IN Magazine: October 2015

celebrating canada’s lgbt LIFESTYLE | october 2015

Madonna

Takes Canada ART WITH HEART!

THE DOCTOR IS IN

GETTING CONTROL OF YOUR WEIGHT

10

steps to your own business

TRAVEL

ASIA’S ALLURING ENCHANTMENTS

fashion

Personal Style!

INDIVIDUALITY RULES THIS FALL

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It’s time to explore your relationship with money

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MAGAZINE inmagazine.ca PUBLISHER Patricia Salib EDITOR Jim Brosseau Art director Nicolรกs Tallarico FASHION DIRECTOR Adam Webster CONTRIBUTORs Luke Girard, Ruth Hanley, Dr. Malcolm Hedgcock, Tracy Howard, Adrienne Jordan, Alice Lawlor, Michael Pihach, Al Ramsay, Adam Segal, Riley Stewart, Marjan Tehrani, Casey Williams ON the cover Photography by Adam Webster; Kenisha Paranso of i.D. Silhouette, stylist; Karen Burgher, assistant stylist; Christine Barbuto, hair and grooming; Desiree, makeup Photographed on location at the Omni King Edward Hotel, Toronto Senior Account Director Woodrow Monteiro sponsorship co-ordinator Matthew Fuller DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Reggie Lanuza Controller Miki Ogiri 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 Canada. 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 PRODUCTION ads@intorontomag.com TALK BACK Feel free to share your comments on IN or articles in the magazine by emailing us at editor@inmagazine.ca.

IN Magazine is published 12 times per year by The Mint Media Group. All rights reserved.

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Contents

issue 65

october 2015

INFRONT 06 | MONEY$TYLE The joys and perils of starting your own business 08 | THE DOCTOR IS IN When overweight goes overboard 09 | WHEELS Driving a Lexus built to dazzle 10 | FITNESS PROFILE Finding the power of a fit mind and body 12 | LOOKING GOOD Taking command of your hair 13 | ON RELATIONSHIPS Learning to slow down after a break-up 14 | ON THE TOWN Scenes from the party circuit 15 | INSIGHT Celebrating your own identity

ART & CULTURE 21 | STILL A REBEL Madonna comes to Canada firing on all cylinders 30 | ART ANGELS When good works and good art merge 32 | A BREED APART Author Camilla Gibb takes on the meaning of happiness 34 | FLASHBACK The day that changed Winnipeg

Fashion 22 | FIT FOR FALL Looks to suit your own autumn style

travel 16 | ASIA SPECIFIC The allure of Vietnam and Cambodia

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Dressed for fall at the Omni King Edward hotel, Toronto

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INFRONT

Money$tyle

Being Your Own Boss → Riding the rollercoaster of risks and rewards in starting a small business

By Al Ramsay

A

t some point in our lives, most of us have considered owning our own business. In fact, I can think of few things more satisfying than being your own boss, with your own rules and schedule. Such thoughts are what push people to explore the idea of starting a business built around something they truly love. But it’s not enough to be pas­ sionate: You need to know how to execute your idea so it leads to profitability.

EMOTIONAL COMMITMENT Whether you’re developing the next big technology or have simply identified a service gap, starting your own business can be extremely rewarding, exhilarating—and frightening. The biggest hurdle most people face is the emotional commitment required. It’s like a relationship: If you’re not ready, you can get hurt—or in this case, your business will suffer.

When looking at risk, it’s important to make intelligent decisions while con­ sidering all variables. Don’t be blinded by the dollar signs and glamour of being a business owner. By taking the plunge, you not only give up a steady paycheque and vacation time but potentially health benefits and life insurance—at least until you’ve gotten established.

TIMING Ask yourself, Is now a good time? Are you starting a family, for example? Be realistic about your goals and the time frame it will take to achieve them. Under-estimate and over-prepare.

Your business will become your baby and will need nurturing and time to become successful.

RESEARCH The timing may be right, but what about the market? Do your research to learn where the gaps are in the market.

You might have a brilliant idea and the tools to make it work, but what if the

marketplace isn’t ready? One of the best ways to explore the marketplace is to hit the pavement; look at existing businesses in the area and related fields. Most owners love to talk about their businesses. Learn from their success but, more important, learn from their mistakes.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT Once you’ve researched the market, take that knowledge to the expert. The person you’ll want to talk to most during this entire process will be your business advisor. The relationship with him or her should be like a marriage: Discuss your concerns, ambitions and how you see the business growing. Leverage the advisor’s knowledge to develop an effective business plan that should include these key elements: objectives, goals, key milestones and how to achieve them— and don’t ever be afraid to ask for advice when needed.

Financing can be difficult. Prepare for the upfront expenses and have a backup plan for unexpected costs. As the saying goes, you have to spend money to make money, but that doesn’t mean liquidating your life savings. Assess your credit options and the documents and security required to get that credit set up.

Your plan should also outline how the business fits into your retirement and overall future financial picture.

Perhaps you’ve given up that pension and RSP benefit package from your previous employer—what will you do to supplement that income?

MARKETING How will you market your product to the world? Branding strategies can make or break a business. Create a simple and clear brand that conveys your “value-added” message to the consumer.

And don’t forget media: Digital marketing

has become crucial. These days, don’t we all Google a product or service to learn about it and evaluate its reviews? Your digital footprint now becomes that allimportant “first impression”—it’s no longer personal touch. So your online component needs to WOW potential clients, or it could mean lost revenues.

That digital strategy brings people in the door, allowing you to step up and give the legendary customer service that’s now expected.

CONCLUDING THOUGHT Becoming self-employed isn’t right for everyone and can be a scary decision to make.

There will be peaks and valleys as you grow your business. But if you do your homework and cover all your bases, you’ll be taking a calculated risk that can be very rewarding!

Getting Started For a comprehensive overview on how to start a business and create a business plan, visit www.tdcanadatrust.com/ products-services/banking/indexbanking.jsp.

A noteworthy agency offering help to new-business owners (ages 18-39) is Futurpreneur, www.futurepreneur.ca, formally known as the Canadian Youth Business Foundation. It provides mentoring and loans, partnered with Business Development Bank of Canada.

Al Ramsay is TD Bank Group’s regional manager, LGBTA Business Development. You can reach or follow him on Twitter, @AlRamsay_TD. Contributing to this column were two Small Business Advisors on his team: Marjan Tehrani, Marjan.Tehrani@td.com; and Luke Girard,Luke.Girard@td.com.

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INfront collective wisdom for living well

inmagazine.ca

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IN front

the doctor is in

Bear Essentials → How to balance the health risks of obesity with your sense of identity

By Dr. Malcolm Hedgcock

A

lthough the health risks of obesity have been recognized for years, the

true extent of these risks has only been realized in the last 100 years.

Humans have spent most of their existence tackling malnourishment and famine. It’s only more recently that food has been produced in such abundance that we’re encountering widespread obesity and its consequences.

Some have even suggested that our steady rise in life expectancy could soon plateau as a result.

Looking at mainstream media, you’d think gay men have escaped this issue, with slender, chiselled bodies the norm. Yet some have rejected that ideal—and good for them! But ignoring your waistline can come at a cost.

As most people in the LGBT community know, the term “bear” refers to a diverse group of men

who tend to have a huskier build.

A movement thought to have started in San Francisco in the 1970s was built upon a rejection of the classic notion of the gay man as fashionable and slim. Some say it was strengthened during the AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s, when having a burly physique was interpreted as being healthy.

Today the bear community can act as a place of refuge, where guys who are far from modelperfect might feel a greater sense of acceptance. Here, obesity can be regarded as attractive—providing a deserved sense of selfconfidence. Can there be a balance between accepting your bear-identified body and living a healthy lifestyle?

Pick a disease and you’re likely to find a study suggesting that it can be triggered by obesity. Heart disease and diabetes are what we

often focus on, but there are many other related problems often overlooked. For instance, fatty liver is the most common cause of liver disease in Canada and has been directly linked to obesity. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative form of arthritis, is accelerated in those who are overweight, since it’s caused by wear and tear in the joints. The pain of arthritis makes exercise difficult and so the cycle of weight gain continues.

We also need to remember that excess body fat is not inert.

It is biologically active tissue that affects the cells around it through hormonal and immune mechanisms. Some of these altered signals might be responsible for an increased risk of cancer and depression. It’s been estimated that it can reduce life expectancy in males by six or seven years.

So what are the obese—bears

and otherwise—to do? Research examining the health benefits of weight loss is surprisingly unimpressive. Studies show a modest improvement in cardiovascular risk factors, mood, quality of life and mobility. Yet these are so well managed with medication that the additive effect of weight loss is often minimal. I’ve seen plenty of overweight guys who are very active and have excellent cardio­ vascular fitness. Their risk of death is about the same as slender guys who are equally fit.

So being thin might not have to be the ultimate goal—as long as physical fitness is a part of your routine. I’m not recommending packing on weight so you can enjoy a lifetime of cholesterol tablets. But for those who struggle to lose weight and just can’t seem to despite their best efforts, don’t get discouraged: The effort alone is making you healthier even if your size isn’t changing.

Yes, we know the risks, but what if obesity is tied to your identity, your sense of who you are and the group with which you identify? My advice is to be comfortable with whatever weight you carry. But that shouldn’t interfere with being healthy. Exercise, eat a balanced diet, and see your doctor to be screened for high cholesterol and blood pressure. And if you lose weight in the process, remember that the bear community is known for its acceptance and tolerance.

Someone out there will appreciate you regardless of your physique.

Dr. Malcolm Hedgcock is a Torontotrained family doctor living and working in Vancouver. He has a special interest in gay men’s health issues, including the primary care of those living with HIV and AIDS.

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INFRONT Wh e e l s

The Dazzler → Finding your groove with a Lexus that puts luxury at your command

By Casey Williams

L

exus created the luxury crossover segment with the 1998 RX, a tall wagon with the utility of an SUV and the comfort of a Lear Jet. It quickly became the vehicle all others cribbed. A smaller crossover, the NX200t, aims for younger, more economy-minded trendsetters.

Faceted, athletic styling looks like it was created by an origami phenom at Tiffany & Co. LED headlamps and tail lamps gleam like diamonds. It looks best in F-Sport trim, with an alluringly sinister vibe derived from a more aggressive mesh grille, lower bumper, sportier wheels, black mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels. (Definitely get the F-Sport package!)

Slide between the creases and the overwhelming feeling is of being surrounded with leather— the soft Lexus kind. Deeply bolstered and heated sport seats

delight, but the silky heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, sewn dash/door coverings and roomy rear seats convey luxury.

It’s alluring, seductive.

A full suite of technology includes navigation and a suite of apps controlled by a touchpad mouse and screen. Smartphones can be charged via USB ports or a wireless charging tray in the console. Our loaded vehicle also spoiled us with a power steering column, premium audio, Bluetooth, power moon roof and power rear hatch. Safety is enhanced with a backup camera, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-path detection.

The NX is available as a hybrid, but ours came with a 2.0litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 175kW/235 horsepower—routed to the allwheel-drive system through a paddle-shifted six-speed auto-

matic transmission.

Fuel economy is rated 10.8/8.8 litres/100km Five-passenger, AWD Crossover city/hwy. If you want Powertrain 175 kW/235hp 2.0-litre Turbo-4, outstanding fuel econ6-spd auto trans omy, you could explore Suspension f/r Ind/Ind the hybrid.

Wheels f/r 18”/18” alloy The Dynamic Torque Brakes f/r disc/disc Con­trol all-wheel-drive Must-have features Style, luxury provides all-weather Fuel economy 10.8/8.8 litres/100km city/hwy capability but also optiAssembly Japan mizes torque between Base/as-tested price $41,450/50,850 wheels for maximized or $50,850 as-tested puts it handling. In short, it enjoys against the Audi Q5, BMW X3, slicing through two-lane back Cadillac SRX, Lincoln MKC and roads and corners like no Lexus Mercedes-Benz GLK. SUV or crossover before. The

2015 Lexus NX200t F Sport

Drive Mode Select system uses a console knob to adjust throttle and steering feel for Normal (default), Eco (saves fuel) and Sport (leave it there).

The NX200t is bound to become a neatly creased jewel among compact luxury crossovers. A base price of $41,450

Casey Williams is a contributing writer for Gaywheels.com, and a frequent business traveller to Montreal. He contributes to the New York-based LGBT magazine Metrosource and the Chicago Tribune. He and his husband live in Indianapolis, where Williams contributes videos and reviews to wfyi.org, the area’s PBS/NPR station. in m a g a z in e . c a

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Fitness Profile

Bradley Blaylock PROFESSION Student/Multi-media freelance writer ROLE MODELS Never in a million years would I be who I am today without the guidance and love I receive every day from my mother and sister.

HOW SEXUALITY AFFECTED SPORTS GROWING UP Growing up knowing I was different, I lacked the confidence to succeed in sports activities. There were few openly gay athletes to look up to.

Athleticism was a hetero-dominant culture. I’ve learned that performance, especially in sports, works hand in hand with confidence.

WAYS YOU OVERCAME ANTI-GAY PREJUDICES Having a solid group of friends was very important. It’s your friends who are by your side every day at school, and as much as you will protect them, they will protect you. Now that we live in an era dominated by social media, I encourage everyone to follow a couple of LGBTQ icons, such as a Laverne Cox or Ellen DeGeneres.

ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE OVERCOMING BIASES IN SPORTS It’s easier said than done, but the only way to overcome bias in sport is to completely forget about what others think of you. Too many times I missed out on playing with friends, because I couldn’t help but think everyone was watching, waiting for me to fail. That fear is all in your head.

FITNESS GOALS AND STRATEGY To become more in sync with your body, master the art of yoga and obtain a bum that rivals Khloe Kardashian’s. Never take more than a few days off from the gym and other physical activity. If you catch yourself falling out of your routine, maybe you’re getting bored: Try spicing things up with a new workout plan.

HOBBIES Eating happens to be my favourite thing in the world. I’m a foodie and just like all the other foodies, I’m always looking for my next snack.

INSPIRATION SOURCE My family. Also the men on Instagram with insane bodies always seem to keep me in check.

BEST LIFE LESSON SO FAR You can’t please everyone. If you strongly believe in what you’re doing, then that’s all that matters.

Photography by Riley Stewart

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INFRONT

Looking Good

Crowning Glory → New hair-care products that will have you tressed for success

By Tracy Howard

Y

ou know that once hair appears on your scalp, it’s dead. But that doesn’t mean you can’t improve its looks by treating it right. For starters, unless you have very oily hair, stop shampooing every day, which can dry it out. Instead, on non-shampoo days, rinse hair in the shower and condition the ends. Otherwise, besides eating a well-balanced diet, use quality products to give your hair a hand.

The following hair potions will help you turn heads:

1

FULL OF IT If you’re thinning or just want thicker-looking hair, look for an exfoliating shampoo. The reason? Dead skin cells and sebum that accumulate on the scalp can block pores and increase hair shedding. Bumble and Bumble Full Potential Hair Preserving Shampoo, featuring invigorating menthol, exfoliates the scalp to help create a healthy environment for hair growth. When used in a regimen with the range’s conditioner and spray, Full Potential was found to reduce hair loss due to breakage by 46 percent in one month. ($36, at Sephora and sephora.ca)

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conditioner? It’s not likely to make your hair happy.

Conditioner helps replace the natural oils that shampoo can strip away, smoothes the hair cuticle and adds a protective coating to mitigate damage from blow-drying and other stressors. Klorane Conditioning Balm with Desert Date employs an extract of the desert date from Senegal, which is rich in protein and fatty acids, to help detangle and prevent breakage in dry and damaged hair. ($11.40, at drugstores across Canada)

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DA BALM Tempted to shorten shower time by skipping

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BORN AGAIN Kevin.Murphy, the Australian company known for high-quality and eco-friendly products, has introduced its first men’s line, focused on thickening hair and stimulating growth. The range’s Thick.Again is a parabenfree leave-in treatment with parsley extracts to extend hair’s growing phase, oleanolic acid to fortify roots and help prevent hair loss, plus a compound derived from eyelash-thickening technology to swell the hair shaft. ($39, visit kevinmurphy. com.au for salon retailers)

4

SHAKE IT UP A lot of guys are reluctant to use hairspray, but Joico Hair Shake Finishing Texturizer is a spray with a difference. When shaken and spritzed, the styling product transforms from a liquid to a lightweight powder. Featuring maltitol (a sugar substitute that blocks humidity), plus bentonite clay to absorb oil, Hair Shake can add texture to long hair or provide grip to the shortest fade ’do. ($20.95, at salons across Canada)

Tracy Howard is a writer and editor specializing in lifestyle topics. She’s the creator of beautyinthemiddle.com, a blog that takes an inside-out approach to looking good and feeling good at any age.

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18/09/2015 9:08:51 AM

INFRONT

O n Re l at i o n s h i ps

Easy Does It → Replacing an old lover is a matter of time

By Adam Segal

I finally ended a relationship of 12 years after being quite unhappy for about half of that time. I felt so terrified of even considering ending the relationship. We had built something with so much history, and I couldn’t imagine what a new life would look like. Telling her I wanted it to end felt like a second coming out— and it came with such a sense of relief.

It’s been about six months now and I’m super frustrated with the dating scene. I’ve already met tons of women online and am bummed that nothing has clicked. I wanted to break out of an unhappy relationship. Now, however, I feel frantic to find someone right and also weirdly feel that it will never happen—despite my multiple dating-site profiles. How do I approach this next chapter with a level head?

Allie Dear Allie: You’ve probably had a number of people advise you to take it slow and not rush into a new relationship. In theory, that might be fine. But after a big break-up, it can be difficult to hold anyone back from wanting to jump right into the romance rat race.

I can understand just how badly you want to blissfully fall into a new love connection and get all the goosebumps and stomach flips that accompany that experience. So I won’t join in with the pop-psychology mob that encourages a year of celibacy and juice cleanses before gently dipping into the dating pool.

Nonetheless, I won’t let you off that easy. Your zeal for multiple dating profiles and feelings of hopelessness indicate that you are horrified by the thought of never finding romance again and might be trying to rush out to replace the proverbial goldfish. All the fears that held you back from breaking up with your ex don’t just evaporate now that you have crossed that particular bridge.

Ending a relationship can stir up all of our insecurities and make life feel even more uncertain than it already is.

While some fear makes sense, having a paralyzing fear of being single likely means something historical (abandonment issues,

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low self-esteem) is getting activated—and that is worth investigating.

Without more understanding, that terror will propel a desperation and make it difficult to sort out whether you actually feel a connection with a prospective girlfriend or just want to latch on to any kind of coupledom.

Just because your last relation­ ship gradually lost its lustre doesn’t mean that it held no meaning for you or that you haven’t lost something. For better or worse, you had a partner in crime for more than a decade; adapting to life as a single person will take time and will sometimes feel painful. Running from that pain into a stream of uninspired dates might distract you but will likely leave you feeling worse afterward.

By no means am I suggesting that you isolate yourself in a remote mountaintop cabin to meditate on your grief. But you are going to have to get more comfortable with moments of loneliness and loss so that those feelings don’t scare the daylights out of you.

Adam Segal, writer and therapist, works in private practice in downtown Toronto. Ask him your relationship or mental-health question at relationship@ inmagazine.ca.

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INFront

on the town by Michael Pihach xxx

xxx → xxx 4

Story xxx - Photography xxx

Toronto Men’s Fashion Week Opening Night at Audi Downtown Toronto

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XXXX. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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Birks Diamond Tribute to The Year’s Women in Film at Shangri-La Hotel

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Stiff 6 at Handlebar

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→ 1. Cheryl Gushue 2. Justin Wall, Peter Zuk 3. Paul Mason, Jeff Rustia 4. Christoph Synonette 5. Metal Kirijian, Peter Papapetrou 6. Kire Paputts 7. Guy Edoin, Julien Robillard 8. Shinan Govani, Si Si Penaloza 9. Suzanne Clément 10. Champagna Enemea 11. Philip Villeneuve, Das Hussy 12. Mitchel Raphael, Danny Glenwright 13. David Walberg, Peter Knegt 14. Albin Arrling 1 4 I N M a g a z in e o c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

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INFRONT insight

Bay Windows → A conference refines and celebrates the power of individuality

F

or many, perhaps most,

is now in its ninth year as an

who come to our conference are there

people. However, many organizations,

of those in the LGBT

organization. Over the past few

because they identify themselves as

especially ones we work with, are

community

after,

years we have continued to grow

a part of the LGBTQ community. We

making great strides in educating and

say, 1985, there was never

our reach and programming. We

want to emphasize that there are

engaging their workforces around this

any question about being “out.”

offer opportunities for networking,

many facets to one’s identity and that

issue. At our conference, for example,

Indeed, the term “outed” has become

education, mentorship and recruit­

we should be empowered to carve our

we have two workshops focused on

nearly quaint in many circles. But in

ment to students in post-secondary

own path in the professional world.

providing students and sponsors

certain professions, just as is true of

institutions who are interested in

certain regions, openness about one’s

pursuing careers in business, law,

IN What are some of the qualities

sexuality can still raise the occasional

technology or related fields. Our

that the seven leadership honorees

eyebrow—or much worse.

organization is 100 percent volunteer-

this year have in common?

born

with the tools they need to help build inclusive spaces on campus and the workplace.

the

led and is a mix of both students and

JK Our seven Leaders To Be Proud

IN Do you see it as a sign of

financial

working professionals. Some of our

Of Award winners have all shown

progress for the LGBTQ community

industry can at times be downright

most notable accomplishments have

incredible courage in being their

that many of the workshops (on

blasé about matters of sexuality.

been the growing of our conference

authentic selves and/or creating

networking

Much of the credit for that more

(which now brings in approximately

spaces for others to do the same.

example) might be held for any

inclusive attitude can go to groups

250 students and 150 sponsor reps

like Out on Bay Street. Fresh off its

from 40 companies), the launch of

IN Given all the Caitlyn Jenner

annual conference—this year’s titled

our scholarship awards and our work

publicity, there is tremendous focus

JK Certainly. Even over the course

“Defining Yourself”—the organization’s

in recognizing trailblazers in our

on trans people. How do you think the

of my time with the organization,

president, Japneet Kaur, chats with IN.

community through our Leaders To Be

workplace is doing in adapting to the

I have witnessed much of our

Proud Of Awards.

trans employee? What more could it

dialogue change with the pace of the

be doing?

community around as well as the

Today historically

in

Canada, conservative

even

IN MAGAZINE For a bit of history,

or

leadership,

for

group, and not necessarily an LGBTQ gathering?

please give an overview of Out on Bay

IN Elaborate, please, on the

JK Workplaces still have a long way

professional world. Despite that, many

Street—how long it’s been around, its

conference theme this year: “Defining

to go with regard to trans inclusivity.

of our sessions and speakers still focus

membership, its mission, some of its

Yourself.” How did that come about,

Despite the recent media focus,

on LGBTQ issues.

most notable accomplishments along

and what does that mean for a

many organizations and managers

the way?

professional today?

are not well equipped to foster

JAPNEET KAUR Out On Bay Street

JK We recognize that students

inclusive

environments

for

trans

(For more information, visit www. outonbayst.org.) inmagazine.ca

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18/09/2015 9:45:46 AM

Asia Specific

Creating your own adventure amid the intriguing vistas of Cambodia and Vietnam

By Adrienne Jordan

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W

ater is a vital necessity for the millions of Cambodians and Vietnamese who live among the rich fisheries and villages that form colourful

riverside landscapes. One of the best ways for visitors to experience this ancient aquatic livelihood is by river cruise.

The new AmaWaterways Amadara cruise opens doors for travellers, including LGBT passengers, to experience such cultural delights as floating villages, 1,000-year-old Buddhist temples and even former Vietcong war shelters. Before the start of the cruise in Siem Reap, spend a few days exploring the heritage of both rural and city-living Cambodians.

Using guides is the most efficient way to see Southeast Asia, because of the language barrier and the likelihood guides give to maximize sightseeing opportunities. Consider signing up for a five-day bike tour with Pedalers Pub & Grille Cycling & Multisport Tours. You’ll discover places like Angkor Wat, the most famous temple in Siem Reap (and the image that appears on the country’s national flag). Biking past the ancient Buddha guardians of the Khmer Empire creates unbeatable photo ops, while Tomb Raider flashbacks happen at Preah Kor, the temple where the movie of the same name was filmed.

You’ll have to steel yourself for parts of the journey. There are stops at former hot zones that were once littered with fatal mines. These agrarian areas, which now belong to veterans of the Cambodian war, afford an opportunity for historic reflection on the destruction under the former Communist regime.

After sunset, pay a visit to Pub Street, the most popular destination for shopping and partying in Siem Reap. There is also an adjacent night market.

The best time to buy souvenirs can be after dusk, when the temperature is much cooler in the city.

Gay nightlife in Siem Reap is not plentiful, but surprise drag-queen dance performances on the night market stage are commonplace.

Many of the LGBT locals hang out at the most well-known gay nightclub, Rosanna, where daily drag performances also dominate. For accommodations, get the feel of another era at the oldest hotel in Siem Reap, Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor. It has beautiful touches like the 1930s lift made of wood and wrought iron, along with colonial architecture reminiscent of the French occupation.

The Pedalers Pub & Grille tour will take you to Prek Toal, an eco-gem a short drive from Siem Reap. The Prek Toal floating village is a favourite of birdwatchers, who revel in sightings of endangered water birds that breed within the most important UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Southeast Asia.

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18/09/2015 9:10:19 AM

→ ASIAN EXOTICA (Clockwise from top left): Hall in Angkor Wat Temple; a roadside vendor in Cambodia sells sticky rice in bamboo; night shopping in Siem Reap; AmaWaterways cruise ship on the Mekong; and the Guardian of the Empire on the Angkor Wat gate complex

The village is fascinating in and of itself. Entirely self-sufficient on the Tonle Sap River, it contains homes, stores and schools that all float and move with the river currents. Astonishing scenes unfold on the tour, like a barely two-year-old baby waiting patiently on the tip of a canoe while his father meticulously lays fish traps.

Ironically, villagers

the depend

upon the invasive American hyacinth plant, which was mysteriously introduced to the region 100 years ago. The water is now

covered

in

thousands of brightgreen patches of the plant’s thick leaves and heavy roots,

repurposed

as compost to be used for the floating gardens. The flower of the plant, mean­ while, is used for cooking and craft making.

After you have enjoyed a few days in the city, it’s time to begin your AmaWaterways

Kampong Tralach. At night, you’ll be treated to a Cambodian dance performance by Khmer children.

The dance moves incorporate hand gestures that illustrate the lives of fish, birds, farmers and other figures Cambodians encounter in their daily life.

The ship cruises the Mekong, with views of the bucolic surroundings and lush forests. Eventually, you enter Tan Chau, Vietnam, where the first stop is an excursion to an authentic small village called Evergreen Island. A walking tour reveals the way many a resident fishes, raises livestock and crafts rattan mats in a busy workshop.

There are many

Many of the LGBT locals hang out at the most wellknown gay nightclub, where daily drag performances dominate.

nights. It starts in Siem Reap and ends in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The first excursion will be in the Cambodian port town of Kampong Chhnang.

The floating village is 90 percent inhabited by Vietnamese, who flocked to the area because of the generous fishing channel created by the Mekong River. The boat tour takes you past the people living on floating houses, and the cruise guide offers insight into how they fish, trade, educate and thrive—all upon the water.

Heading into the former capital of Oudong, the group departs for the Oudong Monastery. There,

be treasured along the way: In Sa Dec, Vietnam, you experience a tour of the house of French writer

Marguerite

Duras’ Chinese para­ mour. And a visit to Xeo Quyt touches on the country’s tumul­tuous history, which is burnished by the presence of a former military base and Vietcong shelter.

F l o a t i n g markets,

fishing

villages, eco-tours and the artifacts of war create an oppor­tunity to get an in-depth look at these

entrancing

Southeast

Asian

countries—at once

cruise, which lasts a total of seven

other highlights to

both changing and preserving centuries-old ways of life. Locals are quick to welcome visitors with a smile, regardless of background.

Whether

you

choose

to

bike

alongside

1,000-year-old temples, birdwatch in the biosphere reserves or try your hand at craft making, there are experiences for all in one of the most intriguing corners of the world.

(For more information about Cambodian and Vietnamese excursions, visit www.amawaterways. com or www.pedalerspubandgrille.com.)

guests visit Cambodia’s largest pagoda. There will be a Buddha blessing given by the monks inside the ornate building, where photos with these traditional religious figures are allowed. After the blessing, a fun and unusual activity awaits: an ox-cart ride in

TALK BACK Feel free to share your comments on IN or articles in the magazine by emailing us at editor@ inmagazine.ca.

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16 17 18 19 Travel.indd 19

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18/09/2015 9:10:54 AM

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21/09/2015 9:47:20 AM

Sill a Rebel Madonna’s Canadian sweep showcases an icon’s creativity . . . and endurance

T

he

Tour

The Material Girl’s kinship with Canada may

continues its sweep across

Rebel

Heart

be rooted in the childhood years she spent in the

Canada, after last month’s

Detroit area, just a narrow river from Windsor,

Rebel Heart concertgoers will see and hear the

appearance in Montreal.

Ontario. Cities across the nation have been

familiar but also new songs and moves in what

The tour coincides with

included on the singer’s numerous tours, now

Popcrush called in its review of the Montreal

spanning three decades.

appearance “a celebration of the legacy of

the release of an album by the same name, the

Her LGBT connection, meanwhile, was fostered

longtime friend to the LGBT community—appears

early in life, when she, too, felt a certain disconnect

this month in Toronto (October 5, 6), Edmonton

from her contemporaries. Many of her fans could

(October 11, 12) and Vancouver (October 14).

certainly relate, and, as “Madge,” herself has

PHOTO COURTESY OF AIR CANADA CENTRE, TORONTO/MAPLE LEAF SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

superstar’s 13th! The legendary performer—and

21 Madonna.indd 21

declared: “I wouldn’t have a career if it weren’t for the gay community.”

Madonna, the entertainer.”

(For tour and ticket information, visit www. madonna.com.)

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21

18/09/2015 9:11:32 AM

fit for fall Classic meets hip for a new season PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM WEBSTER Stylist: Kenisha Paranso of i.D. Silhouette Assistant Stylist: Karen Burgher Models: Alan K. and Daniel F. (Angie’s AMTI) Hair and Grooming: Christine Barbuto Makeup: Desiree PHOTOGRAPHED ON LOCATION AT THE OMNI KING EDWARD HOTEL, TORONTO

Fit for a King and Queen Having played host to royalty and other dignitaries for more than a century, The Omni King Edward Hotel (pictured here and the following fashion pages) recently completed a $40 million revamping that included restoration of guestrooms, ballrooms and the lobby. Known for its Afternoon High Tea Friday through Sunday and classic cocktails (martinis, Manhattans, Old Fashioneds) served at the Consort Bar, the venerable “King Eddy” lends modern and classic sensibilities to downtown Toronto accommodations. (37 King St. E., 416-863-9700, www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward)

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18/09/2015 11:23:16 AM

ON Daniel (left): Sweater by Zara Shirt by Alexandre Mattiussi (available at Holt Renfrew stores across Canada) Jeans by Topman Shoes by Calvin Klein ON Alan (Right): Sweater & Bag by Zara Shirt BY Kenzo (available at Holt Renfrew stores across Canada) Jeans by Topman Shoes by Calvin Klein

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18/09/2015 9:35:29 AM

TurtleNeck by Zara PantS by Topman Shoes by Calvin Klein

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18/09/2015 9:36:01 AM

Sweater by Topman Shirt BY Alexandre Mattiussi (available at Holt Renfrew stores across Canada) PantS by Palm Angels (available at Holt Renfrew stores across Canada)

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18/09/2015 9:36:43 AM

Shirt by Kenzo PantS by Palm Angels (available at Holt Renfrew stores across Canada) Shoes by Calvin Klein Hat provided courtesy of the Omni King Edward Hotel

On Stephen (left) Shirt: H&M Suit: Topman Watch: Emporio Armani Shoes: Bostonian On Tiago (right) Jacket and vest: Topman Pants and Shirt: Paul Smith (available at Holt Renfrew stores across Canada) Shoes: Luca del forte Watch: Michael Kors Bag: Bertoni (available at Holt Renfrew stores across Canada)

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18/09/2015 9:37:20 AM

Top, PantS & Suspenders by Zara Shoes by Calvin Klein

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18/09/2015 9:38:05 AM

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Photos by Toni Hafkenscheid 3 0 I N M a g a z in e o c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

30 31 Art.indd 30

18/09/2015 9:13:00 AM

Art Angels A venerable auction continues its life-saving donations to the HIV/AIDS community

T

here’s something thrilling

raises funds for Casey House, which

generous streak. Nearly every visual

reception begins at 5:30 p.m., with

about purchasing a piece

provides a range of HIV/AIDS-related

genre is represented—from striking

the live auction at 7 p.m.

of art with which you

services. (These include such things

photography

have made an aesthetic

as sending teams of nurses and other

paintings. Among the more than 80

information, visit www.artwithheart.

workers into clients’ homes for care.)

artists featured in this year’s auction

ca. To learn more about Casey House,

are Douglas Coupland, Erik Olson and

visit www.caseyhouse.com.

connection. But that thrill can be

to

memorable

oil

enhanced when you know you’re

For 22 years, Art With Heart has

also making a donation to a worthy

brought together some of Canada’s

cause. That’s the idea behind this

most notable artists, as well as

This year’s auction is scheduled

month’s Art With Heart in Toronto.

emerging talents, to provide a select

for Tuesday, October 6, at The Carlu

The annual auction and reception

marketplace for connoisseurs with a

in Toronto (444 Yonge St.). The

For

Art

With

Heart

ticket

Kim Dorland. → ON OFFER Work titled “?” by Stephen Andrews (opposite); “Our Arrangement” (below) by Mark Clintberg

inmagazine.ca

30 31 Art.indd 31

31

18/09/2015 9:13:29 AM

A Breed Apart

With grace and grit, Camilla Gibb transcends the predictable pitfalls of memoir

By Alice Lawlor

M

exploration. Gibb is not afraid to

emoir

is

a

In fact, the child that she is carrying

slippery

genre.

becomes her salvation. She has to

You never quite

find a way to go on, because the

She also delves back into

know if you’re

baby growing in her belly demands

her distant past, telling the

reading a highly

go there, and then some.

it. A big part of that way forward is to

story of where she came from.

exaggerated—

write about her experiences. “I had an

Her estranged father features

account of the author’s life. But Camilla

obligation to live; motherhood takes

heavily in this narrative and

Gibb’s This is Happy feels so raw

away any other option. And writing

becomes a touchpoint through­

and real that you don’t question the

is the only way I know how. A red

out the book. Again, Gibb

content. An award-winning Toronto-

notebook lay to one side of me every

is interrogating the notion

based author of four novels, including

night, a swaddled baby on the other.

of what you get from your

the 2005 bestseller Sweetness in

I believed that if I could find words, I

biological family, and what

the Belly, Gibb mined her own life

could be a human again,” she writes.

you don’t—a topic that’s sure

experiences for this new book, from

And so begins the collection of raw

to resonate with many LGBT

early childhood to present day. And

material that will become this very

readers. Interestingly, she tells

there’s no papering over the cracks or

memoir.

the sweet story of meeting

sanitized—or

hugely

smoothing out the bad times; when

Ultimately, she creates a new

her long-term partner without

Gibb’s world falls apart, she cries. A lot.

family, as unexpected people in her

any kind of coming-out story.

But this is not a depressing read.

life step up to create a loving unit.

Previously, she has been in

years reading very little else, and I found

Rather, at its core, this is a story

Anyone who has ever experienced the

serious relationships with men; now,

myself in conversation with many

of hope and survival. When Gibb is

love of a “found” family will relate

suddenly, here’s Anna and they are in

of these texts. The best memoir can

pregnant with a long-hoped-for child,

to this heartwarming story. In Gibb’s

love. No angst-filled “what does this

offer us some reflection of ourselves or

her partner leaves, shattering her

brave new world, biology is only a small

mean for my sexuality?”—it just is

resonance with our own experiences....

future dreams in one fell swoop. The

part of the equation when it comes to

what it is. It’s a refreshing take on the

For me, writing my own memoir was an

loss is devastating: “I was crying all the

familial bonds. After her daughter is

lesbian love story.

act of writing toward hope.”

time, I was angry and afraid, I couldn’t

born, everything changes, and this is

It must have been painful to make

Now that she has put it all out

write, and all I wanted was for Anna

the most inspiring part of the book.

such a story so public. But it feels as

there, so to speak, what is it that

to come home, to say she had made

Gibb writes about the struggles of

if this was the book Gibb was always

Gibb hopes her readers will take away

a tragic mistake, to be the family we

early motherhood as a single parent

meant to write. “Several years ago I

from the book? “Compassion for

were supposed to be,” writes Gibb. It’s

and the challenges of finding a way to

was asked by Penguin to compile an

themselves and others,” she says. And

her lowest point, but that is certainly

co-parent with an absent spouse—both

anthology of contemporary Canadian

it would take an extremely hard heart

not where the story ends.

subjects that never get enough honest

memoir,” she says today. “I spent four

not to do just that.

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18/09/2015 9:14:17 AM

corporate mARKETpLACE

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18/09/2015 1:14:31 PM

FLASHBACK OCTOBER 1998 IN LGBT HISTORY

A WIN IN WINNIPEG

Y

ou might have expected it in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver. But from a city in Manitoba? Not so much. So there was plenty of surprise—and much delight—when on October 28, 1998, 17 years ago this month, Winnipeg elected Canada’s first openly gay mayor, Glen Murray. Today, as a member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto Centre, the pioneering Murray is but one of many Canadian politicians who identify as LGBT.

3 4 I N M a g a z in e o c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

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