December Holiday Issue 2021

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Holiday Issue December 2021 FREE

GoGuide, the allyship, of the local LGBTQ+ community since 2016.

“In Unity”

Coralville PrideFest 2021 rRecap

Iowa Heartlanders Announce Pride Night vs.

Kansas City Mavericks Hockey is for Everyone Night The event is scheduled Jan. 14th

Coralville, IA - Iowa Heartlanders announce home Pride Night in just the first season of play.

The Heartlanders will take on the Mavericks of Kansas City at 7 pm at Mediacom Xtream Arena in Coralville. The game time is 7 pm. Visit www.Iowaheartlanders.com for more information .

Thei Iowa Heartlanders were proud sponsors of Coralville Pride Festival in 2021.

The Heartlanders opened their first season of play on Friday, October 22nd, with a 7-4 win over these same Mavericks. The Heartlanders season runs through February 2022. For more information, visit https://www.iowaheartlanders.com/ or visit www.CoralvillePrideFestival.com and GoGuide Magazine soon. Both will carry more information about Pride Night.

Win tickets to the Heartlanders Pride Night game at Coralville Pride Festival courtesy of Iowa Heartlanders. Be sure to visit their information booth as well. GG

Order you tickets today! Visit this exclusive GoGuide 2 URL to order your tickets: https://fevo.me/iheveryone 12/21

Syphilis is on the rise in Iowa.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection. Early numbers show a 75% increase in syphilis cases in Iowa from 2020 to 2021.

It’s more common and easier to get than you might think.

Syphilis is curable but can cause serious health problems without treatment.

Talk to your doctor about whether you are at risk.

Find a testing location near you: gettested.cdc.gov Free and low cost options available

Learn more about syphilis at ashasexualhealth.org/syphilis

A Valuable Lesson!

GoGuide Magazine

By Tim Nedoba

Holiday Issue December 2021

I learned a very valuable lesson this past fall. I have one person to thank for this epiphany. It’s Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague. It’s a lesson that will last with me for the rest of my life. It’s also the reason this issue is titled “In Unity.”

The first lesson seems very obvious but I made the mistake of making misguided assumptions. Seeds of discontent were planted in my head by a local person I refer to as the local “King Maker.” Since it’s the holiday season I will not name this person nor will I mention the name of the organization in which he heads. It was, however, a meeting with this person and his team regarding the Coralville Pride Festival that planted the seeds of discontent. These seeds referenced Mayor Teague. I felt hurt. I felt belittled. I was mad.

Eventually, these seeds of discontent began to grow inside me and I was no longer able to keep quiet. So I sent an email to Mayor Teague in essence calling him out on what I thought was a plan to keep Coralville Pride Festival from ever coming to fruition.

Mayor Teague categorically denied my accusations and then signed the email, “In Unity.”

I had just sent an email accusing a sitting mayor of some very nasty and unfounded accusations. Yet, Mayor Teague had the class to stay above the fray and act as the true professional that he is.

It’s clear my accusations were unfounded and had no basis. I was wrong.

I have Mayor Teague to thank for pulling me out of the gutter and to regain my professionalism. It was just two simple words. In Unity.

It’schanged my outlook on life foreer.

The mayor was also gracious enough to attend Coralville PrideFest. I have

IN UNITY!

Vol. 6; Issue 3

Publisher & Executive Editor Tim Nedoba

Operations

Gregory Cameron

Photography GoGuide Media

Senior Columnist Erica Barz

Contributor

Gregg Shapiro

Graphics/Cover Design/Photo GoGuide Media

Local & Online Sales: Reach Out Marketing tim@romllc.us (319)430-2545

National Sales: Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863

Contact GoGuide Magazine at tim@romllc.us www.issuu.com/GoGuideIowaCity www.Facebook.com/officialCoralvillePrideFestival www.CoralvillePrideFestival.com tim@romllc.us (319) 430-2545

Welcoming and assuring health care for all Schedule an appointment with an LGBTQ provider: uihc.org/lgbtq

Season of Giving

Help Make a Difference this Holiday Season University of Iowa Health Care - LGBTQ Clinic The UI Health Care LGBTQ Clinic opened in 2012 under the directorship of Dr. Nicole Nisly, Professor of Internal Medicine, and Dr. Katie Imborek, Associate Professor of Family Medicine. The LGBTQ Clinic started out with a Tuesday evening Clinic at Iowa River Landing and was financially housed in the Department of Internal Medicine. In the past 8.5 years since its inception, the “clinic” has expanded beyond the Department of Internal Medicine and follows the providers and staff whenever and wherever they are seeing patients. The core team consists of four primary care providers (two in Internal Medicine and two in Family Medicine), one pediatric endocrinologist, one PharmD, and multiple registered nurses and medical assistants.

As UI Health Care has added expanded services specifically for transgender patients, they have grown their secondary team to include gynecology providers, urologists, plastic surgeons, oral surgeons, dermatologists, speech therapists, child psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, and even law professors and students. The majority of persons involved in the care of LGBTQ patients at UIHC are providers and employed clinical and non-clinical staff. They have a number of volunteers including medical students and resident physicians who spend time shadowing providers outside of their mandated clinical time in hopes of garnering the necessary knowledge to care for patients identifying as LGBTQ dermatologists, speech therapists, child psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, and even law professors and students. The majority of persons involved in the care of LGBTQ patients at UIHC are providers and employed clinical and non-clinical staff. They have a number of volunteers including medical students and resident physicians who spend time shadowing providers outside of their mandated clinical time in hopes of garnering the necessary knowledge to care for patients identifying as LGBTQ in a medically competent and culturally humble way.

How You Can Make a Difference Like all philanthropic funds related to UI Health Care, federal law prohibits the provision of direct patient services (such as money toward medications, surgical procedures, etc). However, funds can be used to support additional training and education for providers through LGBTQ-focused conferences. Additionally, it could be used to fund a position such as a social worker or care navigator to help assist LGBTQ patients through the complex care system of insurance coverage, prior authorization, and specialty care.

Finally, we would hope to use the donations to directly impact patients in significant financial need that preclude their ability to purchase personal items that assist in their overall health and well-being. The majority of these items would be used by transgender and gender non-conforming persons--those who are the highest risk for health disparities and systemic discrimination.

Our Goal We hope to raise $10,000 to purchase items that would greatly reduce the gender dysphoria experienced by these individuals and increase their safety as they walk through a world that is largely ciscentric and heterosexist. In addition, we would hope to provide travel vouchers for LGBTQ patients who did not have the means to travel to the clinic for services. Thank you for helping us achieve our goal.

NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.

Photo’s provided by UIHC

Carol is Both the Best Christmas Movie and the Best Iowa Movie: A Treatise

By Erica Barz GoGuide Senior Columnist Editors note: This column originally ran in December 2020. It was so good that we decided to rerun this column again this year.

Erica Barz will return with new content January 2022

As the sun disappears from the sky earlier each day, nights grow colder,and the pandemic saps ever more joy from our souls, many of us are desperately seeking holiday cheer and warmth. We need something that willlift our spirits, make us merry and, most importantly, is gay as hell. Thatthing, my beloved queer community, is Carol.

I first saw the film in 2015 at the Varsity Theatre in Des Moines (R.I.P.) and having grown accustomed to both 1) table scraps of lesbian representation in movies and 2) the few lesbian movies that did exist being truly terrible, it blew my unsuspecting mind. This movie had everything: gorgeous cinematography and music, Cate Blanchett at her hottest, and a truly inspiring disdain for men woven through its ethos. What lesbian among us has not joked about wooing our paramours with a clandestine glove lunch after seeing how well it worked 13 for this film’s titular character?

On top of this embarrassment of riches, it was also indisputably a newly minted Christmas and Iowa classic.

To the untrained eye, it may appear that this is a movie that just happens to be set at Christmas time, but not a Christmas movie in its own right. This conclusion couldn’t be further from the truth. Carol does not push its holiday agenda outright, a trait it shares with Die Hard, another iconic Christmas classic. However, if you look closely, the true message of the film becomes clear: Christmas belongs to lesbians. Sorry, I don’t make the rules. of whether or not you share my extremely correct opinions about Carol, I hope you have a happy and safe holiday this year.

(Erica Barz continued on next page)

(Erica Barz continued from previous page)

It is also indisputably an Iowa movie. The most significant scene in the film (no spoilers) takes place in our own Waterloo. Hearing Cate Blanchett’s velvety voice dunk on the city’s name (isn’t that awful?) is truly the most thrilling “oh hey, they mentioned Iowa!” moment in all of cinema. Field of Dreams, who?

As of this writing, I’m waiting with bated breath to find out whether Clea Duvall’s new movie, Happiest Season starring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis, can compete with the OG best lesbian Christmas movie. Carolwalked so that Happiest Season and whatever queer lady holiday film come after it could run.

Make your yuletide gay this season by watching Carol on Netflix and Happiest Season on Hulu. And regardless

IT’S A MATTER OF

@ichumanrights

2021

Mission Creek Festival returns to Iowa City in 2022 Presented by The Englert Theatre Title Sponsorship by GreenState Credit Union The celebration of music and literature is back: live, in-person, and better than ever! And here’s your first look at the irresistible lineup of music and literary masterminds.

Playing a combination of Iowa City’s favorite indoor venues, the schedule is packed with a variety of artists, locations, and performances for you to choose from.

Passes, packages, and merchandise are on sale NOW with early bird specials running until Tuesday, December 21 @ 9:30 AM CST.

MUSIC We’re bringing together some of the most influential players of today’s music scene, as well as presenting emerging local artists to leave you hooked.

Take full advantage of your festival pass, which gives you access to attend performances across different venues, like the historic Englert Theatre and the newly renovated Riverside Theatre, not to mention local hotspots like Gabe’s, Trumpet Blossoms Cafe, and Big Grove Brewery.

LITERATURE From keynote readings to intimate conversations by world-class authors, we hope to broaden your relationship with the written and spoken word.

This year’s program also includes the Lit Walk, annual Book Fair, return of the ICE CREAM Comix and Zine Fair (in collaboration with Public Space One), and workshops with guest editors and writers.

The best part? All literary events are free and open to the public.

For more information please visit: https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/TicketSearchCriteria. aspx?epguid=ba8a2234-d251-4815-8c4d-c6d51e412357&evtinfo=317333~6e4537af-5fbf-4fde-8a676d56bad6e688&

Coralville Pride Festival at Tavern Blue Sunday, November 7 photo by Tim Nedoba

IOWA STAGE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY” Iowa Stage Theatre Company (ISTC), central Iowa’s home for award-winning theater that inspires, enlightens and entertains, is partnering with Iowa PBS (IPBS) to present viewers at the Stoner Theater and throughout the state with a new production of a holiday classic. It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is a theater adaptation by Joe Landry of the beloved holiday classic film. ISTC will perform this play at the Stoner Theater, and the performance will be taped live for Iowa PBS on Thursday, December 16th at 7:00 pm. The performance will be broadcast

on Friday, December 17th at 2:00 pm, and again on Thursday, Christmas Eve, December 24th, at 8:00 pm.

“This production of a holiday classic provides a heartwarming reminder of the value of community in troubled times.” says Artistic Director Matthew McIver. “We were days away performing this at Iowa PBS last year, when two cases of COVID forced the performance to be canceled.

In 2018 ISTC presented Joe Landry’s It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at the Kum & Go Theatre, to glowing audience response. In Landry’s clever and skillful adaptation, five actors play all the roles from George and Mary Bailey to crotchety Mr. Potter to four year old Zuzu.

The cast is rounded out with a Foley artist creating live sound effects. ISTC Resident Artist company member Kim Haymes won a special Cloris award for her performance as the foley artist. After the initial run in the Kum & Go theater, ISTC toured the production to the Sondheim Center in Fairfield, Iowa. Audiences there were equally delighted.

Directed by John Michael Graham, associate professor at Drake University and national expert in vocal training and teaching, the cast achieves a wide range of voices and accents, andportrays multiple characters per actor. The sets and lights are designed by Jay Jagim who was honored last year with a lifetime achievement Cloris award. Costumes created by Emily Ganfield, who teaches at Coe College and Kirkwood Community College.

Performances will be held at the Stoner Theater of Des Moines Performing Arts--schedule is below. Iowa PBS will broadcast the show at 8:30 PM on Friday, December 17 and again at 9:30PM on December 25, Christmas Day. Also, there will be a watch party online where participants can not only see the show but interact with the cast and production team.

For more information visit www.iowastage.org.

The Recliners headlined the entertainment at The Coralville Pride Festival 2021 Photo by Tim Nedoba. Location: Tavern Blue

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Pride Journey: Charleston, South Carolina

By Joey Amato I am a huge lover of history and usually jump at the chance to visit any historic sites when I travel. What I didn’t realize about Charleston, South Carolina is that I would be walking into a history book. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t do much research before traveling to Charleston. Sometimes I like to visit a destination without any expectations.

One of the first things I did when I arrived was jump on a walking tour. Bulldog Tours organizes a variety of tours including haunted history, culinary and LGBTQ history tours, so of course that is the one I chose. My knowledgeable guide Zach and I spent two hours strolling around downtown Charleston visiting many of the historic sites of the city while he recanted tales of the city’s harsh past. He also included some LGBTQ historical facts, and we visited some significant sites along the way.

Charleston was one of only three walled cities in North America and the historic society has imposed some of strictest rules and regulations in the country to ensure that the city remains well-preserved. Charleston sits on a peninsula surrounded by two rivers which lead to the Atlantic Ocean, so it became one of the earliest port cities in the country due to its geography. It is also extremely walkable, giving it a European feel. I was able to walk almost everywhere I visited with the exception of a few off-the-beaten path restaurants.

A person can’t visit Charleston without learning about its controversial past. Given its location as I described earlier, the city was a key port that was responsible for the sale and transport of enslaved Africans. Numerous plantations still exist throughout the region including McLeod Plantation, a former slave plantation located on James Island. The plantation is considered an important Gullah heritage site, preserved in recognition of its cultural and historical significance to African-American and European-American cultures. The plantation grounds include slave cabins, a gin house, and gardens.

The property has served in many capacities over the years including a Confederacy Hospital, a burial ground for slaves and Union soldiers, and a headquarters office for the Freedmen's Bureau.

Touring a plantation can be emotionally draining, so after grabbing a quick bite at Leon’s Oyster Shop, head to the South Carolina Aquarium to lighten the mood. My main reason for visiting this aquarium was to tour its renowned sea turtle hospital and rehabilitation center. Guests are given the chance to learn about all of the turtles at the center including how they were injured as well as their path the recovery and ultimate release back into the ocean. The aquarium also features a wonderful stingray touch pool where guests can feed the rays. I’ve done this activity many times in the past, but I can’t remember the last time the rays were so excited and friendly.

After a long day of touring the city, head to The Loutrel, a brand-new boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Charleston. The elegantly appointed property is conveniently located to almost every attraction in the city and just a block away from the City Market. The 50-room property has a 24-hour fitness center, mezzanine level where friends can gather and enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages as well as a rooftop patio boasting panoramic views of the city. My corner room contained a living area, large bedroom with king-size bed and a bathroom complete with a walk-in shower. The property is so new, I am pretty confident that I may have been the first guest to stay in that particular room. After a quick wardrobe change, grab a signature cocktail at Veranda Lounge before heading out for the evening.

For dinner, check out The Grocery, about a 25-minute walk from the hotel. Begin your meal with the Marinated Beet, served with Granny Smith apple, walnut, feta, and herb-tahini yogurt. The restaurant prides itself of its fresh produce and

this dish was a testament to their vision. If you visit with family or friends, I recommend sharing the Lowcountry Seafood Pilau, basically Charleston’s version of paella, served with shrimp, clams and fried fish over a bed of rice.

Charleston is home to one LGBTQ bar, so after dinner at The Grocery, head over to Dudley’s on Ann, the oldest gay bar in the city. The space hosts drag performances throughout the week as well as a small dance floor.

Even though there is only technically one LGBTQ nightlife venue in the city, the people of Charleston are pretty laid back and non-judgmental. It has an East Coast sophistication and many of the locals told me they feel comfortable expressing affection in non-LGBTQ specific establishments as well.

I had the opportunity to speak with Harlen Greene, a local historian and archivist who most recently began a project to collect materials and documentation about Charleston’s LGBTQ history. “Charleston prides itself in its history but sells various versions of its history to people,” Green mentioned. “History is an elite club, so finally LGBTQ people came and started telling me about their history.”

In 2018, an initiative called The Real Rainbow Row was launched, to collect photographs, diaries, memoirs, religious and institutional records, as well as Pride, bar, and other items related to Charleston’s LGBTQ history. Input and suggestions from individuals regarding archival materials and oral histories are eagerly sought and tax-deductible financial contributions are necessary to keep the project active.

Wake up early the next morning and enjoy the complimentary breakfast as The Loutrel before setting out to explore the city. I suggest heading south from the hotel as that is where many of the stately mansions are located. As you get closer to the tip of the peninsula, the houses become grander in stature. Swing by Rainbow Row, a collection of 13 colorfully painted homes along East Bay Street. It isn’t a gayborhood unfortunately, but it does make for some wonderful Instagram photos. End your tour at Riley Waterfront Park, home of the city’s iconic Pineapple Fountain.

Before you depart Charleston, stop by [rodneyscottsbbq.com]Rodney Scott’s BBQ for a taste of true South Carolina BBQ. The award-winning establishment is home to delicious melt-in-your-mouth BBQ and is famous for their pulled pork. I decided to try a little of everything, but given how much I walked on this trip, I decided to treat myself.

To book your Charleston gaycation, visit www.Orbitz.com/Pride Enjoy the Journey!

Festival Location 805 2nd Street

Miller Lite steps up holiday décor with drinkable ornaments

BY ALEX PARKER Don’t put the star on top of the tree just yet.

Miller Lite is putting its stamp on the holidays with Beernaments, its new line of drinkable décor that double as fully functional ornaments.

The Beernaments represent Miller Lite’s latest innovation in drinkware, following the Cantenna and the Shoezie. Fitting snugly around 8-ounce cans of Miller Lite, the Beernaments can be hung on the tree afterwards simply using the tab and a hook.

Six packs of Beernaments – beer sold separately – are available starting at 3 p.m. Eastern Time tomorrow for $19.75 at beernaments.com. Miller Lite will release a limited quantity of Beernaments every day until they are sold out, and the brand expects them to be delivered by Dec. 25.

“With holiday gatherings ramping up, we know what people really want is authentic moments to connect with those they care about,” says Josh Robinson, associate marketing manager for Miller Lite. “Miller Lite’s Beernaments will make those moments fun and memorable.”

The brand has partnered with actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang with a video where he shows how to best enjoy Beernaments, while providing his holiday decorating tips. The video shows Yang adorning his holiday tree with Beernaments, turning it from a sad afterthought into a 10-foot masterpiece.

“Longtime Miller Lite fan, first-time professional holiday decorator, I’m very excited to help bring Beernaments to beer lovers, holiday enthusiasts and just generally joy to the world,” Yang says. “Who wouldn’t want to drink beer out of an ornament?”

The Beernaments are Miller Lite’s latest efforts to encourage legal-age drinkers to “give the gift of Miller Time” this holiday season, alongside a new collection of holiday knitwear, available on its online store, and refreshed winter packaging featuring gift wrapped 12-packs of bottles and 16-ounce pints.

Miller Lite is looking to close out 2021 on a strong note. The brand is surging in the on-premise, where it’s gained 1.5 points of share of draft beer this year. It now commands a 10% share of draft in the channel, up from 8.5% last year, according to Beer Business Daily. That’s the most share it’s had in bars, taverns and restaurants since 2018.

“Miller Lite has always celebrated the holidays in its own special way, and this year is no different,” Robinson says. “Whether celebrating with friends at a bar or decorating at home, the holidays are truly Miller Time.” https://www.millerlite.com/beernament

Coralville Pride Festival in Pictures

PrideFest 2021 pictures

by Gregory Cameron

GoGuide Magazine file photo