GayCalgary Magazine February 2012

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• FEBRUARY 2012GayCalgary magazine ONE ON ONE WITH MADONNA
• AIDS CALGARY PRESENTS MARDI GRASLe Carnaval Rouge SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2012 (7:00PM)
• FEBRUARY 2012GayCalgary magazine Publisher: Steve Polyak Editor: Rob Diaz-Marino Sales: Steve Polyak Design & Layout: Rob Diaz-Marino, Steve Polyak
• Table of Contents►Continued From Previous Page 32 PUMPS UP THE JAM America's Six Inch Obsession
• One HundredPublisher's Column By Rob Diaz-Marino, MSc.
• Page 6like 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.
• 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... http://www.gaycalgary.com/02689
• By Jason ClevettI 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 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."
• Page 9looking for superstars," Ru explained, adding that she is often surprised when she watches the show. "When I see the girls they are always like, Hey Ru!!! Hiii! When I see the dark side of the moon in the interior illusions lounge it is like, Whoah, I didn't know you had all of that! There was one point in last season when Alexis Mataeo and Yara Sofia both almost left the show. I didn't know that happened. Watching Yara be her own saboteur, I saw it onstage when she collapsed and just couldn't go any further. But on the actual body of the show I could see her own inner saboteur working on her earlier in the show and doubting herself. It was a very painful study in the human psyche. That is what makes the show so wildly incredible to watch, is that this is all about the human spirit and its need to shine and have colour and love and beauty. That is ultimately what keeps audiences coming back." It is fun to also see who will appear as judges on the show. On a recent tour stop in Calgary, Henry Rollins talked about his experience judging the show and how he found himself www.gaycalgary.com
• Page 10Event 10
• Page 11Dear Steve and Rob. 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.
• InterviewThe Power of Pariah Star and out director talk coming-of-age film and how other LGBT teens can relate
• Page 13too. www.gaycalgary.com
• By Chris AzzopardiJoan 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.
• Page 15ask me how I write jokes and I don't ask him how he operates. The less I know, the better. GC: Right. That's with a lot of things. Like Katy Perry.
• Page 16laugh 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?
• Page 17Event Rebranding, Fundraising, and Celebrating AIDS Calgary Takes Steps towards a Greater Future to them.
• Page 1818 HOW TO BE AN ALLY
• Page 19ALLY PRIDE AT WORK CANADA understand and then put into action. The posters also send a clear message that this workplace is striving towards respecting diversity.
• EditorialMax Well South Star Realty 20
• pride calgaryLEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ALBERTA
• The Iron LadiesOut filmmaker directs Meryl Streep, who talks gay ▲ Photos by Alex Bailey
• Page 23Thatcher's political life; it would be a particular look back through her own. eyes at selected memories not in chronological order, but in a jumble of memory, regret, glory days. It would all be a part of a reckoning." The film is facing intense scrutiny for breezing past the political turmoil that Thatcher stirred and, instead, focusing on her personal life. "We have come under criticism for portraying someone who is frail and in delicate health," Streep admits. "Some people have said it's shameful to portray this part of a life, but if you think that debility, delicacy and dementia are shameful, if you think that the ebbing end of life is something that should be shut away if you think that people need to be defended from that, from those images - then yes, it is a shameful thing. But I don't think that. We are naturally interested in our leaders, and we tell stories about ourselves through the stories of important people."
• EditorialSchools and LGBT Youth - Making It Better 24
• Page 25This 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.
• Trans-Identity2011: The Year for Trans Canadians 26
• Page 27avoid 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.
• Sports28 The OutField
• Hear Me Out Kathleen Edwards, Joyful NoiseBy Chris Azzopardi Kathleen Edward
• GossipDeep Inside Hollywood Houdini is happening with Hugh By Romeo San Vicente
• Cocktail ChatterThe Kir Royale By Ed Sikov
• By Todd HamiltonOn 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.
• Page 33E: 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?
• PoliticsEqual Marriage Equal Divorce By Stephen Lock
• www.gaycalgary.comIn 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.
• GayTravelOgunquit: Vacationland's Glorious Little Gay Getaway Ogunquit
• Ogunquit-GazeboOgunquit 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! Buy Arizona Real Estate Toll Free 1-877-684-1075
• KokaneeJasper Comes Out To The Whistle Stop 38
• Page 39having 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."
• Glenn, CloseUp Albert Nobbs actress talks gender-bending role, her unexpected bisexual turn and the possibility of her going lesbian - in real life
• a BeiGC: 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.
• ▲ Photos by The Weinstein Co. and Shaun Mader/PatrickMcMullan.comBy Chris Azzopardi With all of Madonna's metamorphoses throughout her balls-out career, slipping in and out of cultural zeitgeists (and accents), the queen chameleon is still the master of reinvention. Just don't tell her that.
• Page 43gloves 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?
• Page 44fact, 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?
• February 2012MAYOR 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.
• Book ReviewBook Marks Jack Holmes & His Friend and Franky Gets Real
• Page 47►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.
• Editorial - From Page 7Retro Tweets to Our Cover 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.
• Page 49Guys), Joan Hilty (Bitter Girl), Andrew Collins (Travel), Jack Fertig (Astrology), Glen Hansen and Allen Neuwirth (Chelsea Boys), Romeo San Vicente (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.
• PhotographyJasper First Monthly Gay Bar Night (photos by Rod Zelles) Whistle Stop PUB
• www.gaycalgary.comF@#ked Up Follies at the Texas Lounge - Calgary JORN
• ARGRA RACK 'Em 'n Crack 'EmALBERTA ROCKIES GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION REGISTRATION
• A Couple of guys"That's Using Your Noodle" I THOUGHT YOU TWO BELONG TO THE SAME GYM?
• bitter girlTHIS IS A SKIM LATTE!HOW. CAN YOU SAY YOU LOVE ME WHEN YOU DON'T EVEN REMEMBER MY DRINK? •FHEBET! EXCESSIVE SCENEMAKING IN PUBLIC!!
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• Page 59Edmonton Contd. ⚫ Badminton (Mixed)
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