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EDITORIAL
Congratulations
to you all!
We were overwhelmed when Equality Arizona told us ‘N Touch would be receiving the Corporate (Local) award at their annual Gala on September 24. It is indeed a true honor, but what is even better than being honored is seeing Equality Arizona battle back after some tough economic setbacks to once again emerge as a voice for equality and human rights. While Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender individuals from New York, Massachusetts and a handful of other states can enjoy marriage and the rights and obligations that come with it, it only serves to show that politics is indeed local. If we are to achieve equal rights and protection in Arizona then we need to support a local organization that will advocate on behalf of all of us. Equality Arizona is that organization. I strongly urge everyone to support the organization with their time, or money, or both. On another note, I would like to thank Shelby Blanton, Tracey Stewart, Luis Garcia, Joseph Gaxiola, Danny Catt, Ted Kirby, Paul Sanchez, Jamie Saragoza, Patrick Kelley and J. Ursone
for their dedication, hard work and for putting their hearts into each and every issue of ‘N Touch. Thank you to our columnists, Dr. Damien Brandeis, Dr. Alicia Ruiz, Dr. Dina Evan, John Thomas Lotardo, Kirk Matthew, Dorian Kreiling, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Scott Pierce (aka Pandora de Strange) and all those who have contributed to ‘N Touch News over the years to make this a publication to be proud of. Thank you Jack Tesorero for starting ‘N Touch and bringing me in on it. A special thank you to our advertisers who have proven over and over again that they don’t just take our gay dollars. They have supported our community by donating to non-profits, and by asking what they could do to make Arizona a better place for all. Finally, thank you to the community for your input and support. ‘N Touch News has always been your magazine. Congratulations to you all!
P.O. Box 17674 • Phoenix, AZ 85011-7674 (602) 373-9490 • info@ntouchaz.com
Editor
Gina Read
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M. Shelby Blanton
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Advertising Sales Joseph A Gaxiola, Danny Catt National Advertising Sales Rivendell Media - (212) 242-6863 Photographers Patrick Kelley, Jamie Saragosa, Joseph A. Gaxiola, Danny Catt Writers
Dr Damien L. Brandeis, Dorian Kreiling, Kirk Matthews, Dr. Dina Evan, Jane O. Ross, Dr. Alicia Ruiz, Kyrsten Sinema, J. Ursone, John Thomas Lotardo, Edward Pulley
Additional Distribution Support Ted Kirby, Paul Sanchez To advertise in ‘N Touch News, contact Joseph Gaxiola at (602) 410-9825 Danny Catt at (520) 429-5905
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Gina Read
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Think Through Your Eggs! Whether you like ‘em scrambled or sunny side up, your first decision about your eggs should be that they be organic and cage-free. When you buy organic eggs, you’re supporting ways of feeding and raising animals that are free of pesticides, GMOs, and unnecessary antibiotics. 4 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com
NOTE: The opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect the views of ‘N TOUCH NEWS, its staff, or that of its parent company. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization within ‘N TOUCH NEWS is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organization. Some photos were submitted by our readers. To our knowledge, they own the copyrights, and they have given us permission to reproduce them. If you see a picture that you own, please call us immediately and we will remove if from future publications. All copy, text, display, photos and illustrations in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures, and testimonials of any living person, and that ‘N Touch News is not responsible for unlawful use of such content.
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LOCAL NEWS
The need to walk is still great AIDSWalk Phoenix, October 2nd By Luis Garcia
Don Welsh has participated in over 11 AIDS Walks in his lifetime. He cannot count the number of his co-workers who have died of AIDS since 1988. Welsh admits that the pain from losing so many friends might keep him from walking this year at AIDS Walk Phoenix but hopes others will participate to help fight the disease. “I do not feel comfortable nowadays but I try and contribute, little as it is and we all wish more money filtered through the agencies to actual HIV-positive individuals,” says Welsh. “Maybe it is a good thing that all those unfair and horrible things we saw and experienced seem forgotten, even in the collective consciousness of our own LGBT community, but don’t try to diminish my rage. It is well earned and I am proud of it.” Welsh told ‘N Touch that he has nothing but praise for AIDSWalk Phoenix and the people at Aunt Ri-
tas. “They (Aunt Rita’s) are great,” says Welsh. “They have filled a sad void that was in our community. They are spending hours and hours on the behalf of others and they are doing a great job.” Welsh recalls playing in the 1987 Gay World Series of Softball in San Francisco and talking to a waitress at Café San Marcos who lost over 30 friends to AIDS. “The restaurant that day, it was empty,” says Walsh. “Death and dying are deeply personal. While the rate of death fell in 2000 or so, I lost several close friends this year and you know what? It seemed that few cared. It’s very odd. Not like 1990. Perhaps the price of being one of the longest survivors is that so few are left living to remember or honor you here on earth.” CJ Minot, executive assistant at the Aunt Rita’s Foundation, told ‘N Touch that the 2011 walk is critical and the community must not forget that HIV and AIDS awareness, education and support is still crucial. “The money raised will allow agencies to serve their clients and provide for the needs that they have, including food and shelter,” said Minott. Minott sympathizes with Welsh and agrees that remembering those who have died of the AIDS is as important as providing services to those currently living with the disease. HIV/AIDS has affected over 25 million lives around the world, close to 33 million are currently infected
6 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com
with the disease. The American Psychological Association has indicated that more than 1.1 million Americans are living with HIV and more than 56,000 people in the United States contract new infections annually. “In these economic times this walk couldn’t be more important to provide much needed funds to our agencies so they can continue to provide food, shelter, and for the other basic needs of their clients,” said Minott. Proceeds from the 2011 AIDS Walk Phoenix & 5 K Run will support 19 Valley-based agencies providing support, resources and services. “In 2010 ninety-two cents of each dollar donated by individuals was returned to our member agencies,” said Minott. The Walk is scheduled Sunday, Oct. 2 in downtown Phoenix. Walkers and runners can register
at aidswalkphoenix.org or by calling 602-904-6001. Registration fee for walkers is $25 with resources in place to help participants raise additional fund through pledges. Early registration fee for runners is $30. Children 12 and under walk for free. AIDS Walk Phoenix also offers Paws for the Cause for walkers who want to bring their good-natured, sociable dogs along. Benefiting agencies include; 1 in 10 Youth Services, Agape Network, The Bill Holt Clinic at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Chicanos Por La Causa, Compassion in Action, Concilio Latino de Salud, Ebony House, Heal International, HIV/ AIDS Law Project, HIV Care Directions, Joshua Tree Feeding Program, Inc., McDowell Healthcare Center, Native Health, The Phoenix Shanti Group, Project Hard Hat, Southwest Behavioral Health Services, Southwest Center for HIV/ AIDS, Terros and UCAN, Inc.
Why I walk By Gina Read I saw David’s room as I exited the hospital elevator, just 16 steps in front of me. It might as well have had a wall with snipers atop - I was that terrified. Signs that read “Highly infectious” and “Do not enter without authorization”, the lack of personnel and visitors on the floor and the times told me all I needed to know, my friend had the virus. I began to shake uncontrollably, teeth chattering like I was in subzero weather. At the time, rumors and theories varied. No one was certain if you could get infected with the HIV/AIDS virus through casual contact. What we did know was that gay men were dying and nothing seemed to be able to stop
it. It took me twenty minutes and all the courage I could muster to walk 16 steps. David passed away just months after that first visit. He was the first friend I had to die from this relentless virus, many more followed, and unfortunately more will come. ‘N Touch staff, family and friends will take part in AIDSWalk Phoenix and AIDSWalk Tucson. Some will walk to remember all those they have lost, some will walk to educate about a virus that continues to spread, some will walk to support the poorly underfunded AIDS service organizations. As always, I will walk for David and hope that I never forget those first 16 steps. The 23rd annual AIDSWalk Tucson will take place Oct. 16 at the University of Arizona. Please see “Focus Tucson,” page 48 for information on it. news / politics / business / opinion
LOCAL NEWS
Tucson’s biggest night out By J. Ursone TUCSON - Since 1977 Southern Arizonans have been coming out once a year to show their pride, express their aspirations for equality and revel in their overall gay fabulousness in the streets of Tucson. These events have taken many forms and taken place in many locations, but they’ve all shared a common purpose; to carry forward the spirit of liberation sparked by The Stonewall Riots of 1969 and to carry on the community’s struggle for understanding, visibility and acceptance. But just like pioneers of the old west who wandered the desert looking for the right place to settle down, Tucson’s annual LGBT Pride Parade seems to have been looking for just the right location, the right time, and the right date to hold the community’s most visible event. Well, 2011 might just be the year the wandering ends. At 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, downtown Tucson will witness what promises to be the largest crowds to ever watch a gay parade in Southern Arizona. That’s because the parade will take place in conjunction with
the monthly street fair on Congress Street called “Second Saturdays,” which draws upwards of 10,000 people. In addition to more people viewing, this new Saturday night parade will also allow more locals and out-of-towners to participate in the parade as well. Vendors, food stalls, music stages and a variety of performers will line the street while multiple venues will be hosting free concerts including the Tucson Symphony at the Fox Theatre. Add in several dozen cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs and the setting for the parade will be one of the most electric and eclectic of any pride parade in the country. Pete King, a professional event
producer and newcomer to Tucson from San Francisco, saw the parade for the first time last year and was the catalyst for the move. “I was excited to see the parade last year and thought it was fun,” King says. “But it didn’t make any sense to me why it was on a Friday at 6 p.m. The whole point of an LGBT pride parade is empowerment, which we do by celebrating our lives and by creating visibility. So, to be successful, you have to make it as easy, as attractive and as accessible as possible for both participants and viewers. It bummed me out that more people weren’t able to be there. It was such a great parade and one of the few night parades in the country.”
The 34th Pride in the Desert By Luis Garcia TUCSON - Only 50 people at-
tended the first Pride celebration in Tucson. The year, 1977. This year over 6,500 people will attend the 34th Pride in the Desert on Oct. 15. The all-day festival has moved to Kino Memorial Stadium, a move that signals the growth of Tucson Pride Inc., and its signature festival. “We wanted to find a place that would allow visibility for all of our vendors as well as participants and would be large enough for us to grow. In addition, we wanted a place that would allow us to reduce our costs so that we could make it more affordable for everyone to be a part of the event,” says TPI President Karon Bohlender. Highlights of the festival are local, regional, and national entertainers performing live on the main stage news / politics / business / opinion
as well as several smaller stages and dance areas featuring drag shows and other live entertainment. Also the beloved “Drag Tent” will return. “People really enjoyed the Drag Tent and expressed how disappointed they were to see it go. So, it’s back and better than ever,” said Bohlender. Dario headlines the 34th annual festival. He will be joined on stage by God-des & She, Jimmy Roland, Corday and the Cougars, Whiskey Rodeo, Roll Acosta, Boys R Us with Human Project, Lisa Otey and
Diane Van Deurzen, and Troupe Shuvani. Corday has a large and loyal following in Los Angeles and Orange County and is also nationally known by all fans of women who rock, having toured and performed at numerous notable venues and huge festivals and events including Dinah Shore in Palm Springs, Womenfest in Key West, L.A. Womenfest at the John Ford Amphitheatre (currently airing on LOGO), Women’s Week in Provincetown, Chicks Rock Music
continued on page 47 >
Several months later, King, who has been involved in different pride organizations around the world for almost thirty years, met some volunteers and board members of Tucson Pride, Inc., and expressed some of his thoughts. That led him to a meeting with the President of Tucson Pride, Karon Bohlender, and his offer to do some pro-bono consulting. “The first thing I did was take Karon to watch the Saint Patricks Day Parade on Congress Street in March. It took place during the Second Saturdays Street Fair and I thought it would be a perfect venue for the pride parade. She loved the idea and, to her credit, has made it happen.” The parade is now the centerpiece of it’s own weekend with parties at local gay bars and a huge new signature event at the parade called “The Pink Party.” Organized by King, ”The Pink Party” will take place at Sapphire, one of the biggest clubs in the city. Located at 61 Congress Street, right smack in the middle of the parade route, it will have three DJs on three floors, an ultralounge, drag performers and go-go dancers, a pink dessert buffet, pink cocktails and a rooftop skydeck overlooking downtown. According to King, the idea is to create a big city nightclub for everyone to party at after the parade before heading off to other parties at gay bars and clubs throughout Tucson. The Grand Marshals for this year’s parade are Wendell Hicks, Dr. Heather Moroso, Scott Blades, and Jeffrey Scott Brown. New Location: Congress Street, between 6th Avenue and Stone. The Pride Parade and Pink Party starts a week of events leading up to the Pride in the Desert festival which will take place at TEP Stadium the following Saturday, Oct. 15 and end with SAAF’s annual AIDS Walk on Sunday, Oct. 16. For more information about the pink party, check out their website at tucsonpinkparty.org or their facebook page, facebook.com/tucsonpinkparty.
ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 7
LOCAL NEWS
Syphilis happens Don’t let it happen to you Bars asked to provide information By Luis Garcia Victor Byrd, Prevention Specialist from the Syphilis Happens program at TERROS, is calling out gay bars owners in Maricopa County, mainly in the Valley of the Sun, to take responsibility by stepping up to help prevent the spread of Syphilis. Byrd claims that certain gay bars across the Valley have denied him the opportunity to raise awareness of the disease. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) often called “the great imitator” because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases. Many people infected with syphilis do not have any symptoms for years, yet remain at risk for late complications if they are not treated.
Although transmission occurs from persons with sores who are in the primary or secondary stage, many of these sores are unrecognized. Thus, transmission may occur from persons who are unaware of their infection. “It is an important issue that truly needs to be brought to light,” says Byrd. “I believe that our community and support systems lack the education as well as the knowledge of the current statistics.” The primary stage is characterized by a painless sore called a “chancre” appearing 10 to 90 days average 21 days after exposure. The chancre appears at the point of exposure to the infected person. Swollen lymph nodes also may be present. The second stage, appears 17 days
Rainbows Festival
celebrates 10 years By J. Ursone PHOENIX - The annual Rainbows Festival & Street Fair will celebrate its 10th anniversary Oct. 1-2. Held in the historic Heritage Square Park in downtown Phoenix, the free event draws a crowd in excess of 25,000 gay and lesbians, family members and friends. This is one of the largest LGBT events in the state of Arizona. There are nearly 175 exhibitors and partners participating in this year’s festival. There are a great variety of artists, arts & craft sellers, non profits and businesses that market their service and products to the metro Phoenix LGBT community. An assortment of food vendors will be on site in the food court area. All food is cash purchase. A variety of entertainment will be held in the Karamba Pavilian throughout both days. The following organizations will benefit from the beverage sales program: Aunt Rita’s Foundation, AIDS Walk Phoenix, AGRA/Men
of Charlie’s, Community Church of Hope and the Phoenix Hellraisers. In addition, Rainbows Festival is pleased to donate exhibitor space to the following non profit organizations, to support their outreach and service to the Phoenix LGBT community: Care Directions, Native Health, Ebony House, Shanti, Area Agency on Aging, Phoenix Police Department and Councilman Tom Simplot. Heritage Square Park is located in downtown Phoenix at 7th Street & Monroe, adjacent to the Phoenix convention Center and the Science Museum. There are parking structures next to Heritage Square Park for over 20,000 cars. For additional public transportation, check valleymetro.org. There are several light rail stations located adjacent to the event, just get off at the Chase Field exit, and walk to the Rainbows Festival. Rainbows Festival will open at 10 a.m and close at 6 p.m. each day.
8 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com
to six months after inoculation or 0 - 10 weeks after the disappearance of the chancre. A skin rash over any area of the body but especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet characterize this stage. Lesions sometimes appear. These lesions are highly contagious. You may also have flu-like symptoms---headache and aching in the bones and joints also may be present. During the intermediate stage known as latent syphilis, no symptoms are present. The only way syphilis is diagnosed in this stage is through a blood test. The last, or tertiary stage, is characterized by widespread, often serious, infection. The disease may subsequently damage the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. Signs and symptoms of the late stage of syphilis include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia. This damage may be serious enough to cause death. Easily cured in its early stages, Syphilis is treated by an injection of penicillin, or antibiotic. Additional doses are needed to treat someone who has had syphilis for longer than a year. Treatment will kill the syphilis bacterium and prevent further damage, but it will not repair damage that may have already occurred. Byrd told ‘N Touch News Magazine that bars need to get involved because the majority of Syphilis cases reported by men who have sex with men (MSM) have originated at several local night hotspots. A 2010 report by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health shows that syphilis has seen a sharp climb in the last year with central Phoenix being hit the hardest. Byrd says that he has been denied the opportunity to post outreach materials or provide free Syphilis and HIV testing at certain popular venues. Bryd told ‘N Touch that bar own-
ers and general managers told him that they were wary about having onsite testing because they did not want bar patrons to think there was an “outbreak” of that particular disease in their establishment. “They didn’t want testing or signs posted because it would affect their bottom dollar and with the current status of our economy it would not be good for business,” says Byrd. “Even after providing statistics and explaining about the current exposure rate of the disease in Maricopa County and among the MSM community it appeared to me that the ‘their bottom dollar’ was more important than education and safety of the community that the particular establishment caters to,” said Byrd. But, some bar owners have stepped up. Rock owner Michael Jacobs, who has allowed testing at his establishment, told ‘N Touch that he has no issues with providing anyone with a space to have testing done. “We have had the Maricopa County Health Department do testing at the Rock many times and we are not opposed to it,” says Jacobs. “Community is important to us, so why not the health of the community too?” TERROS provides a wide variety of outpatient drug, alcohol and mental health service. The Syphilis Prevention program provides education and testing. The free test for syphilis is a simple blood draw with results available in approximately three days. The educational part of the program dispels myths about syphilis and provides a safe environment for people to ask questions in a respectful setting. Referrals can be made to treatment providers, including some who offer free services. Testing is provided at: 1029 North First Street in Phoenix from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday. For additional testing days, hours, sites and more information please call 602-685-6086 or visit terros.org news / politics / business / opinion
LOCAL NEWS
Distinguished artist brings his works to the Valley
It Ain’t Necessarily Sewn tour at Willo North Gallery By Luis Garcia PHOENIX - California artist Gary Paterson bring his distinguished works of art to the Valley of the Sun this fall as part of the It Ain’t Necessarily Sewn tour in which Paterson pays homage to famous artists by folding the subject’s technique into a geometric pattern. The art work will be featured beginning Oct. 7, during the First Friday Art Walk at the Willo North Gallery in Phoenix. “It’s a real thrill to be able to bring Gary Paterson’s work to Phoenix,” says Willo North curator Robert Pela. “His paintings combine so many elements: art history, pop culture, and a sense of humor about his work and the art world in general.” Paterson has been painting for over 40 years. His art has been featured all over the country. And although Paterson has had shows
in the United States and France, It Ain’t Necessarily Sewn will be his first Arizona exhibit. “I come from a long line of sewers and knitters,” says Paterson. “And the geometric patterns across the canvas’s surface all derive from needlepoint, stitch or quilting patterns.” From the brush strokes of Monet to the paint splashes of Pollack to the dots of Seurat, Paterson interprets each artist’s style through the cells of these intricate geometric patterns. Paterson’s new work also examines random patterns created by water, as seen through the structure of textilederived images. Paterson studied at Northwestern University and lives in Palm Springs, California, where he is the Artists Council Coordinator for the Palm Springs Art Museum. In 2010, his Vermeer Bist Du Schoen won “Best
in Show” at the 2011 City of Palm Springs Annual Art Show. Paterson will share space with textile-themed artwork by local textile artists, including gay community favorite Christy Puetz. Known for amazing hand-beaded artwork, Puetz work specializes in multicultural, therapeutic, historical and educational learning experiences and art making workshops. The show will open at 6 p.m. with an artist reception, and will remain on exhibit through November 23. Willo North Gallery is located at 2811 North Seventh Avenue in Phoenix. The gallery is otherwise open by appointment only, by calling 602-320-8445. Visit willonorth.com or their blog, willonorth.blogspot. com for more information, Willo North Gallery is a streamlined showplace for contemporary art
by established and emerging artists. This year, Willo North has shown work by well-known local artists including Janet De Berge Lange, Sean O’Donnell, Jeff Falk, Annie Lopez, Eric Cox, and Larry McLaughlin.
Prescott Pride Center’s
11-Year Anniversary Party! By J. Ursone
PRESCOTT - The Prescott Pride Center will be celebrating its 11th anniversary with a big party for the entire community on Saturday, Oct. 15. The non-profit will be serving hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, followed by cake and ice cream. There will also be a raffle with some great prizes. A DJ is lined up to provide great dance music for the “after party” so get ready to dance the night away Over 100 people are expected at this event, so organizers are asking that you RSVP to 928-445-8800, if possible, to be sure there’s enough food and cake to go around.
news / politics / business / opinion
If you can’t make it for the entire event, be sure to stop by at 4 p.m. for the official ceremony, when the Center will be recognizing the 2011 volunteers and board members. If you’ve volunteered for the Pride Center over the last year, please make a special effort to attend this event. Organizers will be handing out personalized appreciation certificates and giving special recognition to everyone who took an active role in the Pride Center’s success. Be sure to be there, so the board can express their thanks to you in person. Right after the ceremony, there will be a celebratory toast and then cut the anniversary cake! The AfterParty goes from 5–8 p.m. A $5 contribution per person is requested, but Pride Center staff are suggesting a donation of “$11 for 11 years” for those who can afford it. Prescott Pride Center is located at 111 Josephine Street.
L I C E N S E D
P S Y C H O L O G I S T
520.906.7048 Phone 5956 E. Pima, Suite 130 520.296.8157 Fax Tucson, AZ 85712
ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 9
LOCAL NEWS
More geek than gay By Edward Pulley So, the times they are a changing. The Fantastic Four are no more. Archie has married Veronica. Or Betty. It’s complicated. Superman doesn’t have red underwear anymore. And the LGBT is busting out all over in comics. Comic books are a world-wide phenomenon. French comics gave us Barbarella. Judge Dredd sprang forth from the English. The Japanese comics – referred to as Manga – are about as mainstream as books. And for a while, American comic books were just as popular with adults as children. But in the 50’s, a wave of censorship came over the media. The public became so concerned about our “impressionable youth” reading comic books that there were Senate hearings on the subject. The end result was the Comics Code Authority, a governing board to evaluate the contents of comic books. Many independent and underground comics ignored the Authoirty, but if you wanted your comic books to be sold on the corner store, you did what the Comic Code said. And they said a lot of things. No vampires. The word “terror” could not appear in book titles. Drugs could not be talked about, even as a message against their use. Police could not be presented in a disrespectful manner. Good always had to triumph over bad. Excessive violence was forbidden. And the sanctity of marriage was to be protected at all costs – no sexual lewdness or deviancy. In other words, there were no depictions of homosexuals, transgendered, or the like. Comic books stayed like this for decades. But eventually some vampires and monsters were allowed out. Anti-drug stories could be told. Violence was a little grittier. And finally, in the 80’s, we had homosexuals. Implications, innuendo and rumors aside, DC Comics, the home of Superman, brought us the first openly gay super-hero, a Peruvian character who went by the name Extrano. He was effeminate and flamboyant, and many took him as being more offensive than ground-breaking, but this is forgetting that in the storyline, he became super-powered because he was chosen to represent the next stage of humanity. That’s right. Horrible stereotype or not, the underlying message was that gays could be heroes – they were ‘worthy’ (incidentally, the virtually forgotten comic book he appeared in only ran a year, but in that time also featured a white female character who contracted AIDS). After that, DC really took the lead in bringing the LGBT to mainstream comic books. Both Superman and Batman had important supporting characters who were lesbians. A futuristic team called the Legion of Super-Heroes had a love interest reveal that she had become transgendered 10 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com
because he had fallen in love with the male hero – only to have that hero reveal that he would have preferred him to stay a man. The Doom Patrol featured Danny, the Transsexual Street and the hermaphrodite Rebis who insisted on being called “hir”. From the other giant, Marvel, we have a different story. From the company that brought us our first anti-drug story and introduced the first mainstream black super-hero, the Black Panther, you would expect a progressive attitude about sexuality. But this has not really been the case. In 1989, they made a big splash when they revealed the character Northstar in the book Alpha Flight was gay - which was two years after Extrano was introduced with much less fanfare. The funny thing about Northstar is that he was supposed to be gay all along, but in the 80’s, Marvel had a mandate from the Editor-in-Chief, Jim Shooter (not Stan Lee) that the Marvel Universe had no gays. And even after he left and they ‘outed’ Northstar, they then proceeded to not mention it much afterwards, not even when they gave him a four issue comic. Marvel has brought out some lesbian and gay characters, even featuring a gay teenage couple prominently in The Young Avengers, but there is always a bit of hesitancy that you sense from them. The gay character Freedom Ring was introduced, only to be killed off almost immediately afterwards. One of the more interesting moments of this is with a western character, the Rawhide Kid, who had been brought back and revealed to be gay and more than a little campy. Some took exception to this, but even more raised eyebrows when later they stated that he was just playing a part in that story and was actually heterosexual. DC may have been criticized for the stereotypical Extrano, but they never reneged on his sexuality. Regardless, the Big Two had crossed that bridge. So, the comic closet has been opened, but where do we go from here? Actually, it looks quite promising. In comics right now, the biggest news is the DC
relaunch. They cancelled all their main titles, such as Batman and Wonder Woman, and are starting the whole universe over with a month of first issues. This news ruled San Diego’s Comic Con and has been covered on various news sources around the country. With that relaunch, the LGBT community is going to continue being represented. Batwoman, a title recognized by the GLAAD Media Awards, will return. A new series will start featuring a bisexual woman named Voodoo. A more gritty version of the Batman/Superman team will be featured in the comic book Stormwatch with the characters Midnighter and Apollo. In addition to these titles, popular writer Gail Simone has asserted that the two titles she is writing, Batgirl and Firestorm will both feature LGBT characters, and a character she had previously written, Scandal Savage, will be returning, most likely with both of her wives. She was even tweeting the other day about working on a transgender character, but refused to say anything more at the time. Over at Marvel, there are not any obvious signs of an expanding LGBT community, but it isn’t shrinking either. Hulking and Wiccan from The Young Avengers continue to be popular, and the ever diverse world of the X-Men have expanded to include some LGBT characters. Undoubtedly there will be even more with time. Perhaps the biggest surprise comes from Archie Comics. While not as much of a presence in sales, Archie is arguably as well known by many as any of the spandex crowd. And it is hard to think of a title that is more family friendly middle American. So the introduction of gay character Kevin Keller to the town of Riverdale is quite remarkable. And he was featured in his own title mere months after being introduced, temporarily taking over Veronica before launching his own series next year. He will also be featured in Life with Archie, where it we meet his future husband. He is an all-American military kid who just happens to be gay. Who would have thought that Archie would become so progressive? So why does all this matter? Well, first and foremost, because we love comic books. Well, I do, and I know I am not alone. For years, comic books have been popular with the gay community. In addition to the adventure, the escapism, and the stories both good and bad, comic books speak to us. In comic books, being different is a source of potential greatness. There may be struggles, but in the end standing up for what is right is what wins the battle. If a mutant, alien, robot, or just a guy in a bat suit could stand up against injustice, then so could we all. And comics are becoming more and more inclusive, we can now see ourselves in their adventures. Enough said. news / politics / business / opinion
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
The 21st annual Bisbee Stair Climb BISBEE - Rain or shine on Oct. 15 the 21st annual Bisbee Stair Climb will take place. Rated as one of the top 5k in the United States for scenery, price, fun and freebies. The most unique physical fitness challenge (or friendly fitness walk) in the USA! This event encourages physical fitness regardless of age, level of fitness, ability and available time. The Bisbee 1000 event allows you to use any combination of walking, running and resting to traverse nine sets of steps and numerous backroads at a mile-high altitude. While conquering over 1,000 steps you will be serenaded by musicians playing at strategic points along the route (4.2 miles). Participants can compete aggressively for overall and age group prizes; enjoy a challenging fitness walk or family stroll, or any combination thereof. Packet pick up is on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7-8:45 a.m. with the race starting at 9 a.m.. Go to bisbee1000.org for more information.
Weichberger had more than 50 one-man shows in Europe and the United States, participated in the Biennales of Tokyo and Paris, and the ‘Salon Comparaisons’, Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris, and in New York. Weichberger’s work can be found in multiple museums and private collections. Some of the museums include: Amherst College, Finch College Museum, N.Y. Galerie of Modern Art, Landesmuseum Schloss Oldenburg, and Marymount Manhattan College. “...Weichberger is an original…intense, icy, incisive and lyrical, possessed of a hovering imagination that sights unusual points of view like a sextant taking its bearings on the horizon and sky…”, stated New York TImes, Brian O’Doherty. Marric Studios is an international gallery with working studios located in Downtown Flagstaff. Marric Studios is located at 22 E Birch Ave., Suite 2 in Flagstaff.
Native LGBT Health Symposium
Art of Philipp J. Weichberger featured at Flagstaff studio FLAGSTAFF - For the first time in Arizona, original paintings by the late Philipp J. Weichberger will be featured at Marric Studios in Flagstaff, Arizona during the month of September. In celebration of Weichberger’s 75th birthday, Marric Studios, in cooperation with the Weichberger Family, will be hosting a reception on Friday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. Weichberger was born in Bremen, Germany in 1936. A self-taught painter, he began his painting career in 1950; living and working in Paris from 1955 to 1959, then Brussels and settling in New York City in 1965. He lived and worked in the Westbeth Artists’ Community in New York City until his death in 1985. He worked in multiple mediums which included Acrylic on canvas, Oil on canvas and Acrylic on wood.
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PHOENIX - A Native LGBT Health Symposium will take place Sept. 30 from 8–5 p.m. The event will be held at the Downtown ASU campus in the AE England Building, Civic Space Park, 424 North Central Avenue (located along the light rail route). There will be a continental breakfast, speakers, door prizes, free HIV & STD testing, informational booths, music, art, lunch and much more. This is a free event, but registration is required! Contact Trudie Jackson 602-279-5262 ext. 3206 or tjackson@nachci.com
Grief support for LGBT community begins Oct. 6 PHOENIX - Hospice of the Valley is spon-
soring a free grief support group called “Healing Rainbows” for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community who have experienced the death of a partner, family member or friend. The group will meet six Thursday evenings, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. starting Oct. 6 at The Wellness Community, 360 E. Palm Lane in Phoenix. Registration is required: 602-636-5390. The Wellness Community is located at 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix.
Sedona Winefest SEDONA - The 3rd Annual Sedona Winefest will be held the weekend of Sept. 24-25. This two-day wine festival celebrates the wine growing industry of Arizona and will feature great wines from the Verde Valley, Prescott and the Southern Arizona Regions. The event will be located on Airport Mesa, taking advantage of the substantial parking as well as spectacular Sedona scenery. Patrons will delight in tasting wines and local food with a variety of menu items and snacks throughout the day. There will be an area for patrons to sit, sip wine and enjoy food and live music. Purchase your tickets on-line for the Early Bird specials beginning at $15 for adults and $12 for Seniors (65 and over). The entry fee at the door is $20 for adults and $15 for Seniors (65 and over). Attendees have the opportunity to purchase wine by the case, bottle and by the glass from all the participating wineries. Go to sedonawinefest.com to purchase tickets and for more information.
Time to kick butts PRESCOTT - Ready to kick the smoking habit? If you’re considering quitting or are ready to quit right now, then let the Prescott Pride Center help you. Staff can sign you up to receive free over-thecounter medications (patches, gum, or lozenges) delivered directly to your door, and can hook you up with a quit coach if you’re interested. If you’re on Arizona Access, you could also qualify for 12 weeks of free prescription medication, such as Chantix or Zyban. If you’d like to receive these free resources, please contact Frankie at 928-443-8520 or call the Ari-
news / politics / business / opinion
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS zona Smokers’ Helpline at 1-800-556-6222. If you call the helpline, be sure to tell them you were referred by the Prescott Pride Center and provide the location number (7051). That way they’ll know they’re dealing with a member of the LGBT community. Go ahead, call now and start kicking some butts!
Tucson Women’s Chorus TUCSON - The Tucson Women’s Chorus has ongoing enrollment for new members. We perform a cappella chants, rounds and songs from around the world. No auditions, sight-reading, prior experience or performing is necessary. Membership is open to all women and girls accompanied by a singing adult. Your first visit is free. After that, there is a one time $75 registration fee. Girls with singing adults are free. Scholarships are available. Rehearsals are weekly from September 19, 2011 to January 7, 2012, at two different locations. You can attend either or both. Monday rehearsals are at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church (3809 E 3rd St 3 blocks south of Speedway, in 1st block west of Alvernon). Thursday rehearsals are at Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation (3601 W Cromwell Dr - east off Thornydale, north of Ina). TWC is a nonprofit organization. Contact Karleena Ravenwood, Founder/Director Phone: 520-743-0991 Email: ravenwoodk@mac.com Web: tucsonwomenschorus.org
City of Tucson Commission on LGBT issues TUCSON - The mission of the Tucson Commission on GLBT Issues is to foster conditions that promote the welfare of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people of metropolitan Tucson, Arizona through education, advocacy and collaborative and advisory relationships with government, community organizations, businesses and individuals. The next meeting will be held Sept. 20 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ward 1 Office, 924 W Alameda St, Tucson.
PFLAG Support Meeting TUCSON - PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends. PFLAG provides opportunity to dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identify, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. If you want or need immediate support, please call the helpline at 520360-3795 The next meeting is Oct. 5, 7- 9 p.m. at the Ward 6 Office, 3202 E 1st St, Tucson.
Bears Beer Bust and Chili Feed TUCSON - Join the Bears of the Old Pueblo for their Beer Bust benefiting local charitites at The Venture-N! The fine folks at the Venture-N are offering $1 drafts, $2.50 pitchers of soda or beer, as well as bowls of our famous homemade chili, Oct. 22 from 3-7 p.m. Best of all, 100 percent of the proceeds go straight to the Homeless LGBT Youth Programs of Wingspan & Open Inn! Venture-N is located at 1239 N 6th Ave, Tucson.
news / politics / business / opinion
ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 13
Celebrating
10 Years
OCTOBER 1st AND 2nd, 2011
DOWNTOWN PHOENIX HERITAGE SQUARE PARK 7TH STREET & MONROE 10 AM UNTIL 6 PM
YOUTH
The important work of GLSEN By Cammy Bellis With this column, ’N Touch launches a new bimonthly feature dedicated to the work of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) in Phoenix. In this first installment, Cammy Bellis, GLSEN Phoenix’s Educator Training Coordinator, gives some background on the organization.
I couldn’t have guessed that my life would be forever changed when I agreed, a few years ago, to become the advisor of the Gay Straight Alliance that some students wanted to start on the campus where I taught. I already knew a little about GLSEN: That it’s the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe, affirming schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. That its trainers facilitate workshops for valley educators and youth-serving organizations, and that these workshops help participants develop knowledge about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues in schools, as well as teaching skills for addressing anti-LGBT bias and behavior. I knew that GLSEN takes steps to implement concrete, inclusive, research-based strategies within the school community to create safer schools for all students.
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What I didn’t know was that working closely with GLSEN would give me a glimpse into the extraordinary, brave work my students (and students around the country who identify as LGBT and their allies) do to create safe campuses. This small, committed group of students led many of GLSEN’s Days of Action throughout the year: No Name-Calling Week, Ally Week, and Day of Silence among them. I observed as they navigated through the places where their priorities lie: social, support, or advocacy (or a combination of the three). I listened as they traversed through their agenda at weekly meetings. I also met with parents who were gracious that their students had a safe space to go. Additionally, they planned a vigil for a student who was murdered in Oxnard, California in 2008 and facilitated what they named the “district dialogue” to address issues of safety for actual or perceived LGBT students on their respective campuses.
I’m still in contact with many of the GSA members, many of whom have graduated high school and continue to champion for social justice. Now, as GLSEN Phoenix’s Educator Training Coordinator, I’m the one providing those important trainings for educators. As I do this work, I’m reminded of why I do it, and to whom I devote the work: my students from the GSA, my sister, my best friend from high school, and my daughter. GLSEN gives teachers and students the tools to make tangible changes in their schools to ensure that all students feel that their schools are safe and affirming places to learn. As facilitator of a GLSEN Phoenix program called the Teachers’ Lounge, I and other trainers provide an opportunity for valley educators to come together to network and discuss topics related to the LGBT community. We also share strategies known to improve safety and inclusion in classrooms. It’s a job I cherish, and one that came to me because I was known among my students as a supportive teacher—something that, one day, I hope all teachers will be. Teachers’ Lounge meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Phoenix College. For more information, contact Cammy Bellis at cammy@glsenphoenix.org.
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NATIONAL NEWS
NC close to vote on gay
marriage ban in constitution RALEIGH, NC (AP) - North Carolina is the only state in the Southeast without a gay marriage ban in its constitution. The idea has gone nowhere in the last decade because Democratic leaders quashed Republican efforts to debate amendment referenda. Now with Republicans in charge of the Legislature for the first time in 140 years, conservatives are making their move. Lawmakers returned Sept. 12 to Raleigh to debate proposed amendments, including one to let voters next year decide if a state law already on the books defining marriage as between one man and one woman should be imprinted into the state constitution as well. “It’s time that we settled this issue,” said GOP state Rep. Dale Folwell of Winston-Salem, the No. 2 leader in the House and a key amendment proponent. Gay rights supporters and gay-friendly companies in the state have been attacking the proposal, saying a 2012 statewide ballot is unnecessary and would humiliate the state in a nation that’s become more accepting of same-sex relationships. They say it would discourage business from coming to North Carolina, where unemployment has crept back above 10 percent. “It makes no sense that North Carolina in a
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dark economic hour, should signal out a minority of its population for public judgment,” said Andrew Spainhour, general counsel of Greensborobased tableware seller Replacements Ltd., where as many as 100 of the 450 employees are gay, including the company founder. The marriage debate rises against a backdrop of looming, critical elections. A divisive ballot measure in November 2012 could help bring conservatives to the polls in a state where Barack Obama won in 2008 by only 13,000 votes and which is hosting the Democratic National Convention. Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue also faces a tough re-election fight next year. “There’s no doubt that there would be some advantage in motivating voters for Republican candidates,” said Ferrel Guillory, director of the Program on Public Life at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. On the gay marriage issue itself, he added: “We are polarized on this.” Political and social activists nationwide are keeping a close eye on the debate in Raleigh, which could be decided by a few votes. Groups are investing money and time in what could turn into a yearlong fight with deep political overtones. It could become a bellwether on gay marriage as a political issue. “Once it gets on the ballot, it’s going to be a top priority for us,” said Tom McClusky, a vice president at the Washington-based Family Research Council. Its legislative arm ran radio ads urging listeners to call a dozen legislators considered on the fence. Thirty states have language in their constitutions limiting marriage to a man and woman. Minnesota voters will consider an amendment next year. But gay marriage supporters have seen victories both in politics and public acceptance. New York became the sixth state with the District of Columbia to sanction same-sex marriages. In North Carolina, support for gay rights and acceptance of same-sex partnerships has expanded in recent years beyond college towns and other urban pockets. The number of same-sex domestic partners in North Carolina increased 68 percent over the past decade, according to U.S. Census figures.
“Each person has to decide what’s right for themselves but I don’t think we need to legislate those sorts of things,” said Byron Greiner, 53, an Asheville real estate agent and president of the city’s downtown association who has been in a same-sex partnership for 18 years. “I’d hate to see North Carolina go backward.” Greiner and others argue having a constitutional amendment on the ballot would make companies in emerging fields think twice about expanding in North Carolina. They said the amendment language if approved would lead to uncertainty over same-sex partner benefits, child custody rights and domestic violence laws. “You don’t use the constitution to disenfranchise and hurt your fellow citizens,” said Alex Miller, interim leader of the gay rights group Equality North Carolina. Amendment supporters argue traditional marriage would be better protected against potential legal challenges by same-sex couples married in other states. They said they’ve seen no proof businesses have refused to come to North Carolina because of the current marriage law. Amendment language expected to be considered Monday in a Senate committee aims to make clear companies aren’t impeded from offering domestic partner benefits to their workers. House Speaker Thom Tills, a Republican from suburban Charlotte, is a former consultant for Price Waterhouse who worked on a diversity initiative that was expanded to recruit gay and lesbian employees. Tillis said he’ll vote for the amendment but wants language that he believes won’t diminish the attractiveness of doing business in North Carolina. The amendment must receive support from three-fifths of the members in both the House and Senate to go to the ballot. Constitutional questions aren’t subject to gubernatorial vetoes. A simple majority of voters would have to agree to put it in the constitution. Most of the attention has focused on the House, where the Republican majority falls four seats short of the 72 votes needed if the entire GOP caucus voted together. That will require Republican leaders to retain six Democrats who co-sponsored a gay marriage amendment earlier this year, while keeping all GOP lawmakers in line. Black Democrats in rural areas were among those being targeted by amendment supporters. Not all Republicans were on board late last week. “We don’t want to make the mistake that everything we think is important, we should put it in the constitution,” said first-term Rep. Chuck McGrady, a Republican from Hendersonville, who called himself undecided. “I’m struggling with it. I’m trying to understand all the facts.” news / politics / business / opinion
Tempest DuJour’s Birthday Party @ Colors Restaurant & Bar, Tucson
Patio Grand Re-Opening @ Woody’s Bar, Tucson
Saturday Night Starrletts @ IBT’s, Tucson
WORLD NEWS
Anti-gay chief justice appointed in South Africa JOHANNESBURG (AP) - President Jacob Zuma appointed Mogoeng Mogoeng as chief justice of South Africa, casting aside accusations that the judge has been lenient on rapists and is homophobic. Critics of the new Chief Justice Mogoeng have said they will fight his appointment all the way to the Constitutional Court, which he now commands. Only a handful of organizations, including the Black Lawyers Association, had supported Mogoeng. Social justice, women’s interest and gay rights groups, opposition parties, three South African bar associations and nine U.S. law professors all had written submissions against the nomination. Three women Nobel laureates joined them on to urge Zuma not to go ahead with the appointment. Zuma told a news conference he had taken into account the submissions to the commission that interviewed Mogoeng for the position for two days over the weekend. He then thanked Mogoeng for the dignity with which he had met the barrage of criticism. Mogoeng, 50, took the podium to thank Zuma for his “trust and confidence” and promised not to betray it. “I also vow to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, to uphold and protect the constitution and the human rights entrenched in it, and to administer justice for all persons alike without fear, favor or prejudice, in accordance with the constitution and the law,” said South Africa’s first jurist. Critics point to rulings in which Mogoeng quashed or reduced jail sentences of men who
raped women but increased the jail sentence of a man who raped a man. He is accused of perpetuating myths about rape, such as in one ruling excusing a husband who raped his wife because he said the man had been tempted because the woman was wearing a nightdress and panties, and suggesting that sex between a husband and his wife could not be considered rape. South Africa has one of the most liberal constitutions in the world, including tough rape laws that have failed to halt the nation’s increasingly high rate of sexual crimes. Only a small fraction of reported rapes lead to prosecutions.
During his two years in the Constitutional Court, Mogoeng has made two dissenting judgments that fed speculation he is extremely conservative and perhaps homophobic – charges he denied. He is a pastor in the Winners Chapel International Church, which offers to save souls, drive out disease and cure “deviations,” including homosexuality, through prayer and counseling. Mogoeng told the commission that interviewed him that he believes God wants him to be the chief justice, and that it is his constitutional right to embrace his Christian faith. “I did and do so mindful of the fact that our constitution was not meant to benefit Christians to the exclusion of all other people who either belong to other faiths or do not subscribe to any religion at all,” he added. Mogoeng has a master’s degree in law from the long-distance University of South Africa and began his career as a Supreme Court prosecutor in 1986. He was made a judge of the Labor Appeal Court in 2000 and judge president of the provincial North West High Court in 2002 before being appointed to the Constitutional Court two years ago.
Britain to lift ban on gay men
donating blood LONDON (AP) - British health officials say they will lift the ban on gay men donating blood – as long as their last sexual contact with another man was more than one year ago. The U.K. health department said the change would be implemented in November after a new review found no evidence to support the ban. The decision reverses a policy first adopted in the 1980s when officials feared AIDS could be spread in the blood supply. Other countries including Australia, Japan, South Africa, Sweden and New Zealand also allow gay men to donate blood with similar conditions. In Canada and the U.S., however, gay men are still banned from donating blood. news / politics / business / opinion
ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 19
EQUALITY ARIZONA PRESENTS
A SALUTE TO SERVICE THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT GALA Please join us for an evening honoring those who have provided outstanding service to our local and national communities. Saturday, September 24th, 2011 5:00 PM | Reception and Silent Auction 7:00 PM | Dinner and Awards Program
ARIZONA B ILTM ORE 2400 East Missouri Avenue | Phoenix, AZ 85016
Reservations can be made at
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Equality Arizona is proud to honor the following individuals and corporations for their outstanding contributions:
NEIL GIULIANO Barry Goldwater Human Rights Individual Award
STEVEN N. BERGER Equality Arizona Human Rights Individual Award
GINA READ AND TRACEY STEWART Equality Arizona Human Rights Corporate Award
20th Anniversary Benefit Gala Sponsors include:
Gay Chambers
Information
BUSINESS PROFILE
Enable Your Care is there when you need it most Patient advocacy and patient care coordination By J. Ursone
Phoenix Gay Chamber
NetMix
This month’s net mix will be held at Lucky Strike Lanes (50 W. Jefferson St.), Sept. 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Light h’orderves will be served and cash bar. RSVP@phoenixgaychamber.com
Board of Directors Meeting The GPGLCC Board of Directors meets every month on the second Wednesday at 8 a.m. Members are welcome to attend the meeting. If you wish to address the board, you must do so in writing by emailing Tony Felice at development@gpglcc.org and by calling in advance 602-237-5572.
Tucson Gay Chamber
Net Breakfast
Breakfast Meetings will be held the third Thursday of the month at The Manning House, Lavender Ballroom, 450 W Paseo Redondo # 212 in Tucson. Go to tucsonglbtchamber.org for more info and to rsvp.
Health care can hardly be the stress free journey when there is so much involved with managing the medical process. Enable Your Care Patient Advocacy and Patient Care Coordination provides a service that eliminates your role in navigating the medical and insurance systems, thus enabling you and your family to focus on what’s most important; care. No one should have to experience medical hardships alone, which is why patient advocacy is a cutting edge necessity in today’s medicine. The company’s trained, professional case workers are dedicated to the best possible resolution when it comes to figuring the many complex factors that accompany insurance policies, medical diagnosis, hospital stays and outpatient treatment. Lindsey Kroll is the President and Founder of Enable Your Care Patient Advocacy and Patient Care Coordination. As the Founder of Enable Your Care, Ms. Kroll has committed to providing professional coordination services to those with chronic, life threatening and debilitating illnesses through partnership relationships with the patient’s providers and insurer. As a patient herself, Kroll knows how hard it can be to navigate through diagnosis, treatment, and endless days in the hospital. This combined with a drive to continuously improve healthcare quality, tirelessly advocate for patients and champion healthcare accessibility. “I have been a patient 46 times with over 26 surgeries that almost took my life back in 2007. I have been very fortunate in my health to bounce back quickly, however I policed our health care system like no-other. This provided quite the bond with my now EYC patients as I know what they are going through, where they have been, and where they are going. “Enable Your Care was founded with one goal in mind, ‘To Simply Help Others’. I have served in many roles within health care in both the private and government sectors. However, my pas-
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sion is with our patients. I am simply in love with people and the greatest joy we receive is watching our patients heal and get back on to their normal lives. EYC provides that by allowing the patient to be a patient and give the burden of coordination to our advocates. We are unlike any other company in the United States, while yes there are other Advocacy groups who are doing amazing work, we provide the face to face interaction along with care coordination. We are committed to standing by each patient from the minute they are diagnosed to the moment we see them walk away healthy and back onto their normal lives,” Kroll told ‘N Touch News. Prior to Enable Your Care, Kroll worked as the EPSDT/Healthcare Performance Improvement Manager for a statewide Arizona Medicaid health plan, and Provider Relations Manager for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Medicaid Transformation Grant, Arizona Medical Information Exchange. Since Enable You Care’s formation, the goal is to help patients remain strong during treatment. To provide a voice for those who need to be heard, remove road blocks during treatment/recovery, and provide hope when life provides challenging circumstances. Call Enable Your Care today to schedule your free 30 minute consultation at 602-471-7588 to learn more visit their website at Enableyourcare. com
www.ntouchaz.com news / politics / business / opinion
BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFS Mobile App coming to GPGLCC Community Tire PHOENIX - Get up to $100 value back on American Express Reward Card by mail when you purchase a set of four eligible Bridgestone Dueler tires at Community Tire and Automotive Service Specialists. Community Tire and Automotive Service Specialists has been apart of your community since 1991. Over the years, the family-owned company has grown locations serving Phoenix, Glendale, Casa Grande, Wellton and Yuma Arizona. For a location near you go to communitytireaz.com
Off Chute Too has new arrivals
PHOENIX - The GPGLCC Mobile App. is officially under construction. Here are just a few of the incredible benefits and features you will find on the Chamber Mobile App: iPhone and Android compatible, Users have an instant resource for locating and connecting with members. Member pages offer several optional features: links, maps, click to call, company logo’s, social networking and specials. Stay current with events, news, member discounts and more from the Chamber and the LGBT community. Get noticed with splash page or banner advertising. Cloud based computing for INSTANT ACCESS and Synchronization. Why Should You List Your Business? Local business searching on mobile devices has surged 34% 77.1 million mobile subscribers accessed local content* via mobile devices in January 2011, up 34% from the 57.6 million who did so one year earlier, according to a report by the Local Search Association (LSA). The use of mobile apps to access local content grew most dramatically: 56% of surveyed mobile subscribers used apps to access local content in January, up 14 percentage points (PPs) (or 34%) from the 42% who did so a year earlier. For more information, contact web@phoenixgaychamber.com
PHOENIX - As Fall approaches Off Chute Too has new clothing, jewelry and accessories arriving daily. Stop by and see what is in store for you! Off Chute Too is LGBT owned and operated, and is located at 4115 N. 7th Ave.
animals in danger of being euthanized and then finds them loving new homes. It didn’t take long for these rescued animals to fill HALO’s shelter. Animals that were once days (or hours) from being euthanized filled kennels lining every available wall in every room of the small no-kill shelter. Hearing of their plight, and recognizing the good work HALO was doing, Animal Care and Control stepped up to help. Animal Control had extra room, and with the goal of reducing euthanasia they were willing to let HALO move into their west valley shelter. HALO has now converted two underutilized parts of Animal Control’s building into treatment spaces for dogs and cats. Much of the initial funding is being provided by a generous grant from PetSmart Charities®. “By creating an innovative collaboration, HALO Animal Rescue is dedicating itself to solving the problem of homeless-pet overpopulation,” said Susan Della Maddalena, vice president and executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. “PetSmart Charities is proud to support partnerships like these that make such a difference to the local community.” When the new space is in full use, HALO expects to be able to save up to 1,900 additional animals each year. And with the collaboration underway, HALO has already begun to see an increase in adoptions. The public is encouraged to adopt a shelter pet; if you cannot adopt, consider supporting HALO and the work they are doing to help save homeless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.
HALO Animal Rescue gets shelter with help from PetSmart Charities®
As the weather cools its time for pie! Phoenix - Linda’s on Osborn makes the best homemade pies, just like grandma use to make. As the weather cools stop by and see what;s baking! Linda’s is located at 2333 East Osborn Road. Phone: 602-956-4420
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Phoenix – In the world of animal shelters, no-kill rescues and large county shelters rarely get along, but Heather Allen, Executive Director of HALO Animal Rescue, sees no reason why it has to be that way. “We’re in the same boat. No one wants these dogs and cats to be needlessly euthanized,” she said. “We’ve been working together with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control to find ways to eliminate this tragedy.” In Maricopa County, nearly 50,000 shelter pets each year are euthanized. The reason so many do not leave the shelters alive? Many of the dogs and cats are simply sick, too young for adoption, or too timid and scared. HALO, which stands for Helping Animals Live On, is devoted to saving these pets. The non-profit organization rescues
Tucson GLBT Chamber wins award TUCSON - Jane Kaskel (Tucson GLBT administrator) and Tim Brown (Board Member) attended the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Conference in Las Vegas two weeks ago. They brought back with them a wealth of wonderful ideas and information to share. They will be exploring lots of new ideas and ways of doing things over the coming months. The other thing they brought back was an award that was presented to the chamber for “Chamber Excellence” recognizing our work organizing and participating (and this year, leading) The Southern Arizona Chamber of Commerce Alliance. It is a wonderful thrill to be recognized for this achievement!
ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 23
FITNESS
Healthy pool party food By Kirk Matthews Hi Kirk. I’ve gone to 6 pool parties this summer and the food has been um, kinda sad? But the beer was great lol. So if I’m gonna have friends over, like 50 of my best friends haha! what should I serve? Like for other guys who are fit is what I mean. Josh Great, now it’s a cooking column… Not really! I do understand what you’re talking about, Josh. This is actually sort of a big deal for more people than will likely admit it, so I’ll speak for them (and you). I’ve lost count of the number of friends and colleagues who’ve complained at length about the pitiful lack of healthy food choices at otherwise fun parties. It’s enough to make many people leave a social gathering early, really, out of shear hunger in fact. And they won’t tell the hosts, of course. It’s not that everyone should be expected to serve gourmet health foods to their guests, but tables and tables of typical comfort and carnival foods with sugary drinks just don’t cut it for people who work hard to stay young and fit. Healthy people tend to eat small, frequent meals and can get very impatient when expected to remain at an event that has sub-par food. The “impatience” mostly comes from a metabolism that has grown accustomed to – frankly – smarter choices. Think of it this way: our ancestors who were lean and efficient didn’t survive the harsh conditions that got us to our modern convenient lives by plucking the freshest of fruits from the “donut trees” and chewing on the meat from the corn dogs they were fast enough to hunt down. It’s really more about a sense of frustration as opposed to anger when these situations occur. Most of us grew up with many of these “fun” foods -- so if you want to mix them with healthier choices, then you’re offering a balanced variety that will please more of your guests. There’s no need for worry, and don’t over-think
it. It’s easy to keep it simple and tasty, and easier than the choices of what to serve at a sit-down indoor dinner party since it’s mostly finger foods and small portions. Here’s a basic theme of what to either serve or look for at a pool party, barbeque or other summer outing that might cater to the tastes and needs of fitness-minded friends. Alcohol. Yes, fit men and women drink beer and liquor, so we’re just going to get that item out of the way by saying: get the good stuff, or the best you can afford. Enough said. Water. Yes, it mixes well with vodka. But if someone’s actually going to drink it by itself, then get some of the sparkling flavored waters – some have a hint of citrus without any sweeteners added, so they’re refreshing and better than tap water – and still work as a mixer. I wouldn’t waste my money on all the vitamin-type waters: if I want to take supplements, I take them before I go out. Protein. Second to alcohol in the budget for many party planners, but usually deficient. Here’s why: it’s expensive. But don’t be fooled: you’d have to make one amazing potato salad for people to rave about it, but good meats are always appreciated. It could be a variety of cold cut deli meats, shrimp cocktail, chicken salad or simple burgers. If it’s an actual barbeque, then you might grill fish, chicken strips, burgers and kebobs: simple and easy. And is anyone health-minded still serving anything but the most organic of hot dogs? Offer them if you like, as some people will enjoy them as part of the variety mentioned above. And condiments can be as simple as mustard and ketchup, relishes, as well as some exotic and flavorful dressings and sauces. Just keep the meat fresh and moist and you’ll have happy
Find more news online! www.ntouchaz.com 24 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com
guests (and no food poisoning!). Speaking of that, it’s one of the main reasons many people avoid serving dairy-based foods or even mayonnaise for outdoor gatherings, particularly in Arizona. The heat can have a toxic effect on these foods, and unless you want to worry about putting fresh ice around them every half hour, just avoid the hassle and don’t serve them -- better safe than sorry. Keep it simple. Vegetables and Fruits. This is sort of an obvious choice. It can be a tray of fresh cut veggies from the grocery store: celery, carrots, broccoli and so on. But it could also be a huge bowl set in ice of mixed greens with a few cut vegetables – easy and fast. Dressings can be light and simple, right from the original bottle. And fruits can be grapes, apricots, strawberries or small apples; and who won’t eat fresh cut watermelon? Carbs. You could serve a side dish of wild rice. Or try potato slices mixed with meat and tomatoes on the kebobs if you’re grilling. Serve store-bought grape leaves stuffed with rice. Lots of choices. And for dessert, it’s as easy as a tray of whole-grain oatmeal, multi-grain or chocolate chip cookies. And if it’s a special party, a sheet cake will usually hold up well in the outdoor weather. You won’t find bags and bags of potato chips (or other types) on this list – most health-conscious people won’t even bother with them. But if it’s a mixed crowd, serve them: they hold up well and are quick and cheap. Even on the strictest of budgets, you could serve a big cooler of good beer, fresh beef and turkey burgers on basic buns, a few bowls of baked corn chips, fresh watermelon slices, cookies, and bottled water. I’ve seen parties cost from one hundred and fifty to up to three thousand dollars (for a barbeque!), so it’s all about keeping it in perspective and keeping your guests in mind, and you’ll do just fine Josh. While all of the above info certainly isn’t a complete list, it should be a good launching point to experiment with; and chances are that if you love it, so will your friends. Good luck and happy partying! That’s it for now. Best of health to you all and as always, keep those questions coming! Kirk Matthews is a multiple Certified Personal Trainer and Professional Nutrition Consultant; answers may contain advice from either or both disciplines. Call: 602-616-9195. Questions: e-mail kirk. matthews@hotmail.com (with “n touch” in subject line). Visit thetrumpnetwork.com/kirkmatthews -- hover over “Why Our Products Work” to learn about Lab-formulated supplements and smart foods made just for you! And visit: www.sportsclubatcitysquare.com to try before you buy. news / politics / business / opinion
SPORTS
LGBT Sports Leagues Spotlight
Back to the batting cage By Luis Garcia
PHOENIX - For hundreds of athletes in the Valley the dropping temperatures means that it’s time for them to dust off their cleats and get back to the batting cages. Twenty-four teams opened up the 2011 Cactus Cities Softball fall league on Sept. 11 at Cesar Chavez Park in Laveen -- a big difference from the five teams that started the league in 1993. CCSL Assistant Treasurer Joel Lillegraven, who also coaches and plays for the Arizona Ice, told ‘N Touch that the fall season is a favorite time for many players, especially players that are new to the league. “In the fall, we play with open rosters and many players take the opportunity to play with their friends on other teams,” said Lillegraven. “For new players, this gives them the chance to play with various teams and find a good fit for them for the upcoming 2012 spring season.” Lillegraven’s involvement with softball began in 1998 as part of San Diego’s league, America’s Finest City Softball League. “I don’t think I expected to enjoy it as much as I did. It was a way for me to remain active, and I met a lot of fun and interesting people. And I am still close with many of my softball peers.”
Upon relocating to Phoenix in 2005, one of the first things Lillegraven did was reach out to the CCSL. He knew it would be a way to get involved in the community, meet new people and make friends during an otherwise lonely transition. In 2010, he became of member of the CCSL Board. “I, like the others on the board, believe strongly in this organization, and its importance in the LGBT community,” said Lillegraven “As a gay man, the CCSL and AFCSL leagues have provided a comfortable environment for me to learn and grow as an individual and as an athlete. We need to be sure that organizations like this are always available for our community.” Open Divison games are played at Cesar Chavez Park, located at 35th Avenue and Baseline. The Women’s Division plays at Estaban Park, near 32nd Street and Roeser. All games begin at 8 a.m. The slow pitch softball league is primarily for LGBTQ persons, but it does not discriminate against anyone if they were interested in joining. League play will run until Dec. 4 with games taking place almost every Sunday. The purpose of the CCSL is to foster local, regional, national and international sports competition predominately for gays, lesbians and anyone dedicated to promotion of the amateur athletic experience for persons of all skill level and abilities regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race, creed, religion or national origin. If you are interested in joining CCSL league visit cactuscities.com
Tennis anyone? By Staff The Phoenix Tennis Alliance will be hosting the The Cactus Open 2011 tournament, Oct. 14-16 at Phoenix Tennis Center. The tournament already has entries from as far away as England. Draw Sizes: Open 16 Singles / 8 Doubles Teams “A” 32 Singles / 16 Doubles Teams “B” 32 Singles / 16 Doubles Teams “C” 32 Singles / 16 Doubles Teams “D” 16 Singles / 8 Doubles Teams The tournament will be capped at 100 players, and divisions will close as they fill. If a division is full you can be put on a wait list. If something opens up in the desired division you can be inserted into that division. If nothing opens news / politics / business / opinion
up you can play in a division higher if available. Consolation Rounds will be offered to Singles Players who lose their first match. This means that if you have a bye in your first round, you will still qualify to play consolations if you lose your first match in the round following the bye round. The host hotel for the event is the Hilton Suites at 10 East Thomas Rd. Each room can accommodate one to six people which includes using the pull out sofa in the living area. There is a breakfast buffet included for 1 person per room. Each additional person will be charged $5 for the breakfast buffet. For those who have vehicles the non-valet parking fee has been waived for tournament participants. The Phoenix Tennis Center located at 6330 N 21st AV Phoenix, AZ. For more information or entry form go to phoenixtennisalliance.com
Sports leagues of the Valley provide a safe, friendly, and fun social setting for the LGBT community. Whether a new comer, veteran, or a fan, everyone is welcome.
Basketball
Hellraisers Hoops Open Play Sundays from 2 – 4 p.m. Sports Club of City Square www. phoenix.ngba.us hellraiserhoops@yahoo.com
Flag Football
PHX Hellraisers Flag Football League
Saturdays 9 a.m. January – April Colter Park www.phoenixflagfootball.com info@phoenixflagfootball.com 602.284.9207
Rugby – Men Phoenix Storm
Tuesdays & Thursdays 7 p.m. Longview Elementary School www.phoenixstorm.org info@rugbystorm.com
Softball
Cactus Cities Softball League
Sundays starting at 8 a.m. Spring: Feb. – May; Fall: Oct. - Dec Ceasar Chavez Park www.cactuscities.com
Swimming
The Phoenix Sunfish
Year around schedule Mon, Tues, & Thurs - 6:30 - 8 pm Saturdays - 4:30-6 pm Three Locations throughout the valley www.phxsunfish.org
Volleyball – Indoor
Desert Volleyball Alliance February - May Saturdays 12 – 3 p.m. Kingdom Courts www.desertvalleyalliance.org aaryck@hotmail.com
Volleyball – Sand
Arizona Gay Volleyball Association
Three seasons to choose from Feb – May, June – Aug, Sept – Dec Indian Steele Park & Radisson City Center Mondays & Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. www.azgv.org commissioner@azgv.org
ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 25
By Gina Read Nothing stood out; he looked like any of the countless youth one might run into on any given day. A t-shirt with the name of a band I had never heard of, pants that were a little baggy, a little dirty. He needed new shoes, his were completely worn, but maybe that’s the way he wanted them. You know teenagers; they make statements through how they act and dress -- to stand out, to be unique. But, unfortunately, Shawn is not unique; he is one of the 1.6 million to 2.8 million homeless young people in the United States. Numbers like these make it hard to get involved, how do you make a difference when you are “one” and there are millions of “them.” In 2006, ‘N Touch News devoted two issues to homelessness among our youth, those that identify as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender. GLBT youth make up 20 to 40 percent of those young people on the street even though they represent only five to 10 percent of the overall youth population. For the articles we focused on the homeless youth in our own backyard - Arizona. It seemed less daunting. It is still over 100 degrees outside when I meet Shawn. The 2011 summer heat, one of the worst
on record, shows on his face and arms. His skin looks like someone who has spent his entire life working outdoors, hard and leather-like. He has been on the street three months and looks far older than 15. Bullied at school, after months of harassment he finally told his parents. When he revealed it was because he was gay, his parents were shocked. “They didn’t say much to me. My mom cried a lot, but I thought it would blow over. Then they talked to our pastor and the next thing I knew I was out and told to pray and not come back until I wasn’t gay.” Like the majority of homeless youth I have encountered over the years, Shawn couch-surfed from friend to friend, but that only lasts so long. Like a lot of GLBT minors who have been kicked out, Shawn should be placed in foster care, but most of the social workers I spoke with over the years have said many would prefer to fend for themselves. I ask Shawn. “The whole gay thing came out because I was being harassed. Nobody out there wants a teenager. What do you think would happen in a
group home?” But what happens on the street? According to the report, “On the Streets: The Federal Response to Gay and Transgender Homeless Youth”, homeless GLBT youth see higher rates of abuse and victimization then their straight peers. 58 percent have been sexually assaulted, compared to 33 percent of homeless straight youth. 44 percent reported being asked by someone on the street to exchange sex for money, food, drugs, shelter, or clothes, compared to 26 percent of straight homeless youth. 42 percent abuse alcohol, compared to 27 percent of straight homeless youth. 62 percent will attempt suicide, compared to 29 percent of straight homeless youth. Christina has been on the street since she was 14 years old, but her problems began long before then. Born Christopher, she says from an early age she knew she was in the wrong body. “I loved dressing up in girl’s clothes. I wanted pretty things... I loved to do hair and cook. I just knew.” For years Christina’s parents tried to coax her
into behaving and dressing like a boy. Then the coaxing became verbally and mentally abusive she says. Christina finally ran away from home at 13. “I just couldn’t stand it. I cried myself to sleep. I prayed God would change me into a girl. As I got older I found out about Trans people who got operations to make them the right way. I started saving my allowance. When my dad heard that was what I was doing with my money he took it away.” Although the average age for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth to come out is 14.4 years of age, the average for a transgender youth is 13.5. Life in shelters can be much harder for these young people. Christina went into a shelter. Her parents gave up their rights, and she was placed in foster care and sent to a group home. There she was forced to dress and act according to her biological sex. She was harassed, hit, and sexually assaulted. She ran away three times before she says they gave up looking for her. These days Christina works the streets as a prostitute. She has been beaten, robbed and even stabbed once. “Most of the guys know we are not biological girls, but this one guy didn’t and got really pissed.” Despite the danger, Christina is determined to raise enough money to have surgery to make her outside look like what she says her inside feels like. “I only work near the bars and adult stores where the guys know we are Trans.” I ask if the men who solicit her know how old she is. “Not most of them. Some do, but they don’t care. They know I’m going to get my operation.” Christina is 16 years old. Liz grew up in a home where money was tight. Both her parents worked multiple jobs to support their six children. The oldest, Liz took care
of her siblings while her parents worked. When she came out as a lesbian she says that she thinks her parents were just too tired and busy to deal with it. “They really worked hard. I don’t know how they did it. Everything was okay for a while. My brothers and sisters got older and could take care of themselves so I started looking for a part-time job. Then my dad lost one of his jobs and things got really bad. He said I had to bring in money or get out. I couldn’t find a job and one night he got really mad and said I was 18 and told me to go live with my lezzy girlfriend.” Liz’s girlfriend was in college and housed in a dorm. “She offered to move out and get a place together, but neither of us had jobs. I didn’t want to ruin her life too.” At 18, Liz was not a problem of the state, with even less resources than had she been younger, she ended up living behind stores, in alleys, broken in vacant houses, anywhere she can find. Although more parents are accepting their GLBT youth then when we first wrote about this subject, the backlash from states granting marriage rights to their GLBT citizens and the Obama administration’s repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and an unrelenting recession, more and more youth find themselves homeless. Numbers are hard to get, but today somewhere between 6,250 to 7,500 youth in Maricopa County experience homelessness on a dayto-day basis. In Pima County, 1,711 to 2200 find themselves homeless. Rural data is much harder to come by, but estimates for Arizona’s 13 rural counties are anywhere from 44 to 100. Most of the counselors and social workers we spoke with say the numbers are much higher.
In 2008, there were an estimated 80 emergency community beds and 63 transitional housing beds to serve homeless youth under 18 years of age. Those numbers have improved, but only slightly. For those over the age of 18, it is nearly impossible to find shelter. So what do we do? In late 2006, the community came together and held a town hall meeting on the subject of GLBT homeless youth and young people. From that meeting the GreenHouse Project was born. Its mission, to provide a transitional housing program that would teach the skills necessary for independent living while affording homeless Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (GLBTQ) 18-24 years old a safe, temporary living environment. To assist in the needs of GLBTQ youth under the age of 18, the project would work with a network of foster care resources willing to house this underserved population. Tumbleweed Youth Development Services took the GreenHouse Project under its umbrella. Today, the GreenHouse has eight apartments that can house two occupants each. The 18-24 year olds that get into the program are given life skills and opportunities to finish their GED (if they do not have one), apply for scholarships and interview skills so that they can find a job. Although 16 beds may not sound like much, to those 16 young people they mean everything – sometimes even life or death. No matter what the numbers, no matter if they are GLBT or straight, one homeless child, youth, or young person is one too many. So where do we go from here? This is the first of a two part series on homelessness. Please send comments and/or ideas to editor@ ntouchaz.com
S OU T HERN A RIZON A A ID S F OUNDAT I ON
A nimal B irth C ontrol
REAL ESTATE
It’s not a big deal anymore By Dorian Kreiling
W
hen I was 50 (8 years ago next week) I made the conscious decision that I was going to come fully out of the closet, unapologetically. I realized in that milestone moment that I was someone who was responsible, said what I was going to do and did it, suited up and showed up every day, paid my bills on time, paid my taxes. If someone had an issue with that when I was 50, well… Bye. Bye! In that moment, I was consciously making the decision that when Melinda and I were out to lunch/dinner/or the event of the moment and the fill in the blank person said, “Are you two SIS-ters?” I would say, “No. We are partners.” I made a point of stating this fact as just that. No apology (I used to say, “I’m sorry, I’m gay.” Until someone pointed out, “…and why are you sorry about that?” No voice to high or voice to low. No arrogance. Just fact – we are partners - period. Sometimes that met with confusion. “What kind of partners?” Business? House? This was asked by all kinds of people – young, old, worldly, naïve. Some asked as a point of disbelieving clarification (could she really be gay?), some as a point of clarification (could she really be GA-Y?) and some with a “No! Really?” I do make a point of saying, “life partners” lest it sound like we are training for an Olympic Three Legged race. Which, by the way, and certainly not to brag, but Melinda and I are pretty good at. Prior to my 50 year milestone, I really did have someone tell me, to my face, that they never met a gay person. We were on a completely different subject and I was left blindsided by it not so much embarrassed for who I was, but rather, co-dependently, knowing this person was about to be revealed as their own fool. How many friends did they have who were gay and they didn’t know it? What did they think a gay person looked like? Boggles the mind. news / politics / business / opinion
Recently, our brokerage firm, John Hall & Associates, was sold to Realty One Group. There is nothing wrong with the latter, but we have decided to keep our options open and look at some other brokerage firms. In shorthand, that means we are gussying up, putting on our best pantsuits and INTERVIEWING! This may come as a surprise to you, but I really don’t like interviewing. I don’t know why – just don’t. So, Melinda and I show up together for the interview and somewhere along the way, usually as they are talking fees, (and there are lots of them!) we make it known that we are gay and looking for the married Realtor discount. (Sigh. Sidebar: Yes, we are engaged. NO, we haven’t gotten married. YES, we will, we just don’t know when. And OF COURSE you will be invited to the reception.) At this point, one of us or both of us say, “We are partners.” (And at this point for expediency sake, if you, Dear Reader, could go back to the 3rd paragraph and fill it in right here - it would be most appreciated. The results are nothing less that amusing. Usually, the recruiter, to a person, upon clarification of our life status COMPLETELY falls all over themselves with a, “Hey! That’s cool! Some of our best agents are gay”, speech. There has been no stutterstep on any of the recruiter’s parts – the reason? Economics of course, but also the fact that enough of us are coming out that it simply is not a big deal any more. Dorian Kreiling, ABR,e-Pro works with her partner, Melinda Murphy, GRI at John Hall&Associates and can be reached at 623-694-4737 or NTouch@MelindaMurphy.com ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 31
IN THE CARDS
Dare to be what you dreamed Tarot, Numerology, Runes, Astrology, Instructor, Clergy Services By Kate Morrow
Question: I have been with my other half for 8 years and we have been arguing a lot. Should we stay together or break up? First of all we have the Two of Rods reversed. This tells me you both are not sharing a common vision. You’re both busy laying blame instead of using your judgment. Next we have the Nine of Swords reversed as well. This tells us that you came together to heal old sorrows; also, one of you has been ill, within the last two or three months and is doing better now. This is also affecting your arguing. Next we have the Ten of Rods upright. This tells us that everything is feeling like such a burden right now and will remain a burden until things get resolved. Next we have the Four of Rods upright. This is a Celebration and can mean a wedding. Last we have the Seven of Rods reversed. This is not being able to rise above the competition or defend oneself. From all of this I would say you need to remember what your relationship felt like in your second year. All couples fight and argue. It’s how you resolve those arguments that matter. Forget the blame or who is right and remember why you love the other person. Work toward the Celebration and avoid the reversed Seven of Rods. According to the cards you should stay and work things out. Stop trying to always be right, both of you. Get back to loving and supporting each other then you’ll both be right. Question: I am looking into getting a new position at work. Should I go for the new position? 32 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com
First we have the Ace of Rods reversed. This is saying you may not want to go for this particular job. No change just yet. Next we have the Four of Coin reversed. You need to get back to following your budget. You’ve had a tendency to be a bit too generous with your money and you’re looking at the bigger paycheck not what doing the job would actually be like. Last in our three card spread is the King of Rods reversed. Your potential new boss might be a terrific guy while you’re not his underling, but he would not be a good boss for you. According to the cards I would say wait for a better job fit. This may be tempting, but this is not the job you should go for. Two additional cards for more explanation: King of Sword reversed says you may need more certification or education to really get to where you want. And the Three of Rods upright says that there will be a better job after the New Year where you will feel more in control of your career, but you will have to consider the further education. Question: Will I be able to marry the woman in my life? First card is the Two of Rods reversed, the Jr. Manager on his head. This says there are things you cannot manage or control. Next we have the Ten of Cups reversed followed closely by the Queen of Rods also reversed. From this I would say one of you are allowing your political convictions and frustrations to cloud or disrupt the family home. Next we have the Two of Coins reversed. A lot of spinning wheels, being busy, and doing for others to the point that you are swamped and falling apart. Last we have the Six of Cups. Nostalgia, remembering the old ways of doing things. According to the cards, from the whole spread I get that you will not be able to marry legally anytime soon
continued on page 47 >
news / politics / business / opinion
HEALTH
Low tech indicator of health & disease! By Dr. Damien Brandeis
Dear Doctor B.: I have noticed lately that my fingernails and toenails seem to break very easily. My partner says this means I am missing something in my diet or my vitamins. What should I do about it, if anything? -- Madge This is an excellent question. In fact, this is one of the best questions I have received in the six years I’ve been writing for this publication! Thank you for posing it. In routine medical exams and doctor visits, mainstream physicians often don’t take the time to examine or ask about nail health. Sadly, what with reliance on medical testing on the rise, many physicians don’t take into account the significance of everything they can observe. Nail issues could lead a physician to order the right confirmatory testing required to correctly determine the underlying medical issues. While there are nutritional treatments for nail issues, they can indicate many health and disease related issues. Nail thickening, thinning, deformity or brittleness thus should be taken into account when diagnos-
news / politics / business / opinion
ing for a potentially serious disease process. Here’s a list of potential underlying medical issues nail issues suggest: Vascular issues (in simple terms: circulatory) may include anemia and other problems with the blood or circulation failing to provide adequate oxygen to the area where the nails are formed. Anemia means the red blood cells don’t carry enough oxygen, for various reasons. Raynauds’ disease (an auto-immune disease which affects blood vessels) also comes to mind. There are may other conditions that can cause inflammation of the blood vessels. Nail issues may also be caused by inflammation from food allergies, environmental allergens, fungal infections and other pathogens. Trichinosis (rare pork worms) and serious sub-acute bacterial endocarditis may also be the underlying the cause of inflammation that affects the appearance and condition of the nails. Cancer is rarely a cause of nail changes with one exception: changes secondary to anemia caused by melanomas or neurological sources of cancer. In other words, the cancer interferes with the body’s absorption of Vitamin B2 and Vitamin D. Toxins present in the environment which may have made their way into your body can impact your nail health. Fine white lines on your nails may indicate Arsenic intoxication -- which is prevalent in Arizona due to Arsenic from mining activities leaching into the water supply. I have observed the presence of these lines as an indicator of pre-diabetic issues
in patients. Have some lab testing done to confirm or rule it out. Autoimmune disorders, as simple as eczema and as rare as scleroderma and lupus, can be indicated by nail deformity. Lastly and most importantly, changes in thyroid health causes changes in nails. Low thyroid function may cause brittleness, slow growth, and ridges in the nails of both fingers and toes. Of course, poor nail health may merely be due to a Vitamin B2 and/ or Vitamin D deficiency, without an underlying disease process. Daily multiple vitamins may not be sufficient for you, and you may have a problem assimilating vitamins. Just because you put supplements in your mouth does not mean that your GI tract is doing a great job of absorbing the nutrients. You might also get more benefit from a higher quality formulation. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for.
To sum up, brittle nails are an indicator of an underlying health issue. Check this issue with your doc before a more serious health issue. There are solutions but they may not be a simple as you might hope. Sometimes the remedy is dietary. If Vitamin B2, Vitamin D, and some gelatin do not improve the problem, see me or your physician to resolve the issue. Your nail problem may be more complex and I certainly can help you resolve it. Thank you for your question. A healthy LGBT community is a productive, effective, and powerful one. Readers, please write in. I am happy to respond! Dr. Damien Brandeis, NMD has a private practice located at the corner of Chandler Blvd and McClintock Road. For more information about Dr. Brandeis and his practice, visit drbrandeis. net. Or phone 480-855-6560 to make an appointment.
ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 35
ETHICS
Get the point? By Dr. Dina Evan
O
n September 11, 2001, the consciousness of the U.S. was forever changed. One minute before that we felt safe. According to WikipideA, it began at 8:13 a.m. when Flight 11 had its last routine communication with the FAA’s air traffic control center in Boston. 8:14: Flight 11 fails to heed air traffic controller’s instruction to climb to 35,000 feet. Then United Airlines Flight 175, another fully fueled Boeing 767, carrying 56 passengers and nine crewmembers, departs from Boston Logan airport, bound for Los Angeles. Five hijackers are aboard. 8:19: Betty Ong, a flight attendant on Flight 11 alerts American Airlines via an airphone, “The cockpit is not answering, somebody’s stabbed in business class—and I think there’s Mace—that we can’t breathe—I don’t know, I think we’re getting hijacked.” She then reports the stabbings of two flight attendants. 8:20: American Airlines Flight 77, a Boeing 757 departs from Washington Dulles International Airport in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, Virginia, for Los Angeles. Five hijackers
news / politics / business / opinion
are aboard. 8:26: Flight 11 makes a 100-degree turn to the south heading toward New York City, according to the NTSB Report, Page 3. 8:42: United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757, takes off with 37 passengers and seven crew members from Newark International Airport (now Newark Liberty International Airport), bound for San Francisco International Airport, following a 40-minute delay due to congested runways. Four hijackers are aboard. 8:44: Flight attendant Amy Sweeney, aboard Flight 11, reports by telephone to Michael Woodward at the American Airlines Flight Services Office in Boston, “Something is wrong. We are in a rapid descent... we are all over the place.” A minute later, Woodward asks her to describe what she sees out the window. She responds, “I see the water. I see the buildings. I see buildings...” After a short pause, she reports, “We are flying low. We are flying very, very low. We are flying way too low.” Seconds later she says, “Oh my God, we are way too low.” The call ends with a burst of very loud, sustained static. 8:46:26: Flight 11 crashes at roughly 466 mph into the north face of the North Tower of the World Trade Center, between floors 93 and 99. 9:02:59: Flight 175 crashes at about 590 mph (950 km/h) into the south face of the South Tower of the World Trade Center, banked between floors 77 and 85.
A minute before Sept. 11, 2001 at 8:46 am, it didn’t seem to matter if another angry word, thoughtless deed or act of violence took place in the world. A minute before the world wasn’t lying with its belly blown open and there was time to teach that violence only begets violence in any situation. The harder you push at evil, the harder it pushes back and there are no do-over’s. Today the weapons are too dangerous and the stakes too high. In fairness, there really wasn’t only one bad guy. There never is. The truth is that for at least two decades the United States engaged in energetic covert programs to secure U.S. control over the Persian Gulf, and open up Central Asia for development by U.S. oil companies. America’s sponsorship of drug-trafficking Muslim warriors, including those now in Al Qaeda, dates back to the Afghan War of 1979-89, sponsored in part by the CIA. So exactly what have we learned? Not much. We are still bickering in the hallowed halls of congress. We are still shouting on the steps of every city hall. We are still calling our partners unkind names and acting contemptuously. We still aren’t making relationships our priority, integrity the norm or compassion the goal. So, what will it take if not the lives of 2996 on Sept. 11, 2001 and 919,967 people killed in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars and occupations? That’s more than 130 times as many people than in all terrorist at-
tacks in the world from 1993-2004, and we still don’t get the point. But, then, what is the point? Is it that isolation is no longer an option for the United States and we have to put the craving for power and our ego aside to play nicely and act with integrity with the rest of the world? Is it that we have to clear the consciousness of war out of our own hearts before we can stop creating it in our reality? Is it that what, or who, really matters is standing in front of us and should have his or her forehead kissed daily? Perhaps it is different for each of us but there shouldn’t be any doubt in any of us that it’s time to get the point. Dr Dina Evan is an author and licensed MFT in California and a Spiritual and Executive coach in Arizona. She has won national acclaim as a human rights advocate and motivational speaker. You can reach her at DrDBE@attglobal.net, www.DrDinaEvan.com,602-997-1200 or here at ‘N Touch and on her weekly podcast “50-minute Hour” on QTalkAZ.com.
ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 37
All That
Glitters A
Gala Benefit
November 19, 2011 | Embassy Suites North Phoenix Brought to you by
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YOUR PETS
Pets in search
K9 heroes of 9-11
& tricks to trim nails By Dr. Alicia Ruiz
of a Loving Home Located in Phoenix, Arizona Rescue is the last voice for dogs and wcats who, through no fault of their own, find themselves awaiting death at our county pounds.
Barney If this special little fellow had any more personality he’d have to be twins. Barney is a very patient and tolerant boy who has an exceptionally good disposition, as evident in his excellent leash manners and in the way he is gentle and lovable with people. Barney is an active fellow who enjoys time outdoors and he shows it. His joyful persona will captivate your heart and bring joy into your home.
During the chaos of the 9/11 attacks, where nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, nearly 100 loyal search and rescue dogs and their brave owners scoured Ground Zero for survivors. The dogs worked tirelessly to search for anyone trapped alive in the rubble, along with countless emergency service workers and members of the public. Traveling across nine states in the U.S. from Texas to Maryland, Dutch photographer Charlotte Dumas, 34, captured the remaining dogs in their twilight years in their homes where they still live with their handlers, a full decade after 9/11. Just twelve of these heroic canines survive, and they have been commemorated in a touching series of portraits compiled in a book entitled “Retrieved”. “The dogs are now old and they will soon pass away … These portraits are about how time passes, and how these dogs and their portraits are offering us a way to deal with the things that happened as well as relying on them for comfort.” says Dumas.
Is there a trick to trimming a dog’s nails? Trimming a dog’s toenails can be tricky, especially if the nails are dark colored. There is a blood vessel that runs down the middle of the nail and which will bleed if the nail is cut too short. Light colored nails are easier because you can make out just where the nail changes color and not trim beyond that point. Dark colored nails make it easier to cut into the “quick” and get bleeding. I tell my clients to get good sharp scissor- type clippers and have a clotting substance available just in case. Pet stores sell both clippers and styptic powder. Place the clippers on the footpad and do not trim the nails shorter than the amount that extends beyond the footpad and you should be able to avoid the quick. If the nail is quicked apply styptic powder and hold it in place for 30 seconds, and this will allow for good clotting. I also recommend that you handle your dog’s paws as a part of normal play and petting attention so they will not be “foot shy”.
Dr. Ruiz is a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine at Central Phoenix Animal Hospital, 602- 277-5155. Questions for Dr. Ruiz can be emailed to editor@ntouchaz.com news / politics / business / opinion
Penny & Carly “We are family, I got all my sisters with me”... ok, that’s not 100% true. Two of Penny Lane’s sisters went to a great home together and now Penny and her remaining sister, Carly, are looking for a home of their own. Two peas in a pod these girls are; they are best of buddies, great playmates, and champion snugglers! Penny and Carly will be great additions to any family, bringing lots of companionship, joy, laughter, and love.
To learn more or about Barney or Penny & Carly, go to azrescue.org. ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 39
TRAVEL
WeHo and Old Hollywood By John Thomas Lotardo
W
eHo is more than just a pretty face. In fact, we set off to find that something more from this iconically-chiseled, eternally-beautiful locale and its glitzy sister. Now mind you, I don’t have a problem with gorgeous, some of my closest friends are. I’m just saying we wanted a different theme for our annual trek to the Coast to evade the sweltering heat- if only for just a few days. This time our trip was in search of old Hollywood. The glamour and nostalgia of that bygone era of hushed conversations and when scandals amounted to who was latest to be caught in classic black and white posterity while being neighborly fished out of the bushes in the Norma Triangle neighborhood. And with some help from some very fabulous friends, we began our search to find a few gems of Hollywood history. Our trip was originally piqued by John Carlyle’s recently published book entitled Under the Rainbow, which reminisces about this delightful period. With that, we made arrangements and were graciously permitted to stay in one of the 1930s homes within the famed Norma Triangle. It encompasses the area bound by Doheny Drive and Beverly Hills on the west, Sunset Blvd and Holloway Drive on the north, and Santa Monica Blvd on the south. The small district is carved into the shape of a right triangle. In the heart of OZ, it is amidst popular spots such as The Abby, Café D’Etoile, The Rage, Mickey’s, Eleven and Hamburger Mary’s- to name drop just a few. Talking of OZ, the residence as well as the area had some very famous visitors/residents including Ms. Judy Garland – but more about her in a bit. The lovely home of some dear friends of ours still held the warmth and aura of those magical times of the 40’s and 50’s Hollywood. Replete with original fixtures and construction, I could see myself sipping brandy and rubbing shoulders with a gaggle of silver screen starlets set-
tled in snugly in the intimate living room meant for such occasions. In fact, one of our hosts was Carlyle’s long time partner and was instrumental in adding a few details left unanswered by the book. His patience never wavered when our inquiries must have seemed more like an inquisition due to our exuberance concerning Carlyle’s tryst with Garland and some lesser dramatic facts such who lived with who and where. When we have absorbed all we could, we set our sites on the neighborhood, which had one other fabulous magic up its sleeve- resident parking. Though permit-only, our special pass for those few days made us feel as grand as the royalty we came there to re-discover. Amazingly quaint and demur considering the energy just steps away, the Triangle treats those willing to one of the best walking cities in America. With Gelsons Market, the Pavilions, Starbucks, Champagne French Bakery and all the other neighborhood necessities, its small-town/Gay University-feel can’t be missed. With our return parking needs safe and secured, we set off to see the sights claiming some history. We went over to Santa Monica and took a stroll up the Pier. The onslaught of sights and sounds was thrilling but expected. What was not expected is to meet a selfdescribed “world renewed” psychic right there on the Pier. I wondered in my brief glance about the resemblance to photographs found adorning post offices. The current
40 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com
Santa Monica Pier is actually two adjoining piers - a long, narrow Municipal Pier (opened September 9, 1909), to carry sewer pipes beyond the breakers and a short, wide adjoining Pleasure Pier to the south, a.k.a. Newcomb Pier, built in 1916. The landmark Carousel was built in 1922 on the Pleasure Pier and features 44 hand-carved horses. In all my visits, they never coincided to when the ride was open. Until this time. With that obvious sign from the carousal gods, we plunked down our cash, made our way onto the horses and returned back to the Creative Nursery days of my youth. The few minutes of nostalgia made for a sweet ride with my husband and reminded me of why they keep these old fashioned contraptions still around. They’re just plain fun. After all this excitement, we needed to eat. We headed over to the Georgian Hotel which is listed as one of America’s historical hotels. First opened in the spring of 1933, it was built in Art Deco style as one of the first “skyscrapers” along a then sparsely populated Ocean Ave. Its outdoor dining area has a commanding view of the boulevard and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The Lobby is certainly small by today’s standards but is tasteful and alludes to the historic significance of the hotel. With that, we made out way to a less caloric and more structured history lesson- that of the Hollywood Museum in downtown Hollywood. Parking was once again at a premium with a cost of $25 to park. I cringed at the price tag recalling
that I could get a piña colada in Bora Bora for that price. But that’s another story. The Museum, amidst the crush of tourists along the Hollywood walk of fame, was awash in pink and gold when we came around the corner. It was originally made as a multi-level storage facility and since 1935 was used by the Max Factor to beautify Hollywood’s already beautiful women. The lobby, restored to its original grandeur is a polished Art Deco gem - an oasis of lavish marble, recreated historic chandeliers, pastel hues, antique furniture, trompe l’oeil, faux finishes with 22kt. gold and silver leafing. Now housing multiple exhibits, the one we were interested in was the Lucille Ball exhibit created to celebrate the star’s 100th birthday anniversary. While certainly not the most dynamic, this museum enthralled those who visited not only about the life of our lovely Lucy but others including Jean Harlow. While it included some homage to Elvira, Pee Wee Herman, It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World and the like, the Museum did have many contemporary exhibits, including the latest action movies, thrillers and even some horror film noir in its basement level. Leaving the Museum, we strolled along Hollywood Blvd to view the buildings above and the innumerable stars beneath our feet whose importance was permanently encased in the Walk of Fame cement sidewalk. Navigating this location of Los Angeles, regardless of season, always seems to rival metroPhoenix on which is hotter in the midday sun. With this incredible heat and mass of tourists, we were stupefied (and nearly tripped over) by those dumbstruck tourists who felt compelled to sprawl themselves out on the famous sidewalk to get photographed next to a favorite celebrity name. By far, dinners were more contemporary as we did draw the line at each evening’s dinner plate. One was at the trendy Basix. With its “subdued” atmosphere (subdued continued on page 47 >
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Arizona Opera opens with double bill Arizona Opera opens its 2011-12 season with opera’s most popular double bill, Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci. Both one-act Italian operas shocked late 19th-century audiences with their hyper-realistic and gritty portrayals of tragic love and the human condition. Arizona Opera’s production of this dramatic duo promises to thrill opera-lovers and newcomers alike with emotionally charged music (arias and scenes made familiar through the films The Godfather Part III, Raging Bull and The Untouchables) as well as an outstanding cast and production team. “This spectacular double bill is loved the world over for its ultimate passion and heart-on-sleeve music-making,” says Arizona Opera General Director Scott Altman. “We are thrilled to bring this traditional production with world-class talent as we launch into an exciting season of popular favorites and new productions.” Set in 19th-century Sicily, Cavalleria Rusticana tells the story of four jealous lovers. When Turiddu returns to his village from the army, he discovers that his fiancée Lola has married the prosperous Alfio. Abandoned by Turiddu, the innocent Santuzza seeks the ultimate revenge, drawing the opera to a chilling dramatic and musical
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climax. Arizona Opera’s new production of Cavalleria Rusticana stars internationally acclaimed tenor Joseph Wolverton as Turiddu and renowned soprano Lori Phillips as Santuzza. In a recent review, Opera News noted how Phillips “dominates the stage” and radiates “luxurious warmth.” In Pagliacci, life imitates art as a traveling theater troupe performs acts of heartbreak and deception both on and off the stage. Metropolitan Opera tenor Allan Glassman follows up his great success last season in Arizona Opera’s production of Verdi’s Otello with the role of Canio, the company’s clown who despite public humiliation must continue to play the betrayed fool. The stage director for this “Cav and Pag” double bill is Kay Walker Castaldo. Known for her in-
sightful and nuanced interpretations, Castaldo directed Arizona Opera’s “brilliantly intelligent and innovative” 2010 production of Carmen (The Arizona Republic). Arizona Opera Principal Conductor Joel Revzen conducts. All performances are accompanied by English supertitles. Cavalleria Rusticana is the first of two new productions by the company this season. The sparkling new sets, which depict a rustic Sicilian village, were locally designed and built with the help of the Arizona Theatre Company. “This is example of another great Arizona collaboration,” says Arizona Opera General Director Scott Altman. This season’s Pagliacci is a revival of the company’s 2004 production. Performances of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci are Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. at Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson. Performances are also Oct. 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. at Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 North 2nd Street, Phoenix. Ticket prices begin at $25 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are also available through the Arizona Opera Box Office from 10 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. at 602-266-7464 in Phoenix or 520-293-4336 in Tucson or azopera.org.
ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 41
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ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 45
NIGHTLIFE Phoenix Rainbow Cactus Rainbow Cactus is offering all day and night Happy Hour on Sundays and Mondays and NFL Football too! Tuesdays are dart night. Join some of the best and worst singers, but always the most fun, on Karaoke Fridays! Rainbow Cactus offers Wii Sports, and always FREE WiFi. What’s coming up? Glad you asked! Saturday, September 24 an IGRA Fundraiser 9 p.m. Sunday, September 25 the AGRA Fundraiser for AIDS Walk Phoenix 7 p.m. On Saturday, October 1 the Lost Boys Drag King Show 9 p.m. Saturday, October 8 the first ever Mister Rainbow Cactus Pageant at 9 p.m. On Saturday, October 15 the always popular Sassy Sisters Show at 9 p.m. Saturday, October 22 the 2nd annual Miss Rainbow Cactus Pageant at 9 p.m. Then on Saturday, October 29, it’s Halloween show with the Sassy Sisters and Costume Contest at 9 p.m. Rainbow Cactus is located just a hop, skip and a jump away at 15615 N. Cave Creek Rd in Phoenix. Phone: 602-971-1086.
The Rock “Pandemonium!” will take place on the first 3 Fridays of every month and will feature the talents of Olivia Gardens (Miss Phoenix Gay Pride), Savannah Stevens (1st Alternate AZEOY) and Pandora DeStrange with special guests each week! You never know what will happen when we take to the stage! The Barbra Seville Show (Every Saturday at 10 p.m.), Lady Christian’s Trailer Trash Revue (The Last Friday of Every Month at 10 p.m.), Glamazon (The Second Thursday of Every Month at 9 p.m.), Dragtini starring Celia Putty, Victoria Bacon and Felicia Minor (The First Wednesday of Every Month at 9 p.m.) and of course there will be some new and exciting events coming up too. Sunday, September 25 The Rock will be hosting the Miss Temple City NCC Pageant hosted by Erykah Douglas Knowles and Felicia Minor featuring Chanel Knowles, Savannah Stevens, Tatum Michelle, Chane’ Jordan and Kira Daniels. Pageant starts at 8p.m. $10 cover. The incomparable Jackie Beat comes to The Show Room at The Rock on Wednesday, September 28 and Thursday, September 29! You have seen almost all of the local queens perform her songs! Now, you can see the legend perform them live and in person, just for you! Be sure to visit her website at missjackiebeat.com The LA Weekly says, “Jackie Beat is so funny she could get laughs by merely reading the want ads.” So, make your 46 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com
reservations NOW because these shows will sell out fast! $25 VIP seats available, which include a Meet and Greet following the show. Limited number of $15 general admission tickets available on the night of the event. Make your reservation by going to therockdmphoenix.com and while you are there, you can reserve seats to any of the upcoming shows. Be Sure to Mark Your Calendars for October 7-9 (Columbus Day Weekend) because Bearracuda has joined forces with Scruff, The Rock and The Clarendon Hotel to bring you one of the most exciting Bearcentric events of the season. Cannonball Weekend will feature 3 days of events, which include Skytop Lounge and Pool Parties at The Clarendon, Dance Parties at The Rock and Much, Much More! For more information go to beargetaway.com The Rock is located at 4129 N 7th Ave., in Phoenix. Phone: 602-614-4154
TUCSON IBT’s Every Monday night join IBT’s for “Filthy/ Gorgeous”...Something for the ladies from 9 p.m. till close. Drink specials, and music with DJ Hurricane. Wednesdays great happy hour specials start at noon! Then stay for ‘Viva La Diva’ with Janee’ Starr and her Starrlets at 9p.m. IBT’s is open Mon–Sun from noon–2 a.m. To see what’s happening go to ibtstucson.com IBT’s is located at 616 N 4th Ave., Tucson. Phone: 520-882-3053
New Moon Tucked into a nondescript strip mall, you may just drive right on past if you don’t have a good navigator on hand, but the New Moon is a friendly hangout no matter what your orientation. Heck, they even accept folks who are oriented toward questionable karaoke selections. The New Moon gives you plenty of reasons to howl, from poker—play for prizes, not cash—to country dance lessons (7:30 p.m. Fridays), drag shows, karaoke and more. You can howl all you want during karaoke night with Kristen and K2 Tunes, who are featured every Thursday! A 100 Mile Production’s presents a Pre-Pride in the Desert show Friday, October 14 at 9 p.m. Hosted by JaGi. Scheduled to perform, Mister Phoenix Pride 2011, Freddy Prinze Charming, Mister Phoenix Pride 2010, Nikki Kidd, Romeo White and Vivika D’Angelo. New Moon is located at 915 West Prince Road. Phone: 520-293-7339.
Pondering the past
with Pandora By Pandora DeStrange
W
ith AIDS Walk 2011 right around the corner, I began to reminisce about all of the walks that I have participated in over the years…and what got my feet moving to begin with. When I came out, it was a different time! Ronald Reagan and his cronies wouldn’t even mention AIDS, let alone lift a finger to help those afflicted with the disease. Our community was outraged as our friends and family members died horrific deaths. Groups like The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Queer Nation and the Act Up formed in the hopes of uniting our community and to bring mass media attention to our plight. Silence = Death became our battle cry! A fire was lit under out collective asses and we took to the streets to demand a massive increase in funding for AIDS education, research, and patient care. We were gonna walk until we found a cure! I will never forget the day I went to The March on Washington and saw the AIDS Quilt in its entirety for the first and subsequently the last time… because it got too BIG to show in its entirety. It was 1993, I had become an outspoken activist for LGBTQ Rights by this time and my first love had continued on page 53 >
Woody’s This time of the year the patio at Woody’s is cool! Stay cool and entertained with daily specials and events. Sunday’s offer Happy Hour from 11a.m. 8p.m., Brunch and Bloody Mary Bar 11a.m. 1:30p.m., Drag Bingo (every other Sunday) 8p.m. - 9p.m. and Karaoke 9p.m. - 2 a.m. Join us Monday nights for Woody’s Amateur Dancer Night. The Hotbodz perform for your visual pleasure. Come by and see the news guys! Join Woody’s from 9pm-2am for a pre-Pride in the Desert Party October 14. For more information go to mywoodysaz.com. Woody’s is located at 3710 North Oracle Road, Tucson. Phone: 520-292-6702. news / politics / business / opinion
CONTINUED Tucson Pride... < continued from page 7 Festival in Cincinnati, and most recently, the Sweet Cruise to the Caribbean! She has opened for Cher, Joan Jett, Sugar Ray, The Dave Matthews Band, Pat Benatar, Joan Osborne, The B-52’s, Macy Gray, The Indigo Girls, Meredith Brooks, Cyndi Lauper, Berlin, Jonatha Brooke, Sophie B. Hawkins, Chaka Khan, Sheena Easton, Taylor Dayne, Melissa Ferrick, Catie Curtis, and many more. Her music can be heard regularly in film and TV, and can also be heard playing in the background of numerous MTV shows including Made, Making Of The Band, and My Sweet Sixteen, while her ring tones are available for download through Verizon and Samsung. Corday produced and scored music to Andrea Meyerson’s Laughing Matters More, released by All Out Films, featuring nationally known comics Vickie Shaw, Sabrina Matthews, Rene Kicks, and Elvira Kurt. As the first ever three-time winner of Best Live Band, Best Alternative Band, and Best Live Female Performer at the Orange County Music Awards, Corday is clearly making everyone sit up and take notice! Corday’s numerous awards, which include nominations for Outstanding New Recording at the Outmusic Awards, Best Song (“I Rule The World” as heard on Driven) and Best Acoustic Group at the OCMAs, Best Pop Rock Band at the Southern California Music Awards, Outstanding Orange County Artist at the L.A. Music Awards, and Video of The Year (“Pie” as heard on Welcome To My Past) at both the LA Music Awards and the GLAMA Awards, are a testimony to her talent. In addition to the multitude of entertainment venues, Pride in the Desert features commercial and non-profit exhibitors, a food court, and interactive displays and activities. Every year, Pride in the Desert grows to accommodate an everexpanding number of vendors, exhibitors, and entertainers. Fun People + Loud Music + Liquor = Whiskey Rodeo! It all started with Greg and friends playing the patio at Uptown Billiards with just an acoustic guitar and a bottle of Powers. Then he hooked up with Chase and the world became electric. With Rob “Hatchet man” Ross on drums, Mat “Love Child” Allen on bass, & Andrae “King Rooster” Blissett on keys & vocals, Whiskey Rodeo has evolved into a wicked combination of desire, talent, and experience! Whiskey Rodeo has opened for Edgar Winter, Taylor Dayne, Sophie B. Hawkins, Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, The Bellamy Brothers, Jody
Watley, Chrystal Waters, among others. The balance of strong musicianship and rowdy stage show is one reason why Whiskey Rodeo was voted “Flagstaff ’s Rowdiest Band” by FlagLive readers, and why they are one of Northern Arizona’s most sought-after regional headliners! Tickets are $10 in person ($11 online) in advance, $15 at the door. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Since 2001, Tucson Pride Inc. has given back over $45,000 to Tucson non-profit organizations. This year’s host hotel is the Holiday Inn Tucson Airpor-North, at 4550 South Palo Verde Rd, less than a mile from the event. Phone: 520-746 1161 or 1 888-465-4329. The hotel is offering a Pride package. Kino Memorial Stadium is located at 2500 Ajo Way. There is plenty of free parking. For more information, or to buy tickets go to tucsonpride.org
Dreamed... < continued from page 32 here in Arizona which makes everyone unhappy (10 of cups/Queen of Rods). It is possible to do as many have in the past, have a Commitment Ceremony to solidify the love you share, get all your legal documents done for survivorship or healthcare, and continue to work toward legal status. Just remember to make sure home is taken care of first before you become overloaded (2 of coins). Kate Morrow has been reading tarot for 30 years. Currently she is a Staff Reader and the Tarot Instructor at The Astrology Store in Glendale Arizona.
Hollywood... < continued from page 40 meaning you can actually carry on a conversation here) it was a great place for some contemporary grub. We had our eats and drinks while I shamelessly feigned celebrity recognition on our hottie WeHo boy wonder waiter once I was informed of his short stint on the vampire-laden show True Blood. The other evening’s dinner was had on our insistence at Cafe d’Etoile, where we consistently have fabulous meals with fabulous friends at this equally fabulous restaurant. When we had enough of the crush, we made our way to cooler pastures, which in Los Angeles that means a mall. We found a movie which went with our search for years gone by- The Help, which tells the story of a book writing of stories from the hired servants’ perspective. The very retro movie just played into our theme for this year’s trip. And with that, our trip was over and we returned home oddly both rested and weary. I didn’t question the seemingly absurd observation. I did however question the results of our adventure. Did we pass on many of the popular jaunts? Did we miss out on some the current happenings of the area? Sure, but we gained a lot from understanding the layers of history that can be found here in WeHo and the surrounding areas. We just scratched the surface. There are countless other themes and histories being told there. You just have to choose one and create a memory of your own. Go ahead pick one.
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Sinful Sundays @ The Rock, Phoenix ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 47
FOCUS TUCSON
The 23rd annual AIDSWalk Tucson
October 16, 2011 will mark the 23rd Annual AIDSWALK Tucson. This event provides tremendous support to Southern Arizona in helping to provide services like medications assistance, food programs, case management, housing, prevention programs, HIV testing and more. AIDSWALK Tucson has raised millions over the past two plus decades. This year’s goal is to have 6,000 walkers and raise more than $180,000 to help support programs and services of the Southern Ari-
zona AIDS Foundation. An emotional and important part of AIDSWALK each year is the Quilts Opening Ceremony. Quilt panels from the Tucson AIDS Quilt and the National Names Project Foundation will be on display, this is a must see part of the event. Another integral part of the event is AIDS Ribbon Tucson Memorial. Designed and created in October 2008 by Jeffrey Scott Brown, the Ribbon remembers the men, women and children worldwide lost to AIDS and those who live the daily battle against HIV. The Ribbon displays the names and messages to those lost to HIV/AIDS. If you’ve lost someone in your life due to AIDS or they were HIV-Positive and passed from other causes, you are invited to add a special message, drawing, artwork or blessing and their name by writing directly on the Ribbon with a special silver paint pen. At least 24 volunteers are needed
to carry the 130-foot long red felt banner. One of the most important parts of AIDSWALK is the fundraising done by hundreds of walkers and runners. Walkers and runners help to ensure that programs for people and families living with and affected by HIV/AIDS continue. Fundraising for AIDSWALK also helps to support the many prevention and education opportunities that SAAF is able to provide to the community so that everyone has accurate information on how this disease is transmitted because knowledge equals power. Every year, AIDSWALK enjoys the company of lots of four legged friends. Last year, AIDSWALK started a pet program called Paws for AIDSWALK- to encourage our furry friends to participate in walking and fundraising for AIDSWALK. PAWS Registration is simple! Register dogs on-liine, then build a pet fundraising webpage and email the page to friends- don’t forget to check out this year’s new cool fundraising incentives for pets! Dogs are welcome, but must be family friendly and on a leash. Please be prepared to clean up after
your own pet. AIDSWALK draws crowds between 5,000-6,500, make sure Fifi is comfortable with this! Whether you can make the event or not, you can help support the largest locally organized fundraising event that helps fund programs and services for individuals and families living with, affected by, or at risk for HIV/AIDS. Join the Red Ribbon Club. With a gift of $50 or more Red Ribbon Club Members help motivate and encourage others to get involved and raise funds in support of SAAF’s programs and services. You can make a general gift or a donation in honor or in memory of someone. Become a Friend of the Quilt! With a gift of $50 or more you can be a Friend of the Quilt. Your gift helps to bring panels of the AIDS Quilt from the Names Project Foundation to AIDSWALK so that we can remember those lost to HIV/ AIDS. AIDSWALK Tucson will take place on the University of Arizona Campus. Parking at the 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue Garages is FREE on Sundays! For more information, or to register go to aidswalktucson.org
Providing programs, empowering clients The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) provides direct services and programs in safe, supportive environments that enhance the quality of life for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS; assisting people in avoiding HIV infection; and empowering people to lead healthy, productive lives. In June 2000, the Arizona Department of Health Services named SAAF the state’s AIDS Service Organization of the Year. At the heart of their mission is the conviction that people living with HIV/AIDS have the right to determine what services they require. Today, SAAF continues to be the only community-based organization in Southern Arizona providing case management and ancillary support services for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families, culturally appropriate prevention and education programs to reduce the rate of infection, and extensive trainings and opportunities for community members to fill critical support roles. SAAF’s Care Services ensure that people living with HIV/ AIDS have access to the services they need to maintain optimal health and live as independently and safely as possible. Client Services are grouped into three areas: Clinical Services, Support Services, and Housing Services. SAAF’s Care Services staff and volunteers maintain a dual focus on the strengths of the individual and the coordination of systems of care available to that individual, and strive to support people with appropriate resources. Prevention Programs target populations at increased risk of HIV infection or transmission by offering specially-designed interventions that provide a supportive, educational environment in which harm reduction can be effective.
48 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com
news / politics / business / opinion
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ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 51
CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS
$95,000 - 505 W Wayland DR, 3 Bedroom, 2 bath, Phoenix. 480861-8744, Arizona Lifestyle Realty. www.ronhoustongroup.com
Happy Birthday Wendy! If you have ever been abused by anyone in our support community, please come forward. Your disclosure will remain anonymous. editor@ntouchaz.com Downtown Phoenix Public Market Wednesdays 4-8pm, Saturdays 8am-1pm. Support local farmers and artists while also supporting the local economy. A little organic food won’t hurt you!
BUSINESS / SERVICE Having a bad hair day? John Krebs of Panache Salon can help you with all of your hair needs. 5533 N. 7th St, Suite 401, Phoenix. Call (602)678-5517.
Mobile bookkeeper for small business. I’ll crunch your numbers so that you can focus on what you do best. Contact Dave Connell at 602-400-5383. The GLBT Guide, Inc. The national gay business listings, personals and classifieds. Bringing America’s GLBT Community together. Listings for less than $3/mo. glbtguide.com.
COMMUNITY INFO Free Social Group and Nonprofit listings. List your social group or non-profit organization for free at ntouchaz.com! Click on the community directory page and add your listing today!
COUNSELING Licensed Professional Counselor - Call Rene Broussard, LPC for a Caring Counselor who knows our community, from the inside out: 480-751-1020. Sliding Scale Fee and Free Initial Consultation Available.
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FOR SALE $125,900 - 16613 N 34TH PL, 3 Bedroom, 2 bath, covered patio, dbl garage, Phoenix. 480-8618744, Arizona Lifestyle Realty. www.ronhoustongroup.com
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HELP WANTED Bartenders/Cocktail Servers Wanted Looking for at least 2 years experience or customer service equivalent. Stop into the Rock for an application, 4129 N 7th Ave, Phoenix AZ 85013. 602-248-8559
Experienced Licensed Massage Therpist and Experienced Cosmetologist for upscale central Phoenix salon. Call George or David at 602277-8849 for more information.
‘N Touch News is growing, and would like to add you to our Advertising Sales Team. E-mail sales@ntouchaz.com if you are interested in a contract/commission position.
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52 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com
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CONTINUED Pandora... < continued from page 46 recently died of AIDS. The quilt took up the entire mall between the Washington Monument and the Capitol building. Over 300,000 people walked together, sobbing quietly through the mass of memories compiled there. We wondered aimlessly through the quilts made by friends and family members to commemorate the many people we had lost to AIDS. It was so silent, sad and strangely sobering. At the same time, it was comforting to see so many people there to show their support and their commitment to seeing an end to the senseless deaths as a result of our own government’s unwillingness to act during this time of crisis. I became even more determined, in that moment; to do everything I could to be a part of the solution to this problem. One of the last times I saw my lover Scott, we went to his first and last Aids Walk. He was very sick at the time. He was suffering from Kaposi’s Sarcoma and was in a lot of pain. Even the smallest task could exhaust him. He had been undergoing chemotherapy treatments and was wasting away to nothing before our very eyes. But he was hell bent and determined to make it to that walk. And that he did! He lost his battle with AIDS only months later. Then came the Clinton years…our government finally seemed to hear our cries for care and equality. New cases of HIV infection in the LGBTQ Community greatly decreased and our friends and family who were living with HIV started to live longer and get the care they needed. We were beginning to see hope that one day we WOULD find a cure. Then, something seemed to go horribly wrong. Only two decades later, the tide has shifted again. New cases of HIV infection have significantly increased
news / politics / business / opinion
in our community once again. Barebacking has become rampant in our community, regardless of the countless numbers of organizations that supply us with educational materials, free testing and condoms in the hopes that our brothers and sisters will keep themselves and each other safe. In my ex-husband’s gender studies class, they added a whole section on Bug Chasers, which are people who actively seek out others who are HIV positive and have unsafe sex with them in the hopes of becoming positive. Apparently an alarming number of people in our community now have the belief that HIV is a MANAGABLE disease. But people are STILL DYING FROM AIDS. Although people with HIV are living longer and better lives, it comes at quite a cost. For instance, it could cost over $40,000 a year, just for medications alone, in order to MANAGE the disease. And if you don’t have insurance you are F-----! I am not saying this as someone who has done a bunch of research on the subject, although I have. I am saying this as someone who is living this reality and it is not something that I would ever want another person to have to endure! So, consider this my plea to my community to Protect Yourself, Respect Yourself and Educate Yourself so that we can finally break this chain. I want you all to live long, happy and healthy lives without ever knowing the struggle that is Living with HIV. Lastly, take to the streets this year and walk! Walk for those who are no longer with us, but who fought for you! Walk for those who can no longer walk themselves because their bodies have been ravaged by this disease. And walk because others in your community need your support to MANAGE their disease and hopefully live to see the day that there is a cure. All Power To The People!!! Pandora DeStrange
ntouchaz.com | October 2011 | Issue #87 | 53
ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Building a great community starts with you! Support these businesses that advertise in ‘N Touch News!
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Information / Support One Voice Community Cntr PFLAG of Payson PRISM @ NAU
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54 | Issue #87 | October 2011 | ntouchaz.com
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