QSaltLake Magazine - June 05, 2008

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Quips & Quotes

Q World

BY REX WOCKNER

“Whether or not the recent court decision in California to uphold gay marriage holds through the November ballot, it remains that beyond all arguments, beyond all constitutional amendments, and beyond all religious figures marshaling their faithful masses to oppose it — there will always be homosexual partners completely and utterly devoted to each other.”

Poll: Californians Support Same-Sex Marriage, Oppose Constitutional Ban A California Field Poll released May 28 found that 51 percent of registered California voters support same-sex marriage, 42 percent oppose it and 7 percent have no opinion. The respected poll also found that 54 percent oppose amending the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage, 40 percent favor an amendment and 6 percent have no opinion. The California Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage May 15 and the weddings are scheduled to begin June 17. A voter initiative to amend the constitution to undo the Supreme Court ruling likely will appear on the ballot in the November election. The poll found that the biggest support for same-sex marriage comes from younger voters, Democrats, liberals, nonreligious people and residents of the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County. The strongest opposition comes from older people, Republicans, conservatives, bornagain Christians, Protestants and residents of the Central Valley and Southern California counties apart from L.A. County. Women (53 percent) are more supportive than men (48 percent) with 8 percent of each having no opinion and the rest opposed. A majority of respondents up to age 49 favor same-sex marriage, while a majority of people over age 50 oppose it. This was the first poll in which a majority of California voters supported same-sex marriage, and Field Poll Director Mark DiCamillo said the Supreme Court ruling is the likely reason. “We had this historic ruling of the state Supreme Court, and people may have been persuaded,” DiCamillo told The Sacramento Bee. “We do see a shift. It looks like something happened to affect opinion.” “The court is held in high esteem in California,” he told The San Diego Union-Tribune. The poll questioned 1,052 voters and has a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points.

McCain Appeared on Ellen DeGeneres’ TV show Presidential candidate John McCain and Ellen DeGeneres got into it over same-sex marriage on her TV show May 22. Ellen said: “Let’s talk about the big elephant in the room ... I legally now can get married, like everyone should ... So I’m obviously excited and, to me, this is only fair, and only natural. What are your thoughts?” McCain responded: “My thoughts are that I think that people should be able to enter into legal agreements and I think that is something that we should encourage, particularly in the case of insurance and other areas, decisions that have to be made. I just believe in the unique marriage between man and woman. And I know that we have a respectful disagreement on that issue.” Ellen wasn’t having it. “Uh-huh. Yeah,” she said. “I think that it is looked at and some people are saying the same that blacks and women did not have

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—Provo resident Dave McGregor, in a letter to the Salt Lake Tribune about the Calif. gay marriage decision. Presidential candidate John McCain appeared on the Ellen Degeneres Show the right to vote. I mean, women just got the right to vote in 1920. Blacks didn’t have the right to vote till 1870 and it just feels like there’s this old way of thinking that we are not all the same. We are all the same people. All of us. You’re no different than I am. Our love is the same. To me, what it feels like — just, you know, I will speak for myself — it feels when someone says you can have a contract and you’ll still have insurance and you’ll get all that. It sounds to me like saying, well, you can sit there (she points one direction), you just can’t sit there (she points another direction). That’s what it sounds like to me. It doesn’t feel inclusive. It feels isolated. It feels like we are not owed the same things and the same wording.” McCain responded: “Well, I’ve heard you articulate that position in a very eloquent fashion. We just have a disagreement and I, along with many, many others, wish you every happiness.” “Thank you,” said DeGeneres. “So, you’ll walk me down the aisle, is that what you’re saying?” “Touché,” responded McCain. “Well, my hope is someday it won’t be called a contract, it’ll be called marriage,” DeGeneres concluded. California’s Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage May 15 and the weddings are scheduled to begin June 17.

Milk Bust Installed at SF City Hall A bust of slain gay city Supervisor Harvey Milk was unveiled in a ceremony at San Francisco City Hall on May 22, which would have been his 78th birthday. Until now, former mayors have been the only politicians honored with permanent sculptures inside City Hall. The inscription on the bust’s granite base reads, in part: “I ask for the movement to continue because my election gave young people out there hope. You gotta give ’em hope.” It is located outside the Board of Supervisors (city council) chambers in a ceremonial rotunda. “This tribute to Harvey Milk is long overdue,” said Mayor Gavin Newsom. “It is indeed time for his legacy to be commemorated with a place of honor and distinction in San Francisco’s City Hall.” Milk settled in the Castro district in 1972 and opened a camera store. He went on to pioneer a populist gayrights movement in the city and, in 1977, was elected to the Board of Supervisors, becoming the third openly gay candidate elected in

PHOTO: COURTESY OF WARNER BROS.

U.S. history. He and Mayor George Moscone were shot to death inside City Hall on Nov. 27, 1978, by then recently resigned city Supervisor Dan White, who was angry that Moscone wouldn’t let him un-resign and that Milk had lobbied Moscone not to reappoint White. White’s lenient sentence for the killings (seven years and eight months with parole) led to the famed White Night Riots in San Francisco on May 21, 1979.

Boy Scouts Sue Philadelphia The Boy Scouts sued Philadelphia on May 27 after the city insisted they stop banning gays or start paying $200,000 a year in rent on a city-owned space they now get for $1. The Scouts’ Cradle of Liberty Council charges that the city is guilty of censorship, and claims it hasn’t cracked down on other groups, such as churches, that discriminate against gays while getting reduced-rate leases on city properties. The city responded that it isn’t aware of any similarly situated organizations but will investigate any complaints it receives. Mayor Michael Nutter said he will not tolerate any illegal discrimination when services are provided on city-subsidized property. In 2003, the local Scouts council agreed not to discriminate against gays anymore, but the national Scouts organization later forced the council to rescind the agreement. National Scouts policy bans gays and atheists from being members of the organization.

Reports: Jodie Foster Has New Girlfriend Actress Jodie Foster has broken up with her female partner of 15 years, Cydney Bernard, and taken up with a new girlfriend, Cynthia Mort, numerous media outlets, mostly of the tabloid variety, reported in late May. Mort, 41, was a writer and producer for Roseanne Barr’s first TV show and a consulting producer for Will & Grace. Bernard has been, sporadically, a production manager, production supervisor and producer on lesser-known films and TV shows. Foster, 45, and Bernard, 55, have two kids together, Charles and Kit. They were born to Foster, who has not said how she became pregnant. The boys are ages 9 and 6, according to Wikipedia. Both have “Bernard” as a middle name. The reports said Foster and Bernard are still living together, though Foster plans to move. The reports said the couple has agreed to continue raising the children together.

“In fact, the most momentous and groundbreaking part of this decision doesn’t have anything to do with whether gay and lesbian Californians are allowed to be “married” or must instead make do with “domestic partnerships.” It has to do with the court’s breathtaking proclamation that the state has an interest in prohibiting anti-gay discrimination not simply on the basis of sex-discrimination laws, but because gays and lesbians are themselves worthy of full inclusion in society.” —Salt Lake City Weekly writer and blogger Brandon Burt weighing in on the California gay marriage decision.

“When the first returns came in this afternoon voters in Utah seemed to be rejecting gay marriage by a wide margin: 65% to 35%. But as we’ve seen again and again this campaign season, Wolf, early returns are unreliable. And while results are are [sic] still pouring in the Stranger Situation Room is now projecting that — what do you know? —Utah is for gay marriage. Yes, Utah appears to be safely in the pro-gaymarriage camp.” —Sex columnist Dan Savage in The Stranger, commenting on a KSL News online poll that asked if Utahns are for or against gay marriage.

“We have to reach out to these kids or young adults. If we end up saving one person’s life with this show then we’ve done our work properly.” —Garry Peter Morris, co-producer of a St. George production of Facing East, Carol Lynn Pearson’s award-winning play about Mormon parents coping with the suicide of their gay son.

“We reasonably believe an inevitable result of such ‘marriage tourism’ will be a steep increase in litigation of the recognition issue in our courts.” —Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, in a letter asking California courts to delay their ruling in favor of gay marriage.

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Community Briefs

Q Utah

HRC Gala

Utah AG: Calif. Should Wait on Marriage Decision

Republican Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, considered a friend of Utah’s gay and lesbian community, has authored a brief on behalf of 10 state attorneys general asking the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court to defer on their decision to legalize gay marriage in the state. In the 15-page document dated May 30, Shurtleff and his colleagues said they take no position on the merits of the California high court’s May 15 ruling and support the right of each state to define its own marriage laws. Rather, the attorneys general have “genuine concerns” over how the ruling will impact the courts in their home states. At the crux of the attorneys’ general argument is the possibility of gay couples marrying in California and then suing for legal recognition in their home states. In doing so, they could cite a piece of common law known as the “recognition issue,” which states: “A marriage which satisfies the requirements of the state where the marriage was contracted will everywhere be recognized as valid unless it violates the strong public policy of another state” that has the closest relationship to the spouses. So far, according to Shurtleff, such suits have been rare across the United States because the only other state to offer gay marriage, Massachusetts, cannot marry out

The Human Rights Campaign, The Federal Club and Utah philanthropist Bruce Bastian invite gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Utahns and their allies to the 4th Annual HRC Utah Gala and Silent Auction to be held at Bastian’s Orem home. The evening’s VIP reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. with gates opening at 6:00 p.m. for cocktails and the silent auction. The dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. The evening’s entertainment will be provided by singing sensation Martha Wash while actress Kathy Najimy will serve as guest speaker. When: June 14 Info: hrcutah.org.

Breast Dialogues of state gay couples thanks to a 1913 statute. The statute, brought to light in 2004 by thenGov. Mitt Romney, forbids couples from marrying in the state if their marriages would be illegal in their home state. As California lacks such a law, Shurtleff said the potential for litigation is much greater. Currently, Utah law and its constitution prohibit gay marriage, as do laws or constitutional amendments in the states from which the signing attorneys general hail — that is, Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Carolina and South Dakota. Further, the attorneys general caution that a hasty move on the part of California’s Supreme Court could create further legal problems if California voters approve a ballot measure in November that would ban gay marriage in the state’s constitution.

Gay Mormons: Church Should Stay Out of Calif. Marriage Ruling

A support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encouraged the church not to interfere with the California Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of gay marriage. After the high court’s May 15 ruling that same-sex couples in California have the right to legally wed, the LDS Church issued a statement calling the decision “unfortunate.” “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognizes that same sex marriage can be an emotional and divisive issue. However, the church teaches that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is the basic unit of society,” the statement read. The church teaches that gay sex – and all sex outside of heterosexual marriage – is sinful. The church has not said if it will support a November ballot measure to add an antigay marriage amendment to California’s constitution. But in 2000, the LDS Church supported Republican Sen. Pete Knight’s Proposition 22, which limited marriage in California to the union of a man and a woman. In January of that year, Mormon bishops in California read a letter by then-

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church President Gordon B. Hinckley urging the state’s 750,000 Mormons to donate money to support the proposition, also dubbed the Knight Initiative. The Defense of Marriage campaign ultimately raised $4.8 million to support Proposition 22, which California voters passed by a wide majority. On May 30, the leaders of gay Mormon support group Affirmation issued a statement calling on church leaders not to “meddle in politics… spread fear or demonize our families.” “[R]ather [we urge church leaders] to work with us to counsel and assist individuals and families who have been devastated by the Church’s teachings that have caused family members to reject their children who are gay. We encourage LDS leaders to find a new focus by preaching and living a gospel of love and respect toward all peoples and all families,” wrote Affirmation Executive Director Olin Thomas III and assistant executive directors David W. Melson and James R. Morris. The directors also reminded church leaders that the ruling was based on civil – and not religious – marriage. “It has nothing to do with doctrine,” they wrote. “This is

“Out of our commitment to the principles of ‘our federalism,’ we would simply shoulder that burden [of gay marriage lawsuits in other states] without comment — if it were not for the prospect that in little more than five months the legal meaning of marriage in California may return to ‘the union of a man and a woman,’” Shurtleff wrote. Critics of the brief — including openly gay state Sen. Scott McCoy and gay rights group Equality Utah — have called it unnecessary given Utah’s laws, and as an attempt by other states to tell California what to do. “It’s ridiculous for 10 attorneys general to tell 54 million Californians ‘We’re going to suspend your constitutional rights because it might be inconvenient for us to deal with a couple of lawsuits that are speculative at best,’” McCoy, D-Salt Lake City, told the Salt Lake Tribune. about civil marriage as an institution of the state—a legal institution based on core societal values, such as the worth and dignity of the family unit.” To read the full statement visit affirmation.org/ media/2008_05_30.shtml.

Kimpton Hotels Introduces ‘Summer of Pride’ From Memorial Day to Labor Day the country’s most popular gay-friendly hotel chain will be offering travelers a discount during its second annual Summer of Pride. Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, which owns Salt Lake City’s Hotel Monaco and Bambara Restaurant, will be offering a discounted rate of 10–20 percent off their best available rate on rooms on Friday-Sunday nights at their properties in 14 cities, including Salt Lake City. “When we look at Kimpton’s LGBT program, the Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City is one of our star performers,” he continued. “They raise more money per hotel for their local LGBT and HIV charities than any other Kimpton hotel. They do have an “advantage” that Kimpton only has one hotel in Salt Lake, while some of our cities have six or more hotels, but regardless the Hotel Monaco truly rocks as far as their relationship to the LGBT community.” To take advantage of the Summer of Pride rates, travelers should use the code PRD when making reservations at kimptonhotels.com/lgbt.

The Utah Pride Center and lesbianfocused social and civic group sWerve are again teaming up to present an evening of monologues about women and their relationship to their breasts. Women who would like to write a monologue for the showcase are invited to the first Breast Dialogues workshop at the Utah Pride Center on June 17. At this meeting, members of the Community Writing Center will be on hand to help writers craft their breast story. The Center is particularly interested in stories about women’s experiences with breast cancer as well as humorous, touching, tragic and engaging stories of all genres. The Breast Dialogues will be performed on July 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Utah Pride Center. When: June 17, 6:00 p.m. Where: Utah Pride Center (361 N 300 W) Info: jennifer@utahpridecenter.org or (801) 539-8800 ex. 13

Show Your Colors! The Utah Pride Center is encouraging gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Utahns and their allies to fly rainbow flags at their homes and businesses for the duration of Pride Week, June 1-8. The Utah Pride Center recommends that Utahns who need to purchase a flag visit Cahoots Cards & Gifts (878 E. 900 S.). Center members will also receive a 10 percent discount on all purchases at Cahoots.

PWACU Fashion Show The People with AIDS Coalition of Utah will hold a fashion charity show and silent auction to benefit people with HIV/AIDS living in Utah. The RSVP deadline for the show is Friday, July 11. When: July 19, 6:00 p.m. Where: Grand Hall at the Depot (400 W. South Temple) Cost: $20 for advance tickets, $25 at the door Info: (801) 484-2205

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Utah AIDS Foundation Turns Down Government Money The Utah AIDS Foundation has recently turned down an $87,000 grant from the Centers for Disease Control over what the organization is calling censorship. The money was to be used for the foundation’s prevention and testing programs as well as advertising its services. The problem, said UAF executive director Stan Penfold, was the state health department’s refusal to approve ads that were deemed too sexually suggestive, or those targeted towards HIV prevention instead of testing. “What we were seeing is that we were losing money for prevention program for testing — which is vital, but testing is not prevention,” said Penfold. “[Testing] doesn’t change behavior, prevention programs change behavior. So we feel like it’s really critical that there’s a good combo of prevention programs and good access to testing. That’s what really drove our decision.” The combination is critical, Penfold said, because HIV infection rates have been rising nationally. And Utah’s rates this year have gone up, too — particularly among men who have sex with men. “The main infection rate in Utah is gay men, or MSMs, and it’s so difficult to get the message out to gay men with some of the hoops you have to jump through,” said Penfold. Now that the foundation no longer has to seek state approval for its ads, the group is ready to jump through those hoops with a slick new ad campaign. Its goals: portraying gay relationships “in a really healthy setting” and normalizing condom use. “[The ads] are very gay-affirming, very targeted to gay men but in a positive way, which is, you know, new,” said Penfold. The ads, he continues, try to normalize condoms by showing them in unusual places like on top of a lamp. “In a way it’s sort of out there because you don’t see condoms every day, and [the ads] get away from the embarrassment of taking one or buying one” — an embarrassment that is community wide, not just specific to gay men. As Penfold sees it, the new campaign is a return to some of the edgier ads UAF produced 10 years ago, which spoke directly and unflinchingly about sex to gay men. In a Salt Lake Tribune article about the new ads, public information officer Tom Hudachko said that the state health department had no policies restricting the promotion of condoms, which he called “an efficient public health tool” when “combined with testing.” He said, however, that ads that “detract” from the prevention message are rejected by the state. For example, the state killed a recent prevention ad that featured a tea kettle with the following text: “Whether you’re a little teapot or a big one ... protect your spout.” Regardless, Penfold said that negative attitudes towards homosexuality in some areas of state government may have trickled down into disease prevention policy. “The only way I can think of describing it is when we have laws on books in the state of Utah that say ... you can’t talk about homosexuality as if it’s a successful lifestyle, or promote it [in the classroom],

I think that attitude is hard to get away from in state department of health,” he said. Although the foundation has turned away $87,000, Penfold said they will not discontinue any of their services. Instead, he said they will turn to private donations to cover the costs. So far, Penfold said donors have stepped up to the challenge. “They get it that we need to do appropriate messages for this population and the donors are stepping up and saying, ‘hey

The Rejects Two of the ad ideas rejected in 2007 by the Utah Department of Health:

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Entertainment by Martha Wash

The “Voice” behind the #1 Billboard Pop/Dance Hit, “It’s Raining Men.”

you’re the best people to do it,’” he said. The group has also held a number of fund raisers across the valley and is looking to do more throughout the year, including some private house parties this summer. Although UAF no longer receives state money for its programs, Penfold pointed out that it still gets “around $50–65,000” in federal dollars, either administered through Salt Lake City or the Utah Department of Health. These go towards treatment services for Utahns with HIV. Q

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For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.hrcutah.org

Fair Workplace Bill Receives Hearing A bill to make workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity illegal was given a hearing before the Interim Business and Labor Committee on May 22. For nearly two hours the committee, consisting of members from both the House and Senate, listened to testimony from the bill’s author, Rep. Christine Johnson, D-Salt Lake, and individuals for and against its passasge. In her reintroduction of the bill (numbered HB 89 and titled Antidiscrimination Act Amendments) Johnson explained that a change in Utah’s antidiscrimination law is needed to because gay and transgender workers, like other Utahns, should be judged “solely on their work performance.” She also told the committee that the burden of proof of discrimination would rest on the employee and that the bill would not create hiring quotas, effect religious-owned or small businesses (such as “a private day care facility”). She also provided data from other states with similar antidiscrimination laws to show that they had not suffered from a “floodgate of suits” after enacting these laws. Heather Morrison from the Utah Labor Commission testified that since June of 2007 discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity numbered 30 out of 495 total claims. She explained that no legal recourse exists for people who file such claims under current Utah law and took questions about whether or not transgender workers could successfully sue for sex discrimination. Ruth Hackford-Peer, director of public policy for Equality Utah, addressed criticisms that amending the antidiscrimination law would give gay and transgender people “special rights.” “For those of us who do face discrimination there’s nothing special about a law that protects our right to work,” she said. “The Utah Labor Commission had to tell these 30 folks that it’s perfectly legal to discriminate against them.” Monica Whalen, president and CEO of the Employers Council, also spoke against the bill on the grounds that it would let government further interfere with businesses and give disgruntled employees – or employees who make their colleagues uncomfortable by discussing their sexual orientation or gender identity – the ability to file false claims. “Where do we draw the line,” she asked. “What next group of concerned citizens will want to be added to this list?” When openly lesbian Rep. Jackie Biskupski, D-Salt Lake City, asked Whalen if she would favor appealing the state’s antidiscrimination act altogether, Whalen said no, because “well-established” federal law has decided that some classes of people were “deserving of protection.” Federally, these classes include race, sex, disability and national origin. Finally, Shanti Akayla, an openly lesbian woman, told the committee how she had been fired from a sales job after her employers saw an Equality Utah sticker on her car. She said she was “extremely embarrassed and shocked” that her employer would make an assumption about her orientation based on the sticker, and then cite “cultural differences” in firing her. “I’m a hard working employee,” said Akayla, “I pay my taxes. I still don’t understand how I could be treated so poorly.” Although he committee made no decision about whether or when the bill will be debated on the House floor, Johnson said that she will keep talking with her colleagues and bringing up the bill in every session “Until people get so sick of it that they say, ‘you know, this just makes sense.’”  Q

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Community Briefs Ho-Down! The theme for the next Utah Cyber Sluts Gay Bingo Night is Ho-Down. Come dressed as your favorite Ho for a night of entertainment, prizes, friendly cut-throat competition – and, of course, Sluts in thrift store dresses and too much glittery make up. All proceeds go to the Utah Pride Center and to a charity of the Sluts’ choice. Promise Healthcare will sponsor this month’s bingo. When: June 13, 7:00 p.m. Where: The Columbus Center (2440 S 400 E) Cost: $5 for admission and the first bingo card

DiverCity Writing Group

Gay Float Censored in Idaho Parade The committee overseeing a parade in Twin Falls, Idaho, had told the Southern Idaho Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Community Center that they may enter a float this year ... with some restrictions. According to a statement released by SIGLBTCC officials, the Western Days Parade Committee previously told The Center that it could enter a float in this year’s parade as long as they made no reference to sexual orientation, gender identity, or even HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, the committee also forbade the group from using imagery or symbols pertaining to the gay community — including rainbow colors. Fliers discussing what the Center does or its efforts in combating HIV/AIDS and crystal meth use were also out. “No rainbows, no gay pride, not anything like that,” Western Days board chairperson Lisa Cuellar told the Magic Valley TimesNews on May 29. Cuellar and parade chair MaryAnn Taylor also said that the group’s float had to match the description they included with their parade application. However, neither woman was able to provide the description of the float to reporters. Cuellar did say that the Center’s application did not mention words such as gay or transgender. “They entered the name Southern Idaho Community Center, so that’s how they have to be in the parade,” she said. “They just have not been up front with us ... Maybe it’s the lack of communication of both ends.” Center spokesperson Mitch Silvester said the shortened name was a typo the group made on its application. After discussing the situation the Center’s board decided to join the parade, anyway. But in a media release, they said they would use their float to “make a statement about the censorship.” Instead of the typical rainbows, the Center’s float reportedly featured cowboys and Indians and a giant question mark at its center. The question mark was included, said Center president Brandi Jones, in hopes that people can get information about the Center by asking float participants what the marks mean. “Gay and Lesbian people live in Twin Falls, Idaho; we work here, we have families and participate in our communities,” she said. “We are part of our community every other day of the year, and we shouldn’t be

excluded from being part of our community on this one day.” She also said that the committee’s prohibitions on any literature related to HIV or drug abuse-related was worrisome. “When Idaho faces rising rates of HIV/ AIDS infections and epidemic increases in drug use, specifically crystal methamphetamine, we are proactively trying to educate the community to help people remain healthy and strong. “Silencing conversation about these issues weakens our community because it leaves people uninformed and vulnerable.” Perhaps because of its ambiguity, the float drew little reaction from parade-goers on May 31, even when the organization’s name was announced as their entry rolled past. “They can do whatever they want, long as they keep it away from me,” Twin Falls resident Stacy Randell told the Times-News. A group of high school students also held a protest against the float’s censorship a few blocks away without incident. When parade organizers rejected the Center’s float in 2007, members of the Center staged a demonstration nearby. Organizers rejected the float last year on grounds that it conflicted with the area’s conservative values and the parade’s “familyoriented” atmosphere. “This is a very conservative region with strong religious values,” Cuellar said at the time. “It’s nothing against the group itself, but we felt that it was in everybody’s best interest not to allow their float in the parade.” She also said that the float was not representative of the city despite Twin Falls’ gay and lesbian population. After the 2007 parade, city council members said that allowing the float — which reportedly consisted of a cutout of the state of Idaho and such Western regalia as cowboy boots all in rainbow colors — might not have been controversial. Silvester said the Center will submit a float for next year’s parade. Cuellar said they are welcome to do so, as long as the float contains no rainbows or mentions of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Western Days Web site described the two-day event as a “family-oriented” celebration, including a carnival, arts and crafts, musical performances and the parade held at the Twin Falls City Park May 31–June 1.

The DiverCity Writing Group is a creative writing group open to people of all orientations and gender identities. At each meeting, participants can workshop their writing with other members and with mentors from the Salt Lake Community College community Writing Center. Participants also have opportunities to participate in public readings and a quarterly publication of their work. When: June 2 and 16 (every 1st and 3rd Monday regularly), 6:30 p.m. Where: Utah Pride Center (361 N 300 W) Info: utahpridecenter.org

Potluck Socials Potluck socials for queer and questioning Utahns are being held in twelve neighborhoods along the Wasatch Front on the 1st Sunday of each month. These gatherings are an opportunity to socialize and create community. When: First Sunday of each month Info: utahpridecenter.org

Affirmation Writing Contest Affirmation Gay and Lesbian Mormons is looking for opinion editorials and letters to the editors of magazines and newspapers on topics that promote Affirmation’s values – including the right to gay civil marriage and calls to end legal and spiritual violence against gay and transgender people. Winners will receive cash prizes and recognition at the annual Affirmation Conference in October. Info: www.affirmation.org/awa

Dept. of Corrections In “ROTC-SLC Wins Vegas Pride Parade Honors” we mentioned that three people from the St. Petersburg Twirlers performed with the Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps. Nine Floridians performed in Vegas: seven from ROTC’s sister group ROTC St. Petersburg and two from the Twirlers. QSaltLake apologizes.

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June 5 , 20 0 8  |  issue 104  |  QSa lt L a k e  |  9

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The 2nd Annual

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For information on: Performers, Housing, Tickets and Volunteering www.redrockwomensfest.com Sponsored Sponsored by by sWerve sWerve and and the the Utah Utah Pride Pride Center Center •• www.CapitolReef.travel www.CapitolReef.travel June 5 , 20 0 | issue 104 | QSa lt L a k e | 11 8

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We reserve the right to edit for length, appropriateness and libel.

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Salt Lake Men’s Choir Celebrates Hollywood, 25 Year Anniversary On June 21, the University of Utah’s Libby Gardner Hall will be home to a number of star performers including Velma Kelly, Sister Mary Clarence, Quasimodo, Lydia the Tattooed Lady and SpongeBob SquarePants. Well, in spirit at least. For the closing concert of its smashing 25th season, the Salt Lake Men’s Choir will present “Hooray for Hollywood,” complete with songs from movies like Chicago, Sister Act, Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the Marx Brothers’ At The Circus and, of course, the one about the beleaguered underwater fast food worker, and more. “After our Broadway concert last year it was a natural transition to move into show tunes,” said choir president Wesley Brady. “Most gay men can relate to show tunes from movies,” he jokingly added. Artistic Director Dennis McCracken also said a show tunes-themed evening was the next logical step after doing a Broadway night. “I just started looking, wanting to find something that would appeal to everybody, not just one age group, and I came upon this fabulous piece called “Cinemagic! A Medley Review of 90 Years of Music from the Movies” and just started plunking things into it until it took its own shape.” The medley, he explained, is a 35minute journey through 38 classic songs like “Thanks for the Memories,” “That’s Entertainment!,” “Moon River,” “Under the Sea,” and the Mary Poppins tongue twister “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” McCracken has divided the medly into five sections with 11 other popular songs placed in between. Altogether 49 songs will be represented. “It’s really a show, not a concert this year,” said McCracken. “You’re gonna see everything from an 80-year-old Elvis to Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing “Happy Trails to You” and all kinds of stuff. There’s lots of comedy, lots of things happening between the numbers.” Any dancers? “I have a whole set of ballroom dancers this year doing cheek-to -heek and “Steppin’ Out” from the ’40s,” he said. Eight of the dancers are also choir members. There will also be some scenery, including an eight- or nine-foot tall Jaws rolling out from the wings — no small feat on Gardner Hall’s limited stage. It’s a dramatic, theatrical way to end the 25th season for “Utah’s Other Choir,” which has come a long way from its beginnings in a member’s living room in 1982. “Twenty-five years ago in Salt Lake City there were hardly any opportunities for gay men. You either went to the bars or did drag stuff,” said Brady, who has sung with the choir for 23 of its years. In 2008, however, gay men in the city have a number of groups and activities, from political and athletic groups to neighborhood potlucks. And like the city’s gay culture, the choir has come of age and out

of the closet. “We didn’t mention it [the choir’s mostly gay membership],” Brady recalled. “I even remember a time when we had people dying of AIDS in the choir and we didn’t dare use that word, because there was a lot of homophobia back then and people in the choir thought they’d lose their jobs.” Five years ago, the choir was among the largest traveling to the Gay Games in Sydney, Australia and this year rejoined the international gay choral group, GALA Choruses. Today, of course, the Salt Lake Men’s Choir has trouble keeping up with all the jobs — or gigs — they’re asked to attend. Enter Guys Like Us, a 13-member ensemble within the choir that will debut during the “Hooray for Hollywood” performance. Along with regaling the audience with such songs as “Hit Me with a Hot Note,” “All that Jazz” and a few numbers from the movie Dream Girls, the ensemble (of which QSaltLake editor and owner Michael Aaron is a part) will also represent the choir in smaller venues and functions where bringing in all 50-odd members would be impractical or impossible. “It also adds a variety to the show, because with an ensemble you can do a different kind of music like barbershop and jazz,” said Brady. In its 25-year history, the choir has gone through several changes, including of course, the natural handing over of leadership from one artistic director to another. “I’m very proud to be the artistic director, and I follow a line of a lot of great men who have done a lot of things in 25 years to keep the choir going,” said McCracken. “Some of it has been a struggle and some hasn’t. It’s a big family and like any family you deal with the good and the bad. They’re great guys and we have a wonderful time.” To sum up all this history, and to reach out to other gay people in the audience, Brady said “Hooray for Hollywood” will end with a song that is very close to his heart and one of the choir’s signature pieces: “Rainbow Connection.” “It may be from Kermit [the Frog]’s movie but it’s a lovely song that speaks of the choir and it’s one song we’ve done from year to year and we’re hoping choir members from the past can come out of the audience and join us for that number. It sort of speaks to our movement and the choir.” “If you listen to the lyrics it says a lot. Especially for gay people.” Hooray for Hollywood will be held at Libby Gardner Hall, 1395 E. Presidents Circle on the University of Utah Campus, on Saturday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets call the Kingsbury Hall Box Office at (801) 581-7100 or kingtix.com. Q The choir welcomes all men with an interest in singing to join, regardless of sexual orientation. For more information about the choir visit saltlakemenschoir.org.

June 5 , 20 0 8 | issue 104 | QSa lt L a k e | 13

4TH ANNUAL HRC GALA

AND SILENT AUCTION SATURDAY JUNE 14, 2008

VIP reception at 5:30pm Cocktails (cash bar) and Silent Auction at 6pm Dinner at 7pm Come wearing your summer elegance. Equality Award Recipients: Gastronomy and Jane Marquardt

Keynote Speaker: Kathy Najimy Actress & Civil Rights Activist

Entertainment by Martha Wash

The “Voice” behind the #1 Billboard Pop/Dance Hit, “It’s Raining Men.”

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.hrcutah.org

Q Views Letters Consensual Polygamy Editor, I want to commend Troy Williams for his balanced take on the issue of polygamy [“Polyphobia: A Queer Defense of Polygamy,” May 22, 2008]. Most important, I think, is making the distinction between those polygamists who live in consenting adult relationships, and those who marry and abuse minors without the consent to give. Yes, polygamy is against the law (and I personally don’t understand or aspire to it), but until quite recently, so was homosexuality. Lawrence v. Texas effectively overrode the criminality of gay and lesbian relationships, but we must be careful not to forget that not too long ago, many of us in America lived lives, technically speaking, against the law.

Joshua Adamson Salt Lake City

Defeat Calif. Amendment Editor, In my life, I don’t think there’s been a more acutely important political challenge for gay people than defeating the California ballot initiative to amend the state constitution, overturning the recent decision of the California Supreme Court extending equal marriage rights to gay couples. QSaltLake readers should donate to one of the non-partisan political action committees that have been formed for the purpose of defeating the anti-gay marriage amendment. Winning this fight will not only preserve the right of same-sex couples to marry in California, it will be the single most significant political victory for gay

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people in this country’s history. How better to put the tired “judicial activism” canard to bed than by winning a straight-up referendum on the issue in the nation’s most populous state? Equality for All (equalityforall.com) is an independent California PAC devoted to defeating the amendment. HRC has also established a PAC solely for this effort. Both have web sites where supporters can donate quickly and easily. There is no limit on the amount an individual can contribute to a California PAC and money

given to these PACs will not be used to support a particular party or candidate. The sole purpose of these PACs is to defeat the anti-gay marriage amendment. I am not associated in any way with Equality for All or HRC. I just share their goal of defeating this amendment. I also have a finite budget for political contributions, but let’s face it, Barack Obama is going to raise a billion dollars anyway.

JIM SHERRY Via the internet

QSaltLake Welcomes Letters from Our Readers Love a story written in this issue? Hate one? Did a columnist piss you off or tickle your funny bone? Want to say something to the world? Send a letter to the editor — we love feedback! Please keep your letter under 300 words and email it to letters@qsaltlake.com.

You letter, if published, may possibly be edited for length, suitability or libel. No one wants to go to court.

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Queer Gnosis

Queer Freak Love By Troy Williams

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ontemporary gay culture is in

a tug-a-war with two powerful forces: authenticity and acceptance. The desire for the former begins as we first come out and positively embrace our orientation. The latter emerges when we begin to assimilate into the broader culture to satiate our yearning for cultural belonging. But to belong, do we have to insist to the world that we are not perverts and deviants? Because the actual fact is, we are! We are sexually out of sync with mainstream culture. And when I observe the brutality of the heterosexual world, I think that might actually be a good thing. Acceptance and authenticity pull us in opposing directions. This tension strains us in all sorts of complicated and interesting ways. On the national stage the gay rights struggle for acceptance has become a battle for assimilation. Many gays believe that if we access straight institutions of power (marriage, military service, etc.) then acceptance will be achieved. But should modeling the lives of our oppressors really be our biggest goal? I think this is why we love Ellen so much. She represents progress. Her popularity means we’re normal. We can now pass. Mormons also suffer from the same collective psychological inferiority complex. When Mitt Romney appeared to have a shot at the GOP nomination, the LDS faithful were ecstatic. It was a sign of their successful assimilation into mainstream Christian America. The popularity of Glenn Beck, Marie Osmond and David Archuleta reinforce in the insecure Mormon mind that they are also really not weird (umm, I think those three actually make them even more weird, but there you go). In order to obtain acceptance, the LDS religion abandoned their most peculiar doctrines: polygamy, the United Order and the cosmic apotheosis of mankind. These have all been suspended and summarily stripped from all Sunday School manuals. Which is kind of sad because a lot of these ideas actually made Mormonism interesting. Now it’s become a bland faith that creates boring people. Theological imagination has been replaced by obedience to conservative dogma. And worse, when you embrace a culture of oppression, you often become oppressors yourself. Mormons were once a persecuted out-

sider sect of maverick socialist polygamists who evolved into a mainstream church of homo-hating, rightwing, warloving, monogamist capitalists. That’s what assimilation does to you. When we see the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender political machine working to obtain conservative acceptance within patriarchal marriage structures and imperial military institutions, it ought to give us all pause. Marriage has historically been a system to subjugate women. Our military invades and violently takes over sovereign nations at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives. And all gay people can think about is how much we want those rings and bombs. But if queers achieve national acceptance, will we eventually become as boring as Mormons? Does the lofty goal of “equality” mean that we have to behave like everyone else? And if so, is equality really worth it? Genderqueer activist Mattilda, described how the gay power elite in San Francisco “succeeded in clamping down on the anger, defiance, flamboyance and subversion once thriving in queer subcultures, in order to promote a vapid, consume-or-die, only-whites-need-apply version of gay identity. Homo now stands more for homogenous than any type of sexuality aside from buy, buy, buy.” (“Sweatshop-Produced Rainbow Flags and Participatory Patriarchy”) Now acceptance is a natural desire. We’re social creatures. We all want to fit in to something larger. I get that. Our anxiety to be included also plays out internally within gay male culture. As closeted queer youth socialized into heterosexual norms we all know what it feels like to be the outsider. And when we do suddenly find the courage to come out and live authentically, we leap into the gay scene and to our shock and possibly horror, discover that we still don’t fit in! So compromises begin. As a gay male I feel I need to hit the gym. Not so much because I want to be healthy, but more so because I want to get laid. Which means, of course, that I need to go to the bar. Even though I don’t smoke and don’t like being drunk (and god knows the only way to actually endure the banality of a gay bar is to get totally shit-faced). And then there is gay male fashion. I actually love the art of fashion. I am all about the runway, but Ambercrombie & Fitch is not

To belong, do we have to insist to the world that we are not perverts and deviants? Because the actual fact is, we are!

fashion. Ridiculously embroidered jeans for $200+ is not fashion, but it does seem to be what many a gay male wears. So the compromise of my personal authenticity begins. We all do stupid things to belong. I just find it strange that after rejecting the straight world I still find it difficult to successfully assimilate into gay culture. And I’m beginning to realize that most people are struggling, too. Everyone feels awkward in these environments. We’re all wondering if we look good enough or if our hair has a sufficient amount of fiber pomade. I suspect even the hottest creatine-pumped guy in the room feels insecure. Maybe even more so. That’s why we bring the drugs and alcohol. Everyone is performing what they think “gay” should be, but no one really knows. We are all making compromises and negotiating our own authenticity in the hope of a little acceptance. But I believe this does ease up the older we get. At a certain age you really begin to think “who gives a fuck?” (I think that’s probably somewhere around 35-

on

ish.) The big universal is that everyone feels like a freak. We’re all trying to discover what is authentic within ourselves. Queers are sexual deviants. Getting gay married or being free to be openly gay while torturing Iraqi prisoners isn’t going to change that. The liberation comes when you recognize your freakishness and realize it’s all okay. Ultimately, the real work is deeply accepting ourselves, independent of American or gay culture. Now, I’m not sure exactly how we do that. I’ve read self-help books. I’ve sat in Zen meditation. I’ve masturbated to nature CDs. They all help. I’m not advocating authenticity over acceptance; they are both important needs, but an increased awareness is key. We need to be more thoughtfully aware of the tension. We must journey into a space that individually and socially honors all of our competing desires. Love the freak within. The alternative is far too boring.  Q Troy blogs at queergnosis.com.

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Snaps & Slaps

Ruby Ridge Four, Five, SICKS!

SLAP: Attorney General Mark Shurtleff

by Ruby Ridge

S

o darlings, did you enjoy the

Pride Festival this year? I certainly hope it was successful and you did. But because of our publishing deadlines, I’m writing this a full week in advance, so I might be totally off the reservation on this one. Knowing my prophetic bad luck there was probably a disastrous salmonella outbreak from the funnel cakes, or one of the leather queens got Life-Flighted to treat third degree assburns from wearing only chaps and a thong. Let’s face it, pumpkins, if your butt cheeks are only going to see daylight once a year, then for the love of God use your sunblock. It comes in super convenient nongreasy sprays now, so there is absolutely no excuse not to use it (and I know what you’re thinking, cherubs, but no, lube doesn’t contain SPF protection. So while you may be avoiding friction, it doesn’t mean you aren’t going to burn). But I digress. The one thing I am looking forward to at Pride is the performance by the Kinsey Sicks on Sunday. I’ve seen these ladies a few times and I am constantly in awe of their skills. They are talented vocalists, funnier than hell and they can work any room — be it a cruise ship lounge, a university theater or a Pride Festival stage — like nobody’s business. It’s always interesting to see a Kinsey Sicks audience, too, because it’s a bit like Noah’s Ark — gays, straights, dykes, singles, couples, and everyone from the young to the old. That diversity speaks volumes about the group’s wide-range appeal. But the thing I really adore about the Kinsey Sicks is their ability to make political and social commentary so

entertaining. Their lyrics and subject matter can be soooo subversively funny, with topics from Whitney Houston’s drug issues, to parasitic infections, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Cher. On the surface the Kinsey Sicks perform a slick comedic show, but when you finally catch your breath from

Let’s face it Pumpkins if your butt cheeks are only going to see daylight once a year, then for the love of God use your sun block laughing, you realize there are some really serious issues tucked into their parodies. One of my favorite Kinsey gems is their version of “Christmas Time in the City” entitled “Crystal Time,” which talks about methamphetamine use (here is some not so subliminal product placement, kittens. Go to their Web site kinseysicks.com and buy any of

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their CDs). OK, meth addiction is not exactly what you would call funny, but their parody absolutely nails it. You are laughing so hard you don’t realize until later that you have just absorbed a three-minute Public Service Announcement. It’s brilliant, and how many drag groups can say they do a number about urban gentrification, or conditional corporate sponsorships? There is some serious thinking behind these “effortless” ditties, which is not surprising given these girls’ education and professional careers. One is a Harvard-trained lawyer, one a University of Chicago-trained lawyer, and their political credentials rule! I would love to sit down and coffee klatsch with these girls because you just know since their inception in the early ’90s and after years of touring, they have seen a lot of really, REALLY interesting crap go down! Being of that certain age (they’re still probably younger than I am), they have seen first hand the seismic shifts in public attitudes towards gays and lesbians, the impacts of the AIDS epidemic, gay civil unions and marriages, the meth crisis and so on. So while their albums, concerts and DVDs are truly entertaining, I bet the real stories surrounding the Kinseys would blow our minds. Enjoy their show, petals!  Q For an evening of politically incorrect entertainment, questionable glamour and raucous opinion, join Ruby Ridge as she hosts Third Friday Bingo (on the third Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Salt Lake City (777 S. 1300 East). Oh, and wear sensible shoes! (Don’t even ask why.)

Gay Youth Pride 2008 The second annual Gay Youth Pride pageant was held May 18th at Club Sound. Ten contestants between the ages of 17 and 20 ran for the title, drawing an audience of about 100 people. The newly-crowned Miss Gay Youth Pride is Alexus Starr DeBears Cheesecake (left) and Mr. Gay Youth Pride is BJ Starr. Pageant organizer Nova Starr said that “both will be present at the Gay Pride Parade and Pride Day and will be working hard to expand the Gay Pride Youth Title throuh community service and outreach to local youth and adult organizations.”

In 2004, we cheered when Attorney General Mark Shurtleff joined his Democratic and Libertarian challengers in speaking out against Amendment 3. When he spoke at Equality Utah’s 2006 delegate training workshop, despite opposition from his party, we cheered louder. But now it’s 2008 and he’s authored a brief (endorsed by AGs from nine other states) asking California judges to halt their pro-gay marriage decision until November, when residents can vote on a ballot measure to ban such marriages. Why? Same-sex couples might flood our courts with suits to recognize their California nuptials (which could be void in a matter of months, anyway)? Although Shurtleff’s allegiance is undoubtedly to Utah’s laws and its courts, his brief is bizarre. First, Utah already bans gay marriage in its constitution and its local laws. Second, Shurtleff makes no mention of any actual cases where Utah couples sued for recognition after getting a civil union in, say, Vermont or Connecticut. Finally, why are California’s dealings any of Utah’s business? Memo to Mark Shurtleff: Utah has enough problems that aren’t hypothetical.

SNAP: Utah Legislature Nope, we didn’t accidentally reprint this. Utah lawmakers on the interim Business and Labor Committee did a fine job on May 22 of giving Rep. Christine Johnson’s workplace antidiscrimination bill a fair hearing. During two hours of the testimony legislators listened to Johnson’s arguments, the Labor Commission’s statistics and Utah residents who have lost their jobs because of their sexual orientation. Though we’ve held our breath and waited for the other shoe, Utah’s lawmakers really seem to be giving this matter their attention and respect – even when it comes to asking difficult questions about how to define transgender.

SLAP: Twin Falls Western Days Committee The state that brought the nation Sen. Larry Craig’s toe-tappin’ review now brings us something completely different: a gay float without gaiety. Yep. Organizers of a Western Days parade in the nearby city of Twin Falls allowed the Southern Idaho Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center to enter a float in the “family-friendly” festivities … as long as it didn’t include rainbow flags, words like “gay” and “transgender” or – perhaps most scandalous – references to HIV/AIDS or STDs, which the Idaho Center has been trying to combat through public education. The reason? Conservative paradegoers might be offended.

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Ruth Welcome to Pee-Ball by Ruth Hackford-Peer

R

iley’s final tee-ball game was

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last night. Now before you read further, I should mention a few things. This particular tee-ball league is the kind where you don’t take score, there are no strikes, no outs, and everyone gets to hit the ball. It invites parents to run along with their children and expects parents to go on the field — at least when the little offspring allow. The youngsters (many as young as 3) go through the motions of playing the game, but when they get tagged out, they don’t leave the base. They keep running. They get to continue the illusion that they are not out. They continue the façade by jumping and yelling when they finally get to home plate. This set up was — and continues to be — difficult for me. I don’t see myself as the ultra-competitive type. OK, never mind. Yes, I do. When you don’t take score, HOW ARE YOU TO KNOW FOR SURE WHO WON? And when you don’t count outs and strikes, how is a child REALLY going to learn the game? I know I sound like a jerk and this is what’s wrong with sports, and yes, my girl has told me this a lot which is why since the incident she’s been the one on the field directing Riley in tee-ball and I’m the one at the sidelines with the two-yearold crawling all over me and sticking his DIRTY fingers in my nose and ears, and laughing. What incident you may wonder? Oh, it’s not that huge of a thing, really. I was simply trying to instruct Riley why it might make a little bit of sense to get off the baseline while playing first base. But no, he decided to argue, giving me a lot of incorrect reasons why, when playing first base, he’s expected to touch the base at all times. I calmly went over one of the very few things about baseball I actually know: One does not stand on the baseline while playing first base or one will end up as a pancake on the baseline with a runner on second base. How do I know this? Some memories never fade. Riley responded. And by responded, I mean SCREAMED at the top of his lungs, “YOU CAN TAKE THE FUN OUT OF DISNEYLAND!â€? I don’t even know where he heard that one! The child has never been to Disneyland. I simply replied, “I will take the fun out of Disneyland by grounding you from it for the rest of your life.â€?

“Really?� he asked. “Yes.� I responded. This makes me want to digress into a subplot where Riley is an old man wanting to take his grandkids to Disneyland but is not allowed. He couldn’t. Because he would still be grounded. But I should get to the point. Without outs, innings go on until every batter bats. This can be an incredibly long time (as evidenced last night) and makes for about a one-inning game. Anyway, last night Riley’s team batted first then they took the field. He lost out on getting the coveted pitcher position and ended up playing short stop. During the game my son’s teammate on second base started doing the pee-pee dance before the first batter was up to the plate. By the time there was a runner on first and second, the baseman gave up and peed his pants. The coach — may the goddess bless her patience — sweetly returned the child to his mortified father who graciously took him to get a new pair of pants. The coach then asked Riley to cover second base and he obliged. Only Riley, somehow oblivious to the previous events, suddenly became very interested in the soaking wet second base. Kim had informed him to leave it alone because there was urine on it. He then went about telling every incoming runner to be careful because there was pee on the base. Then while the next batter came up, the runner on second would ask Riley why he peed on the base. Riley would inform the runner that Riley’s teammate and not Riley himself did the deed ... but he wasn’t going to say who because it doesn’t matter, and because everybody has accidents, and because he didn’t want his friend to feel bad. Riley was drawing much more attention to the pee and the accident than it would have ordinarily received. But one thing I know about Riley is that if I corrected every annoying thing he did, he’d be in information overload and reject it all. So Kim and I continued our laissezfaire parenting and Riley continued pointing out the piss to passers-by. At one point after his announcement, the runner got so disgusted that she refused to tag the base which made Riley yell at the pitcher, “Hurry! Throw me the ball so I can get her out.� I’ll be damned. The kid’s learnin’ baseball after all. Q

During the game my son’s teammate on second base started doing the pee-pee dance...

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Experience Dining in Full Bloom

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behind the Zion Curtain so far. Yikes! First Brother Gordon took the Frontrunner to heaven, and then strong and mighty Mitt Romney was defeated by Goober Huckabee of Mayberry, and now the Yearning for Zion fiasco deep in the heart of Texas. And just when Mormons are suffering battle fatigue from constantly chanting the mantra “We are Christians too, but we are not polygamists,” Pope Benedict XVI has told them to keep their filthy paws off our dead Catholic draws. I don’t know about you, but I am just so worried about what the Bountiful 4th Aaronic priesthood quorum will being doing on Friday nights if they aren’t at the temple baptizing the dead. Well I guess there are always the Hindu dead. “I baptize you Ajatashatru Balasubramanium in the name of the Father blah blah blah ...” Somehow it just doesn’t have the same Irish lilt that Jerry O’Leary has, does it? I wonder what the Mormons did to piss off Yahweh so badly that He’s raining down so much shit this year. It could be that heaven’s sewers are just backed up. But my guess is that karma is boomeranging back for that Proposition Three thing. Anybody remember that? And now President Monson is clapping his hands and chortling, “I do believe in fairies. I do believe in fairies. I do, I do, I do.” Don’t you just know that Spencer Kimball is spinning in his grave? An official LDS audience with Affirmation, you know that group masturbating itself into bestiality?! Oh, read the book. The times, they are a-changing. Now I admit I used to be Mormon a few light years ago, and I’d like to think that I have a bit more compassion for them than they did for me. But who am I kidding? I love kicking against the pricks. But I digress. Hold on. I am coming to the jism — I mean jist of my belabored point. When I was still a semi-believing Mormon I helped established a gay Mormon Church here in Salt Lake City. It still exists even ... no thanks to me. But once upon a time, I was its Bishop Agent. Now you might ask, “What the hell is a Bishop Agent?” Well you needn’t bother because the position no longer exists. However, when I was a Bishop Agent and privy to

the secret (I mean sacred) councils, one of the issues we pondered was polygamy! We pored over whether Mormon polygamy was going to be a doctrinal practice of the church and who would be first to act upon it. I bet you thought I’d be first in line, but you would be wrong. I even bet you thought it would be a bunch of horny gay guys who would be celestially shacking up, but again you would be wrong. It was the leaping lesbians. OMG! Yes, you heard me right. It was the lesbian Sisters who first entered plural marriage in the church. Four lesbian priesthood holders ranging from Melchizedek to the Aaronic formed the first gay plural marriage here in Salt Lake City. As you may have guessed, it didn’t last. But don’t be judgmental. Didn’t the first legal lesbian monogamous marriage end in the first lesbian divorce? I will answer that for you: Yes it did. I got to thinking about the sister wives of Mormon polygamy the other day when I remembered how my Mormon ex-wife used to tell me that she almost joined Guy Musser’s polygamy group because she was attracted to the mostly female environment of Short Creek. Hmmmm ... an all-female compound. Was polygamy the Mormons’ answer to the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival? With that said, one has to wonder how many of these FLDS sister wives in the Yearning for Zion compound are actually closeted lesbians. Think about it. Here these women are in a closed society where almost all of their daily interaction and intimacy is with sister wives, not males. In reality the dopy old pollywog men are nothing more then walking turkey basters. I mean, really. This place is a female society where excessive amounts of males are run off or dumped by the side of the road. The men are rarely around because they are in hiding from G-men. Since the fundies only do the nasty when a woman is ovulating, the women rarely have to put up with their husband’s “needs.” And once she’s pregnant she’s free of the nasty old cuss for about a year. I wonder if some lesbians fantasize about being in Short Creek the way some gay guys fantasize about being in prison. I wonder if they would admit it. Probably not.  Q

I wonder if some lesbians fantasize about being in Short Creek the way some gay guys fantasize about being in prison.

20  |  QSa lt L a k e  |  issue 104  |  June 5 , 20 0 8

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Opens June 4th Polluting Utah Values Since 1978 Join us for Wacky Wednesdays June 25 - Decoder Pin Night, for our pistol packin’ legislators July 2 - Gayborhood Night, with our great Marmalade Hill neighbors July 9 - Voyeur Alum Night. See the show with former cast members July 16 - Nutcake Night, for SLC’s liberal “nutcakes�. If UR1, be here Tickets: 363-7522 or www.saltlakeactingcompany.org

June 5 , 20 0 8 | issue 104 | QSa lt L a k e | 21

Y o g a B e a tc h

By Martin Moran | Featuring David Spencer May 30-June 15 in the Studio Theatre @ the Rose. A true story of sexuality, spirituality and the mystery of human experience. Between the ages of 12 and 15, the author had a sexual relationship with an older man. More than 30 years later he has transformed his story into a riveting, often funny and always surprising journey through the complexities of Catholicism, desire and human trespass. Tickets @ 355.ARTS or p l a n b t h e a t r e . o r g

“There is surely some redemption in rendering chaos with this kind of clarity.”

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- Ben Brantley, THE NEW YORK TIMES

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From Friday, June 13th, to Sunday, June 15th, the Salt Lake City Film Center and the Utah Pride Center are presenting “Damn These Heels,” an international film festival with award-winning gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender films.

All films are free and open to the public. Screenings will take place at Brewvies, the Tower Theatre and the Salt Lake City Main Library. Check this schedule for the weekend’s screenings: Friday, June 13th

mother, father, best friend and wife brought to Gwen’s transition.

Brewvies 677 S 200 W (21yrs and over only)

70 min 2007 Canada, Documentary, unrated with brief and graphic nudity relating to gender transition.

7:00pm OPENING RECEPTION

1:30pm

Sponsors, Press and SLC Film Center Members Only. RSVP required at rsvp@slcfilmcenter.org

8:00pm

LOVE MY LIFE Directed by Koji Kawano, starring Japanese supermodel Asami Imajuki.

THE WALKER Directed by Paul Schrader, starring Woody Harrelson, Lilly Tomlin, Lauren Bacall, and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Everyone loves a good scandal! A contemporary drama set in Washington DC, Carter Page (Harrelson) — an openly gay socialite who serves as confidant, companion, and card partner to some of the capitol’s leading ladies (Lilly Tomlin, Lauren Bacall, Kristin Scott Thomas) — finds his loyalty and morality tested when he is implicated in scandal, blackmail, and murder. 108 min, Rated R for language, some violent material and nude images.

Girl meets girl, girl looses girl, girl gets girl back in this charmingly offbeat, colorful and always upbeat love story from Japan. Ichiko is a happy go lucky girl who falls in love with Eri, a fellow student. Ichiko wants to tell the world about their love – beginning with her father. But gay romance is not as easy as Ichiko envisions. When she comes out, she learns some very surprising family secrets. Adapted from a Japanese manga by Ebine Yamaji and infused with an indie-rock soundtrack by NOODLES. 96 min, 2006 Japan, unrated with some sexual nudity.

Saturday, June 14th SEMPER FI: ONE MARINE’S JOURNEY

Tower Theater 876 E 900 S

+ With Special Guest Jeff Key Directed by Vince DiPersio

12:00pm

Jeff Key tells his true story as a Marine who served in Iraq by concealing his homosexuality. Returning home with shattered ideals and a broken heart he turned his experiences into a riveting one-man play, “Eyes of Babylon.” SEMPER FI weaves interviews, voiceovers, Jeff’s personal footage from Iraq and scenes from his play, revealing, the power and dignity of this American who is a US Marine and a gay man.

SHE’S A BOY I KNEW Directed by and featuring Gwen Haworth Audience Award Vancouver International Film Festival, Women in Film Artistic Merit Award, Best of Fest Audience Award Kingston’s ReelOut9 Queer Film + Video Festival, London Lesbian and Gay Festival

A film about love, family, and transexuality. Honest and intelligent, SHE’S A BOY I KNEW is not only an exploration into the filmmaker’s process of transition from biological male to female, from Steven to Gwen, but is also an emotionally charged account of the individual experiences and struggles that her two sisters,

73 min + 30min discussion, USA documentary, unrated.

Continued on next page

June 5 , 20 0 8  |  issue 104  |  QSa lt L a k e  |  23

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Sunday, June 15th Downtown City Library 210 E 400 S 1:00pm SHORTS

KISS THE BRIDE Directed by C. Jay Cox (LATTER DAYS), starring Tori Spelling, James Karner, and James O’Shea

When Matt receives an invitation to high school best friend Ryan’s wedding he’s surprised — especially that Ryan is marrying a woman! Matt plans to rescue his former love from whatever “she-devil” has trapped him into this huge mistake. To his dismay Alex Played BY Spelling is very cunning, disarmingly ditzy, or completely adorable — Possibly all three. KISS THE BRIDE is a sexy, fun, romantic comedy proving the boundaries of love, sexuality and identity are never constant. 115 Min Rated R for sexual content and language, 2007. www.kissthebride.com

11:00pm

Continued from page 23

Saturday, June 14th Brewvies 677 S 200 W (21yrs and over only)

3:00pm

QUEEN OF LINCOLN ROAD Directed by Eric Smith Winner of over a dozen awards from festivals across the country.

A little kitsch and a little kindness. The wild and colorful handmade outfits of Irene Williams caught the attention of Eric Smith on Lincoln Road during one of his frequent trips to South Beach Miami. Shades of HAROLD AND MAUDE and GREY GARDENS come together in this sweet, funny, and thoroughly endearing portrait of a rare bird in paradise. Short Doc, 23min.

EDGE OF HEAVEN Directed by Faith Akin Germany’s entry to the 2007 Oscars, Winner of Best Screen Play at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and 16 other international cinema awards.

“The point at which a good director crosses the career bridge to become a substantial international talent is vividly clear in THE EDGE OF HEAVEN an utterly assured, profoundly moving fifth feature by Fatih Akin.” — Derek Elley, Variety The picture is perfectly cast weaving the lives and emotional arcs of four Turks and two Germans through love and tragedy between (the beautiful countries of) Turkey and Germany.

XXY Directed by, Lucia Puenzo, Starring Ines Efron

After premiering in 15 countries, being banned in Singapore, and selling out everywhere including India and Turkey and five international awards, A JIHAD FOR LOVE comes to the U.S. Parvez Sharma travels the many worlds of Islam discovering the stories of its most unlikely storytellers: lesbian and gay Muslims. Filmed over 5½ years, in 12 countries and 9 languages, and looking beyond a hostile and war-torn present, this film seeks to reclaim the Islamic concept of a greater Jihad, which can mean “an inner struggle” or “to strive in the path of God.”

Winner of the 2007 Montreal Best Picture Award, 2007 Cannes Critics Week Grand Prize, and 9 awards, 16 nominations.

91min, Argentina, unrated, contains brief sexual nudity.

120 min, German and Turkish, unrated.

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A JIHAD FOR LOVE + Special guests Director Parvez Sharma and Producer Sandi Dubowski (TREMBLING BEFORE G_D) Winner of the 2008 Torino International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival award for Best Documentary, Official Selection Toronto and Berlin Film Festivals.

7:00pm

For just about everyone, adolescence means having to confront a number of choices and life decisions, but rarely any as monumental as those facing 15 year-old Alex (Ines Efron) who was born an intersex child. Played with extraordinary forthrightness, Alex fearlessly explores her possibilities and the psychological fallout for her and those she touches is both raw and subtle.

PANEL: “BIG LOVE,” queer theory, and the outsider in television and film – and What’s Queer About Polygamy? Dustin Lance Black, writer of many BIG LOVE episodes and HARVEY MILK feature, directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Sean Penn. Kathryn Stockton, Professor of English and Director of Gender Studies, University of Utah Troy Williams, Local activist and KRCL Radio Active Producer In HBO’s popular television series “Big Love,” a suburban polygamist family lives “in the closet” afraid of being “outed” to neighbors and the broader society. What are the similarities between both of these outsider groups and what are the differences? How does freedom of religion intersect with sexual freedom in 21st Century America? The panel will examine how these issues are explored, complicated and unpacked in HBO’s “Big Love.” Group participation is encouraged.

81 min + discussion

SISSY FRENCH FRY Directed by JC Oliva Grand Prize and Audience Award Planet Out Short Movie Awards, Audience Award Barcelona Int’l Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Audience Award, Long Island Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

Welcome to wildly eclectic and diverse West Beach High, where the annual Student Body President election will pit the quirky, muchbeloved incumbent Sissy French Fry against a handsome, charismatic – and socially intolerant – transfer student with a devious plan to restore the “status quo.” Short comedy, 28min. 2:00pm

For more information on the Damn These Heels Film Festival, see slcfilmcenter.org

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Mormon, Texan and Gay.

‘Big Love’ Writer Dustin Lance Black tells how and why he landed Gus Van Sant’s ‘Times of Harvey Milk’ For nearly a quarter century, the desire to fashion a fictional template for the slain gay politician’s achingly brief career has tempted and ultimately frustrated talents from fabled director Oliver Stone to Milk biographer Randy Shilts. To Black, the core of the problem has always been to locate the emotional heartbeat of the story, the elusive but vital role Milk has played in the imaginations of generations of queer kids looking for a father figure in the miasma of myth that has grown up around him. “It was tough. It was clearly, in my mind, a gay movie. I wasn’t so interested in the politics, I wasn’t so interested in Dan White; I was interested in this man who, to me at least, was a father figure to his people and to people who lost their fathers, their parents and their families because of their sexuality. Here was this father figure, and it was something I craved!”

by David Lamble, Bay Area Reporter Special to QSaltLake

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t’s late on a sunny

Thursday morning in the Castro when a slim and radiantly beautiful young man, someone who would not seem out of place on the set of a Harry Potter movie, climbs the stairs of my Market Street flat, plops himself down on the worn, black couch, and explains why he’s spent nearly half his life pursuing a dream to turn the life of a martyred gay politician into a film. Dustin Lance Black is a polite and focused young man, a multi-talented writer/filmmaker who’s spent the decade since college finding a creative platform

to exorcise the demons of a complicated childhood spent boomeranging between military installations in the Central Valley and a Texas city that’s home to the Alamo and his Mormon parents. For the last couple of years, Black has been leading a kind of double life: by day, a staff writer for the wickedly funny HBO series Big Love, a witty satire on the cultural baggage shared by Utah’s surviving polygamist families and the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints. Weekends have found Black shooting up I-5, listening to a stack of opera CDs favored by his hero Harvey Milk, on a mission to track down every surviving member of Milk’s political clan.

Boy Crush Childhood for Lance Black meant growing up in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by military bases. “I had my first crushes on a boy neighbor when I was like six, seven. I knew what was going on, I knew I liked him, but what Texas did and what the culture of growing up Mormon, growing up military [reinforced], was, the very second thought I had, ‘I really like that boy, and it’s not just as a friend,’ the very second thought was, ‘I’m sick, I’m wrong, I’m going to hell. And if I ever admit it, I’ll be hurt, and I’ll be brought down.’” It wasn’t until college and he was well on his way to fulfilling his dreams that Black discovered an alternative to the mantras of guilt and silence, of duty and obedience promoted by the army and the church. He discovered his father figure; fittingly, for a boy yearning to be a filmmaker, he found him at the movies. It was in the mid-90s that Black first saw Rob Epstein’s Oscar-winning documentary, The Times of Harvey Milk. “When I was in high school, we moved from Texas to Salinas, California. My stepdad had been transferred to Fort Ord. I started getting into theater and acting, working at The Western Stage down in the Salinas-Monterey area, coming up [to San Francisco] for TV auditions, and getting to know, for the first time in my life, out gay men. “It was the late 80s, early 90s, it wasn’t a hopeful time in San Francisco. The one story of hope you did hear was about Harvey Milk, this one man who accomplished so much in a short period of time, and was really the charismatic leader that people were looking for when I was here. “In college, when I first saw a copy of the documentary, I remember just breaking down into tears. I thought, ‘I just want to do something with this, why

hasn’t someone done something with this?’” The key to the puzzle, to separating fact from fiction about Milk, lay in a chance introduction to the late supervisor’s former aide and disciple Cleve Jones. Jones brought Black into the circle of Milk’s political family: photographer Danny Nicoletta, Milk’s one-time city hall assistant and leather-jacketed friend Anne Kronenberg, and members of the Democratic Party machine whose grip on election success frustrated Milk’s ambitions. Black admits to suffering from the professional screenwriter’s greatest curse: the sprawling script that attempts to cover every possible facet of a hopelessly complex story. “You learn to kill your babies, whole scenes and chapters” must fall out of the script. In effect, “you’re killing real people,” excising colorful moments in Milk’s life involving his eventual successor, Harry Britt; his 1976 race for an a state assembly seat in the Castro (lost to Art Agnos); and much of the vital battle to defeat the anti-gayschoolteacher ballot initiative sponsored by right-wing state senator John Briggs. For Black, one of the hardest tasks was not to oversimplify Milk’s often tortured emotional journey. He pruned more than a dozen boyfriends down to two indispensable lovers: Scott Smith, perhaps the one true love (played in the film by Indiewood heartthrob James Franco); and one of Harvey’s last flames, the mercurial Jack Lira (Mexican filmmaking sensation Diego Luna), the boyfriend who stood arm-in-arm with Milk as the newly elected “Mayor of Castro Street” joined his friends and neighbors in a joyful stroll down Market Street to an outdoor swearing-in ceremony. As Milk once quipped, “Sex entered into it, on the front page of The Examiner, there’s Supervisor Harvey Milk with his lover.” Through the travail of draft after draft, as the Milk script was winnowed down to the core beats about the man, Black never forgot the little boy from San Antonio whose Texas childhood shadowed his dreams. “Texas kept me very quiet. I became intensely shy, I had thoughts of suicide. I was a pretty dark kid, because I had an acute awareness of my sexuality, and was absolutely convinced that I was wrong. In his Hope Speech, Harvey Milk says, ‘There’s that kid in San Antonio, and he heard tonight that a gay man was elected to public office, and that will give him hope.’ And when I first heard that speech, it really did that. It really, really gave me hope, for the first time.”  Q Black will participate in a panel at the “Damn These Heels” FIlm Festival on Sunday, June 15 at the Salt Lake City Main Library at 1:00 p.m.

June 5 , 20 0 8  |  issue 104  |  QSa lt L a k e  |  25

Save the Date

Q Arts

Major Events of the Community

The Gay Agenda

may 30–june 15 The Tricky Part ­ planbtheatre.org

june 6–8 Utah Pride Festival utahpride.org

A Dyke March In These Damn Heels

june 14 HRC Utah Dinner hrcutah.org

by Tony Hobday

After four years of being carpayment free, I broke down and purchased a new vehicle. It had to be done ... my last had more miles on it than Gene Geiber. There’s no frills to my new one, but now the soles of my feet can heal. Trust me, Fred Flinstone had it rough ... the poor bastard!

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THURSday — Hale Centre Theatre presents a tender comedy by playwright John Patrick. The Curious Savage, written in 1950, follows an elderly mother, Mrs. Savage, who is committed to an asylum by her spoiled children in their attempt to keep her from giving away their inheritance. Her cunning charm outwits them, and her clever, caring heart disarms and heals her new found inmates. 7:30pm, through July 19, Hale Centre Theatre, 3333 S. Decker Lake Drive. Tickets $13–23, 984-9000 or halecentretheatre.org.

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Friday — Come Together — a risque connatation of the phrase for homos — is the theme for this year’s Utah Pride festival. From what I understand, everyone on the QSaltLake float will be bejeweled with pearl necklaces ... hmmm! Anyhoo, the weekend will be filled with great entertainment, Meshell Ndegeocello, The Kinsey Sicks and The Purr Bats just to name a few. The clubs will definitely have parties, and the Q booth will offer a fabulous photo shoot. Come together, then check it out! Full schedule and times in our Pride Guide. Weekend passes $15, Grand Marshall Reception $75, single day tickets available, 539-8800 or utahpride. org.

Q If memory serves me, which probably doesn’t ... it could be just another one of the many hallucinations that ails me, but I believe last year at Pride SB Dance showcased a number from Yoga The Musical. Now, opening this same weekend is Revenge of Yoga The Musical. Gurus battle for souls of YogAngeles in this new musical. Hilarious enlightenment-seekers, sharp choreography and rap/funk/ rock score combine for a Broadway-style evening. 8pm, tonight & Saturday, and June 13–15, Jeanne Wagner Theatre, Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. Broadway. Tickets $22.50, 355-ARTS or arttix.org.

june 21

Q Have you seen the SLC Pepper mural a block south of the Gateway? It’s a replica of Jann Haworth’s award-winning Beatles album cover. Haworth, who resides in Sundance, is a British/American Pop artist, and her new exhibit Pop Plastiques displays abstract images of corsets, mannequins and portraits created with a combination of painted canvas and vinyl plastic, and using the comic frame convention of the graphic novel and film strip. Hours vary, through July 26, Library Square, 210 E. 400 South. Free, 524-8200 or jannhaworth.com.

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Saturday — It’s been a dominating force for gay rights during the Pride festivities for the past five years. Each year the participation grows to outstanding numbers. Whoo Hoo! So get your poster and noisemakers ready for the sixth annual Dyke March. (Arts Editor’s Note: If you’re not really in to walking and more into drinking, Join Michael and I at Beer Booth #2 on the festival grounds — the hell if I know exactly where it is, but just look for a pair of shiny pearl necklaces — as we are volunteer beer baristas from 4–5pm.) 4pm, City Creek Park, the corner of State Street & North Temple. For more information visit swerveutah.com.

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MONDAY — They are Grammyaward winners and they are tonguetwisting sexy. They are Kanye West & Rihanna rocking the Utah stage tonight. With a resounding hip-hop/pop rock/electronica flare, it’s sure to be a high-energy concert. 7pm, E Center, 3200 S. Decker Lake Drive. Tickets $32–77, 487-8499 or smithstix.com.

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TUESDAY — Although it’s been done time and time again to no avail, Area 51’s Gay 80’s Night may actually survive our precious ways. From my experience the club has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and really hot dance music. Featuring DJ Radar and monthly drag shows, you can’t “beat it!” 8pm, Tuesdays, Area 51, a private club for members, 451 S. 400 West. Call 534-0819 or visit myspace.com/ area51forever.

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FRIDAY — This summer Damn These Heels Film Festival widens their arch and opens the weekend after Pride. But with it being Friday the 13th, they should be opening with a boogie movie or thriller. That’s just me ... the

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Salt Lake Men’s Choir “Hooray For Hollywood” 25th Anniv. Concert ­ saltlakemenschoir.org

june 22 film lineup includes Tori Spelling’s acting debut in Kiss the Bride, Love My life and The Walker.

Utah AIDS Foundation Golf Tournament ­ utahaids.org

Showtimes and theaters vary, through Sunday. Free, see page 21 for complete lineup or call 3229911.

june 26–29

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SATURDAY — It’s the equivalent of Paris Hilton’s coming out party, but with less class. Just kidding!!!! Join Bruce Bastian and Gala Co-chairs Luana Chilelli and Stan Penfold for the 2008 HRC Utah Gala Dinner. Actress Kathy Najimy is keynote speaker and there will be a special appearance by Martha Wash.

Utah Arts Festival ­ uaf.org

july 19 PWACU’s Charity Fashion Show & Silent Auction, pwacu.org

july 21 And The Banned Played On ­ planbtheatre.org

august 1–3

5pm, the residence of Bruce Bastian, Orem. Tickets $75–300, 800-494-8497 or utah.hrc.org.

The Village Summit utahaids.org

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august 1–3

MONDAY — The largest international piano competition returns to Salt Lake. The Gina Bauchauer International Young Artists Competition brings aficionados ages 11-13 to the stage in front of hundreds to showcase the skill and unwavering passion for the beautiful instrument.

Park City Arts Festival kimball-art.org

august 7–10 PWACU River Trip pwacu.org

august 8–9

Times vary, through June 21, Jeanne Wagner Theatre, Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. Broadway. Tickets $10, 355-ARTS or arttix.org.

Red Rock Women’s Festival, Torrey redrockwomensfest.com

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august 10

TUESDAY — KUED Diverse Voices offers a free screening of Outside followed by a discussion on the film. The documentary follows four gay homeless youth as they face the challenging realities of daily life on the street in Utah. The young men and women invite us into their world for three years and provide us with sharply divergent personal stories and reasons for being adrift and homeless.

7pm, City Library, 210 E. 400 South. Free, 524-8200.

UPCOMING

EVENTS

June 21 Salt Lake Men’s Choir “Hooray for Hollywood” 25th anniv. concert, kingtix.com July 21 John Mayer, USANA Amphitheatre AUG. 20 KT Tunstall, Red Butte Garden Aug. 25 Sheryl Crow, USANA Amphitheatre AUG. 26 Bonnie Raitt, Red Butte Garden Nov. 21 Celine Dion, ES Arena

Q Day at Lagoon

august 24 Center Golf Classic utahpridecenter.org

september 16 Equality Utah Allies Dinner equalityutah.org

september 26–27 Southern Utah Pride, Springdale. ­southernutahpride.org

october 10–12 SLC GayBowl VIII mwffl.org

october 11 Coming Out Day Breakfast utahpridecenter.org

Email arts@­qsaltlake.com for consideratilon to be included in Save the Date.

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4TH ANNUAL HRC GALA

AND SILENT AUCTION SATURDAY JUNE 14, 2008

Actor David Spencer, who plays the part of Martin Moran in Plan -B Theatre Company’s “The Tricky Part.”

The Tricky Part: Sure to Erupt Nightly Ovations By Tony Hobday

Theatre has seemingly progressed further than mere entertainment. Certainly it has carried political and social context throughout the centuries, but lately theatre has apparently become an outlet, a release if you will, for those with painful, damaging pasts. Within the past few months, I have been exposed to two emotionally-charged true accounts of unspeakable atrocities that unfortunately face many, many people. In both instances, entertainment was far from the purpose. They were possibly written for the stage not only as an educational tool for the general public, but to use the general public as a sounding-board for theraputic curement as well. Plan-B Theatre Company — by way of being a renowned risk-taking arts company in Utah — unveils a provocative, yet disturbing case of pedophilia in The Tricky Part. Based on Martin Moran’s memoirs, and his unrelenting memories, the one-man show ultimately is so stunning, you’ll feel stiff as a board, and as blank as an unblemished piece of paper, exiting the theatre. For three confusing years, at the very influential age of 12, Martin Moran was pulled into — for lack of a more euphemistic term — a grotesque sexual relationship with a grown man 18 years his senior; a man with fully developed cognitive thinking — able to decipher right from wrong, good from bad, love from hurt. Thirty years later, in 2002, Moran faced his demon one last time to rid himself of it forever. One last time eye-to-eye, but to rid him forever from his being will remain the tricky part.

In the production, Moran does not take the stage to share his story, which at first seems a strange choice. Yet the moment David Spencer (who plays Moran) steps onto the stage, he is completely transformed. I’ve never seen a more complete metamorphasis transpire on stage. Spencer’s emotional depth reaches perceptively into the darkest regions of Moran himself. Also, and with no offense intended towards Spencer, the toll the experience takes on a person is visually apparent in a 48-year-old’s 63-year-old face. Occasionally Spencer’s performance is slightly overacted, reminding the audience they are at a production, but mostly Moran is the one on stage — all his misery, all his glory, all his guts. Some who did not grow up within a religious affiliation may find the references to Catholicism burdensome, even though the church’s teachings played a major role in Moran’s development. Regardless, in any circle involving religion or not, a child’s understanding of sexuality, of love, of trust is susceptible to false truths. And false truths come in all forms. Perhaps the stage is exactly where they should be brought to light, and perhaps heal some bruised souls in the process. Because there may be no greater listeners and supporters than those of the arts community, and trust me, they’ll let you know how much they admire the courage. “The Tricky Part” contains adult themes and sexual content. Performances run through June 15 at the Studio Theatre, Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. Broadway. Tickets $18, call 355-ARTS or visit arttix.org.

June 5 , 20 0 8  |  issue 104  |  QSa lt L a k e  |  27

VIP reception at 5:30pm Cocktails (cash bar) and Silent Auction at 6pm Dinner at 7pm Come wearing your summer elegance. Equality Award Recipients: Gastronomy and Jane Marquardt

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Entertainment by Martha Wash

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For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.hrcutah.org

Gay Utah Athlete Profiled in Photo Exhibit Over the last five years photographer Jeff Sheng has been photographing out gay and lesbian high school and college athletes from around the country. To date he has photographed over 50 athletes who comprise his touring exhibit, the Fearless Campus Tour, which has appeared at a number of college and high school campuses since 2006. “While these individuals are only a small segment of the LGBTQ community, I wanted to photograph them and give them visibility because they exemplify a particular courage and self-confidence in being “out” at a very young age while also competitively participating in the often-times homophobic world of sports,” says Sheng, a photographer and professor of Asian-American Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in the artist’s statement on the project’s Web site. “More importantly, these individuals do not let fear stand in the way of being true to themselves and enjoying what life has to offer. This is a lesson that is universal.” One of the courageous athletes in the project attended school in Utah. Ryan Quinn competed as a cross-country skier on the University of Utah’s Ski Team until his graduation in 2003. As the skier tells it, he was one of the first athletes Sheng photographed. “Jeff contacted me in 2004, shortly after I’d graduated from the U and moved from Salt Lake City to Seattle,” remembers

Quinn, who now lives in New York City and works as a columnist for outsports. com, a Web site that covers sports from a gay perspective. Quinn, who came out to his “terrifically supportive” teammates as a sophomore, said that the shoot was different and more exciting than those in which he had previously participated, including one for the gay magazine The Advocate. For the shoot, Sheng and Quinn hiked out “quite a ways” on the ski trails. “His concept with the photos is to capture the athlete right after giving a maximum effort in his sport,” Quinn recalls. “So in my case I skied about a kilometer as fast as I could, and ended by climbing a nasty steep hill, so when the picture is taken I’m exhausted, barely able to stand. I think that was a great idea, because that feeling of exhaustion is so linked with being an athlete, and it’s also a moment of vulnerability, which is something every openly gay athlete has experienced.” Quinn says he is “thrilled” that Sheng’s project is now traveling the country and serving as a jumping off point for students to hold discussions on homophobia in the sports world — a fact which is amplified by the exhibit’s appearance in high schools and college campuses. “All of these athletes have made such a positive impact on their teams and at their schools, and the reason for this is because they are just being themselves. Athletes who are gay,” he says. “And

For more photos of TavernIdol and other QSaltLake-sponsored events, see our MySpace page at myspace.com/qsaltlake.

that simple fact defies so many stereotypes, in both the gay and mainstream culture. The most powerful statement you can make is to come out, and to see a room full of these photos really puts a personal and diverse face on what that can mean.” Sheng echoes this sentiment. “My intention of this work is not to say that this is how all LGBTQ bodies actually look like, or that my photographs represent how everyone in the community should look like. I want to defend the work as simply singular photographs of particular individuals: unique in their own experiences and lives,” he says. Ultimately, Sheng’s goal is to take photographs of over 100 athletes for inclusion in a photo-book of the exhibition to be released in 2009. To reach his goal he is looking for student or recentlygraduated athletes of all shapes, sizes and races who are out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer. As long as subjects fit these criteria, Sheng says he will not turn them down, no matter where they are in the United States. As a person of color, however; Sheng says he’s particularly interested in taking photos of other athletes of color. “My motto is that if you are willing to

be in the project, I will figure out a way to get there and get the photographs taken,” he says. “In fact, every athlete who has volunteered and winds up being photographed, winds up in the final project.” Q The Fearless Campus Tour can be found online at fearlesscampustour.com. To volunteer for a photo shoot, email Sheng at jeffsheng@jeffshang.com.

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CACTUS & TROPICALS SALES department manager Brandie Balken to name her favorite plant, and she’ll probably give you a different answer for every day of the week. “I could probably narrow it down to my favorite family of plants,” she offers, naming Solanaceae, a family of flowering plants that includes such garden staples as tomatoes and potatoes. But after thinking for a moment, Balken realizes she does have a favorite for now: datura meteloides, a Southwestern flowering plant that looks a lot like a supersized morning glory and which can be found blithely growing in many Avenues yards. “Some people don’t love it because it can be a bit aggressive with its growth,” Balken

By JoSelle Vanderhooft

E

explains. But she loves the “big creamy white bell-shaped flowers” — especially when they attract the bees. “I swear to God it’s like they get drunk, they crash around in the flowers and they don’t even notice you. It’s a magical moment you can get every night,” Balken enthuses. And then she laughs. “How nerdy is that?” Yes, Brandie Balken is a self-described “plant nerd.” And looking at her childhood, it’s easy to see why. She is one of our first Fabulous People to have been born and raised in Utah — in the “little farming community” of Huntsville. “It was actually pretty idyllic,” she recalls. “I lived with my grandma and we kind of had a little farm. We had goats and chickens and

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32 | QSa lt L a k e | issue 104 | June 5 , 20 0 8

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we grew a lot of our own vegetables which was a great introduction to the kind of career I want to have, because I was so passionate about plant gardens and green living.” Coming from what she says felt like the only non-Mormon family in the town, Balken also says she became “accustomed to not being the norm” at an early age. However, she did not realize she was a lesbian until much later in life, after studying tropical plants in Costa Rica and volunteering with activist group Food Not Bombs during college, marrying and living on what she describes as “basically a commune in northern Arizona.” Fittingly, the political/environmental collective was named “Seeds of Peace.” As a member of this collective, Balken participated in several actions, including one at the Nevada Test Site, the nuclear testing grounds where the controversial Divine Strake test was scheduled to take place and over which Newe (Western Shoshone) Native Americans say they have land rights. Seeds of Peace would often cook at these actions. At one point, Balken participated in a small action with the Chaos Collective, an offshoot group of 13 women. It was here that she realized she was a lesbian. “There was just a week of us cooking and singing around the fire at night which sounds so cheesy but it was really remarkable for me,” she remembers. “It totally rocked my world. It’s that proverbial moment where you hear the angels singing and I thought, ‘this is it, this is how I want to spend my life.’ It was earth-moving for me.” Upon returning home, Balken came out to her husband and the two divorced. After their parting, she hitchhiked to California where she stayed with her mother and saved up to return to Salt Lake City — which she did on New Year’s Eve of 2006. Two weeks later, she got a job at Cactus & Tropicals, a local business she says she loves not only for its exotic plants, but its commitment to social responsibility and the local economy, as well as its supportive environment. “I’m grateful to work at a place where I don’t have to pretend I’m anything I’m not,” she says. But the plants! Whenever the business receives a new shipment of “outside the norm” plants, Balken says she’s excited, because it’s an opportunity for her to learn more. And when she’s not in the hothouse, you can find her in her garden, which she modestly calls “a work in progress” and which is a bit reminiscent of her days on the collective. “My biggest thing is to do more food production for my home,” she says. “That, to me, is so important. It’s amazing. You plant a seed and three months later it gives you food. She and her partner Lisa LeDuc have also planted several drought-tolerant plants, switched to a hand-powered mower for their small lawn and even incorporated rain barrels to help water the garden. “Ten more years and it’ll be where I want it to be,” she insists. When she’s not improving her garden, Balken is also active in local politics. She regularly volunteers with gay rights groups like Equality Utah and lesbian organization sWerve and is one of the hosts for KRCL’s progressive radio show Radio Active. This year, she and LeDuc also made headlines by becoming the first couple to participate in Salt Lake City’s Mutual Commitment Registry. “I didn’t expect all the hubbub but there you go,” she laughs. For Balken, progressive politics and plants have many things in common: like the datura meteloides, they just make the world a better place. “I live in a world that is really progressive and open and it’s about justice and equality, so when you hear some of the things people on [Capitol] Hill say it can be such a slap in the face, like, ‘oh my God, people really do hate me!’ We need so much more [political activism] to make this world a place that is better for everybody.” Q

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June 5 , 20 0 8 | issue 104 | QSa lt L a k e | 33

Q Puzzle

Opened Marriage Expansion of marriage rights

Across   1 It might go right to the bottom   5 Cut down to size 10 Ancient erection 15 Barbra’s Funny Girl guy 16 Olympic award for Louganis 17 Candy in stockings 18 Marriage is one of these, per 37-Across 21 Atlas blow-up 22 Rent sign 23 American Beauty director Mendes 24 Decks out 26 Apple tool 28 Composer Rorem 30 Give some lip to 31 Long in the tooth 33 “That’s a wrap!” 35 It shouldn’t come before the horse 36 Foucault’s farewells 37 Body that made the ruling of this puzzle’s theme 42 Uncut 43 Bard’s river 44 Peter the Great, and more 45 Whale finder 47 Frasier actress Gilpin 51 Oral input 52 Eat away at 54 Master Bates

56 Your, to Proust 58 Alaskan tongue 60 Police actions at Stonewall, other bars

61 1967 ruling of this puzzle’s theme

64 Cleis ___ 65 Gay former NFL player Tuaolo 66 Shakespeare’s “anon” updated 67 Neighbor of the land of the cut 68 Looked straight in the eye, say 69 Language of Wilde’s land

Down   1 Reid pseudonym   2 Bearse of Married ... with Children   3 Gay rodeo accessories   4 411 sources of old   5 Where to see a Sharon

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Cryptogram A Cryptogram is a puzzle where one letter in the puzzle is substituted with another. For example: ECOLVGNCYXW YCR EQYIIRZNBZN YZU PSZ! Has the solution: CRYPTOGRAMS ARE CHALLENGING AND FUN! In the above example Es are all replaced by Cs. The puzzle is solved by recognizing letter patterns in words and successively substituting letters until the solution is reached. This week’s hint: C = I

Theme: A quote by gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk.

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25 What Muscle Marys get into?

27 Hazard to your family’s home

29 Article used by Marlene Dietrich

32 Bruin Bobby 34 Lucy of Charlie’s Angels 35 Use the Divine Miss M’s name in vain?

36 Nut from Oak Lawn 37 Leaving a bad taste in the mouth

38 Spend the night 39 What one becomes after kneeling before a queen

40 Jockey 41 NASA outing 42 They could come from Uranus

45 Got to the bottom of 46 Ukrainian seaport 47 Shower with kind words Stone movie, perhaps   6 “___ ever so humble ...” 48 Key of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5   7 Family news magazine 49 Cockpit needs   8 Person in the Navy 50 Nuts   9 Queen of mysteries 10 ___-fi (Samuel Delany’s 53 This publication, to field) 11 Puts out, like Billy Bean 12 Viagra, e.g. 13 Cry from the closet 14 You can’t be straight or lesbian without this 19 Cigarette pkg.

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59 Rubber on a rim 61 Treasured Garland disks 62 Crack code-cracking org. 63 “Far out!”

Anagram An anagram is a word or phrase that can be made using the letters from another word or phrase. Rearrange the letters below to answer:

He wrote Big Love and the upcoming film Milk.

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  June 5 , 20 0 8  |  issue 104  |  QSa lt L a k e  |  35

Q Sex Homophobia by Joseph Dewey

“In our culture, men usually have a morbid fear of homosexuality, even if there is no strong element of it in their own makeup,” says Julius Fast’s book, Sexual Chemistry, published in 1983.

A

few years before, in

1976, Boyd K. Packer gave a conference talk on masturbation and homosexuality. His talk was carefully vague, but Boyd seemed to condone violence against gay men who suggest any kind of “physical mischief” with a Mormon. Boyd talked to a missionary who had beaten up his gay companion, it seems. Boyd told the missionary, “Somebody had to do it,” and “You must protect yourself,” and “I am not recommending that course to you, but I am not omitting it.” As far as I know, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has never rescinded Boyd’s statements. The Church has never said, “Boyd was wrong! You must omit all violence against the homosexual community.” The Church would never officially condone violence against the homosexual community. However, having doctrines that “obviously condemn attacks” is much different than taking the stance of “we must never commit violence

toward the queer community.” And what is “physical mischief” exactly? Mutual jack off sessions, blowjobs, and anal sex are obviously “physical mischief.” But what about something more innocuous, like a hug from a gay friend, a gay friend touching your leg in conversation, or a gay friend giving you a valentine? I learned about Lawrence King, watching clips of Ellen on youtube. He’s the teenage boy who’s openly gay who was shot and killed on February 12, 2008 in his computer class. Ellen somberly stated, “Somewhere along the line, the killer Brandon got the message that it’s so threatening and so awful and so horrific that Larry would want to be his valentine, that killing Larry seemed to be the right thing to do.” It would be nice if Larry were the last gay person to die because of his sexual orientation. But, I fear that we as a worldwide community are a long way away from equality. I wanted to cure my homophobia, to make a contribution toward equality in this world. I’m straight, by the way. I said that a lot when I started writing this article. I told all of my friends, “Hey,

3 6  |  QSa lt L a k e  |  issue 104  |  June 5 , 20 0 8

I’m writing for one of the best newspapers in Utah, Q Salt Lake. It’s a really cool gay and lesbian newspaper. I’m straight by the way.” It was like I had this compulsion to proclaim my straightness. “I’m straight! I’m straight! I’m straight!” At first I stopped saying it, because loudly proclaiming that you’re straight is one of the biggest signs of being closeted. But, in my articles I used to always mention being straight. Q also footnoted my section, “Joseph’s straight, but we love him anyway.” When my editor removed that, I was mad and wanted to complain. What was making me mad? What’s so bad about being confused with a gay guy? What’s the root of my homophobia? What’s the root of every guy’s homophobia? Can I cure my homophobia? What’s the connection between homophobia and sex? Insecurity, I think. Most “straight” guys don’t know if they’re really straight. They’re afraid they’re not. Most “straight” guys are afraid of getting turned on if they hug a man too long. They’re afraid of an involuntary sexual response when a gay guy is flirting. Why? I’ve been on a quest to cure my homophobia. The first step was to take an

honest evaluation of myself, and really figure out if I’m straight or not. I looked back at all of the porn I had watched in the past year, all of the naked pictures on my cell phone, monitored all of the stuff that gave me hard ons, and remembered all of my fantasies, even the kinky ones. I realized that even my subconscious desires only deal with licking pussy, fucking pussy, and beautiful naked women. I realized, objectively and without fear, that I’m probably straight. I don’t think most “straight” men have ever done that kind of fearless moral inventory. It’s cool since I realized I’m really straight, I don’t have to fear homosexuality. I can hug a gay friend without having to ramrod through my head, “This isn’t turning me on! This isn’t turning me on!” When a gay guy touches me on the leg, I can realize that we’re just engaged in an interesting conversation. And if a gay friend gives me a valentine on February 12th, I can sincerely smile and say thanks. Ellen also said about Larry, “When the message out there is so horrible that to be gay you can get killed for it, we need to change the message.” After the applause she concluded, “It is okay if you’re gay.” Q

Downtown Farmers and Art & Craft Markets June 14- October 18, 2008 Saturdays, 8 am to 1 pm Historic Pioneer Park 300 South 300 West Downtown Salt Lake City Come downtown to shop at one of the country’s largest farmers markets. You will find fresh produce as well as local bakeries, native plants, cut flowers, Utah artists, certified organic growers, meats & cheeses, value-added products, and much more. Enjoy weekly entertainment in the company of your community. See you at the market!

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Q Scene

QSaltLake photographer Laurie Kaufman shot hundreds of shots at the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire’s Coronation 33. You can find the rest on her site, reddragonflyphotography.com.▼

QSaltLake Photographer Kin Russo took some time between swings to catch the action at the Pride Community Softball League..▼

June 5 , 20 0 8  |  issue 104  |  QSa lt L a k e  |  3 7

Q Tales

Jacin Tales Episode 3: Nostalgic Pride By A.E. Storm

T

he morning revealed a calm

breeze and ostrich feathers whisking through an ash blue sky, the sun stroking the top of the Uintah Mountains. The temperature would scale upwards of 85 degrees by the time Gay Pride Day, June 14, 1998 ended. A ray of sunlight slipped through the blinds covering Eddie’s bedroom window and sprayed across his face. His eyes winced as if he was just pricked with a flu shot, then they fluttered open. His memory of the previous night painfully drowned in the several Long Island iced teas he snorkeled in at The Deerhunter. He rubbed the haze from his eyes and glanced over at the body sprawled next to his. A small grin broke. Then he slipped from the covers and quietly skirted into the kitchen to make coffee. Having slept through the Gay Pride Parade that had flowed through downtown Salt Lake City from the Capitol to the City-County Building at nine, Eddie decided to invite Josh, his boyfriend Matthew, and Owen over for mimosas before heading to the Pride festival. They were all sitting sporadically about Eddie’s small but functional living room when Sleeping Buddy emerged from the bedroom at a half past ten. “Morning sunshine,” Eddie said smiling, “Ready for a mimosa?” He raised his glass to him in offering. Sleeping Buddy mumbled something indecipherable and slid into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. “Not exactly a morning person is he,”

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Josh said. Eddie shrugged, lifted himself from the couch and made way to the kitchen to make Sleeping Buddy a drink. Two hours later Owen parked his Jetta on 5th South just across from the CityCounty Building, a lavishly-sculpted granite and sandstone structure, built in the late 1800s. The clock tower atop the center takes the perception of a giant candle on a German chocolate cake. Hundreds of homosexuals, their children and pets, and a few of their straight counterparts were already milling about the grounds — some wandering through the couple dozen booths, eyeing rainbow emblazoned jewelry, trinkets, hats and shirts. Others sprawled out on blankets or lounging in folding lawn chairs, legs propped on coolers as if guarding the contents. Most festival-goers were dressed casually and conservatively, and as five toe-heads (none of which were natural) approached the area, heads turned: Eddie in a spandex-polyester blend shirt illustrated with vibrant apples, red and green grapes and bananas, and lime green silk boxers; Owen shirtless in camouflage shortalls; Josh draped in a flowered spaghetti-strap summer dress and combat boots; Matthew in a cropped, white t-shirt and blue sarong, and Sleeping Buddy in Daisy Dukes and tie-dyed tank top. Each carried a travel mug or Big Gulp cup holding rum topped off sparingly with Coca-Cola. Several familiar faces approached the

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3 8  |  QSa lt L a k e  |  issue 104  |  June 5 , 20 0 8

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Crossword

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group with compliments on their attire; others gave them disappointed looks that read, “How could you embarrass us like that?” The quintet wandered for about 15 minutes, watched a few uninspiring acts on the one stage, then sat together on blankets sunbathing and watching all the cliques as they hoot-n-hollered like they were the most hilarious people alive. As the sun traveled westerly and beat down on the sun goddesses that were Josh, Eddie, Owen, Matthew and Sleeping Buddy, and as the several trips to Owen’s Jetta for refills began to strip the goddesses of their prowess, they agreed to go party poolside in Eddie’s backyard. On the way out, an exuberantly giddy young woman (probably had been 4:20 all day for her) noticed Eddie and screamed as if she just won Publisher’s Clearing House. Stuck to her slight waist and shapeless legs was the matching pair of pants to Eddie’s shirt. Through little persuasion (due to alcohol consumption), Eddie agreed to swap his fruity shirt for the ecstatic woman’s sweat-stained maroon top. But then was taken aback when suddenly she lifted her shirt and bare Hostess Snoball-size breasts appeared as if out of nowhere. “I’m Eddie. This is Owen, Josh, his boyfriend Matthew,” sputtered Eddie, then putting his arm around Sleeping Buddy, he added, “And this is my boyfriend Jacin.” She shook each of their hands, “I’m Trixie and this is my husband Geoff,” she pointed to her handsome, but clueless companion. “ ... with a G,” she clarified. After a few pleasantries, the stoned couple walked off, and as Eddie watch Trixie bound down the street — dressed neck-to-toe in fruit — he concluded her name fit the outfit, and felt charitable about trading his shirt for one that reeked like worn tennis shoes and clove cigarettes. The boys returned to Eddie’s apartment, switched to beer, filled the plastic kiddie pool and sat waist-deep in the cold water, singing along to such hits as Will Smith’s “Getting’ Jiggy Wit It” and “The Boy Is Mine” by Brandy & Monica, blasting from the portable stereo. Later that evening, Eddie and Jacin — being die-hard party animals — left the others crashed out on Eddie’s living room floor and cabbed it to Bricks’ post-Pride beer-bust party where they danced and made out until they were seeing double. Their first Gay Pride Day as a couple left Eddie and Jacin plastered and truly thankful they had requested the following day off work.  Q

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June 5 , 20 0 8  |  issue 104  |  QSa lt L a k e  |  39

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