
Cost
Financial help will be available, based on a sliding scale in the tax code, to make health plans more affordable. A person making up to $45,000 a year or a family of four making up to $94,000 a year will qualify for financial help. Depending on your income, you may qualify for a very low cost plan. We know this is a lot of new information to absorb, but we are here to help you get the information you need to get enrolled in a plan that is best for you. If you’re a current patient or want to start visiting Planned Parenthood, be sure to look for a plan that covers our health centers. Some people don’t know we accept insurance. We do. Go to PlannedParenthood.org/HealthInsurance for key things you should consider when choosing a health plan. Whether you have insurance or not, we will keep providing the care you need, no matter what. We’ve provided nonjudgmental, quality health care in Iowa and Nebraska for over 75 years—and that’s not changing. For more information go to PlannedParenthood.org/Heartland/.
ACCESSline Page 32
Section 3: Community
SScontinued from page 5
LGBTs. There are legitimate topics for continuing, compassionate debate within the church (i.e., whether to baptize by emerworld that He gave his son that whosever sion or sprinkling, or whether it matters; believes shall not perish but have everlast- whether or not Jesus was literally and ing life. I’m a “whosoever”—debate over. physically raised from the dead; whether Paul says to the Galatians that the fruits of or not Jesus was actually God; whether the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kind- God is merciful or just, or selectively so; ness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, how many angels can stand on the head of and self-control. If one has these, according a pin; that-sort-of-thing). On the subject to Paul’s correct understanding of the faith, of LGBT, however, for my money (and we can disregard every supposed religious church participation) there’s no legitimate, rule or law. Period. End of sentence. Drop continuing dialogue any more than I’d tolerate a continuing dialogue in the church I voice. I am a follower of Jesus, but no longer attend over whether or not women are mere a “Christian”—not in the present day, not chattel as the Biblical writers undoubtedly as that label has been besmirched and believed. Or whether the earth is flat. No matter what your faith tradition, up distorted by unapologetic hostility toward gay and lesbian children of God, or even is not down; in is not out, black is not white; by Christians who want to have a “loving” and hot is not cold. Cold is the church that continuing dialogue over whether Chris- continues to debate such things, even with tians should or shouldn’t be hostile toward the best of intentions.
REMARKABLES
SScontinued from page 5
RED WING powerful women came from a place of humility; understanding and appreciating those who came before them, those who mentored them, who supported them. These were among the most powerful women in Iowa and they came to the day with grace and with gratitude. As I think about the two events, the two constituencies, I realize that each is an integral albeit opposite understanding of Iowa. The Family Summit folks seem to be spending a lot of time looking in the rear view mirror longing for a time that seems, to them, less complicated. Their message was not of hope but of despair; of exclusion not inclusion. In fact, words like diversity, tolerance and equality were branded as code words for the destruction of the vision they embraced. Clearly, I knew where I was and I knew I would
not be with friends. Still, I left feeling diminished by what I had seen and heard. The Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame awardees, however, relished and met their challenges. They clearly celebrated the past, but spent most of their time looking and moving forward. There was great humor, laughter and story-telling. As we were leaving I heard one young audience member say, “I need to look at what I do with my day. After listening to these women, I know I can do so much more!” We can all do more. Mary Louise, Patty Jean, Deborah Ann, Barbara and Sharon have each lived with the same twenty-four hours a day that you and I have. They have been very intentional about what they have done with that time. And they have done remarkable things. I left the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame event exhilarated. We had been with women who were changing the world, and their world included each one of us.
The Project of the Quad Cities
Founded in 1986, The Project of the Quad Cities is a non-profit HIV/STI/AIDS Service Organization that provides support to persons living with HIV/STI/AIDS as well as their families and friends in Iowa and Illinois. www.apqc4life.org Symptom Management Group—Every Wednesday from 1-2:30 pm Life Skills Group—Every other Wednesday from 10-11:30 am Coffee Hour—10-11:30 am on Wednesdays when the Life Skills Group does not meet; A relaxed and casual atmosphere Groups meet at our Moline office. We also offer free HIV testing Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm. For more information call Susie or Mollie at 309-762-5433
SEPTEMBER 2013
Plymouth Celebrates Twenty Years of Open and Affirming
“We now declare that Plymouth Church is open, both in membership and full participation, to all persons without regard to affectional orientation, and we affirm the right of all persons to live freely and openly according to their affectional orientation within the grace of God’s love and the support of Christ’s Church.” And with the stroke of a pen and the blessings of the church council this declaration became the church’s policy on November 22, 1993—twenty years ago. A celebration is being held at all services on the weekend of September 14-15 to tell the world of Plymouth’s success in achieving justice, compassion, and a true love of neighbor—especially its LGBT members. Services are held at 5:30 on Saturday and 9:00 and 11:00 am on Sunday. Everyone is welcome at the celebration! Beginning with a conversation in the 1980s between Senior Minister Jim Gilliom and congregation member Earl Willits the church embarked on a journey. This discussion would lead to the Earl Willits Conference on Spirituality and Sexuality from 1990— 2012. As a gay man coming out of the closet Earl traveled through the consequences of his choice to reveal his sexual orientation to the world with Rev Gilliom at his side. Willits later died and provided funding for the Willits Conference—bringing national and local leaders to provide education and a nurturing spirit during those formative LGBT years at the church. Plymouth continues to create a sanctuary for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgendered people through other acts of courage, including: formerly hosting Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG), creating support groups with a range of discussion topics, and providing a place for sexual minorities to meet in a safe space such as the Gay-Straight Alliance Leadership Teams with PrideNet. At the front of the sanctuary the words “Love Never Faileth” is carved into the wall describing the wonderful and extravagant welcome Plymouth is known for in the Des
Moines community and across the nation. As a United Church of Christ denomination Plymouth has been an outstanding leader in offering a wide range of opportunities to interact with the LGBT community. You could be greeted by LGBT members as deacons, clergy, and staff. You could share worship with LGBT members on church boards representing Education, Membership, Social Action, Stewardship, or Benevolences. You could see LGBT members as leaders on the church council. LGBT people are fully engaged in the life of the church and all its activities. Plymouth has passed resolutions supporting marriage equality and has participated with the largest contingent of people walking in the Pride Parade. Although members have embraced the Gay community they are also actively involved in outreach with mission trips, homeless assistance teams, homeless food banks and dinners, clothing drives, prisoner release transitions, sustainable agricultural issues, immigration education, as well as, fine arts and youth programming. Stoddard Lane, a former senior minister, was quoted so often when he declared “We agree to differ, We resolve to love, We unite to serve,” that it has become a motto of the church—a place that is not filled with dogma. The progressive theology practiced by members is reflected in the poster that says “Our religion is over two-thousand years old. Our thinking is not.” Plymouth has a Bible-based new understanding that reflects one of its early congregationlist leaders, John Robinson, who provided this message to the Pilgrim people leaving for the “new” world— “The Lord has yet more truth and light to break forth from his Holy Word.” This vision along with a compassionate love of neighbor has served the congregationalists well for hundreds of years. Join them as they continue their journey with reverence to God and a new understanding of our purpose in the world through justice, compassion, and love.
PITCH Calendar 2013
Positive Iowans Taking Charge (PITCH) is a volunteer-run non-profit organization, founded in 2007, their goal is to provide social networking and support to Iowans living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS. Their mission is to create an atmosphere where HIV+ people can unite, advocate, and assist other HIV+ people for better health and wellness. More information can be found at pitchiowa.org or call Tami Haught at 641-715-4182. All of our meetings are open to the public at large. To hear what’s going on, please check out our calendar to see when the next PITCH meeting will be held. For more information go to www.PitchIowa.org.
Groups
Des Moines Open Support Group 5pm-6pm (Wednesdays) Thursday Group 2pm-3pm (Thursdays) Waterloo PITCH Support Group 6pm-8pm (Every other week) Wednesday Evening Group 5:30pm-6:30pm (Every other week)
Support Group Meeting Conference Call Positive Iowans Taking Charge has a Conference Call Support Group meeting every month and it is open to those outside of Iowa. The meeting is to provide emotional, social, and educational opportunities for Iowans across the state. The Agenda is as follows: welcome and introduction from 7-7:30 PM, topic discussion from 7:30-8 PM,
non-topic time for everyone to share how they are doing from 8-8:30 PM. Times are adjusted depending on the needs of the people on the call. The number to call is 949-812-4500 and the Pin number is 684713 that everyone will use the same code. For more information go to pitchiowa.org or find them on facebook.
SEPTEMBER 2013 SScontinued from page 4
WEINACHT ground is essential to success—I bring the proven capability of embracing diversity to cultivate qualities of collaboration, teamwork and civility. I will continue my open minded approach of ‘community is community’ and have an open door policy for all folks to advocate their positions. What experiences have stood out to you so far in your campaign? While it is early in the campaign process, I’ve found the experience of campaigning to be interesting and positive. As an advocate and community leader, who has been listening and connecting folks and resources for years, I’m finding a consistent message, a mission if you will, for Cedar Rapids to be the best place to live, work and play. One conversation I can recall as an ‘ah ha’ moment was when a community member said to me, “Susie, you are taking your knowledge and leadership and utilizing it in a different capacity.” That is what this journey is all about…bringing the hopes and dreams of fellow residents to the table and moving our community forward. I come with experience, knowledge and established relationships within our city, county and state. Where can people go for more information? I would like to encourage readers to follow my campaign socially on Facebook and Twitter, simply search for Susie Weinacht. The community may also visit my website, Susie4CR.org.
SScontinued from page 24
IWMF I think being a woman, I think that’s it, being a woman you are offensive to society. Depending obviously on where you go, and what you say, but I do think innately, especially in comedy, it’s harder for women to truly express themselves. It’s a higher bar for women and it’s hypocritical for women—it’s unfair for women. I’ve been doing stand-up for a long time and I’m tired of being told, “Don’t do this. Don’t talk about this. You shouldn’t do this, blah, blah, blah…” I’m done with everybody getting to tell anybody else what to say, to think, feel, express or do creatively—nobody’s judge and jury. With Offensive Women I wanted to do a show where any woman could do anything she wanted to, and it’s ok. And they didn’t have to do anything crazy, or whatever, I just wanted a show where women could perform and do whatever they want, period. Do you still have that goal with you in your own performances? I do, 100%. That is definitely a philosophy I live by, especially doing stand-up. It’s certainly a part of me, I want to push the envelope and I want to be provocative. But at the end of the day, the most important thing for me is just to be funny. I just happen to think that a lot of inappropriate things are funny. Whether or not people agree…I hope they do. What can fans expect to see with your performance at IWMF? My hope with every show is for people to have fun and to laugh…and to not take themselves, or anything too seriously. I just want people to laugh, that’s what they can expect—they can expect to laugh.
Section 3: Community
ACCESSline Page 33
Bibliotherapy Project in Cedar Rapids Schools by Diane Peterson, Chair PFLAG Cedar Rapids
PFLAG Cedar Rapids needs your help to fundraise for six sets of books for the five Middle Schools in Cedar Rapids School District and the Cedar Rapids Library. Almost to a person, our members want the same thing! We all want a world where PFLAG is no longer needed. Where little people could grow up and be who they felt they were inside without strife, conflict or emotional upheaval. In our hearts this is what we strive for. We want all children to grow into adolescents, then adults without fear that they will be booed, beat-up, made to feel less than or thrown out of their family or friend group. Recent events make friends and acquaintances ask me why bother with PFLAG when no one cares anymore about whether someone is gay or not. In many ways we celebrate the outstanding developments on federal, state, and local levels. Schools, society, government, and businesses work hard to embrace a world that they may not have prepared for during training. All is not sunshine and roses, although there is movement toward a bright future. Early on it became quite clear that we had a gap in our service to the community. Parents and teachers of Middle School students were requesting resources to help their students who expressed an interest in understanding their own sexual or gender identity. In this area there are Gay Straight Alliances, or GSAs, available in the High Schools. Middle School students
You have lately become a reviewer on Autostraddle with your show Julie & Brandy in your Box Office. What has been your most memorable review so far? I think my favorite or my most memorable review was Sex in the City 2—I think that’s my favorite one. We really socked it to them on that one! But yeah, I think I had the most fun on that one. It’s hard to say, like I enjoyed working with Brandi, and we kind of pulled out all the stops with the silliness. Can you give me a little highlight from that episode? In Sex and the City we took the movie trailer and we’d just do off scenes of the trailer and improv stuff. In this scene we’re pretending to sit on a camel and I was Samantha —I loved playing Samantha—and Brandy was Carrie. The line was something like, “I hope we die here, so I can go to Heaven and meet Jesus—and then he’ll f*ck me.” We just fell down laughing so hard. We did it twice, we did it one way and then Brandy came up with the actual specific line. You can’t miss it. Then there was one scene where Samantha said, “God, I love dicks, I love dicks in my eyes, and in my mouth. Don’t you think I really love dicks?” I just had fun and it was fun making fun of them. Black Swan was fun too and I enjoyed doing that, because I really hated that movie with a passion. Will people at Iowa Woman Music Festival be seeing a little the reviewer in you coming out in your performance? (Laughing) Yeah, I’m a reviewer about life. I think that will come out. For more information on Julie Goldman go to JulieGoldmanisReallyPretty.blogspot.com. The 20th IWMF kicks off on Friday night, September 27 at the Fairgrounds with a star-
were suggested to attend that resource once they reached the 8th grade. If you remember anything about the ages 10–14 years of age, you may remember that not everyone has the self-assurance to walk into a High School let alone walk in and state, “Hi everyone I am gay.” It was hard enough for them to tell people close to themselves. We recognize that High School GSA’s are welcoming environments. A younger person may be more comfortable with help closer to home. We at PFLAG Cedar Rapids feel fortunate because PTA and educators are extremely receptive to any help/training. After lots of brainstorming we fell back onto tools that helped each of us understand the world a little bit better. We all found that books helped. Books helped us to answer questions we didn’t know we had. Books helped to broaden and enhance our language skills. Books allowed us to laugh, cry and scream about a world we sometimes we didn’t feel we understood. Actually, the mother of a dyslexic son, I realize this is not the answer for all—it is a start. Since early 2012 we worked on a pilot project we call bibliotherapy. Now bibliotherapy has been around for a while. At its most basic level, Bibliotherapy means
helping through books. We developed 2 book lists, the first targeting Middle School Students. The second targets parents and educators who work with Middle School students. Our goal is to present the Cedar Rapids School District with their books at a very public event one week before October 11, 2013, National Coming Out Day. We hope to raise awareness of PFLAG and other groups as resources locally to families and individuals who newly come out or know someone who needs support. We have community partners—however, we need your help. If you would like to send a tax deductible donation to help this pilot program please mail a check to PFLAG Cedar Rapids, c/o Diane Peterson, Chair, 6614 Cottage Hill Ct NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52411. Our initial need is $2100.00. We hope to expand the program to all Linn County schools districts and libraries that would like to participate. For more information or a copy of our book lists e-mail pflaglcb@gmail.com. Please find our advertisement in this month’s ACCESSline. It will tell you about our event on October 5, 2013 2 – 4pm at Beems Auditorium in the Downtown Cedar Rapids Library.
Books allowed us to laugh, cry and scream about a world we sometimes we didn’t feel we understood.
studded fundraiser. One of IWMF’s all-time festival favorites, band-in-a-body Zoe Lewis, will perform in a double bill with the hilarious Julie Goldman of Comedy Central and Logo fame. Summer Osborne, a newcomer to Iowa who is making waves on the festival circuit, will open the show and perform as emcee for the evening’s festivities. This 20th Anniversary IWMF Comedy and Music Extravaganza will also feature a raffle and silent auction. Doors open at 6 p.m. for auction viewing and the show starts at 7 p.m. Cost to attend the fundraiser is a suggested $10-25 on a sliding scale, where attendees can choose how much to pay. All funds raised at the event will help pay for the costs of the 2013 festival. The main event, the Day Stage of the Iowa Women’s Music Festival, will be held from noon until 6 p.m., Saturday, September 28 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Saturday afternoon’s show is free of charge and no tickets are required. The show features the Annie Mack Blues Band, spoken-word poet Andrea Gibson, hip-hop duo God Des and She, singer-songwriter Claudia Schmidt (one of the festival’s inaugural performers), newcomer Jillian Noah, the charismatic Summer Osborne, and an all-star Iowa band consisting of Natalie Brown, Gayla Drake, Lojo Russo, Kimberli Maloy, and festival founder Laurie Haag. The ever-popular Kim-Char Meredith returns for a sixth year as Master of Ceremonies. Everyone is welcome to the Iowa Women’s Music Festival, and families are encouraged to attend. A kids’ area will be available, and food and merchandise vendors will line the festival. The park is wheelchair accessible, and performances will be ASL
Julie Goldman interpreted. Pets on leashes are welcome. The festival culminates on Saturday night at Iowa City’s Englert Theatre with Suzanne Vega and special guest Milk & Eggs. Tickets for the 8 p.m. performance are available for $30 in advance at the Englert box office, by phone at 319-688-2653, or on-line at englert.org. The Iowa Women’s Music Festival is one of the longest continuously running festivals featuring women performers in the country. Prairie Voices Productions, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, mission of is to support and promote the work of women artists and musicians through accessible events for the community, and to provide women diverse volunteer skill-building experiences in planning, organizing, producing, and implementing major public events such as the festival.
ACCESSline Page 34 SScontinued from page 1
NEWS
Section 3: Community
Obituary: Rex Carl & Carolyn Marie Jones
In 2009, Daniel James Rick, who is HIV positive, had a sexual relationship with another man, D.B., whose HIV status at the time was unknown. They mutually agreed to not use condoms. After the relationship ended, the state prosecuted Rick under Minnesota’s “knowing transfer of a communicable disease” statute. At trial, the jury found that Rick had disclosed his HIV status but convicted him under an interpretation of the law that would make it a crime for individuals with HIV to have sex even after disclosing their status to their partner.
Social Security to process same-sex couple’s retirement claims
Statement of Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, on Payments to Same-Sex Couples: “I am pleased to announce that Social Security is now processing some retirement spouse claims for same-sex couples and paying benefits where they are due. The recent Supreme Court decision on Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, made just over a month ago, helps to ensure that all Americans are treated fairly and equally, with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
SEPTEMBER 2013
Rex C. Jones, 80, of Independence, Iowa, died August 2, 2013, at his home in Independence, IA. Rex was born July 30, 1933, in Dike, IA, the son of Millard and Fannie (Witte) Jones. He graduated from Jesup High School, Jesup, IA. After high school he joined the U.S. Army on September 2, 1953 and served proudly until his discharge in 1955. He married Marcia Baird in 1953 and they were later divorced. On May 24, 1969 Rex married Carolyn Schoonover Hallett at the United Methodist Church in Independence, IA. For 33 years he was a loyal employee of John Deere. Visitation was held Thursday, August 15,
2013 and a funeral service was held Friday August 16, 2013, at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA. Carolyn M. Jones, 73, of Independence, Iowa, died August 17, 2013, at the ABCM Rehab Center’s West Campus in Independence, IA. Carolyn was born on June 13, 1940, in Vinton, IA the daughter of Leland A. and Mary N (Sellers) Schoonover. She received her education in the Garrison Schools and Independence Community Schools, and on September 17, 1955 she was married to Richard Hallett in Independence, IA. The couple owned and operated the Hallett DX and the Hallett & Sons Trucking Company in Brandon, IA. Richard later died on February 20, 1967. On May 24, 1969 she was married to Rex C. Jones at the United Methodist Church in Independence, IA. Carolyn was employed as a secretary with the Independence Community Schools, Bloom Manufacturing, and the
ALPHAs
ALPHAs have a meet and greet every third (3rd) Friday of the month, held at Icon’s Martini Bar located at 124 18th Street in Rock Island. It’s a gathering for members of the LGBT community, supporters and friends to socialize, celebrate and get to know one another over martinis. Events are posted on Facebook at alphaselitecrew@ facebook.com or for more information contact alphaselite@yahoo.com.
Buchanan County Public Health Nurses prior to her retirement. Funeral Services were held Tuesday August 20, 2013, at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA, with Dr. David Larson, officiating. Burial was held in the Brandon Cemetery, Brandon, Iowa. They are survived by eight children, Randy (Debi) Jones, Independence, IA, Karen (Shawn) Hoaglan, Independence, IA, Robyn (Fred) Brookhouser, New Mexico, Kevin Hallett, Independence, IA, Kathy (Craig) Finholt, Independence, IA, Rod Jones, Bonita Springs, FL, Rusty Jones, Yuba City, CA, Kendall Hallett, Madison, WI., Fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. Carolyn was survived by a sister; Janice Ludwig, Bremerton, WA. Rex was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Mildred Burman. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard Hallett and Rex Jones.
SEPTEMBER 2013
Section 3: Community
ACCESSline Page 35