Whoa, Nelly! Simply Cher

Transcription

Whoa, Nelly!
“... I know that it can be particularly hard as an
LGBT youth in a small community or in a rural town. You
might never have known an openly gay adult, but know
that in rural America there are thousands of gay adults
and teens living normal, happy lives. So even if things
are hard right now—if every day is a struggle—know
that you are never alone. There are lots of people who
care about you. We care about you. If you are having
a hard time or being bullied, find a family member, a
teacher, a coach, or an older friend and ask them for
help. If you are not sure who you can trust, know that
there are resources online and folks you can call for
free to talk to. Bullies will do their best to make you
believe that you are bad, or embarrassing, or wrong.
Don’t let them. ...”
— Former Iowa Governor, US Secretary of Agriculture
Tom Vilsack, in a video for the It Gets Better Project,
November 24, 2010.
Photo: Richard Bernardin
Singer looks back at
decade-long career—when the
gays fell for her and the stories
behind her biggest hits
AIDS Project of
Central Iowa’s “the
benefit” raises over
$31,000
By Chris Azzopardi
Like a bird is exactly how Nelly Furtado’s career has
unfurled in the 10 years since she dropped her debut,
Whoa, Nelly! The Canadian chanteuse was on top of the
world, scoring a Grammy for the album’s breakthrough
single, “I’m Like a Bird,” before her follow-up, Folklore,
went, well, south.
But then she switched directions, tapping into Timbaland’s boom-boom beats for 2006’s “punk-hop” Loose.
Singles like “Promiscuous” and “Maneater” ate up the charts,
and there she went—flying again. Her hits collection, The
Best of Nelly Furtado, archives her decade-long run and
includes three unreleased cuts, leading off with club single
“Night is Young.”
Furtado, 31, took us back, recalling the song she wrote
on hotel paper as a chambermaid and how “Maneater”
started a fire. But the singer, who was catching a break from
recording to chat with us, also looked ahead to next year’s
upcoming studio album, Lifestyle…
TTInterview on page 12
Page 6
Page 13
“the benefit… A RED CARPET EVENT” successfully raised over $31,000 at the annual variety show and
auction held Sunday, November 7, 2010 at the Embassy
Suites on the River in Des Moines. All proceeds support
HIV care and prevention services, and anti-stigma initiatives provided by the AIDS Project of Central Iowa.
The 24th edition of what was formerly called The AllIowa AIDS Benefit, this year’s event premiered a red carpet
experience offering opportunities for guests to be photographed with entertainers or by themselves. The photos
were available for purchase at the end of the evening.
Jazz pianist John Krantz and bass player Eric Krieger opened
the show. The impressive of entertainers who performed
throughout the evening include the following: The Garden
TICKETS $20 IN ADVANCE / $25 AT THE DOOR
Nightclub
Miss Gay Iowa FFI,
Stratton &
VISITEnsemble,
AIDSPROJECTCI.ORG/BENEFIT
FOR Candi
MORE INFO
Company, Imperial Court of Iowa, Danny & Chris Vierling,
TTTHE BENEFIT continued page 4
Simply Cher
Legend talks film comeback, being a gay icon, and son Chaz
TTInterview on page 21
What’s Inside:
Section 1: News & Politics
From the Editor: “Sideshow Bob”
Iowa News
“the benefit” raises over $31,000
Iowa’s Community Health Centers
US News
World News “The Hits Just Keep On Coming” by Jonathan Wilson
“Resistance to Civility” by Tony E. Hansen
Creeps of the Week
Section 2: Fun Guide
Entertainment Picks for December
11
Deep Inside Hollywood
11
Nelly Furtado - Interview by Chris Azzopardi
12
Annie Lennox Speaks Out - by Chris Azzopardi
13
The Outfield
14
Recurring Events, Statewide
15
Hear Me Out (Music Reviews)
16
What’s Cooking with Doc
17
The Gay Wedding Planner: “Donning That Gay Apparel”18
Simply Cher
21
Cocktail Chatter:Vodka Stinger / The Bellini / Grappa 23
Out of Town: Getting to Know Toronto
25
Book Worm Sez: Gay, Straight and the Reason Why
26
Comics and Crossword Puzzle
26
Section 3: Community
Snap Shots from The CENTER
29
First Friday Breakfast Club: Cyndi Pederson
29
Minor Details: This Generation Gap Really Matters
30
Inside Out: “The Power of Thap” by Ellen Krug
31
“We are like geodes” by Rachel Eliason
32
Bisschopswijn recipes
33
Business Directory
36-37
A FUNDRAISER FOR THE AIDS PROJECT OF CENTRAL IOWA
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ACCESSline Page 2
DECEMBER 2010
DECEMBER 2010
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ACCESSline Page 3
From the Editor: Sideshow Bob
Just off his triumphant tour destroying the independence of the Iowa Judiciary,
“Sideshow Bob” Vander Plaats has a posh
new gig: he is the President and CEO of the
newly formed FAMiLY Leader, “which is
now the parent organization of Iowa Family
Policy Center, Marriage Matters, and Iowa
Family PAC.” The organization has declared
itself “a consistent, courageous voice in the
churches, in the legislature, in the media, in
the courtroom, in the public square, always
standing for God’s truth.”*
(Oh, and the “i” in “FAMiLY” is lower case
because Sideshow Bob doesn’t want anyone
to think that his new position has anything to
do with his own ego or anything. Get it? “I”
is not as important as “FAM’LY”—or rather,
his own hard conservative celebrity status
is not as important as forcing his particular
idea of “fam’ly values” on everybody else in
the state and the country.)
With his new reported $120,000 annual
salary he will almost be making as much as
Iowa’s new governor—who is not, by the
way, Bob Vander Plaats. Fortunately for the
state, Sideshow Bob is too far to the right for
the comfort of even the majority of Iowa’s
Republican Party—this even though the
party has the following items in its official
platform:
“We call for the repeal of sexual orientation in the Iowa Civil Rights Code…”
“We support an amendment to both
the U. S. and Iowa constitutions that states
that all marriages should be traditional one
natural male and one natural female, omitting
transgendered.”
“We favor improvement, strengthening,
and simplification of adoption laws, and
oppose adoption by homosexuals.”
“We oppose the State of Iowa, its
Courts, and its political subdivisions creating or recognizing a legal status identical or
substantially similar to that of marriage for
unmarried individuals.”
My favorite (and the most extremist):
“We support a Concurrent Resolution of the
U.S. Congress asserting its Constitutional
authority to …[deny]… the Supreme Court
appellate jurisdiction over cases relating to
marriage.”
So even though Sideshow Bob’s own
views don’t differ tremendously from the
official Iowa Republican Platform, Iowans
still thought he was too far to the right for
their comfort…
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…as he was for his unsuccessful GOP
bid for Iowa Governor 2002. And as he was
for his unsuccessful bid for Iowa Lieutenant
Governor 2006. And, of course, as he was
again this year in yet another unsuccessful
bid for governor.
Which was when Sideshow Bob found
his groove—and showed us all what is
really important to him. He couldn’t get
the governor’s office, even claiming that
his first priority was, “Let’s open Iowa for
business”—though remember, he said his
first action as governor would be to sign an
illegal Executive Order instructing Iowa’s
clerks not to issue any more marriage
licenses to same-sex couples—so he instead
headed a campaign focused on imposing
social conservative values on everyone else
by punishing supreme court justices who had
ruled in a way that he didn’t like. (Notice:
further proving his real motivations, he did
not jump into a position focused on trying to
bring business to Iowa; his top motivation
in everything he does is stopping same-sex
couples from getting any legal recognition or
protection for their long-term relationships.
Isn’t it creepy when “straight” people are so
obsessed with gay people?)
Now, it is important to note that it was
not a majority of Iowans who thought the
justices should be removed from office, it
was merely a majority of the Iowans who
voted. This was the same tactic used in the
Presidential elections for George Bush, which
was “motivate the anti-gay folks to vote on
a social issue, and they will mark the rest of
the ballot for the perceived social conservatives as well.”
But never forget: Sideshow Bob only
managed to pull off this judicial injustice by
bringing in nearly one million dollars of outof-state special-interest money to do it.
(Yeah, yeah, Iowa’s LGBT community
depends on out-of-state help too, but when
the spending on a retention election is
weighted five to one against the justices,
one can’t claim that the voters just “came
to the conclusion” that these three justices
deserved a “no” vote.)
And Bob is destined to remain in the
sideshow, despite his recent moment in the
spotlight. Why? Because the people who
are actually affected by same-sex marriage
will continue to fight for their equal protection under the constitution. And the people
who only imagine that they will somehow
lose rights or no longer have freedom of
religion, those people will realize that they’ve
been suckered by an illusionist only, and that
they—like 90% of Iowans polled noticed—
are not adversely affected by someone else
having the right to be legally married.
The FAMiLY Leader:
Or “Not a Christian? Screw you.”
From their new web site:
“The FAMiLY LEADER champions the
principle that God is the ultimate leader
of the family. Our goal is to honor and
glorify God—not a political party, not a
candidate, and not a program. The Family
Leader is a Christ-centered organization
that will lead with humility and service to
strengthen and protect the family.”
Marriage: We believe marriage
is a permanent, lifelong commitment
between a man and a woman.
Sanctity of Life: The Family Leader
actively supports protection of life from
conception to natural death.
Sexuality: The Family Leader
affirms sexual relations within the bond
of marriage, and opposes distortions of
sexuality or special rights to those practicing distorted sexual behavior.
Judicial Activism: The Family
Leader strongly supports efforts to keep
judicial activism in check.
Education: We believe truth exists
and educational responsibility lies first
with parents. The Family Leader works
to ensure parents can choose the type of
education that reflects their values.
*Yeah. You know you’re in trouble when
someone starts saying that their truth is better
than anyone else’s truth. Just ignore scientific
observation or obvious facts, of course, because
regardless of whether it has been proven true or
not, their version of “God’s truth” is truthier.
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ACCESSline Page 4
DECEMBER 2010
IOWA NEWS
discredited by scientific authorities—and
Anti-gay organizations lyrepeated,
groundless name-calling. Viewing
homosexuality
as unbiblical does not qualify
that funded judicial
organizations for listing as hate groups.”
ouster declared hate
groups by SPLC
Bob Vander Plaats to
The Southern Poverty Law Center added head new anti-gay
an additional eight organizations to the thirteen already on its official hate groups list. conservative group
Three of the newly listed organizations were
directly responsible for the ouster of Iowa’s
three Supreme Court Justices in November.
The American Family Association, the
Family Research Council, and the National
Organization for Marriage spent nearly one
million dollars on their successful campaign
to oust the three Iowa Supreme Court Justices
who were up for retention votes in 2010.
None of these three organizations is based
in Iowa, but they provided money for attack
ads on television and radio, and, in the case
of the American Family Association, funded
“Iowa for Freedom.”
The Southern Poverty Law Center
determines its “hate group” designation not
merely based on an organization’s objection
to homosexuality or homosexual behavior,
but on false information and propaganda:
“Even as some well-known anti-gay
groups like Focus on the Family moderate
their views, a hard core of smaller groups,
most of them religiously motivated, have
continued to pump out demonizing propaganda aimed at homosexuals and other
sexual minorities. These groups’ influence
reaches far beyond what their size would
suggest, because the ‘facts’ they disseminate
about homosexuality are often amplified by
certain politicians, other groups and even
news organizations. … Generally, the SPLC’s
listings of these groups is based on their
propagation of known falsehoods—claims
about LGBT people that have been thorough-
The Iowa Family Policy Center, Marriage
Matters, and Iowa Family PAC are now part
of a larger umbrella organization called The
FAMiLY LEADER. Bob Vander Plaats will be
its first President and CEO.
“The Family Leader champions the
principle that God is the ultimate leader of
the family. Our goal is to honor and glorify
God—not a political party, not a candidate,
and not a program. The Family Leader is a
Christ-centered organization that will lead
with humility and service to strengthen and
protect the family.”
According to a report by WHOTV, “The ‘I’
in FAMiLY is not capitol [sic] because Vander
Plaats says “I” is not the most important
component in marriage and family.
In addition to being against same-sex
marriage, the group “opposes distortions of
sexuality or special rights to those practicing
distorted sexual behavior” (in other words,
they are against affirming LGBT people or any
civil rights being applied to LGBT people).
Washington, D.C. - As part of his
continuing support for Iowa’s Community Health Centers, Senator Tom Harkin
(D-IA) today announced that the Iowa
Nebraska Primary Care Association will
receive $75,000 from the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS). The
funding, which will be used to provide for
additional training and technical assistance
at all of Iowa’s community health centers,
was made available by the Affordable Care
Act, historic health reform legislation that
was signed into law earlier this year. As
Chairman of the Senate Health, Education,
Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee,
Harkin played a pivotal role in the Senate
passage of the new law. He also serves as
chair of the Senate panel that funds health
initiatives.
“Community health centers play a
critical role in Iowa, providing health care
for thousands who lack adequate health
insurance,” said Harkin. “These funds will
help to ensure that all Iowans get the quality,
affordable health care they need.”
Harkin has been an ardent supporter
of Iowa’s 13 federally-funded community
health centers and has obtained funds for
the facilities’ construction, equipment
purchases, and dental expansions through
his work on the Labor, HHS and Education
Appropriations subcommittee.
Fred Karger starts
presidential bid
The 2012 presidential race has officially begun, and openly gay GOP presidential
candidate, Fred Karger, is apparently the
first self-declared Republican presidential
candidate in the 2012 election. He made
his announcement on November 23 on
$75,000 coming to support
Iowa’s community health centers
SScontinued from page 1
THE BENEFIT
Michael Miller, Roosevelt High School “Rent”
cast, Tyona Diamond, Michael Jackson (aka
Chris Dewees), Madison Cavalier, SaddleItes, Lady Adawnis, Benefit Idol Group, and
the Miss Nobodys. Bonnie Bitch (aka Steve
Daly), Selena Sakowitz (aka Ross Wallace),
Seven Love (aka Tony Zika), and Stinky (akaBryan Smith) served as emcees/auctioneers.
“I had a great planning committee which
worked very hard to make ‘the benefit’ a
success. I’m very fortunate and grateful”,
said Chairperson Frank Vaia. The committee included Alden Adams, Matt Biretz,
Jim Grim, Jesus Lopez, Anthony Marinaro,
Nathan Ritz, Jim Sterba, Cy Stewart, David
Vitiritto, Ross Wallace, and Tony Zika.
Next year will mark “the benefit’s” 25th
anniversary. “I’ll’’ be quite a celebration!”,
says Vaia.
Radio Iowa.
Karger started running a 90-second
television ad on Fox News in late November.
He has also started an exploratory committee for which he hired Nathan Treloar as his
Iowa state director.
In May 2010, Iowa’s Republican National
Committeeman, Steve Scheffler sent a hostile
email to Karger:
“…you and the radical homosexual
community want to harass supporters of
REAL marriage. I am the Republican National
Committeeman for Iowa. As a private citizen
and knowing literally thousands of caucus
goers, I will work overtime to help ensure
that your political aspirations are aborted
right here in Iowa. Have you studied our
past caucuses–you have NO chance here in
Iowa!”
In response to Scheffler’s email, Karger
said, “Mr. Scheffler, I’m a fighter. I’m fighting
for millions of people around this country
who are members of my community and so
many others who are deemed second class
citizens. We will no longer accept that classification. I, for one, will not be scared away
from Iowa by you.”
In the commercial spot, Karger appeals
to trying to build unity rather than continuing
the current political partisanship:
‘I’m concerned that the partisan rancor
is only going to continue and get in the way
of our country’s progress. I learned from
my mentor, Ronald Reagan, the importance
of getting along, and I’ve spent a lifetime
working with and supporting Republicans
and Democrats a value that has only been
reinforced in my fight for civil rights.’
For more information on Fred Karger,
visit: FredKarger.com
DECEMBER 2010
ACCESSline Page 5
US NEWS news analysis by Rex Wockner
Rea Carey. Photo: Rex Wockner
HHS mandates
same-sex-partner
hospital visitation
The U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services announced its final rule Nov.
17 on ending discrimination against samesex couples in hospital visitation policies.
The rule, which takes effect in January,
directs any hospital receiving Medicare or
Medicaid funds—nearly all hospitals—to
have written visitation policies that prohibit
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
In addition, the hospitals must inform
patients of their right to receive visitors of
their choosing, “including, but not limited
to, a spouse, a domestic partner (including a
same-sex domestic partner), another family
member or a friend.”
The rule will cover about 6,200 hospitals
with more than 35 million patient admissions per year.
“Of all the things same-sex couples have
to worry about, of all the discrimination
and pressures we face, not being able to see
our partner or spouse shouldn’t be one of
them,” said Rea Carey, executive director of
the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
“Today’s announcement honors our relationships, our love and our basic humanity.”
DADT protesters arrested at White House
Thirteen supporters of direct-action
group GetEQUAL were arrested at the
White House fence Nov. 15 after handcuffing themselves to it and supergluing their
handcuff locks.
They demanded that the Senate join the
House in authorizing repeal of the Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell military ban on noncloseted GLBs
before the Senate adjourns this year.
Arrested were Dan Choi, Autumn
Sandeen, Evelyn Thomas, Mara Boyd, Geoff
Farrow, Robin McGehee, Miriam Ben-Shalom,
Justin Elzie, Ian Finkenbinder, Robert Smith,
Dan Fotou, Scott Wooledge and Michael
Bedwell.
“Included in the 13 arrested are veterans
and advocates spanning three generations
of brave and courageous Americans, who
sacrificed their careers and lives to see the
day this discriminatory ban on openly gay
and lesbian service in the military finally goes
into the history books,” said GetEQUAL Director Robin McGehee. “Today, we have sent a
loud and clear message to the U.S. Senate and
President (Barack) Obama that we expect
them to make good on their promises to
end this inhumane law this year, during the
lame-duck session of Congress.”
DADT was struck down as unconstitutional by a federal District Court earlier
this year and, for eight days, an injunction
prohibited the military from kicking out open
gays or barring them from enlisting. In the
end, the Obama administration appealed the
injunction all the way to the Supreme Court,
which refused to overturn a stay of it issued
by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. That
reinstated the policy for the duration of the
appeals of the District Court ruling.
Obama has said he wants Congress, not
courts, to end the ban. And Justice Department lawyers argued in court filings that
the ban must not be lifted abruptly by a
judge because that would harm military
operations.
The House of Representatives voted
earlier this year to authorize the armed
forces to end DADT, but the Senate failed to
follow suit.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has been
conducting a massive survey of troops and
their families, due to be released in December,
to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked
reports of the findings suggest that a majority
of members of the military are not troubled
by openly gay servicemembers.
But Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., ranking
member of the Senate Armed Services
Committee, has, for all intents and purposes,
vowed to continue to block Senate authorization of DADT repeal, complaining that
the massive Pentagon survey didn’t ask the
right questions.
“All four service chiefs are saying we
need a thorough and complete study of the
effects—not how to implement a repeal, but
the effects on morale and battle effectiveness,” McCain told MSNBC on Nov. 14. “That’s
what I want, and once we get this (current)
study, we need to have hearings and we need
to examine it and we need to look at whether
it’s the kind of study that we wanted. It isn’t,
in my view, because I wanted a study to
determine the effects of the repeal on battle
effectiveness and morale. What this study is
designed to do is to find out how the repeal
could be implemented.”
The DADT repeal measure is part of the
bill that funds the U.S. military in 2011. As a
result, McCain’s obstructionism has left the
overall funding bill unpassed by the Senate
as well.
Some surveys have found that nearly 80
percent of Americans are fine with letting
gays in the military come out of the closet
by ending the DADT policy.
Meanwhile, two days after the protest,
McGehee was invited into the White House
to meet with Brian Bond, the openly gay
deputy director of the White House Office
of Public Engagement, “and (with) someone
from the domestic-policies office and the
legal counsel.”
“What it proved to me was that we were
in a situation where we took bold action and
we applied pressure, and the president and
his staff were not afraid to talk to the people
that really are showing frustration,” McGehee
said. “If you apply pressure, it does not mean
you’re going to lose your access.”
McGehee insisted that the meeting
be on-the-record, which the White House
refused to agree to, so the administration
representatives merely listened to what she
had to say but did not offer comments of their
own, McGehee said.
White House DADT demonstration. Photos: Sean Carlson, Talk About Equality
“[Bond] said their standard for the
meeting was that they would listen and we
would talk, but he would not engage further
than that,” she said.
Supremes refuse to
block DADT
The Supremes are keeping Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell in force.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 12
refused to vacate an order from the 9th U.S.
Circuit Court of Appeals that suspended an
injunction from the federal District Court
in Riverside, Calif., that prohibited the U.S.
government from enforcing the Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell military gay ban.
Which means: DADT can be enforced
during appeal of the Riverside decision that
found it unconstitutional—unless President
Barack Obama, Congress and the Pentagon
end the ban in the interim.
Plaintiff Log Cabin Republicans had
asked the Supreme Court to vacate the 9th
Circuit order, thereby allowing Riverside
Judge Virginia Phillips’ injunction to go back
into force. Supreme Court Justice Anthony
Kennedy, who hears such requests from the
9th Circuit, referred the matter to the full
Supreme Court, where Justice Elena Kagan
opted not to take part in the decision.
Phillips issued her injunction Oct. 12
after finding that DADT violates the U.S.
Constitution’s guarantees of free speech, due
process and right to petition for redress of
grievances.
The injunction remained in place until
Oct. 20, when the 9th Circuit issued a brief
stay while it decided whether to issue a
longer stay, which it did Nov. 1.
During the eight days the injunction was
in force, the military stopped kicking gays
and lesbians out of the services and began
letting them re-enlist.
The Obama administration’s insistence
on appealing Phillips’ DADT strikedown has
been highly irritating to gay activists, given
that the president says he strongly opposes
DADT. Obama, however, says the policy needs
to be ended by Congress, which created it,
not the courts.
The administration also has argued that
the Justice Department has an obligation to
defend federal laws that are challenged, and
that DADT should not be ended abruptly
because that will disrupt and harm military
operations.
The Pentagon recently conducted a
massive survey of members of the military
to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked
versions of the findings, which will be released
officially in December, reportedly reveal that
most members of the armed forces are fine
with GLB people serving openly.
The U.S. House of Representatives
passed a measure this year authorizing the
military to end DADT but the Senate did not
follow suit after Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.,
staged a filibuster over the matter.
“It is unfortunate that an unconstitutional law that is causing substantial harm to
military readiness and to tens of thousands
of troops is allowed to remain in effect for
even one more day,” said Alexander Nicholson, executive director of Servicemembers
United.
“This just underscores the need to
continue to put pressure on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to allow the defense
authorization bill (which includes DADT
repeal language) to come back up and take
its first procedural step before the Senate’s
Thanksgiving recess,” Nicholson said.
“Servicemembers United, Servicemembers
Legal Defense Network, Stonewall Democrats, and the Log Cabin Republicans have
all strongly and consistently called on Sen.
Reid to do just that. It is now time for other
organizations, as well as the White House, to
publicly do the same.”
The National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force urged supporters to call the Capitol
switchboard at 202-224-3121 and tell both
of their U.S. senators to authorize repeal of
DADT by voting for the defense-authorization
bill this month.
“We can only be assured of having the
60 votes we need if we can change minds
before the new members of the Senate take
their seats,” the group said.
But LCR attorney Dan Woods thinks that
ship has all but sunk.
“With the likelihood of Congress repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell fading with each
passing day, judicial relief continues to be
perhaps the most viable avenue for ending
this unconstitutional policy,” Woods said. “We
and Log Cabin Republicans will continue to
fight on to protect the constitutional rights
of all Americans who want to serve in our
TTUS NEWS continued page 10
ACCESSline Page 6
World News news analysis by Rex Wockner
UN dumps gays
The United Nations General Assembly
voted Nov. 16 to remove a reference to sexual
orientation from a resolution on extrajudicial,
summary or arbitrary executions.
The resolution urges member states
to protect the right to life of all people and
calls on them to investigate killings based
on discriminatory grounds. For the past 10
years, the resolution has included sexual
orientation in a list of discriminatory grounds
on which killings are often based.
The amendment to remove sexual
orientation was sponsored by the African
nation of Benin. The vote was 79 to 70 with
17 abstentions and 26 absences.
“This vote is a dangerous and disturbing development,” said Cary Alan Johnson,
executive director of the International Gay
& Lesbian Human Rights Commission. “It
essentially removes the important recognition of the particular vulnerability faced
by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
people—a recognition that is crucial at a
time when 76 countries around the world
criminalize homosexuality, five consider it a
capital crime, and countries like Uganda are
considering adding the death penalty to their
laws criminalizing homosexuality.”
The General Assembly’s move “flies in
the face of the overwhelming evidence that
people are routinely killed around the world
because of their actual or perceived sexual
orientation and renders these killings invisible or unimportant,” IGLHRC added in a joint
statement with ARC International.
Voting to remove sexual orientation
from the resolution were Afghanistan,
Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bahamas,
Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon,
China, Comoros, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti,
Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Grenada,
Guyana, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon,
Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria,
North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia,
Rwanda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St.
Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia,
Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa,
Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan,
Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia
and Zimbabwe.
Voting to keep sexual orientation in the
resolution were Andorra, Argentina, Armenia,
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bhutan, BosniaHerzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile,
Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El
Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia,
Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary,
Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Nepal,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama,
Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia,
South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Timor-Leste, Ukraine, United Kingdom,
United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Abstaining were Antigua and Barbuda,
Barbados, Belarus, Cambodia, Cape Verde,
Cameroonian
activist honored by
Human Rights Watch
This year’s gay pride parade in Vilnius, Lithuania. ILGA-Europe photo
Colombia, Fiji, Mauritius, Mongolia, Papua
New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri
Lanka, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu. Absent were Albania, Bolivia,
Central African Republic, Chad, Dominica,
Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,
Nauru, Nicaragua, Palau, São Tomé and
Príncipe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Togo,
Tonga, Turkey and Turkmenistan.
DECEMBER 2010
Lithuanian
no-promo-homo bill
fails in first vote
pride events.”
Amnesty International has denounced
the proposals, saying, “It is hard to believe
that a member of the European Union should
even be considering the adoption of such
legislation.”
Last year, Lithuania enacted the “Law on
the Protection of Minors Against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information.”
It bans information that promotes sexual
relationships, “denigrates family values” or
encourages a nonheterosexual concept of
marriage and family in any sort of location
where such information could be accessed
by a minor.
Lithuania’s Parliament on Nov. 17
narrowly rejected a bill that would have
banned public promotion of homosexual
relations.
The vote was a “first reading”; the
second reading, or next vote, will occur in
December.
According to the Lithuanian Gay League,
the measure would impose fines or jail time
for “promoting homosexual relations in
public places” or “financing of the promotion
in public places.”
“If these amendments are ultimately
adopted, the Lithuanian government
will have the authority to prosecute on
an extremely wide variety of actions
and activities,” LGL said. “These actions
include, but are not limited to, campaigning on human rights issues relating to
sexual orientation and gender identity,
providing sexual health information to
LGBT people, the organization of gay film
festivals, and organizing and/or attending
France’s Constitutional Council will
decide within three months whether samesex marriage should be legal.
The council was assigned the task by
the Court of Cassation, the highest appeals
court, in a case that originated in a lower
court in Reims.
In assigning the case, the appeals
court said that times change, morals evolve
and other countries let same-sex couples
marry.
France has a civil-partnership act
that grants gay couples some rights of
marriage.
Same-sex marriage is legal in Argentina,
Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain,
Sweden, Mexico City, Connecticut, Iowa,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont
and Washington, D.C.
French court to rule on
same-sex marriage
Cameroonian gay rights activist Steave
Nemande has been honored by Human Rights
Watch with its Extraordinary Activism award
for 2010.
He has campaigned for decriminalization of gay sex in the African nation.
“Nemande’s courage and expertise in
this threatening climate in both Cameroon
and the region have brought his organization, Alternatives-Cameroun, international
respect,” HRW said.
Nemande accepted the award at a Nov.
15 event in Beverly Hills, Calif., hosted by
NBC newsman Tom Brokaw.
Steave Nemande
Leading Polish activist
claims police beat him
Leading Polish gay activist Robert
Biedron of the Campaign Against Homophobia was arrested by police Nov. 11 while
protesting at a Warsaw march by right-wing
groups.
Biedron says police “brutally” beat
him. Police say Biedron assaulted a police
officer.
Biedron has filed a complaint against
one officer with prosecutors. He denied
charges that he grabbed a cop’s baton and
hit the officer in the face with it.
“We are appalled and saddened by the
conduct of the police,” said CAH’s Tomasz
Szypula. “We fail to understand how such
situations can still take place in a democratic
state.”
Colombian high court
refuses to rule on samesex marriage
Colombia’s Constitutional Court refused
to rule in a same-sex marriage case Nov. 11,
saying the plaintiffs’ legal arguments were
not good enough to warrant a hearing from
the court.
The petitioners had sought to strike
language from the Civil Code that defines
marriage as a contract between a man and
a woman.
But, in a 5-4 vote, the court said, “The
charges of violation of the rights to equality,
TTWORLD NEWS continued page 9
DECEMBER 2010
ACCESSline Page 7
The Hits Just Keep On Coming by Jonathan Wilson
Or, more accurately, the civics lessons
just keep on coming, one after another:
elementary principles underlying our constitutional democracy that should have been
mastered thanks to competent instruction in
elementary school. Yet these principles seem
to have eluded many of our fellow citizens,
on the left and on the right—a testimony,
perhaps, to the failure of our commitment
to fund quality public education for far too
long.
A case in point is the infamous Reverend
[sic] Fred Phelps’s protest at the funeral of
an American soldier killed in Iraq. Now
before the US Supreme Court, the case tests
the constitutional right to free expression,
free from the threat of offending the protest
target and getting hit with a huge money
judgment by a sympathetic jury. Like it or
not, free expression only has meaning if it
is recognized and protected for decidedly—
even universally—unpopular views. It is
otherwise illusory, available only to cheerleaders, and essentially meaningless. I,
for one, celebrate such protests, however
distasteful, because they (1) affirm my
cherished right to express unpopular views
and, in this case (2) actually generate allies
for gay/lesbian citizens.
Another case in point is the recent decision of the Iowa Supreme Court endorsing
the not-so-novel concept that “equal rights”
guaranteed to us by the Iowa Constitution
actually means equal rights. When the Iowa
Legislature co-opted the term “marriage”
as shorthand for access to a whole body of
rights and privileges, it set up an inevitable
test case.
It should have been instructive to
the discerning that this was a unanimous
decision of a Supreme Court comprised of
Democrats and Republicans. But the important civics lesson lies in the functioning of a
truly independent judiciary. Folks would
be naïve to think that the justices were not
fully cognizant of their vulnerability to losing
their jobs a few at a time with non-retention
votes; despite that they did what they genuinely believed to be required by the plain
language and meaning of our Constitution.
That makes their unanimous decision all the
more impressive: they could easily enough (if
integrity meant nothing) made the decision
4-3, the latter being those up for the next
retention vote. Integrity did mean something: an independent judiciary remains
essential, and the vengeful non-retention
vote will do nothing to change equal access
to marriage in Iowa.
Yet another case in point is the infamous
Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the statute
adopted by Congress that purports to exempt
states from the Full Faith and Credit Clause
of the United States Constitution. Two
suits have recently been filed to challenge
that misguided piece of pandering legislation. The legislation is no more defensible
than would be a similar statute supposedly
letting individual states elect not to recognize
interracial marriages lawfully performed in
another state. Every fifth grader knows—
or should know—that an act of Congress
cannot amend the dictates of the United
States Constitution. Members of Congress
who voted for it, and the President who
signed it—all of whom are sworn first and
foremost to defend the Constitution—are
an embarrassment and should be ashamed
of themselves.
And yet another case in point is the
recent federal court decision that declared
unconstitutional the misguided “Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell” policy that has compromised the
integrity of our military and the security of
our nation since the first day it was implemented. The Obama administration, despite
the President’s declared opposition to the
DADT policy, has dutifully appealed the decision. That is as it should be if the President’s
opposition is based solely on a conviction that
DADT is merely bad policy.
If, on the other hand, the President
genuinely felt that the statute is more than
bad policy, and is actually unconstitutional as
held by the court, then as one sworn to uphold
and defend the Constitution, Obama should
have opted against an appeal. His decision
either way should have been couched, and
explained to the American people, in those
terms. Only then would the appropriate
civics lesson have been reinforced.
And to think that all of these civics
lessons are because of little ol’ us: gay and
lesbian American citizens and children of
God. Each of these lessons offers up a teaching/learning moment.
Bigotry—whether it be racist, sexist,
homophobic, or otherwise—is simply prideful ignorance. These teaching/learning
moments educate the ignorant and, over
time, attack bigotry at its core. However
distasteful the public discourse in sorting
through them, obvious progress continues
to be made.
We need to re-commit to funding quality
public education, because every day more
ignorant people are being born. We either get
these lessons taught by fifth grade, or we’re
destined to do this all over again.
In the book, The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-minded America Is Tearing Us
Apart, Bill Bishop describes an idea that
public civility has broken down due to
people migrating into self-isolating “likeminded communities”. While reading the
book, I kept considering a different issue that
may be spurring some of the public hostility. A core element seems to be resistant to
change and clinging to old paradigms (e.g.
traditions, belief systems, “the way things
are done”) that are changing. Thus, the
migration of people may influence civility,
but civility’s collapse seems more rooted in
people willing to cling to certain outdated, if
not incorrect, ideals and perceptions.
Bishop proposes the idea that people
are migrating towards others that share
certain lifestyle patterns. Bishop seems to
argue that this goes beyond what happens in
the physical world where cultures will form
neighborhoods and communities around
a particular culture (especially religion)
within a country. In these ways, people reinforce their perception of life and what they
do because they find others to support them
and their existing beliefs. They, together,
grow in rejection of what they do not believe
regardless of the relevance or accuracy, and
reinforce what is perceived as “good” and
“bad”. We choose to live near people “like
us”. For reasons like safety, peer acceptance,
or social norms, this is a conscious decision;
in other ways, these decisions are motivated
by unconscious perceptions and clinging to
perceptions of what is “truth”.
Expectations, accepted values, lifestyles
and the ideas of “normalcy” have changed
significantly over the years where traditional
beliefs and assumptions are being challenged. Assumptions about economic prosperity were foregone conclusions as part
of the post-World War II boom going into
the 1970s. Since then, substantial failures
like the Vietnam War, the energy crisis, and
Watergate eroded trust in social institutions
which began to reverse our perceptions and
our trust in the social advances that previously seemed like normal parts of American
lifestyles. The perceived failures of social
institutions (e.g. schools, taxes, welfare,
corruption, and public health) provide more
fodder against accepting certain viewpoints.
Then, politicians, pundits, advertising
campaigns, and wars have further eroded
trust to the extent that moderate individuals can no longer seem capable of governing
because innuendo and invalid assumptions
have replaced responsible actions and
logic.
People reject a responsibility for “politically incorrect” actions because that challenges some traditions and assumptions.
As well, ideas of political incorrectness
makes people feel like government or the
“elites” are acting like a scolding and nagging
parent, treating us like adolescent kids. This
explains why and how people are willing to
use religion to justify an action or comments
as well as to belong to something. What Mr.
Bishop describes as “mega-churches” do
well because they have learned to cater to
that. In this highly individualistic society
with instant information access, people
simply do not want to be told that they are
wrong, that they cannot have something,
or that they have been walking down the
wrong path.
While Bishop’s observed cluster migration may influence the breakdown in civility, the breakdown seems to have more to
do with a growing resistance to inevitable
change, resistance to social responsibilities,
fervently clinging to invalid (or one-sided)
paradigms, and unwillingness to accept
opinions that challenge those paradigms.
Certain myths and paradigms in culture
and life are no longer relevant to current
society, or are no longer as important
as they once were. This fosters fear and
animosity within those unwilling to accept
the change, regardless of the inevitability
of change. This clinging to myths (or fears)
perpetuates a disconnection from the root of
the issues; those wishing to perpetuate the
“old” paradigms do so through unfounded
rhetoric and demonizing their opposition,
even when that is a disservice to the person
or the community. Extremism builds as
each side outright rejects the other and
builds cultural or communication barriers
to those opposing viewpoints. The learning
that inevitably arises from diverse opinions
and compromise premise of the American
democracy gets lost in the self-isolation and
narrowing of acceptable public policy.
No one is exempt from this idea of
conscious or unconscious clinging to
assumptions or traditions unless we learn to
resist clinging and to let go of our paradigms.
Until then, we will continue to reinforce the
myths and perceptions that manifest in our
communities. Until then, people will only
“preach to the choir” without learning from
counterpoints. Until then, we conform to
those paradigms regardless of their intrinsic
value to our actual being or to our community as a whole. Until then, people will continue
to focus upon misperceptions and upon the
individual over the community.
We find ourselves clinging to past
“truths” about what we are and why we do
things and those “truths” define who we
are in the present. Sometimes, this works in
our favor by ignoring painful issues to focus
upon the positive aspects of life. Sometimes,
we have to accept responsibility for our
actions as well as inaccurate assumptions,
or we have to realize that the perceptions
were wrong (perhaps be willing to make
amends). Sometimes, the hard issues have to
be addressed and cannot be ignored as they
impact our interactions both consciously
and unconsciously. Yet, we do not have to
dwell upon negative experiences, either real
or perceived.
Ultimately, the resolution to the civility
issues in our current society rests with our
own actions, our own speech and our own
civil acceptance of opposing points (e.g. the
self). What is my part in perpetuating the
paradigm and are my assumptions correct?
Am I holding onto myths that perpetuate an
inaccurate or outright incorrect perception
of reality?
Until we do our part and until we have
peace within ourselves as well as with our
society, the civility will be a myth.
Jonathan Wilson is an attorney at the
Davis Brown Law Firm in Des Moines,
and chairs the First Friday Breakfast Club
(ffbciowa.org), an educational, non-profit
corporation for gay men in Iowa who
gather on the first Friday of every month
to provide mutual support, to be educated
on community affairs, and to further
educate community opinion leaders with
more positive images of gay men. It is the
largest breakfast club in the state of Iowa.
He can be contacted at JonathanWilson@
DavisBrownLaw.com or 515-288-2500.
Resistance to Civility and Changing Paradigms by Tony E. Hansen
ACCESSline Page 8
DECEMBER 2010
Creep of the Week by D’Anne Witkowski
Peter LaBarbera
(aka “Porno Pete”)
Actually, no offense to Frank, but I think
a lot of women actually wouldn’t mind DeGeneres doing their pat down if only because
she’d probably make the whole experience
Have you ever been at an airport looking pretty hilarious rather than humiliating and
around you at all of the harried travelers degrading.
Using TSA officers of the same sex as the
in flip flops and sweatpants stuffing their
faces with dinner-plate-sized Cinnabons and passenger getting the pat down is “to assure
thought to yourself, “If only there was a job the public that sexual tension will be taken
out of the equation, said LaBarbera. “Hence,
that would pay me to grope these people?”
Well, it’s your lucky day. There is such we must take seriously the self-identified
desires of homosexuals.
a job. As an agent of the
Transportation Security
LaBarbera asks, “Is it fair ‘Gay’ men define themas being sexually
Administration you’ll
to travelers who may end up selves
attracted to other men.
get to participate in
the new “enhanced” getting ‘groped’ by homosexual Lesbians are sexually
pat downs that include TSA agents who are secretly attracted to women. And
are attracted
genital touching. The
getting turned on through the bisexuals
to both.”
thing is, if you’re female
Thanks for the
you can only grope process?”
human sexuality lesson,
ladies. If you’re male,
you can only grope guys. In other words, it’s LaBarbera. Very informative and helpful.
There’s something I think LaBarbera doesn’t
the perfect job for homos!
Now, no doubt and obviously, gays and understand, however. When he says, for
lesbians are quitting their jobs and unem- example, that “Lesbians are sexually attracted
ployed homos are throwing down their “Will to women,” he seems to mean, and believe,
Work for Groping Privileges” signs and flock- that lesbians are attracted to all women.
ing to their local TSA hiring offices saying, Anyone with a vagina will do. Same thing
with gay men and penises.
“Sign me up! Hell, I’ll do it for free!”
LaBarbera asks, “Is it fair to travelers
Unfortunately, Peter LaBarbera (a.k.a.
“Porno Pete”) of Americans for Truth about who may end up getting ‘groped’ by homoHomosexuality wants to ruin everyone’s sexual TSA agents who are secretly getting
fun by raising the alarm on homosexual turned on through the process?”
This, of course, is only happening in
America’s nationwide TSA grope party.
Pointing out that “pat downs” on passen- LaBarbera’s wild imagination. But seeing
gers are done by a TSA agent of the same sex, gays and lesbians as anything other than
LaBarbera asks, “But what about homosexual sex-crazed perverts who get a secret thrill
TSA agents? Isn’t it just as inappropriate for a every time they touch the under wire of your
‘gay’ male TSA agent to pat down male travel- grandmother’s bra or paw at your dad’s nut
ers as it is for a normal, heterosexual male sack would ruin LaBarbera’s narrative where
homosexuals are lurking everywhere just
TSA agent to pat down female travelers?”
Good question. Never mind the invasive- waiting to pounce on you and your private
ness of the TSA’s new procedures, the real parts.
The only solution, of course, is to do
issue is that God-loving heterosexuals don’t
want sex-crazed homosexuals rooting around away with all homosexual TSA employees. Of
course, then you have homosexual travelers
in their ass cracks in the name of security.
“The reality is, most traveling men “secretly getting turned on” via TSA grope.
would not want Barney Frank to pat them So you’ll have to ban them, too. And with no
down at the airport security checkpoint,” homos flying or working in airports, well, I
LaBarbera continued. “Neither would it be suppose they could always go Gayhound.
fair to assign Ellen DeGeneres to pat down
female travelers.”
He’s right. Most travelers probably
wouldn’t want Barney Frank and Ellen DeGeFor about a day Cindy McCain was
neres doing their pat downs because passen- literally a poster woman against anti-gay
gers would be all, “Hey, aren’t you wildly bullying. She appears, along with a bunch
over qualified for this job? Don’t you have a of celebrities including Gene Simmons,
legislation to write or a TV show to tape?”
Dr. Drew, Slash—and a lot of young and
Cindy McCain
impossibly beautiful folks I have personally collective psyche and how that’s basically
never heard of because I am too old—in a waving a red cape in front of gay kids. (In
PSA for the NOH8 Campaign responding to this analogy, the bullies are bulls. Get it?)
the recent and much publicized string of And you very specifically, with your own
mouth and voice and weirdly tight face,
gay kids committing suicide.
Speaking earnestly while starring into named the ban on gays in the military as
the camera with her icy blue eyes, McCain one of these biggest offenders.
John Aravosis of America Blog was
says, “Our political and religious leaders tell
particularly incensed as he’d just praised
LGBT youth that they have no future.
They can’t serve our country openly.” Cindy McCain for the ad the day before.
After cycling through a few more celeb- “Did she lie today or lie yesterday? Either
rities who share anti-gay “fun facts” (Dave way she’s a liar and she should be removed
Navarro: “They can’t get married.” Steph from the NOH8 video because, as of right
now, Cindy McCain
Jones: “They can’t
donate blood.” Antonio
Wait, what? You just got is a hater,” he wrote.
to mention, great
Cromartie: “They’re
done telling us in a PSA that “Not
message she just sent to
not even allowed to
adopt in certain states.” the government treats gays like gay youth. If someone
pressures you, cave and
Tom “Dancing with the- second class citizens …
support hate.”
Stars” Bergeron says,
My guess is that Grandpa McCain
“What’s worse, these laws that legislate
discrimination teach bullies that what didn’t like it. Hence the Tweet indicating
that Cindy is, at best, disingenuous and at
they’re doing is acceptable.”
This is followed by McCain saying, “Our worst totally clueless. Maybe she actually
government treats the LGBT community believes that the Cindy in the PSA and the
like second class citizens, why shouldn’t Cindy with the Twitter account would make
really good friends.
they?”
Truth be told, they can’t. They’d fight
These are some mighty feisty words
coming from the wife of John “Filibuster all the time. In fact, I suspect Twitter Cindy
to keep Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Alive” McCain. would eventually kick PSA Cindy’s ass. You
For Cindy to be part of the NOH8 Campaign know, to show her who’s boss.
seemed like a pretty big deal.
NOH8 started as a response to the
anti-gay Prop 8 in California. It featured
celebs, including Cindy
Everyone knows
The majority of soldiers that United States
and Meghan McCain
with duct tape over and their families think soldiers hate gay
their mouths and the
They hate
having openly gay guys and people.
NOH8 logo painted on
them more than they
their faces like they’d gals in the military isn’t that hate terrorists, even,
just escaped from the big a deal. This is good news. because at least terrorworld’s most terrifying
aren’t trying to
Unless, of course, you’re the ists
county fair.
legalize terror.
Well, it looks like Family Research Council.
So obviously if you
Cindy should’ve kept
took a poll of soldiers
her duct tape on.
regarding whether or not to repeal “Don’t
Right after the PSA went live McCain Ask Don’t Tell” they’re going to be in favor
took to Twitter and announced, “I fully of keeping homos out of fox holes by a
support the NOH8 campaign and all it landslide. Right?
stands for and am proud to be a part of
Wrong. Results of a survey done by the
it.”
military as part of a feasibility study have
Aww, isn’t that sweet? Well, not really. been leaked and guess what? The majority
Because here’s the kicker: “But I stand by of soldiers and their families think having
my husband’s stance on DADT.”
openly gay guys and gals in the military
Wait, what? You just got done telling isn’t that big a deal.
us in a PSA that the government treats gays
This is good news. Unless, of course,
like second class citizens and how that you’re the Family Research Council. Then
treatment trickles down into the nation’s
TTCREEPS continued page 10
Robert Maginnis
DECEMBER 2010
WORLD NEWS
to free development of the personality and
to not receive cruel or degrading treatment,
alleged by the plaintiffs, were not sufficiently
argued.”
Colombia Diversa Director Marcela Sánchez.
Photo: Andrés Duque
The court added that since the case was
dismissed on technical grounds, it may be
refiled at any time.
In a statement, the LGBT association
Colombia Diversa said it had been hoping
for a decision on the merits of the case and
may file a new lawsuit.
“The nation lost a unique opportunity to
achieve a true concept of equality in access to
human rights among all Colombian people, be
they same-sex or heterosexual couples,” said
the group’s director, Marcela Sánchez.
Lesbian couple denied
marriage license in
London
A lesbian couple who tried to get a
marriage license were turned away at the
Greenwich registry office in southeast
London on Nov. 2.
Sharon Ferguson and Franka Strietzel
were told that only opposite-sex couples
can marry, even though the United Kingdom’s civil-partnership law lets same-sex
couples enter into a union that grants
rights and obligations identical to those
of marriage.
Ferguson and Strietzel plan to sue the
government for violations of the Human
Rights Act’s rights to marriage, to respect
for family life and to protection from
discrimination.
They will be joined by three other
same-sex couples who plan to seek marriage
licenses and by four heterosexual couples
who want to enter into one of the nation’s
gay-only civil partnerships.
“No matter how good civil partnerships are with regard to the legal protections and rights they provide, they are still
a separate system that was put together
to stop gay and lesbian people from being
able to marry,” said Ferguson. “Like most
people in this world, we were brought up
to believe that one day we’d fall in love
and get married. This is what we want to
do and our sexual orientation should not
be an impediment.”
The challenges to both laws are part
of a new activist campaign called Equal
ACCESSline Page 9
Sweden, Mexico City, Connecticut, Iowa,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont
and Washington, D.C.
Tasmania to see samesex marriage bill
Sharon Ferguson, left, and Franka Strietzel
were denied a marriage license in London
on Nov. 2 and now are suing the
government. Photo: Chris Houston
Love, which also seeks to open up the civilpartnership law to straight couples.
“We see the Equal Love campaign as a
historic quest for justice—morally equivalent to the campaigns to overturn the bans
on interracial marriage in apartheid South
Africa and the Deep South of the USA,” said
coordinator Peter Tatchell. “The ban on samesex civil marriage and on opposite-sex civil
partnerships is a form of sexual apartheid—
one law for gay couples and another law for
heterosexual partners. Two wrongs don’t
make a right.”
Same-sex marriage is legal in Argentina,
Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain,
The Tasmanian Greens party said Nov.
7 that it will introduce a bill in the Australian state’s Parliament to legalize same-sex
marriage.
“If we are fair dinkum about removing
discrimination we should give all Tasmanians
access to the fundamental institutions of our
society, including marriage,” said Greens
Leader Nick McKim. “If (Australian Prime
Minister) Julia Gillard won’t move on the
issue we will bring our cognate package of
bills on for debate early next year.”
“There is no such thing as ‘mostly equal,’”
he added.
The Australian slang “fair dinkum”
means “genuine,” in this instance.
Australian states tackle
same-sex marriage
Following in the footsteps of the state
of Tasmania, the Australian state of South
Australia will see introduction of a bill in
the state Parliament to legalize same-sex
marriage.
MPs from the Greens and Labor parties
will lead the charge.
Polls show that a majority of Australians
support letting gay couples get married.
TTWORLD NEWS continued page 35
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ACCESSline Page 10
CREEPS
you’re pissed, because that’s not the answer
you wanted at all. And if a survey doesn’t
get the results you want, there’s only one
thing to do: blame the survey. As Right Wing
Watch pointed out, FRC is crying that “the
survey is flawed and cannot be trusted.”
And thus Robert Maginnis’s seven
pages of teeth gnashing and foot stomping was born and published on the FRC
website.
Maginnis complains that the surveys
sent to soldiers and their families don’t ask
if the respondent is “one of them.” Because
gays are clearly biased and their responses
shouldn’t count.
The surveys also don’t define “homosexual,” Maginnis laments, and treat
homosexuality like it’s a (gasp!) “neutral
factor.”
He also bemoaned the lack of choices
regarding privacy concerns. One soldier’s
wife who responded to the survey told
him she “would not take her children to
unit activities where there might be open
homosexuals.” Because to see gay is to be
gay. She also “was very concerned that
her husband would have to share a room
with an open homosexual during deployment.” God only knows what she thinks
will happen. Maybe she just doesn’t trust
her husband.
Maginnis is also upset that the surveys
fail “to address religious and moral objections to homosexuality.” Because it’s okay
to discriminate someone as long as God
says it’s okay.
Using the strictest research methodology, I’ve created a survey that I think would
be up to Maginnis’s standards. And it’s
much more concise than both the military’s
32-page soldier survey or the 11-page
family survey. Please use a #2 pencil:
memory of the young people who recently
committed suicide after being bullied.
“Seriously they want me to wear purple
because five queers committed suicide,” he
posted. “The only way im wearin it for them
1. I am a:
is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe
a) heterosexual, right with God.
the people of this world have gotten this
b) godless homosexual. Please destroy stupid. We are honoring the fact that they
my survey.
sinned and killed therselves because of
their sin. REALLY PEOPLE.”
2 Fill in the blank. Homosexuals
Yes, really. Did I mention he was a
make me ____________.
school board member? Oh, to be a gay kid
a) puke.
in Midland. Those lucky devils.
b) cry.
One of McCance’s
c) both a) and b).
friends
commented,
I’m not sure that there’s an
“Because hatred is
honorable way to wish all gay always right...”
3. When you’re
around a homosexual people dead even if he had used
To which he
you better:
responds,
“No because
different words to do it.
a) Hide your kids.
being a fag doesnt give
b) Hide your wife.
you the right to ruin the rest of our lives.
c) Hide your husband.
If you get easily offended by being called
d) ‘Cause they’re raping everybody a fag then dont tell anyone you are a fag.
up in here.
Keep that sh** to yourself. I dont care how
people decide to live their lives. They dont
4. We need to ban homosexuals bother me if they keep it to thereselves. It
pisses me off though that we make a special
from the military because:
purple fag day for them. I like that fags cant
a) God said so.
procreate. I also enjoy the fact that they
b) There is no other answer but a).
often give each other aids and die.”
Did you catch that last part? He
“enjoys” when gays get AIDS and die. Ha
You know the old saying, “If you don’t ha. You know, typical LOL stuff.
Another friend commented, “You know
have anything nice to say, say it on Facebook?” Well, Arkansas Midland School this is somebodys kids here how would you
District vice president Clint McCance took it feel if they were talkin about your kids like
to heart recently when he posted some vile this. It would make you feel like SH**.”
No worries, McCance knows exactly
anti-gay hate speech to rival Fred Phelps
and his band of “God Hates Fags” loonies. how he’d feel. “I would disown my kids if
What set McCance off was a call for they were gay,” he posts. “They will not be
supporters of LGBT youth to wear purple in welcome at my home or in my vicinity. I
will absolutely run them off. Of course my
kids will know better. My kids will have
solid christian beliefs.”
Where these “solid Christian beliefs”
will come from I don’t know. Certainly not
from their father.
Needless to say, McCance’s comments
caused quite a stir with many people calling
for his firing.
A visibly uncomfortable and maybe
even contrite McCance appeared on CNN
with Anderson Cooper and apologized
for his comments saying they were “too
emotional” and “went too far.”
As for the terms “fag” and “queer”
he told Cooper, “I know those are hurtful
words and like I said, I picked the wrong
words to use. And used them poorly. I didn’t
bring honor to what I was about.”
I’m not sure that there’s an honorable
way to wish all gay people dead even if he
had used different words to do it.
He also stated that he doesn’t “wish
death on anyone” and that “it does look like
I’m a hatemonger or a horrible person and
that’s not me at all.”
Um, yes. It does look like that. Very
much like that, in fact. It’s kind of hard to
accept that a person who thinks, “Hey I have
a minute to post on Facebook before I head
off to this school board meeting and here’s
something totally appropriate to say” isn’t
a hatemonger. No matter how much they
apologize or resign from the school board
on Anderson Cooper 360.
So, yeah. He resigned. And he’s sorry.
But the boot print of mistrust and fear on
the backs of LGBT school kids, especially
those in the Midland school system, isn’t
going to wash out so easily.
Clint McCance
DECEMBER 2010
US NEWS
military without regard to their sexual
orientation. Our next step will be to ask the
9th Circuit to expedite the government’s
appeal from Judge Phillips’ judgment and
injunction.”
LCR Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper
commented: “We are committed to pursuing
every avenue in the fight against this failed
and unconstitutional policy. Log Cabin will
continue working to secure the votes needed
for legislative repeal, and if necessary, we look
forward to seeing President Obama’s attorneys in court next year to prove, once again,
that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell doesn’t work.”
Gays sue feds over
marriage again
Edie Windsor, right, and Thea Spyer.
ACLU photo
The New England legal group Gay
& Lesbian Advocates & Defenders filed a
multiplaintiff lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage
Act on Nov. 9.
In Pedersen v. Office of Personnel
Management, GLAD represents five married
same-sex couples and a widower, who live in
Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire.
The 11 plaintiffs all have been denied federal
rights and protections solely because they are
married to a person of the same sex.
The suit, filed in federal District Court in
Connecticut, addresses DOMA’s nonrecognition of marriages in connection with federal
employee and retiree benefits programs,
Social Security benefits, survivor benefits
under federal pension laws, work leave
to care for a spouse under the Family and
Medical Leave Act, and state retiree health
insurance benefits that are controlled by
federal tax law.
Additional plaintiffs who pay excess
federal income tax because they cannot file
their federal returns as married couples will
join the suit once the IRS officially rejects their
requests for refunds.
“Every day that DOMA stands, it arbitrarily divides married couples into two
categories,” said GLAD Legal Director Gary
Buseck.
Also on Nov. 9, the American Civil Liberties Union sued the feds in New York over
DOMA.
The group represents 81-year-old Edie
Windsor, who had to pay $350,000 in additional estate taxes because the federal government treated her as single, even though she
was married to Thea Spyer and their marriage
was recognized by the state of New York.
“(T)he federal government … taxed
Thea’s estate as though we were strangers
rather than spouses,” Windsor said. “(It’s) a
tax on being gay.”
“These cases provide further evidence
that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act is
TTUS NEWS continued page 38
ACCESSline’s fun guide
Our Picks for December
12/1-12/18 Theatre Cedar Rapids: WHITE CHRISTMAS
12/1 US Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids:
Hancher presents FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
12/3-12/12 StageWest, Des Moines: THE SEAFARER
12/4 301 N. Johnson St, Iowa City:
THE QUIRE’S WINTER CONCERT
12/6 Stoner Theatre, Des Moines:
UMBRELLAS NOT INCLUDED:
A BROADWAY CABARET:
A magical, super-cali-dazzle-riffic
musical cabaret to raise money
for StageWest Theatre Company.
Featuring cast members from the Broadway
touring production of “Mary Poppins” and
a special appearance by Des Moines’ own
Preshia Paulding as Judy Garland. Master of
Ceremonies: Maxwell Schaeffer, KIOA radio
personality. Post-show dessert reception with the cast. www.
StageWestIowa.com
12/8 Orpheum, Sioux City: MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER
12/10-12/23 Des Moines Community Playhouse: RODGERS
& HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA
12/11 Gallagher Bluedorn, Cedar Falls: WATERLOO-CEDAR
FALLS SYMPHONY: HOLIDAY POPS
12/11-12/19 Grand Opera House, Dubuque:
NUTCRACKER BALLET
12/12 Harrah’s Council Bluffs: AIR SUPPLY
12/13 Orpheum, Sioux City: A CHORUS LINE
12/15 Englert, Iowa City:
INTIMATE AT THE ENGLERT: THE LAB COAT COLLAB:
This concert features surprise collaborations between people
who’ve never performed together. One month before the show
date the performers were handed the contact information of their
collaborative partner and given suggestions on a direction their
project might take. This concert is an experiment and the results
will reflect that for better or worse. www.Englert.org
12/17-12/18 First Christian Church, 2500 University
Avenue, Des Moines: DES MOINES GAY MEN’S CHORUS
12/17 Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield:
BLURRING BOUNDARIES, MODERN DANCE
12/18-12/20 Sinclair Auditorium, Cedar Rapids:
ORCHESTRA IOWA, FOLLIDAYS
12/18 Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield:
PIETA BROWN
12/20-12/21 Civic Center of Greater Des Moines:
CHRISTMAS MUSIC OF MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER
12/22 Orpheum Theater, Omaha, NE:
CHRISTMAS MUSIC OF MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER
... and in January
1/4/2011 North Iowa Community Auditorium:
MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT
Deep Inside Hollywood by Romeo San Vicente
The second—or is it
third?—coming of
Ab Fab
Edina and Patsy would like another
drink; care to join them? Absolutely Fabulous,
the British sitcom that made Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley household names
in the U.S., is returning for another go-round.
The first incarnation aired from 1992 to 1996
and was then reprised from 2001 to 2004. Six
years later, the champagne-guzzling fashionistas are back and ready for more. Recently,
Saunders began long-term treatment for
breast cancer, so the comic actor’s readiness
to step back into Eddi’s outrageous shoes is
very good news for the show and its millions
of fans around the world. Lumley, meanwhile,
has been starring on Broadway in La Bete.
And at 52 (Saunders) and 64 (Lumley), both
women are still in prime shape to be devilish
in Prada. Ideally, it won’t stop until they’re
in their 90s.
Rachel Weisz dives into
Deep Blue Sea
Rachel Weisz. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Win that first Oscar and the opportunity
to work with more prestigious directors
turns into a commonplace occurrence. Not
squandering her moment is Rachel Weisz,
whose increasingly interesting career finds
her shooting a new film with acclaimed gay
Brit director Terence Davies. The Deep Blue
Sea, adapted from the play by Terence Rattigan, tells the story of a rich woman in 1950s
London who leaves her high court judge
husband to go live with a hot, young pilot.
Davis often directs autobiographical stories
like the critic’s favorites Distant Voices, Still
Lives and The Long Day Closes. A notable
exception to this was his adaptation of The
House of Mirth starring Gillian Anderson.
Now, thanks to A-lister Weisz, the filmmaker
may wind up with his most high-profile
success to date. Production is underway now
in London; look for it in arthouse theaters
sometime in 2011.
From porn to real estate
to reality TV?
As “Tag Eriksson,” he starred in The Hole,
a gay porn parody of The Ring, not to mention
several other high-profile adult films. But
since leaving that industry several years ago,
Frederik Eklund hasn’t quietly gone back into
private life. Instead, the young, good-looking
man from a wealthy Swedish family wrote
a book about his experiences (titled Lord
of the Fruit Flies) and then became a real
estate mogul in New York City, one recently
profiled in The New York Times and whose
multi-million dollar portfolio and celebrity
clients like Cameron Diaz make him something of a rising star all over again. Obviously,
with a history like that, it was only a matter
of time before Bravo TV came calling. And
that’s what’s happening to Eklund, who’s
in talks to be cast as part of a reality series
about real estate brokers. Not bad for a guy
who used to bare it all, and proof that there
really is life after a porn career.
Richard Hatch hatches a
comeback plan
He defined the concept of the reality
show villain, the ultimate “not here to make
friends” player. And he won Survivor’s landmark first season. And then he lost in a big
way when he was convicted of tax evasion
and sentenced to prison (a charge he still
refutes). But Richard Hatch is back and
ready to play again. This time around the
naked bear will keep his clothes on—a suit
to be precise—on the upcoming season of
Celebrity Apprentice. He was supposed to
have been on Survivor: Heroes and Villains
but his passport is on lockdown thanks to
that prison time. Celebrity Apprentice is a
cooler show to win anyway and given his
reputation, he’s going to be tough competition. Watch out, Carrot Top!
Does Tom Cruise
wanna Rock?
Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise in “Knight
and Day”. Photo: Twentieth Century Fox.
When you think of Tom Cruise and the
1980s, what’s the first thing that comes to
mind? Cocktail is the right answer, obviously,
and it’s clearly on the minds of gay director
Adam Shankman and his new collaborator,
Chris D’Arienzo, too. Together, the pair will
bring D’Arienzo’s Tony Award-nominated
hair-metal musical Rock of Ages to the big
screen and they’d like Tom Cruise to join in
on the fun. If Cruise agrees, he’ll be playing
a supporting role, a bartender who loves to
belt out ’80s hits by Def Leppard and Poison.
And if he wants to juggle a few booze bottles
while doing so then who’s going to stop him?
The guilty-pleasure musical is also rumored
to be casting the equally unlikely musical
talents of Seth Rogen and that well-established song delivery system named Taylor
Swift. So please, Mr. Cruise, consent to this
role. They have this thing called AutoTune
TTHOLLYWOOD continued page 15
ACCESSline Page 12
the fun guide
DECEMBER 2010
Whoa, Nelly! by Chris Azzopardi
Singer looks back at decade-long
career—when the gays fell for her and the
stories behind her biggest hits
Like a bird is exactly how Nelly Furtado’s
career has unfurled in the 10 years since
she dropped her debut, Whoa, Nelly! The
Canadian chanteuse was on top of the world,
scoring a Grammy for the album’s breakthrough single, “I’m Like a Bird,” before her
follow-up, Folklore, went, well, south.
But then she switched directions,
tapping into Timbaland’s boom-boom beats
for 2006’s “punk-hop” Loose. Singles like
“Promiscuous” and “Maneater” ate up the
charts, and there she went—flying again.
Her hits collection, The Best of Nelly Furtado,
archives her decade-long run and includes
three unreleased cuts, leading off with club
single “Night is Young.”
Furtado, 31, took us back, recalling the
song she wrote on hotel paper as a chambermaid and how “Maneater” started a fire.
But the singer, who was catching a break
from recording to chat with us, also looked
ahead to next year’s upcoming studio album,
Lifestyle, a return to her Whoa, Nelly! roots.
Did you ever think you’d have a greatest hits album?
Actually, no, I didn’t. In the beginning I
didn’t really know I’d still be making records
10 years later; I was kind of just trying it out.
It was my hobby for a long time, and I made
my hobby my job. I had planned to go back
to university after Whoa, Nelly!—and then I
never made it back! (Laughs)
But yeah, I’m surprised that 10 years
have passed; it gives you a chance to reflect.
I was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame
recently, so it was all around the 10-year anniversary of the album coming out. It was all
very timely—and kind of cool. Really cool!
Congratulations!
Oh, thanks! For the first album or two I
was wondering: Is this really my career? Am
I good at this? Is this going to stick around?
After doing it for 10 years, it finally feels like
this is definitely a career.
So you’re not going back to university?
It doesn’t mean I won’t. I still have all
kinds of dreams. I’m definitely happy making
music at the moment.
Which song from the greatest hits
album has the best story behind it?
Perhaps one you wrote on hotel paper
while you were a maid?
I have a song on Whoa, Nelly! that was
written on hotel chambermaid report paper
and that song is Party, but it’s not on greatest hits. On greatest hits, Say It Right is cool
because it was really late at night that we
wrote that song, like four in the morning,
and we had just finished watching Pink Floyd
The Wall, and (we) were very tired but also
inspired, and the song just kind of came. It
was a magical moment.
“Maneater” was the same. When we
first wrote that song the speaker caught fire
because the beat was so loud and ambitious,
and the energy was so intense. And we actually put the song away for a few weeks. We
were scared of the song! It had some dark
energy in it (laughs).
What do you think now when you
hear “I’m Like a Bird”?
I never get sick of singing it, and I’m just
happy that people played it on the radio. I’m
proud of that song because it had a more sort
of funky hip-hop-influenced verse and then a
very pop-rock chorus. I’m glad it connected
with people.
So many celebrities are making videos
as part of the “It Gets Better” campaign, to
help prevent youth suicides –
Oh, I haven’t seen them. I did perform at
the PFLAG event in L.A. I performed “Night
is Young” acoustic and I did… I don’t even
remember right now! But it was a very positive night and a lot of people were speaking
about (gay youth). I was proud to be part
of that.
If you could dedicate one of your
songs to gay youth, which would you
choose?
Something from the beginning of my
career, like the first CD—that’s when I first
noticed I had a strong gay following, when I
used to play “Sh** on the Radio” on my first
club tour. I’d always see gay youth in the
front row, embracing each other and getting
emotional and crying when I would sing the
song—because it’s a song about individuality
and expressing yourself and kind of breaking free from the pack and doing your own
thing. It’s about being true to yourself no
matter what.
That song was your response to
people who were pissed at you for going
mainstream.
Yeah—it’s hard. It’s weird merging art
and business; there are always fallouts.
Then you made a bigger leap into
hip-hop with “Promiscuous”—did you
catch more flack?
No, because hip-hop was always something that I was inspired by. It was like a
weapon I had in my back pocket that I hadn’t
whipped out yet. My first influences as a
teenager were hip-hop and R&B—and I used
to rap! (Laughs)
On a mainstream level, yeah, my image
was definitely drastically different—and I see
that now. At the time I didn’t see, but now I
look back and go, “Wow, no wonder people
were so shocked!”
I did change a lot. I mean, I grew into a
woman; I wrote some songs on Whoa, Nelly!
when I was 17. You change a lot from that
age to, like, 25. It’s a nice synchronicity when
you can go through such a personally meaningful transformation and actually capture
it on record—and then have other people
connect to it.
Where do you plan on taking your
next studio album, Lifestyle?
I’m going back to the eclectic feel of
Whoa, Nelly!. So far tracks I’ve recorded
encompass pop, hip-hop, dance, reggae and
alternative-pop.
That’s who I am and that’s how I live my
life, and that’s sort of been the way I culturally live my life in terms of what I surround
myself with—music or art or even people—
so I think that’s why I’m calling it Lifestyle.
I just want a collection of songs that people
can connect with, like always, but at the
same time I think image-wise I’m going to
be different again (laughs). If anything, it’ll
be a throwback to who I was when I first
came out.
Tell me about working with Elton John
on a new version of “Crocodile Rock.”
Photo: Richard Bernardin
Yeah, he has a new production coming
out—it’s an animated movie called Gnomeo
and Juliet, and it’s a cartoon for kids that
comes out on Valentine’s Day. So yeah, they
approached me to do the closing song and
it’s “Crocodile Rock.” And he’s on it—like
him and I are on the track together! It’s so
exciting.
So you didn’t actually do studio time
together?
No—we missed each other by, like, a day.
But we have sung together before. Hey, here’s
a perfect example: Ten years ago, Elton and
I sang “Legend” together.
We’ve come full circle.
Yeah! Because he was a fan of my first
album and he used to talk about it all the
time, and he’s really good that way with new
music. He’s really on top of it.
The people you work with are all
over the map: Timbaland, Josh Groban
and James Morrison, for instance. And
then Keith Urban shows up on the deluxe
edition of The Best of Nelly Furtado for “In
God’s Hands.”
I have many fantasies of who I want to be
as a singer, so I was having a country fantasy
with that song, and “In God’s Hands” always
felt like a country record to me.
The reason why I do so many darn duets
is because I’ve always wanted to be in a band.
I mean, I’m a solo artist, but I’ve always been
jealous of people in bands because I think,
“How fun would that be?”
How did you get the nickname
Nelstar?
Nelstar was the first band I had. It was
a trip-hop group—when I first moved to
Toronto when I was 17, this producer and
me had this trip-hop duo and we did moody
urban trip-hop songs and I performed
them around town. It’s a name that’s kind
of stuck with me, so I decided to name my
label Nelstar.
We have an artist right now named
Dylan Murray—he’s excellent, he’s Canadian.
Actually, he performed with me at the PFLAG
event—oh, I know what we performed! A
TTNELLY continued page 38
DECEMBER 2010
the fun guide
ACCESSline Page 13
Annie Lennox Speaks Out by Chris Azzopardi
Gay icon releases new
Christmas album—and
opens up about AIDS
pandemic, Perez Hilton’s
‘vicious diatribes’ and
her own sweet dreams
for the world
Legendary status, earned through over
three decades in the music business, hasn’t
changed Annie Lennox.
Despite being a global superstar, first
making an impression as part of the Eurythmics in the ‘80s before going solo, she’s genuinely concerned about the human condition,
as her tireless work toward promoting HIV/
AIDS awareness—with her SING campaign,
established in 2007—demonstrates. She’s
inspired the world through dialogue and
travel and music, a platform Lennox uses to
fervently convey her feelings on society with
her sterling voice.
“Universal Child,” which Lennox originally performed on Idol Gives Back earlier
this year wearing a shirt that said “HIV-Positive” (even though she isn’t), is yet another
passionate plea—this time, to help heal the
world. It takes on new life as it rounds out
Lennox’s new, first-ever holiday album, A
Christmas Cornucopia, which also includes
traditional songs and unconventional carols.
Its heart, however, is still intact.
On the phone, as Lennox speaks to us
from her Scotland home about the long-gestating collection, she’s completely grounded,
initiating the conversation by mocking how
much time her people have given us: “This
is your 15 minutes with Annie Lennox,” she
opens with a laugh.
And so it is, as Lennox gets heated over
issues dear to her heart: her opinion on the
current state of HIV/AIDS, feelings about
the bullying-prompted suicides, and why
sexuality labels shouldn’t exist.
Why release a Christmas album now,
after all this time in the business?
It was just the optimum moment. It’s
something I’ve been longing to do for many
years, and when you do anything in music
it takes time. So every album that I’ve ever
made has taken up most of the year that
I’ve made it in. Then, finally, it came to the
point where I was out of contract and I was
like, “What’s my next step?” And then it just
occurred to me very obviously, “Ah, this is
when I do what I’ve wanted to do for years.”
(Laughs) So it’s just perfect. It’s a labor of
love, this whole thing.
It sounds like it too, and it has some
extra significance: Your 56th birthday is
on Christmas Day.
That is correct.
Did you ever get gypped on gifts?
When I was a kid, it was fine—I used to
get double, and I felt very good about that.
But I’m at a point where receiving presents
is not really the most important thing to me.
(Laughs)
Well, of course: You’re more about
giving, right?
I prefer to. It’s very nice to get a present,
but I like to give. I do.
I’m not surprised. How does “Universal Child” fit on A Christmas Cornucopia?
You know, it was a very interesting thing.
Basically, Island Records, or Universal, who
I’m signed to, just loved the song so much;
they just kind of said, “You have got to put
it on the album. We really, really want you
to put it on the album.” So it was almost
like their insistence, because I wasn’t sure;
I’d been doing traditional Christmas carols,
(and thought), “I wonder if this fits in.” But
actually now, on reflection, I think it really
does fit in.
It really belongs because the focus of all
of the songs goes to the nativity. It goes to the
birth of a child into the world—even if you’re
not Christian, which I am not a Christian—in
a way that I was able to identify with it in a
metaphorical way, because I was thinking,
“Well, this is a symbol. This is a child. It’s
all of us. It’s about humanity.” So there was
a thread of connection that ran through all
the songs, you see.
How did the song come about?
I hadn’t intended to write a song for the
album, but one day I had this idea for “Universal Child” and I just started playing around
with it while we were recording something.
And basically, I was like, “Ohhh, wow, there’s
a really interesting thing happening here.”
So we stopped recording what we were
recording and we carried on with “Universal
Child” and finished it in the same evening.
Sometimes it’s so strange like that: You write
a song and it all comes at once. So that was
one of those.
You merge a lot of your passion for
activism into your music, particularly as
it pertains to children and AIDS. Why do
you think music is such a good platform
for these issues?
Music is a great vehicle of communication; everybody loves music—I never
really met anybody who didn’t like music.
And music tells stories and communicates
ideas, and people are interested in music
and musicians.
Sadly, in our culture we’re obsessed
with celebrity—celebrity is the thing—and
we spend so much money on magazines;
we’re so interested in other people’s lives,
so-called celebrities, and it’s a bit disheartening because we’re a big world and there’s so
many things we could change and put right.
But we’re so consumed by our own consumerist culture that very often we don’t see it.
I had a bit of a turning point when I had
an opportunity to go to places that I wouldn’t
have had a chance to visit before, and it blew
my mind. I thought I knew what poverty was
about. I thought I knew, and actually I didn’t
know until I saw it for myself.
Right—back in 2003 when you participated in the launch of Nelson Mandela’s
HIV/AIDS foundation. How has seeing the
devastation caused by poverty and AIDS
affected you as a person?
I don’t think anybody could grasp the
scale of the HIV/AIDS pandemic as it is
played out, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa
where you have 22 million who are infected
with the virus. Twenty-two million! And
when you have so many deaths—I think it’s
27 million—it’s a figure that you cannot get
your head around.
Recently, I was in Berlin and I went to
visit the Jewish Holocaust memorial right
in the center of former East Berlin, and it’s
very, very powerful—all kinds of people
who perished in this Holocaust. The figures
are staggering. And then you look at the HIV
issue and it’s even more.
We were all celebrating the Chilean
miners, including myself, and I was so happy
to see these men emerge one by one—33
men, out of the earth—and yet I know the
price of human life in many places is worthless.
What does being a gay icon mean
to you?
(Laughs) It means lots of gay men and
women like me! It’s a funny thing: I don’t wake
up in the morning and think, “Oh my goodness, I’m a gay icon!” Not at all. But you see,
I’m not part of the gay community myself, so
it’s not part of my direct experience. But I’m
certainly a liberal-minded person, and I actually really almost resent all these labels.
I was watching on YouTube the other day
a man—or a woman, I should say, now—who
was saying, “Please don’t label me as transgender. I don’t want to be labeled. I’m sick of
all these labels.” And I’m thinking, “I’m with
you.” I mean, OK, you’re sexually oriented
one way, this way or that way or another
way, but I want to get rid of labels. I think we
want to get to the point of evolution, where
it makes no difference if you’re straight, gay,
transgender, whatever—just be inclusive. We
need to see ourselves as absolutely human
beings, first and foremost.
In the ‘70s, when I was a teenager, it was
the first time I discovered that anybody was
gay. I had never met a gay person before I
came down from Scotland, and the changes
that have happened so far are huge. I think
Photo: Mike Owen
there have just been huge steps. Gay people
have come out, and they’re powerful and
working in banks, in clinics, as doctors, teachers, everywhere. It’s just a natural evolution,
in a way.
It does worry me very much when I hear
about very extreme homophobia arising in
places. I think of my friends who, if they went
to certain countries, would be ostracized
or—it’s unbelievable to think that these
extremes do exist, but this is the world we
live in. We’re living in a time where you have
fundamentalists who are so extreme—either
the Catholic Church or in the Muslim areas—
and I just think, “Where’s the tolerance?”
How do you feel about the recent
string of gay youth suicides, then?
In this day and age, how come a young
teenage boy or girl is feeling so conflicted
about their sexual orientation that they
feel suicidal? This bullying on cyberspace,
uncontrolled, and this horrible result of nasty,
vicious celebrity bullshit that you get on the
Internet—an individual like Perez Hilton
coming out on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and
saying, “I’m sorry, I’ve seen the light,” let’s
make sure that he walks his talk and now
that he apparently has seen the light, stop
all this bullying—stop it!
It’s disgraceful. It always was disgraceful. It should never be, and he of all people
who have benefited so much from his vicious
diatribes and his vicious putting down of
so many individuals, he now needs to take
responsibility and go forward and say, “I
will now take responsibility and work for
the other side.”
You’ve said that wanting to resist
being perceived as a girly-girl prompted
your androgynous phase in the ‘80s.
Why didn’t you want to be seen as ultrafeminine?
I wanted to be perceived as a person
with my own rights who is not going to
be simply understood through my gender,
through a certain limitation. Nowadays,
women are so sexually explicit and they use
this as a tool to get popular, and I find it very
one-dimensional. When I see, like, with the
rap music, hip-hop girls just being overtly
sexual, it bores me. I just think, “Oh, the same
old gag.” Surely we could’ve evolved further
than that.
I’m all for sexuality being free and liberal,
but I feel so sad that it’s like a one-trick pony.
That’s all I see are bum, ass and tits—and it’s
TTCORNUCOPIA continued page 30
ACCESSline Page 14
the fun guide
DECEMBER 2010
The Outfield by Dan Woog
Biking north to south
for awareness
Topeka and Wichita. But Girdano is prouder
that a dozen newspapers and radio stations
that had never done a story on an LGBT
person covered her ride. The teen and
Most cross-country bike riders go west young adult angle particularly intrigued
to east. Some take the more challenging those outlets.
There were setbacks. Some stations
route, into the wind.
Danielle Girdano bicycled north to sounded excited on the phone, but after
receiving her press kit—and realizing what
south.
Gay people always seem to do things “LGBT” stood for—they backed off. “This
wouldn’t fit our readers,” one person said
differently.
But the former marketing director- bluntly.
A radio station in Missouri edited
turned-cycling activist and advocate did not
every “LGBT,” “gay
devise her itinerary
community” and
randomly. Ride the
“hate crimes” referArc—this summer’s
ence out of her
1,300 mile, six-week
interview before it
journey from Minneaired. “It sounded
apolis to Dallas—
like I rode across the
covered that route
U.S. for teen suicide
for a reason.
in general only,” she
Girdano wanted
said.
to publicize the need
But the positive
for equal rights
Danielle Girdano
personal encounters
for LGBT people,
overwhelmed the
and raise awareness
about the high suicide rate for gay youth. To negative ones. “Whether it’s a small town of
do that, she went to the place she thought 150 people, or one of 10,000, it’s still significant to say, ‘I’m here,’” Girdano said.
needed it the most: America’s heartland.
One woman—who apparently did not
“If I rode coast to coast, I wouldn’t spend
all my time in places that had to hear this know what “LGBT” meant—made a “those
message,” Girdano said. “This way, I was people” comment. When Girdano personalized the issue, the woman stammered, “But
always there.”
The first documented ride by a female you don’t look like…”
“It’s an awakening,” Girdano said.
athlete to cross the country from north
to south, Girdano’s ride paid tribute to “Awareness leads to dialogue. Even if people
a pioneer of social justice for another don’t agree, it’s good to talk.”
Hundreds of supportive e-mails poured
oppressed group. “The arc of the moral
universe is long, but it bends toward justice,” in. A Facebook page enabled supporters
Reverend Martin Luther King Junior said. across the country to talk with each other—
and raised awareness even further.
That explains Ride the Arc’s name.
Then there are the LGBT people themThe route and ride “mirror our struggle
as a people,” Girdano explained. “It’s uphill, selves. A woman in her 50s told Girdano that
hard, long and requires a tremendous she’d just come out to her boss that day—
amount of preparation. It’s not a race; it’s a because of the ride. “She was so intimidated
journey of endurance.”
and fearful she’d lose her job,” Girdano said.
Girdano is no stranger to activism— “And she’d been with the company for 30
or action. A former marketing director, in years. That was very empowering for her.”
2004 she spearheaded a $140,000 project:
A girl who had recently tried to commit
a weekend honoring Marine veterans of suicide joined a group ride for the final 10
Iwo Jima.
miles into Dallas with Girdano. “Stories like
Ride the Arc was less about money than that are the reason I did this,” she noted.
education. Along the way she gave countless
“If we can save one kid, or give hope to
newspaper, television and radio interviews. one person, every mile would be worth it.”
Wherever she stopped—for food and water,
The cross-country rider added:
a bathroom break or the night—she engaged “Martin Luther King went where he was not
strangers in conversation.
welcome. I’m not comparing myself to him,
Girdano is no stranger to small towns. but I wanted to go where I wasn’t welcome
Growing up in rural western Pennsylvania, too. I have a right to ride anywhere, and to
she said she was “molded to fit into a role. bring my message there.
Men hunted and drove pickups. Women
“I rode, I waved. I wished you a good
cooked and had babies.”
day. If you don’t want one, that’s your
Women were not lesbians. She had no problem.”
role models. When she finally realized it was
Note: For more information, click on
OK to be “who I was”—after high school— www.ridethearc.org. Donations may be sent
she moved to gay-friendly Atlanta.
to Kompetition Services, c/o Ride the Arc,
Though some family members have 4503 W University Blvd, Dallas, TX 75209.
never accepted Girdano’s sexuality, her All money after expenses goes to LGBT
father has. An 84-year-old Iwo Jima organizations.
Marine—“Republican and conservative
through and through”—he went so far as to
join his daughter’s bike ride in Tulsa.
“He can get through to people who
would never listen to me,” Girdano acknowledged.
This fall’s epidemic of gay youth
She’s done a pretty good job of getting suicides shocked and saddened millions
through herself. She received major TV of Americans. Dan Savage’s “It Gets Better”
coverage in Minneapolis, Des Moines, video project provided hope to young people
The athletic buddy
system
“Nearly everyone on the team wants to
struggling with their sexual orientation;
LGBT men and women told inspiring stories help,” Witman notes.
One of those helpers is Ben Gardent. He
of their own lives, while leaders, including
President Obama, added their own voices got involved because he had not come out
until age 24—in part because he had no gay
of support.
The broad-based effort heartened Glenn athletes as role models. His message: “No
Witman. But he also smiled in recognition: matter how difficult things may be now, they
He was already leading a similar project, get a whole lot better when you’re older.”
Adam Mills looks forward to speaking
admittedly on a much smaller scale.
Witman is the founder, president with young gay athletes—but he says he
and captain of the G-Force Hockey Club. may have to wait a while. Coming out where
A Denver-based non-profit organization, he lives—Nashville—is not easy. “I will tell
G-Force plays some mean hockey—and does people my journey and the rollercoaster ride
a lot more. Demonstrating competitiveness, of my athletic career,” Mills says.
“Dealing with the uneasy feeling of
teamwork, pride and courage on the ice, they
break down negative stereotypes about gay being gay and on a sports team can be
overwhelming. It can
athletes.
affect an athlete’s
From the start,
performance, as
G-Force wanted
well as academics.
young, gay hockey
Having someone
players to know
who understands
about the team—
what an athlete goes
and, by extension,
through can be the
to realize that they
difference between
were not alone.
life and death.”
Witman’s e-mail
ABS is not
and phone number
G - Fo rc e ’ s
o n ly
were on the Internet.
project. The team
Young athletes were
is also working
encouraged to call
on another effort
him for information
aimed at young
and help—and they
athletes. Called
did.
an “athletic safety
Fo r
many
and respect policy,”
reasons, gay athletes
it’s an agreement
may have a harder
Glenn Witman
between G-Force
time coming out
than other youths. It can take longer, too. A and a university or sports organization. The
23-year-old player from Minnesota called. latter agrees to support only those activities
He was so closeted, Witman recalls, “he that are “constructive, educational, inspiracouldn’t even say the word ‘gay.’” Witman tional, and that contribute to the intellectual
recounted his own story—he did not come and personal development of students.”
The policy includes sanctions for
out until he was 28—and put the young
man in touch with G-Force’s goalie, who violations. These include probation and
suspension of athletes and coaches—even
was not fully out.
The Minnesotan responded soon: cancellations of games.
“Thank you. You changed my life!”
G-Force will provide diversity training
Now, G-Force is institutionalizing its before the season to programs wishing to
support program. They call it the Athletic implement such a policy.
Buddy System (ABS). Anyone wanting help
One such session was held in October
in coming out to teammates, coaches, family at the University of Toronto. The goal was
or friends—or just needing someone to talk to create a dialogue between out athletes
to—can contact glenn@gforcehockey.com and other players, students, coaches and
or call 303-808-1116. They’ll be paired with support staff.
a G-Force player, of whom there are many.
TTOUTFIELD continued page 15
the fun guide
DECEMBER 2010
ACCESSline’s STATEWIDE
Recurring Events List
The following list is provided by—and
corrected by—ACCESSline readers like you. If
you would like to add an event, or if you notice
a mistake in this list, please email editor@
ACCESSlineIOWA.com.
Interest Group Abbreviations:
L: Lesbian
G: Gay
B: Bisexual
T: Transgender
D: Drag
+: HIV-related
M: General Men’s Interest
W: General Women’s Interest
A: General Interest
K: Kids and Family
Sunday
1st and 3rd Sunday of the Month,
TANGO LESSONS AT CSPS, 3-6pm, at 1103 3rd St.
SE, Cedar Rapids. Cost is $5. Everyone welcome;
no partner or experience necessary. For more info,
call Elie at 319-363-1818 or e-mail epsa@aol.com.
[LGBTMWA]
Every Sunday, GLBT AA, 5-6pm, at First Baptist
Church at 500 N. Clinton St., Iowa City. For more
info about Intergroup and Alcoholics Anonymous
call the 24-Hour Answering Service at 319-3389111 or visit the AA-IC website: http://aa-ic.org/.
[LGBTMWA]
Every Sunday, L WORD LIVES: L NIGHT, 7PM,
at the Firewater Saloon, 347 South Gilbert St.,
Iowa City, 319-321-5895. The night will start
with Season 1, Episode 1 of the L Word... because
a good thing should never die. FoLLowing the L
Word wiLL be a Drag King show at 9:30pm No
cover. Tel, 319-321-5895. [ L B T W D ]
Every Sunday, THE QUIRE: EASTERN IOWA’S
GLBT CHORUS REHEARSALS, 6-8:30pm, at Zion
Lutheran Church, 310 N. Johnson St., Iowa City.
Membership is open to all GLBT folks, as well as
allies who support the community. There are no
auditions; you only need to be willing to attend
rehearsals regularly and learn your music. The
Quire prepares two full concerts each year in the
winter and spring, and occasionally performs
shorter programs at events in the Iowa City/Cedar
Rapids area. The Quire is a member of Gay and
Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA), and has
developed a reputation for excellence and variety
in its concert programs. For more info, visit http://
www.thequire.org/. [ L G B T M W A ]
Every Sunday, QUEER GUERRILLA BRUNCH,
Locations around Iowa City to be announced each
week. LGBTQIs & Allies gather for Sunday brunch
to celebrate community and create visibility. Sign
up for future brunches on Facebook at http://www.
facebook.com/group.php?gid=120517046371 [ L
GBTMWA]
Every Sunday, RAINBOW AND ALLIED YOUTH,
8-11pm, The Center, 1300 Locust, Des Moines, IA
50309. Social group for Queer youth 25 years and
under [ L G B T ]
Monday
1st 2nd Monday of the Month, IOWA PFLAG
NORTH IOWA CHAPTER MEETING, 7pm, at First
Presbyterian Church, 100 S. Pierce St., Mason City.
Meetings are held the First and Second Monday
(alternating) of the month. For more info, call 641583-2848. [ L G B T M W A K ]
1st Monday of the Month, IOWA PFLAG QUAD
CITIES CHAPTER MEETING, 6:30pm, at Eldridge
United Methodist Church, 604 S. 2nd St., Eldridge.
For more info, call 563-285-4173. [ L G B T M W
AK]
4th Monday of the Month, IOWA PFLAG
WAUKON/NORTHEAST CHAPTER MEETING,
7pm, First Lutheran Church, 604 West Broadway
Street , Decorah, IA 52101. in the Fellowship Hall
at First Lutheran Church, Decorah. 604 West
Broadway Street. (563) 382-2638‎ [ L G B T M W
A]
Every Monday, DES MOINES GAY MEN’S
CHORUS REHEARSALS, 7-9:30pm, Plymouth
Congregational Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue,
Des Moines, IA . For more information about
singing with the Chorus, contact Rebecca Gruber
at 515-865-9557. The Des Moines Gay Men’s
Chorus does not discriminate on the basis of
sexual orientation. [ G M A ]
Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Friday Saturday, HAMBURGER MARY’S WEEKLY
HAPPENINGS at 222 Glenbrook Dr. SE, Cedar
Rapids, off of 1st Ave. Mondays – Charity Bingo at
8pm with a special guest hostess; Tuesdays – Kid’s
Night; Wednesdays – Game Night; Thursdays –
Mary-oke with Nic from 9pm to 1am; Fridays –
Drag Show at 9pm (all ages) and 11pm (21 and
over); Saturdays – Open Mic Night followed by
Drag Show at 9pm (all ages) and 11pm (21 and
over). For more info, e-mail hamburgermaryscr@
mchsi.com or visit www.hamburgermaryscr.com.
[LGBTMWAKD]
Every Monday Wednesday Thursday Saturday,
GLBT ONLY AA MEETINGS IN DES MOINES, 6pm
- SAT 5pm, at 945 19th St. (east side of building,
south door). [ L G B T M W A ]
Tuesday
2nd Tuesday of the Month, IOWA PFLAG AMES
CHAPTER MEETING, 7pm, Youth and Shelter
Services Offices, 420 Kellogg Ave., 1st Floor, Ames,
IA 50010. Meets in the Paul Room of Youth and
Shelter Services at 420 Kellogg Avenue, Ames. For
more info, call 515-291-3607. [ L G B T M W A K ]
2nd Tuesday of the Month, GLRC OF CEDAR
RAPIDS BOARD MEETING, 6:30-8pm, Cedar
Rapids, IA . at 6300 Rockwell Dr, Cedar Rapids.
Meetings are open to the general public. For more
info, call 319-366-2055 or visit: http://www.
crglrc.org/. [ L G B T M W A ]
2nd Tuesday of the Month, SPIRITUAL
SEEKERS, 7-8:30pm, Iowa City, IA . at Trinity
Episcopal Church, 320 E. College St, Iowa City.
Spiritual Seekers is a group for people of all
faiths, or of little faith, who wish to make deeper
connections between their sexual identities and
the spiritual dimension in their lives. Meetings
include discussion of specialized topics, telling of
pieces of our faith journeys, and occasional prayer
and meditation. (On the 4th Tuesday of each
month, the group gathers at a local restaurant
for food and fellowship.) For more info, contact
Tom Stevenson: tbstevenson@mchsi.com or
319.354.1784. [ L G B T M W A ]
Every Tuesday, OUT (OUR UNITED TRUTH):
A GLBT SUPPORT GROUP, 7-8:30pm, Peoples
Church Unitarian Universalist, 600 3rd Avenue
Southeast, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401. For more info,
call 563-359-0816. [ L G B T M W A ]
Every Tuesday, ACE INCLUSIVE BALLROOM,
7-8:30pm, Old Brick, 26 East Market Street,
Iowa City, IA 52245. All skill levels are welcome.
American social dance, Latin, a mix of dance from
the last 100 years. For more info, contact Mark
McCusker at iowadancefest@gmail.com, 319621-8530 or Nora Garda at 319-400-4695, or visit
http://iowadancefest.blogspot.com/. [ L G B T M
WA]
Every Tuesday, ARGENTINE TANGO, 7:309:30pm, Iowacity/Johnson Co Senior Center, 28
South Linn Street, Iowa City, IA 52240. Practice
and open dance. A donation of $1-2 per person is
requested for use of the Senior Center. For more
info, contact Karen Jackson at 319-447-1445 or
e-mail kljedgewood@msn.com. [ L G B T M W A ]
Every Tuesday, KARAOKE IDOL, 9pm, Studio
13, 13 South Linn Street, Iowa City, IA 52240.
Drink specials and great competition! Visit www.
sthirteen.com. [ L G B T M W A ]
Every Tuesday, ACE HAS FACE THE MUSIC
& DANCE, 7-9pm, 26 E Market St, Iowa City,
IA 52245. All skill levels are welcome. Tango,
Waltz, Disco, Country, American social dance,
Latin, a mix from the last 100 years. Join on
Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.
php?gid=372454708295. For more info, contact
ACE experiment at 319-853-8223. [ L G B T M W
A]
First and Third Tuesday, YOUTH FOR
EQUALITY, 4-6pm, The CENTER, 1300 W Locust
St, Des Moines, IA 50309. A service and action
group for youth who identify as LGBTQI and their
allies. Open to all students in grades 5 through 12.
TTEVENTS continued page 28
OUTFIELD
Panelists Andrew Goldstein (a G-Force
player better known for his All-American
lacrosse achievements at Dartmouth
College), David Farber (University of Pennsylvania) and Blake Anderson (Central
Hockey League) shared personal stories.
“Some of the main points were that
everyone has a different experience, but the
general language in a locker room is a big
problem in sports,” Goldstein says. “Upon
coming out we found that our coaches
were sometimes big allies who wanted to
be mentors/educators and do the right
thing to protect their athletes and create a
supportive environment.”
Goldstein also notes that “in general, we
should give our teammates more credit to
change. Although they may denigrate gays
in the locker room, they don’t generally
mean harm by it. Once they’re more aware
HOLLYWOOD
now and it does wonders for people like
you. Furthermore, if a poll were taken right
now, it would be unanimous that audiences
really want to hear you take on Warrant’s
“Cherry Pie.”
Drew Barrymore’s next
Angels idea
You can thank Drew Barrymore’s tenacious producing skills and this season’s
successful reboot of ’70s TV staple Hawaii
Five-0 for the following bit of news: Charlie’s
Angels may be returning to your television
screens. The big-screen version starring
Barrymore, Lucy Liu and Cameron Diaz was
successful enough to spawn a somewhat less
successful sequel. But the Angels have always
really been more at home on the small screen.
And after a year in development, three new
crime-fighting ladies are headed back to the
set for a pilot. Production is scheduled to take
place in Miami early in 2011, which means
there’s not much time to assemble a powerful triad of sexy, smart, hair-flipping women
to fill the shoes of the legendary Kate, Jaclyn
and Farrah. An entire squadron of executives
is trying to figure out how to meet Megan
Fox’s salary quote right now.
True Blood to feature
even more lesbians
In the great battle of Gayest Show On
Television That’s Not Already The A List:
New York, most people would simply declare
Glee the winner. But that’s just because those
people haven’t gotten on board the True
Blood train yet. Not even counting the gay
man-vamps, TB is a homopalooza of sexy
femme ghouls, a lesbian blood utopia. So why
ACCESSline Page 15
that their words hurt a teammate, they can
change dramatically.”
Though Goldstein felt the audience
reaction in Toronto was very positive, he
knows that “these sessions tend to attract
those with similar views. We need to make
sure the message reaches all types of people,
including those who never consider gays in
sports an issue or a reality.”
G-Force’s next step, he says, is to speak
in high schools and to youth programs,
reaching younger closeted athletes and
their straight teammates and coaches.
Then, perhaps, a program like ABS would
no longer be needed.
For more information about G-Force,
visit gforcehockey.com.
Dan Woog is a journalist, educator,
soccer coach, gay activist, and author of the
“Jocks” series of books on gay male athletes.
Visit his Web site at www.danwoog.com. He
can be reached care of this publication or at
OutField@qsyndicate.com.
not add another next season? That’s what
will happen with new character “Naomi,”
an Asian-American cage fighter who enjoys
the company of other females when not
fighting them to the death. The possibilities
for entanglements with the shows other
lez-leaning ladies like Kristin Bauer, Evan
Rachel Wood, Jessica Tuck and Lindsey Haun
are practically endless. No one’s been cast
in the role of Naomi yet, but that sound you
just heard was every Asian actress in Hollywood practicing kickboxing moves and their
sensually-biting-stuff techniques.
Sarah Silverman takes
off her clothes for Sarah
Polley
Acclaimed actor-director Sarah Polley
(Dawn of The Dead) has already wowed
critics with her Julie Christie-starring feature
Away From Her and expectations are high
for her upcoming comedy Take This Waltz,
starring Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen.
Sarah Silverman has been part of the cast for
a while now, as Rogen’s sister, but news of
her shooting a nude scene for the film has
just surfaced. Strangely enough, this news
has reverberated around the Internet not
so much among lesbians or straight men,
but among her gay male fans. Silverman has
long been a champion of gay rights and of
hilariously edgy gay jokes, so she’s become
something of a queer comedy diva. And even
if her following isn’t so into the lust-inducing
properties of her “big naturals” (as she
frequently refers to them) it seems they’re
very much on board for her decision to finally
show them off to the world. The opportunity
to pay good money for this show of flesh is
coming along in 2011.
Romeo San Vicente believes that naked
people are inherently hilarious. He can be
reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.
“... Falling in love will not send you to hell. Love is beautiful. You are beautiful. Sex with someone you love is always beautiful. I love you, Uncle Ronnie.”
— The end of a letter from Randy Roberts Potts to his Uncle, Ron Roberts,
who committed suicide in 1982, as presented in Mr. Potts’ video for
the It Gets Better Project. (Ron Roberts was the son of the anti-gay
televangelist, Oral Roberts. Mr. Potts is Oral Roberts’ grandson. Ron
Roberts was gay, and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his
heart six months after coming out.)
the fun guide
ACCESSline Page 16
DECEMBER 2010
Hear Me Out by Chris Azzopardi
Sugarland,
The Incredible Machine
CEDAR AIDS SUPPORT SYSTEM
Having already bent country music
during their glorious hit-making, genreshaking run, change seemed inevitable for
power-duo Sugarland’s fourth album. And
on the slick The Incredible Machine, the
restless twosome of Jennifer Nettles and
Kristian Bush are coloring so far outside
the lines they’re not even on the right page
– twisting their rural-living construct, built
on career pinnacles “Baby Girl” and “Stay,”
into a bustling downtown of whomp-whomp
drums and ’80s-zinged anthems. Country
purists will gasp at some of their admirable
risk-taking: a reggae breakdown on “Stuck
Like Glue,” synth sounds, and a thing for arena
rock. Suddenly, Sugarland’s not down-home –
they’re country’s answer to U2. Nettles blasts
tunes like bombastic opener “All We Are” and
nostalgic torch song “Tonight” into space
with her powerhouse pipes, but it’s not her
singing that’s off. Whereas previous Sugar-
land outings thrived on imagery-speckled
narratives, The Incredible Machine switches
on the generic platitudes, power messages of
hope and love delivered with heart but less
ingenuity. “Stand Up” seems written for our
times, a call-to-change chant that could be the
It Gets Better theme song, while sweet piano
lifter “Shine the Light” would make a really
good Hallmark card. Both go down easy. It’s
telling, though, that the best cut is one that
sounds like classic Sugarland: “Little Miss,”
the song that stays truest to their roots. Next
time the band decides to pull a Faith Hill, they
should keep that in mind.
Grade: B-
Paula Cole, Ithaca
time she’s written every song since 1999’s
Amen, doesn’t take any dramatic detours,
resisting modern trends just like her stubborn contemporaries Sarah McLachlan and
Tori Amos. Instead, Cole returns safely to
the groundwork she laid out with decadedefining hits like “I Don’t Want to Wait,” her
sublime soprano still in check. She launches
with the lessons-learned “The Hard Way,”
a bittersweet number that’s got the grit so
much of McLachlan’s work has lost since
Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. The demise of
Cole’s relationship, obvious by simply scanning the track names (“Waiting on a Miracle,”
“Elegy,” “P.R.E.N.U.P.”), carries her through
the self-referential 10 tracks, ending with
optimism on “2 Lifetimes.” She speaks her
mind on “Somethin’ I’ve Gotta Say,” especially
conjuring heyday Cole, and gushes over her
daughter on the sweet “Violet Eyes.” And
then there’s “Sex”—softcore porn that plays
over a slinky eight minutes with pillow talk
like, “I’m picturing you as I touch my inside.”
Even if the horny and heartbroken Ithaca
sounds more like the album Cole needed to
make than the one we needed to hear, she
sometimes touches you there too.
Grade: B-
Also Out
Oh how the years go by—except for
Paula Cole, who’s stuck in her ’90s glory days
like she never left the original Lilith Fair or
shaved her armpits. But without hairy situations, of course referring to her divorce, we
wouldn’t have Ithaca. Cole’s fifth LP, the first
Robbie Williams,
In and Out of Consciousness – The
Greatest Hits 1990-2010
Solo suited Robbie Williams just fine,
as he made viable bids on a chunk of pop
stardom—many of which are included on
this 39-track career retrospective. Williams’
dexterity as a recording artist is spotlighted
over two CDs, gleaning tracks from as far
back as his days as a boy-bander in Take
That. “Shame,” the leadoff single, is a countrycandied song, but hardly the best of the set.
Look to disc two for that, where there’s his
biggest hit, “Angels.” And Nicole Kidman. And
Kylie Minogue.
Jason Mraz, Life is Good
Music’s goodwill ambassador—and
outspoken ally—sums up his lifework in the
title credo of this five-song digital EP, offering
a more aggressive take on “Coyotes,” off his
latest studio album, and four new selections.
They keep his proverbial mojo of looseygoosey going with the jazzy “Freedom Song,”
dancey “San Disco Reggaefornia” and the
swaying sweetness of “Up.” That they’re live
is all the more cool since Mraz is even better
when there’s a crowd to play for.
Dar Williams,
Many Great Companions
Best known to the queer community
because of her gender-bending contribution “When I Was a Boy,” the regarded folkie
splits her latest release into two discs: one
for as-originally-recorded favorites, another
for acoustic, collaborative takes on them.
Mary Chapin Carpenter gently caresses
the chorus of the beautiful “The One Who
Knows,” while out musician Patty Larkin
adds an understated vocal to the new “Boy.”
A two-decade career deserves something as
good—and full—as this.
Chris Azzopardi can be reached online at
chris@pridesource.com.
Serving Northeast Iowa by:
- Offering confidential support services with
compassion and respect for the diversity of
those impacted by HIV or AIDS
- Increasing awareness and understanding in
communities
- Offering CASS services free of charge
319.272.2437 | 800.617.1972
www.cvhospice.org
CASS
A program of Cedar Valley Hospice
the fun guide
DECEMBER 2010
ACCESSline Page 17
What’s Cooking with Doc by Dr. Michael Fenster
Have your cake and eat it
too this holiday season
Dr. Michael Fenster, MD, F.A.C.C., FSCA&I,
PEMBA, and chef, says the holidays do not
have to be a culinary wasteland of depravation [we think he means “deprivation” but
either way… ].
Tampa, FL—To eat or not to eat … that
is the question we ask the most during the
holidays. Is it better to stick to our diets or
to allow ourselves a few morsels of culinary
delights? Dr. Michael Fenster, chef and practicing cardiologist, says absolutely not! He
says studies have shown that we do better
on a diet or healthy eating program when we
allow ourselves a bit of a treat.
”What makes the holiday season so difficult for so many people is that it is not just a
weekend event like a Memorial Day backyard
grill, but a non-stop barrage from October
through January,” explains Fenster. “We are
inundated with offerings everywhere; in
the media, at workplace and every point in
between. If we are not careful we can find
ourselves caught back into a sugar-salt-fat
vicious cycle.”
To allow for some culinary holiday cheer
without falling into the abyss, Dr. Fenster
recommends adapting some of Grassroots
Gourmet principles to combat the holiday
treat temptation:
Timing and Proportion:
If you are attending holiday parties and
plan to sample the wares, mark that time
and place. Once you arrive and see what is
offered, make your decision and pace yourself. Think of the treats the way you would a
wine tasting; a little sample of this and a little
sample of that spaced out over the course of
the event. Allowing at least 15-20 minutes
between samplings will allow time for your
stomach to signal the brain you’ve eaten some
yummies. Before you know it, you’ll feel satiated with a lot less than if you had come in
and sampled everything all at once.
Be Fresh:
Don’t be tempted by the pre-packaged
offerings. These are not only often higher
in calories but loaded with food and flavor
modifiers. If you’re going indulge, hold out for
that fresh, handmade treat—make it count!
Limit Your Exposure:
There are plenty of enticements all
around. Do not purchase pre-packaged treats
to keep around the house. If it isn’t there, you
can’t eat it.
During the holidays, Dr. Fenster also
recommends that we plan to maintain our
current weight, whatever that is, and not
try to lose weight. “Enjoy the holidays in a
guilt free fashion—that’s food for the soul!
Consider not gaining excessive weight during
the holidays as your goal and getting back to
the exercise and weight loss after the New
Year will be much easier.”
To add to your holiday cheer, Dr. Fenster
offers up this delicious dessert.
Eggnog Crème Brûlée topped with
Rum Caramel
Makes 6 – 4 ounce servings
360 calories per serving; 29g fat; 22g
carbohydrate
Here is a fantastic holiday dessert.
The comforting flavors of a classic eggnog
delivered in the sumptuous form of a
velvety smooth crème brûlée. Straining the
liquid ensures a smooth creamy texture; the
definition of the crème brûlée. The natural
organic sugar, a 1:1 replacement for white
refined sugar, has subtle molasses notes
that give the brûlée some additional depth
and merge seamlessly into the topping.
The dark rum caramel compliments the
brûlée’s spice notes and adds a dark rich,
caramel toffee taste along with a satisfying crunch.
Crème Brûlée:
• 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup brandy
• ½ cup organic sugar (divided into two ¼
cup portions)
• 8 egg yolks
• 1 vanilla bean
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
1.Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place
six 4 to 6 ounce ramekins in a roasting
pan, and fill the pan with water so that
the water comes up halfway to the tops
of the ramekins.
2.In a medium saucepan over medium heat
bring ¼ cup of sugar, cream, brandy and
the contents of the vanilla bean (add the
bean as well, you will remove it later) to
a simmer.
3.In a stand mixer, or other bowl whip
the egg yolks with the remaining ¼ cup
of sugar until the yolks turn a lighter,
paler yellow. Add in the cinnamon and
nutmeg.
4.Remove the vanilla bean from the heated
cream. Slowly, a little at a time, add ½ of
the hot cream mixture to temper the egg
yolk mixture.
5.Add the remaining cream and strain the
liquid through a fine mesh strainer.
6.Divide the liquid among the ramekins.
Place in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes
until set, but the middle still trembles
slightly.
7.Remove and chill at least 2 hours in the
refrigerator, or overnight. Prior to serving, remove the brûlées and top with the
rum caramel (recipe follows).
8.To top the dessert, place a little hot caramel in the middle then swirl the ramekins
until the caramel coats the edges.
Rum Caramel:
• ¼ cup dark rum
• 1 cup organic sugar (1:1 replacement for
refined granulated white sugar)
Be extremely careful when cooking
with melted sugar; it is hot and sticky.
Keep an ice bath close by in case the
sugar splatters onto you.
1.Heat a medium sauté pan over medium
heat and add the sugar rum mixture.
The alcohol will cook out leaving the
flavored sugar.
2.The sugar will then start to liquefy, gently
stir so that it does not burn in any one
place.
3.The sugar will turn a deep rich brown and
start to smoke. Heat for one more minute
then remove and top the desserts.
ABOUT MICHAEL FENSTER, MD,
F.A.C.C., FSCA&I, PEMBA
Michael Fenster combines his culinary
talents and Asian philosophy with medical
expertise, creating winning recipes for
healthy eating. He is frequently asked to
present live cooking demonstrations as
well as giving numerous radio interviews
on health and food shows both nationally
and internationally. Michael is a certified
wine professional and chef, receiving his
culinary degree from Ashworth University
where he graduated with honors. He has
worked professionally in kitchens prior to
entering medical school and maintained
his passion for food and wine throughout
his medical career. Mike helped manage
the award winning Napa Alley in Roanoke,
Virginia, and hosted a local cable TV
cooking show, “What’s Cookin’ with Doc”
in Dublin, GA. He has written columns for
SheKnows.com and HealthyAging.net, is a
regular columnist for the culinary magazine Basil and News-Link.net, as well as
a member of their Council of Chefs and a
monthly health and fitness contributor to
The Tampa Tribune. He recently cooked up
heart healthy fall soup on the nationally
syndicated television show “Daytime.”
Michael Fenster, MD, is a Board Certified Interventional Cardiologist, currently
on staff with the Cardiology Specialists of
Florida at Hernando Heart Clinic. He has
participated in numerous clinical trials and
spoken nationally on a variety of cardiovascular topics to audiences ranging from lay
public to peer presentations at the American
Heart Association and American College of
Cardiology meetings. He has also published
numerous professional peer reviewed
articles and served as an Assistant Professor
of Medicine at North East Ohio University
College of Medicine (NEOUCOM). Michael
recently graduated summa cum laude from
Auburn University’s Physician’s Executive
MBA program. Michael holds a JuDan (10th degree black
belt) ranking in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu,
which he has studied over the last three
decades. He lives in Spring Hill, Florida, with
his wife Jennifer.
To see cooking demonstrations with
Michael Fenster and more recipes, visit
WhatsCookingWithDoc.com.
Recipes © Michael Fenster
www.WhatsCookingWithDoc.com
“No wonder they have so many houses! They need
them to keep all their different beliefs in.”
- Jon Stewart on Cindy and John McCain’s changing
stances on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
ACCESSline Page 18
the fun guide
DECEMBER 2010
The Gay Wedding Planner: Donning That Gay Apparel by Beau Fodor
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, your
friends and family are
gathered around you, and
the church or venue is
already fabulously decorated. Why not have a
Christmas wedding? Here
are ideas and tips to have
a fantastic Christmas
wedding with all the trimmings. (Not to mention
“budget friendly”, too…
just sayin’!)
Red and green are
natural colors for a Christmas wedding—it is likely
that your church or venue site will already be
decorated in red and green for other events
and holiday parties. But don’t feel limited to
this palette. Other possibilities, which will
work with existing decorations, include:
• silver and white
• silver and light blue
• burgundy, forest green, and gold (as
long as the existing decorations aren’t
too primary)
• gold and cream
• aqua/teal and red (my new personal
favorite!)
You’ll want to reflect the season and your
theme, but you won’t want your invitation to
look like a holiday card. The solution? Forgo
a folded card, opting for the traditional thick
white card, with a border and engraved or
thermo-graphed text. You can highlight the
Christmas wedding theme in the border with
white snowflakes, an elegant holly trim, or a
drawing of a poinsettia.
Since people make plans for the holidays
well ahead of time and often have many
parties and events to attend at this time of
year, you’ll want to send your invitations a
little bit early—about 12 weeks before the
event. You might also consider “save the date”
cards in addition to the invitations, which will
ensure that those most important to you will
be able to attend.
Wedding Cake Gift Tower:
Having each tier look like an individually
wrapped package is a popular look that is
perfect for a Christmas wedding. You might
also do a take on a Bûche de Noël or yule log,
with a tiered chocolate cake that has holly—
either real or made of gum paste—cascading
down the side. Use marzipan—an almond
paste used in many holiday
desserts—as a filling.
That Gay Apparel
A lean, one-button
velvet blazer worn with
great fitting jeans has that
simple chic sophistication in the style of Jude
Law. Think about layering a T-shirt with a thin
V-neck or a bold dress
shirt without the tie. The
understated combination
of a rich fabric like velvet
worn with something
casual like a pair of jean
gives the look a wonderful feeling of hip,
dressed-down elegance that’s perfect for
a creative business environment or house
party. If the climate is too warm for velvet, try
wearing a lightweight polished wool blazer
instead, or just the spiffier shirt.
If you’re in a more conservative sector,
try the new slim, two-button suit silhouette
which really spotlights a gorgeous colored
shirt and tie. You can wear your gray suit, but
go the extra mile when choosing a shirt color.
Instead of an ordinary pale blue, wear vivid
lavender with a rich eggplant tie. Or, wear a
deep jade French cuff shirt worn a bit open
without a tie for a Hollywood insider look.
Don’t forget a pair of goldtone aviator-style
sunglasses for your
grand entrance!
When the invite
is definitely formal, a
fantastic-fitting tuxedo
is your best option
for looking classy and
elegant. Keep to a
French cuff shirt and
stay clear away from
those goofy-looking
vests with sports logos or teddy bears in
top hats for an eternally elegant formal
holiday look.
A Christmas wedding dress needn’t
be that different from any other kind. Wear
the one that flatters you most, and top it off
with a long red velvet cape. Or embrace the
trend of color in wedding dresses by adding
a beautiful red silk sash to the waist of your
gown. You could also seek a dress with lots
of sparkly beads and sequins to evoke the
snowiness of the season. And of course, a
faux-fur wrap and muff are always fun.
Christmas Botanicals:
Since flowers can be more expensive at
this time of year, think creatively. A mirrored
platter with pillar candles and sprigs of holly
is both elegant and romantic. Buy ornaments
in bulk on-line, and create centerpieces of
bowls or vases of ornaments. For a simple
but elegant look, put pots of poinsettia with
a ribbon trim in the center of each table. Fake
snow used to be tacky, but there are now
very good products available. Set candles
or small flower arrangements in the middle
of snow. And for my favorite touch, use fake
snow instead of an aisle runner. Or, you can
always hire a snow-making machine to really
make your Christmas wedding a winter
wonderland.
What about…
A NEW YEARS EVE
WEDDING
This is personally one of my all-time
favorites! Here’s a list of how to get started
for your New Year’s Eve nuptials:
1.Reserve your ceremony and reception
locations. Be aware many venues may
be reserved for New Year’s Eve parties.
Try to make reservations more than a
year in advance, if possible. Schedule the
times for night, starting your reception at
around 8pm so your guests will be there
at midnight to ring in
the New Year.
Inform guests
2.
well in advance with
a save the date notification before sending
invitations. Because
it’s a holiday, many
people may have
standing plans or
reservations they’ll
need to cancel. Do this as soon as you have
officially determined the date, aiming for
at least six months in advance.
3.Plan your food and drinks. Since guests
will be eating later, it’s a good idea to just
stick with hors d’oeuvres and dessert for
food. Mention in the invitation that guests
should eat something beforehand and
you’ll be serving snacks and appetizers
since they’ll be eating later than usual.
Make sure you include lots of champagne
on your drink list, as well as coffee.
4.Decide on wedding colors and attire.
Beau Fodor is an Iowa wedding planner
who focuses specifically on weddings
for the LGBT community. He is also
the host of the new docu-reality show
“BRIDES & GROOMS”, which is co-produced
by Pilgrim Films and Coolfire Media,
and will be premiering this winter on
cable television. Beau can be reached
through iowasgayweddingplanner.com or
gayweddingswithpanache.com.
Having a wedding on New Year’s Eve
is a good opportunity to do a black tie
event. Everyone will enjoy the chance
to dress up to ring in the year. Black,
gold and silver are the colors typically
associated with New Year’s, so use those
if you can.
5.Send invitations to your guests. Do this
around three months in advance instead
of the usual two-month timeframe used
for wedding invitations.
6.Plan your decorations and flowers for
the wedding. Think about incorporating
the Christmas decor already in place!
When doing a black tie theme, red and
white roses are a great choice for flowers.
Include noise makers, confetti and party
hats. Have a big clock or TV for the
countdown.
7.Purchase party accessories and favors
to go with the New Year’s Eve theme.
Good examples are personal champagne
bottles, fortune cookies, a CD with the
songs which were a hit during the past
year, bells which say ring in the new year
with your names or personalized calendars for the year to come (do it yourself
or use the local copy shop).
DECEMBER 2010
the fun guide
ACCESSline Page 19
ACCESSline Page 20
the fun guide
DECEMBER 2010
the fun guide
DECEMBER 2010
Simply Cher by Chris Azzopardi
Photo: Screen Gems
Legend talks
film comeback, being a
gay icon, and son Chaz
They don’t make ’em like Cher anymore.
The superdiva, and queen of all gay icons,
has been able to successfully pull off singing
and acting throughout her nearly 50-year
career—and she does both in Burlesque, her
long-awaited return to the big screen out Nov.
24. Cher’s role as Tess, an L.A. club owner who
gives a small-town girl (Christina Aguilera
in her acting debut) a shot at fulfilling her
dream as a singer, is the Oscar winner’s first
major part since Tea with Mussolini over a
decade ago.
“Tess is a character who, in the face of
great adversity, manages to pull herself up
by her bootstraps and rise like a phoenix—
and that is Cher,” says writer-director Steven
Antin, who nabbed the actress for his bigbudget film debut.
Breaking from her Las Vegas show at
Caesars Palace, which closes in February
after three years, Cher coolly strutted into
a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly
Hills, Calif., with a big smirk and an off-theshoulder sequined shirt—proof that the
legend’s not letting her 64 years get in the
way of sustaining her sexiness.
Sitting in was Stanley Tucci, who plays
her gay assistant and pal (much like the actor
did in The Devil Wears Prada, alongside Meryl
Streep). The two stars laughed a lot over the
dirty texts they shared and the scenes they
shot together. Cher also talked about her
indecisiveness over doing Burlesque, why gay
men adore her, and shooting an “It Gets Better”
video with daughter-turned-son Chaz Bono.
There’s no question that this is an
incredibly gay movie.
Cher: (Laughs) One guy said, “This is
gay Fantasia!”
How does this rank among the gayest
things you have done in your career?
Cher: Not even anywhere! It doesn’t
even rank. I don’t think of it as a gay film,
but of course gay guys love musicals. And it’s
fun! Gay guys like to have fun, and so I think
that’s what it is.
Do they, Stanley?
Stanley Tucci: How would I know?
(Sarcasm)
Cher: He’s just an actor!
You’ve played gay now for Cher and
Meryl Streep. Who’s the better boss?
ST: (Points to Cher) Well, she’s much
nicer.
Cher: That’s right—Meryl was horrible!
(Both laugh)
Gay men have always been a big part
of your career. Can you reflect on that?
Cher: I’ve said this many times, but I
think gay men either love you or they don’t
even notice you’re alive on the planet. And if
they do love you they kind of stick with you
through thick and through thin, even when
you’re not popular. They recognize kindred
spirits that don’t really fit into society, either.
And, of course, there’s sequins.
Cher, we haven’t seen you onscreen in
a long time. What about Burlesque drew
you back?
Cher: You know, I just wanted to sing.
I wanted to sing in a film. It was my heart’s
desire from the time I was about 4, so that’s
what I wanted to do. I didn’t want the film (at
first); this was a process. I thought that (Tess)
could be a good role. It wasn’t exactly what I
wanted in the beginning, but she did turn out
to be who I thought she should be.
What do you love about Tess?
Cher: She’s my kind of girl. I love that
she’s working really hard and she’s not
getting anyplace but she’s not giving up. I
love the relationship she has with all the
(burlesque) girls and with him (Tucci).
She’s a very likable character, so it’s not
like you’re taking a big risk. In the beginning
she was so not likable, and I just kept saying,
“She’s just complaining and she’s angry with
the girls and yelling at them all the time.” I
just thought somebody like this would’ve
just sold the club.
One of Tess’ best moments is the
musical number “You Haven’t Seen the
Last of Me.” How do you personally identify with that song?
Cher: Stanley and I were talking about
this. If you’ve been in this business, you know
what being down is, and if you keep going
then you know what struggling through
down means.
Many have tried to transition from
pop diva to actress, and many have
failed—but you were one who’s done it
spectacularly. What advice did you have
for Christina?
ST: It’s not going to work for Christina.
We’ve discussed this, and Christina knows
it. (Laughs)
Cher: (Laughs) I think a couple of things
had to happen for her to feel comfortable with
me, because she didn’t know me. We met a
week before (filming began), and she had to
realize that I was going to be there to support
her and not do any kind of weird actress
crap. I really saw as we went on, our scenes
together just got better and better. I think she
really has the talent to keep going.
Cher: I would’ve never done this (as my
first film). The first thing that was on film (in
my acting career) was an ensemble piece,
but the first thing that was a film (1983’s
Silkwood), I had no idea what I was doing
and I was holding (Meryl Streep’s) hand
through it.
How do you think your performance
playing gay in Silkwood stands up to gay
characters now?
Cher: I don’t think you “play gay.”
ST: You don’t.
Cher: I didn’t. If you look at her, she was
just a person, and you just play a person. I
think for Stanley it was more of a stretch,
but the truth is we giggle like (we did in) that
first scene all the time. He makes me laugh
hysterically, and I just don’t think you play
that. (Looks at Tucci) I don’t think in The
Lovely Bones you played a murderer; you
played a person.
How was it for you and Stanley to
connect as characters?
Cher: We don’t get along to this day!
(Laughs)
ST: It was awful; they’re paying me for
these interviews. (Laughs) It was great. I was
very nervous to meet Cher, there’s no doubt
about it. But once we started working, we
got along very well and we had a great time.
In fact, they had to wrangle us in to keep us
from laughing all the time.
Did you improvise while filming?
Cher: There’s that part where we’re
at the rack hanging clothes and at the end
he grabs me with his legs—that was so not
expected! (Laughs)
ST: (Laughs) No one would actually
write that in the script.
Cher: I remember when I opened the
rack and he looked at me, I just started laughing hysterically. That wasn’t in (the movie).
We would go off on our little tangents. It was
fun for us and I think when you’re having fun
on the screen, people get it.
Some of the best scenes in the film
are the ones you both share. What was it
like off-screen?
ST: What you saw onscreen is exactly
what was happening off-screen, and I’m not
kidding. Whatever that relationship was is
the relationship that this is.
Cher: He makes me laugh hysterically,
and I just make him roll his eyes and smile.
That’s the truth. (Both laugh)
ST: It’s true, because she’s really filthy.
ACCESSline Page 21
Cher: No, it’s not true! I swear!
ST: I’m going to show you a text…
(Laughs)
Cher: We do have several texts that I
hope never see the light of day.
Cher, did you get to wear any Bob
Mackie?
Cher: One (for the number) “Welcome to
Burlesque.” That was done specially for the
film; I just don’t happen to have those things
(in my closet). I have a lot. In my auction I
gave the ones I didn’t really love away, but
the ones I love, I’m going to keep them until
they fall apart.
You wore something to the MTV Video
Music Awards this year that was very
similar to the outfit in the “If I Could Turn
Back Time” video. Was that planned?
Cher: I wear that every night (laughs). I
just had it and I didn’t have time to think of
an outfit and thought it would be fun.
What’s next for you?
Cher: There’s an album, but I haven’t
been able to get to it. That’s going to be the
next thing I really want to do—unless a movie
with Stanley comes up.
You also voice a character in 2011’s
animated film Zookeeper.
Cher: Yeah, I play a lioness: Sylvester
Stallone’s wife (laughs). It’s not a big part;
it was my first voiceover and it was really
great. That’s how they cornered me, because
when I came out—I had been there for hours
and I was really tired and I walked out the
door—there was Steven (Antin, the Burlesque
director) and Clint (Culpepper, president of
Screen Gems). Clint got down on one knee
and said, “You have to come to the office!”
And so I did.
Clint said you tried to pull out of
the film. Was that only because of the
character?
Cher: Yeah. In life I don’t know what
I want nearly as much as what I want in
a character. I complained a lot about the
hours—we had many 16-hour days in heels.
It was hard.
Are there plans to film a video with
Chaz for the “It Gets Better” campaign
directed toward LGBT youth?
Cher: We haven’t talked about it. She’s
been… she, I do this all the time; the pronouns
are just f----d. He’s doing the documentary
and this book, so that’s been taking up all
the time.
Looking back at your early career,
what advice would you give yourself?
Cher: Shut my mouth! (Laughs)
ST: You would shut your mouth?
Cher: Yeah, I would shut my mouth a
lot more than I have in my life. I wouldn’t
have done anything different because you
just do what you do, sometimes it works and
sometimes it doesn’t. You just have to keep
going. Mistakes are just mistakes.
“Let’s adjust our pacemakers, and show a bit of respect toward all people.
Or should we not eat our Christmas ham this year? It is one of the things that
are prohibited in the Fifth Book of Genesis.”
— Wille Riekkinen, Bishop of Kuopio, Finland (in the Synod of the Finnish
Evangelical Lutheran Church), regarding conservative objections to Synod’s
approval of prayer services for the union of same-sex couples. (The “prayer
services” are not official “blessing ceremonies,” much less marriage, but
are seen as a compromise to allow “respect” for same-sex couples while
maintaining marriage as strictly a male+female arrangement.)
ACCESSline Page 22
the fun guide
DECEMBER 2010
DECEMBER 2010
the fun guide
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Cocktail Chatter by Ed Sikov
1 Part October, 4 Parts
American Musical
Theater
The late-summer doldrums had set
in, and it was only 10 o’clock on Saturday
morning. Robbie was entirely red from head
to toe—hair, face, neck, chest hair (and the
skin underneath), legs and feet. Ever arrogant, he’d accented his sunburn by wearing
a pair of bright orange gym trunks with the
word “PRIDE!” spelled out in crimson letters.
He was sprawled on a shaded deck chaise
drinking iced coffee in misery. Kyle was on the
couch inside, not as red, but just as unhappy.
The puppies had had a bitter fight a half-hour
earlier about some issue involving one of the
bartenders in town, and their yapping was so
painful that the rest of us left the room. I skittered around the deck drenching our tired,
baked container flowers in MiracleGro in the
futile hope of making them look like they
did in June. Dan, of course, was upstairs in
our room all morning reading neuroscience
journals, avoiding the whole bad scene.
We all went to the beach at noon, as
usual, but were back home by 1:30—the
sun was too relentless, the sand too hostile.
The puppies hadn’t kissed and made up
yet, but they were in the same room, which
was a positive sign. The house had the faint,
funky aroma of, well, six overheated men
in a funk.
Dan, Kyle, Robbie and I arranged
ourselves around the living room trying to
pretend that the moving air from our single
rotating fan was enough. (Note to self: Why
were we so cheap that we hadn’t bought a
second one?). Craig couldn’t stand sitting still
and had lumbered into the kitchen. He was
going through the liquor cabinet, hoping to
find some sort of hidden treasure. I hoped
he’d find it, since I was at a total loss as to
what to make for “le cocktail du weekend.”
My imagination was fried.
Because of a regrettable scene two
weeks earlier, we’d been forced to label our
own bottles as though this was a boarding
house. No more share and share alike. Craig,
the showman, seized on that uncomfortable
fact and ran with it. “Hmmm,” he began in
his vaudevillian, let-the-comedy-begin voice.
“Here’s Ed’s Absolut! See? It says ‘E-d’ on it.
‘Ed!’ ” He waved the bottle in the air and set it
down. “And here’s Dan’s Pernod. ‘D-a-n.’ And
Joe’s Beefeater, and Kyle’s Kahlua. ‘K-i-l-e.’ ”
He paused for dramatic emphasis. “But…”
Then, in a pitch-perfectly hoarse imitation
of a certain actress-chanteuse, he sang
out, “It’s everybody’s RYE! RYE! RYE! RYE!
RYYYYYYE!”
Dan and I dissolved in laughter. The
puppies were mystified. “Who’s he doing?”
Kyle asked Robbie. “I have no idea,” Robbie
answered.
“Elaine…” I began but couldn’t stop
laughing. “Stritch!” Dan managed to get out.
“In (gasp) Company!” The puppies both still
looked blank.
“I’ve got it!” I shouted. “Le Cocktail du
Weekend!”
“What do you make with rye?” Dan asked
through his tears of mirth.
“No! No! Vodka Stingers!” This cracked
Dan up all over again, leaving the puppies
more baffled than ever.
“It’s from a song by Stephen Sondheim,”
I said in the insufferable professorial voice I
can never shake, having been a college professor. “‘The Ladies Who Lunch.’ We have it on
our iPods. We’ll play it later. I have to go to
the liquor store right now!” And with that, I
put on my oversized, fat-camouflaging plaid
shirt and headed for the harbor.
The Vodka Stinger (Classic Version)
• 1 part Absolut
• 1 part white creme de menthe (Do not under
any circumstances use the green variety;
show some respect for the classics, kids.)
An Updated Vodka Stinger (my own
less candy-like variation)
• 4 parts Absolut
• 1 part white creme de menthe
1.Ice.
2.Cocktail shaker.
3.Old-fashioned glasses, martini glasses, or
even brandy glasses—just give it some
style.
The Scarborough Fair
It’s very loud in the city—much louder
than any Fire Island sound system blasting
the recent archaeological discovery, Barbra
Streisand. But I’ve kept a bit of my summer
garden in preserved form, and it’s literally
a tonic.
Just before we left the beach house, I
was seized with an overwhelming need to
take something with me—something to get
me through the tough, cold northeast winter.
Dan had already put his suitcase outside
the gate when, stricken with this impulse, I
dropped my stuff, sprinted to the container
garden in the back, and ripped out bunches
of herbs.
“What are you doing?” said Dan when I
reappeared carrying two fistfuls of aromatics.
“What are you doing?” I replied as I stuffed
them into my backpack. He answered on cue:
“What are you doing?!” It’s a routine we do.
“I don’t know,” I said as I picked up my
backpack. “It’s part of a Native-American
harvest ritual.”
“Don’t be racist,” Dan scolded. We
distracted ourselves by insulting each other
as we walked to the ferry.
By the time we got home, the herbs
looked pretty sad, so to refresh them I
wrapped them in a wet towel and stuck
them in the refrigerator. I decided to make
an herbal infusion, so the next morning, I
bought a fifth of Absolut.
After doing some cursory Internet
research, I decided I knew better. (I’m obnoxious.) So I washed the ragged bouquets, dried
them in a salad spinner, and laid them out on
the counter. I hadn’t planned this desperate
harvest at all; the herbs I’d blindly grabbed
at twilight consisted of sage, thyme, tarragon,
lovage, parsley and rosemary. The infusion
ingredients instantly chose themselves:
parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Don’t you
just love that song? I put the iPod on its little
donut and set it to my Paul Simon playlist,
then gently bruised the herbs to release their
oils and juices, stuffed them in a large, clean,
Mason-type glass jar, poured the Absolut in
and sealed it.
I waited one day too long. On the third
day, the infusion was a gorgeous shade of
bright green; the next day it starting browning, and I yanked the herbs out before the
thing started to look like peat moss run-off.
The taste? Well, the Garfunkle herb mix
tasted very good, though in the future I might
just use rosemary (it’s got the best flavor)
and some parsley for color. Turning an herbal
infusion into a cocktail is easy: you can have
it straight up at room temperature, put it on
the rocks, stick the bottle in the freezer or
add some seltzer and a lime segment. Simple!
And if a guest says your handcrafted infused
vodka is not to her liking? Just tell her to go
reap it in a sickle of leather. That should shut
her up. (But what the hell does it mean?)
“The Scarborough Fair”
Get some herbs. I’d try rosemary first,
with some parsley for color. Measurements
are useless here, since the whole point is to
make it handcrafted by you. Wash and dry
the herbs thoroughly, put them in a glass jar
with a lid that seals tightly, pour in enough
Absolut to cover the herbs, and seal the jar.
Taste often. When it looks and tastes right to
you, strain the infusion back into the Absolut
bottle or the bottle or jar of your choice. Drink
it straight, or mixed with some seltzer or a
small splash of tomato juice.
In the Drink: Grappa vs.
the Bellini
“Let’s go to Italy,” Dan suggested out of
the blue.
“Yay!” I cried and jumped onto his lap. He
was reading The Economist, which got badly
crushed, and he spilled his seltzer, and I got
chewed out.
I’d never been to Italy, so to me it was a
dream-like country with 583 kinds of pasta (like
strozzaprelli, or choked priests, which conjured
images of kinky intra-clerical sex acts gone
terribly wrong), seafood antipasti, fabulous
wines and deep-fried artichokes. Oh, and the
great gay artists: the repressed Michelangelo
and Caravaggio, the bad boy of the Baroque
who wasn’t repressed at all.
Venice came first. I convinced Dan that
we should take a private water taxi to our hotel,
so we sped along the waterways directly to the
front door. That’s when Dan fell into the Grand
Canal. There he was, bobbing in the filthy water,
clutching his sinking suitcase with one hand
and grasping the dock with the other. The taxi
guy fished him out rapidamente, and the hotel
staff came rushing out shouting, and the only
things that went missing were a guidebook and
Dan’s entire self-esteem.
Reader, I couldn’t help myself: I laughed.
This was not a wise move.
We had dinner last night with our Pines
housemate Chipper, who was aghast at the
waterlogged details I dropped. “No,” he said.
“Ja wohl,” I replied darkly. Dan was furious.
“You promised you weren’t going to tell,” he
complained. “And anyway, that’s not Italian;
it’s German.”
TTCOCKTAILS continued page 28
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the fun guide
DECEMBER 2010
DECEMBER 2010
the fun guide
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Out of Town: Getting to Know Toronto by Andrew Collins
North America’s fifth-largest city,
Toronto ranks among the world’s favorite
gay urban destinations, with exceptional art
and history museums, superb shopping, two
stellar theater districts and a tourist board
keen on courting the lesbian/gay market
(bit.ly/dcsYyd). The name Toronto means
“meeting place” in the language of the native
Huron Indians, an apt moniker given how
easy it is to make new friends in the city’s
affable Church Street Gay Village.
Toronto’s popularity in recent decades
among immigrants of numerous and farreaching ethnic backgrounds has helped
infuse it with a diverse personality, exceptional culinary offerings, and an eclectic
visual and performing arts scene. Adding to
the colorful mix is that Toronto has Canada’s
largest gay and lesbian population, including
openly gay city councilors, school trustees,
and other public officials, and in general a
highly progressive political climate. The city’s
Pride Parade is one of the world’s largest, held
each year in late June and early July.
Toronto may be enormous, but it’s still
pedestrian friendly. In the early 70s, planners
debated whether to tear down much of the
city’s historic infrastructure and replace it
with high-rise housing and concrete office
parks. By and large, the government decided
to keep things as they were, promoting the
restoration of many older neighborhoods.
This policy has worked out favorably, and
downtown now contains a bounty of invigorating neighborhoods filled with well-kept,
mostly Victorian and Edwardian homes.
One of the favorite areas for exploring
is Chinatown (really more of a “Pan-Asian
town), this also near to the esteemed Art
Gallery of Ontario—which received a stunning new addition when famed architect
Frank Gehry redesigned the museum in 2008.
You’ll find not just top-notch Chinese but
also Vietnamese, Laotian, Thai, Korean, and
other Southeast-Asian eateries throughout
this neighborhood, especially along Spadina
Avenue and its neighboring blocks.
North of the city’s central Financial
District, the domain of many sleek hotels and
office towers, is the University of Toronto,
where more than 65,000 students are
enrolled. The heart of the campus is at King’s
College Circle, a small ellipse dotted with
impressive 19th- and 20th-century school
buildings. Due east lies Ontario’s governmental center, Queen’s Park, where you’ll see the
Ontario Legislative and Parliament buildings.
Just above the park is the vast Royal Ontario
Museum (ROM), which is the second-largest
museum in North America (after New York
City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art).
South of the Financial District along
the lakefront is the 100-acre Harbourfront
Centre, a former industrial wasteland that
now that’s been reinvented into an entertainment-and-retail district with a massive
antiques center, performance spaces, restaurants, and “The Pier: Toronto’s Waterfront
Museum”, which has exhibits tracing the city’s
considerable maritime history. Gaze across
the Inner Harbour, and you can make out
the Toronto Islands, which you reach by a
10-minute ferry ride from the terminal, just
behind the Westin Harbour Castle. Choose
the ferry headed for Hanlan’s Point (boats
leave regularly throughout the day, the cost
is $6.50 round-trip) to reach the clothing-optional beach, which has a huge LGBT follow-
for perfectly brewed lattes and espressos,
and Pizzeria Libretto (pizzerialibretto.com)
on Ossington, for incomparably good woodfired, blistered-crust pizzas. Not too far from
this area, at Chiado (bit.ly/d6ezhz), you’ll be
treated to some of the most sophisticated
Portuguese cooking in North America, from
rabbit braised in Madeira wine to poached
salt cod.
Finding Gay Nightlife
ing, and keep in mind that Lake Ontario can
be windy, and the islands are always several
degrees cooler than the mainland (which on
hot summer days is a blessing).
Astride the Financial District are the
city’s two major performing arts areas, the
King Street theater district (to the west) and
the Front Street theater district (to the east—
keep going and you’ll reach the bustling St.
Lawrence Market, with its incredible food
stalls, and the smartly redeveloped Distillery
District, with its chic shops and eateries).
Toronto has the English-speaking world’s
third largest performing arts scene, with
outstanding theater, music, opera, and dance.
Also near the King Street district is the 1,815foot CN (Canadian National) Tower, whose
1,465-foot-high Space Deck is the highest
observation deck in the world.
It’s an easy walk from downtown to
the Gay Village (aka Church Street Village),
whose commercial spine is Church Street,
from about Bloor south to Gerrard Street.
In addition to finding most of Toronto’s gay
bars and restaurants in this area, you’ll also
discover several great fashion, book and
gift shops.
Toronto’s most colorful ethnic neighborhoods lie west of downtown, where the
hipster-factor is also highest. Walk along
Queen Street West to experience the heart
of the city’s alternative culture—you’ll find
everything from offbeat antiques stores to
vintage clothing boutiques, shops specializing in witchcraft, and “dive-y” tattoo parlors.
Farther west, Queen Street intersects with yet
another strip of trendy, hipster-infested bars,
cafes, and shops: Ossington Avenue, which is
definitely worth a tour.
Up until the middle of the 20th century,
Toronto endured a reputation as a hardworking, earnest, but rather dull metropolis.
The incisive writer Jan Morris once described
it as “a small provincial city of almost
absurdly British character.” A walk through
the many bustling ethnic neighborhoods,
around the vibrant Gay Village, and past the
quirky, counter-cultural businesses along
Queen Street West reveal just how dramatically times have changed.
Restaurant Tips
You’ll find dozens of gay-friendly restaurants in Church Street Village, but it’s often
more about socializing than eating fantastic
food in these parts. One of the best ethnic
neighborhoods for noshing is Greektown,
a short drive east of Church Street Village,
where you’ll find numerous tavernas lining
Danforth Street—Mezes (mezes.ca) and
Pantheon (bit.ly/988Tri) are good bets.
Close to many theaters and a 15-minute
walk south of Church Street Village, the Wine
Bar at 9 Church Street (9church.com) serves
wonderfully inventive, farm-to-table fare and
features a terrific wine list. A bit east of the
area, for arguably the best Thai food in the
city, check out Mengra (mengraithai.com),
which is set inside an atmospheric old warehouse and turns out beautifully prepared
food.
Head farther east into up-and-coming
Leslieville, sometimes dubbed “Lesbianville” in light of one of the neighborhood’s
most visible demographics, and you’ll find
some nifty little eateries along the main
avenue, Queen Street East—Pulp Kitchen
(pulpkitchen.ca) is a favorite over here, as
is Lady Marmalade (ladymarmalade.ca), a
funky place serving delicious breakfasts.
Queen Street West has scads of outstanding eateries, from high-end superstars like
Nota Bene (bit.ly/aUT8Ei), which specializes
in stellar mod-Italian cuisine, to romantic
Paramour (paramourdining.com), a sophisticated modern bistro on the trendy Ossington
Strip. Also consider Clafouti Patisserie for delicious baked goods, Quaff Cafe (cafequaff.ca)
Contrary to its long-ago-pious reputation as “Toronto the Good,” a distinct
naughty side has grown up over the years
around the city’s gay club scene, which is
centered in Church Street Village. There
are quite a few favorites in these parts,
including Slack’s (slacks.ca, an attractive
restaurant and bar especially popular with
the lesbian see-and-be-seen set), the longfamous Woody’s and neighboring Sailor bar
(woodystoronto.com—fairly youthful, good
mix, fun videos), Fly (flynightclub.com—a
pulsing nightclub that appeared regularly in the U.S. version of Queer As Folk),
Zipperz/Cellblock (fun for drag shows and
cabaret), the Barn (thebarnnightclub.com—
super-cruisy men’s bar), and Crews & Tango
(crewsandtangos.com—drawing women
and men, with great cabaret shows).
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg—
walk up and down Church, and you’ll find
plenty of others, as well as gay-popular
restaurants, shops, saunas (Steamworks—
steamworksonline.com) is probably the most
popular), and more.
Where to Stay
For many discerning travelers, the
dashing, historic, and enormous Fairmont
Royal York Hotel (fairmont.com/royalyork)
is the only address they’ll consider when
visiting Toronto. A short cab ride from the
Gay Village, it’s right by theaters, Queen
Street, and the Harbourfront. Rooms retain
the ambience that has earned this property
a following among kings and, well, more than
a few queens. Chic, design-driven Hotel Le
Germain (germaintoronto.com) stands out
for its smart, contemporary rooms and convenient location near theaters and museums.
In the heart of Queen Street West’s shopping
and dining, the art-filled and happily eccentric Gladstone Hotel (gladstonehotel.com) is
TTTORONTO continued page 28
the fun guide
ACCESSline Page 26
DECEMBER 2010
Book Worm Sez by Terri Schlichenmeyer
“Gay, Straight, and the
Reason Why”
by Simon LeVay
©2010, Oxford University Press
$27.95 USA / $29.95 CAN
412 pages, includes notes
Some things just can’t be tolerated.
Take, for instance, when food touches
other food on your plate. Or when socks
don’t match up. Or if, like, somebody, like,
repeatedly uses a catch-phrase without,
like, thinking.
We all have our individual likes, traits,
and dislikes. But are our selves shaped by
outside influence, or did we enter the world
this way? Was our behavior learned or
innate? In the new book Gay, Straight, and
the Reason Why by Simon LeVay, you’ll
find answers to similar questions of a more
intimate sort.
Nearly two decades ago, Simon LeVay
published a scientific paper asserting that
gay men differed from straight men in brain
structure; specifically, a cluster of nerve
cells controlling sex drive were, in gay men,
of the size that LeVay observed in straight
women’s brains.
Since the publication of his paper, vast
amounts of further research have been done
concerning same-sex attraction and the
nature / nurture debate. In this book, LeVay
takes a deeper look at new findings.
While some gays and lesbians are
“surprised” later in life by feelings of samesex attraction, LeVay says that sexual identity,
while not always immediately apparent, is
present at birth (although women, throughout life, appear to be more “fluid” and cannot
always be categorized). As small proof, he
points to several cases in which male infants
were, for one reason or another, “assigned”
to live as the opposite sex. In most cases,
upon adulthood, the “assignment” turned
out to be wrong.
Childhood abuse has been theorized to
be an influence on gayness, but survivors
deny it as a factor. Some theories claim that
older siblings hold sway. And as for “choice”,
LeVay cites several quasi-claims of “conversions”, in which therapy reportedly changed
sexual preference.
Overall, LeVay says, nothing is “cut and
dried” but the probable reason that someone
is gay has to do with genetics, hormones,
and stress that individuals receive in utero.
Studies show, for instance, that mice are influenced by chemicals secreted by their mothers
and by littermates. Humans, likewise, are
affected in similar ways, which could lay to
rest so many questions.
And one of the hints may—literally—be
at your fingertips.
While there is no doubt that Gay, Straight,
and the Reason Why is an intriguing book that
makes sense on several levels, there’s one
big problem with it: you almost need a PhD
Q-PUZZLE: “Beyond Brady”
Across
1 Well endowed
5 Cole Porter’s Indiana hometown
9 Tie it to become wife and wife
13 Seesaw sitter of verse
14 Sparkle
15 Wilde land
16 Harvey Milk portrayer Sean
17 Send tumbling
18 Final Foursome org.?
19 Half of a lesbian couple with 10 kids
22 Madonna, in a creche
23 Mary Cheney’s partner Heather
24 Escorted from the door
27 Streep kisser at the Oscars
31 “Why should ___ you?”
32 “Bear” that’s not a bear
34 Nureyev’s nyet
35 Partner of 19-Across Tracy
38 Catchall abbr.
39 “What does she see ___?”
40 Go bananas
41 Saltwater swimmer
43 Swamp critter
44 Pique condition?
57 Norse port
45 Porn star Long ___ Silver
58 Shiite leader
47 Nickname of 19-Across for her family
59 Jethro of rock
53 “I Sing the Body Electric” poet Whitman
60 From A to B, to Debussy
54 Room for Marga Gomez
61 Warrior Princess of the boob tube
55 East of Eden director Kazan
62 Bear market order
Down
1 Like some cats
2 Visitor at lesbianation.com
3 Second starter
4 Maker of things you shoot off
5 Pears of a gay pair
6 Judy Jetson’s brother
to follow much of what author Simon LeVay
says. Yes, it’s steeped in medical lingo. Yes,
LeVay includes a glossary and heavy-duty
notes to explain the scientific terms and
acronyms. Still, this book is a challenge.
If you’re up for that challenge, though,
you’ll be rewarded with a pondering and
thought-provoking examination of a private
subject that has a very public focus. LeVay
leaves no hypothesis unexamined, which
leaves readers satisfied that every corner of
this argument has been thoroughly dusted
off.
Give yourself some time if you decide to
tackle this book, because it’s nowhere near
light reading. Still, “Gay, Straight, and the
Reason Why” is surely food for tolerance.
7 Police incursion at Stonewall
8 Eliciting boos, perhaps
9 Where bitches hang out
10 Easy partner
11 Kind of stimulating
12 Pond swimmer
20 “At Seventeen” singer Janis
21 Faith in music
24 These are a few of my favorite things
25 Make heady
26 Old record label
27 Overdo it at South Beach
28 “___ at time!” (No threesomes!)
29 Sailor’s load
30 Comical bandleader Kay
32 Totally gay guy
33 Publisher Adolph
36 Diana’s accessory
37 Stocking material for queens?
42 Bottom’s circus favorite?
43 Horny animal
45 Thomas of poetry
46 Care prefix
47 Groups waiting for wedding licenses
48 Doest own
49 Woods of Legally Blonde
50 Edna, for one
51 Crime-solving game
52 San Francisco’s Nob ___
56 Pledge of Allegiance ender
• SOLUTION ON PAGE 28
DECEMBER 2010
the fun guide
ACCESSline Page 27
PHOTOGRAPHER
QUAD CITIES: MASSAGE
IOWA CITY: INSURANCE
CEDAR RAPIDS: WINE & GIFTS
FREELANCE WRITER
the fun guide
ACCESSline Page 28
COCKTAILS
He must have been truly offended by
my little breach of a major confidence to
miss the My Fair Lady reference. I do feel
guilty—but not guilty enough to withhold
from you the supremely hilarious sight of a
dripping Dan being hoisted out of the drink
by a young boater with great lats. And the
way he reeked as he trickled onto the dock!
Molto disgustoso!
Chipper changed the subject: “Did you
go to Harry’s Bar for Bellinis?” Now I was
indignant. “I would not set foot in that, that
trappola per touristica, if Hemingway’s life
depended on it. Besides, I hate Hemingway.”
The Bellini was indeed invented in Harry’s Bar
in Venice, where the alcoholic, overrated writer
hung out. We had our guidebook Bellinis in the
more gracious Danieli Hotel, which is equally
trappola, but at least there are some gorgeous
young Venetian waiters who look like they’d
rather be in South Beach.
The Bellini is an overly sweet mess of
a drink that should only be made with fresh
peach juice and good Prosecco. Most places
use sweetened peach nectar and cheap bubbly.
I’ll stick with Italy’s more chest-hair-oriented
grappa. Grappa is essentially firewater. It has
the clear, clean taste of grain alcohol—but it’s
kissed by the faint essence of the grape from
which it’s distilled. I ordered it at cocktail hour.
Dan was embarrassed. “You’re not supposed to
drink that before dinner!” “Oh, pooh! Supposed
by who?” I said, admiring my impromptu
rhyme. The point is: drink grappa when you
want grappa. And I’ll take a mediocre grappa
over a bad Bellini any day.
The Bellini
Get yourself an electric juicer, run perfectly
ripe peaches through it, and mix with chilled
Prosecco.
Grappa
Buy a bottle. Drink it. What? You don’t
like your new chest hair? So shave it.
Ed Sikov is the author of Dark Victory:
The Life of Bette Davis and other books about
films and filmmakers.
TORONTO
a favorite of LGBT travelers.
Up around the Gay Village, you’ll find
several well-priced, charming, and LGBTpopular B&Bs. These include the appealing
Banting House (bantinghouse.com), an
elegant Edwardian home on beautifully kept
grounds; the fanciful brick-and-clapboard
Dundonald House (dundonaldhouse.com),
which is steps from the bars and has a
common sauna and hot tub; and the affordable House on McGill (mcgillbb.com), a
renovated 1890s property whose units
share baths but are otherwise comfortably
furnished and spacious. Victoria’s Mansion
(victoriasmansion.com) is another reasonably priced, elegantly furnished B&B in
Church Street Village.
Andrew Collins covers gay travel for the
New York Times-owned website About.com
and is the author of Fodor’s Gay Guide to the
USA. He can be reached care of this publication
or at OutofTown@qsyndicate.com.
EVENTS
[LGBTMWA]
Wednesday
1st Wednesday of the Month, CEDAR RAPIDS
CHARTER CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN
BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, For more
info, visit charter-chapter.tripod.com. [ L W ]
1st Wednesday of the Month, WOMEN’S
SACRED CIRCLE, 6:30-8pm, Prairiewoods
Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 E. Boyson Rd,
Hiawatha, IA 52233. This group is for women who
are interested in gathering for spiritual growth.
The direction and activities of the group are
determined by participants. $5 per session. For
more info, visit www.prairiewoods.org. [ L W ]
1st Wednesday of the Month, CONNECTIONS’
RAINBOW READING GROUP, 7pm, Iowa City
Public Library Meeting Room B, 123 South Linn
Street, Iowa City, IA 52240. For more info, contact
Todd at: faunides@yahoo.com. [ L G B T M W A ]
2nd Wednesday of the Month, STONEWALL
DEMOCRATS, THE GLBT CAUCUS OF THE
DEMOCRATIC PARTY, 6:30-8pm, Hamburger
Mary’s CR, 222 Glenbrook Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids,
IA 52403. For more info, contact Harvey Ross at
linnstonewall@gmail.com or call 319-389-0093. [
LGBTMWA]
2nd Wednesday of the Month, WOMEN
FOR PEACE KNITTERS, 7-9pm, Hiawatha, IA .
at Prairiewoods, 120 E. Boyson Rd., Hiawatha.
Knitting, crocheting, and discussion. For more info,
call 319-377-3252 or go to www.womenforpeaceiowa.org. All ages and levels of needlework skills
welcome. Come knit for charities. [ L W ]
Every Wednesday, HOT MESS EXPRESS,
9:30pm, Des Moines Social Club, 1408 Locust St.,
Des Moines, IA . The hottest most messiest citizens
of Des Moines providing a comedic look at the
hottest most messiest current events around the
world. Featuring: Paul Selberg, Rachel C. Johnson,
Kelley Robinson & Tyler Reedy [ L G B T A ]
Every Wednesday, TRANSFORMATIONS
IOWA, 7-9pm, The Center, 1300 Locust, Des
Moines, IA 50309. TransformationsIowa is a
Transgender support group. It is open to all ranges
of the gender spectrum, male to female, female to
male, cross dressers, drag queens, gender queer,
questioning, as well as friends, significant others
and allies. [ T D ]
Every Wednesday, U OF I GAY LESBIAN
BISEXUAL TRANSGENDER AND ALLIES UNION
MEETINGS, 7-9pm, Iowa City, IA . at the Penn
State Room #337 of the Iowa Memorial Union,
U. of Iowa campus, Iowa City. For more info,
visit http://www.uiowa.edu/~glbtau/ or e-mail
glbtau@uiowa.edu. These meetings are open to
the public. [ L G B T M W A ]
Second Wednesday, OUT NETWORKING,
5:30, Des Moines Social Club, 1408 Locust St,
Des Moines, IA 50309. A social, business, and
philanthropic networking organization for anyone
who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered,
questioning or supportive. The group presents
year-round events focused on business, culture,
community, and philanthropic subjects. [ L G B T
A]
Thursday
1st 3rd Thursday, EVENINGS FOR SPIRIT,
6:30-8:30pm, West Branch, IA . at SpiritHill
Retreat, 604 Cedar Valley Road, West Branch.
First, third, and fifth Thursdays of each month.
Women gather at SpiritHill (or other locations)
to share our spiritual experiences, visions and
longings. The evenings include time for sharing
and time for silence. Laughter, tears and singing
are often shared as well. No specific spiritual
practice is followed. This event is always open to
newcomers. For more info, call 319-643-2613, or
e-mail spirit-hill@earthlink.net. Calling in advance
is highly recommended to confirm the location for
the specific month of interest. [ L W ]
2nd Thursday of the Month, OPEN MIC WITH
MARY MCADAMS, 7-9pm, Des Moines, IA. at
Ritual Café, on 13th St. between Locust and Grand,
downtown Des Moines. Visit www.ritualcafe.com.
For more info, e-mail mary@marymcadams.com.
[LGBTMWA]
2nd Thursday of the Month, IOWA PFLAG
OMAHA/COUNCIL BLUFFS CHAPTER MEETING,
7pm (6:30pm social time), Omaha, IA . at Mead
Hall, First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St.,
Omaha. For more info, call 402-291-6781. [ L G B
TMWAK]
3rd Thursday of the Month, OPEN MIC
HOSTED BY KIMBERLI, 7-10pm, Cedar Rapids,
IA . at the Blue Strawberry Coffee Company (now
open after the flood), 118 2nd St. SE, Downtown
Cedar Rapids. Signup at 6:30pm or by e-mailing
flyingmonkeyscr@aol.com the week prior to the
open mic. [ L G B T M W A ]
3rd Thursday of the Month, LGBTQI YOUTH
MOVIE NIGHT AT THE CENTER, 6:30-10pm, The
CENTER, 1300 Locust, Des Moines, IA . This is part
of the LGBTQI youth program, anyone 24 years
old and younger is welcome. Come down spend
the evening with your friends and make some
new ones. 515-243-0313 [ L G B T + ]
3rd Thursday of the Month, IOWA PFLAG
DUBUQUE/TRI-STATE CHAPTER MEETING, 7pm,
Dubuque, IA . at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1276
White St., Dubuque. For more info, call 563-5829388. [ L G B T M W A K ]
3rd Thursday of the Month, CONNECTIONS
GAME NIGHT, 7-9pm, Iowa City, IA . at Donnelly’s
Pub, 110 E. College St., in downtown Iowa City.
[LGBTMWA]
4th Thursday of the Month, PROFESSIONAL
WOMEN’S NETWORK (PWN), For more info,
visit www.pwn.org, e-mail pwn@pwn.org, or call
Shelley Woods at 319-981-9887. [ L W ]
4th Thursday of the Month, THE GLBT
READING GROUP, 7:30pm, Cedar Rapids, IA . Red
Cross Building at 6300 Rockwell Dr. NE, Cedar
Rapids. The group is open to new members;
contact crglbtreadinggroup@yahoo.com for
further info. [ L G B T M W A ]
4th Thursday of the Month, except months like
November, PFLAG CR, Linn Co and Beyond, Meets
at People’s Church (in Cherry Room) 6:30 p.m., 600
3rd ST, Cedar Rapids Iowa 52401,Contact Person:
Diane Peterson, Phone: 319-362-9827(Email
ddpeters57@gmail.com for alternate dates.)
Every Thursday and Friday, SHANNON
JANSSEN, 6-10pm, Cedar Rapids, IA . Dawn’s Hide
and Bead Away, 220 E. Washington St., Iowa City.
Shannon performs a variety of music including
original songs on the Grand Piano in the hotel’s
beautiful atrium. No reservations required. [ L G
BTMWA]
Last Thursday of the Month, DRAG KING
SHOW, 9pm-2am, Studio 13, 13 S. Linn St, Iowa
City, IA 52240. The show starts EARLY at 9pm, so
all you fans under 21 (meaning 19 & 20) can come
for a jam packed hour of show! Your kings will
also have another photo signing with awesome
king swag! Plus, a SECOND mini show after the
signing!!! $3 Bomb shots, $2 Calls and Domestics,
and $1 Wells and shots! Cover is only $3! [ L G B
TD]
Friday
1st Friday of the Month, FAIRFIELD ART
WALK, Fairfield, IA. For more info, visit www.
FairfieldArtWalk.com. [ L G B T M W A ]
1st Friday of the Month, GUERRILLA QUEER
BAR MEETUP!, Tired of the same old bars? Crave
the idea of bringing your queer and straight
friends together in a fun, new environment? We’re
descending upon an unsuspecting straight bar and
turning it into a gay bar for the night. To join in:
join our Facebook group, Google group or Twitter
feed. You’ll receive an email the morning of each
event with the name of a classically hetero bar and
the meeting time. Call your friends, have them call
their friends, show up at the bar and watch as it
becomes the new “it” gay bar for one night only.
Visit http://groups.google.com/group/iowa-cityguerrilla-queer-bar. [ L G B T M W A ]
1st Friday of the Month, FIRST FRIDAY
BREAKFAST CLUB, Sherman Place, 1501
Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, IA 95030. The First
Friday Breakfast Club (FFBC) is an educational,
non-profit corporation for gay men who gather
on the first Friday of every month to provide
mutual support, to be educated on community
affairs, and to further educate community opinion
leaders with more positive images of gay men. It
is the largest breakfast club in the state of Iowa.
Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Avenue,
Des Moines, IA 95030. Contact Jonathan Wilson
at (515) 288-2500 or email: info@ffbciowa.org [
GB]
DECEMBER 2010
1st Friday of the Month, DAWN’S COFFEE
HOUSE, 5-8pm, Iowa City, IA . Dawn’s Hide and
Bead Away, 220 E. Washington St., Iowa City. First
Friday of every month between February 6 and
December 4. Music and light snacks are provided.
Proceeds from the door are split between the nonprofit of the month and the store (to cover the cost
of snacks). Any other donations received go 100%
to the non-profit. $3 cover. For more info, phone
319-338-1566. [ L G B T M W A ]
2nd and 4th Friday, DRUMMING CIRCLE, 7pm,
Cedar Rapids, IA . Unity Center of Cedar Rapids,
3791 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids. Every 2nd
and 4th Friday of the each month. For more info,
call 319-431-7550. [ G M ]
3rd Friday of the Month, OLD-TIME DANCE
FOR ALL, 8pm, Iowa City, IA . A Barn Dance 12
miles east of Iowa City at Scattergood Friends
School. A Barn Dance 12 miles east of Iowa City
at Scattergood Friends School. Admission is $5.00
per person. Singles and couples, beginners and
veterans welcome. The music is live, and all dances
are taught and called (that is, prompted while the
music is playing). Note: (1) same-sex couples are
common at these dances, (2) they’re no-alcohol,
no-smoking events, (3) every dance is taught, so
beginners are welcome, and (4) people can attend
alone or with a partner. People of a variety of
ages show up, and the atmosphere is friendly and
inclusive. For more info, phone 319-643-7600 or
e-mail treadway@netins.net. [ L G B T M W A ]
Saturday
4th Saturday of the Month, LESBIAN BOOK
CLUB, 7pm, Davenport, IA . is reading books by
or about lesbians. Non-lesbians are welcome
to attend. All meetings are held at the Unitarian
Universalist Church, 3707 Eastern Ave., Davenport.
For more info, call 563-359-0816. [ L ]
4th Saturday of the Month, TANGOVIA,
7:30pm, Iowa City, IA . join area tango dancers at
the Wesley Center, 120 N. Dubuque St., Iowa City.
Enjoy a candlelit evening of dance, hors d’oeuvres,
and conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. Cost is
$5. Partner not necessary. Beginners welcome to
come at 7pm for an introductory lesson. For more
info, call Gail at 319-325-9630, e-mail irelandg@
gmail.com, or visit www.tangovia.com. [ L G B T
MWAD]
Every Saturday, WOMEN FOR PEACE IOWA,
Noon to 1PM, Collins Rd NE & 1st Ave SE, Cedar
Rapids, IA 52402. hosting Weekly Street Corner
Vigils for peace, rain or shine. Meet at the corner
of 1st Ave. and Collins Rd. SE (in front of Granite
City Brewery), Cedar Rapids. Show your support
for our troops by calling for their return from Iraq.
For more info, e-mail khall479@aol.com. [ L G B T
MWAKD]
Every Saturday, BAILE LATINO: SALSA, CHACHA, MERENGUE AND BACHATA LESSONS,
3:30-5:30pm, Cedar Rapids, IA . taught by Gloria
Zmolek, at CSPS, 1103 3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids. No
experience or partner necessary. All ages welcome.
No sign-up required. $5 per person requested. For
more info, contact Gloria at 319-365-9611 or visit
www.crsalsa.org. [ L G B T M W A K D ]
ACCESSline Page 29
Snap Shots from The CENTER First Friday Breakfast Club:
DECEMBER 2010
Glenda Stevens will be missed.
Equality Iowa (EQIA) reenergized
itself about twenty-one months ago and
The CENTER is our main project. We are
currently reorganizing the Board of Directors who will oversee The CENTER. As EQIA
and The CENTER move in a new direction we
will be providing a snap shot of our work and
those involved with the work. To reach us:
www.equalityiowa.org, calls 515-243-0313,
or email thecenterdm@gmail.com.
This month we have two individuals
contributing to the snapshot on one of our
outstanding volunteers, Glenda Stevens.
I first met Glenda at church in 2006.
She was living in near Greenfield to be close
to work. She traveled to Indianola and Des
Moines weekly for meetings, social outings,
and church. She had worked for the same
employer for 30 years. After the civil rights
code added sexual orientation and gender
identity as protected classes, she began
her transition, on the job, educating a large
number of employees in the process.
In September of 2007 Glenda was
diagnosed with brain cancer. The surgery
to remove the tumor was successful, but the
type of cancer was not curable. At this time
she was given six months to live. While being
treated she was always educating health
professionals on transgendered issues. She
was always open to questions and helped
many understand some of the challenges
the transgender community faces.
After she was released from surgery we
could not find a nursing home that would
take Glenda. She spent the next two months
in a hotel with the church bringing meals in.
This was done so she could be close enough
to have her treatment in Des Moines.
Glenda beat that six-month time period.
She continued her faith and work for three
more years. She moved to Indianola—not
an easy feat for someone that wasn’t allowed
to drive for a number of months. The people
in town got used to seeing Glenda biking
around town. She did encounter some difficulties, but she handled these with dignity.
She always tried to help other understand
her transition process. But being the simple
and kind person she was she was sometimes
taken advantage of.
Glenda was there to help at The
CENTER from day one. She pitched in to
do what needed done. Cleaning, cooking,
carrying, setting up, tearing down, if it
needed done Glenda would have her sleeves
rolled up and be doing it. Although she
was living on a limited budget with many
medical expenses she would also contribute
monetarily. It would not be uncommon
for her to leave a contribution after having
worked at The CENTER during the day. Her
last contribution was possibly her greatest.
She remembered The CENTER in her will.
Glenda’s life experiences followed that
of many transgender community members,
one who was bullied and harassed throughout her life. This did not diminish Glenda’s
life in any way. Her enthusiasm, willingness
to pitch in, and spirit will be missed by those
at The CENTER.
— Sandy Vopalka
Glenda Stevens was set free from her
pain in the early morning hours of November 2, 2010. I only had the privilege of
knowing her for three short months as her
hospice chaplain. The woman I grew to love
and respect left me wishing I could have had
years to know her, rather than months.
The woman I met in a dimly lit hospice
room would change me as she had changed
others. Glenda became my sister that day. I
was protective of her against a nursing home
staff that didn’t have the time or inclination
to get to know what a jewel they had in
their midst.
I am blessed to have a calling that
allowed me to spend unlimited quality
time with Glenda. No matter how rough
her illness got, we never lost our connection. She believed me when I told her that
there wasn’t anything she could do or say
that would make me stop loving her. Her
friends along with her hospice family loved
her through the rough spots. Her room was
always filled with fresh flowers, cards and
good things to eat—all lovingly provided
by friends who considered themselves to
be her family.
Glenda left her mark on everyone
she met. That much was obvious at her
memorial service where I was able to visit
with people who had known her long and
well. Crying and laughing together over the
stories of our gregarious friend, we began to
soothe the ache in our hearts. All of life is
made up of such precious memories.
— Rev. Jody Maxfield
“I’m a supporter of gay rights. And not a closet supporter either. From
the time I was a kid, I have never been able to understand attacks upon
the gay community. There are so many qualities that make up a human
being… by the time I get through with all the things that I really admire
about people, what they do with their private parts is probably so low
on the list that it is irrelevant.”
—Actor Paul Newman (1925-2008)
Cyndi Pederson
Our speaker on November 5 was Cyndi
Pederson, appointed director of the Iowa
Department of Cultural Affairs in February
2007 by Governor Culver and Lt. Governor
Judge.
After a gracious acknowledgment of
FFBC member William T. Jackson (who was
her predecessor in that post from 1986 to
1998, under governor Terry E. Branstad),
thanking him for his continuing counsel and
colleague-ship, Pederson presented a most
interesting and savvy account of her accomplishments as head of Cultural Affairs and her
hopes for the department’s future.
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs,
as Pederson noted, has primary responsibility for
development of the state’s interest in the areas
of history, the arts, and other cultural matters.
Its mandates include:
• Developing a comprehensive, coordinated,
and efficient policy to preserve, research,
interpret, and promote to the public an
awareness and understanding of local,
state, and regional history.
• Stimulating and encouraging throughout
the state the study and presentation of the
performing and fine arts and public interest and participation in them.
• Implementing tourism-related art and
history projects as directed by the General
Assembly.
• Designing a comprehensive, statewide,
long-range plan—called “Imagine Iowa
2010”—with the assistance of the Iowa
Arts Council to develop the arts in Iowa.
Cyndi Pederson
(The department is designated as the state
agency for carrying out the plan.)
• Encouraging the use of volunteers
throughout its divisions.
Constantly evident in Pederson’s talk
was her ardent commitment to quantifying
the value of history and the arts to the people
and the legislature of Iowa, not simply in what
are often rather vague “quality of life” terms,
but in terms of real economic impact in the
state. The wide-ranging and long-term projects she described are always grounded in
TTFFBC continued page 32
ACCESSline Page 30
DECEMBER 2010
Minor Details: This Generation Gap Really Matters by Bob Minor
Minor Details: by Bob Minor
The election returns are in. There are
many ways to look back at them as we look
forward to a new Congress characterized by
even more Republican bullying.
For many of us, the country took a step
backward. It looks like a real mess, at least
in the short-run.
But there are clues for the long-term.
Future success is possible for those of us who
find the Tea Party and the old Republican
solutions regressive, stale, and destructive.
The Democratic loss was affected by
turnout. And the age of those who turned out
speaks volumes about long-term issues.
In the 2008 presidential election, 18-to29-year-olds made up 18% of the electorate
while those 65 and over made up 16%. Young
people actually outvoted those 65 and over in
2008, and that 18-29 age group was the only
one where white voters preferred Obama.
This year, the 18-29 year-old vote was
down to 11% of the electorate and seniors
were up to 23%. Exit polls indicate that the
18-29 demographic was the only age group
won by Democrats this year: 57% as opposed
to 40% for Republicans.
The gender and racial breakdowns
didn’t change as much, though the electorate
was older and whiter than the presidential
election. The GOP has clearly gone gray.
Put another way, almost 24 million
18-29 year-olds voted in 2008. Nine million
showed up last month, a 15 million-vote
difference. How, then, did this matter, given
that the Republicans won by 5 million votes
nationally?
There are all sorts of ideas about why
this happened, some blaming young people.
But if we want them to vote, older people
scolding them won’t work. We’ve got to
consider how to get them back in the mix by
re-inspiring that audacity of hope?
I’m absolutely convinced after thirty-five
years of teaching, that young people want
CORNUCOPIA
sad. It’s a sad thing because people fought
so hard to liberate us and to give us the vote
and to give us more equal opportunities, and
it looks sometimes to me like we’re really
going backward.
So you’re still very much a feminist.
I am feminist. I’m utterly feminist, and
I’m very disappointed when people are
afraid of the word and step away from the
word. I told you I don’t like labels, but this is
an important label. This is very important,
and the fact that people are stepping away
from it is a travesty. What we need to do is
to take ownership of the word “feminist”
and we need to reinvent it so that people
embrace it again. It’s a travesty that feminism
is looked on as something that they should
recoil from.
If you had a genie in a bottle, what
would be your three wishes for the
world?
Healing. The genie would have to take
all the extremists in the world that leaped
immediately to arms and to warfare and
get the opposing forces to get their mindset
changed so that their priority should be only
about finding solutions, only peaceful solutions. Unfortunately, we’re stuck in places like
the Middle East, into the perpetual catch-22
to know what someone really believes. And
that they want to know that people really
believe what they say, enough to fight for it
convincingly.
The hero they voted for in 2008 might
have done the best he could, given the situation, but he and his party did not govern
the way he ran—as fighters who really
believed.
From the beginning when Obama
appointed old insiders as advisors and
ignored the agents of change in his campaign,
to the constant willingness to concede his
position to get “something” done even before
the fight, to the inability to communicate
what he really believed were his ideals after
being a great campaign communicator, the
evidence as they saw it was that “change
they could believe in” looked pretty cautious,
insider, and stale.
Yes, yes, it might be that they should
have understood some greater lesson, that
they should have already learned to hang in
there the way older generations were used
to doing.
Okay. Who’s teaching them that?
These are young people from whom
those older generations reap monetary
dividends by distracting them with gadgets
and stuff.
They’re also not taught a real people’s
history about change but dead facts that are
testable on standardized exams. They’re
seldom given hope any more.
But there is also a huge difference in how
the dominant Baby Boomer demographic
and these younger people see reality. They
care about different things, while most politics plays on what appeals to Boomers and
their elders.
While the most vocal group of seniors
is arguing about the government not fooling
with their Medicare and Social Security,
they’re also supporting politicians who want
to curb both for younger generations. Those
of someone being killed, someone killing
someone else—and then it goes on and on
and on and the bloodletting goes on and on
and on, and there seems to be no solution.
I don’t ever know if it’s going to be
possible because we’re human beings
and we’re incredibly odd, but it would be
wonderful to see peace. All these divisions
that occur ironically between religious
beliefs—Christians, Muslims, whomever—
are the biggest tragedy on the planet. And
then, of course, the sustainability of the
planet—who knows where we’re at; we talk
about global warming, about pollution, and
we do a lot of talking. But I’d like to see the
government really taking more responsibility
on a global scale.
And then I’d like to see a real sort of
development in preventable disease: Access
to medicine that can prevent the deaths of
millions of people, I’d like to see that. I’d
like to see healthcare systems fully staffed.
I’d like to see access to treatment. I’d like
to see healthcare systems that are on their
knees, in some way becoming effective. I’d
like to see the end of corrupt governments.
I’d like to see transparency of governments.
I’d like to see all of these corrupt systems
that are functioning, and all of these people
who have scooped up so much money, taking
accountability. It’s things like this that I think
a lot about.
who are younger than these Boomers aren’t
even sure there’s going to be anything left for
them. They wonder whether they’ll even be
able to pay off their huge college loans.
While pop culture more and more
reflects the younger generation, the issues
of their seniors seem backward, quaint, and
even unexplainably bigoted.
Look at one of the most popular shows
of younger generations, Glee. In a November
episode, “Teenage Dream” a song originally
released by Katy Perry (a straight woman
whose first big hit was “I Kissed a Girl”),
is sung as a serenade from one young high
school boy to another boy.
And, guess what? Teenagers of all
stripes loved the song so much that they
led the charge to make it a #1 Hit Single.
The old guard in the religious right seemed
silent and unconcerned as they fought for
the gray vote.
While quickly dismissed by some, pop
culture tells us, in fact, what is extremely
important for winning the long race. It’s a
measure of what it means to young people
who are not loaded down with the emotional
baggage that we elders carry.
To hear from their TV, movies, and
music—that negative attitudes toward LGBT
people are simply an out-dated product of
past generations’ fear and ignorance—is to
realize that the fights the elders carry on are
not young people’s fights at all.
Could the pressure from pop icon Lady
Gaga’s tweeting against “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”
be what actually led Harry Reid to consider
voting on it?
Crazy is in full-bloom on our political
landscape. And much of our politics seems
to be a reaction to that crazy. It’s there that
tired old white men and the people who are
into them still rule.
But that’s not the future, no matter how
it screws up the present. And it’s not what
elected Barak Obama in the first place. It was
Robert N. Minor, Ph.D.,
Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at
the University of Kansas, is author of When
Religion Is an Addiction;
Scared Straight: Why It’s So Hard to
Accept Gay People and Why It’s So Hard
to Be Human and Gay & Healthy in a Sick
Society. Contact him at
www.FairnessProject.org.
those of all ages who believed that Obama
wouldn’t look backward to the Clintons and
the politics of past generations.
What keeps the darkness of the political
landscape from overtaking the social landscape where most young people live—the
landscape we’ll need to travel in if we want
change—is the bright light of the cultural
landscape where young people’s influence
is king.
The impact of the religious right and the
old guard has no future there. In the long run,
they have no future in politics either. And if
a political party wants to win, it will need to
understand that sooner, rather than later.
“You could move. “
— “Dear Abby’s” response to a reader who wrote the following to her, in regard to a gay couple who moved in across
the street: “...these weirdos are wrecking our property
values! How can we improve the quality of this oncerespected neighborhood?”
DECEMBER 2010
ACCESSline Page 31
Inside Out: The Power of Thap by Ellen Krug
On a humid August morning in 1970,
I started eighth grade and met Tharp, the
new kid on the block, a transplant, a jock
from Sioux City. As he boarded the school
bus that day, I was decked out in multicolored bell bottoms and a Nehru jacket. I
held up my right hand and made the peace
sign. “Peace man,” I said with a big smile.
Tharp gave me a look like I was crazy.
Later, Tharp would become the quarterback of the high school football team. I
would become a front line guard charged
with protecting Tharp from big testosterone
fueled boys intent on tearing the quarterback
apart. I was a tough sh-- and did my job
well.
Eventually, wanting a personal nickname
for Tharp, I bastardized it into “Thap.” For
him, I became “Kruggie.”
We became inseparable
and remained in contact
in college and graduate
school.
We each attended
law school, with him
moving to Boulder
and me to Boston. We
talked on the telephone
weekly, sharing all of
our challenges and
successes. We were in
each other’s weddings.
We became “uncle” to
each other’s children.
It was a very special
relationship which we
each cherished.
As Thap’s first
marriage was falling
apart, he and I met in
some hole-in-the-wall
town in Nebraska, the midpoint between
Cedar Rapids and Boulder. We drove around
cornfields with beers in hand, him talking
and me listening. That was, after all, what
best friends do for each other.
When the voice in my head told me
that I was not some straight man and that I
needed to be ME, to have my own life, Thap
was the first person I came out to. “It’s no
big deal Kruggie. I will love you no matter
who you are,” Thap told me. I knew instantly
that he meant it.
When I started dressing as Ellen, Thap
visited me in Minneapolis. I played a trick
on him at the airport. Wearing a skirt and
with my hair curled, I sat in the waiting area
where we had planned to meet. Instead of
making eye contact with him, I simply looked
forward, as if I was waiting for someone else.
Thap walked right in front of me and stopped
ten feet away. “Where r u?” he texted. It was a
hilarious affirmation that maybe, just maybe,
I could pull off appearing as a woman. After
that, I was no longer “Kruggie.” Instead, I
became “Ellie.”
It was Thap who I called as I transitioned, asking for help with crisis after
crisis. My ex wife is fighting with me. My
children are rejecting me. I’m losing clients
at my law firm because I’ve come out as
Ellen. I’m depressed and wondering if it is
all worth it. I don’t want to be alone for the
rest of my life.
In response, Thap
was reassuring and
loving. “Ellie, you will
survive this and then
you will be happy. You
can do it. Don’t give up.
And don’t be stupid—
this is who you are. You
have no choice here.”
Words that I needed to
hear repeatedly, sometimes at 2:00 in the
morning. Throughout it
all, Thap never wavered,
never ran.
It became time
for me to select a
surgeon for my reassignment surgery. One
candidate practiced in
southern Colorado; the
other was in Phoenix. I
called Thap to tell him
that I’d stop in Boulder on my way to interview the surgeons.
“Why don’t I come with you?” Thap said
matter-of-factly.
Wow, I thought. It’s one thing to be
supportive of your best friend as he moves
from male to female but a whole other thing
to accompany him to talk to doctors about
changing his penis to a vagina. That falls into
the platinum level of love.
Thus, I found Thap next to me in an
examining room of a small, somewhat
disheveled clinic in Trinidad, Colorado.
The doctor entered and before I could ask
a single question, Thap was interrogating
When I started dressing
as Ellen, Thap visited me
in Minneapolis. I played a
trick on him at the airport.
Wearing a skirt and with
my hair curled, I sat in the
waiting area where we had
planned to meet. Instead of
making eye contact with him,
I simply looked forward, as
if I was waiting for someone
else. Thap walked right in
front of me and stopped ten
feet away. “Where r u?” he
texted.
the doctor: How long would Ellie’s surgery
take? Would she need to be in the hospital
the entire time or would there be a recovery
period at some location close to the hospital?
Certainly, I got in my share of questions, but
there was Thap, making sure we got all the
important answers.
Our next stop was to see the surgeon in
Phoenix. Again, Thap was an active interrogator. At one point, the doctor wanted
to examine me. When Thap stepped out
into the hall, the doctor asked how long my
“partner” and I had been together. I laughed,
and responded, “Oh no, he’s way too controlling for me.”
About a year ago, Thap again visited me
in Minneapolis. It was close to midnight and
we were coming back from a restaurant on a
crisp full-moon night. As we walked on the
sidewalk, in the distance I could see a man
coming our way. He was weaving, obviously
drunk. As he got closer, my personal radar
became active, telling me that this man could
be trouble. Thap’s radar was on too, and he
moved me to the side, placing his body in
between the man and me.
The man, who really did not intend
any harm, I’m sure, stopped, blocking the
sidewalk. With slurred speech, he asked for
money and started to reach in our direction.
Thap pushed me back behind him even
further, and shouted at the man, “No touch,
no touch!” Thap made sure the man could not
get to me, and again yelled, “No touch!” The
man backed off and we passed by quickly.
A minor incident in the scheme of
Ellen Krug is a writer, lawyer, human.
She was a trial attorney for 28 years before
realizing there is more to life. She is now on
sabbatical to write a book, and if that does
not work out, to wait tables. She is parent
to two adult children and hoping for the
best, despite the odds. She can be reached
at EllenKrug75@gmail.com.
the world, yes, but it showed me that forty
years later, the quarterback was now protecting the guard.
How the world has changed, yet
remained the same. I am loved by someone
for who I am, regardless of gender or orientation. The best friend I could ask for.
It is a wonderful thing.
ACCESSline Page 32
We are like geodes by Rachel Eliason
The story of Seth Walsh is another
A geode is a gray lumpy stone. It’s also
geode
hit too hard, gone too soon. Other
Iowa’s state rock. If you are wondering why
a gray lumpy stone is the state rock, I will kids at his Texas school told him, “the world
tell you. This particular gray lumpy rock is doesn’t need another queer.” Sadly he agreed
hollow, and the hollow space inside allows and hung himself.
minerals to coalesce and grow into crystals.
So what, on the outside, is a gray lumpy stone Opening Up
is, on the inside, beautiful.
In the response of the LGBT community
Many people are like that. On the we find a third alternative, something less
outside they can be gray lumpy and boring, drastic than surgery and less destructive
but once you see what they have inside they then suicide. In the viral video of a Texas city
are beautiful. This is why
councilman, Joel Burns
I say many people are
talks about growing
like geodes.
up gay and gives an
That gray lumpy
impassioned speech
exterior is often no
reaching out to LGBT
accident either. It’s
youths. In that moment
protection. We put on
we see something that
our game face, our dark
doesn’t usually happen
sunglasses or make up.
in geology: we see a
We hide behind a mask,
geode open itself. He
a suit or an identity. We
sheds his outer self and
seek to blend in, to hide
for a moment we see
the colors that might
the true inner beauty of
betray us. This is why I
this man.
say LGBT folks are more
It’s not just Joel
like geodes than others:
either, it’s happening
all too often we hide our
everywhere. Everybeauty, fearing harasswhere I turn I find LGBT
ment.
people talking about
Transsexuals are
this, opening up about
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
the most like geodes.
their own pain, their
There, I said it. Why do I single out trans- stories and their own lives. In doing so they
sexuals? I do this because in order for some are shedding layers of gray at a frightening
of us to show our beauty we need to be cut pace, exposing themselves. It’s raw and
first. For reasons buried in our psychology, shocking, but it’s also beautiful. When I
neurology and/or physiology, we cannot watched Joel’s outpouring for the first time,
show the world our true beauty until some I cried. As I watched Ellen DeGeneres talk
surgeon opens us up.
about the “it get better” campaign, I could
So when I go to a rock shop and see see tears in her eyes too.
cut geodes, all sparkly and polished, I think
These are tears of sorrow, but also tears
they are the mineral equivalent to a trans- of healing. As song writer Charlie Murphy
sexual. But cutting, by a skilled rock jeweler says in one of his songs, “When the tear in
or by a skilled surgeon, is only one way to the heart grows wider, feel how the love can
open up.
flow.” We are growing, as individuals and as
However, there are other cruder a community.
methods.
The most difficult and troubling question raised by these suicides is what can we
do? I would argue that we are in fact doing
Hammer Blows
You can take any geode and hit it with a something. We are sharing our stories. We
hammer. That will open it up. The problem are letting the world see the pain and the
is that you might just as well destroy the beauty of being gay. We are showing our
very beauty you are trying to release. And insides.
More to the point we are showing
yet many geodes are opened this way.
As are many LGBT people. Right now LGBT youth that there is another way. The
our community is facing some deep crush- hammer blows of harassment, bullying and
ing blows. When I see the images of Tyler homophobia do not have to be the end. They
Clementi, the boy who jumped to his death can be opportunities as well. They, and we,
after his roommate filmed him having sex can learn that our best defense is not to
with another man and then posted the video grow more and more gray lumpy protection,
online, I see a geode hit too hard. For one hoping to survive the blow, but instead we
brief instant I see his beautiful face, then it can be more open, showing our beauty to
those who will appreciate it.
crumbles and is gone.
Straight Americans need … an education of the heart
and soul. They must understand—to begin with—how
it can feel to spend years denying your own deepest
truths, to sit silently through classes, meals, and church
services while people you love toss off remarks that
brutalize your soul.
—Bruce Bawer, The Advocate, 28 April 1998
FFBC
the fact that “cultural affairs” is an industry,
a commercial activity like any other, and
must be promoted as economic development
just like any other industry. These projects
impact not just leisure and entertainment,
but also education, tourism, even the health
industry. Yet Iowa’s commitment to history
and the arts, as measured in the department’s
budget, remains a mere 34 cents per citizen—
dead last in the Midwest.
As one example among many, Pederson
cited the huge change that the Des Moines
Social Club has brought to its Western
Gateway neighborhood: that area has now
become so desirable that the club is in real
danger of being priced out of its formerly
near-derelict building!
Following her fast-moving talk and a
short Q&A session, Cyndi Pederson went
home to compose the required post-election
resignation letter to former governor/
governor-elect Terry Branstad. She said
she is hoping to be asked by him to stay on
in her Cultural Affairs post and—after the
fine impression she made on us—we’re all
hoping so, too.
DECEMBER 2010
About Cyndi Pederson
A Des Moines native, Cyndi Pederson
earned her Bachelor of Arts in art education from Iowa State University in 1979,
and a degree in Management from Drake
University in 2008. In 1998, she served as
a member of Governor Vilsack’s transition
team and was named Chief of Staff to First
Lady Christie Vilsack. In 2005, she joined the
Department of Cultural Affairs as Coordinator for the Iowa Great Places initiative (an
outgrowth of Christie Vilsack’s Iowa Libraries project), which combines state resources
with local assets to make Iowa communities
great places where people want to live, work
and play.
In July 2006, she was appointed interim
deputy director of the Cultural Affairs department, and was named interim director in
January 2007 and director the following
month . Pederson also worked with the
Secretary of State’s office to develop “Capitol
Project,” which brought Iowa high school
students to Des Moines to learn about
government at first hand. She is married
to John Pederson, a lobbyist in the areas of
natural resources, water quality, commerce,
and agriculture.
“Yet, we're told by the bill's supporters that we need legislation to protect
ourselves from this kind of marriage? No, ladies and gentlemen, this is not a
marriage-protection bill. It is emphatically an anti-marriage bill. This rhetoric
used by supporters of HF 2183 may be slick but it is grossly inaccurate. What are you
trying to protect heterosexual marriages from? There isn't a limited amount of love
in Iowa. It isn't a non-renewable resource. If Amy and Barbara or Mike or Steve love
each other, it doesn't mean that John and Mary can't.”
— Iowa Rep. Ed Fallon (D-Des Moines), February 20, 1996
ACCESSline Page 33
Iowa’s Own “family” owned Bisschopswijn warms the holidays
DECEMBER 2010
mixture until hot over a medium setting
on your crock pot or medium heat on your
stove top. Do not boil.
3.Reduce the temperature to low and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to
make sure the brown sugar has dissolved
completely.
4.Taste the Bisschopswijn occasionally.
Remove the spice bag when the desired
amount of “spice” is reached.
5.Ladle the hot Bisschopswijn into mugs and
serve with a Cinnamon Stir Stick.
Cranberry Stuffed Apples Baked in
Mulled Wine
Bisschopswijn is made in Pella, Iowa.
The company is proudly “family” owned.
Note: These recipes were published
in last year’s December issue of
ACCESSline, too. Yeah, we’re big fans!
Bisschopswijn – “Market Recipe”
If you ever sample our product at a
farmer’s market or craft show you will be
sampling this recipe. This is the family
friendly recipe or for those who don’t
want to indulge in the wine recipe. We often make this for parties and set up what
we call a “cider bar”. We put out bottles
of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, peach
schnapps, cinnamon schnapps, apple
schnapps and fruit flavored brandies and
let guests embellish their spiced cider to
their own personal taste. Always put out
a few cinnamon sticks for stirring.
•
•
•
•
32oz. cranberry juice
32oz. apple cider
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 oz. (generous 1/4 cup) Bisschopswijn –
Mulled Wine and Cider Spices
Stove Top or Crock Pot Method
1.Combine the cranberry juice and apple
cider in a large crock pot or large sauce
pan. Add the brown sugar and stir until
it is dissolved.
2.Place Bisschopswijn spices in the muslin
bag provided. Close the bag by pulling the
strings and tying them into a bow. Place the
bag of spices into the juice mixture. Cover
the crock pot or sauce pan and heat the
Ingredients
• 4 large golden delicious apples, peeled and
cored to within 1/4 inch of the bottom
• 4 tablespoons whole cranberry sauce
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 tablespoons of Bisschopswijn – Mulled Wine
& Cider Spices
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into
small pieces
• 4 tablespoons sugar
Optional topping
• 1 cup heavy cream, stiffly whipped with 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
1.Preheat oven to 350. Butter a 3-qt casserole
and set aside.
2.Fill the center of each apple with cranberry
sauce, mounding it ever so slightly on top.
3.Stand the apples in the prepared casserole,
arranging them so they don’t touch the casserole sides or one another.
4.Pour the red wine evenly over the apples,
then sprinkle in the Bisschopswijn – Mulled
Wine & Cider Spices and butter into the
casserole, distributing them evenly around
the apples.
5.Finally, sprinkle 1 T sugar over each
apple.
6.Bake the apples, uncovered, for 50-60 minutes, till tender, basting with the casserole
liquid (not the spices) every 10 minutes.
7.Serve hot or warm, spooning a bit of the
liquid (without the spices) over the top of
each apple and adding, if desired, a dollop
of the whipped cream.
Bisschopswijn - Traditional
Netherlands Recipe
Bisschopswijn is also known by many
other names including the German
“Gluhwein” or the “Hot Wine” served in
the Christmas Markets of the Czech Rebublic. It has many “cousins” such as the
Scandinavian “Glogg” and other versions
from Italy, Romania, and Chile which all
use the same basic ingredients with a few
variations.
• Two 750ml bottles of dry red wine
• 2/3 cup of granulated white sugar
• 1oz (generous 1/4 cup) Bisschopswijn Mulled Wine and Cider Spices
1.Pour the red wine in a crock pot or sauce
pan. Add the sugar and stir until it is
dissolved.
2.Place 1oz. of Bisschopswijn spices in the
muslin bag* provided. Close the bag by
pulling the strings. Place the bag of spices
into the wine mixture. Cover the crock pot
or sauce pan and heat the mixture until
hot over a medium setting on your crock
pot or medium heat on your stove top. Do
not boil.
3.Reduce the temperature to low and simmer
for 30-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to make
sure the sugar has dissolved completely.
5.Ladle the hot Bisschopswijn into mugs and
serve with a Cinnamon Stir Stick.
Makes six 8 ounce cups.
Bisschopswijn – Mulled Wine & Cider
Spice Recipe
This is our signature recipe. We have
been serving this recipe in Pella since the
70’s. It is a variation of the classic Bisschopswijn recipe served in
The Netherlands.
• 32oz. cranberry juice
• 12oz. apple cider
• 12oz. dry red wine
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup apricot flavored brandy
• 1 oz. (generous 1/4 cup) Bisschopswijn Mulled Wine and Cider Spices
1.Combine the cranberry juice, apple cider
and red wine in a large crock pot or large
sauce pan. Add the brown sugar and stir
until it is dissolved.
2.Place Bisschopswijn spices in the muslin
bag* provided. Close the bag by pulling
the strings.
3.Place the bag of spices into the juice
and wine mixture. Cover the crock pot
or sauce pan and heat the mixture until
hot over a medium setting on your crock
pot or medium heat on your stove top.
Do not boil.
4.Reduce the temperature to low and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to
make sure the brown sugar has dissolved
completely.
6.Just before serving add the apricot flavored
brandy and stir until combined. Ladle the
hot Bisschopswijn into mugs and serve with
a Cinnamon Stir Stick.
Makes seven 8 ounce cups.
ACCESSline Page 34
DECEMBER 2010
DECEMBER 2010
WORLD NEWS
Muslims protest for
sexual rights in 12
nations
Members of the Coalition for Sexual
and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies
staged simultaneous actions in 12 nations
Nov. 9 under the theme “One Day One
Struggle.”
Hundreds of members of 40 organizations held panels, workshops, film screenings, theater performances, photo exhibits
and press conferences in Bangladesh,
Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Iran, Lebanon,
Malaysia, Pakistan, the Palestinian territories, Sudan, Tunisia and Turkey “to
assert that sexual and reproductive rights
are universal human rights based on the
inherent freedom, dignity and equality of
all human beings.”
“Rising conservatism fueled by militarism, increasing inequalities, the politicization of religion and Islamophobia have
strengthened patriarchal and extremist
religious ideologies that use sexuality as a
tool of oppression,” organizers said. “This
has manifested itself in various forms
over the last year, be it the revocation of
the permit for the regional Asia Conference of the International Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association by the police in Indonesia, or the
harassment of conference participants by
radical Islamic groups, or political pressure
on a women’s group promoting women’s
rights in Islam in Malaysia, or women like
Sakineh Ashtiani being sentenced to death
by stoning in Iran, or killings of hundreds of
women and transsexuals in Turkey under
the pretext of honor.”
CSBR is a solidarity network of
progressive organizations and academic
institutions in the Middle East, North
Africa, and South and Southeast Asia
working to promote sexual and bodily
rights as human rights in Muslim societies. For more information, see www.wwhr.
org/csbr.php.
in this year’s progress reports and encourage the commission to continue asserting the principles of nondiscrimination
and equality in accession negotiations
with the countries,” said Lilit Poghosyan,
senior programs and policy officer for
ILGA-Europe, the European Region of the
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans
and Intersex Association.
It is a requirement of EU membership
that a nation have legal protections against
anti-gay discrimination.
“Once we get this study, we need to
have hearings. And we need to examine
it. And we need to look at whether it’s
the kind of study that we wanted.”
— Senator John McCain regarding the
Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
study, which was scheduled to
be released on December 1, 2010.
On October 28, NBC reported that
anonymous sources leaked the
results of the Pentagon’s survey,
and that the majority of U.S. troops
surveyed don’t care if another
soldier is gay or not.
More than 30 U.S. officials, including
senior officials from 11 federal departments and agencies, defended the country’s
human rights record before the United
Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva
Nov. 5.
At the U.N.’s “Universal Periodic
Review” session for the United States, the
government submitted a report that said,
among other things: “In each era of our
history there tends to be a group whose
experience of discrimination illustrates the
continuing debate among citizens about
how we can build fair societies. In this era,
one such group is LGBT Americans.”
The U.S. officials told the U.N. that
President Barack Obama is committed
to repealing the Defense of Marriage Act
and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and to banning
workplace discrimination based on sexual
orientation and gender identity.
Assistance: Bill Kelley
“Our political and religious leaders
tell LGBT youth that they have no future.
… They can’t serve our country openly…
our government treats the LGBT
community like second class citizens,
why shouldn’t [bullies]?”
— Cindy McCain, wife of Senator
John McCain, in the NoH8
campaign’s YouTube video “An
Anti-Bullying Message From the
NOH8 Campaign”.
U.S. defends its human
LGBT issues included in rights record to U.N.
EU accession reports
LGBT issues figure prominently in the
European Commission’s Nov. 9 progress
reports on the hoped-for addition to the
European Union of Albania, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Croatia, Iceland, Kosovo,
Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and
Turkey.
The report on Croatia notes that LGBT
people face threats and attacks that are
inadequately investigated by the authorities. Macedonia’s report points out that
the nation’s laws do not provide adequate
nondiscrimination protections.
Turkey violates the human rights of, in
particular, transgender people, its report
said. Albania and Montenegro ban antigay discrimination but need to do more to
prevent actual discriminatory incidents,
their reports said.
“We welcome the way in which the
human rights of LGBT people are raised
ACCESSline Page 35
“I fully support the NoH8 campaign
and all it stands for and am proud to be
a part of it. But I stand by my husband’s
stance on DADT.”
— Cindy McCain in a Friday, November 12 Tweet.
ACCESSline Page 36
DIRECTORY NOTICE
The ACCESSline community directory is updated each issue. LISTINGS
ARE FREE but are limited by space.
Free online listings are available at
www.ACCESSlineIOWA.com.
Information about new listings must contain a phone number for publication and a
contact (e-mail address, land address, or
website) for our records. For more information or to provide corrections, please
contact Editor@ACCESSlineIOWA.com or
call (319) 550-0957.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund
1133 15th Street NW, Suite 350,
Washington, DC 20005
www.victoryfund.org.
202-VICTORY [842-8679]
Human Rights Campaign
National political organization,
lobbies congress for lesbian & gay issues,
political training state and local
www.hrc.org
1-800-777-HRCF[4723]
Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund
I I E. Adams, Suite 1008, Chicago, IL 60603
www.lambdalegal.org
312-663-4413 Fax: 312-663-4307
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF)
1325 Massachusetts Ave NW,
Ste 600, Washington, DC, 20005
www.ngltf.org / taskforce.org
National Organization for Women (NOW)
733 15th ST NW, 2nd Floor
www.now.org 202-628-8669
PFLAG National Offices
1133 15th Street NW, Suite 350,
info@pflag.org - www.pflag.org
202-467-8180
The Trevor Lifeline
The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide
prevention lifeline for lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender and questioning youth. Each
year, our lifeline fields more than 30,000 calls
from LGBTQ youth as well as their families,
friends and educators.
(866) 4-U-TREVOR - (866) 488-7386
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
All calls are toll-free and confidential
STATE ORGANIZATIONS
Equality Iowa
P.O. Box 18, Indianola, IA 50125
www.equalityiowa.org
515-537-3126
Faithful Voices
Interfaith Alliance of Iowa’s marriage equality
project. www.faithfulvoices.org
Imperial Court of Iowa
Non-profit fundraising & social,
statewide organization with members from
across the State of Iowa.
PO Box 1491, Des Moines, IA 50306-1491
www.imperialcourtofiowa.org
Iowa Chapter of the National
Organization for Women (NOW)
Janis Bowden, President, IA NOW
janleebow@aol.com
PO Box 41114, Des Moines, IA 503111
Iowa Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA)
921 Diagonal Rd, Malcom, IA 50157
polebender60@yahoo.com 641-990-1411
Iowa PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of
Lesbians and Gay) State Council
PO Box 18, Indianola, IA 50125
http://community.pflag.org/Page.
aspx?pid=194&srcid=-2
515-537-3126 or 641-583-2024
Iowa Pride Network
777 Third Street, Suite 312,
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Pridenetwork.org
Executive Director: 515-471-8062
Outreach Coordinator: 515-471-8063
LGBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force
PO Box 1997, Des Moines, 50306
515-243-1221
One Iowa
500 East Locust St, Ste 300
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-288-4019 Fax: 515-244-5846
www.OneIowa.org
Stonewall Democrats of Iowa
5 Creekside Ct Mason City, IA 50401
Contact: Harvey Ross
HRoss007@aol.com
319-362-3099
Ames
First United Methodist Church
516 Kellogg Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Contemporary worship Sat. 5:30;
Sun at 8:30 and 11:00am.
www.acswebnetworks.com/firstunitedmcames/
515-232-2750
Living with HIV Program
126 S. Kellogg, Suite 1
Ask for Janelle (Coordinator)
515-956-3312 ext 106 or
I -800-890-8230
ISU LGBTA Alliance
GLBT Support, Activism,
Social Events, Newsletter
L East Student Office Space
2229 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014-7163
alliance@iastate.edu
http://www.alliance.stuorg.iastate.edu
515-344-4478
Lord of Life Lutheran
2126 Gable Lane, Ames 50014
Services Sundays at 9:00a.m.; Wed. 7:00pm.
515-233-2350
PFLAG Ames
Youth and Shelter Services Offices
2328 Bristol Drive, Ames, IA 5001
2nd Tuesday, 7pm
www.pflagames.org
515-291-3607
Romantics Pleasure Palace
117 Kellogg Street, Ames, IA 50010-3315
http://www.romantixonline.com
515-232-7717
United Church of Christ-Congregational
6th & Kellogg, Ames, 50010
Sunday Continental Breakfast, 9:00am;
Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship 10:45am.
uccames@midiowa.net.
515-232-9323
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames
1015 Hyland Ave.
Services: 9am and 11am, Sunday
www.uufames.org
uufa@aol.com 515-292-5960
Unity Church of Ames
226 9th St.
Sunday service and Sunday school 10:30am.
Wednesday mediation 6:30pm, .
www.websyt/unity/ames Daily dial-a-blessing
515-233-1613
Arnolds Park, Okoboji,
Spencer, Spirit Lake
The Royal Wedding Chapel
504 Church Street, Royal, IA 51357
712-933-2223
www.TheRoyalWeddingChapel.com
Wilson Resource Center
An Iowa Great Lakes area gay-owned
nonprofit community based organization.
PO Box 486, 597 W. Okoboji Rd.,
Arnolds Park IA 51331-0486
F.JosephWilson@aol.com.
www.wilsonresource.org
712-332-5043
BURLINGTON
Arrowhead Motel
2520 Mount Pleasant St
Burlington, IA 52601-2118
319-752-6353 www.arrowheadia.com
HIV/AIDS Screening @ Des Moines County
Health Department in Burlington
522 N 3rd
By appointment between 8:00am to 4:30
319-753-8217 Confidential
RISQUES IV (adult store)
421 Dry Creek Ave, West Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-5455
Sun - Wed 8am-Midnight
Thurs - Sat Open 24 Hours
www.LoversPlayground.com
Steve’s Place
852 Washington St, Burlington
319-754-5868
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Services start at 10:30 am
625 N 6th St, Burlington, IA 52601-5032
(319) 753-1895 - www.uuburlington.org
Cedar Falls - Waterloo
Adult Cinema
315 E 4th St
Waterloo, IA 50703-4703
(319) 234-7459
Black Hawk Co. Health Department
Free HIV testing (donations accepted);
MW, 1:00pm to 3:00pm; Thurs,
1:00pm to 4:45pm
1407 Independence Ave. (5th fl)
Waterloo 50703
319-291 -2413
Cedar AIDS Support System (CASS)
Service, support groups & trained volunteers
for persons with HIV/AIDS in Waterloo/CF
call Elizabeth or Karla,
319-272-AIDS(2437). cvhospice@forbin.net
Cedar Valley Counseling Services
Promoting personal growth and development
in a strengths-based environment
Joan E. Farstad, MA, Director.
319-240-4615
www.cvcounseling.com
farstd@cvcounseling.com.
Cedar Valley Episcopal Campus Ministry. In
Lutheran Center
2616 College St, Cedar Falls, IA
319-415-5747
mcdinoiwa@aol.com
www.episcopalcampus.org
Community AIDS Assistance Project (CAAP)
Funding for special personal needs, community projects, and small grants that are
AIDS related.
PO Box 36, Waterloo, IA 50704
LGBTA Support Group at
Hawkeye Community College
Call Carol at 319-296-4014 for time & location
of meeting
chedberg@hawkeyecollege.edu
Iowa Legal Aid
Free civil legal service available to low income
persons who qualify under income/asset
guidelines.
607 Sycamore, #206, Waterloo, IA 50703
1-800-772-0039 or 319-235-7008
Kings & Queens Tap
304 W. 4th St, Waterloo, IA
www.//myspace.com/kingsandqueensspace
319-232-3001
Romantix Waterloo (Adult Emporium)
1507 La Porte Rd, Waterloo, IA 50702
319-234-9340
http://www.romantixonline.com/
Stellas Guesthouse
324 Summit Ave, Waterloo, IA
Private B&B, Overnight accommodations for
adults only.
319-232-2122
St. Lukes Episcopal Church
2410 Melrose Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
www.st-lukes-episcopal.org
Services: Sunday 8:00 & 10:15, Thurs 11:30
319-277-8520
St. Timothys United Methodist Church 3220 Terrace Drive, Cedar Falls, 50613
sttims-umc.org, 319-266-0464, info@sttimsumc-org, Contact Rev. Linda Butler “...
welcome of all persons, including those of all
sexual orientations and gender identities.”
Together For Youth
233 Vold Dr, Waterloo, IA 50703
www.TogetherForYouth.net
319-274-6768
UNI-LGBTA
Alliance-Student Organization
244A Bartlet Hall, University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls 50613
lgbta@uni.edu
319-222-0003
United Church of Christ Cedar Falls
9204 University Avenue, Cedar Falls
319-366-9686
Unitarian Universalist Society of
Black Hawk County
3912 Cedar Heights Dr, Cedar Falls, IA
319-266-5640
Cedar Rapids/marion
Adult Shop
630 66th Ave SW, 319-362-4939
Adult Shop North
5539 Crane Lane, 319-294-5360
Cedar Rapids Unity
(Formerly GLRC of Cedar Rapids)
Support, social activities.
lnfo@crglrc.org, cedarrapidsunity.org or write
to PO Box 1643 Cedar Rapids 52406-1643
Call and leave a message—all calls will be
returned. 319-366-2055
Christ Episcopal Church
“We have a place for you.”
220 40th Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
319-363-2029 www.ChristEpiscopal.org
Club Basix
Open 5pm to 2am M-F, Sat & Sun 3pm-2am
3916 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids
319-363-3194
Coe Alliance
Education, activism & fun for GLBTQ and
straight students, staff and people from the
community.
Coe College
1220 First Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
For information contact: coealliance@coe.edu
or Erica Geers, faculty advisor at
319-861-6025
Community Health Free Clinic
947 14th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
319-363-0416 www.communityhfc.org
Free Medical Services provided for the
uninsured and underserved patients of Cedar
Rapids, Marion and the surrounding areas in
Eastern Iowa.
CSPS Legion Arts Contemporary Arts Center
1103 3rd St. SE
info@legionarts.org
319-364-1580
Faith UMC
1000 30th Street NE, Cedar Rapids, 52402
Pastor Kathy Moore
Sunday services at 11:00am.
www.crfaithumc.org
319-363-8454
Foundation 2 Crisis Counseling
24-hour telephone crisis counseling.
f2crisis@aol.com or
www.f2online.org
1540 2nd Ave. SE Cedar Rapids, IA
319-362-2174 or 800-332-4224
Hamburger Mary’s
222 Glenbrook Dr., Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
319-378-4627
www.hamburgermaryscr.com
Linn County Public Health
501 13th NW
Free confidential HIV testing,
319-892-6000
Linn County Stonewall Democrats
2nd Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m.
The LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party,
meets at Hamburger Mary’s,
222 Glenbrook Dr. SE, behind 2nd Wind off
of 1st Ave SE in Cedar Rapids. For more info,
contact linnstonewall@ gmail.com
Rapid AIDS
Grant Wood Area Red Cross
3600 Rockwell Dr NE, Cedar Rapids, 52410
319-393-9579.
People’s Church Unitarian Universalist
A welcoming congregation.
600 Third Avenue SE
11am Sunday. 319-362-9827
PFLAG CR, Linn Co and Beyond
Meets at People’s Church (in Cherry Room)
600 3rd ST, Cedar Rapids Iowa 52401
Contact Person: Diane Peterson
Phone: 319-362-9827
6:30pm on the 4th Thursdays except
months like November. (Email
ddpeters57@gmail.com for alternate dates.)
Stonewall Democrats of Linn County
Contact Roy Porterfield
royboycr@mchsi.com
319-362-5281
Tri-ess, Iota Kappa Phi Chapter
P.O. Box 8605, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52408
We are a transgendered organization supporting crossdressers, their families, and friends.
www.yahoo.com/group/Tri-essIotaKappaPhi
www.tri-ess.org, 319-390-6376
E-mail: Georgia georgia523@yahoo.com
E-mail: Judy marlenemarschel@yahoo.com
Unity Center of Cedar Rapids
“A center of positive, practical Christianity.”
3791 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids
www.unitycr.org - (319) 393-5422
CLINTON
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clinton
309 30th Avenue North, Clinton, IA 52732
(563) 242-4972 - uuclinton.org
Sunday services at 10:30 (year-round)
Where YOUR spiritual and ethical journey is
welcome! Rev. Ruby Nancy, minister
Council Bluffs, Omaha (Ne)
AIDS Interfaith Network
100 N. 62nd, Omaha, NE
Call Br. Wm. Woeger
402-558-3100
Broadway Joe’s
3400 W Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
712-256-2243
Citizens For Equal Protection
1105 Howard St, Suite #2, Omaha, NE 68102
www.cfep-ne.org - info@cfep-ne.org
402-398-3027
Council Bluffs NOW
Write PO Box 3325, Omaha, NE 68103-0325
DECEMBER 2010
Heartland Gay Rodeo Association (HGRA)
(Midwest Division of the International Gay
Rodeo Association)
PO Box 3354, Omaha, NE 68103
www.hgra.net - 402-203-4680
HGRA serves both Iowa and Nebraska
Imperial Court of Nebraska
P.O. Box 3772, Omaha, NE 68103
402-556-9907
L.E.O. (Leather Engineers of Omaha)
Educational-social group for Gay Men with
interest in Leather Lifestyle. Meets 2nd Saturday at Gilligan’s Pub at 7:00pm.
L.E.O. PO Box 8101 Omaha, NE 68108.
The Max
1417 Jackson at 15th, Omaha, NE 68102
6 bars in 1 - 402-346-4110
MCC Omaha
819 South 22nd, Omaha, NE 68103
Sun 9 & 11 am
Wednesday “ReCharge” Worship, Wed 7pm
402-345-2563
PFLAG Omaha
Mead Hall, First United Methodist Church
7020 Cass St. (Omaha)
2nd Thursday, 7, 6:30 Social time
402-291-6781
River City Mixed Chorus
Gay/lesbian chorus
PO Box 3267
Omaha, NE 68103
Call Stan Brown, marketing
402-341-7464.
Romantix Council Bluffs (North)
(Adult Emporium)
3216 1st Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501-3353
515-955-9756
Tri-ess Chapter, Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter
Omaha, NE 68107
We are a transgendered organization supporting crossdressers, their families, and friends.
www.tri-ess.org, 402-960-9696
E-mail: Judy marlenemarschel@yahoo.com
Romantix Council Bluffs (South)
(Romantix After Dark)
50662 189th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
712-366-1764
Youth Support Group for GLBT
Youth 13-21, meets twice monthly.
Omaha, NE - 402-291- 6781
Decorah
Decorah Human Rights Commission
Contact: City Clerk
400 Clairborne Dr, Decorah
563-382-3651
Meetings: First Tuesdays, 5:30pm
Luther College Student Congregation
Contact Office for College Ministry
700 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101
563-387-1040.
PFLAG Northeast IA (Waukon/Decorah)
First Lutheran Church
604 W Broadway St, Decorah, IA
Meetings: 4th Mondays, 7pm-9pm
in the Fellowship Hall
Call Jean @ 563-535-7680
PRIDE Luther College Diversity Center,
700 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101
Contact Chris at 563-387-2145 or Melanie at
563-387-1273
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Meets alternating Sundays at 10:30am,
Decorah Senior Center
806 River St
Call Bill at 563-382-3458.
Des Moines
AIDS Project of Central Iowa
Free HIV testing, prevention supplies,
care services, food pantry, information.
711 E. 2nd, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-284-0245
DC’s Saloon
610 S. 14th St., Omaha, NE
Open everyday 2pm-1am,
western/levi/leather.
402-344-3103
Blazing Saddle
416 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA - 515-246-1299
www.theblazingsaddle.com
Diamond Bar
712 S. 16th St., Omaha, NE
10am - 1am, M-Sa, closed Sun
402-342-9595
The CENTER
1300 Locust
The new LGBT and progressive place to be.
thecenterdm@gmail.com
Facebook: The CENTER & Equality Iowa
www.equalityiowa.org 515-243-0313
Front Runners/Front Walkers
Walking/jogging club.
P.O. Box 4583, Omaha, NE 68104
402-496-3658.
Gilligan’s Pub and Grill
1407 Harney, Omaha, NE
Everyday 4pm-1am
Friday and Sat. After hours 12-4am
402-449-9147
GLBT Rainbow Outreach Omaha
Serving GLBT community in eastern
Nebraska and western Iowa. Excellent message and info. Also office for Imperial court
of Nebraska.
1719 Leavenworth St, Omaha, NE
www.rocc.org - 402-341-0330
Buddies Corral
418 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA - 515-244-7140
Church of the Holy Spirit-MCC
Pastor Pat Esperanza
Sunday service 10:30am at the
1st Christian Church
2500 University, Des Moines
chsmccdmia@aol.com 515-287-9787
Des Moines Diversity Chorus [A gay-friendly
mixed chorus] Rehearsals on Mondays at 7
p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church,
Beaver Ave. at Franklin St., Des Moines.
All are welcome, no auditions.
PO Box 65312, West Des moines, IA 50265
Julie Murphy, Artistic Director
jahmurphy@hotmail.com, 515-255-3576,
desmoinesdiversitychorus.org
DECEMBER 2010
Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus
515-953-1540
dmgmc@mchsi.com, www.dmgmc.org.
Family Practice Center
Safe, supportive LGBT health care.
200 Army Post Road, Ste 26
www.ppgi.org
515-953-7560
First Friday Breakfast Club
Educational breakfast club for gay/bisexual
men. Meets first Friday of each month.
Contact Jonathan Wilson for meeting topic
and place. 515-288-2500
JonathanWilson@DavisBrownLaw.com
First Unitarian Church
1800 Bell Avenue
Services Sundays at 9:30 & 11am
515-244-8603
The Gallery (adult store)
1000 Cherry St
Des Moines, IA 50309-4227
(515) 244-2916 Open 24 Hours
www.LoversPlayground.com
The Garden
112 SE 4th Des Moines, IA
515-243-3965
Wed-Sun. 8pm-2am www.grdn.com
Gay & Lesbian AA & AI-Anonymous
Mon. 7 pm; Tues. - Thurs. 6 pm; Sat. 5:30
pm at Drake Ministries in Ed. Bldg. 28th &
University
Gay and Lesbian Issues Committee
4211 Grand Avenue, Level-3
Des Moines, IA 50312
515-277-1117
Iowa Affirmation
Lesbian/Gay United Methodist
Thoreau Center, 35th & Kingman Blvd.
Write Affirmation
Java Joe’s
Gay friendly
214 4th St.
515-288-5282
Lavender Victory Fund
Financial assistance for women in need for
medical emergencies.
lavendervf@aol.com
Le Boi Bar
508 Indianola Rd, Des Moines, IA
Liberty Gifts
333 E. Grand Ave., Loft 105, Des Moines, IA
Gay owned specialty clothing, jewelry, home
decor. 515-508-0825
Libertygiftsonline.com
MINX Show Palace
1510 NE Broadway, Des Moines, IA 50313
Open 9am - 2am, M-Th; 9am - 4am,
F-Sat. 10am -9pm Sun.
515-266-2744
National Association of Social Workers (NOW)
(Nat’1 Organization of Women in Des Moines)
www.meetup.com/locale/us/ia/desmoines
North Star Gay Rodeo Association of IGRA,
Iowa Division of North Star
NSGRA@NSGRA.org or 612-82-RODEO
Rainbow Union, Drake University
Contact Sara Graham
ru@drake.edu
Ray Perry Law Firm
515-279-2244
Free Initial Consultation
PFLAG Des Moines
515-537-3126 or write
3520 Grand Ave #51, Des Moines, IA 50312
Plymouth Congregational UCC
Church and the Plymouth GLBT Community
4126 Ingersoll Ave. 515-255-3149
Services at 5:30pm Sat, 9am & I lam Sunday.
www.PlymouthGLBT.com
Polk County Health Department
Free STD, HIV, and Hepatitis B & C testing.
HIV. Rapid testing also offered.
1907 Carpenter, Des Moines, IA
515-286-3798.
Raccoon River Resort
Accommodations for men, women, or
mixed in campgrounds, lodge, Teepees or
Treehouses. Reservations: 515-996-2829 or
515-279-7312
Ritual Café
On 13th between Grand and Locust.
Gay owned great music, awesome food
and coffee. 515-288-4872
ritualcafe@aol.com - ritualcafe.com
Romantix North Des Moines Iowa
(Bachelor’s Library)
2020 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
www.romantixonline.com 515-266-7992
Romantix
1401 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines IA 50320
www.romantixonline.com - 515-256-1102
SOFFA Iowa (Significant Others Family
Friends and Allies of people who fall under the
Gender Variant umbrella)
Monthly meetings held at
The CENTER, 1300 Locust
contact Jaye at: (515)779-5185
thecentersoffaiowa@gmail.com
Spouses of Lesbians & Gays
Contact Ruth Schanke, 515-277-3700
St. John’s Lutheran Church
600 6th Ave
“A Church for All People.”
Services Sat 5pm, Sun 7:45, 8:45 & 11am.
See web page for other services.
515-243-7691 - www.StJohnsDSM.org
TransformationsIOWA
Monthly meetings for the female to male,
male to female, transgender community,
cross dressers, gender queer, questioning,
and their significant others. For location
and info, email Jayden at
thecenterdmtrans@gmail.com
or call 515-779-5187
Trinity United Methodist Church
1548 Eighth Street - 515-288-4056
Services Sundays at 10am
Urbandale UCC
An open & affirming congregation.
3530 70th St., Urbandale, IA 50322
515-276-0625
Walnut Hills UMC
Join us at 8:30 or 10:30am for Sunday
worship. Sunday classes and group studies
are at 9:30am. 515-270-9226
12321 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50323
Westminster Presbyterian Church
4114 Allison Ave - www.WestPres.org
Sunday services 8:45 and 11am. Of note is
their Gay Lesbian Straight Affirmation small
group ministry. 515-274-1534
Word of God Ministries
Join us at 3:30 for Sunday Worship at
3120 E 24th St, Des Moines, IA
515-276-6614
Women’s Culture Collective (WCC)
A lesbian social group.
Des Moines, IA - www.iowawcc.org
Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure
Open daily. Gay-friendly
2723 Ingersoll, Des Moines, IA
515-244-7694
Dubuque
Adult Warehouse
975 Jackson St., Dubuque, IA
563-588-9184.
Dubuque Friends Worship Group (Quakers)
Tired of being rejected by your church?
Tired of following church pronouncements
that smack of homophobia? Join us at an
unprogrammed meeting on Sunday at 10am.
Open and Affirming
St. Mark’s Community Center
1201 Locust Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001
563-556-3685 for info and directions
Dubuque Pride
Monthly social group, meeting for meal and
conversation.
www.dubuquepride.org
Dubuque Regional AIDS Coalition
Direct services, education. HIV+/AIDS support
group and family/friends support group. Contact Kay Auderer or Connie Sprimont, Mercy
Health Center. 563-589-9606.
PFLAG Dubuque
St. John’s Lutheran Church
1276 White St.
3rd Thursday, 7pm 563-582-9388
Q Bar East
90 Sinsinawa Ave, The Strip,
East Dubuque, IL 61025
qbar.east@gmail.com
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Dubuque
1699 Iowa St., Dubuque, IA
“The uncommon denomination.” Adult religious education meets Sunday at 9am before
general services at 10am.
www.uuf-dbq.org. 563-583-9910
Fort Dodge
Romantix Fort Dodge (Mini Cinema)
15 N. 5th St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501-3801
Grinnell
Saints Ephrem & Macrina
Orthodox Mission. Welcoming worship in
the Eastern Christian liturgical tradition.
Sunday services at 10am. (Affiliated with the
Orthodox-Catholic Church of America.)
Divine Liturgy is served Sundays during the
College academic year 1:30 p.m., Herrick
Chapel, Grinnell College Campus
1226 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA
641-236-0936
Stonewall Resource Center
Open 4:30pm to 11:30pm,
Sun through Thurs and by Appointment.
Grinnell College
1210 Park Street
PO Box B-1, Grinnell, IA, 50112
srcenter@grinnell.edu 641-269-3327
INDIANOLA
Crossroads United Church of Christ (UCC)
An Open & affirming congregation. Services:
Sunday 10:30am, Summer worship: June,
July, Aug, @ 9:30 am, worshiping in the
Lounge at Smith Chapel, Simpson College,
corner of Buxton and Clinton. Mailing address:
P.O. Box 811, Indianola, IA 50125
515-961-9370.
Iowa City
AA (GLBT) 319-338-9111
Meetings Sundays 5 - 6pm at First Baptist
Church, 500 North Clinton Street. For more
info, call IC Intergroup Answering Service,
Congregational Church UCC
An Open and Affirming Congregation
Sunday Worship 9:15am (July & August)
30 N. Clinton St. (across from Ul Pentacrest)
319-337-4301 - www.uiccic.org
Counseling Clinic 319-354-6238
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sensitive and supportive counseling for individuals,
couples, families and groups. Sliding Fee.
505 E Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240
Counseling and Health Center 319-337-6998
Client-centered therapy.
Les-Bi-Gay-Trans always welcome.
616 Bloomington St, Iowa City, IA
Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City
Inclusive and free religious community
nurturing intellectual and spiritual growth and
fostering ethical and social responsibility.
10 S. Gilbert, Iowa City, IA
Sunday services: 9:30am & 11:15am.
www.uusic.org 319-337-3443
United Action for Youth (UAY)
A GLBTQA youth group providing support and
counseling for teenagers and young adults
processing sexual identity issues. Meets
Mondays 7-9pm at UAY
410 Iowa Ave. Iowa City, IA
319-338-7518 or Teen Line, 319-338-0559.
The Ursine Group
Bear Events in the Midwest.
PO Box 1143, Iowa City, IA 52244-1143
319-338-5810
Vortex Gifts
211 E. Washington, downtown Iowa City
319-337-3434
Women’s Resource Action Center (WRAC)
Leads & collaborates on projects that serve U
of l and the greater community, offers social
& support services, including LGBT Coming
Out Group.
University of Iowa
130 N. Madison, Iowa City, IA 52242
319-335-1486
Marshalltown
Crisis Center 319-351-0140
1121 Gilbert Court, Iowa City, 52240
Adult Odyssey (Adult Video Store)
907 Iowa Ave E - 641-752-6550
Emma Goldman Clinic
227 N. Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52245
319-337-2111or 1-800-848-7684.
Domestic Violence Alternatives/
Sexual Assault Center, Inc.
24 hour Crisis Line: 641-753-3513 or (instate
only) 800-779-3512
Faith United Church of Christ
1609 De Forest Street, Iowa City, IA
Services Sundays at 9:30am 319-338-5238
GLBTAU-U of lA
Student support system and resource center,
info, activism, events, and other community
involvements.
203 IMU, University of IA
Iowa City, IA 52242-1317
glbtau@uiowa.edu 319-335-3251 (voice mail)
Hope United Methodist Church
Worship Service at 9:30am.
2929 E. Court St., Iowa City, IA
Contact Rev. Sherry Lohman. 319-338-9865
Human Rights Commission
(City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission)
319-356-5022; 391-356-5015; 319-356-5014
Fax 319-887-6213
humanrights@iowa-city.org
ICARE
(Iowa Center for AIDS Resources &
Education) Practical & emotional support,
youth programs, information, referrals and
support groups.
3211 E 1st Iowa City, IA 52240-4703
319-338-2135
Iowa City Free Medical Clinic
Free & strictly confidential HIV Testing.
2440 Towncrest Dr Iowa City,
Call for appointment 319-337-4459
Iowa City NOW
PO Box 2944, Iowa City, IA 52244
for information & meeting times/places
Iowa Women’s Music Festival
P.O. Box 3411, Iowa City, IA 52244
319-335-1486
Men Supporting Men 319-356-6038, Ext 2
HIV prevention program exploring issues that
gay/bisexual men deal with on a daily basis.
Discussion Groups, Educational Series, Safer
Sex Workshops, Book Club. Contact Andy
Weigel, email: aweigel@co.johnson.ia.us
New Song Episcopal Church
912 20th Ave, Coralville, IA
Sunday services at 10am.
Rev. Elizabeth Coulter, Pastor
Rev. John Harper, Associate.
319-351-3577
Pride Committee
WRAC
130 N. Madison, Iowa City, IA 52242
Bridget Malone - 319-338-0512
Charles Howes - 319-335-1486.
Romantix Iowa City
(Pleasure Palace I)
315 Kirkwood Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240-4722
www.romantixonline.com 319-351-9444
Studio 13
13 S. Linn St. (in the Alley)
Iowa City, IA
Open 7pm ‘til 2am, daily 319-338-7145
Thich Nhat Hanh based
“Mindfulness” meditation and study group
Iowa City Public Library, Sundays 1 to 2:30pm
Usually Room E
319-354-4065
U of I Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual
Staff & Faculty Association
c/o WRAC, 130 N Madison, Iowa City, IA
52242, 19-335-1486
MASON CITY
Cerro Gordo County Dept. of Public Health
22 N. Georgia Ave, Ste 300
Mason City, IA 50401.
Free confidential AIDS testing. 641-421-9306
PFLAG North Iowa Chapter 641-583-2848
1st Presbyterian Church
100 S. Pierce.
1st/ 2nd Monday (alternating), 7pm
Mount Vernon
Alliance Cornell College
810 Commons Cir # 2035
alliance@cornellcollege.edu
www.cornellcollege.edu/alliance
Contact person: Glynnis 319-895-5874
NEWTON
PFLAG Newton 641-521-7436
UCC Church, 308 E 2nd St N
3rd Thursday, 7pm
Pella
Common Ground (Central College)
Support group for GLBT students and allies.
Contact: Brandyn Woodard,
Director of Intercultural Life
woodardb@central.edu 641-628-5134
Quad Cities
AIDS Project Quad Cities
Info, education & support. Ste 360
1351 Central Park West
Davenport, IA 52804 563-421-4266
Augie’s Tap
313 20th St, Rock Island (IL)
Noon - 3am daily. 309-788-7389
Black Hawk College Unity Alliance
Serving GLBT community at
Black Hawk College.
6600 34th Ave, Rock Island, IL
309-716-0542.
Connections Nightclub 563-322-1121
822 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802
DeLaCerda House 309-786-7386
Provides housing & supportive services, advocacy and referrals for people living with HIV/
AIDS. P.O. Box 4551, Rock Island, Il. 61201
Good Samaritan Free Clinic
602 35th Avenue Moline, IL 309-797-4688
gsfc@mchsi.com - Provides free primary
medical care to patients age 16-64 who are
working but have no medical insurance. Patients are seen by volunteer physicians, nurss
practicioners, and physician assistants.
www.GoodSamaritanFreeClinic.org
The Hole-In-The-Wall 309-289-2375
A Private Membership Men’s Club
Located 3 miles east of Galesburg, IL
just north of I-74 at Exit 51
www.HoleInTheWallMensClub.org
Holy Spirit Catholic Faith Community
Meets one Sunday per month for Mass at
6:30pm at MCC-QC
3019 N. Harrison St, Davenport, IA
Mailing: PO Box 192 East Moline, IL 61244
For more info, call 309-278-3359
Mary’s On 2nd 563-884-8014
832 W. 2nd St. Davenport, IA
ACCESSline Page 37
MCC Quad Cities - Svcs Sat 5pm, Sun 11am
Bible study Wed 7pm 563-324-8281
3019 N Harrison, Davenport, IA 52803
Men’s Coming Out/Being Out Group
Meets 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7pm.
QCAD.OutForGood@GMail.com
309-786-2580
PFLAG Quad Cities 563-285-4173
Eldridge United Methodist Church
604 S.2nd St., Eldridge 1st Monday, 6:30 pm
Prism (Augustana College) 309-794-7406
Augustana Gay-Straight Alliance
Augustana Library
639 38th St, Rock Island, IL
Contact Tom Bengston
Quad Citians Affirming Diversity (QCAD) Social & support groups for lesbian, bi, and gay
teens, adults, friends & families; newsletter.
309-786-2580 - Community Center located at
1608 2nd Ave, Rock Island.
Quad Cities Pride Chorus.
At the MCC Church in D’port, 7pm Wed.
qcswede64@aol.com
Call Don at 563-324-0215
Rainbow Gifts
www.rainbowgifts.net
309-764-0559
T.R. Video
Adult books & video
3727 Hickory Grove Rd, Davenport, IA
563-386-7914.
Venus News (Adult)
902 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA
563-322-7576
SHENANDOAH
PFLAG Shenandoah
712-899-2743
Sioux City
Am. Business & Professional Guild.
Gay Businessmen.
Meets last Sat. of the month; ABPG
P. O. BOX 72, Sioux City, 51102
abpguild@yahoo.com
Grace United Methodist Church
1735 Morningside Avenue
712-276-3452.
Jones Street Station (Bar) 712-258-6922
412 Jones St.
Nightly 6:00pm to 2:00am.
Mayflower Congregational Church.
1407 West 18th Street
Call 712-258-8278.
Morningside College
Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Alliance 712-274-5208
Contact Professor Gail Dooley, Advisor
Morningside College GSA
1501 Morningside Ave.
Sioux City, IA 51106-1717
dooley@morningside.edu
PFLAG Siouxland
PO Box 1311, Sioux City, IA 51102
siouxlandPFLAG@aol.com
Romantix Sioux City 712-277-8566
(Adult Emporium)
511 Pearl St, Sioux City, IA 51101-1217
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Service Sun 10:30am
406 12th St, Waverly, IA
Rev Mary Christopher 712-258-0141
Western Iowa Tech. GSA
widemal@juno.com for info.
Zaner’s Bar 712-277-9575
3103 N Hwy 75, Sioux City, IA 51105
Monthly drag shows & events; hometown bar
for Imperial Court of Iowa’s Western Chapter
zaners-sioux-city@hotmail.com
Waverly
Cedar Valley Episcopal Campus Ministry.
717 W. Bremer, (St. Andrew’s Episcopal)
Waverly, IA
www.episcoplcampus.org
319-415-5747
Gay, Lesbian Bisexual Student Alliance
Wartburg College, Waverly, IA 50677
Contact Susan Vallem
319-352-8250
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
717 W. Bremer
We welcome all to worship with us on Sunday
at 10:30 am. Bible discussion Wed. 6:45pm
Rev. Maureen Doherty, Pastor 319-352-1489
ACCESSline Page 38
US NEWS
not simply an abstract insult to the dignity
of same-sex couples and their families—
although it is indeed a deeply offensive law,”
said Human Rights Campaign President
Joe Solmonese. “DOMA causes real harm to
people like Joanne Pedersen, Ann Meitzen
and Edie Windsor, denying them economic
security, health coverage and other critical
federal rights and benefits that other married
couples take for granted.”
The section of DOMA that prevents the
federal government from recognizing states’
same-sex marriages already was struck down
as unconstitutional earlier this year in two
cases from Massachusetts, but the Obama
administration has appealed the rulings.
The section, which the federal District
Court in Boston found unconstitutional
in three ways, states: “In determining the
meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any
ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the
various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word ‘marriage’
means only a legal union between one man
and one woman as husband and wife, and the
word ‘spouse’ refers only to a person of the
opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.”
The language overrides any state’s determination that a couple is married and says that
they are not married for purposes of all federal
laws and programs, even though the federal
government otherwise has always deferred to
state determinations of marital status.
The Boston court said DOMA violates the
Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment
to the U.S. Constitution by treating married
gay couples differently from married straight
couples without any rational basis for doing
so. It also found that DOMA violates the 10th
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by intruding in areas of exclusive state authority, and
violates the Spending Clause in Article 1 of
the Constitution by forcing Massachusetts to
discriminate against its married gay citizens
in order to receive certain types of federal
funding.
President Barack Obama does not
support same-sex marriage, although he
did in 1996 when he was campaigning for
an Illinois Senate seat. But in a recent White
House meeting with five progressive bloggers,
the president suggested he might be getting
ready to change his mind again.
“I do not intend to make big news sitting
here with the five of you, as wonderful as you
guys are,” Obama said at the Oct. 27 meeting.
“But I’ll say this. … I have been to this point
unwilling to sign on to same-sex marriage
primarily because of my understandings of
the traditional definitions of marriage. But I
also think you’re right that attitudes evolve,
including mine. And I think that it is an issue
that I wrestle with and think about because
I have a whole host of friends who are in gay
partnerships. I have staff members who are
in committed, monogamous relationships,
who are raising children, who are wonderful
parents, and I care about them deeply. And
so while I’m not prepared to reverse myself
here, sitting in the Roosevelt Room at 3:30
in the afternoon, I think it’s fair to say that
it’s something that I think a lot about. That’s
probably the best you’ll do out of me today.
… The one thing I will say today is I think it’s
pretty clear where the trendlines are going …
the arc of history.”
Assistance: Bill Kelley
“The results of more than a century of anthropological research on
households, kinship relationships, and families, across cultures and through
time, provide no support whatsoever for the view that either civilization or
viable social orders depend upon marriage as an exclusively heterosexual
institution. Rather, anthropological research supports the conclusion that a
vast array of family types, including families built upon same-sex partnerships, can contribute to stable and humane societies. The Executive Board of
the American Anthropological Association strongly opposes a constitutional
amendment limiting marriage to heterosexual couples.”
—The Executive Board of the American Anthropological Association, the
world’s largest organization of anthropologists, February 26, 2004, “in
response to President George W. Bush’s call for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage as a threat to civilization.” (aaanet.org)
DECEMBER 2010
NELLY
song from Lifestyle: a duet called “Be Okay.”
It’s a really, really pretty song. Another
duet!
You’ll have to release a duets album.
We tried to put a few of these duets on
this greatest hits. I don’t think we got Michael
Bublé on there, though; I have a really cool
duet with Michael Bublé: “Cuando, Cuando,
Cuando.” Now that I say it out loud, I do have
a lot of duets with guys! I have hardly any
with women. Who knows—maybe I’ll have a
female feature on my next album. I’m due!
You made a remark to Genre magazine in 2005 that everyone is a little gay—
remember that?
(Laughs) Oh yes! I was quoted and
misquoted in many publications. It was pretty
funny. That went really far. I was quoted as
saying that everybody was gay, which is not
really what I meant. I think sexuality is … a
very alive thing. It’s very human. And I think
we all embody the masculine and feminine—
and so does the world. Right now we’re
entering into a feminine time and everybody
is embracing their feminine energy, which is
really nice.
Maybe you weren’t totally off with
that comment, though. Now it seems
everyone is a little gay with all these celebrities jumping on the bi bandwagon.
I say everything first if you notice! Just
go back: I say, do and wear everything first,
if you really look at it. And that’s a quote!
(Laughs)
Always a step ahead?
But I’m too far ahead! I’m never on trend
(laughs).
DECEMBER 2010
ACCESSline Page 39

Whoa, Nelly! Simply Cher

Transcription

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