9 20 644 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/aab490c2335f60d2d1e55a19c2e4595e.jpg 2780adbe6231a9bb9684aba76e8a4a9e https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/c64f38e4af7372c2f5ec5dff5ea8afc9.pdf 0c00542c1bd30dfacdc734d945b231d6 PDF Text Text �Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & D~VERSE market. Cal~ STAR ADVERTiSiNG today. (918}835o7887 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �OKLAHOMA PR£SIDENTIAL PRIMARY FEBRUARY 5 MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT By Victor Gorin Photo: ~ctor Gorin registering Thomas Bishop to vote in OKC If you are registered as a Republican or Democrat in Oklahoma, soon it will be time to cast your vote to select your party favorite for our next president. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and your polling place is on your voter card. You may vote early from 8 a.m. unti! 6 p.m. Friday February 1 and Monday February 4, and from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday February 2. Call your local election board for your early voting site. If you have lost your voter card, you may still vote if you are registered, and this you can find out by calling your local election board, who can also provide your polling place. In Oklahoma County that number is 713-1515, Tulsa County 596 5787. Although they appear on the Democratic ballot, 2 candidates have dropped from the race, Bill Richardson and Christopher Dodd. On the Republican ballot, Tom Tancredo appears on the ballot even though he has dropped from the race. Independent voters cannot vote for a presidential candidate in this Oklahoma election. However, you may have school board races that you can vote for, so be sure to check that out. Vote February 5 and make our voice heard. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 �SAINT VA~N~’~ The origin and history of Saint Valentine’s A Night in the Palace of Versailles, Barony of all Oklahoma crowns 1st Czar & Czarina. Dennis R. Neill Equality Center presents art by Jessica Newman. ~ DEEP ~S~D~: HOLL~OOD NEW: Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Paul Rudd and Nathan Lane. Through his dedication and courage, black gay anti-apartheid activist Simon Tseko Nkoli played a key role in the fight for GLBT liberation and human rights for people with HIV/AIDS. Devre Jackson reviews Cabernet Sauvignon. ~ ~ C~AO TRAVEL Gay Travelers: Oklahoma City Out of Town: Savannah, GA Dining In or OUT Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Czar I Philtip Parker & Czarina I Kris Cherri Kohl 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �JoNin Gay & Lesbian Center To Ho d VNentines Fundraiser Valentine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th 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 Lupercalia.The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. 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 would 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 to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine (photo above) was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius I1. 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 clubs 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 variety of pagan ceremonies, the 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. And 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 patrons for the com~ year, arose in this way. www.ozarksstar.com ... JOPLIN, MO (P/R) __ In support of equal civil marriage for gays and lesbians and "Freedom To Marry Week", the Joplin Gay and Lesbian Center invites the GLBT community to a Valentines reception and dance February 14th, 2008 7:00 pm to 1:30 am. The event will be held at Groove Lounge, 2331 East 7th Street in Joplin. Dance to the music of the house DJ, enjoy a Wedding Cake and cash bar. A $5.00 donation per person at the door will go to support the Joplin Gay and Lesbian Center. For more information contact Director Lee McDaniel 417-622-7821 or email gaylesbiancenter@gmail.com Website www.mYspace.com/gaylesbiancenter Recognized by Keller Williams ,- For outstanding achievement 2005 and 2006 Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALIOr~ V/hether buying or selling I’ll work hardforyou. ~, the STAR 5 �Acceptance o£GAYS and LESBIANS In addition to loosing weight is he getting a homo-friendly face-lift? OKLAHO/vlA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma City Mayor Cornett proclaims an official day for Ellen DeGeneres’s birthday and this is coming from a man who previously never meet a gay man or woman he liked. Well, I have a bridge in Brooklyn, too. \Vhen it’s Cornett’s political agenda being advanced then he’s comfortable ~vith appearing on the famous lesbian Ellen DeGeneres’s TV show as he did on January !7th. Could his self-serving appearance also have anything to do with the National Conference of Mayors having their 2010 annual meeting in OKC? Is he trying to get a homo-friendly face-lift as well as lose weight in order to make himself more attractive for re-election? Did his failed attempt at running for Congress show him the error of his ways or just point him to another snake-oil strategy? Now, in order to show that Mayor Cornett is exercising all his Christian sincerity of turning the other cheek, will he propose a human rights commission with legal force that can be approved by the City Council so that cases of gay/lesbian harassment and discrimination can be handled with respect and the intention of making life better for all of OKC’s taxpaying citizens? I’m not a Christian and I’ve turned both of my cheeks, upper and lower, for the last time to self-serving politicians who use gay people for their own ends and then dispose of them like a fast food clam shell. Just How Vulgar W- ll a Desperate Candidate Get? OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Not wanting to get too explicit about basic human sexual techniques, I can’t help notice that so much of human disagreement at a low level of public conversation comes down to either analogous or physical illustrations of body penetration in a sexual context. We’ve seen with Mike Huckabee, a man who wants to lead one of the most powerful countries in the world, that he’s willing to stoop to a tow level of vernacular public language in order to attract the flat-earth variety of voter who believes in a geo-centric 6,000 year-old earth. His remarks about putting a flag pole where the sun doesn’t shine regarding the South Carolina Confederate flag controversy is one example. The instance of Huckabee’s rallying mantras is a perfect example that he, suffused with the self-reflecting love of his self-constructed Jay-sus, is not immune, rather he uses it ki~owingly to inflame his redneck followers to greater heights of cooperation in their own submission to the destructive force of religion. Yes, human power can operate at the lowest level of human respect for those ,vho disagree with us and the fastest way to connect with many people is to graphically use the example of rape towards the perceived enemy. A frustrated Vice-president Dick Cheney used the same tactic in referring to Senator Patrick Leahy with a vulgar act of self-stimulation in the Senate chamber. Just as violent rape of women by men is described as an attempt at power, with nothing to do with lust, so is the use of sexual penetration by antagonists used to inculcate their ideas of power and superiority at the basest level of human society. A thinking voter should reject such a candidate immediately. 6 the STAR ~wv.ozarksstar.com �Ask About Our Suites WV~N.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 �ince 1982 Ms. Kris Kohl in the "Painted Ladies" Show Friday, February’ 15th & 29th, @lOpm. Cover charge $5.00 single, $8.00 per Couple. Mention this ad and receive 1 FREE drink coupon per room. t 7 West 7th Street 8 the STAR & Boulder Ave) ® Tulsa, Ok 74119 e plazatulsa. om www.ozarksstar.com �byJoeyDe TULSA, OK __ Playing dress up may be child’s play, but for the Royal Green Country Barony of All of Oklahoma, it is a welcomed break to hours of hard work. A member of the International Imperial Court System, the RGCBAO is a philanthropic organization with a government system and titles inspired by Victorian alty. In an Adornment Ceremony at the Holiday Inn Select in Tulsa on Jan. 12, the RGCBAO crowned their first Czar and Czarina, Phillip Parker and Kris Cherri Kohl (respectively). A non-partisan organization, the Royal Green Country Barony of All Oklahoma seeks to further the mission of the International Court System by uniting not only the gay community, but the entire community of Oklahoma, gay and straight, regardless of ethnicity or other discriminating factors. ~he barony works to raise funds for charitable causes and work for equality within the realm it covers. Photo Above: Czar I Phillip Parker & Czarina I Kris Cherri Kohl Lynn Whitley. Additionally was the Crown Grand Marquis Roger Francis and Crown Grand Marquesa Dominique La Rue. Also acclaimed as a key founder was Christian Cherri O’Donely Vaughn LaFleur Dior. Entertainment for the evening was provided by entertainers from across Oklahoma and beyond, q-his included the cast of "Twisted Theatre," Tim Conroy, Catia Lee Love, Empress The Lovely Suzanne, Empress Syren Vaughn, Empress Victoria Weston, Matthew Heath Fitzgerald, Tabitha Taylor, Rebbeca Tucker and Leonard Jenkins. To begin the evening, Nicole the Great, Queen Mother of the Americas, welcomed Oklahoma into the international family and described what they had "gotten themselves into." "You see all this (pageantry) and wonder about it, remember it’s all in camp. We may call each other Barons and Baronesses, but we are all equals," began the matriarch, who explained the organization’s preStonewall San Francisco founding. She described the court system as one of the oldest and largest organizations in GLBT history. "When a gay man, Jose, declared that he wanted to be called an ’Empress’ after being crowned the queen of the Tavern Guild’s drag ball, he didn’t know what he started at the time." w~v.ozarksstar.com Through out the course of the evening, many other individuals who contributed to the founding of the RGCBAO were recognized, as well as those who have assumed leadership positions in the organization. This included the Privy Counsel (Board of Directors) comprised of Deb Starnes, Jim Ray, Scot Brown, Marc Acuff, and Through all the dresses and crowns, the evening assumed a sense of decorum, but through the words of those on stage, it maintained a level of fun and frivolity that turned it into a true celebration. By the end of the evening, the Royal Green Country Barony of Oklahoma had demonstrated that they knew how to have a good time, but had made it clear they were ready to begin the hard work of providing leadership to and creating unity among the citizens of their relm. the STAR 9 �By Donald Pile and Pray Williams q-his is a "must read" for gay men all over the country. You will laugh at nearly every page! Robert knows exacdy what his readers want to hear and he writes in such a great way. He writes openly what many of us say behind our backs. One of our favorite parts of the book is when he talks about "prespeaking", as in, "Dinner. That is where we should go" and "Glad for you! That is what I am." Days after reading this, we are still catching ourselves "prespeaking". Hopefully we and our friends will get tired of it eventually but it is fun for a while. We don’t know if his family and friends are still speaking to him or not but they should be happy that he loves them so much that he can be so open and flank about them. He would indeed be a good friend of have. Hopefully we will get to meet him sometime in the near future. He left some extra copies of his book at the Grand Resort for guests to read and everyone can’t wait to get their hands on his book. We promise that you will laugh your head off:page after page after page. " Surrounded by Insanity" by Robert A. Hofmann We have just read a new book, "Surrounded by Insanity" by Robert A. Hofmann and it is one of those books that once you begin reading it, you won’t want to put it down until you have completely finished. It is absolutely hilarious! It is a biographical story of the author’s experiences thru his life with his early childhood and growing up with friends and family. Robert grew up in New Jersey and what a wild and crazy and wonderful life he has had. Between his family and his friends, he guides the reader thru many exciting episodes of his life. It is wickedly bitchy and hilarious! Everyone in Robert’s life so far is a participant in this wonderfully funny and provocative story of his life. It begins with his birth and goes thru two years ago when he was staying at the wonderful Grand Resort in Ft. Lauderdale when Hurricane Wilma hit in 2006 leaving everybody without power for several days. 10 the STAR "Surrounded by Insanity" is published by Publish America and may be purchased through all major bookstores (if they don’t have it in stock, they’ll order it for you) or from www.amazon.com or www.publishamerica.com. We didn’t ~vant the book to end but thankfully, Robert is already in the process of coming out with his second book. As Robert says, " I live in fabulous, flaming, freakin" New Jersey. Woo-hoo. I am an attorney by day, writer by evening, superhero in the bedroom." Just keep up the great writing Robert! CLUB MAJESTIC TULSA TO HOST MR. OKLAHOMA CONTINENTAL 2008 PAGEANT By Greg Steele TULSA, OK __ Hot bodies and great talent will be the main course at Club Majestic Friday February 15th at 9pro. The show will feature an all male contest with guest entertainment from across the country. The feature entertainer will be Rasean Montrese Mr. Continental Nationals 2007 and hosted by Danielle Hunter Miss Continental Elite Nationals 2007. In addition to the contestant line up an impressive array of talent will be on stage to make your Friday Night at Club Majestic an evening to remember. Mr. Oklahoma 2007 Sevion Simpson, Mr. 2006 Nationals Simba Hall, Miss Oklahoma Continental 2007 Adrianna and introducing Mr. 2005 Nationals Tony DeSario. Club Majestic is located at 124 N. Boston in the Brady Arts District. 2-he latest on Britney Spears is that she is in training to become a high profile lesbian, being coached by famous lesbian convert Ellen DeGeneres. DeGeneres told the website www.thespoof.com "Britney is making great progress. I have every confidence she will make an excellent lesbian in time" www.ozarksstar, com �essica Newman art e hibit at Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (TULSA, OK (P/R) __ "~e Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Tnursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, "lhursday, February 7, 2008, for the opening of it’s February exhibit, featuring oil paintings and fine drawings by artist Jessica Newman. Newman, born in California in 1985, has been a resident of Tulsa since the age of 10. Jessica started drawing at a very young age, and really became involved in art during high school, when she took her first art class in the ninth grade. ~his is where she was introduced to a variety of art supplies, and began experimenting with different media. Since graduating high school in 2003, she has continued studying art in college, and plans on graduating as an art major. Jessica has always been fascinated by the human body, which is the theme of most of her work. She currently works with pencil, watercolors, and oil paints, but charcoal is her medium of choice. Her art has been shown at the Mayfest Youth Gallery, as well as at the Blue Dome Arts Festival. The exhibit will remain up through the month of February, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Cente~ www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 �SIDE De~ Inside ;~otlywoo4 rqo~ on n~w projects for Paul Rudd and Nathan ~ane. Nathan Lane Casts Swing Vote Hds acting up a storm on Broa&vay right now with Laurie Met~f in the new D~vid Mamet play, November, but stage fixture Nathan Me will be back on the big screen this new year, too, with a role in the ensemble comedy Swing ~v~te. Starring Kevin Cosmer ~ a low-achieving, apolitic~l American citizen, tl~ movie concerns a presidentia! election that hinges entirely on Cosmer’s not-entirelywelMnformed vote and the n~tional ch~os that results from it. L~ne will co-star, along with Definis Hopper, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, George Lopez, Mare Winningham, *~Vi!lie Nelson, and politiCal comment~)or A~ianna Hut~ngton ~s herse!£ Already wrapp~[, the film - if audiences vote for it v~ith their ticket dollars - could find itselfincieasing poll turnoutsSBut not likely, Paul Rudd You, Man ~rotagonists express- signal the beginning t of heterosexual male intimacy? movie, I love by Judd Apatow (v¢hose willingness to "go in films like The Obiect of " " well documented), the best he considers close enough to fill. as the poor spring, here’s t Larry: Like ransamerican Love ready for Transamerican Love a 36-year-old ~ with an Girl). Addams will ~ of men competing to date her formerly male body. Contrast About Miriam, on which told about Miriam’s transgender a bold step for the reality televicomic Alec Mapa wilt host the show by gay cable channel Logo. The in 2008. 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar, corn �DEEP INSXDE HOLLYWOOD Choosing America’s Prom Q een Lesbian Musician Julie Schurr to Perform in Eureka Springs, Fayetteville and New Orleans. For further evidence that pop culture is now dominated by entertainment designed for the High School Musical demographic, !ook no further than Americas Pro Queen. ABC Family has given the go-ahead for the new series that will pit a group of high school-aged young women against each other in the quest to be the fairest prom queen of them all. The contestants will reside in a mansion and compete in challenges that will show if they’ve got what it takes to wear a tiara in public and vcave at less popular people; then they’ll stay or go based on viewer votes. But Romeo has one complaint: in an era when young men are routinely making the news after being voted prom queen at their school, why no boys allowed? Romeo San Vicente - while in high school, mind you - wa~" very popular with his share ofpmm kings. He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com. Regional MCC CMr&es Perform An Act ©fKin&ess In Tulsa JOPLIN, MO G/R) __ MCC United in Tulsa, OK was visited by Diva’s xvith Chain Saws as members of MCC of the Living Springs, Eureka Sprh~gs, AR and Spirit of Christ MCC; Joplin, MO arrived Saturday morning the 12th of January ready to work. MCC United has been dealing with damage on their property since an early, December ice storm devastated the area. There were still damaged trees that needed to be reduced to manageable size and trees that were potentially dangerous if not removed. Together with members of MCC United and their Pastor, Rev Carolyn Mobley the three churches xvere able to make short work of the remaining damage control and clean-up. Spirit of Christ MCC literally closed their doors and moved their worship to a program Rev Steve ca~s: "Faith in Action." "We are an oddity in MCC Churches in that we xvorship on Saturday mornings. As it is, we are ~knoxvn to replace worsNp with taking on Acts of Random Kindness to show what we believe is primary for us. As Christ served all people in need.., so should xve." Rev. Urie also pastors MCC of the Living Spring in Eureka Springs, AR and when he shared the needs he immediately received e-mails saying xve are going with you." We were totally blessed inasmuch as we had four chain saxvs in action, limbs fal~ng and people picking up the grounds with no injuries and everyone home safely. The group was blessed with a xvonderful lunch provided by MCC United and a musical Thank You provided in song by Rev. Carolyn. Across Regional boundaries and State Lines xve can all work together serving God by serving each other. www.ozarksstar.com EUREKA SPRINGS, AR __ Growing up, Julie Schurr never heard music that might have made life a little bit easier for a lesbian girl being raised in the strictly-proscribed constraints of a religiously conservative community and home. In fact, she wasn’t supposed to be listening to music at all. She wasn’t supposed to know what a lesbian was. Let alone BE one. An original creation, Julie Schurr’s fusion of musical styling and technique is all her own: Indierockbitchfolk. She’s been showcasing it to her fans in St. Imuis and Detroit, winning loyal converts. Now that she’s finished her degree & produced a full-length album, she just can’t imagine any other career path. So it’s a good thing that album sales are steadily rising and venues keep opening their doors. Julie will be out on tour and finishing up her 2nd album, which is planned for release in early 2008. Julie Schurr has headlined Pride and Coming Out day celebrations around the country and has been featured on Curvemag.com and in the Advocate. Her two hour performance will include acoustic music from her current album as well as her unique style of audience participation and comedy. Show tour locations listed below. Eureka Springs, Arkansas Feb 9 2008 10:00P Lumberyard Bar and Grille Baton Rouge, Louisiana Feb 15 2008 8:00P Hound Dog’s - Time TBA Fayetteville, Arkansas Feb 10 2008 8:30P Common Grounds New Orleans, Louisiana Feb 16 2008 9:30P Station 8801 More information on Julie can be found online at: www.julieschurr. corn or www.myspace.com/julieschurr. the STAR 13 �by Liz Highleyraan Past Out, which 100"ks at the life of South l frican gay activist Simon Nk01i, W-ho was Simon Nko li ? Soweto student uprising in the summer of 1976, he joined the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), the ~AaCrican National Congress (ANC), and the United Democratic Front (UDF). Fellow COSAS members debated removing him from his position of regional secretary when his sexual orientation became known, but a large majority ultimately voted in his favor. Long a~vare of his same-sex attractions, Nkoli began his first serious relationship at age 19, with a white bus driver. After Nkoli revealed this to his mother, she sent him to a series of local healers, a Christian priest, and finally a psychologist, who turned out to be gay himself and advised the lovers to live together - even if Nkoli had to pose as his partner’s servant to evade racial segregation laws. In his early 20s, after coming out in an interview with a black newspaper, Nkoli joined the newly formed Gay Association of South Africa (GASA), which consisted mostly of middle-class white men. Resolutely apolitical, the group resisted Nkoli’s requests to hold social events at nonsegregated venues, leading him to form the Saturday Group, the country’s first black gay organization, in 1984. Around the same time, amid growing racial discord, Nkoli stepped up his anti-apartheid activism, helping organize a tenant rent strike in the town of Delmas. Charged with killing a man by throwing a rock during a protest, Nkoli was arrested, tortured, and imprisoned. Along with 21 other black activist leaders, he was tried in 1986 for the capital crimes of subversion, conspiracy, and treason. hrough his dedication and courage, black gay antiapartheid activist Simon Tseko Nkoli played a key role in the fight for GLBT liberation and human rights for people with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Nkoli was born in Soweto in November 1957. He spent part of his childhood living with his grandparents, tenant farmers on a white estate, before moving to Sebokeng township to join his mother and stepfather. Nkoli became an anti-apartheid activist at a young age. After multiple arrests for civil disobedience, including participation in the 14 the STAR While in prison awaiting trial, Nkoli revealed his homosexuality to his co-defendants - ANC and UDF members who would later hold high-level positions in the post-apartheid government - and they came to respect and support him as a gay man. "This country wilt never protect the rights of its gay and lesbian citizens unless we stand up and fight - even when it makes us unpopular with our own comrades," he later wrote. Nkoli came out more publicly during the trial, when he used his attendance at a GASA meeting as an alibi to counter claims that he had been present at a clandestine political meeting. In 1988, the charges against him were dropped and he was released. During his imprisonment, Nkoli became a cause celebre for gay rights activists around the world, but he received minimal support from the accomodationist GASA. This stance led the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) to suspend GASA for its failure to condemn apartheid, and the latter group soon collapsed. After his release, Nkoli co-founded the Gay and Lesbian Organization of the \vgitwatersrand - the country’s first genuinely integrated GLBT organization - and later the National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality (now the Lesbian and Gay Equality Project). "I am black and I am gay," he proclaimed at the first South African Pride march in 1990. "I cannot separate the two parts of me into secondary or primary struggle. They will be all one struggle." Nkoli traveled widely speaking about the situation in his country, served as an ILGA board member representing Africa, and earned numerous honors for his work. Nkoli’s anti-apartheid activism and ties with movement leaders proved instrumental in winning the ANC’s support for gay rights. In 1994, he met with Nelson Mandela, whose election as president marked the end of the apartheid era. As the newly integrated country crafted its constitution, Nkoli lobbied for sexual orientation to be included in its anti-discrimination provisions, and also argued for repeal of sodomy laws. In 1996, South Africa became the first country to include explicit constitutional protection for GLBT people. A decade later, in fulfillment of a court mandate based on the constitution, the South African parliament legalized same-sex marriage. Yet even as the gay movement gained strength and the apartheid regime crumbled, the AIDS epidemic reached crisis proportions in the 1990s, reintensifying racism and homophobia. Having been diagnosed with HIV himself (likely contracted in prison), Nkoli turned his focus to AIDS activism, co-founding groups including the Positive African Men’s Project and the Township AIDS Project. As the decade wore on, Nkoli experienced increasing bouts of ill health; he died of an AiDS-related infection on November 30, 1998, in the company of his long-time partner, Roderick Sharp. Though Nkoli himself was not able to benefit from effective new HIV drugs, his work for universal treatment access inspired fellow gay and anti-apartheid activist Zackie Achmat to form the Treatment Action Campaign, which today is widely regarded as the strongest AIDS activist group in the world. www.ozarksstar.com �DNC ELECTS R£CORD NUMBER OF LGBT MEMBERS TO 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CON NTION STANDING COMMITTEES Appointments Reflect Strength, Diversity and Energy of Democratic Party DENVER, CO (P/R) __ The Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) unanimously elected DNC Chairman Howard Dean’s nominations for the Chairs and members of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Standing Committees, including a record number of openly LGBT members. Dean’s LGBT appointments include Dr. Marjorie Hill of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis organization in New York, Diego Sanchez from AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, State Representative Patricia Todd of Alabama, and Ingrid Duran of Virginia to serve on the Platform Committee, along with Claire Lucas and Evan Low of California to the Rules Committee and Bob Rogan of Vermont to the Credentials Committee. In addition to appointing a record number of LGBT standing committee members, Dean was also the first DNC chair to appoint a member of the transgender community to a Convention committee. The Standing Committees of the Convention are responsible for reviewing Convention business and formulating recommendations for consideration by Convention delegates. The Executive Committee’s vote took place during the panel’s recent meeting in Denver, site of the four-day Convention in August. "The record turnout and enthusiasm we’ve seen for our Democratic candidates is a clear sign that Americans trust Democrats to bring much needed change to our country," said Governor Dean. "These outstanding leaders reflect the great strength, diversity and energy of the Democratic Party, and I’m confident their efforts will ensure our Convention in Denver is reflective of our shared values and our nominee’s vision for America." The elections included the Chairs and 25 Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) www.ozarksstar.com members of the three Convention Standing Committees: Credentials, Platform and Rules. Each committee has a total of 186 members. An additional 161 members elected by each of the states’ and territories’ Convention delegations wil! join Governor Dean’s appointments to the committees later this spring. For a full list of and biographical information on the Chairs and PLEO members from each Standing Committee, visit http:llwww.demconvention.comlalstandingcommittees.pdf. Credentials Committee The Credentials Committee is charged with coordinating issues around the selection of delegates and alternates to the Convention and will likely meet in the summer. The committee will issue a report that is the first official item of business at the Convention. Platform Committee The Platform Committee is responsible for drafting and recommending a proposed National Platform for approval at the Convention. After conducting hearings and forums to collect testimony on issues and policies to potentially include in the platform, the committee is likely to meet sometime in July. Rttles Committee The Rules Committee is responsible for proposing the Permanent Rules for the Convention, adopting the proposed Convention agenda and making recommendations for permanent Convention officers - all addressed as the second official item of business at the Convention. The committee will meet sometime in August, prior to the Convention. Huckabee ir ks gay sex to bestiality, abortion to slavery WASHINGTON (AFP) -- Republican presidential hopeful and former Baptist pastor Mike Huckabee linked gay sex to bestiality and abortion to slavery in an interview Thursday, explaining why, if elected, he would try to amend the constitution. "Marriage has ... as long as there’s been human history, meant a man and a woman in a relationship for life. Once we change that definition, then where does it go from there?" he asked in an interview with online "Beliefnet" magazine. "Well, I don’t think that’s a radical view, to say we’re going to affirm marriage. I think the radical view is to say that we’re going to change the definition of marriage so that it can mean two men, two women, a man and three women, a man and a child, a man and animal," he added. "The Bible was not written to be amended. The Constitution was," he said, announcing his intention to amend the document if he were to be elected president in November to ban abortion and establish that life begins at the moment of conception. Leaving it up to individual states to outlaw abortion within their own borders is not enough, he said. "That’s again the logic of the Civil War -- that slavery could be okay in Georgia but not okay in Massachusetts. Obviously we’d today say, ’Well, that’s nonsense. Slavery is wrong, period. It can’t be right somewhere and wrong somewhere else.’ Same with abortion," Huckabee said. Huckabee won the Iowa Republican caucuses earlier this month, the first contest in the race for each party’s nomination to run for the White House. He is in second place behind Arizona Senator John McCain in opinion polls for Saturday’s primaries in South Carolina. the STAR 15 �Brief history Cabernet Sauvignon, like all noble wine grape varieties, is of the species VitiS ~inifera, and genetic studies in 1997 indicated it is the result of a cross between Cabemet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Cabernet Sauvignon is most directly associated with the wines of Bdrdeaux~ and especially those of its Left Ba~k, which ncludes the top tier appellations of St.-Estephe, Pauillac, St.-Julien; and Margaux, among others. It makes Up the majority portion of the blends of all of the Grand Cru wines of the 1855 classification. In Bordeaux, blending is comm0n With ! !e other allowable varietals: Merlot, cabe~ et Franc, Pettlt Verdot, and Malbec. Cabal ~et Sauvignon is also cultivated in other ~i~i as in France, notably LanguedocTRousillor and has great acclaim the wodd Over. .... pe-t attack brain ce Is an .... p. des , , which ...... u, ~.~ par[ or wna[ causes Alzne~mer s. in snort wewine enthusiasts can enjoy drinking to our good health. ........... var e a ol s nc on Cabemet Sauvignon has a well defined ~rnrn~a In Old ~J~rld wine~ n~rficularlv those made n Bordeaux th s s charac¯ tensed by a smel I of blackcurrant, cedar and spice. New Wodd wines of this grape are more often dominated by aromas of ~ oak, pepper and earth. smell of m wines made in most characterrm-climate examples is of t wine. ~ne. Cabs ~eese5 s ton, " ’ the lower Yakima Valley. In late 2006, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology published the result of studies conducted at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine that showed the beneficial relationship of Cabernet Sauvignon in reducing the dsk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The stud trol, a compound found reduce levels of amyloid beta the BTAR Magnificen~Wine COmpany House Wine Columbia ~/alley 05 wwwlMagnificentVVine,com Cabemet Sauvignon 54% Medot 30% Syrah 11Yo, Mabec3% Franc2~{~ Grea"~ ble naana - - for~nepnce -" "" ~ d t -eat . ’ [’snar oD Cono Sur Cab/Carmenere Chile ’06 v~zw.ConoSur.com This organic wine offers a robust, fruit- filled nose of raspberry & plum The palate reveals a flaVorfu nutty taste and has a long finish. Dadoush Duet Napa ’04 ~.dadoush.com rings California is after BOrdeaux as the wodd’s largest grower of Cabemet Sauvignon. This grape is found mostly in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County. In Calif6mi~, the area of Cabemet Sauvignon planting doubled in the 1990s. As in Bordeaux, it is often blended with Franc to produce wo At heady $10 a bottlel ddnks like a cab twice the coSL Thi~ Cabernet presents itse f with a nose Of bourbon-soake~ Cherries with a finish of chbcotate and Cedar. A blend of Cabemet and Shiraz Enticing aromas of blackberry with a coffee bean and a finish Of nutmeg & white pepper best descdbe this wine, Irony Cabernet Napa ’03 w~w.lronyWine. om This is a b0ld and complex wine, which reflects the melding Of ~nique ~haractedstics from pdme vineyards in Sever&l different Napa appellations. Tobacco Cocoa and bright red berry characters make this a red wine to ~njoy. And as always, I say go to your favodte wine shop, ask qdestion~ and p~rchase a bottle or two. Share Some food & wine with friends and check it out for yourself. Complex aromas from hazelnut finish. cassis clove/ Mr. D als0 hosts wine & food events as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa, :~ww.ozarksstar.com ��by Donald Pile and Ray CITyo In our travels to both the East Coast and the West Coast everyone alwa:ys asks the same question to us. V?here ro par .ry in the Midwest? we a!ways tell them the best two places to part? areTuAsa and Oklahoma City. It is hard for most people on both coast to believe, but unless you have been there you certainly wit! not believe that in the Bible belt of OHahoma is this fabulous gay mecca. month we told you about Tulsa and this month we ~2e telling you about Oklahon~a City. We have been going to Oklahoma City to party for over 25 veals. "Ihe HABAN~ INN Resort has been a gay resort for over 25 years. It is the Midwest’s largest at! gay resort. A two story complex with ov& 175 rooms, most of which tS_ce one of the two swimming pools. The rooms are spacious and vmT inexpensive. It is a totally gay resort. Lush tropical plants and trees surround the poo! areas. Gays fron-t all over the midwest as well as both coasts have been going there for years, and it is busy 7 days a week, not juston weekends. Lounge around the pool area and you are sure ~o meet that "someone specia!". They are located 2200 NW 39rh Expressway and their toll free number is 1.800.988.2221. Within the resort complex they have a wonderful restaurant ...... Gushers whmh has a great ambiance and serves dehc i ous fioo d , and is reasonable priced. "Itae restaurant overlooks one of the pod areas so you cim enjoy the bovs frolicking in the pool as you are dining. They also offe~ sandwich~s, soups, salads, pastas and appetizers, add a breakfast menu is available on weekends. There are three bars in the Habana Inn complex which are completely different. COPA is a dance, disco and drag bar. WeeNy they have male dancers, drag shows and comedians. FINISHLtNE is a c0untrylwestern bar with plenty of countiT dancing. ~t~is is the place to se~ the real cowboys and cowgirls in action. THE LEDO is ~ quiet piano bar. All the bartenders are super friendly and they all kn~w h~w to make out of towners feel right at home. The owner of the bars and restaurant is to be commended for his outstanding job ¯ . i [ ,~ ! ’ ! i, , Within a block of the Habana Inn resort you wilt find about 4 more gay bars c~tering to different tastes. A major grocery store is just one block away as are several other restaurants. A cab ride from the akport costs less than $20.00. The HABANA INN resort is located one blo& west of the intersection of Penn and interstate 1-44 and is easy to find. Plus. there are a lot of siOits to see in Oklahoma City, The Cowboy Hail of Fame has artifacts !otsofoil the west is do things like this. Just a couple doors away from the Habana Inn is ANGLES ar 21 t7 N.\V. 39th St.. Their website is: w~,~w.anglesclub. corn Also in the resort is J UNGLE RED, an adult gift shop with magazines, videos, cards, gifts, leather, Pride items plus a lot of decorative items for the home. 18 the STAR For more ~ habanainn.com and ma’s Gay Website: ww~.ozarksstar.com ?dways remember to have fun when ratk to everyone! �ju~st simply pe~ection t00% of pecial "TI~KS" ’!egance in dining. by Donald Pile and Ray Williams dodt skimp on gets around and emails from our readers asking if ONLY sto ALWAYS have a about~ m be one that we have ever seen! ’gqth ~a Wetl as travelers all time however. A ger-a-way~ check i~ out the Inn at 410, w~:410.com have the most um~sua! and exciting, and B. ~eit rooms world! the closest gay" t this a used condom under the The Vi!lag~ St. and you just cannot Steve owns the Gaslight a long broken And in Palm 4 they also seem to be some Metwn’s Restaurant, ~vw.inglesideinn.com www.ozarkssiar.com .... Con~ued page 23 the STAR 19 �Downtown Savannah) historic district is abundant with fine shops and restaurants, including the innovative Sapphire Grill, one of the city’s top eateries. (P,6oto by Andrew Collins) of gay-friendly shops and restaurants. Downtown Savannah’s shopping scene continues to evolve from traditional to fashion-forward - a Marc by Marc Jacobs flagship store opened here in April 2007, and many contemporary boutiques and art galleries now line the city’s oak-shaded streets. Near City Market, you’ll find the gay disco, Club One, which is the performing home of The Lady Chablis, who figured so prominently in The Book, as Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is commonly referred to by locals. Plenty of folks come to Savannah to seek out the sites that were brought to life in this mesmerizing tale (although it is nonfiction, The Book reads like a delicious novel). Of partictflar note is the privately owned Mercer House, in which Midnight’s central figure, antiques dealer Jim Williams, shot and killed his young lover, Danny Hansford, in 1981 (the question of whether Williams fired in self-defense or as a calculated act of murder is debated to this day). Georgi After years of lagging behind nearby Charleston in popularity, historic Savannah soared to new heights in the ’90s and remains one of the nation’s hottest destinations. Much of the city’s renaissance had do to with the staggering popularity of John Berendt’s best-seller, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, whose droll yet salacious account of Savannah society propelled the city into a gay hotspot almost overnight. The jewel of Georgia’s lazily enchanting seacoast, Savannah was founded in 1733 by British General James Oglethorpe, who designed the perfect grid of streets and grassy tree-shaded squares for which this city of 130,000 is still famous. Savannah prospered as a silk exporter during its first century, before developing into one of the world’s major cotton suppliers. Much of downtown consists of elaborate brick and stucco Victorian buildings built following an 1820 fire that destroyed many of the city’s beautiful wood-frame Colonial homes. Had General Sherman not spared Savannah during his notorious and destructive "March to the Sea," most of these Victorian structures would also have been burned. Begin your explorations of the city inside the restored 1860s rail terminal that houses both the Savannah Visitor Information Center and the Savannah History Museum. This complex is at the southwestern edge of historic downtown. From here it’s a short walk north to City Market, a three-block pedestrian mall with a handful 20 the STAR Its literary fame - or notoriety - notwithstanding, Savannah still rivals any Southern destination for its bedazzled and meticulously restored house museums. If you have time for only one, visit the Owens-Thomas House, a splendid 1819 Regency mansion built by renowned British architect William Jay. Nearby is the Isaiah Davenport House, an 1815 Federal beauty. To see a fine collection of classical sculpture and Impressionist painting, visit the Telfair Mansion and Art Museum, a memorable 1818 structure in its own right. In 2006, the museum expanded with the construction of the striking newJepson Center for the Arts, which added more galleries and exhibition space. At the north end of the historic district, the city’s riverfront is lined with a stately row of restored cotton warehouses - now containing a slew of touristy businesses - and a cobbled lane that’s sits a full flight of steps below the rest of the city. The best time to appreciate it and the views of the bridge and freighters chugging along the Savannah River is in the morning, when you’ll encounter few crowds. One great way to explore downtown and get some advice on the local gay scene is to take a guided walk with knowledgeable local Jonathan Stalcup, who runs Architectural Tours of Savannah. For dining, avoid most of the mediocre eateries by the river and stick to one of the several local favorites, virtually all of them gayfriendly. One of the most famous restaurants in the South, Elizabeth on 37th specializes in subtly sublime regional cooking, www.ozarksstar.com �such as sesame-almond-crusted grouper with peanut sauce; and grilled rack of lamb with corn pudding, stewed okra, and tomatoes. Sexy and sophisticated Sapphire Grill serves some exciting and innovative contemporary American fare - consider the jumbo lump crab cake ,vith lemon curd, green-zebra tomatoes, and red chard. A bit more affordable, chic It Pasticcio presents contempora~7 Northern Italian cuisine - try the grilled gorgonzola-crusted filet mignon with a potato-pancetta gratin. Olde Pink House is one of those Savannah traditions that everybody should experience at least once - fine Continental fare with regional twists, like black grouper stuffed xvith blue crab and a Vidalia onion sauce, is served. Garibaldi’s, in an 1870s firehouse, prepares simple but very good Italian fare, such as pesto shrimp with angel hair pasta. For either lunch or dinner, the trendy City Market Cafe is a dependable choice, serving delicious wild mushroom, blue cheese, and prosciutto salad, as well as terrific thin-crust pizzas. The only GLBT-exclusive B&B in Savannah, 912 Barnard is also one of the least expensive. This dramatic yellow turn-of-the-century house has been handsomely restored to its original splendor, with antiques and authentic colors that convey the ambience of the city. A fully restored 1889 sea captain’s house that once belonged to one of Savannah’s wealthiest merchants, the Azalea Inn is quite gay-friendly. All rooms are configured and decorated differently; and each has a gas fireplace; two have whirlpool tubs, and two have balconies. For the most memorable accommodations, however, look to the gay-friendly Mansion on Forsyth Park, which offers some of finest digs in town. This stylish mini-resort beside verdant Forsyth Park contains 126 rooms with smart, contemporary furnishings, plus a top-notch spa, a cooking school, two cool bars, an art gallery, and the highly regarded 700 Drayton Restaurant. Opened in 2005, the hotel offers further evidence of Savannah’s gradual shift from a bastion of Old South gentility to a beacon of New South panache and It’s touristy, but fans of Food Network TV star Paula Deen won’t want to pass up a chance to dine at her downtown Savannah restaurant, ~lhe Lady & Sons, known for its down-home Southern cuisine. An elegant basement space with a youthful, see-and-be-seen following, Jazz’d Tapas Bar is perfect for late-night snacking - recommended fare include potato-leek frittata with fig chutney, and citrus-ginger-glazed shrimp-and-scallops skewers. ~he lesbian-owned Firefly Cafe serves affordable American fare, including plenty of fresh veggie dishes. ~l-his dapper spot overlooks Troup Square and is especially popular for brunch (try the Savannah eggs Benedict topped with fresh crab meat). For post-club noshing, check out Sushi Zen, a hip and gay-popular Asian restaurant with a convivial vibe. ~he bar staff and regulars in Savannah’s bars are friendly and forward. Although some locals shun the touristy and cavernous Club One, it’s one of the most impressive clubs in the Southeast, and it can be fun when ~lhe Lady Chablis is performing. Other options include Chuck’s, a friendly locals joint near the river that draws a mixed bunch; and Blaine’s Back Door Bar, a casual cruise and dance lounge that also has a dell serving pretty tasty sandwiches and pizza. Not gay per se, Venus de Milo is a sexy and sophisticated wine bar with a welcoming, bohemian vibe - it’s just west of City Market. Down along the riverfront, gay-friendly Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub is popular early in the evening for Irish music, food, and drink. With the recent rise in gay tourism, Savannah’s grand old hotels have become increasingly hospitable to visiting same-sex couples. Among the city’s many classic luxury inns, the Ballastone Inn is renowned for its gracious hospitality and over-the-top, lavish rooms. The four-story 1838 mansion sits along one of the prettiest streets in the city. A mid-19th-century inn with an expansive landscaped courtyard, the Eliza Thompson House and its grand guest rooms look much as you might imagine they did when cotton was king of Savannah. Original heart-pine floors and period antiques impart a romantic ambience, and yet rooms have comfortable, modern amenities, especially the bathrooms. Rooms at the Foley House Inn contain antiques and Oriental rugs; many overlook Chippewa Square and have massive two-person Jacuzzis. Of affordable chain properties, the Comfort Suites Historic District is clean, pleasantly furnished, and a short walk from City Market. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 �TA-BOO’ RESTAURANT Palm Beach, Florida .[Ldocated on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida, TA-BOO’ is a real treat! Stretching four fabulous blocks from South Ocean Blvd. to Cocoanut Row on Palm Beach island, Worth Avenue is one of the world’s most exclusive shopping districts. q-he Avenue boasts a sumptuous mix of more than 200 world-famous specialty shops, posh department stores, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. It is like the Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. A coat and tie (or ascot) is of course necessary even at lunch time. TA-BOO’ has been in business for over 60 years. It has the classic ambiance of a private gentlemen’s club brightened by Palm Beach’s smart set, it atmosphere is both comfortable and busding all at the same time. Slowly spinning ceiling fans, tropical fishtail palms and leafy dangling porthos vines frame a mural of an ocean vita, complete with Miznetresque terra-cotta rooftops in the foreground. Down a terra-cotta pathway, the long bar is an Avenue tradition for a variety of patrons - from the burger and beer set to those with an affinity for a rack of lamb and a little Veuve Clicquot! A soothing marine 22 the STAR aquarium illuminates the bar’s neighboring bistro. Their menu covers the basics, from comfort food to top-notch cuisine. If you’re dining for lunch, start with the sushi-quality carpaccio of tuna or try the ever-popular warm grilled chicken and pears salad. Dinner is all about Maine Lobster, white Dover sole meuniere, crispy roast mahogany duck and linguine with lump crab. Dessert is a MUST, partictflarly the signature "Ta-boo’ lust", a sinful concoction of coconut cream filling and whipped cream atop a walnut cookie crust. \re always dine there at least once when we are in Florida and it does just keep getting better everytime! Owners Franklyn DeMarco and Nancy Sharigan are regular hosts. You never know what famous celebrities you will be dining with. We particularly enjoy their Swordfish. strai= glass. Serve. Lunch is served from 11:30 AM to 5 PM and dinner is served from 5 PM to 10 PM weekdays and from 5 PM to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday Brunch is served till 3 PM. They are located at 221 Worth Avenue and for reservations call: (561) 835-3500. www.ozarksstar.com �GAY TR_&VELERS: having a lot of financial problems as they at first were going to open mid-summer, then in the fall and now they don’t know if they will open or not. We booked an accommodation and in Denver a couple of years ago and when we got to the destination, we found that it was simply a condo unit with two bedrooms and the guy rented out one of the bedrooms! In South Dakota, we booked a reservation and when arriving, the owner gave up HIS bedroom for us and then he slept on the sofa! Sometimes restaurants can also be a complete disaster. From being dirty, to rude servers, to bad food and service, it can always be interesting to say the least. But if you are not happy with a restaurant ..... LEAVE ! We have ~valked out of dozens of restaurants. If there is one problem, then usually a second problem develops and before you know it you are in a mess up to your ears, so why not just leave before it gets worse? The worst thing we hate to hear from a server, is "Don’t give me a hard time, I had a bad night last night". Who cares if the server had a bad night? They are there to "SERVE YOU" with a smile and with a professional attitude. We have at times paged the manager and requested that another server wait on us and we explain fully why. There are a lot of excellent servers in restaurants but we just simply won’t accept bad service. If the food you ordered is not good nor cooked properly, quietly and gently tell your server the problem. Bartenders can really be a pain in the ass sometimes. One bartender in Seattle doesn’t like to wait on people sitting at the bar. Rather, you have to go to his station, order and get your drinks and then return to your bar stoo!. How crazy is that? We have had bartenders that didn’t even know how to make a screwdriver! Most likely they didn’t know how to make a Bourbon and 7 either! Other bartenders are eating or smoking while trying to wait on you. We simply tell them that ~vhen they are thru eating or thru with their smoke break, then they can take our order. If a bartender is behind the bar and smoking and serving us, we explain exactly why we are not leaving a tip! Fortunately more and more states are becoming non-smoking and that takes care of the problems. Having said this, we have found that most bartenders are friendly, fun, wonderful and professional and our hats off to all of them! They enjoy what they are doing and make great tips. Websites can often be deceiving and indeed sometimes they are! \Vhenever possible and especially when booking accommodations, it is smart to check around to see if you kmow anybody that has actually stayed there. As far as restaurants or bars, it is easier to just walk out if there is a problem. You pay good money and you expect your money’s worth. Most accommodations, restaurants and bars are run very professional. Their staff is professional and courteous and friendly. Don’t you just love it when your traveling At least one overnight stay by a non-resident Rank Destination Percent who visited in the last 12 months 1 New York City, NY 16.0% 2 Las Vegas, NV 14.3% 3 San Francisco, CA 12.9% 4 Los Angeles/\Vest Hollywood, CA 11.9% 5 Ft. Lauderdale/Wilton Manors, FL 10.5% 6 Palm Springs, CA 10.1% 7 Chicago, IL 9.2% 8 San Diego, CA 8.8% 9 Washington, DC 8.6% 10 Miami/South Beach, FL (tie) 8.2% 10 Orlando, FL (tie) 8.2% "Community Marketing’s studies are unique in the tourism industry," McHugh said. "Other studies try to rank gay friendliness or popularity, but this study actually quantifies the bottom line: Where did gay and lesbian consumers go and spend their money?" Most-Visited International DestinationsRank Destination Percent who visited in the last 12 months 1 London 8.4% 2 Puerto Vallarta 7.6% 3 Paris 6.2% 4 Vancouver 6.1% 5 Montreal 5.9% 6 Toronto 5.6% 7 US Virgin Islands 5.1% 8 Cancun 5.0% 9 Puerto Rico 4.8% 10 Rome 4.7% Respondents indicated that they chose leisure destinations because friends recommended them, they offer unique attractions, and are known for their gay-friendliness. "Clearl),, when destinations show gay and lesbian visitors a good time, that is the best advertising investment they can make," said McHugh. "Word of mouth marketing is very powerful among the gay and lesbian community. It’s not enough to slap a rainbow on an ad and call it a day. The most successful destinations ~vork with their tourism and hospitality partners to earn that kind of loyalty and referral. This is accomplished through education, training, and offering a genuinely gay-welcoming social and political atmosphere." and everything goes smoothly? But once in a while it doesn’t and you have a choice to make ........... either accept it or do something about it. And it is YOUR choice! Life is to short to settle on anything less than fabulous! Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from Coast to Coast. Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://www.hometown.aol. com/gaytravelers www.ozarksstar.com Ouotab e Quotes "Gayest Democratic convention ever? A record 16 percent of delegates to the Democratic National Committee’s platform committee for the Denver convention are LGBT", says Howard Dean. The STAR 23 ���By Ronald Blake Exercise can make you bigger, stronger, and faster. These are the obvious results from a fertile regimen of physical activity. There are other benefits from exercise that are sure to have the neighbors stand up and take notice. Exercise can stimulate new growth of neurons and even help you to keep the neurons that you possess. Neurons are those little things in your body that transport messages throughout your legs, arms, torso, and head. They are good to have around if you yearn to communicate and learn. This comes as good news to those of you who destroyed countless neurons in your previous existence as an irresponsible college student ~vith that degree in undecided. There is hope for you debaucherous mongrels and physical activity is certainly one answer. Faster reaction times can be attributed to exercise. You will be able to hit baseballs thrown at ninety-five miles per hour. You will be able to dodge bullets from Tony Soprano’s goombahs. You will be able to more effectively bob and weave through the one-two combination of Oscar DeLaHoya. You might even be able to negotiate better in traffic on the 666 Freeway on your route to work on Mondays. Can I get an "amen" to more effective reaction times due to running, walking, and double-dutching? Mental challenges become mere child’s play in response to the dashing good looks of Mr. Exercise. Yes, exercise has been known to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Even Albert Einstein was spotted riding bicycles and frolicking along the ocean during his sojourn on this planet. These physical exertions were rumored to have led to his great theories on relativity. You might just settle for solving the complexities of a Rubik’s cube or that set of instructions on putting your barbecue grill together. 26 the STAR Your memory can behold the effects of a good physical fitness program. There is a site in your brain called the hippo campus that can enlarge in mass and reap the goodness of jumping jacks and other means of physical activities. This enlargement of the hippo campus translates into better memory and possibly the ability to treat Alzheimer’s patients. ~aink of all the time you waste trying to recall where you placed your cell phone, keys, black socks, or W2 form from work. Start using that wasted time on exercise that will jump start that short-term memory compartment. Your mood can be positively impacted by the release of neurotrophins. These chemicals are released when you decide to participate in an active lifestyle. They rush into your system and make you feel happy and vivacious. Consider reaching for your roller blades instead of that sleeve of Girl Scout mints to turn that frown upside down the next time you are grumpy. Sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows everywhere will be your reward. If we all reconvene in another five years, it is quite likely that ongoing research will show even more benefits of the brain and exercise combination. Keep sweating to the oldies with Richard Simmons and know that good things will always follow. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. This column is brought to you by that guy who prefers to frame a collage of one dollar bills instead of framing that replica of"Starry Night" from Michaels. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be reached www. goblakefitness.com. �erupts in Auso Jesus 9 ay SYDNEY (AFP) -- Australian church leaders have condemned a play shortly to open in Sydney depicting Jesus as a gay man who is seduced by Judas, a report said Sunday. INTE ATIONAL GAY SC ENPLAY CONTEST- 10th ANNIVERSARY Apart from the relations between Jesus and Judas, the play also features Jesus conducting a gay marriage between two apostles. HOLLYWOOD, CA (PR) __ The ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST, a screenplay contest dedicated to the positive portrayal of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trangender and queer individuals in film, celebrates it’s 10th anniversary in 2008. Entries are nmv being accepted online and are limited to the first 300 for 2008. Executive Director, David Jensen, "We are excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary and are looking at a record number of entries this year. We are continually amazed with the quality of talent that comes through the door year after year." Jensen continues, "\Ve receive entries from around the globe and Hollywood is taking notice in a very big way. Many of our past winners are now hard working screenwriters" The play’s director Leigh Rowney, who claims to be a Christian, accepted the play would offend some Christians but said he was keen to provoke debate about Christianity. The ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST has gained respect and notoriety from Hollywood studios, agents and producers. Entries for 2008 are being accepted online at: www.OnelnTenScreenplayContest.com "I wanted this play in the hands of a Christian person like myself to give it dignity but still open it up to answering questions about Christianity as a faith system," Rowney was quoted saying. Prizes for 2008 include cash, industry exposure and merchandise. The 2008 One In Ten Screenplay Contest is sponsored by: Cherub Productions, Final Draft Inc., scr(i)pt magazine, www.inktip.com, www. TopFilmFestivals.com, www.ScreenplayContests.com and Jungle Software. Xhe play, named Corpus Christi, is due to open next month as part of the city’s annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Sydney’s SunHerald newspaper reported. A senior Sydney churchman called the play "historical nonsense". "It is deliberately, not innocently, offensive and they’re obviously having a laugh about it," Robert Forsyth, Anglican bishop of South Sydney, was quoted saying. Playwright Terrence McNally, who is gay, received death threats when the work was performed in the United States, the newspaper said. The submission deadline for 2008 ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST is September 1, 2008. Entry forms are available online through the contest website: www.OnelnTenScreenplayContest.com. Entry forms may also be obtained through the mail by sending a self addressed stamped envelope to: CHERUB PRODUCTIONS One In Ten Screenplay Contest Post Office Box 540 Boulder, Colorado 80306 (303) 629-3072 www.screenplaycontests.com E-mai!: Cherubfilm@aol.com www.ozarksstar.com Community for People living with 50! c (~) Non P~ofi[ Orga~ation Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HtV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live 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. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. Quotable Quotes More than 90 percent of gays and lesbians vote in U.S. presidential elections, compared to 64 percent of straight citizens. Queer folk are twice as likely as straight folk to vote in midterm elections. Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), a leading LGBT market research company. the STAR 27 �As Mercury lines up with the Sun in Aquarius, everyone is a bit more know-it-all and too damn clever for his or her own good. Try to be adaptive, open-minded, and a good listener, and you will be much smarter - however discreetly - than the people voicing their grand ideas. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Friends who seem relentless in urging you on are actually doing you a favor. You’re capable of more than you realize. Going it alone would weaken you. Let them help you, and you’ll go far! TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Question authority, but pay attention to what those in power say. Expert advice needs some expansion and clarification, and asking for that will prove advantageous. Asking questions doesn’t make you look foolish, but not asking them when you should will! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Insisting that you’re right only exposes more glaringly where you’re wrong. Try to keep an open mind, and remember what basic principles are really important. Adapt with new conditions and new ideas to keep up! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Adaptability is not only an enduring value, it is one of your sign’s best attributes. New ideas that seem to be an affront to your sensibilities can prove very helpful, and will eventually affirm the values they seem to attack. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You’re getting a birthday bolt of fabulosity in which anything could happen, and you’ll make sure it will. Thrive on the attention, but take a little time out to charge your batteries. Let yourself be surprised. Really surprised. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Working behind the scenes, especially in a charitable effort, will be to your advantage. The political connections will be obvious, but there will be more surprising benefit!! GEMINI (May 21 - Jun~ 20): You’re itching for a power struggle. Playing it out in the bedroom can release that energy so your uppity impulses don’t make trouble for you at work. Or focus and harness that energy more deliberately at work, if you can! CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Your mouth is running way ahead of your brain and your good sense. Try to stick to places where a lack of inhibition and tasteful restraint can work to your favor. Anywhere else, slow down and think about what you’re saying. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your partner - in life or in the moment - will offer some kinky new possibilities, expanding your erotic horizons. If your sweetie is drawing a blank in that department, start talking about tattoos and body art. Just discussing it should stimulate the imagination. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): New approaches at work can make your job more productive and enjoyable. You have some great ideas, but don’t be so insistent on doing things your own way. Colleagues will offer surprising inspiration. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): A new approach to your favorite sport or hobby can make it a lot more fun and/or creative. Ask yourself how Morn or Granny would approach it, whether you choose to follow that example or take a diametrically opposite approach. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): If you can manage to have some fun with your family, you’ll be amazed at what secrets will be revealed in the process. Stand your ground gently in arguments, agreeing to disagree, and even more will come out! MC METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �DOWNTOWN PLAZA of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 x~wv.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhar tman@gmail.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESS\grAy Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 vcww.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com www.ozarksstar.corn CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictutsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW" 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 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 Saturday 9:30 AM Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1 st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pro NW ARKANSAS GLBT CENTER Bentonville/Rogers 888-391-9222 WWW..NWAGLBTCC.ORG (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City:. St: Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: 29 �\Vc’hether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. ~.~kansas GLBT Community Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC. ORG 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �:hart \~;’.lLam ShakcsFea~;:. ,she ,~. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 �°Aid � 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 Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & D~VERSE market. Cal~ STAR ADVERTiSiNG today. (918}835o7887 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com OKLAHOMA PR£SIDENTIAL PRIMARY FEBRUARY 5 MAKE YOURVOTE COUNT By Victor Gorin Photo: ~ctor Gorin registering Thomas Bishop to vote in OKC Ifyou are registered as a Republican or Democrat in Oklahoma, soon it will be time to cast your vote to select your party favorite for our next president. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and your polling place is on your voter card. You may vote early from 8 a.m. unti! 6 p.m. Friday February 1 and Monday February 4, and from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday February 2. Call your local election board for your early voting site. Ifyou have lost your voter card, you may still vote if you are registered, and this you can find out by calling your local election board, who can also provide your polling place. In Oklahoma County that number is 713-1515, Tulsa County 596 5787. Although they appear on the Democratic ballot, 2 candidates have dropped from the race, Bill Richardson and Christopher Dodd. On the Republican ballot, Tom Tancredo appears on the ballot even though he has dropped from the race. Independent voters cannot vote for a presidential candidate in this Oklahoma election. However, you may have school board races that you can vote for, so be sure to check that out. Vote February 5 and make our voice heard. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 SAINT VA~N~’~ The origin and history ofSaint Valentine’s A Night in the Palace ofVersailles, Barony of all Oklahoma crowns 1st Czar & Czarina. Dennis R. Neill Equality Center presents art by Jessica Newman. ~ DEEP ~S~D~: HOLL~OOD NEW: Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Paul Rudd and Nathan Lane. Through his dedication and courage, black gay anti-apartheid activist Simon Tseko Nkoli played a key role in the fight for GLBT liberation and human rights for people with HIV/AIDS. Devre Jackson reviews Cabernet Sauvignon. ~~ C~AO TRAVEL Gay Travelers: Oklahoma City Out of Town: Savannah, GA Dining In or OUT Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Czar I Philtip Parker & Czarina I Kris Cherri Kohl 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Valentine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th 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 Lupercalia.The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. 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 would 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 to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine (photo above) was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius I1. 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 clubs 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 variety of pagan ceremonies, the 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. And 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 patrons for the com- ~year, arose in this way. ..... ~, www.ozarksstar.com JoNin Gay & Lesbian Center To Ho d VNentines Fundraiser JOPLIN, MO (P/R) __ In support of equal civil marriage for gays and lesbians and "Freedom To Marry Week", the Joplin Gay and Lesbian Center invites the GLBT community to a Valentines reception and dance February 14th, 2008 7:00 pm to 1:30 am. The event will be held at Groove Lounge, 2331 East 7th Street in Joplin. Dance to the music of the house DJ, enjoy a Wedding Cake and cash bar. A $5.00 donation per person at the door will go to support the Joplin Gay and Lesbian Center. For more information contact Director Lee McDaniel 417-622-7821 or email gaylesbiancenter@gmail.com Website www.mYspace.com/gaylesbiancenter Recognized by Keller Williams ,- For outstanding achievement 2005 and 2006 Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALIOr~ V/hether buying or selling I’ll work hardforyou. the STAR 5 Acceptance o£GAYS and LESBIANS In addition to loosing weight is he getting a homo-friendly face-lift? OKLAHO/vlA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma City Mayor Cornett proclaims an official day for Ellen DeGeneres’s birthday and this is coming from a man who previously never meet a gay man or woman he liked. Well, I have a bridge in Brooklyn, too. \Vhen it’s Cornett’s political agenda being advanced then he’s comfortable ~vith appearing on the famous lesbian Ellen DeGeneres’s TV show as he did on January !7th. Could his self-serving appearance also have anything to do with the National Conference of Mayors having their 2010 annual meeting in OKC? Is he trying to get a homo-friendly face-lift as well as lose weight in order to make himself more attractive for re-election? Did his failed attempt at running for Congress show him the error of his ways or just point him to another snake-oil strategy? Now, in order to show that Mayor Cornett is exercising all his Christian sincerity of turning the other cheek, will he propose a human rights commission with legal force that can be approved by the City Council so that cases of gay/lesbian harassment and discrimination can be handled with respect and the intention of making life better for all of OKC’s taxpaying citizens? I’m not a Christian and I’ve turned both of my cheeks, upper and lower, for the last time to self-serving politicians who use gay people for their own ends and then dispose of them like a fast food clam shell. Just How Vulgar W- ll a Desperate Candidate Get? OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Not wanting to get too explicit about basic human sexual techniques, I can’t help notice that so much of human disagreement at a low level of public conversation comes down to either analogous or physical illustrations of body penetration in a sexual context. We’ve seen with Mike Huckabee, a man who wants to lead one of the most powerful countries in the world, that he’s willing to stoop to a tow level of vernacular public language in order to attract the flat-earth variety of voter who believes in a geo-centric 6,000 year-old earth. His remarks about putting a flag pole where the sun doesn’t shine regarding the South Carolina Confederate flag controversy is one example. The instance of Huckabee’s rallying mantras is a perfect example that he, suffused with the self-reflecting love of his self-constructed Jay-sus, is not immune, rather he uses it ki~owingly to inflame his redneck followers to greater heights of cooperation in their own submission to the destructive force of religion. Yes, human power can operate at the lowest level of human respect for those ,vho disagree with us and the fastest way to connect with many people is to graphically use the example of rape towards the perceived enemy. A frustrated Vice-president Dick Cheney used the same tactic in referring to Senator Patrick Leahy with a vulgar act of self-stimulation in the Senate chamber. Just as violent rape ofwomen by men is described as an attempt at power, with nothing to do with lust, so is the use of sexual penetration by antagonists used to inculcate their ideas of power and superiority at the basest level of human society. A thinking voter should reject such a candidate immediately. 6 the STAR ~wv.ozarksstar.com AskAbout Our Suites WV~N.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 ince 1982 Ms. Kris Kohl in the "Painted Ladies" Show Friday, February’ 15th & 29th, @lOpm. Cover charge $5.00 single, $8.00 per Couple. Mention this ad and receive 1 FREE drink coupon per room. t 7 West 7th Street 8 the STAR & Boulder Ave) ® Tulsa, Ok 74119 e plazatulsa.€om www.ozarksstar.com byJoeyDe TULSA, OK __ Playing dress up may be child’s play, but for the Royal Green Country Barony ofAll of Oklahoma, it is a welcomed break to hours of hard work. A member of the International Imperial Court System, the RGCBAO is a philanthropic organization with a government system and titles inspired by Victorian alty. In an Adornment Ceremony at the Holiday Inn Select in Tulsa on Jan. 12, the RGCBAO crowned their first Czar and Czarina, Phillip Parker and Kris Cherri Kohl (respectively). A non-partisan organization, the Royal Green Country Barony of All Oklahoma seeks to further the mission of the International Court System by uniting not only the gay community, but the entire community of Oklahoma, gay and straight, regardless of ethnicity or other discriminating factors. ~he barony works to raise funds for charitable causes and work for equality within the realm it covers. To begin the evening, Nicole the Great, Queen Mother of the Americas, welcomed Oklahoma into the international family and described what they had "gotten themselves into." "You see all this (pageantry) and wonder about it, remember it’s all in camp. We may call each other Barons and Baronesses, but we are all equals," began the matriarch, who explained the organization’s pre- Stonewall San Francisco founding. She described the court system as one of the oldest and largest organizations in GLBT history. "When a gay man, Jose, declared that he wanted to be called an ’Empress’ after being crowned the queen of the Tavern Guild’s drag ball, he didn’t know what he started at the time." Through out the course of the evening, many other individuals who contributed to the founding of the RGCBAO were recognized, as well as those who have assumed leadership positions in the organization. This included the Privy Counsel (Board of Directors) comprised of Deb Starnes, Jim Ray, Scot Brown, Marc Acuff, and Photo Above: Czar IPhillip Parker & Czarina I Kris Cherri Kohl Lynn Whitley. Additionally was the Crown Grand Marquis Roger Francis and Crown Grand Marquesa Dominique La Rue. Also acclaimed as a key founder was Christian Cherri O’Donely Vaughn LaFleur Dior. Entertainment for the evening was provided by entertainers from across Oklahoma and beyond, q-his included the cast of "Twisted Theatre," Tim Conroy, Catia Lee Love, Empress The Lovely Suzanne, Empress Syren Vaughn, Empress Victoria Weston, Matthew Heath Fitzgerald, Tabitha Taylor, Rebbeca Tucker and Leonard Jenkins. Through all the dresses and crowns, the evening assumed a sense of decorum, but through the words of those on stage, it maintained a level of fun and frivolity that turned it into a true celebration. By the end of the evening, the Royal Green Country Barony of Oklahoma had demonstrated that they knew how to have a good time, but had made it clear they were ready to begin the hard work of providing leadership to and creating unity among the citizens of their relm. w~v.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 By Donald Pile and Pray Williams " Surrounded by Insanity" by Robert A. Hofmann We have just read a new book, "Surrounded by Insanity" by Robert A. Hofmann and it is one of those books that once you begin reading it, you won’t want to put it down until you have completely finished. It is absolutely hilarious! It is a biographical story of the author’s experiences thru his life with his early childhood and growing up with friends and family. Robert grew up in New Jersey and what a wild and crazy and wonderful life he has had. Between his family and his friends, he guides the reader thru many exciting episodes of his life. It is wickedly bitchy and hilarious! Everyone in Robert’s life so far is a participant in this wonderfully funny and provocative story of his life. It begins with his birth and goes thru two years ago when he was staying at the wonderful Grand Resort in Ft. Lauderdale when Hurricane Wilma hit in 2006 leaving everybody without power for several days. q-his is a "must read" for gay men all over the country. You will laugh at nearly every page! Robert knows exacdy what his readers want to hear and he writes in such a great way. He writes openly what many of us say behind our backs. One of our favorite parts of the book is when he talks about "prespeaking", as in, "Dinner. That is where we should go" and "Glad for you! That is what I am." Days after reading this, we are still catching ourselves "prespeaking". Hopefully we and our friends will get tired of it eventually but it is fun for a while. We don’t know if his family and friends are still speaking to him or not but they should be happy that he loves them so much that he can be so open and flank about them. He would indeed be a good friend of have. Hopefully we will get to meet him sometime in the near future. He left some extra copies of his book at the Grand Resort for guests to read and everyone can’t wait to get their hands on his book. We promise that you will laugh your head off:page after page after page. "Surrounded by Insanity" is published by Publish America and may be purchased through all major bookstores (if they don’t have it in stock, they’ll order it for you) or from www.amazon.com or www.publishamerica. com. We didn’t ~vant the book to end but thankfully, Robert is already in the process of coming out with his second book. As Robert says, " I live in fabulous, flaming, freakin" New Jersey. Woo-hoo. I am an attorney by day, writer by evening, superhero in the bedroom." Just keep up the great writing Robert! CLUB MAJESTIC TULSA TO HOST MR. OKLAHOMA CONTINENTAL 2008 PAGEANT By Greg Steele TULSA, OK __ Hot bodies and great talent will be the main course at Club Majestic Friday February 15th at 9pro. The show will feature an all male contest with guest entertainment from across the country. The feature entertainer will be Rasean Montrese Mr. Continental Nationals 2007 and hosted by Danielle Hunter Miss Continental Elite Nationals 2007. In addition to the contestant line up an impressive array of talent will be on stage to make your Friday Night at Club Majestic an evening to remember. Mr. Oklahoma 2007 Sevion Simpson, Mr. 2006 Nationals Simba Hall, Miss Oklahoma Continental 2007 Adrianna and introducing Mr. 2005 Nationals Tony DeSario. Club Majestic is located at 124 N. Boston in the Brady Arts District. 2-he latest on Britney Spears is that she is in training to become a high profile lesbian, being coached by famous lesbian convert Ellen DeGeneres. DeGeneres told the website www.thespoof.com "Britney is making great progress. I have every confidence she will make an excellent lesbian in time" 10 the STAR www.ozarksstar,com essica Newman art e hibit at Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (TULSA, OK (P/R) __ "~e Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Tnursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, "lhursday, February 7, 2008, for the opening of it’s February exhibit, featuring oil paintings and fine drawings by artist Jessica Newman. Newman, born in California in 1985, has been a resident ofTulsa since the age of 10. Jessica started drawing at a very young age, and really became involved in art during high school, when she took her first art class in the ninth grade. ~his is where she was introduced to a variety of art supplies, and began experimenting with different media. Since graduating high school in 2003, she has continued studying art in college, and plans on graduating as an art major. Jessica has always been fascinated by the human body, which is the theme of most of her work. She currently works with pencil, watercolors, and oil paints, but charcoal is her medium of choice. Her art has been shown at the Mayfest Youth Gallery, as well as at the Blue Dome Arts Festival. The exhibit will remain up through the month of February, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rightsfor Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Cente~ www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 SIDE De~ Inside ;~otlywoo4 rqo~ on n~wprojectsfor PaulRuddand Nathan ~ane. Nathan Lane Casts Swing Vote Hds acting up a storm on Broa&vay right now with Laurie Met~f in the new D~vid Mamet play, November, but stage fixture Nathan Mewill be back on the big screen this new year, too, with a role in the ensemble comedy Swing ~v~te. Starring Kevin Cosmer ~ a low-achieving, apolitic~l American citizen, tl~ movie concerns a presidentia! election that hinges entirely on Cosmer’s not-entirelywelMnformed vote and the n~tional ch~os that results from it. L~ne will co-star, along with Definis Hopper, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, George Lopez, Mare Winningham, *~Vi!lie Nelson, and politiCal comment~)or A~ianna Hut~ngton ~s herse!£ Already wrapp~[, the film - if audiences vote for it v~ith their ticket dollars - could find itselfincieasing poll turnoutsSBut not likely, Paul Rudd You, Man ~rotagonists express- - signal the beginning t ofheterosexual male intimacy? movie, I love by Judd Apatow (v¢hose willingness to "go in films like The Obiect of " " well documented), the best he considers close enough to fill. as the poor spring, here’s t Larry: Like ransamerican Love ready for Transamerican Love a 36-year-old ~ with an Girl). Addams will ~ of men competing to date her formerly male body. Contrast About Miriam, on which told about Miriam’s transgender a bold step for the reality televicomic Alec Mapa wilt host the show by gay cable channel Logo. The in 2008. 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar, corn DEEP INSXDE HOLLYWOOD Choosing America’s Prom Q een For further evidence that pop culture is now dominated by entertainment designed for the High School Musical demographic, !ook no further than Americas Pro Queen. ABC Family has given the go-ahead for the new series that will pit a group of high school-aged young women against each other in the quest to be the fairest prom queen of them all. The contestants will reside in a mansion and compete in challenges that will show if they’ve got what it takes to wear a tiara in public and vcave at less popular people; then they’ll stay or go based on viewer votes. But Romeo has one complaint: in an era when young men are routinely making the news after being voted prom queen at their school, why no boys allowed? Lesbian Musician Julie Schurr to Perform in Eureka Springs, Fayetteville and New Orleans. Romeo San Vicente - while in high school, mindyou - wa~" very popular with his share ofpmm kings. He can be reached care ofthis publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com. Regional MCC CMr&es Perform An Act ©fKin&ess In Tulsa JOPLIN, MO G/R) __ MCC United in Tulsa, OK was visited by Diva’s xvith Chain Saws as members of MCC of the Living Springs, Eureka Sprh~gs, AR and Spirit of Christ MCC; Joplin, MO arrived Saturday morning the 12th of January ready to work. MCC United has been dealing with damage on their property since an early, December ice storm devastated the area. There were still damaged trees that needed to be reduced to manageable size and trees that were potentially dangerous if not removed. Together with members of MCC United and their Pastor, Rev Carolyn Mobley the three churches xvere able to make short work of the remaining damage control and clean-up. Spirit of Christ MCC literally closed their doors and moved their worship to a program Rev Steve ca~s: "Faith in Action." "We are an oddity in MCC Churches in that we xvorship on Saturday mornings. As it is, we are ~knoxvn to replace worsNp with taking on Acts of Random Kindness to show what we believe is primary for us. As Christ served all people in need.., so should xve." Rev. Urie also pastors MCC of the Living Spring in Eureka Springs, AR and when he shared the needs he immediately received e-mails saying xve are going with you." We were totally blessed inasmuch as we had four chain saxvs in action, limbs fal~ng and people picking up the grounds with no injuries and everyone home safely. The group was blessed with a xvonderful lunch provided by MCC United and a musical Thank You provided in song by Rev. Carolyn. Across Regional boundaries and State Lines xve can all work together serving God by serving each other. EUREKA SPRINGS, AR __ Growing up, Julie Schurr never heard music that might have made life a little bit easier for a lesbian girl being raised in the strictly-proscribed constraints of a religiously conservative community and home. In fact, she wasn’t supposed to be listening to music at all. She wasn’t supposed to know what a lesbian was. Let alone BE one. An original creation, Julie Schurr’s fusion of musical styling and technique is all her own: Indierockbitchfolk. She’s been showcasing it to her fans in St. Imuis and Detroit, winning loyal converts. Now that she’s finished her degree & produced a full-length album, she just can’t imagine any other career path. So it’s a good thing that album sales are steadily rising and venues keep opening their doors. Julie will be out on tour and finishing up her 2nd album, which is planned for release in early 2008. Julie Schurr has headlined Pride and Coming Out day celebrations around the country and has been featured on Curvemag.com and in the Advocate. Her two hour performance will include acoustic music from her current album as well as her unique style of audience participation and comedy. Show tour locations listed below. Eureka Springs, Arkansas Baton Rouge, Louisiana Feb 9 2008 10:00P Feb 15 2008 8:00P Lumberyard Bar and Grille Hound Dog’s - Time TBA Fayetteville, Arkansas Feb 10 2008 8:30P Common Grounds New Orleans, Louisiana Feb 16 2008 9:30P Station 8801 More information on Julie can be found online at: www.julieschurr. corn or www.myspace.com/julieschurr. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 by Liz Highleyraan Past Out, which 100"ks at the life of South l frican gay activist Simon Nk01i, W-ho was Simon Nko li ? Soweto student uprising in the summer of 1976, he joined the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), the ~AaCrican National Congress (ANC), and the United Democratic Front (UDF). Fellow COSAS members debated removing him from his position of regional secretary when his sexual orientation became known, but a large majority ultimately voted in his favor. Long a~vare of his same-sex attractions, Nkoli began his first serious relationship at age 19, with a white bus driver. After Nkoli revealed this to his mother, she sent him to a series of local healers, a Christian priest, and finally a psychologist, who turned out to be gay himself and advised the lovers to live together - even if Nkoli had to pose as his partner’s servant to evade racial segregation laws. stance led the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) to suspend GASA for its failure to condemn apartheid, and the latter group soon collapsed. After his release, Nkoli co-founded the Gay and Lesbian Organization of the \vgitwatersrand - the country’s first genuinely integrated GLBT organization - and later the National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality (now the Lesbian and Gay Equality Project). "I am black and I am gay," he proclaimed at the first South African Pride march in 1990. "I cannot separate the two parts ofme into secondary or primary struggle. They will be all one struggle." Nkoli traveled widely speaking about the situation in his country, served as an ILGA board member representing Africa, and earned numerous honors for his work. hrough his dedication and courage, black gay antiapartheid activist Simon Tseko Nkoli played a key role in the fight for GLBT liberation and human rights for people with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Nkoli was born in Soweto in November 1957. He spent part of his childhood living with his grandparents, tenant farmers on a white estate, before moving to Sebokeng township to join his mother and stepfather. Nkoli became an anti-apartheid activist at a young age. After multiple arrests for civil disobedience, including participation in the 14 the STAR In his early 20s, after coming out in an interview with a black newspaper, Nkoli joined the newly formed Gay Association of South Africa (GASA), which consisted mostly of middle-class white men. Resolutely apolitical, the group resisted Nkoli’s requests to hold social events at nonsegregated venues, leading him to form the Saturday Group, the country’s first black gay organization, in 1984. Around the same time, amid growing racial discord, Nkoli stepped up his anti-apartheid activism, helping organize a tenant rent strike in the town of Delmas. Charged with killing a man by throwing a rock during a protest, Nkoli was arrested, tortured, and imprisoned. Along with 21 other black activist leaders, he was tried in 1986 for the capital crimes of subversion, conspiracy, and treason. While in prison awaiting trial, Nkoli revealed his homosexuality to his co-defendants - ANC and UDF members who would later hold high-level positions in the post-apartheid government - and they came to respect and support him as a gay man. "This country wilt never protect the rights of its gay and lesbian citizens unless we stand up and fight - even when it makes us unpopular with our own comrades," he later wrote. Nkoli came out more publicly during the trial, when he used his attendance at a GASA meeting as an alibi to counter claims that he had been present at a clandestine political meeting. In 1988, the charges against him were dropped and he was released. During his imprisonment, Nkoli became a cause celebre for gay rights activists around the world, but he received minimal support from the accomodationist GASA. This Nkoli’s anti-apartheid activism and ties with movement leaders proved instrumental in winning the ANC’s support for gay rights. In 1994, he met with Nelson Mandela, whose election as president marked the end of the apartheid era. As the newly integrated country crafted its constitution, Nkoli lobbied for sexual orientation to be included in its anti-discrimination provisions, and also argued for repeal of sodomy laws. In 1996, South Africa became the first country to include explicit constitutional protection for GLBT people. A decade later, in fulfillment of a court mandate based on the constitution, the South African parliament legalized same-sex marriage. Yet even as the gay movement gained strength and the apartheid regime crumbled, the AIDS epidemic reached crisis proportions in the 1990s, reintensifying racism and homophobia. Having been diagnosed with HIV himself (likely contracted in prison), Nkoli turned his focus to AIDS activism, co-founding groups including the Positive African Men’s Project and the Township AIDS Project. As the decade wore on, Nkoli experienced increasing bouts of ill health; he died of an AiDS-related infection on November 30, 1998, in the company of his long-time partner, Roderick Sharp. Though Nkoli himself was not able to benefit from effective new HIV drugs, his work for universal treatment access inspired fellow gay and anti-apartheid activist Zackie Achmat to form the Treatment Action Campaign, which today is widely regarded as the strongest AIDS activist group in the world. www.ozarksstar.com DNC ELECTS R£CORD NUMBER OF LGBT MEMBERS TO 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CON NTION STANDING COMMITTEES Appointments Reflect Strength, Diversity and Energy ofDemocratic Party DENVER, CO (P/R) __ The Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) unanimously elected DNC Chairman Howard Dean’s nominations for the Chairs and members of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Standing Committees, including a record number of openly LGBT members. Dean’s LGBT appointments include Dr. Marjorie Hill of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis organization in New York, Diego Sanchez from AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, State Representative Patricia Todd ofAlabama, and Ingrid Duran ofVirginia to serve on the Platform Committee, along with Claire Lucas and Evan Low of California to the Rules Committee and Bob Rogan of Vermont to the Credentials Committee. In addition to appointing a record number of LGBT standing committee members, Dean was also the first DNC chair to appoint a member of the transgender community to a Convention committee. The Standing Committees of the Convention are responsible for reviewing Convention business and formulating recommendations for consideration by Convention delegates. The Executive Committee’s vote took place during the panel’s recent meeting in Denver, site of the four-day Convention in August. "The record turnout and enthusiasm we’ve seen for our Democratic candidates is a clear sign that Americans trust Democrats to bring much needed change to our country," said Governor Dean. "These outstanding leaders reflect the great strength, diversity and energy of the Democratic Party, and I’m confident their efforts will ensure our Convention in Denver is reflective of our shared values and our nominee’s vision for America." The elections included the Chairs and 25 Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) members of the three Convention Standing Committees: Credentials, Platform and Rules. Each committee has a total of 186 members. An additional 161 members elected by each of the states’ and territories’ Convention delegations wil! join Governor Dean’s appointments to the committees later this spring. For a full list of and biographical information on the Chairs and PLEO members from each Standing Committee, visit http:llwww.demconvention.comlalstandingcommittees. pdf. Credentials Committee The Credentials Committee is charged with coordinating issues around the selection of delegates and alternates to the Convention and will likely meet in the summer. The committee will issue a report that is the first official item of business at the Convention. Platform Committee The Platform Committee is responsible for drafting and recommending a proposed National Platform for approval at the Convention. After conducting hearings and forums to collect testimony on issues and policies to potentially include in the platform, the committee is likely to meet sometime in July. Rttles Committee The Rules Committee is responsible for proposing the Permanent Rules for the Convention, adopting the proposed Convention agenda and making recommendations for permanent Convention officers - all addressed as the second official item of business at the Convention. The committee will meet sometime in August, prior to the Convention. Huckabee ir ks gay sex to bestiality, abortion to slavery WASHINGTON (AFP) -- Republican presidential hopeful and former Baptist pastor Mike Huckabee linked gay sex to bestiality and abortion to slavery in an interview Thursday, explaining why, if elected, he would try to amend the constitution. "Marriage has ... as long as there’s been human history, meant a man and a woman in a relationship for life. Once we change that definition, then where does it go from there?" he asked in an interview with online "Beliefnet" magazine. "Well, I don’t think that’s a radical view, to say we’re going to affirm marriage. I think the radical view is to say that we’re going to change the definition of marriage so that it can mean two men, two women, a man and three women, a man and a child, a man and animal," he added. "The Bible was not written to be amended. The Constitution was," he said, announcing his intention to amend the document if he were to be elected president in November to ban abortion and establish that life begins at the moment of conception. Leaving it up to individual states to outlaw abortion within their own borders is not enough, he said. "That’s again the logic of the Civil War -- that slavery could be okay in Georgia but not okay in Massachusetts. Obviously we’d today say, ’Well, that’s nonsense. Slavery is wrong, period. It can’t be right somewhere and wrong somewhere else.’ Same with abortion," Huckabee said. Huckabee won the Iowa Republican caucuses earlier this month, the first contest in the race for each party’s nomination to run for the White House. He is in second place behind Arizona Senator John McCain in opinion polls for Saturday’s primaries in South Carolina. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 Brief history Cabernet Sauvignon, like all noble wine grape varieties, is of the species VitiS ~inifera, and genetic studies in 1997 indicated it is the result of a cross between Cabemet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Cabernet Sauvignon is most directly associated with the wines of Bdrdeaux~ and especially those of its Left Ba~k, which ncludes the top tier appellations of St.-Estephe, Pauillac, St.-Julien; and Margaux, among others. It makes Up the majority portion of the blends of all of the Grand Cru wines of the 1855 classification. In Bordeaux, blending is comm0n With ! !e other allowable varietals: Merlot, cabe~ et Franc, Pettlt Verdot, and Malbec. Cabal ~et Sauvignon is also cultivated in other ~i~i as in France, notably LanguedocTRousillor and has great acclaim the wodd Over. .... California is after BOrdeaux as the wodd’s largest grower of Cabemet Sauvignon. This grape is found mostly in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County. In Calif6mi~, the area of Cabemet Sauvignon planting doubled in the 1990s. As in Bordeaux, it is often blended with Franc to produce wo ton, " ’ the lower Yakima Valley. In late 2006, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology published the result of studies conducted at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine that showed the beneficial relationship of Cabernet Sauvignon in reducing the dsk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The stud trol, a compound found reduce levels of amyloid beta pe-t des which attack brain ce Is an.... At heady $10 a bottlel ddnks like a cab twice p. , ,, ...... u, ~.~ the coSL Thi~ Cabernet presents itse f with a par[ or wna[ causes Alzne~mer s. in snort nose Of bourbon-soake~ Cherries with a finish of wewine enthusiasts can enjoy drinking to chbcotate and Cedar. our good health. ........... Magnificen~Wine COmpany House Wine Columvar e a ol s nc on bia ~/alley 05 wwwlMagnificentVVine,com Cabemet Sauvignon has a well defined ~rnrn~a In Old ~J~rld wine~ n~rficularlv Cabemet Sauvignon 54% Medot 30% Syrah those made n Bordeaux th s s charac- 11Yo, Mabec3% Franc2~{~ ¯ Grea" ble - - f -- " "" ~ d t -eat I ~ naana or~nepnce [’snar oD . tensed by a smel of blackcurrant, cedar ’ and spice. New Wodd wines of this grape Cono Sur Cab/Carmenere Chile ’06 are more often dominated by aromas of v~zw.ConoSur.com ~ oak, pepper and earth. smell of This organic wine offers a robust, fruit- filled m wines made in nose of raspberry & plum most character- The palate reveals a flaVorfu nutty taste and rm-climate examples is has a long finish. rings of t wine. ~ne. Cabs ~eese5 s Dadoush Duet Napa ’04 ~.dadoush.com A blend of Cabemet and Shiraz Enticing aromas of blackberry with a coffee bean and a finish Of nutmeg & white pepper best descdbe this wine, Irony Cabernet Napa ’03 w~w.lronyWine.€om This is a b0ld and complex wine, which reflects the melding Of ~nique ~haractedstics from pdme vineyards in Sever&l different Napa appellations. Tobacco Cocoa and bright red berry characters make this a red wine to ~njoy. And as always, I say go to your favodte wine shop, ask qdestion~ and p~rchase a bottle or two. Share Some food & wine with friends and check it out for yourself. Complex aromas from hazelnut finish. cassis clove/ Mr. D als0 hosts wine & food events as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa, the BTAR :~ww.ozarksstar.com by Donald Pile and Ray CITyo In our travels to both the East Coast and the West Coast everyone alwa:ys asks the same question to us. V?here ro par.ry in the Midwest? we a!ways tell them the best two places to part? areTuAsa and Oklahoma City. It is hard for most people on both coast to believe, but unless you have been there you certainly wit! not believe that in the Bible belt ofOHahoma is this fabulous gay mecca. month we told you about Tulsa and this month we ~2e telling you about Oklahon~a City. We have been going to Oklahoma City to party for over 25 veals. "Ihe HABAN~ INN Resort has been a gay resort for over 25 years. It is the Midwest’s largest at! gay resort. A two story complex with ov& 175 rooms, most ofwhich tS_ce one of the two swimming pools. The rooms are spacious and vmT inexpensive. It is a totally gay resort. Lush tropical plants and trees surround the poo! areas. Gays fron-t all over the midwest as well as both coasts have been going there for years, and it is busy 7 days a week, not juston weekends. Lounge around the pool area and you are sure ~o meet that "someone specia!". They are located 2200 NW 39rh Expressway and their toll free number is 1.800.988.2221. Within a block of the Habana Inn resort you wilt find about 4 more gay bars c~tering to different tastes. A major grocery store is just one block away as are several other restaurants. A cab ride from the akport costs less one blo& west of the intersection of Penn and interstate 1-44 and is easy to find. Within the resort complex they have a wonderful restaurant than $20.00. The ......i fi d HABANA INN Gushers whmh has a great ambiance and serves dehc ous oo , and is reasonable priced. "Itae restaurant overlooks one of the pod resort is located areas so you cim enjoy the bovs frolicking in the pool as you are dining. They also offe~ sandwich~s, soups, salads, pastas and appetizers, add a breakfast menu is available on weekends. There are three bars in the Habana Inn complex which are completely different. COPA is a dance, disco and drag bar. WeeNy they have male dancers, drag shows and comedians. FINISHLtNE Plus. there are is a c0untrylwestern bar with plenty of countiT dancing. ~t~is is the a lot of siOits to place to se~ the real cowboys and cowgirls in action. THE LEDO is see in Oklahoma ~ quiet piano bar. All the bartenders are super friendly and they all City, The Cowboy kn~w h~w to make out of towners feel right at home. The owner of Hail of Fame has the bars and restaurant is to be commended for his outstanding job artifacts ,~ ! ’ ! , i, i [ ¯ . !otsofoil the west is do things like this. Just a couple doors away from the Habana Inn is ANGLES ar 21 t7 N.\V. 39th St.. Their website is: w~,~w.anglesclub. For more ~ corn habanainn.com and Also in the resort is J UNGLE RED, an adult gift shop with magazines, videos, cards, gifts, leather, Pride items plus a lot of decorative items for the home. ma’s Gay Website: ww~.ozarksstar.com ?dways remember to have fun when ratk to everyone! 18 the STAR by Donald Pile and Ray Williams ONLY sto ger-a-way~ check i~ out the Inn at 410, w~:410.com have the most um~sua! and exciting, and B. ~eit rooms world! The Vi!lag~ St. and you just cannot Steve owns the Gaslight a long And in Palm Metwn’s Restaurant, ~vw.inglesideinn.com www.ozarkssiar.com some ju~st simply pe~ection t00% of pecial "TI~KS" ’!egance in dining. dodt skimp on gets around and emails from our readers asking if ALWAYS have a about~ m be one that we have ever seen! ’gqth ~a Wetl as travelers all time however. A the closest gay" t this a used condom under the ....Con~ued page 23 broken 4 they also seem to be the STAR 19 Downtown Savannah) historic district is abundant withfine shops and restaurants, including the innovative Sapphire Grill, one ofthe city’s top eateries. (P,6oto by Andrew Collins) Georgi After years of lagging behind nearby Charleston in popularity, historic Savannah soared to new heights in the ’90s and remains one of the nation’s hottest destinations. Much of the city’s renaissance had do to with the staggering popularity ofJohn Berendt’s best-seller, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, whose droll yet salacious account of Savannah society propelled the city into a gay hotspot almost overnight. The jewel of Georgia’s lazily enchanting seacoast, Savannah was founded in 1733 by British General James Oglethorpe, who designed the perfect grid of streets and grassy tree-shaded squares for which this city of 130,000 is still famous. Savannah prospered as a silk exporter during its first century, before developing into one of the world’s major cotton suppliers. Much of downtown consists of elaborate brick and stucco Victorian buildings built following an 1820 fire that destroyed many of the city’s beautiful wood-frame Colonial homes. Had General Sherman not spared Savannah during his notorious and destructive "March to the Sea," most of these Victorian structures would also have been burned. Begin your explorations of the city inside the restored 1860s rail terminal that houses both the Savannah Visitor Information Center and the Savannah History Museum. This complex is at the southwestern edge of historic downtown. From here it’s a short walk north to City Market, a three-block pedestrian mall with a handful of gay-friendly shops and restaurants. Downtown Savannah’s shopping scene continues to evolve from traditional to fashion-forward - a Marc by Marc Jacobs flagship store opened here in April 2007, and many contemporary boutiques and art galleries now line the city’s oak-shaded streets. Near City Market, you’ll find the gay disco, Club One, which is the performing home ofThe Lady Chablis, who figured so prominently in The Book, as Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is commonly referred to by locals. Plenty of folks come to Savannah to seek out the sites that were brought to life in this mesmerizing tale (although it is nonfiction, The Book reads like a delicious novel). Ofpartictflar note is the privately owned Mercer House, in which Midnight’s central figure, antiques dealer Jim Williams, shot and killed his young lover, Danny Hansford, in 1981 (the question of whether Williams fired in self-defense or as a calculated act of murder is debated to this day). Its literary fame - or notoriety - notwithstanding, Savannah still rivals any Southern destination for its bedazzled and meticulously restored house museums. Ifyou have time for only one, visit the Owens-Thomas House, a splendid 1819 Regency mansion built by renowned British architect William Jay. Nearby is the Isaiah Davenport House, an 1815 Federal beauty. To see a fine collection of classical sculpture and Impressionist painting, visit the Telfair Mansion and Art Museum, a memorable 1818 structure in its own right. In 2006, the museum expanded with the construction of the striking newJepson Center for the Arts, which added more galleries and exhibition space. At the north end of the historic district, the city’s riverfront is lined with a stately row of restored cotton warehouses - now containing a slew of touristy businesses - and a cobbled lane that’s sits a full flight of steps below the rest of the city. The best time to appreciate it and the views of the bridge and freighters chugging along the Savannah River is in the morning, when you’ll encounter few crowds. One great way to explore downtown and get some advice on the local gay scene is to take a guided walk with knowledgeable local Jonathan Stalcup, who runs Architectural Tours of Savannah. For dining, avoid most of the mediocre eateries by the river and stick to one of the several local favorites, virtually all of them gayfriendly. One of the most famous restaurants in the South, Elizabeth on 37th specializes in subtly sublime regional cooking, 20 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com such as sesame-almond-crusted grouper with peanut sauce; and grilled rack of lamb with corn pudding, stewed okra, and tomatoes. Sexy and sophisticated Sapphire Grill serves some exciting and innovative contemporary American fare - consider the jumbo lump crab cake ,vith lemon curd, green-zebra tomatoes, and red chard. A bit more affordable, chic It Pasticcio presents contempora~7 Northern Italian cuisine - try the grilled gorgonzola-crusted filet mignon with a potato-pancetta gratin. Olde Pink House is one of those Savannah traditions that everybody should experience at least once - fine Continental fare with regional twists, like black grouper stuffed xvith blue crab and a Vidalia onion sauce, is served. Garibaldi’s, in an 1870s firehouse, prepares simple but very good Italian fare, such as pesto shrimp with angel hair pasta. For either lunch or dinner, the trendy City Market Cafe is a dependable choice, serving delicious wild mushroom, blue cheese, and prosciutto salad, as well as terrific thin-crust pizzas. It’s touristy, but fans of Food Network TV star Paula Deen won’t want to pass up a chance to dine at her downtown Savannah restaurant, ~lhe Lady & Sons, known for its down-home Southern cuisine. An elegant basement space with a youthful, see-and-be-seen following, Jazz’d Tapas Bar is perfect for late-night snacking - recommended fare include potato-leek frittata with fig chutney, and citrus-ginger- glazed shrimp-and-scallops skewers. ~he lesbian-owned Firefly Cafe serves affordable American fare, including plenty of fresh veggie dishes. ~l-his dapper spot overlooks Troup Square and is especially popular for brunch (try the Savannah eggs Benedict topped with fresh crab meat). For post-club noshing, check out Sushi Zen, a hip and gay-popular Asian restaurant with a convivial vibe. ~he bar staff and regulars in Savannah’s bars are friendly and forward. Although some locals shun the touristy and cavernous Club One, it’s one of the most impressive clubs in the Southeast, and it can be fun when ~lhe Lady Chablis is performing. Other options include Chuck’s, a friendly locals joint near the river that draws a mixed bunch; and Blaine’s Back Door Bar, a casual cruise and dance lounge that also has a dell serving pretty tasty sandwiches and pizza. Not gay per se, Venus de Milo is a sexy and sophisticated wine bar with a welcoming, bohemian vibe - it’s just west of City Market. Down along the riverfront, gay-friendly Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub is popular early in the evening for Irish music, food, and drink. With the recent rise in gay tourism, Savannah’s grand old hotels have become increasingly hospitable to visiting same-sex couples. Among the city’s many classic luxury inns, the Ballastone Inn is renowned for its gracious hospitality and over-the-top, lavish rooms. The four-story 1838 mansion sits along one of the prettiest streets in the city. A mid-19th-century inn with an expansive landscaped courtyard, the Eliza Thompson House and its grand guest rooms look much as you might imagine they did when cotton was king of Savannah. Original heart-pine floors and period antiques impart a romantic ambience, and yet rooms have comfortable, modern amenities, especially the bathrooms. Rooms at the Foley House Inn contain antiques and Oriental rugs; many overlook Chippewa Square and have massive two-person Jacuzzis. Of affordable chain properties, the Comfort Suites Historic District is clean, pleasantly furnished, and a short walk from City Market. The only GLBT-exclusive B&B in Savannah, 912 Barnard is also one of the least expensive. This dramatic yellow turn-of-the-century house has been handsomely restored to its original splendor, with antiques and authentic colors that convey the ambience of the city. A fully restored 1889 sea captain’s house that once belonged to one of Savannah’s wealthiest merchants, the Azalea Inn is quite gay-friendly. All rooms are configured and decorated differently; and each has a gas fireplace; two have whirlpool tubs, and two have balconies. For the most memorable accommodations, however, look to the gay-friendly Mansion on Forsyth Park, which offers some of finest digs in town. This stylish mini-resort beside verdant Forsyth Park contains 126 rooms with smart, contemporary furnishings, plus a top-notch spa, a cooking school, two cool bars, an art gallery, and the highly regarded 700 Drayton Restaurant. Opened in 2005, the hotel offers further evidence of Savannah’s gradual shift from a bastion of Old South gentility to a beacon ofNew South panache and www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 TA-BOO’ RESTAURANT Palm Beach, Florida .[Ldocated on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida, TA-BOO’ is a real treat! Stretching four fabulous blocks from South Ocean Blvd. to Cocoanut Row on Palm Beach island, Worth Avenue is one of the world’s most exclusive shopping districts. q-he Avenue boasts a sumptuous mix of more than 200 world-famous specialty shops, posh department stores, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. It is like the Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. A coat and tie (or ascot) is of course necessary even at lunch time. TA-BOO’ has been in business for over 60 years. It has the classic ambiance of a private gentlemen’s club brightened by Palm Beach’s smart set, it atmosphere is both comfortable and busding all at the same time. Slowly spinning ceiling fans, tropical fishtail palms and leafy dangling porthos vines frame a mural of an ocean vita, complete with Miznetresque terra-cotta rooftops in the foreground. Down a terra-cotta pathway, the long bar is an Avenue tradition for a variety of patrons - from the burger and beer set to those with an affinity for a rack of lamb and a little Veuve Clicquot! A soothing marine aquarium illuminates the bar’s neighboring bistro. Their menu covers the basics, from comfort food to top-notch cuisine. If you’re dining for lunch, start with the sushi-quality carpaccio of tuna or try the ever-popular warm grilled chicken and pears salad. Dinner is all about Maine Lobster, white Dover sole meuniere, crispy roast mahogany duck and linguine with lump crab. Dessert is a MUST, partictflarly the signature "Ta-boo’ lust", a sinful concoction of coconut cream filling and whipped cream atop a walnut cookie crust. \re always dine there at least once when we are in Florida and it does just keep getting better everytime! Owners Franklyn DeMarco and Nancy Sharigan are regular hosts. You never know what famous celebrities you will be dining with. We particularly enjoy their Swordfish. Lunch is served from 11:30 AM to 5 PM and dinner is served from 5 PM to 10 PM weekdays and from 5 PM to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday Brunch is served till 3 PM. They are located at 221 Worth Avenue and for reservations call: (561) 835-3500. strai= glass. Serve. 22 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com GAY TR_&VELERS: having a lot of financial problems as they at first were going to open mid-summer, then in the fall and now they don’t know if they will open or not. We booked an accommodation and in Denver a couple of years ago and when we got to the destination, we found that it was simply a condo unit with two bedrooms and the guy rented out one of the bedrooms! In South Dakota, we booked a reservation and when arriving, the owner gave up HIS bedroom for us and then he slept on the sofa! Sometimes restaurants can also be a complete disaster. From being dirty, to rude servers, to bad food and service, it can always be interesting to say the least. But ifyou are not happy with a restaurant..... LEAVE ! We have ~valked out of dozens of restaurants. If there is one problem, then usually a second problem develops and before you know it you are in a mess up to your ears, so why not just leave before it gets worse? The worst thing we hate to hear from a server, is "Don’t give me a hard time, I had a bad night last night". Who cares if the server had a bad night? They are there to "SERVE YOU" with a smile and with a professional attitude. We have at times paged the manager and requested that another server wait on us and we explain fully why. There are a lot of excellent servers in restaurants but we just simply won’t accept bad service. If the food you ordered is not good nor cooked properly, quietly and gently tell your server the problem. Bartenders can really be a pain in the ass sometimes. One bartender in Seattle doesn’t like to wait on people sitting at the bar. Rather, you have to go to his station, order and get your drinks and then return to your bar stoo!. How crazy is that? We have had bartenders that didn’t even know how to make a screwdriver! Most likely they didn’t know how to make a Bourbon and 7 either! Other bartenders are eating or smoking while trying to wait on you. We simply tell them that ~vhen they are thru eating or thru with their smoke break, then they can take our order. If a bartender is behind the bar and smoking and serving us, we explain exactly why we are not leaving a tip! Fortunately more and more states are becoming non-smoking and that takes care of the problems. Having said this, we have found that most bartenders are friendly, fun, wonderful and professional and our hats off to all of them! They enjoy what they are doing and make great tips. Websites can often be deceiving and indeed sometimes they are! \Vhenever possible and especially when booking accommodations, it is smart to check around to see ifyou kmow anybody that has actually stayed there. As far as restaurants or bars, it is easier to just walk out if there is a problem. You pay good money and you expect your money’s worth. Most accommodations, restaurants and bars are run very professional. Their staff is professional and courteous and friendly. Don’t you just love it when your traveling and everything goes smoothly? But once in a while it doesn’t and you have a choice to make........... either accept it or do something about it. And it is YOUR choice! Life is to short to settle on anything less than fabulous! Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from Coast to Coast. Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://www.hometown.aol. com/gaytravelers At least one overnight stay by a non-resident Rank Destination Percent who visited in the last 12 months 1 New York City, NY 16.0% 2 Las Vegas, NV 14.3% 3 San Francisco, CA 12.9% 4 Los Angeles/\Vest Hollywood, CA 11.9% 5 Ft. Lauderdale/Wilton Manors, FL 10.5% 6 Palm Springs, CA 10.1% 7 Chicago, IL 9.2% 8 San Diego, CA 8.8% 9 Washington, DC 8.6% 10 Miami/South Beach, FL (tie) 8.2% 10 Orlando, FL (tie) 8.2% "Community Marketing’s studies are unique in the tourism industry," McHugh said. "Other studies try to rank gay friendliness or popularity, but this study actually quantifies the bottom line: Where did gay and lesbian consumers go and spend their money?" Most-Visited International DestinationsRank Destination Percent who visited in the last 12 months 1 London 8.4% 2 Puerto Vallarta 7.6% 3 Paris 6.2% 4 Vancouver 6.1% 5 Montreal 5.9% 6 Toronto 5.6% 7 US Virgin Islands 5.1% 8 Cancun 5.0% 9 Puerto Rico 4.8% 10 Rome 4.7% Respondents indicated that they chose leisure destinations because friends recommended them, they offer unique attractions, and are known for their gay-friendliness. "Clearl),, when destinations show gay and lesbian visitors a good time, that is the best advertising investment they can make," said McHugh. "Word of mouth marketing is very powerful among the gay and lesbian community. It’s not enough to slap a rainbow on an ad and call it a day. The most successful destinations ~vork with their tourism and hospitality partners to earn that kind of loyalty and referral. This is accomplished through education, training, and offering a genuinely gay-welcoming social and political atmosphere." Ouotab e Quotes "Gayest Democratic convention ever? A record 16 percent of delegates to the Democratic National Committee’s platform committee for the Denver convention are LGBT", says Howard Dean. www.ozarksstar.com The STAR 23 By Ronald Blake Exercise can make you bigger, stronger, and faster. These are the obvious results from a fertile regimen of physical activity. There are other benefits from exercise that are sure to have the neighbors stand up and take notice. Exercise can stimulate new growth of neurons and even help you to keep the neurons that you possess. Neurons are those little things in your body that transport messages throughout your legs, arms, torso, and head. They are good to have around if you yearn to communicate and learn. This comes as good news to those of you who destroyed countless neurons in your previous existence as an irresponsible college student ~vith that degree in undecided. There is hope for you debaucherous mongrels and physical activity is certainly one answer. Faster reaction times can be attributed to exercise. You will be able to hit baseballs thrown at ninety-five miles per hour. You will be able to dodge bullets from Tony Soprano’s goombahs. You will be able to more effectively bob and weave through the one-two combination of Oscar DeLaHoya. You might even be able to negotiate better in traffic on the 666 Freeway on your route to work on Mondays. Can I get an "amen" to more effective reaction times due to running, walking, and double-dutching? Mental challenges become mere child’s play in response to the dashing good looks of Mr. Exercise. Yes, exercise has been known to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Even Albert Einstein was spotted riding bicycles and frolicking along the ocean during his sojourn on this planet. These physical exertions were rumored to have led to his great theories on relativity. You might just settle for solving the complexities of a Rubik’s cube or that set of instructions on putting your barbecue grill together. 26 the STAR Your memory can behold the effects of a good physical fitness program. There is a site in your brain called the hippo campus that can enlarge in mass and reap the goodness of jumping jacks and other means of physical activities. This enlargement of the hippo campus translates into better memory and possibly the ability to treat Alzheimer’s patients. ~aink of all the time you waste trying to recall where you placed your cell phone, keys, black socks, or W2 form from work. Start using that wasted time on exercise that will jump start that short-term memory compartment. Your mood can be positively impacted by the release of neurotrophins. These chemicals are released when you decide to participate in an active lifestyle. They rush into your system and make you feel happy and vivacious. Consider reaching for your roller blades instead of that sleeve of Girl Scout mints to turn that frown upside down the next time you are grumpy. Sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows everywhere will be your reward. Ifwe all reconvene in another five years, it is quite likely that ongoing research will show even more benefits of the brain and exercise combination. Keep sweating to the oldies with Richard Simmons and know that good things will always follow. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. This column is brought to you by that guy who prefers to frame a collage of one dollar bills instead of framing that replica of"Starry Night" from Michaels. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be reached www. goblakefitness.com. erupts in Auso Jesus 9 ay SYDNEY (AFP) -- Australian church leaders have condemned a play shortly to open in Sydney depicting Jesus as a gay man who is seduced by Judas, a report said Sunday. Xhe play, named Corpus Christi, is due to open next month as part of the city’s annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Sydney’s Sun- Herald newspaper reported. A senior Sydney churchman called the play "historical nonsense". "It is deliberately, not innocently, offensive and they’re obviously having a laugh about it," Robert Forsyth, Anglican bishop of South Sydney, was quoted saying. Apart from the relations between Jesus and Judas, the play also features Jesus conducting a gay marriage between two apostles. The play’s director Leigh Rowney, who claims to be a Christian, accepted the play would offend some Christians but said he was keen to provoke debate about Christianity. "I wanted this play in the hands of a Christian person like myself to give it dignity but still open it up to answering questions about Christianity as a faith system," Rowney was quoted saying. Playwright Terrence McNally, who is gay, received death threats when the work was performed in the United States, the newspaper said. INTE ATIONAL GAY SC ENPLAY CONTEST- 10th ANNIVERSARY HOLLYWOOD, CA (PR) __ The ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST, a screenplay contest dedicated to the positive portrayal of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trangender and queer individuals in film, celebrates it’s 10th anniversary in 2008. Entries are nmv being accepted online and are limited to the first 300 for 2008. Executive Director, David Jensen, "We are excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary and are looking at a record number of entries this year. We are continually amazed with the quality of talent that comes through the door year after year." Jensen continues, "\Ve receive entries from around the globe and Hollywood is taking notice in a very big way. Many of our past winners are now hard working screenwriters" The ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST has gained respect and notoriety from Hollywood studios, agents and producers. Entries for 2008 are being accepted online at: www.OnelnTenScreenplayContest.com Prizes for 2008 include cash, industry exposure and merchandise. The 2008 One In Ten Screenplay Contest is sponsored by: Cherub Productions, Final Draft Inc., scr(i)pt magazine, www.inktip.com, www. TopFilmFestivals.com, www.Screenplay- Contests.com and Jungle Software. The submission deadline for 2008 ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST is September 1, 2008. Entry forms are available online through the contest website: www.OnelnTenScreenplayContest.com. Entry forms may also be obtained through the mail by sending a self addressed stamped envelope to: CHERUB PRODUCTIONS One In Ten Screenplay Contest Post Office Box 540 Boulder, Colorado 80306 (303) 629-3072 www.screenplaycontests.com E-mai!: Cherubfilm@aol.com Community for People living with 50! c (~) Non P~ofi[ Orga~ation Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HtV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live 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. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. Quotable Quotes More than 90 percent of gays and lesbians vote in U.S. presidential elections, compared to 64 percent of straight citizens. Queer folk are twice as likely as straight folk to vote in midterm elections. Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), a leading LGBT market research company. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 27 As Mercury lines up with the Sun in Aquarius, everyone is a bit more know-it-all and too damn clever for his or her own good. Try to be adaptive, open-minded, and a good listener, and you will be much smarter - however discreetly - than the people voicing their grand ideas. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Friends who seem relentless in urging you on are actually doing you a favor. You’re capable of more than you realize. Going it alone would weaken you. Let them help you, and you’ll go far! TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Question authority, but pay attention to what those in power say. Expert advice needs some expansion and clarification, and asking for that will prove advantageous. Asking questions doesn’t make you look foolish, but not asking them when you should will! GEMINI (May 21 - Jun~ 20): You’re itching for a power struggle. Playing it out in the bedroom can release that energy so your uppity impulses don’t make trouble for you at work. Or focus and harness that energy more deliberately at work, if you can! CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Your mouth is running way ahead of your brain and your good sense. Try to stick to places where a lack of inhibition and tasteful restraint can work to your favor. Anywhere else, slow down and think about what you’re saying. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your partner - in life or in the moment - will offer some kinky new possibilities, expanding your erotic horizons. If your sweetie is drawing a blank in that department, start talking about tattoos and body art. Just discussing it should stimulate the imagination. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): New approaches at work can make your job more productive and enjoyable. You have some great ideas, but don’t be so insistent on doing things your own way. Colleagues will offer surprising inspiration. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): A new approach to your favorite sport or hobby can make it a lot more fun and/or creative. Ask yourself how Morn or Granny would approach it, whether you choose to follow that example or take a diametrically opposite approach. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): If you can manage to have some fun with your family, you’ll be amazed at what secrets will be revealed in the process. Stand your ground gently in arguments, agreeing to disagree, and even more will come out! 28 the STAR SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Insisting that you’re right only exposes more glaringly where you’re wrong. Try to keep an open mind, and remember what basic principles are really important. Adapt with new conditions and new ideas to keep up! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Adaptability is not only an enduring value, it is one of your sign’s best attributes. New ideas that seem to be an affront to your sensibilities can prove very helpful, and will eventually affirm the values they seem to attack. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You’re getting a birthday bolt of fabulosity in which anything could happen, and you’ll make sure it will. Thrive on the attention, but take a little time out to charge your batteries. Let yourself be surprised. Really surprised. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Working behind the scenes, especially in a charitable effort, will be to your advantage. The political connections will be obvious, but there will be more surprising benefit!! MC METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! www.ozarksstar.com DOWNTOWN PLAZA ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 x~wv.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhartman@gmail.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESS\grAy Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 vcww.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictutsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW" 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 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 Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pro NWARKANSAS GLBT CENTER Bentonville/Rogers 888-391-9222 WWW..NWAGLBTCC.ORG ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1 st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City:. St: Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.corn 29 \Vc’hether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. ~.~kansas GLBT Community Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com :hart \~;’.lLam ShakcsFea~;:. ,she ,~. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 °Aid 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 [2008] The Star Magazine, February 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 2 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 01, 2008 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 Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) 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 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Charles Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele Paul Wortman James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Romeo san Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, January 1, 2008; Volume 5 Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/246 The Star Magazine, March 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/249 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/245 art Book review Club Majestic Cornett Deep Inside Hollywood fitness Gay Screenplay contest health HIV/AIDs testing horoscopes Jessica Newman Joplin Gay & Lesbian center MCC church Mike Huckabee mixology Ms. Oklahoma Continental Our House Past Out Q Scopes Quotable Quotes Star Advertisers star classified Surrounded by Insanity Too travel Valentine's Day Virginia Woolf https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/be0ae56e7062acd8c024758acee9e450.jpg 45f01a058dc724e3b2f96696dfc13337 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/106bd8d97ee140cad2981c547d629591.pdf 8f8be49a6dcbded09162ea9d9b5d96d5 PDF Text Text l!li!ll!lllllllllilillllll IIII!lllllllllllllllllll I!illillilllli!illllilill IIiiIIIIIIIIIIlillllllll il!l,ll!llllillllillllllill III!1111111!11111111111111 iI!llll!lllllilillllllll lit~ II r ~ I �Royal GreCnCountrg Barony o~: dll Oklahoma pr~ent~s 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.cor~ �www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 �¯he Colors of Living", featuring giclee prints of the digital art of Tulsa artist Dennis R. Scott. ~O ONL~HOMA HATE CRII~flE Gay community outraged over Steven Domer slaying. NEW: Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Sarah Jessica Parker and Dan Butler. November 21,1999 fine last grand Queen) Flamboyant author Quentin Crisp dies in Manchester, England. Tulsa’s Downtown Plaza Hotel openly welcomes GLBT. Gay Travelers: 6,000 Mile Trip Out of Town: Key West Dining In or OUT FIITHESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: 4 the STAR Downtown Tulsa www.ozarksstar.com �"If you are elected President, what concrete steps would you take to overturn ’Don’t As~, Don’t Tell ?’" Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY): I strongly believe that anyone who has the courage, strength, and valor to serve our country should be able to do so. We are at war and our top generals are warning that America’s military is stretched to the breaking point, yet we have a policy that dismisses good people from our ranks. Even service members with critical skills such as Arabic language skills are being discharged because they are gay. Senior retired military officials who can speak freely say this law does not serve our national security interests. These same military leaders are confident that repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell won’t lessen standards of behavior or lower morale. As President, I will work with high-profile military leaders, such as former Joint Chiefs chairman John M. Shalikashviii and Retired Lieutenant General Claffdia Kennedy, the first woman to achieve the rank of three-star general in the Army, who have called for repeal of the law. I will stand with soldiers like retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the first American soldier to be seriously wounded in Iraq, and retired Army Sgt. Jose Zuniga, former Army Soldier of the Year, who are shining examples of why this law no longer makes sense. Over the last seven years in the Senate, and as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I have built relationships with members of Congress and senior military officials through my work on the Armed Services Committee. When I am President, I will bring this strength and experience to bear to end this outdated and outmoded policy. w~,-w.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 �Denounces TULSA, OK (P/R) __ Oklahomans for Equality expresses its outrage at the recent murder of Steven Domer. "gge extend condolences to his family and friends. This senseless tragedy highlights the urgent need for federal and state hate crimes legislation protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LBGT) people. On October 26th, Steven Domer, a 62-yearold gay man, was abducted from NW 39th Street near Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City. On November 4th, his body was found in rura! McClain County. His hands were tied with duct tape and a wire hanger was wrapped around his neck. The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner concluded that Domer died of asphyxiation and ruled his death a homicide. On November 28, Darrell Madden, a self-prodaimed white supremacist, was charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in relation to Domer’s death. Prosecutors believe that Madden targeted Domer as part of an initiation rite of the Aryan Brotherhood. Inorder to secure a "patch," the white supremacist group demands that its members commit an act of violence against an African American, Jew, homosexual, or any other person declared "an enemy." Although Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater and other law enforcement officials believe that anti-gay bias was a motivating factor in Domer’s murder, they cannot prosecute Madden under Oklahoma’s hate crimes law because the statute does not cover sexual orientation. Oklahoma is one of only 17 states whose hate crimes laws do not protect LGBT citizens. Most state hate crime laws enhance the penalties for bias-motivated crimes. On December 4, Representative Al McAf’frey (D-Oklahoma City) announced his intention to introduce a bill expanding the state’s hate crime law to include sexual orientation and gender. In May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Local Law Enforcement Hate 6 the STAR Crimes Prevention Act/Matthew Shepard Act giving the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence by providing the department with jurisdiction over crimes of violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. This bill will soon be voted upon in the U.S. Senate. As legislators consider passage of these historic state and national laws, Oklahomans for Equality will be working with its allies in the LGBT and allied community in educational and advocaW efforts. Hate Crimes Amendment Removed rom Dept o£De£ense Con erence Report WASHINGTON, DC (P/R DEC 6TH) __ ~Ibday, House-Senate conferees confirmed that the Matthew Shepard Act, which had passed the Senate as an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization bill, would be removed from the final version of the bill. This announcement was made after House Leadership’s whipping the vote count on the conference report concluded there were not enough votes for passage of the bill if it included the hate crimes provision. "Today’s decision is deeply disappointing, especially given the historic passage of hate crimes legislation through both Houses of Congress this year. After more than ten years and several successful bipartisan votes, it is heartbreaking to fall short this dose to the finish line," said Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign. "However, we are not giving up on efforts to find another legislative vehicle, in the second half of this Congress, to move the Matthew Shepard Act." The Human Rights Campaign has been a chief advocate of hate crimes legislation for over a decade. On November 14th, HRC sent an e-mail to all Capitol Hill offices urging the retention of hate crimes legislation in the Department of Defense Authorization conference report. Additionally, HRC organized and signed onto a coalition letter www.ozarksstar.com �www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 �"At Century 21 Gold Cas#e our BEST properties are our PEOPL~ Gny men and le~btans fac~ many special ta~ situations, whether single or a~ 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Let us help with your TAX Prep! (918) 747-5466 405.840.2t06 www.c21 goldcastie.com Pmu~l~t ~¢r~lng Tulm ~ OKC’s GLBT comm~mitl~ ~lnc~ 1982 Chuck Bmckenddge 918-706~1887 Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & DIVERSE market. Call STAR ADVERTISING today. (918)835-7887 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �eyes ofm~ artist driven to create impressions of the beauty which sttcrounds him. "’l-he Colors of Living’ a digital art exhibit at Dennis R. Neill Equality Center The exhibit w’dl remain up through the month of January and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dermis R. Nedl Equality Center is located at 621 E. dth St., in downtown Tulsa. More info c~a be found on the web at okeq.org. ’Ihis monthly event is hosted by Okiahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexmal & Tra~sgender (LGBT) individuals and f~mihes through advoca~, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis IL Neig Equality Center. Tulsa artist Dennis IL Scotx TULSA, OK~ The Dennis IL Neili Equality Center ar~ gallery wi[[ host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-gpm, ~aursday, January 3, 2008, for the opening oflts January exhibit "The Colors of Living", featu ~mg giclee prints of the digital ~trt of Tulsa ~tist Dermis IL Scott. Scott has been creating his digital art for the list three years. His work is unlike most digital or computer art. His style is unique. His arc is totally his own..., his ovca~ way of seelng life, his own way of depicOng that which he sees. Whether one might call Scott’s art abstract, impressionistic, or surreal is of little concern to Scott. Through his art he invites the viewer, the art lover or even the mere observer, to take a chance, as he has in creating his art. Taking a chance is what ~rtists do. Vie~,Cm g Scott’s art is seeing his subjects as he sees them, through the Art byTulsa artist Dennis IL Scott the STAR 9 �THE ALUES ES SLAY By Victor Gorin recently released convicts, Madden having served time at Jess Dunn Correctional Center for impersonating a police officer and obtaining money by false pretense. Quails had been released from the Dick Conner Correctional facility in Hominy for a 2001 burglary conviction. It was speculated that Mr. Domer’s murder may have been a gang rite of passage. The murder has garnered national attention, somewhat reminiscent of the murder of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming in !998.A press conference was held at Church of the Open Arms December 4, followed by a candlelight vigil in the parking lot of Angles that evening. The press conference and vigil were Photo: Steven Domer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Oklahoma gay community and their allies have been outraged and saddened by the murder of Steven Domer, a 62 },ear old Oklahoma City man believed to have been targeted primarily because he was gay. On October 26, he had driven a friend home from the N.W. 39th street gay bar district, then returned to the area, and was last seen at the car wash there, an area well known for male prostitution. He was seen by a witness to be talking to two young men. His body and burned out car were found near 1-35 and Ladd road north of Purcell November 4. Oklahoma County prosecutors have charged Darrell Madden with Domer’s murder. Madden, a white supremacist who was arrested in McLain County for an attempted carjacking, is also charged in McLain County with the murder of the Brad Qualls, the other man believed to be seen talking with Steven Domer the night he disappeared. Quails was found shot to death November 8 at an Ardmore apartment complex. Madden & Qua.lls have been identified as members of the United Aryan Brotherhood, a xvhite supremacist group which recruits many of their members in prisons. Both were 10 the STAR attended by the Reverend Harry Knox, the Faith Community Director of the Human Rights Campaign, a national GLBT rights political group. As he puts it," Oklahoma is one of only 17 states that do not protect GLBT citizens through hate crimes legislation." Objections to hate crimes legislation have come from religious fundamentalist groups who claim they would not be able to preach against homosexual behavior should this legislation become law. Harry Knox clarified that this type of speech is protected the 1st Amendment of the US. Constitution, and to say otherwise is " to tell a lie unworthy of ministers of the gospe! of Jesus Christ." He pointed out that "people are dying in Oklahoma, and GLBT people are wondering when their pastors will speak out for justice. Steven Domer’s voice cries out for justice, asking pastors for whom do they work, the people or for God?" Richard Ogden, an attorney who chairs the Cimarron Alliance Foundation also spoke, stating that" In Oklahoma and across our nation there is a climate of intolerance, and a tolerance of intolerance. This has to stop. When we in Oklahoma have passed laws that basically say that gays and lesbians are second class citizens, we create an environment that licenses this type of behavior. " Although this was a brutal murder that was obviously motivated because the victim was gay, Darrell Madden could not be charged with a hate crime because Federal and Oklahoma hate crimes laws do not cover sexual orientation. Legislation was introduced this year in Congress to amend Federal Hate Crimes laws to include sexual orientation by Senator Edward Kennedy D-Massachusetts, but was dropped when it became dear that it would not pass the House. On the state level State Representative Al McA_ffrey, Oklahoma’s first and only openly gay legislator, has stated that he will introduce legislation to amend Oklahoma Hate Crimes laws to include sexual orientation and gender. This is supported by both Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater, and Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson. Mr. McAffrey did state that he realized he will probably be facing an uphill battle in the legislature. Clarifying the point that some conservatives make, that Hate Crimes laws elevate gay people to a special status, he affirmed that ifa group of gay men attacked a straight man ,vith baseball bats, targeting him for his sexual orientation, they would also be guilty of a hate crime under this legislation. Reverend Dr. Kathy McCallie, pastor of Church of the Open Arms-United Church of Christ, pointed out that this crime was not an isolated incident, stating that "there xvill be a day when GLBT persons can freely be themselves and enjoy the safety equality and respect that’s due to every member of the human family, but today is not that day. On October 26 when Steve Domer was brutally murdered, we were each violated. " ~w.ozarksstar.com �on the loose Wiads House Providing A Sa£e P lace For 20 By Greg Steele By Victor Gorin Photo Left to Right:Jennifer Bates, Asley Ozan, Linda Duke Miranda Ray will be performing in the Kris Kohl Show New Years Eve At the Jones’n Club Downtown Plasza Hotel. Doxvntoxvn Plaza Hotel Tulsa General Managers Jay Wilks and Debbie McCraw. Miss Gay Tulsa America, Melody Michaels at the BOO. OKLAHO!VIA CITY, OK __ Thanks to a caring community, Winds House of Oklahoma City was able to raise over $2500 at a gala fundraiser December 7th. For over 20 years the Winds have provided a safe place to stay for those living with HIV and their families, serving as transitional housing until they are able to re-enter the general community. The home provides referrals and assistance for disability income, food stamps, Section 8 housing etc. Donatons are always needed and can be sent to \Vinds House OKC, P.O. Box 12185 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73157. Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A 2008, Samantha West at the Copa .... Acid-tongued talk-show host and out lesbian Rosie O’Donnell, who famously dashed with Elisabeth Hasselbeck on "The View," and the big clash with Donald Trump announced on her bloc that talks to give her a prime-time show on MSNBC had fallen apart. New York Songstress Rachael Sage and an adoring fan in Tulsa. www.ozarksstar.com Attorney Richard Ogden, Chair of Cimarron Alliance Foundation, the Reverend Harry KnoxFaith Community Director of the Human Rights Campaign, and the Reverend Loyce Newton-Ed,#cards at Hate Crimes press conference in OKC. the STAR 11 ��DEEP INSIDE HOLLYVc’OOD SAMANTHA CAPTU ,S MISS GAY OKLAHOMA US OF A TITLE Loaves and Fishes Bar uet a Huge By Victor Gorin By Victor Gorin Photo Left to Right: Former Miss Gay Oklahoma Kitty Bob Aimes, Matthew Heath Fitzgerald, Sonja Martinez, John Beebe & Debbie Davie Shades of Rex Lee As Lloyd, Jeremy Piven’s assistant on Entourage, gay actor Rex Lee has carved out a hilarious niche for himself. His character stuck around and gained a higher profile thanks to Lee’s wicked comic timing and popularity with fans. Soon, though, he’ll jump from the small to the big screen, appearing in the independent feature Shades of Ray. A seriocomic romance, Shades stars Chuck main man ZachatT Levi as Ray, a mixedrace, American-born son of a Pakistani father and Caucasian mother. As his parents separate and his father moves in with him, Ray must deal with his own romantic and racial issues. Sounds heartfelt and sincere, but Romeo’s guessing that Lee’s job will be to pop up from time to time with just the right punchline for an awkward moment. As HBO audiences know, he’s an expert at that. Romeo San Vicente is still waiting patiently for the all-musical edition of "The McLaughlin Group. "He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood @qsyndicate.com. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ It was a festive evening at the Habana Inn December 9th xvhen the title for the nexv Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A was passed on to Samantha West, a 26 ),ear old Tulsan among the performers at Nexv Age Renegades, The 1st alternate xvas Londenn Raine, xvith 2nd alternate Jozlyn Welch. The xvinner and I st alternate are eligible to compete in the national competition which will be held in Dallas May 20-23 of next year. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ On December 3-4 the 17th annual Loaves and Fishes Banquet came together at the Copa for a fabulous evening of fundraising for a good cause. Featuring entertainers John Beebe, Sonja Martinez,Debbie Davie, Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald and former Miss Gay Oklahoma Kitty Bob Aimes, the event raised over $7200. Loaves and Fishes, a program of Catholic Charities, provides meals to homebound people living with HIV. Directed by Ms Judy Reilly, once again the community came together for a proud tradition of caring. Passing on the fide was Alexis Nicole Whitney, who made history with the pageant not just with her doe, but living proof that nothing can stand in the xvay of talent and determination. As she puts it, "People should see my blindness the same I do. I don’t see it as a handicap, but as an obstacle I have overcome." That she did, not only capturing the Oklahoma title but also was one of the top 12 finalists at the national competition. Our girls do us proud! Please Join Us Feb. 10, 2008, 10:00 p.m. @ 39th and Penn OKC, OK. For information call Nikki Start @ 580 216 2715 or 1 866 906 1133 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 �by Liz I-Iighleyman November 21, 1999 (%e last grand Queen): Flamboyant author Quentin Crisp dies in Manchester, England. himself with various jobs, induding graphic artist, xvindow dresser, tap-dance instructor, and hustler. He adopted a new moniker and a flamboyant, effeminate style that included flowing scarves, platform shoes, dyed hair, and makeup. He was "not merely a self-confessed homosexual, but a self-evident one," he would later say, describing himself as "a blithe spirit reveling in androgynous anarchy." The death of author and raconteur Quentin Crisp at the end of the 20th century represented the passing of one of the last grand queens of a bygone era. Crisp, originally named Denis Charles Pratt, xvas born on Christmas Day in 1908 in the London suburb of Sutton, the youngest child of a "middle-class, middle-brow" family. Always considered a sissy, he later said he could never remember not being tormented by his father, siblings, and schoolmates. Crisp studied journalism and art in London, and in his early 20s began hanging out with hip young gay men in Soho, supporting 14 the STAR Openly gay and gender-variant at a time when homosexuality was highly stigmatized and sex between men was illegal, Crisp was frequently attacked by strangers in the streets and harassed by police. During World War II, he was exempted from military service due to his homosexuality, and instead embarked upon a career as a nude model at a government-funded art school. Crisp did not gain widespread notoriety until his 60s, with the publication of his autobiography, The Naked Civil Servant (1968), one of the first unapologetic contemporary accounts of gay life. Although the book was well-received, it was the 1975 television movie version starring John Hurt that brought Crisp instant fame. Crisp began appearing on talk shows and created a successful one-man theatrical performance. He took his show to Ne~v York City in 1978, fell in love with America, and decided to immigrate a few years later, settling into a notoriously sloppy one-room apartment in a seedy neighborhood on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Crisp became a fixture of the city’s celebrity scene, growing increasingly famous just for being himself. "If I have a talent for anything," he said, "it is not for doing but for being." He wrote a column for the New York Native newspaper and film criticism for Christopher Street magazine, and published several more books, including How to Become a Virgin (1981) and Manners from Heaven: A Divine Guide to Good Behavior (1984). He also appeared in a number of movies and documentaries, most notably as Queen Elizabeth I in Orlando (1993). Though he socialized in queer social circles, Crisp was unsympathetic to the gay rights movement and held attitudes many younger activists regarded as homophobic. "I don’t think you can really be proud of being gay because it isn’t something you’ve done," he once said. "You can only be proud of not being ashamed." He eschewed identity politics and queer separatism, and thought loud demands only led to backlash. Crisp persisted in referring to homosexuality as an illness, and he caused a furor when he told the London Times in 1997 that he thought it would be acceptable for a woman to abort a fetus carrying a hypothetical gay gene. "You could have children who are naturally suited to society," he later explained. "They would be happy." He also once opined that the gay community’s obsession with AIDS was a fad, and advised, "If you want to be sure you won’t have AIDS, don’t have sex with anyone." .................... Continued page 27 vwvw.ozarksstar.com �The nose can intrigue you or turn off about a wine. Smell is the wine taster. Much is taste comes through you don’t believe it, t or a meal - the next head cold. Aging the wine in oak es of vanilla, almonds. Extended lend a toasty scents as variable as leather to roses The aroma of ~ ! and the closely related Mergrape~for e×ampie, often reminds of cedar wood and pine needles led with a ood fruit smell reminis- 2005 miner call to France: www.wunsch-mann.fr Many grapes aromas: Zinfandel often Pinot Noir, the fine may recall ~ may Chenin and, smell www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 �TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD By Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com Now everything IS okay in Oklahoma! The gay community and gay travelers to Tulsa now have a place where they are made to feel VERY WELCOME! We stayed there a couple of weeks ago and it was wonderfull. "l-he rooms are spacious and the staff is extremely friendly and professional. ~-he renovations are not finished yet, however we know that when it is completed that it will be the finest hotel in Tulsa. We stayed in the Premier Suite which was on a scale of one to ten, a 15 ! It featured a living room with pull out queen sleeper sofa, a 36 inch TV and DVD Player. Ceiling to floor (and wall to wall windows) for a spectacular view of the city. A large King bedroom with extra pillows, a 25 inch TV in the bedroom and dub chair and ottoman. Two full bathrooms and a kitchenette/dining area with coffee maker, fridge/microwave and a snack basket, microwave popcorn and cookies with bottled water. ~he Downtown Plaza Hotel of Tulsa was built in 1966 as the first downtown hotel in Tulsa to offer modern conveniences. Shortly afterwards it was a Holiday Inn, then a Ramada Inn, then as the Great Western Hotel. In July, 2007 it was sold to the Chisholm Properties, Ltd. and they renamed it back to it’s original name, "Downtown Plaza Hotel of Tulsa". The Chisholm Properties Ltd. the STAR owns other fine hotels in Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas. It is located at 17 West 7th Street in the heart of the beautiful historica] financial and entertainment district of Tulsa. They are directly adjacent to the world famous Petroleum Club. It rises 14 stories above the City and is currendy undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. A VERY extensive renovation is now underway however they do have at this time, over 70 rooms for their guests. Their plan is for the renovations to be completed by May, 2008 and have over 200 rooms when completed. The new look for the hotel is based on modern boutique style hotels that are now found across the country and Europe. Queen, Deluxe King, Executive King, Executive King Junior Suite or the Premier King Suite. Each suite has a Fridge/Micro in the kitchenette. Their prices are extremely down to earth and much less than the other dmvntown hotels. The hotel is within a short walking distance to Tulsa’s Convention Center, the New The PAC (Performing Center, Tulsa Tech and many buildings and landmarks. ; the many amenities are: floors, business weddings & receptions, air~ort shuttle free Cherokee Casino [ wireless Internet, covered parking, guest laundry ~n site), fax & copy service. Their service includes 43 channels, 3 4 ESPN channels, i Nick, Food Network and r more. The Downtown Plaza equipped with a Fitness Center their guests, including strength and cardio equipment. Lounge around their outdoor pool and catch some rays, secluded by the urban environment of Tulsa’s rooftops. Just inside the poolside seating area is The Jones’N Club, a full bar with a pool table and live music. Conference, meeting and banquet rooms are available to accommodate groups of 10 to 250 guests. .............. Continued page 27 The hotel has a variety of rooms and suites to choose, from a Deluxe Double w~w~,.ozarksstar.com �More on Camp La Casa Sena - Santa Fe, New Mexico see page 22. ���From the upper sundeck at the Oasis men’s resort, guests enjoy panoramic views ofKey West’s Historic District. (Photo by Andrew Collins) For a seasonal tourist town, Key West has plenty to offer when it comes to dining and nightlife. Few places draw more raves for outstanding food than Alice’s Key West, where chef Alice Weingarten serves some of the most inventive food in town, including delicious smoked-salmon Benedict at breakfast. A departure from Key West’s predominant laid-back tropical look, Square One is a sophisticated restaurant with white table linen and fine china. The regionally inspired Continental cuisine includes escargot baked in a crepe with fresh spinach, garlic, feta, and a tomato beurre blanc. It’s a top choice for a romar~.tic evening. One of the better Italian restaurants in town, and also one of the gayest, La Trattoria has two dining rooms - the smaller one romantic and intimate, the larger better for groups of friends. The straightforward cooking draws high praise for such tasty creations as local shrimp sauteed with garlic, fresh tomatoes, and herbes de Provence in a white wine, lemon, and butter sauce. One of Dural Street’s true places to be seen, Mangoes brims with colorful sorts. The composed salads, pastas, and grills - all with nouvelle Florida touches - are commendable. Consider rib eye steak Caribe (pan-charred with tamarind steak sauce and yucca). Seven Fish, which occupies an old luncheonette and has a sleek, sophisticated interior, serves seafood-oriented bistro fare, such as crab and shiitake mushroom ravioli. The slogan at Mangia Mangia is "pasta to the people," a philosophy reflected by the many varieties of heavenly homemade pasta, all fairly priced. The painstakingly preserved building has a lovely, quiet garden and redbrick patio in back. You’ll need luck and persistence most nights to get a seat at Camille’s, a small storefront bistro, but the friendly vibe and downhome comfort food are worth the trouble. Expect good salads and sandwiches, such as Philly cheese steak, and delicious pancakes for breakfast. Key West: Where To Play, Eat, and Stay famous gay resort towns, Key West has always stood out for its sheer embrace of total relaxation. This laid-back tropical island in the Caribbean, closer to Cuba than to mainland Florida, is without pretensions. People rarely worry about what time it is, dress is casual and colorful, and the party scene is friendly and easygoing. Key West is neither fancy nor especially urbane - it’s just a great place to laze in a deck chair on a bougainvillea-choked lanai, browse for beachwear and souvenirs along the main drag, Duval Street, or relax on a restaurant patio noshing on raw oysters and sipping mango iced tea or mojitos. 20 the STAR For arguably the best sandwiches and wraps on the island, try Lobo’s - the oyster roll with cheddar, bacon, and basil tartar sauce is a stand-out. H Siboney is a zero-atmosphere eatery - _the_ place in town for humble, stick-to-your-ribs Cuban fare. Rickety tables are set with plastic tablecloths and paper napkins. Try such Havana specialties as conch chowder, garlic chicken, stuffed shrimp and crabs, platanos (plantains), and a sweet flan to top it off. As for traditional Cuban sandwiches, tiny 5 Brothers Grocery - on a side street in the historic district - serves the best around. Much of the gay social activity in Key West takes place at resorts, some of which provide refreshments and snacks to guests during the afternoon and early evening. A handful of properties have bars open to the public, among them Pearl’s Rainbow, the town’s only guest house exclusively for women, and the ultra-cruisy, all-male Island House, which also has an excellent restaurant. Most the town’s gay bars are along Duval Street. Here, the La-Te-Da guest house has a poolside bar, an intimate piano bar, and the Treetop Cabaret Lounge upstairs. Down a few blocks, the New Orleansinspired Bourbon Street Pub is a cheery place with a small bar up front with cocktail tables, a larger outdoor bar in back (along with a lively pool area and hot tub), and video screens galore. Many nights you can catch awful (but still entertaining) drag shows on the stage in back. The same owners run the lovably raffish 801 Bar, Key www.ozarksstar.com �West’s definitive neighborhood hangout since the 1970s. There’s almost always a crowd of gossipy locals around the bar. The adjacent One Saloon caters mostly to leather-and-Levi’s types and is reached through 801’s back door. Aqua Nightclub is best lmown for its raucous drag shows, which are headlined by the in-house drag troupe, the Aquanettes. This lively place also has strippers some nights, an impressive dance floor with high-tech laser-and-sound shows,’ and a cozy video bar. Key West has a number of inns that cater either exclusively or predominandy to the gay market. One of the best is Alexander’s, a long-popular gay resort with the relatively unusual policy of being both clothing-optional and welcoming to both women and men. This makes Alexander’s ideal for gay guys traveling with lesbian friends, or for any queer vacationers who enjoy a mixed-gender atmosphere. The effect is that the mood around the pool and hot mb tends to be less cruisy than at single-gender resorts. Aromatic tropical flowers, sundecks, rattan and wicker furnishings, and sparkling tiled bathrooms impart Alexander’s with a classy but casual look. Also welcoming of both women and men but drawing a predominantly male crowd, Big Ruby’s is less than a block from Dural Street, hidden behind high walls from noise and street traffic. The grounds feature towering palm trees and fragrant flowers, and an abundance of sundecks. Rooms are warm, contemporary, spotless, and full of light - all have TVIVCRs, mini-refrigerators, A/C, and ceiling fans. A complimentary full breakfast is included. As for the staff, you won’t find a more professional bunch of guys in Key West. all-male property with a somewhat cruisy vibe is the New Orleans Guest House, an attractive compound that’s above the Bourbon Street Pub, right in the center of the Dural Street action. Rooms are well-outfitted and attractively decorated, and rates moderately priced. Known as the Rainbow House until new owners took over a several years ago, the 38-room Pearl’s Rainbow is Key \Vest’s only resort that’s exclusive to women. Rooms are nicely done, with rattan and wicker furniture, pastel-hued walls, large TVs, and refrigerators. Many different configurations are available, from simple budget-oriented units set away from the noise of the pools and decks, to more spacious rooms doser to the action, some with kitchenettes or separate sitting areas. The resort encompasses several buildings, including some cute cottages that once provided housing for the workers of a cigar factory that formerly occupied the main building. There are two heated pools, spacious sundecks, and lots of opportunity to chat with other guests. This is a wonderful hideaway, whether you’re looking to make new friends or enjoy a litde peace and quiet with your honey. Most of the town’s men’s resorts are along Fleming Street, the Historic District’s main drag. Here you’ll find Equator, which has plush rooms with contemporary Caribbean-influenced furniture. Designer fabrics, feather pillows with comforters, Mediterranean-tile floors, large closets, and excellent sound insulation add to the comfort of each unit. The tradeoff is that the Equator’s grounds, although nicely landscaped, are smaller than at some of its competitors; there’s a compact pool and an oversize Jacuzzi tub. For years the sprawling Island House - a former cigar factory on the eastern edge of the Historic District - was synonymous with sex, sleaze, and shabbiness. It’s still synonymous with sex. But, happily, new owners have completely rebuilt the place, hired friendly and competent staff, and created lovely rooms with high-quality furnishings (all have VCR/TVs, refrigerators, safes, and plttsh linens). If you’re seeking a steamy ambience but also first-rate accommodations and a safe, friendly environment, the Island House is your dream come true. Amenities, all of them available 24 hours, include heated pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, gym, sauna, steam room, and erotic-male-video lounge. The largest gay resort in town comprises three distinct properties - the Oasis, Coral Tree Inn, and Coconut Grove - operated by the same management. This highly social, all-male compound has rooms available in a variety of configurations and prices. The Coconut Grove is the fanciest of the three, having been completely gutted and redone following a fire in 2006 - it now has some of the cushiest accommodations in town. Next door, the Oasis has less pricey but still attractive rooms and beautiful grounds. Across the street, the Coral Tree has simpler but more affordable rooms. Guests are free to enjoy the grounds of all three properties. Another www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 �by Donald Pile & Ray Williams Featuring Cuisine From Coast to Coast La Casa Sena - Santa Fe, New Mexico W’e have been dining at La Casa Sena in Santa Fe for over 25 years and it just keeps getting better. Located right downtown, it is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed restaurants in the Southwest. Not only is the food some of the most delicious you’ll ever taste, the wine list is among the finest in the country. Whether dining inside or out on the patio, you are in for a real treat! "l-he ambiance, the food, the setting ...... everything is fabulous! La Casa Sena occupies a fine old haciendastyle adobe complex and means "the Sena House." q-he Sena family was one of the oldest and most notable in Santa Fe. q-he founder of the family, Bernadino de Sena, was an orphan from Mexico City who traveled to Santa Fe in 1693. In the early 1980% the ravages of rime finally began to take a toll on the hacienda. Art dealer, Gerald Peters purchased the historic building and extensively renovated it without making any architectural changes. The restoration succeeded in keeping the historic ambiance and integrity of the Sena Plaza intact. 22 the STAR Th-he Southwestern cuisine served at La Casa Sena draws on the rich history of the region. Th-heir distinctive red chile is grown for the restaurant near Dixon, on the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico. The harsh weather there means that this local product is not plentifi~ and, because the restaurant purchases virtually the entire crop, it is unlikely that this chile will be tasted anywhere else in the world. They are located right off the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe at 125 East Palace. q-heir dinner hours are Sunday thru Thursday: 5:30 - 10:00 PM and Friday & Saturday: 5:30 - 10:00 PM. Lunch: 11:30 _A!vl - 3:00 PM Monday thru Saturday and 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Sundays www.ozarksstar.com �People Wi h A D$ City Resident Ray Prewitt aooept New I ovie SANTA FE, NM (P/R) __ Oklahoma City resident, Ray Prewitt, will take on the role of"Owen" in the Jim Sheridan helmed "Brothers" for Relativity Media. The film stars Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Tobey Macguire. LITTLE ROCK, ARK __ Republican Presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee once advocated isolating AIDS patients from the general public, opposed increased federal funding in the search for a cure and said homosexuality could "pose a dangerous public health risk." As a candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in 1992, Huckabee answered 229 questions submitted to him by The Associated Press. Besides a quarantine, Huckabee suggested that Hollywood celebrities fund AIDS research from their own pockets, rather than federal health agencies. "If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague," Huckabee wrote. Shooting began last week on this remake of Susanne Bier’s Danish-language war drama which centers on a man, (Maguire) who is sent to fight in Afghanistan while his black-sheep brother (Gyllenhaal) cares for his wife (Portman) and child. Prewitt, who recently appeared in Carpenter Square’s "Sordid Lives", is best known as the producer of "Call Us Crazy: The Anne Heche Monologues" which achieved theatrical cult status in Los Angeles featuring stars like Edie McClurg, Alex Borstein, Megyn Price, and Scott Thompson. This is Prewitt’s second time to share the screen with Portman since " 2000. "Where the Heart Is" .in "I think the government’s role should not be involved in personal habits. When you defend freedom, you defend freedom of choice, and you can’t be picking and choosing how people use those freedoms...whether it’s personal behavior or economic behavior, I want people to have freedom of choice," Paul asserted. He believes the constitution says such issues should be left to the states to decide, and ira state chooses to legalize marijuana, cocaine, heroin and/or prostitution, so be it. Presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul, R-Tex www.ozarksstar.com The STAR 23 �Chaz & Victor ��Twenty-eight retired generals and admirals released a letter Friday urging Congress to overturn the ban on gays serving openly in the military, according to "l-he New York Times. The letter cites information showing that 65,000 gay men and lesbians are currently serving in the military and that there are more than 1 million gay and lesbian veterans who have "served our nation honorably." By Ronald Blake ~have been indulging myself lately with the finer aspects of food and beverage. I have acquiesced with my body’s cravings for rectangular chocolate delights that are known to the masses as Snickers, Three Musketeers, and Whatchamacallits. I have given in to the luscious temptations of the all-powerful supreme pizza with its smothering array of toppings and guilt. I have even fallen prey to the hypnotic sexual commercial suggestions of the beer and booze barons of this fair land. Yes, I have been greedily imbibing the works of the great fermentation experts such as Adolph Coors and August Busch. How can I possibly engage in such extreme epicurean behavior and still manage to put on my jeans without a forced smile? Of course I will disclose the many and varied means by which I make this feasible. Each day I lace up my sneakers and head out on a seven mile romp through my neighborhood streets and enjoy the festively adorned homes. This provides me the opportunity to dear my mind and breathe in all those particulates from city living. It also affords me the chance to count the expanse of calories I burn off: in the process. I usually get credit for 800 calories each day from this physical activity mode. I am that guy who finds the parking space on the periphery of the mall parking lot. ~llais is not a forced choice in response to all the holiday shoppers. I actively seek out the spot that is closer to the frontage road than the stores’ entrances. This gives me the excellent opportunity to partake in the lost art of walking somewhere. Chalk up another couple hundred calories burned in a week’s time. Every other day I don my favorite ripped Guns N Roses T-shirt and my faded periwinkle Russell Athletic shorts and ease into 26 the STAR my workout roudne. I set my bicep, quadriceps, and triceps muscles into a sweet synergistic syncopation. I dedicate thirty minutes for every session and I am proudly able to record several hundred singed calories for that day’s effort. Some of my other calorie consuming moments has involved the firm scolding of my car and leaving him alone in the garage while I set out down the block to get the mail. I have often abandoned the comforts of my plush settee and even ignored the puppy dog eyes from my cuddly ottoman so that I could walk around the living room while discoursing with the likes of my Aunt Chilada on the telephone. Friends have even chided me for spending disproportionate time with the steps and hand railings of building stairwells than with the numbered buttons and "The Girl from Ipanema" music from elevators. Thankfully for me, these mundane activities afford me a cornucopia of numerous extra burned calories. I am able to consume more of the Food Network creations than the average Punch and Judy because of my lifestyle. My gourmand way of life would soon dissipate if I would slink into the slothful practices of most of my fellow brethren. Free will gives you that chance to change it all starting today. I could certainly use some company on those lonely stairwells! This health and fitness column is brought to you by that guy who likes to count the times people say the phrase "you know" in their conversations. That gny is Ron Blake and he can be unwrapped at www.goblakefitness.com Creating Community for People living with H V/A1DS A 501 c (3) Non Profit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HtV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. ~wtw.ozarksstar.com �Q~UENTIN CRISP DOWn, TOWN PLAZA DERAILED HATE CRIMES Indeed, Crisp was celibate for the latter half of his life. When sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer asked him what he thought about sex, he said he thought it was a mistake. He was also cynical about love, saying he didfft really understand it, and he never had an enduring romantic relationship. ~e hotel is the ONLY Tulsa hotel that is openly caters to everybody! The Lounge at the Downtown Plaza will start in January hosting Ms. Kris Kohl and will present a drag show every other Friday. They will also be hosting a Broadway touring company during the summer of 2008. Chisholm Properties, Ltd. has a complete non-discrimination policy to cover, Age, Religion, Nationality, Race, SF~VUAL ORIENTATION, Disability, Veteran Status and other individuals as protected by Federal, State and Locals Laws. sent to the Chairman and Ranking Members of the Armed Services Committees urging them to retain the Hate Crimes amendment as part of the conference report. Timed to correspond with Members returning from the Thanksgiving recess, on November 28th, HRC launched a nationwide action alert to all of its members urging immediate grassroots action to Members of Congress. Had he lived in a different era, Crisp might have identified as transgender rather than gay. "I believe I was born unfit for the world not because of anything to do with sex, but because of gender," he told one interviewer. "I have always felt like a woman born into a man’s body. Had I the money or the opportunity early in life, I would certainly have had a sex change." Though his work brought in a fair amount of money, Crisp lived a spartan existence, subsisting on hors d’oeuvres and champagne at parties. With a "lust for small talk," he held court at a local diner and devoted time to answering phone calls, letters, and e-mails from friends and strangers alike. He loved being the center of attention, and rarely turned down an opportunity to be interviewed or photographed. In his final years, though beset by health problems, he nevertheless continued to travel and perform. Crisp died of a heart attack in Manchester, England, in November 1999, just a month shy of his 91st birthday. The General Manager, Jay Wilks is a former flight attendant instructor and former owner of a small specialized aircraft charter tour company, award winning fit and art shop and an upscale gay magazine that was distributed in 7 States in the Southeast. The Assistant General Manager, Debbie McCraw is a former schoolteacher, Texas ranch foreman, homemaker and mother. With all of their combined hidden talents we KNOW that they will make a success in this new venture. Both Jay and Debbie are two of the nicest, friendliest and professional people that you would ever want to meet. They truly care about their guests and want them to have a very pleasant time while staying at the hotel. The front desk staff as well as the housekeeping staff are very friendly and professional. While some may find his flamboyant style and effeminate mannerisms embarrassingly stereotypical today, Crisp is remembered for being himself- and paying the price - at a time when few others dared to do so. Though he avoided organized LGBT activism, his entire life was a demonstration of gay and transgender empowerment. Next time you are going to be in Tulsa be sure to check out their website at www. downtownplazatulsa.com or give them a call at 800.585.5101 for reservations. Their local number is 918.585.5898. Or for those people living in Tulsa who are wanting to rent a conference or party site, give them a call. For further reading: Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Bailey, Paul, ed. 2000. The Stately Homo: A Celebration of the Life of Quentin Crisp (Bantam). Crisp, Quentin. 1996. Resident Alien: The New York Diaries (HarperCollins). www, ozarksstar.corn TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from Coast to Coast. Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://www.hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers The House of Representatives passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1592) in May with a strong bipartisan vote of 237-180. The Senate approved the nearly identical Matthew Shepard Act (S. 1105) as an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization bill on a voice vote after a 60-39 cloture vote. Inclusion of the hate crimes provision in the final version of the bill fell victim in the House to challenges from opponents of hate crimes as well as unrelated concerns regarding Iraq-related provisions of the bill. The hate crimes veto threat issued by the White House and organized opposition by House Republican Leadership cost significant numbers of votes on the right. Iraq-related provisions that many progressive Democrats opposed cost votes on the left. Moderate Democrats, many of whom voted for the hate crimes bill in May, did not want to test the President’s veto threat and risk a delay in increased pay for military personnel. ’All of these factors resulted in insufficient votes to secure passage of the bill with the hate crimes provision. 2~he Matthew Shepard Act gives the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias motivated violence by providing the Department with jurisdiction over crimes of violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. The legislation also provides the Justice Department ,vith the ability to aid state and local jurisdictions either by lending assistance or, where local authorities are unwilling or unable, by taking the lead in investigations and prosecutions of violent crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury that were motivated by bias. The Act also makes grants available to state and local communities to combat violent crimes committed by juveniles, train law enforcement officers, or to assist in state and !ocal investigations and prosecutions of bias motivated crimes. the STAR 27 �Just as the sun spends a month of every year in each sign, Jupiter, in his 12-year cycle, spends about a full year in each sign. Fresh into Capricorn, he will help to build up organizations and bureaucracy. The coming year will be a big one for the mature look, leather, and bondage. This week’s horoscope will be valid through the year! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Socialize with important folks. Those doors are wide open to you. Looking respectable and conservative will help you get ahead. Even in the most buttoned-up crowd, people know the power of appearance. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): If you have unfinished school business or want to go for a degree, sign up for those classes! Otherwise, delve into ancient philosophies or go traveling to historical, even archaeological places on your own initiative. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Not that you need the help, but your sexual magnetism is charging up. Trying to look young will not help. Maturity, experience, and authority all work in your favor. If you’ve been wanting to explore leather and kink, this is the time for it! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): This should be a very lucky year for you for money - investments, lottery tickets, new businesses - but, it’s also "easy come, easy go." A conservative attitude and long-range perspective will prove most profitable. Consult an astrologer with your full birth chart before taking any big chances! CAPRICORN (December 21 o January 19): You’re in for a spell of good luck. Just be yourself and you’re sure to get ahead. There’s no point in being shy. Go for any opportunity that feels right. Further education and travel can serve you especially well. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Blessings will come to you in disguise. If life gets hard, the troubles can easily be made into a springboard to tremendous luck. Volunteer work with venerable charities will prove advantageous in the meantime. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Social opportunities will open up for you more easily if you "work the system" and follow conservative, conventional methods. Hobnob with "important people," but what’s "important" is subjective. Of course, those who don’t look or think like you can be important, too! CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Look toward formalizing an existing relationship or refining your criteria for one. Not only can you afford to be picky, but holding out for what you really want in your partnership will help you get it. C® LEO (July 23 - August 22): Any skin growths or bone or joint inflammations should be checked quickly, but in general your health should be good. Luck at work should improve. Look forward to promotions and be willing to take a risk to get them. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Spirit of Chdst MCC VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Some people think creativity is about mad inspiration. You know it’s about hard work. Your hard work can pay off big - probably more in terms of personal growth, but there could be money, toot LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Researching your roots, taking time with older relatives, or spending time with community elders will give you a better sense not only of your background and foundations, but also of where you’re going. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your mind needs stimulation and novelty, and you’re a bit more loquacious than usual. Be careful with that! Developing new skills, perhaps learning a new language, will open doors and help keep you focused and out of trouble. 28 the STAR 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! www.ozarksstar.com �DOWNTOWN PLAZ,~_ of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.corn KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant DREXEL ONTHE PARKAPTS. 3041NW41ST Oklahoma City, OK 405-946-0588 SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.dubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcastle.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM GAY BRADY HHGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gayb radyheightstulsa.com MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Hk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn ANGLES 2117NW39thSt. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesdub.com NA!vlE: NW ARKANSAS GLBT CENTER Bentonville/Rogers 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG City: 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com www.ozarksstar.com St: __Zip: Phone: GLENPOOL FLOWERS 437 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK www.glenpoolflowers.com BAMBOO LOUNGE Address: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: 29 �Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. N~X/Arkansas GLBT Communiv! Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG e-mail: EditorialCartoon@c 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �YOU [] ~f one were to make a list of even after he became ~vorld-famous. the world’s favorite composers, Setbacks like these could have despite his relatively recent vintage finished a lesser man. Instead, they Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky would inibrmed his work, which remains be on it. After all, he composed some of the best loved in history. Swan Lake, which is perhaps the Yet kids still confuse Tchaikovsky with a nasal spasm. most famous ballet Why? Because the arts are slowly of all time. And but surely being eliminated from there can’t be more than a handful of some Peter llyich Tchaikot,sky endured many setbacks, not the l~st of which was a blind barber today’s schools, even though a F,g. 1 Pollen hke Tcha&o~sky’s compo~mon Romeo and Juhet ballet companies that don’t perform majority of parents The Nutcracker every Christmas. music and drama and dance and Indeed, this great Romantic composer should be so immortalized. As a young man, he pursued a career in art make their kids believe better students and better people. ’Rrm~nc music at enormous personal risk and against h~s To help reverse this disturbing father’s advice. His mild temperament combined with trend, or for more information his tendency to work too hard left him with inmmnia, about the benefits of arts education, visit us at debilitating headaches and hallucinations. On top of that, AmericansForTheArts.org. Or else Tchaikovsky could Tchaikovsky’s composition teacher never liked his work, seem like just another casualty of allergy season. www.ozarksstar.com recomrarwd~d daily allouur~ce of art, the STAR 31 �Reservations: 918.585.5898 ÷ 800.585.5101 Where you can be YOU" pee" ~oo~l ~oo~ ~ow=n f / 17 West 7th Street (corner 7th & Boulder Ave) e Tulsa, Ok 74119 ¢ www.downtownplazatulsa.com / �� 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 Royal GreCnCountrg Barony o~: dll Oklahoma pr~ent~s 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.cor~ www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 ¯he Colors of Living", featuring giclee prints of the digital art ofTulsa artist Dennis R. Scott. ~O ONL~HOMA HATE CRII~flE Gay community outraged over Steven Domer slaying. NEW: Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Sarah Jessica Parker and Dan Butler. November 21,1999 fine last grand Queen) Flamboyant author Quentin Crisp dies in Manchester, England. Tulsa’s Downtown Plaza Hotel openly welcomes GLBT. Gay Travelers: 6,000 Mile Trip Out of Town: Key West Dining In or OUT FIITHESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: 4 the STAR Downtown Tulsa www.ozarksstar.com "Ifyou are elected President, what concrete steps would you take to overturn ’Don’t As~, Don’t Tell ?’" Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY): I strongly believe that anyone who has the courage, strength, and valor to serve our country should be able to do so. We are at war and our top generals are warning that America’s military is stretched to the breaking point, yet we have a policy that dismisses good people from our ranks. Even service members with critical skills such as Arabic language skills are being discharged because they are gay. Senior retired military officials who can speak freely say this law does not serve our national security interests. These same military leaders are confident that repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell won’t lessen standards of behavior or lower morale. As President, I will work with high-profile military leaders, such as former Joint Chiefs chairman John M. Shalikashviii and Retired Lieutenant General Claffdia Kennedy, the first woman to achieve the rank of three-star general in the Army, who have called for repeal of the law. I will stand with soldiers like retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the first American soldier to be seriously wounded in Iraq, and retired Army Sgt. Jose Zuniga, former Army Soldier of the Year, who are shining examples of why this law no longer makes sense. Over the last seven years in the Senate, and as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I have built relationships with members of Congress and senior military officials through my work on the Armed Services Committee. When I am President, I will bring this strength and experience to bear to end this outdated and outmoded policy. w~,-w.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 Denounces TULSA, OK (P/R) __ Oklahomans for Equality expresses its outrage at the recent murder of Steven Domer. "gge extend condolences to his family and friends. This senseless tragedy highlights the urgent need for federal and state hate crimes legislation protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LBGT) people. On October 26th, Steven Domer, a 62-yearold gay man, was abducted from NW 39th Street near Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City. On November 4th, his body was found in rura! McClain County. His hands were tied with duct tape and a wire hanger was wrapped around his neck. The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner concluded that Domer died of asphyxiation and ruled his death a homicide. On November 28, Darrell Madden, a self-prodaimed white supremacist, was charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in relation to Domer’s death. Prosecutors believe that Madden targeted Domer as part of an initiation rite of the Aryan Brotherhood. Inorder to secure a "patch," the white supremacist group demands that its members commit an act of violence against an African American, Jew, homosexual, or any other person declared "an enemy." Although Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater and other law enforcement officials believe that anti-gay bias was a motivating factor in Domer’s murder, they cannot prosecute Madden under Oklahoma’s hate crimes law because the statute does not cover sexual orientation. Oklahoma is one of only 17 states whose hate crimes laws do not protect LGBT citizens. Most state hate crime laws enhance the penalties for bias-motivated crimes. On December 4, Representative Al McAf’- frey (D-Oklahoma City) announced his intention to introduce a bill expanding the state’s hate crime law to include sexual orientation and gender. In May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act/Matthew Shepard Act giving the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence by providing the department with jurisdiction over crimes of violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. This bill will soon be voted upon in the U.S. Senate. As legislators consider passage of these historic state and national laws, Oklahomans for Equality will be working with its allies in the LGBT and allied community in educational and advocaW efforts. Hate Crimes Amendment Removed rom Dept o£De£ense Con erence Report WASHINGTON, DC (P/R DEC 6TH) __ ~Ibday, House-Senate conferees confirmed that the Matthew Shepard Act, which had passed the Senate as an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization bill, would be removed from the final version of the bill. This announcement was made after House Leadership’s whipping the vote count on the conference report concluded there were not enough votes for passage of the bill if it included the hate crimes provision. "Today’s decision is deeply disappointing, especially given the historic passage of hate crimes legislation through both Houses of Congress this year. After more than ten years and several successful bipartisan votes, it is heartbreaking to fall short this dose to the finish line," said Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign. "However, we are not giving up on efforts to find another legislative vehicle, in the second half of this Congress, to move the Matthew Shepard Act." The Human Rights Campaign has been a chief advocate of hate crimes legislation for over a decade. On November 14th, HRC sent an e-mail to all Capitol Hill offices urging the retention of hate crimes legislation in the Department of Defense Authorization conference report. Additionally, HRC organized and signed onto a coalition letter 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Gny men and le~btansfac~ many special ta~ situations, whether single or a~ Let us help with yourTAX Prep! (918) 747-5466 Pmu~l~t ~¢r~lng Tulm ~ OKC’s GLBT comm~mitl~ ~lnc~ 1982 Chuck Bmckenddge 918-706~1887 "At Century 21 Gold Cas#e our BEST properties are ourPEOPL~ 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405.840.2t06 www.c21 goldcastie.com Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & DIVERSE market. Call STAR ADVERTISING today. (918)835-7887 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com "’l-he Colors ofLiving’ a digital art exhibit at Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Tulsa artist Dennis IL Scotx eyes ofm~ artist driven to create impressions of the beauty which sttcrounds him. The exhibit w’dl remain up through the month ofJanuary and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dermis R. Nedl Equality Center is located at 621 E. dth St., in downtown Tulsa. More info c~a be found on the web at okeq.org. ’Ihis monthly event is hosted by Okiahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexmal & Tra~sgender (LGBT) individuals and f~mihes through advoca~, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis IL Neig Equality Center. TULSA, OK~The Dennis IL Neili Equality Center ar~ gallery wi[[ host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-gpm, ~aursday, January 3, 2008, for the opening oflts January exhibit "The Colors of Living", featu~mg giclee prints of the digital ~trt ofTulsa ~tist Dermis IL Scott. Scott has been creating his digital art for the list three years. His work is unlike most digital or computer art. His style is unique. His arc is totally his own..., his ovca~ way of seelng life, his own way of depicOng that which he sees. Whether one might call Scott’s art abstract, impressionistic, or surreal is of little concern to Scott. Through his art he invites the viewer, the art lover or even the mere observer, to take a chance, as he has in creating his art. Taking a chance is what ~rtists do. Vie~,Cmg Scott’s art is seeing his subjects as he sees them, through the Art byTulsa artist Dennis IL Scott the STAR 9 ES SLAY By Victor Gorin recently released convicts, Madden having served time at Jess Dunn Correctional Center for impersonating a police officer and obtaining money by false pretense. Quails had been released from the Dick Conner Correctional facility in Hominy for a 2001 burglary conviction. It was speculated that Mr. Domer’s murder may have been a gang rite of passage. The murder has garnered national attention, somewhat reminiscent of the murder of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming in !998.A press conference was held at Church of the Open Arms December 4, followed by a candlelight vigil in the parking lot ofAngles that evening. The press conference and vigil were Photo: Steven Domer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Oklahoma gay community and their allies have been outraged and saddened by the murder of Steven Domer, a 62 },ear old Oklahoma City man believed to have been targeted primarily because he was gay. On October 26, he had driven a friend home from the N.W. 39th street gay bar district, then returned to the area, and was last seen at the car wash there, an area well known for male prostitution. He was seen by a witness to be talking to two young men. His body and burned out car were found near 1-35 and Ladd road north of Purcell November 4. Oklahoma County prosecutors have charged Darrell Madden with Domer’s murder. Madden, a white supremacist who was arrested in McLain County for an attempted carjacking, is also charged in McLain County with the murder of the Brad Qualls, the other man believed to be seen talking with Steven Domer the night he disappeared. Quails was found shot to death November 8 at an Ardmore apartment complex. Madden & Qua.lls have been identified as members of the United Aryan Brotherhood, a xvhite supremacist group which recruits many of their members in prisons. Both were 10 the STAR attended by the Reverend Harry Knox, the Faith Community Director of the Human Rights Campaign, a national GLBT rights political group. As he puts it," Oklahoma is one of only 17 states that do not protect GLBT citizens through hate crimes legislation." Objections to hate crimes legislation have come from religious fundamentalist groups who claim they would not be able to preach against homosexual behavior should this legislation become law. Harry Knox clarified that this type of speech is protected the 1st Amendment of the US. Constitution, and to say otherwise is " to tell a lie unworthy of ministers of the gospe! ofJesus Christ." He THE ALUES pointed out that "people are dying in Oklahoma, and GLBT people are wondering when their pastors will speak out for justice. Steven Domer’s voice cries out for justice, asking pastors for whom do they work, the people or for God?" Richard Ogden, an attorney who chairs the Cimarron Alliance Foundation also spoke, stating that" In Oklahoma and across our nation there is a climate of intolerance, and a tolerance of intolerance. This has to stop. When we in Oklahoma have passed laws that basically say that gays and lesbians are second class citizens, we create an environment that licenses this type of behavior. " Although this was a brutal murder that was obviously motivated because the victim was gay, Darrell Madden could not be charged with a hate crime because Federal and Oklahoma hate crimes laws do not cover sexual orientation. Legislation was introduced this year in Congress to amend Federal Hate Crimes laws to include sexual orientation by Senator Edward Kennedy D-Massachusetts, but was dropped when it became dear that it would not pass the House. On the state level State Representative Al McA_ffrey, Oklahoma’s first and only openly gay legislator, has stated that he will introduce legislation to amend Oklahoma Hate Crimes laws to include sexual orientation and gender. This is supported by both Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater, and Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson. Mr. McAffrey did state that he realized he will probably be facing an uphill battle in the legislature. Clarifying the point that some conservatives make, that Hate Crimes laws elevate gay people to a special status, he affirmed that ifa group of gay men attacked a straight man ,vith baseball bats, targeting him for his sexual orientation, they would also be guilty of a hate crime under this legislation. Reverend Dr. Kathy McCallie, pastor of Church of the Open Arms-United Church of Christ, pointed out that this crime was not an isolated incident, stating that "there xvill be a day when GLBT persons can freely be themselves and enjoy the safety equality and respect that’s due to every member of the human family, but today is not that day. On October 26 when Steve Domer was brutally murdered, we were each violated. " ~w.ozarksstar.com By Greg Steele on the loose Wiads House ProvidingA Sa£e P lace For 20 By Victor Gorin Miranda Ray will be performing in the Kris Kohl Show New Years Eve At the Jones’n Club Downtown Plasza Hotel. Doxvntoxvn Plaza Hotel Tulsa General Managers Jay Wilks and Debbie Mc- Craw. Miss Gay Tulsa America, Melody Michaels at the BOO. Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA 2008, Samantha West at the Copa.... Photo Left to Right:Jennifer Bates, Asley Ozan, Linda Duke OKLAHO!VIA CITY, OK __ Thanks to a caring community, Winds House of Oklahoma City was able to raise over $2500 at a gala fundraiser December 7th. For over 20 years the Winds have provided a safe place to stay for those living with HIV and their families, serving as transitional housing until they are able to re-enter the general community. The home provides referrals and assistance for disability income, food stamps, Section 8 housing etc. Donatons are always needed and can be sent to \Vinds House OKC, P.O. Box 12185 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73157. Acid-tongued talk-show host and out lesbian Rosie O’Donnell, who famously dashed with Elisabeth Hasselbeck on "The View," and the big clash with Donald Trump announced on her bloc that talks to give her a prime-time show on MSNBC had fallen apart. New York Songstress Rachael Sage and an adoring fan in Tulsa. www.ozarksstar.com Attorney Richard Ogden, Chair of Cimarron Alliance Foundation, the Reverend Harry Knox- Faith Community Director of the Human Rights Campaign, and the Reverend Loyce Newton-Ed- ,#cards at Hate Crimes press conference in OKC. the STAR 11 DEEP INSIDE HOLLYVc’OOD Shades of Rex Lee As Lloyd, Jeremy Piven’s assistant on Entourage, gay actor Rex Lee has carved out a hilarious niche for himself. His character stuck around and gained a higher profile thanks to Lee’s wicked comic timing and popularity with fans. Soon, though, he’ll jump from the small to the big screen, appearing in the independent feature Shades of Ray. A seriocomic romance, Shades stars Chuck main man ZachatT Levi as Ray, a mixedrace, American-born son of a Pakistani father and Caucasian mother. As his parents separate and his father moves in with him, Ray must deal with his own romantic and racial issues. Sounds heartfelt and sincere, but Romeo’s guessing that Lee’s job will be to pop up from time to time with just the right punchline for an awkward moment. As HBO audiences know, he’s an expert at that. Romeo San Vicente is still waitingpatientlyfor the all-musical edition of "The McLaughlin Group. "He can be reached care ofthispublication or at DeepInsideHollywood @qsyndicate.com. www.ozarksstar.com SAMANTHA CAPTU ,S MISS GAY OKLAHOMA US OF A TITLE By Victor Gorin Loaves and Fishes Bar uet a Huge By Victor Gorin Photo Left to Right: Former Miss Gay Oklahoma Kitty Bob Aimes, Matthew Heath Fitzgerald, Sonja Martinez, John Beebe & Debbie Davie OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ It was a festive evening at the Habana Inn December 9th xvhen the title for the nexv Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A was passed on to Samantha West, a 26 ),ear old Tulsan among the performers at Nexv Age Renegades, The 1st alternate xvas Londenn Raine, xvith 2nd alternate Jozlyn Welch. The xvinner and I st alternate are eligible to compete in the national competition which will be held in Dallas May 20-23 of next year. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ On December 3-4 the 17th annual Loaves and Fishes Banquet came together at the Copa for a fabulous evening of fundraising for a good cause. Featuring entertainers John Beebe, Sonja Martinez,Debbie Davie, Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald and former Miss Gay Oklahoma Kitty Bob Aimes, the event raised over $7200. Loaves and Fishes, a program of Catholic Charities, provides meals to homebound people living with HIV. Directed by Ms Judy Reilly, once again the community came together for a proud tradition of caring. Passing on the fide was Alexis Nicole Whitney, who made history with the pageant not just with her doe, but living proof that nothing can stand in the xvay of talent and determination. As she puts it, "People should see my blindness the same I do. I don’t see it as a handicap, but as an obstacle I have overcome." That she did, not only capturing the Oklahoma title but also was one of the top 12 finalists at the national competition. Our girls do us proud! Please Join Us Feb. 10, 2008, 10:00 p.m. @ 39th and Penn OKC, OK. For information call Nikki Start @ 580 216 2715 or 1 866 906 1133 the STAR 13 by Liz I-Iighleyman November 21, 1999 (%e last grand Queen): Flamboyant author Quentin Crisp dies in Manchester, England. The death of author and raconteur Quentin Crisp at the end of the 20th century represented the passing of one of the last grand queens of a bygone era. Crisp, originally named Denis Charles Pratt, xvas born on Christmas Day in 1908 in the London suburb of Sutton, the youngest child of a "middle-class, middle-brow" family. Always considered a sissy, he later said he could never remember not being tormented by his father, siblings, and schoolmates. Crisp studied journalism and art in London, and in his early 20s began hanging out with hip young gay men in Soho, supporting himself with various jobs, induding graphic artist, xvindow dresser, tap-dance instructor, and hustler. He adopted a new moniker and a flamboyant, effeminate style that included flowing scarves, platform shoes, dyed hair, and makeup. He was "not merely a self-confessed homosexual, but a self-evident one," he would later say, describing himself as "a blithe spirit reveling in androgynous anarchy." Openly gay and gender-variant at a time when homosexuality was highly stigmatized and sex between men was illegal, Crisp was frequently attacked by strangers in the streets and harassed by police. During World War II, he was exempted from military service due to his homosexuality, and instead embarked upon a career as a nude model at a government-funded art school. Crisp did not gain widespread notoriety until his 60s, with the publication of his autobiography, The Naked Civil Servant (1968), one of the first unapologetic contemporary accounts of gay life. Although the book was well-received, it was the 1975 television movie version starring John Hurt that brought Crisp instant fame. Crisp began appearing on talk shows and created a successful one-man theatrical performance. He took his show to Ne~v York City in 1978, fell in love with America, and decided to immigrate a few years later, settling into a notoriously sloppy one-room apartment in a seedy neighborhood on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Crisp became a fixture of the city’s celebrity scene, growing increasingly famous just for being himself. "If I have a talent for anything," he said, "it is not for doing but for being." He wrote a column for the New York Native newspaper and film criticism for Christopher Street magazine, and published several more books, including How to Become a Virgin (1981) and Manners from Heaven: A Divine Guide to Good Behavior (1984). He also appeared in a number of movies and documentaries, most notably as Queen Elizabeth I in Orlando (1993). Though he socialized in queer social circles, Crisp was unsympathetic to the gay rights movement and held attitudes many younger activists regarded as homophobic. "I don’t think you can really be proud of being gay because it isn’t something you’ve done," he once said. "You can only be proud of not being ashamed." He eschewed identity politics and queer separatism, and thought loud demands only led to backlash. Crisp persisted in referring to homosexuality as an illness, and he caused a furor when he told the London Times in 1997 that he thought it would be acceptable for a woman to abort a fetus carrying a hypothetical gay gene. "You could have children who are naturally suited to society," he later explained. "They would be happy." He also once opined that the gay community’s obsession with AIDS was a fad, and advised, "Ifyou want to be sure you won’t have AIDS, don’t have sex with anyone." ....................Continued page 27 14 the STAR vwvw.ozarksstar.com The nose can intrigue you or turn off about a wine. Smell is the wine taster. Much is taste comes through you don’t believe it, t or a meal - the next head cold. Aging the wine in oak es of vanilla, almonds. Extended lend a toasty scents as variable as leather to roses Many grapes aromas: Zinfandel often Pinot Noir, the fine may recall ~ may Chenin and, smell The aroma of ~ ! and the closely related Mergrape~ for e×ampie, often reminds of cedar wood and pine needles led with a ood fruit smell reminiscall to miner France: www.wunsch-mann.fr 2005 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD By Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com Now everything IS okay in Oklahoma! The gay community and gay travelers to Tulsa now have a place where they are made to feel VERY WELCOME! We stayed there a couple of weeks ago and it was wonderfull. "l-he rooms are spacious and the staff is extremely friendly and professional. ~-he renovations are not finished yet, however we know that when it is completed that it will be the finest hotel in Tulsa. We stayed in the Premier Suite which was on a scale of one to ten, a 15 ! It featured a living room with pull out queen sleeper sofa, a 36 inch TV and DVD Player. Ceiling to floor (and wall to wall windows) for a spectacular view of the city. A large King bedroom with extra pillows, a 25 inch TV in the bedroom and dub chair and ottoman. Two full bathrooms and a kitchenette/dining area with coffee maker, fridge/microwave and a snack basket, microwave popcorn and cookies with bottled water. ~he Downtown Plaza Hotel ofTulsa was built in 1966 as the first downtown hotel in Tulsa to offer modern conveniences. Shortly afterwards it was a Holiday Inn, then a Ramada Inn, then as the Great Western Hotel. In July, 2007 it was sold to the Chisholm Properties, Ltd. and they renamed it back to it’s original name, "Downtown Plaza Hotel ofTulsa". The Chisholm Properties Ltd. the STAR owns other fine hotels in Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas. It is located at 17 West 7th Street in the heart of the beautiful historica] financial and entertainment district ofTulsa. They are directly adjacent to the world famous Petroleum Club. It rises 14 stories above the City and is currendy undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. A VERY extensive renovation is now underway however they do have at this time, over 70 rooms for their guests. Their plan is for the renovations to be completed by May, 2008 and have over 200 rooms when completed. The new look for the hotel is based on modern boutique style hotels that are now found across the country and Europe. The hotel has a variety of rooms and suites to choose, from a Deluxe Double Queen, Deluxe King, Executive King, Executive King Junior Suite or the Premier King Suite. Each suite has a Fridge/Micro in the kitchenette. Their prices are extremely down to earth and much less than the other dmvntown hotels. The hotel is within a short walking distance to Tulsa’s Convention Center, the New The PAC (Performing Center, Tulsa Tech and many buildings and landmarks. ; the many amenities are: floors, business weddings & receptions, air- ~ort shuttle free Cherokee Casino [ wireless Internet, covered parking, guest laundry ~n site), fax & copy service. Their service includes 43 channels, 3 4 ESPN channels, i Nick, Food Network and r more. The Downtown Plaza equipped with a Fitness Center their guests, including strength and cardio equipment. Lounge around their outdoor pool and catch some rays, secluded by the urban environment ofTulsa’s rooftops. Just inside the poolside seating area is The Jones’N Club, a full bar with a pool table and live music. Conference, meeting and banquet rooms are available to accommodate groups of 10 to 250 guests. ..............Continued page 27 w~w~,.ozarksstar.com More on Camp La Casa Sena - Santa Fe, New Mexico see page 22. From the upper sundeck at the Oasis men’s resort, guests enjoypanoramic views ofKey West’s Historic District. (Photo by Andrew Collins) Key West: Where To Play, Eat, and Stay famous gay resort towns, Key West has always stood out for its sheer embrace of total relaxation. This laid-back tropical island in the Caribbean, closer to Cuba than to mainland Florida, is without pretensions. People rarely worry about what time it is, dress is casual and colorful, and the party scene is friendly and easygoing. Key West is neither fancy nor especially urbane - it’s just a great place to laze in a deck chair on a bougainvillea-choked lanai, browse for beachwear and souvenirs along the main drag, Duval Street, or relax on a restaurant patio noshing on raw oysters and sipping mango iced tea or mojitos. For a seasonal tourist town, Key West has plenty to offer when it comes to dining and nightlife. Few places draw more raves for outstanding food than Alice’s Key West, where chefAlice Weingarten serves some of the most inventive food in town, including delicious smoked-salmon Benedict at breakfast. A departure from Key West’s predominant laid-back tropical look, Square One is a sophisticated restaurant with white table linen and fine china. The regionally inspired Continental cuisine includes escargot baked in a crepe with fresh spinach, garlic, feta, and a tomato beurre blanc. It’s a top choice for a romar~.tic evening. One of the better Italian restaurants in town, and also one of the gayest, La Trattoria has two dining rooms - the smaller one romantic and intimate, the larger better for groups of friends. The straightforward cooking draws high praise for such tasty creations as local shrimp sauteed with garlic, fresh tomatoes, and herbes de Provence in a white wine, lemon, and butter sauce. One of Dural Street’s true places to be seen, Mangoes brims with colorful sorts. The composed salads, pastas, and grills - all with nouvelle Florida touches - are commendable. Consider rib eye steak Caribe (pan-charred with tamarind steak sauce and yucca). Seven Fish, which occupies an old luncheonette and has a sleek, sophisticated interior, serves seafood-oriented bistro fare, such as crab and shiitake mushroom ravioli. The slogan at Mangia Mangia is "pasta to the people," a philosophy reflected by the many varieties of heavenly homemade pasta, all fairly priced. The painstakingly preserved building has a lovely, quiet garden and redbrick patio in back. You’ll need luck and persistence most nights to get a seat at Camille’s, a small storefront bistro, but the friendly vibe and downhome comfort food are worth the trouble. Expect good salads and sandwiches, such as Philly cheese steak, and delicious pancakes for breakfast. For arguably the best sandwiches and wraps on the island, try Lobo’s - the oyster roll with cheddar, bacon, and basil tartar sauce is a stand-out. H Siboney is a zero-atmosphere eatery - _the_ place in town for humble, stick-to-your-ribs Cuban fare. Rickety tables are set with plastic tablecloths and paper napkins. Try such Havana specialties as conch chowder, garlic chicken, stuffed shrimp and crabs, platanos (plantains), and a sweet flan to top it off. As for traditional Cuban sandwiches, tiny 5 Brothers Grocery - on a side street in the historic district - serves the best around. Much of the gay social activity in Key West takes place at resorts, some ofwhich provide refreshments and snacks to guests during the afternoon and early evening. A handful of properties have bars open to the public, among them Pearl’s Rainbow, the town’s only guest house exclusively for women, and the ultra-cruisy, all-male Island House, which also has an excellent restaurant. Most the town’s gay bars are along Duval Street. Here, the La-Te-Da guest house has a poolside bar, an intimate piano bar, and the Treetop Cabaret Lounge upstairs. Down a few blocks, the New Orleansinspired Bourbon Street Pub is a cheery place with a small bar up front with cocktail tables, a larger outdoor bar in back (along with a lively pool area and hot tub), and video screens galore. Many nights you can catch awful (but still entertaining) drag shows on the stage in back. The same owners run the lovably raffish 801 Bar, Key 20 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com West’s definitive neighborhood hangout since the 1970s. There’s almost always a crowd of gossipy locals around the bar. The adjacent One Saloon caters mostly to leather-and-Levi’s types and is reached through 801’s back door. Aqua Nightclub is best lmown for its raucous drag shows, which are headlined by the in-house drag troupe, the Aquanettes. This lively place also has strippers some nights, an impressive dance floor with high-tech laser-and-sound shows,’ and a cozy video bar. Key West has a number of inns that cater either exclusively or predominandy to the gay market. One of the best is Alexander’s, a long-popular gay resort with the relatively unusual policy of being both clothing-optional and welcoming to both women and men. This makes Alexander’s ideal for gay guys traveling with lesbian friends, or for any queer vacationers who enjoy a mixed-gender atmosphere. The effect is that the mood around the pool and hot mb tends to be less cruisy than at single-gender resorts. Aromatic tropical flowers, sundecks, rattan and wicker furnishings, and sparkling tiled bathrooms impart Alexander’s with a classy but casual look. Also welcoming of both women and men but drawing a predominantly male crowd, Big Ruby’s is less than a block from Dural Street, hidden behind high walls from noise and street traffic. The grounds feature towering palm trees and fragrant flowers, and an abundance of sundecks. Rooms are warm, contemporary, spotless, and full of light - all have TVIVCRs, mini-refrigerators, A/C, and ceiling fans. A complimentary full breakfast is included. As for the staff, you won’t find a more professional bunch of guys in Key West. Most of the town’s men’s resorts are along Fleming Street, the Historic District’s main drag. Here you’ll find Equator, which has plush rooms with contemporary Caribbean-influenced furniture. Designer fabrics, feather pillows with comforters, Mediterranean-tile floors, large closets, and excellent sound insulation add to the comfort of each unit. The tradeoff is that the Equator’s grounds, although nicely landscaped, are smaller than at some of its competitors; there’s a compact pool and an oversize Jacuzzi tub. For years the sprawling Island House - a former cigar factory on the eastern edge of the Historic District - was synonymous with sex, sleaze, and shabbiness. It’s still synonymous with sex. But, happily, new owners have completely rebuilt the place, hired friendly and competent staff, and created lovely rooms with high-quality furnishings (all have VCR/TVs, refrigerators, safes, and plttsh linens). If you’re seeking a steamy ambience but also first-rate accommodations and a safe, friendly environment, the Island House is your dream come true. Amenities, all of them available 24 hours, include heated pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, gym, sauna, steam room, and erotic-male-video lounge. The largest gay resort in town comprises three distinct properties - the Oasis, Coral Tree Inn, and Coconut Grove - operated by the same management. This highly social, all-male compound has rooms available in a variety of configurations and prices. The Coconut Grove is the fanciest of the three, having been completely gutted and redone following a fire in 2006 - it now has some of the cushiest accommodations in town. Next door, the Oasis has less pricey but still attractive rooms and beautiful grounds. Across the street, the Coral Tree has simpler but more affordable rooms. Guests are free to enjoy the grounds of all three properties. Another all-male property with a somewhat cruisy vibe is the New Orleans Guest House, an attractive compound that’s above the Bourbon Street Pub, right in the center of the Dural Street action. Rooms are well-outfitted and attractively decorated, and rates moderately priced. Known as the Rainbow House until new owners took over a several years ago, the 38-room Pearl’s Rainbow is Key \Vest’s only resort that’s exclusive to women. Rooms are nicely done, with rattan and wicker furniture, pastel-hued walls, large TVs, and refrigerators. Many different configurations are available, from simple budget-oriented units set away from the noise of the pools and decks, to more spacious rooms doser to the action, some with kitchenettes or separate sitting areas. The resort encompasses several buildings, including some cute cottages that once provided housing for the workers of a cigar factory that formerly occupied the main building. There are two heated pools, spacious sundecks, and lots of opportunity to chat with other guests. This is a wonderful hideaway, whether you’re looking to make new friends or enjoy a litde peace and quiet with your honey. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 by Donald Pile & Ray Williams Featuring Cuisine From Coast to Coast La Casa Sena - Santa Fe, New Mexico W’e have been dining at La Casa Sena in Santa Fe for over 25 years and it just keeps getting better. Located right downtown, it is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed restaurants in the Southwest. Not only is the food some of the most delicious you’ll ever taste, the wine list is among the finest in the country. Whether dining inside or out on the patio, you are in for a real treat! "l-he ambiance, the food, the setting...... everything is fabulous! La Casa Sena occupies a fine old haciendastyle adobe complex and means "the Sena House." q-he Sena family was one of the oldest and most notable in Santa Fe. q-he founder of the family, Bernadino de Sena, was an orphan from Mexico City who traveled to Santa Fe in 1693. In the early 1980% the ravages of rime finally began to take a toll on the hacienda. Art dealer, Gerald Peters purchased the historic building and extensively renovated it without making any architectural changes. The restoration succeeded in keeping the historic ambiance and integrity of the Sena Plaza intact. Th-he Southwestern cuisine served at La Casa Sena draws on the rich history of the region. Th-heir distinctive red chile is grown for the restaurant near Dixon, on the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico. The harsh weather there means that this local product is not plentifi~ and, because the restaurant purchases virtually the entire crop, it is unlikely that this chile will be tasted anywhere else in the world. They are located right off the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe at 125 East Palace. q-heir dinner hours are Sunday thru Thursday: 5:30 - 10:00 PM and Friday & Saturday: 5:30 - 10:00 PM. Lunch: 11:30 _A!vl - 3:00 PM Monday thru Saturday and 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Sundays 22 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com People Wi h A D$ LITTLE ROCK, ARK __ Republican Presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee once advocated isolating AIDS patients from the general public, opposed increased federal funding in the search for a cure and said homosexuality could "pose a dangerous public health risk." As a candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in 1992, Huckabee answered 229 questions submitted to him by The Associated Press. Besides a quarantine, Huckabee suggested that Hollywood celebrities fund AIDS research from their own pockets, rather than federal health agencies. "If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague," Huckabee wrote. City Resident Ray Prewitt aooept New I ovie SANTA FE, NM (P/R) __ Oklahoma City resident, Ray Prewitt, will take on the role of"Owen" in the Jim Sheridan helmed "Brothers" for Relativity Media. The film stars Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Tobey Macguire. Shooting began last week on this remake of Susanne Bier’s Danish-language war drama which centers on a man, (Maguire) who is sent to fight in Afghanistan while his black-sheep brother (Gyllenhaal) cares for his wife (Portman) and child. Prewitt, who recently appeared in Carpenter Square’s "Sordid Lives", is best known as the producer of "Call Us Crazy: The Anne Heche Monologues" which achieved theatrical cult status in Los Angeles featuring stars like Edie McClurg, Alex Borstein, Megyn Price, and Scott Thompson. This is Prewitt’s second time to share the screen with Portman since "Where the Heart Is" .i"n 2000. "I think the government’s role should not be involved in personal habits. When you defend freedom, you defend freedom of choice, and you can’t be picking and choosing how people use those freedoms...whether it’s personal behavior or economic behavior, I want people to have freedom of choice," Paul asserted. He believes the constitution says such issues should be left to the states to decide, and ira state chooses to legalize marijuana, cocaine, heroin and/or prostitution, so be it. Presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul, R-Tex www.ozarksstar.com The STAR 23 Chaz & Victor By Ronald Blake Twenty-eight retired generals and admirals released a letter Friday urging Congress to overturn the ban on gays serving openly in the military, according to "l-he New York Times. The letter cites information showing that 65,000 gay men and lesbians are currently serving in the military and that there are more than 1 million gay and lesbian veterans who have "served our nation honorably." ~have been indulging myself lately with the finer aspects of food and beverage. I have acquiesced with my body’s cravings for rectangular chocolate delights that are known to the masses as Snickers, Three Musketeers, and Whatchamacallits. I have given in to the luscious temptations of the all-powerful supreme pizza with its smothering array of toppings and guilt. I have even fallen prey to the hypnotic sexual commercial suggestions of the beer and booze barons of this fair land. Yes, I have been greedily imbibing the works of the great fermentation experts such as Adolph Coors and August Busch. How can I possibly engage in such extreme epicurean behavior and still manage to put on my jeans without a forced smile? Ofcourse I will disclose the many and varied means by which I make this feasible. Each day I lace up my sneakers and head out on a seven mile romp through my neighborhood streets and enjoy the festively adorned homes. This provides me the opportunity to dear my mind and breathe in all those particulates from city living. It also affords me the chance to count the expanse of calories I burn off: in the process. I usually get credit for 800 calories each day from this physical activity mode. I am that guy who finds the parking space on the periphery of the mall parking lot. ~llais is not a forced choice in response to all the holiday shoppers. I actively seek out the spot that is closer to the frontage road than the stores’ entrances. This gives me the excellent opportunity to partake in the lost art ofwalking somewhere. Chalk up another couple hundred calories burned in a week’s time. Every other day I don my favorite ripped Guns N Roses T-shirt and my faded periwinkle Russell Athletic shorts and ease into 26 the STAR my workout roudne. I set my bicep, quadriceps, and triceps muscles into a sweet synergistic syncopation. I dedicate thirty minutes for every session and I am proudly able to record several hundred singed calories for that day’s effort. Some ofmy other calorie consuming moments has involved the firm scolding of my car and leaving him alone in the garage while I set out down the block to get the mail. I have often abandoned the comforts ofmy plush settee and even ignored the puppy dog eyes from my cuddly ottoman so that I could walk around the living room while discoursing with the likes ofmy Aunt Chilada on the telephone. Friends have even chided me for spending disproportionate time with the steps and hand railings of building stairwells than with the numbered buttons and "The Girl from Ipanema" music from elevators. Thankfully for me, these mundane activities afford me a cornucopia of numerous extra burned calories. I am able to consume more of the Food Network creations than the average Punch and Judy because of my lifestyle. My gourmand way of life would soon dissipate if I would slink into the slothful practices of most ofmy fellow brethren. Free will gives you that chance to change it all starting today. I could certainly use some company on those lonely stairwells! This health and fitness column is brought to you by that guy who likes to count the times people say the phrase "you know" in their conversations. That gny is Ron Blake and he can be unwrapped at www.goblakefitness. com Creating Community for People living with H V/A1DS A 501 c (3) Non Profit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HtV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. ~wtw.ozarksstar.com Q~UENTIN CRISP DOWn,TOWN PLAZA DERAILED HATE CRIMES Indeed, Crisp was celibate for the latter half of his life. When sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer asked him what he thought about sex, he said he thought it was a mistake. He was also cynical about love, saying he didfft really understand it, and he never had an enduring romantic relationship. Had he lived in a different era, Crisp might have identified as transgender rather than gay. "I believe I was born unfit for the world not because of anything to do with sex, but because of gender," he told one interviewer. "I have always felt like a woman born into a man’s body. Had I the money or the opportunity early in life, I would certainly have had a sex change." Though his work brought in a fair amount of money, Crisp lived a spartan existence, subsisting on hors d’oeuvres and champagne at parties. With a "lust for small talk," he held court at a local diner and devoted time to answering phone calls, letters, and e-mails from friends and strangers alike. He loved being the center of attention, and rarely turned down an opportunity to be interviewed or photographed. In his final years, though beset by health problems, he nevertheless continued to travel and perform. Crisp died of a heart attack in Manchester, England, in November 1999, just a month shy of his 91st birthday. While some may find his flamboyant style and effeminate mannerisms embarrassingly stereotypical today, Crisp is remembered for being himself- and paying the price - at a time when few others dared to do so. Though he avoided organized LGBT activism, his entire life was a demonstration of gay and transgender empowerment. For further reading: Bailey, Paul, ed. 2000. The Stately Homo: A Celebration of the Life of Quentin Crisp (Bantam). Crisp, Quentin. 1996. Resident Alien: The New York Diaries (HarperCollins). ~e hotel is the ONLY Tulsa hotel that is openly caters to everybody! The Lounge at the Downtown Plaza will start in January hosting Ms. Kris Kohl and will present a drag show every other Friday. They will also be hosting a Broadway touring company during the summer of 2008. Chisholm Properties, Ltd. has a complete non-discrimination policy to cover, Age, Religion, Nationality, Race, SF~VUAL ORIENTATION, Disability, Veteran Status and other individuals as protected by Federal, State and Locals Laws. The General Manager, Jay Wilks is a former flight attendant instructor and former owner of a small specialized aircraft charter tour company, award winning fit and art shop and an upscale gay magazine that was distributed in 7 States in the Southeast. The Assistant General Manager, Debbie McCraw is a former schoolteacher, Texas ranch foreman, homemaker and mother. With all of their combined hidden talents we KNOW that they will make a success in this new venture. Both Jay and Debbie are two of the nicest, friendliest and professional people that you would ever want to meet. They truly care about their guests and want them to have a very pleasant time while staying at the hotel. The front desk staff as well as the housekeeping staff are very friendly and professional. Next time you are going to be in Tulsa be sure to check out their website at www. downtownplazatulsa.com or give them a call at 800.585.5101 for reservations. Their local number is 918.585.5898. Or for those people living in Tulsa who are wanting to rent a conference or party site, give them a call. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from Coast to Coast. Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at: gaytravelers@ aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://www.hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers sent to the Chairman and Ranking Members of the Armed Services Committees urging them to retain the Hate Crimes amendment as part of the conference report. Timed to correspond with Members returning from the Thanksgiving recess, on November 28th, HRC launched a nationwide action alert to all of its members urging immediate grassroots action to Members of Congress. The House of Representatives passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1592) in May with a strong bipartisan vote of 237-180. The Senate approved the nearly identical Matthew Shepard Act (S. 1105) as an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization bill on a voice vote after a 60-39 cloture vote. Inclusion of the hate crimes provision in the final version of the bill fell victim in the House to challenges from opponents of hate crimes as well as unrelated concerns regarding Iraq-related provisions of the bill. The hate crimes veto threat issued by the White House and organized opposition by House Republican Leadership cost significant numbers of votes on the right. Iraq-related provisions that many progressive Democrats opposed cost votes on the left. Moderate Democrats, many ofwhom voted for the hate crimes bill in May, did not want to test the President’s veto threat and risk a delay in increased pay for military personnel. ’All of these factors resulted in insufficient votes to secure passage of the bill with the hate crimes provision. 2~he Matthew Shepard Act gives the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias motivated violence by providing the Department with jurisdiction over crimes of violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. The legislation also provides the Justice Department ,vith the ability to aid state and local jurisdictions either by lending assistance or, where local authorities are unwilling or unable, by taking the lead in investigations and prosecutions of violent crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury that were motivated by bias. The Act also makes grants available to state and local communities to combat violent crimes committed by juveniles, train law enforcement officers, or to assist in state and !ocal investigations and prosecutions of bias motivated crimes. www,ozarksstar.corn the STAR 27 Just as the sun spends a month of every year in each sign, Jupiter, in his 12-year cycle, spends about a full year in each sign. Fresh into Capricorn, he will help to build up organizations and bureaucracy. The coming year will be a big one for the mature look, leather, and bondage. This week’s horoscope will be valid through the year! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Socialize with important folks. Those doors are wide open to you. Looking respectable and conservative will help you get ahead. Even in the most buttoned-up crowd, people know the power of appearance. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): If you have unfinished school business or want to go for a degree, sign up for those classes! Otherwise, delve into ancient philosophies or go traveling to historical, even archaeological places on your own initiative. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Not that you need the help, but your sexual magnetism is charging up. Trying to look young will not help. Maturity, experience, and authority all work in your favor. If you’ve been wanting to explore leather and kink, this is the time for it! CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Look toward formalizing an existing relationship or refining your criteria for one. Not only can you afford to be picky, but holding out for what you really want in your partnership will help you get it. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Any skin growths or bone or joint inflammations should be checked quickly, but in general your health should be good. Luck at work should improve. Look forward to promotions and be willing to take a risk to get them. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Some people think creativity is about mad inspiration. You know it’s about hard work. Your hard work can pay off big - probably more in terms of personal growth, but there could be money, toot LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Researching your roots, taking time with older relatives, or spending time with community elders will give you a better sense not only of your background and foundations, but also of where you’re going. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your mind needs stimulation and novelty, and you’re a bit more loquacious than usual. Be careful with that! Developing new skills, perhaps learning a new language, will open doors and help keep you focused and out of trouble. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): This should be a very lucky year for you for money - investments, lottery tickets, new businesses - but, it’s also "easy come, easy go." A conservative attitude and long-range perspective will prove most profitable. Consult an astrologer with your full birth chart before taking any big chances! CAPRICORN (December 21 o January 19): You’re in for a spell of good luck. Just be yourself and you’re sure to get ahead. There’s no point in being shy. Go for any opportunity that feels right. Further education and travel can serve you especially well. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Blessings will come to you in disguise. If life gets hard, the troubles can easily be made into a springboard to tremendous luck. Volunteer work with venerable charities will prove advantageous in the meantime. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Social opportunities will open up for you more easily if you "work the system" and follow conservative, conventional methods. Hobnob with "important people," but what’s "important" is subjective. Of course, those who don’t look or think like you can be important, too! C® METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com DOWNTOWN PLAZ,~_ ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.corn KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant DREXEL ONTHE PARKAPTS. 3041NW41ST Oklahoma City, OK 405-946-0588 SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NWEXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HHGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn ANGLES 2117NW39thSt. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com www.ozarksstar.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.dubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 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 Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Hk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm NWARKANSAS GLBT CENTER Bentonville/Rogers 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG GLENPOOL FLOWERS 437 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK www.glenpoolflowers.com Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NA!vlE: Address: City: St:__Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: 29 Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. N~X/Arkansas GLBT Communiv! Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG e-mail: EditorialCartoon@c 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com YOU [] F,g. 1 Pollen hke Tcha&o~sky’s compo~mon Romeo and Juhet ~f one were to make a list of the world’s favorite composers, despite his relatively recent vintage Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky would be on it. After all, he composed Swan Lake, which is perhaps the most famous ballet of all time. And there can’t be more than a handful of ballet companies that don’t perform The Nutcracker every Christmas. Indeed, this great Romantic composer should be so immortalized. As a young man, he pursued a career in music at enormous personal risk and against h~s father’s advice. His mild temperament combined with his tendency to work too hard left him with inmmnia, debilitating headaches and hallucinations. On top of that, Tchaikovsky’s composition teacher never liked his work, Peter llyich Tchaikot,sky endured many setbacks, not the l~st of which was a blind barber even after he became ~vorld-famous. Setbacks like these could have finished a lesser man. Instead, they inibrmed his work, which remains some of the best loved in history. Yet some kids still confuse Tchaikovsky with a nasal spasm. Why? Because the arts are slowly but surely being eliminated from today’s schools, even though a majority of parents believe music and drama and dance and art make their kids better students and better people. To help reverse this disturbing ’Rrm~nc trend, or for more information recomrarwd~d daily allouur~ce of art, about the benefits of arts education, visit us at AmericansForTheArts.org. Or else Tchaikovsky could seem like just another casualty of allergy season. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 Reservations: 918.585.5898 ÷ 800.585.5101 Where you can be YOU" pee" ~oo~l ~oo~ ~ow=n f 17 West 7th Street (corner 7th & Boulder Ave) e Tulsa, Ok 74119 ¢ www.downtownplazatulsa.com 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 [2008] The Star Magazine, January 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 1 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 01, 2008 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English 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. Type The nature or genre of the resource magaine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) 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 Greg Steele Paul Wortman James Ninmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blak Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Chaz Ward Victor Gorin Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, December 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/204 The Star Magazine, February 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/245 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/246 AIDS anti-gay violence art cartoons classifieds crime denouncement Deep Inside Hollywood Dennis R. Scott Don't Ask Don't Tell Downtown Plaza Hotel-Tulsa fitness hate crime health Hillary Clinton HIV/AIDs horoscopes Loeves and Fishes Melody Michaels Mike Huckabee Miranda Ray Miss Gay Oklahoma New Year Our House Past Out Q Scopes Quentin Crisp Quotable Quotes Ray Prewitt Samantha West Star Advertisers Star Scene Steven Domer Syphilis testing Tchaiovsky The Colors of Living Too travel Winds House https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/a918105ab6adf69713364d2fce7d8fe6.jpg 897cdc4b95d5e02e0ab111a32bc1d143 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/820049079019edbbc4699ae60584c413.pdf a000a4191d62824a2816c51d7099c84b PDF Text Text 2008 A new " for Pride By Joey De By Joey De If you have lived in Tulsa for more than twenty minutes, you knmv that there is an impenetrable force-field separating the city. Most Tulsans call it Forty-First Street. Enter the Downtown Plaza Hotel, on 7th & Boulder, who for the first time in recent memory provided Tulsa Pride an official "host" hotel. Photo: Equality Festival at Tulsa’s New Centennial Park Sometimes change can be difficult, however, despite months of complaints and apocalyptic predictions about the many "firsts" at Tulsa Pride 2008, it seems that the only people who had difficulties were the protesters. For the first time in the celebration’s history, the protesters were present for only a minimal time during the Pride Parade and completely absent from the Diversity picnic. "2008 was a },ear of dramatic change," says Nate Black, one of the event’s cochairs. "However thanks to the dedication of a strong group of volunteers, all the changes to this year’s events were possible. It would not have been possible without each and every person who helped." Black especially credited his co-chairs Kristi Freeman and Toby Jenkins with making the pieces fit together. "Kristi has an incredible ability to assess and foresee needs and coordinate logistics. The fact that everything worked smoothly to host thousands of people at our events xvas a testament to her abilities." "The fact that ~hlsa Pride is able to remain free to the public is proof of Toby’s dedication to these events, which on the low end cost over $30,000. Under his leadership, we were able to, for the first time, secure the majority of our sponsorships long before the events even took place," says Black. .......... Continued page-5 Staying at a hotel room for your own city’s Pride ,nay seem a little excessive, but for a South-Tulsan, it made perfect sense. Having a place downtown to call "home" for the weekend saved time and even money on the celebration’s two largest weekends. Anyone who has ever been to a Pride observance knows that three things are true. It will be hot. You will be sweaty. You xvill be drinking. All three of those can combine to impede a "proper" Pride celebration, but with the convenience of the Downtown Plaza Hotel’s location, neither was an issue. Through taking advantage of the special Pride Rate offered by the hotel, it was effortless to enjoy the day (or early evenings) festivities, .......... Continued page-5 ��1- 80 0o535 oAI DS (2437) Ok ahoraa s H~VIST~ 2 the STAR ww~v.ozarksstar.com �Dear Editor: I thought I would add something to the political cartoon in the June 2008 Star. Presently I live in Oklahoma City, and much to my surprise have done so for the last 14 years. Originally from Boston I make an annual trip home each Christmas to see family and friends and make a quick pilgrimage to the haunts I was familiar with before leaving Boston in the mid 80’s. This pilgrimage consists of walking the city to see what is still around that I was familiar with, and perhaps who is still around that I can remember. On my most recent trip I was a little saddened to see many places that meant a lot to me are no longer around, or have been so renovated for so different a use that they are unrecognizable. As is my custom, on this outing I stopped in at every gay bar I could remember, or find, and had drinks and conversations with the bartenders. Most of the old bars are gone, as are the people. Politics begins in the bars in Boston, and gay politics was no exception. The civil rights fought for and won began with many bar patrons and owners, and in the process of getting what they were after, the bar owners found that with acceptance came a lesser need for the safety of an exclusively gay bar with the occasional straight patron. In conjunction with this the price of living in the city has made any gay ghetto prohibitive, making it necessary for what vcould have been the denizens of such an area to move into the suburbs for affordable housing with the side effect of showing the majority of the state that Gay people were pretty normal, and not the screaming stereotypes that isolation seemed to promote. Gay people were seen as responsible people and not the party animals who spent most of their lives going to bars to dance the night away and returning home each night with a different sex partner. They turned out to be people so normal that marriage did not seem to be such an improbable thing. The ultimate goal of gay gights is equality, and that means normalcy for most. Just as straights have their outlets out of the mainstream, so do gay people. But both do have their mainstreams. The gay bars still around are nostalgia for us older gentlemen who want some of the past preserved for our visits back, or who may feel more comfortable in one because life had not been all that kind to us, with just a bit of the specialty shop aura to them. Most have become very mixed, while some have become the corner bar, the lodge for men and women of like minds to talk freely among their own, but doing it willingly as opposed to necessarily. The lesser the need for exclusively gay bars, the more success can be claimed by the gay community. Joe Quigley Oklahoma City www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 �4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �DOWNTOWN PLAZA HOTEL cont. TULSA PRIDE continued then quickly retreat to air-conditioning and a cold shower. This was especially useful following the parade and block party, According to estimates provided by the Tulsa Police Department, this year’s Pride Parade and Block Party have become the largest events of their kind in Downtown Tulsa. Police estimate that there were a combined 18,000 people between the two events. just before visiting the bar,s. Adding to the convenience was the hotel s on-call shuttle. With less then a ten minute wait each time it was needed, the shuttle allowed guests to leave their cars and avoid parking headaches, expensive gas and more importantly, DUIs. Many parade-goers were excited about the new evening-format, celebrating with glow sticks and sparklers. Some of the floats even stepped into the spirit embracing christmas lights and disco balls. Most route walkers were simply excited over the fact that they no longer had the sun beating down on them and that the trek was much flatter. The hotel is currently undergoing a complete restoration, with every room being completely renovated to sport an almost TUqnspired blue and gold color scheme. Furnished with antique-style pieces, the rooms of the Downtown Plaza Hotel are uncluttered, yet comfortable and quaint. Pride guests noticed a little construction "dust" in the form of the occasional minor malfunction and missing carpet outside the elevator, however found their problems fixed quickly and courteously with a simple call to the front desk. Following the parade, the block party centered around the Equality Center came into its own, maintaining a crowd until the scheduled end at midnight. Following the event, most of the area bars reported record capacity crowds as the party continued through the evening. The following weekend at Centennial Park, the only thing to be missed was the heat and mud at the former location. For many pride-goers, this event was the first time they had visited the new Tulsa centerpiece. Most fell in love with its picturesque setting and more importantly abundant shade. According to TPD estimates, 12,000 people visited the Diversity Picnic, which according to organizers was represented by a steady flow of people through out the day. The forty-plus booths at this year’s picnic xvere the most diverse in memory, representing non-profit service organizations such as HOPE Testing Clinic, Fortune 500 companies such as Best Buy and the traditional array of Rainbow Retailers. Picnickers enjoyed the live entertainment that took the stage off and on through out the day, while kids entertained themselves on the inflatable games and climbing wall. Okay, the kids weren’t the only ones enjoying the inflatable games. The handsdown hit of the picnic was the water slide that both kids and adults rode repeatedly. w~,~N.ozarksstar.com Perhaps the most enjoyed aspect of While the three major pride attractions could be considered a successful spl!t, many attendees expressed a desire for the events to be recombined onto one weekend. A common complaint: "I didn’t know what weekend to tell my friends to come. They couldn’t take off work both weekends or afford the gas to come twice." Black reacts to such criticism openly. "There were a lot of changes this year. Some things went very well; some things didn’t go as well as we had hoped. We are going to take what we learned, listen to the feed back we receive and then will make the appropriate changes for next year." As for now, Black and the rest of the Tulsa Pride Committee are happy to place Tulsa Pride 2008 in the history books as a success, with a rejuvenated event positioned to grow in the years to come. Downtown Plaza Lobby the Downtown Plaza Hotel by some pride guests was their retreat to the New York City-eque second story outdoor pool. Tucked quietly between the rooftops of dmvntown Tulsa, the pool was quiet, clean, and theperfect place to prepare for, or recover from the festivities. Staying at the Downtown Plaza Hotel gives celebrating Tulsa Pride a new feel. For those from Tulsa, it creates an enjoyable mini-vacation, while those who travel enjoy its close proximity to the Pride events and Downtown night life. Either way, whether from in or out of town, it always feels good to stay where "family" is welcome. the STAR 5 �The Phantom Standard Joey De For Marni Raab, playing the role of Christine in the legendary musical "The Phantom of the Opera," is the fulfillment of a long time dream. "I started ~vith this show as an understudy in 2001," recalls Raab, ~vho has played the role for the past seven years internationally. "I was then promoted to performing two shmvs a week, and then when on tour six." Although it may seem odd to plan alternating actresses to play a role, Raab explains it as "just good business sense." "The show is long and Christine is onstage for almost all of it," says Raab, who notes that there is only one scene in the almost three hour show in which her character doesn’t appear. "The people they hire to play Christine are ingdnues," says Raab, who continues "They put big, heavy costumes on them, and then thrmv them around. I wind up falling and running then falling again, a lot. It’s just better to schedule somebody as a second principal then to never kno~ving when your lead will be out." "The Phantom of the Opera," is Andrew Lloyd Webbers’ hit musical about Raab’s character, Christine, and her admirer/kidnapper, ~ll~e Phantom. "He’s a maniac, a monster, disfigured and he’s a murderer," describes Raab, "but he is also a poet, an architect and a brilliant composer." Diversity Business Association of Tulsa 6 the STAR Christine on the other hand, is a young lady on the verge of adulthood, says Raab. "She was been raised by her violinist father, educated and probably traveled the world, which was rare then." Raab explains that her character is lonely and looking for a way in life when the brilliant, yet creepy Phantom enters her life as a mentor. Unfortunately, Christine’s’ childhood acquaintance Raoul re-enters her life at the same time, completing a love triangle that entangles the three. "She must choose between the passionate genius who has a horrible disfigurement and has been led down the wrong path, and the nice guy." When asked how the show has endured, Raab believes that "The Phantom," offers something for everyone to react to. "I have done the show across Canada, the US and Asia, and every audience reacts differently. There are lavish sets, pyrotechnics and elaborate costumes. It’s ornate, it’s majestic and at the heart it’s a love story." Helping to ensure the quality of "The Phantom" experience, Raab says that every production of the show must meet the highest standards. "Audiences demand a certain standard," says Raab," but the producers insist on it. If you xvant to produce the show, you must have the seal of approval from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Hal Prince and al! of the people associated with the original. This way the show you see (in Tulsa) is the same as what people in New York and on the West End are seeing." Raab says that there is also a standard the performers in the show must live up to. "It is humbling and an honor to be in this show, and I know I have big shoes to fill. It has been around for so long, audiences feel a sense of ownership in it, making it even more important to see it done right. You (the performers) have a responsibility to keep the show in shape and do it justice." According to Raab, the performers have help from standard’s directors, who guide their performances to prevent serious character infractions. "We dodt have the luxury of’finding’ our characters," the actress explains. "It takes a different skill set to step into a role that has been established and place our marks on it as artists." If you have not yet experienced "The Phantom," the show will be at the Tulsa PAC through July 13. Visit www.myticketoffice.corn for ticketing information. Quotable Quotes Scientists at the Karolinska Institute studied brain scans of 90 gay and straight men and women, and found that the size of the two symmetrical halves of the brains of gay men more closely resembled those of straight women than they did straight men, while the brains of homosexual women were asymmetrical like those of straight men. www.ozarksstar.com �Open Daily = High Noon www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 �17 West 7th Street (corner 7~ & Boulder Ave) Tulsa, Ok 74119 R~tions: 918~5~98 e 800~5,5101 www.downtown plazatulsa:com 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �JULY 2008 the STAR 9 �Oklahoma City Museum o£Art Presents Roman Art £rom the Louvre perfume bottles, and cosmetics are examined within the greater context of the role of women in the Roman Empire. Other topics addressed include the art of Roman portraiture; the Boscoreale treasure; and Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli and the Maritime Theater. Final U.S. venue for rare ancient works from the Louvre’s esteemed collection OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Otdahoma City Museum of Art wil! be the final North American venue for Roman Art from the Louvre, June 19 through October 12, 2008. Tile seventeen-~veek exhibition, so large it will occupy the Museum’s ground floor special exhibition gallery and the eight second floor galleries of the Museum, will feature 184 works, some weighing more than 6,000 pounds. An unprecedented exhibition of ancient masterworks, drawn from the Louvre’s unparalleled collection, it provides a rare and historic opportunity for Oklahoma audiences to view these magnificent works, many of which have not been seen by the public in decades and most of which have never traveled to the United States. Furthermore, many of the objects in the exhibition have recently been restored, bringing to light their original beauty and strength of expression. The portrait busts of anonymous men, women, and children featured in "The Roman Citizen" reveal the styles and fashions popular during the Roman Empire. Clothing, hairstyles, jewelry and other accessories, 10 the STAR Voter registration applications may be submitted at any time. However, a valid application must be received at a motor license agency or a designated voter registration agency, or postmarked (if submitted by mail), more than 24 days prior to an election in order for the applicant to participate in that election. Deadlines for submitting valid voter registration applications prior to the 2008 statewide elections are as follows: Primary Hection Friday, July 4 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, July 29 - Election Runoff Primary Election Friday, August 1 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, August 26 - Hection General Election Frida); October 10 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, November 4 - Election CHANGES IN POLITICAL AFFILIATION Changes in political affiliation may not be made during the period from June ! through August 31, inclusive, in any even-numbered year. The last day on which a change in political affiliation can be made before the closed period is May 31; the first day on which a change in political affiliation can be made after the closed period is September 1. "The Louvre, thanks to Napoleon’s megalomaniac interest in the glories of Ancient Rome, has one of the finest collections of Roman art outside of Italy," said Hardy George, Ph.D., chief curator at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. "The exhibition of sculpture, jewelry, mosaics, and frescos will be scrupulously arranged in a thematic manner that will certainly be visually and aesthetically pleasing as well as historically informative." The exhibition examines the manifestations of Roman public and private life through an exploration of several themes, including religion, urbanism, war, imperial expansion, funerary practices, intellectual life, and family. Roman Art from the Louvre shows the full range of Roman artistry and taste, juxtaposing "official" art with more modest, private works. VOTER REGISTRATION Roman Art from the Louvre was organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Musde du Louvre. The exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. American Federation of Arts: The AFA is a nonprofit institution that organizes art exhibitions for presentation in museums around the ~vorld, publishes exhibition catalogues, and develops educational materials and programs. For more information on the AFA, please visit www.afaweb.org. OTHER IMPORTANT DATES Last day to request absentee ballot for July 29 Primary Election \Vednesday, July 23 Vote early at your County Hection Board office Friday, July 25, 8 AM - 6 PM Saturda); July 26, 8 AM - 1 PM Monday, July 28, 8 AiVl - 6 PM Candidate Filing for federal, state, legislative and county offices June 2 - 4 vavw.ok, gov/-elections/index.html www.ozarksstar.com �Congressman Frank: Why John McCain Is \Vdrong for the LGBT Community WASHINGTON, DC __ In the May edition of the Democratic National Committee’s LGBT newsletter, Democratic Congressman Barney Frank makes the case for why electing John McCain would be a step backward for the LGBT community. Frank, a member of Congress representing Massachusetts since 1981, has long been an outspoken civil rights advocate and a vocal member of the LGBT community. While McCain has tried to portray himself as a "maverick" and a "moderate," Congress: man Frank makes it clear that on LGBT rights, like so many issues, McCain offers a third Bush term. ~-he following are excerpts of Congressman Frank’s article: "With one exception, the relevance of which Senator McCain himself is rapidly diminishing, John McCain’s record is completely opposed to our efforts to combat prejudice and gain legal equality... "He has of course made it clear that he will support constitutional Amendments banning marriage at the state level, including in his mvn state of Arizona, and he regretted the fact that Arizona rejected such an amendment... "In every other area, McCain has a consistent voting record against our efforts. In 1996, the only time the Senate voted on the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, McCain was one of those who voted no. He has also consistently voted against extending hate crimes protection to gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender individuals... "This apparently reflects the prejudiced view that he expressed in 1993 when he was helping block President Clinton’s effort when he said on February 4th, as recorded in the Congressional Record, "The issue of allowing open gay lifestyles in the military is completely different from the kind of www.ozarksstar.com changes taking place in civil life ... Homosexuality is a behavioral trait, unlike skin color... "In addition to strongly opposing same-sex marriage, suggesting that he could modify his opposition to a federal constitutional amendment banning states like Massachusetts from adopting same-sex marriage, voting against ENDA, consistently opposing hate crimes coverage for us, and being recorded against every other effort in the Senate to give us fair treatment, Senator McCain also promised if he becomes president to reduce those protections we have been able to achieve at the Supreme Court level. He has noted his admiration for those justices who have consistently voted against any efforts by GLBT people to establish any right to legal equality, for example Chief Justice Rehnquist, a dissenter in the Lawrence v. Texas case, in which the sodomy laws against gay and lesbian people were stricken. "Given the alignment of Supreme Court Justices, and their ages, it is virtually certain that if John McCain is president, he will appoint justices who will overturn the Lawrence decision and the leading Supreme Court opponent of fair treatment for gay and lesbian people, Antonin Scalia ~vill gain alhes from McCmns appolntme ts. Community Peopte living 50t c (3) b~on Profit ()rganization Our House, Too offers a vadety of activities for PeoPle who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIM+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. the STAR 1t �~W By Donald Pile and Ray Williams MY TRIP DOWN THE PINK CARPET for Will & Grace in 2006, but Leslie also is a gifted writer and playwright. He wrote and starred in the autobiographical play, LOST IN THE PERSHING POIINT HOTEL, which was also made into a motion picture. He has appeared in dozens of TV shows including The Fall Guy, Murphy Brown, Newhart, Ski Patrol, Lois & Clark "The New Adventures of Superman", Reba, Wings, The Pretender, Dharma and Gregg, Ellen, Caroline and the City, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Nash Bridges, Ally McBeal, Boston Public, Judging Amy, George Lopez, Boston Legal, Ugly Betty and Hidden Palms to name just a few. Leslie Jordan, the wonderful talented actor, comedian, writer and playwright has just come out with his new book, MY TRIP DOWN THE PINK CARPET which is a fabulously funny and interesting biography of Leslie’s life, so far. We are fortunate that we met Leslie a few years ago and saw his opening performance of"Like A Dog On Linoleum" in West Hollywood. He played to sell out audiences every night, and now in his new book, he brings his life to readers throughout the nation to peruse. What began as a smal! boy growing up in Tennessee and thru his different trials and tribulations he now is one of the top actors/entertainers in the country. Leslie has written a brutally honest story of his life and tells about all of it, warts and all, from his alcoholism, addiction to drugs, street hustlers and everything in between. The greatest thing is that he has been able to overcome most all of his demons (he has now been sober for over 10 years). Most people who write biographies like to kinda forget the bad times and only tell about the good times. Not Leslie! He deals with every aspect of his life and takes the readers through everything. Yes, Leslie Jordan does have a ministry and that ministry is to be fun, funny, exciting and to bring happiness to the world. There is enough grief and misery in the world as it is. He brings a breath of fresh air wherever he goes. It is so nice reading a real biography where the author tells it just as it was and is and lets the readers get to know him personally. This should be a "must read" for all high school students, both gay and straight. It is an honest and compelling story of one person’s struggle with himself and the world around him, and he won! Leslie Jordan certainly deserves all the awards and accolades that he receives. MY TRIP DOWN THE PINK CARPET is one of the funniest yet heart-felt books that we have ever read. Leslie Jordan is real ! and in today’s world that is really something to say! Leslie Jordan is not like Paul Lynde, he is not like Truman Capote, he is not like anybody else. He is simply himself and that is what makes him so great. After reading this book we can understand why his one man performances are sell outs! We can’t wait for the sequel to this book! We URGE all of our readers to rush out and purchase a copy of this book. Leslie Jordan is taking his "act" on the road again and will be coming to a city near you with an exciting one man performance and to sign his book. Check out his website, www. thelesliejordan.com for updates. "Love, light to you, Leslie and the very best!" Donald Pile and Ray Williarm, Award-winning Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from Coast to Coast. Proud members ofthe IGLTA. You can Most people only know of Leslie either from the movie, Sordid Lives or from his guest appearances on Will & Grace. He was nominated and won the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series 12 the STAR email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://www, hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers ~vw.ozarksstar.com �Wockner News Service Two California counties Massachusetts governots ’d aughter comes rebel against marriage out ruling County clerks in California’s Kern and Butte counties have stopped performing all marriages so as not to have to marry gay couples. Katherine Patrick, daughter of Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, came out publicly as a lesbian June 12 in an interview with the Boston gay newspaper Bay Windows. In Kern County, where Bakersfield is located, Clerk Ann Barnett announced her decision after county lawyers told her she could not marry straight couples but refuse to marry gay couples. Officially, she said the move stemmed from a lack ofstaffand space to meet the anticipated demand for weddings. "We... wanted people to know that it’s not only something that we accept, but it’s something that we’re very proud of," Katherine, 18, said. But in an e-mail sent to the conservative legal group Alliance Defense Fund and obtained by the Bakersfield Californian newspaper, Barnett’s office wrote: "Our question is, now that the Supreme Court has refused to stay its decision, will Alliance Defense Fund defend the County Clerk if she ceases performing all marriage ceremonies .... We fully expect to be sued and our own counsel is not being of help.’" "It was the easiest coming out experience that anyone could possibly have," Katherine said. In Butte County, north of Sacramento, County Clerk Candace Grubbs cited money problems in announcing her decision. ~:he county’s largest city is Chico, population 87,OO0. But the president of the California Association of Clerks and Elected Officials, Contra Costa County Clerk Steve Weir, said the money excuse makes no sense. He told the San Francisco Chronicle that counties make money from selling marriage licenses and performing weddings. Kern and Butte counties still have to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, but counties are not required to also offer wedding ceremonies, though most do as a courtesy and because it brings in income. She said she came out to her parents in July 2007, just before a picnic by the pool at their home in the Berkshires. First lady Diane Patrick called that event "a nonevent in the sense that there wasn’t any tension." "I was just happy for her that she knew who she was and that she was comfortable with who she was," she said. Gov. Patrick told Bay Windows, "I think when Katherine started to memorize all the episodes of The L Word, there was some hint that maybe she was sending us." Big gay gro,ups: Do marry; don t sue Leading national gay organizations have issued a strongly worded advisory al! but demanding that same-sex couples who visit California to get married not file any lawsuits seeking recognition of their marriages in their home states. The document also strongly urges married same-sex couples not to sue for federal recognition of their marriages. The lengthy document was issued June 10 by Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Human Rights Campaign, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, the National Center for Lesbian www.ozarksstar.com Rights, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, Equality Federation, Freedom To Marry, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "Don’t go suing right away," the groups said. "Most lawsuits will likely set us all back." "One thing couples shouldn’t do is just sue the federal government or, if they are from other states, go sue their home state or their employer to recognize their marriage or open up the health plan," the advisory continued. "Pushing the federal government before we have a critical mass of states recognizing same-sex relationships or suing in states where the courts aren’t ready is likely to get us bad rulings. Bad rulings will make it much more difficult for us to win marriage, and will certainly make it take much longer." The full document can be accessed on the ACLU’s Web site at tinyurl.com/66z8kq. N.Y. governor sued over gay-marriage decision Five state lawmakers and the right-wing legal group Alliance Defense Fund sued New York Gov. David Paterson on June 3, hoping to block his order that state agencies must recognize same-sex marriages entered into in places where they are legal. The suit claims that only the Legislature can redefine marriage and seeks an injunction halting implementation of the order. Paterson has said he merely complied with a recent court decision that found that a community college could not deny benefits to the wife of a female employee -- the couple married in Canada -- because New York policy recognizes marriages performed outside the state. Same-sex marriage is allowed in Belgium, California, Canada, Denmark, Massachusetts, the Netherlands, South Africa and Spain. ........ More U. S. News page 23 the STAR 13 �~e~LInside Hol~ood, reports on new Reese Witherspoon and Ben Stiller Get Secretive ~hen if you dofft get to know what it is. movie proiecr, and the reason for all the hush ator, Cameron Crowe. Crowe is known t tong as he cm~, and this one is no exception. Witherspoon and Ben Stiller, and it’s a romantic bytes, the presence of seem like the most promising. ~they mean that as Etizabethtown. So the rum re is tentatively bright. For now, Dan Butler to Karl Rove: I Love You What happens when political strategist? 7he consequences of such a strange ~ comedy from writer-director Dan Butler, _Kad Rove: I Love as Bulldog on Frasier, Butler stars in this seifa depressed careerist actor in 2004, creating a one man show about President Bush’s to goal? The win-win scenario of both swaying the above the tide for once. The Hollywood/D.( producer, screenwri ~er, director, and star, and audiences can makes the tihn-festivai circuit rounds, starting tight about now. 14 the STAR �The fellewing ,case EarthQ~ke Zin ’05 Chards & must try. Zinfandel, Petit Sirah & Carignanel the 2006 Ner~ Mi~o (Italian for "mixed black") is deep filackish-burgundy colored with a nose o~ dried herbs, pepper and leather. This deii~ious "field blend" styled wine has flavors 6f pomegranate, black fruits and figs with a hint medium to full of spice, bodied firm tannins, a long, lush finish/ Italian food, spicy Orin Swift Cedars The the It’s rare and : pepper and tobacco wild berry, with some flavors. A hint suggests that will This see it, The Phillips brothers pride th~mselves farming on quality. Their efforts competitions. with lots zing and flavor. Earthq brands under wine ’Heavenly rig~ht now, though critics say it next 5 - 7 ),ears. to find so if you of the better values, to be a vastly superior fbr Zinfandel. This wine, some Petite Sirak, Merlot, and Grenache blended in/exhibits ruby color. There is a sweet nose of peppery black cherry and raspberry, liqueur intermixed with spring flowers earth. The wine is medium to full-bodied. Wine critic Robert Parker gave this one Points. Petite Sirah, Charbono and St offering is best from 2009 through 20 Ravenswood Napa Zin ’05 97% Zinfandel, 3% Carignane. Heasing bright, ripe plum flavors with a fine tannin structure. This xvine has a lingering finish tha’ tastes of raspberries, doves and vanilla. Opolo Mountain Zin ’05 If you are one of those who believe bigger is better, read on. Appropriately named for its bountiful bouquet of fruit as well as where the grapes are grown, this full-bodied Zinfandd has plenty of ripe black cherry, plum and spice and is framed by soft tannins and balanced acidity. i Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/www.WineSpectator.com ’,,~##¢.Fooda ndWine.com www.Wikipedia.org Z A P www.zinfandel.org �Members from ever) VOTE For Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth & Co. 16 t~$TAR 25 club flag SSIL~’s HOT Cowboys, Let’s Rodeo! www.ozarksstar.¢om �downtown Tulsa. JULY 2008 Author Clara Nipper 0fTulga-Her new book, Femme Noir, has received num~ro~ rave reviews and was nominated for 2 Lambda Lite~ rds~ Her story backdrop is in Tulsa a~ the time 6f~h~ i921 rac~ riots, about a lesbian murder mystery featuring a hardcore black woman named Nora who finds h~rself ii~,estigating her friend’s murder, the STAR t 7 �by Donald Pile and Ray Williams WEST HOLL OOD, CALIFOrnIA 90069 Special praise needs to be given to Steve Nycklemoe who is the Director of Operations. He has done an outstanding job in putting this exhibit together. Actually it is one of the finest exhibits that we have seen in our travels. We strongly urge all of our readers to visit this museum. Be sure to visit at least one of the major movie studios while you are in West Hollywood. Steve Nycklemoe & Ray \Villiams Well, the zip code just about explains almost everything about West Hollywood! What else can be said except that it is fun and exciting and ? There is so much to see and do and not enough time. For those of you who have never been there, \Hest Hollywood which is known as "WEHO" is located between Los Angeles and Beverly Hills and the main street is Santa Monica Blvd. which is filled with gay flags, restaurants, bars and shops. At night time it is filled with thousands of people partying. The HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM is located in the historic Max Factor building at 1660 North Highland Avenue just a few blocks east of the Kodak Center in downtown Hollywood. They have over 10,000 showbiz treasures. When we were there, they had a special exhibit of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia including many of the dresses that she wore in her movies. You can see the chair where Hizabeth Taylor sat in the movie Cleopatra, view Cary Grant’s vintage Rolls Royce, Elvis Presley’s favorite bathrobe, Rocky’s boxing gloves and Indiana Jones’ whip. As you enter the beautiful Art Deco building you walk directly in to the exquisite lobby with it’s original art deco lighting fixtures, show cases and architectural moldings. There are displays of original Max Factor cosmetics and ads. Browse the different make up rooms where each has a different color mode It is truly like stepping back into old Hollywood when it was at it’s peak. There are several floors of exciting exhibits to see. Actually one could spend a whole day there and not see everything. Downstairs they have the original prison setting of Hannibal in Silence of the Lambs. They have really worked at making this one of the finest museums in the country. Anybody and everybody who is even remotely interested in movies should visit this museum. Their hours are 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday thru Sunday. Be sure to check out their website at: www.thehollywoodmuseum.com. 18 th÷$TAR We attended the world premier play, BOISE USA by the extremely talented playwright, Gene Franklin Smith and masterly directed by Arturo Castillo. BOISE USA is a character-driven drama about gay persecution in Boise, Idaho in the 1950’s. The writing is superb! The casting is perfect! Every actor is sensational. The audience is mesmerized by all of this. Hopefully it will go to Broadway in the near future as everybody needs to experience this splendid drama. We had the good fortune of meeting Gene Franklin Smith and he is an incredibly talented playwright. We can only hope that he continues writing for many years to come. It has been playing to rave reviews. It is presently showing at the Matrix Theater at 7657 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. There are of course dozens and dozens of museums and galleries to visit in greater Los Angeles. As always is the case when we travel ..... too many things to see and do, and not enough time. We did have "lunch with Holly Woodlawff’ one afternoon. She was one of the Andy Warhol actresses who now lives in West Hollywood and we visited with the Countess Alexis who is one of the great Divas of all times who was also associated with Andy Warhol in New York City and was in several movies. One day we visited the new Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing. This is an incredible high-rise apartment housing project for "seasoned" gays and lesbian on a fixed income. Complete ~vith a swimming pool, library room, gym room and a social room this facility offers a safe and secure place for "seasoned" gays and lesbians to live. There are literally hundreds of restaurants in the greater Los Angles Area. Our favorites was the ABBEY which is a huge restaurant and bar right in downtown West HoltFwcood. The TASTE restaurant is also a great place that we would strongly recommend. Excellent food and service as well as ambiance at these bars. For breakfast or lunch we enjoy the French Market restaurant. There are dozens and dozens of bars in West Hollywood and on weekends there are usually long lines waiting to get in. Drink prices at most of these bars are astronomical! For our readers in the Midwest, be ready for a shock. It is nothing to pay $10 to $15 for a drink and we mean just for a regular bourbon and coke or screwdriver. We are not talking call drinks either! With gas hovering around $5.00 a gallon and drinks priced that high and with the cost of housing, it does take lots of money to have a good time. ~.ozarksstar.com �Due to a variety of social stigmas statistically they have a higher risk profile than their heterosexual counterparts. Realizing this, Tulsa Project Woman will hold an educational seminar during the Breast Impressions art show, to further promote breast cancer awareness through the communit): Opening Night of the Gallery showing will be July 3, 2008 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th Street, in downtown Tulsa. Refreshments will be provided by Panera Bread, Godiva Chocolate, and Escargot’s. Many of the artists and breast cancer survivor models will be in attendance to meet those who visit. The show will continue through July until the 28th, Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tulsa Project Woman will also host a dessert reception and private showing of the Breast Impressions Exhibit and then a Breast Health Education seminar on Thursday, July 17 at 7:00pm. This seminar will include information on Breast Cancer Prevention, How to do a Self Breast Exam and the Tulsa Project Woman. The Abbey Restaurant and Bar We stayed at the San Vicente Inn which is just 1/2 block from Santa Monica Blvd. It is a totally gay resort that has recently been sold and is now in the process of being completely remodeled. It is the most convenient place to stay since you can walk almost everywhere, and if you want to go anywhere else you catch the bus. The staffis one of the friendliest around. You can contact Judi Grove, founder of Breast Impressions at 918691-3874 for more information about the Equality Center gallery showing, or the upcoming Gala and Auction for the benefit of Tulsa Project Woman. NOTE: Seepage 22for 7he Abbey’s Tn~ffte Macaroni & Cheese recipe. Oklahomans for Equality and Breast Impressions of Tulsa team up to raise breast cancer awareness. Breast Impressions "Beauty beyond Breast Cancer" Art on Display TULSA, OK (PR) __ For the second year Breast Impressions breast cast art will be on display at the Oklahomans for Equality Dennis R. Nell! Equality Center gallery through the month of July. Only breast cancer survivors have been cast in plaster this year, and local artists have turned the castings into stunning examples of each survivor’s incredible journey through breast cancer¯ The art displayed will be auctioned at the Breast Impressions Annual Gala for the benefit of Tulsa Project Woman, Inc. on October 3, 2008. But the Equality Center "Beauty beyond Breast Cancer" show allows Oklahomans to see and experience he inspiration through each survivor s story. Breast Impressions is honored to display the work at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center gallery because of the higher risk for developing breast cancer among lesbians and bisexual women. www.ozarksstar.corn theSTAR 19 �of Town By Andrew Collins Nashville, Tennessee :was �good idea). The s~ae �THE ABBEY FOOD &B£ By Donald Pile & Ray \vq’illiams The Abbey Food and Bar is located at 692 North Robertson just 1/2 block south of Santa Monica Blvd. It has been around quite a few years and it is one of the wonderful restaurants/bars that just keeps getting better year after year after year. David Cooley is the master at the art of work and play. Over the past 15+ years, his creation, The Abbey Food and Bar, has grown from a small, West Hollywood coffeehouse to one of the most popular hotspots in the country. Locals, tourists and celebrities alike all flock to The Abbey for its infamous Martinis as well as its stunning, open-air ambiance and truly relaxed elegance. In May 2006, Cooley and The Abbey entered an entirely new and exciting phase in its partnership with the Los Angeles-based SBE, which has fast become one of the pivotal players in the Los Angeles nightlife and restaurant scene. Armed with the expertise, infrastructure and corporate reach of SBE, The Abbey is beginning its biggest expansion to date - reproducing the signature Abbey experience in selected cities nationwide. While no specific locations have been finalized for national expansion, Cooley and SBE are exploring locations where The Abbey’s open-air concept would work best, including Miami’s South Beach, Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas, Las Vegas and Phoenix. So now you have the background on the Abbey but you MUST dine and drink there. It is where it is all happening in West Hollywood and everyone who is anyone goes there. Hizabeth Taylor made a rare appearance there last month to a cheering crowd. When we dined there, everything was great...the service, the ambiance and the food was spectacular! We had the finest pork chops that we have ever had! The mac and cheese with truffles were to die for! There are dozens and dozens of restaurants to dine at in West Hollywood and this is certainly one of the finest. Check out their exciting menu on line at their website, http://www.abbeyfoodandbar.com/ 22 tbeSTAR w~wv.ozarksstar.com �Ca iforni s will vote on same-sex marriage They’re gonna vote on whether you are a full American. Anti-gay activists have succeeded in qualifying an initiative for the Nov. 4 ballot to amend the California Constitution to undo the state Supreme Court’s recent ruling that opened marriage to same-sex couples. The ruling takes effect, and the weddings begin, on June 16 at 5 p.m. The activists had to submit 694,354 valid petition signatures to qualify the initiative for a vote. They submitted 1,120,801 and, on June 2, Secretary of State Debra Bowen said a spot-check of 3 percent of the signatures found that a high enough percentage of them ,vere valid to extrapolate that the threshold would be met if all t. 1 million were checked. Tne amendment will state: "Only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." The latest poll on the issue, a respected California Field Poll released May 28, found that 51 percent of registered California voters support same-sex marriage, 42 percent oppose it and 7 percent have no opinion. The poll found that 54 percent oppose amending the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage, 40 percent favor an amendment and 6 percent have no opinion. The biggest support for same-sex marriage came from younger voters, Democrats, liberals, nonreligious people and residents of the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County. The strongest opposition came from older people, Republicans, conservatives, bornagain Christians, Protestants and residents of the Central Valley and Southern California counties apart from L.A. County. Observers predict that the battle may be won or lost in the populous Southern California counties of Orange and San Diego. Women (53 percent) polled more supportive than men (48 percent) with 8 percent www.ozarksstar.corn of each having no opinion and the rest opposed. A majority of respondents up to age 49 favored sane-sex marriage, while a majority of people over age 50 opposed it. Kansas CoupJe Does IDO. By Greg Steele The poll questioned 1,052 voters and had a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points. Obama cdebrates gay pride Presidential candidate Barack Obama said June 6 that his campaign is actively participating in more than 60 gay pride events this summer, as detailed at pride.barackobama. com/pridemonth. "I am proud to join with our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered brothers and sisters in celebrating the accomplishments, the lives, and the families of all LGBT people during this Pride season," Obama said in a statement. "It’s time to live up to our founding promise of equality by treating all our citizens with dignity and respect. Let’s enact federal civil rights legislation to outlaw hate crimes and protect workers against discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Let’s repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and demonstrate that the most effective and professional military in the world is open to all Americans who are ready and willing to serve our country. Let’s treat the relationships and the families of LGBT Americans with full equality under the law. "Generations of LGBT Americans, at once ordinary and extraordinary, have made possible this moment in our history. With leadership and hard work, we can fulfill the promise of equality for all," Obama said. Quotable Quotes Obama told reporters "the Republicans helped to engineer the distraction of the war in Iraq at a time when we could have pinned down the people who actually committed 9-11." He said Osama bin Laden is still at large in part because of their failed strategies. Photo: Donald Pile, Larry IVard, Riverside County, (Palm Springs) CA County Clerk and oj~ciating the wedding and Ray Williams. PALM SPRINGS, CA __ Donald Pile and Ray Williams long time friends and columnists for The Star exchanged legal vows in Palm Springs, CA on June 17, 2008. The couple drove from West Hollywood, where they were vacationing, to Palm Springs for the ceremony. The Star talked with them about the historic occasion. "We stopped by Palm Springs early this morning and were married", Donald told us. "Mel Haber, owner of the famous Melwn’S Restaurant in Palm Springs was a witness. He is a dear straight friend of ours. The other witness was our good friend, Stefan Hemming who owns the Liberace Estate. We were very cool about the whole thing until the Clerk said, "In as much as Donald and Raymond have thus consented together in marriage, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of California as a Commissioner of Civil Marriage for the County of Riverside (Palm Springs, CA), I now pronounce you to be united in marriage". "It was a small wedding as we didn’t have much time. When we walked out the front door of the county court house, we were crying and shouting". After 37 years we have never been more in love with each other. We are just sad for the gays and lesbians in other parts of the country who do not have the opportunity to get married". th÷STAR 23 ....... �Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa 24 @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City �June 6, O~n~ YoUth Center conducted the r annua F~hi~ ~: ,Th~ ~h~ was hosted by 106.9 s Chase and OK:: There were different artists in Pride Prade These ad es are hay ng tooooo~ ~bh fun www.ozarksstar.com �CaIJaway CD Romanticizes Man to Man AL RE-ELECTED D STRICT 88 By Victor Gorin Keith Taggart congratulates State Representative AI McAflgrey at a fundraiser for Jim Roth at the "You Ain’t Woman Enough’To Take My Man", a gay man is telling a woman, drag queen or possible a transvestite, that she isn’t woman enough to take his boyfriend. The title song "darn it, Baby, That’s Love" highlights the collection. Clay and his partner, Ty Lewis sing it as a duet with passion and love. Other song selections that will get you in the mood include "I’ve Grown Ac:customed To Your Face", "All ~e Man That I Need", "Never Loved A Man Before", and "Come In From The Rain" In the past 20 years Callaway managed to find love, work somewhat in the shadows of "the industry" (as in, behind the scenes) in Los Angeles, New York, Sweden, Dominican Republic and all points in between, boomeranged through Nashville and came to live in Hilo, Hawaii. It was here that the muse again came to him. "Hawaii is so full of music and incredible voices that I found my self facing this love I have to sing out loud and once again I felt in love with the audience, and they seemed to like me too", Clay says. "I moved to LA at 19 to finish college at ¯ LMU, that was pretty much it for singing and performing aside from high school chores and the occasional opportunity to dress up in a chicken suit. (But that’s another story.) LA was a big eye-opener, as it would be for anyone let alone a young gay guy from south Arkansas. I began to write songs and performing at lots of fun places on the Sunset Strip and beyond. Carlos & 26 th÷STAR Charlie’s, often hosted by Joan Rivers, The Rose Tatoo, the Palomino Club and other "interesting" places. All the while making a living working in television production as a production assistant and slowly moving up that food chain. Life was good, met a few cute guys along the way and a few hot messes as well. It came a time in my early 20% I was taking voice lessons with Bob Garrett and we ended up writing a couple of songs together. On my web site, I have included a demo of one of those songs from over 20 years ago for a sneak peek at one that will be resurrected for my next album. I can’t sing that high anymore, but it’s a look back to a day tong past." "Then a fire in my apartment building left me homeless and sent me back to stay with my family in Arkansas for the summer to regroup. In some ways I felt defeated, but got chosen to direct the summer musical at the community theater, the South Arkansas Arts Center, and while in my home town, met the love of my life, Ty. He had been there most of his and my life, but we had never met." Gay Chicago Magazine says "On his debut album, Callaway takes love songs many written by men and popularized by women then turns them on end by singing them in his distinctive vocal style to other men. It’s a creative approach that can make for some rather interesting word play. " You can purchase the CD online at: www. cdbaby.com/cd/daycallaway residence of Mike McLain & Richard Ogden. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma’s first openly gay legislator, Al McAffrey was re-elected to represent District 88 of central Oklahoma City. He was first elected in 2006. At the close of the filing period June 4 there was only one opponent, 27 year old Dominique Block, who was running as an Independent. His candidacy was challenged by the McAffrey campaign on the grounds that he had not been registered as an Independent for 6 months prior to the filing period, and the Oklahoma State Election Board determined he was not eligible. As there was no other opposition, Al McAffrey was automatically re-elected to of~ce. Al welcomes this opportunity stating," It’s a great feeling to know my constituents have faith in me, and by their support I’ll be able to serve them for two more years." Quotable Quotes The Tonight Show host, Jay Leno decided to make an appearance in support of the recent legalization of gay marriage by California’s Supreme Court. "He said that he is from Massachusetts and that the sky did not fall in their state when marriage equality became the law of the land there," a rep for the event said. www.ozarksstar.com �NATIONAL NEWS Task Force Action Ftmd applauds New York Assembly £or historic vote on transgender rights WASHINGTON, DC (PR) __ The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund applauds the New York Assembly’s passage today of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). The bill, which passed by a 102-33 vote, now moves to the state Senate. The measure seeks to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression in housing, employment, credit and public accommodations and would add gender identity or expression to the state’s hate crimes law. New York extended protections on the basis of sexual orientation in 2002 and the Task Force has worked with the Empire State Pride Agenda, legislators and community activists since then to amend the law to add gender identity or expression protections, including by helping draft GENDA. Among the other contributions the Task Force made to this effort was a convening of transgender and allied activists in 2006 at a training in Albany to provide leaders with skills for how to build coalitions in support of this bill, and a Power Summit training on Long Island in December 2007 that attracted more than 100 activists who were taught how to lobby their legislators and build grassroots support for the bill. If the bill passes the Senate, Gov. David Paterson is expected to sign it and New York would become the 13th state to explicitly ban discrimination based on gender identity or expression. Currently, 39 percent of the country’s population is covered by such a local or state law. Statement by Rea Carey, Acting Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund "This is a very exciting victory for the people of New York, particularly transgender people. Legislation of this sort is not only responsible public policy, it also shows the nation that New York is unafraid to join the ranks of states that value all of their citizens, including those who are transgender or who express their gender in ways that reflect the broad and beautiful spectrum of humanity. www.ozarksstar.com "We congratulate the leadership of Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, the many transgender leaders and allies in New York, and our partner, Empire State Pride Agenda, for this important victory. We now call on the leaders of the New York Senate to bring this bill to the floor so that protections fbr transgender people and others in New York are not delayed another day." Libertarian Party selects Bob Barr.as 2008 presidential Noway adopts gaymarriage law OSLO (AFP) -- Norway’s parliament on Wednesday adopted a new marriage law that allows homosexuals to marry and adopt children and permits lesbians to be artificially inseminated. After a heated debate, the members of parliament adopted the text by a vote of 84 to 41. nominee Former Congressman plans to take the White House as Libertarian candidate The three centre-left coalition parties in power and two opposition parties, the Conservatives and the Liberals, voted largely in favour of the law, while the Christian Democrats and the far-right Progress Party voted against it. Norway thus became the sixth country in the world to grant homosexuals the right to marry on an equal footing with heterosexuals, according to Norwegian television TV2. "This decision is of an importance comparable to universal suffrage and our law on parity," Labour Party rapporteur Gunn Karin Gjul said during the debate. DENVER, CO (PR) __ The Libertarian Party has nominated former Congressman Bob Barr as its candidate for president for the 2008 election. "I’m sure we will emerge here with the strongest ticket in the history of the Libertarian Party," Barr stated in his victory speech shortly after being selected as the Party’s nominee. "I want everybody to remember that we only have 163 days to win this election. We cannot waste one single day." More than 650 Libertarian delegates met in Denver from May 22 tilt the 26 for the 2008 Libertarian National Convention. After six rounds of voting Sunday afternoon, Barr was selected as the Party’s presidential nominee. The Libertarian Party is America’s third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.LP.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom. The most controversial part of the law is that which gives lesbians the right to be artificially inseminated. The sperm donor must be identified so that the child can seek out his or her biological father at the age of 18. Outside the parliament, a handful of opponents protested with posters reading "Have fathers become superfluous?" and "Parliament has no mandate to change the laws of nature." Among other things, the new legislation replaces a so-called "partnership law" adopted in 1993 xvhich gave Norwegian homosexuals the right to civil unions. Health care workers who do not want to perform artificial inseminations on lesbians because of their personal convictions will not be under any obligation to carry out the procedure. The new law is expected to enter into force at the end of this year or eatly next year. Homosexuality was illegal until 1972 in Norway, a country which has since become one of the most liberal in the world in the field. ~÷STAR 27 �by Jack Fertig July 2008 "Nalke like a tourist, Pisces!" With Mercury, Venus, Uranus, and Eris all in mutual aspect, efforts at wit and charm are subverted by excessive impulses and eagerness to take offense. Still, it’s a good time to hash out friendly disagreements or to take up arts or crafts projects. ¯ ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Before speaking up, try to remember some bit of wisdom from a wise old woman, probably your grandmother or a teacher from early childhood. Her insight could smooth out the rough edges, turning your initial ideas from disastrous to helpful. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): You may be overly invested in a set goal that isn’t as realistic as it originally seemed. We all need to revise plans now and then. Be practical, not stubborn! Discuss it with friends, and take time alone to reconsider priorities. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You may be trying too hard to get ahead and to organize people you see as "your team." Stand back, think about what’s really important, and listen carefully to your friends and their aims. Communication is the key to cooperation. SAG~TTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Disruptions at home can make you cranky and argumentative. Looking for sex to blow off steam may prove more frustrating than helpful. Competitive games - especially those that test communications skills (Scrabble, Charades, Pictionary) - are probably better for releasing tension. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Keep your focus right in front of your nose. Accidents are just waiting to happen; being overloaded and distracted only encourages them! Teamwork is helpful, if you can resist the urge to get drawn into turf battles. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): The cost of fun can be a lot higher than expected. Be inventive (you can manage that!), and have a great time on the cheap. Debates over aesthetics may seem more heated than they should be, but welcome the arguments for potential inspiration. PISCES (February t9 - March 19): Feeling like a stranger at home isn’t fun, but it can fuel the creative juices. Get playful, make like a tourist, and let someone take you to places you’d never go on your own. Take a more objective, outsider’s stance in community politics. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Arguments that seem to come out of nowhere are really about your hidden doubts and fears. Expert opinions can help set your mind at ease. Try exploring some artistic medium or musical style that wouldn’t normally interest you. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your own ideas of sexual politics could shake up your corner of the GLBT community, which can stimulate new thinking. Discussion points that come from the heart will go over better than battle cries that sound like P.C. cliches. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Flirtations and sexual politics can complicate relations with bosses and colleagues. Acknowledging sexual tension may help to dispel it, but that doesn’t always work. Think deeply and far ahead before trying it. Discuss any problems at your job with friends who work elsewhere. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Cooperation is usually more productive in the long run than competition is. Both have their place, but your eager ambitions may blind you to better opportunities. Careful listening can turn rivals into allies. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Sexual experimentation is fine in principle; just be careful that you don’t land in a bad situation. Think ahead and be cautious! Be clear about health risks, discuss at length what you really want, and look before you leap. MCC METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES IRev Steve "IF. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, IVlO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Mieal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring t7 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PMi Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �Support those who support us. DOWNTOWN PLAZ__A of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowship 311 S Klein Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73108 405-761-1878 www.myspace.com/expressionsokc CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcastle.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIWSTD Hotline CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: wv~v.gaybradyheightstulsa.com MCC of the LMNG SPRING 17 Hk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn OPENAR/vlS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com The STAR PO Box 581718 Tulsa, OK 74158-1718 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. llTH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com www.ozarksstar.com Knformation OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.dubmajestictulsa.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK For { vertisin NAME: Address: City:. KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 9!8-743-8636 St: Zip:, Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: theSTAR �Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge Vghether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man Futl Bodj Massage 2 hands or 4 hands available (405) 3{4o3898 Now Hiring Male & Female 30 t~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com ��We believe that homosexuality is not a genetic trait but a chosen lifestyle. We oppose the portrayal of homosexual or promiscuous behavior in a positive light in our public schools. We oppose the erosion of our military readiness through openly_ practicing homosexuals serving in the military We oppose the promotion of homosexuality, the elimination of laws against sodomy, and the granting of minority protection or special status to any person based upon sexual preference or lifestyle choice. If the Republican message of hate and division doesn’t represent you, then join us and vote Democrati’c in support of what we stand for: LIBERTY, EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL, PROUDLY INCLUDING THE GLBT COMMUNITY. I~’ol~V~ln ~o~e$~ Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair I~ Asbe~’ry~ Oklahoma Democratic Party Vice Chair Undu Sru~’ ~’~ Oklahoma State Democratic Party Treasurer ¢~’~o g~’d~ Oklahoma State Field Director Democratic National Commiffee, Fifth District Chair 3~ ~o~’~ Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner A~ ~{~’e~ Oklahoma State Representative District 88 gob ~.e~o~ our friend who’s straight but not narrow Taken from current platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties of Oklahoma. �� 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 By Joey De 2008 A new " for Pride By Joey De Ifyou have lived in Tulsa for more than twenty minutes, you knmv that there is an impenetrable force-field separating the city. Most Tulsans call it Forty-First Street. Photo: Equality Festival at Tulsa’s New Centennial Park Sometimes change can be difficult, however, despite months of complaints and apocalyptic predictions about the many "firsts" at Tulsa Pride 2008, it seems that the only people who had difficulties were the protesters. For the first time in the celebration’s history, the protesters were present for only a minimal time during the Pride Parade and completely absent from the Diversity picnic. "2008 was a },ear of dramatic change," says Nate Black, one of the event’s cochairs. "However thanks to the dedication of a strong group of volunteers, all the changes to this year’s events were possible. It would not have been possible without each and every person who helped." Black especially credited his co-chairs Kristi Freeman and Toby Jenkins with making the pieces fit together. "Kristi has an incredible ability to assess and foresee needs and coordinate logistics. The fact that everything worked smoothly to host thousands of people at our events xvas a testament to her abilities." "The fact that ~hlsa Pride is able to remain free to the public is proof of Toby’s dedication to these events, which on the low end cost over $30,000. Under his leadership, we were able to, for the first time, secure the majority of our sponsorships long before the events even took place," says Black. .......... Continued page-5 Enter the Downtown Plaza Hotel, on 7th & Boulder, who for the first time in recent memory provided Tulsa Pride an official "host" hotel. Staying at a hotel room for your own city’s Pride ,nay seem a little excessive, but for a South-Tulsan, it made perfect sense. Having a place downtown to call "home" for the weekend saved time and even money on the celebration’s two largest weekends. Anyone who has ever been to a Pride observance knows that three things are true. It will be hot. You will be sweaty. You xvill be drinking. All three of those can combine to impede a "proper" Pride celebration, but with the convenience of the Downtown Plaza Hotel’s location, neither was an issue. Through taking advantage of the special Pride Rate offered by the hotel, it was effortless to enjoy the day (or early evenings) festivities, ..........Continued page-5 1-800o535oAIDS (2437) Ok ahoraa s H~VIST~ 2 the STAR ww~v.ozarksstar.com Dear Editor: I thought I would add something to the political cartoon in the June 2008 Star. Presently I live in Oklahoma City, and much to my surprise have done so for the last 14 years. Originally from Boston I make an annual trip home each Christmas to see family and friends and make a quick pilgrimage to the haunts I was familiar with before leaving Boston in the mid 80’s. This pilgrimage consists ofwalking the city to see what is still around that I was familiar with, and perhaps who is still around that I can remember. On my most recent trip I was a little saddened to see many places that meant a lot to me are no longer around, or have been so renovated for so different a use that they are unrecognizable. As is my custom, on this outing I stopped in at every gay bar I could remember, or find, and had drinks and conversations with the bartenders. Most of the old bars are gone, as are the people. Politics begins in the bars in Boston, and gay politics was no exception. The civil rights fought for and won began with many bar patrons and owners, and in the process of getting what they were after, the bar owners found that with acceptance came a lesser need for the safety of an exclusively gay bar with the occasional straight patron. In conjunction with this the price of living in the city has made any gay ghetto prohibitive, making it necessary for what vcould have been the denizens of such an area to move into the suburbs for affordable housing with the side effect of showing the majority of the state that Gay people were pretty normal, and not the screaming stereotypes that isolation seemed to promote. Gay people were seen as responsible people and not the party animals who spent most of their lives going to bars to dance the night away and returning home each night with a different sex partner. They turned out to be people so normal that marriage did not seem to be such an improbable thing. The ultimate goal of gay gights is equality, and that means normalcy for most. Just as straights have their outlets out of the mainstream, so do gay people. But both do have their mainstreams. The gay bars still around are nostalgia for us older gentlemen who want some of the past preserved for our visits back, or who may feel more comfortable in one because life had not been all that kind to us, with just a bit of the specialty shop aura to them. Most have become very mixed, while some have become the corner bar, the lodge for men and women of like minds to talk freely among their own, but doing it willingly as opposed to necessarily. The lesser the need for exclusively gay bars, the more success can be claimed by the gay community. Joe Quigley Oklahoma City www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com TULSA PRIDE continued According to estimates provided by the Tulsa Police Department, this year’s Pride Parade and Block Party have become the largest events of their kind in Downtown Tulsa. Police estimate that there were a combined 18,000 people between the two events. Many parade-goers were excited about the new evening-format, celebrating with glow sticks and sparklers. Some of the floats even stepped into the spirit embracing christmas lights and disco balls. Most route walkers were simply excited over the fact that they no longer had the sun beating down on them and that the trek was much flatter. Following the parade, the block party centered around the Equality Center came into its own, maintaining a crowd until the scheduled end at midnight. Following the event, most of the area bars reported record capacity crowds as the party continued through the evening. The following weekend at Centennial Park, the only thing to be missed was the heat and mud at the former location. For many pride-goers, this event was the first time they had visited the new Tulsa centerpiece. Most fell in love with its picturesque setting and more importantly abundant shade. According to TPD estimates, 12,000 people visited the Diversity Picnic, which according to organizers was represented by a steady flow of people through out the day. The forty-plus booths at this year’s picnic xvere the most diverse in memory, representing non-profit service organizations such as HOPE Testing Clinic, Fortune 500 companies such as Best Buy and the traditional array of Rainbow Retailers. Picnickers enjoyed the live entertainment that took the stage off and on through out the day, while kids entertained themselves on the inflatable games and climbing wall. Okay, the kids weren’t the only ones enjoying the inflatable games. The handsdown hit of the picnic was the water slide that both kids and adults rode repeatedly. While the three major pride attractions could be considered a successful spl!t, many attendees expressed a desire for the events to be recombined onto one weekend. A common complaint: "I didn’t know what weekend to tell my friends to come. They couldn’t take off work both weekends or afford the gas to come twice." Black reacts to such criticism openly. "There were a lot of changes this year. Some things went very well; some things didn’t go as well as we had hoped. We are going to take what we learned, listen to the feed back we receive and then will make the appropriate changes for next year." As for now, Black and the rest of the Tulsa Pride Committee are happy to place Tulsa Pride 2008 in the history books as a success, with a rejuvenated event positioned to grow in the years to come. DOWNTOWN PLAZA HOTEL cont. then quickly retreat to air-conditioning and a cold shower. This was especially useful following the parade and block party, just before visiting the bar,s. Adding to the convenience was the hotel s on-call shuttle. With less then a ten minute wait each time it was needed, the shuttle allowed guests to leave their cars and avoid parking headaches, expensive gas and more importantly, DUIs. The hotel is currently undergoing a complete restoration, with every room being completely renovated to sport an almost TUqnspired blue and gold color scheme. Furnished with antique-style pieces, the rooms of the Downtown Plaza Hotel are uncluttered, yet comfortable and quaint. Pride guests noticed a little construction "dust" in the form of the occasional minor malfunction and missing carpet outside the elevator, however found their problems fixed quickly and courteously with a simple call to the front desk. Perhaps the most enjoyed aspect of Downtown Plaza Lobby the Downtown Plaza Hotel by some pride guests was their retreat to the New York City-eque second story outdoor pool. Tucked quietly between the rooftops of dmvntown Tulsa, the pool was quiet, clean, and theperfect place to prepare for, or recover from the festivities. Staying at the Downtown Plaza Hotel gives celebrating Tulsa Pride a new feel. For those from Tulsa, it creates an enjoyable mini-vacation, while those who travel enjoy its close proximity to the Pride events and Downtown night life. Either way, whether from in or out of town, it always feels good to stay where "family" is welcome. w~,~N.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 Diversity Business Association of Tulsa The Phantom Standard Joey De For Marni Raab, playing the role of Christine in the legendary musical "The Phantom of the Opera," is the fulfillment of a long time dream. "I started ~vith this show as an understudy in 2001," recalls Raab, ~vho has played the role for the past seven years internationally. "I was then promoted to performing two shmvs a week, and then when on tour six." Although it may seem odd to plan alternating actresses to play a role, Raab explains it as "just good business sense." "The show is long and Christine is onstage for almost all of it," says Raab, who notes that there is only one scene in the almost three hour show in which her character doesn’t appear. "The people they hire to play Christine are ingdnues," says Raab, who continues "They put big, heavy costumes on them, and then thrmv them around. I wind up falling and running then falling again, a lot. It’s just better to schedule somebody as a second principal then to never kno~ving when your lead will be out." "The Phantom of the Opera," is Andrew Lloyd Webbers’ hit musical about Raab’s character, Christine, and her admirer/kidnapper, ~ll~e Phantom. "He’s a maniac, a monster, disfigured and he’s a murderer," describes Raab, "but he is also a poet, an architect and a brilliant composer." Christine on the other hand, is a young lady on the verge of adulthood, says Raab. "She was been raised by her violinist father, educated and probably traveled the world, which was rare then." Raab explains that her character is lonely and looking for a way in life when the brilliant, yet creepy Phantom enters her life as a mentor. Unfortunately, Christine’s’ childhood acquaintance Raoul re-enters her life at the same time, completing a love triangle that entangles the three. "She must choose between the passionate genius who has a horrible disfigurement and has been led down the wrong path, and the nice guy." When asked how the show has endured, Raab believes that "The Phantom," offers something for everyone to react to. "I have done the show across Canada, the US and Asia, and every audience reacts differently. There are lavish sets, pyrotechnics and elaborate costumes. It’s ornate, it’s majestic and at the heart it’s a love story." Helping to ensure the quality of "The Phantom" experience, Raab says that every production of the show must meet the highest standards. "Audiences demand a certain standard," says Raab," but the producers insist on it. If you xvant to produce the show, you must have the seal of approval from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Hal Prince and al! of the people associated with the original. This way the show you see (in Tulsa) is the same as what people in New York and on the West End are seeing." Raab says that there is also a standard the performers in the show must live up to. "It is humbling and an honor to be in this show, and I know I have big shoes to fill. It has been around for so long, audiences feel a sense of ownership in it, making it even more important to see it done right. You (the performers) have a responsibility to keep the show in shape and do it justice." According to Raab, the performers have help from standard’s directors, who guide their performances to prevent serious character infractions. "We dodt have the luxury of’finding’ our characters," the actress explains. "It takes a different skill set to step into a role that has been established and place our marks on it as artists." If you have not yet experienced "The Phantom," the show will be at the Tulsa PAC through July 13. Visit www.myticketoffice. corn for ticketing information. Quotable Quotes Scientists at the Karolinska Institute studied brain scans of 90 gay and straight men and women, and found that the size of the two symmetrical halves of the brains of gay men more closely resembled those of straight women than they did straight men, while the brains of homosexual women were asymmetrical like those of straight men. 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Open Daily = High Noon www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 17 West 7th Street (corner 7~ & Boulder Ave) Tulsa, Ok 74119 R~tions: 918~5~98 e 800~5,5101 www.downtownplazatulsa:com 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com JULY 2008 the STAR 9 Oklahoma City Museum o£Art Presents Roman Art £rom the Louvre Final U.S. venue for rare ancient works from the Louvre’s esteemed collection OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Otdahoma City Museum ofArt wil! be the final North American venue for Roman Art from the Louvre, June 19 through October 12, 2008. Tile seventeen-~veek exhibition, so large it will occupy the Museum’s ground floor special exhibition gallery and the eight second floor galleries of the Museum, will feature 184 works, some weighing more than 6,000 pounds. An unprecedented exhibition of ancient masterworks, drawn from the Louvre’s unparalleled collection, it provides a rare and historic opportunity for Oklahoma audiences to view these magnificent works, many of which have not been seen by the public in decades and most of which have never traveled to the United States. Furthermore, many of the objects in the exhibition have recently been restored, bringing to light their original beauty and strength of expression. "The Louvre, thanks to Napoleon’s megalomaniac interest in the glories ofAncient Rome, has one of the finest collections of Roman art outside of Italy," said Hardy George, Ph.D., chief curator at the Oklahoma City Museum ofArt. "The exhibition of sculpture, jewelry, mosaics, and frescos will be scrupulously arranged in a thematic manner that will certainly be visually and aesthetically pleasing as well as historically informative." The exhibition examines the manifestations of Roman public and private life through an exploration of several themes, including religion, urbanism, war, imperial expansion, funerary practices, intellectual life, and family. Roman Art from the Louvre shows the full range of Roman artistry and taste, juxtaposing "official" art with more modest, private works. The portrait busts of anonymous men, women, and children featured in "The Roman Citizen" reveal the styles and fashions popular during the Roman Empire. Clothing, hairstyles, jewelry and other accessories, perfume bottles, and cosmetics are examined within the greater context of the role of women in the Roman Empire. Other topics addressed include the art of Roman portraiture; the Boscoreale treasure; and Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli and the Maritime Theater. Roman Art from the Louvre was organized by the American Federation ofArts and the Musde du Louvre. The exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. American Federation ofArts: The AFA is a nonprofit institution that organizes art exhibitions for presentation in museums around the ~vorld, publishes exhibition catalogues, and develops educational materials and programs. For more information on the AFA, please visit www.afaweb.org. VOTER REGISTRATION Voter registration applications may be submitted at any time. However, a valid application must be received at a motor license agency or a designated voter registration agency, or postmarked (if submitted by mail), more than 24 days prior to an election in order for the applicant to participate in that election. Deadlines for submitting valid voter registration applications prior to the 2008 statewide elections are as follows: Primary Hection Friday, July 4 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, July 29 - Election Runoff Primary Election Friday, August 1 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, August 26 - Hection General Election Frida); October 10 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, November 4 - Election CHANGES IN POLITICAL AFFILIATION Changes in political affiliation may not be made during the period from June ! through August 31, inclusive, in any even-numbered year. The last day on which a change in political affiliation can be made before the closed period is May 31; the first day on which a change in political affiliation can be made after the closed period is September 1. OTHER IMPORTANT DATES Last day to request absentee ballot for July 29 Primary Election \Vednesday, July 23 Vote early at your County Hection Board office Friday, July 25, 8 AM - 6 PM Saturda); July 26, 8 AM - 1 PM Monday, July 28, 8 AiVl - 6 PM Candidate Filing for federal, state, legislative and county offices June 2 - 4 vavw.ok, gov/-elections/index.html 10 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Congressman Frank: WhyJohn McCain Is \Vdrong for the LGBT Community WASHINGTON, DC __ In the May edition of the Democratic National Committee’s LGBT newsletter, Democratic Congressman Barney Frank makes the case for why electing John McCain would be a step backward for the LGBT community. Frank, a member of Congress representing Massachusetts since 1981, has long been an outspoken civil rights advocate and a vocal member of the LGBT community. While McCain has tried to portray himself as a "maverick" and a "moderate," Congress: man Frank makes it clear that on LGBT rights, like so many issues, McCain offers a third Bush term. ~-he following are excerpts of Congressman Frank’s article: changes taking place in civil life ... Homosexuality is a behavioral trait, unlike skin color... "With one exception, the relevance of which Senator McCain himself is rapidly diminishing, John McCain’s record is completely opposed to our efforts to combat prejudice and gain legal equality... "He has of course made it clear that he will support constitutional Amendments banning marriage at the state level, including in his mvn state ofArizona, and he regretted the fact that Arizona rejected such an amendment... "In every other area, McCain has a consistent voting record against our efforts. In 1996, the only time the Senate voted on the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, McCain was one of those who voted no. He has also consistently voted against extending hate crimes protection to gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender individuals... "This apparently reflects the prejudiced view that he expressed in 1993 when he was helping block President Clinton’s effort when he said on February 4th, as recorded in the Congressional Record, "The issue of allowing open gay lifestyles in the military is completely different from the kind of "In addition to strongly opposing same-sex marriage, suggesting that he could modify his opposition to a federal constitutional amendment banning states like Massachusetts from adopting same-sex marriage, voting against ENDA, consistently opposing hate crimes coverage for us, and being recorded against every other effort in the Senate to give us fair treatment, Senator McCain also promised if he becomes president to reduce those protections we have been able to achieve at the Supreme Court level. He has noted his admiration for those justices who have consistently voted against any efforts by GLBT people to establish any right to legal equality, for example ChiefJustice Rehnquist, a dissenter in the Lawrence v. Texas case, in which the sodomy laws against gay and lesbian people were stricken. "Given the alignment of Supreme Court Justices, and their ages, it is virtually certain that ifJohn McCain is president, he will appoint justices who will overturn the Lawrence decision and the leading Supreme Court opponent of fair treatment for gay and lesbian people, Antonin Scalia ~vill gain alhes from McCmns appolntme ts. Community Peopte living 50t c (3) b~on Profit ()rganization Our House, Too offers a vadety of activities for PeoPle who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIM+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 1t ~W By Donald Pile and Ray Williams MY TRIP DOWN THE PINK CARPET for Will & Grace in 2006, but Leslie also is a gifted writer and playwright. He wrote and starred in the autobiographical play, LOST IN THE PERSHING POIINT HOTEL, which was also made into a motion picture. He has appeared in dozens ofTV shows including The Fall Guy, Murphy Brown, Newhart, Ski Patrol, Lois & Clark "The New Adventures of Superman", Reba, Wings, The Pretender, Dharma and Gregg, Ellen, Caroline and the City, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Nash Bridges, Ally McBeal, Boston Public, Judging Amy, George Lopez, Boston Legal, Ugly Betty and Hidden Palms to name just a few. Leslie Jordan, the wonderful talented actor, comedian, writer and playwright has just come out with his new book, MYTRIP DOWN THE PINK CARPET which is a fabulously funny and interesting biography of Leslie’s life, so far. We are fortunate that we met Leslie a few years ago and saw his opening performance of"Like A Dog On Linoleum" in West Hollywood. He played to sell out audiences every night, and now in his new book, he brings his life to readers throughout the nation to peruse. What began as a smal! boy growing up in Tennessee and thru his different trials and tribulations he now is one of the top actors/entertainers in the country. Leslie has written a brutally honest story of his life and tells about all of it, warts and all, from his alcoholism, addiction to drugs, street hustlers and everything in between. The greatest thing is that he has been able to overcome most all of his demons (he has now been sober for over 10 years). Most people who write biographies like to kinda forget the bad times and only tell about the good times. Not Leslie! He deals with every aspect of his life and takes the readers through everything. Most people only know of Leslie either from the movie, Sordid Lives or from his guest appearances on Will & Grace. He was nominated and won the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Yes, Leslie Jordan does have a ministry and that ministry is to be fun, funny, exciting and to bring happiness to the world. There is enough grief and misery in the world as it is. He brings a breath of fresh air wherever he goes. It is so nice reading a real biography where the author tells it just as it was and is and lets the readers get to know him personally. This should be a "must read" for all high school students, both gay and straight. It is an honest and compelling story of one person’s struggle with himself and the world around him, and he won! Leslie Jordan certainly deserves all the awards and accolades that he receives. MYTRIP DOWN THE PINK CARPET is one of the funniest yet heart-felt books that we have ever read. Leslie Jordan is real ! and in today’s world that is really something to say! Leslie Jordan is not like Paul Lynde, he is not like Truman Capote, he is not like anybody else. He is simply himself and that is what makes him so great. After reading this book we can understand why his one man performances are sell outs! We can’t wait for the sequel to this book! We URGE all of our readers to rush out and purchase a copy of this book. Leslie Jordan is taking his "act" on the road again and will be coming to a city near you with an exciting one man performance and to sign his book. Check out his website, www. thelesliejordan.com for updates. "Love, light to you, Leslie and the very best!" Donald Pile and Ray Williarm, Award-winning Celebrity travel columnists who writefor gaypublicationsfrom Coast to Coast. Proud members ofthe IGLTA. You can email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://www,hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers 12 the STAR ~vw.ozarksstar.com Wockner News Service Two California counties rebel against marriage ruling County clerks in California’s Kern and Butte counties have stopped performing all marriages so as not to have to marry gay couples. In Kern County, where Bakersfield is located, Clerk Ann Barnett announced her decision after county lawyers told her she could not marry straight couples but refuse to marry gay couples. Officially, she said the move stemmed from a lack ofstaffand space to meet the anticipated demand for weddings. But in an e-mail sent to the conservative legal group Alliance Defense Fund and obtained by the Bakersfield Californian newspaper, Barnett’s office wrote: "Our question is, now that the Supreme Court has refused to stay its decision, will Alliance Defense Fund defend the County Clerk if she ceases performing all marriage ceremonies.... We fully expect to be sued and our own counsel is not being of help.’" In Butte County, north of Sacramento, County Clerk Candace Grubbs cited money problems in announcing her decision. ~:he county’s largest city is Chico, population 87,OO0. But the president of the California Association of Clerks and Elected Officials, Contra Costa County Clerk Steve Weir, said the money excuse makes no sense. He told the San Francisco Chronicle that counties make money from selling marriage licenses and performing weddings. Kern and Butte counties still have to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, but counties are not required to also offer wedding ceremonies, though most do as a courtesy and because it brings in income. Massachusetts governot’sdaughter comes out Katherine Patrick, daughter of Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, came out publicly as a lesbian June 12 in an interview with the Boston gay newspaper Bay Windows. "We... wanted people to know that it’s not only something that we accept, but it’s something that we’re very proud of," Katherine, 18, said. She said she came out to her parents in July 2007, just before a picnic by the pool at their home in the Berkshires. "It was the easiest coming out experience that anyone could possibly have," Katherine said. First lady Diane Patrick called that event "a nonevent in the sense that there wasn’t any tension." "I was just happy for her that she knew who she was and that she was comfortable with who she was," she said. Gov. Patrick told Bay Windows, "I think when Katherine started to memorize all the episodes ofThe L Word, there was some hint that maybe she was sending us." Big gay gro,ups: Do marry; dont sue Leading national gay organizations have issued a strongly worded advisory al! but demanding that same-sex couples who visit California to get married not file any lawsuits seeking recognition of their marriages in their home states. The document also strongly urges married same-sex couples not to sue for federal recognition of their marriages. The lengthy document was issued June 10 by Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Human Rights Campaign, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, Equality Federation, Freedom To Marry, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "Don’t go suing right away," the groups said. "Most lawsuits will likely set us all back." "One thing couples shouldn’t do is just sue the federal government or, if they are from other states, go sue their home state or their employer to recognize their marriage or open up the health plan," the advisory continued. "Pushing the federal government before we have a critical mass of states recognizing same-sex relationships or suing in states where the courts aren’t ready is likely to get us bad rulings. Bad rulings will make it much more difficult for us to win marriage, and will certainly make it take much longer." The full document can be accessed on the ACLU’s Web site at tinyurl.com/66z8kq. N.Y. governor sued over gay-marriage decision Five state lawmakers and the right-wing legal group Alliance Defense Fund sued New York Gov. David Paterson on June 3, hoping to block his order that state agencies must recognize same-sex marriages entered into in places where they are legal. The suit claims that only the Legislature can redefine marriage and seeks an injunction halting implementation of the order. Paterson has said he merely complied with a recent court decision that found that a community college could not deny benefits to the wife of a female employee -- the couple married in Canada -- because New York policy recognizes marriages performed outside the state. Same-sex marriage is allowed in Belgium, California, Canada, Denmark, Massachusetts, the Netherlands, South Africa and Spain. ........More U. S. News page 23 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 ~e~LInside Hol~ood, reports on new Reese Witherspoon and Ben Stiller Get Secretive ~hen ifyou dofft get to know what it is. movie proiecr, and the reason for all the hush ator, Cameron Crowe. Crowe is known t tong as he cm~, and this one is no exception. Witherspoon and Ben Stiller, and it’s a romantic bytes, the presence of seem like the most promising. ~they mean that as Etizabethtown. So the rum re is tentatively bright. For now, Dan Butler to Karl Rove: I Love You What happens when political strategist? 7he consequences of such a strange ~ comedy from writer-director Dan Butler, _Kad Rove: I Love as Bulldog on Frasier, Butler stars in this seifa depressed careerist actor in 2004, creating a one man show about President Bush’s to goal? The win-win scenario of both swaying the above the tide for once. The Hollywood/D.( producer, screenwri ~er, director, and star, and audiences can makes the tihn-festivai circuit rounds, starting tight about now. 14 the STAR The fellewing EarthQ~ke Zin ’05 The Phillips brothers pride th~mselves farming on quality. Their efforts competitions. with lots zing and flavor. Earthq brands under Chards & must try. Orin Swift Cedars The wine ’Heavenly It’s rare and : pepper and tobacco wild berry, with some flavors. Ahint suggests that Petite Sirah, Charbono and St offering is best from 2009 through 20 Ravenswood Napa Zin ’05 97% Zinfandel, 3% Carignane. Heasing bright, ripe plum flavors with a fine tannin structure. This xvine has a lingering finish tha’ tastes ofraspberries, doves and vanilla. Opolo Mountain Zin ’05 Ifyou are one of those who believe bigger is better, read on. Appropriately named for its bountiful bouquet offruit as well as where the grapes are grown, this full-bodied Zinfandd has plenty ofripe black cherry, plum and spice and is framed by soft tannins and balanced acidity. ,case Zinfandel, Petit Sirah & Carignanel the 2006 Ner~ Mi~o (Italian for "mixed black") is deep filackish-burgundy colored with a nose o~ dried herbs, pepper and leather. This deii~ious "field blend" styled wine has flavors 6f pomegranate, black fruits and figs with a hint of spice, medium to full bodied firm tannins, a long, lush finish/ Italian food, spicy the rig~ht now, though critics say it will next 5 - 7 ),ears. This to find so if you see it, of the better values, to be a vastly superior fbr Zinfandel. This wine, some Petite Sirak, Merlot, and Grenache blended in/exhibits ruby color. There is a sweet nose of peppery black cherry and raspberry, liqueur intermixed with spring flowers earth. The wine is medium to full-bodied. Wine critic Robert Parker gave this one Points. Mr. D also hosts wine & food events i known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/www.WineSpectator.com ’,,~##¢.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org Z A P www.zinfandel.org Members from ever) 25 club flag VOTE For Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth & Co. 16 t~$TAR SSIL~’s HOT Cowboys, Let’s Rodeo! www.ozarksstar.¢om JULY 2008 downtown Tulsa. Author Clara Nipper 0fTulga-Her new book, Femme Noir, has received num~ro~ rave reviews and was nominated for 2 Lambda Lite~ rds~ Her story backdrop is in Tulsa a~ the time 6f~h~ i921 rac~ riots, about a lesbian murder mystery featuring a hardcore black woman named Nora who finds h~rself ii~,estigating her friend’s murder, the STAR t 7 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams WEST HOLL OOD, CALIFOrnIA 90069 Special praise needs to be given to Steve Nycklemoe who is the Director of Operations. He has done an outstanding job in putting this exhibit together. Actually it is one of the finest exhibits that we have seen in our travels. We strongly urge all of our readers to visit this museum. Steve Nycklemoe & Ray \Villiams Well, the zip code just about explains almost everything about West Hollywood! What else can be said except that it is fun and exciting and ? There is so much to see and do and not enough time. For those of you who have never been there, \Hest Hollywood which is known as "WEHO" is located between Los Angeles and Beverly Hills and the main street is Santa Monica Blvd. which is filled with gay flags, restaurants, bars and shops. At night time it is filled with thousands of people partying. The HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM is located in the historic Max Factor building at 1660 North Highland Avenue just a few blocks east of the Kodak Center in downtown Hollywood. They have over 10,000 showbiz treasures. When we were there, they had a special exhibit of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia including many of the dresses that she wore in her movies. You can see the chair where Hizabeth Taylor sat in the movie Cleopatra, view Cary Grant’s vintage Rolls Royce, Elvis Presley’s favorite bathrobe, Rocky’s boxing gloves and Indiana Jones’ whip. As you enter the beautiful Art Deco building you walk directly in to the exquisite lobby with it’s original art deco lighting fixtures, show cases and architectural moldings. There are displays of original Max Factor cosmetics and ads. Browse the different make up rooms where each has a different color mode It is truly like stepping back into old Hollywood when it was at it’s peak. There are several floors of exciting exhibits to see. Actually one could spend a whole day there and not see everything. Downstairs they have the original prison setting of Hannibal in Silence of the Lambs. They have really worked at making this one of the finest museums in the country. Anybody and everybody who is even remotely interested in movies should visit this museum. Their hours are 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday thru Sunday. Be sure to check out their website at: www.thehollywoodmuseum.com. Be sure to visit at least one of the major movie studios while you are in West Hollywood. We attended the world premier play, BOISE USA by the extremely talented playwright, Gene Franklin Smith and masterly directed by Arturo Castillo. BOISE USA is a character-driven drama about gay persecution in Boise, Idaho in the 1950’s. The writing is superb! The casting is perfect! Every actor is sensational. The audience is mesmerized by all of this. Hopefully it will go to Broadway in the near future as everybody needs to experience this splendid drama. We had the good fortune of meeting Gene Franklin Smith and he is an incredibly talented playwright. We can only hope that he continues writing for many years to come. It has been playing to rave reviews. It is presently showing at the Matrix Theater at 7657 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. There are of course dozens and dozens of museums and galleries to visit in greater Los Angeles. As always is the case when we travel..... too many things to see and do, and not enough time. We did have "lunch with Holly Woodlawff’ one afternoon. She was one of the Andy Warhol actresses who now lives in West Hollywood and we visited with the Countess Alexis who is one of the great Divas of all times who was also associated with Andy Warhol in New York City and was in several movies. One day we visited the new Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing. This is an incredible high-rise apartment housing project for "seasoned" gays and lesbian on a fixed income. Complete ~vith a swimming pool, library room, gym room and a social room this facility offers a safe and secure place for "seasoned" gays and lesbians to live. There are literally hundreds of restaurants in the greater Los Angles Area. Our favorites was the ABBEY which is a huge restaurant and bar right in downtown West HoltFwcood. The TASTE restaurant is also a great place that we would strongly recommend. Excellent food and service as well as ambiance at these bars. For breakfast or lunch we enjoy the French Market restaurant. There are dozens and dozens of bars in West Hollywood and on weekends there are usually long lines waiting to get in. Drink prices at most of these bars are astronomical! For our readers in the Midwest, be ready for a shock. It is nothing to pay $10 to $15 for a drink and we mean just for a regular bourbon and coke or screwdriver. We are not talking call drinks either! With gas hovering around $5.00 a gallon and drinks priced that high and with the cost of housing, it does take lots of money to have a good time. 18 th÷$TAR ~.ozarksstar.com The Abbey Restaurant and Bar We stayed at the San Vicente Inn which is just 1/2 block from Santa Monica Blvd. It is a totally gay resort that has recently been sold and is now in the process of being completely remodeled. It is the most convenient place to stay since you can walk almost everywhere, and if you want to go anywhere else you catch the bus. The staffis one of the friendliest around. NOTE: Seepage 22for 7he Abbey’s Tn~ffte Macaroni & Cheese recipe. Oklahomans for Equality and Breast Impressions ofTulsa team up to raise breast cancer awareness. Breast Impressions "Beauty beyond Breast Cancer" Art on Display TULSA, OK (PR) __ For the second year Breast Impressions breast cast art will be on display at the Oklahomans for Equality Dennis R. Nell! Equality Center gallery through the month ofJuly. Only breast cancer survivors have been cast in plaster this year, and local artists have turned the castings into stunning examples of each survivor’s incredible journey through breast cancer¯ The art displayed will be auctioned at the Breast Impressions Annual Gala for the benefit ofTulsa Project Woman, Inc. on October 3, 2008. But the Equality Center "Beauty beyond Breast Cancer" show allows Oklahomans to see and experience he inspiration through each survivor s story. Breast Impressions is honored to display the work at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center gallery because of the higher risk for developing breast cancer among lesbians and bisexual women. www.ozarksstar.corn Due to a variety of social stigmas statistically they have a higher risk profile than their heterosexual counterparts. Realizing this, Tulsa Project Woman will hold an educational seminar during the Breast Impressions art show, to further promote breast cancer awareness through the communit): Opening Night of the Gallery showing will be July 3, 2008 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th Street, in downtown Tulsa. Refreshments will be provided by Panera Bread, Godiva Chocolate, and Escargot’s. Many of the artists and breast cancer survivor models will be in attendance to meet those who visit. The show will continue through July until the 28th, Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tulsa Project Woman will also host a dessert reception and private showing of the Breast Impressions Exhibit and then a Breast Health Education seminar on Thursday, July 17 at 7:00pm. This seminar will include information on Breast Cancer Prevention, How to do a Self Breast Exam and the Tulsa Project Woman. You can contact Judi Grove, founder of Breast Impressions at 918- 691-3874 for more information about the Equality Center gallery showing, or the upcoming Gala and Auction for the benefit ofTulsa Project Woman. theSTAR 19 of Town By Andrew Collins Nashville, Tennessee :was good idea). The s~ae THEABBEY FOOD &B£ By Donald Pile & Ray \vq’illiams The Abbey Food and Bar is located at 692 North Robertson just 1/2 block south of Santa Monica Blvd. It has been around quite a few years and it is one of the wonderful restaurants/bars that just keeps getting better year after year after year. David Cooley is the master at the art ofwork and play. Over the past 15+ years, his creation, The Abbey Food and Bar, has grown from a small, West Hollywood coffeehouse to one of the most popular hotspots in the country. Locals, tourists and celebrities alike all flock to The Abbey for its infamous Martinis as well as its stunning, open-air ambiance and truly relaxed elegance. In May 2006, Cooley and The Abbey entered an entirely new and exciting phase in its partnership with the Los Angeles-based SBE, which has fast become one of the pivotal players in the Los Angeles nightlife and restaurant scene. Armed with the expertise, infrastructure and corporate reach of SBE, The Abbey is beginning its biggest expansion to date - reproducing the signature Abbey experience in selected cities nationwide. While no specific locations have been finalized for national expansion, Cooley and SBE are exploring locations where The Abbey’s open-air concept would work best, including Miami’s South Beach, Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas, Las Vegas and Phoenix. So now you have the background on the Abbey but you MUST dine and drink there. It is where it is all happening in West Hollywood and everyone who is anyone goes there. Hizabeth Taylor made a rare appearance there last month to a cheering crowd. When we dined there, everything was great...the service, the ambiance and the food was spectacular! We had the finest pork chops that we have ever had! The mac and cheese with truffles were to die for! There are dozens and dozens of restaurants to dine at in West Hollywood and this is certainly one of the finest. Check out their exciting menu on line at their website, http://www.abbeyfoodandbar.com/ 22 tbeSTAR w~wv.ozarksstar.com Ca iforni s will vote on same-sex marriage They’re gonna vote on whether you are a full American. Anti-gay activists have succeeded in qualifying an initiative for the Nov. 4 ballot to amend the California Constitution to undo the state Supreme Court’s recent ruling that opened marriage to same-sex couples. The ruling takes effect, and the weddings begin, on June 16 at 5 p.m. The activists had to submit 694,354 valid petition signatures to qualify the initiative for a vote. They submitted 1,120,801 and, on June 2, Secretary of State Debra Bowen said a spot-check of 3 percent of the signatures found that a high enough percentage of them ,vere valid to extrapolate that the threshold would be met if all t. 1 million were checked. Tne amendment will state: "Only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." The latest poll on the issue, a respected California Field Poll released May 28, found that 51 percent of registered California voters support same-sex marriage, 42 percent oppose it and 7 percent have no opinion. The poll found that 54 percent oppose amending the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage, 40 percent favor an amendment and 6 percent have no opinion. The biggest support for same-sex marriage came from younger voters, Democrats, liberals, nonreligious people and residents of the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County. The strongest opposition came from older people, Republicans, conservatives, bornagain Christians, Protestants and residents of the Central Valley and Southern California counties apart from L.A. County. Observers predict that the battle may be won or lost in the populous Southern California counties of Orange and San Diego. Women (53 percent) polled more supportive than men (48 percent) with 8 percent of each having no opinion and the rest opposed. A majority of respondents up to age 49 favored sane-sex marriage, while a majority of people over age 50 opposed it. The poll questioned 1,052 voters and had a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points. Obama cdebrates gay pride Presidential candidate Barack Obama said June 6 that his campaign is actively participating in more than 60 gay pride events this summer, as detailed at pride.barackobama. com/pridemonth. "I am proud to join with our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered brothers and sisters in celebrating the accomplishments, the lives, and the families of all LGBT people during this Pride season," Obama said in a statement. "It’s time to live up to our founding promise of equality by treating all our citizens with dignity and respect. Let’s enact federal civil rights legislation to outlaw hate crimes and protect workers against discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Let’s repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and demonstrate that the most effective and professional military in the world is open to all Americans who are ready and willing to serve our country. Let’s treat the relationships and the families ofLGBT Americans with full equality under the law. "Generations ofLGBT Americans, at once ordinary and extraordinary, have made possible this moment in our history. With leadership and hard work, we can fulfill the promise of equality for all," Obama said. Quotable Quotes Obama told reporters "the Republicans helped to engineer the distraction of the war in Iraq at a time when we could have pinned down the people who actually committed 9-11." He said Osama bin Laden is still at large in part because of their failed strategies. Kansas CoupJe Does IDO. By Greg Steele Photo: Donald Pile, Larry IVard, Riverside County, (Palm Springs) CA County Clerk and oj~ciating the wedding and Ray Williams. PALM SPRINGS, CA __ Donald Pile and Ray Williams long time friends and columnists for The Star exchanged legal vows in Palm Springs, CA on June 17, 2008. The couple drove from West Hollywood, where they were vacationing, to Palm Springs for the ceremony. The Star talked with them about the historic occasion. "We stopped by Palm Springs early this morning and were married", Donald told us. "Mel Haber, owner of the famous Melwn’S Restaurant in Palm Springs was a witness. He is a dear straight friend of ours. The other witness was our good friend, Stefan Hemming who owns the Liberace Estate. We were very cool about the whole thing until the Clerk said, "In as much as ....... Donald and Raymond have thus consented together in marriage, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of California as a Commissioner of Civil Marriage for the County of Riverside (Palm Springs, CA), I now pronounce you to be united in marriage". "It was a small wedding as we didn’t have much time. When we walked out the front door of the county court house, we were crying and shouting". After 37 years we have never been more in love with each other. We are just sad for the gays and lesbians in other parts of the country who do not have the opportunity to get married". www.ozarksstar.corn th÷STAR 23 Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa 24 @Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City June 6, O~n~YoUth Center conducted the r annua F~hi~~: ,Th~ ~h~ was hosted by 106.9 s Chase and OK:: There were different artists in Pride Prade These ad es are hay ng tooooo~ ~bh fun www.ozarksstar.com CaIJaway CD Romanticizes Man to Man AL RE-ELECTED D STRICT 88 "You Ain’t Woman Enough’To Take My Man", a gay man is telling a woman, drag queen or possible a transvestite, that she isn’t woman enough to take his boyfriend. The title song "darn it, Baby, That’s Love" highlights the collection. Clay and his partner, Ty Lewis sing it as a duet with passion and love. Other song selections that will get you in the mood include "I’ve Grown Ac- :customed To Your Face", "All ~e Man That I Need", "Never Loved A Man Before", and "Come In From The Rain" In the past 20 years Callaway managed to find love, work somewhat in the shadows of "the industry" (as in, behind the scenes) in Los Angeles, New York, Sweden, Dominican Republic and all points in between, boomeranged through Nashville and came to live in Hilo, Hawaii. It was here that the muse again came to him. "Hawaii is so full of music and incredible voices that I found my self facing this love I have to sing out loud and once again I felt in love with the audience, and they seemed to like me too", Clay says. Charlie’s, often hosted by Joan Rivers, The Rose Tatoo, the Palomino Club and other "interesting" places. All the while making a living working in television production as a production assistant and slowly moving up that food chain. Life was good, met a few cute guys along the way and a few hot messes as well. It came a time in my early 20% I was taking voice lessons with Bob Garrett and we ended up writing a couple of songs together. On my web site, I have included a demo of one of those songs from over 20 years ago for a sneak peek at one that will be resurrected for my next album. I can’t sing that high anymore, but it’s a look back to a day tong past." "Then a fire in my apartment building left me homeless and sent me back to stay with my family in Arkansas for the summer to regroup. In some ways I felt defeated, but got chosen to direct the summer musical at the community theater, the South Arkansas Arts Center, and while in my home town, met the love of my life, Ty. He had been there most of his and my life, but we had never met." "I moved to LA at 19 to finish college at ¯ LMU, that was pretty much it for singing and performing aside from high school chores and the occasional opportunity to dress up in a chicken suit. (But that’s another story.) LA was a big eye-opener, as it would be for anyone let alone a young gay guy from south Arkansas. I began to write songs and performing at lots of fun places on the Sunset Strip and beyond. Carlos & Gay Chicago Magazine says "On his debut album, Callaway takes love songs many written by men and popularized by women then turns them on end by singing them in his distinctive vocal style to other men. It’s a creative approach that can make for some rather interesting word play. " You can purchase the CD online at: www. cdbaby.com/cd/daycallaway By Victor Gorin Keith Taggart congratulates State Representative AI McAflgrey at a fundraiser for Jim Roth at the residence of Mike McLain & Richard Ogden. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma’s first openly gay legislator, Al McAffrey was re-elected to represent District 88 of central Oklahoma City. He was first elected in 2006. At the close of the filing period June 4 there was only one opponent, 27 year old Dominique Block, who was running as an Independent. His candidacy was challenged by the McAffrey campaign on the grounds that he had not been registered as an Independent for 6 months prior to the filing period, and the Oklahoma State Election Board determined he was not eligible. As there was no other opposition, Al McAffrey was automatically re-elected to of~ce. Al welcomes this opportunity stating," It’s a great feeling to know my constituents have faith in me, and by their support I’ll be able to serve them for two more years." Quotable Quotes The Tonight Show host, Jay Leno decided to make an appearance in support of the recent legalization of gay marriage by California’s Supreme Court. "He said that he is from Massachusetts and that the sky did not fall in their state when marriage equality became the law of the land there," a rep for the event said. 26 th÷STAR www.ozarksstar.com NATIONAL NEWS Task Force Action Ftmd applauds New York Assembly £or historic vote on transgender rights "We congratulate the leadership ofAssemblyman Richard Gottfried, the many transgender leaders and allies in New York, and our partner, Empire State Pride Agenda, for this important victory. We now call on the leaders of the New York Senate to bring this bill to the floor so that protections fbr transgender people and others in New York are not delayed another day." Noway adopts gaymarriage law OSLO (AFP) -- Norway’s parliament on Wednesday adopted a new marriage law that allows homosexuals to marry and adopt children and permits lesbians to be artificially inseminated. WASHINGTON, DC (PR) __ The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund applauds the New York Assembly’s passage today of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). The bill, which passed by a 102-33 vote, now moves to the state Senate. The measure seeks to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression in housing, employment, credit and public accommodations and would add gender identity or expression to the state’s hate crimes law. New York extended protections on the basis of sexual orientation in 2002 and the Task Force has worked with the Empire State Pride Agenda, legislators and community activists since then to amend the law to add gender identity or expression protections, including by helping draft GENDA. Among the other contributions the Task Force made to this effort was a convening of transgender and allied activists in 2006 at a training in Albany to provide leaders with skills for how to build coalitions in support of this bill, and a Power Summit training on Long Island in December 2007 that attracted more than 100 activists who were taught how to lobby their legislators and build grassroots support for the bill. If the bill passes the Senate, Gov. David Paterson is expected to sign it and New York would become the 13th state to explicitly ban discrimination based on gender identity or expression. Currently, 39 percent of the country’s population is covered by such a local or state law. Statement by Rea Carey, Acting Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund "This is a very exciting victory for the people ofNew York, particularly transgender people. Legislation of this sort is not only responsible public policy, it also shows the nation that New York is unafraid to join the ranks of states that value all of their citizens, including those who are transgender or who express their gender in ways that reflect the broad and beautiful spectrum of humanity. www.ozarksstar.com Libertarian Party selects Bob Barr.as 2008 presidential nominee Former Congressman plans to take the White House as Libertarian candidate DENVER, CO (PR) __ The Libertarian Party has nominated former Congressman Bob Barr as its candidate for president for the 2008 election. "I’m sure we will emerge here with the strongest ticket in the history of the Libertarian Party," Barr stated in his victory speech shortly after being selected as the Party’s nominee. "I want everybody to remember that we only have 163 days to win this election. We cannot waste one single day." More than 650 Libertarian delegates met in Denver from May 22 tilt the 26 for the 2008 Libertarian National Convention. After six rounds of voting Sunday afternoon, Barr was selected as the Party’s presidential nominee. The Libertarian Party is America’s third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.LP.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom. After a heated debate, the members of parliament adopted the text by a vote of 84 to 41. The three centre-left coalition parties in power and two opposition parties, the Conservatives and the Liberals, voted largely in favour of the law, while the Christian Democrats and the far-right Progress Party voted against it. Norway thus became the sixth country in the world to grant homosexuals the right to marry on an equal footing with heterosexuals, according to Norwegian television TV2. "This decision is of an importance comparable to universal suffrage and our law on parity," Labour Party rapporteur Gunn Karin Gjul said during the debate. The most controversial part of the law is that which gives lesbians the right to be artificially inseminated. The sperm donor must be identified so that the child can seek out his or her biological father at the age of 18. Outside the parliament, a handful of opponents protested with posters reading "Have fathers become superfluous?" and "Parliament has no mandate to change the laws of nature." Among other things, the new legislation replaces a so-called "partnership law" adopted in 1993 xvhich gave Norwegian homosexuals the right to civil unions. Health care workers who do not want to perform artificial inseminations on lesbians because of their personal convictions will not be under any obligation to carry out the procedure. The new law is expected to enter into force at the end of this year or eatly next year. Homosexuality was illegal until 1972 in Norway, a country which has since become one of the most liberal in the world in the field. ~÷STAR 27 by Jack Fertig July 2008 "Nalke like a tourist, Pisces!" With Mercury, Venus, Uranus, and Eris all in mutual aspect, efforts at wit and charm are subverted by excessive impulses and eagerness to take offense. Still, it’s a good time to hash out friendly disagreements or to take up arts or crafts projects. ¯ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Before speaking up, try to remember some bit of wisdom from a wise old woman, probably your grandmother or a teacher from early childhood. Her insight could smooth out the rough edges, turning your initial ideas from disastrous to helpful. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): You may be overly invested in a set goal that isn’t as realistic as it originally seemed. We all need to revise plans now and then. Be practical, not stubborn! Discuss it with friends, and take time alone to reconsider priorities. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You may be trying too hard to get ahead and to organize people you see as "your team." Stand back, think about what’s really important, and listen carefully to your friends and their aims. Communication is the key to cooperation. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Arguments that seem to come out of nowhere are really about your hidden doubts and fears. Expert opinions can help set your mind at ease. Try exploring some artistic medium or musical style that wouldn’t normally interest you. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your own ideas of sexual politics could shake up your corner of the GLBT community, which can stimulate new thinking. Discussion points that come from the heart will go over better than battle cries that sound like P.C. cliches. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Flirtations and sexual politics can complicate relations with bosses and colleagues. Acknowledging sexual tension may help to dispel it, but that doesn’t always work. Think deeply and far ahead before trying it. Discuss any problems at your job with friends who work elsewhere. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Cooperation is usually more productive in the long run than competition is. Both have their place, but your eager ambitions may blind you to better opportunities. Careful listening can turn rivals into allies. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Sexual experimentation is fine in principle; just be careful that you don’t land in a bad situation. Think ahead and be cautious! Be clear about health risks, discuss at length what you really want, and look before you leap. 28 theSTAR SAG~TTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Disruptions at home can make you cranky and argumentative. Looking for sex to blow off steam may prove more frustrating than helpful. Competitive games - especially those that test communications skills (Scrabble, Charades, Pictionary) - are probably better for releasing tension. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Keep your focus right in front of your nose. Accidents are just waiting to happen; being overloaded and distracted only encourages them! Teamwork is helpful, if you can resist the urge to get drawn into turf battles. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): The cost of fun can be a lot higher than expected. Be inventive (you can manage that!), and have a great time on the cheap. Debates over aesthetics may seem more heated than they should be, but welcome the arguments for potential inspiration. PISCES (February t9 - March 19): Feeling like a stranger at home isn’t fun, but it can fuel the creative juices. Get playful, make like a tourist, and let someone take you to places you’d never go on your own. Take a more objective, outsider’s stance in community politics. MCC METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES IRev Steve "IF. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, IVlO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Mieal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring t7 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PMi Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! www.ozarksstar.com Support those who support us. DOWNTOWN PLAZ__A ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 2117 NW39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.dubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. llTH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowship 311 S Klein Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73108 405-761-1878 www.myspace.com/expressionsokc HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIWSTD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LMNG SPRING 17 Hk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm OPENAR/vlS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 9!8-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NWEXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: wv~v.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn For { vertisin Knformation DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: NAME: Address: City:. Phone: The STAR PO Box 581718 Tulsa, OK 74158-1718 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) St: Zip:, Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.com theSTAR Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge Vghether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man Futl Bodj Massage 2 hands or 4 hands available (405) 3{4o3898 Now Hiring Male & Female 30 t~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com We believe that homosexuality is not a genetic trait but a chosen lifestyle. We oppose the portrayal of homosexual or promiscuous behavior in a positive light in our public schools. We oppose the erosion of our military readiness through openly_ practicing homosexuals serving in the military We oppose the promotion of homosexuality, the elimination of laws against sodomy, and the granting of minority protection or special status to any person based upon sexual preference or lifestyle choice. If the Republican message of hate and division doesn’t represent you, then join us and vote Democrati’c in support of what we stand for: LIBERTY, EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL, PROUDLY INCLUDING THE GLBT COMMUNITY. I~’ol~V~ln ~o~e$~ Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair I~ Asbe~’ry~ Oklahoma Democratic Party Vice Chair Undu Sru~’ ~’~ Oklahoma State Democratic Party Treasurer ¢~’~o g~’d~ Oklahoma State Field Director Democratic National Commiffee, Fifth District Chair 3~ ~o~’~ Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner A~ ~{~’e~ Oklahoma State Representative District 88 gob ~.e~o~ our friend who’s straight but not narrow Taken from current platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties of Oklahoma. 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 [2008] The Star Magazine, July 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 7 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 01, 2008 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 Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) 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 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Charles (Chaz) Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Judy G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, June 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/248 Metro Star. August 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/198 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/247 After Dark Al McAffrey Bob Bar Deval Patrick horoscopes Katherine Patrick Leslie Jordan marriage equality mixology Night club Obama Oklahoma City Museum of Art Our House Paparazzi on the Prowl pride Parade project runway Quotable Quotes recipes Star Advertisers star classified Star Scene The National Gay and Task Force The Phantom of the Opera Too travel wine https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/733b2f2153340c0152c8ddfe54b6ed5d.jpg 06b85fa3864a1cd9fb22b85f79874359 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f877c3716f55d1351dd0b5dc72bdb505.pdf cbaefc1fc50913638b9cd20f6f15b445 PDF Text Text ~nty one years ago was a world that many young people never k~ew or could comprehend. No openly gay person had been elected to public office in Oklahoma. Organizations advocating equality for GLBT Oklahomans were few and far less influential. Only 3 years earlier our Oklahoma Legislature had passed legislation (later ruled unconstitutional by the Federal court system) that would prohibit a public school teacher from even making a positive statement about the GLBT community in a classroom. Equality for GLBT people was hardly discussed, and gay marriage even more remote. Politicians could (and did) make hateful statements about our community without any fear that someone would challenge their remarks. (sorry Sally, you came along too late) ~ganizers of this year’s Tulsa Pride Celebration are promising the public that this year’s events will be anything but boring. Nate Black, one of the co-chairs says the changes are intended to breathe a new sense of excitement into the Pride observance and to help promote the revitalization of downtown. It may not look the same, but organizers promise that Tulsa Pride 2008 will be just as incredible of a celebration as ever. Spanning over two weeks, with an event almost every evening, Tulsa Pride 2008 has something for everyone. "There will be some differences, but the spirit of the celebration is the same. It is still going to be a joyful, invigorating experience that xvill spark the same sense of pride and freedom in our community," ride Tutso PI IDE ?008 ��2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �walk or drag yourself to Tulsa Pride 2008 By Joey De It may not look the same, but organizers promise that Tulsa Pride 2008 is a series of events you won’t want to miss. "We have our three anchor events: the gala, the parade and block party, and the picnic," explains Pride co-chair Nate Black. "There ~vill be some differences from the past, but the spirit of Tulsa Pride is as vibrant as ever." Here is a brief look at the events of Tulsa Pride 2008. For a complete listing, maps and details, visit www.tulsapride.org May 30 - "Sisters in Song" concert at All Souls Unitarian Church. May 31- Wear your rainbow attire and enjoy a day at America’s favorite zoo with your friends and family. Tnat night, join the Equality Gala and celebrate the GLBT community at Cain’s Ballroom. Jun. 1 - Rev. Barney McLaughlin and members of Tulsa’s faith community will be hosting "Spiritual Equality," an interfaith service at Bethany Christian Church. Jun. 2 - Join PFLAG at the Circle Cinema for a free screening of "Anyone and Everyone," a film about families struggling to accept their GLBT youth. Jun. 4 - Cheer the Drillers to victory and enjoy an old-fashioned ballpark picnic. Tickets must be bought in advance. That evening, Lochran Theatre’s "He&vig and the Angry Inch," opens. The show will play at various locations through the 15th. Jun. 5 - Enjoy the works of 60 artists at "More Color," a one-night ex~hibition at the Equality Center. Jun. 6 - Open Arms Youth Project Fashion Show. Jun. 7 - Dine at the OkEq Family Taco Dinner benefiting PFLAG, then join the Pride Parade and Block Party, with two stages of entertainment. Youth Services of Tulsa will be hosting a concert in their Coffee House for those under 21 and child care will be available for those under 12 at the Equality Center. Jun. 8 - Texas Hold’era at the Equality Center. Jun. 10 - Leather and Fetish fashion show at the Equality Center. Jun. 11 - Join the "Gender Avengers" for an evening of monologues and plays addressing transgender issues. Jun. 12 - Learn about raising kids in a diverse world at the Downtown Library. Speakers will be available and books attacked for their "inappropriate" messages will be displayed. Jun. 13 - Screen "The ~A’ Word," a film with no audio or subtitles, about 10 deaf lesbians. Jun. 14 - Walce up early for the YST fun run before the Equality Festival at Centennial Park on 6th and Peoria! www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3 ��OKC P DE EEKEND AN EVENT TRULY ’COMING OF AGE" By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ It can be hard to fathom, but OKC Pride is now 21. Had the event been a child born 21 years ago, that person would now be ready to legally enjoy the bars. Instead a spirit of human determination was born in rocky Oklahoma soil, with the joyful trappings that come with living in the Bible Belt’s buckle, q-his beginning came to Oklahoma through the brave organization of about a dozen people. As Paul Thompson recAls, "We didfft know if there wotdd be 10 people marching or a hundred." The Ku Klux Klan had promised to meet the marchers when they came over the N.W. 39th Street hill with hostile confrontation. When around 400 marchers came over the hill, the Klansmen waiting in Safeway’s (now Homeland) parking lot promptly left the scene, and a proud tradition began. It was a world that many young people never knew or could comprehend. No openly gay person had been elected to public office in Oklahoma. Organizations advocating equality for GLBT Oklahomans were few and far less influential. Only 3 years earlier our Oklahoma Legislature had passed legislation (later ruled unconstitutional by the Federal court system) that would prohibit a public school teacher from even making a positive statement about the GLBT community in a classroom. Equality for GLBT people was hardly discussed, and gay marriage even more remote. Politicians could (and did) make hateful statements about our community without any fear that someone would challenge their remarks. (sorry Sally, you came along too late) Today the Pride Festival and Parade truly showcases the theme by showing how far we’ve come. Festival booths not only feature openly gay public office holders (now even on the State level with the appointment of Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth), but also gay political organizations of Democrats and Republicans, as well as straight politicians & parties who are proud to speak out for us and seek our vote. Social organizations (from rodeo to softball), and religious www.ozarksstar.com groups bring us all together in glamorous diversity. There are countless more business organizations proud to seek out the gay community to make a buck. Last but not least, nothing compares to the mosaic of the GLBT community and their friends, people from all walks of life together in Pride. EVENTS: June 14 Saturday OKC Pride at the Zoo 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For the first time there will be a gay day at the Oklahoma City Zoo. It will be a great way to begin the week’s festivities with family and/or friends. There is information about a special reduced rate inside every OKC Pride Participation Packet, so come out, enjoy the day and wish the animals a good week too! June 15 Sunday OKC Pride Day of Worship Cathedral of Hope & Church of the Open Arms ( both UCC) will be planning special worship celebrations to commemorate Pride Week. If you have felt left out or excluded from worship, these churches are ready to welcome you just as you are. June 20- OKC Pride Parade Now moved to Friday evening stepping off at 7 p.m. the route is unchanged. Beginning at Memorial Park ( N.W. 36th & Classen) it proceeds north on Classen two blocks north ofN.W. 39th Street, turns around on Classen and then proceeds west on N.W. 39th. Our Grand Marshall will be Joe Salmonese, the chair of the national Human Rights Campaign. Preceding the Parade will be a Strip Show ( signifying the N.W. 39th Street Strip) featuring some of our wildest and finest entertainers. Then the crowd cheers on as the parade’s first arrivals enjoy the finest climax ever enjoyed at any event. As the Parade concludes those in the mood will be ready to party, giving new meaning to a wild weekend while remembering how Pride brings us together. Still at Oklahoma Cit)?s Memorial Park at N.W. "36th & Classen, the Festival will run from noon until 10 p.m. Saturday June 21, and from noon until 5 p.m. June 22 Sunday. There will be many booths featuring organizations you can learn from or even consider joining, as well as endless types of merchandise. There will be entertainment as well Following the Festival conclusion at 5 p.m. Sunday, Church of the Open Arms has their Annual Pride Ice Cream Social, which will featuring the Therapy Sisters in concert. There’s no better way to cool off, enjoy the fun & music and recap the xveekend. This is an event you don’t want to miss, it’s there for all of us. For more infornaation pick up a Pride Guide at your favorite clubs, " or check out the website at wwv.okcpride. com DBAT Celebrates Pride by Hosting a Diversity Job Fair TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Diversity Business Association of Tulsa (DBAT), a program of Oklahomans for Equality, is hosting a Diversity Job Fair on June 13th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. The event, being held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Downtown Tulsa, will bring together lgbt job seekers and lgbt-friendly employers in a safe and comfortable environment, allowing for open dialogue and alleviating fears of discrimination. The Diversity Job Fair offers a unique opportunity for diversity-conscious employers to access the wealth of skilled and talented members of the lgbt community. Additionally, job seekers are given an unprecedented connection to companies that are lgbtfriendly. F~r more information or if your company is interested in participating in the job fair, contact Susan Hartman at dbat@okeq.org or call 918-698-2977. June 21- 22 OKC Pride Festival the STAR 5 �By David Benkof Should gay-rights advances be put on hold until all LGBT people can be included? On this question, the position held by the most prominent voices in the gay community is so inconsistent it borders on incoherent. Last year, most leading gay-rights organizations rejected the advice of congressional experts including Rep. Barney Frank (DMass.) and pushed for an unlikely-to-pass version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that included gender identity. \Vc~hen the broader bill was replaced with an ENDA that covered only sexual orientation, hundreds of gay and lesbian groups lobbied Congress to vote "no" on what was the most important piece of gayrights legislation in a decade. Indeed, seven Democrats who had previously been reliable votes for pro-gay bills opposed ENDA because it did not include protections for transgender people. LGBT activists defended this stance in a variety of ways, but the basic argument xvas that no part of the community should gain civil rights at the expense of other parts. Of course, had that been the approach of voting-rights activists after the Civil War, African-Americans would have forfeited the vote until women gained suffrage a halfcentury later - and they, in turn, may have been asked to wait for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 before gaining the right to vote. In any event, supporters of what became known as "United ENDA" characterized their position as a principled one, believing that LGB rights without T rights were worse than no rights at all, and that (Evita show tune be damned) politics is not "the art of the possible." This pose is simply unsustainable, as an examination of transgender military inclusion shows. The Web sites of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; the Human Rights Campaign; Parents, Friends, and Families of Lesbians and Gays; and many other groups 6 the STAR advocate for an ENDA that includes gender identity, but the T is glaringly missing when it comes to military issues. ~nese organizations push for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals to serve openly in the armed forces, but don’t lobby on behalf of transgender people who want to serve their country. They certainly don’t insist that any repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" (DADT) be linked to equality for transgender servicemembers. There are only three ways LGBT organizations can react to this imbalance with any sort of integrity: One, they could refuse to support the repeal of DADT unless it is accompanied by a new policy that prohibits the military from discriminating on the basis of gender identity. Two, they could admit that their ENDA strategy was wrong and agree to accept an LGB-only workplace bill until such time as the votes are there to pass a more inclusive ENDA. Three, they could articulate pub!icly and precisely why discrimination against transgender people in the military is more legitimate than private-sector discrimination against them - and why it is more legitimate than discrimination against lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals in the military. I would certainly prefer the second solution, but I could respect the other two approaches. My hunch, though, is that none of these stances will be adopted. The status quo is strong evidence that the "United ENDA" stance is not primarily about political principles. It’s about the internal power dynamics in the LGBT community, which have caused gay leaders to draw the line at an inclusive ENDA. No such mobilization has taken place over transgender people in the military, so there has been no perceived need for an ultimatum on that issue. Yet. David Benkof was a longtime gay columnist, historian, and entrepreneur (as David Bianco). He is openly bisexual, but as an Orthodox Jew he is guided by Jewish law in the areas ofsexvtality andfamily life. He can be reached at DavidBenkof@aol.com. www.ozarksstar.com �F~E BEER & HOT DO~ For a Family’s Dinner brought by the neighbors after the Death of Bettsie. Be sure to look on the bottom of the dish to see what neighbor brought it! Original Mo~,ie will be shown @ 7 pm dUl-h’~g dim-let. Ist Eplsede of Series will be shown immediately fo!!o~d.ug $10 D~nat~n to OG~,A inc]ludes ~nner ~$1GNING www.ozarksstar.com Meet and Greet Leslie Jordan - From Sordid Lives, Will & Grace My Trip Down The :PINK CARPET the STAR 7 �@ Coming of e ~ulsa PRIDE ar~ 2008 ONE NIGHT ONLY ThuP~day, June 5, 2008, 5:G0prn to 9:0~m atthe Dennis R. Nell Equali~ C~nt~r, Corner of 4th and Keno~, dov~ov,~ Tuls~ the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �Directed by David Gatigan Oklahoma City June 8, 2008 at 8pro wv~v.ozarksstar.com the 8TAP, 9 �interview Interview by Victor Gorin eslie Jordan arrived in this world during 1955 in the Heartland of the Bible Belt, born and grown up in Chattanooga,Tennessee.. AI[ho@ ~rowing up was ~ostly nor easy, he made le~nonade o[it of lemons and marie his experiences work for him, taking a bus to HoIly~vood and never looking back. His credits are coundess, with app~ces on TV shows too numerous m men- tion them but in~ih&ag Reba and Will and Grace(which garnered him an E . Re is an accomplished playwright with his first success Like a Dog on Linoleum" followed by Hysterical B redness and other Southern Tragedies. Among his film successes i~’thd camp} dassic ’Sordid I[ives" (where he portrayed the drag que~ Brother Boy), which will be a n~w ~ series o£ LOGO ~ning July 23. His new book, "My, Trip down the P~ ~t:’ is 7h~ Slory of his life with his @s dd downs, tragedies, ~ es and tri~phs, and the story o~a flamboyant ~ who has ~y found hirrisel£ He is portr~iying his life ~lSo in a one man play of the same title in Olda~oma ~it~ June 8, for this is a must re~d and a must see. He shares his thoug~is with ~E LESHE: Well I v,~as the Pips Printing guy, and t also was the elevator operator that took people to Ha~bu}ger Hell in a Taco Bel! co~ercial, i was the ~h~ck Full of Nuts coit~e boy, a]l kinds of commercials. ~ ~ ~ 10 the,STAR www.ozarksstar.com �ma$~e that possible. ~CTOR~ g,q~.en does your new book COme *utJune 3~ and Iamso which is Ga~ ~cOholigm and RddiC’ : are some gay" activists wh6 feei that fl~bSya~t gay characters in the ueenS hinder the s{~u~le answer to Ilow iS tr~sggn: : and see me, I promise the STAR tl �Dracula of Free Speech, Kirk Humphreys, Pdses From the Po litica Grave by James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY) Just as the mythic Dracula of Transylvania came back from the dead to spread horror among the peasants, so has the flesh-and-blood Kirk Humphreys come back from the politically dead to fling his homophobic horror in the hall~ of Oklahoma City’s public schools. In 1997, a fundamentalist censorship group ponied up with an Oklahoma County judge willing to make an informal ruling that the "Tin Drum" was child pornography and that copies of it could be seized in Oklahoma County wherever it could be found whether in private homes or public libraries. Reborn in the blood of his religion and bred in the desiccated dessert of intolerance, Kirk Humphreys was recently appointed by the Oklahoma City School Board to fill the position of chair until an election is held in February, 2009. Despite the facts that the film had been released in 1979, received major film awards, and not anyone prior to Humphreys had made a legal claim of obscenity against the film, Humphreys again smelled blood and was hot on the trail of what he thought would surely be a victory for fundamentalist decency. ~hinking that the cross of his religion would trump all blasphemers and dissolve the First and Fourth Amendments he encouraged the court case to proceed. Coming above ground with his first public election to the Putnam City school Board in 1987, he rose to bigger things as mayor of OKC in 1998. He resigned during his second term to run for U. S. Senate which he lost to Dr. Tom Coburn, 25% to 61%. Settling back into his businessman’s grave of multiple real estate dealings, one would have thought that we had heard the last of Mr. Humphreys. So why the concern regarding his reappearance? During his time as Mayor of OKC, he was the driving force behind the 2001 attempt to prevent Cimarron Alliance, a GLBT advocacy group, from exercising their First Amendment right to free speech with the display of banners promoting gay/lesbian equality. However, the shining light of Federal District Court Judge Robin Cauthron, exorcised the demon of Humphreys and as she ruled in favor of Cimarron Alliance and enjoined the City Council from interfering with Cimarron’s banner display on the utility poles. Hitherto the sacred utility poles had been the exclusive marketplace for hetero organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, rodeos, and other civic clubs. Did I mention the earlier "Tin Drum" video law suit? 12 the STAR Federal District Court Judge Ralph ~hompson, however, found that the film is not child pornography, and went on to criticize that the County Judge, Richard Freeman, had made a serious error in judgment pertaining to what constitutes pornography and allowing the OKC police, carte blanche, to search homes and businesses without a warrant. Both of the lost lawsuits backed by Kirk Humphreys cost hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars in expenses and attorney fees which resulted in higher property taxes. ¯hough the "Tin Drum" adventure was publicly lead by former District Attorney Bob Macy, as mayor and the boss of the OKC police chief, I feel that Humphreys was certainly in the loop and should have had more sense and better advise in calling off the figurative police dogs. If the past is prologue, I think we can expect some more Humphreys hauntings at the expense of the Oklahoma City taxpayers. It’s been shown that the Constitution, its Bill of Rights, and especially the First Amendment, if applied in time, can counter the poisonous vapors that waft from Humphreys. �Wockner News Service Congress’ highest-ranking vet calls f.or DADT repeal Carly Simon: ’I don’t consider myself" to be not gay WASHINGTON, DC __ U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa., whose military rank was the highest of any veteran now in Congress, has urged fellow lawmakers to join him in repealing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy that bars open gays from the military. Sestak’s comments came at the Equality Forum, an annual GLBT conference and festival in Philadelphia. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1246), which would repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and allow GLB personnel to serve openly, has 142 co-sponsors in total. "Veterans like Adm. Sestak, who have dedicated their lives to serving this country, are leading the movement in Congress to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," said Aubrey Sarvis of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. "These lawmakers agree with senior military officers, including former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:John Shalikashvili and retired Army Maj. Gen. Vance Coleman, that when it comes to defusing IEDs, tending to injured troops, deciphering enemy codes and flying reconnaissance missions -- sexual orientation is irrelevant. Seventy-nine percent of the American people agree with them and it is time that Congress finally repeal this law." A version of the measure, known as ENDA, that protects sexual orientation but not gender identity has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is pending in the Senate. In an interview published May 1 in the San Francisco gay weeldy Bay Area Reporter, ’70s pop-music legend Carly Simon said, "I don’t consider myself to be not gay." The double-negative quasi-coming-out occurred when interviewer Gregg Shapiro inquired: "After speaking with you this morning, I’m going to be interviewing Cyndi Lauper regarding her True Colors tour, which features gay and straight artists performing to raise money for the Human Rights Campaign and other LGBT organizations. I’m wondering if Cyndi called you and asked you to be a part of the True Colors tour, might you get involved?" Simon replied: "Well, the part that I could be involved in is the gay and lesbian part. The part that would be hard for me is to commit to a tour because I’m not very comfortable being onstage. But the part that would be easiest for me would be singing on behalf of all of us. I don’t consider myself to be not gay." Shapiro responded: "Wow! Well, it’s great to have you as part of the family." "Thank you!" Simon said. "I mean, I’ve enlarged all of my possibilities. There are a lot of extremely personal stories to tell about that, but we won’t go into that right now. Let’s just say that it just depends upon who I’m with." www.ozarksstar.com Frank: Transgender people were terrible lobbyists Openly gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, DMass., says transgender people did a terrible job of lobbying for inclusion in the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Sestak, a three-star admiral who spent 31 years in the Navy, is one of 17 congressional veterans co-sponsoring the repeal bill. "It is easy for me to see why Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell should be repealed," Sestak said May 3. "Once you have served in war and faced danger with a gay service member, how can you come home and say gay people should not enjoy equal rights?" Attempts to contact Simon through her publicist, record label and MySpace page were unsuccessful as of press time. "I’ve never seen a worse job of lobbying done by the transgender community," Frank told the Oregon gay newspaper Just Out in its May 2 issue. "They seem to think that all they had to do was to get the gay and lesbian community to say ’OK.’ I think they thought that this was a train, and that they were a car on the train." "I said to them, ’You’ve got to work this, you’ve got to lobby people.’ They did a terrible job of lobbying, and so we didn’t have the votes," Frank said. First ot3enlv legislator dle Illinois Larry McKeon, Illinois’ first openly gay and first openly HIV-positive state legislator, died May 13 of a severe stroke. He was 63. McKeon represented a district of Chicago’s North Side in the state House of Representatives from 1997 to 2007. An Army veteran and former cop, McKeon also served as Mayor Richard M. Daley’s liaison to the GLBT community prior to his election to public office. McKeon retired last year, citing health issues related to HIV and cancer. ........ More U. S. News page 27 the STAR 13 �recently confessed to the fact that she attracts gays like a moth to a light, hall the men that like me are gay, k’~ ~e. I have a really strong gaydar. I do love gay men though,~ Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres are planning to marD: Ellen has said she is "thrilled" at the r~ing by the California supreme court to overturn the state’s ban on gay marri~e. True Co .ors pP g Alexander Payne "Hung" Up at HBO Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Payne (for Sideways, not his litde-usedbut-stilbcredit-getting screer~ptay for I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry) has a new pro’ect9 up his ste~we. And it~ about what’s in one man’s pants. Hung, a comedy pilot on track at HBO, will be Payne’s [IW-directing debut, from a script by Dmitry Lip~n. creator of%e Riches. ~md the subiect matter? What happens when a~l average, middle-aged basketbal! coach learns how to put his exceptionally large’~- penis to better ~e. NO actor has signed on yet to play the gifted guy, but casting is scheduled m begi n soon. If picked up for series, it will be, a; the very least, the first show" of its k5nd. But wi!I there be a Boogie Nights-style revea! shot? Or will it remain a mysteiT? Either way, expect a big deal to made about this one. STAR Cyndi LaUper~ colors are brighter than ever. F~li~Wing [tie Success of last year’s landmark tofir, Latimer is back to help the Human Ri~ts Campaign, theS~ue Colors Fund of StOnewall C~r~i-nuni~? Foundation, PFLa~G and the Centertink Network of BLGT community cemers. Holb~voodactress edl3 ship only the closet. of Foster, 45, is believed to have called offher relationship with movie producer Cydney Bernard after a series of arguments. The couple were together for 14 years and have two children ~x;~om Fosrer g~ve birth to and Bernard adopted, according to the British Daily Mail tabloid. Famous for just wanting to have fun, Lau per will be bringing her tour to the Zoo Amphitheater in Oklahoma City on Jun. 23. Joining Cyndi wilt be The B-52s, joan J~tr ~d The Blackhearts, ~mdy Belt of Erasure. Margaret Cho and Girl tn A Coma. *~ ....... with host Cars on rvresslev, for ticket" tmormarion or a full list ofto[,r dates, visit ~"~,.~,,, truecolorstour corn " " www.ozarksstar.com �Pt~oto by: Bill Gaddis The fo owing is getting hot out. Tulsa’s wonderful sprir~g ,h, as played out. Here are a coupl~ tips I d like {o pass along that may add to your summer enjoyment of vino..F,irstly, for white win~S, you know/get ern ~ld! And as the~e Wines warm up in your glass, the fruit flavors open Up to~. I really like this gradual experience. Many times, we finish a bottle so fast when sharing with friends that we don’t even notice. For red wines, put a chill on ’era as well. NOT too c.o, ld but just cool enough so that you’re not drinking warm glug. Remember, room temperatu~’e can mean a whole different thing during the summer. Proper stem ware can also make a big difference this time of year. Riedel glasses are among the best althougt~ not recommended poolside. Here are some wines for both red & white lovers. Calistoga Cellars Chardonnay 2006 This vintage was just released in ket. If you liked the ’05, this will really hit the mark. It’s li beautifully balanced mix of ripe pear and the wine is medium bodied soft finish. A favodte of l visit McGilrs on 21rst St. Vincent Pouilly-Fuisse in several This Pouilly-Fuisse areas belonging to th~ oak barrels The wine is created by Jean-Jac( owner of the Made-Antoicelebrated Chateau "). nette Vincent make a He blends the White flowwell balanced ers are on t finish. I first discovered s wine over at 1740/wine bar on Boston n~ear 18th. This Chardonnay from France i~ quite good. Michel Picard Vouvray This is Chenin Blanc from the Loi of France. Fresh aromas of apricot & on the nose and the finish is fruity and~~ slightly off dry. Enjoy this from with me,is that include shellfish to desserts like apple pies with vanilla ice cream. Ochoa Garnacha Rose 2006 This Rose wine is made entirely from Grenache grapes. The color of is a result of the short maceration period that helps to maintain the fragrant aromas and fresh flavors. A well structured Spanish wine with plenty of well-rounded fruit and balanced acidity. Food pairings include pasta, salads and vegetables. Produtorri del Barbaresco 2004 I had a chance to visit this winery when I was northern Italy. The grape is Nebbiolo and it’s one of the most important wine grape varieties of Italy’s Piedmont region. Flavors of violets, tar, cherries, truffles, tobacco & prunes come to mind. Although ~ ut the tannins, these producers make their wines more their youth. This bottle is also affordable and has received high acclaim from wine critics. Serious meat oriented pastas would go well with this wine. Toad 2006 This ;I, comes ~ where Zinf~ long h offering i~ ~ Sirah. It~!a really great Cacophony Zinfandel Hollow Zinfandel ppellation les thdve upon the nights. This new 20% Petit & jammy wine that’s a :e~.for barbecued meats. :i~va/Sparkling wine NV. Th~ rfclude; 50% Macabeo, 15% Xarelolo. This iJwhat you may be used ne or U S sparkling :he Spanish create a : old world version from wine is quite affordable pleasantly surprise you. ~s ~s a good wine to fall back on as you ;lebrate the summer months. ~ And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/wv,rw.WineS pec~ator.co m www.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org is.~grape can take years to age and www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 �9t8.585,5898 ® 800.585,5101 West 7th Street (corner 7th & Boulder Ave) ® Tulsa, Ok 74t 19 16 theSTAR e www.q plazatulsa.com June 2008 �TW’s-AFAB Catering �by Donald Pile and Ray Williams LUNA VISTA B & B aJmost knocked us over. At night we saw more stars in the sky than we ever see here in the Midwest. "Morltezuma’s Castle" There are fabulous places to visit and there are "beyond Fabulous" places to visit. Luna Vista in Rimrock, Arizona is such a place. Driving out to California on a recent trip we were guests of Kala (pronounced Calla is in Calla Lily) and her husband Frank at their "beyond Fabulous" Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast. Located just about 20 miles southeast of Sedona and just about 3 miles offthe Interstate, this has to be one of the finest and most unusual places that we have been. However to get there you get off the pavement and drive about three miles around curvy hilly, rocky and treacherous gravel and dirt roads to make your arrival. But after arriving, it is ~vorth the trip. After making the last turn you are aghast when you see this place. It is like you have arrived at the Ponderosa! Kala and Frank were residents of the East Coast and after 9111 they decided that it was time for a major move. They purchased the property in Rimrock, remodeled, repaired, built on, put in a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and many more additions and finally opened their new B and B in February, 2004 and it has been an instant success ever since. We stayed in the Don Diego (Zorro) suite. Our bathroom was 18 feet by 20 feet and included our own Jacuzzi. Our shower was 6 feet by 8 feet and included a steam room and a double vanity, bidet and every kind of amenity that you would possibly want. Our linens were 400-threat count Egyptian cotton and of course they were ironed before putting them on the beds! Oh! Did we mention that they have heated towel racks in the bathroom? Each room came with a DVDITFIVHS, CD player, etc. A bottle of wine is in every room for the guests. The grounds are fabulous. They are very pet-friendly and even have a dog run and a horse run should you care to bring your horse. Not into driving? Then use their helicopter pad and fly right in! They serve a full-course breakfast every day and on Sundays’ a full brunch. And we are not talking a muffin and coffee, but a full sit-down breakfast with wanes, breakfast steak, eggs, potatoes, etc. Nothing is left out. Guests have the full run of the house and property including an office where you can check your e-mails and work online if need be. But the most important thing about Luna Vista are the owners, KALA AND FRANK. Nxey genuinely care about their guests and cater to their every need. Tney love life and it shows. In all of our travels, they are the most sincere, heartwarming and friendly people that we have ever met. On our last night there, Kala and Frank hosted a party in our honor and invited severn of their neighbors and area antiques dealers. They fixed enough food for an entire army. Everyone was so interesting in their own way. The woman The moment that Kala opened the door to welcome us in, we I~IEW that we were going in for a big treat and we were! She is dive, animated, professional, entertaining and a great hostess. Frank ALWAYS has a smile on his face and is very excited about everything. Together they make a great team and we know that they will be in the bed and breakfast business for many years. They can’t help it if they were born straight! It happens in the best of families. Everyone is welcome at Luna Vista and we do mean everybody! We stayed there for three days and didn’t even want to go anywhere else. However one day we did drive over to Montezuma’s Castle and on to Montezumgs Lake which was extremely interesting. But the red enjoyment was taking advantage of the Luna Vista B and B and the many amenities it has to offer. It is located on 16 acres and you can take a long hike through the woods and river area. The flowers were blooming everywhere. The sights and aromas 18 theSTAR Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast www.ozarksstar.com �Les residents want Wockner News Wire Nxree residents of the Greek island of Lesbos have filed suit in an attempt to reclaim the word "lesbian" and stop the group Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece (OLKE) from using it. Gay women are believed to have adopted the word in memory of Sappho, a poet who lived on the island in the sixth century B.C. and wrote about love between women. Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast next door to them bakes fantastic desserts and another neighbor is a spiritual advisor and yet another creams beautiful "cactus" lamps and objects. She presented us xvith one of her creations. The next time you really xvant to get away from everything and truly have a memorable experience, book yoursdf a xveek at the "beyond fabulous" Luna Vista. Their website is: wxvxv.lunavistabandb.com or call 800-611-4788. They have been featured in many travel publications from coast to coast. To get to Rimrock either fly into Flags{aff or Phoenix, rent an auto and drive. That is unless you’re already driving, then just drive on Interstate 17 and take the 293 Exit. The plaintiffs claim the alleged theft of "lesbian" from the island’s residents amounts to "psychological and moral rape." An OLKE spokeswoman called the case "ridiculous" but an Athens court will hear the matter on June 10. Quotable Quotes Cuba’s parliament is studying proposals to legalize same-sex unions and give gay couples the benefits that people in traditional marriages enjoy. "The freedom of sexual choice and gender identity are exercises in equality and social justice," said Mariela Castro, daughter of President Raul Castro,. We stayed xvith them on a return trip from California and our "beyond fabnlous" experiences continued while staying there. We don’t make many promises, but trust us on this one, we promise that you will have one of the finest and most enjoyable weeks of your life xvith Kala and Frank. Alxvays remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Seepage 29for order blank. www.ozarksstar.corn ~}~eSTAR t9 �of Town B~ A~&’~w Colli~ W-eekend Getaways from Portland, Oregon with a marionberry vinaigreue. For more sophisticated fare, book a table at the Gower Street Bistro, which presents creative regional dishes, such as pan-seared sea scallops with roaste&cre~ corn, eNgplant, and tJancetta. You might spend the mornings in Cannon Beach strolling along the sand, admiring the many geological formations just Offshore, such as the famous, 237-~bot-tall Haystack Rocla Do as locals do and grab a cup of delicious java at Sleepy Mgnk C~ff?e Roasters (alofig with £ ~hick sli~e ofch0~latechip pumpkin bread)before you Set Out[ %nture south of Cannori Beach and youll pass throt~ Oswald West S~te Park, which is laced with hiking trails that weave through 01d-gro~f0rest; leading down tO the ~ch. End your day in fianky itS, with its quirlg, cafes and galleri~i perhaps enjoying a glass of Oregon wine at Vino, a snaz~ little Wine bar that also ser~e~ plate~ of delici0u] chkrcuterie and cheeSe. Between Manzanita and CannOn Beach in tiny Arch Cape, the gay-owned Ocean Point Inn comprises three oceanfront suites with chic, contempo~ furnishings, fiatscreen TVs, and gas fireplaces. Guests can enjoy a ~de range of treatments at the inn’s spa. It’s one of the most romantic accommodations along the coast. I-5} Within 30 miles of Portland, in Oregon’s verdant Willamette Valley; you’ll find some of the leading wineries in ~e United States - the area ha~ become Oregon’s Gannon Beach o~rs some ofthe best sunset-viewing on the West Coast. (Photo by Andrew Collins) Hip and cosmopolitan Portland continues to emerge as a popular urban vacation destination for gay" and lesbian travelers, thanks in part to its stellar restaurant scene, liberal social climate, and artsy personalit~: But another major draw of this charmed city is its proxmaity to so many breathtakingly beautiful places that make perfect two- to three-day getaways. In an afternoon’s drive, you can explore the rugged Oregon Coast, tile lush Willamette Valley wine country, or the high desert outdoor recreation mecca of Bend. Here’s a look at three ideal weekend getaways from the Portland area, all of them centered on communities with an increasing number of gay-owned or gay-friendly accommodations and restaurants. especially renowned for iris pinot noirs. If you have only a day to tour the region, focus your efforts a~ound the rural, hilly Yamhill area, home to such esteemed vineyards as Willakenzie, Penner,Ash, and Adelsheim. Just a short drive south, in the Dundee Hills. standouts include Archery Summit, Sokot Blosser, and Domaine Serene. ~ese are among dozens of wineries with tasting rooms open m the public. ~Ihis part of the valley abounds with excellent restaurants, too. An intimate spot serving relatively affordable French fare, Cuvee sits along the quiet main drag of tiny Carlton and is a fine place to end a day ofwine-t~asting. Among the several stellar restauvamts in Dundee, check out Tina’s, a bustling bistro that features creative American fare emphasizing ingredients from r delicious dish is the seared halibut local cheeks with diced "Ihere tic and rooms, each with a As vou Camaon Beach and Manzanita (a 90-minute drive via U.S. 26) From downtown Pordand, U.S. 26 leads west over the dramatic Coast Mountains to northern Oregon’s spectacular and relatively macrowded coast, a highlight of which is dapper Cannon Beach, a low-keyed munity set along a striking stretch of beach. Quite a few gays and lesbians (including Pordand-based filmmaker Gus Van Zant) own or rent summer homes here or in nearby beach towns, such as funk)" Manzauita and upscale Gearhart. The quieter south end of Cannon Beach. known as Tolovana Park. has a slightly more artsy feel. Here you might spend the night at the delightful Inn at Cannon Beach, a tasteful complex of contemporar5 two-srory cottages that open around a central courtyard with fragrant flower gardens and Adirondack chairs. Itk steps from the beach, and next door to’the Warren House Pub. a casual, gay-friendly spot that brews its own excellent beer and serves tast7 comfort food, such as grilled pankocrusted oysters, and house-smoked-salmon salad 20 f~eSTAR gene. Here scene of any Oregon city with parks ~nd ri~:e vci~ opportunities for recreation. A attraction is the Owen Ros~ Garden, where more than d Nearb); a former chicken-processing plant houses the Fifth Street Market, now a complex of fascinati~ shops and enticing restaurants, mclu&ng one of the regions best dining choices, Marche. Here you can ry such memorable fare as 0yen-roasted local mussels with a saffron-cream, and smoked pork chops with rhubarb chum~ From April through De~emher, check out the neaiby Saturday Market, Where ente~iners pei~form and close to 200 artisans, farmers, and cooks sell their wares. www.ozarksstar.com �OAXACA RESTAURANT Sed0na, Arizona Pronounced (Wa-ha&a) this Mexican restaurant in Sedona offers exciting food. With breath-taking scenery and beautiful views from their rooftop cantina, Oaxaca has earned it’s title "Local Secret/Big Find" by Travelocity.com. Tnis old world stTle Mexican restaurant is located in Uptown Sedona and offers casual dining with an extensive menu with a taste of every palate. Carl Butler, the owner and a registered dietitian has created a delicious menu with a healthy approach. Oaxaca serves up heart healthy, reduced fat and low cholesterol recipes which are full of flavo!! Oaxaca serves a wide range of Mexican, Southwest, American and Vegetarian dishes with authentic favorites Such as fajitas and chile rellenos. It is no wonder why people have been dining there for years and years and many people drive out of their way when traveling, just to dine there! You certainly will have a wonderful dining experience, enjoying the exciting flavors of their food and looking at the fabulous mountain scenery. q-hey are open daily: 10:30 AM to 9 PM. Happy hour: 3 PM to 6 PM. Breakfast buffet: Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AiM to 10:30 AM. q-hey are located at 321 North Highway 89A in Sedona, Arizona. .............................. CHILE RELLENOS Next Page theSTAR 21 �di i g° New art exhibit feat rOkEq Cdebrates ing artist Dennis Olson Ca i£ornia Ru ing £or at the Dennis Ro Neill Marriage Equa ity Equality Center TULSA, OK (PR) - May 15, 2008 __ Today, in a 4-3 decision, the California State Supreme Court ruled in favor of full marriage equality for same-sex couples. The decision follows lawsuits by fifteen couples who challenged the constitutionality of the state’s marriage ban. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 5-9pm, Thursday, June 5, 2008, for the opening of their June exhibit, paintings by Oklahoma City resident Dennis Olson. This event will correlate with the onenight-only Tulsa Pride "More Color" art show featuring works by sixty artists. Dennis Olson’s exhibit will remain up through the month of June, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Imsbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Quotable Quotes "I respect the Court’s decision and as Governor, I will uphold its ruling. Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling." California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: 22 theSTAR "This historic decision is a victory for fairness and opportunity for hundreds of thousands of loving, committed couples and their families in California," said Justice Waidner, Oklahomans for Equality Executive Director. "We continue to work and hope for the day when families in every state have the basic protections that come with marriage." A growing number of states provide recognition of same-sex relationships. Including California, eight states plus the District of Columbia allow couples to marry or confer rights and benefits similar to marriage. However, the Defense of Marriage Act still prohibits the Federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages approved in individual states. In November, Californians vote on a ballot initiative to amend the state constitution by defining marriage as between one man and one woman. If passed, this constitutional amendment would overturn the California Supreme Court’s ruling. "Many Americans believe that marriage equality will be a reality in their lifetimes," noted Waidner. "Organizations in every corner of this country are working hard to achieve the kanerican dream of equality and justice for all. We are all inspired by the California marriage decision and look forward to the day when every American in every state and territory will have the opportunity to realize their hopes and dreams by marrying the person they love." w~v.ozarksstar.com �Sound of Music Headlines Lyric’s 2008 Stammer Season OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ Tickets for Lyric Theatre’s 2008 summer season of musicals are now on sale. Lyric "Iheatre, Oklahoma’s premiere professional theatre company, proudly continues its 46-year tradition of producing stellar Broadway-style shows for the people of Oklahoma. Lyric’s four summer season productions will be held at the Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City. From June 24th through 28th, Lyric will open the season with The Sound of Music, presented for the first time on the Civic Center stage. This timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein family classic tells the story of Maria, a young, spirited, would-be nun who is appointed as governess for the seven children of a widowed sea captain. Lyric’s next production, Swing!, will run from July 8th through 12th. Swing! is a celebration of the music and dance phenomenon that swept the nation in the ’30s and ’40s. This all-singing, all-dancing evening of music features over thirty incredible numbers guaranteed to put audiences "in the mood!" Lyric will bring a beloved movie musical to the stage from July 22nd through 26th. Set in Oregon in 1850, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers is the fresh, wholesome tale of Adam Pontipee and his unkempt, burly brothers who kidnap six townswomen for the winter in hopes of finding love and companionship. Their well-meaning, but hilarious shenanigans of courtship are played out in boisterous song and dance. Seven Brides For Seven Brothers will feature Broadway performers Elisa Van Duyne as Milly and Jim Sorensen as Adam. (rated G) Concluding Lyric’s 2008 summer season is a modern musical hit, Urinetown, the Musical, fresh off the Broadway stage. The title might give off the impression that the play is about nothing more than a town that indulges itself in bathroom related humor. In reality, Urinetown, the Musical, written by Greg Kotis, a New York playwright who specializes in socially relevant comedies, is a hilarious melodrama about a town plagued by drought. In a mad attempt to regulate ,#cater consumption, the government forces www.ozarksstar.com its citizens to use pay-per-use amenities, monopolized by the Urine Good Company. Urinetown satirizes corporate and political greed, the idealism of rebellion, and also spoofs on the art of musical theatre itself, all set to a score bursting with a big Broadway sound. "Urinetown ~von the 2002 Tony Award for Best Original Score and is lauded on Broadway as one of the smartest, most comical musicals of this century;" explains Nick Demos, Lyric’s Artistic Director. There is nothing offensive about it, other than an unattractive title!" Urinetown plays from August 5th through 9th, and guarantees a unique night of unprecedented laughter. (rated PG) Single tickets to all Civic Center productions start at $27. Four-Show Season Ticket packages are also still available and start at just $80, as are the Three-Show Family Packages which include The Sound of Music, Swing!, and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. For more info visit www.lyrictheatreokc.com or call (405) 524-9312. TOM KOVACH MAKES HISTORY WINNING A SEAT ON NOR_MAN’S CITY COUNCIL By Victor Gorin NORMAN, OK__ Tom Kovach, an out gay Democrat was elected to the Norman City Council representing Ward 2 in a runoff against political consultant Chebon Marshall. The race began running against 2 opponents, Mr. Marshall and Michael McKee. Although Chebon Marshall got the most votes, he did not get a majority of the total votes. Mr. Kovach was in second place, so as per Oklahoma election law, this resulted in a runoff election. Although vastly outspent, Mr. Kovach made up for this with hard work and determination, and making known his stands on issues to make the city better. As he puts it, " Throughout the campaign we stuck mainly to the issues, which were mainly public safety and storm water." His efforts won the endorsement of both the Sierra Club and the Norman Homeowner’s Alliance. Photo: Tom Kovach by Victor Gorin designed to turn conservative voters against him close to the election named him as endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats ( explaining for those who didn’t know that it was a gay rights organization within the Democratic Party), and a member of the American Civil Liberties Union (both true). Despite this distraction from the issues, his sincerity and practical message carried him to victory. He has lived in Norman over 40 years, much of that in Ward 2. His partner of over 10 years, Will Weir, is also an activist volunteer with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, P-Flag, GLSEN, and helping people with disabilities. Mr. Weir won Norman’s Human Pdghts Award in 2007. Tom made history being Oklahoma’s 3rd openly gay elected public official The last 2 were Oklahoma State Representative A1 McAffrey (Democrat District 88, elected 2006) and Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth (Democrat District 1, first elected 2002). The first was Dr. David also elected to the Norman City Council in 2001, who Tom remembers as "Someone who stood up for many issues which are now being considered by a more progressive city council, and we owe a lot to him" As for his future he is optimistic, stating that" I have been active in the city, spe~ng before the city council many times. N~ey know me well, and I think we have a good working relationship. I look forward to working with the seasoned members of the council, and look forward to working with Mayor (Cindy) Rosenthal." There was rumor mongering about his sexual orientation, and a literature drop {:h®$TAR 23 �Photo’s by Victor G. & Jud / G. @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa 24 @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Steve’s Hideawa t, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City �By Greg Steele Club Rachael n downtown Jade Esteban portraying his one man play Inns III, The Gay and Lesbian History of the Wodd at OKC’s Indiv dual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery Laura Belmonte, President Oklahomans for Equality and OKC Pride Publicity Coordinator Michael Cich at the 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit hosted by Cimarron Alliance Oklahoma ( Reverend Lo rce his friend Alex with their friends at May P-Flag Meeting. www.ozarksstar.com Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Male Co-Chair Paul Thompson Gay ’Star Trek’ actor George Takei is to marry his partner Brad Altman in California congratulates Reverend Loyce Newton-Edwards on her ordination as a UCC minister at Church of the Open Arms. ~ �Swimsuit C01tect 0n Men From Mensuas _Mensuas announces their 2008 Swimsuit Collection for Men fiaturing swimwear by Bask#, Mensuas, IV2N Bodywear and Timoteo. Jvat in time for sumrne~ these new swimsuits are great for t,6e beach or laying by the i)ool. TAMPA, FL 0)RWEB) __ Mensuas announces their 2008 Swimsuit Collection for Men featuring swimsuits by Baskit, Mensuas, N2N Bodyxvear and Timoteo. Just in time for summer, these nexv sxvimsuits are great for the beach or laying by the pool Timeoteo Swim Bikini Mensuas has carried N2N Bod),wear swimsuits for several years. The N2N Bodywear 2008 Sxvimsuits include the Catalina Competitor, Corona Competitor, Cosmo Competitor and the X-Poser. The new and daring designs xvill sure to get you noticed at the beach. Mensuas has team up xvith Tulio to create the exciting nexv Mensua~ Swim Bikini in four new styles for 2008. Modeled by Levi Poulter, these unique swimsuit designs represent a bold and exciting trend in mens sxvimxvear. Mensuas new operations center is located in the suburbs of Tampa, F1. The new operations center allows customers orders to be processed faster and alloxv the Baskit Orange Lucky 7 3.5" Swim Bikini California Muscle Capri Blue Swim Teaser q-hong availability of more future products at their website. Our customer’s satisfaction with the products they order and the amount of time it takes to receive their order is number one priority at Menuas. Mensuas wants to become number one shopping source for customers to order their underwear and sxvimwear for themselves or for the man in their life. ages. All packages shipped discreetly to our customers to ensure privacy. Mensuas is offering their customers a 10% discount on their next order, please enter promotion code undies08 at checkout and receive the 10% discount on your order total excluding shipping charges. Website: www.mensuas.com Mensuas always offer free shipping on all orders totaling $25.00 or more for US and Canada customers. We offer great international shipping rates. All orders received by 3:00 PM EST are shipped the same business day by USPS regular mail. All items shipped from Mensuas are tracked from the Post Office to ensure customers packages can be traced in case of lost or mishandled pack Mensuas Swim Bikini Timeoteo Swim Bikini 26 t~~eSTAR California Muscle Dolce Swim Brief www.ozarksstar.com �Judy Shepard, executive director of the Foundation, said, "Wearing the Erase Hate pendant is a great way for people to express how they feel and promote the values of understanding, compassion and acceptance that were so important to Matthew," Adding, "It has been ten years since the death of my son. Although we can not replace Matthew, we can join together to help spread the message of erasing hate." K ight will i;i M tthew hepard Foundation ~ h~i~ kick off National GayPride month with a symbolic dusk commitment ceremony at the faamed West Hollywood hotspot, The Abbey. At 8pm, couples from aroufid the nation will "tie the knot" in an event officiated by the Mayor of West Holly~vood and witnessed by Judy Shepard. Couples will be wearing the Matthew Shepard Erase Hate pendant courtesy of Love and Pride jewehy designer, Udi Behr. Love and Pride is the first online jewelry destination for people who believe in equality, diversity and tolerance for all. www.!oveandpride.com Behr created the Erase Hate pendant for Judy Shepard, in memory of her son, Matthew Shepard, who was the victim of a brutal anti-gay hate crime in rural Wyoming ten years ago. His murder brought national attention to the issue of hate crime legislation and was a watershed moment in the fight for gay civil rights. Behr remarks, "A public commitment ceremony is a great way to join together and strengthen our two messages; ’Celebrating Love’ and ’Erasing Hate.’" 100% of net proceeds from sales of the pendant assist the Matthew Shepard Foundation. v~’~v.ozarkssta r.com The parade lineup will start at 10 AM on Meadow Street, next to the Arvest Bank. Parade will start promptly at 12 Noon. A brief Pride rally will be held at the end of the parade in the V/alton Arts Center Parking Lot. Mayor Jeffrey Prang comments, "The City of West Hollywood supports marriage equality and continues to work hard for changes in California law." Adding, "We will not stop fighting for our rights as no government can prevent us from loving whom we choose." For more details, float and or speaker applications, please go to NWA Pride’s web site at www.nwapride.org. Volunteers still needed! World renowned recording artist Steve Oliver will perform the classic ceremonial march Pachelbel Canon in D major. "A Star Studded Night" Gala in Fayettevillle CEREMONY REGISTRATION FORM: www.MatthewShepard.org/GetMarried WEST HOLL,,~Y~VO,OD, CA (,P,R) __ On June 4, 2008i !G)~atomy star T.R. bicycles, vehicles and especially this election year, proudly wave rainbow and American flags. PRIDE PARADE OF NW" ARKANSAS FAYETTEVILLE AR (PR) __ NWA PRIDE announces the 2nd Annual NWA PRIDE PARADE, A Celebration of Diversity and Community, will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2008 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Parade organizers invite GLBTs aald Straight allies to come together in solidarity in support of equal rights for all. It is NWA Pride’s great pleasure to honor Chris Harmon as this year’s Grand Marshal. Chris has been an unsung hero as founder of the NWA POSITIVE LINKS BUDDY PROGRAM and is currently a board member of the NWA GLBT Community Center. The Buddy Program provides information and much needed peer-to-peer support for people living with HIV and AIDS. Chris and Program volunteers maintain a food bank, make personal visits, help with chores, transportation and provide many other resources for 1Mng a positive life. Parade participants and spectators are encouraged to be artistic, have fun and show your pride. (Kid friendly and appropriate for public locations) Paint your face, wear costumes, dress up your pets, horses, FAYETTEVILLE, AR (PR) __ The NXX/A GLBT Community Center will host their 2nd Annual Fund Raising Gala "A Star Studded Night" on Friday, June 27 at the Clarion Inn located at 1255 S. Shiloh Drive in Fayetteville. The Ball Room ~vill be delightfully decorated resembling the glitz and glamor of a Hollywood party. Gala Guests’ will enjoy the fun and excitement of a "night among the stars" as guests become our Celebrities in an evening filled with great food, dancing and music provided by Dance Enhance Entertainment. The evening will begin with a lavish Prime Rib, Chicken or Vegetarian Buffet entree as well as silent auctions and special speakers which include the Rev. Lowell Grisham of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Shawn Coker the Chairperson of The NWA Diversity Council and Vice President of Diversity Business Practices of Tyson Foods. Throughout the evening guests’ will be casting their vote for the "Star of the Night" Award which will be given to the person who raises the most money through a $1 ballot. Advance tickets for the event are $50 each or $400 per table of 8 and may be purchased on-line at http:/Avww.nwaglbtcc.org or by calling 1-888-361-9222 or in person at Tymythy’s Hair Salon located at 130 E. Poplar St. Suite B in Fayetteville. Tickets will not be available at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. and a Cash Cocktail bar will be open throughout the night. Formal Attire or Celebrity Costumes are recommended. th÷STAR 27 �by Jack Fertig June 2008 "Take bo~d risks, Aquarius!" Everyone is being just a bit too fabulous for words! Mercury is retrograde, so his alignment with Venus and the Sun is a bit more like a collision of verbosity and overaffected efforts at charm. Mars in Leo is feeding the frenzy. Remember Lucy and Ethel at charm school? It’s that kind of week! ARIES (Narch 20 -April 19): Baby wants to play, but you are atypically given more to talk than action now. Chatty word games and rambling are not usually your style, but go with it for now. Don’t be afraid to look silly. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Buying or tossing out household items could easily be a mistake. Instead try rearranging things and seeing them in a new light. This is a great time to locate problems in domestic finances, but solving them should wait a few weeks. GEMINI (May 2t - Jun.e 20): You’re going to trip over your tongue no matter what you’re talking about. Best to keep it light, nonconfrontational, and all in good humor so you can laugh with your friends over your own malapropisms and faux pas. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 o December 21}): Misunderstandings with your partner actually open new doors that could improve your relationship. Explore new pleasures and possibilities together. If anything seems disappointing, you might want to try again a few weeks later. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Anyone playing around should make regular visits to the clinic. When was your last time? If you have a clean bill of health, you can have a great time practicing any erotic techniques you’d like to develop. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Be creative! Be daring! Take bold risks and be willing to fall down and look utterly ridiculous. A good pratfall can be endearing, helping to improve your partnership orto find a good candidate for one. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): You have the housecleaning energy and lack of focus typical of a speed freak. Try to concentrate on one specific task or goal at a time. You’ll soon be dissatisfied with the results, but that’s OK. Housework always needs redoing! CANCER (June 21- Ju~y 22): Hide the plastic, and keep the cash out of reach. Any urge to display your good taste is best done as tasteful restraint - and no, that doesn’t mean buying handcuffs that match the bedposts! Take time out with someone you value most. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Everyone says you look fabulous - and you do! You’re all cranked up, looking and thinking three steps ahead, but are you really three steps ahead going in the right direction? Check with friends who care about more than looking fabulous. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Someone behind the scenes offers to help you up the ladder. Some secrets may be revealed in the process, but that can also work in your favor. Everyone’s screwing up some these days, but your mistakes - and the way you handle them - look good! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You could charm anyone into believing your stories and arguments, even if they contain mistakes. Leave room for later revisions! Better just to radiate charm and energy; save the important facts for later. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Seems everybody wants a taste of what you’ve got! If you do play around, none of it will be secret. You could get a reputation as a great lover, but what would your boss and your partner say? METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �Support those who support us. DOWNTOWN PLAZA of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY PRIDE EVENTS P. O. BOX 3158 Eure "ka Springs, AR 72631 479-253-2555 www.diversitypride.com EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowshi 311 S Klein Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73108 405-761-1878 www.myspace.com/expressionsokc HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747~5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.ctubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com www.ozarksstar.com SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Hk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 ~’xw,wv.c21 goldcastle.com OK JAZZ HALL OF FAME 111E. lstSt Tulsa, OK 918-596-1001 www.okjazz.org CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 TOLBERT THEATER 400 W. Sheridan Oklahoma City, OK 405-297-2264 www.tickets.com GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn 9 8-835-?887 DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com OKC PRIDE, INC PO BOX 60296 Oklahoma City, OK 73146 www.okcpride.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or rnoneyorder to: OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 The STAR PO Box 581718 Tulsa, OK 74158-1718 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City:. KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 St: Zip:. Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: theSTAR �Chuck Breckenridge ~ether buying or selling I’)). work hard for your[ 30 tB÷STAR ................... www.ozarksstar.com ��We oppose the portrayal of homosexual or promiscuous behavior in a positive light in our public schools. We oppose the erosion of our military readiness through openly practicing hornosexuals serving in the military We oppose the promotion of homosexuality, the elimination of laws against sodomy, and the granting of minority protection or special status to any person based upon sexua~ preference or llfestyb choice. We are committed to equal treatment of all service members and believe all patriotic Americans should be allowed to serve our country without discrimination, persecution or violence. We support legislation barring workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. We support the full inclusion of gay and lesbian families in the life of our nation and seek equal responsibilities, benefits and protections for these families. Taken from current platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties of Oklahoma. �� 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 ~nty one years ago was a world that many young people never k~ew or could comprehend. No openly gay person had been elected to public office in Oklahoma. Organizations advocating equality for GLBT Oklahomans were few and far less influential. Only 3 years earlier our Oklahoma Legislature had passed legislation (later ruled unconstitutional by the Federal court system) that would prohibit a public school teacher from even making a positive statement about the GLBT community in a classroom. Equality for GLBT people was hardly discussed, and gay marriage even more remote. Politicians could (and did) make hateful statements about our community without any fear that someone would challenge their remarks. (sorry Sally, you came along too late) ride ~ganizers of this year’s Tulsa Pride Celebration are promising the public that this year’s events will be anything but boring. Nate Black, one of the co-chairs says the changes are intended to breathe a new sense of excitement into the Pride observance and to help promote the revitalization of downtown. It may not look the same, but organizers promise that Tulsa Pride 2008 will be just as incredible of a celebration as ever. Spanning over two weeks, with an event almost every evening, Tulsa Pride 2008 has something for everyone. "There will be some differences, but the spirit of the celebration is the same. It is still going to be a joyful, invigorating experience that xvill spark the same sense of pride and freedom in our community," Tutso PI IDE ?008 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com walk or drag yourselfto Tulsa Pride 2008 By Joey De It may not look the same, but organizers promise that Tulsa Pride 2008 is a series of events you won’t want to miss. "We have our three anchor events: the gala, the parade and block party, and the picnic," explains Pride co-chair Nate Black. "There ~vill be some differences from the past, but the spirit ofTulsa Pride is as vibrant as ever." Here is a brief look at the events ofTulsa Pride 2008. For a complete listing, maps and details, visit www.tulsapride.org May 30 - "Sisters in Song" concert at All Souls Unitarian Church. May 31- Wear your rainbow attire and enjoy a day at America’s favorite zoo with your friends and family. Tnat night, join the Equality Gala and celebrate the GLBT community at Cain’s Ballroom. Jun. 1 - Rev. Barney McLaughlin and members ofTulsa’s faith community will be hosting "Spiritual Equality," an interfaith service at Bethany Christian Church. Jun. 2 - Join PFLAG at the Circle Cinema for a free screening of "Anyone and Everyone," a film about families struggling to accept their GLBT youth. Jun. 4 - Cheer the Drillers to victory and enjoy an old-fashioned ballpark picnic. Tickets must be bought in advance. That evening, Lochran Theatre’s "He&vig and the Angry Inch," opens. The show will play at various locations through the 15th. Jun. 5 - Enjoy the works of 60 artists at "More Color," a one-night ex~hibition at the Equality Center. Jun. 6 - Open Arms Youth Project Fashion Show. Jun. 7 - Dine at the OkEq Family Taco Dinner benefiting PFLAG, then join the Pride Parade and Block Party, with two stages of entertainment. Youth Services ofTulsa will be hosting a concert in their Coffee House for those under 21 and child care will be available for those under 12 at the Equality Center. Jun. 8 - Texas Hold’era at the Equality Center. Jun. 10 - Leather and Fetish fashion show at the Equality Center. Jun. 11 - Join the "Gender Avengers" for an evening of monologues and plays addressing transgender issues. Jun. 12 - Learn about raising kids in a diverse world at the Downtown Library. Speakers will be available and books attacked for their "inappropriate" messages will be displayed. Jun. 13 - Screen "The ~A’ Word," a film with no audio or subtitles, about 10 deaf lesbians. Jun. 14 - Walce up early for the YST fun run before the Equality Festival at Centennial Park on 6th and Peoria! www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3 OKC P DE EEKEND AN EVENT TRULY ’COMING OF AGE" By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ It can be hard to fathom, but OKC Pride is now 21. Had the event been a child born 21 years ago, that person would now be ready to legally enjoy the bars. Instead a spirit of human determination was born in rocky Oklahoma soil, with the joyful trappings that come with living in the Bible Belt’s buckle, q-his beginning came to Oklahoma through the brave organization of about a dozen people. As Paul Thompson recAls, "We didfft know if there wotdd be 10 people marching or a hundred." The Ku Klux Klan had promised to meet the marchers when they came over the N.W. 39th Street hill with hostile confrontation. When around 400 marchers came over the hill, the Klansmen waiting in Safeway’s (now Homeland) parking lot promptly left the scene, and a proud tradition began. It was a world that many young people never knew or could comprehend. No openly gay person had been elected to public office in Oklahoma. Organizations advocating equality for GLBT Oklahomans were few and far less influential. Only 3 years earlier our Oklahoma Legislature had passed legislation (later ruled unconstitutional by the Federal court system) that would prohibit a public school teacher from even making a positive statement about the GLBT community in a classroom. Equality for GLBT people was hardly discussed, and gay marriage even more remote. Politicians could (and did) make hateful statements about our community without any fear that someone would challenge their remarks. (sorry Sally, you came along too late) Today the Pride Festival and Parade truly showcases the theme by showing how far we’ve come. Festival booths not only feature openly gay public office holders (now even on the State level with the appointment of Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth), but also gay political organizations of Democrats and Republicans, as well as straight politicians & parties who are proud to speak out for us and seek our vote. Social organizations (from rodeo to softball), and religious groups bring us all together in glamorous diversity. There are countless more business organizations proud to seek out the gay community to make a buck. Last but not least, nothing compares to the mosaic of the GLBT community and their friends, people from all walks of life together in Pride. EVENTS: June 14 Saturday OKC Pride at the Zoo 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For the first time there will be a gay day at the Oklahoma City Zoo. It will be a great way to begin the week’s festivities with family and/or friends. There is information about a special reduced rate inside every OKC Pride Participation Packet, so come out, enjoy the day and wish the animals a good week too! June 15 Sunday OKC Pride Day ofWorship Cathedral of Hope & Church of the Open Arms ( both UCC) will be planning special worship celebrations to commemorate Pride Week. Ifyou have felt left out or excluded from worship, these churches are ready to welcome you just as you are. June 20- OKC Pride Parade Now moved to Friday evening stepping off at 7 p.m. the route is unchanged. Beginning at Memorial Park ( N.W. 36th & Classen) it proceeds north on Classen two blocks north ofN.W. 39th Street, turns around on Classen and then proceeds west on N.W. 39th. Our Grand Marshall will be Joe Salmonese, the chair of the national Human Rights Campaign. Preceding the Parade will be a Strip Show ( signifying the N.W. 39th Street Strip) featuring some of our wildest and finest entertainers. Then the crowd cheers on as the parade’s first arrivals enjoy the finest climax ever enjoyed at any event. As the Parade concludes those in the mood will be ready to party, giving new meaning to a wild weekend while remembering how Pride brings us together. June 21- 22 OKC Pride Festival Still at Oklahoma Cit)?s Memorial Park at N.W. "36th & Classen, the Festival will run from noon until 10 p.m. Saturday June 21, and from noon until 5 p.m. June 22 Sunday. There will be many booths featuring organizations you can learn from or even consider joining, as well as endless types of merchandise. There will be entertainment as well Following the Festival conclusion at 5 p.m. Sunday, Church of the Open Arms has their Annual Pride Ice Cream Social, which will featuring the Therapy Sisters in concert. There’s no better way to cool off, enjoy the fun & music and recap the xveekend. This is an event you don’t want to miss, it’s there for all of us. For more infornaation pick up a Pride Guide at your favorite clubs, " or check out the website at wwv.okcpride. com DBAT Celebrates Pride by Hosting a Diversity Job Fair TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Diversity Business Association ofTulsa (DBAT), a program of Oklahomans for Equality, is hosting a Diversity Job Fair on June 13th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. The event, being held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Downtown Tulsa, will bring together lgbt job seekers and lgbt-friendly employers in a safe and comfortable environment, allowing for open dialogue and alleviating fears of discrimination. The Diversity Job Fair offers a unique opportunity for diversity-conscious employers to access the wealth of skilled and talented members of the lgbt community. Additionally, job seekers are given an unprecedented connection to companies that are lgbtfriendly. F~r more information or if your company is interested in participating in the job fair, contact Susan Hartman at dbat@okeq.org or call 918-698-2977. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 By David Benkof Should gay-rights advances be put on hold until all LGBT people can be included? On this question, the position held by the most prominent voices in the gay community is so inconsistent it borders on incoherent. Last year, most leading gay-rights organizations rejected the advice of congressional experts including Rep. Barney Frank (DMass.) and pushed for an unlikely-to-pass version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that included gender identity. \Vc~hen the broader bill was replaced with an ENDA that covered only sexual orientation, hundreds of gay and lesbian groups lobbied Congress to vote "no" on what was the most important piece of gayrights legislation in a decade. Indeed, seven Democrats who had previously been reliable votes for pro-gay bills opposed ENDA because it did not include protections for transgender people. LGBT activists defended this stance in a variety of ways, but the basic argument xvas that no part of the community should gain civil rights at the expense of other parts. Of course, had that been the approach of voting-rights activists after the Civil War, African-Americans would have forfeited the vote until women gained suffrage a halfcentury later - and they, in turn, may have been asked to wait for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 before gaining the right to vote. In any event, supporters ofwhat became known as "United ENDA" characterized their position as a principled one, believing that LGB rights without T rights were worse than no rights at all, and that (Evita show tune be damned) politics is not "the art of the possible." This pose is simply unsustainable, as an examination of transgender military inclusion shows. The Web sites of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; the Human Rights Campaign; Parents, Friends, and Families of Lesbians and Gays; and many other groups advocate for an ENDA that includes gender identity, but the T is glaringly missing when it comes to military issues. ~nese organizations push for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals to serve openly in the armed forces, but don’t lobby on behalf of transgender people who want to serve their country. They certainly don’t insist that any repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" (DADT) be linked to equality for transgender servicemembers. There are only three ways LGBT organizations can react to this imbalance with any sort of integrity: One, they could refuse to support the repeal ofDADT unless it is accompanied by a new policy that prohibits the military from discriminating on the basis of gender identity. Two, they could admit that their ENDA strategy was wrong and agree to accept an LGB-only workplace bill until such time as the votes are there to pass a more inclusive ENDA. Three, they could articulate pub!icly and precisely why discrimination against transgender people in the military is more legitimate than private-sector discrimination against them - and why it is more legitimate than discrimination against lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals in the military. I would certainly prefer the second solution, but I could respect the other two approaches. My hunch, though, is that none of these stances will be adopted. The status quo is strong evidence that the "United ENDA" stance is not primarily about political principles. It’s about the internal power dynamics in the LGBT community, which have caused gay leaders to draw the line at an inclusive ENDA. No such mobilization has taken place over transgender people in the military, so there has been no perceived need for an ultimatum on that issue. Yet. David Benkofwas a longtime gay columnist, historian, and entrepreneur (as David Bianco). He is openly bisexual, but as an OrthodoxJew he is guided byJewish law in the areas ofsexvtality andfamily life. He can be reached at DavidBenkof@aol.com. 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com F~E BEER & HOT DO~ For a Family’s Dinner brought by the neighbors after the Death of Bettsie. Be sure to look on the bottom ofthe dish to see what neighbor brought it! Original Mo~,ie will be shown @ 7 pm dUl-h’~g dim-let. Ist Eplsede of Series will be shown immediately fo!!o~d.ug $10 D~nat~n to OG~,A inc]ludes ~nner ~$1GNING Meet and Greet Leslie Jordan - From Sordid Lives, Will & Grace My Trip Down The :PINK CARPET www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 @ Coming of e ~ulsa PRIDE ar~ 2008 ONE NIGHT ONLY ThuP~day, June 5, 2008, 5:G0prn to 9:0~m atthe Dennis R. Nell Equali~ C~nt~r, Corner of 4th and Keno~, dov~ov,~ Tuls~ the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Directed by David Gatigan Oklahoma City June 8, 2008 at 8pro wv~v.ozarksstar.com the 8TAP, 9 interview Interview by Victor Gorin eslie Jordan arrived in this world during 1955 in the Heartland of the Bible Belt, born and grown up in Chattanooga,Tennessee.. AI- [ho@ ~rowing up was ~ostly nor easy, he made le~nonade o[it of lemons and marie his experiences work for him, taking a bus to HoIly~ vood and never looking back. His credits are coundess, with app~ces on TV shows too numerous m mention them but in~ih&ag Reba and Will and Grace(which garnered him an E . Re is an accomplished playwright with his first success Like a Dog on Linoleum" followed by Hysterical B redness and other Southern Tragedies. Among his film successes i~’thd camp} dassic ’Sordid I[ives" (where he portrayed the drag que~ Brother Boy), which will be a n~w~series o£ LOGO ~ningJuly 23. His new book, "My, Trip down the P~~t:’ is 7h~ Slory of his life with his @s dd downs, tragedies, ~ es and tri~phs, and the story o~a flamboyant ~who has ~yfound hirrisel£ He is portr~iying his life ~lSo in a one man play of the same title in Olda~oma ~it~ June 8, for this is a must re~d and a must see. He shares his thoug~is with~E LESHE: Well I v,~as the Pips Printing guy, and t also was the elevator operator that took people to Ha~bu}ger Hell in a Taco Bel! co~ercial, i was the ~h~ck Full of Nuts coit~e boy, a]l kinds of commercials. ~ ~ ~ 10 the,STAR www.ozarksstar.com ma$~e that possible. ~CTOR~ g,q~.en does your new book COme *utJune 3~ and Iamso which is Ga~ ~cOholigm and RddiC’ : are some gay" activists wh6 feei that fl~bSya~t gay characters in the ueenS hinder the s{~u~le answer to Ilow iS tr~sggn: : and see me, I promise the STAR tl Dracula ofFree Speech, Kirk Humphreys, Pdses From the Po litica Grave by James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY) Just as the mythic Dracula ofTransylvania came back from the dead to spread horror among the peasants, so has the flesh-and-blood Kirk Humphreys come back from the politically dead to fling his homophobic horror in the hall~ of Oklahoma City’s public schools. Reborn in the blood of his religion and bred in the desiccated dessert of intolerance, Kirk Humphreys was recently appointed by the Oklahoma City School Board to fill the position of chair until an election is held in February, 2009. Coming above ground with his first public election to the Putnam City school Board in 1987, he rose to bigger things as mayor ofOKC in 1998. He resigned during his second term to run for U. S. Senate which he lost to Dr. Tom Coburn, 25% to 61%. Settling back into his businessman’s grave of multiple real estate dealings, one would have thought that we had heard the last of Mr. Humphreys. So why the concern regarding his reappearance? During his time as Mayor of OKC, he was the driving force behind the 2001 attempt to prevent Cimarron Alliance, a GLBT advocacy group, from exercising their First Amendment right to free speech with the display of banners promoting gay/lesbian equality. However, the shining light of Federal District Court Judge Robin Cauthron, exorcised the demon of Humphreys and as she ruled in favor of Cimarron Alliance and enjoined the City Council from interfering with Cimarron’s banner display on the utility poles. Hitherto the sacred utility poles had been the exclusive marketplace for hetero organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, rodeos, and other civic clubs. Did I mention the earlier "Tin Drum" video law suit? 12 the STAR In 1997, a fundamentalist censorship group ponied up with an Oklahoma County judge willing to make an informal ruling that the "Tin Drum" was child pornography and that copies of it could be seized in Oklahoma County wherever it could be found whether in private homes or public libraries. Despite the facts that the film had been released in 1979, received major film awards, and not anyone prior to Humphreys had made a legal claim of obscenity against the film, Humphreys again smelled blood and was hot on the trail ofwhat he thought would surely be a victory for fundamentalist decency. ~hinking that the cross of his religion would trump all blasphemers and dissolve the First and Fourth Amendments he encouraged the court case to proceed. Federal District Court Judge Ralph ~hompson, however, found that the film is not child pornography, and went on to criticize that the County Judge, Richard Freeman, had made a serious error in judgment pertaining to what constitutes pornography and allowing the OKC police, carte blanche, to search homes and businesses without a warrant. Both of the lost lawsuits backed by Kirk Humphreys cost hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars in expenses and attorney fees which resulted in higher property taxes. ¯hough the "Tin Drum" adventure was publicly lead by former District Attorney Bob Macy, as mayor and the boss of the OKC police chief, I feel that Humphreys was certainly in the loop and should have had more sense and better advise in calling off the figurative police dogs. If the past is prologue, I think we can expect some more Humphreys hauntings at the expense of the Oklahoma City taxpayers. It’s been shown that the Constitution, its Bill of Rights, and especially the First Amendment, if applied in time, can counter the poisonous vapors that waft from Humphreys. Wockner News Service Congress’ highest-ranking vet calls f.or DADT repeal WASHINGTON, DC __ U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa., whose military rank was the highest of any veteran now in Congress, has urged fellow lawmakers to join him in repealing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy that bars open gays from the military. Sestak, a three-star admiral who spent 31 years in the Navy, is one of 17 congressional veterans co-sponsoring the repeal bill. "It is easy for me to see why Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell should be repealed," Sestak said May 3. "Once you have served in war and faced danger with a gay service member, how can you come home and say gay people should not enjoy equal rights?" Sestak’s comments came at the Equality Forum, an annual GLBT conference and festival in Philadelphia. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1246), which would repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and allow GLB personnel to serve openly, has 142 co-sponsors in total. "Veterans like Adm. Sestak, who have dedicated their lives to serving this country, are leading the movement in Congress to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," said Aubrey Sarvis of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. "These lawmakers agree with senior military officers, including former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:John Shalikashvili and retired Army Maj. Gen. Vance Coleman, that when it comes to defusing IEDs, tending to injured troops, deciphering enemy codes and flying reconnaissance missions -- sexual orientation is irrelevant. Seventy-nine percent of the American people agree with them and it is time that Congress finally repeal this law." Carly Simon: ’I don’t consider myself"to be not gay In an interview published May 1 in the San Francisco gay weeldy Bay Area Reporter, ’70s pop-music legend Carly Simon said, "I don’t consider myself to be not gay." The double-negative quasi-coming-out occurred when interviewer Gregg Shapiro inquired: "After speaking with you this morning, I’m going to be interviewing Cyndi Lauper regarding her True Colors tour, which features gay and straight artists performing to raise money for the Human Rights Campaign and other LGBT organizations. I’m wondering if Cyndi called you and asked you to be a part of the True Colors tour, might you get involved?" Simon replied: "Well, the part that I could be involved in is the gay and lesbian part. The part that would be hard for me is to commit to a tour because I’m not very comfortable being onstage. But the part that would be easiest for me would be singing on behalf of all of us. I don’t consider myself to be not gay." Shapiro responded: "Wow! Well, it’s great to have you as part of the family." "Thank you!" Simon said. "I mean, I’ve enlarged all of my possibilities. There are a lot of extremely personal stories to tell about that, but we won’t go into that right now. Let’s just say that it just depends upon who I’m with." Attempts to contact Simon through her publicist, record label and MySpace page were unsuccessful as of press time. Frank: Transgender people were terrible lobbyists Openly gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, DMass., says transgender people did a terrible job of lobbying for inclusion in the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act. A version of the measure, known as ENDA, that protects sexual orientation but not gender identity has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is pending in the Senate. "I’ve never seen a worse job of lobbying done by the transgender community," Frank told the Oregon gay newspaper Just Out in its May 2 issue. "They seem to think that all they had to do was to get the gay and lesbian community to say ’OK.’ I think they thought that this was a train, and that they were a car on the train." "I said to them, ’You’ve got to work this, you’ve got to lobby people.’ They did a terrible job of lobbying, and so we didn’t have the votes," Frank said. First ot3enlv Illinois legislator dle Larry McKeon, Illinois’ first openly gay and first openly HIV-positive state legislator, died May 13 of a severe stroke. He was 63. McKeon represented a district of Chicago’s North Side in the state House of Representatives from 1997 to 2007. An Army veteran and former cop, McKeon also served as Mayor Richard M. Daley’s liaison to the GLBT community prior to his election to public office. McKeon retired last year, citing health issues related to HIV and cancer. ........More U. S. News page 27 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 recently confessed to the fact that she attracts gays like a moth to a light, hall the men that like me are gay, k’~ ~e. I have a really strong gaydar. I do love gay men though,~ Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres are planning to marD: Ellen has said she is "thrilled" at the r~ing by the California supreme court to overturn the state’s ban on gay marri~e. Alexander Payne "Hung" Up at HBO Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Payne (for Sideways, not his litde-usedbut- stilbcredit-getting screer~ptay for I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry) has a new pro’ect9 up his ste~we. And it~ about what’s in one man’s pants. Hung, a comedy pilot on track at HBO, will be Payne’s [IW-directing debut, from a script by Dmitry Lip~n. creator of%e Riches. ~md the subiect matter? What happens when a~l average, middle-aged basketbal! coach learns how to put his exceptionally large’~- penis to better ~e. NO actor has signed on yet to play the gifted guy, but casting is scheduled m begi n soon. If picked up for series, it will be, a; the very least, the first show" of its k5nd. But wi!I there be a Boogie Nights-style revea! shot? Or will it remain a mysteiT? Either way, expect a big deal to made about this one. Holb~voodactress edl3 ship only the closet. of True Co .ors pP g Cyndi LaUper~ colors are brighter than ever. F~li~Wing [tie Success of last year’s landmark tofir, Latimer is back to help the Human Ri~ts Campaign, theS~ue Colors Fund of StOnewall C~r~i-nuni~? Foundation, PFLa~G and the Centertink Network ofBLGT community cemers. Famous for just wanting to have fun, Lau per will be bringing her tour to the Zoo Amphitheater in Oklahoma City on Jun. 23. Joining Cyndi wilt be The B-52s, joan J~tr ~d The Blackhearts, ~mdy Belt of STAR www.ozarksstar.com Foster, 45, is believed to have called offher Erasure. Margaret Cho and Girl tn A Coma. relationship with movie producer Cydney with host Carson r*v~ ressl.ev,.f.or.tic.ket." t.mor- Bernard after a series of arguments. The marion or a full list ofto[,r dates, visit ~~",.~,,, couple were together for 14 years and have truecolorstour corn two children ~x;~om Fosrer g~ve birth to and " " Bernard adopted, according to the British Daily Mail tabloid. Pt~oto by: Bill Gaddis getting hot out. Tulsa’s wonderful sprir~g ,h,as played out. Here are a coupl~ tips I d like {o pass along that may add to your summer enjoyment of vino..F,irstly, for white win~S, you know/get ern ~ld! And as the~e Wines warm up in your glass, the fruit flavors open Up to~. I really like this gradual experience. Many times, we finish a bottle so fast when sharing with friends that we don’t even notice. For red wines, put a chill on ’era as well. NOT too c.o,ld but just cool enough so that you’re not drinking warm glug. Remember, room temperatu~’ e can mean a whole different thing during the summer. Proper stem ware can also make a big difference this time of year. Riedel glasses are among the best althougt~ not recommended poolside. Here are some wines for both red & white lovers. www.ozarksstar.com The fo owing is Calistoga Cellars Chardonnay 2006 This vintage was just released in ket. If you liked the ’05, this will really hit the mark. It’s li beautifully balanced mix of ripe pear and the wine is medium bodied soft finish. A favodte of l visit McGilrs on 21rst St. Vincent Pouilly-Fuisse This Pouilly-Fuisse in several areas belonging to th~ The wine is created by Jean-Jac( celebrated Chateau nette Vincent He blends the well balanced ers are on t finish. I first discovered s wine over at 1740/wine bar on Boston n~ear 18th. This Chardonnay from France i~ quite good. Michel Picard Vouvray This is Chenin Blanc from the Loi of France. Fresh aromas of apricot & on the nose and the finish is fruity and~~ slightly off dry. Enjoy this from with me,is that include shellfish to desserts like apple pies with vanilla ice cream. oak barrels owner of the Made-Antoi- "). make a White flow- Ochoa Garnacha Rose 2006 This Rose wine is made entirely from Grenache grapes. The color of is a result of the short maceration period that helps to maintain the fragrant aromas and fresh flavors. A well structured Spanish wine with plenty of well-rounded fruit and balanced acidity. Food pairings include pasta, salads and vegetables. ut the tannins, these producers make their wines more their youth. This bottle is also affordable and has received high acclaim from wine critics. Serious meat oriented pastas would go well with this wine. Toad Cacophony Zinfandel 2006 This ;I, Hollow Zinfandel comes ~ ppellation where Zinf~ les thdve upon the long h nights. This new offering i~ ~ 20% Petit Sirah. It~!a really great & jammy wine that’s a :e~.for barbecued meats. :i~va/Sparkling wine NV. Th~ rfclude; 50% Macabeo, ~ 15% Xarelolo. This iJwhat you may be used ne or U S sparkling :he Spanish create a : old world version from wine is quite affordable pleasantly surprise you. ~s ~s a good wine to fall back on as you ;lebrate the summer months. And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Produtorri del Barbaresco 2004 I had a chance to visit this winery when I was northern Italy. The grape is Nebbiolo and it’s one of the most important wine grape varieties of Italy’s Piedmont region. Flavors of violets, tar, cherries, truffles, tobacco & prunes come to mind. Although ~is.~grape can take years to age and Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/wv,rw.WineSpec~ator.com www.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org the STAR 15 9t8.585,5898 ® 800.585,5101 West 7th Street (corner 7th & Boulder Ave) ® Tulsa, Ok 74t 19 e www.q plazatulsa.com 16 theSTAR June 2008 TW’s-AFAB Catering by Donald Pile and Ray Williams LUNA VISTA B & B "Morltezuma’s Castle" aJmost knocked us over. At night we saw more stars in the sky than we ever see here in the Midwest. There are fabulous places to visit and there are "beyond Fabulous" places to visit. Luna Vista in Rimrock, Arizona is such a place. Driving out to California on a recent trip we were guests of Kala (pronounced Calla is in Calla Lily) and her husband Frank at their "beyond Fabulous" Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast. Located just about 20 miles southeast of Sedona and just about 3 miles offthe Interstate, this has to be one of the finest and most unusual places that we have been. However to get there you get off the pavement and drive about three miles around curvy hilly, rocky and treacherous gravel and dirt roads to make your arrival. But after arriving, it is ~vorth the trip. After making the last turn you are aghast when you see this place. It is like you have arrived at the Ponderosa! Kala and Frank were residents of the East Coast and after 9111 they decided that it was time for a major move. They purchased the property in Rimrock, remodeled, repaired, built on, put in a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and many more additions and finally opened their new B and B in February, 2004 and it has been an instant success ever since. We stayed in the Don Diego (Zorro) suite. Our bathroom was 18 feet by 20 feet and included our own Jacuzzi. Our shower was 6 feet by 8 feet and included a steam room and a double vanity, bidet and every kind of amenity that you would possibly want. Our linens were 400-threat count Egyptian cotton and of course they were ironed before putting them on the beds! Oh! Did we mention that they have heated towel racks in the bathroom? Each room came with a DVDITFIVHS, CD player, etc. A bottle of wine is in every room for the guests. The grounds are fabulous. They are very pet-friendly and even have a dog run and a horse run should you care to bring your horse. Not into driving? Then use their helicopter pad and fly right in! They serve a full-course breakfast every day and on Sundays’ a full brunch. And we are not talking a muffin and coffee, but a full sit-down breakfast with wanes, breakfast steak, eggs, potatoes, etc. Nothing is left out. Guests have the full run of the house and property including an office where you can check your e-mails and work online if need be. But the most important thing about Luna Vista are the owners, KALA AND FRANK. Nxey genuinely care about their guests and cater to their every need. Tney love life and it shows. In all of our travels, they are the most sincere, heartwarming and friendly people that we have ever met. On our last night there, Kala and Frank hosted a party in our honor and invited severn of their neighbors and area antiques dealers. They fixed enough food for an entire army. Everyone was so interesting in their own way. The woman The moment that Kala opened the door to welcome us in, we I~IEW that we were going in for a big treat and we were! She is dive, animated, professional, entertaining and a great hostess. Frank ALWAYS has a smile on his face and is very excited about everything. Together they make a great team and we know that they will be in the bed and breakfast business for many years. They can’t help it if they were born straight! It happens in the best of families. Everyone is welcome at Luna Vista and we do mean everybody! We stayed there for three days and didn’t even want to go anywhere else. However one day we did drive over to Montezuma’s Castle and on to Montezumgs Lake which was extremely interesting. But the red enjoyment was taking advantage of the Luna Vista B and B and the many amenities it has to offer. It is located on 16 acres and you can take a long hike through the woods and river area. The flowers were blooming everywhere. The sights and aromas Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast 18 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast next door to them bakes fantastic desserts and another neighbor is a spiritual advisor and yet another creams beautiful "cactus" lamps and objects. She presented us xvith one of her creations. The next time you really xvant to get away from everything and truly have a memorable experience, book yoursdf a xveek at the "beyond fabulous" Luna Vista. Their website is: wxvxv.lunavistabandb.com or call 800-611-4788. They have been featured in many travel publications from coast to coast. To get to Rimrock either fly into Flags{aff or Phoenix, rent an auto and drive. That is unless you’re already driving, then just drive on Interstate 17 and take the 293 Exit. We stayed xvith them on a return trip from California and our "beyond fabnlous" experiences continued while staying there. We don’t make many promises, but trust us on this one, we promise that you will have one of the finest and most enjoyable weeks of your life xvith Kala and Frank. Alxvays remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Seepage 29for order blank. Les residents want Wockner News Wire Nxree residents of the Greek island of Lesbos have filed suit in an attempt to reclaim the word "lesbian" and stop the group Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece (OLKE) from using it. Gay women are believed to have adopted the word in memory of Sappho, a poet who lived on the island in the sixth century B.C. and wrote about love between women. The plaintiffs claim the alleged theft of "lesbian" from the island’s residents amounts to "psychological and moral rape." An OLKE spokeswoman called the case "ridiculous" but an Athens court will hear the matter on June 10. Quotable Quotes Cuba’s parliament is studying proposals to legalize same-sex unions and give gay couples the benefits that people in traditional marriages enjoy. "The freedom of sexual choice and gender identity are exercises in equality and social justice," said Mariela Castro, daughter of President Raul Castro,. www.ozarksstar.corn ~}~eSTAR t9 of Town B~ A~&’~w Colli~ W-eekend Getaways from Portland, Oregon Oregon’s Gannon Beach o~rs some ofthe best sunset-viewing on the West Coast. (Photo by Andrew Collins) with a marionberry vinaigreue. For more sophisticated fare, book a table at the Gower Street Bistro, which presents creative regional dishes, such as pan-seared sea scallops with roaste&cre~ corn, eNgplant, and tJancetta. You might spend the mornings in Cannon Beach strolling along the sand, admiring the many geological formations just Offshore, such as the famous, 237-~bot-tall Haystack Rocla Do as locals do and grab a cup ofdelicious java at Sleepy Mgnk C~ff?e Roasters (alofig with £ ~hick sli~e ofch0~latechip pumpkin bread)before you Set Out[ %nture south of Cannori Beach and youll pass throt~ Oswald West S~te Park, which is laced with hiking trails that weave through 01d-gro~f0rest; leading down tO the ~ch. End your day in fianky itS, with its quirlg, cafes and galleri~i perhaps enjoying a glass of Oregon wine at Vino, a snaz~ little Wine bar that also ser~e~ plate~ of delici0u] chkrcuterie and cheeSe. Between Manzanita and CannOn Beach in tiny Arch Cape, the gay-owned Ocean Point Inn comprises three oceanfront suites with chic, contempo~ furnishings, fiatscreen TVs, and gas fireplaces. Guests can enjoy a ~de range oftreatments at the inn’s spa. It’s one of the most romantic accommodations along the coast. I-5} Within 30 miles of Portland, in Oregon’s verdant Willamette Valley; you’ll find some ofthe leading wineries in ~e United States - the area ha~ become especially renowned for iris pinot noirs. Ifyou have only a day to tour the region, focus your efforts a~ound the rural, hilly Yamhill area, home to such esteemed vineyards as Willakenzie, Penner,Ash, and Adelsheim. Just a short drive south, in the Dundee Hills. standouts include Archery Summit, Sokot Blosser, and Domaine Serene. ~ese are among dozens ofwineries with tasting rooms open m the public. Hip and cosmopolitan Portland continues to emerge as a popular urban vacation destination for gay" and lesbian travelers, thanks in part to its stellar restaurant scene, liberal social climate, and artsy personalit~: But another major draw of this charmed city is its proxmaity to so many breathtakingly beautiful places that make perfect two- to three-day getaways. In an afternoon’s drive, you can explore the rugged Oregon Coast, tile lush Willamette Valley wine country, or the high desert outdoor recreation mecca of Bend. Here’s a look at three ideal weekend getaways from the Portland area, all of them centered on communities with an increasing number of gay-owned or gay-friendly accommodations and restaurants. Camaon Beach and Manzanita (a 90-minute drive via U.S. 26) ~Ihis part of the valley abounds with excellent restaurants, too. An intimate spot serving relatively affordable French fare, Cuvee sits along the quiet main drag oftiny Carlton and is a fine place to end a day ofwine-t~asting. Among the several stellar restauvamts in Dundee, check out Tina’s, a bustling bistro that features creative American fare emphasizing ingredients from local r delicious dish is the seared halibut cheeks with diced "Ihere tic and rooms, each with a As vou From downtown Pordand, U.S. 26 leads west over the dramatic Coast Mountains to northern Oregon’s spectacular and relatively macrowded coast, a highlight ofwhich is dapper Cannon Beach, a low-keyed munity set along a striking stretch of beach. Quite a few gays and lesbians (including Pordand-based filmmaker Gus Van Zant) own or rent summer homes here or in nearby beach towns, such as funk)" Manzauita and upscale Gearhart. The quieter south end of Cannon Beach. known as Tolovana Park. has a slightly more artsy feel. Here you might spend the night at the delightful Inn at Cannon Beach, a tasteful complex of contemporar5 two-srory cottages that open around a central courtyard with fragrant flower gardens and Adirondack chairs. Itk steps from the beach, and next door to’the Warren House Pub. a casual, gay-friendly spot that brews its own excellent beer and serves tast7 comfort food, such as grilled pankocrusted oysters, and house-smoked-salmon salad gene. Here scene of any Oregon city with parks ~nd ri~:e vci~ opportunities for recreation. A attraction is the Owen Ros~ Garden, where more than d Nearb); a former chicken-processing plant houses the Fifth Street Market, now a complex of fascinati~ shops and enticing restaurants, mclu&ng one of the regions best dining choices, Marche. Here you can ry such memorable fare as 0yen-roasted local mussels with a saffron-cream, and smoked pork chops with rhubarb chum~ From April through De~emher, check out the neaiby Saturday Market, Where ente~iners pei~form and close to 200 artisans, farmers, and cooks sell their wares. 20 f~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com OAXACA RESTAURANT Sed0na, Arizona Pronounced (Wa-ha&a) this Mexican restaurant in Sedona offers exciting food. With breath-taking scenery and beautiful views from their rooftop cantina, Oaxaca has earned it’s title "Local Secret/Big Find" by Travelocity.com. Tnis old world stTle Mexican restaurant is located in Uptown Sedona and offers casual dining with an extensive menu with a taste of every palate. Carl Butler, the owner and a registered dietitian has created a delicious menu with a healthy approach. Oaxaca serves up heart healthy, reduced fat and low cholesterol recipes which are full of flavo!! Oaxaca serves a wide range of Mexican, Southwest, American and Vegetarian dishes with authentic favorites Such as fajitas and chile rellenos. It is no wonder why people have been dining there for years and years and many people drive out of their way when traveling, just to dine there! You certainly will have a wonderful dining experience, enjoying the exciting flavors of their food and looking at the fabulous mountain scenery. q-hey are open daily: 10:30 AM to 9 PM. Happy hour: 3 PM to 6 PM. Breakfast buffet: Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AiM to 10:30 AM. q-hey are located at 321 North Highway 89A in Sedona, Arizona. .............................. CHILE RELLENOS Next Page theSTAR 21 di i g° New art exhibit feat ring artist Dennis Olson at the Dennis Ro Neill Equality Center TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 5-9pm, Thursday, June 5, 2008, for the opening of their June exhibit, paintings by Oklahoma City resident Dennis Olson. This event will correlate with the onenight- only Tulsa Pride "More Color" art show featuring works by sixty artists. Dennis Olson’s exhibit will remain up through the month ofJune, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Imsbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Quotable Quotes "I respect the Court’s decision and as Governor, I will uphold its ruling. Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling." California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: OkEq Cdebrates Ca i£ornia Ru ing £or Marriage Equa ity TULSA, OK (PR) - May 15, 2008 __ Today, in a 4-3 decision, the California State Supreme Court ruled in favor of full marriage equality for same-sex couples. The decision follows lawsuits by fifteen couples who challenged the constitutionality of the state’s marriage ban. "This historic decision is a victory for fairness and opportunity for hundreds of thousands of loving, committed couples and their families in California," said Justice Waidner, Oklahomans for Equality Executive Director. "We continue to work and hope for the day when families in every state have the basic protections that come with marriage." A growing number of states provide recognition of same-sex relationships. Including California, eight states plus the District of Columbia allow couples to marry or confer rights and benefits similar to marriage. However, the Defense of Marriage Act still prohibits the Federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages approved in individual states. In November, Californians vote on a ballot initiative to amend the state constitution by defining marriage as between one man and one woman. If passed, this constitutional amendment would overturn the California Supreme Court’s ruling. "Many Americans believe that marriage equality will be a reality in their lifetimes," noted Waidner. "Organizations in every corner of this country are working hard to achieve the kanerican dream of equality and justice for all. We are all inspired by the California marriage decision and look forward to the day when every American in every state and territory will have the opportunity to realize their hopes and dreams by marrying the person they love." 22 theSTAR w~v.ozarksstar.com Sound ofMusic Headlines Lyric’s 2008 Stammer Season OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ Tickets for Lyric Theatre’s 2008 summer season of musicals are now on sale. Lyric "Iheatre, Oklahoma’s premiere professional theatre company, proudly continues its 46-year tradition of producing stellar Broadway-style shows for the people of Oklahoma. Lyric’s four summer season productions will be held at the Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City. From June 24th through 28th, Lyric will open the season with The Sound of Music, presented for the first time on the Civic Center stage. This timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein family classic tells the story of Maria, a young, spirited, would-be nun who is appointed as governess for the seven children of a widowed sea captain. Lyric’s next production, Swing!, will run from July 8th through 12th. Swing! is a celebration of the music and dance phenomenon that swept the nation in the ’30s and ’40s. This all-singing, all-dancing evening of music features over thirty incredible numbers guaranteed to put audiences "in the mood!" Lyric will bring a beloved movie musical to the stage from July 22nd through 26th. Set in Oregon in 1850, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers is the fresh, wholesome tale ofAdam Pontipee and his unkempt, burly brothers who kidnap six townswomen for the winter in hopes of finding love and companionship. Their well-meaning, but hilarious shenanigans of courtship are played out in boisterous song and dance. Seven Brides For Seven Brothers will feature Broadway performers Elisa Van Duyne as Milly and Jim Sorensen as Adam. (rated G) Concluding Lyric’s 2008 summer season is a modern musical hit, Urinetown, the Musical, fresh off the Broadway stage. The title might give off the impression that the play is about nothing more than a town that indulges itself in bathroom related humor. In reality, Urinetown, the Musical, written by Greg Kotis, a New York playwright who specializes in socially relevant comedies, is a hilarious melodrama about a town plagued by drought. In a mad attempt to regulate ,#cater consumption, the government forces its citizens to use pay-per-use amenities, monopolized by the Urine Good Company. Urinetown satirizes corporate and political greed, the idealism of rebellion, and also spoofs on the art of musical theatre itself, all set to a score bursting with a big Broadway sound. "Urinetown ~von the 2002 Tony Award for Best Original Score and is lauded on Broadway as one of the smartest, most comical musicals of this century;" explains Nick Demos, Lyric’s Artistic Director. There is nothing offensive about it, other than an unattractive title!" Urinetown plays from August 5th through 9th, and guarantees a unique night of unprecedented laughter. (rated PG) Single tickets to all Civic Center productions start at $27. Four-Show Season Ticket packages are also still available and start at just $80, as are the Three-Show Family Packages which include The Sound of Music, Swing!, and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. For more info visit www.lyrictheatreokc. com or call (405) 524-9312. TOM KOVACH MAKES HISTORY WINNING A SEAT ON NOR_MAN’S CITY COUNCIL By Victor Gorin NORMAN, OK__ Tom Kovach, an out gay Democrat was elected to the Norman City Council representing Ward 2 in a runoff against political consultant Chebon Marshall. The race began running against 2 opponents, Mr. Marshall and Michael McKee. Although Chebon Marshall got the most votes, he did not get a majority of the total votes. Mr. Kovach was in second place, so as per Oklahoma election law, this resulted in a runoff election. Although vastly outspent, Mr. Kovach made up for this with hard work and determination, and making known his stands on issues to make the city better. As he puts it, " Throughout the campaign we stuck mainly to the issues, which were mainly public safety and storm water." His efforts won the endorsement of both the Sierra Club and the Norman Homeowner’s Alliance. There was rumor mongering about his sexual orientation, and a literature drop Photo: Tom Kovach by Victor Gorin designed to turn conservative voters against him close to the election named him as endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats ( explaining for those who didn’t know that it was a gay rights organization within the Democratic Party), and a member of the American Civil Liberties Union (both true). Despite this distraction from the issues, his sincerity and practical message carried him to victory. He has lived in Norman over 40 years, much of that in Ward 2. His partner of over 10 years, Will Weir, is also an activist volunteer with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, P-Flag, GLSEN, and helping people with disabilities. Mr. Weir won Norman’s Human Pdghts Award in 2007. Tom made history being Oklahoma’s 3rd openly gay elected public official The last 2 were Oklahoma State Representative A1 McAffrey (Democrat District 88, elected 2006) and Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth (Democrat District 1, first elected 2002). The first was Dr. David also elected to the Norman City Council in 2001, who Tom remembers as "Someone who stood up for many issues which are now being considered by a more progressive city council, and we owe a lot to him" As for his future he is optimistic, stating that" I have been active in the city, spe~ng before the city council many times. N~ey know me well, and I think we have a good working relationship. I look forward to working with the seasoned members of the council, and look forward to working with Mayor (Cindy) Rosenthal." www.ozarksstar.com {:h®$TAR 23 Photo’s by Victor G. & Jud / G. @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Steve’s Hideawa t, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City 24 @Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City By Greg Steele Club Rachael n downtown Jade Esteban portraying his one man play Inns III, The Gay and Lesbian History of the Wodd at OKC’s Indiv dual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery Laura Belmonte, President Oklahomans for Equality and OKC Pride Publicity Coordinator Michael Cich at the 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit hosted by Cimarron Alliance Oklahoma ( Reverend Lo rce his friend Alex with their friends at May P-Flag Meeting. Gay ’Star Trek’ actor George Takei is to marry his partner Brad Altman in California Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Male Co-Chair Paul Thompson congratulates Reverend Loyce Newton-Edwards on her ordination as a UCC minister at Church of the Open Arms. www.ozarksstar.com ~ Swimsuit C01tect 0n Men From Mensuas _Mensuas announces their 2008 Swimsuit Collectionfor Menfiaturing swimwear by Bask#, Mensuas, IV2N Bodywear and Timoteo. Jvat in timefor sumrne~ these new swimsuits are great for t,6e beach or laying by the i)ool. TAMPA, FL 0)RWEB) __ Mensuas announces their 2008 Swimsuit Collection for Men featuring swimsuits by Baskit, Mensuas, N2N Bodyxvear and Timoteo. Just in time for summer, these nexv sxvimsuits are great for the beach or laying by the pool Timeoteo Swim Bikini Mensuas has carried N2N Bod),wear swimsuits for several years. The N2N Bodywear 2008 Sxvimsuits include the Catalina Competitor, Corona Competitor, Cosmo Competitor and the X-Poser. The new and daring designs xvill sure to get you noticed at the beach. Mensuas has team up xvith Tulio to create the exciting nexv Mensua~ Swim Bikini in four new styles for 2008. Modeled by Levi Poulter, these unique swimsuit designs represent a bold and exciting trend in mens sxvimxvear. Mensuas new operations center is located in the suburbs of Tampa, F1. The new operations center allows customers orders to be processed faster and alloxv the California Muscle Capri Blue Swim Teaser q-hong availability of more future products at their website. Our customer’s satisfaction with the products they order and the amount of time it takes to receive their order is number one priority at Menuas. Mensuas wants to become number one shopping source for customers to order their underwear and sxvimwear for themselves or for the man in their life. Mensuas always offer free shipping on all orders totaling $25.00 or more for US and Canada customers. We offer great international shipping rates. All orders received by 3:00 PM EST are shipped the same business day by USPS regular mail. All items shipped from Mensuas are tracked from the Post Office to ensure customers packages can be traced in case of lost or mishandled pack Baskit Orange Lucky 7 3.5" Swim Bikini ages. All packages shipped discreetly to our customers to ensure privacy. Mensuas is offering their customers a 10% discount on their next order, please enter promotion code undies08 at checkout and receive the 10% discount on your order total excluding shipping charges. Website: www.mensuas.com Mensuas Swim Bikini Timeoteo Swim Bikini California Muscle Dolce Swim Brief 26 t~~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com WEST HOLL,,~Y~VO,OD, CA (,P,R) __ On June 4, 2008i !G)~atomy star T.R. K ight will i;i M tthew hepard Foundation ~ h~i~ kick off National Gay- Pride month with a symbolic dusk commitment ceremony at the faamed West Hollywood hotspot, The Abbey. At 8pm, couples from aroufid the nation will "tie the knot" in an event officiated by the Mayor ofWest Holly~vood and witnessed by Judy Shepard. Couples will be wearing the Matthew Shepard Erase Hate pendant courtesy of Love and Pride jewehy designer, Udi Behr. Love and Pride is the first online jewelry destination for people who believe in equality, diversity and tolerance for all. www.!oveandpride.com Behr created the Erase Hate pendant for Judy Shepard, in memory of her son, Matthew Shepard, who was the victim of a brutal anti-gay hate crime in rural Wyoming ten years ago. His murder brought national attention to the issue of hate crime legislation and was a watershed moment in the fight for gay civil rights. Behr remarks, "A public commitment ceremony is a great way to join together and strengthen our two messages; ’Celebrating Love’ and ’Erasing Hate.’" 100% of net proceeds from sales of the pendant assist the Matthew Shepard Foundation. v~’~v.ozarksstar.com Judy Shepard, executive director of the Foundation, said, "Wearing the Erase Hate pendant is a great way for people to express how they feel and promote the values of understanding, compassion and acceptance that were so important to Matthew," Adding, "It has been ten years since the death of my son. Although we can not replace Matthew, we can join together to help spread the message of erasing hate." Mayor Jeffrey Prang comments, "The City of West Hollywood supports marriage equality and continues to work hard for changes in California law." Adding, "We will not stop fighting for our rights as no government can prevent us from loving whom we choose." World renowned recording artist Steve Oliver will perform the classic ceremonial march Pachelbel Canon in D major. CEREMONY REGISTRATION FORM: www.MatthewShepard.org/GetMarried PRIDE PARADE OF NW"ARKANSAS FAYETTEVILLE AR (PR) __ NWA PRIDE announces the 2nd Annual NWA PRIDE PARADE, A Celebration of Diversity and Community, will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2008 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Parade organizers invite GLBTs aald Straight allies to come together in solidarity in support of equal rights for all. It is NWA Pride’s great pleasure to honor Chris Harmon as this year’s Grand Marshal. Chris has been an unsung hero as founder of the NWA POSITIVE LINKS BUDDY PROGRAM and is currently a board member of the NWA GLBT Community Center. The Buddy Program provides information and much needed peer-to-peer support for people living with HIV and AIDS. Chris and Program volunteers maintain a food bank, make personal visits, help with chores, transportation and provide many other resources for 1Mng a positive life. Parade participants and spectators are encouraged to be artistic, have fun and show your pride. (Kid friendly and appropriate for public locations) Paint your face, wear costumes, dress up your pets, horses, bicycles, vehicles and especially this election year, proudly wave rainbow and American flags. The parade lineup will start at 10 AM on Meadow Street, next to the Arvest Bank. Parade will start promptly at 12 Noon. A brief Pride rally will be held at the end of the parade in the V/alton Arts Center Parking Lot. For more details, float and or speaker applications, please go to NWA Pride’s web site at www.nwapride.org. Volunteers still needed! "A Star Studded Night" Gala in Fayettevillle FAYETTEVILLE, AR (PR) __ The NXX/A GLBT Community Center will host their 2nd Annual Fund Raising Gala "A Star Studded Night" on Friday, June 27 at the Clarion Inn located at 1255 S. Shiloh Drive in Fayetteville. The Ball Room ~vill be delightfully decorated resembling the glitz and glamor of a Hollywood party. Gala Guests’ will enjoy the fun and excitement of a "night among the stars" as guests become our Celebrities in an evening filled with great food, dancing and music provided by Dance Enhance Entertainment. The evening will begin with a lavish Prime Rib, Chicken or Vegetarian Buffet entree as well as silent auctions and special speakers which include the Rev. Lowell Grisham of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Shawn Coker the Chairperson ofThe NWA Diversity Council and Vice President of Diversity Business Practices ofTyson Foods. Throughout the evening guests’ will be casting their vote for the "Star of the Night" Award which will be given to the person who raises the most money through a $1 ballot. Advance tickets for the event are $50 each or $400 per table of 8 and may be purchased on-line at http:/Avww.nwaglbtcc.org or by calling 1-888-361-9222 or in person at Tymythy’s Hair Salon located at 130 E. Poplar St. Suite B in Fayetteville. Tickets will not be available at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. and a Cash Cocktail bar will be open throughout the night. Formal Attire or Celebrity Costumes are recommended. th÷STAR 27 by Jack Fertig June 2008 "Take bo~d risks, Aquarius!" Everyone is being just a bit too fabulous for words! Mercury is retrograde, so his alignment with Venus and the Sun is a bit more like a collision of verbosity and overaffected efforts at charm. Mars in Leo is feeding the frenzy. Remember Lucy and Ethel at charm school? It’s that kind of week! ARIES (Narch 20 -April 19): Baby wants to play, but you are atypically given more to talk than action now. Chatty word games and rambling are not usually your style, but go with it for now. Don’t be afraid to look silly. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Buying or tossing out household items could easily be a mistake. Instead try rearranging things and seeing them in a new light. This is a great time to locate problems in domestic finances, but solving them should wait a few weeks. GEMINI (May 2t - Jun.e 20): You’re going to trip over your tongue no matter what you’re talking about. Best to keep it light, nonconfrontational, and all in good humor so you can laugh with your friends over your own malapropisms and faux pas. CANCER (June 21- Ju~y 22): Hide the plastic, and keep the cash out of reach. Any urge to display your good taste is best done as tasteful restraint - and no, that doesn’t mean buying handcuffs that match the bedposts! Take time out with someone you value most. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Everyone says you look fabulous - and you do! You’re all cranked up, looking and thinking three steps ahead, but are you really three steps ahead going in the right direction? Check with friends who care about more than looking fabulous. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Someone behind the scenes offers to help you up the ladder. Some secrets may be revealed in the process, but that can also work in your favor. Everyone’s screwing up some these days, but your mistakes - and the way you handle them - look good! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You could charm anyone into believing your stories and arguments, even if they contain mistakes. Leave room for later revisions! Better just to radiate charm and energy; save the important facts for later. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Seems everybody wants a taste of what you’ve got! If you do play around, none of it will be secret. You could get a reputation as a great lover, but what would your boss and your partner say? SAGITTARIUS (November 22 o December 21}): Misunderstandings with your partner actually open new doors that could improve your relationship. Explore new pleasures and possibilities together. If anything seems disappointing, you might want to try again a few weeks later. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Anyone playing around should make regular visits to the clinic. When was your last time? If you have a clean bill of health, you can have a great time practicing any erotic techniques you’d like to develop. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Be creative! Be daring! Take bold risks and be willing to fall down and look utterly ridiculous. A good pratfall can be endearing, helping to improve your partnership orto find a good candidate for one. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): You have the housecleaning energy and lack of focus typical of a speed freak. Try to concentrate on one specific task or goal at a time. You’ll soon be dissatisfied with the results, but that’s OK. Housework always needs redoing! METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com DOWNTOWN PLAZA ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747~5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.ctubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com Support those who support us. DIVERSITY PRIDE EVENTS P. O. BOX 3158 Eure"ka Springs, AR 72631 479-253-2555 www.diversitypride.com EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowshi 311 S Klein Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73108 405-761-1878 www.myspace.com/expressionsokc 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 Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Hk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 ~’xw,wv.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com OKJAZZ HALL OF FAME 111E. lstSt Tulsa, OK 918-596-1001 www.okjazz.org TOLBERT THEATER 400 W. Sheridan Oklahoma City, OK 405-297-2264 www.tickets.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com 9 8-835-?887 OKC PRIDE, INC PO BOX 60296 Oklahoma City, OK 73146 www.okcpride.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or rnoneyorder to: NAME: Address: City:. Phone: The STAR PO Box 581718 Tulsa, OK 74158-1718 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) St: Zip:. Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.com theSTAR Chuck Breckenridge ~ether buying or selling I’)). work hard for your[ ................... 30 tB÷STAR www.ozarksstar.com We oppose the portrayal of homosexual or promiscuous behavior in a positive light in our public schools. We oppose the erosion of our military readiness through openly practicing hornosexuals serving in the military We oppose the promotion of homosexuality, the elimination of laws against sodomy, and the granting of minority protection or special status to any person based upon sexua~ preference or llfestyb choice. We are committed to equal treatment of all service members and believe all patriotic Americans should be allowed to serve our country without discrimination, persecution or violence. We support legislation barring workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. We support the full inclusion of gay and lesbian families in the life of our nation and seek equal responsibilities, benefits and protections for these families. Taken from current platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties of Oklahoma. 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 [2008] The Star Magazine, June 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 6 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 01, 2008 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 Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) 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 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Charles (Chaz) Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Judy G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, May 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/250 The Star Magazine, July 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/247 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/248 After Dark Barney Frank Bars Carly Simon DADT Repeal Dennis Olson dining Don't Ask Don't Tell ENDA horoscope Joe Sestak Larry McKeon Lesbos Leslie Jordan Lyric Theatre marriage equality MCC church military inclusion Night club Paparazzi on the Prowl pride Parade Qscopes Quotable Quotes Star Advertisers Star Scene starclassifieds swimsuits Tom Kovach TR Knight travel wine https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/154f2f2fcee03752682bfb546e5c68e8.jpg 2275d17c80c91478905eae575cff8c9a https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/bc2b1a7c707215dc99984815b45065a8.pdf b531b2d6733aa47abafe0147ac7624ea PDF Text Text ��2 the STAR wwvv.ozarksstar.com �By Victor Gorin Photo: Nate Borofiky, Doris Muramatsu, Blue Door owner Greg Johnson, & Ty Greenstein OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Valentine’s Day crowd at the Blue Door was trttly treated by the extraordinary innovation and harmonies of Girlyman, a gay band of 3 musicians, Nate Borofsky, Doris Muramatsu and Ty Greenstein, who wowed the house with their awesome harmonies & creative style. As Nate put it, their music has been influenced by "the Indigo Girls, Simon & Garfunkel, the Mamas and Papas, and Bach." Their style, if it could be labeled, is a blend of folk, pop and bluegrass best described by Ty as "alt folk" The full house audience consisted mostly of the Blue Door’s regular folk & innovative music fans, but also featured many "Blue Door virgins", and they were not disappointed. This trio, which has previously graced Oklahoma, once opened for the Indigo Girls here in 2004, and was ready to please a capacity crowd even though they admitted they didn’t know what to expect. Masterminded by their soundperson/tour manager Heather "Turtle" Brooks, they blend their talents and insight in a way that has to be heard to be believed. So far they have recorded 3 CD’s, the latest entitled "Joyful Signs." As for their clever name, it was not inspired by the famous California Governor Schwarzenegger who in fact made that "girlyman" expression famous 2 years after the band was formed, although they do welcome the publicity. As Muramutsu puts it, "It’s playful and fun. The name Girlyman puts that all out there and lets us play with it." That they did, and they’ll win over even more new fans xvhen they play Oklahoma again. www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3 �Art Show by Shawn Wilson.and Merry Schepers. Michael Buble’ in OKC; "It is the ideal portrayal of America," says Jed Resnick, who plays Mark in the touring production. ~ DEE[P INSIDE HO~-t-~OOD Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Madonna and Ian Ziering. GLBT History, Past Out looks at the life of FTM pioneer Lou Sullivan. Devre Jackson reviews Australian Shiraz Bayou Crawfish Etouffee a feature at Pascal’s Manale, New Orleans ~ C~AO "~’R~VS~. Gay Travelers: Entertainers Out of Town: Chelsea, Manhattan Pascal’s Manale, New Orleans lvlen from all over the world converge on Palm Springs for spring break. Surprise performances happening all weekend long! F~T~ESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Cast of "RENT" 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �LGBT Votes Sway Towards Hi11 Clinton Farrell to be best man £or brother’s gay wedding It was announced during the Sundance Film Festival that the Edward Norton/Colin Farrell cop drama "Pride and Glory" has been pushed back till 2009, even though it has been complete since last November. Farrell commented on this during the press junket for "In Bruges," trying to convince everyone that the delay has nothing to do with the quality of the movie. [via HollywoodElsewhere] All Gore Endorses Gay Marriage Photo by: David Gabber LOS ANGELES, CA __Not only is the Democratic presidential primary ticket a historic celebration of diversity, but exit polls from Super Tuesday celebrated history as well. Polling orga,xizations from around the country asked three questions never before found on exit poll surveys: Did voters pick a xvoman? Did voters pick a black man? Did voters identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender? We are part of histor): Resoundingly, voters answered two of the three questions similarly, picking Hillary Clinton as their candidate and identifying as LGBT. In California, of the gay voters (4% of total), 63% voted for Clinton, 29% for Obama and 1% stayed around for E&vards. In New York, 7% of voters identified as LGBT, and out of them 59% voted for Clinton, 36% for Obama and 3% for Edwards. In a recent survey conducted by Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), a leading LGBT market research compan); **tore than 90percent ofgays and lesbians vote in U.S. presidential elections, compared to 64percent ofstraight citizens. Queer folk are twice as likely as s~,’aightfolk to vote in midterm elections. DUBLIN, IRELAND __ Hollywood star Colin Farrell is preparing for his next big role - best man at his brother’s gay wedding. The actor will stand beside his sibling Eamonn when he marries long-term partner Steven Mannion in Provincetown, Massachusetts this spring. Farrell is dose to his brother and helped chose Mannion’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring, when Eamonn proposed last year. A family friend tells the National Enquirer: "Colin is a firm believer in gay rights and he is proud of his brother. "He took Eamonn shopping for rings and intends to pick up the tab for the wedding." "I think that gay men and women ought to have the same rights as heterosexual men and women, to make contracts, to have hospital visiting rights, to join together in marriage," Gore said. ’~d I don’t understand why it is considered by some people to be a threat to heterosexual marriage to allow it by gays and lesbians. Shouldn’t we be promoting that kind of faithfulness and loyalty to one’s partner regardless of sexual orientation? Gore hinted that he would come around to support same-sex marriage as early as 2006, when speaking to a group of gay-rights activists, but his latest comments represent Gore’s first formal endorsement of equal marriage rights. Recognized by Keller Williams gor out~anding achievement 2005 and 2006 RE&LTY Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALTOi~ WbetherbuyingorsellingI’llworkhardfbryou, W~NW.ozarksstar.corn the STAR �Can Larry Craig be Found Guilty in the Court o£Public Opinion? OKI~AHOMA CITY, OK __ On the facts as argued by the ACLU in a friend of the court filing, and outlined in this story from ~wccw.Bloomberg.com ( http://tinyurl. com/2b7hew ), to me it looks as if the wily and cunning coyote, Larry Craig, will get off again, pardon the pun, by thumbing his nose at the decency he pretends to legislate from the floor of the United States Senate. Just in case you’ve been living under a rock since late last summer, Senator Larry Craig of Idaho, now in his last session of Congress since he’s promised to resign, but will change his mind if enough people beg him to stay was charged with disruptive behavior in the Minneapolis airport when observed by an undercover policeman engaging in what the cop says was sexual solicitation. ¯here is a 1970 precedent in Minnesota that private solicitation of sexual activity in a private place can not be found illegal, as spying by police in a public restroom is an unreasonable search and therefore unconstitutional. The Court has yet to rule on Craig’s appeal of his guilty plea to the charge. Craig has since stated that his guilty plea was entered into in haste and without legal advice as he wanted to keep the charge out of public notice. Craig’s peculiar pantomime with his hands and feet, though laughable, is not illegal which is a good thing for him since his coitus ~vas interrupted by a too-eager cop wanting to score another statistic. Diversity Business Association of Tulsa 6 the STAR Though there was no exposure of body parts or verbal utterances, it’s clear to me that Craig was after an airport quickie, and whether or not his appeal is accepted or rejected his action in the restroom stall refutes his claim that he isn’t gay. - .. Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wro9sg~ with being gay but there is something wrong with using your Senate vote to de~rive honest men and women their equality under the law even as they work to contribute to a decent American society. If you listened to the taped interview of the Idaho Senator and the cop you must have noticed that Craig certainly had his battle hardened defense at ful! bore, strengthened as if he had done a few practice runs before. Just how self-assured would YOU be in this situation if you were claiming innocence of the charges and the sign language described? However, in the public court of reasonable opinion, I think Larry Craig would be found guilty with forethought and conspiracy of multiple counts to commit hypocrisy. Unfortunately, this crime is not punished by any jail sentence or fine. Craig’s punishment will have to be the resignation of his office and a return to, can I say, private life as a civilian where he will no doubt write a book describing the pain he’s endured from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and his hounding from office by the Puritans of public decency, the very constituency he claimed to represent? SF~UALITY~VD SPIRITUALITY CONFERENCE ~mosexuality is Neither ness nor Sin ~ ~ Friday March 7, urday March 8 ersity of Central Oklahoma, Edmond Register online at www.PFLAGOKC.org or call Church of the Open Arms (405) 525 9555 www.ozarksstar.com �www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 �Proudly serving ~Asa & OKC’s GLBT communities since 1982 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �Crooner Comes ByJoey De ~~e’s blonde, he’s beautiful and his new style of classic crooning will be coming to the stage of the Oklahoma City Ford Center Mar. 4. Michael Bubld, the international superstar who has earned himself a place in music history with such hits as "Feelin’ Good," is coming to Oklahoma City as part of his third major US concert tour. All of the shows on the first leg of his 2007-2008 tour sold out in record time. Buble’ brings an irrepressible spirit, engaging humor, and confident charisma to the concert stage, and will perform hits from his current CD "Call me Irresistible and many other classics. 621 E. 4th S~reet Tulsa, OK 74120 OI~NING RECEPTION THURSDAY, iV~RCH 6 6-9PM i%n-Sal 3-gpm through March 29 TULSA, OK__ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, March 6, 2008, for the opening of it’s March exhibit "Now and Zen", featuring local artists Shawn Wilson and Merry Schepers. Shawn Wilson has been a professional artist for 25 years. A native Oklahoman, she moved to New York at 18 years old and within a short time was regularly selling her pen and -ink drawings to New Yorker magazine. She studied sculpture at New York’s famed Art Students’ League, and over the years has shown sculpture in galleries in New York, San Francisco and Atlanta. Shawn also paints-oil on canvas-and most notably, ’sumi-~’, 0apanese inkbrush painting). She studied this ancient art form with one of the few bona fide masters here in the U.S., Koho Yamamoto of NYC. Sumi-6 suits Shawn’s artistic abilities to a ’t’, as her work in all mediums concentrates on the essence of the subject rather than the details. Bubl& new CD, which he calls "my remark on the state of love," contains feeling that ,vill surprise and delight fans and impress those new to his music. "Irresponsible" contains more of Bubl& buoyant, modern interpretations and songs by such greats as Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton and Cy Coleman. Michael won his first Grammy Award this year. The Grammy is for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for "Call Me Irresponsible", which shot to #1, topping the charts around the world. The album included the #1 hit single "Everything", and was the fastest trip to #1 in three years on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. To purchase concert tickets go to www.ticketmaster. corn or visit the Ford Center box office. Visit www. michaelbuble.com for concert schedule. .................. Continued page 27 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 �By Joey De what can be said about "f~nt" that hasfft (and sometimes infamous) rock-opera that changed Br6adway forever ,,,ill be closing its doors on the great ~q~ite Way in Jtm~ but before it dora, the national tour will be making several stops in th~ Midwest. "Rent" is the story, of a colorful collectiot~ of frien& in Manhattan’s East End around the tiim end of the eighties. Surrounded by" povert.>; the onset of the MDS epi&mic and the rise of corporate commercialism, this group of artists defies the norm and redefines the boundaries of love. " says Jed Resnick, who plays Mark in promise ofAmerica is a country of tolerance harmony. just doesn’t l~appen in rea! life, there is so much hatred utopian and unreal ~ bom~daries." ’°Rent" are persona!. "This show was the first shame and that Resnick says he connected with privately as a him want was a major 998, the summer when I first characters rand connected. It became a dream m be in the sho~; and people joked with me in High School about it because I’m so close to Mark." According to the performer, taking on the role of the show’s filmmaking n~xrator was not too much of a srxetch. "Mark and Jed are both slightly neurotic, Jewish N ew Yorkers." he laughs. "I latched on to our surface similarities and then was able to discover this~gs I didn’t realize about b~n. Things like his passion for art and fl~e ~ower it has to affect change." Photo: Jed Resnick �Cathedral of Hope Donates Scarves to Wilson Schoo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ For the fourth year in a row members of the Cathedral of Hope made scarves for Wilson Elementary School; In 2004 the church "adopted" Wilson for a number of service projects, since Wilson was their neighborhood school and included children from homeless shelters and section eight housing. Annual projects include collecting schoo! supplies, donating tissues during cold season, and sewing scarves every winter. This year members worked over two nights creating over 60 scarves. One couple also donated gloves and hats. On Tuesday, February 5, church members delivered the goodies to the school. According to pastor, the Rev. Dr. Scott Jones, "The assistant principal told us that every year the kids look forward to the day the scarves are handed out and that they wear them every day a~er that." Nancy Sanders, who has helped with the project every year said, "It’s always a lot of fun for the kids and fun for us too." the STAR �Love on tb~e Nile Deep b~4de HolI)~ood, reports on n~projects for Madonna and Ian Zierine~ Madonna khad to happen. Madonna mous disdain fbr her acting the camera. The finished product is recently premiered at the Berli~ mttsement. It stars the band Gogol Bordello) in a loose, in common with Madonna’s with her later it a refreshing new path uphill cred mountain to climb, but almost a lock that distribution reinvention will be as an aut~ur. Ian Ziering Move~ from Stretch marks, bloated ankles, ous. At least, that’s xvhat the makers given the success of other new comedy stars as a mar (The Constant Gardener) looks like eyeliner - a good to be starring in a romance set jandro ~Am~ena bar (The will direct the film, about a slave (Oscar in love with his mistress at the dawn of the Christian era, Paradise Now) co-stars as a zea!her statuette for The Constant variety of roles in movies like ~nd Definitel> Maybe, and this a~s-yetStarts shooting this month - promises to eclectic. a!most unani- )..ueer Cinema" in the early of a small miracle when a gay indie movie rea! theaters outside Trevor is one of those movies. Goodman, of unknowns, about queer the suddenly deep waters of adult life, appreciation that the recent "new naturalist" films of upstart directors like Andrew getting from critics and when the fihn gets released in May. © STAR www.ozarksstar.com �Ragged Blade Cor cer City February 29 h Oklahoma Photo by Mike W/site: Ashley Saphian, Isaac Cherry, Jerry Rabushka, Zach Jett ST LOUIS, MO (P/R) __ They are faster! louder! more blues! and more country! Ragged Blade has made four theatrical excursions to the IAO in Oklahoma City and now they’re on tap for a concert of Music worth waiting for. An evening of original pop, country, blues, and ballads by songwriter & playwright Jerry Rabushka. You’ll hear songs from some of the plays that have come to the IAO last year, and some newly hatched music with Rabushka’s trademark deep emotion and beautiful harmonies. Hang out with us for co01 country songs. No Luck At Home, the bluesy and sexually charged, Wrong Side Of Town, and Jerry’s lonely ballad Diner 4 AM. The band: Zach Jett (vocals) has toured with Ragged Blade for over a year and has been to the IAO for Woofl. The Road Show and Love of Last Resort. Ashley Saphian (vocals) has performed in several RB plays and concerts. Isaac Cherry (drums) has toured nationally as a solo drummer and with such bands as Animal 13 on the east coast and the Malibu Minstrels on the west. Jerry Rabushka (keyboard and vocals) has written & produced several musicals, was nominated for a national award for outstanding Instrumental Recording by New York based Outmusic in 2003, and received an award from the St. Louis Arts For Life Foundations for his original score to the musical, The Soviet Tango. IAO Gallery, 811 N. Broadway Oklahoma City 405-232-6060 8:00 EM. $5.00 cover At that price you can bring LOTS of friends!! For more info please visit www.raggedblade.com or www.iaogallery. org March 2008 the STAR 13 �by Liz Highleyman~~ Past Out, which looks at the life 0fFTM pioneer L0u Sullivan. Who was Lou Sullivan ? ouis Graydon Sullivan was a pioneer of the transgender movement - not just as an organizer, but as perhaps the first female-to-male (FTM) transsexual to identify publicly as a gay man. Born in June 1951 and named Sheila Jean, Sullivan grew up in a working-class family in a suburb of Milwaukee, \Vgis. He was educated at Catholic schools and took a secretarial job at the University of Wisconsin after graduating from high school. Though Sullivan later recalled that he had enjoyed "playing boys" as a child, his issues around gender and sexuality came to the fore when he was a teenager. "I look in the mirror and say to myself, ’That’s you, Sheila. That girl over there is you.’ It seems so funny," he wrote in his diary at age 14. Before long he started wearing men’s-style white shirts and ties, eventually adding men’s slacks, shoes, and hairstyle. By the early 1970s, Sullivan self-identified as a "heterosexual female transvestite who was sexually attracted to gay men," and had embarked on a long-term relationship with an effeminate man. Sullivan was active in the nascent gay liberation movement, which embraced gender-bending and favored the androgynous aesthetic of the broader counterculture. He was involved with Milwaukee’s first gay rights group, the Gay People’s Union (GPU), and helped produce its newsletter. Jumping into the controversy over drag within the women’s movement, he wrote "A Transvestite Answers a Feminist" 14 the STAR for GPU News in 1973, followed a year later by "Looking Towards Transvestite Liberation," which was widely reprinted in other gay and lesbian publications. Over the next few years, Sullivan’s gender identity shifted from transvestite to transsexual. In 1975, he and his boyfriend moved to San Francisco; as a parting gift, his supportive family gave him a good suit and an heirloom pocket watch engraved "Go West Young Man." But even amid the city’s queer milieu, Sullivan had difficulty finding others like himselfi "I want to look like what I am," he once wrote, "but don’t know what someone like me looks like." Though still presenting as a woman in his job as a secretary for the Wilson Sporting Goods company, most of the rest of the time Sullivan fully cross-dressed and lived as a gay man, hanging out in gay bars and enjoying an adventurous sex life. Sullivan sought sex-reassignment surgery in the late 1970s, but was repeatedly denied because he openly identified as ~y at a time when people undergoing the procedure were expected to adopt stereotypical heterosexual opposite-sex gender roles. "They were invested in taking sissy gay boys and transforming them into straight women, and taking tomboy women who were socially unacceptable and changing them into straight men," according to fellow FTM Shadow Morton. Sullivan recalled that one gender clinic told him he could not possibly live as a gay man, since gay men were primarily interested in large penises. Sullivan’s frustration led him to campaign for the removal of homosexuality as a contraindication for sex reassignment - an effort that finally succeeded in the late 1980s. At a time when most gender services focused on male-to-female transsexuals, he volunteered as the first FTM peer counselor with San Francisco’s Janus Information Facility (a clearinghouse for information about transsexuality) and wrote the earliest informational booldet for transmen, _Information for the Female to Male Cross-Dresser and Transsexual_ (1980). He later authored a biography of early 20th-century "passing woman" Jack Bee Garland. Sullivan was a co-founder of the Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of Northern California (now the GLBT Historical Society), helping to ensure that it was inclusive of transgender lives. In 1979, after several refusals from established university-based gender dinics, Sullivan found sympathetic therapists and doctors and began taking testosterone. He had a double mastectomy and started a new technician job where co-workers had never known him as a woman. He finally underwent genital surgery in 1986, but experienced complications and never fully recovered; that same year, he was diagnosed as HIV positive. "I took a certain pleasure," he wrote, "in informing the gender clinic that even though their program told me I could not live as a gay man, it looks like I’m going to die like one." Sullivan devoted his final years to building the network of FTM contacts he had acquired over a decade into an organization, and eventually a visible movement. In 1986, he began holding peer-support get-togethers for people on the male transgender spectrum, which evolved into the present-day FTM International - today the largest and longest-running organization of its kind. Yet he continued to take the time to answer the many letters he received from transmen around the world, hoping to dispel the sense of isolation he had felt. Sullivan died of an AIDS-related illness in March 1991, after malting plans to ensure that the organization he created would continue. "Lou Sullivan left behind a mailing list of about 230 names, a roll of stamps, the model of inclusion in his support group, and the ethic of service to a community he hoped would someday exist," said de facto successor Jamison Green. "Now it almost does. In life and since his death, he has been an inspiration for many transmen, both gay and straight." w~,wv.ozarksstar.corn �1) Langmeil Three Gardens Barossa Valley ’05- Shiraz, Grenache and Mourv~dre. Smooth and round, with raspberry & plum most prominent/lean finish. 2) Yellow Tail Reserve Shiraz ’06- Ripe and aromatic. The past 2 vintages have scored some high points with national wine critics/ worth checking out. 3) Yalumba Y Series Shiraz-Viognier 2006Spicy, but the mix of Viognier makes a presence of lychee and peach. 4) Molly Dooker The Boxer 2006 - Ripe and smoky. A mouthful of raspberry with white pepper. A state allocated wine/very hard to find bottle here in town so if ya see it, get it! 5) Marquis Phillips Sarah’s Blend 2005Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot. Check out the Roogle on the label. It’s cross between an Eagle and a Kangaroo and signifies the friendship between the US and Australia. Great taste/recommended. 6) Lindemans Padthaway Reserve 2005Generous cherry and raspberry flavors. From the Hunter Valley about and hour and a half from Sydney. Also gets rave reviews. And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/www.WineSpectator.com www.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org �By Joey De An Italian-Creole restaurant in New Orleans. Photo: David Barlo,~ a,~d A,,~a,~da Ba/on Copyright Joa*¢ Marcus 2007 TULSA, OK __ One of America’s most beloved musicals, "Annie" is celebrating its 30th anniversary tour, and giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic about never giving up hope. The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is coming to the Tulsa PAC March 4-9. With music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meeban, ’%nhie" is again directed by lyricist Martin Charnin, who directed the original 1977 Broadxvay production. After xvinning seven Tony Axvards in 1977, including Best blusica!, Book and Score the shoxv ran for 2,377 performances and is one of the top 20 longest running shows in Broadxvay history. With one of Broadxvay’s most memorable scores, including t~ the Hard-Knock Life" and ’"~ tomorrow,""" ~(~n ni e, "is the feel-good shoxv to bring a smile to any, face. Tickets may be purchased at 596-7111, via the internet at wwxv. MyTicketOffice.com or by visiting the PAC box oft{ce. Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Seepage 29for o,’der blank. the ~TA~ Bayou Crawfish Etouffee 1/4 pound butter 4 cups chopped onions 2 cups chopped green peppers 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chopped garlic 4 cups sliced mushrooms 1 1/2 teaspoons flour Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 4 dashes Tabasco sauce 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2 cups whipping cream 1 cup half-and-half 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce Melt butter in large heavy-duty pot. Add onions, peppers, garlic and all seasonings. Saute, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent (15 minutes). Add mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes. Add flour and mix thoroughly for 1 minute, stirring often. Add whipping cream and half-and-half. Cook until cream thickens but does not boil, stirring often. Add tomato sauce and cook for 15 minutes. Add desired meat, seafood or crawfish. Stirring often, cook until meat or vegetables are done. The longer you let the sauce cook, the more flavorful it becomes. More on PASCAL’S MANALE Restaurant see page 22 www.ozarksstar.com �c ONOUES T Join our gay and Imbian group aboard Carnival Cow, quest© ~ we set sail from Galvesm~ and call o~ the beaurifhi ports in Monrego Ba); Grand Cayman and Cx~zumel. There is no better way to celebrate Halloween than aboard a funship with Gayribbean Cruises, We offer: Our fr~ntasdc Halloweml Costume Part),, Nighdy Mixers and SO MUCH MORE ! Book early and save. Ask how m receive $75 shipboard cre<~t! For information & Reservations www.GaydbbeanCruisesocom �by Donald Pile and Ray Williams One of the manygreat things about travelin~ .... is, besides meeting interestin,~,p eople and visitin g beautiful places, sometimes you also get to see FABULOUS ENTERTAINERS. The past few- )mars We were fortunate to be able to see these entertainers in action. They ernb0dy all that is good in a true entertainer. ...... fun, funny; sometimes elegant and they all put on a great show. THE COUNT.S, B&EXIS DEL LAGO of Paris, New York and HollDvood. one of the most remarkable, amazing and elegant pers0nalilties that we have,ever met in our travels. She was the most elegant drag queen ofthe 80 s New York City, she then moved to \Vest Hollywooa and 6pened a wonderful antiques b(~utique shop. She WAS Marlene Dietrich, afI day and every day[ Sh£ is the cla~;iest add best &essed of them all. She *~,-~as (~nd stil! is) a r~al star when everyone else was just pretending. She performed on stage, movies and tete~2ision. She was a bi~ hit at the famous Pyramid Club in New York and with the Andy Wathol group. Her latest "Countess Alexis with Ray Williams" Lypsinka Frank Marino 18 the STAR moade, SUPERSTAR IN A HOUSEDRESS, only proves how classy,she still iS. And always hers,d£ She believed in herself as most people don t. MOst people either dont have the, courage to be themselve~s,o,~ are s,o unsure about wh~ they are that they cant. As the Countess stares, It wasrft that I was so fabulous, it is just that the others were so stupid. \Ve have never seen her when she &dnt look hke a milhon dollars. She ALWAYS makes a grain entrance where ever she goes. And why not? She ~s N~e Countess : Check out http:lt~wv.youtube.com/watch?v=lG2DATQ_dlA to see a fabulous sm,en minute fihn clip. LYPSINKA, whose real name is John Epperson lives in New York City. We caught his act at the AI~ Theatre in San Francisco. His production is entitled "LYPSINKM THE BOX.ED SET" He is one of the most intelligent performers around. He does Gisele MacKenzie, Frances Faye, Conme Franos, Llbby Morns, Dorothy Sqmres and the 50 s musical ,con Delores Gray. He performs all over the United States and gets standing ovations where,)er he performs. It is remarkable the staging and entertaini~ag this entertainer does. You will be dazed by his performance. Unlike marli, performers he stretches the boundaries. ~e H~llDvood Reporter says L smka ~s hke nothing you ve seen before. Theamcat art,stry that ne er seems to slow down" The New York ~mes says "I.ypsinka is a fascinating, ftmny and disturbing spectacle." From the opening scene ro the finale this performer never lets down the audience. He is absolute dynamite. Audiences go back year after year to see him perform. And on top of everything else l~}m just happens to be a very nice person. For a listing of his performances and other information about him go to ww~:lypsinka.corn. FRANK MARINO, who performs at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas , is another performer who puts on a great show. He does his "_Joan River’s’ routine and has been wowing audiences for years and years in I.as Vegas. The straights in the audience really get into his show and why not? He and his cast and crmv put on a class act show. He emcees the’show and introduces the different performers who do Chef. Shirley MacLaine, Tina, and many others. Tlaeir show is sold out almost every night. It is basically a musicallcomedy revie~v with gorgeous gowns, feathers, glitter, etc. Frank changes cosrurnes between every set which gives a grear dimension to the show. When going to Las Vegas next time, be sure and catch the show. His web site is ~x~;frankmarino.com ............................. Continued next page v~w.ozarksstar.com �Creating Community for People ~ivin9 with H~V/AIDS .A 50~. c (3) Non P~ofit O~ganization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIM+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistanoe to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrism mjr@yahoo.oom. �)ff~rs little in the way of attractions, unless, of course, you count shopping as a form of sightseeing. If you wander along West 20th through West 27th streets in the block west of 10th Avenue, you’ll find storefront after storefront of cutting-edge art galleries - check out www.chelseaartga~leries.com for details on upcoming shows. Fans of dance should note two important neighborhood institutions: the art deco Joyce Theater, which hosts high-quality dance companies throughout the year, and the dramatic Dance Theater Workshop, around the corner, which also presents acclaimed concerts throughout the year. The neighborhood draws plenty of foodies to its Chelsea Market, a bustling concourse of gourmet food stalls in which you’ll find tantalizing Thai food, savory soups, fine wines, heavenly baked goods, and lots more. Neighborhood s recently as the mid-1990s, relatively few visitors spent time in Chelsea, the neighborhood on Manhattan’s west side between Midtown and Greenwich Village. Today, however, Chelsea abounds with gay bars, coo! restaurants, diverting shops, avant-garde galleries, and an increasing number of hotels. It’s become arguably the city’s hottest destination for gay visitors, and a wonderful neighborhood to spend a weekend or short vacation. This part of the city was developed in the 1830s by clergyman Clement Clark Moore, author of"A Visit from St. Nicholas" ("~B~vas the night before Christmas..."), whose family owned most of the area. Well into the mid-20th century, Chelsea was a drab, lower-income neighborhood where workers at nearby garment factories and river docks lived in cheap boardinghouses and rickety, airless tenements. But as gays began moving here in the ’70s and ’80s, gentrification gradually took hold. And in recent years, the neighborhood has developed cachet among both residents and visitors as one of the trendiest areas in the city as well as one of the nation’s most dynamic gay communities. Chelsea comprises roughly the blocks between 5th Avenue and the Hudson River, with 14th Street forming the neighborhood’s southern boundary. Most locals consider 23rd Street to be its northern edge, but others argue the border extends as far north as 28th or even 32nd Street. For all practical purposes - particularly in terms of retail, dining, and clubbing - you’ll find the most intriguing businesses between 14th and 23rd streets. And where gay-popular establishments are concerned, the main drag is 8th Avenue, with 7th Avenue a close runner-up. Additionally, 9th and 10th avenues have witnessed the tide of gentrification in recent years, particularly as top galleries have moved into the western reaches of Chelsea. 20 the STAR In fact, restaurants have become one of the neighborhood’s leading draws. There are the obvious bastions of gay social life, such as Viceroy and Food Bar for rather standard American chow, and campy VYNL, which is known for its eclectic Asian and international dishes, plus outstanding martinis. Gym buffs on high-protein diets favor Better Burger, with its menu of lean, char-grilled burgers and fresh-squeezed juices. Other hot spots include the funky Thai restaurant Room Service, known for such ldcky creations as Thai-spicy tuna salad and chile-rubbed salmon; and Suenos, which serves some of the most innovative regional Mexican fare in the city - be sure to try the duck-confit quesadillas with poached pears and ancho chileso For weekend brunch, don’t miss East of Eighth, which turns out first-rate contemporary American food and offers lively cabaret in the evenings. Few spots are more popular at lunchtime than Dish, a glorified diner of sorts, which is also known for its relaxing Saturday and Sunday brunch. Snackers and noshers will find plenty of toothsome options, including F&B Gudtfood for gourmet hot dogs and European-style street food, Murray’s for some of the city’s finest bagels, and Pinkberry, for the mysterious yogurt-esque frozen-dessert snacks that have taken the city by storm. On the west side of the neighborhood, you can count on the Red Cat for a terrific meal of creative American fare, such as a fantastic paprika-roasted cod with spicy escarole and an anchovy-almond sauce. At cozy Tia Pol, choose from a long list of outstanding Spanish tapas, while the much-hyped Craftsteak is your go-to for superb cuts of beef- it’s part of Tom Colicchio’s (ofTV’s Top Chef) growing restaurant empire. Chelsea has become the epicenter of gay nightlife in New York City (although it’s fair to say that the Hells Kitchen and East Village neighborhoods provide plenty of competition). There are the trendy spots, such as G Lounge, a sea of coiffed and smartly dressed men hobnobbing around a central bar or relaxing in mod lounge chairs; and the long-running Splash, a two-floor temple of chic gay clubbing known for its go-go dancers and throbbing music. Quirky Barracuda cultivates a mixed arty and cruisy bunch, while the bilevel Eagle caters to the usual set of bears, leather men, and ardent porn enthusiasts (old-fashioned blue movies play on the video screens). www.ozarksstar.com �Rawhide is an old-school neighborhood bar with an age-diverse following, and the friendly Gym Sportbar has become the darling of the post-workout crowd. Locals hangouts like View Bar and XES can seem empty or bustling depending on the night, and a couple of pulsing warehouse discos, Rush and Stereo, round out the scene. Chelsea has relatively few hotel rooms compared with other key Manhattan neighborhoods, but it’s a 10- to 20-minute walk (or a short cab or subway ride) from the scads of hotels in Midtown. What you will find in Chelsea, however, are several properties with reasonable rates, most catering heavily to the gay market. A favorite of history buffs is the raffish Hotel Chelsea, the city’s tallest building when it was built in the 1880s. This bohemian hostelry has been the home of all sorts of fascinating characters, from William Burroughs to Jasper Johns to Allen Ginsberg: Just up the street, the modern and rather basic Chelsea Savoy Hotel has a terrific location at the corner of West 23rd Street and 7th Avenue, and rooms here can run as low as $99 nightly. Among the big chains, there’s a Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea on West 25th Street, and the Hampton Inn Chelsea on West 24th Street. Both of these are clean, well-managed, and affordable. This hip neighborhood is rapidly developing, though, and within a few years you’ll find a number of additional hotels to choose from. For instance, the trendy hotel brand Indigo is planning a 122-room property for 127 West 28th Street, to open in early 2009. And, just a short walk east of Chelsea in a similarly vibrant area, you might consider the uber-cool W New York Union Square, a swank stunner that occupies the 1911 beaux-arts Guardian Life building and contains Todd English’s bustling Olives restaurant and Rande Gerber’s see-and-be-seen Underbar. Or check into Ian Schrager’s luxuriously re-imagined Gramercy Park Hotel, a glam boutique hotel overlooking the elegant park of the same name. Among smaller, gay-oriented properties, a reliable pick is the Chelsea Pines Inn, which occupies a charming 1850s town house in the heart of the neighborhood. Rooms with semiprivate bath (sink and shower are in your room, but the toilet is shared with several other rooms on same floor) start at $140, while rooms with private baths begin at $175. An even better value, with rates beginning around $130 for shared-bath units, the Chelsea Lodge is set along handsome West 22nd Street and contains 22 cozy, clean, and pleasantly furnished rooms. When you consider that generic, bland chain properties in Midtown can charge well over $400 per night, these two intimate and friendly Chelsea hideaways are a real bargain. And you can use the money you save to dine well in the neighborhood’s dozens of inviting eateries. 1- 800 - 535-AI DS (2437) Okllahoma’s H V/STD Hot ine PRO TECT YO F PROTECT YOUR PA ° F,¢ee. me~ HIV testify, t~ 20 H.O.P;~. Tes~:~ng C~inic ~ens Oetreach Pr~ram www.ozarksstar.com the STAR :)1 �~ 6, 2008 ItMian’Creole restaurant in New Orleans Fotmded in 1913, this family-run, ItaJian, Creole restaurant is 8) i New Orle~s at baxbecued shrimp. N~is . from the se~,ice to the decor. oyster bar ~nd on ~e hflf shel! and fll ~es of cocktails. We offer Sp~cialfies and delicio~ stea~, ~ i in traddtion; ir ~ s and ~hes it out daily in ~e ~tO lmltate~ !tiNe;Andwhenyou! We&esday thru Friday : thru Saturda); 5 PM to closing ~d cloSed 0h �WHITE PARTY SPRING BREAK 2008 PRESENTS THREE DAYS AND FOUR NIGHTS OF THE BEST PARTIES ON THE PLANET !’~"~ Men from all over the world converge on Palm Springs : April 17.21, 2008. Surprise performances happening aft weekend long! PALM SPRINGS, CA (PR) This is the event that attracts men from all over the world to the desert oasis of Palm Springs, CA ! Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party Spring Break happens at new date in 2008--April 17-21, with an action-packed weekend of non-stop parties, superstar performances and the hottest men from all over the globe. Totally new for 2008: the sexy Boxers and Briefs Underwear Party, happening Friday, will let it all hang out. Saturday’s main event: White Party - Boogie Fever celebrates 30 years of dance music. Not to mention Sunday’s Extreme T Dance, an over-the-top dance event taking the action farther than it’s ever been before. Weekend passes are on sale now at www.CircuitTicket.com. Express Weekend Passes ($350 until Feb. 15) include: Absolute priority access to all weekend events; Access to VIP lounge at the Saturday White Party and Sunday T Dance; Official White Party Spring Break Gift Bag and Unlimited complimentary bottled water at White Party and T Dance. Weekend Passes ($250 until Feb. 15) include: Express Entrance to White Party, T Dance & Closing Party; complementary admission to Thursday Welcome Party, plus a $25 add-on for admission to Boxers and Briefs Underwear Party. For additional information or to purchase passes in advance online, visit: www.jeffreysanker.com or vcww.circuiticket.com. For more information, call (310) 360-6100. The host hotel for White Party 2008 is the fabulous Wyndham Palm Springs, the center of all the poolside action, home to nighttime events and location of the official welcome center. For reservations, call: (760) 322-6000. Mention WP when making reservations to receive a special rate. Back by popular demand: The ultimate VIP treatment lets you experience White Party in the lap of luxury with a range of personalized services right at your fingertips. Again in 2008, White Party Spring Break offers a limited number of luxurious VIP packages to make your weekend truly unforgettable. Packages include a range of options such as premium accommodations, lavish amenities including a personal concierge, private cabanas, security escorts and special upgrades. All packages feature exclusive VIP bottle service at Saturday night’s White Party and the Sunday T Dance. Visit: www. jeffreysanker.com for more details. March 2008 The STAR 23 ��and the �By Ronald Blake esterday was my thirty-ninth birthday. I chose to wake with the roosters and run a five kilometer race to begin my fete of this event. I ruminated on my choice of a celebratory method be.fore, during, and after this competition. I discovered many reasons ~vhy I dragged my partner and our little canine companion along with me to this athletic spectacle. There is not much traffic on an early Saturday morning when you are headed to a physical challenge. I was able to really notice the mountains when I wasn’t beset by droves of angry, chafed, rush-hour motorists. I realized that the mountains were even more majestic with their verdant hue given the recent rains here in the desert. The rising sun added its paintbrush to this mountain landscape with its spangling of yellows and oranges. A good reason to get up and run. We drove past the Phoenix International Raceway on our journey to the starting line. I have lived in the Valley of the Sun for over three years and had never seen this imposing NASCAR edifice. It was quietly assuming its regnant place alongside its panoply of mountains. We also had never been to the location of this gala running affair. It too was nestled next to the mountains and was a magnificent oasis in the ribald desert landscape. I felt a contemporary thrill of a Louis and Clark moment as I gazed upon virgin ground. A good reason to get up and run. There were other people at the race site when I arrived. These people also had running shoes and were stretching. These people also brought friends, family members, and their little dogs too. These people also ran the course, sweated, and finished completely exhausted. I wasn’t the only one early to bed and early to rise. We shared camaraderie and a commonality that morning. A good reason to get up and run. I received a T-shirt, bananas, a medal, an olio of donated sundries, and some friendly discourse through out my experience. It did cost me twentyfive dollars to participate but I am not offering any regrets. I could just as easily have spent that money on a well-earned hangover but I already have plenty of those notched in my craw! of fame. I am pleased with my assortment of newly acquired memorabilia. A good reason to get up and run. There was live music after the race. It was provided by your quintessential three men and a lady cover band. The backdrop was a cupola adorned, ornate clubhouse and a lake begirded with palm trees. I would have settled for anything at that time. I had just felt the intrinsic satisfaction of completing an arduous task and the extrinsic reward of a salvo of cheers for my fait accompli. A very good reason to get up and run. I am thirty-nine today and I wil! be forty next year. I have no control over the passage of time. I will continue to enjoy my flight through the ages and I will continue to augment my reasoning for getting up and running...until the flight ends. ~sis health andfitness column is brought to you by that gvgy who noticed that sex act is followed by sexagenarian in the dictionary. ~at connect the dots guy is Ron Blake and he can be vivified at www.goblakefimess. co~n, www.ozarksstar.com �ART SHOW: Between sumi-d, drawings, oil paintings and sculpture, Shawn’s work has been shown and sold in dozens of one-woman and group showings and through commissioned work. Merry Schepers is also a native Otdahoman whose works in porcelain, clay and multimedia embrace a broad stylistic spectrum from flying porcelain vessels to shamanic, archetypal masks to functional stoneware. She earned her BA from Montclair State University (N.J.) and has worked in clay for over thirteen years. As a member of the Alternative Outsider artists, she participates in that group’s annual show. She also shows in galleries in Tulsa, Ok. and Fayetteville, AR. and participates in Tulsa’s Blue Dome Arts Festival. The exhibit will remain up through the month of March, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. Nae Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. 7his monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for A1 McAffrey To Speak At OK County Democrats Medallion Dinner OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __M is the Representative for House District 88 and will be the Master of Ceremonies for our Medallion Dinner. The Oklahoma County Democrats Medallion Dinner, with Jim Roth and Al McAffrey, will be taking place on March 8, 2008 at the Regal Room (Ned’s Catering), 625 NW Grand Blvd, OKC, 73118. Visit the website for updated information, sponsor & ticket prices, and easy online ticket purchasing. www.okcountydemocrats.org Oklahoma Governor say’s NO to National Real ID Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Ga); Bisexual & Tram’gender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equali~y Center. Oklahoma City mayor challenges citizens to loose 1 million pounds OKLAHOMA CITY - With a button-popping spread of cornbread, sausage and gravy, chicken fried steak and pecan pie designated as Oklahoma’s official state meal, it’s no surprise that Oklahoma City’s mayor wants to put the city on a diet. Mick Cornett has challenged the city to shed 1 million pounds as its New Year’s resolution. (PR) The federal effort to create a national identity card, called the Real ID card, would take us one step closer to a surveillance society, erode our right to privacy and put our personal information at risk. Luckily, governors in five states, including Oklahoma, courageously rejected this invasive law. Now we need these governors to stand their ground so that Congress will be forced to repeal this horrifying program! Real ID would force all states to connect their DMV databases to one single interlinked system -- facilitating government tracking of ordinary Americans. It would also expose our most sensitive personal information to criminal identity theft. Thanks to your Governor, this invasive law -- and the dramatic tax increases required to pay its massive price tag -- was courageously rejected in Oklahoma. Help make sure that no American is forced to use the costly "Big Brother" Real ID card. The national Real ID card will take away our privacy and treat all Americans like enemies of the state! www.ozarksstar.corn "The nature of the questions LGBT human rights defenders were asked, repeatedly trying to link homosexuality and pedophilia, simply shows how far our stubborn opposition is ready to go to put obstacles before LGBT groups on their way to recognition as members of civil society," the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) said in a statement. Just two of many reasons the right wing hates McCain. 1. Same-sex marriage. McCain refuses to support a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. 2. Stem-cell research. McCain would relax restrictions on federal dollars for embryonic stem cell research, which critics consider tantamount to abortion. BERLIN (AP) __ A new Berlin memorial to the Nazis’ gay victims should be ready within months, officials said Thursday. The $890,000 memorial to gay victims will be located in Berlin’s Tiergarten Park, across from the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Culture Minister Bernd Neumann said. Homosexuality was banned under the Nazis. Tens of thousands of people, primarily men, were arrested, and many were sent to concentration camps. BEIJING (AFP) Chinas Ministry of Health is set to implement its first ever national programme to curb the spread of HIV/ AIDS among gay men. "The programme aims to strengthen measures to prevent and control the deadly disease among the homosexual community," the China Daily quoted Wang \greizhen, a senior official with the ministry’s HIWAIDS prevention department, as saying. "By learning more about gay people, we can better protect them against this incurable disease. Studies are under way in several cities to collect information on gay men, such as their.., behavioural patterns." The programme will also deliver special funding and technical support to gay men, Wang said, without giving further details. There are over 700 thousand gay men with HIV/AIDS in China. the STAR 27 �"Be cor~servative with money, Gemini!" As Mars enters Cancer, productive efforts are easily clouded by moods and misunderstandings. While he opposes Pluto, frustrations can gain exaggerated importance. You may feel like you need an oar to propel your craft forward, but what you may really need is a shovel to dig to the root of existing challenges. ARIES (March 20 -Apri~ 19): Yours is the sign of the lone wolf, but you are now aiming for the role of head of the household. The responsibilities and obligations really don’t suit you. Try for the position of "elder statesperson" or dowager instead. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Little domestic arguments can explode way too easily. Are you just being stubborn? How important are those details, anyway? Your arguments may be more aesthetic than logical, but they should still be explainable in a calm, friendly manner. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your sexual appetite is surging, but so is your deeper desire for commitment. One is so much more easily satisfied than the other that you might find any effort frustrating. Try seeing the glass as half full. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Is your partner being too aggressive, or are you just being stubborn? You can do something about the latter. Fights come easily, but so does passion. You really need a struggle. Be nice, and you could get a good one! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): Wanting too much can be a great spur to action, but acting impulsively on excessive desire is a sure path to accidents and illness. Meditate, think ahead, and confide in a friend with a cooler head before acting. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Acting on your playful urges will have far-reaching ramifications. Focus those desires responsibly and creatively. Infuriating people is not a mark of success per se, but be bold enough to risk pissing off the right people for the right reasons. GEMINI (May 21 - Jun~ 20): Be very careful and conservative with your money. Household and proper~ investments or any renegotiation of debt should be checked out very thoroughly. Sexual urges may take an emotional cost, challenging you to think more about your deeper needs. CANCER (June 21 -July 22): Acting on impulse can transform your relationship, and probably not for the better. Channel that energy into thinking ahead and talking about what you want, what your partner wants, and how you can deepen your connection. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Worrying about your health or work only makes problems - real or imagined - worse. Take positive steps, and check out anything that bears watching. Remember the difference between focus and obsession, and stick to the task at hand. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Your political aims are coming from somewhere deep in your gut, which is fine. But sensible strategy should come from your brilliant-butnow-vacationing brain. Artistic, creative expressions will give you the outlet you need. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Courtesy is usually your strongest conviction. Now other deep beliefs provoke you to speak up against authority. Think carefully about mouthing off to the police or your boss. If you want to raise hell, find a public demonstration that suits your politics. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your urge for arguments seems to be coming out of nowhere. Try to focus that energy toward digging into topics that interest you. Take up a good challenge to keep your mind busy and your mouth out of trouble! 28 the STAR METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. UrJe Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM CommUnity Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and Blessed Day! www.ozarksstar.com �DO\VNTOWN PLAZA of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 wvw.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Cig; OK 405-528-2221 wwv.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant RENT the Musical Tulsa PAC 918-596-7111 www.myticketoffice.com SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhartman@gmail.com ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK w~:anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 w~vw.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklaboma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Tulsa, OK j udygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREE~I; Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn GAYRIBBEAN CRUISES www.gayribbeancruises.com 877-560-8318 www.ozarksstar.com want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: ~he STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm City:. OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: St: Zip: Phone: 29 �Keller Williams Realty \Vihether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. (ng~finitiqn easy) - growing up GAY in OK is You can help our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more Info: WWW. openarmsproject.org 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar, com ��drugs �� 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 2 the STAR wwvv.ozarksstar.com By Victor Gorin Photo: Nate Borofiky, Doris Muramatsu,Blue Door owner Greg Johnson, & Ty Greenstein OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Valentine’s Day crowd at the Blue Door was trttly treated by the extraordinary innovation and harmonies of Girlyman, a gay band of 3 musicians, Nate Borofsky, Doris Muramatsu and Ty Greenstein, who wowed the house with their awesome harmonies & creative style. As Nate put it, their music has been influenced by "the Indigo Girls, Simon & Garfunkel, the Mamas and Papas, and Bach." Their style, if it could be labeled, is a blend of folk, pop and bluegrass best described by Ty as "alt folk" The full house audience consisted mostly of the Blue Door’s regular folk & innovative music fans, but also featured many "Blue Door virgins", and they were not disappointed. This trio, which has previously graced Oklahoma, once opened for the Indigo Girls here in 2004, and was ready to please a capacity crowd even though they admitted they didn’t know what to expect. Masterminded by their soundperson/tour manager Heather "Turtle" Brooks, they blend their talents and insight in a way that has to be heard to be believed. So far they have recorded 3 CD’s, the latest entitled "Joyful Signs." As for their clever name, it was not inspired by the famous California Governor Schwarzenegger who in fact made that "girlyman" expression famous 2 years after the band was formed, although they do welcome the publicity. As Muramutsu puts it, "It’s playful and fun. The name Girlyman puts that all out there and lets us play with it." That they did, and they’ll win over even more new fans xvhen they play Oklahoma again. www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3 Art Show by Shawn Wilson.and Merry Schepers. Michael Buble’ in OKC; "It is the ideal portrayal ofAmerica," says Jed Resnick, who plays Mark in the touring production. ~ DEE[P INSIDE HO~-t-~OOD Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Madonna and Ian Ziering. GLBT History, Past Out looks at the life ofFTM pioneer Lou Sullivan. Devre Jackson reviews Australian Shiraz Bayou Crawfish Etouffee a feature at Pascal’s Manale, New Orleans ~C~AO "~’R~VS~. Gay Travelers: Entertainers Out of Town: Chelsea, Manhattan Pascal’s Manale, New Orleans lvlen from all over the world converge on Palm Springs for spring break. Surprise performances happening all weekend long! F~T~ESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Cast of "RENT" 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com LGBT Votes Sway Towards Hi11 Clinton LOS ANGELES, CA __Not only is the Democratic presidential primary ticket a historic celebration of diversity, but exit polls from Super Tuesday celebrated history as well. Polling orga,xizations from around the country asked three questions never before found on exit poll surveys: Did voters pick a xvoman? Did voters pick a black man? Did voters identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender? We are part of histor): Resoundingly, voters answered two of the three questions similarly, picking Hillary Clinton as their candidate and identifying as LGBT. In California, of the gay voters (4% of total), 63% voted for Clinton, 29% for Obama and 1% stayed around for E&vards. In New York, 7% of voters identified as LGBT, and out of them 59% voted for Clinton, 36% for Obama and 3% for Edwards. In a recent survey conducted by Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), a leading LGBTmarket research compan); **tore than 90percent ofgays and lesbians vote in U.S. presidential elections, compared to 64percent ofstraight citizens. Queerfolk are twice as likely as s~,’aightfolk to vote in midterm elections. Farrell to be best man £or brother’s gay wedding DUBLIN, IRELAND __ Hollywood star Colin Farrell is preparing for his next big role - best man at his brother’s gay wedding. The actor will stand beside his sibling Eamonn when he marries long-term partner Steven Mannion in Provincetown, Massachusetts this spring. Farrell is dose to his brother and helped chose Mannion’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring, when Eamonn proposed last year. A family friend tells the National Enquirer: "Colin is a firm believer in gay rights and he is proud of his brother. "He took Eamonn shopping for rings and intends to pick up the tab for the wedding." It was announced during the Sundance Film Festival that the Edward Norton/Colin Farrell cop drama "Pride and Glory" has been pushed back till 2009, even though it has been complete since last November. Farrell commented on this during the press junket for "In Bruges," trying to convince everyone that the delay has nothing to do with the quality of the movie. [via HollywoodElsewhere] All Gore Endorses Gay Marriage Photo by: David Gabber "I think that gay men and women ought to have the same rights as heterosexual men and women, to make contracts, to have hospital visiting rights, to join together in marriage," Gore said. ’~d I don’t understand why it is considered by some people to be a threat to heterosexual marriage to allow it by gays and lesbians. Shouldn’t we be promoting that kind of faithfulness and loyalty to one’s partner regardless of sexual orientation? Gore hinted that he would come around to support same-sex marriage as early as 2006, when speaking to a group of gay-rights activists, but his latest comments represent Gore’s first formal endorsement of equal marriage rights. Recognized by Keller Williams gor out~anding achievement 2005 and 2006 RE&LTY Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALTOi~ WbetherbuyingorsellingI’llworkhardfbryou, W~NW.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 6 the STAR Diversity Business Association of Tulsa Can Larry Craig be Found Guilty in the Court o£Public Opinion? OKI~AHOMA CITY, OK __ On the facts as argued by the ACLU in a friend of the court filing, and outlined in this story from ~wccw.Bloomberg.com ( http://tinyurl. com/2b7hew ), to me it looks as if the wily and cunning coyote, Larry Craig, will get off again, pardon the pun, by thumbing his nose at the decency he pretends to legislate from the floor of the United States Senate. Just in case you’ve been living under a rock since late last summer, Senator Larry Craig of Idaho, now in his last session of Congress since he’s promised to resign, but will change his mind if enough people beg him to stay was charged with disruptive behavior in the Minneapolis airport when observed by an undercover policeman engaging in what the cop says was sexual solicitation. ¯here is a 1970 precedent in Minnesota that private solicitation of sexual activity in a private place can not be found illegal, as spying by police in a public restroom is an unreasonable search and therefore unconstitutional. The Court has yet to rule on Craig’s appeal of his guilty plea to the charge. Craig has since stated that his guilty plea was entered into in haste and without legal advice as he wanted to keep the charge out of public notice. Craig’s peculiar pantomime with his hands and feet, though laughable, is not illegal which is a good thing for him since his coitus ~vas interrupted by a too-eager cop wanting to score another statistic. Though there was no exposure of body parts or verbal utterances, it’s clear to me that Craig was after an airport quickie, and whether or not his appeal is accepted or rejected his action in the restroom stall refutes his claim that he isn’t gay. - .. Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wro9sg~ with being gay but there is something wrong with using your Senate vote to de~rive honest men and women their equality under the law even as they work to contribute to a decent American society. Ifyou listened to the taped interview of the Idaho Senator and the cop you must have noticed that Craig certainly had his battle hardened defense at ful! bore, strengthened as if he had done a few practice runs before. Just how self-assured would YOU be in this situation if you were claiming innocence of the charges and the sign language described? However, in the public court of reasonable opinion, I think Larry Craig would be found guilty with forethought and conspiracy of multiple counts to commit hypocrisy. Unfortunately, this crime is not punished by any jail sentence or fine. Craig’s punishment will have to be the resignation of his office and a return to, can I say, private life as a civilian where he will no doubt write a book describing the pain he’s endured from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and his hounding from office by the Puritans of public decency, the very constituency he claimed to represent? SF~UALITY~VD SPIRITUALITY CONFERENCE ~mosexuality is Neither ~ness nor Sin ~ Friday March 7, urday March 8 ersity of Central Oklahoma, Edmond Register online at www.PFLAGOKC.org or call Church of the Open Arms (405) 525 9555 www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Proudly serving ~Asa & OKC’s GLBT communities since 1982 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com 621 E. 4th S~reet Tulsa, OK 74120 OI~NING RECEPTION THURSDAY, iV~RCH 6 6-9PM i%n-Sal 3-gpm through March 29 TULSA, OK__ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, March 6, 2008, for the opening of it’s March exhibit "Now and Zen", featuring local artists Shawn Wilson and Merry Schepers. Shawn Wilson has been a professional artist for 25 years. A native Oklahoman, she moved to New York at 18 years old and within a short time was regularly selling her pen and -ink drawings to New Yorker magazine. She studied sculpture at New York’s famed Art Students’ League, and over the years has shown sculpture in galleries in New York, San Francisco and Atlanta. Shawn also paints-oil on canvas-and most notably, ’sumi-~’, 0apanese inkbrush painting). She studied this ancient art form with one of the few bona fide masters here in the U.S., Koho Yamamoto of NYC. Sumi-6 suits Shawn’s artistic abilities to a ’t’, as her work in all mediums concentrates on the essence of the subject rather than the details. ..................Continued page 27 Crooner Comes ByJoey De ~~e’s blonde, he’s beautiful and his new style of classic crooning will be coming to the stage of the Oklahoma City Ford Center Mar. 4. Michael Bubld, the international superstar who has earned himself a place in music history with such hits as "Feelin’ Good," is coming to Oklahoma City as part of his third major US concert tour. All of the shows on the first leg of his 2007-2008 tour sold out in record time. Buble’ brings an irrepressible spirit, engaging humor, and confident charisma to the concert stage, and will perform hits from his current CD "Call me Irresistible and many other classics. Bubl& new CD, which he calls "my remark on the state of love," contains feeling that ,vill surprise and delight fans and impress those new to his music. "Irresponsible" contains more of Bubl& buoyant, modern interpretations and songs by such greats as Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton and Cy Coleman. Michael won his first Grammy Award this year. The Grammy is for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for "Call Me Irresponsible", which shot to #1, topping the charts around the world. The album included the #1 hit single "Everything", and was the fastest trip to #1 in three years on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. To purchase concert tickets go to www.ticketmaster. corn or visit the Ford Center box office. Visit www. michaelbuble.com for concert schedule. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 By Joey De what can be said about "f~nt" that hasfft (and sometimes infamous) rock-opera that changed Br6adway forever ,,,ill be closing its doors on the great ~q~ite Way in Jtm~ but before it dora, the national tour will be making several stops in th~ Midwest. "Rent" is the story, of a colorful collectiot~ of frien& in Manhattan’s East End around the tiim end of the eighties. Surrounded by" povert.>; the onset of the MDS epi&mic and the rise of corporate commercialism, this group of artists defies the norm and redefines the boundaries oflove. " says Jed Resnick, who plays Mark in promise ofAmerica is a country of tolerance harmony. just doesn’t l~appen in rea! life, there is so much hatred utopian and unreal ~ bom~daries." ’°Rent" are persona!. "This show was the first shame and that Resnick says he connected with privately as a him want was a major 998, the summer when I first characters rand connected. It became a dream m be in the sho~; and people joked with me in High School about it because I’m so close to Mark." According to the performer, taking on the role of the show’s filmmaking n~xrator was not too much of a srxetch. "Mark and Jed are both slightly neurotic, Jewish N ew Yorkers." he laughs. "I latched on to our surface similarities and then was able to discover this~gs I didn’t realize about b~n. Things like his passion for art and fl~e ~ower it has to affect change." Photo: Jed Resnick Cathedral ofHope Donates Scarves to Wilson Schoo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ For the fourth year in a row members of the Cathedral of Hope made scarves for Wilson Elementary School; In 2004 the church "adopted" Wilson for a number of service projects, since Wilson was their neighborhood school and included children from homeless shelters and section eight housing. Annual projects include collecting schoo! supplies, donating tissues during cold season, and sewing scarves every winter. This year members worked over two nights creating over 60 scarves. One couple also donated gloves and hats. On Tuesday, February 5, church members delivered the goodies to the school. According to pastor, the Rev. Dr. Scott Jones, "The assistant principal told us that every year the kids look forward to the day the scarves are handed out and that they wear them every day a~er that." Nancy Sanders, who has helped with the project every year said, "It’s always a lot of fun for the kids and fun for us too." the STAR Deep b~4de HolI)~ood, reports on n~projectsfor Madonna and Ian Zierine~ Madonna khad to happen. Madonna mous disdain fbr her acting the camera. The finished product is recently premiered at the Berli~ mttsement. It stars the band Gogol Bordello) in a loose, in common with Madonna’s with her later it a refreshing new path uphill cred mountain to climb, but almost a lock that distribution reinvention will be as an aut~ur. a!most unani- Ian Ziering Move~ from Stretch marks, bloated ankles, ous. At least, that’s xvhat the makers given the success of other new comedy stars as a mar STAR Love on tb~e Nile (The Constant Gardener) looks like eyeliner - a good to be starring in a romance set jandro ~Am~ena bar (The will direct the film, about a slave (Oscar in love with his mistress at the dawn of the Christian era, Paradise Now) co-stars as a zea!- her statuette for The Constant variety of roles in movies like ~nd Definitel> Maybe, and this a~s-yet- Starts shooting this month - promises to eclectic. )..ueer Cinema" in the early ofa small miracle when a gay indie movie rea! theaters outside Trevor is one of those movies. Goodman, of unknowns, about queer the suddenly deep waters of adult life, appreciation that the recent "new naturalist" films of upstart directors like Andrew getting from critics and when the fihn gets released in May. © www.ozarksstar.com Ragged Blade Cor cer Oklahoma City February 29 h Photo by Mike W/site: Ashley Saphian, Isaac Cherry, Jerry Rabushka, ZachJett ST LOUIS, MO (P/R) __ They are faster! louder! more blues! and more country! Ragged Blade has made four theatrical excursions to the IAO in Oklahoma City and now they’re on tap for a concert of Music worth waiting for. An evening of original pop, country, blues, and ballads by songwriter & playwright Jerry Rabushka. You’ll hear songs from some of the plays that have come to the IAO last year, and some newly hatched music with Rabushka’s trademark deep emotion and beautiful harmonies. Hang out with us for co01 country songs. No Luck At Home, the bluesy and sexually charged, Wrong Side OfTown, and Jerry’s lonely ballad Diner 4 AM. The band: Zach Jett (vocals) has toured with Ragged Blade for over a year and has been to the IAO for Woofl. The Road Show and Love of Last Resort. Ashley Saphian (vocals) has performed in several RB plays and concerts. Isaac Cherry (drums) has toured nationally as a solo drummer and with such bands as Animal 13 on the east coast and the Malibu Minstrels on the west. Jerry Rabushka (keyboard and vocals) has written & produced several musicals, was nominated for a national award for outstanding Instrumental Recording by New York based Outmusic in 2003, and received an award from the St. Louis Arts For Life Foundations for his original score to the musical, The Soviet Tango. IAO Gallery, 811 N. Broadway Oklahoma City 405-232-6060 8:00 EM. $5.00 cover At that price you can bring LOTS of friends!! For more info please visit www.raggedblade.com or www.iaogallery. org March 2008 the STAR 13 by Liz Highleyman~~ Past Out, which looks at the life 0fFTM pioneer L0u Sullivan. Who was Lou Sullivan ? ouis Graydon Sullivan was a pioneer of the transgender movement - not just as an organizer, but as perhaps the first female-to-male (FTM) transsexual to identify publicly as a gay man. Born in June 1951 and named Sheila Jean, Sullivan grew up in a working-class family in a suburb of Milwaukee, \Vgis. He was educated at Catholic schools and took a secretarial job at the University ofWisconsin after graduating from high school. Though Sullivan later recalled that he had enjoyed "playing boys" as a child, his issues around gender and sexuality came to the fore when he was a teenager. "I look in the mirror and say to myself, ’That’s you, Sheila. That girl over there is you.’ It seems so funny," he wrote in his diary at age 14. Before long he started wearing men’s-style white shirts and ties, eventually adding men’s slacks, shoes, and hairstyle. By the early 1970s, Sullivan self-identified as a "heterosexual female transvestite who was sexually attracted to gay men," and had embarked on a long-term relationship with an effeminate man. Sullivan was active in the nascent gay liberation movement, which embraced gender-bending and favored the androgynous aesthetic of the broader counterculture. He was involved with Milwaukee’s first gay rights group, the Gay People’s Union (GPU), and helped produce its newsletter. Jumping into the controversy over drag within the women’s movement, he wrote "A Transvestite Answers a Feminist" 14 the STAR for GPU News in 1973, followed a year later by "Looking Towards Transvestite Liberation," which was widely reprinted in other gay and lesbian publications. Over the next few years, Sullivan’s gender identity shifted from transvestite to transsexual. In 1975, he and his boyfriend moved to San Francisco; as a parting gift, his supportive family gave him a good suit and an heirloom pocket watch engraved "Go West Young Man." But even amid the city’s queer milieu, Sullivan had difficulty finding others like himselfi "I want to look like what I am," he once wrote, "but don’t know what someone like me looks like." Though still presenting as a woman in his job as a secretary for the Wilson Sporting Goods company, most of the rest of the time Sullivan fully cross-dressed and lived as a gay man, hanging out in gay bars and enjoying an adventurous sex life. Sullivan sought sex-reassignment surgery in the late 1970s, but was repeatedly denied because he openly identified as ~y at a time when people undergoing the procedure were expected to adopt stereotypical heterosexual opposite-sex gender roles. "They were invested in taking sissy gay boys and transforming them into straight women, and taking tomboy women who were socially unacceptable and changing them into straight men," according to fellow FTM Shadow Morton. Sullivan recalled that one gender clinic told him he could not possibly live as a gay man, since gay men were primarily interested in large penises. Sullivan’s frustration led him to campaign for the removal of homosexuality as a contraindication for sex reassignment - an effort that finally succeeded in the late 1980s. At a time when most gender services focused on male-to-female transsexuals, he volunteered as the first FTM peer counselor with San Francisco’s Janus Information Facility (a clearinghouse for information about transsexuality) and wrote the earliest informational booldet for transmen, _Information for the Female to Male Cross-Dresser and Transsexual_ (1980). He later authored a biography of early 20th-century "passing woman" Jack Bee Garland. Sullivan was a co-founder of the Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of Northern California (now the GLBT Historical Society), helping to ensure that it was inclusive of transgender lives. In 1979, after several refusals from established university-based gender dinics, Sullivan found sympathetic therapists and doctors and began taking testosterone. He had a double mastectomy and started a new technician job where co-workers had never known him as a woman. He finally underwent genital surgery in 1986, but experienced complications and never fully recovered; that same year, he was diagnosed as HIV positive. "I took a certain pleasure," he wrote, "in informing the gender clinic that even though their program told me I could not live as a gay man, it looks like I’m going to die like one." Sullivan devoted his final years to building the network ofFTM contacts he had acquired over a decade into an organization, and eventually a visible movement. In 1986, he began holding peer-support get-togethers for people on the male transgender spectrum, which evolved into the present-day FTM International - today the largest and longest-running organization of its kind. Yet he continued to take the time to answer the many letters he received from transmen around the world, hoping to dispel the sense of isolation he had felt. Sullivan died of an AIDS-related illness in March 1991, after malting plans to ensure that the organization he created would continue. "Lou Sullivan left behind a mailing list of about 230 names, a roll of stamps, the model of inclusion in his support group, and the ethic of service to a community he hoped would someday exist," said de facto successor Jamison Green. "Now it almost does. In life and since his death, he has been an inspiration for many transmen, both gay and straight." w~,wv.ozarksstar.corn 1) Langmeil Three Gardens Barossa Valley ’05- Shiraz, Grenache and Mourv~dre. Smooth and round, with raspberry & plum most prominent/lean finish. 2) Yellow Tail Reserve Shiraz ’06- Ripe and aromatic. The past 2 vintages have scored some high points with national wine critics/ worth checking out. 3) Yalumba Y Series Shiraz-Viognier 2006- Spicy, but the mix of Viognier makes a presence of lychee and peach. 4) Molly Dooker The Boxer 2006 - Ripe and smoky. A mouthful of raspberry with white pepper. A state allocated wine/very hard to find bottle here in town so if ya see it, get it! 5) Marquis Phillips Sarah’s Blend 2005- Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot. Check out the Roogle on the label. It’s cross between an Eagle and a Kangaroo and signifies the friendship between the US and Australia. Great taste/recommended. 6) Lindemans Padthaway Reserve 2005- Generous cherry and raspberry flavors. From the Hunter Valley about and hour and a half from Sydney. Also gets rave reviews. And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/www.WineSpectator.com www.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org By Joey De Photo: David Barlo,~ a,~d A,,~a,~da Ba/on CopyrightJoa*¢ Marcus 2007 TULSA, OK __ One of America’s most beloved musicals, "Annie" is celebrating its 30th anniversary tour, and giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic about never giving up hope. The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is coming to the Tulsa PAC March 4-9. With music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meeban, ’%nhie" is again directed by lyricist Martin Charnin, who directed the original 1977 Broadxvay production. After xvinning seven Tony Axvards in 1977, including Best blusica!, Book and Score the shoxv ran for 2,377 performances and is one of the top 20 longest running shows in Broadxvay history. With one of Broadxvay’s most memorable scores, including t~ the Hard-Knock Life" and ’"~tomorrow,""~"(~nnie,"is the feel-good shoxv to bring a smile to any, face. Tickets may be purchased at 596-7111, via the internet at wwxv. MyTicketOffice.com or by visiting the PAC box oft{ce. Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 the ~TA~ Seepage 29for o,’der blank. An Italian-Creole restaurant in New Orleans. Bayou Crawfish Etouffee 1/4 pound butter 4 cups chopped onions 2 cups chopped green peppers 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chopped garlic 4 cups sliced mushrooms 1 1/2 teaspoons flour Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 4 dashes Tabasco sauce 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2 cups whipping cream 1 cup half-and-half 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce Melt butter in large heavy-duty pot. Add onions, peppers, garlic and all seasonings. Saute, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent (15 minutes). Add mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes. Add flour and mix thoroughly for 1 minute, stirring often. Add whipping cream and half-and-half. Cook until cream thickens but does not boil, stirring often. Add tomato sauce and cook for 15 minutes. Add desired meat, seafood or crawfish. Stirring often, cook until meat or vegetables are done. The longer you let the sauce cook, the more flavorful it becomes. More on PASCAL’S MANALE Restaurant see page 22 www.ozarksstar.com cONOUES T Join our gay and Imbian group aboard Carnival Cow,quest© ~ we set sail from Galvesm~ and call o~ the beaurifhi ports in Monrego Ba); Grand Cayman and Cx~zumel. There is no better way to celebrate Halloween than aboard a funship with Gayribbean Cruises, We offer: Our fr~ntasdc Halloweml Costume Part),, Nighdy Mixers and SO MUCH MORE ! Book early and save. Ask how m receive $75 shipboard cre<~t! For information & Reservations www.GaydbbeanCruisesocom by Donald Pile and Ray Williams "Countess Alexis with Ray Williams" Lypsinka Frank Marino One of the manygreat things about travel.in~ is,.besid.es me.eting interestin,~,people and visiting beautiful places, sometimes you also get to see FABULOUS ENTERTAINERS. The past few- )mars We were fortunate to be able to see these entertainers in action. They ernb0dy all that is good in a true entertainer. ...... fun, funny; sometimes elegant and they all put on a great show. THE COUNT.S, B&EXIS DEL LAGO of Paris, New York and HollDvood. one of the most remarkable, amazing and elegant pers0nalilties that we have,ever met in our travels. She was the most elegant drag queen ofthe 80 s New York City, she then moved to \Vest Hollywooa and 6pened a wonderful antiques b(~utique shop. She WAS Marlene Dietrich, afI day and every day[ Sh£ is the cla~;iest add best &essed of them all. She *~,-~as (~nd stil! is) a r~al star when everyone else was just pretending. She performed on stage, movies and tete~2ision. She was a bi~ hit at the famous Pyramid Club in New York and with the Andy Wathol group. Her latest moade, SUPERSTAR IN A HOUSEDRESS, only proves how classy,she still iS. And always hers,d£ She believed in herself as most people don t. MOst people either dont have the, courage to be themselve~s,o,~ are s,o unsure about wh~ they are that they cant. As the Countess stares, It wasrft that I was so fabulous, it is just that the others were so stupid. \Ve have never seen her when she &dnt look hke a milhon dollars. She ALWAYS makes a grain entrance where ever she goes. And why not? She ~s N~e Countess : Check out http:lt~wv.youtube.com/watch?v=lG2DATQ_dlA to see a fabulous sm,en minute fihn clip. LYPSINKA, whose real name is John Epperson lives in New York City. We caught his act at theAI~ Theatre in San Francisco. His production is entitled "LYPSINKM THE BOX.ED SET" He is one of the most intelligent performers around. He does Gisele MacKenzie, Frances Faye, Conme Franos, Llbby Morns, Dorothy Sqmres and the 50 s musical ,con Delores Gray. He performs all over the United States and gets standing ovations where,)er he performs. It is remarkable the staging and entertaini~ag this entertainer does. You will be dazed by his performance. Unlike marli, performers he stretches the boundaries. ~e H~llDvood Reporter says L smka ~s hke nothing you ve seen before. Theamcat art,stry that ne er seems to slow down" The New York~mes says "I.ypsinka is a fascinating, ftmny and disturbing spectacle." From the opening scene ro the finale this performer never lets down the audience. He is absolute dynamite. Audiences go back year after year to see him perform. And on top of everything else l~}m just happens to be a very nice person. For a listing of his performances and other information about him go to ww~:lypsinka.corn. FRANK MARINO, who performs at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas , is another performer who puts on a great show. He does his "_Joan River’s’ routine and has been wowing audiences for years and years in I.as Vegas. The straights in the audience really get into his show and why not? He and his cast and crmv put on a class act show. He emcees the’show and introduces the different performers who do Chef. Shirley MacLaine, Tina, and many others. Tlaeir show is sold out almost every night. It is basically a musicallcomedy revie~v with gorgeous gowns, feathers, glitter, etc. Frank changes cosrurnes between every set which gives a grear dimension to the show. When going to Las Vegas next time, be sure and catch the show. His web site is ~x~;frankmarino.com .............................Continued next page 18 the STAR v~w.ozarksstar.com Creating Community for People ~ivin9 with H~V/AIDS .A 50~. c (3) Non P~ofit O~ganization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIM+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistanoe to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.oom. Neighborhood s recently as the mid-1990s, relatively few visitors spent time in Chelsea, the neighborhood on Manhattan’s west side between Midtown and Greenwich Village. Today, however, Chelsea abounds with gay bars, coo! restaurants, diverting shops, avant-garde galleries, and an increasing number of hotels. It’s become arguably the city’s hottest destination for gay visitors, and a wonderful neighborhood to spend a weekend or short vacation. This part of the city was developed in the 1830s by clergyman Clement Clark Moore, author of"A Visit from St. Nicholas" ("~B~vas the night before Christmas..."), whose family owned most of the area. Well into the mid-20th century, Chelsea was a drab, lower-income neighborhood where workers at nearby garment factories and river docks lived in cheap boardinghouses and rickety, airless tenements. But as gays began moving here in the ’70s and ’80s, gentrification gradually took hold. And in recent years, the neighborhood has developed cachet among both residents and visitors as one of the trendiest areas in the city as well as one of the nation’s most dynamic gay communities. Chelsea comprises roughly the blocks between 5th Avenue and the Hudson River, with 14th Street forming the neighborhood’s southern boundary. Most locals consider 23rd Street to be its northern edge, but others argue the border extends as far north as 28th or even 32nd Street. For all practical purposes - particularly in terms of retail, dining, and clubbing - you’ll find the most intriguing businesses between 14th and 23rd streets. And where gay-popular establishments are concerned, the main drag is 8th Avenue, with 7th Avenue a close runner-up. Additionally, 9th and 10th avenues have witnessed the tide of gentrification in recent years, particularly as top galleries have moved into the western reaches of Chelsea. 20 the STAR )ff~rs little in the way of attractions, unless, of course, you count shopping as a form of sightseeing. If you wander along West 20th through West 27th streets in the block west of 10th Avenue, you’ll find storefront after storefront of cutting-edge art galleries - check out www.chelseaartga~leries.com for details on upcoming shows. Fans of dance should note two important neighborhood institutions: the art deco Joyce Theater, which hosts high-quality dance companies throughout the year, and the dramatic Dance Theater Workshop, around the corner, which also presents acclaimed concerts throughout the year. The neighborhood draws plenty of foodies to its Chelsea Market, a bustling concourse of gourmet food stalls in which you’ll find tantalizing Thai food, savory soups, fine wines, heavenly baked goods, and lots more. In fact, restaurants have become one of the neighborhood’s leading draws. There are the obvious bastions of gay social life, such as Viceroy and Food Bar for rather standard American chow, and campy VYNL, which is known for its eclectic Asian and international dishes, plus outstanding martinis. Gym buffs on high-protein diets favor Better Burger, with its menu of lean, char-grilled burgers and fresh-squeezed juices. Other hot spots include the funky Thai restaurant Room Service, known for such ldcky creations as Thai-spicy tuna salad and chile-rubbed salmon; and Suenos, which serves some of the most innovative regional Mexican fare in the city - be sure to try the duck-confit quesadillas with poached pears and ancho chileso For weekend brunch, don’t miss East of Eighth, which turns out first-rate contemporary American food and offers lively cabaret in the evenings. Few spots are more popular at lunchtime than Dish, a glorified diner of sorts, which is also known for its relaxing Saturday and Sunday brunch. Snackers and noshers will find plenty of toothsome options, including F&B Gudtfood for gourmet hot dogs and European-style street food, Murray’s for some of the city’s finest bagels, and Pinkberry, for the mysterious yogurt-esque frozen-dessert snacks that have taken the city by storm. On the west side of the neighborhood, you can count on the Red Cat for a terrific meal of creative American fare, such as a fantastic paprika-roasted cod with spicy escarole and an anchovy-almond sauce. At cozy Tia Pol, choose from a long list of outstanding Spanish tapas, while the much-hyped Craftsteak is your go-to for superb cuts of beef- it’s part ofTom Colicchio’s (ofTV’s Top Chef) growing restaurant empire. Chelsea has become the epicenter of gay nightlife in New York City (although it’s fair to say that the Hells Kitchen and East Village neighborhoods provide plenty of competition). There are the trendy spots, such as G Lounge, a sea of coiffed and smartly dressed men hobnobbing around a central bar or relaxing in mod lounge chairs; and the long-running Splash, a two-floor temple of chic gay clubbing known for its go-go dancers and throbbing music. Quirky Barracuda cultivates a mixed arty and cruisy bunch, while the bilevel Eagle caters to the usual set of bears, leather men, and ardent porn enthusiasts (old-fashioned blue movies play on the video screens). www.ozarksstar.com Rawhide is an old-school neighborhood bar with an age-diverse following, and the friendly Gym Sportbar has become the darling of the post-workout crowd. Locals hangouts like View Bar and XES can seem empty or bustling depending on the night, and a couple of pulsing warehouse discos, Rush and Stereo, round out the scene. Chelsea has relatively few hotel rooms compared with other key Manhattan neighborhoods, but it’s a 10- to 20-minute walk (or a short cab or subway ride) from the scads of hotels in Midtown. What you will find in Chelsea, however, are several properties with reasonable rates, most catering heavily to the gay market. A favorite of history buffs is the raffish Hotel Chelsea, the city’s tallest building when it was built in the 1880s. This bohemian hostelry has been the home of all sorts of fascinating characters, from William Burroughs to Jasper Johns to Allen Ginsberg: Just up the street, the modern and rather basic Chelsea Savoy Hotel has a terrific location at the corner ofWest 23rd Street and 7th Avenue, and rooms here can run as low as $99 nightly. Among the big chains, there’s a Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea on West 25th Street, and the Hampton Inn Chelsea on West 24th Street. Both of these are clean, well-managed, and affordable. This hip neighborhood is rapidly developing, though, and within a few years you’ll find a number of additional hotels to choose from. For instance, the trendy hotel brand Indigo is planning a 122-room property for 127 West 28th Street, to open in early 2009. And, just a short walk east of Chelsea in a similarly vibrant area, you might consider the uber-coolWNew York Union Square, a swank stunner that occupies the 1911 beaux-arts Guardian Life building and contains Todd English’s bustling Olives restaurant and Rande Gerber’s see-and-be-seen Underbar. Or check into Ian Schrager’s luxuriously re-imagined Gramercy Park Hotel, a glam boutique hotel overlooking the elegant park of the same name. Among smaller, gay-oriented properties, a reliable pick is the Chelsea Pines Inn, which occupies a charming 1850s town house in the heart of the neighborhood. Rooms with semiprivate bath (sink and shower are in your room, but the toilet is shared with several other rooms on same floor) start at $140, while rooms with private baths begin at $175. An even better value, with rates beginning around $130 for shared-bath units, the Chelsea Lodge is set along handsome West 22nd Street and contains 22 cozy, clean, and pleasantly furnished rooms. When you consider that generic, bland chain properties in Midtown can charge well over $400 per night, these two intimate and friendly Chelsea hideaways are a real bargain. And you can use the money you save to dine well in the neighborhood’s dozens of inviting eateries. 1-800-535-AIDS (2437) Okllahoma’s H V/STD Hot ine PROTECT YO F PROTECT YOUR PA ° F,¢ee. me~HIV testify, t~ 20 H.O.P;~. Tes~:~ng C~inic ~ens Oetreach Pr~ram www.ozarksstar.com the STAR :)1 ~ 6, 2008 ItMian’Creole restaurant in New Orleans Fotmded in 1913, this family-run, ItaJian,Creole restaurant is 8) i New Orle~s at baxbecued shrimp. N~is . from the se~,ice to the decor. oyster bar ~nd on ~e hflf shel! and fll ~es of cocktails. We offer Sp~cialfies and delicio~ stea~, ~ i in traddtion; ir ~ s and ~hes it out daily in ~e ~tO lmltate~ !tiNe;Andwhenyou! We&esday thru Friday : thru Saturda); 5 PM to closing ~d cloSed 0h March 2008 WHITE PARTY SPRING BREAK 2008 PRESENTS THREE DAYS AND FOUR NIGHTS OF THE BEST PARTIES ON THE PLANET !’~"~ Men from all over the world converge on Palm Springs : April 17.21, 2008. Surprise performances happening aft weekend long! PALM SPRINGS, CA (PR) This is the event that attracts men from all over the world to the desert oasis of Palm Springs, CA ! Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party Spring Break happens at new date in 2008--April 17-21, with an action-packed weekend of non-stop parties, superstar performances and the hottest men from all over the globe. Totally new for 2008: the sexy Boxers and Briefs Underwear Party, happening Friday, will let it all hang out. Saturday’s main event: White Party - Boogie Fever celebrates 30 years of dance music. Not to mention Sunday’s Extreme T Dance, an over-the-top dance event taking the action farther than it’s ever been before. Weekend passes are on sale now at www.CircuitTicket.com. Express Weekend Passes ($350 until Feb. 15) include: Absolute priority access to all weekend events; Access to VIP lounge at the Saturday White Party and Sunday T Dance; Official White Party Spring Break Gift Bag and Unlimited complimentary bottled water at White Party and T Dance. Weekend Passes ($250 until Feb. 15) include: Express Entrance to White Party, T Dance & Closing Party; complementary admission to Thursday Welcome Party, plus a $25 add-on for admission to Boxers and Briefs Underwear Party. For additional information or to purchase passes in advance online, visit: www.jeffreysanker.com or vcww.circuiticket.com. For more information, call (310) 360-6100. The host hotel for White Party 2008 is the fabulous Wyndham Palm Springs, the center of all the poolside action, home to nighttime events and location of the official welcome center. For reservations, call: (760) 322-6000. Mention WP when making reservations to receive a special rate. Back by popular demand: The ultimate VIP treatment lets you experience White Party in the lap of luxury with a range of personalized services right at your fingertips. Again in 2008, White Party Spring Break offers a limited number of luxurious VIP packages to make your weekend truly unforgettable. Packages include a range of options such as premium accommodations, lavish amenities including a personal concierge, private cabanas, security escorts and special upgrades. All packages feature exclusive VIP bottle service at Saturday night’s White Party and the SundayT Dance. Visit: www. jeffreysanker.com for more details. The STAR 23 and the By Ronald Blake esterday was my thirty-ninth birthday. I chose to wake with the roosters and run a five kilometer race to begin my fete of this event. I ruminated on my choice of a celebratory method be.fore, during, and after this competition. I discovered many reasons ~vhy I dragged my partner and our little canine companion along with me to this athletic spectacle. There is not much traffic on an early Saturday morning when you are headed to a physical challenge. I was able to really notice the mountains when I wasn’t beset by droves of angry, chafed, rush-hour motorists. I realized that the mountains were even more majestic with their verdant hue given the recent rains here in the desert. The rising sun added its paintbrush to this mountain landscape with its spangling of yellows and oranges. A good reason to get up and run. We drove past the Phoenix International Raceway on our journey to the starting line. I have lived in the Valley of the Sun for over three years and had never seen this imposing NASCAR edifice. It was quietly assuming its regnant place alongside its panoply of mountains. We also had never been to the location of this gala running affair. It too was nestled next to the mountains and was a magnificent oasis in the ribald desert landscape. I felt a contemporary thrill of a Louis and Clark moment as I gazed upon virgin ground. A good reason to get up and run. There were other people at the race site when I arrived. These people also had running shoes and were stretching. These people also brought friends, family members, and their little dogs too. These people also ran the course, sweated, and finished completely exhausted. I wasn’t the only one early to bed and early to rise. We shared camaraderie and a commonality that morning. A good reason to get up and run. I received a T-shirt, bananas, a medal, an olio of donated sundries, and some friendly discourse through out my experience. It did cost me twentyfive dollars to participate but I am not offering any regrets. I could just as easily have spent that money on a well-earned hangover but I already have plenty of those notched in my craw! of fame. I am pleased with my assortment of newly acquired memorabilia. A good reason to get up and run. There was live music after the race. It was provided by your quintessential three men and a lady cover band. The backdrop was a cupola adorned, ornate clubhouse and a lake begirded with palm trees. I would have settled for anything at that time. I had just felt the intrinsic satisfaction of completing an arduous task and the extrinsic reward of a salvo of cheers for my fait accompli. A very good reason to get up and run. I am thirty-nine today and I wil! be forty next year. I have no control over the passage of time. I will continue to enjoy my flight through the ages and I will continue to augment my reasoning for getting up and running...until the flight ends. ~sis health andfitness column is brought to you by that gvgy who noticed that sex act is followed by sexagenarian in the dictionary. ~at connect the dots guy is Ron Blake and he can be vivified at www.goblakefimess. co~n, www.ozarksstar.com ART SHOW: Between sumi-d, drawings, oil paintings and sculpture, Shawn’s work has been shown and sold in dozens of one-woman and group showings and through commissioned work. Merry Schepers is also a native Otdahoman whose works in porcelain, clay and multimedia embrace a broad stylistic spectrum from flying porcelain vessels to shamanic, archetypal masks to functional stoneware. She earned her BA from Montclair State University (N.J.) and has worked in clay for over thirteen years. As a member of the Alternative Outsider artists, she participates in that group’s annual show. She also shows in galleries in Tulsa, Ok. and Fayetteville, AR. and participates in Tulsa’s Blue Dome Arts Festival. The exhibit will remain up through the month of March, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. Nae Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. 7his monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’sfor Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rightsfor Lesbian, Ga); Bisexual & Tram’gender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation ofthe Dennis R. Neill Equali~y Center. Oklahoma City mayor challenges citizens to loose 1 million pounds OKLAHOMA CITY - With a button-popping spread of cornbread, sausage and gravy, chicken fried steak and pecan pie designated as Oklahoma’s official state meal, it’s no surprise that Oklahoma City’s mayor wants to put the city on a diet. Mick Cornett has challenged the city to shed 1 million pounds as its New Year’s resolution. A1 McAffrey To Speak At OK County Democrats Medallion Dinner OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __M is the Representative for House District 88 and will be the Master of Ceremonies for our Medallion Dinner. The Oklahoma County Democrats Medallion Dinner, with Jim Roth and Al McAffrey, will be taking place on March 8, 2008 at the Regal Room (Ned’s Catering), 625 NW Grand Blvd, OKC, 73118. Visit the website for updated information, sponsor & ticket prices, and easy online ticket purchasing. www.okcountydemocrats.org Oklahoma Governor say’s NO to National Real ID (PR) The federal effort to create a national identity card, called the Real ID card, would take us one step closer to a surveillance society, erode our right to privacy and put our personal information at risk. Luckily, governors in five states, including Oklahoma, courageously rejected this invasive law. Now we need these governors to stand their ground so that Congress will be forced to repeal this horrifying program! Real ID would force all states to connect their DMV databases to one single interlinked system -- facilitating government tracking of ordinary Americans. It would also expose our most sensitive personal information to criminal identity theft. Thanks to your Governor, this invasive law -- and the dramatic tax increases required to pay its massive price tag -- was courageously rejected in Oklahoma. Help make sure that no American is forced to use the costly "Big Brother" Real ID card. The national Real ID card will take away our privacy and treat all Americans like enemies of the state! "The nature of the questions LGBT human rights defenders were asked, repeatedly trying to link homosexuality and pedophilia, simply shows how far our stubborn opposition is ready to go to put obstacles before LGBT groups on their way to recognition as members of civil society," the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) said in a statement. Just two of many reasons the right wing hates McCain. 1. Same-sex marriage. McCain refuses to support a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. 2. Stem-cell research. McCain would relax restrictions on federal dollars for embryonic stem cell research, which critics consider tantamount to abortion. BERLIN (AP) __ A new Berlin memorial to the Nazis’ gay victims should be ready within months, officials said Thursday. The $890,000 memorial to gay victims will be located in Berlin’s Tiergarten Park, across from the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Culture Minister Bernd Neumann said. Homosexuality was banned under the Nazis. Tens of thousands of people, primarily men, were arrested, and many were sent to concentration camps. BEIJING (AFP) Chinas Ministry of Health is set to implement its first ever national programme to curb the spread of HIV/ AIDS among gay men. "The programme aims to strengthen measures to prevent and control the deadly disease among the homosexual community," the China Daily quoted Wang \greizhen, a senior official with the ministry’s HIWAIDS prevention department, as saying. "By learning more about gay people, we can better protect them against this incurable disease. Studies are under way in several cities to collect information on gay men, such as their.., behavioural patterns." The programme will also deliver special funding and technical support to gay men, Wang said, without giving further details. There are over 700 thousand gay men with HIV/AIDS in China. www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 27 "Be cor~servative with money, Gemini!" As Mars enters Cancer, productive efforts are easily clouded by moods and misunderstandings. While he opposes Pluto, frustrations can gain exaggerated importance. You may feel like you need an oar to propel your craft forward, but what you may really need is a shovel to dig to the root of existing challenges. ARIES (March 20 -Apri~ 19): Yours is the sign of the lone wolf, but you are now aiming for the role of head of the household. The responsibilities and obligations really don’t suit you. Try for the position of "elder statesperson" or dowager instead. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Little domestic arguments can explode way too easily. Are you just being stubborn? How important are those details, anyway? Your arguments may be more aesthetic than logical, but they should still be explainable in a calm, friendly manner. GEMINI (May 21 - Jun~ 20): Be very careful and conservative with your money. Household and proper~ investments or any renegotiation of debt should be checked out very thoroughly. Sexual urges may take an emotional cost, challenging you to think more about your deeper needs. CANCER (June 21 -July 22): Acting on impulse can transform your relationship, and probably not for the better. Channel that energy into thinking ahead and talking about what you want, what your partner wants, and how you can deepen your connection. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Worrying about your health or work only makes problems - real or imagined - worse. Take positive steps, and check out anything that bears watching. Remember the difference between focus and obsession, and stick to the task at hand. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Your political aims are coming from somewhere deep in your gut, which is fine. But sensible strategy should come from your brilliant-butnow- vacationing brain. Artistic, creative expressions will give you the outlet you need. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Courtesy is usually your strongest conviction. Now other deep beliefs provoke you to speak up against authority. Think carefully about mouthing off to the police or your boss. If you want to raise hell, find a public demonstration that suits your politics. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your urge for arguments seems to be coming out of nowhere. Try to focus that energy toward digging into topics that interest you. Take up a good challenge to keep your mind busy and your mouth out of trouble! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your sexual appetite is surging, but so is your deeper desire for commitment. One is so much more easily satisfied than the other that you might find any effort frustrating. Try seeing the glass as half full. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Is your partner being too aggressive, or are you just being stubborn? You can do something about the latter. Fights come easily, but so does passion. You really need a struggle. Be nice, and you could get a good one! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): Wanting too much can be a great spur to action, but acting impulsively on excessive desire is a sure path to accidents and illness. Meditate, think ahead, and confide in a friend with a cooler head before acting. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Acting on your playful urges will have far-reaching ramifications. Focus those desires responsibly and creatively. Infuriating people is not a mark of success per se, but be bold enough to risk pissing off the right people for the right reasons. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. UrJe Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM CommUnity Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and Blessed Day! 28 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com DO\VNTOWN PLAZA ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 wvw.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Cig; OK 405-528-2221 wwv.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant RENT the Musical Tulsa PAC 918-596-7111 www.myticketoffice.com SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhartman@gmail.com ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK w~:anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 w~vw.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklaboma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn GAYRIBBEAN CRUISES www.gayribbeancruises.com 877-560-8318 DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREE~I; Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: ~he STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City:. St: Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.com 29 Keller Williams Realty \Vihether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. (ng~efiansityiq)n - growing up GAY in OK is You can help our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more Info: WWW. openarmsproject.org 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar,com drugs 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 [2008] The Star Magazine, March 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 3 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 01, 2008 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text Image 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 Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) 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 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Chaz Ward Victor Gorin Judy G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, February 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/245 The Star Magazine, April 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 4 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/244 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/249 Al Gore Bars Blue Door cartoons Cathedral of Hope Deep Inside Hollywood entertainers entertainment fitness Gay marriage health Hillary Clinton HIV/AIDs HOPE horoscope Larry Craig MCC church Michael Buble Mick Cornett Night clubs Our House paparazzi Past Out Quotable Quotes Ragged Blade Real ID card recipes Star Advertisers Star classifieds Star Scene Too travel https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/88073056f2827072b9870be931b101d0.jpg d8fdc9557c15ac479efc121424369e84 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/7c13f359888fb68a2427eb6a06bac2ad.pdf 37679881844b513e2d8f1434a2e90b8b PDF Text Text ESTABLISHED 2003 www.ozarksstar.com MAY 2008 An Exclusive Interview With OGRA’s 4 Term President, Klint Wieden One of the longest running and largest of Gay Rodeo Organizations in the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) system, Oklahoma’s Great Plains Rodeo will kick off it’s 23rd year. A fun filled weekend May 23 through May 25th 2008. The event will be held in Oklahoma City at State Fair Park, 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd. Photo: Klint Wieden with his horse Cherokee. "I grew up in the small northwest Oklahoma town ofArnett. I rode horses and worked cattle my whole life, so that’s really who I am." Klint told the Star. PAGE-12 Newly revamped drag-free Tulsa Pride 2008 unveiled By Joey De OKLAHOMA CITY, OK ~The fun begins with the Great Plains Rodeo Kickoff Party hosted at the Finishline Thursday, May 22 featuring the current reigning OGRA Royalty. This is a great chance to meet and greet, dance and party, and ready yourself for the weekend to come. State Fairgrounds on Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25, beginning at 8 a.m. both days. To keep the weekend wild the Texas Gay Rodeo Association will host their Texas T Party on that Saturday in the Copa from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. featuring fantastic food and fun. The host hotel for the Rodeo is the Hilton Garden Inn, and there is a block of rooms available at a special rate from May 22-26 that will be available until May 16 or until they sell out, whichever comes first. Registration for the event happens Friday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tickets are available from OGRA members for $10 or $15 at the gate. The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (OGRA) is a nonprofit organization and member of the International Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (IGRA) which is comprised of 28 state/provincial associations throughout the United States and Canada. OGRA is proud to be the first association seated at the first ever IGRA Convention in 1985 For more information check out the OGRA website at www.ogra.net. The Rodeo takes place at the Oklahoma TULSA, OK __ Organizers of this year’s Tulsa Pride Celebration are promising the public that this year’s events will be anything but boring. "We have made a lot of changes to the entire celebration," says Nate Black, one of the co-chairs. Black says the changes are intended to breathe a new sense of excitement into the pride observance and to help promote the revitalization of downtown. "People don’t kno,v downtown. They don’t know how to get here, they don’t know where to park, they don’t know how many things are down here and growing," Black says. "We have moved the events to ................ Continued Page 5 ��i 7 West 7th Street (corner 7th & ~3oulder Ave) e Tulsa, Ok 74ii9 www.ozarksstar.com �1:800o535oAtDS (2437) PROTECT YOURSELF PROTKOT YOUR PAR www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 �Join us for our biggest issue of the year! PRIDE 2008. Be a part of RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW Deadline Thursday l~ay t 5f.h Serving the Oklahoma GLBT community since 2003. �Mr OkAahoma Continentall Benefits OYP Tulsao By Judy G. Charles Frederick Mr Oklahoma Continental 2008 TULSA, OK __ March 28th, Singer and entertainer Chades Frederick, Mr. Oklahoma Continental, began one of the many benefits planned to support Openarms Youth Project in Tulsa to a standing room only crowd. Many parents and grandparents of the entertainers were in attendance. David Dees, owner of Club Majestic, 124 N. Boston, Tulsa, donated the use of the dub for this worthy benefit. ~he event raised $770 for OYE. Entertainers were Sabastyn Croft, Tazia Kennedy, Cort, Brooke Kennedy-Miss OK National Queen, Mindy Bartlett, KC Morgan, Kordylia Kennedy, Alex Kennedy, Iman Scott-Miss Goddess 2007, Daphne Rio and Nicole Poverty-Miss OYE. Donations to benefit the GLBT youth group, many who are or were homeless just because they are gay, can be made to Openarms Youth Project, 2015-B S. Lakewood, Tulsa, Ok. 74112, or contact Tim or Ken at 918838-7104. TULSA PRIDE: give people a reason to check it (downtown) out, but also to come enjoy our new center and see how many resources are available." The first big change this year that Black notes is the separation of the Pride Festival from the Pride Parade. This year, the parade will occur June 7 and the festival will occur June 14. For the latest updates on the Tulsa Pride Celebration, visit their web site at www. tulsapride.org. 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit OKC Following a national trend, the Pride Parade will be held in the evening, escaping the oppressive summer sun. The parade will fol!ow a new route, taking it from the Brady Arts District through downtown to the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Saturday, May 10, 9am-5pm, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City When the parade ends at 4th and Kenosha, the new Pride Block Party will kick off: "There will be 2 stages of entertainment, beer tents, vendors and all kinds of activities," says Black, who also notes that national music sensation Eric Himan will be performing. Black also says that for those with children, the second floor of the equality center will be open to provide licensed babysitters for a small fee. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Cimarron Alliance Foundation wil! host the 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit a one-day event with four sessions of workshops. This year’s summit features more extensive workshops about our state legislature - by far the most attended session last year - and programs appealing to college students and young adults. There will also be two community forums. A week later, the Diversity Festival will kick off in Centennial Park just west of6th & Peoria. Black says that the newly revamped festival will feature two stages of entertainment with a multi-ethnic array of performers, an international food court, children’s area, local vendors and more. The 2007 LGBT Leadership Summit was successful beyond expectations. LGBT and LGBT-friendly persons and organizations acquired tools and guidance to more effectively manage themselves and, more importantly, better collaborate with others to accomplish common goals. According to Black, including other faith and ethnic communities is not an attempt to "de-gay" Pride, but to help create community allies. "We have to realize our commitment to justice can not be for the gay community only. We have to speak out against racism and against bigotry. "The GLBT community is in every population," "By increasing our alliances we strengthen our own commitment for our people." Workshops The 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit is a one-day event with four sessions of up to five workshops per session. Workshops will address five topics: ’This is still a gay pride event," Black emphasizes. There will be a leather fashion show, there will be drag queens, and there xvill be rainbows. It’s still very gay, but it is also more professional and more inclusive." The final major change that Black says will be occurring is the moving of the www.ozarksstar.com Diversity Gala to the historic Cain’s Ballroom. Black says that not only does this help to create an emphasis on downtown, but it also provides much needed space for the event to grow. Leadership Development O Organization Development - non-profits, fundraising, etc. o Government- politics and the legislative process ® Personal Development - spirituality, equality, etc. o Anti-violence - anti-bullying, hate crimes, etc. For more information go to: wvcw.cimarronalliance.org the STAR 5 �Loving the Hater Wlaile Hating the Hate The writer gives some specific examples of public, peaceful protest that we can engage in to show that LGBTs are neither the doormats nor the monsters our enemies make us By James Nimmo to be. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ I found a link recently to a blog (vavw.bilerico.com) that contains a comment (http://tinyurl. com/4qdbph) written in reaction to reading the main story about the Oklahoma City chapter of PFLAG and their recording of Rep. Sally Kern (http://tinyurl.com/2zbpgn) that catches Kern in her spider web of hubris and cant. It’s odd that our suppressors are either afraid to be in the same room with us, fearing for their own bodily integrity, keeping their knees close together; or they, dismiss us as dippy airheads, frivolous and irresponsible. How can we be both at the same time? Like the author, I too am very disappointed with the approach of "loving the hater while hating the hate." Of course, I respect our supporters who use their close relationship with Jesus to try and gain support for LGBT citizens and other minorities who are used for verbal target practice in the ~var for suppression of civil rights. I’m delighted the Oklahoma City PFLAG chapter was able to document the duplicity of Sally Kern and record with her permission the lies she later reported as irresponsibility on the part of PFLAG. This single incident should show you the arrogance and madness that is being passed offas legislative Republican leadership. Not one elected official in Oklahoma from either major party has come strongly to the defense and support of the LGBT taxpayers living in Oklahoma. Had Kern used race, skin color, or ethnic origin as her subject I bet the rent she would be rene~ving her teaching certificate and looking for a school that would hire her. The First Amendment guarantees both sides the freedom to practice their respective religious viewpoints and the market place in which to talk about them. However, this same First Amendment does NOT give either side permission to encode their religious viewpoints into CIVIL law. I feel this is where we miss the boat in establishing our birthright to equal treatment under judicial law, and not the ten laws of Deuteronomy. There will always be a Bible verse to trump the opposing Bible verse resulting in a version of ping-pong skirmishes with Jesus as the referee. 6 the STAR Their response shows more about the fiction in their minds then about the truth of our lives. Until we get out of the religious justification business the more we’ll be dragged into its historical quagmire. Look at the present wars being fought around the world and you’ll see religious intolerance at the root. Our LGBT equality will have to be established in the legislatures and the courthouses in all fifty states without religious prejudice tipping the scales of justice. �www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 �e Comling o~ Age 8 the STAR w-ww.ozarksstar.com �©irecYed bs/Davd Geligan Oklahoma OiV June 8~ 2008 at 8pnq Brot~-~e~ Boy www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 �by Liz Highleyman What is the history o£GLAAD ?? For more than two decades, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has served as the queer community’s watchdog against biased portrayals of lesbian, ga); bisexual, and transgender people in the media. Up until the final decades of the 20th century, representations of LGBT people in l{lms, television, popular music, and mainstream publications - if present at all - typically focused on scandal or ridicule. The burst of gay activism and visibility in the late 1960s spurred a conservative backlash, and by the mid-1980s, the community was staggering under the weight of the AIDS epidemic, as people with HIV faced stigma exacerbated by media portrayals depicting them as a danger to the "general population." In 1985, the New York LGBT community was embroiled in a debate about closure of the .city’s gay bathhouses and grew- increasingly alarmed about sensationalistic AIDS coverage in the New York Post. That November, a group of long-time activists including Vito Russo, Arnie Kantrowitz, Jim Owles, and Darrell Yates Rist called a town meeting that drew more than 700 participants. Heeding the exhortation of author Jewetle Gomez to "take responsibility for what is being said about us," they formed the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). The group began as a grassroots effort, using phone trees and monthly newsletters to issue alerts about offensive media portrayals of LGBT people. Among its earliest victories, in 1987 GLAAD persuaded the New York Times to finally use the word "gay" rather than "homosexual." Ti~e following year, the New York group hired its first full-time executive director, Craig Davidson. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Richard Jennings and others started a new chapter focused on the Hollywood entertainment industry. The bicoastal organization’s clout continued to grow, enabling it to secure an apology from comedian Johnny Carson for saying "fag" on the air, followed by the suspension ofAndy Rooney by CBS for homophobic and racist comments. In 1992, Entertainment Weekly named GLAAD one of the 100 most powerful entities in Hollywood. Before long, new GLAAD chapters arose in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. But in 1995, the local groups merged into a centralized national organization with a single board, and a staff based in New York and Los Angeles; two years later, former Showtime executive Joan Garry took the helm. Over the next decade, GLAAD initiated projects focusing on communities of color (including Spanish and Chinese language media), sports media, faith-based groups, and youth. GLAAD continued to exert insider pressure, and, when needed, to organize larger public protests against biased portrayals - like Sharon Stone’s murderous bisexual temptress in the film Basic Instinct (1992) - or the omission of queer content, such as excising 10 the STAR a male-male kiss from the television show Melrose Place. Homophobic song lyrics by rapper Eminem and Jamaican dancehall artists Beenie Man and Buju Banton were other targets. GLAAD also reacted to current events, such as the murders of Matthew Shepard and transgender teen Gwen Araujo, as well as homophobic outbursts by the likes of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell and Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. But in keeping with its mission of promoting "fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation," GLAAD also sought to shape positive portrayals. It consulted on television and movie scripts featuring LGBT characters and themes, pitched sympathetic stories to mainstream publications, provided spokespersons for talk shows, and trained queer individuals and groups in how to effectively use the media. In addition to wielding the "stick" of protest, the organization also dangled the "carrot" of praise, introducing the GLAAD Media Awards in 1990 to recognize favorable representations of the community and its issues. After considerable pressure from LGBT media, the organization agreed in 2007 to honor them along with nongay outlets. By 2005, when Garry turned over leadership to Neil Giuliano - the openly gay former Republican mayor of Tempe, Ariz. - the organization had a budget approaching $7.5 million and a staff of more than 40. Yet GLAAD’s explosive growth, insider strategy, and increased emphasis on star-studded events did not sit well with some activists who felt the organization had moved too far from its grassroots origins. Further, some were unhappy with tactics they regarded as censorship, such as the successful pressure campaign to cancel conservative commentator Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s television show. GLAAD has "a political agenda that is murky at best - at worst, it is dangerous to free speech, artistic expression, and the interests of LGBT people," wrote activist Michae! Bronski. "Judging the accuracy of a news report is much different than judging art. GLAAD can deal with these issues by getting out of show business and back into watchdog media commentary." Despite the criticism, GLAAD continues with its goal of"changing people’s hearts and minds through what they see in the media." According to the organization, "What people see at the movies or read in the newspaper shapes how they view and treat the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people around them, and we have a responsibility to make sure those images foster awareness, understanding and respect." For further reading: Bronski, Michael. 2005. ~Not So GLAAD Anymore." Z Magazine (May 1). Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. www.glaad.org. Gross, Larry: 2002. Up From Invisibility: Lesbians, Gay Men and the Media in America (Columbia University Press). www.ozarksstar.com �OkEq Announces Anrmat Equality Gala Saturday, May 3t, 6pm, Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N Main Ave TULSA, OK__ (ENEWS) Oklahomans for Equality is excited to announce its annual Equality Gala, held this year at the legendary Cain’s Ballroom. Benefiting OkEq, the Gala honors Lifetime Achievement Axvard xvinner Charles Faudree, Community Heroes George Kaiser Family Foundation and Carol Crawford, and Russ Bennett Spiritual Inclusion Award winner Nancy Day: The program features a champagne and hors d’oeuvre reception, live entertainment by Jared Tyler and Valerie Eskridge accompanied by Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, dinner by Taste Catering and wine donated by Loring Wine Company. Don’t miss the black tie event of the season, celebrating Tulsa’s rich diversity. Sponsorship information and tickets are available at: wxvw.okeq.org Co ° munity for People iving with H P !iA1D 8 A 501 c (3) Non Profit O~:gan:izatlon Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. VVe 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. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrism mj r@yahoo.com. www.0zarksstar.c0m New exhibit featuring artist Ann Marie Distefano at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Emmy Award Winner Leslie Jordan (Brother Boy) In Oklahoma City. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, May 1, 2008, for the opening of it’s May exhibit, paintings by Ann Marie Distefano. Ann Marie’s paintings emerge from an aspiration to reclaim the spiritual dignity of art. "I want to make art that might open for the receptive viewer the window onto eternity," states Distefano. She continues, "My paintings are ’plugged into’ an inner source within myself that is very deep and sometimes unknown. What I seek to achieve is independence of artistic and philosophical fashions. My goal as an artist is to reveal an ineffable presence, the contemplation of which can lead the viewer towards an intuitive recognition of his or her own inherent radiance." OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Leslie Jordan famed "Sordid Lives" star, will bring his one man show, "My Trip Down The Pink Carpet" to OKC June 8th at the Tolbert Theater @ Stage Center. "In 1982, Leslie Jordan jumped offa Greyhound bus from the hills of Tennessee, said ’hello’ to Hollywood and has never looked back. With hundreds of television and film roles to his credit, he is probably best remembered for ’Kyle’ hapless ex-con on Muphey Brown, ’Resplendent Man’ entrepreneurial super hero on Lois and Clark, and can currently be seen recurring as ’Mr. Beverly Leslie’ on the hit series, \Vgill & Grace. Mr. Jordan just finished a stint on the two hit series, Ally McBeal and Boston Public as ’Dr. Benjamin Harris’ cloning expert turned new-age reverend turned science teacher turned drama coach. Mr. Jordan has also had a successful stage career. He played ’Brother Boy’ a Tammy Wynette fixated drag queen, in Del Shores hit play Sordid Lives and went on to star in the film adaptation of that play. He also has won every award for best supporting actor LA gives in theatre (Back Stage West Garlands, LA Weekly, LA Drama Critics Circle) for his portrayal of’Peanut Leroy’ a sodden aging homosexual in the runaway hit, Southern Baptist Sissies. Distefano, a native Bostonian, has been living in Tulsa for the past four years. She is a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts of Boston. The reception will be generously catered by donation by Baxter’s Interurban Grill. The exhibit will remain up through the month of May, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq. org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq)_. OkEq seeks the STAR 11 �By Victor Gorin ooking forward to the upcoming Great Plains Rodeo, O.G.R.A. President Klint Wieden shares his thoughts and hopes not only for this event but for OGRA and the gay cowboys and cowgirls of Oklahoma. Originally from the small Oklahoma community of Arnett, he grew up as a typical Oklahoma cowboy, belonging to both 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. He went on to OSU where he majored in animal science and business, and now resides in OFdahoma City with his current career of copier sales while enjoying being a cowboy on the side. We appreciate him sharing his time with us. Victor: How many years has the Great Plains Regional Rodeo been in Oklahoma City? Klint: This is our 23rd year, and it has been held for the last 15 years at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. It began with a group of people looking for an avenue where they could have friendly competition, socialize together and work together. It was a place for people who had something in common, a love of rodeo. They were gay cowboys who didn’t really feel that they fit into the gay scene at that time. The I.G.R.A. ( International Gay Rodeo Association) was formed, and O.G.R.A ( Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) was among the first state organizations. At the same time, the founders felt that they could also help the community by being a major fundraiser for charities of the community. Victor: A tradition that continues to this day. Klint: Besides the competition and fun involved, fundraising is truly what the rodeo all over the country. It was also read by my parents, who I had not been out with, who accepted me for the gay cowboy I was. Victor: Gay just happens, but cowboys are made. So how did it happen that you are a cowboy? Photo: Klint Wieden President OGRA Klint: I grew in the small northwest Oklahoma town of Arnett, 18 people in my graduating class. Arnett is a farming and ranching community, I rode horses and worked cattle my whole life, so that’s really who I am. Like many straight people, I thought you had to be flamboyant and feminine to be gay, and that wasn’t me. Once I learned there were country gay bars with cowboys, and gay rodeos, I thought" wow!" I fit in. That was great to kno~v. is all about. \Ve raise money all year long to put it on, and then take the proceeds from that to give back to local charities. Victor: Is it still a regional rodeo? Klint: It had formerly been the Great Plains Regional Rodeo, representing other states as well. Today it is the Great Plains Rodeo, an event solely of OGRA. There is another organization in Tulsa, the Sooner State Rodeo Association, who also has their own rodeo. Victor: Of course the situation is much better than it was over 25 years ago. There were probably a lot of gay cowboys who felt they couldn’t be themselves and fit into what they perceived the gay community to be at that time. But even today straight people are astounded that there are gay cowboys, much less a rodeo. Klint: A couple a years ago the Daily Oklahoman wrote about our rodeo. \Vhat was to be a small paragraph turned into a front page story, hit the AP wires and was read Victor: Of course the movie Brokeback Mountain had an enormous impact on America as a whole. I’m sure it had a special effect for the gay rodeo scene. Klint: It made people aware, both gay and straight, that there were people in that lifestyle who happened to be gay. So many gay cowboys could really relate to it, felt we had to hide for fear of not being accepted by our families, friends, bosses, or even the gay communir): Victor: So how rewarding has your hard work been with OGRA? Klint: \Veil this is my 4th term as the President of OGRA, I’ve been the rodeo director. I’m very out and very proud of what I’m doing. I have no problem telling businesses, like my dry cleaners, my dentist, my veterinarian that I support them, I’m a gay cowboy, and I’d like their support for our ............ Continued PAGE 23 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �Wockner News Service Foreman eaves Task Force National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman quit his job April 15 and moved to San Francisco to head up the Gay & Lesbian Rights Program at the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. The fund provides more grant support to GLBT organizations than aW other nongay foundation in the U.S. Foreman was at the Task Force for five years and is credited with grmving the staff to 54 full-timers and doubling the organizanon’s budget to $10 million. "I’m incredibly privileged to have had this job for the last five years, and to have been paid to be gay for the last 18," Foreman said in an interview. "There are so many people who give their hearts and souls to our movement without any compensation or for ridiculously low salaries, and that certainly includes LGBT journalists. ’Tm also overwhelmed with pride in our people," he said. "One thing I hear a lot in my travels is: ’There’s no such thing as a gay community. No one’s on the same page. In a few years we’ll all be assimilated, etc., etc.’ I couldn’t disagree more. "Name me one community -- or family, for that matter -- where everyone agrees and everyone gets along. That’s not community, but banality.... No, there’s no monolithic gay community, but there are dozens and dozens of communities within our larger movement and they’re accomplishing amazing things every day. There’s community everywhere I go -- some purely social, others religious, others political, others professional. "While we do have a very, very long way to go, the fact that we’ve made so much progress while being such a tiny minority and against such mighty opponents is, to me, proof positive that we do indeed have a vibrant people and community." www.ozarksstar.com PlanetOut to selll Advocate, Out, Myson, porn mags PlanetOut Inc. is selling The Advocate and Out magazines -- as well as The Out Traveler, HIVPlus, three porn magazines and book publisher Alyson Publications -- to an affiliate of the gay TV network here! for $6 million. The sale price is far !ess than the $31.1 million PlanetOut Inc. paid for the magazines and book compaW when it bought LPI Media Inc. and SpecPub Inc. in 2005. PlanetOut Inc. reported a loss of $51.2 million last year. The company xvill continue to own and operate Gay.com and PlanetOut.com. In January, PlanetOut Inc. "retained Allen & Company, LLC to assist the company in evaluating strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company," a press release said. The corporation also announced in January "that it will no longer be providing quarterly or annual earnings guidance and will not hold quarterly earnings calls." The porn magazines included in the sale to Regent Releasing and Unzipped. A fourth SpecPub Inc. porn magazine, known as [2], has ceased publication, but the sale will include the trademark "[2]," PlanetOut Inc. CEO Karen Magee said via e-mail. Obama grants interview to Advocate Under fire for not speaking with local and regional gay cations, presidential candidate Barack Obama sat down for an interviexv with Advocate.corn on April 10. "The gay press may feel like I’m not giving them enough love. But basically, all press feels that xvay at times;’ Obama said. "Obviously, when you’ve got limited amount of time, you’ve got so many oudets. We tend not to do a whole bunch of specialized press .... But I haven’t been silent on gay issues. What’s happened is, I speak oftentimes to gay issues to a public general audience" Obama said he supports passage of a federal law protecting transgender people from discrimination but he’s not sure there’s support in Congress for the move. A bill outlawing job discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals has passed the House of Representatives and is pending in the Senate. "I have been clear about my interest in including gender identity in legislation, but I’ve also been honest ~vith the groups that I’ve met with that it is a heavy lift through Congress," he said. "\Ve’ve got some Democrats who are willing to vote for a non-inclusive bill but we lose them on an inclusive bill, and we just may not be able to generate the votes" Obama said he understands gay people’s frustration with candidates such as himself(and Hillary Clinton) who support, civil-union but not marriage for same-sex couples,’ I strongly respect the right of samesex couples to insist that even if we got complete equality in benefits, it still wouldn’t be equal because the same ~vord, marriage, assigned to it; he said. "I understand that, 3ective is also the broader ,olitical and ’ historical context in which I’m opera ing" MORE PAGE 27 the STAR 13 �Rata Esparza Slays ’Era in 2518 Eventually, all the Broadway stars try their tuck in Hollywood. And it Was just ~ matter of time before Raul Esparza, the han&ome Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner (both for _Company_ and TabooL wandered west. Xhe bisexual actor has already fom~.d success on the small screen, cast m a recurring ro!e on A C s h,t Pushing Daisies. BUt n~w he ma.v be s,tepping wlay outside the feel-good box he ~ been in - hes in t~ to play a s~riaI killer in Wes Craven~ latest ~een-horror fihm, 2518. Concerning a group 0fkids being stalked by a killer believed to have died on the birthday they share in common, the film will co’star teenage collies Shareeka epps (Half-Nelson). No production or release dates yet, but the scary stuffis due to shoot soon. 0 pe ) and Cosby Gay Cast Populates C vas Shifting the Canvass. an indie drama due m rackJe the complicated lives of a group of BrooMyn friends aAer 9/11. has cast several ~:aces fan~iliar to queer audiences. notably up-and-coming gay actor Cheyem~e Ja4k~on. t~t seen on film as rugby player M~k Bingha~n in United 93, and cur~endy on Broadway in the hit music~ 3~adu, Jackson will star as a heterosexuN W~ Srree~ executive involved with a group of gay ffien&. Rounding out the c~st is ~& in ~e HNI alum Scott "~,ompson, ~ well as John Paul Pimc (best remembered ~ the hotW go-go boy in N’icD and Gedde Watanabe (last seen reD,lart~ as a gay nurse on ER, but forever kmown as ’Long D~ Dong" from SNteen CanNes). ~le film rolls in June and promises ~meos ~- several ~-yevunn~ed New ~brk ni~tti~e personalties. Goes to Jail Moore kmows how hard it is for an ; a break from the business so lately she~ been a low-risk comeback? Get on indie-film bus. And that’s exacdy what he’s been doing, recently starring in the .’ist drama Flawless with Michael Caine. nd now set to shoot gay writer-director d~tchell Llchtenste~ns (Teeth) latest film. Happy Tears. She’s i~ good compan> ~oo, ~ih~e-fitm veteran P~ker Posey has signed ,n toplay lvloore’s youn get sibling. ~2ne kama focuses on the two estranged sisters me selfLaggrandizing, the other bitter and ~dn~) as they re-establish their relationlip and deal with their elderly father’s progressive dementia. Shooting now in i~hiiadelphia, look for the happiness sometim~ in 2009. who finds herself from a mate taste, 2010. Notably up-and-coming gay actor Cheyenne Jack, on. Photo: By Ben Strothmann 14 the STAR wv~,.ozarksstar.com �Brief history from around the There is a lot to learn about this versatile wine. There are plenty of good Rieslings to taste. Let~ start with Australian offerings. They are noted fbr their oily- texture and citrus fruit flavors in their youth and a smooth balance of freshness and acid as they age. New Zealand Riesling was first planted in the 1970s and has flourished in the relatively cool climate of the Marlborough area. In comparison to Australian Riesting, New Zealand produces lighter and more delicate wines that range from sweet to dry. New York, particularly in ~e Finger Lakes region, was one of the eaMiest U.S, producers of Pdesling. Plantings started to appear in California by 1857 and fbllowed in xNSshington State in 1871. New ~tbrk Riesling generally has a characteristic effervescent light body with a similarly light, mellow flavor, The wine can be dynamic though rarely robust, and ranges from dry to sweet. New York is also a notable producer of Riesling based Ice Wine, although a large majority of New ~%rk ke Wine is made from Vidal Blanc and Vigno~es. In the Pacific Northwest there is a stark contrast in Riesling production. ~Ihe grape is currently on the rise in ~VZ~shington State but on the decline in neighboring Oregon. Pdesling from this area ranges from dr?" to sweet, m~d has a crisp lighmess that bodes well for e~sy drin~ng. Often there will be an easily detectable peach and mineral complex. Some Washington State winemakers, such as Chateau Ste. Michelle, are adapting Germau-style Rieslingproduction methods, and even parmering with well&~own German vinmers like Dr. Ernest Loosen to create specialty wines such as the Eroig~ Riesling, www.ozarksstar.com ][n Cati~brnia, Riesling lags far behind in popularity to Chardonnay ~d is not as commonly planted. A notable exception is opment of high quality Late Harvest So i]~r, the Late Harvest wines produced are in the Anderson Valleys (north of Santa Rosa) where is more likely to encourage dte needed botutis develop. ~ae Riesling that does ~ fornia tends to be softer, fuller, a diverse flavors than a "tTpical" ~ smoked meats, ofBonW Doon, F Mountain A~v~& with dedicated completely to With high acidity and peach has deveto area is re t facility . white sausages, crab cakes gouda & grwere~ :this wine can be paired as an cake, apples/pears, caramel/ wmilla ice creaan, [, citric, With German Riesling, ,nit of ~vin e Pr~dikat (QmP) PRAY-dee-kahq. It is the defined by the 1971. There are six subcategories categor?; ranked from determine various levels .are: K)~BINE~, SP/&TLESE BEEI?J);NAUSLESE, EISWEIN, ENBEERENAUSLESE. Each care fined by a minimum sugar content of the which varies {::rotn region to region. The focus sugar content embodies the theoW that grapes with bdgher sugar levels are riper and therefore yield richer wines with deep colors and intense flavors. Schm~ Sohne Relax ’06 Job JOS P~Urn/Spatlese ’04 Jakob Dem~er/Kabinett ’06 ~ ’06 Pacific Rim CaliforSeries Australia ’06 And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Although Riesling is best known from GermaW’s Mosel-Saa>Rmver, Pfalz, Rheinhessen and Rheingau m:eas, wines from Alsace and Austria attain equal greatness. France’ Alsace’s are coveted for their high sugar levels and endless aging abili9~. Food Paring Riesling is a versatile wine for pairing with food because of its balance of sugar and acidity: tt can ~ paired with Thai and Chinese cuisine and various . types of dishes prepared more on the spicy side. One can also enjoy this wine with spicy ham, pork with pineapple chutney, stir-fried snow peas with spicy shrimp, crab, turkey, barbequed or Vlr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/vcww.Win eS pectator.com ,#~,~v. FoodandWin e.co m www.Wikipedia.org the STAR 15 �HOST HOTEL OVER FLOW HOTEL 801 South Meridian Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 1511 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 ¯35-9~2-1400 ¯ 1-877-STAY-HGI 405-840-5557 ��by Donald Pile and Ray Williams Campbell Street, Springfield, MO Early 1900’s ~or many years, Springfield, Missouri has gotten a bad rap fi’om the gay and lesbian community all over the country. Even many of our straight friends have been hesitant about visiting Springfield. Like many cities in the "Bible Belt", Springfield has had in the past a reputation for being extremely conservative and even homophobic. Well, readers, things have CHANGED and for the better ! At the invitation of the Springfield, Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau we visited Springfield last month. They showed us their beautiful city, their museums, attractions, galleries, dining options and we must admit that we are now in love with Springfield, Missouri and we lmow that all of our gay and lesbian readers from coast to coast will also be. Springfield, Mo. is a very "vibrant and alive" city and everybody is welcome. As our readers kmow, we are a "very out’ gay couple and we were shown the highest respect everywhere we went in Springfield. There are gays and lesbians working in every field of employment in Springfield and nearly all of them are "out". MaW of the large National companies at first were hesitant to move their offices and headquarters to Springfield but things have changed and for a variety of reasons. We want to thank so many of the younger gays and lesbians that we met while we were in Springfield for their honesty and hard work that to made this happen. Now with that being said, let us tell you about the "new and improved" Springfield, Missouri. With a population of over 420,000 for metropolitan Springfield, it is the third largest city in the State and offers an unbelievable array of surprises for any traveler. When so many cities in the country are down-sizing and doing nothing to improve their cities, the 18 theSTAR Springfield, Mo. community has grown in every ~vay imaginable in their arts, business, sports, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Their "new and improved" downtown area is something that most cities can only dream about. All within walking distance you can admire the works of local and regional artists in more than 15 galleries, artist’s studios and other venues where you can encounter sculpture, pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography and hand blown glass demonstrations. In addition you have a choice of wonderful restaurants, coffee shops and cafes to dine. In Springfield, they MADE it happen! Springfield has over 6,000 hotel/motel rooms and over 600 dining options. So whatever you are into, you will find it in Springfield! Metropolitan Springfield has so much to offer in the way of attractions, historical places to visit and things to see. FANTASTIC CAVERNS is a must see for any first time visitor to Springfield. They open daily at 8 AM until dusk. You ride thru this ancient underground cave that has massive formations. The tour is 50 minutes and your driver will explain the entire history of the cave to you. THE SPRINGFIELD ART MUSEUM is the permanent home for some 8,500 art objects representing thousands of years of culture. They are open Tuesday thru Sunday and are located at 111 E. Brookside Dr. The SPRINGFIELD LITTLE THEATRE at the historic Landers Theatre is Missouri’s oldest and largest civic theatre. This season includes Gypsy, A Tuna Christmas, the Miracle Worker and Seussical to name just a few of their productions. "WILD BILL" HICKOK SHOOTOUT SITE in Park Central Square, right downtown is the site of the nations first recorded shootout and helped solidify the reputation of Wild Bill. Look for the marker on www.ozarksstar.com �Stage coach terra cotta on Springfidd garage. East. Markers are also located in the street showing where each man stood during the shoot out. The RAILROAD HISTORICAL Museum, 1300 No. Grant Ave. is dedicated to the preservation of railroading and you can step into a locomotive, commuter car and caboose. The MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME, 3861 E. Stan Musial Drive includes thousands of sports memorabilia, exhibits and displays and of course the Springfield Cardinals Baseball team which is the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and plays at Hammonds Field. Bass Pro has their big store at !935 South Campbell Ave with everything imaginable in the sports line. Tired of seeing everything yet? Well, Springfield offers a lot more things to see! The AIR AND MILITARY Museum of the Ozarks is a "hands-on" museum of military history. They are located at 2305 E. Kearney St. The Brown Derby Store at 2023 S. Glenstone offers a world-class wine selection unmatched in the Midwest. The Commercial Street Historical District (between \Vashington Ave. and Lyon Ave. is a self-guided tour which is a 6 block adventure. With a seasonal farmers market, chocolate factory, the city’s oldest tavern, new micro-brewery, antiques/art galleries, this is a great walking tour. DICKERSON PARK ZOO, 1401 W. Norton Road allows visitors to get up dose with hundreds of animals. DISCOVERY CENTER is an interactive hands-on science center and is located downtown at 438 E. St. Louis St. The TENT THEATRE is celebrating their 45th season this summer. www.ozarksstar.com This summer’s productions include Cyrano de Bergerac, June 11-14 and June 16-21, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, June 25-28, June 30-July 3, and our favorite, Anything Goes with lyrics and music by Cole Porter, July 9-12, July 14-20. The Theatre and Dance Department at Missouri State University in Sprinbffield offers a wide range of theatre and dance programs. The Gay and Lesbian Center of the Ozarks, 518 E. CommerciaI Street in Springfield supports the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in the greater Springfield, Missouri region by organizing and sponso> ing community activities and by increasing public understanding and appreciation of LGBT citizens. Josh Comp is the President and is doing a magnificent job. Their phone number is 417-869-3978. They organize Pridefest and help organize the annual variety show, the Queen City Cabaret. They are close partners with FOCUS - LGBT professionals group and with APO, Blossom women’s group, the First Sunday Community Potluck. They provide free professional counseling through the Forest Institute. They have an Individual and Community Services Advocate who provides services to the community and have a youth group program for LGBT youth which meets once a week and every fourth Friday. They provide an outlet for many social and support groups. They have been operating since !996 and are one of the oldest Gay and Lesbian Centers in the State. Volunteers are always needed so give them a call and donate a couple hours a week. For nightlife, they have the new CLUB 821 that is getting a lot of attention throughout the entire Midwest. ~xey are located at 821 West College, just 8 blocks West of the downtown area and NEVER A COVER ! (vavw.club821.corn) and phone (417) 866-4821 Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 4 PM to 1 AM. and happy hour is daily 4 PM to 7 PM. This bar just But the most important time we had in Springfield during our recent visit there was the "DOWNTOWN AREA". The "new:" dmvntmvn area is FABULOUS !!!!! Check out their wonderful website at www.itsalldowntown.corn \re particularly enjoyed having breakfast at Galley’s Breal’~ast Care downtown at 220 East Walnut. The setting is a wonderful old nostalgic care of the past but yet has new and innovative delicious food with service to match. The owners and staff are doing it EXACTLY RIGHT! This is the only place to have breakfast in Springfiel!! Nonna’s Italian American Care, 306 South Avenue is wonderful. Although they offer non-Italian choices, why bother? Their Italian menu is what it is all about. And it is GOOD! Our best dining experience for dinner was at the Kai Restaurant, 306 South Campbell. This new downtown Photo: Donald Pie, Rob Bel (owner Club 821) & restaurant is one of the finest in Ray Williams at Club 821, Springfield, ~Ossouri the country with great atmosphere, great service and extremely great food. Continued page 27 {HeSTAR 19 �of Town By Andrew Collins Bakimore, Maryland dozens of shops. Also che& out the Baltimore Maritime Museum, National Aquarium, and World Trade Center (which offers fine views from its 27th-floor observation decD. A regal grassy knoll south of the harbor, Federal Hill Park rises majestically above downtox~qa, and the Inner Harbor. It’s an ideal spot to laze under the sun on warm afternoons. The surrounding eponymous neighborhood has loads of inviting cafes and bars, and the neighborhood’s American Visionary Art Museum ingeniously blends two historic -warehouses within a striking contemporary structure. East of the Inner Harbor, Fells Point may be America’s best-preserved Cx3lonial waterfront, with its perfectly maintained Federa!-sryle town houses, Baltimore’s gay epicenter ties north of downtown in historic Mount Vernon, which you reach by strolling north from the Inner Harbor up the city’s backbone, Charles Street. The neighbothood is anchored by Mount Vernon Square and its 178-foot-high Washington /vlonument. Nearby are the outstanding Waiters Art Museum and the Peabody Conservatory of Music, the oldest and one of the most prestigious classical music schools in the country. kbffll need to drive or take a bus up Charles Street to reach the leaf), 140-acre campus of Johns Hopkins University, which is ideal for strolling and is next to the state’s largest museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art. West of Johns Hopkins, Hampden is a good oldfashioned "Ba~vl’mer" neighborhood, a former mill-workers’ community that has more recently developed a bounty of hip boutiques, galleries, and cafes. (John Waters, who lives nearby, occasionally strolls these parts and set his movie _Pecker_ here.) Baltimore’s mostpopular lesbian bar, Sapphos, is ])art ofthe bustling Grand Central *lu~ in the heart ofthe Mount Vernon neighborhood. (Photo by Andrew Collins) If you haven’t been to Baltimore in a while, you owe yourself a visit. This friendly, unassuming city has experienced a virtual rebi,~h over the past 15 years, rehabilitating its handsome Inner Harbor by converting dilapidated piers and ,vharves into museums, shops, restaurants, hotels, and condominiums. Often featured in the movies of camp filmmaker and native son John \V-aters, Baltimore has also developed increased cachet as a welcoming gay and lesbian destination, with its many GLBT-ffiendly businesses. Fortunately, the ci.ty’s success hasn’t gone to its head. It’s hard to find a more genuine and down-to-earth breed of urbanites than the residents of Baltimore, who retain a special affection for their hometown. You may be lured to Baltirnore by the many highly publicized ’ Inner Harbo, r and indeed most attractions set around downtowns of these museums and entertainment centers live up to their billing. But be sure to save rime to explore the man), quirky- residential neighborhoods, a few of which - Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, Fells Point - are within easy walking distance of downtown. The Inner Harbor thrived for years as a shipping crossroads before falling into a state of blight. Its conversion into an entertainment and museum district has made it one of the most engaging and picturesque harbors in America. Popular attractions include the glassenc!osed Harborplace pavilions, where you can browse through 20 t~®STAR \Vhen you’re craving a memorable meal, remember that Baltimore’s cooking is full of flavor - the city- even has its o,vn spice, Old Bay Seasoning, a feisty, concoction of 16 seasonings sprinkled mostly on shellfish but required by some locals on seemingly everything but ice cream. If you’re on the run, iust wander through the copious food stalls in the Harborplace pavilions. It may look like a zoo of tourists, but yoffd be surprised how many locals graze here. Many of these places offer top-notch local seafood - particularly oysters, clams, and Chesapeake Bay blue crabs. Walk a bit south ro Federal Hill, along South Charles or Light streets, and you’ll find dozens of appealing eateries, including one of the best little restaurants in the city~ the Bicycle Bistro, where you might dine on grilled rack of lamb with a pineapple-poblano-pepper chutney, or porcini-crusted sea scallops. East of the harbor, there’s superb dining in the city’s Little Italy (Boccaccio, with such seasonal delights as local clams and mussels in a pernod-tomato broth, is a particular standout), and in nearby Fells Point, talented chef Nancy Longo helms the kitchen at Pierpoint, which is known for such inventive contemporary regional fare as smoked crab cakes, and ftied Maryland chicken breast with parmesan grits. Mount Vernon has dozens of excellent, gay-popular restaurants. At nile high end, opulently decorated Ixia scores high marks for its wellchosen wine list and superbly rendered cuisine, including grilled baby octopus with lemon-fennel confit, and lobster-crab mac-andcheese with a creamy Fontina sauce. Across the street, Sacha’s is a great spot for toothsome grazing - the many "small plates" include crisp french fries in a cone with Old Bay-seasoned creme fraiche, www.ozarksstar.com �and fried green tomatoes topped vdth lump crab meat. Continue up Charles Street and yoff!l come to trendy Donna’s, a cheerful and modern space where an arts)- crowd mingles over light salads, roasted veggie sandwiches, fresh coffee, and fantastic tiramisu. %e Hdmand has become renowned }br its spics; well-prepared kd~han food (it’s owned by the brother of A~hanistan’s president, Harold Kharzai), and Motmt Vernon Stable and Saloon is a perfect late-night venue for chicken wings, sandwiches, burgers, ribs, and similarly comforting pub standar~Is. Finally, don’t miss City Care. an airy and inviting iava joint that also serves food and wine. Make the trip a bit north toward Johns Hopkins to reach Ixia’s sister restaurant, the lovably kitschy Paper Moon Diner, which is open choice. Near here in the Hampden neighborhood is the notable for the massive pink flamingo dangling from the front of the btfilding (not to mention tasty comfort fare like Belgian wanes topped with fresh berries, and famously good meatlo~). There’s als0 great coffee to be sipped nearby at Common Ground coffeehouse, and delicious Mexican food served within the funky confines of Holy Frijoles. property" ~ns kudos ~br its helpful service, romantically decorated roo~s, ~d afternoon tea and refreshments. In Mount Vernon, the historic 1924 Clarion Peabody Court, with its 104 handsomely outfitted rooms, enthusiastically welcomes gay and lesbian travelers. You’ll ~e ~ town house bars. Other esteemed in DyCanton. This stunner appreciate one of the ci~’s Baltimore gay-bar-goers congregate mostly at a handful of mainstays. Yuppies and stand-and-model types flock almost religiously to Gr~d Ceiatral, a large, multi-level complex that consists of a video lounge, dance bar, billiards room, and outdoor deck. Also on-site is the s[vanky lesbian bar, Sapphos, with its comfy living-room-esque decor and soft lighting. ~£ other major club i~i the n’eighborhood is Club Hippo, whose r~putation for gr~at music draws a wide mix of revelers, ga34 straight, old, and young. It’s a great place to cut loose, especially on Thursday and Saturday nights. When it gets late, the party moves to Club 1722, an 18-and-over ~er-hours club open on Fridays and Saturdays into the ~ee- hours. The,tiki-themed Coconuts Caf~ is another Mr. Vernon hangout thats popular xvith lesbians, while Club Bunns caters heavil~ to Baltimore’s sizable African-kanerican gay community and has a legendary happy hour. Leather aficionados head a few blocks up Charles to the Eagle, which, though lacking any serious back-room action, nevertheless cultivates as racy, an atmosphere as any bar in town. A classic dive that’s been serving the gay community for more than 60 years (longer, say" some, than [my bar in America), Leon’s is especially popular late on weekend evenings. Nearby Jay’s on Read is ~ das~ i~ia~o bar, and Club Phoenix is a laid-back neighborhodd hangout with a small dance area and some highly entertaining drag sho~s. In Federal Hill, the Rowan Tree is a friendly neighbor~iood spot with an eclectic crowd, and over in the up-and-coming Canton section of Baltimore, The Quest caters to fans of go-go dancers. Baltimore hotels have become slightly more expensive over the years, as the city has become a serious tourist and convention destination, but rates are still much lower than in nearby Washington, D.C. Most visitors choose properties near the Inner Harbor, dose to great restaurants and attractions. An excellent option here is the Pier 5 Hotel, a hip and lively boutique property with whimsically decorated, spacious rooms, many directly facing the Inner Harbor. The same owners run the elegant, historic (and allegedly haunted) Admiral Fells Inn in nearby Fells Harbor - this charming old-world www.ozarksstar.com heSTAR 21 �KAI REffAURANT & AFTER DARK LOUNGE Missouri For an absolutely fabtflous dining experience we highly suggest you try the new KAI RESTAURANT. It is located in the new and revitalized downtown area at 306 South Campbell. From the moment you walk thru the front door you will KNOW that you are in for a very special treat. Downstairs they have the KAI After Dark Lounge which has a very eclectic modern decor. Xhey have terrific bartenders who know how to serve every kind of drink imaginable. But the real treat is going upstairs to the KAI Restaurant where they serve "Modern Japanese Cuisine" in an unbelievable setting. ~he restaurant is dark, sexy, exciting, exotic and absolutely spectacular! Go to their website’s gallery to see for yourself. We haven’t been anywhere in the Midwest that can possibly compare to our dining experience there. Our server was extremely knowledgeable as to what was on the menu and offered good suggestions. He was a true professional. We started offwith the "Hot Rock" which is one of the restaurant’s specialties. It came with thinly sliced rare top sirloin woked on a hot stone presentation. You put one slice at a time on the sizzling hot stone and it cooks in seconds. Dip it into the sauce and you have some of the finest appetizers that we have ever had. Other Kai specialities included their Kuslyaki Filet, Kobe Beef Carpaccio and their Spicy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. ~hey offer a full range of soups and salads including their Kai salad, Ika Sansai Salad, Seaweed Salad, Tri Tuna Salad and their Honey Walnut Mango Chicken Salad. For their entrees they offer everything from Teriyaki to black cod, sea bass to New York Strip, Filet Mignon and Kai Surf and Turf. Other entrees included Seven Samurai with seven kinds of fish on top of a California Roll, Drunken Tiger which is spicy tuna with asparagus wrapped with grilled tuna, Fantastic Four, with shrimp tempura, crab, spice tuna with fried eel on top. For desserts they offer a wide choice for any pallet including Irish chocolate cake, banana chocolate spring rolls, creme brulee, tiramisu and cheesecake. Xhe table next to us had been coming back almost every week since they opened. They get a lot of diners who came back again and again and again just because this restaurant knows how to do things the right way! It is just that simple! Kai Restaurant is in an old downtown building that they completely remodeled to perfection. We know that with all their professionalism that they will be in business for many years. When traveling around the country we find that so many restaurants try to copy each other and the Kai Restaurant is itself and it’s own creation and that is what makes it so special. By the way, their prices are extremely reasonable. No trip to Springfield, Mo. would be complete if you don’t have a wonderful dining experience at the Kai Restaurant. Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 5:00 PM to 1:15 AM. For reservations call 417-8320077 and check out their website, www.kaiafterdark.com. People go to a restaurant not only to dine but to have a fabtflous dining experience and trust us on this one, you will have a "beyond fabulous" dining experience. When you get the best and innovative decor, great food and great service, you know you have found the perfect place! Congratulations to the owners and stafffor making the KAI Restaurant so special. 22 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �"While we beat our chests and proclaim ourselves the xvorld’s largest superpower, it is foolish to expect that we Americans, with only 6 percent of the world’s population, can automatically impose our xv~ll on everyone else." [p. 25] "... [~he...war in Iraq has led to a devastaring drop in world approval of the United States and sharp divisions between Muslim and Non-Muslim communities. It has provided more recruits for anti-American terrorist organizations, cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, and above all, caused loss of human life on a tragically large scale. A failure to understand the culture and history of other parts of the world has exacted a great price." ~. 28] "We cannot afford the toll that multiple Iraq-like mistakes would take on America, especially as we deal xvith emerging nations whose power and influence will become great as time passes." [p. 29] "Preemptive military engagements in the absence of an act of war against us have not proven successful. Vietnam and Iraq are dramatic examples." [p. 41] Source: David Boren, A Letter to America (2008). Norman, OK : University of Okla. Press. "Forty other countries now have a higher life expectancy than the United States, in no small part because 45 million Americans have no health insurance. When ~vill we act?" [p. 7] "... [I]t is morally imperative that we provide universal health coverage for all Ameficans...We must not rule out considering a new approach that moves away from the current rodeo. Very often they do. It’s a lot of hard work, it is very rewarding, but every year right after the Rodeo ends we start planning for the next one. Victor: Do straight people still sometimes get thrown by the idea of a gay cowboy? Klint: They don’t associate what they perceive to be a masculine lifestyle to be a part of how they perceive the gay lifestyle. So in part we are educating the public as a whole, and even still some parts of the gay community, that we come from every facet of life. Victor: So what’s in store for this year? Klint: We have a great reputation, one of the largest rodeos of the IGRA system. We have a new rodeo director from Florida, Jim Mitchell and Assistant directors Travis Parker ofOGRA & Michael Fontenot of Florida. We’re doing all kinds of promotions not only in Oklahoma but also surrounding states, and we expect people from all parts of the country. This year we are hosting the I.G.R.A.’s Board of Directors Meeting, so trustees from all of their rodeo associations throughout the United States and Canada will be here. As with tradition, all we donate stays in Oklahoma. This year we are helping out two major charities, Other Options and Rain Oklahoma. Victor: So who should join OGRA? Does one have to be a rancher or cowboy? Klint: We have many members who have never ridden a horse or worked with cattle. We welcome people who many walks of life who embrace cowboys and western heritage. As we raise money for our community, we need talented people who want to help us make a difference. employer-based system...Those who have health insurance are already paying the costs for the uninsured, who often end up in hospital emergency rooms...The uninsured wait to get help until they reach a medical crisis. This drives costs higher. There is no excuse for another presidential term to end without implementing universal health insurance." [p.p. 84-5] Source: David Boren, A Letter to America (2008). Norman, OK : University of Okla. Press. www.ozarksstar.com Victor: I think that’s an invitation. Thanks for all you and OGRA do for gay Oklahoroans, including our cowboys and cowgirls, and we can look forward to another great event. VOTER I~GISTRATION Voter registration applications may be submitted at any time. However, a valid application must be received at a motor license agency or a designated voter registration agency, or postmarked (if submitted by mail), more than 24 days prior to an election in order for the applicant to participate in that election. Deadlines for submitting valid voter registration applications prior to the 2008 statewide elections are as follows: Primary Election Friday, July 4 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, July 29 - Election Runoff Primary Election Friday, August 1 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, August 26 - Election General Election Friday, October 10 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, November 4 - Hection CHANGES IN POLITICAL AFFILIATION Changes in political affiliation may not be made during the period from June 1 through August 31, inclusive, in any even-numbered year. The last day on which a change in political affiliation can be made before the closed period is May 31; the first day on which a change in political affiliation can be made after the closed period is September 1. OTHER IMPORTANT DATES Last day to request absentee ballot for July 29 Primary Hection Wednesday, July 23 Vote early at your County Hection Board office Friday, July 25, 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday, July 26, 8 AM - 1 PM Monday, July 28, 8 AM - 6 PM Candidate Filing for federal, state, legislative and county offices June 2 - 4 wvcw.ok, gov/-elections/index.html theSTAR 23 �Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa 24 @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City �By Greg Steele on the prowl ~e 84 & Robin Dorner with The City S~Ni~i atthe fundraiser for State Senator Andrew Rice! Marlett is runn ng aga nst the nfamous sai ~ I(em. Democratic U£. senate candidate (currently State Senator) Andrew Rice with Richard Ogden Chairperson Cimarron Alliance Foundation at a fantastic fundraiser at Ogden’s home. victor G06~ ~e~nt~ O~l~h;ma C0rpora~ tion Commissioner Jim R6tha plaque with a 45 of one is his favodte inspirations, Dion’s "Abraham Martin & Johi~2 www.ozarksstar.com State Representative A! McAffrey with Oklahbrna County Democratic Party co-chair Elle~ Ste~SS at Oklahoma City fundraiser for McAffrey. : �By Ronald Blake ho wants to see you achieve health, fitness, and overall well-being? It seems like everyone wants to see you fit into that smaller size of pants or cut back on your smoking. We live in a soci.ety where it is horrible to think that people die. You need to take advantage of this munificence of the masses. Government agencies are always watching out for you. The FDA is monitoring what medications are safe for your consumption. The FAA will not let you fly with Joe Camel smoke swirling aimlessly around the cabin. The CDC monitors the incidences of West Nile virus outbreaks in all the 50 states. Your local agency on aging center will even see to it that you have a fan or air conditioner to place in your window if you can’t afford to buy one. Your taxes are ~vorking to help you after all. Restaurants and fast food establishments are even seeking to give you healthier food. Subway leads the pack of retailers by offering you groovy grinders and showcasing the slimmed down Jared as proof of eating right. Numerous restaurants are shrinking their portion sizes and now only offering enough to satisfy one hippopotamus’ appetite. Applebee’s is one example of this sensible change. They even charge a little less for this good idea. Gosh, even Hamburglar and Grimace are putting apple slices in Happy Meals. smoking cessation classes. The Cancer Society will tell you when you should get a pap smear, colorectal check, skin screening, and breast exam. There are support groups for autism, anger management, gambling addictions, mental illnesses, and many more. If you can Google it, it is out there waiting to be uncovered by you. Even money-hungry Hollywood types have your best interests in mind. "Supersize Me" was that documentary about McDonalds and the Big Mac that put the fast-food giant into a Dow Jones suicide watch. The behemoth hamburger franchiser changed their menu in response to this fat-laden epiphany. Michael Moore took on the health care industry and all the cigar-chomping politicos inside the Beltway in his documentary "Sicko". He exposed the Swiss cheese health coverage we have for the denizens of this great land. There have even been movies like a "Beautiful Mind" and "Rain Man" that have shown a superb story but have also given us a better understanding of health issues like mental illnesses. Finally, we even have philanthropists like Bill Gates, Oprah, Bono, and numerous others who are giving money to charities to improve the lives of others. These methods include education and training. Education is one of the greatest factors affecting poor health. More educated individuals are less likely to smoke, drink, or engage in drug activity than those individuals who lack a proper education. If you want to achieve it, you must seek it. It should not be difficult; there is assistance around every corner. Excuses are around every corner too. Choose your corner care- fully. This health and fitness coltunn is brought to you by that guy who has an analog mind in a digital world. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be shaken from his reverie at w~wv.goblakefitness.com. There are not-for-profit agencies out there that are a website away from accessing information for better health. The American Lung Association will tell you where to find 26 t~÷STAR w~vw.ozarksstar.com �SPRINGFIELD, MO. NATIONAL NEV S opened last October and has quickly become extremely popular. Why? Because of the owner and staff. Rob knows how to treat customers and has hired a very professional staff. Michelte, the bar manager is the kind of bartender that everybody wants. She is fun, funny, lively, interesting, professional and you can tell that she really enjoys her job. Why can’t all bartenders across the country be like this? The other bartenders there are great also. We found everybody in this bar to be extremely friendly. How many times have you walked into a bar only to be sitting at the bar all by yourself and no one talks to you. Trust us, it won’t happen in this bar! NoY. governor .snpports Another fun place is JR’s Nightclub, 504 E. Commercial, (417) 864-2823. This is the bar "where men are comfortable, but everyone is welcome". They are open Monday thru Saturday, 5 to 1:30 AM and Sunday, 2 PM to midnight. When you walk in, people either know you or they don’t and if they don’t know you, they will shortly. Everyone is friendly. The bartenders and owner are friendly. After a couple of drinks you will know everybody in the bar. And isn’t that the idea of going to a bar, to meet other people? JR’s is the only bar in Springfield that is open on Sundays. Other places to visit are Martha’s Vineyard and Latin Vibes which features special gay shows on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. If your needing to get around the city, contact Fisk Limousines, www.fisklimo.com or give them a call at 417.862.2900. They give the best service in the entire Midwest. Springfield, Missouri is indeed a city with a great future. They want EVERYONE to visit their beautiful city. We did and we certainly enjoyed our stay there as we know that all of our readers will. The Convention & Visitors Bureau has one of the best websites in the nation, www.springfieldadventures.com. Be sure and check it out. Our thanks to Susan Wade, Public Relations Manager, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. She is simply "the Best of the Best" and so professional, and to Mark Templeton of Springfield. same-sex marrmge New York Gov. David Patterson said April 7 that he supports legalization of same-sex marriage. Speaking by video link to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s awards dinner in Manhattan, Patterson said: "We xvill push on and bring full marriage equality to New York state. And when xve have done that, xve’re going to do more. We’re going to protect young people from bullies. We’re going to protect against the discrimination of people in the transgender community, and xve’re going to fight for decent and affordable health care for all citizens in this state." "If you xvill join with me, and if xve xvork hard enough, xve can change the face of Nexv York, which will be the catalyst to changing national policy," he said. Patterson had planned to attend the dinner but was stuck in Albany dealing with budget problems. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! www.ozarksstar.com t~:~ {~.STAR 27 �by Jack Fertig May 2008 "Articulate conflicts, Cancer!" The Sun in Taurus offers the comforts and pleasantries of spring. Now, however, Sol is aspecting asteroid Chiron in Aquarius and new planet Eris, stirring up the question of where to settle down and with whom. Think beyond habits, and be open to surprises! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Individualist though you are, you belong with some tribe - however awkwardly. A clash of values is inevitable, but not catastrophic. Give yourself room to be not at the center of the group, but at the edge - perhaps even the leading edge. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Your own personality is both a key and an impediment to success. Meditate and talk with a confidante. Issues of fitting in and reconciling different communities in your world seem like complications, but actually point to a solution. GEMINi (May 21 - June 20): You’re too easily tempted into arguments with others.-Better to look within and resolve your own conflicts. Knocking those around with a friend and establishing a philosophical framework are important. Just know that the real debate is internal. SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 = December 20): Team sports or games - anything from charades to rugby - can help you understand your own thought processes, or perhaps learn how to keep your mouth from getting you into trouble. You’ll never get that one perfect, but you can make progress! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Being a capricious Cappy could get expensive. Entertain members of your family or tribe at home or through some community event, staying ever mindful of your budget. Asking others to contribute can help strengthen your bonds. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Fitting in with your family can be a problem. Imagine that you are adopted and speak a different language. What would you try to say? You wouldn’t want to be just like everyone else, so celebrate your uniqueness, and they’ll love you as you are. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. You may expose a few secrets, but that will probably do some good for you and others concerned. Even if there is a price to pay, you will find greater value in speaking up. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Time to review that famous "gay agenda." How do your goals and ideals fit in with your immediate queer community and your sense of the broader community? Articulating the conflicts and exploring the issues could put you into a position of leadership. LEO (July 23 -August 22): Your ambitions can easily lead to arguments. That’s OK, as long as the point of the argument is to better understand _what’s_ right, not _who’s_ right. To fix a relationship, try seeing it in a different light. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): New ideas, even those that seem to come way out of left field, can help solve problems at work and with your health. (Chiropractic?) Don’t underestimate possibilities, wacky as they may seem, offered by other GLBT folks. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Rethinking group allegiances and community identity should prove helpful in understanding your sexual potential - not just as a lover, but as an erotic healer. Explore new forms of erotic play and perception. You can do this actively and/or academically. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Some housecleaning, literally or metaphorically, is important to improve your relationship or to help you be ready for one. An eccentric older relative or community elder offers an inspirational role model METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 t~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �Support those who support us. DOWNTO\~N PLea of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\rAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NV4 39TH EXPRESS\gAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ~wv.habanainn.com www.ozarksstar.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 vavw.realacceptance.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GREAT PLAINS RODEO E O. BOX 12485 Oklahoma City, OK 73157 www.ogra.net GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.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 Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com OKC PRIDE, INC PO BOX 60296 Oklahoma City, OK 73146 www.okcpride.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lake~vood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1 st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #133 Tulsa, OK 74145 OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 Address: PHOTOGRAPHY." City: JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 St:__.Zip:. Phone: } CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: theSTAR 29 �Keller Willia Chu~ Whether buying or selling I’11~ ............... work hard fo (d,efinitiqn - growing up GAY in OK is not easy) You can he~p our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more info: www. openarrnsproject.org e-mail: ~di~o~alCar~oon@q~;yndica~.co m 30 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �34 Bourbon St. ~04~37!-5450 Torch �TW’s-AFAB Catering G L B T G A Z I N K P �� 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 ESTABLISHED 2003 www.ozarksstar.com MAY 2008 One of the longest running and largest of Gay Rodeo Organizations in the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) system, Oklahoma’s Great Plains Rodeo will kick off it’s 23rd year. A fun filled weekend May 23 through May 25th 2008. The event will be held in Oklahoma City at State Fair Park, 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK ~The fun begins with the Great Plains Rodeo Kickoff Party hosted at the Finishline Thursday, May 22 featuring the current reigning OGRA Royalty. This is a great chance to meet and greet, dance and party, and ready yourself for the weekend to come. The host hotel for the Rodeo is the Hilton Garden Inn, and there is a block of rooms available at a special rate from May 22-26 that will be available until May 16 or until they sell out, whichever comes first. Registration for the event happens Friday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tickets are available from OGRA members for $10 or $15 at the gate. The Rodeo takes place at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds on Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25, beginning at 8 a.m. both days. To keep the weekend wild the Texas Gay Rodeo Association will host their Texas T Party on that Saturday in the Copa from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. featuring fantastic food and fun. The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (OGRA) is a nonprofit organization and member of the International Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (IGRA) which is comprised of 28 state/provincial associations throughout the United States and Canada. OGRA is proud to be the first association seated at the first ever IGRA Convention in 1985 For more information check out the OGRA website at www.ogra.net. An Exclusive Interview With OGRA’s 4 Term President, Klint Wieden Photo: Klint Wieden with his horse Cherokee. "I grew up in the small northwest Oklahoma town ofArnett. I rode horses and worked cattle my whole life, so that’s really who I am." Klint told the Star. PAGE-12 Newly revamped drag-free Tulsa Pride 2008 unveiled By Joey De TULSA, OK __ Organizers of this year’s Tulsa Pride Celebration are promising the public that this year’s events will be anything but boring. "We have made a lot of changes to the entire celebration," says Nate Black, one of the co-chairs. Black says the changes are intended to breathe a new sense of excitement into the pride observance and to help promote the revitalization of downtown. "People don’t kno,v downtown. They don’t know how to get here, they don’t know where to park, they don’t know how many things are down here and growing," Black says. "We have moved the events to ................ Continued Page 5 i 7 West 7th Street (corner 7th & ~3oulder Ave) e Tulsa, Ok 74ii9 www.ozarksstar.com 1:800o535oAtDS (2437) PROTECT YOURSELF PROTKOT YOUR PAR www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 Join us for our biggest issue of the year! PRIDE 2008. Be a part of RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW Deadline Thursday l~ay t 5f.h Serving the Oklahoma GLBT community since 2003. Mr OkAahoma Continentall Benefits OYP Tulsao By Judy G. Charles Frederick Mr Oklahoma Continental 2008 TULSA, OK __ March 28th, Singer and entertainer Chades Frederick, Mr. Oklahoma Continental, began one of the many benefits planned to support Openarms Youth Project in Tulsa to a standing room only crowd. Many parents and grandparents of the entertainers were in attendance. David Dees, owner of Club Majestic, 124 N. Boston, Tulsa, donated the use of the dub for this worthy benefit. ~he event raised $770 for OYE. Entertainers were Sabastyn Croft, Tazia Kennedy, Cort, Brooke Kennedy-Miss OK National Queen, Mindy Bartlett, KC Morgan, Kordylia Kennedy, Alex Kennedy, Iman Scott-Miss Goddess 2007, Daphne Rio and Nicole Poverty-Miss OYE. Donations to benefit the GLBT youth group, many who are or were homeless just because they are gay, can be made to Openarms Youth Project, 2015-B S. Lakewood, Tulsa, Ok. 74112, or contact Tim or Ken at 918- 838-7104. TULSA PRIDE: give people a reason to check it (downtown) out, but also to come enjoy our new center and see how many resources are available." The first big change this year that Black notes is the separation of the Pride Festival from the Pride Parade. This year, the parade will occur June 7 and the festival will occur June 14. Following a national trend, the Pride Parade will be held in the evening, escaping the oppressive summer sun. The parade will fol!ow a new route, taking it from the Brady Arts District through downtown to the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. When the parade ends at 4th and Kenosha, the new Pride Block Party will kick off: "There will be 2 stages of entertainment, beer tents, vendors and all kinds of activities," says Black, who also notes that national music sensation Eric Himan will be performing. Black also says that for those with children, the second floor of the equality center will be open to provide licensed babysitters for a small fee. A week later, the Diversity Festival will kick off in Centennial Park just west of6th & Peoria. Black says that the newly revamped festival will feature two stages of entertainment with a multi-ethnic array of performers, an international food court, children’s area, local vendors and more. According to Black, including other faith and ethnic communities is not an attempt to "de-gay" Pride, but to help create community allies. "We have to realize our commitment to justice can not be for the gay community only. We have to speak out against racism and against bigotry. "The GLBT community is in every population," "By increasing our alliances we strengthen our own commitment for our people." ’This is still a gay pride event," Black emphasizes. There will be a leather fashion show, there will be drag queens, and there xvill be rainbows. It’s still very gay, but it is also more professional and more inclusive." The final major change that Black says will be occurring is the moving of the Diversity Gala to the historic Cain’s Ballroom. Black says that not only does this help to create an emphasis on downtown, but it also provides much needed space for the event to grow. For the latest updates on the Tulsa Pride Celebration, visit their web site at www. tulsapride.org. 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit OKC Saturday, May 10, 9am-5pm, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Cimarron Alliance Foundation wil! host the 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit a one-day event with four sessions of workshops. This year’s summit features more extensive workshops about our state legislature - by far the most attended session last year - and programs appealing to college students and young adults. There will also be two community forums. The 2007 LGBT Leadership Summit was successful beyond expectations. LGBT and LGBT-friendly persons and organizations acquired tools and guidance to more effectively manage themselves and, more importantly, better collaborate with others to accomplish common goals. Workshops The 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit is a one-day event with four sessions of up to five workshops per session. Workshops will address five topics: Leadership Development O Organization Development - non-profits, fundraising, etc. o Government- politics and the legislative process ® Personal Development - spirituality, equality, etc. o Anti-violence - anti-bullying, hate crimes, etc. For more information go to: wvcw.cimarronalliance.org www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 Loving the Hater Wlaile Hating the Hate By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ I found a link recently to a blog (vavw.bilerico.com) that contains a comment (http://tinyurl. com/4qdbph) written in reaction to reading the main story about the Oklahoma City chapter of PFLAG and their recording of Rep. Sally Kern (http://tinyurl.com/2zbpgn) that catches Kern in her spider web of hubris and cant. Like the author, I too am very disappointed with the approach of "loving the hater while hating the hate." Ofcourse, I respect our supporters who use their close relationship with Jesus to try and gain support for LGBT citizens and other minorities who are used for verbal target practice in the ~var for suppression of civil rights. I’m delighted the Oklahoma City PFLAG chapter was able to document the duplicity of Sally Kern and record with her permission the lies she later reported as irresponsibility on the part of PFLAG. This single incident should show you the arrogance and madness that is being passed offas legislative Republican leadership. Not one elected official in Oklahoma from either major party has come strongly to the defense and support of the LGBT taxpayers living in Oklahoma. Had Kern used race, skin color, or ethnic origin as her subject I bet the rent she would be rene~ving her teaching certificate and looking for a school that would hire her. The First Amendment guarantees both sides the freedom to practice their respective religious viewpoints and the market place in which to talk about them. However, this same First Amendment does NOT give either side permission to encode their religious viewpoints into CIVIL law. I feel this is where we miss the boat in establishing our birthright to equal treatment under judicial law, and not the ten laws of Deuteronomy. There will always be a Bible verse to trump the opposing Bible verse resulting in a version of ping-pong skirmishes with Jesus as the referee. The writer gives some specific examples of public, peaceful protest that we can engage in to show that LGBTs are neither the doormats nor the monsters our enemies make us to be. It’s odd that our suppressors are either afraid to be in the same room with us, fearing for their own bodily integrity, keeping their knees close together; or they, dismiss us as dippy airheads, frivolous and irresponsible. How can we be both at the same time? Their response shows more about the fiction in their minds then about the truth of our lives. Until we get out of the religious justification business the more we’ll be dragged into its historical quagmire. Look at the present wars being fought around the world and you’ll see religious intolerance at the root. Our LGBT equality will have to be established in the legislatures and the courthouses in all fifty states without religious prejudice tipping the scales of justice. 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Comling o~ eAge 8 the STAR w-ww.ozarksstar.com ©irecYed bs/Davd Geligan Oklahoma OiV June 8~ 2008 at 8pnq Brot~-~e~ Boy www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 by Liz Highleyman What is the history o£GLAAD ?? For more than two decades, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has served as the queer community’s watchdog against biased portrayals of lesbian, ga); bisexual, and transgender people in the media. Up until the final decades of the 20th century, representations of LGBT people in l{lms, television, popular music, and mainstream publications - if present at all - typically focused on scandal or ridicule. The burst of gay activism and visibility in the late 1960s spurred a conservative backlash, and by the mid-1980s, the community was staggering under the weight of the AIDS epidemic, as people with HIV faced stigma exacerbated by media portrayals depicting them as a danger to the "general population." In 1985, the New York LGBT community was embroiled in a debate about closure of the .city’s gay bathhouses and grew- increasingly alarmed about sensationalistic AIDS coverage in the New York Post. That November, a group of long-time activists including Vito Russo, Arnie Kantrowitz, Jim Owles, and Darrell Yates Rist called a town meeting that drew more than 700 participants. Heeding the exhortation of author Jewetle Gomez to "take responsibility for what is being said about us," they formed the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). The group began as a grassroots effort, using phone trees and monthly newsletters to issue alerts about offensive media portrayals of LGBT people. Among its earliest victories, in 1987 GLAAD persuaded the New York Times to finally use the word "gay" rather than "homosexual." Ti~e following year, the New York group hired its first full-time executive director, Craig Davidson. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Richard Jennings and others started a new chapter focused on the Hollywood entertainment industry. The bicoastal organization’s clout continued to grow, enabling it to secure an apology from comedian Johnny Carson for saying "fag" on the air, followed by the suspension ofAndy Rooney by CBS for homophobic and racist comments. In 1992, Entertainment Weekly named GLAAD one of the 100 most powerful entities in Hollywood. Before long, new GLAAD chapters arose in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. But in 1995, the local groups merged into a centralized national organization with a single board, and a staff based in New York and Los Angeles; two years later, former Showtime executive Joan Garry took the helm. Over the next decade, GLAAD initiated projects focusing on communities of color (including Spanish and Chinese language media), sports media, faith-based groups, and youth. GLAAD continued to exert insider pressure, and, when needed, to organize larger public protests against biased portrayals - like Sharon Stone’s murderous bisexual temptress in the film Basic Instinct (1992) - or the omission of queer content, such as excising a male-male kiss from the television show Melrose Place. Homophobic song lyrics by rapper Eminem and Jamaican dancehall artists Beenie Man and Buju Banton were other targets. GLAAD also reacted to current events, such as the murders of Matthew Shepard and transgender teen Gwen Araujo, as well as homophobic outbursts by the likes of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell and Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. But in keeping with its mission of promoting "fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation," GLAAD also sought to shape positive portrayals. It consulted on television and movie scripts featuring LGBT characters and themes, pitched sympathetic stories to mainstream publications, provided spokespersons for talk shows, and trained queer individuals and groups in how to effectively use the media. In addition to wielding the "stick" of protest, the organization also dangled the "carrot" of praise, introducing the GLAAD Media Awards in 1990 to recognize favorable representations of the community and its issues. After considerable pressure from LGBT media, the organization agreed in 2007 to honor them along with nongay outlets. By 2005, when Garry turned over leadership to Neil Giuliano - the openly gay former Republican mayor ofTempe, Ariz. - the organization had a budget approaching $7.5 million and a staff of more than 40. Yet GLAAD’s explosive growth, insider strategy, and increased emphasis on star-studded events did not sit well with some activists who felt the organization had moved too far from its grassroots origins. Further, some were unhappy with tactics they regarded as censorship, such as the successful pressure campaign to cancel conservative commentator Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s television show. GLAAD has "a political agenda that is murky at best - at worst, it is dangerous to free speech, artistic expression, and the interests of LGBT people," wrote activist Michae! Bronski. "Judging the accuracy of a news report is much different than judging art. GLAAD can deal with these issues by getting out of show business and back into watchdog media commentary." Despite the criticism, GLAAD continues with its goal of"changing people’s hearts and minds through what they see in the media." According to the organization, "What people see at the movies or read in the newspaper shapes how they view and treat the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people around them, and we have a responsibility to make sure those images foster awareness, understanding and respect." For further reading: Bronski, Michael. 2005. ~Not So GLAAD Anymore." Z Magazine (May 1). Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. www.glaad.org. Gross, Larry: 2002. Up From Invisibility: Lesbians, Gay Men and the Media in America (Columbia University Press). 10 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com OkEq Announces Anrmat Equality Gala Saturday, May 3t, 6pm, Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N Main Ave TULSA, OK__ (ENEWS) Oklahomans for Equality is excited to announce its annual Equality Gala, held this year at the legendary Cain’s Ballroom. Benefiting OkEq, the Gala honors Lifetime Achievement Axvard xvinner Charles Faudree, Community Heroes George Kaiser Family Foundation and Carol Crawford, and Russ Bennett Spiritual Inclusion Award winner Nancy Day: The program features a champagne and hors d’oeuvre reception, live entertainment by Jared Tyler and Valerie Eskridge accompanied by Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, dinner by Taste Catering and wine donated by Loring Wine Company. Don’t miss the black tie event of the season, celebrating Tulsa’s rich diversity. Sponsorship information and tickets are available at: wxvw.okeq.org Co ° munity for People iving with H P !iA1D8 A 501 c (3) Non Profit O~:gan:izatlon Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. VVe 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. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com. www.0zarksstar.c0m New exhibit featuring artist Ann Marie Distefano at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, May 1, 2008, for the opening of it’s May exhibit, paintings by Ann Marie Distefano. Ann Marie’s paintings emerge from an aspiration to reclaim the spiritual dignity of art. "I want to make art that might open for the receptive viewer the window onto eternity," states Distefano. She continues, "My paintings are ’plugged into’ an inner source within myself that is very deep and sometimes unknown. What I seek to achieve is independence of artistic and philosophical fashions. My goal as an artist is to reveal an ineffable presence, the contemplation of which can lead the viewer towards an intuitive recognition of his or her own inherent radiance." Distefano, a native Bostonian, has been living in Tulsa for the past four years. She is a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts of Boston. The reception will be generously catered by donation by Baxter’s Interurban Grill. The exhibit will remain up through the month of May, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq. org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq)_. OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Emmy Award Winner Leslie Jordan (Brother Boy) In Oklahoma City. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Leslie Jordan famed "Sordid Lives" star, will bring his one man show, "My Trip Down The Pink Carpet" to OKC June 8th at the Tolbert Theater @ Stage Center. "In 1982, Leslie Jordan jumped offa Greyhound bus from the hills ofTennessee, said ’hello’ to Hollywood and has never looked back. With hundreds of television and film roles to his credit, he is probably best remembered for ’Kyle’ hapless ex-con on Muphey Brown, ’Resplendent Man’ entrepreneurial super hero on Lois and Clark, and can currently be seen recurring as ’Mr. Beverly Leslie’ on the hit series, \Vgill & Grace. Mr. Jordan just finished a stint on the two hit series, Ally McBeal and Boston Public as ’Dr. Benjamin Harris’ cloning expert turned new-age reverend turned science teacher turned drama coach. Mr. Jordan has also had a successful stage career. He played ’Brother Boy’ a Tammy Wynette fixated drag queen, in Del Shores hit play Sordid Lives and went on to star in the film adaptation of that play. He also has won every award for best supporting actor LA gives in theatre (Back Stage West Garlands, LA Weekly, LA Drama Critics Circle) for his portrayal of’Peanut Leroy’ a sodden aging homosexual in the runaway hit, Southern Baptist Sissies. the STAR 11 By Victor Gorin ooking forward to the upcoming Great Plains Rodeo, O.G.R.A. President Klint Wieden shares his thoughts and hopes not only for this event but for OGRA and the gay cowboys and cowgirls of Oklahoma. Originally from the small Oklahoma community of Arnett, he grew up as a typical Oklahoma cowboy, belonging to both 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. He went on to OSU where he majored in animal science and business, and now resides in OFdahoma City with his current career of copier sales while enjoying being a cowboy on the side. We appreciate him sharing his time with us. Victor: How many years has the Great Plains Regional Rodeo been in Oklahoma City? Klint: This is our 23rd year, and it has been held for the last 15 years at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. It began with a group of people looking for an avenue where they could have friendly competition, socialize together and work together. It was a place for people who had something in common, a love of rodeo. They were gay cowboys who didn’t really feel that they fit into the gay scene at that time. The I.G.R.A. ( International Gay Rodeo Association) was formed, and O.G.R.A ( Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) was among the first state organizations. At the same time, the founders felt that they could also help the community by being a major fundraiser for charities of the community. Victor: A tradition that continues to this day. Klint: Besides the competition and fun involved, fundraising is truly what the rodeo Photo: Klint Wieden President OGRA is all about. \Ve raise money all year long to put it on, and then take the proceeds from that to give back to local charities. Victor: Is it still a regional rodeo? Klint: It had formerly been the Great Plains Regional Rodeo, representing other states as well. Today it is the Great Plains Rodeo, an event solely of OGRA. There is another organization in Tulsa, the Sooner State Rodeo Association, who also has their own rodeo. Victor: Of course the situation is much better than it was over 25 years ago. There were probably a lot of gay cowboys who felt they couldn’t be themselves and fit into what they perceived the gay community to be at that time. But even today straight people are astounded that there are gay cowboys, much less a rodeo. Klint: A couple a years ago the Daily Oklahoman wrote about our rodeo. \Vhat was to be a small paragraph turned into a front page story, hit the AP wires and was read all over the country. It was also read by my parents, who I had not been out with, who accepted me for the gay cowboy I was. Victor: Gay just happens, but cowboys are made. So how did it happen that you are a cowboy? Klint: I grew in the small northwest Oklahoma town ofArnett, 18 people in my graduating class. Arnett is a farming and ranching community, I rode horses and worked cattle my whole life, so that’s really who I am. Like many straight people, I thought you had to be flamboyant and feminine to be gay, and that wasn’t me. Once I learned there were country gay bars with cowboys, and gay rodeos, I thought" wow!" I fit in. That was great to kno~v. Victor: Of course the movie Brokeback Mountain had an enormous impact on America as a whole. I’m sure it had a special effect for the gay rodeo scene. Klint: It made people aware, both gay and straight, that there were people in that lifestyle who happened to be gay. So many gay cowboys could really relate to it, felt we had to hide for fear of not being accepted by our families, friends, bosses, or even the gay communir): Victor: So how rewarding has your hard work been with OGRA? Klint: \Veil this is my 4th term as the President of OGRA, I’ve been the rodeo director. I’m very out and very proud of what I’m doing. I have no problem telling businesses, like my dry cleaners, my dentist, my veterinarian that I support them, I’m a gay cowboy, and I’d like their support for our ............ Continued PAGE 23 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Foreman eaves Task Force National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman quit his job April 15 and moved to San Francisco to head up the Gay & Lesbian Rights Program at the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. The fund provides more grant support to GLBT organizations than aW other nongay foundation in the U.S. Foreman was at the Task Force for five years and is credited with grmving the staff to 54 full-timers and doubling the organizanon’s budget to $10 million. "I’m incredibly privileged to have had this job for the last five years, and to have been paid to be gay for the last 18," Foreman said in an interview. "There are so many people who give their hearts and souls to our movement without any compensation or for ridiculously low salaries, and that certainly includes LGBT journalists. ’Tm also overwhelmed with pride in our people," he said. "One thing I hear a lot in my travels is: ’There’s no such thing as a gay community. No one’s on the same page. In a few years we’ll all be assimilated, etc., etc.’ I couldn’t disagree more. "Name me one community -- or family, for that matter -- where everyone agrees and everyone gets along. That’s not community, but banality.... No, there’s no monolithic gay community, but there are dozens and dozens of communities within our larger movement and they’re accomplishing amazing things every day. There’s community everywhere I go -- some purely social, others religious, others political, others professional. "While we do have a very, very long way to go, the fact that we’ve made so much progress while being such a tiny minority and against such mighty opponents is, to me, proof positive that we do indeed have a vibrant people and community." Wockner News Service PlanetOut to selll Advocate, Out, Myson, porn mags PlanetOut Inc. is selling The Advocate and Out magazines -- as well as The Out Traveler, HIVPlus, three porn magazines and book publisher Alyson Publications -- to an affiliate of the gay TV network here! for $6 million. The sale price is far !ess than the $31.1 million PlanetOut Inc. paid for the magazines and book compaW when it bought LPI Media Inc. and SpecPub Inc. in 2005. PlanetOut Inc. reported a loss of $51.2 million last year. The company xvill continue to own and operate Gay.com and PlanetOut.com. In January, PlanetOut Inc. "retained Allen & Company, LLC to assist the company in evaluating strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company," a press release said. The corporation also announced in January "that it will no longer be providing quarterly or annual earnings guidance and will not hold quarterly earnings calls." The porn magazines included in the sale to Regent Releasing and Unzipped. A fourth SpecPub Inc. porn magazine, known as [2], has ceased publication, but the sale will include the trademark "[2]," PlanetOut Inc. CEO Karen Magee said via e-mail. Obama grants interview to Advocate Under fire for not speaking with local and regional gay cations, presidential candidate Barack Obama sat down for an interviexv with Advocate.corn on April 10. "The gay press may feel like I’m not giving them enough love. But basically, all press feels that xvay at times;’ Obama said. "Obviously, when you’ve got limited amount of time, you’ve got so many oudets. We tend not to do a whole bunch of specialized press.... But I haven’t been silent on gay issues. What’s happened is, I speak oftentimes to gay issues to a public general audience" Obama said he supports passage of a federal law protecting transgender people from discrimination but he’s not sure there’s support in Congress for the move. A bill outlawing job discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals has passed the House of Representatives and is pending in the Senate. "I have been clear about my interest in including gender identity in legislation, but I’ve also been honest ~vith the groups that I’ve met with that it is a heavy lift through Congress," he said. "\Ve’ve got some Democrats who are willing to vote for a non-inclusive bill but we lose them on an inclusive bill, and we just may not be able to generate the votes" Obama said he understands gay people’s frustration with candidates such as himself(and Hillary Clinton) who support, civil-union but not marriage for same-sex couples,’ I strongly respect the right ofsamesex couples to insist that even ifwe got complete equality in benefits, it still wouldn’t be equal because the same ~vord, marriage, assigned to it; he said. "I understand that, 3ective is also the broader ,olitical and ’ historical context in which I’m opera ing" MORE PAGE 27 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 Rata Esparza Slays ’Era in 2518 Eventually, all the Broadway stars try their tuck in Hollywood. And it Was just ~ matter of time before Raul Esparza, the han&ome Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner (both for _Company_ and TabooL wandered west. Xhe bisexual actor has already fom~.d success on the small screen, cast m a recurring ro!e on A Cs h,t Pushing Daisies. BUt n~w he ma.v be s,tepping wlay outside the feel-good box he ~ been in - hes in t~ to play a s~riaI killer in Wes Craven~ latest ~een-horror fihm, 2518. Concerning a group 0fkids being stalked by a killer believed to have died on the birthday they share in common, the film will co’star teenage collies 0 pe ) and Shareeka epps (Half-Nelson). No production or release dates yet, but the scary stuffis due to shoot soon. Gay Cast Populates C vas Shifting the Canvass. an indie drama due m rackJe the complicated lives of a group of BrooMyn friends aAer 9/11. has cast several ~:aces fan~iliar to queer audiences. notably up-and-coming gay actor Cheyem~e Ja4k~on. t~t seen on film as rugby player M~k Bingha~n in United 93, and cur~endy on Broadway in the hit music~ 3~adu, Jackson will star as a heterosexuN W~ Srree~ executive involved with a group of gay ffien&. Rounding out the c~st is ~& in ~e HNI alum Scott "~,ompson, ~ well as John Paul Pimc (best remembered ~ the hotW go-go boy in N’icD and Gedde Watanabe (last seen reD,lart~ as a gay nurse on ER, but forever kmown as ’Long D~ Dong" from SNteen CanNes). ~le film rolls in June and promises ~meos ~- several ~-yevunn~ed New ~brk ni~tti~e personalties. Cosby Goes to Jail Moore kmows how hard it is for an ; a break from the business so lately she~ been a low-risk comeback? Get on indie-film bus. And that’s exacdy what he’s been doing, recently starring in the .’ist drama Flawless with Michael Caine. nd now set to shoot gay writer-director from a d~tchell Llchtenste~ns (Teeth) latest film. mate Happy Tears. She’s i~ good compan> ~oo, ~ih~e-fitm veteran P~ker Posey has signed taste, ,n toplay lvloore’s younget sibling. ~2ne kama focuses on the two estranged sisters me selfLaggrandizing, the other bitter and ~dn~) as they re-establish their relationlip and deal with their elderly father’s progressive dementia. Shooting now in 2010. i~hiiadelphia, look for the happiness sometim~ in 2009. who finds herself Notably up-and-coming gay actor Cheyenne Jack,on. Photo: By Ben Strothmann 14 the STAR wv~,.ozarksstar.com Brief history from around the There is a lot to learn about this versatile wine. There are plenty ofgood Rieslings to taste. Let~ start with Australian offerings. They are noted fbr their oily- texture and citrus fruit flavors in their youth and a smooth balance of freshness and acid as they age. New Zealand Riesling was first planted in the 1970s and has flourished in the relatively cool climate of the Marlborough area. In comparison to Australian Riesting, New Zealand produces lighter and more delicate wines that range from sweet to dry. ][n Cati~brnia, Riesling lags far behind in popularity to Chardonnay ~d is not as commonly planted. A notable exception is opment ofhigh quality Late Harvest So i]~r, the Late Harvest wines produced are in the Anderson Valleys (north of Santa Rosa) where is more likely to encourage dte needed botutis develop. ~ae Riesling that does ~ fornia tends to be softer, fuller, a diverse flavors than a "tTpical" ~ ofBonW Doon, F Mountain A~v~& with dedicated completely to With high acidity and peach has deveto area is re t facility [, citric, With German Riesling, of ~vine Pr~dikat (QmP) PRAY-dee-kahq. It is the defined by the 1971. ,nit New York, particularly in ~e Finger Lakes region, was one ofthe eaMiest U.S, producers ofPdesling. Plantings started to appear in California by 1857 and fbllowed in xNSshington State in 1871. New ~tbrk Riesling generally has a characteristic effervescent light body with a similarly light, mellow flavor, The wine can be dynamic though rarely robust, and ranges from dry to sweet. New York is also a notable producer ofRiesling based Ice Wine, although a large majority ofNew ~%rk ke Wine is made from Vidal Blanc and Vigno~es. In the Pacific Northwest there is a stark contrast in Riesling production. ~Ihe grape is currently on the rise in ~VZ~shington State but on the decline in neighboring Oregon. Pdesling from this area ranges from dr?" to sweet, m~d has a crisp lighmess that bodes well for e~sy drin~ng. Often there will be an easily detectable peach and mineral complex. Some Washington State winemakers, such as Chateau Ste. Michelle, are adapting Germau-style There are six subcategories categor?; ranked from determine various levels .are: K)~BINE~, SP/&TLESE BEEI?J);NAUSLESE, EISWEIN, ENBEERENAUSLESE. Each care fined by a minimum sugar content of the which varies {::rotn region to region. The focus sugar content embodies the theoW that grapes with bdgher sugar levels are riper and therefore yield richer wines with deep colors and intense flavors. Although Riesling is best known from Germa- W’s Mosel-Saa>Rmver, Pfalz, Rheinhessen and Rheingau m:eas, wines from Alsace and Austria attain equal greatness. France’ Alsace’s are coveted for their high sugar levels and endless aging abili9~. Food Paring Riesling is a versatile wine for pairing with food because ofits balance ofsugar and acidity: tt can ~ paired with Thai and Chinese cuisine and various Rieslingproduction methods, and even parmering . types ofdishes prepared more on the spicy side. with well&~own German vinmers like Dr. Ernest One can also enjoy this wine with spicy ham, Loosen to create specialty wines such as the Eroig~ pork with pineapple chutney, stir-fried snow peas Riesling, with spicy shrimp, crab, turkey, barbequed or www.ozarksstar.com smoked meats, . white sausages, crab cakes gouda & grwere~ :this wine can be paired as an cake, apples/pears, caramel/ wmilla ice creaan, Schm~ Sohne Relax ’06 Job JOS P~Urn/Spatlese ’04 Jakob Dem~er/Kabinett ’06 ~ ’06 Pacific Rim Califor- Series Australia ’06 And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Vlr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/vcww.WineSpectator.com ,#~,~v.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org the STAR 15 HOST HOTEL 801 South Meridian Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 ¯35-9~2-1400 ¯ 1-877-STAY-HGI OVER FLOW HOTEL 1511 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405-840-5557 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams Campbell Street, Springfield, MO Early 1900’s ~ormany years, Springfield, Missouri has gotten a bad rap fi’om the gay and lesbian community all over the country. Even many of our straight friends have been hesitant about visiting Springfield. Like many cities in the "Bible Belt", Springfield has had in the past a reputation for being extremely conservative and even homophobic. Well, readers, things have CHANGED and for the better ! At the invitation of the Springfield, Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau we visited Springfield last month. They showed us their beautiful city, their museums, attractions, galleries, dining options and we must admit that we are now in love with Springfield, Missouri and we lmow that all of our gay and lesbian readers from coast to coast will also be. Springfield, Mo. is a very "vibrant and alive" city and everybody is welcome. As our readers kmow, we are a "very out’ gay couple and we were shown the highest respect everywhere we went in Springfield. There are gays and lesbians working in every field of employment in Springfield and nearly all of them are "out". MaW of the large National companies at first were hesitant to move their offices and headquarters to Springfield but things have changed and for a variety of reasons. We want to thank so many of the younger gays and lesbians that we met while we were in Springfield for their honesty and hard work that to made this happen. Now with that being said, let us tell you about the "new and improved" Springfield, Missouri. With a population of over 420,000 for metropolitan Springfield, it is the third largest city in the State and offers an unbelievable array of surprises for any traveler. When so many cities in the country are down-sizing and doing nothing to improve their cities, the Springfield, Mo. community has grown in every ~vay imaginable in their arts, business, sports, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Their "new and improved" downtown area is something that most cities can only dream about. All within walking distance you can admire the works of local and regional artists in more than 15 galleries, artist’s studios and other venues where you can encounter sculpture, pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography and hand blown glass demonstrations. In addition you have a choice of wonderful restaurants, coffee shops and cafes to dine. In Springfield, they MADE it happen! Springfield has over 6,000 hotel/motel rooms and over 600 dining options. So whatever you are into, you will find it in Springfield! Metropolitan Springfield has so much to offer in the way of attractions, historical places to visit and things to see. FANTASTIC CAVERNS is a must see for any first time visitor to Springfield. They open daily at 8 AM until dusk. You ride thru this ancient underground cave that has massive formations. The tour is 50 minutes and your driver will explain the entire history of the cave to you. THE SPRINGFIELD ART MUSEUM is the permanent home for some 8,500 art objects representing thousands of years of culture. They are open Tuesday thru Sunday and are located at 111 E. Brookside Dr. The SPRINGFIELD LITTLE THEATRE at the historic Landers Theatre is Missouri’s oldest and largest civic theatre. This season includes Gypsy, ATuna Christmas, the Miracle Worker and Seussical to name just a few of their productions. "WILD BILL" HICKOK SHOOTOUT SITE in Park Central Square, right downtown is the site of the nations first recorded shootout and helped solidify the reputation ofWild Bill. Look for the marker on 18 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com Stage coach terra cotta on Springfidd garage. East. Markers are also located in the street showing where each man stood during the shoot out. The RAILROAD HISTORICAL Museum, 1300 No. Grant Ave. is dedicated to the preservation of railroading and you can step into a locomotive, commuter car and caboose. The MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME, 3861 E. Stan Musial Drive includes thousands of sports memorabilia, exhibits and displays and of course the Springfield Cardinals Baseball team which is the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and plays at Hammonds Field. Bass Pro has their big store at !935 South Campbell Ave with everything imaginable in the sports line. Tired of seeing everything yet? Well, Springfield offers a lot more things to see! The AIRAND MILITARY Museum of the Ozarks is a "hands-on" museum of military history. They are located at 2305 E. Kearney St. The Brown Derby Store at 2023 S. Glenstone offers a world-class wine selection unmatched in the Midwest. The Commercial Street Historical District (between \Vashington Ave. and Lyon Ave. is a self-guided tour which is a 6 block adventure. With a seasonal farmers market, chocolate factory, the city’s oldest tavern, new micro-brewery, antiques/art galleries, this is a great walking tour. DICKERSON PARK ZOO, 1401 W. Norton Road allows visitors to get up dose with hundreds of animals. DISCOVERY CENTER is an interactive hands-on science center and is located downtown at 438 E. St. Louis St. The TENT THEATRE is celebrating their 45th season this summer. This summer’s productions include Cyrano de Bergerac, June 11-14 and June 16-21, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, June 25-28, June 30-July 3, and our favorite, Anything Goes with lyrics and music by Cole Porter, July 9-12, July 14-20. The Theatre and Dance Department at Missouri State University in Sprinbffield offers a wide range of theatre and dance programs. But the most important time we had in Springfield during our recent visit there was the "DOWNTOWN AREA". The "new:" dmvntmvn area is FABULOUS !!!!! Check out their wonderful website at www.itsalldowntown. corn \re particularly enjoyed having breakfast at Galley’s Breal’~ast Care downtown at 220 East Walnut. The setting is a wonderful old nostalgic care of the past but yet has new and innovative delicious food with service to match. The owners and staff are doing it EXACTLY RIGHT! This is the only place to have breakfast in Springfiel!! Nonna’s Italian American Care, 306 South Avenue is wonderful. Although they offer non-Italian choices, why bother? Their Italian menu is what it is all about. And it is GOOD! Our best dining experience for dinner was at the Kai Restaurant, 306 South Campbell. This new downtown restaurant is one of the finest in the country with great atmosphere, The Gay and Lesbian Center of the Ozarks, 518 E. CommerciaI Street in Springfield supports the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in the greater Springfield, Missouri region by organizing and sponso> ing community activities and by increasing public understanding and appreciation of LGBT citizens. Josh Comp is the President and is doing a magnificent job. Their phone number is 417-869-3978. They organize Pridefest and help organize the annual variety show, the Queen City Cabaret. They are close partners with FOCUS - LGBT professionals group and with APO, Blossom women’s group, the First Sunday Community Potluck. They provide free professional counseling through the Forest Institute. They have an Individual and Community Services Advocate who provides services to the community and have a youth group program for LGBT youth which meets once a week and every fourth Friday. They provide an outlet for many social and support groups. They have been operating since !996 and are one of the oldest Gay and Lesbian Centers in the State. Volunteers are always needed so give them a call and donate a couple hours a week. For nightlife, they have the new CLUB 821 that is getting a lot of attention throughout the entire Midwest. ~xey are located at 821 West College, just 8 blocks West of the downtown area and NEVER A COVER ! (vavw.club821.corn) and phone (417) 866-4821 Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 4 PM to 1 AM. and happy hour is daily 4 PM to 7 PM. This bar just Photo: Donald Pie, Rob Bel (owner Club 821) & Ray Williams at Club 821, Springfield, ~Ossouri great service and extremely great food. Continuedpage 27 www.ozarksstar.com {HeSTAR 19 of By Andrew Collins Town Bakimore, Maryland Baltimore’s mostpopular lesbian bar, Sapphos, is ])art ofthe bustling Grand Central €*lu~ in the heart ofthe Mount Vernon neighborhood. (Photo by Andrew Collins) If you haven’t been to Baltimore in a while, you owe yourself a visit. This friendly, unassuming city has experienced a virtual rebi,~h over the past 15 years, rehabilitating its handsome Inner Harbor by converting dilapidated piers and ,vharves into museums, shops, restaurants, hotels, and condominiums. Often featured in the movies ofcamp filmmaker and native son John \V-aters, Baltimore has also developed increased cachet as a welcoming gay and lesbian destination, with its many GLBT-ffiendly businesses. Fortunately, the ci.ty’s success hasn’t gone to its head. It’s hard to find a more genuine and down-to-earth breed of urbanites than the residents of Baltimore, who retain a special affection for their hometown. You may be lured to Baltirnore by the many highly publicized attractions set around downtown’s Inner Harbor, and indeed most of these museums and entertainment centers live up to their billing. But be sure to save rime to explore the man), quirky- residential neighborhoods, a few of which - Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, Fells Point - are within easy walking distance of downtown. The Inner Harbor thrived for years as a shipping crossroads before falling into a state of blight. Its conversion into an entertainment and museum district has made it one of the most engaging and picturesque harbors in America. Popular attractions include the glassenc! osed Harborplace pavilions, where you can browse through dozens of shops. Also che& out the Baltimore Maritime Museum, National Aquarium, and World Trade Center (which offers fine views from its 27th-floor observation decD. A regal grassy knoll south of the harbor, Federal Hill Park rises majestically above downtox~qa, and the Inner Harbor. It’s an ideal spot to laze under the sun on warm afternoons. The surrounding eponymous neighborhood has loads of inviting cafes and bars, and the neighborhood’s American Visionary Art Museum ingeniously blends two historic -warehouses within a striking contemporary structure. East of the Inner Harbor, Fells Point may be America’s best-preserved Cx3lonial waterfront, with its perfectly maintained Federa!-sryle town houses, Baltimore’s gay epicenter ties north of downtown in historic Mount Vernon, which you reach by strolling north from the Inner Harbor up the city’s backbone, Charles Street. The neighbothood is anchored by Mount Vernon Square and its 178-foot-high Washington /vlonument. Nearby are the outstanding Waiters Art Museum and the Peabody Conservatory of Music, the oldest and one of the most prestigious classical music schools in the country. kbffll need to drive or take a bus up Charles Street to reach the leaf), 140-acre campus ofJohns Hopkins University, which is ideal for strolling and is next to the state’s largest museum, the Baltimore Museum ofArt. West ofJohns Hopkins, Hampden is a good oldfashioned "Ba~vl’mer" neighborhood, a former mill-workers’ community that has more recently developed a bounty of hip boutiques, galleries, and cafes. (John Waters, who lives nearby, occasionally strolls these parts and set his movie _Pecker_ here.) \Vhen you’re craving a memorable meal, remember that Baltimore’s cooking is full of flavor - the city- even has its o,vn spice, Old Bay Seasoning, a feisty, concoction of 16 seasonings sprinkled mostly on shellfish but required by some locals on seemingly everything but ice cream. If you’re on the run, iust wander through the copious food stalls in the Harborplace pavilions. It may look like a zoo of tourists, but yoffd be surprised how many locals graze here. Many of these places offer top-notch local seafood - particularly oysters, clams, and Chesapeake Bay blue crabs. Walk a bit south ro Federal Hill, along South Charles or Light streets, and you’ll find dozens of appealing eateries, including one of the best little restaurants in the city~ the Bicycle Bistro, where you might dine on grilled rack of lamb with a pineapple-poblano-pepper chutney, or porcini-crusted sea scallops. East of the harbor, there’s superb dining in the city’s Little Italy (Boccaccio, with such seasonal delights as local clams and mussels in a pernod-tomato broth, is a particular standout), and in nearby Fells Point, talented chef Nancy Longo helms the kitchen at Pierpoint, which is known for such inventive contemporary regional fare as smoked crab cakes, and ftied Maryland chicken breast with parmesan grits. Mount Vernon has dozens of excellent, gay-popular restaurants. At nile high end, opulently decorated Ixia scores high marks for its wellchosen wine list and superbly rendered cuisine, including grilled baby octopus with lemon-fennel confit, and lobster-crab mac-andcheese with a creamy Fontina sauce. Across the street, Sacha’s is a great spot for toothsome grazing - the many "small plates" include crisp french fries in a cone with Old Bay-seasoned creme fraiche, 20 t~®STAR www.ozarksstar.com and fried green tomatoes topped vdth lump crab meat. Continue up Charles Street and yoff!l come to trendy Donna’s, a cheerful and modern space where an arts)- crowd mingles over light salads, roasted veggie sandwiches, fresh coffee, and fantastic tiramisu. %e Hdmand has become renowned }br its spics; well-prepared kd~han food (it’s owned by the brother ofA~hanistan’s president, Harold Kharzai), and Motmt Vernon Stable and Saloon is a perfect late-night venue for chicken wings, sandwiches, burgers, ribs, and similarly comforting pub standar~Is. Finally, don’t miss City Care. an airy and inviting iava joint that also serves food and wine. property" ~ns kudos ~br its helpful service, romantically decorated roo~s, ~d afternoon tea and refreshments. In Mount Vernon, the historic 1924 Clarion Peabody Court, with its 104 handsomely outfitted rooms, enthusiastically welcomes gay and lesbian travelers. You’ll ~e ~ town house bars. Other esteemed in Dy- Canton. This stunner Make the trip a bit north toward Johns Hopkins to reach Ixia’s sister restaurant, the lovably kitschy Paper Moon Diner, which is open choice. Near here in the Hampden neighborhood is the notable for the massive pink flamingo dangling from the front of the btfilding (not to mention tasty comfort fare like Belgian wanes topped with fresh berries, and famously good meatlo~). There’s als0 great coffee to be sipped nearby at Common Ground coffeehouse, and delicious Mexican food served within the funky confines of Holy Frijoles. appreciate one of the ci~’s Baltimore gay-bar-goers congregate mostly at a handful of mainstays. Yuppies and stand-and-model types flock almost religiously to Gr~d Ceiatral, a large, multi-level complex that consists ofa video lounge, dance bar, billiards room, and outdoor deck. Also on-site is the s[vanky lesbian bar, Sapphos, with its comfy living-room-esque decor and soft lighting. ~£ other major club i~i the n’eighborhood is Club Hippo, whose r~putation for gr~at music draws a wide mix of revelers, ga34 straight, old, and young. It’s a great place to cut loose, especially on Thursday and Saturday nights. When it gets late, the party moves to Club 1722, an 18-and-over ~er-hours club open on Fridays and Saturdays into the ~ee- hours. The,tiki-themed Coconuts Caf~ is another Mr. Vernon hangout thats popular xvith lesbians, while Club Bunns caters heavil~ to Baltimore’s sizable African-kanerican gay community and has a legendary happy hour. Leather aficionados head a few blocks up Charles to the Eagle, which, though lacking any serious back-room action, nevertheless cultivates as racy, an atmosphere as any bar in town. A classic dive that’s been serving the gay community for more than 60 years (longer, say" some, than [my bar in America), Leon’s is especially popular late on weekend evenings. Nearby Jay’s on Read is ~ das~ i~ia~o bar, and Club Phoenix is a laid-back neighborhodd hangout with a small dance area and some highly entertaining drag sho~s. In Federal Hill, the Rowan Tree is a friendly neighbor~iood spot with an eclectic crowd, and over in the up-and-coming Canton section ofBaltimore, The Quest caters to fans of go-go dancers. Baltimore hotels have become slightly more expensive over the years, as the city has become a serious tourist and convention destination, but rates are still much lower than in nearby Washington, D.C. Most visitors choose properties near the Inner Harbor, dose to great restaurants and attractions. An excellent option here is the Pier 5 Hotel, a hip and lively boutique property with whimsically decorated, spacious rooms, many directly facing the Inner Harbor. The same owners run the elegant, historic (and allegedly haunted) Admiral Fells Inn in nearby Fells Harbor - this charming old-world www.ozarksstar.com heSTAR 21 KAI REffAURANT & AFTER DARK LOUNGE Missouri For an absolutely fabtflous dining experience we highly suggest you try the new KAI RESTAURANT. It is located in the new and revitalized downtown area at 306 South Campbell. From the moment you walk thru the front door you will KNOW that you are in for a very special treat. Downstairs they have the KAI After Dark Lounge which has a very eclectic modern decor. Xhey have terrific bartenders who know how to serve every kind of drink imaginable. But the real treat is going upstairs to the KAI Restaurant where they serve "Modern Japanese Cuisine" in an unbelievable setting. ~he restaurant is dark, sexy, exciting, exotic and absolutely spectacular! Go to their website’s gallery to see for yourself. We haven’t been anywhere in the Midwest that can possibly compare to our dining experience there. Our server was extremely knowledgeable as to what was on the menu and offered good suggestions. He was a true professional. We started offwith the "Hot Rock" which is one of the restaurant’s specialties. It came with thinly sliced rare top sirloin woked on a hot stone presentation. You put one slice at a time on the sizzling hot stone and it cooks in seconds. Dip it into the sauce and you have some of the finest appetizers that we have ever had. Other Kai specialities included their Kuslyaki Filet, Kobe Beef Carpaccio and their Spicy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. ~hey offer a full range of soups and salads including their Kai salad, Ika Sansai Salad, Seaweed Salad, Tri Tuna Salad and their Honey Walnut Mango Chicken Salad. For their entrees they offer everything from Teriyaki to black cod, sea bass to New York Strip, Filet Mignon and Kai Surf and Turf. Other entrees included Seven Samurai with seven kinds of fish on top of a California Roll, Drunken Tiger which is spicy tuna with asparagus wrapped with grilled tuna, Fantastic Four, with shrimp tempura, crab, spice tuna with fried eel on top. For desserts they offer a wide choice for any pallet including Irish chocolate cake, banana chocolate spring rolls, creme brulee, tiramisu and cheesecake. Xhe table next to us had been coming back almost every week since they opened. They get a lot of diners who came back again and again and again just because this restaurant knows how to do things the right way! It is just that simple! Kai Restaurant is in an old downtown building that they completely remodeled to perfection. We know that with all their professionalism that they will be in business for many years. When traveling around the country we find that so many restaurants try to copy each other and the Kai Restaurant is itself and it’s own creation and that is what makes it so special. By the way, their prices are extremely reasonable. No trip to Springfield, Mo. would be complete if you don’t have a wonderful dining experience at the Kai Restaurant. Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 5:00 PM to 1:15 AM. For reservations call 417-832- 0077 and check out their website, www.kaiafterdark.com. People go to a restaurant not only to dine but to have a fabtflous dining experience and trust us on this one, you will have a "beyond fabulous" dining experience. When you get the best and innovative decor, great food and great service, you know you have found the perfect place! Congratulations to the owners and stafffor making the KAI Restaurant so special. 22 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com "While we beat our chests and proclaim ourselves the xvorld’s largest superpower, it is foolish to expect that we Americans, with only 6 percent of the world’s population, can automatically impose our xv~ll on everyone else." [p. 25] "... [~he...war in Iraq has led to a devastaring drop in world approval of the United States and sharp divisions between Muslim and Non-Muslim communities. It has provided more recruits for anti-American terrorist organizations, cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, and above all, caused loss of human life on a tragically large scale. A failure to understand the culture and history of other parts of the world has exacted a great price." ~. 28] "We cannot afford the toll that multiple Iraq-like mistakes would take on America, especially as we deal xvith emerging nations whose power and influence will become great as time passes." [p. 29] "Preemptive military engagements in the absence of an act of war against us have not proven successful. Vietnam and Iraq are dramatic examples." [p. 41] Source: David Boren, A Letter to America (2008). Norman, OK : University of Okla. Press. "Forty other countries now have a higher life expectancy than the United States, in no small part because 45 million Americans have no health insurance. When ~vill we act?" [p. 7] "... [I]t is morally imperative that we provide universal health coverage for all Ameficans... We must not rule out considering a new approach that moves away from the current employer-based system...Those who have health insurance are already paying the costs for the uninsured, who often end up in hospital emergency rooms...The uninsured wait to get help until they reach a medical crisis. This drives costs higher. There is no excuse for another presidential term to end without implementing universal health insurance." [p.p. 84-5] Source: David Boren, A Letter to America (2008). Norman, OK : University of Okla. Press. rodeo. Very often they do. It’s a lot of hard work, it is very rewarding, but every year right after the Rodeo ends we start planning for the next one. Victor: Do straight people still sometimes get thrown by the idea of a gay cowboy? Klint: They don’t associate what they perceive to be a masculine lifestyle to be a part of how they perceive the gay lifestyle. So in part we are educating the public as a whole, and even still some parts of the gay community, that we come from every facet of life. Victor: So what’s in store for this year? Klint: We have a great reputation, one of the largest rodeos of the IGRA system. We have a new rodeo director from Florida, Jim Mitchell and Assistant directors Travis Parker ofOGRA & Michael Fontenot of Florida. We’re doing all kinds of promotions not only in Oklahoma but also surrounding states, and we expect people from all parts of the country. This year we are hosting the I.G.R.A.’s Board of Directors Meeting, so trustees from all of their rodeo associations throughout the United States and Canada will be here. As with tradition, all we donate stays in Oklahoma. This year we are helping out two major charities, Other Options and Rain Oklahoma. Victor: So who should join OGRA? Does one have to be a rancher or cowboy? Klint: We have many members who have never ridden a horse or worked with cattle. We welcome people who many walks of life who embrace cowboys and western heritage. As we raise money for our community, we need talented people who want to help us make a difference. Victor: I think that’s an invitation. Thanks for all you and OGRA do for gay Oklahoroans, including our cowboys and cowgirls, and we can look forward to another great event. VOTER I~GISTRATION Voter registration applications may be submitted at any time. However, a valid application must be received at a motor license agency or a designated voter registration agency, or postmarked (if submitted by mail), more than 24 days prior to an election in order for the applicant to participate in that election. Deadlines for submitting valid voter registration applications prior to the 2008 statewide elections are as follows: Primary Election Friday, July 4 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, July 29 - Election Runoff Primary Election Friday, August 1 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, August 26 - Election General Election Friday, October 10 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, November 4 - Hection CHANGES IN POLITICAL AFFILIATION Changes in political affiliation may not be made during the period from June 1 through August 31, inclusive, in any even-numbered year. The last day on which a change in political affiliation can be made before the closed period is May 31; the first day on which a change in political affiliation can be made after the closed period is September 1. OTHER IMPORTANT DATES Last day to request absentee ballot for July 29 Primary Hection Wednesday, July 23 Vote early at your County Hection Board office Friday, July 25, 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday, July 26, 8 AM - 1 PM Monday, July 28, 8 AM - 6 PM Candidate Filing for federal, state, legislative and county offices June 2 - 4 wvcw.ok, gov/-elections/index.html www.ozarksstar.com theSTAR 23 Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa 24 @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City Democratic U£. senate candidate (currently State Senator) Andrew Rice with Richard Ogden Chairperson Cimarron Alliance Foundation at a fantastic fundraiser at Ogden’s home. By Greg Steele on the prowl victor G06~ ~e~nt~ O~l~h;ma C0rpora~ tion Commissioner Jim R6tha plaque with a 45 of one is his favodte inspirations, Dion’s "Abraham Martin & Johi~2 ~e 84 & Robin Dorner with The City S~Ni~i atthe fundraiser for State Senator Andrew Rice! Marlett is runn ng aga nst the nfamous sai ~ I(em. State Representative A! McAffrey with Oklahbrna County Democratic Party co-chair Elle~ Ste~SS : at Oklahoma City fundraiser for McAffrey. www.ozarksstar.com By Ronald Blake ho wants to see you achieve health, fitness, and overall well-being? It seems like everyone wants to see you fit into that smaller size of pants or cut back on your smoking. We live in a soci.ety where it is horrible to think that people die. You need to take advantage of this munificence of the masses. Government agencies are always watching out for you. The FDA is monitoring what medications are safe for your consumption. The FAA will not let you fly with Joe Camel smoke swirling aimlessly around the cabin. The CDC monitors the incidences ofWest Nile virus outbreaks in all the 50 states. Your local agency on aging center will even see to it that you have a fan or air conditioner to place in your window ifyou can’t afford to buy one. Your taxes are ~vorking to help you after all. Restaurants and fast food establishments are even seeking to give you healthier food. Subway leads the pack of retailers by offering you groovy grinders and showcasing the slimmed down Jared as proof of eating right. Numerous restaurants are shrinking their portion sizes and now only offering enough to satisfy one hippopotamus’ appetite. Applebee’s is one example of this sensible change. They even charge a little less for this good idea. Gosh, even Hamburglar and Grimace are putting apple slices in Happy Meals. There are not-for-profit agencies out there that are a website away from accessing information for better health. The American Lung Association will tell you where to find smoking cessation classes. The Cancer Society will tell you when you should get a pap smear, colorectal check, skin screening, and breast exam. There are support groups for autism, anger management, gambling addictions, mental illnesses, and many more. If you can Google it, it is out there waiting to be uncovered by you. Even money-hungry Hollywood types have your best interests in mind. "Supersize Me" was that documentary about McDonalds and the Big Mac that put the fast-food giant into a Dow Jones suicide watch. The behemoth hamburger franchiser changed their menu in response to this fat-laden epiphany. Michael Moore took on the health care industry and all the cigar-chomping politicos inside the Beltway in his documentary "Sicko". He exposed the Swiss cheese health coverage we have for the denizens of this great land. There have even been movies like a "Beautiful Mind" and "Rain Man" that have shown a superb story but have also given us a better understanding of health issues like mental illnesses. Finally, we even have philanthropists like Bill Gates, Oprah, Bono, and numerous others who are giving money to charities to improve the lives of others. These methods include education and training. Education is one of the greatest factors affecting poor health. More educated individuals are less likely to smoke, drink, or engage in drug activity than those individuals who lack a proper education. If you want to achieve it, you must seek it. It should not be difficult; there is assistance around every corner. Excuses are around every corner too. Choose your corner carefully. This health and fitness coltunn is brought to you by that guy who has an analog mind in a digital world. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be shaken from his reverie at w~wv.goblakefitness.com. 26 t~÷STAR w~vw.ozarksstar.com SPRINGFIELD, MO. opened last October and has quickly become extremely popular. Why? Because of the owner and staff. Rob knows how to treat customers and has hired a very professional staff. Michelte, the bar manager is the kind of bartender that everybody wants. She is fun, funny, lively, interesting, professional and you can tell that she really enjoys her job. Why can’t all bartenders across the country be like this? The other bartenders there are great also. We found everybody in this bar to be extremely friendly. How many times have you walked into a bar only to be sitting at the bar all by yourself and no one talks to you. Trust us, it won’t happen in this bar! Another fun place is JR’s Nightclub, 504 E. Commercial, (417) 864-2823. This is the bar "where men are comfortable, but everyone is welcome". They are open Monday thru Saturday, 5 to 1:30 AM and Sunday, 2 PM to midnight. When you walk in, people either know you or they don’t and if they don’t know you, they will shortly. Everyone is friendly. The bartenders and owner are friendly. After a couple of drinks you will know everybody in the bar. And isn’t that the idea of going to a bar, to meet other people? JR’s is the only bar in Springfield that is open on Sundays. Other places to visit are Martha’s Vineyard and Latin Vibes which features special gay shows on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. If your needing to get around the city, contact Fisk Limousines, www.fisklimo.com or give them a call at 417.862.2900. They give the best service in the entire Midwest. Springfield, Missouri is indeed a city with a great future. They want EVERYONE to visit their beautiful city. We did and we certainly enjoyed our stay there as we know that all of our readers will. The Convention & Visitors Bureau has one of the best websites in the nation, www.springfieldadventures. com. Be sure and check it out. Our thanks to Susan Wade, Public Relations Manager, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. She is simply "the Best of the Best" and so professional, and to Mark Templeton of Springfield. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! NATIONAL NEV S NoY. governor .snpports same-sex marrmge New York Gov. David Patterson said April 7 that he supports legalization of same-sex marriage. Speaking by video link to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s awards dinner in Manhattan, Patterson said: "We xvill push on and bring full marriage equality to New York state. And when xve have done that, xve’re going to do more. We’re going to protect young people from bullies. We’re going to protect against the discrimination of people in the transgender community, and xve’re going to fight for decent and affordable health care for all citizens in this state." "If you xvill join with me, and if xve xvork hard enough, xve can change the face of Nexv York, which will be the catalyst to changing national policy," he said. Patterson had planned to attend the dinner but was stuck in Albany dealing with budget problems. www.ozarksstar.com t~:~{~.STAR 27 by Jack Fertig May 2008 "Articulate conflicts, Cancer!" The Sun in Taurus offers the comforts and pleasantries of spring. Now, however, Sol is aspecting asteroid Chiron in Aquarius and new planet Eris, stirring up the question of where to settle down and with whom. Think beyond habits, and be open to surprises! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Individualist though you are, you belong with some tribe - however awkwardly. A clash of values is inevitable, but not catastrophic. Give yourself room to be not at the center of the group, but at the edge - perhaps even the leading edge. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Your own personality is both a key and an impediment to success. Meditate and talk with a confidante. Issues of fitting in and reconciling different communities in your world seem like complications, but actually point to a solution. GEMINi (May 21 - June 20): You’re too easily tempted into arguments with others.-Better to look within and resolve your own conflicts. Knocking those around with a friend and establishing a philosophical framework are important. Just know that the real debate is internal. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Time to review that famous "gay agenda." How do your goals and ideals fit in with your immediate queer community and your sense of the broader community? Articulating the conflicts and exploring the issues could put you into a position of leadership. LEO (July 23 -August 22): Your ambitions can easily lead to arguments. That’s OK, as long as the point of the argument is to better understand _what’s_ right, not _who’s_ right. To fix a relationship, try seeing it in a different light. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): New ideas, even those that seem to come way out of left field, can help solve problems at work and with your health. (Chiropractic?) Don’t underestimate possibilities, wacky as they may seem, offered by other GLBT folks. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Rethinking group allegiances and community identity should prove helpful in understanding your sexual potential - not just as a lover, but as an erotic healer. Explore new forms of erotic play and perception. You can do this actively and/or academically. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Some housecleaning, literally or metaphorically, is important to improve your relationship or to help you be ready for one. An eccentric older relative or community elder offers an inspirational role model 28 t~eSTAR SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 = December 20): Team sports or games - anything from charades to rugby - can help you understand your own thought processes, or perhaps learn how to keep your mouth from getting you into trouble. You’ll never get that one perfect, but you can make progress! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Being a capricious Cappy could get expensive. Entertain members of your family or tribe at home or through some community event, staying ever mindful of your budget. Asking others to contribute can help strengthen your bonds. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Fitting in with your family can be a problem. Imagine that you are adopted and speak a different language. What would you try to say? You wouldn’t want to be just like everyone else, so celebrate your uniqueness, and they’ll love you as you are. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. You may expose a few secrets, but that will probably do some good for you and others concerned. Even if there is a price to pay, you will find greater value in speaking up. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! www.ozarksstar.com Support those who support us. DOWNTO\~N PLea ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\rAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NV4 39TH EXPRESS\gAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ~wv.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE 211 S. Garnett Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 74128 Tulsa, OK vavw.realacceptance.com 918-706-1887 GREAT PLAINS RODEO E O. BOX 12485 Oklahoma City, OK 73157 www.ogra.net GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.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 Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm OKC PRIDE, INC PO BOX 60296 Oklahoma City, OK 73146 www.okcpride.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lake~vood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 PHOTOGRAPHY." 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.c21 goldcastle.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1 st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #133 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City: St:__.Zip:. Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.com theSTAR 29 Keller Willia Chu~ Whether buying or selling I’1.....1.....~..... work hard fo (d,efinitiqn - growing up GAYin OK is not easy) You can he~p our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more info: www. openarrnsproject.org e-mail: ~di~o~alCar~oon@q~;yndica~.com 30 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com ~34 Bourbon St. 04~37!-5450 Torch TW’s-AFAB Catering G L B T G A Z I N K P 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 [2008] The Star Magazine, May 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 5 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 01, 2008 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 Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) 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 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Charles (Chaz) Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Higheyman Devre Jackson Judy G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, April 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/244 The Star Magazine, June 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/248 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/250 After Dark Ann Marie Distefano art Bars David Patterson Deep Inside Hollywood dining Equality Gala fitness Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Deformation GLAAD Great Plains Rodeo health horoscopes Leslie Jordan MCC church National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Night club Obama Our House Paparazzi on the Prowl Past Out PlanetOut Inc Q Scopes Quotable Quotes Star Advertisers Star classifieds Star Scene Too travel https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/242677dd0dc05c389418f35116e3c74a.png 16d82ad55cc0537f7a033d66da245705 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f8c23c8c0a3188419e0ba0c579e5f530.pdf c064b6097cb443c976b28e382517773d 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 Volunteer Badge Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Volunteer Badge for 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 2003 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF 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 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/8ee8f00afba6ad498a4e855c5633ec7d.png c5b243b8d4b48bfb25298a655bff2fca https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/2c21d296bc00db7bfef7a957d41d2843.pdf d1f9358280880daa2cbc67f97855d089 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] Diversity Gala Invitations and RSVP Card Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Invitations and RSVP card for 2003'd Diversity Gala. 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 13, 2003 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource Englsih 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 Diversity Gala 2003 James Hormel https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/083ed3a6732d5b32d9fc719ed2c57f99.png 32214df36ce3b62b334b63e7dc9bfd29 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/1a2dedcd1216513a309c744e12bbb19b.pdf 8f48c6452bc46f57bd62e7141c5d021d 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 Street Closure Map Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Map of street closures for 2003's Pride Parade. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF 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 Pride Parade 2003 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b12d5f3163e878a6f30d880cdcf01819.png da9090b1df5721c693b32e28727dcf5e https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/aeea6b9306e6a5a5efb955a11cc1407c.pdf 66d246c9981c9d5bc32886315ad7a1eb 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] Diversity Celebration Sponsor Ad Subject The topic of the resource Diversity Celebration 2003 Description An account of the resource Advertisement featuring some of Diversity Celebration 2003's sponsors. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 14, 2003 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF 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 2003 Diversity Celebration 2003 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights The Tulsa Bus Plant TW's AFAB Council Oak Men's Chorale 106.9 KHITS PFLAG Outline Magazine Tim Scott Online Bud Light Coors Light Miller Lite Parish Church of St. Jerome https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/975d64baa99657a7df7a0ea84639ded0.png c584adbc1ad0a07dba50ec54efbc31e1 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/8ca57c29402ffa930986a8617bad06bf.pdf 08cc5daf71f476eb7518f70256719bdf 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 Schedule of Events Subject The topic of the resource Diversity Celebration 2003 Description An account of the resource Schedule of events for 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 5-14, 2003 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF 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 Kick-Off Spaghetti Dinner Paragraph 175 Interfaith Service Art Exhibit and Silent Auction Daddy and Papa Council Oak Men's Chorale Diversity Gala 2003 Tulsa Pride Parade 2003 Tulsa Pride Festival 2003 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/1e1ef3097cba2e4f983a60aea9ef4dc6.jpg 88bcfc762428e26d006728e617e4b715 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/affc5d7e22e58deb9b0c82cb9d52ab2b.pdf 9f4e2d73d5846d2379cfce9e202bff0f 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] Diversity Gala Program Subject The topic of the resource Diversity Gala Description An account of the resource Program from 2003's Diversity Gala. Features introductions to speakers James Hormel, Jim Verraros, and the Council Oak Men's Chorale. 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 13, 2003 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Event Program 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 Diversity Celebration 2002 Diversity Gala https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/6c3bed2765806f00d6ac0eb093f090e8.png e965a4094ddff1eb93c6f3c0aa410d33 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/6003c7767a31aec9f7a711f3ddfaafce.pdf e712b7038d9e604c832f7233ab51975f 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 [2002] Jason Warner Promotional Poster Subject The topic of the resource Diversity Celebration 2002 Description An account of the resource Poster advertising an appearance by Christian Singer Jason Warner. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 9, 2002 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Poster 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 Jason Warner Pride 2002 Diversity Celebration 2002 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/11b1f1c31946dc5ff76f004175fa7498.png 9f57e7b696f00c805b0e37f9abc1afed https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/e7d76b118a02acb083398b9800353290.pdf 6803a8552a6c54c51f68c51e818f023b 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 [2002] Interfaith Service Promotional Poster Subject The topic of the resource Interfaith Service Description An account of the resource Poster advertising 2002's Interfaith Service, part of the 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 2, 2002 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Poster 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 2002 Pride 2002 Interfaith Service Pride Worldwide: One Voice, One Family https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b743306a27261d2e1233bb73867be57c.jpg 277e30d5de6f5bf61c934267bfda15bb 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 [Collection] Oklahoma LGBT+ History Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br /><br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data VHS Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 0.30 Compression Type/rate of compression for moving image file (i.e. MPEG-4) MP4 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 [2006] Gay Pride Show with Ron Mangum, Channel 41 Tulsa - February 2006 Subject The topic of the resource Discussion with Laura Belmonte, President of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights and guests Description An account of the resource Discussion of activities in the Tulsa area related to the LGBTQ community Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Channel 41, Tulsa Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Sponsored by the Gay Guardian Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Channel 41, Tulsa Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2006-02 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Channel 41, Tulsa Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Channel 41, Tulsa Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource MP4 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context MP4 video available to researchers for on-site viewing only due to copyright. Location:OkEq History Project/Ddatadrive/History-General (in Omeka)/Gay Pride Show Channel 41 Feb 2006 Ron Mangum with Laura Belmonte sponsored by Gay GuardianEDITED Channel 41 Cherokee tribe Dawn McKinley Families First Gay Guardian Gay Pride Show Jim Scuder Kathy Reynolds Laura Belmonte Leslie Puncatello Open Arms Youth Project Ron Mangum same-sex marriage Tim Gillean Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/e6389bce01ace4a2dad1ea7ed3a04870.mp4 e55cb69f0f2fe2c337e7689b38ef47a7 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 [Collection] Oklahoma LGBT+ History Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br /><br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data VHS Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 3 minutes Compression Type/rate of compression for moving image file (i.e. MPEG-4) MP4 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 [1996] Video of the Pride Center on Brookside Subject The topic of the resource First video of the new pride center at 38th and Peoria, Tulsa 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 2006 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Brookside Pride Center https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/c9595acfdf635bd17f3530d01ce54e06.pdf 537c53efc893da073a9a55ec451d16cd PDF Text Text ____________________________________________________________ Flash From The Past by Tim Turner And help from others... When you look at some of the photos from the Playroom Club era, 1978 to 1986, it almost seems as though everyone was happy and gay during that period in time. From what I remember, we were. We worked hard and we played hard, like most Americans at that period in history. The end of the Free Love Era certainly was not evident in the gay club scene in the late 70's. AIDS was pretty much unknown, at least in our part of the world, life was good...spirits were high, there was uncharted territory. Around 1970, I got to hear great stories of the first known gay bars in the Tulsa area. Tropical Gardens, as far back as the Early 40s, operated by two sisters in an old filling station; The Blue Note Lounge located on North Denver during the 40s and 50s; The Blue Haven opened November, 1948 by the 'much loved' Producer, Activist and Entrepreneur, the late M.C. Parker. M.C. Parker and Tim Warren would later cultivate and produce the largest, most spectacular Oklahoma Gay Event in history, the Miss Gay Oklahoma Pageant at the Camelot Inn. (Tim Warren, his life partner forty years his younger, was later murdered and his body discovered in Mohawk Park. The murder was never solved, as well as most gay murders in our city as I recall. ) M.C. was a promoter, he contracted sponsorship by major brand names such as Phillip Morris and Halston and achieved an estimated attendance of over 2000, and that's not including the number of baptist protesters outside the hotel. The Camelot was sold out for this event for one of the few times in it's history, it was said, and was never the same afterwards. The entire event was, to say the least, amazing... especially for it's time in history. We could talk about it for hours over cocktails sometime. The Milwaukee Tavern, a 40s and 50s lesbian bar located at about 15th and Cincinnati; Bishops Bar, 40s and 50s located downtown with a mixed crowd, but a popular gay hangout; The St. Moritz 40's and 50s located on South Main which was THE place to go and was closed down after a move, in anticipation of Liquor by the Drink... which didn't pass. Little Mexico, late 50s, owned by Thurman Glynn. The Doghouse, owned by Bob Johnson. The famous Skoo-Bee-Do Club owned by Paul Scott who, rumor has it, met with a curious and untimely death in Hawaii. Then there were the clubs I have personal memories of. At 20 years old I actually had no idea there were nightspots that were frequented by crowds of gays. I actually thought that there might be at least ten other gay people in the whole State of Oklahoma. That was, until I ventured into Friends Lounge at 3rd and Utica, owned by Tracy McLaughlin, aka Tony. Tracy has always been somewhat of my mentor as far as the club business. He ran a tight ship and a good bar. He worked hard and loved giving the kids a safe place off the streets. Friends Lounge was famous for it's Friday night drag shows and was a coming out place for hundreds over the years. Unfortunately, much of the potential profits went for court costs and attorney fees over time. Frequent police raids and obvious, blatant incidents of harassment were much too �frequent and it was my first personal experience of bigotry, political and social intolerance. I was amazed to realize that at the same time I had discovered a multitude of others of the same sexual orientation, I was also unknowingly transcending from a safe, accepted majority into that of an often misunderstood and shunned minority. The battle, for me, had begun. Tracy did a lot toward gay acceptance in Tulsa and for Oklahoma. Most of which today's generation will never realize. But Tracy never wanted the spot light, he only wanted to be left alone and given an opportunity to make a living and provide a place for gay people to go. Equal treatment to straight bars. I will never forget, with amusement, one time when Tracy was to appear in court on a trumped up charge of some kind, I asked him if he had a good attorney and he told me he didn't need one. When I asked why not, he told me to show up in court and see for myself. Tracy showed up in court with five stunning, outlandish, drag queens and the case was thrown out before they had a chance to parade to the witness stand. The Judge didn't want his court room turned into a circus, although the police had already taken the first step towards that end. Friends lounge would later move West down third street to be called Tracy's, then The New Edition and later sold to Jimmy and Roy and became the new location for the Tool Box, which moved from downtown where Renegades is still located. Around the same era, things were hopping downtown. (The Fruit Loop as it was called.) Friends Lounge was less than 5 minutes from the famous pink pool table in the Zebra Lounge on Main Street, owned by Tom Oliver, which was just around the corner from the Taj Mahal, owned by Norma Peterson and later purchased by the late Pete Longenbaugh and Robert Kowalski (aka Sugar). Sugar was the victim of a brutal knifing inside the Taj Mahal after hours....also unsolved. The Fruit Loop was notorious for hustlers and parking lot parties for 'after clubbers' and those too young to make it past the I.D. check at the clubs. The police seemed to just allow it for a period of time then would randomly decide to clamp down... but the revelers would return and the cycle would continue. About the only dance club, The Gala at 11th and Lewis, (Just under the Meadow Gold Milk Sign), eventually to be re-opened as Tim's Playroom Club, (Yours Truely) had been closed for about 5 years, and that left Mary and Jody's The Club" on Memorial which had a very strict door policy and was a good distance from the downtown action. "The Club" was probably one of the most versatile gay/lesbian mixes next to the Gala of all times. We all partied together, both inside and out. I saw the vacancy for a dance club and had the itch to get into the gay club business myself. I eventually met a new acquaintance who's uncle (uh huh) purchased a huge brick 13,500 sq. ft. masonry building at 911 S. Main, which was very close to the action and would fill the void in the club scene. With a lot of ambition, sweat, learning experiences and a little borrowed money, Tulsa's grandest, most beautiful Art Deco Disco to date (one of the first) opened with a frenzy. I'm thinking that it was about 1974. Bright red walls and bar lined with metal flake padding, mirrors out the ying yang and a beautiful Art Deco stage with Silver Lamé curtains, The Queen of Hearts Club and Cafe would be short lived, but it introduced Tulsa to a new era of national advertising, dance clubs with professional sound and light shows, DJ's, pageants, national entertainers like the Laughing Kahunas from Hawaii and Sami Joe Cole known for her hits, "Tell me a Lie" and "It Could Have Been Me", and brought hundreds more out of the closet in Tulsa and OKC. It also began to draw more attention from the city fathers which meant more media coverage, more cops....more lawyers. �After the Queen of Hearts closed, it became New York, New York for a while and then was purchased by Evelyn White who named it The Fountain of Youth, then The 911 Club, then Papillon. After Evelyn sold it to Bill Oliver, who closed the Zebra after some 20 years, it became Caruso's. People loved the club, as did I, and didn't want to let it go. Carusso's was later demolished for parking space along with Mary's, our favorite wino bar which was snuggled between Queen of Hearts and the Tiffany Club at 915 S. Main, owned by the late Jim Smith, Robert Wilson and some other idiot. Anyway, at least my first 'dream club' became established in the minds of many. I then dabbled with Tim's Anything Goes Club, a plush conversation cocktail lounge at 58th and Peoria in the rear of the center and gave it up as "too quiet" after a short time for the opportunity to manage the New Plantation Club with some guys from Dallas, at 51st and Yale. Eventually, through trial and error and with a tip from a well known and much appreciated Tulsa Newspaper sports writer, I opened the type of bar that I was most comfortable in.(Trashy Classy, as some called it, very much like Tramps is today!) He pointed me to a location that had been a well known gay hang-out for close to twenty five years (Including the next seven) and had been closed for the previous five years. Thus, becoming one of Tulsa's most controversial yet fun, notorious and nationally known gay clubs ever, Tim's Playroom Club. Eventually we joined in with the OHR Blueboys and helped gay softball achieve fame in Oklahoma. We had national invitational tournaments in Tulsa as well as traveled to Houston, Dallas, Kansas City , OKC and Wichita. It really helped put Tulsa on the gay map. We once played in one of the nations largest invitational gay tournaments in Houston among a field of twenty two teams from places such as New York, San Francisco, Atlanta and won the Most Spirited Team (Miss congeniality) award. I still think it's because we had the best-looking team there and we made more friends in the bars. Team Photo Doubling in size in just a few years, The Playroom would offer a diverse crowd a variety of entertainment and events. From a Cruise Bar at noon to a wild, thumping Dance bar at night Tulsa got it's first feel of Cerwin Vega Earthquake speakers in a bar that pounded away at the fifty year old brick walls causing them to crumble. It also got a close up look at dozens of Tulsa's Police Officers who constantly toured with flashlights in their hands and disgust and smirks in their faces. It was an ongoing battle. We had it set up so that whichever of the staff went to jail for whatever trivial or trumped up reason, Team B would contact the attorney to bail out Team A and reopen immediately. During the seven years of operation there were more than fifty arrests of myself or staff members and resulted in NO CONVICTIONS. Imagine that. Eventually, with the help of KOTV Channel Six who did a thirty minute segment on Tulsa gays, most of which was filmed in my bar and called "Strangers In The Night" (of which they no longer recall or can find a copy of in their archives), and aired it during prime time, a face to face discussion with then Tulsa Police Chief Jack Purdy and a meeting with a nationally recognized attorney who could not represent us because of conflicting interests, but made a strong recommendation to the Police Department Internal Affairs that they cease the harassment and change their policy and treatment toward gays or face another Stonewall or worse, a lawsuit. Things got much better for a few years. Some policy changes were eventually made and the attitudes seems to have improved somewhat over time. Although there were still questions, such as the tragic and unbelievable unsolved multiple murder of manager Robert Kowalski (aka Sugar)and another, which inadvertently closed the downtown version of the Taj Mahal. There �were several other unsolved gay murders in Tulsa before and after that incident. (another story) Pete tried moving the Taj to 11th & Lewis behind the Playroom, in the old Zebra Club, but I don't recall that it lasted too long. It surprises most to hear that there were as many as thirteen active, open gay bars in Tulsa during this time frame and most were successful. Great clubs with another complete history behind them, such as Zippers at 33rd and Yale owned by the late John Willis and of course the legendary Bamboo Lounge on Pine Street which has reopened a couple of times since the infamous late Gene Curnigan.Tulsa Mining Company, Seekers Choice, Over the Rainbow and Dante's, just to name a few, but none bring back the memories of the early days like the old downtown scene as seen in many other larger cities. Due to the eventual adoption of the much misunderstood at the time, and misconstrued by the public, Liquor by the Drink, I realized that the end of the club business, as I knew it, had come. Gone were the back-door bottle club days. The bulk of the profits would now be re-directed from the owners and investors to the government coffuers, using a common method known as overtaxation and regulations.....or progress, as some would call it. But that is yet, another story all together. � 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 [Collection] Oklahoma LGBT+ History Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br /><br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> 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 ____________________________________________________________ Flash From The Past by Tim Turner And help from others... When you look at some of the photos from the Playroom Club era, 1978 to 1986, it almost seems as though everyone was happy and gay during that period in time. From what I remember, we were. We worked hard and we played hard, like most Americans at that period in history. The end of the Free Love Era certainly was not evident in the gay club scene in the late 70's. AIDS was pretty much unknown, at least in our part of the world, life was good...spirits were high, there was uncharted territory. Around 1970, I got to hear great stories of the first known gay bars in the Tulsa area. Tropical Gardens, as far back as the Early 40s, operated by two sisters in an old filling station; The Blue Note Lounge located on North Denver during the 40s and 50s; The Blue Haven opened November, 1948 by the 'much loved' Producer, Activist and Entrepreneur, the late M.C. Parker. M.C. Parker and Tim Warren would later cultivate and produce the largest, most spectacular Oklahoma Gay Event in history, the Miss Gay Oklahoma Pageant at the Camelot Inn. (Tim Warren, his life partner forty years his younger, was later murdered and his body discovered in Mohawk Park. The murder was never solved, as well as most gay murders in our city as I recall. ) M.C. was a promoter, he contracted sponsorship by major brand names such as Phillip Morris and Halston and achieved an estimated attendance of over 2000, and that's not including the number of baptist protesters outside the hotel. The Camelot was sold out for this event for one of the few times in it's history, it was said, and was never the same afterwards. The entire event was, to say the least, amazing... especially for it's time in history. We could talk about it for hours over cocktails sometime. The Milwaukee Tavern, a 40s and 50s lesbian bar located at about 15th and Cincinnati; Bishops Bar, 40s and 50s located downtown with a mixed crowd, but a popular gay hangout; The St. Moritz 40's and 50s located on South Main which was THE place to go and was closed down after a move, in anticipation of Liquor by the Drink... which didn't pass. Little Mexico, late 50s, owned by Thurman Glynn. The Doghouse, owned by Bob Johnson. The famous Skoo-Bee-Do Club owned by Paul Scott who, rumor has it, met with a curious and untimely death in Hawaii. Then there were the clubs I have personal memories of. At 20 years old I actually had no idea there were nightspots that were frequented by crowds of gays. I actually thought that there might be at least ten other gay people in the whole State of Oklahoma. That was, until I ventured into Friends Lounge at 3rd and Utica, owned by Tracy McLaughlin, aka Tony. Tracy has always been somewhat of my mentor as far as the club business. He ran a tight ship and a good bar. He worked hard and loved giving the kids a safe place off the streets. Friends Lounge was famous for it's Friday night drag shows and was a coming out place for hundreds over the years. Unfortunately, much of the potential profits went for court costs and attorney fees over time. Frequent police raids and obvious, blatant incidents of harassment were much too frequent and it was my first personal experience of bigotry, political and social intolerance. I was amazed to realize that at the same time I had discovered a multitude of others of the same sexual orientation, I was also unknowingly transcending from a safe, accepted majority into that of an often misunderstood and shunned minority. The battle, for me, had begun. Tracy did a lot toward gay acceptance in Tulsa and for Oklahoma. Most of which today's generation will never realize. But Tracy never wanted the spot light, he only wanted to be left alone and given an opportunity to make a living and provide a place for gay people to go. Equal treatment to straight bars. I will never forget, with amusement, one time when Tracy was to appear in court on a trumped up charge of some kind, I asked him if he had a good attorney and he told me he didn't need one. When I asked why not, he told me to show up in court and see for myself. Tracy showed up in court with five stunning, outlandish, drag queens and the case was thrown out before they had a chance to parade to the witness stand. The Judge didn't want his court room turned into a circus, although the police had already taken the first step towards that end. Friends lounge would later move West down third street to be called Tracy's, then The New Edition and later sold to Jimmy and Roy and became the new location for the Tool Box, which moved from downtown where Renegades is still located. Around the same era, things were hopping downtown. (The Fruit Loop as it was called.) Friends Lounge was less than 5 minutes from the famous pink pool table in the Zebra Lounge on Main Street, owned by Tom Oliver, which was just around the corner from the Taj Mahal, owned by Norma Peterson and later purchased by the late Pete Longenbaugh and Robert Kowalski (aka Sugar). Sugar was the victim of a brutal knifing inside the Taj Mahal after hours....also unsolved. The Fruit Loop was notorious for hustlers and parking lot parties for 'after clubbers' and those too young to make it past the I.D. check at the clubs. The police seemed to just allow it for a period of time then would randomly decide to clamp down... but the revelers would return and the cycle would continue. About the only dance club, The Gala at 11th and Lewis, (Just under the Meadow Gold Milk Sign), eventually to be re-opened as Tim's Playroom Club, (Yours Truely) had been closed for about 5 years, and that left Mary and Jody's The Club" on Memorial which had a very strict door policy and was a good distance from the downtown action. "The Club" was probably one of the most versatile gay/lesbian mixes next to the Gala of all times. We all partied together, both inside and out. I saw the vacancy for a dance club and had the itch to get into the gay club business myself. I eventually met a new acquaintance who's uncle (uh huh) purchased a huge brick 13,500 sq. ft. masonry building at 911 S. Main, which was very close to the action and would fill the void in the club scene. With a lot of ambition, sweat, learning experiences and a little borrowed money, Tulsa's grandest, most beautiful Art Deco Disco to date (one of the first) opened with a frenzy. I'm thinking that it was about 1974. Bright red walls and bar lined with metal flake padding, mirrors out the ying yang and a beautiful Art Deco stage with Silver Lamé curtains, The Queen of Hearts Club and Cafe would be short lived, but it introduced Tulsa to a new era of national advertising, dance clubs with professional sound and light shows, DJ's, pageants, national entertainers like the Laughing Kahunas from Hawaii and Sami Joe Cole known for her hits, "Tell me a Lie" and "It Could Have Been Me", and brought hundreds more out of the closet in Tulsa and OKC. It also began to draw more attention from the city fathers which meant more media coverage, more cops....more lawyers. After the Queen of Hearts closed, it became New York, New York for a while and then was purchased by Evelyn White who named it The Fountain of Youth, then The 911 Club, then Papillon. After Evelyn sold it to Bill Oliver, who closed the Zebra after some 20 years, it became Caruso's. People loved the club, as did I, and didn't want to let it go. Carusso's was later demolished for parking space along with Mary's, our favorite wino bar which was snuggled between Queen of Hearts and the Tiffany Club at 915 S. Main, owned by the late Jim Smith, Robert Wilson and some other idiot. Anyway, at least my first 'dream club' became established in the minds of many. I then dabbled with Tim's Anything Goes Club, a plush conversation cocktail lounge at 58th and Peoria in the rear of the center and gave it up as "too quiet" after a short time for the opportunity to manage the New Plantation Club with some guys from Dallas, at 51st and Yale. Eventually, through trial and error and with a tip from a well known and much appreciated Tulsa Newspaper sports writer, I opened the type of bar that I was most comfortable in.(Trashy Classy, as some called it, very much like Tramps is today!) He pointed me to a location that had been a well known gay hang-out for close to twenty five years (Including the next seven) and had been closed for the previous five years. Thus, becoming one of Tulsa's most controversial yet fun, notorious and nationally known gay clubs ever, Tim's Playroom Club. Eventually we joined in with the OHR Blueboys and helped gay softball achieve fame in Oklahoma. We had national invitational tournaments in Tulsa as well as traveled to Houston, Dallas, Kansas City , OKC and Wichita. It really helped put Tulsa on the gay map. We once played in one of the nations largest invitational gay tournaments in Houston among a field of twenty two teams from places such as New York, San Francisco, Atlanta and won the Most Spirited Team (Miss congeniality) award. I still think it's because we had the best-looking team there and we made more friends in the bars. Team Photo Doubling in size in just a few years, The Playroom would offer a diverse crowd a variety of entertainment and events. From a Cruise Bar at noon to a wild, thumping Dance bar at night Tulsa got it's first feel of Cerwin Vega Earthquake speakers in a bar that pounded away at the fifty year old brick walls causing them to crumble. It also got a close up look at dozens of Tulsa's Police Officers who constantly toured with flashlights in their hands and disgust and smirks in their faces. It was an ongoing battle. We had it set up so that whichever of the staff went to jail for whatever trivial or trumped up reason, Team B would contact the attorney to bail out Team A and reopen immediately. During the seven years of operation there were more than fifty arrests of myself or staff members and resulted in NO CONVICTIONS. Imagine that. Eventually, with the help of KOTV Channel Six who did a thirty minute segment on Tulsa gays, most of which was filmed in my bar and called "Strangers In The Night" (of which they no longer recall or can find a copy of in their archives), and aired it during prime time, a face to face discussion with then Tulsa Police Chief Jack Purdy and a meeting with a nationally recognized attorney who could not represent us because of conflicting interests, but made a strong recommendation to the Police Department Internal Affairs that they cease the harassment and change their policy and treatment toward gays or face another Stonewall or worse, a lawsuit. Things got much better for a few years. Some policy changes were eventually made and the attitudes seems to have improved somewhat over time. Although there were still questions, such as the tragic and unbelievable unsolved multiple murder of manager Robert Kowalski (aka Sugar)and another, which inadvertently closed the downtown version of the Taj Mahal. There were several other unsolved gay murders in Tulsa before and after that incident. (another story) Pete tried moving the Taj to 11th & Lewis behind the Playroom, in the old Zebra Club, but I don't recall that it lasted too long. It surprises most to hear that there were as many as thirteen active, open gay bars in Tulsa during this time frame and most were successful. Great clubs with another complete history behind them, such as Zippers at 33rd and Yale owned by the late John Willis and of course the legendary Bamboo Lounge on Pine Street which has reopened a couple of times since the infamous late Gene Curnigan.Tulsa Mining Company, Seekers Choice, Over the Rainbow and Dante's, just to name a few, but none bring back the memories of the early days like the old downtown scene as seen in many other larger cities. Due to the eventual adoption of the much misunderstood at the time, and misconstrued by the public, Liquor by the Drink, I realized that the end of the club business, as I knew it, had come. Gone were the back-door bottle club days. The bulk of the profits would now be re-directed from the owners and investors to the government coffuers, using a common method known as overtaxation and regulations.....or progress, as some would call it. But that is yet, another story all together. 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 [c. 1990] Tulsa Gay Bar History by Tim Turner Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tim Turner Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tim Turner Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tim Turner Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource About 1990 911 Club Art Deco Disco Bamboo Louge Bishops Bar Blue Haven Blue Note Lounge Bob Johnson Camelot Inn Caruso's Dante's Doghouse Evelyn White Fountain of Youth Friends Lunge Fruit Loop gala Gene Curnigan Jack Purdy Jim Smith John Willis Little Mexico M.C. Parker Mary's Milwaukee Tavern Miss Gay Oklahoma Pageant Mohawk Park Morma Peterson Murder New Edition New Plantation lub New York OHR Blueboys Over the Rainbow Papillon Paul Scott Pete Longenbaugh Queen of Hearts Renegades Rober Kowalski Robers Wilson Seekers Choice Skoo-Bee-Do St. Moritz Strangers in the Night KOTV Sugar Taj Mahal The Club Thurman Glynn Tim Turner Tim Warren Tim's Anything Goes Club Tim's Playroom Tom Oliver Tool Bo Tracy McLaughlin Tramps Tropical Gardens Tuffany Tulsa Bar History Tulsa Mining Company Zebra Lounge Zippers https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/72587474f1b86d2d6ce9eb0f776ca5d4.pdf f82144a330a82ae9441df54bac8e467f PDF Text Text Oklahomans for Equality 2009 Review Oklahomans for Equality seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Serving LGBT Oklahomans and their allies since 1980, it is the oldest continuously operating LGBT advocacy organization in America’s heartland. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, our headquarters is located at the corner of 4th and Kenosha in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma in the vibrant east village and actively involved in the revitalization of the urban core of Tulsa County. The Equality Center has been recognized by the National Preservation Historic Trust as an excellent example of repurposing a historic structure. Originally a 1920’s oil refinery office with 18,000 square feet was purchased and renovated in 2005. It now serves as the epicenter of the vibrant LGBT community in Northeastern Oklahoma. In June 2009 the Equality Center was featured on the Preservation Trust website “This Place Matters”. From the earliest days of the founding of our organization, advocacy on behalf of the gay community has been front and center. We have found that speaking up for ourselves is the most effective route in addressing discrimination. Working closely with local and state legislative bodies and familiarizing elected officials about our issues is a continuous effort. Small businesses and larger companies and corporations can benefit from our diversity in the work place workshops. Occasionally, a confrontational response is required when an individual targets our community with hate speech. Our opponents have learned we will not be silent when persecuted. Most of the time, when insensitive comments are made towards a certain segment of a community it comes from a lack of education. We offer a speaker’s bureau that in 2009 spoke on 9 college campuses and 3 high schools and even a federal agency. We maintain an exhaustive lending library that is heavily utilized by our members and visitors to the Equality Center. Archiving our story in Oklahoma is critically important so we established the history project where hundreds of memorabilia, stories, and documented events are cataloged and added monthly to the substantial collection. Throughout the calendar year we have lectures that feature some of the top experts in LGBTQ studies. Our goal for our membership is to equip them to be the best citizens in our community. Oklahomans for Equality has created 38 different weekly programs that serve the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Grief recovery, mental health support, legal clinics, children’s events for those raising a family, health and fitness activities to help us comply with Oklahoma’s new vision for a healthier state are just few of those programs. Each program is volunteer led by trained and certified professionals. In 2009 Oklahomans for Equality partnered with 13 area non profits in special events or projects that served Tulsans. We have turned into the anchor city for the heartland region �in LGBTQ advocacy work. Visitors from bordering states come to study how we have created an effective outreach in one of the most conservative sections of the country. In 2009 14 cities sent teams to visit the Equality Center � 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 Oklahomans for Equality 2009 Review Oklahomans for Equality seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Serving LGBT Oklahomans and their allies since 1980, it is the oldest continuously operating LGBT advocacy organization in America’s heartland. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, our headquarters is located at the corner of 4th and Kenosha in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma in the vibrant east village and actively involved in the revitalization of the urban core of Tulsa County. The Equality Center has been recognized by the National Preservation Historic Trust as an excellent example of repurposing a historic structure. Originally a 1920’s oil refinery office with 18,000 square feet was purchased and renovated in 2005. It now serves as the epicenter of the vibrant LGBT community in Northeastern Oklahoma. In June 2009 the Equality Center was featured on the Preservation Trust website “This Place Matters”. From the earliest days of the founding of our organization, advocacy on behalf of the gay community has been front and center. We have found that speaking up for ourselves is the most effective route in addressing discrimination. Working closely with local and state legislative bodies and familiarizing elected officials about our issues is a continuous effort. Small businesses and larger companies and corporations can benefit from our diversity in the work place workshops. Occasionally, a confrontational response is required when an individual targets our community with hate speech. Our opponents have learned we will not be silent when persecuted. Most of the time, when insensitive comments are made towards a certain segment of a community it comes from a lack of education. We offer a speaker’s bureau that in 2009 spoke on 9 college campuses and 3 high schools and even a federal agency. We maintain an exhaustive lending library that is heavily utilized by our members and visitors to the Equality Center. Archiving our story in Oklahoma is critically important so we established the history project where hundreds of memorabilia, stories, and documented events are cataloged and added monthly to the substantial collection. Throughout the calendar year we have lectures that feature some of the top experts in LGBTQ studies. Our goal for our membership is to equip them to be the best citizens in our community. Oklahomans for Equality has created 38 different weekly programs that serve the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Grief recovery, mental health support, legal clinics, children’s events for those raising a family, health and fitness activities to help us comply with Oklahoma’s new vision for a healthier state are just few of those programs. Each program is volunteer led by trained and certified professionals. In 2009 Oklahomans for Equality partnered with 13 area non profits in special events or projects that served Tulsans. We have turned into the anchor city for the heartland region in LGBTQ advocacy work. Visitors from bordering states come to study how we have created an effective outreach in one of the most conservative sections of the country. In 2009 14 cities sent teams to visit the Equality Center 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 [2009] Review; Oklahomans for Equality Subject The topic of the resource 2009 Review - Oklahomans for Equality Description An account of the resource 2009 Review - Oklahomans for Equality Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Oklahomans for Equality Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oklahomans for Equality Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2009 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Oklahomans for Equality https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/2369812cb672f3db8d25aa0f25cb68f7.pdf a370e598d56933fb19ad9016b1c3a9e5 PDF Text Text History of TOHR 1980 to 2003 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) is Oklahoman’s oldest and largest GLBT organization. TOHR was founded in 1980 by a small group of people concerned about human rights and equality for GLBT persons in Tulsa, including Dennis Neill, Bob Inglish, Mike Green and Gary Durst. The Tulsa organization was originally a part of the Oklahoma City-based chapter. The organization was then known as Oklahomans for Human Rights (OHR). In 1985, as the Oklahoma City organization declined in activity, the Tulsa Chapter decided to form its own non-profit organization to be called the Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). During that year, TOHR was incorporated to pursue its new mission of serving the residents of Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma. Soon after its establishment, TOHR launched the Gay Information Line, or 743GAYS, which has been in operation ever since. For the first several months, the call volume was extremely high as several religious groups worked to overwhelm the line with harassing phone calls. The volunteers, however, persevered and the harassing calls slowly declined. Since it’s beginning, the Gay Information Line has been a critical link for many people needing help and support on GLBT and health issues. During its first year, TOHR also conducted voter registration and political surveys, sponsored a softball team and tournament, and conducted health clinics (venereal diseases were rampant in the gay community before AIDS.) In the 1980s, TOHR sponsored several high-profile social events for the GLBT community; provided a speaker’s bureau to help educate the community; launched the first gay pride picnic; and operated the popular Southwest Invitational, a sports event that attracted participants from across the nation. The organization’s monthly membership meetings routinely attracted from 50 to 150 participants as the community saw TOHR as the principal source of information and support. During this time, nationally known GLBT spokespersons who came to Tulsa at TOHR’S invitation included LGTF activists Virginia Apuzzo; Valerie Torino, Mayor of West Hollywood, Calif.; Troy Perry, founder of MCC; Lt. Leonard Matlovich, and others. The organization’s work in the community was awarded with two operating grants from the Chicago Resource Center, the first time an Oklahoma GLBT organization received out-of-state funding and recognition. With the advent of HIV and AIDS in the 1980s, TOHR sent a medical professional to health conferences to advise the community on the transmission of the virus and other dangers. In addition, TOHR opened the first anonymous testing site in northeastern Oklahoma. The organization was responsible for acquiring state funding for �AIDS testing and education by establishing the Tulsa Chapter of the AIDS Support Program, or ASP. This effort was later assumed by another organization, known as HOPE (HIV Outreach, Prevention, and Education). In 1998, HOPE spun off from TOHR so both organizations could focus on their respective missions. Today, HOPE operates a testing and counseling site a 3503 East Admiral Place in Tulsa. TOHR opened Tulsa’s first Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Community Center in October 1996 at 1338 East 38th Street in the Brookside neighborhood of Tulsa. The center quickly became a popular meeting spot for community groups, support groups, and those who wished to network with other members of the GLBT community. The center began to operate a book and video library, referral service, and pride retail store. TOHR organized Tulsa’s first gay pride march in 1997 with 60 participants. In 1998, the event grew to include approximately 150 marchers. In 1998, the march grew into a parade. Tulsa’s first Diversity Parade was held in 1999 on Peoria Avenue in the Brookside neighborhood of Tulsa and featured Rep. Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, as its first Grand Marshal. The parade culminated with the Diversity Festival at Tulsa’s Veteran’s Park. Both events drew large crowds and proved very successful, beginning a new tradition for Tulsa’s GLBT community. In 2000, TOHR received grants from the Collins Higgins Foundation and Gill Foundation of Denver, Colo., for expanding programs and operating support. Also, in 2000, TOHR was selected as a 2001 host site for the OutGiving InCommunity Project of the Gill Foundation. More than 25 local organizations (over half were non-GLBT groups) participated in the project held at the Community Center. This was considered an honor for TOHR to be selected as a national host site. Finally, in 2000, TOHR launched its first-ever capital fundraising campaign, the Pyramid Project. The goal of this major capital campaign is to raise a total of $1 million for a permanent and visible home for the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Of the goal, $500,000 will be utilized to acquire a permanent facility for the center, and $500,000 will fund an endowment to sustain operation of the facility for future generations. In 2001, TOHR was selected to be one of three “Fast Track” programs in the nation by the Gill Foundation. Through this program, the Gill Foundation provides $40,000 of operating support over three years ($15,000 in 2001; $15,000 in 2002; and $10,000 in 2003). The intent of the operating grants is to help sustain the organization’s operating fund during the capital campaign. In addition, the Gill Foundation has provided TOHR technical assistance during the campaign. TOHR was selected by the Gill Foundation based on the quality and reputation of the organization, and the potential for Tulsa to become a more positive environment for members of its GLBT community. �Presently, TOHR is developing an annual operating plan for 2003 and a set of long-range goals to guide the organization through 2006. The organization also is preparing to move its capital campaign into the middle phase by seeking major corporate and foundation support. TOHR also has completed a major revision of its bylaws, taking the organization from an association to a corporate model. In addition, major restructuring of the organization will take TOHR to new heights in 2003 and beyond! � 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 [Sub-Series] OKEQ > Organizational History > TOHR, OHR 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 History of TOHR 1980 to 2003 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) is Oklahoman’s oldest and largest GLBT organization. TOHR was founded in 1980 by a small group of people concerned about human rights and equality for GLBT persons in Tulsa, including Dennis Neill, Bob Inglish, Mike Green and Gary Durst. The Tulsa organization was originally a part of the Oklahoma City-based chapter. The organization was then known as Oklahomans for Human Rights (OHR). In 1985, as the Oklahoma City organization declined in activity, the Tulsa Chapter decided to form its own non-profit organization to be called the Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). During that year, TOHR was incorporated to pursue its new mission of serving the residents of Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma. Soon after its establishment, TOHR launched the Gay Information Line, or 743- GAYS, which has been in operation ever since. For the first several months, the call volume was extremely high as several religious groups worked to overwhelm the line with harassing phone calls. The volunteers, however, persevered and the harassing calls slowly declined. Since it’s beginning, the Gay Information Line has been a critical link for many people needing help and support on GLBT and health issues. During its first year, TOHR also conducted voter registration and political surveys, sponsored a softball team and tournament, and conducted health clinics (venereal diseases were rampant in the gay community before AIDS.) In the 1980s, TOHR sponsored several high-profile social events for the GLBT community; provided a speaker’s bureau to help educate the community; launched the first gay pride picnic; and operated the popular Southwest Invitational, a sports event that attracted participants from across the nation. The organization’s monthly membership meetings routinely attracted from 50 to 150 participants as the community saw TOHR as the principal source of information and support. During this time, nationally known GLBT spokespersons who came to Tulsa at TOHR’S invitation included LGTF activists Virginia Apuzzo; Valerie Torino, Mayor of West Hollywood, Calif.; Troy Perry, founder of MCC; Lt. Leonard Matlovich, and others. The organization’s work in the community was awarded with two operating grants from the Chicago Resource Center, the first time an Oklahoma GLBT organization received out-of-state funding and recognition. With the advent of HIV and AIDS in the 1980s, TOHR sent a medical professional to health conferences to advise the community on the transmission of the virus and other dangers. In addition, TOHR opened the first anonymous testing site in northeastern Oklahoma. The organization was responsible for acquiring state funding for AIDS testing and education by establishing the Tulsa Chapter of the AIDS Support Program, or ASP. This effort was later assumed by another organization, known as HOPE (HIV Outreach, Prevention, and Education). In 1998, HOPE spun off from TOHR so both organizations could focus on their respective missions. Today, HOPE operates a testing and counseling site a 3503 East Admiral Place in Tulsa. TOHR opened Tulsa’s first Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Community Center in October 1996 at 1338 East 38th Street in the Brookside neighborhood of Tulsa. The center quickly became a popular meeting spot for community groups, support groups, and those who wished to network with other members of the GLBT community. The center began to operate a book and video library, referral service, and pride retail store. TOHR organized Tulsa’s first gay pride march in 1997 with 60 participants. In 1998, the event grew to include approximately 150 marchers. In 1998, the march grew into a parade. Tulsa’s first Diversity Parade was held in 1999 on Peoria Avenue in the Brookside neighborhood of Tulsa and featured Rep. Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, as its first Grand Marshal. The parade culminated with the Diversity Festival at Tulsa’s Veteran’s Park. Both events drew large crowds and proved very successful, beginning a new tradition for Tulsa’s GLBT community. In 2000, TOHR received grants from the Collins Higgins Foundation and Gill Foundation of Denver, Colo., for expanding programs and operating support. Also, in 2000, TOHR was selected as a 2001 host site for the OutGiving InCommunity Project of the Gill Foundation. More than 25 local organizations (over half were non-GLBT groups) participated in the project held at the Community Center. This was considered an honor for TOHR to be selected as a national host site. Finally, in 2000, TOHR launched its first-ever capital fundraising campaign, the Pyramid Project. The goal of this major capital campaign is to raise a total of $1 million for a permanent and visible home for the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Of the goal, $500,000 will be utilized to acquire a permanent facility for the center, and $500,000 will fund an endowment to sustain operation of the facility for future generations. In 2001, TOHR was selected to be one of three “Fast Track” programs in the nation by the Gill Foundation. Through this program, the Gill Foundation provides $40,000 of operating support over three years ($15,000 in 2001; $15,000 in 2002; and $10,000 in 2003). The intent of the operating grants is to help sustain the organization’s operating fund during the capital campaign. In addition, the Gill Foundation has provided TOHR technical assistance during the campaign. TOHR was selected by the Gill Foundation based on the quality and reputation of the organization, and the potential for Tulsa to become a more positive environment for members of its GLBT community. Presently, TOHR is developing an annual operating plan for 2003 and a set of long-range goals to guide the organization through 2006. The organization also is preparing to move its capital campaign into the middle phase by seeking major corporate and foundation support. TOHR also has completed a major revision of its bylaws, taking the organization from an association to a corporate model. In addition, major restructuring of the organization will take TOHR to new heights in 2003 and beyond! 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 [1980-2003] Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights History Subject The topic of the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights-History from 1980 to 2003 Description An account of the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights-History from 1980 to 2003 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived 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 2003 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 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 [Collection] Oklahoma LGBT+ History Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br /><br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> 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] Gay in Oklahoma - In the Bible Belt, Acceptance is Hard-Won, Washington Post, September 26, 2004 Subject The topic of the resource Michael Shackelford in Sand Springs, Oklahoma Description An account of the resource Series by Anne Hull, Washington Post Staff Writer Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hull, Anne Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Washington Post Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Washington Post Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004-9-26 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Washington Post Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Washington Post Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Article available to researchers for on-site viewing only due to copyright. Location:OkEq History Project/Ddatadrive/History-General (in Omeka)/WashingtonPostArticleonGayYouthMichaelShackelfordinSandSprings