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Transcription

FEBRUARY 2012
ISSUE 100 • FREE
The Voice of Alberta’s LGBT Community
ONE ON ONE WITH
MADONNA
Joan Rivers
Takes off the Face
RuPaul
Back to the Races
PLUS:
Glenn Close
Pride at Work
Schools and LGBT Youth
...and more!
Business Directory
Community Map
Calgary • Alberta • Canada
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Mobile Devices
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Events Calendar
Tourist Information
Meryl Streep
Iron Ladies
STARTING ON PAGE 55
www.gaycalgary.com
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GayCalgary Magazine #100, February 2012
www.gaycalgary.com
Table of Contents
FEBRUARY 2012
Photography
Steve Polyak,
Photography
Rob Diaz-Marino
Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino,
B&J
Videography
Steve Polyak, Rob Diaz-Marino
Videography
Steve Polyak,
Rob Diaz-Marino
Printers
Transcontinental Printing
Printers
North Hill
News/Central Web
Distribution
Calgary: Gallant Distribution,
Distribution
GayCalgary
Staff
Calgary: Gallant
Edmonton:
Clark’sDistribution
Distribution
GayCalgary
Other:
CanadaStaff
Post
Edmonton: Clark’s Distribution
Other:
Post
LegalCanada
Council
Courtney Aarbo, Barristers and Solicitors
Legal Council
Courtney
BarristersInquiries
and Solicitors
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& General
GayCalgary Magazine
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This Month's Cover
E-Mail: magazine@gaycalgary.com
Main: Madonna, photo by Shaun Mader/
This Month's
CoverJoan Rivers,
PatrickMcMullan.com,
Top Right:
Cher and
Christina
Aguilera
courtesy
Sony
photo
by Charles
William
Bush,
MiddleofRight:
Pictures;photo
Annie
courtesy ofBottom
Mike Owen;
RuPaul,
byLennox
Mathu Andersen,
Right:
Rex Goudie.
Meryl Streep, photo
by The Weinstein Co.
Proud Members of:
Edmonton Rainbow
Business Association
Publisher’s Column
8 Back to the Races
RuPaul and her queens return for season 4
10 Living Positive brings Jeffery Straker to
Edmonton
12 The Power of Pariah
PAGE 8
Mercedes Allen, Chris Azzopardi, Dallas Barnes,
Dave
Dave Brousseau,
Brousseau, Sam
JasonCasselman,
Clevett, Andrew
Jason Collins,
Clevett,
Rob
Andrew
Diaz-Marino,
Collins, Emily
Janine
Collins,
Eva Trotta,
Rob Diaz-Marino,
Jack Fertig,
Janine
Todd Hamilton,
Eva Trotta,Glen
JackHanson,
Fertig, Glen
JoanHanson,
Hilty, Evan
Joan
Hilty,
Kayne,
Evan
Richard
Kayne,Labonte,
StephenStephen
Lock, Neil
Lock,
McMullen,
Allan
Neuwirth,
Allan Neuwirth,
Steve Polyak,
Steve Polyak,
Carey Rutherford,
Carey Rutherford,
Romeo
SanRomeo
Vicente,
SanEdVicente,
Sikov and
Ed Sikov,
the LGBT
NickCommunity
Vivian and of
the GLBTCalgary,
Community
Edmonton,
of Calgary,
and Alberta.
Edmonton, and
Alberta.
One Hundred
Star and out director talk coming-of-age film – and how other LGBT
teens can relate
14 Joan Rivers Takes Off the Face
Legendary comedian on her ‘other’ self, gay crushes and going lesbian
again with Babs
17 Rebranding, Fundraising, and
Celebrating
AIDS Calgary Takes Steps towards a Greater Future
18 Making a Better Workplace for
LGBT Workers
PAGE 12
Writers and Contributors
5
e
n
zi
20 100 issues, Thousands of Dreams
22 The Iron Ladies
a
g
24 Schools and LGBT
Youth –
a
Making Itm
Better
Out filmmaker directs Meryl Streep, who talks gay icon status – of
both herself and Margaret Thatcher
26 2011: The Year for Trans Canadians
28 The OutField
PAGE 14
Publisher: Steve Polyak
Editor: Rob Diaz-Marino
Sales: Steve Polyak
Design & Layout:
Rob Diaz-Marino, Ara
SteveShimoon
Polyak
Jim Provenzano explores sports, sex and paraplegia
29 Hear Me Out
Kathleen Edwards, Joyful Noise
HOW TO BE AN
ALLY
30 Deep Inside Hollywood
International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association
Houdini is happening with Hugh
31 Cocktail Chatter
PAGE 18
The Kir Royale
National Lesbian & Gay
Journalists Association
Continued on Next Page 
www.gaycalgary.com
3
Table of Contents
 Continued From Previous Page
32 PUMPS UP THE JAM
America’s Six Inch Obsession
34 Equal Marriage Equal Divorce
36 GayTravel
PAGE 32
Ogunquit: Vacationland’s Glorious Little Gay Getaway
38 Jasper Comes Out To The Whistle Stop
40 Glenn, Close Up
Albert Nobbs actress talks gender-bending role, her unexpected
bisexual turn and the possibility of her going lesbian – in real life
42 Madonna Expresses Herself
Gay icon relates herself to ‘strong women’ in new film, talks being an
outsider and the latest era of her career
46 Book Marks
PAGE 40
PAGE 38
Jack Holmes & His Friend and Franky Gets Real
50
52
53
54
55
60
62
Queer Eye
Chelsea Boys
A Couple of Guys
Bitter Girl
Directory and Events
Classified Ads
Q Scopes
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Avg. Online Circulation: 150,000 readers
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Magazine Figures
Originally established in January 1992 as
Men for Men BBS by MFM Communications.
Name changed to GayCalgary in 1998.
Independent company as of January 2004.
First edition of GayCalgary.com Magazine
published November 2003. Name
adjusted in November 2006 to GayCalgary
and Edmonton Magazine. February 2012
returned to GayCalgary Magazine
Disclaimer and Copyright
Opinions expressed in this magazine
are specific to the author, and do not
necessarily reflect those of GayCalgary
staff and contributors.
Those involved in the making of this
publication,
whether
advertisers,
contributors, or the subjects of articles
or photographs, are not necessarily gay,
lesbian, bisexual, or trans. This magazine
also includes straight allies and those who
are gay friendly.
No part of this publication may be reprinted
or modified without the expressed written
permission of the editor or publisher.
Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
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MAR 2012 Print Deadlines
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www.gaycalgary.com
Editorial
One Hundred
Publisher’s Column
By Rob Diaz-Marino, MSc.
When Steve and I were going through the early
stages of running GayCalgary.com Magazine, the
notion of making it all the way to our 100th edition
was daunting to say the least. As a monthly magazine,
100 editions equates to 8 years and 4 months of
publishing. So still being around today to reach this
milestone is no small achievement.
We can’t say the time went by unnoticed; the years of
doing this have definitely worn on us in different ways. A
milestone of this magnitude made us seriously think, do
we want to keep going with GayCalgary? We gave it hard
thought, and even in light of some of the rotten situations
we have been faced with, we decided that yes we want to
continue.
The other necessary question we considered was whether
we have the energy to keep going exactly like we have been,
for another 100 issues? For us, the answer was definitely
no. So we had some conflicts to reconcile. We needed to
consider making changes, in some cases sacrifices, to keep
things sustainable for us.
In last month’s column I talked about some of the
drawbacks of being so committed to your work, and hinted
that we would be announcing changes to our business
strategy in this edition – changes that will allow us to move
forward without breaking our own backs.
as we did with Edmonton would be even more awkward.
Rather than naming ourselves something ridiculous like
“GayCalgary and Edmonton and Lethbridge and Red Deer
and Banff and Grande Prairie Magazine”, or changing our
branding completely to something else, we decided to return
to our company name and trademark in its simplest form
(GayCalgary™) tagging on only the product suffix (Magazine).
We are GayCalgary Magazine and www.GayCalgary.
com because we operate out of Calgary, and Calgary is our
primary market. Our slogan is still “The Voice of Alberta’s
LGBT Community” because our scope of coverage and
our target audience are still across Alberta. Edmonton is
included in that scope along with many other Alberta cities,
but is no longer explicitly mentioned in the name of our
product.
…And Edmonton?
One major alteration that is evident from the cover of this
edition is that we have returned to our original name - well
nearly, since we have left out the redundant “dot com” that
was originally part of our logo. We will be moving forward
with this slightly refreshed logo that reads “GayCalgary
Magazine”, dropping the awkward “and Edmonton” subtext.
GayCalgary Magazine is what most people have been calling
us throughout our whole existence anyway.
I know there are some Edmontonians out there right now
giving a cheer because they felt a little insulted that our logo
made Edmonton seem secondary to Calgary; though our
options were restricted, we can understand that sentiment.
We want GayCalgary Magazine to be flexible in its
ability to cover LGBT topics across Alberta, and not appear
limited to just Calgary and Edmonton. But to give other
cities equal representation in the title of our magazine
For over 5 years, we have been going to great lengths to
treat Edmonton as a pillar city of our publication – trying
to interface with them seamlessly, as if we were operated as
much out of Edmonton as we are out of Calgary. Keeping
this up was often exhausting if not impractical, especially
as event coverage was concerned.
So we won’t lie. Moving forward, Edmonton is going to see
a slight reduction in what we do for the LGBT community in
their city. Realistically we can’t make ourselves as available
for Edmonton events as we are for Calgary’s, simply for
the 6 hour round trip drive. Reducing our commitment to
Edmonton and bringing it in line with our commitment to
other Alberta cities is one change we are making to work
smarter rather than harder.
Edmontonians will be seeing less of us personally
because we will be making trips a lot less frequently to their
city. We’ll only be coming out to cover a few major annual
community events and any others that we have a personal
interest in attending.
Otherwise we will be relying on the initiative of event
organizers and other individuals to notify us about
upcoming events and submit photographs for us to consider
for publication. So in most cases, as with other cities,
the amount of Edmonton content that we publish will be
directly proportional to the amount of input we receive from
Edmontonians.
In the past we have relied on local photographers to help
us out, in some cases regularly volunteering their time
www.gaycalgary.com
GayCalgary Magazine
5
like Jeff Park, Brian Baker, and Karen Hofmann; and in
other cases asking us to pay for their professional services
like Jackson Photografix. We continue to be willing to pay
Edmonton-based photographers and writers to provide
Edmonton coverage, and we’re still looking for people to
step forward.
Just a note on photo taking: to be considerate of individual
privacy concerns we ask that anyone taking photos with the
intent of submitting them to us, ensure that they inform
everyone in their photographs of this intention, and respect
any requests for their photos not to be used.
Furthermore, our sponsorship of Edmonton events
will likely be a bit more selective. While endeavoring to
support all non-profit groups in Edmonton is a noble idea,
realistically there are too many for us to manage all at once.
We need to concentrate on building stronger relations with
groups that bring the most mutual benefit and exposure,
and leave it up to Edmonton businesses and individuals
to get behind the causes that they feel provide critical
community support for their city (assuming the two sets are
even different).
Finally, we made an executive decision to reduce the
Edmonton map in the Directory and Events area. With the
changes that have occurred in the Edmonton community
since we first started publishing this map, today the
majority of the space it occupies is unused.
Online Last Month (1/2)
Other Changes to the Magazine
Rihanna, Talk That Talk Rihanna doesn’t
beat around the bush – and that’s not
meant to be a dirty-minded pun, though...
We have been experiencing a general trend that our online
downloads of the magazine are increasing while our pickups
of print copies are proportionally decreasing. As the first
Canadian LGBT publication to offer full iPad support
through our ISSUU flipbook reader, we expect to see this
trend continue.
There is no sense in printing copies in excess of the demand
for this format, and for that reason we have decreased our
guaranteed monthly print quantities to 7,000 from 8,500.
Further, this reduction saves us a fair bit of money at the
printers, enabling us to keep our prices affordable for print
advertisers.
Being at the leading edge sometimes means we have to
cut our own paths through the jungle, so I feel it necessary
to make a brief but important comment about the condition
of the publishing industry today:
Much like how the Titanic made a grave error judging
the size of an iceberg only by what was visible above water,
there are many consumers and agencies out there today who
continue to judge the value of advertising in a publication
purely on the number of print copies they circulate.
This is a problem when it comes to the direction that the
publishing industry is heading. While having a print edition
rightly brings business clout, online circulation needs to be
taken into consideration and given proper value too. Until
Book Marks
96 Hours
96 Hours, by Georgia Beers. Bywater
Books, 224 pages, $14.95 paper. The plot
is standard stuff. Erica is an emotionally...
http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2685
Creep of the Week: David Usher
Marriage between same-sex couples has,
to say the least, become a complicated
social issue. Mind you, it shouldn’t be...
Deep Inside Hollywood
Is a major network ready
for Sarah Silverman?
Did you ever watch The Sarah Silverman
Program? That thing was so gay it wound
up on Logo after Comedy Central...
Hear Me Out
Rihanna, Mary J. Blige
The OutField
The Year of the Gay
In schools, in the military – and especially
in sports – 2011 was The Year of the Gay.
High school, college, even professional...
Creep of the Week: Rick Perry
You don’t have to be a political scientist to
recognize that Texas Governor Rick Perry
is an ignorant prick. But I’ve got to...
Thinking Out Loud: Holiday Outing
MTV Real World’s Ruthie talks with Abby
Dees about surviving your family holidays.
If you ever watched MTV’s Real World:
Hawaii, then you know the out and
fabulous Ruthie Alcaide. Ruthie is a
poster child for the idea that being...
Hear Me Out: Special LIVE Edition
Adele, Beyoncé, Tegan & Sara
Adele, Adele Live at the Royal Albert
Hall (CD/DVD/Blu-ray) Adele sings sad
love songs, but when she speaks? The
British...
Book Marks
98 Wounds
98 Wounds, by Justin Chin. Manic D
Press, 122 pages, $14.95 paper. Fierce.
Funny. Filthy. Chin’s fiction debut...
6
www.gaycalgary.com
Online Last Month (2/2)
Creep of the Week: Chuck Norris
It’s no secret that Chuck Norris is a
physical force to be reckoned with. So if
you’re gay, stay out of his way. Because
he doesn’t like you very much...
Creep of the Week: Gov. Rick Snyder
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder gave the
middle finger to gays and lesbians in the
state when he signed a bill on Dec. 22
that yanks domestic partner benefits...
Love and Intrigue the Canadian Way
A 19th Century Tale is Revived
at Pumphouse with Inspiration
from Dan Savage
“What happens when the boys at St.
Mark’s and the girls of St. Anne’s join up
to present a classic French tale...?” Joe
Slabe, artistic...
CAST OF STARTREK: THE NEXT
GEN will come together for a special
reunion at the Calgary Expo
IT WAS 25 YEARS AGO that Star Trek:
The Next Generation ® revived...
this happens, advertisers will continue to be lead on board
with sinking ships – media that are going extinct because
they fail (or refuse) to innovate.
We’ve witnessed it ourselves when submitting our
magazine details to large and respected media registries
that don’t allow us to factor in our online readership, even
though these statistics are just as provable and perhaps
more accurate indicators of readership than the print
statistics that they require. This is just not acceptable in
today’s world.
That off my chest, you’ll also notice some minor
rearrangements of our regular features. Most noticeably,
the Find Out section has been shifted closer to the back
of the magazine to be adjacent to the Classified ads and
cartoons.
The GayCalgary.com Website
This is one way that we are returning to our roots.
GayCalgary started out solely as a website, and as we have
been concentrating on maintaining the print branch of our
business we haven’t been able to make much progress with
our web side of things.
We are changing that by making our website and
online edition of our magazine the primary focus again,
with the print magazine being supplementary to it. Our
website provides valuable services for LGBT businesses
and community groups across Alberta, many of them
complimentary.
We want to continue improving the
accessibility of what we currently offer, while developing
useful new interactive features. By doing this, we drive more
traffic to our website and more readers to our publication,
benefiting the advertisers that sustain us.
Continued on Page 48 
http://www.gaycalgary.com/n446
Jake Andrews Uncensored: Andrew
Christian’s Sexy New Model
Andrew Christian’s newest model is
Adult Star Jack Andrews. Below we have
included the behind the scenes YouTube
(Censored Version) and below that...
KYLIE MINOGUE IS MARKING 25
YEARS IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
WITH A YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS
K25 BEGINS TOMORROW WITH A
SPECIAL GIFT TO FANS ON KYLIE.COM
Can you believe it has been a quarter of a
century since Locomotion...
IT’s Back!! Fake BBB Complaint
Email makes Rounds in 2012
It’s back! An email scam using Better
Business Bureau’s name and ‘Start
With Trust’ tagline is flooding inboxes in
Calgary this week. Emails purport...
BEHIND GREGG HOMME’S PHOTOSHOOT THE EYE CANDY SELECTION
The power of seduction of the Montreal’s
men strikes again: the GREGG HOMME’s
fans recently discovered the new model
Nick Gross and many comments...
And more...
www.gaycalgary.com
7
Back to the Races
RuPaul and her queens return for season 4
 RuPaul, photo by Mathu Andersen
By Jason Clevett
I was in San Diego in a restaurant back in January
2011 enjoying some food and drinks, when the season
premier of season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race came on
the big screens. The bar was packed, and drag queens
hosted and gave away prizes during the show. More
than just a TV show, RuPaul’s Drag Race has become a
community event.
“I have to tell you I am most proud of that, to have a portal
for these young kids to become famous and make money and
for bars to celebrate drag. The show was born of our love
of drag and the need to show people the art of it. I grew
up with it and for a good time there it wasn’t celebrated, it
was the ugly stepchild of the gay movement,” RuPaul told
us. “To have these things happening on the night that it airs
is just brilliant for me. I love that it is creating revenue and
awareness, but on a deeper level I love that drag exemplifies
what we are doing on this planet. We are actually, for lack of a
better word, god in drag pretending to be human beings. That
is part of the reason why for years people wanted nothing to
do with drag because it shines a light on the fact that we are
all playing a charade.”
GayCalgary Magazine caught up with RuPaul on the phone
to get back up to speed on all things drag. RuPaul’s Drag
Race airs Monday nights at 9pm Eastern/Pacific, and the
show has also lead to two spinoffs: Untucked, a behind the
scenes look inside the interior illusions lounge and goings
on, and RuPaul’s Drag U which features women getting a
8
drag makeover. Ru says she isn’t surprised that things have
exploded from the show.
“I have to admit yes. I am actually surprised that this
hasn’t happened before. …Drag really breaks the fourth wall;
if this life we are living is a play that we are all playing roles,
drag breaks the fourth wall and says, Madam you know you
are not who you are pretending to be. I am surprised more
people don’t embrace drag but I know why, because it tells
on the ego. If you are in drag around a baby in a stroller,
babies are so enthralled with the colour and shiny things,
the shapes and forms of drag. We are innately attracted to
dressing up and colour.”
Fans get invested into the queens on the show. Who can
forget Ongina’s emotional breakdown as she revealed she
was HIV positive in season 1, or laughing at the celebrity
impersonations in the “snatch game.” Everyone has their
favorite moments and react in different ways. When Raja
was crowned champion in Season 3 my reaction was “What?!
No!!” based on her attitude and behind the scenes treatment
of others.
“Every year people are very emotionally invested and some
are very upset with me. Some live and love the winner and
others like you are like no no no! There are a lot of reasons
for why the winner is chosen. A lot of the behind the scenes
stuff, like in the interior illusions lounge, I don’t see until I
watch it on TV. I am surprised sometimes by some of their
behavior as you. It is solely based on how they work the
challenges out and what ends up on stage, and my expertise
of who has what it takes to take it to that next level. We are
www.gaycalgary.com
looking for superstars,”
Season 4’s cast may be
Ru explained, adding that
the craziest yet: unique
she is often surprised
looks from The Princess
when she watches the
and Sharon Needles to
show. “When I see the
classic beauty like Kenya
girls they are always like,
Michaels and Leshauwn
Hey Ru!!! Hiii! When I see
Beyond
to
comedic
the dark side of the moon
performers like Jiggly
in the interior illusions
Caliente. It shows the
lounge it is like, Whoah,
variety in the community.
I didn’t know you had all
“I don’t know how
of that! There was one
much we are representing
point in last season when
the gay community; we
Alexis Mataeo and Yara
are
representing
the
Sofia both almost left the
different genres of drag.
show. I didn’t know that
We
are
introducing
happened. Watching Yara
drag to people who have
be her own saboteur,
never heard of it or seen
I saw it onstage when
it. Each time we put
she collapsed and just
together a cast it has to
couldn’t go any further.
represent many different
But on the actual body
factions. In the case of
of the show I could see
this current season it is
her own inner saboteur
a little edgier then we’ve
working on her earlier in
done before. The kids
the show and doubting
this season are kind of
herself. It was a very
fearless in a way that
painful study in the
they are not concerned
human psyche. That is
with looking girly-girl but
what makes the show
with making a statement.
so wildly incredible to
We are going to get a
watch, is that this is all
lot of Gaga influenced
about the human spirit
performers in attitude
and its need to shine and
towards show business
have colour and love and
– a sort of fearlessness.
beauty. That is ultimately
They are crunchier and
what keeps audiences
more
‘monstery’
and
coming back.”
not afraid to be ‘not so
It is fun to also see who
pretty’, but still pretty
will appear as judges on
amazing.”
the show. On a recent
Season 4 kicked off
tour stop in Calgary,
with the “RuPocalypse”
Henry
Rollins
talked
featuring zombies and a
 RuPaul, photo by Mathu Andersen
about
his
experience
post-apocalyptic runway
judging the show and
look. The challenges are
how he found himself
unique, nervy, and take a
attracted to one of the queens. This season has a list that lot of talent. Behind them lay lessons not only in being the
includes the likes of Elvira, Pamela Anderson, Jennifer Love next drag superstar, but in a lot of ways, life.
Hewitt, Kelly Osbourn, and Dan Savage.
“The challenges always start with what is underneath the
“The judges as with all people in show business understand
hood psychologically. Every single thing the girls have done
that we are all drag queens – once you get onstage you are on our show I have had to do in my career to make it work.
one character and offstage another person, the one who
Beneath it all we are looking to create situations where a
wipes the babies nappies and gets the dry cleaning. The psychological process happens and see who these people are
judges get to share their experience and expertise in the art
and what they are working with. At my house I have a lot of
of duality. I have known Henry Rollins for many years and he
games nights and new people come. One of the reasons I love
is one thing onstage in Black Flag and offstage a lovely, lovely to play charades is because on the spot, with a timer going, a
human being. Talk about duality and knowing how to judge
person has to make the choice whether or not they are going
what it takes to have a career where you are one thing on and to make a fool of themselves and win at this game, or hide
something else off stage. By the way I am sure the queen he
in their insecurities and let the time go by. We are creating
was talking about was me!”
situations on the show which challenge each performer to
With the show’s success they get thousands of video
really go for it or not. In this world if you are going to be
applications. Few actually make the cut for consideration.
here you have got to be willing to make a fucking fool out of
yourself to get what you want done.”
“It is very easy. Everyone who has a wig and a pair of high
heeled shows thinks they can be on the show. The truth
is we are looking for showgirls who have already proven
themselves in clubs with the ability to become producers,
artists, visionaries, marketing people, designers, because if
RuPaul’s Drag Race
you are a showgirl you have to be all of those things. That
Monday Nights on OUTtv
really narrows it down. Once we get a good 20 people which
is very easy to do, then it becomes about what the ensemble
will look like as a whole. There are times when we have had
someone who didn’t work in the ensemble and we brought
View Bonus Pics/Videos • Share with a Friend • Post Comments
[them] back the next season.”
www.gaycalgary.com
9
Event
Living Positive brings
Jeffery Straker to Edmonton
By the Board and Staff of Living Positive
Living Positive (LP) has been around for a very long time. It
has had a long history within the LGBT community; both
members and supporters have come from within it. Living
Positive has faced internal and external challenges during the
past decade. The darkest hours left LP with no ongoing support
from ACCH (Alberta Community Council on HIV/AIDS). With
casino revenues being the only ongoing source of funding,
the fiscal constraints required downsizing to a size that could
be accommodated within a sub-let space. LP partnered with
Planned Parenthood Edmonton, now called OPTIONS, who
provide a new space to offer its key service and focus on
rebuilding. But the struggle was not yet over for LP, as it was
still unable to engage its members and supporters to rebuild.
OPTIONS took a non-intervention approach in attempts to support
the re-generation process. This meant it would advise and support but
not intervene in the organization’s decision making processes. When
LP was stricken from Alberta Registries Corporate Registry for failing
to report, Larry Brockman, Executive Director of Options Sexual Health
Association, stepped in to the Position of President to provide direction
and stability for Living Positive. Although Larry sees his involvement
as temporary, he is committed to seeing Living Positive through, in his
words, a rebirthing process.
Living Positive’s mandate and mission has always been - and continues
to be - to provide support, education, and outreach to HIV positive
people through and by HIV positive peers. For over two years, Curtis
Branston filled the roles of program coordinator, educator, peer support
and outreach person, until a few years ago when he left Edmonton to
pursue other endeavours. Unable to fill his role but being committed
to Living Positive, Curtis stepped into the role of Vice President of the
Living Positive board. It is Curtis’ goal as an active member of the
board to revive the former newsletter of Living Positive, to help build the
membership, to continue as a HIV positive educator and to offer valuable
support and insight to the current LP staff and volunteers.
Maggie McGinn was a former Executive Director for Living Positive,
who has and is still committed to the rebirthing process of Living
Positive. She now sits on the board of the organization while pursuing
educational goals to further her career. The newest member to the Living
Positive board is long-time HIV activist within the Native communities,
Ken Ward. Ken has joined the board on the condition that he is actively
involved in the rebirthing process, that he be able to continue to make a
difference and continue to be a voice in the HIV positive community as
well as for Native people.
Early last year Living Positive put out a call for a program coordinator,
which was answered by Jordan Tarini. Jordan worked hard in a lot
of areas, most notable was his involvement in the Scotiabank AIDS
walk with HIV Edmonton, where Living Positive became the top noncorporate fund raiser for Edmonton. Jordan also created the current
Living Positive Facebook page, which has over 300 members and still
continues to grow every week. It has been Living Positive’s biggest way
of communicating as of late. Due to personal circumstances, Jordan
chose to leave Living Positive, causing a vacancy that has only recently
been filled.
Carl Scott joined Living Positive as the Program Coordinator with a lot
of vision, passion, and energy. His focus and mandate is to build an HIV
positive peer support network and community with a speakers bureau
and support and outreach groups and teams, all to evolve as needed
and as LP is able to support. Carl has continued the work started by
Jordan and is building on it and creating new vision and direction for
Living Positive. Identifying as an Aboriginal Canadian and as a gay
man, Carl hopes to reach out to these two populations, but also seeks
to create and maintain support for all positive people in Edmonton, as is
needed, or as peers are able to offer. Currently Living Positive is working
10
 Jeffery Straker
to create a membership as well as volunteer base to be able to handle
demand. Living Positive is working to maintain stability and consistency
through offering regular office hours throughout the week. Phone
calls are also forwarded whenever possible, after hours, so that Living
Positive is accessible when needed. If you have questions, concerns,
want to volunteer, or join Living Positive, please call Carl the Program
Coordinator. His office is located at Options and he can be reached by
phone at 780-423-3737 (ext. 209). Ask for either Carl or Living Positive.
Living Positive has survived this long due to the commitment of
many people past and present, and it will continue as long as there
are committed members. HIV and AIDS is still a global concern and
there are many people living with HIV/AIDS in Edmonton who need to
work together to support one another. Working together is necessary
to achieve the eradication of stigma and discrimination, and to prevent
the spread of HIV through awareness and positive prevention. Living
Positive is a place of hope and support for HIV positive people and PLWA
(People Living With AIDS).
Living Positive
#50, 9912 - 106 Street
Monday to Friday, 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Carl Scott: 780-423-3737 (ext. 209)
www.gaycalgary.com
January 19, 2012
Dear Steve and Rob,
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine
2136 – 17th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2T 0G3
Wow, 8 years later and here you are! I do recall when you started this magazine those many
years ago, you set out to make it a community magazine that would talk about the happenings in
Calgary, and later you included Edmonton too.
Dear Steve and Rob:
Both of you raced from one event to another to make sure that you got coverage for the
community to see what was going on. Earlier on you did this all on FOOT. Talk about
Community spirit!
Congratulations on your 8th Anniversary and also on the celebration of your 100th edition!
The Edmonton Pride Festival has been proud to work together with GayCalgary and Edmonton
Magazine as a sponsor of the Festival. We appreciate your support and your assistance in
promoting our event and also the community year after year -- it certainly shows in your
unlimited coverage of the numerous events held in Edmonton and around the province.
From the inception of GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine one thing you have always made
sure of was that you included all Community organizations and the ISCCASA has been there
with you from day one.
On Behalf on the College of Monarch of the ISCCA and the 35th Imperial House, TMISM
Emperor 35 Chris Tron and Empress 35 Makayla Quinn St Asia, TMISH Imperial Crown Prince
and Princess Royale 33 Bull Dozer Bishop-Towers and Ruby Harte Bishop-Towers, TMISG
Imperial Grand Duke and Duchess 23 Darktier Knight and Lucy Fur along with this years
Entertain of the Year HISM Empress 32 Nina Tron Sanoir we would like to congratulate
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine on the 100th issue of your magazine.
We wish you continued success and all the best!
Colleen Sutherland and Warren Becker, Co-Chairs
Edmonton Pride Festival Society
We wish you many more successful years of publication!
Signed,
President of the Board 2011 – 2012
Decade Emperor 26 of Calgary
Emperor 35 ½ of Calgary
Emperor 21 ½ of Regina Saskatchewan
Dion Boink Bishop-Towers Sanior
Aka Dion Belanger
www.gaycalgary.com
11
Interview
 Focus Features
The Power of Pariah
Star and out director talk coming-of-age
film – and how other LGBT teens can relate
By Chris Azzopardi
Just a girl looking for her place in the world isn’t an alltoo-uncommon tale. But Alike is black. And gay.
It’s a minority double whammy that singles out the
Brooklyn teen from the rest of the world, so she seeks
acceptance in gay bars – and, because she’s not definite
in her identity, doesn’t find it. Alike (pronounced “ah-leekay”) is the epitome of a Pariah, the name of out director
Dee Rees’ personal – and very powerful – indie film. A hit
on the festival circuit, Rees’ real-life-inspired story finds
the universal thread in navigating Alike’s journey to selfactualization and the power of loving yourself first.
Rees and Adepero Oduye, who plays Alike, spoke recently
about their advice to LGBT teens, getting into character at a
lesbian bar and the reason “My Neck, My Back (Lick It)” was
perfectly inappropriate for the film.
GC: How would you break down Pariah and the character
of Alike?
Dee Rees: It’s just, of course, a story about identity.
Alike’s a woman who knows she loves women, and is sure
12
in that, but her struggle is how to be. Her struggle is a
more nuanced struggle of gender identity within the queer
community. She’s not the same person that (her friend)
Laura is, neither is she this pink princess that her mother
wants her to be. She falls somewhere in between. Finding
the courage to carve out that space is her journey. It’s a
story that people will be able to relate to.
Adepero Oduye: It’s a very specific story, but it’s so
universal. You don’t have to be young, black or gay to get
something from this film, and, since Sundance, that’s what
we’ve been seeing from these screenings and Q&As. For
people who are either black or gay, I think they’re excited
to see themselves reflected up on the screen. That’s always
powerful and exciting.
GC: What’s your advice to young people who, like Alike,
are struggling with their sexuality?
DR: That it’s OK to be yourself; that people can change.
When I went through my coming out process, even though I
was an adult – I was paying my own bills, I was independent
– but my parents weren’t accepting, and we had a tough
time for a couple of years. I never thought they would turn
around, but they saw this film and said they loved me and
that they were proud of me.
So people can actually change, and in the interim, find
other people who love you. During that time is when I found
the closest friends in my life now. Maybe I wouldn’t have
been open to those friendships if I hadn’t been going through
such a tough time. It was an experience that transformed
me.
www.gaycalgary.com
AO: Yeah, the process of accepting and loving yourself
is the most important thing. If you can do that and find
people who support that, it’s amazing what will happen
when you get to a place where you truly do love and accept
yourself. People will turn around and things – they might
be challenging and the road might be a bit rocky – but they
will get better.
GC: Dee, the hardest part of coming out for you was
finding acceptance within the gay community. You struggled
with finding your place, right?
DR: Yeah, when I first came out it was weird. I would go
to the clubs and have on a turtle neck and jeans, and I felt
like I wasn’t hard enough to be butch, and then I wasn’t soft
enough to be femme. So I’d go and felt ignored – and like
I needed to identify a certain way. Other women I met who
were like me were different on the gender identity spectrum,
too.
I think the community is more open to this idea that we
don’t have to check a box, we don’t have to create these
binary roles from hetero culture, and so that for me was an
opening experience. I’ve met a lot of women along the way
who feel free to express themselves however is authentic for
them, and that’s what I had to discover and what Alike, in
this movie, comes to discover.
GC: So you don’t believe in labels, and neither does Alike.
DR: No, no. This film is about not checking a box and
not having a label. To the extent that someone identifies
and feels a certain way, absolutely feel free to call yourself
whatever is true for you, but it’s also OK not to.
GC: How did Dee’s coming out experience inform your
character, Adepero?
AO: We just talked. She made it very clear that anything
I had on my mind I could ask her. I asked a whole bunch
of questions and she was very awesome at answering and
talking about things that, I don’t know, might not have
been super comfortable (both laugh). But I never got that
sense, because I just kept on asking! Doing that developed
this relationship based on trust, which allowed me to go to
places that aren’t necessarily the most comfortable as an
actor and just as a person.
GC: What question made you most uncomfortable, Dee?
DR: (Both laugh) I don’t remember. Oh god. I think, you
know, we talked about Alike’s level of sexual experience and
that Alike is a virgin and how she might be feeling and I don’t
know – there was nothing that was totally uncomfortable. I
mean, as an actress I’m asking her to do something that’s
very uncomfortable. It’s probably more uncomfortable to do
Continued on Page 47
www.gaycalgary.com
13
Joan Rivers
Takes Off
the Face
Legendary comedian on
her ‘other’ self, gay crushes
and going lesbian again
with Babs
 Joan Rivers, photo by Charles William Bush
By Chris Azzopardi
Joan Rivers has never been one to question her actions.
But today, she’s doing just that: “I’m listening to Katy
Perry and I don’t know why.”
Besides being a firework herself, Rivers has little in common with
the ubiquitous pop tart. There’s this, though: They’ve both kissed a
girl and – as the legendary queen of snark (and facial reconfigurations)
admits in our recent chat – liked it. So much, in fact, that she’d be up
for some more lez loving. But for now Rivers is focused on promoting
her wacky reality show, Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, now in its
second season on WE tv.
In our interview, Rivers dished on the new installment (what if her
daughter Melissa actually were a gay man?), how her humor’s always
been “gay,” and her face – before she redid it.
GC: I’m a big fan – but I’m sure every gay man tells you that.
JR: No, no. No gay men tell me that.
GC: I don’t believe you.
JR: Well, every now and again.
GC: You know, I’m glad this isn’t a face-to-face interview because,
since you’re a member of the Fashion Police, you wouldn’t approve of
my outfit today.
JR: You wouldn’t approve of what I’m wearing right now, either! I’m
wearing a stolen hotel bathrobe. One of those white bathrobes that say,
“Don’t take these.” Somewhere along the line I did.
GC: Do you always take things from hotels?
JR: Yes. Always those little shampoos, little soaps, all those cute little
things. Sewing kits – you can’t get enough of those! (Laughs)
GC: Which celebrity needs a little more gay fashion influence, and a
little less?
JR: Oh, I don’t know. Every week it changes so much and Melissa
(Rivers), the exec producer, throws a hundred pictures on the table and
you start from scratch again, so it’s always changing.
14
GC: You’ve been doing press interviews for a long time. You must get
the same questions. What are you sick of talking about?
JR: No, you get different questions because they come from different
people. It’s like an audience: always different every night. That sounds
funny, but it’s true.
GC: What are we in for with the second season of Joan & Melissa:
Joan Knows Best?
JR: There’s an uber-WASP friend of ours who turns Jewish; Melissa
breaking up with the boyfriend; taking (my grandson) Cooper to New
York, and he gets lost. All of which is true. Things happen that are just
fabulous. If you liked the first season of Joan Knows Best?, you’re going
to love the second season.
GC: You get more plastic surgery during the first episode,
Skintervention. And Melissa does not approve.
JR: No, she totally doesn’t. But you know, it’s a business where we
all have to look good. You look at anybody – I mean, Jane Fonda running
around with a whole new face and body and pretending she’s done that
through eating apples? You wanna go, “Oh stop it!”
GC: You didn’t get that face from eating apples?
JR: I got this face from eating artichokes and apples and having a
great diet. Yeah, right. All the above – plus a great doctor!
GC: And the freebies you take from hotels.
JR: That helps, too. That makes you happy.
GC: What do you think you’d look like without plastic surgery?
JR: I imagine I’d look a lot like my sister, and that worries me –
because she looks good! (Laughs)
GC: You’ve wasted all that money, Joan.
JR: It could well be. I could have myself really nice outfits.
GC: What don’t they tell you about plastic surgery?
JR: Oh, I don’t know. I don’t listen. I have a friend who wanted to know
everything the doctor was going to do. I don’t want to know. He doesn’t
www.gaycalgary.com
ask me how I write jokes and I
don’t ask him how he operates. The
less I know, the better.
the wrong business. Go work at
Kmart and no one will care and
you can have the most private life
of anyone in the world.
GC: Right. That’s with a lot of
things. Like Katy Perry.
GC: In the ’80s you became
the permanent guest host on The
Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
Why don’t we have a woman
hosting a late-night talk show on a
major network currently?
JR: I’m trying like hell. She’s
very pretty but I don’t get the
music.
GC: You’re not in a teenage
dream?
JR: Because there just isn’t
anyone good enough. Somebody
that was great would be on. I don’t
know what that means, but that’s
what it means.
JR: No, not in a teenage dream.
(Laughs)
GC: What do you listen to?
JR: I hate to tell you: show
tunes. You could sing it and I could
tell you where it’s from. Yeah,
show tunes my whole life. My
housekeeper goes, “Ew, here comes
the score of Bells Are Ringing. Err!”
GC: How about Kathy Griffin or
Chelsea Handler?
JR: Chelsea: I’ve never seen
so I have nothing to say about
her. Never watched the show but
once and I thought, “This sucks.”
And I don’t know if Kathy would
want to do it, or even has the
right equipment for it. It’s a very
different hat to put on.
GC: Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows
Best? is in its second season and –
JR: It’s done. Thank god! But
things never stop happening, that’s
the trouble.
GC: With you they don’t,
because you’re a workaholic.
GC: So you’re saying it has
nothing to do with gender but
rather talent?
JR: Yeah, you’re right. I just
went down to Williamsburg, Va.
with Judge Judy and I thought,
“Where are the cameras?” It might
be in the third season. Things are
always happening.
JR: It’s the talent. That’s why I
think Jimmy Fallon is genius. He’s
got what Carson had. He’s a fan, he
lets his people be funny; he doesn’t
compete with his guests, and he
just sits back and lets the guest do
it. He’s amazing.
GC: You recently joked about
wishing you could replace Melissa
with a gay son. How would the
reality show be different if that
were true?
GC:
What
DeGeneres?
We’d have a whole episode devoted
to Judy Garland. There’d be
nothing to discuss here.
GC: But the most
lesbian in the world?
exciting
JR: Oh, that’s right. I forgot
about that. One of the funniest
episodes of her sitcom was when
she announced it by mistake over
the microphone.
GC: Maybe even a whole season.
JR: A whole season on, “Was
Judy happy?”
GC: What does Joan know best?
JR: Being a good grandma.
GC: When I saw your 2010
documentary, A Piece of Work, I
was really surprised by how much
of a softie you can be.
(Cooper) will appreciate me after
I’m dead a lot more. Right now I’m
grandma, but later on when he’s
in college with his friends, he’ll get
how fun grandma was. She was…
not cool – that’s the wrong word –
but she was crazy.
JR: Everybody is. You show so
many different things on stage. My
act is one kind of talk. In real life, I
can be something else. We’re all so
different in different ways.
GC: Is anything off limits when
the cameras are rolling?
GC: So what’s Joan like offcamera?
JR: No. If you’re going to do a
JR: I like to cry a lot.
GC: What makes you cry?
JR: What doesn’t? Christmas
reality show, you have to show your
real reality, otherwise it’s gonna be
stupid. And they know, people are
not that – well, I shouldn’t say that,
because look at the Kardashians.
So people are not, usually, that
stupid.
carols make me cry.
GC: In Driftwood, you played
Barbra Streisand’s –
JR: Lesbian lover!
GC: Would you go lesbian
GC: Anyone you won’t make fun
of?
www.gaycalgary.com
Ellen
JR: Ellen is the most boring
white woman in the world.
JR: Well, it’d be a lot of different.
JR: No. If you’re in the public
eye, you’re in the public eye. And
you have no right to say “I’m off
limits.” Nonsense. Then you’re in
about
again?
 Joan Rivers, photo by Charles William Bush
JR: If Babs is available. She was
an amazing kisser! We still both
15
laugh because that was our first scene – for both of us. She was still in
high school.
GC: You were aware of your gay following early on, while performing
at clubs in Greenwich Village. Why did you connect with gay people so
instantly?
JR: I didn’t purposefully connect with them. It was always there. I
worked all through college decorating Lord & Taylor windows, and all the
window display men were gay. We loved each other.
I think my humor has always been a gay kind of humor. Gay humor
is the smartest humor in the world. And gay audiences make a show. If
I look out in an audience and there are six gay men in the front row, I
know we’re going to have fun tonight.
GC: You used to get a lot of flack for some of your jokes – especially
ones about AIDS. Is it easier to joke about taboo topics like that now?
JR: Oh, of course. But that’s the way you get people to pay attention.
You know, I did the first AIDS benefit when it was still called “gay
pneumonia.” We were in such danger that we had men on stage carrying
guns because we got death threats.
GC: You ruffled some feathers recently when you told the Advocate
that gay actors should stay in the closet because they were committing
career suicide.
JR: You are. If I knew Tom Cruise was gay when I was a 7-year-old
girl, that would’ve been it. I would’ve put my fantasies on somebody else.
GC: Tom Cruise is gay?
JR: Oh, I don’t think so. Do you?
GC: You tell me. You’re the celeb guru.
JR: I don’t know. You hear so many rumors circulating. But I think in
certain professions you can’t come out and be America’s romantic idol.
Ricky Martin was brilliant in how he handled his career.
GC: But with the social climate changing, do you still believe that to
be true?
JR: You’re not talking about that. You’re talking about somebody that
young girls are going to pay money to see and fantasize about. I think
it’s a very difficult position for somebody to be put in. It’s unfortunate,
but it’s life.
When I was a child, I was madly in love with an actor named Van
Johnson – mad about him, had his picture up. In third grade I did a
whole notebook on Van Johnson. Then I grew up, he was still adorable
but he was gay and he was wearing mascara and I thought to myself, “If
I had known then, I wouldn’t have loved Van Johnson. I would’ve fallen
for John Wayne.”
So I think it’s a very difficult choice for an actor to make if he’s going
to make his living as a romantic lead for young girls to adore. Or women.
Well, men like to challenge women. Men love to challenge a lesbian: “Oh,
I could turn her around.” That’s a good challenge for a man.
GC: As someone who’s had a gay following for years, what do you
think of people claiming that Lady Gaga and Kathy Griffin pander to gay
audiences and aren’t actually genuine?
JR: I don’t know and I don’t care. How about that? Couldn’t care
less. I worry about myself. I love my gay audiences. They’ve been with
me forever, they’ll stay with me forever, and I’m very happy. It’s that
simple.
16
www.gaycalgary.com
Event
Rebranding, Fundraising, and Celebrating
AIDS Calgary Takes Steps towards a Greater Future
By Dallas Barnes
AIDS Calgary is in the process of taking a crucial step
towards showing its patrons and partners what services
they provide and how they evolved since their inception
in 1983. By rebranding themselves in time for their
estimated rebrand launch at the AGM in June, AIDS
Calgary is hoping that the name will reflect the current
status of its services and to appeal to everyone connected
to them.
On their website they state, “We can’t ignore the fact that
HIV/AIDS exists, and that there is still no cure for this
disease. But there are many things we can do to prevent
its spread and make life better for those who are infected
and affected. At AIDS Calgary we promote the healthy
choices people can make to reduce their risk of getting or
spreading HIV/AIDS. We provide information and resources
on practicing safer sex, wearing condoms and avoiding
behaviors or situations that could put you at risk. We also
work to reduce the harmful effects of HIV and AIDS by
providing programs and services that help people living with
HIV/AIDS make healthy choices and enjoy a better quality
of life. We act as their advocates in promoting awareness of
HIV issues and battling misunderstandings and prejudice.
Through partnerships with others in the community, we
strive to develop a caring and compassionate society.”
AIDS Calgary has been the leader in advocacy, education,
and support to those living with HIV and AIDS in the
Calgary region. With this responsibility they have also taken
on the responsibility of supporting all individuals involved
with people with AIDS/HIV and also have evolved to include
support for individuals facing all sorts of issues related to
both physical and mental health.
Roseline Carter, Team Leader of Prevention and
Engagement took some time to discuss the rebranding
with GayCalgary Magazine. “Our geographical location has
expanded and the name AIDS Calgary no longer fits, first
and foremost.” The area represented by the organization
now includes Bow Valley and Medicine Hat.
“AIDS Calgary was incepted in 1983, and the soul focus
was on AIDS and HIV as it was such a prevalent issue at the
time. As time went on, and the disease evolved into one of
the many components that the organization was beginning
to deal with,” states Carter. “We are focusing on all of our
client’s issues, and what they are facing.”
Not only are people with HIV/AIDS dealing every day
with medication and other factors, they are also dealing
with many stigmas in the public sphere related to religion,
culture, income, sexual orientation, etc. There is also a high
risk of abuse. This leads to a slower reception of medical
help, according to the AIDS Calgary website.
AIDS Calgary has expanded to include both the Medicine
Hat and Bow Valley areas, as well as maintaining other
branches such as SHIFT (for sex trade workers), Calgary
Cares Centre, Outreach Programs such as HEAT, and the
African Communities Project.
The Medicine Hat Cares Centre, like that of Calgary Cares,
is a centre for all sorts of needs. There is a Drop-In Centre,
Counselling Centre, a Needle Exchange program as well as
www.gaycalgary.com
Outreach and referrals and advocacy. The Bow Valley Cares
Centre, located in Banff, offers prevention information and
referrals, free condoms for men and women, workshops and
outreach.
AIDS Calgary is looking for some help in its rebranding
process and would love to hear from clients, partners, and
community partners about their thoughts on the transition.
There is currently a survey on the AIDS Calgary website
that asks the public questions that will be useful to the
organization. The survey runs until the end of February,
and serves an integral role in AIDS Calgary’s mandate.
“We would like to take a look at the third-party run survey
to guide our decision making process and enhance our
visibility,” says Carter. “We will use this information and
the focus groups that we are planning to create to determine
where we need to be.”
AIDS Calgary has another first coming up in February,
hosting its first annual Mardi Gras event named Le Carnaval
Rouge, on February 25th at the Metropolitan Centre in
Downtown Calgary. “Our ultimate goal is to raise awareness
of our organization and issues,” says Carter. “We would also
like you to have fun.”
The evening has a ton of things to make it a success.
There will be musical talent from well known Canadian
Saxophonist Pat Belliveau as he gives you a taste of the New
Orleans musicality while you eat some amazing Cajun food.
In the Carnaval spirit, there will be a place for you to hear
your fortune. Erin Taylor will amaze you with her tarot card
readings and her fortune telling.
And, nothing says Mardi Gras like a little fire breathing
and fire eating, as well as some scandalous dancing
and contortionism. Arcfire Entertainment, a troupe of
professional fire and circus performers, will not disappoint
as they tempt fate in order to please a crowd.
Topping off the evening is the talent of The Rhinestone
Affair and Visa Loo. The Rhinestone Affair, a Calgary
Burlesque troupe is bound to offer a little va-va-voom to
your evening. Visha Loo...well if you have never seen her,
you must. She is an entertainer like none other. She will
fascinate you with her contortionism, fetish model prowess,
and performance.
Mardi Gras 2012: La Carnaval Rouge
Presented by AIDS Calgary
February 25th @ 7pm
The Metropolitan Centre
17
HOW TO BE AN
ALLY
Making a Better Workplace
for LGBT Workers
By Evan Kayne
While technology changes at a breakneck speed, societal
changes can take years. So while the gay, lesbian,
bisexual, and trans-identified people in Canada - for
the most part - have all the rights of their straight
neighbours, it is only a recent change to which our
society is still adjusting. For LGBT folk, many will be
open at home but closeted at their place of employment
because of this uncertainty.
For this reason, Pride at Work Canada was founded in
2008 by a group of dedicated individuals who sought to
improve the climate of inclusiveness for LGBT employees
in the workplace. Their mission is to put the case for LGBT
diversity and inclusion on the mainstream business agenda
by winning the support of corporate partners, who currently
include Telus, RBC, Scotiabank group, Bell Canada, Ernst
& Young LLP, Xerox, and IBM among others.
Calvin Campbell, Director (Calgary Lead) for Pride at
Work Canada, told me because equal rights are still a novel
concept, having an advocacy group for working LGBT folk
is a smart idea. “It’s easy to get complacent, having all the
18
legal protections we have, when discrimination will still take
place in the workplace...there’s degrees of it that we’ll find
in the workplace and everywhere.”
Pride at Work Canada was inspired by a similar group
in the United States (Out and Equal). However, while Out
and Equal may be pushing for rights in the States, here
in Canada where equal rights are enshrined in law, Pride
at Work decided to focus on motivating businesses and
organizations to create a workplace culture that recognizes
LGBT employees as an important part of a diverse workforce.
Even with equal rights for LGBT citizens, a need still
exists to work towards creating a positive workspace, Calvin
tells me. “Especially in Alberta, it seems people don’t always
feel comfortable being out in the workplace.” Often people
feel if they do come out it will limit their career options.
Pride at Work Canada is working on changing this attitude.
“We want them [LGBT employees] to come out and bring
their whole selves to work because that’s when they’re most
productive”.
Thankfully, for the most part it’s not that companies
are homophobic or discriminatory. Unfortunately, what
is happening is sometimes that potential allies of LGBT
employees are nervous when it comes to speaking up.
“They’re worried they might offend someone or say the
wrong thing and that prevents them from being involved.”
This is why Pride at Work Canada recently launched their
Ally Campaign.
The campaign, which includes distribution of posters
and post cards, is a very simple yet effective way to assist
allies. The posters list several points a potential ally can
www.gaycalgary.com
Toronto, and also asked major oil companies to participate.
“It seems like everyone...is realizing that Alberta is a big
growth place, and we want the best talent. For a corporation,
that means understanding they need the best talent from
...every community,” Calvin said.
I was surprised about the participation of energy
companies, because as I told Calvin, on the whole they have
been a bit shy in the past when it came to associating with
the LGBT community. Calvin told me they are starting to
come on-board. At the Pro-Pride event in September, they
had Shell, Husky, Enbridge, Imperial, and Trans-Canada
show up – among others. Some of them are even starting to
build LGBT resource groups in their organizations.
Pride at Work Canada isn’t just another networking club;
after attending one of their meetings it is clear they are
dedicated to furthering a conversation we, as a society, are
having on LGBT rights. By telling others of their challenges,
successes, and best practices, the corporate supporters and
members are helping to build a more open, welcoming work
environment for all of us.
Pride at Work
http://www.prideatwork.ca
understand and then put into action. The posters also send
a clear message that this workplace is striving towards
respecting diversity.
The benefits? “When there’s a lot more people who are
open about diversity and inclusiveness and equity for
everyone...and just having a strong community whether it
be in the workplace or your own personal community in
the city, then the people who are truly more bigoted and
intolerant and prejudiced, they’re not going to be as quick
to open their mouths.”
As well, although Pride at Work Canada has been in
existence for several years, Calgary has recently become
the focus for LGBT Rights and workplace diversity, Calvin
mentioned. One of the things that came up when the
group reviewed their efforts was their successes in cities
like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver; with Calgary being
identified as an area where work needed to be done.
One of the steps they took was to push the presence of
Pride at Work Canada at the Calgary Pride festival this past
September. They had some of their executives fly out from
www.gaycalgary.com
19
Editorial
 Jason Clevett (Centre) with Nickleback
100 issues, Thousands
of Dreams
By Jason Clevett
I still remember my first conversation with Steve Polyak,
publisher of then GayCalgary.com Magazine. I had
been asked to do some writing for another project that
ended up dying on the vine pretty quickly, and in that
conversation Steve mentioned that he had just launched
a new magazine. My first byline was in issue #2 – stories
on Crown’s for Kids and a profile on Boyztown.
Ninety-nine issues later others have taken over the
community event coverage while I’ve focused on Arts and
Entertainment. I am one of the few that has been a part
of this magazine since (almost) day one. Although it has
changed format and look, grown to include other cities, and
been through ups and downs, at it has stayed the same in
the respect that two guys named Steve and Rob have worked
tirelessly to provide something for the LGBT community.
It wasn’t until August 2005 that we snared our first celebrity
interview – a cover feature on Bif Naked. It speaks to how
respected this magazine and its readership have become, that
we now feature celebrities on the cover so consistently. We’ve
 Jason with Jann Arden
 Dallas Green
attended three Juno Awards and been praised for articles on
artists like Dallas Green, Howie Dorough, and Jann Arden.
I never in a million years thought that I would pick up the
phone to hear Dolly Parton’s drawl on the other end, or speak
to members of bands that I grew up listening to like The Tea
Party, Our Lady Peace and The Barenaked Ladies.
I do hope that some of our articles on newer talents like
Jeffrey Straker, Serena Ryder or Laurell resulted in our
readers giving them a listen. For every Madonna or Gaga
there are 100 artists trying to break out and I am ecstatic
that we’ve been able to help you discover them. I’ve reviewed
hundreds of concerts and theatre productions in Calgary
and have enjoyed bringing Calgary’s Arts and Entertainment
scene to you.
Human beings are dreamers. Some of us dream of pulling
off a spectacular drag look or a performance that brings the
house down. We dream of being actors, singers, parents,
business owners. Non-profits dream of successful events that
allow them to continue the incredible work that they do. In
Alberta, GayCalgary has been an integral part of that dream
for so many people. There are many times that I have had
to pinch myself because of an interview or something else
happening that came about from working for this magazine.
For over 8 years we’ve worked hard to bring these dreams
to you. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have loved
doing it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you each and
every one of you for reading my articles and supporting the
magazine and its advertisers.
Most importantly thank you Steve and Rob. You’ve given
me and others so much, and continue to do so. I look forward
to what the future brings, and the next 100 editions.
20
www.gaycalgary.com
February 1st, 2012
Rob & Steve,
Congratulations on reaching your 100 issue milestone with GayCalgary and
Edmonton Magazine. We know that the growth and strength of our community is
largely dependent on having strong members, such as yourselves in it, and
recognize the contribution you make to organizations like ours every year.
Thank you for providing us with a local voice and source for GLBT news and
information. Here’s to many more years of success with GayCalgary and
Edmonton Magazine.
All the best,
Pride Calgary Planning Committee
www.gaycalgary.com
21
 Photos by Alex Bailey
The Iron Ladies
Out filmmaker directs Meryl Streep, who talks gay
icon status – of both herself and Margaret Thatcher
 Meryl Streep, photo by The Weinstein Co.
By Chris Azzopardi
Nothing can stand in the way of the almighty Meryl
Streep – except on this particular afternoon. At a New
York City hotel, in front of a room full of journalists from
mainstream press, she braces herself for what could be
the ultimate career challenge. The mission? Answer a
“gay” question.
With mock surprise, Streep dramatically throws her arms
up and whips back in her chair, pretending it’s something she
– Oscar winner, recent Kennedy Center honoree, the “devil”
herself – isn’t sure she can pull off.
“OK,” she says, sarcastically, “let me get ready. All right,
go.”
And so we do, citing mentions of the fierce Margaret
Thatcher, whom Streep doesn’t just play but becomes in The
Iron Lady, as a gay icon. So, is she?
Streep deliberates, working out the answer in her head
before she lets go of it: “You know, I… I don’t know. I just
recently found out that I am a gay icon. It’s flattering, of
course,” she says, noting the all-male tribute Streep Tease
in West Hollywood (of which she says, “I haven’t gotten the
nerve to go”). “But I think (Margaret) stirs very strong feelings
even today, 20 years after leaving power. And she remains
divisive. The film will enter a landscape of a world where she
continues to cause controversy. I can’t answer the question
about whether she’s a gay icon. That’s a difficult one for me.”
22
Look at that: something Meryl Streep can’t do. The recent
Golden Globe winner for Best Actress in a Drama, for Iron Lady,
is supposed to be the Queen of Can, the thespian superwoman
who can effortlessly slip into character: head-turner in Death
Becomes Her, doubtful nun, Julia Child (she’s so remarkable,
in fact, that she can work those chameleon skills within just
one movie, as she did with 2003’s Angels in America).
She’s such a persona-transcendent pro that when she’s
sitting right in front of you, you’re asking yourself: Is that
really Meryl Streep? At this point, even Meryl Streep doesn’t
look like Meryl Streep. Heck, after being so outside herself,
does Meryl Streep even know Meryl Streep?
She’s the rare actress who never plays herself in a movie. Iron
Lady, then, is a made-for-Meryl movie, from the prosthetics
that afford an uncanny transformation into Britain’s first
female prime minister to the heart that she finds among all
that, well, iron.
“The biggest challenge for me was accomplishing the long
lines of thought that she would launch into without taking a
breath,” Streep recalls. “Even with all the drama school that I’ve
had, I had a lot of trouble managing that. Just the galvanizing
energy and the drive and the capacity to follow through with a
conviction all the way through to the end of your breath until
you can’t go any further,” she says, breathlessly in character,
“and not to let anybody interrupt!
“It was masterful the way she could manage these
interviews.” She lets out a hearty laugh. “I’m taking notes on
that.”
Thatcher was a strident figure of polarizing effect, a lovedand-hated political icon admired not necessarily for her ideas
but for the way she was able to execute them – in the face of
class and gender prejudice.
“The array of obstacles that stood before her in England at
that time were enormous,” Streep notes, “and I think she did
a service for our team (women) by getting there – even though
you might not agree with the politics. Her determination, her
stamina, her courage to take it on. Anybody that stands up
and is willing to be a leader, who is as prepared as she was and
as smart as she was, is admirable on a certain level, because
you really sacrifice a great deal. All of our public figures do.”
The film spans three days in Thatcher’s post prime, well
into her 80s, after dementia wipes out her memories and she
tries to capture whichever ones she has left. For as politicalminded as she was, the film isn’t very political at all. And it
wasn’t meant to be.
“All of us understood what we were wanting from this piece,”
Streep says. “It was not going to be chronicling Margaret
www.gaycalgary.com
Thatcher’s political life; it
“I loved working with
would be a particular look
her… the first time,” the
back through her own
actress razzes. “We had
eyes at selected memories
shorthand (on Iron Lady),
– not in chronological
and we had to – because we
order, but in a jumble
had $14 million to shoot a
of memory, regret, glory
movie that takes place over
days. It would all be a part
the course of six decades.
of a reckoning.”
And that’s basically no
money. That’s less than a
The film is facing intense
10th of what Hugo cost.”
scrutiny for breezing past
the political turmoil that
She hands it to Lloyd
Thatcher
stirred
and,
for strongly conveying her
instead, focusing on her
vision prior to shooting,
personal life. “We have
which
allowed
Streep
come under criticism for
a sense of security in
portraying someone who
knowing just how to find
is frail and in delicate
Thatcher’s mind, body and
health,” Streep admits.
spirit.
“Some people have said
“I’m playing a Margaret
it’s shameful to portray
Thatcher no one has
this part of a life, but if
seen or really knows, and
you think that debility,
we can’t know – it’s an
delicacy and dementia are
imagined journey that we
shameful, if you think that
were taking – so I felt a lot
the ebbing end of life is
of freedom. I did,” Streep
something that should be
says. “I felt completely free,
shut away – if you think
and that’s a testament to
that people need to be
the director.”
defended from that, from
But it wasn’t all Lloyd.
those images – then yes,
Though she’s never met
it is a shameful thing. But
Margaret Thatcher, Streep
I don’t think that. We are
wore the prime minister’s
naturally interested in our
many
hats,
learning
leaders, and we tell stories
that the woman wasn’t a
about ourselves through
slacker and that her father
the stories of important
saw Thatcher as the man of
people.”
the house. “He discovered,
Out director Phyllida
of his two daughters, one
Lloyd
elaborates:
“We
was uncommonly bright
thought of the film as
and uncommonly curious,
something of a King Lear
and maybe this could be
for girls, a Shakespearean
his boy,” she says. “That’s
story – not a political
what I think. She fulfills a
story. So, in that sense,
promise, and he infused in
we spoke to a number
her the courage to get up
of Margaret Thatcher’s
and out. She had a lot of
closest associates, who
promise, and she wanted
described her story in
to live up to it.”
Shakespearean
and
When did Streep realize
operatic terms. I’d worked
the same for herself?
in opera a lot and to me,
“I never really decided.
this did have some of the
I’m still ambivalent.” She
elements of a tragic opera.
laughs at the notion. “But
The movie is a combination
no, being an actor lets
of the political world and
me be a million different
pure imagination. It’s two
things, so I don’t have to
very distinctive worlds.”
decide.”
This isn’t the first
time Streep and Lloyd
have bridged two worlds.
2008’s
Mamma
Mia!
united the actress’ singing
and dancing, with Lloyd
directing.
“I think it’s always
easier the second time
 Photos by The Weinstein Co. and Alex Bailey
working together,” the
filmmaker admits. “In
fact, you should start with the second time.”
Looking at her, pretending to be offended, Streep laughs:
“What do you mean?”
www.gaycalgary.com
23
Editorial
Schools and LGBT Youth – Making It Better
By Evan Kayne
The editors of GayCalgary Magazine and I have been
watching the increasing awareness of the impact
bullying has on LGBT youth. We’ve seen Dan Savage’s
“It Gets Better” campaign grow beyond what we would
have expected. We’ve seen other campaigns and
discussions evolve out of it, and we are heartened by the
increase in awareness and by the fact many institutions
and governments are now putting mechanisms and
procedures in place to stop or sharply reduce harassment
of LGBT youth.
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) oversees 200
schools and 100,000 plus students. Diane Roulson,
Manager, Diversity, Learning Services and Nancy Lukey,
System Principal, Learning Services agreed to discuss with
us what they are doing to make schools better for diversity,
for respect, and for the individual.
Admittedly, with the sheer number of students, you can’t
create procedures to fit every situation, as Nancy tells us.
“It’s hard to isolate because our resources are about the
safety and well being of all students, regardless of the issue
that a student might come forward with. We would hope
that our schools are safe and caring places for everyone.
And part of our responsibilities…no matter what age we’re
at, is that our students have a relationship with adults
in that building, where, should any issue arise, they are
comfortable, they have a couple of people they could go and
talk to.”
Having said that, she did tell me there are some formal
positions like mentors and guidance councillors available to
help students. “It really is about having a caring adult in a
building where kids can go and discuss issues that they are
struggling with,” be it bullying, cultural issues, sexuality,
abuse or any other issues where an adult’s help and advice
is required.
That being said, there are specific ways schools deal with
LGBT youth issues. “We recognize that this is a particularly
vulnerable group,” Diane states. Beyond the aforementioned
support networks, one of the things they have noticed is
youth often create their own support network, “so some of
our schools...have a gay/straight alliance. Basically that’s
a student-run, but teacher-sponsored or teacher-supported
group. The purpose for it would be to create a safe, caring,
and respectful little community for sexual gender minorities
and their allies.”
Other schools may provide the support in a different way –
they may have links with various community organizations
which visit the school frequently so the student can then be
linked directly with this community support.
Furthermore, within their “Communication and Life
Management” (CALM) classes, LGBT topics are discussed,
and many teachers will often invite a guest speaker in to
discuss particular subject matter. The guest speakers will
often bring in resources from their support group, or let the
kids know about other community support networks, (e.g.
Calgary Outlink, MYN, and Mosaic).
Unfortunately, there are some limitations: specifically, Bill
44. Quoting directly from the Calgary Board of Education’s
website:
On September 1, 2010, Section 11.1 the Alberta Human
Rights Act came into force. The section requires Calgary
Board of Education to notify parents where “courses of
study, educational programs or instructional materials, or
24
instruction or exercises include subject matter that deals
primarily and explicitly with religion, human sexuality, or
sexual orientation.” On written request from a parent or
guardian, a teacher is required to exclude a student from
a teaching situation that deals primarily and explicitly with
one of these topics. It is important to note that Section 11.1
of the Alberta Human Rights Act does not apply to incidental
or indirect references to religion, human sexuality or sexual
orientation.
What this means for LGBT issues is that, when a CALM
class has a speaker or discusses this subject matter,
parental permission is required. Consequently, some
parents have the right to ask that their child not be part of
the discussion. “However...our former minister of Education
was very clear that GSAs do not fall under Bill 44.” Basically,
extra-curricular activities and groups are exempted from
the aforementioned regulations.
What’s even more interesting is the current Education
Minister (Thomas Lukaszuk) has explicitly spoken up on the
issue of bullying LGBT youth, and how respecting diversity
is important for everyone. His videos challenged everyone –
school boards, youth, parents, teachers, government, and
school districts to make it better now. In these videos, they
made a point of showing LGBT youth and posters of Gay/
Straight alliances in schools as an effort to put it above the
radar. “I think he set a really strong example for us in this
province.”
For LGBT youth, they may not want to come forward to
teachers/mentors/councillors to discuss any questions they
have regarding their sexuality – as they may be afraid this
information will get back to their parents. In a counselling
situation, if a student shares that they are beginning to
question gender identity issues, I was assured it is kept
between the student and the adult at the school. There is
a duty to inform in situations where the student is using
drugs, alcohol or doing anything which endangers their life
or the lives of others, but “if it’s not a safety issue, then
that’s not something we would need to disclose.”
Regarding issues of sexuality, while a teacher may suspect
the child is experiencing some questions surrounding their
sexuality, they must wait for the student to approach the
issue – they aren’t permitted to imply or lead the student.
Nancy affirmed this process, and added that there are
ways to let the student know a conversation on sexual
orientation can be opened with a teacher/mentor at the
school. There are Safe Spaces posters available from the
Alberta Teachers Association. These posters indicate that
a classroom or an office is a spot where human rights are
respected and LGBTQ students, teachers, family, friends
and allies are welcome and supported. “If you’re hanging a
Safe Space poster in your classroom, it would indicate you
are open to a conversation.”
One tricky scenario that we discussed was where
bullying can arise from family members or parents. Again,
Nancy and Diane were careful on this subject, telling me
what CBE is allowed to do “...depends on the nature and
intensity of the bullying that the child has disclosed to us...
if in our assessment it’s bordering on emotional abuse,
then we would report that to Child Family Services. We are
obligated...if there is an indication that this child is being
emotionally abused for any reason, then we are obligated to
make that information available to Child Family Services.”
This includes emotional, physical and sexual abuse, of
course.
www.gaycalgary.com
This is regardless of any religious or cultural views the
family may have on the topic. Now to be clear, a discussion
has to be held between the child and the teacher/counsellor
at the school, at which point those adults can then decide
to notify the authorities depending on the case, who will
then further investigate. It’s not a black and white area, it
is imperfect, however there exists a possible rescue for the
child
Adolescents have another recourse available to them
through the Children’s Advocate program. An adult or
teacher can’t contact the Advocate, but “a student can
phone the Children’s Advocate if they are feeling their rights
are not being protected in whatever environment they’re
in.” The Advocate has a number of services available for
children, including free legal services.
Finally, to reassure me further, Diane and Nancy told me
the CBE continues to look at themselves on an organizational
level and their responsiveness as a system when it comes
to diversity and inclusion. They’re aware there is greater
visibility and awareness happening now with sexual and
gender minorities and they want to build on that. They’re
working with other school boards to formulate their best
practices; they’re examining what current research is out
there and generally not standing still on this issue.
What is encouraging to me, as someone who grew up in
a system where there was no support, is that this issue
is now being discussed, and the level of support for LGBT
youth is growing. I hope it will prevent any more incidences
of bullying, or suicides due to bullying. I have heard from
several teachers and their partners about suicides that have
happened here in Calgary and they, if not ALL OF US wish
we could have helped the ones that are gone. It’s not enough
just to tell the kids “It gets better” - it’s up to all of us to
make it better.
www.gaycalgary.com
Resources
Calgary Board of Education
http://www.cbe.ab.ca
Calgary Board of Education takes action on
protection of sexual minorities
http://www.gaycalgary.com/u401
Minister of Education Thomas Lukaszuk videos
“Diversity in Alberta Schools”: http://www.gaycalgary.com/u408
“Make It Better”: http://www.gaycalgary.com/u415
Alberta Teachers Safe spaces
Children’s Advocate
Report – Every Class in Every School
25
Trans-Identity
2011: The Year for Trans Canadians
By Mercedes Allen
The Harper Conservatives recently made a revision to the
Aeronautics Act which potentially affects many trans (and cis
/ non-trans) Canadians... and could even ban some from air
travel. From the revised law:
Sec 5.2(1) An air carrier shall not transport a passenger if
• (a) the passenger presents a piece of photo identification
and does not resemble the photograph;
• (b) the passenger does not appear to be the age indicated by
the date of birth on the identification he or she presents;
• (c) the passenger does not appear to be of the gender
indicated on the identification he or she presents; or
• (d) the passenger presents more than one form of
identification and there is a major discrepancy between those
forms of identification.
(2) Despite paragraph (1)(a), an air carrier may transport a
passenger who presents a piece of photo identification but does
not resemble the photograph if
• (a) the passenger’s appearance changed for medical reasons
after the photograph was taken and the passenger presents the
air carrier with a document signed by a health care professional
and attesting to that fact; or
• (b) the passengers’s face is bandaged for medical reasons
and the passenger presents the air carrier with a document
signed by a health care professional and attesting to that fact.
5.3 (1) If there is a major discrepancy between the name on
the identification presented by a passenger and the name on
the passenger’s boarding pass, an air carrier shall compare the
name, date of birth and gender on the identification with those
of persons specified to the air carrier by the Minister under
paragraph 4.81(1)(b) of the Act.
(2) If the name, date of birth and gender on the identification
are the same as those of a person specified to the air carrier, the
air carrier shall immediately so inform the Minister.
Of particular concern is Sec 5.2(1)(c). This regulatory change
went into effect as early as last summer, and so far, it doesn’t
appear that there have been any reports of transsexual or
transgender people being refused passage on an airline because
of this change. It’s premature to call this a ban. However, with
the way the legislation is worded, it could easily become one.
Especially because by the letter of the law, if an airline allows a
person to board whose appearance “does not appear to be of the
gender indicated on the identification he or she presents,” they
could be in violation of federal law.
26
Regarding transsexuals, most Canadian provinces require
evidence of genital reconstruction surgery (GRS) before allowing
the change of gender markers on foundational documents (all of
them, when it comes to birth certificates), and some provinces
do not fund this surgery. There is a limited use passport option
available which may help.
There is a medical exemption which could provide an
allowance for specifically transsexual individuals (although
it unclearly refers to the photo requirement, rather than the
gender marker requirement), though not all transsexual men
and women are medically able or willing to undergo a major
invasive surgery - others may forget, be unaware of the
requirement or be unable to afford to pay the fee for a sufficient
doctor’s letter (my doctor would charge $100 for such a letter
under his current fee structure). Additionally, requiring a
medical document is a reversal of onus in which trans people
are expected to prove that they’re not terrorists in ways that
other travelers don’t.
There are also transgender-identified and other gender nonconforming people to consider. Bearing in mind that the gender
marker is being measured against a subjective assessment of a
person’s gender, lookism has potentially entered the equation.
Scan-or-search procedures could also unfairly single out visibly
intersexed people, who haven’t previously needed a medical
letter for anything.
Trans people understand the necessity of air travel security
and screening. But why a gender marker comparison must
be a requirement in addition to all other screening criteria (i.e.
photograph comparisons) in order to determine an individual’s
identity remains unknown.
Canada’s Parliament passed human rights legislation to
include transsexual and transgender Canadians, but it died at
the election call [1], before the bill could be given Royal Assent
by the Senate. An identical bill has been reintroduced into
Parliament and could be coming up for Second Reading in 1-2
months (people have been indicating support to their Member
of Parliament [2], right?). This change comes as trans issues
are becoming better known to the federal government and in
mainstream society.
The nation has been under pressure from the U.S.
government to tighten screening and restrictions on Canadian
travelers, including the introduction of full-body scanners,
which also single out transsexual and transgender people for
special scrutiny. In September 2003, the U.S. Department
of Homeland Security issued the first of several warnings [3]
that potential Al Qaeda terrorists might be changing tactics to
www.gaycalgary.com
avoid scrutiny, such as departing from airports in Canada and
Mexico, or dressing as women.
Some have speculated that the stress on appearance was
also intended to target women who wear the niqab and hijab
[4], making such an assessment impossible, and potentially
also banning Muslim women who adhere to this tradition
from boarding a plane. Traditional coverings of this sort have
already been flashpoints of controversy regarding citizenship
ceremonies [5] and court testimonies [6]. Although one of
the motivations for these bans is supposed to be the status
of women, punitive legislation targeting full face and body
coverings have a horrible tendency to target women [7], rather
than provide any viable solutions informed by them.
Anyone wishing to do so is welcome to contact the Minister.
Copy to your Member of Parliament as well, and remember
to keep it civil but clear that the amended wording of the
Aeronautics Act is a serious concern. Letter mail tends to be
more effective, where possible.
Hon. Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport
E-mail: denis.lebel@parl.gc.ca
P: 613-996-6236
F: 613-996-6252
Mailing Address (postage free) : Hon. Denis Lebel, Chambre
des communes/House of Commons, Ottawa ON K1A 0A6
Transport Canada
Email: Questions@tc.gc.ca
P: 613-990-2309
Toll Free: 1-866-995-9737
TTY: 1-888-675-6863
Fax: 613-954-4731
Mailing Address: Transport Canada, 330 rue Sparks Street,
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0N5
References:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7) http://www.gaycalgary.com/u394
www.gaycalgary.com
27
Sports
The OutField
Jim Provenzano explores sports, sex and paraplegia
By Dan Woog
It may not be the traditional format for a winning novel:
cross-country running. Lacrosse. Wheelchair basketball.
Gay romance.
But Jim Provenzano’s Every Time I Think of You works.
The author – whose previous books focus on wrestling, AIDS
and the lust-filled world of bicycle messengers – has crafted a
novel about young adults that may not make the list of most
librarians’ recommended “young adult novels.” There’s a bit too
much sex – gay sex – in this one for some educators’ tastes.
And it’s graphic.
Yet Every Time does what good literature should. It opens
readers’ eyes, minds and hearts to corners of the world they
may never have realized existed. Confession: Although I am a
high school soccer coach, I’d never thought about the impact a
devastating sports accident could have on an athlete. Especially
one who was in a torrid, but meaningful, gay relationship.
The story is set in Pennsylvania, in 1978. Reid Conniff is
a high school student serious about running, academics and
masturbating in the woods. One wintry afternoon, near his
favorite tree, he comes across (in every sense of the term)
Everett Forester, a privileged, lacrosse-playing boarding school
boy.
As is true in most adolescents’ lives (and every novel), stuff
happens. There is sexual exploration (Everett has had a lot
more experience than Reid), the resultant embarrassment of
getting caught, and the arc of both lovers trying to be at the
same place at the same time (emotionally as well as physically).
There is not, however, a lot of angst about being gay.
Provenzano set this story – and PINS, his wrestling book – in
what he calls “a bubble of time.” Stonewall had already jumpstarted the gay rights movement, but AIDS had not yet reared
its ugly head. The author calls those years “a halcyon moment,
when for a teenager it was not horrible to be gay.”
In fact, both Reid and Everett’s parents are relatively accepting
about their sons’ sexuality. It doesn’t hurt that Provenzano has
created what he calls “two smart, well-educated and self-aware”
protagonists – boys for whom acting on their urges brings more
joy than fear.
What Provenzano did not set out to create, he says, is a novel
about disability. Though PINS – written in 1999 – includes a
debilitating neck injury that nearly kills the main character,
Everett’s paralysis (he’s clobbered by a lacrosse stick) is less
metaphoric, more an opportunity to explore the effect of
disability on two growing boys who just happen to be gay.
“I took two corny genres – coming out and bildungsroman
(coming of age) – and at one point, I just realized the disability
was going to happen,” Provenzano explains of the writing
process. “Sometimes your characters’ paths don’t go where you
expect.”
Once he saw the path his book was taking, Provenzano
did a prodigious amount of research. He studied spinal cord
injuries, the growth of wheelchair sports, and the ins and outs
of paraplegic sex.
In the back of his mind, always, was the story of Ed Gallagher.
In 1985 Gallagher – a 27-year-old former University of
Pittsburgh football player – tried to commit suicide by throwing
himself off a dam. That was better, he thought, than to die “a
fag with AIDS.” (He was not, despite his fears, HIV positive.)
While Gallagher did not succeed in killing himself, he was
paralyzed for life.
In 1994 he wrote a semi-autobiographical book, Johnny
in the Spot. When Provenzano was writing a sports column
28
 Jim Provenzano
(the predecessor to “The OutField”), he had what he calls “an
awkward conversation” with Gallagher.
“I read his book, and hated it. The dual narrative format
was very difficult to follow,” Provenzano recalls. “But I admired
him greatly. He was an inspiration to me. I wanted to write a
romance Ed would have appreciated.”
Gallagher was outspoken about the physical needs of
paraplegics, and Provenzano addressed the topic head-on too.
“They’re 18,” he says of his characters. “I didn’t want to dodge
the fact that they want to have sex – and they do. But I really
wanted to get the facts right. It couldn’t be just nudge-nudgewink-wink.”
The first reviews are strong. Author Andrew W. M. Beierle
called it “a rare combination of delicacy and power (that)
rekindled faded memories of the intensity of youthful desire.”
Ray Aguilera, former editor of Bent Voices, a magazine for
disabled gay men, lauded Provenzano for “daring to show that
disability and sexuality aren’t mutually exclusive, and that
crips can be just as good in bed (or elsewhere) as their nondisabled counterparts.”
It’s not easy to write a novel about sports, gay teenagers and
sex in (and out of) wheelchairs. Jim Provenzano has done it,
with grace and power. All readers – disabled or not – can stand
and applaud.
Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer coach, gay activist, and author
of the “Jocks” series of books on gay male athletes. Visit his website at
http://www.danwoog.com.
www.gaycalgary.com
Music Review
Hear Me Out
Kathleen Edwards, Joyful Noise
By Chris Azzopardi
Voyageur
By:
Kathleen
Edwards
My
Rating:

Her songs have
generally
been
outside
herself,
but
Kathleen
Edwards
isn’t
writing about other
people
anymore.
She’s writing about
herself. Voyageur
is the Canadian alt-folkie’s most personal work, a 10-song
musical catharsis after the tumultuous end of a five-year
marriage. For all the doubt, soul-searching and heart-shattering
sadness, though, it’s off to a surprisingly carefree start: “I’m
moving to America,” she asserts – following it with the punch
line: “It’s an empty threat.” Her wingman/new boyfriend, Bon
Iver’s Justin Vernon, adds just enough of his trademark softrock euphoria to shake up Edwards’ girl-with-guitar sound.
Plainspoken and brutally honest, the words, however, are all
Edwards – regrettably recalling her wedding day (dire “Pink
Champagne”), seeking solace (sprawling beauty “A Soft Place
to Land”) and rebounding on the redemptive rocker “Change
the Sheets.” Her fragile drawl whirls into a mesmerizing dream
that’s really more of a nightmare on the hauntingly solemn
“House Full of Empty Rooms,” a standout so in touch with its
feelings of uncertainty and isolation that it could’ve only been
written in the midst of her own hell. She picks herself back
up on ’90s-esque “Sidecar,” a buzzy breather that’s uniquely
hopeful and upbeat. Simple and direct, working in context of
the rest of the downer album with that ditty, is all Edwards
needs to be. That straightforward voice, in every sense, is what
makes Voyageur an insightful and fulfilling journey.
Joyful Noise
soundtrack
My
Rating:

God and Glee walk
into a recording
studio and… no,
it’s not a joke. It’s
Joyful Noise, the
churchy musical
that’s about as
campy as pitching
a tent. Speaking
of tents, it stars
Dolly
Parton,
a good enough reason to invest in this gospel lovers’ gay
dream come true. The other? Queen Latifah, turning a
soulful, if short, take on “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” during
the otherwise hilariously cornball mash-up “Higher Medley”
that also replaces Usher’s sexisms with call-outs to the
www.gaycalgary.com
Father. Together, the divas vocally throw down on the
uplifting love-is-all “Not Enough,” a choir-lifted whopper
that wouldn’t sound out of place in a Sister Act movie. To
cover its bases, like the country crowd that Parton pulls, the
legend does “From Here to the Moon and Back,” a strippeddown orchestral charmer, with Kris Kristofferson. It’s a fine
song that’s basically a more subdued “I Will Always Love
You.” On “In Love,” Kirk Franklin preaches to the choir,
literally, and Latifah’s “Fix Me Jesus” is one of her most
understated performances ever. The rest just feels like
Glee in God’s house: bombast nearly butchers the end of
“Maybe I’m Amazed” and Nickelodeon star Keke Palmer does
a decent but forgettable job with her Disney-fed rendition
of “Man in the Mirror.” The music from Joyful Noise isn’t
nearly as sinfully bad as the movie is said to be. What does
that mean? You can listen and not go to confession the next
day.
Also Out
Feel the Sound
By: Imperial Teen
Such a breezy listen that it goes down too easy, the 16-yearold cult foursome – two of which are queer – pull together
hum-worthy hooks on their first album in five years. Like
Scissor Sisters for rock radio, the co-ed collective from San
Francisco leans on chompy guitar riffs and enough melodic
sing-alongs to write a book on the science of sound (see:
1999’s “Yoo Hoo,” used in Jawbreaker). Giddiness rides out
“Runaway,” a mindless piece of illuminated pop; the rest
follows similarly and sounds like more beguiling versions
of songs by the Shins. The refrain during the last tune, a
musically transcendental highlight, sums up the album
best: “It’s overtaking, it’s overtaking us.”
The Lion’s Roar
By: First Aid Kit
Deep-rooted Americana from the depths of… Sweden?
Besides a Stockholm nod, there’s nary a hint that this
sibling act are from Robyn soil, especially when Johanna
and Klara’s sophomore CD is back-roads folk with an
affinity for the genre’s legends. Proof: “Emmylou,” a hat-tip
to traditional tropes that also features an adorable refrain.
And then there are those voices, instruments that recall
the greats in how enchantingly throwback they are. “To a
Poet” works into a mesmerizing chorus that’s pure country
heartbreak, harmonized beautifully in a high-sung lament.
Handclaps and horns round out this gem of an album on the
boisterous hootenanny “King of the World” – and if anyone
rules the world this year, let’s hope it’s First Aid Kit.
29
Gossip
 Hugh Jackman, photo by DreamWorks
Deep Inside Hollywood
Houdini is happening with Hugh
By Romeo San Vicente
Hugh Jackman can’t stay away from Broadway. The part-time Real
Steel/Wolverine tough guy is, apparently, incapable of curing his songand-dance lust. So now that The Boy From Oz is a distant memory and
he’s finished up with Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway, he needs a
new reason to belt out the big numbers for matinee audiences. Enter
Houdini, in the works for a couple years now with Jackman in mind
for the lead and, at one point, set to feature music from Danny Elfman.
Jackman is still the man in the title role but now the score will come
from Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), the script from Aaron Sorkin (The
Social Network) and Jack O’Brien (Hairspray) will direct. And rather
than a straightforward biography approach, Houdini will tell the story
of a conflict the legendary magician encountered in the form of a trio
of women known as “Spirtualists.” The women had convinced scores
of followers, including editors at Scientific American and The New York
Times, that they could communicate with the dead. Houdini, on the other
hand, was less than convinced. If audiences believe – and they probably
will – this could be the big hit of the 2013 season. Start planning your
New York visits now.
Franco’s gay streak continues
James Franco is no stranger to playing gay. On screen he’s been James
Dean, Allen Ginsberg, Hart Crane, Harvey Milk’s boyfriend Scott Smith
and an ambiguous stoner in the comedy Pineapple Express. So here he
goes again, this time tackling the role of legendary contemporary artist
Robert Mapplethorpe for an upcoming biopic. The controversial artist,
who died of AIDS in 1989 and whose frankly homoerotic photographs
caused a firestorm of censorship efforts among cultural conservatives in
the late 1980s, is almost tailor-made for a big screen story. And given
the artist’s huge personality and bravado, the actor who plays him
should be equally unafraid, which makes it a perfect fit for Franco. The
upcoming film, among the first to receive grants through Tribeca Film
Institute’s “All Access Program” and directed by documentarian Ondi
Timoner, will be produced by Buffy The Vampire Slayer’s Eliza Dushku
and her brother Nate Dushku, who was, at one time, expected to play
Mapplethorpe. More news to come as production rolls on.
30
Directors In Flux: Peirce Talks Carrie, Van Sant Replaces Damon
Post-Columbine, it’s been impossible to get a high school outcastgets-revenge movie anywhere near a studio’s production slate. But
then there’s Carrie, a project that’s almost magically exempt from any
discussion of media blame when real kids go on real life murderous
rampages. Based on the modern horror classic written by Stephen
King, the original film starring young Sissy Spacek was a deep dive
into a terrifying world of religious mania, telekinesis and involuntary
manslaughter (lots and lots of it). Naturally, a remake is in the works
and Boys Don’t Cry director Kimberly Peirce is in talks to take the helm.
Hope she gets it; she’d be a great fit. Meanwhile, on the boys side of
Hollywood, Gus Van Sant looks to be stepping into Matt Damon’s shoes
as he takes over an untitled production that Damon was scheduled to
direct. Co-starring with John Krasinski is still on tap for Damon, who
also co-wrote the script – one that people who’ve read it are calling
“Capra-esque” – in which the two actors play rival corporate executives
whose values and greed are called into question. And Van Sant was the
first and only director Damon called to take over, a no-brainer since the
pair have worked together off and on ever since Good Will Hunting.
2012 takes on new meaning for 2012 director
Gay director Roland Emmerich’s end-of-the-world thriller 2012
ended with humanity’s final survivors fleeing for safety in giant arks,
so it’s not like he’s ever at a loss for outlandish outcomes, but which
candidate will be safely ensconced in the White House – not just in real
life, but in make-believe TV-land, too – when the director’s new 2012
Presidential campaign-themed TV series wraps up its first story arc?
That’s the first question you might ask about this pilot, picked up by
ABC, which focuses on a young astrophysics student (why not?) whose
destiny becomes linked with the election. The next question might be
what it’s going to be called, because there’s no title just yet. And that’s
just the start. Who’s going to star? How fast can they get it moving and
on the air? And most importantly, what’s going to happen to the story
after the January 2013 inauguration? Stay tuned as this game of TV
dice-rolling shakes out.
Romeo San Vicente plans to vote early and often.
www.gaycalgary.com
Lifestyle
Cocktail Chatter
The Kir Royale
By Ed Sikov
Dan and I got married on Saturday. This news may be
surprising, given my little peccadillo with Jack Fogg and the
uproar when my stunned partner – now husband – found out.
But it led to the talk we should have had years ago, a discussion
too personal even for me to write about. Let’s just say that we
came to an understanding, then made up, then out, and finally
came in a very different sense of the word.
We’re beyond being best friends. My faults still register with
Dan, but there’s a trace of a smile on his face when I tell the
same jokes I always tell. And I’m proud of being married to the
world’s greatest klutz. (Life with Dan: bang, crash, “shit!”) We’re
genuinely intertwined in ways we weren’t four years ago, when
I….
Well, the fact is that I have Parkinson’s disease. I haven’t
mentioned it before because it hasn’t been part of any of the
stories I’ve told. It’s no fun, but I live with it, and if you saw
me you’d never guess I had it unless you happened to catch
me doing the last three reps of a weightlifting set. That’s when
I tremor.
Dan has been there for me throughout the whole bad trip,
and I’ve been there for him, too. (The six months leading to his
promotion to V.P. at CogniTech was practically as traumatic
as my PD.) So when New York granted gay people marriage
equality, we went for it. The scene: the beach house. The
characters: our friends Gary and Heath, Dan and me. The state
legislature was taking its time. I checked the news just after
11 p.m.
“It passed!” I yelled. We toasted with what was left of the
dinner wine. Then:
Me: “We gettin’ married?”
Dan: “Yeah.”
Me: “When?”
Dan: “December.”
We’re clearly not into the top-of-the-Empire State Building
stuff.
So we got married. There were eight guests, including the
judge who married us, who happened to be Dan’s father.
We got the private dining room of a terrific restaurant in our
neighborhood. The ceremony was one minute long. We said we
loved each other, and Dan’s father said, “I now pronounce you
married.” Then lunch.
We left immediately for the beach, arriving rather late.
I brought a rack of lamb to grill, some vegetables and two
cupcakes. But yechhh: the only champagne in the refrigerator
was bad not very good. (We keep some in there all the time – like
Mary Richards and her can of artichoke hearts – “just in case”.)
“I hate that swill,” Dan said. “There’s no need to fear,” I replied.
“Underdog is here!’”
We had Creme de Cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur. Undrinkably
sweet on its own, it’s the perfect solution to bad mediocre
champagne. I grilled the rack of lamb, roasted some fingerling
potatoes and sauteed Brussels sprouts in butter. We drank two
bottles of bad bad champagne transformed into Kir Royales.
The rest of the night I’ll leave to your imagination.
The Kir Royale
1 bottle of bad champagne
Imitation of Life: ‘The Faux de Vie’
From the mailbag comes this gem-like nugget: “You’re a really great
writer, Ed. You’re also a mess.” I say: True on both counts! I don’t
think I’m bragging when I agree with the first part. I’m sure most of
you have something you know you’re good at, whether it’s managing
staff, making ceramic bowls, salesmanship or cooking. It’s good for
your state of mind; it builds confidence to have confidence. As for the
second point, I acknowledge that, too. I used to be more of a mess
than I am now, but I’m still neurotic. Hey, I’m a gay Jew from a cruddy
little town in western Pennsylvania. I got called vicious names every
damned day until I escaped to college. What do you expect?
The message writer was referring to a specific column – the “Yankee
Mint Julep” one, in which I respond to Kyle and Robbie’s acoustically
vibrant and (to me) demoralizing sex romp upstairs at the beach
house by swigging from a magnum of Jack Daniels. It was a pretty
good column, I think, but the response brought up a fact I’ve not
made a point of stating directly. As I near the end of my second season
as “Cocktail Chatter” columnist, it’s time to set the record straight (so
to speak):
Except for the recipes, “Cocktail Chatter” is pure fiction. I make
this stuff up, people. There is no Kyle, no Robbie, no Craig, no Jack
Fogg…. There’s sort of a Dan, but that’s not his real name, and he
doesn’t work for a pharmaceutical company. Some of the characters
were originally based on people I know, and some are purely my own
creation. But their origins are irrelevant because they all grew into
different, fully formed (albeit fictional) people the more I wrote about
them. These nonexistent folks don’t let me put words in their mouth
they don’t think they’d really say. It’s like I’m channeling them, and
when I add a word they don’t like they make me delete it. A novelist
friend of mine was not at all surprised when I mentioned this bizarre
situation to him. He can’t force his characters to do or say what he
wants them to do or say either. They, too, have their own voices and
personalities, and he can’t control them either.
In that spirit, or perhaps in those spirits – or maybe even in
the spirit of those spirits who drink spirits – I created an original
cocktail: “The Faux de Vie.” As you may know, Eau de Vie is a clear,
double-distilled brandy that has the flavor of the fruit from which it
is distilled. Varieties include pear, raspberry, plum and peach. Eau
de Vie translates as Water of Life, but a fine Eau de Vie is pricier than
even the most expensive bottled water. It can run you $120 or more.
So forget the real stuff and make yourself a Faux de Vie! Get yourself
a copy of the extraordinarily gorgeous and superbly entertaining
Imitation of Life, the 1959 tearjerker directed by the great Douglas
Sirk and starring the inimitable Lana Turner, and you’ve got yourself
a perfectly “faux” evening.
The Faux de Vie
1 jigger Absolut vodka
A couple drops of the liqueur of your choice
Get a small glass and carefully pour just a few drops of Chambord,
Cointreau, or any fruit liqueur into it. Add vodka. Sip. Don’t
overwhelm the vodka with liqueur; the drink should have just a hint
of fruit to it.
If you’re not able to try these recipes at home, then ask your favourite
bartender to make them for you!
Crème de Cassis
Add a few drops of Crème de Cassis to each glass, then fill with
champagne. Use cheap champagne. Don’t ruin a good bottle of
bubbly by adding anything at all.
www.gaycalgary.com
31
PUMPS UP THE JAM
America’s Six Inch Obsession
By Todd Hamilton
On any given night at Mr. Black in Los Angeles, ten or
more men can be seen traversing the dance floor in a
pair of pumps. No, they aren’t drag queens. They’re
gay men sporting the latest
trend to hit the states: men
- otherwise dressed in men’s
clothing - in heels.
They’re not cheap heels either.
Gay men love their labels and
many are happily shelling out
$3,000 and more for the sexiest
from Louis Vuitton, Gucci,
Yves Saint Laurent, and yes,
Louboutin.
In a way, the men are
repeating
history.
Until
Napoleon banned them, high
heels were considered a sign of
nobility in France; Louis XVI
donned five-inch red-accented
heels depicting wartime battle
scenes.
There’s even a new anthem for
the movement. Emii’s “Stilettos”
stomps over Jennifer Lopez’s
ode to Louboutin with a shoeobsessed high-kicker that adds
fist pumps to the foot pump.
32
GC: Can you understand why one might be obsessed with
Stilettos?
E: I can definitely understand. I mean, have you seen my
closet?
GC: Are you surprised by the
success of your new song?
E: I’m excited about it. The
song is about celebrating the
little things in life that make
us feel sexy and empowered. It
encourages us to walk the walk,
strut our stuff, and be thankful
and proud of whatever we are
rocking.
GC: What’s your take on the
trend of men in heels?
E: I remember being a kid,
watching a video of Prince
rocking a hot pair of heels. It
didn’t seem crazy to me then,
and it doesn’t seem crazy to me
now. Men are just as entitled to
fashionable forms of expression
as women are. The more stilettos
the better!
GC: Does wearing heels make
one feel more powerful?
www.gaycalgary.com
E: Definitely! It is an empowering feeling to walk like a diva
six inches above every one else in the room. Maybe it’s the
height, maybe it’s the fashion statement, maybe it’s simply
magic. Whatever it is, it works!
GC: Are wearing stilettos a form of drag?
E: No. Shoes are only an accessory to the outfit. Even if they
are the showstopper of what you’re wearing, and they should
be, they don’t define the outfit. Being a drag queen involves
more than heels.
GC: Women wearing men’s clothing is normal. Is it time we
consider men in women’s clothing as normal?
E: Absolutely! It’s time to do away with all double standard
standards. It’s fashion, people. Chill out and let us go crazy.
GC: Would you ever let your man step out in pumps?
E: If stilettos are good enough for Prince, they sure as hell are
good enough for my man.
GC: What is your message to men who want to wear Stilettos?
E: Wear them and love them! It is your right to express
yourself.
GC: Are you loving that your song has become the anthem
for men in heels?
E: Oh yes, I love it! I hope the song helps to inspire everyone
to feel free to express themselves and kick all double standards
to the curb. In heels, of course.
Emii
http://emii.net
www.gaycalgary.com
33
Politics
Equal Marriage Equal Divorce
By Stephen Lock
During the heady days of striving for equal marriage to
be made legal in Canada, I remember some discussion
at Board level at Egale Canada, and with Canadians for
Equal Marriage, that not only will we need to enshrine
the right to marry for GLBTQ folk, but the right to divorce
as well. Clearly, similar discussions were never held in
cabinet up on Parliament Hill.
Now we have a situation where a lesbian couple married,
legally they believed, in Canada in 2005 now wish to legally
divorce. While they were prepared to return to Canada from
their respective domiciles in Florida and Europe to do so,
they were informed that because they have not fulfilled the
one year residency requirement, and their own jurisdictions
do not recognize the marriage as valid, they were not, in fact,
actually ‘legally married’ at all!
One of the concerns I expressed back then, but realized
there was probably not much one could do about it, was the
number of individuals coming from outside Canada for the
express purpose of getting married. I couldn’t articulate the
concern, apart from a vague discomfort “Getting Married
In Canada” was being treated like some sort of trip to
DisneyWorld and being made an Honourary Mouseketeer,
but I was uncomfortable with it and somewhat concerned
what might happen if, after the first flush of excitement
faded, these people woke up one morning and went “oops...
don’t want to be married after all!”. Naturally, one assumed
as adults, individuals wouldn’t enter into such a commitment
lightly and would understand what we were saying all along;
marriage is marriage.
In fairness, such individuals would naturally assume all
the i’s had been dotted and all the t’s crossed. I guess we
missed some stuff that, in retrospect, would appear obvious.
Like having the right to divorce enshrined right alongside the
right to marry.
Predictably, once this omission came to light, the Harper
government came under attack.
Paul Dewar, a candidate for the leadership of the New
Democrat Party following Jack Layton’s death, has accused
the Harper government of attempting to “roll back” equal
marriage in Canada and “betraying the trust of thousands of
same-sex couples who came to Canada looking for equality”
after the government intervened in a divorce case of two
non-Canadian women who married in Canada, saying the
Canadian marriage was never valid because their home
countries do not recognize same-sex marriage. According
to Dewar’s website, the government move effectively rules
thousands of Canadian marriages null and void. It also sets
a precedent that if a home state does not permit a marriage,
Canada will not recognize the marriage either.
34
It’s not like the possibility of divorce hadn’t already hit the
public radar. Back in 2004, when the debate around equal
marriage was still raging, a Toronto lesbian couple, known
only as M.M. and H.H., filed for divorce. The women married
on June 18, 2003, a week after the Ontario Court of Appeal
legalized same-sex marriage. They separated five days later.
The couple had been together for almost 10 years. A petition
for divorce was filed in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice in
June 2004.
Madam Justice Ruth Mesbur, the presiding judge in this
case, approved the couple’s application on September 13,
2004 ruling the definition of spouse in the Divorce Act was
unconstitutional. The Act defined “spouse” as “of a man or
woman who are married to each other.”
At the time of M.M. vs H.H. equal marriage was not
yet enshrined in federal law but courts in three provinces
(Ontario, B.C. and Quebec) and the Yukon had ruled lesbians
and gay men had the freedom to marry under the Charter
of Rights. That caused a rush to the altar by thousands of
homosexual couples.
Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin said at that time he
would introduce a bill, likely in October 2004, to rectify the
legislation and to put it to a free vote in Parliament. However,
he warned, it could take up to a year after that for samesex marriage to be legal nationwide. Martin also stated the
Divorce Act had to be overhauled to reflect the changes to the
Marriage Act.
“It may take awhile to resolve the issue,” Nicholas Bala,
a professor of family law at Queen’s University, said at the
time. “There are many issues at stake here: what happens
if a partner dies and what happens if one of the partner’s is
from another province where there is no gay marriage. There
is nothing to reference.”
Apparently, it never got resolved.
Mind you, at the time, those of us working to bring in equal
marriage were busy counteracting the outrageous attacks
from the Right. We often felt we were being pulled off course
to deal with accusations our ‘true’ agenda was to legalize
pedophilia or to create an environment in which marrying
ones daughter or son would also be legal. That details such
as what would happen should a same-sex marriage, like any
marriage, fail never got fully addressed is not surprising
since our focus was on the success of the initiative. A few
voiced some foresight and talked about ‘what if’ scenarios,
but there was so much work to be done, such scenarios were,
sad to admit, overlooked or shelved. The view was, we would
deal with those issues once equal marriage was made law
but for now, the focus was lobbying to have equal marriage
legalized. In retrospect, it was a major oversight with serious
ramifications for those individuals who trusted us and, quite
logically, assumed everything was in place as it should be.
Besides, who thinks of divorce when you are standing before
a marriage commissioner preparing to exchange vows of
eternal love with the person you fully intend to spend the
rest of your life with? Romance and hope tend to wash out
practicalities.
Gilles Marchildon, then the Execituve Director of Egale
Canada, one of the principle organizations involved in the
fight for equal marriage, urged Canadian legislators to move
on the divorce issue.
“There’s a legal vacuum in this country,” he said at the
time. “The court will need to make a decision based on
current law [but] it also has latitude in terms of the statutes
involving common-law partnerships.”
www.gaycalgary.com
In 1999, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that it was
unfair that a Toronto lesbian had no rights to sue a former
partner for support. The following year, Ottawa passed Bill
C-23, which ruled that same-sex couples were entitled to the
same federally legislated benefits, obligations and status as
heterosexual common-law couples. Under that law, there
was no sharing of property when a common-law relationship
ended, with the exception of jointly-owned property. The
same rules do not apply, however, to divorcing couples. In
the instance a marriage ends, there are certain settlements
and property divisions that need to be dealt with legally.
Following the Mesbur ruling, the federal Justice Department
conceded that excluding lesbians and gay men from the
Divorce Act was unconstitutional.
This all seems relatively clear, as legalities go, but it
applies only to residents of Canada. Those coming into
Canada to be married from jurisdictions and countries that
did not recognize same-sex marriage - and many instances
still don’t - seemed to have slipped through the cracks.
It is ridiculous to now tell them, ‘oh, well, since your
country doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage, you aren’t
actually married.’ Did the thousands who came to Canada to
be married only experience some phoney but oh-so-romantic
rite? That’s not what they were told then. They were told if
you marry in Canada, the marriage is valid and recognized as
such in Canada and by other countries that recognize samesex marriage, even if one’s own country doesn’t recognize the
validity of the marriage. Does that lack of recognition render
the marriage any less valid? The answer back then was no, it
is a legal and valid marriage. Now they are being told it isn’t
and never was. That cannot be allowed to stand.
If residency stipulations were waived or not required in
order to be married in Canada, then residency stipulations
for divorce should mirror that. As it stands now, one has
to be a resident in Canada for a year in order to divorce in
Canada. Of course, safe guards need to be in place to ensure
divorce is not being taken lightly or entered into trivially.
But so, too, should marriage have such safe guards in place.
Perhaps some, back in those heady days of early legalization,
did in fact get married and didn’t think it through or consider
just what it was they were getting into, legally. Legal rights
and responsibilities cut both ways, as they should. Just as
the state has responsibilities towards the individual in such
matters, so too does the individual have responsibilities and
amongst those, one would assume, is the understanding
‘getting married’ is not like going out to buy a flat screen TV.
However, couples married in Canada essentially entered
into a contractual agreement with us. We have an obligation
to them to ensure that contract is honoured in all its nuances,
including the right to divorce. If, in fact, nonresidents cannot
obtain a divorce in the same country in which they married
in good faith, then we need to fix that. Now. To leave people
in some legal limbo is, quite clearly, just not right.
This is not about ‘revisiting’ the equal marriage debate.
We’ve had that and equal marriage is law. This is about
fixing what went wrong. This is about setting things right.
This is about fairness.
January 27, 2012
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine
2136 17th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB
T2T 0G3
Dear Rob and Steve,
On behalf of The SHARP Foundation, I wish to congratulate you on your 100th edition of
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine.
Your support and commitment of SHARP through sponsorship (promoting, attending and
photographing events), and even your personal fundraising efforts (Rob makes a great living
Christmas tree…) are truly appreciated. Your enthusiasm around A Taste for Life has helped to
build this into a marquee event in Calgary.
I remember providing you a tour of Beswick House to show you the facility, but also discuss the
impact our work was having on a highly vulnerable and stigmatized part of our community –
people living with HIV. That is a tour that continues to be reflected in your business and
personal support of The SHARP Foundation and the connections you have provide within the
GBLT community that are so important to our work.
Again, on behalf of SHARP’s Board, Staff, and most importantly the Clients we serve, I wish to
congratulate you on your 100th edition, and thank you for your ongoing support of our
organization.
All the best,
Gerry Hart
Board President
The SHARP Foundation





January 18, 2011
Dear Steve and Rob:
On behalf of Team Edmonton we would like to congratulate you and your contributors on the 100th
issue of Gay Calgary and Edmonton Magazine.
Your publication has played a vital role in providing information about GLBTQ sports and recreation
opportunities in Alberta and supporting our mandate. Since our inception in 2006 you have worked
collaboratively with us and our affiliated activities to provide accurate information and coverage to the
community and partners across the province.
We wish you success on your next 100 issues and look forward to seeing your website, social media and
print publications continue to expand and develop.
Regards
Keith Andony
President, Team Edmonton
www.gaycalgary.com
35
GayTravel
Ogunquit: Vacationland’s Glorious Little Gay Getaway
 Ogunquit
By GayTravel
You have to wonder why New Englanders choose to live
much of the year in the cold, snow, ice and darkness. One
hypothesis, they live for the summer! There’s nothing
quite like that short window of time between spring and
fall. For gay and lesbian travelers around the world,
Provincetown is paradise found. This small stretch of
Cape Cod is the most famous gay getaway destination in
the region, but it’s certainly not the only one. Drive just
four hours north and you’ll find the crown jewel of LGBT
Maine, Ogunquit.
The town has a year-round population of less than two
thousand residents, but it’s in the summer and early fall that
this quaint, charming beach community comes alive, catering
to gay and lesbian travelers. Ogunquit differs from other resort
towns in Maine in that most of the restaurants, galleries, hotels
and dance clubs … that’s right … dance clubs, are gay-owned
and operated.
Whether you live in nearby Portland or Boston, or you’re
vacationing, your day starts the same. You lather on the
sunscreen, put on your sexiest speedo and strut on down to
the beach. The beginning of the beach is where the heteros
station themselves, but if you walk less than a half mile beyond
that you’ll find family. Cruisy older gents, sexy college studs
playing volleyball and ladies frolicking in the waves, that’s the
quintessential sunny day on Ogunquit Beach.
Bare in mind, this is New England and the weather can go
from sunny and gorgeous to rainy and miserable at any given
moment. So if you do have to make a quick exit from the beach,
don’t fret, there’s a variety of other ways to occupy yourself.
36
If you’re a sucker for art, there are incredible galleries
featuring the work of local artists, including The Barn Gallery
and Art & Soul Gallery, both located on Shore Road. The great
thing about Ogunquit is that most of the shops, museums,
hotels and restaurants are located within walking distance to
the beach. Trust me, this is a blessing because parking can be
a nightmare and if you time your entrance or escape out of town
at the wrong time, it could take the better part of an hour to get
back to the highway.
A cloudy day is also the perfect time to check out John Lane’s
Ogunquit Playhouse. Located just a few miles outside of the
center of the action heading back to the highway, this is a great
venue to enjoy popular shows like Avenue Q, The Music Man
or Chicago.
www.gaycalgary.com
If anything can redeem a lackluster cocktail, it’s a night out
on the town. Don’t be fooled by Ogunquit’s size, the clubs are
incredibly fun and get packed. Front Porch is a great place to
start your evening. It’s a piano bar filled with locals, Bostonians
and visitors from points beyond. Even if you aren’t a singer, the
mood is infectious, the waiters … adorable and the drinks are
potent.
Next, head across the street and pick your poison, you
have two options to choose from to prolong your buzz and
dance the night away. First is the staple of gay and lesbian
Ogunquit, MaineStreet. Dance music, drag shows, pool and
sexy bartenders, all the prerequisites are here. There’s also a
spacious porch located outside if you want to have an audible
conversation with some friends.
Oxygen is close to MaineStreet. It’s that gay bar in town
that’s been in business for years but constantly changes
ownership. It’s a great place to end your night, whether you’re
still in the mood to dance or want to grab a drunken bite at the
rooftop café.
Remember ladies and gents, Maine isn’t just lobster and
lighthouses! If you’re that gay or lesbian traveler who wants a
change from Provincetown, Key West, Fire Island and the other
typical LGBT summer haunts, Ogunquit is a refreshing option.
It offers all of the trappings of most other gay resort towns with
smaller crowds and lower prices.
 Ogunquit-Gazebo
Ogunquit may be a small town, but most of the local
businesses thrive on tourist dollars, so there’s no shortage of
dining options for gay and lesbian travelers looking for a quick
bit or extravagant romantic meal. Angelina’s is a charming
restaurant and wine bar if you’re looking for something tres
romantique, Cape Neddick Lobster Pound is great if you want
to experience local cuisine. Keep in mind, not all of these
establishments are created equal. On a recent visit I dined at
a restaurant which will remain nameless and had to tell the
bartender how to make a Mojito. Something I never would
have expected to happen in a town fueled by the gay dollar.
After explaining the recipe, the bartender handed me a glass
containing seltzer, rum and mangled brown mint leaves, #fail!
Dear Steve and Rob,
On behalf of the Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association we would like to congratulate you on their
100th edition of the GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine.
You have demonstrated your entrepreneurial spirit and your ability to succeed in a very difficult
industry.
Your generous spirit and the donations you make to the Gay Community are second to none as you
cover the non-profit associations, businesses, activities, and meaningful issues with clarity and fairness.
ARGRA would like to thank you for all of your help and insight into our organization and especially the
Canadian Rockies International Rodeo.
Congratulations Steve and Rob for your 100th edition and for a major milestone.
Board of Directors
Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association
www.gaycalgary.com
37
Jasper Comes Out To The Whistle Stop
By Carey Rutherford
Toto, I don’t think we’re in...waitaminute, we are in
Alberta! And there’s now an LGBTQ-friendly pub in
Jasper that has already put on their first drag show.
Vanessa Hugie, General Manager of Whistler’s Inn of
Jasper, isn’t surprised - it’s her doing!
“Whistler’s Inn is coming up on 20 years (in Jasper), and
the Whistle Stop has been part of the hotel since before
it had even become Whistler’s Inn. We’ve been building it
into the locals’ pub/hangout for the last 15 years, really
bringing up the quality of the product and service, building
up our clientele, etc.” Coincidentally, 15 years is the same
length of time she has been with them.
In 2010, an LGBTQ-centred publication came through her
hotel looking for her business, and Vanessa was concerned
about “pitching my hotel to the community, because I didn’t
know that I could guarantee that we can deliver...on being
LGBT friendly just because I said we were.” And she would
know, as she’s been active in the Jasper rainbow community,
working with HIV West Yellowhead and supporting OUT
Jasper.
So when the salesman came back as a consultant, working
with organizations like hers that wanted to learn about and
promote themselves to this $7-billion Canadian market, she
was the perfect person to speak with.
“We took some new pictures of the hotel, did some
education with the staff, and talked about the pub. It is a
locals hangout, one of the most popular pubs in town; it’s
not a nightclub... The bartenders all know you by what you
drink, when you walk in they all go hey there, so I was a
little concerned because some of the clientele is very much
‘repeat’, some of them are very comfortable because they’ve
been coming for so long, and can be very opinionated. I was
a little worried that maybe the ambience wouldn’t be right,
38
or it wouldn’t be as welcoming and friendly as it maybe
should be, if it were changed.”
“But Rod (Zelles, the now consultant) said, if you let
people know that they’re welcome, they’ll come.”
“So we held our inaugural event on January 14th, called
our ‘Loud and Proud Party’, and we basically turned the
Whistle Stop Pub into a dance bar for an evening, complete
with disco balls, a lightshow, a dancefloor (and) a drag
queen show. It was probably one of the best events that
we’ve had in the pub, bar none.”
“It was extremely well attended, by people from out-oftown as well as our locals, and overwhelming [were] the
support levels, and the good [feeling] in the room...[it] was
phenomenal.” Vanessa was clearly smiling so hard she
could hardly get words out.
Vanessa mentions seeing many locals at the party that
normally didn’t frequent the Whistle Stop, and she was
congratulated many times by clientele who were delighted
with the successful welcoming effort.
“It was probably the most amazing feeling I’ve had in a
long time!”
She points out that their intention is not to change the
pub over into what is traditionally called a ‘gay bar’, but
simply to enhance what they already do. Hugie explains,
“so one weekend every month will be dedicated to our LGBT
customers, combined with promotions through the hotel.
So were there any spoilsports that complained?
“Not directly to me. A couple of my bartenders heard some
people cracking some not so appropriate jokes, and they
said hey, everybody’s welcome here, and put a halt to it.
...No-one has said they’re going to stop coming (because of
the changes), I haven’t heard of anyone being [offended].”
She had been more concerned about the out-of-towners,
that she knows less about and who come in on weekends,
www.gaycalgary.com
having an unpredictable reaction. “But I don’t think anyone
who really has any issues will be put out: we’re not doing
anything to make them feel uncomfortable, we’re just doing
things to make others feel more comfortable.”
“So in February, in support of Jasper Pride, the February
10-11th weekend, we’ll be hosting a group of local musicians
from the LGBT community who’ll be performing at the
official Apres-Ski on the 11th.”
“Then on the second weekend in March we’re going to
have a Passion Party, and there’s a girl from Edmonton’s
clubs who will come out and DJ for us.” Passion Party as in
sex toys, if you’re wondering.
For trivia buffs, this is the third year Jasper has had a
Pride, and “they decided to go with February, because they
wanted to tie it in with winter and skiing, take advantage
of marmot Basin and the great conditions that we have in
February.”
Vanessa, being hotel manager, a wife and a mother,
demonstrates that she also has balls: “I personally would like
to challenge Tourism Jasper to follow my lead. I think that
they have shied away from looking at the LGBT community
specifically, which, in my mind as a business operator, is
short-sighted. It’s a $7-billion market, and for a town like
Jasper that is resort-based and extremely seasonal, relying
on a lot of regional support (like Calgary, Edmonton, and
even smaller B.C. communities like Kamloops and Prince
George). Without looking at all the markets I think they’re
missing out... As of right now, Tourism Jasper has said
they’re ‘interested’ in what I’m doing, but they haven’t
stepped forward.”
Oooh, looks like the rhinestone-covered gauntlet has
been thrown!
Whistler’s Inn / The Whistle Stop
105 Miette Avenue, Jasper
www.gaycalgary.com
39
Glenn, Close Up
Albert Nobbs actress talks gender-bending
role, her unexpected bisexual turn and the
possibility of her going lesbian – in real life
 Glenn Close, photos by Patrick Redmond
By Chris Azzopardi
Man, Glenn Close feels like a woman, but she sure
doesn’t look like one in her new gender-bending movie.
In Albert Nobbs, the actress – known especially to gay
audiences for her role in the 1995 film Serving in Silence:
The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story, about a real-life
lesbian soldier – drops her voice a few notches, wears a
top hat and wraps her torso in a girdle, all to keep her
job while living in late-19th-century Ireland.
Recently nominated for an Oscar, the role – originated by
Close on stage nearly 30 years ago – also earned her a Golden
Globe nomination. Nods also went to costar Janet McTeer for
playing Hubert, a cross-dressing lesbian who’s living the life
that Albert so desperately wants.
In a recent one-on-one, Close revealed her proudest part of
the film, how she thinks Albert identifies sexually and looked
back at her unexpected bisexual role on Will & Grace.
GC: How was it getting in touch with your masculine side?
G: (Laughs) It’s funny, because I never think of Albert as
a man. I always thought of her, even as Albert, as a woman,
kind of wearing a mask. As far as getting in touch with her
movement and her voice and all that, I would think back on the
reality of what she must have gone through when she first had
the idea to disappear as a waiter. The shoes would’ve been too
heavy and too big, the pants would’ve been too long. Waiters in
Victorian times who were very formal weren’t supposed to look
anybody in the eye – they were seen, not heard – and so she
couldn’t have chosen a better way to disappear.
40
GC: People aren’t sure how to define Albert Nobbs. I’ve heard
both transgender and lesbian used to describe her. What do
you think?
G: I don’t think she is either, and that’s what fascinates me
about this character. She disappeared when she was 14 and
she emerges 30 years later. She’s never been in a home, she’s
never had any intimate human contact, and she’s never been
loved by someone. Everything, in a way, is new and unexplored.
She does not have, when you first see her, a hugely active
regretful longing in her life. She counts her money, she wants
to be left alone, she wants to have the security of her job so that
she won’t end up on the street – and that’s fine with her. She’s
lower-class and working, and it’s only when Hubert comes into
her life and she’s revealed that – first of all, she fears life as she
knows it ending, but when she hears Hubert’s story, naturally,
she thinks, “Can I do that?” But she doesn’t have the tools; she
just doesn’t. Hubert’s one mistake is that she thinks Albert is
much more capable of forging a life, but she just isn’t.
GC: One of the best lines in the film comes from Hubert,
who tells Albert that “you can be whoever you are.” That’s such
a powerful mantra for all of us, but the gay community can
definitely relate. What effect do you hope that line, and this
film, has on the LGBT community?
G: I hope that line makes them really happy. You’re absolutely
right to pick out that line, because it comes after a scene where
Albert, in the dress, realizes that’s not who she is either – and
that’s when Hubert says, “Albert, you can be whoever you are.
Look what you’ve done.” It’s a wonderful moment.
www.gaycalgary.com
GC: What about the film, and the role of Albert Nobbs, makes
you most proud?
G: Moments in the movie when I think people honestly forget
what they’re looking at. It’s not two gay men and one confused
other woman; it’s two people in a loving and passionate
relationship, being kind to a third person. And gender really,
at that point, doesn’t matter. I know that it does matter, but in
some ways, if you look at it from some angles, gender should be
irrelevant. People should be able to love whoever they have that
safety and connection with. That’s a basic human need. And
that’s what Albert takes on. What she longs for is that sitting
room. Those two chairs in front of the fire represent everything
that she wants. And it’s basically a safe place with someone
across the room. It’s as simple as that.
GC: The film, though it’s set in a different time period, is
still very relevant to how people nowadays are resisting
labels and gender identity. People no longer want to be called
gay and lesbian. Queer is now being embraced. Do you see
parallels between the film’s resistance of labels and the LGBT
community?
G: Absolutely. I always have. I think it’s why this simple story
is so powerful. What Janet brought to the part of Hubert is
absolutely fantastic, because Hubert defies labels. She doesn’t
care about labels. She’s happy with being Hubert, and it’s
a great thing to see. No big deals made out of it. But here’s
somebody who, even though she has to masquerade as a man,
is actually who she is. She’s comfortable with that. Like Janet
has said, Hubert doesn’t want to be in a dress, but she’ll do it
for Albert. But nah, she’s happy if she never gets in a dress.
GC: Let’s talk about all the gay cred you have – and not just
with Albert Nobbs. You played a lesbian soldier, and kissed
Judy Davis, in Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer
Story. But you also dry humped Debra Messing on Will & Grace.
G: (Laughs) Oh my god, that was so funny!
GC: I didn’t forget about that, Glenn.
G: Too funny. I went out there thinking I was going to be a
marriage counselor. They said, “No, no – you’re going to be this
bisexual international photographer.” And I go, “Oh, OK!”
GC: You know, many consider you a dykon. When did you
first feel embraced by the gay community?
G: Oh, that’s so nice. I’m so flattered. Well, you can’t be in
my profession and not have wonderful, important gay friends. I
guess you can’t be anywhere in life now and not have wonderful,
important gay friends. So it’s just a no-brainer.
I started this organization to fight stigma around mental
illness, and that’s one kind of frontier – are you saying “queer
community” now? What are you saying?
GC: Sure, queer works.
G: You’ve all come a long way as far as rights, and I think
mentally ill people, many of them, lead secret lives. I don’t know
how I got on that.
GC: With the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” how do you
reflect on your role in Serving in Silence and the progress gay
people have made in the military?
G: Incredible. I was in touch with Margarethe Cammermeyer
when it happened, and we saw it back, what the situation was
when we made that movie, and it was amazing. It didn’t ruin
her life but it certainly stopped her life on a trajectory that she
wanted it to go on – she wanted to be a general and that’s a loss.
She was a great soldier. She was remarkable. So I’m very proud
of that. I was honored to try to walk a little bit in her shoes,
which was impossible. But I’m very proud.
GC: And that kiss: I remember you saying that for 30 seconds
you felt what it was like to be attracted to the same sex.
G: Yeah, absolutely.
GC: If you weren’t an actress, do you think you would’ve ever
been inclined to see what that felt like?
G: Oh lord. I don’t know. That’s hard. Obviously it depends
on the individual. I can’t answer that. If I wasn’t an actress, I
don’t know what kind of life I’d have.
www.gaycalgary.com
41
“Please don’t throw those
tired, old clichés at me,”
Madonna playfully insists,
nodding her head at me in
half-kidding agitation. (Hey, at
least it wasn’t hydrangeas.)
Her annoyance is marked
with cheekiness – and a smile
– that only the First Lady
of Pop can pull off, and has
for three decades. This is a
new chapter in the indelible
diva’s run, as she drops her
hyped 12th album, MDNA,
in March via a three-disc
deal with Interscope; plans
to launch an extensive world
tour; does, perhaps, the gayest
Super Bowl halftime ever; and
releases her feature-length
directorial debut W.E., a pet
project that recently won her a
Golden Globe for Best Original
Song.
And
she
–
sexpot,
spiritualist, Material Girl –
really only has one word to
define herself at the moment:
“Busy.” Always unpredictable,
she’s not interested in breaking
down the details of what’s
to come. All she cares to talk
about is the film, a semi-biopic
on Wallis Simpson (played by
Andrea Riseborough) and King
Edward VIII dovetailed with a
modern-day love story centered
on fictionalized damsel-indistress Wally Winthrop (Abbie
Cornish).
Seated with Madonna at a
Waldorf-Astoria suite in New
York City on a December
afternoon, one writer tells her
he has a question to kick off
the interview. “I’m sure you
do,” she quips all-knowingly,
as if to acknowledge the fact
that she’s aware how much
gay men go gaga over her.
This is, after all, the room
reserved for a small group of
gay press, her first stop after
a tardy arrival – “It’s all too
much. That’s why I’m late! I’m
late for everything now.” – and
the one her longtime publicist,
Liz Rosenberg, insists will put
her in a good mood for the rest
of the day. Madonna agrees,
sighing: “Let’s start with
levity.”
Madonna’s in her groove
around us. She knows we get
 Photos by The Weinstein Co. and Shaun Mader/PatrickMcMullan.com
her even when she’s wielding
snarky cracks. Ask her if she
knows how to do the twist like the characters in her film and
By Chris Azzopardi
she responds: “Yes.” Hard pause. “Pretty simple.” Reminisce on
With all of Madonna’s metamorphoses throughout her when you last interviewed Madonna and she won’t care. “All
balls-out career, slipping in and out of cultural zeitgeists right, let’s get down to business,” she insists, done with small(and accents), the queen chameleon is still the master of talk.
And so we do. Looking stunningly flawless, not at all her
reinvention. Just don’t tell her that.
53 years, in a deep blue dress with her now-infamous black
Madonna Expresses Herself
Gay icon relates herself to ‘strong women’ in new film,
talks being an outsider and the latest era of her career
42
www.gaycalgary.com
M: No. They’re held
under a microscope and
judged and measured in a
different way. That’s just
the law of the universe
right now.
GC: The film is driven by
a contemporary woman’s
view of this historical
figure. Do you see anything
in your story that may, or
that you hope one day may,
do the same for someone
else?
M: The Duchess is really
Wally’s spiritual guide,
so to speak, and even
though she (the Duchess)
came from a different era
where women didn’t have
the same kind of choices
and opportunities, we as
women still are all raised
on this fairytale idea that
no matter how many
opportunities
we
have
education-wise or job-wise,
your knight in shining
armor is going to arrive on
his beautiful white stallion
and sweep you off your feet
and take you off into the
twilight, and you’re going
to live happily ever after.
This is something that we
all have to deal with when
we grow up. But one person
isn’t going to be all of those
things to us; ultimately,
we have to make our own
happiness, and when we
can own that and take
responsibility for our own
happiness, then we can
find a mate for ourselves,
or companion or significant
other or whatever you want
to call it. That’s certainly
what the Duchess imparts
to Wally, and I hope that
I can inspire other women
to think that way with my
own life and behavior.
GC: What’s the thing that
surprised you most about
Wallis Simpson while doing
your research?
M: The discoveries that
Wally makes in her journey
and her investigations were
essentially mine. When
I heard about the story
– what a magnanimous,
generous romantic gesture
Edward VIII made toward
Wallis Simpson – I thought
the same thing that Wally
says when she’s looking
in the mirror trying on the
necklace: “What must it
gloves and a bracelet of
four crosses to represent
each one of her children,
she gives us exactly what
we want: Madonna. No
pretense. No filter. No
warm-and-fuzzy. In the
interview, she talks about
the challenges of being
a strong woman in a
man’s world, teaching her
children to be unique and
how outsiders can relate to
her new film.
What similarities do you
see between Wallis and
Evita?
What they have in
common is what many
people have in common
who are public figures, who
become iconic and who
have some kind of historical
impact, especially women
– strong women. People
have a tendency to feel
intimidated by the strength
of these women, and in
order to accept – actually,
the word “accept” is wrong,
because I don’t think
they’re actually accepted.
I think in order to deal
with them, a lot of people
who write history books,
and humanity in general,
has a tendency to diminish
women or undermine their
accomplishments or try to
portray them as heretical
or as someone with an evil
possession of some kind of
sorcery, or undermine their
strength or intelligence, so
I think they have those
things in common. Now I’m
not saying that Eva Peron is
without flaws or that Wallis
Simpson was this perfect
holy human being, but I do
think they were both dealt
with in a very unfair way in
the history books.
GC: Have you felt that
way?
M: (Laughs, expecting
the question) Well, yeah,
sure. Yes, of course. I
mean, I don’t think it’s just
me. It’s strong women in
general.
GC: Why?
M:
Why?
Because…
(hesitates)
GC: You’re a threat?
M: No. It’s just the
nature of the universe. It’s
the nature of the world that
we live in. We live in a patriarchal society and strong women
have to…
GC: Challenge that?
feel to be loved that much?”
As I started to unravel the story and read the letters and go on
the journey that I went on to write the script, I realized that, in
www.gaycalgary.com
43
fact, it wasn’t this fairytale
romance as I had imagined
it would be. I found that
Wallis Simpson tried to
avoid the actual marriage
from taking place and how
she saw the writing on the
wall and how she tried her
best to get Edward to see
the writing on the wall.
She was very astute in her
observations, but obviously
she couldn’t talk him into
her point of view. He was
just cunt-struck, as they
say in England. (Laughs at
her choice of words) Sorry!
GC: Did you ever think of
making the movie without
the contrasting modern-day
story of someone reflecting
on a historical figure?
M: No. I wasn’t interested
in making a straightforward
biopic. I don’t think it’s
possible to tell the story of
one person from beginning
to end in two hours. I
think that’s actually an
unfair challenge to give
oneself. And also, truth is
so subjective and each of
us could read the same five
books about the Duke and
Duchess of Windsor and
we would walk away with
a different interpretation.
It would impact us in a
different way, and so it
was important for me to
establish that. As much
research as I did, and as
close as I tried to stay to
the truth and as authentic
as I wanted to be, it was
important that I be clear
that it is a point of view. I
never intended to just tell
the story of Wallis Simpson.
GC:
What’s
the
importance of telling this
story from your point of
view?
M:
Most
of
the
perspective on the story is,
“Look what he gave up for
her,” and it’s told from the
male point of view. I think
that when Wally starts to
make all these discoveries
about the Duchess, she
appeals to Mohamed Al
Fayed (keeper of the Duke
and Duchess’ letters) as an
outsider, because he lives
as a foreigner and as an
outsider in England, not
really accepted by society.
Really, in my movie, each
character is an outsider.
Wally is living in alienation in the Upper East Side, where
she doesn’t fit in; (Wally’s love interest) Evgeni is a Ukrainian
immigrant working as a security guard, but he’s really an
44
intellectual and an artist
and he doesn’t fit in; the
Duchess doesn’t really fit
into this aristocratic world
that she’s found herself in,
and Edward doesn’t really
fit into the Victorian world
that he was raised in. So
it’s how all these people
who feel like outsiders try
to come to terms and find
their way in the world.
GC: Is that something
you draw from your own
experience?
M: Yeah, but I think a
lot of people can relate
to it. A lot of us feel
like we don’t fit into the
conventional norm or what
society expects from us.
More and more, people
are redefining what makes
a family, what makes a
couple, what makes love,
what romance is, what a
union is, what soul mates
are – all of these things
we’re reinventing, because
family is what you make it.
It’s funny how things turn
out that way. Sometimes
your parents aren’t really
the people who nurture
you. You have other role
models in your life that
become your mother and
your father. It’s unusual
when the family you’re
born into is actually the
people that feel like your
family.
GC:
Growing
up,
you
rebelled
against
your
upbringing
and
convention, becoming a
major trailblazer. How is
it different being a mother
with kids who will not have
to fight the same battles
that you fought?
M: Not that this has
anything to do with my
film, but it’s an interesting
question. I don’t think
that I’m a conventional
parent. I realize that, to a
certain extent, my children
are raised with privilege;
they have housekeepers,
I didn’t. There are a lot of
differences. On the other
hand, my parents raised
me in a very conventional
way and I rebelled against
it, and now my children
come to me and they often
want to do things because
everybody else does them,
and I say to them, “That’s
just the worst reason I’ve ever heard for doing something.”
I encourage them to question things. Question their behavior,
take responsibility for their behavior, think outside the box.
www.gaycalgary.com
And they will have a different set of challenges. They will be
compared to me. I will be some kind of a benchmark that they
have to live with and deal with, and they are going to have to
find their way in the world. We are all born with, and into, our
challenges, so I don’t think for a second that life is going to be
so simple and easy for them.
GC: Do you feel like all your years of research on Wallis
Simpson is over with, or are you still invested in her?
M: I’m done with my deep research, but I still feel a strong
connection to her. She’s always going to be a part of me. I am
still uncovering little gems about her. People come to me and
say, “Oh, look at this little note that we found in this handbag
that was auctioned off 20 years ago.” People are still bringing
me bits and bobs and memorabilia, so I’m still discovering
things about her – and I’m sure I will for the rest of my life.
I was actually going through my papers in my files the other
day and found an astrological reading that someone had done
for me 30 years ago. I was reading it, and the woman was
talking about some aspect of my personality and she quoted
Wallis Simpson: “All for love and the world well lost.” I thought,
“How weird, she was already a part of my life.” That was a little
foreshadowing. That happened 30 years ago, so who knows
what’s going to happen 30 years from now.
February 2012
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR NENSHI
On behalf of my City Council colleagues and the citizens of Calgary, I would like to congratulate Gay
Calgary and Edmonton magazine on printing its 100th edition.
Our community strives to be a welcoming place for all citizens, and the fact that Gay Calgary and
Edmonton magazine has reached this milestone demonstrates that. Calgary’s diversity is one of my
favourite things about this city. I wish the publisher and editors many years of success.
Sincerely,
Naheed K. Nenshi
MAYOR
www.gaycalgary.com
45
Book Review
Book Marks
Jack Holmes & His Friend and Franky Gets Real
By Richard Labonte
Franky Gets Real
By: Mel Bossa
Bold
Strokes,
236
pages, $16.95 paper.
Five old friends, a long
weekend at the lake and
15 years of fear, regret,
disappointment and denial
– that’s the volatile mix
of Bossa’s bravura third
novel. Charismatic Wyatt’s
marriage is falling apart after
an unexpected reminder of
youthful sexual pain; law
student Holly, the most levelheaded of the lot, is pregnant
and blissfully in love with a
solid, stolid man; brainy but
naive Nevins, swindled by a hooker, is stealing to cover his
debts; Wyatt’s baffling younger brother, Alek, is coping with
disease; and Franky – who 15 years earlier rebuffed Alek’s
gentle, desperate offer of love – is torn between his strained
relationship with a woman and his nascent desire for men.
Blending the melodrama of the 1983 movie The Big Chill with
the unsettling drunken confessions of a high school reunion,
Bossa has crafted a textured novel that captures the drama
of complex, realistic characters confronting the secrets and
lies that threaten to fracture their friendship – and, in the end,
learning to strengthen the ties that bid.
Jack Holmes & His
Friend
By: Edmund White
Bloomsbury USA, 400
pages, $26 hardcover.
One of the many charms
of White’s latest novel
is that there is nothing
pretentious about it. The
writing is sensuous and
stylish, the story is sexy
and straightforward, the
characters
are
cultured
and always ready to cavort
sexually – though not with
each other. Handsome, wellhung Jack, who escaped his
rigid Midwestern upbringing
with a porn star name that belies his initial reluctance to
live a queer life, falls hard at first sight for Will, the wellbred sophisticate who becomes his colleague at an upscale
literary magazine in the late 1960s – but who is, alas,
irredeemably straight. Turns out that a promiscuous gay
man in pre-AIDS Manhattan and a (for a time) suburban
family man can at least be friends.
Why Are Faggots So Afraid of Faggots: Flaming Challenges to Masculinity, Objectification, and the Desire to
Conform
edited by Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore. AK Press, 224 pages,
$17.95 paper.
“My business is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable,” it’s
said that social activist Mother “Mary” Jones once said (though a polemical
19th-century journalist is often cited as the original source). In this third
anthology, after Nobody Passes and That’s Revolting, Bernstein, herself
something of an activist and polemicist, honors both of his antecedents.
With a sharp editor’s eye, she has collected 29 visceral essays celebrating
defiant nonconformity and subversive flamboyance – writing that afflicts
the gay mainstream while comforting the outcast rebels, fierce queens and
gender-redefining queers who birthed Queer Lib but are now forsaken by it.
D. Travers Scott dreams of a less fetish-rigid drop-down Internet; CAConrad
offers body fascism-defying delight in his fat self; Lewis Wallace recalls
youthful trans lust; James Villanueva writes about his spunky presence as
a queer Latino in a straight, white cowboy bar. These contributors and their
sisters and brothers are flipping their middle finger at both LGBTQ-phobia
and the manifest intolerance of mainstream gays for their sort with candid
cockiness and glamorous gutsiness.
J. Edgar Hoover & Clyde Tolson: Investigating the Sexual
Secrets of America’s Most Famous Men and Women
by Darwin Porter. Blood Moon Productions, 576 pages, $19.95
paper.
Tightly closed closet doors haven’t got a chance when it comes to the
fiercely tabloid tendencies of prolific biographer Porter. In earlier books, he
has chronicled the same-sex hijinks of the likes of Marlon Brando, Howard
Hughes , Katherine Hepburn, Steve McQueen and many more, mining
Hollywood lore for the scandalous and the salacious. And though the focus
shifts from Los Angeles to Washington, DC, in this explicit depiction of FBI
honcho Hoover and Tolson, his BFF (and way more), there’s no shortage of
Hollywood cameos – Hoover sent his G-Men minions to ferret out the sexual
secrets of the likes of Fred Astaire and Ramon Novarro, even as he and Tolson
were frequenting boy bordellos and ogling sex acts in Havana in the 1930s.
In anecdote after anecdote, many sourced in the text (though there is no
bibliography of books used as reference), Porter leaves no doubt that the two
men were more than bachelor friends; this breathless biography goes way
past the innuendo of Clint Eastwood’s film depiction of J. Edgar and Clyde.
Featured Excerpt
We are all failing: the intoxicating visions of gay liberation have given way to
an obsession with beauty myth consumer norms, mandatory masculinity,
objectification without appreciation and a relentless drive to police the borders. And yet, what might we conjure, create, and cultivate with our dreams
that remain. Why Are Faggots So Afraid of Faggots? reinvokes the anger,
flamboyance, and subversion once thriving in gay subcultures, in order to
imagine something dangerous and lovely: an exploration of the perils of assimilation; a call for accountability; a vision for change. We are ready.
– from Why Are Faggots Afraid of Faggots?, by Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore
46
www.gaycalgary.com
 Interview - From Page 13
it on camera, to really expose herself, so I had no right to be
uncomfortable because I’m asking so much more. You can’t
ask your actors to open up if you can’t open up with them.
GC: How did you find those feelings of pain and isolation,
and that journey to self-acceptance, in the character of
Alike?
AO: That process of accepting and loving yourself and
not fitting in and just wanting to break away from all the
expectations that people put on you, I wanted to clear up all
of that and really figure out who I am and what I want to be.
I really just related to all of that. I felt like I didn’t belong, so
that’s what I brought to the table.
GC: What was going to a lesbian club for research like?
AO: We just had to show up to this club in character,
so me and Pernell (Walker), who plays Laura, met up at
this club. Dee was watching us, not interacting with us at
all, and just dropped me into this world, specifically Alike’s
world. And how uncomfortable! I didn’t fit in, and no one
paid attention to me because I wasn’t butch or super femme.
I felt invisible. I felt like I was on the outside looking in. I felt
like I was pressing my nose against this bubble.
GC: Tell me, Dee, about the song you chose for that
opening scene in the club, Khia’s “My Neck, My Back (Lick
It).”
DR: My first time at a lesbian club, when I first came out, I
was like, “Oh my god, I’m going to hell.” And so for this film,
it was very important that the first song be very provocative.
Just as Alike is pushed into this hypersexual environment,
so are we. So she’s uncomfortable, we’re uncomfortable and
we’re immersed in her perspective and feelings.
GC: Do you think Alike’s mom, Audrey, is a bully?
DR: Audrey (Kim Wayans) doesn’t intend to be. From
her perspective, she’s just trying to do what’s right by her
daughter. She’s just misguided. She really wants to connect
with Alike and buy her dresses, but there’s this growing
distance and she’s not sure how to connect, so she doesn’t
mean to be. She’s just a lonely, vulnerable person who wants
love, and with everything she does she ends up bringing
about the very thing she’s trying to avoid. So she doesn’t
mean to bully Alike. She’s trying to love her, and sometimes
love can be misguided. People are flawed.
GC: One choice she makes, to separate her from Laura
and unite her with a colleague’s daughter, actually works
against her. The girl fosters Alike’s sexual becoming.
DR: Yes, I thought it would be ironic. I think that in life
we sometimes bring about the very things we try to avoid.
So by steering Alike from Laura, whom she feels is not the
kind of friend she wants her daughter to hang out with, and
turning her to Bina, she actually brings about Alike’s sexual
consummation and the experience she’s been trying to steer
her away from. That’s the irony.
GC: Before the feature film, Pariah was a short in 2007.
What initially drew you to Alike?
AO: I just felt it was going to be this really awesome
experience, so I wanted to be part of it. I submitted myself
to be an extra, not to be the lead, and I got the call from Dee
to read for Alike. Call backs and call backs later, I got the
role. It was just so exciting to sink my teeth into a character
that was very meaty.
GC: You’ve done extra roles before: You were the “Crack
Smoker,” as listed on IMDB, in Ryan Gosling’s Half Nelson.
AO: (Laughs) Yeah! That’s not what my role was called
when I got it, but I was like, “Oh, they changed it… to ‘Crack
Smoker.’ Thanks!”
GC: What’s next for you, Dee?
DR: I finished a script called Bolo, set in the South. It’s
more a thriller but still a chance to explore interesting
characters and worlds. And another spec script called Large
Print, about a 50-something interest investor who’s recently
divorced and living in another continent and having to
redefine happiness for himself. I just want to tell stories that
are meaningful and get people to think about themselves
and the world differently.
GC: How about the HBO project with Viola Davis? Can
you say anything about that?
DR: I can’t! I’m just excited about it and thrilled to be
working with this amazing actress and, again, I think this
is going to be another character people are going to be
interested in.
GC: Adepero, I imagine this character isn’t going away
any time soon. What parts of Alike will stay with you?
AO: Oh, no, no. It will always be an absolute pleasure
to be associated with that character. I think it’s Alike’s
resilience. She just never gave up; she tries, gets knocked
down and tries again. She, at a young age, makes the choice
to live the life that she wants to live. That will always stay
with me.
www.gaycalgary.com
January 31, 2012
Dear GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine,
We at Calgary Outlink are glad to congratulate you on your 100th edition. GayCalgary has
consistently provided resources, enjoyment, and information to Alberta’s LGBTTQQI2SAA
population. These services have been vital in helping to foster our diverse community.
GayCalgary’s coverage of and presence at community events is invaluable. It provides a
platform for discussion, participation, and documentation that is valuable for grass roots
organizations such as Calgary Outlink.
At Calgary Outlink we pride ourselves in our commitment to meeting the needs of all in our
community, and providing strong resources and referrals to those in need. GayCalgary is a
perfect aid in this mission.
We know that GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine will continue to thrive as a representation of
our community, and look forward to the next hundred editions. More importantly, we look
forward to continued work in serving Alberta’s LGBTTQQI2SAA population for years to come.
Sincerely,
Britt Aberle & the Board of Directors
For general inquiries: info@CalgaryOuliink.ca
For Britt Aberle, Executive Director: Director@CalgaryOutlink.ca
Calgary Outlink
Old Y Centre
#303, 223 12 Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2R 0G9
403.234.8973
www.calgaryoutlink.ca
47
 Editorial - From Page 7
Advertisers will need to seriously consider including web
advertising as part of their budget with us, if they are not
already doing so. We currently receive an average of 5,000
visitors to our website on a daily basis, and existing banner
advertisers have seen statistics for exposure and interest
that exceed expectations. As our improvements to the
website stimulate further growth, this will only get better.
Retro Tweets
Rather than taking you down memory lane by republishing
old articles in this edition, we will continue our practice
of what we call “Retro Tweeting” with renewed vigor. Our
website has an archive of every edition since Issue #1
available for download, so we use Twitter and Facebook to
send out links to old articles that range from fun to mindblowing when read today.
Visit http://www.gaycalgary.com/twitter to be directed
to our Twitter page, or http://www.gaycalgary.com/
facebookfan to be directed to our Facebook fan page, and
sign up to also receive updates about the latest magazine,
articles, news releases, prize draws, and more.
Our Cover
This month we were able to get an interview with perhaps
the ultimate gay music icon, and no doubt you have already
recognized her on our cover: Madonna. Only a few years
ago the thought of interviewing such a big name seemed
impossible, but by some stroke of luck and some great
timing, she is gracing our 100th cover. It’s surreal!
This Month
There are a number of major community events coming
up this month that you should be aware of:
48
• The Calgary Eagle is holding their 10th Anniversary
party on Saturday, February 18th. The Calgary Eagle has
been an instrumental business partner for us, and indeed
a pillar of Calgary’s LGBT community. We will be joining
them to celebrate, and we hope you will too.
• February 10th to 12th are packed with things to do
as part of Jasper Pride Weekend. Even if you don’t ski or
snowboard, if you’re able to make the trip you’re bound to
have an excellent time.
• Team Edmonton is hosting their Annual Mixer on
Saturday, February 25th. If you’re in to playing sports,
this is a great opportunity to network with other likeminded
folks. If you’re not into sports, it’s still a fun night with
some great people. See their ad in this edition for more
details.
• AIDS Calgary is hosting a special Mardi Gras themed
event on Saturday, February 25th: Le Carnaval Rouge. See
their ad in this edition for more details.
Final Thoughts on “Turning 100”
As founders and owners of GayCalgary Magazine, it’s
impossible to point to a product like ours and say, “I did
this”. Without the help of writers and contributors, we
would have nothing to fill our pages. Without the help
of individuals in the community, we and our writers and
contributors would still have nothing to fill our pages.
We’d like to personally thank Jason Clevett and Stephen
Lock who have been writing for us virtually from the
beginning. In addition we’d like to thank numerous others
who have shown a strong commitment over the course of
years and are still writing or contributing today: Mercedes
Allen, Evan Kayne, Dallas Barnes, Janine Eva Trotta, Carey
Rutherford, Chris Azzopardi, Dave Brousseau (A Couple of
www.gaycalgary.com
Guys), Joan Hilty (Bitter Girl), Andrew Collins (Travel), Jack
Fertig (Astrology), Glen Hansen and Allen Neuwirth (Chelsea
Boys), Romeo SanVicente (Deep Inside Hollywood), Ed Sikov
(Cocktail Chatter), Richard Labonte (Bookmarks) and Dan
Woog (Sports). I’d like to thank the multitude of others
not mentioned here for their contributions over the years,
and I’d like to remember Nico Hofferd, a contributor who
tragically passed away in July of 2007.
GayCalgary Magazine is literally the outcome of thousands
and thousands of people. Even if all you did was pose for
a photo that made it into print, you still helped us fill our
pages and made a positive impact on us. Even if all you
did was take one of our magazines from a newsstand or
download it from our website, you made a positive impact
on us. We are grateful.
In turn, we hope that something we have done or something
that you have experienced through us has somehow made a
positive impact on you as well.
Congratulations to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine
on the historic milestone of your 100th Edition.
I would like to thank you for your activism, insight and reporting on many issues
affecting our community. I also admire that over the years you continually support the
GLBT organizations locally to your Province and give us a unique perspective on
community issues.
Your support and promotion of the Court System in Alberta and across the country is one
that I treasure. In Surrey about 10 years ago we needed someone to host our website and
you stepped up to the plate and have continued to host the website for the community and
court of Surrey, for which I thank you.
Also I would like to congratulate Steve and Rob on being two of the inaugural recipients
of the Royal Order of the Maple Leaf, the highest honor that the International Court
System can bestow on a Canadian Citizen. Thank you for your continued support of
issues that affect all of us, for keeping the pressure on community groups and
organizations to present an honest and mature approach and keep them responsible to the
communities they purportedly represent.
I look forward to a continued dialogue and partnership with GayCalgary and Edmonton
Magazine for many years to come.
I remain
Martin Rooney
Aka
Emperor Martin Storm
International Court Council Corresponding Secretary & Minister for Canada
Heir Apparent to Empress Nicole the Great, Queen Mother 1 of the Americas
www.gaycalgary.com
49
Photography
Les Girls White Party at Club Sapien - Calgary
Jasper First Monthly Gay Bar Night (photos by Rod Zelles)
50
www.gaycalgary.com
Photography
F@#ked Up Follies at the Texas Lounge - Calgary
Underwear Party - Calgary Eagle
www.gaycalgary.com
51
52
www.gaycalgary.com
www.gaycalgary.com
53
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www.gaycalgary.com
Directory & Events
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Calgary Outlink---------- Community Groups
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6 Goliath’s--------------------------Bathhouses
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GayCalgary Magazine is the go-to source for information about
Alberta LGBT businesses and community groups—the most
extensive and accurate resource of its kind! This print supplement
contains a subset of active community groups and venues, with
premium business listings of paid advertisers.
......... Wheelchair Accessible
Spot something inaccurate or outdated? Want your business or
organization listed? We welcome you to contact us!
 403-543-6960
 1-888-543-6960
 magazine@gaycalgary.com
http://www.gaycalgary.com/CalgaryTravelRSS
http://www.gaycalgary.com/EdmontonTravelRSS
Local Bars, Restaurants, and Accommodations info on the go!
http://www.gaycalgary.com/Directory
Browse our complete directory of over 600 gay-frieindly listings!
www.gaycalgary.com
Twisted Element--------------Bars and Clubs
Vertigo Mystery Theatre------------- Theatre
One Yellow Rabbit-------------------- Theatre
ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects-------- Theatre
Pumphouse Theatre----------------- Theatre
CALGARY
LGBT Community Directory
✰....... Find our Magazine Here
33
34
35
36
37
Accommodations
13 Westways Guest House------------------- ✰

216 - 25th Avenue SW
 403-229-1758

1-866-846-7038
 westways@shaw.ca

www.gaywestways.com
Bars & Clubs
3 Backlot---------------------------------- ✰
 403-265-5211
Open 7 days a week, 2pm-close
209 - 10th Ave SW
4 Calgary Eagle Inc.---------------------- ✰

424a - 8th Ave SE
 403-263-5847

http://www.calgaryeagle.com

Open Wed-Sun, 5pm-close
Leather/Denim/Fetish bar.
60 Club Sapien----------------------------- ✰

1140 10th Ave SW
 403-457-4464

http://www.clubsapien.ca
Dance Club and Restaurant/Lounge.
9 FAB-------------------------------------- ✰

1742 - 10th Ave SW
 403-263-7411

www.fab-bar.com
 Closed Mondays.
Bar and restaurant.
5 Texas Lounge------------------------------ ✰

308 - 17 Ave SW
 403-229-0911

www.goliaths.ca

Open 7 days a week, 11am-close
41
43
58
60
La Fleur------------------------- Retail Stores
Lisa Heinricks--------- Theatre and Fine Arts
Theatre Junction--------------------- Theatre
Club Sapien-------------------Bars and Clubs
33 Twisted Element--------------------------- ✰

1006 - 11th Ave SW
 403-802-0230

www.twistedelement.ca
Dance Club and Lounge.
Bathhouses/Saunas
6 Goliaths------------------------------------ ✰

308 - 17 Ave SW
 403-229-0911

www.goliaths.ca

Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Community Groups
2 AIDS Calgary--------------------------

110, 1603 10th Avenue SW

403-508-2500

info@aidscalgary.org

www.aidscalgary.org
✰
Alberta Society for Kink

403-398-9968

albetasocietyforkink@hotmail.com

http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/
group.albertasocietyforkink
Apollo Calgary - Friends in Sports

www.apollocalgary.com

www.myapollo.com
A volunteer operated, non-profit organization serving
primarily members of the LGBT communities but open to all
members of all communities. Primary focus is to provide
members with well-organized and fun sporting events and
other activities.
55
Directory & Events
Calgary Events
Mondays
ASK Meet and Greet----------------  7-9:30pm

Bonasera (1204 Edmonton Tr. NE)
Saturdays
Lesbian Seniors---------------------------  2pm
Running-----------------------------------  9am
At 4 Calgary Eagle
Coffee------------------------------------ 10am
That’s Entertainment---------------------  9pm

Kerby Center, Sunshine Room
1133 7th Ave SW
 3rd
Swimming-------------------------------  6-7pm
Inside Out Youth Group---------------- 7-9pm
See 1 Calgary Outlink
By Different Strokes

SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW)
Karaoke-------------------------------  Evening
Lesbian Meetup Group-------------  7:30-9pm
Jun
At 60 Club Sapien
At 1 Calgary Outlink
Tuesdays
Fake Mustache Show-----------------  7:30pm
Calgary Networking Club-------------- 5-7pm
 1st
Between Men--------------------------- 7-9pm
 2nd, 4th
Karaoke------------------------------  8pm-1am
At 5 Texas Lounge
Fetish Slosh----------------------------  Evening
At 3 Backlot
 2nd
Alcoholics Anonymous--------------------  8pm

Hillhurst United Church (Gym Entrance)
1227 Kensington Close NW
Communion Service-----------------  12:10pm
See
By Miscellaneous Youth Network

Quincy’s (609 7th Ave SW)
Knox United Church
 1st
 1st
Fake Mustache Show---------------------  9pm
By Miscellaneous Youth Network
At 60 Club Sapien
 3rd

See
Apollo Calgary
By Prime Timers Calgary

Midtown Co-op (1130 - 11th Ave SW)
Curling-------------------------  2:20 & 4:30pm
See
Apollo Calgary

Go-Go Boy Competition--------------  Evening
At 60 Club Sapien
Worship Time---------------------------- 10am
Deer Park United Church
Worship------------------------------  10:30am
See
Leather Night-------------------------  Evening
Sunday Services---------------------  10:45am
At 4 Calgary Eagle
See
Rec Volleyball-----------------------------  7pm
Worship Services------------------------- 11am
Illusions-------------------------------  7-10pm
Int/Comp Volleyball----------- 12:15-1:45pm
Apollo Calgary
 1st
See
See
Scarboro United Church
Hillhurst United Church
Knox United Church
Apollo Calgary
Women’s Healing Circle--------------  1:30pm
Womynspace---------------------------- 7-9pm
BBQ Social Sundays----------------------  2pm
Free Pool-------------------------------  All Day
New Directions-------------------------- 7-9pm
Church Service----------------------------  4pm
LGBT Coffee Night----------------------------7pm
Heading Out----------------------- 8pm-10pm
Swimming-------------------------------  5-6pm
Mosaic Youth Group--------------------  7-9pm
See
AIDS Calgary
At 4 Calgary Eagle with
See
Prime Timers Calgary
CAANS
 1st
 Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW)
 2nd
 3rd
 4th

At 4 Calgary Eagle
See
Rainbow Community Church
By Different Strokes

SAIT Pool (1301 - 16 Ave NW)

www.westerncup.com
Easter long weekend, 2012.
• Badminton (Absolutely Smashing)

6020 - 4 Avenue NE

badminton@apollocalgary.com
• Biking

bike@apollocalgary.com
• Boot Camp

Platoon FX, 1351 Aviation Park NE

bootcamp@apollocalgary.com
• Bowling (Rainbow Riders League)

Let’s Bowl (2916 5th Avenue NE)

bowling@apollocalgary.com
• Curling

North Hill Curling Club (1201 - 2 Street NW)

curling@apollocalgary.com
Will return in September 2010. Sign up at myapollo.org
to receive updates.
• Golf

golf@apollocalgary.com
• Lawn Bowling

lawnbowling@apollocalgary.com
• Outdoor Pursuits
outdoorpursuits@apollocalgary.com
If it’s done outdoors, we do it. Volunteer led events all
summer and winter. Hiking, camping, biking, skiing, snow
shoeing, etc. Sign up at myapollo.org to get updates on
the sport you like. We’re always looking for people to
lead events.
56
ISCCA at 33 Twisted Element
Dark Knight Party------------------------  9pm
At 4 Calgary Eagle
Saturday, February 11th
Pool Tournament---------------------  7-10pm
ARGRA at Club Sapien
80s Dance Party--------------------------  9pm
At 4 Calgary Eagle
By
ARGRA at Calgary Eagle
10th Anniversary Party-------------------  9pm
At 4 Calgary Eagle
Le Carnaval Rouge-----------------------  7pm
By 2 AIDS Calgary
The Metropolitan Centre (333 4 Ave SW)
By
ARGRA at 4 Calgary Eagle
White Party----------------------------  8pm
By ARGRA

Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Hall
1320 - 5th Ave NW
Cowboy Night-----------------------------  9pm
At 4 Calgary Eagle
Jun
Women’s Volleyball----------------  7-8:30pm
See
Apollo Calgary
Legend:  = Monthly Reoccurrance,  = Date (Range/Future),  = Sponsored Event
 Calgary Contd.
• Western Cup 30
By
Sundays
See
Friday, February 10th
By
Fridays
See
Wednesdays
Free Pool-------------------------------  All Day
Thursdays
• Running (Calgary Frontrunners)
YMCA Eau Claire (4th St, 1st Ave SW)

calgaryfrontrunners@shaw.ca
East Doors (directly off the Bow river pathway). Distances
vary from 8 km - 15 km. Runners from 6 minutes/mile to
9+ minute miles.
• Slow Pitch

slow.pitch@apollocalgary.com
• Squash
Mount Royal University Recreation

squash@apollocalgary.com
All skill levels welcome.
• Tennis

tennis@apollocalgary.com
• Volleyball (Beach)

beachvb@apollocalgary.com
• Volleyball (Int/Comp)

West Hillhurst Community Center
1940 6th Avenue NW
vb@apollocalgary.com
• Volleyball (Recreational)

235 - 18 Ave SW
recvb@apollocalgary.com
• Volleyball (Women’s)

YWCA Calgary (320 - 5th Avenue SE)
vbwomen@apollocalgary.com
• Yoga

World Tree Studio (812 Edmonton Trail NE)

Robin: 403-618-9642
yoga@apollocalgary.com
$120 (10 sessions); $14 Drop-ins open to all levels. Apollo
membership is required.
Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA)

www.argra.org
• Monthly Dances-----------------------------

Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association
1320 - 5th Avenue NW
Calgary Gay Fathers

calgaryfathers@hotmail.com

http://www.calgarygayfathers.ca
Peer support group for gay, bisexual and questioning
fathers. Meeting twice a month.
Calgary Queer Book Club

Weeds Cafe (1903 20 Ave NW)
Calgary Men’s Chorus
Deer Park United Church/Wholeness Centre

http://www.calgarymenschorus.org

77 Deerpoint Road SE

http://www.dpuc.ca
• Rehearsals

Temple B’Nai Tikvah, 900 - 47 Avenue SW
Calgary Sexual Health Centre---------
 403-278-8263
Different Strokes
✰

304, 301 14th Street NW
403-283-5580

http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca
A pro-choice organization that believes all people have the
right and ability to make their own choices regarding their
sexual and reproductive health.
1 Calgary Outlink---------------------------- ✰
B1, 1528 16th Avenue SW

403-234-8973
info@calgaryoutlink.ca

http://www.calgaryoutlink.com
• Peer Support and Crisis Line
• Calgary Lesbian Ladies Meet up Group
• Between Men and Between Men Online
• Heading Out
• Illusions Calgary
• Inside Out
• New Directions
• Womynspace
1-877-OUT-IS-OK (1-877-688-4765)
Front-line help service for GLBT individuals and their family
and friends, or anyone questioning their sexuality.

http://www.differentstrokescalgary.org
FairyTales Presentation Society

403-244-1956

http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com
Alberta Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
• DVD Resource Library
Over a hundred titles to choose from. Annual membership
is $10.
Gay Friends in Calgary

http://www.gayfriendsincalgary.ca
Organizes and hosts social activities catered to the LGBT
people and friends.
Girl Friends

girlfriends@shaw.ca

members.shaw.ca/girlfriends
Girlsgroove

http://www.girlsgroove.ca
www.gaycalgary.com
Directory & Events
 Calgary Contd.
• Coffee Night
Hillhurst United Church

2nd Cup, Kensington


(403) 283-1539

office@hillhurstunited.com

www.hillhurstunited.com
Scarboro United Church

134 Scarboro Avenue SW

403-244-1161
 www.scarborounited.ab.ca
An affirming congregation—the full inclusion of LGBT
people is essential to our mission and purpose.
HIV Peer Support Group

403-230-5832

hivpeergroup@yahoo.ca

http://www.iscca.ca
Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch. Charity
fundraising group..
Knox United Church

506 - 4th Street SW
 403-269-8382

http://www.knoxunited.ab.ca
Knox United Church is an all-inclusive church located in
downtown Calgary. A variety of facility rentals are also
available for meetings, events and concerts.
Lesbian Meetup Group

http://www.meetup.com/CalgaryLesbian
Monthly events planned for Queer women over 18+ such
as book clubs, games nights, movie nights, dinners out,
and volunteering events.
Miscellaneous Youth Network

http://www.miscyouth.com
Mystique
• Coffee Night

Good Earth Cafe (1502 - 11th Street SW)
NETWORKS

networkscalgary@gmail.com
A social, cultural, and service organization for the mature
minded and “Plus 40” LGBT individuals seeking to meet
others at age-appropriate activities within a positive, safe
environment.
Parents for Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

Sean: 403-695-5791

http://www.pflagcanada.ca
A registered charitable organization that provides
support, education and resources to parents, families and
individuals who have questions or concerns about sexual
orientation or gender identity.
Positive Space Committee

4825 Mount Royal Gate SW

403-440-6383

http://www.mtroyal.ca/positivespace
Works to raise awareness and challenge the patterns of
silence that continue to marginalize LGBTTQ individuals.
Pride Calgary Planning Committee

403-797-6564
Urban Sex Radio Show

CJSW 90.9 FM

http://www.cjsw.com
Focus on sexuality; gay bisexual lesbian trans gendered and
straight issues here in Calgary and around the web.
 www.pridecalgary.ca
Primetimers Calgary

primetimerscalgary@gmail.com

http://www.primetimerscalgary.com
Designed to foster social interaction for its members
through a variety of social, educational and recreational
activities. Open to all gay and bisexual men of any age,
respects whatever degree of anonymity that each member
desires.
Queers on Campus---------------------

279R Student Union Club Spaces, U of C
403-220-6394

http://www.ucalgary.ca/~glass
Formerly GLASS - Gay/Lesbian Association of Students
and Staff.
www.gaycalgary.com
✰
Duncan’s Residential Cleaning
34 Vertigo Mystery Theatre------------------

161, 115 - 9 Ave SE
 403-221-3708

http://www.vertigomysterytheatre.com
Jim Duncan: 403-978-6600
Residential cleaning. Free estimates.
Lorne Doucette (CIR Realtors)

403-461-9195

http://www.lornedoucette.com
Vigor Calgary

403-255-7004
 www.vigorcalgary.ca
Violence in Gay Male Relationships (VIGOR) is a committee
of professionals dedicated to increasing the awareness of
gay men’s domestic violence and the services available
to them.
MFM Communications

403-543-6970

1-877-543-6970

http://www.mfmcommunications.com
Web site hosting and development. Computer hardware
and software.
MPs Catering

403-607-8215
SafeWorks
Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and STI testing.
• Calgary Drop-in Centre
Restaurants

mystiquesocialclub@yahoo.com
Mystique is primarily a Lesbian group for women 30 and
up but all are welcome.
✰
DevaDave Salon & Boutique
58 Theatre Junction----------------------
Theatre Junction GRAND, 608 1st St. SW

403-205-2922

info@theatrejunction.com

http://www.theatrejunction.com
Unity Bowling

Let’s Bowl (2916 - 5th Ave NE)

sundayunity@live.com
“Yeah...What She Said!” Radio Show

The Old Y Centre (223 12th Ave SW)
For queer and trans youth and their allies.
✰

810 Edmonton Trail NE
403-290-1973
Cuts, Colour, Hilights.

CJSW 90.9 FM

yeahwhatshesaid@gmail.com
• Mosaic Youth Group
Stagewest-------------------------------

403-777-9494 trial code 3500

http://www.cruiseline.ca
Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY.

1317-1st Street NW

Club Sapien (609 7th Ave SW)
Calgary’s ONLY Drag King Show. Early show 7:30pm,
late show 9pm.
✰
Cruiseline
Wild Rose United Church
• Fake Mustache
37 Pumphouse Theatre------------------

2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW

403-263-0079

http://www.pumphousetheatres.ca
Sharp Foundation

403-272-2912

sharpfoundation@nucleus.com

http://www.thesharpfoundation.com
ISCCA Social Association
24 Courtney Aarbo (Barristers & Solicitors)

1138 Kensington Road NW

403-571-5120

http://www.courtneyaarbo.ca
GLBT legal services.
4 Calgary Eagle Inc.---------------------See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.
✰
60 Club Sapien----------------------------- ✰

1140 10th Ave SW
 403-457-4464

http://www.clubsapien.ca
9 FAB-------------------------------------See Calgary - Bars and Clubs.
✰
• Centre of Hope

Room 201, 420 - 9th Ave SE

403-410-1180
 Mon-Fri: 1pm-5pm
• Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre

1213 - 4th Str SW
 403-955-6014

Sat-Thu: 4:15pm-7:45pm, Fri: Closed
• Safeworks Van
Halo Steak, Seafood & Wine Bar

403-850-3755

Sat-Thu: 8pm-12am, Fri: 4pm-12am

Canyon Meadows Plaza
13226 Macleod Trail SE

403-271-4111

www.halorestaurant.com
Theatre & Fine Arts
36 ATP, Alberta Theatre Projects

403-294-7402
 http://www.ATPlive.com
Retail Stores
Adult Depot-----------------------------
✰

140, 58th Ave SW  403-258-2777
Gay, bi, straight video rentals and sex toys.
41 La Fleur------------------------------------

103 - 100 7th Avenue SW
403-266-1707
Florist and Flower Shop.
The Naked Leaf----------------------------

305 10th Street NW

http://www.thenakedleaf.ca
Organic teas and tea ware.

Room 117, 423 - 4th Ave SE

403-699-8216

Mon-Fri: 9am-12pm, Sat: 12:15pm-3:15pm
 403-283-3555
16 Priape Calgary------------------------- ✰

1322 - 17 Ave SW
 403-215-1800

http://www.priape.com
Clothing and accessories. Adult toys, leather wear, movies
and magazines. Gifts.
AXIS Contemporary Art--------------------

107, 100 - 7 Ave SW

rob@axisart.ca
 403-262-3356
 www.axisart.ca
Fairytales
See Calgary - Community Groups.
Jubilations Dinner Theatre

Bow Trail and 37th St. SW

403-249-7799

www.jubilations.ca
43 Lisa Heinricks (Artist)---------------------

Art Central, 100 7th Ave SW, lower level

http://www.creamydreamy.com
35 One Yellow Rabbit-------------------------

Big Secret Theatre - EPCOR CENTRE

403-299-8888
 www.oyr.org

727 - 42 Avenue SE
 403-243-6642

http://www.stagewestcalgary.com
EDMONTON
Bars & Clubs
6 Buddy’s Nite Club------------------------- ✰

11725 Jasper Ave
 780-488-6636
14 FLASH-------------------------------------- ✰

10018 105 Street
 780-938-2941

flashnightclub@hotmail.com
5 The Junction---------------------------- ✰

10242 106th St
 780-756-5667

http://www.junctionedmonton.com
12 Woody’s------------------------------------ ✰

11725 Jasper Ave
 780-488-6557
Bathhouses/Saunas
11 Steamworks------------------------------- ✰

11745 Jasper Ave
 780-451-5554

http://www.steamworksedmonton.com
Community Groups
Alberta Bears

www.beefbearbash.com
AltView Foundation
#44, 48 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB

403-398-9968

info@altview.ca
www.altview.ca
For gender variant and sexual minorities.
Book Worm’s Book Club

Howard McBride Chapel of Chimes
10179 - 108 Street

bookworm@teamedmonton.ca
Buck Naked Boys Club

780-471-6993

http://www.bucknakedboys.ca
Naturism club for men—being social while everyone is
naked, and it does not include sexual activity. Participants do
not need to be gay, only male.
Camp fYrefly

7-104 Dept. of Educational Policy Studies
Faculty of Education, University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G5

http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca
Edmonton Pride Festival Society (EPFS)

http://www.edmontonpride.ca
Services & Products
Calgary Civil Marriage Centre
 403-246-4134
 ca.ca@shaw.ca
Marriage Commissioner for Alberta (aka Justice of the Peace
- JP), Marriage Officiant, Commissioner for Oaths.
57
Directory & Events
DOWNTOWN EDMONTON
5
11 6 12
N
4
14
4 Edmonton STD---------- Community Groups
5 The Junction------------------Bars and Clubs
Edmonton Events
6 Buddy’s Nite Club------------Bars and Clubs
11 Steamworks----------------------Bathhouses
Book Club-----------------------------  7:30pm
Mondays
See BookWorm’s Book Club
 3rd
Boot Camp------------------------------ 7-8pm
Martial Arts---------------------  7:30-8:30pm
See
Team Edmonton
Team Edmonton
GLBTQ Bowling------------------  1:30-3:30pm
GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club
Youth Sports/Recreation-----------------  4pm
See
Youth Understanding Youth
Thursdays
See
Team Edmonton
Team Edmonton
Fridays
Men’s Games Nights--------------  7-10:30pm
Wednesdays
See
See
See Men’s Games Nights
 2nd, Last
Edmonton Illusions-------------------  8:30pm
Monthly Meeting----------------------  2:30pm
By Edmonton Primetimers
 2nd
 Unitarian Church, 10804 - 119th Street
Bowling-----------------------------------  5pm
See
Running------------------------------  10-11am
Yoga---------------------------------  2-3:30pm
Jeffery Straker in Concert-------------  7pm
By Living Positive

McDougall United Church (10086 MacDonald Dr)
See
Team Edmonton
Team Edmonton
Camp fYrefly
Ballroom Dancing--------------  7:30-8:30pm
See
Team Edmonton
Legend:  = Monthly Reoccurrance,  = Date (Range),  = Sponsored Event
Edmonton Prime Timers

edmontonpt@yahoo.ca

www.primetimersww.org/edmonton
Group of older gay men and their admirers who come from
diverse backgrounds but have common social interests.
Affiliated with Prime Timers World Wide.
Edmonton Rainbow Business Association

3379, 11215 Jasper Ave
 780-429-5014

http://www.edmontonrba.org
Primary focus is the provision of networking opportunities
for LGBT owned or operated and LGBT-friendly businesses
in the Edmonton region.
Edmonton Illusions Social Club
5 The Junction

780-387-3343

groups.yahoo.com/group/edmonton_illusions
HIV Network Of Edmonton Society----
✰
9702 111 Ave NW
780-488-5742
 www.hivedmonton.com
Provides healthy sexuality education for Edmonton’s LGBT
community and support for those infected or affected
by HIV.
Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose

http://www.iscwr.ca
Men’s Games Nights

Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street)

780-474-8240
 tuff@shaw.ca
Edmonton Vocal Minority

University of Alberta, basement of SUB

outreach@ualberta.ca

http://www.ualberta.ca/~outreach
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender/transsexual, Queer,
Questioning and Straight-but-not-Narrow student group.
GLBTQ Sage Bowling Club
Pride Centre of Edmonton-------------
 sing@evmchoir.com
 tuff@shaw.ca
• Free School

10608 - 105 Ave

monika\penner@shaw.ca
Free School provides workshops on a variety of topics
related to local activism.
• Get Tested for STIs
Free STD testing for anyone interested. For more
information please contact the Pride Centre.
• GLBT African Group (Drop-In)
Living Positive Society of Alberta
#50, 9912 - 106 Street
780-423-3737
 http://www.facebook.com/LivingPoz
Living Positive through Positive Living.
OUTreach
4 Edmonton STD

11111 Jasper Ave
✰

10608 - 105 Ave
 780-488-3234

admin@pridecentreofedmonton.org

http://www.pridecentreofedmonton.org

fred@pridecentreofedmonton.org

jeff@pridecentreofedmonton.org
Group for ALL gay refugees and their friends and families,
from all around the world.
• GLBT Seniors Drop-In

SAGE building, Classroom B
15 Sir Winstone Churchill Square

tuff@shaw.ca
A social and support group for seniors of all genders and
sexualities to talk, have tea and offer each other support.
• Men Talking with Pride

10608 - 105 Ave

robwells780@hotmail.com
A social discussion group for gay, bisexual and
transgendered men to discuss current issues and to offer
support to each other.
• Men’s HIV Support Group

10608 - 105 Ave

huges@shaw.ca
Support group for people living with HIV/AIDS.
• PFLAG

10608 - 105 Ave
 780-436-1998

edmontonab@pflagcanada.ca
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays: A support
group for family members and friends of GLBT people. An
excellent resource for people whose family members and
friends have just come out.
58
Saturday, March 10th
7th Annual Gala--------------------------  8pm
Friday, March 16th
 Edmonton Contd.

780-474-8240
Annual Mixer------------------  7-11:30pm
By Team Edmonton
Sawridge Inn (4235 Gateway Blvd)
By
Team Edmonton
Sundays
See

780-479-2038
 www.evmchoir.com
Unitarian Church (10804 119th Street)
See Edmonton Primetimers
 2nd
See Buck Naked Boys Club
 2nd
At 5 The Junction
 2nd
See
Monthly Meetings---------------------  2:30pm
Saturdays
Naturalist Gettogether
Intermediate Volleyball--------  7:30-9:30pm
Tuesdays
Martial Arts---------------------  7:30-8:30pm
See
See
12 Woody’s-----------------------Bars and Clubs
14 FLASH-------------------------Bars and Clubs
• Suit Up and Show Up: AA Big Book Study

10608 - 105 Ave
Discussion and support group for those struggling with an
alcohol addiction or seeking support in staying sober.
• TTIQ

10608 - 105 Ave

admin@pridecentreofedmonton.org
TTIQ is mixed gender open support group addressing the
needs of transsexual and transgendered individuals.
• Womonspace Board Meeting

10608 - 105 Ave

wspresident@hotmail.com
Womonspace is a Social and Recreational Society in
Edmonton run by volunteers. They provide opportunities
for lesbians to interact and support each other in a safe
environment, and to contribute to the broader community.
• Youth Movie

10608 - 105 Ave

brendan@pridecentreofedmonton.org
Movie chosen by youth (aged 14 – 25), usually with LGBT
themes. Popcorn is served.
• YouthSpace

A safe and supportive space for GLBTQ youth aged 13–25.
Video games, computers with internet, clothing bank,
and more.
Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton
780-474-8240

tuff@shaw.ca
Team Edmonton

president@teamedmonton.ca

http://www.teamedmonton.ca
Members are invited to attend and help determine the
board for the next term. If you are interested in running for
the board or getting involved in some of the committees,
please contact us.
www.gaycalgary.com
Directory & Events
 Edmonton Contd.
• Badminton (Mixed)
• Swimming (Making Waves)
• Badminton (Women’s)
• Tennis
St. Thomas Moore School, 9610 165 Street

coedbadminton@teamedmonton.ca
New group seeking male & female players.

Oliver School, 10227 - 118 Street

780-465-3620

badminton@teamedmonton.ca
Women’s Drop-In Recreational Badminton. $40.00 season
or $5.00 per drop in.

NAIT Pool (11762 - 106 Street)

swimming@teamedmonton.ca
www.makingwavesswimclub.ca

Kinsmen Sports Centre

Sundays, 12pm-3pm

tennis@teamedmonton.ca
• Ultimate Frisbee

Foot Notes Dance Studio, 9708-45 Avenue NW

Cynthia: 780-469-3281

Sundays
Summer Season starts July 12th

ultimatefrisbee@teamedmonton.ca
E-mail if interested.
• Blazin’ Bootcamp
• Volleyball, Intermediate
•Ballroom Dancing

Garneau Elementary School
10925 - 87 Ave

bootcamp@teamedmonton.ca
• Bowling (Northern Titans)

Ed’s Rec Room (West Edmonton Mall)

bowling@teamedmonton.ca
$15.00 per person.
• Cross Country Skiing

crosscountry@teamedmonton.ca
• Curling with Pride

Granite Curling Club, 8620 107 Street NW

curling@teamedmonton.ca
• Cycling (Edmonton Prideriders)

Various locations in Edmonton

cycling@teamedmonton.ca
• Dragon Boat (Flaming Dragons)

dragonboat@teamedmonton.ca
• Golf

golf@teamedmonton.ca
• Gymnastics, Drop-in

Ortona Gymnastics Club, 8755 - 50 Avenue

gymnastics@teamedmonton.ca
Have the whole gym to yourselves and an instructor to
help you achieve your individual goals. Cost is $5.00
per session.
• Hockey

hockey@teamedmonton.ca
• Martial Arts

15450 - 105 Ave (daycare entrance)
780-328-6414

kungfu@teamedmonton.ca

kickboxing@teamedmonton.ca
Drop-ins welcome.
• Outdoor Pursuits

outdoorpursuits@teamedmonton.ca
• Running (Arctic Frontrunners)

Emily Murphy Park, west end

running@teamedmonton.ca
All genders and levels of runners and walkers are invited to
join this free activity.
• Slo Pitch

Parkallen Field, 111 st and 68 ave

slo-pitch@teamedmonton.ca
Season fee is $30.00 per person. $10 discount for players
from the 2008 season.
• Snowballs V

January 27-29, 2012

snowballs@teamedmonton.ca
Skiing and Snowboarding Weekend.
• Soccer

soccer@teamedmonton.ca
• Spin

MacEwan Centre for Sport and Wellness
109 St. and 104 Ave

Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45pm
Season has ended.

spin@teamedmonton.ca
7 classes, $28.00 per registrant.
www.gaycalgary.com

Amiskiwacy Academy (101 Airport Road)

volleyball@teamedmonton.ca
• Book Club

Monthly, contact us for exact dates.
Theatre & Fine Arts
Exposure Festival

http://www.exposurefestival.ca
Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival.
The Roxy Theatre

10708 124th Street, Edmonton AB

780-453-2440

www.theatrenetwork.ca
BANFF/CANMORE
Community Groups
• Volleyball, Recreational

Mother Teresa School (9008 - 105 Ave)

recvolleyball@teamedmonton.ca
• Women’s Lacrosse

Sharon: 780-461-0017

Pam: 780-436-7374
Open to women 21+, experienced or not, all are welcome.
Call for info.
• Yoga
Mountain Pride

members@gaybanff.com

www.gaybanff.com
Serving the GLBTQS community in Banff, Canmore, Lake
Louise and Area.
LETHBRIDGE

Lion's Breath Yoga Studio (10350-124 Street)

yoga@teamedmonton.ca
Womonspace

780-482-1794

womonspace@gmail.com

www.womonspace.ca
Women’s social group, but all welcome at events.

780-248-1971
 www.yuyedm.ca
A support and social group for queer youth 12-25.
• Sports and Recreation

Brendan: 780-488-3234

Restaurants
Community Groups
GALA/LA

403-308-2893

http://www.galalethbridge.ca
Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area.
• Monthly Dances

Henotic (402 - 2 Ave S)
Bring your membership card and photo ID.
• Monthly Potluck Dinners

McKillop United Church, 2329 - 15 Ave S
GALA/LA will provide the turkey...you bring the rest. Please
bring a dish to share that will serve 4-6 people, and your
own beverage.
• Support Line
5 The Junction-------------------------------

10242 106th St
 780-756-5667

403-308-2893

Monday OR Wednesday, 7pm-11pm
Leave a message any other time.
12 Woody’s------------------------------------ ✰

11725 Jasper Ave
 780-488-6557
• Friday Mixer
Retail Stores
Passion Vault

15239 - 111 Ave

780-930-1169

pvault@telus.net
“Edmonton’s Classiest Adult Store”
Products & Services
Cruiseline

780-413-7122 trial code 3500

http://www.cruiseline.ca
Telephone classifieds and chat - 18+ ONLY.
Gay & Lesbian Integrity Assoc. (GALIA)
• Movie Night

Room C610, University of Lethbridge

Betty, 403-381-5260
 bneil@chr.ab.ca

Every second Wednesday, 3:30pm-5pm
Lethbridge HIV Connection

1206 - 6 Ave S
Robertson-Wesley United Church

10209 - 123 St. NW
 780-482-1587

jravenscroft@rwuc.org
 www.rwuc.org

Worship: Sunday mornings at 10:30am
People of all sexual orientations welcome. Other LGBT
events include a monthly book club and a bi-monthly film
night. As a caring spiritual community, we’d love to have
you join us!
 galia@uleth.ca
Gay Youth Alliance Group
PFLAG Canada

1-888-530-6777

lethbridgeab@pflagcanada.ca

www.pflagcanada.ca
Pride Lethbridge
Community Groups
Affirm

Sunnybrook United Church

403-347-6073

2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm
Composed of LGBTQ people, their friends, family and
allies. No religious affiliation necessary. Activities include
support, faith and social justice discussions, film nights,
and potlucks!
CAANS LGBT Coffee Night

403-346-8858 (Jenn/Jill)
Central Alberta AIDS Network Society

4611-50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB

http://www.caans.org
The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society is the local
charity responsible for HIV prevention and support in
Central Alberta.
Western Canadian Pride Campout

www.eventmasterinc.net
ALBERTA
Community Groups
Alberta Trans Support/Activities Group

http://www.albertatrans.org
A nexus for transgendered persons, regardless of where they
may be on the continuum.
Theatre & Fine Arts
Alberta Ballet

http://www.albertaballet.com
Frequent productions in Calgary and Edmonton.
CANADA
Community Groups
Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition

The Mix (green water tower)
103 Mayor Magrath Dr S

Every Friday at 10pm

University of Lethbridge
GBLTTQQ club on campus.
RED DEER

P..O. Box 3043, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3S9

(306) 955-5135

1-800-955-5129

http://www.rainbowhealth.ca
Egale Canada

8 Wellington St E, Third Floor
Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C5

1-888-204-7777
 www.egale.ca
Egale Canada is the national advocacy and lobby
organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transidentified people and our families.
Products & Services
Squirt

http://www.squirt.org
Website for dating and hook-ups. 18+ ONLY!
Theatre & Fine Arts
Broadway Across Canada

lethbridgepridefest@gmail.com

http://www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca
OUTtv

http://www.outtv.ca
GLBT Television Station.
• Soul OUTing

Second Sunday every month, 7pm
An LGBT-focused alternative worship.
• Film Night

Bi-monthly, contact us for exact dates.
59
Classifieds
Event
140
Hate Crimes Luncheon Sunday,
Feb 26 @ Noon McDougall United
Church 10025 101 Street Edmonton
Donation for lunch appreciated
www.mcdougallunited.com
Must be willing and able to conduct
interviews in person or by phone.
Please have a writing sample ready.
Contact Steve at
publisher@gaycalgary.com.
Sales Rep Wanted
Adult Oriented
210
GayCalgary Magazine is looking
for a part time sales rep. Income
by commission, sales experience
required. Duties include contacting
new advertisers and maintaining
existing customers. Contact Steve at
sales@gaycalgary.com.
Sales/Rentals
305
Male Friends
455
Seeking Companionship
Youthful 50 year old gay male,
looking for a nice black/hispanic man
for fun times. I love to go clubbing,
have quiet dinners, very passionate
guy here, you be the same. Age is
unimportant to me, but looking for
guys 35-45 plus, all responses will
be answered. Please send email to
mrmark12ca@yahoo.ca
Models/Escorts
460
Alberta Escort Listings
Elizabeth’s Antique &
Collectible Sale
Beauty & Mayhem Production
Agency is are looking for Gay Talent
to perform in Adult entertainment
Productions. Call Pj @ 403 826 2670
E-mail: pj@beautymayhem.ca
www.xxxbmpa.com
Help Wanted
240
Writers and Photographers
GayCalgary Magazine is seeking
additional freelance writers and
photographers from Edmonton,
Lethbridge, Red Deer, and Medicine
Hat to accept monthly assignments.
Get a life and STOP Cleaning your
place. Let Steve do the dirty work for
you. Cleaning your home or business.
Prefer regular cleaning schedule.
Flexable rates.
getalifecleaner.com | 403-200-7384
Health
550
My CannaMeds
Organic medical marihuana products,
shipped quickly, discreetly to your
door. www.mycm.ca. Your #1 online
Compassionate Club.
560
Massage in Edmonton
Check out www.Squirt.org for the Hot
Escorts in Calgary, Edmonton, and the
rest of Alberta.
215
Gay Talent Wanted
517
GET A LIFE...STOP
CLEANING!
Massage
View profiles, watch greetings and
share chest rashes and genital sores!
PlentyofSyph.com, the hottest place
to meet local singles infected with
syphilis.
Audition
Cleaning
Rediscover the past. Alberta Aviation
Museum, 11410 Kingsway Ave.,
Edmonton, AB. March 16-17, 2012.
Friday 2-8PM & Saturday 10-4PM.
$5.00 Admission.
Personals
400
Labourer 50, searching for
relationship in area. Ranch hand
heritage. Don’t smoke. Healthy
boundaries. Handwritten reply
welcomed to Box 1, Kinsella AB,
T0B-2N0.
New Improved Features. Free to
Post and Browse. Videos, Pics, and
Reviews. Join Now! Code: GCEE
Products/Services 500
Fabulous Gay & Lesbian Weddings.
Elopement or Scheduled. 365
days a year Rork Hilford MC.
marriagecommissioner@shaw.ca
(403)246-4134
Registered Massage Therapist in
downtown Edmonton. Relaxation
and therapeutic massage. For
appointment phone Dwayne at 780483-3190 or 780-918-5856
Adult Depot
Large selection of gay DVDs from
$9.95, aromas and toys. Open
Mon-Fri 12-8pm, Sat 12-6pm, closed
Sundays and holidays.
(403) 258 2777
Ads starting at $10/mo. for the first 20 words. Submit yours at http://www.gaycalgary.com/classifieds
60
www.gaycalgary.com
APOLLO – FRIENDS IN SPORTS
Box 9, 223 – 12 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T2R 0G9
http://www.apollocalgary.com
February 3rd, 2012
Gay Calgary and Edmonton Magazine
2136 – 17th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2T 0G3
Dear Steve and Rob;
Apollo – Friends in Sport would like to congratulate GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine on a
significant milestone – reaching your 100th issue! Your magazine has played a very important part in
our community by promoting its events and happenings and by partnering with diverse organizations
and businesses to realize their goals.
GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine has been a great partner of Apollo by being the main media
sponsor for Apollo’s Western Cup for many years. You have been an important ingredient that has
allowed Western Cup to flourish as one of the major events in Calgary’s LGBT community.
We look forward to continuing partnerships and to your continued success.
Best wishes and here’s to the next 100 issues!!
Regards,
Craig Lewington
President
On behalf of
Apollo – Friends in Sports
“Apollo provides a positive and fun environment through sport and social activities within our community”
January 25, 2012
Steve Polyak
Gay Calgary & Edmonton Magazine
2136 - 17th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2T 0G3
Dear Mr. Polyak,
On behalf of the staff and board of AIDS Calgary Awareness Association, please accept my
congratulations on your milestone 100th edition. It is an outstanding accomplishment of which you
should be proud.
AIDS Calgary has been honored to have Gay Calgary & Edmonton Magazine as a friend and sponsor
at many events. Your yearly presence at the AIDS walk is an annual delight. Your recent support of
our gay men’s social marketing campaign survey has been very beneficial to our gay men’s health
initiatives. The support of our holiday hamper program has been much appreciated by staff and
clients over the years, and we are continually grateful.
We are proud to have a regional LGBTQ publication that supports strong, positive health initiatives
and we look forward to a continued working relationship in the future.
Sincerely,
Simonne LeBlanc
Executive Director
AIDS Calgary Awareness Association
110, 1603 10
th
Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T3C 0J7  P: (403) 508 2500  F: (403) 263 7358 
www.AIDSCalgary.org
www.gaycalgary.com
61
Q Scopes
Keep your eyes open, Libra!
Venus is entering Aries, good for sports and trashy fun, not so much
for emotional and financial investments. But then she aspects
Uranus and Jupiter, so be open for some very fun surprises.

ARIES (March 20–April 19): A new you is set to break into
the open. It could be a daring new look or a talent that refuses to
be hidden any longer. If you worry about that disrupting your
relationships, holding it in will be even worse.

TAURUS (April 20–May 20): Trust those instincts and
intuitions. That little voice deep inside has some very important
messages, and perhaps some lucrative ones. Friends will
disappoint you. They’re only human, but are they really friends?
Keep a shrewd eye on their motives.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20): Showing off your intellectual
brilliance can cause more trouble than it solves. If you want to
shake things up, you could be very effective, but the only way
you can make peace is to stay quiet.
CANCER (June 21–July 22): In the struggle between body

and soul remember the soul is eternal. Attend to material
realities. Success could pull you away from home and family,
but is that so bad? A little separation there doesn’t need to be
a complete break.
LEO (July 23–August 22): Whatever you say could

sound more serious and heartless than you intend. Winning
arguments by intimidation will cost you. Gaining allies takes
lots of conscious effort and attentive listening. You can change
your mind about strategy and details without sacrificing
principles.

VIRGO (August 23–September 22): Be very careful of
nervous inflammations, especially as they may impact the bowels.
Cleanliness, relaxation and a healthy sex life are the best care.
Efforts to improve the work process will likely irritate colleagues.
What do they want improved, and how?

LIBRA (September 23–October 22): New efforts to start
or refresh a relationship will open surprises that take you
in directions you’re not ready for. Being a control queen will
backfire horribly. Just roll with it and see where it goes. The
adventure will do you good.

SCORPIO (October 23–November 21): Nobody can be
right all the time, but you can always correct your own mistakes.
Did your friends really screw up, or were your expectations
unfair? What’s right is always more important than who’s right.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 20): You can’t

hold back your rebellious streak, but if you can channel it creatively
it can help boost your standing at work and invigorate your
partnership (or chances for one!). Go ahead and take a chance!
CAPRICORN
(December 21–January 19): A little
confusion is good for the soul, provoking you to examine
yourself deeper and to improve your orientation. Changes at
home should feel uncomfortable if they are to provoke real
opportunities; and yes, the opportunities are there! Stay
focused on the long haul.

AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18): Your dazzling

brilliance may offend some people. Don’t hold back, not much
anyway. Just try to be sensitive and ready to apologize where
necessary, or just politic. It doesn’t have to be a big deal, but
arguing will make it one.
PISCES (February 19–March 19): It’s too easy to say too

much and give away the store. Rather than spouting off, letting
people wonder how much you do know makes you look wiser.
Set aside some money for an impulse purchase.
Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977 teaches at the Online
College of Astrology. He can be reached for personal or business
consultations at 415-864-8302 or through his website at http://www.
starjack.com
62
www.gaycalgary.com
www.gaycalgary.com
63

hoo imperial teen yoo

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