29 20 669 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/a507a047bc22141cbe17fde66b58ce9b.jpg 077340619b82598559e876b48d895e5e https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/5bb63104bb30356402cc8cb05fd7d679.pdf a18db0a08906cd2698eed2395edddec1 PDF Text Text THE VOLUME 7 PREMIER SOURCE ISSUE 2 FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA Twitterocom!MetroStarNews Prop 8 federal trial continues in San Francisco News analysis By Rex Wockner Famous atto~v, eys David Boies, le_~ and Ted Olson are in federal court in San Francisco t~sving to kill Prop 8. Also picuwed: Olson’s wife, Lady Booth Olson. Photo by Diana Walker At press time, the trial in the federal lawsuit against Proposition 8 was continuing in U.S. District Court in San Francisco before Judge Vaughn \Valker. Famous heterosexual attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles are trying to convince Walker that Prop 8, which amended California’s constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage, violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law. Leading gay-rights groups have been sidelined in the case, limited to filing "friend of the court" briefs, because they didn’t play nice with Olson and Boles early on. They publicly dissed the case as unwise and poorly timed. ~e lawsuit, which likely will end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, could lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50 states. Convemely, it also could possibly stall the movement for same-sex marriage for a generation, should the U.S. Supreme Court uphold Prop 8. Judge Walker had wanted to beam video of the trial to other federal courthouses and post it on YouTube, but the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, put the kibosh on that idea Jan. 13, saying officials in the federal courts’ 9th Circuit hadn’t followed proper procedure in lifting the ban on cameras in federal courts. Olson and Boles strongly supported broadcasting the trial. The pro-Prop-8 side vociferously opposed the plan, ultimately filing an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court to stop it. Gay activists and commentators suggested that Prop 8 defenders were horrified at the idea of the trial being broadcast because they lmow that their anti-gay rhetoric, which is being analyzed in detail at the trial, is hateful, false and, when exposed in f~l, so ........ Continued See PROP 8 Page-5 ® MetroStarNews.com FEBRUARY 1,2010 OkEq Celebrates "Wi d Hearts Week nd" with p ans for ree Events for Valentines TULSA, OK (PR) __ Oklahomans for Equality, Oklahoma’s preeminent Gay Rights Organization will host three separate events beginning Friday February 12th, Saturday February 13th and Sunday February !4th at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center at 621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa. FRIDAY, February t2th, from 7-9pro, the first of the "Wild Hearts Weekend" events: Relationship Recognition Reception - an effort to mitigate the discrimination against the GLBT Community due to a lack of Equal Marriage Rights will be held in the Great Hall of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center beginning with a lecture series by Tulsa’s top legal and financial professionals Saturday, February 13th, 2010, 7-11pm, the second of the "Wild Hearts Weekend" events: Wild Hearts Ball 10th Anniversary Celebration and Dance - the annual fundraiser and social event to benefit Otdahomans for Equality will be held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with dance music by DJ Zeke with video graphics set to the best mobile light show in town. Also available are Party Pictures with Cupid by Steven Michael Hall Photography, party appetizers and desserts along with raffles and door prizes plus a silent auction. Cash Bar available for guests 21 mad older. Sunday, February 14th, 2010, 1 lam-2pm - The third of the "Wild Hearts W-eekend" public. with Debby@okeq.org or call 918-743-4297. State Representative AI McAffrey to introduce Legislation for Domestic Partner Benefits for Ol ahoma State Employees By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK In the upcoming legislative session, State Representative A1 McAffrey plans to introduce legislation to allow domestic partners of Oklahoma state employees to obtain health care benefits. Mr. McAffrey, Oklahoma’s only first and only openly gay state legislator, a Democrat who represents District 88, stated that it would enable the partners of state employees to obtain the benefits currently available to spouses and dependents. A domestic partner is defined as someone Darters whom on is involved in and would include heterosexual couples as well as those in same sex relationships. This is the first time this has been proposed in the Oklahoma legislature. He related that this would not only help provide those eligible better access to healthcare coverage, it would help attract and retain talent among Oklahomas workers as well as raise consciousness in Oklahoma about that issue. It will be introduced when the session begins February 1, where it may or may not get out of committee, and if it does it may or may not pass. But he promised that if it doesn’t succeed, "I’ll introduce it again next year" �~entine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire: In ancient Rome, February !4th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalla.The lives of young boys and girls were strictly sep~ate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and ~vould then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and Unpopular campaignS: Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers ) join his military leagues. He believed that reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius, RDI R.AS celebrations include lots of feasting, partying and parading on the big day, also kno~vn as Shrove Tuesday - just before Ash Vdednesday - when the Church rules of fasting and sacrifice take effect. It’s been that way in Christian countries around the world sinCe the Middle Ages. Today most of the world’s celebrations occur during the week of Fat Tuesday, which falls on February 16th this year. Fat Tuesday in New Orleans It’s been five long years since the devastation of Ban Empl cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine (photo above) was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II, He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with dubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, around the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a ceremonies, names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. As the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as for ; year, arose in this Hurricane Katrina, and the biggest party town in America ~vill pick itself up for the 2010 Fat Tuesday celebration with even bigger crowds and more parades - expected this year. The New Orleans Mardi Gras parade schedule began on January 6, that is when the first King Cakes are socially avafl~biel k ~onti~ues thr0tlgh to Fat Tuesday, February 16, 2010. Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebrations around the world The biggest and loudest of them, as always, are in Rio and New Orleans, although the Karneval, or Fasching, festivities in Cologne and Berlin get pretty wild, Carnaval in Nice shows offthe ~vackier side of the trendy Riviera scene, and the Italians in Venice are the worldwide experts on the art of street theater. uptcv * Civil Rights Criminal ment * FamilV Law Litigation Street )ma cit% OK 73103 2 ~ETROSTAR February 2010 �PFLAG OKC joins with Edmond By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OY,ZAHOMA CITY, OK __ A merger with PFLAG Oldatloma City and PFLAG Edmond has been in the works over the past fe~v months. Officially, the two ioined forces on October 12th, joining to make both a single, stronger group. People often come. to PFLAG to find acceptance and support for GLBT issues and understanding. Some people just become involved to offer Bobbie and Georgie co-facilitate the Transgender support group in support. Oklahoma City. Townsendphoto "We are now PFI~G, OKC/Edmond under one name," promoting family involvement. The benefits said Louise Baker, President of the group. of membership; you get an email vote for "One of the reasons we became OKC/ officers, you are a part of PFLAG poll by Edmond PFLAG is that OKC has many national quarterly. There are educational gay-straigi~t alliances and Edmond has none. programs and you help create a safe Those gays will have parents who want to environment for people. look for support. We feel it is a win-win and The group is also actively working to a good move for both groups." promote equality in schools. "We are very The combined groups ofPFLAG OKC/ dose in one of the three high schools in Edmond will be hostinga ~ndraising event to sppp0rt the cause. The event wilJ b~ ~e!d at ~he Boom (on the O~C strip); Saturday FebruaW 27th at 7 pm. Emcee will be Edmond to ~:et a GSA (gav-strai~t alliance)," said B~er. One student said~they wanted it. They wrote the bylaws and sent it to the student cotmcil~ There is dso a r~ need for Heather Scott, PFLAG Secretary, ~raoke by Shown Elmore, PFLAG Vice-President, Stand-Up Comedy Louise Bakel; PFLAG President. The group promises fun for everyone! "It’s not i.ust about going to a comedy act. We really want people to come out and support PFLAG," adds Baker. "We need to be here fore support and advocacy." The group is also looking for members. Family membership is $40 and single is $35, thus GSA’s in the middle school also but ~ve are taking this one step at a time." .PFI_&G OKC/Edmond would also like to add that they applaud the OKCPS board for passing the passing the anti-bullying policy to include GLBT’S. PFLAG OKC/Edmond meets the first Tuesday of each month. For questions, or if you would like’ to attend a meeting, please call (405) 525-3800 or write to pflagokc@yahoo. 2007 it was a major loss for the organization, which was already strained from a lack of active membership for the past several years. This came to a head in 2009, when Treasurer Diana Faulkner’s term expired and there to nobody to take that office, which is currently administered in the interim by Paul Thompson. Consensus of the group at the point was that the group must change course or dissolve. A letter was sent out to the general membership advising them of a Final Meeting taking place Monday, February 8 at 7 p.m. located at Okdalloma City’s Neighborhood Alliance Center, 1236 N.W 36th Street ( N.W. 36th Street and Classen Boulevard). As Paul Thompson relates, "It’s gotten to the point where so few of us are actively engaged that it (O.G.L.P.C.) simply cannot be sustained as it is. Without enough people we cannot accomplish any meaningful work. There’s no point in going on if we’re not going to do a good job." Regardless of the outcome, Paul stated that he will no longer serve as male co-chair following the February meeting, Also currently serving as officers are Female co-chair Jeanne Flanigan and Secretary Victor Gorin. Pending the outcome of the February meeting, based on the attendance, commitment and interest shown, a decision will be made as to the future of the organization, which has a long history and legacy. For those interested in seeing O.G.L.P.C. continue, it wil! be imperative that they are at this final meeting. AuthOr s gnmg. By Victor Gorin Contrib[lting writer wwv¢,metrosta mews.corn ConoYero Tulsa for his neW book com. educate dected officials about issues of the GLBT community. O.G.L.P.C. held annual dinners to celebrate accomplishments and future hopes, issuing annual awards of merit to deserving individuals as well as "Phobie Awards" towards those who deserved that distinction. O.G.L.EC. continued to grow, their tables often seen registering voters, signing up members and passing out literature at community gathering places and events. Amassing a mailing list of over 3,000 gay or gay friendly Oldalloma households, they issued voter guides during major elections letting these voters know who their friends were. When O.G.L.EC.’S Membership/Mailing Chair John Calhoun moved to Canada in "Firs sday" Art Opening and Exhibit of Origina Works by Robb Rouse in ahoma Gay Lesbian over ? Caucus, OKL~MOMA CITY, OK When current O.G.L.EC. male co-chair Patti ~hompson was first elected to that post in 1992, he inherited what was then an orgaafization on the move vibrantly working for change against tough odds. The Oklahoma Gay mid Lesbian Political Caucus, ( kamwn better as O.G.L.EC.) had been formed and incorporated in 1985, with chapters in both Oklalmma City and Tulsa. ~ae organization became a major institution of the Okdahoma GLBT community, usually present whenever there was an opportunity for action to affect change. Their purpose was to educate the GLBT community about voting and taking part in the politic~ process, and also to conditions." Wade and his partner, Gary, leave culture, cable and consumerism behind and strike out for rural Michigan-a place with fewer people than in their former spinning dass. At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream is a sidesplitting and heartwarming look at taking a risk, fulfilling a dream, and finding a home-with very thick and very dark curtains. TULSA, OK (PR) On Tuesday, February 2nd at 7:00pm, Oklahomans for Equality and Booksmart Tulsa ~vill host a literary event and book signing at the Dennis R. Nell! Equality Center, 621 East 4th Street, Tulsa Oldahoma with xYgade Rouse for At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream. Finally fed up with the frenzy of city life and a job he hates, Wade Rouse decided to make either the bravest decision of his life or the worst mistake since his botched Ogilvie home perm. He uproots his life and tries as Thoreau did some 160 years earlier, to "live a plain, simple life in radically reduced TULSA, OK (PR) The February Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists ar the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa), will feature an array of works by artist Robb Conover. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, February 4th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month of February. Robb Conover’s art is influenced by some of the world’s greatest POP Artists, Watercolorists, Realist and Sculptors plus Film as an art media. His work is driven by a method to his madness. He works out a calculated plan to arrange expression and soul into all forms that end up on his canvas. After studying in New York, Los Angeles and Phoenix, Robb states "there are no accidental meetings, not even in art. There’s a reason for every inch of paint that you see on my canvas. If we are to tmderstand art as an experience we cannot fear what the artist brings back with him from his journey~ to other planes and planets". Robb’s art will be on display through February 2010. ;OETROSTAR 3 �Compatible Odd Couple by James Nimmo OFd~AHONLA CITY, OK__ I’m compatible with Sally Kern! Yup, you read it right. ~hough Kern and I are polar opposites religiously, politically, orientationally, and educationally, I’m compatible with Oklahoma GOPer Rep.~ Sally Kern and her newly introduced HB 2279 which, if passed, would not allow incompatibility to be used a~ grounds for a divorce between opposite gender (of course) adults. Kern who has hyperventilated while sniffng in gay and lesbian closets has nmv turned her big nose m sniffing between the sheets of the hetero marriage bed. ( http:// tinyutl.com/yc45mhh ) Pre-existing conditions such as minor children in the household, a marriage of ten years or longer, or written objection by the other spouse would prevent using incompatibility as grounds for an Oklahoma divorce. I’m so compatible with Kern over her non-divorce bill I could be the son she almost had. Not only that, I’!1 see her bet and raise her one. Tlais being Oklahoma, the third hole in America’s Bible Belt, I ~vouldn’t bet the rent on this bill dying in committee, the fate of most of the worst of Okie legislative submissions. N~erefore, I’m proposing a bill that would take Kern’s aspirations a step higher. Since a judge, in effect, examines the two people engaged in a divorce proceeding to see if at least one of the parties has suNcient grounds for divorce, why not have a judge examine the proposed bride and groom at the beginning of the procedure when they apply for an Oldahoma marriage license? Why not head off any incompatible marriages before they become incompatible divorces? In Iny bill, the hopeful newlyweds would have to prove to the examiner not only their undying love for each other but also have to prove that their financial prospects are propitious, their religious beliefs are rooted in the Christian Bible, their educational backgrounds are conducive to a lifetime of constructive pillow talk, and above all, both parties are willing and able to produce children as fast as physically possible. A failing grade in any of these aspects would disallow the issuance of the marriage license. If Kern wants to meddle in straight people’s private affairs just as she has in gay people’s affairs shouldn’t she be willing to fully insert the police power of the state right from the beginning of a proposed marriage? In fact, Kern should revise her divorce bill as a state question needing approval from the voters. If marriage is so important that it must be denied to same-gender ta~xpayers, as it is in Oklahomii, why not let straight voters police themselves? As a staunch and starchy "kernserwative", as she bills herself, shouldn’t she be strong enough to impose the state government into all aspects of married life? She claims her bill will alleviate many of Oklahoma’s societal ills. ’She proclaims "If ~ve eould reduce divorce in Oklahoma we would also reduce our prison population and welfare rolls while benefiting families and children. That’s a goal xvorth pursuing." This link includes the text of the Kern bill, http:/Itinyurl.com/ydq9fgd She continues, "If we can lower our divorce rate, our quality of life will improve and we will also reduce the need for many state services in this time of budget shortfall, freeing tip money to go to core services such as schools and roads." Who knew that keeping children in a warring household with two unhappy parents was the solution that would help reduce Oklahoma’s budget deficit? Again, Kern is using children as a shield for her schizophrenic view of privacy. Remember in 2009 she proposed and passed a legislative resolution objecting to a United Nations project to protect children from violence. If she wants to protect children from the harms of divorce, why is she against protecting children from violence? ( http://tinyufl. com/y8ujchv ) Remember the joke that was going around concerning the mock acceptance of same-gender marriage? It went something like, "Why should gays and lesbians be spared the pitfalls and expense of married life?" My new version of that joke is, "Why should straights be spared the intrusiveness of Sally Kern poking her nose into their marriages or divorces?" Or here’s another joke, this time from one of Kern’s heroes, Ronald Reagan. In one of his speeches, he said poking maliciously at government programs, "I’m from the government and I’m here to help you." Isn’t Sally Kern from the government? Is she here to help you? Among many religious fundamentalists and political conservatives (Butt repeat myself) there is the thinking that America is an exceptional country. Now I know what they mean by that. They’re saying "America must play by the rules Iset down, but when it’s convenient, I get an exception)’ In Kerffs case she claims an exception for her divorce bill and its intrusive meddling in the private matrimonial affairs of adults. realized and understood now that we have this anti bullying law." Transgendered people often live with the fear of being lonely, unlovable and, more practically, unemployed. According to the traqsgendered news source, ’Topix,’ sixty percent of transgender people in one 2006 study were unemployed, for example. Many relationships end during and after transition. Dating can be painful; several people interviewed said it xvas nearly impossible to find understanding partners. "We want to be there to help the counselors as Well as family members and the transgendered person looking for help and acceptance," added Georgie. "We ~vant to be a resource for the public schools, PFLAG and other of thgse types of organizations." If you would like to attend the meetings, you must call (405) 443-4131 or email info@ twofoldgroup.org. Visitors are screened for authenticity to protect those truly seeking help. Transgender support group meets in OKC The best New Year’s resolution to have is the one that works for you. Don’t have a resolution just for the sake of having one or just to keep up with the Joneses. Find something that needs improvement and take it to task. I have parted the Red Sea and several health and fitness resolution suggestions are malting their way to the Promised Land. Use social networking sites to find ten other peoplethat are resoMng to do the same thing as you. Use these people as your support group to keep your resolution on track. It is much better to have a group of individuals striving for the same goal. Stay in communication ~vith these team members as frequently as possible for the best results. Purchase a diary and start using it. Forget about all the normal nonsense that authors usually pen. inside these autobiographies. Just keep tabs on all the exercise you get throughout the year. Make a daily notation even if you didn’t have any physical exertion on a particular day. This Catholic guilt method should keep you feeling the need for some form of exercise each day. After a years absence, fitness guru Ronald Blake returns in the March issue. By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Each Monday of the month, the TWOFOLD (Transgender With Out Fear Of Lifestyle Disapproval) meets in NW Oklahoma City. This peer support group is designed to allow attendees the opportunity to share their feelings, frustrations and coping mechanisms for those experiencing common identity changes that accompany gender identity issues. "We are pretty lucky here because I think people are really accepting," said Bobby, one of the co-facilitators of the group. "We have had two particularly interesting people recently come to our meetings. One was 19 and one was 9 years old. She [9 year old] had the support of the morn, but not really the dad or the school." "The 19 year old and fought with her morn about wearing dresses and not wanting to grow her hair long," added Georgie, another group co-facilitator. "Then she Lifestyle Fitness column by Ronald Blake returns to Metro Star in next months issue. Pucker Up and Take It from TwoLips Burlesk A Valentine’s burlesque performance on matters of the heart. TULSA, OK (PR) __ TwoLips Burlesk will be performing their debut show, Pucker Up and Take It, on Friday, February 5th, 2010, 9:00pm, with an encore performance Saturda); February 6th, 9:00pro at the Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. 4th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Brand new in 2010, two years-before the apocalypse, Tulsa has a new kind of performance troupe in town: ~¢¢oLips Burlesk! This Valentine’s show, encompassing the true spirit of burlesque, vaudeville, cabaret, tease--and even a little drag to sweeten things up~T~voLips Burlesk treat you and your loved ones to the tastiest treats to hit the streets since chocolates in a box. Founded by Tulsans Amanda Storms, Tarynn Archer, and Chris Dailey, TxvoLips brings you a performance spectacle that will dazzle, excite, and prove to be the finest of Photo: RonaM Blake, Cet~fied Fitness Instructor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association its kind--raising the bar for local burlesque. Featuring the talents of Poppy Pie, Honey Du Jour, Sinna’ Bunnz, and Tangy Tart along with other local favorites, the show is ¯ packed full of sugary goodness, and will have you laughing hysterically and drooling vdth excitement. Still hungry? There’s more: drag-lesque, audience participation, topless antics---even a kissing booth! And to top it all off, the evening will be hosted by non5 other than Tulsa’s own National Midwest Entertainer of the Year, Drag Emcee Extraordinaire Nildd Le’Chapelle. Come and support Tulsa’s sweetest troupe! Pucker Up and Take It from TwoLips Burlesk runs February 5th and 6th at 9:00pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. Intended for mature, like-minded audiences only. For more information:contact Amanda Storms at TwoLip~Burlesk@gmail. corn, call (918) 232-1448, or visit the TwoLips Butlesk page on Facebook. Free help 8 89 February 2010 �Wockner News U.S. HIV border ban lifted Bozeman protects gays and transgenders Gay weddings to start in D.C. March 5 New policies that removed the United States’ 22-year-old ban on HIV-positive immigrants and foreign visitors took effect ~e City Commission in Bozeman, Mont., on Jan. 11 added ~sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to a policy that protects city" employees from discrimination. The vote was 3-0. The policy also will officially extend spousal benefits to employees’ same-sex partners. Gay marriages will start in the District of Columbia, the latest locality to legalize "samesex marriage, on March 5. That’s when the bill passed by the Council and signed by the mayor xvill have completed its mandated congressional review period and any couples who obtained a license on the first day possible, March 2, will have made it through the mandatory three-day waiting period between getting a license and getting married. Same-sex marriage is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain and Sweden; in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province; and in the U.S. states’of Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. It will become legal in Portugal in April. Jan. 4. Three days later, HIV-positive Dutchman Clemens Ruland and his partner Hugo Bausch arrived at New York’s Kennedy Airport and were met by a representative of Human Rights Watch and the Dutch Embassy’s cultural attache. "Travel restrictions on HIV-positive people fundamentally affect their human dignity," said Boris Dittrich from HRW’s LGBT Rights Program. "Lifting the HIV travel ban was a victory for human rights." Bausch won the trip for himself and Ruland in a Dutch AIDS Foundation contest to celebrate the ban’s demise. In announcing the change last October, President Barack Obama said: "We talk about reducing the stigma of this disease, yet we’ve treated a visitor living with it as a threat. We lead the world when it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandemic, yet we are one of only a dozen countries that still bar people with HIV from entering our own country. If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it." In a joint statement at the time, the Global Network of People Living With HIV, the European AIDS Treatment Group and Germany’s Deutsche AIDSHilfe "congratulate[d] the United States government on fulfilling its promise and completing the legal procedure that was started by former President Bush on World AIDS Day 2007." "This is a great victory for the fight against the worldwide discrimination of people living with HIV," said AIDS-Hilfe’s Peter Wiessner. "I remember times where we never thought that this ,vould happen. This is an emotional moment and it feels a bit like the fall of the Berlin Wall." EATG’s David Haerry called the ban’s demise "groundbreaking" and said it sends "a strong message to other countries maintaining stigmatizing restrictions today, such as Russia, China, Australia and Canada." The groups’ statement said that more than 60 nations, including some in Europe, have sugmanzmg entry or residency restr,cnons and that "27 countries deport people on the grounds of having an HIV infection." Xhe three organizations said they hope the U.S. government will take one final step in relegating the ban to the dustbin of hist0ry: "Erase all information with regards to the HIV status of people ftom its immigration databases." Trans priso to. open Italy About 30 inmates wilt be moved to a prison near Florence, Italy, that will house only transgender prisoners, local media reported Jan. 12. The facility in the town of Pozzale is nearly vacant at present, holding two female inmates. Gay couple ’marries’ in China State media reported Jan. 13 that a gay couple got "married" in a gay bar in Chengdu, China. Zeng Anquan, 45, and Pan Wenjie, 27, tied tile knot before 200 gay friends. "We are no !onger hiding anymore," Zeng told China Daily. "The wedding is our happiest and most precious moment. We don’t care how others consider us, as long as we are together. (W)e are deeply in love and will never desert each other." Zeng’s brother responded to the wedding by freezing Zeng’s capital in the company the two own, he said, and Zeng’s sister told him she won’t acknowledge him as her brother again until he breaks up with Pan. Mayor Sanders and gay daughter talk to reporters after mayor’s Prop 8 trial appearance AFER Board President Chad Gdfli.n, Mayor Sanders and a~ughter Lisa. Wockner photo Republican San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and his gay daughter Lisa talked to reporters in San Francisco on Jan. 19 after the mayor testified in the federal trial seeking to overturn Proposition 8 as a violation of fl~e U.S. Constitution. Here’s some of what they had to say. Before I becan~e mayor I spent 26 years on the San Diego Police Department, and I’m very proud of the career that I had, and I witnessed, in the early years, discrimination in both the department and thee city and, as I’ve said, I’ve seen discrimination and hate crimes occur in the city of San Diego. I think denying marriage equality is just as ~vrong as telling blacks that they couldn’t use white-only drinking fountains. It’s government action that’s founded in prejudice. The first step towards equalityin society is equality under the law. So, I’m unpalatable and embarrassing that it could turn the public against them. Information introduced during the trial on Jan. 13, for example, revealed that one defendant in the case, Hak-Shing William Tam, wrote a letter to voters during the Prop 8 campaign saying that once gays have the right to marr)~ they will pursue legalization of pedophilia. "On their agenda list is: legalize having sex with children," the letter said. Ir a!so claimed that legal same-sex marriage in California would cause "other states (to) fall into Satan’s hands." Prop 8’s lawyers claimed they didn’t ~vanr cameras in court for, among other reasons, fear that their witnesses could face nasty retaliation from militant, if not violent, homosexual thugs who saw the video feed. ~xe anti-same-sex-marriage side also objected to the playing in court of their successfully alarmist TV ads from the Prop 8 campaign, which suggested that gay marriage could lead to schoolchildren being,aught inappropriate, bad or wrong things. Many analysts and commentators believe the gay-marriage-will-harm-your-kids TV ads may have tipped the balance against samesex marriage in the minds of voters both in California and, more recently, Maine, where some of the California ads were recycled. ~e Prop 8 trial is being Iive-blogged, tweeted and analyzed to within an inch of its life by an army of bloggers, activists and news reporters. Prop8trialtracker.com is a good place to start. The San Jose Mercury News also has a good live-blog of the case at mercurynews. com. On Jan. 15, the Courage Campaign, which operates prop8trialtracker, refused to alter the site’s logo after the group was hit with a cease-and-desist demand from protectmarriage.com. The two sites’ logos are identical except for one minor, huraorous variation. See tinyurl.com/logosgate. Courage Campaign said its logo qualifies as permissible parody. ..... Continued see MAYOR - page 6 www.metrostarnews.corn ~{ET~OSTAR 5 �The Bitch is Back By Michael W. Sasser But Bego said Hton is not going to be out of the public spodight. "He does not plan on retiring," Bego said. "We can look forward to music from him for die rest of his life. He is just one of those kinds of artists." Hton John: The Bitch is Back by Mark Bego is available at booksellers nationwide. In Memory of David Marshal1 Beavers March 17, 1968 ..... December 19, 2009 Elton John biographer Mark Bego at 7~e Abbey in West Hollywood,. Photo by: John Klinger ne of the first albums that author Mark Bego bought was an Elton John LP on viny!. Later, one of the first album reviews that Bego wrote for his college newspaper was on an Elton John release. "In a wa)~ I’ve been writing about Elton John for almost 40 years," Bego said. "I’ve always been interested. I fed like I’ve been £ollowinghim for my entire career.’, It therefore comes as no surprise that Bego refers to his latest book, Elton John: The Bitch is Back as "a labor of love." The book was long. in the planning. "About six years ago I talked to my agent about doing a book on Elton, he asked around and at the time there wasn’t a lot of interest," Bego said. Instead, Bego was engaged to write a book on Billy Joel. "Billy Joel and Elton John have a lot of people in common," Bego said. That rene,ved his interest and finally the unauthorized biography of Sir Elton wa~s underway. In Elton John: ~e Bitch is Back, renowned celebrity author Bego has rounded up a fascinating group of interview subjects for this unique biography of one of the music world’s biggest superstars. "~ specifically wanted to talk to people who personally know Etton," Bego said. "Tnese people’s insights into Elton m~e this quite e~citing." Interviews include Mice Cooper, Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones, Mary Wilson of Tne Supremes, Angela Bowie, Sarah Dash of LaBelle, Randy Jones of the Village People, Duncan Faure of Xhe Bay City Rollers, Gary Brooker of Procol Harum and the colorfi~ and outrageous RuPaul. "One interview really led to the next one," Bego said. "I interviewed a lot of people who aren’t normally sought out to talk about Elton. So a lot of die stories in the book are ones that fans of Elton won’t read anywhere else." ~Ihe book focuses on Elton’s public and private life and the absolute intersection of the two. "Usually creative people use inspiration from their personal lives in their work," Bego said. "Elton has certainly lived a colorfi~ life and you can’t ignore that. He has been through so many stages. Gay and not gay, married, drugs. All of these changes had to be induded." John is widely embraced by the gay community, even at stages of his public life where he denied his homosexuality. Bego said that he believes that John’s flirtation with heterosexuality and his brief marriage to a woman were a response to die early days of the AIDS epidemic. ’7~ lot of people, induding Elton, freaked out and I think he decided tie had to daange, had to stop having sex with men or else he was going to die," Bego said. "I think that was the inspiration for his marriage." Heterosexuality did not take, Bego said. "He was having three-way gay sex the same week he got married," the author added. Bego was surprised to learn other things about the estimable Sir Elt0n as well. "He has always been so charitable so it was surprising to discover that he and his real father never got along wel! - even when his father was dying," Bego said. ~lat contrasted with Elton’s close relationship with his stepfather and many other people and causes of which he was supportive. Bego was also surprised to learn j~at the famed collaboration between Elton and Bernie Taupin was a distant one geographically. "q-hey were never in the same place at the same time," Bego said. "One of them would write the music, then send to the other for lyrics. They collaborated but were never together. W~nen they met, that’s how it happened and it just became their formula for Success." Today, Hton is in a new phase of his career - bum/composing music for movies and for Broadway. He has also, Bego said, settled down personally, free of drugs and partnered with his true love. OKZAHObcD~ CITY, OK__ David Beavers passed away shortly before Christmas at Deaconess Hospital after a batde with pneumonia. Born in Mooresville, North Carolina, he is survived by his naother Emily and 2 brothers, Frankie and Mark. He spent d~e last years of the life in Oklahoma City, a well knmvn personality in the gay nightlife scene. He had been affectionately niclmamed Uncle Fester due to an uncanny resemblance and ability to imitate that electrifi!ing charac{er of the Addams Family YV show of the 1960s. He loved cooldng, computers and Patti LaBelle. As he was born on St..Patrick’s day, he loved the parties the bars held on his birthday. During his life he had worked for the State of Oklahoma, Levi’s and the Habana, made many friends and touched a lot of lives. A Memorial Service was held at die Finishline January 24. In Memoriam: Pdcky Lee Miller OK_LAMOMA CITYY, OK ~ Ricky Lee Miller passed away January 11, 20 I0 in Holdenville, Oklahoma at Boyce Manner Nursing Home after suffering from a long illness. He was born in Oklahoma City February 13, 1957 to Karl and Darla Miller. Predeceased by lfis mother Darla, he is survived by his father and stepmother, Lou Mae Miller. Ricky was well known as an expert in Ichthyology ( study of fish/marine life). Memorial services were held on January 14 at Rose Hill Burial Park of Oklahoma City. He will be missed by many longtime friends. proud to say that my daughter Lisa got married to her wife Meaghan in Vermont last month. I’m very proud of both of them and I only wish that she could be recognized as equal under California law. Hopefully the court will do the right thing so that loving couples like Lisa and Meaghan don’t have to travel 3,000 miles to get their marriagglicense -- away from family, away from friends and away from coworkers." "We need to boil this down to people instead of man and woman and everything else. We have two people who have a loving, caring relationship, who can have a family, who can do all the same things that a married couple have, and yet we have said, ’Since you’re not heterosexual, we’re not going to recognize you as being as important as heterosexual relationships.’ I think that’s fundamentally discriminatory and I think that’s wrong." February 2010 �~outhwest v~v.metrostarnews.com I~4;;4:~oSTAR 7 �.... No matter who ~ are on life’s 405:525.9555 o Cho o ~~ A Metropo~ita~Un Community Church �Out &About New Years Eve 2009 Clint ofthe Copa Resolution- Lose weight and be better with my money For 2Ol OWish for more gay marriages[ ~dsa Eagle Staff:ready to serve the o’owd at thier New Years Eve Black & White Ball, and did they ever[ Jenna at Angles, OKC with group. Resolution- to getfit and work out every day. To be happy and not give a f--k what anyone thinks[ ChefSuzie Lopez @ the Boom, OKC. New Year’s Resolution- ~y to loose some zoe~ght, exercise and be more fit. 2010 wish- fbr the economy to come back Cheyenne and Amanda Daye at Tramps New Year’s Res’oltution- ~ love my husband more than I have. Wish fbr 2010- For rny husband to love me more than he hast These three were zoay out of control at the Bamboo Lounge, 7;alsa. KerL~ Susan & Casey@ Partners, OKC Photo Jay Murray with his part~ter Bill Greedier at Phoenix Rising. New Year’s Resolutions- To strive for another 30years togethe~ Wish for 2010Peace in the world Resolution- to Live life, Robert at the Park, OKC with dancer Sam. Wish for 2010- A/lore civil rights, and special rights forpeople like me[ page 12 ~.metrostarnews.corn #~ETROSTAR 9 �February 2010 ��Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy Out &About New Years Eve 2009 Derrick with his 3 gir~ends Detv’tcks ~ " ’ Resolution: To be a better person and not " get too screwed up allyear long & 201 O- World peace. @ Alibi’s, OKC Regina Ledotgv at the Park, owner of.PINKS New Koar"s Resolution- To get my bigger store open a~ make it successfiaL ’ Wish j~r 2010- For evetTone to be more gay fiqendly! @ Club 209, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa Garre#t at Finishline-blonde in center. Resolution- to be happier than I am now Wish for 2010- For everyone w get along and world peace. Richard at the Park OKC. Resolution- have more tim and make more mono,. Wish for 2010- To be bigger and better than 2009! "Tot Eq 2010" February 2010 �by Jack Fertig February 2010 "DoWt take anything for granted, An aspect between Venus in Aquarius and Mercury in Capricorn is supposed to promote charm and flirtation, but carries the risk of trying too hard and coming off as inauthentic. To make it worse, Eris is aspecting both, offering bitchy, competitive undertones. Be careful where you pull out that Margo Channing attitude! Just be your own sweet self, darling. ARIES (March 20-Apri~ !9): "Your keen vision of future possibilities and your competitive spirit can help you talk out tough issues with your boss - or as the boss. You may need to rein it in a little to keep your inspiring speeches realistic. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Knowing better than those around you is no challenge, but does that really matter? The real trick is to excel in serenity. To do that, you have to take time alone to cultivate your cool with meditation and inner exploration. GEMIN~ {May 2% June 20): Speaking in a foreign language or exploring new ideas and possibilities could make you even sexier. Your friends will play along, up to a poin,.t. They have their own agenda. Don t take ~nything for granted! CANCER (June 21- July 22): Being adept in dealing with authority is not the same as being a control queen! If you need help distinguishing the two, your partner’s insights - or any advice you receive in bed - can prove very helpful. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Money’s tight, but getting out to play is necessary for mental health. You can socialize on the cheap! What you really have to offer is your strong sense of values and playfulness. Remember that, and you’ll be rich in the things that count. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Before you say what seems to matter, think about what really matters. Kindness and truth are high on that list. Work harder on kindness. Being kinder to family members could prove much to your advantage. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Your efforts at imitating Dorothy Parker or Bette Davis could end up hurting friends’ feelings. Those old clever bitch imitations have been done to death. You have it in you to be a charming original. ~ 30 ,18 20 19 2"1 22 ;$1 ! 55 56 32 57 59 33 60 PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Charity is not a competitive sport. Give what you can, but remember the airplane drill about putting on your own air mask before helping others. Focus on your own needs and take care of yourself. Then you’ll be in a better position to help others. MCCo METROPOLITAN LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): A little humility would help you develop those teamwork skills. Just remember~ all your brilliance is really based on effectivenes!! Making others look good will reflect better on you than selfish efforts. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): A playful attitude at work can help boost morale and productivity, but keep that playfulness squeaky clean!Responses to naughty provocation will backfire! OK, a little double-entendre in the right places is good, but be very careful with that! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): "Family fun" is supposed to be just that - fiJn. Getting too competitive can spoil it for everyone. Bringing your clan together as a team can strengthen bonds, but remember: friendship first, . competition second! COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BlesSed Day! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Eager to learn new things, " especially at work, you could unintentionally come off as snippy or provocative. Imagine you’re hosting a party with your great-aunts present (or your colleagues’), and behave accordingly. www.metrostarnews.com ~(~t~’oSTAR 13 �Sy&ey Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras This massive celebration began in 1978 and takes place over about four weeks and includes a huge laun& party, a Mars Gras Film Festival, several big parties, and the incrediblycolorfiA Mardi Gras Parade. New this 2010, M~di Gras began holding its massive Mardi Gras tk party aweek after the parade (as opposed to directly after it, as it has in the past). More than a half-million observers and tourists have colne to watch the parade in past years, and the party can draw another 15,000 revelers. Log on to w~w~.mardigras.org.au for a full description of ~ents as well as tickets. You LIKE THIS COLOR T THINKING IT’.6 A L|-r’TLE FOR email: bitt ergirl~qsyndicate.com [~®troSTAR 14 : February 2010 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. A TIONS: HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 www.magneticvalleyresor t.com NELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant A T~W: VALERIE WILHFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 FL ’- GIFTS: INS MA THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a we& 2pm to 2am THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm ro 2am CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21goldcastle.com Northwest Arkansas Center For Equality "Linldng Together as One" RESTA~NTS: HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com Chuck greckenridge JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Ci~, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn TRAVEL sales required. based. For more information: 888-391-9222 www. nwacenterforequality.org 179 Church Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vw,vw.oksmnewall.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 < www.okeq.org CLUB 209 2O9 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubrnajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 N%V 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 ww~v.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXA?RESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com HID ~EAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thin Sat 2pm to 2am ~.metrostarnews.com ,~is~isS~’s Soluti 6no bi~ P A R T s R N NETROSTAR 15 �HELP US BRING OKLAHOMA iNTO THE 2] ST CENTURY! "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What matters, as always, is not what we can’t do, it’s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Party. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the GLBT community, we are working to make change and shape history. T We meet the 1st Tuesday of every month at ~he OKLAHOMA STATE HEADQUARTERS ! � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA VOLUME 7 ISSUE 2 Twitterocom!MetroStarNews Prop 8 federal trial continues in San Francisco News analysis By Rex Wockner Famous atto~v,eys David Boies, le_~ and Ted Olson are infederal court in San Francisco t~sving to kill Prop 8. Also picuwed: Olson’s wife, Lady Booth Olson. Photo by Diana Walker At press time, the trial in the federal lawsuit against Proposition 8 was continuing in U.S. District Court in San Francisco before Judge Vaughn \Valker. Famous heterosexual attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles are trying to convince Walker that Prop 8, which amended California’s constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage, violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law. Leading gay-rights groups have been sidelined in the case, limited to filing "friend of the court" briefs, because they didn’t play nice with Olson and Boles early on. They publicly dissed the case as unwise and poorly timed. ~e lawsuit, which likely will end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, could lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50 states. Convemely, it also could possibly stall the movement for same-sex marriage for a generation, should the U.S. Supreme Court uphold Prop 8. Judge Walker had wanted to beam video of the trial to other federal courthouses and post it on YouTube, but the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, put the kibosh on that idea Jan. 13, saying officials in the federal courts’ 9th Circuit hadn’t followed proper procedure in lifting the ban on cameras in federal courts. Olson and Boles strongly supported broadcasting the trial. The pro-Prop-8 side vociferously opposed the plan, ultimately filing an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court to stop it. Gay activists and commentators suggested that Prop 8 defenders were horrified at the idea of the trial being broadcast because they lmow that their anti-gay rhetoric, which is being analyzed in detail at the trial, is hateful, false and, when exposed in f~l, so ........Continued See PROP 8 Page-5 ® MetroStarNews.com FEBRUARY 1,2010 OkEq Celebrates "Wi d Hearts Week nd" with p ans for ree Events for Valentines - TULSA, OK (PR) __ Oklahomans for Equality, Oklahoma’s preeminent Gay Rights Organization will host three separate events beginning Friday February 12th, Saturday February 13th and Sunday February !4th at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center at 621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa. FRIDAY, February t2th, from 7-9pro, the first of the "Wild Hearts Weekend" events: Relationship Recognition Reception - an effort to mitigate the discrimination against the GLBT Community due to a lack of Equal Marriage Rights will be held in the Great Hall of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center beginning with a lecture series by Tulsa’s top legal and financial professionals Saturday, February 13th, 2010, 7-11pm, the second of the "Wild Hearts Weekend" events: Wild Hearts Ball 10th Anniversary Celebration and Dance - the annual fundraiser and social event to benefit Otdahomans for Equality will be held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with dance music by DJ Zeke with video graphics set to the best mobile light show in town. Also available are Party Pictures with Cupid by Steven Michael Hall Photography, party appetizers and desserts along with raffles and door prizes plus a silent auction. Cash Bar available for guests 21 mad older. Sunday, February 14th, 2010, 1 lam-2pm - The third of the "Wild Hearts W-eekend" public. with Debby@okeq.org or call 918-743-4297. State Representative AI McAffrey to introduce Legislation for Domestic Partner Benefits for Ol ahoma State Employees By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK In the upcoming legislative session, State Representative A1 McAffrey plans to introduce legislation to allow domestic partners of Oklahoma state employees to obtain health care benefits. Mr. McAffrey, Oklahoma’s only first and only openly gay state legislator, a Democrat who represents District 88, stated that it would enable the partners of state employees to obtain the benefits currently available to spouses and dependents. A domestic partner is defined as someone Darters whom on is involved in and would include heterosexual couples as well as those in same sex relationships. This is the first time this has been proposed in the Oklahoma legislature. He related that this would not only help provide those eligible better access to healthcare coverage, it would help attract and retain talent among Oklahomas workers as well as raise consciousness in Oklahoma about that issue. It will be introduced when the session begins February 1, where it may or may not get out of committee, and if it does it may or may not pass. But he promised that if it doesn’t succeed, "I’ll introduce it again next year" ~entine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire: In ancient Rome, February !4th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine (photo above) was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II, He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged as the Goddess ofwomen and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalla. The lives ofyoung boys and girls were strictly sep~ate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and ~vould then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with dubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, around the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a ceremonies, names ofyoung women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and Unpopular campaignS: Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers ) join his military leagues. He believed that reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius, RDI R.AS celebrations include lots offeasting, partying and parading on the big day, also kno~vn as Shrove Tuesday - just before Ash Vdednesday - when the Church rules offasting and sacrifice take effect. It’s been that way in Christian countries around the world sinCe the Middle Ages. Today most of the world’s celebrations occur during the week ofFat Tuesday, which falls on February 16th this year. Fat Tuesday in New Orleans It’s been five long years since the devastation of names of saints for those of maidens. As the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom ofyoung men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as for ; year, arose in this Hurricane Katrina, and the biggest party town in America ~vill pick itselfup for the 2010 Fat Tuesday celebration with even bigger crowds - and more parades - expected this year. The New Orleans Mardi Gras parade schedule began on January 6, that is when the first King Cakes are socially avafl~biel k ~onti~ues thr0tlgh to Fat Tuesday, February 16, 2010. Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebrations around the world The biggest and loudest ofthem, as always, are in Rio and New Orleans, although the Karneval, or Fasching, festivities in Cologne and Berlin get pretty wild, Carnaval in Nice shows offthe ~vackier side ofthe trendy Riviera scene, and the Italians in Venice are the worldwide experts on the art ofstreet theater. Ban Empl uptcv * Civil Rights Criminal ment * FamilV Law Litigation Street )ma cit% OK 73103 2 ~ETROSTAR February 2010 PFLAG OKC joins with Edmond By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OY,ZAHOMA CITY, OK __ A merger with PFLAG Oldatloma City and PFLAG Edmond has been in the works over the past fe~v months. Officially, the two ioined forces on October 12th, joining to make both a single, stronger group. People often come. to PFLAG to find acceptance and support for GLBT issues and understanding. Some people just become involved to offer Bobbie and Georgie co-facilitate the Transgender support group in support. Oklahoma City. Townsendphoto "We are now PFI~G, OKC/Edmond under one name," said Louise Baker, President of the group. "One of the reasons we became OKC/ Edmond PFLAG is that OKC has many gay-straigi~t alliances and Edmond has none. Those gays will have parents who want to look for support. We feel it is a win-win and a good move for both groups." The combined groups ofPFLAG OKC/ promoting family involvement. The benefits of membership; you get an email vote for officers, you are a part ofPFLAG poll by national quarterly. There are educational programs and you help create a safe environment for people. The group is also actively working to promote equality in schools. "We are very dose in one of the three high schools in Edmond will be hostinga ~ndraising event Edmond to ~:et a GSA (gav-strai~t alliance)," to sppp0rt the cause. The event wilJ b~ ~e!d said B~er. One student said~they wanted at ~he Boom (on the O~C strip); Saturday it. They wrote the bylaws and sent it to the FebruaW 27th at 7 pm. Emcee will be student cotmcil~ There is dso a r~ need for Heather Scott, PFLAG Secretary, ~raoke by Shown Elmore, PFLAG Vice-President, Stand-Up Comedy Louise Bakel; PFLAG President. The group promises fun for everyone! "It’s not i.ust about going to a comedy act. We really want people to come out and support PFLAG," adds Baker. "We need to be here fore support and advocacy." The group is also looking for members. Family membership is $40 and single is $35, thus GSA’s in the middle school also but ~ve are taking this one step at a time." .PFI_&G OKC/Edmond would also like to add that they applaud the OKCPS board for passing the passing the anti-bullying policy to include GLBT’S. PFLAG OKC/Edmond meets the first Tuesday of each month. For questions, or if you would like’ to attend a meeting, please call (405) 525-3800 or write to pflagokc@yahoo. com. ahoma Gay Caucus, over ? By Victor Gorin Contrib[lting writer Lesbian OKL~MOMA CITY, OK When current O.G.L.EC. male co-chair Patti ~hompson was first elected to that post in 1992, he inherited what was then an orgaafization on the move vibrantly working for change against tough odds. The Oklahoma Gay mid Lesbian Political Caucus, ( kamwn better as O.G.L.EC.) had been formed and incorporated in 1985, with chapters in both Oklalmma City and Tulsa. ~ae organization became a major institution of the Okdahoma GLBT community, usually present whenever there was an opportunity for action to affect change. Their purpose was to educate the GLBT community about voting and taking part in the politic~ process, and also to educate dected officials about issues of the GLBT community. O.G.L.P.C. held annual dinners to celebrate accomplishments and future hopes, issuing annual awards of merit to deserving individuals as well as "Phobie Awards" towards those who deserved that distinction. O.G.L.EC. continued to grow, their tables often seen registering voters, signing up members and passing out literature at community gathering places and events. Amassing a mailing list of over 3,000 gay or gay friendly Oldalloma households, they issued voter guides during major elections letting these voters know who their friends were. When O.G.L.EC.’S Membership/Mailing Chair John Calhoun moved to Canada in 2007 it was a major loss for the organization, which was already strained from a lack of active membership for the past several years. This came to a head in 2009, when Treasurer Diana Faulkner’s term expired and there to nobody to take that office, which is currently administered in the interim by Paul Thompson. Consensus of the group at the point was that the group must change course or dissolve. A letter was sent out to the general membership advising them of a Final Meeting taking place Monday, February 8 at 7 p.m. located at Okdalloma City’s Neighborhood Alliance Center, 1236 N.W 36th Street ( N.W. 36th Street and Classen Boulevard). As Paul Thompson relates, "It’s gotten to the point where so few of us are actively engaged that it (O.G.L.P.C.) simply cannot be sustained as it is. Without enough people we cannot accomplish any meaningful work. There’s no point in going on if we’re not going to do a good job." Regardless of the outcome, Paul stated that he will no longer serve as male co-chair following the February meeting, Also currently serving as officers are Female co-chair Jeanne Flanigan and Secretary Victor Gorin. Pending the outcome of the February meeting, based on the attendance, commitment and interest shown, a decision will be made as to the future of the organization, which has a long history and legacy. For those interested in seeing O.G.L.P.C. continue, it wil! be imperative that they are at this final meeting. AuthOr Rouse in Tulsa for his neW book s gnmg. TULSA, OK (PR) On Tuesday, February 2nd at 7:00pm, Oklahomans for Equality and Booksmart Tulsa ~vill host a literary event and book signing at the Dennis R. Nell! Equality Center, 621 East 4th Street, Tulsa Oldahoma with xYgade Rouse for At Least in the City Someone Would HearMe Scream. Finally fed up with the frenzy of city life and a job he hates, Wade Rouse decided to make either the bravest decision of his life or the worst mistake since his botched Ogilvie home perm. He uproots his life and tries as Thoreau did some 160 years earlier, to "live a plain, simple life in radically reduced conditions." Wade and his partner, Gary, leave culture, cable and consumerism behind and strike out for rural Michigan-a place with fewer people than in their former spinning dass. AtLeast in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream is a sidesplitting and heartwarming look at taking a risk, fulfilling a dream, and finding a home-with very thick and very dark curtains. "Firs sday" Art Opening and Exhibit of Origina Works by Robb ConoYero TULSA, OK (PR) The February Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists ar the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa), will feature an array ofworks by artist Robb Conover. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, February 4th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month of February. Robb Conover’s art is influenced by some of the world’s greatest POP Artists, Watercolorists, Realist and Sculptors plus Film as an art media. His work is driven by a method to his madness. He works out a calculated plan to arrange expression and soul into all forms that end up on his canvas. After studying in New York, Los Angeles and Phoenix, Robb states "there are no accidental meetings, not even in art. There’s a reason for every inch of paint that you see on my canvas. Ifwe are to tmderstand art as an experience we cannot fear what the artist brings back with him from his journey~ to other planes and planets". Robb’s art will be on display through February 2010. wwv¢,metrostamews.corn ;OETROSTAR 3 Compatible Odd Couple by James Nimmo OFd~AHONLA CITY, OK__ I’m compatible with Sally Kern! Yup, you read it right. ~hough Kern and I are polar opposites religiously, politically, orientationally, and educationally, I’m compatible with Oklahoma GOPer Rep.~ Sally Kern and her newly introduced HB 2279 which, if passed, would not allow incompatibility to be used a~ grounds for a divorce between opposite gender (of course) adults. Kern who has hyperventilated while sniffng in gay and lesbian closets has nmv turned her big nose m sniffing between the sheets of the hetero marriage bed. ( http:// tinyutl.com/yc45mhh ) Pre-existing conditions such as minor children in the household, a marriage of ten years or longer, or written objection by the other spouse would prevent using incompatibility as grounds for an Oklahoma divorce. I’m so compatible with Kern over her non-divorce bill I could be the son she almost had. Not only that, I’!1 see her bet and raise her one. Tlais being Oklahoma, the third hole in America’s Bible Belt, I ~vouldn’t bet the rent on this bill dying in committee, the fate of most of the worst of Okie legislative submissions. N~erefore, I’m proposing a bill that would take Kern’s aspirations a step higher. Since a judge, in effect, examines the two people engaged in a divorce proceeding to see if at least one of the parties has suNcient grounds for divorce, why not have a judge examine the proposed bride and groom at the beginning of the procedure when they apply for an Oldahoma marriage license? Why not head off any incompatible marriages before they become incompatible divorces? In Iny bill, the hopeful newlyweds would have to prove to the examiner not only their undying love for each other but also have to prove that their financial prospects are propitious, their religious beliefs are rooted in the Christian Bible, their educational backgrounds are conducive to a lifetime of constructive pillow talk, and above all, both parties are willing and able to produce children as fast as physically possible. A failing grade in any of these aspects would disallow the issuance of the marriage license. If Kern wants to meddle in straight people’s private affairs just as she has in gay people’s affairs shouldn’t she be willing to fully insert the police power of the state right from the beginning of a proposed marriage? In fact, Kern should revise her divorce bill as a state question needing approval from the voters. If marriage is so important that it must be denied to same-gender ta~xpayers, as it is in Oklahomii, why not let straight voters police themselves? As a staunch and starchy "kernserwative", as she bills herself, shouldn’t she be strong enough to impose the state government into all aspects of married life? She claims her bill will alleviate many of Oklahoma’s societal ills. ’She proclaims "If ~ve eould reduce divorce in Oklahoma we would also reduce our prison population and welfare rolls while benefiting families and children. That’s a goal xvorth pursuing." This link includes the text of the Kern bill, http:/Itinyurl.com/ydq9fgd She continues, "Ifwe can lower our divorce rate, our quality of life will improve and we will also reduce the need for many state services in this time of budget shortfall, freeing tip money to go to core services such as schools and roads." Who knew that keeping children in a warring household with two unhappy parents was the solution that would help reduce Oklahoma’s budget deficit? Again, Kern is using children as a shield for her schizophrenic view of privacy. Remember in 2009 she proposed and passed a legislative resolution objecting to a United Nations project to protect children from violence. If she wants to protect children from the harms of divorce, why is she against protecting children from violence? ( http://tinyufl. com/y8ujchv ) Remember the joke that was going around concerning the mock acceptance of same-gender marriage? It went something like, "Why should gays and lesbians be spared the pitfalls and expense of married life?" My new version of that joke is, "Why should straights be spared the intrusiveness of Sally Kern poking her nose into their marriages or divorces?" Or here’s another joke, this time from one of Kern’s heroes, Ronald Reagan. In one of his speeches, he said poking maliciously at government programs, "I’m from the government and I’m here to help you." Isn’t Sally Kern from the government? Is she here to help you? Among many religious fundamentalists and political conservatives (Butt repeat myself) there is the thinking that America is an exceptional country. Now I know what they mean by that. They’re saying "America must play by the rules Iset down, but when it’s convenient, I get an exception)’ In Kerffs case she claims an exception for her divorce bill and its intrusive meddling in the private matrimonial affairs of adults. Transgender support group meets in OKC By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Each Monday of the month, the TWOFOLD (Transgender With Out Fear Of Lifestyle Disapproval) meets in NW Oklahoma City. This peer support group is designed to allow attendees the opportunity to share their feelings, frustrations and coping mechanisms for those experiencing common identity changes that accompany gender identity issues. "We are pretty lucky here because I think people are really accepting," said Bobby, one of the co-facilitators of the group. "We have had two particularly interesting people recently come to our meetings. One was 19 and one was 9 years old. She [9 year old] had the support of the morn, but not really the dad or the school." "The 19 year old and fought with her morn about wearing dresses and not wanting to grow her hair long," added Georgie, another group co-facilitator. "Then she realized and understood now that we have this anti bullying law." Transgendered people often live with the fear of being lonely, unlovable and, more practically, unemployed. According to the traqsgendered news source, ’Topix,’ sixty percent of transgender people in one 2006 study were unemployed, for example. Many relationships end during and after transition. Dating can be painful; several people interviewed said it xvas nearly impossible to find understanding partners. "We want to be there to help the counselors as Well as family members and the transgendered person looking for help and acceptance," added Georgie. "We ~vant to be a resource for the public schools, PFLAG and other of thgse types of organizations." If you would like to attend the meetings, you must call (405) 443-4131 or email info@ twofoldgroup.org. Visitors are screened for authenticity to protect those truly seeking help. Lifestyle Fitness column by Ronald Blake returns to Metro Star in next months issue. Photo: RonaM Blake, Cet~fied Fitness Instructor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association The best New Year’s resolution to have is the one that works for you. Don’t have a resolution just for the sake of having one or just to keep up with the Joneses. Find something that needs improvement and take it to task. I have parted the Red Sea and several health and fitness resolution suggestions are malting their way to the Promised Land. Use social networking sites to find ten other peoplethat are resoMng to do the same thing as you. Use these people as your support group to keep your resolution on track. It is much better to have a group of individuals striving for the same goal. Stay in communication ~vith these team members as frequently as possible for the best results. Purchase a diary and start using it. Forget about all the normal nonsense that authors usually pen. inside these autobiographies. Just keep tabs on all the exercise you get throughout the year. Make a daily notation even if you didn’t have any physical exertion on a particular day. This Catholic guilt method should keep you feeling the need for some form of exercise each day. After a years absence, fitness guru Ronald Blake returns in the March issue. Pucker Up and Take It from TwoLips Burlesk A Valentine’s burlesque performance on matters of the heart. TULSA, OK (PR) __ TwoLips Burlesk will be performing their debut show, Pucker Up and Take It, on Friday, February 5th, 2010, 9:00pm, with an encore performance Saturda); February 6th, 9:00pro at the Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. 4th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Brand new in 2010, two years-before the apocalypse, Tulsa has a new kind of performance troupe in town: ~¢¢oLips Burlesk! This Valentine’s show, encompassing the true spirit of burlesque, vaudeville, cabaret, tease--and even a little drag to sweeten things up~T~voLips Burlesk treat you and your loved ones to the tastiest treats to hit the streets since chocolates in a box. Founded by Tulsans Amanda Storms, Tarynn Archer, and Chris Dailey, TxvoLips brings you a performance spectacle that will dazzle, excite, and prove to be the finest of its kind--raising the bar for local burlesque. Featuring the talents of Poppy Pie, Honey Du Jour, Sinna’ Bunnz, and Tangy Tart along with other local favorites, the show is ¯ packed full of sugary goodness, and will have you laughing hysterically and drooling vdth excitement. Still hungry? There’s more: drag-lesque, audience participation, topless antics---even a kissing booth! And to top it all off, the evening will be hosted by non5 other than Tulsa’s own National Midwest Entertainer of the Year, Drag Emcee Extraordinaire Nildd Le’Chapelle. Come and support Tulsa’s sweetest troupe! Pucker Up and Take It from TwoLips Burlesk runs February 5th and 6th at 9:00pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. Intended for mature, like-minded audiences only. For more information:contact Amanda Storms at TwoLip~Burlesk@gmail. corn, call (918) 232-1448, or visit the TwoLips Butlesk page on Facebook. Free help 8 89 February 2010 U.S. HIV border ban lifted Bozeman protects gays and transgenders New policies that removed the United States’ 22-year-old ban on HIV-positive immigrants and foreign visitors took effect Jan. 4. Three days later, HIV-positive Dutchman Clemens Ruland and his partner Hugo Bausch arrived at New York’s Kennedy Airport and were met by a representative ofHuman Rights Watch and the Dutch Embassy’s cultural attache. "Travel restrictions on HIV-positive people fundamentally affect their human dignity," said Boris Dittrich from HRW’s LGBT Rights Program. "Lifting the HIV travel ban was a victory for human rights." Bausch won the trip for himself and Ruland in a Dutch AIDS Foundation contest to celebrate the ban’s demise. In announcing the change last October, President Barack Obama said: "We talk about reducing the stigma of this disease, yet we’ve treated a visitor living with it as a threat. We lead the world when it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandemic, yet we are one of only a dozen countries that still bar people with HIV from entering our own country. Ifwe want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it." In a joint statement at the time, the Global Network of People Living With HIV, the European AIDS Treatment Group and Germany’s Deutsche AIDSHilfe "congratulate[d] the United States government on fulfilling its promise and completing the legal procedure that was started by former President Bush on World AIDS Day 2007." "This is a great victory for the fight against the worldwide discrimination of people living with HIV," said AIDS-Hilfe’s Peter Wiessner. "I remember times where we never thought that this ,vould happen. This is an emotional moment and it feels a bit like the fall of the Berlin Wall." EATG’s David Haerry called the ban’s demise "groundbreaking" and said it sends "a strong message to other countries maintaining stigmatizing restrictions today, such as Russia, China, Australia and Canada." The groups’ statement said that more than 60 nations, including some in Europe, have sugmanzmg entry or residency restr,cnons and that "27 countries deport people on the grounds of having an HIV infection." Xhe three organizations said they hope the U.S. government will take one final step in relegating the ban to the dustbin of hist0ry: "Erase all information with regards to the HIV status of people ftom its immigration databases." Trans priso to. open Italy About 30 inmates wilt be moved to a prison near Florence, Italy, that will house only transgender prisoners, local media reported Jan. 12. The facility in the town of Pozzale is nearly vacant at present, holding two female inmates. ~e City Commission in Bozeman, Mont., on Jan. 11 added ~sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to a policy that protects city" employees from discrimination. The vote was 3-0. The policy also will officially extend spousal benefits to employees’ same-sex partners. Gay couple ’marries’ in China State media reported Jan. 13 that a gay couple got "married" in a gay bar in Chengdu, China. Zeng Anquan, 45, and Pan Wenjie, 27, tied tile knot before 200 gay friends. "We are no !onger hiding anymore," Zeng told China Daily. "The wedding is our happiest and most precious moment. We don’t care how others consider us, as long as we are together. (W)e are deeply in love and will never desert each other." Zeng’s brother responded to the wedding by freezing Zeng’s capital in the company the two own, he said, and Zeng’s sister told him she won’t acknowledge him as her brother again until he breaks up with Pan. Mayor Sanders and gay daughter talk to reporters after mayor’s Prop 8 trial appearance AFER Board President Chad Gdfli.n, Mayor Sanders and a~ughter Lisa. Wocknerphoto Republican San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and his gay daughter Lisa talked to reporters in San Francisco on Jan. 19 after the mayor testified in the federal trial seeking to overturn Proposition 8 as a violation of fl~e U.S. Constitution. Here’s some ofwhat they had to say. Before I becan~e mayor I spent 26 years on the San Diego Police Department, and I’m very proud of the career that I had, and I witnessed, in the early years, discrimination in both the department and thee city and, as I’ve said, I’ve seen discrimination and hate crimes occur in the city of San Diego. I think denying marriage equality is just as ~vrong as telling blacks that they couldn’t use white-only drinking fountains. It’s government action that’s founded in prejudice. The first step towards equalityin society is equality under the law. So, I’m .....Continued see MAYOR - page 6 Wockner News Gay weddings to start in D.C. March 5 Gay marriages will start in the District of Columbia, the latest locality to legalize "samesex marriage, on March 5. That’s when the bill passed by the Council and signed by the mayor xvill have completed its mandated congressional review period and any couples who obtained a license on the first day possible, March 2, will have made it through the mandatory three-day waiting period between getting a license and getting married. Same-sex marriage is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain and Sweden; in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province; and in the U.S. states’of Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. It will become legal in Portugal in April. unpalatable and embarrassing that it could turn the public against them. Information introduced during the trial on Jan. 13, for example, revealed that one defendant in the case, Hak-Shing William Tam, wrote a letter to voters during the Prop 8 campaign saying that once gays have the right to marr)~ they will pursue legalization of pedophilia. "On their agenda list is: legalize having sex with children," the letter said. Ir a!so claimed that legal same-sex marriage in California would cause "other states (to) fall into Satan’s hands." Prop 8’s lawyers claimed they didn’t ~vanr cameras in court for, among other reasons, fear that their witnesses could face nasty retaliation from militant, if not violent, homosexual thugs who saw the video feed. ~xe anti-same-sex-marriage side also objected to the playing in court of their successfully alarmist TV ads from the Prop 8 campaign, which suggested that gay marriage could lead to schoolchildren being,aught inappropriate, bad or wrong things. Many analysts and commentators believe the gay-marriage-will-harm-your-kids TV ads may have tipped the balance against samesex marriage in the minds of voters both in California and, more recently, Maine, where some of the California ads were recycled. ~e Prop 8 trial is being Iive-blogged, tweeted and analyzed to within an inch of its life by an army of bloggers, activists and news reporters. Prop8trialtracker.com is a good place to start. The San Jose Mercury News also has a good live-blog of the case at mercurynews. com. On Jan. 15, the Courage Campaign, which operates prop8trialtracker, refused to alter the site’s logo after the group was hit with a cease-and-desist demand from protectmarriage.com. The two sites’ logos are identical except for one minor, huraorous variation. See tinyurl.com/logosgate. Courage Campaign said its logo qualifies as permissible parody. www.metrostarnews.corn ~{ET~OSTAR 5 The Bitch is Back By Michael W. Sasser But Bego said Hton is not going to be out of the public spodight. "He does not plan on retiring," Bego said. "We can look forward to music from him for die rest of his life. He is just one of those kinds of artists." Hton John: The Bitch is Back by Mark Bego is available at booksellers nationwide. In Memory ofDavid Marshal1 Beavers March 17, 1968.....December 19, 2009 Elton John biographer Mark Bego at 7~e Abbey in West Hollywood,. Photo by: John Klinger ne of the first albums that author Mark Bego bought was an Elton John LP on viny!. Later, one of the first album reviews that Bego wrote for his college newspaper was on an Elton John release. "In a wa)~ I’ve been writing about Elton John for almost 40 years," Bego said. "I’ve always been interested. I fed like I’ve been £ollowinghim for my entire career.’, It therefore comes as no surprise that Bego refers to his latest book, Elton John: The Bitch is Back as "a labor of love." The book was long. in the planning. "About six years ago I talked to my agent about doing a book on Elton, he asked around and at the time there wasn’t a lot of interest," Bego said. Instead, Bego was engaged to write a book on Billy Joel. "Billy Joel and Elton John have a lot of people in common," Bego said. That rene,ved his interest and finally the unauthorized biography of Sir Elton wa~s underway. In Elton John: ~e Bitch is Back, renowned celebrity author Bego has rounded up a fascinating group of interview subjects for this unique biography of one of the music world’s biggest superstars. "~ specifically wanted to talk to people who personally know Etton," Bego said. "Tnese people’s insights into Elton m~e this quite e~citing." Interviews include Mice Cooper, Bill Wyman ofThe Rolling Stones, Mary Wilson ofTne Supremes, Angela Bowie, Sarah Dash of LaBelle, Randy Jones of the Village People, Duncan Faure ofXhe Bay City Rollers, Gary Brooker of Procol Harum and the colorfi~ and outrageous RuPaul. "One interview really led to the next one," Bego said. "I interviewed a lot of people who aren’t normally sought out to talk about Elton. So a lot of die stories in the book are ones that fans of Elton won’t read anywhere else." ~Ihe book focuses on Elton’s public and private life and the absolute intersection of the two. "Usually creative people use inspiration from their personal lives in their work," Bego said. "Elton has certainly lived a colorfi~ life and you can’t ignore that. He has been through so many stages. Gay and not gay, married, drugs. All of these changes had to be induded." John is widely embraced by the gay community, even at stages of his public life where he denied his homosexuality. Bego said that he believes that John’s flirtation with heterosexuality and his brief marriage to a woman were a response to die early days of the AIDS epidemic. ’7~ lot of people, induding Elton, freaked out and I think he decided tie had to daange, had to stop having sex with men or else he was going to die," Bego said. "I think that was the inspiration for his marriage." Heterosexuality did not take, Bego said. "He was having three-way gay sex the same week he got married," the author added. Bego was surprised to learn other things about the estimable Sir Elt0n as well. "He has always been so charitable so it was surprising to discover that he and his real father never got along wel! - even when his father was dying," Bego said. ~lat contrasted with Elton’s close relationship with his stepfather and many other people and causes of which he was supportive. Bego was also surprised to learn j~at the famed collaboration between Elton and Bernie Taupin was a distant one geographically. "q-hey were never in the same place at the same time," Bego said. "One of them would write the music, then send to the other for lyrics. They collaborated but were never together. W~nen they met, that’s how it happened and it just became their formula for Success." Today, Hton is in a new phase of his career - bum/composing music for movies and for Broadway. He has also, Bego said, settled down personally, free of drugs and partnered with his true love. OKZAHObcD~ CITY, OK__ David Beavers passed away shortly before Christmas at Deaconess Hospital after a batde with pneumonia. Born in Mooresville, North Carolina, he is survived by his naother Emily and 2 brothers, Frankie and Mark. He spent d~e last years of the life in Oklahoma City, a well knmvn personality in the gay nightlife scene. He had been affectionately niclmamed Uncle Fester due to an uncanny resemblance and ability to imitate that electrifi!ing charac{er of the Addams Family YV show of the 1960s. He loved cooldng, computers and Patti LaBelle. As he was born on St..Patrick’s day, he loved the parties the bars held on his birthday. During his life he had worked for the State of Oklahoma, Levi’s and the Habana, made many friends and touched a lot of lives. A Memorial Service was held at die Finishline January 24. In Memoriam: Pdcky Lee Miller OK_LAMOMA CITYY, OK~Ricky Lee Miller passed away January 11, 20 I0 in Holdenville, Oklahoma at Boyce Manner Nursing Home after suffering from a long illness. He was born in Oklahoma City February 13, 1957 to Karl and Darla Miller. Predeceased by lfis mother Darla, he is survived by his father and stepmother, Lou Mae Miller. Ricky was well known as an expert in Ichthyology ( study of fish/marine life). Memorial services were held on January 14 at Rose Hill Burial Park of Oklahoma City. He will be missed by many longtime friends. proud to say that my daughter Lisa got married to her wife Meaghan in Vermont last month. I’m very proud of both of them and I only wish that she could be recognized as equal under California law. Hopefully the court will do the right thing so that loving couples like Lisa and Meaghan don’t have to travel 3,000 miles to get their marriagglicense -- away from family, away from friends and away from coworkers." "We need to boil this down to people instead ofman and woman and everything else. We have two people who have a loving, caring relationship, who can have a family, who can do all the same things that a married couple have, and yet we have said, ’Since you’re not heterosexual, we’re not going to recognize you as being as important as heterosexual relationships.’ I think that’s fundamentally discriminatory and I think that’s wrong." February 2010 ~outhwest v~v.metrostarnews.com I~4;;4:~oSTAR 7 No matter who ~ .... are on life’s 405:525.9555 o Cho o ~ Un ~ A Metropo~ita~ Community Church Out &About New Years Eve 2009 ~dsa Eagle Staff:ready to serve the o’owd at thier New Years Eve Black & White Ball, and did they ever[ These three were zoay out ofcontrol at the Bamboo Lounge, 7;alsa. Clint ofthe Copa Resolution- Lose weight and be better with my money For 2OlOWishfor more gay marriages[ Jenna atAngles, OKC with group. Resolution- to getfit and work out every day. To be happy and notgive af--k what anyone thinks[ ChefSuzie Lopez @ the Boom, OKC. New Year’s Resolution- ~y to loose some zoe~ght, exercise and be morefit. 2010 wish-fbr the economy to come back Cheyenne andAmanda Daye at Tramps New Year’s Res’oltution- ~ love my husband more than I have. Wishfbr 2010- For rny husband to love me more than he hast KerL~ Susan & Casey@ Partners, OKC Photo Jay Murray with his part~ter Bill Greedier at Phoenix Rising. New Year’s Resolutions- To strivefor another 30years togethe~ Wishfor 2010- Peace in the world Resolution- to Live life, Robert at the Park, OKC with dancer Sam. Wishfor 2010- A/lore civil rights, and special rightsforpeople like me[ page 12 ~.metrostarnews.corn #~ETROSTAR 9 February 2010 Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy Out &About New Years Eve 2009 Derrick with his 3 gir~ends De~ tv’t"cks’ Resoluti"on: To be a betterperson and not get too screwed up allyear long &201O-Worldpeace. @Alibi’s, OKC Regina Ledotgv at the Park, owner of.PINKS New Koar"s Resolution- To get my bigger store open a~ make it successfiaL ’ Wishj~r 2010- For evetTone to be more gayfiqendly! @ Club 209, Tulsa Garre#t at Finishline-blonde in center. Resolution- to be happier than I am now Wishfor 2010- For everyone w get along and worldpeace. Richard at the Park OKC. Resolution- have more tim and make more mono,. Wishfor 2010- To be @Club Majestic, Tulsa "Tot Eq 2010" bigger and better than 2009! February 2010 by Jack Fertig February 2010 "DoWt take anything for granted, An aspect between Venus in Aquarius and Mercury in Capricorn is supposed to promote charm and flirtation, but carries the risk of trying too hard and coming off as inauthentic. To make it worse, Eris is aspecting both, offering bitchy, competitive undertones. Be careful where you pull out that Margo Channing attitude! Just be your own sweet self, darling. ARIES (March 20-Apri~ !9): "Your keen vision of future possibilities and your competitive spirit can help you talk out tough issues with your boss - or as the boss. You may need to rein it in a little to keep your inspiring speeches realistic. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Knowing better than those around you is no challenge, but does that really matter? The real trick is to excel in serenity. To do that, you have to take time alone to cultivate your cool with meditation and inner exploration. GEMIN~ {May 2% June 20): Speaking in a foreign language or exploring new ideas and possibilities could make you even sexier. Your friends will play along, up to a poin,.t. They have their own agenda. Don t take ~nything for granted! CANCER (June 21- July 22): Being adept in dealing with authority is not the same as being a control queen! If you need help distinguishing the two, your partner’s insights - or any advice you receive in bed - can prove very helpful. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): A little humility would help you develop those teamwork skills. Just remember~ all your brilliance is really based on effectivenes!! Making others look good will reflect better on you than selfish efforts. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): A playful attitude at work can help boost morale and productivity, but keep that playfulness squeaky clean!Responses to naughty provocation will backfire! OK, a little double-entendre in the right places is good, but be very careful with that! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): "Family fun" is supposed to be just that - fiJn. Getting too competitive can spoil it for everyone. Bringing your clan together as a team can strengthen bonds, but remember: friendship first, . competition second! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Eager to learn new things, " especially at work, you could unintentionally come off as snippy or provocative. Imagine you’re hosting a party with your great-aunts present (or your colleagues’), and behave accordingly. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Money’s tight, but getting out to play is necessary for mental health. You can socialize on the cheap! What you really have to offer is your strong sense of values and playfulness. Remember that, and you’ll be rich in the things that count. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Before you say what seems to matter, think about what really matters. Kindness and truth are high on that list. Work harder on kindness. Being kinder to family members could prove much to your advantage. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Your efforts at imitating Dorothy Parker or Bette Davis could end up hurting friends’ feelings. Those old clever bitch imitations have been done to death. You have it in you to be a charming original. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Charity is not a competitive sport. Give what you can, but remember the airplane drill about putting on your own air mask before helping others. Focus on your own needs and take care of yourself. Then you’ll be in a better position to help others. MCCo METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM ~ ,18 19 20 2"1 22 30 ! ;$1 32 33 55 56 57 59 60 Have a God filled and BlesSed Day! www.metrostarnews.com ~(~t~’oSTAR 13 Sy&ey Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras This massive celebration began in 1978 and takes place over about four weeks and includes a huge laun& party, a Mars Gras Film Festival, several big parties, and the incrediblycolorfiA Mardi Gras Parade. New this 2010, M~di Gras began holding its massive Mardi Gras tk party aweek after the parade (as opposed to directly after it, as it has in the past). More than a half-million observers and tourists have colne to watch the parade in past years, and the party can draw another 15,000 revelers. Log on to w~w~.mardigras.org.au for a full description of ~ents as well as tickets. You LIKE THIS COLOR T THINKING IT’.6 A L|-r’TLE FOR email: bittergirl~qsyndicate.com : [~®troSTAR 14 February 2010 Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. A TIONS: HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 www.magneticvalleyresort.com NELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant A T~W: VALERIE WILHFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 FL ’- GIFTS: INS MA ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 2O9 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubrnajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 N%V 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 ww~v.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXA?RESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com HID~EAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thin Sat 2pm to 2am THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a we& 2pm to 2am THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm ro 2am CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vw,vw.oksmnewall.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 RESTA~NTS: GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Ci~, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn TRAVEL < ,~is~isS~’s Soluti 6no bi~ P A R T s R N Northwest Arkansas Center For Equality "Linldng Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 www.nwacenterforequality.org 179 Church Ave, Fayetteville, AR72703 ~.metrostarnews.com Chuck greckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. sales required. based. NETROSTAR 15 HELP US BRING OKLAHOMA iNTO THE 2] ST CENTURY! "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What matters, as always, is not what we can’t do, it’s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Party. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the GLBT community, we are working to make change and shape history. T We meet the 1st Tuesday ofevery month at ~he OKLAHOMA STATE HEADQUARTERS ! Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 2 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Gabbard Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Steven Petrow Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189 The Metro Star Magazine, March 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/193 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/188 "At Least Someone in the City Will Hear Me Scream" "Wild Hearts Weekend" Advertisment Al McAffrey Australia Bitter Girl Bozeman Montana China-Same Sex Marriage classifieds Comic Strips David Marshall Beavers Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Domestic Partner Benefits Don't shop-Adopt Elton John Equality Center Fat Tuesday First Tuesday Art Opening heath care History of Saint Valentine's Day HIV border Ban Italy Jerry Sanders Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Lifestyle Fitness Mardi Gras Metro scene national-world news Nightclubs and Bars OkEq Equality Center Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Oklahoma News PFLAG PFLAG OKC Prop 8 Pucker Up and Take it QPuzzle Qscopes Rainbow Pages religion Ricky Lee Miller Ronald Blake same sex marriage Supreme Court Sydney The Bitch is Back The Little Black Book Trans Prision Transgender With Our Fear Of Lifestyle Disapproval travel TWOFOLD TwoLips Burlesk US HIV border ban lifter Wade Rouse work discrimination https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/21b7160a063dea87f270489e3b2cf605.jpg c749a3814bc8412bf9530b35f251851f https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/9ebbc07de1ada862fdf4ea8c5c2c49ab.pdf 2276ae9576ef2f367670f95c02ddf45c PDF Text Text LOC ~L NEWS NATIONAL NEWS THE PREMIER WORLD NEWS SOURCE LIFESTYLE FOR GLBT FITNESS TRAVEL ,&DV[CE ENT~ITAINMENVF OKLAHOMA Go green while gettin’ down witli Solar Soun{i 2, the new and improved sun-powered portabl~ speakers from pioneering company Devotec. VOLUME7 ISSUE 12 Twitter.com/MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com d "Arna Lee’ Smith Passes Away A legacy and legend left Behind He was fondly remembered as he owned a series of dubs in Oklahoma City, beginning back in the days when a GLBT night on the town could be a scary adventure. During the early 1960s America and Oklahoma were quite different, where being gay was officially still a mental illness, sodomy laws were still in the books, and gay rights (let done marriage) weren’t even discussed. Police raids on gay bars were common, albeit on dubious pretexts and very selective law enforcement, much facilitated "Truly we lost a pioneer. He paved the road for the gay life we have in Oldahoma City today, which is going strong now because of him." Ginger Lamar OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ When Arnold Lee Smith’s Memorial Service was held at Bill Meritt’s Memorial Chapel November 2 there were of course family members, he was survived by 4 children in addition to grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Born June 24, 1927 he served in the military, and afterwards got married and had a family. He was preceded in death by his partner of over 37 years, Larry "Fuzzy" Braker. His daughter, Debbie Hill, gave a touching eulogy xvith lighthearted memories of her dad, a man who taught her to love the outdoors, people and life. Even in his final days she remembered his sense of campy humor. During his stay ar the Norman Veteran’s Home she remembered a time when a nurse sported a new big hairdo. When that nurse asked Arnold if he liked it he replied, "Oh honey, give me a comb and I can fix that!" FREE ~ DECEMBER 1,2010 Stop Hate in the Hallways 3rd Annua1 Conference- and more Relevant than ever "This is not a religious issue. It even goes beyond a basic human rights issue. It is al! ab,,out the cl~ildren, es~pecially tkiose GLBT children who will I3e children forever Scott Hamilton, ~xecutive Director of Cimarron Alliance By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Arnold Lee Smith 1.927-2010 See page- 4 & 12 or ashamed to fight back. Bu{evenin ii~ik dark scenario Arnbld~’ first club, Lee~ Lounge which opened in the mid 1960s in the Paseo District, was a brigh.t spot for the GLBT community that refused to back down. Although the club endured relentless police harassment, the club proudly kept going. On many occasions -#hen he was arrested along with his customers, he would bail himself and his customers out and re-open the bar the same night. His drag persona, Arna Lee, became famous during this time, accompanied by his outrageously fun costumes and tap dancing with a campy wit to match. During this time he became a "Drag Mother" to many budding female impersonators, a passion that spanned over 40 years. He was probably best known as the owner of Oklahoma’s first major show bar, The Roadhouse, located way out in a secluded location near Frontier City. There many major entertainers got their start, and the community had a place to go even if it was for most a lengthy drive. Even tong after the bar closed in 1978, their customers and performers held many Roadhouse Reunions to celebrate the good times they had there, and the movement it hdped create for GLBT Oldahomans. Following this venture Mr. Smith purchased the Outrigger in 1979, located in the Viva Motor Inn ( now the site of the YWCA Women’s Crisis Center). Done up in a.lovely south seas scenario with bathescaphe speakers, ir was a lively party ........ Continued See LEE Page-4 By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Left Scott Hamilton, Executive Director of Cimarron Alliance, and Oklahoma City Superintendant ofPublic Schools I~rl Springe~ Gorin photo OICLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The first time Cimarron Alliance sponsored a Stop Hate in the Hallways Conference it was a first in more ways than one. Although school bullying had raised the concerns of some school systems, and there had been conferences about safer classrooms, Stop Hate in the Hallways was the first time bullying facing GLBT students, or those perceived to be, was ever addressed. For too many of those in the GLBT commumty ~vho remember their school days, the previous conferences may have seemed like ignoring the gorilla in the room, and their perception has merit. By 2007 the National School Climate Survey indicated that over 86.2% of GLBT students had been harassed, and 22.1% had been physically assaulted. GLBT youth are 7 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and 1/3 of sexual minority suicides occur before the age of 17. Inaction by school authorities contributes to the problem, wins action talien in only 44% of the reported incidents, while 59% of the incidents are never reported. As with the previous conferences, this event drew educators and school administrators as well as others involved together from throughout Oldahoma, this time held at the Moore -Norman Technology Center. Headlining a workshop about administrative policy issues was Oklahoma City School Superintendant Karl Springer and Millard House, the Assistant Superintendant of the Tulsa Public Schools. Both school systems have adopted anti bullying policies which specify the category of real or perceived sexual orientation, and Oklahoma’s City’s policy goes further to include sexual identity. The two keynote speakers were Warren Blumenfeld and Steve Wessler. Mr Bluemfeld, today a professor of Multicultural and International Curriculum Studies at Iowa State University, told of growing tip Jewish "and perceived as GLBT when he was relentlessly bullied and faced severe harassment from junior high to the college level. After a series of workshops, the conference ended with a presentation by Steve Wessler, the Executive Director of the Center for Preventing Hate, based in Maine which he created in ! 999. He had worked in the Maine Attorney General’s office and as a lawyer in private practice, but now has a crusade he has taken towards making schools safer for all students. ........ Continued See HATE Page-6 �2200 W I~ Se~ice Road OKC 1.800.988.2221 w~.habanainn.com 2 December �:r 2 Election aftermathleas some of our Friends Survived Openly Gay Native ONahoman inducted into the Music Hall of Fame 2010 World AIDS Day celebrations promote awareness, education By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team By Robin D-Townsend Metro Star Team By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Mayflower Congregation in NW OKC holds World AIDS Day celebration events eac,b year in Oklahoma City. In ~ont of the church, white crosses with red ribbons are placed to remember those whose lives have been directly affected with H1V/AIDS. Oklahoman Sam Harris inducted into the Oklahoma dvIusic Hail ofFame. "[ kind of feel like, are you sure? Really? Do you have the right gw?" Those were the senriments expressed by Oklahoma native Sam Harris who at age 49 was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Halt oirFame along with country singer Jean Shepa/d la Pauls Valley native best lmown tbr her 1953 duet with Ferlin Husky entitled "Dear John), rock guitarist Jamie Oldaker ( who played in the bands of Bob Seger, Eric Clapton, and was a founding member of the Tractors, a country rock group) and Les Gilliam, who was named as the Official Oklahoma Balladeer by the Oklahoma State Legislature in 1998. Born in Cushing and growing up in Sand Springs, Mr. Harris won recognition for his winning performance of "Over the Rainbow" on the televised talent show Starsearch, which has become his signature song. His first hit with Motown records, "Sugar Don’t Bite" was a national hit peaking at #36 on Billboard’s singles chart in 1984 that also become a dance classic. Since then he has performed at sold our concerts at venues including New York City’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Vc’est End. He has starred on Broadway and numerous television appearances. He is openly gay, and has been with his partner Danny Jacobsen, who is a film producer, since 1994. They adopted a son, Cooper Atticus Harris- Jacobsen, in 2008, and Sam and Danny got married on November 1 that same year. The Oklalmma Music Hall of Fame, located in Muskogee began with a vision in 1996 fol!owed with an act by the Oldahoma State Legislature. Their headquarters and museum is a renovated Frisco Freight Depot located at 401 S. 3rd Street. Past honorees have included Merle Haggard, Woody Guthrie. Patti Page, Carrie Underwood and the _All American Reiects. N~eir website is ,a~w.omhof.org. Fo,wter Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner fim Roth with State Representative AI McAdff~ey, and Atto,wey & Oklahoma Regent Richard Ogden at a fi¢ndraiserfor Al shortly before the election. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ World AIDS Day is December 1st each year, drawing people from around the world together raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. The events help demonstrate international solidarity in the face of this disease. The day allows public and private partners to come together to raise awareness and encourage progress inHIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in highprevalence countries and around the world. "HIV/AIDS is not just in our country but worldwide," said Mary Arbuckle, Executive Director of Other Options and Friends Food Pantry in Oklahoma City. "World AIDS Day brings attention to this catastrophic disease creating unity in the ~vorld by all of us coming together." Other Options supports the OKC HIV/AIDS community with the Friends Food Pantry, an unduplicated program in Oklahoma for people living with HIV/ AIDS. They provide a home ddivery program of food for homebound clients, case management of the HOPWA program (Housing opportunity for people living with HIV/AIDS) and their Humanitarian Medication Program is now providing eight, third world countries with recycled medications from across the US. Other Options and other ASP organizations will help with the November 30th event at Mayflower Congregation. With the help of MAC AIDS "Viva Glam" employees will be volunteering all day at Other Options ro get involved in the celebration. \Vgorld health officials report the number of people infected with the virus that causes AIDS seems to be mostly stable. According to an epidemic update by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Joint U.N. Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the figure (about 33 million) has remained virtually unchanged for the past few years. ....... Continued See AIDS Page 7 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ In a turn of events that left progressives and Democrats reeling, the nation and especially Oklahoma experienced a drastic change of power. With the election of Mary Fallin and our new governor, we not only have our first female governor but also the first time all of our statewide offices are held by Republicans, with conservatives now in even greater control of both houses of our state legislature. Among the allies of the Oklahoma GLBT community who survived the tide were Andrew Rice-Incumbent State Senator District 46, Anastasia Pittman-Incumbent State Representative District 99, State Representative Al McAffrey-Incumbent State Representative District 88 and our first and only openly gay state legislator, and Willa Johnson-Incumbent Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1. Although Brittany Novotny did make history as the first transgendered person to run for elective office in Oklahoma, she did not succeed in ousting Sally Kern, the incumbent in District 84 well lmown for her anti-gay sentiments. In order to change the political scene for the future the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus is worldng on expanding their membership and mailing list, forming a PAC ( Political Action Committee) and improving their voter guide system. As for the future Jeanne Flanigan, the female co-chair of the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, still has some optimism and calls for action. As she puts it, "The new leadership shotfld know that right after they are sworn in we will be keeping track of how they are protecting our rights. If they ~vant to roll back any civil rights we will be writing letters to them and editors, and demonstrating at the Capitol. We have had a wake up call, and realize how serious our task is of educating voters and getting them to vote." ’uptc¥ ® Civil RightS ®Criminal ,ment ® Family Law ® Litigation 625 N.W. 13th Street CitV, OK 73103 December 1, 2010 3 �Dennis R. Nefll Equality Center to feature works from Tulsa artist Liz Ingersoll of"Mia Bdla Art" BIKES FOR ? LIGHT ’EM UP Sex), ladies have long had a love affair with motorcycles. Seems unlikel); but examine the evidence; nobody’s forcing those busty blonds and brunettes to bend over the handlebars in every bike rag sitting on newsstands. One could argue that the female species likes the feeling of all that prover. Whatever the case may be, California Scooter Co. has carved a niche in the market for.women who have a need for speed with three styles - Classic, Greaser and Babydoll - and a custom-built option. The company claims on its website that you’re in for the ride of your life, and if one of these is waiting for your honey in the garage on Christmas morning, you probably will be. ($4,995 and up; www.californiascooterco.com) SNAP TO IT TULSA, OK __The December Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit oflocat artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature works from Tulsa artist Liz Ingersoll of"Mia Bella Art". Liz Ingersoll began her career as a part time portrait/event photographer in 2004 and established a name in the local community as Mia Belta Images. Since October 2009 Liz has participated in numerous art shmvs under the new name of Mia Bella Art. To keep her artwork fresh and exciting she releases a new collection each month from July thru January and prints only limited editions. In October 2010 Mia Bella Art was proud to receive the Best in Show Award from Utica Square’s Art in the Square and was honored to provide 9 large pieces for the fihning of The Lamp. For a complete list of upcoming shows, venues and local shops that sell Mia Bella Art, find her on facebook or visit www. miabellaart.com. To contact Liz for commission xvork or invite her to participate in your venue, email contact@miabeltaart. corn or call 918-693-2677. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, December 2nd from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month, w~wv.okeq. org ~ parties. As his health failed him he went into the Norman Veteran’s Center, a nursing home for veterans, where he remained until his death on Oct0ber 31~ He left behind many friends who will always remember what he did to make Oklahoma a better place. His bulbs will shine bright in these festive trunlcs from Pact, an eco-friendly and cause-conscious underwear shop. A portion of the proceeds will help charitable organizations EarthSpark and Citizen E~ct send handheld solar lanterns to Haitians in need. ($22; wv#~v.wearpact. con1) GO THE EXTRA SMILE Unless your dentist loo}cs like John Stamos, you\q rather stay away, which presents a problem ifyou covet bright white chompers. Sure, there are overthe-counter bleaching methods - and they’re relatively inexpensive - but they’re also messy and often painful. Ramona Singer infamously called Kodak antiquated, much to the chagrin ofJi!l Zarin, who was hosting an event on the company’s behalf during a season three episode of ~Ihe Real Housewives of New York. Points go to Team Jill for that round, because Rarnona was way off base. In fact, the iconic brand is as cuttingedge as they come where affordable consumer technolog7 is involved. Case in point: the EasyShare M580, the world’s thinnest I4-raegapixei, five-timeszoom digital camera. Thg pocket-sized point-andshoot also features a Share Button, which allows users to tag and upload pics to Facebook, YouTube, the Kodal< Gallery and Flickr within seconds of plugging it into a computer. Mmhmm. xXOaatcha got now, Ramona? ($199.95; www.kodak.com) Simple, safe and effective, Supersmile takes a bite out of the competition with 4 December 1, 2010 MOR~ GIFT IDEB2S - Page 12 a clinically proven gift set that includes a Professional Series II LS45 Advanced Sonic Pulse Toothbrush (with patented 45-degree angled bristles) and a three-month supply of its professional whitening system. The system safely whitens natural teeth and restores bonding, veneers, caps and dentures to their original splendor. It also strengthens enamel and eliminates harmful bacteria, plaque and gingivitis. The one thing it won’t do, however, is cure morning breath; dude is still gonna taste icky in the a.m. ($159; www.supersmile. com) Arnold Lee Smit/a AKA Arna Lee place until it closed in 1981. After a sojourn in Florida for a few years, he r~turned and began his last club venture, a bar complex on Lincoln Boulevard nostalgically named the Roadhouse, which had multiple bars as well as various shops. However after the loss of his partner in 1995, who passed away the day after the Oldahoma City bombing, that venture failed after only about a year of operation, and Arnold went into retirement. His house faced N.W. 39th Street, and his outdoor birthday parties during the annual OKC Pride Parade were a joyous tradition. Even close to his final days Arna Lee still performed at Tramps, the Hilo, and other clubs, frequently at fundraisers for the Oldahoma Gay Rodeo Association and AIDS "Walk OKC, as well as performing in private �Supremes refi se to block DADT The Supremes are keeping Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in force. The U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 12 refused to vacate an order from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that suspended an injunction from the federal District Court in Riverside, Califi, that prohibited the U.S. government from enforcing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military gay ban. Which means: DADT can be enforced during appeal of the Riverside decision that found it unconstitutional -- unless President Barack Obama, Congress and the Pentagon end the ban in the interim. Plaintiff Log Cabin Republicans had asked the Supreme Court to vacate the 9th Circuit order, thereby allowing Riverside Judge Virginia Phillips’ injunction to go back into force. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who hears such requests from the 9th Circuit, referred the matter to the full Supreme Court, where Justice Elena Kagan opted not to take part in the decision. Phillips issued her injunction Oct. 12 after finding that DADT violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of free speech, due process and right to petition for redress of grievances. The injunction remained in place until Oct. 20, when the 9th Circuit issued a brief stay ~vhile it decided whether to issue a longer stajg which it did Nov. 1. During the eight days the injunction was in force, the military stopped kicking gays and lesbians our of the services and began letting them re-enlist. The Obama administration’s insistence on appealing Phillips’ DADT strikedown has been highly irritating to gay activists, given that the president says he strongly opposes DADT. Obama, however, says the policy needs to be ended by Congress, which created it, not the courts. Xhe administration also has argued that the Justice Department has an obligation to defend federal laws that are challenged, and that DADT should not be ended abruptly because that will disrupt and harm military operations. The Pentagon recently conducted a massive survey of members of the military to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked versions of the findings, which will be released officially in December, reportedly reveal that most members of the armed forces are fine with GLB people serving openly. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure this ),ear authorizing the military to end DADT but the Senate did not follow suit after Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., staged a filibuster over the matter. "It is unfortunate that an unconstitutional law that is causing substantial harm to military readiness and to tens of thousands of troops is allowed to remain in effect for even one more day," said Alexander Nicholson, executive director of Servicemembers United. "~is just underscores the need to continue to put pressure on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to allow the defense authorization bill (which includes DADT repeal language) to come back up and take its first procedural step before the Senate’s Thanksgiving recess," Nicholson said. "Servicemembers United, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Stonewall Democrats, and the Log Cabin Republicans have all strongly and consistently called on Sen. Reid to do just that. It is now time for other organizations, as wel! as the White House, to publicly do the same." The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force urged supporters to call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and tell both of their U.S. senators to authorize repeal of DADT by voting for the defenseauthorization bill this month. "We can only be assured of having the 60 votes we need if we can change minds before the new members of the Senate take their seats," the group said. But LCR attorney Dan Woods thinks that ship has all but sunk. "With the likelihood of Congress repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell fading with each passing day, judicial relief continues to be perhaps the most viable avenue for ending this unconstitutional policy," Woods said. "We and Log Cabin Republicans will continue to fight on to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans who want to serve in our military without regard to their sexual orientation. Our next step will be to ask the 9th Circuit to expedite the government’s appeal from Judge Phillips’ judgment and ~nJ uncnon ¯ LCR Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper commented: "We are committed to pursuing every avenue in the fight against this failed and unconstitutional polic~ Log Cabin will continue working to secure the votes needed for legislative repeal, and if necessary, we look forward to seeing President Obama’s attorneys in court next year to prove, once again, that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell doesn’t work." Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire. The 11 plaintiffs all have been denied federal rights and protections solely because they are married to a person of the same sex. The suit, filed in federal District Court in Connecticut, addresses DOMA’s nonrecognition of marriages in connection with federal employee and retiree benefits progranas, Social Security benefits, survivor benefits under federal pension laws, work leave to care for a spouse under the Family and Medical Leave Act, and state retiree health insurance benefits that are controlled by federal tax law. Additional plaintiffs ~vho pay excess ~ederal income tax because they cannot file their federal returns as married couples will join the suit once the IRS officially rejects their requests for refunds. "Every day that DOMA stands, it arbitrarily divides married couples into two categories," said GLAD Legal Director Gary Buseck. Also on Nov. 9, the American Civil Liberties Union sued the feds in New York over DOMA. The group represents 81-year-old Edie Windsor, who had to pay $350,000 in additional estate taxes because the federal government treated her as single, even though she was married to Thea Spyer and their marriage was recognized by the state of New York. "(T)he federal government ... taxed Thea’s estate as though we were strangers rather than spouses," Windsor said. "(It’s) a tax on being gaY"These cases provide further evidence that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act is not simply an abstract insult to the dignity of same-sex couples and their families -although it is indeed a deeply offensive law," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "DOMA causes real harm to people like Joanne Pedersen, Ann Meitzen and Edie Windsor, denying them economic security, health coverage and other critical federal rights and benefits that other married couples take for granted." The section of DOMA that prevents the federal government from recognizing stares’ same-sex marriages already was struck down as unconstitutional earlier this year in two cases from Massachusetts, but the Obama administration has appealed the rulings. The section, which the federal District Court in Boston found unconstitutional in three ways, states: "In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word ’marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ’spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife." The language overrides any state’s determination that a Edie lZ~ndsog right, and ~ea S~ye,: ACLUphoto couple is married and says that they are not married for purposes trait ~ie New England legal group Gay federal laws and programs, even though the & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders filed federal government otherwise has always a multiplaintiff lawsuit challenging the deferred to state determinations of marital constitutionality of the federal Defense of status. Marriage Act on Nov. 9. The Boston court said DOMA violates the In Pedersen v. Office of Personnel Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment Management, GLAD represents five married ..... Continued see MARRIAGE - page 6 same-sex couples and a widower, who live in Gays sue reds over marriage again December ~, 2010 �DADT protesters arrested at White House By Rex Woclmer Photo by Sean Cark’on, Talk About Equali~ Courtesy of GetEQUAL WASHINGTON, DC __ Thirteen supporters of the direct-action group GetEQUAL were arrested at the xYc~lite House fence Nov. 15 after handcuffing themselves to it and supergluing their handcuff locks. They demanded that the Senate join the House in authorizing ,repeal of the Dofft Ask, Don’t Tell military ban on noncloseted GLBs before the Senate adjourns this year. Arrested were Dan Choi, Autumn Sandeen, Evelyn Thomas, Mara Boyd, Geoff Farrow, Robin McGehee, Miriam Ben-Shalom, Justin Elzie, Ian Finkenbinder, Robert Smith, Dan Fotou, Scott glooledge and Michael Bedwell. "Included in the thirteen arrested are veterans and advocates spanning three generations of brave and courageous Americans, who sacrificed their careers and lives to see the day this discriminatory ban on openly gay and lesbian service in the military finally goes into the history books," said GetEQUAL Director Robin McGehee. "Today we have sent a loud and clear message to the U.S. Senate and President Obama that we expect them to make good on their promises to end this inhumane law this year, during the lame-duck session of Congress." DADT was struck down as unconstitutional by a federal District Court earlier this year and for eight days an injunction prohibited the military from kicking out open gays or barring them from enlisting. But the Obama administration appealed the injunction all the way to the Supreme Court, which upheld a stay of it issued by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Tnat reinstated the policy for the duration of the appeals of the District Court ruling. Obama has said he wants Congress, not courts, to end the ban, and Justice Department laxvyers argued in court filings that the ban must not be lifted abruptly by a judge because that would harm military operations. The House of Representatives voted earlier this year to authorize the armed forces to end DADT, but the Senate failed to follow suit. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has been conducting a massive survey of troops and their families, due to be released in December, to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked reports of the findings suggest that a majority of members of the military are not troubled by openly gay servicemembers. 6 December ~, 2010 ~~R But Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee has, for all intents and purposes, vowed to continue to block Senate authorization of DADT repeal, complaining that the massive Pentagon survey didn’t ask the right questions. "All four service chiefs are saying we need a thorough and complete study of the effects -- not how to implement a repeal, but the effects on morale and battle effectiveness," McCain told MSNBC on Nov. 14. "That’s what I ,want, and once we get this (current) study, ~ve need to have hearings and we need to exarnine it and we need to look at whether it’s the kind of study that we wanted. It isn’t, in my view, because I wanted a study to determine the effects of the repeal on battle effectiveness and morale. What this study is designed to do is to find out how the repeal could be implemented." Popular LGBT tourist destination first in Arkansas to offer health insurance coverage to domestic partners o city workers EUREICA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ The only city in Arkansas with a Domestic Partnership Registry has become the first city in the state to provide health care coverage for the domestic partners of municipal workers. The cig;s insurance provider, the Arkansas Municipal League, notified the city on November 15, 2010 that beginning January !, 2011 both same- and opposite-sex partners of city wm-kers will have the same access to health insurance as legal spouses. The announcement culminated a yearlong campaign by residents of this northwest Arkansas tourist town which in June 2007 became the first city in the state to enact a Domestic Partnership Registry ordinance to ot~cially recognize unmarried couples in committed relationships. "Once again Eureka Springs is leading by exan~ple, this time in the realm of workplace equality," said Michael Walsh, who helped lead the effort to expand health care coverage. "Marital status shouldn’t be the deciding factor in access to ’family plan’ insurance. Legally wed or not, all city workers should get the same employment benefits, including access to health insurance for their partners." Expanding the definition of"fan~ily dependent" was "the right thing to do," Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy wrote to the Municipal League in August, just xveeks before the city council passed a resolution endorsing domestic partnership insurance coverage. Photo by Sean Carlson, Courtesy of "I am aware as well as you that some will GetEQUAL construe this as a ’gay issue’," said Joy. "But the reality is that there are many heterosexual The DADT repeal measure is part ofthe couples who chose to live together in a bill that will fund the entire U.S. military in committed relationship - as a family - without 2011. As a result, McCain’s obstructionism entering into the civil contract of marriage,. has left the overall funding bill unpassed by the Senate as well. These folks face the same ’family’ challenges Surveys have found that neatly 80 every day, not the least of which is providing percent of Americans are fine with letting health care for themselves and for those who gays in the military come out of the closet are dependent on them .... the definition of by ending the DADT policy. family is at the center of our concerns." Joy and cityTransit Director Lamont Richie met with the Arkansas Municipal League Nov. 4 to lobby for a more inclusive health insurance policy. Monday’s announcement that their efforts were successful "is a huge step forward," said Richie. "And though only employees of the City of Eureka Springs will be able to take advantage of it for now," he said, "other TULSA, OK (PR) __ Don your gay communities in apparel and join us for the 3rd annual Fatalalala Ball. ~e evening will include the state may be pictures with Santa and Mrs Claus and the encouraged to adopt naughty and nice elves, Cash Bar and heavy their own Domestic hor d’oeuvres. Pull out ),our holdiay dress and Partnership Registries business casual and enjoy. Admission Price is as a means of providing one of the following: pet food for A Friend health insurance for A Friend, personal toiletries for Our benefits to domestic House Too, non perishable food items for St partners of their Jerome Church Food Pantry. employees." 3rd Annual Falalalala Ball Saturday, December 18th: 7pro Dennis R Neill Equality Center For more information visit: vrw~v.OkEq. org N to the U.S. Constitution by treating married gay couples differently from married straight couples without any rational basis for doing so. It also found that DOMA violates the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by intruding in areas of exclusive state authority, and violates the Spending Clause in Article 1 of the Constitution by forcing Massachusetts to discriminate against its married gay citizens in order to receive certain types of federal funding. President Barack Obama does not support same-sex marriage, although he did in 1996 when he was campaigning for an Illinois Senate seat. But in a recent xYvq~ite House meeting with five progressive bloggers, the president suggested he might be getting ready to change his mind again. "I do not intend to make big news sitting here with tl~e five of you, as wonderful as you guys are," Obama said at the Oct. 27 meeting. "But H1 say this .... I have been to this point unwilling to sign on to same-sex marriage primarily because of my understandings of the traditional definitions of marriage, but I also think you’re right that attitudes evolve, including mine. I think that it is an issue that I wrestle with and think about because I have a whole host of friends who are in gay partnerships. I have staff members who are in committed, monog~ous relationship.s, who are raising children, who are wonderful parents, and I care about them deeply, and so while I’m not prepared to reverse myself here, sitting in the Roosevelt Room at 3:30 in the afternoon, I think it’s fair to say that it’s something that I think a lot about. That’s probably the best you’ll get out of me toda): ... The one thing I wil! say today is I think it’s pretty dear where the trendlines are going ... the arc of history." Most inspiring was OSU-OKC students who participated in the Upward Bound summer session, a preparation program for first generation college students., xvho have held rallies at Western Heights High School and the Oklahoma State Capitol raising awareness about school bu!lying. The conference, although inclusive of the GLBT community, also included other categories of bullying including race, religion, and physica! disabilities. Cimarron Alliance hopes the conference will grow, with more teacher and school administrators. �By Steven Petrow &even Pelrow is the author of’The Essential Book of Gay Manners & Etiquette. " Send him your questions at queeries@live.com. "We waist to help other kids fight bullying" "Events like these help us remember, in a good way, those we have lost and to remember that there has been so much progress for this disease," said Chuck Longacre of Oklahoma City. "There is just a marked change for a lot of folks living better and living longer now." Longacre worl~ with Red Rock and Expressions Outreach Center (just offthe OKC strip) providing free HIV/ AIDS testing and counseling. The first World AIDS Day was celebrated on December 1, 1988 and officials say the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS probably peaked in 1996. WHO takes the lead in the global health sector’s response to HIV/AIDS and provides evidence-based information at www.who.int/hivlen/. HRC scorecard: Congress is polarized The new edition of the Human Rights Campaign’s "Congressional Scorecard" has found an increase in both "highly supportive" and "highly anri-LGBT" legislators. HRC said the findings reveal a "stark polarization." ’~k strong and devoted group of antiLGBT legislators continues to stymie the progress LGBT people deserve," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "The fact that the first ever vote to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in the House of Representatives was countered by a filibuster in the Senate illustrares the landscape." In the House, 145 members received a pro-gay score ofg0 percent or better, compared to 128 members in the previous Congress. Senators scoring 90 percent or better this year rose from 32 to 36. However, the number of senators receiving a zero score from HRC climbed as well, from 16 to 32. The number of House zeros remained unc,,h.anged. As more and more American’s support equality for LGBT people, some members of Congress are showing real leadership while others are digging in their heels to cater to an anti-LGBT fringe constituency," said HRC Legislative Director Allison Herwitt. The scorecard is based on votes and cosponsorships regarding hate crimes, gays in the military, employment nondiscrimination, tax equity, same-sex marriage, same-sex partner immigration, HIV treatment, needle exchange, and the Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor Supreme Court confirmations. For full results, see hrc.org/scorecard. No matter who yo* are on life’s journt -Re~ere~d ~r. 0 3131 N. December 1, 2010 7 ��IVfETROPOLITAN COI~MUNITY CHURCHES ~ev Sieve To U[~e Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO ~804 Wo~h[p Sunday 6:00 PM CommunRy Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM December t, 2010 9 �Creep of the Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne WYtkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a f!’eelance writer and Oct (beiieve it~O .. When shes nOt taking on the creeps of the world she reviews rock roll sh~ows in Detroit with her twin sister "Clint McCance" he’d feel. "I would disown my kids if You know the old saying, "If you they were gay," he posts. "They will not be don’t have anything nice to say, say it on Facebook?" Well, Arkansas Midland School ~velcome at my home or in my viciniry. I will absolutely run them off. Of course my District vice president Clint McCance took kids will imow better. My kids will have solid it to heart recently when he posted some vile christian beliefs." anti-gay hate speech to rival Fred Phelps and Where these "solid Christian beliefs" will his band of "God Hates Fags" loonies. \Vhat set McCance off come from I don’t know. Certainly not from was a cal! for supporters of their father. ," i’m not sure that LGBT youth to wear purple in there’s an honorable Needless to say, memory of the young people McCance’s comments way to wish all gay who recently committed caused quite a stir with people dead even it= suicide after being bullied. many people calling for his he had used different I "Seriously they want me firing. words to do it. A visibly uncomfortable to wear purple because five queers committed suicide," he and maybe even contrite McCance appeared oh CNN with Anderson posted. "The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the Cooper and apologized for his comments saying they were "too emotional" and "went people of this world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and too far." As for the terms "fag" and "queer" he told killed therselves because of their sin. REALLY PEOPLE." Cooper, "I know those are hurtful words and like I said, I picked the wrong words to use. Yes, really. Did I mention he was a school And used them poorly. I didn’t bring honor board member? Oh, to be a gay kid in to what I was about." Midland. Those lucl~, devils. I’m not sure that there s an honorable way , One of McCances friends commented, to ~vish all gay people dead even if he had Because hatred is always right:. 2 used different words to do it. To which he responds, "No because being He also stated that he doesn’t "wish death a fag doesnt give you the right to ruin the on anyone" and that "it does look like I’m a rest of our lives. If you get easily offended hatemonger or a horrible person’and that’s by being called a fag then dent tell anyone not me at al!." you are a fag. Keep that shit to yourself. I Urn, yes. It does look like that. Very dent care how people decide to live their much like that, in fact. It’s kind of hard to lives. They dent bother me if they keep it to accept that a person who thinks, "Hey I have thereselves. It pisses me off though that we a minute to post on Facebook before I head make a special purple fag day for them. I like off to this school board meeting and here’s that fags cant procreate. I also enjoy the fact something totally appropriate to say" isn’t that they often give each other aids and die." a hatemonger. No matter how much they D~d you catch that lastpart. He enj.ovs apologize or resign from the school board on when gays get AIDS and die. Ha ha. You Anderson Cooper 360. know, typical LOL stuff. So, yeal~. He resigned. And he’s sorry. But Another friend commented, "You kmow the boot print of mistrust and feat on the this is somebodys kids here how would you backs of LGBT school kids, especially those feel if they were talkin about your kids like in the Midland school system, isn’t going to this. It would make you feel like SHIT." wash out so easily. ~ No worries, McCance knows exactly how 10 December1,2010 �20TH ANNUAL- C H R~ ST HAS AIDS BENEFIT BENEFITTING THE WINDS HOUSE MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 & TUESDAY, DECEi~4BER 7 DINNER AT 6:30 PM ENTERTAINbAENT AT 8:00 P!Vt THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY x¢VITH ENTERTAINiMENT BY: SONJA ~RTINEZ BEN WILLIAMS JOHN BEEBE P,~ENEE ANDERSON ,~{ATTHEW HEATH-FITZGERALD KITTY BOB AIMES FOR RESE ROXIE HART NOR!~AA JEAN GOLDENSTEIN IONS CALL (405) 525-0730 PRICE 45,00 RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED. HALF OF ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE XA!INDS HousE. ~T~S’~AR t December 1, 2010 �By Ed Sikov PRODIGAL SUN Go green while gettin’ down with Solar Sound 2. the new and improved sun-powered portable speakers from pioneering compaW Devotec. Building upon the success of the original Solar Sound. this upgrade promises a superior listening experience with the use of specialty woven speaker cones; silver-plated, oxygen-free copper cabling; an efficient power circuit to provide even more juice to the amp; and a larger integrated battery that increases playing time to five to 10 hours, depending on the volume levd. 3-hat’s where the sun comes in. With its embedded solar panel and quick charging system, the unit can play continuously under UV rays - even when the built-in battery is dead. Party on, parry boy. ($99.99; www.devotecindustries.com) THE BIGGER PICTURE ’SCANDLE’-OUS There are digital photo frames, and then there’s the CEIVA digital photo frame. What’s the difference? For starters, CEIVA frames come preloaded with your favorite pics, so when the recipient opens the box your pearly whites are peering fight back. But that’s not the best part. The frames are connected, allmving anyone, anywhere to send photos directly to the frame by camera phone, e-mail, Facebook and more - a nice surprise for grandma when she walks in to see ne,v pictures from her favorite gay grandson. Unless her favorite gay grandson hits the wrong button, of course. But then, he really shouldn’t have such scandalous content stored on his Droid, now should he? ($127.99 and up; wvvw.ceiva.com) GARDEN VARIETY Turn up the heat with Scandle, a shimmery candle that burns two degrees above body temperature to produce a soothing body oil in a relaxing aroma. Perfect for massages, cuticle treatments or as an everyday moisturizer. ($22.95; www. scandlecandle.com) SHAVE THE WAY Paging Peg Bundy! Al’s trophy ~vife " loved her some bonbons - but probably not this ~nd. Moulton’s Bon Bons are truffleshaped mounds of clay and organic compost combined with seeds. The Garden pack features two each of basil, parsley, chives and thyme, while the herb tea selection includes double quantities of borage, chamomile, lemon balm and Stinging Nettle. Just toss the handcrafted clay* balls into the garden or an indoor container, add water, and watch them grow. Perfect for that crazy uncle who "talks" his plants. Misery loves compan}: ($14.95; wx~,~v.moultonology.com) December 1, 2010 Ed Sikov # the author ofDark lcqcto,7; 7he Life ofBette Davis and ot?~er books aboutfilms and filmmakers. " he Scarborough Fair" It’s very loud in the city much louder than any Fire Island sound system blasting the recent archaeological discovery, Barbra Streisand. But I’ve kept a bit of my summer garden in preserved form, and it’s literally a tonic. Just before we left the beach house, I was seized with an ovmwhelming need to take something with me - something to get me through the tough, cold northeast winter. Dan had already put his suitcase outside the gate when, stricken with this impulse, I dropped my stuff, sprinted to the container garden in the back, and ripped out bunches of herbs. "What are you doing?" said Dan when I reappeared carrying two fistfuls of aromatics. "What are you doing?" I replied as I stuffed them into my backpack. He answered on cue: "What are you doing?!" It’s a routine we do. "I don’t know," I said as I picked up my backpack. "It’s part of a Native-American ha~est ritual." "Don’t be racist," Dan scolded. We distracted ourselves by insulting each other as we walked to the ferry. By the time we got home, the herbs looked pretty sad, so to refresh them I wrapped them in a wet towel and stuck them in the refrigerator. I decided to make an herbal infusion, so the next morning, I bought a fifth of Absolut. After doing some cursory Internet research, I decided I kaaew better. (I’m obnoxious.) So I washed the ragged bouquets, dried them in a salad spinner, and laid them out on the counter. I hadn’t planned this desperate harvest at all; the herbs I’d blindly grabbed at twilight consisted of sage, thyme, tarragon, lovage, parsley and rosemarT~ and holes to catch even the shortest stubble, cutting every hair with fewer strokes. Designed to be innovative and attractive in function and design, this cordless, electric shaver also features the SldnGlide system that combines a smooth surface with rounded edges to glide effortlessly over his manly mug. Kyan would be proud. ($199-$349; www. store.philips.com) FIVE O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE ’Ihis ain’t your daddy’s razor. The Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D uses GyroFlex 3D technology to enable three-dimensional contouring that pivots around, tilts inward and flexes outward to adjust seamtessly to every curve of the face and neck. The UltraTrack heads include channels to catch longer hairs, slots to catch normal hairs, Get your glug on anytime, anywhere The infusion ingredients instantly chose themselves: parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Don’t you just love that song? I put the iPod on its little donut and set it to my Pau! Simon playlist, then gently bruised the herbs to release their oils and juices, stuffed them in a large, dean, Mason-type glass jar, poured the Absolut in and sealed it. I waited one day too long. On the third day, the infusion was a gorgeous shade of bright green; the next day it starting browning, and I yanked the herbs out before the thing started to look like peat moss runoff. ¯ne taste? Well, the Garfunlde herb mix tasted very good, though in the future I might just use rosemary (it’s got the best flavor) and some parsley for color. Turning an herbal infusion into a cocktail is easy: you can have it straight up at room temperature, put it on the rocks, stick the bottle in the freezer or add some seltzer and a lime segment. Simple! And ifa guest says your handcrafted infused vodka is not ro her liking? Just tell her to go reap it in a sickle of leather. That should shut her up. (But what the hell does it mean?) "~he Scarborough Fair" Get some herbs. I’d try rosemary first, with some parsley for color. Measurements are useless here, since the whole point is to make it handcrafted by you. Wash and dry the herbs thoroughly, put them in a glass jar with a lid that seals tightly, pour in enough Absolut to cover the herbs, and seal the jar. Taste often. When it looks and tastes right t.o you, strain the infusion back into the Absolut bottle or the bottle or jar of your choice. Drink it straight, or mixed with some seltzer or a small splash of tomato juice. with The Original Disposable Flask, a lightweight, durable, collapsible and freezable portal of potency that fits perfectly in a pocket or purse. Great for one-time use or as reusable, refillable respite. ($2.99; www. disposableflasks.com) �& Chuck Breckenridge x~;q~ether buying or selling I’!t work hard for you. 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas LANCE ~:-- www.magneticvalleyresort.com info @magneticvalleyresor t.com ~ COIJLD MAKE A "~ PHONE CALLS 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Downtown, xN Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Center; Tulsa Gay Center. Aff’ordable Homes and Apartments. For #~ore hb~a~on visit: MAK~ THOSB wu,w.gaybra~ybeigh#tu/sa.com ,leeomics.com erm~il: bitt ergid@qsyndicate.com www.joanhitty.net N~@~T~ December i, 20i0 13 �By Jack Fertig December 2010 "Be sensible, LibraP’ Mars in Sagittarius provokes us to speak and act out in search of new perspectives. He’s squared to Uranus, though, provoking accidents, rash statements and decisions we’ll regret later. The greatest adventures are deep inside. Meditation and introspection can yield tremendous insights. ARIES (Paarch 20- Apri~ 19): Your ruler, Mars, is goading you to explore new ideas and places. Even - or especially - in quiet meditation in a dark room you can hardly help but to make important discoveries. Staying true to yourself means accepting growth and change. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - P~ay 20): Finding sexual adventure is easy enough, but it could complicate friendships. The erotic energy that’s making you so popular could be harnessed into a more political charisma. What to do? The answer is deep inside you. GEMIN~ (Paay 21- June 20): It’s harder than usual to stay out of arguments. "Your friends could help you if you can keep the signals clear. Thinking ahead is good; intuiting ahead is better. Accept criticism from the boss, even if overly harsh, as a challenge to improve. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 December 20): Get out and have a little fun, but even there, think ahead and be careful. Home is a danger zone, and not just for the preponderance of accidents that happen there. Not a good time to call the folks either! CAPRICORN (December 2t January 19): Digging up family secrets could prove explosive. How much are you ready to learn? Revealing those (or other) secrets could cause a lot of trouble. You need to talk, but select your confidante wisely. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Going out on a limb for political principle can gain you points for audacity and integrity, but leave you in the lurch. Holding true to core values is most important, but how they work in reality should evolve with the times. PISCES (February 19 - I~arch 19): Daring risks and changes might get you ahead, but the only guarantee is that without taking a chance you’ll trip yourself up badly. Meditate on what’s important. In the end instinct and intuition will serve better than apparent logic. CANCER (June 21o July 22): Talking with your boss about your goals is sure to highlight existing confusion, but can lead toward resolution. Not talking about the problem will just make it worse. Just complaining about lack of direction will undermine efforts and confidence. LEO (July 23 - August 22): The call to adventure may be irresistible, but it does involve bigger risks than you can anticipate. Look ahead and be careful to cut down on dangers, but you will be surprised - maybe for the better. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Domestic squabbles might make for some crazy passion or lead to great makeup sex. That won’t eliminate the conflict, but it could reframe it dramatically. That could lead to a helpful breakthrough, but you still have lots of work ahead of you! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Worrying about accidents invites them as much as carelessness does. Be sensible, observe standard precautions, but dithering and first-guessing yourself is no good either. "Helpful" efforts, whichever end you’re on, are also likely to make things worse. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Hide the plastic. Any unnecessary shopping can only end badly. Set aside a carefully budgeted amount for entertainment and have some fun. You need to release some energy, but there’s no need for it to be expensive. 14 December 1, 2010 Creating Community for People iving with H V/A DS 50~. c (3) Non P~ofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HI’Z+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people !ive through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. VVe invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net 31 �L! 5336 E. Admiral Pi. Tulsa, Ok 74115 (918) 836-0915 Monday’." Blake’s Buying!!! Buy two Liquor Drinks, Blake buys the third!! (please see bar for details) Dancers @ 10pm Tuesday. 75¢ Bud and Bud Light Drafts!! Dancers @ 10pr!! Wednesday: Pool Tournament 7:30prn!! Dancers @ 10prn! Thursday: Bingo Night 7:00prn!! Dancers @ !0prn Friday: Poo~ Tournament: Dancers at 8:00pr!!! Wednesdays Saturday: Prizes nightly!!!!! Dancers at 8:00prn!! "You can staA your a~ywhere as ~ong as yo ~ with 3 years bitches Sunday: $6 Beer Bust and PJ Parbj! Dancers going to stop December 1, 2010 15 �Next Meeting is Tuesday, December 7 at Oklahoma Democratic Party H 4 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 73105 405’427-3366 ~vw.okstonewall.org d � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document LOC ~L NEWS NATIONAL NEWS WORLD NEWS LIFESTYLE FITNESS TRAVEL ,&DV[CE ENT~ITAINMENVF THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT VOLUME7 ISSUE 12 d "Arna Lee’ Smith OKLAHOMA Go green while gettin’ down witli Solar Soun{i 2, the new and improved sun-powered portabl~ speakers from pioneering company Devotec. See page- 4 & 12 Twitter.com/MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com FREE ~ DECEMBER 1,2010 Passes Away Stop Hate in the Hallways 3rd Annua1 Conference- and more Relevant than By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team A legacy and legend left Behind He was fondly remembered as he owned a series of dubs in Oklahoma City, beginning back in the days when a GLBT night on the town could be a scary adventure. During the early 1960s America and Oklahoma were quite different, where being gay was officially still a mental illness, sodomy laws were still in the books, and gay rights (let done marriage) weren’t even discussed. Police raids on gay bars were common, albeit on dubious pretexts and very selective law enforcement, much facilitated ever "This is not a religious issue. It even goes beyond a basic human rights issue. It is al! ab,,out the cl~ildren, es~pecially tkiose GLBT children who will I3e children forever Scott Hamilton, ~xecutive Director of Cimarron Alliance By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Arnold Lee Smith 1.927-2010 "Truly we lost a pioneer. He paved the road for the gay life we have in Oldahoma City today, which is going strong now because of him." Ginger Lamar OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ When Arnold Lee Smith’s Memorial Service was held at Bill Meritt’s Memorial Chapel November 2 there were of course family members, he was survived by 4 children in addition to grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Born June 24, 1927 he served in the military, and afterwards got married and had a family. He was preceded in death by his partner of over 37 years, Larry "Fuzzy" Braker. His daughter, Debbie Hill, gave a touching eulogy xvith lighthearted memories of her dad, a man who taught her to love the outdoors, people and life. Even in his final days she remembered his sense of campy humor. During his stay ar the Norman Veteran’s Home she remembered a time when a nurse sported a new big hairdo. When that nurse asked Arnold ifhe liked it he replied, "Oh honey, give me a comb and I can fix that!" or ashamed to fight back. Bu{evenin ii~ik dark scenario Arnbld~’ first club, Lee~ Lounge which opened in the mid 1960s in the Paseo District, was a brigh.t spot for the GLBT community that refused to back down. Although the club endured relentless police harassment, the club proudly kept going. On many occasions -#hen he was arrested along with his customers, he would bail himself and his customers out and re-open the bar the same night. His drag persona, Arna Lee, became famous during this time, accompanied by his outrageously fun costumes and tap dancing with a campy wit to match. During this time he became a "Drag Mother" to many budding female impersonators, a passion that spanned over 40 years. He was probably best known as the owner of Oklahoma’s first major show bar, The Roadhouse, located way out in a secluded location near Frontier City. There many major entertainers got their start, and the community had a place to go even if it was for most a lengthy drive. Even tong after the bar closed in 1978, their customers and performers held many Roadhouse Reunions to celebrate the good times they had there, and the movement it hdped create for GLBT Oldahomans. Following this venture Mr. Smith purchased the Outrigger in 1979, located in the Viva Motor Inn ( now the site of the YWCA Women’s Crisis Center). Done up in a.lovely south seas scenario with bathescaphe speakers, ir was a lively party ........Continued See LEE Page-4 Left Scott Hamilton, Executive Director ofCimarron Alliance, and Oklahoma City Superintendant ofPublic Schools I~rl Springe~ Gorin photo OICLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The first time Cimarron Alliance sponsored a Stop Hate in the Hallways Conference it was a first in more ways than one. Although school bullying had raised the concerns of some school systems, and there had been conferences about safer classrooms, Stop Hate in the Hallways was the first time bullying facing GLBT students, or those perceived to be, was ever addressed. For too many of those in the GLBT commumty ~vho remember their school days, the previous conferences may have seemed like ignoring the gorilla in the room, and their perception has merit. By 2007 the National School Climate Survey indicated that over 86.2% ofGLBT students had been harassed, and 22.1% had been physically assaulted. GLBT youth are 7 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and 1/3 of sexual minority suicides occur before the age of 17. Inaction by school authorities contributes to the problem, wins action talien in only 44% of the reported incidents, while 59% of the incidents are never reported. As with the previous conferences, this event drew educators and school administrators as well as others involved together from throughout Oldahoma, - this time held at the Moore -Norman Technology Center. Headlining a workshop about administrative policy issues was Oklahoma City School Superintendant Karl Springer and Millard House, the Assistant Superintendant of the Tulsa Public Schools. Both school systems have adopted anti bullying policies which specify the category of real or perceived sexual orientation, and Oklahoma’s City’s policy goes further to include sexual identity. The two keynote speakers were Warren Blumenfeld and Steve Wessler. Mr Bluemfeld, today a professor of Multicultural and International Curriculum Studies at Iowa State University, told of growing tip Jewish "and perceived as GLBT when he was relentlessly bullied and faced severe harassment from junior high to the college level. After a series of workshops, the conference ended with a presentation by Steve Wessler, the Executive Director of the Center for Preventing Hate, based in Maine which he created in ! 999. He had worked in the Maine Attorney General’s office and as a lawyer in private practice, but now has a crusade he has taken towards making schools safer for all students. ........Continued See HATE Page-6 2200 W I~ Se~ice Road OKC 1.800.988.2221 w~.habanainn.com 2 December Openly Gay Native ONahoman inducted into the Music Hall of Fame By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team 2010 World AIDS Day celebrations promote awareness, education By Robin D-Townsend Metro Star Team :r 2 Election aftermathleas some ofour Friends Survived By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Oklahoman Sam Harris inducted into the Oklahoma dvIusic Hail ofFame. "[ kind of feel like, are you sure? Really? Do you have the right gw?" Those were the senriments expressed by Oklahoma native Sam Harris who at age 49 was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Halt oirFame along with country singer Jean Shepa/d la Pauls Valley native best lmown tbr her 1953 duet with Ferlin Husky entitled "Dear John), rock guitarist Jamie Oldaker ( who played in the bands of Bob Seger, Eric Clapton, and was a founding member of the Tractors, a country rock group) and Les Gilliam, who was named as the Official Oklahoma Balladeer by the Oklahoma State Legislature in 1998. Born in Cushing and growing up in Sand Springs, Mr. Harris won recognition for his winning performance of "Over the Rainbow" on the televised talent show Starsearch, which has become his signature song. His first hit with Motown records, "Sugar Don’t Bite" was a national hit peaking at #36 on Billboard’s singles chart in 1984 that also become a dance classic. Since then he has performed at sold our concerts at venues including New York City’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Vc’est End. He has starred on Broadway and numerous television appearances. He is openly gay, and has been with his partner Danny Jacobsen, who is a film producer, since 1994. They adopted a son, Cooper Atticus Harris- Jacobsen, in 2008, and Sam and Danny got married on November 1 that same year. The Oklalmma Music Hall of Fame, located in Muskogee began with a vision in 1996 fol!owed with an act by the Oldahoma State Legislature. Their headquarters and museum is a renovated Frisco Freight Depot located at 401 S. 3rd Street. Past honorees have included Merle Haggard, Woody Guthrie. Patti Page, Carrie Underwood and the _All American Reiects. N~eir website is ,a~w.omhof.org. Mayflower Congregation in NWOKCholds WorldAIDS Day celebration events eac,b year in Oklahoma City. In~ont ofthe church, white crosses with red ribbons areplaced to remember those whose lives have been directly affected with H1V/AIDS. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ World AIDS Day is December 1st each year, drawing people from around the world together raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. The events help demonstrate international solidarity in the face of this disease. The day allows public and private partners to come together to raise awareness and encourage progress inHIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in highprevalence countries and around the world. "HIV/AIDS is not just in our country but worldwide," said Mary Arbuckle, Executive Director of Other Options and Friends Food Pantry in Oklahoma City. "World AIDS Day brings attention to this catastrophic disease creating unity in the ~vorld by all of us coming together." Other Options supports the OKC HIV/AIDS community with the Friends Food Pantry, an unduplicated program in Oklahoma for people living with HIV/ AIDS. They provide a home ddivery program of food for homebound clients, case management of the HOPWA program (Housing opportunity for people living with HIV/AIDS) and their Humanitarian Medication Program is now providing eight, third world countries with recycled medications from across the US. Other Options and other ASP organizations will help with the November 30th event at Mayflower Congregation. With the help ofMAC AIDS "Viva Glam" employees will be volunteering all day at Other Options ro get involved in the celebration. \Vgorld health officials report the number of people infected with the virus that causes AIDS seems to be mostly stable. According to an epidemic update by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Joint U.N. Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the figure (about 33 million) has remained virtually unchanged for the past few years. ....... Continued See AIDS Page 7 Fo,wter Oklahoma Corporation Commissionerfim Roth with State Representative AIMcAdff~ey, andAtto,wey & Oklahoma Regent Richard Ogden at afi¢ndraiserforAl shortly before the election. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ In a turn of events that left progressives and Democrats reeling, the nation and especially Oklahoma experienced a drastic change of power. With the election of Mary Fallin and our new governor, we not only have our first female governor but also the first time all of our statewide offices are held by Republicans, with conservatives now in even greater control of both houses of our state legislature. Among the allies of the Oklahoma GLBT community who survived the tide were Andrew Rice-Incumbent State Senator District 46, Anastasia Pittman-Incumbent State Representative District 99, State Representative Al McAffrey-Incumbent State Representative District 88 and our first and only openly gay state legislator, and Willa Johnson-Incumbent Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1. Although Brittany Novotny did make history as the first transgendered person to run for elective office in Oklahoma, she did not succeed in ousting Sally Kern, the incumbent in District 84 well lmown for her anti-gay sentiments. In order to change the political scene for the future the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus is worldng on expanding their membership and mailing list, forming a PAC ( Political Action Committee) and improving their voter guide system. As for the future Jeanne Flanigan, the female co-chair of the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, still has some optimism and calls for action. As she puts it, "The new leadership shotfld know that right after they are sworn in we will be keeping track of how they are protecting our rights. If they ~vant to roll back any civil rights we will be writing letters to them and editors, and demonstrating at the Capitol. We have had a wake up call, and realize how serious our task is of educating voters and getting them to vote." ’uptc¥ ® Civil RightS ®Criminal ,ment ® Family Law ® Litigation 625 N.W. 13th Street CitV, OK 73103 December 1, 2010 3 LIGHT ’EM UP BIKES FOR ? Dennis R. Nefll Equality Center to feature works from Tulsa artist Liz Ingersoll of"Mia Bdla Art" Sex), ladies have long had a love affair with motorcycles. Seems unlikel); but examine the evidence; nobody’s forcing those busty blonds and brunettes to bend over the handlebars in every bike rag sitting on newsstands. One could argue that the female species likes the feeling of all that prover. Whatever the case may be, California Scooter Co. has carved a niche in the market for.women who have a need for speed with three styles - Classic, Greaser and Babydoll - and a custom-built option. The company claims on its website that you’re in for the ride of your life, and if one of these is waiting for your honey in the garage on Christmas morning, you probably will be. ($4,995 and up; www.californiascooterco.com) SNAP TO IT His bulbs will shine bright in these festive trunlcs from Pact, an eco-friendly and cause-conscious underwear shop. A portion of the proceeds will help charitable organizations EarthSpark and Citizen E~ct send handheld solar lanterns to Haitians in need. ($22; wv#~v.wearpact. con1) GO THE EXTRA SMILE Unless your dentist loo}cs like John Stamos, you\q rather stay away, which presents a problem ifyou covet bright white chompers. Sure, there are overthe- counter bleaching methods - and they’re relatively inexpensive - but they’re also messy and often painful. Ramona Singer infamously called Kodak antiquated, much to the chagrin ofJi!l Zarin, who was hosting an event on the company’s behalf during a season three episode of ~Ihe Real Housewives of New York. Points go to Team Jill for that round, because Rarnona was way off base. In fact, the iconic brand is as cuttingedge as they come where affordable consumer technolog7 is involved. Case in point: the EasyShare M580, the world’s thinnest I4-raegapixei, five-timeszoom digital camera. Thg pocket-sized point-andshoot also features a Share Button, which allows users to tag and upload pics to Facebook, YouTube, the Kodal< Gallery and Flickr within seconds of plugging it into a computer. Mmhmm. xXOaatcha got now, Ramona? ($199.95; www.kodak.com) Simple, safe and effective, Supersmile takes a bite out of the competition with MOR~ GIFT IDEB2S - Page 12 a clinically proven gift set that includes a Professional Series II LS45 Advanced Sonic Pulse Toothbrush (with patented 45-degree angled bristles) and a three-month supply of its professional whitening system. The system safely whitens natural teeth and restores bonding, veneers, caps and dentures to their original splendor. It also strengthens enamel and eliminates harmful bacteria, plaque and gingivitis. The one thing it won’t do, however, is cure morning breath; dude is still gonna taste icky in the a.m. ($159; www.supersmile. com) 4 December 1, 2010 TULSA, OK __The December Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit oflocat artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature works from Tulsa artist Liz Ingersoll of"Mia Bella Art". Liz Ingersoll began her career as a part time portrait/event photographer in 2004 and established a name in the local community as Mia Belta Images. Since October 2009 Liz has participated in numerous art shmvs under the new name of Mia Bella Art. To keep her artwork fresh and exciting she releases a new collection each month from July thru January and prints only limited editions. In October 2010 Mia Bella Art was proud to receive the Best in Show Award from Utica Square’s Art in the Square and was honored to provide 9 large pieces for the fihning of The Lamp. For a complete list of upcoming shows, venues and local shops that sell Mia Bella Art, find her on facebook or visit www. miabellaart.com. To contact Liz for commission xvork or invite her to participate in your venue, email contact@miabeltaart. corn or call 918-693-2677. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, December 2nd from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month, w~wv.okeq. org ~ Arnold Lee Smit/a AKA Arna Lee parties. As his health failed him he went into the Norman Veteran’s Center, a nursing home for veterans, where he remained until his death on Oct0ber 31~ He left behind many friends who will always remember what he did to make Oklahoma a better place. place until it closed in 1981. After a sojourn in Florida for a few years, he r~turned and began his last club venture, a bar complex on Lincoln Boulevard nostalgically named the Roadhouse, which had multiple bars as well as various shops. However after the loss of his partner in 1995, who passed away the day after the Oldahoma City bombing, that venture failed after only about a year of operation, and Arnold went into retirement. His house faced N.W. 39th Street, and his outdoor birthday parties during the annual OKC Pride Parade were a joyous tradition. Even close to his final days Arna Lee still performed at Tramps, the Hilo, and other clubs, frequently at fundraisers for the Oldahoma Gay Rodeo Association and AIDS "Walk OKC, as well as performing in private Supremes refi se to block DADT The Supremes are keeping Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in force. The U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 12 refused to vacate an order from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that suspended an injunction from the federal District Court in Riverside, Califi, that prohibited the U.S. government from enforcing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military gay ban. Which means: DADT can be enforced during appeal of the Riverside decision that found it unconstitutional -- unless President Barack Obama, Congress and the Pentagon end the ban in the interim. Plaintiff Log Cabin Republicans had asked the Supreme Court to vacate the 9th Circuit order, thereby allowing Riverside Judge Virginia Phillips’ injunction to go back into force. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who hears such requests from the 9th Circuit, referred the matter to the full Supreme Court, where Justice Elena Kagan opted not to take part in the decision. Phillips issued her injunction Oct. 12 after finding that DADT violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of free speech, due process and right to petition for redress of grievances. The injunction remained in place until Oct. 20, when the 9th Circuit issued a brief stay ~vhile it decided whether to issue a longer stajg which it did Nov. 1. During the eight days the injunction was in force, the military stopped kicking gays and lesbians our of the services and began letting them re-enlist. The Obama administration’s insistence on appealing Phillips’ DADT strikedown has been highly irritating to gay activists, given that the president says he strongly opposes DADT. Obama, however, says the policy needs to be ended by Congress, which created it, not the courts. Xhe administration also has argued that the Justice Department has an obligation to defend federal laws that are challenged, and that DADT should not be ended abruptly because that will disrupt and harm military operations. The Pentagon recently conducted a massive survey of members of the military to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked versions of the findings, which will be released officially in December, reportedly reveal that most members of the armed forces are fine with GLB people serving openly. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure this ),ear authorizing the military to end DADT but the Senate did not follow suit after Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., staged a filibuster over the matter. "It is unfortunate that an unconstitutional law that is causing substantial harm to military readiness and to tens of thousands of troops is allowed to remain in effect for even one more day," said Alexander Nicholson, executive director of Servicemembers United. "~is just underscores the need to continue to put pressure on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to allow the defense authorization bill (which includes DADT repeal language) to come back up and take its first procedural step before the Senate’s Thanksgiving recess," Nicholson said. "Servicemembers United, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Stonewall Democrats, and the Log Cabin Republicans have all strongly and consistently called on Sen. Reid to do just that. It is now time for other organizations, as wel! as the White House, to publicly do the same." The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force urged supporters to call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and tell both of their U.S. senators to authorize repeal of DADT by voting for the defenseauthorization bill this month. "We can only be assured of having the 60 votes we need ifwe can change minds before the new members of the Senate take their seats," the group said. But LCR attorney Dan Woods thinks that ship has all but sunk. "With the likelihood of Congress repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell fading with each passing day, judicial relief continues to be perhaps the most viable avenue for ending this unconstitutional policy," Woods said. "We and Log Cabin Republicans will continue to fight on to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans who want to serve in our military without regard to their sexual orientation. Our next step will be to ask the 9th Circuit to expedite the government’s appeal from Judge Phillips’ judgment and ~nJuncnon¯ LCR Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper commented: "We are committed to pursuing every avenue in the fight against this failed and unconstitutional polic~ Log Cabin will continue working to secure the votes needed for legislative repeal, and if necessary, we look forward to seeing President Obama’s attorneys in court next year to prove, once again, that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell doesn’t work." Gays sue reds over marriage again Edie lZ~ndsog right, and ~ea S~ye,: ACLUphoto ~ie New England legal group Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders filed a multiplaintiff lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act on Nov. 9. In Pedersen v. Office of Personnel Management, GLAD represents five married same-sex couples and a widower, who live in Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire. The 11 plaintiffs all have been denied federal rights and protections solely because they are married to a person of the same sex. The suit, filed in federal District Court in Connecticut, addresses DOMA’s nonrecognition of marriages in connection with federal employee and retiree benefits progranas, Social Security benefits, survivor benefits under federal pension laws, work leave to care for a spouse under the Family and Medical Leave Act, and state retiree health insurance benefits that are controlled by federal tax law. Additional plaintiffs ~vho pay excess ~ederal income tax because they cannot file their federal returns as married couples will join the suit once the IRS officially rejects their requests for refunds. "Every day that DOMA stands, it arbitrarily divides married couples into two categories," said GLAD Legal Director Gary Buseck. Also on Nov. 9, the American Civil Liberties Union sued the feds in New York over DOMA. The group represents 81-year-old Edie Windsor, who had to pay $350,000 in additional estate taxes because the federal government treated her as single, even though she was married to Thea Spyer and their marriage was recognized by the state ofNew York. "(T)he federal government ... taxed Thea’s estate as though we were strangers rather than spouses," Windsor said. "(It’s) a tax on being gaY- "These cases provide further evidence that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act is not simply an abstract insult to the dignity of same-sex couples and their families -- although it is indeed a deeply offensive law," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "DOMA causes real harm to people like Joanne Pedersen, Ann Meitzen and Edie Windsor, denying them economic security, health coverage and other critical federal rights and benefits that other married couples take for granted." The section ofDOMA that prevents the federal government from recognizing stares’ same-sex marriages already was struck down as unconstitutional earlier this year in two cases from Massachusetts, but the Obama administration has appealed the rulings. The section, which the federal District Court in Boston found unconstitutional in three ways, states: "In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word ’marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ’spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife." The language overrides any state’s determination that a couple is married and says that they are not married for purposes trait federal laws and programs, even though the federal government otherwise has always deferred to state determinations of marital status. The Boston court said DOMA violates the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment .....Continued see MARRIAGE - page 6 December ~, 2010 DADT protesters arrested at White House By Rex Woclmer Photo by Sean Cark’on, Talk About Equali~ Courtesy ofGetEQUAL WASHINGTON, DC __ Thirteen supporters of the direct-action group GetEQUAL were arrested at the xYc~lite House fence Nov. 15 after handcuffing themselves to it and supergluing their handcuff locks. They demanded that the Senate join the House in authorizing ,repeal of the Dofft Ask, Don’t Tell military ban on noncloseted GLBs before the Senate adjourns this year. Arrested were Dan Choi, Autumn Sandeen, Evelyn Thomas, Mara Boyd, Geoff Farrow, Robin McGehee, Miriam Ben-Shalom, Justin Elzie, Ian Finkenbinder, Robert Smith, Dan Fotou, Scott glooledge and Michael Bedwell. "Included in the thirteen arrested are veterans and advocates spanning three generations of brave and courageous Americans, who sacrificed their careers and lives to see the day this discriminatory ban on openly gay and lesbian service in the military finally goes into the history books," said GetEQUAL Director Robin McGehee. "Today we have sent a loud and clear message to the U.S. Senate and President Obama that we expect them to make good on their promises to end this inhumane law this year, during the lame-duck session of Congress." DADT was struck down as unconstitutional by a federal District Court earlier this year and for eight days an injunction prohibited the military from kicking out open gays or barring them from enlisting. But the Obama administration appealed the injunction all the way to the Supreme Court, which upheld a stay of it issued by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court ofAppeals. Tnat reinstated the policy for the duration of the appeals of the District Court ruling. Obama has said he wants Congress, not courts, to end the ban, and Justice Department laxvyers argued in court filings that the ban must not be lifted abruptly by a judge because that would harm military operations. The House of Representatives voted earlier this year to authorize the armed forces to end DADT, but the Senate failed to follow suit. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has been conducting a massive survey of troops and their families, due to be released in December, to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked reports of the findings suggest that a majority of members of the military are not troubled by openly gay servicemembers. 6 December ~, 2010 ~~R But Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee has, for all intents and purposes, vowed to continue to block Senate authorization ofDADT repeal, complaining that the massive Pentagon survey didn’t ask the right questions. "All four service chiefs are saying we need a thorough and complete study of the effects -- not how to implement a repeal, but the effects on morale and battle effectiveness," McCain told MSNBC on Nov. 14. "That’s what I ,want, and once we get this (current) study, ~ve need to have hearings and we need to exarnine it and we need to look at whether it’s the kind of study that we wanted. It isn’t, in my view, because I wanted a study to determine the effects of the repeal on battle effectiveness and morale. What this study is designed to do is to find out how the repeal could be implemented." Photo by Sean Carlson, Courtesy of GetEQUAL The DADT repeal measure is part ofthe bill that will fund the entire U.S. military in 2011. As a result, McCain’s obstructionism has left the overall funding bill unpassed by the Senate as well. Surveys have found that neatly 80 percent of Americans are fine with letting gays in the military come out of the closet by ending the DADT policy. 3rd Annual Falalalala Ball Saturday, December 18th: 7pro Dennis R Neill Equality Center TULSA, OK (PR) __ Don your gay apparel and join us for the 3rd annual Fatalalala Ball. ~e evening will include pictures with Santa and Mrs Claus and the naughty and nice elves, Cash Bar and heavy hor d’oeuvres. Pull out ),our holdiay dress and business casual and enjoy. Admission Price is one of the following: pet food for A Friend for A Friend, personal toiletries for Our House Too, non perishable food items for St Jerome Church Food Pantry. For more information visit: vrw~v.OkEq. org N Popular LGBT tourist destination first in Arkansas to offer health insurance coverage to domestic partners o city workers EUREICA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ The only city in Arkansas with a Domestic Partnership Registry has become the first city in the state to provide health care coverage for the domestic partners of municipal workers. The cig;s insurance provider, the Arkansas Municipal League, notified the city on November 15, 2010 that beginning January !, 2011 both same- and opposite-sex partners of city wm-kers will have the same access to health insurance as legal spouses. The announcement culminated a yearlong campaign by residents of this northwest Arkansas tourist town which in June 2007 became the first city in the state to enact a Domestic Partnership Registry ordinance to ot~cially recognize unmarried couples in committed relationships. "Once again Eureka Springs is leading by exan~ple, this time in the realm of workplace equality," said Michael Walsh, who helped lead the effort to expand health care coverage. "Marital status shouldn’t be the deciding factor in access to ’family plan’ insurance. Legally wed or not, all city workers should get the same employment benefits, including access to health insurance for their partners." Expanding the definition of"fan~ily dependent" was "the right thing to do," Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy wrote to the Municipal League in August, just xveeks before the city council passed a resolution endorsing domestic partnership insurance coverage. "I am aware as well as you that some will construe this as a ’gay issue’," said Joy. "But the reality is that there are many heterosexual couples who chose to live together in a committed relationship - as a family - without entering into the civil contract of marriage,. These folks face the same ’family’ challenges every day, not the least of which is providing health care for themselves and for those who are dependent on them.... the definition of family is at the center of our concerns." Joy and cityTransit Director Lamont Richie met with the Arkansas Municipal League Nov. 4 to lobby for a more inclusive health insurance policy. Monday’s announcement that their efforts were successful "is a huge step forward," said Richie. "And though only employees of the City of Eureka Springs will be able to take advantage of it for now," he said, "other communities in the state may be encouraged to adopt their own Domestic Partnership Registries as a means of providing health insurance benefits to domestic partners of their employees." to the U.S. Constitution by treating married gay couples differently from married straight couples without any rational basis for doing so. It also found that DOMA violates the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by intruding in areas of exclusive state authority, and violates the Spending Clause in Article 1 of the Constitution by forcing Massachusetts to discriminate against its married gay citizens in order to receive certain types of federal funding. President Barack Obama does not support same-sex marriage, although he did in 1996 when he was campaigning for an Illinois Senate seat. But in a recent xYvq~ite House meeting with five progressive bloggers, the president suggested he might be getting ready to change his mind again. "I do not intend to make big news sitting here with tl~e five of you, as wonderful as you guys are," Obama said at the Oct. 27 meeting. "But H1 say this .... I have been to this point unwilling to sign on to same-sex marriage primarily because of my understandings of the traditional definitions of marriage, but I also think you’re right that attitudes evolve, including mine. I think that it is an issue that I wrestle with and think about because I have a whole host of friends who are in gay partnerships. I have staff members who are in committed, monog~ous relationship.s, who are raising children, who are wonderful parents, and I care about them deeply, and so while I’m not prepared to reverse myself here, sitting in the Roosevelt Room at 3:30 in the afternoon, I think it’s fair to say that it’s something that I think a lot about. That’s probably the best you’ll get out ofme toda): ... The one thing I wil! say today is I think it’s pretty dear where the trendlines are going ... the arc of history." Most inspiring was OSU-OKC students who participated in the Upward Bound summer session, a preparation program for first generation college students., xvho have held rallies at Western Heights High School and the Oklahoma State Capitol raising awareness about school bu!lying. The conference, although inclusive of the GLBT community, also included other categories of bullying including race, religion, and physica! disabilities. Cimarron Alliance hopes the conference will grow, with more teacher and school administrators. By Steven Petrow &even Pelrow is the author of’The Essential Book ofGay Manners &Etiquette. " Send him your questions at queeries@live.com. "We waist to help other kids fight bullying" "Events like these help us remember, in a good way, those we have lost and to remember that there has been so much progress for this disease," said Chuck Longacre of Oklahoma City. "There is just a marked change for a lot of folks living better and living longer now." Longacre worl~ with Red Rock and Expressions Outreach Center (just offthe OKC strip) providing free HIV/ AIDS testing and counseling. The first World AIDS Day was celebrated on December 1, 1988 and officials say the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS probably peaked in 1996. WHO takes the lead in the global health sector’s response to HIV/AIDS and provides evidence-based information at www.who.int/hivlen/. HRC scorecard: Congress is polarized The new edition of the Human Rights Campaign’s "Congressional Scorecard" has found an increase in both "highly supportive" and "highly anri-LGBT" legislators. HRC said the findings reveal a "stark polarization." ’~k strong and devoted group of anti- LGBT legislators continues to stymie the progress LGBT people deserve," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "The fact that the first ever vote to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in the House of Representatives was countered by a filibuster in the Senate illustrares the landscape." In the House, 145 members received a pro-gay score ofg0 percent or better, compared to 128 members in the previous Congress. Senators scoring 90 percent or better this year rose from 32 to 36. However, the number of senators receiving a zero score from HRC climbed as well, from 16 to 32. The number of House zeros remained unc,,h.anged. As more and more American’s support equality for LGBT people, some members of Congress are showing real leadership while others are digging in their heels to cater to an anti-LGBT fringe constituency," said HRC Legislative Director Allison Herwitt. The scorecard is based on votes and cosponsorships regarding hate crimes, gays in the military, employment nondiscrimination, tax equity, same-sex marriage, same-sex partner immigration, HIV treatment, needle exchange, and the Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor Supreme Court confirmations. For full results, see hrc.org/scorecard. No matter who yo* are on life’s journt -Re~ere~d ~r. 3131 N. 0 December 1, 2010 7 IVfETROPOLITAN COI~MUNITY CHURCHES ~ev Sieve To U[~e Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO ~804 Wo~h[p Sunday 6:00 PM CommunRy Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM December t, 2010 9 10 December1,2010 Creep ofthe Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne WYtkowski has been gayfor pay since 2003. She’s af!’eelance writer and Oct (beiieve it~.O. When shes nOt taking on the creeps ofthe world she reviews rock roll sh~ows in Detroit with her twin sister "Clint McCance" You know the old saying, "Ifyou don’t have anything nice to say, say it on Facebook?" Well, Arkansas Midland School District vice president Clint McCance took it to heart recently when he posted some vile anti-gay hate speech to rival Fred Phelps and his band of "God Hates Fags" loonies. \Vhat set McCance off was a cal! for supporters of LGBT youth to wear purple in memory of the young people who recently committed suicide after being bullied. "Seriously they want me to wear purple because five queers committed suicide," he posted. "The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the people of this world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and killed therselves because of their sin. REALLY PEOPLE." Yes, really. Did I mention he was a school board member? Oh, to be a gay kid in Midland. Those lucl~, devils. , One ofMcCances friends commented, Because hatred is always right:. 2 To which he responds, "No because being a fag doesnt give you the right to ruin the rest of our lives. Ifyou get easily offended by being called a fag then dent tell anyone you are a fag. Keep that shit to yourself. I dent care how people decide to live their lives. They dent bother me if they keep it to thereselves. It pisses me off though that we make a special purple fag day for them. I like that fags cant procreate. I also enjoy the fact that they often give each other aids and die." D~d you catch that lastpart. He enj.ovs when gays get AIDS and die. Ha ha. You know, typical LOL stuff. Another friend commented, "You kmow this is somebodys kids here how would you feel if they were talkin about your kids like this. It would make you feel like SHIT." No worries, McCance knows exactly how ," i’m not sure that there’s an honorable way to wish all gay people dead even it= he had used different I words to do it. he’d feel. "I would disown my kids if they were gay," he posts. "They will not be ~velcome at my home or in my viciniry. I will absolutely run them off. Of course my kids will imow better. My kids will have solid christian beliefs." Where these "solid Christian beliefs" will come from I don’t know. Certainly not from their father. Needless to say, McCance’s comments caused quite a stir with many people calling for his firing. A visibly uncomfortable and maybe even contrite McCance appeared oh CNN with Anderson Cooper and apologized for his comments saying they were "too emotional" and "went too far." As for the terms "fag" and "queer" he told Cooper, "I know those are hurtful words and like I said, I picked the wrong words to use. And used them poorly. I didn’t bring honor to what I was about." I’m not sure that there s an honorable way to ~vish all gay people dead even if he had used different words to do it. He also stated that he doesn’t "wish death on anyone" and that "it does look like I’m a hatemonger or a horrible person’and that’s not me at al!." Urn, yes. It does look like that. Very much like that, in fact. It’s kind of hard to accept that a person who thinks, "Hey I have a minute to post on Facebook before I head off to this school board meeting and here’s something totally appropriate to say" isn’t a hatemonger. No matter how much they apologize or resign from the school board on Anderson Cooper 360. So, yeal~. He resigned. And he’s sorry. But the boot print of mistrust and feat on the backs ofLGBT school kids, especially those in the Midland school system, isn’t going to wash out so easily. ~ 20TH ANNUALC H R~ ST HAS AIDS BENEFIT BENEFITTING THE WINDS HOUSE MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 & TUESDAY, DECEi~4BER 7 DINNER AT 6:30 PM ENTERTAINbAENT AT 8:00 P!Vt THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY x¢VITH ENTERTAINiMENT BY: SONJA ~RTINEZ JOHN BEEBE BEN WILLIAMS P,~ENEE ANDERSON ,~{ATTHEW HEATH-FITZGERALD ROXIE HART KITTY BOB AIMES NOR!~AA JEAN GOLDENSTEIN FOR RESE IONS CALL (405) 525-0730 PRICE 45,00 RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED. HALF OF ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE XA!INDS HousE. ~T~S’~AR t December 1, 2010 THE BIGGER PICTURE PRODIGAL SUN Go green while gettin’ down with Solar Sound 2. the new and improved sun-powered portable speakers from pioneering compaW Devotec. Building upon the success of the original Solar Sound. this upgrade promises a superior listening experience with the use of specialty woven speaker cones; silver-plated, oxygen-free copper cabling; an efficient power circuit to provide even more juice to the amp; and a larger integrated battery that increases playing time to five to 10 hours, depending on the volume levd. 3-hat’s where the sun comes in. With its embedded solar panel and quick charging system, the unit can play continuously under UV rays - even when the built-in battery is dead. Party on, parry boy. ($99.99; www.devotecindustries.com) ’SCANDLE’-OUS There are digital photo frames, and then there’s the CEIVA digital photo frame. What’s the difference? For starters, CEIVA frames come preloaded with your favorite pics, so when the recipient opens the box your pearly whites are peering fight back. But that’s not the best part. The frames are connected, allmving anyone, anywhere to send photos directly to the frame by camera phone, e-mail, Facebook and more - a nice surprise for grandma when she walks in to see ne,v pictures from her favorite gay grandson. Unless her favorite gay grandson hits the wrong button, of course. But then, he really shouldn’t have such scandalous content stored on his Droid, now should he? ($127.99 and up; wvvw.ceiva.com) GARDEN VARIETY Paging Peg Bundy! Al’s trophy ~vife " loved her some bonbons - but probably not this ~nd. Moulton’s Bon Bons are truffleshaped mounds of clay and organic compost combined with seeds. The Garden pack features two each of basil, parsley, chives and thyme, while the herb tea selection includes double quantities of borage, chamomile, lemon balm and Stinging Nettle. Just toss the handcrafted clay* balls into the garden or an indoor container, add water, and watch them grow. Perfect for that crazy uncle who "talks" his plants. Misery loves compan}: ($14.95; wx~,~v.moultonology.com) Turn up the heat with Scandle, a shimmery candle that burns two degrees above body temperature to produce a soothing body oil in a relaxing aroma. Perfect for massages, cuticle treatments or as an everyday moisturizer. ($22.95; www. scandlecandle.com) SHAVE THE WAY ’Ihis ain’t your daddy’s razor. The Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D uses GyroFlex 3D technology to enable three-dimensional contouring that pivots around, tilts inward and flexes outward to adjust seamtessly to every curve of the face and neck. The UltraTrack heads include channels to catch longer hairs, slots to catch normal hairs, By Ed Sikov Ed Sikov # the author ofDark lcqcto,7; 7he Life ofBette Davis and ot?~er books aboutfilms and filmmakers. " he Scarborough Fair" It’s very loud in the city much louder than any Fire Island sound system blasting the recent archaeological discovery, Barbra Streisand. But I’ve kept a bit of my summer garden in preserved form, and it’s literally a tonic. Just before we left the beach house, I was seized with an ovmwhelming need to take something with me - something to get me through the tough, cold northeast winter. Dan had already put his suitcase outside the gate when, stricken with this impulse, I dropped my stuff, sprinted to the container garden in the back, and ripped out bunches of herbs. "What are you doing?" said Dan when I reappeared carrying two fistfuls of aromatics. "What are you doing?" I replied as I stuffed them into my backpack. He answered on cue: "What are you doing?!" It’s a routine we do. "I don’t know," I said as I picked up my backpack. "It’s part of a Native-American ha~est ritual." "Don’t be racist," Dan scolded. We distracted ourselves by insulting each other as we walked to the ferry. By the time we got home, the herbs looked pretty sad, so to refresh them I wrapped them in a wet towel and stuck them in the refrigerator. I decided to make an herbal infusion, so the next morning, I bought a fifth ofAbsolut. After doing some cursory Internet research, I decided I kaaew better. (I’m obnoxious.) So I washed the ragged bouquets, dried them in a salad spinner, and laid them out on the counter. I hadn’t planned this desperate harvest at all; the herbs I’d blindly grabbed at twilight consisted of sage, thyme, tarragon, lovage, parsley and rosemarT~ The infusion ingredients instantly chose themselves: parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Don’t you just love that song? I put the iPod on its little donut and set it to my Pau! Simon playlist, then gently bruised the herbs to release their oils and juices, stuffed them in a large, dean, Mason-type glass jar, poured the Absolut in and sealed it. I waited one day too long. On the third day, the infusion was a gorgeous shade of bright green; the next day it starting browning, and I yanked the herbs out before the thing started to look like peat moss runoff. ¯ne taste? Well, the Garfunlde herb mix tasted very good, though in the future I might just use rosemary (it’s got the best flavor) and some parsley for color. Turning an herbal infusion into a cocktail is easy: you can have it straight up at room temperature, put it on the rocks, stick the bottle in the freezer or add some seltzer and a lime segment. Simple! And ifa guest says your handcrafted infused vodka is not ro her liking? Just tell her to go reap it in a sickle of leather. That should shut her up. (But what the hell does it mean?) "~he Scarborough Fair" Get some herbs. I’d try rosemary first, with some parsley for color. Measurements are useless here, since the whole point is to make it handcrafted by you. Wash and dry the herbs thoroughly, put them in a glass jar with a lid that seals tightly, pour in enough Absolut to cover the herbs, and seal the jar. Taste often. When it looks and tastes right t.o you, strain the infusion back into the Absolut bottle or the bottle or jar of your choice. Drink it straight, or mixed with some seltzer or a small splash of tomato juice. and holes to catch even the shortest stubble, cutting every hair with fewer strokes. Designed to be innovative and attractive in function and design, this cordless, electric shaver also features the SldnGlide system that combines a smooth surface with rounded edges to glide effortlessly over his manly mug. Kyan would be proud. ($199-$349; www. store.philips.com) FIVE O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE with The Original Disposable Flask, a lightweight, durable, collapsible and freezable portal of potency that fits perfectly in a pocket or purse. Great for one-time use or as reusable, refillable respite. ($2.99; www. disposableflasks.com) December 1, 2010 Get your glug on anytime, anywhere & Chuck Breckenridge x~;q~ether buying or selling I’!t work hard for you. LANCE ~ COIJLD MAKE A "~ ~:-- PHONE CALLS ,leeomics.com MAK~ THOSB 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalleyresort.com info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Downtown, xN Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Center; Tulsa Gay Center. Aff’ordable Homes and Apartments. For #~ore hb~a~on visit: wu,w.gaybra~ybeigh#tu/sa.com N~@~T~ December i, 20i0 13 erm~il: bittergid@qsyndicate.com www.joanhitty.net By Jack Fertig December 2010 "Be sensible, LibraP’ Mars in Sagittarius provokes us to speak and act out in search of new perspectives. He’s squared to Uranus, though, provoking accidents, rash statements and decisions we’ll regret later. The greatest adventures are deep inside. Meditation and introspection can yield tremendous insights. ARIES (Paarch 20- Apri~ 19): Your ruler, Mars, is goading you to explore new ideas and places. Even - or especially - in quiet meditation in a dark room you can hardly help but to make important discoveries. Staying true to yourself means accepting growth and change. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - P~ay 20): Finding sexual adventure is easy enough, but it could complicate friendships. The erotic energy that’s making you so popular could be harnessed into a more political charisma. What to do? The answer is deep inside you. GEMIN~ (Paay 21- June 20): It’s harder than usual to stay out of arguments. "Your friends could help you if you can keep the signals clear. Thinking ahead is good; intuiting ahead is better. Accept criticism from the boss, even if overly harsh, as a challenge to improve. CANCER (June 21o July 22): Talking with your boss about your goals is sure to highlight existing confusion, but can lead toward resolution. Not talking about the problem will just make it worse. Just complaining about lack of direction will undermine efforts and confidence. LEO (July 23 - August 22): The call to adventure may be irresistible, but it does involve bigger risks than you can anticipate. Look ahead and be careful to cut down on dangers, but you will be surprised - maybe for the better. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Domestic squabbles might make for some crazy passion or lead to great makeup sex. That won’t eliminate the conflict, but it could reframe it dramatically. That could lead to a helpful breakthrough, but you still have lots of work ahead of you! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Worrying about accidents invites them as much as carelessness does. Be sensible, observe standard precautions, but dithering and first-guessing yourself is no good either. "Helpful" efforts, whichever end you’re on, are also likely to make things worse. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Hide the plastic. Any unnecessary shopping can only end badly. Set aside a carefully budgeted amount for entertainment and have some fun. You need to release some energy, but there’s no need for it to be expensive. 14 December 1, 2010 SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Get out and have a little fun, but even there, think ahead and be careful. Home is a danger zone, and not just for the preponderance of accidents that happen there. Not a good time to call the folks either! CAPRICORN (December 2t - January 19): Digging up family secrets could prove explosive. How much are you ready to learn? Revealing those (or other) secrets could cause a lot of trouble. You need to talk, but select your confidante wisely. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Going out on a limb for political principle can gain you points for audacity and integrity, but leave you in the lurch. Holding true to core values is most important, but how they work in reality should evolve with the times. PISCES (February 19 - I~arch 19): Daring risks and changes might get you ahead, but the only guarantee is that without taking a chance you’ll trip yourself up badly. Meditate on what’s important. In the end instinct and intuition will serve better than apparent logic. Creating Community for People iving with H V/A DS 50~. c (3) Non P~ofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HI’Z+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people !ive through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. VVe invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net 31 L! 5336 E. Admiral Pi. Tulsa, Ok 74115 (918) 836-0915 Poo~ Tournament: Wednesdays Prizes nightly!!!!! "You can staA your a~ywhere as ~ong as yo ~ with Monday’." Blake’s Buying!!! Buy two Liquor Drinks, Blake buys the third!! (please see bar for details) Dancers @ 10pm Tuesday. 75¢ Bud and Bud Light Drafts!! Dancers @ 10pr!! Wednesday: Pool Tournament 7:30prn!! Dancers @ 10prn! Thursday: Bingo Night 7:00prn!! Dancers @ !0prn Friday: Dancers at 8:00pr!!! Saturday: Dancers at 8:00prn!! Sunday: $6 Beer Bust and PJ Parbj! Dancers 3 years bitches going to stop December 1, 2010 15 Next 4 405’427-3366 Meeting is Tuesday, December at Oklahoma Democratic Party H N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 73105 ~vw.okstonewall.org 7 d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 12 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Ronald Blake Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Philip Green Romeo San Vincente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Ed Sikov Steven Petrow Rex Wockneer D'Anne Witkowski Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, November 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/195 The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2011; Volume 8, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/190 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/187 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/c7641729331198cf80878d1d621281e2.jpg 216b9c8ff0503606252ceeef63779479 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/b310cde7c20101c7d372a18f34483f0e.pdf c52538920077b3300b717fc407c32658 PDF Text Text THE VOLUME 7 PREMIER SOURCE FOR ISSUE 4 GLBT OKLAHOMA Twi~er.com/MetroStarNews to exempt Oklahoma Ha e Cr mes Law protecting GLBTs State Senate It is very sad that any lawmaker in Oklahoma would introduce legislation that would force Oklahoma law enforcement officials to violate ground brealdng Federal law that would extend legal protections to LGBT Oklahomans who may become victims of violence motivated by bigotry." Statement by State Senator Andrew Rice who was one of the 6 Senators who voted no. By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ SB 1965, introduced by State Senator Steven Russell ( Republican-District 45) deals mainly with the Fede~aI Hate Crimes expansion signed into law by President Obama in October 22,2009, which added Federal Hates crimes protection to include gender, sexual oriei~tation, gender identity and disability in addition to the already covered categories of agencies from sharing evidence or providing assistance ro Federal authorities if they are im~esrigating a hate crime in Oklahoma. It has passed the State Senate 39-6. Oklahoma Hate Crimes laws (Section 850 Title 21) cover race, color, tel igion, gender, disability, familial status and national origin. As sexual orientation and gender identity are not covered, hate crimes against GLBTs in the state of Oklahoma could not be prosecuted as such under state law, yet such a crime could be punished as a hate crime under Federal [axe; which passage of SB 1965 would attempt m change. However Constitutionally Federal Law supercedes state law. As Tamya Cox of Oldaboma’s ACLU puts T lsa M tary Veteran Kelly rbv honored by O ahomans for By Michael xYZ Sasser TULSA, OK Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) is set to h--~nor Tulsa accountant Kelly ~rby with a Lifetime Achievement Award on April 24 at their 30th Anniversary Equality Gala. "I have to say that at 56 years old the word ’lifetime’ is a little daunting," says the aftable longtime activist. Kirby is being honored for 20 years of major activism for the Oklahoma GLBT community. "I appreciate the fact that they are recognizin, g my accomplishments," Kirby says. I think what I have done is important and I would have done it without aW recognition of it." it, "For example, if a bloody baseball bat was used in an Oklahoma hate crime against a gay person and it was held by state authorities who are most likely to be first on the scene, if this bill becomes law it could not be given to Federal authorities as evidence for prosecution." Since Oklahoma State Hate Crimes laws don’t covering GLBTs, SB 1965 would make it virtually impossible for hate crimes against GLBTs in Oklahoma to be successftdiv prosecuted as hate crimes. Scott J. Hamilton. Executive Director of the Cimarron Alliance stated, "\g)~e are appalled that the Oklahoma Senate would pass legislation that, in effect, green lights violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens in this state. Not only is it unconstitutional, it is unconscionable. In the meantime our state vdll spend without limit to defend this in court. Oklahoma is in the midst of a budget crisis of historic proportions. I find it hard to believe that bigotry is so pervasive in our state that our policymakers would rather pass hate filled legislation than addressing failing schools and reductions in services for seniors." ........ Continued See BILL 1965 Page-5 ® MetroStarNews.com APRIL 1,2010 Pau Robert ompsor A lifetime of service-forever a gacy (1939-2010) By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Among Oklahomans who take an interest in equality and justice there are very fe~v who didn’t know about Paul Thompson, and many knew him xvell as he -worked hard to make Oklahoma better until his life ended. At least 2 generations of activists worked beside him, enduring the heartbreak of setbacks and the joys of victories as history marched on. His energy was tireless, chairing meetings, working with bureaucracies, organizing events, making speeches, doing mailings, and on and on. Although he had his own business, PRT Designs (interior decorating), his true passion was working with people for justice. He was well known for his outspoken pride clearly shown by his trademark outfits, which included xvearing a different rainbow color with matching socks every day. He co-chaired the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus from 1992 until 2010, and was active for many years with the Oklahoma Democratic Party. He also played a significant role in organizing Oklahoma City’s first Pride Parade in 1988, a true ~ilestone not only for Oklahoma City but rather the entire GLBT community of Oklahoma. That event was a major turning point in Oklahoma, with the KKK waiting in the Safexvay (now Homeland) parking tot on N.-W. 39th Street to stop the "queer parade." But that event had a happy ending as fellow activist Jim Ninamo put xt, "When they saw how many participants were marching, they tucked their tails and left." The rest was history, with that proud tradition continuing today. Paul served as the Male CoChair for the OKC Pride Parade and Festival for many years until 2009, when he was given a Chairmanship Emeritus Award for his service. ........ Continued See THOMPSON Page-4 giving well over 100 interviews and malting For more than two decades, Kirby has been a sure his clients know he might end up in the visible activist for GLBT issues with an emphasis media. on marriage equality and for gay "A lot of people in Tulsa and lesbian service members. It "1 lost a relationship feel that they can’t speak hasn’t always been an easy role to that had been long up because of family or play. term when he was community or work," Kirby On \Vorld A~DS Day in 1991, discharged from the says. "I had to get past that." Kirby participated in a smal! Air Force for being Still Kirby said he demonstration in Tulsa on a wet, gay," Kirby says. believes different people rainy night. Unbeknownst to him, should be featured by his photo was taken and the next media as representative of the state GLBT day appeared in a newspaper. community. "I got a phone call from my biggest client the next da)~" Kirby remembers. "q-he mvner of the ........ Continued See KIRBY Page-7 company asked me ifI had the opportunity to make a statement for my cause, if I would do it. I hadn’t really thought about it until then, but I said that yes, I probably would. An hour later, I was fired and lost two-thirds of my business. I basically had to start over from scratch building my business. Kelly WKirby 1974 at age 20, United States I guess that was my activist wake-up call." Air Force, honor guard dress uniform. _*Kirby said that "he hasn’t shut up"" since then, �Cimarron Alliance Moves Forward with new- O ces and a Dynamic Director By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Margaret Cox proudly cutting the ribbon held by the new Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, with Lisa Ptsiri of the Oldahoma City Chamber of Commerce looking on. Gorin photo OKLM-IOMA CITY, OK__ Cimarron Alliance Group was formed in 1995 as a political action committee (PAC) focused on equality for the GLBT community in Oldaho,na. Although other groups existed at that time, anaong them the Oldahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, the Mliance was a venture of successful business people and professionals who would be able to give serious financial backing to deserving candidates seeking public office as well as put on events for the GLBT community. First chaired by the late Bill Rogers, the organization became a major force for the GLBT community and the Oldalxoma political landscape. In 1997 the Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed as a 501(c)(3) organization, a nonprofit status which enables an organization to, among other things, accept contributions which are tax deductible to the giver. While this type of organization is prohibited fi’om most political activity, including contributing to or promoting candidates or political parties, the CAF was focused on educational issues facing the GLBT community, informing not only them but also straights as well. In this endeavor they have held events such as their annual Leadership Summit, which is a convention of leadership from all GLBT groups. They made history in 2001 when their Gay Pride banners for Oklalmma City light poles were oMered taken down by then Mayor Kirk Humphreys. They took the city 1:o Federal court and on September 13,2002 Judge Robin Cauthron ruled that the banners were protected by Federal free speech rights mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Redesigned in 1997, the Pride banners still fly on special occasions. Now as we face a new decade with pride facing prejudice, especially with opposition 2 to GLBT equality clearly shown to be alive and kicking in Oldahoma, Cimarron is facing challenge as they undergo change. For the first time they have an office, !ocated at 729 N.gi. 17th Street in OHahoma City. Likewise they now have their first fulltirne Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, a native Otdahoman. A~er many years in New York City with many ventures he has returned home to fight for equality. Born inI960 in south Oklalmma City, he graduated as a valedictorian of Capitol Hill High School in 1978. He later graduated from OU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and his first job was being a promoter for the Oldahoma Opry, an Oldahoma City venue for country and western musicians. He later took a far better paying position with an oil company but lost that job during the oil bust of 1983, actually driving to the unemployment office in a Mercedes. What followed was a variety of ventures to pay the bills, ranging from teaching junior high school chorus to painting garage doors to makJng doughnuts, among other endeavors. Finally he flew to New York City (the Mercedes long gone) with 3 suitcases and $200 to meet a friend awaiting he could stay vdth. Doing writing and consulting for an import/export business, he moved on to success with the advertising agency Charron, Schwartz and Partners. Walking through the subway one fateful day beneath Grand Central Station he saw Wayne Johnson, a gentleman that would prove to be a soulmate. As the relationship came together, Scott came out at work (no problem) and they legally married in Connecticut. Following this, he got involved working with nonprofit organizations. Finding himself laid off, he began checking around for other ....... Continued See ClMARRON Page 5 April 1, 2010 �is T.E.N? By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer 7he Equalily Network, or TEN. is comprised of three organizational entities: TEN PAC, TEN, and TEN Institute. Pictured above is Laura Belmonte. an activist who is also i4ce President and Co-Founder ofTEN. Townsend photo TULSA. OK TEN, or "The Equality Network" is a non-partisan statewide organization working to achieve equality and secure legal protection for tesbian. ga)~ bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Oklahomans through advocacy, coalition building and individual empowerment in the political process. Founded in 2009. TEN is comprised of three organizational entities: TEN PAC, TEN, and TEN Institute. "Over the last decade or so that I’ve worked for LGBT equalityin Oklahoma I’ve become increasingly impressed with the amazing progress statewide LGBT advocacy groups are having elsewhere," said Laura Belmonte, Vice President and Co-Founder of TEN. "Last year a number of positive forces converged and we concluded that the timing xvas right to implement a three-pronged strategy of ’educate, advocate, elect.’" Belrnonte also has a PhD amd is currently Director of American Studies and associate professor of Arnerican History at Oklahoma State University. "The launching ofTEN is the fulfilhnent of a personal dream and I feel very fortunate ro have the opportunity to work ~vith such a committed and talented group of people," adds Belmonte. "Each day, we are hearing from people all over the state - most in places where there is no organized effort for LGBT equality - and we are quite encouraged by the alliances that are developing. With time, effort, and a lot of help we think that TEN can help make some positive changes for LGBT Oklahomans." TEN is affiliated with the Equality Federation (vrww.equalityfederation.org), the national alliance of state-based LGBT advocacy organizations. Collectively these state groups have compiled a remarkable string of pro-equality victories on a range of issues including workplace fairness, antibullying and relationship recognition. Even a small group of w!!l-prepared constituents can www.metrostarnews.com make a powerful impression on a legislator. Legislators need to hear from people who support LGBT equality all the time, not only at times when the LGBT community is being targeted. "The board combines people with professional and non-professional experience in lobbying and advocacy at the state and local levels on causes as varied as LGBT rights, animal protection, HIV/A.IDS, economic injustice, and gender equality," adds Belmonte. "This wilt be a continua!, longterm effort. It is going to take time and effort to move Oklalaoma toward more inclusive ~nd just public policies for LGBT people." For more information you may contact Belmonte at lbelmonte@theequalitynetwork. org or 918.906.2134. Our web site is ~wcw. theequalitynetwork.org. You can also find TEN on Facebook and Twitter (follow TENEquality). Openly Gay Norman City Councilman wins re-election but now is running for State House NORMAN, OK (PR) __ When Tom Kovach was first elected to the Norman City Council in 2008, he wasn’t the first openly gay person to do so. That milestone was achieved by David Ray in 2002, but Tom did have the distinction of being the second, and of being re-elected unopposed this year. He represents Ward 2. However, as State Representative Bil! Nations of District 44 is leaving office due to term limits, Tom Kovach has announced he is running for that office as a Democrat, His stated reasoning, " Sometimes government produces ideas that in the light of day lack common sense. I have always been willing to speak out on those occasions as the voice of the people, and I remains so." "Throughout my years in Norman I have worked with people from all walks of life, helping them find solutions to the problems they faced. I have done so as a union leader, a smal! business owner and now as a local business executive. I accomplished these things through honesty, respectful communication and a willingness to hear all sides of an issue, the same qualities that will mark my service as your next state representative." He has lived in the district more than 40 years, graduating from OU with a degree in Letters. He currently works as a Customer Service Manager for Astromomics, a leading U.S. dealer and producer of quality optics. He and his partner Will Weir are active in many social service agencies in the Norman area, and look forward to doing more for their fellow Oklahomans. A Toast to Life It’s time to Paint the Town Robert! By Robin D-Townsend Contributing W-riter Other Options and Friends Food Pantry board president, Robert Painter tu,ws 40 in April and is planning a huge_f!~ndraising eventfor t,§e organization to celebrate the occasion. Townsend photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s a birthday bash like none other. Turning 40 is Robert Painter, famous for his ’best little tact stand down by the tracks,’ (a.k.a., ~lhe Iguana Mexican Grill). Painter is also the board president of Other Options, Inc (OOI) and has chosen to celebrate ’the big 4-0’ in a very unique way. "Our Toast to Life event is the signature fundraiser for Other Options and it is held annually in April?said Painter. ~Ttpril also happens to be the same month as my birthday. I really w~tnted to take advantage of the name Ihave made for myself to help an or,ga,~)ization who has done so much for people.’ Painter became acquainted with OOI when his dear friend, Tim Wade ~vas diagnosed with HIV. The only place he could find immediate help at no cost in Oklahoma City was at Other Options. This is where Painter met Mary Arbuclde, Executive Director of OOI and Friends Food Pantry. Wade found assistance with medication, food and other support services at OOI. Sadly, Wade passed away in 2009 but Painter has kep,t, his memory alive by giving back. The bigge,,st thing we [O~I] need is our own building, adds Painter. That is why our goal is $40,000 for this event and I think we can do it." Forty seems to be the magic number. Since 1989 Other Options in Oklahoma City has provided professional, consistent services to people who are HIV positive and disabled individuals, focusing on the impact HIV/AIDS has had in the lives of those they serve. The mission of Other Options is to create a better understanding of HIV/AIDS, provide training, guidance and provide educational directories that link the affected community to services. The venue will include live music, various artists and entertainers, dancing, and deadCenter will be showing films on the big screen, there will be a fashion show and a silent auction will be held. Another unique part of this event will be the art gallery featuring Oklahoma City artists Debbie Curtis, Joe Slack, Ben Potter, Brent Weber and Bryan Boone. Other surprises are also in store. ~ Toast to Life; Paint the Town Robert,’ vdtl be held on April 10th at 7:40pm at 25 NW 9th (just \grest of Nae Iguana). Tickets for the event are $40 and will include food, drink, entertainment and parldng. For tickets or to make a donation please call (405) 6058020. Reserve tickets are requested; the event is free to clients of Other Options. 1st Annual Tulsa Violence Symposium In Memory of Joseph Walker-Hoover Jaheem Herrera TULSA, OK (PR) April 16, 2010 hosted by Youth Services of Tulsa. Nae event will take place at Langston University Tulsa starting at 9AM. Registration to attend this event is not necessary. The event will address national and local concerns about the growing problems of student-on-student abuse in our communities - Bullying, Dating Violence/Date Rape, and Domestic Violence. If you would like to schedule a booth for your organization, please contact Michael Merryman at 918.382-4429, or email to mmerryman@yst.org. ’uPtcv - Civil Rights *Criminal ment Family Law - Litigation 625 N.W. t S.th Street a City, OK [vIETROSTAR 3 �Dear Editor, I wanted to share the letter Congresswoman Mary Fallin sent to me in response to my letter regarding EDNA and The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill and the reaction of the Oldahoma Legislature. Kendell Powers Oklahoma Civ/ March 8, 2010 Mr. Kendel Powers 600 Northwest 23rd Street, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73103-1464 Dear Mr. Powers: Thank you for taking the time to contact me about the Employment NonDiscrimination Act. Understanding your ideas and concerns is important to me, as it helps me to better represent you and the Fifth District of Oklahoma. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, would extend existing provisions of Federal law to prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of "actual or perceived" sexual orientation. The bill expands civil rights protections on the vague basis of perception, requiring courts to determine an employer’s thoughts when an employment action is taken. Currently Title \HI prohibits workplace harassment that is based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This legislation is anotber example of political correctness gone wrong. This bill is constitutionally questionable, weakens both state and federal marriage laws, and creates a legal trap for businesses, schools, and people of faith. I have long opposed the government’s creeping assault on the faithbased values our country was founded on, the flaws in this bill are numerous and obvious. ENDA is inconsistent with the rights guaranteed by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (PdaRA), which prohibits the Federal Government from substantially burdening the free exercise of religion. It nullifies the rights of some religious schools which, although not "controlled, managed or owned by a specific religion," may still consider religious faith and traditional moral values to be an essential part of their curriculum. This opens some of Oldahomds most successful faith-based institutions to unconstitutional government involvement and supervision. Without a blanket exemption for all religious educational institutions, nondenominational religious schools will be forced to operate under government review of curriculum and constant fear of litigation. The.proposed legislation makes a protected class based on sexual behavim; which will jeopardize our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and religious expression. ENDA is a direct attack on individual religious freedoms and creares a lega! tightrope for employers over which law to follow and violate. Employers with rnoral or religious beliefs opposed to homosexualiV will be forced to lay down their rights and convictions at the door, creating a hostile work environment. In addition to ENDA’s blatant disregard for traditional values, values 4 tsv{~£T~qOSTAR that still mean something to the people of Oklahoma, the law is so vaguely defined and so unenforceable that it seems to be more of a handout to trial lavo,ers than anything else. As your Representative, I stand for religious liberty and people of all faiths and oppose a convoluted, vaguely defined and unenforceable set of new regulations governing personal behavior and hiring practices. Thank you again for taking the time to share your ideas and concerns. As the 11 lth Congress addresses the man), challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and vie,vs with me. However, due to increased security measures, mail delivery may be delayed for up to two weeks. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my website at ,aw~v.fallin.house.gov to contact me via email in the future. While visiting my site you may also sign up for my e-newsletter as well as find usefu! information about the 11 lth Congress. Sincerely Mary Fallin Member of Congress Dear Editor, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Hunting season is on for gays and lesbians as long as the Oklahoma Legislature is in session. If the rednecks don’t get us the suit-and-tie boys will. Not content with passing SQ 71 ! in 2004 making marriage only bet~veen one man and one woman as many times as they like, the Senate has just passed 39-6 a bill (SB1965) to opt out of the recentl~ passed federal Shepard/Byrd Hate Crime~ I[aw. ~e bill nmv goes to the House side of the Capitol. Senate Bill 1965 seems optimistically numbered in that I’m sure Sen. Russell, the sponsor, and 38 of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle would like to return to the year 1965 ifno~ earlier, when gays and lesbians knew that our place was not alongside other Americans but rather in the closet of narrow, scared shadows with the door hinges well rusted. ~e voting record is located here: http://tinyurl.com/ycgog86 It’s odd that many of these legislators weren’t even born then or were very young. Where did they learn such animosity towards strangers that never did them any harm? Surely not in their church pews or at their dinner tables, do you think? After all, African-Americans had just achieved a legal victory in 1965 with the ’passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Acts for which white bigots thought the sky would fall in. The sky did not fal! in and it won’t fall in when gays and lesbians achieve our social and legal victory over the bigots of Oldahoma. 2q~e only thing lost will be the legal right bigots so jealously retain to impose their ignorance over the rest of us. According to Sen. Russell’s legislative webpage he has a serious military record and several medals. If medals are a mark of bravery why is Sen. Russell so afraid of gays and lesbians that he sponsors bills that remove them from the protection of the law and maintain their second-class status as taxpayers--second-class in that gay/lesbian money is ACcepted for payment of taxes yet we are EXcepted when it comes to protection from hatred and discrimination? X~y is Sen. Russell afraid of gay/lesbian equality under the law? Senator Russell just can’t stop fighting wars and looking for enemies. He should reenlist and put his life back on the line, for his country of course. James Nimmo Oklahoma City, OK Hawaii’s Garden Isle: Kauai, In terms of scenery, the one Hawaiian island that comes closest to living up to the expectations of many first-time visitors is Kauai, a comparatively small but magnificently lush isle of rain forests, towering seaside cliffs and seduded beaches. Sumptuous full-service resorts to quaint B&B’s. A list of where to stay and things to do now online in our Travel Section @ www.MetroStarNews.com Dear Editor, TULSA, OK__ Senate Bil! 1965 has to be defeated. This bill would restrict Oklahoma law enforcement from complying with the federal justice department during a hate biased crime investigation. The bill’s author, State Senator Steven Russell, has suggested the Federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act would restrict free speech (aka ministers preaching against homosexuality). So the Oklahoma Senate has refused to hear bills that would assist victims ofliate biased crimes but have tentatively approved another bill that would remove any hope of justice for LGBT victims of violence. This is unacceptable and I strongly urge everyone to contact their State Senator and challenge them to not approve Senate Bill 1965 on it’s final hearing. Visit this website and find out how to reach your senator. http:llwww.facebook.comll195662;www. oksenate.gov/Senators/maps.htm Toby Jenkins President, Oklahomans for Equality Tulsa; OK .......... ......... : ...... He was born in Oklahoma City on November 19, 1939. AaCter growing up there and graduating from Central High School he worked maW jobs before creating PRT Designs, His road to activism began when he was arrested after leaving a gay bar over 40 years ago on bogus charges of lewd conduct. Unlike almost any of his peers, he fought the charge and won. He continued to fight injustice wherever he saw it. In addition to activism in the gay community he also helped African Americans, serving on the board of the Oklahoma City NAACP for over 15 ),ears as well. ........ Metro Star Travel Column Now Online Kauai’s famed Na Pali Coast, with its 4, 000foot cli~ rMng big,§ above the sea. Photo by Andrew Collins A memorialput up on the Nix/2. 39th Street Strip Median at N.14z. 39th and Pennsylvania by Nathanid Batchelder qfthe Peace House Paul passed away March 8 at Baptist Integris Medical Center due to a stroke and subsequent heart failure. A memorial service was held for him at the 1st Unitarian Church March 14. Speakers included Laura Rhoads, who knew him as "Unde Paul" when he was her childhood friend, as well as former Oklahoma Commissioner Jim Roth. Followed by a potluck supper a multitude of his friends and fellow activists shared memories, lamented how far he’d brought us, and how to make his legacy live on. No ma#er who yot are on life’s journ~ 3131 ,R. Pennsylvania, Oklaho 405.525.9555 April 1,2010 �jobs in a nationwide search. By chance he found an executivedirector’s position open with Cimarron Alliance and his first thought was,, A gay organization in Oklahoma CitT, how is that possible?" He applied for the position and got it. With the encouragement of his partner ’,Wayne (still in New York but who will join him later) he has plans for a new direction fi~r himself and for Cimarron. One of his major concerns, as it is for all nonprofits, is how to achieve objectives or even survive in this type of economy. His answer, "You keep going because the needs do not abate just because money is tight. If you believe in social jnstice, that doesn’t stop until there is justice. " He has been pleasantly surprised at the financial contributions people have made recently to the organization, and those volunteering their time and talents as well. He also realizes that for a long time there was a perception that Cimarron is an organization primarily focused as being an elite group of white,~ wealthy, handsome gay men. When it was formed in 1995 a membership cost $250. Today there are no dues to join the organization, and the Cimarron Alliance PAC no longer exists. Currently the Foundation hosts an annual Stop Hate in the Hallways summit, which has been a major factor for school systems in Oldahoma considering or implementing anti-bullying policies that protect students who are GLBT or perceived to be from harassment, q-he main objective now is more outreach. As Scott stated, " One of my goals for " this year, besides raising enough money to pay the bills, is to demonstrate with sincerity and conviction that this is an organization that is approachable and dedicated to serving everyone in the community." Beginning in April Cimarron Alliance Foundation will begin a "411 Series" ofg0 minute presentations on various aspects of problems facing the GLBT community. Topics covered could include living with a partner who is an addict, tax problems, race or religion as well as all categories covered by Federal law. As of press time, the bill was headed to the Oldahoma State House of Representatives, but may undergo changes before it is voted on there. Senator Rice stated that he hopes the bill is stopped in the House or vetoed by the Governor. Pat Sund, a spokeman for Governor Henry, said the governor is watching the bill but has not yet made a decision as to whether he will sign it. Memori , David Osthoff OKI~AHOMA CITY, OK __ David Henry Osthoff lost his battle with an extended illness ~aursda~; February 25, 2010, in Oldahoma City. He was born September 26, 1953, in Hopewell, Virginia to Charline Ehrlich. David had several jobs through the years, but will mainly be remembered as a server at Gusher’s Restaurant for many years before returning to Cookson, OK to care for his mother. He enjoyed reading, gardening and playing pool in the Family Pool League. David was a very caring and compassionate person. He never judged people, never met a stranger and never forgot anyone’s birthday or anniversary. He was preceded in death by his loving mother and father Charline and Billie Ballew. He is survived by two brothers and a sister; six nieces and nephews, and many close friends. Special thanks to the staff at North Winds Living Center in .O,KC. A celebration of David s life is planned for Sunday; April 18th in The Finishline located inside The Habana Inn at 4:30 p.m. Londerm D, Raine captures the title of Miss Gay Lawton By Victor Gorin Contributing Writer domestic violence, health issues, inheritance laws, situations usually faced by people in general with unique aspects for GLBTs. How does it feel to be directing an organization like Cimarron in the reddest state in the country? Scott feels encouraged stating, " ~ have found pockets of folks who are progressive in their thinking, deeply committed to social justice in a personal way. W~ile this is m~ incredibly red state I think there’s hope because I see work being done, quietly moving forward. That lets me kmow justice is not an insurmountable problem." ~fhere will be monthly meetings at the office, encouraging networking with officers from other GLBT organizations. ~Ihey will happen at 5:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month. Now located at 729 N.W. 17th Street in Oklahoma City, they can be reached e-mail at info@CimarronAlliance.org or by phone at (405) 495 9300. Their website warw.cimarronalliance.org tn addition to the obvious intention to deny protection to GLBT Oklahomans, Senator l~dce pointed out that the bill, ,-is it was written, likewise prohibits Oklahoma law enforcement from providing evidence to Federal authorities investigating any category of hate crime committed in Oklahoma, including those committed due to the victings www.rnetrostarnews.com ~nner Londenn Raine with ~l[ie Laine, Miss Gay Lawton 1982 and Miss Gay Oklahoma 1983. Gorin photo OKd_AHOi~cb~ CITY, OK__ It was a glamorous nigl~t at Angles March 5 when the Londenne Raine was crowned the new Miss Gay Lawton 2010, with 1st alternate A_lanna Paige. As a preliminary to the Miss Gay Oklahoma Pageant, they wil! go on to compete in that event. Also performing at the occasion was our current Miss Gay Oklahoma Shantell Mandelay. Miss G~ Lawton is one of the longest running preliminary competitions to Miss Gay Oklahoma, which began in 1978. Now 29 years young, the first Miss Gay Lawton was Lady Paris in 1981.5 winners of this pageant have gone on to win the title mCMiss Gay Oklahoma, and one (.Jacqulyn DeVaroe) has won the title of Miss Gay America. The current promoter is Aubrey Stone, who is Miss Gay Lawton of 2004. Eureka Springs Diversity 2010: THE GAYLIEN EKEND EUREKA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ Eureka, the little city in the hills of the Arkansas . Ozarks that has become the pride of diversity, is gearing up for 2010. Spring Diversity will be held on April 9 -11. The same weekend as the annual U~EO. Conference. You’re invited to come join the Gaylien invasion of NOT just a few city blocks, NOT just a small handful of business, but one entire city. What’s to do? Say "I DO" and register your love with a Domestic Partner Certificate. The Courthouse is closed Saturday and Sunday so come early Friday or hangover till Monday. Tnere are over 150 unique shops and galleries to browse or max out your credit card. To start your weekend drop by the Pizza Bar. The Pizza Sluts will host their third Diversity X~¢elcome Mixer there at 13 N. Main, on Friday, 6-8 PM. You can pickup a complete schedule of Diversity Weekend For more information visit wvc~v. eurekapride.com or diversitTpride.com Art Opening and Exhibit of Original Works by ’ Dennis R. Scott.. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Apri! exhibit at the Dennis tL Neill Equality Center Gallery will feature works by Dennis 1L Scott. If there were a simple way to describe his art, it would be called "accidental art" since art is the accident of discovery - the unexpected result of the meandering mind. Dennis Scott, a retired English teacher, resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is ~ writer, lyricist, poet, craftsman, and artist. He has previously exhibited and sold his art at Utica Arts in The Square Show, Blue Dome Festival, Dennis R. Neill° Equality Center Gallery, River Walk Arts Festival, Cherry Street Arts Festival, Brook Arts Festival and the Parsons, Kansas Art Walk. His art has been sold to clients as far away as Florence, Italy. Dennis Scott has been creating in the medium of digital "art" for the last six years. His work is unlike typical digital or computer art because his art depicts his own way of seeing life and interpreting what he sees. One could easily peg Dennis Scott’s art abstract, impressionistic, or surreal but categories are of little concern to him. The art exhibit at the Dennis R. O’Neil Equality Center Gallery in April titled "Les Belles Dames Nues" (Lovely Nal(ed Ladies) ,vill feature over 65 nude prints of Dennis Scott’s art with over 40 of the works never having been printed before. Dennis Scott’s nude art is tasteful, yet evocative. Please join us to visit with Dennis Scott at the Opening Night Reception on Tnursday, April 1, from 6 to 9pro. Refreshments will be served. Dennis’s art will be on display throughout April. Free help ~1ET}~OSTAR 5 �Supplements By Ronald Blake Contributing writer Haotv: Ronald Blake, Cerdfied Fitness Instructor throz<gh ISSA International Sports . SciencesAssociadon My best fi’iend said I should do it. My brother said t should definitely do it. My co-worker said I don’t need to do it. My neighbor has never done it. Everyone has an opinion on taking supplements for health and well being. Should you do it? I have an easy but nebulous answer: I don’t knovd Let me gather some information from you. If you have a food allergy then you might want to consider taking supplements. Someone lactose intolerant will not drink milk or eat dairy products. This aversion to Betsy the Cow could cause a deficiency in calcium. Someone with a gluten allergy might miss out on the benefits of thiamine and riboflavin. This too could require supplementation. If you are very athletic and push your body to the outer limits of sanity then you’re a likely candidate for extra nutrition. This would certainly include triathaletes, marathoners, or bodybuilders. A 40 hour work week, intense training, and housecleaning when you get home might lead to insipid intercourse intertwined with irascibility in the evening. That isn’t fun! These uber athletes should strongly consider supplementation to get those needed nutrients that lead to late-day copacetic copulation. If the ornitho!ogy creatures gathered at your birdfeeder are eating more than you then it might be time to purchase meal or drink supplements. It isn’t safe to take in less than 1000 calories per day and it can zap your energy xvhile depleting valuable mineral reserves like iron from your body. Consult the family doctor or a nutritionist for suggestions on getting what your body needs to function properly. If you drink like Karen Walker, Captain Jack Sparrmv, or Mayberry’s Otis Campbell then you are an excellent candidate for supplemental drinks or shakes. Alcohol can adversely affect the body’s absorption and metabolism of nutrients. Excessive alcohol ravages the liver and pancreas too. This al! means that the body doesn’t get the nutrients it really needs. tfyou take a blow torch to all your foods and frequendy use adjectives such as charred, burnt, crispy, or well done to describe your meal it is a good bet that supplements on a store shelf have your name on them. Overcooking foods usually destroys B-group, C, and E vitamins. Boiling vegetables can also denude beneficial vitamins and minerals and 6 NETROSTAR le,ave you needing rnore nutritional assistance. Light steaming of vegetables can keep the good stuffin and taste just as good. Dieting can cause a need for supplements too. Many dieters are now eliminating entire food groups fi’om their plates. That means these folks aren’t getting important vitamins and minerals that would normally come from these food groups. Eliminating all carbs, all fat, or all protein just isn’t wise. Talk with your medical experts about nutritional replacements for these lost foods. You could also just go back to being a regular human being and sensibly eating carbs, fat, and protein togethe~: MI of this information should really guide you toward a professional opinion now. Consult your doctor, a certified fitness trainer or a nutritionist to assist you with deciding if supplements are necessary for you. Your brother, your co-worker, and your neighbor probably aren’t doctors, a certified fitness trainer, or a nutritionist. With that advice and lmowledge move your thimble five spaces to GO and collect your nutrients and vitamins for improved health and wellness! ¯ N~is health and fitness column is brought to you by that guy ycho enjoys visits to Hooters despite his non-breeder status. That lover of wings guy is Ron Blake and he can be reached at www.myblakefimess.com. Tony Kushner Pulitz& Prize-Winning Playwright, To Appear On Sunday, April 18 . TULSA, OK (PR) __ Renowned screemvriter and creator of Angels in America, playwright Tony Kushner will make his first live appearance in Tulsa on Sunday, April 18, 20!0 at the Synagogue: Congregation B’nai Emunah. He willbe interviewed on this occasion by noted actor and filmmaker Tim Blake Nelson. The Synagguo e is located at the corner of Peoria and Seventeenth Street. Details are available on the Synagogue xvebsite: www. tu!sagogue.com. 3rd Mr. Gay US of A Contest held at Angles Amadeus York of Texas gets the tit]e By Victor Gorin Mr Gay US ofA MI in white Amadeus York with the previous winner Richard Cranium. Gorin photo OKI.~AHOMA CITY, OK__ For aficianados of male impersonation it was a night in heaven March 14 when the new winner was crowned Mr.Gay US of A M! ( male illusion). Beginning March 12 the contest opened with 50 contestants, narrowed down to 12 finalists on the Sunday night conclusion. Promoted by Brenda Quayle, the contest is part of the US of A pageantry system which is now in its 26th year of operation. Accompanying the contest was a silent auction benefitting Camp Kindle, an organization providing free camping programs for children and young adults infected or affected by HIV. Giving up his tide was Richard Cranium of Texas. The new winners were 2nd runnerup Windz of New York, 1st runnerup Chad Meridian of Arkansas, and the new Mr. Gay US of A M! Amadeus York of Texas. April 1, 2010 �"It would be good if readers and viewers see a different face each time there is an issue in the community," Kirby says. "The broader community should see different people." Kirby has always been willing to speak out on issues. He and his partner of 11 years are legally married in California and Kirby has been a tireless advocate of marriage equalityan issue that has gained momentum around the country in recent years but not budged in conservative leaning Oldahoma. Ending the ban on out GLBT servicemernbers in the US military has also been a cause near, dear - and personal to Kirby. He served in the Air Force at the end of the Vietnam War and several of his friends were discharged because they were gay. One of those friends was particularly special. "I lost a relationship that had been long term when he was discharged from the Air Force for being gay," Kirby says. "I don’t lmow if it would have worked out for life, but I felt a very personal pain." Kirby became active in the military issue after former President Bill Clintoffs efforts to lift the ban on GLBT servicemembers evolved into the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy that stands today. Since then he has joined in on lobbying efforts of the state delegation and lobbied organizations to which be belongs - the American Legion and the Non-Commissioned officers Association -- to support repealing the ban. With the current debate on repealing DADT, Kirby feels there is some progress being made (~ward equal rights to serve. ’ Each time the issue comes up, there are more and more people willing to support repealing the ban," he says. "Whether or not there are enough people now I don’t lmow. I think right now there is as good a chance as there has ever been. I wish the military ’~,,~,~v. metrosta rn ews.co rn would look at the other countries who have removed that ban - none of them have had any problems." Kirby says he is committed to continue pushing for his causes and for the advancement of the community. , For more information on OkEqs 30th Anniversary Equality Gala, visit www.okeq. org. Your life an open book on Drag Race The autobiography challenge sends the latest queen packing on Ru-Paul’s Drag Race By Bebe Zahara Benet As I travel all around the country to promote my new single, so many people have told me that this season’s Jessica Wild reminds them of me. I told my mija this during our interview this week, many things I loved about watching her on RuPaul s Drag Race. ticA ll reca~ ~foweek 7 andprevious shows ate online now. All 12 weeks will be posted on our website at: www. mewosta~ews.com ~(~t~°oSTAR 7 �April 1, 2010 �~v.metrostarnews.com �10 April 1, 2010 ��Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. Club Maverick Hosts 19th Annual O~t &About in OKC & Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City Straley. Gorin photo @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The End Up, Tulsa , will be goin~ to the this coming April. The Leather Lifestvle has been around awhile in OHahoma, and @ Angles, Oklahoma City com. @Club 209, Tulsa @ The Cop& Oklahoma City puf " in Chri @Club Majestic, Tulsa 12 ~®t~oSTAR @ Ledo, Oklahoma City April 1, 2010 �by Jack Fertig April 2010 "Go back to basics, GeminW’ Saturn backing into Virgo reminds us to clean up old business before starting new relationships. Aspecting Uranus and Neptune, she’ll dig up complications that must be dealt with to make progress. Go slowly and carefully. You have until late July to get it right. ARIES (March 2(}-Apri~ 19): Recalculate the equation of any partnership that’s troubling you. Can or should it be saved? Strong instincts and inspiration could lead you astray, but probably contain a kernel of truth. Friends can help you reconcile those with reality. TAURUS (April 2(} - May 2(}): Feeling stuck at work can push you back to reexamine your goals. Where do you feel most creative, and what doyou really have to offer? If professional goals feel nebulous, frame the question in terms of your social ideals. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): While your goals and ideals seem to be in flux, go back to basics, The most relevant questions about reaching out to the world around you ar6 taught early in life. Be nice, share and try to learn. Community service can also help clear your head: SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 2(}): Clean up any loose ends and nasty rumors affecting your reputation. Helpful inspiration comes from your home and family. Advice from siblings and neighbors can seem confusing, but don’t take it too literally and it could prove valuable. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Coming toward a peak of your professional reputation, now is the time to get the word out about your achievements and services. Typos and snafus lie in wait. Be very attentive to those details! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You’re coming into a phase of your life where your ideas and your mind will be much challenged. Review what you believe and why. Confusion about who you are and what’s important can be a healthy stage of growth. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Feeling unsure about sex and relationships can be a good step toward greater awareness. OK, it’s uncomfortable now. Meditation and other quiet secluded retreats - some with your love, some without - will ease the exploration. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Discuss longstanding family issues with siblings, or community problems with neighbors. Things probably aren’t as dark and complicated as they feel. New perspectives will help if you’re willing to be _very_ open-minded. METROPOLITAN LEO (July 23 - August 22): New ideas and skills can help get you out of financial trouble, but first understand how and why you got into that trouble. You won’t get that on your own. Your partner or an advisor can help you figure it out. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Taking the weight of the world on your shoulders is bad for your health. Discussing problems with your partner, or a trusted friend or counselor, is necessary even if it’s aggravating. A mild exercise program (swimming?) and meditation help, UBRA (September 23 - October 22): It seems you can’t catch a break, so make one for yourself. Take time off to meditate and play. Settle your nerves and charge up your batteries. You need this. in the long run it’s the responsible thing to do! COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Uric Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org 69 Spread 70 Boston cager, briefly 771 Social customs 72 silence ~r Copland ,Output role fbr fodie 63 Initial stake " 65 Plumb of The Brady Bunch Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! Solution page 15 SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21}: Take a hard look at your future and get ready to clear out the clutter in your life. Mending fences could mean quitting some friendships and groups, but offers you a chance to make it clean and amicable. :~Nw.metrostarnews.com ~®troSTAR 13 �by Greg Fo× Chuck Breckenridge "~&cd~er buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. You determine your own hours,, your own pace aRe your own compensation. Great way to work around your current scnedule, earn extra money. and try. new financial services career. 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Ark~ansas www.magneticvalteyres or t .corn info@magneticvalleyresor t.com 800-210-840~ 479-244-6821 2116 N~7 43rd CULLENS PENNSYLVANIA AVE. Contact the owner to view this wonderful home. ~=~. ,,wme.kyleeomics.com (405) ~4-5~52 E-Mail - April 1, 2010 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HAB.A~A INN 2200 N%%r 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222! www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY Pd~SORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 ,a~aw.magneticvalleyresor t.com NELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.VZ 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 PR~MEPdCA Dana ~hlsa, Oldahoma 877.700.9503 EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 www.expressionsOKC.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 TUI~A EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcasde.com CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3t31 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com ~srA GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIWSTD Hotline M~Si Bl~ke’s ~uying’ from 2:00 7:00 p,m, Dancersat 16:00 $,75 i~ome~tic drafl~,from noom2:00 &.m. !’Blak8 s Buyhg from n0omTi00 p:m. Dancers at ;t0:00 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 ~A~GLES 2117 ?’PgZ 39th St. Oklahoma City~ OK ww,v.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOL~GE 7204 E. PINE Tttlsa, OK 9!8-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com OKI_AHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vaw#.olcstonewall.o rg OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 ,,~wv.clubmajestictulsa.com E N Y A ~ R[A N S E S P CAR D O tO P ~EIR O ~--A ,-O 0~-0H ~ k J Jg IO N O E N T $6.00 BEER BUST from 2:00 p.m..,2:00 a.m. "Blake’s Buying" from 2:00 p.m.o T A O 7:00.p.m. Dancers at 10:00 p.m. 2200 NW 39TH ~P~SSWAY 405-525-2900 THE COPA 2200NW39THE~P~SSWAY O ahom ci ,O 405-525-0730 w~av.metrostamews.com L A P S E ~O A T I H ~ S T O P o O V V O ~glo L A R ~ S AIR C H E S S ........... $4.50 Windex .................................................................................... $4.50 AL EVE OREO CE L T ~ORE S~ REST TA L E EndUp Shot ........................................................................... $2.00 EndoUp-O>The-Floor Sho{ ................................................... $& O0 RaRlesnake, .............................................................................. $3.00 ~ETROSTAR 15 �~s ~i~gesl i~pad since Roosevelt, ~ecause the conservative 7 4100 No L]~e]~ Av÷nu÷, Oklahome Ci~ 140S) 427-3366 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA VOLUME 7 ISSUE 4 Twi~er.com/MetroStarNews to exempt Oklahoma Ha e Cr mes Law protecting GLBTs State Senate It is very sad that any lawmaker in Oklahoma would introduce legislation that would force Oklahoma law enforcement officials to violate ground brealdng Federal law that would extend legal protections to LGBT Oklahomans who may become victims of violence motivated by bigotry." Statement by State Senator Andrew Rice who was one of the 6 Senators who voted no. By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ SB 1965, introduced by State Senator Steven Russell ( Republican-District 45) deals mainly with the Fede~aI Hate Crimes expansion signed into law by President Obama in October 22,2009, which added Federal Hates crimes protection to include gender, sexual oriei~tation, gender identity and disability in addition to the already covered categories of agencies from sharing evidence or providing assistance ro Federal authorities if they are im~esrigating a hate crime in Oklahoma. It has passed the State Senate 39-6. Oklahoma Hate Crimes laws (Section 850 Title 21) cover race, color, tel igion, gender, disability, familial status and national origin. As sexual orientation and gender identity are not covered, hate crimes against GLBTs in the state of Oklahoma could not be prosecuted as such under state law, yet such a crime could be punished as a hate crime under Federal [axe; which passage of SB 1965 would attempt m change. However Constitutionally Federal Law supercedes state law. As Tamya Cox of Oldaboma’s ACLU puts it, "For example, if a bloody baseball bat was used in an Oklahoma hate crime against a gay person and it was held by state authorities who are most likely to be first on the scene, if this bill becomes law it could not be given to Federal authorities as evidence for prosecution." Since Oklahoma State Hate Crimes laws don’t covering GLBTs, SB 1965 would make it virtually impossible for hate crimes against GLBTs in Oklahoma to be successftdiv prosecuted as hate crimes. Scott J. Hamilton. Executive Director of the Cimarron Alliance stated, "\g)~e are appalled that the Oklahoma Senate would pass legislation that, in effect, green lights violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens in this state. Not only is it unconstitutional, it is unconscionable. In the meantime our state vdll spend without limit to defend this in court. Oklahoma is in the midst of a budget crisis of historic proportions. I find it hard to believe that bigotry is so pervasive in our state that our policymakers would rather pass hate filled legislation than addressing failing schools and reductions in services for seniors." ........Continued See BILL 1965 Page-5 T lsa M tary Veteran Kelly rbv honored by O ahomans for By Michael xYZ Sasser TULSA, OK Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) is set to h--~nor Tulsa accountant Kelly ~rby with a Lifetime Achievement Award on April 24 at their 30th Anniversary Equality Gala. "I have to say that at 56 years old the word ’lifetime’ is a little daunting," says the aftable longtime activist. Kirby is being honored for 20 years of major activism for the Oklahoma GLBT community. "I appreciate the fact that they are recognizin,g my accomplishments," Kirby says. I think what I have done is important and I would have done it without aW recognition of it." Kelly WKirby 1974 at age 20, United States Air Force, honorguard dress uniform. ® MetroStarNews.com APRIL 1,2010 Pau Robert ompsor A lifetime ofservice-forever a By Victor Gorin Contributing writer (1939-2010) OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Among Oklahomans who take an interest in equality and justice there are very fe~v who didn’t know about Paul Thompson, and many knew him xvell as he -worked hard to make Oklahoma better until his life ended. At least 2 generations ofactivists worked beside him, enduring the heartbreak ofsetbacks and the joys ofvictories as history marched on. His energy was tireless, chairing meetings, working with bureaucracies, organizing events, making speeches, doing mailings, and on and gacy on. Although he had his own business, PRT Designs (interior decorating), his true passion was working with people for justice. He was well known for his outspoken pride clearly shown by his trademark outfits, which included xvearing a different rainbow color with matching socks every day. He co-chaired the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus from 1992 until 2010, and was active for many years with the Oklahoma Democratic Party. He also played a significant role in organizing Oklahoma City’s first Pride Parade in 1988, a true ~ilestone not only for Oklahoma City but rather the entire GLBT community of Oklahoma. That event was a major turning point in Oklahoma, with the KKK waiting in the Safexvay (now Homeland) parking tot on N.-W. 39th Street to stop the "queer parade." But that event had a happy ending as fellow activist Jim Ninamo put xt, "When they saw how many participants were marching, they tucked their tails and left." The rest was history, with that proud tradition continuing today. Paul served as the Male Co- Chair for the OKC Pride Parade and Festival for many years until 2009, when he was given a Chairmanship Emeritus Award for his service. ........Continued See THOMPSON Page-4 For more than two decades, Kirby has been a visible activist for GLBT issues with an emphasis on marriage equality and for gay and lesbian service members. It hasn’t always been an easy role to play. On \Vorld A~DS Day in 1991, Kirby participated in a smal! demonstration in Tulsa on a wet, rainy night. Unbeknownst to him, his photo was taken and the next day appeared in a newspaper. "1 lost a relationship that had been long term when he was discharged from the Air Force for being gay," Kirby says. "I got a phone call from my biggest client the next da)~" Kirby remembers. "q-he mvner of the company asked me ifI had the opportunity to make a statement for my cause, if I would do it. I hadn’t really thought about it until then, but I said that yes, I probably would. An hour later, I was fired and lost two-thirds ofmy business. I basically had to start over from scratch building my business. I guess that was my activist wake-up call." _*Kirby said that "he hasn’t shut up"" since then, giving well over 100 interviews and malting sure his clients know he might end up in the media. "A lot of people in Tulsa feel that they can’t speak up because of family or community or work," Kirby says. "I had to get past that." Still Kirby said he believes different people should be featured by media as representative of the state GLBT community. ........Continued See KIRBY Page-7 Cimarron Alliance Moves Forward with new- O ces and a Dynamic Director By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Margaret Cox proudly cutting the ribbon held by the new Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, with Lisa Ptsiri of the Oldahoma City Chamber of Commerce looking on. Gorin photo OKLM-IOMA CITY, OK__ Cimarron Alliance Group was formed in 1995 as a political action committee (PAC) focused on equality for the GLBT community in Oldaho,na. Although other groups existed at that time, anaong them the Oldahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, the Mliance was a venture of successful business people and professionals who would be able to give serious financial backing to deserving candidates seeking public office as well as put on events for the GLBT community. First chaired by the late Bill Rogers, the organization became a major force for the GLBT community and the Oldalxoma political landscape. In 1997 the Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed as a 501(c)(3) organization, a nonprofit status which enables an organization to, among other things, accept contributions which are tax deductible to the giver. While this type of organization is prohibited fi’om most political activity, including contributing to or promoting candidates or political parties, the CAF was focused on educational issues facing the GLBT community, informing not only them but also straights as well. In this endeavor they have held events such as their annual Leadership Summit, which is a convention of leadership from all GLBT groups. They made history in 2001 when their Gay Pride banners for Oklalmma City light poles were oMered taken down by then Mayor Kirk Humphreys. They took the city 1:o Federal court and on September 13,2002 Judge Robin Cauthron ruled that the banners were protected by Federal free speech rights mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Redesigned in 1997, the Pride banners still fly on special occasions. Now as we face a new decade with pride facing prejudice, especially with opposition to GLBT equality clearly shown to be alive and kicking in Oldahoma, Cimarron is facing challenge as they undergo change. For the first time they have an office, !ocated at 729 N.gi. 17th Street in OHahoma City. Likewise they now have their first fulltirne Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, a native Otdahoman. A~er many years in New York City with many ventures he has returned home to fight for equality. Born inI960 in south Oklalmma City, he graduated as a valedictorian of Capitol Hill High School in 1978. He later graduated from OU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and his first job was being a promoter for the Oldahoma Opry, an Oldahoma City venue for country and western musicians. He later took a far better paying position with an oil company but lost that job during the oil bust of 1983, actually driving to the unemployment office in a Mercedes. What followed was a variety of ventures to pay the bills, ranging from teaching junior high school chorus to painting garage doors to makJng doughnuts, among other endeavors. Finally he flew to New York City (the Mercedes long gone) with 3 suitcases and $200 to meet a friend awaiting he could stay vdth. Doing writing and consulting for an import/export business, he moved on to success with the advertising agency Charron, Schwartz and Partners. Walking through the subway one fateful day beneath Grand Central Station he saw Wayne Johnson, a gentleman that would prove to be a soulmate. As the relationship came together, Scott came out at work (no problem) and they legally married in Connecticut. Following this, he got involved working with nonprofit organizations. Finding himself laid off, he began checking around for other ....... Continued See ClMARRON Page 5 2 April 1, 2010 is T.E.N? By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer 7he Equalily Network, or TEN. is comprised of three organizational entities: TENPAC, TEN, and TENInstitute. Pictured above is Laura Belmonte. an activist who is also i4ce President and Co-Founder ofTEN. Townsendphoto TULSA. OK TEN, or "The Equality Network" is a non-partisan statewide organization working to achieve equality and secure legal protection for tesbian. ga)~ bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Oklahomans through advocacy, coalition building and individual empowerment in the political process. Founded in 2009. TEN is comprised of three organizational entities: TEN PAC, TEN, and TEN Institute. "Over the last decade or so that I’ve worked for LGBT equalityin Oklahoma I’ve become increasingly impressed with the amazing progress statewide LGBT advocacy groups are having elsewhere," said Laura Belmonte, Vice President and Co-Founder of TEN. "Last year a number of positive forces converged and we concluded that the timing xvas right to implement a three-pronged strategy of ’educate, advocate, elect.’" Belrnonte also has a PhD amd is currently Director ofAmerican Studies and associate professor ofArnerican History at Oklahoma State University. "The launching ofTEN is the fulfilhnent of a personal dream and I feel very fortunate ro have the opportunity to work ~vith such a committed and talented group of people," adds Belmonte. "Each day, we are hearing from people all over the state - most in places where there is no organized effort for LGBT equality - and we are quite encouraged by the alliances that are developing. With time, effort, and a lot of help we think that TEN can help make some positive changes for LGBT Oklahomans." TEN is affiliated with the Equality Federation (vrww.equalityfederation.org), the national alliance of state-based LGBT advocacy organizations. Collectively these state groups have compiled a remarkable string of pro-equality victories on a range of issues including workplace fairness, antibullying and relationship recognition. Even a small group ofw!!l-prepared constituents can make a powerful impression on a legislator. Legislators need to hear from people who support LGBT equality all the time, not only at times when the LGBT community is being targeted. "The board combines people with professional and non-professional experience in lobbying and advocacy at the state and local levels on causes as varied as LGBT rights, animal protection, HIV/A.IDS, economic injustice, and gender equality," adds Belmonte. "This wilt be a continua!, longterm effort. It is going to take time and effort to move Oklalaoma toward more inclusive ~nd just public policies for LGBT people." For more information you may contact Belmonte at lbelmonte@theequalitynetwork. org or 918.906.2134. Our web site is ~wcw. theequalitynetwork.org. You can also find TEN on Facebook and Twitter (follow TENEquality). Openly Gay Norman City Councilman wins re-election but now is running for State House NORMAN, OK (PR) __ When Tom Kovach was first elected to the Norman City Council in 2008, he wasn’t the first openly gay person to do so. That milestone was achieved by David Ray in 2002, but Tom did have the distinction of being the second, and of being re-elected unopposed this year. He represents Ward 2. However, as State Representative Bil! Nations of District 44 is leaving office due to term limits, Tom Kovach has announced he is running for that office as a Democrat, His stated reasoning, " Sometimes government produces ideas that in the light of day lack common sense. I have always been willing to speak out on those occasions as the voice of the people, and I remains so." "Throughout my years in Norman I have worked with people from all walks of life, helping them find solutions to the problems they faced. I have done so as a union leader, a smal! business owner and now as a local business executive. I accomplished these things through honesty, respectful communication and a willingness to hear all sides of an issue, the same qualities that will mark my service as your next state representative." He has lived in the district more than 40 years, graduating from OU with a degree in Letters. He currently works as a Customer Service Manager for Astromomics, a leading U.S. dealer and producer of quality optics. He and his partner Will Weir are active in many social service agencies in the Norman area, and look forward to doing more for their fellow Oklahomans. A Toast to Life It’s time to Paint the Town Robert! By Robin D-Townsend Contributing W-riter Other Options andFriends Food Pantry board president, Robert Painter tu,ws 40 in Apriland isplanninga huge_f!~ndraising eventfor t,§e organization to celebrate the occasion. Townsend photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s a birthday bash like none other. Turning 40 is Robert Painter, famous for his ’best little tact stand down by the tracks,’ (a.k.a., ~lhe Iguana Mexican Grill). Painter is also the board president of Other Options, Inc (OOI) and has chosen to celebrate ’the big 4-0’ in a very unique way. "Our Toast to Life event is the signature fundraiser for Other Options and it is held annually in April?said Painter. ~Ttpril also happens to be the same month as my birthday. I really w~tnted to take advantage of the name Ihave made for myself to help an or,ga,~)ization who has done so much for people.’ Painter became acquainted with OOI when his dear friend, Tim Wade ~vas diagnosed with HIV. The only place he could find immediate help at no cost in Oklahoma City was at Other Options. This is where Painter met Mary Arbuclde, Executive Director ofOOI and Friends Food Pantry. Wade found assistance with medication, food and other support services at OOI. Sadly, Wade passed away in 2009 but Painter has kep,t, his memory alive by giving back. The bigge,,st thing we [O~I] need is our own building, adds Painter. That is why our goal is $40,000 for this event and I think we can do it." Forty seems to be the magic number. Since 1989 Other Options in Oklahoma City has provided professional, consistent services to people who are HIV positive and disabled individuals, focusing on the impact HIV/AIDS has had in the lives of those they serve. The mission of Other Options is to create a better understanding of HIV/AIDS, provide training, guidance and provide educational directories that link the affected community to services. The venue will include live music, various artists and entertainers, dancing, and deadCenter will be showing films on the big screen, there will be a fashion show and a silent auction will be held. Another unique part of this event will be the art gallery featuring Oklahoma City artists Debbie Curtis, Joe Slack, Ben Potter, Brent Weber and Bryan Boone. Other surprises are also in store. ~Toast to Life; Paint the Town Robert,’ vdtl be held on April 10th at 7:40pm at 25 NW 9th (just \grest ofNae Iguana). Tickets for the event are $40 and will include food, drink, entertainment and parldng. For tickets or to make a donation please call (405) 605- 8020. Reserve tickets are requested; the event is free to clients of Other Options. 1st Annual Tulsa Violence Symposium In Memory of Joseph Walker-Hoover Jaheem Herrera TULSA, OK (PR) April 16, 2010 hosted by Youth Services ofTulsa. Nae event will take place at Langston University Tulsa starting at 9AM. Registration to attend this event is not necessary. The event will address national and local concerns about the growing problems of student-on-student abuse in our communities - Bullying, Dating Violence/Date Rape, and Domestic Violence. Ifyou would like to schedule a booth for your organization, please contact Michael Merryman at 918.382-4429, or email to mmerryman@yst.org. ’uPtcv - Civil Rights *Criminal ment Family Law - Litigation 625 N.W. t S.th Street a City, OK www.metrostarnews.com [vIETROSTAR 3 Dear Editor, from hatred and discrimination? X~y is Sen. I wanted to share the letter Congresswoman Mary Fallin sent to me in response to my letter regarding EDNA and The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill and the reaction of the Oldahoma Legislature. Russell afraid of gay/lesbian equality under the law? Senator Russell just can’t stop fighting wars and looking for enemies. He should reenlist and put his life back on the line, for his country of course. Kendell Powers Oklahoma Civ/ James Nimmo Oklahoma City, OK March 8, 2010 Dear Editor, Mr. Kendel Powers 600 Northwest 23rd Street, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73103-1464 Dear Mr. Powers: that still mean something to the people of Oklahoma, the law is so vaguely defined and so unenforceable that it seems to be more of a handout to trial lavo,ers than anything else. As your Representative, I stand for religious liberty and people of all faiths and oppose a convoluted, vaguely defined and unenforceable set of new regulations governing personal behavior and hiring practices. Thank you again for taking the time to share your ideas and concerns. As the 11 lth Congress addresses the man), challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and vie,vs with me. However, due to increased security measures, mail delivery may be delayed for up to two weeks. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my website at ,aw~v.fallin.house.gov to contact me via email in the future. While visiting my site you may also sign up for my e-newsletter as well as find usefu! information about the 11 lth Congress. Sincerely Mary Fallin Member of Congress Dear Editor, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Hunting season is on for gays and lesbians as long as the Oklahoma Legislature is in session. If the rednecks don’t get us the suit-and-tie boys will. Not content with passing SQ 71 ! in 2004 making marriage only bet~veen one man and one woman as many times as they like, the Senate has just passed 39-6 a bill (SB1965) to opt out of the recentl~ passed federal Shepard/Byrd Hate Crime~ I[aw. ~e bill nmv goes to the House side of the Capitol. Senate Bill 1965 seems optimistically numbered in that I’m sure Sen. Russell, the sponsor, and 38 of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle would like to return to the year 1965 ifno~ earlier, when gays and lesbians knew that our place was not alongside other Americans but rather in the closet of narrow, scared shadows with the door hinges well rusted. ~e voting record is located here: http://tinyurl.com/ycgog86 It’s odd that many of these legislators weren’t even born then or were very young. Where did they learn such animosity towards strangers that never did them any harm? Surely not in their church pews or at their dinner tables, do you think? After all, African-Americans had just achieved a legal victory in 1965 with the ’passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Acts for which white bigots thought the sky would fall in. The sky did not fal! in and it won’t fall in when gays and lesbians achieve our social and legal victory over the bigots of Oldahoma. 2q~e only thing lost will be the legal right bigots so jealously retain to impose their ignorance over the rest of us. According to Sen. Russell’s legislative webpage he has a serious military record and several medals. If medals are a mark of bravery why is Sen. Russell so afraid of gays and lesbians that he sponsors bills that remove them from the protection of the law and maintain their second-class status as taxpayers--second-class in that gay/lesbian money is ACcepted for payment of taxes yet we are EXcepted when it comes to protection Thank you for taking the time to contact me about the Employment Non- Discrimination Act. Understanding your ideas and concerns is important to me, as it helps me to better represent you and the Fifth District of Oklahoma. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, would extend existing provisions of Federal law to prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of "actual or perceived" sexual orientation. The bill expands civil rights protections on the vague basis of perception, requiring courts to determine an employer’s thoughts when an employment action is taken. Currently Title \HI prohibits workplace harassment that is based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This legislation is anotber example of political correctness gone wrong. This bill is constitutionally questionable, weakens both state and federal marriage laws, and creates a legal trap for businesses, schools, and people of faith. I have long opposed the government’s creeping assault on the faithbased values our country was founded on, the flaws in this bill are numerous and obvious. ENDA is inconsistent with the rights guaranteed by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (PdaRA), which prohibits the Federal Government from substantially burdening the free exercise of religion. It nullifies the rights of some religious schools which, although not "controlled, managed or owned by a specific religion," may still consider religious faith and traditional moral values to be an essential part of their curriculum. This opens some of Oldahomds most successful faith-based institutions to unconstitutional government involvement and supervision. Without a blanket exemption for all religious educational institutions, nondenominational religious schools will be forced to operate under government review of curriculum and constant fear of litigation. The.proposed legislation makes a protected class based on sexual behavim; which will jeopardize our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and religious expression. ENDA is a direct attack on individual religious freedoms and creares a lega! tightrope for employers over which law to follow and violate. Employers with rnoral or religious beliefs opposed to homosexualiV will be forced to lay down their rights and convictions at the door, creating a hostile work environment. In addition to ENDA’s blatant disregard for traditional values, values Hawaii’s Garden Isle: Kauai, In terms of scenery, the one Hawaiian island that comes closest to living up to the expectations of many first-time visitors is Kauai, a comparatively small but magnificently lush isle of rain forests, towering seaside cliffs and seduded beaches. Sumptuous full-service resorts to quaint B&B’s. A list of where to stay and things to do now online in our Travel Section @ www.MetroStarNews.com TULSA, OK__ Senate Bil! 1965 has to be defeated. This bill would restrict Oklahoma law enforcement from complying with the federal justice department during a hate biased crime investigation. The bill’s author, State Senator Steven Russell, has suggested the Federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act would restrict free speech (aka ministers preaching against homosexuality). So the Oklahoma Senate has refused to hear bills that would assist victims ofliate biased crimes but have tentatively approved another bill that would remove any hope of justice for LGBT victims ofviolence. This is unacceptable and I strongly urge everyone to contact their State Senator and challenge them to not approve Senate Bill 1965 on it’s final hearing. Visit this website and find out how to reach your senator. http:llwww.facebook.comll195662;www. oksenate.gov/Senators/maps.htm TobyJenkins President, Oklahomans for Equality Tulsa; OK .......... ......... : ...... ........ Metro Star Travel Column Now Online Kauai’sfamedNa Pali Coast, with its 4, 000- foot cli~ rMng big,§ above the sea. Photo by Andrew Collins He was born in Oklahoma City on November 19, 1939. AaCter growing up there and graduating from Central High School he worked maW jobs before creating PRT Designs, His road to activism began when he was arrested after leaving a gay bar over 40 years ago on bogus charges of lewd conduct. Unlike almost any of his peers, he fought the charge and won. He continued to fight injustice wherever he saw it. In addition to activism in the gay community he also helped African Americans, serving on the board of the Oklahoma City NAACP for over 15 ),ears as well. A memorialput up on the Nix/2. 39th Street Strip Median at N.14z. 39th andPennsylvania by NathanidBatchelder qfthe Peace House Paul passed away March 8 at Baptist Integris Medical Center due to a stroke and subsequent heart failure. A memorial service was held for him at the 1st Unitarian Church March 14. Speakers included Laura Rhoads, who knew him as "Unde Paul" when he was her childhood friend, as well as former Oklahoma Commissioner Jim Roth. Followed by a potluck supper a multitude of his friends and fellow activists shared memories, lamented how far he’d brought us, and how to make his legacy live on. No ma#er who yot are on life’s journ~ 3131 ,R. Pennsylvania,Oklaho 405.525.9555 4 tsv{~£T~qOSTAR April 1,2010 jobs in a nationwide search. By chance he found an executivedirector’s position open with Cimarron Alliance and his first thought was,, A gay organization in Oklahoma CitT, how is that possible?" He applied for the position and got it. With the encouragement of his partner ’,Wayne (still in New York but who will join him later) he has plans for a new direction fi~r himself and for Cimarron. One of his major concerns, as it is for all nonprofits, is how to achieve objectives or even survive in this type of economy. His answer, "You keep going because the needs do not abate just because money is tight. If you believe in social jnstice, that doesn’t stop until there is justice. " He has been pleasantly surprised at the financial contributions people have made recently to the organization, and those volunteering their time and talents as well. He also realizes that for a long time there was a perception that Cimarron is an organization primarily focused as being an elite group of white,~ wealthy, handsome gay men. When it was formed in 1995 a membership cost $250. Today there are no dues to join the organization, and the Cimarron Alliance PAC no longer exists. Currently the Foundation hosts an annual Stop Hate in the Hallways summit, which has been a major factor for school systems in Oldahoma considering or implementing anti-bullying policies that protect students who are GLBT or perceived to be from harassment, q-he main objective now is more outreach. As Scott stated, " One of my goals for " this year, besides raising enough money to pay the bills, is to demonstrate with sincerity and conviction that this is an organization that is approachable and dedicated to serving everyone in the community." Beginning in April Cimarron Alliance Foundation will begin a "411 Series" ofg0 minute presentations on various aspects of problems facing the GLBT community. Topics covered could include living with a partner who is an addict, tax problems, domestic violence, health issues, inheritance laws, situations usually faced by people in general with unique aspects for GLBTs. How does it feel to be directing an organization like Cimarron in the reddest state in the country? Scott feels encouraged stating, " ~ have found pockets of folks who are progressive in their thinking, deeply committed to social justice in a personal way. W~ile this is m~ incredibly red state I think there’s hope because I see work being done, quietly moving forward. That lets me kmow justice is not an insurmountable problem." ~fhere will be monthly meetings at the office, encouraging networking with officers from other GLBT organizations. ~Ihey will happen at 5:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month. Now located at 729 N.W. 17th Street in Oklahoma City, they can be reached e-mail at info@CimarronAlliance.org or by phone (405) 495 9300. Their website warw.cimarronalliance.org tn addition to the obvious intention to deny protection to GLBT Oklahomans, Senator l~dce pointed out that the bill, ,-is it was written, likewise prohibits Oklahoma law enforcement from providing evidence to Federal authorities investigating any category of hate crime committed in Oklahoma, including those committed due to the victings race or religion as well as all categories covered by Federal law. As of press time, the bill was headed to the Oldahoma State House of Representatives, but may undergo changes before it is voted on there. Senator Rice stated that he hopes the bill is stopped in the House or vetoed by the Governor. Pat Sund, a spokeman for Governor Henry, said the governor is watching the bill but has not yet made a decision as to whether he will sign it. Memori , David Osthoff OKI~AHOMA CITY, OK __ David Henry Osthoff lost his battle with an extended illness ~aursda~; February 25, 2010, in Oldahoma City. He was born September 26, 1953, in Hopewell, Virginia to Charline Ehrlich. David had several jobs through the years, but will mainly be remembered as a server at Gusher’s Restaurant for many years before returning to Cookson, OK to care for his mother. He enjoyed reading, gardening and playing pool in the Family Pool League. David was a very caring and compassionate person. He never judged people, never met a stranger and never forgot anyone’s birthday or anniversary. He was preceded in death by his loving mother and father Charline and Billie Ballew. He is survived by two brothers and a sister; six nieces and nephews, and many close friends. Special thanks to the staff at North Winds Living Center in .O,KC. A celebration of David s life is planned for Sunday; April 18th in The Finishline located inside The Habana Inn at 4:30 p.m. Londerm D, Raine captures the title ofMiss Gay Lawton By Victor Gorin Contributing Writer ~nner Londenn Raine with ~l[ie Laine, Miss Gay Lawton 1982 andMiss Gay Oklahoma 1983. Gorin photo OKd_AHOi~cb~ CITY, OK__ It was a glamorous nigl~t at Angles March 5 when the Londenne Raine was crowned the new Miss Gay Lawton 2010, with 1st alternate A_lanna Paige. As a preliminary to the Miss Gay Oklahoma Pageant, they wil! go on to compete in that event. Also performing at the occasion was our current Miss Gay Oklahoma Shantell Mandelay. Miss G~ Lawton is one of the longest running preliminary competitions to Miss Gay Oklahoma, which began in 1978. Now 29 years young, the first Miss Gay Lawton was Lady Paris in 1981.5 winners of this pageant have gone on to win the title mCMiss Gay Oklahoma, and one (.Jacqulyn DeVaroe) has won the title of Miss Gay America. The current promoter is Aubrey Stone, who is Miss Gay Lawton of 2004. Eureka Springs Diversity 2010: THE GAYLIEN EKEND EUREKA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ Eureka, the little city in the hills of the Arkansas . Ozarks that has become the pride of diversity, is gearing up for 2010. Spring Diversity will be held on April 9 -11. The same weekend as the annual U~EO. Conference. You’re invited to come join the Gaylien invasion of NOT just a few city blocks, NOT just a small handful of business, but one entire city. What’s to do? Say "I DO" and register your love with a Domestic Partner Certificate. The Courthouse is closed Saturday and Sunday so come early Friday or hangover till Monday. Tnere are over 150 unique shops and galleries to browse or max out your credit card. To start your weekend drop by the Pizza Bar. The Pizza Sluts will host their third Diversity X~¢elcome Mixer there at 13 N. Main, on Friday, 6-8 PM. You can pickup a complete schedule of Diversity Weekend For more information visit wvc~v. eurekapride.com or diversitTpride.com Art Opening and Exhibit ofOriginal Works by ’ Dennis R. Scott.. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Apri! exhibit at the Dennis tL Neill Equality Center Gallery will feature works by Dennis 1L Scott. If there were a simple way to describe his art, it would be called "accidental art" since art is the accident of discovery - the unexpected result of the meandering mind. Dennis Scott, a retired English teacher, resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is ~ writer, lyricist, poet, craftsman, and artist. He has previously exhibited and sold his art at Utica Arts in The Square Show, Blue Dome Festival, Dennis R. Neill° Equality Center Gallery, River Walk Arts Festival, Cherry Street Arts Festival, Brook Arts Festival and the Parsons, Kansas Art Walk. His art has been sold to clients as far away as Florence, Italy. Dennis Scott has been creating in the medium of digital "art" for the last six years. His work is unlike typical digital or computer art because his art depicts his own way of seeing life and interpreting what he sees. One could easily peg Dennis Scott’s art abstract, impressionistic, or surreal but categories are of little concern to him. The art exhibit at the Dennis R. O’Neil Equality Center Gallery in April titled "Les Belles Dames Nues" (Lovely Nal(ed Ladies) ,vill feature over 65 nude prints of Dennis Scott’s art with over 40 of the works never having been printed before. Dennis Scott’s nude art is tasteful, yet evocative. Please join us to visit with Dennis Scott at the Opening Night Reception on Tnursday, April 1, from 6 to 9pro. Refreshments will be served. Dennis’s art will be on display throughout April. Free help www.rnetrostarnews.com ~1ET}~OSTAR 5 Supplements By Ronald Blake Contributing writer Haotv: Ronald Blake, Cerdfied Fitness Instructor throz<gh ISSA International Sports . SciencesAssociadon My best fi’iend said I should do it. My brother said t should definitely do it. My co-worker said I don’t need to do it. My neighbor has never done it. Everyone has an opinion on taking supplements for health and well being. Should you do it? I have an easy but nebulous answer: I don’t knovd Let me gather some information from you. If you have a food allergy then you might want to consider taking supplements. Someone lactose intolerant will not drink milk or eat dairy products. This aversion to Betsy the Cow could cause a deficiency in calcium. Someone with a gluten allergy might miss out on the benefits of thiamine and riboflavin. This too could require supplementation. Ifyou are very athletic and push your body to the outer limits of sanity then you’re a likely candidate for extra nutrition. This would certainly include triathaletes, marathoners, or bodybuilders. A 40 hour work week, intense training, and housecleaning when you get home might lead to insipid intercourse intertwined with irascibility in the evening. That isn’t fun! These uber athletes should strongly consider supplementation to get those needed nutrients that lead to late-day copacetic copulation. If the ornitho!ogy creatures gathered at your birdfeeder are eating more than you then it might be time to purchase meal or drink supplements. It isn’t safe to take in less than 1000 calories per day and it can zap your energy xvhile depleting valuable mineral reserves like iron from your body. Consult the family doctor or a nutritionist for suggestions on getting what your body needs to function properly. If you drink like Karen Walker, Captain Jack Sparrmv, or Mayberry’s Otis Campbell then you are an excellent candidate for supplemental drinks or shakes. Alcohol can adversely affect the body’s absorption and metabolism of nutrients. Excessive alcohol ravages the liver and pancreas too. This al! means that the body doesn’t get the nutrients it really needs. tfyou take a blow torch to all your foods and frequendy use adjectives such as charred, burnt, crispy, or well done to describe your meal it is a good bet that supplements on a store shelf have your name on them. Overcooking foods usually destroys B-group, C, and E vitamins. Boiling vegetables can also denude beneficial vitamins and minerals and le,ave you needing rnore nutritional assistance. Light steaming of vegetables can keep the good stuffin and taste just as good. Dieting can cause a need for supplements too. Many dieters are now eliminating entire food groups fi’om their plates. That means these folks aren’t getting important vitamins and minerals that would normally come from these food groups. Eliminating all carbs, all fat, or all protein just isn’t wise. Talk with your medical experts about nutritional replacements for these lost foods. You could also just go back to being a regular human being and sensibly eating carbs, fat, and protein togethe~: MI of this information should really guide you toward a professional opinion now. Consult your doctor, a certified fitness trainer or a nutritionist to assist you with deciding if supplements are necessary for you. Your brother, your co-worker, and your neighbor probably aren’t doctors, a certified fitness trainer, or a nutritionist. With that advice and lmowledge move your thimble five spaces to GO and collect your nutrients and vitamins for improved health and wellness! ¯ N~is health and fitness column is brought to you by that guy ycho enjoys visits to Hooters despite his non-breeder status. That lover ofwings guy is Ron Blake and he can be reached at www.myblakefimess.com. Tony Kushner Pulitz& Prize-Winning Playwright, To Appear On Sunday, April 18 . TULSA, OK (PR) __ Renowned screemvriter and creator ofAngels in America, playwright Tony Kushner will make his first live appearance in Tulsa on Sunday, April 18, 20!0 at the Synagogue: Congregation B’nai Emunah. He willbe interviewed on this occasion by noted actor and filmmaker Tim Blake Nelson. The Synagguoe is located at the corner of Peoria and Seventeenth Street. Details are available on the Synagogue xvebsite: www. tu!sagogue.com. 3rd Mr. Gay US ofA Contest held at Angles Amadeus York ofTexas gets the tit]e By Victor Gorin Mr Gay US ofA MI in white Amadeus York with theprevious winner Richard Cranium. Gorin photo OKI.~AHOMA CITY, OK__ For aficianados of male impersonation it was a night in heaven March 14 when the new winner was crowned Mr.Gay US ofA M! ( male illusion). Beginning March 12 the contest opened with 50 contestants, narrowed down to 12 finalists on the Sunday night conclusion. Promoted by Brenda Quayle, the contest is part of the US ofA pageantry system which is now in its 26th year of operation. Accompanying the contest was a silent auction benefitting Camp Kindle, an organization providing free camping programs for children and young adults infected or affected by HIV. Giving up his tide was Richard Cranium ofTexas. The new winners were 2nd runnerup Windz ofNew York, 1st runnerup Chad Meridian ofArkansas, and the new Mr. Gay US ofA M! Amadeus York ofTexas. 6 NETROSTAR April 1, 2010 "It would be good if readers and viewers see a different face each time there is an issue in the community," Kirby says. "The broader community should see different people." Kirby has always been willing to speak out on issues. He and his partner of 11 years are legally married in California and Kirby has been a tireless advocate of marriage equalityan issue that has gained momentum around the country in recent years but not budged in conservative leaning Oldahoma. Ending the ban on out GLBT servicemernbers in the US military has also been a cause near, dear - and personal to Kirby. He served in the Air Force at the end of the Vietnam War and several of his friends were discharged because they were gay. One of those friends was particularly special. "I lost a relationship that had been long term when he was discharged from the Air Force for being gay," Kirby says. "I don’t lmow if it would have worked out for life, but I felt a very personal pain." Kirby became active in the military issue after former President Bill Clintoffs efforts to lift the ban on GLBT servicemembers evolved into the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy that stands today. Since then he has joined in on lobbying efforts of the state delegation and lobbied organizations to which be belongs - the American Legion and the Non-Commissioned officers Association -- to support repealing the ban. With the current debate on repealing DADT, Kirby feels there is some progress being made (~ward equal rights to serve. ’ Each time the issue comes up, there are more and more people willing to support repealing the ban," he says. "Whether or not there are enough people now I don’t lmow. I think right now there is as good a chance as there has ever been. I wish the military would look at the other countries who have removed that ban - none of them have had any problems." Kirby says he is committed to continue pushing for his causes and for the advancement of the community. , For more information on OkEqs 30th Anniversary Equality Gala, visit www.okeq. org. Your life an open book on Drag Race The autobiography challenge sends the latest queen packing on Ru-Paul’s Drag Race By Bebe Zahara Benet As I travel all around the country to promote my new single, so many people have told me that this season’s Jessica Wild reminds them of me. I told my mija this during our interview this week, many things I loved about watching her on RuPaul s Drag Race. ticAll reca~ ~foweek 7andprevious shows ate online now. All 12 weeks will be posted on our website at: www. mewosta~ews.com ’~,,~,~v. metrostarnews.corn ~(~t~°oSTAR 7 April 1, 2010 ~v.metrostarnews.com 10 April 1, 2010 Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. O~t &About in OKC & Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ The Cop& Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ The End Up, Tulsa Club Maverick Hosts 19th Annual Straley. Gorinphoto , will be goin~ to the this coming April. The Leather Lifestvle has been around awhile in OHahoma, and @Club 209, Tulsa com. puf " in Chri @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Ledo, Oklahoma City 12 ~®t~oSTAR April 1, 2010 by Jack Fertig April 2010 "Go back to basics, GeminW’ Saturn backing into Virgo reminds us to clean up old business before starting new relationships. Aspecting Uranus and Neptune, she’ll dig up complications that must be dealt with to make progress. Go slowly and carefully. You have until late July to get it right. ARIES (March 2(}-Apri~ 19): Recalculate the equation of any partnership that’s troubling you. Can or should it be saved? Strong instincts and inspiration could lead you astray, but probably contain a kernel of truth. Friends can help you reconcile those with reality. TAURUS (April 2(} - May 2(}): Feeling stuck at work can push you back to reexamine your goals. Where do you feel most creative, and what doyou really have to offer? If professional goals feel nebulous, frame the question in terms of your social ideals. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): While your goals and ideals seem to be in flux, go back to basics, The most relevant questions about reaching out to the world around you ar6 taught early in life. Be nice, share and try to learn. Community service can also help clear your head: CANCER (June 21- July 22): Discuss longstanding family issues with siblings, or community problems with neighbors. Things probably aren’t as dark and complicated as they feel. New perspectives will help if you’re willing to be _very_ open-minded. LEO (July 23 - August 22): New ideas and skills can help get you out of financial trouble, but first understand how and why you got into that trouble. You won’t get that on your own. Your partner or an advisor can help you figure it out. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Taking the weight of the world on your shoulders is bad for your health. Discussing problems with your partner, or a trusted friend or counselor, is necessary even if it’s aggravating. A mild exercise program (swimming?) and meditation help, UBRA (September 23 - October 22): It seems you can’t catch a break, so make one for yourself. Take time off to meditate and play. Settle your nerves and charge up your batteries. You need this. in the long run it’s the responsible thing to do! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21}: Take a hard look at your future and get ready to clear out the clutter in your life. Mending fences could mean quitting some friendships and groups, but offers you a chance to make it clean and amicable. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 2(}): Clean up any loose ends and nasty rumors affecting your reputation. Helpful inspiration comes from your home and family. Advice from siblings and neighbors can seem confusing, but don’t take it too literally and it could prove valuable. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Coming toward a peak of your professional reputation, now is the time to get the word out about your achievements and services. Typos and snafus lie in wait. Be very attentive to those details! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You’re coming into a phase of your life where your ideas and your mind will be much challenged. Review what you believe and why. Confusion about who you are and what’s important can be a healthy stage of growth. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Feeling unsure about sex and relationships can be a good step toward greater awareness. OK, it’s uncomfortable now. Meditation and other quiet secluded retreats - some with your love, some without - will ease the exploration. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Uric Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 69 Spread 70 Boston cager, briefly 771 Social customs 72 silence ~r Copland ,Output role fbr fodie 63 Initial stake " 65 Plumb of The Brady Bunch Solution page 15 :~Nw.metrostarnews.com ~®troSTAR 13 by Greg Fo× ,,wme.kyleeomics.com E-Mail - Chuck Breckenridge "~&cd~er buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. You determine your own hours,, your own pace aRe your own compensation. Great way to work around your current scnedule, earn extra money. and try. new financial services career. 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Ark~ansas www.magneticvalteyresort.corn info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-840~ 479-244-6821 2116 N~7 43rd CULLENS PENNSYLVANIA AVE. Contact the owner to view this wonderful home. ~=~. (405) ~4-5~52 April 1, 2010 Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HAB.A~A INN 2200 N%%r 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222! www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY Pd~SORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 ,a~aw.magneticvalleyresort.com NELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.VZ 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 PR~MEPdCA Dana ~hlsa, Oldahoma 877.700.9503 THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TUI~A EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3t31 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIWSTD Hotline EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 www.expressionsOKC.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcasde.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 ~srA GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn ~A~GLES 2117 ?’PgZ 39th St. Oklahoma City~ OK ww,v.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOL~GE 7204 E. PINE Tttlsa, OK 9!8-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKI_AHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vaw#.olcstonewall.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org CLUB MAJESTIC E N Y A ~R[A N S E S 124N. BOSTON P O tO P ~EIR O CAR D O Tulsa, OK ~--A O 0~-0- E N T 918-584-9494 ,-- ,,~wv.clubmajestictulsa.com H ~ k J J g I O N T A O 2200 NW 39TH ~P~SSWAY 405-525-2900 L A P S E ~O A T I H~S T O P o THE COPA 2200NW39THE~P~SSWAY O V V O ~glo L ~ AIR C H E O ahom ci ,O S S 405-525-0730 A R S AL EVE OREO CE L T ~ORE S~ REST TA L E M~Si Bl~ke’s ~uying’ from 2:00 7:00 p,m, Dancersat 16:00 $,75 i~ome~tic drafl~,from noom2:00 &.m. !’Blak8 s Buyhg from n0omTi00 p:m. Dancers at ;t0:00 $6.00 BEER BUST from 2:00 p.m..,2:00 a.m. "Blake’s Buying" from 2:00 p.m.o 7:00.p.m. Dancers at 10:00 p.m. ...........$4.50 Windex....................................................................................$4.50 EndUp Shot...........................................................................$2.00 EndoUp-O>The-Floor Sho{...................................................$&O0 RaRlesnake, ..............................................................................$3.00 w~av.metrostamews.com ~ETROSTAR 15 ~s ~i~gesl i~pad since Roosevelt, ~ecause the conservative 7 4100 No L]~e]~ Av÷nu÷, Oklahome Ci~ 140S) 427-3366 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, April 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 4 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Gabbard Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Steven Petrow Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Magazine, March 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/193 The Metro Star Magazine, May 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/194 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/186 Advice Art Opening and Exhibit Bitter Girl David Osthoff Don't shop-Adopt Drag Race employment discrimination federal hate crimes law fitness-supplements funnies Kelly Kirby Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Miss Gay Lawton Mr. Gay USA Obituaries Paul Robert Thompson QPuzzle Qscopes Rainbow Pages Robert Painter-Other Options and Friends Food Pantry T.E.N.- The Equality Network The Gaylien Weekend Tom Kovach Tony Kushner travel Tulsa Violence Symposium https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/ac4e7155c96d82f88dc23478fed298fa.jpg 9f8a4ca1f8b24e719670bc52c00384a6 Physical Object An inanimate, three-dimensional object or substance. Note that digital representations of, or surrogates for, these objects should use Moving Image, Still Image, Text or one of the other types. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] Diversity Celebration Pin Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2004 Description An account of the resource Pin from 2004's Diversity Celebration Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 4-12, 2004 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Pin Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2004 Diversity Celebration 2004 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/323809fafd415c0177339e544c5e4e79.jpg 8ac1346a66fe61dc2a39fffd28292de1 Physical Object An inanimate, three-dimensional object or substance. Note that digital representations of, or surrogates for, these objects should use Moving Image, Still Image, Text or one of the other types. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Peace Through Pride Pin Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Pin from 2003's Diversity Celebration Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Pin Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Diversity Celebration 2003 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/bc18fa22be2169b14947591ffb3550e5.jpg 0079a8326be52e12f8962ba22906e391 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] T-Shirts and Tanks, Get Yours Today! Advertisement Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Advertisement for Pride 2003 shirts. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Advertisement Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Diversity Celebration 2003 Pride 2003 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/7ccb91f4502ccbc782b457e9dddeef01.jpg 75538af90070094b1fb969271c6702a3 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] IBM Ad: Workplace Diversity = Marketplace Success Subject The topic of the resource Pride Description An account of the resource Pride month advertisement for IBM highlighting their diversity policies. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource IBM Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Advertisement Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride Month Gay-friendly businesses IBM https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/3c06d6fa49ab758de3eda48d02d418f4.jpg cec693e7d16b1f53d47e7a98c5161a91 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Ride with Pride Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Poster board advertising Pride bumper stickers. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2003 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Diversity Celebration 2003 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender Community Center https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/900915304f717af154e23b12cfe81a05.jpg ddf91067f00f2e9cefe0192783ef5940 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Unite. Educate. Celebrate! flier Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Flier advertising 2003's pride events. Advertises individual events throughout pride week leading up to parade. Includes list of event sponsors. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 5-14, 2003 Language A language of the resource Englsih Type The nature or genre of the resource Flier Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Diversity Week 2003 Paragraph 175 Awakenings Singing with Pride Family Pride Spaghetti Dinner PlayMor Follies 2003 Diversity Gala Bound By Blood Interfaith Service Art Exhibit & Silent Auction Daddy and Papa James Hormel Jim Verraros Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Gay-friendly business Human Rights Campaign Miller Coors Light Outline Magazine 106.9 KHITS Bud Light Tim Scott ID Lubricants Gayly Oklahoman Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays TW's AFAB The Tulsa Bus Plant Council Oak Men's Chorale Parish Church of St. Jerome All Souls Unitarian Church Women of Council Oak Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/bc623d7abd57a73c7e372052fe319a21.jpg 8851afeebbc6b85d4b5114dd7743c7bf Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. 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Title A name given to the resource [2003] Pride Parade and Festival Flier Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Flier advertising 2003's Pride Parade and Festival Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 14, 2003 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Pride Parade 2003 Pride Festival 2003 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/b502d509c4e27de8829448d87f6a808a.jpg 3774705845c6574a0c46f28c3d279ac4 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/8a340a886a39d4ed9f8eef3bc795780c.pdf ece766c52bb594e46230b55c631ce287 PDF Text Text ������������������������������������������ Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document PROUD • V N OM UN "From the day of ourfofi:n,4ifl:g, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this Earth :h45 rights,, and dignity and 11ttitcbless value because they bear ~rnagc of the maker of ven.and ta;rth .. » • Ge~rge W. Bu~h, . • Toaugb./al. ~J>eech; January 20, 2005 State~entl?y:M:att Forc=m.a11'✓ • · μecut~e Djrector, Natio11af~a;r . andI:.esbian'Fask Force • " ., C ,:•\ ,'" •• " ,, Page 5 Tulsa Oklahoma City Little Rock · F ayettevitle·~·"'i Fort . Spri Club nv opens in Kansas Ci by Greg Steele January 18, 2005 ■ KANSAS CITY, MO- The long awaited opening of KC's newest club opened their doors to the public on January 6th. Studio@NV Video Bar officially opened at 4:30pm. A year under construction the dub also has a dance side that will be open on Jan 21st. The grand opening private party is planned for the 20th. "You'll be blown away at the light show and we have some of the cutest bartenders in town." said General Manager, Chad Mantooth. Located in the site of a former Buick deaiership, the club will have three bars, a state of the art dance bar, a video bar and two patio's. The rooftop bar and patio is the place for a grand view of downtown Kansas City. NV plans to be KC's first GLBT totally nonsmoking bar. Smoking will be allowed on the patio. In addition to the club area's, the building \vill feature 23 lofts to be named "The Buick Lofts" and will range in size from a studio to 2500 square feet. Studio@nv video bar is open at 4:30 to !:30 Monday through Saturday with 1/ 2 price martini's from 4:30-8:30 Monday through Friday. The Dance Club starting January 21st will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1 0pm to 1 :30am. Located at 220 Admiral Blvd. on the corner of 7th and McGee in downtown KCMO. If you need further directions or have any questions, you may call 816.421.NVKC or check out the website at http:/ /www.nv-kc.com. Page 6 Arkansas Anti-Gay Foster care Ban Overturned LITTLE ROCK - Finding that children are not harmed by living with gay or lesbian parents, an Arkansas court today struck down a stllte regulation that banned gay people and anyone living in a household with a gay adult from being foster parents in the st:2.te. The American Civil Liberties Union brought the lawsuit ag:ainst the state in 1999 on behalf of three prospective foster parents. ''Throughout this case, the state has relied on ugly stereotypes to deny children in the Arkansas foster care system the chance of having the widest possible pool of foster wnilies available to them,'' said Rim Sklar, Executive Director of the ACLU of Arkansas. "We're very pleased that the court sa~ through these arguments and has recognized that gay and lesbian people can provide homes just as loving and smble as anyone else's." In his findings, Circuit Court Judge Timothy Fox flatly rejected many of the claims the state had made about gay and lesbian people's suitability as parents. In his decision, Fox wrote: "(Psychology pioneer) Jerome Bruner has suggested that one of the reasons people believe in om system of justice may be as simple as 'ow: faith that confrontation is a good way to get to the bottom of things.' The 'confrontation' in this case has presented us all with an excellent opportunity to replace ignorance with knowledge and to make an informed decisionbased on information as opposed to assumption." Among Judge Fox's findings of fact • Being raised by gay parents doesn't increase the risk of psychological, behavioral, or academic problems for children. • Children of lesbian and gay parents are just as well adjusted as children of straight parents. • There is no factual basis for saying that heterosexual parents might be better able to guide children through adolescence than gay parents. • There are no reasons that health, safety, or welfare of a foster child might be negatively impacted by living in a foster home where there is a gay person present. • The blanket exclusion can hurt children by excluding a pool of effective foster parents. "Throughout the trial we presented a variety of experts who proved that the state's justifications for this ban were nothing but baseless myths about gay people," said Leslie Cooper, a staff attorney with the ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project. "This is a victory not only for gay families, but for the many children in the Arkansas foster care system who now have a better shot at finding a good home." After Arkansas's Child Welfare Agency Review Board established a policy in 1999 that "no person may serve as a foster parent if any adult member of that person's household is a . homosexual," the ACLU filed a lawswt in state court challenging the policy on behalf of three Arlwisans who are challenging the ban: William Wagner of Waldron, who works in an optical laboratory. Wagner has been married for 31 yClltS and has two adult children. Although he is a married heterosexual, be is disqualified from serving as a foster parent because his gay son sometimes lives at home. Wagner .and pis wife hope to serve as foster parents because they alrea~y provide em~rgency shelter to teens who have been physically abused and kicked out of their homes for being lesbian or gay and would like to be available to take care of teens in the foster care system. Matthew Lee Howard, a teacher, who lives with his partner Craig Stoopes, a librarian, in Little Rock. The couple has been in a committed relationship for 19 years, is currently raising two children, and hopes to serve as foster parents. Anne Shelley of Fayetteville is a community organizer for various nonprofit organizations and woul9. like to serve as a foster parent. She is prevented from doing so under Arkansas law because she is a lesbian. Leslie Cooper and James Esseks of the ACLU's Lesbian & Gay Rights Project, Grif Stockley of the ACLU of Arkansas, and cooperating attorneys David Ivers and Emily Sneddon represent the prospective foster parents. 1 ! February 2005 by Andrew Collins "Cooking-School Vacations" Photorigbt: You can take cooking classes taught by some of the leading chefs in the Southwest at the acclaimed Santa Fe School of Cooking. Given that many travelers put as much thought into picking the right restaurants as they do choosing appealing hotels and sightseeing attractions, it's little wonder that cooking-school vacations have become extremely popular in recent years. After all, if you're already a fan of eating outstanding food, it makes perfect sense to explore your culinary passions a bit further and learn how to prepare the great meals you enjoy. Whether you're a die-hard chef with professional ambitions or simply a fan of good cooking who's keen on picking up a few culinary tips, you're likely to find a cooking-school adventure that suits yow: interests (and budget). Opportunities to learn bow to cook while traveling range from taking a class or two at a local cooking school or country in~ to booking a complete educational getaway that includes several days of intensive cooking instruction as well as accommodations, meals, and day trips to farmers' markets and restaurants. The cost can range from $50 for a single demonstration class at a cooking school to several thousand dollars per person for a wecklong, all-inclusive package. In most cases, you're responsible for getting to and from the destination. Although there arc no cooking-school vacations geared exclusively to the lesbian and gay market, plenty of gay-popular destinations - from San Francisco to Vermont to Barcelona - offer these food-based educational excursions. Taking one of these trips can be great fun whether you're traveling with yow: honey or with a group of pals, but it's also an excellent way to make new friends; indeed, cooking schools draw plenty of single travelers. If you're looking for an informal, unstructured experience, where you plan your own trip but take some cooking courses on your own, consider booking a class or two at the esteemed Santa Fe School of Cooking, whose instructors include some of the top chefs in this gay-friendly arts mecca in New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Topics cover a wide range of food styles, from the cuisine of Mexico to Southwest tapas. Classes arc offered several times per week and typically cost from $50 to $65 apiece; each one concludes with a full meal featuring the delicious food prepared. A number of inns around the country offer occasional cooking-class weekends, which typically run from two to four days and are especially popular with couples seeking a romantic retreat. In Kennebunkport, Maine - which is dose to such gay-friendly destinations as Portland and Ogunquit - the lavish White Barn Inn offers weekend cooking-school packages throughout the year. These three-day, two-night events begin with a Friday afternoon tea reception, followed by a tour of the inn's impressive wine cellar, where you're also treated to a tasting of several fine vintages. On Saturday you participate in a cooking class in the state-of-the-an demonstration kitchen, followed by a mixoiogy course in the bar. You then get to sample some of the dishes you saw demonstrated in class earlier in the day during the six-course dinner on Saturday evening, in the \Vnire Barn's highly acclaimed restaurant. Guests also receive _The White Barn Inn Cookbook_. Prices start at about $400 per person, double-occupancy. Vermont, which has become a favorite gay destination in recent years, ... continued page-32 Page 8 ' The Queen City of the Southwest ? From the Editor January 20, 2005 TULSA, OKLAHOMA Located in the center of a potentially gay business boom. Sound like a fantasy? Well, look what is within 175 miles, just a three hour drive. Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Muskogee, McAlester, Miami, Witchita, Joplin, Springfield, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, a huge GLBT population estimated at near 150,000. Yes, Tulsa, OK has an opportunity to become a major gay /lesbian city. Shake the Bible Belt syndrome. Gay is not unique in this year of 2005. Gay does not have to be in the closet. Gay is not a lifestyle, it is a life! Gay /Lesbian is not a nasty word with a connotation of deviate. Homosexuality has been accepted around the globe and has become common place. Teen's think of sex as just sex, it doesn't matter if it is with the opposite sex or same sex. If you prefer same sex or opposite sex, no big deal. It's just sex. What does the Tulsa business community have to offer the GLBT tourist or those wanting to relocate? Is there a hotel that seeks gay business? NO. Is there a restaurant that caters to gay people? NO. Is there a predominateiy gay area for housing? NO. Are there shops that as;;. for your business? A FEW. Are ,here gay /lesbian bars? \'ES. Bars, clubs, disco's country western, cruise, neighborhood, and just bars. ls that it? NO. Tulsa has a percentile of GLBT professional people equal to any major city. Attorney's, Accountants, Doctors, Realtors, Nurses, Artists, Writers, Insurance Agents, Engineers, Business Managers, Teachers, Pastors and of course Cosmetologist. A fabulous group of entertainers, Shopping Centers, Theater, beautiful scenery, parks, museums, recreational area's. Tulsa has everything a city needs to attract gay/ lesbian business. To attract gay business development and tourism. Except, two major factors, gay pride and organization! Tulsa has the foundation for growth with the GLBT Center, a GLBT Business organization, we have a Human Rights Organization, we have GLBT religious leaders and community out reach organizations. Yes and how much support do they receive £rpm the over all gay population. Most of these nonprofit organizations say they are struggling to keep afloat. I asked one business owner if he belonged to the Gay Business Association, and he replied, "I didn't know we had one." Another said he belonged to the "Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization" ar one time, but the group decided to cease because there were only ten active members. In the last two months there have been three gay owned business closing in Tulsa ti1a~ I know of, maybe more. Could be the bar market was overly saturated. Niche clubs seem :o be doing well. That is a good sign Tulsa has a diverse group of people who have found a club they enjoy. Persona]y .............. continued next page Page 9 Photo: Night Club in the Brady District. I prefer a nice plush piano bar with entertainment, hunky bartenders and good selection of exotic martini's. Fine wine and food would make my day! I might rent a booth by the month. If anyone out there would consider opening such a place, let me know and I promise to be your best customer. As an Oklahoma native, I've watched the State grow in positive attitude toward her GLBT citizens. Tolerance for some, but for the most part the attitude has changed from gay bashing and hatred to live and let live. Just because we can't legally ma.tty in Oklahoma is no excuse to sit back and grow stagnant, or move to Massachusetts. Star Media, Ltd., the publisher of this magazine is so confident in the future of Tulsa's GLBT community, we are now publishing the STAR here in Tulsa and will continue to cover and distribute to the Four State Region of Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. People we've talked with, all agree that a home based news publication is an essential part of every growing community. We are excited and look foiward to becoming a part of Tulsa's future. Our growth has been gradual, but strong. This issue is our largest ever, with 40 pages. Our distribution has grown from 1000 to 5000 in just over a year. We distribute free of charge and depend on advertising from the GLBT and allied business community for our existence. Without it we could Clothing & Gift Shop in the Cherry Street Image, convenience, quality products and not survive. The response has been service are key to any successful business. tremendous with the February issue Offer the GLBT community something having a record number of advertisers. they want and don't have, let them know We may not be the largest paper in the you have it and treat them with respect state, but we are gaining ground thanks to and they will support you. a very supportive Oklahoma community and the 4 states region. TIJLSA, "The Queen City of the Southwest". Possibilities abound, the potential is here. The Brady District, Cherry Street, East Village, Mid Town area's are prime locations to consider for offices, shops, clubs or restaurants. We just have to make it happen by becoming more united in the efforts to serve the community and develope a strong, well organized entity dedicated to the success of all. "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" Editor in Chief r n • · t t v • , n I g; h t '.o 716 w. syc~re Fay~tttville, AR 479-571-1300 . www.atud•oZ16,ncl OPEN wed-sun 9pm - 2am WEDNJ!SDAYS: Cruisn' for the Hook-up on HUMP-DAY! Happy Hour $5, Beer Bu.t . ~PAYS:. Kataoke till' 12 then it's the Plastic Thureday Dan1re · . get WU,D with DJ jUX" & 1he Best Mu of Hipl,Jop. Tech & YOUR .requests all night long! SA'(UJU)A;YS: it's th~ 716 EXT.REME DANCE PAR'I'Y with OJ . "BRANDON J"' SUNDAYS: The Queens of NW.A @ 11:30 Evety Sunday & DJ "IRJSH" Spinning all night Jong!! Club •,Rex to· Host· Turna . . 1i1·,, ·,,a, Fund raiser: Press Release January 21, 2005 OKLAHOMA CITY. A fundraiaer to benefit the. Winds Houa~ will he held ' Saturday, February 26, 2005, at 10:30 p.m., •t Club Rox inside the Hollywood Hotel & Suites in Oklahoma City. This will be our second annual fuodra,iscr for the Winds· House. The featured event will be a Turnabout Show. in which our club aiid test:aurant employees will be perfotmi,ng and contributing their tip11 to the Winds H~1,1se. A great tum.out is expected again this yeat'md we hope to surpass the amount collecttd at last years event. MARDI GRAS DAY, . ' . . AKA FAT TUESDAY / Every year, N~ .Q.dlan; shuts down and throws the· p~ of parties. Everywhere else · • it's just another Tuesday Orleana it's Mardi Gras! Mardi Gas is more than a single day of ceie\,rition. It's a stiu:c of mind. Mardi Gas teflects and defines . the cultural traditions of Nevi Odcan11. Most "outsiders" assume ~ Gras takes place on a single day; this .is true. Matdi Gms is French fui Fat Tuesday. Some time ago, the tradition a fatted ctlf on beginning of . . . . fast. Thu,, the c~g of the pb.raae,,::11at Tuesday.'' ·,· Page 11 2902 E. 20th Street, Joplin Missouri· Sydney New .Mardi Gras * and Gay Games® Chicago ~ Announce International Partnership 21 January 2005 U~ I Sydney, .A.u,tralia -- The Games and the New Sydney Gay and Lesbian Matdi ~ras t~ay announced a multi-yeat mtemauonal partnership designed to s~ngthen two of the world's largen and most beloved in~miriooal gay and lesbian events. In a joint announcoment &om Chicago, h<>St of Gav Gables VIJ,. and Sydney •. site of the world's largett LGBT Mardi Gras festival, the new pattnecship bro~dcn, the worldwide visibility of both ~eots. 1Utching two of the world's tnost vibrant and gay and lesbian-friendly cities, the new .rdationship will also ' enhance tourism and batin,~?Y between the LGBT communities in the USA and Australia. , , , , . continued pagc-29 P,age12 ,, ', , ,:, '48l5 S<>uth. Harvard Ave., Suite 424 ,'I)tlsa, OK 74135-:3068 Phone: 8) 747,.5466 Email: .; byCP A@sbcglobai.net j 1 Office Licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.com This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp.-Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax:(636)938-3539 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com 11JISA ROUGB.RIDERS' Valeatme's Club~ · ••*Mllle.lJtlllCD'Slll . ._. EndUp .. Club, Sat.., F~ -~ 4th&. Memorlal,..~ ~Opm-?!~ Drawings For Pri7.es!! BeerBust t! *J,-tller Po.t Office Game* • ...........,.tulsa~ugluiden.com•• Leadaer@TaJaRougllRi4en.com Page 15 "Alternatives to the bar scene" Some of us really are not all that into the gay bar scene. Just because your gay does not necessarily mean you HA VE to go to gay bars. First of all I really have never particularly liked the idea of going to a dark bar to find someone. It is rather a creepy feeling. First you have to put up with all the smoke. And then after you get home you have to wash or have everything dry-cleaned. It just isn't worth it. Oh yea, smokers have their rights? Well, what about us nonsmokers? We should be able to go somewhere and not HA VE to have that ciguette smell and smoke everywhere. But aside from smoking the bar scene still does very little for me. I prefer to do my drinking with friends in my own apartment or at parties. friendlyand has lots of straight customers. The MCC Church in town is another place where I have found a lot of friends. Seems like a lot of gay men attend the MCC Church with the hopes of finding someone to share their life "W-ith. I even attended a meeting of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) even thou I am not a parent of a gay person and I met some wonderful guys there. I looked in the last issue of the Ozarks Star and saw a listing for different otgllnizations in the area and have already checked some of them out. You just have to be forward and talk to people I guess. I have met guys at the supermarket, at the malls while shopping and even when I walk my dog in the park. I am really not against bars but I am just saying that the bar scene does not rule my life. I have plenty of interests being gay without the bar scene. I love the Ozarks Star in that it tells us what is going on in the community besides the bar scene. Thanks Ozarks Sou: for being here. Quotable Quotes "I know that many of you wanted to see my husband and some of you had questions out there. Is he hot? Yeah. Is he hung? Yeah. Is he [she waved her hand to suggest bisexual]? Not unless you can give a better (she mimicked eating a banana) than me." Lucky for me I live in a large city and they have lots of activities going on all the time. The gay/lesbian community center is always having entertaining events going on. I have met a lot of other gays at dinner parties. My mature friends - Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom, filling have their Prime Timers organization in for her husband, San Francisco and they are always having events. Mayor Gavin Newsom, addressing a In Oklahoma City I usually stay at fundraiser for New York's gay Empire State Pride Agenda, Oct. 21. the Habana Inn and you r----------------------can always meet a lot of people out at the pool area. I have driven to Kansas City and they have two gay owned Bed and Breakfast Inns there. I have driven down to Eureka Springs, Arkansas where they say almost everyone in town is gay. But the gay owned bar is only gay <Boutique Page 16 Cable TV Gives Birth to Slew of New Gay Programming Written By Ross von Metzke On the forthcoming Logo channel. conceived by figureheads at MTV ~nd VH-1, programs will range from a series on coming out experiences produced by Cher and Chastity Bono to realitv series on gay cops and gav dream , weddings. , On cable TV's here!, a gav parenting series, a holiday drama about, a teenager's two gay dads and numerous gay themed films acquisitioned from film studios across the world round out the roster of programming. ~~ on the Palm Springs based Q Televmon, a daily gay talk show and the gay soap opera Paradise Falls play mostly to audiences in Southern California and Manhattan. For years, mainstream cable networks like HBO and Showtime have enticed gay viewers with shows like Six Feet Under, Oz, The L Word and Queer as Folk - p~ograms featuring gay characters without succumbing to the standards and occasional censorship of network TV. No~, chan~els geared toward gay and _lesbian audiences specifically are making a play for financial success. Gav TV has officiallv arrived , Cablevision, Systems ·Corp. a1:1~ounced yesterday that it is offering dtgi.tal customers monthly subscriptions Dish _Network offers three-hour payper- view blocks of the channel for S3.99. Regent Entertainment co-founders Paul Colichman :md Stephen Jarchow founded here! in August of 2003 and the service is now available in one form or another in more than 30 million cable and satellite TV homes nationwide. It got a nearly two year head start on Logo which Viacom Inc. plans to launch ' s~metime this year as a digital channel with wider distribution. _"They all want to serve the gay and lesbian community and they want to do it in a way that makes money " :olichman col~ !'lewsday on Tu~sday. And because it ts a premium service. anyone who doesn't want gay and - lesbian programming doesn't have to get it." Colichman said here! claimed $15 million in revenue for the first vear and has pl_a~s to spend $50 million this year on o_r1gtnal f'.rogramming and acquiring syndicatton nghts to series and films. Cablevision's nationwide satellite se:vice called _v oom carries its own gayoriented movie channel - DivineHD. A company spokeswoman declined to say whether Cablevision will carry Logo which Viacom had planned to launch next month but has not said whether that is still the plan. Links: www.heretv.com www.logo-tv.com www.qtelevision.com to 30 hours of on-demand programming from here! for $6.95. r:;:::::-------------------- Time Warner Cable in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Milwaukee and San Antonio began carrying here! late last year as nonsubscription video-on~ emand for $3.95 per three-hour viewing. DirecTV recently began offering here! as a monthiy add-on for $9.99. And EchoStar's Rodney Burgamy 405.840.2106 Joe Brennan www.c21-goldcastle.com Page 17 Ozarks Star New Shakespeare Adaption 'The Merchant of Venice' Rings with Gay Undertones By Ross von Metzke Provided by Gay Link Content . Just weeks after American audiences historians and church groups gave OHv'er Stone's Alexander adaptation a big thumbs down over the bi-sexual references, another of history's beloved treasures is getting the gay treatment. Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is getting a lot of heat for a scene in which two male characters, Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes) and Antonio Geremy Irons), head up to Antonio's bedroom to discuss an issue involving a deb~. Just as Bassanio is leaving, he piancs one on Antonio - and from the look of things, it's more than just a friendly peck. Director Mlchael Radford's version of the classic story pushes a lot of buttons and asks a number of questions, which is whv scar Fiennes said, he thrives while ~~rking with the Bard's words. ''The great thing about Sμakespeare and why he's so difficult to pin down is his ambiguity," actor Joseph Fiennes told Reuters. "He's not saying they're gay or thev're straight, he's leaving it up to his actors ... I feel there has to be a great love between the two characters ... there's great .attraction. I don't think they have slept together, but that's for the audience to decide." Co-star Jeremy Irons said tl1e kiss doesn't say so much about the character's sexualitv as it does about the time period. , "In Shakespeare's time male platonic iove was the highest form of love," he said. "Male platonic affection was regarded as a higher form of love to male-female, even husband and wife." While promoting the film in New York recently, Radford said he fe~t it was important to emphasize Antonio's love for Bassanio because of the play's final act. in which Bassanio's feelings for Portia and Antonio are tested. Page 18 Illinois Bans Anti-Gay and Anti Transgender Discrimination National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Praises Equality lllinois for Its Tireless Work WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 12. Capping an eleven year effort led by Equality Illinois, the, ;Illinois House of Representatives today passed a bill banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. The bill was first .introduced over thirty years ago in 1974. When signed into law by Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, a supporter of the measure, Illinois will become the 15th state to protect gay people from discrimination, and the 5th state to protect transgender persons. The bill cleared the State Senate yesterday by a vote of 30-27 and the State House today by a vote 65-51. "We salute Equality Illinois and its tireless leader, Rick Garcia, for today's extraordinary achievement," said Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "This win again shows that dogged work by state and local leaders and activists can surmount enormous odds- and is real salve to a community still hurting from the results of November 2." A non-discrimination bill first passed the House in 1993, also because of the work of Equality Illinois. The law will add "sexual orientation" to the state's existing nondiscriminati·on statute which already bans discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations or credit on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, marital status and milit~ry status. The definition of "sexual orientation" includes provisions to specifically cover transgender persons. A non-discrimination biil first passed the state House in 1993, "The passage of this bill is a major advancement for transgender people, both in Illinois and countrywide," continued Foreman. "Once again, a state has proven that when we dare to dream to protect our entire LGBT community with one bill- to cover everyone, legislators respond. The activists in Illinois have done a tremendous job." · Illinois becorp.es the fifth state to pass explicit transgender-inclusive language in its discrimination law, joining California, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Rhode Island. In addition, 72 cities and counties have transgendet-inclusive nondiscrimination laws on the books. With the addition of Illinois, 27% of the U.S. population now lives in a jurisdiction with transgender discrimination prnte~tion. Eight states have enacted transgender-inclusive hate crime laws. In addition ten states ban anti-gay discrimination - Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Hawaii, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, Nevada, Maryland and New York. FREE HIV TESTING,NO NEEDLFS! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin; Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the · Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We 1,1se the Ora-sure method which does nor require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Serving A Healthier Comm,mity"' Page 19 NSD Statement on Claude Allen White House Appointment January 06, 2005 Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) issued a statement on President Bush's appointment of Claude Allen as White House Domestic Policy Advisor. "The architect of domestic policy for the White House should be an advocate for every American family," said Dave Noble, NSD Executive Director. "Claude Allen has advanced ideological extremes in family policy that have endangered the health of gay youth. His record indicates that he would prompt the White House to promote anti-gay policy and attitude within the administration. As an organization, we are troubled by this appointment." Allen was previously nominated by President Bush for a seat on the 4th Circuit U.S. Appeals court, but had failed to receive Senate confirmation. Allen is a staunch conservative and abstinence activist. He has served the Bush Administration as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, where he has been described as the administration's key advocate for abstinence-only programs. Claude A. Allen worked as an aide to former Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC). In 1984, while serving as press secretary chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party co advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. www.stonewalldemocrats.org for the Helms' senate campaign, Allen accused Helms' Democratic opponent as having ties "with the Diversity 19 VA LENTINE' S ,.Jf41','?,,. queers." National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender nts We Do It Different! Aprl_l 1 ® 2 SPRING! Diversity Weekend BOTH DA#Cn ON FRI & SATI for GLBTis/PPLAGs 1COUNTRY WESTERN' in Eureka Sprlafs. Arltaua, :caoo'!oTEGMP, oo RAc , Rt rt, FAU. & SPRING Di'lerslty Weekends, ,. .,. ay I on " VALENTINE'S, Conawts and other Events DlveNJlty BEARS I CONTEST & BBQ LUNCH www.DiversityPride.com Democrats, with more than 90 local The Point Foundation A Scholarship Lifeline For GLBT Students Scholarship opportunities for. exceptional students, ..-gardless of their ~exual orientation or gender identity; · The Point Foundation is the first and only nationwide LGBT scholarship·. organization that focuses exclusively on granting assistance to. undergraduate, graduate and post7graduate students of distinction. Point Scholars are chosen for their demonstrated leadership, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, involvement in the LGBT community and financial or emotional need. The most recent scholarship awarde.d was announced on January 12, 20Q5. An academic honorarium was .awarded to James· Barnett, the. 18-year:-old: n9n9t'. . student who was expelled in December from Trinity Christian Academy 'in Addison, Texas, in the greatcf·Dallas mcttopo tan are . . . '. discovered Barnett W!1S · gay and hosting My-Boi.com, a supportive Web site tor GLBT youths, school .oftidals reportedly outed him to .his parents, who agteed to withdraw him fro'!Jf:thc academy at the school's request, Barnett said. His parents then threatened to witliliold financial support for colle~ in the fall, Barnett added, if he did not agree to go to a college in Texas. Barnett hopes to attend school out of state. · The amount of the Point Foundation award will be determined after a financial review in the spring, the foundation said fa a press release. 'We ~e·plea.sed to.present this honor.aiium to James, an outstanding student turned away s~ply because of· his sexual orientation," Vance Lancaster, executive director of the Poihl: Foundation, said in the written statement. "This is a sadly common and vei:y real example of why Point Foundation scholarships are necessary." . The honorarium is ·separate from the Point Foundation's._an'nu,aI grams to GI.BT scholars, which will be determined in April or May for the 2005.:2006 school year. Applications are due March 1. · · "The Point Foundation is honored to. be in the position to bring this support to James," Lancaster said. "As the Point Foundation grows, we hope to create a world where students are not marginalized or turned away because of their sexual · orientation or gender identity--ever." The application process is open to ill LGBT students nationwide regardless of levci of education. Application Period S01.rtS January 1, 2005 All applications must be received by March 1, 2005. All additional materials must be received by March 15, 2005. A decision will be made by May 1, 2005. You can apply on-line at ( www.thcpointfoundation.org/apply.html) Page 23 I Dee A New Year and a New Beginning Well, first of all I want to say that I am a PROUD gay man. It is just that simple! I love my life and I am in it for the long haul. I love living in the Midwest and enjoy the changing of the seasons. But, I am getting to the point where things are going to have to change in my gay world. I am tired of being the scapegoat for all the stupid religious right wing nuts, the Republican politicians and the do-gooders of America. I own a home, pay property taxes on it and have a good job. Most of the people that I work with know that I am gay and understand that I was born that way. My neighbors are very nice and seem to like me as a neighbor. I keep my house in good order and of course my lawn and patio is the best kept on the block. But this is 2005 and things has just GOT TO CHANGE in my gay world. I am not going .to tolerate being a second class citizen anymore. I just won't do it! NO, no and NOi So, what am I going to do about it? First off I am NEVER again going to hide in the closet. I am NEVER again going to tell someone that I have a girlfriend. I am NEVER again going to be ashamed when I walk into a store with my partner as we are buying furniture or anything else. I am NEVER again going to be intimidated by any sales clerk or anyone when I am shopping. When we check into a motel or hotel I will ask for one bed for both of us and think nothing about it. I am a PROUD gay man and the rest of America will just have to get used to it. I have met a few gay men who live in Europe and they all are amazed when coming to the United States how intolerant so many Americans are to gays and lesbians here. They think of America as a land of guns and of right wing religious nuts. They think that small towns means small minds and I am beginning to think that they are right. I would love to live in a small town here in the Midwest however I have just learned that it is much easier foi: gay people to live in larger cities. What kind of America do we live in when the State legislatures pay more attention to gay civil unions than they do to educating the children of America. What right in America does some right wing religious nut have to try to force their religion down the throats of other people. One's religious beliefs should be kept to them. Another thing I am going to do this is year is NOT put up with bad or inferior service ANYWHERE. You go into a store to purchase something and the clerk is on their cell phone talking to a friend and trying to ring you up at the same time or your waitperson is having a bad day and wants you to feel sorry for them or you walk into a bar and the bartender is busy talking to his regular customers and doesn't have time to get you a drink. Nope, I am not going to cake it any more. I am sick and tired of having to deal with this, not only in the straight community but in the gay community as well. I love to hear of a gay business that has gone out of business and say that the gay community .doesn't support them. Ha! If they gave good service and appreciated their customers they would have lots of business. Just because a business is gay owned that is not a sufficient reason to give them your business unless they do give good service. So things are changing for me this year. I am going to be much happier and I have to bitch a little more to get good service and what I deserve then I will. It is just that simple! Page24 Paula Martirlac has b_ec;ri. writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the co-chair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, ·Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac FEBRUARY 2005 On The Move The week before George W. Bush's second inauguration, 22 national gay-rights organizations issued a unity statement, putting forth in clear and almost stirring prose their continuing commitment to working for a wide range of issues to achieve full equality for LGBT people. One of the things that struck me about the joint statement was its dual definition of "movement'' - first, as ''ao organized effort to promote or attain an end," but also as simply "the act of' moving." (YOU can read the full text at www.lambdalegal.org and the websites of other national groups.) That second definition is profound, but it's one we often forget. Indeed, it can be hard for groundbreaking reading series individual gay people - esp_ecially those living in called "In Our Own Write." ' hostile states - to see that we're in "the act of ______________ __,, moving" toward the attainment of'civil rights. Many o( us are? in fact, &cirig brutal attacks from some. of the same people who helped Bush. Wlll four more years in office. The joint st:u:ement from· otir national l~ders, then, caμ help us stop and remember that even though the progress of civil rights is maddeningly erratic, it is still progress. . WJ;iat'~ con~sing, I thln,k, is that the word "movement" implies going. forward in a linear fashion, like when you get in your car to go from point A to point B. But. when rou think about it, driving is often not that direct. You may start off,malcing great nme, but the~ th_ere might be traffic, an: accid~nt, or bad weat:her; yoμ: might get a flat; or maybe you hit a detour for roadwork, which sends you off in another direction or even in a circle. Ultimately, you get to poiot'B", but it took a lot longer' than you hoped. · · · Recent even~ in g:iy politics look a lot like that driving metaphor. In the space of 11 short months tn 2003 and 2004, we saw two amazing triumphs: the U.S. Supreme Court struck. do~n the remaining state sodomy laws, and same-sex couples began le~y n:iarrymg 10_ Massachus<:tts. B_ut not long after, 4,000 lesbian and gay couples in Califorrua had their legal marrtages annulled by the state. And in a political slam dunk, 11 state anti-p,y-marriage amendments passed in a single day. As 2005 dawned, however, we saw victory again: Illinois joined the list of states .with antidiscrimination laws. This is "movement''? Bumpy times like these could really throw our community off-balance if we didn't keep the bigger picture in view - that vie are in the business of fighting for nothing les~ than equality, like so many other groups (blacks, women) before us have been dotng for decades, even centuries. And unfair as it may seem, the road to _equality is:°'~ sI?~oth; neither blacks nor women: are anywhere nearing the completion of their mdividual struggles for full rights. Consider a little gay history. The fight against sodomy laws, for example, was a long struggle. We all know about Michael Hardwick's challenge to Georgia's law in ~e eatly 1?80s, and the resulting antigay Supreme Court decision in 1986. But by the um5 th~ high court heard _Bowers v. Hardwick_, legal analysts had alreadr, been tuiilg attn at state sodomy laws for decades, witnessing the first victory over this heinous legi~lation in Illino~s in 1961. And it had taken another agonizing eight years for a seconct state, Connecticut, to follow suit. ..... continued nex page. Page 25 lo addition, most of us are familiar with the marriage-equality movement that burst into public consciousness in Hawaii in the early '90s and brought us civil unions in Vermont and ultimately the marriage victory in Massachusetts. But the first same-sex couple to apply for a state marriage license did so in Minnesota back in 1970, when a lot of people in our community weren't even born and no anti-gay-marriage laws existed. That couple is still in the news, too: earlier this month, Jack Baker and Michael McConnell sued to have their marriage, which was performed by a Methodist minister in the Twin Cities recognized by the Internal Revenue ' Service. (Ibeir case, by the way, was thrown out.) History also teaches us that "movement'' doesn't mean that evervone walks together in lockstep. Both the· black and feminist movements witnessed considerable infighting over issues and tactics. And the gay movement is no different - within a day of the release of the "unity" statement; some LGBT activists rushed to criticize the major gay organizations for putting marriage equality so far down on its lists of goals, which they said could be viewed as retreating from the issue under pressure from the far right. One Illinois activist dismissed the national gay groups as basically inconsequential and "out of touch." But while we're squabbling among ourselves, let's remember that "movement" may involve taking a step forward, a couple back, and another off to the side before we are able to go forward again. Quotable Quotes "We need to educate the younger generation of gay men because many think that living with HIV is a real doddle. They don't realize that there's no cure; it's treatment for life and the meds can have horrible side effects." - Gay actor Rupert Everett to the British AIDS magazine Positive Nation, November issue. HRC RENEWS CALL FOR REPEAL OF 'DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL,' AS PENTAGON PONDERS TROOP SHORTAGE 'Any policy that keeps patriotic Americans from serving during wartime is bad for the nation,' said HRC Political Director \"\'innie Stachelberg. Press Release: Friday,Jan. 7, 2005 WASHINGTON-The Human Rights Campaign today :renewed its call to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, in light of a report in today's Washington Post stating that Army officials are considering changing Pentagon policy to allow for longer and more frequent call-ups of some reservists to meet the demands of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Any policy that keeps patriotic Americans from serving during wartime is bad for the nation," said HRC Political Director Winnie Stachelberg. "'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is deeply hurtful to gay and lesbian service members and their families and is costing the nation valuable service ' members." According to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, more than 9,000 service members have been discharged since 1993 under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy at a cost of more than a quarter billion dollars to U.S. taxpayers. According to the Washington Post story, a temporary increase of 30,000 troops in activeduty ranks that was authorized last vear will probably need to be made permane~t. "In addition ro the men and women who have already been discharged, this policy is a deterrent to countless other gay and lesbian Americans who cannot join the military for fear of discrimination," said Stachelberg. "Allowing aii Americans to serve openly and honestly is good for the country. It's common sense." The Human Rights Campaign is the i.t.rgest national ksbian, gay, bisex11at and rransgtnder politicai organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, pr<roi<k5 campaign support ,md educates tbe public to ensure that LGBT Amtricans can bt open, honest and safl! at home, at u;ork and in the community. Page26 Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! February 2005 Hello Kittens, Uncle here bringing another week of advice on life and love, and all matters between. Uncle smells love in the air this Februarv Kittens. Valentine's Day will soon be here. It 'is the first time in youth, which we feel the excitement of being admired by another. Getting those little cards and candy ~e~s, be~ns our young journey for love. W ouldn t 1t be ~ce kittens to be able to have a heart box as we did when we were kids? Watch it fill up with those cute little cards. Uncle gets so sentimental during the holiday celebrating his favorite past time, the L---------------' pursuit of love. So, grab your valentine and sn e while we see what the mailbag has brought us this week. Mikey, . , I have this problem. I am attracted to guys in their 20's up to their l~te 30 s. I a short, slim guy who is 60 and dresses casually young. The only guys that hit on me are older than 50 or are married. I'm looking far a LTR. I'm not a bottom and guys tend to think I am due to my small stature. Can you offer any advice ?n how_ to attra~t the younger guys to me? I want them to want me for who I am. I m not Into paymg a guy to pretend to love me. Help Dearest Help, . , Kitten, if it is a LTR you seek, first and foremost, you must realize that you cant tag fate or the goddess of love with such conditions. You ~ust ?pen yo~ heart t<;> ~; so that you do not miss the love, fate might offer. Guys 10 the~ twenttes and thirties, well, who is not attracted. It is wild and untamed youth, which may be overshadowing your sight here. The male form ca°: do that. As_ for your stature, well great things come in small packages. There is nothing wrong with ?1at, show ?1em when it is time just what you are made of. Thirdly paying a guy will never brmg you love so don't even allow vourself to entertain such notions. If they do not see the hidden treasure that you ~re, than allow them to move on. Confidence in_ yourself sounds like a much need tool here. Do not allow age to bring fear and sel!. doubt. Age is nothing more than a state of mind. Here is wishing you many successes 10 loves endeavors during this the season of the hunt. Reme~ber Kittens, with age comes benefits, and I don't m~ax_i blue_ cross. I mean experience, and method. Youth as I said is wild and untamed, 1t 1s durmg these years that we find ourselves, and become the treasure we are now._ Give me a. man rl:at has perfected his craft any day to someone who will surely ~e all over me like a wild tornado, well ok, maybe a twister now and than, but still remember the worth of experience. Dear Uncle, . .al I met a woman a week ago and can think of nothing else. ~ o1:1y met he~ t~ a so~ situation and do not know if she is seeing anyone or even tf sne woul~ oe 10tcr~s,cd. I have a hard rime telling people how I feel, and making. the first move ts something that I rarely do. So, how can I let her know that I am mtercstcd before someone else comes along, if she is free in the first place? Wanting in the West Page27 MAIN STREET, JOPLIN, MISSOURI (41 7) 627-9035 Dear wanting, Kitten, you arc just a stalker in the making darling. Shy is so out, in this world of fast love. You must grab what you want, before someone else does. Work it, attitude women. What kind of lesbian arc you? I have never seen a shy lesbian before. I think that is an oxymoron to say the least. You will never get what you want like that, you will be left to sit in the back of the bus alone. There are many predators of love out there, it is time for you to present. Tell this female you are smitten with, that vou would like to take her to the truck rally or whatever it is you lesbians do. Allow things to flow from there. If there is interest, you will get your moment to make vour move. The smell of gas and oil in the air, the roar of the trucks, love can't be far behind. You will live life full of, what if, unless you get strong and show some self-confidence. Remember Kittens, it will be the one with the confidence, which will be the winner of the spoils. You must not allow society to dictate rules of love and self worth. Everybody has his or her merit; it is just a matter of showing that to the world at large. Set new rules, and play the game the best you can. You will be glad you did. Well, that is about all the rime I have this week Kittens. Herc is wishing you all well in your game of love, this valentine season. Uncle has a special Valentine this year. His name is D, and he has no idea of the love fest awaiting him. Until we meet, again remember, It is the queer with the positive mind, which will get their valentine Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too. Unck Miuv is II ch,i,racru from FrttLmce writer Michiud Hi;zrrum. Mich,id btlS beci writing/or tm ye,m. Utilizing his stNd.m, ,i,nd life experience to help others in his community, thro11gh h11mor ,i,nd sound II.Wice. Michul ,i,pp/ied bis su«Jy of psychology ,i,nd cruti'C>e fllriting, dS f!Jeil his extensiw background in menu/ be,iltb Direct c.ire to bring ,i, neTD style ,i,nd ,q,pro.teb to helping others. Mich,i,d's othn- 'll!orks can be fliev>ed ,i,t -.g,rylinkcontent.com. Page 28 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente FEBRUARY 2005 Jonathan llliys Meyers Goes fromVelvet __ to ~Elvis_ He was a bisexual David Bowi.e-csque creature in Todd Haynes' _Velvet Goldmine_, and now Jonathan Rhys Meyers will get his chance to be an Elvis impersonator. The Irish actor, who's also costarred in crowd-pleasers such as _Bend It Like Beckham_ and flops like _Alexander_, has started shooting the 1V miniseries _Elvis_ in New Orleans with a cast that includes Camryn Manheim as Presley's beloved mother Gladys, Randy Quaid as Col. Tom Parker, and Rose McGowan as AnnMargret. Gay production duo Robert Greenblatt and David Janollari (_Six Feet Under_) are on board to run the project, one that saw nearly 500 would-be Kings audition before the pouty-lipped U.K. import was chosen. And given Rhys Meyers' lithe frame, Romeo assumes the series will cover more of Presley's hip-swiveling years and less of his pantsuit-and-giant-gold-belt era. But then again, they can do a lot with prosthetic makeup these days. Hannigan's Back _In the Game Devoted lesbian _Buffy_-heads - among whom Romeo counts himself an honorary member - have been waiting for Alyson Hannigan's return to 1V for some time now. And for a while reports were surfacing that the former Willow would have her own sitcom, a la Mary Tyler Moore. Now she does. Sort of. The actor has joined the cast of ABC's midseason sitcom _In the Game_, which stars Jennifer Love Hewitt as the CEO of an ESPN-like cable sports network. Hannigan will play Hewitt's childhood best friend, who quits law school to become her pal's assistant. _Married with Children_ star Ed O'Neill takes on the role of Hewitt's father, a _Monday Night Football_ .producer who goes to work with his daughter. Meanwhile, Hannigan won't merely be playing Rhoda to Hewitt's Mary - producers are stressing the fact that she'll have storylines of her own. _Now_ Romeo's game. Cunningham Sells His _Specimen_ Ghosts? Terrorists? Aliens? Has _The Hours_ novelist· Michael Cunningham been tiling lessons from Stephen King? Readers will find out in May when the Pulitzer Prize winner's new book, _Specimen Days_, bits bookstore shelves. A trilogy of stories, _Specimen_ will feature an Industrial Revolution-era ghost story, a modern thriller about a suicide bomber, and a futuristic tale of extraterrestrial refugees flooding into Manhattlln. And the copnccting ,presiince . .in these three titl~s? wilt Whitinari, o( course - call him. this novel's Virginia Woolf. Mean.while, i:Lonreaders will have a slightly longer wait for the film version, the rights to which have just been purchased, prepublication, by gay producer Scott Rudin. This collaboration is Rudin and ' Cunningham's second, following _The Hours_; and if the movie ends up half as strange and intriguing as the book, Romeo will be first in line. Tyra Banking on Talk Show She created and hosts the gayest show on television what else but UPN's _America's Next Top Model_? But that was only the beginning for Victoria's Secret model-turned-media-mogul Tyra Banks. Now she wants to be inside your home every weekday. Warner Bros. Domestic 1V is excited about this prospect, too, and has just started selling Banks' new five-a-week syndicated talk show, the eponymous _Tyra Banks Show_, to regional outlets. So far Denver, San Diego, Spokane, and Portland, Ore., are committed, and deals are being negotiated with Disney, Viacom, and Tribune Broadcasting. If all goes as planned, Banks will soon go bead-to-head with Oprah and Ellen. Hope she bas better luck wiili ratings than Tony Danza. Or Jane Pauiey. Or Tempest Bledsoe. Or Dr. Laura. Or [fill in the blank]. Page 2.9 Gay Games from pg-11 "Syaney and Chicago are forever destined to be entwined in the minds of the LGBT community worldwide," said Kevin Boyer, Gay Games VII Co ViceChair. "Sydney hosted a glorious Gay Games VI in 2002 and Chicago will host Gay Games VII in 2006. We've watched as Australians and Sydneysiders preregistered for Gay Games VII in extraordinary numbers - the highest registration numbers per capita of any nation on earth. The legacy of the Gay Games is strong in Sydney and we welcome the opportunity to partner with New Mardi Gras to strengthen the LGBT community there while we prepare to welcome Aussies to Chicago in 2006." · "Mardi Gras is bigger than Sydney," said Mark Ort, New Mardi Gras Co-Chair. "People from Beijing to Barcelona look to it as a beacon for the fight for equal rights, acceptance of the GLTBQ community and a celebration of its rich culture. The Gay Games and our friends in C:hicago share these same values and goals and is an ideal match for our organization. Our new relationship with the Gay Games in Chicago will further enhance our reputation as an allinclusive, international event ·while we both work. toward equality for all." Fellow Co~Chair Steph Sands added, "Sydney and the <rty Games• movement already enjoy close ties. We hope the new alliance will help to bring more . people to Sydney for a wte qf a queer Aussie summer." "Cliicago continues to be. a true partoer to the international Federation of Gay Games and. our pari:iciRani:s worldw;idc" said Kathleen Webster, Federation· of <rty Games co-president. "The spirit and success of the 2002 <rty Games are a testament to the Sydney community's commitment to sport and to the international LGBT community. Chicago has shown itself to be a worthy successor. Just as the lesbian and gay sports and culture community will forever remember the Sydney skyline and harbour and their legacy to the Gay Games movement, athletes and artists now tum their attention to Chicago with its outstanding sport traditions, unique architecture and miles of lakefront parks. We're thrilled with this new parmership between Sydney and Chicago." About New Mardi Gras The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an iconic event of international renown and is Australia's largest a;;nual outdoor event enjoyed by over one million national and international visitors. In February 2005, New Mardi Gras launches a four. week festival with over 100. events, Launch, Fair Day, the world famous Parade, and culminating wit.¾ a world famous Party. Partners of New Mardi Gras include the City of Sydney, the Sydney Star Observer, plus a dozen other media and business partners. For more information, visit http:/ /www.mardigras.org.au. About Gay Games VII Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival will tiike place in Chicago 15-22 July 2006. Over 12,000 athletes from more than 100 countries will compete in 30 sports ranging from softball to dancesport, swimming to tennis. The weeklong event will iriclude band, cbeerleading and color guarq performances, chorus, an ancillary arts festival, arid a series of community-organized socW events and parties. The opening ceremony is scbednled for 15 July at Soldier Field, the lakefront home stadium the Chicago Bears. Closing ceremony will be 22 Juiy at Wrigley Fi'eld, the home of the Chicago Cubs, lo~ated in the heart of Chicago's largest LGBT neighborhood. Games vfl is now , or:g. In ~ddition.to New Sydney Gay and Le~biao Marcti ·Gras, other, earty global . . . Games VII iriciude . Media Group (Chicago, USA) ~ plus more than 30 business sponsors. About The Gay Games The Gay Games was conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and was first held in San Francisco in · continued on page-33 Page 32 .0ut of Torm from pa~ 7 offers a pair ,of rcptitible culinary , vacation optle>ns. In .the 9hapnpg ;village of'. Ptj1;ncy, you· can ~e one; of De.?orah Krasner!! V:emiont Cμlina,rv. Vacations, whcr,c y6u' cnjo,y ,stx dayf! pf_ g cduca . inside a bcaμtifiil .1 cptury ham.· .. ,barn. contains fiye> cieg-antly appointeil;gucst room;s plu{ a library stocked with scads of cookbooks. A typical w~ek includc11 myria.d classes, a . . town of · i~cal.fumcrs' -~liyi;~il tastings. as.:~·t:11 as 'ground . &om Bradley . , Ct.); the cost is · but still •~ V ~onont option ' s~y at :tlie·Inn . :which hills itself as, ''V crfuont's Culinary Rcsort.''fThc inn qffcrs a ~ry popular Chef "lpn" Training pacbgc, whic4, includes :o · commodati9ri, a with a tfucelcotjrse br'cill'as~ ;ah~ a!Out;qf the Essex. campus of the New England Ctillnary Institute. ~tes begin at .$245 per p~on, doubleoc:; c:upancy. : . · J~t ouqiide the hip collegiate city of Charlottesv:iijc,. Va.;:'.tlic • ?4-i;pom Bpar' s Head Inn ranks among the cushiest small resorts itt th~ Mid-Atlantic region; '. ' '~,~tits spa, anq; golf course, the '.s I Read 1 also . 9ffct~ cook!og. c;wses arid vintner:~eekends 'that tii.ke.advantage ;f .. -,·::;•-: .· .· {~~; :,.:ng 1· nP deu s;;-..;..,...f p, · ·' · · tio.. n ·i t the Boar,'s . . .. . ypu arrive with !l; smill J?OSIJC qf fri~nds 'or colleagu~s, as there's a s~~persbn · minimum for cooking, cla~scs; A great chok~ in; San Ii'90-cisco is , T~te-Marie~s c;ook;ing Scl,tbo4 which his been goipg s,tto~gJor:morc than 25 ytats. Witl,: Tante Marie's five;:day .. pac~; -~ed. ,owatd va_,catiOt1(lrS, you · · · classes from 10 a.ni. to 4 through _Fi;iday, but you ahange yow; own accominodatioris and tianst,ortation, abd you're on your own s9me- evenings .and on the weekend. The exceptions ue Monday, when you and vour classmates are treated to dinner at the trendy n:stauran.t.~izqu; Wednesday, during which you embark on il picnic outing to the'Napa and. ~onoma Wine Country; and Friday, when the cours.e concludes with a lively cocktail party. Teacher Mary S. Risley emphasizes classic Frerich. cooking utilizing regional California ingredients and wines. The series of .five courses costs $950. . If you're keen ~n a more pastoral setting for your cooking classes; book a culinary vacation with · · a top-notch cooking school. in . . Sonoma, the heart of California's Wine Couri.try (it's just an hour nqrth. of San Francisco and 45 minutes -easf of the g,ay Russian River resort. town of 'Guernevill.e). • Ramekins is not only a full cooking school with two teaching kitchens, it's a six-room luxury bed-and-breakfast just steps from the town's chaoning p~a. Ramekins offers an astounding rium;oer-o'f cooking classes, and y9u can cU:ston:iμ:e your own agenda, whether yoμ simply :Want to' take one course over a weekcq.d visit. or you'd like t6 J:ty ~evei::al c9tu:s~ pver 'a full week. The cwses ~c taughtiby some of . the oipst ac:ciaiQied chefs in the country, inclu~ several c~oks who appear · regularly on the Food Network. Clas.ses are offered a la carte, and generally cost from about $40 to $80, althqugh Rameldtis docs· offer midweek culinary packages! that include accommodations. Anorller option·is to c<Jnsider traveling abroa~ with·fouy being one of the most popular EuroP,ean •destiqati9ns for cooktng-school vacation~. In Italy's Tuscany, C_asa OJ'.?qilto;offers wecklong courses in Italian and Mediterranean . . The Italian courses focus y_ on T~scatj c~ine, while the ·Mediterranean. coμrses offer an oyerview or'Spani~h, F~ench, Motocc~, and Italian coqkery~ (:~a Oi:nbuto, .a charming rc9--#}e-roof villa -y;ith_ a: large pool and a hot (tμb- &shioneq out .?f a wine c~st a~cqmmodates gqestli .tp. three · · · · incluqe , and classes, ate . ble-~ccupancr.. Vacations,. a;tour Ot>eratorisFi:ciap2:fug in 1Pori=usa1 and · Europe's most ticultQ:ral tours. One of the. most popular packages, "Catalan; Cuisine, A Mediterranean Morsel." 1begins in one of the wndd's bo1;iest gay destinations, .BarcelotlA, and continues on for a full week tht:oughout stunning Catalonia. The ,tour ~olqdes b~akfut daily , ..... con'i"lued n~t page Page 33 plus four lunches and dinners, along with three Catllliln cooking lessons, a visit to a wine cellar in Girona, and tours of several key historic sites and attractions, Rates run from about $3,000per person,double-occupancy. It's a truly memorable chance for an up-close look at the dining and winemaking traditions celebrated in a land famous for incredible food and breathtaking scenery, _Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA and nine additional travel guides. He can be reached care of this publication. The Little Black Book Boar's Head Inn (200 Ednam Dr., Charlottesville, VA, 434-296-2181 or 800-476-1988). Casa Ombuto (Larniano 21, 52014 Poppi, Italy, 31-35-531-0030, www .italiancookerycourse.com), Deborah Krasner's Vermont Culinary Vacations (192 Taylor Rd., Putney, VT, 802-387-6610, www.deborahkrasnersvermont.com). EuroAdventures Vacations (Velazquez Moreno 9, 4th floor, office 409, Vigo, Ponteverda, Galicia, 36201 Spain, 34-986- 22-1399, www.euroadventures.net). Inn at &sex (JO Essex.Way, Essex, VT, 802-878~ 1100 or 800-727-4295, www: vtculinaryresort.com). Ram~kins ( 450 W. Spain St., Sonoma, CA, 707~9~3-0450, wwy,r.r~melrin~.com). Santa Fe ~~hool of Cooking (116 W. San Francisco St:, Santa Fe, NM, 505- 983--4511, . . www.santafeschoolofcooking.com). Tante Marie's Cooking School (271 Francisco St., San Francisco, CA, 415- 788-6699, www.tantemarie.com). White Bar;n Inn.(37 Bell-ch Ave., Kennebunk.pqrt, ME, 207-967:-i321, www,w-hltcharninn:com). ' . 5103 a. ah..._n, -..lte 153 tul-, ok 74145-7827 417--B7-2%75 .net * www. Gay Games from page-29 1982 with 1,350 participants. Subsequent Gay Games have been held in San Francisco (1986; 3,500 participants), Vancouver (1990; 7,300 participants), New York (1994; 12,500 participants), Amsterdam (1998; 13,000 participants), and Sydney (2002; 11,000 participants). The Federation of Gay Games is the international governing body that perpetuates the quadrennial Gay Games and promotes the event's founding principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal BestTM. For more information, visit GayGamcs.org. Chicago Games, Inc, is the host of Gay Games VII and is led by experienced civic leaders from Chicago's business, sports and non-profit sectors. For information about how to sponsor or participate in Gay Games VII in Chicago, visit www.GayGamcsChicago.org, e-mail info@GayGamesChicago.org, or phone (173) 907-2006, Spring Events in Eureka Springs, Ark:i.nsas Based in the hcan of the Ozarks, Diversity Pride Events invites you to visit our little town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for Fall & Spring Diversirv Weekends, romantic V alenfues Getaways, special Concerts & other Pride Events. Diversity Pride Events is committed to producing quality events for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgendcr (GLBTs) and Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAGs), of ALL ages! Our events are for GLBTs an.d their Straight friends & family to enjoy together! COMMUN.ITV MEAL $4.00 DONATION MCC JOPLIN 2902 E. 20TH ST. JOPLIN, MISSOURI EVERY WED. 6PM Seo by Jack Fertig February 2005 "Entertllin, Llbra!" es Mercury and Venus enter .Aquarius, then aspect Uranus, introducing wild new ideas and aesthetics. Meanwhile Sun conjoins Neptune, also in .Aquarius, making it a wacky, mystical, very queer week! Be ready for anything. ARIES (March 21 to April 20): You have some wild ideas for getting ahead in your work, but check with colleagues and superiors, whom you're likely to upset if you go off half-cocked. Listen to friends for new spiritual insights. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): New ideas that seem totally crazy at first are worth discussing with experts. Your assessment of your own abilities is way off - but are they better or worse than you think?, That's what you need to check with the experts! GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Everybody's full of wild ideas right now, and you have a grand head start in that department! What you have to say should be saved for appropriate and/ or receptive audiences. listening can also be a fascinating experience. CANCER 0une 22 to July 22): Your eagerness for sexual experimentation is cranked up a few notches, and your partner is more than ready to cooperate. It could be a wonderfully transcendent experience. Drugs are tempting, but they are really more distraction than help. LEO Ouly 23 to August 22): Relationships are work, and new issues are erupting-to work on. It's all quite manageable, although likely to be confusing at first. Some of the most importll.llt messages aren't rational or verbal, so get confirmation! VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): You're getting playful in ways that may look like perverse workaholism - or simply perverse. If you have a sense of humor, it doesn't matter what others think. Guard your health, especially against infections and working (or working out) too hard. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): The stars say to entertain at home, whether a big bash, a cozy little tea, or an intimate rendezvous with one special person. Most importantly, however you do it, give it an eccentric, festive twist. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): This is an, um, _interesting_ time to open communications with family members and find out about old secrets and scandals. It may not be pretty, but you don't scare easily. Go ahead and rouse those sleeping dogs! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Disagreements lead to very interesting discussions now. Keep an open mind, be ready for a challenge, and remember that your logic is off this week. Argue from the heart if you like, but your brain just isn't there for it. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): Go on a shopping spree and dress up in some new styles. Give yourself wiggle room to go over budget. Spending some extra on yourself is importmt for your self-esteem. Trying a new look is even more important! AQUARIUS Oaouary 20 to February 18): You're usually so certain of yQurself, but not this week. That's good for you, although uncomfortable. Letting go of old ideas will free you up for ne:w ones. Spend time meditli.ting; make note of your dreams. Take time for a small retreat. PISCES (February 19 to March 19): Friends will help you discover things about yourself you never knew - but what will they learn in the process? Keep your ears and mind open and your mouth shut. You need to confide in someone, but be very careful who it is! Jt«fe Fertig has been u,or/eing as a professw,u/. astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the .Associ4tion for Astrological Networking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864-8302, through his webnU!at http:/ /u,ww.starjack.com Page 35 North Korean leader claims his eountey has no AIDS because there are no gays in North Korea. .MUST FIGHT UR.GE TO OIVE SOMEONE AMAICBOVER! UST FIGHT URGE TO GIVE SOMEONE A MAKEOVER! MUST FIGHT URGE. 5103 s. sherldan, suite 1 tulsa, ek 74145-7627 417-437-2275 tml ·Ktm, Page 36 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Lodging- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-B0 Ron's Place- - - 523 W. Poplar- - - 479-442-3052 Wild-On - - -3570 W. 6th- - - 479-521-9453 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - -479-783-9988 Club 1022--1022DodsonAve. --479-782-1845 Arkansas, Hot Sprin&s (501) Club One FJeven- - - 111 G.uden St- -620-4111 Our House Lounge - 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- --501-664-27 44 Discovery- - - - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - • - - 501-666-6900 The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- - - - -501-372-3070 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's• - - - 716 S. Main - - • • - - -417-627-9035 MiHOUri, Kansas City (816) Buddies•• - - - - - 3715 Main St··· 816-561-2600 Belle Star's- - 1321 Grand Ave- - -816-421-1288 Club NV - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-l'<VKC DB Warehouse- 1915 Main St- - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bar. - - -413 E. 3rd- 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - --417-831-4700 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive -417-864-4572 Oz Bar- 504 E. Commercial•• - - • -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy 405-947-2351 Copa- . - - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -405-525-0730 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- • 405-525-0730 Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW SOth- - -405-843-1722 Udo- -- - - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Partners- - - - -2805 NW 36th St 405-942-2199 Sisters- 2120 NW 39th St• - - - • -405-521-9533 The Rockies- - -3201 N. May Ave• - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- no• E. Pine• - •- 918-836-8700 Club Maverick· • 822 S. Sheridan · 918-835-3301 End Up Club- - 424 S. Memoriai- 918-836-2480 Heads & Tails- - 7944 E. 21st - - - 918-660-7878 Club Maiescic- 124 N. Boston - - -918-584-9494 Renegades- - 1649 S. Main - - - -918-585-3405 p;ay-Mo,-Cbb- - 1'.'37 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 TNT's 2: :.i S. Memonal- - - 9:8-660-0856 Missouri, Joplin ( 417) Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catu5 Canyon Campground- - -417-683-9199 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground· - - - · - - 417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- - -405-528-2221 -OrganizationsArkan, as, Eureka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Natwists- - - - - •· - - - -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut -11AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Missouri,Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, • - · • 6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - -10:30AM Aids Project Ozarb- 513 Kentucky- 41'.'-624-5788 Missouri, Springfield ( 417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Universalist Church - - - - 417-833-2723 APO- - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - • - - - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - - - -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Cathedral of Hope- 600 NW 13th St- - 232-HOPE The Center- - 2135 NW 39th St. - - - - 405-524-6000 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Mapiewood• -918-838-1715 TOHR- - - - - PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 Tulsa Rough Riders- -www.tuharoughriders.com GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st-. - - 918-743-4297 Page 37 -Business ServicesArkan5as, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com Missouri, Eureka Shelter ln5urance- -Greg Tainter- - 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) Body Swim Masiage Therapy- - - -417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realton-Vicki Bronson-- -434-0077 RE/MAX - -Cathe Letts- - . 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangcline Rd- - - 417-623-1007 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consult,- 417-673-1181 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's···· 1918 S. Glenstonc - -417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Quotable Quotes Century21 • ·4301 NW 63rd #100 405- 840-2106 "Ohio is the new Florida in the 2004 Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 Ingrids Kitchen- -3701 N. Youngs- - -405-946-8444 Jungle Reds - 2200 NW Expwy- - - 405-524-5733 Piece To Remember-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harvard - 918-74f5466 Underguy.com - - -825 E. 3rd - - 918-829-0824 Priscilla's - - 7925 E. 41st - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's · · · · 5634 W. Skelly - - - •-918-446-6336 Priscilla's••• -11344 E. 11th•••• - 918-438-4224 Priscilla's• - - - 2333 E. 71st • • - - - .,. 918-499-1661 election and we are looking at a recount headed by Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell. The same man that permitted the use of electronic machines that provided no paper record. The same man who presided over a voting system that resulted in quick, short lines in the dominantly Republican suburbs, while the inner cities experienced four and sixhour- long waiting lines." - Gay icon Barbra Streisand writing on her Web site, Dec. 6. WR1TER SUSAN SONTAG HAS DIED AT THE A.OE OF 11. SHE IS SURVIVED 8Y SOME WOMAN. WHO 100K HER PICTURE FOR A VODKA AJ>. Page38 NEW CARTOONS A COUPLE OF" GUYS A Couple ofguyse ~~~ Cura~ao courts gay travelers Seven years after the Cayman Islands refqsed to let a gay-themed cruise dock, another Caribbean island has put out the welcome mat. The Dutch island of Cutas:ao is encouraging gay and lesbian trav;clers to visit with the help of a new Web site, www.gaycuracao.com. To receive a free DVD about the island, call (800) 328-7222 or visit www.curacao-tourism.com. If yoive ever been to Holland, you knqw .that the Dutch don't raise a blonde eyebrow over the gay lifestyle. Same is tru6 in their tropical paradise, Curas:ao. The motto here: "Live & Let Live." .An:d oh how you can live. Curas:ao is surrounded by over thirty uncrowded beaches, some intimate and tucked away without another sole in sight. And these beaches are oh-soinviting all year round, with an average air temperature of 85° in the summer and 81 ° in the winter. And an average water temperature of between 78° and gzo. A short drive in from the beaches, you'll find Willemstad, one of six UNESCO world heritage city sites in the Caribbean. Willemstad is historically significant, because it is still filled with Dutch-colonial architecture dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The city is also home to important. art, maritime and Jewish· museums, as well as one of the best anthropological museums in the world. A short swim out from the beaches, you'll find some of the best shore diving in the world. And further out, top underwater attractions such as the famous Mushroom Forest. In either case, the visibility around Curas:ao is remarkable, averaging about 100 feet. Or, to put it another way, it's easy to see why Curai;:ao should be at the top of your vacation shortlist. Night Life and Casino's. In Curai;:ao, the nights are most definitely full of life. Pull up a chair on the beach and relax to a nice breeze and a soothing jazz 'band. Or tear up the dance floor at midnight to a hot Latin beat in one of our many nightclubs. Either way, you'll find enough here to keep you entertained till the wee-hours of the morning. And if you're feeling lucky, then tty your hand in one of ten hotel casinos that are on the island. They're open daily and feature a variety of games including blackjack, roulette, craps and poker mach.ines. The Beaches: About 40 public and private beaches are tucked in and around the island ranging from private, secluded, intimate coves to larger beaches that are bustling with activities such as live bands, beach sports, parasailing and jet skiing. Since the northern coast of the island is made up of rocky shores and rough seas, it's the southwestern coast with irs calm and crystal clear warers which harbors the most inviting beaches. Go to: http:/ /www.gaycuracao.com for more information and travel arrangemems. ip Off Thursday•s SlJ! <.ASII·& Pllm Beer Bust q-CLOSf. •oss.e >e> oe>sNLO·s .<><> IIALXFi!!'T'XNrs; •t2.so weu.. "DRXNIC9o $1.75 00ME?STIC LONGNSC~ ,.' ~ 'DajJ. ~ Doy~. Dally lunch and Dinner Specials Open J J om Dolly Happy Hour 3-6 & 9-dose Hlghlly 29. '9 3rd Nlg.ht Free Holkloys and Special Events . Excluded Monthly Mov• In Spedals P RO U D LY S E R VI N G T H I! O·L B T & ALLIED CO M M U N I TY FREE Page 2 HIST BITD. IIED'IINTIW 1--fflt-m-11111 109111 I. ' i 1 ' ! j Page 3 Springfield's · Catering to e GL Communi Hear eRumors.com 5pm-1:30am Now in the Back Room, Check out our New Open Friday and Saturday 8 pm to 1 :30 am . of pee ..• called for a co t;,forBici mar ouples: A t~tal: sraali d· s. pe·e cl:i •. 9· ft r·.. .. •~e Allard (R-CO) duc~l.the Mat;4~e Protection A. (MPA) on the US Senate floor ::_ m_aking if .... •. :;tije i~St * business in• full week B'ush's seconil!'t6ri:n .. j Page 5 Dear Editor I just picked up my first copy of the STAR; how nice to have a feature article on the potential for Tulsa to become a Gay Mecca (February issue). Your observations were close to target with a few pellets of shot flying slightly off course. Tulsa's location is one of it's greatest assets. From Dallas to Kansas City and from Nashville to Denver, there is no city more liberal and accepting. Often compared to Boston for it's art, architecture and civic life, Tulsa has: nine welcoming and affirming churches, a thriving Jewish Community, several predominantly gay neighborhoods (Brady Heights Historic District has easily the highest percentage of gays and lesbians than any other), a smattering of bars, the most extensive Gay Pride event in a 3 state area, the oldest active gay rights organization in the state (fulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights • TOHR), and a police department that meets with gay leaders as part of their diversity training. In spite of Oral Roberts University being located here (or maybe because of it) Tulsa also has one of the largest PFLAG organization in the countrv. Additionally, there are many varied social ~lubs (the leather community is one of the most vast) and a capital campaign with alreadv over $300K in funds working towards building a new and visible Gay Pride Center (www.pyramidproject.org). The gay business organization TuRBO is going strong with almost 100 members under the stewardship of TOHR; and several gay restaurants have opened and closed in the past years • hopefully there will be more soon. It is my hope and that of my colleagues that the new Gay Pride Center will become an anchor for what will be a Gay District for Tulsa. Whether that is in The Brady Arts District (close to the already predominantly gay neighborhoods and shops) or in a part of the city that has the right stuff, you are more likely .:o see a gathering of forces within a Gay District just like in other major cities. Not a Gay District to ghettoize our community, but to give us the strength of combined spirit. Best Regards, T'mo•hv A. Wiiliams. Tu'.sa. OK ~ - ,/ , , ·Let's Rodeo 2005 by Greg Steele TULSA, OK. With the Fort Worth rodeo kicking off the 2005 gay rodeo season in March, Tulsa's T-Town Rodeo will begin the four states region's buckin for buckles show of events on April 8th- 10th at the Tulsa Expo Square Arena. For more information and tickets go to www.soonerstaterodeo.com. Sponsorships are still available. Diamond State Rodeo, in Little Rock Arkansas presents it's 10th season with the "Rodeo In The Rock 2005" April 22nd-24th at the Arkansas Equestrian Center Barton Coliseum. For more info go to: www.dsra.org. Rodeo Wichita presented bv the Kansas Gay Rodeo Assoc. will be held in Wichita, Kansas May13-1 Sth. Location tO be announced. www.kgra.us OGRA, Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Assoc. holds their 20th annual "Great Plains Rodeo" May 27th-29th at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds arena. OGRA is the 3rd largest gay rodeo event under the IGRA umbrella. For schedule of events visit www.okgayrodeo.com MGRA's "Show-Me-State Rodeo" will take off later this fall September 2nd- 4th. The Missouri Gay Rodeo Assoc. is in there 13th year and has chapters in Kansas City, Springfield and Joplin. For updates go to: www.mgra.us The International Gay Rodeo f\ssociation (IGRA) is an umbrelia organization comprised of 20 regional Gay Rodeo Associatiom from across the United States and Canada. IGRA serves to foster the sport of Rocke :ind Country & Western actiYities. IGRf\, !D fellowship with its member associai:io,i,< donates ;housands of doi!ars to char:n- each year. The Gay and Lesbian Co:nmumt1es ui the United States and Canada have be::-n en:dched by the eciucational efforcs of lGR:\ through its sanc:ioning and sprrnsorship ,,f tne various events and activities which are a part of what we cali Gay Rodeo. Your locai Rodeo Associaticn n:::ed, your support, have fun for a good crns<::. They Do! Page 6 MARCH 2005 by Andrew Collins "Palm Beach, Florida" With the emergence of South F1orida as one of the hottest queer destinations in North America, the pink presence has gradually migrated to metro Palm Beach, a region not traditionally known for its lesbian and gay scene. The area's largest city, West Palm Beach, and its high-rent, ocean-front neighbor, Palm Beach, are but an hour north of the gay-popular Ft. Lauderdale, . . . . and they offer plenty of cultural, dining, and rughtlife diversions as well as some of the nation's ritziest hotels. West Palm Beach originated largely as a place to accommodate the countless cooks, maids, chauffeurs, butlers, and gardeners employed in the great mansions and resorts of Palm Beach. Although it'1 much larger than Palm Beach ind contains the region's major airport and train station, for many years it was considered little more than a pass-through for travelers headed to Palm Beach, and as recentlv as die mid' 90s ':'as ~addled ~th ~gh crime and urban blight. Over the past dec~de, however, a combmatton of C1V1C prtde, progressive planning, and private investment have helped turn downtown into a vibrant residential, commercial, and arts district. The crown jewel of downtown's renaissance, the $600 million CityPlace entertainment and shopping center has been built to resemble a Mediterranean village - it contains more than 75 mostly upscale chain shops, a dozen fine restaurants a 20~screeh cinema, and a massive concert hall. ' Another major draw is the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts - a ven1;1-e for ~rst-rate ballet, classical music, and Broadway-style musicals. The city's most 1mpress1ve cultural attraction, the Norton Museum of Art contains a fine collection of 1_9th- and 20th-century American and European paintings; following the 2003 operuog of a 45,000-square-foot wing, it became the Tuigcst art museum in the state. . Fr~m downtown West Palm Beach, Route A1A leads over the"Flagler Memorial Bndge mto P:tlm Beach, long one of the wealthiest - and unabashedly snobbiest - enclaves on the Eastern Seaboard. The gay and lesbian scene is virtuallv invisible her~, b~t it can be fun ch~g along the town's gilded avenues, trying to guess which tortress wall or towenng hedge conceals the estll.te of which celebritv. The s~azzf shopping begins along Royal Poinciana Way, which you'll bit just after crossir~g th: Flagler Memorial Bridge. The best places for window browsing and gallery noppmg are the toy-poodle-infested sidewalks of Worth Avenue, several bl~cks ~outh, where you'll find stores with such ptedous, if gag-inducing, natnes as Ansto~ds and Au Cas~ere. For a chance to marvel at the island's I~ of· con~pt~uous c_o~sumpuon, spend an hour or two touring Flagler Museum, :which is set tnstde Whitenall, a 73-room, turn-of-the-century castle. · · As for nos~ing, West Palm Beach's most homo-popular restaut20t, JU,,~ ~a~e, ?ffers an inventive, changing menu of contemporary American · · 10c1ud10g black bean and tomato cakes and goat cheese-and crepes. It occupies a retro-cool former drugstore (circa 19 , of the city's antiques row. Cabana, a hip sidewalk cafe with a sexv dinmg·, West Paim's funky Clematis Street, serves wonderful ... ndt~ :'-}:' · .·,;:':}-,-: <✓;: ,,_, 't½ .. '"~- t ~ ,,,. ·,t;; ·(&. ;. ~'Cc i I 1 i l I i i Page 7 Nuevo Latino fare, including a tender marinated skirt steak and heavenly Cuban sandwiches. Wash everything down with a mojito cocktail. Across the bridge in Palm Beach, Chuck and Harold's is where visiting celebs congregate for a casual meal and where everybody else comes to peoplewatch - tty to grab a table outside overlooking the sidewalk. Bice Ristorante, tucked in a cloistered courtyard off of Worth Avenue, serves excellent Northern Italian food and is one of the best see-and-be-seen eateries in Palm Beach consider seared tare tuna with sauteed butternut squash, crispy spinach, and a sweet-tangy apricot sauce. Hamburger Heaven is a jazzed-up version of the classic all-American burger joint; this small luncheonette with a Ushape counter is something of a local institution in downtown Palm Beach, drawing equally among the hoi polloi and the local elite. It's also a favorite spot for hearty breakfasts. You'll find a handful of gay nightspots in West Palm Beach, including Kashmir, a festive and elaborate warehouse disco. The area's definitive cruising-andmingling video bar, H.G. Roosters has been going strong for years. The crowd is eclectic, and the staff cute and friendly. A branch of the famed nightclub in the Hamptons ( on eastern Long Island, in New York), the Resort Lounge occupies a glam space inside CityPlace and pulls in its share of A-listers, along with plenty of poseurs and wanna-bes simply hoping to see some A-listers. Paris and Nicky are said to be regulars at this riotously colorful, sexually ambiguous hangout. The gay-friendly Respectable Street Cafe, at the west end of Clematis Street, tanks among the best music clubs in the city, presenting an eclectic range of bands. 5101 is a low-keyed gay neighborhood bar, and Cupids Cabaret is a favorite place to ogle male strippers, with lap dances being a house specialty. It's the onlv bar in South Florida where the dan'cers take _everything_ off. If you want to be close to gay nightlife, stay in West Palm, which is home to the super-sleek Hotel Biba, a big hit with trendy types, thanks to its Aveda bath products, glass-tile mosaic floors in the bathrooms, angular mahogany furniture, and lavenderscented closets. The intimate property has just 43 rooms and brings a splash of Miami Beach's outrageousness to the city's downtown. The Hibiscus House - a 1922 mansion in one of West Palm Beach's most historic neighborhoods - is now a B&B run by gracious hosts Raleigh Hill and Colin Rayner. Each room has a name that bears out a particular look. The Green Room has French doors opening onto a balcony with verdant garden views; the Burgundy Suite is bathed in sumptuous reds. In the morning you're treated to a delicious two-course breakfast. The lavish, gay-owned Grandview Gardens B&B lies within walking distance of downtown West Palm Beach's many fine shops and restaurants. This dashing 1920s Spanish Mediterranean-style home contains five posh yet reasonably priced rooms, all with French doors opening onto secluded terraces that oYerlook the pool. Palm Beach is the domain of posh resort compounds, and no place captures the regal essence of this wealthy, blueblooded enclave more persuasively than the majestic, twin-turreted Breakers resort, which opened in 1896 and anchors 140 beautifully manicured acres of lawns, gardens, and palm trees. The Italian Renaissance building contains 560 ultraposh rooms, several excellent . restaurants (Sunday brunch in The Circle dining room is de rigueut), two outstanding 18-hole golf courses, a huge full-service spa and fitness center overlooking the ocean, and scads of other impressive amenities. Another popular choice, if money's not an issue, is the Four Seasons Ocean Grand, a contemporary 6-acre oceanfront compound a few miles south of the hubbub of Worth Avenue. Although supremely sumptuous, the sleek design and decor contribute to a fairly relaxed mood you'll feel right at hor~e walking through the lobby in casual threads. A refined and historic boutique hotel with a discreet gay :.md lesbian following, the 43- room Chesterfield Palm Beach feels a bit like a private European dub, with its museumquality furnishings, courtly restaurant, garden courtyard, and afternoon high-tea service. Rooms are cozy but comfy, with marble baths, downy bathrobes, and 1~\7, y,rith VCRs. It's steps frnn~ Worth An::nue shopping. '"'•····continued page-JJ Page 8 WAL-MART CHANGES FAMILY POLICY 'We hope that with equal responsibility come equal benefits,' said HRC's Daryl Herrschaft. WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign appiauded Wal-Mart Stores, the nation's largest private employer, for a new definition of family that includes same-sex partners recognized under state law. "We hope that with equal responsibilir-y come equal benefits," said HRC's Darvl Herrschaft, deputy director for HRC'~ workplace project. "We are encouraged by this sign showing America's heartland employer understands same-sex couples share the responsibilities that come with being a family. It's only appropriate for these families to also receive the same benefits as others." Wal-Mart's definition of "immediate family" was included in a conflict-ofinterest poiicv the companv filed yesterday with the Sec~riti~s and Exchange Commission. A portion of the policy follows: "You are responsible for advancing WalMart's business interests when the opportunity to do so arises. You ,,;ay not take any opportunities or use any con.fidet:tial information for your benefit, or for the benefit of your immediate family members, that you discoi:er or obtain through your employment with Wal-Mart. Immediate family members include !whether by birth, adoption, marriage or domestic partnership or civii union, if recognized lry your state or other local law) your spouse, children, parents, si · , mothers and fathers-in-law, sons daughters-in-law and brothers and sistersin- 1.aw. '' "\X' e will continue our work to encourage Wal-Mart and other companies to expand fair-minded poiicies to areas where same-sex couples are not recognized by law," added Herrschaft. "Without legal recognition of same-sex couples, employers' domestic partner programs are a critical way to ensure that every employee's family h~s equal access to healthcare, medical leave and other workplace-offered benefits. Companies that offer these benefits understand that the strength and stability of every employee's family life correlates with the quality of their work and the success of the business." Currently 228 - or 45 percent - of Fortune 500 companies offer health care benefits to employees' same-sex domestic partners or spouses. The number has increased tenfold since 1995, when onlv 21 Fortune 500 companies offered the , benefits. Wal-Mart competitors Costco Wholesale, Best Buy and Horne Depot all offer domestic partner health benefits. In July 2003, Wal-Mart expanded its nondiscrimination policy to include sexual orientation. Currently, nine of che 10 top companies in the Forrune 500 include sexual orientation in their nondiscrimination policies, and three of these companies also include pro_tection against discrimination based on gender identity in their policies. "Every gay, lesbian, bisexual and rransgender employee deserves to be judged by the job they do, not who they are," said Herrschaft. "We urge Wal-Mart and other companies to add protections for ttansgender employees so that no employees are at risk for losing their livelihood for reasons that have nothing to do with their work." The Human Rights Campaign is the largest nationai lesbian, gay, bisexual and irarngender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. Page 9 Photo's by Chaz Up Close with Male Entertainer Joseph. Male entertainment, it's hot or it's not! This 24 year old is hot! Joseph loves the spot light and said " I enjoy the enthusiasm of the crowd and I have a great time doing it. The money is very good also". His athletic build and handsome face quickly gets your attention when he jolts onto the stage. The fans in Springfield are all to eager to voice there approval as he flexes every muscle in his 5' 11" frame and gives a very masculine performance. Joseph grew up on a farm, a foster home south of Atlanta, GA until he was 18 when he left and went to work in a logging camp. He moved to Springfield, MO four years ago where he works for a construction company pouring concrete. With a goal of attending college to study creative · · writing and music, he plays the acoustical tar and has performed as lead singer in a Springfield straight clubs. Joseph's main is to be successful in music. In his spare time ri exercise are his favorite hob voted him our 2005 Mister OZ",· Greg Hill. Currently performing on week ends at the OZ bar in Springfield, Joseph has become a popular main attraction and draws a huge crowd at the newly reorganized club. "Joe has .become such a hit we have Talented live entertainment here in i:he four states region has become the signature of many night dubs and bars. Exceptional performers are highly courted in an extremely competitive business. Singers, Comedians, Female Impersonators, Musicians, Musical Groups and Male Dancers WANTED! Club pat.tons love to dance to the music of a great DJ, but are also looking for an alternative in good live gay entertainment. Page 12 • • • y 4815 South Harvard Ave., Suite 424 Tulsa, OK 74135-3068 Phone: (918) 747-5466 Email: KellyKirbyCPA@sbcglobal.net accoun GLBTC 1982 Office Licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.co~, This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp. -Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka; Missouri 63025 Tel: (636),~38-5500 Fax:' (636) 938-3539 Page 15 "Chat Rooms, Bar Scenes, Ect." Well, here I am a single gay man and where oh where do I look for someone? The chat rooms are really getting more weird all the time. There are getting to be way to many "crazies" out there. One has to be VERY cautious when meeting anyone for the first time from a chat room conversation. It is always best to meet in a bar or in a public place like a shopping center or somewhere that is really safe. And of course it seems like three-fourths of the guys you meet in the chat rooms turns out to be married heteros who are just looking for a little extra action on the side. And that is NOT something that I am looking for in my life right now. Then there are the different descriptions of one's own assessment of themselves. Nothing wrong with being 40 or 50 or even 60 or 70 but be honest when giving your age. A 60 year old cannot possibly pass for a 25 year old. And we won't even go into the "aol size" difference between 6 inches and 9 inches. It seems that there is always somebody for everyone so why lie about who vou are? Just go with the flow and enjoy life. Just be very specific in the chat rooms on who you are and what vou are looking for. , The good old gay bars are st ill a s tap .l e for hoping to hook up with someone. · someone from out of town comes through and of course everyone hits on them quickly. I do like to get out on weekends and travel to cities usually within 100 miles of here and that can sometimes be fun. A new face in town always draws interest. I have even been known to hit a few straight bars in a Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn or some of the other major hotel chains. Amazingly I have found several other gay guys going there also. My older friends tells me that a few years ago that almost evervone went out for happy hour from 5 to 7 and that the bars were ii.ways packed at that time with people getting off of work. That sounds great! Just wish that it was like that today. . Now it seems that nobody goes out till at Je1ist 10 PM and sometimes even later. Since I have to be at work at 8 every morning that just doesn't work for me. I.have ii.ways had an aversion to Parks. They just really never did anything for me. It was just to public for me. I ha~e lots of friends who cruise the parks all the time but it just doesn't ;.ork for me. But with the proper "eye contact" I have found people at the car wash, supermarket, shopping mall and even at Walmart! It just takes a little more time to search sometimes. But I won't give up trying to find that "special" person in my life. I know that someday, somehow, somewhere he will come into my life and it will be perfect. But until then I will just continue to keep on the lookout for Mr. Right whether at a bar, on line, just looking in the BIG world or at gay meetings, groups or seminars or gatherings. I won't give up. But the only problem ----------------------7 the bars that I go to all the time have the same people in them night after night after night. I have either been with all of them or have by my own choice not wanted to be with them. Once in a great while fWlyff•I .. w.,,r s,-, Y.•lll§ s~--.r ... ,, .. .., COag COaooMS S. t..Aftght ffilllgs CBouHque 417 -6.59-991$ M••• I. W...'• - el....,_ & lheet 719 N• M.t'• & .._.,, U.,.rie Jeplilt, MO t,.tMI Nn Sins O,.. T---,- ffWi1J 1a-,pm 'S,:at 10-Spm Page 16 124 N. Boston - TulsaT OK - 918.584.9494 Thursday Nights - Rachael Erikks - MGA 2004 Sunday Nights - Catia Lee Love - MGA 2000 Thursday and Sunday - 18 to enter; 21 to drink Friday and Saturday Dance Party -21 to enter 9 p till 2 a - Thu-sday - Sunday nights "Night of Press Release Feb 19, 2005 R 2005" JOPLIN, MO A "Night of Stars 2005" for AIDS Project of the Ozarks. The e·.enr ·.viii be held on Sunday, April 3rd, 2nos. The annual fund-raiser will begin at 2 PI\f at Ree's Lounge iocated at 716 S. Mam. Parking and entrance is at the rear of the building off of Joplin Street. All monies raised during The Nignt of Stars 2005 wiil be donated to APO to assist HIV clients living in the southwest 1\fissouri 1\rea. The event activities will include an auction of donated items and services and a talent show featuring local performers. AIDS Project of rhe Ozarks provides care and services to 500+ clients in the Ozarks and the southwest Missouri area. Those living with the HIV virus. APO also provides prevention awareness and educational information to the community free of charge. i\11 contributions and donations are tax deductible. If vou should need a letter documenting our non-profit, taxexempt status please contact Lynn Meyerkord at 417-881-1900 and the information will be sent to you. We are asking for community support for this event. If you would like to make a donation or need more information, please contact Tim Baker at 417-206-4691 or email Tim_Baker39@yahoo.com. You may also contact Richard or Terry at Ree's Lounge at 4!7-627-9035. Page 17 Do you ever wonder what happened to that cute kid that lived in your neighborhood? ti~ gme up. &&f did he gro" He and his friends are appearing nightly at "Tulsa's best kept secref' nd p ub 424 South Memorial, Tulsa OK 918-836-2480 inimum - but NEVER a cover charge! . . w~~·~e~ppnt ai_i[!oeflatikpnces · ~oiJt1i~~4009 • 672~ N. Mi~marBlvd, Okla Ci.ty, OK 73111 Rodney Burgamy www.c21goldcastle.oom 5.840.2106 Joe . ~y relationshie with, pastors locally and in Eurdca :sp~ h!ij::b~en;_~eJfipk of meetibgs archiiia illlfderiominatfon I belong to. What Latn saying here is that I never dreamed i:bai: iii<rnv lifetii:ne opp6rtunitics w~tili ~if~£~ my . life that would make a difference for anyon~. Or that those OJ?P:Oftuaj~es w<;nil.1li1~t,;:. manifest themselves info the supp9rt, · encouragement, and care I have .,,: .. · experienced in the last 'fow;/ ni9,.pJhs _now. Here I am the pastor of a sm,alF Cfuistian church tb,at mini~ters pred · · antly to the gay, lcs_bian,, bisexual . . , Transgendered community arid yet YOU TOO'G:AN:. .· i .; > · almost every denotnination in town had · · · · · · · · · · · · ·· · •. · · , • · " me on their pray~r list. Everyone at , DIFEERENC~ .. · work would say; ."E .iJ>. going to 1n my'.lifcfu¥!;)I;hs,vc-1oyacl, supported; · be' 61(,,.:by thc"way,, }>i.i on:pur cnc6ufaged ati,d ;even ii.:ritated my sliare ~hurch~s prayer, list:'; ... , .. c:ibout the of peoples but: always. mowing. that the overwhelming conccB_t' id~o!ved in that. day w.o.uld,;'c:oine ~henJ :wo'l]ld "londc~ Openly out bt1;f calmiy BJtli;in,bqw I ' what if? In ;..the past fourteen months I stand on: issues' and ~1Ldiis support. .· In ' have hl!d four \gj~es;:,. My ' ' : :odwnciili,,ofriff.etno.d,;ns:Y an_··f·. 9dn1i)Y:' "Jii~.•afr.dosunhd1·th. c ncutostttgcoμjB.is:tpli!l:isJ;w,i~cthit I w'il.S/ ' .. . . . . ' ' his, 5;Wltb:¥l df:Jl¥~, 1: ' · f;~r-s'tate atca we Fr6miny have I cfili, make a difference. . dli;i;li~,~til tri.y rctu;n io\vqik;I was I hav~ found thit l can atid if fcan; so ritver' left alone wit:h some pcdplc even can YOU! · You sec this past year I was cciniing to .our honic · because. μi,cy. knew diagnosed with cancer of the lymph my pa;mcr was sleeping dwjpg the· day nodes in my neck. For two months after (he works graveyard shift). Eipills, cards i:he biopsy I had a dressing on my neck. and phone c.alls were ·so ov . .. . .. ng at It's a little difficult to hide a dressing that times that I lit~rally sat and . s is just' under your jaw bone. Even with a running down my fac<:. 'Th;en came the short fat neck a turtle neck shirt . good news that there wouid not have to wouldn't cover it. There were the usual, be any chemotherapy _or radiation "did you cut yourself shaving" or "is the treatments. Simply cvei:y six-~onth hickey that big" comments .but then chcck:-ups for the patfcv y~ars to make there were t:hf words of c~couragcmcnt, s11te the 'ca~cer·hasri'f'r~nirifc.4- the "I'll remember you in prayer" ar1d Yes, I havci truly b~en bl~;;cd and. even the, "I have you on our churches God has seen: nic · flirough blessing me prayer list.'' I suddenly realized that I with family, friends and people in my life have made a difference in my life with that care. I have to, publicly say Thank family, friends; at work and church,, you! I do that b,· c~ii:g you to act and There have b·een difficult decisions made tb do it now. ·. · if I can make a that have 'not always.been populQ,.r, a- . differeni:_e SQ. public stand in out 'Iocal ncwseapcr It is'.,fo that we do not let outing not just myself but our church, a the last ~iettipn/oteak our spitjt or very public .stand supporting p'ublic dampen our'ieso&e. We ml).§t act always debate on any issue but to do so without to do what is right even when it may not hate and personal attacks. and articles in be popular: Io doing so· you will find this "community magazine'; have been that you ·can make a difference and used in England, Scotland and Germany. people will respect that. ; .. cont. next page l 1 Page 19 Steve Urie from pg 18 Our country is on a slippery downhill slide to put us back in the closet and I for one shall not be going back in there. We must keep track of what our federal, state and local government is doing. We must let them know how we feel about it. I attended a county commission meeting in Escambia County, Florida where one county commissioner stated, "I am voting for this because the only phone call I received was for it." Just think one phone call! I attended a Missouri Senate session where a senator recited a letter from just one constituent and introduced a bill on the Senate floor. Just think one letter! You could be that one phone call, that one letter or that one e-mail that makes a difference for all of us. If I can do it ... so can YOU! W c need to oppose an amendment to the constitution simple because it is being used to generate hate and fear. The sample letter below may be copied and used in snail mail or email. I encourage you to make the difference. Be that one call, that one letter, that one e-mail because it is the right thing to do. "This amendment is unnecessary, discriminatory and would amend the Constitution for the first time to restrict the rights of a group of Americans. Despite being soundly defeated last year, I understand that this amendment may be introduced in the House again soon. I wanted to make sure you ~_ew that and freedoms, not to take them away . Further, this amendment would do real harm to same-sex couples and their children, who already do not enjoy the vast majority of benefits and protections that married couples enjoy. Please do not co-sponsor the amendment. Please urge your colleagues in the House of Representatives to focus on other issues that are priorities. I look forward to receiving your response." Until next month, stay out of the closet! FREE HIVTESTING, NO NEEDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin ,offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between SPM,and 6PM .. For your convenience y~u can also call 206-6179 fi an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality: You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "SerfJing A Healthier Community" iversi Events F•b 18;. 19 V AL~NTINE' S this amendfuent do~s nothiiig to "protect" marriage. Instead, it singles out a group of people for discrimination in the United States Constitution. The Constitution has alwavs been used to guar;ntee rights Aprll 1~ 2 SPRINGI r ,,. _.,, Diversity Weekend We Do It Different! som aANca 01t FRI uAn for GLBT!st PFLAGs 'COUNTRY WESTERN' S rt I In Eureka P n~s. A""""' auas "AC aOo.aNoT EGuMy ,P OGaRl cAonRt,Yat'l FALL & SPRING Diversiiy Weekends, VALENTINE'S Cooa.ts and olher Evenls Dlv•n,lty BEARS I • CONTEST & BBQ LUNCH www.DiversityPride.com Page 22 Quotable Quotes "Being open about our lives is the most important and powerful form of activism at our disposal. Lecturing our friends and family about gay marriage isn't nearly so important as letting them see that our relationships are as important and integral to us as theirs are to them. If we do not treat our relationships as equal, how can we ever expect others ro do the same? 'Coming out' isn't a one-step conversation; it's a lifelong commitment. And it isn't just about activism and civil rights. It's about living your life with integrity and honesty and, to use an overused word, it's about pride." - Washington Blade Executive Editor Chris Crain in a Jan. 7 editorial. - The Pink The Pink Triangle was used by the Nazis to signify homosexuals. Although, homosexuals were only one of the groups targeted for extermination, it is unfortunately, the group that history often excludes. The Pink Triangle defies anyone to deny history. In 1935 Hitler revised the German Law, Paragraph 175, prohibiting homosexuality, by including kissing, embracing, and gay fantasies as well as sexual acts. Convicted .offenders- an estimated 25,000 from 1937 to 1939, were sent to priso!l and later transferred to concentration camps. They were to be sterilized, most often by castration. Hitler changed his policy on homosexuality to include death in 1942. A yellow Star of David under a superimposed Pink Triangle represented Gay Jewish prisoners- by the social hierarchy, the lowest of all prisoners. Page 23 I Dee "Ph eIp s" .......I.ll . Just last month I wrote about a New Year and a New Beginning. Little did I realize what a new year and new beginning' I was getting myself into. My favorite aunt and uncle recently moved to Topeka, Kansas and I thought that I would visit them for the weekend. They have known that I was born gay and totally accept who I am as does the rest of my family. We had a great visit and then decided to go out for lunch at one of the local restaurants which was located in the· Gage Shopping Center on the comer of Gage Street and Huntoon Street. To our amazement and shock we found a group of children not over 14 years of age right on the sidewalk with huge signs saying" GOD HATES FAGS" and other derogatory comments. We couldn't believe it! What kind of a world is this? Upon entering the restaurant my aunt asked the manager what was going on. He very nice explained that it was the "Phelps" group who protests regularly on that corner as their church is just a couple of blocks away. I had heard about Fred Phelps for several years and how he pickets funerals of gay men who die from AIDS and that he pickers the University of Kansas whenever they have a gay-themed concert or theatrical production. I even read where he goes to different cities to prorest against gays. There was a web site on one of the signs that I quickly wrote down. www.godhatesfags.com. If you have never logged onto that website I suggest that you do. It is an intelligent person who knows who their enecnies are and trust me, FRED PHELPS is our enemy. He has a church in Topeka with a very small congregation mainiy consisting of his own family. Several of his own children won't have anything to do with him. He used to be an at:orney but was disbarred in the Smte of Kansas. On his website it tells where he is going to be picketing in the weeks to come. He even hates the country of Sweden and has signs saying "God Hates Sweden" just because the peopk of Sweden are intelligent enough to extend all of the marital status to homosexuals as well as neterosexuals. Can you just imagine if he had these little children carrying signs and posters that read, "God Hates Blacks" or "God Hates Jews" or God Hates whatever"? But hating gays seems to be alright. The people of Topeka and Kansas has had to endure this man long enough everyday and everyday. But when he and his group embarrasses me and my family then enough is enough. He is performing hate crimes in tbe name of his church and it is just not right. Even thou I don't live in Kansas I am writing letters to the Mayor of Topeka, the Gm-ernor of Kansas and to several State Senators in Kansas. What right does this madman have to spew hate towards us? Again, if he hated blacks or Jews there would be a massive public uproar about the whole · thing. And where are the religious people in Topeka who tolerate this kind of behavior? Do they not care what is going on in their city? Topeka, Kansas has become the laughing stock all over the United States. Why aren't there more gay publications writing about this man and informing everyone about him? Apparently he has taken his crusade to different parts of the C nited States however he feels more comfortable · within the confines of Kansas. Everyone has a right not to like someone else but this is a plain and simple HATE CRIME! There should be laws against this type of activity. No American should have to put up with this kind of discrimination. NO ONE! What right does this man have to promote Hatred in America and to bring small children into his church? All of this of course is done in the name of religion so it is alright in their eyes. Hopefully the rest of my year wii! be a little calmer and tamer than this last month. So, things are still changing for ine this year. I am going to be much happier and if I have to bitch a little more to get good service and what I cieserve then I will. It is just that simple. Page24 heeii.wnttog. .. e gaJC~nd lesbi~ pr'esffor ni,ore than 20 years. Sh_e seryed for _tliree, y;ears as 1;11~ co-chai(of ftie)<;>#;d of_ . . -~{Ji11Is·.~:I-J;xb~;:f, fits '·> .,.,,._.J,. '"" ... ·, .. Transge1:1<ier CcimmunitJT Center, where shC f ouri.ded a gro~dbr~3;'$ng_ .read1~g .~cries ci'l l,.e. ~a-· "In' ,,.,_O-,!,;u< r. .'" O,~ w" n'' W' ' ri't e.". Lesbian Notions . by Paula Martinac MARCH 2005 Crying Shame In a recent development in the J;:{IV / AIDS , epidemic, two independent research teams recommended that all Americans - not just those .who've been deemed "high risk,'.' -~e gay 'm·en and iv drug users - be tested.for the virus. Clearly, this is good news. The · : · ·,recommendations are meant to finally make RN t~sfi#g ~s .routirie and devoid ofstigma as a Pap tesc, mammogram, or bldod-pressure screening. · .· . . . . But could a change implemented, in the third decade of th~. pandemic really be effe<;t±'{e, given the sname still attached to HIV/ AIDS and to homosexuality? Unless a public-health . policy shift goes hand in.hand with realitybased sex education, I think it would stand ! little chance of making a ·difference oveitime. Part of the problem stems from the. fact .that HIV is still being tied to identity rather·: than behavior," ~though tl:fe connection is more subtle than in the past. For .example, all the new.ii repp.i;ts. abolit .th.e 11,~ ~eqical studies. cite=~ people in "mpn . · he · · · · • · pf' _as · .the lowest-risk groups for HIV, who t opt outof; the. . . .. er o ... . just have it once. . . · ' . At about. the same tip:ie, . anotl:ier. reporc also hit the· news - that a. new ~-:_ resistannhain 'bf HN has appeareo in New· York City in a gay man wh~ ttsed· crystal meth i!.tid,;acc<>r,d!rjg 't9 -ti;r~' _:New Y'cfrk Times...:, hs,.d f'unpro:eF:ecI sex of partners:" Tfils lrearkeos •lSaclHo the early· 1980s, re-establishing the . between.,HJV· and;homosexuality,atid conjuring. up. memories .of that original %ad" gay map; P!ltient Zeiq,. who was.blamed_ for_bringingi11IV_to the United §tates. .· IT'he,dang~r in contimμngro,talk,i1bqutns~ categon;,s.1~•.thatmanypeq~le:who don't use drugs or have sex. with "hunq.i;eds or partners will erroneously :vtew HIV as of no concern to them .. Consider thai:' heterosexual women 'of color actually , acco~ted for 85 percent of new AIDS infections in 2003. Sex with HIV-pos!tive men is the primary means by which straight women bec~nie ~fected, and many.of· these women firinly oelieve. they're in monogamous rej.attonships. . . As one AIDS researcher told JIN Plus_ magazine, "There is a_whole set.of women who .dori't have a clue that their male· partners .have outside rell!:ti9n.sl;rips." And there are other wome_n who may indeed be in monogamous hetemsepial relationships - but with men who. previously had unsafe. sex with other ~co:" The contiouiqg stigma -;\ttacheg. .• to homosexuality and bisexuality isJ~ely to blame for thi.s explqsion of HIV ampng those who mistakenly thoughqlj.9' -were safe fro~ the disease. Many men "on the down iow" put their unknowing female partners at risk b~cause admitting they like to have sex with men would be viewed.as disgraceful, unmanly~ Br even sinful. . . Comvounding tlie problem is our public education system, which, like much public-health policy; evades the complexities of human sexuality and_ psychology. . While it reduces money for AIDS programs, the federal government increases funding for "abstinence-only" sex education, despite a lac_k of .evidence that these programs work. Indeed, a. report from U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) showed s?me abstinence-only programs providing false infonnatioo that put kids at risk tor pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.. . . . . . continued next page · Page 25 Lesbian Notions . ... And a recent study in the president's home state found that abstinence-only education had not prevented students there from becoming progressively more sexually active. The result is a classic catch-22. The best way to erode the stigma of HIV would be to start in the schools with accurate sex education aimed at helping all kids acquire knowledge about behavior that would keep them safe. But schools have their hands tied by a federal government committed to the idea that promoting one kind of identity - being heterosexual and married - is the panacea for all of society's problems. Sadly, that approach is based on the reality of only a small number of people. In fact, kids are human, and most humans - even the deeply religious - want to have sex, especially when their hormones are raging. And as Shelby Knox, a young Christian sex-education activist whose story will be told on an episode on PBS's POV series this June, puts it, ''.ff [ki<l:s] are going to have sex, they need t6 lrnow the consequences. And they need to know how to protect themselves.'' One step we can all take is to lobby our representatives in Washington to pass the Responsible Education About Life Act (REAL), which would create a grant program for states to offer broader sex education programs that include information about contraceptives and safer sex. Such a bill faces an uphill struggle in the current climate of fear and repression. But without an attempt to address this serious education shortfall, HIV, one of our greatest public-health challenges, will continue to spread as "someone else's disease.'' Gay Buying rP at $610 Billion in 2005 Latest Apalysis by WiteckCombs Communications and Packaged Facts Washington, D.C. February 1, 2005 - The total buying power of the U.S. gay, lesbian and bisexual (GIB) adult population in 2005 is projected to be $610 billion, according to the latest analysis by Witeck-Combs Communications and Packaged Facts (a division of MarketResearch.com). The estimate was originally derived in a joint study by both organizations entitled, "The U.S. Gay and Lesbian Market." In 2004, the gay buying power projection was estimated at $580 billion. In releasing the latest projection, Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications said, "Validating buying power is a reliable business tool for companies and policy decision-makers. It provides the most compelling snapshot of the economic activity of America's diverse gay, lesbian and bisexual population.'' Since 1993, Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc. has provided expert counsel to Fortune 500 companies in designing marketing communications strategies for the gay consumer market. Quotable Quotes "Actress Portia De Rossi is having the tattoo of her ex-girlfriend's initials · removed from her ring finger now that she's seeing comedienne Ellen DeGeneres." - United Press International, Dec. 28. Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! MARCH 2005 Uncle Mikey bringing you the latest in all things queer. Oh kittens, allow uncle a moment to share about an experience that Uncle had this week. I ,was sitting by the fire minding my very own biz, .when I felt my scope go to full alert. I did a quick ninety degree when our eyes met, uncle felt a serge. It seemed the delivery guy was there bringing Uncle a package. He even brought me some stuff I had bought. It was like a full service happy train. After I accepted delivery, Uncle attempted to be gracious. Kittens-word of advice, do not feed the trick-please. They will never leave ,_ ___________ _, if you do. Well, as they say, it was an easy kill. Dear Uncle, My roommate and I have been Jiving together now for a year and a half. Things have really been nice, as we have built a friendship, and become really close. I now find myself looking for more than just a roommate, as he drives me crazy, in a good way. I am afraid though if we play arouna it could ruin the current situation, which is worktng out so nicely. I watch him walking around the apartment naked, and I have to take cold showers to control my urges. He is beautiful, funny, rod kind. Should I tell him about tny feelings for him? I am seriously nervous, as I do not wrot to lose such a wonderful roommate. It is not easy finding a good one. What should I do? Confused in the other room Dear Confused: Kitten first; uncle would have you define feelings here. As it were, I heard .attraction and not really feelings. If sex is what we are talking about, I would think twice before jumping those bones on the way for the midnight snack. Sex could make things weird. Imagine living with a trick you hne had. Waking up and seeing that face which, you no longer find remotely attractive. This is potentially harmful . for your relationship with a roommate. On the other hand, if you have truly built this mutually rewarding friendship, and there are mutual feelings of admiration, you could be on the threshold of a love affair. It is the best place to start a relationship and that is as friends. However, know the risk you take. As if it does not work out, there is going to be carnage here. So, weigh out your feelings and or attraction carefully while making the best decision for you both. Smooches uncle These is nothing sweeter than forbidden fruit kittens, however there is always the price in the end. Know this price, and think with your head not your member. We all know that will save a lot of troublesome aftershock. Dear Uncle: There is a man that has been following me around. That is what it.feeis like as I am constantly seeing him around. He has not spoken to me, or anything, but every time I turn around there he is. I am thinking he is shy, and wondering if I should make the first move? Mv best friend told me he is a stalker, and that I should not let him near me. I work in' a public place in retail, and he always seems to be near watching me. Stalker guy Well, kitten there is a iine that comes to mind here. It puts the lotion on its skin, or it gets the hose again. Have you read the papers recently? One must be careful in this day and :age. While, Page27 your stalker might have some bragging quality for afterwards, there might not be an afterwards. I would heed your friends advice and keep your distance. To avoid ending up on the milk carton kitten. If this mro is worthy of your interest he will find a way to make an introduction. If not he is most likely not someone you want to have a random hook up with. Kittens-Uncle cannot express this point enough. With all of the weirdoes out there, you must be careful. Forgive uncle here, for a trailer moment; however, there is ho booty call worth risking your life. There are too many outlets for safe encounters and hooking up. Smooches uncle Kittens, sometimes in life, we encounter problems, which stem from soc.ial surroundings in our life. Children raised to believe sexuality is a bad thing, will eventually face these troublesome affairs, when faced with their own adult sexuality. There is no shame in seeking help for yourself. Anyone that tells you otherwise, most likely has some social disorder them selves, like a ass-a-si-diss. It is important to utilize the help available to us ill through good mental health providers. Search out one before going. There are numerous providers, which are gay friendly, advertised in most gay publications. Going to the wrong mental health provider could only add to the issues you already face. Here is wishing you and your willy good health. Kittens, I guess that about wraps it up for this month. Uncle enjoys his time with his kittens. Remember this as you go at another week of that wonderful roller coaster we call queer life. Behind every good man, is another good man! Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too. Unck J6leey is a ch.rllCIC' from Frttl4na writer Micfud Hinnrun. MuJ,,,d h,,.s 1-i vmtingfor ten ye,irs. Utilizing his st#dies, and life expmt:nce to hdp others in his comm,mity, tbroMgh h,mior and s<n1nd adflia. Mkh,,d 4J1P&iJ his stwdy of pryd,o/,,gy and autiflt! writing, AS wdl his extensive b.tc/egroMnd in menu[ he4/th Dim:: c,ir,: to bring" m!fll style and approach to hdping others. Michad's other works om be~ at -.KJtJlinlwmtent.com. "REMEMBER TO LOVE" fundraiser hosted by . Bamboo Lounge. ry WI.SA, OK"' Guest host Kris Kohl (top photo) ~th scrumptious Ebony Hall and delicious Mike Busby gave a roaring performance at the Bamboo Lounge on Sat. February 19th to a standing room only crowd. All proceeds from the show went to Tulsa CARES, a ated to fit raised $240 for Tulsa Cares medical assistance program. Congratulations to the show cast and Bamboo owners Terry and Stan for a worthy job well done. Page 28 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente MARCH 2.0.05 1 . . the Prairie Romeo thinks th:~ oest tiioment to make the film version of sorr1'gili(ng is when the adapted intellectual pioperty in question is long past its initial'burst of popularity. It's just less foi:ce& and marketing-team-driven that way. Robert Altman must agree, '.qecause finally, years after its 1980s moment in the pop-culture sun, Garrison Keillor's still-running public radio program, _A Prairie Home Companion_, is making its way to the big screen. And rather than visit the townspeople of Keillor's Lake Wo~~gon, the film is a fictionalized behind~tlie.:: scenes look at the production of Fiil show. Lily Tomlin and Meryl Streep. (word is, they play a · of singing sisters) will star alon singer/actors Tom Waits and Lyle Lovett, and _SNL_'s Maya Rudolph, not to mention crooning host Keillor Himself. The . show's gentle humor sh6uld hit screens sometime in 2006, which is no wait at all for patient Midwesterners. Wham! It's a George Michael Movie The pop star that no one bothered to notice was gay even after that "Wake Mc Up Before You Go-Go" video - is now the subject of a no-holds-barred documentary. The film is called _George Michael: A Different Story_, and it stars the iconic '80s heartthrob as tour guide to bis own career. Already seen on British television, the movie recently hit the big screen at the Berlin Film Festival and should be making the festival rounds in the States soon enough. In the film, !'l,fichael visits childhood haunts, talks for the first time about his &mily, and touch.es on painful recent memories as well (his partner was gravely ill with AIDS while Jl..fichael performed at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert). The testimonial line-up includes Sir Elton John, Boy George, Mariah Carey, and Simon Cowell. And Wbam!-obsessives will be thrilled .to know that Michael is reunited oncamera with former singing p~tner Andrew Ridgely fur the first time in nearly 20 years. Izzard Tries on New Outfits It's getting so you barely see the man in drag anymore. Not that cross-dressing comedian Eddie Izzard's complaining. It's just that bis mainstream acting career, t.J.ie one that more often than not puts bim in guy clothes, is taldng off like never before. The hilarious Brit has just been tapped to star in an as-yetuntitled pilot for cable channel FX, in which he'll play an Irish con man who relocates to the American South. If it goes to series, he'll have to find a way to fit in his other planned roles, like in _Macbeth_ on Broadway. Meanwhile, £ms can see him soon.in John Turturro's upcoming musical, ...,Romance & Cigarettes_, which co-stars James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslct, Mandy Moore, Mary-Louise Parker, Elaine Stritch, Bobby Cannavale, and Amy Sedaris. Looks like those Manolos will just have to cool their heels for a while. Latifah's Career Is _Stranger Than Fiction_Is Queen Latifah on the same path to Oscar as Halle Berry? The former rapper and lesbian &vc has Marc Forster, the director of critically acclaimed films like _Finding Nevcrland_ and _Monster's Ball_, in her comer these days, so anything's possible. Latifah has signed on to co-star in Forster's latest film, _Stranger Than Fiction_, alongside Will Ferrell, Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Emma Thompson. It's the story of an IRS auditor who begins hearing the narration of his life - a running commentary audible only to him, and one that begins to affect everythjng he does. No word on Latifah's role in the film, but if _Finding Ncverbnd_ takes home its share of Academy Awards, then expect the buzz around her and the film to grow iouder as the year goes on. Page 29 · Heart to Heart Born for Love By Josh Aterovis once wrote, "All men and ·women are born ' live suffer and die; what distinguishes us on~· from another is our dreams, whether they be dreams about. worldly or unworldly thlngs, and what we do to make them come about .. We do not choose to be born. We do not choose our parents. We do not choose ~ur historical epoch, the country of our birth, or the immediate circumstanc.es of our upbringing. We do not, most of us, choose to die; nor do we choose the time and conditions of our death. But within this realm of choice!essncss, we do choose how we live." He's right, of course. Life is all about choices. Every day we make myriad choices, from the mundane (What will I cat for breakfast?), to the ~omentous (Should I come out?). In 1970, Epstein caused a firestorm of controversy when he wrote a cover story for Harper's magazine titled: "Homo/Hetero: The Struggle For Sexual Identity." In the article, Epstein wrote: "If I had the oower to do so, I wouid wish homoscruality ~ff the &cc of this earth.'' He went on to sav, "I do think homosexuality an anathema, a~d hence homosexuals cursed, and thus the importance, for me if for no one else, of my defining a homosexual as someone who has physical relations, for it leaves room for my admiration for the man who is pulled toward homosexuality and resists, at what psychic price I cannot hope even to begin to imagine.'.' In other words, if you "give in" to the pull of homosexuality, you are cursed, but if you resist that choice then vou're okay. Despite the fact that Epstein is a proud , Jewish man, this is a common belief held by many in the Religious Right. They believe that honiosi;xuality is a choice. This bdief is at the core of the debate over gay rights. Should gays be allowed to marry? Should gays be protected from discrimination? Is being gay a sin? It all boils do · · · · ··· que~tion: is being gay a choice? . . .. . . rive answer to this, but a growing body of scientific evidence may be pointing to a genetic or, at the very least, biological basis for sexual orientation. According j:o)he American Psychological Associarion3s wc:bsit~,' "There arc numerous theories about the· origins of a person's sexual orientation; most s9,entists today agree that sexual orientation kll).ost-likely the result of a complex interaction of environmental cognitive and biologfral ~ctors. In mos: people, !exual orico.tatioq;j~ ~haped at an early age. There is also · · · able recent evide?ce t~ suggest tha . . including g.en:ttc or mborn horm :, ... factors, play a sigruficant role in a person's sexuality. In summary, it is important'.'to recognize that there are probably many reasons for a person's sexual orientation;and the reasons may be different for different people." As reported in New_~cicntist, a srudy from Oregon Health and Sdence Univcrsitv in 2002 found that the. br~s of gay sheep · (and apparently as mmy. as dne in ten sheep express exclusively gay sicfμal preferences) showed small but distinct _differences in a part of the brain called the J:ij,p'qthalamus when compared with rams that[tiieferred to mate with ewes. The diffcrenc"~(~ii.s in a particular region of the hypothalamus . the preoptic nucleus. The region is generally almost twice as laigc in Illms as in ewes, but in gay rams its size was almost identical to that in ' "straight" females. · · These fin4!nga matched those of the neuroscientist Simori li.eV:ay .in his studies of the brains of gay men: His work has alwavs been considered controversial, partly bec;use the brains he studied were mostly from men who had died of AIDS. So it was, not clear whether the differences were reh.ted to the disease or to sexual orientation. The results of the sheep srudy would indicate that the differences in fact were reiated to orientation. In a separate study released in 2004, a group of Itltlian geneticists led bv Ancirea Camperio-Ciani of tne Universig· of Padua ........................... continued pg-32 Page 30 Dally l.uncJ,t:and Olhner ~ Open J Jam dally Happy hour 3-6 & 9-close $ 1. 75-160% $2.25-230% Bud U/Mlch·l.llla Dtaws HolklO)'I and Special &vent, Excluded. Monthly Move In~.. ,.,.-:': .. ,,' Page 31 71 6 S MAIN STREE:T, JCPL.IN, MISSOURI (41 7) 627•903S JCPLtN's A~T.ERNATIVE NIGHTCLUB ------' Be Seen with the s Advertise with us! (918) 835-7887 (417) 437-2275 ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net www.OzarksStar.com Page 32 Editors Rant cont. from pg 4 .. A Missouri Discrimination Bill House Bill 328, introduced by Rep. Baker proposes to eliminate state funds to any entity-public or private-that has a nondiscrimination policy that exceeds federal protections against discrimination. While this bill was introduced in direct response to the University of Missouri, which last year added "sexual orientation" to the list of groups protected under their nondiscrimination policy, it will have drastic effects on businesses, organizations, and charities all over the state. There are hundreds of public and private entities in Missouri which rely on state funds for financial suppon. Last month, Pulaski County, Arkansas Circuit Judge Tim Fox struck down a 1999 regulation by the state's Child Welfare Agency Review Board that said homosexuals could not be foster parents. Fox said the board had exceeded its mandate to protect the health, safety or welfare of foster children, and he issued an order barring· enforcement of the rule. Meanwhile, state legislators are considering a bill. that would prohibit homosexuals from. ~ecomirig adoptive or foster parents. Rep~ Bob Adams, D-Sheridan, and Sen. Jim Holt, RSpringdale, filed House Bill 1119. The bill would order the Human Services Department or any agency involved in adoption and foster <1Ce not to place a child with homosexual parents or in a home that has a homosexual adult. The bill also says that Arkansas public polity should preserve public morality with respect to childreh in the foster care system: · "'Lesbianism is so ra t in some of the schools in southeast ma that they'll only let one girl go the bathroom ..... How is it that- that's happened to us?" Sen. Tom Coburn, (R-OK} Assoc. Press, October 11, 2004 This is only a sampling of what we are up against here in America. Yes, it's time write to your Senators, get out the protest signs and go back to work. Holiday party time is over a we must dig out the combat boots (or Joan Crawford pumps if your prefer), prepare to fight a difficult battle to defeat discriminatory laws that do and will govern us. C.D. Ward/Editor in Chief Heart to Heart from pg-29 may have provided the answer to one of the greatest paradoxes of homosexuality: the Darwinian dead-end. How can homosexuality be genetic when gay men don't have children? The researchers' findings suggest that the same genetic fuctors-as yet unidentified-linked to homosexuality in men may also be linked to increased fertility in women. "This is a novel finding," Dr. Le Vay said. "We think of it as genes for 'male homosexuality', but it might really be genes for sexual attraction to men. These could predispose men towards homosexuality and women towards 'hyper-heterosexuality', causing women to have more sex with men and thus have more offspring." Twin studies have also revealed some strong evidence for a biological basis.]. Michael Bailey and Richard Pillard studied the gayness between monozygotic (or identical) twins, dizygotic ( or fraternal) twins, and non-related adopted brothers. They found that 52% of identical twins were both self-identified homosexuals, 22% of fraternal twins were gay, and only 5% of nonrelated adopted brothers were so. Bailey and Pillard repeated the study with the samf results· and later cxp~ririients found· similar evidence in Jcm,ales .. These studies seem to conclusively demonstrate that there is at least some genetic component that leads to the development of homosexuality. However, it is important to note that none of these studies suggests that there is a single "gay gene." In fact, they all seem to indicate a more. likely scenario of numerous genetic and environmental influences. It's also important to realize that none of these studies can be considered conclusive. Much more research needs to be done, but science seems to be pointing towards biological factors in detcrmuiing our sexuality. Is being gay a choice? Only in the sense that, while we inay not make the choice to be atttllctcd to the same sex, we do make choices about whether we act on those attractions or not. We choose whc.ther we wili live our lives honestly or in the closet. We choose whether to iove as our.hearts desire or to deny an integral part of who we are. Arc we born gay? Maybe a better question would be arc WC born to love? Benjamin Disraeli once said, "We arc all born for love. It is the principle of existence, and its only end." If we don't have a choice in who we love, is it really a choice at all? Page 33 If you're looking for a real treat, however, consider staying 20 miles south in the up-and-coming oceanfront village of Delray Beach, at the spectacular and very gay-friendly Sundy House Inn. This historic compound is worth a visit just for dinner at the stellar De la Tierra Restaurant, where you might sample such globally inspired treats as baked stuffed baby conch with plantain salad, and ancho-cinnamon pork tenderloin with sweet corn, Manchego cheese, onion chutney, and baby com. This 1902 inn, surrounded by magnificent botanical gardens, offers plenty of leg room, including several one- and two-bedroom apartments with laundry facilities and fully stocked kitchens. For the ultimate in pampering, opt for the fabulous Honeymoon Cottage, which is outfitted with a Jacuzzi tub, fireplace, flat-screen plasma TV, DVD player, and VCR. Far removed from Palm Beach's stuffy confines, the Sundy House Inn nevertheless ranks among the area's most sumptuous hideaways. _Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA and nine additional travel guides. The Little Black Book Bice Ristorante (313 1/2 Worth Ave., Palm Beach, 561-835-1600). The Breakers (1 South County Rd., Palm Beach, 561-655-6611 or 888-273-2537, www.thebrcakers.com). Chesterfield Palm Beach (363 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach, 561-659-5800 or 800-243-7871, www.chestcrficldpb.com). Chuck and Harold's (207 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach, 561-659-1440). CityPlace (700 S. Rosemary Ave., 561-366-1000, www.cityplacc.com). Cabana (118 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, 561-833-4773). Cupids Cabaret (4430 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561-642-5299). 5101 (5101 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, 561-585-2379). Flagler Museum Gust ofi Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach, 561-655-2833). Four Seasons Ocean Grand (2800 S. Ocean Blvd., 561-582- 2800 or 800-819-5053, w-ww.fourseasons.com). Grandview Gardens B&B (1608 W. Lake Ave., West Palm Beach, 561-833-9023, www.gcandview-gardens.net). Hamburger Heaven (314 S. County Rd., Pa!m Beach, 561-655-5277). H.G. Roosters (823 Belvedere Rd., \YI est Palm Beach, 561-832-9119). Hibiscus House (501 30th St., West Palm Beach, 561-863-5633 or 800-203-4927, www.hibiscushouse.com). Hotel Biba (320 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach, 561-832-0094, www.hotelbiba.com). Kashmir (1651 S. Congress Ave., West Palm Beach, 561- 649-5557). Norton Museum of Art (1451 S. Olive Way, Palm Beach, 561-832- 5196). Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau (561-233-3000, www.palmbeachfl.com). Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561-832-7469). Respectable Street Cafe (518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, 561-832-9999). Reson Lounge (CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach, 561-805-9600). Rhythm (3800 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, 561-833-3406). Sundy House Inn (106 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, FL, 561-272-5678, www.sundyhouse.com). Spring Events in Eureka Springs, Arkansas Based in the heart of the Ozarks, Diversity Pride Events invites you to visit our little town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for Fall & Spring Diversity Weekends, romantic Getaways, special Concerts & other Pride Events. Diversitv Pride Events is committed to producing - quality events for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgender (GLBTs) and Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAGs), of ALL ages! Our events are for GLBTs and their Straight friends & family to enjoy together! COMMUNITY MEAL $4.CC DONATION MCC JCPLIN 29 □ 2 E. 20TH ST. JOPLIN, MISSOURI EVERY WED. 6 PM Page 34 Seo es by Jack Fertig :MARCH 2005 "Enjoy magic, Sagittarius!" Sun conjunct Uranus brings wild surprises and inspirations to light. This line-up in Pisces will make those surprises especially mystical, artistic, and otherworldly. ARIES (March 21 to April 20): Let one of your more spiritual friends take you to church, synagogue, mosque, Wiccan circle, seance, or whatever. It won't lead you to any conversion, but vou will gain new perspectives so that you can reconsider your ideals. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): What does "success" really mean to you? Think about it long and hard, and the answer may surprise you. A shock from your boss is likely to be a blessing in disguise. Be ready for new opportunities in unexpected directions. GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Your mouth is likely to get you into trouble, but you're used to that. Try keeping your ears and mind open, instead of your mouth, and what you stand to learn can start you thinking in radically new ways. CANCER Qune 22 to July 22): This is a great time to explore new erotic adventures, and all kinds of barriers can falL Doubie-check your safety precautions - from standard prophylaxis to safe words. Don't be shy; just be careful! LEO (july 23 to August 22): Recent weirdness in your relationship - or about nor having one - is coming to a head. It's time to get clear about what's going on. Even if things get briefly ugly, they'wili improve in the long run. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): See a doctor, acupuncturist, or other health practitioner right now. There's probably nothing seriousiy wrong, but any lingering - or normally invisible problems are now easiest to identify and soive. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): Take in the strangest show you can find. Open your mind to consider the most preposterous artistic notions you can expose yourself to, and find your own creative abilities stimulated in directions that will amaze you. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): If your home life was ever normal, it won't be now. Plumbing, foundations, and parents can offer very rude surprises, but they're easier to deal with now than later. Community involvement offers unusual rewards. SAGITIARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Your mouth is further ahead of your brain than usual, and your brain seems to be meandering along some very odd paths. Enjoy whimsy, magic, music, and art; leave any mathematical or logical efforts for later. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): You like your accounts in perfect order, but they rarely work out so well. Any glitches and surprises become clearer now, probably with happy outcome. Rethinking your priorities can also turn up some interesting twists. AQUARIUS Qanuary 20 to Feb~a.ty 18): Your favorite hobby, re-inventing yourself, suddenly presents a crisis with startling possibilities, as it collides against your highest ideal, selfawareness. Letting go of control and admitting what you don't know - your two least favorite things to do - open you up to greater knowledge. PISCES (Febrwuy 19 to March 19): Deep, deep in the murkiest depths of your soul - like some subaquatic creature - there is a profound revelation offering both illumination and shock. Take time out for quiet medit:2.tio~ to get more enlightenment - and to get burned less. Jiuk Fertig !Ms been 'fllorleing as a -professional astrologer sina 1977 and is a fo,mding mnnber of the Association for Astrological Networking. Page 35 BUSH BUDGET CUTS HURT THOSE LIVING WITH HIV/ AIDS, PUTS OTHERS AT RISK Gaywire Release: February 7, 2005 "This budget does not reflect the concern President Bush showed during his State of the Union for H!V and Alps care and prevention," said HRC Vice President of Policy David Smith WASHINGTON - As President Bush introduced his 2006 budget today, the Human Rights Campaign expressed grave con~em about the requested funding of crucial HIV/ AIDS programs. With the exception of modest increases for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the National Institutes for Health, most other programs that affect people living with HIV/ AIDS were flat-funded or saw budget cuts. "This budget does not reflect the c~>0cern President Bush showed during his State of the Union for HIV and AIDS care and prevention," said HRC Vice President of Policy David M. Smith. "Unfortunately, the President's actions do not match his words." The Ryan White CARE Act, which addresses the unmet health needs of persons living with HIV/ AIDS, was highlighted in the President's State of the Union Address last week. Yet the budget request for the program included only a ~odest $10 million increase, all of which 1s earmarked for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). All other programs covered by the Ryan White CARE Act were flat funded. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) saw a $4 million cut to its budget for HIV/ AIDS prevention and survei~ance. At the same time, unproven · non-science-based abstineoce-oniy programs, which do not include education about how HIV/ AIDS is transmitted, received $38 ~llion in additional funding. A recent studv at Texas A&M University showed that teenagers taking abstinence-onlv sex education programs endorsed. by the President became increasingly ;exuallv active, which is the exact opposite eff~ct that the program is designed to have. "Programs which focus on abstinence as the sole means of preventing HIV/ AIDS put oq.r young people at tremendous risk," said Smith. "The President has repeatedly stated his commitment to combating the spread of HIV. We have to question that com1:°itment when his ideology consistently outweighs sound scientific facts." "The young people of this country ?eed leadership that recognizes the · 1mpor~ance of comprehensive prevention educanon, and we hope to work with leaders on both sides of the aisle in Congress to make sure thev get it "added Smith. , ' Despite the President's recognition that HIV/ AIDS is a growing problem in communities of color, the Minoritv AIDS initiative was flat-funded. Al~o, $14 million was cut from the Housing for_ Persons Living With AIDS program, which helps people living with HIV/ AIDS afford housing.· Having stable living conditions increases the chances of ~trict adherence to drug regimens, which 1s necessary for fighting HIV/ AIDS and also prevents the development of medication-resistant strains of the virus. Unfortunately, President Bush's budget also includes Medicaid cuts of at lea.st $45 billion over the next 1 0 years. These cuts would greatly affect a · program that is responsible for providing health care to 55 percent of all adults living with AIDS and 90 percent of all children. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexuai and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. Page 36 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Restaurants- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-130 Ron's Place- - - 523 W. Poplar- 479-442-3052 Wild-On . -3570 W. 6th- - - - - 479-521-9453 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - -479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - • -479-782-1845 Arkansas, Hot Sprin&s (501) Club One Eleven- - 111 Gilden St- -620-4111 Our House Lounge - 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- --501-664-2744 Discovery- - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - · 501-666-6900 The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- -501-372-3070 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- .. • 716 S. Main•••••• -417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - 3715 Main St- - 816-561-2600 Belle Star's- - 1321 Gnnd Ave- - - -816-421-1288 Club NV - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- -- 1915 Main St- - - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidemeet Bar -413 E. 3rd- - - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon 370? Main St- 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - -417-864-4572 Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial••••• -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - -1109 E. Commercial- - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th E:tpwy 405-9-47-2351 Copa- - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -405-525-0730 Finish Llne -2200 NW 39th Expwy- - 405-525-0730 Hi-Lo Club - 1221 NW SOth- - - -405-843-1722 Lido- - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Partners- -2805 NW 36th St - - • - • 405-942-2199 Sisters- - 2120 NW 39th St - - - • - -405-521-9533 The Rockies- - -3201 N. May Ave - • - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - • •- 918-836-8700 Club Maverick· • 822 S. Sheridan · 918-835-3301 End Up Club- - 424 S. Memorial- - 918-836-2480 Heads & Tails- 7944 E. 2bt - - • - 918-660-7878 Club Majestic- 124 N. Boston 918-584-949-4 Renegades- - 1649 S. Main -918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- - 1737 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 TNT's - .. - 2! 14 S. Memorial- 918-660-0856 Yellow-Bricic-Rci- -2630 E. 15th- 918-293-0304 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 Ingrids Kitchen- -3701 N. Youngs- - -405-946-8444 Topanga Grill&: Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 -LodgingMI111ouri, Joplin (417) Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground- - - - - 417-683-9199 Mlasouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - 417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Hollywood.Hotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn 2200 NW 39th Exp- -405-528-2221 -OrganizationsArkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - · · · - -479-451-8066 Arkansas, Eureka Springs MCC Uving Spring- - - - - - - - - • - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - www.dsra.org Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut - -11AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Missouri,Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, · · · · 6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - • c -10:30.AM Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucky- 417-624-5788 Ml111011ri, Springfield (417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Universalat Church - - - -417-833-2723 APO- - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride • - - - - - . - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklalloma City (405) Cathedral of Hone- - 600 NW 13th St- 232-HOPE The Cente.r• ~ 21;5 NW 39th St. - • - - 405-524-6000 Tribal Fire - - - - • - - - - - -www.tribalfireokc.com Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - •• -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Page 37 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- 918-743-4297 MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 SSRA - - • • • • • • • •·· www.soonerstatetodeo.com TOHR- - - - - - - - PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Rough Riders- -www.tulsaroughriden.com . -Business ServicesArkansas, Eureka Spring~ Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com . Missouri, Eureka . . Shelter Insurimcc- -Greg Tainter- - 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) . Body Swim Massage Therapy- - - -417~825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-- -434-.0077 RE/MAX~ - -CatheLetts----- 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangcline Rd- - 417-623-1007 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consult,- 4170673-1181 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - • - - 1918 s: Glenstone - -417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Broken Arrow Spas N Such- - : - 808 N. 15th - • - --918-258-7727 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 • -4301 NW 63rd #100 - 405- 840-2106 Jungl«;Reds - • - 2200 NW ~wy- - - 405-524-5733. Piece T~·R~ein~ef-2131 NW 39th~ -405-528-2223 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Elite Bookstore -,.814 S. Sheridan- -918-838-8503 Kelly Kirliy, CPA.~ 4815 S Harvard- 918-747-5466 Underguy.com .. -825 E. 3rd. - - - 918-829-0824 Priscilla's- __ :7925 E: 41st . -918-627-4884 Pnscill;'.s : · - -. 5634 w. Skelly • • - --918-446-6336 Priscilla:!".; -: i 1344 E. 11th •• - •.. 918-438-4224 Piiscillai- -~ :.·2333 E. 71st, •• - • -- 918-499-1661 co~ntiy jn which one - the one th.at happens to co ches of the federal govemme¢t - . 'activat~s' ,'its 'Ba~e by demoniiiIIg, scapegoatibg, :i11d_actively perseci:f~ng homos, a tiny a11'd: relatively defenseles!, minority Jt~put,licans tell the ' . th that the and lesbians. is a thr~at to the American family, Western civilizllri<>n,. aQd, as one bigwig R recently put it, 'tlie. survival of the earth.' At some point the Rs are either g()ing to have to .rp.hlce good on their rhetoric and actually cl.b so,giething about all the homos 'out,theie imperiling the surviva.l ir (hey, maybe we're .for global warming?), or they're going to have to knoc;k it off." _;.:. SJPdic~t~d • columnist Dan. Savage, Dec. 29; · Pag~ 38 NEW cART□□ Ns "A Couple _of Guy~"· A Couple of guys• ~~~ Page39 Achella, Bear Nak Corsets, Kenneth C Rope, lby's Toys. -May 1 $100 througli · Marc'1 15, 2005 $115 J\tarclf 1~;;;; ~pril 15 $150 after April 15 Rev Pat· Sebastian Sheryl Dee Spo Stephanie r Teny Brown VictorTella X ska, Kansas. kansas e run package . . ar!nformation, usltr04@aol.com ntest, Cigar ring, Fetish nee ai;id ies Included Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, February 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 2 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 1, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Lady Bunny Michael Dee Douglas Glen Steve T. Urie Paula Martinec Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Ferlig Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Southwest Missouri Southeast Kansas The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozark Star Magazine, January 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/143 The Star, May 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/219 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/178 Alternatives to the bar scene anti-gay foster care ban Bars Deep Inside Hollywood discrimination Don't Ask Don't Tell gay tv Gay/lesbian city Lesbian Notions National Stonewall Democrats nightclubs Planet Dee Qscopes scholarships Studio@NV The Merchant of Venice The Star Scene travel Tulsa Uncle Mikey https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/78fc08548a2c9b7a11e6de8b69cc9808.jpg 35d021de4443913afaa9b4c716866055 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/fe20a0ec7a0b1fbbfd8ecc481bb0c1ab.pdf a5191f5e7af48f6d924ce8285f78ff0c PDF Text Text ��������������� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document MONTHLY MAGAZINE INSIDE THIS MONTH Athletic Model Guild Release FREE ... -&- The Eyes ofTammy Faye Review page- 8 "Heterophobia ?" Heterophobia popped into my mind the other day after a conversation with someone who had been offended by actions of a heterosexual couple in a predominantly gay estabUshment. I could not recall hearing the word before and decided to consult the old Random House Webster's dictionary. Guess what, it's not in the 1991 edition! I suppose I should buy a newer release with all the new strange words floating around these days. The word Homophobia is listed, Homo, Hetero, Phobia, and Phobic are all listed. The defmition given for Phobia is: "A persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity or situation that leads to a compelling desire to (JVoid it. " Now, we all know what Homophobic means. Most of us have experienced some form of Homophobic attitude in our lifetime. I think I would be safe in saying that Jerry Falwell is homophobic, not that I'm judging Jerry's personal convictions, but he has been quoted many times speaking out against the Gay/Lesbian community. So, would this gay person I had a conversation with, be considered "Heterophobic"? He seemed to indicate that he had a compelling desire to avoid the activity. continued next page The Ozarks Star Page3 editor-continuedfi-om page 2 I recall a situation on Interstate 44 east of · Oklahoma City. I was driving home from Lake Eufaula with the crnise control set on 70, in front of me was car swerving across the yellow line, slowing down, speeding up, just driving very danger- . ously. I hesitated to pass, in fear of gettmg hit, but finally took the chance. I was dismayed at what was going on in that automobile. A man was driving with the seat back way back and a woman was sitting on his lap, facing him, gyrating up and down! Baby, I almost ran off the road and I got the hell out of there. Sex on the highway, whow! I should have called the Hyway Patrol, but didn't. I had a compelling desire to avoid the activity and the situation. Did I have a Heterophobic moment? Many heterosexuals find gay bars intri ouing and homosexuals frequent strai;ht bars as well. The question is, if gay people are expected not to be too obvious in a straight club, should we expect the same from straight people in gay clubs? More important is how we as humans conduct ourselves in all public places. It is possible to enjoy nightclubing, ha:e . fun, meet new people without engagmg m lewd acts. Beware, you may develope a Privacyphobia! Can vou imagine a world with no phobia's? A future world with no gay bars and no straight bars? Just places for everyone to enjoy and be yourself without offending others. Perhaps we should all begin now to prepare ourselves for the future. September 1, 2004 Georgia eb firm optimizes gay shopping Website Southern Web Gro11p improves visibility of Alabama-based HighQueen.com ATLANTA (PRWEB) July 25, 2004 - Atlanta-based Southern Web Group is pleased to announce the relau:1ch of . www.highqueen.com, a Website featunng gifts for gay men and lesbians. After its initial launch in April 2004, Terry Woodard and his partner Rick decided to revamp the marketing strategy t~ward natural search engine growth. With ten years of retail experience, the couple launched Hioh Queen because of the unique and un~et demand for gay gifts and gay accessories. "Southern Web Group is pleased to relaunch the High Queen Website. The_Website_will surely become a leading provider of gifts for gay weddings, gay designers and t~ose seeking gifts for their gay and le~bian friends." said Drew Bartot,i, president of the Atlanta-based Web desiglffirm. Founded in 1999, Southern Web Group is a leader in Atlanta's Web design industry and can be found on the Web at www.southemwebgroup.com. With a growing clientele across the country, the Atlanta Web design firm is pleased to welcome the High Queen to its list of clients that already includes the Sout~e~ste_m . Flower Show, the American Civil L1bertles Union the Atlanta Lesbian Cancer Initiative and th~ Atlanta Executive Network. Volume l Issue 9 September 1, 2004 Dakota Daniels Hunter Benefit Shiff en decker Park Press Release Aug. 23, 2004 Joplin, MO A benefit for Dakota will be held at Shiffendecker Park in Joplin on October 9, 2004 from 12:00 Noon to 6PM. All proceeds to benefit her son Cota. Come and enjoy the Live Entertainment. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact Jake Lee Bravado Hunter or Pam at (417) 438-9746 The Ozarkd Star Page 5 September 1, 2004 August 12, 2004 1000's of Marriages Invalid? This morning I waited to hear on CNN about the California Supreme Court's decision concerning same-sex marriages performed in San Francisco. You could see the cameras and media people edging their way into the small crowd, Molly McKay, Associate Executive Director of Equality California, made her wav through pages of legalese as we ;11 held our breath. Then ,,·e heard the words said aloud for the first time: "These marriages are invalidated." You can have a parking ticket validated and that is simply a piece of paper. They have decided that as human beings, loving people, and people of faith that we do not have the same worth as a parking ticket. Put your relationship, your life, your friendships on the line and let someone proclaim that you are invalidated. Can you imagine the tears, disbelief, the overwhelming disappointment and yes even anger that must have been felt as each person comprehended what was just read to them. As those words were read aloud and echoed through the air I felt very much as if I had just been violated and I wasn't even there. But here's what I know and hope that you know. Legislation is only words and . until the people truly embrace it. .. even if it had passed the legislature and had been successfully brought before their State Supreme Court it would have truly been just that, "only words." The issue here is one of rights and the State Governments around the country, the amendments being passed, and the scare influence of the pious religious groups in this country are setting a dangerous precedent. They are legalizing discrimination. But here's what I know and hope that you know ... as stated by Metropolitan Community Church pastor from San Francisco, "They can take away our rights, they can try and make us second class citizens-but no one can trulv invalidate us. \X!e know that our loves, our, lives, our stories, our bodies are not just valid, but also good, beautiful, and sacred. My heart goes out to every couple who was married-. Knmv this: Your love vour .) commitment and your relationship are validated by• the God of manv names and bv the community that surrounds y~u. · · No one can take away the joy we felt in those fair days of February. So let us remember Alice Walker's vmrds: "Resistance is the secret of joy." We keep lovingly resisting all that is unjust and unequal. In this country there ha,;-e been manv cries heard round the world, "Remember the Al~mo," "Remember Pearl Harbor," "Remember 9/11" and remember "they can only do to us ,,;-hat we allow them to." If you think anything of yourself as a person, if you think anything of your relationship, if you think anything of the rights being stripped away from you then stay in the struggle and remember why! Because you count! Because you are validated'. Remember that in the near future we can stand to change this country ... there is more to it than what we are den;ed but it is a great part of it to ali of us. U ntt·1. .,,.-._i. ext t',1 o m· h...... . . . 0:c0d',]/W_ l.J{} Volume 1 Issue 9 MEN'S UNDEBWEAH STOl~E .NOW OPEN! 825 E 3111) ST. DOWNTOWN TULSA. CALL: 877-7-BOXERS FOH INFO! MON-T UNDERWEAR FOR EVERY MAN. OFFERINO THE l;IO"IT-E~f B,~DS, OD SOFTWEAR + JOCKO + LUC LA ROCHE + MUNDO UNICO + J1(4,F. BBIZ Ozarks Star Page 7 Photo by: Ray Williams September I, 2004 OUT ON VAl.ATION "Traveling in the gay friendly world" by Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com Now IS THE TIME TO GO TO COLORADO If you have never been to Colorado NOW is the time to go. The travel business is really off this year in Colorado and bargains are everywhere. In the past Colorado was rated the most homophobic State in the Union and they have lost millions of dollars due to the stupidity of their resident's voting record on gay rights in the past Convention business has dropped considerably as well as other business activities. Between the general economic woes of the country and the fires that Colorado had a couple of years ago, they are really handing out the bargains for travelers. We first drove to Colorado Springs and the weather was beautiful. There are so many sights to see in the Colorado Springs area and most all of them are free. The Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, The Cliff Dwellings, Pike's Peak are but just a few of the interesting sights to see there. One day we drove to Cripple Creek, the old mining town which is now "Casino City" with an over abundance of casinos in the town. Luckily for us the slot machines were paying off pretty well. On the way back down to Colorado Springs we got to see a herd of mountain goats that had come down and was mixing with the autos on the highway. A hail storm about 20 minutes before we got to that point had left the area full of large hail everywhere. Colorado Springs is the most homophobic part of Colorado Springs however you would never know it by the gay and lesbian community there. On Sunday, July 18th they had their PRIDEFEST 2004 and it was extremely well attended. It was held right downtown in the city park square. The Rev. Elder Troy Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Church was the featured guest speaker. That was followed by a parade and then a rally, live entertainment, local groups, bands and singers. They had a "kid's fun zone" for gay and lesbian parents. Vendors included area banks, lending institutions, political tents (wonder why the Republican's didn't have a tent there?) as well as Internet companies, phone companies. etc. The businesses in Colorado KNOW to cater to the gay and lesbian communities! It was one of the finest Pridefests that we have ever attended. From Colorado Springs we drove up to the Mountains and ended our day at Vail, the ski capitol of Colorado. Normally rates for accommodations in Vail are extremely high ranging from around$ l 50.00 and up. However due to "no business" most all of the accommodations bad dropped their rates drasticaliy. We stayed at a Lodge for under $50.00 per night and that included breakfast every morning. A huge swimming pool, Jacuzzi and picnic tables made for a perfect stay. There were two supermarkets within a continued page - 22 Page 8 September 1, 2004 The Ozarks Star --:------:---:---:---:---:-!iii -_;:q-_,--iffii-ef;---------=-e-=n--=c-=-o--u=-n:;::-:te--r--w:-:-::-:;it:;:h-J:;-:i-:::m::--;:;B:-::a7k7k--=e-=r--=a:-:n:-:d;---::-,_...::...:_===- Volume 1 Issue 9 THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE - A Film by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper stated that "You might be suprised how much you like Tammy Faye Baker!" I could not agree more. She is the kindest person with a heart of gold. Tammy embraced the Gay Community when others turned their backs. Buy this film and you will love her! Laugh and cry with her. "Witness the incredible real-life story of the spectacular rise, fall and resurrection of the "Queen of the Eyelashes." Many times halarious and oftentimes tragic, it is an amazing tale of one of the most adored and reviled women of our time.Narrated by RuPaul Charles, this award-winning film chronicles Tammy Fayes's personal journey from the geniune love-at-first-sight ma king of the most successful television ministry to being crucified in the court of public opinion. Extensive, revealing interviews by those on the inside will both shock and endear. Delve deep into the notso- Christian scandals and milliion dollar lies that devastated the empire and destroyed family. And be enlightened with Tammy Faye's unique personal philosophies that helped her carry on ... Because in spite of it all, Tammy Faye never lost hope in two things - extra thick mascary and Jesus Christ." Quotable Quotes "[Contrary to George W Bush's statement,] it is simply a fact that marriage is 'an evolving paradigm.' For the first millennium after Christ, Christianity didn't even recognize marriage as a sacrament. It was regarded as a purely secular matter of property ownership. Marriage also once meant the ownership of women by men. It was once permanent, and no divorce was possible. It was once restricted to couples of the same race. The notion that it has never changed is simply untrue. The only relevant question is whether the current change [opening marriage to same-sex couples] is a good one. The president doesn't answer that question. He simply asserts it, based on nothing but bad history and ignorance." Gav writer Andrew Sullivan, a former Bush supporter, wricing at CBSNews.com,July 13. September I, 2004 Volume 1 Issue 9 Page 10 September 1, 2004 Kerry /Edwards Event in Joplin Press Release Aug. 23, 2004 Joplin, MO Jesse DeGonia will be hosting an event on Friday September 10th at 6pm to build support for the democratic candidates running for office in Missouri. "We must win the state of Missouri which is THE MOST IMPORTANT SWING STATE!!!! in the November election. I have rented the UCCFF building at 204 N. Jackson, on the corner of N. Jackson and "C" Street." Mr. DeGonia conveyed to The Ozarks Star. Jim Newberry, a US Congressional Candidate who is challenging Roy Blunt, will be speaking along with other candidate's to be announced. "The official Democratic Campaign Video will be shown, refreshments v,,-:ill be served and free campaign material vvill be available. The public is invited." said DeGonia. Advertisement Springfield's OZ bar to Host APO Benefit. Springfield, MO by Star writer Greg Steele .. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" a benefit fund-raiser for Aids Project of the Ozarks will be hosted by the OZ bar in Springfield on Friday, September 24th from 5pm to 8pm. The OZ is located at 504 East Commercial. All you can eat Spaghetti and Meatball dinner will be served for $5.00. There will be contests, games, silent auction, raffle, live entertainment, male dancers and free Oral HIV testing from 9PM to 1 :30PM. Greg Hill, Co-Owner of the club, expects a huge turnout and invites the entire GLBT community to come out and support this worthy event. Proceeds to benefit APO. Quotable Quotes cactus Canyon Campground And Resort "Their struggle is a human rights issue to me. I have suffered myself from racism and se~ism all my life. I know what it feels like to be an outsider. I understand what position gays have been put in. Many of my friends were and are gay. Many people I tune into turn out to be gay, so on a spiritual level, I'm in love with all my gay friends." - Yoko Ono to the L.A. gay newspaper Fab!,July 16. For Men In The Ozarks The Lar9e1,t Men's C..amp9round in the U'51' Full RV Hookup's, Tent Sites, Cabins, Lodge Rooms, Hot Tub/ sauna, Pool, Cafe, Theme Weekends, Convenience Store, Clothing Optional. Call 417-683-9199 or visit our website www.cactuscanyoncampground.com The Ozarks Star Chris Greninge An Inspiration To Our Community. by Star Writer Greg Steele Joplin, .Missouri Another example of talent and community spirit gone unrecognized in the Four States Region. Chris Greninge, a Joplin business man and native of Southwest Missouri, grew up in Saginaw, Missouri and graduated from Diamond High School, class of 1983. He attended Crowder College, Pittsburg State and graduated MSSU in 1990. Chris and his partner of 14 years,Jeff Daws reside in Joplin and have restored a beautiful old Victorian. Chris loves antiques and has an awesome collection. Old musical instruments and tea pots are his favorites. Jeff is a professional photographer and has worked with Olan Mills Photography for the past 7 years. A talented musician, Chris began playing the piano at age 3. Played 2nd violin with the September 1, 2004 Southeast Kansas Symphony and was the organist for First Christian Church of Joplin. Other than his full-time job as a managing partner of Spain Grinding Service, Chris volunteers his talent as pianist, organist, Yocalist and directs a small orchestra at St Pauls UMC. Then on Sunday evening he volunteers as pianist and organist at Spirit of Christ I\ICC Joplin and it doesn't stop here people! Chris has long aspired to form a Gay Men's Choral group and or a LGBT community orchestra. He feels, as we at "The Ozarks Star" do, there are many untapped talents out there in our small section of this country. "If we could draw them out of the closet, get people excited, just in South\vest Missouri alone, we could have a major entertainment group. Getting folks together with a common cause is very foreign to us because of the negative impression some have of our LGBT community. People seem to think they are safer in the closet, and go out of to\vn for social activities or just move away. An all Gay /Lesbian talented entertainment entity would certainly blow their skirts up in Joplin, that's for sure!" Chris said with his eye's spatk!ing. "The Ozarks Star" recognizes and applauds Chris Greninge for his talent, his giving nature and most important, his sense of community and volunteer spirit. Anyone interested in working with Chris on this project, may contact him at: 417-782-7985. Volume 1 Issue 9 Page 12 September 1, 2004 Falwell Sue's.Fallwell Internet Site. Source: PlanetOut News A11g11st 10, 2004 ;\ federal judge ruled Tuesday that a gay activist must change the name of a \'v'eb site criticizing the Rev. Jerry Palwell, an anti-gay minister who at one time blamed 9/11 on GLBT Americans. .B. District Judge Claude Hilton ruled that the Web site, fallwell.com, was too similar to Falwell's own name, which the minister has trademarked. Fallwell.com reads in part, "The Reverend Jerry Palwell is completely wrong when he says that gay and lesbian people are sinning and can change." Lamparello also charges falwell of breaking one of the Ten Commandments by bearing false witness against gays and lesbians. L:1st year, Falwell threatened to sue an ll!inois man who set up Web sites called ierryfalweli.com and jerryfallwell.com. That activist, Gary Cohn, created his sites after Falwell stated that gays and lesbians were part of 1be re;1sun the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist :1ttacks occurred. Homophobic fundamentalists should take note of the words of the scripture, which they claim to so carefully follow ... "Who are you to judge another?" (James 4:12b) Cathe Letts is alway• available to help you with your real e,itate t rausactions! V;,'hetht?r you are bu · 1g or .setrn1g property l can }'Out! Serving Joplin, \Vebb Ciry, Carl .lunt:cion & (.'..!irth.age in MiS'ilmri. Call Today For HELP! 41 'r-4iU-5:US or 649-7076 Ca the .Lett•• ARR, GR I RE/MAX N-• Directio.n www.catbeletts.co111 The Ozarks Star Page 13 September I, 2004 Volume l Issue 9 2,000 Athletic Model Guild "Session Videos" from the 1980s Available Athletic l'lodel Guild Release: C-04-002 El Cerrito, California - Certainly the second and third most common fantasies among viewers of physique photography are how they would direct the movements of the models and the answer to the question: What really happens at a physique photo shoot? Athletic Model Guild has announced the availability of nearly two thousand video tapes, called "Session Videos" by AMG owner Dennis Bell, which will answer that question. "These are tapes made during photo sessions by Bob Mizer at AMG between 1980 and 1992," Bell said, "and they show exactly what happened in the studio from the rime the model got there and began taking off his clothes, until the session v.ras over and he started getting dressed again. Bob would set the video camera on a rripod, and follow the model with it while he shot his photos. This "behind-the-scenes" footage includes Mizer himself directing the models, models bickering with each other or talking back to Bob, and the audio which captures the comments, noises, porn video, dogs barking and phones ringing offset. But of course" Bell adds, " they also feature up to 3 hours of non-stop nude wrestling, spanking, jacking off, and Anal Erotica (A&E); an exclusive type of photography th:it m:ide AMG's fortune in the 1980s. The first successful Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) for the home was the 1/2 inch Betamax, introduced by Sony in 1975. "Bob was really at the forefront of technology," said Bell. "He was recording his models less than five years after the first versions of home videotape recorders hit the market. Today, in 2004, we're taking those original Betamax tapes, just as they came from his camera, but m:i.king high quality copies on VHS (the format which be:i.t out Betamax as the preferred home use videotape format)." AMG "Session Videos " will be available in one-, two- and three-hour tapes, depending on what Mizer recorded originally. "We're dubbing these original Betamax tapes using professional quality fourhead Betamax editing and duplication equipment to standard VHS tapes in the Standard Play (SP- highest quality) mode." Bell said he hoped to be able to release the Session Videos series on DVD within two or three years. However, plans are presently underway to release "Session Videos Compilations" on DVD. More information on that is expected within the next sixty days. "For now," Bell said, "we are involved in making a complete inventory of the tapes rmd checking their quality. That's nearly 3,500 hours of tape." Even · working forty hours a week, every week, it would take nearly 18 months to complete the task. "But as I looked at these tapes, I thought the material was so remarkable, so classic and erotic, it would be great to make them av:iilable right now to classic physique lovers :ind long time fans of i\ AMC. That's why I decided to make copies T available on a customized basis." t Bell rhapsodized about the assets of many of the models he's "discovered" on the tapes. There are the "men's men," said Bell. "Hairy, muscular, very macho. Tico Patterson, Joseph Hardee and Steve Cougar epitomize :i cross between the 80s clone and a convict." However, Mizer also photographed wh:it might be called "t:winks" today. "There are some remarkable session videos of Joseph Phile, Willie Amstel and Mike Reuter, who also went on to do a lot of work for the Old Reliable studio." l'f\ Some models are in one or two tapes, others appear in many more. Dean .'\dams, for example, appears in ninety-four videos. "He was nicknamed 'Kermit'," Bel! said, "because he was always around the pool at the AMG studio. And whenever Bob needed a second person to be in a wrestling or spanking shot - there would be Kermit, ready to jump into the action. Bob actually received m:iil from customers asking him to 'give Kermit a rest.' But that was rare. Most of the guys \Vim appear in multiple videos were outstanding in appearance: facial, muscular development or endowment or all three. Armando Gonzales, for instance, who will be the cover for an upcoming AMC release on DVD of 'Best Size #35' was in forty four different sessions. T. J. Swan was a favorite black model, noted for his great endowment. Eddie Perez was a popular model who appeared in scores of videos and wrestled a lot." Photographs of these models and many more can be seen :it the AMG web site. (ht.tp;.LL .llll<l'..l!I.LU1W.1;.UJ..1.l'..Ll.!J.J.J.J~w.1JL..1..1.1.U.L44LL) Ordering information is there as well. Information is also available from Bell or his staff at 1-800-AMGDIRECT (1-800-264-3473), from 9am-5pm (Pacific Time). Email ales@Athletici Iodel ,ujld.com Bell pointed out the current prices are less than half of what Mizer charged for the tapes in the 1980s. For interviews, features, etc contact: ~ or : Arh!e:ic Model Guild, LLC 3020 E: Cerrito Plaza, S..:.:te 114 El Cerriro, CA 94530 Volume I Issue 9 Page 16 September 1, 2004 dbi by Randy Vineyard Introducing "T-Town Tidbits" by Star \vriter Randy Vineyard, An Ozarks Star exclusive. Randy lives in Tulsa and · will be covering the Star Scene in and around the T-Tuwn area. Randy has lived in Tulsa since the age of two and wouldn't consider living anywhere else and loves the Tulsa GLBT scene. So stay tuned for some exciting Tidbits from T-Town. Randy is also The Ozarks Star advertising contact for Tulsa. @. has wonderful gay dubs and nightlife. Por this months column I'll give you a brief look at each club. We'll begin in alphabetical order so as to not ruffle any feathers. The BamBoo - A great place to meet friends and enjoy everyone, gay/ straight, and the don't knows, it's a mixed crowd, for young to older. It has a fabulous enclosed outside patio divided into 3 separate party areas, one covered spacious concrete expansion with an open sun deck, the other a huge sand filled area, don't forget ,tanning is must on South Beach. The inside atmosphere is comfortable and friendly, music is by personal selection. Pool, darts, and video games are a,·ailable, as well as a dance floor. The club serves a wonderful lunch every Sunday to anyone who walks through the door, and has dancers from time to time. It is Oklahoma's oldest gay bar dating from the late SO's. Club Majestic - Tulsa's newest high energy dance club. Located in the Entertainment district of Tulsa's Downtown Area. A split level building, with bars on both levels. A large dance floor and seating area along with a lounge spot fill the lower floor. pstairs, the Dj is available for reguests and a seating and game area are available. This club offers a great light show and wonderful high energy dance music and video. The crowd fa younger and mixed but everyone plays well together. Club Maverick Tulsa's only Country, Leather, Levi, Bear Bar. It is the home of Tulsa's Leather Community. The club offers a large dance floor, the DJ is available for reguests, along with Karaoke and great music from the past and present, with video. Pool, darts and video games and a friendly atmosphere, this spacious club with plenty of seating, is sure to suit the country in all of us. For the slightly more mature GLBT it is a great place to party. • End Up Club -Tuh,a's Obl'tnale dance revue venue. The club is open daily with dancers and fun all the time. A nice relaxing atmosphere. A great center stage for the guys to dance, · with ample seating for your personal enjoyment. The dancers arc mostly young men with good attitudes and high energy. Heads or Tails A C?mfo:rtable club, catering to the ladies who love to play dll.rts and pool. continued page-21 The Ozarks Star Page 17 HRC Endorses Nancy Farmer Missouri Democrat Running for US Senate in Missouri, from Human Rights Commission. A dedicated ally: Farmer became the first woman Missouri state treasurer in 2000, after having served eight years as a state representative. Prior to holding elective office, Farmer was executive director of a neighborhood housing and neighborhood nonprofit organization. Farmer supports the Employment oo-Discrimination Act, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and the Early Treatment for HIV Act. She firmly opposes efforts to write discrimination into the .S. Constitution, such as the Federal Marriage Amendment. A word on her opponent: Christopher "Kit" Bond (R) has held this seat since 1987. He scored a 1 7°,riaring on the last HRC Congressional Scorecard. He opposes both the Employment Ni-Discrimination Act and the Hate Crimes Prevention Act and has voted against both bi!ls in the past. He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment, an attempt to write discrimination into the .B. Constitution. The race: As a longtime incumbent, Bond has the upper hand in the race, but polls show that Farmer is closing the gap between them. Farmer has mounted a serious challenge and needs as much support as she can get in order to pull out a victory. Visir: www .hrc.org/ candidates September 1, 2004 "A Night to Create Change" on September 12th to help raise awareness and funds for marriage equality. Margaret Cho and Matt Foreman will join all the parties by phone to give an update on the "State of the hlons." Por more information about hosting or attending a party in your area go to ww-w. thetaskforce.org/ sept12. We will be having an informational conference call about this event on Tuesday, August 17th at 7:30pm ET (4:30pm PT) and again at 7:30pm PT (10:30pm ET). If you have any questions or would like to hear more about the event please join us. Contact Alexes Anderson to get dial-in instructions at aanderson@thetaskforce.org or 202-393-5177 ext 6310. st • Then led< to~ Kay. Yc11ll fincl the- lolMt-on-ttl!lnd color! COOlldtnaed for you Y..itn eo&)>to~ hi)$. Mme how~ con get 1he hoft951 loob -of Iha lll!!Ota'I .-. ord a~,; bl!! in $fyfe' Joan 5%ymanski lndepettdMt Be(iuty Cott~I 417-673-1181 www.muykay.com/jazymaoakit Volume I Issue 9 Phone; (417>623-1'007 Fax: <•17) 623-"1~59 Emalll: emx0554 Ooop,rmax.,c,orn Advertisment September 1, 2004 Prl,nts and CopH!<tJ B,ncJl,ng Lan,,nanog Fax1ng Busin.,.n.s C.a,.-.;:t,s j ,1J The Ozarks Star Page 19 September 1, 2004 l l Creator: Paula Martinac has been writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the cochair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called "In Our Own Write." Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac September, 2004 McGreevey Causes Grief! New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey's self-outing may ease the emotional burden of living in the closet, which he has endured for years. But in the current climate of antigay baiting, McGreevey's "personal" revelation politically impacts a community he has never been - and may never be - part of. McGreevey was annoyingly vague about why he was resigning, although the reasons will undoubtedly be revealed soon; speculation runs high that he is stepping down because an imbroglio much bigger than a sex scandal will be unfolding. In a way, it's a bizarre kind of progress when being gay is viewed as the good news preceding some unspecified bad news to c01ne. Unfortunately for gay people, though, McGreevey chose to lump his departure from office together with a tortured assertion of being "a gay American." And worse, he used the word "shamefully" to describe his affair with a man, although my guess is that it's the extramarital nature of it that he is ashamed of. Given McGreevey's choice of timing and words, straight and gay people alike were justifiably confused about why be was resigning. After all, New Jersey is not Mississippi. Indeed,Jersey commuters interviewed on their way home from work in Manhattan made remarks to _New York Newsday_ like, "He resigned because he is gay, but why?" and "There's a lot of people in politics who are homosexuals, so what the heck." The National Stonewall Democrats' onesentence statement also seemed to assume McGreevey had resigned out of deep shame:· t,he group's executive director wrote that he looked forward to a time when being gay "is simply an honest component of daily life and no longer a consideration in public service." As a consequence of McGreevey's obfuscation, the mainstream press has been rife with misleading headlines like "N.J. Governor Resigns Over Homosexual Affair" and "Gay Affair Ends Career." It's no wonder that most gay leaders have chosen to steer a broad course around the controversy, being careful not to embrace the governor and only issuing brief, cautious statements of concern. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force said, for example, that "our hearts go out" to him, while the Human Rights Campaign hoped that he and his family "will come to a place of understanding." Other gay groups have been forced to try to clean up the mess McGreevey's "personal" statement makes for our movement. The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association hurriedly issued an advisory to the mainstream media requesting "caution in fram:ng the reasons for McGreevey's resignation," as it is "an oversimplification to say McGreevey resigned solely because he is gay." -continued page 25 Volume 1 Issue 9 Page 20 September 1, 2004 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente September 2004 Johnny Depp Is So 400 Years Ago The way Johnny Depp has bucked conventional career ,visdom should be an inspiration (or rebuke) to every actor who ever took a role in a big, dumb Holly,vood movie just to get a paycheck. This man has beaten his own ,veird path every step of the way and succeeded, and that Pith is currently taking him back to the 1600s in _ The Libertine_. The debut film by director Laurence Dunmore and playwright Stephen Jeffreys features Depp as 17th-century bisexual poet John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, a pleasure-seeker whose death from syphilis at age 33 led to posthumous fame for his work. At the moment, the movie is only rumored to contain some same-sex liplocks, but is guaranteed to feature costars like Samantha Morton, John Malkovich, and snaggle-toothed, Irish punk-rock legend Shane MacGowan. And as cool as that casting is, Romeo is happy to report that Depp will most likely be kissing newcomer Rupert T'riend rather than MacG. HBO Cruises Rosie Rosie's getting cozy with HBO avin. Her latest project with the Emmy-laden cable channel is a documentary about a gay family cruise. Executiveproduced by HBO's Sheila Nevins v,"ith Rosie and wife Kelli O'Donnell, the as-yet-untitled doc will showcase a weeklong cruise to Key West and the Bahamas on O'Donnell's R Family Vacations, which took place in July. Rosie's previous HBO stand-up special, as well as the _Rosie O'Donneli's Kids Arc Punny_ family special, led to this renewed partnership, one that will give a needed public face to gay parents and their kids. That's a side of VY life that most media outlets don't find "sexy" enough to point their cameras at, so HBO is to be applauded. The special will hit the water sometime in 2005. Kushner and Spielberg Try Terrorism The 1972 Munich Olympics became a permanent scar in the memories of millions of people when Palestinian terrorists took Israeli athletes hostage, resulting in a hotched rescue effort and death. A documentary feature ahout the incident, _One Day In September_, was released in 2000, and now Steven Spielberg is ,vorking on a feature film about the traumatic event's mournful aftermath. Spielberg has enlisted the help of Tony 1\ward- and Pulitzer Prizewinning gay playwright Tony Kushner, who is currently working on a new draft of the screenplay. With the visionary _Angels in America_ scribe on board. the finished product will in all likelihood not only search the past but explore the fear of terrorism that afflicts the world today. Still without a title, the mrwic is slated to star Eric Bana, with a shooting date of June 2005. When the Feminist Met the Porn Star In a fantasy dictionary, next to the word "heterosexual," there's a picture of Italian porn star Rocco Siffrcdi. The star of countless straight adult films, he's internationally famous to a very specific audience. And in the same dictionary, the phrase "provocative feminist filmmaker" is accompanied by the image of French director Catherine Brcillat. Sound like oil and watcr?-Then you didn't sec Breillat's shocking art-house hit, _Romance_, an explicit study of female sexuality that featured Siffredi. Now the dynamic duo arc at it again, in Breillat's soon-to-be-released dissection of sexual mores, _Anatomy of Hell_, based on her own novel, _Pornocratie_. This time Siffredi plays a VY man, the unwilling object of a straight woman's affections, who somehow develops a relationship with her anyv;-ay. If Brcillat's track record is any indication, expect unconventional insights, very few laughs, and plenty of full frontal. _Romeo San Vicente thinks that Rocco Siffrcdi's •tar mrn in "New \Vave Hookers 3" made it the best in the trilogy. He can be reached care of thi~ p,;blica:ion or at l The Ozarks Star Page21 September l, 2004 T-Town from page -16 The staff is great, they offer pool and dart tournaments from time to time as well as weekend Male and Female impersonator shows on Saturdays with Miss Gay Oklahoma USA Ivana B, Real. Music during the weekend by personal choice and DJ on the weekends. It hosts Tulsa's only all Male Impersonator Show the first Sat of each month. New Age Renegades Also located downtown, Renegades offers a two section club, one side is mostly games and seating while the other is the entertainment area for drag shows and karaoke. Pool, video games and darts along with a wonderful covered and enclosed patio are available. The club offers shows each Tuesday with Caria Lee Love, every Priday & Saturday with Tabitha Taylor, along with Karaoke on l\fondays and Thursdays. The club also has special Production shows, and hosts 'The Red Ribbon Revue' - a local charity fundraiser, the first Saturday of the month. The music is high energy but not overpowering with video's. The PlayMor - A large spacious club with great seating for the shows and special events. A long comfortable padded bar, game room, large dance floor and friendly staff. The club offers pool, darts, a and video games. Music is mixed from country to dance to oldies it's by personal selection or a request to the DJ on the weekends. The PlayMor offers Karaoke on Mondays and \'Vednesdays. Entertainment, stemming from Male, Female Impersonators, Live Vocalists, are available on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Pridays. Each Friday has a different show host, Peaches Lennox, Helga, Johhnie Cronin, Domonique Daniels, all share spots. Helga's Heart 2 Heart a local charity fundraiser, is always the first Saturday of the month. The PlayMor also has Production shows by Helga's Horrible's throughout the year for charities. The Star Known to many as the Silver Star, Tulsa's largest GAY club. It offers some of the best music, and lights and sound found in a GAY bar in the city. Pool, huge dance floor, and a very comfortable lounge area are all great. A friendly staff and fun atmosphere, the Star is home to the Miss Gay Oklahoma USA and Miss Gay Oklahoma USA at Large Pageants. The Star is also home to Courtney Farrell with Drag shows are on Sundays and Wednesdays. High energy music and wonderful light show make it a must see. TNT's For the Ladies this is a great place to party dance and beat your buddy in pool. It has a very nice bar and dance area and with a DJ. Personal music selection is also available. A very cozy spot to enjoy your evenings, and have fantastic time with your friends. The ToolBox - Located near downtown, it has a patio area and dance floor. Offering Drag shows with Bobbie Page and Dominque LaRue Sundays and Pridays. Pool, darts and video games with personal music selection are available. Yellow Brick Road This cozy club is a great sports and party place. If you love darts, pool, and are competitive this is your place to be. No shows, just fun, the staff is great, and caters to everyone. The crowd is mixed and plays very well together. The mt1sic is by personal selection. A big screen TV insure's you won't miss a game ever at the 'Brick'. I hope this little bit of information helps when you go out in Tulsa to pl:1y. As you can see Tulsa has a lot to offer. Almost all the Clubs have web sites and keep their scheduled events and pictures available for you to see. I'll be covering special events around town and keeping you informed from month to month. It you have a special interest in a subject please email the magazine and I'il do my best to find ;oformation for you. Have a great month of September in T-Town. Volu~ I Issue 9 Page 22 September 1, 2004 Gay Travelers from page 7 mile and their deli shops were full of carry out food. Everything there was certainly a bargain. On the second day of our stay there we drove to Leadville, the old mining town. We toured the old Tabor Opera House which was built years ago and in their hay day had some of the finest entertainers. Most of the restaurants and cafes in Leadville offered special lunches for under $5.00! We enjoyed visiting the small towns on our drive back to Vail. From Vail we drove into Denver. Several motel prices were under $40.00 in many parts of the city. As we mentioned previously, Colorado is really hurting for travel business! Most of the gay bars in Denver have lowered their prices drastically all day and night. We had screwdrivers and our cost on them ranged from SI. 00 to $1.50! What a deal! Almost all of the bars had extra special events g6ing on each and every night to draw a crowd. Our favorite bar in Denver is J. R. 's on 17th Street. They also have an outside patio on the street side that is great for people watching. A lot of restaurants had specials on their front signs and lots of cheap food can be found there. By looking in the local newspapers you can find several two for one specials at both restaurants and at area attractions. Denver has it's fair share of art, history and cultural museums and galleries. We have always found shopping in Denver to be terrific. In the Cherry Creek Shopping Center they have a great Neiman Marcus store. They have tons of flea markets, antique shops, thrift shops and other places on the lower end of the scale to find special buys. We always bring back a carload of goodies from our travels. This trip we even brought back a Ponderosa Pine tree for our backyard. - next column When driving to Colorado BE SURE and stop at the Welcoming Center close to the State line and pick up a lot of their free brochures and coupon booklets. They will save you hundreds of dollars. Just always remember to have fun when traveling , meet new people, enjoy different foods and talk to everyone. You may just make some new friends and possibly meet that new someone special in your life. For more information on traveling, contact Donald and Ray at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their web page at http://www.hometown.aol.com/ gaytravelers. HIV lh~ilNG, NON ! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 211 E. 201 St.. PO Bo,: :fl, Joplin, J\lo II In conjunction with AIDS Project of the (harks. MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between FM and ii'J\I. For your convenience you can also call 2m9 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not reguire the use of needles and '"•" offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. The Ozarks Star Page 23 A Star community service. "Make -ADifference Day" "Make-A-Difference Day" is a national day of helping orhers;a celebration of people reaching out to their community. This is an annual event that takes place the fourth Saturday of every October. This year's event is October 23, 2004. AIDS Project of the Ozarks (\.PO)took part in the annual event last year with students, church groups and caring, concerned individuals just like you coming together in a community effort to help families living with HIV/ AIDS. In 2003, over $,000 worth of items were donated to benefit APO. For the second year, Spirit of Christ MCC is partnering with APO to collect items to fill the APO client pantry. Our focus will be collecting bleach and laundry detergent (!quid gallon size) Last year Spirit of Christ MCC, Unity of Joplin and South Joplin Christian Church donated over 150 gallons of bleach and an additional 100 gallons of liquid laundry detergent. Spirit of Christ MCC is collecting liquid laundry detergent and bleach now through October 23. To donate or for more information, please contact the church at 417-20€&79. Charitable Tax Donation Receipts avaiiable on request. our generosity will make a difference. September 1, 2004 Martha's Vine1ard 19 W. Olive, Springfield, MO 417-864-4572 Southwest Missouri's Hottest ntertainment Complex. Nv Celebrating 10 oors of (~.lity ntertainment www.marthascomplex.com Voit.me 1 Issue 9 Page 24 Scopes y Jack Fertig September 2004 'Soak up compliments, Cancer!" ---•··· Martha Stewart would love this, if she weren't otherwise occupied: Venus in Cancer is sextile to Jupiter in Virgo, a domestic-goddess kind of lineup. Mercury in Leo is semi-sextile to both, bringing emphatic expression to those homey skills and issues. ARIES (tvfarch 21 to April 20): Housekeeping's not your usual forte, but ,vhat's usual about you anyway? The stars are now helping you roll up your sleeves, and even make housework fun! Take a creative approach, and put that jailbird Martha to shame. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): You've always taken pride in your home; now you get some great new ideas to make it e,0en more comfy and showy. Take a new look at your family and ethnic traditions. Draw inspiration from your sister. .. or any ''sister." GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): This is a good time to reorganize domestic finances. Examine the problems, but don't take real action until Sept. 2. Then take foll advantage of Labor Day sales. CANCER 0une 22 to July 22): You are looking especially gorgeous these days. Keep the sweet, modest smile, but soak up the compliments that are coming your way. We know those dark moods, too, so now's the time to take stock of yourself and affirm your strengths. LEO 0uly 23 to August 22): Your outspokenness has been causing some consternation, but you can clean that up after Sept. 2. In the meantime, show everyone how modest and understanding you can be. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): Your recent run of good luck gets yet another boost in community politics. At !east you get an opportunity to share your ideals. You may prefer to work behind the scenes, but be involved and trust your instincts. September 1, 2004 LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): Blessings come in disguise these days, but now's the time to see through the ugly ,vrappers. Being emotionally supportive at work or adding a homey touch to your ,;rnrk space ,viii open up networking opportunities. SCORPIO (October 23 to No,·ember 21): Come out of your shell and sing out, Louise! You have some great ideas and brilliant foresight. Let people see ,,;hat you h:;rve to offer and you're sure to get ahead! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): The stars are making you saucier and sexier - as if you need the help! Imagine yourself as a foreign sports star and play that up. \'vhether you ha,·e a swimmer's build or a sumo ,vrestler's, you're sure to find a match. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): The zodiac's best-kept secret is out of the bag: You're the sexiest sign of all! Be homey and domestic to get the one you ,vant, or brilliantly erudite to get _everyone_ you want. And one doesn't rule out the other, oh ambitious one! AQUARIUS Qanuary 20 to February 18): Relationship issues? They're largely about housekeeping and sex. Pnt on the French maid's apron and kill two birds ,,-ith one proverbial stone. Communication usually helps, too. No relationship? Well, put on the French maid's apron and go find one. _Zut alors!_ PISCES (Febrm1.ry 19 to March 19): find a crearive partner to at least bounce some ideas off 0£ Crirical feedback is especially helpful now. Fun and games - preferably at home - with your partner will help you articulate problems and find very satisfying answers .. Jack Fertig has been working i1S a professional astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Ne.tworking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864-8302, through his welJsite at http:/ IW1.l(!O.Sta ·ack.com Volume l Issue 9 Page 25 Lesbian Notions from page-19 The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, whose. mission is to help elect openly gay people to public office, also undertook damage control. The Victory Fund bemoaned the governor's lack of honesty with his family and issued a reminder that "over 275 openly gay and lesbian officials serve in public office across the United States, from city councils, to county commissions, to state senates, to the U.S. House of Representatives. The vast majority ... ran for office and serve openly with little criticism or extra attention from the public." Right now I feel more sympathy for the Victory Fund and all the wonderful lesbian and gay candidates it supports than for New Jersey's misguided governor. In the minds of many Americans with limited knowledge of gay people, McGreevey will now be conflated with "Gay Politician," the kind of guy who hides his "shameful" secret, gets the underqualified object of his desire a lucrative, taxpayer-funded job, and then is forced out of office by threat of exposure, causing his family great emotional pain. (Never mind how many politicians are guilty of a heterosexual version of the same thing.) At the same time, hundreds of lesbians and gay men are McGreevey's polar opposites: they've chosen to be honest and out as they pursue public office, forthrightly making their way up the political ladder one rung at a time. Consider, for example, a very different "Gay Politician." Rep. Tammy Baldwin (DWis.) didn't catapult into the U.S. Congress. She started her political career on the Madison City Council, then went on to the County Board of Supervisors and the Wisconsin State Assembly before making a run for Congress as an out lesbian. There are many similar stories of gay politicos who chose a slower path to higher office, taking small, incremental steps that many heterosexual politicians don't have to because they aren't contending with society's homophobia. George W. Bush, for example, went from unsuccessful September 1,2004 businessman to governor of Texas to president in the blink of an eye. I am confident that eventually one of the Tammy Baldwins of our community will make it all the way to the governor's mansion of some state. And that election - unlike the strange coming out of Jim McGreevey will be a triumph for the gay community. Reality at the Gas Pump Think a gallon of gas is expensive? This makes one think, and also puts things in perspective. Diet Snapple 16 oz S1.29 ... S10.32 per gallon Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19 .$9 .52 per gal. Gatorade 20 oz $1.59 . $10.17 per gallon Ocean Spray 16 oz Sl.25 ..... $10.00 per gallon Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15 ...... $33.60 per gallon Vick's Nyquil 6 oz SS.35 .... $178.13 per gallon Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85 ..... $123.20 per gal, Whiteout 7 oz $1.39 .......... $25.42 per gallon Scope 1.5 oz $0.99 ...... $84.48 per gallon And this is the REAL KICKER ... Evian water 9 oz $1.49 ........ $21.19 per gallon?! $21.19 for WATER and the buyers don't even know the source. (Evian spelled backwards is Naive.) So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on water, Scope, or Whiteout, or God forbid Pepto Bismal or Nyquil. Just a little humor to help ease the pain of your next trip to the pump ... From]. R., Oklahoma Cit1~ OK l Place your classified ad here for only $6.00 for the first 15 words, and only 25 cents for each additional word ........ . GoodLookingg,.y gi:reyou μeasure, like ywcksen:e Call Hector@ 816-305-3988 In & Out Calls The Ozarks Star On-Line. Check out our website for Daily breaking GLBT news. www.ozarksstar.com Need A House Mate: Advertise here for only $6.00 first 15 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Joplin, 10 blocks North of Downtown: 4bd, 4bth, formal dinning, hugh kitchen. Zoned heat/ air. Beautifully restored, guiet residencial. Call Vicki at Charles Burt Realtors 417-434-0077 or 800-782-7822. Advertising Representative's Part Time: For Kansas City, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Arkansas, Kansas and Joplin. Commission based compensation. Work in the LGBTS business community. Mail qualifications to: Ozarks Star 2401 E. 32nd St., Suite 10-243 Joplin, MO 64804. Business Opportunity: Ever dreamed of owning your own B&B? Beautiful 4 bed 4 bath 3200sqft fully furnished in Joplin, MO For Sale. Call Vicki Bronson at Charles Burt Realtors 417 -4 34-0077 1010 E. 20th Joplin MO64804 800-782-7822 The Ozarks Star Page27 September I, 2004 Four St.ates Comm.unity Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- · -Organizations- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Ron's Place- - - 523 W. Poplar- - - - - 479-442-3052 Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- -479-571-1300 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Burnzee's- -2301 Towson Ave #C- --479-494-7300 Kinkeads- -10041/2 Garrison Ave- - - - -479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - - - -479-782-1845 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - • • 716 S. Main - - - - --417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Bell Star's - - - 1321 Grand Ave- - - -816-421-1288 Missie B's- - - -805 \V. 39th St- - - -816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bar- - - -413 E. 3rd- - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Missoari, Spriagfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- --417-831-4700 M:utha's Viocyard-219 W Olive -417-864-4572 Oz Bar- 504 E. Commercial- - - - - -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW 50th- - - - -405-843-1722 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th fa-pwy- - 405-525-0730 Club Rox- - - -3535 N\V 39th Expwy- -405-947-2351 TopangaGrill &: Bar-3535 NW 39th- -405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - --918-836-8700 Club Maverick- - 822 S. Sheridan· 918-835-3301 Heads & Tails- - 7944 E. 21st - - - - - - 918-660-7878 Club Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - - -918-584-9494 New Age Renegades- -1649 S. Main -918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- 1737 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 Silver Star Saloon- -1565 S. Sheridan -918-834-4234 TNT's- - 2114 S. Memorial- - - -- - - - -918-660-0856 Tool Box- - - 1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - 918-584-1308 Yellow Brick Road- - 2630 E. 15th - - -918-293-0304 -LodgingMiuouri, Joplia (417) Faces Guest.house B&B - -417-621-9915 Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - -417-624-7800 Mi!l!Jouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - 417-683-9199 Mill!IO■ ri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground- -417-779-5084 Arkaasas, Eureka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - - - - -- - - - -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg {620) River of Life - 1709 N Walnut - - - - 11AM PSU-QSA .... 1701 S. Broadway ... 620-231-0938 Missouri, Joplin {417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th. - - - - -7PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - - 10:30Alvl Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucl,"}'- - 417-624-5788 Missouri, Springfield (417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 \V. Maclison-417-866-6206 Unitarian Universalist Church - - - - 417-833-2723 APO- -1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - - - - - 417-864-4459 GLO Community Ctr- 518 E. Commerical-869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - - - - - - -417-889-1059 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 -Business Services- Missouri, Joplin (417) Penny Smart.Hair Salon -509 Main- 417-623-3500 Massage By Rachael- - 417-438-3664 Body Swim Massage Therapy- 417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-417-434-0077 RE/MAX- - - - - -Cathe Letts- - - - - - 417-483-5313 Office Max- -44-0 Rangeline Rd- - - - -417-623-1007 The Llom Den - -Austin Letts - 417-623-876_7 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consultant- - 417-673-1181 Night Things Boutique-719 MainSt- 417-659-9913 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - • - • 1918 S. Glenstone • • 417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 - -4301 NW 63rd #100 405- 840-2106 Hollywood Hotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial- - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harv11.rd- - -918-747-5466 Underguy.com - - -825 E. 3rd- - - -877-7-BOXERS Priscilla's - - - - - 7925 E. 41st - - - - 918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - - - 5634 W. S!.:elly - - - - - 918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - - -11344 E. 11th - - - - - -918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - - - 2333 E. 71st - - - - - - -918-499-1661 Volume 1 Issue 9 Page 28 September 1, 2004 alternative nightclub 716 W. Sycamore St., Fayetteville, AR. (479) 571-1300 www.studio7l6.net Arkansas LeatherSIR/boy 2005 Sunday September 12, 2004 Doors open 8pm Guests $5.00 Members $3.00 The Norma Kristie Inc. Miss Gay Arkansas 2005 "Best Preliminary"' Award goes to.; .. MISS GAY WASHINGTON COUNTY!! Promoter: Kelly Crisman STUDIO716 Daily Specials & Evenu - Drag Shows Every Suncby-Memhen Free- Guest $5 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] The Ozark Star Magazine, September 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 9 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Ozark Star’s first issue began in August of 2004. Before this Issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) then follows The Star (2005) and The Metro Star (2008) This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 1, 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward T.J. Kelly Greg Steele Randy Vineyard Steve T. Urie Donald Pile Ray Williams Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Southwest Missouri Southeast Kansas The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozarks Star Magazine, August 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/141 The Ozarks Star Magazine, October 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/176 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/177 AIDS benefit fundraiser Athletic model guild Bars Chris Greninge Deep Inside Hollywood election fallwell Falwell Lesbian Notions Make a difference day Nancy Farmer nightclubs Qscopes Quotable Quotes same sex marriage Somewhere Over the Rainbow T-Town Tidbits The Eyes of Tammy Faye The Star Scene travel https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/d88704d0f6421038bd2d1da8d7dc36c3.png b45100834d689cbe8b063f6473655b90 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/94acf5c551f3772fd7d06d39e3933ee9.pdf 095bbbd4cea0865fd77a4f355ce6fb1c PDF Text Text ����������������� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document "' I t e 716 W. Sycamore St., Fayetteville, AR. (479) 571-1300 I• t C www.studio716.net Door~s C)pen at 8pn1 Pageant Begins at 9p1n Daily Specials & Events - Drag Shows Every Sunday-Members Free- Guest $5 Volume 1 Issue IO Page2 October I, 2004 ~Q ,f, /;--:_ \ ' ·.'• .. , j '.. I 18th ~GRA ~~~;:Rodeo October 14-1 7, 2004 Omaha, Nebiaska ( 402) 203-4680 www. hgra. net www. ig~c. com Ha and Gay lodeo Association The Ozarks Star Page 3 October 1, 2004 Davy u a •• This is where they all get started 1109 E. Conunereial Street Springfield, Mo. 65803 417-873-2225 HearTheRumors.eom n field's Diversit Club Res ect Diversi Eve bod Welcome We catering to the GLBT and Gay Friendly Community Open Mon-Sat 5 pm tol:30 am Happy Hour 5-Spm CHEAP DRINKS! T'ues-Pool Tournaments Thurs.- Karaoke Fri. and Sat.-All Night Dance Party! No_v~rflBet2,0°~po4 the most 1mpqrtant~el~c::tion day m our history. It is essential that we and our allies all vote for fairness and eguality. With the ele~tion. orily days away, most of the LGBT community seem to be unexcited. Their main goal it appears, is to defe~t Bush. r Republican candidates. Iagre ·/Edwards ticket is . .. give the LGBT thope for success in The follqwing:i/a .qiioJ~,from David Shribrilan's Op /Ed a'.'tticle Sept. 12th His topic was on how overzealous Bush opponents cqajd ~wing the vote toward the Republican side. , ·.· : "By far the griafer 'litn e#kon the De:rzocrats' side. ugh. the campaigns are WO t soccer moms and Nascar dads afi{i't/,:e/Giith.olic vote and theptay'erfal vote;itHe -~tw 'gro~:of Bush haters -:-' a ~r:etiqie <:oalitio,:,i ojz't}:Jj! 'f!)illful · · - could emerge as liti importit_ntfai:tor in the November balloting." · ; "1bese voters could swing the election by what they ~o an~ by what they don't do. If they remain an important presence in the streets - appearing as protesters at the president's rallies; conducting marches down city streets with flag-draped Continued-see editor page 10 Page 5 October 1, 2004 A call for better behavior ... improved responsibility ... a level of understanding and commitment to what is right. We are in a struggle like none we have seen before and the drastic behaviors we are seeing only accent the overwhelming lack of trust and understanding within us. My neighbor and I jokingly joust with one another over the upcoming election for a new president, both of us seeing the possibilities of a new future in different ideologies. But we are able to tease, joust and kid each other about our differences. We both have our candidates yard signs in place ... mine quite simply is one sign for Kerry. Hers started with two signs for Bush and an American flag. How sad and what a commentary on the state of things when I suddenly noticed she now has eight Bush signs hi her yard. Not unusual for a hard core activ-.ist attitude but what caused this sudden rage that resulted in no more kidding, no more teasing, no more friendly jousting 'with each other. She and her family woke the other morning to find that the original signs had been burned as well the American flag flying with them. When she told me what had happened, I was stunned. This behavior is not acceptable and should not have happened but who set the stage. We had one convention where ideals were presented and everyone cheered. . On the other side of the coin we had one convention where ideals were presented and on almost every occasion everyone booed. Yes they set the example but it is our responsibility to choose the example we will follow. Politics and religion are topics that most families and friends do not discuss because of the total blaze they can ignite. There has been an on-going campaign challenging both sides of the political machine of this country ... remember we are not a democracy but a republic. We choose who we want to represent us and trust them to act in our best interest. We have an opportunity to voice our opinions, wave our banners and vote. That is the way to behave, not burning signs and flags which others have an equal right to use as their freedom of speech. Equally we have an ongoing debate in our local paper which will always take an opportunity to create hostility if given half a chance. Opposing points of view can clearly be voiced without challenging the integrity of the other party. Are Christians really attacking other Christians? Christian means being "Christ like" and my only question for all of you in our community as well as the straight community doing this is: What part of being "Christ like" did you miss out on? I will not attack anyone's belief structure or challenge whether they are or are not Christians. I only ask that you think about the debate and what does it resolve. W'hat happens to our witness when non-Christians read our rhetoric and perceive it has hatred. We need to look deeply at where we are, look at what separates the issues and challenge the civcil issues where they need to be and that's is not in our churches. Too many wars have been fought with both sides claiming God on their side mixing the humanistic fallacies with our relationship with our Lord. continued page-26 \ Volume l .lssue.10 EvangelistJinuny Swaggart Threatens To Kill Gays National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Responds Statement by Matt Foreman,NGLTF Executive Director: "The leaders of major organizations heading the campaign to deny same sex couples equal marriage rights frequently say that they do not hate gay people and that they respect us as human beings. Just last night in a national simulcast to oppose same sex marriage, for example, Focus on the Family President Dr. James Dobson said, "I'm not here to cast aspersions on homosexuals P/.. 2_ they need our acceptance and respect ... We are not hateful people." The Task Force calls upon the leaders of last night's simulcast - Dr. James Dobson (Focus on the Family), Tony Perkins (Family Research Council), Ted Haggard (National Association of Evangelicals), Richard Land (Director of the Religious Liberties and Ethics Division of the Southern Baptist Convention) -: to immediately denounce anti7gay ~olence and specifically repudiate evangelist Jimmy Swaggert's statement, "I've never seen a man in my life I wanted to marry. And I'm gonna be blunt and plain: if one ever looks at me like that, I'm gonna kill him and tell God he died." All lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and all people of good will be listening." Read more on Sw;tggart's statement here: www.365gay.com/ newscon04 /09 / 092004swaggarthtm Page7 Photo by: Ray Williams October 1, 2004 OUT ON VAl.ATION "Traveling in the gay friendly world" by Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com Oklahoma City, Oklahoma In our travels to both the East coast and the West coast everyone always asks the same question to us. Where to party in the Midwest? We always tell them one of the best places to party in the Midwest is Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City???? Yep, Oklahoma City is the major gay capital of the Midwest. Hard to believe? Well perhaps, however unless you have been there you certainly will not believe that in the Bible belt of Oklahoma is this fabulous gay mecca. We have been going to Oklahoma City to party for over 20 years. The HABANA INN resort there has been a gay resort for over 20 years. It is the Midwest's largest all gay resort. It is a two story complex with over 175 rooms, most of which face one of the two swimming pools. The rooms are spacious and extremely inexpensive. Their rates begin at just $37 .95 per room. It is a totally gay resort. Lush tropical plants and trees surround the pool areas. Gays from all over the midwest have been going there for years. And it is busy 7 days a week, not just on weekends. Lounge around the pool area and you are sure to meet that "someone special". Within the resort complex they have a wonderful restaurant "Gushers" which has a great ambiance and serves delicious food. Prices are inexpensive. We were just there last month and had fresh fried shrimp for only $10.95 and a Rib Eye for only $14.95. And all entrees comes with potato, salad and bread. The restaurant overlooks one of the pool areas so you can enjoy the boys frolicking in the pool as you are dining. They also offer sandwiches, soups, salads, pastas and appetizers. And a breakfast menu is available on weekends. · · There are three bars in the Habana Inn complex which are completely different. COPA's is a dance, disco and drag bar. Weekly they have strip shows, drag shows and comedy shows. FINISH LINE is a country/western bar with plenty of country dancing. This is the place to see the real cowboys in action. THE LEDO is a quiet piano bar. All of the bartenders are super friendly and they all know how to make out oftowners feel right at home. The owner of the bars and resturant is to be commended for his outstanding job of always having "theme" nights and specials. The nights we were there, Long neck bottle beer was two for one. When so many bar owners just sit back and. wait for customers to come in, this owner attracts customers by having specials, etc. Why can't all bar owners do things like this. Also in the resort is JUNGLE RED, an adult gift shop with magazines, videos, cards, gifts, leather, pride items plus a lot of decorative items for the home ... continued page - 26 Volume l Issue 10 Oetober 1, 2004 ~ The Oz,rrks Sta; Page 9 Oetobec I, 2004 ---A-d-ve-rt1-·sm-e-nt--------------------.~---,======================~- I ! Pine, Tulsa, 836-8700 Isa.com Wrangler's Corn in ..... Octobe Bi Volume I Issue I 0 Page 10 October 1, 2004 Arkansas Marriage Amendment Will be on the November 2, 2004 ballot This citizen-initiated measure to amend the constitution needed 80,570 signatures by July 2, 2004 to be placed on the 2004 ballot. Approximately 200,693 signatures were turned in on July 1, 2004. The Secretary of State certified the signatures on July 23, 2004. The measure would amend the state constitution to r~ad, "Marriage consists only of the union of one man and one woman. Legal status for unmarried persons which is identical or substantially similar to marital status shall not be valid or recognized in Arkansas, except that the legislature may recognize a common law marriage from another state between a man and a woman. The legislature has the power to determine Advertisement editor from page-4 coffins meant to symbolize needless war casualties - they could play directly into Republican hands. They would allow the president to portray his opponents as unpatriotic elitists unwilling to support American men and women in uniform in war zones." LGBT Political Power is strong and can be a major force in the struggle for equality. First we must work hard to elect those candidates who are our allies. The Log Cabin Republicans' decision to withhold its endorsement from President Bush, the chief advocate of the discriminatory Federal Marriage Amendment, is a bold and welcome decision. This is an unprecedented statement against discrimination, an example of LGBT Political Power in action. VOTE November 2, 2004 for our Allies! the capacity of persons to marry, subject to this amendment, and the legal rights, obligations, privileges, and immunities of marriage." cactus Canyon Campground And Resort This measure will be on the November 2, 2004 ballot. The issue of same sex marriage will be on the ballot in ten and possibly eleven states on November 2. In addition to Kentucky and Oregon, the states include Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah and the key battleground states of Michigan and Ohio. Many believe the issue is being used to energize the far right and evangelical vote to help conservative and Republican candidates, including President Bush. For Men In The Ozarks ihe L.argu,t Men', C.ampground in the U'i'>i>- Full RV Hookup's, Tent Sites, Cabins, Lodge Rooms, Hot Tub/ sauna, Pool, Cafe, Theme Weekends, Convenience Store, Clothing Optional. Call 417-683-9199 or visit our website www.cactuscanyoncampground.com The Ozarks Star Page 11 Q\(\ahoma' s C.o"'bo1 C.roone.r Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald by st.a.If writer Greg Steele: On April 16, 1979 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Matthew was born to Reverends Jerrell and Sherry Heath. Matthew ;,vas raised in various small towns across Oklahoma, moving often due to his parents role in the United Methodist Church. He dreamed of a vocalist career all the way, learning to sing along side his parents at church functions and small events wherever they were living. Matthew considers himself a performer not a karaoke singer. A popular attraction in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa clubs, Matthew travels the co~ntry performing. He recently performed with Brian Black (brother of country legend Clint Black) in his opening act for the Cow Town Rodeo in Ft. Worth, Texas. He is a regular at Club Rox and Boom Boom Room in Oklahoma City. In Tulsa you can catch Matthew's show at Club Maverick, PlayMore Club and Renegades. It was in 1999 a turning point occurred for Matthew. He met what would become not only his manager and best friend, but the man he knew he'd spend the rest of his life October 1, 2004 with,Jason. After a few brief dates, and a long distance relationship, Matthew proposed to Jason in February of 2000. It was later in the vear 2000, he was asked to record backgro~nd vocals for a Oklahoma area cabaret artist, Tabitha Taylor, which consisted of mainly lounge music. The work he did on the album brought him more recognition and he was asked to perform in dubs around Oklahoma. In March of 2002 Matthew independently recorded his debut album in Branson, Missouri. In April the album "l\1Y LOVE" was released. Available at any Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald performance, various small shops in Oklahoma City & Tulsa, and on the internet, "My Love" has proved to sell very well and has boosted his listening audience. In May 2002 Houston, Texas radio station KPFT FM played the title cut of the album on air, and reported to have very good response. Matthew's second album, a live recording in Tulsa, Oklahoma Oune 2003) was released in October of 2003. Matthew's Live album was greeted with much responce and opened the door for many more bookings at clubs and rodeos around the country. Matthew quickly became a favorite at clubs in Oklahoma like The PlayMor in Tulsa and The Copa in Oklahoma City and on the evening of March 5th 2004, Matthew's "Neon Rainbow" was released at his. performance with Brian Black. "Neon Rainbow" has quickly become Matthew's best selling album to date. Matthew is just another example of the undiscovered talent in the 4 states region. The Ozarks Star is proud to feature this talented young man from Oklahoma, working hard to make his community proud. He resides with his partner Jason in Krebs, Oklahoma. For booking information and more on Matthew's show schedule, visit his website at www.heathfitzgerald.com Volume l Issue 10 Page 12 October 1, 2004 Kerry-Edwards Ticket - The ost ay S portive in American History VOTE FOR YOUR LIFE NOVEMBER 2, 2004 The Ozarks Star Page 13 October 1, 2004 Volume 1 Issue l 0 Page 14 October 1, 2004 This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp.-Home-Auto-Fann-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax: (636) 938-3539 Riderless Horse HonorsMGRA Director. Kansas City Sept 5, 2004 by Star writer Greg Steele The crowded Wyandotte County Fairgrounds Stadium went silent as the lone horse entered the arena. A wreath of red roses draped the ,._ __________________ __, shining saddle. The inverted boots in the stirrups showed that the rider had passed from this horse. The horse was in it's Sunday Best, feet polished and adorned with a red ribbon. The red ribbon representing honor for all who are no longer with us. As the audience stood, you could see tears streaming down faces. i\11 were aware of who the ceremony was hon,oring. Bobbie St.Jeor, the Show Me State Rodeo director of 11 years had tragically been taken in a traffic accident on July 2, 2004. Bobbie had served as Director for 11 of 12 rodeos MGRA had produced. At 67, Bobbie's tireless energy had lead the MGRA to what was one of their best rodeo's ever. When it came to MGRA, Bobbie expected the membership to abide by the bylaws and do their job. In her honor MGR.A selected Bobbie's longtime partner, Judy Holt as the 2004 Grand Marshal. Bobbie St.Jeor, Director The Ozarks Star Page- 15 October 1, 2004 Volume 1 Issue 10 Page- 16 October 1, 2004 MG - Show-Me-State Rodeo e. Dust ~e.tt\e.s.ee'' Photography by Chaz September 5, 2004 by Star writer Greg Steele } Kansas City ... Since October of 1976, the first Gay Rodeo in Reno, Nevada, 24 Gay Rodeo Associations have sprung up across the United States and Canada and comprise the International Gay Rodeo Association, IGRA. Gay Rodeo's are held through out the year with a National Final's to buckle and crown the season. Men and Women from across the US and Canada compete for points to have the honor of an invitation to the National Finals. Out of hundreds who compete, only the top 20 point winner's from each competition category will be invited. It's a rough ridden, steer bustin, serious event each year for these dedicated gay men and women who compete in rodeo competition. ,.__ ____________ ___, But "After '.fhe Dust Settles •... Legends Are Born & Champions Are Crowned" The Gay Rodeo has become an important part of our community. Those who organize and stage the events year after year work night and day to bring you the best show possible and the Missouri Gay Rodeo Association MGRA, showed there stuff in Kansas City this year with a grand rodeo, a hell of a good time and great entertainment. Steve Hammond Wild Oats Records recording artist. The Ozarks Star Page- 17 The 2004 season ends in Omaha with the Heartland Gay Rodeo Association, HGRA and the IGRA National Final's October 14-17, 2004 in Omaha Nebraska. This will be the grand finally to a big year for IGRA. Fan's from across the US, Canada and far away places will converge on Omaha. It's the big event of the year for contestants and rodeo October 1, 2004 follower's. The Rodeo Groupies come incampers, motor homes, limo's, buses and some just ride their broncos. They come to party hard , enjoy the entertainment and the thrill of the action. If you have never been to a IGRA rodeo, you've missed a good dose of our western heritage. So, saddle up guys and gals, get on out to see some real cowboys & cowgiris. Volume 1 Issue I 0 Ken Pool, Mr. Colorado Gay Rodeo Association, CGRA 2004 October 1, 2004 Top Left to Right Jack Truman-candidate Mr. '1GRA 2005,Judy Holt Grand Marshal 2004 Miss Mae- Miss MGRA 2004 & candidate for Tvliss IGRA 2005, Mandy Barbarell - Miss IGRA 2004 & Miss MGRA- 2003. Volume 1 Issue 10 Page 20 October 1, 2004 Town dbi by Randy Vineyard Introducing "T-T own Tidbits" by Star writer Randy Vineyard. Randy lives in Tulsa and will be covering the Star Scene in and around the T-Town area. Randy has lived in Tulsa since the age of two and wouldn't consider living anywhere else and loves Tulsa's GLBT community. Community Support & Loyalty! On Halloween I v.,-ill celebrate 29 years of entertaining. Along with me are, Anita Richards - 25 yrs, Courtney Farrell - 20 yrs, and Mr Robbie Walker 19 yrs. On my own wonderful journey I have made a life time of friends and have lost many to AIDS as have all of us. I have been very honored to hold 11 titles, two of which were the Oklahoma America and Oklahoma USo£A titles. I was also fortunate to represent you at 5 national competitions. During my career it has been a blessing to have performed over 3600 shows, 1000 of which were benefits. The last 8 years have not been easy, but there must be a reason from ONE greater than my myself. My heart revolves around tl1is community and it's fabulous people. You have in all reality, kept me alive. Entertaining you has given me life and a reason to keep going, you have smiled, laughed, and cried with me, and along the way enjoyed life. I thank you with all my heart and soul for sharing all these wonderful years of life with me. With the entertainment and benefit fall season upon us and the time we all get into that giving spirit. I want to address a problem I see here in our community. There are nearly 70,000 GLBT people in our area. If we all stood together and gave $10.00 a month we could raise $700,000.00 a year for our friends in need. We have hundreds of people within the Tulsa area who have problems paying for food, and medications due mainly to HIV/ AIDS related illnesses. HOPE, Tulsa Cares, St Jerome, RAIN, Our House Too, all have facilities and outreach programs to help. They are in constant need of volunteers and financial support. Many people rely on these places for survival.· · At the moment every GAY owned dub in Tulsa is doing something to help our community and keep it strong. We as a GLBT voice and strength need to stick together and support OUR businesses and those non-gay owned business who support us. We have 7 clubs in Tulsa that have been GAY for between 5 to 41 years. The names and o:-;vners have changed many times, but they are still GAY, and proud of it! .... continued n,-25 t l The Ozarks Star Page 21 HRC Endorses Nancy Farmer Missouri Democrat Running for US Senate in Missouri, from Human Rights Commission. A dedicated ally: Farmer became the first woman Missouri state treasurer in 2000, after having served eight years as a state representative. Prior to holding elective office, Farmer was executive director of a neighborhood housing and neighborhood nonprofit organization. Farmer supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and ilie Earlv Treatment for HIV Act. She firmly opp~ses efforts to write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution, such as the Federal Marriage Amendment. A word on her opponent: Christopher "Kit" Bond (R) has held this seat since 1987. He scored a 17% rating on the last HRC Congressional Scorecard. He opposes both the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Hate Crimes Prevention Act and has voted against both bills in ilie past. He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment, an attempt to write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution. The race: As a longtime incumbent, Bond has the upper hand in the race, but polls show that Farmer is closing the gap between them. Farmer has mounted a serious challenge and needs as much support as she can get in order to pull out a vict~rv. Visit: www.hrc.org/candidates October 1, 2004 Democratic hopefol!Jim Newberry on GAY MARRIAGE: "Business partnerships between partners who happen to be gay have always been legally recognized. Legal recognition of civil unions would be essentially the same thing. Marriage, on the other hand, is a religious, or moral concept for many of us. Its meaning therefore should be determined locally, rather than nationally." www.newberryforcongress.com MARY KA~ the kla st s? Thao kx:k to t,/ay Kay. You'I lin~ the- l0il!!Bt .on-trend color! co::tdltdad for you with eos,.-to~ tip&. Ask M& how 'fOU oon 113t the hott9$t loob of lfKi ·~·• . . .... J I ~ --- Cll1CJ (:I~ ~ in ~,-e. Joan Szymanski lnde~enl Bi!iotlty u.'!~I 417-673-1181 .-.n,.muylr:ay.com/llZ}'!D8Dlld1 Volume 1 Issue 10 Phone<: (4'17} 623-.. -007 Fax; (--4 .. 7) 623-"1'1159 en.a•~ c,nuiO!S!S40oopymax.QOm Advertisment Prints and Copies Binding Lamina.Ong Faxing Busin-a C&rd& The Ozarks Star Creator: Paula Martinac has been writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the cochair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called "In Our Own \Vrite." Page 23 October 1, 2004 Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac October, 2004 Elect To Get Involved In response to the presidential-election debacle of 2000, in which both parties reported voting irregularities in a number of key states, a group of concerned Americans created a national, nonpartisan voting-rights project called Election Protection 2004. The general election is fast approaching, but there's still time for gay people to join in this volunteer effort to safeguard the foundation of our democracy - the right to vote for our representatives in government. I don't need to preach to lesbian and gay readers about the importance of voting - we go to the polls in much higher percentages than the American people as a whole. We understand all too well that whoever sits in the Oval Office contributes heavily to setting the climate for gay people in this country. And we know that by giving an enthusiastic stamp of approval to the Federal Marriage Amendment, our current president has officially sanctioned intolerance of lesbians and gay men. But we may need to be reminded that, for many Americans, voting is an endangered right. And we need to challenge the idea that discussing voting problems openly and trying to do something about them is just "sour grapes" over the 2000 election or an unwillingness to "get over" its results (which two of my colleagues in the gay media once accused me of). If you have any doubts about how vital it is to question the accuracy and fairness of our voting system, just rent the documentary _Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Election_, which outlines in a succinct 50 minutes the mistakes and abuses that led to widespread voter disenfranchisement in Florida four years ago. The likelihood that the 2004 election will be a close one increases the risk of civil-rights violations, especially in the swing states; indeed, there have already been warning signs of polling-place abuse. During the primary in Florida last month, for example, poll watchers reported that many AfricanAmerican voters were being turned away for not having identification, and without being informed that they could, by state law, simply sign an affidavit attesting to their identity and then proceed to vote. And that was just the primary - imagine how high the stakes will be for the actual presidential election. ~ Also, Florida has once again undertaken a purge of convicted ex-felons from its voter rolls, as it did in 2000, when it disenfranchised thousands of voters who had no criminal records at all. It's no accident that this multimillion-dollar effort, in a state headed by the president's brother, has targeted mostly African Americans, who tend to vote Democratic. Understandably, anxiety is running high among voring-rights activists, who worry in particular about voting equipment. In Ohio, one of the top battlegrouad states, ......... continued page -25 Volume 1 Issue I 0 Page 24 October l, 2004 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente October 2004 Keaton Surrenders to Annie Hall is off to see the wizards not of Oz, but of CBS. Oscar winner Diane Keaton has signed on to star in and executive produce a TV mm1e for the network based on Meg Wolitzer's 2000 novel, _Surrender, Dorothv . The story has nothing to do with tornados:witches, or glittering fantasy worlds, but with a vibrant 30-year-old Manhattanite named Sara and her gay male best who rent a summer place with friends. When Sara dies suddenly in an auto accident, the aftermath engulfs her circle of peers as well as her eccentric grieving mother, played by Keaton. Coming off the box-office success of _Something's Gotta Give_, the busy Keaton has three other projects currently in development: Jim Sheridan's _Da Vinci's Mother_, a crime caper called _Mad Monev_, and one untitled feature. Surrender is dt,{e to air in CBS's 2004-2005~eason. - A Dickens of a Series The new BBC _Doctor Who series undertaken by _Queer as Folk_ creator Russell T. Davies now has at least one other openly gay creative person involved: British actor Simon Callow. Callow, last seen in HBO's _Angds in America_ and perhaps most fondly remembered as the jolly heartattack victim in _Four Weddings and a Funeral_, will play Charles Dickens in the hugely popular, newly revamped time-travel series. This won't be the first time Callow has played the creator of _A Christmas Carol_ on screen - he took on the role in a 2001 TV adaptation of _Hans Christian Andersen: My Life as a Fairy Tale_. He'll be joining cast members Christopher Eccleston (_28 Days Later_) and pop singer Billie Piper for the series, which ,viii no doubt end up reaching these shores via BBC America. Stay tuned. _Transit_ Tackles AIDS During the last decade, while most media outlets retreated from their coverage of the global AIDS crisis, MTV remained boldly committed to sometimes controversial programming that addresses issues related to HIV and young people. Now, as part of their "Staying Alive" campaign, the music channel has teamed up with the Swedish International Development Corporation to produce a TV movie titled _Transit_. The fictional film ,·viii highlight the little-discussed nonfiction topic of Europe's illegal sex trade, a business that reaches well into the United States. It will include safer-sex and HIV prevention information and will be aimed at the network's youthful demographic. Still in its early stages and not yet cast, the film already has an air date of December 1, 2005 World AIDS Day. Soprano and X-Man Sign on the_Dot _Dot_, the latest feature from lesbian director Jamie Babbit (_But I'm a Cheerleader_), finally has a full cast and a now lead. Up-and-comer Camilla Belle (_The Patriot_, _Practical Magic_) has replaced Thora Birch, and some well-known names have joined in to tell the story of a popular middle-class girl whose family life is upended when a supposedly deaf orphan teenager moves in. Edie Falco of _Sopranos_ fame, Elisha Cuthbert (_The Girl Next Door_), Shawn Ashmore of _X-Men_, and _Saved!_ alum Martin Donovan will be one big dysfunctional family when the indie feature begins shooting next month in Austin, Texas. Expect a flurry of film-festival screenings before it hits art-house screens, probably late next year. _Romeo Sao Vicente never upended any middleclas$ girl's lives - he just W"Cnt shopping with them. The Ozarks Star Page 25 Lesbian Notions from page-23 punch-card ballots - made notorious in 2000 for their high margin of error will be used in 69 of 88 counties. One law professor told the _Cincinnati Enquirer_ that a close election in his state could spell an "election night meltdown." Around the country, touchscreen voting, which is being implemented in many areas for the first time and which leaves no paper trail, is also cause for trepidation. Touted by many congressional Republicans as the answer to all our voting problems, electronic ballots completely and conveniently - eliminate all possibility of recounts and put our most cherished right at the mercy of the corporations that manufacture the equipment and software. All of this suggests that Nov. 2, 2004, might be a pretty dark day for democracy. But the good news is that there are concrete things we can do now to try to aid the democratic process. Pirst, to ensure that your own vote counts, familiarize yourself in advance with your state's voting procedures and your own rights, which can be found on the website of your Secretary of State or your county's Bureau of Elections. Then expand your effort a little by committing to "Take a Friend to Vote," a project of the League of Women Voters, in which citizens pledge to bring a neighbor, friend, or relative to the polls. (For instructions, visit www.lwv.org.) But to make an even greater contribution, consider volunteering for Election Protection (www.electionprotection2004.org), which aims to train and deploy 25,000 citizens as poll watchers in battleground states. TracFone is providing phones and air time for poll workers to report abuses or to consult with civil-rights attorneys if problems arise. While lawyers and law students are particularly needed for this project, all concerned citizens are welcome to volunteer for tasks like handing out votingrights flyers in the days preceding the election. If you live in Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, or another swing state, or are able to travel to one of them for Election Day, the time you donate could have a big impact on the accuracy of the election - and on the future well-being of our democracy. October 1, 2004 T-Town tidbits from pg-20 The PlayMor - Syrs, Yellowbrick -9 yrs, The Star 12yrs, TNT's 19yrs, Renegades - 20yrs, ToolBox 22 years, and the Bamboo - 41 yrs. \Then you go out to play and party please keep all in mind, the GAY bars are very involved in giving back to the community, to make all our lives a little easier. I have also noticed a growing number of people who frown and look down on 'SHOWS' . If it were not for the entertainers: Live vocalists, Male Impersonators, Drag Queens and even the male dancers, then who would you call upon to raise money for all the different organizations that need help? There are only a handful of entertainers who will give their time, money, sweat and tears to raise funds. So when you walk into a 'SHOW' especially if it's a fund-raiser, find out what it is for before you bitch!- It may just be for someone you know! Currently we have several clubs that do things on a regular basis to help keep our local charities alive, tl1ey are: Bamboo - weekly Sunday lunches 2-6pm, with donations benefiting a different charity each month. Mavericks - since opening early this year, they have been hosts to a variety of events, including Paul Wiekel's - Children with AIDS / scholarship fund, and being the home of T.U.L.S.A. and the Driller Bears, both organizations giving to local and state organizations. The Playmor - Helga's Heart to Heart benefiting Our House Too, and May All be Fed benefiting the St. Jerome, food pantry. Renegades - Red Ribbon Revue hosted by Tabitha Taylor, giving to local charities each month. The STAR - with fund-raisers for different places throughout the year, and for 12 years being a community leader in giving to all the local GLBT charities. The GAY clubs really are working for YOU and don't forget the annual Kris Kohl Christmas Stocking Stuffer event, is coming up to help people, families, and children living with AIDS along with many other benefits shows and talented entertainers who are working hard to make someone's life a little better .. The Tulsa State Fair is in town, go h:ive a great time and finish the day at your favorite GAY club!! Till next time: PLAY HARD BUT PLAY SAFE!l! Volume 1 Issue 10 Page 26 October 1, 2004 Gay Travelers from page 7 Within a block of the Habana Inn resort you will find about 6 more gay bars catering to different tastes. A major grocery store is just one block away as are several other restaurants. A cab ride from the airport costs less than $10.00. The HABANA INN resort is located one block west of the intersection of Penn and Interstate I-44 and is extremely easy to find. Plus, there are a lot of sights to see in Oklahoma City. The Cowboy Hall of Fame has artifacts from the early cowboy days thru the television shows with lots of oil paintings, watercolors and bronzes. The Oklahoma City Memorial where the bombing took place a few years ago is a MUST to see. Art galleries and museums are plentiful. About 80 miles to the west is the Route 66 Higway Museum which is extremely interesting. You will never forget your wonderful experiences in Oklahoma City. Everyone is so friendly. Oklahoma City is indeed OK For more information contact Donald and Ray at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their web page at: www.hometown.aol.com/ gaytravelers. Steve Urie from page-5 They claim we have a "Gay Agenda" and use the term to excite hatred ... we need to look at that and have a tremendous laugh not at them but ourselves that ,ve would take that seriously. A "Gay Agenda" like we could get together and decide on what color to paint the walls, what drapes to buy or even where are we going to eat out tonight. Our civil rights are important and dear to me as to you but let's separate the issues. Don't get pulled into challenging their status with the Lord. Democrat. .. Republican ... Christian ... Non-Christian person of faith ... or just a person. Let's show our community we know the difference in basic right anQ wrong. For me, I now have a Bush and a Kerry sign in the yard and once again my neighbor laughs with me. Someone else may question my relationship with God but my Lord knows my name and that's what counts. Until next month ........ G?7wve FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711, Joplin, Mo 64803 Jn conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. The Ozarks Star Page 27 Joplin's MCC Church Celebrates 7th Anniversary. Will Host Concerts by Greg Steele joplin,MO MCC Joplin located at 2902 E. 20th Street will celebrate their seventh anniversary on October 15th with a dinner, music and dancing at the Butcher Block. Steve T. Urie, Pastor has lead the church from a meager beginning to a thriving active force in the LGBT community of Joplin. The Ozarks Star congratulates Pastor Steve Urie and applauds his contributions, his tireless efforts in giving to the gay and lesbian people of this area and in his example of good citizenry. With his partner of 5 years Heath Ross, they have together given the Joplin area a sanctuary where all are welcome. With Steve's efforts, Joplin has become a major stop for Christian performers on tour. Spiritual recording artists abound and many have discovered Joplin's LGBT community. Concert tour's travel the U.S. bringing their eclectic styles of music to the gay /lesbian and straight audiences. Spirit of Christ MCC of Joplin has hosted many entertaining artists over their seven years of serving Joplin's LGBT community and will be hosting the dynamic Marsha Steven on October 2, at 6pm. This will be Marsha's sixth appearance in Joplin. On November 6th Paula Jo David brings her exciting performance to the stage at 6pm. In the past year MCC and River of Life Church in Pittsburg, KS have booked other notables such as October 1, 2004 Shawn Thomas, Terry Lee Ousley and Sam Sampson. Charlie Smith a frequent performer in Joplin and Branson can be heard on most Sunday's at MCC.The concerts are free to the public and appreciation offering are accepted. If you would like to congratulate Steve or give an offering to the church the mailing address is: PO Box 4711 Joplin, MO 64804. Phone 417-206-6179 Web: www.mccjoplin.com Martha's Vine~ard 219 W. Olive, Springfield, MO 417-864-4572 Southwest 11issouri's Hottest Entertainment Complex. Now Celebrating 10 Years of Quality Entertainment www .marthascomplex.com Volume 1 Issue 10 Page 28 October 1, 2004 Scopes by Jack Fertig October 2004 ""Talk filth, Cancer!" Jupiter, the planet of opportunities, is guincunx gueer, erratic Uranus, offering brilliant chances if you're willing to make adjustments through weird surprises. The bigger the risk you take, the better it should ,vork out for you. ARIES (1farch 21 to April 20): Opportunities at work can bring you into new political conflicts and force you to re-evaluate long-term goals. Keep an open mind on both fronts. The change of plans will do you good. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): Creative collaboration opens up tremendous professional opportunities but you have to make some adjustments, perhaps some sacrifices, if this dream is to come true. Be determined in your dream, not obstinate in your rut. GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Make connections with the old country. Your etlinic heritage yields amazing insights. Reviewing childhood religious guestions and discussing old spiritual conflicts 'With your parents will also prove liberating - in the long run, if not immediately. CANCER 0une 22 to July 22): There's a time and a place for everything, so make the time and space to talk pure filth and say the most shocking and horrible things however morbid or politically incorrect - that are on your mind. The purge will prove empowering. LEO 0uly 23 to August 22): OK, control gueen! Let go of the purse strings just a little, and trust your partner in financial dealings. You're not going to be happy with the process, but the outcome should be satisfying. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): Confusion and surprises at work are sure to work in your favor, as long as you're not afraid to stand up for yourself. Be dear about what you want and willing to give ground on small things to get ahead. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): You're on an artistic jag that knows no limits. Whatever you do now ,;vil! need revision later, but don't hold back! Your craziest dreams and intuitions will inspire great things. Go out on a limb, and, if it breaks, spread your wings and fly! SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): Old ghosts and demons from your childhood can be tamed and put to productive use in attaining your long-term goals. The more you're willing to shake up your past, the more you can use it to help build your future. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Your motor-mouth turns to surprising adv.intage, as knowledge you weren't aware you had helps propel your career. Exercise your "right brain;' delving into the artistic or mystical to help the process along. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): Opportunities to travel or continue your education will have hidden expenses, but the surprising benefits could be well worth it. Consider all offers carefully. Any such adventure can change your entire world! AQUARIUS Oanuary 20 to February 18): You're suddenly too sexy for anyone's good! Offers and innovations you'd normally never consider... well, "normally" is just out the window. Your enthusiasm for novelty could go overboard. Remember, there's a time and a place for everything! PISCES (February 19 to March 19): Take a honeymoon with the one you love or a getaway with a very trusted friend. You need time and space away from reality to get real, and you can't do it alone. Building intimacy (sexual or otherwise) is essential now. Jack Fertig has been working as a professional astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Nettvorking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864-8302, through his wehsir,4, b,,p;L m~ om Volume 1 Issue 10 Page 29 "Merci Docteur Rey" Staring Dianne Wiest and introducing Stanislas Merhar. Directed by Andrew Litvack. VlWVl.mercidocteurrey.com/ This irrepressibly French comedy stars mournful-faced Stanislas Merhar as a young man struggling with his homosexuality as well as with an overbearing opera diva mother (played to the histrionic hilt and beyond by Dianne Weist). \Vhen Thomas witnesses a murder, he goes on a search for the killer, falling into an unlikely friendship with the supremely neurotic Penelope Qane Birk.in), an actress who has dubbed so many Vanessa Redgrave films, she's come to think of herself as a literal extension of Redgrave. (Redgrave, in fact, makes an appearance in one of the movie's juiciest scenes, and inadvertently insults the poor woman by exclaiming "How could they give me such a tacky French voice?") "Magnifique! One of the most delicious surprises of the fall movie season. A prescription for hilarious, off the wall, witty mayhem." -Bill Diehl / ABC Radio Network October 1, 2004 Quotable Quotes "You have to look at what Bush does, not what he says. Talk is cheap. He expresses empathy for military families and then cuts their benefits. He names a proposal the 'Clear Skies Initiative' that pollutes the planet. He says he'll be a uniter and then drives us apart. He steals the slogan 'No Child Left Behind' and then breaks his promise to fund his reforms. Truly, I stand here flabbergasted at what is going on in today's world. Never in my life have I witnessed a president and an administration that is so out of step with the needs of the country, so threatening to our future and so abusive in its use of power." - Barbra Streisand receiving the Human Rights Campaign's Humanitarian Award, March 6. Place your classified ad here for only $6.00 for the first 15 words, and only 25 cents for each additional word ........ . 10 blocks North of Downtown Joplin, MO 4bd, 4bth, formal dinning, large kitchen. library/ office, full base~ent, zoned heat/ air., 3200 Sq. Ft., beautifully restored, quiet residential Roanoke adjacent. Priced under $150,000. $$Price Reduced$$ Call Vicki at Charles Burt Realtors 417-434c.0077 or 800-782-7822. The Ozarks Star On,-Line. Check out our website for Daily breaking GLBT news. www.ozarksstar.com Need A House Mate: Advertise here for only $6.00 first 15 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Advertising Representative's Part Time: For Kansas City, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Arkansas, Kansas and Joplin. Commission based compensation. Work in the LGBTS business community. Mail qualifications to: _Ozarks Star 2401 E. 32nd St., Suite 10-243 Joplin, MO 64804. Bed & Breakfast: Ever dreamed of owning your own B&B? Beautiful 4 bed 4 bath 3200sqft fully furnished in Joplin, MO For Sale. Call Vicki Bronson at Charles Burt Realtors 417-434-0077 Joplin MO64804 800-782-7822 417-434-0077 'Tbe Ozarks Star Page 31 October I, 2004 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Organizations- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Ron's Place- - - 523 \V. Poplar- - - - - 479-442-3052 Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - 479-571-1300 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Burnzee's- -2301 Towson Ave #C- --479-494-7300 Kinkeads- -10041/2 Garrison Ave- - - - -479-783-9988 Chm 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - - - -479-782-1845 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's-• - - 716 S. Main - - - --417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Bell Star's - - -1321 Grand Ave- - - -816-421-1288 i\fissie B's- - - -805 \Y/. 39th St- - -816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bar - - - -413 E. 3rd- - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Buddies - - - - - - - 3715 Main St - - -816-561-2600 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - - -417-864-4572 Oz Bar- 504 E. Commercial- - - - • -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - - -1109 E. Commercial- - -417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Hi-Lo Club 1221 NW 50th- - -405-843-1722 Finish Line -2200 N\V 39th E;qJwy- - 405-525-0730 Chm Rox- - -3535 NW 39th Expwy -405-947-2351 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th- -405-947-2351 BoomBoom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - -405-601-7200 Oklahoma, Tuba (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - --918-836-8700 Club Maverick-• 822 S. Sheridan - 918-835-3301 Heads & Tails- 7944 E. 21st - - - 918-660-7878 Club Majestic- 124 N. Boston -918-584-9494 New Age Renegades- -1649 S. Main - -918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- - 1737 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 Silver Star Saloon- -1565 S. Sheridan-918-834-4234 TNT's- - 2114 S. Memorial- - - -- - -918-660-0856 Tool Box- - -1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - - 918-584-1308 Yellow Brick Road- - 2630 E. 15th - - -918-293-0304 -LodgingMiuouri, Joplin (417) Faces Guesthowe B&B - - - - - - -417-621-9915 Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground· - - - - 417-779-5084 Arkansas, Eureka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - - - - -- - - - -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg ( 620) River of Life - 1709 N Walnut - - - - - - 11AM PSU-QSA .... 1701 S. Broadway ... 620-231-0938 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - · - - -6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - - - - 10:30Alvf Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucky- - 417-624-5788 Missouri, Springfield (417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 \Y/. Madison-417-866-6206 Unitarian Universalist Church - - - - - - 417-833-2723 APO- - - - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - - - - - 417-864-4459 GLO Community Ctr- 518 E. Commerical-869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - - - - - -417-889-1059 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- -POBox 1565, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 -Business Services- Missouri, Joplin (417) Body Swim Massage Therapy- - - - - - 417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-417-434 0077 RE/MAX - - - - - -Cathe Letts- 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangeline Rd- - - - -417-623-1007 The Lions Den - - - -Austin Letts - - - 417-623-87.67 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consultant- - 417-673-1181 Night Things Boutique-719 MainSt- 417-659-9913 Missouri, Springfield (417) Prii!cilla's - - • -1918 S. Glenstone - • 417-881-84-44 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 · ·4301 NW 63rd #100 - - 405- 840-2106 Hollywood Hotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 ,..,_ Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- 405-528-2221 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial- - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Talsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harvard- - -918-747-5466 Underguy.com - - -825 E. 3rd - - - -877-7-BOXERS Priscilla's - - • - - 7925 E. 41st - - . - 918-627-4884 Priscilla's - · - · 5634 W. Skelly· - - • • 918-«6-6336 Priscilla's· - - -11344 E. 11th· - • • - -918-438--4224 Priscilla's• - • • 2333 E. 71st- - - • - - -918-499-1661 Volume 1 Issue 10 32 October 1, 2004 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] The Ozark Star Magazine, October 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 10 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Ozarks Star’s first issue began in August of 2004. Before this Issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) then follows The Star (2005) and The Metro Star (2008) This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 1, 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Randy Vineyard Steve T. Urie Donald Pile Ray Williams Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Western Arkansas, Eastern Oklahoma, Southwest Missouri, Southeast Kansas Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozark Star Magazine, September 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/177 The Ozark Star Magazine, November 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/173 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/176 Arkansas Marriage Amendment Bars Deep Inside Hollywood election Jimmy Swaggart Lesbian Notions MCC church MGRA Show Me State Rodeo nightclubs Qscopes Quotable Quotes Robbie St. Jeor T-Town Tidbits The Star Scene threats travel vote https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/89f8e2022d4acda55cc39154025555b4.png ed5cb71e41abcec0d98a51ce5d172685 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/b098b8b1074d6363cb359c1e05617e59.pdf 244c6d1d51b041218b658a102efe12ad PDF Text Text ����������������� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document PROUDLY SERVING TH E LG BT COMM U N IT Y. slie Jordan Best Actor at the New York Film and Video Festival for his portrayal of "Brother Boy~ in the film Sordid Lives and several Best Supporting Actor Awards for his work as "Peanut" in Southern Baptist Sissies, from the Los Angeles Drama Critics' Circle, LA. Weekly, a Backstage West Garland, a Maddy, a Robby, and the Ovation Award OPENS ONE MAN TOUR DE.FORCE IN HOLLYWOOD · A.t ih& tl~hant A&1lum 1beater, for mort. information& vi&it "'"'"'·brolhtrboy.GOm Meet Lallie In t:1111 monthl OzarbSl:arWO:lltOn Yac:1111onir· bJ DonllldP11e anc1 RayWllla1111. Page 2 Page 3 7204 East Pine, Tulsa, OK (918) 836-8700 www .bambooloungetulsa.com 0-amboo Lounge Whtrt £vi11ont I& tlapp1 from Optn To c.lo&t The Ozarks Star Is On The Move The future looks bright for the Ozarks Star. We have contracted with a new printing company an:d will be increasing our distribution to 5000 by January 2005. This increase will not only allow us to ship more copies to our distributors, but also allows us to increase the number of distribution points. In addition qualifies us to accept advertising through a national advertising agency. This increase in revenue from national advertisers should help keep our ad rates at a very . reasonable cost to you. We are working on adding new content and are open for suggestion from our readers. You can write to us or send an email to the addresses listed on this page. More content and new advertiser's means aJarger magazine, so stay tuned and watch us grow. The Ozarlcs Star is on the move and is fast becoming THE STAR of the four states region. On October 15th I was the very honored recipient of an award,presented by Metropolitan Community Church of Joplin at their · 7th anniversary dinner, for outstanding . service to the GLBT Community and · Church Family. The plaque read, "In promoting diversity and cooperation through the development and implementation of the Ozarks Star. A MCC 2004 · Outstanding Citizen and Member". I thank Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin Pastor Steve T. Urie and members, for this recognition and extend my appreciation for their efforts in building a more united community. Have a great Thanksgiving! C.D. Ward A call for better health ... Well, rhe summer is over, fall is inviting us into winter so what's next? Several opportunities to have fun, comribute to our community and make every effort to stay well. For this edition let's visit the "staying well" issue. Seems like we have been outsourcing out both sides of our wonderful face ... Bush that is. While denying us the opportuniry to purchase more cost effective medications under the guise and arrogance chat only our FDA can protect us while on the other side we find that a full half of our flu vaccine is brought into this country from overseas. Bush supporters will claim he knows best and the rest of us will reap the benefits or lack thereof. Not many of us were around for the 1918 Flu Epidemic that vriped out whole military camps, not the children or aged but strapping recruits, young healthy men. Some of us wiil just say, "I never take the flu shot anyway, it always made me sick." And some of us Rill simply fade inro biissful ( unless of course, we're the ones who get sick ) who cares, "it's not my worry." \X,'eii the parenting in me doesn't do the "the sky's falling in panic" but :t is aiways good to use common sense and take care of onese:f. The information below is taken off the Center for Disease Controls website ( :s rw ,cdc gp ) and is reproducible. It is good basic hygiene ... that thing our mothers' taught us and we seem to have forgotten ... well it's time to refresh our minds and get with the program. Stay well this flu season and follow these guidelines: Good Health Habits o A void close cont:act. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. • St:ay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. ( Steve adds this ... if your boss is more concerned about you being out sick, how will he or she like it if half of you are out sick ... stay home and get well ) o Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. o Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. ( Steve adds ... wash, wash, wash ... it's doesn't hurt and will keep you healthy ... I still want big flashing red lights at every public bathroom exit that goes off when you don't wash your hands ) 0 Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Until next time, be blessed, be safe and be Page 6 Gaytt,ire Release: Log Cabin Republicans File Suit to Overturn Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy'' Turning Over Policy Vital to National Security Interests Say Lawyers (Washington, Dq-Lawyers on behalf of Log Cabin Republicans are filing suit this morning against the United States government seeking to overturn the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which requires the discharge of gay and lesbian service members. Log Cabin Republicans v: United States of America will be filed in the United States Federal E>istrict Court for the Central District of California. Log Cabin ig filing the suit on behalf of its· gay and lesbian members· cutrently serving in the United Stlltes Armed Forces. "Public opinion, the experience of our allies, and the national security interests of our nation all lead to the inescapable conclusion that gays and lesbians ghould be allowed to serve openly and honestly in our milituy," said Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director Patrick Guerriero. "A lawsuit should not he ne.cessary, when public opinion overwhelmingly f-avon gays and lesbians serving. openly and honestly. A lawsuit should not he necessafy when the aperience of our allie_i in·~~ war .on terror, including Great Britain, Is~el arid Auatralia, all allow gays and leshtaris to s¢ie openly and.honestly. A lawsuit iMllkl .riot be nece~,~ when outinili~ bas lost The suit asserts that the ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy imposes a ·discriminatory set of rules on gay and lesbian members of the Armed Forces in violation of .their constitutional rights of due· process, freedom of speech, and equal protection. The challenge requests a declru:ation that the policy is uncomtitutional, and a preliminary and permanent injunction enjoining the government from enforcing the policy. "\ Global law firm White & Case LLP is representing Log Cabin Republicans on a pro bono basis. The White & Case team is being led by Dan Woods and Marty Meekins from the Firm's Los .Angeles office. "Previous challenges to the policy failed mainly because Bowers v. Hardwick allowed governmental criminalization of homosexual conduct, but recent Supreme Court decisions demand an immediate reconsideration of the policy under the U.S. Constitution, which is why White & Case was so interested in being invoh-ed,'' said Woods, head. of White & Case's litigation practice in Los Angeles. Woods said those key decisions include Romer v. Evans, where in 1996 the Supreme Court held that government-sponsored discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans could not be justified. solely by animus or "morality." In 2003, the Court overruled Bowers in Lawrence v. State of Texas, and held the constitutional fundamental right to .privacy; includes .the right for gay and lesl>ian .Amcricang to enme in private, intimate relationships without State in,terference. Finally, the Supreme Court most recently limited. the Defense Departmtnt's discretion to. infringe upon Conatitutional due process rights in Hamdi v. Rumsfcld, which held. that enemy combatants, even in wartime, must be afford~d due process rights. ....................... ~ntmueefpage 25 thousands· 0£ needed m:iUtiITT ..--------persii~~ I under thla policy. However, under these circutnili:ancei, where we ate a nation at ~ fighting a global war against terrorism, we can no longer sit by and w~t fur our elected officials to find the political counge to do the right thing,'' aaid Guerriero. For Men In The OZarks "TM 4rgttf Min'., l.aa,tp,ground in ti» U~~ Full RV Hookup's, Tent Sites, Cabins, Lodge Rooms, Hot Tub/sauna, Pool, Cafe, Theme Weekends, Convenience Store, Clc:>thing Optional. Call 417-683-9199 or visit our website www .cactuscanyoncampground.com Page 7 our ON VAl.ATION "Trav4'Iiag in the gay friendly world" by Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com OUR SEPTEMBER WEST COAST TRIP We have returned from our three week -------------------1 driving trip to the West Coast and what a fun and exciting and interesting trip it was. First we drove to Santa Rosa, New Mexico (but just to sleep). The next morning we drove in to Sedona, Arizona where we stayed at the Iris Garden Inn, www.irisgardeninn.com. Brian Johnson & Richard Hoffman recently purchased it and have made a lot of improvements. They are originally from Ohio and decided to move to Arizona. Their Inn is wonderful and they are doing lots of improvements on it. They are extremely hospitable hosts. Brian's sister and brother in law, Llsa and Rick had come from Ohio and were visiting also. They were delightful. As you know a LOT of straight people can be fun and wonderful just like we can! We gave a "Sordid Lives" Movie Party the second night there and everyone hooted and hollered throughout the entire mo,"ie. Brian and Richard had special margaritas for everyone. After two days in beautiful Sedona we drove to Las Vegas where we helped our dear friend, Ole Borresen celebrate his birthday. Ole was the former chef for Liberace and owns a wonderful B & B there. Check out his website at: members.aol.com/haven00069 /. . We always have a grand time with Ole. He is such a great host. Then on to West Hollywood where we always stay with our very dear friend, Raymond Bilbool at his utterly fabulous SECRET GARDEN B & B which is located in the Hollywood Hills. Such a grand estate! He usually reserves the guest cottage for us. He gets a very eclectic clientele staying there. Staying there were Daniella Cesarei the noted photographer and her partner, Lotte Jeffs, the noted freelance writer and journalist from London. They write for DIV A· magazine, the major Lesbian newspaper in Europe. . They were charming, witty, intelligent and wonderful. We had a wonderful time with them. ( right photo: "Ray, with Lotte Jeffs, the noted fee Lmce writer with her life partmr, Daniella Cessari, the noted free lance pbotogr11phe:r from Londcnj Also staying at the Secret Garden was Rick McKay, the New York producer and director. His latest film, "BROADWAY - The Golden Years By The Legends Who Were There" has just been released. We were lucky enough to see a screening of it and it is a MUST SEE movie. It is the most important, ambitious and comprehensive film ever made about America's most celebrated indigenous art form. For anyone into Broadway this is a movie that you simply cannot miss. Through interviews it chronicles the Broadway stage for long years past. This is truly a magnificent film. Rick not only wrote, edited, produced and directed the film, he also produced the film. What an outstanding talented man he is! Theatre historians and buffs for years to come will be thankful that he produced this epic. Be sure and check out the web site: www.bro.idwaythemovie.com/ dvd.htm .. .... continued page•26 Page 8 de The local & national media Is really getting to me today! \Vhy doesn't the media put this "outraged" father on the hot seat and ask Cheney how a father can support a president, administration and party that constantly uses the "gay card" to get votes and denies his own daughter equal rights? Why doesn't he stand up and support his own daughter! They use the gay issue to frighten conservative voters all the time. The daughter is out as a lesbian. He didn't reveal anything. And it is NOT anything to be ashamed of or hide. Kerry had every right to answer the question as he did. And I'm glad he brought it up. I just wish he would have gone further and pointed out her father's hypocrisy! Deborah Eureka Springs, AR Dear Editor, We wanted to keep you updated on what was happening with the Tulsa Rough Riders, a new club in Tulsa. We had our very first Club.Night at the End Up Club this past Sarurday and it was a BLAST! There were about 70 folks showed up give-or-take a few (with MOST in leather) and members of other iocai clubs such as T.U.L.S.A., the Driller Bears, and the Tulsa Dungeon Society also dropped by to show their suppon. Even some of the male dancers got in on the act by wearing leather G-strings and harnesses. We had a table of bondage/leather items that were for auction or given away to lucky ticket hoiders, and we had a WILD lea,her Post Office Game. continued next column ....... We also wanted to thank you for all the support you and the Ozarks Star have shown us these past f~ months as we got organized. You have no idea how much it has been and is now appreciated. Jerry S. President, Tulsa Rough Riders $450 BILLION GAY & LESBIAN MARKET TARGETED BY NEW SATELLITE NETWORK GtryWire Press Release_ North America's first 24 hour adult movie network has been successfully launched by two companies, XXXVISION.TV and WORLD VIEW NETWORKS of MIAMI FLORIDA. Targeting the burgeoning $450 billion a year gay and lesbian market,the XXX rated network is now available with a 24 hour a dav, seven day a week service. Included in tbe network package are three separate channels: BACKROOM: Europe's Number 1, 100% GAY XXX channel,now available to North America. FREEXTV: movies featuring a variety of alternative adult genres. XDREAM TV: featuring straight and amateur orientated movies. Although VIACOM's MTV announced its first channel (LOGO) catering to the lifestyle, it won't be available u1;1til sometime in 2005. In the meantime XXXVISION.TV hopes to reach the estimated 12-15 million household market by early fall. The fully digital satellite system which retails for $449 US, $599 CDN includes a full two (2) year subscription and. all the necessary equipment for reception. More information is available at the website: <www.xxxvision.tv> My boy friend found out I was screwing around with another guy. He got so mad he told my Lover! Page 10 October 14, 2004 Gaywire Release: NEW YORK STATE TO RECOGNIZE CANADIAN MARRIAGES OF SAME SEX COUPLES Influx of.Same-sex Couples will provide Economic Boost Toronto-Yesterday the New York State and Local Retirement System announced it will treat Canadian marriages of same-sex couples the same as any other marriage for purposes of retirement benefits and obligations. The decision was communicated in a letter dated October 8 from the state Comptroller to Mark Daigneault, a state employee who wrote in September asking how getting married in Canada would affect retirement benefits for him, his same-sex partner and their two children. (see Daigneault's letter at www.prideagenda.org) In state Comptroller Hevesi's letter, he tells Daigneault, "Based on current law, the Retirement System will recognize a same- sex Canadian marriage in the same manner as an opposite-sex New York marriage, under the principle of comity. That principle has been legal practice pursuant to New York Court of Appeals rulings for many; years." "Everyone deserves to.have their marriages recognized, both at home and abroad," said Laurie ·Arton, of Canadians for Equal Marriage. "This is good news for the thousands of samesex couples who have married in Canada. The decision of New York State to recognize Canadian marriages of same-sex couples demonstrates the increasing acceptance of our marriages. The legal principle that jurisdictions recognize each others' validly performed marriages is well established, and there's no reason the law should applied differently to same-sex couples." "Same-sex couples who reside in New York now have a dear incentive to marry in Canada," said Cicely McWtlliam, of Caoadians·for Equal Marriage. "The economic impact of all those couples traveling to Canada and having their weddings here will be significant. Being a beacon of equality pays economic dividends." A survey released July 1 by the Centre for Research and Information on Canada and Environics found that the number of Canadians agreeing that gays and lesbians should be allowed to get married has increased. Currently, 57% agree, the highest level since CRIC first asked the question two years ago. The number disagreeing currently stands at 38%. Quotable ·Quotes "When I came out and I went through all I did, I did it undcrstlnding that it essentially. would bc[comc] this kind of cultural wave. . .. And my position was just to be steady and try to have as much elegance and grace as po.ssible, while never shying away from the gay question. I knew people would get used to the &.ct that I'm gay and there'd be no weirdness about it, and that eventually the focus would be back on the music." Singer k.d. laog to the Miami gay publication The Weekly An Oklahoma Entertainment Legend by Star writer Chaz I've known Ginger, aka Grcgoooola to some of his older friends, since we were children in 1972. We both worked at a salon in Oklahoma City called the "Beauty Bar". Our work stations were side by side with no partitions. This made for no privacy at all, which lead to constant hilariously fun times, with each of us trying to wreck the other during the sometimes long busy days. Giggles and snickers would bring on painful laughter and one of us would have to remove ourself from the area. It was by no definition, boring working next to him. I had just recently moved back to Oklahoma City from Las Vegas when we met and Greg, who had at that time never seen the flash and glitter of show biz city, wanted to go. We planned a short vacation and decided to make the trip. We didn't think his car could make it so it had to be my El Camino. Now for those of you who know what an El Camino is, you have to imagine Ginger's 5' legs in the cab with no adjustable scats. Solution, hang those long mother's out the v.-"indowl You guessed it, with shorts up to his crotch and a pair of wedge's on those size 15's. I-40 has never been the same and the truckers were going into Cardiac Attest. We did make it to Vegas without incident and the first place we had to go in glamor town was, you guessed it again, the big girls shoe shop! We had a great time, an experience that I personally cherish. Ginger Lamar's career now spans some 35 years of entcltlining the gay community. He has gained the respect of not only his LGBTS audience, but his peers as well. Ginger's show's arc not to be considered "Drag Shows" He is a talented entcttliner who is impersonating a women. A career that stllrtcd in 1969 when the Midwest culture was very different from now. An atmosphere of police harassment, gay bashing and general intolerance of the gay community. He has weathered the storm's and remains an icon in the gay entertainment arena. "At that particular time, there was a law in the state, that when you performed in drag, you had to wear three articles of men's clothing, somewhere underneath your gown. You had to do something underneath, to be legal, if not, you could be arrested. They raided places a lot more often then, at that time it was not liquor by the drink, it was bring your own bottle. Often there were police raids, and when that happened- ............................. continNed page 22 Page 12 o i e.nent! for PFLA®s/GLBTis (p~r~t1ts,. fde:nds ,& f~lj.es/.of lesbians & gays) Fall Diver•··, Weekend N:ovem~t 5.~2004 ~ureka' Springs~ Arkansas , . . .. ·ances1. . . re . best western · town · inn. of th · arks rk hotel l'RGUS 1ui;.. Ot •' (to be announced) Oanee I, E...A....C.....H... Winningteam! male/female . female/female male/male for more details .-ww. 1-versity ride.com 479.253.2555 Page 13 Office Licensed in Missouri, Arhnsas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.com This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp. -Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax: (636) 938-3539 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com Beeks In Review How the Homosexuals Saved Civilization by Cathy Crimmins: A shrewd and irreverent cultural history of the customs, fashions, and figures of gay life in the twentieth and the early twenty-first centuries-and how they have changed all of us jor the better. The "global queering" of America has been gradually .shaping the way straight people talk, think, dress, and eat. Over the past fifty years, the line between what is "straight" and what is "gay" has blurred to the point that most heterosexuals are unaware of the vast contributions gay men have made to American culture. How the Homosexuals Saved Civilization presents a broad yet incisive look at. how an unusual "immigrant" group, homosexual men, have become so influential on mainstream American culture. The general public's tastes and consumer choices in food, fashion, humor, literature, and body image are becoming decidedly more gay. And Ameri<;a has shown a real interest in TV shows with gay content and themes, such as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy; Will & Grace; and Six Feet Under. Overall, it's hip to be gay, even if you're straight. How the Homosexuals Saved Civilization tells us somethine: about ourselves as a society. It celebrates the unique perspective of gay men and e{plains how essentiai their vitality has been to our civilization. Page 15 The Ozarks Star November 2004 Page 16 The Ozarks Star 1 NIOO$ft., TAX lNCt.UtmD HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL g~ EXCLUDED WWW.HOLL YWOODitOTELOKC.COM 405-947-2351 November 2004 vp debate;, that Miry really cleat! Whil~ .rig!lt~o .A:iid it's the c1~ua. ilie teal i dy Bunny Takes n ,,· a a ,, ·A Political Commentary: · am trying to decipher the lunacy surrounding ;''Maryg:i.tc". No, I don't mean the attitudc-y :queen who works the door at many large NYC · · lubs, but rather the non-controversy uncling Kerry's reference to Dick Cheney's . off- spring, Mary. It all started with a question at the last presidential debate "Do you oclievc homosexuality is a choice?". Kind of a w~d question, since THAT was an issue a de~c or two ago. The issue at hand NOW is · · so why not ask what the bout that? Anyway Bush's simple a,nswcr was "I don't know". (Unfortunately, "I don't·know" would li.lso have to be Bush's answer to "How do you spell Iraq?". and "What ii2·+ 2?" and "Is Cheney human?') ~ut ~cr:ry mad/~ example of Cheney's lesbian , daughter Miry, 1 " • • he. felt sh.c'.s being who ·sh.c was born·. . . . ilic coiitroversy.began. Jfaving lost all 3 a~oatcs iina sc¢hig the gap in · tlic ·polls between ttie~ 2. candict#cs. cJosing, the ·i,:cpublicans began a desperate, s~ns~ess (though · inexplicably effective) . spin. to·. dis~i:t voters from Kerry's inorc solid viiiion:~fot Hie nation. <:Lynne Cheney lashed out against Kerry with ".tbi,s is not a ~od man" · blicans cried . :foul because Mary was a " , even though she works for her fatlicrts .very public · ! Kercy then issued a'b,pically mealymouthed statement to patch · · • up. At least . • some newscasters brought up. in the John Edwards after the senator mentioned the fact NOT be crca,~g.fircworks now. B,ut what discussjoii. i~ thJit.]wif by c;i~ting, ~he of the republican posittoh· 611 .. c. would dcnv his own flesh arid c of the · " ·· fos~ ag¥n; in the spin. · · · ·. · ·.· tp;~) giidtioi!,s ·"'" . . . . . :Airicricl!tl trqops t<:> their detths nc.ccllcss : t1stifie.d war?". Well, what is :woi:s~ SUGGESTING that lie sent.tl:i~ <it .a.ctuallv SENDIN<; THEM??!!! Hei:e;s an exaniple ih drag teims: RuPlilil tdl~ m~:''Bit~h! You stole my eyeliner!" aajl answer; "I can't believe yo~ .th~ sj~ta~gtirl!" to shift the gui}i.to lier for .. •ANSWERING HER ACC:US:tVI10N have my own eyeliner-arid here it is as proof', "I don't wear youi: ch:cap brand, hooker!", or "Arc you on crack again, bccyotch?", etc. continued next page 19 . Page 19 Lady Bunny from pg-18 And when it comes to gay marriage, make no mistake that the real issue is that Bush was so scared by the recent inroads towards legalizing gay unions in California, Massachusetts and New Paltz, NY , that he has proposed a constitutional amendment to ban it-a measure which even many of his fellow republicans denounced as extreme and unnecessary. And speaking of unnecessary, for a giggle, please check out an cxcctpt of Lynne Cheney's hilariously schmaltzy, soft-porn novel SISTERS from 1981 www.whitehousc.org/ administration/ sisters.asp ,vith a bi-sexual heroine. Here's a sample: "The young woman was heavily powdered, but quite attractive, a curvesome creature, rounded at bosom and cheek. When she smiled, even her teeth seemed puffed and rounded, like tiny ivory pillows." Yucch! Since when do dykes ( or anyone else, for that matter) get turned on by puffy pillow-teeth? Elizabeth Edwards said in a radio address that Kerry's mention of Miry shouldn't be causing such outrage, . unless the Chcneys were ashamed of their daughter's sexuality. This rotten book by Mary's mom suggests that perhaps they arc ashamed of it's author's homosexual tendencies too. As well as her bestiality, cuz that Dick Cheney is a toad! .OKC GLBT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION HOLDS MEETING Press Release 10/22/04 Oklahoma City, OK About 35 GLBT business-people and professionals attended Thursday's meeting to kick off a new GLBT business association for OKC, which was at least twice the number expected by organizers, according to committee member Monty Milburn. This turnout certainly implies strong interest in fonrung a grciup, which is long overdue in OKC. Evidence of at least one potential benefit of a "Gay and Lesbian chamber of commerce" was provided by the number of attendees taking advantage of the. opportunity to do some networking .. Other potential benefits mentioned by Milburn, who presented an overview of the organizing committee's suggestions for the new gro:up, included networking with the "str~t'~ business coriimwiity, promoting Ok:Widfu':t City's GLBT C:oaimub.ity, and "mentoring" new Giiy businesses. Milburn, a realtor with the Town & Country Crew - affiliated with Keller Williams Realty, presented the committee's ideas by making a very focused presentation that was obviously the result of the hard work of a motivated group of people, which included Milburn, Rob Howard, Stacey Young, Chris Finney, and Jason Campbell. Jason Campbell mentioned their experience at this year's Pride Festival, when the Town and Country Crew rented a booth in M~morial Park and ran it the. two days of the Festival, prior to the annual Pride Parade. He said that the contacts they made at that booth during thoic two days subsequently brought in $750,000 worth of business to · their real estate office - certainly one indication of the economic potential of Oklahoma City's GLBT Community. The group's next meeting will be Wednesday, November 3rd at 6:30PM at Keller Williams Realty, 2630 NW Expressway. For more information, contact Monty at monty@townandcountrycrew.com. Introducing A_!_k Uncle Mikey Advice Column! Hello Kittens. Uncle Mikey here. I have, as they say, exploded onto the scene. I must say that I had a rather unusual experience that I fee! compelled to share with you. I am sure you are sitting on rhe edge of your seats awaiting my fabulous words to enlighten and uplift you. Well, forget about it! Who do I look like? Glinda of the North? Well, Kittens, here it goes. I hope you enjoy the sheer amusement - which is mv life. I was at the doctors office. (Oh no Kittens. Don't worry. It was a routine wash and wax. At my age one must be persistent with maintenance and upkeep, you know.) Anyhow, I was exiting the office when I had a rather uplifting experience. His name is Romance - named by me of course - and he is the flavor of the week. Dish is but a mere _expression of this Adonis. Therefore, I invited him home and now cannot get him to leave. Heed my advice Kittens never feed them or they will never leave. He insists he cannot live without me. I told him that he could stay until I am no longer amused. So now it is official - my first houseboy. I have sem him to pick up my laundry and now I am all yours - so let us get to it. I hope· he remembered the bag, as I had him cake Mr. Tiddles with him. Mr. Tiddles is my love child, of sorts. He is a Persian Cat. You know that cats were revered as Gods throughout history. Well, he is mv widdle riddles and is mommvs baby. He displays a royal disposition to be sure. We have been through many a · rough relationships. He was a gift by my first husband, or was it mv third? Hmm who knows? I lost count after a while. Liz only thinks she is the div~ of marriage. I have more skeletons in my closet than Liz, Madge, and Ricky all put together. It took many men to keep me in the life of which I have grown accustomed. Anyhow, you wonder who Uncle Mikey is? Well, I am going to tell you, Kittens. I am the diva of life and love, sex and lust. Yes, I am here to spread my fairy dust onto all of you lonely Kittens out there. So write and share with me your glorious quandary and I shall give you the gift of my many years in Gaydom. So whatever is on your mind, do tell - I love a good dish. However, remember when writing, that you are addressing a queen, so do not ask that which you do not want a truthful and insightful, while fabulously delicious, response. Uncle Mikey is fair and kind (unless provoked by ignorance) to all who seek the wisdom of which oniy a queen may possess. Uncle Mikey tells it like it is and does not hold back. So get those fingers wrapped around my uh oh wait those are my houseboy instructions! Anyhow, get those fingers tapping and write to me at Unclemikey4you@Ao[com, and I will be sure to give you my utmost attention just as soon as Romance completes my entertainment for the evening. Until we meet again, may you find joys untoid and settle not - insist on cab fare Kittens! Smooches, Your humble (snickers) guide into Queerdom - Uncle Mikey Undemikey4you@Aol.com, Uncle Mikey is • chanctcr from Freelance wdter Michael Hinzman. Michael has been writing for ten year~. UtilDiog hi1 1tudic1, and life experience to help others in his community, through humor and !ouod 2dvicC':. Miducl applied his study of psychology 2nd creative writing, ;as ~:ell hi~ c:xtcntivc b2.ckground in menta.l health Direct c:.1rc lo bring a new styi~ t.od approach to hdping othen- tfich:1.d's oth«:":r works c;;.n be viewed at -· Micliac! is in proce,~ now with 2 sm21l publishing hou?-e working on his first pubHshcd fiction:,i novel, "Dragomir," Which will be out eariy 2005. l Page 21 A Benefit to be held for The Healing Quilt Project of the Ozarks Springfield, MO October 21, 2004 The Edge Club in Springfield, Missouri will hdst a benefit for The Healing Quilt Project of the Ozarks, a nonprofit organization of Springfield on November 6, 2004 at 9pm. Roxanne LaMoore and a cast of colorful favorites will be performing in memory of past performers Bette Davis, Ruby Flame and Tigress, among others. There will be a i3.00 cover charge. Proceeds from the "Threads of TimeReflections of the Past" fund-raiser event will go toward bringing a large portion of the Aids Memorial Quilt to Springfield for World Aids Month in December and to purchase much needed supplies for the Quilt Workshop. The Healing Quilt Project organization serves people with terminal illness and provides emotional support for those dealing with the loss of a loved one, through out the Ozarks by giving them a quilt for warmth and creating a memory quilt in remembrance. They also offer workshops and presentations to the community. The Quilt Project is located at, 823 W. Walnut, Springfield, MO 65806. Contributions should be directed to Founder/ Director Rick McCormack (417) 865-4358 or ( 417) 864-8,99. Website www .healingquilt.com MARY KAY t Than look lo Miry .Kew- \bll ftnd th!- lawt (l!Miend-o,lcrs OOOld!ldad furyuu.wtth emyto"... t.Lt"-flif ;lltA.,& - .t..c.. v ~ QJR git 1he hdtmt latlb wihri Mam:e ••• cr,da~bein ~ Independent BeaJty Cortdtrrt. . 41N~73·1181 .........,..,&11111/jUJDUDlldl yov, SIR, MAy 1 Ginger Latr1Ar in most clubs was a buzzer you pushed to get itl; and if there was a raid, they woulcl:push the·b~zer & blink lights. Itfetyone woul<i le~ve the dance floclr, beciitise it. was :illcgitl to danse &. .clrlrik. _So, y~>n would· go sit, & by .. the tim:'e#hey, came in, everyone would be sitiiri.g & talking. When they left ~cryonei w11.s back up & dancing again". · · When ask'ed if he plans to retire anytime soon, he replied ''Not as lopg as I can get into these spike beds and walk. I refuse to give in to flat's". Still performing in Oklahoma City at Club Rox located in the Hollywood Hotel Suites the first Saturdav of each month and the Boom Boom Room at 2807 NW 36th St every Sunday. The show at the Boom Boom will have an entire new look beginning Sunday November 7th. Called the "G" Spot the show will be featuring. live interviews, guesf appearances along with performances by Ginger and guest. 'The new show is going to be hilariously fun and very entertaining", Ginger said. Knowing Ginger, you can count on a fun ,entertaining evening at any of his shows. The Ozarks Star is proud to feature Ms Ginger Lamar, an entertainment legend in his own time. Another. example of multitalented people of the Four States region deserviJ:ig of community recognition. We also CQ~tiilaie Ginger aoci:liis life partncr'J:E. vrlio celtj:,~ted their 30th a~~ive,rssuy: on Ailgtlst 31st, 2004. To get an in-depth look into Ginger's life present 'and past, view some very glamorous plioto's and· ltcep up i:o date on his performance schedule, visit the official web sit at www.giogerlamar.com. Page 23 Creator: Paula Martinac has been writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the co-chair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgeoder Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called "In Our Own Write." Lesbian Notions by Paula Ma.rtioac November, 2004 And the Winner Is ••. As the presidential campaign enters its final stage, more and· more lawn. signs are popping up in my neighborhood, which is in a swing county in. a .. swing st:lte. So far, the KerryEdwards sigtis ·.outnumber. the Bush-Cheney ones about 7:.toit ~ not. sutp · · · this liberal coo~cssibnal district: the · election werf ar cleattut as the signs on i:ny street! The truth is, it's going to be a down-tothe- wire nail-biter; and because; of t;hat,it would be wise for· us to think beyond Nov. 2 (maybe beyond December, given likely·votiog irregularities). What.is in store .for the ~y community if <leorge W. Bush \Vins? What will happen if John Kerry beats liim? In. either outcome, there will be. a lot of work . ahead • albeit of distinct varieties - for our movement. Outcome No. 1: Four More Years ... If Bush wins, will his gay~·. continue? True, he will no longer need gay marriage as · a punching ~~· to· distract voters from the war in Iraq or the continuing weak economy. For that .o:iatter, he will no longer need the religious right, which made aotigay policies a condition of its support. The best the gay community could hope for in this scenario is that we simply fall off Bush's radar screen, entering a period of neglect much like the first years of his administration, in which we kept doggedly working _under_ the White House radar and pulled off major victories in .:..Lawrence v. Te:xas_ and ..:..Goodrich v. Department of Public Health_. Io the worst-case scenario (which I think is more likely), the antigay right would be further emboldened by a Bush win, and he would pay them back for their loyalty with more aotigay judicial appointments. Since federal judges sit for life, that could turn back the clock on out rights for a generation. And because right-wing state and local officials would also claim a mandate, the gay community would spend the oe:xt four years fending off attacks at ~ levels of government, constantly on red alert for attempts to roll back the few rights we've Il'WlAgCd to· secure. - C'Ven · ones as benign as domestic partnership. We've seen the tip of this iceberg already, and it's clear that there would have to be a huge defensive effort against it. Many more of us would have to engage actively in contacting our representatives about votes on legislation and judicial appointments, and to convince our straight. family members and friends to do the same. (You can register for gay-specific updates at www.hrc.org; for broader libc:tal updates, visit www.pfaw.org.) Many more of us would have to work for moderate or progressive candidates or run for office ourselves. Outcome No. 2: "Don't Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out• Seo. John Kerry's campaign has touted his 100 percent rating from the Human Rights Campaign and has held him fonwrd as "a powerful voice in the ongoing fight for civil rights." Although Kerry has a laudable progay tecord in the Senate on everything from the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) to gays in the military to HIV/ AIDS funding, ......... continued P-ge -25 Deep Inside ,HollyWood Magnolias_ and _First Wives Club_ screenwriter Robert Harling, will bring many of the original characters up to the present date, with oil Iring J.R. Ewing now rwining the moat powerful. energy company on the planet. Look for the aamc big cowboy hats, wicked plot tuma, and vicious backstabbing that made the original aeries 10 much fun. Romeo, meanwhile, ia hoping for the return of Charlene Tilton. . by:Romeo San Vicente November 2004 Nlxo.n. M-.ta Roosevelt One. wu, tg,g1.0t.ed to, hav.e had an a£fiur with a woman; tμe other juat recently. confirmed having a leabian relationship. That used to be the only common ground bctw:een Eleanqr Roosevelt and Cynthia Nixon. But now Nixon wil) play Franklin Roosevelt's fl.rat lady in .thc. l@O movie _\Varm Springa_. With .Kenneth •~agh u· FDR. the film will tell di:e 11toiy o.f }.looacvdt'a life before .he became prctidcnt, from hie time in the New York Stllte .. ~tc tq hi.• polio diagnoiia in 1921 atld. the y:arioua curca he ,ought afterward. Helmeci · by .veteran TV movie ditector Jo1epl1,, Sirgent, production ia acheduled to begin any minute with a probable 2005 air date. nn t,hen, Nixon faaatici can get their fix wit,h Roi>crt Altma,n'a .... Tanner. on Tanner..:. now airing on ShoW,time. ~ J.R. Lookalike South.fork Randi, h@a a ~lift in ita fu~. Aa if bigscreen temakes of cvciy 1V series ever ci:eated, from ....Dukes of Hazzard_ to _MiamfViiiC..::, weren't enough, Robert Lukctic .CJ..c;gally Blonde~ ia in negotjations to direct a feature-film version of thc,Jong-ruoning hit TV aeriea ...Dallas_. The movie, to be scripted by _Steel Schumacher Enten _ Ci.'QWded Room_ _ Andrew Uoyd Webber's P~tom of the Open.... Joel ~huniachcr'a latest film~ opens this Christmas. Meanwhile, the hardworking gay director ia already diving into his next projei:t, _The Crowded Room_, a complete abour.-face from a big romantic musical, Bueq on Daniel Keyes' book. .. The Minda of Billy Milligan_. _Room_ centers on a mentally ill min, ch~d with kidnapping and rape, who ia also discovered to have 2-4 aeparate peraonalitiea brought on by yeua of childhood sexual abu,e. The project bu been in and out of development for ycan, and at different times hu had cveiy major director from Steven Soderbci'gh to Gus Van Sant elated to helm it, and actors from BJ:lld Pitt to Scan Penh to Billy Crudup attached to atar. Now that Schumacher ia on board, the mystery of who'll run with all 24 lead, ahould be aolved aoon. _ Playing It Straight_: The Movie Once upon a time - OK. it wu just cul.let .. thia year - there wu a· doomed gay rcality aerie, called _Playing It Straight... in which gay men acted atraight to trick an unwitting bachclorette. Apparc11dy, no one but Romeo tuned in, and 10 it wu quickly cancelled, the winner forever unknown.· Now that show'• title ia · getting a aecobd chance. In production, the movie _Playing It Stralght.. hu nothing to do with the cancelled aliow except the potential for a little identity confuaion. The plot revolve• around a man who relic, on relationship advice from hi, gay identical twin. Unfortunately, too much homo advice botchea the hcteto' bliaa, and big laugha cnaue • or 10 it's hoped, unlc11 keeping that title turns out to be bad luck. Not that Romeo is aupentitioua or anything. ·, _Romeo San Vicente thinb having a gay twin would only increase the competition. He can be reached care of thia publication or at DccpinaidcHollywood@qayndicate.com._ Page 25 Don't.Ask Don't Tdlfrompg-6 ''These decisions require a reexamination of the reasoning employed in prior decisions upholding the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, and they compel a finding and declaration by the court that the policy violates the Constitution,'' added Woods. White & Case lawyers are well versed in the constitutional issues involved with the service of gays md lesbians in. the United States Armed Forces. Last year, White & Case helped draft m amici brief submitted by the Log Cabin Republicans in support of the petitioners in the Supreme Court's case of Lawrence v. State of Texas, arguing successfully that m American's right to liberty under the Due Process clause includes the right to engage iti private consensual conduct without governmental intervention. In the early 1990s, the Firm also successfully represented Keith Meinhold in the . landmark decision in Mcinhold v. U.S. Department of Defense, which challenged the military's previous prohibition of gays and lesbians in the military. ''This case is fundamentally about correcting a misguided governmental policy based on prejudice towards gay and lesbian Americans. A decade of experience with the policy demonstrates that it actually weakens our national defense/' said Meekins. "It seems especially offensive to compd members of the Armed Forces, who fight to protect our liberty, to deny them their constitutional right to freedom of speech and to engage in private, intimate relationships." Guerriero said that he is confident that this challenge will result in the end of this discriminatory policy and ultimately a stronger U.S. military because highly trained, dedicated gay and lesbian soldiers will no longer be forced out simply because they disclose their sexual orientation Lesbian Notions from pg-23 the fact is he's spent the better part of tliis campaign dodging us and our issues, granting two brief, last-minute interviews to the gay press. He has also taken every opportunity (including in those interviews) to stress that he and John Edwards oppose gay marriage and favor separate-but-equal civil unions - a position that annoys and disappoints many of us. Still, in the interest of replacing a dishonest, corrupt administration, the gay movement has (rightfully, I think) cut ~ .a lot of slack. And it's likely that Pre.sidcnt Kerry would be generous in his appointments of openly gay officials to his administration, reinstating a tone of inclusion md fairness. That would be no small achievement, given that the mood in Washington under Bush has been one of increasingly unchecked hostility toward us. A fot of us might be satisfied with a change in tone under Kerry - but, then, that would simply . be returning to where we left off at the st:ut of 2001. If Ketty is elected, one danger is .that most of us would breathe a sigh of relief and sit back, waiting for change. But, in fact, the lesbian and gay community as a whole would still have an enormous job ahead.of it - that of holding the new president to his assertion of being a civil;-:rights leader. After all, he's. made no big promises to us, as Clinton did with gays in the military, and it will be up to us to push him for change. For with a shift in tone in Washington come opportunities • if not for marriage rights, then possibly for the passage of ENDA, a bill Kerry cosponsored, or even for· an end to "don't ask, don't tell," a policy he strongly opposed. A good slogan for us under Kenys White House would be, "Don't expect too much, but don't accept too little." _PIUJA Martinac is a umbda Literary · · and canbt m«bed care of this p,1blkAtion or at usbi4nNotions@qsyndicau.com . J>age Z§ G11 Tr4wlmfrom -page 7 . . This is a DVD that you must have for your library. The producer and agent, Joe Spotts witb his life partner, Michael WU mo/staying-at the B & B We have kriown them for years. Joe is the agent for several cntcrt2incrs including J.J. BuUock, Tammy Faye Baker and Leslie )ordan (Brother Boy in Sotdid Lives). He also is the· agent for Ruby Ann Boxcar! Joe is currently producing Leslie Jordan in. his one man show in Los -Angclcis , "Lac A Dog On Linoleum" We were there opening night and it wa's _tremendous! Not sin~c WC saw Elaine Stritch. - "At_Libcrty'' have we had such a d~tfiil evening at the thca~. Leslie pours his heart out to the audience. IJ; is a biographical sketch of his life.You ~ la~ (riotously), cry, ponder and delve into your own sense of being. This is. high dnma at is beat! From di_e land of hat-wearing southern belles addictcci to high driuna and painkillers comci. the unbelievably true talcs of a boy who fell o-iit of the womb and w,idca:~ hls Mama's high hells, hopped a_ G~yhound bus for "Hollywcird," and has never looked back! Leslie is one of those rare entertainers who is not afraid to show himself to his audicnc_e. It is gut wrenching! Even thou WC saw it weeks ago WC still think about it every day. If' you loved him in the movie Sordid Lives, then you will love his new play even more. · Seeing Leslie.Jordan perform on stage was absolutely a delight. After seeing him on numerous television shows and in movies we just knew tiiAt seeing him in his new stage production worild be else .. AND IT WAS! If you _ LIVES, then vou will like this stage production just· u much. It was a biographic sketch of his entire life ~th no holds batted. From his days of~-4rugs and_ sex, Leslie goes tbiu the entire production tcllirig it just how it wu. _ From his early years in school thtu Sotdid I:ivc8 he tells 81S story. It was fun, funny, sad and really made qne think about their- own life. He bad die entire audience in the Dahn of his hand the entire show. • At the end he received a standing ovation which he so richly deserved. After the show we got to talk with Leslie about his life and other matters. He is a gem of a guy and so sincere. He grew up in Tennessee and knew at an early age that he HAD to get out. As we all know, even today people in Tennessee arc not ill that tolerant. And thank goodness he got out of Tennessee to give laughter to millions of us. Leslie lives in the greater Los Angeles area and we just hope sometime in the near future that he can find that perfect someone to spend the rest of his life with. He devotes much of his time and talents to charity events throughout the country. We are just hoping that he takes his current production on the road and throughout America. We arc hoping that a DVD is soon to be released and a USA tour should be coming sometime soon. Leslie has thousands of fans throughout the · country. Our special thanks to his producer and agent, Joe Spotts who lives in Palm Springs. Our dear friend, Raymond, owner. of the Secret Garden· had great dinner parties for us. He is one "of the nicest, sweetest and caring people that we have ever met. We also went to the Getty Art Museum while we were there and went to several of the new bars that opened in L. A. But the real enjoyment is visiting with the different guests staying at the Secret Garden After a hectic, exciting, interesting and fun-filled week in Los Angles we drove to Palm Springs and we will have to tell you all about that in our next column. For more infomation on Do,wld 11ndR.ay or visit their web 'W'Wfl!.lxmutoum. com Page27 Seo es by Jack Fcrt1g November 2004 "Don't waste money, Gemini!" Ma.rs square Saturn is never pretty. Worse yet, Mars is not at his best in Libra, nor is Saturn very happy in Cancer, Look out for turf battles and rigid attitudes. ARIES (Ma.rch 21 to April 20): Domestic squabbles are nea.rly inevitable now, Lingering issues should be handled in a mature, serious fashion. Some rough play could help relieve stress, but if you're not experienced with kink, agree on a safeword and make limits very clear, TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): Misunderstandings at work feed resentments and make for harder work as well as a rougher workplace, Communication is the key to cooperation. If you can read and follow memos while your nose is pressed to the grindstone, you'll get through. GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Resist impulses to invest right now, don't waste money on lottery tickets, and budget carefully if you must indulge in "retail therapy." Dancing, telllll sports, or anything else that gets you sweating while in good company will prove valuable, CANCER Qune 22 to July 22): Even the slightest problem at home cw have a huge emotional impact. Too sensitive? That's part of it, but just part. Cooperative housework can help - but it's the coopention that's more important than the actual housework. LEO Quly 23 to August 22): You're a natural ch=er, but now you have an odd need to cha.rm above and beyond the usual, revealing inner stresses deep beneath your surface. A massage and introspective chats will help to release those stresses. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): Are your friends carrying their weight, or do you get s~k too often with the tab? Social responsibilities can bum a hole in your wallet. Chlltitable donations may need prioritizing and review. Let moochy friends go dutch! LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): l?e professional and assertive, but cooperative - and for heaven's sake, don't take yourself too seriously. If you maintain a careful balanc'e, you can be monarch of all you survey. If you slip, you may win a title, but you'll surely lose respect, SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): Comfort may be found in ancient spiritual teachings. The _Malus Maleficarum_ does not count! Confront religious conflicts from your own childhood, or get some perspective on the rites and teachings of something very different, SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): The stars recommend dungeon pllrties now, but if B & D is not your cup of tea, you may find yourself in a political confrontation of medieval proportions. Then you'll wish you had the manacles and ball gag! CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): Who's the boss? Telllllwork is very important now, but be very Cllteful about hierarchical structure. If you respect everybody's positions wd finesse your way through the minefield of office policies, you'll go very fa.r in the long run. AQUARIUS 0anua.ry 20 to Februa.ry 18): Resist all temptation to argue - and temptlltion will be fierce. You can't win a.rguments right now, and you Cll1l lea.rn lots if you just shush and listen. Questions a.re good. You can even ask some very pointed questions - just don't a.rgue. PISCES (Febru.uy 19 to Ma.rch 19): It's an ideal· time to explore some of the kinkier md rougher sides of sex play. Tell. your pa.rtner or a well-chosen friend what you really want to try out. Yes, it's good to be ca.reful, but don't be shy! Jade Fertig has been fllorking a.s a professional astrologer since 1977 and 4 a founding member of tlJe .Association for .A.stro/c,gical Net'fllorleing. He 1:1in be reached for consMltations at 415-864- 8302, tbroNgh bis website at http:/ /fllfllflJ.st4rjllck..com Page 28 Four States Community Directory -Bars- NightclubsArkansas, Fayetteville (479) Ron's Place- - 523 \".'. P:;plar- - - - - 479-442-3052 Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - -479-571-1300 Wild-On - - - - - -3570 W. 6th- - - - - - 479-521-9453 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - -479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - -479-782-1845 Arkansas, Little Rock (SCH) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- --501-664-2744 Discovery- - 1021 JenieRd- -· - - - - 501-666-6900 The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- - - - -501-372-3070 Ml111ouri, JopHa (417) Ree's• - • - 716 S. Main - - - - - - -417-627-9035 Mi&so-.irl, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - - - 3715 ~ St- - - - 816-561-2600 DB Warehouse- -1915 Main;St- - - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidestrcet Bar - - - -413 B. 3rd- - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Mlssoari, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - --417-831<-4700 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - -417-864-4572 Oz Bar• 504 E. Commercial - - - - • -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors• -1109 E. Commercial- - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklalaoma City (465) Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW SOth- - - -405-843-1722 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th &pwy- - 405-525-0730 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Bxpwy - 405-947-2351 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - - - - -405-601-7200 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 720-4 E. Pine - - --918-836-8700 Club Maverick• - 822 S. Sheridan - 918-835-3301 Heads & Tails- - 7944 E. 21st - - - - - - 918-660-7878 Chm Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - - -918-584-9494 New Age Renegades- -1649 S. Main - -918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- - 1737 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 Silver Star- -1565 S. Sheridan - - - - - -918-834-4234 T«x>l Box- 1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - - - - 918-584-1308 Yellow Brick: Road- - 2630 E. 15th - - -918-293-0304 -Lodging- Milsouri, Jeplia (417) Faces Gucsthouse B&B --- -- -417-621-9915 Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - - - 417-624-7800 Mlaoari,Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - 417-683-9199 Mlasouri, Lampe KOKOMOCampground-- - 41"P79-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- -405-528-2221 -Organizations- Arkansas, Eureka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - - - - -- - - -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut -11!\M PSU-QSA. . 1701 S. Broadway- - 620-231-0938 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - - - - 6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - -10:30AM Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucky- 417-624-5788 Missouri, Springfield (417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Universalist Church - 417-833-2723 APO- - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- - 4 i 7-881-1900 Show}.fe MO Pride --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PPL.AG-Springfield- - - - - - - - - -417-889-i059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Cathedral of Hope- - 600 NW 13th St- 232-HOPE Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - -POBo~ 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 -Business Services-Missouri, Earek.a Shelter Insurance- --Greg Tainter- - 636-938-5500 Mis1011ri, Joplin (417) Body Swim Massage Therapy- -417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-- -434-0077 RE/MAX - - - -Cathe Letts- - - - 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangel.inc Rd- 417-623-1007 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consult,- 417-673-1181 NightThings Boutique-719 MainSt- 417-659-9913 Missouri, Spriagflcld (417) Pri5cilla's - - • • 1918 S. Glenstone - -417-881-8444 Oldahem•, Oklahoma City Ccntury21 - -4301 NW 63rd #100 -· 405- 840-2106 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harvard - - 918-747-5466 Underguy.com - - -825 E. 3rd - - - 877-7-BOXERS Priscilla's - - - - 7925 E. 41st - - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - - - 5634 W. Skelly - - - --918-446-633(; Priscilla's - - - -11344 E. 11th - - - - •· 918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - • • 2333 E. 71st - - - - - - 918--t99-1661 f 1 I I I 1 Page 29 The Ozarks Star November 2004 Mis 71 6 S MAIN STREET, JOPLIN, MISSOURI (41 7) 6_2.7-9035 Page 30 . . . . . . .· ... _only $6.00 {or t:l:ie. rd,, arid only 25 c~ti for ~h:additional word;:}., ...... 4bd, 4bth, forqi:μ clitining, large kitchen. libracy/ offi~e, full basement, iotted heat/ air., 3200 Sq. Ft., beautifully restored, quiet residential· Roanoke adjacent. Priced under $140,000. $$Price Reduced$$ Call Vicki at Charles Burt Realtors 417:.434-,0077 o~ 800-782-7~22. · ·e . . . Star 0n-Line. Check out our website for Daily hr~~king GLBl' news. w:ww.ozarksstir:com · .• . Need A Howe ~~: A,4verclse hctc for only $6.00 £int JS '11J'ords,,25 cents for each additionaf ~rd. Advertising Representative's Part Time: For Kansas City, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Arkansas, Kansas and Joplin. Commission based compensation. Work in the LGBTS business community. Mail qualifications to: Ozarks Star 24-01 E. 32nd St., Suite 10-243 Joplin, MO 64804. Bed & Breakfast: Own your own B&B? Bdaμtiful 4 bed 4 bath 3200sqft fully. fi.u"J~j~hcd in Joplin, MO For Sale. Call Vicki Bronson at Charles Burt Realtors 417-434-0077 1010 E. 20th Joplin MO64804 800-782-7822 I I I l Page 31 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] The Ozark Star Magazine, November 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 11 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Ozark Star’s first issue began in August of 2004. Before this Issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) then follows The Star (2005) and The Metro Star (2008) This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 1, 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele, Randy Vineyard Steve T. Urie Donald Pile Ray Williams Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozark Star Magazine, October 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/176 The Ozark Star Magazine, December 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/142 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/173 adult movie network Advice Bars Cathy Crimmins Deep Inside Hollywood Don't Ask Don't Tell Gay and Lesbian Ginger Lamar GLBT business association health How the Homosexuals saved civilization Lady Bunny Lesbian Notions Marygate media Night clubs Qscopes Quotable Quotes same sex marriage The Healing Quilt Project The Star Scene travel Uncle Mikey https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/2aca2388182256172542e41e1432139e.png bbee664e182832ebd91bf2cbe5331d22 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/78e9f3237245cb77020101f4efeb29b2.pdf ccbf65ec83b911650bb7657d71ac03a7 PDF Text Text � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Festival Flier Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Flier advertising 2003's Pride Festival. Features list of performers set to appear and sponsors. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 14, 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Flier Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Pride Festival 2003 Jim Verraros Kristie Stremel Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald Dr. Scout Cloud Lee Andre Martin Kris Kohl Out of the Ordinary Duo Project Reba Lynn Cole Ebony Hall Sooner State Cloggers Enka Secdackeiry Taylor Alexander Peaches Lennox Josie Rose Lee Jeannie Women of Council Oak Molly Chase Human Rights Campaign Miller Coors Light Outline Magazine 106.9 KHITS Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Bud Light Tim Scott ID Lubricants Gayly Oklahoman Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays TW's AFAB The Tulsa Bus Plant Council Oak Men's Chorale Parish Church of St. Jerome All Souls Unitarian Church Gay-friendly business https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/6122252601559c8a74fbdbb981abee94.png 86ed4186944d8562cd4b63f998e7c000 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/9c565efd0371038fe9d852971e1fed32.pdf 5c07a4537a25c3437beccf0d5dad3d51 PDF Text Text � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Pride Parade Flier Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Flier advertising 2003's Pride Parade. Shows parade route and sponsors. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 14, 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Flier Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Pride Parade 2003 Gay-friendly business Human Rights Campaign Miller Coors Light Outline Magazine 106.9 KHITS Bud Light Tim Scott ID Lubricants Gayly Oklahoman Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays TW's AFAB The Tulsa Bus Plant Council Oak Men's Chorale Parish Church of St. Jerome All Souls Unitarian Church Women of Council Oak https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/7a8fb534f8f516a550c5fca157d2689c.png 9116576d730cea0dba02b2e80af75c72 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. 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Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 8-14, 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Coupon Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Parade of Restaurants 2003 Atomic Burrito Full Moon Café Quizno's Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/331e95bfa66d9b42edd19444e649c7d2.png 999b054a415d34560cd933e55ccd5677 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. 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Title A name given to the resource [2002] Pride Festival Map Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2002 Description An account of the resource Map of 2002's Pride Festival Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2002 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Map Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2002 Pride Festival 2002 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/cb4e5b6c3a1dc9a1a170a2d8b430e331.png 22194643f130db2a772c277140c38c12 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] "Despite Victories, battles still rage on many fronts" Subject The topic of the resource Homophobia Description An account of the resource Newspaper article reviewing "Stories from the War on Homosexuality", a film series covering homophobia in various segments of society. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource R.J. Grubb Bay Windows ArtsPlus Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Bay Windows Artsplus Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Bay Windows ArtsPlus Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 6, 2003 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource R.J. Grubb Bay Windows ArtsPlus Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Film review Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Bay Windows Artsplus, November 6, 2003 pg. 24 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Homophobia Arts Don't ask, don't tell Violence https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/9773fb1b2835fc9ff30d324e23a4ffc6.png b62633556df3f5cf42416a1026460e7b https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/960db8b9a3d263f9b1ec07b7604ea6a0.pdf 5fd0e9f357d737194768bcc569f3ab57 PDF Text Text �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] "Stories from the War on Homosexuality" promotional flier Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2004 Description An account of the resource Promotional flier for "Stories from the War on Homosexuality", film series by producer Arthur Dong. Includes films "Coming Out Under Fire", "Family Fundamentals", and "Licensed to Kill." Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2004 Homophobia Violence Don't ask, don't tell Faith