IN Toronto Magazine: November 2012

MUSIC GENTLEMAN REG GOES BIG

GAY & LESBIAN CITY LIVING | NOVEMBER 2012

INSIGHT

BETRAYING AFRICA HELPING KIDS ACROSS ONTARIO CORPORATE LEADERSHIP

TOWERS OF POWER

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PUBLISHER Patricia Salib EDITOR Gordon Bowness DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Ryan Lester ART DIRECTOR Nicolás Tallarico GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenny Watson OUR MISSION Inspire gay men and lesbians to live life to the fullest.

Expand the gay and lesbian community by valuing diversity and individual choice.

Celebrate Toronto.

Provide readers with compelling news, information and entertainment.

ADVERTISING & OTHER INQUIRIES (416) 800-4449 ext 100 • info@intorontomag.com EDITORIAL INQUIRIES (416) 800-4449 ext 201• editorial@intorontomag.com

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THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Paul Gallant, Krishna Rau CONTRIBUTORS Paul Aguirre-Livingston, Mary Dickie, Derek Dotto, Jason Hudson, Peter Knegt, Pamela Meredith, Ian Phillips, Adam Segal, Doug Wallace, Andrea Zanin ON THE COVER Illustration by Ian Phillips pasdechance.com

Banking can be this comfortable ®/ The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries.

CONTENTS

ISSUE 30

VIEWS | LIVING & DESIGN | INSIGHT | LISTINGS | ART & ENTERTAINMENT | SEX

29

8

8 12 18 29

12 17

18

JOLLY OL’ ENGLAND The off-season joys of London and Bath

by Doug Wallace LAPSED MINIMALIST Christopher Oldfield’s eclectic mini manor

by Jason Hudson TOWERING ACHIEVEMENTS LGBT employees and executives make inroads in the corporate world

by Paul Gallant THE BOY, THE BOAT & THE TIGER Ang Lee takes Life of Pi into the third dimension

by Peter Knegt

6

VIEW FINDER Line Art auction

IN THEIR OWN WORDS with Christina Zeidler

7

SOUND OFF Auctioneer Charlene Nero

IN BRIEF The Youth Line’s j wallace

14

A DATE WITH OBSESSION with Adam Segal

16

BLOOR STREET ENTERTAINS by Derek Dotto

17

PLAY WINTER FOOTSY by Derek Dotto

21

AFRICA, AIDS & HOPE UNDER THREAT by Krishna Rau

24

NOVEMBER CALENDAR & LISTINGS

27

TORONTO’S NEWEST GALLERY SCENE by Pamela Meredith

28

BUDDIES’ ART ATTACK by Gordon Bowness

radical Just when you thought a full-frame camera was too much of a camera for you, not to mention too costly, Nikon comes along with the D600.

This entry-level full-frame DSLR from Nikon is set to make an impact with amateurs and professionals, alike. While the D600 already has photographers eager with anticipation, videographers and amateur filmmakers are also salivating at the possibilities.

Why full frame? Filmmakers prefer the full-frame 35mm format for the same reason portrait photographers do; it allows them to get shallow depth-of-field to isolate their subject while blurring the background.

The large sensor also has an advantage in its ability to gather light for shooting photos and video in near dark settings.

The D600 is a radical concept, with way too many features to cover in a small space ad. To do it justice, visit the Vistek nearest you; talk to a Vistek camera specialist.

30

GENTLEMAN REG’S SUPERB CD by Mary Dickie

33

FLUID BONDING with Andrea Zanin

Photo | Video | digital | SaleS | REntalS | SERvicE

34

CAUGHT IN THE ACT Scene photography

ToronTo • 496 Queen St. East • (416) 365-1777 • sales@vistek.ca Mississauga • 5840 Mavis Rd. • (905) 593-1777 • mississaugasales@vistek.ca oTTawa • Calgary • EdMonTon

vistek.ca

TORONTO TALK EXCHANGE

VIEW FINDER → BEST FRIENDS FOREVER Specially crafted paddles have been auctioned off (some still available) to generate buzz for the Youth Line’s fundraising auction Line Art coming up on Tue, Nov 6 at Neubacher Shor Contemporary (5 Brock Ave). This paddle is by illustrator, book publisher and designer Ian Phillips (pasdechance.com), who also did the cover illustration for this issue of In Toronto. For more on the paddles, art for auction and the event go to lineartauction.ca and page 26. For more on the incredible work of the Youth Line, the province-wide support system for LGBT youth, go to youthline.ca and see the opposite page.

Sorrel Serutton

IN THEIR OWN WORDS CHRISTINA ZEIDLER

They’ve got the script. They’ve got the cast.

They’ve got the trailer. Now all they need is the money to make the film. Christina Zeidler and John Mitchell have written a new comedy called Portrait of a Serial Monogamist.

“Hopefully the title alone will have the les-

6

November 2012

→ “It’s about the community for the community

by the community.”

bians roaring with laughter,” says Zeidler. Billed as a lesbian romantic comedy about coming of middle age, the film will star Diane Flacks (pictured, right) as a fortysomething lesbian who goes from relationship to relationship.

“What was once cute and charming in her younger days is now problematic,” says Zeidler.

Another starring role goes to the city itself. “Toronto is central to the story, and we’re exploiting its comic possibilities: It’s a bit flawed, a bit disappointing, just like the lead character. It’s still a love letter, though.”

The filmmakers hope the city will embrace

the film, even before it’s made. On Mon, Nov 5 they launch an Indiegogo fundraising campaign with an event called One Night Stand. In addition to debuting the trailer, the evening will include standup comedy and cabaret from cast members Dawn Whitwell, Carolyn Taylor (left) and Vanessa Dunn (also front woman for Vag Halen) and performances by other special guests, raffles and more; Elvira Kurt hosts.

Zeidler is excited about the possibility of crowd-sourcing the necessary funds. “With the agency of like-minded people, we can make the movie people want to see.

“We want to make a film that is truly romantic and truly funny. Yes, there are politics about being queer in the city and they’re a part of the film. But first and foremost, this film is going to be fun. People are hungry for that.”

One Night Stand starts at 8pm on Nov 5 at the Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St W) admission is $20. poasm1nightstand.eventbrite.ca.

TORONTO TALK EXCHANGE SOUND OFF GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE…

THROW KIDS A LIFELINE

Line’s Line Art auction and Buddies in Bad Times Theatre’s Art Attack, comes by her fast-talking charms honestly.

“My father, who passed away five years ago so all may be safely told, won a share in an auction business in a card game,” says the Welland native.

“The guy was a pretty good auctioneer but a pretty bad poker player. Within a year, he had lost the rest of the business to my dad in a series of other poker games.

“When I started out, at age 12, I would run the concession stand and take tickets at the flea market. My dad took me with him on buying trips all over Western New York. I saw all different styles of auctioneers, from the ‘Southern Gentlemen’ with a bow tie, sleeve clips, Panama hats and canes, to the ‘Cattle Callers’ who gargled out barely discernible words in a kind of crazy code that only initiates

could understand.”

What’s the toughest tonguetwister she’s ever had to call?

“I had to sell a 15-piece set of vintage Funk and Wagnalls yearbooks, so much a piece. We started with, ‘Who wants to give me 10 bucks a piece for the Funk and Wagnalls books, that’s only a hundred fifty dollars for the whole f**king Wagnalls set.’ The rest as they say was history.”

Nero has two day jobs. She’s a labour relations specialist at an independent trade union and she and her partner run the Bank Café and catering in Creemore. Still, Nero always finds time for the community.

“I’ve been involved in different ways for more years than I care to admit. Way way back in the day, I used to write for Rites Magazine (mid ‘80s, I guess),

the Lesbian Dance Committee (another blast from the past). I’ve done work with the Pride committee, lots of LGBT groups in Montreal like Divers Cité and on campus at York and Concordia, and a lot of work with the labour and women’s movements.”

Where did she get her signature rainbow vest? “My partner Natalie is quite an accomplished seamstress. She designed and sewed the rainbow vest for my first Buddies auction. She created various versions of it over the years: rainbow hedgehogs, rainbow stars, rainbow cats (I think that one is still on the cutting table).”

Nero returns to the auction block for this year’s Art Attack at Buddies on Thu, Nov 22; see pages 26 and 28.

GORDON BOWNESS

Martin Garcia

MK Lynde

→ Auctioneer Charlene Nero, a fixture at community events like the Youth

“We are the community that many LGBTQ youth want but don’t have where they live,” says j wallace, the new executive director of the Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line, the provincewide peer support service. The Youth Line gets around 5,000 “contacts” a year, says wallace, most by phone, but some by online chat and email.

The youngest ever caller was 11. “That’s one of the changes over the last 20 years: Callers are younger and younger,” says wallace. “It’s no longer just, ‘I’m in university, how do I come out to my parents?’ Now it’s more, ‘I know who I am and I’m living with my parents. How do I make that work?’”

Calls are anonymous but the Line does track area codes. “We’ve gotten calls from every area code in the province. And yes, we still get calls from within Toronto. It all comes down to a kid’s particular home life, community, school or faith group.

“Awareness does not necessarily translate into support.”

The Youth Line’s big annual fundraiser, Line Art, is Tue, Nov 6.

Historically, says wallace, about 10 percent of the Youth Line’s budget comes from this one event. “So it has a huge significance for us.”

For more on Line Art, see pages 6 and 26 or go to lineartauction.ca.

To find other ways to support the Youth Line, check out its website at youthline.ca.

intorontomag.com

7

visitbritain.com

LIVING & DESIGN

T R AV E L

IN LOVE WITH LONDON → Just

because you missed the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and World Pride and the Olympics doesn’t mean you can’t make up for it now Story Doug Wallace

T

he dust has finally settled in London and things are back to normal; now is the perfect time to plan a visit.

London is, without question, the coolest city in the world. And step one to any memorable trip is to recognize that you can’t see and do everything in one visit; your relationship with this inspiring city will take repeat visits. So focus.

HOME BASE Whatever is on your to-do list, the West End is a great home base;

8

November 2012

somewhere you can walk to lots of things without having to hail a cab.

The Radisson Blu Edwardian chain (radissonblu-edwardian.com) has a few options within a stone’s throw of some of the major sites, including two on Leicester Square. If you want to be closer to Knightsbridge, Kensington and Hyde Park, Base2Stay Kensington (base2stay.com) is a prime spot, nicely designed with an excellent price point.

Wherever you end up, opt for a transit pass and make friends with

the Underground (tfl.gov.uk/tube).

While not exactly Zurich, London’s transit system is efficient and easy to navigate (right from the airport).

SHOPPING & ART Oxford Street? A spin through Selfridges (selfridges.com) may be just what you need. St James?

You’d be remiss not to pop into the Jermyn Street shops where the royal family gets its fine duds (can you smell the hand-made shoes?).

The window shopping in Mayfair alone is an eyeful. Sharpen up the

credit card in advance, because you’ll need it.

For art afternoons (that is, when it’s rainy), head over to South Bank. There’s always something gripping going on at The Tate Modern (tate.org.uk), including a Roy Lichtenstein retrospective from late February 2013 to June. And while you’re milling about the Thames embankment, the Hayward Gallery (southbankcentre.co.uk) is good for an hour or two at least. Check out the Light Show, an exhibition of

LIVING & DESIGN

art made with light, there until

(yardbar.co.uk) is also nice for a pint

don.com) is in this hood, as is vet-

May. The National Portrait Gallery

or two.

eran pub The Royal Vauxhall Arms

(npg.org.uk), which enjoyed a huge

Eat local: Archer Street is a few

(rvt.org.uk) with great drag shows.

success in the summer with The

steps from all the action, where you

Expect a real mix, propped up by

Queen Art and Image, has a per-

can fortify at Bocca di Lupo (boccadi-

handsome older guys with jeans

manent collection that is always

lupo.com) on superb Italian food and

that don’t look expensive but are.

worth it. The gallery is just up

quite the (straight) scene.

Eat local: Hit The Black Dog (the-

→ CAPI TAL EYE The London Eye is in South Bank, home to great galleries like the Tate Modern.

BEFORE YOU GO Village Drinks is a social network for gay professionals that throws

from Trafalgar Square. Have you

Shoreditch is the hip East End

the

the best after-work cocktail par-

been up the London Eye (london-

part of town where The George and

Black Dog burger and follow that

ties at places like the regal Café

eye.com)? Definitely worth a try

Dragon

can

up with an Eton Mess for dessert.

de Paris and the Kensington Roof

when you are in the neighbour-

start your night off — if you can get

Seasonal, home-style menu and

Gardens (that last ’til late). Sign up

hood, provided the lineup is short

into the sing-along vibe. (It’s really

guest ales.

for free in advance at villagedrinks.

and you’ve got the stomach for it.

a local boozer disguised as a camp,

Without doubt, there will be fabu-

cabaret venue.) Hipsters head to The

lous food in your travels, but don’t

Joiners Arms (joinershoreditch.com)

miss the experience of the pub.

The best thing about off season

The gay old times in Soho and

for an easy-going eclectic music mix

While you can spit and hit one in

is that the hotels are a bit cheaper,

Old Compton Street are still going

and a friendly, not-afraid-to-talk-to-

most neighbourhoods, there are

the main attractions less crowded

strong, and that’s likely not to

you crowd.

some true gems. Make a plan to visit

and the art galleries devoid of

STEPPING OUT

(georgedragon.com)

blackdogvauxhall.com)

for

co.uk, and follow the emails. Super fun and zero attitude.

change any time soon. If you’ve

Eat local: Out-of-the-way Bistro-

if you find yourself in any of these

school tours. Weather tip: Leave

already done the Comptons pub

teque (bistrotheque.com) is big on

areas: In Hammersmith, it’s The

all shoes that aren’t waterproof at

(faucetinn.com/comptons) and GAY

bold flavours — comfort food with

Dove

(dovehammersmith.co.uk);

home. Bring a smart rain jacket or

(g-a-y.co.uk) to death, try The

a twist. Chuck the diet and have a

in Mile End, try The Palm Tree (127

two. Or three. And like Patsy says:

Shadow Lounge, a nicely appointed

mini foie gras burger to start.

Grove Rd); Covent Garden, The

You can never have enough hats,

and smallish gay members club on

Vauxhall is not only enticing the

Lamb and Flag (lambandflagcov-

shoes and gloves. This town is

Brewer Street that lets non-mem-

gay crowd to live in this south-of-

entgarden.co.uk); and in Camden

stylish, so pack accordingly. Visit

bers sign up for the guest list at

the-river enclave, but also come

Town, try Brewdog (brewdog.com/

visitbritain.co.uk.

theshadowlounge.co.uk. The Yard

out to party. The Eagle (eaglelon-

bars/camden).

Continued on page 10

intorontomag.com

9

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LIVING & DESIGN Continued from page 9

BEYOND & BATH Ninety minutes from London’s Paddington Station, the city of Bath in the southwest was originally developed for R&R by the Romans in 43 AD. Built around England’s only natural thermal springs, Bath eventually began its long life as a principal respite for the rich and royal in the early 1700s. This city is one big history lesson due to this bathing backstory and the amazing architecture: the roots of its UNESCO designation.

The 2,000-year-old Roman Baths (romanbaths.co.uk/) need to be number one on your list.

Take the tour; the museum displays are extremely well done.

Oh, and you can drink the spa water (just maybe not too much of it). Fast forward yourself to modern times at Thermae Bath Spa (thermaebathspa.com) and sink deep into its 46-degree rooftop pool overlooking the cityscape.

Spend at least a bit of time in one or more of the four steamrooms, each aromatized with a different essential oil. Book ahead if you’re inclined to absorb a massage or facial.

The rather racy 18th-century crowd would let off consider-

able steam over the course of the “season,” frequenting the gambling halls and society balls. Bath has more than a few interesting footnotes that lay bare the longago residents’ preoccupation with the trappings of wealth. Perfect examples can be seen at Number 1 Royal Crescent (bath-preservation-trust.org.uk), a beautifully restored museum full of the various luxuries of the period. For a full briefing, book a city tour at experiencebath.com.

Overnighters can check into The Francis Hotel (francishotel.com), covering seven original 18th-century townhouses on Queen Square built by Bath forefather John Wood. A fun mix of modern and traditional design, with punchy colours and cheeky fixings (think: bright yellow and black cameo flock wallpaper), cozy and luxe. You can walk from here to just about everything.

For other recreational pursuits, pick up a copy of bi-monthly Bath Life to see what’s happening in the pubs and clubs, or hit the digital version at mediaclash.co.uk. Also visit visitbath.co.uk.

And keep an eye out for this beer: Abbey Ales Bellringer. •

visitbritain.com

→ NAMESAKE The 2,000-year-old Roman Baths.

Let’s make the numbers work so you don’t have to

Use our retirement savings calculator today and let’s figure it out.

When you know your numbers, you can talk to us with more confidence. Working together, we can help you tailor your retirement plans. We’re ready when you are.

Visit www.tdcanadatrust.com/yourretirement or a branch today

®/ The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries.

LIVING & DESIGN

O PE N H O U S E

MISCELLANY MANOR → Talent

agent Christopher Oldfield has lived in his beautifully-appointed Yorkville co-op for 15 years, cocooned by an eclectic mix of vintage curiosities Story & photography Jason Hudson

12

November 2012

LIVING & DESIGN

Describe your style.

There’s not one sort of design element I like. It’s a combination of things.

Eclectic. I’ve always liked nice things.

Even my dorm room was filled with stuff I love. I love carpets. It’s one of the things I’m collecting. I love midcentury oil paintings. I like big furniture in a small space. Some furniture is inherited from my grandmother in Germany; other pieces I’ve collected over time. I just love each and every element. That’s how things get in here: I just have to love it. I’d say it’s masculine. I think the animal skins help with that. My dad worked internationally, so my brother was born in South Africa, I was born in India. After that we bounced around between a lot of places: Belgium, Milan, Paris. I spent summers in Germany with my mother’s family. All of that is here. The light in the hall is Indian, the bust in the kitchen is South African, which I think it beautiful. I was always brought up that there was never a TV in the living room. TV was not for public consumption. But I wanted something modern in here. And I’m also trying to get rid of all plastic things. No plastic.

You don’t have a lot of electronics or clutter or knickknacks.

It’s not cluttered. But when I had it restored it was supposed to end up way more minimalist. I had it painted white and I wanted it all very simple. But when you live alone, staring at white walls starts to make you a bit crazy. → INTERNATIONAL STYLE Christopher Oldfield’s peripatetic upbringing is reflected in his unusual decor and attempts at decluttering.

So I thought, “I need some colour and some art and some visual stimulation.”

But I hate clutter. And living in the city, everything just gets so dusty so quickly.

I hate knickknacks. I mean, I have a box full of loose pictures, but not a lot of bits and pieces. I recently got rid of all my books, most are digital now. I wanted the bare minimum and got rid of things that just take up space. But, that said, I have 10 years worth of Vanity Fair magazines under my bed. I just can’t get rid of them. The entire ’80s. Herb Ritts. And I can’t part with them.

Favourite part of the apartment?

I love everything. That’s the thing about having a small space: It can be filled with things you love. But I really love the dining table. It’s solid, beautiful. The armoire is one of the first pieces of furniture that I bought. It’s like early IKEA. It’s a reproduction from the turn of the 20th century. All the doors come off. There are a bunch of panels. Makes it easy to move. And it houses all my junk. My unit is particularly nice, because everything is original: windows, fittings and fixtures, the working wood-burning fireplace, the original brass sconces, the radiators, the solid brass hinges on all the doors.

I have windows in every room, because they used to build buildings for living, not like today. I have a window in my kitchen and my bathroom, which is rare. It’s a very unique, neat place.

Worst parts?

It’s hard to regulate the temperature, with old windows and radiator heating. But with a wood-burning fireplace, Continued on page 14

intorontomag.com

13

LIVING & DESIGN Continued from page 13

you pop open the windows, adjust

Awesome

workmanship.

These

the rads. It’s a dance. Other nega-

things aren’t made anymore. I feel

tive: It’s kind of dark in here. I don’t

blessed to enjoy these things.

get any direct sunlight. I face this other condo building. So that’s a

Your home is very rich and luxe,

shame. But, actually, this allows

I’m wondering what your office

me to go without window cover-

looks like? Do you take a break

ings, which I like.

from the visuals?

Some of the walls are white, some

You had the apartment restored

are dark purple. Velvet sofa with

this year.

crystal rhinestones. Antique desks.

It was in bad disrepair. It was

No big box office furniture. No no no.

time. My friends always said that people would pay thousands for

So it’s a no?

the flaking paint on the ceiling and

No.

the “charm,” the busted plaster. But for me it was just bad. There were

What’s your favourite part of the

so many coats of paint, it was so

neighbourhood?

thick. It took seven or eight weeks.

We have the best of everything.

I did some things myself. I polished

Pusateri’s is right around the cor-

all the brass, stripped it, boiled it in

ner, so I don’t have to cook. I eat

vinegar, stripped paint, scrubbed

a lot of charcuterie and cheese

decades

con-

and bread for dinner. And, hey, if I

stant cleaning now that they’re in

have to nip out to Hermes to grab a

their original state. The rads were

saddle, it’s right there!

off.

They

need

stripped and painted in this heatresistant matte black. All the brass fittings were stripped and polished.

JASON HUDSON Blogs about style at jasonhudson.com.

RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

— with Adam Segal → “I

can’t stop dating. Seriously, I just can’t stop. My last long-term relationship ended almost two years ago and since then I’ve been on a perpetual hunt to find a new mate. I’ve met a handful of guys over that time that seemed okay but no one has really captured my heart in a way that I would’ve hoped for. I’m starting to become concerned about being too obsessed with finding a partner. I’m 31 years old and I spend almost all of my free time outside of work scouring online dating sites in hopes of finding Mr Right. All of this can leave me feeling depressed and overwhelmed but I just can’t seem to stop the search. How do I make sure I don’t miss out on the right guy but feel less consumed by the process?”

Alan

Often people falsely assume that

ing like the plague (or, more

the “one” can only be found in

likely, Kesha’s new single). With

magical moments of serendipity.

time, you will have to learn how

As a busy and hard-working guy, it

to identify, listen to and soothe

would make sense that you would

those feelings instead of making

take advantage of the plethora of

a dash for your MacBook.

online dating tools rather than

A

leave it all to fate. To take matters

ship is a truly worthy pursuit, but

into your own hands as you have

your sanity matters much more.

is, by no means, a misguided ven-

Your letter reveals what sounds

ture. The unfortunate news is that

like a pretty big fear of single-

you seem caught in a compulsive

dom — which may be one of the

pattern that is overwhelming you

feelings

and eclipsing all of your precious

from by frantically perusing the

free time.

online man-buffet. There’s a good

Anytime we find ourselves in a

chance that, even before this par-

trance-like state, engaging in an

ticular dating frenzy began, there

activity for oodles of time, and

have been other ways you have

ultimately feeling shitty, it’s a

sought escape in the past. With

sign that addictive behaviour is at

the help of a therapist or some

work. At the heart of most addic-

good old self-help books, you can

tive patterns is a desire to expe-

start to regain control of your

rience a mood shift. Drinking

impulses and establish a health-

alcohol, buying things we don’t

ier relationship to the love-hunt

need or obsessively hunting for

that doesn’t hijack you or your

romance are all likely to produce

livelihood.

committed

you’re

loving

relation-

running

away

euphoric states that momentarily shield us from the more painful stuff we’d rather not acknowledge. Your job will be to investigate what feelings you are avoid14

November 2012

ADAM SEGAL The writer and therapist works in private practice in downtown Toronto.

Ask him your relationship or mental health question at relationship@intorontomag.com.

LIVING & DESIGN

PH I L A N T H RO PY

DESIGNING FROM THE HEART → In

the battle against AIDS, custom home builders Joe Brennan and Daniel Greenglass offer up their luxe talents, staging one of the most talked-about events of the social season Story Derek Dotto | Photography Jason Kwan

F

rom palatial penthouses to Greco-Roman-inspired estates, Joe Brennan and Daniel Greenglass are forces to be reckoned with when creating luxury homes. “I’m more of the design part,” says Brennan, of Brennan Custom Homes. “He’s more of the business part. So it’s the perfect yin and yang,” The longevity of their 25-year professional pairing is matched only by their personal life together. Just in time for the couple’s silver anniversary, Brennan and Greenglass have created yet another stunning home by gutting and remodelling an old church near College and Bathurst.

But this one’s just for them. “I’ve basically never lived in a house.

I’ve always lived in buildings,” say Brennan. “We took the building down to four walls, left no floors, because we changed all the levels, and put in concrete and heated floors.”

That ambitious flare for design, coupled with a commitment to philanthropy, has brought them to the helm of the glamorous affair known as Bloor Street Entertains, an event benefitting the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR). “They are the perfect hosts because of their long-standing commitment to and understanding of this cause,” says Christopher Bunting, CANFAR president and CEO. “They have been generously supporting AIDS-related causes and CANFAR almost since the beginning.”

On Wed, Nov 28, the city’s glitterati will come together for a night of art,

16

November 2012

entertainment and food along the Mink Mile. Brennan and Greenglass are overseeing the creative direction of this year’s event, and like that old church on College, there are big changes in store.

“We decided to have a really outrageous cocktail party at 6:15 in the evening,” says Brennan, explaining the decision to do away with the afterparty, which saw dwindling attendance in recent years. “It’s not just a meet and greet. There will be entertainers all around the venue, a pop-up band or a pop-up singer,” he says. “It’s a twilight party. It’s a happening,” says Greenglass. “The intent is to get people energized and excited so they’re hyped up for their dinner.”

Once partygoers have worked up an appetite, they’ll disperse to nearly 25 venues scattered throughout Yorkville. Boutiques, dealerships and galleries by day — including Tiffany & Co, Holt Renfrew and Ferrari Maserati — will be transformed into opulent settings for an evening of fine meals prepared by the city’s top chefs.

Naturally, Brennan and Greenglass made some minor adjustments, adding private homes into the mix.

“Twenty-five years ago, when it was called Food for Thought, they had the dinners in private houses,” says Greenglass. “There are some spectacular apartments on Bloor so we’re corralling three or four apartments that are higher-end and adding those to the list.”

This year, the Foundation’s 25th, CANFAR aims to raise $1 million at

Bloor Street Entertains, with proceeds going to HIV/AIDS research and prevention. Having come of age during the AIDS crisis of the ’80s and early ’90s, Brennan and Greenglass know the devastation the disease can cause, and say that message is often lost on many young men.

“Today’s generation has been so anesthetized. They’re blasé about it,” says Greenglass. “When I came out in 1987, people were scared. You don’t have that anymore. That’s why in the last 10 years the AIDS incidence has gone up so much.”

According to CANFAR, the rate of new HIV infections around the globe was down 15 per cent between 2001 to 2010; however, the rate of new infections in Canada

→ GLI T T ERAT I Changes are in order for this year’s CANFAR fundraiser Bloor Street Entertains.

continues to rise. “There needs to be much more education that it’s still there,” says Brennan. “It’s still a disease that has no cure and, even though there are these great cocktails and drugs, you are not going to be cured. People should be careful and take precautions.” And what better way to remind people of the costs of such an unglamorous disease than to throw a party the city will never forget?

BLOOR STREET ENTERTAINS Wed, Nov 28. bloorstreetentertains.ca. See page 26.

LIVING & DESIGN

S H O PPI N G

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR... PROTECTION? → Stomp

stylishly around town this winter without fear of sleet or snow Story Derek Dotto

W

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1 The classic English brogue takes a few leaps into the future with this update by SWIMS. Leather is replaced by rubber and high density Scotchgard nylon to keep you dry. Then there’s that sharp contrast sole. $279. Next Door. 433 Queen St W. dwndclothing.com.

2 The company that brought you one of the worst things to happen to footwear this century gets a chance at salvation with this structured, biker-style boot. Yes this is an UGG, with all the warmth and comfort of the brand’s original claim to fame but with the cool factor increased tenfold. Did we mention the leather is waterproof? $398. UGG Australia.

23 St Thomas St. uggaustralia.ca.

2

1

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3

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4

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INSIGHT

C O R PO R AT E S E C T O R

BOARDROOM POWER PLAY → LGBT

employees and executives are breaking into the old boys’ club Story Paul Gallant | Illustration Ian Phillips

C

arol Osler remembers the

a few more rungs on the corporate

Canadian employers come up again

day when she went to the

ladder — late in her eight-year ten-

and again — TD, Deloitte, KPMG,

ladies room at the offices

ure as vice president of security

Ernst & Young, Cisco. While these

of Toronto Community Housing.

and governance services at Sun Life

industry leaders deserve admira-

As head of security of Canada’s

Financial — that she finally took the

tion, other sectors, like the extrac-

largest public housing authority,

plunge. Her boss invited her to an

tive industries, this country’s great-

Osler had been proactive at hiring

executive gathering that included

est source of wealth, remain less

women into her male-dominated

spouses and Osler felt she couldn’t

welcoming. The machismo that

department and had caught some

not take her partner Linda, who

dominates mines and oilfields can

lesbians in her recruitment net.

was encouraging Osler to be more

also dominate the boardrooms.

“There was a group of women

open. “I used to live my life on a

The truth is, straight white men

there, talking about gay Pride Day,”

postage stamp. Now we live on a

who populate the upper echelons of

Osler recalls. “They said to me, ‘You

football field,” says Osler, laughing.

Canada’s biggest corporations tend

should go. We’ll never get our free-

Her boss’s reaction was positive. By

to surround themselves with peo-

doms and rights if all you big exec-

the time she was headhunted by

ple they can trust and relate to —

utives don’t come out and march in

TD a couple of years later, she was

traditionally other straight white

the streets with us.’ Not being out

out and proud. This year, Osler won

men. So the story of the progress

at the time, my response was, ‘No.’”

a professional leadership award

made by LGBT people in the cor-

Osler, now senior vice president

from the networking and mentor-

porate world is, in a way, about

of global security and investigations

ing group Out on Bay Street (outon-

straight men, how they bond and

for TD Bank Financial Group, didn’t

bayst.org), which acknowledged her

how some of them are changing the

come out at Toronto Community

for being a role model and for giving

way they build and demonstrate

Housing. Starting as a security

back to the community.

trust. And there’s a whole new gen-

guard at age 19, she had lingering

There are no statistics on how

doubts over whether her cowork-

many of Canada’s top executives

ers would be as loyal to her if they

are LGBT. Unlike ethnic minori-

Osler is 57 and plays golf (though

knew she was a lesbian. When your

ties, gay and lesbian people are

not as well as her partner Linda).

career starts with walking into the

more able to hide their difference in

Japneet Kaur is 23 and figures

middle of domestic disputes and

order to get ahead. South of the bor-

she’ll have to learn to play golf if

other violence, you realize how

der, the Human Rights Campaign

she wants to make it to the top.

much loyalty matters. “I felt if peo-

reports that not a single Fortune

“They really expect it. It’s part of

ple really knew who I was, then

1000 CEO is openly gay (except for

the way business is done. Golf is

they wouldn’t be there to help me

Steve Job’s heir at Apple, Timothy D

very social,” says Kaur, a graduate

in a tough situation.”

Cook). When you look for gay execs

of the Rotman Commerce program

and LGBT-inclusive policies, certain

at the University of Toronto who is

It wasn’t until Osler had climbed 18

November 2012

eration of ambitious LGBT people who are taking them at their word.

INSIGHT

“IT’S ABOUT STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEERS. YOU HAVE TO BUILD SINCERE RELATIONSHIPS AT THE PERSONAL LEVEL.”

of diversity, equity and inclusion

was gay,” says Doyle. “I was abso-

for KPMG in Canada, founded Pride

lutely shocked at the suggestion.”

at Work Canada (prideatwork.ca)

Then about 10 years ago, KPMG

about six years ago to encour-

started talking more about inclu-

age corporate Canada to be more

sion and what it meant. Doyle

LGBT-friendly. In the beginning,

wondered why LGBT people would

there were 11 corporate partners;

be less comfortable than straight

now there are almost 50.

people in the KPMG workplace.

“If you found a gay man working

“Then with Michael and others

in retail, there’s no surprise there.

leading that discussion — and

If you found a lesbian working at

some surveys we’d do asking a

currently studying for a master’s

Home Depot, you’re not going to

whole wealth of questions about

of financial economics at U of T.

be surprised,” says Bach. “But Bay

the

Also the corporate treasurer of

Street is not an environment where

ual orientation and their comfort

Out on Bay Street, Kaur has come

individuality is encouraged. That’s

level and inclusiveness — we got

out about 30 years earlier in her

the differential. People don’t nec-

the input that this was something

career than Osler did in hers. Kaur

essarily want to stand out.”

we really needed to do something

workplace,

including

sex-

is interested in investment bank-

At the companies that have pur-

about. Since that time we’ve been

ing and, though it’s hard to imag-

posely become more LGBT-friendly

on a journey. At times, it’s abso-

ine it would be as rough as security

— changing the tone of the work-

lutely educational for me.”

detail at a public housing complex,

place culture, encouraging LGBT

Take jokes in the workplace.

she wonders if it’s the right fit.

employee groups and even desig-

“Michael and I have been good

“I’d say it would be very difficult

nating staff to manage LGBT pro-

friends over the years. I will joke

to be openly gay in that field,” she

grams — you can usually find

with him, as in, ‘Does that shirt

says. “It depends on your personal-

a straight man at the top who

you’re wearing, Michael, come in

ity, but they work, like, 100 hours a

decided to make it a priority. At

man colours?’ What I’ve learned is

week and the male-to-female ratio

TD, it’s well known that CEO Ed

that it may be all right to say that

is probably 30 percent women.”

Clark took up the challenge. When

to Michael. But it’s not appropri-

Although Kaur can list corpora-

I talked to Bach, who is gay, he was

ate for people within earshot of

tions that are LGBT friendly, she’s

joined on the call by KPMG partner

that to hear that.”

also aware that being out can be

Peter Doyle, who is straight.

a liability. If you have something

“Thirty

years

who

I

It’s an interesting role revertalked

sal. Many LGBT people have spent

gay on your resumé, “you may not

to

questioned

their working lives filtering gen-

even be invited for an interview.”

whether the work of an individual

der pronouns and weekend activ-

Michael Bach, national director

somebody

ago,

would be affected by the fact he

Continued on page 20

intorontomag.com

19

INSIGHT Continued from page 19

to golf. Even at a company that has ities from their workplace conver-

strong diversity policies, breaking

sations. Now their straight bosses

into the inner circle is tough. There

are second-guessing what they

are lots of people who are great at

can and can’t say. Even when it

their job who will never be invited

doesn’t roll easily off the tongue,

into the corridors of power. An

an executive inviting an employ-

insider is someone who can social-

ee’s partner — rather than his wife

ize easily with other executives.

or her husband — has become a code for, “I get it.”

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“It’s not an episode of Mad Men,” says Bach. “I’ve never played a

“I wouldn’t want to work for a

round of golf. I don’t think I’d be

company that wouldn’t accept

particularly good at it. The social

me,” says Michael Mirpuri, the

aspect of the workplace and the

23-year-old

Out

politicking in it still exist. But the

on Bay Street. He’s been a staff

rules of the game have changed.

accountant at Deloitte for about

I go to the executive table as an

a year and, during that time, has

openly gay man. I do my job. If I

helped a closeted coworker come

wasn’t good at my job, it wouldn’t

out. “You can see that executives

matter if I was gay or a unicorn.”

president

of

are becoming more familiar with

How about the straight guy?

terms like ‘partner.’ I think there’s

“I didn’t know whether Michael

change just because these issues

played golf or not. I know that I go out

are being discussed. Not every-

and do something that’s called golf.

body agrees with it or likes it. But

But I wouldn’t pause for a second to

they need to seek out the top tal-

wonder if Michael should come out

ent so they have to undergo or be

with me and play golf,” says Boyle.

associated with these changes.”

“There is an expectation of our peo-

Indeed, there’s so little to distin-

ple to develop relationships in the

guish one bank or consulting firm

community and the business world

from another — not only in the

to contribute to our growth. There

minds of customers but, perhaps

are many ways of doing that. Some

more importantly, in the minds of

do it by golfing. Others take clients

the top talent — that being an inclu-

to baseball games or other sporting

sive employer is low-cost bait for

events. Others do it because they’re

the brightest and the best. Still, let’s

out in the community.

not be too cynical. Evidence suggests the shift in attitudes extends

“I think the world is evolving on the golf front.”

beyond cutting-edge employers. In a

Osler’s success has, in part, been

2011 Angus Reid survey, 72 per cent

about finding the right balance

of the gay, lesbian and bisexual peo-

between presenting her authentic

ple surveyed said that attitudes in

self and reading the room.

the workplace towards LGBT peo-

“I’ve focussed less on sexual-

ple have improved over the previous

ity,” says Osler. “For me, it’s about

five years. On the other hand, LGBT

strong relationships with peers.

people were less likely to come out

You have to build sincere rela-

to subordinates than to supervisors

tionships at the personal level. I

or peers, perhaps creating an illu-

talk openly about who I am. When

sion that it gets straighter the higher

I used to talk about what I did on

you go up the food chain.

the weekend, I used to leave all the

Of the respondents who reported

names out. Now I don’t.”

experiencing discrimination, the largest category was people who felt socially excluded — 43 per cent, beating out “being ridiculed” (42 per cent), “passed over for advancement” (28 per cent) and harassment (26 per cent). Which takes us back 20

November 2012

OUT ON BAY STREET The Women’s Initiative with speakers Kathleen Wynne, Christine Wilson, Lisaj Lander and Sarah Hunter. $20 for students; $40 for working professionals.

6:30pm-10pm. Thu, Nov 8. The 519 Community Centre. 519 Church St. outonbayst.org.

INSIGHT

I N T E RN AT I O N A L

DASHING HOPES → Just

as community-based organizations in Africa are beginning to make huge strides in combatting the AIDS pandemic, Western governments are pulling funding out from beneath them Story Krishna Rau | Photography Peter Bregg & Liz Marshall

I

lana Landsberg-Lewis, the executive director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, doesn’t understand why, just when the tide seems to be turning in the fight against AIDS in Africa, governments are reneging on their commitments.

“The community-based organizations with which we work have certainly made extraordinary strides,” she says. “I think that is certainly cause for immense hope. And I know there have been remarkable advances lately in treatment, in microbicides, in medicines. If you’re

on antiretroviral drugs, the viral load becomes extremely unlikely to be passed on. All this gives hope that an AIDS-free generation may not be out of reach, even without a cure.

“At the same time, at exactly this moment, funds are drying up as governments don’t fulfill their obliga-

tions. There’s been a massive drift away from donors. I think it’s really egregious. I know there’s a fiscal crisis, but at the same time there are massive bailouts of banks and trillions of dollars spent on wars.

“I can’t fathom why it’s happening, and why governments will allow Continued on page 22

intorontomag.com

21

INSIGHT

Continued from page 21

the death spiral that will result. The

campaign supports grandmothers

delinquency of governments is com-

in African countries who in many

pletely shocking to us.”

cases have been forced to take over

The

result,

says

Landsberg-

Lewis, is that organizations like the

orphaned because of AIDS.

Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) are

“Because they’ve had some regu-

more dependent on individuals and

lar and sustainable funding, they’ve

non-governmental groups for sup-

actually been able to move beyond

port. That, she says, is the purpose of

just sustainable living. They’ve been

Hope Rising, the second annual fund-

able to step into a place of leader-

raising concert — featuring Annie

ship. They’ve started to talk to their

Lennox and Angelique Kidjo, among

governments about income secu-

others — being held Wed, Nov 7 at

rity and pensions. They’re reaching

Roy Thomson Hall. The theme this

beyond AIDS now.”

year focusses on women, and the

Landsberg-Lewis is also excited

ways in which African women in

by the Foundation’s Arts Fund,

grassroots organizations across the

which supports the use of the arts

continent are taking the lead in the

by African grassroots organizations

push to make clear the connec-

fight against HIV/AIDS.

to promote healing. “Communities

tion between HIV and food security.

“If the national governments aren’t

in Africa all use the arts in memory

“Because hunger and drought and

there, then individuals and commu-

books, singing, dancing, body maps.

famine are so rife, the intersection

nity organizations and unions and

It’s actually one of the areas from

of lack of food security and extra vul-

others have to step up. What’s terri-

which we in Canada can learn from

nerability of those with HIV/AIDS is

Africa. It isn’t just about art ther-

pronounced.”

“I CAN’T FATHOM WHY IT’S HAPPENING, AND WHY GOVERNMENTS WILL ALLOW THE DEATH SPIRAL THAT WILL RESULT. THE DELINQUENCY OF GOVERNMENTS IS COMPLETELY SHOCKING TO US.”

22

the raising of their grandchildren

→ IN I T T OGE T HER While taking care of numerous AIDS orphans, grandmothers in Africa are now tackling issues like access to medicines, income security and pensions.

Regime (CAMR), which would make

apy, it’s that the arts are understood

And while she feels that the stigma

it more affordable for developing

as being an essential part of being

of HIV/AIDS is being reduced in

countries to obtain AIDS medica-

human. One of the exciting things is

Africa, Landsberg-Lewis says that

tion from Canada. The last CAMR

how the arts are integrated into daily

it is still a major factor, and can be

reform bill died in the Senate last

lives. We’re not talking about peo-

exacerbated among gay men by vio-

year when the federal election was

ple as victims. That’s something we

lent homophobia.

called. The existing bill has only

could really take our cue from.”

“I think there have been incredi-

been used once, to send a ship-

She says that SLF is also launch-

ble steps taken in lessening stigma.

ing new initiatives aimed at trying

Governments like South Africa are

“The need for drugs to actually

to reduce the causes of infection.

taking it seriously. But there’s still

get to the continent is paramount.

She singles out attempts to reduce

an enormous amount of stigma

With the advent of treatment as

sexual violence by supporting the

where there isn’t support for grass-

prevention, the work of commu-

creation of the African Institute for

roots organizations. And when gay

nity-based organizations should

Integrated Responses to Violence

men are not allowed to live openly,

be easier, if the drugs are just

against Women and HIV/AIDS. “It’s

when they’re driven underground,

made available. I don’t know what

bly important is that people under-

really owned by the women in the

sometimes HIV can be a factor. The

the excuse is, this could preserve

stand that there’s been tremendous

groups who are doing this work. At

struggle for human rights for LGBT

lives, make sure there aren’t more

progress. It’s not the same old char-

the moment, it’s like a virtual net-

people in Africa is a desperate and

orphans in the next five years.

ity pattern with people here help-

work. There’s a steering commit-

even mortal one. The more we can

Knowing what that would mean, I

ing the helpless, hapless victims in

tee of experts from organizations in

talk about the breadth of people who

don’t know how anyone anywhere

Africa. We need to stand in solidar-

several countries in which we work.

are affected by HIV/AIDS, the more

in the world can justify delaying

ity with them.”

Those working on HIV/AIDS have

that we don’t divide these communi-

drugs. Just under 50 percent have

The money from Hope Rising will

had to become experts on sexual

ties, the better. I think we benefit the

access to drugs, which means 50

go to support a number of SLF’s ini-

violence and those working on sex-

more we talk about how the disease

percent don’t. So the death spiral

tiatives

Landsberg-Lewis

ual violence have had to become

does not discriminate.”

continues.”

says, are really beginning to achieve

experts on HIV/AIDS. The frontline

As for what the Canadian govern-

some success. She points to the

workers are in deep need of counsel-

ment, specifically, should be doing,

Grandmothers

ling themselves.”

Landsberg-Lewis says she hopes

which,

to

Grandmothers

Campaign, which has raised $16.5

Landsberg-Lewis says that the

million in Canada since 2006. The

Foundation is also beginning to

November 2012

to see a renewed effort to reform Canada’s

Access

to

Medicines

ment of drugs to Rwanda.

STEPHEN LEWIS FOUNDATION stephenlewisfoundation.ca. The Wed, Nov 7 Hope Rising concert is sold out.

Side effects affecting your plans?

You’re not alone. Let’s talk. Visit the Canadian AIDS Society at cdnaids.ca/CanWeTalk Share a tip and you and your favourite AIDS Service Organization could win!

LISTINGS & EVENTS

NOVEMBER IN THE CITY

3 PINK RIBBON INC Screens at Breast Fest

6 ADAM GARNET JONES No Small Thing screenings

9 MARIE BERGSTEDT Amy Winehouse-themed show opens at World of Threads fest

JARRETT SIDDALL IN VENA CAVA TDT’s Rare Mix opens

14 DEBORAH COX & CONSTANTINE MAROULIS Jekyll & Hyde opens

Art & Photography KRISTINE MORAN Figures verging on abstraction or abstractions verging on figurative? Between Life and Death, new paintings by the Brooklyn-based OCAD grad. 11am-6pm. Tue-Fri. 10am-6pm.

Sat. Until Sat, Nov 24. Daniel Faria Gallery (see page 27). 188 St Helens Ave. (416) 538-1880. danielfariagallery.com.

TROY BROOKS The Fates and the Furies, solo exhibition of new works. Opening.

6pm-9pm. Thu, Nov 1. Noon-6pm. WedSun. Until Nov 25. Pentimento Gallery.

1164 Queen St E. (416) 406-6772. troybrooks.com.

THE WORLD OF THREADS FESTIVAL More than 200 artists from around the world showcased in a massive tangle of exhibitions of fibre art held jointly in Toronto and Oakville. Signature TO shows include: Where Were You When Amy Winehouse Died? With Britta Fluevog, Kaija Rautiainen, Pat Hertzberg, Emily Martin,

21 TERMINUS Opens at the Royal Alex

Marianne Burlew, Molly Grundy, Sharon Moodie, Meghan Macdonald, Asun Sánchez, Marie Bergstedt and Jennifer Hirschmann. Opening. 7pm-10pm. Fri, Nov 9.

1pm-7pm. Tue-Sun. Until Dec 1. Gallerywest. 1172 Queen St W. Hard Twist 7: Touch Me, Feel Me with a score of artists including Fei Disbrow, Janet Piper Jones, Jolie Bird, Michelle Bialy, Danielle Bleackley, Philip Hare, Lauren Osmond and Marcy Sperry. Opening. 6pm-9pm. Thu, Nov 1.

Noon-5pm daily. Until Jan 27. Gladstone Hotel. 1214 Queen St W. Protrusion, curated by Gareth Bate, features Ying-Yueh Chuang, Magda Wojtyra and Robyn Thomas. 9am-6pm. Mon-Fri. 10am-4pm.

Sat. Fri, Nov 9-Dec 1. Meet the artists: 5pm-7pm. Nov 10. Various spaces in 401 Richmond St W. There’s an art bus tour to the Oakville exhibitions on Sat, Nov 3. worldofthreadsfestival.com.

THE HUMAN CANVAS PROJECT Author and artist Matti McLean presents his book collection of photo portraits of painted

7

9

ANNIE LENNOX Performs at Hope Rising benefit

25

A BRIMFUL OF ASHA Ravi Jain opens at Tarragon Extra Space

figures. Opening. 8pm. Sat, Nov 3. 11am7pm. Mon-Wed. 11am-9pm. Thu-Sat. Noon-6pm. Sun. Until Nov 10. Glad Day Bookshop. 598 A Yonge St. (416) 961-4161.

PAUL PETRO CONTEMPORARY New work from Berlin-based Canadian painter Robin Fry and mixed-media artist Maura Doyle.

Opening. 7pm-10pm. Fri, Nov 16. 11am5pm. Wed-Sat. Until Dec 22. 980 Queen St W. (416) 979-7874. paulpetro.com.

FRIDA & DIEGO: PASSION, POLITICS & PAINTING 155 works, including paintings

and photographs that document the lives of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. $25 (timed admission). Until Jan 20. Art Gallery of Ontario. 317 Dundas St W. (416) 979-6648. ago.net.

Dance RARE MIX Toronto Dance Theatre presents co-founder Patricia Beatty’s Against Sleep, an iconic duet from 1968. With JeanSebastien Lourdais’ Etrange and two

PRISON DANCER Screens at Reel Asian fest

27 JEFFERY STRAKER CD launch party at Revival

works by artistic director Christopher House, Four Towers from 1993 and Vena Cava from 1995. $19-$40. 8pm. Tue, Nov 6-10. Fleck Dance Theatre. 231 Queens Quay W. (416) 973-4000. harbourfrontcentre.com.

ALICE’S ADVENTURE IN WONDERLAND The National Ballet of Canada reprises its wildly popular and spectacularly designed ballet by choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, composer Joby Talbot and designer Bob Crowley. $25-$180. 7:30pm.

Wed-Sat. 2pm. Sat & Sun. Sat, Nov 10-25.

Four Seasons Centre. 145 Queen St W. (416) 345-9595. national.ballet.ca.

Film & Video BREAST FEST An unusual weekend-long festival dedicated to breast cancer.

Screenings include Léa Pool’s Pink Ribbons Inc, a thought-provoking documentary from 2010 on the impact of marketing and pink campaigns on the

LISTINGS & EVENTS

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR MONTH The Royal. 608 College St. In the hourlong doc Dal Puri Diaspora, Richard Fung takes an inquisitive journey through the Caribbean and India to discover the mouthwatering roots of one of his favourite foods, most commonly known as the roti. $12. 4:30pm. Nov 10. The Royal.

1 (888) 222-6608. reelasian.com.

RENDEZVOUS WITH MADNESS Runs Fri, Nov 9 to 17. Queerer offerings include Wolf by Yaike Smith, a US drama about a lonely young man abused by a bishop.

6:15pm. Nov 15. The UK drama Unconditional by Bryn Higgins finds siblings, who care for their disabled mother, coming under the demented power of a charismatic stranger who compels the male twin to dress up like his sister.

9:30pm. Nov 16. PWYC-$10 most screenings. TIFF Bell Lightbox. 350 King St W. rendezvouswithmadness.com.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT BEING QUEER Vivek Shraya’s doc gets a gallery installation.

Opening. 8pm. Thu, Nov 22. 10am-5pm.

Until Dec 8. Videofag. 187 Augusta Ave. (647) 238-3047. videofag.com.

Rock & Pop

LA DIVINA Frida Kahlo’s “Self-Portrait as a Tehuana (Diego in My Thoughts)” from 1943 is part of the huge Kahlo/ Rivera exhibition on now at the AGO.

perception and reality of the disease.

Followed by a panel discussion with producer Ravida Din, Mark Hierlihy and Alison Gordon. $10. 1pm. Sat, Nov 3. Hot Docs Bloor Cinema. 506 Bloor St W. breastfestfilmfest.com. See Stage below for comedy showcase Tits ‘n’ Sass.

EXHALE: STORIES FROM QUEER YOUTH OF COLOUR Deviant Productions presents

documentaries on Sze-Yang, Jelani AdeLam and Afi Browne. Free. 2pm. Sat, Nov 3. Tallulah’s Cabaret. 12 Alexander St. facebook.com/prodeviant.

NO SMALL THING Retrospective of gay Metis filmmaker Adam Garnet Jones’ seven shorts. Followed by Jones in discussion with ImagineNative’s Jason Ryle. $5. 8pm. Sat, Nov 3. Videofag. 187 Augusta Ave. (647) 238-3047. videofag.com.

PUTIN’S KISS Doc Soup screens Lise Birk Pedersen’s Danish documentary following 19-year-old Russian media darling Masha Drokova, a talkshow host who is tentatively trying to break away from her

pro-Kremlin positions — risky business in Vladimir Putin’s Russia. With Pedersen in attendance. $15. 6:30pm & 9:15pm.

Wed, Nov 7. 6:45pm. Nov 8. Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. 506 Bloor St W. (416) 637-5150. hotdocs.ca.

REEL ASIAN The Toronto portion of the film fest runs Tue, Nov 6 to 17 (with Richmond Hill’s portion running Nov 16 & 17). Screenings include the South Korean drama Stateless Things by director Kim Kyung-Mook (who attends). A North Korean migrant worker and young gay man are trapped by their social status. $12.

9:15pm. Wed, Nov 7. Innis Town Hall. 2 Sussex Ave. Prison Dancer is a Canadian musical written and directed by Romeo Candido. Inspired by real events, it tells the poignant but hilarious stories of six Filipino prison dancers who turn a maximum-security prison into a world stage.

This unique presentation will integrate on-screen projection and live performance from the cast. $15. 6:45pm. Nov 9.

HOPE RISING The benefit concert for the Stephen Lewis Foundation (see page 21) features powerhouse singers Annie Lennox and Angelique Kidjo. Sold out. 8:30pm.

Wed, Nov 7. Roy Thomson Hall. 60 Simcoe St. (416) 872-4255. roythomson.com.

JEFFERY STRAKER The hard-workin’ piano-playin’ singer/songwriter adds a bit more pop and folk to his cabaret sound with the release of his meticulous new album Vagabond. All-ages CD release party with Paisly Jura and guests. $15.

8pm. Tue, Nov 27. Revival. 783 College St. jefferystraker.com.

Jazz & Classical MARC-ANDRÉ HAMELIN & THE TAKÁCS QUARTET The Canadian pianist joins forces

with the celebrated Hungarian/US ensemble for a program of Shostakovich, Schubert and Britten. $35-75. 8pm. Sat, Nov 10. Koerner Hall. 273 Bloor St W. (416) 408-0208. rcmusic.ca.

FAIREST ISLE: A PURCELL CELEBRATION

Toronto Masque Theatre presents a concert of Purcell’s music for the stage featuring tenor Lawrence Wiliford, dancer Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière, actor Derek Boyes and an ensemble of singers and players directed from the violin by Larry Beckwith. $40. 8pm. Fri, Nov 16 & 17. Al Green Theatre. 750 Spadina Ave. (416) 410-4561. torontomasquetheatre.com.

EXQUISITE VIBRATIONS Espirit Orchestra presents works by Chris Paul Harman, Bruce Mather (both world premiere commissions), music director Alex Pauk and Marc-André Dalbavie. Pauk’s Musiques immergées is an immersive collaboration with acclaimed photographer Edward Burtynsky and filmmaker John Price and features a multi-screen projection and surround-sound playback. $55. 8pm. Sun, Nov 18. Koerner Hall. 273 Bloor St W. (416) 408-0208. rcmusic.ca.

Stage & Cabaret SPEAKING IN TONGUES When a woman goes missing, four marriages fall into a mess of sex, lies and neglect in this thriller from Australian playwright Andrew Bovell. Starring Richard Clarkin, Jonathan Goad, Helene Joy and Yanna McIntosh; Philip Riccio directs. $22-$49. 8pm.

Mon-Sat. 1:30pm. Wed. 2pm. Sat. Thu, Nov 1-24. Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs. 26 Berkeley St. (416) 368-3110. canadianstage.com.

TITS ’N’ SASS A comedy showcase for Breast Fest (see Film & Video) starring Scott Thompson, Sandra Battaglini, Sandra Shamas and Dawn Whitwell. $20. 8pm. Sat, Nov 3. Hot Docs Bloor Cinema. 506 Bloor St W. breastfestfilmfest.com.

MY NAME IS NOT CARMEN A passion for flamenco drives a journey through identities by Russian-Canadian Yana Maizel. $35-$65. 8pm. Thu, Nov 8&9. Jane Mallett Theatre. 27 Front St E. (416) 366-7723. stlc.com.

JEKYLL & HYDE Toronto’s Deborah Cox stars with Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis in the national touring production of the musical by Leslie Bricusse and Frank Wildhorn; directed and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun. $29-$120.

7pm. Wed. 1:30pm & 7:30pm. Thu, Sat & Sun. 7:30pm. Fri. Wed, Nov 14-18. Ed Mirvish Theatre. 244 Victoria St. (416) 872-1212. mirvish.com.

THE LITTLE YEARS John Mighton’s heralded new play, originally produced at Stratford, is a look at the connections and disconnections of a 1950s family.

Starring Chick Reid, Laura McLean, Annemieke Wade and Pamela Sinha; Chris Abraham directs. $21-$53. 8pm.

Tue-Sat. 2:30pm. Sat & Sun. Wed, Nov 14-Dec 16. Tarragon Mainspace. 30 Bridgman Ave. (416) 531-1827. tarragontheatre.com.

GLENN GOULD SCHOOL Students from the vocal program perform an opera double bill: Ned Rorem’s surreal murder mystery Three Sisters Who Are Not Sisters and François-Joseph Vézina’s story of star-crossed lovers Le Lauréat.

Peter Tiefenbach conducts; Ashlie Corcoran directs. $15. 7:30pm. Fri, Nov 16 & 17. Mazzoleni Concert Hall. 273 Bloor St W. (416) 408-0208. rcmusic.ca.

TERMINUS The Mirvishes launch a new second stage series with the Outside the March theatre company’s production of Mark O’Rowe’s drama; winner of this year’s best production award at Summerworks. Three interwoven stories set in contemporary Ireland told in heightened language and rhyming verse. Starring Maev Beaty, Ava Jane Markus, Adam Wilson; Mitchell Cushman directs. Tix TBA. Nov 21-Dec 9. Royal Alexandra Theatre. 260 King St W. (416) 872-1212. mirvish.com.

FARE GAME Theatre Passe Muraille presents a multi-media journey with Toronto’s taxi drivers created and performed by Ruth Madoc-Jones, Marjorie Chan and Alex Williams. $30-$35.

Continued on page 26

LISTINGS & EVENTS

IN SPOT MASSIMO DUTTI Story Paul Aguirre-Livingston

There’s a new empire in town: Massimo Dutti, a Spanish heritage brand from the fashionphiles behind Zara, just opened its first North American outpost in the Eaton Centre.

Founded in 1985 exclusively as a menswear shop, Massimo Dutti now has more than 500 stores in 45 countries, with a women’s wear collection and an incoming children’s line to augment the continuing focus on men.

“From the outset, the Massimo Dutti man has exuded a unique personality,” says a men’s division ambassador from the brand’s Barcelona offices who, strangely, is not allowed to be quoted by name.

“He is urban, cosmopolitan, independent, pays attention to details, and is cultured and classy.”

The Dutti demeanour lets the clothing actually speak for itself.

Aimed at ages 25 to 60, price points match the spectrum, with offerings at the higher end of the middlemarket that avoid anything faddish or fast-fashion. A suit starts at about $400 with all the fixings. And there’s more than enough fashionforward fare, including peach khakis and button-ups (both starting at $79.50), buttery leather jackets ($375) and a selection of footwear, notably the brown suede 26

November 2012

→ CON T EMPORARY & SHARP A classic look from Spanish label Massimo Dutti.

desert boots ($245). Merch isn’t grouped in bulky, overwhelming displays of excess stock, and there are only a handful of mannequins.

(Shipments arrive twice weekly so the selection stays fresh.)

How is the aesthetic different from sister label Zara? “The main difference between the two brands is that the customer shopping Massimo Dutti is looking to enhance his or her personal style with classic items, while the customer shopping for more trendy items will choose Zara.”

From décor to garments, the concept store is elegant and intimate without feeling exclusive or frantic. The floors are marble, and the custom cabinetry is cut with clean lines in a strong wood finish that mirrors the Massimo Dutti character: contemporary and sharp. As for those aforementioned timeless items the Dutti sartorialists recommend? “A classic suit, white shirt, leather jacket and classic trousers will take you anywhere.”

MASSIMO DUTTI Toronto Eaton Centre. 220 Yonge St. (647) 255-0000. massimodutti.com.

Continued from page 25

7:30pm. Tue-Sat. 2:30pm. Sat. Tue, Nov 20-Dec 8.Theatre Passe Muraille mainspace. 16 Ryerson Ave. (416) 504-7529.

A BRIMFUL OF ASHA Written and performed byRavi Jain and his mother Asha, this is a charming and heartfelt exploration of the generation gap among new Canadians. Why Not Theatre remounts its winning production from last year. $48-$53. 8pm. Tue-Sat. 2:30pm. Sat & Sun. Sun, Nov 25-Dec 16.

Tarragon Extra Space. 30 Bridgman Ave. (416) 531-1827. tarragontheatre.com.

ORDINARY DAYS Angelwalk Theatre and Winnipeg Studio Theatre present the off-Broadway musical by Adam Gwon.

The search for lost grad thesis notes brings four strangers together. Starring Justin Bott, Jay Davis, Connie Manfredi, and Clara Scott.; Kayla Gordon directs.

Fri, Nov 30-Dec9. Toronto, Studio Theatre. 5040 Yonge St. $41-$52. 8pm.

Tue-Sat. 2pm Sun. angelwalk.ca.

Talks & Issues DENISE BENSON DJ and The Grid contributor discusses her Then and Now column, a look at local club and music history. 7pm. Wed, Nov 7. Bloor Gladstone Library. 1101 Bloor St W. (416) 393-7674. torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Causes & Events LINE ART The biggest fundraising event for the province-wide peer support group the LGBT Youth Line (youthline.ca). A few wheelbarrows of great artworks to be had from Stephen Andrews, Barbara Astman, Shary Boyle, Keith Cole, Douglas Coupland, Chris Curreri, Oliver

→ T HE WHISPERS One of Troy Brooks’ new paintings showing at Pentimento Gallery this month.

Husain, Guntar Kravis, Kris Knight, Bruce La Bruce, Micah Lexier, Alyson Mitchell, John Montieth, Paul P, Shaan Sayed, Harold Town and more. Reception and final preview. 6:30pm. Live auction. 7:30pm. Tue, Nov 6. Neubacher Shor Contemporary. 5 Brock Ave. lineartauction.ca. See pages 6 & 7.

ART ATTACK Buddies in Bad Times’ signature fundraising event with host Shawn Hitchins, auctioneer Charlene Nero (see page 7), appearances by Regina the Gentlelady (page 30), St Stella, Bianca Boom Boom and more.

On the block are artworks by Derek Liddington, Allyson Mitchel, Will Munro, Ed Pien, Jess Dobkin, Maurice Vellekoop, Charles Pachter, Drasko Bogdonovic, Alejandra Santiago, Nina Arsenault and more (see page 28). Lots of cool lifestyle packages in the silent auction. Keith Cole hosts the Tuck Shop. $25; $100 VIP. VIP reception 6pm. Public reception and preview 7pm. Live auction 8pm. Thu, Nov 22. Buddies. 12 Alexander St. (416) 975-8555. buddiesinbadtimes.com.

BLOOR STREET ENTERTAINS The deluxe fundraiser for the AIDS research charity CANFAR (canfar.com) turns 16 this year.

Patrons host fancy dinners by top chefs in people’s homes or unusual venues like Cartier and Tiffany’s. See page 16.

Switching things up this year, everyone meets at 6:15pm for a glam cocktail reception and auction before the 8pm dinners. $1,000. Wed, Nov 28. Royal Ontario Museum. 100 Queens Park. bloorstreetentertains.ca. •

A RT & ENTERTAINMENT

VISUAL ART

GO WEST… & THEN NORTH → Discover Toronto’s

newest arty neighbourhoods

Story Pamela Meredith | Photography Elad Sarig

T

oronto has no shortage of arty hoods. Art galleries, from up-and-coming to been-there-forever, are woven into the urban fabric of many of our most interesting neighbourhoods.

Everyone knows about the Queen West scene, but have you visited Bloordale and Brockton Village lately?

Artists and galleries are pioneers when it comes to tracking down the next untapped urban pocket.

The cycle is well documented: Artists sniff out inexpensive, gritty locales, and trendy restaurants and shops follow them. Eventually rents get too high for the creatives who made the area cool in the first place so they decamp for cheaper horizons. And repeat.

This new cluster of art activity is technically neither “new” nor much of a tight “cluster.” The grouping is geographically loose but since every month sees new spaces opening, the distance between venues shrinks while the critical mass intensifies. Olga Korper Gallery (olgakorpergallery.com) has anchored this part of town since her Morrow Street space opened in 1989; we must give her credit for introducing us to the possibilities of the College-Dundas-Lansdowne convergence, the industrial gallery space typology, not to mention the work of Roland Brener, Lynne Cohen and don’t forget her five important exhibitions with Robert Mapplethorpe (new one opening Thu, Dec 1).

Nearby, Dundas West is the new… no, I’m not going to say it… it’s not the new anything! It is however a hotbed of storefront gallery spaces

(and the attendant restaurants are coming too). Jessica Bradley Gallery (jessicabradleyinc.com) has been doing thoughtful, layered exhibitions for years at Dundas and Dufferin. Bradley is a curator and she consistently presents exhibitions that tell a rich story.

Her roster has too many choice artists to list, but Derek Sullivan and Jed Lind are two favourites and I highly recommend that everyone see the amazing work of Julia Dault in the New Year (at the new Jessica Bradley Annex space further north in the Junction — a neighbourhood that deserves its own story).

Others have followed Bradley to this stretch of Dundas West including Cooper Cole (coopercolegallery.com) and LE Gallery (le-gallery.ca), two young galleries highlighting the profusion of interesting painting practices, amongst other things. LE’s Matt Bahen recently generated buzz and frenzied bidding at Art with Heart for his muscular large-scale landscape. He’s doing something that feels original and totally fresh in this tradition. And because I love opposites, Takashi Iwasaki’s tiny delicate embroideries and playful paintings are equally powerful.

Cooper Cole has a distinct perspective with many of its artists riffing on graffiti, comics and psychedelic patterns, most notably Steve Powers (aka ESPO) whose work was included in MOCA Los Angeles’ graffiti/street art exhibition Art in the Streets last year.

Two notable art-world players recently relocated onto the Dundas strip. MKG 127 (mkg127.com) from Ossington, brought its eclec-

tic, conceptual and always genuine predilections, from An Te Liu’s complex, critical sculptural works to Liss Platt’s photographic examination of time and place. And Art Metropole (artmetropole.com), the venerable book store, exhibition space (and so much more) made the move from their longtime King West digs, inserting themselves centrally into the action, right where they should be.

Moving off of the high street, Daniel Faria Gallery (danielfaria.com) opened one year ago on St Helen’s Avenue, though it feels like he’s been there for much longer. The space, the exhibitions and Faria’s smart, natural style raise the bar for the neighbourhood and indeed the entire city. Douglas Coupland’s accomplished exhibition of landscapes and QR code paintings was a highlight of the inaugural year as was Derek Liddington’s performative drawing installation and Shannon Bool’s utterly unique hybrid of photo, textile and sculpture. I look forward to year two with bated breath! Faria’s neighbour Scrap Metal (scrapmetalgallery.com), an exhibition space for the private collection of Samara Wahlboom and Joe Schlesinger, rounds out the tour with ambi-

→ HEAVEN Miroslaw Balka’s exhibition at Scrap Metal Gallery.

tious installations by international and Canadian artists including the current, sublime Miroslaw Balka exhibition entitled Heaven (up ‘til March next year).

This roundup is certainly not complete and my borders are arbitrary! It’s just a start. Seek out Mercer Union, Arsenale, Narwhal and Tomorrow Gallery. Strap on your bike helmet and get out there!

PAMELA MEREDITH Is TD Bank Group’s senior curator. intorontomag.com

27

A RT & E N T E RTA I N M E N T

DISPLAY CASE by Gordon Bowness BIDDING WAR Buddies in Bad Times Theatre lobs another creative assault at its fans and supporters with its signature fundraiser Art Attack. It’s a rambunctious night of visual art, lifestyle goodies, performance and tomfoolery.

Here, some of the curators from the event discuss a select few choices from the 30 artworks up for auction.

NINA LEVITT WOMEN’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF NURSING GRADUATES, 1960 YEARBOOK “Nina Levitt is an internationally renowned artist living, teaching and making work in Toronto,” says Cecilia Berkovic. “She exhibits widely, has close ties to local artistrun culture and organizations, and has inspired and mentored hundreds of students over the years. The strength of her work lies in her persistent and critical inquiry into representation of women drawn as much from historical archives as pop culture. Her work is feminist, queer, smart and sexy.”

CHARLES PACHTER NIGHT RIDE “My earliest experience with art in Toronto was Charles Pachter’s playful line drawing murals of hockey players in the College Street subway station,” says Chris Ironside.

“Pachter’s contribution and impact on Toronto and Canada’s cultural landscape is immeasurable. Night Ride fits into that landscape perfectly and evokes our shared experience, as Torontonians, of emerging from below ground, fingers crossed, hoping the streetcar will be waiting for us.”

KOTAMA BOUABANE HEDGE, ORANGE COUNTY “There are two things I love about this photograph,” says Bill Clarke. “First, the story: It was taken in a gated residential neighbourhood in Beijing, China, that was built to replicate a Californian suburb. So, in effect, the photograph situates viewers, uneasily, in two places at once. Second, those trees are wonderful; they’re like a pair of dancers performing a pas de deux.”

ART ATTACK $25. 7pm. Thu, Nov 22. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.

12 Alexander St. (416) 975-8555. buddiesinbadtimes.com. See pages 6 and 26 for more.

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November 2012

A RT & ENTERTAINMENT

F I L M RE V I EW

FEARFUL SYMMETRY → Ang

Lee turns the seemingly impossible to adapt novel Life of Pi into a gorgeous, powerful wonder of a film Story Peter Knegt

I

f you were one of the seemingly endless people reading Yann Martel’s Life of Pi on the subway during the first half of the last decade, it’s unlikely you thought to yourself “Wow, this would make a really good movie.”

A largely philosophical book that spends the vast majority of its narrative with a boy and a tiger lost at sea in a lifeboat, it probably wasn’t that you didn’t think it would make a good movie, just that you felt it impossible to adapt.

But 10 years after the Canadian author’s novel won the Man Booker Prize for fiction and was propelled into an unexpected phenomenon of sorts, it is coming to theatres this month via Brokeback Mountain director Ang Lee, some state of the art 3D technology, and about $100 million. (How many Canadian books have ever gotten that treatment?)

Martel himself was quite surprised it ended up happening. When the film made its world premiere in September at the New York Film Festival, he said he never thought it would become a film. “When I was writing it,” he said, “it was very

“EVEN THE MOST BASIC CINEMA GURU CAN REALIZE THAT TO TURN THAT STORY INTO A MOVIE WOULD BE AN ENORMOUS TECHNICAL CHALLENGE.”

cinematic in my mind because of the contrast of colours in the blue ocean and white life boat and the orange and black tiger. In my mind it was very cinematic, but even the most basic cinema guru can realize that to turn that story into a movie would be an enormous technical challenge. So, no, I didn’t imagine it. I never thought I would see it on the screen, I thought it would be too complicated.”

Leave it to Ang Lee to pull it all off. Life of Pi is a gorgeous, powerful wonder of a film. Like the book (to which David Magee’s screenplay is generally quite faithful), it tells the story of a young Indian boy named Pi (Suraj Sharma, incredible in his debut role) who survives a shipwreck that kills the rest of his family, only to spend

227 days on a lifeboat with none other than a Bengal tiger (who is entirely CGI but, for once, you can never tell). Utilizing what is clearly some of the best technology available, Lee offers up epic visuals that more than warrant their third dimension and packs a serious emotional punch to boot.

The only time the film falters is when it jumps to the future, where an adult Pi (Irrfan Khan) tells his story to a character based on Martel himself (British actor Rafe Spall, offering up a serious attempt at a genuine Canadian accent).

These scenes are set all around Montreal, evoking a strange sensation in anyone familiar with the city, as the film cuts from giant CGI blue whales to Khan and Spall sitting on a park bench in Montreal’s

→ BURNING BRIGH T Suraj Sharma is incredible in his debut role; the CGI tiger is pretty good, too.

Old Port. It also feels like a lazy tactic to move the story along, and drags considerably in parts; you really just want to be taken back to the boy, the boat and the tiger.

But in the end, the film comes together effectively and leaves us with a rare example of a Hollywood studio-produced film that utilizes visual effects and a whole lot of cash money for the art of worthwhile storytelling. Hopefully audiences will appreciate this in droves, giving Hollywood encouragement to keep up the good work.

LIFE OF PI Opens theatrically on Wed, Nov 21. intorontomag.com

29

MUSIC

GENTLE GIANT → With

a new band and an upbeat, harder-edged sound Gentlemen Reg goes big on his latest album Story Mary Dickie | Photography Norman Wong

30

November 2012

A RT & ENTERTAINMENT

G

entleman Reg has a gor-

it’s stacked with tunes that will

ily vacations with us all singing

ber of The Hidden Cameras, with

geous voice, a style that

stick in your ear, the most persis-

harmonies in the car — and I was

whom he toured as recently as last

encompasses

best

tent earworm being the horn-and-

always lead,” he says. “That’s been

summer, and frequently performs

parts of ’80s English pop and cur-

handclap-laced anthem “I Could Be

a huge thing for me, knowing har-

with Owen Pallett, among many

rent Canadian indie rock, and a

What You Wanted.”

monies and being used to hearing

others. But his most recent col-

them.”

laboration is an electro-pop band

the

gigantic trove of catchy melo-

“There was nothing indie about

dies. And yet he’s somehow not a

this one — it was all ‘go big,’” he

At university in Guelph, Reg found

with Bunton called Light Fires, in

huge star. Part of the reason must

says. “I was listening to Eurythmics

a supportive environment at Three

which he performs as Regina the

be that his music doesn’t fit neatly

and Cars and Gary Numan, and

Gut Records, which also included

Gentlelady, a drag alter ego that

into one category, as the music

rock albums as well — a lot of Hole.

Jim Guthrie, The Constantines and

provides a very different creative

industry likes it to do.

And I had a consistent band, for

Royal City, and which released

outlet.

“It’s tough,” says Reg (whose last

the first time in ages. When I did Jet

his first three albums. The second

“It’s a whole other kind of per-

name is Vermue). “I’ve had con-

Black, it was just me and my drum-

one, 2002’s Make Me Pretty, ended

formance,” says Reg. “It’s about

versations with labels and man-

mer; my band had broken up and it

agement about who my audi-

was turmoil. So the processes were

ence is, and it’s tricky, because I

worlds apart. That one was very

play lots of Pride festivals, but as

stressful and chaotic and built up

Gentleman Reg I find it’s not quite

from guitar and drums, whereas

gay enough… it’s not party music,

this was a band, with a drummer,

it’s not showy and drag. And so I

a keyboardist, a bass player and

play rock clubs, and it’s fine but

me. And they were a major part of

maybe it’s a little too gay for some

this record; they’re getting writing

people.”

credits for the songs.”

Perhaps Reg’s superb new album,

Kelly

McMichael

major

is

presence

definitely on

body movement, it’s about playing

“WE HAD THOSE KIND OF VON TRAPP FAMILY VACATIONS WITH US ALL SINGING HARMONIES IN THE CAR — AND I WAS ALWAYS LEAD.”

“The

live, it’s a different style of music, and lyrically the content is totally different.

“When we started writing Light Fires’ music, Regina didn’t exist yet, so there was a long period when I was just writing dance music with my friend. Then I started doing drag, and then I meshed them together. At first Regina was just a

Leisure Life, will help him find a

a

larger audience. Released on his

Declaration,” in which her voice

up being his coming-out record. “I

drag queen who sang covers, and eventually I put them together. It’s

own label Heavy Head Records,

is a feet-on-the-ground contrast

guess that was the moment when it

amazing: I don’t do it consciously,

first as three EPs and then, in mid-

to Reg’s high-flying style. “She’s a

fully happened,” says Reg. “I tech-

but I think the music makes me

November, as a full-length work,

great keyboardist, and the keys are

nically never came out to friends

sing differently.”

it’s his first record made with a

huge on the record, but her voice

— they kind of figured it out — but

Reg toured as Regina with Light

steady band — singer/keyboard-

is huge as well,” says Reg. “That

that record had a song called ‘Two

Fires all summer, but now it’s the

ist Kelly McMichael, bassist Jon

song wasn’t a duet originally, but

Boys in Love,’ and there were ‘he’

Gentleman’s turn, and he’ll kick off

Hynes and drummer James Bunton

I wanted to feature her because

pronouns and it was just… there. It

his Leisure Life tour at the end of

— and it takes him a step further

people are always floored by her

was never preplanned, it was just

November.

into power-pop, being more upbeat

voice.”

that those were the songs I wrote,

and a bit harder-edged than his

Reg comes by his affinity for

and I didn’t think about censoring

previous album, Jet Black. And

vocal harmonies honestly: His par-

them. There are certain people I

ents both sing barbershop music,

should have told in person and not

and he has been writing and per-

through my music, but that’s just

forming since grade school. “We

how it goes.”

→ S TAR MAP Hopefully Gentleman Reg’s new album, Leisure Life, will secure his rightful place on the music charts.

had those kind of Von Trapp fam-

Reg became an occasional mem-

GENTLEMAN REG The Leisure Life tour starts Thu, Nov 29 in Peterborough, stopping at Toronto’s Gladstone Hotel on Sun, Dec 2. The new album is available at gentlemanreg.bandcamp.com. intorontomag.com

31

S EX s p onsored by spa excess

ASK THE SEX GEEK — with Andrea Zanin

“Do you know if there is any research out there to support the notion that a person can safely be fluid bound to more than one person?”

Daniela →

AIDS

IS NOT

OVER

Thanks to our volunteers, supporters, sponsors and walkers of the 2012 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life we are still fighting.

“Fluid bonding” is the idea that two

cially if they are considered non-

people who test free of sexually trans-

life-threatening or you’re considered

mitted infections (STIs) can

then

to be in a “low-risk” group — a con-

decide to forgo safer sex precautions

cept that doesn’t look at your actual

between the two of them — they can

sexual practices, just your demo-

now share their bodily fluids. This

graphic data. And for some STIs, no

term is most commonly used among

test exists.

people who may have additional sex-

Third, fluid bonding doesn’t take

ual partners with whom they do use

into account the key triptych of STI

protection. So, for instance, Martha

transmission. “Each virus is its own

and Jane don’t use latex gloves when

thing, each fluid is its own thing, and

they fuck, but when Martha has sex

each behaviour has a different risk,”

with Ted, they use a condom.

says Doc. For example, hepatitis C is

I asked my go-to expert, Doc, to

more transmissible via blood than

summarize the medical research

sex fluids — so you’re more at risk for

but she came up empty-handed. It

this one by sharing a toothbrush than

appears that fluid bonding is a com-

by a blowjob. And while people are

munity-sourced idea, not a medically

understandably very scared of HIV,

studied one. It is based on doctors’

in penetrative sex with a penis, the

common advice to patients — advice

receptive and insertive partners each

that assumes monogamy.

have markedly different risks.

“The classic wisdom works if you

In short, says Doc, “There are more

use a model where everybody plays

options than you think, and more

around in college, and then they get

decisions to make.”

married and settle down and have

Personally, I’d like to see conversa-

kids and don’t do that anymore,”

tions about safer sex get much more

says Doc. “It gives you a clean slate.

hot and intimate. Let’s talk about

But if that’s not your life plan, I’m not

the full tapestry of sexual activities,

sure the same logic applies.”

look at the relative risks of each one,

Though it’s appealing, the idea of

and make decisions from there. Doc

fluid bonding — whether with two

recommends starting out with in-

or more people — is not medically

depth information about STIs from

sound. This is true for three reasons.

the Sherbourne Health Centre (sher-

First, plenty of STIs are transmitted

bourne.on.ca), the Hassle Free Clinic

by means other than bodily fluids.

(hasslefreeclinic.org)

Genital warts, for instance, spread

Parenthood (ppt.on.ca). There’s also

via skin-to-skin contact, so condoms

a great article on risk assessment

don’t help.

from the Washington-based grass-

Second, a negative STI test isn’t a guarantee that you’re infection

or

Planned

roots education org Scarleteen (scarleteen.com).

free. Some STIs are asymptomatic, and you or your doctor might not think to screen for them. Some STIs are not commonly tested for, espe-

ANDREA ZANIN The Sex Geek blogs at sexgeek.wordpress.com.

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