10 20 666 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/3c7d813ca9cf06feac45100d1bb5e79a.pdf 8a5ac041170ef40478355d2bfdba2fb2 PDF Text 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 [Collection] Oklahoma LGBT+ History Description An account of the resource Physical Media: Digital Media: 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] Tulsa Gay Bar List to 2004 Subject The topic of the resource A listing of Gay Bars gathered by the Silver Star Bar in 2004 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Silver Star Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Sliver Star Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1940s to 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Silver Star 8th Day 911 Bamboo Bishops Blue Haven Blue Note Carusso's Chasers Cherry Bomb Concessions Crash Landing CW's Dante's Doghouse Elite Fountain of Youth Friends gala Gay Bar List Heads or Tails Little Mexico Majestic Mavericks Milwaukee Tavern New Edition new Plantation New York New York Over the Rainbow Papillon Playmor Queen of Hearts Rainbow Rose Renegades Schutzi's Seekers Choice Silver Star Skook-Bee-Do Sparky's St. Moritz Taj Majal The Club Tim's Anything Goes Tim's Playroom TNT's Tool Box Tos/Max Tracks Tracy's Tulsa Mining Underground Yellow Brick Road Zebra Zippers https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/879e6769ffce548e6adcb49c5d4ae264.pdf f98082c2492507f057ce89a5a3ef0388 PDF Text Text Page 1 of7 Yf II =- From: "j; LS P-& £ Friday, April 29, 20051:30 PM Sent: fM( Ill, To: '-f::::t q ml .tf .] I J fJ vs u-· , . Cc: $ tg :.g::: @1.4 I tfo ill j ; il .... Subject:,I.Jll['lele1rtlls"': 111111111%1•] 30 years of anti-gay politics I Qi ]!'A Southern Poverty Law Center The Thirty Years War A timeline of the anti-gay movement 1977 Born-again singer Anita Bryant campaigns to overturn an anti-discrimination law protecting gay men and lesbians in Dade Co1mty, Fla. Inspired by her victory, Bryant founds the first national anti-gay group, Save Our Children, drawing unprecedented attention to gay issues and motivating gay groups to organize in response. James Dobson, author of 1969 pro-spanking book Dare To Discipline, founds Focus on the Family in Arcadia, Calif. Focus will move to Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1991, become America's wealthiest fundamentalist ministry, and spearhead the campaign against gay marriage. 1978 Gay activist Harvey Milk, elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Nov. 7, is assassinated 20 days later (along with Mayor George Moscone) by right-wing religious zealot Dan White, a former city supervisor who had resigned in protest when the board passed a gay-rights ordinance. John Birch Society trainer and "family activist" Tim LaHaye publishes The Unhappy Gays (later retitled What Everyone Should Know About Homosexuality). Calling gay people "militant, organized" and "vile," LaHaye anticipates anti-gay arguments to come. California State Sen. John Briggs floats a ballot initiative allowing local school boards to ban gay teachers. "One third of San Francisco teachers are homosexual," Briggs says. "I assume most of them are seducing young boys in toilets." The initiative is defeated, but the campaign inspires anti-gay crusaders like the Rev. Lou Sheldon, who will fo1md the Traditional Values Coalition in 1981. 1979 5/19/2005 �,;z-":f -'!!:•�·. :·.:_:_�:.>';!��. --./::t:'.'-r.j•. '" •:.· ';;'i,<::�"...:��--:; ·� .: '':SG'�:::,\·;,-1::i�-�;::t ;;'� :.��-,�,u":• - �\,tt•� .. �Page2of7 The Rev. Jerry Falwell founds the Moral Majority, a national effort to stimulate the fundamentalist vote and elect Christian Right candidates. Early :fundraising appeals include a "Declaration of War" on homosexuality. 1980 Paul Cameron, former psychology instructor at University of Nebraska, begins publishing pseudo scientific pamphlets "proving" that gay people commit more serial murders, molest more children, and intentionally spread diseases. Expelled from the American Psychological Association in 1983 for ethics violations, Cameron will continue to produce bogus "studies" widely cited by anti-gay groups. 1981 Moral Majority allies in Congress propose the Family Protection Act, which would bar giving federal funds to "any organization that suggests that homosexuality can be an acceptable alternative lifestyle." Despite President Reagan's endorsement, the bill is defeated. The Council for National Policy, a highly secretive club of America's most powerful far-right religious activists, begins meeting quarterly at undisclosed locations. Among the members will be R.J. Rushdoony, who calls for death penalty for homosexuals, and anti-gay crusaders James Dobson, Beverly and Tim LaHaye, Jerry Falwell, Tony Perkins and Phyllis Schlafly. George W. Bush will meet with the Council during his first campaign for president. 1982 The U.S. Department of Defense issues a policy stating that homosexuality is "incompatible" with military service. Almost 17,000 gay soldiers will be discharged during the l 980s, though a 1989 Defense Deparbnent study will find gay recruits "just as good or better" than heterosexuals. 1983 Pat Buchanan, communications director for President Ronald Reag� calls AIDS, first identified in 1981, "nature's revenge on gay men." 1984 The Coalition on Revival is founded to promote "Christian government" in the U.S. and to agree on theological tenets - including anti-gay principles - that fundamentalists can rally around. Board members include Tim LaHaye, D. James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Ministries and Donald Wildmon of the American Family Association. Founder Jay Grimstead later tells The Advocate, "Homosexuality makes God vomit." 1985 Addressing the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, Paul Cameron uses the AIDS crisis 5/19/2005 �Page3 of7 to suggest that "the extermination of homosexuals" might become necessary. The following year, Colorado's Summit Ministries will publish Special Report: AIDS. Co-authored by Cameron, the popular pamphlet blames gay men for the epidemic and calls for a national crackdown on homosexuals. 1986 At the first Congressional hearings on anti-gay violence, Kathleen Sarris of Indianapolis tells of being stalked and assaulted by a "Christian soldier" who held her at gunpoint, beat and raped her for three hours, explaining that "he was acting for God; that what he was doing to me was God's revenge on me because I was a 'queer' and getting rid of me would save children." Anti-gay groups cheer the U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 decision in Bowers v. Hardwick holding that state anti-sodomy statutes are constitutional. Four years later, Justice Lewis Powell, the swing vote, will tell New York University law students, "I probably made a mistake in that one." 1987 Boston's Gay Community News publishes a satire of anti-gay propaganda, beginning: "Tremble, Hetero Swine! We shall sodomize your sons, emblems of your feeble masculinity, of your shallow dreams and vulgar lives. We will raise vast private annies ... to defeat ... the family unit." Anti-gay groups seize on the article as proof of a "secret homosexual agenda." 1988 After a ferocious campaign by the fundamentalist Oregon Citizens Alliance (OCA), Oregon voters overturn their governor's executive order banning anti-gay discrimination in state hiring. Led by anti gay crusader Lon Mabon, OCA claims "promiscuous sodomite activists" have called for "the closing of all churches that oppose them and the total destruction of the family." 1989 U.S. Rep. William Dannemeyer (R-Calif.) publishes a landmark anti-gay tome, Shadow in the Land: Homosexuality in America. Calling lesbians and gay men 11the ultimate enemy," Dannemeyer accuses straight people of "surrendering to this growing army without a shot," and predicts gay rights will "plunge our people, and indeed the entire West, into a dark night of the soul that could last hundreds of years." 1990 University of Colorado football coach Bill McCartney founds Promise Keepers, which holds all-male stadium revivals promoting "traditional masculinity" throughout the l 990s. McCartney calls homosexuals "a group of people who don't reproduce, yet want to be compared with people who do reproduce," and says, "Homosexuality is an abomination of Almighty God." 1991 5/19/2005 �Page4 of7 Pat Robertson founds the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), run by Christian Right attorney Jay Sekulow. ACLJ will be instrumental in fighting gay marriage, calling it a cancerous "perversion" that "directly attacks the family, which is the most vital cell in society." 1992 Colorado voters approve Amendment 2, overturning municipal laws protecting lesbians and gay men from discrimination. One of the organizers, Tony Marco, hones a "special rights" argument, claiming that gay people are inordinately wealthy and politically powerful, and neither need nor deserve the rights they "demand." "The Gay Agenda," 20-minute video featuring racy scenes filmed at gay-pride marches, is released by Ty and Jeannette Beeson of the Antelope Valley Springs of Life church in Lancaster, Calif. Aired by Pat Robertson's "The 700 Club,0 it will become one of the most widely viewed pieces of anti-gay propaganda. At the Republican National Convention in Houston, Pat Buchanan famously declares in a prime time speech, "There is a culture war going on in our country for the soul ofAmerica." Cheering audience members wave signs reading "Family Rights Forever, 'Gay' Rights Never." 1993 The battle over gay marriage is ignited when the Hawaii Supreme Court rules that denying same-sex couples marriage licenses violates "basic human rights" guaranteed in the state constitution - unless the state legislature can show a "compelling reason" to prevent gay marriage. Anti-gay groups begin a campaign to "defend marriage," with legal challenges led by ACLJ's Jay Sekulow. President Clinton's proposal to lift the ban on openly gay military personnel sends anti-gay activists into action, shutting down phone lines to Congress with hundreds ofthousands of calls in protest. "Honestly," asks D. James Kennedy in a fundraising letter for Coral Ridge Ministries, "would you want your son, daughter, or grandchild sharing a shower, foxhole, or blood with a homosexual?" The Cobb County (Ga.) Commission passes a resolution calling homosexuality "incompatible with the standards to which this community subscribes." Organizer Gordon Wysong declares, 0We should blame them for every social problem in America." Cobb County will be dropped as a host for 1996 Atlanta Olympic events because of its anti-gay stance. 1994 More than40 fundamentalist groups, led by Focus on the Family, hold a summit in Colorado to coordinate a "special rights" argument to oppose gay rights. This strategy is also promoted by the Traditional Values Coalition's "Gay Rights, Special Rights," a40-minute video claiming gay rights will erode the civil rights ofAfrican Americans. 1995 The Pink Swastika: Homosexuality in the Nazi Party, by fundamentalist activists Scott Lively and 5/19/2005 �Page 5 of7 Kevin Abrams, claims gays weren't victimized in the Holocaust, but instead helped mastermind the extermination of Jews (see stocy, p. 18). Repudiated by credible historians, the book is nevertheless praised by the Family Research Council and sold by several anti-gay organiz.ations. 1996 The National Pro-Family Forum, dedicated to "one man-one woman" marriage, holds its first secret meeting in a Memphis church cellar with representatives from more than 20 major anti-gay groups. Before the end of the year, forum members successfully push the Defense of Marriage Act, a symbolic measure defining marriage as between a man and a woman, through Congress. The Southern Baptist Convention announces a boycott of Disney parks and products because the company gives insurance benefits to partners of gay workers and allows "Gay Days" at its theme parks. "Beware of the Magic Kingdom," Focus on the Family advises parents. Gay Day protests become a staple of the anti-gay movement In Romer v. Evans, the U.S. Supreme Court rules Colorado's Amendment 2 (see 1992) unconstitutional by a 6-3 vote. The ruling puts an end to 20 years of state and local ballot initiatives aimed at stripping gays of anti-discrimination protections, leaving same-sex marriage as the main issue for anti-gay organizers. 1997 Ellen DeGeneres' character on the TV sitcom "Ellen" comes out as a lesbian, initiating protests and boycotts of sponsors led by Donald Wildmon and Jerry Falwell, who calls the actor "Ellen Degenerate." 1998 A coalition of fundamentalist groups led by Coral Ridge Ministries sponsors "Truth in Love," a million-dollar advertising campaign promoting "ex-gay ministries," which use discredited psychological methods to "cure" gay people. One day before a second round of "Truth in Love" ads is released, gay college student Matthew Shepard dies after being savagely beaten and left tied to a fence in Wyoming. The murder spurs a national debate about the connection between anti-gay rhetoric and hate crimes. In a TV interview, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) compares gay people to alcoholics and "kleptomaniacs," earning praise from anti-gay activists. "Leaders willing to be set apart and stand solidly in the truth are rare in today's permissive culture," says James Dobson. 1999 Vermont Democratic Gov. Howard Dean signs a law sanctioning same-sex civil unions, entitling gay couples to marital rights arid benefits. Anti-gay leader Gary Bauer calls it "an unmitigated disaster" that is "worse than terrorism." 2000 5/19/2005 �Page6of7 "Teletubbies" cartoon character Tinley Winley is "outed" as gay in a "Parents' Alert" in Jerry Falwell's Liberty Journal, which asserts, "He is purple - the gay-pride color; and his antenna is shaped like a triangle - the gay-pride symbol." The U.S. Supreme Court rules 5-4 that the Boy Scouts of America can continue to ban gay scoutmasters. Anti-gay activists like Robert Knight ofthe Family Research Council use the scouting controversy to revive anti-gay "child molester" propaganda. After CBS morning-show host Bryant Gumbel interviews Knight, he is heard on air commenting, "What a fucking idiot." Anti-gay groups label CBS the "Christian Bashing System" and lobby unsuccessfully for Gumbel's firing. 2001 On "The 700 Cbib" two days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Jerry Falwell blames the tragedy on "the Pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists and the gays and lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle." Host Pat Robertson responds: "Well, I totally concur." 2002 The Rev. Michael Bray, a convicted abortion clinic bomber and leading advocate ofmurdering abortion doctors, praises Saudi Arabia for beheading three gay men on New Year's Day. "Let us give thanks," Bray proclaims. "Let us welcome these tools of purification. Open the borders! Bring in some agents of cleansing." 2003 Alan Sears, head ofthe Alliance Defense Fund, co-authors The Homosexual Agenda, a book that asserts gay activists' ultimate goal is "silencing" conservative Christians. Sears also accuses cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants of being gay. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules 4-3 that gay and lesbian couples have a right to marry. In the Washington Dispatch, legendary fundamentalist organizer Paul Weyrich declares marriage "The Final Frontier for Civili2:ation as We Know It." The U.S. Supreme Court overturns state anti-sodomy statutes in Lawrence v. Texas, ruling that gay people are entitled to "an autonomy of self that includes freedom of thought, belief, expression, and certain intimate conduct." Dissenting Justice Antonin Scalia complains that "the court has largely signed onto the so-called homosexual agenda." 2004 Constitutional amendments prohibiting same-sex marriage pass by wide margins in all 11 states, including Ohio and Oregon. Anti-gay groups meet in Washington, D.C., to plan for 10 more state initiatives in 2005. James Dobson's Focus on the Family Action organizes "Mayday for Marriage" rallies in six major cities to promote anti-gay marriage ballot initiatives in 11 states. An estimated 150,000 turn out for Oct. 15 protest in Washington, D.C., where Dobson declares, "[E)verytbing we care about is on the line. It's now or never." 5/19/2005 �Page 7 of? San Francisco officials begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in February, with a handful of other U.S. municipalities following suit. Later that month, President George W. Bush announces his support for a Federal Marriage Amendment to the Constitution. 5/19/2005 � 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 Physical Media: Digital Media: 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 [1977-2004] The Thirty Years War: A Timeline of the Anti-Gay Movement Subject The topic of the resource The Thirty Years War - A Timeline of the Anti-Gay Movement 1977-2004 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Southern Poverty Law Center Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Southern Poverty Law Center Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Southern Poverty Law Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1977-2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Southern Poverty Law Center ACLF Amendment 2 Anita Bryant Anti-Gay Movement Bill McCartney Bowers v. Hardwick Donald Wildmon Focus on the Family Focus on the Family Action James Dobson Jerry Falwell John Briggs Moral Majority National Pro-Family Forum Pat Buchanan Pat Robertson Paul Cameron Promise Keepers Southern Poverty Law Center William Dannemeyer https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/3fb8c41a62ae84cb5481a62b96914dd0.pdf 2ce75f7fef49928ca38893b4c6fb7c75 PDF Text Text 2/6/25, 3:31 PM (/) Obituary | Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma | Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service 3959 E 31st St Tulsa, OK 74135 918-743-6271 (tel:1-918-743-6271) Share this obituary  (mailto:?subject=Obituary for Nancy McDonald&body=Obituary%20for%20Nancy%20%20McDonald%0A%0AView%20details%20at%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stanleysfuneralhome.com%2Fobituary%2Fnanc mcdonald%0A%0ABrought%20to%20you%20by%20Stanleys%20Funeral%20%26%20Cremation%20Service%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.stanleysfuneralhome.com)  (tel:9187436271) https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/obituary/nancy-mcdonald Privacy - Terms 1/4 �2/6/25, 3:31 PM Obituary | Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma | Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service SEND FLOWERS Order Flowers for the Family SEND A CARD Show Your Sympathy to the Family (https://www.st mcdonald/flowe campaign=obitu flowers-ctaleftside) (https://www.st mcdonald/cards campaign=obitu cards-ctaleftside)  Sign Guestbook  View Guestbook Entries (/guestbook/8721811)  Print Obituary (/obituaries/print?o_id=8721811) Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma June 4, 1936 - October 24, 2023 Nancy McDonald, a longtime Tulsa community volunteer and activist, died Tuesday. She was 87. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at All Souls Unitarian Church, with a reception to follow. Per McDonald’s wishes, her family invites everyone attending the reception to bring homemade cookies. Known for her vision and tenacity, McDonald was a force for change in Tulsa for well over 50 years, embracing a variety of causes including public school integration, the arts and LGBTQ rights. Notably with the latter, her influence extended throughout Oklahoma and beyond. McDonald and her husband, Joe, were the founders of the Tulsa chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, the first in Oklahoma, and she later served as president of the national PFLAG organization. It was during her tenure as president, in 1998, that the organization extended its mission to include transgender people. McDonald was active on a state and national level in promoting legislation that advanced LGBTQ rights. And when a proposed law threatened that advancement, she was there to fight it. That included testifying before Congress in 1996 in opposition to the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Toby Jenkins, former director of Oklahomans for Equality, said McDonald was a source of needed encouragement for her fellow LGBTQ rights advocates, assuring them that “incrementally, bit by bit, relationships would form and change would come.” “Nancy taught us to show respect and civility to everyone, even if they were hateful to you,” Jenkins said. “If they spoke that way, she believed it was just that their hearts and minds had not been opened or challenged. Eventually the change of heart would come. I will miss that most about her.” A Nebraska native and graduate of the University of Nebraska, McDonald moved to Tulsa with her family in 1966. She didn’t waste any time getting involved in her new community. As a parent of school-age children and PTA member, she joined a small group of Tulsa Public Schools parents in helping with voluntary integration, starting with Burroughs Elementary School. Then, in 1973, district officials turned to McDonald to help integrate Booker T. Washington High School. Chairing a committee for volunteer recruitment, McDonald led the successful effort to recruit white student volunteers to attend the previously all-Black school, holding a series of meetings with students and parents. Her volunteering led to a full-time job with TPS, coordinating volunteers and leading the further development of the magnet school concept. Motivating more community volunteers to get involved in their public schools was at the heart of McDonald’s love for the Partners in Education program. She participated in a related White House Symposium and wrote the guidelines for PIE groups that were published as a book. She remained involved with PIE through the end of her life. McDonald was also passionate about scouting. She was a former board member and president of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. In that role, she helped guide the organization through the tumultuous time following the 1977 murders of three girls at summer camp. McDonald was recipient of a number of honors and awards. They included induction into the Tulsa Hall of Fame and the dedication of the Nancy & Joe McDonald Rainbow Library in her and her husband’s honor at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. McDonald’s commitment to the LGBTQ cause began in the 1980s when one of her daughters came out as a lesbian. The experience of supporting her daughter would shape McDonald, and later she became a mother figure to many LGBTQ people who found themselves facing alienation from friends and family. “We called her ‘everybody’s mother,’” Jenkins said. “She was a surrogate parent for so many whose families had rejected them or had not accepted or understood them. There are national LGBTQ leaders who came out of Oklahoma who Nancy mentored about family relationships.” And her motherly influence didn’t end with the LGBTQ community, Jenkins said. “If anyone was marginalized, it became her cause,” he said. Morva McDonald, McDonald’s daughter, said her mother was “just so good at seeing every individual.” “At her core, she was always trying her best to help people be seen, be recognized for who they were. And that’s what allowed her to reach across so many different (tel:9187436271) causes and arenas.”  https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/obituary/nancy-mcdonald 2/4 �2/6/25, 3:31 PM Obituary | Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma | Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service “The issue for her was always helping people be seen. It was a tremendous gift.” For her mother, part of valuing people as individuals included helping them find ways to participate, Morva added. “That’s why we’re asking people to bring homemade cookies to the reception. It was her idea. Baking was a favorite activity of Mom’s with her grandchildren. “Even at the end she was thinking about how everyone could share and participate.” McDonald’s survivors include her husband, Joe McDonald; four children, JoElyn Newcomb, Paul McDonald, Jason McDonald and Morva McDonald; eight grandchildren; a brother, Howard Nellor; and a sister, Sharlene Clatanoff. Memorial donations may be made to the Foundation for Tulsa Schools’ Partners in Education program. Services Celebration of Life Sunday, November 12, 2023 4:00 PM All Souls Unitarian Church 2952 S. Peoria Ave Tulsa, OK 74114  Open Google Maps  Email Details (mailto:?subject=Celebration%20of%20Life for Nancy McDonald&body=Celebration%20of%20Life%20for%20Nancy%20%20McDonald%0A%0ASunday% Sign Guestbook Name:  Name (required) Location: Location Video: Link to Video (Youtube or Vimeo) Image: Choose File No file chosen Light A Candle Candle 1 Candle 2 Candle 3 Candle 4 Email:  Email (required) Personal Message:  Personal Message (required)  Confirm:  (tel:9187436271) https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/obituary/nancy-mcdonald 3/4 �2/6/25, 3:31 PM I'm not a robot Obituary | Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma | Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service reCAPTCHA Privacy - Terms Submit Guestbook entry 3959 E 31st St Tulsa, OK 74135  918-743-6271 (tel:918-743-6271)  918-743-5790  Join our mailing list (/subscribe)  info@stanleysfuneralhome.com (mailto:info@stanleysfuneralhome.com) © Copyright 2019 - 25 Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service. 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Series] Oklahoma LGBT+ History > In Memoriam Description An account of the resource Physical Media: Digital Media: 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 (/) 3959 E 31st St Tulsa, OK 74135 918-743-6271 (tel:1-918-743-6271) Share this obituary  (mailto:?subject=Obituary for Nancy McDonald&body=Obituary%20for%20Nancy%20%20McDonald%0A%0AView%20details%20at%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stanleysfuneralhome.com%2Fobituary%2Fnancymcdonald%0A%0ABrought%20to%20you%20by%20Stanleys%20Funeral%20%26%20Cremation%20Service%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.stanleysfuneralhome.com)  (tel:9187436271) Privacy - Terms 2/6/25, 3:31 PM Obituary | Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma | Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/obituary/nancy-mcdonald 1/4  Sign Guestbook  View Guestbook Entries (/guestbook/8721811)  Print Obituary (/obituaries/print?o_id=8721811) Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma June 4, 1936 - October 24, 2023 Nancy McDonald, a longtime Tulsa community volunteer and activist, died Tuesday. She was 87. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at All Souls Unitarian Church, with a reception to follow. Per McDonald’s wishes, her family invites everyone attending the reception to bring homemade cookies. Known for her vision and tenacity, McDonald was a force for change in Tulsa for well over 50 years, embracing a variety of causes including public school integration, the arts and LGBTQ rights. Notably with the latter, her inuence extended throughout Oklahoma and beyond. McDonald and her husband, Joe, were the founders of the Tulsa chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, the rst in Oklahoma, and she later served as president of the national PFLAG organization. It was during her tenure as president, in 1998, that the organization extended its mission to include transgender people. McDonald was active on a state and national level in promoting legislation that advanced LGBTQ rights. And when a proposed law threatened that advancement, she was there to ght it. That included testifying before Congress in 1996 in opposition to the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Toby Jenkins, former director of Oklahomans for Equality, said McDonald was a source of needed encouragement for her fellow LGBTQ rights advocates, assuring them that “incrementally, bit by bit, relationships would form and change would come.” “Nancy taught us to show respect and civility to everyone, even if they were hateful to you,” Jenkins said. “If they spoke that way, she believed it was just that their hearts and minds had not been opened or challenged. Eventually the change of heart would come. I will miss that most about her.” A Nebraska native and graduate of the University of Nebraska, McDonald moved to Tulsa with her family in 1966. She didn’t waste any time getting involved in her new community. As a parent of school-age children and PTA member, she joined a small group of Tulsa Public Schools parents in helping with voluntary integration, starting with Burroughs Elementary School. Then, in 1973, district ocials turned to McDonald to help integrate Booker T. Washington High School. Chairing a committee for volunteer recruitment, McDonald led the successful eort to recruit white student volunteers to attend the previously all-Black school, holding a series of meetings with students and parents. Her volunteering led to a full-time job with TPS, coordinating volunteers and leading the further development of the magnet school concept. Motivating more community volunteers to get involved in their public schools was at the heart of McDonald’s love for the Partners in Education program. She participated in a related White House Symposium and wrote the guidelines for PIE groups that were published as a book. She remained involved with PIE through the end of her life. McDonald was also passionate about scouting. She was a former board member and president of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. In that role, she helped guide the organization through the tumultuous time following the 1977 murders of three girls at summer camp. McDonald was recipient of a number of honors and awards. They included induction into the Tulsa Hall of Fame and the dedication of the Nancy & Joe McDonald Rainbow Library in her and her husband’s honor at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. McDonald’s commitment to the LGBTQ cause began in the 1980s when one of her daughters came out as a lesbian. The experience of supporting her daughter would shape McDonald, and later she became a mother gure to many LGBTQ people who found themselves facing alienation from friends and family. “We called her ‘everybody’s mother,’” Jenkins said. “She was a surrogate parent for so many whose families had rejected them or had not accepted or understood them. There are national LGBTQ leaders who came out of Oklahoma who Nancy mentored about family relationships.” And her motherly inuence didn’t end with the LGBTQ community, Jenkins said. “If anyone was marginalized, it became her cause,” he said. Morva McDonald, McDonald’s daughter, said her mother was “just so good at seeing every individual.” “At her core, she was always trying her best to help people be seen, be recognized for who they were. And that’s what allowed her to reach across so many different causes and arenas.” SEND A CARD Show Your Sympathy to the Family (https://www.stmcdonald/cardscampaign=obitucards-ctaleftside) SEND FLOWERS Order Flowers for the Family (https://www.stmcdonald/flowercampaign=obituowers-ctaleftside)  (tel:9187436271) 2/6/25, 3:31 PM Obituary | Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma | Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/obituary/nancy-mcdonald 2/4 “The issue for her was always helping people be seen. It was a tremendous gift.” For her mother, part of valuing people as individuals included helping them nd ways to participate, Morva added. “That’s why we’re asking people to bring homemade cookies to the reception. It was her idea. Baking was a favorite activity of Mom’s with her grandchildren. “Even at the end she was thinking about how everyone could share and participate.” McDonald’s survivors include her husband, Joe McDonald; four children, JoElyn Newcomb, Paul McDonald, Jason McDonald and Morva McDonald; eight sgrandchildren; a brother, Howard Nellor; and a sister, Sharlene Clatano. Memorial donations may be made to the Foundation for Tulsa Schools’ Partners in Education program. Services Celebration of Life Sunday, November 12, 2023 4:00 PM All Souls Unitarian Church 2952 S. Peoria Ave Tulsa, OK 74114  Open Google Maps  Email Details (mailto:?subject=Celebration%20of%20Life for NancyMcDonald&body=Celebration%20of%20Life%20for%20Nancy%20%20McDonald%0A%0ASunday%) Sign Guestbook Name:  Name (required) Location: Location Video: Link to Video (Youtube or Vimeo) Image: Choose File No File chosen Light A Candle Candle 1 Candle 2 Candle 3 Candle 4 Email:  Email (required) Personal Message:  Personal Message (required) Confirm:  (tel:9187436271) 2/6/25, 3:31 PM Obituary | Nancy McDonald of Tulsa, Oklahoma | Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/obituary/nancy-mcdonald 3/4 reCAPTCHA I'm not a robot Privacy - Terms Submit Guestbook entry 3959 E 31st St Tulsa, OK 74135  918-743-6271 (tel:918-743-6271)  918-743-5790  Join our mailing list (/subscribe)  info@stanleysfuneralhome.com (mailto:info@stanleysfuneralhome.com) © Copyright 2019 - 25 Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service. 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2023] Nancy McDonald Obituary Subject The topic of the resource Nancy McDonald, June 4, 1936 - October 24, 2023 Description An account of the resource Four pages of an obituary for Nancy McDonald, who lived June 4, 1936 to October 24, 2023, published by Stanleys Funeral and Cremation Service. A service was planned for November 12, 2023 at All Souls Unitarian Church. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stanleys Funeral and Cremation Service Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 12, 2023 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.stanleysfuneralhome.com/obituary/nancy-mcdonald 2023 ALL SOULS UNITARIAN CHURCH Booker T. Washington High School Burroughs Elementary School Defense of Marriage Act Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Equality Center Foundation for Tulsa Schools Partners in Education Program Girl Scouts Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma in memoriam Joe McDonald memoriam Morva McDonald Nancy and Dr. Joe McDonald Nancy and Joe McDonald Nancy McDonald Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library Obituaries Obituary OkEq Equality Center Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Partners in Education Partners in Education (PIE) Partners in Education Program PFLAG PIE Rainbow Library Toby Jenkins TPS Tulsa Public Schools Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) Tulsa Schools Partners in Education University of Nebraska https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/7b2db3bb0141bb44a9712396e6267fae.jpg cf428210d5c928a7197cd7ae2588f6a3 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/eb719a5486d2266a7dcabd074e0595c6.pdf 27c2f0c690b852292e4c1f73a22efa73 PDF Text Text One million people, including Sarah Brown, wife of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, took part in London’s gay pride parade July 4. MORE on page 11 THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR G VOLUME 6 T OKLAHOMA MetroStarN÷ws.com iSSUE 8 AUGUST 1,2009 S 0KLAHOMAAGAIN! The crowd was about equally divided among those supporting her views and those opposed. Those in opposition began shouting Shame on you! repeatedly, alon~-with "Love-thy neighb6r!" - By Victor Gorin $ 0,000 By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK On Monday July 13 an emergency meeting and press conference of OKC Pride was hdd at Epworth Methodist Church to deal with the disappearance of a sum estimated to be within the $10,000 to $15,000 range. This cash, which was supposed to have been deposited in the OKC Pride bank account, was derived from contributions, T shirt sales and purchase tickets sold on behalf of vendors. Apparendy assumed to be deposited in OKC Pride’s Chase Bank account by Treasurer Christine Plante, OKC Pride Co-Chair Patti Thompson was surprised to receive word from the bank the following Wednesday after the Pride Weekend that the OKC Pride account was over $4,000 overdrawn, and thus learned that An emergency meeting about this was held by the Board of Directors Thursday July 9 at the Boom, and Ms. Plante was allegedly contacted and asked to be at this meeting, but she did not show up. Although offidally scheduled to be at the July 13 meeting as well Ms. Plante was again not present, and there was no information as to her wherabouts or situation, although a widely drculated rumor was that she had checked herself into a rehabilitation facility. In her place, OKC Press Liaison Nathan Thompson gave a report, stating that OKC Pride had met with the Oklahoma City police to report the incident July 10, but had no further information. Despite the losses, at the time of the meeting OKC Pride had paid all e cash money, which had been obtained om about 3 ago weeks up to and including the event~ hadn& be~n d~posiled ~er all J3y that time Christine Ptante had disappeared as well, leaving the community wondering what wen~ wrong and who was r~sponsible. their outstanding debts and had cash on hand of around $2500 in 2 separate bank accounts, through assis~ ~ byd~h0~ from the commtmity including John Gibbons (owner of the Boom), Dan Johnson, Jack Melisa, and Senate approves hatecrimes measure The measure, which passed on a voice vote, was attached to a defense-spending bill. A move to remove it from that bill failed 63-28. The House of Representatives already has passed a similar bill. "More than 60 senators support the Matthew Shepard Act, legislation that will provide police and sheriffs’ departments with the tools and resources they need to ensure that entire communities are not terrorized by hate violence," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. Both Oklahoma senators fel! for the radical right’s ploy and voted against the hate crimes bill failing to stand up for equali~ To contact both Oklahoma Senators call their Washington office, Sen. James ’Jim’ M. Inhofe (202) 224-4721 and Sen. Tom A. Coburn (202) 224-5754. ~ State Representative Sally Kern, Dis#qct 84 at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Gorin photo OYA~ktOMA CITY, OK__ Around 250 people gathered at the Oldahoma State Capitol for State Representative Sally Kern’s presentation of her Proclamation of Morality, about evenly divided between supporters and those in opposition. The prodamation, which does not have the force of law, blamed the economic problems of our nation due to America "forsaldng the rich Christian heritage upon which our nation was built" and because "our nation has become a world leader in promoting abortion, pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse and many other forms of debauchery." It also criticized President Obama for signing a proclamation recognizing June as Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month while not taking a more active role in the National Day of Prayer, although President Obama did issue a proclamation supporting that event as well on May 7. Ms.Kern, a Republican who represents District 84, has garnered international attention for her outspoken conservative views, particularly concerning the GLBT community. In a speech taped at a Republican gathering last year that later made Youtube, she stated that the gay community was a bigger threat "than Islam or terrorism," and compared gays to cancer in "one’s big toe" in their relationship to society, However, unlike similar gatherings in the past, the crowd was about equally divided among those supporting her views and those opposed. After she had given a short speech xWASHINGTON, DC (PR) The U.S. Senate approved a bill to add sexual orientation, gender identity and other categories to federal hate-crimes protections. The final vote came July 20. The bill will soon be on its way to President Obama’s desk, where he’ll get a chance to make good on his promise to sign it. This vote came on the heels of tremendous pressure from radical right-wing groups that used every trick in the book. They called the bill the "Pedophile Protection Act," among other outrageous claims. They dismissed the barbaric hate crime that took Matthew Shepard’s life as a "hoax." They flooded the Senate with hundreds of thousands of letters and calls. . ...... ContinUed See OKC PRIDE Page-4 ........... Continued See SALLY Page-4 Oklahoma Weather Forecast for August 2009 This year’s OKC Pride Grand Aug 1-4: Sunny, hot. Hurricane threat in Gulf Diversity Aug 5-10: T-storms north, hot south Aug 11-14: Scattered T-storms, ~ seasonable just love being with my friends in Oklahoma City," Aug 15-21: Sunny, very warm AUg 27-31: Scattered ~-storms, warm Over 150 unique Shops and galleries, and many parties for your entertainn{ent. Beating victim Chad Gibson, who now has a life-threatening blood clot on his brain goes home. Gibson xvants the officers to be prosecuted.. Avg. Temperature: 83.5° (avg. norda, 3° above south) Precipitation: 3.5" (1" above avg.) Page-6 N~YION L>> BILL (Lt" N"’tON= SJPPORTS~ /AYS Page 9 WO~ZLD >> ?R~DE 2009 I PLUS -~ LIFES";YLETR~ /EL ~ AR" ~ I Page 8 #INE / SCOPES �ease pa a rP Everyone who completes @e s#rvey by August 31, 2009 P~ease take the survey today, and te~ year Tremendous strides toward fa~ equality have been achieved by oar tenth, unities ever the past decade. There’s Power in ear Pride. Power te n~ake a difference: Gay and [esbiaa su~ey studies have opened doers (and minds) in ~ea~ing corporations aria organizations, which in turn have rec~gn~ze~ the va~ue of the~r LGBT employees through the es~b~shment of equa~ h~dng po~c~es an~ ~omest[c pa~ner benefits. Th~s has been a catalyst, ~ea~[ng to sweeping changes ~n pofft~cal an~ social ~nc~usJvi~. #e~egraph~c reports a~se ~nfluence ~arket~ng ~nvest~ent. V~ua~y absent unt~ recently, we now see a ~rowing variety ef p[eaacts an~ services represente~ ia gay ~edia, celebrating oar ai~ersity. Aas keep LGBT pubiications an~ websites ~a business, serving their co.manatees with [aaependent news and infermatbn. ~eyen~ s~p~y a@e~s~ng, though, these ce~panies support as ~n ~any ways, ~nc~a~ng sponsoring cow.unity events Community Marketi ~ @ 200g 8~a~uni~ ~arketing, ~nc., 584 Castro St. #834, San Francisco CA 9~114 L~SA ~.Cen~n~unity~arketing~nc.cen~ August 2009 �STATE REPRESENTATIVE AL MCAFF Y CALLS FORAN APOLOGY Tulsa Bowling Tournament a Success By Michael xyZ Sasser By Victor Gorin JOLT Bowling Tournament group at ~dsa Eagles reception party. Staffphoto State Rep. AI ~fcA~’ey and Metro Star re oorter Robin Dornet: Gorin photo OI~ObcLR CITY, OK __ "I complete identifi/with the cleep faith that many Oklahomans hold dear, but I’m appalled that MrS.Kern chose to use a state proclamation to attack the freedom of many Oklahomans xvho do not share her faith or vices." ..... ....... ...... state Reprdsentative A1 McAffrey State Representative Al McAffrey (Democrat SHD-88) is calling upon fellow legislator Sally Kern (Republican-SHD84) to rescind her proclamation and apologize for many discrepancies and misrepresentations of facts. "To blame our economic woes on a national moral crisis is ludicrous. Our economic woes are a direct result of bad financial practices and a lack of regulation on Wall Street." He pointed out that "Mrs.Kern uses her proclamation to accuse President Obama of not recognizing the National Day or Prayer, that is an absolute lie. On May 7~ 2009 President Obama proclaimed a National Day of Prayer and encouraged all Americans to ’come together in moments of great challenge and uncertainty to humble themselves in prayer.’ " McAffrey stated that he found that vwo of the quotes used attributed tO James Madison ai~d Patrick Henry were f-abricated, appearing nowhere in the writings or records of either man. McAffrey pointed out that anyone knmvledgeable of American history would kamw that James Madison and Thomas Jefferson were avid Supporters of religious freedom, and that it was Thomas Jefferson who coined the concept "separation of church and state" traced to a letter he wrote in 1802 to the Danbury Baptists. McA~}ey further stated " It’s pitiable that with all the major challenges facing our great state some of our state leaders are more concerned in mal~ng ne~vs headlines than making strides toward strengthening our economy, improving our public schools, and ensuring that all OHahomans have access to qualig; affordable and sustainable healthcare. She owes Oklahomans of all faiths a sincere apology:" www.rnetrostarnews.corn TULSA, OK__ GLBT sports are already on the minds of many in the community in anticipation of the Gay Games 2010 in Cologne. In Oklahoma, sporting gay men and women have numerous opportunities and it seems many are taking advantage of them. The Tulsa Lambda Bowling League’s second annual weekend-long July Oklahoma Lambda Tournament (JOLT) attracted some 120 participants from around the region to the tourney, at Andy B Riverlanes and ldcked things offwith a registration party at the Tulsa Eagle on July 17th. . "Most of the people xvere from Oklahoma and Texas, but we also had people from Kansas and Missouri," said Lambda League President Rich Blankenship. "We consider it a big success." Blankenship said that there were 88 participants in last year’s tournament and that it took most of the year to raise the funds necessary to host this year’s. Included in the fundraising was approximately $6,000 for charity. "gC’e really need sponsors for next year since we are growing so much," Blankenship said. The Lambda League’s regular season runs from Labor Day to April, with a 12-Week summer league also available, and the July tournament. As a member of the International Gay Bowling Organization (South Plains Region), the Lambda League schedules its annual national tournament so as to not conflict with other member’s tournaments. IGBO sponsors a national tournament every Memorial Day weekend. "Every city about Tulsa’s size or larger with a league has a tournament," Blankenship said. The success of JOLT would have been unimaginable just a few years ago, when, Blankenship said; the group had dwindled down to around two dozen members. Today there are around 67 members. Some teams rotate players so that more people can play in the Tuesday night league. Already there is a waiting list for next year, although Blankenship said the,,League is, trying to ne gotiate, for,, more. lanes.,, We dont want to be exclusive, he sa~d. We want everyone to get involved to be able to play." Blankenship attributes the growth of the Lambda Leagt,ie to the recruitment efforts of former president and this years JOLT Director, Rick Cox. Other sports oriented community groups are lively around the state also. Oklahoma City supports two bowling teams, the Sunday Twisters and Tuesday Twisters. Oklahoma City and Tulsa support GLBT softballs leagues. Both the Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) and the Oldahoma Gay Rodeo Association (OGRA) are members of the International Gay Rodeo Association (tGRA). The IGRA National Finals in Albuquerque, New Mexico are expected to draw’participation and large spectator support from OHahoma. For more information on the Tulsa Lambda Bowling League, visit w~w<lambdaleague.com. Dale Gross ~ Randy Winrow email: route66malf @ att.net 8.836.3838 METRO P O LITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Uric Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and Blessed DaV! #~>t~"oSTAR 3 �isolation of people living with HIV and AIDS in the Tulsa area. In addition to providing monthly activities and holiday celebrations. Our House Too offers food baskets, a toiletry and household pantry and weeldy lunches. Tickets for Drag Queen Bingo 2009 are $20 per person and can be purchased ar Reasor’s, Cain’s Ballroom, Ida Red and Starship Records. others not named at the meeting. Nathan stated that the investigation is still ongoing, and there is a possibility the money or parr of it may be recovered. It was also brought up that according to the bylaws. OKC Pride Board members could not be held liable for this type of loss. Inquiries as to why nobody knew why the cash had not been deposited, or why, the bank account had not had more oversight were not answered. Mr. Thompson did promise that information would be put on the OKC Pride website along with press releases as soon as it was available Guy Peters did suggest that in the future that background checks be obtained for those responsible for OKC Pride money. Male CoChair Paul Thompson had suggested in the By Victor Gorin past that these members be bonded, which would cover losses caused by dishonest acts. Mthough Chris Plante has not been charged with any crime related to this incident at this time. she was removed ftom her Treasurer position for dereliction of duty, the motion to do so made by Scott Jaggers and passed unanimously. Until there is a new Treasurer on duty- the duties of that oi~ce would be handled by the co-chairs, currently Paul Thompson and Latricia Olmstead. The next meeting xvould be August 3, the first Monday of August. During that meeting membership in OKC Pride. which is required to be eligible to vote in the upcoming election ~’or new o~cers and board members, could be begun or renewed. Co-Chairs Paul Thompson and Latricia Ohnstead announced that the7 Tom Guild with well wishingfi’iend Esther will not be seeking re-election, nor will Bahierra. Gorin photo Festival Coordinator T.J Mc~nsey. A press confbrence was held following the meeting attended by the Metro Star, OKLAHOMA CITY; OK__ Dr. Tom Oldahoma Gazette reporter Joe Wertz, Guild, a soon to be professor emeritus at the and Patricia Millel; the treasurer preceding Ms.Plante,Ms. Miller, who resigned in protest University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, was elected July 14 to be Oklahoma Count~fis at the May" 4 meeting over what she stated Democratic Party Secretary. This was a special were lax and dishonest financial practices election to fill that ot~ce which was vacated of OKC Pride had this to say," They are all with the resignation of the previous oI~ce fteaking out over this, which I can agree, they holder, Rosanne Jenny. A longtime human should be freaked out, but we slid the last ¯ rights activist, Tom was a professor at UCO one about Miles Tompkins* under the rug. I want to make sure this does not get slid under for 27 years, where he taught political science for 10 years and legal studies in the College the rug too. Whoever is responsible for this of Business for 17 years. He registered as should go to prison. My question is, will this aDemocrat 5 years ago, and has since been be treated like the last time?" very active in the part), by hosting the weekly Oklahoma County Democratic Party’s *Referring to a bounced check wdtten Speakers Lunch at the Boulevard Cafeteria, by Miles Tompkim to Lee Burrus for a Gala as well as other party activities. Along with Dinner on beha~%f OKC Pride in 200g. Mr Dr. Joan Luxemburg and Keith Smith, he Bu~us was reimbursed by OKC Pride and co-wrote a chapter in the book ’Hn Oklahoma M~ Tompkim, thru an agreement with OKC I’d Never seen Before: Alternative Views of Pride, made restitution. Oklahoma Histo~ "published in 1994. Their chapter was "Oklahoma’s Gay, Liberation Movement," the first academic publication in this area ever published. Working with the Democratic Party he Bingo like your mother never played... will work to achieve full collective bargaining rights and better wages and conditions for TULSA, OK (PRy __ This annual event Oklahoma’s workers, currently working on and fundraiser for Our House Too will be passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, held Friday, August 7th at Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom. Female impersonators will welcome which ,#could make it easier for workers to unionize. He would also work for you aboard the USS DQB cruise ship GLBT rights and human rights in general, for this, the fifth year, beginning at 8p.m. working for passage of the Employment and ending at t 1. There will be glamorous Nondiscrimination Act ( proposed Federal costumes and prizes, a silent auction and, law prohibiting employment discrimination of course, bingo! Female impersonators will against GLBTs) and repeal for the "Don’t ask perform glittering numbers from cruise ship Don’t Tell" policy of the U.S. military. showrooms to entertain the crowd. W AT Gay Man E]ec ed Oklahoma County Democratic Par v Secretary’s O ce Drag een Bingo 2009 Our House Too is a nonprofit organization serving to elirainate the social 4 those in opposition began shouting "Shame on you!" repeatedly, along with "Love thy neighbor!’while the other side simultaneously began singing God Bless America, and later both sides sang the national anthem. As feelings ran high the event got very loud but stayed peaceful. Ms.Kern did express her view that "The people who preach tolerance are not willing ro extend the same thing to someone who disagrees with them. So ladies and gentlemen, we are seeing a wonderful illustration of intolerance." Among those signing the petition was Paul Blair of Edmond’s Fairview Baptist Church, who also spoke at the rally. In spite of the mention of divorce as being part of our moral decline, it was likewise signed by former State Representative Kevin Calvey, a conservative Christian who is divorced. It was also signed by Oklahoma City Councilman J. Brian Waiters ( Ward 5), the lone OKC City Council member who voted against a parade permit for the OKC Pride Parade. The constitutionality of the event was questionable. As activist attorney Brittany Novomy pointed out, "They used Capitol grounds for this and that is an advancement of a particular religious agenda that is not necessarily representative of al! the other religions or even al! the branches of Christianity in Oklahoma. q£he LGBT caucus of the Young Democrats canae out to stand side by side with the ACLU to uphold the Oklahoma Constitution (Article 2 Section 5) that clearly prohibits the use of public property towards any sect, denomination or system of religion." . Brittany also gave, her angle about the proclamation as well. q-his proclamation suggests that the problems of our society are bdfig caused somehow by GLBT people. Frankly as a Young Democrat I believe most of ourproblems are being caused by economic problems, people not able to have healthcare for their kids or themselves, people filing bankruptcy because they lack healthcare coverage. There are a host of prob!ems facing every day Oldahomans, and I dont believe demonizing a whole subset of Oklahomans really accomplishes the goals of real working Oldahomans who want to be able to feed their families, have good healthcare, who just want the opportunity to live their lives in peace, and who believe in loving their neighbor." C.S. Thornton of the ACLU lamented, "She ( Representative Kern) blames all these things upon a great moral crisis, yet nowhere does she mention greedy V&ll Street executives or government regulators who were asleep at the switch. The most alarming thing about this proclamation is the level of scapegoating that it promotes." However, the Republican speaker of the House, Chris Benge, does not plan to sign the document, and State Representative Ryan Keisel, a Democrat called the proclamation a "divisive political stunt." State Representative A1 McAffrey, the only openly gay member of the legislature ( Democrat-District 88) has asked for an apology. There were otl-mrs that disagreed with Ms. Kern as well. The Reverend Loyce Newton Edwards, associate pastor of the Church of the Open Arms UCC stated that she felt Sally Kern was "one of the most hateful and divisive persons in America. The right thing is to respect people regardless of who they choose to love. Homophobia is wrong, it’s unGodlike." 300 ATTEND ENID’S FIRST PRIDE CELEBRATION By Nate Bowen Enid held their first Pride event Saturday July 18, which was a fabtdous picnic & festival at Meadowlake Park. Drawing over 300 people, the number in attendance set a record for aW Oklahoma first time Pride event. Starting offwith the Reverend J.E Wickey of Crosswalk United Church (Enid’s only open and affirming church), he spoke about being gay and Christian followed by a Q&A session. The band Blackwings gave a great performance, followed by Stephen Dillard-Carroll. This was followed by an OKC speaker and activist from the Young Democrats, Brittany Novotny. Around 6:30 p.ra. the crowd was treated to a drag show starring Raven Angel, Nikki Star and Colby Richards. Booths and vendors at the park ranged from Fulton’s BBQ to the Garfield County Democrats. ......... Continued see ENID PRIDE page 6 August 2009 �HoOoPoEo to Host 8th A ual DIVAS Benefit Concert for people to learn their HIV status and can connect clients to a variety of medical and social support services. For more information about HIV or sexually transmitted infections, call 1-800-535-MDS (2437). Openarms 4th Annual Fashion Show By Judy Gabbard "First l ursday" Art Opening and ey ibit with Creations from Local Artist - Nicholas K. Clark TULSA, OK (PR) __ On Sept. !2-13, 2009, Health Outreach Prevention Education (H.O.E E.) will host DWAS 2009. at the Tulsa Zoo. This year’s theme is DIVAS Gone \.gild. Proceeds from the event will help support H.O.EE. programs, such as prevention education about HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted infections, the only statewide 24-hour HIV/STD resource hotline, and the only free, anonymous testing and counseling facility in Oklahoma. This year’s concert is produced by Rebecca Ungerman, a popular Tulsa-based performer who has graced numerous venues and events in Tulsa, including the Oklal~oma Centennial Celebration and the Tulsa Perfornaing Art Center SummerStage series. The evening, celebrated in the new H.A. Chapman Event Lodge at the Tulsa Zoo, highlights Tulsds diverse musical talent with local artists covering dassic favorites. ~[hese acts come together for this annual "one time onl~# shm,~ and bring out their collective fans: This year S performei:S ind~id~ Pxeb~c~ ung~rman, Cindy Cain, Christy E. of The Red Alert, Pare Wan Dyke, ~nie Ellicotr. Fiawna Forte, John Sawyer, Darrell Christopher, Kelly Morrison. and Janet Rutland. N~e combined talent includes experience on Broadway, national and international cabaret tours, and !ocal Spot Music Awards. ~II~e evening will also include a live and silenvauction, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, and beverages. The evening gala will take place on Saturday, September 12. 7:30pm and a no frills Sund~y matinee will take.place September ! 3 at 4pro. Tickets may be purchased, beginning August 1, by contacting H.O.RE. a 918-749-TEST (8378). Tickets are $25 and $40 for general admission seats and $100 for individual table seats. A table for ten is available for $1,000. Cabaret table seats include: priority seating, publicity, auction sneak preview, and private reception with the performers which includes complimentary wine and hors d’ oeuvres. The matinee -will include the same show and champagne, with tickets ranging from $15-$50. Emcee for the event will be Mia Fleming from Fox 23. Supporters of DIVAS 2009 include Williams, F & M Bank. The Metro Star and The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa. Raising awareness of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections remains vitally important. Young people and minorities are disproportionately affected, but HIV does not discriminate. By Imowing your status, you are better able to protect yourself and others. Prevention education and testing are keys to decreasing the stigma and infection rate of HIV. H.O.EE. provides a comfortable place www.metrostarnews.com TULSA, OK (PR) __ Continuing the monthly showcase of local artists at the Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), Oldahomans for Equality (OkEq) will feature Tulsa Artist Nicholas K. Clark with an opening show and reception on Thursday, August 6th from 6-9pm and continuing throughout the month of August. Nicholas’ work is a direct reflection of his optimistic personality. From vivid oranges to metallic silvers highlighted by passionate reds, his art displays a mastery of color that cannot be taught. His mediums vary from acrylics to oils and focus on creating depth through layering and application of rich texture. Nic’s ~vorks fall into three categories: contemporary figure studies, pop art and expressionistic co!or studies. "I pull nay inspiration from fashion and music and I love working with figures because they are al~vays so challenging - the detail of a hand. the curves of a body and the. capturing of natural movement and expresslolt. 7~rn GilA.an Former Channd 23 Reporter Marianly Mendez and Miss OYP 2009: Alizay Kardashian Judy G. photo TULSA, OK Openarms Youth Project Center, located at 2015 Sm,th Lakewood Ave., Tulsa, OK, presented their 4th Annual fashion show fund raiser on July 10 and was a great success. Organizers Tim Gillean and Jerrid Horton reported that the proceeds will help continue the support of local GLBT youth of Tulsa and surrounding area. The nights title was ReFashionista. Sports and formal wear were purchased and redesigned for a splendid runway show. The evenings host, xvas Kristin Dickerson from KTUL, channel 8. Area talent added spice to the evening along with tasty hors d’oeuvres, wine and soft drinks. "Ihe silent auction ~vas an exciting array of items that were purchased by those in attendance. Funds are still needed to support the youth needs at Openarms. An), donation is appreciated. For more infbrmation call 918.838.7104. ~®t~’oSTAR 5 �France that we visited. These are affordable finds and the wines are in Oklahoma. Brief history of the grapes grown in these regions grmvn. The majority" of French Viogniers are sold as Vin de Pays in the Languedoc. In the Rhone wine region, the grape is often blended with Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache blanc. OKC Pride 2009: You be the change By Robin Dorner OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The end of June brought proud celebration to Oklahoma City with the annual gay pride event. dark color and robust tannins. Long year’s event was a huge success with more Red Bicyclette Syrah/Granche Rose ’07 known as one of the six grapes allowed (Languedoc) than ! 5,000 people attending the festivities. in the blend of red Bordeaux wine, the The party began on Friday evening at the Black Beret Grenache/Syrah Rouge ’05 French plantations~ofMalbec are now NW 39th Street Strip near Penn with the (Languedoc) found primarily in Cahors where the first annual "Friday Night Block Part’);’. Coussergues Viognier ’08 (Languedoc) Appellation Control4e regulations for The festival began Saturday morning and Beauv~gnac Sauv, gnon Blanc 08 C~hors require a minimtiin content of continued through Sunday, the parade began (Languedoc) 70% It is increasin ly ~elebrated as an around 5 pm. Chateau Trocard Montrepos Merlot ’06 Argentine varietal wine and is being This year the OKC Pride Grand Marshal (Bordeaux) gr~vn around the world. was attthor and TV personality Ruby Ann Jean-Luc Colombo L~s Abeilles Cotes The northern part of the Rh6ne Boxcar. "I just love being with my friends du Rhone Blanc ’07/Viognier & Grenache Valley; in France, remains one of the in Oklahoma City," Boxcar told the Metro Blanc undisputed reference points for the Star. "Anywhere there is a trailer park I feel OdUction of wines made with the Clos la Coutale Malbec (Cahors) ’06 like I’ve got family!" Boxcar is known as the ah grape. ~-he best examples of At Jeanne Ma6e ~ Champs Diva of the Double-Wide, a highly successful And as always, I say go to your favorite wine varietal Syrah, are the ones produced with entertainer and author who got her start in shop, ask questions and purcha~se a bottle or the appellations Hermitage, C6te-R6tie, Oklahoma City and is recognized in the US French connection t~vo. Share some food & wine with friends Comas, St-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage. and abroad. ~ sampled wines 3~om all over the world. and check this out for yourself¯ \Vgines produced in these areas have strong Guests from across the city and state fruit aromas, a good acidity, dry body and an came to join in the festivities in Midtown I’m in this photo with nay partner appreciable mineral taste. Oklahoma City. "I am here because I am Lamont. For my birthday present, he bisexual, proud and I like the scene," said sent for me to join him in France where Grenache is the dominant variety in 18 year old Ruth Leila Blailock. "It’s a he was a visiting professor in Marseille at most Southern Rh6ne wines, especially in celebration of diversity really." the University of Provence¯ ! was really Chfiteauneuf-du-Pape where it is typically "We are here today because we are This writer is one of the managers at the Grand impressed with the wines of Provence, Cotes over 80% of the blend. It is generally spicy, members of the Diversity Business Vin wine shop at Utica Square. He also bar tends berry-flavoured and soft on the palate. In du Rhone. Languedoc and Bordeauex. Association (DBA)," said Shawn Adkison, and hosts wine & food events around town known The trip took on a different focus when Australia it is typically blended in "GSM" as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. JD of the Fortune Law Center in Midtown. we traveled to Bordeaux for VinExpo, the " blends with Syrah and Mourv~dre. Grenache Adkison and his firm have been members of international wine tasting event. We’re in is also used .to make ros~ wines in France and DBA, the Oklahoma City LGBT business this photo with long time wine colleague organization, for more than three years. "We Gary Vance who caught a £1st train from think it is important ~o ne~ork together; Paris to meet up with us. This was a huge 5 www.Foodand~Hne.com promote our business organizations as ~vell day/40 thousand people wine tasting event Viognier [vee-oh-nay] wines are well-known ww~:~ikioedia.or~ as diversity in general," adds Adkison. "It is www.2he~’VorldI4q~eI~ne.com with hundreds of wine makers & marketing for their floral aromas, due to terpenes, which a good thing to show our support for DBA, ww~:Epicurious.com are also found in Muscat and Riesling wines. reps. ~aere was just no way to meet all Oklahoma and the U.S. You know, these the wine raakers and taste as much as we There are also many other powerful flower kinds of events are not permitted in every wanted.In this article, I’m highlighting some and fruit aromas which can be perceived in country." these wines depending on where they were of the grape varietals from the parts of The mission of OKC Pride, Inc. is to stage a highly visible forum for the TULSA BALLET TO organizations which serve the community PERFORM IN NEW YORK both nationally, regionally, and locally; CITY decrease external homophobia by generating future goals of Enid’s GLBTQA community, Atxendees included not just the GLBT maximum media coverage to the reality but most of the discussion centered on community, but fiunilies as well coming to Oklal~oma Governor Brad Henry and Tulsa Mayor of our community; and diminish internal how great the Enid Pride Festival was and enjoy the fun and fellowship. The following Kathy Taylor will attend Tulsa Ballet’s debut at the homophobia by presenting organizational the fun they had. That evening Crosswalk Sunday there was a forum held to discuss the Joyce Theater August 10 - 15. Special Big Apple and individual role models. Additionally, the United Church Preview Night in Tulsa on August 6 at Studio K Board of Directors believe that as a civil rights hosted a showing movement, gays and lesbians need an annual of "Prayers TULSA, OK (PR) It has been 25 years forum where individually and collectively for Bobby", a since the Tulsa Ballet has performed in New they can consider where they have been, landmark film York City. This summer the company will make its long awaited return to the Big Apple where they are now and what direction they portraying for its debut at the Joyce Theater August 10 the true story need to set. -15. of a mother Several large corporations p,,articipated Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, Governor Brad in the festival and the parade. I think it is who could not Henry and First Lady Kim Henry are among just important that we embrace people with accept her sods local and national dignitaries who will attend different backgrounds and, quite frankly, it homosexuality, the opening night performance and Patron helps our company," said Wesley Seymour who became an Gala on Monday, August 10 at the Joyce frown the Frito-Lay company. "We have a activist for gay Theater, located in the heart of Manhattads philosophy; bring your whole self to work rights following Chelsea neighborhood. Tulsa Ballet will and that is one reason I like working for his suicide. give seven performances with special events Fnto-Lay; Seymour has worked for the General consensus planned throughout the week fbr patrons and company as a District Sales Manager for three supporters of Tulsa Ballet. was that the event years. The company will present a program. was not just a National and local companies supt~orted featuring Elite Syncopations by Kenneth historic first, the event as corporate sponsors as well as MacMillan, Por vos Muero by Nacho Duato but a wonderful many local sponsors. There were also several and This is Your Life by Young Soon Hue. occasion to be local churches represented, bike riding This is Your Life was commissioned by Tulsa clubs, entertainers, The Oklahoma City celebrated every Ballet in 2008 and has since been performed Peace House and much more. For more year from now by the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany and &affVohmteets Top Row Ka~e, John, Jesse, Brandon DJ Star, TJ, Kathy, information about Pride OKC, contact www. on. the National Ballet of Ankara, Turkey. Angd A4ishalle, Bmndon "Kool Aid’; bottom row Jamie Lisa Nate okcpride.org. Malbec grapes tend to have an inky Mr. D’s 1/2 case ~;r .... Continued see BALLET page 22 August2009 6 �www, metrostarnews.com 7 �Wockner News Service Fort Worth beating victim, Chad Gibson goes home not lip service. I will meet with you wherever you want to meet. I will go to your restaurants, your house, we can eat barbecue, whatever you want to do. But ~ve’ve got to talk." Gibson, for his part, wants the raiding officers to be,~rosecuted and the city to halt its "cover-up. "You used excessive force and that’s why I got hurt," Gibson told \~rFAA-TV. "~ey have blamed it on me, that I was drunk, (that) I fell and hit my head, I groped the officer, I did this, I did that. You know ,vhat? No. Accept responsibility." In an interview with KTVT Gibson added: "I was rubbed into the concrete .... I’m just appalled that they took it to the level that they did .... They need to accept responsibility for what they did." Fort Worth police and agents fi’om the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission raided a gay bar June 28 -- the 40th anniversary ofthe Stonewall Riots -- and roughed up several patrons, inckding Chad Gibson, who now has a life-threatening blood clot on his brain. Gibson wants the officers m be prose~ted. Photo WFAA-TVscreen capmre Chad Gibson has been released from the hospital but still is in danger from a blood clot on his brain that reportedly could break loose and kill him. Gibson allegedly was beat up by cops during a June 28 raid of the Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth, Tex; Wimesses say officers stami:ned his head into a ~vall, then into the floor. ~¢¢o Other patrons ~dso were injured in the raid -- one has broken ribs and one has a broken thumb. June 28 was the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots that kickstarted the modern gay-rights movement. ¯ne violent raid -- purported to be merely one of the state’s routine checks of bars to be sure no one is too drunk -- brought heaW condemnation from gay leaders, newspaper columnists, bloggers, politicians and others. It also received extensive national news coverage. . Both the Fort Worth Police Department and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which joined in the raid, have launched interna! investigations of the incident. The results of the city police’s investigation will be reviewed by federal authorities, Mayor Mike Moncrief has promised. Apart from the raid itselfl the most controvers!al aspect Of the incident has been Police Chief Jeff Halstead’s assertions that Gibson groped one of the officers and that other patrons made what the Police Department called "sexually explicit movements" toward uniformed officers -claims that bar patrons and gay leaders have called preposterous and "lies." "You’re touched and advanced in certain ways by people inside the bar, that’s offensive," Ha!stead said shortly after the raid. "I’m happy with the restraint used when they were contacted like that." After facing ridicule for those improbable assertions, Halstead has since adopted a more conciliatory tone, telling gay people at a public meeting: "We’ve got to work together. Be patient, and you wil! see that this is just 8 Obama invites 300 GLBT leaders to White House for Stonewa 140 President Barack Obama -- under heavy fire for talking the talk but not walking the walk on numerous gay-rights promises -- had 300 GLBT leaders over to the White House on June 29 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Stonevcall Riots, which, in 1969, jumpstarted the modern gay-rights movement. "I know that many in this room don’t believe that progress has come fast enough, and I understand that," Obama said. "It’s not for me to tell you to be patient, any more than it was for othem to counsel patience to African Americans who were petitioning for equal rights a half-c~ntury ago. But I say this: We have made progress and we will make more. And I want you to know that I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises I’ve made, but by the promises that nay administration keeps." Obama also defended his decision not to issue an order stopping the military’s expulsions of openly gay members, suggesting, again, that such an approach wouldu’t work out in the long run. "As commander in chief in a time of war, I do have a responsibility to see that this change is adnainistered in a practical way and a way that takes over the long term," he said. "That’s why I’ve asked the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staffto develop a plan for how to thoroughly implement a repeal. I know that every day that passes without a resolution is a deep disappointment to those men and women who continue to be discharged under this policy -- patriots who often possess critical language skills and years of training and who’ve served this country well. But what I hope is that these cases underscore the urgency of reversing this policy not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it is essential for our national security." August 2009 �77 members o£ Congress ask Obama to suspend As national gay leaders continue to beat up on President Barack Obama for moving too slowly- on his myriad campaign promises to tile GLBT community, 77 members of Congress have written to the president asldng him ro immediately suspend en[brcement of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy pending its repe,,a~! by Congress. Tile letter outlines a new, two-step repeal plan which begins with a request that the president ’direct the Armed Services nor to initiate any invesrigarion of service personnel to determine their sexual orientation, and that [he] instruct them to disregard thirdparty accusations that do not allege violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice,’" said the Palm Center, a think tank at the University of California, Santa Barbara, that has focused extensively on the militaw’s ban on open gays. ~°The letter signals renewed efforts to stop gay discharges immediately while repeal legislation moves through Congress at a slower pace," the center said. On June 23, Obama rejected the proposal. The White House said: "President Obama remains committed to a legislative repeal of Don’t Ask, Dofft Tel!, xvhich he believes will provide a durable and lasting solution to this issue. He welcomes the commitment of these members to seeing Congress take action." Episcopal Church OKs gay- clergy, bishops 7he Anglican Communion has been deeply mired in gay angst since the Episcopal Diocese oflVew Hampshire consecrated openly gay and partnered V. Gene Robinson as its bishop in 2003. GLAAD photo The Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops and House of Deputies declared in mid-July that open gays and lesbians --celibate or not -- call serve as priests and bishops in the church. At thee church’s triennial general convention, held in Ana~heim, Calif., July 8-17, bishops voted for the policy 99-45 and deputies voted for it 155-40. Deputies who are clergy voted 77-19 and lay deputies voted 78-21. The move may well lead to a full rupture between the Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion, which has been deeply mired in gay angst since the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire ~wcvv.metrostarnews.com V. Gene Robinson as its bishop in 2003. Tile Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of Anglicanism. "The Anaheim move was seen as. in essence, a flip-off by the Americans of the Anglican hierarchy and Anglican provinces in Africa and South America that strongly opposed Robinson’s consecration. De facto international Anglican leader Rowan Williams, archbishop of Canterbury, England, had urged delegates, to the U.S. convention not to make any decisions in the co,~ing days that could push us further apart. He later said he regretted that the convention had done just that with its gayclergy decision. Delegates also voted to allow local dioceses to bless same-sex marriages and civil unions if they want to, and launched a project m creare official liturgies for the blessings. Gay Pordand mayor cleared in Breedlove affair There is no credible evidence that Sam Adams, the gay mayor of Portland, Ore., had inappropriate sexual contact with Beau Breedlove before Breedlove turned 18, Oregon Attorney General John Kroger said June 22. Adams, 45, and Breedlove, 22, have acknowledged having sex in 2005 after Breedlove’s 18th birthday, but Breedlove also had claimed the pair passionately made our prior to his reaching file age of consent, which Adams denied. "There are serious questions about the credibility of Breedlove’s account, dueto his prior inconsistent statements, the lack of corroborating witnesses or evidence, his attempt to gain personally from matters related to his involvement with Adams and his prior criminal record," Kroger concluded. "There is insufficient evidence to charge, let alone convict, Adams with illegal sexual contact with a minor." The attorney general’s office interviewed 57 people and sifted through Adams’ and Breedlove’s e-mails and text messages in arriving at its conclusion. Breedlove later posed for the gay porn magazine Unzippea~ In 2006, he pleaded guilty to felony 2nd degree theft in a case that involved $750 worth of clothes ftom a Macy’s store in Haxvaii. The revelation of the brief affair nearly ended Adams’ career earlier this year, in part because he had lied about it when asked about it during the mayoral campaign, stating that it never happened. Summer Diversi y ’09 Eureka Springs. Augus 7-9 ~ DOMESTICATE Say "I DO" and register your love with a Domestic Partner Certificate One day these certificates will be highly sought after collector items on E-bay. Tile Courthouse is closed Saturday and Sunday...City Clerk’s office is in the City Hall, lower level of the Western Carrol Count), Courthouse, 44 S. Main. Office hours are 9:30 AM - 12 Noon and 1:30 to 4:40 PM. ® YARDS AND YARDS OF YARD SALES Money Tight? Pennies on the dollar: Tile Eureka yards sales are a top stop for the bargain hunter and antique queens. Tile 15~n annual Eureka Yards and Yards of Yard Sales. Friday and Saturday 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Find locator maps at shops and restaurants. Sponsored by the Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce. ~ HEY GIRLS... LET’S iVlAKE HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE SMORES! THEN GO SNIPE HUNTING! Camping for Summer Diversity has become an annual event for many. Stay dose to title City and book your weekend with the gay friendly Kettle Campground. (479) 2539100, 4119 E. Van Buren. ° DIVA SHOP! Over 150 unique shops and galleries. Be sure and shop the Sponsors of Eureka Pride--aBens Door, Mountain Eclectic, Fusion Squared, Byrds Eye View, Antique Affaire, Tile Tourist Shop, the Inn Convenience Store, Eureka Scents. A very and Special DW DISCOUNT from Tinmaker & Glitz, 69 S. Main. ~ MIX & MINGLE The Pizza Sluts are hosting their second Diversity Welcome Mixer. The Pizza Bar, 13 N. Main, Friday, 6-8 PM. $5.95 pizza buffet. Beer specials. All ages admitted. Come feel the ~varmth...feel, touch, hug, squeeze, grope, claw, whip...Mix and mingle with the locals and visitors from around the globe. Free City p~arking after 6 PM. ERIC HIMAN DISCOVERS EUREKA Henri’s Just One More. 19 1A Spring Street. Friday Night Only! 9 PM. Eric goes solo with his first Eureka acoustical performance. ® CHER SOME TIKI LOVE ~e always popular Glam-aphonic, E lectronic, Disco Babee, Tiki Torch Dance Party! 75 S. Main Street. Homo to the exotic, diverse crowd of celebrities, beauties, rock stars, dance divas, and some good ole fashioned Str8t Bait! Cher and Cher Alike to perform LIVE on Saturday. Shmv times will be posted. o SPEED DIAL YOUR GAY SPIRITS ~Exrot Speed reads with Mistress Lynne. Yes, speed readings --Lynne will do a 10 card reading for 10 buclcs. Just takes a few minutes as opposed to the full deck 30 minute reading. Lynne uses Gay, and Lesbian ~Tarot cards for amazing GAY readings. DaBen’s Door, 45 1/2 Spring Street, across from Jack’s Place. ~ NEW DELHI Friday & Saturday live music 6:30 9:30 PM. 2 North Main. Al! ages are welcome at the New Delhi. Atmosphere aplenty. If you never dined at the New Delhi, you really should. ~ START YOUR ENGINES: SUMMER DRAG RACES Eureka Live’s Duck Tape Divas will host Drag Racing Friday & Saturday 9PM. Special Guest performer Drag King Billy Badass and the Amazing Magic of the Tinman. 34 North Main, Underground FATZ 59 CLASSIC ROCK AT JACK’S PLACE 37 Spring Street, Friday and Saturday, 9 PM Midnight. High Octane Jell-O-Shots for a Buck!!!Legendary ’HANDSOME LEE’ On The Door. It’s all happenin’ between Center and Spring. o HARDWARE AT THE YARD Lumberyard, 105 East Van Buren, The Yard has yet to disclose what they have in store. Whatever it is, they always find some way to celebrate!! EXORCISE THE HANGOVER DEMONS You want crazy? We’ll give ya crazy! A Diversity Breakfast you will never forget. Play" Name That Tung’ With Sandy at the Smokehouse Cafd, 580 West Van Buren, Saturday & Sunday, 8:30 A.M tol l:30ish, biscuits as big as your head. WIN Fabulous Prizes. Highly Recomended. o RAMPANT STREET SEX! Not really: Just some amusement for the tourist and to annoy the fundies. The Summer Diversity Public Display Of Affection Photo Shoot..12 noon, Basin Park band shell, downtown. A G-rated opportunity to smooch your sweetie-or the perfect stranger-for posterity. Eureka Pride has treats to pass out for the first to come, first to get. Park Music Stylings, ! 2 - 2 PM Jones Van Jones, 2-4 PM 2 - 4 Cletus Got Shot, 4-6PM 4 - 6 The HillBenders. OPEN ARMS SPIRITUALITY Saturday.Discussion on the spiritual path of the Sufis with Sufi Master: Don Kitz at Eureka Springs Library Annex 2 - 4 PM Sunday Discussion on the spiritual path of Wicca with Wiccan Priest: Tymythy Aieran at Eureka Springs Library Annex 1 - 3PM ...... Continued See EUREY,~k Page-20 MORTUARY SERVICE, =¢ #~®t~°oSTAR 9 �N Wockner News Service gay sex ban struck down 17% of GLBTs decriminalized Following an @t-year court battle, India’s Delhi High Court legalized gay sex tidy 2 in a forcefid and poetic ruling that had GLBT activists ~ying in the courtroom. Marchers protested the sodomy ban at last year’s Delhi gay pride parade. Wockner News photo by Sonali Gulati Following an eight-year court battle, India’s Delhi High Court legalized gay sex July 2 in a forceful and poetic ruling that had GLBT activists crying in the courtroom. The ruling took effect immediately -nationally -- and will remain in effect unless the Supreme Court reverses it. Several major Western media outlets erroneously reported July 2 that the ruling only applied in New Delhi. The court decision "read dowff’ Section 377 of the Indian Pena! Code so that it no longer applies to the activities of consenting adults. The section bans "carnal intercourse against the order of nature ,vith any man, woman or animal" under penalty of 10 years to life in prison. The court smashed 377’s application to gay people in myriad ways, finding it violated a constitutional guarantee of equality under the law, a constitutional ban on discrimination based on sex, and constitutional promises of personal liberty and protection of life. The ruling is chock-full of soaring statements in support of India’s GLBT population, including: * "The critninalisation of homosexuality condemns in perpetuity a sizable section of society and forces them to live their lives in {he shadow of harassment, exploitation, humiliation, cruel and degrading treatment at the hands of the law enforcement machinery. ... Section 377 IPC grossly violates their right to privacy and liberty embodied in Article 21 insofar as it criminalises consensual sexual acts between adults in private." * "Section 377 IPC targets the homosexual community as a class and is motivated by an animus towards this vulnerable class of people .... It has no other purpose than to criminalise conduct which fails to conform vdth the moral or religious views of a section of society. Tile discrimination severely affects the rights and interests of homosexuals and deeply impairs their dignity." 10 ~>{~’oSTAR * "When everything associated with homosexuality is treated as bent, queer, repugnant, the whole gay and lesbian community is marked with deviance and perversity.... The result is that a significant group of the population is, because of its sexual non-conformity, persecuted, marginalised and turned in on itself." * "We hold that sexual orientation is a ground analogous to sex and that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is not permitted by Article 15 .... A provision of law branding one section of people as criminal based wholly on the State’s moral disapproval of that class goes counter to the equality guaranteed under Articles 14 and 15 under any standard of review." .... [R]ight to personal liberty’ and ’right to equality’ are fundamental human rights. which belong to individuals simply by virtue of their humanity: ... A Bill of Rights does not ’confer’ fundamental human rights. It confirms their existence and accords them protection." "~ "Indian Constitutional laxv does not permit the statutory criminal law to be held captive by the popular misconceptions of who the LGBTs are. It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster the dignity of every individual .... We declare that Section 377 IPC, insofar it criminalises consensual sexual acts of adults in private, is violative of Articles 21, 14 and t5 of the Constitution." What happens next? The national government could appeal the ruling to India’s Supreme Court, though that is considered unlikely; the national government could both accept the ruling and use it as ammo to introduce a bill in Parliament to duplicate the ruling in national law; and/or anti-gay parties to the lawsuit could appeal to the Supreme Court. But until such time as the Supreme Court overturns the Delhi ruling, India’s GLBTs -- who comprise more than 17 percent of all GLBT people on the planet -- are no longer criminals. India has a population of nearly 1.2 billion people. The erroneous reports that the ruling did not apply outside of New Delhi appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, on the Associated Press ~vire and elsewhere. (For correct information, see bit.ly/WeX,vO and bit. ly/7su4o.) "Every major media outlet in the ~vorld got this wrong because they don’t understand how the Indian courts work," said journalist Vikram Doctor of India’s Queer Media Collective. "It will apply nationally until somebody challenges that at the Supreme Court, which is where this case is going to end up anyway." In most common-law court systems, including India’s in this case, the decision of an appellate court binds lower courts within its territorial iurisdiction and also is the ’last’ word on the subject nationally unless a court of equa! authority elsewhere makes a contrary decision or the supreme court reverses the decision. An appellate decision also binds the parties in the case (which include the Indian government in this case) r~gardless of where they are in the country. Meanwhile, gay pride parades were staged in four Indian cities June 27-28 -- New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Bhubaneshwar. At least 2,000 people marched in New Delhi. Marches are still to come in Mumbai and Kolkata. 300 march in Sofia Around 300 people marched in the second gay pride parade in Sofia, Bulgaria, on June 27, twice as many as last year. Police and private security officers, hired by pride organizers, protected the marchers to prevent a recurrence of last year’s violence, when sldnheads and right-wing extremists attacked the parade with bottles, rocks, eggs, firecrackers, smoke bombs and Molotov cocktails, resulting in 80 arrests. This ),ear’s march, which traveled from the National Palace of Culture~to the Red House debate club, encountered nothing more serious than some booing. Organizers called for a law to bail anti-gay discrimination in employment. Liza does Paris Pride Singer and gay icon Liza Minnelli danced on a float in Paris’gay pride parade flme 2Z To her left.: Gay Paris Mayor Bertrand DelanM. Photo by Nikolai Alekseev Singer and gay icon Liza Minnelli danced on a float in Paris’ gay pride parade June 27. Minnelli is the daughter of gay icon Judy Garland, whose death five days before the Stonewall Riots 40 years ago is thought to have contributed to the foul mood of the gays who decided to fight back against the police raid of the Stonewall Inn. "Freedom," Minnelli shouted from the float. About 700,000 people took part in the festivities. "We knew that she (Minnelli) had a concert this evening in Paris but when her agent told us that she could come, we thought it was a joke," Pride spokesman Philippe Castel mid Agence France-Presse. Berlin also held Pride on June 27. About 550,000 people turned out, reports said. Gay pride goes well in Jerusalem, for a change About 2,000 people marched in Jerusalem’s gay pride parade June 25 without incident, but for one tossed egg. Previous years’ marches have been met with violent protests, stabbings and the arrest of a man carrying a bomb. Police protection was reduced this year, to a mere 1,600 officers. No matter who you are o are on life’s journey, -Re~ere~d Dr. K~hy 3131 hi. Pennsylvania, Oklaho 405.525.9555 August 2009 �New group forms to help gay refugees Saudis arrest 67 cross- A new organization in San Francisco aims to help GLBT refugees ~vho are fleeing sexual or gender-based violence in their native lands. Only through raising consdousness of LGBT refugee issues to governments, refugee organizations, communities and the media, will help come to these individuals, who are among the most persecuted people in the world today," the Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration said in a statement. The group provides free legal counsel for GLBT refugees who have escaped their home countries, and it will conduct ’\videranging international advocacy to advance the protection of all LGBT refugees and asylum seekers." "LGBT refugees often fall through the cracks of the international refugee regime," said Executive Director Neil Grungras. "They have escaped systematic hatred and violence at home, and their LGBT identity brings serious new threats to their safety and protection in countries of first asylum. MaW live in a toxic mix of destitution and desperation. "The recent surge in homophobic violence in Iraq has shone a spodight on the painful truths we’re dealing with first-hand in the Middle East. LGBTs are the most persecuted people in many regions of the world today. For every reported execution, there are likely tens of judicially or family-sanctioned murders." In recent months, several Iraqigays have been shot to death by militias and anti-~ay family or tribe members; Some have h~dtheir anuses glued shut by deah squadsi arid there have been allegaions of executions by the government. Reports in April said gay men were being captured and their anuses superglued with something called "American gum," after which they were being forced to ingest a diarrhea-causing substance and sometimes died. Scott Long, director of Human Rights Watch’s LGBT Rights Division, visited Iraq in April and "collected several accounts" of the practice, which reportedly can be seen in mobile-phone videos that have been passed around inside the country. Massive abuses are taking ~lace ~ Baghdad, and apparently in other cities in the center and south," Long said. "XWe may never know the full sweep and scope of the killings so far, amid a pervasive insecurity that brutalizes innumerable people and devastates multiple communities, but we ate ,d°ing everything we,.,.can to,, determine and ctocument accountability. Police arrested 67 mostly Filipino men for wearing women’s clothing June 13 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The roundup took place at a private residence during a Philippines Independence Day party. The men were charged with imitating women and possessing alcohol. Similar arrests in the past have led to imprisonment and floggings. "If the police in Saudi Arabia can arrest people simply because they don’t like their clothes, no one is safe," said Human Rights Watch researcher Rasha Moumneh. "Arresting and charging people simply because the police decide that their appearance is unacceptable strikes at the heart of human freedom." Poles hate same-sex Seventy-five percent of Poles oppose legalization of same-sex marriage and 87 percent say gay couples shouldn’t be allowed {o adopt chi]’dren, a Gt~ Polonia poll has found. ~e poll is the latest example of the wide gulf on _~ay acceptance that separates Western Europe ~rom the European nations that used to be part of the Communist bloc. Same-sex marriage is legal in Europe in Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden -- and most other Western European nations have civil-union laws for gay couples. www.metrostarnews.com I million & prime minister’s wife at London Pride dressers Ukraine bans Briino Sacha Baron Cohen’s new gay flick Br~ino has been banned in Ukraine for alleged immorality, obscenity and impropriety. The Culture Ministry said it was displeased with the movie’s "artistically unjustified" gay-sex scenes, obscene language, nudity, graphic homosexuality, sadisra and anti-soc.ial behavior. In the U.S., the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation also has dissed the film. "The filmmakers wanted to use satire to highlight and challenge homophobia," said GLAM) President Jarrett Barrios. "But their film also reinforces troubling attitudes about gay people in ways that run counter to the intentions ofthe filmmal~ers. "The movie repeatedly builds entire scenes around stock stereotypes and situations that make gay people and families the butt of crude jokes. I can’t help but think of all the teenage kids already getting bullied, beat up and ridiculed for being -- or for being thought to be -- gay. For these kids, this movie will give their tormentors one more word in the anti-gay lexicon of slurs: Br~no." Some gay bloggers and Facebook users who have seen the film say GLAAD is humorless and needs to find its funnybone -- a charge the group occasionally has encountered before. Group says GLBT activists targeted after Honduran coup ~he International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission on July 17 condemned "the recent murder and arbitrary arrests of... LGBT activists in Honduras." "IGLHRC has learned that these human rights abuses have occurred as a direct result of the military coup on June 28 ... which ousted that country’s democratically elected government," the group said. A transgender activist xvas shot dead June 29 a block from the gay community center in the city of San Pedro Sula, IGLHRC said. "Local activists in Honduras claim she was killed by military police patrolling the streets," the organization reported. Five other GLBT activists -- Hdctor Licona, Donny Reyes, Patrick Pav6n, Claudia ...... Continued see HONDURAS page 20 One million people, including Sarah Brown, wife of Prime Mimster Gordon Brown, took part m Londons gay pride pamde July 4. ScotsGay ph~to One million people and Sarah Brown, xvife of Prime Minister Gordon BroWn, took part in Londoffs gay pride parade Jnly 4. Mrs. Brown carried a red, white and pink Union Jack flag. Members of the military marched in uniform, as did firefighters and a contingent from British Airways. Prior to the march, Mr. Brown met with organizers at his residence and said theUnited Kingdom has made "massive strides" in the march toward gay equality. Marriage is almost the last thing on the agenda for British GLBTs. An existing civilpartnership law grants registered same-sex couples all the rights of marriage. Noted gay activist Peter Tatchell carried a sign in the parade that read: "Gordon & Sarah can marry, gays can’t. End the ban on gay marriage." He wore a T-shirt that said "Homo Libertd, Egatitd, Sexualit&" 1 million at Madrid Pride, 35,000 at Barcelona Pride About 35,000 people marched in Barcelona’s first large-scale gay pride parade June 28. Photo by Yves Bohic A million people turned out for Madrid’s gay pride parade July 4. With same-sex marriage already legal and little left to fight for, organizers put forth the theme of greater freedom for GLBT young people in schools. In Barcelona, about 35,000 people marched June 28. It was the city’s first largescale pride parade. The procession began at Plaga de la Universitat and ended at Plaga d’Espanya. ~®t~oSTAR 11 �p t the °°gay" in Christian, 12 ~;~STAR August 2009 �AUGUST H TH 2009 O A M ~ENTER TO WIN BANTA www.metrostamews.com ~etroSTAR 13 �14 #~troSTAR August 2009 �We have found Heaven and it is BOOTHBA¥ HARBOR, MAINE by Donald Pile and Ray Williams Photo: From a room with a viw~ Topside Inn On our recent 4 week driving trip to the east coast we visited a lot of cities, towns and villages and had a wonderful time at each of them. All were fun, interesting and exciting to visit however our stay in Boothbay Harbor, Maine was "beyond fabulous"! We first checked into the Topside Inn. It is located on the tallest hill in the city and was a 19th century sea captain’s home. They also have guest cottages to the side of the main house. They have a total of 21 guest rooms. The owners, Brian Lamb and Ed McDermott have mvned the Inn for several years and they certainly know how to do everything PJGHT !!!!! The views of the harbol; ships, seals, birds and the flora and fauna from the Inn are absolutely incredible! ~le view from our room looking out into the harbor was just like a movie set! This truly was Heaven! All guest rooms have their own private in-suite bathrooms, cable TV and dial-out telephone. King, queen, or two beds are available. All rooms include hair dryers, irons and ironing boards. Brealdqast is something that is a "DO NOT MISS". A fabulously scruraptious si~down breal’~ast is served every morning in the breakfast room which overloolcs the bay. It iust doesn’t get any better! We me~ a lot of wonderful gnests from all over the country while staying there. Many guests return time and time again because of the great way that Brian and Ed makes all of their guests feel a~ home. Everything about this Inn is perfect! The owners should open a school for innkeepers on the right w~ay to run an hm. And did we mention the incredible views that we had from our room at the Iun? There’s the sunrise and the famous footbridge over the inner harbor, to the lighthouses, islands, out to sea, aud the western sunset. Their website is: http://www.topsideinn.com/and their toll free phone is 1-888-633-5404 or you can emait them at info@topsideinn.com. Downtown Boothbay is just a couple of blocks down the hill and it is filled ~vith quaint restaurants, galleries, shops and the www.metrostarnews.com the waterfront piers. You can take excursion boat trips ranging from an hour cruise to a full day at sea. Visit the Historical Society in Boothbay Harbor and the Museum in Southport to learn about ice cutting and ship building in days gone by. See the handiwork of local boat yards, which continue the tradition in state-of-the art materials, and keep aliv~ their heritage of world-class boat builders. Watch the lobstermen tend their traps, or put to sea for a close enconnter with a barnacleencrusted whale. Actually, Boothbay Harbor has been around since the 1700’S when it was a fishing village and shipbuilding center. By 1900 over 500 vessels had been built in the region. Tl~e first morning we visited the Botanical Gardens which was a real treat. Check it out at va*av.mainegardens.org. It is New England’s largest botanical garden on 248 waterfront acres with beautiful gardens, waterfront trails, sculpture and much, more. Enjoy collections of roses, native plants, rhododendrons and thousands of other perennials, ornamental trees, shrubs and spring bulbs. It is a ,vonderful walldng tour and you can either take a guided tour on visit it by yourself. They are open 9 to 5 everyday and all year long. No trip to Boothbay Harbor would be complete without taking a Schooner Eastwind cruise. Herb and Doris Smith have built six schooners and have sailed around the world t~vice with their children. They offer a 2 V2 hour cruise in the harbor where you can visit several small islands, birds, seals and other sea life and a lighthouse. They have 3 or 4 cruises everyday. Call 207.633.6598 to make a reservation. This is the finest Schooner cruise that we have ever taken. Herb and Doris really enjoy telling people about their travels and explains everything about the Schooner. This is the only cruise to take! And now, the best of the best when it comes to dining. In our travels from coast to coast we have never had such a fabulous dining experience as we had our last night in -Boothbay Harbor. Ports of Italy is a family owned and operated restaurant. Chef Davide Rossi and his wife Christa are the owners. We used taste buds that we have not used in years! We are NOT talking spaghetti and meatballs here, but a full range of northern Italian cuisine that is mouth-watering tasty. Between courses be sure and try their Intermezzo to cleanse your palette with the fabulously, delicious Lemon Sorbet and Vodka Slush. Just be sure and save room for some of the wonderful desserts. Their website is www.portsofitaly.com. As we said, in all of our travels, this is the finest dining experience that we have ever had! We had a 7 course meal that night and everything that we had was "beyond" fabulous and we know that we will never, ever have a dining experience so grand as this one. That is, until we return to Boothbay Harbor again. Boothbay Harbor is a wonderful place to spend a week or two and just relax, enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. Forget going to the Red Door for a complete rejuvenation of yourself. UCAN, INC TO FOCUS ON HIV/ AIDS PR£VENTION By Victor Gorin Reverend Loyce Newton Edwards of Church of the Open Arms UCC. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK In 2008 UCAN Inc. ( United Church of Christ MDS/HIV Network) was formed under the Health and Wholeness Ministry of the United Church of Christ to establish a program for people of faith to address the issues of HIV/MDS. This will feature a special focus on HIV prevention. Among 8 members of UCAN’s Board of Directors, one is the Reverend Loyce Newton-Edwards of UCC’s Church of the Open Arms in Oklahoma City, and another is the Reverend Leslie Penrose of Tulsa’s Community of Hope UCC Church. States Reverend Loyce, " I’m excited about this new ministry because through the United Church of Christ we can work vdth local community partners to develop HIVIMDS programs, including a focus on prevention. \Ve want to do something positive, to expand our territory of ministry to include a specific outreach to those infected and affected by HIV/MDS. " UCAN has applied for a grant from the Federal Center for Disease Control which would be over 2 million dollars, but as of press time it has nor yet been approved. This outreach would bring needed services to people in need wherever UCC churches are located, throughout the United States and abroad. Instead iusr go to Boothbay Harbor, and don’t forget to stay at the wonderful Topside Inn. Owners Brian and Ed are the best of the best. For more information go to ,vww. boothbayharbor.com. Always remember to have fun ,vhen traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! }~®{~’oSTAR 15 ��18, @Club 209, Tulsa @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ The End Up, Tulsa August 2009 �ARE YOU WONDERIN WHEI EVERYONE ItAS BEEN LATELY? Open Every Day 4pro to 2am 836 - 09 q 5 Monda.y Friends and Family @ 6pm Dancers @ 10pm Tuesday $0.50 Draught Beer Night Dancers @ 10pm Wednesday Pool Tournament @ 8pm Dancers @ 10pm Thursday Bin" Bingo with E-Lyra St. James @ 7pm Dancers @ 10pm Friday Dancers @ 10pm Saturday Dancers@ 10pm Sunday Free Pool All Day DanCers Open Every Day at 2pro {9"!8} 437 -0449 Monday Movie Madness - Showtimes 7pm and lOpm Tuesday Drama Lite- All the Gay, Half the Drama Wednesday A Night in Vegas Drag Show @ 10pm Thursday $0.50 Draught Beer Night Friday Cabaret Night @ 8pm Saturday Big Gay Dating Game w/Daphne Rio @ 10pm Sunday Disco Night @ 9pm The Hideaway Tropical Lounge becomes the World’s Smallest Disco ww~v.metrostarnews.com @etroSTAR 19 �By Camper English q-he Mixer Mix-up Much as I love the name, I can’t bring myself to consume what the kids today are calling the Skinny Bitch. This cocktail is usually made with a flavored vodka, Diet Coke. and a squeeze of lime. My issue with the drink doesfft involve the liquor, but with the artificially flavored and sweetened soda. But the Skinny Bitch is not really a drink focused on the Coke: it’s a drink focused on the Diet. Also focusing on the diet is a writer named Teresa Marie Howes, who wrote a whole book on diet drinks this year called Skinnydnis. Most of the recipes in the book cut calories in cocktails by adjusting the amounts of liqueurs and mixers. ,as distilled spirits like gin and vodka all have about the same -~ number of calories per volume. Her drinks call for light or diet iuices and sodas, and flavored water and other mixers ~ ~:~ ~ instead of sugarladen liqueurs in ~_o~ recipes. She makes crab/placements like swapping out the orange liqueur in a Margarita with light orange juice and Sweet ’N Low. One set of mixers that are often mixed tip are soda water and tonic water. They, both have water in the name so you can understand the confusion, but the two are vastly different liquids. Soda water is carbonated water, and mixes well with vodka. (Gin not so much.l Tonic water pairs well with more spirits, and is consumed in different countries with vodka, gin, rum. tequila, and even Port wine. But tonic began as a tonic - a medicine used to prevent and cure malaria. It gets its flavor from the very bitter quinine that was once harvested from the bark of the cinchona tree, niclmamed the "fever tree" as it cured the malarial fever. To make the powdered bark palatable, explorers and soldiers in mosquito-intense countries around the world added sugar to the solution. Later, gin was added and the G&T was born. Hooray for medicine! The important thing to note in that last paragraph is the use of sugar. Its presence (or more commonly, the presence of high fi’ucmse corn syrup) in drinks means it has those calories you’ve been trying to avoid. Many people think they’re sipping a diet drink when they choose tonic water, but 20 really they may as well be swilling cola. Now that I’m a fully functioning cocktail snob, I don’t drink the tonic water, sodas and juices that come out of the cocktail squirter in bars at all. I like fresh juices and mixers without artificial sweeteners - and it turns out these typically have less calories than do the sugared-up cranberry juice and sodas you’ll get in most bars anyway. At home. you can buy high quality mixers with natural and organic sweeteners for your cocktails: Out at the clubs though, you probably won’t have that option, so you can opt for diet soda or soda water as mixers. Or better yet, opt for that sugar-laden Apple-Cosmo-Choco~Tini at the bar. and then spend the night worldng off those calories on the dancefloor. Camper English is a cacktails and spirits writer andImblisher ofAlc~mics.com Census Bureau will count married gay couples as married The U.S Census Bureau said June 19 it will count married gay couples as married in the 2010 census. The prior plan had been to retabulate such couples as "unmarried partners," an existing census-form category, because of the federal ban on recognition of samesex marriages. Gay activists, as part of their recent broadside against President Barack Obama’s inaction on gay issues, had srepped up their criticism of the plan to skew the data. Gay marriage is legal in three states and wil! be legal in five, six or raore by the time of the census. TABC says Texas bar raid was a big mistake By Rex Wockner The head of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission told the gay newspaper Dallas Voice on July 16 that his officers committed multiple "clear violations" of agency policy when they and local police raided the gay bar Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth on June 28, the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The violent raid put patron Chad Gibson in a hospital intensive-care unit with bleeding on his brain. Two other patrons sustained lesser injuries and several patrons were arrested for the crime of having drunk too much. "I don’t think you have to dig very deep to figure out that TABC has violated some of their policies," Alan Steen said. "XTqe know that and I apologize for that .... It’s real dear that however it is that ~ve were doing business that night is not the typical TABC." "You can read (our) policy and you can figure out really quickly, TABC shotfldn’t have even been there," he said. "If our guys would have followed the damn policy, we wouldn’t even have been there .... We don’t participate in those kinds of inspections when there’s not probable cause or reasonable suspicion or some public safety matter to be inspected." * THREE IMPROMPTU POOL PARTEAZE ON TAP FOR SATURDA~ The guests of the TRADEWINDS, home of the "HIDDEN POOL" are welcome to host their own s~vim party. Invite your friends over for an impromptu after dark ........ dip in the pool Reserve your Tradewinds themed room nmv by calling David or Terry (479) 253-9774, request the Summer Diversity Weekend rate. Land O Nod aka:The Pink Palace, POOL PART~. Guests are welcorne to invite their new friends, old friends, and even the Xfriends over for a swim... No glass...Plenty of towels...Pool honrs will be extended until 12 midnight... Toll Free: 1-800-526-3263 Local Phone: (479) 253-6262. Rooms as low as 59.00 a night...mffst request DW rate. Alvin & Charlie are hosting a PRIVATE MEN ONLY POOL PARTY at their private residence. MUST drop by the Byrds Eye View, 36 North Main or Contact EurekaPride Sponsors Alvin & Charlie for an invitation and details. Toll Free: 888 210-8401 ° STRADDLE THIS... For those who enjoy the thrill of wrapping your legs around a tornado of pounding pistons, THE DIVERITY BIKER’S OZARKS FUN RUN’ Sat. August 8, 11 AM, Planers Parking Lot Hwy 23 N. (Main St.) and Hwy. 62. This ride will require a helmet. Also, bring a bathing suit, if you want to take a dip. There will be a lunch stop during the ride. ~ NOWWE’RE HUNGR~q FREE GOURMET BUFFET & ARTIST RECEPTION at the new Dreamweaver Gallery, 184 N. Main. Gallery owners David artd Melanie go top chef with a full dinner buffet. Drop by for a culinary adventure, art, and meet their featured guest, art photographer Matt Johnson. Check out all the Eureka art during the "2ND Saturday ~Gallery Stroll,~’ on Saturday from 3- 8 PM. SHAYdN NOT STIRRED! Henri’s Just One More. 19 V2 Spring Street. Saturday Night Karaoke Dance Party with DJ’S Shakin" not Stirred. IMPORTA_NT REMINDER- BE COOL, BE SEEN, BE SAFE: avoid those Diversity buzz-killers like getting a DUI or trying to find a parking place downtown. Eureka Springs Limousine. $5.00 point to point. Call 479-363-6055 for your PICK-UP! Cervantes and Lizeth iivila -- were arrested, detained and beaten June 29 in Tegucigalpa, the capital, IGLHRC said. "Nae arrests occurred while the activists were participating in a demonstration in support of the democratically elected government," the group said. The five activists are well-known GLBT leaders. "The recent coup in Honduras is an illegal assault on democracy that violates the rights of all Honduran citizens, including those ,vho identify as LGBT," said IGLHRC Executive Director Cary Alan Johnson. "We especially deplore the vicious murder and arbitrary arrests of LGBT people in the wake of this crisis." August2009 �by Jack Fertig August 2009 "Keep it light, Sagittarius" Mercury in Leo trine to Eris provokes bold partisan assertions. There’s healthy room for that, but it can go overboard. Mercury then opposes Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius. leading through confusion, perhaps to improvement in ideals and philosophy. "You stand a better chance of improving yourself, not othe rs. ARIES (Narch 20-Apri~ 19): Culture clash can give you a better sense of who you are and who you’re not, but that will be challenged again when you reassess political ideals. Confusion and change are necessary steps to growth. Just walk through it. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20): Pride in home and family can clash with honesty about sameness. Ask yourself the hard questions that have never been answered. "Your insights could lead to reconsidering career goals. New answers there would also be helpful! GEN~NI~ (Nay 21- June 20): Your brilliant ideas can be very helpful in political long-range planning, but they wil~ start up arguments over principles, A real world approach may be needed to get idealist notions down to earth, but grounding will not come easily. SAGITTAR~US (November 22 - December 20): You need a forum for your opinion. Keep it light and playful and more people will listen. Appeal to emotions more than logic. Sticking to ideals and principles may be safer than citations that you’re "reasonably sure" of. 1 4 12 LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Playful banter with friends can lead you into a situation, pushing you to take sides, or you mig ht be able to negotiate a common ground between opposing camps. Solutions may defy logic. Creativity and intuition serve much better! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21}: You can make an effective gobetween for colleagues and bosses. Being clear about which side you’re on will make you more effective. Your focus on career can be a distraction from problems at home. Your distraction could even be the problem. w~vw.metrostarnews.com 10 11 ’12 !13 16 ! 33 ~ 39 40 ~ 58 }59 60 DovTI3 Across t Figure skater Doug 2 Nuts 0fa tall one 3 It’s deep in a movie title 4 Hall ’Universi~ 5 ~tflavor for gin 6 Shining examples CANCER (June 21o Ju~y 22): Know your worth and hang out with the right people in your profession, those whose level you should be at. Strutting you~ Stuff in the Sack - maybe some exhibitionism?, can open up new channels for fantasy and exploration. V~RGO (August 23 - September 22): That buzz in your brain, perhaps about mortality or sexual identity, could prove enlightening. See where it leads. Worries about health should motivate you to better exercise and hygiene. (There’s always room for improvement!) 9 8 ~ AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Arguments with your partner are inflamed by a sense of competition. Remember, you’re on the same side! Together you can be unbeatable. Selfdoubt can be a good thing if it leads you to better answers. Island of Diamond Head Beach Come-on after following a gay guy? LEO (July 23 -August 22): The simplest observation can quickly become an ideological or academic thesis. That could be good, clarifying your own sense of where you stand. In relationships, however, your position may baffle you. Enjoy the mystery; it won’t last long. 7 ~ 15 CAPRICORN (December 21 January 19): Leaning on your own ethnic identity, or your ethnic preferences, can help you strut your hot stuff. Sexual preference for a certain skin color may be racist, or not. It’s all in the context and attitude. Checking your own couldn’t hurt. HSCES (February 19 - Narch 19): If you must argue with colleagues, make sure it’s about something important; remember you’re ultimately on the same team. Is it really something at work that’s bothering you? Take time out, and meditate to find the real problem. 6 3 7 Prefix with physics 8 ~]ite~ A Boys Own 9 Frank of the House 10 Jaclde~ designer 1t Liza, to Lorna 12 Sept. follower 13 Month in Madrid 2l Dish nanie 22 Not in the pink 25 Antigay prejudice, e.g. 26 Phil of folk music 27 Home ofth~ Buckeyes 30 Be under the weather 32 Yellow-bri& way nd_ 45 Day before saying "~GIF" ~7 Halfofa pair 0fballs Community for People living H W/A D S A 50’! 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 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-rnail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net Solution page 23 evidence 59 Way cool 60 Hydrocarbon su~x ~’ ~troSTAR 21 �by Greg Fox Another artistic aspect of Tulsa Ballet is its commitment to create art in Oklahoma and export it to the world. With this concept in mind, the compaW built Studio K: a 300 seat, $6 million theater, dedicated to the creation of new art. This Is Your Life vcas among the first works to be presented in the new theater. Created loosely on the concept of the 1950’s television show that bore the same name, this work merges drama, humor, acting and stunning dancing to tell the stoW of its characters. Tulsa Ballet will perform according to the fi~llowing schedule at The Joyce ~neater in New’~%rk City from August 10 - 15: Monday - \Vednesday at 7:30 pro, Tnursday- Saturday at 8pm and Sunday- at 2pro. Tickets for these performances are $19; $29; $39 and can be arranged by calling JoyceCharge a 212-242-0800 " or online at "~mv.joyce.org. NOTE: Ticket prices are subject to change. %e Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at I9th Street in Chelsea. If you can’t make the trip to see the company in New York, Tulsa Ballet is hosting a Big Apple Preview- Night in Tulsa on N~ursday, August 6 at Studio K, 1212 East 45th Place. Tickets are still available for this special event featuring a wine and hor d’ouevres reception at 6:30 pm followed by the performance at 7:00 pm. Tne evening will culminate with champagne and desserts on stage with the compan> Tickets can be purchased by contacting Amy Miller, Director of Development at (918) 392-5933. The 2009-20 I0 Tulsa Ballet Season begins in October with the Oklahoma premiere of Ben Stevensoffs spectacular production of Dracula that will be performed in Tulsa and Oklahoma City during the Halloween season. Subscription packages are on sale now and can be ordered by calling the Tulsa Ballet box office at (918) 7496407. For more information about Tulsa Ballet, please visit ~.~xvw.tutsaballetaorg. SCANDINAVIAN New Rainbow Sweater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . w~,w~thega)mar{oonsite.corn Webs#e - wvs~c.kylecornics.com 22 fi%t~"oSTAR E-Mail- KylesBnB@~ol.com August 2009 �° oming Out t-LABANA INN 2200 iNg/39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY IGRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ROUTE 66 ANTIQUE MALL 4624 E. 1 lth Street Tulsa OK 918-836-3838 VALERIE W]LLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 NATH_AN BLACK PRIMERICA 10820 E. 45th #305 Tulsa, OK 918-615-8177 nblack.rnv39@prinaerica.com OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. WALNUT AVE. Oklahoma City, OK 800-913:1310 A2qGLES 21 st Oklahoma vr~#.anglesclub.com .............. BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tt~sa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.ctubmajestictulsa.com Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 w#w.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oldahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pro MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org OY~AEIOMANS for EQUALITY 621 Ei 4d~ Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 wv~aokeq.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Negates Ave Tulsa, OK741~7 : 918-585-9552 IGRA Aurora, CO www.igra.com 202-957-6187 KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-882-6127 JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 ARMANDO AMOR Keller Williams Realty 1624 SW 122nd Oldahoma City, OK 73170 405-473-6870 Armando Amor Phone: 405-473-6870 Fax: 405-691.2708 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESS\gAy" Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 vc~w¢.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH FA’~PRESSW’AY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn THE KITCHEN 2218 NW" 39th Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Located inside the BOOM THE MARI~ET PLACE ON 39th 2235 N.W. 39th Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-5555 Eureka Springs, AR www.eurelcasprings.org THE K~TCHEIN , : 2218 NW 39th Oklahoma City, OKC 7311’,~ BUY GI Joe Action Figures (12" size Only) NOW OPEN !!in iae Marketplace on 39th Open Tues.-Sun 12 Noon to 11PM. Featuring Chef Susie Lopez. 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Chuck 8reckenridge Email: srarnews@ sbcglobal.net Call Robin @ 405-590-2871 E SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY E WWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM Wl~ether buying or selling 1’11 work hard for you. ~letroSTAR 23 �300 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque for ~n The Demented Divas in Totally Plowed From Truckers to Nascar, from Trailer Parks to Dollywood, the Divas Poke Fun at the Most Famous Country Western Divas. Sandy Vee Anderson in a Tribute to Dolly Parton See the Award Winning, Top Dolly Impersonator from Las "Vegas legends in Concert and CMT, MTV, and VHI. vvww.mypromoreei.com/ sandy_anderson.html Sheraton A~buquerque Uptown Call 800-252-7772 ~onday - Friday, 8 a.~. - 5 p.m. (MS~ for the ~ntem~t~on~ Gay Ro~eo ~ssoc~t~o~ R~te of $85/n~g~t August2009 � 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 One million people, including Sarah Brown, wife of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, took part in London’s gay pride parade July 4. MORE on page 11 THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR G T OKLAHOMA VOLUME 6 iSSUE 8 MetroStarN÷ws.com AUGUST 1,2009 S 0KLAHOMAAGAIN! The crowd was about equally divided among those supporting her views and those opposed. Those in opposition began shouting Shame on you! repeatedly, alon~-with "Love-thy neighb6r!" - By Victor Gorin State Representative Sally Kern, Dis#qct 84 at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Gorin photo $ 0,000 By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK On Monday July 13 an emergency meeting and press conference ofOKC Pride was hdd at Epworth Methodist Church to deal with the disappearance of a sum estimated to be within the $10,000 to $15,000 range. This cash, which was supposed to have been deposited in the OKC Pride bank account, was derived from contributions, T shirt sales and purchase tickets sold on behalf of vendors. Apparendy assumed to be deposited in OKC Pride’s Chase Bank account by Treasurer Christine Plante, OKC Pride Co-Chair Patti Thompson was surprised to receive word from the bank the following Wednesday after the Pride Weekend that the OKC Pride account was over $4,000 overdrawn, and thus learned that An emergency meeting about this was held by the Board of Directors Thursday July 9 at the Boom, and Ms. Plante was allegedly contacted and asked to be at this meeting, but she did not show up. Although offidally scheduled to be at the July 13 meeting as well Ms. Plante was again not present, and there was no information as to her wherabouts or situation, although a widely drculated rumor was that she had checked herself into a rehabilitation facility. In her place, OKC Press Liaison Nathan Thompson gave a report, stating that OKC Pride had met with the Oklahoma City police to report the incident July 10, but had no further information. Despite the losses, at the time of the meeting OKC Pride had paid all ~e cash money, which had been obtained their outstanding debts and had cash on hand om about 3 ago weeks up to and including of around $2500 in 2 separate bank accounts, the event~ hadn& be~n d~posiled ~er all J3y through assis~~ byd~h0~ from the that time Christine Ptante had disappeared as commtmity including John Gibbons (owner well, leaving the community wondering what of the Boom), Dan Johnson, Jack Melisa, and wen~ wrong and who was r~sponsible. ....... ContinUed See OKC PRIDE Page-4 OYA~ktOMA CITY, OK__ Around 250 people gathered at the Oldahoma State Capitol for State Representative Sally Kern’s presentation of her Proclamation of Morality, about evenly divided between supporters and those in opposition. The prodamation, which does not have the force of law, blamed the economic problems of our nation due to America "forsaldng the rich Christian heritage upon which our nation was built" and because "our nation has become a world leader in promoting abortion, pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse and many other forms of debauchery." It also criticized President Obama for signing a proclamation recognizing June as Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month while not taking a more active role in the National Day of Prayer, although President Obama did issue a proclamation supporting that event as well on May 7. Ms.Kern, a Republican who represents District 84, has garnered international attention for her outspoken conservative views, particularly concerning the GLBT community. In a speech taped at a Republican gathering last year that later made Youtube, she stated that the gay community was a bigger threat "than Islam or terrorism," and compared gays to cancer in "one’s big toe" in their relationship to society, However, unlike similar gatherings in the past, the crowd was about equally divided among those supporting her views and those opposed. After she had given a short speech ........... Continued See SALLY Page-4 Senate approves hatecrimes measure xWASHINGTON, DC (PR) The U.S. Senate approved a bill to add sexual orientation, gender identity and other categories to federal hate-crimes protections. The final vote came July 20. The bill will soon be on its way to President Obama’s desk, where he’ll get a chance to make good on his promise to sign it. This vote came on the heels of tremendous pressure from radical right-wing groups that used every trick in the book. They called the bill the "Pedophile Protection Act," among other outrageous claims. They dismissed the barbaric hate crime that took Matthew Shepard’s life as a "hoax." They flooded the Senate with hundreds of thousands of letters and calls. The measure, which passed on a voice vote, was attached to a defense-spending bill. A move to remove it from that bill failed 63-28. The House of Representatives already has passed a similar bill. "More than 60 senators support the Matthew Shepard Act, legislation that will provide police and sheriffs’ departments with the tools and resources they need to ensure that entire communities are not terrorized by hate violence," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. Both Oklahoma senators fel! for the radical right’s ploy and voted against the hate crimes bill failing to stand up for equali~ To contact both Oklahoma Senators call their Washington office, Sen. James ’Jim’ M. Inhofe (202) 224-4721 and Sen. Tom A. Coburn (202) 224-5754. Oklahoma Weather Forecast for August 2009 Aug 1-4: Sunny, hot. Hurricane threat in Gulf Aug 5-10: T-storms north, hot south Aug 11-14: Scattered T-storms, ~ seasonable Aug 15-21: Sunny, very warm AUg 27-31: Scattered ~-storms, warm Avg. Temperature: 83.5° (avg. norda, 3° above south) Precipitation: 3.5" (1" above avg.) N~YION This year’s OKC Pride Grand just love being with my friends in Oklahoma City," Page-6 L>> BILL (Lt" N"’tON= SJPPORTS~ /AYS Diversity Over 150 unique Shops and galleries, and many parties for your entertainn{ent. Page 9 WO~ZLD >> ?R~DE 2009 I PLUS -~ LIFES";YLETR~ /EL ~ AR" ~ I Beating victim Chad Gibson, who now has a life-threatening blood clot on his brain goes home. Gibson xvants the officers to be prosecuted.. Page 8 #INE / SCOPES a ease pa rP Everyone who completes @e s#rvey by August 31, 2009 P~ease take the survey today, and te~ year Tremendous strides toward fa~ equality have been achieved by oar tenth,unities ever the past decade. There’s Power in ear Pride. Power te n~ake a difference: Gay and [esbiaa su~ey studies have opened doers (and minds) in ~ea~ing corporations aria organizations, which in turn have rec~gn~ze~ the va~ue of the~r LGBT employees through the es~b~shment of equa~ h~dng po~c~es an~ ~omest[c pa~ner benefits. Th~s has been a catalyst, ~ea~[ng to sweeping changes ~n pofft~cal an~ social ~nc~usJvi~. #e~egraph~c reports a~se ~nfluence ~arket~ng ~nvest~ent. V~ua~y absent unt~ recently, we now see a ~rowing variety ef p[eaacts an~ services represente~ ia gay ~edia, celebrating oar ai~ersity. Aas keep LGBT pubiications an~ websites ~a business, serving their co.manatees with [aaependent news and infermatbn. ~eyen~ s~p~y a@e~s~ng, though, these ce~panies support as ~n ~any ways, ~nc~a~ng sponsoring cow.unity events Community Marketi ~ @ 200g 8~a~uni~ ~arketing, ~nc., 584 Castro St. #834, San Francisco CA 9~114 L~SA ~.Cen~n~unity~arketing~nc.cen~ August 2009 STATE REPRESENTATIVE AL MCAFF Y CALLS FORAN APOLOGY By Victor Gorin State Rep. AI~fcA~’ey and Metro Star re oorter Robin Dornet: Gorin photo OI~ObcLR CITY, OK __ "I complete identifi/with the cleep faith that many Oklahomans hold dear, but I’m appalled that MrS.Kern chose to use a state proclamation to attack the freedom ofmany Oklahomans xvho do not share her faith or vices." ..... ....... ...... state Reprdsentative A1 McAffrey State Representative Al McAffrey (Democrat SHD-88) is calling upon fellow legislator Sally Kern (Republican-SHD- 84) to rescind her proclamation and apologize for many discrepancies and misrepresentations of facts. "To blame our economic woes on a national moral crisis is ludicrous. Our economic woes are a direct result of bad financial practices and a lack of regulation on Wall Street." He pointed out that "Mrs.Kern uses her proclamation to accuse President Obama of not recognizing the National Day or Prayer, that is an absolute lie. On May 7~ 2009 President Obama proclaimed a National Day of Prayer and encouraged all Americans to ’come together in moments of great challenge and uncertainty to humble themselves in prayer.’ " McAffrey stated that he found that vwo of the quotes used attributed tO James Madison ai~d Patrick Henry were f-abricated, appearing nowhere in the writings or records of either man. McAffrey pointed out that anyone knmvledgeable ofAmerican history would kamw that James Madison and Thomas Jefferson were avid Supporters of religious freedom, and that it was Thomas Jefferson who coined the concept "separation of church and state" traced to a letter he wrote in 1802 to the Danbury Baptists. McA~}ey further stated " It’s pitiable that with all the major challenges facing our great state some of our state leaders are more concerned in mal~ng ne~vs headlines than making strides toward strengthening our economy, improving our public schools, and ensuring that all OHahomans have access to qualig; affordable and sustainable healthcare. She owes Oklahomans of all faiths a sincere apology:" Tulsa Bowling Tournament a Success By Michael xyZ Sasser JOLTBowling Tournament group at ~dsa Eagles reception party. Staffphoto TULSA, OK__ GLBT sports are already on the minds of many in the community in anticipation of the Gay Games 2010 in Cologne. In Oklahoma, sporting gay men and women have numerous opportunities and it seems many are taking advantage of them. The Tulsa Lambda Bowling League’s second annual weekend-long July Oklahoma Lambda Tournament (JOLT) attracted some 120 participants from around the region to the tourney, at Andy B Riverlanes and ldcked things offwith a registration party at the Tulsa Eagle on July 17th. . "Most of the people xvere from Oklahoma and Texas, but we also had people from Kansas and Missouri," said Lambda League President Rich Blankenship. "We consider it a big success." Blankenship said that there were 88 participants in last year’s tournament and that it took most of the year to raise the funds necessary to host this year’s. Included in the fundraising was approximately $6,000 for charity. "gC’e really need sponsors for next year since we are growing so much," Blankenship said. The Lambda League’s regular season runs from Labor Day to April, with a 12-Week summer league also available, and the July tournament. As a member of the International Gay Bowling Organization (South Plains Region), the Lambda League schedules its annual national tournament so as to not conflict with other member’s tournaments. IGBO sponsors a national tournament every Memorial Day weekend. "Every city about Tulsa’s size or larger with a league has a tournament," Blankenship said. The success ofJOLT would have been unimaginable just a few years ago, when, Blankenship said; the group had dwindled down to around two dozen members. Today there are around 67 members. Some teams rotate players so that more people can play in the Tuesday night league. Already there is a waiting list for next year, although Blankenship said the,,League is, trying to negotiate, for,, more. lanes.,, We dont want to be exclusive, he sa~d. We want everyone to get involved to be able to play." Blankenship attributes the growth of the Lambda Leagt,ie to the recruitment efforts of former president and this years JOLT Director, Rick Cox. Other sports oriented community groups are lively around the state also. Oklahoma City supports two bowling teams, the Sunday Twisters and Tuesday Twisters. Oklahoma City and Tulsa support GLBT softballs leagues. Both the Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) and the Oldahoma Gay Rodeo Association (OGRA) are members of the International Gay Rodeo Association (tGRA). The IGRA National Finals in Albuquerque, New Mexico are expected to draw’participation and large spectator support from OHahoma. For more information on the Tulsa Lambda Bowling League, visit w~w<lambdaleague.com. Dale Gross ~ Randy Winrow email: route66malf@att.net 8.836.3838 METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Uric Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and Blessed DaV! www.rnetrostarnews.corn #~>t~"oSTAR 3 others not named at the meeting. Nathan stated that the investigation is still ongoing, and there is a possibility the money or parr of it may be recovered. It was also brought up that according to the bylaws. OKC Pride Board members could not be held liable for this type of loss. Inquiries as to why nobody knew why the cash had not been deposited, or why, the bank account had not had more oversight were not answered. Mr. Thompson did promise that information would be put on the OKC Pride website along with press releases as soon as it was available Guy Peters did suggest that in the future that background checks be obtained for those responsible for OKC Pride money. Male Co- Chair Paul Thompson had suggested in the past that these members be bonded, which would cover losses caused by dishonest acts. Mthough Chris Plante has not been charged with any crime related to this incident at this time. she was removed ftom her Treasurer position for dereliction of duty, the motion to do so made by Scott Jaggers and passed unanimously. Until there is a new Treasurer on duty- the duties of that oi~ce would be handled by the co-chairs, currently Paul Thompson and Latricia Olmstead. The next meeting xvould be August 3, the first Monday of August. During that meeting membership in OKC Pride. which is required to be eligible to vote in the upcoming election ~’or new o~cers and board members, could be begun or renewed. Co-Chairs Paul Thompson and Latricia Ohnstead announced that the7 will not be seeking re-election, nor will Festival Coordinator T.J Mc~nsey. A press confbrence was held following the meeting attended by the Metro Star, Oldahoma Gazette reporter Joe Wertz, and Patricia Millel; the treasurer preceding Ms.Plante,Ms. Miller, who resigned in protest at the May" 4 meeting over what she stated were lax and dishonest financial practices ofOKC Pride had this to say," They are all fteaking out over this, which I can agree, they should be freaked out, but we slid the last one about Miles Tompkins* under the rug. I want to make sure this does not get slid under the rug too. Whoever is responsible for this should go to prison. My question is, will this be treated like the last time?" *Referring to a bounced check wdtten by Miles Tompkim to Lee Burrusfor a Gala Dinner on beha~%fOKCPride in 200g. Mr Bu~us was reimbursed by OKCPride and M~ Tompkim, thru an agreement with OKC Pride, made restitution. Drag een Bingo 2009 Bingo like your mother never played... TULSA, OK (PRy __ This annual event and fundraiser for Our House Too will be held Friday, August 7th at Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom. Female impersonators will welcome you aboard the USS DQB cruise ship for this, the fifth year, beginning at 8p.m. and ending at t 1. There will be glamorous costumes and prizes, a silent auction and, of course, bingo! Female impersonators will perform glittering numbers from cruise ship showrooms to entertain the crowd. isolation of people living with HIV and AIDS in the Tulsa area. In addition to providing monthly activities and holiday celebrations. Our House Too offers food baskets, a toiletry and household pantry and weeldy lunches. Tickets for Drag Queen Bingo 2009 are $20 per person and can be purchased ar Reasor’s, Cain’s Ballroom, Ida Red and Starship Records. Gay Man E]ec ed Oklahoma County Democratic Par v Secretary’s O ce By Victor Gorin Tom Guild with well wishingfi’iend Esther Bahierra. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY; OK__ Dr. Tom Guild, a soon to be professor emeritus at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, was elected July 14 to be Oklahoma Count~fis Democratic Party Secretary. This was a special election to fill that ot~ce which was vacated with the resignation of the previous oI~ce holder, Rosanne Jenny. A longtime human ¯ rights activist, Tom was a professor at UCO for 27 years, where he taught political science for 10 years and legal studies in the College of Business for 17 years. He registered as aDemocrat 5 years ago, and has since been very active in the part), by hosting the weekly Oklahoma County Democratic Party’s Speakers Lunch at the Boulevard Cafeteria, as well as other party activities. Along with Dr. Joan Luxemburg and Keith Smith, he co-wrote a chapter in the book ’Hn Oklahoma I’d Never seen Before: Alternative Views of Oklahoma Histo~ "published in 1994. Their chapter was "Oklahoma’s Gay, Liberation Movement," the first academic publication in this area ever published. Working with the Democratic Party he will work to achieve full collective bargaining rights and better wages and conditions for Oklahoma’s workers, currently working on passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, which ,#could make it easier for workers to unionize. He would also work for GLBT rights and human rights in general, working for passage of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act ( proposed Federal law prohibiting employment discrimination against GLBTs) and repeal for the "Don’t ask Don’t Tell" policy of the U.S. military. W AT those in opposition began shouting "Shame on you!" repeatedly, along with "Love thy neighbor!’while the other side simultaneously began singing God Bless America, and later both sides sang the national anthem. As feelings ran high the event got very loud but stayed peaceful. Ms.Kern did express her view that "The people who preach tolerance are not willing ro extend the same thing to someone who disagrees with them. So ladies and gentlemen, we are seeing a wonderful illustration of intolerance." Among those signing the petition was Paul Blair of Edmond’s Fairview Baptist Church, who also spoke at the rally. In spite of the mention of divorce as being part of our moral decline, it was likewise signed by former State Representative Kevin Calvey, a conservative Christian who is divorced. It was also signed by Oklahoma City Councilman J. Brian Waiters ( Ward 5), the lone OKC City Council member who voted against a parade permit for the OKC Pride Parade. The constitutionality of the event was questionable. As activist attorney Brittany Novomy pointed out, "They used Capitol grounds for this and that is an advancement of a particular religious agenda that is not necessarily representative of al! the other religions or even al! the branches of Christianity in Oklahoma. q£he LGBT caucus of the Young Democrats canae out to stand side by side with the ACLU to uphold the Oklahoma Constitution (Article 2 Section 5) that clearly prohibits the use of public property towards any sect, denomination or system of religion." . Brittany also gave,her angle about the proclamation as well. q-his proclamation suggests that the problems of our society are bdfig caused somehow by GLBT people. Frankly as a Young Democrat I believe most of ourproblems are being caused by economic problems, people not able to have healthcare for their kids or themselves, people filing bankruptcy because they lack healthcare coverage. There are a host of prob!ems facing every day Oldahomans, and I dont believe demonizing a whole subset of Oklahomans really accomplishes the goals of real working Oldahomans who want to be able to feed their families, have good healthcare, who just want the opportunity to live their lives in peace, and who believe in loving their neighbor." C.S. Thornton of the ACLU lamented, "She ( Representative Kern) blames all these things upon a great moral crisis, yet nowhere does she mention greedy V&ll Street executives or government regulators who were asleep at the switch. The most alarming thing about this proclamation is the level of scapegoating that it promotes." However, the Republican speaker of the House, Chris Benge, does not plan to sign the document, and State Representative Ryan Keisel, a Democrat called the proclamation a "divisive political stunt." State Representative A1 McAffrey, the only openly gay member of the legislature ( Democrat-District 88) has asked for an apology. There were otl-mrs that disagreed with Ms. Kern as well. The Reverend Loyce Newton Edwards, associate pastor of the Church of the Open Arms UCC stated that she felt Sally Kern was "one of the most hateful and divisive persons in America. The right thing is to respect people regardless ofwho they choose to love. Homophobia is wrong, it’s unGodlike." 300 ATTEND ENID’S FIRST PRIDE CELEBRATION By Nate Bowen Enid held their first Pride event Saturday July 18, which was a fabtdous picnic & festival at Meadowlake Park. Drawing over 300 people, the number in attendance set a record for aW Oklahoma first time Pride event. Starting offwith the Reverend J.E Wickey of Crosswalk United Church (Enid’s only open and affirming church), he spoke about being gay and Christian followed by a Q&A session. The band Blackwings gave a great performance, followed by Stephen Dillard-Carroll. This was followed by an OKC speaker and activist from the Young Democrats, Brittany Novotny. Around 6:30 p.ra. the crowd was treated to a drag show starring Raven Angel, Nikki Star and Colby Richards. Booths and vendors at the park ranged from Fulton’s BBQ to the Garfield County Democrats. Our House Too is a nonprofit organization serving to elirainate the social .........Continued see ENID PRIDE page 6 4 August 2009 HoOoPoEo to Host 8th A ual DIVAS Benefit Concert for people to learn their HIV status and can connect clients to a variety of medical and social support services. For more information about HIV or sexually transmitted infections, call 1-800-535-MDS (2437). Openarms 4th Annual Fashion Show By Judy Gabbard TULSA, OK (PR) __ On Sept. !2-13, 2009, Health Outreach Prevention Education (H.O.E E.) will host DWAS 2009. at the Tulsa Zoo. This year’s theme is DIVAS Gone \.gild. Proceeds from the event will help support H.O.EE. programs, such as prevention education about HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted infections, the only statewide 24-hour HIV/STD resource hotline, and the only free, anonymous testing and counseling facility in Oklahoma. This year’s concert is produced by Rebecca Ungerman, a popular Tulsa-based performer who has graced numerous venues and events in Tulsa, including the Oklal~oma Centennial Celebration and the Tulsa Perfornaing Art Center SummerStage series. The evening, celebrated in the new H.A. Chapman Event Lodge at the Tulsa Zoo, highlights Tulsds diverse musical talent with local artists covering dassic favorites. ~[hese acts come together for this annual "one time onl~# shm,~ and bring out their collective fans: This year S performei:S ind~id~ Pxeb~c~ ung~rman, Cindy Cain, Christy E. ofThe Red Alert, Pare Wan Dyke, ~nie Ellicotr. Fiawna Forte, John Sawyer, Darrell Christopher, Kelly Morrison. and Janet Rutland. N~e combined talent includes experience on Broadway, national and international cabaret tours, and !ocal Spot Music Awards. ~II~e evening will also include a live and silenvauction, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, and beverages. The evening gala will take place on Saturday, September 12. 7:30pm and a no frills Sund~y matinee will take.place September ! 3 at 4pro. Tickets may be purchased, beginning August 1, by contacting H.O.RE. a 918-749-TEST (8378). Tickets are $25 and $40 for general admission seats and $100 for individual table seats. A table for ten is available for $1,000. Cabaret table seats include: priority seating, publicity, auction sneak preview, and private reception with the performers which includes complimentary wine and hors d’ oeuvres. The matinee -will include the same show and champagne, with tickets ranging from $15-$50. Emcee for the event will be Mia Fleming from Fox 23. Supporters of DIVAS 2009 include Williams, F & M Bank. The Metro Star and The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa. Raising awareness of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections remains vitally important. Young people and minorities are disproportionately affected, but HIV does not discriminate. By Imowing your status, you are better able to protect yourself and others. Prevention education and testing are keys to decreasing the stigma and infection rate of HIV. H.O.EE. provides a comfortable place "First l ursday" Art Opening and ey ibit with Creations from Local Artist - Nicholas K. Clark TULSA, OK (PR) __ Continuing the monthly showcase of local artists at the Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), Oldahomans for Equality (OkEq) will feature Tulsa Artist Nicholas K. Clark with an opening show and reception on Thursday, August 6th from 6-9pm and continuing throughout the month ofAugust. Nicholas’ work is a direct reflection of his optimistic personality. From vivid oranges to metallic silvers highlighted by passionate reds, his art displays a mastery of color that cannot be taught. His mediums vary from acrylics to oils and focus on creating depth through layering and application of rich texture. Nic’s ~vorks fall into three categories: contemporary figure studies, pop art and expressionistic co!or studies. "I pull nay inspiration from fashion and music and I love working with figures because they are al~vays so challenging - the detail of a hand. the curves of a body and the. capturing of natural movement and expresslolt. 7~rn GilA.an Former Channd23 Reporter Marianly Mendez andMiss OYP 2009: Alizay Kardashian Judy G. photo TULSA, OK Openarms Youth Project Center, located at 2015 Sm,th Lakewood Ave., Tulsa, OK, presented their 4th Annual fashion show fund raiser on July 10 and was a great success. Organizers Tim Gillean and Jerrid Horton reported that the proceeds will help continue the support of local GLBT youth ofTulsa and surrounding area. The nights title was ReFashionista. Sports and formal wear were purchased and redesigned for a splendid runway show. The evenings host, xvas Kristin Dickerson from KTUL, channel 8. Area talent added spice to the evening along with tasty hors d’oeuvres, wine and soft drinks. "Ihe silent auction ~vas an exciting array ofitems that were purchased by those in attendance. Funds are still needed to support the youth needs at Openarms. An), donation is appreciated. For more infbrmation call 918.838.7104. www.metrostarnews.com ~®t~’oSTAR 5 AtJeanne Ma6e~ Champs French connection ~sampled wines3~om all over the world. I’m in this photo with nay partner Lamont. For my birthday present, he sent for me to join him in France where he was a visiting professor in Marseille at the University of Provence¯ ! was really impressed with the wines of Provence, Cotes du Rhone. Languedoc and Bordeauex. The trip took on a different focus when we traveled to Bordeaux for VinExpo, the " international wine tasting event. We’re in this photo with long time wine colleague Gary Vance who caught a £1st train from Paris to meet up with us. This was a huge 5 day/40 thousand people wine tasting event with hundreds of wine makers & marketing reps. ~aere was just no way to meet all the wine raakers and taste as much as we wanted.In this article, I’m highlighting some of the grape varietals from the parts of Atxendees included not just the GLBT community, but fiunilies as well coming to enjoy the fun and fellowship. The following Sunday there was a forum held to discuss the France that we visited. These are affordable finds and the wines are in Oklahoma. Brief history of the grapes grown in these regions Malbec grapes tend to have an inky dark color and robust tannins. Long known as one ofthe six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine, the French plantations~ofMalbec are now found primarily in Cahors where the Appellation Control4e regulations for C~hors require a minimtiin content of 70% It is increasin ly ~elebrated as an Argentine varietal wine and is being gr~vn around the world. The northern part of the Rh6ne Valley; in France, remains one of the undisputed reference points for the ~;rOdUction of wines made with the ah grape. ~-he best examples of varietal Syrah, are the ones produced with the appellations Hermitage, C6te-R6tie, Comas, St-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage. \Vgines produced in these areas have strong fruit aromas, a good acidity, dry body and an appreciable mineral taste. Grenache is the dominant variety in most Southern Rh6ne wines, especially in Chfiteauneuf-du-Pape where it is typically over 80% of the blend. It is generally spicy, berry-flavoured and soft on the palate. In Australia it is typically blended in "GSM" blends with Syrah and Mourv~dre. Grenache is also used .to make ros~ wines in France and grmvn. The majority" of French Viogniers are sold as Vin de Pays in the Languedoc. In the Rhone wine region, the grape is often blended with Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache blanc. Mr. D’s 1/2 case Red Bicyclette Syrah/Granche Rose ’07 (Languedoc) Black Beret Grenache/Syrah Rouge ’05 (Languedoc) Coussergues Viognier ’08 (Languedoc) Beauv~gnac Sauv,gnon Blanc 08 (Languedoc) Chateau Trocard Montrepos Merlot ’06 (Bordeaux) Jean-Luc Colombo L~s Abeilles Cotes du Rhone Blanc ’07/Viognier & Grenache Blanc Clos la Coutale Malbec (Cahors) ’06 And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purcha~se a bottle or t~vo. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself¯ This writer is one ofthe managers at the Grand Vin wine shop at Utica Square. He also bar tends and hosts wine & food events around town known as the Wine Enthusiasts ofTulsa. Viognier [vee-oh-nay] wines are well-known for their floral aromas, due to terpenes, which are also found in Muscat and Riesling wines. There are also many other powerful flower and fruit aromas which can be perceived in these wines depending on where they were &affVohmteets Top Row Ka~e, John, Jesse, Brandon DJ Star, TJ, Kathy, Angd A4ishalle,Bmndon "KoolAid’; bottom rowJamie Lisa Nate future goals of Enid’s GLBTQA community, but most of the discussion centered on how great the Enid Pride Festival was and the fun they had. That evening Crosswalk United Church hosted a showing of "Prayers for Bobby", a landmark film portraying the true story of a mother who could not accept her sods homosexuality, who became an activist for gay rights following his suicide. General consensus was that the event was not just a historic first, but a wonderful occasion to be celebrated every year from now on. www.Foodand~Hne.com ww~:~ikioedia.or~ www.2he~’VorldI4q~eI~ne.com ww~:Epicurious.com TULSA BALLET TO PERFORM IN NEWYORK CITY Oklal~oma Governor Brad Henry and Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor will attend Tulsa Ballet’s debut at the Joyce Theater August 10 - 15. Special Big Apple Preview Night in Tulsa on August 6 at Studio K TULSA, OK (PR) It has been 25 years since the Tulsa Ballet has performed in New York City. This summer the company will make its long awaited return to the Big Apple for its debut at the Joyce Theater August 10 -15. Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, Governor Brad Henry and First Lady Kim Henry are among local and national dignitaries who will attend the opening night performance and Patron Gala on Monday, August 10 at the Joyce Theater, located in the heart of Manhattads Chelsea neighborhood. Tulsa Ballet will give seven performances with special events planned throughout the week fbr patrons and supporters ofTulsa Ballet. The company will present a program. featuring Elite Syncopations by Kenneth MacMillan, Por vos Muero by Nacho Duato and This is Your Life by Young Soon Hue. This is Your Life was commissioned by Tulsa Ballet in 2008 and has since been performed by the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany and the National Ballet of Ankara, Turkey. ....Continued see BALLET page 22 OKC Pride 2009: You be the change By Robin Dorner OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The end of June brought proud celebration to Oklahoma City with the annual gay pride event. year’s event was a huge success with more than ! 5,000 people attending the festivities. The party began on Friday evening at the NW 39th Street Strip near Penn with the first annual "Friday Night Block Part’);’. The festival began Saturday morning and continued through Sunday, the parade began around 5 pm. This year the OKC Pride Grand Marshal was attthor andTV personality Ruby Ann Boxcar. "I just love being with my friends in Oklahoma City," Boxcar told the Metro Star. "Anywhere there is a trailer park I feel like I’ve got family!" Boxcar is known as the Diva of the Double-Wide, a highly successful entertainer and author who got her start in Oklahoma City and is recognized in the US and abroad. Guests from across the city and state came to join in the festivities in Midtown Oklahoma City. "I am here because I am bisexual, proud and I like the scene," said 18 year old Ruth Leila Blailock. "It’s a celebration of diversity really." "We are here today because we are members of the Diversity Business Association (DBA)," said Shawn Adkison, JD of the Fortune Law Center in Midtown. Adkison and his firm have been members of DBA, the Oklahoma City LGBT business organization, for more than three years. "We think it is important ~o ne~ork together; promote our business organizations as ~vell as diversity in general," adds Adkison. "It is a good thing to show our support for DBA, Oklahoma and the U.S. You know, these kinds of events are not permitted in every country." The mission ofOKC Pride, Inc. is to stage a highly visible forum for the organizations which serve the community both nationally, regionally, and locally; decrease external homophobia by generating maximum media coverage to the reality of our community; and diminish internal homophobia by presenting organizational and individual role models. Additionally, the Board of Directors believe that as a civil rights movement, gays and lesbians need an annual forum where individually and collectively they can consider where they have been, where they are now and what direction they need to set. Several large corporations p,,articipated in the festival and the parade. I think it is just important that we embrace people with different backgrounds and, quite frankly, it helps our company," said Wesley Seymour frown the Frito-Lay company. "We have a philosophy; bring your whole self to work and that is one reason I like working for Fnto-Lay; Seymour has worked for the company as a District Sales Manager for three years. National and local companies supt~orted the event as corporate sponsors as well as many local sponsors. There were also several local churches represented, bike riding clubs, entertainers, The Oklahoma City Peace House and much more. For more information about Pride OKC, contact www. okcpride.org. August2009 6 www,metrostarnews.com 7 Wockner News Service Fort Worth beating victim, Chad Gibson goes home Fort Worth police and agentsfi’om the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission raided a gay barJune 28 -- the 40th anniversary ofthe Stonewall Riots -- and roughed up several patrons, inckding Chad Gibson, who now has a life-threatening blood clot on his brain. Gibson wants the officers m beprose~ted. Photo WFAA-TVscreen capmre Chad Gibson has been released from the hospital but still is in danger from a blood clot on his brain that reportedly could break loose and kill him. Gibson allegedly was beat up by cops during a June 28 raid of the Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth, Tex; Wimesses say officers stami:ned his head into a ~vall, then into the floor. ~¢¢o Other patrons ~dso were injured in the raid -- one has broken ribs and one has a broken thumb. June 28 was the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots that kickstarted the modern gay-rights movement. ¯ne violent raid -- purported to be merely one of the state’s routine checks of bars to be sure no one is too drunk -- brought heaW condemnation from gay leaders, newspaper columnists, bloggers, politicians and others. It also received extensive national news not lip service. I will meet with you wherever you want to meet. I will go to your restaurants, your house, we can eat barbecue, whatever you want to do. But ~ve’ve got to talk." Gibson, for his part, wants the raiding officers to be,~rosecuted and the city to halt its "cover-up. "You used excessive force and that’s why I got hurt," Gibson told \~rFAA-TV. "~ey have blamed it on me, that I was drunk, (that) I fell and hit my head, I groped the officer, I did this, I did that. You know ,vhat? No. Accept responsibility." In an interview with KTVT Gibson added: "I was rubbed into the concrete.... I’m just appalled that they took it to the level that they did.... They need to accept responsibility for what they did." Obama invites 300 GLBT leaders to White House for Stonewa 140 President Barack Obama -- under heavy fire for talking the talk but not walking the walk on numerous gay-rights promises -- had 300 GLBT leaders over to the White House on June 29 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Stonevcall Riots, which, in 1969, jumpstarted the modern gay-rights movement. "I know that many in this room don’t believe that progress has come fast enough, and I understand that," Obama said. "It’s not for me to tell you to be patient, any more than it was for othem to counsel patience to African Americans who were petitioning for equal rights a half-c~ntury ago. But I say this: We have made progress and we will make more. And I want you to know that I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises I’ve made, but by the promises that nay administration keeps." Obama also defended his decision not to issue an order stopping the military’s expulsions of openly gay members, suggesting, again, that such an approach wouldu’t work out in the long run. "As commander in chief in a time of war, I do have a responsibility to see that this change is adnainistered in a practical way and a way that takes over the long term," he said. "That’s why I’ve asked the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staffto develop a plan for how to thoroughly implement a repeal. I know that every day that passes without a resolution is a deep disappointment to those men and women who continue to be discharged under this policy -- patriots who often possess critical language skills and years of training and who’ve served this country well. But what I hope is that these cases underscore the urgency of reversing this policy not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it is essential for our national security." coverage. . Both the Fort Worth Police Department and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which joined in the raid, have launched interna! investigations of the incident. The results of the city police’s investigation will be reviewed by federal authorities, Mayor Mike Moncrief has promised. Apart from the raid itselfl the most controvers!al aspect Of the incident has been Police ChiefJeff Halstead’s assertions that Gibson groped one of the officers and that other patrons made what the Police Department called "sexually explicit movements" toward uniformed officers -- claims that bar patrons and gay leaders have called preposterous and "lies." "You’re touched and advanced in certain ways by people inside the bar, that’s offensive," Ha!stead said shortly after the raid. "I’m happy with the restraint used when they were contacted like that." After facing ridicule for those improbable assertions, Halstead has since adopted a more conciliatory tone, telling gay people at a public meeting: "We’ve got to work together. Be patient, and you wil! see that this is just 8 August 2009 77 members o£ Congress ask Obama to suspend As national gay leaders continue to beat up on President Barack Obama for moving too slowly- on his myriad campaign promises to tile GLBT community, 77 members of Congress have written to the president asldng him ro immediately suspend en[brcement of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy pending its repe,,a~! by Congress. Tile letter outlines a new, two-step repeal plan which begins with a request that the president ’direct the Armed Services nor to initiate any invesrigarion of service personnel to determine their sexual orientation, and that [he] instruct them to disregard thirdparty accusations that do not allege violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice,’" said the Palm Center, a think tank at the University of California, Santa Barbara, that has focused extensively on the militaw’s ban on open gays. ~°The letter signals renewed efforts to stop gay discharges immediately while repeal legislation moves through Congress at a slower pace," the center said. On June 23, Obama rejected the proposal. The White House said: "President Obama remains committed to a legislative repeal of Don’t Ask, Dofft Tel!, xvhich he believes will provide a durable and lasting solution to this issue. He welcomes the commitment of these members to seeing Congress take action." Episcopal Church OKs gay- clergy, bishops 7he Anglican Communion has been deeply mired in gay angst since the Episcopal Diocese oflVew Hampshire consecrated openly gay and partnered V. Gene Robinson as its bishop in 2003. GLAADphoto The Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops and House of Deputies declared in mid-July that open gays and lesbians --celibate or not -- call serve as priests and bishops in the church. At thee church’s triennial general convention, held in Ana~heim, Calif., July 8-17, bishops voted for the policy 99-45 and deputies voted for it 155-40. Deputies who are clergy voted 77-19 and lay deputies voted 78-21. The move may well lead to a full rupture between the Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion, which has been deeply mired in gay angst since the Episcopal Diocese ofNew Hampshire V. Gene Robinson as its bishop in 2003. Tile Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of Anglicanism. "The Anaheim move was seen as. in essence, a flip-off by the Americans of the Anglican hierarchy and Anglican provinces in Africa and South America that strongly opposed Robinson’s consecration. De facto international Anglican leader Rowan Williams, archbishop of Canterbury, England, had urged delegates,to the U.S. convention not to make any decisions in the co,~ing days that could push us further apart. He later said he regretted that the convention had done just that with its gayclergy decision. Delegates also voted to allow local dioceses to bless same-sex marriages and civil unions if they want to, and launched a project m creare official liturgies for the blessings. Gay Pordand mayor cleared in Breedlove affair There is no credible evidence that Sam Adams, the gay mayor of Portland, Ore., had inappropriate sexual contact with Beau Breedlove before Breedlove turned 18, Oregon Attorney General John Kroger said June 22. Adams, 45, and Breedlove, 22, have acknowledged having sex in 2005 after Breedlove’s 18th birthday, but Breedlove also had claimed the pair passionately made our prior to his reaching file age of consent, which Adams denied. "There are serious questions about the credibility of Breedlove’s account, dueto his prior inconsistent statements, the lack of corroborating witnesses or evidence, his attempt to gain personally from matters related to his involvement with Adams and his prior criminal record," Kroger concluded. "There is insufficient evidence to charge, let alone convict, Adams with illegal sexual contact with a minor." The attorney general’s office interviewed 57 people and sifted through Adams’ and Breedlove’s e-mails and text messages in arriving at its conclusion. Breedlove later posed for the gay porn magazine Unzippea~ In 2006, he pleaded guilty to felony 2nd degree theft in a case that involved $750 worth of clothes ftom a Macy’s store in Haxvaii. The revelation of the brief affair nearly ended Adams’ career earlier this year, in part because he had lied about it when asked about it during the mayoral campaign, stating that it never happened. Summer Diversi y ’09 Eureka Springs. Augus 7-9 ~ DOMESTICATE Say "I DO" and register your love with a Domestic Partner Certificate One day these certificates will be highly sought after collector items on E-bay. Tile Courthouse is closed Saturday and Sunday...City Clerk’s office is in the City Hall, lower level of the Western Carrol Count), Courthouse, 44 S. Main. Office hours are 9:30 AM - 12 Noon and 1:30 to 4:40 PM. ® YARDS AND YARDS OF YARD SALES Money Tight? Pennies on the dollar: Tile Eureka yards sales are a top stop for the bargain hunter and antique queens. Tile 15~n annual Eureka Yards and Yards ofYard Sales. Friday and Saturday 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Find locator maps at shops and restaurants. Sponsored by the Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce. ~ HEY GIRLS... LET’S iVlAKE HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE SMORES! THEN GO SNIPE HUNTING! Camping for Summer Diversity has become an annual event for many. Stay dose to title City and book your weekend with the gay friendly Kettle Campground. (479) 253- 9100, 4119 E. Van Buren. ° DIVA SHOP! Over 150 unique shops and galleries. Be sure and shop the Sponsors of Eureka Pride--aBens Door, Mountain Eclectic, Fusion Squared, Byrds Eye View, Antique Affaire, Tile Tourist Shop, the Inn Convenience Store, Eureka Scents. Avery and Special DW DISCOUNT from Tinmaker & Glitz, 69 S. Main. ~ MIX & MINGLE The Pizza Sluts are hosting their second Diversity Welcome Mixer. The Pizza Bar, 13 N. Main, Friday, 6-8 PM. $5.95 pizza buffet. Beer specials. All ages admitted. Come feel the ~varmth...feel, touch, hug, squeeze, grope, claw, whip...Mix and mingle with the locals and visitors from around the globe. Free City p~arking after 6 PM. ERIC HIMAN DISCOVERS EUREKA Henri’s Just One More. 19 1A Spring Street. Friday Night Only! 9 PM. Eric goes solo with his first Eureka acoustical performance. ® CHER SOME TIKI LOVE ~e always popular Glam-aphonic, E lectronic, Disco Babee, Tiki Torch Dance Party! 75 S. Main Street. Homo to the exotic, diverse crowd of celebrities, beauties, rock stars, dance divas, and some good ole fashioned Str8t Bait! Cher and Cher Alike to perform LIVE on Saturday. Shmv times will be posted. MORTUARY SERVICE, =¢ o SPEED DIAL YOUR GAY SPIRITS ~Exrot Speed reads with Mistress Lynne. Yes, speed readings --Lynne will do a 10 card reading for 10 buclcs. Just takes a few minutes as opposed to the full deck 30 minute reading. Lynne uses Gay, and Lesbian ~Tarot cards for amazing GAY readings. DaBen’s Door, 45 1/2 Spring Street, across from Jack’s Place. ~ NEW DELHI Friday & Saturday live music 6:30 9:30 PM. 2 North Main. Al! ages are welcome at the New Delhi. Atmosphere aplenty. If you never dined at the New Delhi, you really should. ~ START YOUR ENGINES: SUMMER DRAG RACES Eureka Live’s Duck Tape Divas will host Drag Racing Friday & Saturday 9PM. Special Guest performer Drag King Billy Badass and the Amazing Magic of the Tinman. 34 North Main, Underground FATZ 59 CLASSIC ROCK AT JACK’S PLACE 37 Spring Street, Friday and Saturday, 9 PM Midnight. High Octane Jell-O-Shots for a Buck!!!Legendary ’HANDSOME LEE’ On The Door. It’s all happenin’ between Center and Spring. o HARDWARE AT THE YARD Lumberyard, 105 East Van Buren, The Yard has yet to disclose what they have in store. Whatever it is, they always find some way to celebrate!! EXORCISE THE HANGOVER DEMONS You want crazy? We’ll give ya crazy! A Diversity Breakfast you will never forget. Play" Name That Tung’ With Sandy at the Smokehouse Cafd, 580 West Van Buren, Saturday & Sunday, 8:30 A.M tol l:30ish, biscuits as big as your head. WIN Fabulous Prizes. Highly Recomended. o RAMPANT STREET SEX! Not really: Just some amusement for the tourist and to annoy the fundies. The Summer Diversity Public Display Of Affection Photo Shoot..12 noon, Basin Park band shell, downtown. A G-rated opportunity to smooch your sweetie-or the perfect stranger-for posterity. Eureka Pride has treats to pass out for the first to come, first to get. Park Music Stylings, ! 2 - 2 PM Jones Van Jones, 2-4 PM 2 - 4 Cletus Got Shot, 4-6PM 4 - 6 The HillBenders. OPEN ARMS SPIRITUALITY Saturday.Discussion on the spiritual path of the Sufis with Sufi Master: Don Kitz at Eureka Springs Library Annex 2 - 4 PM Sunday Discussion on the spiritual path of Wicca with Wiccan Priest: Tymythy Aieran at Eureka Springs Library Annex 1 - 3PM ...... Continued See EUREY,~k Page-20 ~wcvv.metrostarnews.com #~®t~°oSTAR 9 N Wockner News Service gay sex ban struck down GLBTs decriminalized 17% of Following an @t-year court battle, India’s Delhi High Court legalizedgay sextidy 2 in aforcefid andpoetic ruling that had GLBTactivists ~ying in the courtroom. Marchersprotested the sodomy ban at lastyear’s Delhi gay prideparade. Wockner Newsphoto by Sonali Gulati Following an eight-year court battle, India’s Delhi High Court legalized gay sex July 2 in a forceful and poetic ruling that had GLBT activists crying in the courtroom. The ruling took effect immediately -- nationally -- and will remain in effect unless the Supreme Court reverses it. Several major Western media outlets erroneously reported July 2 that the ruling only applied in New Delhi. The court decision "read dowff’ Section 377 of the Indian Pena! Code so that it no longer applies to the activities of consenting adults. The section bans "carnal intercourse against the order of nature ,vith any man, woman or animal" under penalty of 10 years to life in prison. The court smashed 377’s application to gay people in myriad ways, finding it violated a constitutional guarantee of equality under the law, a constitutional ban on discrimination based on sex, and constitutional promises of personal liberty and protection of life. The ruling is chock-full of soaring statements in support of India’s GLBT population, including: * "The critninalisation of homosexuality condemns in perpetuity a sizable section of society and forces them to live their lives in {he shadow of harassment, exploitation, humiliation, cruel and degrading treatment at the hands of the law enforcement machinery. ... Section 377 IPC grossly violates their right to privacy and liberty embodied in Article 21 insofar as it criminalises consensual sexual acts between adults in private." * "Section 377 IPC targets the homosexual community as a class and is motivated by an animus towards this vulnerable class of people.... It has no other purpose than to criminalise conduct which fails to conform vdth the moral or religious views of a section of society. Tile discrimination severely affects the rights and interests of homosexuals and deeply impairs their dignity." * "When everything associated with homosexuality is treated as bent, queer, repugnant, the whole gay and lesbian community is marked with deviance and perversity.... The result is that a significant group of the population is, because of its sexual non-conformity, persecuted, marginalised and turned in on itself." * "We hold that sexual orientation is a ground analogous to sex and that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is not permitted by Article 15 .... A provision of law branding one section of people as criminal based wholly on the State’s moral disapproval of that class goes counter to the equality guaranteed under Articles 14 and 15 under any standard of review." .... [R]ight to personal liberty’ and ’right to equality’ are fundamental human rights. which belong to individuals simply by virtue of their humanity: ... A Bill of Rights does not ’confer’ fundamental human rights. It confirms their existence and accords them protection." "~ "Indian Constitutional laxv does not permit the statutory criminal law to be held captive by the popular misconceptions ofwho the LGBTs are. It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster the dignity of every individual.... We declare that Section 377 IPC, insofar it criminalises consensual sexual acts of adults in private, is violative of Articles 21, 14 and t5 of the Constitution." What happens next? The national government could appeal the ruling to India’s Supreme Court, though that is considered unlikely; the national government could both accept the ruling and use it as ammo to introduce a bill in Parliament to duplicate the ruling in national law; and/or anti-gay parties to the lawsuit could appeal to the Supreme Court. But until such time as the Supreme Court overturns the Delhi ruling, India’s GLBTs -- who comprise more than 17 percent of all GLBT people on the planet -- are no longer criminals. India has a population of nearly 1.2 billion people. The erroneous reports that the ruling did not apply outside ofNew Delhi appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, on the Associated Press ~vire and elsewhere. (For correct information, see bit.ly/WeX,vO and bit. ly/7su4o.) "Every major media outlet in the ~vorld got this wrong because they don’t understand how the Indian courts work," said journalist Vikram Doctor of India’s Queer Media Collective. "It will apply nationally until somebody challenges that at the Supreme Court, which is where this case is going to end up anyway." In most common-law court systems, including India’s in this case, the decision of an appellate court binds lower courts within its territorial iurisdiction and also is the ’last’ word on the subject nationally unless a court of equa! authority elsewhere makes a contrary decision or the supreme court reverses the decision. An appellate decision also binds the parties in the case (which include the Indian government in this case) r~gardless ofwhere they are in the country. Meanwhile, gay pride parades were staged in four Indian cities June 27-28 -- New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Bhubaneshwar. At least 2,000 people marched in New Delhi. Marches are still to come in Mumbai and Kolkata. 300 march in Sofia Around 300 people marched in the second gay pride parade in Sofia, Bulgaria, on June 27, twice as many as last year. Police and private security officers, hired by pride organizers, protected the marchers to prevent a recurrence of last year’s violence, when sldnheads and right-wing extremists attacked the parade with bottles, rocks, eggs, firecrackers, smoke bombs and Molotov cocktails, resulting in 80 arrests. This ),ear’s march, which traveled from the National Palace of Culture~to the Red House debate club, encountered nothing more serious than some booing. Organizers called for a law to bail anti-gay discrimination in employment. Liza does Paris Pride Singer andgay icon Liza Minnelli danced on a float in Paris’gayprideparadeflme 2Z To her left.: Gay Paris Mayor Bertrand DelanM. Photo by Nikolai Alekseev Singer and gay icon Liza Minnelli danced on a float in Paris’ gay pride parade June 27. Minnelli is the daughter of gay icon Judy Garland, whose death five days before the Stonewall Riots 40 years ago is thought to have contributed to the foul mood of the gays who decided to fight back against the police raid of the Stonewall Inn. "Freedom," Minnelli shouted from the float. About 700,000 people took part in the festivities. "We knew that she (Minnelli) had a concert this evening in Paris but when her agent told us that she could come, we thought it was a joke," Pride spokesman Philippe Castel mid Agence France-Presse. Berlin also held Pride on June 27. About 550,000 people turned out, reports said. Gay pride goes well in Jerusalem, for a change About 2,000 people marched in Jerusalem’s gay pride parade June 25 without incident, but for one tossed egg. Previous years’ marches have been met with violent protests, stabbings and the arrest of a man carrying a bomb. Police protection was reduced this year, to a mere 1,600 officers. No matter who you are o are on life’s journey, -Re~ere~d Dr. K~hy 3131 hi. Pennsylvania,Oklaho 405.525.9555 10 ~>{~’oSTAR August 2009 New group forms to help gay refugees A new organization in San Francisco aims to help GLBT refugees ~vho are fleeing sexual or gender-based violence in their native lands. Only through raising consdousness of LGBT refugee issues to governments, refugee organizations, communities and the media, will help come to these individuals, who are among the most persecuted people in the world today," the Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration said in a statement. The group provides free legal counsel for GLBT refugees who have escaped their home countries, and it will conduct ’\videranging international advocacy to advance the protection of all LGBT refugees and asylum seekers." "LGBT refugees often fall through the cracks of the international refugee regime," said Executive Director Neil Grungras. "They have escaped systematic hatred and violence at home, and their LGBT identity brings serious new threats to their safety and protection in countries of first asylum. MaW live in a toxic mix of destitution and desperation. "The recent surge in homophobic violence in Iraq has shone a spodight on the painful truths we’re dealing with first-hand in the Middle East. LGBTs are the most persecuted people in many regions of the world today. For every reported execution, there are likely tens of judicially or family-sanctioned murders." In recent months, several Iraqigays have been shot to death by militias and anti-~ay family or tribe members; Some have h~dtheir anuses glued shut by deah squadsi arid there have been allegaions of executions by the government. Reports in April said gay men were being captured and their anuses superglued with something called "American gum," after which they were being forced to ingest a diarrhea-causing substance and sometimes died. Scott Long, director of Human Rights Watch’s LGBT Rights Division, visited Iraq in April and "collected several accounts" of the practice, which reportedly can be seen in mobile-phone videos that have been passed around inside the country. Massive abuses are taking ~lace ~ Baghdad, and apparently in other cities in the center and south," Long said. "XWe may never know the full sweep and scope of the killings so far, amid a pervasive insecurity that brutalizes innumerable people and devastates multiple communities, but we ate ,d°ing everything we,.,.can to,, determine and ctocument accountability. Poles hate same-sex Seventy-five percent of Poles oppose legalization of same-sex marriage and 87 percent say gay couples shouldn’t be allowed {o adopt chi]’dren, a Gt~ Polonia poll has found. ~e poll is the latest example of the wide gulf on _~ay acceptance that separates Western Europe ~rom the European nations that used to be part of the Communist bloc. Same-sex marriage is legal in Europe in Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden -- and most other Western European nations have civil-union laws for gay couples. Saudis arrest 67 crossdressers Police arrested 67 mostly Filipino men for wearing women’s clothing June 13 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The roundup took place at a private residence during a Philippines Independence Day party. The men were charged with imitating women and possessing alcohol. Similar arrests in the past have led to imprisonment and floggings. "If the police in Saudi Arabia can arrest people simply because they don’t like their clothes, no one is safe," said Human Rights Watch researcher Rasha Moumneh. "Arresting and charging people simply because the police decide that their appearance is unacceptable strikes at the heart of human freedom." Ukraine bans Briino Sacha Baron Cohen’s new gay flick Br~ino has been banned in Ukraine for alleged immorality, obscenity and impropriety. The Culture Ministry said it was displeased with the movie’s "artistically unjustified" gay-sex scenes, obscene language, nudity, graphic homosexuality, sadisra and anti-soc.ial behavior. In the U.S., the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation also has dissed the film. "The filmmakers wanted to use satire to highlight and challenge homophobia," said GLAM) President Jarrett Barrios. "But their film also reinforces troubling attitudes about gay people in ways that run counter to the intentions ofthe filmmal~ers. "The movie repeatedly builds entire scenes around stock stereotypes and situations that make gay people and families the butt of crude jokes. I can’t help but think of all the teenage kids already getting bullied, beat up and ridiculed for being -- or for being thought to be -- gay. For these kids, this movie will give their tormentors one more word in the anti-gay lexicon of slurs: Br~no." Some gay bloggers and Facebook users who have seen the film say GLAAD is humorless and needs to find its funnybone -- a charge the group occasionally has encountered before. Group says GLBT activists targeted after Honduran coup ~he International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission on July 17 condemned "the recent murder and arbitrary arrests of... LGBT activists in Honduras." "IGLHRC has learned that these human rights abuses have occurred as a direct result of the military coup on June 28 ... which ousted that country’s democratically elected government," the group said. A transgender activist xvas shot dead June 29 a block from the gay community center in the city of San Pedro Sula, IGLHRC said. "Local activists in Honduras claim she was killed by military police patrolling the streets," the organization reported. Five other GLBT activists -- Hdctor Licona, Donny Reyes, Patrick Pav6n, Claudia ......Continued see HONDURAS page 20 I million & prime minister’s wife at London Pride One million people, including Sarah Brown, wife of Prime Mimster Gordon Brown, took part m Londons gaypridepamdeJuly 4. ScotsGayph~to One million people and Sarah Brown, xvife of Prime Minister Gordon BroWn, took part in Londoffs gay pride parade Jnly 4. Mrs. Brown carried a red, white and pink Union Jack flag. Members of the military marched in uniform, as did firefighters and a contingent from British Airways. Prior to the march, Mr. Brown met with organizers at his residence and said theUnited Kingdom has made "massive strides" in the march toward gay equality. Marriage is almost the last thing on the agenda for British GLBTs. An existing civilpartnership law grants registered same-sex couples all the rights of marriage. Noted gay activist Peter Tatchell carried a sign in the parade that read: "Gordon & Sarah can marry, gays can’t. End the ban on gay marriage." He wore a T-shirt that said "Homo Libertd, Egatitd, Sexualit&" 1 million at Madrid Pride, 35,000 at Barcelona Pride About 35,000people marched in Barcelona’sfirst large-scale gayprideparadeJune 28. Photo by Yves Bohic A million people turned out for Madrid’s gay pride parade July 4. With same-sex marriage already legal and little left to fight for, organizers put forth the theme of greater freedom for GLBT young people in schools. In Barcelona, about 35,000 people marched June 28. It was the city’s first largescale pride parade. The procession began at Plaga de la Universitat and ended at Plaga d’Espanya. www.metrostarnews.com ~®t~oSTAR 11 p t the °°gay" in Christian, 12 ~;~STAR August 2009 AUGUST TH 2009 H O M A ~ENTER TO WIN BANTA www.metrostamews.com ~etroSTAR 13 14 #~troSTAR August 2009 We have found Heaven and it is BOOTHBA¥ HARBOR, MAINE by Donald Pile and Ray Williams Photo: From a room with a viw~ Topside Inn Onour recent 4 week driving trip to the east coast we visited a lot of cities, towns and villages and had a wonderful time at each of them. All were fun, interesting and exciting to visit however our stay in Boothbay Harbor, Maine was "beyond fabulous"! We first checked into the Topside Inn. It is located on the tallest hill in the city and was a 19th century sea captain’s home. They also have guest cottages to the side of the main house. They have a total of 21 guest rooms. The owners, Brian Lamb and Ed McDermott have mvned the Inn for several years and they certainly know how to do everything PJGHT !!!!! The views of the harbol; ships, seals, birds and the flora and fauna from the Inn are absolutely incredible! ~le view from our room looking out into the harbor was just like a movie set! This truly was Heaven! All guest rooms have their own private in-suite bathrooms, cable TV and dial-out telephone. King, queen, or two beds are available. All rooms include hair dryers, irons and ironing boards. Brealdqast is something that is a "DO NOT MISS". A fabulously scruraptious si~- down breal’~ast is served every morning in the breakfast room which overloolcs the bay. It iust doesn’t get any better! We me~ a lot of wonderful gnests from all over the country while staying there. Many guests return time and time again because of the great way that Brian and Ed makes all of their guests feel a~ home. Everything about this Inn is perfect! The owners should open a school for innkeepers on the right w~ay to run an hm. And did we mention the incredible views that we had from our room at the Iun? There’s the sunrise and the famous footbridge over the inner harbor, to the lighthouses, islands, out to sea, aud the western sunset. Their website is: http://www.topsideinn.com/and their toll free phone is 1-888-633-5404 or you can emait them at info@topsideinn.com. Downtown Boothbay is just a couple of blocks down the hill and it is filled ~vith quaint restaurants, galleries, shops and the the waterfront piers. You can take excursion boat trips ranging from an hour cruise to a full day at sea. Visit the Historical Society in Boothbay Harbor and the Museum in Southport to learn about ice cutting and ship building in days gone by. See the handiwork of local boat yards, which continue the tradition in state-of-the art materials, and keep aliv~ their heritage ofworld-class boat builders. Watch the lobstermen tend their traps, or put to sea for a close enconnter with a barnacleencrusted whale. Actually, Boothbay Harbor has been around since the 1700’S when it was a fishing village and shipbuilding center. By 1900 over 500 vessels had been built in the region. Tl~e first morning we visited the Botanical Gardens which was a real treat. Check it out at va*av.mainegardens.org. It is New England’s largest botanical garden on 248 waterfront acres with beautiful gardens, waterfront trails, sculpture and much, more. Enjoy collections of roses, native plants, rhododendrons and thousands of other perennials, ornamental trees, shrubs and spring bulbs. It is a ,vonderful walldng tour and you can either take a guided tour on visit it by yourself. They are open 9 to 5 everyday and all year long. No trip to Boothbay Harbor would be complete without taking a Schooner Eastwind cruise. Herb and Doris Smith have built six schooners and have sailed around the world t~vice with their children. They offer a 2 V2 hour cruise in the harbor where you can visit several small islands, birds, seals and other sea life and a lighthouse. They have 3 or 4 cruises everyday. Call 207.633.6598 to make a reservation. This is the finest Schooner cruise that we have ever taken. Herb and Doris really enjoy telling people about their travels and explains everything about the Schooner. This is the only cruise to take! And now, the best of the best when it comes to dining. In our travels from coast to coast we have never had such a fabulous dining experience as we had our last night in -Boothbay Harbor. Ports of Italy is a family owned and operated restaurant. Chef Davide Rossi and his wife Christa are the owners. We used taste buds that we have not used in years! We are NOT talking spaghetti and meatballs here, but a full range of northern Italian cuisine that is mouth-watering tasty. Between courses be sure and try their Intermezzo to cleanse your palette with the fabulously, delicious Lemon Sorbet and Vodka Slush. Just be sure and save room for some of the wonderful desserts. Their website is www.portsofitaly.com. As we said, in all of our travels, this is the finest dining experience that we have ever had! We had a 7 course meal that night and everything that we had was "beyond" fabulous and we know that we will never, ever have a dining experience so grand as this one. That is, until we return to Boothbay Harbor again. Boothbay Harbor is a wonderful place to spend a week or two and just relax, enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. Forget going to the Red Door for a complete rejuvenation ofyourself. Instead iusr go to Boothbay Harbor, and don’t forget to stay at the wonderful Topside Inn. Owners Brian and Ed are the best of the best. For more information go to ,vww. boothbayharbor.com. Always remember to have fun ,vhen traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! UCAN, INC TO FOCUS ON HIV/ AIDS PR£VENTION By Victor Gorin Reverend Loyce Newton Edwards ofChurch of the Open Arms UCC. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK In 2008 UCAN Inc. ( United Church of Christ MDS/HIV Network) was formed under the Health and Wholeness Ministry of the United Church of Christ to establish a program for people of faith to address the issues of HIV/MDS. This will feature a special focus on HIV prevention. Among 8 members of UCAN’s Board of Directors, one is the Reverend Loyce Newton-Edwards of UCC’s Church of the Open Arms in Oklahoma City, and another is the Reverend Leslie Penrose ofTulsa’s Community of Hope UCC Church. States Reverend Loyce, " I’m excited about this new ministry because through the United Church of Christ we can work vdth local community partners to develop HIVIMDS programs, including a focus on prevention. \Ve want to do something positive, to expand our territory of ministry to include a specific outreach to those infected and affected by HIV/MDS. " UCAN has applied for a grant from the Federal Center for Disease Control which would be over 2 million dollars, but as of press time it has nor yet been approved. This outreach would bring needed services to people in need wherever UCC churches are located, throughout the United States and abroad. www.metrostarnews.com }~®{~’oSTAR 15 @Club 209, Tulsa @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @Angles, Oklahoma City @ The End Up, Tulsa 18, August 2009 ARE YOU WONDERIN WHEI EVERYONE ItAS BEEN LATELY? Open Every Day 4pro to 2am 836 - 09q 5 Monda.y Friends and Family @ 6pm Dancers @ 10pm Tuesday $0.50 Draught Beer Night Dancers @ 10pm Wednesday Pool Tournament @ 8pm Dancers @ 10pm Thursday Bin" Bingo with E-Lyra St. James @ 7pm Dancers @ 10pm Friday Dancers @ 10pm Saturday Dancers@ 10pm Sunday Free Pool All Day DanCers Open Every Day at 2pro {9"!8} 437 -0449 Monday Movie Madness - Showtimes 7pm and lOpm Tuesday Drama Lite- All the Gay, Half the Drama Wednesday A Night in Vegas Drag Show @ 10pm Thursday $0.50 Draught Beer Night Friday Cabaret Night @ 8pm Saturday Big Gay Dating Game w/Daphne Rio @ 10pm Sunday Disco Night @ 9pm The Hideaway Tropical Lounge becomes the World’s Smallest Disco ww~v.metrostarnews.com @etroSTAR 19 By Camper English q-he Mixer Mix-up Much as I love the name, I can’t bring myself to consume what the kids today are calling the Skinny Bitch. This cocktail is usually made with a flavored vodka, Diet Coke. and a squeeze of lime. My issue with the drink doesfft involve the liquor, but with the artificially flavored and sweetened soda. But the Skinny Bitch is not really a drink focused on the Coke: it’s a drink focused on the Diet. Also focusing on the diet is a really they may as well be swilling cola. Now that I’m a fully functioning cocktail snob, I don’t drink the tonic water, sodas and juices that come out of the cocktail squirter in bars at all. I like fresh juices and mixers without artificial sweeteners - and it turns out these typically have less calories than do the sugared-up cranberry juice and sodas you’ll get in most bars anyway. At home. you can buy high quality mixers with natural and organic sweeteners for your cocktails: Out at the clubs though, you probably won’t have that option, so you can opt for diet soda or soda water as mixers. Or better yet, opt for that sugar-laden Apple-Cosmo-Choco~Tini at the bar. and then spend the night worldng off writer named Teresa Marie Howes, who wrote a whole book on diet drinks this year called Skinnydnis. Most of the recipes in the book cut calories in cocktails by adjusting the amounts of liqueurs and mixers. ,as distilled spirits like gin and vodka all have about the same -~ number of calories per volume. Her drinks call for light or diet iuices and sodas, and flavored water and other mixers instead of sugar- ~ ~:~ ~ laden liqueurs in ~_o~ recipes. She makes crab/placements like swapping out the orange liqueur in a Margarita with light orange juice and Sweet ’N Low. those calories on the dancefloor. Camper English is a cacktails and spirits writer andImblisher ofAlc~mics.com Census Bureau will count married gay couples as married The U.S Census Bureau said June 19 it will count married gay couples as married in the 2010 census. The prior plan had been to retabulate such couples as "unmarried partners," an existing census-form category, because of the federal ban on recognition of samesex marriages. Gay activists, as part of their recent broadside against President Barack Obama’s inaction on gay issues, had srepped up their criticism of the plan to skew the data. Gay marriage is legal in three states and wil! be legal in five, six or raore by the time of the census. One set of mixers that are often mixed tip are soda water and tonic water. They, both have water in the name so you can understand the confusion, but the two are vastly different liquids. Soda water is carbonated water, and mixes well with vodka. (Gin not so much.l Tonic water pairs well with more spirits, and is consumed in different countries with vodka, gin, rum. tequila, and even Port wine. But tonic began as a tonic - a medicine used to prevent and cure malaria. It gets its flavor from the very bitter quinine that was once harvested from the bark of the cinchona tree, niclmamed the "fever tree" as it cured the malarial fever. To make the powdered bark palatable, explorers and soldiers in mosquito-intense countries around the world added sugar to the solution. Later, gin was added and the G&T was born. Hooray for medicine! The important thing to note in that last paragraph is the use of sugar. Its presence (or more commonly, the presence of high fi’ucmse corn syrup) in drinks means it has those calories you’ve been trying to avoid. Many people think they’re sipping a diet drink when they choose tonic water, but TABC says Texas bar raid was a big mistake By Rex Wockner The head of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission told the gay newspaper Dallas Voice on July 16 that his officers committed multiple "clear violations" of agency policy when they and local police raided the gay bar Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth on June 28, the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The violent raid put patron Chad Gibson in a hospital intensive-care unit with bleeding on his brain. Two other patrons sustained lesser injuries and several patrons were arrested for the crime of having drunk too much. "I don’t think you have to dig very deep to figure out that TABC has violated some of their policies," Alan Steen said. "XTqe know that and I apologize for that.... It’s real dear that however it is that ~ve were doing business that night is not the typical TABC." "You can read (our) policy and you can figure out really quickly, TABC shotfldn’t have even been there," he said. "If our guys would have followed the damn policy, we wouldn’t even have been there.... We don’t participate in those kinds of inspections when there’s not probable cause or reasonable suspicion or some public safety matter to be inspected." * THREE IMPROMPTU POOL PARTEAZE ON TAP FOR SATURDA~ The guests of the TRADEWINDS, home of the "HIDDEN POOL" are welcome to host their own s~vim party. Invite your friends over for an impromptu after dark ........dip in the pool Reserve your Tradewinds themed room nmv by calling David or Terry (479) 253-9774, request the Summer Diversity Weekend rate. Land O Nod aka:The Pink Palace, POOL PART~. Guests are welcorne to invite their new friends, old friends, and even the Xfriends over for a swim... No glass...Plenty of towels...Pool honrs will be extended until 12 midnight... Toll Free: 1-800-526-3263 Local Phone: (479) 253-6262. Rooms as low as 59.00 a night...mffst request DW rate. Alvin & Charlie are hosting a PRIVATE MEN ONLY POOL PARTY at their private residence. MUST drop by the Byrds Eye View, 36 North Main or Contact EurekaPride Sponsors Alvin & Charlie for an invitation and details. Toll Free: 888 210-8401 ° STRADDLE THIS... For those who enjoy the thrill of wrapping your legs around a tornado of pounding pistons, THE DIVERITY BIKER’S OZARKS FUN RUN’ Sat. August 8, 11 AM, Planers Parking Lot Hwy 23 N. (Main St.) and Hwy. 62. This ride will require a helmet. Also, bring a bathing suit, ifyou want to take a dip. There will be a lunch stop during the ride. ~ NOWWE’RE HUNGR~q FREE GOURMET BUFFET & ARTIST RECEPTION at the new Dreamweaver Gallery, 184 N. Main. Gallery owners David artd Melanie go top chef with a full dinner buffet. Drop by for a culinary adventure, art, and meet their featured guest, art photographer Matt Johnson. Check out all the Eureka art during the "2ND Saturday ~Gallery Stroll~,’ on Saturday from 3-8 PM. SHAYdN NOT STIRRED! Henri’s Just One More. 19 V2 Spring Street. Saturday Night Karaoke Dance Party with DJ’S Shakin" not Stirred. IMPORTA_NT REMINDER- BE COOL, BE SEEN, BE SAFE: avoid those Diversity buzz-killers like getting a DUI or trying to find a parking place downtown. Eureka Springs Limousine. $5.00 point to point. Call 479-363-6055 for your PICK-UP! Cervantes and Lizeth iivila -- were arrested, detained and beaten June 29 in Tegucigalpa, the capital, IGLHRC said. "Nae arrests occurred while the activists were participating in a demonstration in support of the democratically elected government," the group said. The five activists are well-known GLBT leaders. "The recent coup in Honduras is an illegal assault on democracy that violates the rights of all Honduran citizens, including those ,vho identify as LGBT," said IGLHRC Executive Director Cary Alan Johnson. "We especially deplore the vicious murder and arbitrary arrests ofLGBT people in the wake of this crisis." 20 August2009 by Jack Fertig August 2009 "Keep it light, Sagittarius" Mercury in Leo trine to Eris provokes bold partisan assertions. There’s healthy room for that, but it can go overboard. Mercury then opposes Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius. leading through confusion, perhaps to improvement in ideals and philosophy. "You stand a better chance of improving yourself, not othe rs. ARIES (Narch 20-Apri~ 19): Culture clash can give you a better sense of who you are and who you’re not, but that will be challenged again when you reassess political ideals. Confusion and change are necessary steps to growth. Just walk through it. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20): Pride in home and family can clash with honesty about sameness. Ask yourself the hard questions that have never been answered. "Your insights could lead to reconsidering career goals. New answers there would also be helpful! GEN~NI~ (Nay 21- June 20): Your brilliant ideas can be very helpful in political long-range planning, but they wil~ start up arguments over principles, A real world approach may be needed to get idealist notions down to earth, but grounding will not come easily. CANCER (June 21o Ju~y 22): Know your worth and hang out with the right people in your profession, those whose level you should be at. Strutting you~ Stuff in the Sack - maybe some exhibitionism?, can open up new channels for fantasy and exploration. LEO (July 23 -August 22): The simplest observation can quickly become an ideological or academic thesis. That could be good, clarifying your own sense of where you stand. In relationships, however, your position may baffle you. Enjoy the mystery; it won’t last long. V~RGO (August 23 - September 22): That buzz in your brain, perhaps about mortality or sexual identity, could prove enlightening. See where it leads. Worries about health should motivate you to better exercise and hygiene. (There’s always room for improvement!) LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Playful banter with friends can lead you into a situation, pushing you to take sides, or you mig ht be able to negotiate a common ground between opposing camps. Solutions may defy logic. Creativity and intuition serve much better! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21}: You can make an effective gobetween for colleagues and bosses. Being clear about which side you’re on will make you more effective. Your focus on career can be a distraction from problems at home. Your distraction could even be the problem. SAGITTAR~US (November 22 - December 20): You need a forum for your opinion. Keep it light and playful and more people will listen. Appeal to emotions more than logic. Sticking to ideals and principles may be safer than citations that you’re "reasonably sure" of. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Leaning on your own ethnic identity, or your ethnic preferences, can help you strut your hot stuff. Sexual preference for a certain skin color may be racist, or not. It’s all in the context and attitude. Checking your own couldn’t hurt. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Arguments with your partner are inflamed by a sense of competition. Remember, you’re on the same side! Together you can be unbeatable. Selfdoubt can be a good thing if it leads you to better answers. HSCES (February 19 - Narch 19): If you must argue with colleagues, make sure it’s about something important; remember you’re ultimately on the same team. Is it really something at work that’s bothering you? Take time out, and meditate to find the real problem. Community for People living HW/A DS A 50’! 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 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-rnail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net Across 1 12 3 4 33 58 }59 60 Island of Diamond Head Beach Come-on after following a gay guy? 6 7 8 ~ 9 10 11 ’12 !13 15 ! ~ 16 ~ 39 40 ~ DovTI3 t Figure skater Doug 2 Nuts 0fa tall one 3 It’s deep in a movie title 4 Hall ’Universi~ 5 ~tflavor for gin 6 Shining examples 7 Prefix with physics 8 ~]ite~ A Boys Own 9 Frank of the House 10 Jaclde~ designer 1t Liza, to Lorna 12 Sept. follower 13 Month in Madrid 2l Dish nanie 22 Not in the pink 25 Antigay prejudice, e.g. 26 Phil of folk music 27 Home ofth~ Buckeyes 30 Be under the weather 32 Yellow-bri& way nd_ 45 Day before saying "~GIF" ~7 Halfofa pair 0fballs Solution page 23 evidence 59 Way cool 60 Hydrocarbon su~x w~vw.metrostarnews.com ~’ ~troSTAR 21 Another artistic aspect ofTulsa Ballet is its commitment to create art in Oklahoma and export it to the world. With this concept in mind, the compaW built Studio K: a 300 seat, $6 million theater, dedicated to the creation of new art. This Is Your Life vcas among the first works to be presented in the new theater. Created loosely on the concept of the 1950’s television show that bore the same name, this work merges drama, humor, acting and stunning dancing to tell the stoW of its characters. Tulsa Ballet will perform according to the fi~llowing schedule at The Joyce ~neater in New’~%rk City from August 10 - 15: Monday - \Vednesday at 7:30 pro, Tnursday- Saturday at 8pm and Sunday- at 2pro. Tickets for these performances are $19; $29; $39 and can be arranged by calling JoyceCharge a 212-242-0800 " or online at "~mv.joyce.org. NOTE: Ticket prices are subject to change. %e Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at I9th Street in Chelsea. If you can’t make the trip to see the company in New York, Tulsa Ballet is hosting a Big Apple Preview- Night in Tulsa on N~ursday, August 6 at Studio K, 1212 East 45th Place. Tickets are still available for this special event featuring a wine and hor d’ouevres reception at 6:30 pm followed by the performance at 7:00 pm. Tne evening will culminate with champagne and desserts on stage with the compan> Tickets can be purchased by contacting Amy Miller, Director of Development at (918) 392-5933. The 2009-20 I0 Tulsa Ballet Season begins in October with the Oklahoma premiere of Ben Stevensoffs spectacular production of Dracula that will be performed in Tulsa and Oklahoma City during the Halloween season. Subscription packages are on sale now and can be ordered by calling the Tulsa Ballet box office at (918) 749- 6407. For more information about Tulsa Ballet, please visit ~.~xvw.tutsaballetaorg. New Rainbow Sweater ............................................................................w~,w~thega)mar{oonsite.corn by Greg Fox SCANDINAVIAN Webs#e - wvs~c.kylecornics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@~ol.com 22 fi%t~"oSTAR August 2009 t-LABANA INN 2200 iNg/39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY IGRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ROUTE 66 ANTIQUE MALL 4624 E. 1 lth Street Tulsa OK 918-836-3838 VALERIE W]LLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 NATH_AN BLACK PRIMERICA 10820 E. 45th #305 Tulsa, OK 918-615-8177 nblack.rnv39@prinaerica.com OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. WALNUT AVE. Oklahoma City, OK 800-913:1310 A2qGLES 21 st Oklahoma vr~#.anglesclub.com .............. BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tt~sa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.ctubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 >FW 39TH EXPRESSX~TAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 wvcw.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 w~w.habanainn.com HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH ~I~Isa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thru Sat 2pro to 2am THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE ~Asa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pro to 2am Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 w#w.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oldahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pro MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org OY~AEIOMANS for EQUALITY 621 Ei 4d~ Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 wv~aokeq.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Negates Ave Tulsa, OK741~7 : 918-585-9552 IGRA Aurora, CO www.igra.com 202-957-6187 JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 ARMANDO AMOR Keller Williams Realty 1624 SW 122nd Oldahoma City, OK 73170 405-473-6870 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NWEXPRESS\gAy" Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 vc~w¢.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH FA’~PRESSW’AY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn THE KITCHEN 2218 NW" 39th Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Located inside the BOOM THE MARI~ET PLACE ON 39th 2235 N.W. 39th ° oming Out Armando Amor Phone: 405-473-6870 Fax: 405-691.2708 THE K~TCHEIN 2218 NW 39th , : Oklahoma City, OKC 7311’,~ Open Tues.-Sun 12 Noon to 11PM. Featuring Chef Susie Lopez. 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Call NATHAN BLACK 918-615-8177 SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY WWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM Chuck 8reckenridge Wl~ether buying or selling 1’11 work hard for you. w4w~.metrostarnews.com ~letroSTAR 23 300 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque for ~n The Demented Divas in Totally Plowed From Truckers to Nascar, from Trailer Parks to Dollywood, the Divas Poke Fun at the Most Famous Country Western Divas. Sandy Vee Anderson in a Tribute to Dolly Parton See the Award Winning, Top Dolly Impersonator from Las "Vegas legends in Concert and CMT, MTV, and VHI. vvww.mypromoreei.com/ sandy_anderson.html Sheraton A~buquerque Uptown Call 800-252-7772 ~onday - Friday, 8 a.~. - 5 p.m. (MS~ for the ~ntem~t~on~ Gay Ro~eo ~ssoc~t~o~ R~te of $85/n~g~t August2009 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] Metro Star Magazine, August 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 8 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media. Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 1, 2009 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 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele James Nimmo Jeane Flanigan Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Gerald Libonati Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner,-Townsend Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Jack Fertig Devre Jackson Victor Gorin Judy G. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/133 The Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/130 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/129 adoption Al McAffrey art ballet bar raid Bingo bowling tournament Christine Plante church cocktail chatter Comics cross dressers DADT Democratic party dining Dr. Tom Guild Drag Queen Enid Eureka Springs fashion First Thursday gay sex ban H.O.P.E hate crimes India international news Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Metro scene National news Nicholas K. Clark Obama OKC pride Oklahoma News Portland Pride celebration Qscopes Sally Kern same sex marriage snap shots stage Stonewall TABC travel Ukraine violence World Gay Rodeo finals https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/e208ae2467acdf8f6091484385748583.jpg 15bd0403ba57fe81147c641b3d6966f7 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/fda9c945eb7918511e42f653a03c29c1.pdf c00b651bb5318db03236e698530267db PDF Text Text Gift Guide THE VOLUME 6 PREMIER SOURCE ISSUE 12 FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA Twitter.com/MetroStad~ews ® Other Options; 20 years and going strong Celebrating with an open house for everyone By Robin Townsend Contributing Viriter MetroStarNews.com 1,2009 Fed partner benefits bill advances in House By Lisa Keen Keen News Service A House committee on Wednesday evening approved a bill to provide equal benefits to gay federal employees with domestic partners, but not without a political slugfest first over whether the legislation is an attempt to undermind the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The clash November 18 occured in the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform over the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009 (HR 2517). The bill seeks to provide all federal employees with the same benefits whether they are married to a person of the opposite sex or are in a long-term intimate relationship with a person of the same sex. It was sponsored by openly gay Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and had the spoken support of President Obama. All speakers for the bill were Democrats; Other Options and Friends Food Pantry’s board President Robert Painter with Executive Director Mary Arbuckle. The organization won an award this year at the National Philanthropy Day event hosted by the Association ofFundraising Professionals, Oklahoma Chapte~ The award reads, "Spirit ofPhilanthropy awards; For unmatched dedication to the people who are living with HIVAIDS. " OY-A_Ak-IOMA CITY, OK__ Since 1989 Other Options in Oldahoma City has provided professional, consistent services to PLWA’s and disabled individuals, focusing on the impact HIV/MDS has had in the lives of those they serve. The organization was founded by Cookie Arbuclde who was a Social Worker (MSW) at ChildreNs Hospital and Oklahoma Memorial Hospital (now OU Medical Center). "In 1988 morn was asked by an Oklahoma Governors Task Force who saw a need for a guide book for people living with HIV/_AADS and medical professionals," said Mary Arbuclde, Other Options Executive Director. "They hired Cookie to do this because of her background and because she was one of the founders of the ASP [AIDS Support Program] organization. "That was where the first book, t/kids for HIV/AIDS’ came from." The second edition gray paperback is the most popular and is four times larger. "The reason she [Cookie] started Other Options in 1989, was due to a generous grant by the Sarkey’s foundation. We realized the need for a non-profit to continue our services to the HIV/MDS community. Back then the patients were about 90% gay men. There were some other cases such as hemophilia, but homosexuality was the primary commonality." During the early days of Other Options there was a great need for the social services part of HIV/AIDS care. "Back then the patients rarely lived long enough to get their Social Security benefits. When we told a person they were HIV positive we explained things, but they knew their life expectancy w~s very limited even with AZT. As drug combinations have improved and there is more research, life expectancies are longer. "Our services are now more geared to improving lives, allowing people to live more productive lives. Now we see them living full lives." Today some needs are the same while some have changed "One of our methods of assistance is to give people the nutritional values they [clients] need to help them lead a more productive life, and that is what we are able to do with the Friends Food Pantry," adds Arbuckle. "We also added the HOPWA last June and service 125 [clients] there." (HOPWA- Housing Options for People Living With AIDS). Charla Stevenson is the Housing Case Manager at Other Options who manages that part of the organization. ......Continued See AWARD Page-14 all speakers against it were Republ~,can.s. :~mocrats emphasized the bill s aim to end discrimination against LGBT federal employees by providing them with equal pay for equal work. Republicans emphasized their concern that the bill is trying to circumvent DOMA and widespread public sentiment as illustrated by 31 states voting to ban same-sex marriage. The proceedings were web-streamed live on the Committee’s website but are no longer available there. The debate was a classic discourse between pro and anti-gay forces. Pro-gay legislators talked about fighting discrimination and protecting equal rights. Anti-gay forces talked about opposing special rights and protecting traditional marriage. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), hunched over his papers during much of the proceeding and often turning away whenever an opposing legislator responded to him, offered an amendment to stipulate that nothing in the bill would modify, supersede, or otherwise affect DOMA. Rep. Edolphus To~vns (D-NY), chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, spoke forcefully against the Jordan Amendment saying "same-sex domestic partnership laws to do not affect DOMAY Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) opposed it, too, saying the purpose was clearly intended "to nt~ify the entirety of the effort here today." The amendment eventually failed on a vote of 22 to 12. Republicans lodged a number of contradictory complaints about the legislation. For instance, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-San Diego) complained that the bill would enable "any two individuals" to qualify for benefits, while Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) complained that any two individuals would not be able to qualify. ’~klthough this legislation purports to stand on a foundation of nondiscrimination," said Fortenberry, "it appears to diminish the standing of federal employees who may share the same dwelling and collaborate intimately with an immediate or extended family member of the opposite sex in a nonsexual relationship to meet their basic financial needs." His example was a nephew caring for an aunt with cancer. Then he continued. "What about those who are in nurturing relationships neither marked by physical intimacy nor qualifying for married dependent status but share a specialness of bond based on a commitment to duty or to friendship," said Fortenberry. His example for this was "a friend helping a friend of the opposite sex if they were unemployed." Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) repeatedly stated that he was "standing tall for traditional marriage." He offered two amendments: one to require the president to certify that the bill does not increase premiums for existing federal employees before the bill can go into effect; the other to require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the impact on premiums. ....... Continued See FED BENEFITS Page-4 �T~ATS W~AT ~APS $ WILL COST THE AVE~AG~ OKLAhOmA ~I~ ~SIDENT IN SAL~S TAX A $280 CONVENTION CENTER What’s new £or the Diversity Business Association in 2010 ? Sooner State Rodeo Association presents the Festival of Trees Auction By Robin Townsend Contributing Writer TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa based Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) will host their Annual Holiday Festival of Trees, Saturday October 28th from 7:30-11PM at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa. The SSRA fundraising event will benefit SSRA and their 2009 charitable partners. The event will feature Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres plus a Live Auction of 7 Fully Decorated Christmas Trees beginning at 8:30PM. The trees have been decorated by local interior designers, organizations, and individuals from the Tulsa GLBT Community. AN AQUATIC CENTER DOWNTOWN PARK DEVON ENERGY WE ’T AFFORD TO GIVE THE CITY A BLANK CHECK. Paid for by Concerned Citizens 2 ~tet~’oSTAR Current DBA board members at the 2009 Oklahoma Ci(y Pride parade this summer; Money Milbu~w, President, Gina Love, member-at-large and Leslie Blab; l~ce President. Dorner photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Oklahoma City’s premier business organization for the LGBT community will have an overhaul soon. Plans for a new website, a rate increase and new board members appear to be in store for the Oklahoma City based gay and lesbian business and professional group. So what else is new for DBA for 20!0? Looks like there will be a new President with ~h~ f~mlt resigfiation ofM0n~ Milbur~ Tnere has been at least one members identified who may fill the roll, but at the time of this story board members have not yet been voted on. "I am resigning effective Dec. 3t, 2009. As of right now, rates will be increasing as some point in 2010 and the projected new membership will be $149.00/yr," said Milburn in his last interviev¢ to the Metro Star as DBA board president, q]ae current membership rate is $49 for a single membership. "A brand new dynamite website will be included as well as some great advertising opportunities and such. There will also be members only activities." Ti~e goal of DBA is to be a positive organization in the LGBT community and the Oklahoma City community as a whole. This includes businesses in the area that are gay or gay-friendly that can benefit from likeminded people seeking to do business with this diverse group. DBA also has a presence each year with Pride events and, for the first time, had a group who walked in the parade. There are also plans underway to hire a staff member to help the organization run more smoothly. ’%Ve just realized that we have to hire someone to make this machine run and we need to do it sooner than later," adds Milburn. "I’m not thinking that this will happen as of January 1 due to getting bids for the site and finding a DBA staff member but it is happening or DBA wil! just go away and become a social thing that requires no dues no planning, etc." For more information about DBA, please email them at contact@dbametro.org or visit ~w,vw.dbametro.org. Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) is Tulsa and Northeastern Oklahoma’s gay rodeo association, and is a recognized member of the International Gay Rodeo Association. SSRA was founded in 2000 and is a legal 501 3(c) and is dedicated to the promotion of the western lifestyle throughout Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma. www.soonerstaterodeo.com Picket Organized to Protest Sarah Pa~in’s Book Signing OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ When Republican past vice presidential candidate and 2012 presidential hopeful Sarah Palin holds her booksigning in Norman she may encounter more than she bargained for. On a national tour to promote her new book, "Going Rogue" she is making her only Oklahoma stop at Hasting’s Bookstore, located in Norman at 2300 W. Main from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m on Thursday, December 3. Organized by OKC gay activist Keith Kimmel, he gives his reasons for the protest. " I’m organizing this event because I don’t want Palin to be my next president. I find her homophobic views to be repugnant and I think my sentiment is shared by many. I’m compelled to say something and I hope others will join me." Those who share his views are welcome to join this event. For more information contact Keith Kimmel, http:// vrww.facebook.com/1/cee43; 405 886 5095. Oklahoma Weather Forecast for December 2009 .... : Dec 1-5: Rain, then sunny, mild; Dec 6-8: Shmvers, then sunny, cold; Dec 9-13: R~in and snow, then sunny, cold; Dec 14-18: Rain, then sunny; mild; Dec 19-20: Showers, then colder; ~ Dec 21-25: Sunny, then rain, warm; Dec 26’28: Rain, then colder; ~. Dec 29-31: Sunn)~ warm. Avg. temperature 520 (40 above avg.); precipitation -.5 (avg.); December 2009 �Memoriam Heather Harp Howland September 9th, 1968 - November 4th, 2009 TULSA, OK Heather Harp Howland was born in Oklalloma. City on September 9th, 1968 and transitioned from this life on November 4th, 2009. Her early years were spent in San Antonio Texas. Her family moved to Tulsa when she was 14. She attended Kemper Military Academy in Boonville Missouri, almamater of Will Rogers, and graduated from Tulsa Memorial High School. She majored in journalism/ marketing a the University of Oklahoma. She is preceded in death by her Mother, Sharon. She is survived by her father John Howland of San Antonio Texas, and her brother Patrick Howland and his wife Patrice Pratt of Tulsa, and her nieces Arie! Pratt of Pennsylvania, Sierra Pratt of Tulsa and nephews, Rick Pratt of Pennsylvania, Shay Howland of Tulsa and Seth Howland of Tulsa. Heather lived in San Antonio in her young adult years and then in 1995 she returned to Tulsa to care for her mother. She opened England & Harp, a successfu! antique and design store on Cherry Street in 1997. Her eye for design was impeccable. As a member of the Tulsa LGBTQ community, Heather snpported the mission of Oldahomans for Equality- (Old’q) formerly tmown as Tnlsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). She volunteered her time and efforts at the Pride Store, co-directed the Pride Events and supported other fundraising events. Heather had lots of interests and talents. She loved softball and played catcher while at OU and would gladly tell you that her knees haven’t been the same since. She could belt out a song, deliver a sermon and demonstrate an Academy Award winning speech upon request. She was a founding member of \%Zomen of Council Oak in 2003 and a supporting member of Sisters in Song. Heather developed liver disease in 2008 and was on the liver transplant waitint list. Carol Brown and friends hosted a fundraising effort in September 2009 at Club 209 to assist with current medical bills and future transplant costs. A memorial service was held on November 7th. 2009 at the Dennis R. Neill Equality- Center located at 621 East 4th Street, Tulsa Oklahoma. She will be missed. She will forever be remembered. Counci Oak Mens Chorale Presents: Some Enchanted Season December 1st, 4th, & 5th, 2009: 8pro TULSA, OK (PR) Fresh sounds of celebration and traditional favorites will once again fill Trinit~;s beautiful sancruary as Council Oak Mens Chorale presens their 2009 holiday concert. This specially selected blend of both timeless and soon-to-be classics is sure to leave you feeling warm and ~’estive... some might even say enchanted! The concert will be held at the Trinity Episcopal Church located at 5th & Cincinnati Avenue. Tickets are ~15. for more information call 918.748.3888 or visit counciloalcorg. ~¢.metrostarnews.com MISS BAMBOO 2010 CROWNED By Staff Reporter Miss Bamboo 2009 L~y Katheryn and Miss Bamboo 2010 Dominique LaRue. StaffPhoto TULSA, OK __ No prelim, no registration fees, not known for glamour, but an absolute cdebration of campy fun with a big heart. That is the Miss Bamboo Pageant. Although this year’s contestants did break with tradition and were quite stylish. Dominique LaRue had the crowd in uncontrollable laughter with her Old W-,man on a Walker comedy routine. Christmas Eve Candlelig Thursday December 24, 8 Dominique LaRue perfbrming her comedy skit. Staffphoto Votes for each contestant were determined by the amount of money each was given by the audience for their performance. HOPE Clinic of Tulsa was the r4cipient of this year’s proceeds of $633.00. HOPE offers a variety of services for people with HIV/STD. For confidential information or referrals call the statewide HIV/STD resource hotline operated by trained HOPE staff 1800-535-2437. The MC’s for the show were Kris Kohl and Earlina Derrick, two well known divas of Tulsa. Flowers were provided by Glenpool Flmvers and Gifts. First runner up for the Miss Bamboo 2010 title was Serina Ashley who’s interpretation of a drunken platinum blonde slut was very convincing, but she showed way too much skin, nasty! 3131 N. Pennsylvania, Oklaho! 405.525.9555 8an ’uptcy o Civil Rights *Criminal Empl ,ment * Family Law * Litigation N.W 13th Street ahoma city, oK 7s 0s Conspicuously absent from this years entertainment line-up was self proclaimed Empress of the Bamboo, Miss Mona Lott who some suspect has been committed to Laureate for observation by her now legal husband. ¢~I<>t~oSTAR 3 �Prop 8 repeal petitions begin circ ation Tt~e state of California on Nov. 16 approved the start of signature-gathering for a voter initiative to repeal Proposition 8 in November 2010, the group Love Honor Cherish reported. The initiative ~vould remove from the California Constitution the sentence, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California," and replace it with, "Marriage is between only two persons and shall not be restricted on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestr)~ national origin, sex, gendm; sexual orientation, or religion." The measure further states: "To protect religious freedom, no court shall interpret this measure to require any priest, minister, pastor, rabbi, or other person authorized to perform marriages by any religious denomination, church, or other non-profit religious institution to perform any marriage in violation of his or her religious beliefs. ~e refusal to perform a marriage under this provision shall not be the basis for lawsuit or liability, and shall not affect the tax-exempt status of any religious denomination, church or other religious institution." Repeal advocates must collect 694,354 valid voter signatures by April 12. To be safe, that means collecting around 1 million total signatures. ~e 2010 repeal can~paign is a grassroots effort that does not have support from large GLBT groups, many ofxvhich have said or suggested they want to wait until 2012 to attempt to undo Prop 8. The Courage Campaign had earlier supported the 2010 effort but later complained of deficiencies in governing structure, expertise, research and funding. For more information, see SignForEquality.com. Gay Euro MPs denounce Ugandan bill Members of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights have strongly denounced the "Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009" pending in Uganda’s Parliament. "The proposed legislation includes provisions to punish those alleged to be lesbian; gay or bisexual with life imprisonment and, in some cases, the death penalty; any parent or teacher failing to report their LGBT children or pupils to the authorities.~zcith a fine eqtiivalent to $2,650 or three years’ imprisonment; and landowners providing shelter to LGBT people with seven years’ imprisonment," the MEPs said Nov. 9. Co-President Ulrike Lunacek said: "I strongly appeal to Ugandan politicians to be as courageous as they were when overthrowing the Idi Amin regimel and not to ban Ugandan citizens from being free to love whomever they wish. Homosexuality is nothing un-African; it has existed at all times and in all cultures." In the U.S., lesbian U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and three other members of Congress have sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging her to use the full force of her o~ce to condemn the bill. 4 l:~;~ot oSTAR Brazilian man barred from living in U.S. with American husband ~ne Obama administration let the clock run out Oct. 23 on helping a Brazilian man who wants to return to Massachusetts to live with his U.S. husband. Tim Coco and Brazilian Gen&io Oliveira married in Massachusetts in 2005 and own a home together in a Boston suburb. Oliveira was sent home in August 2007 after losing an asylum case based on anti-gay persecution he said he experienced in Brazil. He later also lost a case in which he sought to return to the U~S. based on his marriage to Coco. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder had until Oct. 23 to overrule that decision on humanitarian grounds. He had been urged to do so by U,S. Sen. John Kei~ry, D-Mass. The anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act, passed during Bill Clinton’s presidency, prevents the U.S. government from recognizing same-sex spouses for any reason. President Obaa~aa has said repeatedly that he supports DOMA’s repeal and the extension to same-sex couples of every right and obligation of marriage -- but he has taken no concrete steps to achieve his stated goals. Coco and Oliveira have said they may sue the federal government over DOMA in hopes of being reunited. Bill Clinton said that he had been "wrong" in opposing same-sex marriage. Spealdng to CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Clinton said: "I realized that I was, you know, over 60 years old, I grew Up at a different time, and I was hung up about the word (marriage). I had all these gay friends; I had all these gay couple friends, and I ~vas hung up about it. Aud I decided I was wrong. That our society has an interest in coherence and strength and commitment and mutually reinforcing loyalties, then if gay couples want to call their union marriage and a state agrees, and several have no,a, or a religious body will sanction it -and I don’t think the state should be able to stop the religious bodies from saying it -- I don’t think the rest of us should get in the way of that. I think it’s a good thing, not a bad thing." "I just realized that I was, probably for, maybe just because of my age and the way I’ve grown up, I ~vas wrong about that," he continued. "I just had too many gay friends. I saw their relationships. I just decided I couldu’t, I had an untenable position." As~ president, Clinton signed into law the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits the federal government fi’om recognizing s~xrne-sex marriages and a~rms that states don’t have to recognize other states’ same-sex marriages. The first amendment failed. And Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) amended the latter to have the GAO study the effect of extending benefits to domestic partners on the government’s ability to recruit and retain employees. In response to GOP complaints that two people of the same sex might pretend to be in a domestic partnership in order to gain benefits, Rep. Steve Lynch (D-Mass.) said: "I dofft think there’s a ,vhole lot of people out there, given the discrimination ,ve have against gays and lesbians in our society, trying to pretend that they’re gay or that they’re lesbian so they can get favorable treatment. That’s not the reality of today’s world." Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), an African American, also rebuffed such arguments, saying "I know discrimination when I see it. This is the opposite. ~is is a civil rights bill." Norton noted, with some irony, that some years ago Republicans refused to allow a domestic partnership bill in Washington, D.C., because the bill attempted to include domestic partners and other family members living together. Chairman Towns rebutted Republican concerns that the bill would cost too much, noting that only about 15,000 to 30,000 new enrollees are expected to join federal health insurance rolls~as a results of the legislation representing 0.3 percent. Howevere Issa came back claiming that the LGBT community frequently cites a figure of 10 percent for its representation in the population. (In fact, the community hasn’t used a figure like that since the 1970s. More recent scientific surveys, according to gay statistical expert Gary Gates have been very consistent in showing that something like 2-4% of adults identify as LGB. The bill now goes to the floor in the House. Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced a version of the bill into the Senate. In a related development, a judge for the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled November 18 that the federal government violated the constitutional ~ights of a gay federal attorney when it denied him health coverage for his same-sex spouse. The two men were married in California during a period of five months last year when same-sex couples could obtain marriage licenses. Gay cop gay-bashed in Liverpool, England A 22-year-old off-duty trainee police officer was seriously gay-bashed outside the gay bar Superstar Boudoir in Liverpool, England, on Oct. 25. James Parkes was set upon by a gang of 20 youths and suffered multiple skull fractures and a broken cheek bone and eye socket. He was hospitalized in critical condition before being released Oct. 30 to recuperate at home. Citing language used by the bashers, police have deemed the assault a homophobic hate crime. Twelve of the alleged assailants, some of whom are ~s young as 13, have been arrested. December 2009 �love the Democratic Good news as LGBT’s Party but Will I Respect Mysd£in the Morning ? grow o der By Robin Townsend Contributing X~Triter by James Nimrod OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As we GLBTs emerge sweaty and disheveled fi’om our post-coital ruckus in Maine, I’m reminded that this is America and everything is for sale, including our gay/lesbian equality-that’s the American way. You want to lmow how we’re going m sell it? In 1764 an Italian nobleman named Cesare Beccaria wrote, "If we glance at the pages of history, we will find that laws, which surely are or ought to be compacts of free men, have been for the most part a mere tool for the passions of some." I’m referring to the heartbreakingly close, yet lost Maine election early in November where we gays/lesbians thought we had a better-than-good chance of winning through the ballot box the recognition of our civil equality under the law. Unfortunately; the Religious Right has used the referendum petition process in 31 states ro turn our citizenship into raffle tickets for discrimination where the prize is our continued lack of full equality under the law. Our civil rights canse has been de-railed 31 times at the bal!ot box by the usual degeption of the Biblically-dduded using the prejudiced superstitions that gays recruit and stalk children and teenagers. Nor only are gays/lesbians still secondclass raxpayers, all of the residents of those 31 states, regardless of sexual orientation, are also honorary members of the Mormon, Roman Catholic, and Southern Baptist denominations, to name only three of the biggest religious oppressors in the USA. I say this because its the oppressor’s anti-gay religious POVs that have become encoded into civil law. ~e United Church of Christ (UCC), Unitarian, and Reform Judaism adherents have 1Sassed guidelines allowing their clergy to perform their mvn versions of same-gender marriage without recognition from the resident state. Their First Amendment religious freedom is blocked by the actions and money of the theocrats ~vhose dogma trumps all attempts at fairness and fulfillment of our lives. Justice guaranteed by the Constitution is thwarted by ignorance and prejudice. Only Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut have legislatively passed marriage equality for same-gendered Americans. T’ne state of Washington earlier this month rejected the homo-haters attempt to overturn a law called, "Everything but Marriage." Since the ballgt box/clvil rights rathe process is spent and flaccid, activists John Aravosis and Joe Sudbay are calling for a boycott or a withholding of contributions -- Don’t Ask, Don’t Give -- to the Democratic Party until ~ve get the results they’ve promised us for years, like passage of employment protection (ENDA), removal of marriage discrimination (DO!vIA), and the privilege to serve in the military (DADT), ....... Continued see VIEW" POINT page vw,~v.metrostarnews.com LGBT activist and communi{y leader, Rob Howard of Oklahoma City. Dorn’er photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __In October, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced plans to establish the nation’s first national resource center to assist communities across the country in their efforts to provide services and supports for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. It is estimated that as many as 1.5 to 4 million LGBT individuals are age 60 and older. "I’m glad that Health and Human Services is beginning to realize that the plight of LGBT elders needs to be addressed," Rob Howard of Oklahoma City told the Metro Star. "Although their current estimate is that there are tip ro 4 million gay and lesbian seniors, in the next 10 to 15 years, as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, there will be twice as many - from 6 to 8 million." Howard has served in many roles helping LGBT citizens. Hie is a past Vice President of Prime Timers Worldwide and now serves as their treasure. Prime Timers Worldwide is an educational and social organization for mature gay and bisexual men. They have 72 chapters, mostly in the US and Canada, but also in Australia and Sweden. Membership is nearly 7,000. p "Organizations serving the broader aging community need to develop policies and sensitivity to this issue, and work with LGBT organizations to educate the medical care and long term care communities about our issues," he adds. "It is time for mainstream LGBT organizations to recognize the need, and to partner with seniors on these issues as ~vell." HHS reports that many agencies that provide services to older individuals may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the needs of this group of individuals. The center for LGBT Elders will provide information, assistance and resources for both LGBT organizations and mainstream aging services providers at the state and community level to assist them in education and development. The LGBT Center will also be available to educate the LGBT community about the importance of planning ahead for future long term care needs. "~ae most significant problem facing LGBT elders is sensitive medical care and housing," adds Howard. "Most are desperately afraid that they will be discriminated against in these settings and worse, abused by staff and other residents in long term care. This is a generation that for the most part has lived their lives in the open. They aren’t about to tolerate discrimination or abuse in their golden years." The LBGT Resource Center plans to help community-based organizations understand the unique needs and concerns of older LGBT individuals and assist them in implementing programs for local service providers, including providing help to LGBT caregivers who are providing care for an older partner with h~alth or other challenges. Funding is pending but projected to be approximately $250,000 per year. "I applaud the development of this resource center at HHS. However, the proposed $250,000 sirigle grant is woefully short of what is needed to address this problem, furthers Howard, who is an activist and well versed in these issues. "To make only a single grant to establish a resource center falls far short of the effort that will be needed across our country in this area." e g y Ch �Eddy Sarfaty treats O KC Art Opening and E ibit to his Mental Hilarity w-ith Photographs By Victor Gorin from the Robert Giard Collection State Representative AI A4cA~ey with Eddie Sa,~t): Godn phom OYJ_AHOMA CITY, OK __On October 26, an othervdse normal Monday night leading up to the Halloween celebrations, the night was interestingly hilarious for the audience at the 51st Street Speakeasy, a small intimate eatery & watering hole not widely known in the metroplex except to their faithful clientele. This was where nationally known gay comic Eddie Sarfaty made a stop on his Mental Tour of the country. His audience was warmed up for his act by !ocal comics Bradchad Porter and Spencer Hicks before Eddie cut loose with his own brand of humor. Lampooning political issues including our military’s "Don’t ask Don’t tell Polici’ and the joys of his Jewish family ba&ground, he made fun of numerous other aspects of gay life and living for everybody. The audience had many regulars, along with gays and their friends including DBA President Monty Milburn and Oklahoma State Representative A1 McAffrey. His act also promoted his new book, "Mental:Funny in the Head," and benefitted the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. He left behind his insights and ideas along with memories of a fun filled evening. TULSA, OK (PR) __ Oklahomans for Equality (Old, q) will showcase and exhibit local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa. The exhibit will feature works from world renmvned photographer Robert Giard (19392002). The show begins with a reception on Thursday, December 3rd from 6-9pm and continuing throughout the mofith of December and throughout January of 2010. Robert Girad’s subject matter for his photography is legion and includes landscapes from his travels and home, nudes and most significantly, portraits of noted gay and lesbian literary lights such as Edward Albee, Allen Ginsberg, Adrienne Rich, David Leavitt and Michael Cunningham. This unique archive of photographic portraits of gay and lesbian writers by the late Robert Giard is on loan from the Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Libraty.s prestigious American Collection, and will be on display through December 2009 and January 2010. K.C. Chiefs dump player who called reporters faggots The Kansas City Chiefs football team released running back Larry Johnson from the team Nov. 9 after he called reporters faggots and called a fellow Twitter user a fag. In the locker room Oct. 26, Johnson muttered to reporters, "Get your faggot ass out of here." The remark was captured on tape. A day earlier, he used his Twitter account to call another ~¢¢itter user a "fag." He also reportedly tweeted: "Make me regret it. Lmao. U don’t stop my checks. Lmao. So ’tweet’ away." Johnson lat,er apologized for the outbursts, saying he hadn t intended to be offensive and had not been "a good role modal (for) the kids who view athletes as role models." December 2009 �www.metrostarnews.com ~%,t~oSTAR 7 �Mikey Rox is an award-winningjournalist/writer and the pHncipal ofPaper Rox Scissors, a copywriting and creative consulting company in New York City. nd him at ~’~,~,~<l:~,~r?’~;~’~:" ~,~ co~~. ~9gith flavor infusions like Chocolate, Tomato aud Triple Three Olives Vodka is quickly gaining a reputation as the gourmand’s drink of choice. But that doesn’t mean you have to be a food and beverage snob to get your hands on a bottle. For less than a Jackson (Andrew, not Tito), you can snag 750 ml of the smooth stuffto give as a gift to the host of your next holiday party. Extra points for playing guest bartender with this Ho-Ho-Hojito recipe: Muddle !0 mint leaves and halfa lime in a tall cocktail glass. Pour in two tablespoons of simple syrup and fill the glass with ice. Add two ounces of N~ree Olives Pomegranate Vodka (and a dash more for good measure) and top it offwith dub soda. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime, and voila! Just don’t over do it, OK. Remember what happened last ),ear? ($19.99; wwvy’~ ~r~:~ >~ c~.~m) A HIGHER ’SCORE’ In season two of "Keeping Score" - the national project of the San Francisco Symphony to make classical music more accessible to the masses - three new programs explore the music and stories behind Hector Berlioz’s symphonic love letter "Symphonie fantastique"; Charles Ives’ sonic portrait of New England with "Holidays Symphony’; and Dmitri Shostakovich’s "Symphony No. 5," a work that may have saved the composer’s life. This high-&f, three-disc documentary program - a follow-up to season one of the series, which premiered on PBS in November 2006 ± is packaged with two concert tapings and available on Blu-Ray. ($24.99 each; CALENDARS "Suckin" It For the Holidays," Grammynominated, gay-lovin" colnedienne Kathy Grifl~n delivers some of her best stand-up ever on an album that was recorded live from the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. SKIES Like you need a reason to jet offto a faraway land - but at least this is a good one. Now through the end of the year, when you purchase an American Airlines gift card you’ll join the fight against breast cancer. For every $50 you spend in travel gift cards, American Airlines will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. You can purchase physical cards for yourself (to enjoy a guilt-free getaway), or choose virtual cards to be delivered by e-mail with a personal message attached. Just enter code "Komen" in the tracking box when ordering online. ($50; >~:~:~%#;~A!~O 8 I¢I÷’IroSTAR ’STRiDA’ RITE Give your hooves a rest with the STPdDA collapsible bike, the first completely new bicycle geometry in 95 years. Inside a foldable triangular frame of light~veight aluminum, power is transferred to the rear wheel via a silent Kevlar belt (no oily gears or chains!) while horizontally mounted handlebars allow the rider to sit comfortably upright for an excellent view of the road. When you’re ready to hop off, just fold STRiDA up and wheel it to your next destination. In compact form, the bike stows easily in a car, on the train, or in the closet. Just like you used to. ($800; BRIEF BELIEFS Piss & Vinegar - the provocative new brand of underwear from Ginch Gonch founder Jason Sutherland - has a heart on. For Jesus. Yes, that Jesus. Made from breathable, bodp conforming stretch fabric, the first release from this caustic collection is the "I Love..." line, which features the controversial "I Love Jesus" and "I Love Buddha" briefs, boxer briefs, lowrise briefs and jockstraps. Of course, if you’re not feeling so sacrilegious this holiday season, Piss & Vinegar - which borrows its name from British slang for living young at heart - will also introduce "I Love Boys" and "I Love Girls" briefs. Redeeming, sure. But you’re still on the shortlist for eternal damnation. ($25; www4:Asvr~:’g~r.co~rO SONIC COLOR Built on the concept of technology meeting style, DEOS introduces two collections of innovative iPod earphone covers available at MAIq UP sweat. Or maybe it is. Cover up your natural repellent with Masculinity by Intense, a new fragrance from N 10Z formulated ~vith a unique male-to-male pheromone. Featuring a refined composition of exotic spices, aromatic herbs and crisp citrus, Masculinity opens with notes of French basil, West Indian clove, Asian mandarin and Sicilian bergamot followed by hints of amber, cedarwood, black pepper and leather. Holy Hugh Jackman! Designed to stimulate the vomeronasal organ (among other "organs"), this sensual scent also is said to help improve self-confidence. Whatever works. ($55; v,~ w~#:, I all price levels. The first, DEOS DIAMOND - for those who have more cash than they can shake a peppermint stick at - consists of three distinct earphone cover styles specifically named for the number of individual diamonds imbedded in each traditional or black titanium design. DEOS CRVZ - for more budget-conscious consumers - boasts three collections: Crystal, featuring Swarovski bedazzlements; Aluminum, available in an array of metallic colors; and Silicone, designed with active lifestyles in mind. ($9.99 and up; ~:,~,~w d~:,~v~l; ~ :~ ~:: ~) Out bodybuilder and former Colt supermodel Bo Dixon releases his first selftitled calendar, BO DIXON: Reinvented 2010. Celebrating the power of perseverance, this muscle-worship date keeper features the hirsute powerhouse in fourteen all-new photos and comes with a "making-of" DVD. ($16.95; w>,~,i "Money can’t buy you love, but the rest is negotiable..." That’s the tagline of Tne Working Men of Rentboy.com 2010, the Web site’s third-annual calendar honoring its hottest porn stars, escorts and boyfriends for hire. This year’s eye candy includes Nick Capra, Josh Hart, Arpad Miklos and Tommy Defendi. ($15.95; W~A~:~I:D~#)¢~;:: ~)~)~) December 2009 �www.metrostarnews.com �10 ~#%t~"oSTAR December 2009 �Photo’s bT Victor G. & Judy G. @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @The End U); Tulsa @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Angles, Oklahoma City West), and the cocktail that helped popularize vodka in the U.S., the MosCow Muie (; odka and ~ new. Polish @Club 209, Tulsa By Keith Orr Vodka 101: ~-he Spirit of Choice What better way to start out my assignment as the host of "Cocktail Chatter" than to write about my favorite liquor, Vodka. And I am not alone. Vodka is the best-selling liquor in America, accounting for over 26% of all spirit sales. A glance around any gay bar tells you that in the U.S. gay market that number is probably higher. It was not always so. Until tlxe late 1950’s vodka :was considered an exotic Russian import. As always, marketing drove the expansion. Vodka was advertised as "White ¯ Whiskey - no taste, no smefl." Its popularity skTrocketed as imbibers believed that there would be no alcohol on their breath and they would avoid hangovers. It quickly replaced www.metrostarnews.com @ Finishline, Oklahoma City other spirits in highballs and cocktails. Most famously it usurped gin as the spirit of choice in a martini. Vodka can be made from many base ingredients: rye, wheat, potatoes, beets, grapes or grapeseed, molasses, and more. The ingredients are first fermented, then distilled. In most ~vestern vodkas the distillation process produces something fairly close ro pure alcohol, and water is added back in. Most high-end vodkas also filter the spirit as well. All of this distilling and filtering is the source of the dean taste that makes vodka so mixable and popular. Rye and wheat are the most common sources in well-known brands, with a smattering of potato vodkas. Molasses is l~’gely used for mass-producing vodka for mass market brands. Naough all vodka is highly distilled, each vodka has a unique flavor profile as a result of the }esidual components of the original distillation, as well as the various methods and materials used for filtering. @ Ledo, Oklahoma City The super premium brands such as Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Chopin each have subtle flavors best appreciated in the cocktail which features vodka in a starring role, the martini. (Martini preparation is anotlxer column!) My personal favorite is Absolut’s entry in the super premium line, Level by Absolut. Not only do I like the flavor, I choose it for political reasons. I support the vodka that supports me. Absolut has been a leading supporter of many gay organizations and events for 30 years. While martinis feature vodka in a starring role. the overwhehning popularity of the beverage is its ability to act in a supporting role. No other spirit plays so well with others. Vodka and tonic, vodka and cranberry, vodka and coke, vodka and diet coke (dubbed dae "skinny bitch" by the drag queens of Key pepper vodkas at least 200 years ago. Russian and Scandinavian vodkas used herbs and nuts for flavoring even earlier. Today vodkas are infused with dozens of flavors: lemon, lime, cranber~ pomegranate, acai berry, chocolate, grapefruit, peach, and even bacon. I like sipping infused or flavored vodkas on the rocks. They also can create new variations to martinis, cosmos, and a variety of shots. The beauty of vodka lies in versatility: Vc~hetl~er you are enjoying the refined and subtle flavors in a classic martini, or partying hard with an alcohol that plays well with your favorite mixer, vodka is the spirit of choice. ~÷t~oSTAR 11 �~÷~STAR 12 December 2009 �by Jack Fertig December 2009 "Put your waRet away, SagRtariusI" Off and on through the next year Saturn is square to Pluto, signaling profound Changes in society and government. As faster planets aspect them both we will see opportunities in this crisis. Venus in Sagittarius shows how to apply new philosophical values to greater practical benefit. ARIES (March 28-Apri~ 19): Work can be overwhelming, and the demands of relationships don’t help. The stars call for an exotic, artistic holiday. A foreign film or art show can offer enough escapism, and perhaps~a new insight to put the pressures into perspective. TAURUS (Apri~ 28 - May 20): intellectual and technical demands can make it feel as if the world is conspiring to make you feel brutish and inept. Sex remains an excellent release of tension. Explore new techniques - or just lie back and ask your partner to take care of you. GEMiNi {May 21-June 20): Relaxing and having fun may seem more trouble than it’s worth, but it is absolutely necessary. Let your sweetheart do all the work. Leaving yourself open to surprises and adventures will do you a world of good. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Put your wallet away. It’s generosity of the spirit that counts. Friends who want your money.are not really your friends. Long philosophical chats around a coffee table can be much better than expensive nights out. CAPRICORN (December 2t - January t9): It’s a good time to forge ahead in your career and make big chan.ges, but you can be much too demanding and aggressive, undermining your own best efforts. Pay attention to that little voice inside. Mediation will help. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): In Greek myth, Cassandra’s curse was to see the future - and nobody believed her. Your forebodings may be excessive, but they’re not entirely wrong. Discuss them with friends you can count on to help you make better sense of them. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Your capacity as a mover and shaker among your friends is sure to get noticed, but is it the sort of moving and shaking you want to get noticed? Be bold in politics and work, discreet in the bedroom, and always keep your senseof humor. CANCER (June 2% July 22): The only solution to domestic stress involves real labor. Some exotic tchotchke from a rummage sale could become the centerpiece of a new look, providing the fun and motivation for otherwise dreary housework. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Obsessing too hard on details can detract from the big picture and distract you from normal safety precautions. There is a difference between focus (good!) and obsession (bad!). Some playful diversion will help you keep perspective. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): Everyone’s worried about money these days; try to keep your own wordes in perspective. Taking time out with your family (or origin or of choice)can help you relax and appreciate what you have. MBRA (September 23 - October 22): Knowing your place in your family and community is important, but probably not as much as you make it out to be. What’s bugging you? Talk it over with a sibling or a "sister" over an exotic lunch. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Step away from the plastic! Do not go near that cash register! At least stop and think before spending. When you get worried and dithery, focus on your philosophical values. Remember what’s important. "Retail therapy" is not therapeutic! Community for People iving with H V/A DS A 50’! c (3) Non Profit Org~zadon Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living withAIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of ou? people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HlV+ an£t or !lying v¢ith 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 ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal net �& Stevenson has also successfially assisted seven by Greg Fox NOT l-OOKIlq~ FOR: A N~IA! MAN~ YObl NIAT clients out of the HOPXNrA where they now are able to live on their own since being them with employment and other aids to independence from the progrmn. We work very., hard to make sure that when one of our clients’ walks in, they pay nothing; everything is free," adds Arbudde~ "We have food supplements, clothing, misc furniture and other items and even some medical equipment." Other Options also has arranged for a commission of sales from Thrift City at 26th and MacArthur to be donated to Other Options. "Our success is because I built a great board and an advisory board," Arbuckle humbly added. "Our board president is Robert Painter owner of the Iguana and he has been a tremendous support." The two met when Painter turned to Other Options to help meet the immediate needs of a close friend. Other Options is inviting everyone over to their place to celebrate! A~er serving the community these 20 years, Other Options and Friends Food Pantry (open for 10 years) is opening their doors for a Holiday and anniversary Open House Dec. 1 lth from 4-8 pm. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the event at the organization headquarters located at 3003 N. May in Oldachoma City. For more information about Other Options and Friends Food Pantry, please call (405) 6058020 or visit www.aidscommunity.org. In our American two-party political syste~ laws have been made the passionate tools to be used against us as Beccaria observed centuries ago. N~e GOP couldn’t care less if GLBTs lived or died. Did you see Mary Cheney at the October March on Washington? So that leaves the Democratic Part3, as the only game in town, politically spealdng, and they think they have a monopoly on our aaCfections but with their repeated stalling and inaction on important gay issues I’m through believing them. Remember, it took ELEVEN years for Congress to pass the Shepard/Byrd Hate Crimes Law, and only two months for Congress to pass the AMBER Alert in 2002. The Victorian novelist George Meredith said, "It’s a terrific decree in life that one must act who would prevai!." If our GLBT cause is just then we must act to accomplish it; no one will give it to us freely. Until we have a sustained, visible, assertive, yet peaceful action to justify our equality and citizenship, we gays/lesbians will continue to be looked at as just limp-wristed targets for abuse, politically and physically. What’s it going to be: always the bridesmaid, never the bride; always the best man, never the groom? www.thegaycartoonsite.com ~4 A AND TtA ~N, A’T YObl W EF~I::= OWN "F.V. Webs~te- w~v.kylecomics.eom ema~ F-Mail- KylesBnB@aol.eom ~.not ~, |/~"}/,, ~ ~.g~ December 2009 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com FELLY FARBY, CPA 4815 So HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERtE \VILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 v~vw.habanainn.com Rev Steve T. Urie CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NV¢ EXPRESSXX~AY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 TULSA EAGLE t338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am 405-840-2106 www.c2 tgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller \Villiams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 Spirit of Christ M CC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM Whether buying or sdling I’lt work hard for you. www.socmcc.org CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, . OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM sales required. based. DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOxNrSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSVC’AY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline MASSAGE: Chuck Breckenridge METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES send resume to: Metro Star PC Box 581718 Tulsa, OK 74158 EUREKA SPRINGS CVB Eureka Springs, AR ~wvw.eurekasprings.org SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK wxvw.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 wwv~: clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com H I D EAW~AY LOUNGE 11730 E. I 1TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun d~ru Sat 2pm to 2am www.metrostarnews.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 starnews@sbcglobal.com CK" MORTGAGE CO. ~s ~ssues Solunon. Gender Benders IUINIPIS N S IGIAILIA A IOIRtEIL N G AIT A N HIE B U ~ INIEIAIT IJIAIYIE ~ N IOITIEIR u ~ H U N IWIIlLIL Ell IClEIDIE O U R ~{~troSTAR 15 �its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative. movement has been thoroughly repudiated tbo@ reali~,." "What matters, as always, is not what we can’t do, it’s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Pa~. Working to educate voters and politicians about issaes of the GLBT community, we are working to make change and shape history. 1" ~ st Tuesday of every month at the STATE EMOCRAT~C PARTY HEADQUARTERS � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document Gift Guide THE VOLUME 6 ISSUE 12 Twitter.com/MetroStad~ews Other Options; 20 years and going strong Celebrating with an open house for everyone By Robin Townsend Contributing Viriter PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA ® MetroStarNews.com Fed partner benefits bill advances in House By Lisa Keen Keen News Service Other Options andFriends Food Pantry’s board President Robert Painter with Executive Director Mary Arbuckle. The organization won an award thisyear at the National Philanthropy Day event hosted by the Association ofFundraising Professionals, Oklahoma Chapte~ The award reads, "Spirit ofPhilanthropy awards; For unmatched dedication to thepeople who are living with HIVAIDS. " but homosexuality was the primary commonality." During the early days of Other Options there was a great need for the social services part of HIV/AIDS care. "Back then the patients rarely lived long enough to get their Social Security benefits. When we told a person they were HIV positive we explained things, but they knew their life expectancy w~s very limited even with AZT. As drug combinations have improved and there is more research, life expectancies are longer. "Our services are now more geared to improving lives, allowing people to live more productive lives. Now we see them living full lives." Today some needs are the same while some have changed "One of our methods of assistance is to give people the nutritional values they [clients] need to help them lead a more productive life, and that is what we are able to do with the Friends Food Pantry," adds Arbuckle. "We also added the HOPWA last June and service 125 [clients] there." (HOPWA- Housing Options for People Living With AIDS). Charla Stevenson is the Housing Case Manager at Other Options who manages that part of the organization. OY-A_Ak-IOMA CITY, OK__ Since 1989 Other Options in Oldahoma City has provided professional, consistent services to PLWA’s and disabled individuals, focusing on the impact HIV/MDS has had in the lives of those they serve. The organization was founded by Cookie Arbuclde who was a Social Worker (MSW) at ChildreNs Hospital and Oklahoma Memorial Hospital (now OU Medical Center). "In 1988 morn was asked by an Oklahoma Governors Task Force who saw a need for a guide book for people living with HIV/_AADS and medical professionals," said Mary Arbuclde, Other Options Executive Director. "They hired Cookie to do this because of her background and because she was one of the founders of the ASP [AIDS Support Program] organization. "That was where the first book, t/kids for HIV/AIDS’ came from." The second edition gray paperback is the most popular and is four times larger. "The reason she [Cookie] started Other Options in 1989, was due to a generous grant by the Sarkey’s foundation. We realized the need for a non-profit to continue our services to the HIV/MDS community. Back then the A House committee on Wednesday evening approved a bill to provide equal benefits to gay federal employees with domestic partners, but not without a political slugfest first over whether the legislation is an attempt to undermind the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The clash November 18 occured in the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform over the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009 (HR 2517). The bill seeks to provide all federal employees with the same benefits whether they are married to a person of the opposite sex or are in a long-term intimate relationship with a person of the same sex. It was sponsored by openly gay Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and had the spoken support of President Obama. All speakers for the bill were Democrats; all speakers against it were Republ~,can.s. :~mocrats emphasized the bill s aim to end discrimination against LGBT federal employees by providing them with equal pay for equal work. Republicans emphasized their concern that the bill is trying to circumvent DOMA and widespread public sentiment as illustrated by 31 states voting to ban same-sex marriage. The proceedings were web-streamed live on the Committee’s website but are no longer available there. The debate was a classic discourse between pro and anti-gay forces. Pro-gay legislators talked about fighting discrimination and protecting equal rights. Anti-gay forces talked about opposing special rights and protecting traditional marriage. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), hunched over his papers during much of the proceeding and often turning away whenever an opposing legislator responded to him, offered an amendment to stipulate that nothing in the bill would modify, supersede, or otherwise affect DOMA. Rep. Edolphus To~vns (D-NY), chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, spoke forcefully against the Jordan Amendment saying "same-sex domestic partnership laws to do not affect DOMAY Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) opposed it, too, saying the purpose was clearly intended "to nt~ify the entirety of the effort here today." The amendment eventually failed on a vote of 22 to 12. Republicans lodged a number of contradictory complaints about the legislation. For instance, Rep. Darrell Issa 1,2009 patients were about 90% gay men. There were some other cases such as hemophilia, ......Continued See AWARD Page-14 ....... Continued See FED BENEFITS Page-4 (R-San Diego) complained that the bill would enable "any two individuals" to qualify for benefits, while Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) complained that any two individuals would not be able to qualify. ’~klthough this legislation purports to stand on a foundation of nondiscrimination," said Fortenberry, "it appears to diminish the standing of federal employees who may share the same dwelling and collaborate intimately with an immediate or extended family member of the opposite sex in a nonsexual relationship to meet their basic financial needs." His example was a nephew caring for an aunt with cancer. Then he continued. "What about those who are in nurturing relationships neither marked by physical intimacy nor qualifying for married dependent status but share a specialness of bond based on a commitment to duty or to friendship," said Fortenberry. His example for this was "a friend helping a friend of the opposite sex if they were unemployed." Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) repeatedly stated that he was "standing tall for traditional marriage." He offered two amendments: one to require the president to certify that the bill does not increase premiums for existing federal employees before the bill can go into effect; the other to require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the impact on premiums. T~ATS W~AT ~APS $ WILL COST THE AVE~AG~ OKLAhOmA ~I~ ~SIDENT IN SAL~S TAX A $280 CONVENTION CENTER AN AQUATIC CENTER DOWNTOWN PARK DEVON ENERGY WE GIVE ’T AFFORD TO THE CITY A BLANK CHECK. Paid for by Concerned Citizens 2 ~tet~’oSTAR What’s new £or the Diversity Business Association in 2010? By Robin Townsend Contributing Writer Current DBA board members at the 2009 Oklahoma Ci(y Prideparade this summer; Money Milbu~w, President, Gina Love, member-at-large and Leslie Blab; l~ce President. Dornerphoto OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Oklahoma City’s premier business organization for the LGBT community will have an overhaul soon. Plans for a new website, a rate increase and new board members appear to be in store for the Oklahoma City based gay and lesbian business and professional group. So what else is new for DBA for 20!0? Looks like there will be a new President with ~h~ f~mlt resigfiation ofM0n~ Milbur~ Tnere has been at least one members identified who may fill the roll, but at the time of this story board members have not yet been voted on. "I am resigning effective Dec. 3t, 2009. As of right now, rates will be increasing as some point in 2010 and the projected new membership will be $149.00/yr," said Milburn in his last interviev¢ to the Metro Star as DBA board president, q]ae current membership rate is $49 for a single membership. "A brand new dynamite website will be included as well as some great advertising opportunities and such. There will also be members only activities." Ti~e goal of DBA is to be a positive organization in the LGBT community and the Oklahoma City community as a whole. This includes businesses in the area that are gay or gay-friendly that can benefit from likeminded people seeking to do business with this diverse group. DBA also has a presence each year with Pride events and, for the first time, had a group who walked in the parade. There are also plans underway to hire a staff member to help the organization run more smoothly. ’%Ve just realized that we have to hire someone to make this machine run and we need to do it sooner than later," adds Milburn. "I’m not thinking that this will happen as ofJanuary 1 due to getting bids for the site and finding a DBA staff member but it is happening or DBA wil! just go away and become a social thing that requires no dues no planning, etc." For more information about DBA, please email them at contact@dbametro.org or visit ~w,vw.dbametro.org. Sooner State Rodeo Association presents the Festival ofTrees Auction TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa based Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) will host their Annual Holiday Festival ofTrees, Saturday October 28th from 7:30-11PM at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa. The SSRA fundraising event will benefit SSRA and their 2009 charitable partners. The event will feature Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres plus a Live Auction of 7 Fully Decorated Christmas Trees beginning at 8:30PM. The trees have been decorated by local interior designers, organizations, and individuals from the Tulsa GLBT Community. Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) is Tulsa and Northeastern Oklahoma’s gay rodeo association, and is a recognized member of the International Gay Rodeo Association. SSRA was founded in 2000 and is a legal 501 3(c) and is dedicated to the promotion of the western lifestyle throughout Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma. www.soonerstaterodeo.com Picket Organized to Protest Sarah Pa~in’s Book Signing OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ When Republican past vice presidential candidate and 2012 presidential hopeful Sarah Palin holds her booksigning in Norman she may encounter more than she bargained for. On a national tour to promote her new book, "Going Rogue" she is making her only Oklahoma stop at Hasting’s Bookstore, located in Norman at 2300 W. Main from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m on Thursday, December 3. Organized by OKC gay activist Keith Kimmel, he gives his reasons for the protest. " I’m organizing this event because I don’t want Palin to be my next president. I find her homophobic views to be repugnant and I think my sentiment is shared by many. I’m compelled to say something and I hope others will join me." Those who share his views are welcome to join this event. For more information contact Keith Kimmel, http:// vrww.facebook.com/1/cee43; 405 886 5095. Oklahoma Weather Forecast for December 2009 .... : Dec 1-5: Rain, then sunny, mild; Dec 6-8: Shmvers, then sunny, cold; Dec 9-13: R~in and snow, then sunny, cold; Dec 14-18: Rain, then sunny; mild; ~Dec 19-20: Showers, then colder; Dec 21-25: Sunny, then rain, warm; Dec 26’28: Rain, then colder; ~. Dec 29-31: Sunn)~ warm. Avg. temperature 520 (40 above avg.); precipitation -.5 (avg.); December 2009 Memoriam Heather Harp Howland September 9th, 1968 - November 4th, 2009 TULSA, OK Heather Harp Howland was born in Oklalloma. City on September 9th, 1968 and transitioned from this life on November 4th, 2009. Her early years were spent in San Antonio Texas. Her family moved to Tulsa when she was 14. She attended Kemper Military Academy in Boonville Missouri, almamater ofWill Rogers, and graduated from Tulsa Memorial High School. She majored in journalism/ marketing a the University of Oklahoma. She is preceded in death by her Mother, Sharon. She is survived by her father John Howland of San Antonio Texas, and her brother Patrick Howland and his wife Patrice Pratt ofTulsa, and her nieces Arie! Pratt of Pennsylvania, Sierra Pratt ofTulsa and nephews, Rick Pratt of Pennsylvania, Shay Howland ofTulsa and Seth Howland of Tulsa. Heather lived in San Antonio in her young adult years and then in 1995 she returned to Tulsa to care for her mother. She opened England & Harp, a successfu! antique and design store on Cherry Street in 1997. Her eye for design was impeccable. As a member of the Tulsa LGBTQ community, Heather snpported the mission of Oldahomans for Equality- (Old’q) formerly tmown as Tnlsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). She volunteered her time and efforts at the Pride Store, co-directed the Pride Events and supported other fundraising events. Heather had lots ofinterests and talents. She loved softball and played catcher while at OU and would gladly tell you that her knees haven’t been the same since. She could belt out a song, deliver a sermon and demonstrate an Academy Award winning speech upon request. She was a founding member of \%Zomen of Council Oak in 2003 and a supporting member of Sisters in Song. Heather developed liver disease in 2008 and was on the liver transplant waitint list. Carol Brown and friends hosted a fundraising effort in September 2009 at Club 209 to assist with current medical bills and future transplant costs. A memorial service was held on November 7th. 2009 at the Dennis R. Neill Equality- Center located at 621 East 4th Street, Tulsa Oklahoma. She will be missed. She will forever be remembered. Counci Oak Mens Chorale Presents: Some Enchanted Season December 1st, 4th, & 5th, 2009: 8pro TULSA, OK (PR) Fresh sounds of celebration and traditional favorites will once again fill Trinit~;s beautiful sancruary as Council Oak Mens Chorale presens their 2009 holiday concert. This specially selected blend of both timeless and soon-to-be classics is sure to leave you feeling warm and ~’estive... some might even say enchanted! The concert will be held at the Trinity Episcopal Church located at 5th & Cincinnati Avenue. Tickets are ~15. for more information call 918.748.3888 or visit counciloalcorg. ~¢.metrostarnews.com MISS BAMBOO 2010 CROWNED By Staff Reporter Miss Bamboo 2009 L~y Katheryn andMiss Bamboo 2010 Dominique LaRue. StaffPhoto TULSA, OK __ No prelim, no registration fees, not known for glamour, but an absolute cdebration of campy fun with a big heart. That is the Miss Bamboo Pageant. Although this year’s contestants did break with tradition and were quite stylish. Dominique LaRue had the crowd in uncontrollable laughter with her Old W-,man on a Walker comedy routine. Dominique LaRueperfbrming her comedy skit. Staffphoto Votes for each contestant were determined by the amount of money each was given by the audience for their performance. HOPE Clinic ofTulsa was the r4cipient of this year’s proceeds of $633.00. HOPE offers a variety of services for people with HIV/STD. For confidential information or referrals call the statewide HIV/STD resource hotline operated by trained HOPE staff 1- 800-535-2437. The MC’s for the show were Kris Kohl and Earlina Derrick, two well known divas ofTulsa. Flowers were provided by Glenpool Flmvers and Gifts. First runner up for the Miss Bamboo 2010 title was Serina Ashley who’s interpretation of a drunken platinum blonde slut was very convincing, but she showed way too much skin, nasty! Conspicuously absent from this years entertainment line-up was self proclaimed Empress of the Bamboo, Miss Mona Lott who some suspect has been committed to Laureate for observation by her now legal husband. Christmas Eve Candlelig Thursday December 24, 8 3131 N. Pennsylvania,Oklaho! 405.525.9555 8an ’uptcy o Civil Rights *Criminal Empl ,ment * Family Law * Litigation N.W 13th Street ahoma city, oK 7s 0s ¢~I<>t~oSTAR 3 Prop 8 repeal petitions begin circ ation Tt~e state of California on Nov. 16 approved the start of signature-gathering for a voter initiative to repeal Proposition 8 in November 2010, the group Love Honor Cherish reported. The initiative ~vould remove from the California Constitution the sentence, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California," and replace it with, "Marriage is between only two persons and shall not be restricted on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestr)~ national origin, sex, gendm; sexual orientation, or religion." The measure further states: "To protect religious freedom, no court shall interpret this measure to require any priest, minister, pastor, rabbi, or other person authorized to perform marriages by any religious denomination, church, or other non-profit religious institution to perform any marriage in violation of his or her religious beliefs. ~e refusal to perform a marriage under this provision shall not be the basis for lawsuit or liability, and shall not affect the tax-exempt status of any religious denomination, church or other religious institution." Repeal advocates must collect 694,354 valid voter signatures by April 12. To be safe, that means collecting around 1 million total signatures. ~e 2010 repeal can~paign is a grassroots effort that does not have support from large GLBT groups, many ofxvhich have said or suggested they want to wait until 2012 to attempt to undo Prop 8. The Courage Campaign had earlier supported the 2010 effort but later complained of deficiencies in governing structure, expertise, research and funding. For more information, see SignForEquality.com. Gay Euro MPs denounce Ugandan bill Members of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights have strongly denounced the "Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009" pending in Uganda’s Parliament. "The proposed legislation includes provisions to punish those alleged to be lesbian; gay or bisexual with life imprisonment and, in some cases, the death penalty; any parent or teacher failing to report their LGBT children or pupils to the authorities.~zcith a fine eqtiivalent to $2,650 or three years’ imprisonment; and landowners providing shelter to LGBT people with seven years’ imprisonment," the MEPs said Nov. 9. Co-President Ulrike Lunacek said: "I strongly appeal to Ugandan politicians to be as courageous as they were when overthrowing the Idi Amin regimel and not to ban Ugandan citizens from being free to love whomever they wish. Homosexuality is nothing un-African; it has existed at all times and in all cultures." In the U.S., lesbian U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and three other members of Congress have sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging her to use the full force of her o~ce to condemn the bill. Brazilian man barred from living in U.S. with American husband ~ne Obama administration let the clock run out Oct. 23 on helping a Brazilian man who wants to return to Massachusetts to live with his U.S. husband. Tim Coco and Brazilian Gen&io Oliveira married in Massachusetts in 2005 and own a home together in a Boston suburb. Oliveira was sent home in August 2007 after losing an asylum case based on anti-gay persecution he said he experienced in Brazil. He later also lost a case in which he sought to return to the U~S. based on his marriage to Coco. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder had until Oct. 23 to overrule that decision on humanitarian grounds. He had been urged to do so by U,S. Sen. John Kei~ry, D-Mass. The anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act, passed during Bill Clinton’s presidency, prevents the U.S. government from recognizing same-sex spouses for any reason. President Obaa~aa has said repeatedly that he supports DOMA’s repeal and the extension to same-sex couples of every right and obligation of marriage -- but he has taken no concrete steps to achieve his stated goals. Coco and Oliveira have said they may sue the federal government over DOMA in hopes of being reunited. Bill Clinton said that he had been "wrong" in opposing same-sex marriage. Spealdng to CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Clinton said: "I realized that I was, you know, over 60 years old, I grew Up at a different time, and I was hung up about the word (marriage). I had all these gay friends; I had all these gay couple friends, and I ~vas hung up about it. Aud I decided I was wrong. That our society has an interest in coherence and strength and commitment and mutually reinforcing loyalties, then if gay couples want to call their union marriage and a state agrees, and several have no,a, or a religious body will sanction it -- and I don’t think the state should be able to stop the religious bodies from saying it -- I don’t think the rest of us should get in the way of that. I think it’s a good thing, not a bad thing." "I just realized that I was, probably for, maybe just because of my age and the way I’ve grown up, I ~vas wrong about that," he continued. "I just had too many gay friends. I saw their relationships. I just decided I couldu’t, I had an untenable position." As~ president, Clinton signed into law the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits the federal government fi’om recognizing s~xrne-sex marriages and a~rms that states don’t have to recognize other states’ same-sex marriages. The first amendment failed. And Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) amended the latter to have the GAO study the effect of extending benefits to domestic partners on the government’s ability to recruit and retain employees. In response to GOP complaints that two people of the same sex might pretend to be in a domestic partnership in order to gain benefits, Rep. Steve Lynch (D-Mass.) said: "I dofft think there’s a ,vhole lot of people out there, given the discrimination ,ve have against gays and lesbians in our society, trying to pretend that they’re gay or that they’re lesbian so they can get favorable treatment. That’s not the reality of today’s world." Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), an African American, also rebuffed such arguments, saying "I know discrimination when I see it. This is the opposite. ~is is a civil rights bill." Norton noted, with some irony, that some years ago Republicans refused to allow a domestic partnership bill in Washington, D.C., because the bill attempted to include domestic partners and other family members living together. Chairman Towns rebutted Republican concerns that the bill would cost too much, noting that only about 15,000 to 30,000 new enrollees are expected to join federal health insurance rolls~as a results of the legislation - representing 0.3 percent. Howevere Issa came back claiming that the LGBT community frequently cites a figure of 10 percent for its representation in the population. (In fact, the community hasn’t used a figure like that since the 1970s. More recent scientific surveys, according to gay statistical expert Gary Gates have been very consistent in showing that something like 2-4% of adults identify as LGB. The bill now goes to the floor in the House. Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced a version of the bill into the Senate. In a related development, a judge for the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled November 18 that the federal government violated the constitutional ~ights of a gay federal attorney when it denied him health coverage for his same-sex spouse. The two men were married in California during a period of five months last year when same-sex couples could obtain marriage licenses. Gay cop gay-bashed in Liverpool, England A 22-year-old off-duty trainee police officer was seriously gay-bashed outside the gay bar Superstar Boudoir in Liverpool, England, on Oct. 25. James Parkes was set upon by a gang of 20 youths and suffered multiple skull fractures and a broken cheek bone and eye socket. He was hospitalized in critical condition before being released Oct. 30 to recuperate at home. Citing language used by the bashers, police have deemed the assault a homophobic hate crime. Twelve of the alleged assailants, some of whom are ~s young as 13, have been arrested. 4 l:~;~ot oSTAR December 2009 love the Democratic Party but Will I Respect Mysd£in the Morning? by James Nimrod OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As we GLBTs emerge sweaty and disheveled fi’om our post-coital ruckus in Maine, I’m reminded that this is America and everything is for sale, including our gay/lesbian equality- -that’s the American way. You want to lmow how we’re going m sell it? In 1764 an Italian nobleman named Cesare Beccaria wrote, "Ifwe glance at the pages of history, we will find that laws, which surely are or ought to be compacts of free men, have been for the most part a mere tool for the passions of some." I’m referring to the heartbreakingly close, yet lost Maine election early in November where we gays/lesbians thought we had a better-than-good chance of winning through the ballot box the recognition of our civil equality under the law. Unfortunately; the Religious Right has used the referendum petition process in 31 states ro turn our citizenship into raffle tickets for discrimination where the prize is our continued lack of full equality under the law. Our civil rights canse has been de-railed 31 times at the bal!ot box by the usual degeption of the Biblically-dduded using the prejudiced superstitions that gays recruit and stalk children and teenagers. Nor only are gays/lesbians still secondclass raxpayers, all of the residents of those 31 states, regardless of sexual orientation, are also honorary members of the Mormon, Roman Catholic, and Southern Baptist denominations, to name only three of the biggest religious oppressors in the USA. I say this because its the oppressor’s anti-gay religious POVs that have become encoded into civil law. ~e United Church of Christ (UCC), Unitarian, and Reform Judaism adherents have 1Sassed guidelines allowing their clergy to perform their mvn versions of same-gender marriage without recognition from the resident state. Their First Amendment religious freedom is blocked by the actions and money of the theocrats ~vhose dogma trumps all attempts at fairness and fulfillment of our lives. Justice guaranteed by the Constitution is thwarted by ignorance and prejudice. Only Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut have legislatively passed marriage equality for same-gendered Americans. T’ne state of Washington earlier this month rejected the homo-haters attempt to overturn a law called, "Everything but Marriage." Since the ballgt box/clvil rights rathe process is spent and flaccid, activists John Aravosis and Joe Sudbay are calling for a boycott or a withholding of contributions -- Don’t Ask, Don’t Give -- to the Democratic Party until ~ve get the results they’ve promised us for years, like passage of employment protection (ENDA), removal of marriage discrimination (DO!vIA), and the privilege to serve in the military (DADT), .......Continued see VIEW" POINT page vw,~v.metrostarnews.com Good news as LGBT’s grow o der By Robin Townsend Contributing X~Triter LGBTactivist and communi{y leader, Rob Howard ofOklahoma City. Dorn’erphoto OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __In October, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced plans to establish the nation’s first national resource center to assist communities across the country in their efforts to provide services and supports for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. It is estimated that as many as 1.5 to 4 million LGBT individuals are age 60 and older. "I’m glad that Health and Human Services is beginning to realize that the plight ofLGBT elders needs to be addressed," Rob Howard of Oklahoma City told the Metro Star. "Although their current estimate is that there are tip ro 4 million gay and lesbian seniors, in the next 10 to 15 years, as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, there will be twice as many - from 6 to 8 million." Howard has served in many roles helping LGBT citizens. Hie is a past Vice President of Prime Timers Worldwide and now serves as their treasure. Prime Timers Worldwide is an educational and social organization for mature gay and bisexual men. They have 72 chapters, mostly in the US and Canada, but also in Australia and Sweden. Membership is nearly 7,000. "Organizations serving the broader aging community need to develop policies and sensitivity to this issue, and work with LGBT organizations to educate the medical care and long term care communities about our issues," he adds. "It is time for mainstream LGBT organizations to recognize the need, and to partner with seniors on these issues as ~vell." HHS reports that many agencies that provide services to older individuals may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the needs of this group of individuals. The center for LGBT Elders will provide information, assistance and resources for both LGBT organizations and mainstream aging services providers at the state and community level to assist them in education and development. The LGBT Center will also be available to educate the LGBT community about the importance of planning ahead for future long term care needs. "~ae most significant problem facing LGBT elders is sensitive medical care and housing," adds Howard. "Most are desperately afraid that they will be discriminated against in these settings and worse, abused by staff and other residents in long term care. This is a generation that for the most part has lived their lives in the open. They aren’t about to tolerate discrimination or abuse in their golden years." The LBGT Resource Center plans to help community-based organizations understand the unique needs and concerns of older LGBT individuals and assist them in implementing programs for local service providers, including providing help to LGBT caregivers who are providing care for an older partner with h~alth or other challenges. Funding is pending but projected to be approximately $250,000 per year. "I applaud the development of this resource center at HHS. However, the proposed $250,000 sirigle grant is woefully short ofwhat is needed to address this problem, furthers Howard, who is an activist and well versed in these issues. "To make only a single grant to establish a resource center falls far short of the effort that will be needed across our country in this area." p e g y Ch Eddy Sarfaty treats OKC to his Mental Hilarity By Victor Gorin State Representative AI A4cA~ey with Eddie Sa,~t): Godn phom OYJ_AHOMA CITY, OK __On October 26, an othervdse normal Monday night leading up to the Halloween celebrations, the night was interestingly hilarious for the audience at the 51st Street Speakeasy, a small intimate eatery & watering hole not widely known in the metroplex except to their faithful clientele. This was where nationally known gay comic Eddie Sarfaty made a stop on his Mental Tour of the country. His audience was warmed up for his act by !ocal comics Bradchad Porter and Spencer Hicks before Eddie cut loose with his own brand of humor. Lampooning political issues including our military’s "Don’t ask Don’t tell Polici’ and the joys of his Jewish family ba&ground, he made fun of numerous other aspects of gay life and living for everybody. The audience had many regulars, along with gays and their friends including DBA President Monty Milburn and Oklahoma State Representative A1 McAffrey. His act also promoted his new book, "Mental:Funny in the Head," and benefitted the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. He left behind his insights and ideas along with memories of a fun filled evening. Art Opening and E ibit w-ith Photographs from the Robert Giard Collection TULSA, OK (PR) __ Oklahomans for Equality (Old,q) will showcase and exhibit local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa. The exhibit will feature works from world renmvned photographer Robert Giard (1939- 2002). The show begins with a reception on Thursday, December 3rd from 6-9pm and continuing throughout the mofith of December and throughout January of 2010. Robert Girad’s subject matter for his photography is legion and includes landscapes from his travels and home, nudes and most significantly, portraits of noted gay and lesbian literary lights such as Edward Albee, Allen Ginsberg, Adrienne Rich, David Leavitt and Michael Cunningham. This unique archive of photographic portraits of gay and lesbian writers by the late Robert Giard is on loan from the Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Libraty.s prestigious American Collection, and will be on display through December 2009 and January 2010. K.C. Chiefs dump player who called reporters faggots The Kansas City Chiefs football team released running back Larry Johnson from the team Nov. 9 after he called reporters faggots and called a fellow Twitter user a fag. In the locker room Oct. 26, Johnson muttered to reporters, "Get your faggot ass out of here." The remark was captured on tape. A day earlier, he used his Twitter account to call another ~¢¢itter user a "fag." He also reportedly tweeted: "Make me regret it. Lmao. U don’t stop my checks. Lmao. So ’tweet’ away." Johnson lat,er apologized for the outbursts, saying he hadn t intended to be offensive and had not been "a good role modal (for) the kids who view athletes as role models." December 2009 www.metrostarnews.com ~%,t~oSTAR 7 ~9gith flavor infusions like Chocolate, Tomato aud Triple Three Olives Vodka is quickly gaining a reputation as the gourmand’s drink of choice. But that doesn’t mean you have to be a food and beverage snob to get your hands on a bottle. For less than a Jackson (Andrew, not Tito), you can snag 750 ml of the smooth stuffto give as a gift to the host of your next holiday party. Extra points for playing guest bartender with this Ho-Ho-Hojito recipe: Muddle !0 mint leaves and halfa lime in a tall cocktail glass. Pour in two tablespoons of simple syrup and fill the glass with ice. Add two ounces of N~ree Olives Pomegranate Vodka (and a dash more for good measure) and top it offwith dub soda. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime, and voila! Just don’t over do it, OK. Remember what happened last ),ear? ($19.99; wwvy’~ ~r~:~ >~ c~.~m) "Suckin" It For the Holidays," Grammynominated, gay-lovin" colnedienne Kathy Grifl~n delivers some of her best stand-up ever on an album that was recorded live from the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. SKIES Like you need a reason to jet offto a faraway land - but at least this is a good one. Now through the end of the year, when you purchase an American Airlines gift card you’ll join the fight against breast cancer. For every $50 you spend in travel gift cards, American Airlines will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. You can purchase physical cards for yourself (to enjoy a guilt-free getaway), or choose virtual cards to be delivered by e-mail with a personal message attached. Just enter code "Komen" in the tracking box when ordering online. ($50; >~:~:~%#;~A!~O Mikey Rox is an award-winningjournalist/writer and thepHncipal ofPaper Rox Scissors, a copywriting and creative consulting company in New York City. nd him at ~’~,~,~<l:~,~r?’~;~’~:" ~,~ co~~. 2006 ± is packaged with two concert tapings A HIGHER ’SCORE’ In season two of "Keeping Score" - the national project of the San Francisco Symphony to make classical music more accessible to the masses - three new programs explore the music and stories behind Hector Berlioz’s symphonic love letter "Symphonie fantastique"; Charles Ives’ sonic portrait of New England with "Holidays Symphony’; and Dmitri Shostakovich’s "Symphony No. 5," a work that may have saved the composer’s life. This high-&f, three-disc documentary program - a follow-up to season one of the series, which premiered on PBS in November and available on Blu-Ray. ($24.99 each; CALENDARS ’STRiDA’ RITE Give your hooves a rest with the STPdDA collapsible bike, the first completely new bicycle geometry in 95 years. Inside a foldable triangular frame of light~veight aluminum, power is transferred to the rear wheel via a silent Kevlar belt (no oily gears or chains!) while horizontally mounted handlebars allow the rider to sit comfortably upright for an excellent view of the road. When you’re ready to hop off, just fold STRiDA up and wheel it to your next destination. In compact form, the bike stows easily in a car, on the train, or in the closet. Just like you used to. ($800; MAIq UP sweat. Or maybe it is. Cover up your natural repellent with Masculinity by Intense, a new fragrance from N10Z formulated ~vith a unique male-to-male pheromone. Featuring a refined composition of exotic spices, aromatic herbs and crisp citrus, Masculinity opens with notes of French basil, West Indian clove, Asian mandarin and Sicilian bergamot followed by hints of amber, cedarwood, black pepper and leather. Holy Hugh Jackman! Designed to stimulate the vomeronasal organ (among other "organs"), this sensual scent also is said to help improve self-confidence. Whatever works. ($55; v,~ w~#:, I Out bodybuilder and former Colt supermodel Bo Dixon releases his first selftitled calendar, BO DIXON: Reinvented 2010. Celebrating the power of perseverance, this muscle-worship date keeper features the hirsute powerhouse in fourteen all-new photos and comes with a "making-of" DVD. ($16.95; w>,~,i "Money can’t buy you love, but the rest is negotiable..." That’s the tagline ofTne Working Men of Rentboy.com 2010, the Web site’s third-annual calendar honoring its hottest porn stars, escorts and boyfriends for hire. This year’s eye candy includes Nick Capra, Josh Hart, Arpad Miklos and Tommy Defendi. ($15.95; W~A~:~I:D~#)¢~;:: ~)~)~) BRIEF BELIEFS Piss &Vinegar - the provocative new brand of underwear from Ginch Gonch founder Jason Sutherland - has a heart on. For Jesus. Yes, that Jesus. Made from breathable, bodp conforming stretch fabric, the first release from this caustic collection is the "I Love..." line, which features the controversial "I Love Jesus" and "I Love Buddha" briefs, boxer briefs, lowrise briefs and jockstraps. Of course, if you’re not feeling so sacrilegious this holiday season, Piss & Vinegar - which borrows its name from British slang for living young at heart - will also introduce "I Love Boys" and "I Love Girls" briefs. Redeeming, sure. But you’re still on the shortlist for eternal damnation. ($25; www4:Asvr~:’g~r.co~rO SONIC COLOR Built on the concept of technology meeting style, DEOS introduces two collections of innovative iPod earphone covers available at all price levels. The first, DEOS DIAMOND - for those who have more cash than they can shake a peppermint stick at - consists of three distinct earphone cover styles specifically named for the number of individual diamonds imbedded in each traditional or black titanium design. DEOS CRVZ - for more budget-conscious consumers - boasts three collections: Crystal, featuring Swarovski bedazzlements; Aluminum, available in an array of metallic colors; and Silicone, designed with active lifestyles in mind. ($9.99 and up; ~:,~,~w d~:,~v~l; ~ :~ ~:: ~) 8 I¢I÷’IroSTAR December 2009 www.metrostarnews.com 10 ~#%t~"oSTAR December 2009 Photo’s bT Victor G. & Judy G. @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa @The End U); Tulsa @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Angles, Oklahoma City West), and the cocktail that helped popularize vodka in the U.S., the MosCow Muie (;odka and ~ new. Polish @Club 209, Tulsa By Keith Orr Vodka 101: ~-he Spirit ofChoice What better way to start out my assignment as the host of "Cocktail Chatter" than to write about my favorite liquor, Vodka. And I am not alone. Vodka is the best-selling liquor in America, accounting for over 26% of all spirit sales. A glance around any gay bar tells you that in the U.S. gay market that number is probably higher. It was not always so. Until tlxe late 1950’s vodka :was considered an exotic Russian import. As always, marketing drove the expansion. Vodka was advertised as "White ¯ Whiskey - no taste, no smefl." Its popularity skTrocketed as imbibers believed that there would be no alcohol on their breath and they would avoid hangovers. It quickly replaced @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ Ledo, Oklahoma City other spirits in highballs and cocktails. Most famously it usurped gin as the spirit of choice in a martini. Vodka can be made from many base ingredients: rye, wheat, potatoes, beets, grapes or grapeseed, molasses, and more. The ingredients are first fermented, then distilled. In most ~vestern vodkas the distillation process produces something fairly close ro pure alcohol, and water is added back in. Most high-end vodkas also filter the spirit as well. All of this distilling and filtering is the source of the dean taste that makes vodka so mixable and popular. Rye and wheat are the most common sources in well-known brands, with a smattering of potato vodkas. Molasses is l~’gely used for mass-producing vodka for mass market brands. Naough all vodka is highly distilled, each vodka has a unique flavor profile as a result of the }esidual components of the original distillation, as well as the various methods and materials used for filtering. The super premium brands such as Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Chopin each have subtle flavors best appreciated in the cocktail which features vodka in a starring role, the martini. (Martini preparation is anotlxer column!) My personal favorite is Absolut’s entry in the super premium line, Level by Absolut. Not only do I like the flavor, I choose it for political reasons. I support the vodka that supports me. Absolut has been a leading supporter of many gay organizations and events for 30 years. While martinis feature vodka in a starring role. the overwhehning popularity of the beverage is its ability to act in a supporting role. No other spirit plays so well with others. Vodka and tonic, vodka and cranberry, vodka and coke, vodka and diet coke (dubbed dae "skinny bitch" by the drag queens of Key pepper vodkas at least 200 years ago. Russian and Scandinavian vodkas used herbs and nuts for flavoring even earlier. Today vodkas are infused with dozens of flavors: lemon, lime, cranber~ pomegranate, acai berry, chocolate, grapefruit, peach, and even bacon. I like sipping infused or flavored vodkas on the rocks. They also can create new variations to martinis, cosmos, and a variety of shots. The beauty of vodka lies in versatility: Vc~hetl~er you are enjoying the refined and subtle flavors in a classic martini, or partying hard with an alcohol that plays well with your favorite mixer, vodka is the spirit of choice. www.metrostarnews.com ~÷t~oSTAR 11 ~÷~STAR 12 December 2009 by Jack Fertig December 2009 "Put your waRet away, SagRtariusI" Off and on through the next year Saturn is square to Pluto, signaling profound Changes in society and government. As faster planets aspect them both we will see opportunities in this crisis. Venus in Sagittarius shows how to apply new philosophical values to greater practical benefit. ARIES (March 28-Apri~ 19): Work can be overwhelming, and the demands of relationships don’t help. The stars call for an exotic, artistic holiday. A foreign film or art show can offer enough escapism, and perhaps~a new insight to put the pressures into perspective. TAURUS (Apri~ 28 - May 20): intellectual and technical demands can make it feel as if the world is conspiring to make you feel brutish and inept. Sex remains an excellent release of tension. Explore new techniques - or just lie back and ask your partner to take care of you. GEMiNi {May 21-June 20): Relaxing and having fun may seem more trouble than it’s worth, but it is absolutely necessary. Let your sweetheart do all the work. Leaving yourself open to surprises and adventures will do you a world of good. CANCER (June 2% July 22): The only solution to domestic stress involves real labor. Some exotic tchotchke from a rummage sale could become the centerpiece of a new look, providing the fun and motivation for otherwise dreary housework. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Obsessing too hard on details can detract from the big picture and distract you from normal safety precautions. There is a difference between focus (good!) and obsession (bad!). Some playful diversion will help you keep perspective. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): Everyone’s worried about money these days; try to keep your own wordes in perspective. Taking time out with your family (or origin or of choice)can help you relax and appreciate what you have. MBRA (September 23 - October 22): Knowing your place in your family and community is important, but probably not as much as you make it out to be. What’s bugging you? Talk it over with a sibling or a "sister" over an exotic lunch. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Step away from the plastic! Do not go near that cash register! At least stop and think before spending. When you get worried and dithery, focus on your philosophical values. Remember what’s important. "Retail therapy" is not therapeutic! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Put your wallet away. It’s generosity of the spirit that counts. Friends who want your money.are not really your friends. Long philosophical chats around a coffee table can be much better than expensive nights out. CAPRICORN (December 2t - January t9): It’s a good time to forge ahead in your career and make big chan.ges, but you can be much too demanding and aggressive, undermining your own best efforts. Pay attention to that little voice inside. Mediation will help. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): In Greek myth, Cassandra’s curse was to see the future - and nobody believed her. Your forebodings may be excessive, but they’re not entirely wrong. Discuss them with friends you can count on to help you make better sense of them. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Your capacity as a mover and shaker among your friends is sure to get noticed, but is it the sort of moving and shaking you want to get noticed? Be bold in politics and work, discreet in the bedroom, and always keep your senseof humor. Community for People iving with H V/A DS A 50’! c (3) Non Profit Org~zadon Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living withAIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of ou? people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HlV+ an£t or !lying v¢ith 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 ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal net Stevenson has also successfially assisted seven clients out of the HOPXNrA where they now are able to live on their own since being them with employment and other aids to independence from the progrmn. We work very., hard to make sure that when one of our clients’ walks in, they pay nothing; everything is free," adds Arbudde~ "We have food supplements, clothing, misc furniture and other items and even some medical equipment." Other Options also has arranged for a commission of sales from Thrift City at 26th and MacArthur to be donated to Other Options. "Our success is because I built a great board and an advisory board," Arbuckle humbly added. "Our board president is Robert Painter owner of the Iguana and he has been a tremendous support." The two met when Painter turned to Other Options to help meet the immediate needs of a close friend. Other Options is inviting everyone over to their place to celebrate! A~er serving the community these 20 years, Other Options and Friends Food Pantry (open for 10 years) is opening their doors for a Holiday and anniversary Open House Dec. 1 lth from 4-8 pm. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the event at the organization headquarters located at 3003 N. May in Oldachoma City. For more information about Other Options and Friends Food Pantry, please call (405) 605- 8020 or visit www.aidscommunity.org. In our American two-party political syste~ laws have been made the passionate tools to be used against us as Beccaria observed centuries ago. N~e GOP couldn’t care less if GLBTs lived or died. Did you see Mary Cheney at the October March on Washington? So that leaves the Democratic Part3, as the only game in town, politically spealdng, and they think they have a monopoly on our aaCfections but with their repeated stalling and inaction on important gay issues I’m through believing them. Remember, it took ELEVEN years for Congress to pass the Shepard/Byrd Hate Crimes Law, and only two months for Congress to pass the AMBERAlert in 2002. The Victorian novelist George Meredith said, "It’s a terrific decree in life that one must act who would prevai!." If our GLBT cause is just then we must act to accomplish it; no one will give it to us freely. Until we have a sustained, visible, assertive, yet peaceful action to justify our equality and citizenship, we gays/lesbians will continue to be looked at as just limp-wristed targets for abuse, politically and physically. What’s it going to be: always the bridesmaid, never the bride; always the best man, never the groom? & by Greg Fox A NOT l-OOKIlq~ FOR: A N~IA! MAN~ YObl NIAT AND TtA ~N, A’T YObl WEF~I::= OWN "F.V. Webs~te- w~v.kylecomics.eom F-Mail- KylesBnB@aol.eom www.thegaycartoonsite.com ema~ ~.not ~, |/~"}/,,~~.g~ ~4 December 2009 Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com FELLY FARBY, CPA 4815 So HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERtE \VILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 MASSAGE: ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK wxvw.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 wwv~: clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com HIDEAW~AY LOUNGE 11730 E. I 1TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun d~ru Sat 2pm to 2am THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 v~vw.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE t338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, . OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOxNrSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 CK" MORTGAGE CO. JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NV¢ EXPRESSXX~AY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 tgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller \Villiams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSVC’AY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn EUREKA SPRINGS CVB Eureka Springs, AR ~wvw.eurekasprings.org ~s ~ssues Solunon. Gender Benders IUINIPIS IGIAILIA IOIRtEIL AIT HIE INIEIAIT IJIAIYIE IOITIEIR IWIIlLIL Ell IClEIDIE N S A ~ N G A N B U ~ N u ~ H U N O U R METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Chuck Breckenridge Whether buying or sdling I’lt work hard for you. sales required. based. send resume to: Metro Star PC Box 581718 Tulsa, OK 74158 starnews@sbcglobal.com www.metrostarnews.com ~{~troSTAR 15 its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative. movement has been thoroughly repudiated tbo@ reali~,." "What matters, as always, is not what we can’t do, it’s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Pa~. Working to educate voters and politicians about issaes of the GLBT community, we are working to make change and shape history. 1" STATE ~ st Tuesday ofevery month at the EMOCRAT~C PARTY HEADQUARTERS Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2009] Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 12 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Dec. 1, 2009 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 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Chaz Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele James Nimmo Jeanne Flanigan Rex Wockner Gerald Libonati Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Devre Jackson Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, August 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/129 The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2009; Volume 7, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189 adoption art Bill Clinton book signing Brazil cocktail chatter Comics Council Oak Mens crossword puzzle Defense of Marriage Act Diversity Business Association DOMA Eddy Sarfaty football Heather Harp Howland K.C. Chiefs Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Metro scene Miss Bamboo National news Oklahoma News Other Options petition Proposition 8 protest Qscopes religion Robert Giard Sarah Palin Sooner State Rodeo Association Stonewall Democrats Ugandan bill https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f38e215fb7a7703f98948e692e0e30bf.jpg 04823a777a2bb0c30f9c2514ecfaedd9 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/95fdf5cc24bf52f1e975671e6a291b2c.pdf 043707a61e2a4a5ed94d5619ca821a35 PDF Text Text E FOR President Obama’s Gay Rights Agenda The new whitehouse.gov .... .Page 10 WWW.M ETROSTARN EWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" Gay community upbeat about new president By Michael W. Sasser TULSA, OK__ Despite the involvement of controversial Pastor Rick Warren, the gay and lesbian community responded generally favorable to the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20. "This is a big moment for all of the people who feel we were shut out by the Bush Administration," said Oklahoma resident Brian DunleaW, 36. Dunleavy traveled from Green Country to Washington D.C. to witness the inaugural parade and events. "That includes gays and lesbians. Obama is clearly a friend to US, even if many of us don’t always agree xvith him on everything. This could be the beginning of a new era for us." for the inauguration ceremonies. 0KC Pride Parade Stays on 39th Street Festival Will Move, No Longer At Memorial Park By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Amid an abundance of controversy and hearsay, OKC Pride hosted an open meeting January 5 at the Days Inn West, anticipating a much larger crowd than usually attends these meetings. True enough, around 60 GLBT & allied people attended to voice Concerns about rumours that OKC Pride Inc, which administers the annual June OKC Pride Parade & Festival, was not only planning to move the festival to Remington Park, but that the parade would be moved to Remington Park as well. The OKC Pride Parade route had always been, since its beginning in 1987, from Memorial Park at N.W. 36th & Classen Boulevard concluding on N.W. 39th Street & ¥oungs Street, taking it over the now famous hill leading to the Oklahoma Weather Forecast for February 2009 ’-~,~÷~ Feb. 1-5: Sunny, turning warmer ~ Feb. 6-12: Rainy periods, chilly @ Feb. 13-19: Snow north and central, rain south, then sunny, cold ¯ ~ ~ Feb. 20-22: Showers, chilly Feb. 23-25: Rain, mild he was not happy about Warren’s involvement but that he "didn’t go to D.C. for the prayer." FEBRUARY 1, 2009 Oklahomans for Equality Celebrates Anniversary at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Photo by Chaz "Hopefully it’s just a bump in the road," he added. Warren, the controversial evangelical pastor at Orange County, CA’s Saddleback Church, delivered the inaugural invocation at Tuesday’s ceremony. Warren was an outspoken supporter of California’s Proposition 8, the California measure that banned same-sex marriage in the state. 365gay. com reported that the website for Warren’s church specifically stated until recently that unrepentant gay people were not welcome to attend services. In perhaps the most virulent ’.;Warren has compared gay marriage to sanctioning ~°nnnued ~ee OBAMA Page’10 crowds on the Strip, an area where many of the gay community have felt at home for decades. OKC Pride pointed out that moving from Memorial Park was unavoidable for many reasons, including that the Festival itself had outgrown the park and less space was available due to the new Boys and Girls Club building as well as other projects under construction. Another problem was that the City of Oklahoma City required vendors on city parks to pay a sales permit fee of $150 per day ($100 for nonprofits) which made the cost of doing business prohibitive for many of the vendors. Although some members of the board were not happy with the Remington Park location for many reasons, so far it was the only option they had found, and Paul Thompson stated that if anyone could present another viable option it would definitely be considered. P~oto: Dennis R. Nei!I Equalil.y Center Downtown Tulsa TULSA, OK (PR) __In February 1999, the Pyramid Project hosted their first major fundraising event by holding a Wild H~S ~! ~ ~he Ta~ Brady Mansionl TII~ evening the ~i~i6fi 6£~ ~fi~ h0~ f~r the EG~Smmunity in north~k~ OH~6~[~s prelented~ Th~ dream seemed very far away. This February 13th, 14th, and 15th we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Wild Hearts Ball and the 3rd anniversary of living in our permanent home, The Dennis R Neill Equality Center. As a mission and vision moving toward fulfillment, this year’s Anniversary Weekend expands with even more events and greater visibility for EQUALITY. Passions ran much higher concerning the Parade route, as this route had been a long held tradition since the beginning Friday, February 13th at 4:00 pm kiclcs offwith a fabulous wedding reception! We will celebrate the unions of local couples who have traveled out of Oklahoma to get married, registered as domestic partners, or conducted civil unions in those places where it is recognized by the municipality, state, or country. The media has been invited to cover this special event of our community, honoring our community heroes. Oldahomans for Equality will present a certificate of recognition to our couples and a photographer will be present to memorialize the moment. As a family, we will toast our happy couples and cut the wedding cake. ........... Continued See OKC PRIDE Page-6 ......... Continued See OKEQ Page-9 Kansas City’s ’ Chorus Mirreni Jim Roth says goodbye to politics. "God bless you citizens of Oklahoma for you have blessed me so. Thank you for the honor to serve you." Thank You Jim! Feb. 26-28: Snow north, rain south; colder Avg. Temperature: 44° (4° brow avg.) Precipitation: 1.5~ (0.5" below avgl) Page 4 �2 February 2009 �~tine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. tn ancient Rome, Februa~T t4th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. ~ae Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. ~e 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 festiva! 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 parmers for the duration of the f’estival with the gir! whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would {:all 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. ~e believed that. the reason was t}~at Roman men did not want to leave A~eir loves or {hmilies. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in MARDI GRAS FAT TUESDAY Celebrations include lots of ~asting, partying and parading on the big da~; also known as Shrove Tuesday - just before Ash Wednesday - when the Church rules of fasting and sacrifice take erect. It’s been that way in Christian countries around the ~vofld since the Middle Ages. Today most of the world’s celebrations occur duirng the ~veek of Fat Tuesday; which falls on February 24th this yeal: Fat Tuesday in New Orleans It’s been four long years since the devastation of ’The good Saint Valentine (photo above) was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint V~flentine 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 martyrdora 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 xvere drawn by the men as chance directed. ~The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. As the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens ~br valentines, or saints as patrons fbr the coming year, arose in this way. Hurricane Katrina, and the biggest part), town in America will pick itself up for the 2009 Fat Tuesday- celebration with even bigger crowds - and more parades - expected this year. The New Orleans Mardi Gras parade schedule kicks offonJanuary 6 and continues through to Fat Tuesday, February 24, 2009. Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebrations around the world The biggest and loudest of them, as always, are in Rio and Ne~v Orleans...although the Karneval, or Fasching, festivities in Cologne and Berlin get pretty wild, Carnaval in Nice shows off the wackier side of the trendy Riviera scene, and the Italians in Venice are the worldwide experts on the art of street theater. $8 VALUE WITH PURCHASE OF 2 DIHH£R EHTREE$ AT REGULAR PRICE Bring this ad with you to receive this special offer Not vatid with any other coupon, discount or offers. For anyone who’s ever been dumped, jaded, didn’t get the box of chocolates they wanted~ had bad sex or just wants to get lucky because VALENTINE’S DAY SUCKS! w,~t,,.metrostarnews.com M®t~"oSTAR 3 �A P VILEGE TO HAVE SERVED By Jim Roth OYd2kHOMA CITT, OK __ It is with immense gratitude that I say thank you to my fellow citizens for the opportunity to serve you these past years. I am forever grateful for the chance to toil in the field of public service and I am forever blessed because of you. Former State Senator Running to Chair OKC Schoolboard. By Victor Gorin RAIN Oklahoma Begins Tulsa-Area LGBTS New HIV Testing Church Celebrates New Outreach on OKC’s 39th Pastor Street Strip TULSA, OK (PR) __ MCC United(MCCU) By Victor Gorin In an inspiring speech titled "~e Man in the Arena," President Theodore Roosevelt said "the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotion, and who spends himself in a worthy cause." While I appreciate these words, the true credit belongs to the citizens who gave me the chance to serve. As your Corporation C.ommissioner and as an Oklahoma County Commissioner, I accomplished every task I had hoped. My guiding principle was simple: Always put the people first. I thrust myself into the arena and fought the good fight defending the rights of all people. I took an oath to honor all people and in turn you have given me the highest honor of my life -- the chance to give back. As a Corporation Commissioner, i worked to expand the horizon of Oklahoma through native blessings like natural gas and wind, through new energies and energy ei~iencies. I encouraged our utility providers to think bigger and am glad fl~ey are making progress today. These willing partners are developing programs that will benefit generations of Oldahomans to come. At Otdahoma County, we implemented programs that eliminated public waste and saved the taxpayers millions of dollars. Xg4e built better roads and bridges and brought relief to our aging senior citizens. It xvasn’t always easy battling entrenched attitudes that resisted change, but working with you I never worked alone. In the end, I feel that I left Otdahoma County much better than I found it because you trusted me to serve you. So as I move into the next chapter of my life I will take with me all tl~e good friends and memories made along the way. My time in public service has come to an end, but my desire to make this state the best it can be has not. I am excited for new opportunities and new arenas to create the change I wish to see in the world. I have devoted my career to public service these past 14 years and your help along this journey has made me a better person. I hope I have made you better as well. As this chapter closes, I am reminded of another passage from President Roosevelt’s speech, where he says: "If he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so tl~at he may never be one of those cold and timid souls, who know neither victory nor defeat." God bless you citizens of Oklahoma for you have blessed me so. Thank you for the honor to serve you. is a thirty yea>old, Tulsa-area church that is part of the worldwide Universal Fellowship of Metropolirtan CommunitT Churches which invite Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Straight people to full inclusion and total participation in all aspects of church and ministry life. On Sunday, February 1st, 2009, the Reverend Ed Paul*will preach his first sermon as Pastor of MCC United. Pastor Ed is well known among the LGBTS community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and has preached often at MCCU. P/~oto: Fom~er State &nator Angela Monson Seldom has our communit); and those interested in true quality educaOon for the Oklahoma City School District had such an opportunity as xve have now to elect a true progressive with a vision that could effect meaningful change. First elected to the Oklahoma State Legislature as a representative in 1990, she moved up to the State Senate in 1993, re-elected until she was forced out by term limits in 2005. During that time she never failed to take proud stands for any progressive cause, and was proud to be a keynote speaker at the OKC MDSWalk as well as our Pride Festival. Most importantly, she attended the Oldahoma City Public School System, a 1973 graduate of Douglass High School, following both her parents. Earning a Master’s degree in Public Health Administration from OU, she is currently employed at the OU Health Sciences Center as Director of Health Policy Development and Analysis. She currently is raising her niece and nephew ( Donovan 18, Danielle 10), also attendees of the OKC school system, so not only does she understand the problems firsthand, she has the passion to make it better. She shares ~vith the Metro Star: Victor: Angela, you must know what you are taldng on. What made you decide to xvant to run for tiffs office? Angela: I did it for our children. That really is what prompted me. These last 3 years I have been working really intensely witl~ students from the OKC public schools. What I have seen has really concerned me greatly. We should be embarrassed at the quality of education our children are receiving. I want to change the priorities, to make a difference as to the quality of education all of our children receive. Victor: What are the worst problems ~ve are facing there? Photo: [@ndell Powers, counselor, I~i Dameron, CTR Outreach Coordinator OKLAHOMA CITy, OK __ Regional AIDS Interfaith Network ( better known as R.A.I.N.) has begun an HIV testing outreach on OKC’s 39th Street Strip. Beginning on Saturday Jannary 24, and followed on the 1st Saturday of each month, free anonymous HIV testing will be provided fi’om 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Brief Connection, a popular undergear/novelty shop located at 2!35 N.XgZ 39th Street. This Will help fulfill a need for those who had been getting testing and other assistance at the Red Rock Clinic located on the Strip that had closed at the end of 2008. As Kendall Powers points out, "Many people in tl~at area are transient, people may not know where help is available, and may not have transportation." Testing is also done at the R.A.I.N. Clinic located at 600 N.W. 23rd Street, hours Monday thru Thursday 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., when rapid testing is offered, which can show results in around 20 minutes. Testing like,vise here is free and anonymons. The clinic also is open on Friday with the same hours, but the rapid test is not available. Pastoral Search Team Leader Nathan Black said, "I believe this is exactly ~vhat God has for this church. Pastor Ed’S heart for people and his powerfu! leadership will be a tremendous gift to our church and our community. I believe God is calling MCCU to grow and expand its vision and mission, reaching all of northeastern Oldahoma with a message of God’s inclusive and transformative love, and I believe Pastor Ed is the man to lead us on that journey." The church is inviting community members and friends to attend worship at MCCU on Sunday morning, February 1st at 11:00 AM and to share a Celebration Potluck Dinner that ,;viii follow the service. For those who may be unable to attend worship, but want to come to the Dinnm; it should begin around 12:30pm. The church is located at 1623 N. Maplewood, just offofN. Pine and Reading. You can learn more about MCCU by visiting their website at www.mcctulsa.org, sending an email to iworship@mcctulsa.org or calling 9!8-838-1715. ........... More Oklalaoma News Page 6 With tlais outreach and other plans for testing and education, R.A.I.N. wants the GLBT community as well as Oldahomans in general to knmv that they are still around working to prevent the spread of HIV and helping those "uptc¥ * ~i~iI Rights -Criminal living witla it. Speakers are available upon request for groups interested in learning about HIV. For more information, please call (405) 232 2437. email: kdanersib@ rainoklahoma,org Continued See MONSON Page-9 4 ~(~t~°oSTAR February 2009 �w:~.metrostarnews.com t~et~ oSTAR 5 �of the parade over 20 years ago. OKC Pride’s Male co-chair Paul Thompson dispelled turnouts that city government was behind the proposed change, stating that the City had been totally cooperative for raany years. Communication was stressed as ~vell, with many people at the Ineeting stating tbat they had never been asked for their input or support, and had not been informed of OKC Pride activities. Feraale co-chair Latricia Ohnstead stated that" It’s great that you guys have come out saying xvhat you want us to do differently, but you need to come up with some solutions and possibilities to help us make it better." Monty Milburn, President of the DiversityBusiness Association, suggested that the Parade be held on Saturday, so that those fi’om out of town could arrive on Friday night, enjoy the festival and parade, and return to their homes Sunday without being rushed, and while he commended the current board members and volumeers, he did stress the need for" new blood" and new ideas. Following this public discussion, the OKC Pride Board voted unanimously to keep the parade on the same route it has always been, and announced that the next meeting would be January 26, where it would be decided, after considering all options, where and when the festival would be and when the parade would take place. At press time the outcome was not available so to find out more inforraation after that date call (405 4108102 to reach Paul Thompson or check OKC Pride’s website at www.okcpride.org. Obviously- more community involvement is needed, along with better communication. But as Paul 2Pnompson puts it, ’We hope that the parade and festival wil! continue to grow, and that those who feel there needs to be new blood, ideas and people will come out to be part of that and make it happen" EQUAL RIGHTS IN EVERY STATE TEACH IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) On February 14, 2009, on the South Steps of the Oklahoma State Capitol at noon, there will be a "Teach Iff’ supporting equal rights in every state. While this is largely a gay event, members of the faith community are attending and wilt be speaking to the issues of"Family Values", which has become a code word for homophobia. We intend to expose, through the use of faith based communities, that "Family Values" are toxic to gay people and to society as a whole. Our Teach In is not a protest, it is not a rally, it is a positive message that we as gay people already have equality spelled out in the Constitution, and we are going to call upon our elected officials to enforce the la~v of the land with a positive message post card campaign to our elected representatives in Oldahoma and Congress. Unless and until we ask for enforcement of our rights in every state we will not have them simply granted to us. Until we can TEACH the greater community that gay people are just regular people, doctors, laxwers, teachers, postal workers, business owners and laborers, the pervasive view of "Family Values" will persist. Now is the time, change happens. adopdom Please participate in some ~vay. You can attend the Teach In starting at noon on the South Capitol Plaza on February 14, or you can request a pack of 8 post cards for a $10 donation (we’ll pay the postage) to send to your elected representatives along with hundreds of other people, gay and straight. You can contact the coordinator. Peter Myers at hpkanyersmd@yahoo.com, you may mail your request to Peter Myers, 2512 NW 41st Street, OKC, OK 73112, or call at 405815-4059. We look forward to everyone participating. Please get involved to end all discrimination against gay people. so Eq~ality- It’s Already t’ot¢r C’onstit~¢tional R{ght. Chance also xvetare fully tax deductible, Following a screening process, the $70 adoption fee includes spa~ing/neuteringpius all vaccinations appropriate fbr the adi~aal~ age. To get involved or to adopt a cat or dog call (405) 321q915 or e-mail " secondchancenorm@aol.com 6 5Zt~,troSTAR Coweta Siloam Springs Claremore Sand Springs Jenks Owasso Sapulpa Norman Collinsville 918-486 2137 479 524 6535 918 341 1260 918 246 2543 918 299 63111 9t8-272-4965 918 227 2722 405 321 6725 918 371 I000 Courtesy of wv~-w.labrescue.net February 2009 �Wockner News Service Gay bishop Robinson a so selected for inaugura @Je RI; Rev. H Gene Robinsom the open, gay and ?artnered bishop (fd~e Episcopal Church ~ ~w Hamuhire diocese, a~livered @e invocation at ganzck Obama~ inaugmnd concert at the Lincoln Memorkd on.~¢n. ~ 8. GL~D photo Amid the controversy over Barack Obama’s selection of anti-gay preacher Rick g~rren to ddiver the invocation at his inaugural, Obama announced Jan. 12 that the Rt. Re~: V[ Gene Robinson, the openly gay and partnered bishop of the Episcopal Church’s New- Hampshire diocese, would deliver the invocatmn at the inaugur~d concert at @e Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18. Obama attended the concert. Because Robinson is gay and partnered, his selection as bishop in 2003 has led to an evolving schism in the Episcopal Church and a near-schism in the worldwide Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch. "President-elect Obama has made a stellar choice in selecting Bishop Gene Robinson to offer the prayer at the Lincoln Memorial to kick offthe inaugural festivities," Rea Care); executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, said after the announcement. "For the first time in history, an out gay man will lead the nation in opening the transfer of power from one administration to another." Log Cabin Republicans are broke ~ne gay group Log Cabin Republicans is broke and $100,000 in debt, according to the Washington Blade. LCR President Patrick Sammon said the troubled U.S. economy has impacted donations to the organization. The ~roup currently has vwo flail,time employees and one part-time employee, three fewer than a year ago. www.rnetrostarnews.com in at least 77 nations and punishable by death in at least seven. The statement was signed by Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finlaaad, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel~ Ital); Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norwa}( Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, S~o Tom4 and Prfncipe, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, TimorLeste, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Venezuela. Fifty-seven nations signed an alternative statement, promoted by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, daat said universal human rights do not include "the attempt to focus on the rights of certain persons" because "the notion of orientation spans a xvide range of personal choices that expand way beyond the individual’s sexual interest in copulatory behavior with normal consenting adult human beings, thereby ushering in the social normalization, and possibly legitimization of many deplorable acts." The U.S. did not sign either statement. ACLU sues over new Arkansas adoption ban ¯ne American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit Dec. 30 seeking to strike down a new voter-passed laxv that bans any unmarried person ~vho lives with a partner from serving as an adoptive or foster parent in At’kansas. ~-he suit, filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court, argues that the ban violates federal and state constitutional rights to equal protection and due process. Twenty-nine people from a dozen families are participating in the case as plaintiffs, including a grandmother who lives with her same-sex partner and is the only relative willing to adopt her grandchild, who is in At’kansas state care. Several married heterosexual couples also are plaintiffs. They previously had chosen friends or relatives who are coupled but not married to adopt their children in the event 0fthe parents’ deaths. "We’ve been hearing from all corners of the state from dozens of families who are panicking about how Act 1 impacts them," said Rita Sldar, executive director of the ACLU of Arkansas. "~ais kiw ... takes away parents’ right to decide fbr themselves xvho will adopt their children if they die, it denies the many children in Arkansas state care a chance at the largest possible pool of potential foster and adoptive homes, and (it) denies couples who are living together but unmarried the chance to provide loving homes to children who desperately need them." Four arrested in California lesbian rape case After receiving tips from residents, police in the San Francisco Bay Area city of Richmond arrested two men and two teens Jan. 1 for allegedly raping a lesbian while making antigay slurs. Humberto Hernandez Salvador, 31, Josue Gonzalez, 21, and Darrell Hodges, 16, were arraigned in Contra Costa County Superior Court Jan. 5 and 6 on charges that included carjacking, kidnapping, gang rape and hate crime. The fourth suspect, a 15-year-old, will be tried as a minor. Bail was set at $2.2 million for Hernandez and $1.85 million for Gonzalez. They could face up to life in prison if found guilty. Barney Frank details congressional gay agenda Gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank said Jan. 12 that three long-delayed pieces of gay-related legislation likely will pass and become law now that Congress has a Democratic majority and the incoming president is gay-friendly. "We’re going to do three things in Congress," Frank, D-Mass., told The New Yorker. "First, a hate-crimes bill -- that shouldn’t be too hard. Next, employment discrimination. We almost got that through before, but nmv we can ~vin even if we add transgender protections, which we are going to do. And finally, after the troops get home from Iraq, gays in the military. 7he time has come." San Francisco Catholic church vandalized with swastika The Dec. 13 attack began after the woman got out of her car, which had a rainbow sticker on it. One of the men hit her with an object, ordered her to strip and raped her on the spot, with assistance from the other men, police said. Nxe woman ~vas then forced into her car and driven to a more remote location, where she was raped inside and outside the car. After about 45 minutes, the assailants left in the victim’s vehicle with her wallet, leaving her naked at the scene. Police had offered an $11,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the alleged attackers. Gay mayor takes once in Portland, Ore. Sam Adams took the oath of office as mayor of Portland, Ore., Jan. 1 at 12:01 a.m., making the city the largest in the country with aft openly gay mayor. Adams, 45, captured more than 50 percent of the vote in a May 20 primary election that had 13 candidates, thereby avoiding a general-election runoff. SMq FRANCISCO, CA __ Someone spray-painted a Roman Catholic church in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood with a swastika Jan. 4 in apparent protest of San Francisco Archbishop George Niederauer’s support for Proposition 8, the Nov. 4 ballot initiative ~vith which voters amended the state constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage. Accompanying red-and-black text sprayed on Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church said: "Prop H8 - Niederauer Ratzinger - Where is the love?" Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is Pope Benedict XVI. Most Holy Redeemer is considered to be liberal and gay-friendly, as Catholic churches go. He has promised to make Pordand "cleaner, greener, more sustainable, smarter, more equal, better educated." San Diego is the largest city in ATmerica ever to haace had an openly gay mayor. Toni Atkins held the jok for five months in 2005. She was appointed by the Civ Cguncil after both the mayor and the deputy, maygr quit in the wake of a pensionfunding debacle. MORTUARY SERVICE, ~ Traditional Funeral Services at Affordable Prices (405) 23(}- 131~) or !-800-913-1310 Pre-Need Plan CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED 2415-C North Walnut Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 5,~®@’oSTAR 7 �OMING ELECTS FIRST OPENLY GAY PERSON TO THEIR STATE LEGISLATUIBy Victor Gorin Photo: State Representative Cathy Connol& When Cathy Connolly got elected to the Wyoming Legislature as a Democratic representative for House District 13, she made history as the Cowboy State’s first openly gay legislator. All things being relative, it is one of the more progressive districts of Wyoming, inside one of only two counties in the state that went blue this last election. Born in Troy, New York, she came to Wyoming in 1992. Holding both a PhD in Sociology, and a law degree earned at the State University of New York in Buffalo, she is now a professor of women’s studies at the UniversitT of Wyoming in Laramie. Public policy has been an area of keen interest for her. Urged by her peers to run for this office, Ms. Connolly is active in the communit): She is a strong advocate for ~vorking people and one of her major objectives as a legislator will be to try to lessen the wage gap between men and women, which in ~’yoming is the highest in the nation. Connolly also wants to work to improve healthcare and education, and to create a better environment for all minorities, including Wyoming’s GLBT community. Obama spokesman: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tel~ is history "We should be embarrassed at the quality of education our children are receiving. I want to change the priorities, to make a difference in the quality o~ education all o~ our children receive." "The two candidates are Angela Monson and Kirk Humphreys. We know from Angela’s track record that Angela cares about minorities and the GLBT community, and will understand problems like school bullying, and we know that Kirk Humphreys clearly doesn’t get it." Paul Thompson, C0-Chair of the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Angela is far and away the best candidate for this position. It is imperative that we get out and vote for her. Margaret Cox, Activist By \Vocl~ler Wire Sen*ice New White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" ban on open gays in the military will be repealed. In a video posted in mid-January at change.gov, in which Gibbs answered some of the 72,000 questions Americans have submitted to the site, he said: "Thaddeus from Lansing, Mich., asks, ’Is the new administration going to get rid of the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy ?’" To volunteer or For more information call Gibbs answered: "Thaddeus, you don’t hear a politician give a one-word answer much, but It S, Yes. 8 ~÷troSTAR ® www.Monson4ourchildren.org monsonforourchildren@yahoo.com February 2009 �At 5:00 pm MY BIG EAT GAY \X;%DDING FAIR opens with vendors and merchants throughout the center. These local companies cater to same gender couples looking to plan their speciai da> Several honeymoon destinations will be participating iu a raffle fbr free prizes. Saturday, February 14th at 7:00 pm the dancing and partying begins with the 10th annual \Vild Hearts Ball. DJ Zeke Richardson will be playing the tunes to light up the dance floor. Raffles and prizes will be given away all evening. A cash bar and party foods will satisfy your palate. A photographer will be present for those special part), pics. Admission is free for members of OkEq, $10 admission f~e for non OkEq members. Your admission fee can be applied to your first installment of a $50.00 OkEq membership. Child care will be provided in the Wellness Room on the second level for children under 12 years of age. ~e will have games, crafts and special Valentine snacks for our young guests. Sunday, February 15th we celebrate FAITH with music and a wonderful brunch buffet. The second annual Brunch and Blessing will be in the Events Center. We will have a 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm seatings. Admission is $10.00 for the buffet and $2.00 for mimosas. John Sawyer will be our host extraordinaire and will be joined by Tulsa’s finest choirs, choruses, orchestras, bands and local musical artists like Rebecca Ungerman, Mindy Bardett, and Jarod Tyler. Ten years ago our community dreamed of a permanent home for the LGBT citizens of Oklahoma. Anniversary Weekend ,vill celebrate the progress towards full equality in the state we call home. You can join Oklahomans for Equality and become a full member t’or $50.00. Membership gives you discounts on special promotions in our Pride Store, discounts on special events, and supports the important work of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Please embrace our mission of serving our community and progressing towards equality. Remember what made a dream a reality for Dorothy? Click your heels and say "Tulsa .......... there is no place like home." Bathroom Bingo A Big Success TULSA, OK (PR) __ Free Bingo has caught on at Tulsa’s End Up Club. The Thursday 6:30pm event now in it’s 2nd month has attracted a large following of locals out for a fun time and the chance to ,vin great prizes. They play five games, 4 straight bingo for beer tabs, Walmart gift cards, and gas cards. The last game is blackout, and the winner gets a chance to choose one of five gift boxes. One holds the grand prize. The first grand prize was a very nice Swiss Army watch won by a Tulsa celebrity. The End up is Tulsa’s newest bar located at 5336 E. Admiral P1. Phone 918-836-0915 Angela: Dropout rates, which is indicative of the problems we are having. Some schools in our district have dropout rates over 60%. That~ terrible, they wind up in the street and too often in our prison system. On test scores, our students overall still are performing poorly. Too many students say ’I hate school!’ I want our students to be excited about the value of learning. Across America our students are not performing well enough in math and science, lagging behind other countries. don’t ~vant to become dependent on other countries for our technology, we need to educate our own to bring back our high skill/high tech .jobs. Victor: What abou.t teachers? Angela: Teacher pay is an issue, Oklahoma is 48th in the nation and I’ve heard complaints about it, but more often I’ve heard teachers express concerns about their facilities, about having to pay for school supplies with their own money. That ~hould never happen. Instead of raises for administrators, I’d like to see the money better spent on the classroom. There is a huge mistrust between the public and the administration of the school system. People don’t feel they have a voice, and as the board chair I can involve parents and the public, including groups such as the Parent-Teacher Association, faith based organizations and those groups and individuals who want to be involved. I’m a PTA president myself, I’ve worked after school programs, so I understand the problems and what needs to be done. Victor: A major issue for the GLBT community is school bullying. Currently in the Oklahoma City Public School Handbook, real or perceived sexual orientation is not listed as a category among groups not to be bullied, unlike other protected groups such as race and religion. We have tried for years to get that changed with no success. Angela: There is never any reason to bully anyone. We knmv that there is a problem, that people are bullied, discriminated against & treated differently,due to their real or perceived sexual orientation. \Vhy do we put our heads in the sand and pretend it’s not an issue? This gives tacit approval for this behavior, implying that it’s OK to be mean to people who are different. Not only should it be listed as a category, we should go further to show people how to trust and respect people who are different. As with human nature, sometimes there is friction. But like when you rub two sticks together, it creates heat and light, and used properly it can be beneficial. Addressing prejudice and dealing with it correctly can sometimes mal<e things better. ~is can be an opportunity to teach, empower and make a positive difference. Not only that, but kids would perform better academically when there are less of these kinds of conflicts and social pressures, Victor: As~ything else special you’d like to add? A_ngela: An educated worl~orce and general population makes our whole society better for a lot of reasons, and I want to help make that happen here in Oklahoma City. Victor: Thank you Angela, and I hope you get your chance to go do that. Sunday Services @ 11:00 AM CC United A Metropolitan Community Church www.metrostarnews.com To reach Angela; call 405 314 961"3, Email: Monsonforourchildren@ ~g,~rebsite: Monson4ourchildren. l°°,cOnl 918-838-1715 www.rncctulsa.org Org P~®t~’oSTAR 9 �vi÷w oints road to Barack presidency paved by entertainment machine Times o£Harvey Responsibility £or Our Ft ture By James Nimmo By Jerry Libonati FT LAUDEPd)ALE, FL __ ’11~e movie and television industry may have had a hand in shaping public opinion about electing a black president by depicting African-Americans in the role of Americas number one Times of Hawey Mill~’ available free online at http:// tinyurl.com/7qyaco. "No doubt ~hrren is on the ,vrong side on gay marriage and openly hostile to the gay community, but he isn’t the new" president," said Arkansas native Pippa Roc~’ord, 42, another inauguration spectator. ’%)~’re going to be much better off: then ever before with President Obama." More than two and a half decades lateI; Morgan Freeman played the lofty role in the 1998 comet-snaashing film, Deep h’npact. It appeared in theaters at a time, not that long ago, when no one in the real world seriously entertained the idea of a black president. "If auything, my portrayal of David Palmer; I think, may have helped open the eyes of the American people.., to prove the possibility* there could be an M~rican-American president, a female president, any type of president that puts the people first," Haysbert told reporters in a July 2008 teleconference. If Hollywood could change the way Americans thiuk about having a black president, could it also influence the way Americans took at gay and lesbian people? It already has. ~Ihe younger you are the less you will be aware that movies and "~ shows have dramaticall) changed. %efve evoNed over the years to include gay and lesbian characters. It wasn’t always like that. For most of the twentieth century, there were virtually no gay/Iesbian personalities on the big or the small scree~. Gay people were sometimes interviewed on edN, television documentaries hidden behind screens like seedy criminals. The first dine t personally saw a gay man interviewed out in the open was on the Virginia Graham talk show in the 1960s. ~his brave soul sat right their on her studio couch in front of a live audience. No screen, no mask, no garbled voice. It was revolutionary. Ellen DeGeneres’ sitcora premiered in 1994 as a lukewarm comedy show. It had a supporting cast member who was gay. But her character, Ellen Morgan, didfft turn up the heat with her coming-out episode until 1997. It was a historymaking event but not vdthout its pitfalls as some sponsors, like Wendy’s, dropped their support. The show was cancelled the next year. Since The Ellen Show, other entertainment venues made their stand. Will and Grace debuted in 1998 and became a romance-free staple. Rosie O’Donnell got off to a closeted start with her Daytime-Emmy-winning talk show in I996 but made her impact after coming out and later spoke proudly as a lesbian woman on The View. The popular Queer Eye for the Straight Guy; that brought stereotypes to a new levet, popped up in 2003. A smattering of gay characters now populate mainstream sl~ows, not as devious villains, but as ordinary people. horns are still being removed from gay and lesbian heads but, who knows, when the process is done, maybe we’ll even see a gay or lesbian president. Ger~dd kibana~ ~s d*e autkor (ft~,e new novd ]’etcr ~" a.fi~mousg~3’ rock, tar who go~s ~nco~a~m to.find £we. (W~Tn&wrmctvaaw’.~)m) L~bonati is an awan’£ winning journalist in Soud* E/orie& worki*ag/ar d~e &n-&**tind news~,~pe~: He kas also written~r 7~)eMiamiHe~z,~{ ~e A&ocam and jlvea~ncesJ~r~qesbi,~n new~&ers around the count*7. 10 Met~~oSTAR We’re probably too familiar with the Santayana quote, "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." So, let’s get acquainted with a new one that’s explicitly forward looldng, by George Bernard Shaw: "We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our tq~tture." Seeing situations on screen allows viewers to get used to a new idea. As early as 1972 a movie about the first black president hit the silver screen. Based on a novel by Irving \Vgallace, The Man starred James Earl Jones. Ironically, the screenplay was written by Rod Sefling as if to suggest that such a scenario could only be seen on ~l~ne ~i\vilight Zone. Dennis Haysbert took the role on the Fox television series, 24 that premiered in 2001. In ~lct, Haysbert was voted "Favorite On-screen President" by a Blockbuster poll. Michelle Goldberg, author of Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism, has written, "Modernity is the enemy of fundamentalist religion, and gende>bending is the hallmark of modernity." ( ,a~v.religiondispatches.org ) Photo: Harvey Milk OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ I’m hoping you had a safe (in more ways than one) New Year’s celebration and are ready to commit to a political and social New Year of acquiring the legal recognition of our GLBT equality which is ours as a right of citizenship. This morning I watched the "The Times of Harvey Milk", a documentary of Harw2y Milk composed of interviews with people who knew and worked with him, combined with news clips illustrating the important events in Milk’s public life as a San Francisco City Commissioner. This is not to be confused with the new biopic starring Sean Penn titled simpl> "Milk". I was reminded that the defeat of’the Briggs Amendment that would have outlawed the employment of GLBT teachers in California was fiollowed by the rise of Anita Bryant, who got her inspirational juice from this setback to the fundie nuts and homo-haters agenda. She was the rolling crest of the wave of anti GLBT taws and reversals that followed across the country in the late 70s and early 80s. Think Wichita, Kansas; Dade County, Florida; and Oregon. Oklahoma had its own version of a Briggs Amendment argued before the United States Supreme Court in 1985. You can read the transcript and listen to the audio here: http:/Iwwvw:oyez.org/casesl19801989/1984/!984_83_20301argument/or http://tinyurl. com/Sznzkp. ~e Supreme Court let stand a 10th Circuit Court ruling that invalidated an Oklahoma ban on pro-gay advocaW by teachers. ( http://v,~x,:lambdalegal.orglaboutus/35th anniversary/) ( http:/itinyurI.com/9qqvc8 ) ( http:// en.wikipedia.org/wild/Anita_Bryant It would seem this knee-jerk reaction to GLBT progress is genetic to the Bible-bumping believers of America as that’s what’s going on now with our marriage-equality movement: for every Massachusetts there’s an Arizona and an Arkansas. Listening to the confession clips of Dan White, the convicted killer of Milk and Mayor George Moscone, as well as the ravings of Sally> Kern of Otdahoma and her other Kern Krew members in Oklahoma where I live, they have a single uniting fear: fear of change, be it social, legal, enviromnental, or scientific. Why else do they suck like leeches so tenaciously to a way of living now 5,000 thousand years old with its treatment of people as property~ a destructive dominance over the environment, the elevation of a small, "pure" minoriW to rule over all that~ considered different, and like leeches, drain the vigor of human imagination from our society? Obama’s positions on GLBT issues are more liberal than either Bush’s or even former President Bill Clinton. Mthough not a supporter of gay marriage, he opposes legislation to ban it and h~s asserted flail support for civil unions with rights equal to marriage. According to the ~Thite House website, President Obama supports the repeal of the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" pollW for service members and of the Defense of Marriage Act. The White House also cites Obama’s support for stronger hate crimes laws, for housing anti-discrimination laws inclusive of orientation language, for adoption equality and for a comprehensive national HIV/AIDS strateD: ABC News online reported just prior to the inauguration that Obama intends to nominate openly ga,v John Berry, director of the Smithsonian~ National Zoo, as Director of the O~ce of Personnel Management. Berry was Assistant SecretaW of the Interior during Bill Clinton’s administration. Obama has also nominated a lesbian, Nancy Sutley, as chairwoman of the Council on Environmental Qsiality. Pinning down president’s roles in GLBT issues has not been easy in recent administrations. Although considered generally amenable to the GLBT community, President Clinton,s record on gay rights includes his signature on both the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 and the 1993 Colin Powetl- led strateD, of"Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell." Bush was openly supportive of a federal ban on gay marriage and retained "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" under fire; but also was the first Republican president to appoint an openly gay man to serve in his administration, Scott Evertz as Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy: Bush’s nominee as ambassador to Romania, Michael E. Guest, became the first openly gay man to be confirmed by the Senate as a U.S. ambassador. ~e first openly gay ambassador, James Hormel, received a recess appointment from Clinton aAer the Senate failed to confirm the nomination. Obama’s Gay ghts Agenda By Greg Steele Within ~ninutes after President Obama took the oath of office on Jan 20, the official x~q~ite House webpage ( http:/Aw,-w. whitehouse.govlagenda/civil_rightsl ) was updated under the heading of"~]~e Agenda, Civil Rights" to detail Obamgs support fbr tbe LGBT community. His stated agenda include the following: ÷ Expand Hate Crimes Statutes: In 2004, crimes against LGBT Americans constituted the third-highest categoU of hate crime reported and made up more than 15 percent of such crimes. @ Fight Wbrkplace Discrimination: President Obama supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and ........ Continued See GkSK AGENDA Page 15 Februaw 2009 �Oldahomans for Equality art gallery opens Maegan Kauffman The exhibit will remain up through the month of February, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. ~Ilne 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 seel~s equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocac){, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Among the largest gay meffs choruses in the nation, Heartland Men’s Chorus has won acclaim for its daring programming and unique choral sound. More than 100 singers are expected to travel to Oldahoma City for this special benefit performance of And Justice for Al!. "llae concert combines lnusic, narration and multi-media in a unique "musicaI documentary" format, that has become a halhnark of HMC. The performance will trace the struggles of Afiican Americans, women, gays and lesbians in their quest for civil rights. Audience members can expect to hear inusic spawned fiom the various civil rights movements ("We Shall Overcome"), music inspired by iconic historical events ("Elegy for Matthew") and songs that resonate on the theme of social justice ("You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught"). ’Zetting Go" @ Maegan KauflCman TULSA, OK (PR) __ Nae Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-gpm, Nmrsday, February 5th, 2009, for the opening of its new exhibit, featuring the charcoal drawings of artist Maegan Kauffman. Maegan Kauffman is an artist from Tulsa, OK. She graduated from Skiatook High School in May of 2005. Currently, Maegan is attending the Fred Jones Jr. School of Art at the University of Oldahoma where she works as a Teacher’s Assistant for Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Robert Dohrmann. She is a member of The Red Clay Faction Ceramics Club and will graduate with her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in May of 2010. "As an artist, I draw my inspiration fiom life and the human body as it differs from individual to individual," states Ms. Kauff)nan. "I am inspired by the human condition and the way that we not only deal with the challenges we face out in the world, but also with the inner battles we have within ourselves. The way that a person feels on the inside is expressed through that person~ demeanor, the way they hold their body, and the way they force a smile. By capturing people’s expressions and their body language, I capture their inner emotional state. I consider my artwork realistic expressionism, in which I portray my subjects in a photo realistic manner. Although I put much emphasis on realistic rendering, I use techniques like contrast and composition to express sentiments of the individual portrayed." Maegan continues, "I enjoy all of the different aspects of figurative drawing, including the challenge of proportions and morphing mere shapes and shadows into recognizable form. When I approach a new piece, I don’t necessarily look at my subject as a whole, but as a million different forms. I concentrate on rendering each individual form accurately and in the end the forms melt together into one cohesive image. Charcoal is nay medium of choice for rendering these images. I have learned to manipulate the charcoal, by shading, blending, and crisping edges, to achieve the image desired. The high distinction between tones of dark, medium, and light give the subject matter a tangible quality." www.metrostarnews.com Qffe-Broadway’s popular musical corn@ Alter Boyz is set to rock the masses at Tulsa’s PAC. TULSA, OK (PR) __ ALTAR BOYZ is the hilarious account of a struggling Christian boy band from Greenville, Ohio. The Boyz - intent on saving souls and raising spirits - are on the last night of their "Raise the Praise" U.S. tour and determined to make the big time. There’s Matthew, the hunky leadm; who holds the group together; Mark, the sweet and sensitive one, who choreographs all the band’s signature moves; Luke, the bad boy with an interest in communion wine and driver of the Altar Boyz van; Juan, the Latin lover who’s popular with the ladies; and Abraham, a nice Je,vish boy who’s not sure how he ended up in the group. This concert marks the first regional tour for HMC. In addition to the performance at Village Christian Church, the men will perform at the American Choral Directors Association annual conference (to be held in Oklahoma City) and present a special weekday matinee for middle and highschool students in Kansas City. "Reaching out to diverse audiences is an integral part of our mission," says artistic director Dr. Joe Nadeau. "This particular concert, combining our music with an important social justice message, was the perfect vehicle to bring ’the HMC experience’ to those who may not have had a chance to hear us perform before." Spectacular music...sinfully sensational dancing...faith that’s stronger than their hair gel .... The ALTAR BOYZ get ready to rock the masses of all denominations by spreading the good news and soothing the troubled souls of Tulsa through the glory of sweet pop music. Produced by Grace Man Productions, ALTAR BOYZ makes its Tulsa debut March 615, 2009 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Tickets for ALTAR BOYZ, priced $25 to $35 with special 2-top cabaret table seating at $90 are on sale nox~; at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Box Office, by phone call (918) 5967111 or purchase on-line at www.myticketoffice.com. Kansas City’s Gay Chorus Makes Oklahoma Debut ICANSAS CITY, MO (PR) __ Heartland Men’s Chorus, Kansas Ci@ gay men’s chorus, will present a flee concert performance of And Justice for All at the Village Christian Church (9401 Ridgeview Drive) at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. Singing out in Kansas City for more than 23 years, the concert will mark the Oklahoma City debut of this renowned group of singers. A fi’ee-will offering will benefit the BritVil Food Pantry. ~!~ ~"<~STAR 11 �OKC Community Center Planning Committee Meets By Jeanne Flanigan OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The steering committee for the OKC LGBT Community Center met January 21 at Church of the Open Arms, 3131 N. Pennsylvania. The meeting was attended by 10 people, some representing organizations and some attending as individuals. The goal is to have a building to house a communitT center. Several have volunteered to take responsibilities for aspects of planning for the center, and some want to be identified by first name only, for privacy concerns. Facilitator/Chair of the steering committee is Henry, Building committee chair is Ginger, Finance committee chair is Margaret, Program committee is Larry Schockley, PR/Outreach committee is Eric, and Governance committee is Saul Olivarez. "I]~e cormnittee will begin the process of forming a non-profit 501 C3 organization by reviewing the mission statements of other organizations, selecting a temporary name for the center, forming a board, and writing bylaws. The committee invites anyone interested to make suggestions for a name, attend raeetings, and help advance the process. ~ne PR/Outreach committee will establish a website eventually, but for no,v people can communicate to the committee at okcglbtcenter@ gmail.com. The next meeting will be on February 19, at 6 pro, at Church of the Open Arms. K~ns~s City’s w~rld renowned g~I/men s chorus comes ~ Okl~h~rn~ City ~nd mm, ing ~ne-night-~nly performance. Mickey Coalwell, The Kansas City Star 12 %~A oSTAR February 2009 �Health Departments React with A arm to New CDC Surveillance Data STD Rates Higher Than Ever While Funding For Prevention Declines (PRWEB) January 15, 2009 -- Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released national sexually transmitted disease (STD) surveillance data for 2007. The report shows persistent and staggeringly high rates of STDs as welt as a disproportionate burden of infections on youth, minorities, and women. Upon the release of this information, the National Coalition of STD Directors called for a renewed commitment ftom Congress and President Obama to fight the STD epidemic in the U.S. In 2007, more than 1.1 million Chlamydia cases were reported, which is the largest number of cases ever reported to CDC for any condition. Rates of primary and secondary (P & S) syphilis increased by 15% from 2006, and 65% of all P & S syphilis cases were among men who since Fiscal Year 2003. This has significandy hampered the ability of STD programs in state and local health departments to deliver critical prevention and treatment services, as well as conduct surveillance. "State and local health departments are responsible for controlling this epidemic and often are the medical providers of last resort for persons with STDs. There needs to be a systematic reinvestment in the public health infrastructure to provide the necessaiT clinical services to diagnose and treat STDs and contact exposed partners to insure that they are treated and further spread is prevented," stated Dr. Peter Kerndt, NCSD Board Chair and STD Program Director from Los Angeles County. "In addition to the need for a greater investment of resources for CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, NCSD strongly urges Congress and President Obama to support :evidence-based "This report should serve as a wake up call to policymakers and the public that STDs remain a significant public health threat in the U.S., and a scaled up investment of funds are desperately needed for prevention and treatment." prevention programs to prevent STDs, particularly for young people," stated Don Clark. More than $1.6 billion in federal funds have been spent on abstinenceonly-until-marriage programs, which have been unable effectiveness at have sex with men (MSM). In addition, the report shows persistent and growing racial d!sparities in Chlamydia, Syphilis, and Gonorrhea infections. In 2007, Blacks were 19 times more likely to become infected with Gonorrhea than whites, CDC estimates that approximately I~ million STD infections occur each year, and nearly half are among those aged 15:24. African American women between 15 and 19 are particularly hard hit, accounting for the highest rates of Chlan~ydia and Gonorrhea of any group. The consequences of untreated STDs include infertility, pregnancy complications, cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, birth defects and an increased risk of HIV transmission. While rates of STDs have continued to increase, federal funding for CDC’s Division of STD Prevention has steadily declined delaying sexual activity, or reducing rates of STDs, including HIV/AIDS, or unintended pregnancy. Clark continued, "It is time to end these ineffective and harmful programs, and invest ifi sciefice based ~ipproaches to STD prevention, including comprehensive sex education." The National Coalition of STD Directors is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of public health sexually transmitted disease (STD) program directors in the 65 CDC directly funded project areas, which includes all 50 states, 7 cities, and 8 U.S. territories. As the only national organization with a constituency that provides frontline STD services, NCSD is the leading national voice for strengthening STD prevention, research and treatment. These efforts include advocating for effective policies, strategies, and sufficient resources, as xvell as increasing awareness of the medical and social impact of STDs. ’~ place where y’~t c~ be who God c-mated you to be ips becomefamit~v" 5:30 p, m. 761-[878 www.metrostarnews.com ~&~t~°oSTAR 13 �Wockner News Service een to Might British AIDS activist Sweden will not recognize Canadian Two S~vedish Lutheran ministers, Lars Gfirdfeldt and Lars Arnell, have lost their fin!l appeal in a case seeking recognition of their Canadian same-sex marriage. The Supreine Administrative Court agreed with lower courts Dec. 16 that foreign samesex marriages can be recognized in Sweden only as registered partnerships. ~e case targeted Sweden’s taxation authority for allegedly mislabeling the couple’s union. "Ihe ruling, however, may have a limited lifespan. Sweden’s government favors granting same-sex couples full access to marriage, and a new law is expected to be in place by the middle of 2009. Queen Elizabeth II ~mnounced on New i%r’s Eve */ant she will ~ni£ht leadin£ AIDS activist Ni~ Partdd£e, chi~executiw" ofthe AIDS o,gmdzation ~n’ence Hi,,ins ~’ust. THT Queen Elizabefl~ II announced on New Year’s Eve that she will knight leading MDS activist Nick Partridge, chief executive of the MDS organization Terrence Higgins Trust. Partridge told the BBC he was "absolutely delighted" by the honor. He will be "invested" later this year when Elizabeth lays a sword on his shoulders. Aussie gay partners gain access to military pensions Australian gays and lesbians will have access to their deceased partners’ military pensions starting in July. The move follows a 2003 ruling by the ofiqce of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which found Australia’s refusal to grant the pensions in violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. ~Ihe case was brought by Edward Young of Sydney, whose partner of 38 years died 10 years ago. "What I wanted was to take on the little man, (former Prime Minister John) Howard, and fight," Young told Nae Sydney Morning Herald. "What I wanted was something that would apply right across the board." After the 2003 ruling, the former Howard government procrastinated in reviewing its policy, Howard was replaced by Kevin Rudd in December. 14 ~i?et ’oSTAR Senegal }ails nine men for having gay sex Nine gay men in Dakar, Senegal, were jailed for eight years Jan. 6 for the crimes of having gay sex and belonging to a "criminal association," an HIV-services group. HRgZ said the sentences have "produced widespread panic among organizations addressing HIV and MDS, particularly those working with men who have sex with men." Tl~e arrests occurred several days after Senegal hosted the 15th International Conference on AIDS and STIs (sexually transmitted infections) in Africa. Presentations at the conference highlighted the contradictions in countries such as Senegal that aim HIVprevention efforts at men who have sex with men but continue to criminalize same-sex relations. "ihe International AIDS Society and the Society for AIDS in Afi’ica have demanded that Senegal release nine men who were sent to prison for eight years on Jan. 6 for the crimes of engaging in gay sex and belonging to a "criminal association," the HIV-services group AIDES Sdndgal. Last February, 10 men and a woman were arrested in Dakar, the capital city, after a popular magazine published photographs of a purported marriage ceremony between two Senegalese men. "The arrest of these men based purely on their sexual orientation represents a major setback for the Senegalese response to HIV, which is widely viewed as a model in Africa," SAA President Joanna Mangueira said Jan. 12. Although the individuals were later released, "the publicity and arrests created tremendous public animosity toward LGBT people in Senegal," IGLHRC said. The nine men were sentenced in Dakar, the capital, after being arrested and jailed Dec. 19 following a raid on the apartment of gay leader Diadji Diouf. "MaW gay men and lesbians were attacked by mobs or driven fi’om their homes," the organization said. At the trial, prosecutors used condoms and lube confiscated during the raid to prove that the men had engaged in gay sex. Ugandan gay activists win awsuit On Dec. 19, police raided the apartment of gay leader Diadji Diouf, arrested him and the other men, and confiscated Condoms arid lubricants ..... In a landmark victory, the High Court of Uganda ruled Dec. 22 that constitutional rights apply to GLBT people .......... .... The men were taken to a police station and held until Dec. 24, then transferred to a detention center, where they were held until trial. Human Rights \Vc’atch said the men were beaten while in custody. Activists Victor Mukasa and Yvonne Oyoo had sued the attorney general following a 2005 raid at Mukasa’s home in which documents were seized and Oyoo was arrested, assaulted and sexually harassed. Mukasa was not present at the time of the raid. According to the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, the men’s lawyers had only limited access to case files and little time to prepare for the hearing. At the trial, prosecutors reportedly used the confiscated condoms and lube as evidence tha~ the men had engaged in gay sex. The men received the maximum five-year sentence for engaging in what the Penal Code calls "an improper or unnatural act with a person of the same sex" and three additional years for being members of the HIV-services organization AIDES Sdndgal, the "cril~ninal associatiom" "IGLHRC is deeply concerned by what appears to be a violation of the right to a flee and fair trial, the right to privacy and the right to freedom from discrimination," the group said. "These charges will have a chilling effect on AIDS programs," added Scott Long, director of Human Rights \Vatch’s LGBT Rights Division. "Outreach workers and people seeking HIV prevention or treatment should not have to worry about police persecution. Senegal should drop these charges and repeal its sodomy law (which) invades privacy, criminalizes health work, justifies brutality and feeds fear." AIDS societies call for release of imprisoned Senegalese gays The men received the maximum five-year sentence for doing what the Penal Code calls "an improper or unnatural act with a person of the same sex" and three additional years for being members of the "criminal" HIV organization. ............... More XXrorld News Page 18 Justice Stella Arach Amoko found that the raid violated the activists’ rights to, among other things, liberty; privacy, dignity, and protection from unlawful entry, unlawful search, unauthorized seizure and inhuman treatment. "The actions of the officials that molested Victor Mukasa and Oyoo were unconstitutional, inhuman, and should be condemned," Arach Amoko said. "It was my dream that justice would come and it has come," Mukasa said after the ruling. "And it is my bigger dream that justice will come to every human being in Uganda who is oppressed. This does not mark the end. ~Ihe struggle continues until every human being is free." February 2009 �believes that our anti-discrimination employment laws should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identitT. @ Support Ftfll Civil Unions and Federa! Rights fbr LGBT Couples: President Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples legal rights and privileges equal to those of married couples. Obama also believes we need to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex couples in civil unions and other legally-recognized unions. @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Oppose a Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage: President Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2006 which would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman and prevented judicial extension of marriage-like rights to same-sex or other umnarried couples. @ Repeal Don’t Ask-Dofft Tell: President Obama agrees w’ith former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Shalikashvili and other military experts that we need to repeal the "don’t ask, don’t tell" polic?: @ Expaald Adoption Rights: President Obama believes that we must enstire adoption rights for all couples and individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. He thinks that a child will benefit from a healthy and loving home, whether the parents are gay or not. @ Promote AIDS Prevention: In the first year of his presidency. @Club 209, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Empower’Women to Prevent HIV/AIDS: In the United States, the percentage of women diagnosed with AIDS has quadrupled over the last 20 years. Today, women account for more than one quarter of all new HtV/AIDS diagnoses, President Obama introduced the Microbicide Development Act, which will accelerate the development Of products that empower women in the battle against AIDS. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force responds to President Obama inauguration speec @ Finishline, Oklahoma City- @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa xWASHINGTON, DC (PR) __ ~Ihe National Gay and l~sbian Task Force responded today to President Barack Obama’s inauguration speech. "America made history today ~vith the swearing-in of Barack Obama as its 44th president. It is our hope this truly marl~ the dawn of a new political era of engagement in the life of this country. In his gpeech, the president spoke of our nation’s need to reat~rm its enduring spirit and ’carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea ... [the] promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.’ @ The End Up, Tulsa www.metrostarnews.com @ Angles, Oklahoma City "Our country has made significant strides in advancing this ’noble ideg toward ful!-fledged realitT, but we’re not there yet. Too many people continue to face discrimination and hardship. As President Obama assumes the role ofAmeric~s ~’oremost leader, we call upon him to fulfill the promise of a nation where lesbian, ga~, bisexual and transgender people are recognized and valued as part of this country’s strength, spirit and solution. ~e fact tl~at the ot~cial White House Web site was updated just this afternoon with a list of commitments to LGBT rights is already enormous positive change." ~®troSTAR 15 �Loo ng for some new exciting wines ? You may wanna check these’ out. "We Just got back fi’om a California road trip. Vie were lieading south on ~iuT 101/a road trip fi’om Napa to Paso R0bles2 Here are some highlights from our trip: Napa Silver Oak/Alexander Valley Cabernet "04 Miner Oracle Red ’05 and the ~qld Yeast Chardonnay ’07 Saddleback Scouts Honor named after wine maker Niels Venge’s late dog. This wine is naostly Zin with Petite Sirah and Charbono. My partner & I did one of our famous annual ~vhifl wind holiday road tours through northern California There are a lot of wineries between Napa & Paso Robles. Grape growing regions are expanding every year and we never have time to see as much as ~ve want to. California has so many wineries to experience and they’re all zip and dmvn the coast. We visited quite a few tasting rooms in 3 days and tried out some really good ~vines. If the wines are listed here, it’s because we fonnd them and the service to be quite exceptional. Not all we sampled will be listed here and although many are not available here in Oklahoma, you may be surprised to find out which ones are. This months recipe courtesy of: Cult Wine Central is a good place to go and check out some of Napa’s more serious wines all under one roof like Ghost Block Cabernet and many, many more. Monterey Ventana Chardonnay Arroyo Seco ’06 Paso Robles Cambria Viognier 07. Bench Break Pinot Noir ’06, Julia’s Pinot Noir ’06 anSthc Tepu-quet Vineyard Syrah ’05 Dierberg Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir & Chardonnay both are ’06 and estate grmvn. Fess ~Parker Santa Barbara County Viognier ’07 & Melange Blanc ’06 (Marsanne, Ro)~fi & Granache Blanc). Zaca Mesa Estate Rousanne ’06 Photo: M~ D in California wine country Firestone Cabernet Franc Rose ’07 These wines are than describe the invite you to go questions and purchase a bottle some food & wine with out for yourself. This writer is one of the managers at the Grand Vin ~vine shop. He also bar tends and hosts ,vine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: ~ ww. ~neSpectator.com w.lffqneCount~7-his~ek.com ~w.CultI~neCentral.com Rotta Cabernet ’05 & the Heritage Zin ’06, Opolo Summit Creek Zin ’06 1 cup Green onion 2 ts Oregano 2 drops Red hot sauce (optional) Cajun spices (blackened or Cajun king herbed spice excellent) to taste Salt to taste 2 cups Raw white rice To prepare: ~Alligator Jambalaya Ingredients: lb Marinated alligator fillet cut into small pieces 1 lb Hot sausage (Italian) cur into chunks 3 tbs Oil 213 cup Bell peppers chopped 2 cloves Garlic crushed 3/4 cup Parsley 1 cup Chopped fi-esh parsley 1 cup Ch@i3ed celery 2 can Tomatoes ~16 oz each) 2 cups Chicken stock (2 pkg chicken cube mix + water also works) 16 ~’>~ roSTAR In deep frying pan (cast iron preferably) sautd the bell pepper, garlic, parsley and celery. While this is c~oking, adT:l tomatoes & their liquid, the chicken stock &, green onion to a pot that can cook on the stove and in the oven (Corningware) Stir in spices, sautded vegetables raw rice, sausage and alligator fillet pieces. Cook on medium-high heat until liquid is absorbed (stir occasionally to make sure rice doesn’t burn on bottom) and then bake covered in the oven for 25 minutes. NOTE: Alligator meat may not be available in your area, try chicken breast fillet as a substitute: February 2009 �At ~e BOK Center Tulsa L~"W ~e Cable Guy Feb 13, 2009 at BOK Center ’Eat, Drink, and Be Larry" Tickets On Sate Nov 21 @ 10am Prices: $I0, $25. 7 5, $43.75 The man who added the catchphrase "Git-R-Done" to the Banerican lexicon is coming to Tulsa! Dan Whitney, known better as Larry The Cable Gu> has proven to be one of the most successful comics. Larry has received a Billboard Top Comedy Tour Award. For a limited time, we are offering an ’Economic Recovery Package’ where select tickets are buy one get one free. N~is off)r on select seats is valid Friday, November 2tst at 10am until Monday, November 24tb at 6pm gq-tlLE SUPPLIES ~ST! Smucker~ Stars on Ice Feb 15, 2009 at BOK Center Mirren, Gershon, Jordan Saddle Up for Love Rmach "On The Edge" "Tour Sunday, Feb 15th @ 3pm Tickets: $25, $40, $70, $115 Group Discounts: Receive $5 off groups of 10+, Additional incentives for groups of 25+!!! Please call 918-894-4252 to purchase yonr group tickets today and find out more information! In the year leading up to the 2010 Winter Games, skating fans will not find a better preview of America’s favorite Olympic sport. This year Tulsa skating fans are in for a real treat; Smucker’s Stars on Ice is proud to welcome Evan ~vsacek, Two-time U.S. Champion as a very specia! guest for this performance. Trace Adkdns NEW DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 2009 with special guest: Craig Morgan. Ticket Prices: $52 and $42 Photo: Helen Mirren Do you want to see Helen Mirren as the madam of Nevada’s first legal brothel? Of course you do, and now you can. She and Joe Pesci will play reaMife married entrepreneurs Grace and Charlie Botempo in Love Ranch, directed by Taylor Ha&ford (who~ also Mirren’s husband). The cast of gay-adjacent favorites also includes Gina Gershon and Bai Ling - playing, one would assume, "rancla hands" - as well as the hilarious Leslie Jordan (Sordid Lives, Wil! & Grace). Between Mirren and Gershon alone, there~ enough caree>spanning Photo: Leslie Jordan cinematic Sapphic scenarios to melt your Caligula and Bound DVDs into liquid plastic, and that’s not even counting the cast members who are actually homosexual. Add Ling and Jordan - one brazen bisexual and one screaming queen, respectively - and it sounds like Love Ranch will offer lots of queer pleasure when it hits theaters later this year. Tomlin Swaddles Sweet Baby Jesus Due to illness, the Trace Adkins concert for Frida?,; December 5th was postponed until Timrsday, February 19, 2009. A series of dates on the tour have been rescheduled after management reported that he had the intestinal flu and needed rime off to recover. M1 tickets previously purchased will be honored. Refunds will be available at point of The V¢-or|d-Famous Lipizzaner Stallions Mar 1, 2009 at BOK Center Tt~e World-Famous Lipizzaner Stallions Sunday; March 1, 2009 Showtimes: 2pm & 6pm Ticket Prices: $34.50, $29.50, & $24.50 Group Discount: 15 or more people get $5 discount on $24.50 tickets and $29.50 tickets. Call 918-894-4252 for more information Romeo loves a good Christmas movie - and if it’s got a whiff of sacrilege, so much the better. Sweet Baby Jesus certainly sounds promising; its about pregnant teenager Mary (Alison Pill of Milk), who returns to her hometown of Bethlehem, Md., at Christmastime. Mary’s got an older boyfriend named Joe - but he’s not the baby’s father, leading rumors to s~virl among the locals that Mary is about to give birth to Jesus in his second coming. Directed by British comedy pro Steve Bendelack (M~: Bean’s Holiday), the film offers an interestingly, eclectic cast, including lesbian goddess Lily Tomlin, Christopher Guest regular Michael McKean, Freddy Got Fingered creator Torn Green, the eve>unpredictable Melanie Griflith, and bear pin-up Hagrid himself, Robbie Coltrane. With any luck, Sweet Baby Jesus will be a blessed theatrical event this December. Can Shankanan Make Bil:die Fly? Kathy Griffin Mouths Off for 50 Years For years, Columbia Pictures has tried to launch a remake of its 1960s hit musical Bye Bye Birdie, about teenage hysteria over an Elvis-like rock icon going into the army: Tina Fey took a crack at a new script, and John Chu (Step Up 2 the Streets) was hired fresh out of film school to make a youthoriented hip-hop version of the property. After those efforts failed to soar, the studio is now turning to one of the few people responsible for making screen musicals viable again - gay Hairspray director Adam Shankrnan. He’ll develop and produce a new version of Birdie, but he probably won’t direct; he’s already got _Bob: The Musical_ and a new Sinbad adventure on his plate. Will Shankman be the wind beneath Birdies wings? Watch this space for flight information. What do you get when you cross Finding Nemo ~vith An Inconvenient Truth? Presumably Around the World in 50 Years 3D, an upcoming animated feature about a sea turtle who hatches in !959 and spends the next five decades traveling all over the Earth and observing what global warming and climate change are doing to the planet. You can’t make a cartoon without an all-star voice cast these days, and Around the World_features gay icon ICathy Gril~n. (Can you really stil! be on the "D List" after you’ve won two Emmys and been nominated for a Grammy? Discuss.) Also piping up for the film are Tim Curry, Jenny McCarthy, Anthony Anderson, and the exceedingly ecology-minded Ed Begley Jr. This 3D animated feature is set to turn your kids’ consciences green later this year or in early 2010. Romeo San Vicente has triedforyears to recycle ex-boyj%iends. It doesn’t really work. He can be reached care ofthis publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com. www.metrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 17 �internationa by Donald Pile and Ray Williams ATLANTA, GA Among the dozens of dozens of attractions to see in Atlanta are the APEX Museum, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum, CNN Center, Carter Presidential Library and Museum, Georgia Aquarium, Margaret Mitchell House, World of Coca- Cola, and the Woodruff Art Center to name a few. Since Proposition 8, just ALWAYS remember to check out businesses before you give them any of your gay dollars. ~ere are numerous lists on the internet saying which major companies financially supported Proposition 8. Never, ever give them a dime of your money. There are a lot of major companies who have worked extremely hard with the gay 5ommunity and they are the ones we need to give our business to. "He& Bed and Breakfast Adanm, GA We finally have got to visit the beautiful city of Atlanta. We usually just drive thru Atlanta on our way down m Ft. Lauderdale. However this year we decided to stop and "smell the Atlanta roses" for a few days and are we glad that we did! X)ge first checked into the Hello Bed and Breakfast. Mike, the owner is extremely friendly and hospitable. He lmows the city well and can direct you to anyplace you want to go. Atlanta of course is a very huge city and there are enough "Peachtree" streets, avenues, circles, etc. to get even the best driver lost. His B and B is tucked away in a nice, quiet neighborhood in the heart of Atlanta and is located in the lush Morningside neighborhood just north of Midtown and very close to Bucld~ead, Virginia Highlands, EmorT¢; downtown, Lennox Mall and Chinatown. You can walk to many restaurants & nearby shops. They are just a mile from the Lindbergh Marta Station. ~e railway goes directly to the Airport, Downtown, and Chinatown. Visit the CNN Center, Underground Atlanta, Coca-Cola Museum, MLK & President Carter Centers, Centennial Olympic & Piedmont Park. Enjoy their courtyard & small stream through the property plus a wonderful hot tub. They are a pet & smoke free home. They have free Wifi access. You can check out their website at ~.~v.hellobnb.com. Call him at: 404.892.8111. Email at hellobnb@aol.com and it is located at 1865 Windermere Drive. Atlanta is full of gay bars an.d we do mean FULL of gay bars! ~ere is indeed something here for everybody! Lots of disco/dancing bars, leather, cowboy, piano, stripper as well as wonderful neighborhood bars to enjo): The bars are packed neatly all the time in Atlanta. ~is is a Major pa~ty town! And everyone loves to party! The very first bar you need to visit is BURKHART’S PUB which is located at 1492 -F in a strip mall and is the friendliest bar in the entire South! The owners, Mary and Palmer have set the standard attitude 18 Before going to aW major city, always check out: funmaps.com which is the leading gay site for traveling in the entire country. The local gay publication is v,~*av.southernvoice. com and from their xvebsite you can find listings for gay churches, organizations, gay community center and most anything else you need to know about "Ga,v Atlanta: http:/! www.atlantaga.gov/Visitors/Attractions. aspxt anything you need to know about "Gay Atlanta. Also check out: wwvc.atlanta. net and http:llwww.atlantaga.govlVisitorsl Attractions.aspx. level for everyone and the rest of the bar patrons follows. In all of our travels from coast to coast we have never been to a friendlier bar. It is a rather large club with an outdoor patio, several different bars and offers food services everyday including salads, appetizers, sandwiches, entrees and desserts. The), have a live DJ every night as well. They have two stories and you can look down onto the large crowd belmv. Very simply put, if you can’t have fun at this bar, you won’t be able to have fun anyplace! Check out their ~vebsite: http://www.burkharts.com/ It is NOT one of Atlanta’s favorite bars, it IS Atlanta’s favorite bar! Tt~e number one person to meet in Atlanta is a gendeman by the Photo: Ray ~lliams, Marko & Donald Pile name of Marko. He can found at Burkhart’s on most days. He was from New York and Of course we just clm’t stress enough to moved to Atlanta a fev¢ years ago and knows remember to have fun when traveling, meet more about hospitality than anyone we new people and talk to everyone! In Atlanta, have met. He introduced us to dozens of we want to give a big thanlcs to Marko and people. ~lhe only major drawback to partying Jasen who are two wonderfu! guys! Thanks in Atlanta is that it is NOT smoke-free! to the owners of Burk~art’s Pub for having Hopefully sometime soon, they will catch up such a wonderful bar! Bar owners around the with the rest of the cities in the country and country should fly down to Atlanta and see have no smoldng! for themselves what a great bar. We dined at Einstein’s Restaurant which is near midtown at 1077 Juniper Street (12th & Juniper Streets), website: einsteinsadanta. com. They have a great atmosphere, tremendous service and ~bod to die for! Everything we had was prepared to perfection. ThiS is THE place to "see and be seeff’ in gay Atlanta! They serve lunch and dinner and are open until 11 PM during the week and Midnight on weekends. On Saturday and Sundays they open at 10:00 AM offering their famous brunches. Be sure and stop by for a meal there. Euro Parliament pushes for gay equality The European Parliament is pushing the 27 member states of the European Union to do better in treating gay people equally. The parliament adopted a report Jan. 14 that urged member nations to recognize each other’s same-sex partnerships and marriages, and condemned homophobic hate speech by political and religious leaders. The report also calls on the European Commission to propose legislation to criminalize anti-gay hate crimes, guarantee the right of free movement ~vithin the EU for same-sex couples, and assure that gay people seeking asylum from anti-gay nations receive it. The parliament further requested that a study be done to gauge the level of harassment and violence experienced by transsexuals in the 27 nations. ~lhe European Union is composed of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovalda, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. At least 14 of the nations allow same-sex marriage or have civil-union or registeredpartnership laws that grant some, most or all of the rights and obligations of marriage to same-sex couples. In related nevcs, Thomas Hammarberg, the human rights commissioner for the 47-nation Council of Europe, recently denounced the mistreatment of transgender people in member nations. "Some people seem to have a problem with the mere existence of human beings whose outer expression of their inner gender identity is not the same as their gender determined at birth," Hammarberg said. "Aggression against transgender persons cannot however be excused as resulting from ignorance or lack of education. These attitudes cause serious harm to innocent and vulnerable people and must therefore be countered .... There is no excuse for not immediately granting this community their full and unconditional human rights." The Council of Europe is composed of Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Lt~xembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway; Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia," Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. February 2009 �resort hotels, ; Arts and www.metrostarnews.com {~{®t~’oSTAR 19 �d& by G reg Fox OKC Civic Center sic Hall Febmmry Events Feb Ray’s 83rd Birthday Show Feb. 3 - Feb. 5 Tyler I errys The Marrmge Counselor Feb. 6 .- Mar. 1 LOOK BACK IN ANGER Feb. 7 P~INVENTtNG THE PAST: PAPJF II presented by the Okiahoma Cio~ Philharmonic Feb. 8 Brian Rcgan Feb. 13 - Mar. 1 H~{Y FE~,nER by Noel Coward Feb. I3 - Mar. 7 ~MOST, MAINE a romantic comedy by John Cariani Feb. t3 - Feb. 14 P~S ROUGE - OKC Ballet Company Feb. 18 Menopause the Musical Feb. 20 - Feb. 21 POP GOES ~GAS! presented by the ONahoma Ci~, Philharmonic Rose State College Performing Arts Center Feb 18, 2009 Menopause the Musical Mar 26, 2009 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels February At ~e P.A.C. Feb 4 David Finckel and Wu Han @ John H. Williams Theatre Feb 6-31 FP,]~E Highway 412 PAC Gallery Feb 17 ,~ infinite Ache @ Liddy Doenges ~eatre Feb 20-25 Oprah ~gZinfrey Presents: 7he Color Purple @ Chapman Music Hall Feb 23 The Tannahill Weavers @ John H. ~’Xqlliams Theatre Feb 24 P~atph’s World @ John H. Williams ~aeatre Feb 27 Ethel Cabaret @ Lid@ Doenges ~aeatre Feb 28 Ethel Concert @ John H. Williams "Theatre Metro Star Classfieds 2" square for as litde as $39 per issue. Emaih starnews@sbcglobaLnet E-Mail- KylesBnR@aol.com SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY ema I b tterg rl@q>]ndicate corn 20 ~%troSTAR www, joanhiity, net _.~ -~,0~ February 2009 �by Jack Fertig February 2009 "Accept flattery, Capricorn!" With Venus going into Aries and Mars going into Aquarius, latch on to bold, creative impulses. Take the flirtatious chances that you normally wouldn’t dare to. Think of new approaches to artistic projects you’ve been considering, and get started! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Trust those inspirational sparks that seem to come out of nowhere, even though they do need the guidance of a practiced expert - and some improvements you won’t think of - to help you bring them to successful fruition. TAURUS (ArR 20 - May 20): Wellmeaning friends offering "helpful suggestions" can unwittingly hit a nerve. Try to take it all in good humor, or just thank them for sharing. Political or philosophical arguments can be less personal and more enlightening. Speak up and state your opinions! GEM~N~ (May 21 - June 20): Someone in charge is taking an interest in you. It could be professional or sexual. This could be great for your career or just a lot of drama at work. Keep your eyes open and think ahead, and you’ll be fine. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Rather than acting on shopaholic impulses, use them as clues to think about what you want, what you really need, and how to practice more efficient economy. A household inventory can also spur a smarter approach to finances. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Accept flattery and flirtations with good grace, enjoying them as passing pleasantries. Try practicing the art of compliments and flirtation yourself. It can be done without compromising your integrity! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): "Retail therapy" is not therapy at all, but a symptom of deeper needs. When you get that expensive impulse, stop and ask what you really want. Deal with the deeper disappointments provoking a yen for compensation, and you’ll be stronger and richer! PISCES (February t9 - March 19): Wear more of the clothing or jewelry you’ve received as gifts. The m~rror of your friends’ eyes can show not only sides of yourself that you rarely consider, but also more of your potential. CANCER (June 21 o Ju~y 22): The stars offer a new romantic adventure! ~f you’re partnered, that could alleviate boredom, but include your mate in the fuu! Anything sporty and sweaty’ is good, perhaps ro!!#r skating in the park or exploring some kink. LEO (July 23 -August 22): "(’our eagerness to try new sexual techniques could leave you open to catching something very nasty. Think ahead on prophylaxis whenever you try anything (or anyone) new! And when was your last check-up? You’re probably fine, but make sure to get yourself tested. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): Even if you’re long-partnered, this is a great time for innovative romantic fun and games. With the love of your life or an _amour du jour_, treat love as an art and explore new techniques. HERA (September 23 - October 22): You’ll get a better or more frequent workout if you figure out how to make it more fun. Exercising at home or with a group of friends you regard as family can help. At least shake it up with some variety. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Playful banter can lead you into revealing more of yourself than you intended. This can be good, prompting more intimacy and openness in your friendships. Spats along the way should be easily reconciled. Just don’t take yourself so seriously! METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Uric SpidtofChdst MCC 2902 E 20th Slreet Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM 67 Across 1 The number of people who like it hot 5 New York Liberty game offiCials 9 Pink, fbr one 14 Retreat f~r D.H. Lawrence 15 Colorado, to Co~teau 16 Garment with a flared bottom ! 7 Sui~x with leather dance dub anthem 23 Grid coach Amos ~Alonzo 24 One who looks into c®stal balls 25 Sam6-~eX vow in Conn~:eticut 28 Prepare i6 +h00{ .... 30 Toni c6U~iengm0vie,~,vith The 32 Coi+ por+er Song +ha Wak ahit fo}+Eartha Kitt ~ 37 Cashdrawers 38 "~ake a crack 39 Conquers, sexually 42 Composer EdoUard 43 Smallbush 45 Eartha Kitt~ role on Barman 47 Began a hole, to Patty Sheehan 50 Lanka head 51 MTF operation 52 Scott Oi~Beautiftd Thing 54 Boobs Or bt~tts 58 Eartha Kitt~ 2000 Broadway show 61 Corydon author Gide 64 HaW an opening for 65 Family diagram 66 Open~mo~}hed fives0me 67 A~d othersi for caesari 68 Isl~ hleyJ~n~dn ~ land 69 Eech 6fGreek:ld~e 70 411; ’ 71 Gr{ek love 68 3 Choral work at Metropolitan Community Chur& 4 Gay fbrmer NFL player Tuaolo 5 Field of Gene RoBinson 6 Sappho’s H~ 7 Sows one’s seed. e~c. 8 Didn’t leave the next morning 9 Minnelli movie 10 Brothers & Sisters producer Ken 11 Labium 12 A Chorus Line song 13 Color of a Columbus circuit party 2 t "How queer !" 33 It puts people out 34 Rubbers on rims 35 Macho man 36 Facial follower 40 Article of Frida 41 Have between your legs ~ Animal painter Rosa 46 TuI~ Ofl~ubic hair, e.g; 48 Some escorts w~t i~ up f~ont 49 Brown-nosed, ~wth over 53 Of course I people ... (Quentin Crisp) 55 Debussy contemporary Erik 56 Bill), B~an boo-boo 57 Po61 party? 58 perry; ofi~letropolitan Community Church 59 Ball~t move 60 Votes for, for ~Frank 61 some sex-toy bateries 62 R. Mapplethorpe supporter 63 Sh0~t Down 1 One w,ay to cook fruit 2 Scout ~ ~ecitation, and others MCC of the Living Spdng 17 Elk S eet Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and Blessed Day! www.metrostarnews.com ~I ~t~oSTAR 21 �c assifi $ BUY GI Joe Action Figures (!2" size Only) i mygijoe@cox.net or ca11(405) 249-4515 I Buy OLD or NEW In Box or Out of Box (send pic with asldng price) Keller Williams Realty Rooms For Rent Chuck greckenridge $380 per month plus tax ALL Bills Paid N~e Habana Inn 2200 N W 39th www.habanainn.com Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. ALL Major Credit Cards Accepted KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man CHECK OUT UNIQUE f:idI Body Massag~ 1o800o535oAIDS (2437) 2 hands or 4 hands available Oklahoma’s HIV!aTD H0tline PRONOT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(S) Community For People ~iving 31 Now Hiring Male & Female H~V/A~DS a 50~ c (3) Non Profit Organixadon 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 maRy 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 ou rhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net "~W’~.METROSTARNEWS.C OM 22 February 2009 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. ACCOMODAEIONS: F[ABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-528-222t www.babanainn.com ICELLY I~RBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant V~i.ERIE WILLIFORD 625 N3~Z 13th Street Oidahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 OKC M OP,TUARY 2415-C N. \VTALNUT AVE. Oldahoma City, OK 800-913-1310 ANGLES 21 t7 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City~ OK wv~v.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836~8700 wv~v.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 91~-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Ti.dsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City; OK 405-525-2900 ~a~v.habanainn.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 3 t st "Balsa, 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 MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 v~wv.mcctulsa.org CHUCK BRECI~NRIDGE Keller Williams Realty, Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: ~wvw.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn TOM & JERRYS 1501 N.\~ 23RD Oklahoma City; OK 405-524-9100 OK£AHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org 0 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 . j udygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSXYZAY Oklahoma City; OK 73112 405-840-2106 ~vw.c21 goldcastle.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City; OK 405-525-0730 w~s~v.habanainn.com 0 F A R TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 9!8-592-! 188 www.tulsaeagle.com S CO ~IDIOI $I I I THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 9t8-836-0915 T ~ LILISI L AILIOI W 0 MIAINI THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ~wa,~: habanainn .corn PA RITIYI EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowship 6009 NW Expressway Oldahoma City, OK 405-761-! 878 www.expressionsOKC.com www.metrostarnews.com D ~et~°oSTAR 23 �� 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 E FOR President Obama’s Gay Rights Agenda The new whitehouse.gov .... .Page 10 WWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM Gay community upbeat TULSA, OK__ Despite the involvement of controversial Pastor Rick Warren, the gay and lesbian community responded generally favorable to the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20. "This is a big moment for all of the people who feel we were shut out by the Bush Administration," said Oklahoma resident Brian DunleaW, 36. Dunleavy traveled from Green Country to Washington D.C. to witness the inaugural parade and events. "That includes gays and lesbians. Obama is clearly a friend to US, even if many of us don’t always agree xvith him on everything. This could be the beginning of a new era for us." for the inauguration ceremonies. "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" FEBRUARY 1, 2009 about By Michael W. Sasser new president he was not happy about Warren’s involvement but that he "didn’t go to D.C. for the prayer." Oklahomans for Equality Celebrates Anniversary at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Photo by Chaz "Hopefully it’s just a bump in the road," he added. Warren, the controversial evangelical pastor at Orange County, CA’s Saddleback Church, delivered the inaugural invocation at Tuesday’s ceremony. Warren was an outspoken supporter of California’s Proposition 8, the California measure that banned same-sex marriage in the state. 365gay. com reported that the website for Warren’s church specifically stated until recently that unrepentant gay people were not welcome to attend services. In perhaps the most virulent P~oto: Dennis R. Nei!I Equalil.y Center Downtown Tulsa ’.;Warren has compared gay marriage to sanctioning TULSA, OK (PR) __In February 1999, the Pyramid Project hosted their first major fundraising event by holding a Wild H~S ~! ~ ~he Ta~ Brady Mansionl TII~ evening the ~°nnnued ~ee OBAMA Page’10 ~i~i6fi 6£~ ~fi~h0~ f~r the EG~Smmunity in north~k~ OH~6~[~s prelented~ Th~ dream seemed very far away. 0KC Pride Parade Stays on 39th Street Festival Will Move, No Longer At Memorial Park By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Amid an abundance of controversy and hearsay, OKC Pride hosted an open meeting January 5 at the Days Inn West, anticipating a much larger crowd than usually attends these meetings. True enough, around 60 GLBT & allied people attended to voice Concerns about rumours that OKC Pride Inc, which administers the annual June OKC Pride Parade & Festival, was not only planning to move the festival to Remington Park, but that the parade would be moved to Remington Park as well. The OKC Pride Parade route had always been, since its beginning in 1987, from Memorial Park at N.W. 36th & Classen Boulevard concluding on N.W. 39th Street & ¥oungs Street, taking it over the now famous hill leading to the crowds on the Strip, an area where many of the gay community have felt at home for decades. OKC Pride pointed out that moving from Memorial Park was unavoidable for many reasons, including that the Festival itself had outgrown the park and less space was available due to the new Boys and Girls Club building as well as other projects under construction. Another problem was that the City of Oklahoma City required vendors on city parks to pay a sales permit fee of $150 per day ($100 for nonprofits) which made the cost of doing business prohibitive for many of the vendors. Although some members of the board were not happy with the Remington Park location for many reasons, so far it was the only option they had found, and Paul Thompson stated that if anyone could present another viable option it would definitely be considered. Passions ran much higher concerning the Parade route, as this route had been a long held tradition since the beginning ........... Continued See OKC PRIDE Page-6 This February 13th, 14th, and 15th we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Wild Hearts Ball and the 3rd anniversary of living in our permanent home, The Dennis R Neill Equality Center. As a mission and vision moving toward fulfillment, this year’s Anniversary Weekend expands with even more events and greater visibility for EQUALITY. Friday, February 13th at 4:00 pm kiclcs offwith a fabulous wedding reception! We will celebrate the unions of local couples who have traveled out of Oklahoma to get married, registered as domestic partners, or conducted civil unions in those places where it is recognized by the municipality, state, or country. The media has been invited to cover this special event of our community, honoring our community heroes. Oldahomans for Equality will present a certificate of recognition to our couples and a photographer will be present to memorialize the moment. As a family, we will toast our happy couples and cut the wedding cake. .........Continued See OKEQ Page-9 Oklahoma Weather Forecast for February 2009 ’-~,~÷~ Feb. 1-5: Sunny, turning warmer ~ Feb. 6-12: Rainy periods, chilly @ Feb. 13-19: Snow north and central, rain ¯ ~ south, then sunny, cold ~ Feb. 20-22: Showers, chilly Feb. 23-25: Rain, mild Feb. 26-28: Snow north, rain south; colder Avg. Temperature: 44° (4° brow avg.) Precipitation: 1.5~ (0.5" below avgl) Kansas City’s ’ Chorus Mirreni Jim Roth says goodbye to politics. "God bless you citizens of Oklahoma for you have blessed me so. Thank you for the honor to serve you." Thank You Jim! Page 4 2 February 2009 ~tine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. tn ancient Rome, Februa~ T t4th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. ~ae Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. ~e following day, February ’The good Saint Valentine (photo above) was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint V~flentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia. The lives ofyoung boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festiva! 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 parmers for the duration of the f’estival with the gir! whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdora 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 ofyoung women were placed in a box, from which they xvere 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 {:all 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. ~e believed that. the reason was t}~at Roman men did not want to leave A~eir loves or {hmilies. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in MARDI GRAS FAT TUESDAY Celebrations include lots of ~asting, partying and parading on the big da~; also known as Shrove Tuesday - just before Ash Wednesday - when the Church rules offasting and sacrifice take erect. It’s been that way in Christian countries around the ~vofld since the Middle Ages. Today most ofthe world’s celebrations occur duirng the ~veek of Fat Tuesday; which falls on February 24th this yeal: Fat Tuesday in New Orleans It’s been four long years since the devastation of the names of saints for those of maidens. As the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom ofyoung men choosing maidens ~br valentines, or saints as patrons fbr the coming year, arose in this way. Hurricane Katrina, and the biggest part), town in America will pick itself up for the 2009 Fat Tuesday- celebration with even bigger crowds - and more parades - expected this year. The New Orleans Mardi Gras parade schedule kicks offonJanuary 6 and continues through to Fat Tuesday, February 24, 2009. Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebrations around the world The biggest and loudest of them, as always, are in Rio and Ne~v Orleans...although the Karneval, or Fasching, festivities in Cologne and Berlin get pretty wild, Carnaval in Nice shows off the wackier side ofthe trendy Riviera scene, and the Italians in Venice are the worldwide experts on the art of street theater. For anyone who’s ever been dumped, jaded, didn’t get the box of chocolates they wanted~ had bad sex or just wants to get lucky because VALENTINE’S DAY SUCKS! $8 VALUE WITH PURCHASE OF 2 DIHH£R EHTREE$ AT REGULAR PRICE Bring this ad with you to receive this special offer Not vatid with any other coupon, discount or offers. w,~t,,.metrostarnews.com M®t~"oSTAR 3 A P VILEGE TO HAVE SERVED By Jim Roth OYd2kHOMA CITT, OK __ It is with immense gratitude that I say thank you to my fellow citizens for the opportunity to serve you these past years. I am forever grateful for the chance to toil in the field of public service and I am forever blessed because of you. In an inspiring speech titled "~e Man in the Arena," President Theodore Roosevelt said "the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotion, and who spends himself in a worthy cause." While I appreciate these words, the true credit belongs to the citizens who gave me the chance to serve. As your Corporation C.ommissioner and as an Oklahoma County Commissioner, I accomplished every task I had hoped. My guiding principle was simple: Always put the people first. I thrust myself into the arena and fought the good fight defending the rights of all people. I took an oath to honor all people and in turn you have given me the highest honor of my life -- the chance to give back. As a Corporation Commissioner, i worked to expand the horizon of Oklahoma through native blessings like natural gas and wind, through new energies and energy ei~iencies. I encouraged our utility providers to think bigger and am glad fl~ey are making progress today. These willing partners are developing programs that will benefit generations of Oldahomans to come. At Otdahoma County, we implemented programs that eliminated public waste and saved the taxpayers millions of dollars. Xg4e built better roads and bridges and brought relief to our aging senior citizens. It xvasn’t always easy battling entrenched attitudes that resisted change, but working with you I never worked alone. In the end, I feel that I left Otdahoma County much better than I found it because you trusted me to serve you. So as I move into the next chapter of my life I will take with me all tl~e good friends and memories made along the way. My time in public service has come to an end, but my desire to make this state the best it can be has not. I am excited for new opportunities and new arenas to create the change I wish to see in the world. I have devoted my career to public service these past 14 years and your help along this journey has made me a better person. I hope I have made you better as well. As this chapter closes, I am reminded of another passage from President Roosevelt’s speech, where he says: "If he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so tl~at he may never be one of those cold and timid souls, who know neither victory nor defeat." God bless you citizens of Oklahoma for you have blessed me so. Thank you for the honor to serve you. Former State Senator Running to Chair OKC Schoolboard. By Victor Gorin P/~oto: Fom~er State &nator Angela Monson Seldom has our communit); and those interested in true quality educaOon for the Oklahoma City School District had such an opportunity as xve have now to elect a true progressive with a vision that could effect meaningful change. First elected to the Oklahoma State Legislature as a representative in 1990, she moved up to the State Senate in 1993, re-elected until she was forced out by term limits in 2005. During that time she never failed to take proud stands for any progressive cause, and was proud to be a keynote speaker at the OKC MDSWalk as well as our Pride Festival. Most importantly, she attended the Oldahoma City Public School System, a 1973 graduate of Douglass High School, following both her parents. Earning a Master’s degree in Public Health Administration from OU, she is currently employed at the OU Health Sciences Center as Director of Health Policy Development and Analysis. She currently is raising her niece and nephew ( Donovan 18, Danielle 10), also attendees of the OKC school system, so not only does she understand the problems firsthand, she has the passion to make it better. She shares ~vith the Metro Star: Victor: Angela, you must know what you are taldng on. What made you decide to xvant to run for tiffs office? Angela: I did it for our children. That really is what prompted me. These last 3 years I have been working really intensely witl~ students from the OKC public schools. What I have seen has really concerned me greatly. We should be embarrassed at the quality of education our children are receiving. I want to change the priorities, to make a difference as to the quality of education all of our children receive. Victor: What are the worst problems ~ve are facing there? Continued See MONSON Page-9 RAIN Oklahoma Begins New HIV Testing Outreach on OKC’s 39th Street Strip By Victor Gorin Tulsa-Area LGBTS Church Celebrates New Pastor TULSA, OK (PR) __ MCC United(MCCU) is a thirty yea>old, Tulsa-area church that is part of the worldwide Universal Fellowship of Metropolirtan CommunitT Churches which invite Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Straight people to full inclusion and total participation in all aspects of church and ministry life. On Sunday, February 1st, 2009, the Reverend Ed Paul*will preach his first sermon as Pastor ofMCC United. Pastor Ed is well known among the LGBTS community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and has preached often at MCCU. Photo: [@ndell Powers, counselor, I~i Dameron, CTR Outreach Coordinator OKLAHOMA CITy, OK __ Regional AIDS Interfaith Network ( better known as R.A.I.N.) has begun an HIV testing outreach on OKC’s 39th Street Strip. Beginning on Saturday Jannary 24, and followed on the 1st Saturday of each month, free anonymous HIV testing will be provided fi’om 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Brief Connection, a popular undergear/novelty shop located at 2!35 N.XgZ 39th Street. This Will help fulfill a need for those who had been getting testing and other assistance at the Red Rock Clinic located on the Strip that had closed at the end of 2008. As Kendall Powers points out, "Many people in tl~at area are transient, people may not know where help is available, and may not have transportation." Testing is also done at the R.A.I.N. Clinic located at 600 N.W. 23rd Street, hours Monday thru Thursday 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., when rapid testing is offered, which can show results in around 20 minutes. Testing like,vise here is free and anonymons. The clinic also is open on Friday with the same hours, but the rapid test is not available. Pastoral Search Team Leader Nathan Black said, "I believe this is exactly ~vhat God has for this church. Pastor Ed’S heart for people and his powerfu! leadership will be a tremendous gift to our church and our community. I believe God is calling MCCU to grow and expand its vision and mission, reaching all of northeastern Oldahoma with a message of God’s inclusive and transformative love, and I believe Pastor Ed is the man to lead us on that journey." The church is inviting community members and friends to attend worship at MCCU on Sunday morning, February 1st at 11:00 AM and to share a Celebration Potluck Dinner that ,;viii follow the service. For those who may be unable to attend worship, but want to come to the Dinnm; it should begin around 12:30pm. The church is located at 1623 N. Maplewood, just offofN. Pine and Reading. You can learn more about MCCU by visiting their website at www.mcctulsa.org, sending an email to iworship@mcctulsa.org or calling 9!8-838-1715. ...........More Oklalaoma News Page 6 With tlais outreach and other plans for testing and education, R.A.I.N. wants the GLBT community as well as Oldahomans in general to knmv that they are still around working to prevent the spread of HIV and helping those living witla it. Speakers are available upon request for groups interested in learning about HIV. For more information, please call (405) 232 2437. email: kdanersib@ rainoklahoma,org "uptc¥ * ~i~iI Rights -Criminal 4 ~(~t~°oSTAR February 2009 w:~.metrostarnews.com t~et~ oSTAR 5 of the parade over 20 years ago. OKC Pride’s Male co-chair Paul Thompson dispelled turnouts that city government was behind the proposed change, stating that the City had been totally cooperative for raany years. Communication was stressed as ~vell, with many people at the Ineeting stating tbat they had never been asked for their input or support, and had not been informed of OKC Pride activities. Feraale co-chair Latricia Ohnstead stated that" It’s great that you guys have come out saying xvhat you want us to do differently, but you need to come up with some solutions and possibilities to help us make it better." Monty Milburn, President of the Diversity- Business Association, suggested that the Parade be held on Saturday, so that those fi’om out of town could arrive on Friday night, enjoy the festival and parade, and return to their homes Sunday without being rushed, and while he commended the current board members and volumeers, he did stress the need for" new blood" and new ideas. Following this public discussion, the OKC Pride Board voted unanimously to keep the parade on the same route it has always been, and announced that the next meeting would be January 26, where it would be decided, after considering all options, where and when the festival would be and when the parade would take place. At press time the outcome was not available so to find out more inforraation after that date call (405 410- 8102 to reach Paul Thompson or check OKC Pride’s website at www.okcpride.org. Obviously- more community involvement is needed, along with better communication. But as Paul 2Pnompson puts it, ’We hope that the parade and festival wil! continue to grow, and that those who feel there needs to be new blood, ideas and people will come out to be part of that and make it happen" EQUAL RIGHTS IN EVERY STATE TEACH IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) On February 14, 2009, on the South Steps of the Oklahoma State Capitol at noon, there will be a "Teach Iff’ supporting equal rights in every state. While this is largely a gay event, members of the faith community are attending and wilt be speaking to the issues of"Family Values", which has become a code word for homophobia. We intend to expose, through the use of faith based communities, that "Family Values" are toxic to gay people and to society as a whole. Our Teach In is not a protest, it is not a rally, it is a positive message that we as gay people already have equality spelled out in the Constitution, and we are going to call upon our elected officials to enforce the la~v of the land with a positive message post card campaign to our elected representatives in Oldahoma and Congress. Unless and until we ask for enforcement of our rights in every state we will not have them simply granted to us. Until we can TEACH the greater community that gay people are just regular people, doctors, laxwers, teachers, postal workers, business owners and laborers, the pervasive view of "Family Values" will persist. Now is the time, change happens. Please participate in some ~vay. You can attend the Teach In starting at noon on the South Capitol Plaza on February 14, or you can request a pack of 8 post cards for a $10 donation (we’ll pay the postage) to send to your elected representatives along with hundreds of other people, gay and straight. You can contact the coordinator. Peter Myers at hpkanyersmd@yahoo.com, you may mail your request to Peter Myers, 2512 NW41st Street, OKC, OK 73112, or call at 405- 815-4059. We look forward to everyone participating. Please get involved to end all discrimination against gay people. Eq~ality- It’s Already t’ot¢r C’onstit~¢tional R{ght. adopdom so Chance also xvet- Coweta 918-486 2137 are fully tax deductible, Siloam Springs 479 524 6535 Claremore 918 341 1260 Following a screening process, the $70 adop- Sand Springs 918 246 2543 tion fee includes spa~ing/neuteringpius all Jenks 918 299 63111 vaccinations appropriate fbr the adi~aal~ age. Owasso 9t8-272-4965 Sapulpa 918 227 2722 To get involved or to adopt a cat or dog call Norman 405 321 6725 (405) 321q915 or e-mail " Collinsville 918 371 I000 secondchancenorm@aol.com Courtesy ofwv~-w.labrescue.net 6 5Zt~,troSTAR February 2009 Wockner News Service Gay bishop Robinson a so selected for inaugura @Je RI; Rev. H Gene Robinsom the open,gay and?artnered bishop (fd~e Episcopal Church~ ~wHamuhire diocese, a~livered @e invocation at ganzck Obama~ inaugmnd concert at the Lincoln Memorkd on.~¢n. ~ 8. GL~Dphoto Amid the controversy over Barack Obama’s selection of anti-gay preacher Rick g~rren to ddiver the invocation at his inaugural, Obama announced Jan. 12 that the Rt. Re~: V[ Gene Robinson, the openly gay and partnered bishop of the Episcopal Church’s New- Hampshire diocese, would deliver the invocatmn at the inaugur~d concert at @e Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18. Obama attended the concert. Because Robinson is gay and partnered, his selection as bishop in 2003 has led to an evolving schism in the Episcopal Church and a near-schism in the worldwide Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch. "President-elect Obama has made a stellar choice in selecting Bishop Gene Robinson to offer the prayer at the Lincoln Memorial to kick offthe inaugural festivities," Rea Care); executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, said after the announcement. "For the first time in history, an out gay man will lead the nation in opening the transfer of power from one administration to another." Log Cabin Republicans are broke ~ne gay group Log Cabin Republicans is broke and $100,000 in debt, according to the Washington Blade. LCR President Patrick Sammon said the troubled U.S. economy has impacted donations to the organization. The ~roup currently has vwo flail,time employees and one part-time employee, three fewer than a year ago. in at least 77 nations and punishable by death in at least seven. The statement was signed by Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finlaaad, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel~ Ital); Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norwa}( Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, S~o Tom4 and Prfncipe, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor- Leste, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Venezuela. Fifty-seven nations signed an alternative statement, promoted by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, daat said universal human rights do not include "the attempt to focus on the rights of certain persons" because "the notion of orientation spans a xvide range of personal choices that expand way beyond the individual’s sexual interest in copulatory behavior with normal consenting adult human beings, thereby ushering in the social normalization, and possibly legitimization of many deplorable acts." The U.S. did not sign either statement. ACLU sues over new Arkansas adoption ban ¯ne American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit Dec. 30 seeking to strike down a new voter-passed laxv that bans any unmarried person ~vho lives with a partner from serving as an adoptive or foster parent in At’kansas. ~-he suit, filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court, argues that the ban violates federal and state constitutional rights to equal protection and due process. Twenty-nine people from a dozen families are participating in the case as plaintiffs, including a grandmother who lives with her same-sex partner and is the only relative willing to adopt her grandchild, who is in At’kansas state care. Several married heterosexual couples also are plaintiffs. They previously had chosen friends or relatives who are coupled but not married to adopt their children in the event 0fthe parents’ deaths. "We’ve been hearing from all corners of the state from dozens of families who are panicking about how Act 1 impacts them," said Rita Sldar, executive director of the ACLU of Arkansas. "~ais kiw ... takes away parents’ right to decide fbr themselves xvho will adopt their children if they die, it denies the many children in Arkansas state care a chance at the largest possible pool of potential foster and adoptive homes, and (it) denies couples who are living together but unmarried the chance to provide loving homes to children who desperately need them." Four arrested in California lesbian rape case After receiving tips from residents, police in the San Francisco Bay Area city of Richmond arrested two men and two teens Jan. 1 for allegedly raping a lesbian while making antigay slurs. Humberto Hernandez Salvador, 31, Josue Gonzalez, 21, and Darrell Hodges, 16, were arraigned in Contra Costa County Superior Court Jan. 5 and 6 on charges that included carjacking, kidnapping, gang rape and hate crime. The fourth suspect, a 15-year-old, will be tried as a minor. Bail was set at $2.2 million for Hernandez and $1.85 million for Gonzalez. They could face up to life in prison if found guilty. Barney Frank details congressional gay agenda Gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank said Jan. 12 that three long-delayed pieces of gay-related legislation likely will pass and become law now that Congress has a Democratic majority and the incoming president is gay-friendly. "We’re going to do three things in Congress," Frank, D-Mass., told The New Yorker. "First, a hate-crimes bill -- that shouldn’t be too hard. Next, employment discrimination. We almost got that through before, but nmv we can ~vin even ifwe add transgender protections, which we are going to do. And finally, after the troops get home from Iraq, gays in the military. 7he time has come." San Francisco Catholic church vandalized with swastika The Dec. 13 attack began after the woman got out of her car, which had a rainbow sticker on it. One of the men hit her with an object, ordered her to strip and raped her on the spot, with assistance from the other men, police said. Nxe woman ~vas then forced into her car and driven to a more remote location, where she was raped inside and outside the car. After about 45 minutes, the assailants left in the victim’s vehicle with her wallet, leaving her naked at the scene. Police had offered an $11,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the alleged attackers. Gay mayor takes once in Portland, Ore. Sam Adams took the oath of office as mayor of Portland, Ore., Jan. 1 at 12:01 a.m., making the city the largest in the country with aft openly gay mayor. Adams, 45, captured more than 50 percent of the vote in a May 20 primary election that had 13 candidates, thereby avoiding a general-election runoff. He has promised to make Pordand "cleaner, greener, more sustainable, smarter, more equal, better educated." San Diego is the largest city in ATmerica ever to haace had an openly gay mayor. Toni Atkins held the jok for five months in 2005. She was appointed by the Civ Cguncil after both the mayor and the deputy, maygr quit in the wake of a pensionfunding debacle. SMq FRANCISCO, CA __ Someone spray-painted a Roman Catholic church in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood with a swastika Jan. 4 in apparent protest of San Francisco Archbishop George Niederauer’s support for Proposition 8, the Nov. 4 ballot initiative ~vith which voters amended the state constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage. Accompanying red-and-black text sprayed on Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church said: "Prop H8 - Niederauer Ratzinger - Where is the love?" Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is Pope Benedict XVI. Most Holy Redeemer is considered to be liberal and gay-friendly, as Catholic churches go. MORTUARY SERVICE,~ Traditional Funeral Services at Affordable Prices (405) 23(}- 131~) or !-800-913-1310 Pre-Need Plan CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED 2415-C North Walnut Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma www.rnetrostarnews.com 5,~®@’oSTAR 7 OMING ELECTS FIRST OPENLY GAY PERSON TO THEIR STATE LEGISLATUIBy Victor Gorin Photo: State Representative Cathy Connol& When Cathy Connolly got elected to the Wyoming Legislature as a Democratic representative for House District 13, she made history as the Cowboy State’s first openly gay legislator. All things being relative, it is one of the more progressive districts ofWyoming, inside one of only two counties in the state that went blue this last election. Born in Troy, New York, she came to Wyoming in 1992. Holding both a PhD in Sociology, and a law degree earned at the State University ofNew York in Buffalo, she is now a professor of women’s studies at the UniversitT ofWyoming in Laramie. Public policy has been an area of keen interest for her. Urged by her peers to run for this office, Ms. Connolly is active in the communit): She is a strong advocate for ~vorking people and one of her major objectives as a legislator will be to try to lessen the wage gap between men and women, which in ~’yoming is the highest in the nation. Connolly also wants to work to improve healthcare and education, and to create a better environment for all minorities, including Wyoming’s GLBT community. Obama spokesman: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tel~ is history By \Vocl~ler Wire Sen*ice New White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" ban on open gays in the military will be repealed. In a video posted in mid-January at change.gov, in which Gibbs answered some ofthe 72,000 questions Americans have submitted to the site, he said: "Thaddeus from Lansing, Mich., asks, ’Is the new administration going to get rid ofthe "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy ?’" Gibbs answered: "Thaddeus, you don’t hear a politician give a one-word answer much, but It S, Yes. "We should be embarrassed at the quality of education our children are receiving. I want to change the priorities, to make a difference in the quality o~ education all o~ our children receive." "The two candidates are Angela Monson and Kirk Humphreys. We know from Angela’s track record that Angela cares about minorities and the GLBT community, and will understand problems like school bullying, and we know that Kirk Humphreys clearly doesn’t get it." Paul Thompson, C0-Chair of the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Angela is far and away the best candidate for this position. It is imperative that we get out and vote for her. Margaret Cox, Activist To volunteer or For more information call www.Monson4ourchildren.org ® monsonforourchildren@yahoo.com 8 ~÷troSTAR February 2009 At 5:00 pm MY BIG EAT GAY \X;%DDING FAIR opens with vendors and merchants throughout the center. These local companies cater to same gender couples looking to plan their speciai da> Several honeymoon destinations will be participating iu a raffle fbr free prizes. Saturday, February 14th at 7:00 pm the dancing and partying begins with the 10th annual \Vild Hearts Ball. DJ Zeke Richardson will be playing the tunes to light up the dance floor. Raffles and prizes will be given away all evening. A cash bar and party foods will satisfy your palate. A photographer will be present for those special part), pics. Admission is free for members of OkEq, $10 admission f~e for non OkEq members. Your admission fee can be applied to your first installment of a $50.00 OkEq membership. Child care will be provided in the Wellness Room on the second level for children under 12 years of age. ~e will have games, crafts and special Valentine snacks for our young guests. Sunday, February 15th we celebrate FAITH with music and a wonderful brunch buffet. The second annual Brunch and Blessing will be in the Events Center. We will have a 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm seatings. Admission is $10.00 for the buffet and $2.00 for mimosas. John Sawyer will be our host extraordinaire and will be joined by Tulsa’s finest choirs, choruses, orchestras, bands and local musical artists like Rebecca Ungerman, Mindy Bardett, and Jarod Tyler. Ten years ago our community dreamed of a permanent home for the LGBT citizens of Oklahoma. Anniversary Weekend ,vill celebrate the progress towards full equality in the state we call home. You can join Oklahomans for Equality and become a full member t’or $50.00. Membership gives you discounts on special promotions in our Pride Store, discounts on special events, and supports the important work of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Please embrace our mission of serving our community and progressing towards equality. Angela: Dropout rates, which is indicative of the problems we are having. Some schools in our district have dropout rates over 60%. That~ terrible, they wind up in the street and too often in our prison system. On test scores, our students overall still are performing poorly. Too many students say ’I hate school!’ I want our students to be excited about the value of learning. Across America our students are not performing well enough in math and science, lagging behind other countries. don’t ~vant to become dependent on other countries for our technology, we need to educate our own to bring back our high skill/high tech .jobs. Victor: What abou.t teachers? Angela: Teacher pay is an issue, Oklahoma is 48th in the nation and I’ve heard complaints about it, but more often I’ve heard teachers express concerns about their facilities, about having to pay for school supplies with their own money. That ~hould never happen. Instead of raises for administrators, I’d like to see the money better spent on the classroom. There is a huge mistrust between the public and the administration of the school system. People don’t feel they have a voice, and as the board chair I can involve parents and the public, including groups such as the Parent-Teacher Association, faith based organizations and those groups and individuals who want to be involved. I’m a PTA president myself, I’ve worked after school programs, so I understand the problems and what needs to be done. Victor: A major issue for the GLBT community is school bullying. Currently in the Oklahoma City Public School Handbook, real or perceived sexual orientation is not listed as a category among groups not to be bullied, unlike other protected groups such as race and religion. We have tried for years to get that changed with no success. Remember what made a dream a reality for Dorothy? Click your heels and say "Tulsa.......... there is no place like home." Bathroom Bingo A Big Success TULSA, OK (PR) __ Free Bingo has caught on at Tulsa’s End Up Club. The Thursday 6:30pm event now in it’s 2nd month has attracted a large following of locals out for a fun time and the chance to ,vin great prizes. They play five games, 4 straight bingo for beer tabs, Walmart gift cards, and gas cards. The last game is blackout, and the winner gets a chance to choose one of five gift boxes. One holds the grand prize. The first grand prize was a very nice Swiss Army watch won by a Tulsa celebrity. The End up is Tulsa’s newest bar located at 5336 E. Admiral P1. Phone 918-836-0915 Angela: There is never any reason to bully anyone. We knmv that there is a problem, that people are bullied, discriminated against & treated differently,due to their real or perceived sexual orientation. \Vhy do we put our heads in the sand and pretend it’s not an issue? This gives tacit approval for this behavior, implying that it’s OK to be mean to people who are different. Not only should it be listed as a category, we should go further to show people how to trust and respect people who are different. As with human nature, sometimes there is friction. But like when you rub two sticks together, it creates heat and light, and used properly it can be beneficial. Addressing prejudice and dealing with it correctly can sometimes mal<e things better. ~is can be an opportunity to teach, empower and make a positive difference. Not only that, but kids would perform better academically when there are less of these kinds of conflicts and social pressures, Sunday Services @ 11:00 AM CC United 918-838-1715 A Metropolitan Community Church www.rncctulsa.org Victor: As~ything else special you’d like to add? A_ngela: An educated worl~orce and general population makes our whole society better for a lot of reasons, and I want to help make that happen here in Oklahoma City. Victor: Thank you Angela, and I hope you get your chance to go do that. To reach Angela; call 405 314 961"3, Email: Monsonforourchildren@ ~g,~rel°°,cOnl bsite: Monson4ourchildren. Org www.metrostarnews.com P~®t~’oSTAR 9 vi÷w oints road to Barack presidency paved by entertainment machine By Jerry Libonati FT LAUDEPd)ALE, FL __ ’11~e movie and television industry may have had a hand in shaping public opinion about electing a black president by depicting African-Americans in the role of Americas number one Seeing situations on screen allows viewers to get used to a new idea. As early as 1972 a movie about the first black president hit the silver screen. Based on a novel by Irving \Vgallace, The Man starred James Earl Jones. Ironically, the screenplay was written by Rod Sefling as if to suggest that such a scenario could only be seen on ~l~ne ~i\vilight Zone. More than two and a half decades lateI; Morgan Freeman played the lofty role in the 1998 comet-snaashing film, Deep h’npact. It appeared in theaters at a time, not that long ago, when no one in the real world seriously entertained the idea of a black president. Dennis Haysbert took the role on the Fox television series, 24 that premiered in 2001. In ~lct, Haysbert was voted "Favorite On-screen President" by a Blockbuster poll. "If auything, my portrayal of David Palmer; I think, may have helped open the eyes of the American people.., to prove the possibility* there could be an M~rican-American president, a female president, any type of president that puts the people first," Haysbert told reporters in a July 2008 teleconference. If Hollywood could change the way Americans thiuk about having a black president, could it also influence the way Americans took at gay and lesbian people? It already has. ~Ihe younger you are the less you will be aware that movies and "~ shows have dramaticall) changed. %efve evoNed over the years to include gay and lesbian characters. It wasn’t always like that. For most of the twentieth century, there were virtually no gay/Iesbian personalities on the big or the small scree~. Gay people were sometimes interviewed on edN, television documentaries hidden behind screens like seedy criminals. The first dine t personally saw a gay man interviewed out in the open was on the Virginia Graham talk show in the 1960s. ~his brave soul sat right their on her studio couch in front of a live audience. No screen, no mask, no garbled voice. It was revolutionary. Ellen DeGeneres’ sitcora premiered in 1994 as a lukewarm comedy show. It had a supporting cast member who was gay. But her character, Ellen Morgan, didfft turn up the heat with her coming-out episode until 1997. It was a historymaking event but not vdthout its pitfalls as some sponsors, like Wendy’s, dropped their support. The show was cancelled the next year. Since The Ellen Show, other entertainment venues made their stand. Will and Grace debuted in 1998 and became a romance-free staple. Rosie O’Donnell got off to a closeted start with her Daytime-Emmy-winning talk show in I996 but made her impact after coming out and later spoke proudly as a lesbian woman on The View. The popular Queer Eye for the Straight Guy; that brought stereotypes to a new levet, popped up in 2003. A smattering of gay characters now populate mainstream sl~ows, not as devious villains, but as ordinary people. horns are still being removed from gay and lesbian heads but, who knows, when the process is done, maybe we’ll even see a gay or lesbian president. Times o£Harvey Responsibility £or Our Ft ture By James Nimmo Photo: Harvey Milk OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ I’m hoping you had a safe (in more ways than one) New Year’s celebration and are ready to commit to a political and social New Year of acquiring the legal recognition of our GLBT equality which is ours as a right of citizenship. This morning I watched the "The Times of Harvey Milk", a documentary of Harw2y Milk composed of interviews with people who knew and worked with him, combined with news clips illustrating the important events in Milk’s public life as a San Francisco City Commissioner. This is not to be confused with the new biopic starring Sean Penn titled simpl> "Milk". I was reminded that the defeat of’the Briggs Amendment that would have outlawed the employment of GLBT teachers in California was fiollowed by the rise of Anita Bryant, who got her inspirational juice from this setback to the fundie nuts and homo-haters agenda. She was the rolling crest of the wave of anti GLBT taws and reversals that followed across the country in the late 70s and early 80s. Think Wichita, Kansas; Dade County, Florida; and Oregon. Oklahoma had its own version of a Briggs Amendment argued before the United States Supreme Court in 1985. You can read the transcript and listen to the audio here: http:/Iwwvw:oyez.org/casesl1980- 1989/1984/!984_83_20301argument/or http://tinyurl. com/Sznzkp. ~e Supreme Court let stand a 10th Circuit Court ruling that invalidated an Oklahoma ban on pro-gay advocaW by teachers. ( http://v,~x,:lambdalegal.orglaboutus/ 35th anniversary/) ( http:/itinyurI.com/9qqvc8 ) ( http:// en.wikipedia.org/wild/Anita_Bryant It would seem this knee-jerk reaction to GLBT progress is genetic to the Bible-bumping believers of America as that’s what’s going on now with our marriage-equality movement: for every Massachusetts there’s an Arizona and an Arkansas. Listening to the confession clips of Dan White, the convicted killer of Milk and Mayor George Moscone, as well as the ravings of Sally> Kern of Otdahoma and her other Kern Krew members in Oklahoma where I live, they have a single uniting fear: fear of change, be it social, legal, enviromnental, or scientific. Michelle Goldberg, author of Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism, has written, "Modernity is the enemy of fundamentalist religion, and gende>bending is the hallmark of modernity." ( ,a~v.religiondispatches.org ) We’re probably too familiar with the Santayana quote, "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." So, let’s get acquainted with a new one that’s explicitly forward looldng, by George Bernard Shaw: "We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our tq~tture." Times of Hawey Mill~’ available free online at http:// tinyurl.com/7qyaco. "No doubt ~hrren is on the ,vrong side on gay marriage and openly hostile to the gay community, but he isn’t the new" president," said Arkansas native Pippa Roc~’ord, 42, another inauguration spectator. ’%)~’re going to be much better off: then ever before with President Obama." Obama’s positions on GLBT issues are more liberal than either Bush’s or even former President Bill Clinton. Mthough not a supporter of gay marriage, he opposes legislation to ban it and h~s asserted flail support for civil unions with rights equal to marriage. According to the ~Thite House website, President Obama supports the repeal of the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" pollW for service members and of the Defense of Marriage Act. The White House also cites Obama’s support for stronger hate crimes laws, for housing anti-discrimination laws inclusive of orientation language, for adoption equality and for a comprehensive national HIV/AIDS strateD: ABC News online reported just prior to the inauguration that Obama intends to nominate openly ga,v John Berry, director of the Smithsonian~ National Zoo, as Director of the O~ce of Personnel Management. Berry was Assistant SecretaW of the Interior during Bill Clinton’s administration. Obama has also nominated a lesbian, Nancy Sutley, as chairwoman of the Council on Environmental Qsiality. Pinning down president’s roles in GLBT issues has not been easy in recent administrations. Although considered generally amenable to the GLBT community, President Clinton,s record on gay rights includes his signature on both the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 and the 1993 Colin Powetl- led strateD, of"Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell." Bush was openly supportive of a federal ban on gay marriage and retained "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" under fire; but also was the first Republican president to appoint an openly gay man to serve in his administration, Scott Evertz as Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy: Bush’s nominee as ambassador to Romania, Michael E. Guest, became the first openly gay man to be confirmed by the Senate as a U.S. ambassador. ~e first openly gay ambassador, James Hormel, received a recess appointment from Clinton aAer the Senate failed to confirm the nomination. Obama’s Gay ghts Agenda By Greg Steele Within ~ninutes after President Obama took the oath of office on Jan 20, the official x~q~ite House webpage ( http:/Aw,-w. whitehouse.govlagenda/civil_rightsl ) was updated under the heading of"~]~e Agenda, Civil Rights" to detail Obamgs support fbr tbe LGBT community. His stated agenda include the following: ÷ Expand Hate Crimes Statutes: In 2004, crimes against LGBT Americans constituted the third-highest categoU of hate crime reported and made up more than 15 percent of such crimes. Why else do they suck like leeches so tenaciously to a way Ger~dd kibana~ ~s d*e autkor (ft~,e new novd ]’etcr ~" a.fi~mousg~3’ rock, tar of living now 5,000 thousand years old with its treatment who go~s ~nco~a~m to.find £we. (W~Tn&wrmctvaaw’.~)m) L~bonati is an awan’£ of people as property~ a destructive dominance over the winningjournalist in Soud* E/orie& worki*ag/ar d~e &n-&**tind environment, the elevation of a small, "pure" minoriW to rule news~,~pe~: He kas also written~r 7~)eMiamiHe~z,~{ ~e A&ocam and over all that~ considered different, and like leeches, drain the jlvea~ncesJ~r~qesbi,~n new~&ers around the count*7. vigor of human imagination from our society? ........Continued See GkSK AGENDA Page 15 10 Met~~oSTAR Februaw 2009 @ Fight Wbrkplace Discrimination: President Obama supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and Oldahomans for Equality art gallery opens Maegan Kauffman ’Zetting Go" @ Maegan KauflCman The exhibit will remain up through the month of February, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. ~Ilne 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 seel~s equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocac){, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. TULSA, OK (PR) __ Nae Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-gpm, Nmrsday, February 5th, 2009, for the opening of its new exhibit, featuring the charcoal drawings of artist Maegan Kauffman. Maegan Kauffman is an artist from Tulsa, OK. She graduated from Skiatook High School in May of 2005. Currently, Maegan is attending the Fred Jones Jr. School ofArt at the University of Oldahoma where she works as a Teacher’s Assistant for Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Robert Dohrmann. She is a member of The Red Clay Faction Ceramics Club and will graduate with her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in May of 2010. "As an artist, I draw my inspiration fiom life and the human body as it differs from individual to individual," states Ms. Kauff)nan. "I am inspired by the human condition and the way that we not only deal with the challenges we face out in the world, but also with the inner battles we have within ourselves. The way that a person feels on the inside is expressed through that person~ demeanor, the way they hold their body, and the way they force a smile. By capturing people’s expressions and their body language, I capture their inner emotional state. I consider my artwork realistic expressionism, in which I portray my subjects in a photo realistic manner. Although I put much emphasis on realistic rendering, I use techniques like contrast and composition to express sentiments of the individual portrayed." Maegan continues, "I enjoy all of the different aspects of figurative drawing, including the challenge of proportions and morphing mere shapes and shadows into recognizable form. When I approach a new piece, I don’t necessarily look at my subject as a whole, but as a million different forms. I concentrate on rendering each individual form accurately and in the end the forms melt together into one cohesive image. Charcoal is nay medium of choice for rendering these images. I have learned to manipulate the charcoal, by shading, blending, and crisping edges, to achieve the image desired. The high distinction between tones of dark, medium, and light give the subject matter a tangible quality." Qffe-Broadway’spopular musical corn@ Alter Boyz is set to rock the masses at Tulsa’s PAC. TULSA, OK (PR) __ ALTAR BOYZ is the hilarious account of a struggling Christian boy band from Greenville, Ohio. The Boyz - intent on saving souls and raising spirits - are on the last night of their "Raise the Praise" U.S. tour and determined to make the big time. There’s Matthew, the hunky leadm; who holds the group together; Mark, the sweet and sensitive one, who choreographs all the band’s signature moves; Luke, the bad boy with an interest in communion wine and driver of the Altar Boyz van; Juan, the Latin lover who’s popular with the ladies; and Abraham, a nice Je,vish boy who’s not sure how he ended up in the group. Spectacular music...sinfully sensational dancing...faith that’s stronger than their hair gel .... The ALTAR BOYZ get ready to rock the masses of all denominations by spreading the good news and soothing the troubled souls ofTulsa through the glory of sweet pop music. Produced by Grace Man Productions, ALTAR BOYZ makes its Tulsa debut March 6- 15, 2009 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Tickets for ALTAR BOYZ, priced $25 to $35 with special 2-top cabaret table seating at $90 are on sale nox~; at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Box Office, by phone call (918) 596- 7111 or purchase on-line at www.myticketoffice.com. Kansas City’s Gay Chorus Makes Oklahoma Debut ICANSAS CITY, MO (PR) __ Heartland Men’s Chorus, Kansas Ci@ gay men’s chorus, will present a flee concert performance of And Justice for All at the Village Christian Church (9401 Ridgeview Drive) at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. Singing out in Kansas City for more than 23 years, the concert will mark the Oklahoma City debut of this renowned group of singers. A fi’ee-will offering will benefit the BritVil Food Pantry. Among the largest gay meffs choruses in the nation, Heartland Men’s Chorus has won acclaim for its daring programming and unique choral sound. More than 100 singers are expected to travel to Oldahoma City for this special benefit performance ofAnd Justice for Al!. "llae concert combines lnusic, narration and multi-media in a unique "musicaI documentary" format, that has become a halhnark of HMC. The performance will trace the struggles of Afiican Americans, women, gays and lesbians in their quest for civil rights. Audience members can expect to hear inusic spawned fiom the various civil rights movements ("We Shall Overcome"), music inspired by iconic historical events ("Elegy for Matthew") and songs that resonate on the theme of social justice ("You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught"). This concert marks the first regional tour for HMC. In addition to the performance at Village Christian Church, the men will perform at the American Choral Directors Association annual conference (to be held in Oklahoma City) and present a special weekday matinee for middle and highschool students in Kansas City. "Reaching out to diverse audiences is an integral part of our mission," says artistic director Dr. Joe Nadeau. "This particular concert, combining our music with an important social justice message, was the perfect vehicle to bring ’the HMC experience’ to those who may not have had a chance to hear us perform before." www.metrostarnews.com ~!~ ~"<~STAR 11 OKC Community Center Planning Committee Meets By Jeanne Flanigan OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The steering committee for the OKC LGBT Community Center met January 21 at Church of the Open Arms, 3131 N. Pennsylvania. The meeting was attended by 10 people, some representing organizations and some attending as individuals. The goal is to have a building to house a communitT center. Several have volunteered to take responsibilities for aspects of planning for the center, and some want to be identified by first name only, for privacy concerns. Facilitator/Chair of the steering committee is Henry, Building committee chair is Ginger, Finance committee chair is Margaret, Program committee is Larry Schockley, PR/Outreach committee is Eric, and Governance committee is Saul Olivarez. "I]~e cormnittee will begin the process of forming a non-profit 501 C3 organization by reviewing the mission statements of other organizations, selecting a temporary name for the center, forming a board, and writing bylaws. The committee invites anyone interested to make suggestions for a name, attend raeetings, and help advance the process. ~ne PR/Outreach committee will establish a website eventually, but for no,v people can communicate to the committee at okcglbtcenter@ gmail.com. The next meeting will be on February 19, at 6 pro, at Church of the Open Arms. K~ns~s City’s w~rld renowned g~I/men s chorus comes ~ Okl~h~rn~ City ~nd mm,ing ~ne-night-~nly performance. Mickey Coalwell, The Kansas City Star 12 %~A oSTAR February 2009 Health Departments React with A arm to New CDC Surveillance Data STD Rates Higher Than Ever While Funding For Prevention Declines (PRWEB) January 15, 2009 -- Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released national sexually transmitted disease (STD) surveillance data for 2007. The report shows persistent and staggeringly high rates of STDs as welt as a disproportionate burden of infections on youth, minorities, and women. Upon the release of this information, the National Coalition ofSTD Directors called for a renewed commitment ftom Congress and President Obama to fight the STD epidemic in the U.S. In 2007, more than 1.1 million Chlamydia cases were reported, which is the largest number of cases ever reported to CDC for any condition. Rates of primary and secondary (P & S) syphilis increased by 15% from 2006, and 65% of all P & S syphilis cases were among men who since Fiscal Year 2003. This has significandy hampered the ability ofSTD programs in state and local health departments to deliver critical prevention and treatment services, as well as conduct surveillance. "State and local health departments are responsible for controlling this epidemic and often are the medical providers of last resort for persons with STDs. There needs to be a systematic reinvestment in the public health infrastructure to provide the necessaiT clinical services to diagnose and treat STDs and contact exposed partners to insure that they are treated and further spread is prevented," stated Dr. Peter Kerndt, NCSD Board Chair and STD Program Director from Los Angeles County. "In addition to the need for a greater investment of resources for CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, NCSD strongly urges Congress and President Obama to support :evidence-based "This report should serve as a wake up call to policymakers and the public that STDs remain a significant public health threat in the U.S., and a scaled up investment of funds are desperately needed for prevention and treatment." prevention programs to prevent STDs, particularly for young people," stated Don Clark. More than $1.6 billion in federal funds have been spent on abstinenceonly- until-marriage programs, which have been unable effectiveness at have sex with men (MSM). In addition, the delaying sexual activity, or reducing rates of report shows persistent and growing racial STDs, including HIV/AIDS, or unintended d!sparities in Chlamydia, Syphilis, and pregnancy. Clark continued, "It is time to end Gonorrhea infections. In 2007, Blacks were these ineffective and harmful programs, and 19 times more likely to become infected with invest ifi sciefice based ~ipproaches to STD Gonorrhea than whites, prevention, including comprehensive sex education." CDC estimates that approximately I~ million STD infections occur each year, and nearly half are among those aged 15:24. African American women between 15 and 19 are particularly hard hit, accounting for the highest rates of Chlan~ydia and Gonorrhea of any group. The consequences of untreated STDs include infertility, pregnancy complications, cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, birth defects and an increased risk of HIV transmission. While rates of STDs have continued to increase, federal funding for CDC’s Division of STD Prevention has steadily declined The National Coalition of STD Directors is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of public health sexually transmitted disease (STD) program directors in the 65 CDC directly funded project areas, which includes all 50 states, 7 cities, and 8 U.S. territories. As the only national organization with a constituency that provides frontline STD services, NCSD is the leading national voice for strengthening STD prevention, research and treatment. These efforts include advocating for effective policies, strategies, and sufficient resources, as xvell as increasing awareness of the medical and social impact of STDs. ’~ place wherey’~t c~ be who God c-mated you to be ips becomefamit~v" 5:30 p,m. 761-[878 www.metrostarnews.com ~&~t~°oSTAR 13 Wockner News Service een to Might British AIDS activist Queen Elizabeth II ~mnounced on New i%r’s Eve */ant she will ~ni£ht leadin£AIDS activist Ni~ Partdd£e, chi~executiw" ofthe AIDS o,gmdzation ~n’ence Hi,,ins ~’ust. THT Queen Elizabefl~ II announced on New Year’s Eve that she will knight leading MDS activist Nick Partridge, chief executive of the MDS organization Terrence Higgins Trust. Partridge told the BBC he was "absolutely delighted" by the honor. He will be "invested" later this year when Elizabeth lays a sword on his shoulders. Aussie gay partners gain access to military pensions Australian gays and lesbians will have access to their deceased partners’ military pensions starting in July. The move follows a 2003 ruling by the ofiqce of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which found Australia’s refusal to grant the pensions in violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Sweden will not recognize Canadian Two S~vedish Lutheran ministers, Lars Gfirdfeldt and Lars Arnell, have lost their fin!l appeal in a case seeking recognition of their Canadian same-sex marriage. The Supreine Administrative Court agreed with lower courts Dec. 16 that foreign samesex marriages can be recognized in Sweden only as registered partnerships. ~e case targeted Sweden’s taxation authority for allegedly mislabeling the couple’s union. "Ihe ruling, however, may have a limited lifespan. Sweden’s government favors granting same-sex couples full access to marriage, and a new law is expected to be in place by the middle of 2009. Senegal }ails nine men for having gay sex Nine gay men in Dakar, Senegal, were jailed for eight years Jan. 6 for the crimes of having gay sex and belonging to a "criminal association," an HIV-services group. On Dec. 19, police raided the apartment of gay leader Diadji Diouf, arrested him and the other men, and confiscated Condoms arid lubricants..... The men were taken to a police station and held until Dec. 24, then transferred to a detention center, where they were held until trial. Human Rights \Vc’atch said the men were beaten while in custody. According to the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, the men’s lawyers had only limited access to case files and little time to prepare for the hearing. At the trial, prosecutors reportedly used the confiscated condoms and lube as evidence tha~ the men had engaged in gay sex. The men received the maximum five-year sentence for engaging in what the Penal Code calls "an improper or unnatural act with a person of the same sex" and three additional years for being members of the HIV-services organization AIDES Sdndgal, the "cril~ninal associatiom" HRgZ said the sentences have "produced widespread panic among organizations addressing HIV and MDS, particularly those working with men who have sex with men." Tl~e arrests occurred several days after Senegal hosted the 15th International Conference on AIDS and STIs (sexually transmitted infections) in Africa. Presentations at the conference highlighted the contradictions in countries such as Senegal that aim HIVprevention efforts at men who have sex with men but continue to criminalize same-sex relations. Last February, 10 men and a woman were arrested in Dakar, the capital city, after a popular magazine published photographs of a purported marriage ceremony between two Senegalese men. Although the individuals were later released, "the publicity and arrests created tremendous public animosity toward LGBT people in Senegal," IGLHRC said. "MaW gay men and lesbians were attacked by mobs or driven fi’om their homes," the organization said. Ugandan gay activists win awsuit In a landmark victory, the High Court of Uganda ruled Dec. 22 that constitutional rights apply to GLBT people.......... .... Activists Victor Mukasa and Yvonne Oyoo had sued the attorney general following a 2005 raid at Mukasa’s home in which documents were seized and Oyoo was arrested, assaulted and sexually harassed. Mukasa was not present at the time of the raid. Justice Stella Arach Amoko found that the raid violated the activists’ rights to, among other things, liberty; privacy, dignity, and protection from unlawful entry, unlawful search, unauthorized seizure and inhuman treatment. "The actions of the officials that molested Victor Mukasa and Oyoo were unconstitutional, inhuman, and should be condemned," Arach Amoko said. AIDS societies call for release ofimprisoned Senegalese gays "ihe International AIDS Society and the Society for AIDS in Afi’ica have demanded that Senegal release nine men who were sent to prison for eight years on Jan. 6 for the crimes of engaging in gay sex and belonging to a "criminal association," the HIV-services group AIDES Sdndgal. "The arrest of these men based purely on their sexual orientation represents a major setback for the Senegalese response to HIV, which is widely viewed as a model in Africa," SAA President Joanna Mangueira said Jan. 12. The nine men were sentenced in Dakar, the capital, after being arrested and jailed Dec. 19 following a raid on the apartment of gay leader Diadji Diouf. At the trial, prosecutors used condoms and lube confiscated during the raid to prove that the men had engaged in gay sex. The men received the maximum five-year sentence for doing what the Penal Code calls "an improper or unnatural act with a person of the same sex" and three additional years for being members of the "criminal" HIV organization. ...............More XXrorld News Page 18 ~Ihe case was brought by Edward Young of Sydney, whose partner of 38 years died 10 years ago. "What I wanted was to take on the little man, (former Prime Minister John) Howard, and fight," Young told Nae Sydney Morning Herald. "What I wanted was something that would apply right across the board." After the 2003 ruling, the former Howard government procrastinated in reviewing its policy, Howard was replaced by Kevin Rudd in December. "IGLHRC is deeply concerned by what appears to be a violation of the right to a flee and fair trial, the right to privacy and the right to freedom from discrimination," the group said. "These charges will have a chilling effect on AIDS programs," added Scott Long, director of Human Rights \Vatch’s LGBT Rights Division. "Outreach workers and people seeking HIV prevention or treatment should not have to worry about police persecution. Senegal should drop these charges and repeal its sodomy law (which) invades privacy, criminalizes health work, justifies brutality and feeds fear." "It was my dream that justice would come and it has come," Mukasa said after the ruling. "And it is my bigger dream that justice will come to every human being in Uganda who is oppressed. This does not mark the end. ~Ihe struggle continues until every human being is free." 14 ~i?et ’oSTAR February 2009 @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @Club 209, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City- @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @ The End Up, Tulsa @Angles, Oklahoma City believes that our anti-discrimination employment laws should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identitT. @ Support Ftfll Civil Unions and Federa! Rights fbr LGBT Couples: President Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples legal rights and privileges equal to those of married couples. Obama also believes we need to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex couples in civil unions and other legally-recognized unions. @ Oppose a Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage: President Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2006 which would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman and prevented judicial extension of marriage-like rights to same-sex or other umnarried couples. @ Repeal Don’t Ask-Dofft Tell: President Obama agrees w’ith former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Shalikashvili and other military experts that we need to repeal the "don’t ask, don’t tell" polic?: @ Expaald Adoption Rights: President Obama believes that we must enstire adoption rights for all couples and individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. He thinks that a child will benefit from a healthy and loving home, whether the parents are gay or not. @ Promote AIDS Prevention: In the first year of his presidency. @ Empower’Women to Prevent HIV/AIDS: In the United States, the percentage ofwomen diagnosed with AIDS has quadrupled over the last 20 years. Today, women account for more than one quarter of all new HtV/AIDS diagnoses, President Obama introduced the Microbicide Development Act, which will accelerate the development Of products that empower women in the battle against AIDS. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force responds to President Obama inauguration speec xWASHINGTON, DC (PR) __ ~Ihe National Gay and l~sbian Task Force responded today to President Barack Obama’s inauguration speech. "America made history today ~vith the swearing-in of Barack Obama as its 44th president. It is our hope this truly marl~ the dawn of a new political era ofengagement in the life of this country. In his gpeech, the president spoke of our nation’s need to reat~rm its enduring spirit and ’carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea ... [the] promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.’ "Our country has made significant strides in advancing this ’noble ideg toward ful!-fledged realitT, but we’re not there yet. Too many people continue to face discrimination and hardship. As President Obama assumes the role ofAmeric~s ~’oremost leader, we call upon him to fulfill the promise of a nation where lesbian, ga~, bisexual and transgender people are recognized and valued as part of this country’s strength, spirit and solution. ~e fact tl~at the ot~cial White House Web site was updated just this afternoon with a list of commitments to LGBT rights is already enormous positive change." www.metrostarnews.com ~®troSTAR 15 Loo ng for some new exciting wines ? You may wanna check these’ out. "We Just got back fi’om a California road trip. Vie were lieading south on ~iuT 101/a road trip fi’om Napa to Paso R0bles2 My partner & I did one of our famous annual ~vhifl wind holiday road tours through northern California There are a lot ofwineries between Napa & Paso Robles. Grape growing regions are expanding every year and we never have time to see as much as ~ve want to. California has so many wineries to experience and they’re all zip and dmvn the coast. We visited quite a few tasting rooms in 3 days and tried out some really good ~vines. If the wines are listed here, it’s because we fonnd them and the service to be quite exceptional. Not all we sampled will be listed here and although many are not available here in Oklahoma, you may be surprised to find out which ones are. Here are some highlights from our trip: Napa Silver Oak/Alexander Valley Cabernet "04 Miner Oracle Red ’05 and the ~qld Yeast Chardonnay ’07 Saddleback Scouts Honor named after wine maker Niels Venge’s late dog. This wine is naostly Zin with Petite Sirah and Charbono. Cult Wine Central is a good place to go and check out some ofNapa’s more serious wines all under one rooflike Ghost Block Cabernet and many, many more. Monterey Ventana Chardonnay Arroyo Seco ’06 Paso Robles Rotta Cabernet ’05 & the Heritage Zin ’06, Opolo Summit Creek Zin ’06 Cambria Viognier 07. Bench Break Pinot Noir ’06, Julia’s Pinot Noir ’06 anSthc Tepu-- quet Vineyard Syrah ’05 Dierberg Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir & Chardonnay both are ’06 and estate grmvn. Fess ~Parker Santa Barbara County Viognier ’07 & Melange Blanc ’06 (Marsanne, Ro)~fi & Granache Blanc). Zaca Mesa Estate Rousanne ’06 Firestone Cabernet Franc Rose ’07 These wines are than describe the invite you to go questions and purchase a bottle some food & wine with out for yourself. Photo: M~ D in California wine country This writer is one ofthe managers at the Grand Vin ~vine shop. He also bar tends and hosts ,vine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts ofTulsa. ~References include: ww. ~neSpectator.com w.lffqneCount~7-his~ek.com ~w.CultI~neCentral.com This months recipe courtesy of: 1 cup Green onion 2 ts Oregano 2 drops Red hot sauce (optional) Cajun spices (blackened or Cajun king herbed spice excellent) to taste Salt to taste 2 cups Raw white rice ~AlligatorJambalaya Ingredients: lb Marinated alligator fillet cut into small pieces 1 lb Hot sausage (Italian) cur into chunks 3 tbs Oil 213 cup Bell peppers chopped 2 cloves Garlic crushed 3/4 cup Parsley 1 cup Chopped fi-esh parsley 1 cup Ch@i3ed celery 2 can Tomatoes ~16 oz each) 2 cups Chicken stock (2 pkg chicken cube mix + water also works) To prepare: In deep frying pan (cast iron preferably) sautd the bell pepper, garlic, parsley and celery. While this is c~oking, adT:l tomatoes & their liquid, the chicken stock &, green onion to a pot that can cook on the stove and in the oven (Corningware) Stir in spices, sautded vegetables raw rice, sausage and alligator fillet pieces. Cook on medium-high heat until liquid is absorbed (stir occasionally to make sure rice doesn’t burn on bottom) and then bake covered in the oven for 25 minutes. NOTE: Alligator meat may not be available in your area, try chicken breast fillet as a substitute: 16 ~’>~ roSTAR February 2009 At ~e BOK Center Tulsa L~"W ~e Cable Guy Feb 13, 2009 at BOK Center ’Eat, Drink, and Be Larry" Tickets On Sate Nov 21 @ 10am Prices: $I0, $25.75, $43.75 The man who added the catchphrase "Git-R-Done" to the Banerican lexicon is coming to Tulsa! Dan Whitney, known better as Larry The Cable Gu> has proven to be one of the most successful comics. Larry has received a Billboard Top Comedy Tour Award. For a limited time, we are offering an ’Economic Recovery Package’ where select tickets are buy one get one free. N~is off)r on select seats is valid Friday, November 2tst at 10am until Monday, November 24tb at 6pm gq-tlLE SUPPLIES ~ST! Smucker~ Stars on Ice Feb 15, 2009 at BOK Center "On The Edge" "Tour Sunday, Feb 15th @ 3pm Tickets: $25, $40, $70, $115 Group Discounts: Receive $5 off groups of 10+, Additional incentives for groups of 25+!!! Please call 918-894-4252 to purchase yonr group tickets today and find out more information! In the year leading up to the 2010 Winter Games, skating fans will not find a better preview of America’s favorite Olympic sport. This year Tulsa skating fans are in for a real treat; Smucker’s Stars on Ice is proud to welcome Evan ~vsacek, Two-time U.S. Champion as a very specia! guest for this performance. Trace Adkdns NEW DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 2009 with special guest: Craig Morgan. Ticket Prices: $52 and $42 Due to illness, the Trace Adkins concert for Frida?,; December 5th was postponed until Timrsday, February 19, 2009. A series of dates on the tour have been rescheduled after management reported that he had the intestinal flu and needed rime off to recover. M1 tickets previously purchased will be honored. Refunds will be available at point of The V¢-or|d-Famous Lipizzaner Stallions Mar 1, 2009 at BOK Center Tt~e World-Famous Lipizzaner Stallions Sunday; March 1, 2009 Showtimes: 2pm & 6pm Ticket Prices: $34.50, $29.50, & $24.50 Group Discount: 15 or more people get $5 discount on $24.50 tickets and $29.50 tickets. Call 918-894-4252 for more information Photo: Helen Mirren Mirren, Gershon, Jordan Saddle Up for Love Rmach Do you want to see Helen Mirren as the madam of Nevada’s first legal brothel? Ofcourse you do, and now you can. She and Joe Pesci will play reaMife married entrepreneurs Grace and Charlie Botempo in Love Ranch, directed by Taylor Ha&ford (who~ also Mirren’s husband). The cast of gay-adjacent favorites also includes Gina Gershon and Bai Ling - playing, one would assume, "rancla hands" - as well as the hilarious Leslie Jordan (Sordid Lives, Wil! & Grace). Between Mirren and Gershon alone, there~ enough caree>spanning cinematic Sapphic scenarios to Photo: LeslieJordan melt your Caligula and Bound DVDs into liquid plastic, and that’s not even counting the cast members who are actually homosexual. Add Ling and Jordan - one brazen bisexual and one screaming queen, respectively - and it sounds like Love Ranch will offer lots of queer pleasure when it hits theaters later this year. Tomlin Swaddles Sweet Baby Jesus pro Steve Bendelack (M~: Bean’s Holiday), the film offers an interestingly, eclectic cast, including lesbian goddess Lily Tomlin, Christopher Guest regular Michael McKean, Freddy Got Fingered creator Torn Green, the eve>unpredictable Melanie Griflith, and bear pin-up Hagrid himself, Robbie Coltrane. With any luck, Sweet Baby Jesus will be a blessed theatrical event this December. Romeo loves a good Christmas movie - and if it’s got a whiff of sacrilege, so much the better. Sweet Baby Jesus certainly sounds promising; its about pregnant teenager Mary (Alison Pill of Milk), who returns to her hometown of Bethlehem, Md., at Christmastime. Mary’s got an older boyfriend named Joe - but he’s not the baby’s father, leading rumors to s~virl among the locals that Mary is about to give birth to Jesus in his second coming. Directed by British comedy Can Shankanan Make Bil:die Fly? Kathy Griffin Mouths Off for 50 Years What do you get when you cross Finding Nemo ~vith An Inconvenient Truth? Presumably Around the World in 50 Years 3D, an upcoming animated feature about a sea turtle who hatches in !959 and spends the next five decades traveling all over the Earth and observing what global warming and climate change are doing to the planet. You can’t make a cartoon without an all-star voice cast these days, and Around the World_features gay icon ICathy Gril~n. (Can you really stil! be on the "D List" after you’ve won two Emmys and been nominated for a Grammy? Discuss.) Also piping up for the film are Tim Curry, Jenny McCarthy, Anthony Anderson, and the exceedingly ecology-minded Ed Begley Jr. This 3D animated feature is set to turn your kids’ consciences green later this year or in early 2010. For years, Columbia Pictures has tried to launch a remake of its 1960s hit musical Bye Bye Birdie, about teenage hysteria over an Elvis-like rock icon going into the army: Tina Fey took a crack at a new script, and John Chu (Step Up 2 the Streets) was hired fresh out of film school to make a youthoriented hip-hop version of the property. After those efforts failed to soar, the studio is now turning to one of the few people responsible for making screen musicals viable again - gay Hairspray director Adam Shankrnan. He’ll develop and produce a new version of Birdie, but he probably won’t direct; he’s already got _Bob: The Musical_ and a new Sinbad adventure on his plate. Will Shankman be the wind beneath Birdies wings? Watch this space for flight information. Romeo San Vicente has triedforyears to recycle ex-boyj%iends. It doesn’t really work. He can be reached care ofthispublication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com. www.metrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 17 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams ATLANTA, GA "He& Bed and BreakfastAdanm, GA We finally have got to visit the beautiful city of Atlanta. We usually just drive thru Atlanta on our way down m Ft. Lauderdale. However this year we decided to stop and "smell the Atlanta roses" for a few days and are we glad that we did! X)ge first checked into the Hello Bed and Breakfast. Mike, the owner is extremely friendly and hospitable. He lmows the city well and can direct you to anyplace you want to go. Atlanta of course is a very huge city and there are enough "Peachtree" streets, avenues, circles, etc. to get even the best driver lost. His B and B is tucked away in a nice, quiet neighborhood in the heart ofAtlanta and is located in the lush Morningside neighborhood just north of Midtown and very close to Bucld~ead, Virginia Highlands, EmorT¢; downtown, Lennox Mall and Chinatown. You can walk to many restaurants & nearby shops. They are just a mile from the Lindbergh Marta Station. ~e railway goes directly to the Airport, Downtown, and Chinatown. Visit the CNN Center, Underground Atlanta, Coca-Cola Museum, MLK & President Carter Centers, Centennial Olympic & Piedmont Park. Enjoy their courtyard & small stream through the property plus a wonderful hot tub. They are a pet & smoke free home. They have free Wifi access. You can check out their website at ~.~v.hellobnb.com. Call him at: 404.892.8111. Email at hellobnb@aol.com and it is located at 1865 Windermere Drive. Atlanta is full of gay bars an.d we do mean FULL of gay bars! ~ere is indeed something here for everybody! Lots of disco/dancing bars, leather, cowboy, piano, stripper as well as wonderful neighborhood bars to enjo): The bars are packed neatly all the time in Atlanta. ~is is a Major pa~ty town! And everyone loves to party! The very first bar you need to visit is BURKHART’S PUB which is located at 1492 -F in a strip mall and is the friendliest bar in the entire South! The owners, Mary and Palmer have set the standard attitude level for everyone and the rest of the bar patrons follows. In all of our travels from coast to coast we have never been to a friendlier bar. It is a rather large club with an outdoor patio, several different bars and offers food services everyday including salads, appetizers, sandwiches, entrees and desserts. The), have a live DJ every night as well. They have two stories and you can look down onto the large crowd belmv. Very simply put, if you can’t have fun at this bar, you won’t be able to have fun anyplace! Check out their ~vebsite: http://www.burkharts.com/ It is NOT one of Atlanta’s favorite bars, it IS Atlanta’s favorite bar! Tt~e number one person to meet in Atlanta is a gendeman by the name of Marko. He can found at Burkhart’s on most days. He was from New York and moved to Atlanta a fev¢ years ago and knows more about hospitality than anyone we have met. He introduced us to dozens of people. ~lhe only major drawback to partying in Atlanta is that it is NOT smoke-free! Hopefully sometime soon, they will catch up with the rest of the cities in the country and have no smoldng! We dined at Einstein’s Restaurant which is near midtown at 1077 Juniper Street (12th & Juniper Streets), website: einsteinsadanta. com. They have a great atmosphere, tremendous service and ~bod to die for! Everything we had was prepared to perfection. ThiS is THE place to "see and be seeff’ in gay Atlanta! They serve lunch and dinner and are open until 11 PM during the week and Midnight on weekends. On Saturday and Sundays they open at 10:00 AM offering their famous brunches. Be sure and stop by for a meal there. Among the dozens of dozens of attractions to see in Atlanta are the APEX Museum, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum, CNN Center, Carter Presidential Library and Museum, Georgia Aquarium, Margaret Mitchell House, World of Coca- Cola, and the WoodruffArt Center to name a few. Since Proposition 8, just ALWAYS remember to check out businesses before you give them any of your gay dollars. ~ere are numerous lists on the internet saying which major companies financially supported Proposition 8. Never, ever give them a dime of your money. There are a lot of major companies who have worked extremely hard with the gay 5ommunity and they are the ones we need to give our business to. Before going to aW major city, always check out: funmaps.com which is the leading gay site for traveling in the entire country. The local gay publication is v,~*av.southernvoice. com and from their xvebsite you can find listings for gay churches, organizations, gay community center and most anything else you need to know about "Ga,v Atlanta: http:/! www.atlantaga.gov/Visitors/Attractions. aspxt anything you need to know about "Gay Atlanta. Also check out: wwvc.atlanta. net and http:llwww.atlantaga.govlVisitorsl Attractions.aspx. Photo: Ray ~lliams, Marko &Donald Pile Ofcourse we just clm’t stress enough to remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! In Atlanta, we want to give a big thanlcs to Marko and Jasen who are two wonderfu! guys! Thanks to the owners of Burk~art’s Pub for having such a wonderful bar! Bar owners around the country should fly down to Atlanta and see for themselves what a great bar. internationa Euro Parliament pushes for gay equality The European Parliament is pushing the 27 member states of the European Union to do better in treating gay people equally. The parliament adopted a report Jan. 14 that urged member nations to recognize each other’s same-sex partnerships and marriages, and condemned homophobic hate speech by political and religious leaders. The report also calls on the European Commission to propose legislation to criminalize anti-gay hate crimes, guarantee the right of free movement ~vithin the EU for same-sex couples, and assure that gay people seeking asylum from anti-gay nations receive it. The parliament further requested that a study be done to gauge the level of harassment and violence experienced by transsexuals in the 27 nations. ~lhe European Union is composed of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovalda, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. At least 14 of the nations allow same-sex marriage or have civil-union or registeredpartnership laws that grant some, most or all of the rights and obligations of marriage to same-sex couples. In related nevcs, Thomas Hammarberg, the human rights commissioner for the 47-nation Council of Europe, recently denounced the mistreatment of transgender people in member nations. "Some people seem to have a problem with the mere existence of human beings whose outer expression of their inner gender identity is not the same as their gender determined at birth," Hammarberg said. "Aggression against transgender persons cannot however be excused as resulting from ignorance or lack of education. These attitudes cause serious harm to innocent and vulnerable people and must therefore be countered.... There is no excuse for not immediately granting this community their full and unconditional human rights." The Council of Europe is composed of Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Lt~xembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway; Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia," Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. 18 February 2009 resort hotels, ; Arts and www.metrostarnews.com {~{®t~’oSTAR 19 OKC Civic Center d & by Greg Fox sic Hall Febmmry Events Feb Ray’s 83rd Birthday Show Feb. 3 - Feb. 5 Tyler I errys The Marrmge Counselor Feb. 6 .- Mar. 1 LOOK BACK IN ANGER Feb. 7 Feb. 8 Feb. 13 Feb. I3 Feb. t3 Feb. 18 Feb. 20 P~INVENTtNG THE PAST: PAPJF II presented by the Okiahoma Cio~ Philharmonic Brian Rcgan - Mar. 1 H~{Y FE~,nER by Noel Coward - Mar. 7 ~MOST, MAINE a romantic comedy by John Cariani - Feb. 14 P~S ROUGE - OKC Ballet Company Menopause the Musical - Feb. 21 POP GOES ~GAS! presented by the ONahoma Ci~, Philharmonic Rose State College Performing Arts Center Feb 18, 2009 Menopause the Musical Mar 26, 2009 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels February At ~e P.A.C. Feb 4 David Finckel and Wu Han @ John H. Williams Theatre Feb 6-31 FP,]~E Highway 412 PAC Gallery Feb 17 ,~ infinite Ache @ Liddy Doenges ~eatre Feb 20-25 Oprah ~gZinfrey Presents: 7he Color Purple @ Chapman Music Hall Feb 23 The Tannahill Weavers @ John H. ~’Xqlliams Theatre Feb 24 P~atph’s World @ John H. Williams ~aeatre Feb 27 Ethel Cabaret @ Lid@ Doenges ~aeatre Feb 28 Ethel Concert @ John H. Williams "Theatre Metro Star Classfieds 2" square for as litde as $39 per issue. Emaih starnews@sbcglobaLnet SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY 20 ~%troSTAR E-Mail- KylesBnR@aol.com ema I b tterg rl@q>]ndicate corn www,joanhiity,net _.~-~,0~ February 2009 by Jack Fertig February 2009 "Accept flattery, Capricorn!" With Venus going into Aries and Mars going into Aquarius, latch on to bold, creative impulses. Take the flirtatious chances that you normally wouldn’t dare to. Think of new approaches to artistic projects you’ve been considering, and get started! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Trust those inspirational sparks that seem to come out of nowhere, even though they do need the guidance of a practiced expert - and some improvements you won’t think of - to help you bring them to successful fruition. TAURUS (ArR 20 - May 20): Wellmeaning friends offering "helpful suggestions" can unwittingly hit a nerve. Try to take it all in good humor, or just thank them for sharing. Political or philosophical arguments can be less personal and more enlightening. Speak up and state your opinions! GEM~N~ (May 21 - June 20): Someone in charge is taking an interest in you. It could be professional or sexual. This could be great for your career or just a lot of drama at work. Keep your eyes open and think ahead, and you’ll be fine. CANCER (June 21 o Ju~y 22): The stars offer a new romantic adventure! ~f you’re partnered, that could alleviate boredom, but include your mate in the fuu! Anything sporty and sweaty’ is good, perhaps ro!!#r skating in the park or exploring some kink. LEO (July 23 -August 22): "(’our eagerness to try new sexual techniques could leave you open to catching something very nasty. Think ahead on prophylaxis whenever you try anything (or anyone) new! And when was your last check-up? You’re probably fine, but make sure to get yourself tested. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): Even if you’re long-partnered, this is a great time for innovative romantic fun and games. With the love of your life or an _amour du jour_, treat love as an art and explore new techniques. HERA (September 23 - October 22): You’ll get a better or more frequent workout if you figure out how to make it more fun. Exercising at home or with a group of friends you regard as family can help. At least shake it up with some variety. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Playful banter can lead you into revealing more of yourself than you intended. This can be good, prompting more intimacy and openness in your friendships. Spats along the way should be easily reconciled. Just don’t take yourself so seriously! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Rather than acting on shopaholic impulses, use them as clues to think about what you want, what you really need, and how to practice more efficient economy. A household inventory can also spur a smarter approach to finances. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Accept flattery and flirtations with good grace, enjoying them as passing pleasantries. Try practicing the art of compliments and flirtation yourself. It can be done without compromising your integrity! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): "Retail therapy" is not therapy at all, but a symptom of deeper needs. When you get that expensive impulse, stop and ask what you really want. Deal with the deeper disappointments provoking a yen for compensation, and you’ll be stronger and richer! PISCES (February t9 - March 19): Wear more of the clothing or jewelry you’ve received as gifts. The m~rror of your friends’ eyes can show not only sides of yourself that you rarely consider, but also more of your potential. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Uric SpidtofChdst MCC 2902 E 20th Slreet Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spdng 17 Elk S eet Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM 67 68 Across 1 The number of people who like it hot 5 New York Liberty game offiCials 9 Pink, fbr one 14 Retreat f~r D.H. Lawrence 15 Colorado, to Co~teau 16 Garment with a flared bottom ! 7 Sui~x with leather dance dub anthem 23 Grid coach Amos ~Alonzo 24 One who looks into c®stal balls 25 Sam6-~eX vow in Conn~:eticut 28 Prepare i6 +h00{ .... 30 Toni c6U~iengm0vie,~,vith The 32 Coi+ por+er Song +ha Wak ahit fo}+Eartha Kitt ~ 37 Cashdrawers 38 "~ake a crack 39 Conquers, sexually 42 Composer EdoUard 43 Smallbush 45 Eartha Kitt~ role on Barman 3 Choral work at Metropolitan Community Chur& 4 Gay fbrmer NFL player Tuaolo 5 Field ofGene RoBinson 6 Sappho’s H~ 7 Sows one’s seed. e~c. 8 Didn’t leave the next morning 9 Minnelli movie 10 Brothers & Sisters producer Ken 11 Labium 12 A Chorus Line song 13 Color ofa Columbus circuit party 2 t "How queer !" 33 It puts people out 34 Rubbers on rims 35 Macho man 36 Facial follower 40 Article ofFrida 47 Began a hole, to Patty Sheehan 41 Have between your legs 50 Lanka head ~Animal painter Rosa 46 TuI~ Ofl~ubic hair, e.g; 51 MTF operation 52 Scott Oi~Beautiftd Thing 48 Some escorts w~t i~ up f~ont 54 Boobs Or bt~tts 49 Brown-nosed, ~wth over 58 Eartha Kitt~ 2000 Broadway show 53 Ofcourse I people ... (Quentin 61 Corydon author Gide Crisp) 64 HaW an opening for 55 Debussy contemporary Erik 65 Family diagram 56 Bill), B~an boo-boo 66 Open~mo~}hed fives0me 57 Po61 party? 67 A~dothersi for caesari 58 perry; ofi~letropolitan Community Church 68 Isl~ hleyJ~n~dn ~ land 59 Ball~t move 69 Eech 6fGreek:ld~e 60 Votes for, for ~Frank 70 411; ’ 61 some sex-toy bateries 71 Gr{ek love 62 R.Mapplethorpe supporter 63 Sh0~t Down 1 One w,ay to cook fruit 2 Scout ~ ~ecitation, and others Have a God filled and Blessed Day! www.metrostarnews.com ~I ~t~oSTAR 21 c assifi i Keller Williams Realty $ BUY GI Joe Action Figures (!2" size Only) mygijoe@cox.net or ca11(405) 249-4515 I Buy OLD or NEW In Box or Out ofBox Chuck greckenridge 1o800o535oAIDS (2437) Oklahoma’s HIV!aTD H0tline PRONOT YOURSELF Community For Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. CHECK OUT UNIQUE PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(S) People ~iving H~V/A~DS a 50~ c (3) Non Profit Organixadon 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 maRy 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 ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net (send pic with asldng price) Rooms For Rent $380 per month plus tax ALL Bills Paid N~e Habana Inn 2200 NW 39th www.habanainn.com ALL Major Credit Cards Accepted KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man f:idI Body Massag~ 2 hands or 4 hands available 31 Now Hiring Male & Female "~W’~.METROSTARNEWS.COM 22 February 2009 Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. ACCOMODAEIONS: HOPE TESTING CLINIC CHUCK BRECI~NRIDGE 3540 E. 3 t st Keller Williams Realty, F[ABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-528-222t www.babanainn.com ICELLY I~RBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant V~i.ERIE WILLIFORD 625 N3~Z 13th Street Oidahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 OKC MOP,TUARY 2415-C N. \VTALNUT AVE. Oldahoma City, OK 800-913-1310 ANGLES 21 t7 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City~ OK wv~v.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836~8700 wv~v.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 91~-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Ti.dsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City; OK 405-525-2900 ~a~v.habanainn.com "Balsa, 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 MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 v~wv.mcctulsa.org OK£AHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.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 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSXYZAY Oklahoma City; OK 73112 405-840-2106 ~vw.c21 goldcastle.com Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: ~wvw.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn TOM & JERRYS 1501 N.\~ 23RD Oklahoma City; OK 405-524-9100 0 0 THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City; OK 405-525-0730 w~s~v.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 9!8-592-! 188 www.tulsaeagle.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 9t8-836-0915 THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ~wa,~:habanainn .corn EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowship 6009 NW Expressway Oldahoma City, OK 405-761-! 878 www.expressionsOKC.com D F A R S CO T ~ L 0 PA W ~IDIOI $I I I LILISI AILIOI MIAINI RITIYI www.metrostarnews.com ~et~°oSTAR 23 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] Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 2 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Feb. 1, 2009 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 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Chaz Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele James Nimmo Jeanne Flanigan Rex Wockne Susan A. Muscari Gerald Libonati Michael W. Sasser Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Jack Fertig Devre Jackson Judy G. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2008; Volume 6, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/132 The Metro Star Magazine, April 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 4 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/128 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/131 ACLU activist adoption AIDS Arkansas adoption ban art Barney Frank Bathroom Bingo California Centers for Disease Control and Prevention church crossword puzzle Dennis R Neill Dennis R. Neill Equality Center dining entertainment Equality Center Fat Tuesday Gay chorus Gay mayor Portland Gay Rights government Harvey Milk HIV testing If I Only Had a Heart international news Kyle's Bed and Breakfast lesbian LGBTS church Log Cabin Republicans Maegan Kauffman Mardi Gras Obama OKC LGBT Community Center OKC Pride Parade OkEq Equality Center Oklahoma News Oklahomans for Equality prison Qscopes RAIN rape Saint Valentine's Day Star Scene STDs swastika Teach In travel https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/51794f50820e6f610ddbaca277f5f06f.jpg fabb4187d66be371fff872f5d9578476 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/857717084d696fa751b866247e1bb6c9.pdf eb58751b326810ffb526bcb2aadb751b PDF Text Text "WWW.METROSTA~qEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" UN Ge era Assembly hears pro-gay presentation "9gockner News ~/ire It was read into the record by Argentine Ambassador Jorge Argtiello. JANUARY 1, 2009 Oklahoma’s 2009 Mr. O.G.R.A. Larry Bourne chats with the Metro Star. By Victor Gorin q’he 66 countries affirmed "the principle of non-discrimination, which requires that human rights apply equally to every hmman being regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity; and denounced "violence, harassment, discrimination, exclusion, stigmatization and prejudice ... because of sexual orientation or gender identity:’ statement also called for the decriminalization of gay sex, 77 Saudi Arabia SLxty-sLx nations at the UN General Assembly supported a groundbrealdng statement Dec. 18 confirming that international human rights protections include sexual orientation and gender identit): It was the first time a statement condemning rights abuses against GLBT people was presented in the General Assembly. gay Americans support Woclmer News Wire A Harris Interactive poll released Dec. 3 found that Americans support a range of policies and protections for gay people. The Pulse of Equality survey, cmmnissioned by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, found that majorities of Americans favor either marriage or civil unions for gay couples, hate-crime laws to protect gay and transgender people, letting gays in the military serve openly, and allowing gays and lesbians to adopt children. "To love is not a crime;’ said Louis-Georges Tin, president of the International Day Against Homophobia Committee, which initiated the process that led to the statement. "To decriminalize homosexuality world,vide is a batde t’or human rights .... This (statement) is a great achievement (but) I also want to remind everyone that ending the criminalization of same-sex love wilt be a long, hard battle:’ Leading British activist Peter Tatchell called the statement "history in the making." "The UN statement goes much further than see’king the decriminalization of same-sex acts;’ Tatchell said. "k ondemns all human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, urges countries to protect the human rights of LGBT people and to bring to justice those who violate these rights, and calls for human rights defenders who oppose homophobic and transphobic victimization to be allowed to carry out their advocacy and humanitarian work unimpeded." ........... Continued See UN Page-14 Photo: ~adr. OGRA 2009 Larry Bour~ze By Victor Gorin The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association ( better known as OGRA) has a proud history of not only promoting the country lifestyle in the GLBT community, but also to the straight community as well. Letting gay cowboys knmv they can truly be themselves is a cause they promote proudly, but they do more. OGRA also has a proud history of helping wordBvhile charities such as Other Options, Infant Crisis Services, Young Gay Lesbian Alliance, and R.A.I.N. Also a proud tradition are the OGRA Royalty, which features a Mr. OGRA, a Ms. OGRA" Brooklyn" and Miss OGRA Anita Ryder.. The new Mr. OGRA is Larry Bourne, who’s made many cowboys happy bartending at the Finishline the past 5 years. Sharing his life and his thoughts with the Metro Star, he gives us his perspective on our community and OGRA. ................ Continued See OGP,A page- 15 ~ae telephone survey questioned 2,000 adults beBveen Nov. 13 and 17 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. Among the specific findings: * Seventy-five percent of U.S. adults favor either marriage or domestic partnerships/civil unions for gay and lesbian couples. Only 22 percent oppose any legal recognition of gay couples. ........... Continued See POLL Page-8 comes out ....Page-7 �Janua~ 2009 2 �$8 VALUE WITH PURCHASE OF 2 D~ER E~TREES AT REGULAR PRICE Bring this ad width you to receive this special often Not valid with any other coupon, discount or offers. COMEORT FOOD & DALLY SPECIALS ALL PREPAI~D IN AN AMBIANCE THAT WILL TEMPT YOUR SENSES. Let us ~ro~ot~ your business in 8TAR A~VERTJSJNG ~.metrostarnews.com ~÷t~oSTAR 3 �World Aids Day December 1, Remembering the Past-Facing FutureThe Crisis is not over. Testing is still available at Red Rock North, 4400 N. Lincoln Botdevard (OKC), telephone (405 424 7711. It’s a free test, and in most cases can be completed in around 20 minutes. This, coupled with educational efforts is also part of the reason for the day, and that is the hope for a better future. By Victor Gorin Angda Monson Runs For O dahoma City School Board Chair By Victor Gorin Photo: Angela Monson, State Representative Anastasia Pittman-District 99 (Center)Jesus Gasper Lovie Being that World AIDS Day is now in it’s 20th year, this reminds us that although advances have been made in the treatment of HIV, there is no reason for complacency. In Oklahoma there are around 4500 known cases of people infected with HIV, including around 1700 in Oklahoma County alone. Currently the fastest growing rate of infection among demographic groups tragically is young people aged 15-24, disproportionately gay and male. Although medical science is far ahead of where it was over 20 years ago when AIDS first became an issue, safe sex is still important. As Chuck Longacre of Red Rock North, an HIV testing/counseling facility pointed out, "R’s still a deadly disease. The disease can still be fatal. However, often one can be helped if the virus is detected early, so we encourage those who are sexually active to be tested every 3 months." 4 Givens e3~ Danielle Gaddis by Hctor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Angela Monson, on the last day of filing, got into the race for Oklahoma City School Board chair. She challenges incumbent Kirk Humphreys, and the election will be February 10. As a Democrat, she was elected to the Oklahoma State House of R~epresentatives in 1990-District 99, and was later elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in 1993 -District 48. She Served as a State Senator until forced out by term limits in 2005. She is currently Associate Provost with the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, and is a longtime ally of not only the GLBT commtmity but numerous progressive Causes. Kirk Humphreys was appointed as Chair by the OKC School Board when the position was vacated by CliffHudson, and is a former mayor of Oklahoma City, and an ally of many conservative causes. Learn more about this key race with our next issuel Metro Star Classfieds 2" square for as litde as $43 per issue. Email: starnews@sbcglobal.~ 918.1 Tulsa CARES Celebrates Life TULSA, OK (PR) __ On Tuesday, three Tulsa CARES employees were recognized by the AIDS Coalition of Tulsa at the 19th annual Evergreen Spirit Awards Luncheon, which recognizes the work of colleagues and volunteers who have gone the extra mile in the fight against AIDS in our community: Jamie Baker, care coordinator; Bruce Lewis, ofrice manager/executive assistant; and Marianne X~etherill, registered dietician were among those recognized with the Evergreen Spirit Award, which symbolizes strength, courage, commitment and resilience. "It is so important to recognize ’the unsung heroes’ in Tulsa’s effort to stop AIDS," said Janice Nicklas, director of Tnlsa Community AIDS Partnership and senior planner for the Community Service Council. ~Our colleagues still work long hours, to the point of exhaustion, and many have vowed to stay at it until we get the epidemic under control. Sadly, the numbers of HIV positive Americans are growing larger each year and many Tulsans are getting infected who are unaware that that they are at risk," Following the Mayflower UCC ~:orld AIDS Day Service, Reverend Loyce Newton Edwards places a card on a o’oss honod~ her siste,; Lavonn Newton who passd ~tv~yfivm AIDS related illness. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ On December 1, the 20th World Aids Day Service was held at Mayflower Congregational Church, along with countless others worldwide. Along with music, preaching and praise was not only remembrance of those xvho have passed on because of HIV, bur also hope for the future. The service concluded with the opportunity to fill out a card of a loved one lost to HIV and attach it to one of a group of crosses in the courtyard. For Rev. Loyce Newton-Edwards the service had special meaning, as she had lost a transgen&red sister, Lavonne Newton to AIDS related illness. As she put it, "The service was deeply moving and a wonderful way to honor the precious lives that have been lost to AIDS, and to offer comfort to their devastated families. My prayers continue for more community compassion, HIV prevention advocacy, as well as more effective HIV/AIDS related medications." ’Unsung Heroes’ Honored for AIDS Awareness Advocacy Other Evergreen Spirit Award winners are: Gary Meadows, Community of HOPE; Terry Klein, St. Joseph~s Residence; Chaz Gaut, Hospice of Green Country; David Odle, Oklahoma Department of Human Services; Barbara Saunders, community volunteer with the HIV Prevention Program for Incarcerated Women’s Program; and Stan Smalts, Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Two top awards were also given at the annual luncheon: the Truman Geren Memorial Award for HIV Prevention was awarded to Heather Nash, American Red Cross, and the Richard Shackelford Award for HIV Care honored Shana Cozad, Oklahoma State Department of Health. "Our award winners are constantly reminding Tulsa area.residents to take the HIV test - it is quick, free and painless," Nicldas said. "Everyone should know their HIV status." Founded in t991, Tulsa CARES, a United Way organization, delivers services to low-income people living with HIV/AIDS in northeastern Oklahoma. Services include: case management by professional social workers, access to physicians and prescription medication, counseling services, housing assistance, access to nutrition information at its on-site food pantry, as well as other forms of support. Tulsa CARES’ mission is "Delivering social services to people affected by HIV/AIDS: For more information about Tulsa CARES, visit www. tulsacares.org. 34icah Hartwdl, Nutrition Services Directo~ begins digging~r the Tulsa CARES’ Celebration ofLife tree-planting co’emony. TULSA, OK (PR) __ In observance of World AIDS Day, Tulsa CARES hosted a "Celebration of Life" reception for its clients. On Monday, December 1, Tulsa CARES clients, staffmembers, and friends came together to celebrate the lives 0f those still living xvith HIV/AIDS and to rmnember the lives of those who have died from this disease. The "Celebration of Life" was replete with food, crafts and a tree planting ceremony that symbolizes hope for a cure. Tulsa CARES’ Celebration of Life in-kind sponsors ,sere Starbucks, Q~eenies and QEikTrip. Five Crepe Myrtle trees were donated by Up with Trees. Tulsa CARES’ mission is ddivering social services to people affected by HIWAIDS. Tulsa CARES is a United W’ay Agency. For more information, visit vcww.tulsacares.org. SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY January 2009 �Dear Editor: in the spirit of Christmas, the 18th annual Loaves and Fishes Dinner Show was held at the Copa OKC, raising over $6956. Featuring entertainers (Photo) Ben Williams, Kitty Bob Aimes, Sonja Martinez, John Beebe and Matthew Heath Fitzgerald, the show was held on both December 8 and 9, with proceeds going to help the Winds House, a home & hospice for those living with HIV. My name is Robaire ~atson and I’m a gay military veteran who’s been living in the San Francisco Bay Area for 18 years. I spent 6 years in the military as an openly gay, man. At age 23 I joined the Navy in search of adventure. Being a gay man, I was determined that I wasn’t going to allow the military to change my true identity. My story isn’t about the latest trend or the latest hot actor, or the latest hot "trick~ it’s about the importance of"being who you want to be"! Who needs to serve in silence ? I just want to bring a positive ground breaking story to the fbrefront. I grexv up in a primarily white small Texas town and the middle child of a Southern Baptist family. I was in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, played high school football for a brief time. I always knew I was gay. After high school, I earned money t’or college by working in the oil fields. I studied design and fashion merchandising in Dallas at ~ades School of Design. I joined the US NaW in 1989 and served six years through two enlistments until 1995. Oldahoma Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth with OGLPC Co-Chair Paul ~nompson at the ,amnual NAACP Banquet in Oklahoma City. Being openly gay in the military and not receiving threats to my life, allowed me to keep my integrity: I never felt the need to tell anyone on my command that I was gay or introduce them to my boyfriend. I always felt that people knew I was different, just by the way I conducted myself. When you sho~v others respect, they show you respect in return. I was a US Navy Ship’s barber who served aboard the USS Kansas City as it traveled the seas promoting freedom during the Gulf’~Y~ar and Operation Southern XWatch offthe coast of Somalia in 1993, traveling to Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Dubai, Jebel All, UAE, British Columbia, Mexico, and the Philippines during my two enlistments. I’m black and openly gay and never encountered the slightest discrimination aboard this xvarship. I have never forced my sexual preference on anyone. I don’t ~vant someone who’s straight doing that to me. gqaen the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" law xvas passed, my shipmates told me, "\X[atso!~, we don’t have to ask and we don’t have to tell." Peggy Johnson and ReVerend Dl: Kathy McCallie at Church of the Open Arms Fundaraiser .... Scotty Mandell, Robin D0rner and Loring Wagner strike a pose at the Diversity Bttsiness Association’s Christmas Party. I had a group of gay friends on the USS Kansas City. We were the gay version of"Sex and the City" onboard the ship. XXre were known as the Fierce-Four. Our personal lives were better than any episode of Q~.eer as Folk. My friends said, because of me, they were able to be themselves without prejudice. I took several of my shipmates to gay bars & dance clubs, not because it was my idea, but because they asked me too! I dated an Ensign and a Lieutenant while in the military. I ,also dated a Major in the United States Army and a Marine. All the following military men who came across my, life had to keep their personal life a secret. It’s not about being an officer in the military or subjecting yourself to starring in a skin flick to get your point across, about "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’: It’s knowing that you have a job to do and a mission to accomplish. ~bu can’t allow your sexual preference to interfere. Ken Sims, Jennifer Lancaster, Rebecca Hurst and Blaze Bush at the Marriage Equality Rally in downtown Oklahoma City December 20. The government needs to worry about the individuals who they allow to enter the military that haven’t been outside the county line, and refuse to accept someone who is different. Sometimes, these type of people want to judge you, based on their religious beliefs. If you can’t accept me for my race or sexual preference, will you be there for me in a time of war ? I’m very fortunate that I was able to be openly gay and live my life accordingly during active duty. I want other men and women who enter the armed forces who are gay to be able to live their lives just as openly as their straight counterparts and when they become veterans to be treated ~vith dignity and respect. I’m very proud to have done my duty serving my country: Thank you, Robaire Watson San Francisco, CA Santa ( Pam Norton) and Mrs. Santa (Victorola) at the Church of the Open Arms Christmas Party wv,~v.metrostamews.com ~ot~oSTAR 5 �A NEW PLACE TO ENDUP By Victor Gorin SUPPORTERS OF IT¥ LIGHT UP DOWNTOWN OKC By Victor Gorin Photo: End ~o owner Blake (Center) wit,§ the End [J)) dancers TULSA, OK__ When the first Endup club on Memorial closed a few years ago, it left a gap that Blake Alterman knew needed to be filled. While not for everybody, there are truly gay men that love to watch the hot boys dance. Not far from some of Tulsgs other gay clubs, it’s located at 5336 E. Admiral Place, a site vacant for over a year last occupied by a straight biker club called The Luclo! Shamrock. Dancers will be featured 7 nights a xveek, taking up where the old Endup left off, but with more than twice the space and ample parking. While it is planned and destined to be a swinging spot for those wanting to watch male dancers, it has more to offer as well. A section of the bat" ,vi!l be like a regular bar, with pool tables, cruising and conversation. Other fun endeavors are planned also with Bathroom Bingo Nights starting in January, hosted by emcee Earnest from the ladle’s bathroom, rewarding winning participants with cash and prizes. Hours are from noon tmtil 2 a.m. 7 days a week, so stop by and check it out, especially during Happy Hour with $1 offall liquor drinks from noon until 8 p.m. 7 days a week. As Blake puts it, "xg&’re just looking to have a good time with a bar that everybody’s gonna love coming to." Sounds like a great beginning. Photo: Organizer Trey Hill with activistJames Nimmo by Hctor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Around 30 determined souls braved the icy chill December 20 in OKC’s Bricktown near the entrance of the Southwestern Bell Bricktown Ballpark, holding a candlelight vigil supporting marriage equality for all Americans, including the GLBT community. Surprising, there were no negative epithets, fisticuffs or even threats thereof made by Bricktown partygoers, only some interested glances. The event did get media coverage by KOKH Channel 25, and participants got a free "Oklahoman for Marriage Equality T-Shirt;’ made possible thru the generosity ofJames Nimmo, his partner Don Chabot and Brittany Novotny. The event came together through the organization of Trey Dill & Chuck Longacre, activists also largely responsible for a previous rally at the Oklahoma City Hall November 15 xvhich brought out over 200 people protesting the passage of Proposition 8, Which took away the right of same sex marriage in California. As Ms. Novotny praised the marchers, "As we keep getting people out for events like this, people won’t feel they have to be scared to be who they are, and straight people won’t be as scared to support us. We’ll keep doing this until all of Oklahoma says Yes, You all are part of us and we’re all equal: January 2009 �N Wockner News Service Reports: No quick action against DADT Florida’s ban on gay adoption struck down President-elect Barack Obama rnay not move quickly to repeal the military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" ban on open gays, according to published reports. A Florida circuit court in Miami struck down a state law that barred lesbians and gay men from adopting Nov. 25. The court granted adoptions to a gay man, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, who has been raising two foster children since 2004. "Our family just got a lot more to be thankful for this Naanksgiving;’ said Martin Gill, a North Miami resident who is raising two brothers, ages 4 and 8, with his partner. are extremely relieved that the court has recognized that it is wrong to deny our boys the legal protections and security that only" come with adoption." A Nov. 24 report in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said: "Very quietly, the Obama team has let it be known that the new administration will not immediately reassess the U.S. military’s policy of’don’t ask, don’t tell: ... Raising the topic of gays in the military was considered by many to be the second of two out-of-the-box decisions that ended badly for a newly elected President Bill Clinton (in 1993)’.’ Nae committee’s Web site lists more than 40 such participating contingents, including several high-school and university bands. Comedian xYC:anda Sykes came out publicly Nov. 15 at a Las Vegas rally against California’s Proposition 8. Meanwhile, Obama came under fire from gay activists on Dec. 17 for selecting influential evangelical preacher Rick xWarren to deliver the invocation at the inauguration. "When California passed Prop 8 ... I felt like I was being attacked, personally attacked, our community was attacked," Sykes said. "I got married Oct. 25. You know, I don’t really talk about nay sexual orientation, I didn’t feel like I had to, I was just living my life and, not necessarily in tile closet, but I was just living my life. Everybody that knows me personally, they know I’m gay. And that’s the way people should be able to live their lives, xgre shouldn’t The Florida law barring gays and lesbians from adopting was the most expansive anti-gay parenting law in the country. It was passed in 1977 in response to an anti-gay crusade led by Miss Oklalloma 1958, and orange-juice spokeswoman Anita Bryant. The poll found that even Republicans (64 percent) and white evangelical Christians (57 percent) supported scrapping the ban. The random survey of 1,119 Aanerican adults had a margin oferror of plus or minus 3 percentage points. www.metrostarnews.corn ~ihe gay contingent will include t77 musicians in the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue a~er Obama is sworn in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. The court also found that the ban denied children the right to permanency provided by federal and state law under the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. "An Obama transition team spokesperson, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the decision on how to approach repealing ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ ... would be ma& after more experts have joined the Obama administration;’ the paper said. A July poll by The \Vashington Post and ABC News found that 75 percent of Americans said "yes" when ~isked, "Do you think that homosexuals who do publicly disclose their sexual orientation should be allowed to serve in the military or not ?" Although LGBA concert bands performed at inaugural celebratious t’or Bill Clinton in 1993 and 1997, this will be the first time a gay band has marched in a presidential inaugural parade. In making their selections, the Presidential Inaugural Committee and military musicians assessed the applications of 1,400 marching bands, drill teams and musical groups. However, the gay newspaper ~Tashington Blade reported Nov. 25 that an unnamed Obama spokesperson said the mainstream-media reports were premature. "Tnese decisions will not be made before the full national security team is in place;’ the Blade quoted the spokesperson as saying. The Lesbian and Gay Band Association, which is composed of 34 marching and concert bands fi’om the U.S., Canada and Australia, will march in President-elect Barack Obama’s inaugural parade Jan. 20. The court ruled that tile ban violated the equalprotection guarantees of the state constitution because it irrationally singled out gay people and their children for different treatment. "Reports and studies find that there are no differences in the parenting of homosexuals or the adjustment of their children;’ the court said. "TheSe conclusions have been accepted, adopted and ratified by the American psychological Association, the American Psychiatry Association, the American PediatriCAssociation, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Child Welfare League of America and the National Association of Social Workers. Based on the robust nature of the evidence available in the field, this Court is satisfied that the issue is so far beyond dispute that it would be irrational to hold otherwise; the best~interests of children are not preserved by prohibiting homosexual adoption." The National Journal and The Washington Tunes said Obama might wait until 2010 to ’tackle the ban. Wanda Sykes comes out, Gay band, anti-gay preacher to participate in blasts Prop 8 inauguration Admirals, Generals urge DADT repeal A former Army secretary and 103 retired admirals and generals issued a call Nov. 17 for repeal of the military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" ban on open gays. Among the document’s signers were a former Naval Academy superintendent, retired four-star Adm. Chades Larson, and former President Jimmy Carter’s Army secretary, Clifford Mexander. It is believed that there are about 65,000 gay people serving in the military, not counting the 627 who were kicked out last year for failing to stay sufficiently closeted. Human Rights Caxnpaign President Joe Solmonese calAed the move ’h genuine bl0w to LGBT Americans." "We feel a deep level of disrespect when one of the architects and promoters of an anti-gay agenda is given the prominence and the pulpit of your historic nomination; Solmonese said. "Vge urge you to reconsider this announcement." The National Gay arid Lesbian Task Force said, "We urge President-elect Obama to withdraw his invitation to Rick Warren and instead select a faith leader who embraces fairness, equality and the ideals the president-elect himself has called the nation to uphold: Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation President Nell Giuliano said, "It is ... deeply troubling that the President-elect has selected have to be standing out here demanding something that we automatically should have as citizens of this country. And I got pissed off. They pissed me off. I said, You know what, now I gotta get in your face. And that’s what we all have to do now." Sykes said, as others have, that the passage of Prop 8 did have an upside. "They pissed offthe ~vrong group of people," she said. "They have galvanized a community: XWe are so together now and we all want the same tiling and we are not going to settle for less." The Las Vegas rally was part of a national day of protest against Prop 8 that saw demonstrations in 300 U.S. cities and towns, including such unlikely places Direct Cremation From $595 as Allentown, Fargo, Fayetteville, La Crosse, Macon, Shreveport and Missoula. ..... Continued See Inauguration Page-11 ’ T ON MORTUARY SERVICE,~e Tradition!! Funeral Services at Affordable Prices (405) 230- 1310 or !-800-913-1310 In California, there were protests Nov. 15 in 58 separate towns and cities. Pre-Need Plaa CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED N~÷troSTAR 7 �Same-sex marriage bill to be introduced in New Hampshire * U.S. adults are evenly divided on xvhether gay couples should have access to marriage -- 47 percent say yes and 49 percent say no. New Hampshire State Rep. Jim Splaine plans to introduce a bill next year to legalize same-sex marriage. * Sixty-four percent think gays in the military should not have to stay closeted, as required by the =don’t ask, don’t tell" policy. New Hampshire already has a comprehensive same-sex civil-union law, and nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts allow gay couples to marry~ Splaine told the Concord Monitor newspaper that the civil-union law bestows only about 90 percent of the state-level benefits and obligations of marriage, xvhich leaves same-sex couples without full equality under the law. Some 600 same-sex couples have entered into a civil union in New Hampshire. Elton John does not support same-sex marriage Elton John says gays are wrong to want to get married and should settle for civil unions. "We’re (David Furnish and I) not married. Let’s get that right;’ John told USA Today on Nov. 12. "We have a civil partnership. What is wrong with Proposition 8 is that mey went for marriage. Marriage is going to put a lot of people off, the,vord marriage. "I don’t want to be married;’ John said. very happy with a civil partnership. If gay people want to get mar}led, Or get together, they should have a civil partnership .... You ~et the same e~ual rights .... Heterosexual peopm get married: John’s assertion about ~equal rights" is essentially true in the United Kingdom, where John and Furnish entered their civil partnership. ~Ihe UK civil-partnership law is national in scope. In the U.S., on the other hand, civil-union and domestic-parmership laws are state laws that grant equal rights only on the state level, leaving civilly united gay couples without access to-more than 1,000 federal rights, benefits and obligations of marriage. But, at the same time, the U.S. government also does not recognize the same-sex marriages that have taken place in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts or abroad. However, it would require less of an overhaul of federal policy to start recognizing married same-sex couples than it would to create some kind of national recognition of states’ hod gepodge of civilunion and domestic-partnership laws, some of which grant all state-level rights of marriage and others of which do not. U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has said repeatedly that he supports extending federal recognition to same-sex unions, though he does not favor opening marriage itseltto samesex couples, citing religious objections. Obama nonetheless opposed California’s Proposition 8, in which voters amended the state constitution on Nov. 4 to re-ban same-sex marriage. ha a nutshell, Obama does not think gay couples should have access to marriage but also does not think any laws should be passed to prevent gay couples from accessing marriage. 8 ~÷~roSTAR * Sixty-three percent support expanding hate-crime la~vs to cover gay and transgender people. At present, 31 states and the District of Columbia have such laws that cover sexual orientation and 12 of those laws also encompass gender identity. * Fifty-one percent favor protecting gay and transgender people under existing laws that ban discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. Twenty states and the District of Columbia have such laws that cover sexual orientation and 13 of those laws also encompass gender identity. * Sixty-nine percent oppose bans on gay adoption. =We observed a positive relationship between knowing a gay or transgender person and one’s attitudes toward them and the policy issues that affect their lives," said Laura Light, Harris Interactive’s vice president of public-relations research. "Based on other surveys we have conducted on attitudes toward LGBT people and issues, the results of this survey suggest that public sentiment in the U.S. is trending toward greater acceptanF~ of gay- and transgender-related policy issues:’ Iowa Supreme Court hears marriage case The Iowa Supreme Court heard oral arguments Dec. 9 in Lan~bda Legal’s case on behalf of same-sex couples who want to marry. "XTge put our best case forward, and hope that the court breathes life into the Iowa Constitution’s promise of equality," said Senior Staff Attorney Camilla Taylor. The couples’ case was argued by former Iowa Solicitor General Dennis Johnson of Dorsey & Whimey. "The government has no business standing in the way of a loving same-sex couple who wants to take responsibility for each other and their fancily," Johnson said. Lambda filed suit in Polk County District Court in 2005 on behalf of six same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses, arguing that the denials violated the liberty and equality guarantees in the Iowa Constitution. In 2007, the court agreed that banning same-sex couples from marrying was unc0nstitutional, and the county recorder and registrar appealed to the state Supreme Court. One gay couple -- Sean and Tim McQ,u)llan of Ames -- got married before Judge Robert Hanson quickly suspended his ruling when it was appealed. The survey found that people under 65, and especially those 18-34, are more gay-friendly than people over 65. Women are generally more supportive than men. Latinos are more supportive than whites and blacks when it comes to gays in the military. Blacks are more supportive than whites and Latinos on hate-crime laws. And Catholics and "mainline" Christians (Protestant, Mormon or %ther Christian") are more supportive than "born-again" Protestants, Mormons or other Christians. Nineteen percent of those questioned said their feelings toward gay people have become more favorable over the past five years. They attributed the change to such things as knmving someone who is gay, seeing gay people on TV and in movies, passage of gay-friendly laws, news coverage of gay issues, and learning of the gay-friendly positions of friends, family members and religious leaders. "Knowing someone who is gay or lesbian" ,vas the most significant factor, cited by 79 percent of those whose feelings had evolved. Seventy-three percent of those qu{stioned know or work with a gay or transgender person and half of that 73 percent know or work with five or more gay or traaasgender people, the survey found. Full poll results: tinyurl.com/6nojlq. January 2009 �DVD" ’re Obituary of Mary Lorene Marlett, mother of Demo Candidate Ron Marlett Angels" Ron Marlett was the Democratic candidate runmng against Mrs. Kern in HD 84. with the release of their album. The following is from Ron: My mother. Mary Lorene Marlett, passed from this world December 17. She has suffered from Alzeheimers Disease the past two years, From my earliest years. I can remember her involvement in the Canadian County Democratic Party. She described herself as a Yellow Dog Democrat, someone who would vote for a yellow dog before voting for a Republican. Jason and &Marco have recently taken a&antage of C~l~ornlas Troy Don Wheat 34ar 19, 1966 - Dec 6, 2008 TULSA, OK (OkEq) __ Troy Wheat, son of Betty and Paul Wheat was born on March 19, 1966 in Alva, Oklahoma. He died on the 6th of December, at his home in Tulsa, at the age of 42 years, 8 months and 18 days. Troy is survived by his parents Paul and Betty; a sister and her husband, Paula and Bill Miller of Woodward; his significant other, Christopher Roberts of Tulsa; two nieces and their spouses, Shannon and Craig Chestnut and thei} children Jace and Jayden of Mustang, Karrie and Kendel Kay and their children Sloan, Reece, Braton and Kinley of Ashland, Kansas; a number of other relatives and many friends. He graduated from Alva High School in 1984. After moving to Tulsa, Troy attended and graduated cosmetology school in Jenks. He became a successful stylist in Tulsa. He was very involved in the Miss Cinderella, Miss Oklahoma and Miss America Pageants. One of the highlights of his life was when his client won Miss America in 2006. A family and friends visitation reception was held Thursday December 1 lth at Ninde Brookside Chapel, 3841 S. Peoria, Tul’sa, Oklahoma 74105. However. she loved her Republican friends. In a community where racial epithets were socially acceptable, she taught that those words wouldn’t be tolerated in our household. When I hear politicians talk of"family values", I wonder if they were taught that racism wasn’t a family value. I attended precinct meetings with her and accompanied her to a state convention. She raised my brother and me with values of equality, fairness and the value of hard work. When I was younger she saw that I got to Little League baseball games when my dad was tied up responding to an electric outage in the rural electric cooperative, xXihen I left home, she became involved in my brother’s scouting as was extremely proud of his attaining his Eagle Scout Award. When my father became disabled, she ;,cent to work at XXrestern Hectric, later AT&T. She continued there until being offered an early retirement. She continued to live in Union City after my father’s death in 1987. She began having health problems that probably signalled the onset of Alzheirmers, but I was too close to the situation to recognize it. About two years ago a doctor diagnosed it and told me she had two years left. She celebrated her 75th birthday and received letters from Oklahoma politicians praising her for her ~vork for the party. Her long time Democratic friend, Oberta Bergdall attended that party. She was particularly proud of having attended President Carter’s inaugural ball. Toward the end of her life, no one in the Democratic Party could really remember her. When I attended the C:anadian County Democratic Bean Supper, I felt I represented her. She died surrounded by people who loved her and was very peaceful mad free of pain. I am struck by the reliefI feel that she no longer suffers and the realization that I will not see her again. She was a blessing to those she cared for and to the Democratic Party she loved. United Metropolitan Community Church www.metrostarnews.com Sunday Services @ 11:00 AM 1623 N. l~laplewood Tulsa, OK Ron Marlett 918-838-1715 w.mcctuisa.org ~Oet~oSTAR 9 �Close, but no cigar. perform same-gender marriages yet their religious freedom is being abridged by the passage of Prop 8. ByJan~es Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ q-he recent release of the biopic "Milk" about the life and death of San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk revivified interest in Milk’s most famous phrases such as "Come out, come out, wherever you are;’ and "Don’t blend in:’ Another openly gay activist to have his speeches and writings dusted offis Bayard Rustin, an openly gay African-American who was a colleague of Dr. M.L. King and who was given behind-the-scenes credit for organizing the March on Washington in August, 1963 where Dr... King made his iconic and forward lookAng"I Have a Dream" speech. Mr. Rustin was forced to take a back-seat due to fears that his orientation and arrest record would undoubtedly be used against the civil tights movement. From the book Time on Two Crosses: The Collected Writings of Bayard Rustin by Bayard Rustin (Cleis Press, Carbado and Weise, editors) we get the succinct gay agenda, if there ever was one, that I think most of us gay/lesbian activists can agree on "the job of the gay comnaunity is not to deal with extremists who would castrate us or put us on an island and drop an Hbomb on us." The fact of the matter is that there is a small percentage of people in America who understand the true nature of the homosexual cornmunity. There is another small percentage who will never understand us. Our job is not to get those people who dislike us to love us. Nor was our aim in the civil rights movement to get prejudiced white people to love us. Our aim was to try to create the Idnd of America, legislatively, morally, and psychologically, such that even though some whites continued to hate us, they could not openly manifest that hate. That’s our job today: to control the extent to which people can publicly manifest anti-gay sentiment." (http://tiwurl.com/5w77yr) What we should continue to be doing is proving our gay/lesbian equality of citizenship to the broad range of the valuable demographic ~mown as the undecided, who politicians always court. For our purposes it’s those people who all have gay and lesbian family members or friends, xvho wouldn’t think of hurting them but somehow aren’t connecting the dots that if some of us gays and lesbians are getting hurt, all of us get hurt. Dr. King said it in a more engraved style: "It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me, and I think that’s pretty important." Laws don’t prevent crime or change the minds of the incorrigible, but laws do provide a way to legally make it uncomfortable for prejudice and violence to be acted out against minorities. ~is is one reason our enemies are very anxious that hate crimes bills that include language for the protection of sexual orientation and gender presentation are not passed either at the Federal or state level. Our opponents claim such laws would limit speech and hamper the free exercise of religion. But as Rep Barhey Dank (Mass.) said earlier in December, 2008 at a Victory Fund luncheon, these laws are directed at actions of violence not at xvords; expression is not the target of hate crimes laws, but physica! behavior is. (http://tinyurl.com/5963au) Yes, we truly live in the age ofOrwell xvhere words can be wolves in sheep’s clothing. We read of Mormon and Catholic spokespeople offended by the peaceful protests ofgay/lesbian supporters in reaction to losing the November Prop. 8 vote in California. And just why does prejudice and discrimination seem to originate with bible-trumpeting homo-haters ? Could it be because they already live in a ddusional world of superstition and make-believe, of fairy stories about sky-based good things, and dark-and-dirty ground-based bad things ? Could it be because they still live in the world of Bronze Age nomads ~vho had no science and no concept of a world beyond the horizon they could walk toward in a day? The current (I hesitate to call them "modern day") generation of ftmdies lives in a world of technology and communication that would seem like godly magic to their Abrahamic ancestors. They use this science to disperse their simplistic balderdash that’s rooted in desert-wandering myths and witch-doctoring and think nothing of the plain evidence and contradictions that shows them to be deeply deluded and ignorant. "Ihe last hundred years have passed them by and disproved the ancient runes and cabals they so desperately need to explain their conflicting childhood dreams of omnipotent, omniscient super heroes rescuing them from death and oblivion. Personally I don’t care what they do as consenting adults in the privacy of their religious establishments or even on the public street corner. However, no group has the legal prover to impose religious dogma in the law books of any state or Federa! code. There continues to be a principle of separation of church and state, equality and liberty for all, that is paramount to the continuation of this country as it was founded. African-Americans, Native Americans, and women have gained their civil equality in spite of the restrictions originally written in the Constitution and later remedied by Amendments. So far, 30 states have amendments or laws forbidding same-gender marriage in addition to the alleged "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA). Two states have understood the rights of gays and lesbians to have civil marriage, Massachusetts and Connecticut, with a handful of states having various marriage-like rights available but not the real thing. Close, but no cigar! We need to think of ourselves in a way that reflects the goodness and quality that exists within our ranks, g[e are terrific people and we may as well acknowledge that in our language. Another word that completely escaped our gaydar is the term homophobia. We use it to define prejudice against gay and lesbian people. But it just doesn’t seem to be up to the job. It’s weak and ambiguous. When we talk about someone who dislikes others based on their skin color we call them racist. Much stronger word. Phobic people, in general, tend to be fearful but polite. People who openly disapprove of gay/lesbian folks are neither. Are we too nice when ~ve describe our critics in such an affable way? Homophobic! Doesn’t sound so bad. Surely, the terms they have for us are more forthright. Who thought of calling hatred a phobia, anyway? Ac,t,t}ally, it was psychologist George Weinberg in his 1972book Society and the Healthy Honaosexual:’ He was tapping into the theory that violence toward gay people came about because of a fear of homosexuality, especially by those repressing their own same-sex urges. But what about all the other gay bashers who aren’t reacting to their inner homo ? The rest of the world has already learned that words define us to others and molds our selfqmage. That’swhy secretaries are executive assistants and garbage men are sanitation engineers. GeraM Libonati is the author afthe neu, novel Pete*" [’Vo~7 the storr af:a fiam°uv. ~Ta ro& star who ~oes incognito mfind love. He ~s an award-winningjournalist in &uth £1orig, workingfir the Sun-SentineL He has also wri~enJbr ~e .~iiami He,ald, ~e dd~ocam andfi’egznce~jbr gaT/tesbian newspapers around t,~e munW. Although Frederick Douglass was disappointed by the 1857 Dredd Scott decision that refused full citizenship to free blacks as well as slaves, he found a reason to look forward, saying, "My hopes were never brighter than now." Slavery was brought to forefront of the country and the unsavory ownership of people could no longer be ignored. Though we gay citizens are not owued physically, our social and economic prospects are curtailed. Thanks to our enemies, our own equality prospects been brought to the forefront and our equality will be won. Straights and Homophobes: lae Words hat Bind Us. By Gerald Libonati Language shapes our self-image and some of the words we use are misleading, inadequate or just plain wrong. Take the word straig!at, for instance. "We use it to describe heteros; men and women who are not gay or lesbian. And every time we use the term we indirectly insult ourselves. What does the word mean in our society? To me, it looks as if the First Amendment establishment clause is being ignored because there are some denominations that ~vill Straight means proper, upstanding, law-abiding and decent. Are ~,~÷t~oSTAR So ifheteros are straight what does that make us - crooked, dishonest, drugged and apparently indecent ? Just as Plessy ~: Ferguson was overturned by Brown v. Board of Education ending educational segregation; just as Bowers v. Hardwick was overturned by Lawrence and Garner v. Texas removing sodomy laws from enforcement, just as Colorado’s Amendment 2 was overturned with Romer v. Evans, we can look forward to our day in a courtroom as well as the court of public opinion. It seems these t~vo denominations that gave much of the money fueling the thei~ of a civil right in California were surprised by the bacHash to the imposition of their religious dogma on the non-member citizens of California ( http:/itinyurl.com/6qp2xz ), (http://tinyurl.com/6215gd). 10 ~ou being straight with me, refers to honest): When you’re off rugs, you’re straight. If you’re good, you travel the straight-andnarrow. ’Damn straight’ means emphatically right, unequiv0cally correct. January 2009 �nationa ROBERT MATSON’S LATEST EPIC "A GATHERING" AND HIS NEW NTURES UPCOMING anti-gay and anti-Latino slurs jumped from an SUV and broke a beer bottle over Sucuzhafiay’s head, beat him with a bat and kicked him. someone whose defamatory and damaging anti-gay statements and vie~vs ... clearly divide rather than unite Americans." Gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., called Obama’s move very disappointing. The brother, Romel, escaped down the street, then returned to the scene and scared offthe attackers by telling them he’d phoned police on his cell phone. By Victor Gorin ~Religious leaders obviously have every right to speak out in opposition to anti-discrimination measures, even in the degrading terms that Rev. Warren has used with regard to same-sex marriage;’ Frank said. "But that does not confer upon them the right to a place of honor in the inauguration ceremony of a president whose stated commitment to LGBT rights won him the strong support of the great majority of those who support that cause:’ Police are investigating the killing as a hate crime and are offering a $27,000 award for information leading to apprehension of the assailants. On Dec. 13, hundreds of protesters marched from a Bushwick park to the site of the attack. GeoffKors, executive director of Equality California, said he is so annoyed by Warren’s participation that he will boycott the inauguration. "I have decided to decline the invitation to attend the inauguration as I cannot be part of a celebration that highlights and gives voice to someone who advocated repealing rights from me and millions of other Californians;’ Kors said. "Rick Warren ... actively works to dMde Americans based on who we are and has been an ardent supporter of efforts to ostracize LGBT Americans:’ Photo: Robert Matson by Victor Go,qn OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Lyric’s Plaza Theater hosted a unique play with A Gathering, but Robert is a playwright where one can count on non-convention. After all he brought us Tails of the Closet and Drama Q~eens, and even a masculine answer to the Vagina Monologues entitled Beneath the Zipper, which celebrated the penis. But who ~v0~ld have expdcted agay thriller on stage, with seat edging suspense that would have awed Agatha Christie herself? But there it was, entitled A Gathering, where 9 gay men are trapped on an isolated island, cut offffom the outside world, and there is a killer or killers among them. With a scenario almost identical to Agatha Christie’s novel, "And then there were None," it starts offfun and campy with the wisecracking antics of ToW "Toneisha" Hayes ( portrayed by Chris Castleberry) who was supposed to be drag entertainment but instead was the first to go. Then there was the hard drinking Dr. James Armstrong ( portrayed by Timothy Stewart), a self proclaimed bisexual who was enamored with Toneisha ~vhile she lasted. The play ends in surprise as character Neil Lawrence ( portrayed by Jerome Stevenson) turns out to be the killer, and concludes with his suicide and that of the last left one left alive, the handsome resort employee Courmey Claythorne( portrayed by Scott Hynes), who xvas left xvith the bitter choice of self destruction or being accused of murdering all the others when the authorities eventually arrived. What inspired this wild tale ? W’ell, besides Agatha Christie, Mr. Matson added that "I love murder mysteries. I wanted to give Agatha’s story a different twist. This xvould be a great piece to work with, and how to make it xvork with 9 gay men. I worked on it for about 2 years." Although he has done past work with maW theater companies including Jewel Box, CityRep, Guthrie’s Pollard Theater & Carpenter Square, he is currently the Academy Administrator for Lyric Academy, which involves registration for acting classes taught there and he teaches adult acting classes as well. As for the fnture, he is working on" a couple things, including a loud gay comedy with Oklahoma ties to it." But that’s all he’ll say right now, so we can all be breathless with anticipation. www.metrostarnews.com Speaking in support of California’s Proposition 8 before the November election, Warren said, "We should not let 2 percent of the population change a definition of marriage that has been supported by every single culture and every single religion for 5,000 years. In reality, many cultures over the past 5,000 years have embraced polygamy. Hundreds ofprotesters marched in Brooklyn Dec. 13 after an Ecuadorean man who was walking a~n in arm with h# brother was attacked with a baseball bat and later died. 2he assailants shouted ann’-gay slurs. Photo byJoeJervis. More recently, Warren told Beliefnet.com that same-sex marriage is equivalent to "having a broth& anff Sist& b~ together ... an 01der ~ " and calling that a marriage... one gw having multiple wives and calling that marriage." (Warren: ’Tin opposed to the redefinition of a 5,000-year definition of marriage. I’m opposed to having a brother and sister be together and call that marriage. I’m opposed to an older gny marrying a child and calling that a marriage. I’m opposed to one guy having multiple wives and calling that marriage:’ Interviewer: "You think those are equivalent to gays getting married?" Warren: "Oh, I do:’) Brooklyn man dies after probable ha e attack A Brooklyn man who was attacked with a baseball bat Dec. 7 as he walked arm in arm with his brother died on Dec. 12. Josd Sucuzhafia); a 31-year-old Ecuadorean immigrant, and his brother were walking together in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood after a night out when three black men shouting [~Ie~°oSTAR 11 �@ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @Club 209, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ ~e Second Chance Animal Sanctuary @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ The End Up, Tulsa @ Angles, Oklahoma City �CLUB 209 HOSTS PHOTOGPHER VINCENT SCOTT Ok ahomans for Equality art gallery opens Josh New photo e libit California Constitution. Ordinarily, it is the attorney geqeral’s job to defend the state’s laws, not attack them. By Judy Gabbard "Proposition 8 must be invalidated because the amendment process cannot be used to extinguish fundamental constitutional rights without compelling justification;’ Brown said in a statement. "There are certain rights that are not to be subject to popular votes, otherwise they are not fundaanental rights;’ he added in an interview xvith the San Jose Mercury News. "If every fundamental liberty can be stripped away by a majority vote, then it’s not a fundamental liberty:’ Rejecting recent arguments submitted to the state Supreme Court by gay-rights lawyers, Brown concluded that existing case-law precedents of the court do not invalidate Proposition 8 either as an improper revision of the state constitution or as a violation of the separation-of-provers doctrine. But that does not resolve the matter; he said. Photography Art by Josh New TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery starts a new year of it’s monthly First Thursday meetthe-artist receptions featuring photographs from native Tulsa resident Josh New. The reception will be held Thursday, January 1st, 2009, from 6-9pm. Josh New, a teacher ofJapanese at Booker T Washington High School, is currently a graduate student at the University of Tulsa in photography. Arches by Photographer Hncent Scott TULSA, OK__ Dennis Olson, owner of DoArt Worlds, sponsored the opening of "Pioneering Seas6n" featuring the photography of Vincent Scott at Club 209, Tulsds Arts Bar in the historical Brady District. Club 209 features various artists throughout the year. The Club is also a great place to enjoy local entertainment on weekends, such as Vallerie Star Light Rock + Acoustic, Rebecca Ungerma~i with the Frank Brown Trio and the Three Penny Upright, A Little Bluegrass. Visit Club 209 on the web at www.club209tulsa.com for monthly updates on art exhibits and entdrtainment. Vincent Scott is a world traveled photographer whose eye for the beauty in our world, has thrilled many onlookers coast to coast. Dennis Olson, an artist in his own right, chose to sponsor these photographs because of Mr. Scott’s photographic eye and production techniques. To contact Dennis Olson emaih do@ doart~vorld.org. The opening night was an exciting experience of fine art, flowing wine and the admiration’ of hundreds of guest. After graduating from Oklahoma State, Mr. New worked in Japan for three years, where he developed a love of travel and the exotic. Since then he has traveled to many countries and discovered a talent in photography. That love and talent has brought Inm to TU to ~rther hone his s-kill aa~d allow hu~ the freedom to experiment aa~d take his photographs further than just glorified vacation photos. "My photographs have been, more than anything, my attempt to control and catalog the world around me’; states New. "I’m moving in a direction where I am starting to manipulate my images to illuminate my thoughts and ideas, but they primarily remain shots of the patterns and vibrant colors I see around me. This exhibit is a sampling of both photos I have taken on my journeys and the first steps in my attempt to, essentially, photograph my thoughts, which also seem to be constructed in colors and patterns" The exhibit will remain up through the month ofJanuary, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pro. 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. Calif. Attorney General Brown: Prop 8 is invalid Community Fellowship by Rex g¢ockne~ "A place where you can be who God created you to be andfriendghips become family" ors ip Experience Sund s 5:30 p.m. Pastor Neill @urgin Pasto ressionsOKC, corn (~05) 761-1878 "~w.ExpressionsOKC.com Meeting at Lansbrook ~¢ent Center 6009 NW E~pressway Oklahoma Cio~, OK In a stunninglegal move, California Attorney General Jerry Brown formally urged the California Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8 on Dec. 19 because, in re-banning sanaesex couples from marrying, the voter-approved constitutional amendment deprived people of an aspect of liberty that the Supreme Court previously had concluded is guaranteed by the In its May 15 decision legalizing same-sex marriage, the state Supreme Court "held that article I, section 1 of the California Constitution provides a right to marry that cannot be denied to same-sex couples;’ Brown’s office said. "In order to invalidate such a fundamental right, the court must determine that there is a compelling justification to do so. But in (its decision), the court found that no such compelling justification exists. Accordingly, Proposition 8 must be stricken." "~ae use of the (ballot) initiative power to take avcay a legal right deemed by this Court to be fundamental and from a group defined by a suspect classification is a matter of grave concern;’ Brown said in his brief to the court. "Proposition 8 should be invalidated as violating the inalienable right of liberty found in article I, section 1 of our Constitution." In its May decision, the state Supreme Court struck dmwa the state’s opposite-sex definition of marriage as unconstitutional, citing a fundamental right to marry under the state constitution and the constitution’s guarantee of equal protection under the lav,r, The court further determined -- in a move that legal analysts said was unprecedented for a supreme court -- that any discrimination based on sexual orientation is constitutionally subject to the strictest level of scrutiny by courts, which made it dramatically harder for any level of government in California to defend itself in any arena where gays, lesbians and bisexuals are not treated the same as heterosexuals. This was accomplished by the court’s declaring sexual orientation to be, like race and religion, a so-called "suspect classification" -- a categorization that forces any government in California that treats GLB people differently in any way to prove it has a specific compelling interest, rather than a mere rational basis, for doing so. While Prop 8 wiped out the part of the court’s decision that legalized same-sex marriage, it did not alter the more ground,b, reaking part of the ruling that found sexual orientatiT~n to be a suspect classification. Gay rights lawyers said back in May that the suspect-classification determination would prove to be even more of a game-changer for California gays in the long run than xvas the decision to legalize same-sex marriage. If Brown’s argument passes muster with the state Supreme Court, that prediction will have been borne out. Equality California Executive Director GeoffKors praised Brown’s court brief and its novel argument. "He just demonstrated the ldnd of leadership that isn’t motivated byp olitical exp edienc y but by what is right," said the head of the state’s leading gay lobby group. �Wockner News Service Sweden to strike six sexu- Burundi’s parliament HIV diagnoses among votes to ban gay sex European gay men nearly al diagnoses from list double since 2000 The parliament of the Central African nation Sweden’s National Board of Health and WelHIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM) increased 86 percent in 23 European countries between 2000 and 2006 -- from 3,003 cases to 5,571 cases -- according tO a report in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections. Researchers from the EuroHIV program analyzed data from 24 of the 27 member nations of the European Union along with data from Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, and compared those figures with similar year-2000 data gathered from 23 nations. There were 7,693 ne,v HIV cases reported overall among MSM in 2006, of which 2,597 occurred in the United Kingdom. Other nations with high diagnosis rates included the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal and Switzerland. Much lower rates of MSM diagnoses were found in Hungary, Lithuania and Slovenia, even though Hungary saw a 118 percent increase over 2000 and Slovenia saw a 257 percent increase. Four nations saw a decline in new HIV diagnoses among MSM over the six-year period: Cyprus, Iceland, Lithuania and Luxembourg (though Luxembourg’s rate is still high). The researchers said stepped-up HIV testing may have affected the statistics to some degree, meaning an increase in diagnoses may not correlate precisely ~vith an increase in actual infections. They also suggested that infections may be increasing as HIV-positive men who have sex with men live longer and remain sexually active and presumably able to pass on the virus. Other findings included: * In 20 countries, the percentage of MSM who had full-blown AIDS at the time of their HIV diagnosis decreased from 25 percent in 2000 to t0 percent in 2006. * In 30 countries, full-blown AIDS diagnoses decreased from 2,422 in 2000 to 1,445 in 2006. * In those same countries, HIV-related deaths decreased 57 percent over the period, from 876 in 2000 to 373 in 2006. "’qge have reported a recent increase in the number of HIV diagnoses among MSM in nearly all (European) countries, and in some countries this probably" represents a true increase in incidence;’ the researchers said. "This, combined with the high prevalence of HIV reported in many gay community settings, the high prevalence of HIV among MSM diagnosed with STI (sexually transmitted infection) and the high sexual mobility of this population, highlight the need for a Europewide HIV prevention strategy:’ 14 fare will strike six sexual diagnoses from the nation’s official list of medical diagnoses on Jan. 1, Stocldaolm’s ~ae Local newspaper reported. The agency will remove transvestism, fetishism, fetishistic transvestism, sadomasochism, gender-identity disorder in youth and multiple disorders of sexual preferences from the list. "W’e don’t want to contribute to certain sexual behaviors being thought of as diseases," said board director Lars-Erik Holm. "These diagnoses are rooted in a time when everything other th~ the heterosexual missionary position was seen as sexual perversions." Homosexuality was removed from the list 30 years ago. Australian Parliament gives gay couples equal rights Australia’s Senate and House of Representatives passed legislation in late November that changes some 100 laws to give gay couples equal rights. The measure now goes to the Governor-General for formal approval. The changes, introduced by the federal government, extend spousal rights to same-sex de facto couples in areas such as health care, ’ taxation, pensions, parenting, public benefits, workplace benefits, workers’ compensation, veterans’ affairs, elder care and educational assistance. "At long last we have removed discrimination against same-sex couples from commonwealth law;’ said Attorney-General Robert McClelland. Gay campaigners cheered the.move but said gay couples will not have complete equality until they can get married. Chinese gay HIV cases increase The percentage of gay men in China ~vho are HIV-positive increased from 0.4 percent in 2005 to 4.9 percent this year, the Ministry of Health said Nov. 28. But straight sex remains the predominant way HIV is transmitted in China, accounting for 40 percent of new infections, compared with 28 percent from IV drug use and 5 percent from gay sex. The gay statistics were based on data collected from 18,000 gay men in more than 60 cities. of Burundi voted to specifically criminalize gay sex Nov. 22 as part of a package of more than 600 legal changes that included abolition of the death penalty, news reports said. According to Amnesty International, male, male sex previously was banned and,ptmished under laxvs governing "immoral acts. The vote on the changes was 90 to 0 with 10 abstentions. The measure now moves to the Senate, then to President Pierre Nkurunziza. Neither is expected to oppose it. The small, landlocked nation has a population of 8.7 million, a life expectancy of less than 52 years, and a per capita gross domestic product at purchasing-power parity of $300. ~l-he comparable figure for the U.S. is $45,800. Norway’s is $ 53,300, Mexico’s is $12,400 and Vietnam’s is $2,600. 80% of South A ricans thimk gay sex is wrong Despite a constitutional ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation and its being one of only six nations where same-sex couples can marry, South Africa remains deeply homophobic, a new survey has found. The Human Sciences Research Council’s annual South African Social Attitudes Survey, released Nov. 24, found that 80 percent of respondents think gay sex is wrong. Whites, city dwellers and highly educated people polled less anti-gay than blacks, "coloureds" (mixed-race people), people with less education and those living in rural areas, the Sunday Times reported. Britain to count gay populafion Britain’s Office for National Statistics is going to count the gay population. Starting in January, a sexual-orientation question will be included in several of the office’s routine surveys, leading to an eventual estimate of the size of the nation’s gay community. Respondents will choose from heterosexual/ straight, gay/lesbian, bisexual or "other" -- or can opt not to answer. Officials say the results will be useful for gauging levels of discrimination and unequal treatment and addressing those problems. The signatories overcame strong opposition from a group of governments that routinely try to block UN attention to issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. Fifty-seven nations signed an alternative statement, promoted by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, that affirmed the "principles of non-discrimination and equality," but said universal human rights do not include "the attempt to focus on the rights of certain persons" because "the notion of orientation spans a wide range of persona] choices that expand way beyond the individual’s sexual interest in copulatory behavior with normal consenting adult human beings, thereby ushering in the social normalization, and possibly legitimization of many deplorable acts: ~ae countries that signed the pro-gay statement are Mbania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, S~o Tomd and Prlncipe, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, unite~Kingd0m, Uruguay ~Venezueta~ ..... The United States refused to sign the statement, saying its broad language could reach into areas that fall outside of federal jurisdiction, such as the right of each U.S. state to define marriage. qt is altogether shameful that on this 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Bush administration should take one final swipe at the universal application of human rights for all;’ said Julie Dorf of the Council for Global Equality. "The shoe incident in Iraq last week painfully shows us how low this country has sunk in the world’s view." Gays march in Hong Kong £or first time Hong Kong saw its first gay pride parade Dec. 13. About 1,000 people marched, including many who came from Taiwan and mainland China. ~he two-mile procession traversed Hennessy Road in the city center. Attendance may have been positively, influenced by news reports before the parade, when Hong Kong’s biggest bus company refused to rent a double-decker bus to pride organizers. China has recorded a total of 260,000 HIV cases, 77,000 AIDS cases and 34,000 AIDSrelated deaths. Janua~ 2009 �Larry: I see it as being a representative, not just for OGRA or the gay community but also the State of Oklahoma. We go to other states and other rodeos and meet a lot of people. Also important is our fund-raising, which is one of the reasons I went for this title. Victor: This fund-raising not only helps the charities themselves, but I’m sure you also see it as promoting the positive image of the GLBT people in the cowboy lifestyle. Larry: It think it has, and I think a lot of young people have gotten interested in it because of the fund-raising, shows and related activity. Also people see you don’t have to be a full fledged cmvboy, just interested in die country lifestyle and having fun. Victor: Although the world is changing, OGRA still defies sonle stereotypica! beliefs.. Victor: But the shining star of OGRA is the Great Plains Rodeo, which has been held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds for many years as a Memorial Day weekend celebration. Larry: More and more people are coming to that and really having fun. Some people are surprised that our rodeos are truly the same "kind of rodeos, although we do feature goat dressing and sometimes other campy events thrown in. Victor: What impact do you think t~he movie Brokeback Mountain had on the gay community, society in general, and in particular gay cowboys ? Larry: Really it brought the gay community into the mainstream, that there was more to the gay community than an urbaaa community of drag queens & flamboyant individuals, to see them as regular people with difficulties we all face in real life. It made the gay cowboys feel more accepted, to let them kalow they can be themselves. It also educated the urban gay community of the problems rural gays face. Victor: ~¢¢’here do you see die future of OGRA? Larry: When OGRA began we were teaming up witl~ other states, and now we’re doing one the largest rodeos on our own. Of course we’d like to see more people volunteer, but to put tllis on with the resources we have shows a true hardworking spirit of Oklahomans. Victor: How long have you been in Oklahoma City ? Larry: Seven years, and I have felt good seeing the increased interest in OGRA and the friends I have made there. I have been glad to hear from out oftowners how impressed they are that the various parts of the gay communit); the disco crowd, drag queens, the cowboys, the lesbians, get along so well together compared to other places. Victor: So how do people learu more about OGRA? Larry: ~lere~ our website ~a-,wv.ogra.net, to learn what we’re doing, about our events, and other related organizations & chatrooms where one can talk with other cowboys and learn even more. There’s room for all types of people and talent, lesbians, gay" men and we also have some straight members. Photo by Chaz competition is as greatfor the Cowgirls and Cowboys at OGR~4’~; Great PLains Rodeo as an), other rodeo. Larry: Strangely enough, there are still people we encounter who are shod~ed that there are gay cowboys, that they even exist. They have interesting questions, such as "Are the rodeos really rodeos ? .... Do you really ride horses ?" Victor: Have you ever really roped a cow ? Larry: Yes I have, nay parents have owned ranches and I have roped cows, branded cattle, pulled calves, done all diat. Victor: You grew up in a small town? Larry: Ha}wcorth, a small town not far from Idabel. g[e lived on a f~trm there, went to school, did our chores, slopped the hogs, fed the chickens, took care of the horses. We even rode our horses to school when the buses couldn’t get through. Victor: So you had a typical growing up there ? Larry: Yes, but my family moved around a lot, and I experienced city life as well. I got involved ~vitll the gay community after I graduated from O!dahonia Christian University of Edmond witli a degree of Marketing & Business. After moving back to IdabeI, my first gay bar experience was the Roundup in Dallas. I soon began working with HIV organizations including the Mariah Foundation, Carepoint, and with the OHahoma State Health Department. www.metrostarnews.com There you have it, a proud tradition now 23 years young derived from the frontier spirit of Oklahoma. The GLBT community of Oklahoma can look forward to ~vhat OGRA can do for our future. Connecticut unlikely to amend constitution on marriage Connecticut voters strong!y oppose anaending the state constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage, according to a QEinnipiac University poll released Dec. 17. The poll of 1,445 registered voters found that 61 percent oppose an anlendment and only 33 percent support it. Same-sex couples began marrying in Connecticut on Nov. 12 after the state Supreme Court ruled that offering gay couples onbi civil unions violated the state constitution’s guarantee of equal protection under the law. The poll found dlat 52 percent of voters agreed with the Supreme Court’s decision, 39 percent did not and 9 percent had no opinion. MERI Day of Service to Provide for Foster Children in Rhode Island & Arkansas RHODE ISLAND (PR) Dec 8 __ As Marriage Equality Rh6de Island (MERI) made a commitment to community service this holiday season it couldn’t help but acknovdedge sorrow at the passage of Act 1 in Arkansas, a thinly veiled attack on the gay community that bans unmarried couples from adopting children or serving as foster parents. Although the Arkansas state motto calls for both "Mercy and Justice; neither was demonstrated by proponents of this legislation which harms families and children. MERI fights for the rights and protection of all families in seeking marriage equality for Rhode Island’s GLBT residents. On \Vednesday, December 10 MERI xvas at the State House to collect items for not only" the RI Food Bank, Crossroads, Amos House mid the IRIE Transitional Home for women and children, but also the foster children of Arkansas xvhose wishes for new families have been curtailed. Mayor Dani Joy of Eureka Springs, Arkansas accepted and distributed RI donations. File Photo Eureka Springs Birayor DaniJoy In her letter to MERI, Joy stated, "I am greatly honored that your organization would focus your energy and compassion on our many children that receive foster care throughout our state. With the passage of Act I our state is left with a large number of children that are either in need of foster care, or currently in foster care... Again, let me say that I am in axve of your compassion during this holiday, season. We are truly grateful," Food bank requests included boxed and canned goods, pmvered and evaporated milk, potato flakes, cereal, oatmeal, pasta, rice, soup, condiments, crackers, tuna, peanut butter, jelly/jam and juice. Amos House needs coffee and personal hygiene items. Crossroads could use slippers, hats, mittens, gloves and scarves for men, women and children (4 mos - 18). The young women and their children living at the IRIE Transitional Program, under the auspices of the RI Foster Parent Association (RIFPA) learn skills to improve their lives mid break the cycle of poverty. Ten teens ages 16-20 and their 7 children, ages 4 months - 6 years, live in the facility. Contact MERI for items noted on the IRIE wish list. MERI Day of Service partners include RI Pride, inFOCUS and the Gay Straight Alliance of Warwick Veteran’s Memorial High School. For raore information, contact Susan MacNeil at smacneil@marriageequalityri.org or by calling 401-463-5368 The poll’s margin of error was plus or minus 2.6 percentage points. ~÷t~oSTAR 15 .... �~.. Happy New The method of making "mousse" (another name fbr bubbles) in a bottle was invented by the efforts ofD~reJean Oudart (1654 - 1742) and Dora Pierre Pdrignon (1639 - 1715), Benedictine monks and cellarmasters at the respective abbeys of Saint-Pierre aux Monts de Chalons and Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, We have a lot to celebrate including the January 20th date for President elect Obama. This year may be the start of something big for each of us and our personal endeavors. This is truly a time to click our glasses together. Here is a litde about sparkling wines from France and Spain Champagne French monks were the first to bottle a sparkling forra of wine called Champagne, named after the Champagne region of France. The region of Champagne has a colder and shorter growing season. Champagne grapes had to be picked late in the year, with less time available for fermentation. During fermentation yeasts are used to convert the sugars of the grape juice into alcohol and cold winter temperatures stopped the process. The monks developed a method of making Champagne wine by using a second fermentation process that took place in the bottle during the following spring. The second fermentation created carbon-dioxide bubbles that are the sparkle of Champagne. Cava A Spanish sparkling wine is called Cava and was first made as early as 1851, although the true roots of the Cava wine industry can be traced back to Josd Raventos’ travels through Europe in the 1860s, where he was promoting the still wines of his Codorniu winery. His visits to the Champagne region sparked an interest in the potential of a Spanish version " Don~ Perlgnon. Rose 96/Sn-nply_ _put;although. fmay noF fi~ ~yeryqne s budget, and its super h~rd to fifid~ thi~ wifie is ~ller~ of the sparHing wine, usifig th~ same~ , p.roduction methods. ~e local Maekbeo, P~retlada and Xareldo grapes were well smtqd t~h~s wine st de and whereas earl Y versions W~e called champ~n or xampany after Champa~~ Catalan winemakers wadted ~o dis{ingui-sh 5~< [: Inmerial Nectar/This one is more in~er~sting than {he Wliite Star. It~ fruit ...... - ¯ forward & 9ffdry- dehclous. . Piper,Hela ieck B~Ut from the Vr nc 0un par , adopted the name Cava aAer the Cat’an qV6?a ~r cave, where ~e wines were tradi{~on~lly stored. ...... Toad H611ow Amplexus Brnt/~is one is ported to Califbrnia from the Cremant region ~:: of F{auce. Accordin ~ to Spanish wine laws, Cava cache .... C0dorniu Cava Brut / Sp arHin g wine s from " ~pain can be among the most interesting in taste. ~ey’re usually fi-uit forward & quite affbrdable; produced m s:x wine [eg~ous ~such as A~:md} de Duero, Navarra and ~oja)but 95% ~f Spanish Cava production takes Pene&s region. In order for the wines called "Card’ they must be made in tional m&hode champenoise. Wines the lmv-cost "Charmat process" may called "Spanish sparkling wine". Food Champagne tends to ers or opening courses in a well with gegura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva This writer is one of the manager~ at the Grand Vin wine shop. He also bar tends and hosts wine & food events known in town as dae Enthusiasts of Tulsa. 9fwine by James Laube/ shellfish like of course This months recipe courtesy of: To prepare: Boil water in large pot with splash of salt and drop of oil to keep pasta from.sticking -pasta as directed on package making sure not to overcook, drain, set aside like s Sautd olive oil, gatlic and spinach about 5-10 minutes, add fresh or defrosted shrimp and sautd in mixture until pink!orange in color. Add thatsanice! "VERDE" and mix together, pour entire mLxture over pasta and toss making sure pasta is evenly coated. Shrimp Verde Ingredients: If desired, top with some grated Parmesan cheese (although strict old school Italians frmvn on putting cheese over seafood but it tastes good !) ] pound thin linguine, cappelini or PRIMI Serving ideas: PI?~TTI Serve as a first course with a fish entrde like 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil halibut or swordfish I Bag Spinach 1 Pound Shrimp-fresh ot fi’ozen- shelled and &veined 2 Cloves Garlic 8 tablespoons thatsanice "VERDE" basil pesto crema sauce )ver [en& modern traditional flavors. If you y from them and they offer f~atured on many television shows including the Food Network and have been featured in �nmen At The BOK Center Tulsa INSIDE HOLLYWOOD Deep Inside Hollywood, which reports on a new project for Margaret Cho and Kal Penn By Romeo San Vicente Brad Paisley Jan 24, 2009 at BOK Center With special guests! Dierks Bentley Darius Rucker Ticket Prices: $39.75 & $46.75 Tickets On Sale Now No, Really: Lesbian Vaanpire Killers Cho and Penn Unite for Sisters Cdine Dion Feb 2, 2009 at BOK Center RESCHEDULED DATE! MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2009 All tickets previously purchased for the original date will be honored. Refunds xvill be available at point of purchase. Time: 8:00pm Doors: 7:00pm Ticket Prices: $167.00, $127.00, $77.00, $49.50 ~hlsa is one of 45 cites and the only city in Oklahoma on this tour. 2q~roughout her career, Celine has been honored with over 1000 Awards, including Grammys, Oscars, Golden Globes, World Music, Juno and Felix Awards. She is the biggest-selling female artist of all time. Billy Joel & Elton John Q~eer-identified entertainer Margaret Cho is quite the Renaissance svoman- she’s a stand-up comic, author, actress, blogger, and activist. And now she can add "director" to her resume with Two Sisters, her feature debut. If you were expecting something racy from the potty-mouthed comedian, forget it; the movie is slated to premiere on ABC Family. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but Cho has assembled an impressive cast, including Kal Penn (from the Harold and Kumar movies, as xvell as The Namesake) and the gorgeous Tamlyn Tomita (who recently popped up on Heroes), plus Kathy Najimy (King of the Hill) and Elaine Hendrix (Tru Loved, The Parent Trap). As for the lady herself, Cho will also appear in a small role. Look for Two Sisters to make its premiere on ABC Family in 2009. Pee-wee Comes Back to the Playhouse Mar 17, 2009 at BOK Center Billy Joel & Elton John Face 2 Face Tour March 17, 2009 7:30pro Tickets On Sale Now There is no presale for this concert Ticket Prices: $179, $99, $53.50 Billy Joel and Elton John, the most successful and longest-running concert pairing in pop history! Billy and Elton open the concert with a series of duets, playing tvcin pianos and trading vocals. Each artist then performs a set with his own band. A grand finale brings the two superstars and their supporting musicians ba& together for a dosing encore. This includes some of both Billy and Elton’s greatest hits along with an unpredictable selection of rock and roll classics. w,~w.metrostarnews.com ~Pnere are a lot of unanswered questions floating around about Pee-wee’s Playhouse: Ti~e Movie, like "Is it really happening?" and "Is Johnny Depp playing Pee-wee ?" So far the only certainty is that Paul Reubens, ~vho, than!ffull); is still in charge of Peexvee Inc., is jump-starting this cash cow one more time and is working on the goal of a 2009 release date for the slow-moving production. Plot details are few and up for debate. Casting, too. (Who’ll replace the late Phil Hartanan? What happened to the guy who played the unambiguously gay Jambi ? Will S. Epatha Merkerson return as Reba the Mail Lady? Please?) But all will surely be answered eventually, possibly via ticker-tape readout from Conky the Robot’s torso. And ifJohnny Depp shows up, even as a Pee-wee doppelganger, that’s just fine, too. Now if the cameras would only hurry up and roll. Whether it’s Snakes on a Plane or ~Pne Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies!!?, a movie’s title can sometimes tell you everything you need to knm,: And so it is with Lesbian Vampire Killers, a new British horror-comedy about a Welsh village whose xvomen have been cursed by the local Sapphic bloodsuckers. In aa~ attempt to improve matters, the tovcn sends txvo hapless visitors (played by James Corden and Mathew Home, the stars of the BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey) into the woods as a sacrifice to the titular undead. The film also features Paul McGann (Withnail & I, Doctor Who) as one of the few remaining men in the village. Lesbian Vampire Killers ~vill put the bite on audiences in 2009. Next Christmas, Make the Yuletide Gay Romeo loves a good holiday dassic, and some gay filmmakers obviously feel the same way about the genre, with Make the Yuletide Gay now going into production. O.Eueer actor Adamo Ruggiero (who played out-and-eventually-proud Marco on Degrassi: ~e Next Generation) and Allison Arngrim (best known as frontier mean girl Nellie Oleson on Little House on the Prairie) will don their gay apparel for this coraedy about what happens when a guy who’s not out to his faanily goes home for the holidays and then has to explain the sudden appearance of his boyfriend. Yuletide also features Ian Buchanan (Twin Peaks) and gay" indie-fihn vets Derek Long (Socket) and Steve Callahan (East Side Story). Look for Make the Yuletide Gay to pop up at around the same time as 2009 Advent calendars. ~etroSTAR 17 �internationa (White Shadows). A new friend who ~ve are in contact with but haven’t actually met yet, author Louise Penny in Canada. Boy George could face jail for ’imprisoning’ escort by Donald Pile and Ray Williams "T VELING AND MEETING PEOPLE" Photo: Donald Pile & Ray Williams Since we are always telling our readers to "Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone" we decided to devote this travel column to the fabulous and interesting people that we have met and dealt with, in our travels. These, ~ve will list in no particular order and they live from coast to coast. Hizabeth Taylor has always been so gracious to remember our anniversaries and holidays. We have so many to list in Palm Springs. There is Jim Doyle &Jerry Efron, Tyke, Wayne, Millie, Shirley, Jim LaMarrina, Ken & Grant, Tom & Doug at the Terrazzo, Burt XWahquist, artists Robert Sharer & Giorgio and restaurateurs, Sol and Chris ~vho we first met when they owned a B & B in San Francisco and now mvn a restaurant in Puerto Vallarta and also own a home in Pahn Springs. In Florida, the famous portrait photographer Jack Mitchell & Bob Pavlik, entertainers Auntie Marne, ToW & Gloria, the best jazz duo and Miguel Reyna, who without a doubt is the finest piano entertainer/singer that we have ever met! and the lovely and extremely talented Faye Harrod and her friend Gloria Delro); Casey Koslowki, owner; Herb Pianin, General Manager; Peter Mehas, Guest Services Manager and the entire staff at the Grand Resort and Spa in Ft. Lauderdale who operates the finest gay resort in the country, Chuck Smith and Chef Carlos at the Hi-Lit~ Care, Alan Beck & Nick and Norma. Also in Ft. Lauderdale, Al & Tom and Steve & Ells~vorth and the deceased fabulous pianist/entertainer, Houston, and then dear, dears friends, Ed Hayes &John Dunne in St. Petersburg who are truly delightful. And there are the people that we have met quite by accident who have become dear friends such as Ginny & Willy in Florida, Kala & Frank, the absolutely ~beyond Fabulous" owners of the Luna Vista B and B in Rimrock, Arizona, Michael McFall & Luis Gonzalez in Phoenix, ChefMarcdlino and his fabulous wife Sima, owners ofMarcellino Ristorante in Phoenix, Gordon & Kin at the Inn of the 410 in Flagstaff who are super special guys and Charlotte Welch and her daughter Katie in Flagstaff. In Billings, Montana we met Barbara Hill, a wonderful entertainer who has "come OUt~ In New ~%rk City, JeanClaude Baker, the exciting owner of Chez Josephine’s Restaurant, author Tom Monsell, play~vright Matthew LomPhoto: Chq~G~r!os at the Hi-Life bardo C,~e in Ft. Lauderdale (Tea at Five and Looped) and movie director/producer Rick McKay. His movie "Broadway: The Golden Age" is a terrific movie. 18 #~troSTAR no not lesbian, but "just simply came out to life" and has found true happi,ness at Photo: Actor LeslieJordan last. We just wish that everybody could find themselves like she did. In St. Louis, Michael Lance &JeffArchuleta, owners of Napoleons’ Retreat B & B where we first met the "fun couple; Smitty and Eddy in Mississippi who we will be seeing again on our way driving to Florida in January. They can’t help it because they were born straight! And then there is actor, Leslie Jordan, authors Christopher Rice and Robert Hofmann, filmmaker Craig Highberger, (Superstar In A Housedress) and filmmaker Mialyn Hanna Singer Boy George may land in jail after being convicted Dec. 5 of falsely in~prisoning male escort Audun Carlsen in London. Photo: Countess Alexis & Ray ~qlliams Also wonderful people like the Countess Mexis, the QEeen Diva who now" lives in Hollywood. She certainly epitomizes elegance and "old Hollywood", plaDvright Gene Danklin Smith and Steve Nycklemore, director of the Hollywood Museum, our good friend, Attorney Andrew Lee who now resides in Mexico, Dean Perkins (Crystal Chandelier) in New Hampshire, Rodger & J.T. in the Q.~ad cities, Chris X~alsh in San Francisco as wel! as gZalter Edgar, owner of the 24 Henry B&B and the Village House B&B in San Francisco. In Seatrle, Stephen Bennett, owner of the Gaslight Inn B and B and visiting there,ave met Tom & Doris Friedman from the Hamton’s in New York who ,are will visit When we are in New England next year. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, Ralph Bolton and Robert Frost, owners of the Inn of the Turquoise Inn. Four o~tstanding people are the late Dalee Henderson who was and is an inspiration to thousands of people and to Raymond Bilbool, former owner of the Secret Garden B&B in West Hollywood and our dear friend Stefan Hemming, owner of the Liberace Estate in Palm Springs who hosted our 35th Anniversary two years ago and to Mel Haber, owner of Melvyn’s Restaurant and the Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs. Their lives have reached many. So here we are, two guys who live in the middle of the country who are fortunate in that we get to travel a lot and meet so many people. In our travels, we really have been so fortunate to meet so many fun, interesting and exciting individuals. q-his column is warmly dedicated to all of daese people that we have met in our travels and we are looking forward to meeting many more in our future. Remember, in the words of the late Dalee Henderson, "When you wake up in the morning, it is a miracle! The rest of the day is up to you!" Truly, today is the first day of the rest of your life. If you are not happy with your life it is no one’s ffmlt but your own. We want to thank our dear friend Chaz XWard, Publisher-Editor of the Metro Star for his support. Last April, George handcuffed Carlsen to a book on the wall of George’s bedroom fbr about an hour, saying he suspected Carlsen had hacked into his coruputer following a previous photo session between the two men. Car!sen claims George also attacked him with a metal chain af, er he broke free and began his escape from the apartment. Car!sen told the court the computer story was made up and that George probably was upset because Car!sen refused to have sex ~vith him the previous time they met. City apologizes for past anti-gay actions 1he City Council of Hobart, Tasmania, in Australia, apologized Dec. 10 for banning a booth promoting gay law reform from the city’s weekly Salamanca Market in 1988. In the weeks that followed, more than 100 people were arrested for refusing to vacate the site, marking Australia’s largest-ever act of gay civil disobedience. The apology, delivered by Lord Mayor Rob Valentine before more than 200 former arrestees, GLBT community members and civil leaders, including state Premier David Bartlett, coincided with the 20th anniversary of the crackdown and the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universa! Declaration of Human Rights. "The Hobart City Cotmcil apologizes for prohibiting the gay law reform stall at Salamanca Market in 1988 and for the resulting arrests aud bans," Valentine said. "We are sorry for the pain and trauma caused to all involved, including GLBTI people; their family members, friends and supporters; and those council officers who were required to carry out the council decision. We are also sorry that the actions we took may have encouraged ill-will and discrimination towards GLBTI people in the broader community. We resolve that actions such as these will never happen again." The apology was formally accepted by Rodney Croome of the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group, which has operated the booth continuously at the Saturday outdoor street market since 1988. "Twenty years ago, as we sat in police cells for the crime of being ourselves, we could not possibly have imagined something like this," Croome said. "People everDvhere who suffer human rights abuses should take this apology as a sign that no matter how bad things seem there is ~lways hope of a better future: Prior to the apology, a City Council-sponsored photo exhibit of the arrests was unveiled at the Salamanca Arts Centre. The council also is sponsoring a ublic art work at Salamanca Place commemorating e arrests. ~ January 2009 �and instruc- , and two ~.metrostarnews.com �OKC Civic Center Music Ha~1 January Events Jan. 5 SWEENY TODD presented by Broadway Tonight Jan. 9 -Jan. 31 ORPHANS a comedy-drama by Lyle Kessler Jan. 9-Jan. 31 Orphans Jan. 10 INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS presented by the Oldahoma City Philharmonic Jan. 22-Jan. 25 Julius Caesar Jan. 23 -Jan. 24 CHRIS BOTTI presented by Oklahoma City Philharmonic Jan. 25 HOLD THE CANNONS! ~e Story and Glory of Tchaikovsky and the 1812 Overture Jan. 27- Feb. 1 OPRAH WINFREY’S THE COLOR PURPLE Jammry At The Ford Center OKC Jan. 21 st - Jan. 25th ~;,hlking With Dinosaurs Jan. 30th -Jan. 31st ~l!ie Revolve Tour January At The P.A.C. Tulsa Jan 4 David Finckel and "Wu Hart John H. Williams Theatre 6-31 FP~EE Highway412 PAC Gallery Jan 10 Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant Liddy Doenges Theatre Jan 17 An Infinite Ache Liddy Doenges Theatre Jan 20-25 Oprah Winfrey Presents: Wue Color Purple Chapman Music Hall Jan 23 The Tannahill Vgeavers John H. xg/illiams Tneatre FOR Webs#e- www.kylecomics.com bitter girl Jan 24 Ralph’s World John H. Williams Theatre Jan 27 Ethel Cabaret Liddy Doenges Theatre Jan 28 Ethel Concert John H. Williams Theatre Jan 30-31 OMEA All-State Music Festival Chapman Music Hall en~il: bittergifl@qsyndtcate.com 20 #4etroSTAR w~wcjoanhilty.net January 2009 �by Jack Fertig January 2009 "Toot your horn, Taurus!" Jupiter is starting his yearlong passage through Aquarius, where he inspires new visions of freedom aa~d scientific exp,,loration. This mini "age of Aquarius is a year of great luck to anyone with that Sun sign or Ascendant, but check with your astrologer to see when that lucky year actually starts! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): You’ll be amazed to see what your friends would do for you. Take the opportunity to advance yourself politically and socially, and to promote whatever goals and ideals you see improving the world. TAURUS (April 20 o May 20): Don’t be shy! Toot your horn and let everyone know what you’re worth. This is your chance to rise to any position you’re qualified for. You have a bigger career peak in 12 years, but promotions now can boost your trajectory. GEMINi (May 21 - June 20): .At least give a listen to the Wackiest, most far-out ideas coming your way. Take classes that challenge everything you believe in. Ask yourself and the world all the hard questions, and be ready for whole new worlds of answers. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Could you be any more loquacious? Keep your mouth out of trouble by harnessing the brain behind it. Learn a new skill or language, or sign up for any class that offers you a different direction. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): This should be your lucky year for money, but it comes with some deceptive lures. Still, odd chances that shouldn’t work might prove very lucrative. Think ahead, but be ready to take advantage of sudden opportunities. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): In a 12-year cycle, this is your lucky year. Buy a few lottery tickets now and then, travel, or take some classes. You can expand yourself educationally, economically, and/or otherwise. But watch your diet! PISCES (February 19 -March 19): The worst things that happen to you could turn out for the best, although it may take a while to see that. By next year, you’ll be very glad for the experience and insights. LEO (Ju~y 23 o August 22): This is your lucky year for relationships. That could include becoming very happy with being single. Join in political or community groups; do things that fulfill you, get you out among others, and accomplish some good. Love will come when it is ready. LIBFL~k (September 23 - October 22): If you wants kids, now’s the time! If you prefer having time for fun, explore new pleasures, hobbies, and creative directions. Try something you’ve only considered at the edges of your wildest dreams. The more "out there" and daring, the better! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Whether it involves moving or decorating, embark on the big domestic changes that will make your home what you really want it to be. Do what you can to heal family problems. You can hardly go wrong. ww~.metrostarnews.com 54 55 56 ~ 65 Across 1 Gay horror writer Perry 6 Release from bondage’ 11 Be in the hole 14 writer X~stan ~ugh 15 Lincoln Center s Walter 16 Brownb Dirt 1’ CANCER (June 21 - July 22): New sexual adventures beckon - and celibacy and monogamy may count as "adventures," if they’re new to you. You can get your sex life where it should be or wherever you want it. Are they the same? Be careful what you wish for! VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Health-wise, this is generally a good year, but be careful of your liver. You can get almost any job you want, if you’re suited for it. Make sure to have the education you need for the post you want. 53 ~aeater 3 Af~eck’s Chasing Aany crush 4 \~’ork under Edith Head, perhaps 5 Cut quickly 6 Seduction step, perhaps 7 M0by Dick, to ~daab 8 Retreat for D.H. Lawrence 9 Same~sex vow’ in Connecticut 10Always, to Emilg Dickinson 11 Cather novel of 1913 12 Place for a Rivera mural 13 What Carson Kressley did to the straight guy? 18 Glenn Burke, formerly 22 James Deans East of Eden role 24 Wol£bn of Freedom to Marry MCC0 Rev Steve T. Urie Spidt0fChdst MCC 2g02 E2~ Street J0plin, M064804 417-52~ Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC 0fthe Living Spdng 17 Elk S~eet Eureka Spriags, AR 72632 47525: 9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! ~et~oSTAR 21 �¢ Heights Historic District is: [ BUY G1 Joe Action F~gm:es GAYEST Neighbo£hood t12" size Only) myg0oe@cox.net or cai!(405) 249-4515 I BW OLD or NEW ~n Box or Out of Box (send pic with asking price) KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man F~dl Body Massage DS (2437) 2 hands or 4 hands available Oklahoma’s HIV/STD H0tline PROTECT YOURSELF PROT£CT YOUR PARTNER(8) Nens Oul~each P~mm ©ommunity People ~iving Now Hiring Male & Female Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIVe 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 itelT~s for themselves. VVe invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhouseioo9865@sbcglobal.net [] [] WVTW.METRO STARN EV,ogS .COM 22 Metr0STAR January 2009 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222t www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALEI~E VZtLLIFORD 625 N.\~ 13th Street Oldahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. \VALNUT .A.VE. Oldahorna City, OK 800-913-1310 ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK v.~vw.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE TulSa, OK 918_836_8700 ........................... wwwabaingooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. 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Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 ~w~v.mcctulsa.org OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn TOM & JERRYS 1501 N.W. 23RD Oklahoma City, OK 405-524-9100 OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 >> KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oldahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 JUDY G. PHOT0’S Tulsa, OK judvgphotos@sb%lobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 N\Xz EXPPd~SSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com B R A U O E D R AW G A E L $ E N E ow PA Y ~ E $ L ~ C OLD A N V $ ON OO E D R ~ 0 STS NST H$ EXPP,ESSIONS Comm Fellowship 6009 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 www.expressionsOKC.com CHUCK BRECKENI~DGE K.elter Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-!887 o N O L E N WED R A ~®troSTAR 23 �� 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 "WWW.METROSTA~qEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" UN Ge era Assembly hears pro-gay presentation "9gockner News ~/ire It was read into the record by Argentine AmbassadorJorge Argtiello. q’he 66 countries affirmed "the principle of non-discrimination, which requires that human rights apply equally to every hmman being regardless ofsexual orientation or gender identity; and denounced "violence, harassment, discrimination, exclusion, stigmatization and prejudice ... because of sexual orientation or gender identity:’ statement also called for the decriminalization ofgay sex, 77 SLxty-sLx nations at the UN General Assembly supported a groundbrealdng statement Dec. 18 confirming that international human rights protections include sexual orientation and gender identit): It was the first time a statement condemning rights abuses against GLBT people was presented in the General Assembly. gay Americans support Woclmer News Wire A Harris Interactive poll released Dec. 3 found that Americans support a range ofpolicies and protections for gay people. The Pulse ofEquality survey, cmmnissioned by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, found that majorities of Americans favor either marriage or civil unions for gay couples, hate-crime laws to protect gay and transgender people, letting gays in the military serve openly, and allowing gays and lesbians to adopt children. ~ae telephone survey questioned 2,000 adults beBveen Nov. 13 and 17 and had a margin oferror ofplus or minus 2 percentage points. Among the specific findings: * Seventy-five percent of U.S. adults favor either marriage or domestic partnerships/civil unions for gay and lesbian couples. Only 22 percent oppose any legal recognition ofgay couples. ........... Continued See POLL Page-8 Saudi Arabia "To love is not a crime;’ said Louis-Georges Tin, president of the International Day Against Homophobia Committee, which initiated the process that led to the statement. "To decriminalize homosexuality world,vide is a batde t’or human rights.... This (statement) is a great achievement (but) I also want to remind everyone that ending the criminalization ofsame-sex love wilt be a long, hard battle:’ Leading British activist Peter Tatchell called the statement "history in the making." "The UN statement goes much further than see’king the decriminalization ofsame-sex acts;’ Tatchell said. "k ondemns all human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, urges countries to protect the human rights ofLGBT people and to bring to justice those who violate these rights, and calls for human rights defenders who oppose homophobic and transphobic victimization to be allowed to carry out their advocacy and humanitarian work unimpeded." ........... Continued See UN Page-14 JANUARY 1, 2009 Oklahoma’s 2009 Mr. O.G.R.A. Larry Bourne chats with the Metro Star. By Victor Gorin Photo: ~adr. OGRA 2009 Larry Bour~ze By Victor Gorin The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association ( better known as OGRA) has a proud history ofnot only promoting the country lifestyle in the GLBT community, but also to the straight community as well. Letting gay cowboys knmv they can truly be themselves is a cause they promote proudly, but they do more. OGRA also has a proud history ofhelping wordBvhile charities such as Other Options, Infant Crisis Services, Young Gay Lesbian Alliance, and R.A.I.N. Also a proud tradition are the OGRA Royalty, which features a Mr. OGRA, a Ms. OGRA" Brooklyn" and Miss OGRA Anita Ryder.. The new Mr. OGRA is Larry Bourne, who’s made many cowboys happy bartending at the Finishline the past 5 years. Sharing his life and his thoughts with the Metro Star, he gives us his perspective on our community and OGRA. ................Continued See OGP,A page- 15 comes out ....Page-7 Janua~ 2009 2 $8 VALUE WITH PURCHASE OF 2 D~ER E~TREES AT REGULAR PRICE Bring this ad width you to receive this special often Not valid with any other coupon, discount or offers. COMEORT FOOD & DALLY SPECIALS ALL PREPAI~D IN AN AMBIANCE THAT WILL TEMPT YOUR SENSES. Let us ~ro~ot~ your business in 8TAR A~VERTJSJNG ~.metrostarnews.com ~÷t~oSTAR 3 World Aids Day December 1, Remembering the Past-Facing Future- The Crisis is not over. By Victor Gorin Following the Mayflower UCC ~:orldAIDS Day Service, Reverend Loyce Newton Edwards places a card on a o’oss honod~ her siste,; Lavonn Newton whopassd ~tv~yfivm AIDS related illness. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ On December 1, the 20th World Aids Day Service was held at Mayflower Congregational Church, along with countless others worldwide. Along with music, preaching and praise was not only remembrance of those xvho have passed on because of HIV, bur also hope for the future. The service concluded with the opportunity to fill out a card of a loved one lost to HIV and attach it to one ofa group of crosses in the courtyard. For Rev. Loyce Newton-Edwards the service had special meaning, as she had lost a transgen- &red sister, Lavonne Newton to AIDS related illness. As she put it, "The service was deeply moving and a wonderful way to honor the precious lives that have been lost to AIDS, and to offer comfort to their devastated families. My prayers continue for more community compassion, HIV prevention advocacy, as well as more effective HIV/AIDS related medications." Being that World AIDS Day is now in it’s 20th year, this reminds us that although advances have been made in the treatment of HIV, there is no reason for complacency. In Oklahoma there are around 4500 known cases ofpeople infected with HIV, including around 1700 in Oklahoma County alone. Currently the fastest growing rate of infection among demographic groups tragically is young people aged 15-24, disproportionately gay and male. Although medical science is far ahead ofwhere it was over 20 years ago when AIDS first became an issue, safe sex is still important. As Chuck Longacre ofRed Rock North, an HIV testing/counseling facility pointed out, "R’s still a deadly disease. The disease can still be fatal. However, often one can be helped ifthe virus is detected early, so we encourage those who are sexually active to be tested every 3 months." Testing is still available at Red Rock North, 4400 N. Lincoln Botdevard (OKC), telephone (405 424 7711. It’s a free test, and in most cases can be completed in around 20 minutes. This, coupled with educational efforts is also part ofthe reason for the day, and that is the hope for a better future. Angda Monson Runs For O dahoma City School Board Chair By Victor Gorin Photo: Angela Monson, State Representative Anastasia Pittman-District 99 (Center)Jesus Gasper Lovie Givens e3~ Danielle Gaddis by Hctor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Angela Monson, on the last day offiling, got into the race for Oklahoma City School Board chair. She challenges incumbent Kirk Humphreys, and the election will be February 10. As a Democrat, she was elected to the Oklahoma State House ofR~epresentatives in 1990-District 99, and was later elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in 1993 -District 48. She Served as a State Senator until forced out by term limits in 2005. She is currently Associate Provost with the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, and is a longtime ally ofnot only the GLBT commtmity but numerous progressive Causes. Kirk Humphreys was appointed as Chair by the OKC School Board when the position was vacated by CliffHudson, and is a former mayor ofOklahoma City, and an ally ofmany conservative causes. Learn more about this key race with our next issuel Metro Star Classfieds 2" square for as litde as $43 per issue. Email: starnews@sbcglobal.~ 918.1 ’Unsung Heroes’ Honored for AIDS Awareness Advocacy TULSA, OK (PR) __ On Tuesday, three Tulsa CARES employees were recognized by the AIDS Coalition ofTulsa at the 19th annual Evergreen Spirit Awards Luncheon, which recognizes the work ofcolleagues and volunteers who have gone the extra mile in the fight against AIDS in our community: Jamie Baker, care coordinator; Bruce Lewis, ofrice manager/executive assistant; and Marianne X~etherill, registered dietician were among those recognized with the Evergreen Spirit Award, which symbolizes strength, courage, commitment and resilience. "It is so important to recognize ’the unsung heroes’ in Tulsa’s effort to stop AIDS," said Janice Nicklas, director ofTnlsa Community AIDS Partnership and senior planner for the Community Service Council. ~Our colleagues still work long hours, to the point ofexhaustion, and many have vowed to stay at it until we get the epidemic under control. Sadly, the numbers ofHIV positive Americans are growing larger each year and many Tulsans are getting infected who are unaware that that they are at risk," Other Evergreen Spirit Award winners are: Gary Meadows, Community ofHOPE; Terry Klein, St. Joseph~s Residence; Chaz Gaut, Hospice of Green Country; David Odle, Oklahoma Department ofHuman Services; Barbara Saunders, community volunteer with the HIV Prevention Program for Incarcerated Women’s Program; and Stan Smalts, Oklahoma Department ofHuman Services. Two top awards were also given at the annual luncheon: the Truman Geren Memorial Award for HIV Prevention was awarded to Heather Nash, American Red Cross, and the Richard Shackelford Award for HIV Care honored Shana Cozad, Oklahoma State Department of Health. "Our award winners are constantly reminding Tulsa area.residents to take the HIV test - it is quick, free and painless," Nicldas said. "Everyone should know their HIV status." Founded in t991, Tulsa CARES, a United Way organization, delivers services to low-income people living with HIV/AIDS in northeastern Oklahoma. Services include: case management by professional social workers, access to physicians and prescription medication, counseling services, housing assistance, access to nutrition information at its on-site food pantry, as well as other forms of support. Tulsa CARES’ mission is "Delivering social services to people affected by HIV/AIDS: For more information about Tulsa CARES, visit www. tulsacares.org. Tulsa CARES Celebrates Life 34icah Hartwdl, Nutrition Services Directo~ begins digging~r the Tulsa CARES’ Celebration ofLife tree-planting co’emony. TULSA, OK (PR) __ In observance ofWorld AIDS Day, Tulsa CARES hosted a "Celebration of Life" reception for its clients. On Monday, December 1, Tulsa CARES clients, staffmembers, and friends came together to celebrate the lives 0f those still living xvith HIV/AIDS and to rmnember the lives ofthose who have died from this disease. The "Celebration ofLife" was replete with food, crafts and a tree planting ceremony that symbolizes hope for a cure. Tulsa CARES’ Celebration of Life in-kind sponsors ,sere Starbucks, Q~eenies and QEikTrip. Five Crepe Myrtle trees were donated by Up with Trees. Tulsa CARES’ mission is ddivering social services to people affected by HIWAIDS. Tulsa CARES is a United W’ay Agency. For more information, visit vcww.tulsacares.org. SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY 4 January 2009 in the spirit of Christmas, the 18th annual Loaves and Fishes Dinner Show was held at the Copa OKC, raising over $6956. Featuring entertainers (Photo) Ben Williams, Kitty Bob Aimes, Sonja Martinez, John Beebe and Matthew Heath Fitzgerald, the show was held on both December 8 and 9, with proceeds going to help the Winds House, a home & hospice for those living with HIV. PeggyJohnson and ReVerend Dl: Kathy McCallie at Church of the Open Arms Fundaraiser Oldahoma Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth with OGLPC Co-Chair Paul ~nompson at the ,amnual NAACP Banquet in Oklahoma City. .... Scotty Mandell, Robin D0rner and Loring Wagner strike a pose at the Diversity Bttsiness Association’s Christmas Party. Ken Sims, Jennifer Lancaster, Rebecca Hurst and Blaze Bush at the Marriage Equality Rally in downtown Oklahoma City December 20. Santa ( Pam Norton) and Mrs. Santa (Victorola) at the Church ofthe Open Arms Christmas Party Dear Editor: My name is Robaire ~atson and I’m a gay military veteran who’s been living in the San Francisco Bay Area for 18 years. I spent 6 years in the military as an openly gay, man. At age 23 I joined the Navy in search of adventure. Being a gay man, I was determined that I wasn’t going to allow the military to change my true identity. My story isn’t about the latest trend or the latest hot actor, or the latest hot "trick~ it’s about the importance of"being who you want to be"! Who needs to serve in silence ? I just want to bring a positive ground breaking story to the fbrefront. I grexv up in a primarily white small Texas town and the middle child of a Southern Baptist family. I was in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, played high school football for a brief time. I always knew I was gay. After high school, I earned money t’or college by working in the oil fields. I studied design and fashion merchandising in Dallas at ~ades School of Design. I joined the US NaW in 1989 and served six years through two enlistments until 1995. Being openly gay in the military and not receiving threats to my life, allowed me to keep my integrity: I never felt the need to tell anyone on my command that I was gay or introduce them to my boyfriend. I always felt that people knew I was different, just by the way I conducted myself. When you sho~v others respect, they show you respect in return. I was a US Navy Ship’s barber who served aboard the USS Kansas City as it traveled the seas promoting freedom during the Gulf’~Y~ar and Operation Southern XWatch offthe coast of Somalia in 1993, traveling to Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Dubai, Jebel All, UAE, British Columbia, Mexico, and the Philippines during my two enlistments. I’m black and openly gay and never encountered the slightest discrimination aboard this xvarship. I have never forced my sexual preference on anyone. I don’t ~vant someone who’s straight doing that to me. gqaen the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" law xvas passed, my shipmates told me, "\X[atso!~, we don’t have to ask and we don’t have to tell." I had a group ofgay friends on the USS Kansas City. We were the gay version of"Sex and the City" onboard the ship. XXre were known as the Fierce-Four. Our personal lives were better than any episode of Q~.eer as Folk. My friends said, because of me, they were able to be themselves without prejudice. I took several ofmy shipmates to gay bars & dance clubs, not because it was my idea, but because they asked me too! I dated an Ensign and a Lieutenant while in the military. I ,also dated a Major in the United States Army and a Marine. All the following military men who came across my, life had to keep their personal life a secret. It’s not about being an officer in the military or subjecting yourselfto starring in a skin flick to get your point across, about "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’: It’s knowing that you have a job to do and a mission to accomplish. ~bu can’t allow your sexual preference to interfere. The government needs to worry about the individuals who they allow to enter the military that haven’t been outside the county line, and refuse to accept someone who is different. Sometimes, these type ofpeople want to judge you, based on their religious beliefs. Ifyou can’t accept me for my race or sexual preference, will you be there for me in a time ofwar ? I’m very fortunate that I was able to be openly gay and live my life accordingly during active duty. I want other men and women who enter the armed forces who are gay to be able to live their lives just as openly as their straight counterparts and when they become veterans to be treated ~vith dignity and respect. I’m very proud to have done my duty serving my country: Thank you, Robaire Watson San Francisco, CA wv,~v.metrostamews.com ~ot~oSTAR 5 A NEW PLACE TO ENDUP By Victor Gorin Photo: End ~o owner Blake (Center) wit,§ the End [J)) dancers TULSA, OK__ When the first Endup club on Memorial closed a few years ago, it left a gap that Blake Alterman knew needed to be filled. While not for everybody, there are truly gay men that love to watch the hot boys dance. Not far from some ofTulsgs other gay clubs, it’s located at 5336 E. Admiral Place, a site vacant for over a year last occupied by a straight biker club called The Luclo! Shamrock. Dancers will be featured 7 nights a xveek, taking up where the old Endup left off, but with more than twice the space and ample parking. While it is planned and destined to be a swinging spot for those wanting to watch male dancers, it has more to offer as well. A section ofthe bat" ,vi!l be like a regular bar, with pool tables, cruising and conversation. Other fun endeavors are planned also with Bathroom Bingo Nights starting in January, hosted by emcee Earnest from the ladle’s bathroom, rewarding winning participants with cash and prizes. Hours are from noon tmtil 2 a.m. 7 days a week, so stop by and check it out, especially during Happy Hour with $1 offall liquor drinks from noon until 8 p.m. 7 days a week. As Blake puts it, "xg&’re just looking to have a good time with a bar that everybody’s gonna love coming to." Sounds like a great beginning. SUPPORTERS OF IT¥ LIGHT UP DOWNTOWN OKC By Victor Gorin Photo: Organizer Trey Hill with activistJames Nimmo by Hctor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Around 30 determined souls braved the icy chill December 20 in OKC’s Bricktown near the entrance of the Southwestern Bell Bricktown Ballpark, holding a candlelight vigil supporting marriage equality for all Americans, including the GLBT community. Surprising, there were no negative epithets, fisticuffs or even threats thereofmade by Bricktown partygoers, only some interested glances. The event did get media coverage by KOKH Channel 25, and participants got a free "Oklahoman for Marriage Equality T-Shirt;’ made possible thru the generosity ofJames Nimmo, his partner Don Chabot and Brittany Novotny. The event came together through the organization ofTrey Dill & Chuck Longacre, activists also largely responsible for a previous rally at the Oklahoma City Hall November 15 xvhich brought out over 200 people protesting the passage of Proposition 8, Which took away the right ofsame sex marriage in California. As Ms. Novotny praised the marchers, "As we keep getting people out for events like this, people won’t feel they have to be scared to be who they are, and straight people won’t be as scared to support us. We’ll keep doing this until all ofOklahoma says Yes, You all are part ofus and we’re all equal: January 2009 N Wockner News Service Reports: No quick action against DADT President-elect Barack Obama rnay not move quickly to repeal the military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" ban on open gays, according to published reports. A Nov. 24 report in The AtlantaJournal-Constitution said: "Very quietly, the Obama team has let it be known that the new administration will not immediately reassess the U.S. military’s policy of’don’t ask, don’t tell: ... Raising the topic ofgays in the military was considered by many to be the second oftwo out-of-the-box decisions that ended badly for a newly elected President Bill Clinton (in 1993)’.’ The National Journal and The Washington Tunes said Obama might wait until 2010 to ’tackle the ban. However, the gay newspaper ~Tashington Blade reported Nov. 25 that an unnamed Obama spokesperson said the mainstream-media reports were premature. "An Obama transition team spokesperson, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the decision on how to approach repealing ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ ... would be ma& after more experts have joined the Obama administration;’ the paper said. "Tnese decisions will not be made before the full national security team is in place;’ the Blade quoted the spokesperson as saying. AJuly poll by The \Vashington Post and ABC News found that 75 percent ofAmericans said "yes" when ~isked, "Do you think that homosexuals who do publicly disclose their sexual orientation should be allowed to serve in the military or not ?" The poll found that even Republicans (64 percent) and white evangelical Christians (57 percent) supported scrapping the ban. The random survey of 1,119 Aanerican adults had a margin oferror ofplus or minus 3 percentage points. Florida’s ban on gay adoption struck down A Florida circuit court in Miami struck down a state law that barred lesbians and gay men from adopting Nov. 25. The court granted adoptions to a gay man, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, who has been raising two foster children since 2004. "Our family just got a lot more to be thankful for this Naanksgiving;’ said Martin Gill, a North Miami resident who is raising two brothers, ages 4 and 8, with his partner. are extremely relieved that the court has recognized that it is wrong to deny our boys the legal protections and security that only" come with adoption." The court ruled that tile ban violated the equalprotection guarantees of the state constitution because it irrationally singled out gay people and their children for different treatment. The court also found that the ban denied children the right to permanency provided by federal and state law under the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. "Reports and studies find that there are no differences in the parenting ofhomosexuals or the adjustment oftheir children;’ the court said. "TheSe conclusions have been accepted, adopted and ratified by the American psychological Association, the American Psychiatry Association, the American PediatriCAssociation, the American Academy ofPediatrics, the Child Welfare League ofAmerica and the National Association ofSocial Workers. Based on the robust nature ofthe evidence available in the field, this Court is satisfied that the issue is so far beyond dispute that it would be irrational to hold otherwise; the best~interests ofchildren are not preserved by prohibiting homosexual adoption." The Florida law barring gays and lesbians from adopting was the most expansive anti-gay parenting law in the country. It was passed in 1977 in response to an anti-gay crusade led by Miss Oklalloma 1958, and orange-juice spokeswoman Anita Bryant. Admirals, Generals urge DADT repeal A former Army secretary and 103 retired admirals and generals issued a call Nov. 17 for repeal ofthe military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" ban on open gays. Among the document’s signers were a former Naval Academy superintendent, retired four-star Adm. Chades Larson, and former PresidentJimmy Carter’s Army secretary, Clifford Mexander. It is believed that there are about 65,000 gay people serving in the military, not counting the 627 who were kicked out last year for failing to stay sufficiently closeted. Gay band, anti-gay preacher to participate in inauguration Wanda Sykes comes out, blasts Prop 8 The Lesbian and Gay Band Association, which is composed of 34 marching and concert bands fi’om the U.S., Canada and Australia, will march in President-elect Barack Obama’s inaugural parade Jan. 20. Although LGBA concert bands performed at inaugural celebratious t’or Bill Clinton in 1993 and 1997, this will be the first time a gay band has marched in a presidential inaugural parade. ~ihe gay contingent will include t77 musicians in the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue a~er Obama is sworn in on the steps ofthe U.S. Capitol. In making their selections, the Presidential Inaugural Committee and military musicians assessed the applications of 1,400 marching bands, drill teams and musical groups. Nae committee’s Web site lists more than 40 such participating contingents, including several high-school and university bands. Meanwhile, Obama came under fire from gay activists on Dec. 17 for selecting influential evangelical preacher Rick xWarren to deliver the invocation at the inauguration. Human Rights Caxnpaign President Joe Solmonese calAed the move ’h genuine bl0w to LGBT Americans." "We feel a deep level ofdisrespect when one ofthe architects and promoters of an anti-gay agenda is given the prominence and the pulpit ofyour historic nomination; Solmonese said. "Vge urge you to reconsider this announcement." The National Gay arid Lesbian Task Force said, "We urge President-elect Obama to withdraw his invitation to Rick Warren and instead select a faith leader who embraces fairness, equality and the ideals the president-elect himselfhas called the nation to uphold: Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation President Nell Giuliano said, "It is ... deeply troubling that the President-elect has selected .....Continued See Inauguration Page-11 ’ Comedian xYC:anda Sykes came out publicly Nov. 15 at a Las Vegas rally against California’s Proposition 8. "When California passed Prop 8 ... I felt like I was being attacked, personally attacked, our community was attacked," Sykes said. "I got married Oct. 25. You know, I don’t really talk about nay sexual orientation, I didn’t feel like I had to, I was just living my life and, not necessarily in tile closet, but I was just living my life. Everybody that knows me personally, they know I’m gay. And that’s the way people should be able to live their lives, xgre shouldn’t have to be standing out here demanding something that we automatically should have as citizens ofthis country. And I got pissed off. They pissed me off. I said, You know what, now I gotta get in your face. And that’s what we all have to do now." Sykes said, as others have, that the passage of Prop 8 did have an upside. "They pissed offthe ~vrong group ofpeople," she said. "They have galvanized a community: XWe are so together now and we all want the same tiling and we are not going to settle for less." Direct Cremation From $595 T ON MORTUARY SERVICE,~e Tradition!! Funeral Services at Affordable Prices (405) 230- 1310 or !-800-913-1310 Pre-Need Plaa CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED The Las Vegas rally was part of a national day ofprotest against Prop 8 that saw demonstrations in 300 U.S. cities and towns, including such unlikely places as Allentown, Fargo, Fayetteville, La Crosse, Macon, Shreveport and Missoula. In California, there were protests Nov. 15 in 58 separate towns and cities. www.metrostarnews.corn N~÷troSTAR 7 Same-sex marriage bill to be introduced in New Hampshire New Hampshire State Rep. Jim Splaine plans to introduce a bill next year to legalize same-sex marriage. New Hampshire already has a comprehensive same-sex civil-union law, and nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts allow gay couples to marry~ Splaine told the Concord Monitor newspaper that the civil-union law bestows only about 90 percent of the state-level benefits and obligations of marriage, xvhich leaves same-sex couples without full equality under the law. Some 600 same-sex couples have entered into a civil union in New Hampshire. EltonJohn does not support same-sex marriage Elton John says gays are wrong to want to get married and should settle for civil unions. "We’re (David Furnish and I) not married. Let’s get that right;’ John told USA Today on Nov. 12. "We have a civil partnership. What is wrong with Proposition 8 is that mey went for marriage. Marriage is going to put a lot of people off, the,vord marriage. "I don’t want to be married;’ John said. very happy with a civil partnership. If gay people want to get mar}led, Or get together, they should have a civil partnership.... You ~et the same e~ual rights.... Heterosexual peopm get married: John’s assertion about ~equal rights" is essentially true in the United Kingdom, where John and Furnish entered their civil partnership. ~Ihe UK civil-partnership law is national in scope. In the U.S., on the other hand, civil-union and domestic-parmership laws are state laws that grant equal rights only on the state level, leaving civilly united gay couples without access to-more than 1,000 federal rights, benefits and obligations ofmarriage. But, at the same time, the U.S. government also does not recognize the same-sex marriages that have taken place in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts or abroad. However, it would require less ofan overhaul of federal policy to start recognizing married same-sex couples than it would to create some kind ofnational recognition of states’ hodgepodge ofcivilunion and domestic-partnership laws, some of which grant all state-level rights of marriage and others ofwhich do not. U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has said repeatedly that he supports extending federal recognition to same-sex unions, though he does not favor opening marriage itseltto samesex couples, citing religious objections. Obama nonetheless opposed California’s Proposition 8, in which voters amended the state constitution on Nov. 4 to re-ban same-sex marriage. ha a nutshell, Obama does not think gay couples should have access to marriage but also does not think any laws should be passed to prevent gay couples from accessing marriage. * U.S. adults are evenly divided on xvhether gay couples should have access to marriage -- 47 percent say yes and 49 percent say no. * Sixty-four percent think gays in the military should not have to stay closeted, as required by the =don’t ask, don’t tell" policy. * Sixty-three percent support expanding hate-crime la~vs to cover gay and transgender people. At present, 31 states and the District of Columbia have such laws that cover sexual orientation and 12 of those laws also encompass gender identity. * Fifty-one percent favor protecting gay and transgender people under existing laws that ban discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. Twenty states and the District of Columbia have such laws that cover sexual orientation and 13 of those laws also encompass gender identity. * Sixty-nine percent oppose bans on gay adoption. =We observed a positive relationship between knowing a gay or transgender person and one’s attitudes toward them and the policy issues that affect their lives," said Laura Light, Harris Interactive’s vice president ofpublic-relations research. "Based on other surveys we have conducted on attitudes toward LGBT people and issues, the results ofthis survey suggest that public sentiment in the U.S. is trending toward greater acceptanF~ ofgay- and transgender-related policy issues:’ The survey found that people under 65, and especially those 18-34, are more gay-friendly than people over 65. Women are generally more supportive than men. Latinos are more supportive than whites and blacks when it comes to gays in the military. Blacks are more supportive than whites and Latinos on hate-crime laws. And Catholics and "mainline" Christians (Protestant, Mormon or %ther Christian") are more supportive than "born-again" Protestants, Mormons or other Christians. Nineteen percent ofthose questioned said their feelings toward gay people have become more favorable over the past five years. They attributed the change to such things as knmving someone who is gay, seeing gay people on TV and in movies, passage ofgay-friendly laws, news coverage ofgay issues, and learning of the gay-friendly positions offriends, family members and religious leaders. "Knowing someone who is gay or lesbian" ,vas the most significant factor, cited by 79 percent ofthose whose feelings had evolved. Seventy-three percent ofthose qu{stioned know or work with a gay or transgender person and halfof that 73 percent know or work with five or more gay or traaasgender people, the survey found. Full poll results: tinyurl.com/6nojlq. Iowa Supreme Court hears marriage case The Iowa Supreme Court heard oral arguments Dec. 9 in Lan~bda Legal’s case on behalfof same-sex couples who want to marry. "XTge put our best case forward, and hope that the court breathes life into the Iowa Constitution’s promise of equality," said Senior Staff Attorney Camilla Taylor. The couples’ case was argued by former Iowa Solicitor General Dennis Johnson of Dorsey & Whimey. "The government has no business standing in the way ofa loving same-sex couple who wants to take responsibility for each other and their fancily," Johnson said. Lambda filed suit in Polk County District Court in 2005 on behalfofsix same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses, arguing that the denials violated the liberty and equality guarantees in the Iowa Constitution. In 2007, the court agreed that banning same-sex couples from marrying was unc0nstitutional, and the county recorder and registrar appealed to the state Supreme Court. One gay couple -- Sean and Tim McQ,u)llan ofAmes -- got married before Judge Robert Hanson quickly suspended his ruling when it was appealed. 8 ~÷~roSTAR January 2009 DVD" ’re Angels" with the release oftheir album. Jason and &Marco have recently taken a&antage of C~l~ornlas United Metropolitan Community Church Sunday Services @ 11:00 AM 1623 N. l~laplewood Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 w.mcctuisa.org Troy Don Wheat34ar 19, 1966 - Dec 6, 2008 TULSA, OK (OkEq) __ Troy Wheat, son of Betty and Paul Wheat was born on March 19, 1966 in Alva, Oklahoma. He died on the 6th of December, at his home in Tulsa, at the age of42 years, 8 months and 18 days. Troy is survived by his parents Paul and Betty; a sister and her husband, Paula and Bill Miller ofWoodward; his significant other, Christopher Roberts ofTulsa; two nieces and their spouses, Shannon and Craig Chestnut and thei} children Jace and Jayden ofMustang, Karrie and Kendel Kay and their children Sloan, Reece, Braton and Kinley ofAshland, Kansas; a number ofother relatives and many friends. He graduated from Alva High School in 1984. After moving to Tulsa, Troy attended and graduated cosmetology school in Jenks. He became a successful stylist in Tulsa. He was very involved in the Miss Cinderella, Miss Oklahoma and Miss America Pageants. One of the highlights ofhis life was when his client won Miss America in 2006. A family and friends visitation reception was held Thursday December 1 lth at Ninde Brookside Chapel, 3841 S. Peoria, Tul’sa, Oklahoma 74105. Obituary ofMary Lorene Marlett, mother ofDemo Candidate Ron Marlett Ron Marlett was the Democratic candidate runmng against Mrs. Kern in HD 84. The following is from Ron: My mother. Mary Lorene Marlett, passed from this world December 17. She has suffered from Alzeheimers Disease the past two years, From my earliest years. I can remember her involvement in the Canadian County Democratic Party. She described herself as a Yellow Dog Democrat, someone who would vote for a yellow dog before voting for a Republican. However. she loved her Republican friends. In a community where racial epithets were socially acceptable, she taught that those words wouldn’t be tolerated in our household. When I hear politicians talk of"family values", I wonder if they were taught that racism wasn’t a family value. I attended precinct meetings with her and accompanied her to a state convention. She raised my brother and me with values of equality, fairness and the value ofhard work. When I was younger she saw that I got to Little League baseball games when my dad was tied up responding to an electric outage in the rural electric cooperative, xXihen I left home, she became involved in my brother’s scouting as was extremely proud ofhis attaining his Eagle Scout Award. When my father became disabled, she ;,cent to work at XXrestern Hectric, later AT&T. She continued there until being offered an early retirement. She continued to live in Union City after my father’s death in 1987. She began having health problems that probably signalled the onset ofAlzheirmers, but I was too close to the situation to recognize it. About two years ago a doctor diagnosed it and told me she had two years left. She celebrated her 75th birthday and received letters from Oklahoma politicians praising her for her ~vork for the party. Her long time Democratic friend, Oberta Bergdall attended that party. She was particularly proud of having attended President Carter’s inaugural ball. Toward the end ofher life, no one in the Democratic Party could really remember her. When I attended the C:anadian County Democratic Bean Supper, I felt I represented her. She died surrounded by people who loved her and was very peaceful mad free ofpain. I am struck by the reliefI feel that she no longer suffers and the realization that I will not see her again. She was a blessing to those she cared for and to the Democratic Party she loved. Ron Marlett www.metrostarnews.com ~Oet~oSTAR 9 Close, but no cigar. ByJan~es Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ q-he recent release of the biopic "Milk" about the life and death ofSan Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk revivified interest in Milk’s most famous phrases such as "Come out, come out, wherever you are;’ and "Don’t blend in:’ Another openly gay activist to have his speeches and writings dusted offis Bayard Rustin, an openly gay African-American who was a colleague ofDr. M.L. King and who was given behind- the-scenes credit for organizing the March on Washington in August, 1963 where Dr... King made his iconic and forward lookAng"I Have a Dream" speech. Mr. Rustin was forced to take a back-seat due to fears that his orientation and arrest record would undoubtedly be used against the civil tights movement. From the book Time on Two Crosses: The Collected Writings of Bayard Rustin by Bayard Rustin (Cleis Press, Carbado and Weise, editors) we get the succinct gay agenda, if there ever was one, that I think most ofus gay/lesbian activists can agree on "the job ofthe gay comnaunity is not to deal with extremists who would castrate us or put us on an island and drop an Hbomb on us." The fact ofthe matter is that there is a small percentage of people in America who understand the true nature of the homosexual cornmunity. There is another small percentage who will never understand us. Our job is not to get those people who dislike us to love us. Nor was our aim in the civil rights movement to get prejudiced white people to love us. Our aim was to try to create the Idnd ofAmerica, legislatively, morally, and psychologically, such that even though some whites continued to hate us, they could not openly manifest that hate. That’s our job today: to control the extent to which people can publicly manifest anti-gay sentiment." (http://tiwurl.com/5w77yr) What we should continue to be doing is proving our gay/lesbian equality ofcitizenship to the broad range of the valuable demographic ~mown as the undecided, who politicians always court. For our purposes it’s those people who all have gay and lesbian family members or friends, xvho wouldn’t think ofhurting them but somehow aren’t connecting the dots that ifsome of us gays and lesbians are getting hurt, all ofus get hurt. Dr. King said it in a more engraved style: "It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me, and I think that’s pretty important." Laws don’t prevent crime or change the minds of the incorrigible, but laws do provide a way to legally make it uncomfortable for prejudice and violence to be acted out against minorities. ~is is one reason our enemies are very anxious that hate crimes bills that include language for the protection ofsexual orientation and gender presentation are not passed either at the Federal or state level. Our opponents claim such laws would limit speech and hamper the free exercise of religion. But as Rep Barhey Dank (Mass.) said earlier in December, 2008 at a Victory Fund luncheon, these laws are directed at actions ofviolence not at xvords; expression is not the target ofhate crimes laws, but physica! behavior is. (http://tinyurl.com/5963au) Yes, we truly live in the age ofOrwell xvhere words can be wolves in sheep’s clothing. We read ofMormon and Catholic spokespeople offended by the peaceful protests ofgay/lesbian supporters in reaction to losing the November Prop. 8 vote in California. It seems these t~vo denominations that gave much of the money fueling the thei~ ofa civil right in California were surprised by the bacHash to the imposition of their religious dogma on the non-member citizens of California ( http:/itinyurl.com/6qp2xz ), (http://tinyurl.com/6215gd). To me, it looks as ifthe First Amendment establishment clause is being ignored because there are some denominations that ~vill perform same-gender marriages yet their religious freedom is being abridged by the passage ofProp 8. And just why does prejudice and discrimination seem to originate with bible-trumpeting homo-haters ? Could it be because they already live in a ddusional world of superstition and make-believe, offairy stories about sky-based good things, and dark-and-dirty ground-based bad things ? Could it be because they still live in the world ofBronze Age nomads ~vho had no science and no concept ofa world beyond the horizon they could walk toward in a day? The current (I hesitate to call them "modern day") generation offtmdies lives in a world of technology and communication that would seem like godly magic to their Abrahamic ancestors. They use this science to disperse their simplistic balderdash that’s rooted in desert-wandering myths and witch-doctoring and think nothing ofthe plain evidence and contradictions that shows them to be deeply deluded and ignorant. "Ihe last hundred years have passed them by and disproved the ancient runes and cabals they so desperately need to explain their conflicting childhood dreams ofomnipotent, omniscient super heroes rescuing them from death and oblivion. Personally I don’t care what they do as consenting adults in the privacy of their religious establishments or even on the public street corner. However, no group has the legal prover to impose religious dogma in the law books ofany state or Federa! code. There continues to be a principle ofseparation ofchurch and state, equality and liberty for all, that is paramount to the continuation of this country as it was founded. African-Americans, Native Americans, and women have gained their civil equality in spite of the restrictions originally written in the Constitution and later remedied by Amendments. So far, 30 states have amendments or laws forbidding same-gender marriage in addition to the alleged "Defense ofMarriage Act" (DOMA). Two states have understood the rights ofgays and lesbians to have civil marriage, Massachusetts and Connecticut, with a handful ofstates having various marriage-like rights available but not the real thing. Close, but no cigar! Just as Plessy ~: Ferguson was overturned by Brown v. Board ofEducation ending educational segregation; just as Bowers v. Hardwick was overturned by Lawrence and Garner v. Texas removing sodomy laws from enforcement, just as Colorado’s Amendment 2 was overturned with Romer v. Evans, we can look forward to our day in a courtroom as well as the court of public opinion. Although Frederick Douglass was disappointed by the 1857 Dredd Scott decision that refused full citizenship to free blacks as well as slaves, he found a reason to look forward, saying, "My hopes were never brighter than now." Slavery was brought to forefront ofthe country and the unsavory ownership ofpeople could no longer be ignored. Though we gay citizens are not owued physically, our social and economic prospects are curtailed. Thanks to our enemies, our own equality prospects been brought to the forefront and our equality will be won. Straights and Homophobes: lae Words hat Bind Us. By Gerald Libonati Language shapes our self-image and some of the words we use are misleading, inadequate or just plain wrong. Take the word straig!at, for instance. "We use it to describe heteros; men and women who are not gay or lesbian. And every time we use the term we indirectly insult ourselves. What does the word mean in our society? Straight means proper, upstanding, law-abiding and decent. Are ~oruugbs,eiynogu’srterasitgrahitgwhti.thIfmyoeu, ’rreefegrosotdo,hyoonuetsrta)v:eWl thheenstyroaiug’rhet-oafnfdnarrow. ’Damn straight’ means emphatically right, unequiv0- cally correct. So ifheteros are straight what does that make us - crooked, dishonest, drugged and apparently indecent ? We need to think ofourselves in a way that reflects the goodness and quality that exists within our ranks, g[e are terrific people and we may as well acknowledge that in our language. Another word that completely escaped our gaydar is the term homophobia. We use it to define prejudice against gay and lesbian people. But it just doesn’t seem to be up to the job. It’s weak and ambiguous. When we talk about someone who dislikes others based on their skin color we call them racist. Much stronger word. Phobic people, in general, tend to be fearful but polite. People who openly disapprove ofgay/lesbian folks are neither. Are we too nice when ~ve describe our critics in such an affable way? Homophobic! Doesn’t sound so bad. Surely, the terms they have for us are more forthright. Who thought of calling hatred a phobia, anyway? Ac,t,t}ally, it was psychologist George Weinberg in his 1972book Society and the Healthy Honaosexual:’ He was tapping into the theory that violence toward gay people came about because of a fear of homosexuality, especially by those repressing their own same-sex urges. But what about all the other gay bashers who aren’t reacting to their inner homo ? The rest ofthe world has already learned that words define us to others and molds our selfqmage. That’swhy secretaries are executive assistants and garbage men are sanitation engineers. GeraM Libonati is the author afthe neu, novel Pete*" [’Vo~7 the storr af:a fiam°uv.~Ta ro& star who ~oes incognito mfind love. He ~s an award-winningjournalist in &uth £1orig, workingfir the Sun-SentineL He has also wri~enJbr ~e .~iiami He,ald, ~e dd~ocam andfi’egznce~jbrgaT/tesbian newspapers around t,~e munW. 10 ~,~÷t~oSTAR January 2009 ROBERT MATSON’S LATEST EPIC "A GATHERING" AND HIS NEW NTURES UPCOMING By Victor Gorin Photo: RobertMatson by Victor Go,qn OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Lyric’s Plaza Theater hosted a unique play with A Gathering, but Robert is a playwright where one can count on non-convention. After all he brought us Tails of the Closet and Drama Q~eens, and even a masculine answer to the Vagina Monologues entitled Beneath the Zipper, which celebrated the penis. But who ~v0~ld have expdcted agay thriller on stage, with seat edging suspense that would have awed Agatha Christie herself? But there it was, entitled A Gathering, where 9 gay men are trapped on an isolated island, cut offffom the outside world, and there is a killer or killers among them. With a scenario almost identical to Agatha Christie’s novel, "And then there were None," it starts offfun and campy with the wisecracking antics ofToW "Toneisha" Hayes ( portrayed by Chris Castleberry) who was supposed to be drag entertainment but instead was the first to go. Then there was the hard drinking Dr. James Armstrong ( portrayed by Timothy Stewart), a self proclaimed bisexual who was enamored with Toneisha ~vhile she lasted. The play ends in surprise as character Neil Lawrence ( portrayed by Jerome Stevenson) turns out to be the killer, and concludes with his suicide and that of the last left one left alive, the handsome resort employee Courmey Claythorne( portrayed by Scott Hynes), who xvas left xvith the bitter choice ofself destruction or being accused of murdering all the others when the authorities eventually arrived. What inspired this wild tale ? W’ell, besides Agatha Christie, Mr. Matson added that "I love murder mysteries. I wanted to give Agatha’s story a different twist. This xvould be a great piece to work with, and how to make it xvork with 9 gay men. I worked on it for about 2 years." Although he has done past work with maW theater companies includingJewel Box, CityRep, Guthrie’s Pollard Theater & Carpenter Square, he is currently the Academy Administrator for Lyric Academy, which involves registration for acting classes taught there and he teaches adult acting classes as well. As for the fnture, he is working on" a couple things, including a loud gay comedy with Oklahoma ties to it." But that’s all he’ll say right now, so we can all be breathless with anticipation. someone whose defamatory and damaging anti-gay statements and vie~vs ... clearly divide rather than unite Americans." Gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., called Obama’s move very disappointing. ~Religious leaders obviously have every right to speak out in opposition to anti-discrimination measures, even in the degrading terms that Rev. Warren has used with regard to same-sex marriage;’ Frank said. "But that does not confer upon them the right to a place ofhonor in the inauguration ceremony of a president whose stated commitment to LGBT rights won him the strong support ofthe great majority ofthose who support that cause:’ GeoffKors, executive director of Equality California, said he is so annoyed by Warren’s participation that he will boycott the inauguration. "I have decided to decline the invitation to attend the inauguration as I cannot be part ofa celebration that highlights and gives voice to someone who advocated repealing rights from me and millions ofother Californians;’ Kors said. "Rick Warren ... actively works to dMde Americans based on who we are and has been an ardent supporter of efforts to ostracize LGBT Americans:’ Speaking in support of California’s Proposition 8 before the November election, Warren said, "We should not let 2 percent of the population change a definition ofmarriage that has been supported by every single culture and every single religion for 5,000 years. In reality, many cultures over the past 5,000 years have embraced polygamy. More recently, Warren told Beliefnet.com that same-sex marriage is equivalent to "having a broth& anff Sist& b~ together ... an 01der ~ " and calling that a marriage... one gw having multiple wives and calling that marriage." (Warren: ’Tin opposed to the redefinition ofa 5,000-year definition ofmarriage. I’m opposed to having a brother and sister be together and call that marriage. I’m opposed to an older gny marrying a child and calling that a marriage. I’m opposed to one guy having multiple wives and calling that marriage:’ Interviewer: "You think those are equivalent to gays getting married?" Warren: "Oh, I do:’) Brooklyn man dies after probable ha e attack A Brooklyn man who was attacked with a baseball bat Dec. 7 as he walked arm in arm with his brother died on Dec. 12. Josd Sucuzhafia); a 31-year-old Ecuadorean immigrant, and his brother were walking together in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood after a night out when three black men shouting nationa anti-gay and anti-Latino slurs jumped from an SUV and broke a beer bottle over Sucuzhafiay’s head, beat him with a bat and kicked him. The brother, Romel, escaped down the street, then returned to the scene and scared offthe attackers by telling them he’d phoned police on his cell phone. Police are investigating the killing as a hate crime and are offering a $27,000 award for information leading to apprehension of the assailants. On Dec. 13, hundreds ofprotesters marched from a Bushwick park to the site of the attack. Hundreds ofprotesters marched in Brooklyn Dec. 13 after an Ecuadorean man who was walkinga~n in arm with h# brother was attacked with a baseball bat and later died. 2he assailants shouted ann’-gay slurs. Photo byJoeJervis. www.metrostarnews.com [~Ie~°oSTAR 11 @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa @Club 209, Tulsa @ ~e Second Chance Animal Sanctuary @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ The End Up, Tulsa @Angles, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City CLUB 209 HOSTS PHOTOGPHERVINCENT SCOTT Ok ahomans for Equality art gallery opens Josh New photo e libit By Judy Gabbard Arches by Photographer Hncent Scott Photography Art byJosh New TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery starts a new year ofit’s monthly First Thursday meetthe- artist receptions featuring photographs from native Tulsa resident Josh New. The reception will be held Thursday, January 1st, 2009, from 6-9pm. Josh New, a teacher ofJapanese at Booker T Washington High School, is currently a graduate student at the University of Tulsa in photography. TULSA, OK__ Dennis Olson, owner ofDoArt Worlds, sponsored the opening of "Pioneering Seas6n" featuring the photography ofVincent Scott at Club 209, Tulsds Arts Bar in the historical Brady District. Club 209 features various artists throughout the year. The Club is also a great place to enjoy local entertainment on weekends, such as Vallerie Star Light Rock + Acoustic, Rebecca Ungerma~i with the Frank Brown Trio and the Three Penny Upright, A Little Bluegrass. Visit Club 209 on the web at www.club209tulsa.com for monthly updates on art exhibits and entdrtainment. Vincent Scott is a world traveled photographer whose eye for the beauty in our world, has thrilled many onlookers coast to coast. Dennis Olson, an artist in his own right, chose to sponsor these photographs because ofMr. Scott’s photographic eye and production techniques. To contact Dennis Olson emaih do@ doart~vorld.org. The opening night was an exciting experience of fine art, flowing wine and the admiration’ ofhundreds ofguest. After graduating from Oklahoma State, Mr. New worked in Japan for three years, where he developed a love oftravel and the exotic. Since then he has traveled to many countries and discovered a talent in photography. That love and talent has brought Inm to TU to ~rther hone his s-kill aa~d allow hu~ the freedom to experiment aa~d take his photographs further than just glorified vacation photos. "My photographs have been, more than anything, my attempt to control and catalog the world around me’; states New. "I’m moving in a direction where I am starting to manipulate my images to illuminate my thoughts and ideas, but they primarily remain shots ofthe patterns and vibrant colors I see around me. This exhibit is a sampling ofboth photos I have taken on my journeys and the first steps in my attempt to, essentially, photograph my thoughts, which also seem to be constructed in colors and patterns" The exhibit will remain up through the month ofJanuary, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pro. 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. Community Fellowship "A place where you can be who God created you to be andfriendghips becomefamily" ors ip Experience Sund s 5:30 p.m. Pastor Neill @urgin Pasto ressionsOKC, corn (~05) 761-1878 "~w.ExpressionsOKC.com Meeting at Lansbrook ~¢ent Center 6009 NWE~pressway Oklahoma Cio~, OK Calif. Attorney General Brown: Prop 8 is invalid by Rex g¢ockne~ In a stunninglegal move, California Attorney General Jerry Brown formally urged the California Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8 on Dec. 19 because, in re-banning sanaesex couples from marrying, the voter-approved constitutional amendment deprived people of an aspect ofliberty that the Supreme Court previously had concluded is guaranteed by the California Constitution. Ordinarily, it is the attorney geqeral’s job to defend the state’s laws, not attack them. "Proposition 8 must be invalidated because the amendment process cannot be used to extinguish fundamental constitutional rights without compelling justification;’ Brown said in a statement. "There are certain rights that are not to be subject to popular votes, otherwise they are not fundaanental rights;’ he added in an interview xvith the San Jose Mercury News. "Ifevery fundamental liberty can be stripped away by a majority vote, then it’s not a fundamental liberty:’ Rejecting recent arguments submitted to the state Supreme Court by gay-rights lawyers, Brown concluded that existing case-law precedents ofthe court do not invalidate Proposition 8 either as an improper revision of the state constitution or as a violation ofthe separation-of-provers doctrine. But that does not resolve the matter; he said. In its May 15 decision legalizing same-sex marriage, the state Supreme Court "held that article I, section 1 ofthe California Constitution provides a right to marry that cannot be denied to same-sex couples;’ Brown’s office said. "In order to invalidate such a fundamental right, the court must determine that there is a compelling justification to do so. But in (its decision), the court found that no such compelling justification exists. Accordingly, Proposition 8 must be stricken." "~ae use ofthe (ballot) initiative power to take avcay a legal right deemed by this Court to be fundamental and from a group defined by a suspect classification is a matter ofgrave concern;’ Brown said in his brief to the court. "Proposition 8 should be invalidated as violating the inalienable right ofliberty found in article I, section 1 ofour Constitution." In its May decision, the state Supreme Court struck dmwa the state’s opposite-sex definition ofmarriage as unconstitutional, citing a fundamental right to marry under the state constitution and the constitution’s guarantee ofequal protection under the lav,r, The court further determined -- in a move that legal analysts said was unprecedented for a supreme court -- that any discrimination based on sexual orientation is constitutionally subject to the strictest level ofscrutiny by courts, which made it dramatically harder for any level ofgovernment in California to defend itself in any arena where gays, lesbians and bisexuals are not treated the same as heterosexuals. This was accomplished by the court’s declaring sexual orientation to be, like race and religion, a so-called "suspect classification" -- a categorization that forces any government in California that treats GLB people differently in any way to prove it has a specific compelling interest, rather than a mere rational basis, for doing so. While Prop 8 wiped out the part of the court’s decision that legalized same-sex marriage, it did not alter the more ground- ,b,reaking part of the ruling that found sexual orientatiT~n to be a suspect classification. Gay rights lawyers said back in May that the suspect-classification determination would prove to be even more ofa game-changer for California gays in the long run than xvas the decision to legalize same-sex marriage. IfBrown’s argument passes muster with the state Supreme Court, that prediction will have been borne out. Equality California Executive Director GeoffKors praised Brown’s court brief and its novel argument. "He just demonstrated the ldnd ofleadership that isn’t motivated bypolitical expediency but by what is right," said the head of the state’s leading gay lobby group. HIV diagnoses among European gay men nearly double since 2000 HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM) increased 86 percent in 23 European countries between 2000 and 2006 -- from 3,003 cases to 5,571 cases -- according tO a report in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections. Researchers from the EuroHIV program analyzed data from 24 of the 27 member nations of the European Union along with data from Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, and compared those figures with similar year-2000 data gathered from 23 nations. There were 7,693 ne,v HIV cases reported overall among MSM in 2006, ofwhich 2,597 occurred in the United Kingdom. Other nations with high diagnosis rates included the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal and Switzerland. Much lower rates ofMSM diagnoses were found in Hungary, Lithuania and Slovenia, even though Hungary saw a 118 percent increase over 2000 and Slovenia saw a 257 percent increase. Four nations saw a decline in new HIV diagnoses among MSM over the six-year period: Cyprus, Iceland, Lithuania and Luxembourg (though Luxembourg’s rate is still high). The researchers said stepped-up HIV testing may have affected the statistics to some degree, meaning an increase in diagnoses may not correlate precisely ~vith an increase in actual infections. They also suggested that infections may be increasing as HIV-positive men who have sex with men live longer and remain sexually active and presumably able to pass on the virus. Other findings included: * In 20 countries, the percentage ofMSM who had full-blown AIDS at the time oftheir HIV diagnosis decreased from 25 percent in 2000 to t0 percent in 2006. * In 30 countries, full-blown AIDS diagnoses decreased from 2,422 in 2000 to 1,445 in 2006. * In those same countries, HIV-related deaths decreased 57 percent over the period, from 876 in 2000 to 373 in 2006. "’qge have reported a recent increase in the number ofHIV diagnoses among MSM in nearly all (European) countries, and in some countries this probably" represents a true increase in incidence;’ the researchers said. "This, combined with the high prevalence ofHIV reported in many gay community settings, the high prevalence ofHIV among MSM diagnosed with STI (sexually transmitted infection) and the high sexual mobility of this population, highlight the need for a Europewide HIV prevention strategy:’ Wockner News Service Sweden to strike six sexual diagnoses from list Sweden’s National Board ofHealth and Welfare will strike six sexual diagnoses from the nation’s official list ofmedical diagnoses onJan. 1, Stocldaolm’s ~ae Local newspaper reported. The agency will remove transvestism, fetishism, fetishistic transvestism, sadomasochism, gender-identity disorder in youth and multiple disorders ofsexual preferences from the list. "W’e don’t want to contribute to certain sexual behaviors being thought ofas diseases," said board director Lars-Erik Holm. "These diagnoses are rooted in a time when everything other th~ the heterosexual missionary position was seen as sexual perversions." Homosexuality was removed from the list 30 years ago. Australian Parliament gives gay couples equal rights Australia’s Senate and House of Representatives passed legislation in late November that changes some 100 laws to give gay couples equal rights. The measure now goes to the Governor-General for formal approval. The changes, introduced by the federal government, extend spousal rights to same-sex de facto couples in areas such as health care, ’ taxation, pensions, parenting, public benefits, workplace benefits, workers’ compensation, veterans’ affairs, elder care and educational assistance. "At long last we have removed discrimination against same-sex couples from commonwealth law;’ said Attorney-General Robert McClelland. Gay campaigners cheered the.move but said gay couples will not have complete equality until they can get married. Chinese gay HIV cases increase The percentage ofgay men in China ~vho are HIV-positive increased from 0.4 percent in 2005 to 4.9 percent this year, the Ministry of Health said Nov. 28. But straight sex remains the predominant way HIV is transmitted in China, accounting for 40 percent ofnew infections, compared with 28 percent from IV drug use and 5 percent from gay sex. The gay statistics were based on data collected from 18,000 gay men in more than 60 cities. China has recorded a total of260,000 HIV cases, 77,000 AIDS cases and 34,000 AIDSrelated deaths. Burundi’s parliament votes to ban gay sex The parliament of the Central African nation ofBurundi voted to specifically criminalize gay sex Nov. 22 as part ofa package ofmore than 600 legal changes that included abolition ofthe death penalty, news reports said. According to Amnesty International, male, male sex previously was banned and,ptmished under laxvs governing "immoral acts. The vote on the changes was 90 to 0 with 10 abstentions. The measure now moves to the Senate, then to President Pierre Nkurunziza. Neither is expected to oppose it. The small, landlocked nation has a population of 8.7 million, a life expectancy ofless than 52 years, and a per capita gross domestic product at purchasing-power parity of $300. ~l-he comparable figure for the U.S. is $45,800. Norway’s is $ 53,300, Mexico’s is $12,400 and Vietnam’s is $2,600. 80% ofSouth A ricans thimk gay sex is wrong Despite a constitutional ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation and its being one of only six nations where same-sex couples can marry, South Africa remains deeply homophobic, a new survey has found. The Human Sciences Research Council’s annual South African Social Attitudes Survey, released Nov. 24, found that 80 percent of respondents think gay sex is wrong. Whites, city dwellers and highly educated people polled less anti-gay than blacks, "coloureds" (mixed-race people), people with less education and those living in rural areas, the Sunday Times reported. Britain to count gay populafion Britain’s Office for National Statistics is going to count the gay population. Starting in January, a sexual-orientation question will be included in several of the office’s routine surveys, leading to an eventual estimate of the size of the nation’s gay community. Respondents will choose from heterosexual/ straight, gay/lesbian, bisexual or "other" -- or can opt not to answer. Officials say the results will be useful for gauging levels of discrimination and unequal treatment and addressing those problems. The signatories overcame strong opposition from a group ofgovernments that routinely try to block UN attention to issues ofsexual orientation and gender identity. Fifty-seven nations signed an alternative statement, promoted by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, that affirmed the "principles of non-discrimination and equality," but said universal human rights do not include "the attempt to focus on the rights ofcertain persons" because "the notion oforientation spans a wide range of persona] choices that expand way beyond the individual’s sexual interest in copulatory behavior with normal consenting adult human beings, thereby ushering in the social normalization, and possibly legitimization ofmany deplorable acts: ~ae countries that signed the pro-gay statement are Mbania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, S~o Tomd and Prlncipe, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Former Yugoslav Republic ofMacedonia, Timor-Leste, unite~Kingd0m, Uruguay ~Venezueta~ ..... The United States refused to sign the statement, saying its broad language could reach into areas that fall outside of federal jurisdiction, such as the right of each U.S. state to define marriage. qt is altogether shameful that on this 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Bush administration should take one final swipe at the universal application ofhuman rights for all;’ said Julie Dorfof the Council for Global Equality. "The shoe incident in Iraq last week painfully shows us how low this country has sunk in the world’s view." Gays march in Hong Kong £or first time Hong Kong saw its first gay pride parade Dec. 13. About 1,000 people marched, including many who came from Taiwan and mainland China. ~he two-mile procession traversed Hennessy Road in the city center. Attendance may have been positively, influenced by news reports before the parade, when Hong Kong’s biggest bus company refused to rent a double-decker bus to pride organizers. 14 Janua~ 2009 Larry: I see it as being a representative, not just for OGRA or the gay community but also the State of Oklahoma. We go to other states and other rodeos and meet a lot ofpeople. Also important is our fund-raising, which is one ofthe reasons I went for this title. Victor: This fund-raising not only helps the charities themselves, but I’m sure you also see it as promoting the positive image ofthe GLBT people in the cowboy lifestyle. Larry: It think it has, and I think a lot ofyoung people have gotten interested in it because ofthe fund-raising, shows and related activity. Also people see you don’t have to be a full fledged cmvboy, just interested in die country lifestyle and having fun. Victor: Although the world is changing, OGRA still defies sonle stereotypica! beliefs.. Photo by Chaz competition is asgreatfor the Cowgirls and Cowboys at OGR~4’~; Great PLains Rodeo as an), other rodeo. Larry: Strangely enough, there are still people we encounter who are shod~ed that there are gay cowboys, that they even exist. They have interesting questions, such as "Are the rodeos really rodeos ? .... Do you really ride horses ?" Victor: Have you ever really roped a cow ? Larry: Yes I have, nay parents have owned ranches and I have roped cows, branded cattle, pulled calves, done all diat. Victor: You grew up in a small town? Larry: Ha}wcorth, a small town not far from Idabel. g[e lived on a f~trm there, went to school, did our chores, slopped the hogs, fed the chickens, took care ofthe horses. We even rode our horses to school when the buses couldn’t get through. Victor: So you had a typical growing up there ? Larry: Yes, but my family moved around a lot, and I experienced city life as well. I got involved ~vitll the gay community after I graduated from O!dahonia Christian University ofEdmond witli a degree of Marketing & Business. After moving back to IdabeI, my first gay bar experience was the Roundup in Dallas. I soon began working with HIV organizations including the Mariah Foundation, Carepoint, and with the OHahoma State Health Department. Victor: But the shining star ofOGRA is the Great Plains Rodeo, which has been held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds for many years as a Memorial Day weekend celebration. Larry: More and more people are coming to that and really having fun. Some people are surprised that our rodeos are truly the same "kind ofrodeos, although we do feature goat dressing and sometimes other campy events thrown in. Victor: What impact do you think t~he movie Brokeback Mountain had on the gay community, society in general, and in particular gay cowboys ? Larry: Really it brought the gay community into the mainstream, that there was more to the gay community than an urbaaa community ofdrag queens & flamboyant individuals, to see them as regular people with difficulties we all face in real life. It made the gay cowboys feel more accepted, to let them kalow they can be themselves. It also educated the urban gay community of the problems rural gays face. Victor: ~¢¢’here do you see die future ofOGRA? Larry: When OGRA began we were teaming up witl~ other states, and now we’re doing one the largest rodeos on our own. Ofcourse we’d like to see more people volunteer, but to put tllis on with the resources we have shows a true hardworking spirit of Oklahomans. Victor: How long have you been in Oklahoma City ? Larry: Seven years, and I have felt good seeing the increased interest in OGRA and the friends I have made there. I have been glad to hear from out oftowners how impressed they are that the various parts ofthe gay communit); the disco crowd, drag queens, the cowboys, the lesbians, get along so well together compared to other places. Victor: So how do people learu more about OGRA? Larry: ~lere~ our website ~a-,wv.ogra.net, to learn what we’re doing, about our events, and other related organizations & chatrooms where one can talk with other cowboys and learn even more. There’s room for all types ofpeople and talent, lesbians, gay" men and we also have some straight members. There you have it, a proud tradition now 23 years young derived from the frontier spirit ofOklahoma. The GLBT community ofOklahoma can look forward to ~vhat OGRA can do for our future. Connecticut unlikely to amend constitution on marriage Connecticut voters strong!y oppose anaending the state constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage, according to a QEinnipiac University poll released Dec. 17. The poll of 1,445 registered voters found that 61 percent oppose an anlendment and only 33 percent support it. Same-sex couples began marrying in Connecticut on Nov. 12 after the state Supreme Court ruled that offering gay couples onbi civil unions violated the state constitution’s guarantee of equal protection under the law. The poll found dlat 52 percent ofvoters agreed with the Supreme Court’s decision, 39 percent did not and 9 percent had no opinion. The poll’s margin oferror was plus or minus 2.6 percentage points. MERI Day ofService to Provide for Foster Children in Rhode Island & Arkansas RHODE ISLAND (PR) Dec 8 __ As Marriage Equality Rh6de Island (MERI) made a commitment to community service this holiday season it couldn’t help but acknovdedge sorrow at the passage ofAct 1 in Arkansas, a thinly veiled attack on the gay community that bans unmarried couples from adopting children or serving as foster parents. Although the Arkansas state motto calls for both "Mercy andJustice; neither was demonstrated by proponents ofthis legislation which harms families and children. MERI fights for the rights and protection ofall families in seeking marriage equality for Rhode Island’s GLBT residents. On \Vednesday, December 10 MERI xvas at the State House to collect items for not only" the RI Food Bank, Crossroads, Amos House mid the IRIE Transitional Home for women and children, but also the foster children ofArkansas xvhose wishes for new families have been curtailed. Mayor Dani Joy ofEureka .... Springs, Arkansas accepted and distributed RI donations. In her letter to MERI, Joy stated, "I am greatly honored that your organization would focus your energy and compassion on our many children that receive foster care throughout our state. With the passage ofAct I our state is left with a large number ofchildren that are either in need offoster care, or currently in foster care... Again, let me say that I am in axve ofyour compassion during this holiday, season. We are truly grateful," File Photo Eureka Springs Birayor DaniJoy Food bank requests included boxed and canned goods, pmvered and evaporated milk, potato flakes, cereal, oatmeal, pasta, rice, soup, condiments, crackers, tuna, peanut butter, jelly/jam and juice. Amos House needs coffee and personal hygiene items. Crossroads could use slippers, hats, mittens, gloves and scarves for men, women and children (4 mos - 18). The young women and their children living at the IRIE Transitional Program, under the auspices of the RI Foster Parent Association (RIFPA) learn skills to improve their lives mid break the cycle ofpoverty. Ten teens ages 16-20 and their 7 children, ages 4 months - 6 years, live in the facility. Contact MERI for items noted on the IRIE wish list. MERI Day ofService partners include RI Pride, inFOCUS and the Gay Straight Alliance ofWarwick Veteran’s Memorial High School. For raore information, contact Susan MacNeil at smacneil@ marriageequalityri.org or by calling 401-463-5368 www.metrostarnews.com ~÷t~oSTAR 15 We have a lot to celebrate including the January 20th date for President elect Obama. This year may be the start of something big for each of us and our personal endeavors. This is truly a time to click our glasses together. Here is a litde about sparkling wines from France and Spain Champagne French monks were the first to bottle a sparkling forra ofwine called Champagne, named after the Champagne region ofFrance. The method of making "mousse" (another name fbr bubbles) in a bottle was invented by the efforts ofD~reJean Oudart (1654 - 1742) and Dora Pierre Pdrignon (1639 - 1715), Benedictine monks and cellarmasters at the respective abbeys of Saint-Pierre aux Monts de Chalons and Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, The region ofChampagne has a colder and shorter growing season. Champagne grapes had to be picked late in the year, with less time available for fermentation. During fermentation yeasts are used to convert the sugars of the grape juice into alcohol and cold winter temperatures stopped the process. The monks developed a method of making Champagne wine by using a second fermentation process that took place in the bottle during the following spring. The second fermentation created carbon-dioxide bubbles that are the sparkle of Champagne. Cava A Spanish sparkling wine is called Cava and was first made as early as 1851, although the true roots ofthe Cava wine industry can be traced back to Josd Raventos’ travels through Europe in the 1860s, where he was promoting the still wines ofhis Codorniu winery. His visits to the Champagne region sparked an interest in the potential of a Spanish version Happy fmay noF fi~ ~yeryqne s budget, and its super New ~.... " DPoenr~lgnon. Rose 96/Sn-nply_ _puta; lthough. h~rd to fifid~ thi~ wifie is ~ller~ of the sparHing wine, usifig th~ same~ , p.roduction methods. ~e local Maekbeo, P~retlada Inmerial Nectar/This one is and Xareldo grapes were well smtqd t~h~s more in~er~sting than {he Wliite Star. It~ fruit wine st de and whereas earlY versions W~e f.o.rw.a.rd..& 9ffdry- deh-cl¯ous. called champ~n or xampany after Champa~~ . Catalan winemakers wadted ~o dis{ingui-sh 5~< [: Piper,Hela ieck B~Ut from the Vr nc 0un par , adopted the name Cava aAer the Cat’an qV6?a Toad H611ow Amplexus Brnt/~is one is ~r cave, where ~e wines were tradi{~on~lly ported to Califbrnia from the Cremant region ~:: stored. ...... of F{auce. Accordin~ t.o S.pan.ish.wine laws, Cava cache C0dorniu Cava Brut/ SparHing wines f"rom produced m s:x wine [eg~ous ~such as A~:md} ~pain can be among the most interesting in de Duero, Navarra and ~oja)but 95% ~f taste. ~ey’re usually fi-uit forward & quite Spanish Cava production takes affbrdable; Pene&s region. In order for the wines called "Card’ they must be made in tional m&hode champenoise. Wines the lmv-cost "Charmat process" may called "Spanish sparkling wine". Food Champagne tends to ers or opening courses in a well with shellfish like ofcourse gegura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva This writer is one ofthe manager~ at the Grand Vin wine shop. He also bar tends and hosts wine & food events known in town as dae Enthusiasts ofTulsa. 9fwine byJames Laube/ This months recipe courtesy of: Shrimp Verde Ingredients: ] pound thin linguine, cappelini or PRIMI PI?~TTI 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil I Bag Spinach 1 Pound Shrimp-fresh ot fi’ozen- shelled and &veined 2 Cloves Garlic 8 tablespoons thatsanice "VERDE" basil pesto crema sauce To prepare: Boil water in large pot with splash ofsalt and drop of oil to keep pasta from.sticking -pasta as directed on package making sure not to overcook, drain, set aside Sautd olive oil, gatlic and spinach about 5-10 minutes, add fresh or defrosted shrimp and sautd in mixture until pink!orange in color. Add thatsanice! "VERDE" and mix together, pour entire mLxture over pasta and toss making sure pasta is evenly coated. If desired, top with some grated Parmesan cheese (although strict old school Italians frmvn on putting cheese over seafood but it tastes good !) Serving ideas: Serve as a first course with a fish entrde like halibut or swordfish like s )ver [en& modern traditional flavors. Ifyou y from them and they offer f~atured on many television shows including the Food Network and have been featured in nmen At The BOK Center Tulsa Brad Paisley Jan 24, 2009 at BOK Center With special guests! Dierks Bentley Darius Rucker Ticket Prices: $39.75 & $46.75 Tickets On Sale Now Cdine Dion Feb 2, 2009 at BOK Center RESCHEDULED DATE! MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2009 All tickets previously purchased for the original date will be honored. Refunds xvill be available at point ofpurchase. Time: 8:00pm Doors: 7:00pm Ticket Prices: $167.00, $127.00, $77.00, $49.50 ~hlsa is one of45 cites and the only city in Oklahoma on this tour. 2q~roughout her career, Celine has been honored with over 1000 Awards, including Grammys, Oscars, Golden Globes, World Music, Juno and Felix Awards. She is the biggest-selling female artist ofall time. Billy Joel & Elton John Mar 17, 2009 at BOK Center Billy Joel & Elton John Face 2 Face Tour March 17, 2009 7:30pro Tickets On Sale Now There is no presale for this concert Ticket Prices: $179, $99, $53.50 Billy Joel and Elton John, the most successful and longest-running concert pairing in pop history! Billy and Elton open the concert with a series ofduets, playing tvcin pianos and trading vocals. Each artist then performs a set with his own band. A grand finale brings the two superstars and their supporting musicians ba& together for a dosing encore. This includes some of both Billy and Elton’s greatest hits along with an unpredictable selection ofrock and roll classics. INSIDE HOLLYWOOD By Romeo San Vicente Deep Inside Hollywood, which reports on a new project for Margaret Cho and Kal Penn Cho and Penn Unite for Sisters Q~eer-identified entertainer Margaret Cho is quite the Renaissance svoman- she’s a stand-up comic, author, actress, blogger, and activist. And now she can add "director" to her resume with Two Sisters, her feature debut. Ifyou were expecting something racy from the potty-mouthed comedian, forget it; the movie is slated to premiere on ABC Family. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but Cho has assembled an impressive cast, including Kal Penn (from the Harold and Kumar movies, as xvell as The Namesake) and the gorgeous Tamlyn Tomita (who recently popped up on Heroes), plus Kathy Najimy (King of the Hill) and Elaine Hendrix (Tru Loved, The Parent Trap). As for the lady herself, Cho will also appear in a small role. Look for Two Sisters to make its premiere on ABC Family in 2009. Pee-wee Comes Back to the Playhouse ~Pnere are a lot ofunanswered questions floating around about Pee-wee’s Playhouse: Ti~e Movie, like "Is it really happening?" and "Is Johnny Depp playing Pee-wee ?" So far the only certainty is that Paul Reubens, ~vho, than!ffull); is still in charge ofPeexvee Inc., is jump-starting this cash cow one more time and is working on the goal ofa 2009 release date for the slow-moving production. Plot details are few and up for debate. Casting, too. (Who’ll replace the late Phil Hartanan? What happened to the guy who played the unambiguously gayJambi ? Will S. Epatha Merkerson return as Reba the Mail Lady? Please?) But all will surely be answered eventually, possibly via ticker-tape readout from Conky the Robot’s torso. And ifJohnny Depp shows up, even as a Pee-wee doppelganger, that’s just fine, too. Now ifthe cameras would only hurry up and roll. No, Really: Lesbian Vaanpire Killers Whether it’s Snakes on a Plane or ~Pne Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies!!?, a movie’s title can sometimes tell you everything you need to knm,: And so it is with Lesbian Vampire Killers, a new British horror-comedy about a Welsh village whose xvomen have been cursed by the local Sapphic bloodsuckers. In aa~ attempt to improve matters, the tovcn sends txvo hapless visitors (played by James Corden and Mathew Home, the stars ofthe BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey) into the woods as a sacrifice to the titular undead. The film also features Paul McGann (Withnail & I, Doctor Who) as one of the few remaining men in the village. Lesbian Vampire Killers ~vill put the bite on audiences in 2009. Next Christmas, Make the Yuletide Gay Romeo loves a good holiday dassic, and some gay filmmakers obviously feel the same way about the genre, with Make the Yuletide Gay now going into production. O.Eueer actor Adamo Ruggiero (who played out-and-eventually-proud Marco on Degrassi: ~e Next Generation) and Allison Arngrim (best known as frontier mean girl Nellie Oleson on Little House on the Prairie) will don their gay apparel for this coraedy about what happens when a guy who’s not out to his faanily goes home for the holidays and then has to explain the sudden appearance of his boyfriend. Yuletide also features Ian Buchanan (Twin Peaks) and gay" indie-fihn vets Derek Long (Socket) and Steve Callahan (East Side Story). Look for Make the Yuletide Gay to pop up at around the same time as 2009 Advent calendars. w,~w.metrostarnews.com ~etroSTAR 17 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams "T VELING AND MEETING PEOPLE" Photo: Donald Pile & Ray Williams Since we are always telling our readers to "Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone" we decided to devote this travel column to the fabulous and interesting people that we have met and dealt with, in our travels. These, ~ve will list in no particular order and they live from coast to coast. Hizabeth Taylor has always been so gracious to remember our anniversaries and holidays. We have so many to list in Palm Springs. There is Jim Doyle &Jerry Efron, Tyke, Wayne, Millie, Shirley, Jim LaMarrina, Ken & Grant, Tom & Doug at the Terrazzo, Burt XWahquist, artists Robert Sharer & Giorgio and restaurateurs, Sol and Chris ~vho we first met when they owned a B & B in San Francisco and now mvn a restaurant in Puerto Vallarta and also own a home in Pahn Springs. In New ~%rk City, Jean- Claude Baker, the exciting owner ofChez Josephine’s Restaurant, author Tom Monsell, play- ~vright Matthew Lom- Photo: Chq~G~r!os at the Hi-Life bardo C,~e in Ft. Lauderdale (Tea at Five and Looped) and movie director/producer Rick McKay. His movie "Broadway: The Golden Age" is a terrific movie. In Florida, the famous portrait photographer Jack Mitchell & Bob Pavlik, entertainers Auntie Marne, ToW & Gloria, the best jazz duo and Miguel Reyna, who without a doubt is the finest piano entertainer/singer that we have ever met! and the lovely and extremely talented Faye Harrod and her friend Gloria Delro); Casey Koslowki, owner; Herb Pianin, General Manager; Peter Mehas, Guest Services Manager and the entire staff at the Grand Resort and Spa in Ft. Lauderdale who operates the finest gay resort in the country, Chuck Smith and ChefCarlos at the Hi-Lit~ Care, Alan Beck & Nick and Norma. Also in Ft. Lauderdale, Al & Tom and Steve & Ells~vorth and the deceased fabulous pianist/entertainer, Houston, and then dear, dears friends, Ed Hayes &John Dunne in St. Petersburg who are truly delightful. And there are the people that we have met quite by accident who have become dear friends such as Ginny & Willy in Florida, Kala & Frank, the absolutely ~beyond Fabulous" owners of the Luna Vista B and B in Rimrock, Arizona, Michael McFall & Luis Gonzalez in Phoenix, ChefMarcdlino and his fabulous wife Sima, owners ofMarcellino Ristorante in Phoenix, Gordon & Kin at the Inn of the 410 in Flagstaff who are super special guys and Charlotte Welch and her daughter Katie in Flagstaff. In Billings, Montana we met Barbara Hill, a wonderful entertainer who has "come OUt~ no not lesbian, but "just simply came out to life" and has found true happi- ,- ness at last. We Photo: Actor LeslieJordan just wish that everybody could find themselves like she did. In St. Louis, Michael Lance &JeffArchuleta, owners ofNapoleons’ Retreat B & B where we first met the "fun couple; Smitty and Eddy in Mississippi who we will be seeing again on our way driving to Florida in January. They can’t help it because they were born straight! And then there is actor, Leslie Jordan, authors Christopher Rice and Robert Hofmann, filmmaker Craig Highberger, (Superstar In A Housedress) and filmmaker Mialyn Hanna (White Shadows). A new friend who ~ve are in contact with but haven’t actually met yet, author Louise Penny in Canada. Photo: Countess Alexis &Ray ~qlliams Also wonderful people like the Countess Mexis, the QEeen Diva who now" lives in Hollywood. She certainly epitomizes elegance and "old Hollywood", plaDvright Gene Danklin Smith and Steve Nycklemore, director of the Hollywood Museum, our good friend, Attorney Andrew Lee who now resides in Mexico, Dean Perkins (Crystal Chandelier) in New Hampshire, Rodger & J.T. in the Q.~ad cities, Chris X~alsh in San Francisco as wel! as gZalter Edgar, owner ofthe 24 Henry B&B and the Village House B&B in San Francisco. In Seatrle, Stephen Bennett, owner of the Gaslight Inn B and B and visiting there,ave met Tom & Doris Friedman from the Hamton’s in New York who ,are will visit When we are in New England next year. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, Ralph Bolton and Robert Frost, owners ofthe Inn ofthe Turquoise Inn. Four o~tstanding people are the late Dalee Henderson who was and is an inspiration to thousands ofpeople and to Raymond Bilbool, former owner ofthe Secret Garden B&B in West Hollywood and our dear friend Stefan Hemming, owner ofthe Liberace Estate in Palm Springs who hosted our 35th Anniversary two years ago and to Mel Haber, owner of Melvyn’s Restaurant and the Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs. Their lives have reached many. So here we are, two guys who live in the middle ofthe country who are fortunate in that we get to travel a lot and meet so many people. In our travels, we really have been so fortunate to meet so many fun, interesting and exciting individuals. q-his column is warmly dedicated to all of daese people that we have met in our travels and we are looking forward to meeting many more in our future. Remember, in the words of the late Dalee Henderson, "When you wake up in the morning, it is a miracle! The rest ofthe day is up to you!" Truly, today is the first day of the rest ofyour life. Ifyou are not happy with your life it is no one’s ffmlt but your own. We want to thank our dear friend Chaz XWard, Publisher-Editor ofthe Metro Star for his support. internationa Boy George could face jail for ’imprisoning’ escort Singer Boy George may land in jail after being convicted Dec. 5 of falsely in~prisoning male escort Audun Carlsen in London. Last April, George handcuffed Carlsen to a book on the wall of George’s bedroom fbr about an hour, saying he suspected Carlsen had hacked into his coruputer following a previous photo session between the two men. Car!sen claims George also attacked him with a metal chain af,er he broke free and began his escape from the apartment. Car!sen told the court the computer story was made up and that George probably was upset because Car!sen refused to have sex ~vith him the previous time they met. City apologizes for past anti-gay actions 1he City Council ofHobart, Tasmania, in Australia, apologized Dec. 10 for banning a booth promoting gay law reform from the city’s weekly Salamanca Market in 1988. In the weeks that followed, more than 100 people were arrested for refusing to vacate the site, marking Australia’s largest-ever act ofgay civil disobedience. The apology, delivered by Lord Mayor Rob Valentine before more than 200 former arrestees, GLBT community members and civil leaders, including state Premier David Bartlett, coincided with the 20th anniversary ofthe crackdown and the 60th anniversary ofthe signing ofthe Universa! Declaration ofHuman Rights. "The Hobart City Cotmcil apologizes for prohibiting the gay law reform stall at Salamanca Market in 1988 and for the resulting arrests aud bans," Valentine said. "We are sorry for the pain and trauma caused to all involved, including GLBTI people; their family members, friends and supporters; and those council officers who were required to carry out the council decision. We are also sorry that the actions we took may have encouraged ill-will and discrimination towards GLBTI people in the broader community. We resolve that actions such as these will never happen again." The apology was formally accepted by Rodney Croome ofthe Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group, which has operated the booth continuously at the Saturday outdoor street market since 1988. "Twenty years ago, as we sat in police cells for the crime of being ourselves, we could not possibly have imagined something like this," Croome said. "People everDvhere who suffer human rights abuses should take this apology as a sign that no matter how bad things seem there is ~lways hope ofa better future: Prior to the apology, a City Council-sponsored photo exhibit ofthe arrests was unveiled at the Salamanca Arts Centre. The council also is sponsoring a ~ublic art work at Salamanca Place commemorating e arrests. 18 #~troSTAR January 2009 , and two and instruc- ~.metrostarnews.com OKC Civic Center Music Ha~1 January Events Jan. 5 SWEENY TODD presented by Broadway Tonight Jan. 9 -Jan. 31 ORPHANS a comedy-drama by Lyle Kessler Jan. 9-Jan. 31 Orphans Jan. 10 INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS presented by the Oldahoma City Philharmonic Jan. 22-Jan. 25 Julius Caesar Jan. 23 -Jan. 24 CHRIS BOTTI presented by Oklahoma City Philharmonic Jan. 25 HOLD THE CANNONS! ~e Story and Glory ofTchaikovsky and the 1812 Overture Jan. 27- Feb. 1 OPRAH WINFREY’S THE COLOR PURPLE Jammry At The Ford Center OKC Jan. 21 st - Jan. 25th ~;,hlking With Dinosaurs Jan. 30th -Jan. 31st ~l!ie Revolve Tour January At The P.A.C. Tulsa Jan 4 David Finckel and "Wu Hart John H. Williams Theatre 6-31 FP~EE Highway412 PAC Gallery Jan 10 Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant Liddy Doenges Theatre Jan 17 An Infinite Ache Liddy Doenges Theatre Jan 20-25 Oprah Winfrey Presents: Wue Color Purple Chapman Music Hall Jan 23 The Tannahill Vgeavers John H. xg/illiams Tneatre Jan 24 Ralph’s World John H. Williams Theatre Jan 27 Ethel Cabaret Liddy Doenges Theatre Jan 28 Ethel Concert John H. Williams Theatre Jan 30-31 OMEAAll-State Music Festival Chapman Music Hall bitter girl FOR Webs#e- www.kylecomics.com en~il: bittergifl@qsyndtcate.com w~wcjoanhilty.net 20 #4etroSTAR January 2009 by Jack Fertig January 2009 "Toot your horn, Taurus!" Jupiter is starting his yearlong passage through Aquarius, where he inspires new visions offreedom aa~d scientific exp,,loration. This mini "age ofAquarius is a year ofgreat luck to anyone with that Sun sign or Ascendant, but check with your astrologer to see when that lucky year actually starts! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): You’ll be amazed to see what your friends would do for you. Take the opportunity to advance yourself politically and socially, and to promote whatever goals and ideals you see improving the world. TAURUS (April 20 o May 20): Don’t be shy! Toot your horn and let everyone know what you’re worth. This is your chance to rise to any position you’re qualified for. You have a bigger career peak in 12 years, but promotions now can boost your trajectory. GEMINi (May 21 - June 20): .At least give a listen to the Wackiest, most far-out ideas coming your way. Take classes that challenge everything you believe in. Ask yourself and the world all the hard questions, and be ready for whole new worlds of answers. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): New sexual adventures beckon - and celibacy and monogamy may count as "adventures," if they’re new to you. You can get your sex life where it should be or wherever you want it. Are they the same? Be careful what you wish for! LEO (Ju~y 23 o August 22): This is your lucky year for relationships. That could include becoming very happy with being single. Join in political or community groups; do things that fulfill you, get you out among others, and accomplish some good. Love will come when it is ready. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Health-wise, this is generally a good year, but be careful of your liver. You can get almost any job you want, if you’re suited for it. Make sure to have the education you need for the post you want. LIBFL~k (September 23 - October 22): If you wants kids, now’s the time! If you prefer having time for fun, explore new pleasures, hobbies, and creative directions. Try something you’ve only considered at the edges of your wildest dreams. The more "out there" and daring, the better! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Whether it involves moving or decorating, embark on the big domestic changes that will make your home what you really want it to be. Do what you can to heal family problems. You can hardly go wrong. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Could you be any more loquacious? Keep your mouth out of trouble by harnessing the brain behind it. Learn a new skill or language, or sign up for any class that offers you a different direction. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): This should be your lucky year for money, but it comes with some deceptive lures. Still, odd chances that shouldn’t work might prove very lucrative. Think ahead, but be ready to take advantage of sudden opportunities. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): In a 12-year cycle, this is your lucky year. Buy a few lottery tickets now and then, travel, or take some classes. You can expand yourself educationally, economically, and/or otherwise. But watch your diet! PISCES (February 19 -March 19): The worst things that happen to you could turn out for the best, although it may take a while to see that. By next year, you’ll be very glad for the experience and insights. MCC0 Rev Steve T. Urie Spidt0fChdst MCC 2g02 E2~ Street J0plin, M064804 417-52~ Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC 0fthe Living Spdng 17 Elk S~eet Eureka Spriags, AR 72632 47525: 9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 53 ~65 54 55 56 Across 1 Gay horror writer Perry 6 Release from bondage’ 11 Be in the hole 14 writer X~stan ~ugh 15 Lincoln Center s Walter 16 Brownb Dirt 1’ ~aeater 3 Af~eck’s Chasing Aany crush 4 \~’ork under Edith Head, perhaps 5 Cut quickly 6 Seduction step, perhaps 7 M0by Dick, to ~daab 8 Retreat for D.H. Lawrence 9 Same~sex vow’ in Connecticut 10Always, to Emilg Dickinson 11 Cather novel of 1913 12 Place for a Rivera mural 13 What Carson Kressley did to the straight guy? 18 Glenn Burke, formerly 22 James Deans East ofEden role 24 Wol£bn ofFreedom to Marry ww~.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 21 ¢ Heights Historic District is: [ BUY G1 Joe Action F~gm:es GAYEST Neighbo£hood t12" size Only) myg0oe@cox.net or cai!(405) 249-4515 I BW OLD or NEW ~n Box or Out ofBox (send pic with asking price) DS (2437) Oklahoma’s HIV/STD H0tline PROTECT YOURSELF PROT£CT YOUR PARTNER(8) Nens Oul~each P~mm ©ommunity People ~iving Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIVe 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 itelT~s for themselves. VVe invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhouseioo9865@sbcglobal.net KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man F~dl Body Massage 2 hands or 4 hands available Now Hiring Male & Female [] [] WVTW.METROSTARNEV, ogS.COM 22 Metr0STAR January 2009 Support those who support us. Their HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222t www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALEI~E VZtLLIFORD 625 N.\~ 13th Street Oldahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. \VALNUT .A.VE. Oldahorna City, OK 800-913-1310 ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK v.~vw.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE TulSa, OK 918_836_8700........................... wwwabaingooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON 2htsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSX~TAY Oklal~oma City, OK 405-525-2900 www.habanainn.com STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pro to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\gAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EKPt~SSWAY Oklahoma Cit7, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com EXPP,ESSIONS Comm Fellowship 6009 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 www.expressionsOKC.com ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st 7hlsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahomgs HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM CHUCK BRECKENI~DGE K.elter Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-!887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com MCC of the LI\qNG SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 ~w~v.mcctulsa.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 Oldahoma City, OK GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn TOM &JERRYS 1501 N.W. 23RD Oklahoma City, OK 405-524-9100 >> 405-314-3898 JUDY G. PHOT0’S Tulsa, OK judvgphotos@sb%lobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 N\Xz EXPPd~SSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com B A D G E R U R A L O O E AW $ E V ON OO H$ L E N E E $ $ E D o N C A N R A ow PA Y ~ L ~ OLD N R ~ 0 STS NST WED :~.metrostarnews.com ~®troSTAR 23 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] Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 1 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 1, 2009 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 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Chaz Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Rex Wockner Susan A. Muscari Gerald Libonati Vernon Britt Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Judy G. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri, Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star, December 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/199 The Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/131 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/132 A Gathering adoption AIDS Awareness Advocacy American gay rights Angela Monson art Art Gallery Comics community crossword puzzle DADT Don't Ask Don't Tell Elton John entertainment equal rights First Thursday foster children gay adoption ban gay sex ban HIV cases increase HIV diagnose homophobes international news Josh New Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Lesbian and Gay Band Association marriage marriage equality National news Oklahoma News Oklahomans for Equality poll pro-gay Proposition 8 Qscopes regional news Robert Matson same sex marriage sexual diagnoses Star Scene Supreme Court theater travel United Nations viewpoints Vincent Scott Wanda Sykes World AIDS day https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/2e2a9a8c933dbbbc21c3c4cdc0a83571.jpg c0285f15bddb2569e69f41fde420d855 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b96238e6cb780c76b436d590e485edff.pdf f3af744a4fdff9fad5baa5b8f88f0d77 PDF Text Text Oldahoma City’s Robin Dorner oins Metro Star team. She not only brings her talent and enthusiasm, but also expertise gained from overall life experience and reporting. Seepage 5 3.corn THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA TSUNAMI SLAMS OBAMA JULY 1,2009 T lsa Pride Se s New by Rex Wockmer not health coverage, which he said june 17 is not within his power. That’s the good news -- all of it. What hasn’t he done? Anything about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, anything about the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), anything about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. He’s done nothing about any of the stuff he promised the gays before they rushed to the polls en masse last November to make sure he won that election. And, then, Mr. Obama’s Justice Deparmxent filed a brief June 1 ! in a federal same-sex marriage case that used nearly eveW nasty homophobic argument in the book to argue against letting gays get married. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back and unleashed a flood of harsh criticism from gay VIPs. "I hold this administration to a higher standard than this brief," Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese wrote to Obama. "In the course of your campaign, I became convinced -- and I still want to believe -- that you do, too .... This brief should not be good enough for you, The question is;Mr. President-- do you bdieve that it’s )bama. dec~des 22 which ~ not necessary ~i , ~ . to file a brief. It’s a horrific and hideous attack on LGBT [one thats good. He ~ssued :. ....... Americans." and he extended a few National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director spousal benefits ~ ~d~ employees’ Same’sex partners -Kate Kendell on her Facebook page: "The filing by the sick leave and long-term care insur~ce; for example, but ............ Continued See GAY TSUNAMI Page-24 Pro ect Pride Foundation Director Under Investigation For Fraud By Victor Gorin OKLAMOMA CIT~; OK__ On May 16, Robert Jordan Chiles was dected to a position on the Oklahoma State Democratic Party’s Central Committee as part of the Affirmative Action Committee. Ivan Holmes, previous chair of the Oklahoma State Democratic Party stated to the Metro Star, "Robert ovces the party for tickets he purchased for the luncheon at the State Convention along with advertising in the program. He said he would pay that immediately and he hasn’t as of yet, so vce will pursue this issue." If he doesn’t resign his position, party officials are ready to begin impeachment proceedings. In May Mr. Chiles placed an advertisement in the Metro Star which ran in the June 2009 isme; soliciting funds for his Project Pride Foundation, presented as an organization working to advance GLBT rights and hdp people living with HIV. This advertisement was paid for with a check that was returned unpaid by his bank. Mr. Chiles was given numerous opportunities by phone and email to cover the check with no results. It has since been turned over to the Oldahoma County District Attorney for collection and possible prosecution. ........... Continued See PROJECT PRIDE Page-17 By Michael \~ Sasser TULSA, OK__ Tt~a Pride’s Diversity Festival and Pride Parade engaged a record number of participants on June 6th, both in terms of spectators and participants. "I think it exceeded expectations," said Oldahomans for Equality President Toby Jenkins. "We were worried whether the format and schedule might scare people or would be comfortable for people to participate in. Our Pioneer Breakfast far, far exceeded expectations. N~e police tell us there were 23,000 people at the festival which is the largest single-day attendance for an event we have ever had." Jenkins said the festival also included over 70 vendors and booths, twice the number as last year; and there vcere three times the number of parade entries as last year. "The parade yeas larger, there were more floats and more groups," If there was a down side, it ~vas that in the nev¢ event format debuting this year, there were fewer spectators along the parade route. ........... Continued See TULSA PRIDE Page-6 LOCAL>> 9 YO GRAND MARSHALL I NATIONAL >> NO SUPPONF FOR DADT I WORLD >> 50,000 2gF EURO PRIDE I PLUS >> LIFESTYLE TRAVEL I ~’FS I WINE I DINING �July 2009 2 �A good time By Robin Domer-Townsend Next year is a very big year for the OGRA as they will celebrate their 25th anniversary. "Even more is in store for next year’s event," furthers Wieden. "We will have a special limited edition designer ’trophy buckle’ made. Each of the 25 buckles will be numbered and sold to raise even more money for the charities ,are help." Wieden and the board of the OGRA wish to thank all of their sponsors and volunteers, but offer a special thanks to Premium Beers of Oklahoma and the Copa/Finish Line which each contributed more than $10,000 this ),ear. For more information about OGRA please visit www.ogra.net. Impressive Youth Leads Tulsa’s Gay Pride Parade By Judy Gabbard Diversity Business Assodates; proud to do in OKC By Robin Dorner-Townsend OGRA [)~ddent RTint Wied}n, Robin Dorner photo OKLk(HOMA CI~/, OK Every ),ear as Memorial Day weekend rolls around, the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo is held in Oklahoma City. Their goal as a social organizarion is to host an annual-gay rodeo in Oklahoma City, assist in western related events and contribute to charitable organizations. This year~ motto is. ’~A Bucking Good Time." The mission of OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) is to act as a non-profit organization, to perform charitable duties for the surrounding area through fundraisers, rodeo performances, etc., for any particular charitable organization the general membership of the association shall choose. "Xhat is the main goal of]OGRA; to raise money for charity," said Klint Wieden, OGRA President. "Each year we give primarily to two different charities ~vhich provide services to those living with HIV or AIDS." This year’s beneficiaries of the event are Other Options/Friends Food Pantry and RAIN Oklahoma. Each of these organizations will receive a charitable contribution from OGRA once the dollar amount for donation has been calculated. "Usually it is around $3,500 for each organization," adds Wieden. "Wieden grew up on a big ranch in north~vest Oklahoma on thousands of acres. His family raised cattle, ran horses and performed all general ranching duties and his family was always involved in the rodeo. "I also love doing charity work. It is a necessary thing," he adds. "I enjoy the causes xve stand for at OGRA and bringing the two together; rodeo and chariw, well, it’s a great thing for me." OGP,A 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. The purpose for organizing OGRA was to prov;ide a harmonious enviromnent for those interested in the western lifestyle to express themselves through rodeo, dance and other £~mity social activities barring al! prejudices related to sex, nation~ origin, sexual orientation, religion, race or any other prejudices. Overall, the IGRA has raised millions ofdoltars ~br charities across the country. www.rnetrostarnews.com OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Since 2004, the Diversity Business Association (DBA) has been a "proud’ organization representing many businesses and prot)ssions in the Oklahoma City metro area. As an organization primarily for gay and gay-friendly businesses, DBA is a diverse group; thus the name "Diversity Business Association." DBA is not an organization iust for the gay, lesbian. bisexual or transgender (GLBT} community. It is an open minded, diverse group of individuals from all walks of life. "Why not do business with people who want to do business with you?", is their organizational motto. With nearly 150 members, the Diversity Business Association does mean business. "DBA has become Oklahoma City’s fastest growing GLBT organization and with good reason," says Monty Milburm President of DBA. "We offer a casual yet business oriented environment for our members to connect with and do business with people that want to do business with them. It is these connections that help all of us succeed in good and bad times." Each month, usually two business connection meetings are held where members meet to network and exchange business cards, ideas, and get together for fun events also. There are luncheons, educational meetings and after hour mixers which bring the group together for people ~vho want t6 do business with like-minded people. Membership fees for DBA are some of the best in this area for an organization of its ~nd. An individual business membership is $49 per year and corporate memberships (for up to 10 people) are $450. Unlike most organizations, DBA has a student or ’social’ membership f)e for $25 per year. N~is allows the businesses in the area who are gay or gay-friendly to benefit from like-minded people seeking to do business with this diverse group. The goal of DBA is to be a positive organization in the GLBT community and the Oklahoma City community as a whole. DBA will have a booth at the upcoming Gay Pride events to be held at Memorial Park in Oklahoma City on June 27th & 28th and invites everyone to come and visit to see what they are all about. "I would like to encourage you to visit often, check out our calendar and consider joining. We encourage positive competition and celebrate each member’s success," adds Milburn. "t am proud to serve as President of such a fine organization. We really do mean business." For more information about DBA, please email them at contact@dbametro.org or visit vvw~.dbametro.org. It is best to use Internet Explorer when visiting this site. Noah Blatt Grand Marshall ~dsa Pride Parade. Judy G. photo TULSA, OK The Grand Marshal! of Tulsds Annual Pride Parade xvas not a celebrity or an individual with a crown of jewels: this Grand Marshall was a nine year old young man named Noah Blatt. Noah Blatt is a perfect example of what the words "Diversity" and "Acceptance" represent in the contin~l struggle of gay rights. Told to me by a representative of Oldahomans [br Equality, Noah Blatt first came m the attention of the committee members at Tulsa’s Equality Center, when he hand delivered a letter and a donation. In the letter, Noah explained that as an assignment he was to chose an organization that he rahought was making a difference, His mission was to acknowledge that organization and donate to its support. Noah has continued to contribute part of his weekly allowance in support of Tulsa’s Equality Center. Toby Jenkins, Tulsa’s Equality committee President, said, that when it came time to select the Grand Marshall for the Pride Parade, no other individual was as deserving as Noah Blatt. Noah’s revelation, revealed in his letter, that xvhen same sex couples love each other and want to marry, there shotdd be no one allowed to stand in their way. Simple truth uttered from one so young shows that the continuing struggle for gay rights is making an impact on public opinion. In a short interview with Noah Blatt, I met a gentle young man with a view of the world that maW lose when they grow up. Noah is determined to hang on to his beliefs and make his opinions known. Noah’s room and dad are hard working, well educated parents who have a!lo~ved their child to develop his own views of human behavior. Mr and Mrs Blatt support their young son’s ideas and know that it takes only one person to start a movement towards human rights. Noah was introduced to the public at the Pride Festival held at Centennial Park, located at 6th and Peoria, and severalo awards were bestowed upon him. The greatest prize was a view into the future possibilities of our youth. The importance of bestowing understanding, love, guidance and attention to our younger population was made evident in such a small package, Noah Blatt. ~®troSTAR 3 �UDGE RULES IN KEITH KIMMEL’S FAVOR ON HIS I’M GAY LICENSE P LATE Billy who is running for Mr. O.G.R~k. next year. Tney are setding down together on the outskirts of Noble where Michael, as a member of the Orchid Society, will be able to pursue his hobby. The Holy Union was offidated by Pastor Neill Spurgin of Exp~:essions Community Fellowship, where both Billy and Michael are members. Let’s wish them a wonderful life together. Giving back: MAC Cosmetics ’Viva Glam’ line supports HIV! AIDS organizations By Robin Dorner-Townsend By Victor Gotin Annual Hot Young Hollywood Party to benefit R.A.I.N. Oklahoma August 7 Angles to host annual Hot Young Hollywood PaW to benefit RAIN Oklahoma. Oklahoma CiF’ HIV Non-profit agent/. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ August 7 2009 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK On April 6 Keith KimmeL like maW other Ol-dahomans since 1967, applied for a personalized license plate for his !992 Dodge pickup truck. However. he ran into an obstacle because his message was ’TM GAY". His request was denied. Kathy Green, a supervisor in the Motor Vehicle Division, stated that his request was denied due to a Oklahoma Tax Commission Rule 710:60-3-150 (d) which states "No license plate will be issued -which may be offensive to the general public." However, she did not state why she deemed that his message fit into that category. Mr. Kimmel appealed this decision, and his case was heard by Administrative Law Judge Jay Harrington in Oklahoma City on May 7. A favorable ruling, in which Judge Harrington recommended that Keith be allowed his I’M GAY plate, was released on June 18, jttst a week before Gay" Pride celebrations ldcked off in Oklahoma City. Attorney Brittany M. Novomy, who represented him on this case had this statement, "This decision is an indication that we do still live in a society that respects the rule of law, and when we feel our civil rights have been violated we know we can turn to our legal system to remedy the situation. I believe it is also a signal that despite its national reputation, Oldahoma has outstanding women and men in the legal profession who put the law ahead of old prejudices." The Oklahoma Tax Commission may accept or reject this recommendation. Talking with Mr.Kimmel he stated, "I think the judge reviewed the case carefully,, made a good decision and I hope the commission will do the right thing and let me have nay plate." If the Oklahoma Tax Commission doesfft fol!ow- through and allow his plate he plans to pursue additional legal action. Billy Jackson and Michael[ Friday ioined their lives together By Victor Gorin N~e Hot Young Holly~vood Party is an annual fundraiser for RAIN Oklahoma, acting as a spotlight for local GLBT owned & friendly businesses. RAIN Oklahoma will be honoring four Oklahomans for their outstanding leadership and activism. The event will be a fun filled evening with fashion shmvs from well-known designers such as Cadillac Cowboy; Nicole Moan, GLAMNERD, Riot Rockett and Debauchery Clothing, plus live performances from Oklahoma City;s own Eric Bramble and others. Definitely an event not to be missed! Rafiqe ticket sales provided much of the $2500 raised at last year’s party. I~mt year sponsor donated items included a necklace donated by Mitchener & Farrand Jewelers, a "makeover" prize package .from Velvet Monkey Inc., dinner for two at 1492, and a Marc-by-Marc Jacobs bag among many other items. For the RAIN Leadership Award, campus GLBT groups made nominations from OCU, UCO, OU, OSU OKC AND UT as well as the GLBT group of DELL and the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. The goal of our nominees is to increase the quality of life for all Oklahomans. RAIN Oklahoma is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit agency, depending on private donations and the support of the community to continue providing high quality of services. RAIN Oklahoma offers a wide array of services from free HIV testing and counseling, community outreach projects, Ryan White Case Management, ADVANTAGE Medicaid waiver services & Transitional Housing. RAIN Oklahoma’s mission is to compassionately serve indMduals and communities impacted by HIV/AIDS through education, volunteerism and coordinated access to healthcare & support services. We accept all donations; Gift Certificates, Checlcs, Merchandise and/or services. Donors will be recognized in the program. For additional information on The Hot Young Holbavood Party, please contact the Hot Young In f!’ont of the Iguana Lounge in Automobile Alley in downtown Oklahoma Ci~, the 3¢IAC cosmetics staffin Oklahoma City show their support in the form of"a big check"for Other Options and Friends Food Pantry. The fundraising event "51 Toast to Life" was heldfor the non-profit organization at The Iguana Lounge in April The Iguana showed its support ofthe Other Options organization by undenvHting the charitable event. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Since 1989, Other Options has been on the forefront of prevention, education, and assistance of those in need who are living ~vith HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome). The organization was Formed as anonprofit whose missi6n" included al! services which hdp persons living with the disease but currently their primary focus is that of food services, nutrition and education. Mary Arbuckle, Director of Other Options works to assist the clients they serve, organizes donations and among many other taslcs, she also writes grant applications for the organization. "It’s a ..... Continued see MAC page 24 Holl)wcood Committee: Contact: Kendet R. Powers, CTR Agent RAIN Oklahoma 405/204/7767 kpowers@rainoklahom.org Vicld Banta Vicki Banta the Partyoligist 405/850/6817 Xfbanta@aol.com Bil{r Jackson &Michael Friday at their Holy[ Union wid~ t/.,eir .iF[ends Luq and Midn@t. Godn photo Kai R. Dameron Rain Oldahoma, CTR Coordinator 405/232/2437 xt 123 KaiDameron@hotmail.com OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Billy Jackson and Michael Friday joined their lives together Sunday, June 14 in Norman at Thunderbird Chapel. Lovers of the country lifestyle, both are active in OGRA, Michael as the mernbership chair and July 2009 4 �Robin Dorner Joins Robin Dorner-Tmvnsend. Staff photo OKLAI-IOMA CITY. OK Already well kmown in Oklahoma City and beyond as a fun loving reporter and activist. Ms. Dorner has just joined the Metro Star team. She will be repo~ting local news and ~ents and wil! handle OK~’~C ad sales al6nFwithRikGOdbev and Victor Gorin. She is also an accomplished ~h0togr~pher. She n0{ 0hly brings 1{~} taleh{ ~nd enthusiasm, but alSO ~ert~e gained f om oCe llife ep0mng Metro Star Staff Born in Wichita, she graduated from Kansas Newman College in that same city to become a Registered Nurse. She moved to Oklahoma City in 1983 when jobs for RNs were plentiful. She worked in various positions as a dialysis nurse, in home health and hospice settings, and case management. She is a happily married heterosexual, celebrating 15 years together with Ken Townsend, her soulmate who is in the oil & gas business. In 2004 she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health administration, followed by a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 2006. After this milestone, seeking a different direction, she branched out into journalism with the City" Sentinel. broadening their horizons when she covered many events of the GLBT community. She first became involved with our community during the !990s when she volunteered as a nurse for the Triangle Association vdth D~:Larry Prater. who operated a free AIDS clinic. Relating ~o that experience she stated that "I loved it, not only as a nurse but also from the love, camaraderie and acceptance I found in the gay community." Her involvement in the community grew, and she later became a boai~d member of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. She is a former board member and current member of Diversity Bttsiness Association of Oklahoma City, and is her husband Ken. She does vohmteer work for Other OptiOns, and looks forward to working with the Metro Star. We welcome her a oard . the City Sentinel ( fbrmeriy the Mid City Advocate). Leather Camp V will be running in Wichita gg~IICHITA, KS (PR) __ August 14 - 16, 2009. Early bird registration is active until July" 21st at a rate of $75.00. After July 21st, the package cost xvill be $85.00. The Clarion Hotel will hots the event with a room rate of $79.00 per night. Rooms need to be booked directly through the hotel. Ask for the WOOLF rate to get the discount. ~qere are lots of great classes for this years event. Presenters include ~qaipmaster Bob and Bootpig, Graydancer, Sir Olivier and pup sparlg~, Mason and Michelle. In addition, we will be having our Central Hains Regional contests for Central Plains LeatherSirlboy and CommunivA Bootblack as well as our loc~ www:metrostarnews.com WOOLF contests for Mr. and Ms. WOOLF and Kansas boy/girl. All of the contests will be judged by International LeatherSir 2009, Sir Raul, International Leatherboy 2009, boy bill, Central Plains LeatherSir 2009, Master Sam Sampson, Central Plains Leatherboy 2009, pup sparkle, Central Plains Community Bootblack 2009, boy blu, Great Plains Leatherboy 2008, boy mike and Rev. Jackie Carter of the Metropolitan Community Church of Wichita. The weekend ~vill be emceed by Tom Stice. For more information and to register for the weekend and book your hotel room, please visit www.wichitaleatherpride.com. &~et~’oSTAR 5 �By Michael ~{~. Sasser "I was straight most of my life," said the Tulsa CountT Courthouse clerk. "I was always open with sexuality and thought that if it felt good, do it. I’ve only had t-wo girlfriends in nay life. My first girlfriend was the one who said "you should try this’ and I said ’sure, let’s give ir a try.’ It was tumultuous except for the sex tbr the next two years. I have been with nay current partner for 13 years." Nipper had been "spiritually" a writer her entire life, from the time she xvrote a short story in grade school that a teacher insisted on turning into a slide show. "The best advice I ever got was to write one page a day and after a year, you ~voutd have 365 pages," Nipper said. "qhe road to publishing has been rocky, but my publisher now is terrific. They do so much to support authors and offer opportunities and guidance." Femme Noir’s sequel, I4dss of Noir, is already under contract. It’s set in New Orleans and will continue to stretch the parameters ofsexuat representation. "I’ve already shocke,~,! and appalled some lesbmns, N~pper stud. I th~nk that means am on the right track." Tulsa author Clara Nipper. Press photo TULSA, OK __ Tulsa author Clara Nipper never read mysteries, thrillers or true crime books, so when - on a dare from her partner - she set out to write in the genre, they set the mood and picked up the stylized approach by camping out in their home. lowering the air conditioning and watching classic noir films such as Double Indemnity, Laura and the more-modern Body Heat. "They were terrific," said Nipper. "I took some inspiration from them." Nine months in the writing, Nipper completed her first novel, the stylish Femme Noi~; a tide that aptly describes both the book and the innovative genre of lesbian literature. "I was writing "chick stories’ and my partner told me that since that wasn’t ,going an?~vhere I should try something new, Nipper said. So, Nipper crafted a character that was the "total opposite" of her. "She is tall and lean, black and bald, and a total womanizer - a slut. I wondered if I could wrire an entire book about her. And, I thought, yes I could." The rest is now history. Femme Noir is being published by Bold Stroke Books. In the book, Nora Delaney is Nipper’s protagonist. The hard-boiled, hypersexualized womanizing college basketball coach chases the case of her murdered exlover from LA to Tulsa only to be waylayed by a gorgeous, gin-swilling skirt who has information as well as an appetite for women like Nora. The book contains classic noir elements and Nora is cut from the same cloth as many classic, troubled genre protagonists - except that she is a woman. Hailed by maw for its unique and interesting voice, the book is also sexually graphic and unapologetic. "’gq~en my father got a copy of the book. I wrote in it ’please don’t read this’." Nipper said. "I hope he hasn’t. Tulsa native Nipper is veU much unlike her lead character. For more information on Nipper and Femme Noir, visit www.claranipper.com. Dont Shop - Adop "Most people waited for the parade at [Centennial Park], and it was packed there". A shuttle system taking parade-path spectators to the park might be one thing added for future Pride festivals. For the most part, though, the new event structure was very much a success. "The fireworks, the ferris wheel and the concert were all huge successes." Jenkins said. Jenkins noticed a few things in particular this year. Employees of Spaghetti Warehouse on Brady Street came out to cheer ~or the parade. At Centennial Park. the crowd included a notable number of straight couples and individuals, including maW attending their first-ever Pride event with or without a GBLT relative or friend. "I thought, ’Wo~v. ~vhen did it become cool to go to Pride?" "-We also had a tot of seniors there. One mother said she was impressed at how family-friendly the environment was. I wish I could say that was something we tried to do. but it’s just a sign of the evolution of the community." Police commented on how busy the Kid Zone was with approximately 700 children of GLBT families and straight participants. This year’s n~w policy against ice chests and bringing in outside food and beverages also worked out. Jenkins said no one had to go to the hospital and police told him that for the first time there was no one who they considered acting publicly drunk to the point of being a nuisance. Vendors also told Jenkins they had done well at the event. Jenkins hopes that means it will be possible to continue expansion of the event in the future with more participants. Although the parade route saw the typical number of protestors, there was only one notable at the festival itself. Annie Bryce drove an hour to attend her first Tulsa Pride event. "I was very impressed at how nice it was and, really, how nice the people were - men, women, gay and straight even," she said. Cashen" Stewart attended the Pride Festival, largely for the parade, He thinks the eve,n,t could still be improved. I think there should be a bit more things to do at Pnde that are more mteracuve, he said. lenkins said that other smaller cities aro{md Oldahoma also having Pride events, such as Enid for the first time ever in July, is evidence of empowerment. "People are feeling safe enough to have festivals - that’s a good sign." Meet Woodstock. He’s a 9 yr old yellow labbie who was Surrendered to Lab Rescue so ~ve could find him a new home. His owners love ~ctive for him, but h~ is a them. D0n:t le~ iS young at hem o1~1 labl;ie. H6 loved on: ~’g0odi I stcd No matter who you are o are on life’s iourney, -Reverend ~r. K~hy Sapulpa Norman Collinsville )18 299 6311 918-272-4965 918 227 2722 405 321 6,"~2 5 918 371 1000 Courtesy of v:xvw.labrescue.net L 3131 & Pennsylvanio, Oklah0m= Q>~, 405.525.9555 July 2009 6 �So, ust What is the True Politics M es for Definition-of Marriage ? Strange Bedfellows by James Nimmo by James Nimmo OY._LM-IOMA CITY. OK As a semiprofessional musician I provided music at the same-gender marriage recently of two friends of mine, the latest ceremony of uncountable services I’ve played, t’rn also a committed atheist and rather hard-boiled when it comes to asking [or divine intervention, as well as the invention of skT-oriented deities for whatever reason. I support everyone’s private pursuit of their interests in accordance with the First Amendment as long as infringement of my own legally supported rights isn’t involved. There was no doubt of the sincerity of the participants in this religious ceremony. There were prayers, vestments, and liturgy common to any other Christian denomination marriage ceremony. Had you been blindfolded and dropped into this touchingly simple outdoor service, uncoached and uninformed, you would not have been able to distinguish this wedding from the thousands being conducted in the rest of the country on any Saturday afternoon. Jaded as I am about religion, I did get a little misty-eyed when the minister spoke-of the hands being held by the two grooms. As these ceremonies of commitment go the hope is always for a devoted and determined future of mutual and exclusive support through a lifetime of as many years o?iife as our genetic desdny wil1 give us. He described these hands as they are now. young and strong brushing away ~ears of joy and sorrow, touching in moments of intimacy, and when old and wrinkled they’ will sti!l be the hands we want touching us in times of need. ~ view myself as a married man wittl a partner of 32 years, and 1 can identi~! with the sentiments and intentions the minister outlined in his .;ermon. By what fiat of bigoted ignorance can anyone deny me and millions of other gay and Lesbian Americans this legaI right of marriage just because the gender of the two people is the same, choosing to share their bounty and their concerns for as long as they’re able, be it one year or hopefully- a long lifetime? How is that any different from what opposite-gendered people choose to do? To answer my own title, I think marriage is the ability of two responsible people committed to each othm; with a seriousness of purpose, for as long as they are able to hones@ maintain the relationship, with or without the imprimatur of religion. At one time I was a proponent of going nicker the recognition of our gay/ Iesbian equality one right at a time. But at approximately 1,400 indMdual rights bestowed with a completed marriage license, there arefft enough years for even Methuselah to see the success of the movement. I now see that only a dedicated Federal lawsuit, such as the one being brought by Ted Olson and David Boles ( http://tiwurl.com/q6hvip ), will give us the trne definition of marriage we gay and Lesbian citizens need to live our lives with the choice so casually enjoyed by straights. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s pretty exciting to be a gay/lesbian activist these days. Our civil rights movement has been focused on California which has been performing a line dance with basically the lovers of romance and civil rights in one line and the haters of diversity and inclusion in another. With the survival of Prop-Hate in California in late May there are now thirty states that prohibit same-gender marriage by constitutional amendment; thirty-seven prohibit it by statute. Some states even went double-dipping in their vehemence against gays and lesbians with both. But on the sunny side, as of this writing, there are five states that allow same-sex marriage with three states promoting samegender unions. ( http:lhinyurt.comlmq8fev ) I’m not too hot with arithmetic but even I can tell there is some overlapping of statutes and amendments with a minority of states still sitting on the sidelines, waiting and waiting. Waiting for what? Maybe the same thing I’ve been waiting for. A team of lawyers, financial supporters, and plaintiffs willing to put this momentous issue into it’s proper frame: Shall the United States continue with this jurisprudence crazy, quilt of rich progressive action and tawdry, shortsighted discrimination or blanket the country with one legal rtding that allows all adults to make their own decisions for their future regardless of gender, religion, or geographic location? That’s where the odd bedfellows Ted Olson and David Boles come in. These two lawyers, fmnous for being on opposing sides of the Bush v. Gore Supreme Court case that by a one-vote margin put the Bush/Cheney ticket in the White House have filed a Federal lawsuit to place an injunction on the California Supreme Court decision upholding the anti-marriage equality amendment lmown as Proposition 8.7heir plan is to carry this lawsuit up the chain of Federal courts to the US Supreme Court if necessary in order to have a definitive ruling as to whether or not same-gendered people are covered under the 14th Amendment of the Federal Constitution, specifically the clause that all citizens are entided to the full protection of the laws. ( http://tinyurt.com/dypxfp ) Many of the main stream civil rights and gay/lesbian advocacy organizations ( The American Civi! Liberties Union, Lambda Legal, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Freedom to Marry, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Equality Federation, and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation are aghast at the audacity of this plan sponsored by the American Foundation for Equal Rights. ( http:/Itinyurl.comlld6a2w ) I’m no legal eagle but I’m literate, folio~w the news, and can reason, tn addition, my partner and I were among 12 other plaintiffs in the attempt by Oklahoma’s chapter of the ACLU to derail the 2004 Okie version of Prop. 8, known as State Question 71 ! that passed with a 70+% majority vote. The legal strategy being used by the ~.metrostamews.com As t see it, ~here are two important precedents (an important aspect of jurisprudence? from the Supremes that recognize our gay/lesbian citizenship. They are: Lawrence v. Texas ( http://tinyurl. com/br2tj t that eliminated sodomy laws by overturning Bowers v. Hardwick (http:// tinyurl.com/jus3e ), and the Romer v. Evans decision overturning Colorado’s infamous Amendment 2 dewing gay/lesbian citizens protection of state laws( http://tinyurl. com/49m9er ) wherein Justice Kennedy famously wrote that "[Amendment 2] is at once too narrow and too broad. It identifies persons by a single trait and then denies them protection across the board. The resulting disqualification of a class of persons from die right to seek specific protection from the law is unprecedented in our iurisprudence." Let me add that Justice Kennedy is the famous "swing vote" on many Court decisions that are decided by a single vote. Though there have been changes in the names of the j ustices over the years, the legal balance of the Court is still the same: four living in the 18th century, four in the 21st century, with one bridge between them. If politics makes for strange bedfellows and change is die buzz word for this political season, then I think it’s time to change the sheets. As these two well experienced attorneys have wedded dlemselves to marriage equality, I wish them a happy honeymoon. Live long and prosper, Olson and Boles! Joplin First Pride in over ten years JOPHN. MO (PR) In January of this year Rev. Steve Urie of Spirit of Christ MCC asked for volunteers to h~ad up a committee commissioned with the task of planning and bringing together Joplin’s first Pride Event in over ten years. Out of that was born Joplin: Out & About, a collaborative committee made up of people from Spirit of Christ MCC, AT&T and other GLBT groups and members from the community. A target date was set and the planning began. ¯homas, Joanna, Darrell, Jeff, Heath, Shauna and Shea with the intermittent help of others handled the tough iob of keeping it all together. Tne final result was several events through the week including a Karaoke Night, Movie Night and finally Joplin’s Out & About Event in the park. Just ten years ago you would find law enforcement setting traps to catch men in the park cruising. This year with la~v enforcement patrols protecting the event; the community celebrated with groups from Springfield, Galena, Tulsa, the greater Joplin area and as far away as NW Arkansa~s, Weir and Topetca, Kansas taking pride and respect to a new high level for the community. Private and non-profit vendors started signing on as did other local groups including UCC Family Fellowship, Joplin Gays Yahoo Group, Joplin’s GLBT Corporate Center, the support group fi-om AT&T, Planned Parenthood, PROMO, the Pla-Mor Lounge and APO’s local and Springfield’s offices. The Metro Star played an important part in providing sponsorship and coverage of the event. The Topet~ Transgendered Alliance was represented by Steve/Lila & spouse Joy also members of MCC Topeka. Entertainment was provided by a band as well drag queens from Joplin and Springfield. The Gto Center from Springfield, MO showed up in support of the Event, helped with Sponsorship and provided information about their services. We thank everyone who sponsored, supported, participated and just plain attended this event. Rev. Steve Urie & long time partner Heath with festival voluntee~ Staffphoto Held in Joplin’s McClellan Park June 13th and with over 250 people from the GLBTQ community this was a success for our community. Friends, family supporters and the straight community including children and some well behaved canines came together to show that we can be one community that we can work together, play together and respect each other. From Gay Bingo to the sale of Pride Jewelry, entertainment ro fbod. free HIV testing to information, and with MC Brandon everyone had a great time. In addition several boxes of food were donated t~br APO clients through the Angel Food Ministries program. Lots ofentertainment, & good looking guys and gab at joplin Pide Yestiva~ Staffphoto We would like to thank Naomas for his dedication and tenacity in keeping it together; Joanna for gathering equipment, supplies, support mad being one foot soldier you couldn’t top, Darrell for writing the first GLBT Joplin History Booklet, Jeff for putting the boolde.t togethm; Heath for cooking his heart out and all the volunteers that brought it together. With the encouragement of the community at large already pouring in this may have been Joplin’s first Pride event in recent history but clearly won’t be its last. �Wockner News Service New Hampshire legalizes same-sex marriage New Hampshire legalized same-sex marriage June 3 when Gov. John Lynch signed three bills, including one that had cleared the Legislature just an hour eadier. 3-he bills open marriage to same-sex couples starting Jan. 1 and protect certain rights of religious organizations, associations and societies that oppose gay marriage. "Today is a historic day for all Granite Staters," said Mo B~ley, executive director of the New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition. "We applaud Gov. Lynch, (House) Speaker (Terie) Norelli, (Senate) President (Sylvia) Larsen and the leadership of the General Court (legislature) for making sure that all loving, committed couples have the freedom to marry. Today, our shared values of individual liberty, freedom and fairness have been upheld:" The final bill, tsveaking religious protections, passed the Senate 14-10 and th.e House 198-I76. Lynch had required tile additional language as a condition of his agreeing to let gays marry. In announcing his support for same-sex marriage on May 14, Lynch said: "At its core, (this bill) simply changes the term ’civil union’ to ’civil marriage.’ Given the cultural, historical and religious significance of the word marriage, this is a rneaningfu! change. I have heard, and I understand, the very real feelings of same-sex couples that a separate system is not an equal system. That a civiI law that differentiates between their committed relationships and those of heterosexual couples undermines both their dignity and the legitimacy of their families." Tl~e measures signed into law will repea! the state’s civil-union law effective Jan. 1, 2011, and prohibit any new civil unions after Jan. 1, 2010. Same-sex marriage is legal in five other U.S. states: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont (starting in September) and Maine (starting in Septembe0. Nlere also are 18,000 same-sex couples legally married nnder California law, though no more will be allowed to marry until voters repeal Proposition 8, the state constitutional amendment passed last November, or until the U.S. Supreme Court strikes it down Or it is blocked by comx injunction. Gay groups are planning a ballot initiative to delete Prop 8, and a federal lawsuit has been filed charging that Prop 8 violates the due-process and equal-protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit also says Prop 8 relegates gays and lesbians to second-class citizenship and discriminates based on gender and sexual orientation. It further seeks an injunction allowing same-sex marriage to resttme in California pending resolution of the case. Hi ary Clinton issues pride month statement Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a Gay Pride month statement June 1. She wrote: "Forty years ago this month, the gay rights movement began with the Stonewall riots in New York City; as gays and lesbians demanded an end to the persecution they had long endured. Now, after decades of hard work, the fight has grown into a global movement to achieve a world in which al! people live free from violence and fear, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. "In honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and on behalf of the State Department, I extend our appreciation to the global LGBT community for its coui’age and determination during the past 40 years, and I offer our support for the significant work that still lies ahead. "At the State Department and throughout the Administration, we are grateflal for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees in Washington and around the world. They and their families make many sacrifices to serve our nation. Wneir contributions are vital to our efforts to establish stability, prosperity and peace worldwide. "Human rights arc_- at the heart of those efforts. Gays and lesbians in many parts of the world live under constant threat of arrest, violence, even torture. The persecution of gays and lesbians is a violation of human rights and an affront to human decency, and it must end. As Secretary of State, I will advance a comprehensive human rights agenda that includes the elimination of violence and discrimination against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity. "N~ough the road to full equality ibr LGBT Aalaericans is long, the example set by those fighting for equal rights in the United States gives hope to men and women around the world who yearn for a better future for themselves and their loved ones[ "This June, let us recommit ourselves to achieving a world in ~vhich all people can live in safety and freedom, no matter who they are or ~vhom they love." Clinton also is preparing to grant spousal benefits and protections to diplomats’ gay partners, she said in a recent letter to the group Gays and Lesbians in Foreign ~aqZairs Agencies. The pack,age will include medical and emergency evacuation, travel reimbursement, shipment of household effects, use of U.S. government medical facilities abroad, isstlance of diplomatic passports, visa assistance, and security and language training. Not included are health insurance, retirement benefits and certain other perks. Nevada Legislat e overrides governor’s veto of partnership bill Nevada’s Senate and Assembly on May 30 and 31 overrode Gov. Jim Gibbons’ May 25 veto of a domestic-partnership bill. Tne new la~¢ extends to same- and opposite-sex registered domestic parmers nearly all state-level rights and obligations of marriage. The override came without a vote to spare in both the Senate (14-7) and the Assembly (28-!4). In the Senate, 10 Democrats and four Republicans voted for tile override, and five Republicans and two Democrats voted against it. Gibbons had claimed the bill ran afoul of a 2002 state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. He also argued that gay couples could go sign private contracts if they desired the protections of marriage for their relationship. "The significance here is it literally equates ’domestic partner’ with ’spouse’ under Nevada state la**;" Michael Ginsburg of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada told Las Vegas correspondent Steve Friess. "You have the flail force of the law behind you nox~: When you’re in the hospital, forced to ma~e decisions for your partner, all you have to say is, ’This is nay spouse,’ and that carries tremendous weight." .am Lambert Photo: American Idol runner up Adam Lambert Who kalew? American Idol sensation and first runner-up Adam Lambert is a homosexual. "I don’t think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I’m gay," Lambert told Rolling Stone June 9. "I’ve been living in Los Angeles for eight years as a gay man. I’ve been at clubs drunk malting out with somebody in the corner." "Right after the finale, I almost started talldng about it to the reporters, but I thought, ’I’m going to wait for Rolling Stone, that wil! be cooler,’" he said. "I didfft want tile Clay ’ Aiken thing and the celebrity-magazine bullshit. I need to be able to explain myself in context. ’Tin proud of my sexuality. I embrace it. It’s just another part of me." Lambert noted, however: "I’m trying to be a singer, not a civil rights leader." July 2009 �State Dept. to give gay couples spousal benefits U.S. Secreta,y of&am HillaO, Clinton is prepari,g to grant spousal ben~ts and protections m diglomau’gay gartne,s. Photo by Rex l)~ckner U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is preparing to grant spousal benefits and protections to diplomats’ gay partners, she said in a recent letter to the group Gays and Lesbians in Foreign M~airs Agencies. "Like all families, our Foreign Service t~milies come in different configurations; all are part of the common fiabric of our post communities abroad," Clinton wrote. "The department will provide these benefits for both opposite-sex and same-sex partners because it is the righ~ thing to do’ ~Ihe benefits will indude medical and emergency evacuation, travel reimbursement, shipment ofhousehoid effects, use of U.S. government medical facilities abroad, issuance of diplomatic passports, visa assistance, and security and ,language training. NOt induded in the package are health insurance, retirement benefits and certain other perks. "This is a remedy that is long overdue," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, "For too many years, LGBT Foreign Service officers have been forced to choose between serving their country and protecting their families." Dick Cheney endorses same-sex marriage Former Vice President Dick Cheney came out in support of same-sex marriage June 1 more clearly than he has in the past. Asked about the issue at the National Press Club, Cheney responded: "I think freedom means freedom for everyone. And, as many of you know, one of my daughters is gay, and it’s something that we’ve lived with for a long time in our family. I think people ought to be free to enter into any kind of union they wish, any kind of arrangement they wish. The question of~vhether or not there ought to be a federal statute that governs this, I don’t support. I do believe that historically the way marriage has been regulated is at the state level -- ~his has always been a state issue -- and ~ think that’s the way ff ough~ to be handled ~oday, that is. on a state-by-aa~c basis. D~ffbrem ;tares make d~ff~t’ren~ decision But [ don’t haw prob{cm with that ~ think people ought to get a shot at d~at. And they do a~ present." v#,,w.metrostarnews.com Cheney has made very similar comments before, but they did not go quite as far. In 2004, for example, he said: "I believe today that freedom does mean freedom for everybody. People ought to be free to choose any arrangement they want. It’s really no one else’s business. ~nat’s a separate question from the issue of whether or not government should sanction or approve or give some sort of authorization, if you will, to these relationships. Traditionally, that’s been an issue for the states. States have regulated marriage, if you will. That would be my preference. In effect, what’s happened is that in recent months, especially in Massachusetts, but also in California, but in Massachusetts we had the Massachusetts Supreme Court direct the state of-- the legislature of Massachusetts to modify their constitution to allow gay marriage. And the fact is that the president felt that it was important to make it clear that that’s the wrong ~vay to go, as far as he’s concerned. Now, he sets the policy for this administration, and I support the president." Americans do not support ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Americans overwhelmingly want to see the military’s "Don’t Ask, Do~t Tell" ban on open gays repealed, a new Gallup poll has found. Sixty-nine percent told pollsters it’s time for the ban to go -- including 58 percent of Republicans, 58 percent of self-described co~iservatives and 60 percent 0fwee~y churchgoers. Eighty-sLx percent of liberals oppose the DADT policy, along with 82 percent of Democrats and 78 percent of people between age 18 and 29. Even people over age 65 (60 percent), Southerners (57 percent) and people who didn’t finish high school (57 percent) said it’s time to dump the ban. Said Gallup: "President Barack Obama will be well-positioned to forge ahead with his campaign promise to end the military ban on openly gay service members." Gallup polled 1,105 adults nationwide between May 7 and 10. The organization said it was 95 percent confident that the maximum margin of sampling error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. CALIFORNIA HIV EMERGENCY Schwarzenegger, Legislature may slash HIV funding Gay and HIV advocates rallied at *~e state Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., on time i 0 against draconian cuts in HIVfi~nding proposed by Gov. Arnold Schwar~enegger and under consideration by the Legislature. Wockner News photo by Charlie Peer/Ou~vord Magazine California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed, and the California Legislature is considering, draconian cuts to all types of HIV-related funding in the nea>bankrupt state. In the worst-case scenario, which is still not off the table, slashes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program could result in thousands of Californians who make less than $41,600 per year losing access to the statelprovided drugs that suppress HIV and keep them dive. In the apparent best,case scenario, not all HIV drugs would be available via ADAP and patients would have to pay part of the cost 0f the ones they could geta That is problematic because some HIVvposirive people have developed resistance to some HIV drugs, and need access to the full arsenal of therapies to stay alive. Further, the current plan apparendy completely eliminates state funding for the tests that determine if a patient is responding to treatment -- such tests as CD4 counts, viral-load measurement and drug-resistance monitoring. Lesbian couple marries it just now took effect. Kitzen Branting, 26, and Jeni Branting, 28, tied the knot in the tribe’s meeting hall. Their marriage will not be recognized by the state of Oregon, but will be legal on the property of the tribe, which is a sovereign ~ nation. on Indian reservation A lesbian couple married on the Coquille Indian reservation in Coos Bay, Ore., May 24. It was believed to be the first such marriage in the U.S. ~ae Coqui!te tribe passed a la~v legalizing same-sex marriage more than a year ago, but These tests are essentially mandatory in HIV treatmm~t. Doctors use them so they can change a nonresponsive patient’s drug combination to another combo that works in that patient -- before the patient’s immune system breaks down further and the patient develops a life-threatening opportunistic infection ............ The current plan apparently also dramatically ~lashes handing for education, prevention, counseling and testing programs. Some 35,000 working- and middleclass Californians who don’t make enough money to pay for their own treatment could be adversely or dangerously affected by the possible cuts to ADAP and elimination of monitoring testing. Gay and HIV advocates have strongly denounced the budget proposals, and a large rally was held at the state Capitol in Sacramento on June 10. Direct Cremation From $595 AI McAffrey Owner / Funeral Director Ban "uptcy o Civil Rights oCriminalEmpl ~ment o Family Law - Litigation MORTUARY SERVICE.,,~ Traditional Funeral Services at Affordable Prices (405} 230- 13~0 or ~o800-913q310 625 N.W. 13th Street klahoma City, OK 73103 Pre-Need Plan CReDiT CARDS ACC~PT~E 2415-C North Walnut Avenue. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma STAR 9 �N Wockner News Service 50,000 at EuroPride Some 50,000people ~rned outfor the EuroPride parade, hem in Zurich this year on June ~ Photo by Nikolai Alekseev, GayRussta.ru Some 50,000 people turned out for the EuroPrkle parade, hdd in Zurich this year on June 6. Openly lesbian Zurich Mayor Corine Mauch joined in. Next year, the parade ventures behind the former Iron Curtain to Warsaw -- a city that as recently- as 2005 tried to ban pride, only to be later rebuffed by the European Court of Human Pdghts. Meanwhile, Rom& gay pride parade dr~ more than 100,000 participants June 13~ with a demand fbr legalization of 20,000 march Tel Av v Around 20,000 people joined Tel Aviv’s ! lth gay pride parade June 12. The march ended with a beach ’~edding" of five gay" couples. Same-sex marriage is not legal in Israel. Some top rabbis had urged Prime Minister Beniamin Netanydau m try to ban the parade. They called it an abomination. A few religious right-wingers picketed the march, which was paid for by the city government. ’Tel Aviv is more secular than Jerusalem, where the pride parade routinely leads large numbers of religious folks ~o wail and gnash. Last year’s parade in Jerusalem featured 3,000 naarchers and 2,000 cops to protect them. They walked al! of @ur blocks. ~n 2007, the Jerusalem parade traveled about 500 meters before ultra-Orthodox protesters shut it down, despite the presence orS,000 police o@cers. Prior to the parade, police arrested a man with a bomb. The postparade rally was canceled because striking firefighters refused to provide a required firetruck. In 2005, a counterdemontrator stabbed three marchers at Jerusalem’s marcia and later was convicted of attempted murder. ~ae victims’ iniuries were not serious. same-sex marriage and equa! rights for gay couples. Some 1,500 people marched in Warsaw on June 13, also demanding legalization of same-sex partnerships. "l-he parade, on central Marszalkowska Street, attracted fewer than !00 counterprotesters, who shouted anti-gay vitriol. Five hundred people marched in Zagreb, Croatia, on June t3. Police kept about 50 snarling anti-gays from disrupting the parade. Moscow gays want to picket Obama Moscow Pride founder Nikolai Mekseev says members of his group will attempt to stage a picket in favor of same-sex marriage at the U.S. Embassy on July 7 during President Bara& Obama’s visit. It is unlikely the activists will receive city permission to do so. Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has banned pride parades for the past four years and sent riot police to aggressively arrest those who ignored the bans. Luzl~ov has called gay parades "demonic," "satanic" and "weapons of mass destruction." He also has said the bans are for gays own good so that "radical Christians" don’t have a chance to "kill them." Mekseev is hopet~fl that he’ll be able to pull off the picket regardless because "the presidential media pack wilt be in town." Mayor Luz ov lashes out at gays Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has again lashed out at gays, calling them "homos" and calling gay pride parades "demonic." Appearing on a TV program June 2, Luzhkov reportedly said: "Niere are two reasons gay pride parades are unacceptable in Moscow: First and foremost, public morality .does not accept such parades, public morality does nor accept those homos." Secondly, he said: "If they gather together, assuming they are allowed to hold a parade, other people will simply kill them. ~here are radical Christians in Moscow who stand strongly against such demonic manifestations, as they say. "There were attempts made (in May’) to hold the gay parade during the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscova We had to isolate about 19 radical Christians who intended to attack those homos.’ On May, 16, riot police broke up an attempt to stage the fourth annual gay pride parade in Moscov~; arresting up to 80 participants, including gay leader N@olai Ale~eev, British gay leader Peter %tchell and Chicago gay activist Andy Thayen Luzhkov previously has called gay pride parades "satanic" and "weapons of mass destruction," and has o@cially banned them each ),ear. Lithuanian Parliament votes ’no promo homo’ law Lithuania’s parliament, the Seimas, approved a measure on first reading June 4 that bans references to homosexuality in schools and in public information that can be visible to children. Tne bill still has to dear a final vote. The tally was 57-2 with 8 abstentions. Many MPs missed the vote. Amnesty International said the "Law on the Protection of Minors Against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information’~ would classify "homosexuality alongside issues such as ... the display of a dead or cruelly mutilated body of a person, and information that arouses fear or horror, or encourages self-mutilatisn or suicide." Nicola Duckworth, Amnesty’s Europe and Central Asia program director, said the proposed law "denies the right to freedom of expression and deprives students’ access to the support and protection they may need." Northern Irish LGBs report high level of hate Twenty-one percent of gay and bisexual men and I8 percent of lesbian and bisexual women iri Northern Ireland say they\,e been the victim of a homophobic hate crime or incident in the past three years. The figure comes fi’om a survey of I,t43 LGB people catrried out by the Rainbow Project with funding from the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Tne study found that 64 percent of such incidents were not reported to police and 30 percent resulted in physical injui3: ebec to 1attach strategy against homophobia Quebec Justice Minister Kathleen Well has announced the Canadian province will implement a comprehensive strategy against homophobia before the end of the year. She broke the news at a May I7 rally marking the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). "We see it as a major step forward here since doing so, Quebec will ackmowledge officially that homophobia -- and not homosexuality -- is a social problem and take action, instead of passively banning discrimination, said Magazine ]~tre Editor Andrd Gagnon. "As far as I know, it will be the first government in the world to adopt such a strategy that will cover all its spheres of intervention," he said. China sees its first gay pride week China saw" its first-ever gay pride week June 7-14 in Shanghai. Events included movies, plays, art exhibits, panel discussions, swimming and badminton competitions, and a big party, thouglx at least one play" and one film were ordered canceled by authorities. Some 500 people attended a barbecue/ drag shiny/fashion show/hot-body contest on June 13. Organizers decided against holding a parade, saying it iust didn’t seem to be legally possible, according to China Daily: "Shanghai Pride is a community-building exercise," co-organizer Tiffany Lemay told the English-lang~aage paper. "We hope to raise awareness of issues surrounding homosexuality, raise the visibility of the gay community, help people within our community to come out, and build bridges between the gay and straight communities." 1-800-535-AIDS (2437) O lahoma’s NV/S ’# l otlin PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(S) @O,P,E, Testing Clinic ~ens O@reach In Tulsa at (9’~8) July 2009 �i t÷matie Ruling: English adoption agencies .Gay marriage campaign launched cannot discriminate m Portugal The Charities Commission of England and Wales ruled June 2 that adoption agencies cannot discriminate against gay couples. The commission cited the Equality Act (Sexual Orientationl Regulations 2007, which ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. Violation of the law would lead to a loss of charity status and public funding. The ruling came in a case involving the Catholic Care charity in Leeds, which wanted to amend its official statement of objectives with the commission to exclude consideration of gay couples. Denmark is not gay nirvana Denmarlq the first nation in the world to legalize gay partnerships, in 1989, still has a problem with homophobia. Eighteen percent of GLBT people in Copenhagen and 8 percent in other parts of the country say they’ve been discriminated against based on their sexual orientation in the past year, according to a report from the Center for Alternative Social Analysis. GLBT people between ages 16 and 29 reported more problems than older people. A total of 3,400 homophobic incidents were reported to police in 2008, the study said. A report in the Politiken newspaper said gay businesses also have been targeted. Copenhageds oldest gay ba~; Centralhiornet. had rocks thrown through its windows six times in 2008. Patrons also have been bombed with eggs through the bar’s open door. Australian prison OKs gay con}ugal visits Xhe Alexander Maconochie prison in Australia’s Capital Territory has decided to let gay inmates receive conjugal visits six times a year. The policy applies to prisoners who are ~vell-behaved and whose partner is not also incarcerated at the facility. Reports said that the state of Victoria. where Melbourne is located, is the only other place in Australia where gay inmates can have sex dates with their partners. Bosnian churches oppose anti- discrimination bill Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Interreligious Council is opposing a.bill to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, claiming it will lead to legalization of same-sex marriage. The measure has passed first reading in the House of Representatives. A national law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation is a requirement for any nation that wants its citizens to be able to travel within the European Union without obtaining a visa. Nae Interreligious Council is composed of representatives of the nation’s Roman Catholics, Muslims, Jews and Orthodox Christians. Balkanlnsight.com said it is unttsual for the council "to agree on any concrete actions and (it) often has been blocked by internal boycotts." w,,~w.rnetrostarnews.com The Movement for Equality in Access to Civil Marriage launched on May 31 in Lisbon, Portugal. More than 1,000 people signed onto the campaign, including politicians, well-known actors, pop singers and businesspeople, and Nobel Prize winner Josd Saramago, who was honored for literature in 1998. The campaign’s manifesto, which nmv can be signed by anyone in Portugal, states, in part: "Equal access to civil marriage is a matter of justice that deserves the support of all people who oppose homophobia and discrimination .... We citizens who believe in equal rights, dignity and recognition for all of us -- for our families, friends and colleagues -- join our voices to express our support for equality. "We call this change necessary, fair and urgent because we know that the current situation of inequality divides society between those who are included and those who are excluded, between persons who are inside and marginalized persons .... We now have an opportunity to end one of the last unjustified (instances of) discrimination written in our law." Peru gay police ban less stringent than reported Peruvian Interior Minister Mercedes Cabanillas says recent news reports that gays have been banned from being police officers were not quite right. Mid-May reports said cops who have sex with people of the same sex would be banned because they cause scandal and denigrate the police’s image. But Cabanillas says the new law, which took effect May 12, will only ban gay cops if their gay-related public behavior is scandalous or damages the image of the institution. She said the ministry has no desire to "get in anyone’s bed" and that officials only wish to target unseemly, embarrassing or scandalous occurrences or attitudes related to sexual orientation that happen in the public sphere. Gay groups said the taw is problematic and discriminatory either way because ir seems to suggest that certain public expressions of homosexuality are more likely ro run afoul of the law than similar public expressions of heterosexuality. The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and Movimiento Homosexual de Lima have launched a letter-~vriting campaign to Peru’s public defender, =’asldng her to file an Action of Unconstitutionality with the Constitutional Court to cl!allenge the so-called ’offense’ of same-sex relations and its associated penalty." "We write to express our concern over Law 29356, vchich establishes a new disciplinary code for the Peruvian police, and stipulates in Article 34 that it is a serious offense to ’have sex with people of the same gender that causes scandal or undermines corporate image,’" a sample letter says in part. "This law is a clear violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights -- both of which have been signed by Peru. This regressive law also violates the Andean Charter, a regional treaty ratified by Peru in 2002 .... Finally, Law 29356 is inconsistent with human rights principles that are already, codified in Peruvian law. On December 1, 2004, a new Constitutional Procedures Code, approved by Parliament, modified constitutional procedures to recognize discrimination based on sexual orientation." Centrelink assistance encompasses such things as health care, prescription drugs., unemployment payments, disaster aid,,rent subsidies, aid to single parents and a wide range of other benefits and welfare programs. "From 1 July 2009 changes to legislation wilt mean that customers who are in a same-sex de facto relationship will be recognised as partnered for Centrelink and Family Assistance Office purposes," says the agenc)?s Web site. "All customers who are assessed as being a member of a couple will have their rate of payment calculated iri the same way." Colombian policeman added to partner’s health insurance The Board of Health of Colombia’s National Police granted health-insurance benefits to the partner of a gay officer May 14. The extension of coverage to Fabifin Mauricio Chibcha Romero followed a January ruling by the nation’s Constitutional Court that granted marital rights to commonlaw same-sex couples in areas that indude civil service, contracts ~vith the government, housing protection and assistance, immigration, social security, death indemnification, and criminal noninctimination. ~Pne activist group Colombia Diversa said the ruling encompassed all the "civil, political, social, economic, criminal and immigration rights ... of a common-law union, minus adoption." Chibcha also gained access to police housing subsidies and vacation dubs. METRO P O L!TAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve ~. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM WWg~¢. S 0 cmcc. Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! Australian benefits agency recognizes gay de facto couples Centrelink, the Australian government’s social-benefits agency, will treat gay de facto couples as married for benefits purposes starting July 1. While the move increases equality, it also will result in a loss of benefits for some coupled gays, who previously qualified based on their individual income. ~,tr®STAR 11 �Looking some good summerwtt te wines. monm, we are art a ou- Viognier [vee-oh-nay] For those who haven’t experienced Viognier, the first glass is quite a revelation. This wine will embody al! Or some of the following: honeysuckle, citrus blossoms, t~,chee, ripe melon, freshly picked.peaches 6r apricots and ripe pear. Winemaker Craig Williams, from Josep~ ~nhe~s Vin~;a,~s, s~s Viognier contains floral compounds called ~Terpens. Tl~ey are also found in Muscat and Pdesling. So, think of the most aromatic Muscat or Riesling you’ve ever encountered, then concentrate it and you have Viognier. The majoriV of French Viogniers are sold as Vin de Pays in the Languedoc. In the Rl~one wine region, the grape is o~en blended with Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache blanc. In the Northern part of Rhone, the grape is sometimes blended with Chardonnay. Since the late 1980s, plantings of Viognier in the United States and Cagada have increased dramat, ically. The Rhone R~angers of the mid 1980 s help spark the increased interest in Viognier in California and now Californigs Central Coast is the leading producer. months recipe courtesy of: Crab Ingredients 1 Cup Mayonnaise 4 Eggs 1 V2 Cup Japanese Breadcrumbs 2 T Granulated Garlic 2 T Onion Powder 2 - I lb Cans Jumbo Lump Crab Meat (Indonesian or Philippine) 2 - 1 lb Cans Bacldin Crab Meat (indonesian or Philippine) 12 most widet l~ted white , ..... ?~ P ~ , [, wine grape, veraemo is cl~slHeo as a noble or classic grape. On the PortuDtese mainland, it is recommended in the DAO region and with the production of white port. Some Portuguese locales call this Gouveio. The Godello grape grown in northwest Spain is believed to be the same variety as Verdelho. %e grape has been successful in the vineyards of Australia, particularly the Hunter \~lley region, Langhorne Creek and the Swan Xga!le?: Australian versions of Verdelho are noted for their intense flavors vdth hints of lime and honeysuclde. California is producing more of this varietal as ,sell. St. Amant 2006 California Marquis Philips 2007 Australia Verdejo [ver-day-ho] This is a variety of wine grape that has long been grown in the Rueda winegrowing region of Spain. The grape originated in North Africa, and was spread to Rueda in about the 1 lth Century. For most of this time Verdejo was generally used to make a strongly oxidized, Sherry-like wine, In the 1970s the > ~ Marcheregiono~:~yand~ < fthe}lord to wpicNly Sauvignon blanc ~ Macab~o. Xg ,~. Mar&etti~07 it~~ ~" *~ >::~ Fazi,B; t~gli~ ~007 Italy desiunated "Rueda V?rdejo must contaifi o .. * .......... 85% Verdejo, and are oAen 100% Verde’o ....... ~d[as ~wws, Isay go to your favorite wing/~ Verdejo winm are aromatic, often ~oA . ~k questions ~d purchase a bottle or and Rdl-bodied. %ey can be somewhat : Share some food& wine with friendd reminiscent of Sauvignon blanc a~d ehe~k this out for yourself. warm climate. Gar~i Grande 2007 Spain Marquis de Riscal 2007 Spain ,Vouv~ay[vooh-~ay] ’,Wines fi’om the French to the east of Tours are made in range of styles fi-om the Chenin Vintages in the Loire are variable, best years Vouvray can produce very long-lived white wines. It turns out that most chenin blanc 1970s what most generic, alcoholic" " by corporations consumed in rather than wine chenin blanc is exhibiting a nutty, Pichot 2007 Nais writer is one of the managers at the Grand Vin wine shop at Utica Square. He also bar tends and hosts wine & food events around town known as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. indude: / www. la~neSpecta- Verdicchio Preparation: Mix first 5 ingredients together by hand. Drain Crab meat cans of water. Fold in Baclcfin crab meat first and then gently fold in jumbo lump crab meat being careful not to break up the lumps. If mixrure is too wet. add 1A cup more of Japanese Breadcrumbs. Mixture should barely hold together. DO NOT PU/T .~NY ADDITIONAL SEASONINGS OR TOO MUCH BRREADCRUMBS IN! The drizzle on top of the crab cakes will give ir all of the seasoning it will need. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat with half an 20 inch of corn oil. Once the mixture is made, take a 4 ounce scoop and pack in the crab cake mixture. Carefully place the flat side of the crab cake down in the oil for approximately ! - 2 minutes until golden brmvn. Place the crab cake on a pre-greased baking sheet, fried side up. These can now be held for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or finished offin the oven immediately; the ba~ DRIZZLE INGREDIENTS (BAY MAYO) 1 Cup Mayonnaise 2 T Old Bay Dash of Granulated Garlic % Cup Heavy Cream July 2009 �Big-screen beckons Nell Patrick Harris xYvq~ite hosting this year’s Tony Axvards, Nell Patrick Harris joked about his second-class status as a "TV guy." But he’s atready proven he’s hilarious on the big screen in the Harold & Kumar movies, so now that second-tier status is about to change with two new film projects on the horizon. Harris has joined the cast of Beastly, the new film from gay director Daniel Barnz (Phoebe in Wonderland) that Romeo’s already reported on here, but the How I Met Your Mother star wilt also be playing a lead role in The Best and the Brightest. Harris plays a husband - way to break that gay-actor-curse NPH - from Ddaware whose wife goes bananas about social status when they move to New York City and try to get their kid into an elite kindergarten. Amy Sedaris, John ~ and Kate Mulgrew al~0 star in ~he latter; hit theaters before the end of 20!0. ~LSA, 0g (PR). Continuing the m0fithl9 ShOwcase of local artists a the Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa ~ right next to Living Arts (Ok ) How to make a monster musicaJ Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway Focus Features photo More and more movies are being made from poptflar Brokeback spouses reunite childhood toys, from dolls (Kit Kittredge: An American Girl) to action figures (Transformers) tO even board games Granted, the romance between Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway in (Clue). But now we’re getting a movie musical based on a toy Brokeback Mountain was a tragic one involving the closet and deception and that doesn’t even exist yet and will presumably be marketed death, but these actors are determined to give it another go in a movie where he alongside the film itself. Gay super-producers Craig Zadan won’t be playing a gay cowboy. Love and Other Drugs will feature Gyllenhaal and Nell Meron are reuniting with Hairspray composeras a pharmaceutical sales rep for Pfizer during the time when a revolutionary lyricist Marc Shaiman and lyricist Scott gc’ittman to make litde blue pill was hitting the market (the film is based on the book Hard Sell: an original screen musical around an as-yet-unnamed Mattel Tne Evolution ofa Viagra Salesman) while Hathaway will play a woman with monster toy. Every~daing’s being kept very much on the Parldnson’s with whom he begins a relationship after they meet on a sales hush-hush, but the one thing that’s been revealed is that the call. Ed Zwick (Glor~ Defiance) is set to direct, with Shooting set to happen property will "add a fresh twist to monster lore." No word possibly as early as this fall. A movie about Viagra may make audiences stand at yet on when this new musical will go into production, but attention, but if the film lasts more than four hours, please, call your doctor. Romeo bets five bucks that if the movie and the toy do well, an eventual Broadway adaptation is inevitable. And TV Romeo San PTcente hopes the monster-toy musical will be like the Dra~da puppet rock operaj~om _Forgetting Sarah Marshall_, complete withfull-fl’ontal male nudity. He can be reached care of show. And more toys. And sequels. And ... will feature Tulsa Artist Michael Cooper with an opening show and reception on Thursday, July 2nd from 6-gpm and continuing throughout the month of July. Michael Cooper is an emerging artist in the Oldahoma scene, specializing in journalistic art, music, and portrait photography. In 2008 he joined Urban Tulsa Weekly as a staff photographer and has seen his work published in notable other Okie publications, induding Oklahoma Gazzette and Oklahoma Today Magazine. In his own words, "I have two eyes and one lens, and they battle each other for experiences daily. The way I see it - few people get to live their passion, and being an artist is mine. I’m just trying this road of exploration out, and I hope you’re there along for the ride". this publication or at DeeplnsideHollywOod@qsyndicate.com. www.metrostarnews.corn gg{<~{:a~oSTA, R 13 �MCC United ~°~"-~~o’~°" 918-838-171~ Metropolitan Community Chu~h put tb Chr° y Church 14 ;~÷troSTAR July 2009 �www.metrostamews.com ~÷troSTAR 15 ��PHILADELPHIA, PA "As in one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the country" Wayne Fuller reported on gossipboy.com, an by Donald Pile and Ray Williams Oklahoma internet news service focused on You could easily spend a whole ~veek in this beautiful city and still not see everything. The architecture is unbelievably tremendous. On weekends, the Penn Landing downtown is full of vendors and local artists. Philadelphia is certainly a city that is welcoming gay travelers with open arms. There are just a handful of cities that you must visit in the country and Philadelphia is certainly" on our short list. Most cities you still need a car to travel around however not in this city. They have such a great public transportation system and is extremely safe and clean. Why can’t all cities do this? For more information on Philadelphia, visit: www.gablesbb.com and they are located at 4520 Chester Avenue. Phone: 215.662. ! 918. ?dso visit w~v<ka~ockphilly. the GLBT community, that Mr. Chiles had been convicted of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses in McClain County in 2006, for which he received a 2 year deferred sentence now completed. Since then a warrant for his arrest was issued for the same offense in Pontotoc County, which was in effect when he was elected to his Democratic Party position. COLT1 [)how: Gables Bed and Breakfizst Visiting Philadelphia for the first time -was certainly, a very exciting and interesting time for us. We knew ahead of time al! about the historical things to see and do but had no idea what else to expect. We first checked into The Gables Bed and Break~st which has been owned for the past 16 years by ~rren Cederholm and Don Caskey. Located in the University part of the city, it is a grand old Victoria home full of wonderful antiques from top to bottom. ~e house has a "wrap around" porch for guests to sit and have drinlcs and snacks or just to view the sights and sounds of the area. Each room is beautifully decorated in antiques. A full, and we do mean FULL sit down breakfast in the ~orma! dining room is served each morning. XYge are not talking doughnuts and coflree but a fail sit down brealNast. This was a perfect way to talk with the other guests to find out what others did the day" be~bre or were going to do that day. "While there we met guests from California, Alabama and all over. Many of the guests alwws stay there when visiting Philadelphia. Warren and Don are graciotts hosts and. al%r 16 years of taking guests into their lovely home, they seem to have been able to do it the right way< Another great thing about staying at The Gables is that the trolley system runs right in front of their house and you can take it downtown in just minutes, and it runs about every 20 minutes a!l day 10ng. The), have ample off-street parking behind their house which is a big plus. To begin your day, take the trolley downtown. From that point you can take another bus or ,valk south to the famous historical district of Philadelphia and visit all the places there. No trip to Philadelphia would be complete without visiting the Liberty Bell and the other historical places that are located within a few blocks of there. Philadelphia is proud of their art museums as well they, should be. ~-he Philadelphia www.metrostamews.com Museum of Art is a first class museum and is a MUST for anyon& visit to the cits: A few blocks away is the Rodin Museum which houses more Rodin sculptors any~vhere except for Paris. There are maW other museums to visit also. Of course every visitor to Philadelphia must try one of their famous Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches for lunch. There are a lot of gay bars in the ’~gayborhood" area of the city which is iust a few blocks west of downtmvn and easily ~vithin ~valking distance from the public transportation. Knock was our very favorite bar there. It is what a gay bar should be all about ....... A clean bar where the owner/management/staff is super friendly; wl~ere the customers are super friendl> where you can walk in and really enioy yourself, located righ~ on the corner of Locust St. and I2th Street. They also have an excellent res~urant located in the bar. ~Pnis is one of the finest restaurants in the city ~vith fine white linen tablecloths and napkins on every table. Jim the Maitre ’d is extremely professional. The servers are very professional. They have a huge menu offering the very finest of cuisine. Owned by Bill Wood, this bar/restaurant is extremely popular with both people ~vho live in the city as ~vell as travelers. We were fortunate during our stay to see the Broadway pla}~ Grey Gardens which is about the life of the aunt and cousin of Jackie Kennedy- Onassis. They lived in a 24 room house in the Hamptons on Long Island but were extremely poor and let their house run down something horrible. Mother and daughter loved (and hated) each other but were bound to live with each other until the mother finally died. There was a movie made about their lives and HBO came out with another movie a couple of months ago. Both live theatre as well as the visua! arts are a huge makeup in Philadelphia. Another great website to visit is: http://www.gophita.com/c/your_ philadelphia/14/diverse_philadelphia/287/ gay~friendly_philadelphia/4.html and wwcw. gayphiladelphia.com On a personal note, we want to thank Bruce Yelk, Director of Human Resources & Gay Marketing, Greater Philadelphia Tourism marketing Corportation and to our friend Buster Stevens who hosted a wonderful dinner for us xvhile we were visiting. Photo: Famous Liber~_y Bell Philadelphia, PA Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Robert Chiles, Director & Founder ofPrject Pride Foundation of Oklahoma. Gorin photo On June 8, represented by attorney Gordon Melson, he appeared in court in Pontotoc Count-5: An agreement was reached ~vith the warrant withdrawn, and Robert ~vould have until August 27 to make restitution to the parties involved. On June 3, when cast members from the national tour of "The Drowsy Chaperone" did a benefit at Tulsa’s Renegades Club for Until There’s a Cure, an organization helping those with HIV. Mr. Chiles presented them with a large check payable to that organization. It likewise would not clear his bank. Mr. Chiles had been contacted by that organization and he promised them a cashier~ check which was not received as of press time. Following this, Mr. Chiles had asked the Red Ribbon Revue, a monthly benefit show performed at Renegades, to do a benefit for his Foundation. In a statement to gossipboy. corn Renegades entertainer Tabitha Taylor stated, "I’m glad this was caught before we did a fundraiser with the name attached." ~÷{~oSTAR 17 �18 July 2009 �,~.metrostarnews.com ~®~°~STAR t9 �By Camper English Crafting the Cosmopolitan ~he Cosmopolitan is one tasty cocktail and probably most popular drink created in the last 30 years, but it is not magically original. The recipe calls for lemon vodka, lime iuice, orange liqueur, and a splash of cranberry for color. Minus the cranberry, the drink follows the formula of spirit plus lime plus orange liqueur. If that spirit is tequila, that’s a Margarita. If it’s unflavored vodka, that’s a Kamikaze. In fact. the prevailing theory on the creation of the Cosmopolitan is that it ,vas a spin-offofthe Kamikaze created by a Miami bartender named Cheryl Cook in 1985 or !986. She said the Cosmo is. ~ ~ "Merely a Kamikaze with Absolut Citron and a splash of cranberry juice." But her version called for Rose’s lime juice, a bottled lime juice that’s a poor substimte for freshsqueezed, and triple sec, which usually refers to the low-end orange liqueurs that are poor substitutes for Cointreau. These items are often served at high-volume bars that want to save money on (admittedly pricey) orange liqueur and don’t want their bartenders taldng the time to squeeze limes for each drink. But I find the Cosmo-to be intolerable ~vithout them. So too did Toby Cecchini, a New York bartender credited with finessing the drink into its best form. Someone told Cecchini about the drink, but in their version it was made with unflavored vodka, Rose’s lime, and the red-colored syrup grenadine. He liked the look of the drink - soft pink and served in a Martini glass - and experinaented ~vith ingredients to make the flavor match the fashion. In the end, his version came out just like Cheryl Cook’s version, but with better ingredients. This version caught on like wildfire in New York. causing Cecchini and other bartenders to make them by the thousands. In the era of bottled sour mix and vermouthflee Martinis. this drink seerned highmaintenance enough for Cecchini to call them "labor-intensive pink monstrosities." ~e trick to making a good pink monstrosity; even if you have the proper ingredients, is getting the ratio of them. right. Apparently this is a problem for bartenders ~oo - i’ve had Cosmopolitans i~ every shade from c!¢ar to deep red. When I make them at borne, I’m ~o~- laz/to Ioot up ~[~e recipe so I }ust ake ir ,,~ ingredient ar a vitae: ~ couo~e ounces of Charon a smat~ splash of Cointreau. and a large quantity of’lime. 2O ~:mSTAR (I like them tart.) I make mine in keeping ,vith Cheryl Cook’s original instructions of ~jttst enough cranberry to make it oh so pretty in pink." That’s my starting point, anyway. One thing I’ve learned making this drink is that cranberry juice, like slimming black clothing, hides many sins. Even if you get the initial ratios of liquor and juice all wrong, or have to resort to bottled lime )uice and bottom-shelf triple sec, you can always make a drinkable version of this drink. Just keep adding cranberry until it’s good. The trick is finding the right fit for each gin fqr your mouth. I prefer the old-style gins in a Martini, Aviation, Pink Gin, and Negroni. With the more-floral, less-juniper gins I like the Salty Dog, Gimlet, White Lady, and Vesper. But I find that no matter what kind of gin you have in the house you can always add it to tonic water and it will taste just fine. Tonic is the mixer that swings both ways. Vodka, Now Available in Juniper Flavor Miss Gay Oklahoma 2009 Crowned in O KC I like to think of"bathtub gift" as "Martinis by the poo!." but that’s not where the expression originated. It came about during Prohibition xvhen people would "make" their own gin by adding mail-order juniper flavoring to lowquality alcohol to help mask its awfulness. 2the weird tiring is, gin cocktails were awfully popular back then. Today it is still legal to make gin this way- not in the bathtub. but by adding juniper oil and other flavors to a neutral spirit like vodka. Thankftdly, most of the gins with which we’re familiar don’t do it like that. Gin usually starts with high-proof neutral spirit made from grains like corn, wheat, and rye. The gin distiller then selects a range of botanicals or botanical oils to infuse into the spirit, then redistills everything together. There are many different distilling methods gin makers employ, but this is probably only interesting to folks like me ~vho spend our spare time hanging out in distilleries on vacation. More interesting are the types of botanicals that go in to gin. Traditional brands like Beefeater, Plymouth, and Tanqueray contain many ingredients like citrus peels, coriander, cinnamon, and cassia bark. Newer gins on the market like Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick’s, and Martin Miller’s also include things like lavender, ginseng, rose, and green tea. All gins, by definition, must contain jtmiper (berries that smell like pine trees) as a dominant flavor, but the newer ones tend to put less of it in. While vodka lovers and gin lovers are usually different sorts of people (though I find versatility provides more options in the bedroom and the liquor cabinet)~ when it comes right down to it gin is really just juniper-flavored vodka. If you’ve got vodka drinkers over for cocktails and you only have gin left, just tell them their drinks are made with "botanical vodka." If you’re in the opposite situation, tell them the vodka is "diet gin." Lying to your guests is the most entertaining part of entertaining them. The combination and concentration of the juniper, spices, citrus, and other botanicals is what gives each gin its unique flavor and makes it a better or worse fit for different cocktails. Some modern gins are so very citrusy and floral that they can be too perfumey for a Martini. (Hey, this drink smells like grandma!} On the other hand. when you add an intensely juniper-heaW gin ro a Gimlet or other mild cockt ills. s~metimes all you ~aste b rhe juniper. (Hey, this drink smells like where ~ ~andma is buried!~ Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer andpublisher ofAlcademics.com. By Victor Gorin worked their hearts out, hoping to be the next Miss Gay Oklahoma. Emceed by former Miss Gay America 2006 Nicole Dubois & former Miss Gay Oklahoma 2005 Pure Chocolate (as Steven), it got wild Saturday night as it wound down to 5 finalists with their friends cheering on their favorites. That fun fabulous contest came to a conclusion on Saturday night June 13 when Shantel Mandalay finally won the title of Miss Gay Oklahoma America after many years of pursuing that dream. A proud 3rd grade teacher who also coaches Special Olympics, Miss Mandalay and her entourage wowed the audience with a fast stepping dance routine to the C&W classic "The Devi! went down to Georgia" that brought the house down. It was also an emotional time for the current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma Adrienne Fischer when she passed on her tide, joining many other former Miss Gay Oklahomas who were there for the occasion. Together with 1st alternate Samantha \Vest. Shantel will be eligible to compete in the national Miss Gay America competition to be held this year in St.Louis October 28.November 1. Left: 2008 Miss Gay Oklahoma Adrienne Fischer, 1st altetmam Samantha West, Shantd l~£andalay &Miss Gay America Victoria DePaula. Gorin Photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It was a festive weekend June 11-13 at Angles in Oklahoma City when once again the girls lIGHT BILENT AUCTION- AND RAFFLES Dd. IKEY TURNS UP THE WITH OlSDg ALL NIGHT July 2009 �~’#~W. metrostam ews.com �Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ OGRA Pool Party, OKC @ The Copa Oklahoma City @Club 209, Tulsa @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Finishlinel Oklahoma City @ OGRA Rodeo, OKC Tulsa Pride 09 Parade @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @ Tulsa Pride 09 Parade �www.metrostarnews.com , <,STAR 23 �Oban~a administration defending DOMA is shocking and unsetding. Clearly, our selfdescribed ’fierce advocate’ needs significant additional pushing and pressure from all of US." Popular blogger John Aravosis: "A Democratic president of the United States of i~erica, in the year 2009. and an AfricanB~nerican child of inter-racial parents no less, gave his la~wers the go ahead ro compare our marriages to incest on the same day that 42 years ago the Supreme Court ruled in [ais parents’ favor in Loving v. Virginia .... We demand our rights, and we expect this president, who promised them in exchange [or millions of our votes and millions of our donations, to deliver. And so help me God, we will continue to hold this president accountable for his broken promises and his betrayals]" Lambda Lega!’s Legal Director Jon Davidson: "X~at they need to be asked is why they gratuitously went out of their -way ~o make the outrageous arguments they unnecessarily included such as that DOM2~ does not discriminate based on sexual orientation or that the right ar issue is not marriage but an unestablished rigi~t ~o ’same-sex marriage or that DOMA is somehow iustified in order to protect taxpayers ~;ho don’t want their tax do!lars used ro suppor~ lesbian and gay couples iwhile it~ apparently fine to make lesbians and gay men pay the same rm,:es but be &nied the benefits provided heterosexual couples) .... I am seething mad." Top Clinton aide R5chard Socarides: "It had such a buckshot approach ro it, a veritable kitchen sink of anti-gay legal theories, that it seemed expressly designed to inflict maximal damage ro our rights. Instead of malting nuanced arguments which took into account the president’s oi?-stated support for repealing DO1VLA -- a law he has called ’abhorrent’ -the brief seemed to embrace DOMA and all its horrific consequences," Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors: "We ... call on President Obama m order the Justice Department ro file a supplemental brief reversing its position and instead urging the repeal of DOMA." National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey: "The malicious and outrageous arguments and language used in the Department of Justice’s marriage brief is only serving to inflame and malign the humanity of same-sex couples and our families." Gay writer Dan Savage: "If this shit is ’fierce advocacy,’ Mr. President, we’ll take benign neglect.7 CBS News: "The anger from gay rights advocates toward President Obama is starting to boil over." ~!~e Wall Street Journal called Sotmonese’s letter to Obama "scathing." The New York Times editorialized: "The Obama administration, which came to office promising to protect gay rights but so far has nor done much, actually struck a blow" for the other side last week.... If the administration does feel compelled to defend (DOMA), it should do so in a less hurtful wa~: ... There was no need to resort to specious arguments and inflammatory language to impugn samesex marriage as an institution." Plans apparently are shaping up for a gay March on Washington in October, spearheaded, it appears, by veteran activist Cleve Jones, the man who created the NAMES Proiect AIDS Memorial O~ilt."The President is in serious danger of motivating a huge mass of gay people to stream into \Ygashington for the simple ioy of standing in front of the White House and giving him a piece of their minds," wrote syndicated gay columnist \gayne Besen. "For what seemed Iike forever, Democrats told us that when the big bad Republicans went away, our lives would improve," Besen said. "XN~ell, the Republican nightmare is over, so why do I still feel like I’m in the middle of a political Friday the 13th movie? ... As far as I’m concerned, if the donkeys can’t detiv(r now, they can Idss my ass." On June 17, when Obama "delivered" to federal employees a smattering of spousal benefits, via issuance of a "memorandum," he did again denounce DOblA. "I think we all have to acknowledge this is only one step," the president said. the steps we have not yet t~en is to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. I believe it’s discriminatory, I think it interferes ,vith states’ rights, and we will work with Congress ro overturn it. \rUe’re gor more work to do to ensure that government treats all its citizens equally, to figh~ iniustice and intolerance in all its forms, and to bring about that more perfect union. I’m committed to these efforts, and I pledge to work tirelessly on behalf of these issues in the months and years to come.Obama also expressed support for the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act. "Under current law, we cannot provide same-sex couples with the full range of benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples," he said. "That’s why I’m proud to announce rny support for the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, crucial legislation that will guarantee these rights for all federal employees. I want to thank Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who is behind me somewhere -- there she is, right there -- for her tireless leadership on this bill and in the broader struggle for equality. I want to thank Sen. Joe Lieberman -- Joe is here -- as well as Susan Collins for championing this bill in the Senate, and Rep. Barney Frank for his leadership on this and so many other issues." Sounds good, but gay activists ~veren’t impressed. They want action. "We commend President Obama ana his administration for taking this beginning step to level the playing field but we look forward to working with him to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, overturn ’Dofft Ask, Don’t Tell’ and guarantee the entire American worl6brce is free from discrimination," said HRC’s Solmonese. The Associated Press said, "His (Obama’s) critics -- and there were many -- saw Wednesday’s incremental move to expand gay rights as litde more than pandering to a writer Dan / Savage: "If ’\ dais shit is ’fierce advocacy; Mr. President, we’ll take benign \... neglect." / reliably Democratic voting bloc." Lamb& Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart: "While ending any of the discrimination against gay and lesbian federal employees is a welcome step, today’s ... announcement falls far short of our hopes and expectations. President Obama dearly understands how important it is for people to have health insurance coverage ro protect their loved ones and this plan does not provide that. Lambda Legal is representing Karen Golinsldi, a federal employee who works for the judicial branch and who is seeking health insurance coverage for her same-sex spouse. A federal judge has already issued an administrative decision in that matter, concluding that, within the existing roles, the federal government can choose to provide health insurance for same-sex partners. Vie think they should.... The day is long past for incomplete, piecemeal fixes that leave hard-worldng families uninsured and struggling." People For the American W’ay President Michael B. Keegan: "Today’s presidential memorandum is a very small step in the right direction, but it’s a token, and tokens are no longer enough. DOMA stands in the way of real progress for same-sex couples nmv denied federal recognition and protection, and its repeal is tong overdue. President Obama has a unique ability to provide the moral leadership to ensure that all Americans are treated equally under the law. but so far he has failed to exercise it. We urge the president to live up to his own rhetoric about being a ’fierce advocate’ fbr gay and lesbian Americans. Taking action on his pledge to repeal DOMA would be ~vorthy of the vision that he held out to Americans during his campaign NGLTF’s Carey: "This presidential memorandum today will extend some selected protections to the same-sex partners and families of federal employees .... This memo is one building block toward full equality, and much more remains to be done in order for the administration to live up to the promises of equality the president made as a candidate on the campaign trail .... We also call on the president to take additional steps that will have a positive impact on our health, our livelihoods and our families’ safety that do not require legislative action. These include reversing the standing policy of the U.S. Census Bureau to manually un-marry any same-sex couple who lawfully states they are married on the 2010 census, extending employment protections to federal employees based on gender identity, and reversing the regulations that continue to throw roadblocks in the way of HIV-positive individuals who want to travel to this country." NCLR’s Kendell: "The policy announced today by the president committing to a federal ~vorkplace free from discrimination is a step in the right direction but inadequate and long overdue. It leaves out millions of Amerieans who do not work for the federal government and fails to include key benefits including health insurance. When running for office, then candidate Obama called equality for LGBT people a ’moral imperative.’ We will continue to demand this administration live up to the president’s promise of achieving ’full equality for the millions of LGBT people in this country.’" The language is strong and the front is unified. Nae White House clearly is listening, but when will our "fierce advocate" act? Writing on his house.gov Web site June 16, gay U.S. Rep. Jared Polls, D-Colo., said: "I am a proud Democrat, as are many in the LGBT community, and I believe we must hold our leaders accountable. The Obama Administration made a HUGE mistalte in the DOMA brief. If they keep malting mistakes like this. they risktosing the support of the GLBT community forever, although I do not believe we are at that point yet. President Obama needs to honor his promise ro repeal this ... hateful and divisive law. As the New York Times editorialized yesterday, ’busy calendars and political expediency are no excuse for malting one group of Americans wait any longer for equal rights.’" labor of love really," said Arbuckle. "We ate like a family here." The organization serves men, women and children. "XWe have about 30-40 children who may be infected or have parents who are," adds Arbuclde. Recently, Arbuckle submitted a grant application to the }v’La,C-AIDS Fund which is an organization established in 1994 that globally supports all persons lMng with HIV/AIDS. "It is a passion for our company and our staff," said Armando Ortiz, MAC Retail Manager at Penn Square Mall. "We refer to this as the heart and soul of MAC Cosmetics. MAC stands for Make-up, Art and Cosmetics. "Our Viva-Glam program is where the monies come from," adds Ortiz. "We give back 100% of the selling price back to the community. This program is really something we embrace in our company." MAC Cosmetics has been in business since I984 and has donated over $t35 million dollars to date through the MAC-AIDS Fund. Other Options has changed some over the years and now focuses primarily on their Friends Food Pantry. "The other services are provided so well by other organizations in the city that we focus on the nutritional program now," said Mary Arbuckle, Director of the Other Options organization. "\ge work well together with RAIN Oklahoma, the OU Infectious Disease Clinic, and other local organizations so our clients can ger all the hdp they need and so there is less duplication of services." Friends Food Pantry is exclusive to the HIV and MDS community. Clients come to the srore to shop each week. "We give them a shopping cart and let them select their own items, which is different than most food banks," adds Arbuckle. "We want to empower their mind; we don’t want them to feel like it’s a charity." Arbuckle says they plan ro spend the majority of the MAC-AIDS grant on their Boost program, which provides the high-prorein Boost drink to those in most need of the nutritional supplement. Donations to Other Options are always ~velcomed and appreciated. For more information about Other Options or the Friends Food Pantry, please call (405) 9468577. �by Jack Fertig July 2009 "Pay attention, Cancer!" Saturn square Mercury would normally bring out everyone’s inner critic, but with Saturn in Virgo and Mercury in Gemini, bitchy outbursts are to be expected. If you’re feeling brilliant, write it down and think twice before saying it aloud. Take a long view and look for opportunities for self-improvement, ARIES (March 20 - Apri~ 19): Stay focused on work. Any personal remarks, especially about colleagues, are sure to get you into trouble. Your critical analyses and recommendations for improvement are probably a bit off the mark, but at least they show you’re paying attention. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Avoid gambling and investments in any game play strictly for funsies. Focus on developing skill at your sport or hobby. That’s an uphill slog, too, but something that’s just fun now can have practical value down the road. GEMiNi {May 21- June 20): If you get any criticism from family or roommates, thank them for sharing and think about what they say. There may be something to it. Responding in kind will only start an a~ui argument. SAG!TTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): You will get into arguments. Stay focused, principled and respectful. The way you press your point can earn you a great deal of respect. Stay clear on details and graciously accept correction when it’s appropriate. 112 14 3 4 ~5 6 7 ~ 9 ~10111213 19 18 17 8 15 CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Take it slow and easy. Pay attention to details and you’ll have fewer accidents and arguments at work. Sex seems a great release for stress, but is it really? Focus on what’s important at work and at play. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You may be losing yourself helping others, and fun may feel more like work. An analytic approach to techniques of craft, sport and/or pleasure reconciles the latter. Being ruthless and selfish for a bit is now good for you. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Domestic criticisms are nearly inevitable. Being self-critical will help keep you out of arguments, but give yourself credit as well as blame. Your partner’s shortcomings on that score are highlighted because of your focus. If you must say something, be kind and gentle! 66 67 68 69 70 7I CANCER (June 21~- July 22): Pay attention where you’re walking or driving. Distractions inside your own head can cause awful accidents. Be aware of your surroundings, and you can find better ways to bang up against someone. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): You’re inclined to be very critical of someone’s political values, so why not focus on your own? In this era of diminishing resources, we all need to step back and re-think things. Brainstorming with friends will help you update your perspective. VlRGO (August 23 - September 22) The sharp edge of your wit is very much in evidence. Keep it focused on practical matters and attention to your own health and well-being. When tempted to speak of others, make extra effort to keep it kind and constructive. L~B~ (September 23 - October 22): There’s always room for selfimprovement, but don’t beat yourself up with your faults, which you’re now likely to exaggerate anyway. A creative focus for your inner critic could help you to be more realistic. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): As your brain races around sex, you may want to look beyond simple gratification. That has its time and place, but think seriously about your relationships and what you’d want to be doing - and with whom - in 20 years. ~wcw.metrostarnews.com 43 Ausmas capital( to Aust ~ans ~ ’Watch a~ Liberg~ game h~re 18 Irritating : , 50 of Seventeefi : 52 :l~i~---~"s home Stat~ (abgr:}; ~3 cone Out ~nthe b~a~h Community for Monkey Zetterland 5~ ~Evbr~tt S 58 E~d of the a~eadline ~ 52 Adult filly People iving with H R/!A D S A 50’f c (3) Non t rofit Or~nizadon 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 everyda~: 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 ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobat.net 31 33 Prefix with 35 In the sack 38 "Lead into temptation" 39 Casey J0n~s, e.g. 40 GOt excited , 41 Hollinghurst s 7~e Swimming~Pool 42 Edmontons province 45 Many a place near Aspen 46 Ball {vh£ckers, in Ping-Pong 47 U-turn from SSW 9 Gate design, 1 C. Marlowes tongue 55 Golfer Sam 57 Overhand stroke, for Mauresmo 59 It gets spilled at wild parties 60 Beat it 61 Peruvian native 65 Quit, with "out" ~ 69 %v0some 70 Second name in cross-dressing 7! Doest" own Solution page 26 We :welcome ~[etters fro ers. Shorter letters are more likely to be printed, as are those that addreks ohly a Singte topiC, Letters are subject to editing for lefigt|i and clarity. InClYde your hO~ addr~s} an~ ~,~time phone fiumber fo~-~;efifidatiDm Send l{~rs to the 4ditor~ pFe ly:~ ii (~iam£ws@sl;cglobal.ndt)~ Le{ters als~ may be mailed (Metro Stem P~ Box 5~i 7’18, TulSa, IOK 7~ 158) ;~8÷troSTAR 25 �Stage Performance To Benefit C arron Alliance OK~AI-IOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ lheatre lovers are invited to attend an upcoming performance of a Carpenter Square Theatre production with proceeds benefiting the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. Carpenter Square’s Thursday, July 2, production of"The Little Dog Laughed" will benefit Cimarron and cimarronAP,TS! The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, at a discount, are $15 and can be purchased £nline at: CAF Carpenter Square provides the following synopsis of tl~e show: Mitchell Green is a handsome young movie actor who is on the verge of major stardom. His agent can’t seem to keep him in the closet due to his "slight recurring case of homosexuality." And as if that’s not enough, he falls in love with his most recent "rent boy" and wants to announce it to the world. Helping him navigate Holl.~;~vood’s choppy waters, his shark of an agent Diane does everything she can to keep him away ~?om the rent boy and the rent boy’s girlfriend (wait, the rent boy has a girlfriend?), but it’s not smooth sailing. Ticket sales are limited to 200, so buy )!our rickets early! Jamie Fo~ Jul 9, 2009 at BOK Center Ticket Prices: $69.75 and $59.75 "l~is summer heats tip with a tour from one of the Imrtest artists to move fi:om the big screen to the stage. Jamie Foxx begins a summer tour in July and makes Tulsa one of the first stops. eridm Idols Live Jul 24, 2009 at BOK Center Tulsa Tickets Prices: $69.50, $55.50, $40.50 Fans of America’s #1 show will once again have the chance to catch their favorite "Idols" performing live in concert, as the top 10 contestants from American Idol season 8 hit the road in the highly anticipated summer tour. Aerosmith Ju130, 2009 at BOK Center AEROSMITH with ZZ TOP July 30 @ 7:30pro Ticket Prices: $129.50, $89.50, $49.50 ~EROSMITH--STEVEN TYLER (vocals), JOE PERRY (guitar), BP4\D ~WHITFORD (guitar), TOM HAMILTON (bass) and JOEY KP,a~_MER (drums)--made history last year when Activision released Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, marldng the first music-based game built around the legendary music of Aerosraith. Kdth Urban Aug 7, 2009 at BOK Center @ 8:00pm Keith Urban with Sugarland Webs#e- www.kylecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aol,com bi~er gir! Ticket Prices: $77, $47 and $20 Grammy Award winner Keith Urban, one of the industry’s raost explosive and critic~dly hailed live acts, will be stopping at the BOK Center on Friday, August 7th fi~r his "Escape Together ~otld Tour" together with KC Masterpiece° and Kings~rd° featuring multi-platinum superstars Sugarland. 2{3 @~:{:~oSTAR July 2009 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. 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Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.nlcctulsa.org OKZAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N: Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 RFAL:ESTA TE: ARMANDO AMOR Keller Williams Realty 1624 SW !22nd Oklahoma City, OK 73170 405-473-6870 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 IxYgg EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcasde.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 CINDY LOLLIS Castle Finders Realty Owasso, OK 74055 918-697-7406 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 N~V 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK Castle Finders, LLC Real Estate & Property Management Owasso, OK 74055 918-697-7406 BUY GI Joe Action Figures (12" size Only) Armando Amor Phone: 405-473-6870 Fax: 405-691-2708 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn THE KITCHEN 2218 NW 39th Oklahoma City; OK 73112 Located inside the BOOM THE MARKET PLACE ON 39th 2235 N.W. 39th Oklah0maCity. OK 405-528-5555 TRA ~NG OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-882-6127 Cindy Lolli~ EURE~ SPRINGS CVB Eureka Springs, AR www.eurekasprings.org THE KITCHEN 2218 NW 39th Oklahoma City, OKC 73112 Therapeutic By licensed professional for Physical Rehabilitation. (405) 801-7200 Open Tues.-Sun 12 Noon ~o 11PM. Featuring Chef Susie Lopez. NW OKO near Penn Square In-Calls only (405) 822#378 Located inside the "BOOM" nwokcmassageguy@aol.corn THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE In Calls Only, N\V OKC 405-822-7378 nwokcmassageguy@aol.cim Call JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa. OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 918-836-8700 ~a~vw.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER %lsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC !24 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 9!8-584-9494 FINISHLINE ~oo NW 59TH EXPreSSWaY Oklahoma Civ, OK 405-525-2900 ~l=,v.habanainn.cona THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH E~SSWAY O~om~ Cit~ OK 405-525-0730 x~m,w.habanainn.com www.metrostarnews.com Chuck Breckenridge Start building a business today to supplement your" income in case of layoff. High potential commissions. Excellent instruction. Set your own hours. Call NATHAN BLACK Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. ~÷troSTAR 27 �28 July 2009 � 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 Oldahoma City’s Robin Dorner oins Metro Star team. She not only brings her talent and enthusiasm, but also expertise gained from overall life experience and reporting. Seepage 5 3.corn THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA JULY 1,2009 TSUNAMI SLAMS OBAMA by Rex Wockmer not health coverage, which he said june 17 is not within his power. That’s the good news -- all of it. What hasn’t he done? Anything about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, anything about the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), anything about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. He’s done nothing about any of the stuff he promised the gays before they rushed to the polls en masse last November to make sure he won that election. And, then, Mr. Obama’s Justice Deparmxent filed a briefJune 1 ! in a federal same-sex marriage case that used nearly eveW nasty homophobic argument in the book to argue against letting gays get married. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back and unleashed a flood of harsh criticism from gay VIPs. "I hold this administration to a higher standard than this brief," Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese wrote to Obama. "In the course of your campaign, I became convinced -- and I still want to believe -- that you do, too.... This brief should not be good enough for you, The question is;Mr. President-- do you bdieve that it’s )bama. dec~des 22 which~not necessary ~ i , ~ . to file a brief. It’s a horrific and hideous attack on LGBT :. ....... [one thats good. He ~ssued Americans." and he extended a few spousal benefits ~ ~d~ employees’ Same’sex partners -- National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director sick leave and long-term care insur~ce; for example, but Kate Kendell on her Facebook page: "The filing by the ............ Continued See GAY TSUNAMI Page-24 Pro ect Pride Foundation Director Under Investigation For Fraud By Victor Gorin OKLAMOMA CIT~; OK__ On May 16, Robert Jordan Chiles was dected to a position on the Oklahoma State Democratic Party’s Central Committee as part of the Affirmative Action Committee. Ivan Holmes, previous chair of the Oklahoma State Democratic Party stated to the Metro Star, "Robert ovces the party for tickets he purchased for the luncheon at the State Convention along with advertising in the program. He said he would pay that immediately and he hasn’t as ofyet, so vce will pursue this issue." If he doesn’t resign his position, party officials are ready to begin impeachment proceedings. In May Mr. Chiles placed an advertisement in the Metro Star which ran in the June 2009 isme; soliciting funds for his Project Pride Foundation, presented as an organization working to advance GLBT rights and hdp people living with HIV. This advertisement was paid for with a check that was returned unpaid by his bank. Mr. Chiles was given numerous opportunities by phone and email to cover the check with no results. It has since been turned over to the Oldahoma County District Attorney for collection and possible prosecution. ........... Continued See PROJECT PRIDE Page-17 T lsa Pride Se s New By Michael \~ Sasser TULSA, OK__Tt~a Pride’s Diversity Festival and Pride Parade engaged a record number of participants on June 6th, both in terms of spectators and participants. "I think it exceeded expectations," said Oldahomans for Equality President Toby Jenkins. "We were worried whether the format and schedule might scare people or would be comfortable for people to participate in. Our Pioneer Breakfast far, far exceeded expectations. N~e police tell us there were 23,000 people at the festival which is the largest single-day attendance for an event we have ever had." Jenkins said the festival also included over 70 vendors and booths, twice the number as last year; and there vcere three times the number of parade entries as last year. "The parade yeas larger, there were more floats and more groups," If there was a down side, it ~vas that in the nev¢ event format debuting this year, there were fewer spectators along the parade route. ........... Continued See TULSA PRIDE Page-6 LOCAL>> 9 YO GRAND MARSHALL I NATIONAL >> NO SUPPONF FOR DADT I WORLD >> 50,000 2gF EURO PRIDE I PLUS >> LIFESTYLE TRAVEL I ~’FS I WINE I DINING July 2009 2 A good time By Robin Domer-Townsend OGRA [)~ddent RTint Wied}n, Robin Dornerphoto OKLk(HOMA CI~/, OK Every ),ear as Memorial Day weekend rolls around, the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo is held in Oklahoma City. Their goal as a social organizarion is to host an annual-gay rodeo in Oklahoma City, assist in western related events and contribute to charitable organizations. This year~ motto is. ’~A Bucking Good Time." The mission ofOGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) is to act as a non-profit organization, to perform charitable duties for the surrounding area through fundraisers, rodeo performances, etc., for any particular charitable organization the general membership of the association shall choose. "Xhat is the main goal of]OGRA; to raise money for charity," said Klint Wieden, OGRA President. "Each year we give primarily to two different charities ~vhich provide services to those living with HIV or AIDS." This year’s beneficiaries of the event are Other Options/Friends Food Pantry and RAIN Oklahoma. Each of these organizations will receive a charitable contribution from OGRA once the dollar amount for donation has been calculated. "Usually it is around $3,500 for each organization," adds Wieden. "Wieden grew up on a big ranch in north~vest Oklahoma on thousands of acres. His family raised cattle, ran horses and performed all general ranching duties and his family was always involved in the rodeo. "I also love doing charity work. It is a necessary thing," he adds. "I enjoy the causes xve stand for at OGRA and bringing the two together; rodeo and chariw, well, it’s a great thing for me." OGP,A 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. The purpose for organizing OGRA was to prov;ide a harmonious enviromnent for those interested in the western lifestyle to express themselves through rodeo, dance and other £~mity social activities barring al! prejudices related to sex, nation~ origin, sexual orientation, religion, race or any other prejudices. Overall, the IGRA has raised millions ofdoltars ~br charities across the country. Next year is a very big year for the OGRA as they will celebrate their 25th anniversary. "Even more is in store for next year’s event," furthers Wieden. "We will have a special limited edition designer ’trophy buckle’ made. Each of the 25 buckles will be numbered and sold to raise even more money for the charities ,are help." Wieden and the board of the OGRA wish to thank all of their sponsors and volunteers, but offer a special thanks to Premium Beers of Oklahoma and the Copa/Finish Line which each contributed more than $10,000 this ),ear. For more information about OGRA please visit www.ogra.net. Diversity Business Assodates; proud to do in OKC By Robin Dorner-Townsend OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Since 2004, the Diversity Business Association (DBA) has been a "proud’ organization representing many businesses and prot)ssions in the Oklahoma City metro area. As an organization primarily for gay and gay-friendly businesses, DBA is a diverse group; thus the name "Diversity Business Association." DBA is not an organization iust for the gay, lesbian. bisexual or transgender (GLBT} community. It is an open minded, diverse group of individuals from all walks of life. "Why not do business with people who want to do business with you?", is their organizational motto. With nearly 150 members, the Diversity Business Association does mean business. "DBA has become Oklahoma City’s fastest growing GLBT organization and with good reason," says Monty Milburm President ofDBA. "We offer a casual yet business oriented environment for our members to connect with and do business with people that want to do business with them. It is these connections that help all of us succeed in good and bad times." Each month, usually two business connection meetings are held where members meet to network and exchange business cards, ideas, and get together for fun events also. There are luncheons, educational meetings and after hour mixers which bring the group together for people ~vho want t6 do business with like-minded people. Membership fees for DBA are some of the best in this area for an organization of its ~nd. An individual business membership is $49 per year and corporate memberships (for up to 10 people) are $450. Unlike most organizations, DBA has a student or ’social’ membership f)e for $25 per year. N~is allows the businesses in the area who are gay or gay-friendly to benefit from like-minded people seeking to do business with this diverse group. The goal of DBA is to be a positive organization in the GLBT community and the Oklahoma City community as a whole. DBA will have a booth at the upcoming Gay Pride events to be held at Memorial Park in Oklahoma City on June 27th & 28th and invites everyone to come and visit to see what they are all about. "I would like to encourage you to visit often, check out our calendar and consider joining. We encourage positive competition and celebrate each member’s success," adds Milburn. "t am proud to serve as President of such a fine organization. We really do mean business." For more information about DBA, please email them at contact@dbametro.org or visit vvw~.dbametro.org. It is best to use Internet Explorer when visiting this site. Impressive Youth Leads Tulsa’s Gay Pride Parade By Judy Gabbard Noah Blatt GrandMarshall ~dsa Pride Parade. Judy G. photo TULSA, OK The Grand Marshal! ofTulsds Annual Pride Parade xvas not a celebrity or an individual with a crown of jewels: this Grand Marshall was a nine year old young man named Noah Blatt. Noah Blatt is a perfect example ofwhat the words "Diversity" and "Acceptance" represent in the contin~l struggle of gay rights. Told to me by a representative of Oldahomans [br Equality, Noah Blatt first came m the attention of the committee members at Tulsa’s Equality Center, when he hand delivered a letter and a donation. In the letter, Noah explained that as an assignment he was to chose an organization that he rahought was making a difference, His mission was to acknowledge that organization and donate to its support. Noah has continued to contribute part of his weekly allowance in support ofTulsa’s Equality Center. Toby Jenkins, Tulsa’s Equality committee President, said, that when it came time to select the Grand Marshall for the Pride Parade, no other individual was as deserving as Noah Blatt. Noah’s revelation, revealed in his letter, that xvhen same sex couples love each other and want to marry, there shotdd be no one allowed to stand in their way. Simple truth uttered from one so young shows that the continuing struggle for gay rights is making an impact on public opinion. In a short interview with Noah Blatt, I met a gentle young man with a view of the world that maW lose when they grow up. Noah is determined to hang on to his beliefs and make his opinions known. Noah’s room and dad are hard working, well educated parents who have a!lo~ved their child to develop his own views of human behavior. Mr and Mrs Blatt support their young son’s ideas and know that it takes only one person to start a movement towards human rights. Noah was introduced to the public at the Pride Festival held at Centennial Park, located at 6th and Peoria, and severalo awards were bestowed upon him. The greatest prize was a view into the future possibilities of our youth. The importance of bestowing understanding, love, guidance and attention to our younger population was made evident in such a small package, Noah Blatt. www.rnetrostarnews.com ~®troSTAR 3 UDGE RULES IN KEITH KIMMEL’S FAVOR ON HIS I’M GAY LICENSE PLATE By Victor Gotin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK On April 6 Keith KimmeL like maW other Ol-dahomans since 1967, applied for a personalized license plate for his !992 Dodge pickup truck. However. he ran into an obstacle because his message was ’TM GAY". His request was denied. Kathy Green, a supervisor in the Motor Vehicle Division, stated that his request was denied due to a Oklahoma Tax Commission Rule 710:60-3-150 (d) which states "No license plate will be issued -which may be offensive to the general public." However, she did not state why she deemed that his message fit into that category. Mr. Kimmel appealed this decision, and his case was heard by Administrative Law Judge Jay Harrington in Oklahoma City on May 7. A favorable ruling, in which Judge Harrington recommended that Keith be allowed his I’M GAY plate, was released on June 18, jttst a week before Gay" Pride celebrations ldcked off in Oklahoma City. Attorney Brittany M. Novomy, who represented him on this case had this statement, "This decision is an indication that we do still live in a society that respects the rule of law, and when we feel our civil rights have been violated we know we can turn to our legal system to remedy the situation. I believe it is also a signal that despite its national reputation, Oldahoma has outstanding women and men in the legal profession who put the law ahead of old prejudices." The Oklahoma Tax Commission may accept or reject this recommendation. Talking with Mr.Kimmel he stated, "I think the judge reviewed the case carefully,, made a good decision and I hope the commission will do the right thing and let me have nay plate." If the Oklahoma Tax Commission doesfft fol!ow- through and allow his plate he plans to pursue additional legal action. BillyJackson and Michael[ Friday ioined their lives together By Victor Gorin Bil{rJackson &Michael Friday at their Holy[ Union wid~ t/.,eir .iF[ends Luq andMidn@t. Godn photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Billy Jackson and Michael Friday joined their lives together Sunday, June 14 in Norman at Thunderbird Chapel. Lovers of the country lifestyle, both are active in OGRA, Michael as the mernbership chair and Billy who is running for Mr. O.G.R~k. next year. Tney are setding down together on the outskirts of Noble where Michael, as a member of the Orchid Society, will be able to pursue his hobby. The Holy Union was offidated by Pastor Neill Spurgin of Exp~:essions Community Fellowship, where both Billy and Michael are members. Let’s wish them a wonderful life together. Annual Hot Young Hollywood Party to benefit R.A.I.N. Oklahoma August 7 Angles to host annual Hot Young Hollywood PaW to benefit RAIN Oklahoma. Oklahoma CiF’ HIVNon-profit agent/. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ August 7 2009 N~e Hot Young Holly~vood Party is an annual fundraiser for RAIN Oklahoma, acting as a spotlight for local GLBT owned & friendly businesses. RAIN Oklahoma will be honoring four Oklahomans for their outstanding leadership and activism. The event will be a fun filled evening with fashion shmvs from well-known designers such as Cadillac Cowboy; Nicole Moan, GLAMNERD, Riot Rockett and Debauchery Clothing, plus live performances from Oklahoma City;s own Eric Bramble and others. Definitely an event not to be missed! Rafiqe ticket sales provided much of the $2500 raised at last year’s party. I~mt year sponsor donated items included a necklace donated by Mitchener & Farrand Jewelers, a "makeover" prize package .from Velvet Monkey Inc., dinner for two at 1492, and a Marc-by-Marc Jacobs bag among many other items. For the RAIN Leadership Award, campus GLBT groups made nominations from OCU, UCO, OU, OSU OKC AND UT as well as the GLBT group of DELL and the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. The goal of our nominees is to increase the quality of life for all Oklahomans. RAIN Oklahoma is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit agency, depending on private donations and the support of the community to continue providing high quality of services. RAIN Oklahoma offers a wide array of services from free HIV testing and counseling, community outreach projects, Ryan White Case Management, ADVANTAGE Medicaid waiver services & Transitional Housing. RAIN Oklahoma’s mission is to compassionately serve indMduals and communities impacted by HIV/AIDS through education, volunteerism and coordinated access to healthcare & support services. We accept all donations; Gift Certificates, Checlcs, Merchandise and/or services. Donors will be recognized in the program. For additional information on The Hot Young Holbavood Party, please contact the Hot Young Holl)wcood Committee: Contact: Kendet R. Powers, CTR Agent RAIN Oklahoma 405/204/7767 kpowers@rainoklahom.org Vicld Banta Vicki Banta the Partyoligist 405/850/6817 Xfbanta@aol.com Kai R. Dameron Rain Oldahoma, CTR Coordinator 405/232/2437 xt 123 KaiDameron@hotmail.com Giving back: MAC Cosmetics ’Viva Glam’ line supports HIV! AIDS organizations By Robin Dorner-Townsend Inf!’ont ofthe Iguana Lounge in Automobile Alley in downtown Oklahoma Ci~, the 3¢IAC cosmetics staffin Oklahoma City show their support in theform of"a big check"for Other Options and Friends Food Pantry. Thefundraising event "51 Toast to Life" was heldfor the non-profit organization at The Iguana Lounge in April The Iguana showed its support ofthe Other Options organization by undenvHting the charitable event. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Since 1989, Other Options has been on the forefront of prevention, education, and assistance of those in need who are living ~vith HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome). The organization was Formed as anonprofit whose missi6n" included al! services which hdp persons living with the disease but currently their primary focus is that of food services, nutrition and education. Mary Arbuckle, Director of Other Options works to assist the clients they serve, organizes donations and among many other taslcs, she also writes grant applications for the organization. "It’s a .....Continued see MAC page 24 July 2009 4 Leather Camp Vwill be running in Wichita gg~IICHITA, KS (PR) __ August 14 - 16, 2009. Early bird registration is active until July" 21st at a rate of $75.00. After July 21st, the package cost xvill be $85.00. The Clarion Hotel will hots the event with a room rate of $79.00 per night. Rooms need to be booked directly through the hotel. Ask for the WOOLF rate to get the discount. ~qere are lots of great classes for this years event. Presenters include ~qaipmaster Bob and Bootpig, Graydancer, Sir Olivier and pup sparlg~, Mason and Michelle. In addition, we will be having our Central Hains Regional contests for Central Plains LeatherSirlboy and CommunivA Bootblack as well as our loc~ WOOLF contests for Mr. and Ms. WOOLF and Kansas boy/girl. All of the contests will be judged by International LeatherSir 2009, Sir Raul, International Leatherboy 2009, boy bill, Central Plains LeatherSir 2009, Master Sam Sampson, Central Plains Leatherboy 2009, pup sparkle, Central Plains Community Bootblack 2009, boy blu, Great Plains Leatherboy 2008, boy mike and Rev. Jackie Carter of the Metropolitan Community Church ofWichita. The weekend ~vill be emceed by Tom Stice. For more information and to register for the weekend and book your hotel room, please visit www.wichitaleatherpride.com. Robin DornerJoins Metro Star Staff Robin Dorner-Tmvnsend. Staff photo OKLAI-IOMA CITY. OK Already well kmown in Oklahoma City and beyond as a fun loving reporter and activist. Ms. Dorner Born in Wichita, she graduated from Kansas Newman College in that same city to become a Registered Nurse. She moved to Oklahoma City in 1983 when jobs for RNs were plentiful. She worked in various positions as a dialysis nurse, in home health and hospice settings, and case management. She is a happily married heterosexual, celebrating 15 years together with Ken Townsend, her soulmate who is in the oil & gas business. In 2004 she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health administration, followed by a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 2006. After this milestone, seeking a different direction, she branched out into journalism with the City" Sentinel. broadening their horizons when she covered many events of the GLBT community. She first became involved with our community during the !990s when she volunteered as a nurse for the Triangle Association vdth D~:Larry Prater. who operated a free AIDS clinic. Relating ~o that experience she stated that "I loved it, not only as a nurse but also from the love, camaraderie and acceptance I found in the gay community." Her involvement in the community grew, and she later became a boai~d member of has just joined the Metro Star team. She will the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. She is a be repo~ting local news and ~ents and wil! former board member and current member of handle OK~’~C ad sales al6nFwithRikGOdbev Diversity Bttsiness Association of Oklahoma and Victor Gorin. She is also an accomplished City, and is her husband Ken. She does ~h0togr~pher. She n0{ 0hly brings 1{~} taleh{ vohmteer work for Other OptiOns, and looks ~nd enthusiasm, but alSO ~ert~e gained forward to working with the Metro Star. We f om oCe llife ep0mng welcome her a oard . the City Sentinel ( fbrmeriy the Mid City Advocate). www:metrostarnews.com &~et~’oSTAR 5 Dont Shop - Adop By Michael ~{~. Sasser Tulsa author Clara Nipper. Press photo TULSA, OK __ Tulsa author Clara Nipper never read mysteries, thrillers or true crime books, so when - on a dare from her partner - she set out to write in the genre, they set the mood and picked up the stylized approach by camping out in their home. lowering the air conditioning and watching classic noir films such as Double Indemnity, Laura and the more-modern Body Heat. "They were terrific," said Nipper. "I took some inspiration from them." Nine months in the writing, Nipper completed her first novel, the stylish Femme Noi~; a tide that aptly describes both the book and the innovative genre of lesbian literature. "I was writing "chick stories’ and my partner told me that since that wasn’t ,going an?~vhere I should try something new, Nipper said. So, Nipper crafted a character that was the "total opposite" of her. "She is tall and lean, black and bald, and a total womanizer - a slut. I wondered if I could wrire an entire book about her. And, I thought, yes I could." The rest is now history. Femme Noir is being published by Bold Stroke Books. In the book, Nora Delaney is Nipper’s protagonist. The hard-boiled, hypersexualized womanizing college basketball coach chases the case of her murdered exlover from LA to Tulsa only to be waylayed by a gorgeous, gin-swilling skirt who has information as well as an appetite for women like Nora. The book contains classic noir elements and Nora is cut from the same cloth as many classic, troubled genre protagonists - except that she is a woman. Hailed by maw for its unique and interesting voice, the book is also sexually graphic and unapologetic. "’gq~en my father got a copy of the book. I wrote in it ’please don’t read this’." Nipper said. "I hope he hasn’t. Tulsa native Nipper is veU much unlike her lead character. "I was straight most of my life," said the Tulsa CountT Courthouse clerk. "I was always open with sexuality and thought that if it felt good, do it. I’ve only had t-wo girlfriends in nay life. My first girlfriend was the one who said "you should try this’ and I said ’sure, let’s give ir a try.’ It was tumultuous except for the sex tbr the next two years. I have been with nay current partner for 13 years." Nipper had been "spiritually" a writer her entire life, from the time she xvrote a short story in grade school that a teacher insisted on turning into a slide show. "The best advice I ever got was to write one page a day and after a year, you ~voutd have 365 pages," Nipper said. "qhe road to publishing has been rocky, but my publisher now is terrific. They do so much to support authors and offer opportunities and guidance." Femme Noir’s sequel, I4dss of Noir, is already under contract. It’s set in New Orleans and will continue to stretch the parameters ofsexuat representation. "I’ve already shocke,~,! and appalled some lesbmns, N~pper stud. I th~nk that means am on the right track." For more information on Nipper and Femme Noir, visit www.claranipper.com. "Most people waited for the parade at [Centennial Park], and it was packed there". A shuttle system taking parade-path spectators to the park might be one thing added for future Pride festivals. For the most part, though, the new event structure was very much a success. "The fireworks, the ferris wheel and the concert were all huge successes." Jenkins said. Jenkins noticed a few things in particular this year. Employees of Spaghetti Warehouse on Brady Street came out to cheer ~or the parade. At Centennial Park. the crowd included a notable number of straight couples and individuals, including maW attending their first-ever Pride event with or without a GBLT relative or friend. "I thought, ’Wo~v. ~vhen did it become cool to go to Pride?" "-We also had a tot of seniors there. One mother said she was impressed at how family-friendly the environment was. I wish I could say that was something we tried to do. but it’s just a sign of the evolution of the community." Police commented on how busy the Kid Zone was with approximately 700 children of GLBT families and straight participants. This year’s n~w policy against ice chests and bringing in outside food and beverages also worked out. Jenkins said no one had to go to the hospital and police told him that for the first time there was no one who they considered acting publicly drunk to the point of being a nuisance. Vendors also told Jenkins they had done well at the event. Jenkins hopes that means it will be possible to continue expansion of the event in the future with more participants. Although the parade route saw the typical number of protestors, there was only one notable at the festival itself. Annie Bryce drove an hour to attend her first Tulsa Pride event. "I was very impressed at how nice it was and, really, how nice the people were - men, women, gay and straight even," she said. Cashen" Stewart attended the Pride Festival, largely for the parade, He thinks the eve,n,t could still be improved. I think there should be a bit more things to do at Pnde that are more mteracuve, he said. lenkins said that other smaller cities aro{md Oldahoma also having Pride events, such as Enid for the first time ever in July, is evidence of empowerment. "People are feeling safe enough to have festivals - that’s a good sign." No matter who you are o are on life’s iourney, -Reverend ~r. K~hy Meet Woodstock. He’s a 9 yr old yellow labbie who was Surrendered to Lab Rescue so ~ve could find him a new home. His owners love him, but h~ is a ~ctive for them. D0n:t le~ iS young at hem o1~1 labl;ie. H6 loved on: ~’g0odi I stcd )18 299 6311 918-272-4965 Sapulpa 918 227 2722 Norman 405 321 6,"~25 Collinsville 918 371 1000 Courtesy ofv:xvw.labrescue.net L 3131 & Pennsylvanio,Oklah0m= Q>~, 405.525.9555 July 2009 6 So, ust What is the True Definition-ofMarriage ? by James Nimmo OY._LM-IOMA CITY. OK As a semiprofessional musician I provided music at the same-gender marriage recently of two friends of mine, the latest ceremony of uncountable services I’ve played, t’rn also a committed atheist and rather hard-boiled when it comes to asking [or divine intervention, as well as the invention of skT-oriented deities for whatever reason. I support everyone’s private pursuit of their interests in accordance with the First Amendment as long as infringement of my own legally supported rights isn’t involved. There was no doubt of the sincerity of the participants in this religious ceremony. There were prayers, vestments, and liturgy common to any other Christian denomination marriage ceremony. Had you been blindfolded and dropped into this touchingly simple outdoor service, uncoached and uninformed, you would not have been able to distinguish this wedding from the thousands being conducted in the rest of the country on any Saturday afternoon. Jaded as I am about religion, I did get a little misty-eyed when the minister spoke-of the hands being held by the two grooms. As these ceremonies of commitment go the hope is always for a devoted and determined future of mutual and exclusive support through a lifetime of as many years o?iife as our genetic desdny wil1 give us. He described these hands as they are now. young and strong brushing away ~ears of joy and sorrow, touching in moments of intimacy, and when old and wrinkled they’ will sti!l be the hands we want touching us in times of need. ~ view myself as a married man wittl a partner of 32 years, and 1 can identi~! with the sentiments and intentions the minister outlined in his .;ermon. By what fiat of bigoted ignorance can anyone deny me and millions of other gay and Lesbian Americans this legaI right of marriage just because the gender of the two people is the same, choosing to share their bounty and their concerns for as long as they’re able, be it one year or hopefully- a long lifetime? How is that any different from what opposite-gendered people choose to do? To answer my own title, I think marriage is the ability of two responsible people committed to each othm; with a seriousness of purpose, for as long as they are able to hones@ maintain the relationship, with or without the imprimatur of religion. At one time I was a proponent of going nicker the recognition of our gay/ Iesbian equality one right at a time. But at approximately 1,400 indMdual rights bestowed with a completed marriage license, there arefft enough years for even Methuselah to see the success of the movement. I now see that only a dedicated Federal lawsuit, such as the one being brought by Ted Olson and David Boles ( http://tiwurl.com/q6hvip ), will give us the trne definition of marriage we gay and Lesbian citizens need to live our lives with the choice so casually enjoyed by straights. ~.metrostamews.com Politics M es for Strange Bedfellows by James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s pretty exciting to be a gay/lesbian activist these days. Our civil rights movement has been focused on California which has been performing a line dance with basically the lovers of romance and civil rights in one line and the haters of diversity and inclusion in another. With the survival of Prop-Hate in California in late May there are now thirty states that prohibit same-gender marriage by constitutional amendment; thirty-seven prohibit it by statute. Some states even went double-dipping in their vehemence against gays and lesbians with both. But on the sunny side, as of this writing, there are five states that allow same-sex marriage with three states promoting samegender unions. ( http:lhinyurt.comlmq8fev ) I’m not too hot with arithmetic but even I can tell there is some overlapping of statutes and amendments with a minority of states still sitting on the sidelines, waiting and waiting. Waiting for what? Maybe the same thing I’ve been waiting for. A team of lawyers, financial supporters, and plaintiffs willing to put this momentous issue into it’s proper frame: Shall the United States continue with this jurisprudence crazy, quilt of rich progressive action and tawdry, shortsighted discrimination or blanket the country with one legal rtding that allows all adults to make their own decisions for their future regardless of gender, religion, or geographic location? That’s where the odd bedfellows Ted Olson and David Boles come in. These two lawyers, fmnous for being on opposing sides of the Bush v. Gore Supreme Court case that by a one-vote margin put the Bush/Cheney ticket in the White House have filed a Federal lawsuit to place an injunction on the California Supreme Court decision upholding the anti-marriage equality amendment lmown as Proposition 8.7heir plan is to carry this lawsuit up the chain of Federal courts to the US Supreme Court if necessary in order to have a definitive ruling as to whether or not same-gendered people are covered under the 14th Amendment of the Federal Constitution, specifically the clause that all citizens are entided to the full protection of the laws. ( http://tinyurt.com/dypxfp ) Many of the main stream civil rights and gay/lesbian advocacy organizations ( The American Civi! Liberties Union, Lambda Legal, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Freedom to Marry, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Equality Federation, and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation are aghast at the audacity of this plan sponsored by the American Foundation for Equal Rights. ( http:/Itinyurl.comlld6a2w ) I’m no legal eagle but I’m literate, folio~w the news, and can reason, tn addition, my partner and I were among 12 other plaintiffs in the attempt by Oklahoma’s chapter of the ACLU to derail the 2004 Okie version of Prop. 8, known as State Question 71 ! that passed with a 70+% majority vote. The legal strategy being used by the As t see it, ~here are two important precedents (an important aspect of jurisprudence? from the Supremes that recognize our gay/lesbian citizenship. They are: Lawrence v. Texas ( http://tinyurl. com/br2tj t that eliminated sodomy laws by overturning Bowers v. Hardwick (http:// tinyurl.com/jus3e ), and the Romer v. Evans decision overturning Colorado’s infamous Amendment 2 dewing gay/lesbian citizens protection of state laws( http://tinyurl. com/49m9er ) wherein Justice Kennedy famously wrote that "[Amendment 2] is at once too narrow and too broad. It identifies persons by a single trait and then denies them protection across the board. The resulting disqualification of a class of persons from die right to seek specific protection from the law is unprecedented in our iurisprudence." Let me add that Justice Kennedy is the famous "swing vote" on many Court decisions that are decided by a single vote. Though there have been changes in the names of the j ustices over the years, the legal balance of the Court is still the same: four living in the 18th century, four in the 21st century, with one bridge between them. If politics makes for strange bedfellows and change is die buzz word for this political season, then I think it’s time to change the sheets. As these two well experienced attorneys have wedded dlemselves to marriage equality, I wish them a happy honeymoon. Live long and prosper, Olson and Boles! Joplin First Pride in over ten years JOPHN. MO (PR) In January of this year Rev. Steve Urie of Spirit of Christ MCC asked for volunteers to h~ad up a committee commissioned with the task of planning and bringing together Joplin’s first Pride Event in over ten years. Out of that was born Joplin: Out & About, a collaborative committee made up of people from Spirit of Christ MCC, AT&T and other GLBT groups and members from the community. A target date was set and the planning began. ¯homas, Joanna, Darrell, Jeff, Heath, Shauna and Shea with the intermittent help of others handled the tough iob of keeping it all together. Tne final result was several events through the week including a Karaoke Night, Movie Night and finally Joplin’s Out & About Event in the park. Just ten years ago you would find law enforcement setting traps to catch men in the park cruising. This year with la~v enforcement patrols protecting the event; the community celebrated with groups from Springfield, Galena, Tulsa, the greater Joplin area and as far away as NWArkansa~s, Weir and Topetca, Kansas taking pride and respect to a new high level for the community. Private and non-profit vendors started signing on as did other local groups including UCC Family Fellowship, Joplin Gays Yahoo Group, Joplin’s GLBT Corporate Center, the support group fi-om AT&T, Planned Parenthood, PROMO, the Pla-Mor Lounge and APO’s local and Springfield’s offices. The Metro Star played an important part in providing sponsorship and coverage of the event. The Topet~ Transgendered Alliance was represented by Steve/Lila & spouse Joy also members of MCC Topeka. Entertainment was provided by a band as well drag queens from Joplin and Springfield. The Gto Center from Springfield, MO showed up in support of the Event, helped with Sponsorship and provided information about their services. We thank everyone who sponsored, supported, participated and just plain attended this event. Rev. Steve Urie &long time partner Heath with festival voluntee~ Staffphoto Held in Joplin’s McClellan Park June 13th and with over 250 people from the GLBTQ community this was a success for our community. Friends, family supporters and the straight community including children and some well behaved canines came together to show that we can be one community that we can work together, play together and respect each other. From Gay Bingo to the sale of Pride Jewelry, entertainment ro fbod. free HIV testing to information, and with MC Brandon everyone had a great time. In addition several boxes of food were donated t~br APO clients through the Angel Food Ministries program. Lots ofentertainment, & good lookingguys and gab atjoplin Pide Yestiva~ Staffphoto We would like to thank Naomas for his dedication and tenacity in keeping it together; Joanna for gathering equipment, supplies, support mad being one foot soldier you couldn’t top, Darrell for writing the first GLBT Joplin History Booklet, Jeff for putting the boolde.t togethm; Heath for cooking his heart out and all the volunteers that brought it together. With the encouragement of the community at large already pouring in this may have been Joplin’s first Pride event in recent history but clearly won’t be its last. Wockner News Service New Hampshire legalizes same-sex marriage New Hampshire legalized same-sex marriage June 3 when Gov. John Lynch signed three bills, including one that had cleared the Legislature just an hour eadier. 3-he bills open marriage to same-sex couples starting Jan. 1 and protect certain rights of religious organizations, associations and societies that oppose gay marriage. "Today is a historic day for all Granite Staters," said Mo B~ley, executive director of the New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition. "We applaud Gov. Lynch, (House) Speaker (Terie) Norelli, (Senate) President (Sylvia) Larsen and the leadership of the General Court (legislature) for making sure that all loving, committed couples have the freedom to marry. Today, our shared values of individual liberty, freedom and fairness have been upheld:" The final bill, tsveaking religious protections, passed the Senate 14-10 and th.e House 198-I76. Lynch had required tile additional language as a condition of his agreeing to let gays marry. In announcing his support for same-sex marriage on May 14, Lynch said: "At its core, (this bill) simply changes the term ’civil union’ to ’civil marriage.’ Given the cultural, historical and religious significance of the word marriage, this is a rneaningfu! change. I have heard, and I understand, the very real feelings of same-sex couples that a separate system is not an equal system. That a civiI law that differentiates between their committed relationships and those of heterosexual couples undermines both their dignity and the legitimacy of their families." Tl~e measures signed into law will repea! the state’s civil-union law effective Jan. 1, 2011, and prohibit any new civil unions after Jan. 1, 2010. Same-sex marriage is legal in five other U.S. states: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont (starting in September) and Maine (starting in Septembe0. Nlere also are 18,000 same-sex couples legally married nnder California law, though no more will be allowed to marry until voters repeal Proposition 8, the state constitutional amendment passed last November, or until the U.S. Supreme Court strikes it down Or it is blocked by comx injunction. Gay groups are planning a ballot initiative to delete Prop 8, and a federal lawsuit has been filed charging that Prop 8 violates the due-process and equal-protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit also says Prop 8 relegates gays and lesbians to second-class citizenship and discriminates based on gender and sexual orientation. It further seeks an injunction allowing same-sex marriage to resttme in California pending resolution of the case. Hi ary Clinton issues pride month statement Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a Gay Pride month statement June 1. She wrote: "Forty years ago this month, the gay rights movement began with the Stonewall riots in New York City; as gays and lesbians demanded an end to the persecution they had long endured. Now, after decades of hard work, the fight has grown into a global movement to achieve a world in which al! people live free from violence and fear, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. "In honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and on behalf of the State Department, I extend our appreciation to the global LGBT community for its coui’age and determination during the past 40 years, and I offer our support for the significant work that still lies ahead. "At the State Department and throughout the Administration, we are grateflal for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees in Washington and around the world. They and their families make many sacrifices to serve our nation. Wneir contributions are vital to our efforts to establish stability, prosperity and peace worldwide. "Human rights arc_- at the heart of those efforts. Gays and lesbians in many parts of the world live under constant threat of arrest, violence, even torture. The persecution of gays and lesbians is a violation ofhuman rights and an affront to human decency, and it must end. As Secretary of State, I will advance a comprehensive human rights agenda that includes the elimination of violence and discrimination against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity. "N~ough the road to full equality ibr LGBT Aalaericans is long, the example set by those fighting for equal rights in the United States gives hope to men and women around the world who yearn for a better future for themselves and their loved ones[ "This June, let us recommit ourselves to achieving a world in ~vhich all people can live in safety and freedom, no matter who they are or ~vhom they love." Clinton also is preparing to grant spousal benefits and protections to diplomats’ gay partners, she said in a recent letter to the group Gays and Lesbians in Foreign ~aqZairs Agencies. The pack,age will include medical and emergency evacuation, travel reimbursement, shipment of household effects, use of U.S. government medical facilities abroad, isstlance of diplomatic passports, visa assistance, and security and language training. Not included are health insurance, retirement benefits and certain other perks. Nevada Legislat e overrides governor’s veto ofpartnership bill Nevada’s Senate and Assembly on May 30 and 31 overrode Gov. Jim Gibbons’ May 25 veto of a domestic-partnership bill. Tne new la~¢ extends to same- and opposite-sex registered domestic parmers nearly all state-level rights and obligations of marriage. The override came without a vote to spare in both the Senate (14-7) and the Assembly (28-!4). In the Senate, 10 Democrats and four Republicans voted for tile override, and five Republicans and two Democrats voted against it. Gibbons had claimed the bill ran afoul of a 2002 state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. He also argued that gay couples could go sign private contracts if they desired the protections of marriage for their relationship. "The significance here is it literally equates ’domestic partner’ with ’spouse’ under Nevada state la**;" Michael Ginsburg of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada told Las Vegas correspondent Steve Friess. "You have the flail force of the law behind you nox~: When you’re in the hospital, forced to ma~e decisions for your partner, all you have to say is, ’This is nay spouse,’ and that carries tremendous weight." .am Lambert Photo: American Idol runner up Adam Lambert Who kalew? American Idol sensation and first runner-up Adam Lambert is a homosexual. "I don’t think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I’m gay," Lambert told Rolling Stone June 9. "I’ve been living in Los Angeles for eight years as a gay man. I’ve been at clubs drunk malting out with somebody in the corner." "Right after the finale, I almost started talldng about it to the reporters, but I thought, ’I’m going to wait for Rolling Stone, that wil! be cooler,’" he said. "I didfft want tile Clay ’ Aiken thing and the celebrity-magazine bullshit. I need to be able to explain myself in context. ’Tin proud ofmy sexuality. I embrace it. It’s just another part of me." Lambert noted, however: "I’m trying to be a singer, not a civil rights leader." July 2009 State Dept. to give gay couples spousal benefits U.S. Secreta,y of&am HillaO, Clinton is prepari,g to grant spousal ben~ts and protections m diglomau’gay gartne,s. Photo by Rex l)~ckner U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is preparing to grant spousal benefits and protections to diplomats’ gay partners, she said in a recent letter to the group Gays and Lesbians in Foreign M~airs Agencies. "Like all families, our Foreign Service t~milies come in different configurations; all are part of the common fiabric of our post communities abroad," Clinton wrote. "The department will provide these benefits for both opposite-sex and same-sex partners because it is the righ~ thing to do’ ~Ihe benefits will indude medical and emergency evacuation, travel reimbursement, shipment ofhousehoid effects, use of U.S. government medical facilities abroad, issuance of diplomatic passports, visa assistance, and security and ,language training. NOt induded in the package are health insurance, retirement benefits and certain other perks. "This is a remedy that is long overdue," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, "For too many years, LGBT Foreign Service officers have been forced to choose between serving their country and protecting their families." Dick Cheney endorses same-sex marriage Former Vice President Dick Cheney came out in support of same-sex marriage June 1 more clearly than he has in the past. Asked about the issue at the National Press Club, Cheney responded: "I think freedom means freedom for everyone. And, as many ofyou know, one ofmy daughters is gay, and it’s something that we’ve lived with for a long time in our family. I think people ought to be free to enter into any kind of union they wish, any kind of arrangement they wish. The question of~vhether or not there ought to be a federal statute that governs this, I don’t support. I do believe that historically the way marriage has been regulated is at the state level -- ~his has always been a state issue -- and ~ think that’s the way ff ough~ to be handled ~oday, that is. on a state-by-aa~c basis. D~ffbrem ;tares make d~ff~t’ren~ decision But [ don’t haw prob{cm with that ~ think people ought to get a shot at d~at. And they do a~ present." Cheney has made very similar comments before, but they did not go quite as far. In 2004, for example, he said: "I believe today that freedom does mean freedom for everybody. People ought to be free to choose any arrangement they want. It’s really no one else’s business. ~nat’s a separate question from the issue of whether or not government should sanction or approve or give some sort of authorization, if you will, to these relationships. Traditionally, that’s been an issue for the states. States have regulated marriage, ifyou will. That would be my preference. In effect, what’s happened is that in recent months, especially in Massachusetts, but also in California, but in Massachusetts we had the Massachusetts Supreme Court direct the state of-- the legislature of Massachusetts to modify their constitution to allow gay marriage. And the fact is that the president felt that it was important to make it clear that that’s the wrong ~vay to go, as far as he’s concerned. Now, he sets the policy for this administration, and I support the president." Americans do not support ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Americans overwhelmingly want to see the military’s "Don’t Ask, Do~t Tell" ban on open gays repealed, a new Gallup poll has found. Sixty-nine percent told pollsters it’s time for the ban to go -- including 58 percent of Republicans, 58 percent of self-described co~iservatives and 60 percent 0fwee~y churchgoers. Eighty-sLx percent of liberals oppose the DADT policy, along with 82 percent of Democrats and 78 percent of people between age 18 and 29. Even people over age 65 (60 percent), Southerners (57 percent) and people who didn’t finish high school (57 percent) said it’s time to dump the ban. Said Gallup: "President Barack Obama will be well-positioned to forge ahead with his campaign promise to end the military ban on openly gay service members." Gallup polled 1,105 adults nationwide between May 7 and 10. The organization said it was 95 percent confident that the maximum margin of sampling error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. CALIFORNIA HIV EMERGENCY Schwarzenegger, Legislature may slash HIV funding Gay and HIVadvocates rallied at *~e state Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., on time i 0 against draconian cuts in HIVfi~ndingproposed by Gov. Arnold Schwar~enegger and under consideration by the Legislature. Wockner Newsphoto by Charlie Peer/Ou~vord Magazine California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed, and the California Legislature is considering, draconian cuts to all types of HIV-related funding in the nea>bankrupt state. In the worst-case scenario, which is still not off the table, slashes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program could result in thousands of Californians who make less than $41,600 per year losing access to the statelprovided drugs that suppress HIV and keep them dive. In the apparent best,case scenario, not all HIV drugs would be available via ADAP and patients would have to pay part of the cost 0f the ones they could geta That is problematic because some HIVvposirive people have developed resistance to some HIV drugs, and need access to the full arsenal of therapies to stay alive. Further, the current plan apparendy completely eliminates state funding for the tests that determine if a patient is responding to treatment -- such tests as CD4 counts, viral-load measurement and drug-resistance monitoring. These tests are essentially mandatory in - HIV treatmm~t. Doctors use them so they can change a nonresponsive patient’s drug combination to another combo that works in that patient -- before the patient’s immune system breaks down further and the patient develops a life-threatening opportunistic infection............ The current plan apparently also dramatically ~lashes handing for education, prevention, counseling and testing programs. Some 35,000 working- and middleclass Californians who don’t make enough money to pay for their own treatment could be adversely or dangerously affected by the possible cuts to ADAP and elimination of monitoring testing. Gay and HIV advocates have strongly denounced the budget proposals, and a large rally was held at the state Capitol in Sacramento on June 10. Lesbian couple marries on Indian reservation A lesbian couple married on the Coquille Indian reservation in Coos Bay, Ore., May 24. It was believed to be the first such marriage in the U.S. ~ae Coqui!te tribe passed a la~v legalizing same-sex marriage more than a year ago, but it just now took effect. Kitzen Branting, 26, and Jeni Branting, 28, tied the knot in the tribe’s meeting hall. Their marriage will not be recognized by the state of Oregon, but will be legal on the property of the tribe, which is a sovereign ~ nation. Direct Cremation From $595 AI McAffrey Owner / Funeral Director MORTUARY SERVICE.,,~ Traditional Funeral Services at Affordable Prices (405} 230- 13~0 or ~o800-913q310 Pre-Need Plan CReDiT CARDS ACC~PT~E 2415-C North Walnut Avenue. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Ban Empl "uptcy o Civil Rights oCriminal- ~ment o Family Law - Litigation 625 N.W. 13th Street klahoma City, OK 73103 v#,,w.metrostarnews.com STAR 9 N Wockner News Service 50,000 at EuroPride Some 50,000people ~rned outfor the EuroPrideparade, hem in Zurich this year on June ~ Photo by Nikolai Alekseev, GayRussta.ru Some 50,000 people turned out for the EuroPrkle parade, hdd in Zurich this year on June 6. Openly lesbian Zurich Mayor Corine Mauch joined in. Next year, the parade ventures behind the former Iron Curtain to Warsaw -- a city that as recently- as 2005 tried to ban pride, only to be later rebuffed by the European Court of Human Pdghts. Meanwhile, Rom& gay pride parade dr~ more than 100,000 participants June 13~ with a demand fbr legalization of same-sex marriage and equa! rights for gay couples. Some 1,500 people marched in Warsaw on June 13, also demanding legalization of same-sex partnerships. "l-he parade, on central Marszalkowska Street, attracted fewer than !00 counterprotesters, who shouted anti-gay vitriol. Five hundred people marched in Zagreb, Croatia, on June t3. Police kept about 50 snarling anti-gays from disrupting the parade. 20,000 march Tel Av v Around 20,000 people joined Tel Aviv’s ! lth gay pride parade June 12. The march ended with a beach ’~edding" of five gay" couples. Same-sex marriage is not legal in Israel. Some top rabbis had urged Prime Minister Beniamin Netanydau m try to ban the parade. They called it an abomination. A few religious right-wingers picketed the march, which was paid for by the city government. ’Tel Aviv is more secular than Jerusalem, where the pride parade routinely leads large numbers of religious folks ~o wail and gnash. Last year’s parade in Jerusalem featured 3,000 naarchers and 2,000 cops to protect them. They walked al! of @ur blocks. ~n 2007, the Jerusalem parade traveled about 500 meters before ultra-Orthodox protesters shut it down, despite the presence orS,000 police o@cers. Prior to the parade, police arrested a man with a bomb. The postparade rally was canceled because striking firefighters refused to provide a required firetruck. In 2005, a counterdemontrator stabbed three marchers at Jerusalem’s marcia and later was convicted of attempted murder. ~ae victims’ iniuries were not serious. Moscow gays want to picket Obama Moscow Pride founder Nikolai Mekseev says members of his group will attempt to stage a picket in favor of same-sex marriage at the U.S. Embassy on July 7 during President Bara& Obama’s visit. It is unlikely the activists will receive city permission to do so. Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has banned pride parades for the past four years and sent riot police to aggressively arrest those who ignored the bans. Luzl~ov has called gay parades "demonic," "satanic" and "weapons of mass destruction." He also has said the bans are for gays own good so that "radical Christians" don’t have a chance to "kill them." Mekseev is hopet~fl that he’ll be able to pull off the picket regardless because "the presidential media pack wilt be in town." Mayor Luz ov lashes out at gays Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has again lashed out at gays, calling them "homos" and calling gay pride parades "demonic." Appearing on a TV program June 2, Luzhkov reportedly said: "Niere are two reasons gay pride parades are unacceptable in Moscow: First and foremost, public morality .does not accept such parades, public morality does nor accept those homos." Secondly, he said: "If they gather together, assuming they are allowed to hold a parade, other people will simply kill them. ~here are radical Christians in Moscow who stand strongly against such demonic manifestations, as they say. "There were attempts made (in May’) to hold the gay parade during the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscova We had to isolate about 19 radical Christians who intended to attack those homos.’ On May, 16, riot police broke up an attempt to stage the fourth annual gay pride parade in Moscov~; arresting up to 80 participants, including gay leader N@olai Ale~eev, British gay leader Peter %tchell and Chicago gay activist Andy Thayen Luzhkov previously has called gay pride parades "satanic" and "weapons of mass destruction," and has o@cially banned them each ),ear. Lithuanian Parliament votes ’no promo homo’ law Lithuania’s parliament, the Seimas, approved a measure on first reading June 4 that bans references to homosexuality in schools and in public information that can be visible to children. Tne bill still has to dear a final vote. The tally was 57-2 with 8 abstentions. Many MPs missed the vote. Amnesty International said the "Law on the Protection of Minors Against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information’~ would classify "homosexuality alongside issues such as ... the display of a dead or cruelly mutilated body of a person, and information that arouses fear or horror, or encourages self-mutilatisn or suicide." Nicola Duckworth, Amnesty’s Europe and Central Asia program director, said the proposed law "denies the right to freedom of expression and deprives students’ access to the support and protection they may need." China sees its first gay pride week China saw" its first-ever gay pride week June 7-14 in Shanghai. Events included movies, plays, art exhibits, panel discussions, swimming and badminton competitions, and a big party, thouglx at least one play" and one film were ordered canceled by authorities. Some 500 people attended a barbecue/ drag shiny/fashion show/hot-body contest on June 13. Organizers decided against holding a parade, saying it iust didn’t seem to be legally possible, according to China Daily: "Shanghai Pride is a community-building exercise," co-organizer Tiffany Lemay told the English-lang~aage paper. "We hope to raise awareness of issues surrounding homosexuality, raise the visibility of the gay community, help people within our community to come out, and build bridges between the gay and straight communities." Northern Irish LGBs report high level ofhate Twenty-one percent of gay and bisexual men and I8 percent of lesbian and bisexual women iri Northern Ireland say they\,e been the victim of a homophobic hate crime or incident in the past three years. The figure comes fi’om a survey of I,t43 LGB people catrried out by the Rainbow Project with funding from the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Tne study found that 64 percent of such incidents were not reported to police and 30 percent resulted in physical injui3: ebec to 1attach strategy against homophobia Quebec Justice Minister Kathleen Well has announced the Canadian province will implement a comprehensive strategy against homophobia before the end of the year. She broke the news at a May I7 rally marking the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). "We see it as a major step forward here since doing so, Quebec will ackmowledge officially that homophobia -- and not homosexuality -- is a social problem and take action, instead of passively banning discrimination, said Magazine ]~tre Editor Andrd Gagnon. "As far as I know, it will be the first government in the world to adopt such a strategy that will cover all its spheres of intervention," he said. 1-800-535-AIDS (2437) O lahoma’s NV/S ’# l otlin PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(S) @O,P,E, Testing Clinic ~ens O@reach In Tulsa at (9’~8) July 2009 i t÷matie Ruling: English adoption agencies cannot discriminate The Charities Commission of England and Wales ruled June 2 that adoption agencies cannot discriminate against gay couples. The commission cited the Equality Act (Sexual Orientationl Regulations 2007, which ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. Violation of the law would lead to a loss of charity status and public funding. The ruling came in a case involving the Catholic Care charity in Leeds, which wanted to amend its official statement of objectives with the commission to exclude consideration of gay couples. Denmark is not gay nirvana Denmarlq the first nation in the world to legalize gay partnerships, in 1989, still has a problem with homophobia. Eighteen percent of GLBT people in Copenhagen and 8 percent in other parts of the country say they’ve been discriminated against based on their sexual orientation in the past year, according to a report from the Center for Alternative Social Analysis. GLBT people between ages 16 and 29 reported more problems than older people. A total of 3,400 homophobic incidents were reported to police in 2008, the study said. A report in the Politiken newspaper said gay businesses also have been targeted. Copenhageds oldest gay ba~; Centralhiornet. had rocks thrown through its windows six times in 2008. Patrons also have been bombed with eggs through the bar’s open door. Australian prison OKs gay con}ugal visits Xhe Alexander Maconochie prison in Australia’s Capital Territory has decided to let gay inmates receive conjugal visits six times a year. The policy applies to prisoners who are ~vell-behaved and whose partner is not also incarcerated at the facility. Reports said that the state of Victoria. where Melbourne is located, is the only other place in Australia where gay inmates can have sex dates with their partners. Bosnian churches oppose antidiscrimination bill Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Interreligious Council is opposing a.bill to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, claiming it will lead to legalization of same-sex marriage. The measure has passed first reading in the House of Representatives. A national law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation is a requirement for any nation that wants its citizens to be able to travel within the European Union without obtaining a visa. Nae Interreligious Council is composed of representatives of the nation’s Roman Catholics, Muslims, Jews and Orthodox Christians. Balkanlnsight.com said it is unttsual for the council "to agree on any concrete actions and (it) often has been blocked by internal boycotts." .Gay marriage campaign launched m Portugal The Movement for Equality in Access to Civil Marriage launched on May 31 in Lisbon, Portugal. More than 1,000 people signed onto the campaign, including politicians, well-known actors, pop singers and businesspeople, and Nobel Prize winner Josd Saramago, who was honored for literature in 1998. The campaign’s manifesto, which nmv can be signed by anyone in Portugal, states, in part: "Equal access to civil marriage is a matter of justice that deserves the support of all people who oppose homophobia and discrimination.... We citizens who believe in equal rights, dignity and recognition for all of us -- for our families, friends and colleagues -- join our voices to express our support for equality. "We call this change necessary, fair and urgent because we know that the current situation of inequality divides society between those who are included and those who are excluded, between persons who are inside and marginalized persons.... We now have an opportunity to end one of the last unjustified (instances of) discrimination written in our law." Peru gay police ban less stringent than reported Peruvian Interior Minister Mercedes Cabanillas says recent news reports that gays have been banned from being police officers were not quite right. Mid-May reports said cops who have sex with people of the same sex would be banned because they cause scandal and denigrate the police’s image. But Cabanillas says the new law, which took effect May 12, will only ban gay cops if their gay-related public behavior is scandalous or damages the image of the institution. She said the ministry has no desire to "get in anyone’s bed" and that officials only wish to target unseemly, embarrassing or scandalous occurrences or attitudes related to sexual orientation that happen in the public sphere. Gay groups said the taw is problematic and discriminatory either way because ir seems to suggest that certain public expressions of homosexuality are more likely ro run afoul of the law than similar public expressions of heterosexuality. The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and Movimiento Homosexual de Lima have launched a letter-~vriting campaign to Peru’s public defender, =’asldng her to file an Action of Unconstitutionality with the Constitutional Court to cl!allenge the so-called ’offense’ of same-sex relations and its associated penalty." "We write to express our concern over Law 29356, vchich establishes a new disciplinary code for the Peruvian police, and stipulates in Article 34 that it is a serious offense to ’have sex with people of the same gender that causes scandal or undermines corporate image,’" a sample letter says in part. "This law is a clear violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights -- both of which have been signed by Peru. This regressive law also violates the Andean Charter, a regional treaty ratified by Peru in 2002.... Finally, Law 29356 is inconsistent with human rights principles that are already, codified in Peruvian law. On December 1, 2004, a new Constitutional Procedures Code, approved by Parliament, modified constitutional procedures to recognize discrimination based on sexual orientation." Australian benefits agency recognizes gay de facto couples Centrelink, the Australian government’s social-benefits agency, will treat gay de facto couples as married for benefits purposes starting July 1. While the move increases equality, it also will result in a loss of benefits for some coupled gays, who previously qualified based on their individual income. Centrelink assistance encompasses such things as health care, prescription drugs., unemployment payments, disaster aid,,rent subsidies, aid to single parents and a wide range of other benefits and welfare programs. "From 1 July 2009 changes to legislation wilt mean that customers who are in a same-sex de facto relationship will be recognised as partnered for Centrelink and Family Assistance Office purposes," says the agenc)?s Web site. "All customers who are assessed as being a member of a couple will have their rate of payment calculated iri the same way." Colombian policeman added to partner’s health insurance The Board of Health of Colombia’s National Police granted health-insurance benefits to the partner of a gay officer May 14. The extension of coverage to Fabifin Mauricio Chibcha Romero followed a January ruling by the nation’s Constitutional Court that granted marital rights to commonlaw same-sex couples in areas that indude civil service, contracts ~vith the government, housing protection and assistance, immigration, social security, death indemnification, and criminal noninctimination. ~Pne activist group Colombia Diversa said the ruling encompassed all the "civil, political, social, economic, criminal and immigration rights ... of a common-law union, minus adoption." Chibcha also gained access to police housing subsidies and vacation dubs. METROPOL!TAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve ~. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM WWg~¢.S0cmcc. Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! w,,~w.rnetrostarnews.com ~,tr®STAR 11 Viognier [vee-oh-nay] For those who haven’t experienced Viognier, the first glass is quite a revelation. This wine will embody al! Or some of the following: honeysuckle, citrus blossoms, t~,chee, ripe melon, freshly picked.peaches 6r apricots and ripe pear. Winemaker Craig Williams, from Josep~ ~nhe~s Vin~;a,~s, s~s Viognier contains floral compounds called ~Terpens. Tl~ey are also found in Muscat and Pdesling. So, think of the most aromatic Muscat or Riesling you’ve ever encountered, then concentrate it and you have Viognier. The majoriV of French Viogniers are sold as Vin de Pays in the Languedoc. In the Rl~one wine region, the grape is o~en blended with Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache blanc. In the Northern part of Rhone, the grape is sometimes blended with Chardonnay. Since the late 1980s, plantings ofViognier in the United States and Cagada have increased dramat,ically. The Rhone R~angers of the mid 1980 s help spark the increased interest in Viognier in California and now Californigs Central Coast is the leading producer. Looking some good summerwtt te wines. > ~ Marcheregiono~:~yand~ to monm, we are art a ou- < fthe}lord most widet l~ted white wpicNly Sauvignon blanc ~ Macab~o. Xg Mar&etti~07 it~~ ~" *~ ,~. ,..... ?~ P ~ , [, desiunated "Rueda V?rdejo must contaifi Fazi,B; t~gli~ ~007 Italy >::~ wine grape, veraemo is cl~slHeo as a noble o - .... or classic grape. On the PortuDtese mainland, 85% Verdejo, and are oAen 100% Verde’o....... *.......... it is recommended in the DAO region and Verdejo winm are aromatic, often ~oA . ~d[as ~wws, Isay go to your favorite wing/~ and Rdl-bodied. %ey can be somewhat ~k questions ~d purchase a bottle or with the production of white port. Some Portuguese locales call this Gouveio. The Godello grape grown in northwest Spain is believed to be the same variety as Verdelho. %e grape has been successful in the vineyards ofAustralia, particularly the Hunter \~lley region, Langhorne Creek and the Swan Xga!le?: Australian versions of Verdelho are noted for their intense flavors vdth hints of lime and honeysuclde. California is producing more of this varietal as ,sell. St. Amant 2006 California Marquis Philips 2007 Australia Verdejo [ver-day-ho] This is a variety of wine grape that has long been grown in the Rueda winegrowing region of Spain. The grape originated in North Africa, and was spread to Rueda in about the 1 lth Century. For most of this time Verdejo was generally used to make a strongly oxidized, Sherry-like wine, In the 1970s the reminiscent of Sauvignon blanc warm climate. Gar~i Grande 2007 Spain Marquis de Riscal 2007 Spain : Share some food& wine with friendd a~d ehe~k this out for yourself. ,Vouv~ay[vooh-~ay] ’,Wines fi’om the French to the east ofTours are made in range of styles fi-om the Chenin Vintages in the Loire are variable, best years Vouvray can produce very long-lived white wines. It turns out that most chenin blanc 1970s what most generic, alcoholic" " by corporations consumed in rather than wine chenin blanc is exhibiting a nutty, Pichot 2007 Nais writer is one ofthe managers at the Grand Vin wine shop at Utica Square. He also bar tends and hosts wine & food events around town known as the Wine Enthusiasts ofTulsa. indude: / www. la~neSpecta- Verdicchio months recipe courtesy of: Crab Ingredients 1 Cup Mayonnaise 4 Eggs 1 V2 Cup Japanese Breadcrumbs 2 T Granulated Garlic 2 T Onion Powder 2 - I lb Cans Jumbo Lump Crab Meat (Indonesian or Philippine) 2 - 1 lb Cans Bacldin Crab Meat (indonesian or Philippine) Preparation: Mix first 5 ingredients together by hand. Drain Crab meat cans ofwater. Fold in Baclcfin crab meat first and then gently fold in jumbo lump crab meat being careful not to break up the lumps. If mixrure is too wet. add 1A cup more ofJapanese Breadcrumbs. Mixture should barely hold together. DO NOT PU/T .~NY ADDITIONAL SEASONINGS OR TOO MUCH BRREADCRUMBS IN! The drizzle on top of the crab cakes will give ir all of the seasoning it will need. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat with half an 20 inch of corn oil. Once the mixture is made, take a 4 ounce scoop and pack in the crab cake mixture. Carefully place the flat side of the crab cake down in the oil for approximately ! - 2 minutes until golden brmvn. Place the crab cake on a pre-greased baking sheet, fried side up. These can now be held for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or finished offin the oven immediately; DRIZZLE INGREDIENTS (BAY MAYO) 1 Cup Mayonnaise 2 T Old Bay Dash ofGranulated Garlic % Cup Heavy Cream the ba~ 12 July 2009 Big-screen beckons Nell Patrick Harris xYvq~ite hosting this year’s Tony Axvards, Nell Patrick Harris joked about his second-class status as a "TV guy." But he’s atready proven he’s hilarious on the big screen in the Harold & Kumar movies, so now that second-tier status is about to change with two new film projects on the horizon. Harris has joined the cast of Beastly, the new film from gay director Daniel Barnz (Phoebe in Wonderland) that Romeo’s already reported on here, but the How I Met Your Mother star wilt also be playing a lead role in The Best and the Brightest. Harris plays a husband - way to break that gay-actor-curse NPH - from Ddaware whose wife goes bananas about social status when they move to New York City and try to get their kid into an elite kindergarten. Amy Sedaris, John ~ and Kate Mulgrew al~0 star in ~he latter; hit theaters before the end of 20!0. How to make a monster musicaJ More and more movies are being made from poptflar childhood toys, from dolls (Kit Kittredge: An American Girl) to action figures (Transformers) tO even board games (Clue). But now we’re getting a movie musical based on a toy that doesn’t even exist yet and will presumably be marketed alongside the film itself. Gay super-producers Craig Zadan and Nell Meron are reuniting with Hairspray composerlyricist Marc Shaiman and lyricist Scott gc’ittman to make an original screen musical around an as-yet-unnamed Mattel monster toy. Every~daing’s being kept very much on the hush-hush, but the one thing that’s been revealed is that the property will "add a fresh twist to monster lore." No word yet on when this new musical will go into production, but Romeo bets five bucks that if the movie and the toy do well, an eventual Broadway adaptation is inevitable. And TV show. And more toys. And sequels. And ... Jake Gyllenhaal andAnne Hathaway Focus Features photo Brokeback spouses reunite Granted, the romance between Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway in Brokeback Mountain was a tragic one involving the closet and deception and death, but these actors are determined to give it another go in a movie where he won’t be playing a gay cowboy. Love and Other Drugs will feature Gyllenhaal as a pharmaceutical sales rep for Pfizer during the time when a revolutionary litde blue pill was hitting the market (the film is based on the book Hard Sell: Tne Evolution ofa Viagra Salesman) while Hathaway will play a woman with Parldnson’s with whom he begins a relationship after they meet on a sales call. Ed Zwick (Glor~ Defiance) is set to direct, with Shooting set to happen possibly as early as this fall. A movie about Viagra may make audiences stand at attention, but if the film lasts more than four hours, please, call your doctor. Romeo San PTcente hopes the monster-toy musical will be like the Dra~dapuppet rock operaj~om _ForgettingSarah Marshall_, complete withfull-fl’ontal male nudity. He can be reached care of thispublication or at DeeplnsideHollywOod@qsyndicate.com. ~LSA, 0g (PR). Continuing the m0fithl9 ShOwcase of local artists a the Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa ~ right next to Living Arts (Ok ) will feature Tulsa Artist Michael Cooper with an opening show and reception on Thursday, July 2nd from 6-gpm and continuing throughout the month ofJuly. Michael Cooper is an emerging artist in the Oldahoma scene, specializing in journalistic art, music, and portrait photography. In 2008 he joined Urban Tulsa Weekly as a staff photographer and has seen his work published in notable other Okie publications, induding Oklahoma Gazzette and Oklahoma Today Magazine. In his own words, "I have two eyes and one lens, and they battle each other for experiences daily. The way I see it - few people get to live their passion, and being an artist is mine. I’m just trying this road of exploration out, and I hope you’re there along for the ride". www.metrostarnews.corn gg{<~{:a~oSTA,R 13 MCC United ~°~"-~~o’~°" 918-838-171~ Metropolitan Community Chu~h put tb Chr° y Church 14 ;~÷troSTAR July 2009 www.metrostamews.com ~÷troSTAR 15 PHILADELPHIA, PA "As in one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the country" by Donald Pile and Ray Williams [)how: Gables Bed andBreakfizst Visiting Philadelphia for the first time -was certainly, a very exciting and interesting time for us. We knew ahead of time al! about the historical things to see and do but had no idea what else to expect. We first checked into The Gables Bed and Break~st which has been owned for the past 16 years by ~rren Cederholm and Don Caskey. Located in the University part of the city, it is a grand old Victoria home full of wonderful antiques from top to bottom. ~e house has a "wrap around" porch for guests to sit and have drinlcs and snacks or just to view the sights and sounds of the area. Each room is beautifully decorated in antiques. A full, and we do mean FULL sit down breakfast in the ~orma! dining room is served each morning. XYge are not talking doughnuts and coflree but a fail sit down brealNast. This was a perfect way to talk with the other guests to find out what others did the day" be~bre or were going to do that day. "While there we met guests from California, Alabama and all over. Many of the guests alwws stay there when visiting Philadelphia. Warren and Don are graciotts hosts and. al%r 16 years of taking guests into their lovely home, they seem to have been able to do it the right way< Another great thing about staying at The Gables is that the trolley system runs right in front of their house and you can take it downtown in just minutes, and it runs about every 20 minutes a!l day 10ng. The), have ample off-street parking behind their house which is a big plus. To begin your day, take the trolley downtown. From that point you can take another bus or ,valk south to the famous historical district of Philadelphia and visit all the places there. No trip to Philadelphia would be complete without visiting the Liberty Bell and the other historical places that are located within a few blocks of there. Philadelphia is proud of their art museums as well they, should be. ~-he Philadelphia Museum of Art is a first class museum and is a MUST for anyon& visit to the cits: A few blocks away is the Rodin Museum which houses more Rodin sculptors any~vhere except for Paris. There are maW other museums to visit also. Ofcourse every visitor to Philadelphia must try one of their famous Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches for lunch. There are a lot of gay bars in the ’~gayborhood" area of the city which is iust a few blocks west of downtmvn and easily ~vithin ~valking distance from the public transportation. Knock was our very favorite bar there. It is what a gay bar should be all about....... A clean bar where the owner/management/staff is super friendly; wl~ere the customers are super friendl> where you can walk in and really enioy yourself, located righ~ on the corner of Locust St. and I2th Street. They also have an excellent res~urant located in the bar. ~Pnis is one of the finest restaurants in the city ~vith fine white linen tablecloths and napkins on every table. Jim the Maitre ’d is extremely professional. The servers are very professional. They have a huge menu offering the very finest of cuisine. Owned by Bill Wood, this bar/restaurant is extremely popular with both people ~vho live in the city as ~vell as travelers. We were fortunate during our stay to see the Broadway pla}~ Grey Gardens which is about the life of the aunt and cousin of Jackie Kennedy- Onassis. They lived in a 24 room house in the Hamptons on Long Island but were extremely poor and let their house run down something horrible. Mother and daughter loved (and hated) each other but were bound to live with each other until the mother finally died. There was a movie made about their lives and HBO came out with another movie a couple of months ago. Both live theatre as well as the visua! arts are a huge makeup in Philadelphia. You could easily spend a whole ~veek in this beautiful city and still not see everything. The architecture is unbelievably tremendous. On weekends, the Penn Landing downtown is full of vendors and local artists. Philadelphia is certainly a city that is welcoming gay travelers with open arms. There are just a handful of cities that you must visit in the country and Philadelphia is certainly" on our short list. Most cities you still need a car to travel around however not in this city. They have such a great public transportation system and is extremely safe and clean. Why can’t all cities do this? For more information on Philadelphia, visit: www.gablesbb.com and they are located at 4520 Chester Avenue. Phone: 215.662. ! 918. ?dso visit w~v<ka~ockphilly. COLT1 Another great website to visit is: http://www.gophita.com/c/your_ philadelphia/14/diverse_philadelphia/287/ gay~friendly_philadelphia/4.html and wwcw. gayphiladelphia.com On a personal note, we want to thank Bruce Yelk, Director of Human Resources & Gay Marketing, Greater Philadelphia Tourism marketing Corportation and to our friend Buster Stevens who hosted a wonderful dinner for us xvhile we were visiting. Photo: Famous Liber~_y Bell Philadelphia, PA Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Wayne Fuller reported on gossipboy.com, an Oklahoma internet news service focused on the GLBT community, that Mr. Chiles had been convicted of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses in McClain County in 2006, for which he received a 2 year deferred sentence now completed. Since then a warrant for his arrest was issued for the same offense in Pontotoc County, which was in effect when he was elected to his Democratic Party position. Robert Chiles, Director &Founder ofPrject Pride Foundation ofOklahoma. Gorin photo On June 8, represented by attorney Gordon Melson, he appeared in court in Pontotoc Count-5: An agreement was reached ~vith the warrant withdrawn, and Robert ~vould have until August 27 to make restitution to the parties involved. On June 3, when cast members from the national tour of "The Drowsy Chaperone" did a benefit at Tulsa’s Renegades Club for Until There’s a Cure, an organization helping those with HIV. Mr. Chiles presented them with a large check payable to that organization. It likewise would not clear his bank. Mr. Chiles had been contacted by that organization and he promised them a cashier~ check which was not received as of press time. Following this, Mr. Chiles had asked the Red Ribbon Revue, a monthly benefit show performed at Renegades, to do a benefit for his Foundation. In a statement to gossipboy. corn Renegades entertainer Tabitha Taylor stated, "I’m glad this was caught before we did a fundraiser with the name attached." www.metrostamews.com ~÷{~oSTAR 17 18 July 2009 ,~.metrostarnews.com ~®~°~STAR t9 By Camper English Crafting the Cosmopolitan ~he Cosmopolitan is one tasty cocktail and probably most popular drink created in the last 30 years, but it is not magically original. The recipe calls for lemon vodka, lime iuice, orange liqueur, and a splash of cranberry for color. Minus the cranberry, the drink follows the formula of spirit plus lime plus orange liqueur. If that spirit is tequila, that’s a Margarita. If it’s unflavored vodka, that’s a Kamikaze. In fact. the prevailing theory on the creation of the Cosmopolitan is that it ,vas a spin-offofthe Kamikaze created by a Miami bartender named Cheryl Cook in 1985 or !986. She said the Cosmo is. ~ "Merely a ~ Kamikaze with Absolut Citron and a splash of cranberry juice." But her version called for Rose’s lime juice, a bottled lime juice that’s a poor substimte for freshsqueezed, and triple sec, which usually refers to the low-end orange liqueurs that are poor substitutes for Cointreau. These items are often served at high-volume bars that want to save money on (admittedly pricey) orange liqueur and don’t want their bartenders taldng the time to squeeze limes for each drink. But I find the Cosmo-to be intolerable ~vithout them. So too did Toby Cecchini, a New York bartender credited with finessing the drink into its best form. Someone told Cecchini about the drink, but in their version it was made with unflavored vodka, Rose’s lime, and the red-colored syrup grenadine. He liked the look of the drink - soft pink and served in a Martini glass - and experinaented ~vith ingredients to make the flavor match the fashion. In the end, his version came out just like Cheryl Cook’s version, but with better ingredients. This version caught on like wildfire in New York. causing Cecchini and other bartenders to make them by the thousands. In the era of bottled sour mix and vermouthflee Martinis. this drink seerned highmaintenance enough for Cecchini to call them "labor-intensive pink monstrosities." ~e trick to making a good pink monstrosity; even if you have the proper ingredients, is getting the ratio of them. right. Apparently this is a problem for bartenders ~oo - i’ve had Cosmopolitans i~ every shade from c!¢ar to deep red. When I make them at borne, I’m ~o~- laz/to Ioot up ~[~e recipe so I }ust ake ir ,,~ ingredient ar a vitae: ~ couo~e ounces of Charon a smat~ splash of Cointreau. and a large quantity of’lime. (I like them tart.) I make mine in keeping ,vith Cheryl Cook’s original instructions of ~jttst enough cranberry to make it oh so pretty in pink." That’s my starting point, anyway. One thing I’ve learned making this drink is that cranberry juice, like slimming black clothing, hides many sins. Even if you get the initial ratios of liquor and juice all wrong, or have to resort to bottled lime )uice and bottom-shelf triple sec, you can always make a drinkable version of this drink. Just keep adding cranberry until it’s good. Vodka, Now Available in Juniper Flavor I like to think of"bathtub gift" as "Martinis by the poo!." but that’s not where the expression originated. It came about during Prohibition xvhen people would "make" their own gin by adding mail-order juniper flavoring to lowquality alcohol to help mask its awfulness. 2the weird tiring is, gin cocktails were awfully popular back then. Today it is still legal to make gin this way- not in the bathtub. but by adding juniper oil and other flavors to a neutral spirit like vodka. Thankftdly, most of the gins with which we’re familiar don’t do it like that. Gin usually starts with high-proof neutral spirit made from grains like corn, wheat, and rye. The gin distiller then selects a range of botanicals or botanical oils to infuse into the spirit, then redistills everything together. There are many different distilling methods gin makers employ, but this is probably only interesting to folks like me ~vho spend our spare time hanging out in distilleries on vacation. More interesting are the types of botanicals that go in to gin. Traditional brands like Beefeater, Plymouth, and Tanqueray contain many ingredients like citrus peels, coriander, cinnamon, and cassia bark. Newer gins on the market like Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick’s, and Martin Miller’s also include things like lavender, ginseng, rose, and green tea. All gins, by definition, must contain jtmiper (berries that smell like pine trees) as a dominant flavor, but the newer ones tend to put less of it in. While vodka lovers and gin lovers are usually different sorts of people (though I find versatility provides more options in the bedroom and the liquor cabinet)~ when it comes right down to it gin is really just juniper-flavored vodka. Ifyou’ve got vodka drinkers over for cocktails and you only have gin left, just tell them their drinks are made with "botanical vodka." If you’re in the opposite situation, tell them the vodka is "diet gin." Lying to your guests is the most entertaining part of entertaining them. The combination and concentration of the juniper, spices, citrus, and other botanicals is what gives each gin its unique flavor and makes it a better or worse fit for different cocktails. Some modern gins are so very citrusy and floral that they can be too perfumey for a Martini. (Hey, this drink smells like grandma!} On the other hand. when you add an intensely juniper-heaW gin ro a Gimlet or other mild cockt ills. s~metimes all you ~aste b rhe juniper. (Hey, this drink smells like where ~ ~andma is buried!~ 2O The trick is finding the right fit for each gin fqr your mouth. I prefer the old-style gins in a Martini, Aviation, Pink Gin, and Negroni. With the more-floral, less-juniper gins I like the Salty Dog, Gimlet, White Lady, and Vesper. But I find that no matter what kind of gin you have in the house you can always add it to tonic water and it will taste just fine. Tonic is the mixer that swings both ways. Camper English is a cocktails andspirits writer andpublisher ofAlcademics.com. Miss Gay Oklahoma 2009 Crowned in OKC By Victor Gorin Left: 2008 Miss Gay Oklahoma Adrienne Fischer, 1st altetmam Samantha West, Shantd l~£andalay &Miss Gay America Victoria DePaula. Gorin Photo worked their hearts out, hoping to be the next Miss Gay Oklahoma. Emceed by former Miss Gay America 2006 Nicole Dubois & former Miss Gay Oklahoma 2005 Pure Chocolate (as Steven), it got wild Saturday night as it wound down to 5 finalists with their friends cheering on their favorites. That fun fabulous contest came to a conclusion on Saturday night June 13 when Shantel Mandalay finally won the title of Miss Gay Oklahoma America after many years of pursuing that dream. A proud 3rd grade teacher who also coaches Special Olympics, Miss Mandalay and her entourage wowed the audience with a fast stepping dance routine to the C&W classic "The Devi! went down to Georgia" that brought the house down. It was also an emotional time for the current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma Adrienne Fischer when she passed on her tide, joining many other former Miss Gay Oklahomas who were there for the occasion. Together with 1st alternate Samantha \Vest. Shantel will be eligible to compete in the national Miss Gay America competition to be held this year in St.Louis October 28.- November 1. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It was a festive weekend June 11-13 at Angles in Oklahoma City when once again the girls lIGHT BILENT AUCTION- AND RAFFLES Dd. IKEY TURNS UP THE WITH OlSDg ALL NIGHT ~:mSTAR July 2009 ~’#~W.metrostamews.com @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ OGRA Pool Party, OKC @Club Majestic, Tulsa @Club 209, Tulsa Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa Oklahoma City @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Finishlinel Oklahoma City @ OGRA Rodeo, OKC Tulsa Pride 09 Parade @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @ Tulsa Pride 09 Parade www.metrostarnews.com , <,STAR 23 Oban~a administration defending DOMA is shocking and unsetding. Clearly, our selfdescribed ’fierce advocate’ needs significant additional pushing and pressure from all of US." Popular blogger John Aravosis: "A Democratic president of the United States of i~erica, in the year 2009. and an African- B~nerican child of inter-racial parents no less, gave his la~wers the go ahead ro compare our marriages to incest on the same day that 42 years ago the Supreme Court ruled in [ais parents’ favor in Loving v. Virginia.... We demand our rights, and we expect this president, who promised them in exchange [or millions of our votes and millions of our donations, to deliver. And so help me God, we will continue to hold this president accountable for his broken promises and his betrayals]" Lambda Lega!’s Legal Director Jon Davidson: "X~at they need to be asked is why they gratuitously went out of their -way ~o make the outrageous arguments they unnecessarily included such as that DOM2~ does not discriminate based on sexual orientation or that the right ar issue is not marriage but an unestablished rigi~t ~o ’same-sex marriage or that DOMA is somehow iustified in order to protect taxpayers ~;ho don’t want their tax do!lars used ro suppor~ lesbian and gay couples iwhile it~ apparently fine to make lesbians and gay men pay the same rm,:es but be &nied the benefits provided heterosexual couples) .... I am seething mad." Top Clinton aide R5chard Socarides: "It had such a buckshot approach ro it, a veritable kitchen sink of anti-gay legal theories, that it seemed expressly designed to inflict maximal damage ro our rights. Instead of malting nuanced arguments which took into account the president’s oi?-stated support for repealing DO1VLA -- a law he has called ’abhorrent’ -- the brief seemed to embrace DOMA and all its horrific consequences," Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors: "We ... call on President Obama m order the Justice Department ro file a supplemental brief reversing its position and instead urging the repeal of DOMA." National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey: "The malicious and outrageous arguments and language used in the Department ofJustice’s marriage brief is only serving to inflame and malign the humanity of same-sex couples and our families." Gay writer Dan Savage: "If this shit is ’fierce advocacy,’ Mr. President, we’ll take benign neglect.7 CBS News: "The anger from gay rights advocates toward President Obama is starting to boil over." ~!~e Wall Street Journal called Sotmonese’s letter to Obama "scathing." The New York Times editorialized: "The Obama administration, which came to office promising to protect gay rights but so far has nor done much, actually struck a blow" for the other side last week.... If the administration does feel compelled to defend (DOMA), it should do so in a less hurtful wa~: ... There writer Dan / Savage: "If ’\ dais shit is ’fierce advocacy; Mr. President, we’ll take benign / \... neglect." was no need to resort to specious arguments and inflammatory language to impugn samesex marriage as an institution." Plans apparently are shaping up for a gay March on Washington in October, spearheaded, it appears, by veteran activist Cleve Jones, the man who created the NAMES Proiect AIDS Memorial O~ilt."The President is in serious danger of motivating a huge mass of gay people to stream into \Ygashington for the simple ioy of standing in front of the White House and giving him a piece of their minds," wrote syndicated gay columnist \gayne Besen. "For what seemed Iike forever, Democrats told us that when the big bad Republicans went away, our lives would improve," Besen said. "XN~ell, the Republican nightmare is over, so why do I still feel like I’m in the middle of a political Friday the 13th movie? ... As far as I’m concerned, if the donkeys can’t detiv(r now, they can Idss my ass." On June 17, when Obama "delivered" to federal employees a smattering of spousal benefits, via issuance of a "memorandum," he did again denounce DOblA. "I think we all have to acknowledge this is only one step," the president said. the steps we have not yet t~en is to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. I believe it’s discriminatory, I think it interferes ,vith states’ rights, and we will work with Congress ro overturn it. \rUe’re gor more work to do to ensure that government treats all its citizens equally, to figh~ iniustice and intolerance in all its forms, and to bring about that more perfect union. I’m committed to these efforts, and I pledge to work tirelessly on behalf of these issues in the months and years to come.- Obama also expressed support for the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act. "Under current law, we cannot provide same-sex couples with the full range of benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples," he said. "That’s why I’m proud to announce rny support for the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, crucial legislation that will guarantee these rights for all federal employees. I want to thank Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who is behind me somewhere -- there she is, right there -- for her tireless leadership on this bill and in the broader struggle for equality. I want to thank Sen. Joe Lieberman -- Joe is here -- as well as Susan Collins for championing this bill in the Senate, and Rep. Barney Frank for his leadership on this and so many other issues." Sounds good, but gay activists ~veren’t impressed. They want action. "We commend President Obama ana his administration for taking this beginning step to level the playing field but we look forward to working with him to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, overturn ’Dofft Ask, Don’t Tell’ and guarantee the entire American worl6brce is free from discrimination," said HRC’s Solmonese. The Associated Press said, "His (Obama’s) critics -- and there were many -- saw Wednesday’s incremental move to expand gay rights as litde more than pandering to a reliably Democratic voting bloc." Lamb& Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart: "While ending any of the discrimination against gay and lesbian federal employees is a welcome step, today’s ... announcement falls far short of our hopes and expectations. President Obama dearly understands how important it is for people to have health insurance coverage ro protect their loved ones and this plan does not provide that. Lambda Legal is representing Karen Golinsldi, a federal employee who works for the judicial branch and who is seeking health insurance coverage for her same-sex spouse. A federal judge has already issued an administrative decision in that matter, concluding that, within the existing roles, the federal government can choose to provide health insurance for same-sex partners. Vie think they should.... The day is long past for incomplete, piecemeal fixes that leave hard-worldng families uninsured and struggling." People For the American W’ay President Michael B. Keegan: "Today’s presidential memorandum is a very small step in the right direction, but it’s a token, and tokens are no longer enough. DOMA stands in the way of real progress for same-sex couples nmv denied federal recognition and protection, and its repeal is tong overdue. President Obama has a unique ability to provide the moral leadership to ensure that all Americans are treated equally under the law. but so far he has failed to exercise it. We urge the president to live up to his own rhetoric about being a ’fierce advocate’ fbr gay and lesbian Americans. Taking action on his pledge to repeal DOMA would be ~vorthy of the vision that he held out to Americans during his campaign NGLTF’s Carey: "This presidential memorandum today will extend some selected protections to the same-sex partners and families of federal employees.... This memo is one building block toward full equality, and much more remains to be done in order for the administration to live up to the promises of equality the president made as a candidate on the campaign trail.... We also call on the president to take additional steps that will have a positive impact on our health, our livelihoods and our families’ safety that do not require legislative action. These include reversing the standing policy of the U.S. Census Bureau to manually un-marry any same-sex couple who lawfully states they are married on the 2010 census, extending employment protections to federal employees based on gender identity, and reversing the regulations that continue to throw roadblocks in the way of HIV-positive individuals who want to travel to this country." NCLR’s Kendell: "The policy announced today by the president committing to a federal ~vorkplace free from discrimination is a step in the right direction but inadequate and long overdue. It leaves out millions ofAmerieans who do not work for the federal government and fails to include key benefits including health insurance. When running for office, then candidate Obama called equality for LGBT people a ’moral imperative.’ We will continue to demand this administration live up to the president’s promise of achieving ’full equality for the millions ofLGBT people in this country.’" The language is strong and the front is unified. Nae White House clearly is listening, but when will our "fierce advocate" act? Writing on his house.gov Web site June 16, gay U.S. Rep. Jared Polls, D-Colo., said: "I am a proud Democrat, as are many in the LGBT community, and I believe we must hold our leaders accountable. The Obama Administration made a HUGE mistalte in the DOMA brief. If they keep malting mistakes like this. they risktosing the support of the GLBT community forever, although I do not believe we are at that point yet. President Obama needs to honor his promise ro repeal this ... hateful and divisive law. As the New York Times editorialized yesterday, ’busy calendars and political expediency are no excuse for malting one group of Americans wait any longer for equal rights.’" labor of love really," said Arbuckle. "We ate like a family here." The organization serves men, women and children. "XWe have about 30-40 children who may be infected or have parents who are," adds Arbuclde. Recently, Arbuckle submitted a grant application to the }v’La,C-AIDS Fund which is an organization established in 1994 that globally supports all persons lMng with HIV/AIDS. "It is a passion for our company and our staff," said Armando Ortiz, MAC Retail Manager at Penn Square Mall. "We refer to this as the heart and soul ofMAC Cosmetics. MAC stands for Make-up, Art and Cosmetics. "Our Viva-Glam program is where the monies come from," adds Ortiz. "We give back 100% of the selling price back to the community. This program is really something we embrace in our company." MAC Cosmetics has been in business since I984 and has donated over $t35 million dollars to date through the MAC-AIDS Fund. Other Options has changed some over the years and now focuses primarily on their Friends Food Pantry. "The other services are provided so well by other organizations in the city that we focus on the nutritional program now," said Mary Arbuckle, Director of the Other Options organization. "\ge work well together with RAIN Oklahoma, the OU Infectious Disease Clinic, and other local organizations so our clients can ger all the hdp they need and so there is less duplication of services." Friends Food Pantry is exclusive to the HIV and MDS community. Clients come to the srore to shop each week. "We give them a shopping cart and let them select their own items, which is different than most food banks," adds Arbuckle. "We want to empower their mind; we don’t want them to feel like it’s a charity." Arbuckle says they plan ro spend the majority of the MAC-AIDS grant on their Boost program, which provides the high-prorein Boost drink to those in most need of the nutritional supplement. Donations to Other Options are always ~velcomed and appreciated. For more information about Other Options or the Friends Food Pantry, please call (405) 946- 8577. by Jack Fertig July 2009 "Pay attention, Cancer!" Saturn square Mercury would normally bring out everyone’s inner critic, but with Saturn in Virgo and Mercury in Gemini, bitchy outbursts are to be expected. If you’re feeling brilliant, write it down and think twice before saying it aloud. Take a long view and look for opportunities for self-improvement, ARIES (March 20 - Apri~ 19): Stay focused on work. Any personal remarks, especially about colleagues, are sure to get you into trouble. Your critical analyses and recommendations for improvement are probably a bit off the mark, but at least they show you’re paying attention. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Avoid gambling and investments in any game play strictly for funsies. Focus on developing skill at your sport or hobby. That’s an uphill slog, too, but something that’s just fun now can have practical value down the road. GEMiNi {May 21- June 20): If you get any criticism from family or roommates, thank them for sharing and think about what they say. There may be something to it. Responding in kind will only start an a~ui argument. CANCER (June 21~- July 22): Pay attention where you’re walking or driving. Distractions inside your own head can cause awful accidents. Be aware of your surroundings, and you can find better ways to bang up against someone. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): You’re inclined to be very critical of someone’s political values, so why not focus on your own? In this era of diminishing resources, we all need to step back and re-think things. Brainstorming with friends will help you update your perspective. VlRGO (August 23 - September 22) The sharp edge of your wit is very much in evidence. Keep it focused on practical matters and attention to your own health and well-being. When tempted to speak of others, make extra effort to keep it kind and constructive. L~B~ (September 23 - October 22): There’s always room for selfimprovement, but don’t beat yourself up with your faults, which you’re now likely to exaggerate anyway. A creative focus for your inner critic could help you to be more realistic. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): As your brain races around sex, you may want to look beyond simple gratification. That has its time and place, but think seriously about your relationships and what you’d want to be doing - and with whom - in 20 years. SAG!TTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): You will get into arguments. Stay focused, principled and respectful. The way you press your point can earn you a great deal of respect. Stay clear on details and graciously accept correction when it’s appropriate. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Take it slow and easy. Pay attention to details and you’ll have fewer accidents and arguments at work. Sex seems a great release for stress, but is it really? Focus on what’s important at work and at play. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You may be losing yourself helping others, and fun may feel more like work. An analytic approach to techniques of craft, sport and/or pleasure reconciles the latter. Being ruthless and selfish for a bit is now good for you. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Domestic criticisms are nearly inevitable. Being self-critical will help keep you out of arguments, but give yourself credit as well as blame. Your partner’s shortcomings on that score are highlighted because of your focus. If you must say something, be kind and gentle! Community for People iving with H R/!A DS A 50’f c (3) Non t rofit Or~nizadon 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 everyda~: 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 ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobat.net 112 3 4 ~5 6 7 8 9 ~10111213 14 ~ 15 17 18 19 66 67 68 69 70 7I 43 Ausmas capital( to Aust ~ans ~ ’Watcha~Liberg~ game h~re 18 Irritating : , 50 of Seventeefi : 52 :l~i~---~"s home Stat~ (abgr:}; ~3 cone Out ~nthe b~a~h 5~ ~Evbr~tt S Monkey Zetterland 58 E~d of the a~eadline ~ 52 Adult filly 69 %v0some 70 Second name in cross-dressing 7! Doest" own 31 33 Prefix with 35 In the sack 38 "Lead into temptation" 39 Casey J0n~s, e.g. 40 GOt excited , 41 Hollinghurst s 7~e Swimming~Pool 42 Edmontons province 45 Many a place near Aspen 46 Ball {vh£ckers, in Ping-Pong 47 U-turn from SSW ~9 Gate design, 1 C. Marlowes tongue 55 Golfer Sam 57 Overhand stroke, for Mauresmo 59 It gets spilled at wild parties 60 Beat it 61 Peruvian native 65 Quit, with "out" Solution page 26 We :welcome ~[etters fro ers. Shorter letters are more likely to be printed, as are those that addreks ohly a Singte topiC, Letters are subject to editing for lefigt|i and clarity. In- ClYde your hO~ addr~s} an~ ~,~time phone fiumber fo~-~;efifidatiDm Send l{~rs to the 4ditor~ pFe ly:~ ii (~iam£ws@sl;cglobal.ndt)~ Le{ters als~ may be mailed (Metro Stem P~ Box 5~i 7’18, TulSa, IOK 7~ 158) ~wcw.metrostarnews.com ;~8÷troSTAR 25 Stage Performance To Benefit C arron Alliance OK~AI-IOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ lheatre lovers are invited to attend an upcoming performance of a Carpenter Square Theatre production with proceeds benefiting the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. Carpenter Square’s Thursday, July 2, production of"The Little Dog Laughed" will benefit Cimarron and cimarronAP,TS! The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, at a discount, are $15 and can be purchased £nline at: CAF Carpenter Square provides the following synopsis of tl~e show: Mitchell Green is a handsome young movie actor who is on the verge of major stardom. His agent can’t seem to keep him in the closet due to his "slight recurring case of homosexuality." And as if that’s not enough, he falls in love with his most recent "rent boy" and wants to announce it to the world. Helping him navigate Holl.~;~vood’s choppy waters, his shark of an agent Diane does everything she can to keep him away ~?om the rent boy and the rent boy’s girlfriend (wait, the rent boy has a girlfriend?), but it’s not smooth sailing. Ticket sales are limited to 200, so buy )!our rickets early! Jamie Fo~ Jul 9, 2009 at BOK Center Ticket Prices: $69.75 and $59.75 "l~is summer heats tip with a tour from one of the Imrtest artists to move fi:om the big screen to the stage. Jamie Foxx begins a summer tour in July and makes Tulsa one of the first stops. eridm Idols Live Jul 24, 2009 at BOK Center Tulsa Tickets Prices: $69.50, $55.50, $40.50 Fans ofAmerica’s #1 show will once again have the chance to catch their favorite "Idols" performing live in concert, as the top 10 contestants from American Idol season 8 hit the road in the highly anticipated summer tour. Aerosmith Ju130, 2009 at BOK Center AEROSMITH with ZZ TOP July 30 @ 7:30pro Ticket Prices: $129.50, $89.50, $49.50 ~EROSMITH--STEVEN TYLER (vocals), JOE PERRY (guitar), BP4\D ~WHITFORD (guitar), TOM HAMILTON (bass) and JOEY KP,a~_MER (drums)--made history last year when Activision released Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, marldng the first music-based game built around the legendary music of Aerosraith. Kdth Urban Aug 7, 2009 at BOK Center @ 8:00pm Keith Urban with Sugarland Ticket Prices: $77, $47 and $20 Grammy Award winner Keith Urban, one of the industry’s raost explosive and critic~dly hailed live acts, will be stopping at the BOK Center on Friday, August 7th fi~r his "Escape Together ~otld Tour" together with KC Masterpiece° and Kings~rd° featuring multi-platinum superstars Sugarland. Webs#e- www.kylecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aol,com bi~er gir! 2{3 @~:{:~oSTAR July 2009 Support those who support us. Their A HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH ~KESSWAY Oldakoma City, OK 405-528-2221 wsvw.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 48 I5 S. I-DYRVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ROUTE 66 ANTIQUE MALL 4624 E. ! lth Street Tulsa OK 918-836-3838 VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 CONFIDENTIAL CAP~ & CONSULTATION-OKC 405-326-9652 NATIa~q BLACK PRIMEP£CA 10820 E. 45th #305 Tulsa. OK 918-615-8177 nblack.rn#39@primerica.com OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. "WALNUT AVE. Olda~oma City, OK 80B-9!3-t310 GARY CORNETT FUTUPJTY FIRST IN S. Tulsa. OK 918-688-!360 ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH E~RESSWAY Oklalloma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.nlcctulsa.org RFAL:ESTATE: ARMANDO AMOR Keller Williams Realty 1624 SW !22nd Oklahoma City, OK 73170 405-473-6870 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 IxYgg EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcasde.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 CINDY LOLLIS Castle Finders Realty Owasso, OK 74055 918-697-7406 OKZAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N: Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 ~NG OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-882-6127 THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE In Calls Only, N\V OKC 405-822-7378 nwokcmassageguy@aol.cim ANGLES 2 ! 17 N~V 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK JUDY G. PHOTO’S wvw:angtesdub.com Tulsa. OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net BAMBOO LOUNGE 918-743-8636 7204 E. PINE GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 N~V 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn THE KITCHEN 2218 NW 39th Oklahoma City; OK 73112 Located inside the BOOM THE MARKET PLACE ON 39th 2235 N.W. 39th Oklah0maCity. OK 405-528-5555 TRA EURE~ SPRINGS CVB Eureka Springs, AR www.eurekasprings.org Cindy Lolli~ Castle Finders, LLC Real Estate & Property Management Owasso, OK 74055 918-697-7406 Armando Amor Phone: 405-473-6870 Fax: 405-691-2708 BUY GI Joe Action Figures (12" size Only) THE KITCHEN 2218 NW 39th Oklahoma City, OKC 73112 (405) 801-7200 Open Tues.-Sun 12 Noon ~o 11PM. Featuring Chef Susie Lopez. Located inside the "BOOM" Call Therapeutic By licensed professional for Physical Rehabilitation. NW OKO near Penn Square In-Calls only (405) 822#378 nwokcmassageguy@aol.corn Tulsa. OK 918-836-8700 ~a~vw.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER %lsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC !24 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 9!8-584-9494 FINISHLINE ~oo NW 59TH EXPreSSWaY Oklahoma Civ, OK 405-525-2900 ~l=,v.habanainn.cona THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH E~SSWAY O~om~ Cit~ OK 405-525-0730 x~m,w.habanainn.com Start building a business today to supplement your" income in case of layoff. High potential commissions. Excellent instruction. Set your own hours. Call NATHAN BLACK Chuck Breckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. www.metrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 27 28 July 2009 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] Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 7 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 1, 2009 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 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Chaz Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele James Nimmo Jeanne Flanigan Rex Wockner Gerald Libonati Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Jack Fertig Devre Jackson Judy G. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, April 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 4 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/128 The Metro Star Magazine, August 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/129 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/133 Adam Lambert adoption California HIV church Clara Nipper cocktail chatter Comics commentary crossword puzzle Dick Cheney dining discrimination Diversity Business Association domestic-partnership bill Don't Ask Don't Tell First Thursday gay police ban Hillary Clinton homophobia international news Joplin pride June 2009 Keith Kimmel Kyle's Bed and Breakfast legalization of same sex marriage lesbian Noir License Plate MAC cosmetics Michael Cooper Miss Gay National news Obama Oklahoma City Rodeo Oklahoma News Other Options Pride Month pride Parade Qscopes R.A.I.N. Robin Dorner snap shots spousal benefits and protection stage Star Scene The Metro Star travel Tulsa Tulsa Pride's Diversity Festival https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/eac7887ade00dcfa8e1184f997db935e.jpg 88e020f1620d1287acf1e5d3f6e27cd2 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/0a874b85f223e8edabaf930243d17061.pdf 4a0463be78d24ad2fcc4b11b0f18c75e PDF Text Text �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document PROUDLY SERVING THE GLBTA COMMUNITY sa's Event of the Year 3rd ~ualMiss Batn),oo"·Pageant! . Inside Page 16 Page 2 Joplin,Mo Our. first issue distributed on New Years Eve 2003 was just eigh/'. ··., half were color and half no color; copies where banded 01,1t at Ree's Bar ln:Joplin and several bars in Springfield. Ree's was the first paid advertisement. We were so excited, SW Missouri_ at last bad a gay paper. Chaz Jr., T. J Kelly and myself came up with the idea one night in Ree's whil~ planning a beiiefit for the Community Free Clinic. We needed to advertise the event, but the only GI.BT publications \Vb.ere . from Kansas City, Wichita, and The; !3-ayly. We couldn't afford the ad's arid we_w~nted more than just a printed piece of paper;_We had often discussed the fact that the hi:ige GLBT population in the region ha<L!?-9 representation or community voice_:/);'h:g~, what you know today as the "Ozarks; Star" was born. Through the efforts of many people in the past year, the Ozarks Star has become a viable source 0£ community information and news, not only locally, but from ;around the world. The SW Missouri, NW Arkansas, Oklahoma, SE Kansas •GLBT communities have become closer and_ people . :tre traveling the region to places that \Vete unknown a year ago. I have personally made many wonderful new friendships and acquaintances this year because of the · magazine. You are all sincerely appreciated. May your heart be fifkd with h.ppiness and low this holiday season and throu?}out the coming year ................... C.D. Ward ' J I I A call for Action ... We have just fought a tough and difficult campaign to loose. And now there is no time to stop, rest or even take time to evaluate what just happed because now we face a new challenge here in little Joplin, Missouri or rather Webb City, Missouri. A Webb City High School student wore his pride shirt to school. It seems that they have a dress code that excludes clothing that promotes or advertises products, causes or anything that may cause a commotion. Yet students were allowed to use bumper stickers on clipboards, notebooks and cars that promoted hate issue such as gay marriage. It seems as though this dress code is being enforced only when it is convenient. One teacher asks what the pride emblem meant, it was explained and that teacher responded with, "cool". Then one teacher decided to make it a "commotion" by asking him if he thought it was appropriate for school. When he said there was nothing wrong with the T-shirt he was sent to the school office. He was given the option of turning the shirt inside out or going home. He was in the process of leaving when a friend offered to exchange shirts with him and they did. The friend stayed the remainder of the day without being challenged. Imagine that... consistency between teachers and enforcement of rules. This has now gone to the ACLU for review and at iast resort they will be pursuing this through legal means. But the ACLU has a nasty shirt tail they can't shake and so does our community. The Rev ( title used with reservation )Fred Phelps of Kansas has decided to protest all sinners at the Webb City High School and surrounding churches that allow God's love to seep in. Fred Phelps has protested churches around the country and is well known for his hateful, almost Nazi approach in dealing with anyone who does not agree with his and only his view. At the funeral of Matthew Shepherd he had a sign that read, "God Hates Fags, Just Ask Matthew, and he will answer from hell." I am getting a lot of calls about this and what stand the church is taking. I t.hink the more we react to this man the more fuel it gives him and by staying away we steal his thunder. Some Queer business leaders are hoping this will just go away, The B-GLAD organization from MSSU and the Young Democrats are planning a "peaceful" counter protest. I believe where we go from here is being the best we can be. That means showing all people that we are families in the best since of the word. Now let's put this in perspective and let's keep it in HOPE! We must understand the system and we need to remember that our Government is not a democracy but a republic ... basic Government 101. We need then to take hope in our system and know that even though it won't be an easy four years there is hope. As Rev. Troy Perry stated, "the hard work of human rights has always been that of many steps forward and some steps backward." We have all heard the verbiage; we lost the battle, not the war." This is a set-back but it only means NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION. We need to start with a definition of family, morale values and put church were it belongs while that doesn't mean in war. I am sickened by the righteous conservatives and those that oppose human rights even in this country and use God instead of serving God! We need to a definition of family that promotes varues that we can all share . .. cont-pg 15 Page 6 NGLTF_ Media Release -Older Gays Involved in Caregiving For Family Member At Rates Equal To Or Exceeding Those in the General Population ~FAMILIES OFTEN EXPECT MORE CAREGIVING FROM GAY SIBLINGS -But U.S. Policies on Aging Do Not Reflect Needs of Older Gav Caregivers, Study Finds · NEW YORK - Nearly half of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB1) individuals over 50 are heavily involved in caregiving, both for members of the families they grew up in and for same-sex partners and close friends, according to a new study released today by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute, Pride Senior Network, and the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. In fact, gay people over 50 may actually be caregivers at a higher- rate than their counterparts in the general population. The largest-ever study of older gay people's caregiving experiences, "Caregiving Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender New Yorkers" was released' by the Task Force Policy Instirute at the SAGE National Conference on Aging in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trarisgender Communities, held at New York University, today, June 18. (Caregiving is the extensive, hands-on help with the tllSks of daily living for the very sick or frail.) "Far from shying away from family responsibilities, this study shows that gay people are equally if not more devoted to &mily members and loved ones in need," said Matt Foreman, Task Force executive director. Forty-six percent of the 341 LGBT New Yorkers surveyed had been caregivers at the rime of the survey or in the previous five years, greater than the 44% rate among people over 50 in the general population, as estimated by the AARP. The average length of a caregiving episode among survey respondents was eight years: among the. general population in the United States, the average length of a caregiving episode is only 4.3 years. "We are very appreciative of the Task Force's effons in this study. The findings underscore what we have learned from both caregivers and care recipients in the LGBT community," said Terry Kaelber, executive director of SAGE, _Services & Advocacy for LGBT Elders. "Ours is a community with a strong history of caregiving to both our biological and our chosen families. To provide care on a regular basis can be an overwhelming responsibility and there simply ate not enough support mechanisms in place for those people in a caregiving role. More than one-third of the caregiving respondents said that their non-gay siblings expected more of them when it came to providing care for older relatives precisely because they were gay. Nearly one-quarter (22%) of respondents provided assistance to a blood relation for reasons ranging from Alzheimer's to the frailty that comes with old age. More than two-thirds of those providing such cate were primary caregivers for that family member. Half provided assistance daily, and anotber 24% several times a week. Another quarter (24%) had been caregiv:ers for same-sex partners or close friends. Fiftyeight percent of those had provided assistllnce on a daily basis; 23% provided care several times per week. (Other key findings appear at the end of this release.) In spite of this, some respondents were unable to be open about their own sexual orientation with other family members. Not surprisingly, nearly three-quarters of the caregivers in this srudy reported high levels of emotional stress related to caregiving, and respondents were six times more likely to report feeling depressed than the population as a whole. Worse, key poiicy frameworks that support caregivers such as the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, Social Security, and Medicaid, as well as most state family leave programs - discriminate against same-sex partners who need to care for their loved ones. Continued page-25 ........... .. ij :1 1 l i I Page 7 our ON VN:ATION "Trav~ ill .. ., ~y frie■4ly werlj" by Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com OUR SEPTEMBER WEST COAST TRIP 2nd /,zstal/ment (Photo: Donald and Ray with Claude, the famous Swiss skier and his life pdrtner, Prince Fabien) After a fun time in West Hollywood it was time to travel to Palm Springs for more fun, excitement, parties and ? We AL WAYS have a grand time in Palm Springs. Our very special favorite place to stay is the Fabulous TERRAZZO Resort, 1600 East Palm Canyon Drive. Tom and Doug have done a remarkable job with their resort. That is why they have so many repeat guests there all the time. They simply "DO THINGS RIGHT"! We gave a party at the Terrazzo our second night there and it was attended by the guests at the Terrazzo as well as dear friends who live in Palm Springs. When you can give a party under the stars in Palm Springs and have so many wonderful and exciting people there you have to have a grand time. Two wonderful artists were at our party .... Robert Shafer and Giorgos Dimakis are extremely professional artists who have a thriving business in Palm Springs. Their still life oil paintings are the best that we have ever seen by a living artist. They both are tremendous. Their studio/ gallery is downtown. Palm Springs. Also attending our party were Denise, Joanna and the fabulous Doreen, all from the Casitas La.quite Resort in Palm Springs. The following day we hosted Tom and Doug to lunch at Melvyn's which is our very favorite restaurant in Palm Springs. Melvyn of course is a real gem. Brian, the Maitre 'd and Miguel our waiter KNOW how to do things the right way. It is always such a treat to experience such a fabulous dining experience as we always do when we dine at Melvyn's. People have been coming to this restaurant for many years simply because it is the "best of the best". Later that evening our dear friend, Stefan Hemming hosted a party at his estll.te which is the former estate of the late Liberace. A grand time was had by all and we got to meet new and exciting people. Bradley who is one of the finest singers in the business graciously sang a few songs. The next day two Swiss gentlemen checked into the Terrazzo Resort from Zurich, Switzerland. One was the noted skier, Qaude and his life partner, Prince Fabien. They had flown in to California and were touring several cities. They were very interesting, good looking and extremely intelligent. We took them shopping at all the fun places in Palm Springs and then we dined at the Cedar Creek Inn in the evening. We ordered their very special Pasta dishes. What is money for if you don't spend it? Another very interesting gentleman, Alf, originally from Germany also was staying at the Terrazzo Reson. He now is living in the Northwest pan of the United States. He is good looking, educated with a brilliant mind. He was very interesting to talk with. The next night, our dear friend Burt hosted a dinner party at LcValarise Restaurant. Dining under the stars, we WERE the stars, and why not? Jim and Stefan even performed a duet at the piano. Burt is one of the most energetic and interesting men we have met . .................................... continued page-26 Page 8 me a th Dame Edna Storms back to Broadway in her newly minted extravaganza. Following the national success of her previous lifeenhancing and much loved shows which hllve been buried beneath an avalanche of international awards, Dame Edna returned to her private estate in her native Australia to review the state of the world from her unique point of view. During that time she crafted her latest offering, which is set in an all-new theatrical infrastructure. "Edna will glow from the stage in a series of never-before-seen gowns. She will sing, dance, give psychic readings to astonished audience members, offer marriage counseling and perhaps even heal," promises Tony Award-winning production designer Brian Thomson. "I'm glad you didn't ring a minute earlier because I was. with my gynecologist," declares Dame Edna Everage in lieu of hello, "and he said thli.t I was fit for Broadway. He said, 'Edna, you've still got your drives and juices, and you're all ready for The Great White Way.' Mind you, it wasn't The Great White Way he was looking at." Dame Edna's Coffee Table Book, Dame Edna's Bedside Companion and her seminal autobiography, My Gorgeous Life, which is currently being adapting for the stage and screen. Possibly Jewish, Dame Edna is a widow, with three grown children.She spends her time visiting world leaders and jet-setting between her homes in Los Angeles, London, Sydney, Switzerland and Martha's Vineyard.She is the Founder and Governor of Friends of the Prostate and the creator of The World Prostate Olympics. Date of Birth: February 17 Place of Birth: Kew, Melbourne, Victoria, Australill Sign: Aquarius Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Writer, Composer, Painter Education: Melbourne University, Griffith University (Honorary Doctorate) Relations: Father: (construction manager), wife: Lizzie Sepnder, father-in-law: Stephen Spender (poet), daughters: Emily Humphries (artist) and Tessa Humphries (actress), son: Oscar Humphries Qournalist) Broadway Debut: 1963 (Oli'Oerl) Barry Humphries as Dame Edna Everage Out of drag (at right), Humphries made his Broadway debut as understudy to Fagin in the original 1963 production of OlifJer!. As his drag alter ego, he's become a superstar, earnitig a 2000 Tony Award for Dame Edna: The Royal Tour. Humphries is best known as his drag persona - the purple haired, Melbourne housewife named Dame Edna - that he created in connection with the Olympic Games in 1956. Page 9 Spirit of Christ Metropolitan_ Community Church -¥ Presents In Concert ¥ Shawn Thomas ¥ A breath of fresh air in Christian music, an energetic and dynamic witnei::f:; in music for all affirming • )t- communities. • .- * iC * .... uecember 18, 2004 6PM --¥ 2902 E 20th Street Unity of Joplin building Page 10 MCC Comm,miutions Dq,artmmt. Prtss R~ Nowmber 4, 2004 MCC Leader Lupe V~ld--.z Elected Sheriff of Dallas County, Texas ( ~ Tq11s ~ On November 2, Lupe Valdez, a longtime ~ember and lay leader of Mcffi?politan Community Churches, was elected as the new Sheriff of Dallas County in Texas. The Dallas Morning News describes Lupe's election as a "breakthrough victory." An article under the headline "Vi,ldez scores historic victory" notes that Lupe is the first woman and the first Hispanic to be elected Dallas County Sheriff in this heavily Republican county. As the Democratic candidate, Lupe defeated the Republican candidate, who was a three-decade veteran of the sherifrs department. Prior to the election, political observers favored her opponent to win the election. A major factor in Lupe's campaign success was her more than 30 yean in professional law enforcqgient. Lupe has served as a corrections officer at both county_ and federal levels, and has many years experience as a US Special Agent. Most recently she was a Senior Special Agent with the US Department of Homeland Security. Lupe retired from fedeml law enforcement in January 2004 to run for the office of sheriff in Dallas County. Toward the end of the campaign, her opponent raised Lupe's sexual orientation as an issue. Cotnplaioing that she had received an endorsement and contribution from the Victory Fund, an organization that supports openly gay or lesbian candidates, Lupe's opponent suggested that she would use the office of sheriff as a platform to advance issues such as gay/ lesbian rights and same-sex marriage. Lupe asserted that sexual orientittion should have no bearing on the race, and would play no role in how she ran the department. In a profile on the candidates three days before the election, the Dallas Morning News reported that Lope is "openly gay" and stated that "She is a member of the Metropolitan Community Churches, a worldwide fellowship of Christian churches with a special outreach to gay and lesbian communities." In her victory statement to supporters and the media on Tuesday night, Lupe Valdez said, "We are an intcmational county with people of all ethnic groups, rich and poor, gay and straight, and this is what I want to represent." For more than 25 years, Lupe Valdez has been an active lay leader in Metropolitan Community Churches, serving MCC in Dallas as a deacon and boa.rd member and serving the denomination as Director of Security for General Conferences from 1989 to 2003. She currently serves as a member of the Moderators Nominating Committee and is an active member of Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Dallas. Page 11 The Ozarks Star alternatlve nightcli.ib 716 w. sycamore Fayetteville, AR 479-571-1300 www.studio716.net OPEN wed-sun 9pm - 2am WEDNESDAYS: Cruisn' for the Hook-up on HUMP-DAY! Happy Hour $5 Beer Bust THURSDAYS: Karaoke till' 12 then it's the Plastic Thursday Dance Party with DJ "COLT" FRIDAYS: Friday Night get WILD with DJ "JUX" & the Best Mix of HipHop, Tech & YOUR requests all night long! SATURDAYS: It's the 716 EXTREME DANCE PAR1Y with DJ "BRANDON J" SUNDAYS: The Queens of NWA@ 11:30 Every Sunday & DJ "IRISH" Spinning all night long!! Office lic~osed in Missouri, Arhutsa.a,.Illinois & Cblorado This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this com:m.unity and our customers. Call today and ask about ou:i: services. Life-Worker's Comp.-Home-Auto-B:im-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka; Missouri 63025 i",1:·.ci'aa)~3a:.ssoo fa# (636) 938-3539 -· .• .:·• :v:~-- ".\. .com Scifi novel joi1:1s gay marriage dibate. •Lubbock:, Texas: . When D:uatif Simo~J: · < . Degraooo: A Science . . . trite ih June 2004, he made thrc~'oftlie central characters gay, and used them ·to·further delve into contemporary issues, . .ipcludiog . gay marriage. While th«:~•fir!lt e.<litlon · (published J aowu:y 200.?f show~d gay · marriage as legal and:a tioO:.J~sue, the :Second edition further iii,'.i::9rporates. . allels to anti-gay cr,us~des in real life. . or example, one .o{tlie passages explains a series of coostituiiofuu amendments tp.at supposedly protei::~ed society on the planet V alchondp~ bu:(~ctuilly led to :discrimination at:td, of human rights. .·. . . invading worl fanatical and divisive as in the otigirWl, with characters using . . . justify violence and oppression against each other and everyont else .. A review appearing in the October 1, 2004 issue of X-Factor www.xfactor.com explains how Degranoo's second edition explores gay man:iJtgc and other contemporary issues, s~og that "Duane Simolke establishes his voice in gay genre writing" with those explorations. Though best known for his books, Simolke also writes for This Week In Texas . His Web site http://duanesimoike.com includes Rainbow: Lubbock, an onlioe newsletter for his fellow gays in Lubbock, Tens. With that location, he sees much of the antigay debate, usually framed in religious or family arguments. Page 15 The Ozarks Star Steve Urie from pg-5 My family doesn't fit that box. My family is the man I call my husband, Heath and we have family values that we can share and be proud of. We are in a relationship, love each other, both work and are dedicated to our jobs but take time for each other. It is always a struggle but we are attempting to be a family role-model for your homosexual people to follow. Morale values are new to a lot of the GLBT community and it is time to bring them out of the closet and begin discussions. We have been children far too long and it is time to bring into the light the ability to be honest with ourselves to make a change. Mature enough to recognize that the "Queer As Folks" mentality is destroying our community with alcohol, drugs and a disease that we are still sharing with one another. .. you know the one, "I'll never catch." Let's name it while we here... the HIV virus and the disease AIDS. And let's include that low self-esteem that we just love to poor me with. How long do we have to be down on ourselves? And where does church belong? Well, I don't believe it is in the signs I hear about across this country. The signs posted outside of churches with pictures of our military and the caption, "Our troops doing God's work." This is religion at its very worse. God doesn't need us assigning God duties. It actually works in reverse. Jesus stood with those that no one would associate with and showed them the way. I believe that if our churches were paying attention to God's will; they would be serving their communities, feeding the hungry, clothing people and providing shelter for those without homes. The church has a place and it is one of service. It must be there for everyone and that is when it is doing what it is suppose to do. Not when it is being pushed and pulled into action to destroy lives, Not when it joins in a union with the government. As a church we are to exist for people, life, justice, community, love and the true conscious of the government. The church needs to bring itself to a higher level, to share its God given responsibilities and to let the world sec how God's spirit is there for all people. The church is a beacon of light for al) people and we are to be those beacons leading others to this great hope. This is what Jesus would do and NO ONE WOULD BE TURNED AWAY. Had the Democrats been just as verbal and strong with our beliefs then we quit possibly could have pulled it off. It isn't that we have a weak faith, a lack of commitment to God; it's that we don't stand on the rock and say this is why we support programs helping people and not just the rich. What a schism. the Republican Party has put into this great country by telling churches they need to fear us. Let them be put on notice .tfu.t 51% is not a landslide. Let them be put on notice that we will not be used as a wedge to divide this country. Let them be put on notice that we arc who we are, we are not going to be silenced and we are going to be bold in not only our faith but in our citizenry. It is a great time of hope, a great time of boldness and strength. I am going to quote from an article by the Rev. Dr. Peony Nixon (MCC Clergy). Do not underestimate how difficult times might be in the next few years. There will be tactics, overt and covert, to squeeze us out and shut us down. This is all the more reason to be bold with whom we are. During the Viet Nam war a lone protester stood outside the White House gates with a smgle candle. He was ask, "Do you think you are going to change the government with one candle?" and his reply was, "No, but it will keep them from changing me." I challenge you to take part supporting B-GLAD and the Young Democrats in their peaceful and silent protest. Don't let the light go out! Until 2005 The Ozarks Star Toe ~ia Annual Miss Bamboo Pageant, Wwsa's Social Event of the Year. Bamboo 2005, NeiJyAnnMan}y) Tulsa, OK November 13,2004 by Star Writer Greg Steele The House was packed and the beauties filled the Bamboo Lounge vying for the title of Miss Bamboo 2005. As the winner was about to be announced the crowd was silent, eyes were tearing in anticipation. The nine contestants held their breath with hands clasped. Dickie Tucker fainted from the pressure. The crown had arrived by Brinks armored vehicle just in time. Now for the big moment, Bamboo Co-owner Terry asked for silence, and the winner is, Miss Nelly Ann Manly. The crowd roared, as the press photographers flashed their camera's. It had been a great show. (left photo: Terry and Miss The winner was deteonined by the amount of tips each collected. In t1.U'? was donated to the nonprofit organization R.A.I.N ., a Tulsa group dedicated to assisting people with H.I.V. and A.I.D.S. The event raised $500.00. This was the third year the charity pageant has donated to the group. Terry and Stan, owners of the Bamboo Lounge said " It's a worthy organization that out reaches to the community. They provide food, rent and utility assistance, transportation for medical treatment and we have. a ball doing it." From a reporter's prospec- . · tive, Stan (Photo at right) · llad a damn good time himself, we know how he loves the spotlight! Everyone enjoyed his performance as well. The MC for the night (Photo at left) did a fantastic job _also keeping all those Pretty's in line. In addition to the nights festivities, the H.O.P.E. organiza- . contributed their time and effort with free H.I.V. · g and handing out condom's to all who wanted. The Ozarks Star congratulates Terry and Stan, job well done. Page 18 . The Night Larry Kra11,1er Dissed M&---And All the Rest of You! A Politidu Commentary: November 15; :2004 New York City A week ago Sunday we had the most gorgeous weather ever. I sti:cilled·down to the piers, and as the sun shone down. and th~ fall breeze tickled the trees playfully, I thoug!it to myself; "See, there are still some things in · fife worth fi#ig' for after Bush's victory. Before I got caught up";'tnCatf election frenzy of emails and CNN I • could tllke _the time· to enjoy a beautiful day-and I still · ~n." But-9ot,-:for long. Not with Larry Kramer's speech 'The Tragedy Of Today's Gays" beckoning to me from ~ooper Union. I longed to escape the sunshine and · nook into someone who could voice mv bitterness more eloquently than I. Larry did not disappoint. I urge you all to read his cntitc speech onlinc at ~.rodneycroome.id.au/other/0/, but here is my attempt to sum up the major points of a long speech in a short article. I wasn't involved in ACT UP so I wasn't too familiar with Mr. Kramer. I knew he'd kissed David Drake* · but who hasn't? I'd been warned that he was very~ and extreme. I must be too, since I agreed with every bitter, truthful word he had to say. His basic message to gays? You arc just too f--lc:ed by this election,. and you're just too f--kcd UP with crystal, barebacking and apathy to confront your attackers, the conservative right. A "vast right-wing conspiracy" was hatched in 1971 bv Lewis Powell and financed by 9 rich families who ~ere scared of hippies, war protesters, and civil rights activists. The right saw their safe, conservative world crumbling and began to implement a highly organized plan to reinstate it. On November 3rd, after 35 vea.rs the plan was successful and the conservative pre;iden~ co~grcss and supreme court are now poised to turn back the clock on civil rights to defeat any gains. ~sys, women, blacks or ~en dissenters have made. ''The people (this plan) was written for diet not then go off to a. ~sco o~ to the Pines, or into therapy or into drugs. They took the P~ and th~y. have executed tt religiously every day and night for the IAst 35 years, initially with 400 million dollars ... and some back-breaking, grinding, unglamorous work ·of civic engagements c<>unty by county ... '.lley took the richest and most liberal nation in the world" an~ ~ansfonned it so that no': 30% of li.mericans self-identify as conservatives, as opposed to 10¼ m 1971. And make no mistake; They hate us and they arc in a position of complete power. An~ whcr,e is our plan to c~mbat them? In a shambles, as arc we. "Our org:tnizations stink" ana are either powerless and or on the verge of financial collapse. When will the rich and powerful gays step up to help? We. can't count on the government because they hate us and arc gl~d that we're doing ourselves _in with AIDS and crystal. We're murdering each other by not u5:1g condoms. 'W_c know that un~rotectcd sex causes AIDS and yet new infections are up 401/o. If we know n~ _to prevent tt and we aren't, then we arc bringing the .AIDS cri&is onto o~rselves and are. refusing to accept responsibility for it. "Has it never occurred to you that not usmg a condom ts tantamount to murder? ....... continued next page-19 p~ 19 It is in.credibly selfish not to at least have thought that question ... make whatever excuses you = to carry on in your state of denial, but this is the fact of the matter." In an extremely poignant moment Larry pondered "Was it my sperm that killed them, th9.t aid the trick? .It.is no longer possible for m'e to avo'id the que';tion of myself. Hav~ you ever wondered how many men you have killed?" Instead of considering this crucial question, we deny each other's hum_anity :1:nd define each other as. sex objects, shallow whores who are only looking for _the neit piece of nieat, We're bright and talented but our. efforts are focused primarily on partyu?.g arid sex. "I have recently come to believe that gay men and women arc tragic people. W c arc. so wonderful, b_ut we are so fucked up." Our brightness isn't being put to use. "How much public service on behalf of your brothers and sisters have you performed recently? Don't tell me you ~on't know what to do ... if you can find another ass to hump." We've lost the war against AIDS with over 70 million expected to die worldwide. But gay youth are in a stll.tc of denial and don't want to lcun the lessons of their eiders. Larry lashed out at the notion that protease inhibitors are any sort of cure. "We like to call it 'the cocktail'." But it's chemotherapy, which either kills the disease or you, and is very difficult to tll.ke, with many side effects. "And you say, 'Can't I get stoned and try barcbacking one last time?' ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR F--KING MIND? You kida want to die ... wcll, then die." Hell, youth won't even acknowledge their elders, and how can they have any sense of community without any sense of their past? "Every moral code I know of requires respect for the dead. You disdain anyone older who was there ... but you do not seem al:!le to fashion your future. To distove~ what ybu want. You don't even ask what you want. How can you not have curiosity about your future as a gay person? .. .! had people to follow and many of you have not. No baton was passed to you ... A large, congealed mass of potentially superior beings doc ,n't even know what to do with thcn,selvcs or bother to learn their history. So they dance. So they drug. So they go to the internet to find more scx ... You don't seem to be able to connect with anyone beyond the basest way ... I'm not so proud of us right now." In a Q & A afterwards (which demonstrated quite clearly how clueless some gay youth are) someone mentioned the low current attendance at ACT UP meetings. I had a thought on how to get ACT UP and activism going agsun-free crystal at the meetings! And maybe barebacking how-to demonscrationsKIDDING! Larry iaid out his bleak diagnosis and ended with more questions than answers. Milybc it's time for us to start thinking for ourselves ... That baton's been passed now, kids. You gonna drop fr? Or come out swinging? Or go to the gym and cruise the steam room? Or shop for your next circuit party outfit? Or do another bump? Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! December 2004 ·~ December is here.again Kittens. It is such a special time of ycllf, where hope spritigli ·in winter bottoms, Err, I mean · blossoms. A time for hope of the New Y car and all it shall bring us. Uncle Mikey truly l~vcs December best. It is also the time of .year for Uncle Mikeya™s.annual Wet Jock contest, which is · always a smash. The.winter fest that is Uncle MikcyaTMs life, will surely spring forth new idvcnturcs hopefully filled with I Tw:inkies - as I can not get enough of that cream filling. Is it ·I Uncle Mikcv, or dd tl:tosc commercials with that Twinkie in cowboy ~ do anything for anyone besides me? ffuuna something to ponder I guess. V' ,'•, , ' ' ' Uncle hfttd a new house bov as I will of course have endless wk for the young man this year. He attii.cs.triday. J'li?,d·him,1hippcd express mail. His name is Mr. Delight and I am hopeful. Uncl~)fi¥§:;will keeR you posted on.how he works out:.All of my staff is lucky to have me. I includ~ a. uitlform <:Httilig with matching rhincs.tonc collar. With all of these things springing forth, let's sec what,sonic read.ca hitvc on their minds this holiday season. Dear Uncle, I am at.a crossroads with a new relationship. We have been together for three months now,. the longest l hlNc been trne · to someone. However, he is always acting like he has something to hide. T do. not want to get crazy jealous, but I followed him one night where, I saw him go into solllC,,guf! li..ousc ,!lld WIIS in . . · tw;o hours. I didn't tell him I saw him, as I didn't·w'lUlt hirii to, get n:iAd. What should I JS{ I confront him, or do I just kceg quiet? Monogamously confused.· Dearest MC, Kitten, where do you buy your stalker equipment at? Is the reason you have not been with anyone loogtt than three months possibly due to the &ct that you are out there reenacting mission impossible? Dllfling, does the word stalker mean anything to you? How do you even pretend to give someone ti:ust when you 11.fe following the poor dear around like that? If you ate ever ro have a hc:;i.!thy lasting relationship some serious self evaluation is needed to figure out why you are so insecure. You obviciudy have some issues with intimacy and need to figure those: out .fir4t. Hop~ this man does not find out al:iout your private eye act, and work on you fusi. .If someone is cheating it shall show itself in tinie. At least give him a chance before you decide he is unfaithful .. Acting like a guest of the Jerry show will quench love beforc.it,.eveμ has a.chance. Kitten, sort these matters out in hopes that you will become a more trusting soul. Smooches Uncle Mikey Uncle sees this lrind of mistrust as. a factoring reason for infidelity in relationships. If you make someone feel distrusted ou will encourage their straying ways; as they' already have been. accu1ed. Leaving but .. .. · r.o be done. Trust is important to any relationship. If trust is not there, it is but 11. tttnc bbioh: of drama just waiting fur the fuse to be lit. Dear Uncle Mikey, I ·used to _have a. circle of friends that were pretty right. Now, they have all settled into long-tcim (elationships leaving me arid the other guy out. Now, I £ind myself lonely as I just do not think it is what I am looking for. They all tdl me it is the very thing I need in my life is someone stable and act like there is something wrong with me, as I don't want to settle down. Family life makes me nauseous. Am I wrong for wanting to remain single? Pia.yet at heart .................................... continucd next page-21 Page 21 MAIN STREET, JOPLIN, MISSOURI (41 7) 627-9035 Dear Player heart: There is something to be said for both lifestyles. Uncle has enjoyed both sides of the fence, and though Uncle has decided that I have had my share of love, leaving me now to enjoy a life of sampling the delicacies of Gaydom, I. assure you nothing is wrong with you. However, you do come off a bit judgmental on their lifestyle of choice. If they are happy with family life, wish them well. Understand that it will most likely bring a dividing barrier into the friendship as they 11.fC moving .on with life. If you arc lonely for your pals make some new ones. And one last question here, have you and the other guy thought fate may have left you two alone for a reason? That's something to think: on. Yau never know where love will come from, keeping your options open 1md the ability to see opportunity is important even to players. Smooches Uncle Mikey Kittens never close your mind to the possibilities that fate may offer us. Live life under one rule and that is simpiy - be all you can be; young queer. Play by the rules of love and life, while being rruc to yourself. Do not try to live life by others standards. Make your own happiness. It is as I was just telling a very dear friend of mine, Sir Comesalot, you have to seize the moment. Believe me he did and it was a night we won't soon forget. Life is but several moments of possibilities. It is the Player that keeps his eyes wide open that will find those winning moments that makes life worth while. It seems my time has &dcd faster than a trick at sunrise. Until we meet again. Remember Kittens: When someone asks you this season to help stuff their turkey. They 11.fe of course referring to cooking darling, not sympathy sex. Oh, was I embarrassed. Merry Cht-istmas Kittens! Smooches Uncle Mikey (and Tiddles too). U nclclnikey4you@Aol.com, Uncle Milcey is " character &om Freelance writer Michael Hln:mum. Michael h2s been writing for ten yon. Utili,cing his 1todle1, and life cxpctiencc to help others in his community, through humor and sound advice. Michael applied his study of p,ychology and creative writing, u well his extensive background in mcn12l health Direct cue to bring a n= s:ylc and approsch to helping othcn. Mlch..,l's other worb cJU1 be viewed at wn p71iorcon,cnt om. Page 22 11 States Approve Gay Marriage Ban StaJe.m~!'}t fr_o.rn the. Reverend Dr. Troy D~ Perry Foundeir and Mor::terator of ' , ""<",/.",,,~;./ Ji':'• sap . . . . . . approved ballot measures to limit the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons to equal protection under the marriage laws. In the midst of today's disappoint, we take hope. The hard work of human rights has always been that of many steps· forward; · arid some steps backward. The outcome of these ballot measures is a setback:; but only a temporary setback, in the forward march of justice and equality for all people. These votes are powerful reminders that it is always wrong to put human rights and equality to a public vote. Equality under the law, by its very · t be afforded to all people, LGBT people, and must nctict be based on public popularity. History is a powerful teacher, and gives us hope. Had African-Americans in the U.S. had ro wait for a public vote, their wait for equality undet the law would have been even longer. Thank God for the court system in the United States. Just as the courts righted injustices against our African-American brothers . and sisters, we, too, take hope that the · courts will ultimately rule that America must live out the promise of its .founding documents, of liberty and justice for .all. We Jalute the many LGBT people in thos~ 11 sates who, along with our family and friends,. turned out to vote no, on thes:OC laws and who boldly supi:iorted equality under the law. Thanks to so many in our community for. being willing, · yet again, to talk · abou.t our filmilies and our lives. This public conversation changes public atti°:1-des and will change laws. · Already today groups across the U.S. are mobilizing to challenge the con~titutionality of these ballot measures in the courts. I strongly .support these efforts, and encourage all · ,peoele of goodwill to support these challenges with your prayers, cominitlnent and finances. ·N0TE: the Reverend Dr. Troy D. Perry performed the first-ever public same-sex wedding ceremony in the U.S. in 1969, and in 1970 fil,ed the first-ever lawsuit in the US. seeking legal recognition of samegender marriages. He was. rrwrried under Canadian law to bis partner of 20 years, Phillip Ray DeBlieck, in July 2003. Quotable Quotes "That [getting married] was better, deeper, more meaningful than I thought it would be. I never really invested in marriage. I come from the g-cneration of gays that were like; that's the straight thing to do, that's not a part of my life. So it wds a long journey to doing that and, once I did it, it's huge, and it's really more than I ever imagined." Singer Mclissa·Etheridge on her marriage to actress Tammy Lynn Michads, to the Memphis gay magazine Family & Friends, August issue. 1 1 l J j ·I• i j I 1 Page 23 Creator: Paula Maitinac _has been writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the co-chair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called "In Our Own Write." by Paula Marti.nae December, 2004 Overcoming the Red-State Blues ... "Why Kerry Lost." "Kerry Really Won." "23 Percent of Gays Voted for Bush." "How to Immigrate to Canada." E-mail messages with tormenting subject lines like these, sent by various progressive groups and individuals, have been landmg in my mailbox at a .&st and furious pace. Despair on the left is widespread, because so mariy of u~ considered this election to be the most important one of our lives, and now we're rushing .to analyze what the results mean for our future. Much of the spin from the 'left seems to follow one of two sttancfs: citlicr-Ji.mcrieans are too stupid to up.~ef~i . . . . . . . is sliding into fascism, or clsi .... . .. failed to give voters _a v#Hl~,~teipaf.ivc.fo Bush. That "--------------~ st:.i.rk dichotomy iep,indi aie of those funny "critical issues" books we read in high school history disses, .'the ones with titles like "Napoleon: Revolutionary or Despot?" that never allowed for a gtay area in between the two choices. · · Now, in our despondency over Kerry's loss and the passage of all those anti-gaymarriage amendments, we may not be able to see any bright spots amid the gloom - and believe it or not, there iire a few. And no, I haven't changed my name from Paula to Pollyant1J1.; I went trawling for positive things to cling to so that I wouldn't go insane, and I offer them here for you to cling to, too. 1. A number of openly lesbian and gay Democratic candidates either won historic victories or made impressive ·showings in local nces in areas of the country where they should have lost big - the red S1:ll.tes. Consider, in particular, three courageous lesbian candidates. Nicole LeFavour won a seat in the Idaho House of Represent:.i.tives, becoming the first out gay official in that conservative state. Julia Boseman garnered a place _in the Stll.te .Senate of North Carolina and will .be its first LGBT legislator. On Bush's home turf, Lupe Valdez becomes the o~t lesbwi Latina sheriff of Dallas County, its higliest-nnking law-enforcement official. Keep in mind that these states aren't just red;· they're deep criinson. The courage of these women is precisely what we'll need to see more of in coming months and years, since a big Republican win calls for a big progressive response. That includes many more gay people running for office. Local nices matter greatly, sini;:e laws that affect our daily lives ?ZC Im.de in · the atatc legislatures. But also, aa we saw this year with the amAZing Batack Obama Jn Illiriois, local political bodies can become steppingstones to natiomi office. 2. Another ray of hope is that there was no antigay backlash at the polls in Massachusetts, the state that sparked same-sex marmge furor across the country. Every Massachusetts state legislator who upheld gay marriage rights won. re-dection, and the antigay House Speaker h11.s been replaced by one who supports gay rights. The state's proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-aex marriage may be scrapped. Could it be Bay Smters have realized that living next to married same~sex couples is not very different from living next to unmarried ones? ... cont.-page-26 Page24 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente December 2004 Carson Comes Down It's going to be a very Carson Kres~ley Christmas over at Bravo. The favonte gay fashiooista of hetero · makeover candidates .everywhere is hosting .his very first holiday special for the network that made him a stiu-. It's called _The . Christmas Special Christmas Special_, and no,i you djdn•t read .that incorrectly. This will pay tribute. to all specials that came way _I Love the 1:'h~ A-Team_. the Night Visitors_ are in this party mix, with the quippy Carson n~~g ~. and most .likely jmgling -: all. the !it ~e wx:app.μig · co~es off Dl=cem_,. t, with f what Js sure o repeats until the Star Coob Up _Kitchen Confidential_ His _Se:t and the.City_ la,;liel! ~P-~~.t t:4eir time hanging out in .~nc · • · · · . after another, but now. _Sex_ Stat is going . ~ . . - his new project. A hebwd-the-scenes comedy about life oit the other end of the entree, _Kitchen Confidential_ - a half-hour series based on the memoir of the same name by Anthony Bourdain executive chef at New York's Les Hall;s · restaurant - will move straight past the la.dies who lunch and into the fast-paced kitchens where those $99 truffle-laden hamburgers get made. The project is now in the hands of writers, who'll translate Bourdain•s book for the small screen; Stat himsdf will be supervising the pil~t ~pth_ 20th Century Fox Television and New line TV are on board to produce, and Romeo's mouth is already watering in anticipation. Set It Off Again The very c~l 1996 women-robbingbanks drama _Set It Off_ ended in a hail of bullets, with three of its four main characters on ice. So ... sequel? Why not? And that's exactly the plan that's in the works over at New line, with producer Darryl Taja setting up the ~~xt chapter in that crime spree. The onginal film staned Jada Pinkett Smith, Vivica Fox, Kimberly Elise, and Queen Latifah (playing a butch lesbian with nothing to lose) as an all-female, gun-toting gang of desperate women in need of qttlck cash. But since Pinkett,-Smith's character was the lone survivor when that movie's credits rolled, it's unclear at this point if the sequd will involve any of the original felons. Hey, it worked in _Teen Wolf, Too._ Sort 0£ Kathy Griffin•• Cup Runs Over Comedian Kathy Griffin's legion, of gay followem - tμe woman seems to have an a.Im.oat rdigiou1 preference for her queer &n1 - will be happy to know that after her new concert film, _Allegedly_, drops thi1 month on DVD, their favorite funny lady baa a multiplex'• worth of movies heading down the pike. In the forthcoming_ Vegas Baby_, Griffin plays 1omcthing called a "Shc-EJvis" (really, don't aalt); in the Cinderella story _Dirty Love .... she stars opposite Jenny McCarthy and Csumcn Electra; the _Blue Lagoon_-ish _Lovcwrccked_ secs her joining cut memben Amanda Bynes and Lance Ba11; and in the Charle• Matthau-directed _Her Minor Thing_, Griffin will worlt opposite _Saturday Night Live_'1 Rachel Dratch and former _SNL_-er Victoria Jaclt,on. Meanwhile, if you're too lazy to commit all that to memory, you could juat catch her on _Hollywood Squucs_. Page 25 G,y C.rtgiversfrom jMge-6 . "Government agencies serv10g elders should target funding to the gay . community, just as th~y mr,~et .~thruc minority elder populations, SIU~ Marjorie Cantor, professor ementus at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service and a principal .. investigator of the study. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute is a think ~ dedicated to research, policy analysts and strategy development. to ~ance greater uncferstanding and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgcnder people. SAGE, Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgcnder Elders, is the nation's oldest and ~~st social service and advocacy orgaruzation dedicated to gay, bisexual and transgcnder seniors. Some Additional Findings in Caregiving Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender New Yorkers: _ One in five caregivers surveyed relied on a member of the clergy for emotional support around issues rdatcd to caregiving. In contraSt, less than 1 % of family of origin caregiv~s, and . approximately 15% of family of ch~tce caregivers, relied on a gay commuruty organization for support. - At least one-third of caregivers said that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgcnder (LGBT) community had. a key role to play in providing support to LGBT caregivers. When a.sk~d why_ the gay community should help its_ seruor members, most respondents s~d that . the community was best a~ ~ fo~ tts own, reflecting an underlying belief tn the persistence of discrimination. _ The LGBT community-based services in which the respondents were mo~t interested themselves were counsding (26%), retirement, or a_s~i~tcd ~ communities (19%), VlStttng setv1ces (19%), and assistance with thy-to-day tasks (14%). _ One in five respondents had children of their own, and 7% were grandparents. Fortysix percent of the respondents were between 50 and 59; 35¾ were between '60 and 69; 19% were 70 and older. Fifty-two percent of the respondents were single; 40% were partnered. - Tolhy, the population of gay ~e~ors in America. is just under three million. By 2030, as gay baby ~oon:iers head into their sixties . and seventies, tt could be nearly twice that. The foil report can be found in the Task Force publications library at www.TheTaskForce.org/library Quotable Quotes "Sexual orgies eliminate social tensions b aged ,, and ought to e encour . _ U.S. Supreme Court Justice_ Ant?nio Scalia speaking at Harvard Uruvers1ty Sept. 28, according to The Harvard Crimson. Page 26 Gay Tramers from pdge 7 Another dear friend, Tyke gave a brunch for us at his condo which is decorated beautifully. Tyke also is an artist and we got to see some of his lovely oil. pain~. We love Tyke for many reasons and one of them is that he loves giving wi shirts! In the photo above at Millie's party, we ate wearing two of the shirts that he gave us. The iast night we were in Palm Springs Millie Bollin, the Grande Dame of Palm Springs ll~ciety, gave us a party at her estate attended by exceptionally enjoyable people in Palm Springs. She is a rare jewel. Fun, funny, educated, intelligent, witty, great party hostess and just a truly NlCE person. Her neighbor, Princess Rcg4ia. attended as well as lots of other interesting guests. Millie has a won9erful dog and bird to keep her company. People! That is what it is all about. Meeting new, fun, cxcitlng and interesting people. Our special THANKS for our wonderful time in Palm Springs goes to Tom and Doug, o~ers of the TERRAZZO Resort. They ~ super guys and once you stay with them .yo_u wili :w~i: tt> return forcrer: Th6re ii onlyon~ bad tbfug about.the.; · however. And that •; You simply never. And" BlG t#~'.Y.0'11.,to Jim Poyle ~s~~~~lt:\~::::~ in QUt tt'lfVe!s: Jinfcap.Ao an~g, and WC do.mean ~G I :.He plays the piatto SQ b~utifally anais'.onc of the best.bartenders in'thc cc4ritry. He is a gr~ businessman ~d all irourid super nice guy. Th~s Jlgi fo.t: all you have done. So, next time yotit bored, whynot fly out to Palm Springs, check ·illti:i· the TERRAZZO Resort ahdhiive yourself a wonderful and exciting time. usbian Notions from pg-23 3. Although the mainstream media only reported on the gay movement's crushing defeats in 11 states, exit polls conducted by the National Election Pool (NEP) found that an astounding 60 percent of Americans support some sort of legal protection for same-sex couples. While only 25 percent said that protection should take the fonn of marriage, another 35 percent favored civil unions. Of course, "marriage lite" is not what we want or deserve. Still, the NEP poll numbers are encouraging because they point to Americans' fundamental belief in basic civil rights. And that belief is what we must hang on to as we continue the struggle for full equality under the law. 4. In Ohio, four major public universities whose domestic-partner benefits have been jeopardized by that state's anti-gaymarriage amendment have vowed to preserve those benefits until forced to do otherwise. Gov. Robert Taft (R.) has also opposed the antigay measure, fearing that it "will make it more difficult for us to retain and attract the young. talented knowledge workers we need to advance Ohio's prosperity." When straight people begin to sec g,a.y rights as being in their own· self-interest, it's .a sign that we're making progtcss - even when it looks like we've lost. These few glimmers of hope may not seem like much after such a huge blow; but remember that. the path of social change proceeds like a glacier - slow and steac;ly. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton wo.rke.d their entire lives for women's suffrage, but didn't live to see it. Similarly, most of us who work for equal marriage rights may never enjoy ·them ourselves, but we will, in fact, have helped to change the world. Paula M,.rti,n4c is a Lambd4 Liter11rv - · ~and unbe tit LesbianNoti<insf//xpyndite.com . 1 I Page27 Seo es by Jack Fertig December 2004 "Cover yourself, Libra!" Mercury turns retrograde this week, while in quincunx to Saturn. New ideas require testing, and most will fail - . but don't let that deter you! The biggest challenge is to be pragmatic, sensitive, and above all, adaptable. ARIES (Much 21 to April 20): Arguments are hard to avoid! Religion and politics always make discussions more interesting than polite. This is especially so now at home and with family. Staying open-minded takes special effort, but if you can manage that, you'll be ahead. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): Expressing . grief and frustration is hard, but worth the effort. Those feelings will get worse before they dear away, but opening channels no:w will help. Confide in a dose friend, preferably someone grandmotherly. GEMINI ~ 21 to June 21): Money problems can strain any relationship; Now the stress is pretty rough. It is very important to discuss these issues. Solutions won't come this month, but communication. shows awareness and willingness to work on things, and that's enough for now. CANCER (June 22 to July 22): You're especially vulnerable now to contagious respiratory problems. Stay warm and dry, and choose your company carefully. Whether or not you deserve blame for miscommunications at work, take responsibility for. fixing them. LEO (July 23 to Augnst 22): Creative blocks will pass, but never quickly enough. Dreams, fears, and old f.unily disasteu can be sources of inspiration, or can at leut help you to undentand the bloc~. Face the grim and dark. - better to appreciate the merry and bright. VIRGO (August 23 to Septcinb~ 22): . In our communities, how we redefine "family" among our friend~ has little in the way of · rules or precedent. Either category has its assumed obligations - but what are they? You need to adjust expectations there; look for a little turbulence, but nothing serious. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): Anything you say can and will be held against you! Cover yourself by consulting with authorities; and double check all references. Things will still go wrong, but make sure where responsibility lies and be prepared to take responsibility as is appropriate. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): Financial problems will pop up over the next few weeks. Think carefully about them. Take a long view to what can be done now to ease the cuts. Education and travel plans may have to be reconsidered. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Who are you as a sexual being? That question gets opened up to profound exploration. Reconsider your integrity, limits, and desires. You may back away from some situations, but you will ultimately find something better. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): Problems with your partner are largely in your own head, but whatever worries and doubts you have should be discussed. Yeah, it can get pretty messy over the next few weeks, but in the long run it will work out for the better. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18): Remember that friends and colleagues are all fallibly human. Now they are quite frustrating, pushing you to reconsider social commitments and long-term goals. Think slowly and carefully. It's time· for adjustments, not radical breaks. PISCES (February 19 to March 19): Your reputation is 'about to take some knocks. Accept the challellge to adapt. With a bii of creative hard· work,· you can figure out a way to establish .whatever connections and bona £ides you need to get through this. Jack Fertig has been working as a professional astrologer since 19 77 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Nef!Working. He can be,~~ for consultations at 415-864- 8302, throtJgh his uiebrite at http://f flf11'flJ.St4rjackcom Page 28 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Lodging- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-130 Ron's Pl11ce- - 523 W. Poplar- - - - 479-442-3052 Wild-On - - - - - -3570 W. 6th- - - - - - 479-521-9453 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkellds-10041/2 Garrison Ave- - -479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - -479-782-1845 Arkuau, Hot Springs (501) Club One Eleven- - - 111 Gllrden St- - - - -620-4111 Our House Lounge - 660 E. Gnnd Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- -501-664-2744 Discovery- - - -1021 Jessie Rd- - - - - - 501-666-6900 The Factory - -412 LoUWllllll St- - - -501-372-3070 Miao11rl, JopHa (417) Ree's-••• 716 S. Main•• - -.. -417-627-9035 Mlssoarl, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - - - 3715 Main St - - - - 816-561-2600 Belle Sw's- - - - 1321 Gr11nd Ave- -816-421-1288 DB Wll!ehouse- -- 1915 Milin St- - - -816-471-1575 Misr.ie B's- - -805 W. 39th St- - - - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bu - - - -413 E. 3rd- - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidelcicb Sllloon - 3707 Milin St- - 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boo~ville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - -417-864-4572 Oz Bar• 50-4 E. Commercial• - • • • -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821. College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumon • -1109 E. Commercial- - -417-873-2225 Okluoma,•Oldakoma City (405) Boom Rocim- 2807 NW 36th St- -- - - - -405.:.601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy- 405-947-2351 Copa- - - - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -405-525-0730 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- - 405-525--0730 Hi-Lo Quh - - 1221 NW 50th- - - -405-843-1722 Lido- - - - - - - -2200 NW 39th_ Expwy- 4()5-5~~0730 Partners- - - - -2805 NW 36th St - - - - - 40.S.:942-2199 Sisters- - - - - - 2120 NW 39th s;. -----405!521-9533 The Rockies- - -3201 N. Ml!.Y Ave.- - - - 405-~7-9361 Topanga Grill&: Bar- 3535 NW 39th:-4()5-947-2351 . Oklaboma, Tuia (918) Bamboo Lounp 720-4 E. Pine - • _..918-836-8700 Clnb Maverick-· 822 s. Sheridan - 918:835-3301 End Up Oub- - - 424 S. Memodal- - - 9111c-836-2480 Heads &"Tails- - 7944 E. 21st - • - - - - 9i8'660-7878 Club'~jestic- - 124 N. Botton - - - • -918'584-9494 Rencgadea- - - -1649 S, Main-• - - - -91if:5135.3405 Play-Mor-Oub- - 1737 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 Silver Star- -1565 S. Sherid20 - - - - - -918-834-4234 Yellow Brick Road- - 2630 E. 15th - - 918-293-0304 Missouri, Joplin (417) Fairfield Inn by Marnett- - - - 417-624-7800 Miuouri,Ava Catus Canyon Campground- - - . - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground· - - - - - - - 417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Hollywood.Hotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- - -405-528-2221 -OrganizationsArkansu, Eareka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Nanni.st!- - - - - - - . -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg {620) Ri,cr of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut - -11.AM PSU-QSA. . 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231--0938 Missouri, Joplin ( 417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, • - - • 6PM UCCFF-204 N. Jack.on Ave, - - - - - -10:30.AM .Aids Project O:i:atb- 513 Kentucky- 417-624-5788 Missouri, Spriagfleld (417) Rllinbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Univemlist Church - - - 417-833-2723 APO- - - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- - 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride • - - - - - - - - - - - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commericlll- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - ~ - - - - - - - -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Cathedrlll of Hope~ - 600 NW 13th St- - 232-HOPE The Center- - 2135 NW 39th St - - 405-524-6000 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - - -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklaboma, Talsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Miaplewood- -918-838-1715 TOHR- c - - - - -'Fo Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 GlBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- - •. - 918-743-4297 r 1 1 I Page 29 The Ozarks Star -Business Services,Missouri, Eureka Shelter Insurance- -Greg Tainter- - 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) Body Swim Massage Therapy- - - • -417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-- -434-0077 RE/MAX- - - -Cathe Letts- - - - - -417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rllngeline Rd- - - - 417-623-1007 Joan Szymanski- Be11uty Consult,- - 417-673-1181 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - • - • 1918 S. Glenstone • --417-881-8-4-4-4 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 • -4301 NW 63rd #10Q- 405- 840-2106 Prucilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Jungle Reds - - 2200 NW Expwy- • • 405-524-5733 Oklahoma, Taha Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Huvard. - 918-747-5466 Underguy.i::om · · -825 E. 3rd- - - 877-7-BOXERS Prucil_la's - - - - - 7925 E. 41st - - - - - -918~627~84 Priscilla's - ~ · · 5634 W. Sully - - • ·-918-#6--63~6 Priscilla's••• •11344 E. 11th•••• - 918-4iB-4224 Priscilla'ac • • - - 2333 E. 71st - - • • • - 918~~9-1661 "I was playing an Indian ~cseivation in Montana somewhere, I looked out at the audience and it was just truly awful. Real American. Gothic - the old strong farmers and wives, ind I started the act by. askiμg: '.Aie there. any g.iy men in the audi~hce? I want you right up at the front.' And they made the show. Because they laugh/' . - Comedian Joan Rivers to London's The Pink Paper, Oct. 1. Page 30 Place r~tir d~sified lW. here. for only $6.00 for the first. 15 '¥<>rdl,)Uld only 25 cents £of~ additional: word: ....... . 10 block:s'No~ of E>owntown Joplfu,MO 4bd, 4bth, formal dinning, large • kitchen. library/ office, full basement, zoned heat/ air., 3200 Sq. Ft., beautifully restored, quiet residential Roanoke adjacent. Priced under $140,000. $$Price Reduced$$ Call Vicki at Charles Burt Realtors 417-434-0077 or 800-782-7822. Tlie Ozarki sj~f d~~Line:. Check 0oti'i: our website· for i[?1\ily br~a,lring GLBT news. www.ozarlcsstar;cbrll • - • J ~-~ Nee~;l ... , . ... . ... for only: $6:(fQ>first:15 woriis, for each additional word. Advertising Representative's Part Time: For Kansas City, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Arkansas, Kansas and Joplin. Commission based compe~sation. Work in the LGBTS business community. Mail qualifications to: Ozarks Star 2401 E. 32nd St., Suite 10-243 Joplin, MO 64804. Bed. & Breakfast: Own your own B&B? Beautiful 4 bed 4 bath 3200sqft fully furnished in Joplin, MO For Sale. Call Vicki Bronson at Charles Burt Realtors 417-434-0077 1010 E. 20th Joplin M064804 800-782-7822 I ' 1 I I Page 31 I l I I I 1 l J • I t e r n • t ! v e n l g h t ·c I u b 716 w,, sycamore Fayetteville, AR 479-571-1300 wwwatulllrRililwt ~PEN w4td-sun 9pm - ·2am Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] The Ozark Star Magazine, December 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 12 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Ozark Star’s first issue began in August of 2004. Before this Issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) then follows The Star (2005) and The Metro Star (2008) This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 1, 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Paula Martinac Lady Bunny Romeo San Vincente Steve T. Urie Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig 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 Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Southeast Kansas The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozark Star Magazine, November 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/173 The Ozark Star Magazine January 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/143 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/142 Broadway Dame Edna Deep Inside Hollywood Dr. Troy D. Perry family gay marriage ban Lady Bunny Larry Kramer Lesbian Notions Lupe Valdez Miss Bamboo Pageant Qscopes Quotble Quotes The Star Scene travel Uncle Mikey https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/85bdaebc520c9c940793e06586981e92.jpg d722db5a0835af08236ecb30787b514a https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/be7fc6a28ce11e62e60a4047111f8fb6.pdf 96c2f07c640a770cb1befbc1bb5dd2c7 PDF Text Text �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document PR Y S RV N H ■ TA OMMUN TY ···· 1~ ~r; <t Page 2 .i I I i ! j Miss Peggy Lee A Career Chronicle Robert Strom Foreword by Keely Smith Available Spring/Summer 2005 Peggy Lee holds a speciai place in the history of American and jazz music. From her bit n May 26, 1920, to her final recording on August 26, 1995, to the New Yorker's obituary from February of 2002, these chronological entries cover every moment of her professiOnal life. Detailed entries 'describe recordings (both albums and songs), radio and television appearances, her work in films, and her songwriting efforts, draw from interviews ·with Lee and others, nightclub and concert reviews, and a wealth of other sources. Appendices list songs that Lee performed and recorded and a selective list of her CDs. The work concludes with a bibliography and is illustrated with many rare photographs. About the Author Author Robert Strom lives in San Leandro, Caiifornia. www.mcfarlandpub.com HOW DARE YOU ... ? Are there not times you would just like to ask exactly that? How dare you? How dare you drag me into that argument? How dare you refer to me in that manner? How dare you wear that? How dare you color your hair chartreuse? · More importantly how da::e you show any one in our community disrespect because you can't accept who you are? Am I upset, YES! Overwhelmingly so! You see when I arrived back in j oplin in 1996. there existed a J opjn Pride organization and ;:he first letter I read in tnei r newsletter was from a young man ,vho ·.,:a~ tired cf ~he "prideiessne,s" of Jopl:n's Queer Community Anci this vcung man was moving away to where he hoped he could find a community with some pride. This last t\vo \vceks has sh(nvn those of us at the C)zark Star just ho-..v kY\V people can reaHy be and the inability of our con11nunit\~ to take pride in itself. .r\ friend \vho i5 a mas~age therapist, a legai, gcrvernn1cnt regulated, therapeutic professional \V3S a~J~ to offer 1nore than a massage. Sexual favors were requested with a flippant "your family, aren't you?" Another friend whose job is to work closely with people living with HIV, providing support in financial, medical and social services was ask the same thing ... "after all your gay!" Then I received a phone call from someone asking if we could get together? "Your writing for a gay paper and don't you preach at a gay church" so after all you must be a homosexual and I have this fantasv." Well fantasize this! I am a gay male not turned off by being called gay, homosexual or faggot and am strong being confident in myself and who I am. I am in a loving relationship and don't need fantasies from myself or yours. I am a professional having spent over thirty years in health care, having written for two other gay oriented magazines, having belonged to gay support organizations, marched in numerous protest, have won a battle to get my job back after being fired for no other reason but that I was gay. And yes as a professional I am also the pastor of the longest surviving gay organization in Joplin, Missouri. I love my congregation, my community and wouid do anything for them. Do I respect myself and am I happy with whom I am. Absolutely! Well fantasize this! My friend the massage therapist is a professional caring for her clients, maintaining the highest standards of practice and caring about her community. She respects herselE, knows who she is and is willing :o help anyone, anywhere she is. Does she respect herself and is she happy witl: whom she is, Absolutely! Well fantasize this! My friend who provides for the HIV communiry is a professional :hat ioving cares for and provides for her dien~s, their families and makes every attempt co keep the community safe. Does she respect herself and :s she happy with whom she is? l\bsoluteiv! \X:eil fantasize this! A community . ..continued-pg 15 Page 6 Dear Editor: We received the Ozark's Star today and CONGRATULATIONS on your 1st year anniversary! That is quite an accomplishment and we are very proud of you. Besides writing the travel column for you we have also got ro know you and how truly a nice and generous person you are. We know that only the very best in life will prevail for you. Again, congratulations on your 1st anniversary. We are only glad that in some small way we could have been a part of it. "Love, live, laugh ............. " Donald Pile Ray Williams The Gay Travelers Dear Editor: Congratulations on the 1st anniversary of the Ozarks Star. We here in Northwest Arkansas truly appreciate your publication. You have made a tremendous difference here in our area. Keep up the good work. Kelly Crissman Studio 716 Dear Editor: The owners and staff at REE'S Joplin send our congratulations and appreciations on your first year of publication. The Ozarks Star is truly a community asset. Thank You! Richard, Dave, Terry, Kara, Gabe, Austin, Robby and S.A. REE's Nightciub, Joplin 'Denying these soldiers the right to serve is wrong,' said HRC Political Director Winnie Stachelberg. WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign lauded 12 soldiers and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network who filed suit today for the soldiers' right to be reinstat~d in the U.S. Armed Forces. All were forced to leave t-he service under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which bans service by openly gay, lesbian and bisexual soldiers. "Denying these soldiers the right to serve is wrong," said HRC Political Director Winnie Stachelberg. "All have served during the war on terror. All have had their careers cut short because of a discriminawry policy." Stachelberg continued, "Our nation needs qualified and experienced soldiers. But under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' nearly 10,000 soldiers including docwrs, pilots, linguists and other highly skilled soldiers - have been discharged. We laud these 12 soldiers and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network for bringing this important case forward." The suit, Cook v. Rumsfeld, was filed Dec. 6 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and challenges the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban's constitutionality on privacy, due process, equal protection and free speech grounds. According to SLDN's press release, the plaintiffs together have served more than 65 years in the armed forces, including operations in the Middle East, and have earned more than five dozen awards, medals and commendations. "American soldiers are risking their lives for the freedoms of others while being denied their own," added Stacheiberg. "It's time for every soldier to be treated equally." The Human Rights Campaign is proud to work w°lth SLDN and other groups on behalf of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans in the military. Visit: www.hrc.org. Page 7 OUT ON VACATION "Traveling in the gay friendly world" by Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com "BROADWAY: The Golden Age" There are dozens and dozens of reasons for ,__ _____________ _, traveling. Seeing new sights and sounds of a new area that vou have never been to before is fun but for us one of the finest rewards about traveli~g is meeting new and exciting people. On our recent trip to West Hollywood we stayed at the Secret Garden Bed and Breakfast, www.secrecgardenbnb.com where we always stay. The owner, Raymond Bilbool is a fabulous host and that is why guests return all the time. And because Raymond is so fabulous he gets a very eclectic group of guests that stay with them. \)'./bile there we met Rick McKay, the New York City film maker. His new movie, BROADWAY: The Golden Age recently came out and it is a truly outstanding work of art. It is the most important, ambitious and comprehensive film ever made about America's most celebrated indigenous art form. It is award-winning filmmaker Rick McKay's journey over 4 continents and 5 years to find out whether there had been a golden age of theatre and why it had never been documented. He soon learned that great films can be restored, fine literature can be kept in print but historic Broadway performances of the past are the most endangered. In their own words and not a moment too soon "Broadway: The Golden Age tells the stories of our theatrical legends, how they came to New York, and how they created this legendary century in American theatre. This may be the last chance that these stories may be documented, for unlike film and television, live theatre exists only in the memories of those who were there watching, or more importantly, creating this magic. The movie tells the stories of these legendary stars while illustrating their tales with amazing, rare, archival performance footage and their own home· movies and photos. It is truly unbelievable how Rick McKay got interviews with all of these outstanding talents. A few of rhe many, many theatre entertainers that he interviewed are: Carol Channing, Angela Lansbury, Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Carol Burnett, Julie Harris, Carol Lawrence, Gwen Verdon, Nanette Fabray, Elaine Srritch (who is our favorite), Marian Seldes (another big favorite of·ours), Uta Hagen, Ben Gazzara, Robert Morse, Chita Rivera, Jerry Orbach plus dozens of others. Rick has a very '.!!lcanny ability to bring om the best of these people while he interviewed them and they all teli about their past experiences on the Broadway stage. The movie is completely mesmerizing. The movie has won ciozens of aw:uds induding: Audience Award at the Palm Beach International Film Festival and Best Documentary at the San Diego Film Festival. Some o~ the critical reviews on the moYie are: "An essential record of Broadway history that every theatre-goer MUST see .... " Qeffrey Lyons, NBC), "Do not miss this absolute stunner of a film. TI1ere is magic in it:'' (Pete: Travers - RolJing Stone Magazice), "A rip-roari:1g good time! iike 111 minutes of paradise\" (Robert Osborne-The Hollywood Reporter), "Magic. .. McKay pusned his stars to remember things in astonishing detail. Sandwiched becween archival stills and rare stage footage, these stars reveal themselves, ............ continued page-26 Page 8 Tulsa OkJabomaC THE GAY KINGDOM OF THE CORAL SEA ISLANDS Scattered over some 1 million square kilometres of ocean, the Gay & Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands were declared independent from Australia in 2004. The Patliitnieot of the Gay Kingdom presumes that the Coral Sea Islands are not holdings of the Australian Government or the Commonwealth, as the Islands have never bef().(e been peopled until the gay migration in 2004. The ceding of the holdings of the Coral Sea Islands from the British Crown to the Australian Government and the Commonwealths Coral Sea Islands Act of 1969 is dubious as:'no British or Australian flag bas ever been raised in the territory, nor has there ever: .~en any recording of anyone formally proclaiming the Coral Sea Islands as part ,;,J .the British/ Australian Crown. In fact historically the only flag to ever fly in the tt;m,tory is the gay rainbow flag which was formally raised on Cato Island (the highest;'poilit in the 1 million square km territory) a plaque commemorating this historic ·event reads On the 14th day of June 2004. at this the highest point in the Co . Parker Anderson raised the gay rainbow flag and claimed the .;@laiitls,sof the Co~ Sea in his name as homeland for the gay and lesbian peoples of tlie \v6tld. God Save our King!" C~: The Island of Heaven, formally known as Cato Island, Queensland, Australia. The Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands offers a policy of automatic citizenship to gays and lesbians, similar to Israel's right of return. For more information go to the official website: www.gaykingdom.org. Page 9 LL PAGE COLOR ADVERTISING NO A BLE IN THE CONTACT US: 417·437·2275 OZARKSSTAR@SBCGLOBAL,NET > SE SEEN WITH ,.-JwtE ST~-AR; AD~RTISE W ' ~,... .. .. '' Page 10 Joplin Couple Host Fifth Annual Christmas Open House by Star writer Greg Steele Dec 5th, 2004 ]oplin,MO. Tom Walton and Tim Baker held their 5th open house Christmas . .. .. . .. :;. . . . : Charity for "Aids Project of the Ozark'~!' (M~P>) on Sunday December 5th. A crowd of more that 75 friends, neighbors and family~m~inbers filled Tom and Tim's recently purchased home. Each guest donated riori perishable household items such as laundry soap, bleach, toiletries, dish soap,. paper t0wels and many other daily living essentials. All donations will be distributed to A.PO members who depend .on APO and other organizations to survive. Many memb.ers only source of income ,is Social Security monthly payments and a meager amonnt of food stamps. The state food stamp program allows recipients to purchase only food items, all other items that are necessary to function day to day are out of poclcet expense. . We who think nothing of buying a pack of bar soap don't realize people who p;y rent and utilities. on $600 per month or less go without many of these goods. Tim and Tom work very hard each year on their project, providing food and beverage for the guest .to enjoy this once a year worthy event. Over 100 items were collected this year. A great showing of Christmas Spirit by the Joplin GLBTA .community. It's a party everyone looks forward too each holiday season, a time to see old friends, make new acquaintances and to have a great time. More important to exercise our giving spirit. Congratulations to Tim and Tom on another successfui open house. You are truly appreciated by your community. You may contact "Aids Project of the Ozarks" at 417-624-5788 or Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin at 417-206-6179 to contribute. · Rodney Burgamy 405.840.2106 Joe Brennan www .c21-goldc::astle~mm Page 11 a I t e The Ozarks Star V e 716 w. sycamore Fayetteville, AR 479-571-1300 www.studio716.net OPEN wed-sun 9pm - 2am c I u b WEDNESDAYS: Cruisn' for rhe Hook-up on HUMP-DAYl Happy Hour $5 Beer Bust THURSDAYS: Karaoke rill' 12 then it's the Piastic Thursday Dance Party with DJ "COLT" FRIDAYS: Friday Night get WILD wid: DJ "JUX" & the Best Mix of HipHop, Tech & YOUR requests all night long! SATURDAYS: It's the 716 EXTREME DANCE PARTY with DJ "BRANDON]" SUNDAYS: The Queens of NWA@ 11:30 Every Sunday & DJ "IRISH" Spinning all night long!! Page 12 4815 South Harvard Ave., Suite 424 Tulsa, OK 74135-3068 Phone: (918) 747-5466 Email: KellyKirbyCPA@sbcgiobal.net or. King Size Bads. akrast. Serving the tax and accounting needs of the GLBT Community since 1982 Page 13 1s1as. Gien$t6ne · (417)881-8444 Office Licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.com This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp.-Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax: (636) 938-3539 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com t Page 15 The Ozarli:s Star taking pride in itself, knowing that it can and ·will rise above all things to make this a community that includes everyone, vou see it's not the "straight folk" that ~et us apart. It is our own inability to take pride in ourselves, to respect ourselves and to love ourselves. It is the inability to have enough pride, love and respect to support our own community. It is the inability for G/L/B/T owned or managed businesses to offer support to the community they expect to support them by using their products or services. On a recent trip, I found that the local MCC never has to buy flowers for their Sunday events. The local florist ( of course we know that none of the florist in town are family ) take flowers that they know will not remain fresh enough to sell and make arrangements for the sanctuary for Sunday and then has someone from the church pick them up on Saturday. One of the local motels always discounts the cost of rooms for the church to have guest speakers and performers coming to town. The amazing thing here is that thev are not members of the church but see. the importance of supporting the community. No one has the right to ask you for sexual favors or knock on your door and offer money for sex because they think that is what all of us do. We do not live in a "Queer As Folks" world but in a real world that won't respect us till we respect ourselves. And while we are on it! Taking pride, respect ·and loving ourselves includes supporting our community. I have lived from the tip of Florida to the northern parts of California and have for this magazine to continue it must rely on support from businesses advertising in it. Advertising in the Star does not mean you are gay or lesbian or in distinct variation of the sexual family. Real Estate Agents, Hotels, Accountants, Insurance Agents and others have advertised here and the distribution list has grown to 3,300 with a goal of 5 000 next month but will we still be h~re? If you do have a business and are a member of this community you should be advertising in the Star. There is no reason not to. There is every reason to. Take pride, respect and love in yourself and do the right thing. Till Next Month. G?99unte Steve Urie is the pastor of Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin ,md is ii professional in the health care industry. Dedicatd to helping others and building community pride. Steve can be contacted by email at: steve@ozarksstar.com Quotable Quotes . "Barbra Streisand is not the only 'Babs' to have commanded the attention of gay men. Barbara Bush the Younger, 22-year-old daughter of George W. Bush ... is fast developing a reputation as a 'fag hag' extraordinaire." - The lead on a Nov. 4 article in the New Haven (Conn.) Advocate. never seen a community magazine the quality of the Ozark Star. Our editor is doing a CDoy CO~eOM8 8- t ffiUtgs <:Bouttque wonderful job of putting this magazine out there for you and it is distributed FREE. But 4f7..659-991S ...... , .... ,.-ca...-,s..s 719 NII• --•• & W...'1 L..,_ .ilpli1, MO 64t0t Nu Sins 0,.. J--,, ,,..., 1~#1pm ~t IO#'it>l'II P~ 16 2004's ~xiest Star Scene I Page 18 ceTea.ms Win EUREKA SPRINGS, ARK. - Diversity Pride Events awarded $1000 each to the top three 'GOLDEN OLDIES' dance teams during the annual Fall Diversity Weekend on Saturday, November 6, 2004. Judges chose the best teams in three categories: (MaleFemale) Don McClung and Sandy Miller, (Male-Male) Mark Short & Christopher Jones and (Female-Female) Evelyn Chronister and Trini Kaukver. . The Contest w-as the highlight of the GOLDEN OLDIES Dance that featured music from the 1940's to the present, as spun by DJ Jason Watts. The event was produced to provide a venue. for the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) /PFLAG (Parents, Friends; & Families of Lesbians and Gays) communities, to promote parity for all-gcn~er dancing and to inspire dancers to think 'out of the box' when they dance. "It's a great opportunity to explore fresh new dynamics in couple dancing, says Producer Deborah Rose, "regardless of gender combinations or sexual orientation." For a second and more CONTEMPORARY dance, Diversity Pride Events brought in big city circuit DJ, Lydia Prim, who delighted men and women dancers with her own special blend of tribal, trance and house music. Prim spins at top name events from 'Provincetown's 4th of July, NewYork Pride to Jeffrey Sanker's internationally renowned White Parties in Miami and Palm Springs, and is resident DJ in many famous' clubs all. over the world. Prim expressed her appreciation of the friendliness and generosity of the people of Eureka Springs and the high level of professionalism of the producers and crew. Prim made it clear she wants to perform in Eureka again. Diversity Pride Events will next feature a special Valentine's Dinner and Dance for the GLBT/PFLAG community on Saturday, February 19, 2005. To please dancers of all ages, DJ Jason Watts will play favorite dance hits from the 1940's to 2005, with a little bit of country mixed in! For more details, log on to http:/ /www.diversitypride.com or call 479-253-2555 Based in the heart of the Ozarks, Diversitv Pride Events invites vou to visit our little town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for Fall & Spring Diversity Weekends, romantic Valentines Geciways, special Concerts & other Pride Events. Diversity Pride .Events is committed to producing quality events for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgender (GLBTs) and Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gavs (PFLAGs). . Page 19 Gay Anti-Violence Programs Decry ABC News Segment on Shepard Murder Sa' 20/20 Segments Intent is To M Victim and Cause Pain for mily and Community New York • November 26, 2004 · Responding to the airing of an ABC News 20/20 segment on the murder of Matthew Shepard, representatives of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCA VP) called the segment irresponsible, biased, shameful, and destructive. The gist of the segment, which purports to uncover evidence and details not raised or discussed in the 1999 trial of Aaron McKinney, one of the two men accused of murdering Shepard, is diat the mu:der was not hate-moti,ared, but instead motivated by drug use. "The fact is rhat ciiere 1s nothing significant in che 20/20 progr201 tnat wasn't raised during the trial," s:iid Clarence Plltton, NCA VPs Acting Excn:tive Director. "One has ;:o question th:c motivation of the show's producer~ in no! only attempting :o engage in revisionist h:story, but in doing so at this pcint in time, as our nation's lesbian anci gay community is fighring for its iife to :m extent not seen in years.'~ According to data gathered by NC'\ VP, anti-iesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender violence increased 26% nationaliy at the end of 2003, and has continued to rise throughout 2004. I ",vas in Laramie after i\ifattbe\v~s murder, and at the trial his murderers acknowledged that they killed him because of his sexual orientation, and they in fact offered a homosexual panic defense," said Jeff Montgomery, NCA VPs Board CoChair. The 20/20 segment focus is on the role the methamphetamine "Crystal Meth" played in the behllvior of McKinney and Russell Henderson, Shepard's killers. "That drugs may have played a role in a violent crime and in this murder is not news," said Patton. He continued, "Everyone knows that drugs and alcohol often play a part in hate crimes llnd bias-related incidents, as they do with most forms of violent crime from domestic violence to rape and sexual assault to murder. Drug llnd alcohol use by perpetrators can fuel the intensity of the violence in an any one incident, increase the willingness of perpetrators to act out hateful impulses, or be used as a intentionil motivator to carry out a planned attack." "However, such brutal and severe violence and leaving someone to die tied to a fence is not a marker of drug-fueled violence; it is a marker of hate violence," added Montgomery. "Had 20/20 actually wanted w do a fair and balanced story on this or any other antigay hate murder, they would have reached out to experts on anti-gay hate violence • they didnt; had they wanted to examine the impact or prevalence of drug use in violent crime or hate crimes, they would have reached out to criminlll justice officials or hate vioience victim advocates _.,jth expertise :n those areas they didn't; rod those are oniy two among many factors in determining that the rea: goal of this story wasn't to urrcar:h new informlltion or even report adciitional context, but to malign the vicrim, mortify his family and inflict pain on the larger LGBT community that came to icientify with Matthew, his life, and the fear that we all :ive with as a comm..:nity under attack," conciuded Patton. http:/ /www.ncavp.org. Page 20 Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! January 2005 Hello Kittens-another New Year is here. Out with the old and in with the new, as it were. As a community, Uncle encourages all you young and old queens and twinks alike to make this, year of the queer. Strive for better things while displaying our pride all year long. Uncle has made his new years resolutions while pondering years gone by. i.;._·..:::1.:...c. . _____ __:;=:....i Dear Uncle: I am in a relationship that I do not know how to get out 0£ I have been with her now for six years, and she does not know 1 have fallen out of love with her. She is a fragile person, with a very bad self-image. When I think of telling her I begin to feel guilty and chicken out of telling her, that there is someone else in which my heart truly belongs too. I do not want to lose the friendship, and would never want to hurt her, but I do not know what to do. Any suggestions? Lost interest Dear Lost: Kitten-First you must be true to ypurself, if you ever truly ·wish to love another. In reality the worst drama have been developed by the best of intentions. You arc prolonging the hurt, and increasing the amount she will feel. You are hurting her by staying with her when you know inside that you do not love her. Allow her to find love and yourself. As for the friendship, you better watch your back to begin with and hope once she has calmed down, that she will be able to forgi:ve you. While preparing for the fact, that she may never be able to do so. No matter what the outcome you must be true "'-ith feelings of the heart, or risk dealing with the bitter fruit of false affections. As a lesbian goes, Cncle wouldn't cross one, if they paid me too. Telling someone that you love them no matter who you are, is a bad thing. To tell a lesbian that you love her when you do not, well, that is asking for it. The only one you are truly hurting is yourself, as you will reap what you sew. Right now Lesbians everywhere reading this are thinking to themselves, "It better not be you missy!" Dear Uncle: I am passive person by nature, and therefore in most of my relationships, find myself in the passive role. This is perfectly all right with me, as it makes me happy. My friends though have been riding me telling me I am a big queen. I am so over this in my life, and frustrated with everyone sticking a label on me. I am who I am. flow can I make everybody understand this is reaily who I am and am not trying to be some stereotype? My one friend has a habit of saying look its just Jack, which annoys me to no end. I most times <lo not say anything to him, but I am just on:r everybody acting like there is something wrong with me. · Quite Queenly Dearest Queenly, Oh, gurrl- work it as if you own it. There is nothing wrong with being Flambeyant. Uncle has had to deal with this very issue throughout his life. Some days I am queenly and fabulous and others J am a bit butch. Mind you, Butch for Uncle is getting the nail polish bottle opened. However, be who you are young queen, and allow the light of your soul to shine bright. Allow these others to continue being a negative Nancy. It is so discouraging to hear of Gay men judging another like this. This is what the straight worid does to us, and that is tiresome in itself. However, do nor try to live by labels, and stereotypes . ............. continued nex page Page 21 7 1 6 S MAIN STREET, JOPLIN, MISSOURI (41 7) 627-9035 • J □ PLINIS ALTERNATIVE NIGHTCLUB Remember fairies are what makes the worid bright. Hollywood smooches to you darlingTwo snaps and a wink Uncle encourages even the most of Butch men out there w get in touch with their queenly side. It is that balance which aliows us to be the fabulous people we arc. You never know until you try. \'{'ell, Kitrens, it is almost that time again. Therefore, Uncle wishes you aU a ,cry Happy New year this 2005! Remember Kittens: Holiday cheer rnay con1e once a year, but the happy <jueer comes all year. L'nti! we meet again-Holiday smocchcs from Uncle I\Iikcy and Tiddles !<Vi. Unclemlkey4you@aol.com i)ndc ;\{ikcy i~ ~l ,::ht.r<Kt:,:,; from l1rcd:i;ic;;; "',Yrirt:r ~fo . .:hac! Hinziniln- ;,.fich~d h:..5 been wzitinp; for ten ycazs. Ucifo:int; bis 3-tud;e$, and life expnie11<:i:: to hdp od,~n; in his cnmmuni;;:y~ through humor an<l ~oun<l 21,h-"ice. .:.\lich~,d ~pplied hi~ study of p~ychology and crt~tivt" -..n:iring, ;.~ wcH h1$- c:,:t<'nsivc background in m{;ni1?l he?,ich Din:ct care 10 hr:in~t .:. m.:1.v :•tyk and :--ppro-adl w hdpm.g athcrs, :\lkh.-d'$ other \Vorks cnn be ":icwe.<l M ~liu~(!nlUlL..1:.lli.L. Page 22 Message from Dr. Troy D. Perry Founder and Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches New LGBT Marriage and Partner Victories Around The World! December 9, 2004 Around the world, the cause of LGBT partner and marriage rights is moving forward! LGBT people, along with our friends and families, are celebrating four significant victories this week for same-sex marriage. Look at what has been achieved this week alone: CANADA We actually experienced two ·victories in Canada this week! Canada's Supreme Court has ruled that the federal government can broaden the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples and that it can be applied across the nation. In a related decision, the Court ruf ed that churches and religious officials cannot be forced to perform same-gender marriages against their belief. MCC wholly supports this riiling, believing that all religious groups should have the freedom to practice the tenets of their faith. . At this point, six provinces and one territory have made same-sex marnage legal - and this ruling paves the way for same-sex marriage to be instituted across all of Canada. A final vote in Parliament is set for early next year. Once again, I salute the pioneering work of the Reverend Dr. Brent Hawkes and the congregation of Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. This church, under Rev. Hawkes' leadership, won the first-ever legal case for same-sex marriage in Ontario's Supreme Court, paving the way for nationwide LGBT marriage rights in all of Canada. 1bis week's legal decision opens new possibilities for MCCers as we prepare to gather in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in July 2005 for MCC's General Conference & World Jubilee. Originally, MCC was prepared to exercise our prophetic voice hr carrying our struggle for marriage equality to the holdout province of Alberta; it now appe.ars that same-sex marriage may be fully legal in Alberta by the time our MCC conference begins next year in Calgary! Praise God! NEW ZEALAND 1bis week, New Zealand passed a national law giving LGBT couples the same legal rights as married heterosexual couples. The new Civil Union Bill allows same-sex couples to register their relationships with the government, and grants legal equality. In many places, Civil Union Bills are an important st~p on the way to foil marriage equality. Earlier this year, in my role as Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, I wrote personal letters to every member of the New Zealand Parliament. I asked that they act to protect the legal rights of their same-sex citizens by adopting the proposed Civil Union Bill. I am gratified that those requests have been honored. I want to salute the important and tireless work done by MCC leaders Neil Hellewell and Tony Maskill of All Saints MCC in Christchurch, New Zealand. We owe them a debt of gratitude for the incredible amount of work they put into this effort, along with Rev. Doug McGee and the congregation of MCC Auckland, and Rev. Leigh Neighbor and the members of Ecclesia MCC Manukau. Their hard work will make a real and profound difference in the lives of thousands upon thousands of LGBT New Zealanders, and sets a noble example for countries around the world . ........... continued page 25 Page 23 Creator: Paula Martinac has been writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the co-chair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac Ja.nuary 2005 Blunt-Force Trauma I'm not employed in a factory, office building, or school; to start work every morning, all I do is mosey upstairs to my home office and turn on the computer - an enviable set-up, considering many people's. way-less-than-ideal working conditions. Still, I face a grave occupational hazard, and it's bigger than carpal tunnel syndrome: I ,am a lesbian journalist at a time when the news- from the gay front has been brutally devastating. Indeed, for those of us who work in lesbian and gay media or activism and must read the headlines every day, the onslaught of "toxic news" is one of the perils of our jobs. · · Psychotherapists say that the accumulation of negative everi,ts has a particularly harmful impact on mental health. For example, if you --------------- have one love affair tum sour, it will hurt; but Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called "In Our Own Write." if several relationships tank in a row, that can be injurious to your long-term emotional health. In a similar way, I've been feeling the snowballing effect of a number of terrible gay-related news reports. No, not simply terrible, like the passage of 11 antigay amendments in one day; the reports I'm referring to are more _Twilight Zone_-esque. In fact, three recent stories made me feel like I had entered an alternate reality - or maybe was living in a quasi-fascist state. Not coincidentally, all three of the stories have to do with religion. Story No. 1: "Methodist Jury Convicts Lesbian Minister." Of child abuse? Embezzling church funds? No, Beth Stroud, a United Methodist Church minister, was found "guilty" of living openly in a committed relationship with another woman. Shocking! This decision was handed down by a church whose marketing slogan is, hypocritically, "Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors." Story No. 2: "Gay Civil Unions 'Grave Sign of Dehumanization,' Says Vatican Cardinal." By that statement, Cardinal Lopez Trujillo, one of the Roman Catholic Church's highest-ranking representatives, didn't mean that civil unions "dehumanize" gay couples because they reduce them to second-class status something a civil-rights lawyer might, in fact, argue. He meant that any form of legal recognition of same-sex relationships - even if it isn't called marriage "dehumanizes" heterosexuals by "inventing new, unacceptable notions of marriage," God's plan for the world. (I'm guessing that Trujillo chose the word "dehumanizing" because he sees our next step as trying to marry our pets.) Story No. 3 (and this is the clearest "we live in a fascist state" example): "Two Networks Reject Church Ad as Too 'Controversial."' Because it dishonored Judaism or Islam or some other non-Christian religion? Because it avowed that "God Hates Fags"? No and no again. The advertising message the United Church of Christ (UCC) wanted to offer American television viewers, including lesbian and gay couples, was "You're welcome here." CBS had an eerily _Pravda_-like explanation for its decision not to accept the UCC spot: "The Executive Branch has recently proposed a Constitutional Amendment to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, [so] this spot is unacceptable for broadcast." These stories nir me with unusual force, .......... co:itinued pagc-26 Page24 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo Sao Vicente January 2005 Mischa Barton Meets Bf..l~caccio It's probably just the tbing that Mischa Barton wanted for Chrismukkah: a chance to stretch her acting wings with a movie role that has nothing to do with her media-frenzied life as a star of _The O.C._ And if negotiations continue to go her way, audiences will get a chance to see the teenage actor starring in a new film adaptation of _The Dccamcron_ (the first since legendary gay director Pier Paolo Pasolini's 1971 version). One of the classics of world literatute, Giovanni Boccaccio's story of a group of 10 young Florentines escaping the Black Plague in the 1300s and telling each other 100 stories to pass the time remains as entertaining and bawdy - and often pretty queer - today as it did then. And with nine more young, pretty actors needed to fill in the cast, it could all tum out to be more like a 14th-century _O.C._ than anyone could have imagined. Sarsgaard's Active Duty Good thing military-themed movies aren't playing the "don't ask, don't tell" game, or _Jarhead_, the upcoming Desert Storm drama from director Sam Mendes (_American Beauty_j, would be short a couple of key cast members. The newest recruit to enlist in the cast is Peter Sarsgaard, a young actor whose career so far has been steeped in queer-themed indie films like _Boys Don't Cry_, _Kinsey_ - in which his bisexual character beds both Liam Neeson and Laura Linney - and the upcoming Craig Lucas film, _The Dying Gaul_, in which he plays gay. And Jake Gylleohaal, who just learned what it's like to make out with Heath Ledger onscreen io the upcoming _Brokeback Mountain_, costars. Who says military life and queerness don't mix? Ruffalo Yells for Stella Audiences can't seem to get enough of that troubled gay playwright Tennessee Williams. His plays are constantly in production somewhere, and every actor, male and female, wants a chance to play the roles the man wrote. So it's oo surprise that yet another revival of _A Streetcar Named Desire_ is in the works. This time out, Mark Ruffalo will play the brutish Stanley Kowalski and Natasha Richardson will take on Blanche Dubois. Previews begin in New York in March, running through June 19. And it's all going to 1:llke place at Studio 54, former home of the _Cabaret_ revival, which seems appropriate in some discreetly old-school gay way. From Small Sentence to Big Screen When former _Sex and the City_ writers Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo wrote the sentence, "He's just not that into you," little did they know how it would all tum out. That one line, which became an episode plot and then a bestselling tongue-in-cheek dating guide titled, yes, _He's Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys_, is now on its way to the big screen. New Line can take the credit for seeing the box-office potentiai in this comic premise, and the · authors were forward-thinking enough to develop a plot line for a film before selling the book rights, one in which a female talk-show host becomes "sort of' involved with a man who guests on her show. No cast is set yet, but any number of fresh-faced Hollywood ladies would shine in something like this. Romeo thinks the easily typecastable Kate Hudson could use a hit right about now. Just a thought. ------ Page 25 Rev. Troy Perry from page-22 SOUTH AFRICA A South African court has ruled this week that same sex marriages must be recognized in the same way as heterosexual marriages, under the nation's constitution. South Africa, as you may know, was the first nation in the world to provide legal p):otections for gays and lesbians in its country's constitutio.n. ~'J:,ile the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of LGBT equality, the Parliament of South African must now act to reform the nation's Marriage Act to include same-sex couples. I thank God for the many South African MCCers who continue to do important work on behalf of social justice as an expression of their Christian faith. In many ways, South Africa is a beacon for all of us. ISRAEL And our LGBT brothers and sisters in Israel have achieved another victory for etjuality and justice as a district court has ruled that same-sex couples must have the same rights as common law couples when it comes to matters of property, taxation and inheritance. Israel's attorney general, Menachem Mazuz, will not appeal the ruling. Th.is is another significant ruling that moves our community closer to equality under the law. According to this decision, same-sex partners will be recognized in matters of taxation and real estate, and will also be able to transfer gifts between themselves without paying taxes. The prayers of the ancient prophet who prayed that "justice might roll down as waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream"' are being answered in this birthplace of our faith. IN CONCLUSION While much of the media have focused on the recent election losses in the United States, we must look at the bigger picture. Around the globe, many nations are advancing the cause of equality for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons. With all the talk today about moral values in the aftermath of the U.S. elections, the reality is that the most noble moral values of tolerance, acceptance, etJUality and justice are being advanced in many places around the globe. My own country of the United States must learn from the example of other countries where equality is being achieved for LGBT people. I have. said many times that the struggle of social justice work is that of many steps forward, and some steps backward. This is the journey towards equality. I take heart this week that our brothers and sisters .around the globe are making giaht strides for us to follow. During. this season of hope, we are heartened by these international advances, and reaffirm our faithful work and prayers on. behalf of peace and justice in all places. FREE HIV TESTING,NO NEEDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which docs not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidcntiaiity. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "&roing A Healthier Community" Page 26 Gay Travelers from page 7 their art and their lives, all with so much love and appreciation that, for a while you wish you could have been a part of something as bonding, fulfilling and special· as Broadway's theater community ..... Broadway: The Golden Age finally evolves into an indispensable history of the hopes, fears, trials, defeats and victories of those brave enough to step into the limelight of a Broadway stage and make it their home." (Dano Gire, Chicago Daily Herald). Rex Reed wrote "riveting, Heart-skipping, exhilarating.. the most enchanting movie I have seen this year" and Leonard Maltin wrote "you must see the wonderful film ... The result is almost indescribably powerful and moving". And to add to what these critics have already said, we urge all of our readers to purchase this movie on DVD. It will be something that you will cherish for years to come. • We have seen the movie 4 times and can't wait to see it again and again. Anyone and everyone who is into Broadway simply MUST see this movie. And it is now out on DVD. The movie is great however the DVD is even better since there are several hours more in the Director's Commentary, deleted scenes and a sneak preview of his next movie, BROADWAY: The Next Generation. The movie is playing all over the United States so be sure and check your local theatre listings to find it. And by going to: www.broadwaythemovie.com you can read more about the movie and Rick McKay. You can also purchase a copy of the DVD by going to that website. · Besides Rick McKay being a brilliant filmmaker he is also a wonderful person who is witty, charming, intelligent and extremely fun and fuonv to be around. So, when you are traveling talk to everybody as you never know just who you might meet. For any questions about traveling in the gay friendly world, email Donald and Ray at gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their web page at: www .hometown.aol.com/ gaytravelers Lesbian Notions from pg-23 because as a queer editor and writer I have tried not to trample on people's religious beliefs, especially those chat diverge sharply from my own. Indeed, I have written that I think our community has failed to respect the strong religious ideas many people of faith hold about the "sanctity" of marriage, and that has subsequently hindered our struggle for equality. Now here come three reports that clearly illustrate the difficulty of addressing people's religious beliefs headon, given entrenched, institutionalized homophobia. Io the first two stories, prominent religious institutions chose to debase gay people by equating our relationships with crimes - either against selectively applied church law, or (as in Trujillo's case) against nature itself. If that's not "spiritual violence" - as the Rev. Mel White's Soulforce calls "the misuse of religion to sanction the condemnation and rejection of any of God's children" I don't know what is. The third story, though, is the real eye-opener. In that instance, when a religious sect sought to interpret Christ's teachings with the simple, all-embracing message of "You're welcome here," corporate America put a lid on the attempt, deciding that the message was just too contentious. (Read: Our . president, who was helped into power by right-wing, aotigay fundamentalists, wouldn't like it.) This is a good example of what screenwriting guru Robert McKee calls "the negation of the negation" - when someone sees injustice and tries to right it, only to· discover to his or her horror that the powers-that-be are themselves corrupt. I'm not sure how to deflect the devastating blows that this kind of news delivers, although getting angry is probably a pretty good start. Remember that popular saying, "Don't mourn, organize"? I, for one, will keep climbing to my third-story office and writing, and my readers, hopefully, will find themselves with no choice but to act. _Paula Martinac is a Lambcia Literary Awardwinning author of eight books and editor in chief of Q Syndicate. She can be reached care of this publication or at LesbianNotions@qsyndicate.com_. Page27 Seo by Jack Fertig January 2005 es "Bring rubber gloves, Virgo!" Mars in Sagittarius square to Uranus in Pisces makes for an explosive New Year's Eve! Anything can happen, from kissing Ms. or 1'.fr. Right, to traffic disasters. Keep a dear head and your eyes forward! ARIES (March 21 to April 20): Gathering all your "friends with benefits" to "wring in the nude" may be illegal in certain U.S. states and Tasmania, but Murphy's Law is more relevant. However you celebrate, make sure to play with clear heads and clean latex! TAURUS (April 21 to Mii.y 20): Career goals are kind of fi.\zzy these days, and "helpful" suggestions from your partner or colleagues aren't helping - in fact, too iμany suggestions can be dizzying. Better they · should lend an ear while you talk through it. GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Be careful whom you kiss at midnight! Whatever's going around has your name on it. Pressure at work can also undermine your health. Stress and snafus feed inro each other. Stop, meditate, and then return to work calm and effident. CANCER 0une 22 to July 22): Sexual adventure is way too tempting. Adventure is good, but for heaven's sake, be careful! Anything could go wrong now, from sprained backs to torn latex to ... well, anything! Be as creative and thoughtful about safety as you are about sex. LEO 0uly 23 to August 22): Host a party only if you can dean up in a hazmat suit - and if you know where to hide the bodies! A wild ceiebrarion for two at home is great. If you want to socialize more than that, go out. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): No, darling, you can only make New Year's resolutions for yourself! I know you want to be hdpful, but most people find such suggestions insulting. If a Leo invites you to a party, bring rubber gioves. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): This is an expensive season, and some holiday surprises are likely to hit your wallet pretty rudely. Resolving to economize is good, of course, but some of your ideas on how to do that may be unrealistic. Think it through! SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): Be very selective about your guests now. Domestic disturbances - or plumbing disasters - are brewing. Extra company will only make things tougher. Also, pay attention to your own role in fixing things. Your efforts can too easily backfire. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Everybody has doubts, disappointments, and worries this time of year; some are just better at covering them up. Yours come tumbling out all too easily. Focus on spiritual gifts as they occur. The rest doesn't really matter. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): Working the social scene is carrying some extra expenses. Brace yourself for "sticker shock." Make innovative use of your resources, but don't go too far out on a limb! You can save a bundle and impress others with your brilliance of economy. AQUARIUS 0anuary 20 to February 18): Whatever goes wrong, you're sure to be blamed for it. You're used to that, but now it offers a bit of freedom. Trust your instincts for inspiration to stir things up, and trust in your own audacity to avoid the worst of it. PISCES (February 19 to March 19): Your emotional roller coaster gets a few extra dips and twists now. A vacation is a tempting escape, but travel at this time is fraught with rude surprises. Religious or spirituai exploration offers more surprises, but of a gentler and more reveiatory nature. Jack Fertig has been working as a professional astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Networking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864- 8302, through his website ai hup:l lwww.stJlrjack.com Page 28 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Lodging- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. S::camore- - 479-571-130 Ron's Place- 523 W. Poplar- - - 479-442-3052 Wild-On - - -3570 \'C 6th- - . 479-521-9453 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 l /2 Garrison Ave- -479-783-9988 Club 1022 -1022Dodson;\ve. - -479-782-1843 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Club One Eleven- - 111 Garden St- - - - -620-4111 Our House Lounge 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Smet -1021 Jessie Rd- --501-664-2744 Discovery- - • - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - 501-666-6900 The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- -501-372-3070 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - - - 716 S. Main - - - - - - -417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies ----- 3715i\fainSt - 816-561-2600 Belle Star's- - 1321 Grand Ave- -816-421-1288 DB Warehouse- -- 1915 Main StM: issie B's- - -805 W. 39th St- - Sidestreet Bar -413 E. 3rd- - - - Sidekicks Saloon • 3707 Main St- -8 1 6-471-1575 816-561-0625 816-531-1775 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Springfield ( 417) The Edge- -424 Boonviiie Ave- - - --41 '-831-4700 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Oiive -417-864-4572 Oz Bar• 504 E. 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Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMc MO Pride - - - - - - - - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- ~ -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Cathedral of Hope- 600 NW 13th St- 232-HOPE The Center- - 2135 NW 39th St. - 405-524-6000 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 TO!-IR- - - - :?O Bo,: 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 GLBT Co:nm. Ctr- -5545 E. 4'.st- - - 9:8-743-4297 I l i I .l I I I Page 29 The Ozarks Star -Business ServicesMissouri, Eureka Shelter Imurance• -·Greg Tainter- - 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) Body Swim Massage Therapy- -417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-- -434-0077 RE/MAX - -Cathe Letts- - - - - - 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangeline Rd- - - - 417-623-1007 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consult,- - 417-673-1181 Missouri, Springfield ( 417) Priscilla's - - - - 1918 S. Glenstone - -417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 - -4301 NW 63rd #100 - 405- 840-2106 Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 lngrids Kitchen- -3701 N. Youngs- -405-946-8444 Jungle Reds 2200 NW Expwy- 405-524-5733 Piece To Remember-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harvard - 918-747-5466 Underguy.com - -825 E. 3rd- 877-7-BOXERS Priscilla's 7925 E. 41st -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - - - 5634 W. Skelly - - - --918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - -11344 E. 11th - - - -- 918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - 2333 E. 71st - - - - -- 918-499-1661 Quotable Quotes "The American government didn't do anything [about AIDS in the 1980s]. If it's gay people, let them fucking die .... Why wasn't I out marching? What kind of person was I then? .. It just fills me with despair. I'm ashamed I did nothing during that period." - Elton John to London's Time Out, Nov. 17. ... BOT BEFOaE I GO, l'D JOST LIKE TO MEN"TION THAT, FOR THE LIFE or: ME, l CANNOi UNDERSTAND WHY CONGRESS HASN'T TRIED TO CRIMINALIZE UNMARRIED «J>ARENTS11AS .. ORRf®IRE IN EX-GAY WAR ON CANADA.,, . ...,,, __ Page 30 Place your classified ad here for only $6.00 for the first 15 words, and only 25 cents for each additional word ........ . Advertising Representative's Part Time: For Kansas City, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Arkansas, Wichita Kansas and Joplin. Commission based compensation. Work in the LGBTA business community. Mail qualifications to: Oz~rks Star 2401 E. 32nd St., Suite 10-243 Joplin, MO 64804. Carl Junction, Missouri Nearly new 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in golf community. Open floor plan, whirlpool tub, deck, and maintenance free exterior are just a few of the virtues that will make this the perfect house to begin the new year in. Medium Priced. Call Vicki Bronson, Charles Burt Realtors 800-782-7822 or 41 ?-434-0077 Joplin MO64804 800-782-7822 www.vickibronson.com 1, IntemetWehsil<S ·I The Ozarks Star On-Line. Check out our website for Daiiy breaking GLBT news. www.ozarksstar.com ~;;~\RoomMateW~ . ... j Need A House Mate: Advertise here for only $6.00 first 15 words, 25 cents for each additional word. I Page 31 Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials Open 11 am Daily Happy Ho.ur 3-6 & 9-clos~ Bud Ught I Miehe/ob Ultra Draws $1.75-16oz. $2.25-23oz Best Damn Prime Rib in OKC 2 Nighf,S,,rn:ial $60 .$38 Holidays and Special Events Excluded MonthlY, Mtwe in Specials Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Ozark Star Magazine, January 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 1 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Ozark Star’s first issue began in August of 2004. Before this Issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) then follows The Star (2005) and The Metro Star (2008) This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 1, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Lady Bunny Paula Martinec Romeo San Vincente Steve T. Urie Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig 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 Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Southeast Kansas the United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozark Star Magazine, December 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/142 The Star, February 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/178 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/143 Christmas Open House Deep Inside Hollywood Dr Fall Diversity Weekend gay anti-violence programs Lesbian Notions partner and marriage rights Perry Qscopes Quotable Quotes The Star Scene travel Troy D Uncle Mikey violence https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/d88704d0f6421038bd2d1da8d7dc36c3.png b45100834d689cbe8b063f6473655b90 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/94acf5c551f3772fd7d06d39e3933ee9.pdf 095bbbd4cea0865fd77a4f355ce6fb1c PDF Text Text �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document "' I t e 716 W. Sycamore St., Fayetteville, AR. (479) 571-1300 I• t C www.studio716.net Door~s C)pen at 8pn1 Pageant Begins at 9p1n Daily Specials & Events - Drag Shows Every Sunday-Members Free- Guest $5 Volume 1 Issue IO Page2 October I, 2004 ~Q ,f, /;--:_ \ ' ·.'• .. , j '.. I 18th ~GRA ~~~;:Rodeo October 14-1 7, 2004 Omaha, Nebiaska ( 402) 203-4680 www. hgra. net www. ig~c. com Ha and Gay lodeo Association The Ozarks Star Page 3 October 1, 2004 Davy u a •• This is where they all get started 1109 E. Conunereial Street Springfield, Mo. 65803 417-873-2225 HearTheRumors.eom n field's Diversit Club Res ect Diversi Eve bod Welcome We catering to the GLBT and Gay Friendly Community Open Mon-Sat 5 pm tol:30 am Happy Hour 5-Spm CHEAP DRINKS! T'ues-Pool Tournaments Thurs.- Karaoke Fri. and Sat.-All Night Dance Party! No_v~rflBet2,0°~po4 the most 1mpqrtant~el~c::tion day m our history. It is essential that we and our allies all vote for fairness and eguality. With the ele~tion. orily days away, most of the LGBT community seem to be unexcited. Their main goal it appears, is to defe~t Bush. r Republican candidates. Iagre ·/Edwards ticket is . .. give the LGBT thope for success in The follqwing:i/a .qiioJ~,from David Shribrilan's Op /Ed a'.'tticle Sept. 12th His topic was on how overzealous Bush opponents cqajd ~wing the vote toward the Republican side. , ·.· : "By far the griafer 'litn e#kon the De:rzocrats' side. ugh. the campaigns are WO t soccer moms and Nascar dads afi{i't/,:e/Giith.olic vote and theptay'erfal vote;itHe -~tw 'gro~:of Bush haters -:-' a ~r:etiqie <:oalitio,:,i ojz't}:Jj! 'f!)illful · · - could emerge as liti importit_ntfai:tor in the November balloting." · ; "1bese voters could swing the election by what they ~o an~ by what they don't do. If they remain an important presence in the streets - appearing as protesters at the president's rallies; conducting marches down city streets with flag-draped Continued-see editor page 10 Page 5 October 1, 2004 A call for better behavior ... improved responsibility ... a level of understanding and commitment to what is right. We are in a struggle like none we have seen before and the drastic behaviors we are seeing only accent the overwhelming lack of trust and understanding within us. My neighbor and I jokingly joust with one another over the upcoming election for a new president, both of us seeing the possibilities of a new future in different ideologies. But we are able to tease, joust and kid each other about our differences. We both have our candidates yard signs in place ... mine quite simply is one sign for Kerry. Hers started with two signs for Bush and an American flag. How sad and what a commentary on the state of things when I suddenly noticed she now has eight Bush signs hi her yard. Not unusual for a hard core activ-.ist attitude but what caused this sudden rage that resulted in no more kidding, no more teasing, no more friendly jousting 'with each other. She and her family woke the other morning to find that the original signs had been burned as well the American flag flying with them. When she told me what had happened, I was stunned. This behavior is not acceptable and should not have happened but who set the stage. We had one convention where ideals were presented and everyone cheered. . On the other side of the coin we had one convention where ideals were presented and on almost every occasion everyone booed. Yes they set the example but it is our responsibility to choose the example we will follow. Politics and religion are topics that most families and friends do not discuss because of the total blaze they can ignite. There has been an on-going campaign challenging both sides of the political machine of this country ... remember we are not a democracy but a republic. We choose who we want to represent us and trust them to act in our best interest. We have an opportunity to voice our opinions, wave our banners and vote. That is the way to behave, not burning signs and flags which others have an equal right to use as their freedom of speech. Equally we have an ongoing debate in our local paper which will always take an opportunity to create hostility if given half a chance. Opposing points of view can clearly be voiced without challenging the integrity of the other party. Are Christians really attacking other Christians? Christian means being "Christ like" and my only question for all of you in our community as well as the straight community doing this is: What part of being "Christ like" did you miss out on? I will not attack anyone's belief structure or challenge whether they are or are not Christians. I only ask that you think about the debate and what does it resolve. W'hat happens to our witness when non-Christians read our rhetoric and perceive it has hatred. We need to look deeply at where we are, look at what separates the issues and challenge the civcil issues where they need to be and that's is not in our churches. Too many wars have been fought with both sides claiming God on their side mixing the humanistic fallacies with our relationship with our Lord. continued page-26 \ Volume l .lssue.10 EvangelistJinuny Swaggart Threatens To Kill Gays National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Responds Statement by Matt Foreman,NGLTF Executive Director: "The leaders of major organizations heading the campaign to deny same sex couples equal marriage rights frequently say that they do not hate gay people and that they respect us as human beings. Just last night in a national simulcast to oppose same sex marriage, for example, Focus on the Family President Dr. James Dobson said, "I'm not here to cast aspersions on homosexuals P/.. 2_ they need our acceptance and respect ... We are not hateful people." The Task Force calls upon the leaders of last night's simulcast - Dr. James Dobson (Focus on the Family), Tony Perkins (Family Research Council), Ted Haggard (National Association of Evangelicals), Richard Land (Director of the Religious Liberties and Ethics Division of the Southern Baptist Convention) -: to immediately denounce anti7gay ~olence and specifically repudiate evangelist Jimmy Swaggert's statement, "I've never seen a man in my life I wanted to marry. And I'm gonna be blunt and plain: if one ever looks at me like that, I'm gonna kill him and tell God he died." All lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and all people of good will be listening." Read more on Sw;tggart's statement here: www.365gay.com/ newscon04 /09 / 092004swaggarthtm Page7 Photo by: Ray Williams October 1, 2004 OUT ON VAl.ATION "Traveling in the gay friendly world" by Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com Oklahoma City, Oklahoma In our travels to both the East coast and the West coast everyone always asks the same question to us. Where to party in the Midwest? We always tell them one of the best places to party in the Midwest is Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City???? Yep, Oklahoma City is the major gay capital of the Midwest. Hard to believe? Well perhaps, however unless you have been there you certainly will not believe that in the Bible belt of Oklahoma is this fabulous gay mecca. We have been going to Oklahoma City to party for over 20 years. The HABANA INN resort there has been a gay resort for over 20 years. It is the Midwest's largest all gay resort. It is a two story complex with over 175 rooms, most of which face one of the two swimming pools. The rooms are spacious and extremely inexpensive. Their rates begin at just $37 .95 per room. It is a totally gay resort. Lush tropical plants and trees surround the pool areas. Gays from all over the midwest have been going there for years. And it is busy 7 days a week, not just on weekends. Lounge around the pool area and you are sure to meet that "someone special". Within the resort complex they have a wonderful restaurant "Gushers" which has a great ambiance and serves delicious food. Prices are inexpensive. We were just there last month and had fresh fried shrimp for only $10.95 and a Rib Eye for only $14.95. And all entrees comes with potato, salad and bread. The restaurant overlooks one of the pool areas so you can enjoy the boys frolicking in the pool as you are dining. They also offer sandwiches, soups, salads, pastas and appetizers. And a breakfast menu is available on weekends. · · There are three bars in the Habana Inn complex which are completely different. COPA's is a dance, disco and drag bar. Weekly they have strip shows, drag shows and comedy shows. FINISH LINE is a country/western bar with plenty of country dancing. This is the place to see the real cowboys in action. THE LEDO is a quiet piano bar. All of the bartenders are super friendly and they all know how to make out oftowners feel right at home. The owner of the bars and resturant is to be commended for his outstanding job of always having "theme" nights and specials. The nights we were there, Long neck bottle beer was two for one. When so many bar owners just sit back and. wait for customers to come in, this owner attracts customers by having specials, etc. Why can't all bar owners do things like this. Also in the resort is JUNGLE RED, an adult gift shop with magazines, videos, cards, gifts, leather, pride items plus a lot of decorative items for the home ... continued page - 26 Volume l Issue 10 Oetober 1, 2004 ~ The Oz,rrks Sta; Page 9 Oetobec I, 2004 ---A-d-ve-rt1-·sm-e-nt--------------------.~---,======================~- I ! Pine, Tulsa, 836-8700 Isa.com Wrangler's Corn in ..... Octobe Bi Volume I Issue I 0 Page 10 October 1, 2004 Arkansas Marriage Amendment Will be on the November 2, 2004 ballot This citizen-initiated measure to amend the constitution needed 80,570 signatures by July 2, 2004 to be placed on the 2004 ballot. Approximately 200,693 signatures were turned in on July 1, 2004. The Secretary of State certified the signatures on July 23, 2004. The measure would amend the state constitution to r~ad, "Marriage consists only of the union of one man and one woman. Legal status for unmarried persons which is identical or substantially similar to marital status shall not be valid or recognized in Arkansas, except that the legislature may recognize a common law marriage from another state between a man and a woman. The legislature has the power to determine Advertisement editor from page-4 coffins meant to symbolize needless war casualties - they could play directly into Republican hands. They would allow the president to portray his opponents as unpatriotic elitists unwilling to support American men and women in uniform in war zones." LGBT Political Power is strong and can be a major force in the struggle for equality. First we must work hard to elect those candidates who are our allies. The Log Cabin Republicans' decision to withhold its endorsement from President Bush, the chief advocate of the discriminatory Federal Marriage Amendment, is a bold and welcome decision. This is an unprecedented statement against discrimination, an example of LGBT Political Power in action. VOTE November 2, 2004 for our Allies! the capacity of persons to marry, subject to this amendment, and the legal rights, obligations, privileges, and immunities of marriage." cactus Canyon Campground And Resort This measure will be on the November 2, 2004 ballot. The issue of same sex marriage will be on the ballot in ten and possibly eleven states on November 2. In addition to Kentucky and Oregon, the states include Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah and the key battleground states of Michigan and Ohio. Many believe the issue is being used to energize the far right and evangelical vote to help conservative and Republican candidates, including President Bush. For Men In The Ozarks ihe L.argu,t Men', C.ampground in the U'i'>i>- Full RV Hookup's, Tent Sites, Cabins, Lodge Rooms, Hot Tub/ sauna, Pool, Cafe, Theme Weekends, Convenience Store, Clothing Optional. Call 417-683-9199 or visit our website www.cactuscanyoncampground.com The Ozarks Star Page 11 Q\(\ahoma' s C.o"'bo1 C.roone.r Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald by st.a.If writer Greg Steele: On April 16, 1979 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Matthew was born to Reverends Jerrell and Sherry Heath. Matthew ;,vas raised in various small towns across Oklahoma, moving often due to his parents role in the United Methodist Church. He dreamed of a vocalist career all the way, learning to sing along side his parents at church functions and small events wherever they were living. Matthew considers himself a performer not a karaoke singer. A popular attraction in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa clubs, Matthew travels the co~ntry performing. He recently performed with Brian Black (brother of country legend Clint Black) in his opening act for the Cow Town Rodeo in Ft. Worth, Texas. He is a regular at Club Rox and Boom Boom Room in Oklahoma City. In Tulsa you can catch Matthew's show at Club Maverick, PlayMore Club and Renegades. It was in 1999 a turning point occurred for Matthew. He met what would become not only his manager and best friend, but the man he knew he'd spend the rest of his life October 1, 2004 with,Jason. After a few brief dates, and a long distance relationship, Matthew proposed to Jason in February of 2000. It was later in the vear 2000, he was asked to record backgro~nd vocals for a Oklahoma area cabaret artist, Tabitha Taylor, which consisted of mainly lounge music. The work he did on the album brought him more recognition and he was asked to perform in dubs around Oklahoma. In March of 2002 Matthew independently recorded his debut album in Branson, Missouri. In April the album "l\1Y LOVE" was released. Available at any Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald performance, various small shops in Oklahoma City & Tulsa, and on the internet, "My Love" has proved to sell very well and has boosted his listening audience. In May 2002 Houston, Texas radio station KPFT FM played the title cut of the album on air, and reported to have very good response. Matthew's second album, a live recording in Tulsa, Oklahoma Oune 2003) was released in October of 2003. Matthew's Live album was greeted with much responce and opened the door for many more bookings at clubs and rodeos around the country. Matthew quickly became a favorite at clubs in Oklahoma like The PlayMor in Tulsa and The Copa in Oklahoma City and on the evening of March 5th 2004, Matthew's "Neon Rainbow" was released at his. performance with Brian Black. "Neon Rainbow" has quickly become Matthew's best selling album to date. Matthew is just another example of the undiscovered talent in the 4 states region. The Ozarks Star is proud to feature this talented young man from Oklahoma, working hard to make his community proud. He resides with his partner Jason in Krebs, Oklahoma. For booking information and more on Matthew's show schedule, visit his website at www.heathfitzgerald.com Volume l Issue 10 Page 12 October 1, 2004 Kerry-Edwards Ticket - The ost ay S portive in American History VOTE FOR YOUR LIFE NOVEMBER 2, 2004 The Ozarks Star Page 13 October 1, 2004 Volume 1 Issue l 0 Page 14 October 1, 2004 This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp.-Home-Auto-Fann-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax: (636) 938-3539 Riderless Horse HonorsMGRA Director. Kansas City Sept 5, 2004 by Star writer Greg Steele The crowded Wyandotte County Fairgrounds Stadium went silent as the lone horse entered the arena. A wreath of red roses draped the ,._ __________________ __, shining saddle. The inverted boots in the stirrups showed that the rider had passed from this horse. The horse was in it's Sunday Best, feet polished and adorned with a red ribbon. The red ribbon representing honor for all who are no longer with us. As the audience stood, you could see tears streaming down faces. i\11 were aware of who the ceremony was hon,oring. Bobbie St.Jeor, the Show Me State Rodeo director of 11 years had tragically been taken in a traffic accident on July 2, 2004. Bobbie had served as Director for 11 of 12 rodeos MGRA had produced. At 67, Bobbie's tireless energy had lead the MGRA to what was one of their best rodeo's ever. When it came to MGRA, Bobbie expected the membership to abide by the bylaws and do their job. In her honor MGR.A selected Bobbie's longtime partner, Judy Holt as the 2004 Grand Marshal. Bobbie St.Jeor, Director The Ozarks Star Page- 15 October 1, 2004 Volume 1 Issue 10 Page- 16 October 1, 2004 MG - Show-Me-State Rodeo e. Dust ~e.tt\e.s.ee'' Photography by Chaz September 5, 2004 by Star writer Greg Steele } Kansas City ... Since October of 1976, the first Gay Rodeo in Reno, Nevada, 24 Gay Rodeo Associations have sprung up across the United States and Canada and comprise the International Gay Rodeo Association, IGRA. Gay Rodeo's are held through out the year with a National Final's to buckle and crown the season. Men and Women from across the US and Canada compete for points to have the honor of an invitation to the National Finals. Out of hundreds who compete, only the top 20 point winner's from each competition category will be invited. It's a rough ridden, steer bustin, serious event each year for these dedicated gay men and women who compete in rodeo competition. ,.__ ____________ ___, But "After '.fhe Dust Settles •... Legends Are Born & Champions Are Crowned" The Gay Rodeo has become an important part of our community. Those who organize and stage the events year after year work night and day to bring you the best show possible and the Missouri Gay Rodeo Association MGRA, showed there stuff in Kansas City this year with a grand rodeo, a hell of a good time and great entertainment. Steve Hammond Wild Oats Records recording artist. The Ozarks Star Page- 17 The 2004 season ends in Omaha with the Heartland Gay Rodeo Association, HGRA and the IGRA National Final's October 14-17, 2004 in Omaha Nebraska. This will be the grand finally to a big year for IGRA. Fan's from across the US, Canada and far away places will converge on Omaha. It's the big event of the year for contestants and rodeo October 1, 2004 follower's. The Rodeo Groupies come incampers, motor homes, limo's, buses and some just ride their broncos. They come to party hard , enjoy the entertainment and the thrill of the action. If you have never been to a IGRA rodeo, you've missed a good dose of our western heritage. So, saddle up guys and gals, get on out to see some real cowboys & cowgiris. Volume 1 Issue I 0 Ken Pool, Mr. Colorado Gay Rodeo Association, CGRA 2004 October 1, 2004 Top Left to Right Jack Truman-candidate Mr. '1GRA 2005,Judy Holt Grand Marshal 2004 Miss Mae- Miss MGRA 2004 & candidate for Tvliss IGRA 2005, Mandy Barbarell - Miss IGRA 2004 & Miss MGRA- 2003. Volume 1 Issue 10 Page 20 October 1, 2004 Town dbi by Randy Vineyard Introducing "T-T own Tidbits" by Star writer Randy Vineyard. Randy lives in Tulsa and will be covering the Star Scene in and around the T-Town area. Randy has lived in Tulsa since the age of two and wouldn't consider living anywhere else and loves Tulsa's GLBT community. Community Support & Loyalty! On Halloween I v.,-ill celebrate 29 years of entertaining. Along with me are, Anita Richards - 25 yrs, Courtney Farrell - 20 yrs, and Mr Robbie Walker 19 yrs. On my own wonderful journey I have made a life time of friends and have lost many to AIDS as have all of us. I have been very honored to hold 11 titles, two of which were the Oklahoma America and Oklahoma USo£A titles. I was also fortunate to represent you at 5 national competitions. During my career it has been a blessing to have performed over 3600 shows, 1000 of which were benefits. The last 8 years have not been easy, but there must be a reason from ONE greater than my myself. My heart revolves around tl1is community and it's fabulous people. You have in all reality, kept me alive. Entertaining you has given me life and a reason to keep going, you have smiled, laughed, and cried with me, and along the way enjoyed life. I thank you with all my heart and soul for sharing all these wonderful years of life with me. With the entertainment and benefit fall season upon us and the time we all get into that giving spirit. I want to address a problem I see here in our community. There are nearly 70,000 GLBT people in our area. If we all stood together and gave $10.00 a month we could raise $700,000.00 a year for our friends in need. We have hundreds of people within the Tulsa area who have problems paying for food, and medications due mainly to HIV/ AIDS related illnesses. HOPE, Tulsa Cares, St Jerome, RAIN, Our House Too, all have facilities and outreach programs to help. They are in constant need of volunteers and financial support. Many people rely on these places for survival.· · At the moment every GAY owned dub in Tulsa is doing something to help our community and keep it strong. We as a GLBT voice and strength need to stick together and support OUR businesses and those non-gay owned business who support us. We have 7 clubs in Tulsa that have been GAY for between 5 to 41 years. The names and o:-;vners have changed many times, but they are still GAY, and proud of it! .... continued n,-25 t l The Ozarks Star Page 21 HRC Endorses Nancy Farmer Missouri Democrat Running for US Senate in Missouri, from Human Rights Commission. A dedicated ally: Farmer became the first woman Missouri state treasurer in 2000, after having served eight years as a state representative. Prior to holding elective office, Farmer was executive director of a neighborhood housing and neighborhood nonprofit organization. Farmer supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and ilie Earlv Treatment for HIV Act. She firmly opp~ses efforts to write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution, such as the Federal Marriage Amendment. A word on her opponent: Christopher "Kit" Bond (R) has held this seat since 1987. He scored a 17% rating on the last HRC Congressional Scorecard. He opposes both the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Hate Crimes Prevention Act and has voted against both bills in ilie past. He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment, an attempt to write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution. The race: As a longtime incumbent, Bond has the upper hand in the race, but polls show that Farmer is closing the gap between them. Farmer has mounted a serious challenge and needs as much support as she can get in order to pull out a vict~rv. Visit: www.hrc.org/candidates October 1, 2004 Democratic hopefol!Jim Newberry on GAY MARRIAGE: "Business partnerships between partners who happen to be gay have always been legally recognized. Legal recognition of civil unions would be essentially the same thing. Marriage, on the other hand, is a religious, or moral concept for many of us. Its meaning therefore should be determined locally, rather than nationally." www.newberryforcongress.com MARY KA~ the kla st s? Thao kx:k to t,/ay Kay. You'I lin~ the- l0il!!Bt .on-trend color! co::tdltdad for you with eos,.-to~ tip&. Ask M& how 'fOU oon 113t the hott9$t loob of lfKi ·~·• . . .... J I ~ --- Cll1CJ (:I~ ~ in ~,-e. Joan Szymanski lnde~enl Bi!iotlty u.'!~I 417-673-1181 .-.n,.muylr:ay.com/llZ}'!D8Dlld1 Volume 1 Issue 10 Phone<: (4'17} 623-.. -007 Fax; (--4 .. 7) 623-"1'1159 en.a•~ c,nuiO!S!S40oopymax.QOm Advertisment Prints and Copies Binding Lamina.Ong Faxing Busin-a C&rd& The Ozarks Star Creator: Paula Martinac has been writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the cochair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called "In Our Own \Vrite." Page 23 October 1, 2004 Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac October, 2004 Elect To Get Involved In response to the presidential-election debacle of 2000, in which both parties reported voting irregularities in a number of key states, a group of concerned Americans created a national, nonpartisan voting-rights project called Election Protection 2004. The general election is fast approaching, but there's still time for gay people to join in this volunteer effort to safeguard the foundation of our democracy - the right to vote for our representatives in government. I don't need to preach to lesbian and gay readers about the importance of voting - we go to the polls in much higher percentages than the American people as a whole. We understand all too well that whoever sits in the Oval Office contributes heavily to setting the climate for gay people in this country. And we know that by giving an enthusiastic stamp of approval to the Federal Marriage Amendment, our current president has officially sanctioned intolerance of lesbians and gay men. But we may need to be reminded that, for many Americans, voting is an endangered right. And we need to challenge the idea that discussing voting problems openly and trying to do something about them is just "sour grapes" over the 2000 election or an unwillingness to "get over" its results (which two of my colleagues in the gay media once accused me of). If you have any doubts about how vital it is to question the accuracy and fairness of our voting system, just rent the documentary _Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Election_, which outlines in a succinct 50 minutes the mistakes and abuses that led to widespread voter disenfranchisement in Florida four years ago. The likelihood that the 2004 election will be a close one increases the risk of civil-rights violations, especially in the swing states; indeed, there have already been warning signs of polling-place abuse. During the primary in Florida last month, for example, poll watchers reported that many AfricanAmerican voters were being turned away for not having identification, and without being informed that they could, by state law, simply sign an affidavit attesting to their identity and then proceed to vote. And that was just the primary - imagine how high the stakes will be for the actual presidential election. ~ Also, Florida has once again undertaken a purge of convicted ex-felons from its voter rolls, as it did in 2000, when it disenfranchised thousands of voters who had no criminal records at all. It's no accident that this multimillion-dollar effort, in a state headed by the president's brother, has targeted mostly African Americans, who tend to vote Democratic. Understandably, anxiety is running high among voring-rights activists, who worry in particular about voting equipment. In Ohio, one of the top battlegrouad states, ......... continued page -25 Volume 1 Issue I 0 Page 24 October l, 2004 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente October 2004 Keaton Surrenders to Annie Hall is off to see the wizards not of Oz, but of CBS. Oscar winner Diane Keaton has signed on to star in and executive produce a TV mm1e for the network based on Meg Wolitzer's 2000 novel, _Surrender, Dorothv . The story has nothing to do with tornados:witches, or glittering fantasy worlds, but with a vibrant 30-year-old Manhattanite named Sara and her gay male best who rent a summer place with friends. When Sara dies suddenly in an auto accident, the aftermath engulfs her circle of peers as well as her eccentric grieving mother, played by Keaton. Coming off the box-office success of _Something's Gotta Give_, the busy Keaton has three other projects currently in development: Jim Sheridan's _Da Vinci's Mother_, a crime caper called _Mad Monev_, and one untitled feature. Surrender is dt,{e to air in CBS's 2004-2005~eason. - A Dickens of a Series The new BBC _Doctor Who series undertaken by _Queer as Folk_ creator Russell T. Davies now has at least one other openly gay creative person involved: British actor Simon Callow. Callow, last seen in HBO's _Angds in America_ and perhaps most fondly remembered as the jolly heartattack victim in _Four Weddings and a Funeral_, will play Charles Dickens in the hugely popular, newly revamped time-travel series. This won't be the first time Callow has played the creator of _A Christmas Carol_ on screen - he took on the role in a 2001 TV adaptation of _Hans Christian Andersen: My Life as a Fairy Tale_. He'll be joining cast members Christopher Eccleston (_28 Days Later_) and pop singer Billie Piper for the series, which ,viii no doubt end up reaching these shores via BBC America. Stay tuned. _Transit_ Tackles AIDS During the last decade, while most media outlets retreated from their coverage of the global AIDS crisis, MTV remained boldly committed to sometimes controversial programming that addresses issues related to HIV and young people. Now, as part of their "Staying Alive" campaign, the music channel has teamed up with the Swedish International Development Corporation to produce a TV movie titled _Transit_. The fictional film ,·viii highlight the little-discussed nonfiction topic of Europe's illegal sex trade, a business that reaches well into the United States. It will include safer-sex and HIV prevention information and will be aimed at the network's youthful demographic. Still in its early stages and not yet cast, the film already has an air date of December 1, 2005 World AIDS Day. Soprano and X-Man Sign on the_Dot _Dot_, the latest feature from lesbian director Jamie Babbit (_But I'm a Cheerleader_), finally has a full cast and a now lead. Up-and-comer Camilla Belle (_The Patriot_, _Practical Magic_) has replaced Thora Birch, and some well-known names have joined in to tell the story of a popular middle-class girl whose family life is upended when a supposedly deaf orphan teenager moves in. Edie Falco of _Sopranos_ fame, Elisha Cuthbert (_The Girl Next Door_), Shawn Ashmore of _X-Men_, and _Saved!_ alum Martin Donovan will be one big dysfunctional family when the indie feature begins shooting next month in Austin, Texas. Expect a flurry of film-festival screenings before it hits art-house screens, probably late next year. _Romeo Sao Vicente never upended any middleclas$ girl's lives - he just W"Cnt shopping with them. The Ozarks Star Page 25 Lesbian Notions from page-23 punch-card ballots - made notorious in 2000 for their high margin of error will be used in 69 of 88 counties. One law professor told the _Cincinnati Enquirer_ that a close election in his state could spell an "election night meltdown." Around the country, touchscreen voting, which is being implemented in many areas for the first time and which leaves no paper trail, is also cause for trepidation. Touted by many congressional Republicans as the answer to all our voting problems, electronic ballots completely and conveniently - eliminate all possibility of recounts and put our most cherished right at the mercy of the corporations that manufacture the equipment and software. All of this suggests that Nov. 2, 2004, might be a pretty dark day for democracy. But the good news is that there are concrete things we can do now to try to aid the democratic process. Pirst, to ensure that your own vote counts, familiarize yourself in advance with your state's voting procedures and your own rights, which can be found on the website of your Secretary of State or your county's Bureau of Elections. Then expand your effort a little by committing to "Take a Friend to Vote," a project of the League of Women Voters, in which citizens pledge to bring a neighbor, friend, or relative to the polls. (For instructions, visit www.lwv.org.) But to make an even greater contribution, consider volunteering for Election Protection (www.electionprotection2004.org), which aims to train and deploy 25,000 citizens as poll watchers in battleground states. TracFone is providing phones and air time for poll workers to report abuses or to consult with civil-rights attorneys if problems arise. While lawyers and law students are particularly needed for this project, all concerned citizens are welcome to volunteer for tasks like handing out votingrights flyers in the days preceding the election. If you live in Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, or another swing state, or are able to travel to one of them for Election Day, the time you donate could have a big impact on the accuracy of the election - and on the future well-being of our democracy. October 1, 2004 T-Town tidbits from pg-20 The PlayMor - Syrs, Yellowbrick -9 yrs, The Star 12yrs, TNT's 19yrs, Renegades - 20yrs, ToolBox 22 years, and the Bamboo - 41 yrs. \Then you go out to play and party please keep all in mind, the GAY bars are very involved in giving back to the community, to make all our lives a little easier. I have also noticed a growing number of people who frown and look down on 'SHOWS' . If it were not for the entertainers: Live vocalists, Male Impersonators, Drag Queens and even the male dancers, then who would you call upon to raise money for all the different organizations that need help? There are only a handful of entertainers who will give their time, money, sweat and tears to raise funds. So when you walk into a 'SHOW' especially if it's a fund-raiser, find out what it is for before you bitch!- It may just be for someone you know! Currently we have several clubs that do things on a regular basis to help keep our local charities alive, tl1ey are: Bamboo - weekly Sunday lunches 2-6pm, with donations benefiting a different charity each month. Mavericks - since opening early this year, they have been hosts to a variety of events, including Paul Wiekel's - Children with AIDS / scholarship fund, and being the home of T.U.L.S.A. and the Driller Bears, both organizations giving to local and state organizations. The Playmor - Helga's Heart to Heart benefiting Our House Too, and May All be Fed benefiting the St. Jerome, food pantry. Renegades - Red Ribbon Revue hosted by Tabitha Taylor, giving to local charities each month. The STAR - with fund-raisers for different places throughout the year, and for 12 years being a community leader in giving to all the local GLBT charities. The GAY clubs really are working for YOU and don't forget the annual Kris Kohl Christmas Stocking Stuffer event, is coming up to help people, families, and children living with AIDS along with many other benefits shows and talented entertainers who are working hard to make someone's life a little better .. The Tulsa State Fair is in town, go h:ive a great time and finish the day at your favorite GAY club!! Till next time: PLAY HARD BUT PLAY SAFE!l! Volume 1 Issue 10 Page 26 October 1, 2004 Gay Travelers from page 7 Within a block of the Habana Inn resort you will find about 6 more gay bars catering to different tastes. A major grocery store is just one block away as are several other restaurants. A cab ride from the airport costs less than $10.00. The HABANA INN resort is located one block west of the intersection of Penn and Interstate I-44 and is extremely easy to find. Plus, there are a lot of sights to see in Oklahoma City. The Cowboy Hall of Fame has artifacts from the early cowboy days thru the television shows with lots of oil paintings, watercolors and bronzes. The Oklahoma City Memorial where the bombing took place a few years ago is a MUST to see. Art galleries and museums are plentiful. About 80 miles to the west is the Route 66 Higway Museum which is extremely interesting. You will never forget your wonderful experiences in Oklahoma City. Everyone is so friendly. Oklahoma City is indeed OK For more information contact Donald and Ray at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their web page at: www.hometown.aol.com/ gaytravelers. Steve Urie from page-5 They claim we have a "Gay Agenda" and use the term to excite hatred ... we need to look at that and have a tremendous laugh not at them but ourselves that ,ve would take that seriously. A "Gay Agenda" like we could get together and decide on what color to paint the walls, what drapes to buy or even where are we going to eat out tonight. Our civil rights are important and dear to me as to you but let's separate the issues. Don't get pulled into challenging their status with the Lord. Democrat. .. Republican ... Christian ... Non-Christian person of faith ... or just a person. Let's show our community we know the difference in basic right anQ wrong. For me, I now have a Bush and a Kerry sign in the yard and once again my neighbor laughs with me. Someone else may question my relationship with God but my Lord knows my name and that's what counts. Until next month ........ G?7wve FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711, Joplin, Mo 64803 Jn conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. The Ozarks Star Page 27 Joplin's MCC Church Celebrates 7th Anniversary. Will Host Concerts by Greg Steele joplin,MO MCC Joplin located at 2902 E. 20th Street will celebrate their seventh anniversary on October 15th with a dinner, music and dancing at the Butcher Block. Steve T. Urie, Pastor has lead the church from a meager beginning to a thriving active force in the LGBT community of Joplin. The Ozarks Star congratulates Pastor Steve Urie and applauds his contributions, his tireless efforts in giving to the gay and lesbian people of this area and in his example of good citizenry. With his partner of 5 years Heath Ross, they have together given the Joplin area a sanctuary where all are welcome. With Steve's efforts, Joplin has become a major stop for Christian performers on tour. Spiritual recording artists abound and many have discovered Joplin's LGBT community. Concert tour's travel the U.S. bringing their eclectic styles of music to the gay /lesbian and straight audiences. Spirit of Christ MCC of Joplin has hosted many entertaining artists over their seven years of serving Joplin's LGBT community and will be hosting the dynamic Marsha Steven on October 2, at 6pm. This will be Marsha's sixth appearance in Joplin. On November 6th Paula Jo David brings her exciting performance to the stage at 6pm. In the past year MCC and River of Life Church in Pittsburg, KS have booked other notables such as October 1, 2004 Shawn Thomas, Terry Lee Ousley and Sam Sampson. Charlie Smith a frequent performer in Joplin and Branson can be heard on most Sunday's at MCC.The concerts are free to the public and appreciation offering are accepted. If you would like to congratulate Steve or give an offering to the church the mailing address is: PO Box 4711 Joplin, MO 64804. Phone 417-206-6179 Web: www.mccjoplin.com Martha's Vine~ard 219 W. Olive, Springfield, MO 417-864-4572 Southwest 11issouri's Hottest Entertainment Complex. Now Celebrating 10 Years of Quality Entertainment www .marthascomplex.com Volume 1 Issue 10 Page 28 October 1, 2004 Scopes by Jack Fertig October 2004 ""Talk filth, Cancer!" Jupiter, the planet of opportunities, is guincunx gueer, erratic Uranus, offering brilliant chances if you're willing to make adjustments through weird surprises. The bigger the risk you take, the better it should ,vork out for you. ARIES (1farch 21 to April 20): Opportunities at work can bring you into new political conflicts and force you to re-evaluate long-term goals. Keep an open mind on both fronts. The change of plans will do you good. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): Creative collaboration opens up tremendous professional opportunities but you have to make some adjustments, perhaps some sacrifices, if this dream is to come true. Be determined in your dream, not obstinate in your rut. GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Make connections with the old country. Your etlinic heritage yields amazing insights. Reviewing childhood religious guestions and discussing old spiritual conflicts 'With your parents will also prove liberating - in the long run, if not immediately. CANCER 0une 22 to July 22): There's a time and a place for everything, so make the time and space to talk pure filth and say the most shocking and horrible things however morbid or politically incorrect - that are on your mind. The purge will prove empowering. LEO 0uly 23 to August 22): OK, control gueen! Let go of the purse strings just a little, and trust your partner in financial dealings. You're not going to be happy with the process, but the outcome should be satisfying. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): Confusion and surprises at work are sure to work in your favor, as long as you're not afraid to stand up for yourself. Be dear about what you want and willing to give ground on small things to get ahead. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): You're on an artistic jag that knows no limits. Whatever you do now ,;vil! need revision later, but don't hold back! Your craziest dreams and intuitions will inspire great things. Go out on a limb, and, if it breaks, spread your wings and fly! SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): Old ghosts and demons from your childhood can be tamed and put to productive use in attaining your long-term goals. The more you're willing to shake up your past, the more you can use it to help build your future. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Your motor-mouth turns to surprising adv.intage, as knowledge you weren't aware you had helps propel your career. Exercise your "right brain;' delving into the artistic or mystical to help the process along. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): Opportunities to travel or continue your education will have hidden expenses, but the surprising benefits could be well worth it. Consider all offers carefully. Any such adventure can change your entire world! AQUARIUS Oanuary 20 to February 18): You're suddenly too sexy for anyone's good! Offers and innovations you'd normally never consider... well, "normally" is just out the window. Your enthusiasm for novelty could go overboard. Remember, there's a time and a place for everything! PISCES (February 19 to March 19): Take a honeymoon with the one you love or a getaway with a very trusted friend. You need time and space away from reality to get real, and you can't do it alone. Building intimacy (sexual or otherwise) is essential now. Jack Fertig has been working as a professional astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Nettvorking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864-8302, through his wehsir,4, b,,p;L m~ om Volume 1 Issue 10 Page 29 "Merci Docteur Rey" Staring Dianne Wiest and introducing Stanislas Merhar. Directed by Andrew Litvack. VlWVl.mercidocteurrey.com/ This irrepressibly French comedy stars mournful-faced Stanislas Merhar as a young man struggling with his homosexuality as well as with an overbearing opera diva mother (played to the histrionic hilt and beyond by Dianne Weist). \Vhen Thomas witnesses a murder, he goes on a search for the killer, falling into an unlikely friendship with the supremely neurotic Penelope Qane Birk.in), an actress who has dubbed so many Vanessa Redgrave films, she's come to think of herself as a literal extension of Redgrave. (Redgrave, in fact, makes an appearance in one of the movie's juiciest scenes, and inadvertently insults the poor woman by exclaiming "How could they give me such a tacky French voice?") "Magnifique! One of the most delicious surprises of the fall movie season. A prescription for hilarious, off the wall, witty mayhem." -Bill Diehl / ABC Radio Network October 1, 2004 Quotable Quotes "You have to look at what Bush does, not what he says. Talk is cheap. He expresses empathy for military families and then cuts their benefits. He names a proposal the 'Clear Skies Initiative' that pollutes the planet. He says he'll be a uniter and then drives us apart. He steals the slogan 'No Child Left Behind' and then breaks his promise to fund his reforms. Truly, I stand here flabbergasted at what is going on in today's world. Never in my life have I witnessed a president and an administration that is so out of step with the needs of the country, so threatening to our future and so abusive in its use of power." - Barbra Streisand receiving the Human Rights Campaign's Humanitarian Award, March 6. Place your classified ad here for only $6.00 for the first 15 words, and only 25 cents for each additional word ........ . 10 blocks North of Downtown Joplin, MO 4bd, 4bth, formal dinning, large kitchen. library/ office, full base~ent, zoned heat/ air., 3200 Sq. Ft., beautifully restored, quiet residential Roanoke adjacent. Priced under $150,000. $$Price Reduced$$ Call Vicki at Charles Burt Realtors 417-434c.0077 or 800-782-7822. The Ozarks Star On,-Line. Check out our website for Daily breaking GLBT news. www.ozarksstar.com Need A House Mate: Advertise here for only $6.00 first 15 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Advertising Representative's Part Time: For Kansas City, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Arkansas, Kansas and Joplin. Commission based compensation. Work in the LGBTS business community. Mail qualifications to: _Ozarks Star 2401 E. 32nd St., Suite 10-243 Joplin, MO 64804. Bed & Breakfast: Ever dreamed of owning your own B&B? Beautiful 4 bed 4 bath 3200sqft fully furnished in Joplin, MO For Sale. Call Vicki Bronson at Charles Burt Realtors 417-434-0077 Joplin MO64804 800-782-7822 417-434-0077 'Tbe Ozarks Star Page 31 October I, 2004 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Organizations- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Ron's Place- - - 523 \V. Poplar- - - - - 479-442-3052 Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - 479-571-1300 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Burnzee's- -2301 Towson Ave #C- --479-494-7300 Kinkeads- -10041/2 Garrison Ave- - - - -479-783-9988 Chm 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - - - -479-782-1845 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's-• - - 716 S. Main - - - --417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Bell Star's - - -1321 Grand Ave- - - -816-421-1288 i\fissie B's- - - -805 \Y/. 39th St- - -816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bar - - - -413 E. 3rd- - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Buddies - - - - - - - 3715 Main St - - -816-561-2600 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - - -417-864-4572 Oz Bar- 504 E. Commercial- - - - • -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - - -1109 E. Commercial- - -417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Hi-Lo Club 1221 NW 50th- - -405-843-1722 Finish Line -2200 N\V 39th E;qJwy- - 405-525-0730 Chm Rox- - -3535 NW 39th Expwy -405-947-2351 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th- -405-947-2351 BoomBoom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - -405-601-7200 Oklahoma, Tuba (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - --918-836-8700 Club Maverick-• 822 S. Sheridan - 918-835-3301 Heads & Tails- 7944 E. 21st - - - 918-660-7878 Club Majestic- 124 N. Boston -918-584-9494 New Age Renegades- -1649 S. Main - -918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- - 1737 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 Silver Star Saloon- -1565 S. Sheridan-918-834-4234 TNT's- - 2114 S. Memorial- - - -- - -918-660-0856 Tool Box- - -1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - - 918-584-1308 Yellow Brick Road- - 2630 E. 15th - - -918-293-0304 -LodgingMiuouri, Joplin (417) Faces Guesthowe B&B - - - - - - -417-621-9915 Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground· - - - - 417-779-5084 Arkansas, Eureka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - - - - -- - - - -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg ( 620) River of Life - 1709 N Walnut - - - - - - 11AM PSU-QSA .... 1701 S. Broadway ... 620-231-0938 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - · - - -6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - - - - 10:30Alvf Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucky- - 417-624-5788 Missouri, Springfield (417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 \Y/. Madison-417-866-6206 Unitarian Universalist Church - - - - - - 417-833-2723 APO- - - - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - - - - - 417-864-4459 GLO Community Ctr- 518 E. Commerical-869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - - - - - -417-889-1059 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- -POBox 1565, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 -Business Services- Missouri, Joplin (417) Body Swim Massage Therapy- - - - - - 417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-417-434 0077 RE/MAX - - - - - -Cathe Letts- 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangeline Rd- - - - -417-623-1007 The Lions Den - - - -Austin Letts - - - 417-623-87.67 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consultant- - 417-673-1181 Night Things Boutique-719 MainSt- 417-659-9913 Missouri, Springfield (417) Prii!cilla's - - • -1918 S. Glenstone - • 417-881-84-44 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 · ·4301 NW 63rd #100 - - 405- 840-2106 Hollywood Hotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 ,..,_ Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- 405-528-2221 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial- - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Talsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harvard- - -918-747-5466 Underguy.com - - -825 E. 3rd - - - -877-7-BOXERS Priscilla's - - • - - 7925 E. 41st - - . - 918-627-4884 Priscilla's - · - · 5634 W. Skelly· - - • • 918-«6-6336 Priscilla's· - - -11344 E. 11th· - • • - -918-438--4224 Priscilla's• - • • 2333 E. 71st- - - • - - -918-499-1661 Volume 1 Issue 10 32 October 1, 2004 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] The Ozark Star Magazine, October 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 10 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Ozarks Star’s first issue began in August of 2004. Before this Issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) then follows The Star (2005) and The Metro Star (2008) This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 1, 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Randy Vineyard Steve T. Urie Donald Pile Ray Williams Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Western Arkansas, Eastern Oklahoma, Southwest Missouri, Southeast Kansas Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozark Star Magazine, September 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/177 The Ozark Star Magazine, November 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/173 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/176 Arkansas Marriage Amendment Bars Deep Inside Hollywood election Jimmy Swaggart Lesbian Notions MCC church MGRA Show Me State Rodeo nightclubs Qscopes Quotable Quotes Robbie St. Jeor T-Town Tidbits The Star Scene threats travel vote https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/78fc08548a2c9b7a11e6de8b69cc9808.jpg 35d021de4443913afaa9b4c716866055 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/fe20a0ec7a0b1fbbfd8ecc481bb0c1ab.pdf a5191f5e7af48f6d924ce8285f78ff0c PDF Text Text �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document MONTHLY MAGAZINE INSIDE THIS MONTH Athletic Model Guild Release FREE ... -&- The Eyes ofTammy Faye Review page- 8 "Heterophobia ?" Heterophobia popped into my mind the other day after a conversation with someone who had been offended by actions of a heterosexual couple in a predominantly gay estabUshment. I could not recall hearing the word before and decided to consult the old Random House Webster's dictionary. Guess what, it's not in the 1991 edition! I suppose I should buy a newer release with all the new strange words floating around these days. The word Homophobia is listed, Homo, Hetero, Phobia, and Phobic are all listed. The defmition given for Phobia is: "A persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity or situation that leads to a compelling desire to (JVoid it. " Now, we all know what Homophobic means. Most of us have experienced some form of Homophobic attitude in our lifetime. I think I would be safe in saying that Jerry Falwell is homophobic, not that I'm judging Jerry's personal convictions, but he has been quoted many times speaking out against the Gay/Lesbian community. So, would this gay person I had a conversation with, be considered "Heterophobic"? He seemed to indicate that he had a compelling desire to avoid the activity. continued next page The Ozarks Star Page3 editor-continuedfi-om page 2 I recall a situation on Interstate 44 east of · Oklahoma City. I was driving home from Lake Eufaula with the crnise control set on 70, in front of me was car swerving across the yellow line, slowing down, speeding up, just driving very danger- . ously. I hesitated to pass, in fear of gettmg hit, but finally took the chance. I was dismayed at what was going on in that automobile. A man was driving with the seat back way back and a woman was sitting on his lap, facing him, gyrating up and down! Baby, I almost ran off the road and I got the hell out of there. Sex on the highway, whow! I should have called the Hyway Patrol, but didn't. I had a compelling desire to avoid the activity and the situation. Did I have a Heterophobic moment? Many heterosexuals find gay bars intri ouing and homosexuals frequent strai;ht bars as well. The question is, if gay people are expected not to be too obvious in a straight club, should we expect the same from straight people in gay clubs? More important is how we as humans conduct ourselves in all public places. It is possible to enjoy nightclubing, ha:e . fun, meet new people without engagmg m lewd acts. Beware, you may develope a Privacyphobia! Can vou imagine a world with no phobia's? A future world with no gay bars and no straight bars? Just places for everyone to enjoy and be yourself without offending others. Perhaps we should all begin now to prepare ourselves for the future. September 1, 2004 Georgia eb firm optimizes gay shopping Website Southern Web Gro11p improves visibility of Alabama-based HighQueen.com ATLANTA (PRWEB) July 25, 2004 - Atlanta-based Southern Web Group is pleased to announce the relau:1ch of . www.highqueen.com, a Website featunng gifts for gay men and lesbians. After its initial launch in April 2004, Terry Woodard and his partner Rick decided to revamp the marketing strategy t~ward natural search engine growth. With ten years of retail experience, the couple launched Hioh Queen because of the unique and un~et demand for gay gifts and gay accessories. "Southern Web Group is pleased to relaunch the High Queen Website. The_Website_will surely become a leading provider of gifts for gay weddings, gay designers and t~ose seeking gifts for their gay and le~bian friends." said Drew Bartot,i, president of the Atlanta-based Web desiglffirm. Founded in 1999, Southern Web Group is a leader in Atlanta's Web design industry and can be found on the Web at www.southemwebgroup.com. With a growing clientele across the country, the Atlanta Web design firm is pleased to welcome the High Queen to its list of clients that already includes the Sout~e~ste_m . Flower Show, the American Civil L1bertles Union the Atlanta Lesbian Cancer Initiative and th~ Atlanta Executive Network. Volume l Issue 9 September 1, 2004 Dakota Daniels Hunter Benefit Shiff en decker Park Press Release Aug. 23, 2004 Joplin, MO A benefit for Dakota will be held at Shiffendecker Park in Joplin on October 9, 2004 from 12:00 Noon to 6PM. All proceeds to benefit her son Cota. Come and enjoy the Live Entertainment. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact Jake Lee Bravado Hunter or Pam at (417) 438-9746 The Ozarkd Star Page 5 September 1, 2004 August 12, 2004 1000's of Marriages Invalid? This morning I waited to hear on CNN about the California Supreme Court's decision concerning same-sex marriages performed in San Francisco. You could see the cameras and media people edging their way into the small crowd, Molly McKay, Associate Executive Director of Equality California, made her wav through pages of legalese as we ;11 held our breath. Then ,,·e heard the words said aloud for the first time: "These marriages are invalidated." You can have a parking ticket validated and that is simply a piece of paper. They have decided that as human beings, loving people, and people of faith that we do not have the same worth as a parking ticket. Put your relationship, your life, your friendships on the line and let someone proclaim that you are invalidated. Can you imagine the tears, disbelief, the overwhelming disappointment and yes even anger that must have been felt as each person comprehended what was just read to them. As those words were read aloud and echoed through the air I felt very much as if I had just been violated and I wasn't even there. But here's what I know and hope that you know. Legislation is only words and . until the people truly embrace it. .. even if it had passed the legislature and had been successfully brought before their State Supreme Court it would have truly been just that, "only words." The issue here is one of rights and the State Governments around the country, the amendments being passed, and the scare influence of the pious religious groups in this country are setting a dangerous precedent. They are legalizing discrimination. But here's what I know and hope that you know ... as stated by Metropolitan Community Church pastor from San Francisco, "They can take away our rights, they can try and make us second class citizens-but no one can trulv invalidate us. \X!e know that our loves, our, lives, our stories, our bodies are not just valid, but also good, beautiful, and sacred. My heart goes out to every couple who was married-. Knmv this: Your love vour .) commitment and your relationship are validated by• the God of manv names and bv the community that surrounds y~u. · · No one can take away the joy we felt in those fair days of February. So let us remember Alice Walker's vmrds: "Resistance is the secret of joy." We keep lovingly resisting all that is unjust and unequal. In this country there ha,;-e been manv cries heard round the world, "Remember the Al~mo," "Remember Pearl Harbor," "Remember 9/11" and remember "they can only do to us ,,;-hat we allow them to." If you think anything of yourself as a person, if you think anything of your relationship, if you think anything of the rights being stripped away from you then stay in the struggle and remember why! Because you count! Because you are validated'. Remember that in the near future we can stand to change this country ... there is more to it than what we are den;ed but it is a great part of it to ali of us. U ntt·1. .,,.-._i. ext t',1 o m· h...... . . . 0:c0d',]/W_ l.J{} Volume 1 Issue 9 MEN'S UNDEBWEAH STOl~E .NOW OPEN! 825 E 3111) ST. DOWNTOWN TULSA. CALL: 877-7-BOXERS FOH INFO! MON-T UNDERWEAR FOR EVERY MAN. OFFERINO THE l;IO"IT-E~f B,~DS, OD SOFTWEAR + JOCKO + LUC LA ROCHE + MUNDO UNICO + J1(4,F. BBIZ Ozarks Star Page 7 Photo by: Ray Williams September I, 2004 OUT ON VAl.ATION "Traveling in the gay friendly world" by Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com Now IS THE TIME TO GO TO COLORADO If you have never been to Colorado NOW is the time to go. The travel business is really off this year in Colorado and bargains are everywhere. In the past Colorado was rated the most homophobic State in the Union and they have lost millions of dollars due to the stupidity of their resident's voting record on gay rights in the past Convention business has dropped considerably as well as other business activities. Between the general economic woes of the country and the fires that Colorado had a couple of years ago, they are really handing out the bargains for travelers. We first drove to Colorado Springs and the weather was beautiful. There are so many sights to see in the Colorado Springs area and most all of them are free. The Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, The Cliff Dwellings, Pike's Peak are but just a few of the interesting sights to see there. One day we drove to Cripple Creek, the old mining town which is now "Casino City" with an over abundance of casinos in the town. Luckily for us the slot machines were paying off pretty well. On the way back down to Colorado Springs we got to see a herd of mountain goats that had come down and was mixing with the autos on the highway. A hail storm about 20 minutes before we got to that point had left the area full of large hail everywhere. Colorado Springs is the most homophobic part of Colorado Springs however you would never know it by the gay and lesbian community there. On Sunday, July 18th they had their PRIDEFEST 2004 and it was extremely well attended. It was held right downtown in the city park square. The Rev. Elder Troy Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Church was the featured guest speaker. That was followed by a parade and then a rally, live entertainment, local groups, bands and singers. They had a "kid's fun zone" for gay and lesbian parents. Vendors included area banks, lending institutions, political tents (wonder why the Republican's didn't have a tent there?) as well as Internet companies, phone companies. etc. The businesses in Colorado KNOW to cater to the gay and lesbian communities! It was one of the finest Pridefests that we have ever attended. From Colorado Springs we drove up to the Mountains and ended our day at Vail, the ski capitol of Colorado. Normally rates for accommodations in Vail are extremely high ranging from around$ l 50.00 and up. However due to "no business" most all of the accommodations bad dropped their rates drasticaliy. We stayed at a Lodge for under $50.00 per night and that included breakfast every morning. A huge swimming pool, Jacuzzi and picnic tables made for a perfect stay. There were two supermarkets within a continued page - 22 Page 8 September 1, 2004 The Ozarks Star --:------:---:---:---:---:-!iii -_;:q-_,--iffii-ef;---------=-e-=n--=c-=-o--u=-n:;::-:te--r--w:-:-::-:;it:;:h-J:;-:i-:::m::--;:;B:-::a7k7k--=e-=r--=a:-:n:-:d;---::-,_...::...:_===- Volume 1 Issue 9 THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE - A Film by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper stated that "You might be suprised how much you like Tammy Faye Baker!" I could not agree more. She is the kindest person with a heart of gold. Tammy embraced the Gay Community when others turned their backs. Buy this film and you will love her! Laugh and cry with her. "Witness the incredible real-life story of the spectacular rise, fall and resurrection of the "Queen of the Eyelashes." Many times halarious and oftentimes tragic, it is an amazing tale of one of the most adored and reviled women of our time.Narrated by RuPaul Charles, this award-winning film chronicles Tammy Fayes's personal journey from the geniune love-at-first-sight ma king of the most successful television ministry to being crucified in the court of public opinion. Extensive, revealing interviews by those on the inside will both shock and endear. Delve deep into the notso- Christian scandals and milliion dollar lies that devastated the empire and destroyed family. And be enlightened with Tammy Faye's unique personal philosophies that helped her carry on ... Because in spite of it all, Tammy Faye never lost hope in two things - extra thick mascary and Jesus Christ." Quotable Quotes "[Contrary to George W Bush's statement,] it is simply a fact that marriage is 'an evolving paradigm.' For the first millennium after Christ, Christianity didn't even recognize marriage as a sacrament. It was regarded as a purely secular matter of property ownership. Marriage also once meant the ownership of women by men. It was once permanent, and no divorce was possible. It was once restricted to couples of the same race. The notion that it has never changed is simply untrue. The only relevant question is whether the current change [opening marriage to same-sex couples] is a good one. The president doesn't answer that question. He simply asserts it, based on nothing but bad history and ignorance." Gav writer Andrew Sullivan, a former Bush supporter, wricing at CBSNews.com,July 13. September I, 2004 Volume 1 Issue 9 Page 10 September 1, 2004 Kerry /Edwards Event in Joplin Press Release Aug. 23, 2004 Joplin, MO Jesse DeGonia will be hosting an event on Friday September 10th at 6pm to build support for the democratic candidates running for office in Missouri. "We must win the state of Missouri which is THE MOST IMPORTANT SWING STATE!!!! in the November election. I have rented the UCCFF building at 204 N. Jackson, on the corner of N. Jackson and "C" Street." Mr. DeGonia conveyed to The Ozarks Star. Jim Newberry, a US Congressional Candidate who is challenging Roy Blunt, will be speaking along with other candidate's to be announced. "The official Democratic Campaign Video will be shown, refreshments v,,-:ill be served and free campaign material vvill be available. The public is invited." said DeGonia. Advertisement Springfield's OZ bar to Host APO Benefit. Springfield, MO by Star writer Greg Steele .. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" a benefit fund-raiser for Aids Project of the Ozarks will be hosted by the OZ bar in Springfield on Friday, September 24th from 5pm to 8pm. The OZ is located at 504 East Commercial. All you can eat Spaghetti and Meatball dinner will be served for $5.00. There will be contests, games, silent auction, raffle, live entertainment, male dancers and free Oral HIV testing from 9PM to 1 :30PM. Greg Hill, Co-Owner of the club, expects a huge turnout and invites the entire GLBT community to come out and support this worthy event. Proceeds to benefit APO. Quotable Quotes cactus Canyon Campground And Resort "Their struggle is a human rights issue to me. I have suffered myself from racism and se~ism all my life. I know what it feels like to be an outsider. I understand what position gays have been put in. Many of my friends were and are gay. Many people I tune into turn out to be gay, so on a spiritual level, I'm in love with all my gay friends." - Yoko Ono to the L.A. gay newspaper Fab!,July 16. For Men In The Ozarks The Lar9e1,t Men's C..amp9round in the U'51' Full RV Hookup's, Tent Sites, Cabins, Lodge Rooms, Hot Tub/ sauna, Pool, Cafe, Theme Weekends, Convenience Store, Clothing Optional. Call 417-683-9199 or visit our website www.cactuscanyoncampground.com The Ozarks Star Chris Greninge An Inspiration To Our Community. by Star Writer Greg Steele Joplin, .Missouri Another example of talent and community spirit gone unrecognized in the Four States Region. Chris Greninge, a Joplin business man and native of Southwest Missouri, grew up in Saginaw, Missouri and graduated from Diamond High School, class of 1983. He attended Crowder College, Pittsburg State and graduated MSSU in 1990. Chris and his partner of 14 years,Jeff Daws reside in Joplin and have restored a beautiful old Victorian. Chris loves antiques and has an awesome collection. Old musical instruments and tea pots are his favorites. Jeff is a professional photographer and has worked with Olan Mills Photography for the past 7 years. A talented musician, Chris began playing the piano at age 3. Played 2nd violin with the September 1, 2004 Southeast Kansas Symphony and was the organist for First Christian Church of Joplin. Other than his full-time job as a managing partner of Spain Grinding Service, Chris volunteers his talent as pianist, organist, Yocalist and directs a small orchestra at St Pauls UMC. Then on Sunday evening he volunteers as pianist and organist at Spirit of Christ I\ICC Joplin and it doesn't stop here people! Chris has long aspired to form a Gay Men's Choral group and or a LGBT community orchestra. He feels, as we at "The Ozarks Star" do, there are many untapped talents out there in our small section of this country. "If we could draw them out of the closet, get people excited, just in South\vest Missouri alone, we could have a major entertainment group. Getting folks together with a common cause is very foreign to us because of the negative impression some have of our LGBT community. People seem to think they are safer in the closet, and go out of to\vn for social activities or just move away. An all Gay /Lesbian talented entertainment entity would certainly blow their skirts up in Joplin, that's for sure!" Chris said with his eye's spatk!ing. "The Ozarks Star" recognizes and applauds Chris Greninge for his talent, his giving nature and most important, his sense of community and volunteer spirit. Anyone interested in working with Chris on this project, may contact him at: 417-782-7985. Volume 1 Issue 9 Page 12 September 1, 2004 Falwell Sue's.Fallwell Internet Site. Source: PlanetOut News A11g11st 10, 2004 ;\ federal judge ruled Tuesday that a gay activist must change the name of a \'v'eb site criticizing the Rev. Jerry Palwell, an anti-gay minister who at one time blamed 9/11 on GLBT Americans. .B. District Judge Claude Hilton ruled that the Web site, fallwell.com, was too similar to Falwell's own name, which the minister has trademarked. Fallwell.com reads in part, "The Reverend Jerry Palwell is completely wrong when he says that gay and lesbian people are sinning and can change." Lamparello also charges falwell of breaking one of the Ten Commandments by bearing false witness against gays and lesbians. L:1st year, Falwell threatened to sue an ll!inois man who set up Web sites called ierryfalweli.com and jerryfallwell.com. That activist, Gary Cohn, created his sites after Falwell stated that gays and lesbians were part of 1be re;1sun the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist :1ttacks occurred. Homophobic fundamentalists should take note of the words of the scripture, which they claim to so carefully follow ... "Who are you to judge another?" (James 4:12b) Cathe Letts is alway• available to help you with your real e,itate t rausactions! V;,'hetht?r you are bu · 1g or .setrn1g property l can }'Out! Serving Joplin, \Vebb Ciry, Carl .lunt:cion & (.'..!irth.age in MiS'ilmri. Call Today For HELP! 41 'r-4iU-5:US or 649-7076 Ca the .Lett•• ARR, GR I RE/MAX N-• Directio.n www.catbeletts.co111 The Ozarks Star Page 13 September I, 2004 Volume l Issue 9 2,000 Athletic Model Guild "Session Videos" from the 1980s Available Athletic l'lodel Guild Release: C-04-002 El Cerrito, California - Certainly the second and third most common fantasies among viewers of physique photography are how they would direct the movements of the models and the answer to the question: What really happens at a physique photo shoot? Athletic Model Guild has announced the availability of nearly two thousand video tapes, called "Session Videos" by AMG owner Dennis Bell, which will answer that question. "These are tapes made during photo sessions by Bob Mizer at AMG between 1980 and 1992," Bell said, "and they show exactly what happened in the studio from the rime the model got there and began taking off his clothes, until the session v.ras over and he started getting dressed again. Bob would set the video camera on a rripod, and follow the model with it while he shot his photos. This "behind-the-scenes" footage includes Mizer himself directing the models, models bickering with each other or talking back to Bob, and the audio which captures the comments, noises, porn video, dogs barking and phones ringing offset. But of course" Bell adds, " they also feature up to 3 hours of non-stop nude wrestling, spanking, jacking off, and Anal Erotica (A&E); an exclusive type of photography th:it m:ide AMG's fortune in the 1980s. The first successful Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) for the home was the 1/2 inch Betamax, introduced by Sony in 1975. "Bob was really at the forefront of technology," said Bell. "He was recording his models less than five years after the first versions of home videotape recorders hit the market. Today, in 2004, we're taking those original Betamax tapes, just as they came from his camera, but m:i.king high quality copies on VHS (the format which be:i.t out Betamax as the preferred home use videotape format)." AMG "Session Videos " will be available in one-, two- and three-hour tapes, depending on what Mizer recorded originally. "We're dubbing these original Betamax tapes using professional quality fourhead Betamax editing and duplication equipment to standard VHS tapes in the Standard Play (SP- highest quality) mode." Bell said he hoped to be able to release the Session Videos series on DVD within two or three years. However, plans are presently underway to release "Session Videos Compilations" on DVD. More information on that is expected within the next sixty days. "For now," Bell said, "we are involved in making a complete inventory of the tapes rmd checking their quality. That's nearly 3,500 hours of tape." Even · working forty hours a week, every week, it would take nearly 18 months to complete the task. "But as I looked at these tapes, I thought the material was so remarkable, so classic and erotic, it would be great to make them av:iilable right now to classic physique lovers :ind long time fans of i\ AMC. That's why I decided to make copies T available on a customized basis." t Bell rhapsodized about the assets of many of the models he's "discovered" on the tapes. There are the "men's men," said Bell. "Hairy, muscular, very macho. Tico Patterson, Joseph Hardee and Steve Cougar epitomize :i cross between the 80s clone and a convict." However, Mizer also photographed wh:it might be called "t:winks" today. "There are some remarkable session videos of Joseph Phile, Willie Amstel and Mike Reuter, who also went on to do a lot of work for the Old Reliable studio." l'f\ Some models are in one or two tapes, others appear in many more. Dean .'\dams, for example, appears in ninety-four videos. "He was nicknamed 'Kermit'," Bel! said, "because he was always around the pool at the AMG studio. And whenever Bob needed a second person to be in a wrestling or spanking shot - there would be Kermit, ready to jump into the action. Bob actually received m:iil from customers asking him to 'give Kermit a rest.' But that was rare. Most of the guys \Vim appear in multiple videos were outstanding in appearance: facial, muscular development or endowment or all three. Armando Gonzales, for instance, who will be the cover for an upcoming AMC release on DVD of 'Best Size #35' was in forty four different sessions. T. J. Swan was a favorite black model, noted for his great endowment. Eddie Perez was a popular model who appeared in scores of videos and wrestled a lot." Photographs of these models and many more can be seen :it the AMG web site. (ht.tp;.LL .llll<l'..l!I.LU1W.1;.UJ..1.l'..Ll.!J.J.J.J~w.1JL..1..1.1.U.L44LL) Ordering information is there as well. Information is also available from Bell or his staff at 1-800-AMGDIRECT (1-800-264-3473), from 9am-5pm (Pacific Time). Email ales@Athletici Iodel ,ujld.com Bell pointed out the current prices are less than half of what Mizer charged for the tapes in the 1980s. For interviews, features, etc contact: ~ or : Arh!e:ic Model Guild, LLC 3020 E: Cerrito Plaza, S..:.:te 114 El Cerriro, CA 94530 Volume I Issue 9 Page 16 September 1, 2004 dbi by Randy Vineyard Introducing "T-Town Tidbits" by Star \vriter Randy Vineyard, An Ozarks Star exclusive. Randy lives in Tulsa and · will be covering the Star Scene in and around the T-Tuwn area. Randy has lived in Tulsa since the age of two and wouldn't consider living anywhere else and loves the Tulsa GLBT scene. So stay tuned for some exciting Tidbits from T-Town. Randy is also The Ozarks Star advertising contact for Tulsa. @. has wonderful gay dubs and nightlife. Por this months column I'll give you a brief look at each club. We'll begin in alphabetical order so as to not ruffle any feathers. The BamBoo - A great place to meet friends and enjoy everyone, gay/ straight, and the don't knows, it's a mixed crowd, for young to older. It has a fabulous enclosed outside patio divided into 3 separate party areas, one covered spacious concrete expansion with an open sun deck, the other a huge sand filled area, don't forget ,tanning is must on South Beach. The inside atmosphere is comfortable and friendly, music is by personal selection. Pool, darts, and video games are a,·ailable, as well as a dance floor. The club serves a wonderful lunch every Sunday to anyone who walks through the door, and has dancers from time to time. It is Oklahoma's oldest gay bar dating from the late SO's. Club Majestic - Tulsa's newest high energy dance club. Located in the Entertainment district of Tulsa's Downtown Area. A split level building, with bars on both levels. A large dance floor and seating area along with a lounge spot fill the lower floor. pstairs, the Dj is available for reguests and a seating and game area are available. This club offers a great light show and wonderful high energy dance music and video. The crowd fa younger and mixed but everyone plays well together. Club Maverick Tulsa's only Country, Leather, Levi, Bear Bar. It is the home of Tulsa's Leather Community. The club offers a large dance floor, the DJ is available for reguests, along with Karaoke and great music from the past and present, with video. Pool, darts and video games and a friendly atmosphere, this spacious club with plenty of seating, is sure to suit the country in all of us. For the slightly more mature GLBT it is a great place to party. • End Up Club -Tuh,a's Obl'tnale dance revue venue. The club is open daily with dancers and fun all the time. A nice relaxing atmosphere. A great center stage for the guys to dance, · with ample seating for your personal enjoyment. The dancers arc mostly young men with good attitudes and high energy. Heads or Tails A C?mfo:rtable club, catering to the ladies who love to play dll.rts and pool. continued page-21 The Ozarks Star Page 17 HRC Endorses Nancy Farmer Missouri Democrat Running for US Senate in Missouri, from Human Rights Commission. A dedicated ally: Farmer became the first woman Missouri state treasurer in 2000, after having served eight years as a state representative. Prior to holding elective office, Farmer was executive director of a neighborhood housing and neighborhood nonprofit organization. Farmer supports the Employment oo-Discrimination Act, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and the Early Treatment for HIV Act. She firmly opposes efforts to write discrimination into the .S. Constitution, such as the Federal Marriage Amendment. A word on her opponent: Christopher "Kit" Bond (R) has held this seat since 1987. He scored a 1 7°,riaring on the last HRC Congressional Scorecard. He opposes both the Employment Ni-Discrimination Act and the Hate Crimes Prevention Act and has voted against both bi!ls in the past. He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment, an attempt to write discrimination into the .B. Constitution. The race: As a longtime incumbent, Bond has the upper hand in the race, but polls show that Farmer is closing the gap between them. Farmer has mounted a serious challenge and needs as much support as she can get in order to pull out a victory. Visir: www .hrc.org/ candidates September 1, 2004 "A Night to Create Change" on September 12th to help raise awareness and funds for marriage equality. Margaret Cho and Matt Foreman will join all the parties by phone to give an update on the "State of the hlons." Por more information about hosting or attending a party in your area go to ww-w. thetaskforce.org/ sept12. We will be having an informational conference call about this event on Tuesday, August 17th at 7:30pm ET (4:30pm PT) and again at 7:30pm PT (10:30pm ET). If you have any questions or would like to hear more about the event please join us. Contact Alexes Anderson to get dial-in instructions at aanderson@thetaskforce.org or 202-393-5177 ext 6310. st • Then led< to~ Kay. Yc11ll fincl the- lolMt-on-ttl!lnd color! COOlldtnaed for you Y..itn eo&)>to~ hi)$. Mme how~ con get 1he hoft951 loob -of Iha lll!!Ota'I .-. ord a~,; bl!! in $fyfe' Joan 5%ymanski lndepettdMt Be(iuty Cott~I 417-673-1181 www.muykay.com/jazymaoakit Volume I Issue 9 Phone; (417>623-1'007 Fax: <•17) 623-"1~59 Emalll: emx0554 Ooop,rmax.,c,orn Advertisment September 1, 2004 Prl,nts and CopH!<tJ B,ncJl,ng Lan,,nanog Fax1ng Busin.,.n.s C.a,.-.;:t,s j ,1J The Ozarks Star Page 19 September 1, 2004 l l Creator: Paula Martinac has been writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the cochair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called "In Our Own Write." Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac September, 2004 McGreevey Causes Grief! New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey's self-outing may ease the emotional burden of living in the closet, which he has endured for years. But in the current climate of antigay baiting, McGreevey's "personal" revelation politically impacts a community he has never been - and may never be - part of. McGreevey was annoyingly vague about why he was resigning, although the reasons will undoubtedly be revealed soon; speculation runs high that he is stepping down because an imbroglio much bigger than a sex scandal will be unfolding. In a way, it's a bizarre kind of progress when being gay is viewed as the good news preceding some unspecified bad news to c01ne. Unfortunately for gay people, though, McGreevey chose to lump his departure from office together with a tortured assertion of being "a gay American." And worse, he used the word "shamefully" to describe his affair with a man, although my guess is that it's the extramarital nature of it that he is ashamed of. Given McGreevey's choice of timing and words, straight and gay people alike were justifiably confused about why be was resigning. After all, New Jersey is not Mississippi. Indeed,Jersey commuters interviewed on their way home from work in Manhattan made remarks to _New York Newsday_ like, "He resigned because he is gay, but why?" and "There's a lot of people in politics who are homosexuals, so what the heck." The National Stonewall Democrats' onesentence statement also seemed to assume McGreevey had resigned out of deep shame:· t,he group's executive director wrote that he looked forward to a time when being gay "is simply an honest component of daily life and no longer a consideration in public service." As a consequence of McGreevey's obfuscation, the mainstream press has been rife with misleading headlines like "N.J. Governor Resigns Over Homosexual Affair" and "Gay Affair Ends Career." It's no wonder that most gay leaders have chosen to steer a broad course around the controversy, being careful not to embrace the governor and only issuing brief, cautious statements of concern. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force said, for example, that "our hearts go out" to him, while the Human Rights Campaign hoped that he and his family "will come to a place of understanding." Other gay groups have been forced to try to clean up the mess McGreevey's "personal" statement makes for our movement. The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association hurriedly issued an advisory to the mainstream media requesting "caution in fram:ng the reasons for McGreevey's resignation," as it is "an oversimplification to say McGreevey resigned solely because he is gay." -continued page 25 Volume 1 Issue 9 Page 20 September 1, 2004 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente September 2004 Johnny Depp Is So 400 Years Ago The way Johnny Depp has bucked conventional career ,visdom should be an inspiration (or rebuke) to every actor who ever took a role in a big, dumb Holly,vood movie just to get a paycheck. This man has beaten his own ,veird path every step of the way and succeeded, and that Pith is currently taking him back to the 1600s in _ The Libertine_. The debut film by director Laurence Dunmore and playwright Stephen Jeffreys features Depp as 17th-century bisexual poet John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, a pleasure-seeker whose death from syphilis at age 33 led to posthumous fame for his work. At the moment, the movie is only rumored to contain some same-sex liplocks, but is guaranteed to feature costars like Samantha Morton, John Malkovich, and snaggle-toothed, Irish punk-rock legend Shane MacGowan. And as cool as that casting is, Romeo is happy to report that Depp will most likely be kissing newcomer Rupert T'riend rather than MacG. HBO Cruises Rosie Rosie's getting cozy with HBO avin. Her latest project with the Emmy-laden cable channel is a documentary about a gay family cruise. Executiveproduced by HBO's Sheila Nevins v,"ith Rosie and wife Kelli O'Donnell, the as-yet-untitled doc will showcase a weeklong cruise to Key West and the Bahamas on O'Donnell's R Family Vacations, which took place in July. Rosie's previous HBO stand-up special, as well as the _Rosie O'Donneli's Kids Arc Punny_ family special, led to this renewed partnership, one that will give a needed public face to gay parents and their kids. That's a side of VY life that most media outlets don't find "sexy" enough to point their cameras at, so HBO is to be applauded. The special will hit the water sometime in 2005. Kushner and Spielberg Try Terrorism The 1972 Munich Olympics became a permanent scar in the memories of millions of people when Palestinian terrorists took Israeli athletes hostage, resulting in a hotched rescue effort and death. A documentary feature ahout the incident, _One Day In September_, was released in 2000, and now Steven Spielberg is ,vorking on a feature film about the traumatic event's mournful aftermath. Spielberg has enlisted the help of Tony 1\ward- and Pulitzer Prizewinning gay playwright Tony Kushner, who is currently working on a new draft of the screenplay. With the visionary _Angels in America_ scribe on board. the finished product will in all likelihood not only search the past but explore the fear of terrorism that afflicts the world today. Still without a title, the mrwic is slated to star Eric Bana, with a shooting date of June 2005. When the Feminist Met the Porn Star In a fantasy dictionary, next to the word "heterosexual," there's a picture of Italian porn star Rocco Siffrcdi. The star of countless straight adult films, he's internationally famous to a very specific audience. And in the same dictionary, the phrase "provocative feminist filmmaker" is accompanied by the image of French director Catherine Brcillat. Sound like oil and watcr?-Then you didn't sec Breillat's shocking art-house hit, _Romance_, an explicit study of female sexuality that featured Siffredi. Now the dynamic duo arc at it again, in Breillat's soon-to-be-released dissection of sexual mores, _Anatomy of Hell_, based on her own novel, _Pornocratie_. This time Siffredi plays a VY man, the unwilling object of a straight woman's affections, who somehow develops a relationship with her anyv;-ay. If Brcillat's track record is any indication, expect unconventional insights, very few laughs, and plenty of full frontal. _Romeo San Vicente thinks that Rocco Siffrcdi's •tar mrn in "New \Vave Hookers 3" made it the best in the trilogy. He can be reached care of thi~ p,;blica:ion or at l The Ozarks Star Page21 September l, 2004 T-Town from page -16 The staff is great, they offer pool and dart tournaments from time to time as well as weekend Male and Female impersonator shows on Saturdays with Miss Gay Oklahoma USA Ivana B, Real. Music during the weekend by personal choice and DJ on the weekends. It hosts Tulsa's only all Male Impersonator Show the first Sat of each month. New Age Renegades Also located downtown, Renegades offers a two section club, one side is mostly games and seating while the other is the entertainment area for drag shows and karaoke. Pool, video games and darts along with a wonderful covered and enclosed patio are available. The club offers shows each Tuesday with Caria Lee Love, every Priday & Saturday with Tabitha Taylor, along with Karaoke on l\fondays and Thursdays. The club also has special Production shows, and hosts 'The Red Ribbon Revue' - a local charity fundraiser, the first Saturday of the month. The music is high energy but not overpowering with video's. The PlayMor - A large spacious club with great seating for the shows and special events. A long comfortable padded bar, game room, large dance floor and friendly staff. The club offers pool, darts, a and video games. Music is mixed from country to dance to oldies it's by personal selection or a request to the DJ on the weekends. The PlayMor offers Karaoke on Mondays and \'Vednesdays. Entertainment, stemming from Male, Female Impersonators, Live Vocalists, are available on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Pridays. Each Friday has a different show host, Peaches Lennox, Helga, Johhnie Cronin, Domonique Daniels, all share spots. Helga's Heart 2 Heart a local charity fundraiser, is always the first Saturday of the month. The PlayMor also has Production shows by Helga's Horrible's throughout the year for charities. The Star Known to many as the Silver Star, Tulsa's largest GAY club. It offers some of the best music, and lights and sound found in a GAY bar in the city. Pool, huge dance floor, and a very comfortable lounge area are all great. A friendly staff and fun atmosphere, the Star is home to the Miss Gay Oklahoma USA and Miss Gay Oklahoma USA at Large Pageants. The Star is also home to Courtney Farrell with Drag shows are on Sundays and Wednesdays. High energy music and wonderful light show make it a must see. TNT's For the Ladies this is a great place to party dance and beat your buddy in pool. It has a very nice bar and dance area and with a DJ. Personal music selection is also available. A very cozy spot to enjoy your evenings, and have fantastic time with your friends. The ToolBox - Located near downtown, it has a patio area and dance floor. Offering Drag shows with Bobbie Page and Dominque LaRue Sundays and Pridays. Pool, darts and video games with personal music selection are available. Yellow Brick Road This cozy club is a great sports and party place. If you love darts, pool, and are competitive this is your place to be. No shows, just fun, the staff is great, and caters to everyone. The crowd is mixed and plays very well together. The mt1sic is by personal selection. A big screen TV insure's you won't miss a game ever at the 'Brick'. I hope this little bit of information helps when you go out in Tulsa to pl:1y. As you can see Tulsa has a lot to offer. Almost all the Clubs have web sites and keep their scheduled events and pictures available for you to see. I'll be covering special events around town and keeping you informed from month to month. It you have a special interest in a subject please email the magazine and I'il do my best to find ;oformation for you. Have a great month of September in T-Town. Volu~ I Issue 9 Page 22 September 1, 2004 Gay Travelers from page 7 mile and their deli shops were full of carry out food. Everything there was certainly a bargain. On the second day of our stay there we drove to Leadville, the old mining town. We toured the old Tabor Opera House which was built years ago and in their hay day had some of the finest entertainers. Most of the restaurants and cafes in Leadville offered special lunches for under $5.00! We enjoyed visiting the small towns on our drive back to Vail. From Vail we drove into Denver. Several motel prices were under $40.00 in many parts of the city. As we mentioned previously, Colorado is really hurting for travel business! Most of the gay bars in Denver have lowered their prices drastically all day and night. We had screwdrivers and our cost on them ranged from SI. 00 to $1.50! What a deal! Almost all of the bars had extra special events g6ing on each and every night to draw a crowd. Our favorite bar in Denver is J. R. 's on 17th Street. They also have an outside patio on the street side that is great for people watching. A lot of restaurants had specials on their front signs and lots of cheap food can be found there. By looking in the local newspapers you can find several two for one specials at both restaurants and at area attractions. Denver has it's fair share of art, history and cultural museums and galleries. We have always found shopping in Denver to be terrific. In the Cherry Creek Shopping Center they have a great Neiman Marcus store. They have tons of flea markets, antique shops, thrift shops and other places on the lower end of the scale to find special buys. We always bring back a carload of goodies from our travels. This trip we even brought back a Ponderosa Pine tree for our backyard. - next column When driving to Colorado BE SURE and stop at the Welcoming Center close to the State line and pick up a lot of their free brochures and coupon booklets. They will save you hundreds of dollars. Just always remember to have fun when traveling , meet new people, enjoy different foods and talk to everyone. You may just make some new friends and possibly meet that new someone special in your life. For more information on traveling, contact Donald and Ray at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their web page at http://www.hometown.aol.com/ gaytravelers. HIV lh~ilNG, NON ! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 211 E. 201 St.. PO Bo,: :fl, Joplin, J\lo II In conjunction with AIDS Project of the (harks. MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between FM and ii'J\I. For your convenience you can also call 2m9 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not reguire the use of needles and '"•" offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. The Ozarks Star Page 23 A Star community service. "Make -ADifference Day" "Make-A-Difference Day" is a national day of helping orhers;a celebration of people reaching out to their community. This is an annual event that takes place the fourth Saturday of every October. This year's event is October 23, 2004. AIDS Project of the Ozarks (\.PO)took part in the annual event last year with students, church groups and caring, concerned individuals just like you coming together in a community effort to help families living with HIV/ AIDS. In 2003, over $,000 worth of items were donated to benefit APO. For the second year, Spirit of Christ MCC is partnering with APO to collect items to fill the APO client pantry. Our focus will be collecting bleach and laundry detergent (!quid gallon size) Last year Spirit of Christ MCC, Unity of Joplin and South Joplin Christian Church donated over 150 gallons of bleach and an additional 100 gallons of liquid laundry detergent. Spirit of Christ MCC is collecting liquid laundry detergent and bleach now through October 23. To donate or for more information, please contact the church at 417-20€&79. Charitable Tax Donation Receipts avaiiable on request. our generosity will make a difference. September 1, 2004 Martha's Vine1ard 19 W. Olive, Springfield, MO 417-864-4572 Southwest Missouri's Hottest ntertainment Complex. Nv Celebrating 10 oors of (~.lity ntertainment www.marthascomplex.com Voit.me 1 Issue 9 Page 24 Scopes y Jack Fertig September 2004 'Soak up compliments, Cancer!" ---•··· Martha Stewart would love this, if she weren't otherwise occupied: Venus in Cancer is sextile to Jupiter in Virgo, a domestic-goddess kind of lineup. Mercury in Leo is semi-sextile to both, bringing emphatic expression to those homey skills and issues. ARIES (tvfarch 21 to April 20): Housekeeping's not your usual forte, but ,vhat's usual about you anyway? The stars are now helping you roll up your sleeves, and even make housework fun! Take a creative approach, and put that jailbird Martha to shame. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): You've always taken pride in your home; now you get some great new ideas to make it e,0en more comfy and showy. Take a new look at your family and ethnic traditions. Draw inspiration from your sister. .. or any ''sister." GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): This is a good time to reorganize domestic finances. Examine the problems, but don't take real action until Sept. 2. Then take foll advantage of Labor Day sales. CANCER 0une 22 to July 22): You are looking especially gorgeous these days. Keep the sweet, modest smile, but soak up the compliments that are coming your way. We know those dark moods, too, so now's the time to take stock of yourself and affirm your strengths. LEO 0uly 23 to August 22): Your outspokenness has been causing some consternation, but you can clean that up after Sept. 2. In the meantime, show everyone how modest and understanding you can be. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): Your recent run of good luck gets yet another boost in community politics. At !east you get an opportunity to share your ideals. You may prefer to work behind the scenes, but be involved and trust your instincts. September 1, 2004 LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): Blessings come in disguise these days, but now's the time to see through the ugly ,vrappers. Being emotionally supportive at work or adding a homey touch to your ,;rnrk space ,viii open up networking opportunities. SCORPIO (October 23 to No,·ember 21): Come out of your shell and sing out, Louise! You have some great ideas and brilliant foresight. Let people see ,,;hat you h:;rve to offer and you're sure to get ahead! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): The stars are making you saucier and sexier - as if you need the help! Imagine yourself as a foreign sports star and play that up. \'vhether you ha,·e a swimmer's build or a sumo ,vrestler's, you're sure to find a match. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): The zodiac's best-kept secret is out of the bag: You're the sexiest sign of all! Be homey and domestic to get the one you ,vant, or brilliantly erudite to get _everyone_ you want. And one doesn't rule out the other, oh ambitious one! AQUARIUS Qanuary 20 to February 18): Relationship issues? They're largely about housekeeping and sex. Pnt on the French maid's apron and kill two birds ,,-ith one proverbial stone. Communication usually helps, too. No relationship? Well, put on the French maid's apron and go find one. _Zut alors!_ PISCES (Febrm1.ry 19 to March 19): find a crearive partner to at least bounce some ideas off 0£ Crirical feedback is especially helpful now. Fun and games - preferably at home - with your partner will help you articulate problems and find very satisfying answers .. Jack Fertig has been working i1S a professional astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Ne.tworking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864-8302, through his welJsite at http:/ IW1.l(!O.Sta ·ack.com Volume l Issue 9 Page 25 Lesbian Notions from page-19 The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, whose. mission is to help elect openly gay people to public office, also undertook damage control. The Victory Fund bemoaned the governor's lack of honesty with his family and issued a reminder that "over 275 openly gay and lesbian officials serve in public office across the United States, from city councils, to county commissions, to state senates, to the U.S. House of Representatives. The vast majority ... ran for office and serve openly with little criticism or extra attention from the public." Right now I feel more sympathy for the Victory Fund and all the wonderful lesbian and gay candidates it supports than for New Jersey's misguided governor. In the minds of many Americans with limited knowledge of gay people, McGreevey will now be conflated with "Gay Politician," the kind of guy who hides his "shameful" secret, gets the underqualified object of his desire a lucrative, taxpayer-funded job, and then is forced out of office by threat of exposure, causing his family great emotional pain. (Never mind how many politicians are guilty of a heterosexual version of the same thing.) At the same time, hundreds of lesbians and gay men are McGreevey's polar opposites: they've chosen to be honest and out as they pursue public office, forthrightly making their way up the political ladder one rung at a time. Consider, for example, a very different "Gay Politician." Rep. Tammy Baldwin (DWis.) didn't catapult into the U.S. Congress. She started her political career on the Madison City Council, then went on to the County Board of Supervisors and the Wisconsin State Assembly before making a run for Congress as an out lesbian. There are many similar stories of gay politicos who chose a slower path to higher office, taking small, incremental steps that many heterosexual politicians don't have to because they aren't contending with society's homophobia. George W. Bush, for example, went from unsuccessful September 1,2004 businessman to governor of Texas to president in the blink of an eye. I am confident that eventually one of the Tammy Baldwins of our community will make it all the way to the governor's mansion of some state. And that election - unlike the strange coming out of Jim McGreevey will be a triumph for the gay community. Reality at the Gas Pump Think a gallon of gas is expensive? This makes one think, and also puts things in perspective. Diet Snapple 16 oz S1.29 ... S10.32 per gallon Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19 .$9 .52 per gal. Gatorade 20 oz $1.59 . $10.17 per gallon Ocean Spray 16 oz Sl.25 ..... $10.00 per gallon Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15 ...... $33.60 per gallon Vick's Nyquil 6 oz SS.35 .... $178.13 per gallon Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85 ..... $123.20 per gal, Whiteout 7 oz $1.39 .......... $25.42 per gallon Scope 1.5 oz $0.99 ...... $84.48 per gallon And this is the REAL KICKER ... Evian water 9 oz $1.49 ........ $21.19 per gallon?! $21.19 for WATER and the buyers don't even know the source. (Evian spelled backwards is Naive.) So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on water, Scope, or Whiteout, or God forbid Pepto Bismal or Nyquil. Just a little humor to help ease the pain of your next trip to the pump ... From]. R., Oklahoma Cit1~ OK l Place your classified ad here for only $6.00 for the first 15 words, and only 25 cents for each additional word ........ . GoodLookingg,.y gi:reyou μeasure, like ywcksen:e Call Hector@ 816-305-3988 In & Out Calls The Ozarks Star On-Line. Check out our website for Daily breaking GLBT news. www.ozarksstar.com Need A House Mate: Advertise here for only $6.00 first 15 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Joplin, 10 blocks North of Downtown: 4bd, 4bth, formal dinning, hugh kitchen. Zoned heat/ air. Beautifully restored, guiet residencial. Call Vicki at Charles Burt Realtors 417-434-0077 or 800-782-7822. Advertising Representative's Part Time: For Kansas City, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Arkansas, Kansas and Joplin. Commission based compensation. Work in the LGBTS business community. Mail qualifications to: Ozarks Star 2401 E. 32nd St., Suite 10-243 Joplin, MO 64804. Business Opportunity: Ever dreamed of owning your own B&B? Beautiful 4 bed 4 bath 3200sqft fully furnished in Joplin, MO For Sale. Call Vicki Bronson at Charles Burt Realtors 417 -4 34-0077 1010 E. 20th Joplin MO64804 800-782-7822 The Ozarks Star Page27 September I, 2004 Four St.ates Comm.unity Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- · -Organizations- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Ron's Place- - - 523 W. Poplar- - - - - 479-442-3052 Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- -479-571-1300 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Burnzee's- -2301 Towson Ave #C- --479-494-7300 Kinkeads- -10041/2 Garrison Ave- - - - -479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - - - -479-782-1845 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - • • 716 S. Main - - - - --417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Bell Star's - - - 1321 Grand Ave- - - -816-421-1288 Missie B's- - - -805 \V. 39th St- - - -816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bar- - - -413 E. 3rd- - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Missoari, Spriagfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- --417-831-4700 M:utha's Viocyard-219 W Olive -417-864-4572 Oz Bar- 504 E. Commercial- - - - - -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW 50th- - - - -405-843-1722 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th fa-pwy- - 405-525-0730 Club Rox- - - -3535 N\V 39th Expwy- -405-947-2351 TopangaGrill &: Bar-3535 NW 39th- -405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - --918-836-8700 Club Maverick- - 822 S. Sheridan· 918-835-3301 Heads & Tails- - 7944 E. 21st - - - - - - 918-660-7878 Club Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - - -918-584-9494 New Age Renegades- -1649 S. Main -918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- 1737 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 Silver Star Saloon- -1565 S. Sheridan -918-834-4234 TNT's- - 2114 S. Memorial- - - -- - - - -918-660-0856 Tool Box- - - 1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - 918-584-1308 Yellow Brick Road- - 2630 E. 15th - - -918-293-0304 -LodgingMiuouri, Joplia (417) Faces Guest.house B&B - -417-621-9915 Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - -417-624-7800 Mi!l!Jouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - 417-683-9199 Mill!IO■ ri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground- -417-779-5084 Arkaasas, Eureka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - - - - -- - - - -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg {620) River of Life - 1709 N Walnut - - - - 11AM PSU-QSA .... 1701 S. Broadway ... 620-231-0938 Missouri, Joplin {417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th. - - - - -7PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - - 10:30Alvl Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucl,"}'- - 417-624-5788 Missouri, Springfield (417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 \V. Maclison-417-866-6206 Unitarian Universalist Church - - - - 417-833-2723 APO- -1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - - - - - 417-864-4459 GLO Community Ctr- 518 E. Commerical-869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - - - - - - -417-889-1059 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 -Business Services- Missouri, Joplin (417) Penny Smart.Hair Salon -509 Main- 417-623-3500 Massage By Rachael- - 417-438-3664 Body Swim Massage Therapy- 417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-417-434-0077 RE/MAX- - - - - -Cathe Letts- - - - - - 417-483-5313 Office Max- -44-0 Rangeline Rd- - - - -417-623-1007 The Llom Den - -Austin Letts - 417-623-876_7 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consultant- - 417-673-1181 Night Things Boutique-719 MainSt- 417-659-9913 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - • - • 1918 S. Glenstone • • 417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 - -4301 NW 63rd #100 405- 840-2106 Hollywood Hotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial- - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harv11.rd- - -918-747-5466 Underguy.com - - -825 E. 3rd- - - -877-7-BOXERS Priscilla's - - - - - 7925 E. 41st - - - - 918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - - - 5634 W. S!.:elly - - - - - 918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - - -11344 E. 11th - - - - - -918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - - - 2333 E. 71st - - - - - - -918-499-1661 Volume 1 Issue 9 Page 28 September 1, 2004 alternative nightclub 716 W. Sycamore St., Fayetteville, AR. (479) 571-1300 www.studio7l6.net Arkansas LeatherSIR/boy 2005 Sunday September 12, 2004 Doors open 8pm Guests $5.00 Members $3.00 The Norma Kristie Inc. Miss Gay Arkansas 2005 "Best Preliminary"' Award goes to.; .. MISS GAY WASHINGTON COUNTY!! Promoter: Kelly Crisman STUDIO716 Daily Specials & Evenu - Drag Shows Every Suncby-Memhen Free- Guest $5 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] The Ozark Star Magazine, September 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 9 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Ozark Star’s first issue began in August of 2004. Before this Issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) then follows The Star (2005) and The Metro Star (2008) This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 1, 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward T.J. Kelly Greg Steele Randy Vineyard Steve T. Urie Donald Pile Ray Williams Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Southwest Missouri Southeast Kansas The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozarks Star Magazine, August 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/141 The Ozarks Star Magazine, October 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/176 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/177 AIDS benefit fundraiser Athletic model guild Bars Chris Greninge Deep Inside Hollywood election fallwell Falwell Lesbian Notions Make a difference day Nancy Farmer nightclubs Qscopes Quotable Quotes same sex marriage Somewhere Over the Rainbow T-Town Tidbits The Eyes of Tammy Faye The Star Scene travel https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b502d509c4e27de8829448d87f6a808a.jpg 3774705845c6574a0c46f28c3d279ac4 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/8a340a886a39d4ed9f8eef3bc795780c.pdf ece766c52bb594e46230b55c631ce287 PDF Text Text �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document PROUD • V N OM UN "From the day of ourfofi:n,4ifl:g, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this Earth :h45 rights,, and dignity and 11ttitcbless value because they bear ~rnagc of the maker of ven.and ta;rth .. » • Ge~rge W. Bu~h, . • Toaugb./al. ~J>eech; January 20, 2005 State~entl?y:M:att Forc=m.a11'✓ • · μecut~e Djrector, Natio11af~a;r . andI:.esbian'Fask Force • " ., C ,:•\ ,'" •• " ,, Page 5 Tulsa Oklahoma City Little Rock · F ayettevitle·~·"'i Fort . Spri Club nv opens in Kansas Ci by Greg Steele January 18, 2005 ■ KANSAS CITY, MO- The long awaited opening of KC's newest club opened their doors to the public on January 6th. Studio@NV Video Bar officially opened at 4:30pm. A year under construction the dub also has a dance side that will be open on Jan 21st. The grand opening private party is planned for the 20th. "You'll be blown away at the light show and we have some of the cutest bartenders in town." said General Manager, Chad Mantooth. Located in the site of a former Buick deaiership, the club will have three bars, a state of the art dance bar, a video bar and two patio's. The rooftop bar and patio is the place for a grand view of downtown Kansas City. NV plans to be KC's first GLBT totally nonsmoking bar. Smoking will be allowed on the patio. In addition to the club area's, the building \vill feature 23 lofts to be named "The Buick Lofts" and will range in size from a studio to 2500 square feet. Studio@nv video bar is open at 4:30 to !:30 Monday through Saturday with 1/ 2 price martini's from 4:30-8:30 Monday through Friday. The Dance Club starting January 21st will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1 0pm to 1 :30am. Located at 220 Admiral Blvd. on the corner of 7th and McGee in downtown KCMO. If you need further directions or have any questions, you may call 816.421.NVKC or check out the website at http:/ /www.nv-kc.com. Page 6 Arkansas Anti-Gay Foster care Ban Overturned LITTLE ROCK - Finding that children are not harmed by living with gay or lesbian parents, an Arkansas court today struck down a stllte regulation that banned gay people and anyone living in a household with a gay adult from being foster parents in the st:2.te. The American Civil Liberties Union brought the lawsuit ag:ainst the state in 1999 on behalf of three prospective foster parents. ''Throughout this case, the state has relied on ugly stereotypes to deny children in the Arkansas foster care system the chance of having the widest possible pool of foster wnilies available to them,'' said Rim Sklar, Executive Director of the ACLU of Arkansas. "We're very pleased that the court sa~ through these arguments and has recognized that gay and lesbian people can provide homes just as loving and smble as anyone else's." In his findings, Circuit Court Judge Timothy Fox flatly rejected many of the claims the state had made about gay and lesbian people's suitability as parents. In his decision, Fox wrote: "(Psychology pioneer) Jerome Bruner has suggested that one of the reasons people believe in om system of justice may be as simple as 'ow: faith that confrontation is a good way to get to the bottom of things.' The 'confrontation' in this case has presented us all with an excellent opportunity to replace ignorance with knowledge and to make an informed decisionbased on information as opposed to assumption." Among Judge Fox's findings of fact • Being raised by gay parents doesn't increase the risk of psychological, behavioral, or academic problems for children. • Children of lesbian and gay parents are just as well adjusted as children of straight parents. • There is no factual basis for saying that heterosexual parents might be better able to guide children through adolescence than gay parents. • There are no reasons that health, safety, or welfare of a foster child might be negatively impacted by living in a foster home where there is a gay person present. • The blanket exclusion can hurt children by excluding a pool of effective foster parents. "Throughout the trial we presented a variety of experts who proved that the state's justifications for this ban were nothing but baseless myths about gay people," said Leslie Cooper, a staff attorney with the ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project. "This is a victory not only for gay families, but for the many children in the Arkansas foster care system who now have a better shot at finding a good home." After Arkansas's Child Welfare Agency Review Board established a policy in 1999 that "no person may serve as a foster parent if any adult member of that person's household is a . homosexual," the ACLU filed a lawswt in state court challenging the policy on behalf of three Arlwisans who are challenging the ban: William Wagner of Waldron, who works in an optical laboratory. Wagner has been married for 31 yClltS and has two adult children. Although he is a married heterosexual, be is disqualified from serving as a foster parent because his gay son sometimes lives at home. Wagner .and pis wife hope to serve as foster parents because they alrea~y provide em~rgency shelter to teens who have been physically abused and kicked out of their homes for being lesbian or gay and would like to be available to take care of teens in the foster care system. Matthew Lee Howard, a teacher, who lives with his partner Craig Stoopes, a librarian, in Little Rock. The couple has been in a committed relationship for 19 years, is currently raising two children, and hopes to serve as foster parents. Anne Shelley of Fayetteville is a community organizer for various nonprofit organizations and woul9. like to serve as a foster parent. She is prevented from doing so under Arkansas law because she is a lesbian. Leslie Cooper and James Esseks of the ACLU's Lesbian & Gay Rights Project, Grif Stockley of the ACLU of Arkansas, and cooperating attorneys David Ivers and Emily Sneddon represent the prospective foster parents. 1 ! February 2005 by Andrew Collins "Cooking-School Vacations" Photorigbt: You can take cooking classes taught by some of the leading chefs in the Southwest at the acclaimed Santa Fe School of Cooking. Given that many travelers put as much thought into picking the right restaurants as they do choosing appealing hotels and sightseeing attractions, it's little wonder that cooking-school vacations have become extremely popular in recent years. After all, if you're already a fan of eating outstanding food, it makes perfect sense to explore your culinary passions a bit further and learn how to prepare the great meals you enjoy. Whether you're a die-hard chef with professional ambitions or simply a fan of good cooking who's keen on picking up a few culinary tips, you're likely to find a cooking-school adventure that suits yow: interests (and budget). Opportunities to learn bow to cook while traveling range from taking a class or two at a local cooking school or country in~ to booking a complete educational getaway that includes several days of intensive cooking instruction as well as accommodations, meals, and day trips to farmers' markets and restaurants. The cost can range from $50 for a single demonstration class at a cooking school to several thousand dollars per person for a wecklong, all-inclusive package. In most cases, you're responsible for getting to and from the destination. Although there arc no cooking-school vacations geared exclusively to the lesbian and gay market, plenty of gay-popular destinations - from San Francisco to Vermont to Barcelona - offer these food-based educational excursions. Taking one of these trips can be great fun whether you're traveling with yow: honey or with a group of pals, but it's also an excellent way to make new friends; indeed, cooking schools draw plenty of single travelers. If you're looking for an informal, unstructured experience, where you plan your own trip but take some cooking courses on your own, consider booking a class or two at the esteemed Santa Fe School of Cooking, whose instructors include some of the top chefs in this gay-friendly arts mecca in New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Topics cover a wide range of food styles, from the cuisine of Mexico to Southwest tapas. Classes arc offered several times per week and typically cost from $50 to $65 apiece; each one concludes with a full meal featuring the delicious food prepared. A number of inns around the country offer occasional cooking-class weekends, which typically run from two to four days and are especially popular with couples seeking a romantic retreat. In Kennebunkport, Maine - which is dose to such gay-friendly destinations as Portland and Ogunquit - the lavish White Barn Inn offers weekend cooking-school packages throughout the year. These three-day, two-night events begin with a Friday afternoon tea reception, followed by a tour of the inn's impressive wine cellar, where you're also treated to a tasting of several fine vintages. On Saturday you participate in a cooking class in the state-of-the-an demonstration kitchen, followed by a mixoiogy course in the bar. You then get to sample some of the dishes you saw demonstrated in class earlier in the day during the six-course dinner on Saturday evening, in the \Vnire Barn's highly acclaimed restaurant. Guests also receive _The White Barn Inn Cookbook_. Prices start at about $400 per person, double-occupancy. Vermont, which has become a favorite gay destination in recent years, ... continued page-32 Page 8 ' The Queen City of the Southwest ? From the Editor January 20, 2005 TULSA, OKLAHOMA Located in the center of a potentially gay business boom. Sound like a fantasy? Well, look what is within 175 miles, just a three hour drive. Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Muskogee, McAlester, Miami, Witchita, Joplin, Springfield, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, a huge GLBT population estimated at near 150,000. Yes, Tulsa, OK has an opportunity to become a major gay /lesbian city. Shake the Bible Belt syndrome. Gay is not unique in this year of 2005. Gay does not have to be in the closet. Gay is not a lifestyle, it is a life! Gay /Lesbian is not a nasty word with a connotation of deviate. Homosexuality has been accepted around the globe and has become common place. Teen's think of sex as just sex, it doesn't matter if it is with the opposite sex or same sex. If you prefer same sex or opposite sex, no big deal. It's just sex. What does the Tulsa business community have to offer the GLBT tourist or those wanting to relocate? Is there a hotel that seeks gay business? NO. Is there a restaurant that caters to gay people? NO. Is there a predominateiy gay area for housing? NO. Are there shops that as;;. for your business? A FEW. Are ,here gay /lesbian bars? \'ES. Bars, clubs, disco's country western, cruise, neighborhood, and just bars. ls that it? NO. Tulsa has a percentile of GLBT professional people equal to any major city. Attorney's, Accountants, Doctors, Realtors, Nurses, Artists, Writers, Insurance Agents, Engineers, Business Managers, Teachers, Pastors and of course Cosmetologist. A fabulous group of entertainers, Shopping Centers, Theater, beautiful scenery, parks, museums, recreational area's. Tulsa has everything a city needs to attract gay/ lesbian business. To attract gay business development and tourism. Except, two major factors, gay pride and organization! Tulsa has the foundation for growth with the GLBT Center, a GLBT Business organization, we have a Human Rights Organization, we have GLBT religious leaders and community out reach organizations. Yes and how much support do they receive £rpm the over all gay population. Most of these nonprofit organizations say they are struggling to keep afloat. I asked one business owner if he belonged to the Gay Business Association, and he replied, "I didn't know we had one." Another said he belonged to the "Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization" ar one time, but the group decided to cease because there were only ten active members. In the last two months there have been three gay owned business closing in Tulsa ti1a~ I know of, maybe more. Could be the bar market was overly saturated. Niche clubs seem :o be doing well. That is a good sign Tulsa has a diverse group of people who have found a club they enjoy. Persona]y .............. continued next page Page 9 Photo: Night Club in the Brady District. I prefer a nice plush piano bar with entertainment, hunky bartenders and good selection of exotic martini's. Fine wine and food would make my day! I might rent a booth by the month. If anyone out there would consider opening such a place, let me know and I promise to be your best customer. As an Oklahoma native, I've watched the State grow in positive attitude toward her GLBT citizens. Tolerance for some, but for the most part the attitude has changed from gay bashing and hatred to live and let live. Just because we can't legally ma.tty in Oklahoma is no excuse to sit back and grow stagnant, or move to Massachusetts. Star Media, Ltd., the publisher of this magazine is so confident in the future of Tulsa's GLBT community, we are now publishing the STAR here in Tulsa and will continue to cover and distribute to the Four State Region of Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. People we've talked with, all agree that a home based news publication is an essential part of every growing community. We are excited and look foiward to becoming a part of Tulsa's future. Our growth has been gradual, but strong. This issue is our largest ever, with 40 pages. Our distribution has grown from 1000 to 5000 in just over a year. We distribute free of charge and depend on advertising from the GLBT and allied business community for our existence. Without it we could Clothing & Gift Shop in the Cherry Street Image, convenience, quality products and not survive. The response has been service are key to any successful business. tremendous with the February issue Offer the GLBT community something having a record number of advertisers. they want and don't have, let them know We may not be the largest paper in the you have it and treat them with respect state, but we are gaining ground thanks to and they will support you. a very supportive Oklahoma community and the 4 states region. TIJLSA, "The Queen City of the Southwest". Possibilities abound, the potential is here. The Brady District, Cherry Street, East Village, Mid Town area's are prime locations to consider for offices, shops, clubs or restaurants. We just have to make it happen by becoming more united in the efforts to serve the community and develope a strong, well organized entity dedicated to the success of all. "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" Editor in Chief r n • · t t v • , n I g; h t '.o 716 w. syc~re Fay~tttville, AR 479-571-1300 . www.atud•oZ16,ncl OPEN wed-sun 9pm - 2am WEDNJ!SDAYS: Cruisn' for the Hook-up on HUMP-DAY! Happy Hour $5, Beer Bu.t . ~PAYS:. Kataoke till' 12 then it's the Plastic Thureday Dan1re · . get WU,D with DJ jUX" & 1he Best Mu of Hipl,Jop. Tech & YOUR .requests all night long! SA'(UJU)A;YS: it's th~ 716 EXT.REME DANCE PAR'I'Y with OJ . "BRANDON J"' SUNDAYS: The Queens of NW.A @ 11:30 Evety Sunday & DJ "IRJSH" Spinning all night Jong!! Club •,Rex to· Host· Turna . . 1i1·,, ·,,a, Fund raiser: Press Release January 21, 2005 OKLAHOMA CITY. A fundraiaer to benefit the. Winds Houa~ will he held ' Saturday, February 26, 2005, at 10:30 p.m., •t Club Rox inside the Hollywood Hotel & Suites in Oklahoma City. This will be our second annual fuodra,iscr for the Winds· House. The featured event will be a Turnabout Show. in which our club aiid test:aurant employees will be perfotmi,ng and contributing their tip11 to the Winds H~1,1se. A great tum.out is expected again this yeat'md we hope to surpass the amount collecttd at last years event. MARDI GRAS DAY, . ' . . AKA FAT TUESDAY / Every year, N~ .Q.dlan; shuts down and throws the· p~ of parties. Everywhere else · • it's just another Tuesday Orleana it's Mardi Gras! Mardi Gas is more than a single day of ceie\,rition. It's a stiu:c of mind. Mardi Gas teflects and defines . the cultural traditions of Nevi Odcan11. Most "outsiders" assume ~ Gras takes place on a single day; this .is true. Matdi Gms is French fui Fat Tuesday. Some time ago, the tradition a fatted ctlf on beginning of . . . . fast. Thu,, the c~g of the pb.raae,,::11at Tuesday.'' ·,· Page 11 2902 E. 20th Street, Joplin Missouri· Sydney New .Mardi Gras * and Gay Games® Chicago ~ Announce International Partnership 21 January 2005 U~ I Sydney, .A.u,tralia -- The Games and the New Sydney Gay and Lesbian Matdi ~ras t~ay announced a multi-yeat mtemauonal partnership designed to s~ngthen two of the world's largen and most beloved in~miriooal gay and lesbian events. In a joint announcoment &om Chicago, h<>St of Gav Gables VIJ,. and Sydney •. site of the world's largett LGBT Mardi Gras festival, the new pattnecship bro~dcn, the worldwide visibility of both ~eots. 1Utching two of the world's tnost vibrant and gay and lesbian-friendly cities, the new .rdationship will also ' enhance tourism and batin,~?Y between the LGBT communities in the USA and Australia. , , , , . continued pagc-29 P,age12 ,, ', , ,:, '48l5 S<>uth. Harvard Ave., Suite 424 ,'I)tlsa, OK 74135-:3068 Phone: 8) 747,.5466 Email: .; byCP A@sbcglobai.net j 1 Office Licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.com This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp.-Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax:(636)938-3539 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com 11JISA ROUGB.RIDERS' Valeatme's Club~ · ••*Mllle.lJtlllCD'Slll . ._. EndUp .. Club, Sat.., F~ -~ 4th&. Memorlal,..~ ~Opm-?!~ Drawings For Pri7.es!! BeerBust t! *J,-tller Po.t Office Game* • ...........,.tulsa~ugluiden.com•• Leadaer@TaJaRougllRi4en.com Page 15 "Alternatives to the bar scene" Some of us really are not all that into the gay bar scene. Just because your gay does not necessarily mean you HA VE to go to gay bars. First of all I really have never particularly liked the idea of going to a dark bar to find someone. It is rather a creepy feeling. First you have to put up with all the smoke. And then after you get home you have to wash or have everything dry-cleaned. It just isn't worth it. Oh yea, smokers have their rights? Well, what about us nonsmokers? We should be able to go somewhere and not HA VE to have that ciguette smell and smoke everywhere. But aside from smoking the bar scene still does very little for me. I prefer to do my drinking with friends in my own apartment or at parties. friendlyand has lots of straight customers. The MCC Church in town is another place where I have found a lot of friends. Seems like a lot of gay men attend the MCC Church with the hopes of finding someone to share their life "W-ith. I even attended a meeting of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) even thou I am not a parent of a gay person and I met some wonderful guys there. I looked in the last issue of the Ozarks Star and saw a listing for different otgllnizations in the area and have already checked some of them out. You just have to be forward and talk to people I guess. I have met guys at the supermarket, at the malls while shopping and even when I walk my dog in the park. I am really not against bars but I am just saying that the bar scene does not rule my life. I have plenty of interests being gay without the bar scene. I love the Ozarks Star in that it tells us what is going on in the community besides the bar scene. Thanks Ozarks Sou: for being here. Quotable Quotes "I know that many of you wanted to see my husband and some of you had questions out there. Is he hot? Yeah. Is he hung? Yeah. Is he [she waved her hand to suggest bisexual]? Not unless you can give a better (she mimicked eating a banana) than me." Lucky for me I live in a large city and they have lots of activities going on all the time. The gay/lesbian community center is always having entertaining events going on. I have met a lot of other gays at dinner parties. My mature friends - Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom, filling have their Prime Timers organization in for her husband, San Francisco and they are always having events. Mayor Gavin Newsom, addressing a In Oklahoma City I usually stay at fundraiser for New York's gay Empire State Pride Agenda, Oct. 21. the Habana Inn and you r----------------------can always meet a lot of people out at the pool area. I have driven to Kansas City and they have two gay owned Bed and Breakfast Inns there. I have driven down to Eureka Springs, Arkansas where they say almost everyone in town is gay. But the gay owned bar is only gay <Boutique Page 16 Cable TV Gives Birth to Slew of New Gay Programming Written By Ross von Metzke On the forthcoming Logo channel. conceived by figureheads at MTV ~nd VH-1, programs will range from a series on coming out experiences produced by Cher and Chastity Bono to realitv series on gay cops and gav dream , weddings. , On cable TV's here!, a gav parenting series, a holiday drama about, a teenager's two gay dads and numerous gay themed films acquisitioned from film studios across the world round out the roster of programming. ~~ on the Palm Springs based Q Televmon, a daily gay talk show and the gay soap opera Paradise Falls play mostly to audiences in Southern California and Manhattan. For years, mainstream cable networks like HBO and Showtime have enticed gay viewers with shows like Six Feet Under, Oz, The L Word and Queer as Folk - p~ograms featuring gay characters without succumbing to the standards and occasional censorship of network TV. No~, chan~els geared toward gay and _lesbian audiences specifically are making a play for financial success. Gav TV has officiallv arrived , Cablevision, Systems ·Corp. a1:1~ounced yesterday that it is offering dtgi.tal customers monthly subscriptions Dish _Network offers three-hour payper- view blocks of the channel for S3.99. Regent Entertainment co-founders Paul Colichman :md Stephen Jarchow founded here! in August of 2003 and the service is now available in one form or another in more than 30 million cable and satellite TV homes nationwide. It got a nearly two year head start on Logo which Viacom Inc. plans to launch ' s~metime this year as a digital channel with wider distribution. _"They all want to serve the gay and lesbian community and they want to do it in a way that makes money " :olichman col~ !'lewsday on Tu~sday. And because it ts a premium service. anyone who doesn't want gay and - lesbian programming doesn't have to get it." Colichman said here! claimed $15 million in revenue for the first vear and has pl_a~s to spend $50 million this year on o_r1gtnal f'.rogramming and acquiring syndicatton nghts to series and films. Cablevision's nationwide satellite se:vice called _v oom carries its own gayoriented movie channel - DivineHD. A company spokeswoman declined to say whether Cablevision will carry Logo which Viacom had planned to launch next month but has not said whether that is still the plan. Links: www.heretv.com www.logo-tv.com www.qtelevision.com to 30 hours of on-demand programming from here! for $6.95. r:;:::::-------------------- Time Warner Cable in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Milwaukee and San Antonio began carrying here! late last year as nonsubscription video-on~ emand for $3.95 per three-hour viewing. DirecTV recently began offering here! as a monthiy add-on for $9.99. And EchoStar's Rodney Burgamy 405.840.2106 Joe Brennan www.c21-goldcastle.com Page 17 Ozarks Star New Shakespeare Adaption 'The Merchant of Venice' Rings with Gay Undertones By Ross von Metzke Provided by Gay Link Content . Just weeks after American audiences historians and church groups gave OHv'er Stone's Alexander adaptation a big thumbs down over the bi-sexual references, another of history's beloved treasures is getting the gay treatment. Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is getting a lot of heat for a scene in which two male characters, Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes) and Antonio Geremy Irons), head up to Antonio's bedroom to discuss an issue involving a deb~. Just as Bassanio is leaving, he piancs one on Antonio - and from the look of things, it's more than just a friendly peck. Director Mlchael Radford's version of the classic story pushes a lot of buttons and asks a number of questions, which is whv scar Fiennes said, he thrives while ~~rking with the Bard's words. ''The great thing about Sμakespeare and why he's so difficult to pin down is his ambiguity," actor Joseph Fiennes told Reuters. "He's not saying they're gay or thev're straight, he's leaving it up to his actors ... I feel there has to be a great love between the two characters ... there's great .attraction. I don't think they have slept together, but that's for the audience to decide." Co-star Jeremy Irons said tl1e kiss doesn't say so much about the character's sexualitv as it does about the time period. , "In Shakespeare's time male platonic iove was the highest form of love," he said. "Male platonic affection was regarded as a higher form of love to male-female, even husband and wife." While promoting the film in New York recently, Radford said he fe~t it was important to emphasize Antonio's love for Bassanio because of the play's final act. in which Bassanio's feelings for Portia and Antonio are tested. Page 18 Illinois Bans Anti-Gay and Anti Transgender Discrimination National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Praises Equality lllinois for Its Tireless Work WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 12. Capping an eleven year effort led by Equality Illinois, the, ;Illinois House of Representatives today passed a bill banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. The bill was first .introduced over thirty years ago in 1974. When signed into law by Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, a supporter of the measure, Illinois will become the 15th state to protect gay people from discrimination, and the 5th state to protect transgender persons. The bill cleared the State Senate yesterday by a vote of 30-27 and the State House today by a vote 65-51. "We salute Equality Illinois and its tireless leader, Rick Garcia, for today's extraordinary achievement," said Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "This win again shows that dogged work by state and local leaders and activists can surmount enormous odds- and is real salve to a community still hurting from the results of November 2." A non-discrimination bill first passed the House in 1993, also because of the work of Equality Illinois. The law will add "sexual orientation" to the state's existing nondiscriminati·on statute which already bans discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations or credit on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, marital status and milit~ry status. The definition of "sexual orientation" includes provisions to specifically cover transgender persons. A non-discrimination biil first passed the state House in 1993, "The passage of this bill is a major advancement for transgender people, both in Illinois and countrywide," continued Foreman. "Once again, a state has proven that when we dare to dream to protect our entire LGBT community with one bill- to cover everyone, legislators respond. The activists in Illinois have done a tremendous job." · Illinois becorp.es the fifth state to pass explicit transgender-inclusive language in its discrimination law, joining California, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Rhode Island. In addition, 72 cities and counties have transgendet-inclusive nondiscrimination laws on the books. With the addition of Illinois, 27% of the U.S. population now lives in a jurisdiction with transgender discrimination prnte~tion. Eight states have enacted transgender-inclusive hate crime laws. In addition ten states ban anti-gay discrimination - Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Hawaii, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, Nevada, Maryland and New York. FREE HIV TESTING,NO NEEDLFS! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin; Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the · Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We 1,1se the Ora-sure method which does nor require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Serving A Healthier Comm,mity"' Page 19 NSD Statement on Claude Allen White House Appointment January 06, 2005 Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) issued a statement on President Bush's appointment of Claude Allen as White House Domestic Policy Advisor. "The architect of domestic policy for the White House should be an advocate for every American family," said Dave Noble, NSD Executive Director. "Claude Allen has advanced ideological extremes in family policy that have endangered the health of gay youth. His record indicates that he would prompt the White House to promote anti-gay policy and attitude within the administration. As an organization, we are troubled by this appointment." Allen was previously nominated by President Bush for a seat on the 4th Circuit U.S. Appeals court, but had failed to receive Senate confirmation. Allen is a staunch conservative and abstinence activist. He has served the Bush Administration as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, where he has been described as the administration's key advocate for abstinence-only programs. Claude A. Allen worked as an aide to former Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC). In 1984, while serving as press secretary chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party co advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. www.stonewalldemocrats.org for the Helms' senate campaign, Allen accused Helms' Democratic opponent as having ties "with the Diversity 19 VA LENTINE' S ,.Jf41','?,,. queers." National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender nts We Do It Different! Aprl_l 1 ® 2 SPRING! Diversity Weekend BOTH DA#Cn ON FRI & SATI for GLBTis/PPLAGs 1COUNTRY WESTERN' in Eureka Sprlafs. Arltaua, :caoo'!oTEGMP, oo RAc , Rt rt, FAU. & SPRING Di'lerslty Weekends, ,. .,. ay I on " VALENTINE'S, Conawts and other Events DlveNJlty BEARS I CONTEST & BBQ LUNCH www.DiversityPride.com Democrats, with more than 90 local The Point Foundation A Scholarship Lifeline For GLBT Students Scholarship opportunities for. exceptional students, ..-gardless of their ~exual orientation or gender identity; · The Point Foundation is the first and only nationwide LGBT scholarship·. organization that focuses exclusively on granting assistance to. undergraduate, graduate and post7graduate students of distinction. Point Scholars are chosen for their demonstrated leadership, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, involvement in the LGBT community and financial or emotional need. The most recent scholarship awarde.d was announced on January 12, 20Q5. An academic honorarium was .awarded to James· Barnett, the. 18-year:-old: n9n9t'. . student who was expelled in December from Trinity Christian Academy 'in Addison, Texas, in the greatcf·Dallas mcttopo tan are . . . '. discovered Barnett W!1S · gay and hosting My-Boi.com, a supportive Web site tor GLBT youths, school .oftidals reportedly outed him to .his parents, who agteed to withdraw him fro'!Jf:thc academy at the school's request, Barnett said. His parents then threatened to witliliold financial support for colle~ in the fall, Barnett added, if he did not agree to go to a college in Texas. Barnett hopes to attend school out of state. · The amount of the Point Foundation award will be determined after a financial review in the spring, the foundation said fa a press release. 'We ~e·plea.sed to.present this honor.aiium to James, an outstanding student turned away s~ply because of· his sexual orientation," Vance Lancaster, executive director of the Poihl: Foundation, said in the written statement. "This is a sadly common and vei:y real example of why Point Foundation scholarships are necessary." . The honorarium is ·separate from the Point Foundation's._an'nu,aI grams to GI.BT scholars, which will be determined in April or May for the 2005.:2006 school year. Applications are due March 1. · · "The Point Foundation is honored to. be in the position to bring this support to James," Lancaster said. "As the Point Foundation grows, we hope to create a world where students are not marginalized or turned away because of their sexual · orientation or gender identity--ever." The application process is open to ill LGBT students nationwide regardless of levci of education. Application Period S01.rtS January 1, 2005 All applications must be received by March 1, 2005. All additional materials must be received by March 15, 2005. A decision will be made by May 1, 2005. You can apply on-line at ( www.thcpointfoundation.org/apply.html) Page 23 I Dee A New Year and a New Beginning Well, first of all I want to say that I am a PROUD gay man. It is just that simple! I love my life and I am in it for the long haul. I love living in the Midwest and enjoy the changing of the seasons. But, I am getting to the point where things are going to have to change in my gay world. I am tired of being the scapegoat for all the stupid religious right wing nuts, the Republican politicians and the do-gooders of America. I own a home, pay property taxes on it and have a good job. Most of the people that I work with know that I am gay and understand that I was born that way. My neighbors are very nice and seem to like me as a neighbor. I keep my house in good order and of course my lawn and patio is the best kept on the block. But this is 2005 and things has just GOT TO CHANGE in my gay world. I am not going .to tolerate being a second class citizen anymore. I just won't do it! NO, no and NOi So, what am I going to do about it? First off I am NEVER again going to hide in the closet. I am NEVER again going to tell someone that I have a girlfriend. I am NEVER again going to be ashamed when I walk into a store with my partner as we are buying furniture or anything else. I am NEVER again going to be intimidated by any sales clerk or anyone when I am shopping. When we check into a motel or hotel I will ask for one bed for both of us and think nothing about it. I am a PROUD gay man and the rest of America will just have to get used to it. I have met a few gay men who live in Europe and they all are amazed when coming to the United States how intolerant so many Americans are to gays and lesbians here. They think of America as a land of guns and of right wing religious nuts. They think that small towns means small minds and I am beginning to think that they are right. I would love to live in a small town here in the Midwest however I have just learned that it is much easier foi: gay people to live in larger cities. What kind of America do we live in when the State legislatures pay more attention to gay civil unions than they do to educating the children of America. What right in America does some right wing religious nut have to try to force their religion down the throats of other people. One's religious beliefs should be kept to them. Another thing I am going to do this is year is NOT put up with bad or inferior service ANYWHERE. You go into a store to purchase something and the clerk is on their cell phone talking to a friend and trying to ring you up at the same time or your waitperson is having a bad day and wants you to feel sorry for them or you walk into a bar and the bartender is busy talking to his regular customers and doesn't have time to get you a drink. Nope, I am not going to cake it any more. I am sick and tired of having to deal with this, not only in the straight community but in the gay community as well. I love to hear of a gay business that has gone out of business and say that the gay community .doesn't support them. Ha! If they gave good service and appreciated their customers they would have lots of business. Just because a business is gay owned that is not a sufficient reason to give them your business unless they do give good service. So things are changing for me this year. I am going to be much happier and I have to bitch a little more to get good service and what I deserve then I will. It is just that simple! Page24 Paula Martirlac has b_ec;ri. writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the co-chair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, ·Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac FEBRUARY 2005 On The Move The week before George W. Bush's second inauguration, 22 national gay-rights organizations issued a unity statement, putting forth in clear and almost stirring prose their continuing commitment to working for a wide range of issues to achieve full equality for LGBT people. One of the things that struck me about the joint statement was its dual definition of "movement'' - first, as ''ao organized effort to promote or attain an end," but also as simply "the act of' moving." (YOU can read the full text at www.lambdalegal.org and the websites of other national groups.) That second definition is profound, but it's one we often forget. Indeed, it can be hard for groundbreaking reading series individual gay people - esp_ecially those living in called "In Our Own Write." ' hostile states - to see that we're in "the act of ______________ __,, moving" toward the attainment of'civil rights. Many o( us are? in fact, &cirig brutal attacks from some. of the same people who helped Bush. Wlll four more years in office. The joint st:u:ement from· otir national l~ders, then, caμ help us stop and remember that even though the progress of civil rights is maddeningly erratic, it is still progress. . WJ;iat'~ con~sing, I thln,k, is that the word "movement" implies going. forward in a linear fashion, like when you get in your car to go from point A to point B. But. when rou think about it, driving is often not that direct. You may start off,malcing great nme, but the~ th_ere might be traffic, an: accid~nt, or bad weat:her; yoμ: might get a flat; or maybe you hit a detour for roadwork, which sends you off in another direction or even in a circle. Ultimately, you get to poiot'B", but it took a lot longer' than you hoped. · · · Recent even~ in g:iy politics look a lot like that driving metaphor. In the space of 11 short months tn 2003 and 2004, we saw two amazing triumphs: the U.S. Supreme Court struck. do~n the remaining state sodomy laws, and same-sex couples began le~y n:iarrymg 10_ Massachus<:tts. B_ut not long after, 4,000 lesbian and gay couples in Califorrua had their legal marrtages annulled by the state. And in a political slam dunk, 11 state anti-p,y-marriage amendments passed in a single day. As 2005 dawned, however, we saw victory again: Illinois joined the list of states .with antidiscrimination laws. This is "movement''? Bumpy times like these could really throw our community off-balance if we didn't keep the bigger picture in view - that vie are in the business of fighting for nothing les~ than equality, like so many other groups (blacks, women) before us have been dotng for decades, even centuries. And unfair as it may seem, the road to _equality is:°'~ sI?~oth; neither blacks nor women: are anywhere nearing the completion of their mdividual struggles for full rights. Consider a little gay history. The fight against sodomy laws, for example, was a long struggle. We all know about Michael Hardwick's challenge to Georgia's law in ~e eatly 1?80s, and the resulting antigay Supreme Court decision in 1986. But by the um5 th~ high court heard _Bowers v. Hardwick_, legal analysts had alreadr, been tuiilg attn at state sodomy laws for decades, witnessing the first victory over this heinous legi~lation in Illino~s in 1961. And it had taken another agonizing eight years for a seconct state, Connecticut, to follow suit. ..... continued nex page. Page 25 lo addition, most of us are familiar with the marriage-equality movement that burst into public consciousness in Hawaii in the early '90s and brought us civil unions in Vermont and ultimately the marriage victory in Massachusetts. But the first same-sex couple to apply for a state marriage license did so in Minnesota back in 1970, when a lot of people in our community weren't even born and no anti-gay-marriage laws existed. That couple is still in the news, too: earlier this month, Jack Baker and Michael McConnell sued to have their marriage, which was performed by a Methodist minister in the Twin Cities recognized by the Internal Revenue ' Service. (Ibeir case, by the way, was thrown out.) History also teaches us that "movement'' doesn't mean that evervone walks together in lockstep. Both the· black and feminist movements witnessed considerable infighting over issues and tactics. And the gay movement is no different - within a day of the release of the "unity" statement; some LGBT activists rushed to criticize the major gay organizations for putting marriage equality so far down on its lists of goals, which they said could be viewed as retreating from the issue under pressure from the far right. One Illinois activist dismissed the national gay groups as basically inconsequential and "out of touch." But while we're squabbling among ourselves, let's remember that "movement" may involve taking a step forward, a couple back, and another off to the side before we are able to go forward again. Quotable Quotes "We need to educate the younger generation of gay men because many think that living with HIV is a real doddle. They don't realize that there's no cure; it's treatment for life and the meds can have horrible side effects." - Gay actor Rupert Everett to the British AIDS magazine Positive Nation, November issue. HRC RENEWS CALL FOR REPEAL OF 'DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL,' AS PENTAGON PONDERS TROOP SHORTAGE 'Any policy that keeps patriotic Americans from serving during wartime is bad for the nation,' said HRC Political Director \"\'innie Stachelberg. Press Release: Friday,Jan. 7, 2005 WASHINGTON-The Human Rights Campaign today :renewed its call to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, in light of a report in today's Washington Post stating that Army officials are considering changing Pentagon policy to allow for longer and more frequent call-ups of some reservists to meet the demands of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Any policy that keeps patriotic Americans from serving during wartime is bad for the nation," said HRC Political Director Winnie Stachelberg. "'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is deeply hurtful to gay and lesbian service members and their families and is costing the nation valuable service ' members." According to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, more than 9,000 service members have been discharged since 1993 under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy at a cost of more than a quarter billion dollars to U.S. taxpayers. According to the Washington Post story, a temporary increase of 30,000 troops in activeduty ranks that was authorized last vear will probably need to be made permane~t. "In addition ro the men and women who have already been discharged, this policy is a deterrent to countless other gay and lesbian Americans who cannot join the military for fear of discrimination," said Stachelberg. "Allowing aii Americans to serve openly and honestly is good for the country. It's common sense." The Human Rights Campaign is the i.t.rgest national ksbian, gay, bisex11at and rransgtnder politicai organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, pr<roi<k5 campaign support ,md educates tbe public to ensure that LGBT Amtricans can bt open, honest and safl! at home, at u;ork and in the community. Page26 Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! February 2005 Hello Kittens, Uncle here bringing another week of advice on life and love, and all matters between. Uncle smells love in the air this Februarv Kittens. Valentine's Day will soon be here. It 'is the first time in youth, which we feel the excitement of being admired by another. Getting those little cards and candy ~e~s, be~ns our young journey for love. W ouldn t 1t be ~ce kittens to be able to have a heart box as we did when we were kids? Watch it fill up with those cute little cards. Uncle gets so sentimental during the holiday celebrating his favorite past time, the L---------------' pursuit of love. So, grab your valentine and sn e while we see what the mailbag has brought us this week. Mikey, . , I have this problem. I am attracted to guys in their 20's up to their l~te 30 s. I a short, slim guy who is 60 and dresses casually young. The only guys that hit on me are older than 50 or are married. I'm looking far a LTR. I'm not a bottom and guys tend to think I am due to my small stature. Can you offer any advice ?n how_ to attra~t the younger guys to me? I want them to want me for who I am. I m not Into paymg a guy to pretend to love me. Help Dearest Help, . , Kitten, if it is a LTR you seek, first and foremost, you must realize that you cant tag fate or the goddess of love with such conditions. You ~ust ?pen yo~ heart t<;> ~; so that you do not miss the love, fate might offer. Guys 10 the~ twenttes and thirties, well, who is not attracted. It is wild and untamed youth, which may be overshadowing your sight here. The male form ca°: do that. As_ for your stature, well great things come in small packages. There is nothing wrong with ?1at, show ?1em when it is time just what you are made of. Thirdly paying a guy will never brmg you love so don't even allow vourself to entertain such notions. If they do not see the hidden treasure that you ~re, than allow them to move on. Confidence in_ yourself sounds like a much need tool here. Do not allow age to bring fear and sel!. doubt. Age is nothing more than a state of mind. Here is wishing you many successes 10 loves endeavors during this the season of the hunt. Reme~ber Kittens, with age comes benefits, and I don't m~ax_i blue_ cross. I mean experience, and method. Youth as I said is wild and untamed, 1t 1s durmg these years that we find ourselves, and become the treasure we are now._ Give me a. man rl:at has perfected his craft any day to someone who will surely ~e all over me like a wild tornado, well ok, maybe a twister now and than, but still remember the worth of experience. Dear Uncle, . .al I met a woman a week ago and can think of nothing else. ~ o1:1y met he~ t~ a so~ situation and do not know if she is seeing anyone or even tf sne woul~ oe 10tcr~s,cd. I have a hard rime telling people how I feel, and making. the first move ts something that I rarely do. So, how can I let her know that I am mtercstcd before someone else comes along, if she is free in the first place? Wanting in the West Page27 MAIN STREET, JOPLIN, MISSOURI (41 7) 627-9035 Dear wanting, Kitten, you arc just a stalker in the making darling. Shy is so out, in this world of fast love. You must grab what you want, before someone else does. Work it, attitude women. What kind of lesbian arc you? I have never seen a shy lesbian before. I think that is an oxymoron to say the least. You will never get what you want like that, you will be left to sit in the back of the bus alone. There are many predators of love out there, it is time for you to present. Tell this female you are smitten with, that vou would like to take her to the truck rally or whatever it is you lesbians do. Allow things to flow from there. If there is interest, you will get your moment to make vour move. The smell of gas and oil in the air, the roar of the trucks, love can't be far behind. You will live life full of, what if, unless you get strong and show some self-confidence. Remember Kittens, it will be the one with the confidence, which will be the winner of the spoils. You must not allow society to dictate rules of love and self worth. Everybody has his or her merit; it is just a matter of showing that to the world at large. Set new rules, and play the game the best you can. You will be glad you did. Well, that is about all the rime I have this week Kittens. Herc is wishing you all well in your game of love, this valentine season. Uncle has a special Valentine this year. His name is D, and he has no idea of the love fest awaiting him. Until we meet, again remember, It is the queer with the positive mind, which will get their valentine Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too. Unck Miuv is II ch,i,racru from FrttLmce writer Michiud Hi;zrrum. Mich,id btlS beci writing/or tm ye,m. Utilizing his stNd.m, ,i,nd life experience to help others in his community, thro11gh h11mor ,i,nd sound II.Wice. Michul ,i,pp/ied bis su«Jy of psychology ,i,nd cruti'C>e fllriting, dS f!Jeil his extensiw background in menu/ be,iltb Direct c.ire to bring ,i, neTD style ,i,nd ,q,pro.teb to helping others. Mich,i,d's othn- 'll!orks can be fliev>ed ,i,t -.g,rylinkcontent.com. Page 28 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente FEBRUARY 2005 Jonathan llliys Meyers Goes fromVelvet __ to ~Elvis_ He was a bisexual David Bowi.e-csque creature in Todd Haynes' _Velvet Goldmine_, and now Jonathan Rhys Meyers will get his chance to be an Elvis impersonator. The Irish actor, who's also costarred in crowd-pleasers such as _Bend It Like Beckham_ and flops like _Alexander_, has started shooting the 1V miniseries _Elvis_ in New Orleans with a cast that includes Camryn Manheim as Presley's beloved mother Gladys, Randy Quaid as Col. Tom Parker, and Rose McGowan as AnnMargret. Gay production duo Robert Greenblatt and David Janollari (_Six Feet Under_) are on board to run the project, one that saw nearly 500 would-be Kings audition before the pouty-lipped U.K. import was chosen. And given Rhys Meyers' lithe frame, Romeo assumes the series will cover more of Presley's hip-swiveling years and less of his pantsuit-and-giant-gold-belt era. But then again, they can do a lot with prosthetic makeup these days. Hannigan's Back _In the Game Devoted lesbian _Buffy_-heads - among whom Romeo counts himself an honorary member - have been waiting for Alyson Hannigan's return to 1V for some time now. And for a while reports were surfacing that the former Willow would have her own sitcom, a la Mary Tyler Moore. Now she does. Sort of. The actor has joined the cast of ABC's midseason sitcom _In the Game_, which stars Jennifer Love Hewitt as the CEO of an ESPN-like cable sports network. Hannigan will play Hewitt's childhood best friend, who quits law school to become her pal's assistant. _Married with Children_ star Ed O'Neill takes on the role of Hewitt's father, a _Monday Night Football_ .producer who goes to work with his daughter. Meanwhile, Hannigan won't merely be playing Rhoda to Hewitt's Mary - producers are stressing the fact that she'll have storylines of her own. _Now_ Romeo's game. Cunningham Sells His _Specimen_ Ghosts? Terrorists? Aliens? Has _The Hours_ novelist· Michael Cunningham been tiling lessons from Stephen King? Readers will find out in May when the Pulitzer Prize winner's new book, _Specimen Days_, bits bookstore shelves. A trilogy of stories, _Specimen_ will feature an Industrial Revolution-era ghost story, a modern thriller about a suicide bomber, and a futuristic tale of extraterrestrial refugees flooding into Manhattlln. And the copnccting ,presiince . .in these three titl~s? wilt Whitinari, o( course - call him. this novel's Virginia Woolf. Mean.while, i:Lonreaders will have a slightly longer wait for the film version, the rights to which have just been purchased, prepublication, by gay producer Scott Rudin. This collaboration is Rudin and ' Cunningham's second, following _The Hours_; and if the movie ends up half as strange and intriguing as the book, Romeo will be first in line. Tyra Banking on Talk Show She created and hosts the gayest show on television what else but UPN's _America's Next Top Model_? But that was only the beginning for Victoria's Secret model-turned-media-mogul Tyra Banks. Now she wants to be inside your home every weekday. Warner Bros. Domestic 1V is excited about this prospect, too, and has just started selling Banks' new five-a-week syndicated talk show, the eponymous _Tyra Banks Show_, to regional outlets. So far Denver, San Diego, Spokane, and Portland, Ore., are committed, and deals are being negotiated with Disney, Viacom, and Tribune Broadcasting. If all goes as planned, Banks will soon go bead-to-head with Oprah and Ellen. Hope she bas better luck wiili ratings than Tony Danza. Or Jane Pauiey. Or Tempest Bledsoe. Or Dr. Laura. Or [fill in the blank]. Page 2.9 Gay Games from pg-11 "Syaney and Chicago are forever destined to be entwined in the minds of the LGBT community worldwide," said Kevin Boyer, Gay Games VII Co ViceChair. "Sydney hosted a glorious Gay Games VI in 2002 and Chicago will host Gay Games VII in 2006. We've watched as Australians and Sydneysiders preregistered for Gay Games VII in extraordinary numbers - the highest registration numbers per capita of any nation on earth. The legacy of the Gay Games is strong in Sydney and we welcome the opportunity to partner with New Mardi Gras to strengthen the LGBT community there while we prepare to welcome Aussies to Chicago in 2006." · "Mardi Gras is bigger than Sydney," said Mark Ort, New Mardi Gras Co-Chair. "People from Beijing to Barcelona look to it as a beacon for the fight for equal rights, acceptance of the GLTBQ community and a celebration of its rich culture. The Gay Games and our friends in C:hicago share these same values and goals and is an ideal match for our organization. Our new relationship with the Gay Games in Chicago will further enhance our reputation as an allinclusive, international event ·while we both work. toward equality for all." Fellow Co~Chair Steph Sands added, "Sydney and the <rty Games• movement already enjoy close ties. We hope the new alliance will help to bring more . people to Sydney for a wte qf a queer Aussie summer." "Cliicago continues to be. a true partoer to the international Federation of Gay Games and. our pari:iciRani:s worldw;idc" said Kathleen Webster, Federation· of <rty Games co-president. "The spirit and success of the 2002 <rty Games are a testament to the Sydney community's commitment to sport and to the international LGBT community. Chicago has shown itself to be a worthy successor. Just as the lesbian and gay sports and culture community will forever remember the Sydney skyline and harbour and their legacy to the Gay Games movement, athletes and artists now tum their attention to Chicago with its outstanding sport traditions, unique architecture and miles of lakefront parks. We're thrilled with this new parmership between Sydney and Chicago." About New Mardi Gras The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an iconic event of international renown and is Australia's largest a;;nual outdoor event enjoyed by over one million national and international visitors. In February 2005, New Mardi Gras launches a four. week festival with over 100. events, Launch, Fair Day, the world famous Parade, and culminating wit.¾ a world famous Party. Partners of New Mardi Gras include the City of Sydney, the Sydney Star Observer, plus a dozen other media and business partners. For more information, visit http:/ /www.mardigras.org.au. About Gay Games VII Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival will tiike place in Chicago 15-22 July 2006. Over 12,000 athletes from more than 100 countries will compete in 30 sports ranging from softball to dancesport, swimming to tennis. The weeklong event will iriclude band, cbeerleading and color guarq performances, chorus, an ancillary arts festival, arid a series of community-organized socW events and parties. The opening ceremony is scbednled for 15 July at Soldier Field, the lakefront home stadium the Chicago Bears. Closing ceremony will be 22 Juiy at Wrigley Fi'eld, the home of the Chicago Cubs, lo~ated in the heart of Chicago's largest LGBT neighborhood. Games vfl is now , or:g. In ~ddition.to New Sydney Gay and Le~biao Marcti ·Gras, other, earty global . . . Games VII iriciude . Media Group (Chicago, USA) ~ plus more than 30 business sponsors. About The Gay Games The Gay Games was conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and was first held in San Francisco in · continued on page-33 Page 32 .0ut of Torm from pa~ 7 offers a pair ,of rcptitible culinary , vacation optle>ns. In .the 9hapnpg ;village of'. Ptj1;ncy, you· can ~e one; of De.?orah Krasner!! V:emiont Cμlina,rv. Vacations, whcr,c y6u' cnjo,y ,stx dayf! pf_ g cduca . inside a bcaμtifiil .1 cptury ham.· .. ,barn. contains fiye> cieg-antly appointeil;gucst room;s plu{ a library stocked with scads of cookbooks. A typical w~ek includc11 myria.d classes, a . . town of · i~cal.fumcrs' -~liyi;~il tastings. as.:~·t:11 as 'ground . &om Bradley . , Ct.); the cost is · but still •~ V ~onont option ' s~y at :tlie·Inn . :which hills itself as, ''V crfuont's Culinary Rcsort.''fThc inn qffcrs a ~ry popular Chef "lpn" Training pacbgc, whic4, includes :o · commodati9ri, a with a tfucelcotjrse br'cill'as~ ;ah~ a!Out;qf the Essex. campus of the New England Ctillnary Institute. ~tes begin at .$245 per p~on, doubleoc:; c:upancy. : . · J~t ouqiide the hip collegiate city of Charlottesv:iijc,. Va.;:'.tlic • ?4-i;pom Bpar' s Head Inn ranks among the cushiest small resorts itt th~ Mid-Atlantic region; '. ' '~,~tits spa, anq; golf course, the '.s I Read 1 also . 9ffct~ cook!og. c;wses arid vintner:~eekends 'that tii.ke.advantage ;f .. -,·::;•-: .· .· {~~; :,.:ng 1· nP deu s;;-..;..,...f p, · ·' · · tio.. n ·i t the Boar,'s . . .. . ypu arrive with !l; smill J?OSIJC qf fri~nds 'or colleagu~s, as there's a s~~persbn · minimum for cooking, cla~scs; A great chok~ in; San Ii'90-cisco is , T~te-Marie~s c;ook;ing Scl,tbo4 which his been goipg s,tto~gJor:morc than 25 ytats. Witl,: Tante Marie's five;:day .. pac~; -~ed. ,owatd va_,catiOt1(lrS, you · · · classes from 10 a.ni. to 4 through _Fi;iday, but you ahange yow; own accominodatioris and tianst,ortation, abd you're on your own s9me- evenings .and on the weekend. The exceptions ue Monday, when you and vour classmates are treated to dinner at the trendy n:stauran.t.~izqu; Wednesday, during which you embark on il picnic outing to the'Napa and. ~onoma Wine Country; and Friday, when the cours.e concludes with a lively cocktail party. Teacher Mary S. Risley emphasizes classic Frerich. cooking utilizing regional California ingredients and wines. The series of .five courses costs $950. . If you're keen ~n a more pastoral setting for your cooking classes; book a culinary vacation with · · a top-notch cooking school. in . . Sonoma, the heart of California's Wine Couri.try (it's just an hour nqrth. of San Francisco and 45 minutes -easf of the g,ay Russian River resort. town of 'Guernevill.e). • Ramekins is not only a full cooking school with two teaching kitchens, it's a six-room luxury bed-and-breakfast just steps from the town's chaoning p~a. Ramekins offers an astounding rium;oer-o'f cooking classes, and y9u can cU:ston:iμ:e your own agenda, whether yoμ simply :Want to' take one course over a weekcq.d visit. or you'd like t6 J:ty ~evei::al c9tu:s~ pver 'a full week. The cwses ~c taughtiby some of . the oipst ac:ciaiQied chefs in the country, inclu~ several c~oks who appear · regularly on the Food Network. Clas.ses are offered a la carte, and generally cost from about $40 to $80, althqugh Rameldtis docs· offer midweek culinary packages! that include accommodations. Anorller option·is to c<Jnsider traveling abroa~ with·fouy being one of the most popular EuroP,ean •destiqati9ns for cooktng-school vacation~. In Italy's Tuscany, C_asa OJ'.?qilto;offers wecklong courses in Italian and Mediterranean . . The Italian courses focus y_ on T~scatj c~ine, while the ·Mediterranean. coμrses offer an oyerview or'Spani~h, F~ench, Motocc~, and Italian coqkery~ (:~a Oi:nbuto, .a charming rc9--#}e-roof villa -y;ith_ a: large pool and a hot (tμb- &shioneq out .?f a wine c~st a~cqmmodates gqestli .tp. three · · · · incluqe , and classes, ate . ble-~ccupancr.. Vacations,. a;tour Ot>eratorisFi:ciap2:fug in 1Pori=usa1 and · Europe's most ticultQ:ral tours. One of the. most popular packages, "Catalan; Cuisine, A Mediterranean Morsel." 1begins in one of the wndd's bo1;iest gay destinations, .BarcelotlA, and continues on for a full week tht:oughout stunning Catalonia. The ,tour ~olqdes b~akfut daily , ..... con'i"lued n~t page Page 33 plus four lunches and dinners, along with three Catllliln cooking lessons, a visit to a wine cellar in Girona, and tours of several key historic sites and attractions, Rates run from about $3,000per person,double-occupancy. It's a truly memorable chance for an up-close look at the dining and winemaking traditions celebrated in a land famous for incredible food and breathtaking scenery, _Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA and nine additional travel guides. He can be reached care of this publication. The Little Black Book Boar's Head Inn (200 Ednam Dr., Charlottesville, VA, 434-296-2181 or 800-476-1988). Casa Ombuto (Larniano 21, 52014 Poppi, Italy, 31-35-531-0030, www .italiancookerycourse.com), Deborah Krasner's Vermont Culinary Vacations (192 Taylor Rd., Putney, VT, 802-387-6610, www.deborahkrasnersvermont.com). EuroAdventures Vacations (Velazquez Moreno 9, 4th floor, office 409, Vigo, Ponteverda, Galicia, 36201 Spain, 34-986- 22-1399, www.euroadventures.net). Inn at &sex (JO Essex.Way, Essex, VT, 802-878~ 1100 or 800-727-4295, www: vtculinaryresort.com). Ram~kins ( 450 W. Spain St., Sonoma, CA, 707~9~3-0450, wwy,r.r~melrin~.com). Santa Fe ~~hool of Cooking (116 W. San Francisco St:, Santa Fe, NM, 505- 983--4511, . . www.santafeschoolofcooking.com). Tante Marie's Cooking School (271 Francisco St., San Francisco, CA, 415- 788-6699, www.tantemarie.com). White Bar;n Inn.(37 Bell-ch Ave., Kennebunk.pqrt, ME, 207-967:-i321, www,w-hltcharninn:com). ' . 5103 a. ah..._n, -..lte 153 tul-, ok 74145-7827 417--B7-2%75 .net * www. Gay Games from page-29 1982 with 1,350 participants. Subsequent Gay Games have been held in San Francisco (1986; 3,500 participants), Vancouver (1990; 7,300 participants), New York (1994; 12,500 participants), Amsterdam (1998; 13,000 participants), and Sydney (2002; 11,000 participants). The Federation of Gay Games is the international governing body that perpetuates the quadrennial Gay Games and promotes the event's founding principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal BestTM. For more information, visit GayGamcs.org. Chicago Games, Inc, is the host of Gay Games VII and is led by experienced civic leaders from Chicago's business, sports and non-profit sectors. For information about how to sponsor or participate in Gay Games VII in Chicago, visit www.GayGamcsChicago.org, e-mail info@GayGamesChicago.org, or phone (173) 907-2006, Spring Events in Eureka Springs, Ark:i.nsas Based in the hcan of the Ozarks, Diversity Pride Events invites you to visit our little town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for Fall & Spring Diversirv Weekends, romantic V alenfues Getaways, special Concerts & other Pride Events. Diversity Pride Events is committed to producing quality events for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgendcr (GLBTs) and Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAGs), of ALL ages! Our events are for GLBTs an.d their Straight friends & family to enjoy together! COMMUN.ITV MEAL $4.00 DONATION MCC JOPLIN 2902 E. 20TH ST. JOPLIN, MISSOURI EVERY WED. 6PM Seo by Jack Fertig February 2005 "Entertllin, Llbra!" es Mercury and Venus enter .Aquarius, then aspect Uranus, introducing wild new ideas and aesthetics. Meanwhile Sun conjoins Neptune, also in .Aquarius, making it a wacky, mystical, very queer week! Be ready for anything. ARIES (March 21 to April 20): You have some wild ideas for getting ahead in your work, but check with colleagues and superiors, whom you're likely to upset if you go off half-cocked. Listen to friends for new spiritual insights. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): New ideas that seem totally crazy at first are worth discussing with experts. Your assessment of your own abilities is way off - but are they better or worse than you think?, That's what you need to check with the experts! GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Everybody's full of wild ideas right now, and you have a grand head start in that department! What you have to say should be saved for appropriate and/ or receptive audiences. listening can also be a fascinating experience. CANCER 0une 22 to July 22): Your eagerness for sexual experimentation is cranked up a few notches, and your partner is more than ready to cooperate. It could be a wonderfully transcendent experience. Drugs are tempting, but they are really more distraction than help. LEO Ouly 23 to August 22): Relationships are work, and new issues are erupting-to work on. It's all quite manageable, although likely to be confusing at first. Some of the most importll.llt messages aren't rational or verbal, so get confirmation! VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): You're getting playful in ways that may look like perverse workaholism - or simply perverse. If you have a sense of humor, it doesn't matter what others think. Guard your health, especially against infections and working (or working out) too hard. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): The stars say to entertain at home, whether a big bash, a cozy little tea, or an intimate rendezvous with one special person. Most importantly, however you do it, give it an eccentric, festive twist. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): This is an, um, _interesting_ time to open communications with family members and find out about old secrets and scandals. It may not be pretty, but you don't scare easily. Go ahead and rouse those sleeping dogs! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Disagreements lead to very interesting discussions now. Keep an open mind, be ready for a challenge, and remember that your logic is off this week. Argue from the heart if you like, but your brain just isn't there for it. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): Go on a shopping spree and dress up in some new styles. Give yourself wiggle room to go over budget. Spending some extra on yourself is importmt for your self-esteem. Trying a new look is even more important! AQUARIUS Oaouary 20 to February 18): You're usually so certain of yQurself, but not this week. That's good for you, although uncomfortable. Letting go of old ideas will free you up for ne:w ones. Spend time meditli.ting; make note of your dreams. Take time for a small retreat. PISCES (February 19 to March 19): Friends will help you discover things about yourself you never knew - but what will they learn in the process? Keep your ears and mind open and your mouth shut. You need to confide in someone, but be very careful who it is! Jt«fe Fertig has been u,or/eing as a professw,u/. astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the .Associ4tion for Astrological Networking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864-8302, through his webnU!at http:/ /u,ww.starjack.com Page 35 North Korean leader claims his eountey has no AIDS because there are no gays in North Korea. .MUST FIGHT UR.GE TO OIVE SOMEONE AMAICBOVER! UST FIGHT URGE TO GIVE SOMEONE A MAKEOVER! MUST FIGHT URGE. 5103 s. sherldan, suite 1 tulsa, ek 74145-7627 417-437-2275 tml ·Ktm, Page 36 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Lodging- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-B0 Ron's Place- - - 523 W. Poplar- - - 479-442-3052 Wild-On - - -3570 W. 6th- - - 479-521-9453 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - -479-783-9988 Club 1022--1022DodsonAve. --479-782-1845 Arkansas, Hot Sprin&s (501) Club One FJeven- - - 111 G.uden St- -620-4111 Our House Lounge - 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- --501-664-27 44 Discovery- - - - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - • - - 501-666-6900 The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- - - - -501-372-3070 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's• - - - 716 S. Main - - • • - - -417-627-9035 MiHOUri, Kansas City (816) Buddies•• - - - - - 3715 Main St··· 816-561-2600 Belle Star's- - 1321 Grand Ave- - -816-421-1288 Club NV - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-l'<VKC DB Warehouse- 1915 Main St- - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bar. - - -413 E. 3rd- 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - --417-831-4700 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive -417-864-4572 Oz Bar- 504 E. Commercial•• - - • -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy 405-947-2351 Copa- . - - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -405-525-0730 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- • 405-525-0730 Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW SOth- - -405-843-1722 Udo- -- - - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Partners- - - - -2805 NW 36th St 405-942-2199 Sisters- 2120 NW 39th St• - - - • -405-521-9533 The Rockies- - -3201 N. May Ave• - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- no• E. Pine• - •- 918-836-8700 Club Maverick· • 822 S. Sheridan · 918-835-3301 End Up Club- - 424 S. Memoriai- 918-836-2480 Heads & Tails- - 7944 E. 21st - - - 918-660-7878 Club Maiescic- 124 N. Boston - - -918-584-9494 Renegades- - 1649 S. Main - - - -918-585-3405 p;ay-Mo,-Cbb- - 1'.'37 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 TNT's 2: :.i S. Memonal- - - 9:8-660-0856 Missouri, Joplin ( 417) Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catu5 Canyon Campground- - -417-683-9199 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground· - - - · - - 417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- - -405-528-2221 -OrganizationsArkan, as, Eureka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Natwists- - - - - •· - - - -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut -11AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Missouri,Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, • - · • 6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - -10:30AM Aids Project Ozarb- 513 Kentucky- 41'.'-624-5788 Missouri, Springfield ( 417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Universalist Church - - - - 417-833-2723 APO- - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - • - - - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - - - -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Cathedral of Hope- 600 NW 13th St- - 232-HOPE The Center- - 2135 NW 39th St. - - - - 405-524-6000 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Mapiewood• -918-838-1715 TOHR- - - - - PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 Tulsa Rough Riders- -www.tuharoughriders.com GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st-. - - 918-743-4297 Page 37 -Business ServicesArkan5as, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com Missouri, Eureka Shelter ln5urance- -Greg Tainter- - 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) Body Swim Masiage Therapy- - - -417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realton-Vicki Bronson-- -434-0077 RE/MAX - -Cathe Letts- - . 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangcline Rd- - - 417-623-1007 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consult,- 417-673-1181 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's···· 1918 S. Glenstonc - -417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Quotable Quotes Century21 • ·4301 NW 63rd #100 405- 840-2106 "Ohio is the new Florida in the 2004 Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 Ingrids Kitchen- -3701 N. Youngs- - -405-946-8444 Jungle Reds - 2200 NW Expwy- - - 405-524-5733 Piece To Remember-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harvard - 918-74f5466 Underguy.com - - -825 E. 3rd - - 918-829-0824 Priscilla's - - 7925 E. 41st - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's · · · · 5634 W. Skelly - - - •-918-446-6336 Priscilla's••• -11344 E. 11th•••• - 918-438-4224 Priscilla's• - - - 2333 E. 71st • • - - - .,. 918-499-1661 election and we are looking at a recount headed by Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell. The same man that permitted the use of electronic machines that provided no paper record. The same man who presided over a voting system that resulted in quick, short lines in the dominantly Republican suburbs, while the inner cities experienced four and sixhour- long waiting lines." - Gay icon Barbra Streisand writing on her Web site, Dec. 6. WR1TER SUSAN SONTAG HAS DIED AT THE A.OE OF 11. SHE IS SURVIVED 8Y SOME WOMAN. WHO 100K HER PICTURE FOR A VODKA AJ>. Page38 NEW CARTOONS A COUPLE OF" GUYS A Couple ofguyse ~~~ Cura~ao courts gay travelers Seven years after the Cayman Islands refqsed to let a gay-themed cruise dock, another Caribbean island has put out the welcome mat. The Dutch island of Cutas:ao is encouraging gay and lesbian trav;clers to visit with the help of a new Web site, www.gaycuracao.com. To receive a free DVD about the island, call (800) 328-7222 or visit www.curacao-tourism.com. If yoive ever been to Holland, you knqw .that the Dutch don't raise a blonde eyebrow over the gay lifestyle. Same is tru6 in their tropical paradise, Curas:ao. The motto here: "Live & Let Live." .An:d oh how you can live. Curas:ao is surrounded by over thirty uncrowded beaches, some intimate and tucked away without another sole in sight. And these beaches are oh-soinviting all year round, with an average air temperature of 85° in the summer and 81 ° in the winter. And an average water temperature of between 78° and gzo. A short drive in from the beaches, you'll find Willemstad, one of six UNESCO world heritage city sites in the Caribbean. Willemstad is historically significant, because it is still filled with Dutch-colonial architecture dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The city is also home to important. art, maritime and Jewish· museums, as well as one of the best anthropological museums in the world. A short swim out from the beaches, you'll find some of the best shore diving in the world. And further out, top underwater attractions such as the famous Mushroom Forest. In either case, the visibility around Curas:ao is remarkable, averaging about 100 feet. Or, to put it another way, it's easy to see why Curai;:ao should be at the top of your vacation shortlist. Night Life and Casino's. In Curai;:ao, the nights are most definitely full of life. Pull up a chair on the beach and relax to a nice breeze and a soothing jazz 'band. Or tear up the dance floor at midnight to a hot Latin beat in one of our many nightclubs. Either way, you'll find enough here to keep you entertained till the wee-hours of the morning. And if you're feeling lucky, then tty your hand in one of ten hotel casinos that are on the island. They're open daily and feature a variety of games including blackjack, roulette, craps and poker mach.ines. The Beaches: About 40 public and private beaches are tucked in and around the island ranging from private, secluded, intimate coves to larger beaches that are bustling with activities such as live bands, beach sports, parasailing and jet skiing. Since the northern coast of the island is made up of rocky shores and rough seas, it's the southwestern coast with irs calm and crystal clear warers which harbors the most inviting beaches. Go to: http:/ /www.gaycuracao.com for more information and travel arrangemems. ip Off Thursday•s SlJ! <.ASII·& Pllm Beer Bust q-CLOSf. •oss.e >e> oe>sNLO·s .<><> IIALXFi!!'T'XNrs; •t2.so weu.. "DRXNIC9o $1.75 00ME?STIC LONGNSC~ ,.' ~ 'DajJ. ~ Doy~. Dally lunch and Dinner Specials Open J J om Dolly Happy Hour 3-6 & 9-dose Hlghlly 29. '9 3rd Nlg.ht Free Holkloys and Special Events . Excluded Monthly Mov• In Spedals P RO U D LY S E R VI N G T H I! O·L B T & ALLIED CO M M U N I TY FREE Page 2 HIST BITD. IIED'IINTIW 1--fflt-m-11111 109111 I. ' i 1 ' ! j Page 3 Springfield's · Catering to e GL Communi Hear eRumors.com 5pm-1:30am Now in the Back Room, Check out our New Open Friday and Saturday 8 pm to 1 :30 am . of pee ..• called for a co t;,forBici mar ouples: A t~tal: sraali d· s. pe·e cl:i •. 9· ft r·.. .. •~e Allard (R-CO) duc~l.the Mat;4~e Protection A. (MPA) on the US Senate floor ::_ m_aking if .... •. :;tije i~St * business in• full week B'ush's seconil!'t6ri:n .. j Page 5 Dear Editor I just picked up my first copy of the STAR; how nice to have a feature article on the potential for Tulsa to become a Gay Mecca (February issue). Your observations were close to target with a few pellets of shot flying slightly off course. Tulsa's location is one of it's greatest assets. From Dallas to Kansas City and from Nashville to Denver, there is no city more liberal and accepting. Often compared to Boston for it's art, architecture and civic life, Tulsa has: nine welcoming and affirming churches, a thriving Jewish Community, several predominantly gay neighborhoods (Brady Heights Historic District has easily the highest percentage of gays and lesbians than any other), a smattering of bars, the most extensive Gay Pride event in a 3 state area, the oldest active gay rights organization in the state (fulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights • TOHR), and a police department that meets with gay leaders as part of their diversity training. In spite of Oral Roberts University being located here (or maybe because of it) Tulsa also has one of the largest PFLAG organization in the countrv. Additionally, there are many varied social ~lubs (the leather community is one of the most vast) and a capital campaign with alreadv over $300K in funds working towards building a new and visible Gay Pride Center (www.pyramidproject.org). The gay business organization TuRBO is going strong with almost 100 members under the stewardship of TOHR; and several gay restaurants have opened and closed in the past years • hopefully there will be more soon. It is my hope and that of my colleagues that the new Gay Pride Center will become an anchor for what will be a Gay District for Tulsa. Whether that is in The Brady Arts District (close to the already predominantly gay neighborhoods and shops) or in a part of the city that has the right stuff, you are more likely .:o see a gathering of forces within a Gay District just like in other major cities. Not a Gay District to ghettoize our community, but to give us the strength of combined spirit. Best Regards, T'mo•hv A. Wiiliams. Tu'.sa. OK ~ - ,/ , , ·Let's Rodeo 2005 by Greg Steele TULSA, OK. With the Fort Worth rodeo kicking off the 2005 gay rodeo season in March, Tulsa's T-Town Rodeo will begin the four states region's buckin for buckles show of events on April 8th- 10th at the Tulsa Expo Square Arena. For more information and tickets go to www.soonerstaterodeo.com. Sponsorships are still available. Diamond State Rodeo, in Little Rock Arkansas presents it's 10th season with the "Rodeo In The Rock 2005" April 22nd-24th at the Arkansas Equestrian Center Barton Coliseum. For more info go to: www.dsra.org. Rodeo Wichita presented bv the Kansas Gay Rodeo Assoc. will be held in Wichita, Kansas May13-1 Sth. Location tO be announced. www.kgra.us OGRA, Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Assoc. holds their 20th annual "Great Plains Rodeo" May 27th-29th at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds arena. OGRA is the 3rd largest gay rodeo event under the IGRA umbrella. For schedule of events visit www.okgayrodeo.com MGRA's "Show-Me-State Rodeo" will take off later this fall September 2nd- 4th. The Missouri Gay Rodeo Assoc. is in there 13th year and has chapters in Kansas City, Springfield and Joplin. For updates go to: www.mgra.us The International Gay Rodeo f\ssociation (IGRA) is an umbrelia organization comprised of 20 regional Gay Rodeo Associatiom from across the United States and Canada. IGRA serves to foster the sport of Rocke :ind Country & Western actiYities. IGRf\, !D fellowship with its member associai:io,i,< donates ;housands of doi!ars to char:n- each year. The Gay and Lesbian Co:nmumt1es ui the United States and Canada have be::-n en:dched by the eciucational efforcs of lGR:\ through its sanc:ioning and sprrnsorship ,,f tne various events and activities which are a part of what we cali Gay Rodeo. Your locai Rodeo Associaticn n:::ed, your support, have fun for a good crns<::. They Do! Page 6 MARCH 2005 by Andrew Collins "Palm Beach, Florida" With the emergence of South F1orida as one of the hottest queer destinations in North America, the pink presence has gradually migrated to metro Palm Beach, a region not traditionally known for its lesbian and gay scene. The area's largest city, West Palm Beach, and its high-rent, ocean-front neighbor, Palm Beach, are but an hour north of the gay-popular Ft. Lauderdale, . . . . and they offer plenty of cultural, dining, and rughtlife diversions as well as some of the nation's ritziest hotels. West Palm Beach originated largely as a place to accommodate the countless cooks, maids, chauffeurs, butlers, and gardeners employed in the great mansions and resorts of Palm Beach. Although it'1 much larger than Palm Beach ind contains the region's major airport and train station, for many years it was considered little more than a pass-through for travelers headed to Palm Beach, and as recentlv as die mid' 90s ':'as ~addled ~th ~gh crime and urban blight. Over the past dec~de, however, a combmatton of C1V1C prtde, progressive planning, and private investment have helped turn downtown into a vibrant residential, commercial, and arts district. The crown jewel of downtown's renaissance, the $600 million CityPlace entertainment and shopping center has been built to resemble a Mediterranean village - it contains more than 75 mostly upscale chain shops, a dozen fine restaurants a 20~screeh cinema, and a massive concert hall. ' Another major draw is the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts - a ven1;1-e for ~rst-rate ballet, classical music, and Broadway-style musicals. The city's most 1mpress1ve cultural attraction, the Norton Museum of Art contains a fine collection of 1_9th- and 20th-century American and European paintings; following the 2003 operuog of a 45,000-square-foot wing, it became the Tuigcst art museum in the state. . Fr~m downtown West Palm Beach, Route A1A leads over the"Flagler Memorial Bndge mto P:tlm Beach, long one of the wealthiest - and unabashedly snobbiest - enclaves on the Eastern Seaboard. The gay and lesbian scene is virtuallv invisible her~, b~t it can be fun ch~g along the town's gilded avenues, trying to guess which tortress wall or towenng hedge conceals the estll.te of which celebritv. The s~azzf shopping begins along Royal Poinciana Way, which you'll bit just after crossir~g th: Flagler Memorial Bridge. The best places for window browsing and gallery noppmg are the toy-poodle-infested sidewalks of Worth Avenue, several bl~cks ~outh, where you'll find stores with such ptedous, if gag-inducing, natnes as Ansto~ds and Au Cas~ere. For a chance to marvel at the island's I~ of· con~pt~uous c_o~sumpuon, spend an hour or two touring Flagler Museum, :which is set tnstde Whitenall, a 73-room, turn-of-the-century castle. · · As for nos~ing, West Palm Beach's most homo-popular restaut20t, JU,,~ ~a~e, ?ffers an inventive, changing menu of contemporary American · · 10c1ud10g black bean and tomato cakes and goat cheese-and crepes. It occupies a retro-cool former drugstore (circa 19 , of the city's antiques row. Cabana, a hip sidewalk cafe with a sexv dinmg·, West Paim's funky Clematis Street, serves wonderful ... ndt~ :'-}:' · .·,;:':}-,-: <✓;: ,,_, 't½ .. '"~- t ~ ,,,. ·,t;; ·(&. ;. ~'Cc i I 1 i l I i i Page 7 Nuevo Latino fare, including a tender marinated skirt steak and heavenly Cuban sandwiches. Wash everything down with a mojito cocktail. Across the bridge in Palm Beach, Chuck and Harold's is where visiting celebs congregate for a casual meal and where everybody else comes to peoplewatch - tty to grab a table outside overlooking the sidewalk. Bice Ristorante, tucked in a cloistered courtyard off of Worth Avenue, serves excellent Northern Italian food and is one of the best see-and-be-seen eateries in Palm Beach consider seared tare tuna with sauteed butternut squash, crispy spinach, and a sweet-tangy apricot sauce. Hamburger Heaven is a jazzed-up version of the classic all-American burger joint; this small luncheonette with a Ushape counter is something of a local institution in downtown Palm Beach, drawing equally among the hoi polloi and the local elite. It's also a favorite spot for hearty breakfasts. You'll find a handful of gay nightspots in West Palm Beach, including Kashmir, a festive and elaborate warehouse disco. The area's definitive cruising-andmingling video bar, H.G. Roosters has been going strong for years. The crowd is eclectic, and the staff cute and friendly. A branch of the famed nightclub in the Hamptons ( on eastern Long Island, in New York), the Resort Lounge occupies a glam space inside CityPlace and pulls in its share of A-listers, along with plenty of poseurs and wanna-bes simply hoping to see some A-listers. Paris and Nicky are said to be regulars at this riotously colorful, sexually ambiguous hangout. The gay-friendly Respectable Street Cafe, at the west end of Clematis Street, tanks among the best music clubs in the city, presenting an eclectic range of bands. 5101 is a low-keyed gay neighborhood bar, and Cupids Cabaret is a favorite place to ogle male strippers, with lap dances being a house specialty. It's the onlv bar in South Florida where the dan'cers take _everything_ off. If you want to be close to gay nightlife, stay in West Palm, which is home to the super-sleek Hotel Biba, a big hit with trendy types, thanks to its Aveda bath products, glass-tile mosaic floors in the bathrooms, angular mahogany furniture, and lavenderscented closets. The intimate property has just 43 rooms and brings a splash of Miami Beach's outrageousness to the city's downtown. The Hibiscus House - a 1922 mansion in one of West Palm Beach's most historic neighborhoods - is now a B&B run by gracious hosts Raleigh Hill and Colin Rayner. Each room has a name that bears out a particular look. The Green Room has French doors opening onto a balcony with verdant garden views; the Burgundy Suite is bathed in sumptuous reds. In the morning you're treated to a delicious two-course breakfast. The lavish, gay-owned Grandview Gardens B&B lies within walking distance of downtown West Palm Beach's many fine shops and restaurants. This dashing 1920s Spanish Mediterranean-style home contains five posh yet reasonably priced rooms, all with French doors opening onto secluded terraces that oYerlook the pool. Palm Beach is the domain of posh resort compounds, and no place captures the regal essence of this wealthy, blueblooded enclave more persuasively than the majestic, twin-turreted Breakers resort, which opened in 1896 and anchors 140 beautifully manicured acres of lawns, gardens, and palm trees. The Italian Renaissance building contains 560 ultraposh rooms, several excellent . restaurants (Sunday brunch in The Circle dining room is de rigueut), two outstanding 18-hole golf courses, a huge full-service spa and fitness center overlooking the ocean, and scads of other impressive amenities. Another popular choice, if money's not an issue, is the Four Seasons Ocean Grand, a contemporary 6-acre oceanfront compound a few miles south of the hubbub of Worth Avenue. Although supremely sumptuous, the sleek design and decor contribute to a fairly relaxed mood you'll feel right at hor~e walking through the lobby in casual threads. A refined and historic boutique hotel with a discreet gay :.md lesbian following, the 43- room Chesterfield Palm Beach feels a bit like a private European dub, with its museumquality furnishings, courtly restaurant, garden courtyard, and afternoon high-tea service. Rooms are cozy but comfy, with marble baths, downy bathrobes, and 1~\7, y,rith VCRs. It's steps frnn~ Worth An::nue shopping. '"'•····continued page-JJ Page 8 WAL-MART CHANGES FAMILY POLICY 'We hope that with equal responsibility come equal benefits,' said HRC's Daryl Herrschaft. WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign appiauded Wal-Mart Stores, the nation's largest private employer, for a new definition of family that includes same-sex partners recognized under state law. "We hope that with equal responsibilir-y come equal benefits," said HRC's Darvl Herrschaft, deputy director for HRC'~ workplace project. "We are encouraged by this sign showing America's heartland employer understands same-sex couples share the responsibilities that come with being a family. It's only appropriate for these families to also receive the same benefits as others." Wal-Mart's definition of "immediate family" was included in a conflict-ofinterest poiicv the companv filed yesterday with the Sec~riti~s and Exchange Commission. A portion of the policy follows: "You are responsible for advancing WalMart's business interests when the opportunity to do so arises. You ,,;ay not take any opportunities or use any con.fidet:tial information for your benefit, or for the benefit of your immediate family members, that you discoi:er or obtain through your employment with Wal-Mart. Immediate family members include !whether by birth, adoption, marriage or domestic partnership or civii union, if recognized lry your state or other local law) your spouse, children, parents, si · , mothers and fathers-in-law, sons daughters-in-law and brothers and sistersin- 1.aw. '' "\X' e will continue our work to encourage Wal-Mart and other companies to expand fair-minded poiicies to areas where same-sex couples are not recognized by law," added Herrschaft. "Without legal recognition of same-sex couples, employers' domestic partner programs are a critical way to ensure that every employee's family h~s equal access to healthcare, medical leave and other workplace-offered benefits. Companies that offer these benefits understand that the strength and stability of every employee's family life correlates with the quality of their work and the success of the business." Currently 228 - or 45 percent - of Fortune 500 companies offer health care benefits to employees' same-sex domestic partners or spouses. The number has increased tenfold since 1995, when onlv 21 Fortune 500 companies offered the , benefits. Wal-Mart competitors Costco Wholesale, Best Buy and Horne Depot all offer domestic partner health benefits. In July 2003, Wal-Mart expanded its nondiscrimination policy to include sexual orientation. Currently, nine of che 10 top companies in the Forrune 500 include sexual orientation in their nondiscrimination policies, and three of these companies also include pro_tection against discrimination based on gender identity in their policies. "Every gay, lesbian, bisexual and rransgender employee deserves to be judged by the job they do, not who they are," said Herrschaft. "We urge Wal-Mart and other companies to add protections for ttansgender employees so that no employees are at risk for losing their livelihood for reasons that have nothing to do with their work." The Human Rights Campaign is the largest nationai lesbian, gay, bisexual and irarngender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. Page 9 Photo's by Chaz Up Close with Male Entertainer Joseph. Male entertainment, it's hot or it's not! This 24 year old is hot! Joseph loves the spot light and said " I enjoy the enthusiasm of the crowd and I have a great time doing it. The money is very good also". His athletic build and handsome face quickly gets your attention when he jolts onto the stage. The fans in Springfield are all to eager to voice there approval as he flexes every muscle in his 5' 11" frame and gives a very masculine performance. Joseph grew up on a farm, a foster home south of Atlanta, GA until he was 18 when he left and went to work in a logging camp. He moved to Springfield, MO four years ago where he works for a construction company pouring concrete. With a goal of attending college to study creative · · writing and music, he plays the acoustical tar and has performed as lead singer in a Springfield straight clubs. Joseph's main is to be successful in music. In his spare time ri exercise are his favorite hob voted him our 2005 Mister OZ",· Greg Hill. Currently performing on week ends at the OZ bar in Springfield, Joseph has become a popular main attraction and draws a huge crowd at the newly reorganized club. "Joe has .become such a hit we have Talented live entertainment here in i:he four states region has become the signature of many night dubs and bars. Exceptional performers are highly courted in an extremely competitive business. Singers, Comedians, Female Impersonators, Musicians, Musical Groups and Male Dancers WANTED! Club pat.tons love to dance to the music of a great DJ, but are also looking for an alternative in good live gay entertainment. Page 12 • • • y 4815 South Harvard Ave., Suite 424 Tulsa, OK 74135-3068 Phone: (918) 747-5466 Email: KellyKirbyCPA@sbcglobal.net accoun GLBTC 1982 Office Licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.co~, This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp. -Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka; Missouri 63025 Tel: (636),~38-5500 Fax:' (636) 938-3539 Page 15 "Chat Rooms, Bar Scenes, Ect." Well, here I am a single gay man and where oh where do I look for someone? The chat rooms are really getting more weird all the time. There are getting to be way to many "crazies" out there. One has to be VERY cautious when meeting anyone for the first time from a chat room conversation. It is always best to meet in a bar or in a public place like a shopping center or somewhere that is really safe. And of course it seems like three-fourths of the guys you meet in the chat rooms turns out to be married heteros who are just looking for a little extra action on the side. And that is NOT something that I am looking for in my life right now. Then there are the different descriptions of one's own assessment of themselves. Nothing wrong with being 40 or 50 or even 60 or 70 but be honest when giving your age. A 60 year old cannot possibly pass for a 25 year old. And we won't even go into the "aol size" difference between 6 inches and 9 inches. It seems that there is always somebody for everyone so why lie about who vou are? Just go with the flow and enjoy life. Just be very specific in the chat rooms on who you are and what vou are looking for. , The good old gay bars are st ill a s tap .l e for hoping to hook up with someone. · someone from out of town comes through and of course everyone hits on them quickly. I do like to get out on weekends and travel to cities usually within 100 miles of here and that can sometimes be fun. A new face in town always draws interest. I have even been known to hit a few straight bars in a Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn or some of the other major hotel chains. Amazingly I have found several other gay guys going there also. My older friends tells me that a few years ago that almost evervone went out for happy hour from 5 to 7 and that the bars were ii.ways packed at that time with people getting off of work. That sounds great! Just wish that it was like that today. . Now it seems that nobody goes out till at Je1ist 10 PM and sometimes even later. Since I have to be at work at 8 every morning that just doesn't work for me. I.have ii.ways had an aversion to Parks. They just really never did anything for me. It was just to public for me. I ha~e lots of friends who cruise the parks all the time but it just doesn't ;.ork for me. But with the proper "eye contact" I have found people at the car wash, supermarket, shopping mall and even at Walmart! It just takes a little more time to search sometimes. But I won't give up trying to find that "special" person in my life. I know that someday, somehow, somewhere he will come into my life and it will be perfect. But until then I will just continue to keep on the lookout for Mr. Right whether at a bar, on line, just looking in the BIG world or at gay meetings, groups or seminars or gatherings. I won't give up. But the only problem ----------------------7 the bars that I go to all the time have the same people in them night after night after night. I have either been with all of them or have by my own choice not wanted to be with them. Once in a great while fWlyff•I .. w.,,r s,-, Y.•lll§ s~--.r ... ,, .. .., COag COaooMS S. t..Aftght ffilllgs CBouHque 417 -6.59-991$ M••• I. W...'• - el....,_ & lheet 719 N• M.t'• & .._.,, U.,.rie Jeplilt, MO t,.tMI Nn Sins O,.. T---,- ffWi1J 1a-,pm 'S,:at 10-Spm Page 16 124 N. Boston - TulsaT OK - 918.584.9494 Thursday Nights - Rachael Erikks - MGA 2004 Sunday Nights - Catia Lee Love - MGA 2000 Thursday and Sunday - 18 to enter; 21 to drink Friday and Saturday Dance Party -21 to enter 9 p till 2 a - Thu-sday - Sunday nights "Night of Press Release Feb 19, 2005 R 2005" JOPLIN, MO A "Night of Stars 2005" for AIDS Project of the Ozarks. The e·.enr ·.viii be held on Sunday, April 3rd, 2nos. The annual fund-raiser will begin at 2 PI\f at Ree's Lounge iocated at 716 S. Mam. Parking and entrance is at the rear of the building off of Joplin Street. All monies raised during The Nignt of Stars 2005 wiil be donated to APO to assist HIV clients living in the southwest 1\fissouri 1\rea. The event activities will include an auction of donated items and services and a talent show featuring local performers. AIDS Project of rhe Ozarks provides care and services to 500+ clients in the Ozarks and the southwest Missouri area. Those living with the HIV virus. APO also provides prevention awareness and educational information to the community free of charge. i\11 contributions and donations are tax deductible. If vou should need a letter documenting our non-profit, taxexempt status please contact Lynn Meyerkord at 417-881-1900 and the information will be sent to you. We are asking for community support for this event. If you would like to make a donation or need more information, please contact Tim Baker at 417-206-4691 or email Tim_Baker39@yahoo.com. You may also contact Richard or Terry at Ree's Lounge at 4!7-627-9035. Page 17 Do you ever wonder what happened to that cute kid that lived in your neighborhood? ti~ gme up. &&f did he gro" He and his friends are appearing nightly at "Tulsa's best kept secref' nd p ub 424 South Memorial, Tulsa OK 918-836-2480 inimum - but NEVER a cover charge! . . w~~·~e~ppnt ai_i[!oeflatikpnces · ~oiJt1i~~4009 • 672~ N. Mi~marBlvd, Okla Ci.ty, OK 73111 Rodney Burgamy www.c21goldcastle.oom 5.840.2106 Joe . ~y relationshie with, pastors locally and in Eurdca :sp~ h!ij::b~en;_~eJfipk of meetibgs archiiia illlfderiominatfon I belong to. What Latn saying here is that I never dreamed i:bai: iii<rnv lifetii:ne opp6rtunitics w~tili ~if~£~ my . life that would make a difference for anyon~. Or that those OJ?P:Oftuaj~es w<;nil.1li1~t,;:. manifest themselves info the supp9rt, · encouragement, and care I have .,,: .. · experienced in the last 'fow;/ ni9,.pJhs _now. Here I am the pastor of a sm,alF Cfuistian church tb,at mini~ters pred · · antly to the gay, lcs_bian,, bisexual . . , Transgendered community arid yet YOU TOO'G:AN:. .· i .; > · almost every denotnination in town had · · · · · · · · · · · · ·· · •. · · , • · " me on their pray~r list. Everyone at , DIFEERENC~ .. · work would say; ."E .iJ>. going to 1n my'.lifcfu¥!;)I;hs,vc-1oyacl, supported; · be' 61(,,.:by thc"way,, }>i.i on:pur cnc6ufaged ati,d ;even ii.:ritated my sliare ~hurch~s prayer, list:'; ... , .. c:ibout the of peoples but: always. mowing. that the overwhelming conccB_t' id~o!ved in that. day w.o.uld,;'c:oine ~henJ :wo'l]ld "londc~ Openly out bt1;f calmiy BJtli;in,bqw I ' what if? In ;..the past fourteen months I stand on: issues' and ~1Ldiis support. .· In ' have hl!d four \gj~es;:,. My ' ' : :odwnciili,,ofriff.etno.d,;ns:Y an_··f·. 9dn1i)Y:' "Jii~.•afr.dosunhd1·th. c ncutostttgcoμjB.is:tpli!l:isJ;w,i~cthit I w'il.S/ ' .. . . . . ' ' his, 5;Wltb:¥l df:Jl¥~, 1: ' · f;~r-s'tate atca we Fr6miny have I cfili, make a difference. . dli;i;li~,~til tri.y rctu;n io\vqik;I was I hav~ found thit l can atid if fcan; so ritver' left alone wit:h some pcdplc even can YOU! · You sec this past year I was cciniing to .our honic · because. μi,cy. knew diagnosed with cancer of the lymph my pa;mcr was sleeping dwjpg the· day nodes in my neck. For two months after (he works graveyard shift). Eipills, cards i:he biopsy I had a dressing on my neck. and phone c.alls were ·so ov . .. . .. ng at It's a little difficult to hide a dressing that times that I lit~rally sat and . s is just' under your jaw bone. Even with a running down my fac<:. 'Th;en came the short fat neck a turtle neck shirt . good news that there wouid not have to wouldn't cover it. There were the usual, be any chemotherapy _or radiation "did you cut yourself shaving" or "is the treatments. Simply cvei:y six-~onth hickey that big" comments .but then chcck:-ups for the patfcv y~ars to make there were t:hf words of c~couragcmcnt, s11te the 'ca~cer·hasri'f'r~nirifc.4- the "I'll remember you in prayer" ar1d Yes, I havci truly b~en bl~;;cd and. even the, "I have you on our churches God has seen: nic · flirough blessing me prayer list.'' I suddenly realized that I with family, friends and people in my life have made a difference in my life with that care. I have to, publicly say Thank family, friends; at work and church,, you! I do that b,· c~ii:g you to act and There have b·een difficult decisions made tb do it now. ·. · if I can make a that have 'not always.been populQ,.r, a- . differeni:_e SQ. public stand in out 'Iocal ncwseapcr It is'.,fo that we do not let outing not just myself but our church, a the last ~iettipn/oteak our spitjt or very public .stand supporting p'ublic dampen our'ieso&e. We ml).§t act always debate on any issue but to do so without to do what is right even when it may not hate and personal attacks. and articles in be popular: Io doing so· you will find this "community magazine'; have been that you ·can make a difference and used in England, Scotland and Germany. people will respect that. ; .. cont. next page l 1 Page 19 Steve Urie from pg 18 Our country is on a slippery downhill slide to put us back in the closet and I for one shall not be going back in there. We must keep track of what our federal, state and local government is doing. We must let them know how we feel about it. I attended a county commission meeting in Escambia County, Florida where one county commissioner stated, "I am voting for this because the only phone call I received was for it." Just think one phone call! I attended a Missouri Senate session where a senator recited a letter from just one constituent and introduced a bill on the Senate floor. Just think one letter! You could be that one phone call, that one letter or that one e-mail that makes a difference for all of us. If I can do it ... so can YOU! W c need to oppose an amendment to the constitution simple because it is being used to generate hate and fear. The sample letter below may be copied and used in snail mail or email. I encourage you to make the difference. Be that one call, that one letter, that one e-mail because it is the right thing to do. "This amendment is unnecessary, discriminatory and would amend the Constitution for the first time to restrict the rights of a group of Americans. Despite being soundly defeated last year, I understand that this amendment may be introduced in the House again soon. I wanted to make sure you ~_ew that and freedoms, not to take them away . Further, this amendment would do real harm to same-sex couples and their children, who already do not enjoy the vast majority of benefits and protections that married couples enjoy. Please do not co-sponsor the amendment. Please urge your colleagues in the House of Representatives to focus on other issues that are priorities. I look forward to receiving your response." Until next month, stay out of the closet! FREE HIVTESTING, NO NEEDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin ,offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between SPM,and 6PM .. For your convenience y~u can also call 206-6179 fi an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality: You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "SerfJing A Healthier Community" iversi Events F•b 18;. 19 V AL~NTINE' S this amendfuent do~s nothiiig to "protect" marriage. Instead, it singles out a group of people for discrimination in the United States Constitution. The Constitution has alwavs been used to guar;ntee rights Aprll 1~ 2 SPRINGI r ,,. _.,, Diversity Weekend We Do It Different! som aANca 01t FRI uAn for GLBT!st PFLAGs 'COUNTRY WESTERN' S rt I In Eureka P n~s. A""""' auas "AC aOo.aNoT EGuMy ,P OGaRl cAonRt,Yat'l FALL & SPRING Diversiiy Weekends, VALENTINE'S Cooa.ts and olher Evenls Dlv•n,lty BEARS I • CONTEST & BBQ LUNCH www.DiversityPride.com Page 22 Quotable Quotes "Being open about our lives is the most important and powerful form of activism at our disposal. Lecturing our friends and family about gay marriage isn't nearly so important as letting them see that our relationships are as important and integral to us as theirs are to them. If we do not treat our relationships as equal, how can we ever expect others ro do the same? 'Coming out' isn't a one-step conversation; it's a lifelong commitment. And it isn't just about activism and civil rights. It's about living your life with integrity and honesty and, to use an overused word, it's about pride." - Washington Blade Executive Editor Chris Crain in a Jan. 7 editorial. - The Pink The Pink Triangle was used by the Nazis to signify homosexuals. Although, homosexuals were only one of the groups targeted for extermination, it is unfortunately, the group that history often excludes. The Pink Triangle defies anyone to deny history. In 1935 Hitler revised the German Law, Paragraph 175, prohibiting homosexuality, by including kissing, embracing, and gay fantasies as well as sexual acts. Convicted .offenders- an estimated 25,000 from 1937 to 1939, were sent to priso!l and later transferred to concentration camps. They were to be sterilized, most often by castration. Hitler changed his policy on homosexuality to include death in 1942. A yellow Star of David under a superimposed Pink Triangle represented Gay Jewish prisoners- by the social hierarchy, the lowest of all prisoners. Page 23 I Dee "Ph eIp s" .......I.ll . Just last month I wrote about a New Year and a New Beginning. Little did I realize what a new year and new beginning' I was getting myself into. My favorite aunt and uncle recently moved to Topeka, Kansas and I thought that I would visit them for the weekend. They have known that I was born gay and totally accept who I am as does the rest of my family. We had a great visit and then decided to go out for lunch at one of the local restaurants which was located in the· Gage Shopping Center on the comer of Gage Street and Huntoon Street. To our amazement and shock we found a group of children not over 14 years of age right on the sidewalk with huge signs saying" GOD HATES FAGS" and other derogatory comments. We couldn't believe it! What kind of a world is this? Upon entering the restaurant my aunt asked the manager what was going on. He very nice explained that it was the "Phelps" group who protests regularly on that corner as their church is just a couple of blocks away. I had heard about Fred Phelps for several years and how he pickets funerals of gay men who die from AIDS and that he pickers the University of Kansas whenever they have a gay-themed concert or theatrical production. I even read where he goes to different cities to prorest against gays. There was a web site on one of the signs that I quickly wrote down. www.godhatesfags.com. If you have never logged onto that website I suggest that you do. It is an intelligent person who knows who their enecnies are and trust me, FRED PHELPS is our enemy. He has a church in Topeka with a very small congregation mainiy consisting of his own family. Several of his own children won't have anything to do with him. He used to be an at:orney but was disbarred in the Smte of Kansas. On his website it tells where he is going to be picketing in the weeks to come. He even hates the country of Sweden and has signs saying "God Hates Sweden" just because the peopk of Sweden are intelligent enough to extend all of the marital status to homosexuals as well as neterosexuals. Can you just imagine if he had these little children carrying signs and posters that read, "God Hates Blacks" or "God Hates Jews" or God Hates whatever"? But hating gays seems to be alright. The people of Topeka and Kansas has had to endure this man long enough everyday and everyday. But when he and his group embarrasses me and my family then enough is enough. He is performing hate crimes in tbe name of his church and it is just not right. Even thou I don't live in Kansas I am writing letters to the Mayor of Topeka, the Gm-ernor of Kansas and to several State Senators in Kansas. What right does this madman have to spew hate towards us? Again, if he hated blacks or Jews there would be a massive public uproar about the whole · thing. And where are the religious people in Topeka who tolerate this kind of behavior? Do they not care what is going on in their city? Topeka, Kansas has become the laughing stock all over the United States. Why aren't there more gay publications writing about this man and informing everyone about him? Apparently he has taken his crusade to different parts of the C nited States however he feels more comfortable · within the confines of Kansas. Everyone has a right not to like someone else but this is a plain and simple HATE CRIME! There should be laws against this type of activity. No American should have to put up with this kind of discrimination. NO ONE! What right does this man have to promote Hatred in America and to bring small children into his church? All of this of course is done in the name of religion so it is alright in their eyes. Hopefully the rest of my year wii! be a little calmer and tamer than this last month. So, things are still changing for ine this year. I am going to be much happier and if I have to bitch a little more to get good service and what I cieserve then I will. It is just that simple. Page24 heeii.wnttog. .. e gaJC~nd lesbi~ pr'esffor ni,ore than 20 years. Sh_e seryed for _tliree, y;ears as 1;11~ co-chai(of ftie)<;>#;d of_ . . -~{Ji11Is·.~:I-J;xb~;:f, fits '·> .,.,,._.J,. '"" ... ·, .. Transge1:1<ier CcimmunitJT Center, where shC f ouri.ded a gro~dbr~3;'$ng_ .read1~g .~cries ci'l l,.e. ~a-· "In' ,,.,_O-,!,;u< r. .'" O,~ w" n'' W' ' ri't e.". Lesbian Notions . by Paula Martinac MARCH 2005 Crying Shame In a recent development in the J;:{IV / AIDS , epidemic, two independent research teams recommended that all Americans - not just those .who've been deemed "high risk,'.' -~e gay 'm·en and iv drug users - be tested.for the virus. Clearly, this is good news. The · : · ·,recommendations are meant to finally make RN t~sfi#g ~s .routirie and devoid ofstigma as a Pap tesc, mammogram, or bldod-pressure screening. · .· . . . . But could a change implemented, in the third decade of th~. pandemic really be effe<;t±'{e, given the sname still attached to HIV/ AIDS and to homosexuality? Unless a public-health . policy shift goes hand in.hand with realitybased sex education, I think it would stand ! little chance of making a ·difference oveitime. Part of the problem stems from the. fact .that HIV is still being tied to identity rather·: than behavior," ~though tl:fe connection is more subtle than in the past. For .example, all the new.ii repp.i;ts. abolit .th.e 11,~ ~eqical studies. cite=~ people in "mpn . · he · · · · • · pf' _as · .the lowest-risk groups for HIV, who t opt outof; the. . . .. er o ... . just have it once. . . · ' . At about. the same tip:ie, . anotl:ier. reporc also hit the· news - that a. new ~-:_ resistannhain 'bf HN has appeareo in New· York City in a gay man wh~ ttsed· crystal meth i!.tid,;acc<>r,d!rjg 't9 -ti;r~' _:New Y'cfrk Times...:, hs,.d f'unpro:eF:ecI sex of partners:" Tfils lrearkeos •lSaclHo the early· 1980s, re-establishing the . between.,HJV· and;homosexuality,atid conjuring. up. memories .of that original %ad" gay map; P!ltient Zeiq,. who was.blamed_ for_bringingi11IV_to the United §tates. .· IT'he,dang~r in contimμngro,talk,i1bqutns~ categon;,s.1~•.thatmanypeq~le:who don't use drugs or have sex. with "hunq.i;eds or partners will erroneously :vtew HIV as of no concern to them .. Consider thai:' heterosexual women 'of color actually , acco~ted for 85 percent of new AIDS infections in 2003. Sex with HIV-pos!tive men is the primary means by which straight women bec~nie ~fected, and many.of· these women firinly oelieve. they're in monogamous rej.attonships. . . As one AIDS researcher told JIN Plus_ magazine, "There is a_whole set.of women who .dori't have a clue that their male· partners .have outside rell!:ti9n.sl;rips." And there are other wome_n who may indeed be in monogamous hetemsepial relationships - but with men who. previously had unsafe. sex with other ~co:" The contiouiqg stigma -;\ttacheg. .• to homosexuality and bisexuality isJ~ely to blame for thi.s explqsion of HIV ampng those who mistakenly thoughqlj.9' -were safe fro~ the disease. Many men "on the down iow" put their unknowing female partners at risk b~cause admitting they like to have sex with men would be viewed.as disgraceful, unmanly~ Br even sinful. . . Comvounding tlie problem is our public education system, which, like much public-health policy; evades the complexities of human sexuality and_ psychology. . While it reduces money for AIDS programs, the federal government increases funding for "abstinence-only" sex education, despite a lac_k of .evidence that these programs work. Indeed, a. report from U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) showed s?me abstinence-only programs providing false infonnatioo that put kids at risk tor pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.. . . . . . continued next page · Page 25 Lesbian Notions . ... And a recent study in the president's home state found that abstinence-only education had not prevented students there from becoming progressively more sexually active. The result is a classic catch-22. The best way to erode the stigma of HIV would be to start in the schools with accurate sex education aimed at helping all kids acquire knowledge about behavior that would keep them safe. But schools have their hands tied by a federal government committed to the idea that promoting one kind of identity - being heterosexual and married - is the panacea for all of society's problems. Sadly, that approach is based on the reality of only a small number of people. In fact, kids are human, and most humans - even the deeply religious - want to have sex, especially when their hormones are raging. And as Shelby Knox, a young Christian sex-education activist whose story will be told on an episode on PBS's POV series this June, puts it, ''.ff [ki<l:s] are going to have sex, they need t6 lrnow the consequences. And they need to know how to protect themselves.'' One step we can all take is to lobby our representatives in Washington to pass the Responsible Education About Life Act (REAL), which would create a grant program for states to offer broader sex education programs that include information about contraceptives and safer sex. Such a bill faces an uphill struggle in the current climate of fear and repression. But without an attempt to address this serious education shortfall, HIV, one of our greatest public-health challenges, will continue to spread as "someone else's disease.'' Gay Buying rP at $610 Billion in 2005 Latest Apalysis by WiteckCombs Communications and Packaged Facts Washington, D.C. February 1, 2005 - The total buying power of the U.S. gay, lesbian and bisexual (GIB) adult population in 2005 is projected to be $610 billion, according to the latest analysis by Witeck-Combs Communications and Packaged Facts (a division of MarketResearch.com). The estimate was originally derived in a joint study by both organizations entitled, "The U.S. Gay and Lesbian Market." In 2004, the gay buying power projection was estimated at $580 billion. In releasing the latest projection, Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications said, "Validating buying power is a reliable business tool for companies and policy decision-makers. It provides the most compelling snapshot of the economic activity of America's diverse gay, lesbian and bisexual population.'' Since 1993, Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc. has provided expert counsel to Fortune 500 companies in designing marketing communications strategies for the gay consumer market. Quotable Quotes "Actress Portia De Rossi is having the tattoo of her ex-girlfriend's initials · removed from her ring finger now that she's seeing comedienne Ellen DeGeneres." - United Press International, Dec. 28. Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! MARCH 2005 Uncle Mikey bringing you the latest in all things queer. Oh kittens, allow uncle a moment to share about an experience that Uncle had this week. I ,was sitting by the fire minding my very own biz, .when I felt my scope go to full alert. I did a quick ninety degree when our eyes met, uncle felt a serge. It seemed the delivery guy was there bringing Uncle a package. He even brought me some stuff I had bought. It was like a full service happy train. After I accepted delivery, Uncle attempted to be gracious. Kittens-word of advice, do not feed the trick-please. They will never leave ,_ ___________ _, if you do. Well, as they say, it was an easy kill. Dear Uncle, My roommate and I have been Jiving together now for a year and a half. Things have really been nice, as we have built a friendship, and become really close. I now find myself looking for more than just a roommate, as he drives me crazy, in a good way. I am afraid though if we play arouna it could ruin the current situation, which is worktng out so nicely. I watch him walking around the apartment naked, and I have to take cold showers to control my urges. He is beautiful, funny, rod kind. Should I tell him about tny feelings for him? I am seriously nervous, as I do not wrot to lose such a wonderful roommate. It is not easy finding a good one. What should I do? Confused in the other room Dear Confused: Kitten first; uncle would have you define feelings here. As it were, I heard .attraction and not really feelings. If sex is what we are talking about, I would think twice before jumping those bones on the way for the midnight snack. Sex could make things weird. Imagine living with a trick you hne had. Waking up and seeing that face which, you no longer find remotely attractive. This is potentially harmful . for your relationship with a roommate. On the other hand, if you have truly built this mutually rewarding friendship, and there are mutual feelings of admiration, you could be on the threshold of a love affair. It is the best place to start a relationship and that is as friends. However, know the risk you take. As if it does not work out, there is going to be carnage here. So, weigh out your feelings and or attraction carefully while making the best decision for you both. Smooches uncle These is nothing sweeter than forbidden fruit kittens, however there is always the price in the end. Know this price, and think with your head not your member. We all know that will save a lot of troublesome aftershock. Dear Uncle: There is a man that has been following me around. That is what it.feeis like as I am constantly seeing him around. He has not spoken to me, or anything, but every time I turn around there he is. I am thinking he is shy, and wondering if I should make the first move? Mv best friend told me he is a stalker, and that I should not let him near me. I work in' a public place in retail, and he always seems to be near watching me. Stalker guy Well, kitten there is a iine that comes to mind here. It puts the lotion on its skin, or it gets the hose again. Have you read the papers recently? One must be careful in this day and :age. While, Page27 your stalker might have some bragging quality for afterwards, there might not be an afterwards. I would heed your friends advice and keep your distance. To avoid ending up on the milk carton kitten. If this mro is worthy of your interest he will find a way to make an introduction. If not he is most likely not someone you want to have a random hook up with. Kittens-Uncle cannot express this point enough. With all of the weirdoes out there, you must be careful. Forgive uncle here, for a trailer moment; however, there is ho booty call worth risking your life. There are too many outlets for safe encounters and hooking up. Smooches uncle Kittens, sometimes in life, we encounter problems, which stem from soc.ial surroundings in our life. Children raised to believe sexuality is a bad thing, will eventually face these troublesome affairs, when faced with their own adult sexuality. There is no shame in seeking help for yourself. Anyone that tells you otherwise, most likely has some social disorder them selves, like a ass-a-si-diss. It is important to utilize the help available to us ill through good mental health providers. Search out one before going. There are numerous providers, which are gay friendly, advertised in most gay publications. Going to the wrong mental health provider could only add to the issues you already face. Here is wishing you and your willy good health. Kittens, I guess that about wraps it up for this month. Uncle enjoys his time with his kittens. Remember this as you go at another week of that wonderful roller coaster we call queer life. Behind every good man, is another good man! Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too. Unck J6leey is a ch.rllCIC' from Frttl4na writer Micfud Hinnrun. MuJ,,,d h,,.s 1-i vmtingfor ten ye,irs. Utilizing his st#dies, and life expmt:nce to hdp others in his comm,mity, tbroMgh h,mior and s<n1nd adflia. Mkh,,d 4J1P&iJ his stwdy of pryd,o/,,gy and autiflt! writing, AS wdl his extensive b.tc/egroMnd in menu[ he4/th Dim:: c,ir,: to bring" m!fll style and approach to hdping others. Michad's other works om be~ at -.KJtJlinlwmtent.com. "REMEMBER TO LOVE" fundraiser hosted by . Bamboo Lounge. ry WI.SA, OK"' Guest host Kris Kohl (top photo) ~th scrumptious Ebony Hall and delicious Mike Busby gave a roaring performance at the Bamboo Lounge on Sat. February 19th to a standing room only crowd. All proceeds from the show went to Tulsa CARES, a ated to fit raised $240 for Tulsa Cares medical assistance program. Congratulations to the show cast and Bamboo owners Terry and Stan for a worthy job well done. Page 28 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente MARCH 2.0.05 1 . . the Prairie Romeo thinks th:~ oest tiioment to make the film version of sorr1'gili(ng is when the adapted intellectual pioperty in question is long past its initial'burst of popularity. It's just less foi:ce& and marketing-team-driven that way. Robert Altman must agree, '.qecause finally, years after its 1980s moment in the pop-culture sun, Garrison Keillor's still-running public radio program, _A Prairie Home Companion_, is making its way to the big screen. And rather than visit the townspeople of Keillor's Lake Wo~~gon, the film is a fictionalized behind~tlie.:: scenes look at the production of Fiil show. Lily Tomlin and Meryl Streep. (word is, they play a · of singing sisters) will star alon singer/actors Tom Waits and Lyle Lovett, and _SNL_'s Maya Rudolph, not to mention crooning host Keillor Himself. The . show's gentle humor sh6uld hit screens sometime in 2006, which is no wait at all for patient Midwesterners. Wham! It's a George Michael Movie The pop star that no one bothered to notice was gay even after that "Wake Mc Up Before You Go-Go" video - is now the subject of a no-holds-barred documentary. The film is called _George Michael: A Different Story_, and it stars the iconic '80s heartthrob as tour guide to bis own career. Already seen on British television, the movie recently hit the big screen at the Berlin Film Festival and should be making the festival rounds in the States soon enough. In the film, !'l,fichael visits childhood haunts, talks for the first time about his &mily, and touch.es on painful recent memories as well (his partner was gravely ill with AIDS while Jl..fichael performed at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert). The testimonial line-up includes Sir Elton John, Boy George, Mariah Carey, and Simon Cowell. And Wbam!-obsessives will be thrilled .to know that Michael is reunited oncamera with former singing p~tner Andrew Ridgely fur the first time in nearly 20 years. Izzard Tries on New Outfits It's getting so you barely see the man in drag anymore. Not that cross-dressing comedian Eddie Izzard's complaining. It's just that bis mainstream acting career, t.J.ie one that more often than not puts bim in guy clothes, is taldng off like never before. The hilarious Brit has just been tapped to star in an as-yetuntitled pilot for cable channel FX, in which he'll play an Irish con man who relocates to the American South. If it goes to series, he'll have to find a way to fit in his other planned roles, like in _Macbeth_ on Broadway. Meanwhile, £ms can see him soon.in John Turturro's upcoming musical, ...,Romance & Cigarettes_, which co-stars James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslct, Mandy Moore, Mary-Louise Parker, Elaine Stritch, Bobby Cannavale, and Amy Sedaris. Looks like those Manolos will just have to cool their heels for a while. Latifah's Career Is _Stranger Than Fiction_Is Queen Latifah on the same path to Oscar as Halle Berry? The former rapper and lesbian &vc has Marc Forster, the director of critically acclaimed films like _Finding Nevcrland_ and _Monster's Ball_, in her comer these days, so anything's possible. Latifah has signed on to co-star in Forster's latest film, _Stranger Than Fiction_, alongside Will Ferrell, Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Emma Thompson. It's the story of an IRS auditor who begins hearing the narration of his life - a running commentary audible only to him, and one that begins to affect everythjng he does. No word on Latifah's role in the film, but if _Finding Ncverbnd_ takes home its share of Academy Awards, then expect the buzz around her and the film to grow iouder as the year goes on. Page 29 · Heart to Heart Born for Love By Josh Aterovis once wrote, "All men and ·women are born ' live suffer and die; what distinguishes us on~· from another is our dreams, whether they be dreams about. worldly or unworldly thlngs, and what we do to make them come about .. We do not choose to be born. We do not choose our parents. We do not choose ~ur historical epoch, the country of our birth, or the immediate circumstanc.es of our upbringing. We do not, most of us, choose to die; nor do we choose the time and conditions of our death. But within this realm of choice!essncss, we do choose how we live." He's right, of course. Life is all about choices. Every day we make myriad choices, from the mundane (What will I cat for breakfast?), to the ~omentous (Should I come out?). In 1970, Epstein caused a firestorm of controversy when he wrote a cover story for Harper's magazine titled: "Homo/Hetero: The Struggle For Sexual Identity." In the article, Epstein wrote: "If I had the oower to do so, I wouid wish homoscruality ~ff the &cc of this earth.'' He went on to sav, "I do think homosexuality an anathema, a~d hence homosexuals cursed, and thus the importance, for me if for no one else, of my defining a homosexual as someone who has physical relations, for it leaves room for my admiration for the man who is pulled toward homosexuality and resists, at what psychic price I cannot hope even to begin to imagine.'.' In other words, if you "give in" to the pull of homosexuality, you are cursed, but if you resist that choice then vou're okay. Despite the fact that Epstein is a proud , Jewish man, this is a common belief held by many in the Religious Right. They believe that honiosi;xuality is a choice. This bdief is at the core of the debate over gay rights. Should gays be allowed to marry? Should gays be protected from discrimination? Is being gay a sin? It all boils do · · · · ··· que~tion: is being gay a choice? . . .. . . rive answer to this, but a growing body of scientific evidence may be pointing to a genetic or, at the very least, biological basis for sexual orientation. According j:o)he American Psychological Associarion3s wc:bsit~,' "There arc numerous theories about the· origins of a person's sexual orientation; most s9,entists today agree that sexual orientation kll).ost-likely the result of a complex interaction of environmental cognitive and biologfral ~ctors. In mos: people, !exual orico.tatioq;j~ ~haped at an early age. There is also · · · able recent evide?ce t~ suggest tha . . including g.en:ttc or mborn horm :, ... factors, play a sigruficant role in a person's sexuality. In summary, it is important'.'to recognize that there are probably many reasons for a person's sexual orientation;and the reasons may be different for different people." As reported in New_~cicntist, a srudy from Oregon Health and Sdence Univcrsitv in 2002 found that the. br~s of gay sheep · (and apparently as mmy. as dne in ten sheep express exclusively gay sicfμal preferences) showed small but distinct _differences in a part of the brain called the J:ij,p'qthalamus when compared with rams that[tiieferred to mate with ewes. The diffcrenc"~(~ii.s in a particular region of the hypothalamus . the preoptic nucleus. The region is generally almost twice as laigc in Illms as in ewes, but in gay rams its size was almost identical to that in ' "straight" females. · · These fin4!nga matched those of the neuroscientist Simori li.eV:ay .in his studies of the brains of gay men: His work has alwavs been considered controversial, partly bec;use the brains he studied were mostly from men who had died of AIDS. So it was, not clear whether the differences were reh.ted to the disease or to sexual orientation. The results of the sheep srudy would indicate that the differences in fact were reiated to orientation. In a separate study released in 2004, a group of Itltlian geneticists led bv Ancirea Camperio-Ciani of tne Universig· of Padua ........................... continued pg-32 Page 30 Dally l.uncJ,t:and Olhner ~ Open J Jam dally Happy hour 3-6 & 9-close $ 1. 75-160% $2.25-230% Bud U/Mlch·l.llla Dtaws HolklO)'I and Special &vent, Excluded. Monthly Move In~.. ,.,.-:': .. ,,' Page 31 71 6 S MAIN STREE:T, JCPL.IN, MISSOURI (41 7) 627•903S JCPLtN's A~T.ERNATIVE NIGHTCLUB ------' Be Seen with the s Advertise with us! (918) 835-7887 (417) 437-2275 ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net www.OzarksStar.com Page 32 Editors Rant cont. from pg 4 .. A Missouri Discrimination Bill House Bill 328, introduced by Rep. Baker proposes to eliminate state funds to any entity-public or private-that has a nondiscrimination policy that exceeds federal protections against discrimination. While this bill was introduced in direct response to the University of Missouri, which last year added "sexual orientation" to the list of groups protected under their nondiscrimination policy, it will have drastic effects on businesses, organizations, and charities all over the state. There are hundreds of public and private entities in Missouri which rely on state funds for financial suppon. Last month, Pulaski County, Arkansas Circuit Judge Tim Fox struck down a 1999 regulation by the state's Child Welfare Agency Review Board that said homosexuals could not be foster parents. Fox said the board had exceeded its mandate to protect the health, safety or welfare of foster children, and he issued an order barring· enforcement of the rule. Meanwhile, state legislators are considering a bill. that would prohibit homosexuals from. ~ecomirig adoptive or foster parents. Rep~ Bob Adams, D-Sheridan, and Sen. Jim Holt, RSpringdale, filed House Bill 1119. The bill would order the Human Services Department or any agency involved in adoption and foster <1Ce not to place a child with homosexual parents or in a home that has a homosexual adult. The bill also says that Arkansas public polity should preserve public morality with respect to childreh in the foster care system: · "'Lesbianism is so ra t in some of the schools in southeast ma that they'll only let one girl go the bathroom ..... How is it that- that's happened to us?" Sen. Tom Coburn, (R-OK} Assoc. Press, October 11, 2004 This is only a sampling of what we are up against here in America. Yes, it's time write to your Senators, get out the protest signs and go back to work. Holiday party time is over a we must dig out the combat boots (or Joan Crawford pumps if your prefer), prepare to fight a difficult battle to defeat discriminatory laws that do and will govern us. C.D. Ward/Editor in Chief Heart to Heart from pg-29 may have provided the answer to one of the greatest paradoxes of homosexuality: the Darwinian dead-end. How can homosexuality be genetic when gay men don't have children? The researchers' findings suggest that the same genetic fuctors-as yet unidentified-linked to homosexuality in men may also be linked to increased fertility in women. "This is a novel finding," Dr. Le Vay said. "We think of it as genes for 'male homosexuality', but it might really be genes for sexual attraction to men. These could predispose men towards homosexuality and women towards 'hyper-heterosexuality', causing women to have more sex with men and thus have more offspring." Twin studies have also revealed some strong evidence for a biological basis.]. Michael Bailey and Richard Pillard studied the gayness between monozygotic (or identical) twins, dizygotic ( or fraternal) twins, and non-related adopted brothers. They found that 52% of identical twins were both self-identified homosexuals, 22% of fraternal twins were gay, and only 5% of nonrelated adopted brothers were so. Bailey and Pillard repeated the study with the samf results· and later cxp~ririients found· similar evidence in Jcm,ales .. These studies seem to conclusively demonstrate that there is at least some genetic component that leads to the development of homosexuality. However, it is important to note that none of these studies suggests that there is a single "gay gene." In fact, they all seem to indicate a more. likely scenario of numerous genetic and environmental influences. It's also important to realize that none of these studies can be considered conclusive. Much more research needs to be done, but science seems to be pointing towards biological factors in detcrmuiing our sexuality. Is being gay a choice? Only in the sense that, while we inay not make the choice to be atttllctcd to the same sex, we do make choices about whether we act on those attractions or not. We choose whc.ther we wili live our lives honestly or in the closet. We choose whether to iove as our.hearts desire or to deny an integral part of who we are. Arc we born gay? Maybe a better question would be arc WC born to love? Benjamin Disraeli once said, "We arc all born for love. It is the principle of existence, and its only end." If we don't have a choice in who we love, is it really a choice at all? Page 33 If you're looking for a real treat, however, consider staying 20 miles south in the up-and-coming oceanfront village of Delray Beach, at the spectacular and very gay-friendly Sundy House Inn. This historic compound is worth a visit just for dinner at the stellar De la Tierra Restaurant, where you might sample such globally inspired treats as baked stuffed baby conch with plantain salad, and ancho-cinnamon pork tenderloin with sweet corn, Manchego cheese, onion chutney, and baby com. This 1902 inn, surrounded by magnificent botanical gardens, offers plenty of leg room, including several one- and two-bedroom apartments with laundry facilities and fully stocked kitchens. For the ultimate in pampering, opt for the fabulous Honeymoon Cottage, which is outfitted with a Jacuzzi tub, fireplace, flat-screen plasma TV, DVD player, and VCR. Far removed from Palm Beach's stuffy confines, the Sundy House Inn nevertheless ranks among the area's most sumptuous hideaways. _Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA and nine additional travel guides. The Little Black Book Bice Ristorante (313 1/2 Worth Ave., Palm Beach, 561-835-1600). The Breakers (1 South County Rd., Palm Beach, 561-655-6611 or 888-273-2537, www.thebrcakers.com). Chesterfield Palm Beach (363 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach, 561-659-5800 or 800-243-7871, www.chestcrficldpb.com). Chuck and Harold's (207 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach, 561-659-1440). CityPlace (700 S. Rosemary Ave., 561-366-1000, www.cityplacc.com). Cabana (118 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, 561-833-4773). Cupids Cabaret (4430 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561-642-5299). 5101 (5101 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, 561-585-2379). Flagler Museum Gust ofi Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach, 561-655-2833). Four Seasons Ocean Grand (2800 S. Ocean Blvd., 561-582- 2800 or 800-819-5053, w-ww.fourseasons.com). Grandview Gardens B&B (1608 W. Lake Ave., West Palm Beach, 561-833-9023, www.gcandview-gardens.net). Hamburger Heaven (314 S. County Rd., Pa!m Beach, 561-655-5277). H.G. Roosters (823 Belvedere Rd., \YI est Palm Beach, 561-832-9119). Hibiscus House (501 30th St., West Palm Beach, 561-863-5633 or 800-203-4927, www.hibiscushouse.com). Hotel Biba (320 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach, 561-832-0094, www.hotelbiba.com). Kashmir (1651 S. Congress Ave., West Palm Beach, 561- 649-5557). Norton Museum of Art (1451 S. Olive Way, Palm Beach, 561-832- 5196). Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau (561-233-3000, www.palmbeachfl.com). Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561-832-7469). Respectable Street Cafe (518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, 561-832-9999). Reson Lounge (CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach, 561-805-9600). Rhythm (3800 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, 561-833-3406). Sundy House Inn (106 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, FL, 561-272-5678, www.sundyhouse.com). Spring Events in Eureka Springs, Arkansas Based in the heart of the Ozarks, Diversity Pride Events invites you to visit our little town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for Fall & Spring Diversity Weekends, romantic Getaways, special Concerts & other Pride Events. Diversitv Pride Events is committed to producing - quality events for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgender (GLBTs) and Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAGs), of ALL ages! Our events are for GLBTs and their Straight friends & family to enjoy together! COMMUNITY MEAL $4.CC DONATION MCC JCPLIN 29 □ 2 E. 20TH ST. JOPLIN, MISSOURI EVERY WED. 6 PM Page 34 Seo es by Jack Fertig :MARCH 2005 "Enjoy magic, Sagittarius!" Sun conjunct Uranus brings wild surprises and inspirations to light. This line-up in Pisces will make those surprises especially mystical, artistic, and otherworldly. ARIES (March 21 to April 20): Let one of your more spiritual friends take you to church, synagogue, mosque, Wiccan circle, seance, or whatever. It won't lead you to any conversion, but vou will gain new perspectives so that you can reconsider your ideals. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): What does "success" really mean to you? Think about it long and hard, and the answer may surprise you. A shock from your boss is likely to be a blessing in disguise. Be ready for new opportunities in unexpected directions. GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Your mouth is likely to get you into trouble, but you're used to that. Try keeping your ears and mind open, instead of your mouth, and what you stand to learn can start you thinking in radically new ways. CANCER Qune 22 to July 22): This is a great time to explore new erotic adventures, and all kinds of barriers can falL Doubie-check your safety precautions - from standard prophylaxis to safe words. Don't be shy; just be careful! LEO (july 23 to August 22): Recent weirdness in your relationship - or about nor having one - is coming to a head. It's time to get clear about what's going on. Even if things get briefly ugly, they'wili improve in the long run. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): See a doctor, acupuncturist, or other health practitioner right now. There's probably nothing seriousiy wrong, but any lingering - or normally invisible problems are now easiest to identify and soive. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): Take in the strangest show you can find. Open your mind to consider the most preposterous artistic notions you can expose yourself to, and find your own creative abilities stimulated in directions that will amaze you. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): If your home life was ever normal, it won't be now. Plumbing, foundations, and parents can offer very rude surprises, but they're easier to deal with now than later. Community involvement offers unusual rewards. SAGITIARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Your mouth is further ahead of your brain than usual, and your brain seems to be meandering along some very odd paths. Enjoy whimsy, magic, music, and art; leave any mathematical or logical efforts for later. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): You like your accounts in perfect order, but they rarely work out so well. Any glitches and surprises become clearer now, probably with happy outcome. Rethinking your priorities can also turn up some interesting twists. AQUARIUS Qanuary 20 to Feb~a.ty 18): Your favorite hobby, re-inventing yourself, suddenly presents a crisis with startling possibilities, as it collides against your highest ideal, selfawareness. Letting go of control and admitting what you don't know - your two least favorite things to do - open you up to greater knowledge. PISCES (Febrwuy 19 to March 19): Deep, deep in the murkiest depths of your soul - like some subaquatic creature - there is a profound revelation offering both illumination and shock. Take time out for quiet medit:2.tio~ to get more enlightenment - and to get burned less. Jiuk Fertig !Ms been 'fllorleing as a -professional astrologer sina 1977 and is a fo,mding mnnber of the Association for Astrological Networking. Page 35 BUSH BUDGET CUTS HURT THOSE LIVING WITH HIV/ AIDS, PUTS OTHERS AT RISK Gaywire Release: February 7, 2005 "This budget does not reflect the concern President Bush showed during his State of the Union for H!V and Alps care and prevention," said HRC Vice President of Policy David Smith WASHINGTON - As President Bush introduced his 2006 budget today, the Human Rights Campaign expressed grave con~em about the requested funding of crucial HIV/ AIDS programs. With the exception of modest increases for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the National Institutes for Health, most other programs that affect people living with HIV/ AIDS were flat-funded or saw budget cuts. "This budget does not reflect the c~>0cern President Bush showed during his State of the Union for HIV and AIDS care and prevention," said HRC Vice President of Policy David M. Smith. "Unfortunately, the President's actions do not match his words." The Ryan White CARE Act, which addresses the unmet health needs of persons living with HIV/ AIDS, was highlighted in the President's State of the Union Address last week. Yet the budget request for the program included only a ~odest $10 million increase, all of which 1s earmarked for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). All other programs covered by the Ryan White CARE Act were flat funded. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) saw a $4 million cut to its budget for HIV/ AIDS prevention and survei~ance. At the same time, unproven · non-science-based abstineoce-oniy programs, which do not include education about how HIV/ AIDS is transmitted, received $38 ~llion in additional funding. A recent studv at Texas A&M University showed that teenagers taking abstinence-onlv sex education programs endorsed. by the President became increasingly ;exuallv active, which is the exact opposite eff~ct that the program is designed to have. "Programs which focus on abstinence as the sole means of preventing HIV/ AIDS put oq.r young people at tremendous risk," said Smith. "The President has repeatedly stated his commitment to combating the spread of HIV. We have to question that com1:°itment when his ideology consistently outweighs sound scientific facts." "The young people of this country ?eed leadership that recognizes the · 1mpor~ance of comprehensive prevention educanon, and we hope to work with leaders on both sides of the aisle in Congress to make sure thev get it "added Smith. , ' Despite the President's recognition that HIV/ AIDS is a growing problem in communities of color, the Minoritv AIDS initiative was flat-funded. Al~o, $14 million was cut from the Housing for_ Persons Living With AIDS program, which helps people living with HIV/ AIDS afford housing.· Having stable living conditions increases the chances of ~trict adherence to drug regimens, which 1s necessary for fighting HIV/ AIDS and also prevents the development of medication-resistant strains of the virus. Unfortunately, President Bush's budget also includes Medicaid cuts of at lea.st $45 billion over the next 1 0 years. These cuts would greatly affect a · program that is responsible for providing health care to 55 percent of all adults living with AIDS and 90 percent of all children. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexuai and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. Page 36 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Restaurants- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-130 Ron's Place- - - 523 W. Poplar- 479-442-3052 Wild-On . -3570 W. 6th- - - - - 479-521-9453 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - -479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - • -479-782-1845 Arkansas, Hot Sprin&s (501) Club One Eleven- - 111 Gilden St- -620-4111 Our House Lounge - 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- --501-664-2744 Discovery- - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - · 501-666-6900 The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- -501-372-3070 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- .. • 716 S. Main•••••• -417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - 3715 Main St- - 816-561-2600 Belle Star's- - 1321 Gnnd Ave- - - -816-421-1288 Club NV - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- -- 1915 Main St- - - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidemeet Bar -413 E. 3rd- - - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon 370? Main St- 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - -417-864-4572 Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial••••• -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - -1109 E. Commercial- - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th E:tpwy 405-9-47-2351 Copa- - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -405-525-0730 Finish Llne -2200 NW 39th Expwy- - 405-525-0730 Hi-Lo Club - 1221 NW SOth- - - -405-843-1722 Lido- - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Partners- -2805 NW 36th St - - • - • 405-942-2199 Sisters- - 2120 NW 39th St - - - • - -405-521-9533 The Rockies- - -3201 N. May Ave - • - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - • •- 918-836-8700 Club Maverick· • 822 S. Sheridan · 918-835-3301 End Up Club- - 424 S. Memorial- - 918-836-2480 Heads & Tails- 7944 E. 2bt - - • - 918-660-7878 Club Majestic- 124 N. Boston 918-584-949-4 Renegades- - 1649 S. Main -918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- - 1737 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 TNT's - .. - 2! 14 S. Memorial- 918-660-0856 Yellow-Bricic-Rci- -2630 E. 15th- 918-293-0304 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 Ingrids Kitchen- -3701 N. Youngs- - -405-946-8444 Topanga Grill&: Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 -LodgingMI111ouri, Joplin (417) Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground- - - - - 417-683-9199 Mlasouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - 417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Hollywood.Hotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn 2200 NW 39th Exp- -405-528-2221 -OrganizationsArkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - · · · - -479-451-8066 Arkansas, Eureka Springs MCC Uving Spring- - - - - - - - - • - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - www.dsra.org Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut - -11AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Missouri,Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, · · · · 6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - • c -10:30.AM Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucky- 417-624-5788 Ml111011ri, Springfield (417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Universalat Church - - - -417-833-2723 APO- - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride • - - - - - . - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklalloma City (405) Cathedral of Hone- - 600 NW 13th St- 232-HOPE The Cente.r• ~ 21;5 NW 39th St. - • - - 405-524-6000 Tribal Fire - - - - • - - - - - -www.tribalfireokc.com Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - •• -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Page 37 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- 918-743-4297 MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 SSRA - - • • • • • • • •·· www.soonerstatetodeo.com TOHR- - - - - - - - PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Rough Riders- -www.tulsaroughriden.com . -Business ServicesArkansas, Eureka Spring~ Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com . Missouri, Eureka . . Shelter Insurimcc- -Greg Tainter- - 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) . Body Swim Massage Therapy- - - -417~825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-- -434-.0077 RE/MAX~ - -CatheLetts----- 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangcline Rd- - 417-623-1007 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consult,- 4170673-1181 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - • - - 1918 s: Glenstone - -417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Broken Arrow Spas N Such- - : - 808 N. 15th - • - --918-258-7727 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 • -4301 NW 63rd #100 - 405- 840-2106 Jungl«;Reds - • - 2200 NW ~wy- - - 405-524-5733. Piece T~·R~ein~ef-2131 NW 39th~ -405-528-2223 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Elite Bookstore -,.814 S. Sheridan- -918-838-8503 Kelly Kirliy, CPA.~ 4815 S Harvard- 918-747-5466 Underguy.com .. -825 E. 3rd. - - - 918-829-0824 Priscilla's- __ :7925 E: 41st . -918-627-4884 Pnscill;'.s : · - -. 5634 w. Skelly • • - --918-446-6336 Priscilla:!".; -: i 1344 E. 11th •• - •.. 918-438-4224 Piiscillai- -~ :.·2333 E. 71st, •• - • -- 918-499-1661 co~ntiy jn which one - the one th.at happens to co ches of the federal govemme¢t - . 'activat~s' ,'its 'Ba~e by demoniiiIIg, scapegoatibg, :i11d_actively perseci:f~ng homos, a tiny a11'd: relatively defenseles!, minority Jt~put,licans tell the ' . th that the and lesbians. is a thr~at to the American family, Western civilizllri<>n,. aQd, as one bigwig R recently put it, 'tlie. survival of the earth.' At some point the Rs are either g()ing to have to .rp.hlce good on their rhetoric and actually cl.b so,giething about all the homos 'out,theie imperiling the surviva.l ir (hey, maybe we're .for global warming?), or they're going to have to knoc;k it off." _;.:. SJPdic~t~d • columnist Dan. Savage, Dec. 29; · Pag~ 38 NEW cART□□ Ns "A Couple _of Guy~"· A Couple of guys• ~~~ Page39 Achella, Bear Nak Corsets, Kenneth C Rope, lby's Toys. -May 1 $100 througli · Marc'1 15, 2005 $115 J\tarclf 1~;;;; ~pril 15 $150 after April 15 Rev Pat· Sebastian Sheryl Dee Spo Stephanie r Teny Brown VictorTella X ska, Kansas. kansas e run package . . ar!nformation, usltr04@aol.com ntest, Cigar ring, Fetish nee ai;id ies Included Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, February 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 2 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 1, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Lady Bunny Michael Dee Douglas Glen Steve T. Urie Paula Martinec Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Ferlig Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Southwest Missouri Southeast Kansas The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozark Star Magazine, January 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/143 The Star, May 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/219 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/178 Alternatives to the bar scene anti-gay foster care ban Bars Deep Inside Hollywood discrimination Don't Ask Don't Tell gay tv Gay/lesbian city Lesbian Notions National Stonewall Democrats nightclubs Planet Dee Qscopes scholarships Studio@NV The Merchant of Venice The Star Scene travel Tulsa Uncle Mikey https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/c7641729331198cf80878d1d621281e2.jpg 216b9c8ff0503606252ceeef63779479 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b310cde7c20101c7d372a18f34483f0e.pdf c52538920077b3300b717fc407c32658 PDF Text Text THE VOLUME 7 PREMIER SOURCE FOR ISSUE 4 GLBT OKLAHOMA Twi~er.com/MetroStarNews to exempt Oklahoma Ha e Cr mes Law protecting GLBTs State Senate It is very sad that any lawmaker in Oklahoma would introduce legislation that would force Oklahoma law enforcement officials to violate ground brealdng Federal law that would extend legal protections to LGBT Oklahomans who may become victims of violence motivated by bigotry." Statement by State Senator Andrew Rice who was one of the 6 Senators who voted no. By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ SB 1965, introduced by State Senator Steven Russell ( Republican-District 45) deals mainly with the Fede~aI Hate Crimes expansion signed into law by President Obama in October 22,2009, which added Federal Hates crimes protection to include gender, sexual oriei~tation, gender identity and disability in addition to the already covered categories of agencies from sharing evidence or providing assistance ro Federal authorities if they are im~esrigating a hate crime in Oklahoma. It has passed the State Senate 39-6. Oklahoma Hate Crimes laws (Section 850 Title 21) cover race, color, tel igion, gender, disability, familial status and national origin. As sexual orientation and gender identity are not covered, hate crimes against GLBTs in the state of Oklahoma could not be prosecuted as such under state law, yet such a crime could be punished as a hate crime under Federal [axe; which passage of SB 1965 would attempt m change. However Constitutionally Federal Law supercedes state law. As Tamya Cox of Oldaboma’s ACLU puts T lsa M tary Veteran Kelly rbv honored by O ahomans for By Michael xYZ Sasser TULSA, OK Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) is set to h--~nor Tulsa accountant Kelly ~rby with a Lifetime Achievement Award on April 24 at their 30th Anniversary Equality Gala. "I have to say that at 56 years old the word ’lifetime’ is a little daunting," says the aftable longtime activist. Kirby is being honored for 20 years of major activism for the Oklahoma GLBT community. "I appreciate the fact that they are recognizin, g my accomplishments," Kirby says. I think what I have done is important and I would have done it without aW recognition of it." it, "For example, if a bloody baseball bat was used in an Oklahoma hate crime against a gay person and it was held by state authorities who are most likely to be first on the scene, if this bill becomes law it could not be given to Federal authorities as evidence for prosecution." Since Oklahoma State Hate Crimes laws don’t covering GLBTs, SB 1965 would make it virtually impossible for hate crimes against GLBTs in Oklahoma to be successftdiv prosecuted as hate crimes. Scott J. Hamilton. Executive Director of the Cimarron Alliance stated, "\g)~e are appalled that the Oklahoma Senate would pass legislation that, in effect, green lights violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens in this state. Not only is it unconstitutional, it is unconscionable. In the meantime our state vdll spend without limit to defend this in court. Oklahoma is in the midst of a budget crisis of historic proportions. I find it hard to believe that bigotry is so pervasive in our state that our policymakers would rather pass hate filled legislation than addressing failing schools and reductions in services for seniors." ........ Continued See BILL 1965 Page-5 ® MetroStarNews.com APRIL 1,2010 Pau Robert ompsor A lifetime of service-forever a gacy (1939-2010) By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Among Oklahomans who take an interest in equality and justice there are very fe~v who didn’t know about Paul Thompson, and many knew him xvell as he -worked hard to make Oklahoma better until his life ended. At least 2 generations of activists worked beside him, enduring the heartbreak of setbacks and the joys of victories as history marched on. His energy was tireless, chairing meetings, working with bureaucracies, organizing events, making speeches, doing mailings, and on and on. Although he had his own business, PRT Designs (interior decorating), his true passion was working with people for justice. He was well known for his outspoken pride clearly shown by his trademark outfits, which included xvearing a different rainbow color with matching socks every day. He co-chaired the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus from 1992 until 2010, and was active for many years with the Oklahoma Democratic Party. He also played a significant role in organizing Oklahoma City’s first Pride Parade in 1988, a true ~ilestone not only for Oklahoma City but rather the entire GLBT community of Oklahoma. That event was a major turning point in Oklahoma, with the KKK waiting in the Safexvay (now Homeland) parking tot on N.-W. 39th Street to stop the "queer parade." But that event had a happy ending as fellow activist Jim Ninamo put xt, "When they saw how many participants were marching, they tucked their tails and left." The rest was history, with that proud tradition continuing today. Paul served as the Male CoChair for the OKC Pride Parade and Festival for many years until 2009, when he was given a Chairmanship Emeritus Award for his service. ........ Continued See THOMPSON Page-4 giving well over 100 interviews and malting For more than two decades, Kirby has been a sure his clients know he might end up in the visible activist for GLBT issues with an emphasis media. on marriage equality and for gay "A lot of people in Tulsa and lesbian service members. It "1 lost a relationship feel that they can’t speak hasn’t always been an easy role to that had been long up because of family or play. term when he was community or work," Kirby On \Vorld A~DS Day in 1991, discharged from the says. "I had to get past that." Kirby participated in a smal! Air Force for being Still Kirby said he demonstration in Tulsa on a wet, gay," Kirby says. believes different people rainy night. Unbeknownst to him, should be featured by his photo was taken and the next media as representative of the state GLBT day appeared in a newspaper. community. "I got a phone call from my biggest client the next da)~" Kirby remembers. "q-he mvner of the ........ Continued See KIRBY Page-7 company asked me ifI had the opportunity to make a statement for my cause, if I would do it. I hadn’t really thought about it until then, but I said that yes, I probably would. An hour later, I was fired and lost two-thirds of my business. I basically had to start over from scratch building my business. Kelly WKirby 1974 at age 20, United States I guess that was my activist wake-up call." Air Force, honor guard dress uniform. _*Kirby said that "he hasn’t shut up"" since then, �Cimarron Alliance Moves Forward with new- O ces and a Dynamic Director By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Margaret Cox proudly cutting the ribbon held by the new Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, with Lisa Ptsiri of the Oldahoma City Chamber of Commerce looking on. Gorin photo OKLM-IOMA CITY, OK__ Cimarron Alliance Group was formed in 1995 as a political action committee (PAC) focused on equality for the GLBT community in Oldaho,na. Although other groups existed at that time, anaong them the Oldahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, the Mliance was a venture of successful business people and professionals who would be able to give serious financial backing to deserving candidates seeking public office as well as put on events for the GLBT community. First chaired by the late Bill Rogers, the organization became a major force for the GLBT community and the Oldalxoma political landscape. In 1997 the Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed as a 501(c)(3) organization, a nonprofit status which enables an organization to, among other things, accept contributions which are tax deductible to the giver. While this type of organization is prohibited fi’om most political activity, including contributing to or promoting candidates or political parties, the CAF was focused on educational issues facing the GLBT community, informing not only them but also straights as well. In this endeavor they have held events such as their annual Leadership Summit, which is a convention of leadership from all GLBT groups. They made history in 2001 when their Gay Pride banners for Oklalmma City light poles were oMered taken down by then Mayor Kirk Humphreys. They took the city 1:o Federal court and on September 13,2002 Judge Robin Cauthron ruled that the banners were protected by Federal free speech rights mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Redesigned in 1997, the Pride banners still fly on special occasions. Now as we face a new decade with pride facing prejudice, especially with opposition 2 to GLBT equality clearly shown to be alive and kicking in Oldahoma, Cimarron is facing challenge as they undergo change. For the first time they have an office, !ocated at 729 N.gi. 17th Street in OHahoma City. Likewise they now have their first fulltirne Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, a native Otdahoman. A~er many years in New York City with many ventures he has returned home to fight for equality. Born inI960 in south Oklalmma City, he graduated as a valedictorian of Capitol Hill High School in 1978. He later graduated from OU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and his first job was being a promoter for the Oldahoma Opry, an Oldahoma City venue for country and western musicians. He later took a far better paying position with an oil company but lost that job during the oil bust of 1983, actually driving to the unemployment office in a Mercedes. What followed was a variety of ventures to pay the bills, ranging from teaching junior high school chorus to painting garage doors to makJng doughnuts, among other endeavors. Finally he flew to New York City (the Mercedes long gone) with 3 suitcases and $200 to meet a friend awaiting he could stay vdth. Doing writing and consulting for an import/export business, he moved on to success with the advertising agency Charron, Schwartz and Partners. Walking through the subway one fateful day beneath Grand Central Station he saw Wayne Johnson, a gentleman that would prove to be a soulmate. As the relationship came together, Scott came out at work (no problem) and they legally married in Connecticut. Following this, he got involved working with nonprofit organizations. Finding himself laid off, he began checking around for other ....... Continued See ClMARRON Page 5 April 1, 2010 �is T.E.N? By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer 7he Equalily Network, or TEN. is comprised of three organizational entities: TEN PAC, TEN, and TEN Institute. Pictured above is Laura Belmonte. an activist who is also i4ce President and Co-Founder ofTEN. Townsend photo TULSA. OK TEN, or "The Equality Network" is a non-partisan statewide organization working to achieve equality and secure legal protection for tesbian. ga)~ bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Oklahomans through advocacy, coalition building and individual empowerment in the political process. Founded in 2009. TEN is comprised of three organizational entities: TEN PAC, TEN, and TEN Institute. "Over the last decade or so that I’ve worked for LGBT equalityin Oklahoma I’ve become increasingly impressed with the amazing progress statewide LGBT advocacy groups are having elsewhere," said Laura Belmonte, Vice President and Co-Founder of TEN. "Last year a number of positive forces converged and we concluded that the timing xvas right to implement a three-pronged strategy of ’educate, advocate, elect.’" Belrnonte also has a PhD amd is currently Director of American Studies and associate professor of Arnerican History at Oklahoma State University. "The launching ofTEN is the fulfilhnent of a personal dream and I feel very fortunate ro have the opportunity to work ~vith such a committed and talented group of people," adds Belmonte. "Each day, we are hearing from people all over the state - most in places where there is no organized effort for LGBT equality - and we are quite encouraged by the alliances that are developing. With time, effort, and a lot of help we think that TEN can help make some positive changes for LGBT Oklahomans." TEN is affiliated with the Equality Federation (vrww.equalityfederation.org), the national alliance of state-based LGBT advocacy organizations. Collectively these state groups have compiled a remarkable string of pro-equality victories on a range of issues including workplace fairness, antibullying and relationship recognition. Even a small group of w!!l-prepared constituents can www.metrostarnews.com make a powerful impression on a legislator. Legislators need to hear from people who support LGBT equality all the time, not only at times when the LGBT community is being targeted. "The board combines people with professional and non-professional experience in lobbying and advocacy at the state and local levels on causes as varied as LGBT rights, animal protection, HIV/A.IDS, economic injustice, and gender equality," adds Belmonte. "This wilt be a continua!, longterm effort. It is going to take time and effort to move Oklalaoma toward more inclusive ~nd just public policies for LGBT people." For more information you may contact Belmonte at lbelmonte@theequalitynetwork. org or 918.906.2134. Our web site is ~wcw. theequalitynetwork.org. You can also find TEN on Facebook and Twitter (follow TENEquality). Openly Gay Norman City Councilman wins re-election but now is running for State House NORMAN, OK (PR) __ When Tom Kovach was first elected to the Norman City Council in 2008, he wasn’t the first openly gay person to do so. That milestone was achieved by David Ray in 2002, but Tom did have the distinction of being the second, and of being re-elected unopposed this year. He represents Ward 2. However, as State Representative Bil! Nations of District 44 is leaving office due to term limits, Tom Kovach has announced he is running for that office as a Democrat, His stated reasoning, " Sometimes government produces ideas that in the light of day lack common sense. I have always been willing to speak out on those occasions as the voice of the people, and I remains so." "Throughout my years in Norman I have worked with people from all walks of life, helping them find solutions to the problems they faced. I have done so as a union leader, a smal! business owner and now as a local business executive. I accomplished these things through honesty, respectful communication and a willingness to hear all sides of an issue, the same qualities that will mark my service as your next state representative." He has lived in the district more than 40 years, graduating from OU with a degree in Letters. He currently works as a Customer Service Manager for Astromomics, a leading U.S. dealer and producer of quality optics. He and his partner Will Weir are active in many social service agencies in the Norman area, and look forward to doing more for their fellow Oklahomans. A Toast to Life It’s time to Paint the Town Robert! By Robin D-Townsend Contributing W-riter Other Options and Friends Food Pantry board president, Robert Painter tu,ws 40 in April and is planning a huge_f!~ndraising eventfor t,§e organization to celebrate the occasion. Townsend photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s a birthday bash like none other. Turning 40 is Robert Painter, famous for his ’best little tact stand down by the tracks,’ (a.k.a., ~lhe Iguana Mexican Grill). Painter is also the board president of Other Options, Inc (OOI) and has chosen to celebrate ’the big 4-0’ in a very unique way. "Our Toast to Life event is the signature fundraiser for Other Options and it is held annually in April?said Painter. ~Ttpril also happens to be the same month as my birthday. I really w~tnted to take advantage of the name Ihave made for myself to help an or,ga,~)ization who has done so much for people.’ Painter became acquainted with OOI when his dear friend, Tim Wade ~vas diagnosed with HIV. The only place he could find immediate help at no cost in Oklahoma City was at Other Options. This is where Painter met Mary Arbuclde, Executive Director of OOI and Friends Food Pantry. Wade found assistance with medication, food and other support services at OOI. Sadly, Wade passed away in 2009 but Painter has kep,t, his memory alive by giving back. The bigge,,st thing we [O~I] need is our own building, adds Painter. That is why our goal is $40,000 for this event and I think we can do it." Forty seems to be the magic number. Since 1989 Other Options in Oklahoma City has provided professional, consistent services to people who are HIV positive and disabled individuals, focusing on the impact HIV/AIDS has had in the lives of those they serve. The mission of Other Options is to create a better understanding of HIV/AIDS, provide training, guidance and provide educational directories that link the affected community to services. The venue will include live music, various artists and entertainers, dancing, and deadCenter will be showing films on the big screen, there will be a fashion show and a silent auction will be held. Another unique part of this event will be the art gallery featuring Oklahoma City artists Debbie Curtis, Joe Slack, Ben Potter, Brent Weber and Bryan Boone. Other surprises are also in store. ~ Toast to Life; Paint the Town Robert,’ vdtl be held on April 10th at 7:40pm at 25 NW 9th (just \grest of Nae Iguana). Tickets for the event are $40 and will include food, drink, entertainment and parldng. For tickets or to make a donation please call (405) 6058020. Reserve tickets are requested; the event is free to clients of Other Options. 1st Annual Tulsa Violence Symposium In Memory of Joseph Walker-Hoover Jaheem Herrera TULSA, OK (PR) April 16, 2010 hosted by Youth Services of Tulsa. Nae event will take place at Langston University Tulsa starting at 9AM. Registration to attend this event is not necessary. The event will address national and local concerns about the growing problems of student-on-student abuse in our communities - Bullying, Dating Violence/Date Rape, and Domestic Violence. If you would like to schedule a booth for your organization, please contact Michael Merryman at 918.382-4429, or email to mmerryman@yst.org. ’uPtcv - Civil Rights *Criminal ment Family Law - Litigation 625 N.W. t S.th Street a City, OK [vIETROSTAR 3 �Dear Editor, I wanted to share the letter Congresswoman Mary Fallin sent to me in response to my letter regarding EDNA and The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill and the reaction of the Oldahoma Legislature. Kendell Powers Oklahoma Civ/ March 8, 2010 Mr. Kendel Powers 600 Northwest 23rd Street, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73103-1464 Dear Mr. Powers: Thank you for taking the time to contact me about the Employment NonDiscrimination Act. Understanding your ideas and concerns is important to me, as it helps me to better represent you and the Fifth District of Oklahoma. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, would extend existing provisions of Federal law to prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of "actual or perceived" sexual orientation. The bill expands civil rights protections on the vague basis of perception, requiring courts to determine an employer’s thoughts when an employment action is taken. Currently Title \HI prohibits workplace harassment that is based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This legislation is anotber example of political correctness gone wrong. This bill is constitutionally questionable, weakens both state and federal marriage laws, and creates a legal trap for businesses, schools, and people of faith. I have long opposed the government’s creeping assault on the faithbased values our country was founded on, the flaws in this bill are numerous and obvious. ENDA is inconsistent with the rights guaranteed by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (PdaRA), which prohibits the Federal Government from substantially burdening the free exercise of religion. It nullifies the rights of some religious schools which, although not "controlled, managed or owned by a specific religion," may still consider religious faith and traditional moral values to be an essential part of their curriculum. This opens some of Oldahomds most successful faith-based institutions to unconstitutional government involvement and supervision. Without a blanket exemption for all religious educational institutions, nondenominational religious schools will be forced to operate under government review of curriculum and constant fear of litigation. The.proposed legislation makes a protected class based on sexual behavim; which will jeopardize our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and religious expression. ENDA is a direct attack on individual religious freedoms and creares a lega! tightrope for employers over which law to follow and violate. Employers with rnoral or religious beliefs opposed to homosexualiV will be forced to lay down their rights and convictions at the door, creating a hostile work environment. In addition to ENDA’s blatant disregard for traditional values, values 4 tsv{~£T~qOSTAR that still mean something to the people of Oklahoma, the law is so vaguely defined and so unenforceable that it seems to be more of a handout to trial lavo,ers than anything else. As your Representative, I stand for religious liberty and people of all faiths and oppose a convoluted, vaguely defined and unenforceable set of new regulations governing personal behavior and hiring practices. Thank you again for taking the time to share your ideas and concerns. As the 11 lth Congress addresses the man), challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and vie,vs with me. However, due to increased security measures, mail delivery may be delayed for up to two weeks. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my website at ,aw~v.fallin.house.gov to contact me via email in the future. While visiting my site you may also sign up for my e-newsletter as well as find usefu! information about the 11 lth Congress. Sincerely Mary Fallin Member of Congress Dear Editor, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Hunting season is on for gays and lesbians as long as the Oklahoma Legislature is in session. If the rednecks don’t get us the suit-and-tie boys will. Not content with passing SQ 71 ! in 2004 making marriage only bet~veen one man and one woman as many times as they like, the Senate has just passed 39-6 a bill (SB1965) to opt out of the recentl~ passed federal Shepard/Byrd Hate Crime~ I[aw. ~e bill nmv goes to the House side of the Capitol. Senate Bill 1965 seems optimistically numbered in that I’m sure Sen. Russell, the sponsor, and 38 of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle would like to return to the year 1965 ifno~ earlier, when gays and lesbians knew that our place was not alongside other Americans but rather in the closet of narrow, scared shadows with the door hinges well rusted. ~e voting record is located here: http://tinyurl.com/ycgog86 It’s odd that many of these legislators weren’t even born then or were very young. Where did they learn such animosity towards strangers that never did them any harm? Surely not in their church pews or at their dinner tables, do you think? After all, African-Americans had just achieved a legal victory in 1965 with the ’passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Acts for which white bigots thought the sky would fall in. The sky did not fal! in and it won’t fall in when gays and lesbians achieve our social and legal victory over the bigots of Oldahoma. 2q~e only thing lost will be the legal right bigots so jealously retain to impose their ignorance over the rest of us. According to Sen. Russell’s legislative webpage he has a serious military record and several medals. If medals are a mark of bravery why is Sen. Russell so afraid of gays and lesbians that he sponsors bills that remove them from the protection of the law and maintain their second-class status as taxpayers--second-class in that gay/lesbian money is ACcepted for payment of taxes yet we are EXcepted when it comes to protection from hatred and discrimination? X~y is Sen. Russell afraid of gay/lesbian equality under the law? Senator Russell just can’t stop fighting wars and looking for enemies. He should reenlist and put his life back on the line, for his country of course. James Nimmo Oklahoma City, OK Hawaii’s Garden Isle: Kauai, In terms of scenery, the one Hawaiian island that comes closest to living up to the expectations of many first-time visitors is Kauai, a comparatively small but magnificently lush isle of rain forests, towering seaside cliffs and seduded beaches. Sumptuous full-service resorts to quaint B&B’s. A list of where to stay and things to do now online in our Travel Section @ www.MetroStarNews.com Dear Editor, TULSA, OK__ Senate Bil! 1965 has to be defeated. This bill would restrict Oklahoma law enforcement from complying with the federal justice department during a hate biased crime investigation. The bill’s author, State Senator Steven Russell, has suggested the Federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act would restrict free speech (aka ministers preaching against homosexuality). So the Oklahoma Senate has refused to hear bills that would assist victims ofliate biased crimes but have tentatively approved another bill that would remove any hope of justice for LGBT victims of violence. This is unacceptable and I strongly urge everyone to contact their State Senator and challenge them to not approve Senate Bill 1965 on it’s final hearing. Visit this website and find out how to reach your senator. http:llwww.facebook.comll195662;www. oksenate.gov/Senators/maps.htm Toby Jenkins President, Oklahomans for Equality Tulsa; OK .......... ......... : ...... He was born in Oklahoma City on November 19, 1939. AaCter growing up there and graduating from Central High School he worked maW jobs before creating PRT Designs, His road to activism began when he was arrested after leaving a gay bar over 40 years ago on bogus charges of lewd conduct. Unlike almost any of his peers, he fought the charge and won. He continued to fight injustice wherever he saw it. In addition to activism in the gay community he also helped African Americans, serving on the board of the Oklahoma City NAACP for over 15 ),ears as well. ........ Metro Star Travel Column Now Online Kauai’s famed Na Pali Coast, with its 4, 000foot cli~ rMng big,§ above the sea. Photo by Andrew Collins A memorialput up on the Nix/2. 39th Street Strip Median at N.14z. 39th and Pennsylvania by Nathanid Batchelder qfthe Peace House Paul passed away March 8 at Baptist Integris Medical Center due to a stroke and subsequent heart failure. A memorial service was held for him at the 1st Unitarian Church March 14. Speakers included Laura Rhoads, who knew him as "Unde Paul" when he was her childhood friend, as well as former Oklahoma Commissioner Jim Roth. Followed by a potluck supper a multitude of his friends and fellow activists shared memories, lamented how far he’d brought us, and how to make his legacy live on. No ma#er who yot are on life’s journ~ 3131 ,R. Pennsylvania, Oklaho 405.525.9555 April 1,2010 �jobs in a nationwide search. By chance he found an executivedirector’s position open with Cimarron Alliance and his first thought was,, A gay organization in Oklahoma CitT, how is that possible?" He applied for the position and got it. With the encouragement of his partner ’,Wayne (still in New York but who will join him later) he has plans for a new direction fi~r himself and for Cimarron. One of his major concerns, as it is for all nonprofits, is how to achieve objectives or even survive in this type of economy. His answer, "You keep going because the needs do not abate just because money is tight. If you believe in social jnstice, that doesn’t stop until there is justice. " He has been pleasantly surprised at the financial contributions people have made recently to the organization, and those volunteering their time and talents as well. He also realizes that for a long time there was a perception that Cimarron is an organization primarily focused as being an elite group of white,~ wealthy, handsome gay men. When it was formed in 1995 a membership cost $250. Today there are no dues to join the organization, and the Cimarron Alliance PAC no longer exists. Currently the Foundation hosts an annual Stop Hate in the Hallways summit, which has been a major factor for school systems in Oldahoma considering or implementing anti-bullying policies that protect students who are GLBT or perceived to be from harassment, q-he main objective now is more outreach. As Scott stated, " One of my goals for " this year, besides raising enough money to pay the bills, is to demonstrate with sincerity and conviction that this is an organization that is approachable and dedicated to serving everyone in the community." Beginning in April Cimarron Alliance Foundation will begin a "411 Series" ofg0 minute presentations on various aspects of problems facing the GLBT community. Topics covered could include living with a partner who is an addict, tax problems, race or religion as well as all categories covered by Federal law. As of press time, the bill was headed to the Oldahoma State House of Representatives, but may undergo changes before it is voted on there. Senator Rice stated that he hopes the bill is stopped in the House or vetoed by the Governor. Pat Sund, a spokeman for Governor Henry, said the governor is watching the bill but has not yet made a decision as to whether he will sign it. Memori , David Osthoff OKI~AHOMA CITY, OK __ David Henry Osthoff lost his battle with an extended illness ~aursda~; February 25, 2010, in Oldahoma City. He was born September 26, 1953, in Hopewell, Virginia to Charline Ehrlich. David had several jobs through the years, but will mainly be remembered as a server at Gusher’s Restaurant for many years before returning to Cookson, OK to care for his mother. He enjoyed reading, gardening and playing pool in the Family Pool League. David was a very caring and compassionate person. He never judged people, never met a stranger and never forgot anyone’s birthday or anniversary. He was preceded in death by his loving mother and father Charline and Billie Ballew. He is survived by two brothers and a sister; six nieces and nephews, and many close friends. Special thanks to the staff at North Winds Living Center in .O,KC. A celebration of David s life is planned for Sunday; April 18th in The Finishline located inside The Habana Inn at 4:30 p.m. Londerm D, Raine captures the title of Miss Gay Lawton By Victor Gorin Contributing Writer domestic violence, health issues, inheritance laws, situations usually faced by people in general with unique aspects for GLBTs. How does it feel to be directing an organization like Cimarron in the reddest state in the country? Scott feels encouraged stating, " ~ have found pockets of folks who are progressive in their thinking, deeply committed to social justice in a personal way. W~ile this is m~ incredibly red state I think there’s hope because I see work being done, quietly moving forward. That lets me kmow justice is not an insurmountable problem." ~fhere will be monthly meetings at the office, encouraging networking with officers from other GLBT organizations. ~Ihey will happen at 5:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month. Now located at 729 N.W. 17th Street in Oklahoma City, they can be reached e-mail at info@CimarronAlliance.org or by phone at (405) 495 9300. Their website warw.cimarronalliance.org tn addition to the obvious intention to deny protection to GLBT Oklahomans, Senator l~dce pointed out that the bill, ,-is it was written, likewise prohibits Oklahoma law enforcement from providing evidence to Federal authorities investigating any category of hate crime committed in Oklahoma, including those committed due to the victings www.rnetrostarnews.com ~nner Londenn Raine with ~l[ie Laine, Miss Gay Lawton 1982 and Miss Gay Oklahoma 1983. Gorin photo OKd_AHOi~cb~ CITY, OK__ It was a glamorous nigl~t at Angles March 5 when the Londenne Raine was crowned the new Miss Gay Lawton 2010, with 1st alternate A_lanna Paige. As a preliminary to the Miss Gay Oklahoma Pageant, they wil! go on to compete in that event. Also performing at the occasion was our current Miss Gay Oklahoma Shantell Mandelay. Miss G~ Lawton is one of the longest running preliminary competitions to Miss Gay Oklahoma, which began in 1978. Now 29 years young, the first Miss Gay Lawton was Lady Paris in 1981.5 winners of this pageant have gone on to win the title mCMiss Gay Oklahoma, and one (.Jacqulyn DeVaroe) has won the title of Miss Gay America. The current promoter is Aubrey Stone, who is Miss Gay Lawton of 2004. Eureka Springs Diversity 2010: THE GAYLIEN EKEND EUREKA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ Eureka, the little city in the hills of the Arkansas . Ozarks that has become the pride of diversity, is gearing up for 2010. Spring Diversity will be held on April 9 -11. The same weekend as the annual U~EO. Conference. You’re invited to come join the Gaylien invasion of NOT just a few city blocks, NOT just a small handful of business, but one entire city. What’s to do? Say "I DO" and register your love with a Domestic Partner Certificate. The Courthouse is closed Saturday and Sunday so come early Friday or hangover till Monday. Tnere are over 150 unique shops and galleries to browse or max out your credit card. To start your weekend drop by the Pizza Bar. The Pizza Sluts will host their third Diversity X~¢elcome Mixer there at 13 N. Main, on Friday, 6-8 PM. You can pickup a complete schedule of Diversity Weekend For more information visit wvc~v. eurekapride.com or diversitTpride.com Art Opening and Exhibit of Original Works by ’ Dennis R. Scott.. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Apri! exhibit at the Dennis tL Neill Equality Center Gallery will feature works by Dennis 1L Scott. If there were a simple way to describe his art, it would be called "accidental art" since art is the accident of discovery - the unexpected result of the meandering mind. Dennis Scott, a retired English teacher, resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is ~ writer, lyricist, poet, craftsman, and artist. He has previously exhibited and sold his art at Utica Arts in The Square Show, Blue Dome Festival, Dennis R. Neill° Equality Center Gallery, River Walk Arts Festival, Cherry Street Arts Festival, Brook Arts Festival and the Parsons, Kansas Art Walk. His art has been sold to clients as far away as Florence, Italy. Dennis Scott has been creating in the medium of digital "art" for the last six years. His work is unlike typical digital or computer art because his art depicts his own way of seeing life and interpreting what he sees. One could easily peg Dennis Scott’s art abstract, impressionistic, or surreal but categories are of little concern to him. The art exhibit at the Dennis R. O’Neil Equality Center Gallery in April titled "Les Belles Dames Nues" (Lovely Nal(ed Ladies) ,vill feature over 65 nude prints of Dennis Scott’s art with over 40 of the works never having been printed before. Dennis Scott’s nude art is tasteful, yet evocative. Please join us to visit with Dennis Scott at the Opening Night Reception on Tnursday, April 1, from 6 to 9pro. Refreshments will be served. Dennis’s art will be on display throughout April. Free help ~1ET}~OSTAR 5 �Supplements By Ronald Blake Contributing writer Haotv: Ronald Blake, Cerdfied Fitness Instructor throz<gh ISSA International Sports . SciencesAssociadon My best fi’iend said I should do it. My brother said t should definitely do it. My co-worker said I don’t need to do it. My neighbor has never done it. Everyone has an opinion on taking supplements for health and well being. Should you do it? I have an easy but nebulous answer: I don’t knovd Let me gather some information from you. If you have a food allergy then you might want to consider taking supplements. Someone lactose intolerant will not drink milk or eat dairy products. This aversion to Betsy the Cow could cause a deficiency in calcium. Someone with a gluten allergy might miss out on the benefits of thiamine and riboflavin. This too could require supplementation. If you are very athletic and push your body to the outer limits of sanity then you’re a likely candidate for extra nutrition. This would certainly include triathaletes, marathoners, or bodybuilders. A 40 hour work week, intense training, and housecleaning when you get home might lead to insipid intercourse intertwined with irascibility in the evening. That isn’t fun! These uber athletes should strongly consider supplementation to get those needed nutrients that lead to late-day copacetic copulation. If the ornitho!ogy creatures gathered at your birdfeeder are eating more than you then it might be time to purchase meal or drink supplements. It isn’t safe to take in less than 1000 calories per day and it can zap your energy xvhile depleting valuable mineral reserves like iron from your body. Consult the family doctor or a nutritionist for suggestions on getting what your body needs to function properly. If you drink like Karen Walker, Captain Jack Sparrmv, or Mayberry’s Otis Campbell then you are an excellent candidate for supplemental drinks or shakes. Alcohol can adversely affect the body’s absorption and metabolism of nutrients. Excessive alcohol ravages the liver and pancreas too. This al! means that the body doesn’t get the nutrients it really needs. tfyou take a blow torch to all your foods and frequendy use adjectives such as charred, burnt, crispy, or well done to describe your meal it is a good bet that supplements on a store shelf have your name on them. Overcooking foods usually destroys B-group, C, and E vitamins. Boiling vegetables can also denude beneficial vitamins and minerals and 6 NETROSTAR le,ave you needing rnore nutritional assistance. Light steaming of vegetables can keep the good stuffin and taste just as good. Dieting can cause a need for supplements too. Many dieters are now eliminating entire food groups fi’om their plates. That means these folks aren’t getting important vitamins and minerals that would normally come from these food groups. Eliminating all carbs, all fat, or all protein just isn’t wise. Talk with your medical experts about nutritional replacements for these lost foods. You could also just go back to being a regular human being and sensibly eating carbs, fat, and protein togethe~: MI of this information should really guide you toward a professional opinion now. Consult your doctor, a certified fitness trainer or a nutritionist to assist you with deciding if supplements are necessary for you. Your brother, your co-worker, and your neighbor probably aren’t doctors, a certified fitness trainer, or a nutritionist. With that advice and lmowledge move your thimble five spaces to GO and collect your nutrients and vitamins for improved health and wellness! ¯ N~is health and fitness column is brought to you by that guy ycho enjoys visits to Hooters despite his non-breeder status. That lover of wings guy is Ron Blake and he can be reached at www.myblakefimess.com. Tony Kushner Pulitz& Prize-Winning Playwright, To Appear On Sunday, April 18 . TULSA, OK (PR) __ Renowned screemvriter and creator of Angels in America, playwright Tony Kushner will make his first live appearance in Tulsa on Sunday, April 18, 20!0 at the Synagogue: Congregation B’nai Emunah. He willbe interviewed on this occasion by noted actor and filmmaker Tim Blake Nelson. The Synagguo e is located at the corner of Peoria and Seventeenth Street. Details are available on the Synagogue xvebsite: www. tu!sagogue.com. 3rd Mr. Gay US of A Contest held at Angles Amadeus York of Texas gets the tit]e By Victor Gorin Mr Gay US ofA MI in white Amadeus York with the previous winner Richard Cranium. Gorin photo OKI.~AHOMA CITY, OK__ For aficianados of male impersonation it was a night in heaven March 14 when the new winner was crowned Mr.Gay US of A M! ( male illusion). Beginning March 12 the contest opened with 50 contestants, narrowed down to 12 finalists on the Sunday night conclusion. Promoted by Brenda Quayle, the contest is part of the US of A pageantry system which is now in its 26th year of operation. Accompanying the contest was a silent auction benefitting Camp Kindle, an organization providing free camping programs for children and young adults infected or affected by HIV. Giving up his tide was Richard Cranium of Texas. The new winners were 2nd runnerup Windz of New York, 1st runnerup Chad Meridian of Arkansas, and the new Mr. Gay US of A M! Amadeus York of Texas. April 1, 2010 �"It would be good if readers and viewers see a different face each time there is an issue in the community," Kirby says. "The broader community should see different people." Kirby has always been willing to speak out on issues. He and his partner of 11 years are legally married in California and Kirby has been a tireless advocate of marriage equalityan issue that has gained momentum around the country in recent years but not budged in conservative leaning Oldahoma. Ending the ban on out GLBT servicemernbers in the US military has also been a cause near, dear - and personal to Kirby. He served in the Air Force at the end of the Vietnam War and several of his friends were discharged because they were gay. One of those friends was particularly special. "I lost a relationship that had been long term when he was discharged from the Air Force for being gay," Kirby says. "I don’t lmow if it would have worked out for life, but I felt a very personal pain." Kirby became active in the military issue after former President Bill Clintoffs efforts to lift the ban on GLBT servicemembers evolved into the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy that stands today. Since then he has joined in on lobbying efforts of the state delegation and lobbied organizations to which be belongs - the American Legion and the Non-Commissioned officers Association -- to support repealing the ban. With the current debate on repealing DADT, Kirby feels there is some progress being made (~ward equal rights to serve. ’ Each time the issue comes up, there are more and more people willing to support repealing the ban," he says. "Whether or not there are enough people now I don’t lmow. I think right now there is as good a chance as there has ever been. I wish the military ’~,,~,~v. metrosta rn ews.co rn would look at the other countries who have removed that ban - none of them have had any problems." Kirby says he is committed to continue pushing for his causes and for the advancement of the community. , For more information on OkEqs 30th Anniversary Equality Gala, visit www.okeq. org. Your life an open book on Drag Race The autobiography challenge sends the latest queen packing on Ru-Paul’s Drag Race By Bebe Zahara Benet As I travel all around the country to promote my new single, so many people have told me that this season’s Jessica Wild reminds them of me. I told my mija this during our interview this week, many things I loved about watching her on RuPaul s Drag Race. ticA ll reca~ ~foweek 7 andprevious shows ate online now. All 12 weeks will be posted on our website at: www. mewosta~ews.com ~(~t~°oSTAR 7 �April 1, 2010 �~v.metrostarnews.com �10 April 1, 2010 ��Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. Club Maverick Hosts 19th Annual O~t &About in OKC & Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City Straley. Gorin photo @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The End Up, Tulsa , will be goin~ to the this coming April. The Leather Lifestvle has been around awhile in OHahoma, and @ Angles, Oklahoma City com. @Club 209, Tulsa @ The Cop& Oklahoma City puf " in Chri @Club Majestic, Tulsa 12 ~®t~oSTAR @ Ledo, Oklahoma City April 1, 2010 �by Jack Fertig April 2010 "Go back to basics, GeminW’ Saturn backing into Virgo reminds us to clean up old business before starting new relationships. Aspecting Uranus and Neptune, she’ll dig up complications that must be dealt with to make progress. Go slowly and carefully. You have until late July to get it right. ARIES (March 2(}-Apri~ 19): Recalculate the equation of any partnership that’s troubling you. Can or should it be saved? Strong instincts and inspiration could lead you astray, but probably contain a kernel of truth. Friends can help you reconcile those with reality. TAURUS (April 2(} - May 2(}): Feeling stuck at work can push you back to reexamine your goals. Where do you feel most creative, and what doyou really have to offer? If professional goals feel nebulous, frame the question in terms of your social ideals. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): While your goals and ideals seem to be in flux, go back to basics, The most relevant questions about reaching out to the world around you ar6 taught early in life. Be nice, share and try to learn. Community service can also help clear your head: SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 2(}): Clean up any loose ends and nasty rumors affecting your reputation. Helpful inspiration comes from your home and family. Advice from siblings and neighbors can seem confusing, but don’t take it too literally and it could prove valuable. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Coming toward a peak of your professional reputation, now is the time to get the word out about your achievements and services. Typos and snafus lie in wait. Be very attentive to those details! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You’re coming into a phase of your life where your ideas and your mind will be much challenged. Review what you believe and why. Confusion about who you are and what’s important can be a healthy stage of growth. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Feeling unsure about sex and relationships can be a good step toward greater awareness. OK, it’s uncomfortable now. Meditation and other quiet secluded retreats - some with your love, some without - will ease the exploration. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Discuss longstanding family issues with siblings, or community problems with neighbors. Things probably aren’t as dark and complicated as they feel. New perspectives will help if you’re willing to be _very_ open-minded. METROPOLITAN LEO (July 23 - August 22): New ideas and skills can help get you out of financial trouble, but first understand how and why you got into that trouble. You won’t get that on your own. Your partner or an advisor can help you figure it out. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Taking the weight of the world on your shoulders is bad for your health. Discussing problems with your partner, or a trusted friend or counselor, is necessary even if it’s aggravating. A mild exercise program (swimming?) and meditation help, UBRA (September 23 - October 22): It seems you can’t catch a break, so make one for yourself. Take time off to meditate and play. Settle your nerves and charge up your batteries. You need this. in the long run it’s the responsible thing to do! COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Uric Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org 69 Spread 70 Boston cager, briefly 771 Social customs 72 silence ~r Copland ,Output role fbr fodie 63 Initial stake " 65 Plumb of The Brady Bunch Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! Solution page 15 SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21}: Take a hard look at your future and get ready to clear out the clutter in your life. Mending fences could mean quitting some friendships and groups, but offers you a chance to make it clean and amicable. :~Nw.metrostarnews.com ~®troSTAR 13 �by Greg Fo× Chuck Breckenridge "~&cd~er buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. You determine your own hours,, your own pace aRe your own compensation. Great way to work around your current scnedule, earn extra money. and try. new financial services career. 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Ark~ansas www.magneticvalteyres or t .corn info@magneticvalleyresor t.com 800-210-840~ 479-244-6821 2116 N~7 43rd CULLENS PENNSYLVANIA AVE. Contact the owner to view this wonderful home. ~=~. ,,wme.kyleeomics.com (405) ~4-5~52 E-Mail - April 1, 2010 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HAB.A~A INN 2200 N%%r 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222! www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY Pd~SORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 ,a~aw.magneticvalleyresor t.com NELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.VZ 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 PR~MEPdCA Dana ~hlsa, Oldahoma 877.700.9503 EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 www.expressionsOKC.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 TUI~A EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcasde.com CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3t31 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com ~srA GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIWSTD Hotline M~Si Bl~ke’s ~uying’ from 2:00 7:00 p,m, Dancersat 16:00 $,75 i~ome~tic drafl~,from noom2:00 &.m. !’Blak8 s Buyhg from n0omTi00 p:m. Dancers at ;t0:00 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 ~A~GLES 2117 ?’PgZ 39th St. Oklahoma City~ OK ww,v.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOL~GE 7204 E. PINE Tttlsa, OK 9!8-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com OKI_AHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vaw#.olcstonewall.o rg OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 ,,~wv.clubmajestictulsa.com E N Y A ~ R[A N S E S P CAR D O tO P ~EIR O ~--A ,-O 0~-0H ~ k J Jg IO N O E N T $6.00 BEER BUST from 2:00 p.m..,2:00 a.m. "Blake’s Buying" from 2:00 p.m.o T A O 7:00.p.m. Dancers at 10:00 p.m. 2200 NW 39TH ~P~SSWAY 405-525-2900 THE COPA 2200NW39THE~P~SSWAY O ahom ci ,O 405-525-0730 w~av.metrostamews.com L A P S E ~O A T I H ~ S T O P o O V V O ~glo L A R ~ S AIR C H E S S ........... $4.50 Windex .................................................................................... $4.50 AL EVE OREO CE L T ~ORE S~ REST TA L E EndUp Shot ........................................................................... $2.00 EndoUp-O>The-Floor Sho{ ................................................... $& O0 RaRlesnake, .............................................................................. $3.00 ~ETROSTAR 15 �~s ~i~gesl i~pad since Roosevelt, ~ecause the conservative 7 4100 No L]~e]~ Av÷nu÷, Oklahome Ci~ 140S) 427-3366 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA VOLUME 7 ISSUE 4 Twi~er.com/MetroStarNews to exempt Oklahoma Ha e Cr mes Law protecting GLBTs State Senate It is very sad that any lawmaker in Oklahoma would introduce legislation that would force Oklahoma law enforcement officials to violate ground brealdng Federal law that would extend legal protections to LGBT Oklahomans who may become victims of violence motivated by bigotry." Statement by State Senator Andrew Rice who was one of the 6 Senators who voted no. By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ SB 1965, introduced by State Senator Steven Russell ( Republican-District 45) deals mainly with the Fede~aI Hate Crimes expansion signed into law by President Obama in October 22,2009, which added Federal Hates crimes protection to include gender, sexual oriei~tation, gender identity and disability in addition to the already covered categories of agencies from sharing evidence or providing assistance ro Federal authorities if they are im~esrigating a hate crime in Oklahoma. It has passed the State Senate 39-6. Oklahoma Hate Crimes laws (Section 850 Title 21) cover race, color, tel igion, gender, disability, familial status and national origin. As sexual orientation and gender identity are not covered, hate crimes against GLBTs in the state of Oklahoma could not be prosecuted as such under state law, yet such a crime could be punished as a hate crime under Federal [axe; which passage of SB 1965 would attempt m change. However Constitutionally Federal Law supercedes state law. As Tamya Cox of Oldaboma’s ACLU puts it, "For example, if a bloody baseball bat was used in an Oklahoma hate crime against a gay person and it was held by state authorities who are most likely to be first on the scene, if this bill becomes law it could not be given to Federal authorities as evidence for prosecution." Since Oklahoma State Hate Crimes laws don’t covering GLBTs, SB 1965 would make it virtually impossible for hate crimes against GLBTs in Oklahoma to be successftdiv prosecuted as hate crimes. Scott J. Hamilton. Executive Director of the Cimarron Alliance stated, "\g)~e are appalled that the Oklahoma Senate would pass legislation that, in effect, green lights violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens in this state. Not only is it unconstitutional, it is unconscionable. In the meantime our state vdll spend without limit to defend this in court. Oklahoma is in the midst of a budget crisis of historic proportions. I find it hard to believe that bigotry is so pervasive in our state that our policymakers would rather pass hate filled legislation than addressing failing schools and reductions in services for seniors." ........Continued See BILL 1965 Page-5 T lsa M tary Veteran Kelly rbv honored by O ahomans for By Michael xYZ Sasser TULSA, OK Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) is set to h--~nor Tulsa accountant Kelly ~rby with a Lifetime Achievement Award on April 24 at their 30th Anniversary Equality Gala. "I have to say that at 56 years old the word ’lifetime’ is a little daunting," says the aftable longtime activist. Kirby is being honored for 20 years of major activism for the Oklahoma GLBT community. "I appreciate the fact that they are recognizin,g my accomplishments," Kirby says. I think what I have done is important and I would have done it without aW recognition of it." Kelly WKirby 1974 at age 20, United States Air Force, honorguard dress uniform. ® MetroStarNews.com APRIL 1,2010 Pau Robert ompsor A lifetime ofservice-forever a By Victor Gorin Contributing writer (1939-2010) OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Among Oklahomans who take an interest in equality and justice there are very fe~v who didn’t know about Paul Thompson, and many knew him xvell as he -worked hard to make Oklahoma better until his life ended. At least 2 generations ofactivists worked beside him, enduring the heartbreak ofsetbacks and the joys ofvictories as history marched on. His energy was tireless, chairing meetings, working with bureaucracies, organizing events, making speeches, doing mailings, and on and gacy on. Although he had his own business, PRT Designs (interior decorating), his true passion was working with people for justice. He was well known for his outspoken pride clearly shown by his trademark outfits, which included xvearing a different rainbow color with matching socks every day. He co-chaired the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus from 1992 until 2010, and was active for many years with the Oklahoma Democratic Party. He also played a significant role in organizing Oklahoma City’s first Pride Parade in 1988, a true ~ilestone not only for Oklahoma City but rather the entire GLBT community of Oklahoma. That event was a major turning point in Oklahoma, with the KKK waiting in the Safexvay (now Homeland) parking tot on N.-W. 39th Street to stop the "queer parade." But that event had a happy ending as fellow activist Jim Ninamo put xt, "When they saw how many participants were marching, they tucked their tails and left." The rest was history, with that proud tradition continuing today. Paul served as the Male Co- Chair for the OKC Pride Parade and Festival for many years until 2009, when he was given a Chairmanship Emeritus Award for his service. ........Continued See THOMPSON Page-4 For more than two decades, Kirby has been a visible activist for GLBT issues with an emphasis on marriage equality and for gay and lesbian service members. It hasn’t always been an easy role to play. On \Vorld A~DS Day in 1991, Kirby participated in a smal! demonstration in Tulsa on a wet, rainy night. Unbeknownst to him, his photo was taken and the next day appeared in a newspaper. "1 lost a relationship that had been long term when he was discharged from the Air Force for being gay," Kirby says. "I got a phone call from my biggest client the next da)~" Kirby remembers. "q-he mvner of the company asked me ifI had the opportunity to make a statement for my cause, if I would do it. I hadn’t really thought about it until then, but I said that yes, I probably would. An hour later, I was fired and lost two-thirds ofmy business. I basically had to start over from scratch building my business. I guess that was my activist wake-up call." _*Kirby said that "he hasn’t shut up"" since then, giving well over 100 interviews and malting sure his clients know he might end up in the media. "A lot of people in Tulsa feel that they can’t speak up because of family or community or work," Kirby says. "I had to get past that." Still Kirby said he believes different people should be featured by media as representative of the state GLBT community. ........Continued See KIRBY Page-7 Cimarron Alliance Moves Forward with new- O ces and a Dynamic Director By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Margaret Cox proudly cutting the ribbon held by the new Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, with Lisa Ptsiri of the Oldahoma City Chamber of Commerce looking on. Gorin photo OKLM-IOMA CITY, OK__ Cimarron Alliance Group was formed in 1995 as a political action committee (PAC) focused on equality for the GLBT community in Oldaho,na. Although other groups existed at that time, anaong them the Oldahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, the Mliance was a venture of successful business people and professionals who would be able to give serious financial backing to deserving candidates seeking public office as well as put on events for the GLBT community. First chaired by the late Bill Rogers, the organization became a major force for the GLBT community and the Oldalxoma political landscape. In 1997 the Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed as a 501(c)(3) organization, a nonprofit status which enables an organization to, among other things, accept contributions which are tax deductible to the giver. While this type of organization is prohibited fi’om most political activity, including contributing to or promoting candidates or political parties, the CAF was focused on educational issues facing the GLBT community, informing not only them but also straights as well. In this endeavor they have held events such as their annual Leadership Summit, which is a convention of leadership from all GLBT groups. They made history in 2001 when their Gay Pride banners for Oklalmma City light poles were oMered taken down by then Mayor Kirk Humphreys. They took the city 1:o Federal court and on September 13,2002 Judge Robin Cauthron ruled that the banners were protected by Federal free speech rights mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Redesigned in 1997, the Pride banners still fly on special occasions. Now as we face a new decade with pride facing prejudice, especially with opposition to GLBT equality clearly shown to be alive and kicking in Oldahoma, Cimarron is facing challenge as they undergo change. For the first time they have an office, !ocated at 729 N.gi. 17th Street in OHahoma City. Likewise they now have their first fulltirne Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, a native Otdahoman. A~er many years in New York City with many ventures he has returned home to fight for equality. Born inI960 in south Oklalmma City, he graduated as a valedictorian of Capitol Hill High School in 1978. He later graduated from OU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and his first job was being a promoter for the Oldahoma Opry, an Oldahoma City venue for country and western musicians. He later took a far better paying position with an oil company but lost that job during the oil bust of 1983, actually driving to the unemployment office in a Mercedes. What followed was a variety of ventures to pay the bills, ranging from teaching junior high school chorus to painting garage doors to makJng doughnuts, among other endeavors. Finally he flew to New York City (the Mercedes long gone) with 3 suitcases and $200 to meet a friend awaiting he could stay vdth. Doing writing and consulting for an import/export business, he moved on to success with the advertising agency Charron, Schwartz and Partners. Walking through the subway one fateful day beneath Grand Central Station he saw Wayne Johnson, a gentleman that would prove to be a soulmate. As the relationship came together, Scott came out at work (no problem) and they legally married in Connecticut. Following this, he got involved working with nonprofit organizations. Finding himself laid off, he began checking around for other ....... Continued See ClMARRON Page 5 2 April 1, 2010 is T.E.N? By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer 7he Equalily Network, or TEN. is comprised of three organizational entities: TENPAC, TEN, and TENInstitute. Pictured above is Laura Belmonte. an activist who is also i4ce President and Co-Founder ofTEN. Townsendphoto TULSA. OK TEN, or "The Equality Network" is a non-partisan statewide organization working to achieve equality and secure legal protection for tesbian. ga)~ bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Oklahomans through advocacy, coalition building and individual empowerment in the political process. Founded in 2009. TEN is comprised of three organizational entities: TEN PAC, TEN, and TEN Institute. "Over the last decade or so that I’ve worked for LGBT equalityin Oklahoma I’ve become increasingly impressed with the amazing progress statewide LGBT advocacy groups are having elsewhere," said Laura Belmonte, Vice President and Co-Founder of TEN. "Last year a number of positive forces converged and we concluded that the timing xvas right to implement a three-pronged strategy of ’educate, advocate, elect.’" Belrnonte also has a PhD amd is currently Director ofAmerican Studies and associate professor ofArnerican History at Oklahoma State University. "The launching ofTEN is the fulfilhnent of a personal dream and I feel very fortunate ro have the opportunity to work ~vith such a committed and talented group of people," adds Belmonte. "Each day, we are hearing from people all over the state - most in places where there is no organized effort for LGBT equality - and we are quite encouraged by the alliances that are developing. With time, effort, and a lot of help we think that TEN can help make some positive changes for LGBT Oklahomans." TEN is affiliated with the Equality Federation (vrww.equalityfederation.org), the national alliance of state-based LGBT advocacy organizations. Collectively these state groups have compiled a remarkable string of pro-equality victories on a range of issues including workplace fairness, antibullying and relationship recognition. Even a small group ofw!!l-prepared constituents can make a powerful impression on a legislator. Legislators need to hear from people who support LGBT equality all the time, not only at times when the LGBT community is being targeted. "The board combines people with professional and non-professional experience in lobbying and advocacy at the state and local levels on causes as varied as LGBT rights, animal protection, HIV/A.IDS, economic injustice, and gender equality," adds Belmonte. "This wilt be a continua!, longterm effort. It is going to take time and effort to move Oklalaoma toward more inclusive ~nd just public policies for LGBT people." For more information you may contact Belmonte at lbelmonte@theequalitynetwork. org or 918.906.2134. Our web site is ~wcw. theequalitynetwork.org. You can also find TEN on Facebook and Twitter (follow TENEquality). Openly Gay Norman City Councilman wins re-election but now is running for State House NORMAN, OK (PR) __ When Tom Kovach was first elected to the Norman City Council in 2008, he wasn’t the first openly gay person to do so. That milestone was achieved by David Ray in 2002, but Tom did have the distinction of being the second, and of being re-elected unopposed this year. He represents Ward 2. However, as State Representative Bil! Nations of District 44 is leaving office due to term limits, Tom Kovach has announced he is running for that office as a Democrat, His stated reasoning, " Sometimes government produces ideas that in the light of day lack common sense. I have always been willing to speak out on those occasions as the voice of the people, and I remains so." "Throughout my years in Norman I have worked with people from all walks of life, helping them find solutions to the problems they faced. I have done so as a union leader, a smal! business owner and now as a local business executive. I accomplished these things through honesty, respectful communication and a willingness to hear all sides of an issue, the same qualities that will mark my service as your next state representative." He has lived in the district more than 40 years, graduating from OU with a degree in Letters. He currently works as a Customer Service Manager for Astromomics, a leading U.S. dealer and producer of quality optics. He and his partner Will Weir are active in many social service agencies in the Norman area, and look forward to doing more for their fellow Oklahomans. A Toast to Life It’s time to Paint the Town Robert! By Robin D-Townsend Contributing W-riter Other Options andFriends Food Pantry board president, Robert Painter tu,ws 40 in Apriland isplanninga huge_f!~ndraising eventfor t,§e organization to celebrate the occasion. Townsend photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s a birthday bash like none other. Turning 40 is Robert Painter, famous for his ’best little tact stand down by the tracks,’ (a.k.a., ~lhe Iguana Mexican Grill). Painter is also the board president of Other Options, Inc (OOI) and has chosen to celebrate ’the big 4-0’ in a very unique way. "Our Toast to Life event is the signature fundraiser for Other Options and it is held annually in April?said Painter. ~Ttpril also happens to be the same month as my birthday. I really w~tnted to take advantage of the name Ihave made for myself to help an or,ga,~)ization who has done so much for people.’ Painter became acquainted with OOI when his dear friend, Tim Wade ~vas diagnosed with HIV. The only place he could find immediate help at no cost in Oklahoma City was at Other Options. This is where Painter met Mary Arbuclde, Executive Director ofOOI and Friends Food Pantry. Wade found assistance with medication, food and other support services at OOI. Sadly, Wade passed away in 2009 but Painter has kep,t, his memory alive by giving back. The bigge,,st thing we [O~I] need is our own building, adds Painter. That is why our goal is $40,000 for this event and I think we can do it." Forty seems to be the magic number. Since 1989 Other Options in Oklahoma City has provided professional, consistent services to people who are HIV positive and disabled individuals, focusing on the impact HIV/AIDS has had in the lives of those they serve. The mission of Other Options is to create a better understanding of HIV/AIDS, provide training, guidance and provide educational directories that link the affected community to services. The venue will include live music, various artists and entertainers, dancing, and deadCenter will be showing films on the big screen, there will be a fashion show and a silent auction will be held. Another unique part of this event will be the art gallery featuring Oklahoma City artists Debbie Curtis, Joe Slack, Ben Potter, Brent Weber and Bryan Boone. Other surprises are also in store. ~Toast to Life; Paint the Town Robert,’ vdtl be held on April 10th at 7:40pm at 25 NW 9th (just \grest ofNae Iguana). Tickets for the event are $40 and will include food, drink, entertainment and parldng. For tickets or to make a donation please call (405) 605- 8020. Reserve tickets are requested; the event is free to clients of Other Options. 1st Annual Tulsa Violence Symposium In Memory of Joseph Walker-Hoover Jaheem Herrera TULSA, OK (PR) April 16, 2010 hosted by Youth Services ofTulsa. Nae event will take place at Langston University Tulsa starting at 9AM. Registration to attend this event is not necessary. The event will address national and local concerns about the growing problems of student-on-student abuse in our communities - Bullying, Dating Violence/Date Rape, and Domestic Violence. Ifyou would like to schedule a booth for your organization, please contact Michael Merryman at 918.382-4429, or email to mmerryman@yst.org. ’uPtcv - Civil Rights *Criminal ment Family Law - Litigation 625 N.W. t S.th Street a City, OK www.metrostarnews.com [vIETROSTAR 3 Dear Editor, from hatred and discrimination? X~y is Sen. I wanted to share the letter Congresswoman Mary Fallin sent to me in response to my letter regarding EDNA and The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill and the reaction of the Oldahoma Legislature. Russell afraid of gay/lesbian equality under the law? Senator Russell just can’t stop fighting wars and looking for enemies. He should reenlist and put his life back on the line, for his country of course. Kendell Powers Oklahoma Civ/ James Nimmo Oklahoma City, OK March 8, 2010 Dear Editor, Mr. Kendel Powers 600 Northwest 23rd Street, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73103-1464 Dear Mr. Powers: that still mean something to the people of Oklahoma, the law is so vaguely defined and so unenforceable that it seems to be more of a handout to trial lavo,ers than anything else. As your Representative, I stand for religious liberty and people of all faiths and oppose a convoluted, vaguely defined and unenforceable set of new regulations governing personal behavior and hiring practices. Thank you again for taking the time to share your ideas and concerns. As the 11 lth Congress addresses the man), challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and vie,vs with me. However, due to increased security measures, mail delivery may be delayed for up to two weeks. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my website at ,aw~v.fallin.house.gov to contact me via email in the future. While visiting my site you may also sign up for my e-newsletter as well as find usefu! information about the 11 lth Congress. Sincerely Mary Fallin Member of Congress Dear Editor, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Hunting season is on for gays and lesbians as long as the Oklahoma Legislature is in session. If the rednecks don’t get us the suit-and-tie boys will. Not content with passing SQ 71 ! in 2004 making marriage only bet~veen one man and one woman as many times as they like, the Senate has just passed 39-6 a bill (SB1965) to opt out of the recentl~ passed federal Shepard/Byrd Hate Crime~ I[aw. ~e bill nmv goes to the House side of the Capitol. Senate Bill 1965 seems optimistically numbered in that I’m sure Sen. Russell, the sponsor, and 38 of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle would like to return to the year 1965 ifno~ earlier, when gays and lesbians knew that our place was not alongside other Americans but rather in the closet of narrow, scared shadows with the door hinges well rusted. ~e voting record is located here: http://tinyurl.com/ycgog86 It’s odd that many of these legislators weren’t even born then or were very young. Where did they learn such animosity towards strangers that never did them any harm? Surely not in their church pews or at their dinner tables, do you think? After all, African-Americans had just achieved a legal victory in 1965 with the ’passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Acts for which white bigots thought the sky would fall in. The sky did not fal! in and it won’t fall in when gays and lesbians achieve our social and legal victory over the bigots of Oldahoma. 2q~e only thing lost will be the legal right bigots so jealously retain to impose their ignorance over the rest of us. According to Sen. Russell’s legislative webpage he has a serious military record and several medals. If medals are a mark of bravery why is Sen. Russell so afraid of gays and lesbians that he sponsors bills that remove them from the protection of the law and maintain their second-class status as taxpayers--second-class in that gay/lesbian money is ACcepted for payment of taxes yet we are EXcepted when it comes to protection Thank you for taking the time to contact me about the Employment Non- Discrimination Act. Understanding your ideas and concerns is important to me, as it helps me to better represent you and the Fifth District of Oklahoma. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, would extend existing provisions of Federal law to prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of "actual or perceived" sexual orientation. The bill expands civil rights protections on the vague basis of perception, requiring courts to determine an employer’s thoughts when an employment action is taken. Currently Title \HI prohibits workplace harassment that is based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This legislation is anotber example of political correctness gone wrong. This bill is constitutionally questionable, weakens both state and federal marriage laws, and creates a legal trap for businesses, schools, and people of faith. I have long opposed the government’s creeping assault on the faithbased values our country was founded on, the flaws in this bill are numerous and obvious. ENDA is inconsistent with the rights guaranteed by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (PdaRA), which prohibits the Federal Government from substantially burdening the free exercise of religion. It nullifies the rights of some religious schools which, although not "controlled, managed or owned by a specific religion," may still consider religious faith and traditional moral values to be an essential part of their curriculum. This opens some of Oldahomds most successful faith-based institutions to unconstitutional government involvement and supervision. Without a blanket exemption for all religious educational institutions, nondenominational religious schools will be forced to operate under government review of curriculum and constant fear of litigation. The.proposed legislation makes a protected class based on sexual behavim; which will jeopardize our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and religious expression. ENDA is a direct attack on individual religious freedoms and creares a lega! tightrope for employers over which law to follow and violate. Employers with rnoral or religious beliefs opposed to homosexualiV will be forced to lay down their rights and convictions at the door, creating a hostile work environment. In addition to ENDA’s blatant disregard for traditional values, values Hawaii’s Garden Isle: Kauai, In terms of scenery, the one Hawaiian island that comes closest to living up to the expectations of many first-time visitors is Kauai, a comparatively small but magnificently lush isle of rain forests, towering seaside cliffs and seduded beaches. Sumptuous full-service resorts to quaint B&B’s. A list of where to stay and things to do now online in our Travel Section @ www.MetroStarNews.com TULSA, OK__ Senate Bil! 1965 has to be defeated. This bill would restrict Oklahoma law enforcement from complying with the federal justice department during a hate biased crime investigation. The bill’s author, State Senator Steven Russell, has suggested the Federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act would restrict free speech (aka ministers preaching against homosexuality). So the Oklahoma Senate has refused to hear bills that would assist victims ofliate biased crimes but have tentatively approved another bill that would remove any hope of justice for LGBT victims ofviolence. This is unacceptable and I strongly urge everyone to contact their State Senator and challenge them to not approve Senate Bill 1965 on it’s final hearing. Visit this website and find out how to reach your senator. http:llwww.facebook.comll195662;www. oksenate.gov/Senators/maps.htm TobyJenkins President, Oklahomans for Equality Tulsa; OK .......... ......... : ...... ........ Metro Star Travel Column Now Online Kauai’sfamedNa Pali Coast, with its 4, 000- foot cli~ rMng big,§ above the sea. Photo by Andrew Collins He was born in Oklahoma City on November 19, 1939. AaCter growing up there and graduating from Central High School he worked maW jobs before creating PRT Designs, His road to activism began when he was arrested after leaving a gay bar over 40 years ago on bogus charges of lewd conduct. Unlike almost any of his peers, he fought the charge and won. He continued to fight injustice wherever he saw it. In addition to activism in the gay community he also helped African Americans, serving on the board of the Oklahoma City NAACP for over 15 ),ears as well. A memorialput up on the Nix/2. 39th Street Strip Median at N.14z. 39th andPennsylvania by NathanidBatchelder qfthe Peace House Paul passed away March 8 at Baptist Integris Medical Center due to a stroke and subsequent heart failure. A memorial service was held for him at the 1st Unitarian Church March 14. Speakers included Laura Rhoads, who knew him as "Unde Paul" when he was her childhood friend, as well as former Oklahoma Commissioner Jim Roth. Followed by a potluck supper a multitude of his friends and fellow activists shared memories, lamented how far he’d brought us, and how to make his legacy live on. No ma#er who yot are on life’s journ~ 3131 ,R. Pennsylvania,Oklaho 405.525.9555 4 tsv{~£T~qOSTAR April 1,2010 jobs in a nationwide search. By chance he found an executivedirector’s position open with Cimarron Alliance and his first thought was,, A gay organization in Oklahoma CitT, how is that possible?" He applied for the position and got it. With the encouragement of his partner ’,Wayne (still in New York but who will join him later) he has plans for a new direction fi~r himself and for Cimarron. One of his major concerns, as it is for all nonprofits, is how to achieve objectives or even survive in this type of economy. His answer, "You keep going because the needs do not abate just because money is tight. If you believe in social jnstice, that doesn’t stop until there is justice. " He has been pleasantly surprised at the financial contributions people have made recently to the organization, and those volunteering their time and talents as well. He also realizes that for a long time there was a perception that Cimarron is an organization primarily focused as being an elite group of white,~ wealthy, handsome gay men. When it was formed in 1995 a membership cost $250. Today there are no dues to join the organization, and the Cimarron Alliance PAC no longer exists. Currently the Foundation hosts an annual Stop Hate in the Hallways summit, which has been a major factor for school systems in Oldahoma considering or implementing anti-bullying policies that protect students who are GLBT or perceived to be from harassment, q-he main objective now is more outreach. As Scott stated, " One of my goals for " this year, besides raising enough money to pay the bills, is to demonstrate with sincerity and conviction that this is an organization that is approachable and dedicated to serving everyone in the community." Beginning in April Cimarron Alliance Foundation will begin a "411 Series" ofg0 minute presentations on various aspects of problems facing the GLBT community. Topics covered could include living with a partner who is an addict, tax problems, domestic violence, health issues, inheritance laws, situations usually faced by people in general with unique aspects for GLBTs. How does it feel to be directing an organization like Cimarron in the reddest state in the country? Scott feels encouraged stating, " ~ have found pockets of folks who are progressive in their thinking, deeply committed to social justice in a personal way. W~ile this is m~ incredibly red state I think there’s hope because I see work being done, quietly moving forward. That lets me kmow justice is not an insurmountable problem." ~fhere will be monthly meetings at the office, encouraging networking with officers from other GLBT organizations. ~Ihey will happen at 5:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month. Now located at 729 N.W. 17th Street in Oklahoma City, they can be reached e-mail at info@CimarronAlliance.org or by phone (405) 495 9300. Their website warw.cimarronalliance.org tn addition to the obvious intention to deny protection to GLBT Oklahomans, Senator l~dce pointed out that the bill, ,-is it was written, likewise prohibits Oklahoma law enforcement from providing evidence to Federal authorities investigating any category of hate crime committed in Oklahoma, including those committed due to the victings race or religion as well as all categories covered by Federal law. As of press time, the bill was headed to the Oldahoma State House of Representatives, but may undergo changes before it is voted on there. Senator Rice stated that he hopes the bill is stopped in the House or vetoed by the Governor. Pat Sund, a spokeman for Governor Henry, said the governor is watching the bill but has not yet made a decision as to whether he will sign it. Memori , David Osthoff OKI~AHOMA CITY, OK __ David Henry Osthoff lost his battle with an extended illness ~aursda~; February 25, 2010, in Oldahoma City. He was born September 26, 1953, in Hopewell, Virginia to Charline Ehrlich. David had several jobs through the years, but will mainly be remembered as a server at Gusher’s Restaurant for many years before returning to Cookson, OK to care for his mother. He enjoyed reading, gardening and playing pool in the Family Pool League. David was a very caring and compassionate person. He never judged people, never met a stranger and never forgot anyone’s birthday or anniversary. He was preceded in death by his loving mother and father Charline and Billie Ballew. He is survived by two brothers and a sister; six nieces and nephews, and many close friends. Special thanks to the staff at North Winds Living Center in .O,KC. A celebration of David s life is planned for Sunday; April 18th in The Finishline located inside The Habana Inn at 4:30 p.m. Londerm D, Raine captures the title ofMiss Gay Lawton By Victor Gorin Contributing Writer ~nner Londenn Raine with ~l[ie Laine, Miss Gay Lawton 1982 andMiss Gay Oklahoma 1983. Gorin photo OKd_AHOi~cb~ CITY, OK__ It was a glamorous nigl~t at Angles March 5 when the Londenne Raine was crowned the new Miss Gay Lawton 2010, with 1st alternate A_lanna Paige. As a preliminary to the Miss Gay Oklahoma Pageant, they wil! go on to compete in that event. Also performing at the occasion was our current Miss Gay Oklahoma Shantell Mandelay. Miss G~ Lawton is one of the longest running preliminary competitions to Miss Gay Oklahoma, which began in 1978. Now 29 years young, the first Miss Gay Lawton was Lady Paris in 1981.5 winners of this pageant have gone on to win the title mCMiss Gay Oklahoma, and one (.Jacqulyn DeVaroe) has won the title of Miss Gay America. The current promoter is Aubrey Stone, who is Miss Gay Lawton of 2004. Eureka Springs Diversity 2010: THE GAYLIEN EKEND EUREKA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ Eureka, the little city in the hills of the Arkansas . Ozarks that has become the pride of diversity, is gearing up for 2010. Spring Diversity will be held on April 9 -11. The same weekend as the annual U~EO. Conference. You’re invited to come join the Gaylien invasion of NOT just a few city blocks, NOT just a small handful of business, but one entire city. What’s to do? Say "I DO" and register your love with a Domestic Partner Certificate. The Courthouse is closed Saturday and Sunday so come early Friday or hangover till Monday. Tnere are over 150 unique shops and galleries to browse or max out your credit card. To start your weekend drop by the Pizza Bar. The Pizza Sluts will host their third Diversity X~¢elcome Mixer there at 13 N. Main, on Friday, 6-8 PM. You can pickup a complete schedule of Diversity Weekend For more information visit wvc~v. eurekapride.com or diversitTpride.com Art Opening and Exhibit ofOriginal Works by ’ Dennis R. Scott.. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Apri! exhibit at the Dennis tL Neill Equality Center Gallery will feature works by Dennis 1L Scott. If there were a simple way to describe his art, it would be called "accidental art" since art is the accident of discovery - the unexpected result of the meandering mind. Dennis Scott, a retired English teacher, resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is ~ writer, lyricist, poet, craftsman, and artist. He has previously exhibited and sold his art at Utica Arts in The Square Show, Blue Dome Festival, Dennis R. Neill° Equality Center Gallery, River Walk Arts Festival, Cherry Street Arts Festival, Brook Arts Festival and the Parsons, Kansas Art Walk. His art has been sold to clients as far away as Florence, Italy. Dennis Scott has been creating in the medium of digital "art" for the last six years. His work is unlike typical digital or computer art because his art depicts his own way of seeing life and interpreting what he sees. One could easily peg Dennis Scott’s art abstract, impressionistic, or surreal but categories are of little concern to him. The art exhibit at the Dennis R. O’Neil Equality Center Gallery in April titled "Les Belles Dames Nues" (Lovely Nal(ed Ladies) ,vill feature over 65 nude prints of Dennis Scott’s art with over 40 of the works never having been printed before. Dennis Scott’s nude art is tasteful, yet evocative. Please join us to visit with Dennis Scott at the Opening Night Reception on Tnursday, April 1, from 6 to 9pro. Refreshments will be served. Dennis’s art will be on display throughout April. Free help www.rnetrostarnews.com ~1ET}~OSTAR 5 Supplements By Ronald Blake Contributing writer Haotv: Ronald Blake, Cerdfied Fitness Instructor throz<gh ISSA International Sports . SciencesAssociadon My best fi’iend said I should do it. My brother said t should definitely do it. My co-worker said I don’t need to do it. My neighbor has never done it. Everyone has an opinion on taking supplements for health and well being. Should you do it? I have an easy but nebulous answer: I don’t knovd Let me gather some information from you. If you have a food allergy then you might want to consider taking supplements. Someone lactose intolerant will not drink milk or eat dairy products. This aversion to Betsy the Cow could cause a deficiency in calcium. Someone with a gluten allergy might miss out on the benefits of thiamine and riboflavin. This too could require supplementation. Ifyou are very athletic and push your body to the outer limits of sanity then you’re a likely candidate for extra nutrition. This would certainly include triathaletes, marathoners, or bodybuilders. A 40 hour work week, intense training, and housecleaning when you get home might lead to insipid intercourse intertwined with irascibility in the evening. That isn’t fun! These uber athletes should strongly consider supplementation to get those needed nutrients that lead to late-day copacetic copulation. If the ornitho!ogy creatures gathered at your birdfeeder are eating more than you then it might be time to purchase meal or drink supplements. It isn’t safe to take in less than 1000 calories per day and it can zap your energy xvhile depleting valuable mineral reserves like iron from your body. Consult the family doctor or a nutritionist for suggestions on getting what your body needs to function properly. If you drink like Karen Walker, Captain Jack Sparrmv, or Mayberry’s Otis Campbell then you are an excellent candidate for supplemental drinks or shakes. Alcohol can adversely affect the body’s absorption and metabolism of nutrients. Excessive alcohol ravages the liver and pancreas too. This al! means that the body doesn’t get the nutrients it really needs. tfyou take a blow torch to all your foods and frequendy use adjectives such as charred, burnt, crispy, or well done to describe your meal it is a good bet that supplements on a store shelf have your name on them. Overcooking foods usually destroys B-group, C, and E vitamins. Boiling vegetables can also denude beneficial vitamins and minerals and le,ave you needing rnore nutritional assistance. Light steaming of vegetables can keep the good stuffin and taste just as good. Dieting can cause a need for supplements too. Many dieters are now eliminating entire food groups fi’om their plates. That means these folks aren’t getting important vitamins and minerals that would normally come from these food groups. Eliminating all carbs, all fat, or all protein just isn’t wise. Talk with your medical experts about nutritional replacements for these lost foods. You could also just go back to being a regular human being and sensibly eating carbs, fat, and protein togethe~: MI of this information should really guide you toward a professional opinion now. Consult your doctor, a certified fitness trainer or a nutritionist to assist you with deciding if supplements are necessary for you. Your brother, your co-worker, and your neighbor probably aren’t doctors, a certified fitness trainer, or a nutritionist. With that advice and lmowledge move your thimble five spaces to GO and collect your nutrients and vitamins for improved health and wellness! ¯ N~is health and fitness column is brought to you by that guy ycho enjoys visits to Hooters despite his non-breeder status. That lover ofwings guy is Ron Blake and he can be reached at www.myblakefimess.com. Tony Kushner Pulitz& Prize-Winning Playwright, To Appear On Sunday, April 18 . TULSA, OK (PR) __ Renowned screemvriter and creator ofAngels in America, playwright Tony Kushner will make his first live appearance in Tulsa on Sunday, April 18, 20!0 at the Synagogue: Congregation B’nai Emunah. He willbe interviewed on this occasion by noted actor and filmmaker Tim Blake Nelson. The Synagguoe is located at the corner of Peoria and Seventeenth Street. Details are available on the Synagogue xvebsite: www. tu!sagogue.com. 3rd Mr. Gay US ofA Contest held at Angles Amadeus York ofTexas gets the tit]e By Victor Gorin Mr Gay US ofA MI in white Amadeus York with theprevious winner Richard Cranium. Gorin photo OKI.~AHOMA CITY, OK__ For aficianados of male impersonation it was a night in heaven March 14 when the new winner was crowned Mr.Gay US ofA M! ( male illusion). Beginning March 12 the contest opened with 50 contestants, narrowed down to 12 finalists on the Sunday night conclusion. Promoted by Brenda Quayle, the contest is part of the US ofA pageantry system which is now in its 26th year of operation. Accompanying the contest was a silent auction benefitting Camp Kindle, an organization providing free camping programs for children and young adults infected or affected by HIV. Giving up his tide was Richard Cranium ofTexas. The new winners were 2nd runnerup Windz ofNew York, 1st runnerup Chad Meridian ofArkansas, and the new Mr. Gay US ofA M! Amadeus York ofTexas. 6 NETROSTAR April 1, 2010 "It would be good if readers and viewers see a different face each time there is an issue in the community," Kirby says. "The broader community should see different people." Kirby has always been willing to speak out on issues. He and his partner of 11 years are legally married in California and Kirby has been a tireless advocate of marriage equalityan issue that has gained momentum around the country in recent years but not budged in conservative leaning Oldahoma. Ending the ban on out GLBT servicemernbers in the US military has also been a cause near, dear - and personal to Kirby. He served in the Air Force at the end of the Vietnam War and several of his friends were discharged because they were gay. One of those friends was particularly special. "I lost a relationship that had been long term when he was discharged from the Air Force for being gay," Kirby says. "I don’t lmow if it would have worked out for life, but I felt a very personal pain." Kirby became active in the military issue after former President Bill Clintoffs efforts to lift the ban on GLBT servicemembers evolved into the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy that stands today. Since then he has joined in on lobbying efforts of the state delegation and lobbied organizations to which be belongs - the American Legion and the Non-Commissioned officers Association -- to support repealing the ban. With the current debate on repealing DADT, Kirby feels there is some progress being made (~ward equal rights to serve. ’ Each time the issue comes up, there are more and more people willing to support repealing the ban," he says. "Whether or not there are enough people now I don’t lmow. I think right now there is as good a chance as there has ever been. I wish the military would look at the other countries who have removed that ban - none of them have had any problems." Kirby says he is committed to continue pushing for his causes and for the advancement of the community. , For more information on OkEqs 30th Anniversary Equality Gala, visit www.okeq. org. Your life an open book on Drag Race The autobiography challenge sends the latest queen packing on Ru-Paul’s Drag Race By Bebe Zahara Benet As I travel all around the country to promote my new single, so many people have told me that this season’s Jessica Wild reminds them of me. I told my mija this during our interview this week, many things I loved about watching her on RuPaul s Drag Race. ticAll reca~ ~foweek 7andprevious shows ate online now. All 12 weeks will be posted on our website at: www. mewosta~ews.com ’~,,~,~v. metrostarnews.corn ~(~t~°oSTAR 7 April 1, 2010 ~v.metrostarnews.com 10 April 1, 2010 Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. O~t &About in OKC & Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ The Cop& Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ The End Up, Tulsa Club Maverick Hosts 19th Annual Straley. Gorinphoto , will be goin~ to the this coming April. The Leather Lifestvle has been around awhile in OHahoma, and @Club 209, Tulsa com. puf " in Chri @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Ledo, Oklahoma City 12 ~®t~oSTAR April 1, 2010 by Jack Fertig April 2010 "Go back to basics, GeminW’ Saturn backing into Virgo reminds us to clean up old business before starting new relationships. Aspecting Uranus and Neptune, she’ll dig up complications that must be dealt with to make progress. Go slowly and carefully. You have until late July to get it right. ARIES (March 2(}-Apri~ 19): Recalculate the equation of any partnership that’s troubling you. Can or should it be saved? Strong instincts and inspiration could lead you astray, but probably contain a kernel of truth. Friends can help you reconcile those with reality. TAURUS (April 2(} - May 2(}): Feeling stuck at work can push you back to reexamine your goals. Where do you feel most creative, and what doyou really have to offer? If professional goals feel nebulous, frame the question in terms of your social ideals. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): While your goals and ideals seem to be in flux, go back to basics, The most relevant questions about reaching out to the world around you ar6 taught early in life. Be nice, share and try to learn. Community service can also help clear your head: CANCER (June 21- July 22): Discuss longstanding family issues with siblings, or community problems with neighbors. Things probably aren’t as dark and complicated as they feel. New perspectives will help if you’re willing to be _very_ open-minded. LEO (July 23 - August 22): New ideas and skills can help get you out of financial trouble, but first understand how and why you got into that trouble. You won’t get that on your own. Your partner or an advisor can help you figure it out. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Taking the weight of the world on your shoulders is bad for your health. Discussing problems with your partner, or a trusted friend or counselor, is necessary even if it’s aggravating. A mild exercise program (swimming?) and meditation help, UBRA (September 23 - October 22): It seems you can’t catch a break, so make one for yourself. Take time off to meditate and play. Settle your nerves and charge up your batteries. You need this. in the long run it’s the responsible thing to do! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21}: Take a hard look at your future and get ready to clear out the clutter in your life. Mending fences could mean quitting some friendships and groups, but offers you a chance to make it clean and amicable. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 2(}): Clean up any loose ends and nasty rumors affecting your reputation. Helpful inspiration comes from your home and family. Advice from siblings and neighbors can seem confusing, but don’t take it too literally and it could prove valuable. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Coming toward a peak of your professional reputation, now is the time to get the word out about your achievements and services. Typos and snafus lie in wait. Be very attentive to those details! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You’re coming into a phase of your life where your ideas and your mind will be much challenged. Review what you believe and why. Confusion about who you are and what’s important can be a healthy stage of growth. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Feeling unsure about sex and relationships can be a good step toward greater awareness. OK, it’s uncomfortable now. Meditation and other quiet secluded retreats - some with your love, some without - will ease the exploration. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Uric Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 69 Spread 70 Boston cager, briefly 771 Social customs 72 silence ~r Copland ,Output role fbr fodie 63 Initial stake " 65 Plumb of The Brady Bunch Solution page 15 :~Nw.metrostarnews.com ~®troSTAR 13 by Greg Fo× ,,wme.kyleeomics.com E-Mail - Chuck Breckenridge "~&cd~er buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. You determine your own hours,, your own pace aRe your own compensation. Great way to work around your current scnedule, earn extra money. and try. new financial services career. 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Ark~ansas www.magneticvalteyresort.corn info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-840~ 479-244-6821 2116 N~7 43rd CULLENS PENNSYLVANIA AVE. Contact the owner to view this wonderful home. ~=~. (405) ~4-5~52 April 1, 2010 Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HAB.A~A INN 2200 N%%r 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222! www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY Pd~SORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 ,a~aw.magneticvalleyresort.com NELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.VZ 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 PR~MEPdCA Dana ~hlsa, Oldahoma 877.700.9503 THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TUI~A EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3t31 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIWSTD Hotline EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 www.expressionsOKC.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcasde.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 ~srA GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn ~A~GLES 2117 ?’PgZ 39th St. Oklahoma City~ OK ww,v.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOL~GE 7204 E. PINE Tttlsa, OK 9!8-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKI_AHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vaw#.olcstonewall.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org CLUB MAJESTIC E N Y A ~R[A N S E S 124N. BOSTON P O tO P ~EIR O CAR D O Tulsa, OK ~--A O 0~-0- E N T 918-584-9494 ,-- ,,~wv.clubmajestictulsa.com H ~ k J J g I O N T A O 2200 NW 39TH ~P~SSWAY 405-525-2900 L A P S E ~O A T I H~S T O P o THE COPA 2200NW39THE~P~SSWAY O V V O ~glo L ~ AIR C H E O ahom ci ,O S S 405-525-0730 A R S AL EVE OREO CE L T ~ORE S~ REST TA L E M~Si Bl~ke’s ~uying’ from 2:00 7:00 p,m, Dancersat 16:00 $,75 i~ome~tic drafl~,from noom2:00 &.m. !’Blak8 s Buyhg from n0omTi00 p:m. Dancers at ;t0:00 $6.00 BEER BUST from 2:00 p.m..,2:00 a.m. "Blake’s Buying" from 2:00 p.m.o 7:00.p.m. Dancers at 10:00 p.m. ...........$4.50 Windex....................................................................................$4.50 EndUp Shot...........................................................................$2.00 EndoUp-O>The-Floor Sho{...................................................$&O0 RaRlesnake, ..............................................................................$3.00 w~av.metrostamews.com ~ETROSTAR 15 ~s ~i~gesl i~pad since Roosevelt, ~ecause the conservative 7 4100 No L]~e]~ Av÷nu÷, Oklahome Ci~ 140S) 427-3366 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, April 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 4 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Gabbard Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Steven Petrow Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Magazine, March 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/193 The Metro Star Magazine, May 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/194 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/186 Advice Art Opening and Exhibit Bitter Girl David Osthoff Don't shop-Adopt Drag Race employment discrimination federal hate crimes law fitness-supplements funnies Kelly Kirby Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Miss Gay Lawton Mr. Gay USA Obituaries Paul Robert Thompson QPuzzle Qscopes Rainbow Pages Robert Painter-Other Options and Friends Food Pantry T.E.N.- The Equality Network The Gaylien Weekend Tom Kovach Tony Kushner travel Tulsa Violence Symposium https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/21b7160a063dea87f270489e3b2cf605.jpg c749a3814bc8412bf9530b35f251851f https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/9ebbc07de1ada862fdf4ea8c5c2c49ab.pdf 2276ae9576ef2f367670f95c02ddf45c PDF Text Text LOC ~L NEWS NATIONAL NEWS THE PREMIER WORLD NEWS SOURCE LIFESTYLE FOR GLBT FITNESS TRAVEL ,&DV[CE ENT~ITAINMENVF OKLAHOMA Go green while gettin’ down witli Solar Soun{i 2, the new and improved sun-powered portabl~ speakers from pioneering company Devotec. VOLUME7 ISSUE 12 Twitter.com/MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com d "Arna Lee’ Smith Passes Away A legacy and legend left Behind He was fondly remembered as he owned a series of dubs in Oklahoma City, beginning back in the days when a GLBT night on the town could be a scary adventure. During the early 1960s America and Oklahoma were quite different, where being gay was officially still a mental illness, sodomy laws were still in the books, and gay rights (let done marriage) weren’t even discussed. Police raids on gay bars were common, albeit on dubious pretexts and very selective law enforcement, much facilitated "Truly we lost a pioneer. He paved the road for the gay life we have in Oldahoma City today, which is going strong now because of him." Ginger Lamar OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ When Arnold Lee Smith’s Memorial Service was held at Bill Meritt’s Memorial Chapel November 2 there were of course family members, he was survived by 4 children in addition to grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Born June 24, 1927 he served in the military, and afterwards got married and had a family. He was preceded in death by his partner of over 37 years, Larry "Fuzzy" Braker. His daughter, Debbie Hill, gave a touching eulogy xvith lighthearted memories of her dad, a man who taught her to love the outdoors, people and life. Even in his final days she remembered his sense of campy humor. During his stay ar the Norman Veteran’s Home she remembered a time when a nurse sported a new big hairdo. When that nurse asked Arnold if he liked it he replied, "Oh honey, give me a comb and I can fix that!" FREE ~ DECEMBER 1,2010 Stop Hate in the Hallways 3rd Annua1 Conference- and more Relevant than ever "This is not a religious issue. It even goes beyond a basic human rights issue. It is al! ab,,out the cl~ildren, es~pecially tkiose GLBT children who will I3e children forever Scott Hamilton, ~xecutive Director of Cimarron Alliance By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Arnold Lee Smith 1.927-2010 See page- 4 & 12 or ashamed to fight back. Bu{evenin ii~ik dark scenario Arnbld~’ first club, Lee~ Lounge which opened in the mid 1960s in the Paseo District, was a brigh.t spot for the GLBT community that refused to back down. Although the club endured relentless police harassment, the club proudly kept going. On many occasions -#hen he was arrested along with his customers, he would bail himself and his customers out and re-open the bar the same night. His drag persona, Arna Lee, became famous during this time, accompanied by his outrageously fun costumes and tap dancing with a campy wit to match. During this time he became a "Drag Mother" to many budding female impersonators, a passion that spanned over 40 years. He was probably best known as the owner of Oklahoma’s first major show bar, The Roadhouse, located way out in a secluded location near Frontier City. There many major entertainers got their start, and the community had a place to go even if it was for most a lengthy drive. Even tong after the bar closed in 1978, their customers and performers held many Roadhouse Reunions to celebrate the good times they had there, and the movement it hdped create for GLBT Oldahomans. Following this venture Mr. Smith purchased the Outrigger in 1979, located in the Viva Motor Inn ( now the site of the YWCA Women’s Crisis Center). Done up in a.lovely south seas scenario with bathescaphe speakers, ir was a lively party ........ Continued See LEE Page-4 By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Left Scott Hamilton, Executive Director of Cimarron Alliance, and Oklahoma City Superintendant ofPublic Schools I~rl Springe~ Gorin photo OICLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The first time Cimarron Alliance sponsored a Stop Hate in the Hallways Conference it was a first in more ways than one. Although school bullying had raised the concerns of some school systems, and there had been conferences about safer classrooms, Stop Hate in the Hallways was the first time bullying facing GLBT students, or those perceived to be, was ever addressed. For too many of those in the GLBT commumty ~vho remember their school days, the previous conferences may have seemed like ignoring the gorilla in the room, and their perception has merit. By 2007 the National School Climate Survey indicated that over 86.2% of GLBT students had been harassed, and 22.1% had been physically assaulted. GLBT youth are 7 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and 1/3 of sexual minority suicides occur before the age of 17. Inaction by school authorities contributes to the problem, wins action talien in only 44% of the reported incidents, while 59% of the incidents are never reported. As with the previous conferences, this event drew educators and school administrators as well as others involved together from throughout Oldahoma, this time held at the Moore -Norman Technology Center. Headlining a workshop about administrative policy issues was Oklahoma City School Superintendant Karl Springer and Millard House, the Assistant Superintendant of the Tulsa Public Schools. Both school systems have adopted anti bullying policies which specify the category of real or perceived sexual orientation, and Oklahoma’s City’s policy goes further to include sexual identity. The two keynote speakers were Warren Blumenfeld and Steve Wessler. Mr Bluemfeld, today a professor of Multicultural and International Curriculum Studies at Iowa State University, told of growing tip Jewish "and perceived as GLBT when he was relentlessly bullied and faced severe harassment from junior high to the college level. After a series of workshops, the conference ended with a presentation by Steve Wessler, the Executive Director of the Center for Preventing Hate, based in Maine which he created in ! 999. He had worked in the Maine Attorney General’s office and as a lawyer in private practice, but now has a crusade he has taken towards making schools safer for all students. ........ Continued See HATE Page-6 �2200 W I~ Se~ice Road OKC 1.800.988.2221 w~.habanainn.com 2 December �:r 2 Election aftermathleas some of our Friends Survived Openly Gay Native ONahoman inducted into the Music Hall of Fame 2010 World AIDS Day celebrations promote awareness, education By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team By Robin D-Townsend Metro Star Team By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Mayflower Congregation in NW OKC holds World AIDS Day celebration events eac,b year in Oklahoma City. In ~ont of the church, white crosses with red ribbons are placed to remember those whose lives have been directly affected with H1V/AIDS. Oklahoman Sam Harris inducted into the Oklahoma dvIusic Hail ofFame. "[ kind of feel like, are you sure? Really? Do you have the right gw?" Those were the senriments expressed by Oklahoma native Sam Harris who at age 49 was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Halt oirFame along with country singer Jean Shepa/d la Pauls Valley native best lmown tbr her 1953 duet with Ferlin Husky entitled "Dear John), rock guitarist Jamie Oldaker ( who played in the bands of Bob Seger, Eric Clapton, and was a founding member of the Tractors, a country rock group) and Les Gilliam, who was named as the Official Oklahoma Balladeer by the Oklahoma State Legislature in 1998. Born in Cushing and growing up in Sand Springs, Mr. Harris won recognition for his winning performance of "Over the Rainbow" on the televised talent show Starsearch, which has become his signature song. His first hit with Motown records, "Sugar Don’t Bite" was a national hit peaking at #36 on Billboard’s singles chart in 1984 that also become a dance classic. Since then he has performed at sold our concerts at venues including New York City’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Vc’est End. He has starred on Broadway and numerous television appearances. He is openly gay, and has been with his partner Danny Jacobsen, who is a film producer, since 1994. They adopted a son, Cooper Atticus Harris- Jacobsen, in 2008, and Sam and Danny got married on November 1 that same year. The Oklalmma Music Hall of Fame, located in Muskogee began with a vision in 1996 fol!owed with an act by the Oldahoma State Legislature. Their headquarters and museum is a renovated Frisco Freight Depot located at 401 S. 3rd Street. Past honorees have included Merle Haggard, Woody Guthrie. Patti Page, Carrie Underwood and the _All American Reiects. N~eir website is ,a~w.omhof.org. Fo,wter Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner fim Roth with State Representative AI McAdff~ey, and Atto,wey & Oklahoma Regent Richard Ogden at a fi¢ndraiserfor Al shortly before the election. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ World AIDS Day is December 1st each year, drawing people from around the world together raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. The events help demonstrate international solidarity in the face of this disease. The day allows public and private partners to come together to raise awareness and encourage progress inHIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in highprevalence countries and around the world. "HIV/AIDS is not just in our country but worldwide," said Mary Arbuckle, Executive Director of Other Options and Friends Food Pantry in Oklahoma City. "World AIDS Day brings attention to this catastrophic disease creating unity in the ~vorld by all of us coming together." Other Options supports the OKC HIV/AIDS community with the Friends Food Pantry, an unduplicated program in Oklahoma for people living with HIV/ AIDS. They provide a home ddivery program of food for homebound clients, case management of the HOPWA program (Housing opportunity for people living with HIV/AIDS) and their Humanitarian Medication Program is now providing eight, third world countries with recycled medications from across the US. Other Options and other ASP organizations will help with the November 30th event at Mayflower Congregation. With the help of MAC AIDS "Viva Glam" employees will be volunteering all day at Other Options ro get involved in the celebration. \Vgorld health officials report the number of people infected with the virus that causes AIDS seems to be mostly stable. According to an epidemic update by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Joint U.N. Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the figure (about 33 million) has remained virtually unchanged for the past few years. ....... Continued See AIDS Page 7 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ In a turn of events that left progressives and Democrats reeling, the nation and especially Oklahoma experienced a drastic change of power. With the election of Mary Fallin and our new governor, we not only have our first female governor but also the first time all of our statewide offices are held by Republicans, with conservatives now in even greater control of both houses of our state legislature. Among the allies of the Oklahoma GLBT community who survived the tide were Andrew Rice-Incumbent State Senator District 46, Anastasia Pittman-Incumbent State Representative District 99, State Representative Al McAffrey-Incumbent State Representative District 88 and our first and only openly gay state legislator, and Willa Johnson-Incumbent Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1. Although Brittany Novotny did make history as the first transgendered person to run for elective office in Oklahoma, she did not succeed in ousting Sally Kern, the incumbent in District 84 well lmown for her anti-gay sentiments. In order to change the political scene for the future the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus is worldng on expanding their membership and mailing list, forming a PAC ( Political Action Committee) and improving their voter guide system. As for the future Jeanne Flanigan, the female co-chair of the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, still has some optimism and calls for action. As she puts it, "The new leadership shotfld know that right after they are sworn in we will be keeping track of how they are protecting our rights. If they ~vant to roll back any civil rights we will be writing letters to them and editors, and demonstrating at the Capitol. We have had a wake up call, and realize how serious our task is of educating voters and getting them to vote." ’uptc¥ ® Civil RightS ®Criminal ,ment ® Family Law ® Litigation 625 N.W. 13th Street CitV, OK 73103 December 1, 2010 3 �Dennis R. Nefll Equality Center to feature works from Tulsa artist Liz Ingersoll of"Mia Bdla Art" BIKES FOR ? LIGHT ’EM UP Sex), ladies have long had a love affair with motorcycles. Seems unlikel); but examine the evidence; nobody’s forcing those busty blonds and brunettes to bend over the handlebars in every bike rag sitting on newsstands. One could argue that the female species likes the feeling of all that prover. Whatever the case may be, California Scooter Co. has carved a niche in the market for.women who have a need for speed with three styles - Classic, Greaser and Babydoll - and a custom-built option. The company claims on its website that you’re in for the ride of your life, and if one of these is waiting for your honey in the garage on Christmas morning, you probably will be. ($4,995 and up; www.californiascooterco.com) SNAP TO IT TULSA, OK __The December Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit oflocat artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature works from Tulsa artist Liz Ingersoll of"Mia Bella Art". Liz Ingersoll began her career as a part time portrait/event photographer in 2004 and established a name in the local community as Mia Belta Images. Since October 2009 Liz has participated in numerous art shmvs under the new name of Mia Bella Art. To keep her artwork fresh and exciting she releases a new collection each month from July thru January and prints only limited editions. In October 2010 Mia Bella Art was proud to receive the Best in Show Award from Utica Square’s Art in the Square and was honored to provide 9 large pieces for the fihning of The Lamp. For a complete list of upcoming shows, venues and local shops that sell Mia Bella Art, find her on facebook or visit www. miabellaart.com. To contact Liz for commission xvork or invite her to participate in your venue, email contact@miabeltaart. corn or call 918-693-2677. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, December 2nd from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month, w~wv.okeq. org ~ parties. As his health failed him he went into the Norman Veteran’s Center, a nursing home for veterans, where he remained until his death on Oct0ber 31~ He left behind many friends who will always remember what he did to make Oklahoma a better place. His bulbs will shine bright in these festive trunlcs from Pact, an eco-friendly and cause-conscious underwear shop. A portion of the proceeds will help charitable organizations EarthSpark and Citizen E~ct send handheld solar lanterns to Haitians in need. ($22; wv#~v.wearpact. con1) GO THE EXTRA SMILE Unless your dentist loo}cs like John Stamos, you\q rather stay away, which presents a problem ifyou covet bright white chompers. Sure, there are overthe-counter bleaching methods - and they’re relatively inexpensive - but they’re also messy and often painful. Ramona Singer infamously called Kodak antiquated, much to the chagrin ofJi!l Zarin, who was hosting an event on the company’s behalf during a season three episode of ~Ihe Real Housewives of New York. Points go to Team Jill for that round, because Rarnona was way off base. In fact, the iconic brand is as cuttingedge as they come where affordable consumer technolog7 is involved. Case in point: the EasyShare M580, the world’s thinnest I4-raegapixei, five-timeszoom digital camera. Thg pocket-sized point-andshoot also features a Share Button, which allows users to tag and upload pics to Facebook, YouTube, the Kodal< Gallery and Flickr within seconds of plugging it into a computer. Mmhmm. xXOaatcha got now, Ramona? ($199.95; www.kodak.com) Simple, safe and effective, Supersmile takes a bite out of the competition with 4 December 1, 2010 MOR~ GIFT IDEB2S - Page 12 a clinically proven gift set that includes a Professional Series II LS45 Advanced Sonic Pulse Toothbrush (with patented 45-degree angled bristles) and a three-month supply of its professional whitening system. The system safely whitens natural teeth and restores bonding, veneers, caps and dentures to their original splendor. It also strengthens enamel and eliminates harmful bacteria, plaque and gingivitis. The one thing it won’t do, however, is cure morning breath; dude is still gonna taste icky in the a.m. ($159; www.supersmile. com) Arnold Lee Smit/a AKA Arna Lee place until it closed in 1981. After a sojourn in Florida for a few years, he r~turned and began his last club venture, a bar complex on Lincoln Boulevard nostalgically named the Roadhouse, which had multiple bars as well as various shops. However after the loss of his partner in 1995, who passed away the day after the Oldahoma City bombing, that venture failed after only about a year of operation, and Arnold went into retirement. His house faced N.W. 39th Street, and his outdoor birthday parties during the annual OKC Pride Parade were a joyous tradition. Even close to his final days Arna Lee still performed at Tramps, the Hilo, and other clubs, frequently at fundraisers for the Oldahoma Gay Rodeo Association and AIDS "Walk OKC, as well as performing in private �Supremes refi se to block DADT The Supremes are keeping Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in force. The U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 12 refused to vacate an order from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that suspended an injunction from the federal District Court in Riverside, Califi, that prohibited the U.S. government from enforcing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military gay ban. Which means: DADT can be enforced during appeal of the Riverside decision that found it unconstitutional -- unless President Barack Obama, Congress and the Pentagon end the ban in the interim. Plaintiff Log Cabin Republicans had asked the Supreme Court to vacate the 9th Circuit order, thereby allowing Riverside Judge Virginia Phillips’ injunction to go back into force. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who hears such requests from the 9th Circuit, referred the matter to the full Supreme Court, where Justice Elena Kagan opted not to take part in the decision. Phillips issued her injunction Oct. 12 after finding that DADT violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of free speech, due process and right to petition for redress of grievances. The injunction remained in place until Oct. 20, when the 9th Circuit issued a brief stay ~vhile it decided whether to issue a longer stajg which it did Nov. 1. During the eight days the injunction was in force, the military stopped kicking gays and lesbians our of the services and began letting them re-enlist. The Obama administration’s insistence on appealing Phillips’ DADT strikedown has been highly irritating to gay activists, given that the president says he strongly opposes DADT. Obama, however, says the policy needs to be ended by Congress, which created it, not the courts. Xhe administration also has argued that the Justice Department has an obligation to defend federal laws that are challenged, and that DADT should not be ended abruptly because that will disrupt and harm military operations. The Pentagon recently conducted a massive survey of members of the military to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked versions of the findings, which will be released officially in December, reportedly reveal that most members of the armed forces are fine with GLB people serving openly. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure this ),ear authorizing the military to end DADT but the Senate did not follow suit after Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., staged a filibuster over the matter. "It is unfortunate that an unconstitutional law that is causing substantial harm to military readiness and to tens of thousands of troops is allowed to remain in effect for even one more day," said Alexander Nicholson, executive director of Servicemembers United. "~is just underscores the need to continue to put pressure on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to allow the defense authorization bill (which includes DADT repeal language) to come back up and take its first procedural step before the Senate’s Thanksgiving recess," Nicholson said. "Servicemembers United, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Stonewall Democrats, and the Log Cabin Republicans have all strongly and consistently called on Sen. Reid to do just that. It is now time for other organizations, as wel! as the White House, to publicly do the same." The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force urged supporters to call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and tell both of their U.S. senators to authorize repeal of DADT by voting for the defenseauthorization bill this month. "We can only be assured of having the 60 votes we need if we can change minds before the new members of the Senate take their seats," the group said. But LCR attorney Dan Woods thinks that ship has all but sunk. "With the likelihood of Congress repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell fading with each passing day, judicial relief continues to be perhaps the most viable avenue for ending this unconstitutional policy," Woods said. "We and Log Cabin Republicans will continue to fight on to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans who want to serve in our military without regard to their sexual orientation. Our next step will be to ask the 9th Circuit to expedite the government’s appeal from Judge Phillips’ judgment and ~nJ uncnon ¯ LCR Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper commented: "We are committed to pursuing every avenue in the fight against this failed and unconstitutional polic~ Log Cabin will continue working to secure the votes needed for legislative repeal, and if necessary, we look forward to seeing President Obama’s attorneys in court next year to prove, once again, that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell doesn’t work." Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire. The 11 plaintiffs all have been denied federal rights and protections solely because they are married to a person of the same sex. The suit, filed in federal District Court in Connecticut, addresses DOMA’s nonrecognition of marriages in connection with federal employee and retiree benefits progranas, Social Security benefits, survivor benefits under federal pension laws, work leave to care for a spouse under the Family and Medical Leave Act, and state retiree health insurance benefits that are controlled by federal tax law. Additional plaintiffs ~vho pay excess ~ederal income tax because they cannot file their federal returns as married couples will join the suit once the IRS officially rejects their requests for refunds. "Every day that DOMA stands, it arbitrarily divides married couples into two categories," said GLAD Legal Director Gary Buseck. Also on Nov. 9, the American Civil Liberties Union sued the feds in New York over DOMA. The group represents 81-year-old Edie Windsor, who had to pay $350,000 in additional estate taxes because the federal government treated her as single, even though she was married to Thea Spyer and their marriage was recognized by the state of New York. "(T)he federal government ... taxed Thea’s estate as though we were strangers rather than spouses," Windsor said. "(It’s) a tax on being gaY"These cases provide further evidence that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act is not simply an abstract insult to the dignity of same-sex couples and their families -although it is indeed a deeply offensive law," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "DOMA causes real harm to people like Joanne Pedersen, Ann Meitzen and Edie Windsor, denying them economic security, health coverage and other critical federal rights and benefits that other married couples take for granted." The section of DOMA that prevents the federal government from recognizing stares’ same-sex marriages already was struck down as unconstitutional earlier this year in two cases from Massachusetts, but the Obama administration has appealed the rulings. The section, which the federal District Court in Boston found unconstitutional in three ways, states: "In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word ’marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ’spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife." The language overrides any state’s determination that a Edie lZ~ndsog right, and ~ea S~ye,: ACLUphoto couple is married and says that they are not married for purposes trait ~ie New England legal group Gay federal laws and programs, even though the & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders filed federal government otherwise has always a multiplaintiff lawsuit challenging the deferred to state determinations of marital constitutionality of the federal Defense of status. Marriage Act on Nov. 9. The Boston court said DOMA violates the In Pedersen v. Office of Personnel Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment Management, GLAD represents five married ..... Continued see MARRIAGE - page 6 same-sex couples and a widower, who live in Gays sue reds over marriage again December ~, 2010 �DADT protesters arrested at White House By Rex Woclmer Photo by Sean Cark’on, Talk About Equali~ Courtesy of GetEQUAL WASHINGTON, DC __ Thirteen supporters of the direct-action group GetEQUAL were arrested at the xYc~lite House fence Nov. 15 after handcuffing themselves to it and supergluing their handcuff locks. They demanded that the Senate join the House in authorizing ,repeal of the Dofft Ask, Don’t Tell military ban on noncloseted GLBs before the Senate adjourns this year. Arrested were Dan Choi, Autumn Sandeen, Evelyn Thomas, Mara Boyd, Geoff Farrow, Robin McGehee, Miriam Ben-Shalom, Justin Elzie, Ian Finkenbinder, Robert Smith, Dan Fotou, Scott glooledge and Michael Bedwell. "Included in the thirteen arrested are veterans and advocates spanning three generations of brave and courageous Americans, who sacrificed their careers and lives to see the day this discriminatory ban on openly gay and lesbian service in the military finally goes into the history books," said GetEQUAL Director Robin McGehee. "Today we have sent a loud and clear message to the U.S. Senate and President Obama that we expect them to make good on their promises to end this inhumane law this year, during the lame-duck session of Congress." DADT was struck down as unconstitutional by a federal District Court earlier this year and for eight days an injunction prohibited the military from kicking out open gays or barring them from enlisting. But the Obama administration appealed the injunction all the way to the Supreme Court, which upheld a stay of it issued by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Tnat reinstated the policy for the duration of the appeals of the District Court ruling. Obama has said he wants Congress, not courts, to end the ban, and Justice Department laxvyers argued in court filings that the ban must not be lifted abruptly by a judge because that would harm military operations. The House of Representatives voted earlier this year to authorize the armed forces to end DADT, but the Senate failed to follow suit. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has been conducting a massive survey of troops and their families, due to be released in December, to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked reports of the findings suggest that a majority of members of the military are not troubled by openly gay servicemembers. 6 December ~, 2010 ~~R But Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee has, for all intents and purposes, vowed to continue to block Senate authorization of DADT repeal, complaining that the massive Pentagon survey didn’t ask the right questions. "All four service chiefs are saying we need a thorough and complete study of the effects -- not how to implement a repeal, but the effects on morale and battle effectiveness," McCain told MSNBC on Nov. 14. "That’s what I ,want, and once we get this (current) study, ~ve need to have hearings and we need to exarnine it and we need to look at whether it’s the kind of study that we wanted. It isn’t, in my view, because I wanted a study to determine the effects of the repeal on battle effectiveness and morale. What this study is designed to do is to find out how the repeal could be implemented." Popular LGBT tourist destination first in Arkansas to offer health insurance coverage to domestic partners o city workers EUREICA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ The only city in Arkansas with a Domestic Partnership Registry has become the first city in the state to provide health care coverage for the domestic partners of municipal workers. The cig;s insurance provider, the Arkansas Municipal League, notified the city on November 15, 2010 that beginning January !, 2011 both same- and opposite-sex partners of city wm-kers will have the same access to health insurance as legal spouses. The announcement culminated a yearlong campaign by residents of this northwest Arkansas tourist town which in June 2007 became the first city in the state to enact a Domestic Partnership Registry ordinance to ot~cially recognize unmarried couples in committed relationships. "Once again Eureka Springs is leading by exan~ple, this time in the realm of workplace equality," said Michael Walsh, who helped lead the effort to expand health care coverage. "Marital status shouldn’t be the deciding factor in access to ’family plan’ insurance. Legally wed or not, all city workers should get the same employment benefits, including access to health insurance for their partners." Expanding the definition of"fan~ily dependent" was "the right thing to do," Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy wrote to the Municipal League in August, just xveeks before the city council passed a resolution endorsing domestic partnership insurance coverage. Photo by Sean Carlson, Courtesy of "I am aware as well as you that some will GetEQUAL construe this as a ’gay issue’," said Joy. "But the reality is that there are many heterosexual The DADT repeal measure is part ofthe couples who chose to live together in a bill that will fund the entire U.S. military in committed relationship - as a family - without 2011. As a result, McCain’s obstructionism entering into the civil contract of marriage,. has left the overall funding bill unpassed by the Senate as well. These folks face the same ’family’ challenges Surveys have found that neatly 80 every day, not the least of which is providing percent of Americans are fine with letting health care for themselves and for those who gays in the military come out of the closet are dependent on them .... the definition of by ending the DADT policy. family is at the center of our concerns." Joy and cityTransit Director Lamont Richie met with the Arkansas Municipal League Nov. 4 to lobby for a more inclusive health insurance policy. Monday’s announcement that their efforts were successful "is a huge step forward," said Richie. "And though only employees of the City of Eureka Springs will be able to take advantage of it for now," he said, "other TULSA, OK (PR) __ Don your gay communities in apparel and join us for the 3rd annual Fatalalala Ball. ~e evening will include the state may be pictures with Santa and Mrs Claus and the encouraged to adopt naughty and nice elves, Cash Bar and heavy their own Domestic hor d’oeuvres. Pull out ),our holdiay dress and Partnership Registries business casual and enjoy. Admission Price is as a means of providing one of the following: pet food for A Friend health insurance for A Friend, personal toiletries for Our benefits to domestic House Too, non perishable food items for St partners of their Jerome Church Food Pantry. employees." 3rd Annual Falalalala Ball Saturday, December 18th: 7pro Dennis R Neill Equality Center For more information visit: vrw~v.OkEq. org N to the U.S. Constitution by treating married gay couples differently from married straight couples without any rational basis for doing so. It also found that DOMA violates the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by intruding in areas of exclusive state authority, and violates the Spending Clause in Article 1 of the Constitution by forcing Massachusetts to discriminate against its married gay citizens in order to receive certain types of federal funding. President Barack Obama does not support same-sex marriage, although he did in 1996 when he was campaigning for an Illinois Senate seat. But in a recent xYvq~ite House meeting with five progressive bloggers, the president suggested he might be getting ready to change his mind again. "I do not intend to make big news sitting here with tl~e five of you, as wonderful as you guys are," Obama said at the Oct. 27 meeting. "But H1 say this .... I have been to this point unwilling to sign on to same-sex marriage primarily because of my understandings of the traditional definitions of marriage, but I also think you’re right that attitudes evolve, including mine. I think that it is an issue that I wrestle with and think about because I have a whole host of friends who are in gay partnerships. I have staff members who are in committed, monog~ous relationship.s, who are raising children, who are wonderful parents, and I care about them deeply, and so while I’m not prepared to reverse myself here, sitting in the Roosevelt Room at 3:30 in the afternoon, I think it’s fair to say that it’s something that I think a lot about. That’s probably the best you’ll get out of me toda): ... The one thing I wil! say today is I think it’s pretty dear where the trendlines are going ... the arc of history." Most inspiring was OSU-OKC students who participated in the Upward Bound summer session, a preparation program for first generation college students., xvho have held rallies at Western Heights High School and the Oklahoma State Capitol raising awareness about school bu!lying. The conference, although inclusive of the GLBT community, also included other categories of bullying including race, religion, and physica! disabilities. Cimarron Alliance hopes the conference will grow, with more teacher and school administrators. �By Steven Petrow &even Pelrow is the author of’The Essential Book of Gay Manners & Etiquette. " Send him your questions at queeries@live.com. "We waist to help other kids fight bullying" "Events like these help us remember, in a good way, those we have lost and to remember that there has been so much progress for this disease," said Chuck Longacre of Oklahoma City. "There is just a marked change for a lot of folks living better and living longer now." Longacre worl~ with Red Rock and Expressions Outreach Center (just offthe OKC strip) providing free HIV/ AIDS testing and counseling. The first World AIDS Day was celebrated on December 1, 1988 and officials say the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS probably peaked in 1996. WHO takes the lead in the global health sector’s response to HIV/AIDS and provides evidence-based information at www.who.int/hivlen/. HRC scorecard: Congress is polarized The new edition of the Human Rights Campaign’s "Congressional Scorecard" has found an increase in both "highly supportive" and "highly anri-LGBT" legislators. HRC said the findings reveal a "stark polarization." ’~k strong and devoted group of antiLGBT legislators continues to stymie the progress LGBT people deserve," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "The fact that the first ever vote to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in the House of Representatives was countered by a filibuster in the Senate illustrares the landscape." In the House, 145 members received a pro-gay score ofg0 percent or better, compared to 128 members in the previous Congress. Senators scoring 90 percent or better this year rose from 32 to 36. However, the number of senators receiving a zero score from HRC climbed as well, from 16 to 32. The number of House zeros remained unc,,h.anged. As more and more American’s support equality for LGBT people, some members of Congress are showing real leadership while others are digging in their heels to cater to an anti-LGBT fringe constituency," said HRC Legislative Director Allison Herwitt. The scorecard is based on votes and cosponsorships regarding hate crimes, gays in the military, employment nondiscrimination, tax equity, same-sex marriage, same-sex partner immigration, HIV treatment, needle exchange, and the Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor Supreme Court confirmations. For full results, see hrc.org/scorecard. No matter who yo* are on life’s journt -Re~ere~d ~r. 0 3131 N. December 1, 2010 7 ��IVfETROPOLITAN COI~MUNITY CHURCHES ~ev Sieve To U[~e Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO ~804 Wo~h[p Sunday 6:00 PM CommunRy Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM December t, 2010 9 �Creep of the Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne WYtkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a f!’eelance writer and Oct (beiieve it~O .. When shes nOt taking on the creeps of the world she reviews rock roll sh~ows in Detroit with her twin sister "Clint McCance" he’d feel. "I would disown my kids if You know the old saying, "If you they were gay," he posts. "They will not be don’t have anything nice to say, say it on Facebook?" Well, Arkansas Midland School ~velcome at my home or in my viciniry. I will absolutely run them off. Of course my District vice president Clint McCance took kids will imow better. My kids will have solid it to heart recently when he posted some vile christian beliefs." anti-gay hate speech to rival Fred Phelps and Where these "solid Christian beliefs" will his band of "God Hates Fags" loonies. \Vhat set McCance off come from I don’t know. Certainly not from was a cal! for supporters of their father. ," i’m not sure that LGBT youth to wear purple in there’s an honorable Needless to say, memory of the young people McCance’s comments way to wish all gay who recently committed caused quite a stir with people dead even it= suicide after being bullied. many people calling for his he had used different I "Seriously they want me firing. words to do it. A visibly uncomfortable to wear purple because five queers committed suicide," he and maybe even contrite McCance appeared oh CNN with Anderson posted. "The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the Cooper and apologized for his comments saying they were "too emotional" and "went people of this world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and too far." As for the terms "fag" and "queer" he told killed therselves because of their sin. REALLY PEOPLE." Cooper, "I know those are hurtful words and like I said, I picked the wrong words to use. Yes, really. Did I mention he was a school And used them poorly. I didn’t bring honor board member? Oh, to be a gay kid in to what I was about." Midland. Those lucl~, devils. I’m not sure that there s an honorable way , One of McCances friends commented, to ~vish all gay people dead even if he had Because hatred is always right:. 2 used different words to do it. To which he responds, "No because being He also stated that he doesn’t "wish death a fag doesnt give you the right to ruin the on anyone" and that "it does look like I’m a rest of our lives. If you get easily offended hatemonger or a horrible person’and that’s by being called a fag then dent tell anyone not me at al!." you are a fag. Keep that shit to yourself. I Urn, yes. It does look like that. Very dent care how people decide to live their much like that, in fact. It’s kind of hard to lives. They dent bother me if they keep it to accept that a person who thinks, "Hey I have thereselves. It pisses me off though that we a minute to post on Facebook before I head make a special purple fag day for them. I like off to this school board meeting and here’s that fags cant procreate. I also enjoy the fact something totally appropriate to say" isn’t that they often give each other aids and die." a hatemonger. No matter how much they D~d you catch that lastpart. He enj.ovs apologize or resign from the school board on when gays get AIDS and die. Ha ha. You Anderson Cooper 360. know, typical LOL stuff. So, yeal~. He resigned. And he’s sorry. But Another friend commented, "You kmow the boot print of mistrust and feat on the this is somebodys kids here how would you backs of LGBT school kids, especially those feel if they were talkin about your kids like in the Midland school system, isn’t going to this. It would make you feel like SHIT." wash out so easily. ~ No worries, McCance knows exactly how 10 December1,2010 �20TH ANNUAL- C H R~ ST HAS AIDS BENEFIT BENEFITTING THE WINDS HOUSE MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 & TUESDAY, DECEi~4BER 7 DINNER AT 6:30 PM ENTERTAINbAENT AT 8:00 P!Vt THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY x¢VITH ENTERTAINiMENT BY: SONJA ~RTINEZ BEN WILLIAMS JOHN BEEBE P,~ENEE ANDERSON ,~{ATTHEW HEATH-FITZGERALD KITTY BOB AIMES FOR RESE ROXIE HART NOR!~AA JEAN GOLDENSTEIN IONS CALL (405) 525-0730 PRICE 45,00 RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED. HALF OF ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE XA!INDS HousE. ~T~S’~AR t December 1, 2010 �By Ed Sikov PRODIGAL SUN Go green while gettin’ down with Solar Sound 2. the new and improved sun-powered portable speakers from pioneering compaW Devotec. Building upon the success of the original Solar Sound. this upgrade promises a superior listening experience with the use of specialty woven speaker cones; silver-plated, oxygen-free copper cabling; an efficient power circuit to provide even more juice to the amp; and a larger integrated battery that increases playing time to five to 10 hours, depending on the volume levd. 3-hat’s where the sun comes in. With its embedded solar panel and quick charging system, the unit can play continuously under UV rays - even when the built-in battery is dead. Party on, parry boy. ($99.99; www.devotecindustries.com) THE BIGGER PICTURE ’SCANDLE’-OUS There are digital photo frames, and then there’s the CEIVA digital photo frame. What’s the difference? For starters, CEIVA frames come preloaded with your favorite pics, so when the recipient opens the box your pearly whites are peering fight back. But that’s not the best part. The frames are connected, allmving anyone, anywhere to send photos directly to the frame by camera phone, e-mail, Facebook and more - a nice surprise for grandma when she walks in to see ne,v pictures from her favorite gay grandson. Unless her favorite gay grandson hits the wrong button, of course. But then, he really shouldn’t have such scandalous content stored on his Droid, now should he? ($127.99 and up; wvvw.ceiva.com) GARDEN VARIETY Turn up the heat with Scandle, a shimmery candle that burns two degrees above body temperature to produce a soothing body oil in a relaxing aroma. Perfect for massages, cuticle treatments or as an everyday moisturizer. ($22.95; www. scandlecandle.com) SHAVE THE WAY Paging Peg Bundy! Al’s trophy ~vife " loved her some bonbons - but probably not this ~nd. Moulton’s Bon Bons are truffleshaped mounds of clay and organic compost combined with seeds. The Garden pack features two each of basil, parsley, chives and thyme, while the herb tea selection includes double quantities of borage, chamomile, lemon balm and Stinging Nettle. Just toss the handcrafted clay* balls into the garden or an indoor container, add water, and watch them grow. Perfect for that crazy uncle who "talks" his plants. Misery loves compan}: ($14.95; wx~,~v.moultonology.com) December 1, 2010 Ed Sikov # the author ofDark lcqcto,7; 7he Life ofBette Davis and ot?~er books aboutfilms and filmmakers. " he Scarborough Fair" It’s very loud in the city much louder than any Fire Island sound system blasting the recent archaeological discovery, Barbra Streisand. But I’ve kept a bit of my summer garden in preserved form, and it’s literally a tonic. Just before we left the beach house, I was seized with an ovmwhelming need to take something with me - something to get me through the tough, cold northeast winter. Dan had already put his suitcase outside the gate when, stricken with this impulse, I dropped my stuff, sprinted to the container garden in the back, and ripped out bunches of herbs. "What are you doing?" said Dan when I reappeared carrying two fistfuls of aromatics. "What are you doing?" I replied as I stuffed them into my backpack. He answered on cue: "What are you doing?!" It’s a routine we do. "I don’t know," I said as I picked up my backpack. "It’s part of a Native-American ha~est ritual." "Don’t be racist," Dan scolded. We distracted ourselves by insulting each other as we walked to the ferry. By the time we got home, the herbs looked pretty sad, so to refresh them I wrapped them in a wet towel and stuck them in the refrigerator. I decided to make an herbal infusion, so the next morning, I bought a fifth of Absolut. After doing some cursory Internet research, I decided I kaaew better. (I’m obnoxious.) So I washed the ragged bouquets, dried them in a salad spinner, and laid them out on the counter. I hadn’t planned this desperate harvest at all; the herbs I’d blindly grabbed at twilight consisted of sage, thyme, tarragon, lovage, parsley and rosemarT~ and holes to catch even the shortest stubble, cutting every hair with fewer strokes. Designed to be innovative and attractive in function and design, this cordless, electric shaver also features the SldnGlide system that combines a smooth surface with rounded edges to glide effortlessly over his manly mug. Kyan would be proud. ($199-$349; www. store.philips.com) FIVE O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE ’Ihis ain’t your daddy’s razor. The Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D uses GyroFlex 3D technology to enable three-dimensional contouring that pivots around, tilts inward and flexes outward to adjust seamtessly to every curve of the face and neck. The UltraTrack heads include channels to catch longer hairs, slots to catch normal hairs, Get your glug on anytime, anywhere The infusion ingredients instantly chose themselves: parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Don’t you just love that song? I put the iPod on its little donut and set it to my Pau! Simon playlist, then gently bruised the herbs to release their oils and juices, stuffed them in a large, dean, Mason-type glass jar, poured the Absolut in and sealed it. I waited one day too long. On the third day, the infusion was a gorgeous shade of bright green; the next day it starting browning, and I yanked the herbs out before the thing started to look like peat moss runoff. ¯ne taste? Well, the Garfunlde herb mix tasted very good, though in the future I might just use rosemary (it’s got the best flavor) and some parsley for color. Turning an herbal infusion into a cocktail is easy: you can have it straight up at room temperature, put it on the rocks, stick the bottle in the freezer or add some seltzer and a lime segment. Simple! And ifa guest says your handcrafted infused vodka is not ro her liking? Just tell her to go reap it in a sickle of leather. That should shut her up. (But what the hell does it mean?) "~he Scarborough Fair" Get some herbs. I’d try rosemary first, with some parsley for color. Measurements are useless here, since the whole point is to make it handcrafted by you. Wash and dry the herbs thoroughly, put them in a glass jar with a lid that seals tightly, pour in enough Absolut to cover the herbs, and seal the jar. Taste often. When it looks and tastes right t.o you, strain the infusion back into the Absolut bottle or the bottle or jar of your choice. Drink it straight, or mixed with some seltzer or a small splash of tomato juice. with The Original Disposable Flask, a lightweight, durable, collapsible and freezable portal of potency that fits perfectly in a pocket or purse. Great for one-time use or as reusable, refillable respite. ($2.99; www. disposableflasks.com) �& Chuck Breckenridge x~;q~ether buying or selling I’!t work hard for you. 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas LANCE ~:-- www.magneticvalleyresort.com info @magneticvalleyresor t.com ~ COIJLD MAKE A "~ PHONE CALLS 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Downtown, xN Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Center; Tulsa Gay Center. Aff’ordable Homes and Apartments. For #~ore hb~a~on visit: MAK~ THOSB wu,w.gaybra~ybeigh#tu/sa.com ,leeomics.com erm~il: bitt ergid@qsyndicate.com www.joanhitty.net N~@~T~ December i, 20i0 13 �By Jack Fertig December 2010 "Be sensible, LibraP’ Mars in Sagittarius provokes us to speak and act out in search of new perspectives. He’s squared to Uranus, though, provoking accidents, rash statements and decisions we’ll regret later. The greatest adventures are deep inside. Meditation and introspection can yield tremendous insights. ARIES (Paarch 20- Apri~ 19): Your ruler, Mars, is goading you to explore new ideas and places. Even - or especially - in quiet meditation in a dark room you can hardly help but to make important discoveries. Staying true to yourself means accepting growth and change. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - P~ay 20): Finding sexual adventure is easy enough, but it could complicate friendships. The erotic energy that’s making you so popular could be harnessed into a more political charisma. What to do? The answer is deep inside you. GEMIN~ (Paay 21- June 20): It’s harder than usual to stay out of arguments. "Your friends could help you if you can keep the signals clear. Thinking ahead is good; intuiting ahead is better. Accept criticism from the boss, even if overly harsh, as a challenge to improve. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 December 20): Get out and have a little fun, but even there, think ahead and be careful. Home is a danger zone, and not just for the preponderance of accidents that happen there. Not a good time to call the folks either! CAPRICORN (December 2t January 19): Digging up family secrets could prove explosive. How much are you ready to learn? Revealing those (or other) secrets could cause a lot of trouble. You need to talk, but select your confidante wisely. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Going out on a limb for political principle can gain you points for audacity and integrity, but leave you in the lurch. Holding true to core values is most important, but how they work in reality should evolve with the times. PISCES (February 19 - I~arch 19): Daring risks and changes might get you ahead, but the only guarantee is that without taking a chance you’ll trip yourself up badly. Meditate on what’s important. In the end instinct and intuition will serve better than apparent logic. CANCER (June 21o July 22): Talking with your boss about your goals is sure to highlight existing confusion, but can lead toward resolution. Not talking about the problem will just make it worse. Just complaining about lack of direction will undermine efforts and confidence. LEO (July 23 - August 22): The call to adventure may be irresistible, but it does involve bigger risks than you can anticipate. Look ahead and be careful to cut down on dangers, but you will be surprised - maybe for the better. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Domestic squabbles might make for some crazy passion or lead to great makeup sex. That won’t eliminate the conflict, but it could reframe it dramatically. That could lead to a helpful breakthrough, but you still have lots of work ahead of you! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Worrying about accidents invites them as much as carelessness does. Be sensible, observe standard precautions, but dithering and first-guessing yourself is no good either. "Helpful" efforts, whichever end you’re on, are also likely to make things worse. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Hide the plastic. Any unnecessary shopping can only end badly. Set aside a carefully budgeted amount for entertainment and have some fun. You need to release some energy, but there’s no need for it to be expensive. 14 December 1, 2010 Creating Community for People iving with H V/A DS 50~. c (3) Non P~ofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HI’Z+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people !ive through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. VVe invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net 31 �L! 5336 E. Admiral Pi. Tulsa, Ok 74115 (918) 836-0915 Monday’." Blake’s Buying!!! Buy two Liquor Drinks, Blake buys the third!! (please see bar for details) Dancers @ 10pm Tuesday. 75¢ Bud and Bud Light Drafts!! Dancers @ 10pr!! Wednesday: Pool Tournament 7:30prn!! Dancers @ 10prn! Thursday: Bingo Night 7:00prn!! Dancers @ !0prn Friday: Poo~ Tournament: Dancers at 8:00pr!!! Wednesdays Saturday: Prizes nightly!!!!! Dancers at 8:00prn!! "You can staA your a~ywhere as ~ong as yo ~ with 3 years bitches Sunday: $6 Beer Bust and PJ Parbj! Dancers going to stop December 1, 2010 15 �Next Meeting is Tuesday, December 7 at Oklahoma Democratic Party H 4 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 73105 405’427-3366 ~vw.okstonewall.org d � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document LOC ~L NEWS NATIONAL NEWS WORLD NEWS LIFESTYLE FITNESS TRAVEL ,&DV[CE ENT~ITAINMENVF THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT VOLUME7 ISSUE 12 d "Arna Lee’ Smith OKLAHOMA Go green while gettin’ down witli Solar Soun{i 2, the new and improved sun-powered portabl~ speakers from pioneering company Devotec. See page- 4 & 12 Twitter.com/MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com FREE ~ DECEMBER 1,2010 Passes Away Stop Hate in the Hallways 3rd Annua1 Conference- and more Relevant than By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team A legacy and legend left Behind He was fondly remembered as he owned a series of dubs in Oklahoma City, beginning back in the days when a GLBT night on the town could be a scary adventure. During the early 1960s America and Oklahoma were quite different, where being gay was officially still a mental illness, sodomy laws were still in the books, and gay rights (let done marriage) weren’t even discussed. Police raids on gay bars were common, albeit on dubious pretexts and very selective law enforcement, much facilitated ever "This is not a religious issue. It even goes beyond a basic human rights issue. It is al! ab,,out the cl~ildren, es~pecially tkiose GLBT children who will I3e children forever Scott Hamilton, ~xecutive Director of Cimarron Alliance By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Arnold Lee Smith 1.927-2010 "Truly we lost a pioneer. He paved the road for the gay life we have in Oldahoma City today, which is going strong now because of him." Ginger Lamar OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ When Arnold Lee Smith’s Memorial Service was held at Bill Meritt’s Memorial Chapel November 2 there were of course family members, he was survived by 4 children in addition to grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Born June 24, 1927 he served in the military, and afterwards got married and had a family. He was preceded in death by his partner of over 37 years, Larry "Fuzzy" Braker. His daughter, Debbie Hill, gave a touching eulogy xvith lighthearted memories of her dad, a man who taught her to love the outdoors, people and life. Even in his final days she remembered his sense of campy humor. During his stay ar the Norman Veteran’s Home she remembered a time when a nurse sported a new big hairdo. When that nurse asked Arnold ifhe liked it he replied, "Oh honey, give me a comb and I can fix that!" or ashamed to fight back. Bu{evenin ii~ik dark scenario Arnbld~’ first club, Lee~ Lounge which opened in the mid 1960s in the Paseo District, was a brigh.t spot for the GLBT community that refused to back down. Although the club endured relentless police harassment, the club proudly kept going. On many occasions -#hen he was arrested along with his customers, he would bail himself and his customers out and re-open the bar the same night. His drag persona, Arna Lee, became famous during this time, accompanied by his outrageously fun costumes and tap dancing with a campy wit to match. During this time he became a "Drag Mother" to many budding female impersonators, a passion that spanned over 40 years. He was probably best known as the owner of Oklahoma’s first major show bar, The Roadhouse, located way out in a secluded location near Frontier City. There many major entertainers got their start, and the community had a place to go even if it was for most a lengthy drive. Even tong after the bar closed in 1978, their customers and performers held many Roadhouse Reunions to celebrate the good times they had there, and the movement it hdped create for GLBT Oldahomans. Following this venture Mr. Smith purchased the Outrigger in 1979, located in the Viva Motor Inn ( now the site of the YWCA Women’s Crisis Center). Done up in a.lovely south seas scenario with bathescaphe speakers, ir was a lively party ........Continued See LEE Page-4 Left Scott Hamilton, Executive Director ofCimarron Alliance, and Oklahoma City Superintendant ofPublic Schools I~rl Springe~ Gorin photo OICLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The first time Cimarron Alliance sponsored a Stop Hate in the Hallways Conference it was a first in more ways than one. Although school bullying had raised the concerns of some school systems, and there had been conferences about safer classrooms, Stop Hate in the Hallways was the first time bullying facing GLBT students, or those perceived to be, was ever addressed. For too many of those in the GLBT commumty ~vho remember their school days, the previous conferences may have seemed like ignoring the gorilla in the room, and their perception has merit. By 2007 the National School Climate Survey indicated that over 86.2% ofGLBT students had been harassed, and 22.1% had been physically assaulted. GLBT youth are 7 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and 1/3 of sexual minority suicides occur before the age of 17. Inaction by school authorities contributes to the problem, wins action talien in only 44% of the reported incidents, while 59% of the incidents are never reported. As with the previous conferences, this event drew educators and school administrators as well as others involved together from throughout Oldahoma, - this time held at the Moore -Norman Technology Center. Headlining a workshop about administrative policy issues was Oklahoma City School Superintendant Karl Springer and Millard House, the Assistant Superintendant of the Tulsa Public Schools. Both school systems have adopted anti bullying policies which specify the category of real or perceived sexual orientation, and Oklahoma’s City’s policy goes further to include sexual identity. The two keynote speakers were Warren Blumenfeld and Steve Wessler. Mr Bluemfeld, today a professor of Multicultural and International Curriculum Studies at Iowa State University, told of growing tip Jewish "and perceived as GLBT when he was relentlessly bullied and faced severe harassment from junior high to the college level. After a series of workshops, the conference ended with a presentation by Steve Wessler, the Executive Director of the Center for Preventing Hate, based in Maine which he created in ! 999. He had worked in the Maine Attorney General’s office and as a lawyer in private practice, but now has a crusade he has taken towards making schools safer for all students. ........Continued See HATE Page-6 2200 W I~ Se~ice Road OKC 1.800.988.2221 w~.habanainn.com 2 December Openly Gay Native ONahoman inducted into the Music Hall of Fame By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team 2010 World AIDS Day celebrations promote awareness, education By Robin D-Townsend Metro Star Team :r 2 Election aftermathleas some ofour Friends Survived By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Oklahoman Sam Harris inducted into the Oklahoma dvIusic Hail ofFame. "[ kind of feel like, are you sure? Really? Do you have the right gw?" Those were the senriments expressed by Oklahoma native Sam Harris who at age 49 was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Halt oirFame along with country singer Jean Shepa/d la Pauls Valley native best lmown tbr her 1953 duet with Ferlin Husky entitled "Dear John), rock guitarist Jamie Oldaker ( who played in the bands of Bob Seger, Eric Clapton, and was a founding member of the Tractors, a country rock group) and Les Gilliam, who was named as the Official Oklahoma Balladeer by the Oklahoma State Legislature in 1998. Born in Cushing and growing up in Sand Springs, Mr. Harris won recognition for his winning performance of "Over the Rainbow" on the televised talent show Starsearch, which has become his signature song. His first hit with Motown records, "Sugar Don’t Bite" was a national hit peaking at #36 on Billboard’s singles chart in 1984 that also become a dance classic. Since then he has performed at sold our concerts at venues including New York City’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Vc’est End. He has starred on Broadway and numerous television appearances. He is openly gay, and has been with his partner Danny Jacobsen, who is a film producer, since 1994. They adopted a son, Cooper Atticus Harris- Jacobsen, in 2008, and Sam and Danny got married on November 1 that same year. The Oklalmma Music Hall of Fame, located in Muskogee began with a vision in 1996 fol!owed with an act by the Oldahoma State Legislature. Their headquarters and museum is a renovated Frisco Freight Depot located at 401 S. 3rd Street. Past honorees have included Merle Haggard, Woody Guthrie. Patti Page, Carrie Underwood and the _All American Reiects. N~eir website is ,a~w.omhof.org. Mayflower Congregation in NWOKCholds WorldAIDS Day celebration events eac,b year in Oklahoma City. In~ont ofthe church, white crosses with red ribbons areplaced to remember those whose lives have been directly affected with H1V/AIDS. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ World AIDS Day is December 1st each year, drawing people from around the world together raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. The events help demonstrate international solidarity in the face of this disease. The day allows public and private partners to come together to raise awareness and encourage progress inHIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in highprevalence countries and around the world. "HIV/AIDS is not just in our country but worldwide," said Mary Arbuckle, Executive Director of Other Options and Friends Food Pantry in Oklahoma City. "World AIDS Day brings attention to this catastrophic disease creating unity in the ~vorld by all of us coming together." Other Options supports the OKC HIV/AIDS community with the Friends Food Pantry, an unduplicated program in Oklahoma for people living with HIV/ AIDS. They provide a home ddivery program of food for homebound clients, case management of the HOPWA program (Housing opportunity for people living with HIV/AIDS) and their Humanitarian Medication Program is now providing eight, third world countries with recycled medications from across the US. Other Options and other ASP organizations will help with the November 30th event at Mayflower Congregation. With the help ofMAC AIDS "Viva Glam" employees will be volunteering all day at Other Options ro get involved in the celebration. \Vgorld health officials report the number of people infected with the virus that causes AIDS seems to be mostly stable. According to an epidemic update by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Joint U.N. Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the figure (about 33 million) has remained virtually unchanged for the past few years. ....... Continued See AIDS Page 7 Fo,wter Oklahoma Corporation Commissionerfim Roth with State Representative AIMcAdff~ey, andAtto,wey & Oklahoma Regent Richard Ogden at afi¢ndraiserforAl shortly before the election. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ In a turn of events that left progressives and Democrats reeling, the nation and especially Oklahoma experienced a drastic change of power. With the election of Mary Fallin and our new governor, we not only have our first female governor but also the first time all of our statewide offices are held by Republicans, with conservatives now in even greater control of both houses of our state legislature. Among the allies of the Oklahoma GLBT community who survived the tide were Andrew Rice-Incumbent State Senator District 46, Anastasia Pittman-Incumbent State Representative District 99, State Representative Al McAffrey-Incumbent State Representative District 88 and our first and only openly gay state legislator, and Willa Johnson-Incumbent Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1. Although Brittany Novotny did make history as the first transgendered person to run for elective office in Oklahoma, she did not succeed in ousting Sally Kern, the incumbent in District 84 well lmown for her anti-gay sentiments. In order to change the political scene for the future the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus is worldng on expanding their membership and mailing list, forming a PAC ( Political Action Committee) and improving their voter guide system. As for the future Jeanne Flanigan, the female co-chair of the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, still has some optimism and calls for action. As she puts it, "The new leadership shotfld know that right after they are sworn in we will be keeping track of how they are protecting our rights. If they ~vant to roll back any civil rights we will be writing letters to them and editors, and demonstrating at the Capitol. We have had a wake up call, and realize how serious our task is of educating voters and getting them to vote." ’uptc¥ ® Civil RightS ®Criminal ,ment ® Family Law ® Litigation 625 N.W. 13th Street CitV, OK 73103 December 1, 2010 3 LIGHT ’EM UP BIKES FOR ? Dennis R. Nefll Equality Center to feature works from Tulsa artist Liz Ingersoll of"Mia Bdla Art" Sex), ladies have long had a love affair with motorcycles. Seems unlikel); but examine the evidence; nobody’s forcing those busty blonds and brunettes to bend over the handlebars in every bike rag sitting on newsstands. One could argue that the female species likes the feeling of all that prover. Whatever the case may be, California Scooter Co. has carved a niche in the market for.women who have a need for speed with three styles - Classic, Greaser and Babydoll - and a custom-built option. The company claims on its website that you’re in for the ride of your life, and if one of these is waiting for your honey in the garage on Christmas morning, you probably will be. ($4,995 and up; www.californiascooterco.com) SNAP TO IT His bulbs will shine bright in these festive trunlcs from Pact, an eco-friendly and cause-conscious underwear shop. A portion of the proceeds will help charitable organizations EarthSpark and Citizen E~ct send handheld solar lanterns to Haitians in need. ($22; wv#~v.wearpact. con1) GO THE EXTRA SMILE Unless your dentist loo}cs like John Stamos, you\q rather stay away, which presents a problem ifyou covet bright white chompers. Sure, there are overthe- counter bleaching methods - and they’re relatively inexpensive - but they’re also messy and often painful. Ramona Singer infamously called Kodak antiquated, much to the chagrin ofJi!l Zarin, who was hosting an event on the company’s behalf during a season three episode of ~Ihe Real Housewives of New York. Points go to Team Jill for that round, because Rarnona was way off base. In fact, the iconic brand is as cuttingedge as they come where affordable consumer technolog7 is involved. Case in point: the EasyShare M580, the world’s thinnest I4-raegapixei, five-timeszoom digital camera. Thg pocket-sized point-andshoot also features a Share Button, which allows users to tag and upload pics to Facebook, YouTube, the Kodal< Gallery and Flickr within seconds of plugging it into a computer. Mmhmm. xXOaatcha got now, Ramona? ($199.95; www.kodak.com) Simple, safe and effective, Supersmile takes a bite out of the competition with MOR~ GIFT IDEB2S - Page 12 a clinically proven gift set that includes a Professional Series II LS45 Advanced Sonic Pulse Toothbrush (with patented 45-degree angled bristles) and a three-month supply of its professional whitening system. The system safely whitens natural teeth and restores bonding, veneers, caps and dentures to their original splendor. It also strengthens enamel and eliminates harmful bacteria, plaque and gingivitis. The one thing it won’t do, however, is cure morning breath; dude is still gonna taste icky in the a.m. ($159; www.supersmile. com) 4 December 1, 2010 TULSA, OK __The December Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit oflocat artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature works from Tulsa artist Liz Ingersoll of"Mia Bella Art". Liz Ingersoll began her career as a part time portrait/event photographer in 2004 and established a name in the local community as Mia Belta Images. Since October 2009 Liz has participated in numerous art shmvs under the new name of Mia Bella Art. To keep her artwork fresh and exciting she releases a new collection each month from July thru January and prints only limited editions. In October 2010 Mia Bella Art was proud to receive the Best in Show Award from Utica Square’s Art in the Square and was honored to provide 9 large pieces for the fihning of The Lamp. For a complete list of upcoming shows, venues and local shops that sell Mia Bella Art, find her on facebook or visit www. miabellaart.com. To contact Liz for commission xvork or invite her to participate in your venue, email contact@miabeltaart. corn or call 918-693-2677. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, December 2nd from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month, w~wv.okeq. org ~ Arnold Lee Smit/a AKA Arna Lee parties. As his health failed him he went into the Norman Veteran’s Center, a nursing home for veterans, where he remained until his death on Oct0ber 31~ He left behind many friends who will always remember what he did to make Oklahoma a better place. place until it closed in 1981. After a sojourn in Florida for a few years, he r~turned and began his last club venture, a bar complex on Lincoln Boulevard nostalgically named the Roadhouse, which had multiple bars as well as various shops. However after the loss of his partner in 1995, who passed away the day after the Oldahoma City bombing, that venture failed after only about a year of operation, and Arnold went into retirement. His house faced N.W. 39th Street, and his outdoor birthday parties during the annual OKC Pride Parade were a joyous tradition. Even close to his final days Arna Lee still performed at Tramps, the Hilo, and other clubs, frequently at fundraisers for the Oldahoma Gay Rodeo Association and AIDS "Walk OKC, as well as performing in private Supremes refi se to block DADT The Supremes are keeping Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in force. The U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 12 refused to vacate an order from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that suspended an injunction from the federal District Court in Riverside, Califi, that prohibited the U.S. government from enforcing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military gay ban. Which means: DADT can be enforced during appeal of the Riverside decision that found it unconstitutional -- unless President Barack Obama, Congress and the Pentagon end the ban in the interim. Plaintiff Log Cabin Republicans had asked the Supreme Court to vacate the 9th Circuit order, thereby allowing Riverside Judge Virginia Phillips’ injunction to go back into force. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who hears such requests from the 9th Circuit, referred the matter to the full Supreme Court, where Justice Elena Kagan opted not to take part in the decision. Phillips issued her injunction Oct. 12 after finding that DADT violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of free speech, due process and right to petition for redress of grievances. The injunction remained in place until Oct. 20, when the 9th Circuit issued a brief stay ~vhile it decided whether to issue a longer stajg which it did Nov. 1. During the eight days the injunction was in force, the military stopped kicking gays and lesbians our of the services and began letting them re-enlist. The Obama administration’s insistence on appealing Phillips’ DADT strikedown has been highly irritating to gay activists, given that the president says he strongly opposes DADT. Obama, however, says the policy needs to be ended by Congress, which created it, not the courts. Xhe administration also has argued that the Justice Department has an obligation to defend federal laws that are challenged, and that DADT should not be ended abruptly because that will disrupt and harm military operations. The Pentagon recently conducted a massive survey of members of the military to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked versions of the findings, which will be released officially in December, reportedly reveal that most members of the armed forces are fine with GLB people serving openly. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure this ),ear authorizing the military to end DADT but the Senate did not follow suit after Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., staged a filibuster over the matter. "It is unfortunate that an unconstitutional law that is causing substantial harm to military readiness and to tens of thousands of troops is allowed to remain in effect for even one more day," said Alexander Nicholson, executive director of Servicemembers United. "~is just underscores the need to continue to put pressure on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to allow the defense authorization bill (which includes DADT repeal language) to come back up and take its first procedural step before the Senate’s Thanksgiving recess," Nicholson said. "Servicemembers United, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Stonewall Democrats, and the Log Cabin Republicans have all strongly and consistently called on Sen. Reid to do just that. It is now time for other organizations, as wel! as the White House, to publicly do the same." The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force urged supporters to call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and tell both of their U.S. senators to authorize repeal of DADT by voting for the defenseauthorization bill this month. "We can only be assured of having the 60 votes we need ifwe can change minds before the new members of the Senate take their seats," the group said. But LCR attorney Dan Woods thinks that ship has all but sunk. "With the likelihood of Congress repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell fading with each passing day, judicial relief continues to be perhaps the most viable avenue for ending this unconstitutional policy," Woods said. "We and Log Cabin Republicans will continue to fight on to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans who want to serve in our military without regard to their sexual orientation. Our next step will be to ask the 9th Circuit to expedite the government’s appeal from Judge Phillips’ judgment and ~nJuncnon¯ LCR Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper commented: "We are committed to pursuing every avenue in the fight against this failed and unconstitutional polic~ Log Cabin will continue working to secure the votes needed for legislative repeal, and if necessary, we look forward to seeing President Obama’s attorneys in court next year to prove, once again, that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell doesn’t work." Gays sue reds over marriage again Edie lZ~ndsog right, and ~ea S~ye,: ACLUphoto ~ie New England legal group Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders filed a multiplaintiff lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act on Nov. 9. In Pedersen v. Office of Personnel Management, GLAD represents five married same-sex couples and a widower, who live in Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire. The 11 plaintiffs all have been denied federal rights and protections solely because they are married to a person of the same sex. The suit, filed in federal District Court in Connecticut, addresses DOMA’s nonrecognition of marriages in connection with federal employee and retiree benefits progranas, Social Security benefits, survivor benefits under federal pension laws, work leave to care for a spouse under the Family and Medical Leave Act, and state retiree health insurance benefits that are controlled by federal tax law. Additional plaintiffs ~vho pay excess ~ederal income tax because they cannot file their federal returns as married couples will join the suit once the IRS officially rejects their requests for refunds. "Every day that DOMA stands, it arbitrarily divides married couples into two categories," said GLAD Legal Director Gary Buseck. Also on Nov. 9, the American Civil Liberties Union sued the feds in New York over DOMA. The group represents 81-year-old Edie Windsor, who had to pay $350,000 in additional estate taxes because the federal government treated her as single, even though she was married to Thea Spyer and their marriage was recognized by the state ofNew York. "(T)he federal government ... taxed Thea’s estate as though we were strangers rather than spouses," Windsor said. "(It’s) a tax on being gaY- "These cases provide further evidence that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act is not simply an abstract insult to the dignity of same-sex couples and their families -- although it is indeed a deeply offensive law," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "DOMA causes real harm to people like Joanne Pedersen, Ann Meitzen and Edie Windsor, denying them economic security, health coverage and other critical federal rights and benefits that other married couples take for granted." The section ofDOMA that prevents the federal government from recognizing stares’ same-sex marriages already was struck down as unconstitutional earlier this year in two cases from Massachusetts, but the Obama administration has appealed the rulings. The section, which the federal District Court in Boston found unconstitutional in three ways, states: "In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word ’marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ’spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife." The language overrides any state’s determination that a couple is married and says that they are not married for purposes trait federal laws and programs, even though the federal government otherwise has always deferred to state determinations of marital status. The Boston court said DOMA violates the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment .....Continued see MARRIAGE - page 6 December ~, 2010 DADT protesters arrested at White House By Rex Woclmer Photo by Sean Cark’on, Talk About Equali~ Courtesy ofGetEQUAL WASHINGTON, DC __ Thirteen supporters of the direct-action group GetEQUAL were arrested at the xYc~lite House fence Nov. 15 after handcuffing themselves to it and supergluing their handcuff locks. They demanded that the Senate join the House in authorizing ,repeal of the Dofft Ask, Don’t Tell military ban on noncloseted GLBs before the Senate adjourns this year. Arrested were Dan Choi, Autumn Sandeen, Evelyn Thomas, Mara Boyd, Geoff Farrow, Robin McGehee, Miriam Ben-Shalom, Justin Elzie, Ian Finkenbinder, Robert Smith, Dan Fotou, Scott glooledge and Michael Bedwell. "Included in the thirteen arrested are veterans and advocates spanning three generations of brave and courageous Americans, who sacrificed their careers and lives to see the day this discriminatory ban on openly gay and lesbian service in the military finally goes into the history books," said GetEQUAL Director Robin McGehee. "Today we have sent a loud and clear message to the U.S. Senate and President Obama that we expect them to make good on their promises to end this inhumane law this year, during the lame-duck session of Congress." DADT was struck down as unconstitutional by a federal District Court earlier this year and for eight days an injunction prohibited the military from kicking out open gays or barring them from enlisting. But the Obama administration appealed the injunction all the way to the Supreme Court, which upheld a stay of it issued by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court ofAppeals. Tnat reinstated the policy for the duration of the appeals of the District Court ruling. Obama has said he wants Congress, not courts, to end the ban, and Justice Department laxvyers argued in court filings that the ban must not be lifted abruptly by a judge because that would harm military operations. The House of Representatives voted earlier this year to authorize the armed forces to end DADT, but the Senate failed to follow suit. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has been conducting a massive survey of troops and their families, due to be released in December, to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked reports of the findings suggest that a majority of members of the military are not troubled by openly gay servicemembers. 6 December ~, 2010 ~~R But Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee has, for all intents and purposes, vowed to continue to block Senate authorization ofDADT repeal, complaining that the massive Pentagon survey didn’t ask the right questions. "All four service chiefs are saying we need a thorough and complete study of the effects -- not how to implement a repeal, but the effects on morale and battle effectiveness," McCain told MSNBC on Nov. 14. "That’s what I ,want, and once we get this (current) study, ~ve need to have hearings and we need to exarnine it and we need to look at whether it’s the kind of study that we wanted. It isn’t, in my view, because I wanted a study to determine the effects of the repeal on battle effectiveness and morale. What this study is designed to do is to find out how the repeal could be implemented." Photo by Sean Carlson, Courtesy of GetEQUAL The DADT repeal measure is part ofthe bill that will fund the entire U.S. military in 2011. As a result, McCain’s obstructionism has left the overall funding bill unpassed by the Senate as well. Surveys have found that neatly 80 percent of Americans are fine with letting gays in the military come out of the closet by ending the DADT policy. 3rd Annual Falalalala Ball Saturday, December 18th: 7pro Dennis R Neill Equality Center TULSA, OK (PR) __ Don your gay apparel and join us for the 3rd annual Fatalalala Ball. ~e evening will include pictures with Santa and Mrs Claus and the naughty and nice elves, Cash Bar and heavy hor d’oeuvres. Pull out ),our holdiay dress and business casual and enjoy. Admission Price is one of the following: pet food for A Friend for A Friend, personal toiletries for Our House Too, non perishable food items for St Jerome Church Food Pantry. For more information visit: vrw~v.OkEq. org N Popular LGBT tourist destination first in Arkansas to offer health insurance coverage to domestic partners o city workers EUREICA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ The only city in Arkansas with a Domestic Partnership Registry has become the first city in the state to provide health care coverage for the domestic partners of municipal workers. The cig;s insurance provider, the Arkansas Municipal League, notified the city on November 15, 2010 that beginning January !, 2011 both same- and opposite-sex partners of city wm-kers will have the same access to health insurance as legal spouses. The announcement culminated a yearlong campaign by residents of this northwest Arkansas tourist town which in June 2007 became the first city in the state to enact a Domestic Partnership Registry ordinance to ot~cially recognize unmarried couples in committed relationships. "Once again Eureka Springs is leading by exan~ple, this time in the realm of workplace equality," said Michael Walsh, who helped lead the effort to expand health care coverage. "Marital status shouldn’t be the deciding factor in access to ’family plan’ insurance. Legally wed or not, all city workers should get the same employment benefits, including access to health insurance for their partners." Expanding the definition of"fan~ily dependent" was "the right thing to do," Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy wrote to the Municipal League in August, just xveeks before the city council passed a resolution endorsing domestic partnership insurance coverage. "I am aware as well as you that some will construe this as a ’gay issue’," said Joy. "But the reality is that there are many heterosexual couples who chose to live together in a committed relationship - as a family - without entering into the civil contract of marriage,. These folks face the same ’family’ challenges every day, not the least of which is providing health care for themselves and for those who are dependent on them.... the definition of family is at the center of our concerns." Joy and cityTransit Director Lamont Richie met with the Arkansas Municipal League Nov. 4 to lobby for a more inclusive health insurance policy. Monday’s announcement that their efforts were successful "is a huge step forward," said Richie. "And though only employees of the City of Eureka Springs will be able to take advantage of it for now," he said, "other communities in the state may be encouraged to adopt their own Domestic Partnership Registries as a means of providing health insurance benefits to domestic partners of their employees." to the U.S. Constitution by treating married gay couples differently from married straight couples without any rational basis for doing so. It also found that DOMA violates the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by intruding in areas of exclusive state authority, and violates the Spending Clause in Article 1 of the Constitution by forcing Massachusetts to discriminate against its married gay citizens in order to receive certain types of federal funding. President Barack Obama does not support same-sex marriage, although he did in 1996 when he was campaigning for an Illinois Senate seat. But in a recent xYvq~ite House meeting with five progressive bloggers, the president suggested he might be getting ready to change his mind again. "I do not intend to make big news sitting here with tl~e five of you, as wonderful as you guys are," Obama said at the Oct. 27 meeting. "But H1 say this .... I have been to this point unwilling to sign on to same-sex marriage primarily because of my understandings of the traditional definitions of marriage, but I also think you’re right that attitudes evolve, including mine. I think that it is an issue that I wrestle with and think about because I have a whole host of friends who are in gay partnerships. I have staff members who are in committed, monog~ous relationship.s, who are raising children, who are wonderful parents, and I care about them deeply, and so while I’m not prepared to reverse myself here, sitting in the Roosevelt Room at 3:30 in the afternoon, I think it’s fair to say that it’s something that I think a lot about. That’s probably the best you’ll get out ofme toda): ... The one thing I wil! say today is I think it’s pretty dear where the trendlines are going ... the arc of history." Most inspiring was OSU-OKC students who participated in the Upward Bound summer session, a preparation program for first generation college students., xvho have held rallies at Western Heights High School and the Oklahoma State Capitol raising awareness about school bu!lying. The conference, although inclusive of the GLBT community, also included other categories of bullying including race, religion, and physica! disabilities. Cimarron Alliance hopes the conference will grow, with more teacher and school administrators. By Steven Petrow &even Pelrow is the author of’The Essential Book ofGay Manners &Etiquette. " Send him your questions at queeries@live.com. "We waist to help other kids fight bullying" "Events like these help us remember, in a good way, those we have lost and to remember that there has been so much progress for this disease," said Chuck Longacre of Oklahoma City. "There is just a marked change for a lot of folks living better and living longer now." Longacre worl~ with Red Rock and Expressions Outreach Center (just offthe OKC strip) providing free HIV/ AIDS testing and counseling. The first World AIDS Day was celebrated on December 1, 1988 and officials say the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS probably peaked in 1996. WHO takes the lead in the global health sector’s response to HIV/AIDS and provides evidence-based information at www.who.int/hivlen/. HRC scorecard: Congress is polarized The new edition of the Human Rights Campaign’s "Congressional Scorecard" has found an increase in both "highly supportive" and "highly anri-LGBT" legislators. HRC said the findings reveal a "stark polarization." ’~k strong and devoted group of anti- LGBT legislators continues to stymie the progress LGBT people deserve," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "The fact that the first ever vote to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in the House of Representatives was countered by a filibuster in the Senate illustrares the landscape." In the House, 145 members received a pro-gay score ofg0 percent or better, compared to 128 members in the previous Congress. Senators scoring 90 percent or better this year rose from 32 to 36. However, the number of senators receiving a zero score from HRC climbed as well, from 16 to 32. The number of House zeros remained unc,,h.anged. As more and more American’s support equality for LGBT people, some members of Congress are showing real leadership while others are digging in their heels to cater to an anti-LGBT fringe constituency," said HRC Legislative Director Allison Herwitt. The scorecard is based on votes and cosponsorships regarding hate crimes, gays in the military, employment nondiscrimination, tax equity, same-sex marriage, same-sex partner immigration, HIV treatment, needle exchange, and the Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor Supreme Court confirmations. For full results, see hrc.org/scorecard. No matter who yo* are on life’s journt -Re~ere~d ~r. 3131 N. 0 December 1, 2010 7 IVfETROPOLITAN COI~MUNITY CHURCHES ~ev Sieve To U[~e Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO ~804 Wo~h[p Sunday 6:00 PM CommunRy Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM December t, 2010 9 10 December1,2010 Creep ofthe Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne WYtkowski has been gayfor pay since 2003. She’s af!’eelance writer and Oct (beiieve it~.O. When shes nOt taking on the creeps ofthe world she reviews rock roll sh~ows in Detroit with her twin sister "Clint McCance" You know the old saying, "Ifyou don’t have anything nice to say, say it on Facebook?" Well, Arkansas Midland School District vice president Clint McCance took it to heart recently when he posted some vile anti-gay hate speech to rival Fred Phelps and his band of "God Hates Fags" loonies. \Vhat set McCance off was a cal! for supporters of LGBT youth to wear purple in memory of the young people who recently committed suicide after being bullied. "Seriously they want me to wear purple because five queers committed suicide," he posted. "The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the people of this world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and killed therselves because of their sin. REALLY PEOPLE." Yes, really. Did I mention he was a school board member? Oh, to be a gay kid in Midland. Those lucl~, devils. , One ofMcCances friends commented, Because hatred is always right:. 2 To which he responds, "No because being a fag doesnt give you the right to ruin the rest of our lives. Ifyou get easily offended by being called a fag then dent tell anyone you are a fag. Keep that shit to yourself. I dent care how people decide to live their lives. They dent bother me if they keep it to thereselves. It pisses me off though that we make a special purple fag day for them. I like that fags cant procreate. I also enjoy the fact that they often give each other aids and die." D~d you catch that lastpart. He enj.ovs when gays get AIDS and die. Ha ha. You know, typical LOL stuff. Another friend commented, "You kmow this is somebodys kids here how would you feel if they were talkin about your kids like this. It would make you feel like SHIT." No worries, McCance knows exactly how ," i’m not sure that there’s an honorable way to wish all gay people dead even it= he had used different I words to do it. he’d feel. "I would disown my kids if they were gay," he posts. "They will not be ~velcome at my home or in my viciniry. I will absolutely run them off. Of course my kids will imow better. My kids will have solid christian beliefs." Where these "solid Christian beliefs" will come from I don’t know. Certainly not from their father. Needless to say, McCance’s comments caused quite a stir with many people calling for his firing. A visibly uncomfortable and maybe even contrite McCance appeared oh CNN with Anderson Cooper and apologized for his comments saying they were "too emotional" and "went too far." As for the terms "fag" and "queer" he told Cooper, "I know those are hurtful words and like I said, I picked the wrong words to use. And used them poorly. I didn’t bring honor to what I was about." I’m not sure that there s an honorable way to ~vish all gay people dead even if he had used different words to do it. He also stated that he doesn’t "wish death on anyone" and that "it does look like I’m a hatemonger or a horrible person’and that’s not me at al!." Urn, yes. It does look like that. Very much like that, in fact. It’s kind of hard to accept that a person who thinks, "Hey I have a minute to post on Facebook before I head off to this school board meeting and here’s something totally appropriate to say" isn’t a hatemonger. No matter how much they apologize or resign from the school board on Anderson Cooper 360. So, yeal~. He resigned. And he’s sorry. But the boot print of mistrust and feat on the backs ofLGBT school kids, especially those in the Midland school system, isn’t going to wash out so easily. ~ 20TH ANNUALC H R~ ST HAS AIDS BENEFIT BENEFITTING THE WINDS HOUSE MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 & TUESDAY, DECEi~4BER 7 DINNER AT 6:30 PM ENTERTAINbAENT AT 8:00 P!Vt THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY x¢VITH ENTERTAINiMENT BY: SONJA ~RTINEZ JOHN BEEBE BEN WILLIAMS P,~ENEE ANDERSON ,~{ATTHEW HEATH-FITZGERALD ROXIE HART KITTY BOB AIMES NOR!~AA JEAN GOLDENSTEIN FOR RESE IONS CALL (405) 525-0730 PRICE 45,00 RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED. HALF OF ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE XA!INDS HousE. ~T~S’~AR t December 1, 2010 THE BIGGER PICTURE PRODIGAL SUN Go green while gettin’ down with Solar Sound 2. the new and improved sun-powered portable speakers from pioneering compaW Devotec. Building upon the success of the original Solar Sound. this upgrade promises a superior listening experience with the use of specialty woven speaker cones; silver-plated, oxygen-free copper cabling; an efficient power circuit to provide even more juice to the amp; and a larger integrated battery that increases playing time to five to 10 hours, depending on the volume levd. 3-hat’s where the sun comes in. With its embedded solar panel and quick charging system, the unit can play continuously under UV rays - even when the built-in battery is dead. Party on, parry boy. ($99.99; www.devotecindustries.com) ’SCANDLE’-OUS There are digital photo frames, and then there’s the CEIVA digital photo frame. What’s the difference? For starters, CEIVA frames come preloaded with your favorite pics, so when the recipient opens the box your pearly whites are peering fight back. But that’s not the best part. The frames are connected, allmving anyone, anywhere to send photos directly to the frame by camera phone, e-mail, Facebook and more - a nice surprise for grandma when she walks in to see ne,v pictures from her favorite gay grandson. Unless her favorite gay grandson hits the wrong button, of course. But then, he really shouldn’t have such scandalous content stored on his Droid, now should he? ($127.99 and up; wvvw.ceiva.com) GARDEN VARIETY Paging Peg Bundy! Al’s trophy ~vife " loved her some bonbons - but probably not this ~nd. Moulton’s Bon Bons are truffleshaped mounds of clay and organic compost combined with seeds. The Garden pack features two each of basil, parsley, chives and thyme, while the herb tea selection includes double quantities of borage, chamomile, lemon balm and Stinging Nettle. Just toss the handcrafted clay* balls into the garden or an indoor container, add water, and watch them grow. Perfect for that crazy uncle who "talks" his plants. Misery loves compan}: ($14.95; wx~,~v.moultonology.com) Turn up the heat with Scandle, a shimmery candle that burns two degrees above body temperature to produce a soothing body oil in a relaxing aroma. Perfect for massages, cuticle treatments or as an everyday moisturizer. ($22.95; www. scandlecandle.com) SHAVE THE WAY ’Ihis ain’t your daddy’s razor. The Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D uses GyroFlex 3D technology to enable three-dimensional contouring that pivots around, tilts inward and flexes outward to adjust seamtessly to every curve of the face and neck. The UltraTrack heads include channels to catch longer hairs, slots to catch normal hairs, By Ed Sikov Ed Sikov # the author ofDark lcqcto,7; 7he Life ofBette Davis and ot?~er books aboutfilms and filmmakers. " he Scarborough Fair" It’s very loud in the city much louder than any Fire Island sound system blasting the recent archaeological discovery, Barbra Streisand. But I’ve kept a bit of my summer garden in preserved form, and it’s literally a tonic. Just before we left the beach house, I was seized with an ovmwhelming need to take something with me - something to get me through the tough, cold northeast winter. Dan had already put his suitcase outside the gate when, stricken with this impulse, I dropped my stuff, sprinted to the container garden in the back, and ripped out bunches of herbs. "What are you doing?" said Dan when I reappeared carrying two fistfuls of aromatics. "What are you doing?" I replied as I stuffed them into my backpack. He answered on cue: "What are you doing?!" It’s a routine we do. "I don’t know," I said as I picked up my backpack. "It’s part of a Native-American ha~est ritual." "Don’t be racist," Dan scolded. We distracted ourselves by insulting each other as we walked to the ferry. By the time we got home, the herbs looked pretty sad, so to refresh them I wrapped them in a wet towel and stuck them in the refrigerator. I decided to make an herbal infusion, so the next morning, I bought a fifth ofAbsolut. After doing some cursory Internet research, I decided I kaaew better. (I’m obnoxious.) So I washed the ragged bouquets, dried them in a salad spinner, and laid them out on the counter. I hadn’t planned this desperate harvest at all; the herbs I’d blindly grabbed at twilight consisted of sage, thyme, tarragon, lovage, parsley and rosemarT~ The infusion ingredients instantly chose themselves: parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Don’t you just love that song? I put the iPod on its little donut and set it to my Pau! Simon playlist, then gently bruised the herbs to release their oils and juices, stuffed them in a large, dean, Mason-type glass jar, poured the Absolut in and sealed it. I waited one day too long. On the third day, the infusion was a gorgeous shade of bright green; the next day it starting browning, and I yanked the herbs out before the thing started to look like peat moss runoff. ¯ne taste? Well, the Garfunlde herb mix tasted very good, though in the future I might just use rosemary (it’s got the best flavor) and some parsley for color. Turning an herbal infusion into a cocktail is easy: you can have it straight up at room temperature, put it on the rocks, stick the bottle in the freezer or add some seltzer and a lime segment. Simple! And ifa guest says your handcrafted infused vodka is not ro her liking? Just tell her to go reap it in a sickle of leather. That should shut her up. (But what the hell does it mean?) "~he Scarborough Fair" Get some herbs. I’d try rosemary first, with some parsley for color. Measurements are useless here, since the whole point is to make it handcrafted by you. Wash and dry the herbs thoroughly, put them in a glass jar with a lid that seals tightly, pour in enough Absolut to cover the herbs, and seal the jar. Taste often. When it looks and tastes right t.o you, strain the infusion back into the Absolut bottle or the bottle or jar of your choice. Drink it straight, or mixed with some seltzer or a small splash of tomato juice. and holes to catch even the shortest stubble, cutting every hair with fewer strokes. Designed to be innovative and attractive in function and design, this cordless, electric shaver also features the SldnGlide system that combines a smooth surface with rounded edges to glide effortlessly over his manly mug. Kyan would be proud. ($199-$349; www. store.philips.com) FIVE O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE with The Original Disposable Flask, a lightweight, durable, collapsible and freezable portal of potency that fits perfectly in a pocket or purse. Great for one-time use or as reusable, refillable respite. ($2.99; www. disposableflasks.com) December 1, 2010 Get your glug on anytime, anywhere & Chuck Breckenridge x~;q~ether buying or selling I’!t work hard for you. LANCE ~ COIJLD MAKE A "~ ~:-- PHONE CALLS ,leeomics.com MAK~ THOSB 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalleyresort.com info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Downtown, xN Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Center; Tulsa Gay Center. Aff’ordable Homes and Apartments. For #~ore hb~a~on visit: wu,w.gaybra~ybeigh#tu/sa.com N~@~T~ December i, 20i0 13 erm~il: bittergid@qsyndicate.com www.joanhitty.net By Jack Fertig December 2010 "Be sensible, LibraP’ Mars in Sagittarius provokes us to speak and act out in search of new perspectives. He’s squared to Uranus, though, provoking accidents, rash statements and decisions we’ll regret later. The greatest adventures are deep inside. Meditation and introspection can yield tremendous insights. ARIES (Paarch 20- Apri~ 19): Your ruler, Mars, is goading you to explore new ideas and places. Even - or especially - in quiet meditation in a dark room you can hardly help but to make important discoveries. Staying true to yourself means accepting growth and change. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - P~ay 20): Finding sexual adventure is easy enough, but it could complicate friendships. The erotic energy that’s making you so popular could be harnessed into a more political charisma. What to do? The answer is deep inside you. GEMIN~ (Paay 21- June 20): It’s harder than usual to stay out of arguments. "Your friends could help you if you can keep the signals clear. Thinking ahead is good; intuiting ahead is better. Accept criticism from the boss, even if overly harsh, as a challenge to improve. CANCER (June 21o July 22): Talking with your boss about your goals is sure to highlight existing confusion, but can lead toward resolution. Not talking about the problem will just make it worse. Just complaining about lack of direction will undermine efforts and confidence. LEO (July 23 - August 22): The call to adventure may be irresistible, but it does involve bigger risks than you can anticipate. Look ahead and be careful to cut down on dangers, but you will be surprised - maybe for the better. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Domestic squabbles might make for some crazy passion or lead to great makeup sex. That won’t eliminate the conflict, but it could reframe it dramatically. That could lead to a helpful breakthrough, but you still have lots of work ahead of you! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Worrying about accidents invites them as much as carelessness does. Be sensible, observe standard precautions, but dithering and first-guessing yourself is no good either. "Helpful" efforts, whichever end you’re on, are also likely to make things worse. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Hide the plastic. Any unnecessary shopping can only end badly. Set aside a carefully budgeted amount for entertainment and have some fun. You need to release some energy, but there’s no need for it to be expensive. 14 December 1, 2010 SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Get out and have a little fun, but even there, think ahead and be careful. Home is a danger zone, and not just for the preponderance of accidents that happen there. Not a good time to call the folks either! CAPRICORN (December 2t - January 19): Digging up family secrets could prove explosive. How much are you ready to learn? Revealing those (or other) secrets could cause a lot of trouble. You need to talk, but select your confidante wisely. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Going out on a limb for political principle can gain you points for audacity and integrity, but leave you in the lurch. Holding true to core values is most important, but how they work in reality should evolve with the times. PISCES (February 19 - I~arch 19): Daring risks and changes might get you ahead, but the only guarantee is that without taking a chance you’ll trip yourself up badly. Meditate on what’s important. In the end instinct and intuition will serve better than apparent logic. Creating Community for People iving with H V/A DS 50~. c (3) Non P~ofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HI’Z+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people !ive through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. VVe invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net 31 L! 5336 E. Admiral Pi. Tulsa, Ok 74115 (918) 836-0915 Poo~ Tournament: Wednesdays Prizes nightly!!!!! "You can staA your a~ywhere as ~ong as yo ~ with Monday’." Blake’s Buying!!! Buy two Liquor Drinks, Blake buys the third!! (please see bar for details) Dancers @ 10pm Tuesday. 75¢ Bud and Bud Light Drafts!! Dancers @ 10pr!! Wednesday: Pool Tournament 7:30prn!! Dancers @ 10prn! Thursday: Bingo Night 7:00prn!! Dancers @ !0prn Friday: Dancers at 8:00pr!!! Saturday: Dancers at 8:00prn!! Sunday: $6 Beer Bust and PJ Parbj! Dancers 3 years bitches going to stop December 1, 2010 15 Next 4 405’427-3366 Meeting is Tuesday, December at Oklahoma Democratic Party H N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 73105 ~vw.okstonewall.org 7 d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 12 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Ronald Blake Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Philip Green Romeo San Vincente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Ed Sikov Steven Petrow Rex Wockneer D'Anne Witkowski Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, November 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/195 The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2011; Volume 8, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/190 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/187 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/a507a047bc22141cbe17fde66b58ce9b.jpg 077340619b82598559e876b48d895e5e https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/5bb63104bb30356402cc8cb05fd7d679.pdf a18db0a08906cd2698eed2395edddec1 PDF Text Text THE VOLUME 7 PREMIER SOURCE ISSUE 2 FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA Twitterocom!MetroStarNews Prop 8 federal trial continues in San Francisco News analysis By Rex Wockner Famous atto~v, eys David Boies, le_~ and Ted Olson are in federal court in San Francisco t~sving to kill Prop 8. Also picuwed: Olson’s wife, Lady Booth Olson. Photo by Diana Walker At press time, the trial in the federal lawsuit against Proposition 8 was continuing in U.S. District Court in San Francisco before Judge Vaughn \Valker. Famous heterosexual attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles are trying to convince Walker that Prop 8, which amended California’s constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage, violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law. Leading gay-rights groups have been sidelined in the case, limited to filing "friend of the court" briefs, because they didn’t play nice with Olson and Boles early on. They publicly dissed the case as unwise and poorly timed. ~e lawsuit, which likely will end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, could lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50 states. Convemely, it also could possibly stall the movement for same-sex marriage for a generation, should the U.S. Supreme Court uphold Prop 8. Judge Walker had wanted to beam video of the trial to other federal courthouses and post it on YouTube, but the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, put the kibosh on that idea Jan. 13, saying officials in the federal courts’ 9th Circuit hadn’t followed proper procedure in lifting the ban on cameras in federal courts. Olson and Boles strongly supported broadcasting the trial. The pro-Prop-8 side vociferously opposed the plan, ultimately filing an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court to stop it. Gay activists and commentators suggested that Prop 8 defenders were horrified at the idea of the trial being broadcast because they lmow that their anti-gay rhetoric, which is being analyzed in detail at the trial, is hateful, false and, when exposed in f~l, so ........ Continued See PROP 8 Page-5 ® MetroStarNews.com FEBRUARY 1,2010 OkEq Celebrates "Wi d Hearts Week nd" with p ans for ree Events for Valentines TULSA, OK (PR) __ Oklahomans for Equality, Oklahoma’s preeminent Gay Rights Organization will host three separate events beginning Friday February 12th, Saturday February 13th and Sunday February !4th at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center at 621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa. FRIDAY, February t2th, from 7-9pro, the first of the "Wild Hearts Weekend" events: Relationship Recognition Reception - an effort to mitigate the discrimination against the GLBT Community due to a lack of Equal Marriage Rights will be held in the Great Hall of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center beginning with a lecture series by Tulsa’s top legal and financial professionals Saturday, February 13th, 2010, 7-11pm, the second of the "Wild Hearts Weekend" events: Wild Hearts Ball 10th Anniversary Celebration and Dance - the annual fundraiser and social event to benefit Otdahomans for Equality will be held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with dance music by DJ Zeke with video graphics set to the best mobile light show in town. Also available are Party Pictures with Cupid by Steven Michael Hall Photography, party appetizers and desserts along with raffles and door prizes plus a silent auction. Cash Bar available for guests 21 mad older. Sunday, February 14th, 2010, 1 lam-2pm - The third of the "Wild Hearts W-eekend" public. with Debby@okeq.org or call 918-743-4297. State Representative AI McAffrey to introduce Legislation for Domestic Partner Benefits for Ol ahoma State Employees By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK In the upcoming legislative session, State Representative A1 McAffrey plans to introduce legislation to allow domestic partners of Oklahoma state employees to obtain health care benefits. Mr. McAffrey, Oklahoma’s only first and only openly gay state legislator, a Democrat who represents District 88, stated that it would enable the partners of state employees to obtain the benefits currently available to spouses and dependents. A domestic partner is defined as someone Darters whom on is involved in and would include heterosexual couples as well as those in same sex relationships. This is the first time this has been proposed in the Oklahoma legislature. He related that this would not only help provide those eligible better access to healthcare coverage, it would help attract and retain talent among Oklahomas workers as well as raise consciousness in Oklahoma about that issue. It will be introduced when the session begins February 1, where it may or may not get out of committee, and if it does it may or may not pass. But he promised that if it doesn’t succeed, "I’ll introduce it again next year" �~entine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire: In ancient Rome, February !4th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalla.The lives of young boys and girls were strictly sep~ate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and ~vould then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and Unpopular campaignS: Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers ) join his military leagues. He believed that reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius, RDI R.AS celebrations include lots of feasting, partying and parading on the big day, also kno~vn as Shrove Tuesday - just before Ash Vdednesday - when the Church rules of fasting and sacrifice take effect. It’s been that way in Christian countries around the world sinCe the Middle Ages. Today most of the world’s celebrations occur during the week of Fat Tuesday, which falls on February 16th this year. Fat Tuesday in New Orleans It’s been five long years since the devastation of Ban Empl cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine (photo above) was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II, He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with dubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, around the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a ceremonies, names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. As the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as for ; year, arose in this Hurricane Katrina, and the biggest party town in America ~vill pick itself up for the 2010 Fat Tuesday celebration with even bigger crowds and more parades - expected this year. The New Orleans Mardi Gras parade schedule began on January 6, that is when the first King Cakes are socially avafl~biel k ~onti~ues thr0tlgh to Fat Tuesday, February 16, 2010. Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebrations around the world The biggest and loudest of them, as always, are in Rio and New Orleans, although the Karneval, or Fasching, festivities in Cologne and Berlin get pretty wild, Carnaval in Nice shows offthe ~vackier side of the trendy Riviera scene, and the Italians in Venice are the worldwide experts on the art of street theater. uptcv * Civil Rights Criminal ment * FamilV Law Litigation Street )ma cit% OK 73103 2 ~ETROSTAR February 2010 �PFLAG OKC joins with Edmond By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OY,ZAHOMA CITY, OK __ A merger with PFLAG Oldatloma City and PFLAG Edmond has been in the works over the past fe~v months. Officially, the two ioined forces on October 12th, joining to make both a single, stronger group. People often come. to PFLAG to find acceptance and support for GLBT issues and understanding. Some people just become involved to offer Bobbie and Georgie co-facilitate the Transgender support group in support. Oklahoma City. Townsendphoto "We are now PFI~G, OKC/Edmond under one name," promoting family involvement. The benefits said Louise Baker, President of the group. of membership; you get an email vote for "One of the reasons we became OKC/ officers, you are a part of PFLAG poll by Edmond PFLAG is that OKC has many national quarterly. There are educational gay-straigi~t alliances and Edmond has none. programs and you help create a safe Those gays will have parents who want to environment for people. look for support. We feel it is a win-win and The group is also actively working to a good move for both groups." promote equality in schools. "We are very The combined groups ofPFLAG OKC/ dose in one of the three high schools in Edmond will be hostinga ~ndraising event to sppp0rt the cause. The event wilJ b~ ~e!d at ~he Boom (on the O~C strip); Saturday FebruaW 27th at 7 pm. Emcee will be Edmond to ~:et a GSA (gav-strai~t alliance)," said B~er. One student said~they wanted it. They wrote the bylaws and sent it to the student cotmcil~ There is dso a r~ need for Heather Scott, PFLAG Secretary, ~raoke by Shown Elmore, PFLAG Vice-President, Stand-Up Comedy Louise Bakel; PFLAG President. The group promises fun for everyone! "It’s not i.ust about going to a comedy act. We really want people to come out and support PFLAG," adds Baker. "We need to be here fore support and advocacy." The group is also looking for members. Family membership is $40 and single is $35, thus GSA’s in the middle school also but ~ve are taking this one step at a time." .PFI_&G OKC/Edmond would also like to add that they applaud the OKCPS board for passing the passing the anti-bullying policy to include GLBT’S. PFLAG OKC/Edmond meets the first Tuesday of each month. For questions, or if you would like’ to attend a meeting, please call (405) 525-3800 or write to pflagokc@yahoo. 2007 it was a major loss for the organization, which was already strained from a lack of active membership for the past several years. This came to a head in 2009, when Treasurer Diana Faulkner’s term expired and there to nobody to take that office, which is currently administered in the interim by Paul Thompson. Consensus of the group at the point was that the group must change course or dissolve. A letter was sent out to the general membership advising them of a Final Meeting taking place Monday, February 8 at 7 p.m. located at Okdalloma City’s Neighborhood Alliance Center, 1236 N.W 36th Street ( N.W. 36th Street and Classen Boulevard). As Paul Thompson relates, "It’s gotten to the point where so few of us are actively engaged that it (O.G.L.P.C.) simply cannot be sustained as it is. Without enough people we cannot accomplish any meaningful work. There’s no point in going on if we’re not going to do a good job." Regardless of the outcome, Paul stated that he will no longer serve as male co-chair following the February meeting, Also currently serving as officers are Female co-chair Jeanne Flanigan and Secretary Victor Gorin. Pending the outcome of the February meeting, based on the attendance, commitment and interest shown, a decision will be made as to the future of the organization, which has a long history and legacy. For those interested in seeing O.G.L.P.C. continue, it wil! be imperative that they are at this final meeting. AuthOr s gnmg. By Victor Gorin Contrib[lting writer wwv¢,metrosta mews.corn ConoYero Tulsa for his neW book com. educate dected officials about issues of the GLBT community. O.G.L.P.C. held annual dinners to celebrate accomplishments and future hopes, issuing annual awards of merit to deserving individuals as well as "Phobie Awards" towards those who deserved that distinction. O.G.L.EC. continued to grow, their tables often seen registering voters, signing up members and passing out literature at community gathering places and events. Amassing a mailing list of over 3,000 gay or gay friendly Oldalloma households, they issued voter guides during major elections letting these voters know who their friends were. When O.G.L.EC.’S Membership/Mailing Chair John Calhoun moved to Canada in "Firs sday" Art Opening and Exhibit of Origina Works by Robb Rouse in ahoma Gay Lesbian over ? Caucus, OKL~MOMA CITY, OK When current O.G.L.EC. male co-chair Patti ~hompson was first elected to that post in 1992, he inherited what was then an orgaafization on the move vibrantly working for change against tough odds. The Oklahoma Gay mid Lesbian Political Caucus, ( kamwn better as O.G.L.EC.) had been formed and incorporated in 1985, with chapters in both Oklalmma City and Tulsa. ~ae organization became a major institution of the Okdahoma GLBT community, usually present whenever there was an opportunity for action to affect change. Their purpose was to educate the GLBT community about voting and taking part in the politic~ process, and also to conditions." Wade and his partner, Gary, leave culture, cable and consumerism behind and strike out for rural Michigan-a place with fewer people than in their former spinning dass. At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream is a sidesplitting and heartwarming look at taking a risk, fulfilling a dream, and finding a home-with very thick and very dark curtains. TULSA, OK (PR) On Tuesday, February 2nd at 7:00pm, Oklahomans for Equality and Booksmart Tulsa ~vill host a literary event and book signing at the Dennis R. Nell! Equality Center, 621 East 4th Street, Tulsa Oldahoma with xYgade Rouse for At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream. Finally fed up with the frenzy of city life and a job he hates, Wade Rouse decided to make either the bravest decision of his life or the worst mistake since his botched Ogilvie home perm. He uproots his life and tries as Thoreau did some 160 years earlier, to "live a plain, simple life in radically reduced TULSA, OK (PR) The February Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists ar the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa), will feature an array of works by artist Robb Conover. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, February 4th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month of February. Robb Conover’s art is influenced by some of the world’s greatest POP Artists, Watercolorists, Realist and Sculptors plus Film as an art media. His work is driven by a method to his madness. He works out a calculated plan to arrange expression and soul into all forms that end up on his canvas. After studying in New York, Los Angeles and Phoenix, Robb states "there are no accidental meetings, not even in art. There’s a reason for every inch of paint that you see on my canvas. If we are to tmderstand art as an experience we cannot fear what the artist brings back with him from his journey~ to other planes and planets". Robb’s art will be on display through February 2010. ;OETROSTAR 3 �Compatible Odd Couple by James Nimmo OFd~AHONLA CITY, OK__ I’m compatible with Sally Kern! Yup, you read it right. ~hough Kern and I are polar opposites religiously, politically, orientationally, and educationally, I’m compatible with Oklahoma GOPer Rep.~ Sally Kern and her newly introduced HB 2279 which, if passed, would not allow incompatibility to be used a~ grounds for a divorce between opposite gender (of course) adults. Kern who has hyperventilated while sniffng in gay and lesbian closets has nmv turned her big nose m sniffing between the sheets of the hetero marriage bed. ( http:// tinyutl.com/yc45mhh ) Pre-existing conditions such as minor children in the household, a marriage of ten years or longer, or written objection by the other spouse would prevent using incompatibility as grounds for an Oklahoma divorce. I’m so compatible with Kern over her non-divorce bill I could be the son she almost had. Not only that, I’!1 see her bet and raise her one. Tlais being Oklahoma, the third hole in America’s Bible Belt, I ~vouldn’t bet the rent on this bill dying in committee, the fate of most of the worst of Okie legislative submissions. N~erefore, I’m proposing a bill that would take Kern’s aspirations a step higher. Since a judge, in effect, examines the two people engaged in a divorce proceeding to see if at least one of the parties has suNcient grounds for divorce, why not have a judge examine the proposed bride and groom at the beginning of the procedure when they apply for an Oldahoma marriage license? Why not head off any incompatible marriages before they become incompatible divorces? In Iny bill, the hopeful newlyweds would have to prove to the examiner not only their undying love for each other but also have to prove that their financial prospects are propitious, their religious beliefs are rooted in the Christian Bible, their educational backgrounds are conducive to a lifetime of constructive pillow talk, and above all, both parties are willing and able to produce children as fast as physically possible. A failing grade in any of these aspects would disallow the issuance of the marriage license. If Kern wants to meddle in straight people’s private affairs just as she has in gay people’s affairs shouldn’t she be willing to fully insert the police power of the state right from the beginning of a proposed marriage? In fact, Kern should revise her divorce bill as a state question needing approval from the voters. If marriage is so important that it must be denied to same-gender ta~xpayers, as it is in Oklahomii, why not let straight voters police themselves? As a staunch and starchy "kernserwative", as she bills herself, shouldn’t she be strong enough to impose the state government into all aspects of married life? She claims her bill will alleviate many of Oklahoma’s societal ills. ’She proclaims "If ~ve eould reduce divorce in Oklahoma we would also reduce our prison population and welfare rolls while benefiting families and children. That’s a goal xvorth pursuing." This link includes the text of the Kern bill, http:/Itinyurl.com/ydq9fgd She continues, "If we can lower our divorce rate, our quality of life will improve and we will also reduce the need for many state services in this time of budget shortfall, freeing tip money to go to core services such as schools and roads." Who knew that keeping children in a warring household with two unhappy parents was the solution that would help reduce Oklahoma’s budget deficit? Again, Kern is using children as a shield for her schizophrenic view of privacy. Remember in 2009 she proposed and passed a legislative resolution objecting to a United Nations project to protect children from violence. If she wants to protect children from the harms of divorce, why is she against protecting children from violence? ( http://tinyufl. com/y8ujchv ) Remember the joke that was going around concerning the mock acceptance of same-gender marriage? It went something like, "Why should gays and lesbians be spared the pitfalls and expense of married life?" My new version of that joke is, "Why should straights be spared the intrusiveness of Sally Kern poking her nose into their marriages or divorces?" Or here’s another joke, this time from one of Kern’s heroes, Ronald Reagan. In one of his speeches, he said poking maliciously at government programs, "I’m from the government and I’m here to help you." Isn’t Sally Kern from the government? Is she here to help you? Among many religious fundamentalists and political conservatives (Butt repeat myself) there is the thinking that America is an exceptional country. Now I know what they mean by that. They’re saying "America must play by the rules Iset down, but when it’s convenient, I get an exception)’ In Kerffs case she claims an exception for her divorce bill and its intrusive meddling in the private matrimonial affairs of adults. realized and understood now that we have this anti bullying law." Transgendered people often live with the fear of being lonely, unlovable and, more practically, unemployed. According to the traqsgendered news source, ’Topix,’ sixty percent of transgender people in one 2006 study were unemployed, for example. Many relationships end during and after transition. Dating can be painful; several people interviewed said it xvas nearly impossible to find understanding partners. "We want to be there to help the counselors as Well as family members and the transgendered person looking for help and acceptance," added Georgie. "We ~vant to be a resource for the public schools, PFLAG and other of thgse types of organizations." If you would like to attend the meetings, you must call (405) 443-4131 or email info@ twofoldgroup.org. Visitors are screened for authenticity to protect those truly seeking help. Transgender support group meets in OKC The best New Year’s resolution to have is the one that works for you. Don’t have a resolution just for the sake of having one or just to keep up with the Joneses. Find something that needs improvement and take it to task. I have parted the Red Sea and several health and fitness resolution suggestions are malting their way to the Promised Land. Use social networking sites to find ten other peoplethat are resoMng to do the same thing as you. Use these people as your support group to keep your resolution on track. It is much better to have a group of individuals striving for the same goal. Stay in communication ~vith these team members as frequently as possible for the best results. Purchase a diary and start using it. Forget about all the normal nonsense that authors usually pen. inside these autobiographies. Just keep tabs on all the exercise you get throughout the year. Make a daily notation even if you didn’t have any physical exertion on a particular day. This Catholic guilt method should keep you feeling the need for some form of exercise each day. After a years absence, fitness guru Ronald Blake returns in the March issue. By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Each Monday of the month, the TWOFOLD (Transgender With Out Fear Of Lifestyle Disapproval) meets in NW Oklahoma City. This peer support group is designed to allow attendees the opportunity to share their feelings, frustrations and coping mechanisms for those experiencing common identity changes that accompany gender identity issues. "We are pretty lucky here because I think people are really accepting," said Bobby, one of the co-facilitators of the group. "We have had two particularly interesting people recently come to our meetings. One was 19 and one was 9 years old. She [9 year old] had the support of the morn, but not really the dad or the school." "The 19 year old and fought with her morn about wearing dresses and not wanting to grow her hair long," added Georgie, another group co-facilitator. "Then she Lifestyle Fitness column by Ronald Blake returns to Metro Star in next months issue. Pucker Up and Take It from TwoLips Burlesk A Valentine’s burlesque performance on matters of the heart. TULSA, OK (PR) __ TwoLips Burlesk will be performing their debut show, Pucker Up and Take It, on Friday, February 5th, 2010, 9:00pm, with an encore performance Saturda); February 6th, 9:00pro at the Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. 4th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Brand new in 2010, two years-before the apocalypse, Tulsa has a new kind of performance troupe in town: ~¢¢oLips Burlesk! This Valentine’s show, encompassing the true spirit of burlesque, vaudeville, cabaret, tease--and even a little drag to sweeten things up~T~voLips Burlesk treat you and your loved ones to the tastiest treats to hit the streets since chocolates in a box. Founded by Tulsans Amanda Storms, Tarynn Archer, and Chris Dailey, TxvoLips brings you a performance spectacle that will dazzle, excite, and prove to be the finest of Photo: RonaM Blake, Cet~fied Fitness Instructor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association its kind--raising the bar for local burlesque. Featuring the talents of Poppy Pie, Honey Du Jour, Sinna’ Bunnz, and Tangy Tart along with other local favorites, the show is ¯ packed full of sugary goodness, and will have you laughing hysterically and drooling vdth excitement. Still hungry? There’s more: drag-lesque, audience participation, topless antics---even a kissing booth! And to top it all off, the evening will be hosted by non5 other than Tulsa’s own National Midwest Entertainer of the Year, Drag Emcee Extraordinaire Nildd Le’Chapelle. Come and support Tulsa’s sweetest troupe! Pucker Up and Take It from TwoLips Burlesk runs February 5th and 6th at 9:00pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. Intended for mature, like-minded audiences only. For more information:contact Amanda Storms at TwoLip~Burlesk@gmail. corn, call (918) 232-1448, or visit the TwoLips Butlesk page on Facebook. Free help 8 89 February 2010 �Wockner News U.S. HIV border ban lifted Bozeman protects gays and transgenders Gay weddings to start in D.C. March 5 New policies that removed the United States’ 22-year-old ban on HIV-positive immigrants and foreign visitors took effect ~e City Commission in Bozeman, Mont., on Jan. 11 added ~sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to a policy that protects city" employees from discrimination. The vote was 3-0. The policy also will officially extend spousal benefits to employees’ same-sex partners. Gay marriages will start in the District of Columbia, the latest locality to legalize "samesex marriage, on March 5. That’s when the bill passed by the Council and signed by the mayor xvill have completed its mandated congressional review period and any couples who obtained a license on the first day possible, March 2, will have made it through the mandatory three-day waiting period between getting a license and getting married. Same-sex marriage is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain and Sweden; in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province; and in the U.S. states’of Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. It will become legal in Portugal in April. Jan. 4. Three days later, HIV-positive Dutchman Clemens Ruland and his partner Hugo Bausch arrived at New York’s Kennedy Airport and were met by a representative of Human Rights Watch and the Dutch Embassy’s cultural attache. "Travel restrictions on HIV-positive people fundamentally affect their human dignity," said Boris Dittrich from HRW’s LGBT Rights Program. "Lifting the HIV travel ban was a victory for human rights." Bausch won the trip for himself and Ruland in a Dutch AIDS Foundation contest to celebrate the ban’s demise. In announcing the change last October, President Barack Obama said: "We talk about reducing the stigma of this disease, yet we’ve treated a visitor living with it as a threat. We lead the world when it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandemic, yet we are one of only a dozen countries that still bar people with HIV from entering our own country. If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it." In a joint statement at the time, the Global Network of People Living With HIV, the European AIDS Treatment Group and Germany’s Deutsche AIDSHilfe "congratulate[d] the United States government on fulfilling its promise and completing the legal procedure that was started by former President Bush on World AIDS Day 2007." "This is a great victory for the fight against the worldwide discrimination of people living with HIV," said AIDS-Hilfe’s Peter Wiessner. "I remember times where we never thought that this ,vould happen. This is an emotional moment and it feels a bit like the fall of the Berlin Wall." EATG’s David Haerry called the ban’s demise "groundbreaking" and said it sends "a strong message to other countries maintaining stigmatizing restrictions today, such as Russia, China, Australia and Canada." The groups’ statement said that more than 60 nations, including some in Europe, have sugmanzmg entry or residency restr,cnons and that "27 countries deport people on the grounds of having an HIV infection." Xhe three organizations said they hope the U.S. government will take one final step in relegating the ban to the dustbin of hist0ry: "Erase all information with regards to the HIV status of people ftom its immigration databases." Trans priso to. open Italy About 30 inmates wilt be moved to a prison near Florence, Italy, that will house only transgender prisoners, local media reported Jan. 12. The facility in the town of Pozzale is nearly vacant at present, holding two female inmates. Gay couple ’marries’ in China State media reported Jan. 13 that a gay couple got "married" in a gay bar in Chengdu, China. Zeng Anquan, 45, and Pan Wenjie, 27, tied tile knot before 200 gay friends. "We are no !onger hiding anymore," Zeng told China Daily. "The wedding is our happiest and most precious moment. We don’t care how others consider us, as long as we are together. (W)e are deeply in love and will never desert each other." Zeng’s brother responded to the wedding by freezing Zeng’s capital in the company the two own, he said, and Zeng’s sister told him she won’t acknowledge him as her brother again until he breaks up with Pan. Mayor Sanders and gay daughter talk to reporters after mayor’s Prop 8 trial appearance AFER Board President Chad Gdfli.n, Mayor Sanders and a~ughter Lisa. Wockner photo Republican San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and his gay daughter Lisa talked to reporters in San Francisco on Jan. 19 after the mayor testified in the federal trial seeking to overturn Proposition 8 as a violation of fl~e U.S. Constitution. Here’s some of what they had to say. Before I becan~e mayor I spent 26 years on the San Diego Police Department, and I’m very proud of the career that I had, and I witnessed, in the early years, discrimination in both the department and thee city and, as I’ve said, I’ve seen discrimination and hate crimes occur in the city of San Diego. I think denying marriage equality is just as ~vrong as telling blacks that they couldn’t use white-only drinking fountains. It’s government action that’s founded in prejudice. The first step towards equalityin society is equality under the law. So, I’m unpalatable and embarrassing that it could turn the public against them. Information introduced during the trial on Jan. 13, for example, revealed that one defendant in the case, Hak-Shing William Tam, wrote a letter to voters during the Prop 8 campaign saying that once gays have the right to marr)~ they will pursue legalization of pedophilia. "On their agenda list is: legalize having sex with children," the letter said. Ir a!so claimed that legal same-sex marriage in California would cause "other states (to) fall into Satan’s hands." Prop 8’s lawyers claimed they didn’t ~vanr cameras in court for, among other reasons, fear that their witnesses could face nasty retaliation from militant, if not violent, homosexual thugs who saw the video feed. ~xe anti-same-sex-marriage side also objected to the playing in court of their successfully alarmist TV ads from the Prop 8 campaign, which suggested that gay marriage could lead to schoolchildren being,aught inappropriate, bad or wrong things. Many analysts and commentators believe the gay-marriage-will-harm-your-kids TV ads may have tipped the balance against samesex marriage in the minds of voters both in California and, more recently, Maine, where some of the California ads were recycled. ~e Prop 8 trial is being Iive-blogged, tweeted and analyzed to within an inch of its life by an army of bloggers, activists and news reporters. Prop8trialtracker.com is a good place to start. The San Jose Mercury News also has a good live-blog of the case at mercurynews. com. On Jan. 15, the Courage Campaign, which operates prop8trialtracker, refused to alter the site’s logo after the group was hit with a cease-and-desist demand from protectmarriage.com. The two sites’ logos are identical except for one minor, huraorous variation. See tinyurl.com/logosgate. Courage Campaign said its logo qualifies as permissible parody. ..... Continued see MAYOR - page 6 www.metrostarnews.corn ~{ET~OSTAR 5 �The Bitch is Back By Michael W. Sasser But Bego said Hton is not going to be out of the public spodight. "He does not plan on retiring," Bego said. "We can look forward to music from him for die rest of his life. He is just one of those kinds of artists." Hton John: The Bitch is Back by Mark Bego is available at booksellers nationwide. In Memory of David Marshal1 Beavers March 17, 1968 ..... December 19, 2009 Elton John biographer Mark Bego at 7~e Abbey in West Hollywood,. Photo by: John Klinger ne of the first albums that author Mark Bego bought was an Elton John LP on viny!. Later, one of the first album reviews that Bego wrote for his college newspaper was on an Elton John release. "In a wa)~ I’ve been writing about Elton John for almost 40 years," Bego said. "I’ve always been interested. I fed like I’ve been £ollowinghim for my entire career.’, It therefore comes as no surprise that Bego refers to his latest book, Elton John: The Bitch is Back as "a labor of love." The book was long. in the planning. "About six years ago I talked to my agent about doing a book on Elton, he asked around and at the time there wasn’t a lot of interest," Bego said. Instead, Bego was engaged to write a book on Billy Joel. "Billy Joel and Elton John have a lot of people in common," Bego said. That rene,ved his interest and finally the unauthorized biography of Sir Elton wa~s underway. In Elton John: ~e Bitch is Back, renowned celebrity author Bego has rounded up a fascinating group of interview subjects for this unique biography of one of the music world’s biggest superstars. "~ specifically wanted to talk to people who personally know Etton," Bego said. "Tnese people’s insights into Elton m~e this quite e~citing." Interviews include Mice Cooper, Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones, Mary Wilson of Tne Supremes, Angela Bowie, Sarah Dash of LaBelle, Randy Jones of the Village People, Duncan Faure of Xhe Bay City Rollers, Gary Brooker of Procol Harum and the colorfi~ and outrageous RuPaul. "One interview really led to the next one," Bego said. "I interviewed a lot of people who aren’t normally sought out to talk about Elton. So a lot of die stories in the book are ones that fans of Elton won’t read anywhere else." ~Ihe book focuses on Elton’s public and private life and the absolute intersection of the two. "Usually creative people use inspiration from their personal lives in their work," Bego said. "Elton has certainly lived a colorfi~ life and you can’t ignore that. He has been through so many stages. Gay and not gay, married, drugs. All of these changes had to be induded." John is widely embraced by the gay community, even at stages of his public life where he denied his homosexuality. Bego said that he believes that John’s flirtation with heterosexuality and his brief marriage to a woman were a response to die early days of the AIDS epidemic. ’7~ lot of people, induding Elton, freaked out and I think he decided tie had to daange, had to stop having sex with men or else he was going to die," Bego said. "I think that was the inspiration for his marriage." Heterosexuality did not take, Bego said. "He was having three-way gay sex the same week he got married," the author added. Bego was surprised to learn other things about the estimable Sir Elt0n as well. "He has always been so charitable so it was surprising to discover that he and his real father never got along wel! - even when his father was dying," Bego said. ~lat contrasted with Elton’s close relationship with his stepfather and many other people and causes of which he was supportive. Bego was also surprised to learn j~at the famed collaboration between Elton and Bernie Taupin was a distant one geographically. "q-hey were never in the same place at the same time," Bego said. "One of them would write the music, then send to the other for lyrics. They collaborated but were never together. W~nen they met, that’s how it happened and it just became their formula for Success." Today, Hton is in a new phase of his career - bum/composing music for movies and for Broadway. He has also, Bego said, settled down personally, free of drugs and partnered with his true love. OKZAHObcD~ CITY, OK__ David Beavers passed away shortly before Christmas at Deaconess Hospital after a batde with pneumonia. Born in Mooresville, North Carolina, he is survived by his naother Emily and 2 brothers, Frankie and Mark. He spent d~e last years of the life in Oklahoma City, a well knmvn personality in the gay nightlife scene. He had been affectionately niclmamed Uncle Fester due to an uncanny resemblance and ability to imitate that electrifi!ing charac{er of the Addams Family YV show of the 1960s. He loved cooldng, computers and Patti LaBelle. As he was born on St..Patrick’s day, he loved the parties the bars held on his birthday. During his life he had worked for the State of Oklahoma, Levi’s and the Habana, made many friends and touched a lot of lives. A Memorial Service was held at die Finishline January 24. In Memoriam: Pdcky Lee Miller OK_LAMOMA CITYY, OK ~ Ricky Lee Miller passed away January 11, 20 I0 in Holdenville, Oklahoma at Boyce Manner Nursing Home after suffering from a long illness. He was born in Oklahoma City February 13, 1957 to Karl and Darla Miller. Predeceased by lfis mother Darla, he is survived by his father and stepmother, Lou Mae Miller. Ricky was well known as an expert in Ichthyology ( study of fish/marine life). Memorial services were held on January 14 at Rose Hill Burial Park of Oklahoma City. He will be missed by many longtime friends. proud to say that my daughter Lisa got married to her wife Meaghan in Vermont last month. I’m very proud of both of them and I only wish that she could be recognized as equal under California law. Hopefully the court will do the right thing so that loving couples like Lisa and Meaghan don’t have to travel 3,000 miles to get their marriagglicense -- away from family, away from friends and away from coworkers." "We need to boil this down to people instead of man and woman and everything else. We have two people who have a loving, caring relationship, who can have a family, who can do all the same things that a married couple have, and yet we have said, ’Since you’re not heterosexual, we’re not going to recognize you as being as important as heterosexual relationships.’ I think that’s fundamentally discriminatory and I think that’s wrong." February 2010 �~outhwest v~v.metrostarnews.com I~4;;4:~oSTAR 7 �.... No matter who ~ are on life’s 405:525.9555 o Cho o ~~ A Metropo~ita~Un Community Church �Out &About New Years Eve 2009 Clint ofthe Copa Resolution- Lose weight and be better with my money For 2Ol OWish for more gay marriages[ ~dsa Eagle Staff:ready to serve the o’owd at thier New Years Eve Black & White Ball, and did they ever[ Jenna at Angles, OKC with group. Resolution- to getfit and work out every day. To be happy and not give a f--k what anyone thinks[ ChefSuzie Lopez @ the Boom, OKC. New Year’s Resolution- ~y to loose some zoe~ght, exercise and be more fit. 2010 wish- fbr the economy to come back Cheyenne and Amanda Daye at Tramps New Year’s Res’oltution- ~ love my husband more than I have. Wish fbr 2010- For rny husband to love me more than he hast These three were zoay out of control at the Bamboo Lounge, 7;alsa. KerL~ Susan & Casey@ Partners, OKC Photo Jay Murray with his part~ter Bill Greedier at Phoenix Rising. New Year’s Resolutions- To strive for another 30years togethe~ Wish for 2010Peace in the world Resolution- to Live life, Robert at the Park, OKC with dancer Sam. Wish for 2010- A/lore civil rights, and special rights forpeople like me[ page 12 ~.metrostarnews.corn #~ETROSTAR 9 �February 2010 ��Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy Out &About New Years Eve 2009 Derrick with his 3 gir~ends Detv’tcks ~ " ’ Resolution: To be a better person and not " get too screwed up allyear long & 201 O- World peace. @ Alibi’s, OKC Regina Ledotgv at the Park, owner of.PINKS New Koar"s Resolution- To get my bigger store open a~ make it successfiaL ’ Wish j~r 2010- For evetTone to be more gay fiqendly! @ Club 209, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa Garre#t at Finishline-blonde in center. Resolution- to be happier than I am now Wish for 2010- For everyone w get along and world peace. Richard at the Park OKC. Resolution- have more tim and make more mono,. Wish for 2010- To be bigger and better than 2009! "Tot Eq 2010" February 2010 �by Jack Fertig February 2010 "DoWt take anything for granted, An aspect between Venus in Aquarius and Mercury in Capricorn is supposed to promote charm and flirtation, but carries the risk of trying too hard and coming off as inauthentic. To make it worse, Eris is aspecting both, offering bitchy, competitive undertones. Be careful where you pull out that Margo Channing attitude! Just be your own sweet self, darling. ARIES (March 20-Apri~ !9): "Your keen vision of future possibilities and your competitive spirit can help you talk out tough issues with your boss - or as the boss. You may need to rein it in a little to keep your inspiring speeches realistic. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Knowing better than those around you is no challenge, but does that really matter? The real trick is to excel in serenity. To do that, you have to take time alone to cultivate your cool with meditation and inner exploration. GEMIN~ {May 2% June 20): Speaking in a foreign language or exploring new ideas and possibilities could make you even sexier. Your friends will play along, up to a poin,.t. They have their own agenda. Don t take ~nything for granted! CANCER (June 21- July 22): Being adept in dealing with authority is not the same as being a control queen! If you need help distinguishing the two, your partner’s insights - or any advice you receive in bed - can prove very helpful. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Money’s tight, but getting out to play is necessary for mental health. You can socialize on the cheap! What you really have to offer is your strong sense of values and playfulness. Remember that, and you’ll be rich in the things that count. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Before you say what seems to matter, think about what really matters. Kindness and truth are high on that list. Work harder on kindness. Being kinder to family members could prove much to your advantage. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Your efforts at imitating Dorothy Parker or Bette Davis could end up hurting friends’ feelings. Those old clever bitch imitations have been done to death. You have it in you to be a charming original. ~ 30 ,18 20 19 2"1 22 ;$1 ! 55 56 32 57 59 33 60 PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Charity is not a competitive sport. Give what you can, but remember the airplane drill about putting on your own air mask before helping others. Focus on your own needs and take care of yourself. Then you’ll be in a better position to help others. MCCo METROPOLITAN LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): A little humility would help you develop those teamwork skills. Just remember~ all your brilliance is really based on effectivenes!! Making others look good will reflect better on you than selfish efforts. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): A playful attitude at work can help boost morale and productivity, but keep that playfulness squeaky clean!Responses to naughty provocation will backfire! OK, a little double-entendre in the right places is good, but be very careful with that! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): "Family fun" is supposed to be just that - fiJn. Getting too competitive can spoil it for everyone. Bringing your clan together as a team can strengthen bonds, but remember: friendship first, . competition second! COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BlesSed Day! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Eager to learn new things, " especially at work, you could unintentionally come off as snippy or provocative. Imagine you’re hosting a party with your great-aunts present (or your colleagues’), and behave accordingly. www.metrostarnews.com ~(~t~’oSTAR 13 �Sy&ey Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras This massive celebration began in 1978 and takes place over about four weeks and includes a huge laun& party, a Mars Gras Film Festival, several big parties, and the incrediblycolorfiA Mardi Gras Parade. New this 2010, M~di Gras began holding its massive Mardi Gras tk party aweek after the parade (as opposed to directly after it, as it has in the past). More than a half-million observers and tourists have colne to watch the parade in past years, and the party can draw another 15,000 revelers. Log on to w~w~.mardigras.org.au for a full description of ~ents as well as tickets. You LIKE THIS COLOR T THINKING IT’.6 A L|-r’TLE FOR email: bitt ergirl~qsyndicate.com [~®troSTAR 14 : February 2010 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. A TIONS: HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 www.magneticvalleyresor t.com NELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant A T~W: VALERIE WILHFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 FL ’- GIFTS: INS MA THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a we& 2pm to 2am THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm ro 2am CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21goldcastle.com Northwest Arkansas Center For Equality "Linldng Together as One" RESTA~NTS: HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com Chuck greckenridge JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Ci~, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn TRAVEL sales required. based. For more information: 888-391-9222 www. nwacenterforequality.org 179 Church Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vw,vw.oksmnewall.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 < www.okeq.org CLUB 209 2O9 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubrnajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 N%V 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 ww~v.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXA?RESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com HID ~EAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thin Sat 2pm to 2am ~.metrostarnews.com ,~is~isS~’s Soluti 6no bi~ P A R T s R N NETROSTAR 15 �HELP US BRING OKLAHOMA iNTO THE 2] ST CENTURY! "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What matters, as always, is not what we can’t do, it’s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Party. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the GLBT community, we are working to make change and shape history. T We meet the 1st Tuesday of every month at ~he OKLAHOMA STATE HEADQUARTERS ! � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA VOLUME 7 ISSUE 2 Twitterocom!MetroStarNews Prop 8 federal trial continues in San Francisco News analysis By Rex Wockner Famous atto~v,eys David Boies, le_~ and Ted Olson are infederal court in San Francisco t~sving to kill Prop 8. Also picuwed: Olson’s wife, Lady Booth Olson. Photo by Diana Walker At press time, the trial in the federal lawsuit against Proposition 8 was continuing in U.S. District Court in San Francisco before Judge Vaughn \Valker. Famous heterosexual attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles are trying to convince Walker that Prop 8, which amended California’s constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage, violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law. Leading gay-rights groups have been sidelined in the case, limited to filing "friend of the court" briefs, because they didn’t play nice with Olson and Boles early on. They publicly dissed the case as unwise and poorly timed. ~e lawsuit, which likely will end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, could lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50 states. Convemely, it also could possibly stall the movement for same-sex marriage for a generation, should the U.S. Supreme Court uphold Prop 8. Judge Walker had wanted to beam video of the trial to other federal courthouses and post it on YouTube, but the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, put the kibosh on that idea Jan. 13, saying officials in the federal courts’ 9th Circuit hadn’t followed proper procedure in lifting the ban on cameras in federal courts. Olson and Boles strongly supported broadcasting the trial. The pro-Prop-8 side vociferously opposed the plan, ultimately filing an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court to stop it. Gay activists and commentators suggested that Prop 8 defenders were horrified at the idea of the trial being broadcast because they lmow that their anti-gay rhetoric, which is being analyzed in detail at the trial, is hateful, false and, when exposed in f~l, so ........Continued See PROP 8 Page-5 ® MetroStarNews.com FEBRUARY 1,2010 OkEq Celebrates "Wi d Hearts Week nd" with p ans for ree Events for Valentines - TULSA, OK (PR) __ Oklahomans for Equality, Oklahoma’s preeminent Gay Rights Organization will host three separate events beginning Friday February 12th, Saturday February 13th and Sunday February !4th at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center at 621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa. FRIDAY, February t2th, from 7-9pro, the first of the "Wild Hearts Weekend" events: Relationship Recognition Reception - an effort to mitigate the discrimination against the GLBT Community due to a lack of Equal Marriage Rights will be held in the Great Hall of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center beginning with a lecture series by Tulsa’s top legal and financial professionals Saturday, February 13th, 2010, 7-11pm, the second of the "Wild Hearts Weekend" events: Wild Hearts Ball 10th Anniversary Celebration and Dance - the annual fundraiser and social event to benefit Otdahomans for Equality will be held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with dance music by DJ Zeke with video graphics set to the best mobile light show in town. Also available are Party Pictures with Cupid by Steven Michael Hall Photography, party appetizers and desserts along with raffles and door prizes plus a silent auction. Cash Bar available for guests 21 mad older. Sunday, February 14th, 2010, 1 lam-2pm - The third of the "Wild Hearts W-eekend" public. with Debby@okeq.org or call 918-743-4297. State Representative AI McAffrey to introduce Legislation for Domestic Partner Benefits for Ol ahoma State Employees By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK In the upcoming legislative session, State Representative A1 McAffrey plans to introduce legislation to allow domestic partners of Oklahoma state employees to obtain health care benefits. Mr. McAffrey, Oklahoma’s only first and only openly gay state legislator, a Democrat who represents District 88, stated that it would enable the partners of state employees to obtain the benefits currently available to spouses and dependents. A domestic partner is defined as someone Darters whom on is involved in and would include heterosexual couples as well as those in same sex relationships. This is the first time this has been proposed in the Oklahoma legislature. He related that this would not only help provide those eligible better access to healthcare coverage, it would help attract and retain talent among Oklahomas workers as well as raise consciousness in Oklahoma about that issue. It will be introduced when the session begins February 1, where it may or may not get out of committee, and if it does it may or may not pass. But he promised that if it doesn’t succeed, "I’ll introduce it again next year" ~entine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire: In ancient Rome, February !4th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine (photo above) was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II, He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged as the Goddess ofwomen and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalla. The lives ofyoung boys and girls were strictly sep~ate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and ~vould then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with dubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, around the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a ceremonies, names ofyoung women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and Unpopular campaignS: Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers ) join his military leagues. He believed that reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius, RDI R.AS celebrations include lots offeasting, partying and parading on the big day, also kno~vn as Shrove Tuesday - just before Ash Vdednesday - when the Church rules offasting and sacrifice take effect. It’s been that way in Christian countries around the world sinCe the Middle Ages. Today most of the world’s celebrations occur during the week ofFat Tuesday, which falls on February 16th this year. Fat Tuesday in New Orleans It’s been five long years since the devastation of names of saints for those of maidens. As the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom ofyoung men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as for ; year, arose in this Hurricane Katrina, and the biggest party town in America ~vill pick itselfup for the 2010 Fat Tuesday celebration with even bigger crowds - and more parades - expected this year. The New Orleans Mardi Gras parade schedule began on January 6, that is when the first King Cakes are socially avafl~biel k ~onti~ues thr0tlgh to Fat Tuesday, February 16, 2010. Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebrations around the world The biggest and loudest ofthem, as always, are in Rio and New Orleans, although the Karneval, or Fasching, festivities in Cologne and Berlin get pretty wild, Carnaval in Nice shows offthe ~vackier side ofthe trendy Riviera scene, and the Italians in Venice are the worldwide experts on the art ofstreet theater. Ban Empl uptcv * Civil Rights Criminal ment * FamilV Law Litigation Street )ma cit% OK 73103 2 ~ETROSTAR February 2010 PFLAG OKC joins with Edmond By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OY,ZAHOMA CITY, OK __ A merger with PFLAG Oldatloma City and PFLAG Edmond has been in the works over the past fe~v months. Officially, the two ioined forces on October 12th, joining to make both a single, stronger group. People often come. to PFLAG to find acceptance and support for GLBT issues and understanding. Some people just become involved to offer Bobbie and Georgie co-facilitate the Transgender support group in support. Oklahoma City. Townsendphoto "We are now PFI~G, OKC/Edmond under one name," said Louise Baker, President of the group. "One of the reasons we became OKC/ Edmond PFLAG is that OKC has many gay-straigi~t alliances and Edmond has none. Those gays will have parents who want to look for support. We feel it is a win-win and a good move for both groups." The combined groups ofPFLAG OKC/ promoting family involvement. The benefits of membership; you get an email vote for officers, you are a part ofPFLAG poll by national quarterly. There are educational programs and you help create a safe environment for people. The group is also actively working to promote equality in schools. "We are very dose in one of the three high schools in Edmond will be hostinga ~ndraising event Edmond to ~:et a GSA (gav-strai~t alliance)," to sppp0rt the cause. The event wilJ b~ ~e!d said B~er. One student said~they wanted at ~he Boom (on the O~C strip); Saturday it. They wrote the bylaws and sent it to the FebruaW 27th at 7 pm. Emcee will be student cotmcil~ There is dso a r~ need for Heather Scott, PFLAG Secretary, ~raoke by Shown Elmore, PFLAG Vice-President, Stand-Up Comedy Louise Bakel; PFLAG President. The group promises fun for everyone! "It’s not i.ust about going to a comedy act. We really want people to come out and support PFLAG," adds Baker. "We need to be here fore support and advocacy." The group is also looking for members. Family membership is $40 and single is $35, thus GSA’s in the middle school also but ~ve are taking this one step at a time." .PFI_&G OKC/Edmond would also like to add that they applaud the OKCPS board for passing the passing the anti-bullying policy to include GLBT’S. PFLAG OKC/Edmond meets the first Tuesday of each month. For questions, or if you would like’ to attend a meeting, please call (405) 525-3800 or write to pflagokc@yahoo. com. ahoma Gay Caucus, over ? By Victor Gorin Contrib[lting writer Lesbian OKL~MOMA CITY, OK When current O.G.L.EC. male co-chair Patti ~hompson was first elected to that post in 1992, he inherited what was then an orgaafization on the move vibrantly working for change against tough odds. The Oklahoma Gay mid Lesbian Political Caucus, ( kamwn better as O.G.L.EC.) had been formed and incorporated in 1985, with chapters in both Oklalmma City and Tulsa. ~ae organization became a major institution of the Okdahoma GLBT community, usually present whenever there was an opportunity for action to affect change. Their purpose was to educate the GLBT community about voting and taking part in the politic~ process, and also to educate dected officials about issues of the GLBT community. O.G.L.P.C. held annual dinners to celebrate accomplishments and future hopes, issuing annual awards of merit to deserving individuals as well as "Phobie Awards" towards those who deserved that distinction. O.G.L.EC. continued to grow, their tables often seen registering voters, signing up members and passing out literature at community gathering places and events. Amassing a mailing list of over 3,000 gay or gay friendly Oldalloma households, they issued voter guides during major elections letting these voters know who their friends were. When O.G.L.EC.’S Membership/Mailing Chair John Calhoun moved to Canada in 2007 it was a major loss for the organization, which was already strained from a lack of active membership for the past several years. This came to a head in 2009, when Treasurer Diana Faulkner’s term expired and there to nobody to take that office, which is currently administered in the interim by Paul Thompson. Consensus of the group at the point was that the group must change course or dissolve. A letter was sent out to the general membership advising them of a Final Meeting taking place Monday, February 8 at 7 p.m. located at Okdalloma City’s Neighborhood Alliance Center, 1236 N.W 36th Street ( N.W. 36th Street and Classen Boulevard). As Paul Thompson relates, "It’s gotten to the point where so few of us are actively engaged that it (O.G.L.P.C.) simply cannot be sustained as it is. Without enough people we cannot accomplish any meaningful work. There’s no point in going on if we’re not going to do a good job." Regardless of the outcome, Paul stated that he will no longer serve as male co-chair following the February meeting, Also currently serving as officers are Female co-chair Jeanne Flanigan and Secretary Victor Gorin. Pending the outcome of the February meeting, based on the attendance, commitment and interest shown, a decision will be made as to the future of the organization, which has a long history and legacy. For those interested in seeing O.G.L.P.C. continue, it wil! be imperative that they are at this final meeting. AuthOr Rouse in Tulsa for his neW book s gnmg. TULSA, OK (PR) On Tuesday, February 2nd at 7:00pm, Oklahomans for Equality and Booksmart Tulsa ~vill host a literary event and book signing at the Dennis R. Nell! Equality Center, 621 East 4th Street, Tulsa Oldahoma with xYgade Rouse for At Least in the City Someone Would HearMe Scream. Finally fed up with the frenzy of city life and a job he hates, Wade Rouse decided to make either the bravest decision of his life or the worst mistake since his botched Ogilvie home perm. He uproots his life and tries as Thoreau did some 160 years earlier, to "live a plain, simple life in radically reduced conditions." Wade and his partner, Gary, leave culture, cable and consumerism behind and strike out for rural Michigan-a place with fewer people than in their former spinning dass. AtLeast in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream is a sidesplitting and heartwarming look at taking a risk, fulfilling a dream, and finding a home-with very thick and very dark curtains. "Firs sday" Art Opening and Exhibit of Origina Works by Robb ConoYero TULSA, OK (PR) The February Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists ar the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa), will feature an array ofworks by artist Robb Conover. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, February 4th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month of February. Robb Conover’s art is influenced by some of the world’s greatest POP Artists, Watercolorists, Realist and Sculptors plus Film as an art media. His work is driven by a method to his madness. He works out a calculated plan to arrange expression and soul into all forms that end up on his canvas. After studying in New York, Los Angeles and Phoenix, Robb states "there are no accidental meetings, not even in art. There’s a reason for every inch of paint that you see on my canvas. Ifwe are to tmderstand art as an experience we cannot fear what the artist brings back with him from his journey~ to other planes and planets". Robb’s art will be on display through February 2010. wwv¢,metrostamews.corn ;OETROSTAR 3 Compatible Odd Couple by James Nimmo OFd~AHONLA CITY, OK__ I’m compatible with Sally Kern! Yup, you read it right. ~hough Kern and I are polar opposites religiously, politically, orientationally, and educationally, I’m compatible with Oklahoma GOPer Rep.~ Sally Kern and her newly introduced HB 2279 which, if passed, would not allow incompatibility to be used a~ grounds for a divorce between opposite gender (of course) adults. Kern who has hyperventilated while sniffng in gay and lesbian closets has nmv turned her big nose m sniffing between the sheets of the hetero marriage bed. ( http:// tinyutl.com/yc45mhh ) Pre-existing conditions such as minor children in the household, a marriage of ten years or longer, or written objection by the other spouse would prevent using incompatibility as grounds for an Oklahoma divorce. I’m so compatible with Kern over her non-divorce bill I could be the son she almost had. Not only that, I’!1 see her bet and raise her one. Tlais being Oklahoma, the third hole in America’s Bible Belt, I ~vouldn’t bet the rent on this bill dying in committee, the fate of most of the worst of Okie legislative submissions. N~erefore, I’m proposing a bill that would take Kern’s aspirations a step higher. Since a judge, in effect, examines the two people engaged in a divorce proceeding to see if at least one of the parties has suNcient grounds for divorce, why not have a judge examine the proposed bride and groom at the beginning of the procedure when they apply for an Oldahoma marriage license? Why not head off any incompatible marriages before they become incompatible divorces? In Iny bill, the hopeful newlyweds would have to prove to the examiner not only their undying love for each other but also have to prove that their financial prospects are propitious, their religious beliefs are rooted in the Christian Bible, their educational backgrounds are conducive to a lifetime of constructive pillow talk, and above all, both parties are willing and able to produce children as fast as physically possible. A failing grade in any of these aspects would disallow the issuance of the marriage license. If Kern wants to meddle in straight people’s private affairs just as she has in gay people’s affairs shouldn’t she be willing to fully insert the police power of the state right from the beginning of a proposed marriage? In fact, Kern should revise her divorce bill as a state question needing approval from the voters. If marriage is so important that it must be denied to same-gender ta~xpayers, as it is in Oklahomii, why not let straight voters police themselves? As a staunch and starchy "kernserwative", as she bills herself, shouldn’t she be strong enough to impose the state government into all aspects of married life? She claims her bill will alleviate many of Oklahoma’s societal ills. ’She proclaims "If ~ve eould reduce divorce in Oklahoma we would also reduce our prison population and welfare rolls while benefiting families and children. That’s a goal xvorth pursuing." This link includes the text of the Kern bill, http:/Itinyurl.com/ydq9fgd She continues, "Ifwe can lower our divorce rate, our quality of life will improve and we will also reduce the need for many state services in this time of budget shortfall, freeing tip money to go to core services such as schools and roads." Who knew that keeping children in a warring household with two unhappy parents was the solution that would help reduce Oklahoma’s budget deficit? Again, Kern is using children as a shield for her schizophrenic view of privacy. Remember in 2009 she proposed and passed a legislative resolution objecting to a United Nations project to protect children from violence. If she wants to protect children from the harms of divorce, why is she against protecting children from violence? ( http://tinyufl. com/y8ujchv ) Remember the joke that was going around concerning the mock acceptance of same-gender marriage? It went something like, "Why should gays and lesbians be spared the pitfalls and expense of married life?" My new version of that joke is, "Why should straights be spared the intrusiveness of Sally Kern poking her nose into their marriages or divorces?" Or here’s another joke, this time from one of Kern’s heroes, Ronald Reagan. In one of his speeches, he said poking maliciously at government programs, "I’m from the government and I’m here to help you." Isn’t Sally Kern from the government? Is she here to help you? Among many religious fundamentalists and political conservatives (Butt repeat myself) there is the thinking that America is an exceptional country. Now I know what they mean by that. They’re saying "America must play by the rules Iset down, but when it’s convenient, I get an exception)’ In Kerffs case she claims an exception for her divorce bill and its intrusive meddling in the private matrimonial affairs of adults. Transgender support group meets in OKC By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Each Monday of the month, the TWOFOLD (Transgender With Out Fear Of Lifestyle Disapproval) meets in NW Oklahoma City. This peer support group is designed to allow attendees the opportunity to share their feelings, frustrations and coping mechanisms for those experiencing common identity changes that accompany gender identity issues. "We are pretty lucky here because I think people are really accepting," said Bobby, one of the co-facilitators of the group. "We have had two particularly interesting people recently come to our meetings. One was 19 and one was 9 years old. She [9 year old] had the support of the morn, but not really the dad or the school." "The 19 year old and fought with her morn about wearing dresses and not wanting to grow her hair long," added Georgie, another group co-facilitator. "Then she realized and understood now that we have this anti bullying law." Transgendered people often live with the fear of being lonely, unlovable and, more practically, unemployed. According to the traqsgendered news source, ’Topix,’ sixty percent of transgender people in one 2006 study were unemployed, for example. Many relationships end during and after transition. Dating can be painful; several people interviewed said it xvas nearly impossible to find understanding partners. "We want to be there to help the counselors as Well as family members and the transgendered person looking for help and acceptance," added Georgie. "We ~vant to be a resource for the public schools, PFLAG and other of thgse types of organizations." If you would like to attend the meetings, you must call (405) 443-4131 or email info@ twofoldgroup.org. Visitors are screened for authenticity to protect those truly seeking help. Lifestyle Fitness column by Ronald Blake returns to Metro Star in next months issue. Photo: RonaM Blake, Cet~fied Fitness Instructor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association The best New Year’s resolution to have is the one that works for you. Don’t have a resolution just for the sake of having one or just to keep up with the Joneses. Find something that needs improvement and take it to task. I have parted the Red Sea and several health and fitness resolution suggestions are malting their way to the Promised Land. Use social networking sites to find ten other peoplethat are resoMng to do the same thing as you. Use these people as your support group to keep your resolution on track. It is much better to have a group of individuals striving for the same goal. Stay in communication ~vith these team members as frequently as possible for the best results. Purchase a diary and start using it. Forget about all the normal nonsense that authors usually pen. inside these autobiographies. Just keep tabs on all the exercise you get throughout the year. Make a daily notation even if you didn’t have any physical exertion on a particular day. This Catholic guilt method should keep you feeling the need for some form of exercise each day. After a years absence, fitness guru Ronald Blake returns in the March issue. Pucker Up and Take It from TwoLips Burlesk A Valentine’s burlesque performance on matters of the heart. TULSA, OK (PR) __ TwoLips Burlesk will be performing their debut show, Pucker Up and Take It, on Friday, February 5th, 2010, 9:00pm, with an encore performance Saturda); February 6th, 9:00pro at the Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. 4th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Brand new in 2010, two years-before the apocalypse, Tulsa has a new kind of performance troupe in town: ~¢¢oLips Burlesk! This Valentine’s show, encompassing the true spirit of burlesque, vaudeville, cabaret, tease--and even a little drag to sweeten things up~T~voLips Burlesk treat you and your loved ones to the tastiest treats to hit the streets since chocolates in a box. Founded by Tulsans Amanda Storms, Tarynn Archer, and Chris Dailey, TxvoLips brings you a performance spectacle that will dazzle, excite, and prove to be the finest of its kind--raising the bar for local burlesque. Featuring the talents of Poppy Pie, Honey Du Jour, Sinna’ Bunnz, and Tangy Tart along with other local favorites, the show is ¯ packed full of sugary goodness, and will have you laughing hysterically and drooling vdth excitement. Still hungry? There’s more: drag-lesque, audience participation, topless antics---even a kissing booth! And to top it all off, the evening will be hosted by non5 other than Tulsa’s own National Midwest Entertainer of the Year, Drag Emcee Extraordinaire Nildd Le’Chapelle. Come and support Tulsa’s sweetest troupe! Pucker Up and Take It from TwoLips Burlesk runs February 5th and 6th at 9:00pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. Intended for mature, like-minded audiences only. For more information:contact Amanda Storms at TwoLip~Burlesk@gmail. corn, call (918) 232-1448, or visit the TwoLips Butlesk page on Facebook. Free help 8 89 February 2010 U.S. HIV border ban lifted Bozeman protects gays and transgenders New policies that removed the United States’ 22-year-old ban on HIV-positive immigrants and foreign visitors took effect Jan. 4. Three days later, HIV-positive Dutchman Clemens Ruland and his partner Hugo Bausch arrived at New York’s Kennedy Airport and were met by a representative ofHuman Rights Watch and the Dutch Embassy’s cultural attache. "Travel restrictions on HIV-positive people fundamentally affect their human dignity," said Boris Dittrich from HRW’s LGBT Rights Program. "Lifting the HIV travel ban was a victory for human rights." Bausch won the trip for himself and Ruland in a Dutch AIDS Foundation contest to celebrate the ban’s demise. In announcing the change last October, President Barack Obama said: "We talk about reducing the stigma of this disease, yet we’ve treated a visitor living with it as a threat. We lead the world when it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandemic, yet we are one of only a dozen countries that still bar people with HIV from entering our own country. Ifwe want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it." In a joint statement at the time, the Global Network of People Living With HIV, the European AIDS Treatment Group and Germany’s Deutsche AIDSHilfe "congratulate[d] the United States government on fulfilling its promise and completing the legal procedure that was started by former President Bush on World AIDS Day 2007." "This is a great victory for the fight against the worldwide discrimination of people living with HIV," said AIDS-Hilfe’s Peter Wiessner. "I remember times where we never thought that this ,vould happen. This is an emotional moment and it feels a bit like the fall of the Berlin Wall." EATG’s David Haerry called the ban’s demise "groundbreaking" and said it sends "a strong message to other countries maintaining stigmatizing restrictions today, such as Russia, China, Australia and Canada." The groups’ statement said that more than 60 nations, including some in Europe, have sugmanzmg entry or residency restr,cnons and that "27 countries deport people on the grounds of having an HIV infection." Xhe three organizations said they hope the U.S. government will take one final step in relegating the ban to the dustbin of hist0ry: "Erase all information with regards to the HIV status of people ftom its immigration databases." Trans priso to. open Italy About 30 inmates wilt be moved to a prison near Florence, Italy, that will house only transgender prisoners, local media reported Jan. 12. The facility in the town of Pozzale is nearly vacant at present, holding two female inmates. ~e City Commission in Bozeman, Mont., on Jan. 11 added ~sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to a policy that protects city" employees from discrimination. The vote was 3-0. The policy also will officially extend spousal benefits to employees’ same-sex partners. Gay couple ’marries’ in China State media reported Jan. 13 that a gay couple got "married" in a gay bar in Chengdu, China. Zeng Anquan, 45, and Pan Wenjie, 27, tied tile knot before 200 gay friends. "We are no !onger hiding anymore," Zeng told China Daily. "The wedding is our happiest and most precious moment. We don’t care how others consider us, as long as we are together. (W)e are deeply in love and will never desert each other." Zeng’s brother responded to the wedding by freezing Zeng’s capital in the company the two own, he said, and Zeng’s sister told him she won’t acknowledge him as her brother again until he breaks up with Pan. Mayor Sanders and gay daughter talk to reporters after mayor’s Prop 8 trial appearance AFER Board President Chad Gdfli.n, Mayor Sanders and a~ughter Lisa. Wocknerphoto Republican San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and his gay daughter Lisa talked to reporters in San Francisco on Jan. 19 after the mayor testified in the federal trial seeking to overturn Proposition 8 as a violation of fl~e U.S. Constitution. Here’s some ofwhat they had to say. Before I becan~e mayor I spent 26 years on the San Diego Police Department, and I’m very proud of the career that I had, and I witnessed, in the early years, discrimination in both the department and thee city and, as I’ve said, I’ve seen discrimination and hate crimes occur in the city of San Diego. I think denying marriage equality is just as ~vrong as telling blacks that they couldn’t use white-only drinking fountains. It’s government action that’s founded in prejudice. The first step towards equalityin society is equality under the law. So, I’m .....Continued see MAYOR - page 6 Wockner News Gay weddings to start in D.C. March 5 Gay marriages will start in the District of Columbia, the latest locality to legalize "samesex marriage, on March 5. That’s when the bill passed by the Council and signed by the mayor xvill have completed its mandated congressional review period and any couples who obtained a license on the first day possible, March 2, will have made it through the mandatory three-day waiting period between getting a license and getting married. Same-sex marriage is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain and Sweden; in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province; and in the U.S. states’of Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. It will become legal in Portugal in April. unpalatable and embarrassing that it could turn the public against them. Information introduced during the trial on Jan. 13, for example, revealed that one defendant in the case, Hak-Shing William Tam, wrote a letter to voters during the Prop 8 campaign saying that once gays have the right to marr)~ they will pursue legalization of pedophilia. "On their agenda list is: legalize having sex with children," the letter said. Ir a!so claimed that legal same-sex marriage in California would cause "other states (to) fall into Satan’s hands." Prop 8’s lawyers claimed they didn’t ~vanr cameras in court for, among other reasons, fear that their witnesses could face nasty retaliation from militant, if not violent, homosexual thugs who saw the video feed. ~xe anti-same-sex-marriage side also objected to the playing in court of their successfully alarmist TV ads from the Prop 8 campaign, which suggested that gay marriage could lead to schoolchildren being,aught inappropriate, bad or wrong things. Many analysts and commentators believe the gay-marriage-will-harm-your-kids TV ads may have tipped the balance against samesex marriage in the minds of voters both in California and, more recently, Maine, where some of the California ads were recycled. ~e Prop 8 trial is being Iive-blogged, tweeted and analyzed to within an inch of its life by an army of bloggers, activists and news reporters. Prop8trialtracker.com is a good place to start. The San Jose Mercury News also has a good live-blog of the case at mercurynews. com. On Jan. 15, the Courage Campaign, which operates prop8trialtracker, refused to alter the site’s logo after the group was hit with a cease-and-desist demand from protectmarriage.com. The two sites’ logos are identical except for one minor, huraorous variation. See tinyurl.com/logosgate. Courage Campaign said its logo qualifies as permissible parody. www.metrostarnews.corn ~{ET~OSTAR 5 The Bitch is Back By Michael W. Sasser But Bego said Hton is not going to be out of the public spodight. "He does not plan on retiring," Bego said. "We can look forward to music from him for die rest of his life. He is just one of those kinds of artists." Hton John: The Bitch is Back by Mark Bego is available at booksellers nationwide. In Memory ofDavid Marshal1 Beavers March 17, 1968.....December 19, 2009 Elton John biographer Mark Bego at 7~e Abbey in West Hollywood,. Photo by: John Klinger ne of the first albums that author Mark Bego bought was an Elton John LP on viny!. Later, one of the first album reviews that Bego wrote for his college newspaper was on an Elton John release. "In a wa)~ I’ve been writing about Elton John for almost 40 years," Bego said. "I’ve always been interested. I fed like I’ve been £ollowinghim for my entire career.’, It therefore comes as no surprise that Bego refers to his latest book, Elton John: The Bitch is Back as "a labor of love." The book was long. in the planning. "About six years ago I talked to my agent about doing a book on Elton, he asked around and at the time there wasn’t a lot of interest," Bego said. Instead, Bego was engaged to write a book on Billy Joel. "Billy Joel and Elton John have a lot of people in common," Bego said. That rene,ved his interest and finally the unauthorized biography of Sir Elton wa~s underway. In Elton John: ~e Bitch is Back, renowned celebrity author Bego has rounded up a fascinating group of interview subjects for this unique biography of one of the music world’s biggest superstars. "~ specifically wanted to talk to people who personally know Etton," Bego said. "Tnese people’s insights into Elton m~e this quite e~citing." Interviews include Mice Cooper, Bill Wyman ofThe Rolling Stones, Mary Wilson ofTne Supremes, Angela Bowie, Sarah Dash of LaBelle, Randy Jones of the Village People, Duncan Faure ofXhe Bay City Rollers, Gary Brooker of Procol Harum and the colorfi~ and outrageous RuPaul. "One interview really led to the next one," Bego said. "I interviewed a lot of people who aren’t normally sought out to talk about Elton. So a lot of die stories in the book are ones that fans of Elton won’t read anywhere else." ~Ihe book focuses on Elton’s public and private life and the absolute intersection of the two. "Usually creative people use inspiration from their personal lives in their work," Bego said. "Elton has certainly lived a colorfi~ life and you can’t ignore that. He has been through so many stages. Gay and not gay, married, drugs. All of these changes had to be induded." John is widely embraced by the gay community, even at stages of his public life where he denied his homosexuality. Bego said that he believes that John’s flirtation with heterosexuality and his brief marriage to a woman were a response to die early days of the AIDS epidemic. ’7~ lot of people, induding Elton, freaked out and I think he decided tie had to daange, had to stop having sex with men or else he was going to die," Bego said. "I think that was the inspiration for his marriage." Heterosexuality did not take, Bego said. "He was having three-way gay sex the same week he got married," the author added. Bego was surprised to learn other things about the estimable Sir Elt0n as well. "He has always been so charitable so it was surprising to discover that he and his real father never got along wel! - even when his father was dying," Bego said. ~lat contrasted with Elton’s close relationship with his stepfather and many other people and causes of which he was supportive. Bego was also surprised to learn j~at the famed collaboration between Elton and Bernie Taupin was a distant one geographically. "q-hey were never in the same place at the same time," Bego said. "One of them would write the music, then send to the other for lyrics. They collaborated but were never together. W~nen they met, that’s how it happened and it just became their formula for Success." Today, Hton is in a new phase of his career - bum/composing music for movies and for Broadway. He has also, Bego said, settled down personally, free of drugs and partnered with his true love. OKZAHObcD~ CITY, OK__ David Beavers passed away shortly before Christmas at Deaconess Hospital after a batde with pneumonia. Born in Mooresville, North Carolina, he is survived by his naother Emily and 2 brothers, Frankie and Mark. He spent d~e last years of the life in Oklahoma City, a well knmvn personality in the gay nightlife scene. He had been affectionately niclmamed Uncle Fester due to an uncanny resemblance and ability to imitate that electrifi!ing charac{er of the Addams Family YV show of the 1960s. He loved cooldng, computers and Patti LaBelle. As he was born on St..Patrick’s day, he loved the parties the bars held on his birthday. During his life he had worked for the State of Oklahoma, Levi’s and the Habana, made many friends and touched a lot of lives. A Memorial Service was held at die Finishline January 24. In Memoriam: Pdcky Lee Miller OK_LAMOMA CITYY, OK~Ricky Lee Miller passed away January 11, 20 I0 in Holdenville, Oklahoma at Boyce Manner Nursing Home after suffering from a long illness. He was born in Oklahoma City February 13, 1957 to Karl and Darla Miller. Predeceased by lfis mother Darla, he is survived by his father and stepmother, Lou Mae Miller. Ricky was well known as an expert in Ichthyology ( study of fish/marine life). Memorial services were held on January 14 at Rose Hill Burial Park of Oklahoma City. He will be missed by many longtime friends. proud to say that my daughter Lisa got married to her wife Meaghan in Vermont last month. I’m very proud of both of them and I only wish that she could be recognized as equal under California law. Hopefully the court will do the right thing so that loving couples like Lisa and Meaghan don’t have to travel 3,000 miles to get their marriagglicense -- away from family, away from friends and away from coworkers." "We need to boil this down to people instead ofman and woman and everything else. We have two people who have a loving, caring relationship, who can have a family, who can do all the same things that a married couple have, and yet we have said, ’Since you’re not heterosexual, we’re not going to recognize you as being as important as heterosexual relationships.’ I think that’s fundamentally discriminatory and I think that’s wrong." February 2010 ~outhwest v~v.metrostarnews.com I~4;;4:~oSTAR 7 No matter who ~ .... are on life’s 405:525.9555 o Cho o ~ Un ~ A Metropo~ita~ Community Church Out &About New Years Eve 2009 ~dsa Eagle Staff:ready to serve the o’owd at thier New Years Eve Black & White Ball, and did they ever[ These three were zoay out ofcontrol at the Bamboo Lounge, 7;alsa. Clint ofthe Copa Resolution- Lose weight and be better with my money For 2OlOWishfor more gay marriages[ Jenna atAngles, OKC with group. Resolution- to getfit and work out every day. To be happy and notgive af--k what anyone thinks[ ChefSuzie Lopez @ the Boom, OKC. New Year’s Resolution- ~y to loose some zoe~ght, exercise and be morefit. 2010 wish-fbr the economy to come back Cheyenne andAmanda Daye at Tramps New Year’s Res’oltution- ~ love my husband more than I have. Wishfbr 2010- For rny husband to love me more than he hast KerL~ Susan & Casey@ Partners, OKC Photo Jay Murray with his part~ter Bill Greedier at Phoenix Rising. New Year’s Resolutions- To strivefor another 30years togethe~ Wishfor 2010- Peace in the world Resolution- to Live life, Robert at the Park, OKC with dancer Sam. Wishfor 2010- A/lore civil rights, and special rightsforpeople like me[ page 12 ~.metrostarnews.corn #~ETROSTAR 9 February 2010 Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy Out &About New Years Eve 2009 Derrick with his 3 gir~ends De~ tv’t"cks’ Resoluti"on: To be a betterperson and not get too screwed up allyear long &201O-Worldpeace. @Alibi’s, OKC Regina Ledotgv at the Park, owner of.PINKS New Koar"s Resolution- To get my bigger store open a~ make it successfiaL ’ Wishj~r 2010- For evetTone to be more gayfiqendly! @ Club 209, Tulsa Garre#t at Finishline-blonde in center. Resolution- to be happier than I am now Wishfor 2010- For everyone w get along and worldpeace. Richard at the Park OKC. Resolution- have more tim and make more mono,. Wishfor 2010- To be @Club Majestic, Tulsa "Tot Eq 2010" bigger and better than 2009! February 2010 by Jack Fertig February 2010 "DoWt take anything for granted, An aspect between Venus in Aquarius and Mercury in Capricorn is supposed to promote charm and flirtation, but carries the risk of trying too hard and coming off as inauthentic. To make it worse, Eris is aspecting both, offering bitchy, competitive undertones. Be careful where you pull out that Margo Channing attitude! Just be your own sweet self, darling. ARIES (March 20-Apri~ !9): "Your keen vision of future possibilities and your competitive spirit can help you talk out tough issues with your boss - or as the boss. You may need to rein it in a little to keep your inspiring speeches realistic. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Knowing better than those around you is no challenge, but does that really matter? The real trick is to excel in serenity. To do that, you have to take time alone to cultivate your cool with meditation and inner exploration. GEMIN~ {May 2% June 20): Speaking in a foreign language or exploring new ideas and possibilities could make you even sexier. Your friends will play along, up to a poin,.t. They have their own agenda. Don t take ~nything for granted! CANCER (June 21- July 22): Being adept in dealing with authority is not the same as being a control queen! If you need help distinguishing the two, your partner’s insights - or any advice you receive in bed - can prove very helpful. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): A little humility would help you develop those teamwork skills. Just remember~ all your brilliance is really based on effectivenes!! Making others look good will reflect better on you than selfish efforts. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): A playful attitude at work can help boost morale and productivity, but keep that playfulness squeaky clean!Responses to naughty provocation will backfire! OK, a little double-entendre in the right places is good, but be very careful with that! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): "Family fun" is supposed to be just that - fiJn. Getting too competitive can spoil it for everyone. Bringing your clan together as a team can strengthen bonds, but remember: friendship first, . competition second! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Eager to learn new things, " especially at work, you could unintentionally come off as snippy or provocative. Imagine you’re hosting a party with your great-aunts present (or your colleagues’), and behave accordingly. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Money’s tight, but getting out to play is necessary for mental health. You can socialize on the cheap! What you really have to offer is your strong sense of values and playfulness. Remember that, and you’ll be rich in the things that count. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Before you say what seems to matter, think about what really matters. Kindness and truth are high on that list. Work harder on kindness. Being kinder to family members could prove much to your advantage. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Your efforts at imitating Dorothy Parker or Bette Davis could end up hurting friends’ feelings. Those old clever bitch imitations have been done to death. You have it in you to be a charming original. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Charity is not a competitive sport. Give what you can, but remember the airplane drill about putting on your own air mask before helping others. Focus on your own needs and take care of yourself. Then you’ll be in a better position to help others. MCCo METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM ~ ,18 19 20 2"1 22 30 ! ;$1 32 33 55 56 57 59 60 Have a God filled and BlesSed Day! www.metrostarnews.com ~(~t~’oSTAR 13 Sy&ey Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras This massive celebration began in 1978 and takes place over about four weeks and includes a huge laun& party, a Mars Gras Film Festival, several big parties, and the incrediblycolorfiA Mardi Gras Parade. New this 2010, M~di Gras began holding its massive Mardi Gras tk party aweek after the parade (as opposed to directly after it, as it has in the past). More than a half-million observers and tourists have colne to watch the parade in past years, and the party can draw another 15,000 revelers. Log on to w~w~.mardigras.org.au for a full description of ~ents as well as tickets. You LIKE THIS COLOR T THINKING IT’.6 A L|-r’TLE FOR email: bittergirl~qsyndicate.com : [~®troSTAR 14 February 2010 Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. A TIONS: HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 www.magneticvalleyresort.com NELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant A T~W: VALERIE WILHFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 FL ’- GIFTS: INS MA ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 2O9 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubrnajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 N%V 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 ww~v.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXA?RESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com HID~EAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thin Sat 2pm to 2am THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a we& 2pm to 2am THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm ro 2am CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vw,vw.oksmnewall.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 RESTA~NTS: GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Ci~, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn TRAVEL < ,~is~isS~’s Soluti 6no bi~ P A R T s R N Northwest Arkansas Center For Equality "Linldng Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 www.nwacenterforequality.org 179 Church Ave, Fayetteville, AR72703 ~.metrostarnews.com Chuck greckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. sales required. based. NETROSTAR 15 HELP US BRING OKLAHOMA iNTO THE 2] ST CENTURY! "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What matters, as always, is not what we can’t do, it’s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Party. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the GLBT community, we are working to make change and shape history. T We meet the 1st Tuesday ofevery month at ~he OKLAHOMA STATE HEADQUARTERS ! Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 2 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Gabbard Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Steven Petrow Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189 The Metro Star Magazine, March 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/193 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/188 "At Least Someone in the City Will Hear Me Scream" "Wild Hearts Weekend" Advertisment Al McAffrey Australia Bitter Girl Bozeman Montana China-Same Sex Marriage classifieds Comic Strips David Marshall Beavers Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Domestic Partner Benefits Don't shop-Adopt Elton John Equality Center Fat Tuesday First Tuesday Art Opening heath care History of Saint Valentine's Day HIV border Ban Italy Jerry Sanders Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Lifestyle Fitness Mardi Gras Metro scene national-world news Nightclubs and Bars OkEq Equality Center Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Oklahoma News PFLAG PFLAG OKC Prop 8 Pucker Up and Take it QPuzzle Qscopes Rainbow Pages religion Ricky Lee Miller Ronald Blake same sex marriage Supreme Court Sydney The Bitch is Back The Little Black Book Trans Prision Transgender With Our Fear Of Lifestyle Disapproval travel TWOFOLD TwoLips Burlesk US HIV border ban lifter Wade Rouse work discrimination https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/2a03c0c75cdfbe0b5346eab05261ba0b.jpg 9c8ceace2661d22e3da206cba5abd49a https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/dabb8fc3797f90350cd8f80fcd06e1ff.pdf 36874c7ef06b4655add7bdccadb95643 PDF Text Text VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1 ~ ncom/ ® JANUARY 1, 2010 Legislation Proposed To Exempt O ahoma Froth New Federa Hate Crimes Law OKC School Board votes to add sexual orientation and gender identity to antibu ying policy "I don’t know about Senator Russell, but I enlisted in the United States Navy to fight for the rights of all Americans regardless of their skin color, gender or who they are. Today I’m serving in the State Legislature to fight for ~e rights of all Oklahomans. "Ihat’s a fight I’ll never give up." State Representative A1 McAffrey Robin Townsend Contributing Writer By Victor Gorin Quigley. "This is not about any one person, Springer added. "However, I am sure Mr, Quigley will be very positive about this." "This has to do with Oklahoma City OKLAHOMA CITY, OK With great Schools looking at the past and having our news recendy out of Washington about policy in line with that we wanted to protect passing marriage equality in D.C., we are all of our children," Springer continued. "It’s proud to celebrate that victory. There is cause about the kids, nothing else. We don’t tolerate for celebration right here at home as well as any kind of bullying in our school district." Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) Springer has served as the Superintendent of makes positive strides for LGBT equality. In OKCPS since July 2008. December, the Oklahoma "As best as we can tell City Schoo! Board voted to ’Tm extremely happy, based on our ongoing add sexual orientation and I’m glad it finally research, this is the first gender identity to their antihappened. I’ve been trans-inclusive public policy bullying policy. fighting for this 12 ever adopted in Oklahoma," "It is really about us years." Joe Quigley said Laura Belmonte, Ph.D., protecting our children," --~ Vice President and Cosaid Kar! Springer, Founder ofT.E.N. (The ~uperintendent o~OKCPS. Equality Network). Belmonte has served This is a Very strong statement the board is in a variety of academic, non-profit, and m~ng because this is something that was LGBT organizations including Oldahomans needed to protect all of our children." for Equality and Tulsa’s ’Say No To Hate’ Springer said he does not feel this news coalition. has a[nytl~ing to do with district teacher Joe ....... Continued See BULLYING Page-6 Oklahoma State Representative AI McAffkey with State Senator Debbe Lq~wich. OYA_AHOMA CITY, OK __ When Barak Obama signed into law expanded Federal Hate Crimes protection to include the GLBT community last October, it was hailed as a major milestone by GLBT and human rights activists which finally came to pass after over a decade of struggle. Named for the late Matthew Shepard, a gay man kidnapped and murdered in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998, and James Byrd, a black man dragged to death in Texas that same year, it became law as part of an authorization for $680 billion of defense spending. Noting 12,000 known incidents of hate crimes based on sexual orientation over the past 10 years, Obama stated that it would "help protect our citizens from violence based on what they look like, who they love or how they pray." Gorin photo Opponents of this legislation claimed that this measure would prohibit free speech, criminalizing those who speak out on controversial issues such as opposition to abortion or homosexuality. However, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder stated that this expanded protection would only prohibit violent acts based on bias and would not restrict speech. President Obama also recognized that this wasn’t simply a means to an end as he further stated, "Despite the progress vce’ve made, there are still laws to change and hearts to open." These words proved prophetic in Oklahoma as State Senator Steve Russell (Republican District 45) stated his plans tointroduce legislation in the upcoming Oklahoma legislative session that would exempt Oklahoma from adhering to the ........ Continued See HATE CRIMES Page-6 Houston elects lesbian mayor by Rex Wockner HOUSTON, TX__ Voters in Houston, the fourth-largest city in the U.S., elected an openly lesbian mayor Dec. 12. City controller Annise Parker captured 53.6 percent of the vote in an election that saw a turnout out of fewer than 17 percent of registered voters. "I know what this win means to many of us who never thought we could achieve high office," Parker, 53, said in her victory speech, with her partner of 19 years, Kathy Hubbard, and their three children at her side. "This election has changed the world for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community," she said. Some analysts suggested Parker’s victory margin came at the hands of white liberals and gay and lesbian voters. In the final weeks of the campaign, antigay activists gay-baited Parker with anti-gay mailers and e-mail blasts. "I wish you could be here right now," Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund Presi,dent Chuck Wolfe e-mailed from Parker~ victory "This is an important milestone countr~ but it’s equally important to know voters in Houston chose Annise even after a flurry of anti-gay campaigns designed to divide and distract voters. This time the extremists failed." Annise Parker new Mayor ofHoustion. Official Flickr photostream "It’s hard to describe how happy everyone is here," Wolfe said. "After so much depressing news lately regarding LGBT equality, it’s nice to be able to smile this wide." "l-he Victory Fund supported Parker all six dmes she was dected to the City Council and in her successful campaign for city controller. Other cities that have had openly gay mayors include San Diego; Providence, R.I.; Pordand, Ore.; Chula Vista, Calif.; and Cambridge, Mass. -- but Houston, population 2.2 million, is the largest. �Everyone involved with the Metro Star wishes to say thank you to our advertisers for their support over the years and in 2009. We look forward to providing you a quality marketing source for 2010. ~5 Years or more ofsupport. Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa OK Century 21 Gold Castle, OKC, OK Kelly Kirby, CPA, Tulsa, OK MCC Spirit of Christ, Joplin, MO ~,.9 4+ Years. Club Majestic, Tulsa OK ~9 3+ Years. Habana inn, OKC, OK Finishline, OKC, OK The Copa, OKC, OK The Ledo, OKC, OK Gushers, OKC, OK ~ 2 + Years Chuck Breckenridge, Keller Williams, Tulsa., OK Angles, OKC, OK Club 209, Tulsa, OK ~1+ Year. Vallerie Williford, Attny, OKC, OK MCC United, Tulsa, OK Church of the Open Arms, OKC, OK PEOPLE! We also appreciation our seasonal advertisers, Oklahomans for Equality, Tulsa Pride, OKC Pride, IGRA, OGRA, SSRA, Tulsa PAC, Brady Theater, Oklahoma Stonewall Democrates, City of Eureka Springs, Rose State Live, Civic Center Music Hall, BOK Center uptcv o CiVil Rights °Criminal ~ment o Family Law o Litigation 625 N.~W. 13,th Street CitV, OK 7~10~ 2 January 2010 �OKC’s Mayflower Church hosts World AIDS day event GLBT Media Endures High Profile Failures By Robin Townsend Contributing Writer By Michael W. Sasser TULSA, OK Texas based freelance writer Jeffrey Spencer Perry was about ready to make his first article pitch to the Washington D.C. based GLBT newspaper, the Washington Blade, when he came across a news item online. Overnight, the Blade and other newspapers that were part of Windows Media - Atlanta’s Southern Voice, David magazine, 411 and South Florida Blade - had dosed up shop as the company filed for bankruprcy. "I was a little surprised because as I understood it, the Blade and David in particular ~vere longtime players in ~heir markets." said Perry. News of the closings spread like wildfire in the nation’s GLBT community, propelled by the internet. In reporting on the late 2009 slate of closings, Philadelphia Gay News Publisher Mark Segal wrote that, "To say this is the biggest failure in LGBT-media history is an understatement." Twisted Ha~snony Choir sings at the World AIDS Day event held last month in Oklahoma City. Dorner photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ World AIDS Day is celebrated at the first of December each year. It is observed to educate people about, increasing a~vareness, fighting prejudice, raising money and improving education about HIV and AIDS. On Nov. 31st, Mayflower church (a gay affirming church) in Oklahoma City held a World AIDS Day Memorial Service honoring those we have lost and those who are still living with the disease. The local event included stories from people living ~vith HIV and AIDS. special music, a time of remembrance and a video presentation, ~Faces of AIDS" which included favorite photos offi’iends shared for this event. On the lawn of the Mayitower Church hundreds ofwhite wooden crosses xvith red ribbons were on display ~o honor those who have died of this disease. World health o~cials report encouraging data regarding HIV infections. The number of people infected with the virus seerns to be mostly stable except for Africa. According to the 2009 MDS epidemic update by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Joint U.N. Program on HIV/ MDS (UNAIDS), the figure (about 33 million) has remained virtually unchanged for the last tsvo years (the number comes with a margin of error ofsevera! million people). Last yeal; HIV infections in Africa accounted for 72 percent of all 2.7 million new" HIV cases worldwide. in Oklahoma City guests shaied their thoughts on the day and the disease. "It=s a wonderful opportunity for everyone ~o get together and honor and remember those we have lost by keeping the promise to those we love." said Terry Dennison. Director of Education [br Planned Parenthood of Central Oldahoma. His organization helps educate people about ~ransmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. ’Events like these help us remember, in a good way, those we have lost and to remember that there has been so much progress for this disease," said Chuck Longacre of Oklahoma City. "There is iust a marked change for a lot of folks living better and living longer nmv." According to Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT {National AIDS Trustl, "The downward trend in new infections is a testament to the work of the international HIV community. It’s the result of the roll-out of treatment and increased invesm~enr in prevention initiatives. However today’s report shows there are gaps in prevention programs that meet the needs of key groups, such as over 25s and gay men. -We need to get smarter about HIV prevention and also sustain efforts m find new tools such as microbicides and a vaccine if we ate m seriously reduce new infections." The’first \Vorld AIDS Day was celebrated on December 1, 1988 and officials say the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS probably peaked in 1996. WHO takes the lead in the global health sector response ro HIV/AIDS and provides evidencebased information at v~vw.who.int/hiv/enl. www.metrostarnews.com Windows had already closed down Genre magazine and the online-only Homton Voice. Windows Media products weren’t the only ones to dose in late 2009. Shortly after that news went public, the Triangle Journal, Memphis, Tennessee’s only GLBT ne~vspaper also ceased publication. "Many GLBT focused newspapers, magazines and news websites have closed just in the 6 years we have published," said Charles Ward, publisher of the Metro Star, Oklahoma’s only starewide GLBT ne~vspaper. "Many here in Oklahoma have started up and closed after only a few issues due to lack of support from the community. I was surprised about the closure of the Washington Blade because it was a major US newspaper." "I guess I picked the wrong time ro star.t, focusing on writing on iss[ies i~ the GLB~ community,’ said Perry. M~ybe, maybe not. Wl{ile the r;otabie GLBT newspaper failings might have garnered headlines and buzz in the community, a notable national figure who closely monitors such events said they are neither unusual nor necessarily indicative of a serious problem. "It’s no different than any other year," said Todd Evans, publisher of Press Pass Q, a newsletter for the GLBT media and a product of Rivendell Media, the country’s leading GLBT media placement firm. "It’s just a little more dramatic maybe. On average 10 new GLBT publications open and 10 close evelT year, and 2008 was worse than 2009. Niche publications are the first affected [by economic factors] and are the first ro recover. I think we’re expected to do wel! because niche publications do well in recessions." Evans was not surprised by the Windows Media news. "’Windmvs was started as a Ponzi scheme; it’s business model was only based on huge growth and you can’t sustain that," he said. "Having m make huge debt payments is impossible." When business interests alone fuel the passion for a product it can’t long survive, Evans said. Business and "the came" must co-exist. It’s integral for GLBT newspapers to become an integral part of their communities, Evans said. Those that fail simply could not achieve that. "Products that become indispensable to their communiries don’t fail," Evans said. Evans also pointed out that some of the now-closed publications were profitable. Furthermore, he said, several were immediately re-launched. "The Washington Blade, South Florida Blade and Southern Voice have all resurrected themselves in ways that are better for them," Evans said. "Atlanta hasn’t re-launched yet but they received a grant and they are going to launch soon. The Florida Agenda was launched and they didn’t even miss printing one issue." Sonja Mardnez’s 19th Annual Christmas AIDS Benefit raises $10,109 an all time record Entertainers Roxie Harg Kitty Bob Alines, Renee Anderson, John Beebe and Sonja Martinez. Press photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ The COPA was once again the venue for Sonja Martinez’s 19th Annual Christmas AIDS Benefit show supporting The Winds House this year. The show was hosted by Sonja Martinez and was a success once again. The fabulous COPA Club was filled with an extremely generous crowd for two nights. ~[he success, according to Sonja is due to the varions organizations, businesses, and individuals of our city coming together and supporting the worthy cause of The Winds House. This year’s benefit has raised $10,109.00 so far. Contributions are still arriving in the mail. Sonja has asked that thanks be expressed to her wonderful guests, John Beebe, Kitty Bob flames, Roxie Hart and Renee Anderson. Sonja also wishes to express her thanks to Mr. Nick Post and the entire COPA’s Stafffor their continued willingness to host the event and help in every way. In addition, Sonja thanks David Clark and his helpers for the great.COPA decorations. In addition, the wonderful contributions of Rick Moses and his beautiful flowers added to the Christmas environment. Sonja also extends a special thanks ro Jacob Sparso, Robert Mills and the Oklahoma City Ballet whose donation of ballet tickets for auction increased the contributions significantly. The preparation and presentation of a show requires many helpers. Kerry, Casey and Sue Aldns all helped with photography and an auctioneer livened up the crown during the bidding for the ballet tickets. Also. Partners Club and their customers have supported the cause all year long by purchasing Jello shots and ,vhose contributions made an additional increase in the proceeds. Sonja ~vould also like to recognize behind the scenes ~vork of Dee Goodwin, who helps to pull things together. In addition, Sonja says i~ continues ro inspire her ro see a gathering of representatives from the following organizations and businesses in the audience: Partners Club, ~e Boom Boom Room, The AIDS Walk Board, OKC Pride, The OK Classic Bowlers, Birds Etc, Sonja’s softball crowd, and others probably not as easily identified. In addition, there were Gene Goforth and the Winds House Board and helpers ~vho are the true Santas for the season. Finally, Sonja thanks YOU, the community for its continued support for this important cause. You truly gave The Gift Of Love. ....... Continued see NEWSPAPERS page - 8 ~ETR©STAR 3 �Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa Completes Its Fifth Year of Grant Malting in the Tulsa Area TULSA, OK (PR) Tile Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa (the "Fund") is pleased to announce that it has completed its 5th year of grant making to Tulsa area non-profits. Grants awarded this year total $ !00,000 and grants made over the 5 year period exceed $350,000. The Fund was established in late 2004 at the Tulsa Community Foundation. For the first two years~ ir received matching grant fnnds from the Gill Foundation of Colorado. Over the 5 year period the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa has made grants to 63 non-profits in the Tulsa area. Grants have supported agency- work in many areas, including education, arts. health, youth services, hospice, faith and homeless outreach. All of these non-profits have policies in place to ensure they do not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in employment and in providing services. "We are excited to continue supporting worthwhile non-profits which are committed to improving the quality of life in the Tulsa area. At the same time, we are recognizing the important contributions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens and their allies to our community. Our community -will grow even stronger as we continue to support inclusivity in all aspects of our lives," stated Nancy and Joe McDonald, and Dennis Neill, co-chairs of the Fund. For more information: info@gayandlesbianfundfortulsa.org LGBT CommunitT targeted by ’Big Tobacco’ By Robin Townsend Contributing \Vriter OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Tile Oklahoma County Tobacco Use Prevention Coalition is encouraging LGBT Oklahoma tobacco users to make quitting their number one resolution on their New Year’s list and beat ’Big Tobacco’ in 2010. The New Year’s Resolution campaign was designed to promote the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline and help promote healthy lifestyles in our state, "The tobacco industry aggressively targets the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community through direct and indirect advertising, community outreach and event or venue sponsorships," said Alicia Smith, Tobacco Use Prevention Outreach Coordinator at the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD). "LGBT smokers say there are many factors involved in their addiction, including the stress of ’coining out’, involvement in the club and bar scene, relationship problems, lack of family connections and the reinforcement of high rates of alcohol and drug abuse in the LGBT cominunity." Smith also added, "Tobacco kills more Oldahomans than alcohol, auto accidents, 4 L~IETROSTAR AIDS, suicides, murders and illegal drugs combined." According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, in Oklahoma tobacco is responsible for more than 6,000 deaths each year and each year over 4,000 Oklahoma kids become new daily smokers. The tobacco industry spends about $70 in Oklahoma per person per year to promote their product. The Coalition works directly ~vith the LGBT community- to inform them about tobacco prevention to create a leveled playing field with ’Big Tobacco’ by launching an entire campaign encouraging tobacco-users to quit and quit for good. The Oldahoma Tobacco Helptine at 1800-QUIT-NOW I1-800-784-8669-English or 1-800-793-1552-Spanish) is a free service for all Oklahomans with a desire to stop smoking or using other tobacco products. Through the Helpline callers receive one-onone quit coaching throughout their quitting process, specialized materials, free nicotine patches or gum and referrals to community resources. For more information on the Oklahoma County Tobacco Use Prevention Coalition or resources to help you or someone you know quit smoking, please call our direct line at (405) 419-4247. NQA to Host Breakfast for Candidate Brittany Novotnv NORMAN, OK (PR) Tile Norman Queer Mliance (NQA), a social events group for Norman GLBT’s and friends will host a pancake breakfast for Oldahoma House District 84 Candidate Brittany Novotny on Saturday January 23, 2010 from 8 to 10 AM. Tile event will take place at the historic Amtrak/Santa Fe Depot in Norman, which is also lmown as The Performing Arts Studio (PAS). PAS will be showing "Its M1 Relative An Art Exhibition" during the event, which features paintings and sculpture by Bets Holland Lundeen, Kit Holland Peterson and Martin Holland. Brittany is also expected to speak at the event, addressing issues of importance to Oklahomans. For a $10 requested donation, attendees will enjoy all you the pancakes, sausage, bacon and other breakfast items that you can eat. The event is sponsored by the NQA and NQA Member Meg Wilson. For complete information on the event or to RSVP, please see the Facebook page for NQA at: vcww.facebook.com/event. php?eid= 192886481 o47. YDA Women’s Caucus Approves Trans-Inclusive By-Law ATLANTA, GA (PR) __ The Young Democrats of America (YDA), the official youth arm of the Democratic Party representing Democrats age 14-36, held its fall conference in Orlando, Florida the weekend of November 20-22. At the conference, the YDA Women’s Caucus convened to discuss business for the upcoming year. Members voted to add a new paragraph to the by-laws to specify that voting members include women "who self identify as female regardless of the gender assigned at birth." Women’s Caucus Chair Elena Weiss of Georgia said that the language was added "to express the feelings of the membership that all women, including transgender women, should feel welcome to be a part of the mission of empowering young women in the political process." Tile Young Democrats ofkanerica will meet again in February in New Orleans for their spring conference. About the Young Democrats of America Womens Caucus: The Women’s Caucus of the Young Democrats of America is a grassroots youth and young professional women’s organization that has produced many of the current leading women activists and elected officials in all levels of the Democratic Party. It is the only official Democratic group that serves young women age 14-36. For more information, please visit: http://womensyda. ning.com The new by-law language was co-authored by YDA Women’s Caucus Chair Elena Weiss of Georgia and Young Democrats of Oklahoma National Committeewoman Brittany Novotny. What we can’t do alone, we can do together Robin Townsend Contributing Writer Other Options and Friends Food Pantry Executive Directo~ Mary Arbuckle (1), Averil ’Cookie’Arbuckle (c), Founder, Other Options and Robert Painter (r), President ofthe Board of Directors. Dorner photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Last month, Oklahoma City based Other Options celebrated 20 years of service to the HIV/ AIDS community, providing professional, consistent services to PLWA’S (persons living with AIDS). Tile organization’s founder, Cookie Arbuckle, and others were recognized at the celebration. "We are so happy all of you came here tonight to celebrate with us," said Mary Arbuckle. "Our friends have helped us so much and we are so happy to honor them." Mary Arbuclde serves as the organizations Executive Director. The event was held also to celebrate 10 years that Friends Food Pantry has served those living with HIV/AIDS. Tne be.autifxll plaque for Cookie read; "AXC~RIL ’COOKIE’ ARBUCKLE. For all you have done for those living with HIW AIDS. You are loved by so many. What we can’t do alone, we can do together." Cookie Arbuckle wrote the book, 7kids for HW/ AIDS,’ in 1988 and a follow up book, much larger, in 1989. The book is a guide for people living with HIV/AIDS and medical professionals. Special thanks and a plaque were given to Ed Washington, a dedicated volunteer who has devoted an outstanding 10 years of service to the organization, assisting nearly every day since the food pantry opened its doors. Other plaques were awarded to Robert Painter, Board President, Kendall Simpkins, Lina Henneman, Chris Castleberry, Lizz Caywood, Michael Humphrey, Kitty Gulikers, Brian Osborne, Kristen Perkins, Judy Anderson, Stella Scott, Hope White, Starbucks Coffee (North May store and Memorial-MacArther Store), Charla Stevenson, Cyd Roberts, Robin Dornel; Jolane Reimer and Justin Van Nest. For more information about Other Options and Friends Food PantD; please call (405) 605-8020 or visit "~wc.aidscommunity. org. HIV/AIDS Town Hall meeting in Oklahoma City January 11 ¯ By Robin Townsend Contributing Writer Tile office of HIV/AIDS Policy in the US Department of Health and Human Services !s conducting a series of town hall style meetings to discuss HIV/AIDS with a variety of communities across the countr~ Their final meeting will take place in Oklahoma City on January 11, 2010 at 6:00 or 6:30PM. At the time of publication, the venue for this event is pending. "V/e are reaching out to you as community leaders to help us plan and . publicize this event," said Lanren Broussard from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of HIV/AIDS Policy. "We would like to see an audience of 100 plus people and the event is open to any and all interested parties." The comments collected at these meetings will be entered into a report that will supplement the National AIDS Strategy, a public health priority for the Obama administration "The town hall meetings are held in a very informal format," adds Broussard. "We also plan to visit local AIDS service organizations the following day." If you are unable to attend feel free to send a written statement to be read and included in the record. To be notified of the Oklahoma City venue when that site is chosen you may contact Mrs. Broussard by emailing her at Lauren.Broussard@hhs.gov or by calling her direct at (202) 260-8863. For more information on the National MDS Strategy, please visit w,a~v.whitehouse. gov/administration/eop/onap. Oklahoma Tobacco Free help January 2010 �Group Protests Sarah Palin book signing in By Keith Ydmme! The protesters included everyone from a group of guys from Norman High School to college students to older folks. Signs held include "Don’t Palin My Norman", "Gay is OK",~ "Palin - Limbaugh’s Favorite Parrot", "Shame on Sally KKKern", "Go Home, Take Sally With Yoff’, "Palin Hates Equality", "Ignorance is Bliss" and "Gay Pride". References to Sally Kern were made because the Oklahoma representative from House District 84 was among those in line to get a book signed by Palin. Kern, well knmvn for her publicly-made homophobic remarks, is almost universally disliked in the gay community and some media coverage suggested that the protest was as much about protesting Sally Kern as it was Sarah Palin. ~ae event resuhed in no arrests or citations and except for a couple of incidents of name calling, it was a peaceful event that ended without incident. It is, however, likely that more than one attendee succumbed to frostbite."’ OGRA Celebrates Another Christmas Benefit Where in the Constitution is there an orientation test? By Victor Gorin By Jan~es Nimmo BrittaW 4 HD 84 Campaign Event January 30 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ For yet another yuletide season the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association put on their Christmas benefit at the Finishline on Saturday, December 11. Among the awards given out was the Horizon Award given to their new Treasurer, Justin Van Ness for new members serving above and beyond the cal! of duty. Winning the President’s Award, chosen by the chair for outstanding service was longtime community actMst Mary Arbuckle. OGRA is looking forward tO celebrating their 25~ anniversary this year, continuing their proud tradition of gay Oklahomans and their friends enjoying the country and western lifestyle, Part of this also involves charity partners for various worthy causes, with Other Options and R.A.I.N. ( Regional AIDS Interfaith Network) Oklahoma as the beneficiaries for 2009. NORMAN, OK__ On December 3rd, 2009 Sarah Palin rolled into the Hastings Book store in Norman in her big blue bus to sign copies of her book "Going Rogue". Complete with a DJ playing a variety of music from rock to country, the event had a rock concert type of atmosphere. With temperatures below fteezing and a brisk wind of 6 to 15 MpH, it ~as a an event for those committed to a viewpoint. ~timates of the crowd size vary wildly depending on who you talk to, but most peg the number of supporters present at more than athousand and possibly as many as two thousand. David White a Palin supporter from Stillwater, OK. told NewsOK’s Damon Fontenot" She’s done so much for the party, rejuvenating the base, and its been one of the greatest things we have had since Reageff’. Many of the other supporters interviewed in various media seemed to echo Whites sentiments. At one point supporters unveiled a large tarp that had messages written on it that encouraged Palin to run for president in 2012, signed by several people. Some supporters hdd signs saying "x;~Te Love Sarah Brittany Novo~y Democratic Candidate for Palin" with a red lipstick . House District 84 against Republican Sa@ kiss. Kern. Press phom More than a dozen protesters lined up on OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) the west side of Hastings and held opposing signs in the air. Victor Gorin a Metro Star Brittany Novotny, Democratic Candidate reporter was for House District 84, will hold a pancake interviewed by KOCO-TV’s Mark Opgrande. breakfast at Days Inn Northwest, 2801 Gorin was quoted as saying "Vgell, the mood Northwest 39th Street in Oldahoma City on is pretty upbeat on both sides" and added January 30th, 2010 at 8 AM. For a requested "Overall, I’m glad to see people being donation of $10. Attendees will enjoy all you involved." Gorin held a sign "Lesbians care to eat pancakes, sausage, bacon and other United Against Hate" with a picture of Palin. assorted Catlin Frazier was interviewed by News OK breakfast items. Ms. Novotny xvill be on hand and said "Well it’s not nearly as cold as the to speak about the values and vision that will inauguration so I am happy to stand out here lead to victory in HD 84 as she works to help and even though I live in Oklahoma and build a brighter future for Oklahoma. every county in this state went for McCain/ Palin. There are still liberals in this state and For more information, please,visit our voices have been outshouted frequently. the campaign website at http:i/www. I’m here to represent those people." brittany4hd84.com. ~.rnetrostarnews.com 3~ark Christianson Mr OGRA 2010 &Anita Ryder Miss OGRA 2009. Gorin photo Emergency Fundraiser for Maegan Kauffman medical expenses. TULSA, OK (PR) __ Oklahomans for Equality will host an art show featuring the work of Maegan Kauffman. Proceeds from the art show will be used for Maegan’s medical expenses associated with her treatment for Crohn’s disease. A University of Oldahoma senior majoring in art, she is the granddaughter of Linda Stevens. Maegan has said "As an artist I draw my inspiration from life and the human body as it differs from individual to individual. I am inspired by the human condition, and the way that we not only deal with the challenges we face out in the world, but also with the inner battles we have within ourselves." ~e exhibit will be on display at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center located at 621 East 4th Street and opens December 10th and will run through January 10th. Every piece will be available for purchase. You may also make a donation by designating your gift to the Oklahomans for Equality Maegan Kauffman fund. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Various fundie homo-hating religious denominations have been doing a great deal of proselytizing the last few years. We’ve all been converted by proxy, whether we knew it or not. No, it’s not the Mormons in this case, although they do have their own ways--that’s another stor?~ I’m choosing two Catholic abuse stories that got my attention recently. By allowing far-right wing homo-haters to set beliefs taken from their religious books to become civil law books everyone in this country is an honorary member of the Catholic religion, vassals of the Pope in Vatican City. This means all of us are party’t0 the enabling of child abusers even as these religious corporations enjoy a vast tax-free financial benefit endorsed by the IRS. These tax-shelters are as crooked as Bernie Maddof has been proven to be. They have entered d~e public arena advocating for their particular religious dogma, using it to overturn or prevent the recognition and implementation of cM1 rights for all of U.S. taxpaying citizens. Where in the Constitution is there an orientation test one is required to pass in order to receive the rights, benefits, and privileges guaranteed to all dtizens under the law? However, the Firs~ ~ndmeni) requires that civi[law does not recognize religious dogn~a, period. Below is a link to a story about a relatively cheap monetary settlement made by the diocese of Maine to close the book on one abuse case even as the diocese spent over twice that amount to make sure Catholic ’ dogma rules the private lives of not iust the gay/lesbian residents of Maine, but all of us regardless of where you live. 2qae Catholic Diocese of Maine has been doling out a lot of moriey lately. They Spent $550,000 on the anti-gay campaign. There was alos another $200,000 paid to the victim of a sexually-abusing priest: A lawyer has confirmed that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pordand made a $200,000 settlement on Nov. 5 to his client, who said she was molested by a priest in 1976 in the rectory of St. Michael’s Church in South Betwick. The settlement money came from insurance, said Sue Bernard, spokesperson for the diocese. The diocese received its first complaint about Vallely in 1978 and took action. N~e Church leaders have enabled abusers for decades, yet, these same abuse-enabling church leaders are setting social policy for America. That’s sick. Theres also stalling by the former archbishop of New York City when pressed ina deposition as to why he did nothing to investigate a child abuse complaint brought to his attention when he was a mere bishop, not a prince of the church in Connecticut. NETROSTAR 5 �Clintom U.S. must "stand against" LGBT discrimination in fight against HIV By Lisa Keen Keen News Service U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said today the U.S. government must "stand against any efforts" to discriminate against the LGBT community world,vide. This remarl¢ came during a ceremony Monday afternoon, November 30, to mark World AIDS Day, which is observed on December ! every year. The ceremony was held at the Eisenhower Executive Ot~ce Building, wl}ich houses White House administrative o~ces. Clinton used the occasion to announce that the International AIDS Society, has agreed to hold its 2012 International Conference on AIDS in \Vgashington, D.C.-the first time the preeminent AIDS conference has been held there since 1989. The first International Conference on AIDS was held in 1984 in Atlanta, home of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The conference was held in San Francisco in !989, but was banned from the United States following that conference, because the U.S. had passed a law prohibiting people with HIV infection from entering this country. Jeffrey Crowley, the openly gay director of the White House Of~ce of National MDS Policy, said President Obama is "thrilled" that the International Conference will be held in Washington in 2012. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that ending the ban on HIV immigration and enabling the conference to take place in the United States "shows our commitment to fighting this epidemic and the stigma surrounding it. Now is the time to redouble our efforts, not just abroad, but here at home, where HIV/ AIDS still infects 56,000 and kills 14,000 Americans each year," said Sebelius. "That’s why my department is devoting new energy and resources to reduce the spread of HIV, improve treatments for people with AIDS, and eliminate HIV-related health disparities here in the U.S." President Bush signed legislation in 2008 to end the statutory ban on people with HIV entering the U.S. President Obama on October 30 directed the Department of Health and Human Services to end its 16ngstanding policy of banning people xvith HIV from the U.S. The new policy will take effect beginning early next year, said Clinton. At the press event, Eric Goosby the president’s U.S. Globa! AIDS Coordinatm; noted that it has been 20 years since the last International Conference on AIDS was held in the United States -in San Francisco. Sebelius noted that the Obama administration was launching a new HIV education campaign -the first for the U.S. in 20 years. The new campaign is critical, she said, to address the continued spread of HIV in this countrs: She states that in 2005 the CDC found that almost half of all African American gay men in five major U.S. cities are HIV positive. Clinton noted that discrimination against LGBT people and others have hampered many efforts at HIV outreach and treatment, making the fight against discrimination important to the fight against HIV. Discrimination against LGBT people, she said, is "an unacceptable step backwards" in the fight for human rights generally "and undermines the effect of efforts to fight disease worldwide." "Cardinal E&vard M. Egan, then a Connecticut bishop .... was questioned about cases of child molestation committed by priests under his supervisii3n. When a lawyer taking Egaffs deposition asked why the bishop had failed to intervene immediately in cases involving complaints about a predatory priest, Egan told him, "I didn’t make a decision one way or the other. I kept worldng on it until I resolved the decision." " ( http:// tinyurl.com/ykkwyow ) Such preaching and teaching about the sanctitT of marriage from an institution that knowingly shuffled child abusers around in a holy shell game of deception is beyond the overused word of hypocrisy. It’s more clearly described as a license--a permit to do what it pleases in regard to civil criminal activity, above the law; and above the clouds in their minds, wreaking emotional and physical damage on innocent people. Just how Christlike is that? expanded Federal Hate Crimes law. This proposed measure ~vould forbid state and local law enforcement from cooperating with Federal authorities investigating a gay hate crime in Oklahoma. As Senator Russell stated, "Basically if Oklahoma decided a case that the Feds wanted to overturn, they would be on their own. We would not share evidence or manpower." Russell ~iid state further that his proposed bill would not interfere in cases Oklahoma deemed appropriate in accordance with existing state hate crimes laws which do not indude sexual orientation. kaxlong those in opposition to this legislation is State Representative AI McAffrey, a Democrat representing District 88 and Oklahoma’s only openly gay legislator. As he puts it, "Senator Rttssell is employing the same tired arguments from yesteryear. Preventing crimes against Oldahomans because of who they are is in no way an attack on freedom. That argument is nothing but empty rhetoric used to scare and mislead folks." McAffrey also added that should this legislation pass it would be superseded by Federal law anyway, elaborating that" I believe this is a political ploy because of his position and probably that of his church in opposition to gay rights." "It is the responsibility of the school boaM to guide the district on how it deals with the business of education," Springer concluded. "Bullying is something we take seriously and we do not tolerate in our school district." Comprised of seven members and a chair elected by district pa(rons, the OKCPS Board of Education enacts polic); performs appraisals of policies and procedures, makes provisions 0ffinancial resources, maintains public relations and continues educational planning and development. Angela Monson is Chairperson of the Oklahoma City School Board. Other members include, Lyn Watson, Gall Vines, Phillip Horning, Steve Shafer, Thelma Parks, David Castillo and Wilfredo Santos Rivera. Lyn Watson and Steve Sharer were the two school board members who voted against the policy change. For more information, visit www.okcps.org. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve "I". Urie Spirit of Christ I ICC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM ~¥ww.socItlcc,org Have a God filled and Blessed Day! January 2010 �Wockner News Service DC legalizes gay HRC President j% Sohnonese. Photos by Rex Wockner The Washington, D.C., Council voted 112 Dec. 15 ro legalize same-sex marriage. Mayor Adrian Fenty is expected to sign the bill into law this month. His signature will send the measure to Congress for a 30-day "review" period. Congress is nor expected to block the law, multiple sources said. Gay couples should be able to begin marrying in D.C. once the review period’s 30 "legislative" days pass. ’TM a D.C. resident, I am personally proud of the council for standing so strongly for f~airness and alarming the commo~ humani~ that bonds each of tltS," said LATE BREAR~NS: AP reported on Friday December 18, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed the bill in a public ceremony. The bill must now pass a 30-day period of Congressional review before it becomes law. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey. "It’s a huge victory," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "(It) means a great deal coming after marriage equality losses in New York and Maine." Solmonese said it will be important to remain "vigilant" even after the weddings begin in D.C. "Tile U.S. Congress can choose to intervene and overturn the law at any dine -- a loophole the radical right is bound to try to exploit," he said. In addition, the anti-gay industry is in Superior Court battling a decision by the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics not to give residents an opportunitT to veto the law at the ballot box. At present, D.C. grants full recognition to same-sex marriages that took place elsewhere. Same-sex matrimony is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont and, starting in January, New Hampshire. It also was le~Aized in California and Maine, but voters later re-banned it. Internationally, same-sex couples can marry in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, www.rnetrostamews.com Communion after the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson, the Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire. Before Glasspool can be consecrated, a majority of national Episcopal Church leaders need to approve her election, which they likely will. The titular head of the .amgtican Communion, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, denounced tlae diocese’s move, saying it "raises very serious questions not just for the Episcopal Church and its place in the ,Anglican Comnmnion, but for the communion as a whole". "A period of gracious restraint in respect of actions which are contrary to the mind of the communion is necessary if our bonds of mutual affection are to hold," he explained. The Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order fired off a statement from England bacldng \gilliams’ comments. But the structure of the Anglican Communion does not require the Episcopal Church to capitulate to demands or suggestions from Canterbury. Like Robinson, Glasspool is in a relationship. She has been with her partner since 1988. Same-sex marriage begins in NH on Jan. New Hampshire becomes the fifth state where Same-sex couples can marry starting Jan. 1. A biit 0pening m~rri~ ~6 gay ~ouples was passed by the General Court (legislature) and signed by the governor in June. N~e bill also cancels New Hampshire’s civil-union la,a: On Jan. 1,2011, all civil unions will convert into marriages. There is no residency requirement for marriage in New Hampshire but there is a 1979 law that states, "No marriage shall be contracted in this state by a parD" residing and intending to continue to reside in another jurisdiction if such marriage would be void if contracted in such other jurisdiction, and every marriage contracted in this state in violation hereof shall be null and void." No such restriction exists in the other U.S. states where same-sex marriage is legal: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Iowa and Vermont. Charleston, SC, bans anti-gay discrimination The City Council in Charleston, S.C., on Nov. 24 banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identit~ in housing, and on the basis of sexual orientation in public accommodations and services. No council member voted against the measures though one abstained, complaining that the penalty for anti-gay discrimination -- a $500 fine -- is too low. Columbia is the only other South Carolina city to protect gay people from discrimination. Out gays attend White House state dinner At tea~st eight out gays attended President Barack Obama’s first state dinner Nov. 24, reported Towleroad. Openly gay attendees included Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes and partner Sean Eldridge; gay activist Urvashi Vaid and her patmen comedian Kate Clinton; U.S. ExportImport Bank President Fred Hochberg and partner Tom Healy; and music/film mogul David Geffen and partner Jeremy Lingvall. ~e dinner was in honor of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife, Gurshar~n Kaur. Calif. Assembly elects openly gay- speaker Californians don’t have gay marriage anymore but they do now have an openly gay speaker of the .Assembly. John A. Pdrez was selected unanimously by Deraocratic members of the house on Dec. 10. He is believed to be the first openly gay ~klerson to head a state legislative house since lan Spear’s groundbreaking 1992-2000 tenure as Minnesota Senate president. Washington Blade and other gay papers shuttered .... The ~ashington Blade and other gay publications owned by Windmv Media or Unite Media, including Atlanta’s Southern Voice and the South Florida Blade, abruptly shut down Nov. 16. Viindow and Unite were majorityowned by Avalon Equity Fund, an investment corporation that was forced into receivership last year by the Small Business Administration. At press time, it was not clear which entity was responsible for the shutdowns. Other gay publications with ownership that involved Avalon and W’indow, Unite or HX Media closed previousl> including the New ~brk Blade, Bostoffs In Newsweekly, New Orleans’ Impact and the Houston Voice. Avalon also shut down Genre magazine. The V[ashington Blade, which dated to 1969 and was considered one of the nation’s top gay newspapers journalistically, had seemingly flourished for much of its history prior to Window’s ownership. On Nov. 20, some 17 former Blade staffers launched a new gay newspaper in D.C. See dcagenda.com. Lesbian bishop elected in L.A. Episcopal diocese Cpnvention delegates in the Episcopal Church’s Los kmgeles diocese glected an openly lesbian priest, the Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool, as assistant bishop Dec. 5. She will become the second openly gay bishop in the worldwide Anglican. P~ ETROSTAR 7 �EQCA’s Kors: Do not support politicians who oppose gay marriage EQCA Evecutive Director GeoffKors. Photo by Rex" ~bchner The head of Equality California, Geoff Kors, is encouraging LGBT people to refuse to support any politician who opposes samesex marriage. "We have to support only" candidates who are 100 percent for equality ... and this includes support for marriage equality and for coverage for transition-related health care for transgender people," he wrote at lgbtpov.com. "We must help to advance those candidates who support us all the vea~; and refuse to give to those candidates who do not." "Legislators must know that if they backpedal on or do not vote for our rights, it will impact them when election time rolls around again," Kors said. "~lhese legislators risk their endorsements and campaign donations when they cave in to pressure from our opponents. In some districts, these legislators are putting their re-election on the line." Actress Meredith Baxter comes o~ Actress Meredith Baxter came out in an interview on NBC Dec. 2. ’Tin a lesbian. It was a later-in-life recognition of that fact," she said. "I got involved with someone t never expected to get involved with and it was that kind of awakening and I never fought it because it was like, ’Oh, I understand why I had the issues I had early in my life.’:’ Baxter said she always "had a great deal of difficuhT connecting with men in relationships." . "Sometimes, I assumed I was a bad picker, which I was indeed, but I also was involved with people who made me think, ’Oh, they’re the problem,’ because there were problems with the people I chose. It never occurred m me to think, ’Oh, it’s me.’" She said she hopes her coming out will encourage people to stop voting against LGBT people at the ballot box. "If awbody knows someone who’s gay or lesbian, then ,alien they are addressing gay or lesbian issues, political issues, that affect their rights, they are less likely to vote against them, to take away their rights," Baxter said. "So ... ifI can be that lesbian you know now, ’OK, well,df I vote this way, then that actually might affect this person I ~ow, that Meredith.’" Baxter, 62, starred in the TV shows Family and Family Ties. 8 NETROSTAR Van Capelle’s take. Springs een: Legalize gay echoed "Although I’m deeply disappointed with today’s result, and know that the marriage in NJ sense of anguish and frustration is even Rock legend Bruce Springsteen has come out in support of same-sex marriage. He lives in New Jersey, where the Legislature is considering a bill to legalize gay matrimony. ~. "I’ve been following the progress of the marriage-equality legislation currently being considered in Trenton," Springsteen wrote on his Web site. "I’ve long believed in and have always spoken out for the rights of same-sex couples and fully agree with Governor (Jon) Corzine when he writes that ’The marriageequality issue should be recognized for what it truly is -- a civil rights issue that must be approved to assure that every citizen is treated equally under the taw.’" Springsteen urged "those who support equal treatment for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters to let their voices be heard more pronounced among gay and lesbian New Yorkers, at least we now know where indMdual legislators stand," Bloomberg said. "And so now xve begin a new effort to secure ~he additional votes needed to pass this bill. ... Historic change does not come easily; but this vote was a crucial step that I believe will ultimately lead the state to extend full marriage rights to all couples." G LAAD mad at Grammys over now. NY Senate rejects samesex marriage GLAAD PresidentJa~ett Barrios is mad at the Recording Academy for nominating Jamaican dancehall singer Buju Banton’s album "~sta Got Soul"for a Gramm~ File photo 77m New Drk Stare Senam rejected a bill to legalize same-sex matvqage Dec. 2 in a 38-24 vote. 77~e bill hadpassed the Assembly repeatedly and Gov. David Pamrson was chomping at the bit to sign it into law. Eight Democrats voted against the bill. No Republicans votedfor it. A few hours late~ 200-300people gathered in ~mes Square to protest; following a call issued on blogs and social-nel~working sites blogger joe. My God., pictured above Joe Jervis. Wockner News photo by Andrgs Duque ~xe New York State Senate rejected a bill to legalize same-sex marriage Dec. 2 in a 3824 vote. The bill had passed the Assembly repeatedly and Gov. David Paterson was. chomping at the bit to sign it into la~: Eight Democrats voted against the bill. No Republicans voted for it. "Promises made were not honored," said the bill’s author, Sen. Tom Duane, DManhattan. "The LGBT community and all fair-minded New Yorkers have been betrayed. I am enraged, deeply disappointed and profoundly saddened by the vote today." Alan Van Capelle, head of the LGBT lobby group Empire State Pride Agenda, said that while the group was "disappointed by today’s vote, we are pleased that the issue of marriage equality at last was debated in the New York State Senate." "We had long called for a public debate on this matter so we could determine who was truly on our side," he said. "Now we know where we stand and where we need to concentrate our efforts in the future." New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is mad at The Recording Academy for nominating Jamaican dancehall singer Buju Banton’s album "Rasta Got Soul" for a Grammy. GLadlD launched a petition to protest the nomination for Best Reggae Album. "Bantoffs anti-gay lyrics and the_climate of hatred they create are a threat to the safety of gay and transgender people everywhere," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "It is deeply disappointing that The Recording Academy would choose to laud the work of a singer who has advocated violence against the gay community. The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center also has condemned the nomination. According to GLAAD’s translation, Banton’s 1988 song "Boom Bye Bye" says that faggots have to &e and that he will shoot them in the head" or "burn them." The organization said the 1993 song "Batty Rider" also "glorifies the shootin g of gay men ." On Dec. 10, The Recording Academy summarily dismissed GLAAD’s protest: "The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Awards have a long history of supporting freedom of speech and creative expression, and of supporting artists and the music they create. Artists of a variety of political or cultural perspectives have been nominated or featured on the telecast, despite protests and backlash. Tlxe Academy acknowledges that there are very strong and diverse opinions on many issues and in many instances, we have helped initiate dialogue on matters that require education and further discussion. " It takes tolerance to teach tolerance, and it is through dialogue and debate that social discovery may occur. The GRAMMY Awards is a celebration and recognition of outstanding musical achievement b~,- music makers, regardless of politic, and mat will continue to be our mission. Barrios was not pleased. "Advocating the murder of gay people is not a ’political or cultural perspective,’" he fired back. "We urge Recording Academy members NOT to support Buju Banton’s nomination. I~noring his continued promotion of~orutality against gay people sends a message that violence against our cornmunity is OK." For more information, see glaad.org/ bujubantonpetition. Banton is currently in federal custody in Miami after being arrested by Drug Enforcement Administration agents Dec. 3 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. Overall, Evans said he is optimistic about 2010. "We’re very busy right now," he said. "I really hope that carries into next year." Oldalmma has itself struggled to support a GLBT oriented newspaper. "Our newspaper has its good months and real down months," said Ward. "But we manage to keep afloat only because of the loyal suuport that we do have. V-Ze have no salaried employees. I take no salary and our ~vriters and sales people are commissionbased. The future of the Metro Star and any other newspaper depends on commlmity and business advertising. This also allows us to distribute free to our readers. MaW in the Oldalmma business community seems to shy away fi’om supporting an alternative newspaper even though they sure will spend GLBT dollars." Evans and Vc’ard agreed that members of the GLBT community~ o~en take their news products for granted and are apathetic when support is needed. Ward recently conducted a reader’s poll that turned up some interesting statistics, he said. "In our recent online reader poll two questions posed were: Does Oklalmma need a GLBT focused newspaper? 96% said ’absolutely’; and Should the Metro Star shut down? 89% said ’No.’ We have a great readership, just not the advertising support we need to maintain and grow. "We discovered 90 percent of the responders actually read the printed paper and 76 percent were satisfied with the Metro Stai;" V/ard added. Ward said that support for the Metto Star is extremely important for us to provide a voice for GLBT Oklahomans. "We have had to down size the paper the last couple of months due to revenue decline as I’m sure many other business owners have had to do," Ward said. "Hopefully the recession has bottomed out and we will see an upturn in the economy. If not we may have to suspend our operation." Texas writer Perry has shelved plans for his GLBT articles and said he is focusing on Webzines. Evans doesn’t see much in the GLBT news industry changing. "There are still 200 newspapers in the country and there has always been about 200," Evans said. A new paper just launched in Wisconsin. One closes and then another one wi!l open." January 2010 �Wockner News Service Australian Capital EU treaty is first to ban Territory sees civil-union discrimination against battle Some gay activists in the Australian Capital Territory have rejected proposed amendments to the ACT civil-partnership laws. Territory Attorney-General Siraon Corbetl reportedly struck a deal with the federal government that allows ACT gay couples to have an official ceremoW in conjunction with a civil partnership. But to seal the deal, Corbell gave in to a federal demand that the celebrants’ actions will carry no legal weight and that only the actions of the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages matter legally. ~’The proposed changes to the ACT laws entirely undermine the purpose of civil unions," said John Kloprogge of Equal Love Canberra. "’l-he federal government is being held hostage by the Australian Christian Lobby, and the ACT Labor Party should not aid and abet the blackmailing of their federal party colleagues." Equal Love’s Gab Hitch said the amendments "sold out" the gay community. "The ACT civil-union laws have be<n so watered down that they are now unrecognizable to the original legislation tabled by the Stanhope Labor Government," Hitch said. "This is death by a thousand amendments to civil unions in the ACT." Mbanian first lady speaks at gay-rights event Albania’s first lady, Teuta Topi, spoke Dec. 11 at the 2nd Albanian National Human Rights Debate, which had as one of its three tracks "Homophobia and Discrimination of LGBT People in Albania." The other two tracks concerned children’s and women’s rights. Attendees drew up "a set of recommendations and action plans for the improvement of women, youth and sexual minorities’ rights in Albania." The conference received funding from the Dutch Embassy. UN secretary-general calls end to gay discrimination In a World MDS Day message Dec. 1, United Nations Secretary-General Ban F’d-moon said the world must "shine the full light of human rights on HIM" "I urge all countries to remove punitive taws, policies and practices that hamper the MDS response," he said. "In many countries, legal framework_s institutionalize discrimination against groups most at risk. Yet discrimination against sex workers, drug users and men who have sex with men only fuels the epidemic and prev’ents cost-effective interventions. "x,g’~e must ensure that AIDS responses are based on evidence, not ideology, and reach those most in need and most affected." www.metrostarnews.com The European Union’s Treaty of Lisbon, which came into force Dec. 1, incorporates the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the only international governmental document that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation. Article 21 states, "Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.!’ According to the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (aka ILGAEurope), the charter "is the first EU consolidated document containing the values and fundamental economic, social, civil and political rights to which EU citizens should be entitled." "The European Union made it crystal clear and provided the EU institutions and EU member states with guidelines that discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation is incompatible with the application of the union’s law," said ILGA-Europe Board Co-chair Martin K.I. Christensen. Three countries opted out of the charter, Christensen said -- the United Kingdom, Poland and the Czech Republic. "We are particularly concerned with Poland’s reasons for not signing the charter as the Polish leaders believe the charter might compromise their sovereignty in the ’sphere of public morality, family law,’" he said. The Treaty of Lisbon gives more power to the European Parliament, increases EU member states’ and institutions’ obligations to tackle discrimination and to mainstream equality, and makes the EU a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights. "The European Union was ahvays one of the world’s leaders on human rights, but now we have a treaty ratified by all 27 EU member states which clearly identifies the duties of the EU institutions to tal~e human rights and equality issues to the very center of their xvork when adopting various policies and taldng actions," said ILGA-Europe Board Co-chair Linda Freimane. Dish civil-partnership bill to pass this month Ireland’s Parliament is xvidely expected to pass a same-sex civil-partnership bill before the end of the year. It will extend marriage rights in areas such as inheritance, health care, property, alimony and pensions. Some gay groups have denounced the bill as creating a discriminatory second-class status for gay couples. They have called for legalization of samesex marriage instead. Euro Parliament calls for gay freedom of movement 7 arrested for homosexuality in Maldives The European Parliament on Nov. 25 adopted a resolution calling on European Union member nations "to ensure freedom of movement for EU citizeiis and their families, including both registered partnerships and marriages" and "to avoid all kinds of discrimination on any ground, including sexual orientation." MEPs also called for EU-level anti-hatecrime legislation, citing "growing intolerance within the EU." The co-presidents of the Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights, Michael Cashman and Ulrike Lunacek, called the resolution "a step toward equality." "The European Parliament has just sent a clear message that member states need to ensure the freedom of movement of all families and recognize unions between all EU citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation," they said. "The text goes in the direction of an EU-wide recognition of all unions contracted in member states.., but we will need to keep up the pressure on EU institutions and member states in the coming years to fully recognize same-sex unions -- only then will we have genuine equality." Seven men were arrested for suspected homosexual activity on the Maldives island of Maalhos in Northern Ari Atoll, the Haveeru Daily newspaper reported Dec. 8. The Maldives Police Service said officers arrested the men based on "information the police had received," the newspaper reported. Haveeru quoted an island resident as saying that two of the arrested men were imams of district mosques and that the group’s actions "finally came out into the open when a video of their activities ~vas..~ leaked." The report said police are investigating "reports" that additional men are part of the gay-sex "network." The Republic of Maldives consists of 26 atolls and some 1,192 islands in the Indian Ocean. Two hundred of the islands are inhabited. The nation’s population is about 309,000. With an average elevation of less than five feet (1.5 meters), the country may drown as global warming raises sea levels. President Mohamed Nasheed has said he is looking into buying land in I~dia, Sri Lanka or Australia should the Maldivian population need to relocate. YouTube suspends account of Canadian gay newspaper chain Canada’s Pink Triangle Press, which publishes the Xtra! chain of gay newspapers in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver, had its YouTube account suspended for two weeks recently for posting "inappropriate" videos. The videos featured footage from the Church Street Fetish Fair and the Northbound Leather Fetish Party. Notices sent by ¥ouTube reportedly cited "nudit3;’ and "sexually gratuitous" imagery. Xtra! Toronto said "YouTube did not respond to multiple requests for comment" on the matter. "YouTube is clearly more strict when it comes to fetish or BDSM videos," said Xtra. ca Managing Editor Brent Creelman. "The Church Street Fetish Fair was a public event and our video was a fun, campy news report." Another PTP editor, Matt Thomas, said there seemed to be no way to appeal the suspension. "They do not provide a means to appeal. I can contact no one," he said. Gays stage approved protest in Russia Nine gay and lesbian activists staged a protest in St. Petersburg, Russia, Dec. 5 over stigmatization of-- and discrimination against -- HIV-positive people. The city administration OK’d the protest - which is noteworthy given the ongoing bans on gay pride in Moscow. Members of GayRussia.ru, the force behind Moscow: Pride, took part in the demonstration. The activists distributed red ribbons and handed out .flyers that said, "Tolerance," "Be human" and "We can play together." "Prevention and education directed to homosexuals and bisexuals is nonexistent from governmental agencies," the organizers said. "Doctors do not ka~ow how to properly advise homosexual patients. The efforts of NGOs are dearly insufficient. We urge the government to fight stigmatization and to respect the rights of citizens." For the past four years, Moscow Mayor ¥uri Luzhkov has banned gay pride events and sent riot police to violently arrest small groups of activists ~vho ignored the bans. He has called gay parades "satanic" and, reportedly; "weapons of mass destruction." A group of combined lawsuits over the bans should see a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights sometime in 2010. NETROSTAR 9 �Austria passes registered- Argentine same-sex marriage blocked, partnership law Supreme Court to nile Leading Aus~’ian gay actTvist I~rt I&ickler H~ised Parliament)) passage oJ:a comprehendve re~istered-part~wrship lain a project activists/sad worked on for 20years. File phom Austria’s Parliament passed a registeredpartnership law for same-sex couples Dec. 10. The vote was 110-64. It takes effect Jan. 1. Homosexual Initiative Vienna (HOSI Wien) said the taw grants 95 percent to 98 percent of the rights and obligations of marriage, including in the areas of immigration, social insurance, inheritance and pensions. Excluded fi’om the law were access to adoption and artificial insemination. "Amother flaw ... is that registration will not take place at the same venue as marriage -- city hall -- but at a so-called administrative authority at the district level," said HOSI ~Wien President Christian H6gl. "However, in cities such as Vienna these authorities coincide in place and therefore registration will take place in the same buildings and even rooms." HOSI’s secretary general, Kurt KricHer, called the law "a great success.:’ "W-e have been fighting for this piece of legislation for more than 20 years," he said. "And we are quite happy that we succeeded to get more progressive divorce rules. For example, a registered partner will only be able to block the dissolution of the partnership up to three years, while a spouse can block the divorce of a marriage up to six years." ~iclder said the partnership law also has no "state-imposed fidelity duty ... and consequently adultery will not be considered a reason for dissolving a registered partnership." The group said it will continue to fight for access to adoption and artificial insemination, and for the registrations to take place in the government oi~ces where marriages are conducted. Government opens gay bar in China Oi~cials in Dali Prefecture in Chinas Yunnan Province have opened a gay bar in hopes of reducing stigma against gay men and thereby slowing the spread of HIV. The prefecture spent about $17,500 to set up the venue, which is run by the gay group Good Friend Center. 10 A nationaljudge on Nov. 30 blocked a city judge)) ruling that legalized gay mardage in Buenos Aires -- cancding the ciF’s first mine-sex wedding scheduledfo,7 Dec. 1 ~- but the nation’s Supreme Cout:~ promptly announced it will rule on. the issue. Photo by Rex Wockner A national judge on Nm: 30 blocked a city judge’s ruling that legalized gay marriage in Buenos Aires -- canceling the city’s first same-sex wedding scheduled for Dec. 1 -- but the nation’s Supreme Court promptly announced it will rule on the issue. Activists Alex Freyre and Josd Maria Di Bello planned their wedding after Judge Gabrida Seijas ruled Nov. 16 in a case the couple filed that it is unconstitutional not to treat everyone equally under the law. But Civil Court 85 Judge Marta G6mez Alsina declared Dec. 1 that Seijas had overstepped her authority in determining that the nation’s ban on same-sex marriage did not apply to Freyre and Di Bello. Buenos Aires, some other Argentine cities and the province of Rio Negro already have civil-union laws for same-sex couples. Hsewhere in Latin America, similar laws are in force in Uruguay, Mexico City, the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, and the Mexican state of Coal~uila, which borders Texas. Same-sex marriage is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the U.S. states of Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont and, starting in January, New Hampshire. Indian election o dals recognize third gender Indian transgender and intersex people will no longer have to choose "male" or "female" when they vote, the Election Commission said Nov. 12. They can instead choose "O" for "other." India has a class of transgender people known as i’hijras." Most have penises or are intersex; some are female and some have undergone genital modifications. They usually use female pronouns and dress as women. Iranian HIV stats released Iran’s Health Ministry says that as of mid-October, a total of 20,130 Iranians have tested HIV-positive, 2,097 people have been diagnosed with MDS and 3,409 HIV-positive people have died. The ministry said 93 percent of those who tested HIV-positive are male and only 13 percent of infections resulted from sex, with 77.5 percent resulting from sharing needles to inject drugs. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has claimed that Iran does not have gay people "like you have in (the U.S.)" "In Iran ... absolutely such a thing does not exist as a phenolnenon," he said in 2007. There have been persistent, though unconfirmed, reports for years that Iran hangs men for the crime of engaging in sodomy, but the only sodomy-related executions that have been publicized involved individuals who were accused of additional crimes as well, such as rape. In a 2008 interview, Ahmadinejad denied that people are executed solely for engaging in homosexual acts. "Homosexuals are not even knmvn ,vho they are to be hanged," he told the Democracy Now! radio program. "So, don’t have executions of homosexuals. Of course, we consider it an abhorrent act, but it is not punished through capital punishment." SnOopy R0s~ i~ ~ hap~ 10m0nth 0id labbi~ wh6 ~d~ ~ is la6u~bmk~ :u~ ~6 da~e 6n sh0~s {01era{eS c~a~s H~ biggest i6vg i~ th~ @~er, S6 if you ar~ iooking fb)alak~ comp~fii6n ~lie is the Iabbid for tip in your Protesters march on Uganda’s N?L mission Around 50 gays and their supporters protested at Uganda’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations on Nov. 19 against a draconian anti-gay bill pending in Uganda’s Parliament. The legislation bans anything and everything gay, including: touching someone in a gay way; funding or sponsoring gay groups; broadcasting, publishing or marketing anything gay; advocating for homosexuality; renting to or harboring a homosexual; engaging in "aggravated homosexuality"; and failing to report to authorities one’s awareness of the existence of a gay person within 24 hours of learning the person exists. "Aggravated homosexuality:’ applies to repeat offenders and people who are HIV-positive. It is punished with death, while the other crimes carry penalties as high as life in prison. The bill has been strongly denounced by the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs’ chair, vice chair and ranldng minority member, along with openly lesbian U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., who called the legislation "egregious." The New York demo was organized by the African Services Committee, Health Gap, the International Gay and Lesbian Human R~ghts Commission, Human Rights Watch, the Council for Global Equality, ACT UP/Philadelphia, Advocates for Youth, and Proyecto Sol Philadelphia. A similar protest took place at the Ugandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. first the website f~r the locations. Directory ofLocM An~M Shelters Tulsa Shelter 918-.66%6299 Broken Arrow 9 !8~259-8311 OKC Muskogee Stillwater Coweta Silo~ Springs Claremo}e nd Springs 405297 3104 918 686 7297 405 372 0334 91"8-486 2137 479 524 6535 918341 1260 918 246 2543 9182996311 9182272-4965 9182272722 405 321 6725 918 371 1000 ~ enks ~ Owasso Sapulpa N~r~n Collinsville Courtesy of~a~vw.labrescue:net January 2010 �Tulsa PAC Legally Blonde the Musical January 5-7 at 7:30 p.m.; January 8 at 8 p.m.; January 9 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; January 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Venue: Chapman Music Hall steam and may even spark a renewed love of showtunes in America’s heartland. First they brought in Kristin What the Buder Saw Show Times Jan. 8-9, 14-16 ac 8 p.m.; Jan, 10 at 2 p.m, Venue Liddy Doenges Theatre The Kennedys are coming They’re the closest thing :his country has to a royal amily, and they’ve played istorical roles in everything from the highest level of politics to the quirkiest moments in fashion. So it’s fitting that the History Channel makes the Kennedy family part of its own history - the first scripted project to tir on the cable outlet - with he eight-hour miniseries, The (ennedys. Co-created by 24 )roducer Joel Surnow, the series, due to air in 2011, will focus hot only on the dynastic aspect of the legendary clan and the powerful men it produced, but the women in~,olved in their lives as well. This, of course, means that the iconic, enigmatic Jackie Tulsa S_)7nphony: ~he Music of England [~ ’ men of a et their n0t Ellen? If ShowTimes Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Venue Chapman Music Hall Ballet Folldorico de Mexico ShowTimes: Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Venue: John H. Williams Theatre BOK Center, Tulsa A Single Man will open in Dallas at Angelika Mockingbird, and Legacy theatres on December 25 and in Oklahoma Cio,, 7~dsa, New Orleans and Little Rock on January 8, 2010. Set in Los Angeles in 1962, at the height of the Cuban missile crisis, A SINGLE MAN, is the story of George Falconer, a 52 year old British college professor [Colin Firth] who is struggling to find meaning to his life after the death of his long time partner, Jim [Matthew Goode]. George dwells on the past and cannot see his future as we follow him through a single day, where a series of events and encounters, ultimately leads him to decide if there is a meaning to life after Jim. George is consoled by t{is closest friend Charley ~ulianne Moore], a 48 year old beauty who is wrestling with her own questions about the future. A young student of George’s, Kenny [Nicholas Hoult], who is coming to terms vdth his true nature, stalks George as he feels in him a idndred spirit. A SINGLE MAN is a romantic tale of love interrupted, the isolation that is an inherent part of the human condition, and ultimately the importance of the seemingly smaller moments in life. Ford Center, OKC Brad Paisley Jan 08,2010 7:30 p.m. Reigning CMA and ACM Male Vocalist of the Year Brad Paisley is bringing his highly successful American Saturday Night tour to OKC on January 8. Special guests will be Miranda Lambert and Justin Moore. Eric Clapton Mar 2, 2010 Eric Clapton with very special guest Roger Daltrey March 2, 2010 7:30pro Black Eyed Peas Mar 20, 2010 Black Eyed Peas with LMFAO March 20, 2010 7:30pm Bon Jovi Apr 13, 2010 Bon Jovi with Dashboard Confessional April 13, 2010 7:30pm Civic Center Music Hall, OKC LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL by Celebrity Attractions Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - Sunday, January 17, 2010 Liverpool Legends Date: Saturday, January 23, 2010 Time: 8:00 p.m. Louise Harrison (George’s sister) invites you to see the world’s finest tribute to the Beatles! Twice voted BEST SHOW IN BRANSON, this amazing tribute covers all the Beatle years NEXWAND IMPROVED! OKC Philharmonic Classics Date: Saturday, January 30, 2010 Time: 8:00 p.m. Featuring Marc-Andre Hamelin, piano film ..... ............. .... its Lousii 3131 N. w,#& metrostarnews.com 405.525.9555 ~;~tOSTAR 11 �We p the "gay" in Christi 1623 N. Mapiewood Tulsa~ OK 918-838.1715 www.mcctu~sa.org �Room Rat~s From ~2.95 Our Suits ~f~vw.metrostarnews.com ;~-~’~,©STAR 13 �and COSt with find at a and and center. Of long metal tubes and flavored with vanilla, walnut, and fi’uit). 14 51ET~OSTAR uF the surrounding historic area. January 2010 �Rihanna, Rated R By Chris Azzopardi Adam Lambert, For Your Entertainment Judging the guylinered gay based solely on his sexually superfluous shot at being, uh, "spontaneously artistic" during the American Music Awards wouldn’t be fair. He needed none of the pseudo fellatio, because he can sing - and the Idol runner-up thankfully applies his rocketing range to these 14 tracks better than he does a man’s face to his clothed junk. He’s still making whoopee on "For Your Entertainment," the hyper-sexual go0d-gay-gone-bad bit, and turning up the heat on Lady Gaga’s co-written contribution "Fever~" wringing a falsettolaced chorus that’s so Scissor Sisters in its sound and unapologetic homoliciousness. His debut is easily the edgiest of all Idolfirsts (and maybe it knmvs that just a little too well). Perhaps that’s because of Lambert’s versatility- retro glam-rock (like the crippled "Strut"), anthemic rock ("Time for Miracles"), mttsical-lit lifters (disc best "Pick U Up") and vulnerable slowies are all here for our entertainment. Too much? Yeah. Sometimes the album’s like an 18-year-old running loose in a porn store. But, then again, you’re talldng about a guy who boasts about being born vdth glitter on his face. This should be the least of our worries. Grade: B Lady-Gaga, Monsters kill, and few have done more chart-slaying than the towering, twisted musical mastermind behind some year~ weirdest that? moments. So it was more obvious than anything Ga~’s done that we’d get a part two Fame Monster she dropped on us pre-Monster, head-hijacker "Bad Romance" wields a colossal new-wave synth sound like Michael Myers does a machete. Her weapon is unleashed a lot, cutting through the the way gay retro shimmer of "Dance in the Dark" (name~dropping like Madonna via "Vogue"). Songs about se!f-obsession, like !’I’m So Happy I Could Die," don’t exactly jell with "Speechless," a heartfelt orchestral ballad with a ’70 rock feel. But, hey, at least it makes this fame monster seem (you know how these monsters are): %e eight songs - some ferociously fly ("Bad Romance"), a couple big blunders (she tries honkytonk on "Teeth," and it bites) and some old, recycled gimmicks on new" cuts - are part of a generous reqssue of 2008’s N~e Fmne. In step with the world-dominating disco ball more human. Grade: B- www.rnetrostarnews.corn Naat umbrella Pdhanna gave us almost three years ago could’ve come in handy during her very public Chris Brmvn beating. She was mum for a while, but clearly that’s because she wanted the music doing the talking. And so it does on Rated R- a dark, sometimes-horrific portrait of the 21-yea> old Barbadian vixen, who’s recorded a brave pop opus that’s nothing like 2007’s chart glutton Good Girl Gone Ba~ She’s badder, but in the raw, de-sexualized sense that goth-rock "Russian Roulette" evokes with its violent analogies and radical anti- contempo sound. ’~Cold Case Love," about a derailed relationship (and ex-boyfriend Brown, presumably), is meticulously swelled into a blistering masterpiece, ending calmly with a string lilt. You can almost see Rihanna walking out of the fire. She doesn’t start many, as its almost all more heavy than hooky - though self-boasting "Rude Boy;" "Hard" and "Fire Bomb" have insta-hit potential. But this is Rihanna the XX/oman, not the Girl- and her fourth offering is a mature reflection of someone who, at the time she recorded this, wasn’t living under the disco ball anymore. She was seeing herself in it. Grade: A- Also Out Susan Boyle, I Dreamed a John Mayer, Battle Studies Dream q-here are few highs onthe gay-club-loving guitarist’s fifth album - except for the literal one on the catchy lead single, on which he asks, "Who says I can’t get stoned?" The answer is no one, unless pot was the cause of this lazily produced, underwhelming leap from bluesy-rock into processed folk-pop, where even a Taylor Swift duet on "Half of My Heart" feels like an after-thought. We love a go~d frump-gone-famous story, and the Scottish _Britain’s Got Talent_ sensation’s story is bigger titan her voice, a behemoth in itself and more technically flawless than David Beckham’s body. On her covers debut, she’s music’s Lifetime TV, predictably succumbing to ballads (the best being "Proud" and "Wild Horses") bound to make the gifts and gays weep. An extra jolt, and a few risks, could make Boyle all she’s cracked up to be. Shaldra, She VC-olf If hips don’t lie, then a lot of them will be moving to the Columbian chanteuse’s third English-language album. Going for Americanized dance over Latin-hugged grooves, She Wblfis a strange beast, mingling disco, Arabian s~rings and weird quirks like hmvling as if they all made sense together. Tney usually don’t, but She Wolf- with one heckuva campy title track - is a smartly written, hook-heaW piece of ~ pop. It’ll devour you. Leona Lewis, Echo Talk about bleeding love - this too-slick sophomore album from the big-voiced balladeer gushes it. Finding solace (the danggood dramatics of.~’Happy"), the we-belongtogether bit (the corny "My Hand") and the kiss-off ("Outta My Head," a refreshing slip into electro pop) - all delivered with gusto but, regrettably, little diva ’tude. And on an album that almost echoes her debut, you’ll be craving more Marialx-isms. ~ETROSTAR 15 �t6 January 2010 �www.metrostamews.com ~ET~OSTAR 17 �Photo’s by Victor G, & Judy G. @ The End Up, Tulsa @ Bamboo Loungei Tulsa @Club 209, Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @Church of Open Arms~ OKC 18 @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Ledo, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa Janua~ 2010 �April 9’12, 2010- Palm Springs, California PM~M SPRINGS, CA (PR) __ Feel the energy as Jeffrey Sanker’s legendary White Party 2010 returns to ignite the desert April 9-12, 2010 in Palm Springs, CA. Leading the charge is the biggest line-up of international DJs in re’bite Part)" history, along .with a $30 million totally remodeled Wyndham Resort host hotel and all-ne~v larger location for Sunday T-Dance. The V.¢nnite Party 2010 - an electric surge of power will be fueled by an international DJ roster from all over the globe, including the west-coast debut of chart-topping DJ/produc,er/remix duo, Freemason.s; along with Spains Chus+Ceballos, the UKs Moto Blanco, as welt as Wayne G, Manny Lehman, Abel, Tony Moran, Brett Henrichsen, Joe Gauthreaux, Chi Chi LaRue, Scott)" Thomson and Luke Johnstone. W’eekend passes are on sale now and the electrical energy and excitement for "twentyten" has the internet abuzz! As always, if you buy early- your save big! White Party Weekend Passes include entry to the FOUR main events; VIP Express Passes include entry to ALL weekend events, plus a variety of extras. Mso available are VIP lodging and event packages. To purchases any these check out vcww. :~ jeffreysankei:com. At the center of the action, an a!l-nev¢ experience awaits! Our main host hotel, the magnificently remodeled \~ryndham P~mSprings Resort, has transformed its interior and expanded its pooI area into a lush desert oasis. It’s ALL BOYS, all weekend long! To make reservations, contact: Jackie Cabuntala via email: jackie.cabuntala@ cresttinehotels.com or call 760-416-2904. You must mention ~ghite Party for special ;a~es. Friday; April 9 SPPdNG BR~K POOL PARTY - Come mfi-esh yourself at the completely redesigned and expanded desert oasis www.rnetrostarnews.com VC’yndham Hotel Pool and join the thousands of barely clothed boys partying to the sounds of DJ Luke Johnstone from Noon - 6pro. BOXERS OR BRIEFS UNDERWEAR PARTY- Sex), boxers or tighty-whities? The choice is yours at the event that dares to let it all hang out in more way than one. For hotel guests, it’s as easy as stripping down in your room and parading downstairs for the fun from 9pm-3am at the Wyndham Hotel Grand Ballroom. Join DJ Abel for an evening of skin and sin, presented by Club Papi. Secure clothes check is also available. Saturday, April 10 SPRING BREAK POOL PARTY from 10am - 6pro. Dive head first into the most thmous pool party in the world, sponsored by Mast~rbeat with DJ Brett Henrichsen! Seeing is believing, as the most mindmelting assortment of hot bodied men will be out in ~force, lounging under the desert sun. Poolside, indulge yourself with the talented hands of our massage men and bask in the complimentary sunscreen rub downs by our roving cabana boys! Enjoy nonstop entertainment, induding surprise live performances and more. \-~q-tlTE PARTY 2010 ELECTRIFIED Feel the rush of energy, of the weekend’s signature event, beginning at 9pm and continuing until 5am at the Palm Springs Convention Center. DJ Manny Lehman delivers a high-voltage blast of music, followed by the White Party debut of DJ/producer/remix duo Freemasons. Spectacular surprise performers and live entertainment keep the party sizzling all night long. DJ Chi Chi LaRue unleashes added thrust in her adjacent ElectroPop Lounge! CLIMAX AFTER THE WHITE ....... PARTY - The power surge COntinues from 4am-10am, inside the cavernous and freshly redesigned Wyndham Grand Ballroom! Spain s Chtts+Ceballos (Stereo Prodfictions) unleash the vibes for a seductive nocturnal journey filled with super-charged sound and mesmerizing lighting and effects. Sunday, April 11 SPRING BREAK POOL PARTY from 1 lam - 3pro. Feel the heat rising at the sexiest pool party ever with DJ JOe Gauthreaux, along vdth special live poolside entertainment happening throughout the afternoon. SUNDAY T DkaNCE - UNDER THE BIG TOP - Don’t miss an even bigger, better and bolder festival of fun at an allnew location across from the Palm Springs Convention Center ,3pm-9pm. Direct from the UK, DJ Wayne G and DJ/ producers Moto Blanco ta~e you on a musical thrill ride with a bigger dance floor, new carnival attractions, and twice the overall space, including the White Party Ferris Wheel and incredible choreographed fireworks ~nale. SUNDAY CLOSING PARTY- ~e weekend culminates with the spectaculkr Closin~ Par back at the W ’ndi arn I%tel Grand Ba~lro~i~ from 9pm - 6am, Monday; April I2th. DJ Tony Moran keeps the pulsations pounding with surging house anthems and tribal beats. #4~ETR©,STAR 19 �By Keir~ Orr Homo for the Holidays My puritan forbears would be aghast at the amount of drinking that goes on around the holidays. They’d also be aghast that ~ am gay, so we know how much t care about their opinion. ~Pnanksgiving Eve is one of the biggest bar nights of the year. But the real drinking starts the next morning fbr me. Several years ago Martin and ] took over the preparation of the Family Thanksgiving Dinner. The Turkey Coup came after one too many overcooked { or worse. undercooked) turkeys. So the gay boys get up early and start the turkey prep. This ritual begins at about 8:00 a.m. and is accompanied by Mii~sas. Thanksgiving is the best excuse for early drinking A~’ter the bird is in the oven we start on brunch. This is when we get the rest of the family drinking mimosas, as well. The key to great mimosas is in the orange juice. Use fresh squeezed. Much as I love Taittinger’s champagne there is no reason to use it when you are mixing it with OJ. I use Cook’s Brut: inexpensive and palatable. My ratio is two parts champagne to one part OJ. If you want to kick it up a notch spike it with a splash of Grand Marnier. And don’t forget the garnish, half an orange wheel on the rim. As the afternoon progresses, while the more butch members of the gathering become entranced by watching football, and the rest of us engage in a Judy Garland retrospective marathon, I start ,nixing what I a~ectionately cal! Grandfather Drinks, like Old Fashions or Manhattans. Since we spend the holidays in "Wisconsin I usually mix Brandy Manhattans. It was only after I moved away from Wisconsin that I found out that brandy is not what everyone drinks 20 after being weaned offmilk. If you want a Whiskey Manhattan I recommend Crown Royal. We got hooked on Crown Royal Manhattans on a Vegas trip years ago. Whether brandy or whiskey, the proportion is three parts liquor, one part s~veet vermouth, and a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters over ice. Garnish with a cherry My favorite Grandfi~ther Drink is an obscure drink my father picked up about 60 years ago in Lexington. MA. 7be Flintlock: 1 1/2 oz. Brandy, 112 oz. Apple Brandy; 1 tsp. Lemon Juice, 3 drops Granadine, a couple dashes ~nite Creme de Menthe. I could spend an entire column on what wine to serve with dinner. There are lots of flavors on the traditional holiday" table. and no one wine is perfect. Champagne pairs well with many foo~, and the acidity clears the palate for the i~{Xt dish. Now is the time to break out the Taittinger’s. Pinot Noir ~vorks great with poultry. White wines that are fruit forward and have a litde residual sugar, like a Riesling, are often popular. After a huge holiday dinner we engage in the traditional run to the nearest gay bar. Even if you love your family, after a ful! day of football and embarrassing childhood stories I’m ready for cocktails with lots of gay people. Stick with the holiday theme and try a Pumpkin Pie Shot, made of equal parts Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Goldschlager (or other cinnamon schnapps) shaken mad strained into a shot glass. This is one of those shots, like Oatmeal Cookies, that people swear tastes just like the namesake. Of course, they usually make these claims after the third shot. Happy Holidays, and cheers! Camper English is a cocktails and ~irits wrimr andpublisher ofAlcademics.com January 2010 �by Jack Fertig January 2010 "Focus on work, Pisces!" The disharmony betwee~ Mars, Saturn and Pluto continues with Venus aligning with Pluto. Efforts to establish peace can be coercive. Maybe they need to be, but look ahead to see what price you may pay for your solutions. ARIES (March 20-April 19): Efforts that you intend as playful and creative can be a lot more aggressive than you realize. Your attempts to schmooze up authority figures can be especially over the top. Challenge your own creativity, not others’. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - May Getaways with the family can open up power struggles. Community politics are also itching to explode in your face. Quiet time at home, catching up on housework and reading are your best bets for relaxation. GEM~N~ (May 21- June 2{)): Your mouth seems determined to get you into trouble. Is that a bad thing? Depends on where you open your yap. Keeping clear on the time and the place for everything can be a huge challenge! Be ready to make apologies, not promises! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Arguments over money come up much too easily. There are deeper questions of values that are bothering you. Economy is important, but rather than squabble over pennies, try to examine those larger issues. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): You may be too sexy for your own good. You can sublimate that energy to drive you to professional success, but that won’t be easy! Maintain a conservative, businesslike demeanor, and meet all challenges with calm, confident grace. ~ 42 PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Organizing friends or colleagues into effective work parties will boost your sexual charisma, but if that’s your motivation, both sides of that equation will fail. Focus on work, and play will fall into place. SCORPIO (October 23. November 2t): Efforts to sound charming can too easily come off as aggressively sexual. Focus on work and goals; don’t be afraid to assert yourself in arguments, but you’ll get a lot further if you listen carefully and adapt in response to what you hear. www.metrostarnews.com 43 44 Down 1 Queer ~ymbol from the Greek alphabet 2,~l~ard ~v~rk 3 Turn on 4 Chi Chi LaRue’s field 5 The Silence 0fthe 6 Green lights 20 leans LEO (July 23 - August 22): Insistence and volume do not help you to be heard, but rather provoke people into ignoring you. The best way to get people’s attention is to listen. Exercise is important, but you are now especially accident prone, so be very careful! MBRA (September 23 - October 22): Feeling torn between old traditions and needs for the future? The past offers a solid base and trajectory for the future. It is necessary at times to challenge and uproot traditions. Understand them thoroughly to make better-informed decisions. 35 AQUARIUS (January 20 February ~8): What other people think and say is not as important as your own grasp of the issues. You can’t convince them they’re wrong, but you can get a better understanding of how they think, which can prove helpful in the long run. CANCER (June 21-July 22}: Feeling a bit trapped in your relationship? Remind yourself of what’s really important in life and remember, that list changes with your moods. Telling your darling what you want doesn’t guarantee you’ll get it, but it does increase the odds considerably. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): ’(our playful efforts to provoke others can reveal far more of yourself than you intend. For a more controlled release try your hand at any artistic medium (painting, writing, music...) and see what that brings up for you. 38 in Lavender Creating Community for People iving with H V/A D8 A 50I c (3) Non Pro~t Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIM+ 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 usby phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net ~ETROSTAR 21 �AIDS WaN Awards $43,300 to Local Nonprofit Organizations ~y G reg OYA_&HOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ MDS Walk of Oklahoma City distributed $43,300 in annual grants on Monday, Nov. 30th during the Oklahoma City World MDS Day Memorial Service at Ma)~ower Congregational Church. The following eight nonprofit orgmfizations that provide HIV/AIDS services received grants: AIDS Service Providers, $3,200; American Red Cross of CeT, tral Oklahoma, $4,000; Guiding Pdght, $1,000; Latino Community Development Agency, $4,100; Legal Aid of Oklahoma, $8,200; Other Options, $12,200; Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma, $7,400; and RAIN-Oklahoma, $3,200. MDS Walk of Oklahoma City exists to raise awareness and funds for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS in the greater Oklahoma City community. The 2009 AIDS Walk of Oldahoma City was held on Sunday, October 11 th at the Myriad Botanical Gardens and the inaugural AIDS -Walk 5k Run was held in Bricktown. More than 1,000 people walked to demonstrate their support for this mission. AIDS Walk of Oldahoma City is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since 1998, AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City has distributed more than $400,000 to help fund local programs focusing on HIV prevention, education, and direct services to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. ~0 "THA’T. "Janet just deci&d that she’s also going to be a lesbian after graduation." w~a~vthe aycartoonsite C6m ........................~.......... g 7. . . . . . . . . . . . :..........................:. . . . . . . . . . . :. . . . . . . . . . . . www.kylecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@;aol.com lirl "On the i~ter~et, nobody l~_ows you re a ~y dog. emalt: bittergirl@qsyndlcate.com 22 N{ETR©STAR January 2010 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 I’FW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 wxvw.habanainn.cora I,~GNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, MR 800-2 t 0-8401 v~w.magneticvalleyresor t.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.gT. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am Chuck Breckenridge JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK j udygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NXgr EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM 597 M Road Whether buying or sdling I’1l work hard for you. Northwest Arkansas Center For Equality "Linking Togetker as One" DIXc~RSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com For more information: GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline 888-391-9222 v~vw.nwacenterforequality.org Tulsa, OK 74158 179 Church Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 ........... x~a~.v.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oldahoma City, OK ,~vw.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 wwv.bambooloungetulsa.com starnews@sbcgiobal.com OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK ~,~v. okstonewall.org CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC !24 N. BOSTON %tsa, OK 9 I8-584-9494 -,,v~v,a: clubmaj es tict ulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPR£SSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 N~/39TH ~RESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 v~vw.habanainn.com HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thru Sat 2pm to 2am www.metrostarnews.corn K ] A C ¥ A S L ] A L ¥ E S STAR A~VERT~S~G ~{ETROSTAR 23 �HELP US BRIHG OELAHOMA IHTO THE 21ST CENTURY! "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What matters, as aJways, is not what we can’t do, it’s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Party. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the GLBI" community, we are working to make change and shape history. T We meet the 1st Tuesday of every month a~ ~he OKLAHOMA STATE MOCRAT C PARTY Avenue, OkJahorna City EADQUARTERS � 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 LOCAL NEWS N NAT[ON&L NEWS N WORLD NEWS ~{ L[FEST}[Lg ~5~ [~’[~ N , N THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA FlashBack The STAR Exclusive Lily Tomlin Intervie~v Front Cover March 2007......> Oklahoma News Flash Backs -Page 3-4 Photo Flash Backs - Page 8 & 11 VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1 Twitter.corn!MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com ~EE ! JANUARY 1,2011 Ask, on’ Tel heads By Rex Wockner Obama plans to sign the bill quickly, but that will nor end the ban. Gay servicemembers will need to stay in the closet for a few more months. After Obama signs the measure, he and the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must certify that the military is ready for the change and that it will not harm military readiness or effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting or member retention. Then after that DADT repeal will take effect 60 days later. Xhe process is expected to proceed relatively smoothly. "No longer will patriots be forced to lie in order to serve the country they love and are willing to die f?r," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "~his vote gy:the United Sta{es Senate will have Presi&nt Barack Obama. ~Wockn~rphoto extremely pOsitive rippl~ effects well b~yo~d " Dont Ask; Dont Tell. Our government has ,WA~SHINGTON, DC Don’t Ask, sent a powerful message that discrimination,,, Dont %11, the military’s ba~on open gays, " on any level, should not be tolerated lS " headed for the dustbin of history. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network The Senate voted 65-31 on Dec. 18 to authorize the policy’s repeal and sent the measure to President Barack Obama for his signature. Eight Republicans joined all but one Democrat in voting to repeal the ban. They were Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, Scott Brown of Massachusetts, Richard Burr of North Carolina, John Ensign of Nevada, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Lisa Murkowski ofAlaska and George Voinovich of Ohio. Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia did not vote. Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis called on the Pentagon to cease DADT discharges during the months between now and when repeal is finalized. "I respectfully ask Defense Secretary Robert Gates to use his a[tthority to suspend all Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell investigations during this interim period," Sarvis said. "Until the president signs the bill, until there is certification and until the 60-day congressional period is over, no one should ........Continued See DADT Page-5 Enid P-Flag Presents the 2011 Winter Bal ENID, OK On Saturday Night, January 22, 2011 Enid’s Symphony Hall will coine alive with the festivities of P-Flag’s (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) gala major event, the Winter Ball. N~e event runs from 8 p.m. until midnight and will include a live DJ, light food, a catered ba,; and a professional photographer to take photos of the partiers upon request. Tickets for the Ball are $10 and can be ordered by contacting Enid P-Flag. Xhis event is sponsored by Cross~valk United Church, Enid’s only official open and affirming church. Since opening in March of this year a~ 1319 S. Van Buren Enid’s GLBT community center, which is named simply, "N~e Center", has been busy and activities are growing. Through the Center Enid’s P-Flag chapter provides free counseling find mediation, and recently added free rapid HIV testing. Enid’s P-Flag is also partnering with other organizations through their Bridge Building Program for which GLBTWA youth and young adults sign up to assist people in need of help with tasks such as raking leaves, putting up or taking down holiday decorations, delivering hot meals or other useful activities. Not only does this program help provide needed volunteers, it also connects GLBTQA youth and young adults to the mainstream community and allows them to share their stories of diversity as the beneficiaries get to know them. During this holiday season food has been donated ftom the Center to the Horn of Plenty, which is Enid’s largest food bank. ........Continued See ENID Page-15 Metro to Retire F .er & By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Chaz Ward Founder and Publisher ofthe 7hlsa based Mewo Star Newspaper retires at 71. TULSA, OK __ "It’s the right time to retire. The business is changing and needs younger blood with nexv ideas. It’s been hard work but very rewarding to inform, unite and entertain the GLBT community of Oklahoma and the surrounding region." Chaz Ward When Mr. Ward decided ro start a GLBT focused newspaper he did so with mixed hopes, appropriate apprehensions, and small beginnings. The purpose for starting this enterprise as the Ozarks Star in 2003 was to provide the unrepresented gay community of southxvest Missouri, northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas with a viable voice. It was just a digest size black and white news and information magazine with just 12 pages, four advertisers and a circulation under 700 distributed in Joplin and Springfield, Missouri, Fayetteville, At’kansas, Pittsburg, Kansas and Tulsa. Even then he lmew he ~vas getting into a challenging fidd where countless entrepreneurs had come and gone in that region alone. Then as now in this area of the United States gay newspapers deal with limited advertising revenue because so many business owners are reluctant to be seen in a gay focused publication. "The limited revenue forced us ro rely on part time staff~vorking primarily as a labor of tove, which makes ir tough going," said Mr. \Yard. He would also be dealing with fear and animosity towards the GLBT community, but he had seen toughe~~" times. Growing up in Oklahoma City as a teenager in the mid 1950s he faced what was then a different world. Oklahoma City had only one gay bat’, the Mayflower, and even that oasis of GLBT life was subjected to constant police harassment for which there was no recourse. Homosexuality was considered a mental illness, sodomy laws were tstilt on the books, and gay rights (let alone marriage) weren’t even considered worthy of discussion by mainstream society. Understandably, along with many other GLBT people, he moved to California where the environment was at least a little better, working in management with a nationa! building services firm until his retirement in 1994. He then began buying and remodeling old homes ro resell, one of which he turned into a bed & breald’ast in Joplin that he operated and where the Ozarks Star was born in 2003. Although he knew from firsthand observation what he was getting into, he began his publication xvith lots of encouragement from the areas GLBT community. After selling the bed and breakfast in 2004, he moved to Tulsa and renamed the paper simply, "The Star." At that time the largest publication was the Gayly Oklahoman, which focused primarily on local news, while the Star dealt more with entertainment and syndicated columns. When the Gayly ceased publication in 2006 after 22 years as the primary news source for the GLBT community and a restart failed that same year, The Star became Oklahoma’s largest GLBT newspaper with a new role to fulfill. Victor Gorin, formerly with the Gayly Oklahoman, began working at the Metro Star serving as Copy Editor, writer, working in ad sales, photography and distribution primarily for the Oklahoma City area, joined by writers Robin Dorner and Jeanne Flanigan. Also coming on board in Tulsa were writer Michael Sasser, distributor Bill Francisco and photographer Judy Gabbard. Later becoming the Metro Star in 2007, the paper had grown to a circulation of 4000 to 5000, changed from a magazine to a tabloid, had gained credibility as a viable source of news and information for the GLBT community of Oklahoma which included national news along with local events and entertainment features. ........Continued See METRO STAR Page- 15 22 o5 est Gay Rese S~rvice Road banain .C 2221 Follow us on Fac~book Major Credit Cards Accepted 2 January 1, 2011 [] [] Paul ~ompson passes Away Leaving a lifetime ofService ( 93 o20 0) Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association ~des Again For 25th ye~ars the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association has held this annual Memorial Day weekend event which celebrates gay cowboys & cowgirls with their friends. Held as always at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, the rodeo is like any other with regular roping and riding events, and unlike most others with campy "Drag Races" and goat dressing competitions. This rodeo now ranks among the top 4 rodeos of the International Gay Rodeo Association, which comprises over 20 rodeos in the United States and Canada. Kelly Kirby receives the Equality Oklahoma’s Lifetime Achievement Award Paul ~hompson was a well known activist for the GLBT community, starting from the early 1970s when he w~s arrested for public lewdness for publicly kissing a man on the neck. He fought his case and won, and he continued the rest of his life working to make things better not only" ~br the GLBT community but also other marginalized minorities. He had co-chaired OGLPC fiom 1992 until tis death on March 4 o~: this year. He also had co-chaired the OKC Pride Parade and Festival for many years, and was instrmnental in arranging the first one in 1987. In addition he was a tireless activist with the Oldahoma Democratic Party:, was an active board member ~vith the Oklahoma City chapter of the NAACP and also served on the Martin Luther King Parade Committee. His life made a major impact on the lives and future of GLBT Oldahomans and others seeking justice and equality. Cimarron Alliance Foundation acquires new once and gets a new Director Cimarron Alliance dates back to its original formation in 1995, beginning then as a Political Action Committee striving to promote gay or gay friendly candidates and legislation in Oklahoma. In 1997 the Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed in order to enable the organization to accept tax deductible contributions and work towards educational efforts for the GLBT community and Oklahomans in general about their issues. They acquired their first office this year at 729 N.W. 17th Street, and also hired their first fulltime Executive Director, Scott Hamilton. He strives to keep the Foundation going strong during these tough times stating, "You keep going because the needs do not abate just because money is tight. If you bdieve in social justice that doesn’t stop until there is justice." At their 30th annual Equality Gala Banquet, Equality Otdahoma bestowed their Lifetime Achievement Award on Kelly Kirby. A veteran and successful businessman xvith his own accounting firm, he was honored for over 20 years of activism on behalf of the GLBT community in Tulsa. Not going overboard he stated modestly afterwards, " I would have to say that at 56 years old the word lifetime is a bit daunting." Oklahoma City holds their 23rd Annual Pride Parade and Festival From humble beginnings in 1987, the Oklahoma Pride Parade and Festival once again brought people together to parry, reminisce, and stand together. N~is year it was accompanied by the banners of Cimarron Alliance displayed on the lampposts along the parade route on Classen Boulevard. N~is time it also began with an outrageously fun block party on Friday night June 25th on the 39th Street Strip, follmved by the Festival in Memorial Park Saturday and Sunday which is the beginning point of the Parade. The Parade ~cked off on grand style at 5 p.m., much glamorized by this year’s Grand Marshall, Ginger Lamar. Miss Lamar ( a,k,a, Queen Supreme, Beauty with a Bite, Queen of the F---king Universe) has been a mainstay in the OKC entertainrnent scene for over 30 years. A wild emcee never caught short for a wisecrack or snappy comeback, she has delighted audiences in a style all her own. Today she still reigns as the emcee Saturday nights at the Boom, a proud Oklahoma tradition that truly did it her way. Pride Parade and Festival Celebrated in Tulsa On June 5 Tulsa held their 14th Pride Parade, followed by their biggest festival yet in Centennial Park. N~is year their Parade Marshall was the Reverend Martin Lavanhar, Senior Pastor of Allsouls Unitarian Church ofTulsa. He was honored for his courage shown when he spoke at a conference in Uganda rallying against efforts by that nation to make homosexuali.ty a crime punishable by the death penalty. Aiding a sister Unitarian church in Uganda for this cause was a very risky undertaking but he felt he had to make a stand saying, "I’m 4! years old and I%e never been called upon to go overseas to risk my life for freedom. In some ways this was that kind of call." When he returned safely Toby Jenkins, the Director of Equality Oldahoma stated, "We had to hono~ this wonderful man, to let people know that this straight minister fi’om Oldahoma was only one of m,o ministers who was at this conference in Uganda." Enid gets their first GLBT Commtmky Center, and holds their first Pride Celebration One might not think a town like Enid, well known for its conservatism, grain elevators and their powerful football team( the Enid Plainsman) as a place for a gay scene, but yet this has emerged. Enid High School has a Gay/Straight Alliance, a local P-Flag Chapter ( Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), and now a GLBT community center called simply the Center at 1319 S. V3n Buren. Everything fi’om HIV testing to dances are held there, ~long with many groups now forming tip. ~ihis year Enid celebrated their 2nd Pride Festival as Meadowlake Park came to life with vendors and entertainers followed by an evening firewor~ sho,a: This time over 400 people came to savor the solidarity and enjoy the fun. SSRA Rodeo -Back a~er 5 years in Grand Style Back after 5 years, the Sooner State Rodeo Association was again in full swing. Hosted this time by the Ramada Inn East, the event was held on October’s first weekend at the Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort in Sperry. Founded in 2002, SSRA is a member of the International Gay Rodeo Association. 0 Y A CONGREGATION OF THE ~N~T~D CHURCH OF CHRIST Join us Sundays at 6pro 3901 NW 63rd St www.cohokc.com God is still speaMng, Ban Empi~ ’uptcv ® Civil Rights ~Criminal ’ment ® Family Law ® Litigation January 1, 2011 i 3 School Board As a well known activist who has proudly marched in OKC’s Pride Parade carrying a sign that says "Gay Teacher", Joe Quigley has for years been a tireless advocate for equality and safe schools for all students, including those GLBT or perceived to be. For this he has gained the respect and admiration of not only the GLBT community but also that of countless of fair-minded Oklahomans. A teacher with the Oklahoma City School District since 1994 with 10 years of satisfactory appraisals, he was at Northwest Classen High School when in May of 2009 the Oklahoma City School Board voted to fire him. Although they claimed it was for poor performance, Mr. Quigley and his supporters saw it as a ruse to get rid of him due to his advocacy for GLBT students. With the help of the American Federation ofTeachers he took them to court where District Judge Barbara Swinton not only ruled in his favor, but apologized to him on behalf of how he was treated by the district. The District appealed, and. Judge Swinton’s ruling was upheld. The Oklahoma City School Board has now appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. At this time Mr.Quigley is now in a permanent position teaching English at Douglass High School; N O ahoma attempts Exemption from Federal Hate Crimes Law In October of 2009 Presiden{ obama signed into taw expanded Federal Hate Crimes protections to include real or perce@ed sexual orientation or gender identity as well as disabilit)’ and gender. Although this was hailed by the GLBT community and other activists as a long overdue step forward, it was also condemned by some religious groups and other conservatives nationwide who claimed that this measure promoted homosexuality and stifled fi’ee speech. Oklahoma was no exception, and in early 2010 State Senator Steve Russell introduced legislation to exempt Oldahoma from this provision, prohibiting Oklahoma law enforcement authorities from cooperating with the Federal government investigating these ty-pes of hate crimes. After overwhehning passage in the Senate, it went to the State House of Representatives where State Representative Mike Shelton, in a brilliant procedure of legislative maneuvering, got this legislation stopped. He had this to say as to why-- "There are pastors who wear the veil of Chrisrianity who support this legislation. As a Christian this offends me because the Jesus I know doesn’t stand for that." Mr. Shelton later received Cimarron Alliance’s Legislator of the Year Award, an honor shared with State Senator Judy Eason McIntyre ofTulsa. Oldahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Moves from Surv "va Mode back to Recovery During late 2009 and into this year, the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus ( known as OGLPC) was in survival mode. Formed in the early 1980s, the group had a long history of advocacy and education for the GLBT community, and was most famous for their voter guides mailed out to GLBT voters and their allies. However, during 2009 and into this year attendance had fallen to the point that the group could not function. Paul Thompson, who had been the male co-chair of the group since 1992, was trying to revive the group when he passed away during March of this year. Determined to carry on the legacy of OGLPC, co-chairs Jeanne Flanigan and Steven Dubois have been working to rebuild the group, and to reform it as a PAC ( Political Action Committee) that ~vill enable OGLPC to do fulfill their goals more effectively. They look forward greater milestones ahead. N Brittany Novomy made history when she ran against State Representative Sally Kern Sally Kern had already made a name for herself long before she sha@d a spotlight with Brittany. First elected in 2004 as a self described "Kernse~-~ative", she gained international notoriety’ after a speech she gave to a Republican gathering was secretly taped and posted on youtube. This speech stated that "gays are a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam"and that "no societ~r" that has embraced homosexuality has lasted for more than a few decades."She led the charge to get the book "King and King" ( ~ story" for children about a gay prince) removed from the Children’s Section of Oklahoma County- Libraries, labeling it "obscene." She also graced the front page of the Metro Star when she presented her Proclamation for Morality at the Oklahoma State Capitol, which claimed that America’s economic woes were due to "abortion~ pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse and other forms of debauchery." In 2010 Brittany Novotny threw her hat in the ring to give District 84 voters a choice. An Oklahoma Cite~ attorney and activist with the Young Democrats, she was the first transgendered person ever to run for public once in Oklahoma. However she made it a point not to focus on that issue, but rather on things that she felt mattered more for average raional Oldahomans like jobs, education and transportation that Sally had neglected due to her focus of social issues. AJthough she lost to Ms.Kern in the Red Sweep of the November general elections, BrittaW still made history and will no doubt make more in the future. Tramps continues the Proud Tradition ofHave a Heart An annual event of love happens . appropriately each year around Valentine’s Day at Tramps with their Have a Heart Benefit Show and Auction. It began as the creation of the late Larry Crosby, then a coowner ofTramps and Sister Gall Addis who was then with Catholic Charities’ Loaves and Fishes Program, which provided meals ~’~r those living with HIV.Although Larry has passed away his sister, Canaille Rohn who is still a part owner ofTramps, along with the stat~" and many volunteers again made this event a fabulous success. This year over $8,000 was raised. Richard Ogden sworn in an Oldahoma Regent [ Openly gay attorney and longtime activist Richard Ogden was appointed by Governor Brad Henry to the Board of Regents of the Regional University" System of Oklahoma on June 10. He was sworn in by District Judge Barbara Sxvinton. As a regent Mr. Ogden will be part of that governing board which is responsible for the hiring of university presidents. Tulsa adopts Non- Discrimination Policy for City Employees On June 17 the Tulsa Cit-y Council voted 6-3 to adopt a nondiscrimination policy for municipal employees on the basis of sexual orientation, ,~though in 1975 then Mayor Robert LaFortune commissioned a report recommending adoption of this policy; the report was rejected Iia 1994 the Tulsa GLBT community participated in formal hearings in favor of this policy, only to be denied again. The Tulsa Human Rights Commission had been recommending this change for over 15 years. I~a-is Wilmes, Oklahomans for Equality’s Advocacy Director stated, "This makes such a strong statement to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming and sensible island in a state that is often ridiculed for being intolerant and unjust towards marginalized populations." Tulsa now joins other Oklahoma cities who have this policy for their employees, Del City, Mtus, McAlester,Miami, Noble and Vi.nita. Tulsa School Board Votes for GLBT clusive Nondiscrimination Policy During September the Tulsa School Board voted unanimously to include GLBT persons in their nondiscrimination/anti-bullying policy for teachers, students and parents. Tami Marler, a spokesperson for the Tulsa Public Schools, stated that this change was made in accordance with recommendations by the Civil Rights Office of the U.S. Department of Education. With this measure they now join the school districts of Norman and Oklahoma City ~vho also have this policy, . although Oklahoma City’s policy goes further in also protecting gender identity. "At Century 2t Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPL~ 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 By Rex Wockner Dan Choi hospitalized Activist Dan Choi. Wocknerphoto Leading Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell activist Dan Choi said Dec. 14 that he was committed to a veterans hospital psychiatric ward on Dec. 10, the day after the U.S. Senate again refused to authorize repeal of the DADT ban on open gays in the military. On Dec. 18, the Senate reversed course and voted 65-31 to authorize the repeal. (See separate story.) In an on-the-record e-mail sent from his iPhone, Choi said he had experienced "a breakdown and anxiety, attack." "(T)he failures of government and national lobbying carry consequences far beyond the careers and reputations of corporate leaders, elected o~cials, high powered lobbyists or political elites." Choi wrote. "They ruin lives. My breakdown was a result of a cumulative array of stressors but there is no doubt that the composite betrayals felt on Thursday, by elected leaders and gay organizations as wel! as many who have exploited my name for their marketing purposes, have added to the result." Choi was released from the hospital several days later and sounded like himself in a telephone interview with CNN on Dec. 18. Activists hope to force teaching ofgay history A bill introduced in the California Legislature by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, would require that LGBT people be fairly and accurately included in school teaching material. ~ihe measure is sponsored by Equality California and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network. ~ae bill also prohibits the State Board of Education from using instructional material that discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. EQCA said that if enacted, the law "would add LGBT to the existing list of underrepresented cultural and ethnic groups (that) are covered by current la~v related to inclusion in textbooks and other instructional materials in schools." "LGBT people should not be pushed into the closefwhen it comes to what students learn about history," said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. "Educating youth about the contributions ofLGBT Californians and our state’s rich diversity will help foster true acceptance of LGBT students and will ultimately create a safe school environment for all students." GSA Network Executive Director Carolyn Laub added, "LGBT youth are denied a fair education xvhen they are exposed to harmful stereotypes in classroom materials and are excluded from learning about their history." Leno said that "most textbooks don’t include any historical information about the LGBT movement." "Our collective silence on this issue perpetuates negative stereotypes ofLGBT people and leads to increased bullying of young people," he said. "We can’t simultaneously tell youth that it’s OK to be yourself and live an honest, open life when we aren’t even teaching students about historical LGBT figures or the LGBT equal rights movement." UN secretary-general, US ambassador attend LGBT event United Nations Secretary-General Ban Yd,moon and the United States’ U.N. ambassador. Susan Rice. joined a high-level U.N. panel Dec. 10 that condemned anti-gay violence and the criminalization of same-sex relations. The Human Rights Day event was hosted by several nations and organized by the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Human Rights Watch and other organizations. "Violence will end only when we confront prejudice," Ban said. "Stigma and discrimination will end only when we agree to speak out. That requires all of us ro do our part -- to speak out at home, at work, in our schools and communities." "Where there is tension between cultural attitudes and universal human rights, universal human rights must carry the day," he said. "Personal disapproval, even society’s disapproval, is no excuse to arrest, detain, imprison, harass or torture anyone -- ever. ... Human Rights Day commemorates the Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights. It is not called the Partial Declaration of Human Rights. It is not the Sometimes Declaration o~Human Rights. It is the Universal Declaration, guaranteeing all human beings their basic human rights, without exception." Rice told the gathering: "The story ofmy country is, in part, a story of the expanding boundaries of rights and dignity -- of the way that discrimination and prejudice have been countered by acceptance and equality. I feel dais deeply and I feel it very personally. Even at a time of profound challenges at home and abroad, we dare not give up on the great causes of equality and fundamental rights. And that includes the pursuit of full and equal rights for the millions of people in this country and around the world ,vho are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender." "Change," Rice said, "comes from people ... who refuse to move to the back of the bus. It comes from the leaders, the activists, and the ordinary men and women who believe that all human beings have equal worth, equa! dignity, equal consequence -- and equal rights. This conviction underpins the significant steps that the United States has taken over the past two decades to advance the human rights of all of those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender." The event was sponsored by U.N. missions from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, France, Gabon, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and the United States and by the Delegation of the European Commission. Illinois passes civil-union law The Illinois Legislature passed a civilunion bill Dec. 1 and Gov. Pat Quinn said he will sign it into law. Gay or straight couples wilt be able to enter into a civil union starting in July. The unions will carry the san~e state-level rights as marriage. ~ae vote in the Senate was 32-24. ~e vote in the House of Representatives was 61-52. "(These days), legislator after legislator talks about ’my gay daughter;’ ’my gay brother,’" Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy Rick Garcia told Windy City Times. "The most politically powerful thing gay people can do is to come out to family and friends.... Illinoisans are middle-of-the-road, very steadfast folks, so [ think {’this bill~ passage) bodes well for our community across the country." Freedom to Marry Executive Director Evan Wolfson ~velcomed the new iaw as a "step," but said "civil union is no substitute" for marriage. "States that have created civil union as a means of both giving and withholding -- providing legal protections wMle withholding the freedom to marry and all its meaning -- have found that civil union falls far short of marriage vcith al! its tangible and intangible significance in our lives," Wolfson said. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley sounded a similar note Dec. 2, saying: "Eventually marriage will take place. It has to be.... We have to move faster." Same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C. In addition, New York and Maryland recognize same-sex marriages that take place elsewhere in the nation or world. Civil-union or domestic-partnership laws that grant all state-level rights of marriage are in place in California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington. Laws that grant same-sex couples some of the rights of marriage are in place in Colorado, Hawaii and Maine. California is a further case unto itself. Same-sex marriage was legal from June to November 2008, when voters amended the state constitution via Proposition 8 to put a stop to it. The couples who married then are still legally married, as are other same-sex couples who live in California and got married anywchere in the world before Prop 8 passed. Gay couples who married somewhere else after Prop 8 passed, or ~vho marry elsewhere in the future, receive every state-level right and obligation of marriage in California except for the legal right to call their marriage a "marriage" when they are in California. They are not recognized under the state’s domestic partnership law, but rather are married.cou,p,les who are denied use of the word "marriage. N January 1, 2011 5 O ahomans Eqt ality hires new Execrative ~e Board of Directors of Equal:t). Oklahoma hired Toby Jenkdns as their new Execut@e Directoi; beginning his duties October 1 .He had served on their Board of Directors since 2008 and has a 13 year history of volunteering for the organization. He has been employed at the Tulsa County Courthouse :[))r 18 years and has for the past 11 years served as the Civil Appeals Court Clerk to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice and a BA degree in Biblical Linguistics and Pastoral Studies. He also holds a masters degree in theolo~~ and has done graduate work in the Sociology of Aging. He has 2 married children and a granddaughter. He is glad to be there stating, "It~ a great honor to work for an organization that saves lives every day. I believe we must do more tO address to needs of our community and challenge them to step up to volunteer service." Norm Teenager commits Suicide af,er Ci W Co nci Meeting Abo t GLBT History On September 27 the Norman City Council voted 7-1 to approve a proclamation ~br GLBT History Month. The Norman Human Rights Commission wrote the proclamation after much deliberation, and there was a great deal of positive publicity concerning the Council’s action. Howevm; this approval met with strong opposition from some Norman residents who showed up at that meeting to air their protests, many using stereotypical and negat@e references to homosexuality. This was wimessed by Zach Harrington, a 19 year old gay Norman resident who had heard similar sentiments when he had been bullied as a student at Norman North High School. Although his parents, Van and Nancy Harrington and his sister Nikki were aware of and supportive of his lifestTle, the sentiments he heard expressed yet again apparently were too much and he took his life at his parents’ home October 10. A candlelight vigil was held for him October 13. Margaret Cox, Don & Mick Schirron honored at the Cimarron Alliance Awards Gala Margaret Cox was honored with the Cimarron .Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award for many years spent to help women achieve equality through her work with the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Organization for \7~/omen, and for ~vork helping the GLBT community through Herland Sister Resources and Cimarron Alliance. Also honored as Legislators of the Year were State Representative Mike Shelton and State Senator Judy Eason Mclntyre. Don Hawkins and Mick Schirron received the Media Avcard as former owners of the Gayly Oldahoman, which began operation in 1983 and was Oklahoma’s longest lasting and largest GLBT newspaper. Beginning as a monthly paper with a circulation of 4000, it later grew to a biweekly publication with a circulation of 10,000. Due to a changing business climate and personal commitments, Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Schirron sold the Gayly in 2006 to Andrew Hiclcs and the late Heather Harp ofTulsa. Although reincorporated, the paper resumed operation in March 15 2006 and ceased publication in December 15 of that same year. Currently the Oklahoma Historical Society is copying an entire set of the Gayly OHahomans on microfilm. @ AIDS Walk O ahoma "Each Step Brings Hope" was the theme for the AIDSXX/-alk 2010 which took place September I9 for the 12th year of this event. Previously held in October, the date ,vas moved up and the location changed to the Sonic Plaza in Bricktown, this time also accompanied by a 5K run that morning. Money raised from this event goes to help those in the OHahoma City area infected and/affected by HIM Arnold ’%rna Lee" Smith passes away at 83 As a longtime club owner, activist and entertainer Arnold Lee Smith, best known as Arna Lee, left a legacy of pride, hope and fond memories for GLBT OHahomans. He was a pioneer, spearheading efforts that won Oklahoma City’s GLBT community many freedoms they now take for granted. When he was a club owner, with a club called Lee’s Lounge in the early 1960s, he endured relentless police harassment and never backed down. Longtime partiers remember police raids where he was arrested along with his customers, and he would bail them out along with himself and re-open his bar that same night. Later he opened Oklahoma’s first premier showbar, the Roadhouse, where many big name Oklahoma entertainers got their start. Later he also owned a steamy dance club called the Outrigger from 1979 until 1981. After a sojourn in Florida, he opened another bar complex also called nostalgically the Roadhouse in 1995, which closed after a year of operation, and then went partly into retirement, still doing shows in various clubs for many good causes. \ghen his heath failed and he entered the Norman Veterans Center Nursing Home, he passed away October 3 I. He was missed by his many friends, and honored because he madea difference for the GLBT community of Oldahoma. be investigated or discharged under this discriminatory law. :.. Certification and the 60-day congressional requirement must be wrapped tip no later than the first quarter of 2011." Sarvis called the repeal of the ban "the defining civil rights initiative of this decade." Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart called the I7-year fight to overturn the ban "a heroic political battle by LGBT advocates who refused to give up." In a statement Defense Secretary Robert Gates said: "Once this legislation is signed into law by the president the Department of Defense will immediately proceed with the planning necessary to carry out this Change carefully and methodically, but purposefully: This effort will be led by Dr. Clifford Stanley, Undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. The legislation provides that repeal will take effect once the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that implementation of the new policies and regulations written by the department is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the armed forces .... I will approach this process deliberately and xvill make such certification only after careful consultation with the military service chiefs and our combatant commanders and when I am satisfied that those conditions have been met for all the Services, commands and units. It is therefore important that our men and women in uniform understand that while today’s historic vote means that this policy will change, the implementation and certification process will take an additional period of time. In the meantime, the current law and policy will remain in effect." Obama issued-a statement that said: "Today, the Senate has taken an hist~oric step toward ending a policy that undermines our national security while violating the very ideals that our brave men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend. By ending Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell, no longer will our nation be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans forced to leave the militao; despite years of exemplary performance, because they happen to be ga}~ and no longer will many thousands more be asked to live a lie in order to serve the country they love. As commander-in-chief, I am also absolutely convinced that making this change will only underscore the professionalism of our troops as the best led and best trained fighting f6rce the world has ever known. And I join the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; as well as the overwhehning majority of service members asked by the Pentagon, in knowing that we can responsibly transition to a new policy while ensuring our military strength and readiness. It is time to close this chapter in our history. It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gendm; religion or creed. It is time to al!ow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their country openly." "First ursday" Art Opening and E ibit of Original Works by Tulsa World Editorial Cartoonist o Bruce Planteo TULSA, OK (PR) __ The January" Oldahomans for Equality (OlcEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature works by Tulsa World Editorial Cartoonist Bruce Plante. Bruce lcnew, while growing up in Texarkana, Ark., that drawing and humor were in his future: He began drawing cartoons in the second grade and began performing standup comedy in the sixth grade. As a sophomore at the University of Arkansas Bruce became the editorial cartoonist for the Arkansas Traveler, the school newspaper. He graduated the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in 1977. In 1985, Bruce became the first staffeditorial cartoonist for The Chattanooga Times and held that position for 22 years. On Oct. 22, 2007 Bruce was lured away from Chattanooga to Tulsa, taking the position of edit0i:ial cartoonist.for the Tulsa World, replacing the late Doug Marlette. In 1989, he creatdd Plante Ink syndicate which distributes his editorial cartoons to 40 subscribers throughout the United States. His cartoons have been reprinted in The New York Times, USA Today;The %~ashington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Newsweek International (Europe), Newsweek Japan, Playboy; Sports Illustrated, Discover, CBS, CNN, college and high school textbooks and even the Iowa Achievement Test. In 1985, Bruce won Showtime’s Funniest Person in Aa’aerica Contest. He performed standup for 4 years for audiences as large as 3,000 and speak~s to more than 30 civic groups and schools every year. The show begins with a reception on ~lt~ursday, JanualT 6th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month, www.okeq. org Free help By Steven Petrow &even Petrozv is tt§e author of"The Essential Boot: ofGay Manners &Etiquette. Send him your questions at qUeerieS@live.com. "Too affectionate at the mall?" is not to hook-up; you’re making a political statement. ¯ Follow the leader: Breal~ only one rule at a time. Don’t go rogue on your comrades, (i.e. no name-calling, clashing with police). ° Be clean and kissable: Bring your breath mints; you may be kissing a lot of strangers. Don’t hog the best kissers. If everyone else is moving on to a new partner, it’s time to let go. Elton John to sing against Prop 8 Elton John will perform a private concert in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 19 to raise money for the ongoing federal lawsuit against Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage in California. ~tle concert, to benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rigi~ts, which hired the gay side’s superstar attorneys, Ted Olson and David Boles, will take place at the Green Acres estate of billionaire political fundraiser Ron Burlde. "We are deeply honored to have the support of Sir Elton John," said AFER Board President Chad Griffin. ’!The American Foundation for Equal Rights stands for the enduring principle that all Americans are created equal, and believes that ending statesanctioned discrimination is a critical step we must tal~e toward ending the hate crimes and suicides that continue to claim the lives of young Americans." John has not always been a supporter of same-sex marriage. On Nov. 12, 2008, eight days after voters passed Prop 8, he told USA Today: "What is wrong with Proposition 8 is that they went for marriag.e Marriage is going to put a lot of people off, the word ’marriage’. ... I dont want to be married. I m very happy with a civil partnership. If BY people want to get married, or get together, they should have a civil partnership.... Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships." Prop 8 was struck down as unconstitutional at the federal district court level. The ruling is currently on appeal at the U.S. 9th Circuit Court ofAppeals, which heard oral arguments on Dec. 6. For concert ticket information, e-mail events@afer.org. 3131 January 1, 2011 I 7 Tulsa Eagle Staffready to serve the crowd at thier 2009 New Years Eve Black &White Ball, and did they ever! Sooner &ate Softball Association Games promised an ex’citing summer 2010. Shown above is Oklahoma Chaos Team ofOklahoma Ci~ Gorin photo .............MORE Photo’s on page 11 8 January 1, 2011 AffirmingChurch in Owasso expands ministry to gay OWASS0;OK (PR)~ ~.Table UCC h~ ~0urd~ and ~fi~ort for G~TQS~yo~t~ ~i~i~)~e Youth gr~U~ is c~i~ ~nPlace. ~ey m;et0n F~i~ay ev~fiings from 6:30pm t0 8~00pm. B~ginning the 3rd Monday in Janua~ they will have k PF~G meeting from 7’8 p.m. Rev Melinda Foster leads the congregation and they meet at 202 S Cedar, Suite E, Ow~so OK 74q55. Rev. Melinda Foster can be reached at 918-693- 0458. For more information visit: http://opentableucc.com/ Nommanons Comm ity Heroes TULSA, OK (PR) Oklahomans for Equality is now taldng nominations to recognize individuals or groups who have made an impact on the work for equality for the LGBT community. These awards are presented at the annual Equality Gala on April 30, 2011, Tulsa Convention Center Ballroom. The following awards are presented: Lifetime Achievement Award- Recognizes a lifetime dedication tothe cause of equality for LGBT community in O~ahoma. Past recipients include Nancy McDonald, Dennis Neill and Kelly Kirby. This award is nor always presented, annually. Community Heroes- Recognize ~hose individuals and groups who have represented or served our community in the previous year. Many of these hdroes have "taken a bullet" for our cause. Past recipients include Council Oak Mens Chorale, Jim Roth, Carol Crawford, Tim Williams, and Kelly Carter. The Russell Bennett Award for Spiritual Inclusion - Presented to a faith leader who leads and supports affirming the faith of the LGBT community in our local congregations. Past winners include Rev. Leslie Penrose, Rabbi Sherman and Rev. Richard Ziglar. Grand Marshal for the Tulsa Gay Pride Parade June 11 th- Recognizes an individual who has supported the LGBT community in a courageous and visible manner. Past recipients have been 11 year old Noah Blatt and the Rev Marlin Lavanhar for his advocacy work for the gay community in Uganda. You can download a form at http://www.okeq.org/wp-content/ uploads/2010/12/nominationform. pdf Please return completed form to: Oklahomans for Equality PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 or email paul. allen@okeq.org Rev S eve uric spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and Blessed Day! January 1, 2011 Creep ofthe Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne ~tkowski has been gayforpay since 2003. Shes aJ~eelance zortter andpoet (believe ~t:9. When she’s not taking on the creeps ofthe world she reviews rock ~’ toll shows in Detroit with her ~oin sister "John McCain" 10 January 1, 2011 I wish I still had my dog-eared and tattered copy of Conduct Unbecoming so I could send it to John McCain. Not that he’d bother ro read it. The U.S. military’s vicious anti-gay history with its vcitch-hunts and outright persecution of gay service members probably isn’t of much interest to McCain. Especially since "don’t ask, don’t tell" solved everything. Don’t you dare try to tell him anything different. During a Nov. 28 appearance on "State of the Union" with host Candy Crowley, McCain actually had the audacity to claim that "don’t ask, don’t tell" is an effective policy that doesn’t harm anyone, gay or straight, and that the call for its repeal is just politics. "There was no uprising in the military," he said. "There were no problems in the military with ’don’t ask, don’t tell.’" "If you were gay it was a problem," Crowley interjected. "No it wasn’t," McCain snapped. "It’s called ’don’t ask, don’t tell,’ okay? Ifyou don’t ask them, you don’t ask somebody, and they don’t tell." Got that? It works. End of story. Crowley tried to ask McCain something else, but he cut her off. "I understand your point of view. I understand the poil~t of view by the majority of the media," he said. "But the fact is, this was a political promise made by an inexperienced president or candidate for presidency of the United States." In other words, it’s all Obama’s fault. He’s too young to know what a good idea it is to discriminate against homos in the military. Why, when McCain was Obama’s age he had to walk 15 miles in the snow uphill both ways in order to make a campaign promise likd that. "The military is at its highest point in recruitment and retention and professionalism and capability," McCain continued. "So to somehow allege that this policy has been damaging the military is simply false." Tell that to the thousands of gays and lesbians who have been booted out of the military since "don’t ask, don’t tell" was enacted. According to Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, that number is upwards ~s"R’s cal~ed ’don’t ~ k, don’t te~,’ okay? you don’t ask Ithern, you don’t ask IsorneSody, and they ~.on’t tell." ~ of 14,000. You may recall that in 2002, amid a severe shortage of Arabic-speaking translators, the Army fired six linguists trained in Arabic simply because they were gay. Apparently McCain sees this as some kind of success. "The fact is that this system is working," he told Crowley. McCain repeatedly stressed that he wanted to know what the effect ~vill be of letting gays serve openly - and that’s the operative word, "openly." Because gays already serve in the military, they just have the weight of a government-mandated closet on their backs threatening to tumble open and ruin their careers ar any moment. "I believe we need to assess the effect on the morale and battle effectiveness of those young Marines and’Army people I met at forward-operating bases that are putting their lives on the line every day," he said. Never mind that some of these "young Marines and Army people" are probably gay. McCain Said he has had "a number of" military folks come up ro him and say, "Look, we fight together, we sleep together, we ear together." His choice of anecdotes illustrates one of the main concerns ofhomophobes: that homosexuality is contagious, and the best way to guard against it is to make sure you never l~ow when and if it’s around you and to punish gays and lesbians who dare make such an enormous sacrifice to serve the country. A L G A T S L 0 T A T L L A C Y N Y T Miss Bamboo 2011 @ the Bamboo Lounge ~dsa November 2010. Staffphom @A~tes OKC]anuary 2010. Godn photo Hot Dancers @ 77~e End Up, ~dsa March 2010. ~affphoto F ash Back TobyJenkins, President, Oklahomansfor Equality and Oklahoma State Representative Al 3/IaAd~ey at the 30th Equality Gala, Tulsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella [m~es @the Copa, OKCfidy 2010. Gorin photo @ Finishline, OKCJanua,y 2010. Gorin ghoto @Alibis, OKCJune 2010. Godn ghoto April 2010 Open Arms Youth Project hosts P?vm Night. P,vm Queen, Brenda "G,andma" Bolen and Prom I~%tg, Kim W,§#enhunt. Judy G. Photo Best Wishes For Kel~ Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement Award, p,~sented by N,znoy McDonald @ the 30Anniversary Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo 3det,v Star Staff" Ginger Lamar, Grand 3darshall 2010 OKC Pride. Do,werphoto Untertaine. @ Ledo. O {C 20 OI Gon,, photo @ Club Majestic, TulsaJanuary 2010, fi~dy G. photo Sooner State Rodeo Association at the 2010 Tulsa Pride Parade. Judy Gphoto 2011, From The Metro Star Team @ Club 209, ~dsaJanua,7 2010, Ju4y G. photo Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association @ the Habana hzn Pool Party 3day 2010. Godn photo By Rex Wockner* Judges hint at Prop 8 case twists and turns 9t,§-Gtvuit Federal Court, APpoolphoto @Eric Risberg The effort to undo California’s Proposition 8 inched forward Dec. 6 when a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals entertained nearly three hours of oral arguments from the attorneys in the case. In an ornate courtroom on the third floor of San Francisco’s historic James R. Browning U.S. Courthouse, amid murals, stained glass and statues dating to 1905, the attorneys replayed some of their main arguments and the judges offered hints of where the case might go. The gay side’s lawyers, who include famed attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles, sought to defend U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling from August that Prop 8 violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process. They also argued that the parties who brought the appeal to the 9th Circuit -- the activists who created Prop 8 and the deputy county clerk of Southern California’s dusty Imperial County -- have no legal "standing" to have mounted this appeal ofWalker’s ruling. Those parties are trying to defend Prop 8 because all the public ot~cials who were sued in the case -- including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General (and Gov.-elect) Jerry Brown -- have refused to defend the voter-passed state constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage in November 2008 after it had been legal for 4 1/2 months and after t8,000 same-sex couples had married. It is unclear if the court will grant the Prop 8 proponents or Imperial County standing to allow the appeal to move forward. ~e judges seemed unimpressed by Imperial County’s desire to be let into the case. Among other things, they seemed annoyed that the deputy county clerk rather than the actual clerk is pursuing the move. As to whether the people who put Prop 8 on the ballot should be allowed to step into the shoes of the state government and defend a piece of the state constitution that the state itself refuses to defend, the judges hinted that they might bounce that question off of the California Supreme Court to see hmv it feels about the idea. If the 9th Circuit does that, it could delay appellate rulings on both the standing issue and the merits ofWalker’s decision. On the merits, Olson told the judges that California has unconstitutionally "taken a class of citizens and put them in a separate category." California gives same-sex couples all the of marriage under a domesticpartnership law, but prohibits gay couples from marrying. Under another law. gay couples who go get married somewhere else also receive all the California rights of marriage but are prohibited from calling their marriage a marriage in California. Yet other gay couples, who got married in California or somewhere else before Prop 8 passed, are considered to be married in California and are permitted to use the word. It’s very messy. All of this is discriminatory, Olson said. It harms gay Californians. ~here is no legal rational basis for it. It cannot be "justified," he said. "California has built a fence around its gay and lesbian citizens and around the institution of marriage," Olson told the judges. "That is a violation of the equalprotection clause and it’s a violation of the due-process clause." Attorney Charles Cooper for the Prop 8 proponents told the judges that his case in defense of Prop 8 centers on "procreation." In Coopers view, it is rational for the state to limit marriage to men and women because the reason marriage exists in the first place is because sex between men and women produces children. ~e state, he suggested, has a unique interest in human unions that are procreative. At the end of the day, court-watchers were talking about three things that piqued their curiosity during the oral arguments: * Will the case be delayed so the 9th Circuit panel can sound out the California Supreme Court on the question of whether people who put initiatives on the ballot should be able to defend those initiatives when they are struck down by courts? Regardless of whether the judges seek advice from the California Supreme Court, the case ¯ cannot proceed if the 9th Circuit decides that neither the Prop 8 proponents nor Imperial County has legal standing to appeal. If they do not, Walker’s ruling striking down Prop 8 would come back into force. * In hearing the appeal of Walker’s ruling, will the 9th Circuit rely solely on Walker’s expansive trial record, which seems to demolish most of the myths, lies, arguments and opinions that historically have been used to oppress gay and lesbian people? Or will the 9th Circuit look at additional sources of information and seek out other facts . ine court hinted that it may review more than just the District Court’s findings. * And has the 9th Circuit perhaps hinted that it plans to uphold \Valker’s decision but in a way that would limit the case’s impac~ to California, the only state that ever let gays get married and then later took that right away from them? The court spent a fair amount of 12 January 1, 2011 Ed Sikov is the author ofDark l/icto*_7; 7be Life ofBette Davis and other books aboutf!lms and fihnmakers. "Kahlua, Cream and Fiasco: -he White Russian" My cold lasted another week, so forget about literary reticence. Let the gross descriptions fly: Shot spewed out of my nose like raw scrambled eggs, only darke,; more translucent, and graced by tiny bloblets of blood. My lungs hacked up a hocker so gray it could have come out of an old coal miner. When I wasn’t wiping smears of sputura off my hands, sheets and nearby skin mags, ! contemplated my recent poor behavior. Dan was right: I’d become "an old-fashioned asshole." Dan was nothing but affectionate with me, even after I spat goose-shit-green mucous onto his pillow while he slept. He deserved better from me. So did my friends. When I stopped being viral, I invited Craig and Kyle to dinner. Surprisingl); Craig didn’t hang up on me when I called. "I’m sorry..." I began. He cut me off: "Listen, dollface - I’ll forgive you anything as long as you keep your tongue off my boyfriend." "Right-O!" I sang out, amxiery turning me strangely into Terry-Thomas in some British war comedy. "How about dinner here on Saturday? It’s Chicken Cacciatore and an after-dinner drink that doesn’t suck." All was well. Dinner xvas a disaster. Dan was late, so I had to wield the vacuum cleaner and a can of Pledge and set the table while trying to make what turned out to be an absurdly complicated "hunter’s style" chicken with only half the ingredients the recipe called for. (I hadn’t bothered with a shopping list. "Calling Dr. Freud! STAT!") The result was a greasy; taste-free horror - no wild mushrooms, no fresh sage or thyme, clumpy years-old garlic salt instead of garlic.... "Hunter’s style?" What were they hunting - something outof Oliver Twist? Having tasted the cacciatore, I downed some Tormore Single Malt and became morose. But when Dan waltzed in mere minutes before Craig and Kyle were supposed to show up, my irrepressible life force returned. [ became hostile. Craig and Kyle thus entered during the second act of _Who’s Afraid ofVirginia Woolf_, with me playing both George and Martha. I behaved terribly; Dan was rightly embarrassed. I might have summoned enough dignity not to spend the whole evening staring at the gap between Kyle’s bottom shirt button and his belt. a space out of which a perfect tuft of soft hair emerged. Craig noticed, much to his giee and my continuing disgrace. But dessert was fiibulous! Ttxe White Russian is one of my favorite cream-based cocktails because of its subtlety, simplicity and relative lack of.sweetness. It’s got a little Kahlua for a cafd au lair effect, vodka for some kick and thick, chilled heavy cream for the mouth-to-belly bliss that only cold dairy fat can provide. Still, two rounds of White Russians wasn’t enough to make up for hurling lettuce fragments and bacon chunks in Craig’s face after discovering that puppy Kyle had been gobbled up by Jabba the Hut. Am I still bitter? You bet your elephantine ass I am. ~-he White Russian 1 part Absolut 1/2 part coffee liqueur 1 part chilled heaW cream Put some ice in a shaker and add all the ingredients; put the cap on and swirl it around a bi{ rather than shake it. (After all, you’re not trying to make liquor butter.) Pour through strainer into a good-looking glass and serve. time discussing a 1996 case from Colorado in which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a state constitutional amendment that deprived gay people of anti-discrimination protections that Colorado governments previously had extended ro them. A "narrow" ruling against Prop 8 by the 9th Circuit could bring same-sex marriage back to California but possibly thwart Olson, Boles and the American Foundation for Equal Rights’ desire to take before the U.S. Supreme Court the proposition that samesex couples have a constitutional right to get married in all states. Lesbian becomes Colorado Supreme Court justice Monica Marquez became the first openly gay or l~sbian member of the Colorado~ Supreme Court when she was s~vorn in Dec. 10. Her partner, Sheila Barthel, helped her put on her black robe at the ceremony. Marquez, 41, previously served as deputy attorney general. Spacey won’t discuss sexual orientation Actor Kevin Spacey told The Daily Beast on Dec. 15 that he’s not interested in discussing his sexual orientation. "I have not given up my right to privacy," Spacey said. "People have different reasons for the way they live their lives. You cannot put everyone’s reasons in the same box. It’s iust a line I’ve never crossed and never will." "You have to understand that people who choose not to discuss their personal lives are not living a lie." he continued. "That is a presumption that people jump ro.... I iust don’t buy into that the personal can be political. I just think that’s horseshit." ING AROLINI~ NOW...BECAIJSE OF THE. CHANGES IF "/OIJ WANT TO RMIN THEN GO. e~il: bittergirl@qsyndicate,com ty.net Chuck Breckenridge %q~cther buying or selling I’!1 work hard for you. !~-rk~_ra~~ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticValleyresort.corn info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Downtown Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Centel; Tulsa Gay Center. ~M]rordable Homes and Apartments. For mo,:e Info~wmtion visit: www~aybn~dyheightsmha.com By Jack Fertig Janua~ 20tl "Take a cSance on ~ove, Gemini!" Sun squaring Saturn adds the weight of age and responsibility, but Venus enters Sagittarius, leading affections and aesthetics toward new adventures. She gets in the middle of that square offering frivolous escape that can too easily complicate problems at hand, but she also offers some creative solutions. ARIES (Narch 20- Apri~ 19): The responsibilities of work and relationships can feel oppressive. A romantic adventure is much needed. If partnered, plan a getaway. If single, a stern attitude can be sexy, but balance it with playful warmth. (Think gym coach!) TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20}: As hard as you’ve been working, you’re entitled to a much-needed release. Find an appropriate place to scream and let it all out. If you really need to beat someone there are eager victims. Just keep it safe and consensual. GEN~N~ (Nay 21o June 20): Play only for funsies. Don’t take any bets. but take a chance on love or a passionate facsimile. Incredible sex is no basis for a solid relationship. Take it one day at a time and see what else there is. CANCER (June 21o Ju~y 22): A strong sense of responsibility at home can be a millstone or a motivator. Go with the latter. Once you drag your tush into action, momentum will make the rest of it a lot easier. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): Even you may have inarticulate moments, but just take them as a creative challenge. A little playfulness can boost morale and productivity. Too much, not so good. If a few jokes and your dazzling smile aren’t enough, turn it up slowly. V~RGO (August 23 - September 22): Your best investment of time, energy and money is in your own home and community. Think ahead before taking on responsibilities. Spreading humor and good will at home or close by will help build your standing. L~BRA (September 23 - October 22): The weight of the world seems to be on your shoulders. Opportunities can be hard to find, but they’re there! A lighthearted chat with a sister (genetic or otherwise) can help you get perspective. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Life is tough, but don’t let current troubles wear you down. When you catch yourself worrying, channel that into constructive thought toward a solution. Stick to basics and remember what’s important. November 22 - December 20): The money crisis will hit everyone. You may be worrying too much on a personal level. Focus on your personal assets, the kind you would still have even if you were penniless and naked. Never forget: You almost always fare better than most. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January- 19): You’re at the top of your game, but what’s next? The answer to that is not as urgent as it may seem. Relax, indulge in a romantic or sensual retreat, and the hard questions will gain perspective, AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): The world’s troubles are the world’s, not necessarily your own. Discussing global and personal worries with friends will help balance it all out. For answers to the world’s problems and your own, look across borders and oceans. HSCES (February !9- Narch 19): Put your deep, dark imagination to work. Even in a bleak future there are opportunities. You can be inspired to find them for yourself and to guide others. Even if the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train you could ride it out. Community for People iving with H V/A DS A 50I c (3) Not] 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 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 ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net ’1 14 /7 20 27 34 37 43 46 2 3 4 5 : 6 7 8 I 48 11 !2 24 25 26 33 53 54 55 Across 56 63 57 58 49 Down "i[hree-men-in-a-tub event Oral attention getter So,s0 grade 14 Point of View intr0, at Gay.c0m 15 "Oh, ~,X?hat a Beautiful Morning" sin er 16 Prayer Stm~&r !7 Hides ofhai~T guys? t9 ~orkers under Barney Frank 20 He had a crush on Beatle John 1 Lettuce variety 2 US citizen 3 The king in N~e ~ng I. ~br one 4 Time for Frida 5 Fireplace rods 6 Bounds gaily 7 Deadly septe[ 8 HIV exam, e.g. 9 One that reproduces without sex 34 "l~wo to one, }~r one 35 Cat on Tin RoOf 36 LacldngToc"ks ~, 37 E~rly g~atle song that expressed how 20- Across irelt : t3 ’60s radical org. 18 Type of tool 2! .M.use for Millay 24 My Cup Runneth Over s~nger Whitrnan’s dooryard bloomers the shaft a hottie 14 January 1,201t During the Metro Star’s time in publication Oklahoma and America has experienced great changes including two major elections, inclusion of GLBT persons among those with Federal Hate Crimes protection, the OKC and Tulsa School districts adopting policies protecting gay students from harassment and bullying, the tremendous growth of Oldahoma’s gay rights advocacy organizations and at presstime finally the end of legal discrimination for GLBT Americans in the US military. However as 2010 concludes on this happy note Chaz \gard, at age 7t, has made the decision to retire after publishing the newspaper for over 7 years. "It’s time for me to relax, I want to do some traveling, and will continue to help advance total equality for GLBT people." In conclusion the Metro Star wishes to say that they were proud to be part of the GLBT community of Oklahoma and the region, thanking our advertisers and readers for 7 great years. We come to a close xvith a recap of the highlights of 2010, and in this last issue we say thank you and we appreciate the support everyone has given us. Another endeavor has been their Cooking for Ct~ange Program which has been selling freshly made homemade tamales as a means for fundraising. A dozen tamales are only $24 and are available in pork, chicken or vegetarian style. Contact P-Flag to order some! P-Flag Enid also wants .to announce that nominations are open for their 2011 Stand Awards, which are open to GLBTQA individuals, businesses, organizations, media, artists and other categories of Oklahomans ~vho have improved life for the GLBT community in the state. They are also seeking similar groups interested in partnering with P-Flag as a Communty Parmer sponsor to keep the work of the Center going and growing. Enid P-Flag is a 501c3 organization so contributions are tax deductible. To contact Enid P-Flag one can call toll free 1 800 878 5298, or logon pflag@ enidglbt.org.. Flash Back I~cmr & Chaz 200~ January 1, 2011 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 1 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Gabbard Romeo San Vincente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Devre Jackson Steven Petrow Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/130 The Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/188 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189 activism advertisements Advice Column After Dark AIDs Walk Bamboo Lounge Bike fundraiser Bitter Girls Celtic festival Chelsea Boys civil unions classifieds Club Rox Comic Strips commentary controlling stress denies gay marriage Fundraiser Gay/Lesbian center grants horoscope Joseph Beam Lawanda Jackson Lesbian Notions Loaves and Fishes marriage equality Miss Gay Oklahoma new Jersey Our House Out of Town Owasso Community Theatre Past Out Q Scopes South Africa marriage Star Distributors The Gayly Oklahoman The Star Scene The Wine Rack Too travel Tulsa news Uncle Mikey vacation Why should being gay be a crime? https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/129832fc04e8cebf0f893ae63d56cda3.jpg 11e5cf9e6d9331360b40ecf7c50fcb6e https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/c9908f703ccd5043aa995f3bc0165851.pdf de6ddbfa2a3419a01d13072b4a094665 PDF Text Text LOCAL NEWS N NAT[ON&L NEWS N WORLD NEWS ~{ L[FEST}[Lg ~5~ [~’[~ N THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT , N OKLAHOMA FlashBack The STAR Exclusive Lily Tomlin Intervie~v Front Cover March 2007 ...... > Oklahoma News Flash Backs -Page 3-4 Photo Flash Backs - Page 8 & 11 VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1 Ask, Twitter.corn!MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com on’ Tel heads ,WA~SHINGTON, DC Don’t Ask, Don t %11, the military’s ba~on open gays, lS " headed for the dustbin of history. The Senate voted 65-31 on Dec. 18 to authorize the policy’s repeal and sent the measure to President Barack Obama for his signature. Eight Republicans joined all but one Democrat in voting to repeal the ban. They were Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, Scott Brown of Massachusetts, Richard Burr of North Carolina, John Ensign of Nevada, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and George Voinovich of Ohio. Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia did not vote. Enid P-Flag Presents the 2011 Winter Bal ENID, OK On Saturday Night, January 22, 2011 Enid’s Symphony Hall will coine alive with the festivities of P-Flag’s (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) gala major event, the Winter Ball. N~e event runs from 8 p.m. until midnight and will include a live DJ, light food, a catered ba,; and a professional photographer to take photos of the partiers upon request. Tickets for the Ball are $10 and can be ordered by contacting Enid P-Flag. Xhis event is sponsored by Cross~valk United Church, Enid’s only official open and affirming church. Since opening in March of this year a~ 1319 S. Van Buren Enid’s GLBT community center, which is named simply, "N~e Center", F .er & By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team By Rex Wockner Presi&nt Barack Obama. ~Wockn~rphoto " Metro to Retire ~EE ! JANUARY 1,2011 Obama plans to sign the bill quickly, but that will nor end the ban. Gay servicemembers will need to stay in the closet for a few more months. After Obama signs the measure, he and the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must certify that the military is ready for the change and that it will not harm military readiness or effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting or member retention. Then after that DADT repeal will take effect 60 days later. Xhe process is expected to proceed relatively smoothly. "No longer will patriots be forced to lie in order to serve the country they love and are willing to die f?r," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "~his vote gy:the United Sta{es Senate will have extremely pOsitive rippl~ effects well b~yo~d Dont Ask; Dont Tell. Our government has sent a powerful message that discrimination,,, on any level, should not be tolerated " Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis called on the Pentagon to cease DADT discharges during the months between now and when repeal is finalized. "I respectfully ask Defense Secretary Robert Gates to use his a[tthority to suspend all Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell investigations during this interim period," Sarvis said. "Until the president signs the bill, until there is certification and until the 60-day congressional period is over, no one should ........ Continued See DADT Page-5 has been busy and activities are growing. Through the Center Enid’s P-Flag chapter provides free counseling find mediation, and recently added free rapid HIV testing. Enid’s P-Flag is also partnering with other organizations through their Bridge Building Program for which GLBTWA youth and young adults sign up to assist people in need of help with tasks such as raking leaves, putting up or taking down holiday decorations, delivering hot meals or other useful activities. Not only does this program help provide needed volunteers, it also connects GLBTQA youth and young adults to the mainstream community and allows them to share their stories of diversity as the beneficiaries get to know them. During this holiday season food has been donated ftom the Center to the Horn of Plenty, which is Enid’s largest food bank. ........ Continued See ENID Page-15 He would also be dealing with fear and animosity towards the GLBT community, but he had seen toughe~~" times. Growing up in Oklahoma City as a teenager in the mid 1950s he faced what was then a different world. Oklahoma City had only one gay bat’, the Mayflower, and even that oasis of GLBT life was subjected to constant police harassment for which there was no recourse. Homosexuality was considered a mental illness, sodomy laws were s tilt on the books, and gay rights (let alone marriage) weren’t even considered worthy of discussion by mainstream society. Understandably, along with many other GLBT people, he moved to California where the environment was at least a little better, working in management with a nationa! building services firm until his retirement in 1994. He then began buying and remodeling old homes ro resell, one of which he turned into a bed & breald’ast in Joplin that he operated and where the Ozarks Star was born in 2003. Although Chaz Ward Founder and Publisher ofthe 7hlsa based he knew from firsthand observation Mewo Star Newspaper retires at 71. what he was getting into, he began his publication xvith lots of encouragement from TULSA, OK __ "It’s the right time to the areas GLBT community. After selling the retire. The business is changing and needs bed and breakfast in 2004, he moved to Tulsa younger blood with nexv ideas. It’s been and renamed the paper simply, "The Star." hard work but very rewarding to inform, At that time the largest publication was the unite and entertain the GLBT community Gayly Oklahoman, which focused primarily of Oklahoma and the surrounding region." on local news, while the Star dealt more with Chaz Ward entertainment and syndicated columns. When Mr. Ward decided ro start a GLBT When the Gayly ceased publication in focused newspaper he did so with mixed 2006 after 22 years as the primary news hopes, appropriate apprehensions, and small source for the GLBT community and a beginnings. The purpose for starting this restart failed that same year, The Star became enterprise as the Ozarks Star in 2003 was to Oklahoma’s largest GLBT newspaper with provide the unrepresented gay community a new role to fulfill. Victor Gorin, formerly of southxvest Missouri, northeast Oklahoma with the Gayly Oklahoman, began working and northwest Arkansas with a viable voice. at the Metro Star serving as Copy Editor, It was just a digest size black and white news writer, working in ad sales, photography and and information magazine with just 12 pages, distribution primarily for the Oklahoma City four advertisers and a circulation under area, joined by writers Robin Dorner and 700 distributed in Joplin and Springfield, Jeanne Flanigan. Also coming on board in Missouri, Fayetteville, At’kansas, Pittsburg, Tulsa were writer Michael Sasser, distributor Kansas and Tulsa. Even then he lmew he Bill Francisco and photographer Judy ~vas getting into a challenging fidd where Gabbard. Later becoming the Metro Star in countless entrepreneurs had come and gone 2007, the paper had grown to a circulation in that region alone. Then as now in this area of 4000 to 5000, changed from a magazine of the United States gay newspapers deal with to a tabloid, had gained credibility as a limited advertising revenue because so many viable source of news and information for business owners are reluctant to be seen in a the GLBT community of Oklahoma which gay focused publication. "The limited revenue included national news along with local forced us ro rely on part time staff~vorking events and entertainment features. primarily as a labor of tove, which makes ir tough going," said Mr. \Yard. ........ Continued See METRO STAR Page- 15 t �22 o5 est Gay Rese .C S~rvice Road 2221 banain Follow us on Fac~book 2 January 1, 2011 Major Credit Cards Accepted �[] [] Paul ~ompson passes Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Away Leaving a lifetime of Service Association ~des Again ( 93 o20 0) For 25th ye~ars the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association has held this annual Memorial Day weekend event which celebrates gay cowboys & cowgirls with their friends. Held as always at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, the rodeo is like any other with regular roping and riding events, and unlike most others with campy "Drag Races" and goat dressing competitions. This rodeo now ranks among the top 4 rodeos of the International Gay Rodeo Association, which comprises over 20 rodeos in the United States and Canada. Kelly Kirby receives the Equality Oklahoma’s Lifetime Achievement Award Paul ~hompson was a well known activist for the GLBT community, starting from the early 1970s when he w~s arrested for public lewdness for publicly kissing a man on the neck. He fought his case and won, and he continued the rest of his life working to make things better not only" ~br the GLBT community but also other marginalized minorities. He had co-chaired OGLPC fiom 1992 until tis death on March 4 o~: this year. He also had co-chaired the OKC Pride Parade and Festival for many years, and was instrmnental in arranging the first one in 1987. In addition he was a tireless activist with the Oldahoma Democratic Party:, was an active board member ~vith the Oklahoma City chapter of the NAACP and also served on the Martin Luther King Parade Committee. His life made a major impact on the lives and future of GLBT Oldahomans and others seeking justice and equality. Cimarron Alliance Foundation acquires new once and gets a new Director Cimarron Alliance dates back to its original formation in 1995, beginning then as a Political Action Committee striving to promote gay or gay friendly candidates and legislation in Oklahoma. In 1997 the Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed in order to enable the organization to accept tax deductible contributions and work towards educational efforts for the GLBT community and Oklahomans in general about their issues. They acquired their first office this year at 729 N.W. 17th Street, and also hired their first fulltime Executive Director, Scott Hamilton. He strives to keep the Foundation going strong during these tough times stating, "You keep going because the needs do not abate just because money is tight. If you bdieve in social justice that doesn’t stop until there is justice." At their 30th annual Equality Gala Banquet, Equality Otdahoma bestowed their Lifetime Achievement Award on Kelly Kirby. A veteran and successful businessman xvith his own accounting firm, he was honored for over 20 years of activism on behalf of the GLBT community in Tulsa. Not going overboard he stated modestly afterwards, " I would have to say that at 56 years old the word lifetime is a bit daunting." entertainrnent scene for over 30 years. A wild emcee never caught short for a wisecrack or snappy comeback, she has delighted audiences in a style all her own. Today she still reigns as the emcee Saturday nights at the Boom, a proud Oklahoma tradition that truly did it her way. Pride Parade and Festival Celebrated in Tulsa On June 5 Tulsa held their 14th Pride Parade, followed by their biggest festival yet in Centennial Park. N~is year their Parade Marshall was the Reverend Martin Lavanhar, Senior Pastor of Allsouls Unitarian Church of Tulsa. He was honored for his courage shown when he spoke at a conference in Uganda rallying against efforts by that nation to make homosexuali .ty a crime punishable by the death penalty. Aiding a sister Unitarian church in Uganda for this cause was a very risky undertaking but he felt he had to make a stand saying, "I’m 4! years old and I%e never been called upon to go overseas to risk my life for freedom. In some ways this was that kind of call." When he returned safely Toby Jenkins, the Director of Equality Oldahoma stated, "We had to hono~ this wonderful man, to let people know that this straight minister fi’om Oldahoma was only one of m,o ministers who was at this conference in Uganda." Enid gets their first GLBT Commtmky Center, and holds their first Pride Celebration One might not think a town like Enid, well known for its conservatism, grain elevators and their powerful football team( the Enid Plainsman) as a place for a gay scene, but yet this has emerged. Enid High School has a Gay/Straight Alliance, a local P-Flag Chapter ( Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), and now a GLBT community center called simply the Center at 1319 S. V3n Buren. Everything fi’om HIV testing to dances are held there, ~long with many groups now forming tip. ~ihis year Enid celebrated their 2nd Pride Festival as Meadowlake Park came to life with vendors and entertainers followed by an evening firewor~ sho,a: This time over 400 people came to savor the solidarity and enjoy the fun. SSRA Rodeo -Back a~er 5 years in Grand Style Back after 5 years, the Sooner State Rodeo Association was again in full swing. Hosted this time by the Ramada Inn East, the event was held on October’s first weekend at the Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort in Sperry. Founded in 2002, SSRA is a member of the International Gay Rodeo Association. 0 Y A CONGREGATION OF THE ~N~T~D CHURCH OF CHRIST Join us Sundays at 6pro 3901 NW 63rd St www.cohokc.com God is still speaMng, Oklahoma City holds their 23rd Annual Pride Parade and Festival From humble beginnings in 1987, the Oklahoma Pride Parade and Festival once again brought people together to parry, reminisce, and stand together. N~is year it was accompanied by the banners of Cimarron Alliance displayed on the lampposts along the parade route on Classen Boulevard. N~is time it also began with an outrageously fun block party on Friday night June 25th on the 39th Street Strip, follmved by the Festival in Memorial Park Saturday and Sunday which is the beginning point of the Parade. The Parade ~cked off on grand style at 5 p.m., much glamorized by this year’s Grand Marshall, Ginger Lamar. Miss Lamar ( a,k,a, Queen Supreme, Beauty with a Bite, Queen of the F---king Universe) has been a mainstay in the OKC Ban ’uptcv ® Civil Rights ~Criminal Empi~ ’ment ® Family Law ® Litigation January 1, 2011 i 3 �School Board brilliant procedure of legislative maneuvering, got this legislation stopped. He had this to say as to why-- "There are pastors who wear the veil of Chrisrianity who support this legislation. As a Christian this offends me because the Jesus I know doesn’t stand for that." Mr. Shelton later received Cimarron Alliance’s Legislator of the Year Award, an honor shared with State Senator Judy Eason McIntyre of Tulsa. Oldahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Moves from Surv " va Mode back to Recovery As a well known activist who has proudly marched in OKC’s Pride Parade carrying a sign that says "Gay Teacher", Joe Quigley has for years been a tireless advocate for equality and safe schools for all students, including those GLBT or perceived to be. For this he has gained the respect and admiration of not only the GLBT community but also that of countless of fair-minded Oklahomans. A teacher with the Oklahoma City School District since 1994 with 10 years of satisfactory appraisals, he was at Northwest Classen High School when in May of 2009 the Oklahoma City School Board voted to fire him. Although they claimed it was for poor performance, Mr. Quigley and his supporters saw it as a ruse to get rid of him due to his advocacy for GLBT students. With the help of the American Federation of Teachers he took them to court where District Judge Barbara Swinton not only ruled in his favor, but apologized to him on behalf of how he was treated by the district. The District appealed, and. Judge Swinton’s ruling was upheld. The Oklahoma City School Board has now appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. At this time Mr.Quigley is now in a permanent position teaching English at Douglass High School; During late 2009 and into this year, the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus ( known as OGLPC) was in survival mode. Formed in the early 1980s, the group had a long history of advocacy and education for the GLBT community, and was most famous for their voter guides mailed out to GLBT voters and their allies. However, during 2009 and into this year attendance had fallen to the point that the group could not function. Paul Thompson, who had been the male co-chair of the group since 1992, was trying to revive the group when he passed away during March of this year. Determined to carry on the legacy of OGLPC, co-chairs Jeanne Flanigan and Steven Dubois have been working to rebuild the group, and to reform it as a PAC ( Political Action Committee) that ~vill enable OGLPC to do fulfill their goals more effectively. They look forward greater milestones ahead. N Brittany Novomy labeling it "obscene." She also graced the front page of the Metro Star when she presented her Proclamation for Morality at the Oklahoma State Capitol, which claimed that America’s economic woes were due to "abortion~ pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse and other forms of debauchery." In 2010 Brittany Novotny threw her hat in the ring to give District 84 voters a choice. An Oklahoma Cite~ attorney and activist with the Young Democrats, she was the first transgendered person ever to run for public once in Oklahoma. However she made it a point not to focus on that issue, but rather on things that she felt mattered more for average raional Oldahomans like jobs, education and transportation that Sally had neglected due to her focus of social issues. AJthough she lost to Ms.Kern in the Red Sweep of the November general elections, BrittaW still made history and will no doubt make more in the future. Tramps continues the Proud Tradition of Have Representative Sally Kern Discrimination Policy for City Employees On June 17 the Tulsa Cit-y Council voted 6-3 to adopt a nondiscrimination policy for municipal employees on the basis of sexual orientation, ,~though in 1975 then Mayor Robert LaFortune commissioned a report recommending adoption of this policy; the report was rejected Iia 1994 the Tulsa GLBT community participated in formal hearings in favor of this policy, only to be denied again. The Tulsa Human Rights Commission had been recommending this change for over 15 years. I~a-is Wilmes, Oklahomans for Equality’s Advocacy Director stated, "This makes such a strong statement to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming and sensible island in a state that is often ridiculed for being intolerant and unjust towards marginalized populations." Tulsa now joins other Oklahoma cities who have this policy for their employees, Del City, Mtus, McAlester, Miami, Noble and Vi.nita. a Heart An annual event of love happens . appropriately each year around Valentine’s Day at Tramps with their Have a Heart Benefit Show and Auction. It began as the creation of the late Larry Crosby, then a coowner of Tramps and Sister Gall Addis who was then with Catholic Charities’ Loaves and Fishes Program, which provided meals ~’~r those living with HIV.Although Larry has passed away his sister, Canaille Rohn who is still a part owner of Tramps, along with the stat~" and many volunteers again made this event a fabulous success. This year over $8,000 was raised. made history when she ran against State Tulsa adopts Non- Richard Ogden sworn in an Oldahoma Regent Tulsa School Board Votes for GLBT clusive Nondiscrimination Policy During September the Tulsa School Board voted unanimously to include GLBT persons in their nondiscrimination/anti-bullying policy for teachers, students and parents. Tami Marler, a spokesperson for the Tulsa Public Schools, stated that this change was made in accordance with recommendations by the Civil Rights Office of the U.S. Department of Education. With this measure they now join the school districts of Norman and Oklahoma City ~vho also have this policy, . although Oklahoma City’s policy goes further in also protecting gender identity. [ N O ahoma attempts Exemption from Federal Hate Crimes Law In October of 2009 Presiden{ obama signed into taw expanded Federal Hate Crimes protections to include real or perce@ed sexual orientation or gender identity as well as disabilit)’ and gender. Although this was hailed by the GLBT community and other activists as a long overdue step forward, it was also condemned by some religious groups and other conservatives nationwide who claimed that this measure promoted homosexuality and stifled fi’ee speech. Oklahoma was no exception, and in early 2010 State Senator Steve Russell introduced legislation to exempt Oldahoma from this provision, prohibiting Oklahoma law enforcement authorities from cooperating with the Federal government investigating these ty-pes of hate crimes. After overwhehning passage in the Senate, it went to the State House of Representatives where State Representative Mike Shelton, in a Sally Kern had already made a name for herself long before she sha@d a spotlight with Brittany. First elected in 2004 as a self described "Kernse~-~ative", she gained international notoriety’ after a speech she gave to a Republican gathering was secretly taped and posted on youtube. This speech stated that "gays are a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam"and that "no societ~r" that has embraced homosexuality has lasted for more than a few decades."She led the charge to get the book "King and King" ( ~ story" for children about a gay prince) removed from the Children’s Section of Oklahoma County- Libraries, Openly gay attorney and longtime activist Richard Ogden was appointed by Governor Brad Henry to the Board of Regents of the Regional University" System of Oklahoma on June 10. He was sworn in by District Judge Barbara Sxvinton. As a regent Mr. Ogden will be part of that governing board which is responsible for the hiring of university presidents. "At Century 2t Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPL~ 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 �By Rex Wockner Dan Choi hospitalized Activist Dan Choi. Wockner photo Leading Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell activist Dan Choi said Dec. 14 that he was committed to a veterans hospital psychiatric ward on Dec. 10, the day after the U.S. Senate again refused to authorize repeal of the DADT ban on open gays in the military. On Dec. 18, the Senate reversed course and voted 65-31 to authorize the repeal. (See separate story.) In an on-the-record e-mail sent from his iPhone, Choi said he had experienced "a breakdown and anxiety, attack." "(T)he failures of government and national lobbying carry consequences far beyond the careers and reputations of corporate leaders, elected o~cials, high powered lobbyists or political elites." Choi wrote. "They ruin lives. My breakdown was a result of a cumulative array of stressors but there is no doubt that the composite betrayals felt on Thursday, by elected leaders and gay organizations as wel! as many who have exploited my name for their marketing purposes, have added to the result." Choi was released from the hospital several days later and sounded like himself in a telephone interview with CNN on Dec. 18. Activists hope to force teaching of gay history A bill introduced in the California Legislature by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, would require that LGBT people be fairly and accurately included in school teaching material. ~ihe measure is sponsored by Equality California and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network. ~ae bill also prohibits the State Board of Education from using instructional material that discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. EQCA said that if enacted, the law "would add LGBT to the existing list of underrepresented cultural and ethnic groups (that) are covered by current la~v related to inclusion in textbooks and other instructional materials in schools." "LGBT people should not be pushed into the closefwhen it comes to what students learn about history," said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. "Educating youth about the contributions of LGBT Californians and our state’s rich diversity will help foster true acceptance of LGBT students and will ultimately create a safe school environment for all students." GSA Network Executive Director Carolyn Laub added, "LGBT youth are denied a fair education xvhen they are exposed to harmful stereotypes in classroom materials and are excluded from learning about their history." Leno said that "most textbooks don’t include any historical information about the LGBT movement." "Our collective silence on this issue perpetuates negative stereotypes of LGBT people and leads to increased bullying of young people," he said. "We can’t simultaneously tell youth that it’s OK to be yourself and live an honest, open life when we aren’t even teaching students about historical LGBT figures or the LGBT equal rights movement." UN secretary-general, US ambassador attend LGBT event United Nations Secretary-General Ban Yd,moon and the United States’ U.N. ambassador. Susan Rice. joined a high-level U.N. panel Dec. 10 that condemned anti-gay violence and the criminalization of same-sex relations. The Human Rights Day event was hosted by several nations and organized by the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Human Rights Watch and other organizations. "Violence will end only when we confront prejudice," Ban said. "Stigma and discrimination will end only when we agree to speak out. That requires all of us ro do our part -- to speak out at home, at work, in our schools and communities." "Where there is tension between cultural attitudes and universal human rights, universal human rights must carry the day," he said. "Personal disapproval, even society’s disapproval, is no excuse to arrest, detain, imprison, harass or torture anyone -- ever. ... Human Rights Day commemorates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is not called the Partial Declaration of Human Rights. It is not the Sometimes Declaration o~ Human Rights. It is the Universal Declaration, guaranteeing all human beings their basic human rights, without exception." Rice told the gathering: "The story of my country is, in part, a story of the expanding boundaries of rights and dignity -- of the way that discrimination and prejudice have been countered by acceptance and equality. I feel dais deeply and I feel it very personally. Even at a time of profound challenges at home and abroad, we dare not give up on the great causes of equality and fundamental rights. And that includes the pursuit of full and equal rights for the millions of people in this country and around the world ,vho are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender." "Change," Rice said, "comes from people ... who refuse to move to the back of the bus. It comes from the leaders, the activists, and the ordinary men and women who believe that all human beings have equal worth, equa! dignity, equal consequence -- and equal rights. This conviction underpins the significant steps that the United States has taken over the past two decades to advance the human rights of all of those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender." The event was sponsored by U.N. missions from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, France, Gabon, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and the United States and by the Delegation of the European Commission. Illinois passes civil-union law The Illinois Legislature passed a civilunion bill Dec. 1 and Gov. Pat Quinn said he will sign it into law. Gay or straight couples wilt be able to enter into a civil union starting in July. The unions will carry the san~e state-level rights as marriage. ~ae vote in the Senate was 32-24. ~e vote in the House of Representatives was 61-52. "(These days), legislator after legislator talks about ’my gay daughter;’ ’my gay brother,’" Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy Rick Garcia told Windy City Times. "The most politically powerful thing gay people can do is to come out to family and friends .... Illinoisans are middle-of-the-road, very steadfast folks, so [ think {’this bill~ passage) bodes well for our community across the country." Freedom to Marry Executive Director Evan Wolfson ~velcomed the new iaw as a "step," but said "civil union is no substitute" for marriage. "States that have created civil union as a means of both giving and withholding -providing legal protections wMle withholding the freedom to marry and all its meaning -- have found that civil union falls far short of marriage vcith al! its tangible and intangible significance in our lives," Wolfson said. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley sounded a similar note Dec. 2, saying: "Eventually marriage will take place. It has to be .... We have to move faster." Same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C. In addition, New York and Maryland recognize same-sex marriages that take place elsewhere in the nation or world. Civil-union or domestic-partnership laws that grant all state-level rights of marriage are in place in California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington. Laws that grant same-sex couples some of the rights of marriage are in place in Colorado, Hawaii and Maine. California is a further case unto itself. Same-sex marriage was legal from June to November 2008, when voters amended the state constitution via Proposition 8 to put a stop to it. The couples who married then are still legally married, as are other same-sex couples who live in California and got married anywchere in the world before Prop 8 passed. Gay couples who married somewhere else after Prop 8 passed, or ~vho marry elsewhere in the future, receive every state-level right and obligation of marriage in California except for the legal right to call their marriage a "marriage" when they are in California. They are not recognized under the state’s domestic partnership law, but rather are married.cou,p, les who are denied use of the word "marriage. N January 1, 2011 5 �O ahomans Eqt ality hires new Execrative ~e Board of Directors of Equal:t). Oklahoma hired Toby Jenkdns as their new Execut@e Directoi; beginning his duties October 1 .He had served on their Board of Directors since 2008 and has a 13 year history of volunteering for the organization. He has been employed at the Tulsa County Courthouse :[))r 18 years and has for the past 11 years served as the Civil Appeals Court Clerk to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice and a BA degree in Biblical Linguistics and Pastoral Studies. He also holds a masters degree in theolo~~ and has done graduate work in the Sociology of Aging. He has 2 married children and a granddaughter. He is glad to be there stating, "It~ a great honor to work for an organization that saves lives every day. I believe we must do more tO address to needs of our community and challenge them to step up to volunteer service." Norm Teenager commits Suicide af,er Ci W Co nci Meeting Abo t GLBT History On September 27 the Norman City Council voted 7-1 to approve a proclamation ~br GLBT History Month. The Norman Human Rights Commission wrote the proclamation after much deliberation, and there was a great deal of positive publicity concerning the Council’s action. Howevm; this approval met with strong opposition from some Norman residents who showed up at that meeting to air their protests, many using stereotypical and negat@e references to homosexuality. This was wimessed by Zach Harrington, a 19 year old gay Norman resident who had heard similar sentiments when he had been bullied as a student at Norman North High School. Although his parents, Van and Nancy Harrington and his sister Nikki were aware of and supportive of his lifestTle, the sentiments he heard expressed yet again apparently were too much and he took his life at his parents’ home October 10. A candlelight vigil was held for him October 13. Margaret Cox, Don & Mick Schirron honored at the Cimarron Alliance Awards Gala Margaret Cox was honored with the Cimarron .Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award for many years spent to help women achieve equality through her work with the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Organization for \7~/omen, and for ~vork helping the GLBT community through Herland Sister Resources and Cimarron Alliance. Also honored as Legislators of the Year were State Representative Mike Shelton and State Senator Judy Eason Mclntyre. Don Hawkins and Mick Schirron received the Media Avcard as former owners of the Gayly Oldahoman, which began operation in 1983 and was Oklahoma’s longest lasting and largest GLBT newspaper. Beginning as a monthly paper with a circulation of 4000, it later grew to a biweekly publication with a circulation of 10,000. Due to a changing business climate and personal commitments, Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Schirron sold the Gayly in 2006 to Andrew Hiclcs and the late Heather Harp of Tulsa. Although reincorporated, the paper resumed operation in March 15 2006 and ceased publication in December 15 of that same year. Currently the Oklahoma Historical Society is copying an entire set of the Gayly OHahomans on microfilm. "First ursday" Art Opening and E ibit of Original Works by Tulsa World Editorial be investigated or discharged under this discriminatory law. :.. Certification and the 60-day congressional requirement must be wrapped tip no later than the first quarter of 2011." Sarvis called the repeal of the ban "the defining civil rights initiative of this decade." Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart called the I7-year fight to overturn the ban "a heroic political battle by LGBT advocates who refused to give up." In a statement Defense Secretary Robert Gates said: "Once this legislation is signed into law by the president the Department of Defense will immediately proceed with the planning necessary to carry out this Change carefully and methodically, but purposefully: This effort will be led by Dr. Clifford Stanley, Undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. The legislation @ provides that repeal will take effect once the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that implementation of the TULSA, OK (PR) __ The January" new policies and regulations written by the Oldahomans for Equality (OlcEq) showcase department is consistent with the standards and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. "Each Step Brings Hope" was the theme of military readiness, military effectiveness, Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in for the AIDSXX/-alk 2010 which took place unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention downtown Tulsa), will feature works by Tulsa September I9 for the 12th year of this of the armed forces .... I will approach this World Editorial Cartoonist Bruce Plante. event. Previously held in October, the date process deliberately and xvill make such Bruce lcnew, while growing up in ,vas moved up and the location changed to certification only after careful consultation Texarkana, Ark., that drawing and humor the Sonic Plaza in Bricktown, this time also with the military service chiefs and our were in his future: He began drawing accompanied by a 5K run that morning. cartoons in the second grade and began combatant commanders and when I am Money raised from this event goes to help performing standup comedy in the sixth satisfied that those conditions have been met those in the OHahoma City area infected grade. and/affected by HIM for all the Services, commands and units. It is As a sophomore at the University therefore important that our men and women of Arkansas Bruce became the editorial in uniform understand that while today’s cartoonist for the Arkansas Traveler, the historic vote means that this policy will school newspaper. He graduated the change, the implementation and certification University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of process will take an additional period of time. Arts in 1977. In 1985, Bruce became the first In the meantime, the current law and policy staffeditorial cartoonist for The Chattanooga will remain in effect." As a longtime club owner, activist and Times and held that position for 22 years. Obama issued-a statement that said: On Oct. 22, 2007 Bruce was lured entertainer Arnold Lee Smith, best known "Today, the Senate has taken an hist~oric step away from Chattanooga to Tulsa, taking the as Arna Lee, left a legacy of pride, hope and toward ending a policy that undermines position of edit0i:ial cartoonist.for the Tulsa fond memories for GLBT OHahomans. our national security while violating the World, replacing the late Doug Marlette. He was a pioneer, spearheading efforts that very ideals that our brave men and women In 1989, he creatdd Plante Ink syndicate won Oklahoma City’s GLBT community in uniform risk their lives to defend. By which distributes his editorial cartoons to 40 many freedoms they now take for granted. ending Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell, no longer subscribers throughout the United States. When he was a club owner, with a club will our nation be denied the service of His cartoons have been reprinted in The New called Lee’s Lounge in the early 1960s, he thousands of patriotic Americans forced to York Times, USA Today;The %~ashington endured relentless police harassment and leave the militao; despite years of exemplary never backed down. Longtime partiers Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los performance, because they happen to be ga}~ Angeles Times, Newsweek, Newsweek remember police raids where he was arrested International (Europe), Newsweek Japan, and no longer will many thousands more be along with his customers, and he would asked to live a lie in order to serve the country Playboy; Sports Illustrated, Discover, CBS, bail them out along with himself and CNN, college and high school textbooks and re-open his bar that same night. Later he they love. As commander-in-chief, I am also even the Iowa Achievement Test. opened Oklahoma’s first premier showbar, absolutely convinced that making this change the Roadhouse, where many big name will only underscore the professionalism of In 1985, Bruce won Showtime’s Funniest Oklahoma entertainers got their start. Later our troops as the best led and best trained Person in Aa’aerica Contest. He performed he also owned a steamy dance club called standup for 4 years for audiences as large fighting f6rce the world has ever known. the Outrigger from 1979 until 1981. as 3,000 and speak~s to more than 30 civic And I join the secretary of defense and the After a sojourn in Florida, he opened groups and schools every year. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; as well another bar complex also called nostalgically The show begins with a reception on as the overwhehning majority of service the Roadhouse in 1995, which closed after ~lt~ursday, JanualT 6th from 6-9pm and members asked by the Pentagon, in knowing a year of operation, and then went partly continues throughout the month, www.okeq. that we can responsibly transition to a new into retirement, still doing shows in various org policy while ensuring our military strength clubs for many good causes. \ghen his heath and readiness. It is time to close this chapter failed and he entered the Norman Veterans in our history. It is time to recognize that Center Nursing Home, he passed away sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more October 3 I. He was missed by his many defined by sexual orientation than they are by friends, and honored because he madea race or gendm; religion or creed. It is time to difference for the GLBT community of al!ow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their Oldahoma. country openly." Cartoonist o Bruce Planteo AIDS Walk O ahoma Arnold ’%rna Lee" Smith passes away at 83 Free help �By Steven Petrow &even Petrozv is tt§e author of"The Essential Boot: of Gay Manners &Etiquette. Send him your questions at qUeerieS@live.com. is not to hook-up; you’re making a political statement. ¯ Follow the leader: Breal~ only one rule at a time. Don’t go rogue on your comrades, (i.e. no name-calling, clashing with police). ° Be clean and kissable: Bring your breath mints; you may be kissing a lot of strangers. Don’t hog the best kissers. If everyone else is moving on to a new partner, it’s time to let go. "Too affectionate at the mall?" Elton John to sing against Prop 8 Elton John will perform a private concert in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 19 to raise money for the ongoing federal lawsuit against Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage in California. ~tle concert, to benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rigi~ts, which hired the gay side’s superstar attorneys, Ted Olson and David Boles, will take place at the Green Acres estate of billionaire political fundraiser Ron Burlde. "We are deeply honored to have the support of Sir Elton John," said AFER Board President Chad Griffin. ’!The American Foundation for Equal Rights stands for the enduring principle that all Americans are created equal, and believes that ending statesanctioned discrimination is a critical step we must tal~e toward ending the hate crimes and suicides that continue to claim the lives of young Americans." John has not always been a supporter of same-sex marriage. On Nov. 12, 2008, eight days after voters passed Prop 8, he told USA Today: "What is wrong with Proposition 8 is that they went for marriag.e Marriage is going to put a lot of people off, the word ’marriage’. ... I dont want to be married. I m very happy with a civil partnership. If BY people want to get married, or get together, they should have a civil partnership .... Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships." Prop 8 was struck down as unconstitutional at the federal district court level. The ruling is currently on appeal at the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which heard oral arguments on Dec. 6. For concert ticket information, e-mail events@afer.org. 3131 January 1, 2011 I 7 �AffirmingChurch in Owasso expands ministry to gay OWASS0;OK (PR)~ ~.Table UCC h~ ~0urd~ and ~fi~ort for G~TQS~yo~t~ ~i~i~)~e Youth gr~U~ is c~i~ ~nPlace. ~ey m;et0n F~i~ay ev~fiings from 6:30pm t0 8~00pm. B~ginning the 3rd Monday in Janua~ they will have k PF~G meeting from 7’8 p.m. Rev Melinda Foster leads the congregation and they meet at 202 S Cedar, Suite E, Ow~so OK 74q55. Rev. Melinda Foster can be reached at 918-6930458. For more information visit: http://opentableucc.com/ Nommanons Comm ity Heroes TULSA, OK (PR) Oklahomans for Equality is now taldng nominations to recognize individuals or groups who have made an impact on the work for equality for the LGBT community. These awards are presented at the annual Equality Gala on April 30, 2011, Tulsa Convention Center Ballroom. The following awards are presented: Lifetime Achievement AwardRecognizes a lifetime dedication tothe cause of equality for LGBT community in O~ahoma. Past recipients include Nancy McDonald, Dennis Neill and Kelly Kirby. This award is nor always presented, annually. Community Heroes- Recognize ~hose individuals and groups who have represented or served our community Tulsa Eagle Staff ready to serve the crowd at thier 2009 New Years Eve Black & White Ball, in the previous year. Many of these and did they ever! hdroes have "taken a bullet" for our cause. Past recipients include Council Oak Mens Chorale, Jim Roth, Carol Crawford, Tim Williams, and Kelly Carter. The Russell Bennett Award for Spiritual Inclusion - Presented to a faith leader who leads and supports affirming the faith of the LGBT community in our local congregations. Past winners include Rev. Leslie Penrose, Rabbi Sherman and Rev. Richard Ziglar. Grand Marshal for the Tulsa Gay Pride Parade June 11 th- Recognizes an individual who has supported the LGBT community in a courageous and visible manner. Past recipients have been 11 year old Noah Blatt and the Rev Marlin Lavanhar for his advocacy work for the gay community in Uganda. You can download a form at http://www.okeq.org/wp-content/ Sooner &ate Softball Association Games promised an ex’citing summer 2010. Shown above is uploads/2010/12/nominationform. pdf Please return completed form to: Oklahoma Chaos Team of Oklahoma Ci~ Gorin photo Oklahomans for Equality PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 or email paul. allen@okeq.org ............. MORE Photo’s on page 11 8 January 1, 2011 Rev S eve spirit of Christ MCC uric 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and Blessed Day! �January 1, 2011 �Creep of the Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne ~tkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. Shes a J~eelance zortter and poet (believe ~t:9. When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world she reviews rock ~’ toll shows in Detroit with her ~oin sister "John McCain" I wish I still had my dog-eared and policy has been damaging the military is tattered copy of Conduct Unbecoming so I simply false." could send it to John McCain. Not that he’d Tell that to the thousands of gays and bother ro read it. The U.S. military’s vicious lesbians who have been booted out of the anti-gay history with its vcitch-hunts and military since "don’t ask, don’t tell" was outright persecution of gay service members enacted. According to Servicemembers Legal probably isn’t of much interest to McCain. Defense Network, that number is upwards Especially since "don’t ask, don’t tell" solved of 14,000. You may recall everything. Don’t you dare try "R’s cal~ed ’don’t ~ that in 2002, amid a severe to tell him anything different. k, don’t te~,’ okay? shortage of Arabic-speaking During a Nov. 28 you don’t ask appearance on "State of the translators, the Army fired Ithern, you don’t ask Union" with host Candy six linguists trained in IsorneSody, and they Crowley, McCain actually Arabic simply because they had the audacity to claim that ~.on’t tell." ~ were gay. "don’t ask, don’t tell" is an Apparently McCain sees effective policy that doesn’t harm anyone, gay this as some kind of success. "The fact is that or straight, and that the call for its repeal is this system is working," he told Crowley. just politics. McCain repeatedly stressed that he "There was no uprising in the military," he wanted to know what the effect ~vill be of said. "There were no problems in the military letting gays serve openly - and that’s the with ’don’t ask, don’t tell.’" "If you were gay it was a problem," operative word, "openly." Because gays Crowley interjected. already serve in the military, they just have "No it wasn’t," McCain snapped. "It’s the weight of a government-mandated closet called ’don’t ask, don’t tell,’ okay? If you don’t on their backs threatening to tumble open ask them, you don’t ask somebody, and they and ruin their careers ar any moment. don’t tell." "I believe we need to assess the effect on Got that? It works. End of story. the morale and battle effectiveness of those Crowley tried to ask McCain something young Marines and’Army people I met at else, but he cut her off. forward-operating bases that are putting their "I understand your point of view. I lives on the line every day," he said. Never understand the poil~t of view by the majority of the media," he said. "But the fact is, mind that some of these "young Marines and this was a political promise made by an Army people" are probably gay. inexperienced president or candidate for McCain Said he has had "a number of" presidency of the United States." military folks come up ro him and say, "Look, In other words, it’s all Obama’s fault. He’s we fight together, we sleep together, we ear too young to know what a good idea it is to together." His choice of anecdotes illustrates discriminate against homos in the military. one of the main concerns ofhomophobes: Why, when McCain was Obama’s age he had that homosexuality is contagious, and the to walk 15 miles in the snow uphill both ways best way to guard against it is to make sure in order to make a campaign promise likd you never l~ow when and if it’s around you that. and to punish gays and lesbians who dare "The military is at its highest point make such an enormous sacrifice to serve the in recruitment and retention and country. professionalism and capability," McCain ~s continued. "So to somehow allege that this L 0 L Y L A C A L N Y G T A T S 10 January 1, 2011 T A T �F ash Back @Alibis, OKCJune 2010. Godn ghoto @the Copa, OKCfidy 2010. Gorin photo Toby Jenkins, President, Oklahomans for Equality and Oklahoma State Representative Al 3/IaAd~ey at the 30th Equality Gala, Tulsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella [m~es @ Finishline, OKCJanua,y 2010. Gorin ghoto Miss Bamboo 2011 @ the Bamboo Lounge ~dsa November 2010. Staffphom Kel~ Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement Award, p,~sented by N,znoy McDonald @ the 30Anniversary Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo 3det,v Star Staff" Untertaine. @ Ledo. O {C April 2010 Open Arms Youth Project hosts P?vm Night. P,vm Queen, Brenda "G,andma" Bolen and Prom I~%tg, Kim W,§#enhunt. Judy G. Photo 20 OI Gon,, photo @ A~tes OKC]anuary 2010. Godn photo Sooner State Rodeo Association at the 2010 Tulsa Pride Parade. Judy G photo @ Club Majestic, Tulsa January 2010, fi~dy G. photo Hot Dancers @ 77~e End Up, ~dsa March 2010. ~affphoto Ginger Lamar, Grand 3darshall 2010 OKC Pride. Do,wer photo Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association @ the Habana hzn Pool Party 3day 2010. Godn photo Best Wishes For 2011, From The Metro Star Team @ Club 209, ~dsaJanua,7 2010, Ju4y G. photo �By Rex Wockner* class of citizens and put them in a separate category." California gives same-sex couples all the of marriage under a domesticpartnership law, but prohibits gay couples from marrying. Under another law. gay couples who go get married somewhere else also receive all the California rights of marriage but are prohibited from calling their marriage a marriage 9t,§-Gtvuit Federal Court, AP pool photo @Eric Risberg in California. Yet other gay couples, who got married in The effort to undo California’s Proposition California or somewhere else before Prop 8 inched forward Dec. 6 when a three-judge 8 passed, are considered to be married in panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of California and are permitted to use the word. Appeals entertained nearly three hours of oral It’s very messy. arguments from the attorneys in the case. All of this is discriminatory, Olson said. In an ornate courtroom on the third floor It harms gay Californians. ~here is no legal of San Francisco’s historic James R. Browning rational basis for it. It cannot be "justified," U.S. Courthouse, amid murals, stained glass he said. "California has built a fence around and statues dating to 1905, the attorneys its gay and lesbian citizens and around the replayed some of their main arguments and institution of marriage," Olson told the the judges offered hints of where the case judges. "That is a violation of the equalmight go. protection clause and it’s a violation of the The gay side’s lawyers, who include due-process clause." famed attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles, Attorney Charles Cooper for the Prop 8 sought to defend U.S. District Judge Vaughn proponents told the judges that his case in Walker’s ruling from August that Prop 8 defense of Prop 8 centers on "procreation." violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of In Coopers view, it is rational for the equal protection and due process. state to limit marriage to men and women They also argued that the parties who because the reason marriage exists in the first brought the appeal to the 9th Circuit -- the place is because sex between men and women activists who created Prop 8 and the deputy produces children. ~e state, he suggested, county clerk of Southern California’s dusty has a unique interest in human unions that Imperial County -- have no legal "standing" are procreative. to have mounted this appeal of Walker’s At the end of the day, court-watchers were ruling. talking about three things that piqued their Those parties are trying to defend Prop curiosity during the oral arguments: 8 because all the public ot~cials who were * Will the case be delayed so the 9th sued in the case -- including Gov. Arnold Circuit panel can sound out the California Schwarzenegger and Attorney General (and Supreme Court on the question of whether Gov.-elect) Jerry Brown -- have refused to people who put initiatives on the ballot defend the voter-passed state constitutional should be able to defend those initiatives amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage when they are struck down by courts? in November 2008 after it had been legal Regardless of whether the judges seek advice for 4 1/2 months and after t8,000 same-sex from the California Supreme Court, the case couples had married. ¯ cannot proceed if the 9th Circuit decides that It is unclear if the court will grant the neither the Prop 8 proponents nor Imperial Prop 8 proponents or Imperial County County has legal standing to appeal. If they standing to allow the appeal to move forward. do not, Walker’s ruling striking down Prop 8 ~e judges seemed unimpressed by Imperial would come back into force. County’s desire to be let into the case. Among * In hearing the appeal of Walker’s ruling, other things, they seemed annoyed that the will the 9th Circuit rely solely on Walker’s deputy county clerk rather than the actual expansive trial record, which seems to clerk is pursuing the move. demolish most of the myths, lies, arguments As to whether the people who put Prop 8 and opinions that historically have been used on the ballot should be allowed to step into to oppress gay and lesbian people? Or will the shoes of the state government and defend the 9th Circuit look at additional sources of a piece of the state constitution that the state information and seek out other facts . ine itself refuses to defend, the judges hinted court hinted that it may review more than that they might bounce that question off of just the District Court’s findings. the California Supreme Court to see hmv it * And has the 9th Circuit perhaps hinted feels about the idea. If the 9th Circuit does that it plans to uphold \Valker’s decision but that, it could delay appellate rulings on both in a way that would limit the case’s impac~ to the standing issue and the merits of Walker’s California, the only state that ever let gays get decision. married and then later took that right away On the merits, Olson told the judges that from them? The court spent a fair amount of California has unconstitutionally "taken a Judges hint at Prop 8 case twists and turns 12 January 1, 2011 Ed Sikov is the author ofDark l/icto*_7; 7be Life ofBette Davis and other books aboutf!lms and fihnmakers. "Kahlua, Cream and Fiasco: -he White Russian" My cold lasted another week, so forget about literary reticence. Let the gross descriptions fly: Shot spewed out of my nose like raw scrambled eggs, only darke,; more translucent, and graced by tiny bloblets of blood. My lungs hacked up a hocker so gray it could have come out of an old coal miner. When I wasn’t wiping smears of sputura off my hands, sheets and nearby skin mags, ! contemplated my recent poor behavior. Dan was right: I’d become "an old-fashioned asshole." Dan was nothing but affectionate with me, even after I spat goose-shit-green mucous onto his pillow while he slept. He deserved better from me. So did my friends. When I stopped being viral, I invited Craig and Kyle to dinner. Surprisingl); Craig didn’t hang up on me when I called. "I’m sorry..." I began. He cut me off: "Listen, dollface - I’ll forgive you anything as long as you keep your tongue off my boyfriend." "Right-O!" I sang out, amxiery turning me strangely into Terry-Thomas in some British war comedy. "How about dinner here on Saturday? It’s Chicken Cacciatore and an after-dinner drink that doesn’t suck." All was well. Dinner xvas a disaster. Dan was late, so I had to wield the vacuum cleaner and a can of Pledge and set the table while trying to make what turned out to be an absurdly complicated "hunter’s style" chicken with only half the ingredients the recipe called for. (I hadn’t bothered with a shopping list. "Calling Dr. Freud! STAT!") The result was a greasy; taste-free horror - no wild mushrooms, no fresh sage or thyme, clumpy years-old garlic salt instead of garlic .... "Hunter’s style?" What were they hunting - something outof Oliver Twist? time discussing a 1996 case from Colorado in which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a state constitutional amendment that deprived gay people of anti-discrimination protections that Colorado governments previously had extended ro them. A "narrow" ruling against Prop 8 by the 9th Circuit could bring same-sex marriage back to California but possibly thwart Olson, Boles and the American Foundation for Equal Rights’ desire to take before the U.S. Supreme Court the proposition that samesex couples have a constitutional right to get married in all states. Lesbian becomes Colorado Supreme Court justice Monica Marquez became the first openly gay or l~sbian member of the Colorado~ Supreme Court when she was s~vorn in Dec. 10. Having tasted the cacciatore, I downed some Tormore Single Malt and became morose. But when Dan waltzed in mere minutes before Craig and Kyle were supposed to show up, my irrepressible life force returned. [ became hostile. Craig and Kyle thus entered during the second act of _Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf_, with me playing both George and Martha. I behaved terribly; Dan was rightly embarrassed. I might have summoned enough dignity not to spend the whole evening staring at the gap between Kyle’s bottom shirt button and his belt. a space out of which a perfect tuft of soft hair emerged. Craig noticed, much to his giee and my continuing disgrace. But dessert was fiibulous! Ttxe White Russian is one of my favorite cream-based cocktails because of its subtlety, simplicity and relative lack of.sweetness. It’s got a little Kahlua for a cafd au lair effect, vodka for some kick and thick, chilled heavy cream for the mouth-to-belly bliss that only cold dairy fat can provide. Still, two rounds of White Russians wasn’t enough to make up for hurling lettuce fragments and bacon chunks in Craig’s face after discovering that puppy Kyle had been gobbled up by Jabba the Hut. Am I still bitter? You bet your elephantine ass I am. ~-he White Russian 1 part Absolut 1/2 part coffee liqueur 1 part chilled heaW cream Put some ice in a shaker and add all the ingredients; put the cap on and swirl it around a bi{ rather than shake it. (After all, you’re not trying to make liquor butter.) Pour through strainer into a good-looking glass and serve. Her partner, Sheila Barthel, helped her put on her black robe at the ceremony. Marquez, 41, previously served as deputy attorney general. Spacey won’t discuss sexual orientation Actor Kevin Spacey told The Daily Beast on Dec. 15 that he’s not interested in discussing his sexual orientation. "I have not given up my right to privacy," Spacey said. "People have different reasons for the way they live their lives. You cannot put everyone’s reasons in the same box. It’s iust a line I’ve never crossed and never will." "You have to understand that people who choose not to discuss their personal lives are not living a lie." he continued. "That is a presumption that people jump ro .... I iust don’t buy into that the personal can be political. I just think that’s horseshit." �Chuck Breckenridge %q~cther buying or selling I’!1 work hard for you. !~-rk~_ra~~ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticValleyresor t .corn info @magneticvalleyresor t. com ING AROLINI~ NOW...BECAIJSE OF THE. CHANGES IF "/OIJ WANT TO RMIN THEN GO. e~il: bittergirl@qsyndicat e,com ty.net 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Downtown Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Centel; Tulsa Gay Center. ~M]rordable Homes and Apartments. For mo,:e Info~wmtion visit: www~aybn~dyheightsmha.com �By Jack Fertig Janua~ 20tl "Take a cSance on ~ove, Gemini!" Sun squaring Saturn adds the weight of age and responsibility, but Venus enters Sagittarius, leading affections and aesthetics toward new adventures. She gets in the middle of that square offering frivolous escape that can too easily complicate problems at hand, but she also offers some creative solutions. ARIES (Narch 20- Apri~ 19): The responsibilities of work and relationships can feel oppressive. A romantic adventure is much needed. If partnered, plan a getaway. If single, a stern attitude can be sexy, but balance it with playful warmth. (Think gym coach!) TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20}: As hard as you’ve been working, you’re entitled to a much-needed release. Find an appropriate place to scream and let it all out. If you really need to beat someone there are eager victims. Just keep it safe and consensual. GEN~N~ (Nay 21o June 20): Play only for funsies. Don’t take any bets. but take a chance on love or a passionate facsimile. Incredible sex is no basis for a solid relationship. Take it one day at a time and see what else there is. November 22 - December 20): The money crisis will hit everyone. You may be worrying too much on a personal level. Focus on your personal assets, the kind you would still have even if you were penniless and naked. Never forget: You almost always fare better than most. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Life is tough, but don’t let current troubles wear you down. When you catch yourself worrying, channel that into constructive thought toward a solution. Stick to basics and remember what’s important. 14 January 1,201t 3 4 5 6 : 7 8 11 !2 24 25 26 54 55 /7 20 27 33 34 37 I 43 AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): The world’s troubles are the world’s, not necessarily your own. Discussing global and personal worries with friends will help balance it all out. For answers to the world’s problems and your own, look across borders and oceans. HSCES (February !9- Narch 19): Put your deep, dark imagination to work. Even in a bleak future there are opportunities. You can be inspired to find them for yourself and to guide others. Even if the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train you could ride it out. 46 48 49 56 57 53 58 63 Across Down "i[hree-men-in-a-tub event Oral attention getter So,s0 grade 14 Point of View intr0, at Gay.c0m 15 "Oh, ~,X?hat a Beautiful Morning" sin er 16 Prayer Stm~&r !7 Hides ofhai~T guys? t9 ~orkers under Barney Frank 20 He had a crush on Beatle John 1 Lettuce variety 2 US citizen 3 The king in N~e ~ng I. ~br one 4 Time for Frida 5 Fireplace rods 6 Bounds gaily 7 Deadly septe[ 8 HIV exam, e.g. 9 One that reproduces without sex t3 ’60s radical org. 18 Type of tool 34 "l~wo to one, }~r one 35 Cat on Tin RoOf 36 LacldngToc"ks ~, 37 E~rly g~atle song that expressed how 20Across irelt : LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): Even you may have inarticulate moments, but just take them as a creative challenge. A little playfulness can boost morale and productivity. Too much, not so good. If a few jokes and your dazzling smile aren’t enough, turn it up slowly. L~BRA (September 23 - October 22): The weight of the world seems to be on your shoulders. Opportunities can be hard to find, but they’re there! A lighthearted chat with a sister (genetic or otherwise) can help you get perspective. 2 14 CAPRICORN (December 21 - January- 19): You’re at the top of your game, but what’s next? The answer to that is not as urgent as it may seem. Relax, indulge in a romantic or sensual retreat, and the hard questions will gain perspective, CANCER (June 21o Ju~y 22): A strong sense of responsibility at home can be a millstone or a motivator. Go with the latter. Once you drag your tush into action, momentum will make the rest of it a lot easier. V~RGO (August 23 - September 22): Your best investment of time, energy and money is in your own home and community. Think ahead before taking on responsibilities. Spreading humor and good will at home or close by will help build your standing. ’1 2! .M. use for Millay 24 My Cup Runneth Over s~nger Whitrnan’s dooryard bloomers Community for People iving with H V/A DS A 50I c (3) Not] 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 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 ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net the shaft a hottie �During the Metro Star’s time in publication Oklahoma and America has experienced great changes including two major elections, inclusion of GLBT persons among those with Federal Hate Crimes protection, the OKC and Tulsa School districts adopting policies protecting gay students from harassment and bullying, the tremendous growth of Oldahoma’s gay rights advocacy organizations and at presstime finally the end of legal discrimination for GLBT Americans in the US military. However as 2010 concludes on this happy note Chaz \gard, at age 7t, has made the decision to retire after publishing the newspaper for over 7 years. "It’s time for me to relax, I want to do some traveling, and will continue to help advance total equality for GLBT people." In conclusion the Metro Star wishes to say that they were proud to be part of the GLBT community of Oklahoma and the region, thanking our advertisers and readers for 7 great years. We come to a close xvith a recap of the highlights of 2010, and in this last issue we say thank you and we appreciate the support everyone has given us. Another endeavor has been their Cooking for Ct~ange Program which has been selling freshly made homemade tamales as a means for fundraising. A dozen tamales are only $24 and are available in pork, chicken or vegetarian style. Contact P-Flag to order some! P-Flag Enid also wants .to announce that nominations are open for their 2011 Stand Awards, which are open to GLBTQA individuals, businesses, organizations, media, artists and other categories of Oklahomans ~vho have improved life for the GLBT community in the state. They are also seeking similar groups interested in partnering with P-Flag as a Communty Parmer sponsor to keep the work of the Center going and growing. Enid P-Flag is a 501c3 organization so contributions are tax deductible. To contact Enid P-Flag one can call toll free 1 800 878 5298, or logon pflag@ enidglbt.org.. Flash Back I~cmr & Chaz 200~ January 1, 2011 �� 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 LOCAL NEWS N NAT[ON&L NEWS N WORLD NEWS ~{ L[FEST}[Lg ~5~ [~’[~ N , N THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA FlashBack The STAR Exclusive Lily Tomlin Intervie~v Front Cover March 2007......> Oklahoma News Flash Backs -Page 3-4 Photo Flash Backs - Page 8 & 11 VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1 Twitter.corn!MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com ~EE ! JANUARY 1,2011 Ask, on’ Tel heads By Rex Wockner Obama plans to sign the bill quickly, but that will nor end the ban. Gay servicemembers will need to stay in the closet for a few more months. After Obama signs the measure, he and the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must certify that the military is ready for the change and that it will not harm military readiness or effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting or member retention. Then after that DADT repeal will take effect 60 days later. Xhe process is expected to proceed relatively smoothly. "No longer will patriots be forced to lie in order to serve the country they love and are willing to die f?r," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "~his vote gy:the United Sta{es Senate will have Presi&nt Barack Obama. ~Wockn~rphoto extremely pOsitive rippl~ effects well b~yo~d " Dont Ask; Dont Tell. Our government has ,WA~SHINGTON, DC Don’t Ask, sent a powerful message that discrimination,,, Dont %11, the military’s ba~on open gays, " on any level, should not be tolerated lS " headed for the dustbin of history. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network The Senate voted 65-31 on Dec. 18 to authorize the policy’s repeal and sent the measure to President Barack Obama for his signature. Eight Republicans joined all but one Democrat in voting to repeal the ban. They were Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, Scott Brown of Massachusetts, Richard Burr of North Carolina, John Ensign of Nevada, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Lisa Murkowski ofAlaska and George Voinovich of Ohio. Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia did not vote. Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis called on the Pentagon to cease DADT discharges during the months between now and when repeal is finalized. "I respectfully ask Defense Secretary Robert Gates to use his a[tthority to suspend all Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell investigations during this interim period," Sarvis said. "Until the president signs the bill, until there is certification and until the 60-day congressional period is over, no one should ........Continued See DADT Page-5 Enid P-Flag Presents the 2011 Winter Bal ENID, OK On Saturday Night, January 22, 2011 Enid’s Symphony Hall will coine alive with the festivities of P-Flag’s (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) gala major event, the Winter Ball. N~e event runs from 8 p.m. until midnight and will include a live DJ, light food, a catered ba,; and a professional photographer to take photos of the partiers upon request. Tickets for the Ball are $10 and can be ordered by contacting Enid P-Flag. Xhis event is sponsored by Cross~valk United Church, Enid’s only official open and affirming church. Since opening in March of this year a~ 1319 S. Van Buren Enid’s GLBT community center, which is named simply, "N~e Center", has been busy and activities are growing. Through the Center Enid’s P-Flag chapter provides free counseling find mediation, and recently added free rapid HIV testing. Enid’s P-Flag is also partnering with other organizations through their Bridge Building Program for which GLBTWA youth and young adults sign up to assist people in need of help with tasks such as raking leaves, putting up or taking down holiday decorations, delivering hot meals or other useful activities. Not only does this program help provide needed volunteers, it also connects GLBTQA youth and young adults to the mainstream community and allows them to share their stories of diversity as the beneficiaries get to know them. During this holiday season food has been donated ftom the Center to the Horn of Plenty, which is Enid’s largest food bank. ........Continued See ENID Page-15 Metro to Retire F .er & By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Chaz Ward Founder and Publisher ofthe 7hlsa based Mewo Star Newspaper retires at 71. TULSA, OK __ "It’s the right time to retire. The business is changing and needs younger blood with nexv ideas. It’s been hard work but very rewarding to inform, unite and entertain the GLBT community of Oklahoma and the surrounding region." Chaz Ward When Mr. Ward decided ro start a GLBT focused newspaper he did so with mixed hopes, appropriate apprehensions, and small beginnings. The purpose for starting this enterprise as the Ozarks Star in 2003 was to provide the unrepresented gay community of southxvest Missouri, northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas with a viable voice. It was just a digest size black and white news and information magazine with just 12 pages, four advertisers and a circulation under 700 distributed in Joplin and Springfield, Missouri, Fayetteville, At’kansas, Pittsburg, Kansas and Tulsa. Even then he lmew he ~vas getting into a challenging fidd where countless entrepreneurs had come and gone in that region alone. Then as now in this area of the United States gay newspapers deal with limited advertising revenue because so many business owners are reluctant to be seen in a gay focused publication. "The limited revenue forced us ro rely on part time staff~vorking primarily as a labor of tove, which makes ir tough going," said Mr. \Yard. He would also be dealing with fear and animosity towards the GLBT community, but he had seen toughe~~" times. Growing up in Oklahoma City as a teenager in the mid 1950s he faced what was then a different world. Oklahoma City had only one gay bat’, the Mayflower, and even that oasis of GLBT life was subjected to constant police harassment for which there was no recourse. Homosexuality was considered a mental illness, sodomy laws were tstilt on the books, and gay rights (let alone marriage) weren’t even considered worthy of discussion by mainstream society. Understandably, along with many other GLBT people, he moved to California where the environment was at least a little better, working in management with a nationa! building services firm until his retirement in 1994. He then began buying and remodeling old homes ro resell, one of which he turned into a bed & breald’ast in Joplin that he operated and where the Ozarks Star was born in 2003. Although he knew from firsthand observation what he was getting into, he began his publication xvith lots of encouragement from the areas GLBT community. After selling the bed and breakfast in 2004, he moved to Tulsa and renamed the paper simply, "The Star." At that time the largest publication was the Gayly Oklahoman, which focused primarily on local news, while the Star dealt more with entertainment and syndicated columns. When the Gayly ceased publication in 2006 after 22 years as the primary news source for the GLBT community and a restart failed that same year, The Star became Oklahoma’s largest GLBT newspaper with a new role to fulfill. Victor Gorin, formerly with the Gayly Oklahoman, began working at the Metro Star serving as Copy Editor, writer, working in ad sales, photography and distribution primarily for the Oklahoma City area, joined by writers Robin Dorner and Jeanne Flanigan. Also coming on board in Tulsa were writer Michael Sasser, distributor Bill Francisco and photographer Judy Gabbard. Later becoming the Metro Star in 2007, the paper had grown to a circulation of 4000 to 5000, changed from a magazine to a tabloid, had gained credibility as a viable source of news and information for the GLBT community of Oklahoma which included national news along with local events and entertainment features. ........Continued See METRO STAR Page- 15 22 o5 est Gay Rese S~rvice Road banain .C 2221 Follow us on Fac~book Major Credit Cards Accepted 2 January 1, 2011 [] [] Paul ~ompson passes Away Leaving a lifetime ofService ( 93 o20 0) Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association ~des Again For 25th ye~ars the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association has held this annual Memorial Day weekend event which celebrates gay cowboys & cowgirls with their friends. Held as always at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, the rodeo is like any other with regular roping and riding events, and unlike most others with campy "Drag Races" and goat dressing competitions. This rodeo now ranks among the top 4 rodeos of the International Gay Rodeo Association, which comprises over 20 rodeos in the United States and Canada. Kelly Kirby receives the Equality Oklahoma’s Lifetime Achievement Award Paul ~hompson was a well known activist for the GLBT community, starting from the early 1970s when he w~s arrested for public lewdness for publicly kissing a man on the neck. He fought his case and won, and he continued the rest of his life working to make things better not only" ~br the GLBT community but also other marginalized minorities. He had co-chaired OGLPC fiom 1992 until tis death on March 4 o~: this year. He also had co-chaired the OKC Pride Parade and Festival for many years, and was instrmnental in arranging the first one in 1987. In addition he was a tireless activist with the Oldahoma Democratic Party:, was an active board member ~vith the Oklahoma City chapter of the NAACP and also served on the Martin Luther King Parade Committee. His life made a major impact on the lives and future of GLBT Oldahomans and others seeking justice and equality. Cimarron Alliance Foundation acquires new once and gets a new Director Cimarron Alliance dates back to its original formation in 1995, beginning then as a Political Action Committee striving to promote gay or gay friendly candidates and legislation in Oklahoma. In 1997 the Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed in order to enable the organization to accept tax deductible contributions and work towards educational efforts for the GLBT community and Oklahomans in general about their issues. They acquired their first office this year at 729 N.W. 17th Street, and also hired their first fulltime Executive Director, Scott Hamilton. He strives to keep the Foundation going strong during these tough times stating, "You keep going because the needs do not abate just because money is tight. If you bdieve in social justice that doesn’t stop until there is justice." At their 30th annual Equality Gala Banquet, Equality Otdahoma bestowed their Lifetime Achievement Award on Kelly Kirby. A veteran and successful businessman xvith his own accounting firm, he was honored for over 20 years of activism on behalf of the GLBT community in Tulsa. Not going overboard he stated modestly afterwards, " I would have to say that at 56 years old the word lifetime is a bit daunting." Oklahoma City holds their 23rd Annual Pride Parade and Festival From humble beginnings in 1987, the Oklahoma Pride Parade and Festival once again brought people together to parry, reminisce, and stand together. N~is year it was accompanied by the banners of Cimarron Alliance displayed on the lampposts along the parade route on Classen Boulevard. N~is time it also began with an outrageously fun block party on Friday night June 25th on the 39th Street Strip, follmved by the Festival in Memorial Park Saturday and Sunday which is the beginning point of the Parade. The Parade ~cked off on grand style at 5 p.m., much glamorized by this year’s Grand Marshall, Ginger Lamar. Miss Lamar ( a,k,a, Queen Supreme, Beauty with a Bite, Queen of the F---king Universe) has been a mainstay in the OKC entertainrnent scene for over 30 years. A wild emcee never caught short for a wisecrack or snappy comeback, she has delighted audiences in a style all her own. Today she still reigns as the emcee Saturday nights at the Boom, a proud Oklahoma tradition that truly did it her way. Pride Parade and Festival Celebrated in Tulsa On June 5 Tulsa held their 14th Pride Parade, followed by their biggest festival yet in Centennial Park. N~is year their Parade Marshall was the Reverend Martin Lavanhar, Senior Pastor of Allsouls Unitarian Church ofTulsa. He was honored for his courage shown when he spoke at a conference in Uganda rallying against efforts by that nation to make homosexuali.ty a crime punishable by the death penalty. Aiding a sister Unitarian church in Uganda for this cause was a very risky undertaking but he felt he had to make a stand saying, "I’m 4! years old and I%e never been called upon to go overseas to risk my life for freedom. In some ways this was that kind of call." When he returned safely Toby Jenkins, the Director of Equality Oldahoma stated, "We had to hono~ this wonderful man, to let people know that this straight minister fi’om Oldahoma was only one of m,o ministers who was at this conference in Uganda." Enid gets their first GLBT Commtmky Center, and holds their first Pride Celebration One might not think a town like Enid, well known for its conservatism, grain elevators and their powerful football team( the Enid Plainsman) as a place for a gay scene, but yet this has emerged. Enid High School has a Gay/Straight Alliance, a local P-Flag Chapter ( Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), and now a GLBT community center called simply the Center at 1319 S. V3n Buren. Everything fi’om HIV testing to dances are held there, ~long with many groups now forming tip. ~ihis year Enid celebrated their 2nd Pride Festival as Meadowlake Park came to life with vendors and entertainers followed by an evening firewor~ sho,a: This time over 400 people came to savor the solidarity and enjoy the fun. SSRA Rodeo -Back a~er 5 years in Grand Style Back after 5 years, the Sooner State Rodeo Association was again in full swing. Hosted this time by the Ramada Inn East, the event was held on October’s first weekend at the Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort in Sperry. Founded in 2002, SSRA is a member of the International Gay Rodeo Association. 0 Y A CONGREGATION OF THE ~N~T~D CHURCH OF CHRIST Join us Sundays at 6pro 3901 NW 63rd St www.cohokc.com God is still speaMng, Ban Empi~ ’uptcv ® Civil Rights ~Criminal ’ment ® Family Law ® Litigation January 1, 2011 i 3 School Board As a well known activist who has proudly marched in OKC’s Pride Parade carrying a sign that says "Gay Teacher", Joe Quigley has for years been a tireless advocate for equality and safe schools for all students, including those GLBT or perceived to be. For this he has gained the respect and admiration of not only the GLBT community but also that of countless of fair-minded Oklahomans. A teacher with the Oklahoma City School District since 1994 with 10 years of satisfactory appraisals, he was at Northwest Classen High School when in May of 2009 the Oklahoma City School Board voted to fire him. Although they claimed it was for poor performance, Mr. Quigley and his supporters saw it as a ruse to get rid of him due to his advocacy for GLBT students. With the help of the American Federation ofTeachers he took them to court where District Judge Barbara Swinton not only ruled in his favor, but apologized to him on behalf of how he was treated by the district. The District appealed, and. Judge Swinton’s ruling was upheld. The Oklahoma City School Board has now appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. At this time Mr.Quigley is now in a permanent position teaching English at Douglass High School; N O ahoma attempts Exemption from Federal Hate Crimes Law In October of 2009 Presiden{ obama signed into taw expanded Federal Hate Crimes protections to include real or perce@ed sexual orientation or gender identity as well as disabilit)’ and gender. Although this was hailed by the GLBT community and other activists as a long overdue step forward, it was also condemned by some religious groups and other conservatives nationwide who claimed that this measure promoted homosexuality and stifled fi’ee speech. Oklahoma was no exception, and in early 2010 State Senator Steve Russell introduced legislation to exempt Oldahoma from this provision, prohibiting Oklahoma law enforcement authorities from cooperating with the Federal government investigating these ty-pes of hate crimes. After overwhehning passage in the Senate, it went to the State House of Representatives where State Representative Mike Shelton, in a brilliant procedure of legislative maneuvering, got this legislation stopped. He had this to say as to why-- "There are pastors who wear the veil of Chrisrianity who support this legislation. As a Christian this offends me because the Jesus I know doesn’t stand for that." Mr. Shelton later received Cimarron Alliance’s Legislator of the Year Award, an honor shared with State Senator Judy Eason McIntyre ofTulsa. Oldahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Moves from Surv "va Mode back to Recovery During late 2009 and into this year, the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus ( known as OGLPC) was in survival mode. Formed in the early 1980s, the group had a long history of advocacy and education for the GLBT community, and was most famous for their voter guides mailed out to GLBT voters and their allies. However, during 2009 and into this year attendance had fallen to the point that the group could not function. Paul Thompson, who had been the male co-chair of the group since 1992, was trying to revive the group when he passed away during March of this year. Determined to carry on the legacy of OGLPC, co-chairs Jeanne Flanigan and Steven Dubois have been working to rebuild the group, and to reform it as a PAC ( Political Action Committee) that ~vill enable OGLPC to do fulfill their goals more effectively. They look forward greater milestones ahead. N Brittany Novomy made history when she ran against State Representative Sally Kern Sally Kern had already made a name for herself long before she sha@d a spotlight with Brittany. First elected in 2004 as a self described "Kernse~-~ative", she gained international notoriety’ after a speech she gave to a Republican gathering was secretly taped and posted on youtube. This speech stated that "gays are a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam"and that "no societ~r" that has embraced homosexuality has lasted for more than a few decades."She led the charge to get the book "King and King" ( ~ story" for children about a gay prince) removed from the Children’s Section of Oklahoma County- Libraries, labeling it "obscene." She also graced the front page of the Metro Star when she presented her Proclamation for Morality at the Oklahoma State Capitol, which claimed that America’s economic woes were due to "abortion~ pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse and other forms of debauchery." In 2010 Brittany Novotny threw her hat in the ring to give District 84 voters a choice. An Oklahoma Cite~ attorney and activist with the Young Democrats, she was the first transgendered person ever to run for public once in Oklahoma. However she made it a point not to focus on that issue, but rather on things that she felt mattered more for average raional Oldahomans like jobs, education and transportation that Sally had neglected due to her focus of social issues. AJthough she lost to Ms.Kern in the Red Sweep of the November general elections, BrittaW still made history and will no doubt make more in the future. Tramps continues the Proud Tradition ofHave a Heart An annual event of love happens . appropriately each year around Valentine’s Day at Tramps with their Have a Heart Benefit Show and Auction. It began as the creation of the late Larry Crosby, then a coowner ofTramps and Sister Gall Addis who was then with Catholic Charities’ Loaves and Fishes Program, which provided meals ~’~r those living with HIV.Although Larry has passed away his sister, Canaille Rohn who is still a part owner ofTramps, along with the stat~" and many volunteers again made this event a fabulous success. This year over $8,000 was raised. Richard Ogden sworn in an Oldahoma Regent [ Openly gay attorney and longtime activist Richard Ogden was appointed by Governor Brad Henry to the Board of Regents of the Regional University" System of Oklahoma on June 10. He was sworn in by District Judge Barbara Sxvinton. As a regent Mr. Ogden will be part of that governing board which is responsible for the hiring of university presidents. Tulsa adopts Non- Discrimination Policy for City Employees On June 17 the Tulsa Cit-y Council voted 6-3 to adopt a nondiscrimination policy for municipal employees on the basis of sexual orientation, ,~though in 1975 then Mayor Robert LaFortune commissioned a report recommending adoption of this policy; the report was rejected Iia 1994 the Tulsa GLBT community participated in formal hearings in favor of this policy, only to be denied again. The Tulsa Human Rights Commission had been recommending this change for over 15 years. I~a-is Wilmes, Oklahomans for Equality’s Advocacy Director stated, "This makes such a strong statement to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming and sensible island in a state that is often ridiculed for being intolerant and unjust towards marginalized populations." Tulsa now joins other Oklahoma cities who have this policy for their employees, Del City, Mtus, McAlester,Miami, Noble and Vi.nita. Tulsa School Board Votes for GLBT clusive Nondiscrimination Policy During September the Tulsa School Board voted unanimously to include GLBT persons in their nondiscrimination/anti-bullying policy for teachers, students and parents. Tami Marler, a spokesperson for the Tulsa Public Schools, stated that this change was made in accordance with recommendations by the Civil Rights Office of the U.S. Department of Education. With this measure they now join the school districts of Norman and Oklahoma City ~vho also have this policy, . although Oklahoma City’s policy goes further in also protecting gender identity. "At Century 2t Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPL~ 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 By Rex Wockner Dan Choi hospitalized Activist Dan Choi. Wocknerphoto Leading Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell activist Dan Choi said Dec. 14 that he was committed to a veterans hospital psychiatric ward on Dec. 10, the day after the U.S. Senate again refused to authorize repeal of the DADT ban on open gays in the military. On Dec. 18, the Senate reversed course and voted 65-31 to authorize the repeal. (See separate story.) In an on-the-record e-mail sent from his iPhone, Choi said he had experienced "a breakdown and anxiety, attack." "(T)he failures of government and national lobbying carry consequences far beyond the careers and reputations of corporate leaders, elected o~cials, high powered lobbyists or political elites." Choi wrote. "They ruin lives. My breakdown was a result of a cumulative array of stressors but there is no doubt that the composite betrayals felt on Thursday, by elected leaders and gay organizations as wel! as many who have exploited my name for their marketing purposes, have added to the result." Choi was released from the hospital several days later and sounded like himself in a telephone interview with CNN on Dec. 18. Activists hope to force teaching ofgay history A bill introduced in the California Legislature by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, would require that LGBT people be fairly and accurately included in school teaching material. ~ihe measure is sponsored by Equality California and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network. ~ae bill also prohibits the State Board of Education from using instructional material that discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. EQCA said that if enacted, the law "would add LGBT to the existing list of underrepresented cultural and ethnic groups (that) are covered by current la~v related to inclusion in textbooks and other instructional materials in schools." "LGBT people should not be pushed into the closefwhen it comes to what students learn about history," said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. "Educating youth about the contributions ofLGBT Californians and our state’s rich diversity will help foster true acceptance of LGBT students and will ultimately create a safe school environment for all students." GSA Network Executive Director Carolyn Laub added, "LGBT youth are denied a fair education xvhen they are exposed to harmful stereotypes in classroom materials and are excluded from learning about their history." Leno said that "most textbooks don’t include any historical information about the LGBT movement." "Our collective silence on this issue perpetuates negative stereotypes ofLGBT people and leads to increased bullying of young people," he said. "We can’t simultaneously tell youth that it’s OK to be yourself and live an honest, open life when we aren’t even teaching students about historical LGBT figures or the LGBT equal rights movement." UN secretary-general, US ambassador attend LGBT event United Nations Secretary-General Ban Yd,moon and the United States’ U.N. ambassador. Susan Rice. joined a high-level U.N. panel Dec. 10 that condemned anti-gay violence and the criminalization of same-sex relations. The Human Rights Day event was hosted by several nations and organized by the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Human Rights Watch and other organizations. "Violence will end only when we confront prejudice," Ban said. "Stigma and discrimination will end only when we agree to speak out. That requires all of us ro do our part -- to speak out at home, at work, in our schools and communities." "Where there is tension between cultural attitudes and universal human rights, universal human rights must carry the day," he said. "Personal disapproval, even society’s disapproval, is no excuse to arrest, detain, imprison, harass or torture anyone -- ever. ... Human Rights Day commemorates the Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights. It is not called the Partial Declaration of Human Rights. It is not the Sometimes Declaration o~Human Rights. It is the Universal Declaration, guaranteeing all human beings their basic human rights, without exception." Rice told the gathering: "The story ofmy country is, in part, a story of the expanding boundaries of rights and dignity -- of the way that discrimination and prejudice have been countered by acceptance and equality. I feel dais deeply and I feel it very personally. Even at a time of profound challenges at home and abroad, we dare not give up on the great causes of equality and fundamental rights. And that includes the pursuit of full and equal rights for the millions of people in this country and around the world ,vho are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender." "Change," Rice said, "comes from people ... who refuse to move to the back of the bus. It comes from the leaders, the activists, and the ordinary men and women who believe that all human beings have equal worth, equa! dignity, equal consequence -- and equal rights. This conviction underpins the significant steps that the United States has taken over the past two decades to advance the human rights of all of those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender." The event was sponsored by U.N. missions from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, France, Gabon, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and the United States and by the Delegation of the European Commission. Illinois passes civil-union law The Illinois Legislature passed a civilunion bill Dec. 1 and Gov. Pat Quinn said he will sign it into law. Gay or straight couples wilt be able to enter into a civil union starting in July. The unions will carry the san~e state-level rights as marriage. ~ae vote in the Senate was 32-24. ~e vote in the House of Representatives was 61-52. "(These days), legislator after legislator talks about ’my gay daughter;’ ’my gay brother,’" Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy Rick Garcia told Windy City Times. "The most politically powerful thing gay people can do is to come out to family and friends.... Illinoisans are middle-of-the-road, very steadfast folks, so [ think {’this bill~ passage) bodes well for our community across the country." Freedom to Marry Executive Director Evan Wolfson ~velcomed the new iaw as a "step," but said "civil union is no substitute" for marriage. "States that have created civil union as a means of both giving and withholding -- providing legal protections wMle withholding the freedom to marry and all its meaning -- have found that civil union falls far short of marriage vcith al! its tangible and intangible significance in our lives," Wolfson said. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley sounded a similar note Dec. 2, saying: "Eventually marriage will take place. It has to be.... We have to move faster." Same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C. In addition, New York and Maryland recognize same-sex marriages that take place elsewhere in the nation or world. Civil-union or domestic-partnership laws that grant all state-level rights of marriage are in place in California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington. Laws that grant same-sex couples some of the rights of marriage are in place in Colorado, Hawaii and Maine. California is a further case unto itself. Same-sex marriage was legal from June to November 2008, when voters amended the state constitution via Proposition 8 to put a stop to it. The couples who married then are still legally married, as are other same-sex couples who live in California and got married anywchere in the world before Prop 8 passed. Gay couples who married somewhere else after Prop 8 passed, or ~vho marry elsewhere in the future, receive every state-level right and obligation of marriage in California except for the legal right to call their marriage a "marriage" when they are in California. They are not recognized under the state’s domestic partnership law, but rather are married.cou,p,les who are denied use of the word "marriage. N January 1, 2011 5 O ahomans Eqt ality hires new Execrative ~e Board of Directors of Equal:t). Oklahoma hired Toby Jenkdns as their new Execut@e Directoi; beginning his duties October 1 .He had served on their Board of Directors since 2008 and has a 13 year history of volunteering for the organization. He has been employed at the Tulsa County Courthouse :[))r 18 years and has for the past 11 years served as the Civil Appeals Court Clerk to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice and a BA degree in Biblical Linguistics and Pastoral Studies. He also holds a masters degree in theolo~~ and has done graduate work in the Sociology of Aging. He has 2 married children and a granddaughter. He is glad to be there stating, "It~ a great honor to work for an organization that saves lives every day. I believe we must do more tO address to needs of our community and challenge them to step up to volunteer service." Norm Teenager commits Suicide af,er Ci W Co nci Meeting Abo t GLBT History On September 27 the Norman City Council voted 7-1 to approve a proclamation ~br GLBT History Month. The Norman Human Rights Commission wrote the proclamation after much deliberation, and there was a great deal of positive publicity concerning the Council’s action. Howevm; this approval met with strong opposition from some Norman residents who showed up at that meeting to air their protests, many using stereotypical and negat@e references to homosexuality. This was wimessed by Zach Harrington, a 19 year old gay Norman resident who had heard similar sentiments when he had been bullied as a student at Norman North High School. Although his parents, Van and Nancy Harrington and his sister Nikki were aware of and supportive of his lifestTle, the sentiments he heard expressed yet again apparently were too much and he took his life at his parents’ home October 10. A candlelight vigil was held for him October 13. Margaret Cox, Don & Mick Schirron honored at the Cimarron Alliance Awards Gala Margaret Cox was honored with the Cimarron .Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award for many years spent to help women achieve equality through her work with the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Organization for \7~/omen, and for ~vork helping the GLBT community through Herland Sister Resources and Cimarron Alliance. Also honored as Legislators of the Year were State Representative Mike Shelton and State Senator Judy Eason Mclntyre. Don Hawkins and Mick Schirron received the Media Avcard as former owners of the Gayly Oldahoman, which began operation in 1983 and was Oklahoma’s longest lasting and largest GLBT newspaper. Beginning as a monthly paper with a circulation of 4000, it later grew to a biweekly publication with a circulation of 10,000. Due to a changing business climate and personal commitments, Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Schirron sold the Gayly in 2006 to Andrew Hiclcs and the late Heather Harp ofTulsa. Although reincorporated, the paper resumed operation in March 15 2006 and ceased publication in December 15 of that same year. Currently the Oklahoma Historical Society is copying an entire set of the Gayly OHahomans on microfilm. @ AIDS Walk O ahoma "Each Step Brings Hope" was the theme for the AIDSXX/-alk 2010 which took place September I9 for the 12th year of this event. Previously held in October, the date ,vas moved up and the location changed to the Sonic Plaza in Bricktown, this time also accompanied by a 5K run that morning. Money raised from this event goes to help those in the OHahoma City area infected and/affected by HIM Arnold ’%rna Lee" Smith passes away at 83 As a longtime club owner, activist and entertainer Arnold Lee Smith, best known as Arna Lee, left a legacy of pride, hope and fond memories for GLBT OHahomans. He was a pioneer, spearheading efforts that won Oklahoma City’s GLBT community many freedoms they now take for granted. When he was a club owner, with a club called Lee’s Lounge in the early 1960s, he endured relentless police harassment and never backed down. Longtime partiers remember police raids where he was arrested along with his customers, and he would bail them out along with himself and re-open his bar that same night. Later he opened Oklahoma’s first premier showbar, the Roadhouse, where many big name Oklahoma entertainers got their start. Later he also owned a steamy dance club called the Outrigger from 1979 until 1981. After a sojourn in Florida, he opened another bar complex also called nostalgically the Roadhouse in 1995, which closed after a year of operation, and then went partly into retirement, still doing shows in various clubs for many good causes. \ghen his heath failed and he entered the Norman Veterans Center Nursing Home, he passed away October 3 I. He was missed by his many friends, and honored because he madea difference for the GLBT community of Oldahoma. be investigated or discharged under this discriminatory law. :.. Certification and the 60-day congressional requirement must be wrapped tip no later than the first quarter of 2011." Sarvis called the repeal of the ban "the defining civil rights initiative of this decade." Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart called the I7-year fight to overturn the ban "a heroic political battle by LGBT advocates who refused to give up." In a statement Defense Secretary Robert Gates said: "Once this legislation is signed into law by the president the Department of Defense will immediately proceed with the planning necessary to carry out this Change carefully and methodically, but purposefully: This effort will be led by Dr. Clifford Stanley, Undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. The legislation provides that repeal will take effect once the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that implementation of the new policies and regulations written by the department is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the armed forces .... I will approach this process deliberately and xvill make such certification only after careful consultation with the military service chiefs and our combatant commanders and when I am satisfied that those conditions have been met for all the Services, commands and units. It is therefore important that our men and women in uniform understand that while today’s historic vote means that this policy will change, the implementation and certification process will take an additional period of time. In the meantime, the current law and policy will remain in effect." Obama issued-a statement that said: "Today, the Senate has taken an hist~oric step toward ending a policy that undermines our national security while violating the very ideals that our brave men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend. By ending Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell, no longer will our nation be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans forced to leave the militao; despite years of exemplary performance, because they happen to be ga}~ and no longer will many thousands more be asked to live a lie in order to serve the country they love. As commander-in-chief, I am also absolutely convinced that making this change will only underscore the professionalism of our troops as the best led and best trained fighting f6rce the world has ever known. And I join the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; as well as the overwhehning majority of service members asked by the Pentagon, in knowing that we can responsibly transition to a new policy while ensuring our military strength and readiness. It is time to close this chapter in our history. It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gendm; religion or creed. It is time to al!ow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their country openly." "First ursday" Art Opening and E ibit of Original Works by Tulsa World Editorial Cartoonist o Bruce Planteo TULSA, OK (PR) __ The January" Oldahomans for Equality (OlcEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature works by Tulsa World Editorial Cartoonist Bruce Plante. Bruce lcnew, while growing up in Texarkana, Ark., that drawing and humor were in his future: He began drawing cartoons in the second grade and began performing standup comedy in the sixth grade. As a sophomore at the University of Arkansas Bruce became the editorial cartoonist for the Arkansas Traveler, the school newspaper. He graduated the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in 1977. In 1985, Bruce became the first staffeditorial cartoonist for The Chattanooga Times and held that position for 22 years. On Oct. 22, 2007 Bruce was lured away from Chattanooga to Tulsa, taking the position of edit0i:ial cartoonist.for the Tulsa World, replacing the late Doug Marlette. In 1989, he creatdd Plante Ink syndicate which distributes his editorial cartoons to 40 subscribers throughout the United States. His cartoons have been reprinted in The New York Times, USA Today;The %~ashington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Newsweek International (Europe), Newsweek Japan, Playboy; Sports Illustrated, Discover, CBS, CNN, college and high school textbooks and even the Iowa Achievement Test. In 1985, Bruce won Showtime’s Funniest Person in Aa’aerica Contest. He performed standup for 4 years for audiences as large as 3,000 and speak~s to more than 30 civic groups and schools every year. The show begins with a reception on ~lt~ursday, JanualT 6th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month, www.okeq. org Free help By Steven Petrow &even Petrozv is tt§e author of"The Essential Boot: ofGay Manners &Etiquette. Send him your questions at qUeerieS@live.com. "Too affectionate at the mall?" is not to hook-up; you’re making a political statement. ¯ Follow the leader: Breal~ only one rule at a time. Don’t go rogue on your comrades, (i.e. no name-calling, clashing with police). ° Be clean and kissable: Bring your breath mints; you may be kissing a lot of strangers. Don’t hog the best kissers. If everyone else is moving on to a new partner, it’s time to let go. Elton John to sing against Prop 8 Elton John will perform a private concert in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 19 to raise money for the ongoing federal lawsuit against Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage in California. ~tle concert, to benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rigi~ts, which hired the gay side’s superstar attorneys, Ted Olson and David Boles, will take place at the Green Acres estate of billionaire political fundraiser Ron Burlde. "We are deeply honored to have the support of Sir Elton John," said AFER Board President Chad Griffin. ’!The American Foundation for Equal Rights stands for the enduring principle that all Americans are created equal, and believes that ending statesanctioned discrimination is a critical step we must tal~e toward ending the hate crimes and suicides that continue to claim the lives of young Americans." John has not always been a supporter of same-sex marriage. On Nov. 12, 2008, eight days after voters passed Prop 8, he told USA Today: "What is wrong with Proposition 8 is that they went for marriag.e Marriage is going to put a lot of people off, the word ’marriage’. ... I dont want to be married. I m very happy with a civil partnership. If BY people want to get married, or get together, they should have a civil partnership.... Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships." Prop 8 was struck down as unconstitutional at the federal district court level. The ruling is currently on appeal at the U.S. 9th Circuit Court ofAppeals, which heard oral arguments on Dec. 6. For concert ticket information, e-mail events@afer.org. 3131 January 1, 2011 I 7 Tulsa Eagle Staffready to serve the crowd at thier 2009 New Years Eve Black &White Ball, and did they ever! Sooner &ate Softball Association Games promised an ex’citing summer 2010. Shown above is Oklahoma Chaos Team ofOklahoma Ci~ Gorin photo .............MORE Photo’s on page 11 8 January 1, 2011 AffirmingChurch in Owasso expands ministry to gay OWASS0;OK (PR)~ ~.Table UCC h~ ~0urd~ and ~fi~ort for G~TQS~yo~t~ ~i~i~)~e Youth gr~U~ is c~i~ ~nPlace. ~ey m;et0n F~i~ay ev~fiings from 6:30pm t0 8~00pm. B~ginning the 3rd Monday in Janua~ they will have k PF~G meeting from 7’8 p.m. Rev Melinda Foster leads the congregation and they meet at 202 S Cedar, Suite E, Ow~so OK 74q55. Rev. Melinda Foster can be reached at 918-693- 0458. For more information visit: http://opentableucc.com/ Nommanons Comm ity Heroes TULSA, OK (PR) Oklahomans for Equality is now taldng nominations to recognize individuals or groups who have made an impact on the work for equality for the LGBT community. These awards are presented at the annual Equality Gala on April 30, 2011, Tulsa Convention Center Ballroom. The following awards are presented: Lifetime Achievement Award- Recognizes a lifetime dedication tothe cause of equality for LGBT community in O~ahoma. Past recipients include Nancy McDonald, Dennis Neill and Kelly Kirby. This award is nor always presented, annually. Community Heroes- Recognize ~hose individuals and groups who have represented or served our community in the previous year. Many of these hdroes have "taken a bullet" for our cause. Past recipients include Council Oak Mens Chorale, Jim Roth, Carol Crawford, Tim Williams, and Kelly Carter. The Russell Bennett Award for Spiritual Inclusion - Presented to a faith leader who leads and supports affirming the faith of the LGBT community in our local congregations. Past winners include Rev. Leslie Penrose, Rabbi Sherman and Rev. Richard Ziglar. Grand Marshal for the Tulsa Gay Pride Parade June 11 th- Recognizes an individual who has supported the LGBT community in a courageous and visible manner. Past recipients have been 11 year old Noah Blatt and the Rev Marlin Lavanhar for his advocacy work for the gay community in Uganda. You can download a form at http://www.okeq.org/wp-content/ uploads/2010/12/nominationform. pdf Please return completed form to: Oklahomans for Equality PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 or email paul. allen@okeq.org Rev S eve uric spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and Blessed Day! January 1, 2011 Creep ofthe Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne ~tkowski has been gayforpay since 2003. Shes aJ~eelance zortter andpoet (believe ~t:9. When she’s not taking on the creeps ofthe world she reviews rock ~’ toll shows in Detroit with her ~oin sister "John McCain" 10 January 1, 2011 I wish I still had my dog-eared and tattered copy of Conduct Unbecoming so I could send it to John McCain. Not that he’d bother ro read it. The U.S. military’s vicious anti-gay history with its vcitch-hunts and outright persecution of gay service members probably isn’t of much interest to McCain. Especially since "don’t ask, don’t tell" solved everything. Don’t you dare try to tell him anything different. During a Nov. 28 appearance on "State of the Union" with host Candy Crowley, McCain actually had the audacity to claim that "don’t ask, don’t tell" is an effective policy that doesn’t harm anyone, gay or straight, and that the call for its repeal is just politics. "There was no uprising in the military," he said. "There were no problems in the military with ’don’t ask, don’t tell.’" "If you were gay it was a problem," Crowley interjected. "No it wasn’t," McCain snapped. "It’s called ’don’t ask, don’t tell,’ okay? Ifyou don’t ask them, you don’t ask somebody, and they don’t tell." Got that? It works. End of story. Crowley tried to ask McCain something else, but he cut her off. "I understand your point of view. I understand the poil~t of view by the majority of the media," he said. "But the fact is, this was a political promise made by an inexperienced president or candidate for presidency of the United States." In other words, it’s all Obama’s fault. He’s too young to know what a good idea it is to discriminate against homos in the military. Why, when McCain was Obama’s age he had to walk 15 miles in the snow uphill both ways in order to make a campaign promise likd that. "The military is at its highest point in recruitment and retention and professionalism and capability," McCain continued. "So to somehow allege that this policy has been damaging the military is simply false." Tell that to the thousands of gays and lesbians who have been booted out of the military since "don’t ask, don’t tell" was enacted. According to Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, that number is upwards ~s"R’s cal~ed ’don’t ~ k, don’t te~,’ okay? you don’t ask Ithern, you don’t ask IsorneSody, and they ~.on’t tell." ~ of 14,000. You may recall that in 2002, amid a severe shortage of Arabic-speaking translators, the Army fired six linguists trained in Arabic simply because they were gay. Apparently McCain sees this as some kind of success. "The fact is that this system is working," he told Crowley. McCain repeatedly stressed that he wanted to know what the effect ~vill be of letting gays serve openly - and that’s the operative word, "openly." Because gays already serve in the military, they just have the weight of a government-mandated closet on their backs threatening to tumble open and ruin their careers ar any moment. "I believe we need to assess the effect on the morale and battle effectiveness of those young Marines and’Army people I met at forward-operating bases that are putting their lives on the line every day," he said. Never mind that some of these "young Marines and Army people" are probably gay. McCain Said he has had "a number of" military folks come up ro him and say, "Look, we fight together, we sleep together, we ear together." His choice of anecdotes illustrates one of the main concerns ofhomophobes: that homosexuality is contagious, and the best way to guard against it is to make sure you never l~ow when and if it’s around you and to punish gays and lesbians who dare make such an enormous sacrifice to serve the country. A L G A T S L 0 T A T L L A C Y N Y T Miss Bamboo 2011 @ the Bamboo Lounge ~dsa November 2010. Staffphom @A~tes OKC]anuary 2010. Godn photo Hot Dancers @ 77~e End Up, ~dsa March 2010. ~affphoto F ash Back TobyJenkins, President, Oklahomansfor Equality and Oklahoma State Representative Al 3/IaAd~ey at the 30th Equality Gala, Tulsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella [m~es @the Copa, OKCfidy 2010. Gorin photo @ Finishline, OKCJanua,y 2010. Gorin ghoto @Alibis, OKCJune 2010. Godn ghoto April 2010 Open Arms Youth Project hosts P?vm Night. P,vm Queen, Brenda "G,andma" Bolen and Prom I~%tg, Kim W,§#enhunt. Judy G. Photo Best Wishes For Kel~ Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement Award, p,~sented by N,znoy McDonald @ the 30Anniversary Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo 3det,v Star Staff" Ginger Lamar, Grand 3darshall 2010 OKC Pride. Do,werphoto Untertaine. @ Ledo. O {C 20 OI Gon,, photo @ Club Majestic, TulsaJanuary 2010, fi~dy G. photo Sooner State Rodeo Association at the 2010 Tulsa Pride Parade. Judy Gphoto 2011, From The Metro Star Team @ Club 209, ~dsaJanua,7 2010, Ju4y G. photo Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association @ the Habana hzn Pool Party 3day 2010. Godn photo By Rex Wockner* Judges hint at Prop 8 case twists and turns 9t,§-Gtvuit Federal Court, APpoolphoto @Eric Risberg The effort to undo California’s Proposition 8 inched forward Dec. 6 when a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals entertained nearly three hours of oral arguments from the attorneys in the case. In an ornate courtroom on the third floor of San Francisco’s historic James R. Browning U.S. Courthouse, amid murals, stained glass and statues dating to 1905, the attorneys replayed some of their main arguments and the judges offered hints of where the case might go. The gay side’s lawyers, who include famed attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles, sought to defend U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling from August that Prop 8 violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process. They also argued that the parties who brought the appeal to the 9th Circuit -- the activists who created Prop 8 and the deputy county clerk of Southern California’s dusty Imperial County -- have no legal "standing" to have mounted this appeal ofWalker’s ruling. Those parties are trying to defend Prop 8 because all the public ot~cials who were sued in the case -- including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General (and Gov.-elect) Jerry Brown -- have refused to defend the voter-passed state constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage in November 2008 after it had been legal for 4 1/2 months and after t8,000 same-sex couples had married. It is unclear if the court will grant the Prop 8 proponents or Imperial County standing to allow the appeal to move forward. ~e judges seemed unimpressed by Imperial County’s desire to be let into the case. Among other things, they seemed annoyed that the deputy county clerk rather than the actual clerk is pursuing the move. As to whether the people who put Prop 8 on the ballot should be allowed to step into the shoes of the state government and defend a piece of the state constitution that the state itself refuses to defend, the judges hinted that they might bounce that question off of the California Supreme Court to see hmv it feels about the idea. If the 9th Circuit does that, it could delay appellate rulings on both the standing issue and the merits ofWalker’s decision. On the merits, Olson told the judges that California has unconstitutionally "taken a class of citizens and put them in a separate category." California gives same-sex couples all the of marriage under a domesticpartnership law, but prohibits gay couples from marrying. Under another law. gay couples who go get married somewhere else also receive all the California rights of marriage but are prohibited from calling their marriage a marriage in California. Yet other gay couples, who got married in California or somewhere else before Prop 8 passed, are considered to be married in California and are permitted to use the word. It’s very messy. All of this is discriminatory, Olson said. It harms gay Californians. ~here is no legal rational basis for it. It cannot be "justified," he said. "California has built a fence around its gay and lesbian citizens and around the institution of marriage," Olson told the judges. "That is a violation of the equalprotection clause and it’s a violation of the due-process clause." Attorney Charles Cooper for the Prop 8 proponents told the judges that his case in defense of Prop 8 centers on "procreation." In Coopers view, it is rational for the state to limit marriage to men and women because the reason marriage exists in the first place is because sex between men and women produces children. ~e state, he suggested, has a unique interest in human unions that are procreative. At the end of the day, court-watchers were talking about three things that piqued their curiosity during the oral arguments: * Will the case be delayed so the 9th Circuit panel can sound out the California Supreme Court on the question of whether people who put initiatives on the ballot should be able to defend those initiatives when they are struck down by courts? Regardless of whether the judges seek advice from the California Supreme Court, the case ¯ cannot proceed if the 9th Circuit decides that neither the Prop 8 proponents nor Imperial County has legal standing to appeal. If they do not, Walker’s ruling striking down Prop 8 would come back into force. * In hearing the appeal of Walker’s ruling, will the 9th Circuit rely solely on Walker’s expansive trial record, which seems to demolish most of the myths, lies, arguments and opinions that historically have been used to oppress gay and lesbian people? Or will the 9th Circuit look at additional sources of information and seek out other facts . ine court hinted that it may review more than just the District Court’s findings. * And has the 9th Circuit perhaps hinted that it plans to uphold \Valker’s decision but in a way that would limit the case’s impac~ to California, the only state that ever let gays get married and then later took that right away from them? The court spent a fair amount of 12 January 1, 2011 Ed Sikov is the author ofDark l/icto*_7; 7be Life ofBette Davis and other books aboutf!lms and fihnmakers. "Kahlua, Cream and Fiasco: -he White Russian" My cold lasted another week, so forget about literary reticence. Let the gross descriptions fly: Shot spewed out of my nose like raw scrambled eggs, only darke,; more translucent, and graced by tiny bloblets of blood. My lungs hacked up a hocker so gray it could have come out of an old coal miner. When I wasn’t wiping smears of sputura off my hands, sheets and nearby skin mags, ! contemplated my recent poor behavior. Dan was right: I’d become "an old-fashioned asshole." Dan was nothing but affectionate with me, even after I spat goose-shit-green mucous onto his pillow while he slept. He deserved better from me. So did my friends. When I stopped being viral, I invited Craig and Kyle to dinner. Surprisingl); Craig didn’t hang up on me when I called. "I’m sorry..." I began. He cut me off: "Listen, dollface - I’ll forgive you anything as long as you keep your tongue off my boyfriend." "Right-O!" I sang out, amxiery turning me strangely into Terry-Thomas in some British war comedy. "How about dinner here on Saturday? It’s Chicken Cacciatore and an after-dinner drink that doesn’t suck." All was well. Dinner xvas a disaster. Dan was late, so I had to wield the vacuum cleaner and a can of Pledge and set the table while trying to make what turned out to be an absurdly complicated "hunter’s style" chicken with only half the ingredients the recipe called for. (I hadn’t bothered with a shopping list. "Calling Dr. Freud! STAT!") The result was a greasy; taste-free horror - no wild mushrooms, no fresh sage or thyme, clumpy years-old garlic salt instead of garlic.... "Hunter’s style?" What were they hunting - something outof Oliver Twist? Having tasted the cacciatore, I downed some Tormore Single Malt and became morose. But when Dan waltzed in mere minutes before Craig and Kyle were supposed to show up, my irrepressible life force returned. [ became hostile. Craig and Kyle thus entered during the second act of _Who’s Afraid ofVirginia Woolf_, with me playing both George and Martha. I behaved terribly; Dan was rightly embarrassed. I might have summoned enough dignity not to spend the whole evening staring at the gap between Kyle’s bottom shirt button and his belt. a space out of which a perfect tuft of soft hair emerged. Craig noticed, much to his giee and my continuing disgrace. But dessert was fiibulous! Ttxe White Russian is one of my favorite cream-based cocktails because of its subtlety, simplicity and relative lack of.sweetness. It’s got a little Kahlua for a cafd au lair effect, vodka for some kick and thick, chilled heavy cream for the mouth-to-belly bliss that only cold dairy fat can provide. Still, two rounds of White Russians wasn’t enough to make up for hurling lettuce fragments and bacon chunks in Craig’s face after discovering that puppy Kyle had been gobbled up by Jabba the Hut. Am I still bitter? You bet your elephantine ass I am. ~-he White Russian 1 part Absolut 1/2 part coffee liqueur 1 part chilled heaW cream Put some ice in a shaker and add all the ingredients; put the cap on and swirl it around a bi{ rather than shake it. (After all, you’re not trying to make liquor butter.) Pour through strainer into a good-looking glass and serve. time discussing a 1996 case from Colorado in which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a state constitutional amendment that deprived gay people of anti-discrimination protections that Colorado governments previously had extended ro them. A "narrow" ruling against Prop 8 by the 9th Circuit could bring same-sex marriage back to California but possibly thwart Olson, Boles and the American Foundation for Equal Rights’ desire to take before the U.S. Supreme Court the proposition that samesex couples have a constitutional right to get married in all states. Lesbian becomes Colorado Supreme Court justice Monica Marquez became the first openly gay or l~sbian member of the Colorado~ Supreme Court when she was s~vorn in Dec. 10. Her partner, Sheila Barthel, helped her put on her black robe at the ceremony. Marquez, 41, previously served as deputy attorney general. Spacey won’t discuss sexual orientation Actor Kevin Spacey told The Daily Beast on Dec. 15 that he’s not interested in discussing his sexual orientation. "I have not given up my right to privacy," Spacey said. "People have different reasons for the way they live their lives. You cannot put everyone’s reasons in the same box. It’s iust a line I’ve never crossed and never will." "You have to understand that people who choose not to discuss their personal lives are not living a lie." he continued. "That is a presumption that people jump ro.... I iust don’t buy into that the personal can be political. I just think that’s horseshit." ING AROLINI~ NOW...BECAIJSE OF THE. CHANGES IF "/OIJ WANT TO RMIN THEN GO. e~il: bittergirl@qsyndicate,com ty.net Chuck Breckenridge %q~cther buying or selling I’!1 work hard for you. !~-rk~_ra~~ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticValleyresort.corn info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Downtown Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Centel; Tulsa Gay Center. ~M]rordable Homes and Apartments. For mo,:e Info~wmtion visit: www~aybn~dyheightsmha.com By Jack Fertig Janua~ 20tl "Take a cSance on ~ove, Gemini!" Sun squaring Saturn adds the weight of age and responsibility, but Venus enters Sagittarius, leading affections and aesthetics toward new adventures. She gets in the middle of that square offering frivolous escape that can too easily complicate problems at hand, but she also offers some creative solutions. ARIES (Narch 20- Apri~ 19): The responsibilities of work and relationships can feel oppressive. A romantic adventure is much needed. If partnered, plan a getaway. If single, a stern attitude can be sexy, but balance it with playful warmth. (Think gym coach!) TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20}: As hard as you’ve been working, you’re entitled to a much-needed release. Find an appropriate place to scream and let it all out. If you really need to beat someone there are eager victims. Just keep it safe and consensual. GEN~N~ (Nay 21o June 20): Play only for funsies. Don’t take any bets. but take a chance on love or a passionate facsimile. Incredible sex is no basis for a solid relationship. Take it one day at a time and see what else there is. CANCER (June 21o Ju~y 22): A strong sense of responsibility at home can be a millstone or a motivator. Go with the latter. Once you drag your tush into action, momentum will make the rest of it a lot easier. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): Even you may have inarticulate moments, but just take them as a creative challenge. A little playfulness can boost morale and productivity. Too much, not so good. If a few jokes and your dazzling smile aren’t enough, turn it up slowly. V~RGO (August 23 - September 22): Your best investment of time, energy and money is in your own home and community. Think ahead before taking on responsibilities. Spreading humor and good will at home or close by will help build your standing. L~BRA (September 23 - October 22): The weight of the world seems to be on your shoulders. Opportunities can be hard to find, but they’re there! A lighthearted chat with a sister (genetic or otherwise) can help you get perspective. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Life is tough, but don’t let current troubles wear you down. When you catch yourself worrying, channel that into constructive thought toward a solution. Stick to basics and remember what’s important. November 22 - December 20): The money crisis will hit everyone. You may be worrying too much on a personal level. Focus on your personal assets, the kind you would still have even if you were penniless and naked. Never forget: You almost always fare better than most. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January- 19): You’re at the top of your game, but what’s next? The answer to that is not as urgent as it may seem. Relax, indulge in a romantic or sensual retreat, and the hard questions will gain perspective, AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): The world’s troubles are the world’s, not necessarily your own. Discussing global and personal worries with friends will help balance it all out. For answers to the world’s problems and your own, look across borders and oceans. HSCES (February !9- Narch 19): Put your deep, dark imagination to work. Even in a bleak future there are opportunities. You can be inspired to find them for yourself and to guide others. Even if the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train you could ride it out. Community for People iving with H V/A DS A 50I c (3) Not] 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 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 ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net ’1 14 /7 20 27 34 37 43 46 2 3 4 5 : 6 7 8 I 48 11 !2 24 25 26 33 53 54 55 Across 56 63 57 58 49 Down "i[hree-men-in-a-tub event Oral attention getter So,s0 grade 14 Point of View intr0, at Gay.c0m 15 "Oh, ~,X?hat a Beautiful Morning" sin er 16 Prayer Stm~&r !7 Hides ofhai~T guys? t9 ~orkers under Barney Frank 20 He had a crush on Beatle John 1 Lettuce variety 2 US citizen 3 The king in N~e ~ng I. ~br one 4 Time for Frida 5 Fireplace rods 6 Bounds gaily 7 Deadly septe[ 8 HIV exam, e.g. 9 One that reproduces without sex 34 "l~wo to one, }~r one 35 Cat on Tin RoOf 36 LacldngToc"ks ~, 37 E~rly g~atle song that expressed how 20- Across irelt : t3 ’60s radical org. 18 Type of tool 2! .M.use for Millay 24 My Cup Runneth Over s~nger Whitrnan’s dooryard bloomers the shaft a hottie 14 January 1,201t During the Metro Star’s time in publication Oklahoma and America has experienced great changes including two major elections, inclusion of GLBT persons among those with Federal Hate Crimes protection, the OKC and Tulsa School districts adopting policies protecting gay students from harassment and bullying, the tremendous growth of Oldahoma’s gay rights advocacy organizations and at presstime finally the end of legal discrimination for GLBT Americans in the US military. However as 2010 concludes on this happy note Chaz \gard, at age 7t, has made the decision to retire after publishing the newspaper for over 7 years. "It’s time for me to relax, I want to do some traveling, and will continue to help advance total equality for GLBT people." In conclusion the Metro Star wishes to say that they were proud to be part of the GLBT community of Oklahoma and the region, thanking our advertisers and readers for 7 great years. We come to a close xvith a recap of the highlights of 2010, and in this last issue we say thank you and we appreciate the support everyone has given us. Another endeavor has been their Cooking for Ct~ange Program which has been selling freshly made homemade tamales as a means for fundraising. A dozen tamales are only $24 and are available in pork, chicken or vegetarian style. Contact P-Flag to order some! P-Flag Enid also wants .to announce that nominations are open for their 2011 Stand Awards, which are open to GLBTQA individuals, businesses, organizations, media, artists and other categories of Oklahomans ~vho have improved life for the GLBT community in the state. They are also seeking similar groups interested in partnering with P-Flag as a Communty Parmer sponsor to keep the work of the Center going and growing. Enid P-Flag is a 501c3 organization so contributions are tax deductible. To contact Enid P-Flag one can call toll free 1 800 878 5298, or logon pflag@ enidglbt.org.. Flash Back I~cmr & Chaz 200~ January 1, 2011 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 [2011] Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2011; Volume 8, Issue 1 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 01, 2011 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Ronald Blake Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Philip Green Romeo San Vincente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Ed Sikov Steven Petrow Rex Wockneer D'Anne Witowski Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/187 The Star Magazine, June 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/452 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/190 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f84336b0e3de61787d7eed56a322aa31.jpg 6df2d20ac875d76ec030127efbfd8d1f https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/099864f51cbe8b772fddc5de916c42a5.pdf 8eda96cae8247fd07c51fb8de2ce6a79 PDF Text Text LOCAL NEWS ~ NATIONAL NEWS ~ V¢ORLD NEWS @ LIFESTYLE ~ FITNESS THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT TRA~¢~L ~ ADVICE ~ ENTERTAINMENT OKLAHOMA Page-!4 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 7 Twitter.com/MetroStarNews have a chance By Michael W. Sasser Contributing Writer difference Tulsa Ci~ Council votes to include sexual orientation to ci~y policy. Photo by Mia Bella Images Commission has recommended that Tulsa adopt an inclusive policy. Wilmes and Oldahomans for Equality worked in collaboration with Nancy McDonald of PFLAG Tulsa and Alice Blue and Tommy Chesbro of the City of Tulsa Human Rights Commission worked with City Councilor GT Bynum and City Councilor Maria Barnes to bring about the formal vote by the Tulsa City Council. "Tonight, PFLAG parents celebrate with the LGBT community," said McDonald. "No longer can a city employee be discriminated against based on sexual orientation. The majority of City Councilors are to be applauded for their vision and vote for Tulsa to be an inclusive city." By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ This election cycle is offering GLBT Oklahomans and their allies a major opportunity to vote for real change. Although Oklahoma has the dubious honor of being the reddest state in the country; we have never had so many candidates to vote for who are either GLBT or allied with us. In this issue of the Metro Star there is a candidate for District Judge (Jackie Short), 2 candidates for U.S. Representative District 5 (Tom Guild & Billy Coyle) and an Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1 ( Willa Johnson) each directly asking for your vote by advertising in the Metro Star. In addition there are 2 candidates running who are 0penlygay, Tom Kovach running for Stat~ Rep~es;~}~[ti~e Di~tricv ~4 and Andrew Willi~ for Si~di~e Representative in District 66. There are also 2 DemoCratic Candidates running for the Oklahom~ City State Ho~e DiStrict 93 seat allied with the GLBT community, former legislator Wanda Jo Peltier and Wilfredo Santos Rivera ( formerly of the Oklahoma City School Board, one of only 2 members who voted not to fire openly gay teacher Joe Quigley.) There are other candidates allied with our community we will be able to vote for in the General Election November 2. There is our only openly gay State Representative Al McAffrey- Incumbent Democrat District 88 of Oklahoma City, and our allies Democrat Dana Orwig running for State House District 87 also of Oklahoma city, JeffTracy in Tulsa .... Continued See CITY COUNCIL Page-11 BrittaW NovotW and Kern to face off November 2 for State Ho se District 84 Will Rogers Park last September, charged with attempting an act of public lewdness with another man ( the case is still pending), he withdrew from the race. The other candidate was Ray Prewitt, aged 40 and a resident of Bethany running as an Independent. Ms. Kern successfully challenged his eligibility before the Oklahoma By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The smoke has finally deared and the race is on. Although the filing ended with 4 candidates vying for the State House District 84 seat, the two others will not be on the ballot. Republican Garrick Voth was challenging Sally Kern for her party’s nomination for the General Election. Voth, a 34 year old Oklahoma City resident who described himself as a conservative Republican, also JULY 1, 2010 MetroStarNews.corn Oldahom s .sa to 17th meeting. While most rank and file GLBT Oldahomans have no protection against discrimination, Tulsa city employees will enjoy codified defense. "This makes such a strong statement to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming and sensible island in a state that is often ridiculed for being intolerant and unjnst towards marginalized populations," said ~is Wilmes, OHahomans for Equality (OkEq) Director of Advocacy. The policy has been a long nine in coming - 35 years, in fact. In !975, then Mayor Robert Lafortune commissioned a report that recommended the city adopt this polic?; but the report was rdected. In 1994 the Tulsa gay community ® State Election Board, and he was stricken from the ballot as he had not been registered as an Independent at least 6 months before the filing period as the law requires to be Brittany Novotny and Lt. Governor Candidate Kenneth Corn. Press photo described Ms. Kern as ignoring the needs of her district. When publicity surfaced shortly after the filing that he had been arrested in eligible. Brittany faces a three time incumbent who has for better or worse, undoubtedly attracted national and even some international notoriety. She replaced another conservative Republican, Bill Graves who was likewise famous for anti-gay sentiments, when she was running for State House District 71, Democrat Amy Corley running for State House District 53 and Democrat Mike Shdton running for District 97. In the State Senate we can vote to keep Andrew Rice (Democrat District 46), who has always been one of the GLBT community’s strongest allies in the legislature. All of them face opposition from Republican and/or Independent candidates in the General Election. Last but certainly not least, Brittany Novomy is running against Sally Kern to represent State House District 84. Sally has made history and garnered international attention as one of the most anti-gay laxvmakers in the country. Brittany, has already made history.as ~k]ahoma~s first transgendered candida{e aud Sheis ready tO fight for GLBT equality. GLBT and fair ~inded Voters of that district have an Opportunity to give Ms. Novomy a vict(Jr} ~at W~uld likewise no doul~t get international attention and give Oklahoma a better image, besides getting better representation. For more information or to contribute to her campaign, her website is brittany4HD84.com. On a further positive note, our allies Anastasia Pittman ( Democrat District 99) and Richard Morrissette (District 92) have already been elected by acclamation ( no opponents filed.) Check out the voting instructions on page 9 if you need any information about voting in this upcoming and future elections. The GLBT community has never had as many candidates seeking our vote, and it’s up to us to make that worthwhile. first elected in 2004. She was re-elected without opposition in 2006, and defeated Ron Marlett to win a third term in 2008. She is married to Steve Kern, the Pastor of Olivet Baptist Church and has 2 adult sons. She had been a teacher at Oklahoma City’s Northwest Classen High School, teaching American Government and coaching the girl’s golf team. She led opposition to the book "King and King" being in the children’s section of Oklahoma County libraries, daiming that the American Library Association is "trying to sexualize your children." She has made public statements stating that homosexuals are a bigger threat to our nation than terrorism, resulting in countless public demonstrations and demands for an apology; even generating a phone call from Hlen Degeneres placed ........ Continued See BRITTANY Page- 17 �Straight but not narrow. No matter who are on life’s journ~ believe in equality for everybody and I’ll fight for that in Washington. 3131 ~. Pennsylvania, Oklaho I NEED YOUR VOTE JULY 27. Bi!Iv Covle is orga nized, well fUnded and his beliefs are right in line with the fair minded people of the Fifth District. -Richard Ogden leave a message please Major Sponsors: Organized by: h o m a �OGRe’s riderless horse ceremoW honors community leader New Report Shows Surprising Gains for Gay O ahomans TULSA, OK (PRy June 16, 2010 __ g/ith the Ttflsa City Council poised to add sexual orientation to its nondiscrimination policies fi3r public employees, a new report by the TEN Institute, the research arm of The Equality Network, reveals that * several Oklahoma municipalities already extend these protections to their gay employees. Preliminary data from an ongoing project documenting P/~oto: Laura Belmonte, President ~e municipal policies Equa[i~ ~work (TEN). on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens challenge longstanding assumptions that LGBT Oklahomans have virtually no legal protections at the local level. "W~nen we began this research, we expected o.nly to validate the widespread belief that few communities protect ~ their ~ LGBT citizens here. To our great Update: Late Thursday surprise mad joy, we evening the Tulsa City that maW ~bund Gounc~ "qoted 6-3 in cities have favor of adding sexual adopted already LGBTorientation to the inclusive policies fo[, t.heir public nondiscrimination policy employees. explains v. for public employees...., *Williarns, Ph.D., president of The Equality Network. Del Cit)~ Altus, McAlestm; Miami, Noble, and Vinita al! have nondiscrimination policies including sexual orientation among the categories protected in the hiring, promotion, and retention of public employees. Another group of municipalities do not offer employment protections for their LGBT public employees, but does include sexual orientation in their anti’harassment personnel policies. ~aese include Muskogee, Chickasha, and Perry. Oklahoma City" is the only municipality xvith an ordinance outlawing harassment, intimidation, or assault based on sexual orientation. ~is protection is particularly significant because the states hate crimes taw does not currently encompass sexual orientation. Currently, there are no municipalities in Oklahoma that include gender identity or expression anaong the protected categories for either public employees 6r the general citizenry. 2qae study, also shows that Ponca City, Cushing, and Sallisaw appear .to sanction housing discrimination against gay people. For example, in defining what constitutes a disability, Cushing’s housing ordinance states "’handicap’ does not apply to an individmd because of sexual orientation or the sexual preference of the individual or because that individual is a transvestite." qThe Ponca City and Sail!saw housing ordinances are worded similarly. "~9{fe were stunned to discover such bizarre and offensive assertions enshrined in public policy in 2010. These three communities are clinging to the characterizations 0f LGBT people that the medical and psychological establishments rejected ahnost fi3rty years ago. \~ghile we agree wholeheartedly that being gay is not a disability, we believe that allowing landlords to bin" LGBT people from renting an apartment f6r which they qualify as tenants is blatant discrimination." stated Williams. TEN Institute will continue to analyze municipal policies on LGBT Oklahomans and will integrate them into its Municipal Equality Database. The pre.liminary findings may be accessed at http:/l~aw~/v.scribd.com/doc/33127989/ Municipalities-Database By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer ~e E,q.uali~ Network. works, to achieve equali~y and to secure legal *vmcuonjbr /esbmn ~y bzsexua[ and trans ender Oklahomans d;~rough advocao,, coal~)on building, and in~i,idua/ empowerment in the polidcal process.. 3 GLBT Organizations honored as U.S. Census Partners at the O ahoma State Capitol Sunday June 12 By Victor Gorin Contributing writer 7he riderless horse ceremony lends respect th# year to Cookie Arbuckle w/so diedApri119th , 2010. Picmred above (r to 0 # K/int Weiden, co-director OGRA 2010 leading t]~e horse with Lina Hineman and ~Ia,y Arbuckle. Photo by Denise Whithorne of ishoo~ru.com Toby Jenkins receives the U.S. Census Bureau’s Partnership Award on beaalfof Ok~homans for Equalio,. ~ his l@ is D,: Robert Groves, National ~& Census Bm~au Direcm,; and w his right Re~onal Dimcmr Dennis Johnson. Gorin phom OKLAHOMa\ CITY, OK __ In the Blue Room of the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City maW organizations were honored for their work helping the U.S. Census Bureau obtain an accurate count with correct information for 2010. A tradition every decade since the first tally in 1790, the U.S. Census proves increasingly important as the data gathered may determine ?vhere government resources are allocated, where companies locate, as well as countless other factors affecting the life quality of Americans. Working to achieve this goal for 2010 the Bureau worked with a wide variety of diverse organizations to help them reach out to various demographics of society, especially those who might be fearfu! or and/or otherwise reluctant to be counted. In his address Dr. Robert Groves, the Director of the U.S. Census Bureau, thanked the honorees for their efforts that truly paid off, as this year’s operation is already ahead of schedule and under budget. This involved a ~vide variety of faith communities, social groups and advocacy organizations, included among them alliances from the GLBT community: This was significant also in that for the first time, GLBT couples could be counted as married. The three GLBT organizations honored that day were Oklahomans for Equality from Tulsa, Oklahoma City’s Cimarron Alliance, and the Metro Star. Feeling privileged to be included among the honorees on behalf of Cimarron Alliance, Director Scott Hamilton stated "XWe were so honored to be part of it. XWe felt it was a big step forward. The Census people were extraordinary partners, and were so encouraging of our work in the community. I think that in the long term the comraunity ,/viii benefit substantially from the work that we were able to do." OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Once again OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) served the community by hosting a better-than-ever event for their 25th annual rodeo over Memorial Day xveek-end. Nais year’s rodeo charity partners were midtown OKC based - Other Options/Friends Food Pantry, Be The Change, and Expressions Community Center. The amount donated to these charities varies each year based on participation, events and overall donations. "The event went just a smooth as it always does,’ said .... Steve Sublet, a returning visitor to the annual event. ~’OGRA has a history of being a well run rodeo and they sure proved that again this year." Sublet is former IGRA (International Gay Rodeo Association) Royalty as well as a performer who has been selected for the 2011 season of’Americgs Got Talent.’ The Riderless Horse Ceremony was dedicated to Other Options and Friends Food Pantry founder Coolde Arbuclde who died on April 19th of this year. "q]ae saddle is the one we used in our family years ago when we showed Arabians," said Mary Arbuckle, Coolde’s daughter who is now tile Executive Director of Other Options and Friends Food Pantry. "The colors symbolized - blue, for Oklahoma as mom died on ¯ April 19th, the green was for mother earth, which is where we placed her ashes and the red was for the tireless work morn did for the HIV/AIDS community." This ritual adds such poignancy to the event which manually includes this observance. The history of the gay rodeo dates back to 1975 when Phil Ragsdale of Rend, ix~, came up with this most creative idea to raise funds. He thought an amateur gay rodeo would be fun, raise money, and even erase a lot of gay stereotyping. Over 125 people took part in this event and the winners were crowned; first, "King of the Cowboys," second, "Queen of the Cowgirls," and third, "Miss Dusty Spurs" (the drag queen). It was great fun and a minor success. It wasn’t until 1985 that gay rodeo came to Oklahoma. The IGPvA has a rich history of supporting associations that support their communities. They help other groups provide quality events. Naey promote, in a positive way, the GBLTQ country western lifestyle and support amateur sportsmanship through participation, competition and recognition. They are comprised of numerous regional Gay Rodeo Associations from across the United States and Canada. N 07.01.2010 �and I’ve advocated for people and helped constituents with their problems. You also deal with larger issues that affect the whole town. You learn how to work to make things happen." Pleasantly enough, he found that his sexual orientation wasn’t much of a campaign issue, and proved to be a nonissue during his time in office. In 2010 his State Representative Bill Nations would be forced out of office due to term limits, so Mr. By Victor Gorin Kovach decided he wanted to run for that Contributing writer office where he felt he could make positive change happen on the state level. " I learned at the city council that one person can make a difference, and even if you’re in the minority speaking out can help change direction. The s{ate is facing monumental problems, especially the budget. We are falling behind in many areas that would make a state proud, such as education. We’re last in the nation in the area of women’s health and 1st in the rate of women in prison per capita. These are things we should be working on, and when there is a problem there is also an opportunity to address it," and he elaborated to say, "Instead they have been scapegoating, Randy Terrill with the Hispanics and Senator Russell trying to exdude GLBT Oklahomans from Federal hate crimes laws. You can’t just sit by and let that go." If elected he wants not only to be an advocate for working Oklahomans. He is also pro-choice, and as expected has stated he xvill advocate in favor of equality for GLBT Oklahomans. He has been endorsed by the Victory Fund (a national organization that funds campaigns of GLBT candidates), and on July 27 he will face 3 Democrats in the Primary Election. 2 are OU law students. No,vnan CiO, Coucilman TOm Kovach Emily Virgin who is 23 years old and Isaiah McCaslin who is 26. The third Democrat is NORMAN, OK Tom Kovach ~vas ~ Robert Murphy who is 52. This 4 way race glad but not totally surprised ~vhen he will result in a runoff if no candidate garners became the 2nd openly gay man elected to 50% of the vote. There are no independent the Norman City Council. He’d lived most candidates, so the winner will face the sole of his life in Norman, his family locating Republican in the race, Kent Hunt, in the there when he was only 1 1/2 years old. His November 2 General Election. father was a philosophy professor at OU, and Although Mr. Kovach feels he has a strong after graduating from Norman High School following and is fairly confident, he stresses Tom earned a undergraduate degree in letters that no election should be taken for granted, from Oklahoma University. While attending and he isfft going to. Openly- Gay Candidate running for State Represe tative in Norman’s House Dis ric 44 college he worked in a Safe,vay Store, and as a union member there with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCV¢) he won his first election to be the Secretary/Treasurer of his local. Later going on staff for the union he found he enjoyed advocating for people. He and a friend opened and operated a successful bakery called Jason D’s, for over !0 years. He then joined Astronomics, a company that sells quality optics worldwide, where he ~vorks today. Only two years ago he joined the race to be on Norman’s City Council to reprelent \Vard 2, and his victory in 2008 not only made him the 2nd openly gay person to serve on the Council, but the 4th openly gay elected official in Oklahoma history. In 2010 he ~vas re-elected to his City Council seat without opposition. Tom is 47 and has been with his partner, Will Weir, for over 11 years. He takes pride that Will is listed as such on the Normaffs city website, and credits Will for helping him through the tough times and giving him the strength for much of what he has been able to accomplish. Mr. Kovach believes his city council experience will serve him well in the Oldahoma Legislature. As he puts it, "My ward is about 1/2 the size of the district, 07.0’i.2010 N Friend of Oklahoma’s GLBT Communi ty Reelected by Acclamation By Victor Gorin Contributing writer rote Representative Anastasia Pittman J~iend Rachelle Taylor (left). Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Anastasia Pittman, a longtime friend of not only the GLBT community but also an advocate of equality and justice for many progressive groups and causes, has won re-election to the Oldahoma State House of Representatives with the closing of the filing period June 9 when she drew no opponents. She represents District 99, first elected to that position in 2006. Prior to holding office she had earned a Bache!or’s Degree in Journalism at Oklahoma University and a Master’s Degree in Education and Behavioral Science from Langston University in 2002. She garnered legislative experience worldng in the State Senate from 1999 through 2006 as a clerk, media assistant and legislative assistant. She has also worked as a Spanish instructor and has hosted a radio talk show: She has one child, Ayshia, and among her many mi!estones she was honored as Legislator of the Year in 2009 by the Cimarron Alliance. Tom Guild-Democrat for Congress By By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As candidate filing is completed and political season is upon us, community leader and Professor Tom Guild, an Edmond Democrat has filed for U.S. Congress. He hopes to be the Democratic nominee to represent Oklahoma’s Fifth District, which includes most of Oldahoma County, and also Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties. Guild is currently the Secretary of the Oklahoma County Democratic party. "The 5th Congressional District has not had a Congressman who represented all of the district in quite some time," said Guild in an interview with The Metro Star. "We are becoming a very diverse district and as time passes the district will become even more so. I’m the only candidate with progressive values ~vho will be open to the ideas and needs of all of the people in our district." Guild taught 27 years at the University of Central Oldahoma in Edmond, where he was conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Board of Regents; and three years at Oklahoma City University. He taught political science and legal studies at UCO, and in the MBA program at Oklahoma City University. He earned a BA in political science from OU and his juris doctor degree from SMU School of La~v. Guild was a Robert Dean Bass - Memorial Scholar ar OU and the Maurice E. Purnell Scholar at SMU. Guild is proud of the support he has received from various diversity groups. "It was gratifying at our first campaign event we had leaders from at least nine different groups represented," added Guild. "The diversity of that event reflects the diversity of our campaign and hmv we will serve our constituents once As a candidate who supports diversi~ Professor TOm Guild will make his ,vtn at the 7he 5th Congressional District seat in Oklahoma. 7he seat is being vacated by Mary Fallin. Robin DTownsend phow background, which includes 30 years of teaching experience at the college level, taught me how to value different people, different cultures and different ideas and to work with a wide range of individuals." In a previous run for office, Guild had strong support from a diverse coalition in the state’s largest county. Guild plans to work hard to protect and expand the middle class and make the American dream a realistic possibility for everyone in the 5th District. For more information, please visit www. guildforcongress.com. N "At Century 21 Gold Castle our BEST proper#es are our PEOPL 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 �By Samantha Fields and Lisa Keen Keen News Service An informal survey by the Washington Post published June 18 asked a tiW number of well-placed experts -six-- to say what they think will happen if federal Judge Vaughn Walker overturns California’s ban on same-sex marriage. Two of the six pointed to existing polling data to warn of the potential for a negative impact. Scott Keeter, director of survey research at the Pew Research Center, said Pew’s previous polling data predicts "bacldash." ~lose polls, and others, have historically shown LGBT victories in court lead to an increase in public opposition to same-sex marriage. It happened a~ter the U.S. Supreme Court struck down state sodomy laws (in June 2003). It happened after the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled gay couples had a constitutional right to marriage equality (in November 2003). And even before ~Talker issues his decision, said Keeter, polls indicate the public opinion climate "remains chilly" for same-sex marriage. Joe Mathews, a senior fellow at the New America Foundation, a political think tank, said that, while public opinion is trending m £wor of marriage equaht~, a d,ws~ve court decision that gets too far ahead of voters could prolong the fight over same-sex marriage for a generation or more .... " "If judges strongly support overturning Prop 8 at each stage of the appeal, this emerging judicial consensus that gay-marriage bans are unconstitutional would speed acceptance of such unions across the country," wrote Mathews. "But if Prop 8 is overturned by a narrovdy and nastily divided U.S. Supreme Court, say 5 to 4, such a decision could conceivably do more harm than good." So, where is public opinion on same-sex marriage right now? ~¢o recent reports shed some light on that, and some doubt. First, the light: ~e 2010 Values and Beliefs survey, which Gallup conducts every May, indicated that 52 percent of adults surveyed consider "gay and lesbian relations" to be "morally acceptable," compared to 43 percent who said they are "morally wrong." Five percent had no response or had some other opinion. The results were based on random telephone interviews with 1,029 adults conducted between May 3 and 6, 2010. Hie margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points. ¯ne 52 percent saying "morally acceptable" was up three points over 2009, when 49 percent said "morally acceptable." And the percentage saying "mora!ly wrong" was down four points -from 47 percent in 2009 {o 43 percent this year. (Five percent no opinion or Other response in 2009.) ~is year was the first time since Gallup began asking the question that more than 50 percent of Americans said they believe "gay and lesbian relations" are morally acceptable. Age is, and always has been, a factor, something that was clear in the surveys results. Younger men (like younger women) are generally more accepting than their parents and grandparents. In addition to the increase in acceptance among men, the Gallup poll also found improved attitudes towards gays and lesbians anmng every other sub-group polled: from Catholics to Protestants, Democrats to Independents, moderates to conse,watives. Though the degree to which those views shifted differed greatly, it’s evident that there is a stead}; gradual shift raking place "W~at’s different this year is that the spread between ’morally acceptable’ and ’morally wrong’ is a whole lot bigger," says Lee Badgett, a professor of Economics at UMass Amherst, and the research director at the Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy at UCIA. It was a nine-point spread this year, compared to only . in the way Americans view gay and lesbian relationships and civil rights for gay people. a two-point spread last year. In fact, Gallup’s polling this year shows the "The question is," said Badgett, "will that public views "gay and lesbian relations" as turn out to be a tipping point or not?" more morally acceptable than doctor-assisted Gallup polling data shows the "morally suicide (46 percent) and less than having a acceptable" response has been on a steady baby outside of marriage (54 percent). trend upward since 2004. It took a sixBut what about legalizing marriages for point dive in 2004, .just six months after the same-sek couples?. Massachusetts high court issued its landmark While the Gallup poll showed 52 percent marriage equality decision. of people said they consider "gay and lesbian The percentage of Americans who relations" to be "morally acceptable" and 58 consider gay relations to be "morally wrong" percent said those relations should be "legal," --43 percent-- is the lowest it’s been in a only 44 percent said such marriages should decade. And also for the first time, a larger percent of men said "morally acceptable" than be recognized. ~hat is up four points from 2009, and up 16 points since 1996, when women ~- 53 percent of men and 51 percent Gallup first began astdng about gay marriage of women now believe "gay and lesbian specifically. The Gallup polling on gay relations" are morally acceptable. The change in men’s attitudes was striking. marriage is now approximately where it was for interracial marriage in the late 1970s and tn May 2006, 39 percent of men polled early 1980s. The balance in favor interracial said they felt "homosexual relations" were marriage crossed its tipping point with the morally acceptable. By this year, that number 1991 survey -when 48 percent approved and had jumped to 53 percent. That’s a 14-point iump, while, over the same period, acceptance 42 percent disapproved marriage between blacks and whites. among women increased just 2 percent. But do people’s attitudes necessarily Gary Gates, a demographer at UCLA translate into how they are likely to vote on who studies the LGBT population, cautions an issue? Not as reliably a~s one might expect. against putting too much stock in one Political scientist Patrick Egan, who has poll But, he Says, "a varietT ofpolls have done considerable polling on gay-related been showing, depending on the wording, political issues, examined the results of 167 increased amounts of acceptance towards pre-election polls on 32 different ballot LGB and, in some cases, T people. That measures concerning either same-sex marriage acceptance has gone up in both men and or domestic partnerships. He found that prewomen. " "’ " election polls "consistently underesnmated To a certain degree, the improvements the number of people xvho would vote for a could have something to do with the fact ban on same-sex marriage -by all average of that Gallup’s wording changed in 2008, from seven points. And, "the share of the public "homosexual relations" to "gay and lesbian saying they intend to vote for or against these relations." According to Gates and Badgett, measures typically chaiages very little over the people respond differently in polls on gay course" of the ballot measure campaigns. issues depending on the way questions are This gap between how voters say they asked. Questions about "homosexuals" tend will vote and what they actually do in the to receive more of a negative reaction than the voting booth does not appear to be a product same questions about "gays and lesbians." of wanting to give the a poll-t~er a socially ~The closer you get to people having to desirable response of supporting equality for think about sex," said Gates, "the worse gay all, said Egan. He could find no evidence people do in polls." for that. For instance, he said, in states ~vith But experts agree, saying there is probably large gay populations, one would expect many people who wanted to ban gay marriage no single reason for this change in how would tell a pollster that they were against the men are polling, but rather a number of ban. Voters in California, for instance, would contributing factors. be more likely than voters in Mississippi to "Some of it is exposure," says Mark say they ~vere going to vote against the ban Stevens, a psychologist at California State and then vote for it. But there was no such University in Northridge. "Guys are growing up where they have friends who are gaF: There correlation and no other evidence emerged in Egan’s analysis to explain tile gap. is a little bit more in the media, on the Still, it’s clear Americans are becoming And it’s kind of cool to be a little bit more inc~reasingly open and accepting and experts liberal and a little bit more accepting." and polling data suggest this trend will Gates agrees that exposure is likely a big continue -unless something happens to set part of it, though not just for men. opinion back. "We know that a higher proportio~ of gay "You never know how socie9, is changing, people are being more open and being more and sometimes it’s not very obvious because open at younger ages. And we do know that it’s very subtle," says Stevens. While the 1mowing gay people or having a relationship " " reasons such a shift is occurnng now "might with an LGBT person does actually have an not be necessarily explainable," he says, "it’s impact on people’s broader attitudes." really good to see." �State House candidate openly supports GLBT inclusion By Michael W. Sasser Contributing Writer unseat Republican Dan Sullivan in what has historically been a GOP stronghold. Tracy, though, said the campaign is going well. "We’ve looked at the numbers and the numbers took good for us," TracT saKt. It s atway tough to take on an incumbent but I believe that if you have good idea, you can do well." Inclusion issues aren’t the highest Jefl~Tracy candidate for Oklahoma House District 71 with wife Stacey and profile issues in the son Eli. Press photo campaign. On his website Tracy addresses issues of wastefu! TULSA, OK Hes stralg t, has a spending, education, healthcare and the need beautiful family, wants to be the next District to support the energy sector while developing 71 State Rep. - and JeffTracy would be green job technology. supportive of GLBT issues even if he weren’t "I am so sick of what’s going on in the already" committed to inclusion issues on State Legislature," Tracy said. "They have no principle. concern for kids well-being. ~xey’re talking "I believe in equality issues but even if for about different abortion bills and carrying some reason I didn’t, I would still represent guns at work." the GLBT community’s concerns because you Tract has built a warm relationship with don’t pick and choose who you represent," the GLBT community and recognizes that Tracy told the Metro-Star. "District 71 has this could be used against him. the highest density population of GLBT "I know I will take flack for it - that’s persons in Oklahoma. The support I have almost a given in Oklahoma," Tract said. received has been fantastic. I have the moral "But that doesn’t mean that they are right. It’s obligation to support equality issues." a moral issue. We have the moral obligation Tracy is the son of a police officer and a to respect people. If people don’t elect me Registered nurse. He is an Amarillo, Texas because of what I believe in, that’s fine. My native who graduated from the University of family will still love me. They won’t take away Tulsa law school. He said that he has long my birthday. What would be worse is if I been interested in politics but finally decided didn’t remain true to what I believe in." to run as a result of being parent of a son For more information on JeffTracy, State almost two-year old. House candidate, District 71, visit wvcw. "Being a parent cha.nges your perspective," jefftracy.org. he said. At just 27 years old, the attorney hopes to Governor Henry expressed his confidence stating, "Richard Ogden is a proven leader with the judgment, skills and commitment necessary to make a positive difference for the universities and students in the RUSO system. Richard has dedicated his life to making Oldahoma a better place, and I know he will be a great addition to the RUSO board. I greatly appreciate his willingness to serve that state in this capacity." His appointment is for 9 years, serving six regional universities, East Central University (Ada), Northeastern State University(Tahlequah), Northwestern State University(Alva), Southeastern State University" (Durant), Southwestern Oklahoma State University(\Weatherford) and the University of Central Oklahoma(Edmond). As for Richard he is glad to serve stating, "I would like to thank Governor Henry and the leadership of the House and Senate for their dedication and continued financial support for higher education, especially during these difficult economic times. I took forward to worldng alongside my fellow regents and regional university presidents, as well as the governor and legislature. " Billy Coyle-Democra t for Congress Born in Oklahoma City in 1974, his family moved to Florida when he wag a teenager and he graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School in 1993. He then enlisted in the United State Marine Corps, made it through boot camp at South Carolina’s Parris Island, followed by 7 years of se~ice until honorably discharged in 2001 at the rank of E-5 Sergeant. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, he later returned tO Oklahoma City where he graduated from the University of Oldahoma Law School in 2003¯ He has since been a practicing attorney’ with OKC’s Coyle Law Firm. He is married, and his wife Heather is an assistant district attorney for Oklalmma County: Together they have a 2 year old son, Jack. Understandably, veterans issues are important to him. As he sees it, "Right now we have veterans who are unable to get the attention they deserve from the very country" they fought for." Another area is jobs. On this he states, "We continue to have American jobs going overseas while our elected officials have become complacent. That’s wrong and unAmerican. Very litde is Made in America and I want that to change. And while it may be rdatively easy to By Victor Gorin Contributing writer ° S & SAGE (Service Advocacy [’or GLBT Attorney Richard Ogden appointed by Governor Brad Henry to the Board of Regents Elders) By Victor Gorin Contributing writer appointed tothe Board of Regents for the Regional University System of Oldahoma (RUSO) June 10, sworn in by District Judge Barbara Swinton. He is currendy vice-president and manager of the Mulinix Ogden Hall ~amdrews and Ludlam PLLC Law Firm of Oklahoma CitT. He has previously stowed as the Chair of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. AS a Regent, Mr. Ogden is part of that governing Attorney Richard Ogden sworn in by District fi~dge Barbara board responsible for the Swinton and wittnessed @partner Mike McLain. P~vss ghoto hiring of university presidents, employment and budgets along with other OK3~&HOMA CITY, OK __ Attorney aspects of administration pertaining to Richard Ogden, an openly gay and longtime Oldahomgs system of higher education. activist for the GLBT community has been be a straight family man in the Bible Belt, he is among only a few candidates willing to openly ask for the support of the GLBT community in the reddest state in the country. He has not only advertised in the Metro Star, he is scheduled to speak to the Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats, and has also rented a booth to meet widi potentiad ;corers at the Pride Festival al0ng wi~ ~ent~ i~ the Pride Parade. Asked if he feared the wrath of Republicans and rightwingers he replied ¯ to this reporter, "I don’t care, they’re going to pick on me anyway." For more information about his campaign, or hove to contribute and/or volunteer Call 405 (600 9161) or access his website wwcw.bill)~coyle2010.com Billy, Heather and their son Jack. Press photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ It isa first for Oklahoma when we have not one, but ~vo candidates running for Congress that are openly asking for the support of the GLBT communitT. Billy Coyle, a veteran and straight t~mily man is one of them, ready to take on "Washington for what he believes is dest,3,erately needed change. , This campaign is about the common " ,nan. I m not running because I nee a job, nor am’I a politician looking for a government career. I want to be a Congressman looking out for the people of O~dahoma, and Billy also added, I m tired of big government, big insurance, and big politics. I am convincedI can make a difference." TULSA, OK (PRy __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is launching day time programing for those who are retired or free during the day. OkEq ~vill be establishing a SAGE chapter (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) which is a national program geared toward individuals over 50. Each Tuesday the Center will open at 10 am for Coffee and Bagels followed by a computer class taught by Don Satterth~vaite at 1 t:00 am in the Cyber Center’. Lunch will be provided at noon for a donation. At 1 pm there will be a book Study on classical gay authors such Edward Albee, Oscar Wilde, James Baldwin, and Armistead Maupin. "Pne Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th Street, Tulsa. �Dear Editor A ick Tutoria{ The following corresponence on ENDA from Senator Coburn should be of interest to your readers on the Gay/Lesblan Equality Decisions o£the Supreme Court Kende! Powers Moore, OK Dear Mr. Powers, Thank you for writing me about S. 1584, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). I enjoyed reading your message and learning about your family’s history of in~olvement with tt~is issue. I hope that you wiil accept my sincere apology {or the delay in my response. A tenfold increase in mail volume has made it difficult for me to stray current in my correspondence. Even so, I am sorry to have kept you waiting. Let me be clear: I believe discrimination is wrong and I am committed to fighting prejudice. As a businessman and a family physician, I believe employees should be judged upon their individual merits and work ethic, and should not be dismissed without proper cause related to their actual performance. I know we can agree that each of us deserves to be treated with respect and without bias. Nevertheless, I have concerns about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). As currently drafted, the bill is ovedy vague and broad, and will spur needless liti~t~on. The bi!l~ text creates mcons~stencles w~m ex~st,ng te{aera~ civil rights starutes. I am atso concerned that a discrimination claim could be based on ’real or perceived" sexual orientation characteristics. ~][hese terms will require a court to decide their raeaning. Issues such as these require the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to };arther study this legislation and amend these vague terms so Congress does not abdicate its legislative duty to the courts. In addition, ~ also am concerned that ENDA would impede the religious liberties ol:’churches and of other non-proifit religious groups. The current religious exemption in the bill is not robust enough and should be expanded. tn addition, I believe states are already appropriately working to address this issue. In fact, thirty-one state~ have some form oflaw, regulation or executive order that requires protecting employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation including some states that protect transgendered individuals. When a majority of the states have shown a propensity to address an issue as they see fit, Congress should not intervene and unnecessarily preempt state law. I believe government is at its best when it is closest to the people and our states should continue to decide how best to protect employees from discrimination. Again, thank you for writing me on this issue. If you have any additional concerns, please fed free to write again. I look forwad to hearing from you in the future. Sincerely, Tom A. Coburn, M.D. United States Senator or Frank Rich can be the Best Man at my Marriage by James Nimmo O~tHOMA CITY, OK __ As the time draws near for the final arguments of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, aka the Prop 8 trial, we’ll come to the close of chapter four in the ongoing saga of America’s love-hate relationship with diversity, be it based on sldn color, gender, or sexual orientation. I’ve numbered this as chapter four because there have been three previous chapters in our gay/lesbian history that have been decided by the United States Supreme Court, the first one going against us, vdth the subsequent two keeping us in the game. Bowers v. Hardwick (1986) ruled 5-4 against us, claiming" ... a rig!~t to engage in such conduct is ’deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition" or ’implicit in the concept of ordered liberty’ is, at best, facetiotts." ( http://tinyurl.com/jus3e ) Romer v. Evans (1996) reared its ugly face in an attempt to further keep gay citizens away from full indusion in the political and , ,. ..... ....... ~ , for us, Justice Kennedy wrote ~hat {he passage of Colorado~ Amendment 2 disallowing any recognition of gay people under the laws of Colorado was unconstitutional. He wrote in the ma ority opinion that "laws of the kind now before us raise the inevitable inference that the disadvantage imposed is born of animosity toward the class of persons affected." The Court implied that the passage of.&nendment 2 was born of a "bare...desire to harm a politically unpopular group". ( http:/Itinyurl.com/49m9er ) Turning the page we get to tbe decision striking down sodomy laws with the Supreme Court’s decision in Lawrence v. Texas (2003) that helped immensely in removing the uncharged felon status every gay man and woman carried with them as these laws were selectively enforced to intimidate us in our public and private lives. ( http://tinyurl. com/br2tj ) The Prop 8 ruling, regardless of~vhich gay or homo-hating party it favors, will eventually make its way to the US Supreme Court where for many years the decisions have been 5-4 with the 5 going mostly to the regressive sides of the arguments, be they social justice or economic equality questions. I was tickled pink when Olson and Boles took up the clarion call from the Equal Rights Foundation ( equalrightsfoundation. org ) to make a full court argument on our behalf~br civil rights in marriage. Even as the purpose of the trial has been to reverse the " ~ " ’ Prop 8 unconscionable passage of Calfformas that disallows same gender marriage after a favorable California Supreme Court ruling, there’s no doubt in my mind that the extensive media coverage and social conversation of the nearly four-year hist~iry of this latest action to remove gay/lesbian discrimination has been effective in diluting the homo-hating potions and superstitious invectives thrown at us. The echoes of previous court decisions that have been heard across the country will prove too powerful for the cobwebs of prejudice and animositT to resist. Frank Rich, op/ed columnist for the New York Times and first pick for best man at my marriage, has written an optimistic essay ( http:lltinyurt.com/38gornv ) I recommend for anyone down in the dumps over our on-again/off-again progress for civil equality. Mr. Rich writes that approval of same-gender marriage is higher now than the approval for inter-racial marriage a year after i{ was supported by a Supreme Court ruling in 1967 (Loving vs Virginia), I think thanks to the vastly easier modes of communication now available with social networking and the Internet. If Limbaugh can have Elton John sing at his fi~urth marriage can my first marriage be far behind? * CiVi Rights *Criminal ’ment * Family Law * Litigation 625 : 13,th Street City’s, OK 73103 07.01.2010 ~’J’~R �Celebrations during Hard Times Benefit Our House Too By Judy Gabbard Contributing Writer Domestic Abuse in the GLBT Community A secret shame £or us "We learned that 40% of gay men wind up in abusive relationships. Clearly this is a huge problem we’re just not talking about. I was excited to see people come out for this workshop. It ,vas a chance to inform and educate, and to hear firsthand ka~owledge from those who had been in abusive relationships. I hope this opens the door for more conversations in our comrnunit):’ Scott Hamilton. Cimarron Alliance Director By Victor Gorin Contributing writer ]:~rogr~m Director Steve [Vissen and 7E~,rT~ owner Margarita Chand~e~ Judy G. photo TULSA. OK __ Xghen our :ountry and particularly O~ahoma was in the grip.s of severe hardship during the Great Depression, people in their communities came together for hard times dances, bake-offs and rummage sales with the proceeds going to help those in need. %ese events not only made things better for the beneficiaries, but also gave a spirit of community solidarity to those who contributed as welI. Carrying on this proud tradition is Our House, Too. Located in Ttdsa at 203 N. Nogales Avenue, assistance is available there for people living with HIV/AIDS providing household and toiletry needs, weekly meals, food baskets and general support. The weakened economy has affected charitable organizations in Oklahoma and natiomvide, with declining donations combined with ever increasing needs. Our House, Too is also feeling this dilemma, so in the spirit of coming together as a community they are organizing 3 events to generate awareness as wall as raise much needed funds. ~ihere will be benefit shows at TNT’s on both Friday Jtfly 2 at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday September 4 also at 9:30 p.m., ~vhere you can enjoy cold beer, fine drinks, tasty snacks and great entertainment to support this worthy cause. TNT’s is located at 2114 S. Memorial Drive in Tnlsa. In addition to these events is their Sixth fimnual Drag Queen Bingo (bingo like your mother never played). %is grand event of course features female impersonators, but also "all kinds of cmnpy fun. It all happens at Tulsa’s CaMs Ballroom located at 423 Main Street at 8 p.m. on Saturday August 21. Our House too would like to thank their Program Director Steve Nissen, TNT’s owner Margarita Chandler and all those who work hard to make these events happen and keep Our House Too operating to serve our community. Our House Too is a 501c3 organization so donations are tax deductible, and 100% of donations received benefit their clients. For more information about their services, donating or volunteering, or about these events contact Our House Too at 918 585 9552 or visit their website at www. ourhousetoo.com. N Obdahoma Tobacco NE~ 07.0’!.2010 Erin Walker OKC ~CA Director of Outreach and Vo&nteer S~ice~: Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Domestic abuse has never been easy for our society to talk about. Family loyalties ("what goes on here stays here"), guilt of the victim ("If I’d been a better ,vife, he wouldn’t hurt me") and the ego of the abuser ("She made me do it.’) When the women’s movement of the late 1960s and 1970s brought what had been and is still somewhat taboo out into the open these were some of sentiments expressed. However, at the very least some of these beliefs are now being questioned, and there are more options now for victims of abuse to change their lives with more assurance that they don’t need to feel ashamed to get help. As the GLBT community has made great strides towards equality, xvith open relationships more widely accepted and even marriage (a concept not even fathomed only 20 years ago) what inevitably followed were many problems and taboos coming out of the closet as well. In response to this, when Cimarron Alliance held their monthly educational discussion group on June 3 they focused on domestic abuse in the GLBT community. ~eir special guest was Erin Walker, the Director of Outreach and Volunteer Services of the YWCA, which has provided help for domestic violence victims since the late 1970s.As she pointed out during the discussion, domestic violence in the GLBT community occurs with relationships of all types of people and lifestyles, rich and poor, various educational levels, religions and cultures just as it does among heterosexuals. As Erin put it, "Domestic violence is an equal opportunity epidemic." Erin pointed out that as same sex relationships have become better known, so has the veil of secrecy been lifted about domestic abuse that happens there as well. Paula Sophia Schonauer. an Oldahoma City police oi~cer and activist with the GLBT community, has answered hundreds of domestic disturbance calls during her 18 year career with the department, including many involving same- sex couples. Concurring with Ms. Walker’s experience, she saw that the dynamics were the same. Likewise through the years she has seen increased awareness and better handling of these situations by law enforcement. Legislation such as the Domestic Abuse Act has made procedures easier for victims and does not differentiate between heterosexua! or same sex couples. Erin did relate that currently the ~VCA has an excellent relationship with the Oklahoma City Police Department. which is helpful as domestic violence intervention is almost always stressftd and frequently dangerous to the o~cers responding as well.. While recognizing that abuse in same sex relationships follows most of the same patterns as their straight counterparts, there are unique aspects as well. Often a controlling partner will threaten to "out" their partner to their employer or family, k has been reported that occasionally police departments will take same sex domestic violence calls less seriously than those of heterosexuals. Whether valid of not, people abused in same sex relationships may fed they aren’t resources that can help them. The YWCA maintains a 24 hour hodine for victims of domestic abuse which has expanded their services to include assistance for same sex victims as well. As with any caller, the listener at the hodine will try to obtain as much information as the caller wants to give, with priority on safety planning. In the case of a lesbian in need of a place to stay, she could be taken to a women’s shdter. At present there are no facilities for male victims, however a man in this situation would not be turned away, in some cases a hotel room could be provided as a temporary refuge. Erin most stressed this point, " No matter what type of relationship people find themselves in, we want to reach all communities, .especially those that are under served." N~eir 24 hour hotline-- 800 522 SAFE. N to �Voter Registration in © ahom Eligibility: A person who is eligible to register to vote must be at least 18 years old, a United States citizen and a resident of the State of Oklahoma. How to Register: ~bu must fill out a voter registration application form. Voter registration applications are available at your County Election Board, post offices, tag agencies, libraries and many" other public locations. You will be offered a voter registration application when you get your driver’s license and when you apply for assistance at some government agencies. You also may" down!oad an application form. ~bu must sign and date the oath printed on t2qe form. "g’nen yon sign the voter registration application form, you swear that you are eligible to register to vote. Changing Your Registration: If you need to change your name, your address or your political affiliation, you must fill out another voter registration application form. You may change your registration at any time xvith one exception. You may not change your political affiliation during the period from June 1 through August 31, inclusive, in any even-numbered year. The last day on which you may change your political affiliation before the closed period is May 31; the first day on which you may change your political affiliation after the dosed period is September t. Submitting Your Application: You may mail your voter registration application to the State Election Board, The card is already addressed, but you must add a first-class postage stamp. If you fill out your voter registration application form at a tag agency when you get your driver’s license or vchen you apply for assistance at a government agency, the agency will mail the form to the State Election Board for you. ~,bter Identification Card: You do not become a registered voter until the county election board in the county where you reside has approved your application. \~en your application is approved, the county election board will mail a voter identification card to you. Your voter identification card lists your name, address, political a~liation and the polling plaee for your voting precinct. When you receive your voter identification card, look at it care~hlly and report any errors to the county election board immediately. Keep your voter identification card in a safe place and always take it with you when you go to vote. If your voter registration application cannot be approved, you wilt receive a letter from the county election board. ~lhe letter will tell you why your applicatior~ was not approved and explain the steps you need to take to become registered. You may be able to return the letter with some additional information, or you may need to fill out and send in another voter registration application forn!. Closed Primary System: Oklahoma has a closed primary system. O~fly voters who are registered members of a recognized political party may vote for the party’s candidates in primary and runoff primary elections. Registered Independent voters may be eligible to vote in party’s primaries and runoff: By Steven Petrmv Stewen Petrow. is the author of"7~e Essential Book of Gay Manners &Etiquette. "Send him your questions at queeries@live.com. primaries if authorized by the party. However, nonpartisan judicial offices, state questions and county questions often are included in primary elections. All registered voters, including Independents, are entitled to receive those ballots. At general elections, all voters receive the same ballot and may vote for any candidate or question on the ballot. When to Register: You may submit your voter registration application form at any time. However, voter identification cards cannot be issued during the 24 days prior to an election. If your registration application is received by the county" election board during the 24 days before an election, you will not receive your voter identification card until after the election. tf you will become 18 during the 60 days before an election, you may apply for voter registration between 25 and 60 days before the election. Additional Information: For additional information about voting in Oldahoma, contact your local county election board or the State Election Board. Oklahoma State Election Board PO Box 53156 Oklahoma City, OK 73152 (405) 521-2391 Download and print application: www. ok.gov/elections/Voter_Registration/Voter_ Registration_Application_Form/info@ elections.ok.gov Church of the Open Arms to host Homosexuality and Scripture Confederence OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Church of the Open Arms-UCC ( United Church of Christ) of Oklahoma City is hosting a Homosexuality and Scripture Study on Sunday, July 18 from 4 pm until 6 p.m. Tt~e Reverend Kathy McCallie will lead this workshop, shmving ways to defend the belief that homosexuality is neither sickness nor sin. ~ae study will focus on the history of the scriptures and the cultural settings of the texts in the spirit of faith and understanding. In particular "clobber passages" (scriptural references used to demonize or "clobber" GLBT folks) will be clarified. ~is conference is flee, hmvever to RSVP is encouraged. Childcare is available if reselwed no later than July 12. To RSVP or to obtain more information call (405) 525-9555 or check out the church website at wccw.openarms, org. ~he church is located at 3131 N. Pennsylvania Avenue in Oldahoma City. Can I break up with my boyfriend by text? �By Ronald Blake Contributing Xg~riter RonaM Blake, Certified Fimess Inst~wtor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association Sun Tzu ~vas a management conflict philosopher and author who lived in a time and land far, far away. He ’had many grand things he laid out in his writings but we shall focus on only one of his wise sayings: "All battles are won before they are fought." My task today is to make this relevant to your health and fitness mode in your life. X~bu are on lunch hour and are driving down the boulevard of broken diets and yo~ are hungry. %ree of your best work buddies are in the car with you. "W’e don’t have much time and we need to just grab something now," is the consensus from the backseat and shotgun positions. You’ve already !ost this battle and you’ll end up eating out of that fat trough with Ronald, Hamburglar, and Grimace. This could have been avoided with a little pre-lunch menu planning or the sack lunch fi’om home. You havefft run in over five years but you used to be the All-Conference runner back in your university day]. You grab those dusty Asics shoes and decide to give that five mile race the old college try at the old college pace. You’ve already lost this battle and will end up limping and muttering obscenities for the next four score and seven hours while you nurse that sore Achilles. This could have been avoided with a gradual training regimen and the purchase of some new shoes before entering that Charity 5K race. After one round of Jose Cuervo you announce your retirement from cigarettes beginning tomorrow. After three rounds of Jose Cuervo you announce with mucho gusto your intention to banish Joe Camel from your life beginning tomorrow. After five rounds of~ Jose Cuervo you boisterously and vehemently declare your partnership with nicotine to be dissolved beginning tomorrow. You’ve already lost this battle even before the seventh round of Senor Tequila. This could have been avoided by making a signed declaration to stop smoking while you weren’t half in the bag with agave juice. The sober prover of pen to paper has a great effect on action. Your class reunion is three months away and you want to shed that freshman fifty that you’ve put on since being named most likely to blah, blah, blah in the Quill and Scroll Yearbook. You’ve joined the health club and you want Donna Dixbottom to rue the day she turned you down to the prom. You’ll show her the error of her ways with that great body and that rented Sebring convertible. You’ve already lost this battle and Ms. Dixbottom will only treat you to a haughty cursory glance at the festive soiree. You need more than just a health dub membership and a desire, You need a daily workout routine and a trusty companion to guide you to your fitness goals. Think about what you want to accomplish in life. You don’t need to be Chinese, have a two syllable name, or be a philosopher to achieve successes in your time. You only need a well prepared plan and action. Chmarron Alliance hosts art show to kick-offPride month By By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Pride in Art, an art show presented by Cimarron Alliance Foundation m kick-offPride month, was held at the Istvan Gallery in Oklahoma City. Pictured above are (l to r) foyer Cima,ron Board member Terry Gatewood and Margaret Cox, Cimarron Board member and past chair of the organization. Robin D- Townsend photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ To ldck-off LGBT Pride month, the Cimarron Alliance Foundation hosted "Pride in Art," an art show, sale, and reception held earlier this month at OKC’S Istvan Gallery. The event showcased the creativity and diversity among LGBT and LGBT-supportive artists. The festive, casual evening also featured entertainment provided by Mary Reynolds, Louise Goldberg, and Jamie Bramble. "We came to enjoy the art, celebrate diversity and to support other organizations that do the same," said John Greer, President of the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma. "It is helpful to businesses, the community and those in need when the organizations work together in support." A fundraiser for tile AIDS Walk wil! be at the COPA on July 19th, from 6-10. Pride in Art artists participating in the show include: Jennifer Barron, Gary Bates, Rick and Tracey Bewley, John Carter (Orlando, FL), Sue Clancy (Norman), Sam Echo!s, Ron Ferrell, Richard Ydeffman, Christina Kovash, Kenny McCage, Monty Milburn, Bernadette Martinez, Cindy Mason, Louis Scott, Joe Slack, Sue Moss Sullivan, Frank Troutman, Rhonda Polen X~ernick (Nashville, TN), Cynthia Daniel Wolf- and others. Each artist will provide up to five pieces or original art for the show. Sales will benefit both the artists and the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. Event sponsors were Premium Beers of Oklahoma - Bud Light, Iguana’Mexican Grill, Istvan Gallery, and Art Fusion Studios. Since the incorporation of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, the organization has operated under the leadership of a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. From the very beginning, Cimarron’s Board has been comprised of people within the LGBT community and straight persons supportive of the organization’s mission. For the past 13 years tile Cimarron Alliance Foundation has served as a powerful resource for individuals and organizations vcithin the LGBT community. The mission of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation is to support educational efforts that validate personal identity, promote public enlightenment, and advance equality for LGBT Oklahomans. For more information about Cimarron Alliance visit vcww.dmarronalliance.org. "First " ursday" Art Opening and Exhibit of Original Works: Verisimilitude -New Paintings by Michael Christopher TULSA, OK (PR) _ The July Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature the Art of Michael Christopher. "lhe show begins with a reception on Thursday, July 1st from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month. Michael Christopher began figurative painting as a young teen - dropped it by the time he turned twenty - and started again thirty years later. Michael’s other creative pursuits have included professional acting, theatrical production design, composing incidental music for the theatre, writing scores for musicals and an opera. Michael helped organize the Tulsa Artists Coalition and he founded the Tulsa Center for Contemporary Art (TuCCA). What started a few years ago as a handful of illustrations for a graphic novel project became a more serious return to painting. The works in this show reflect an eye for photorealistic rendering and a vision that loves and understands the human form. ~xe works in Verisimilitude spread open the time frame, drawing on the idealized realism of the early oil paintings, touching on themes from his 1987 "Living Arts of Tulsa" shmv, Boys in the Machine, infused with a poetry earned from life as an artist working across many disciplines. The paintings in Verisimilitude raise interesting questions about artistic values. Some viewers have .expressed an initial feeling of disappointment when learning that the works, which seem so realistically to be painted with a physical brush, were really made in the computer as if the digital medium is somehow beneath fine art. The works are not from photographs, but using drawing software similar to programs used in architecture and engineering. After a computer drawing is made it is "painted" using brushes, smudge sticks and other tools, each tool a small computer script written by the artist. These digital paintings take at least as long to create as "wet paint" works. This new dimension within realism is one of the fascinations that drove the creation of these paintings. Follow the progress of new projects and experience Michael’s art and music, at wv#cc.michaelfire.com. �2010 Primary Tues. July 27° General E ection: Tueso November 2. ese Democratic candidates gear up £or an important campaign £or O ahom s f t re: GOVEI~2qOR Lt. Gov. Jari Askins Attorney General Drew Edmondson LIEUTEN~T GOVERNOR State Sen. Kenneth Corn ATTO P&q EY GENERAL Jim Priest STATE AUDITOR & INSPECTOR Steve Burrage STATE tNSUR~qCE COMMISSIONER ~m Holtand (incumbent) STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION State Sen. Susan Paddack Jerry Combrink Larry Huff STATE T~SURER Stephen Covert STATE L&BOR COMMISSIONER Lloyd Fields (incumbent) U.S. SENATOR Jim Rogers Mark )vgil~S ..... ..... U.S. CONGRESS District 2: Dan Boren (incumbent) Jim Wilson District 3: Frankie Robbins District 5: Billy Coyle Tom Guild STATE SENATE District 2: Sean Burrage (incumbent) District 4: State Rep. Nell Brannon Mark Cornell District 6: Jay Paul Gumm (incumbent) District 8: Roger Ballenger (incumbent) District 10: Dale Christenson District 14: Donna Spring, Daryl Roberts District 16: John SparEs (incumbent) District 18: Janice Aldridge District 24: Susan Brooks, John Branum District 26: ~Tom Ivester (incumbent) District 32: Randy Bass (incumbent) District 42: Mike Kelly District 44: Randy Rose District 46: Andrew Rice (incumbent) District 48: Constance Johnson (incumbent) Steven Davis, Mark E Temple, Clyde E. Maddon STATE HOUSE District I: Dennis Bailey (incumbent) District 2: Glen Bud Smithson (incumbent) District 3: Jake Leming, James Lockhart, Jarrod Ridenour, Matt Webb, David Hogan Traci Barnes District 4: Mike Brown (incumbent) District 6: Chuck Hosldn (incumbent) District 7: Larry Glenn (incnmbent) District 8: Ben Sherrer (incumbent) District 9: Eric Cullen District 10: Nick Brown District 12: Vc~ade Roussetot (incumbent) District 13: Jerry McPeak (incumbent) District 14: Brad Clinkenbeard District 15: Ed Cannaday (incumbent) Annie J. Goolsby District t6: Jerry Shoemake (incumbent) James Bo Delso District 17: Brian Renegar (incnmbent) District 18: Donald Condit, John M. Freeman, Carolyn Hilt, Roger Shirly District 19: R.C. Pruett (incumbent) District 20: Paul Roan (incumbent) District 21: Oden Grube, Chris Pierce, Nathan Williams, Jerry Tomlinson District 22: x.X/es Hilliard (incumbent) District 23: Mark Manley District 24: Steve Kouplen (incumbent) District 27: Chris Odneal District 28: Ed Smith District 29: David Narcomey District 30: Donna Marie Vogelpohl District 32: Danny Morgan (incul-nbent) District 34: Cory Williams District 35: Rodger Ensign District 36: Greg Brown District 37: Ken Luttrell (incumbent) District 43: J. E Hemminger District 44: Isaiah McCaslin, Emily Virgin, Tom Kovach, Robert Murphy District 45: Wallace Collins (incumbent) District 49: Samson Buck (incumbent) District 53: Amy Corley DiStric~ 56: Maya To~ralba District 58: Wilson John Adamson District 60: Purcy Walker (incumbent) District 64: Michael J. Corrales District 65: Joe Dorman (incumbent) District 66: Eli Potts, David Phillips, Andrew Thomas Williams, Melani Hamilton District 68: Troy Zickefoose, Seth \gatkins District 71: JeffTracy District 72: Seneca Scott (incumbent) District 73: Jabar Shumate (incumbent) Kevin Matthews District 77: Eric Proctor (incumbent) District 78: Jeannie McDaniel (incumbent) District 84: Brittany Novotny District 85: Gall Vines District 86: John Auffet (incumbent) Jeff Collyge, William Fourkiller District 87: Dana Orwig District 88: AI McAffrey (incumbent) District 89: Rebecca Hamilton (incumbent) District 9 t: Hollis Harper District 92: Richard Morrissette (incumbent) District 93: Wilfredo Santos Rivera, Wanda Jo Peltier, Jeff Pecld~am District 94: Scott Inman (incumbent) District 95: Michael A. Walker District 97: Mike Shelton (incumbent) District 98: Dennis V/. XWeese District 99: Anastasia Pittman (incumbent) District 101: Johnny Laudermilk Creep of he Month ByD’AnneWitkowski "Family Research CounciF’ yes. N~e fabled "Gay Agenda." Having invested so much in the fight against it, anti-gay groups will leap at anything that they can hold up as proof that a sinister gay agenda exists. So when the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance ofg[ashington, D.C., released "Agenda: 2010," the Family Research Council pounced, cla,vs out. GLAA calls "Agenda: 2010" an "electionyear briefing paper on local LGBT issues." FRC calls it a veritable blueprint for a hostile LGBT takeover. In a June 16 W’ashington Update post, FRC posits, "What’s left for homosexual activists to do after they’ve trampled voters on their way to the altar? tn Washington, D.C., where same-sex ’marriage’ is legal (for now), the gay and lesbian crowd is just getting warmed up." The post is accompanied by a graphic reading of the ’,Homosexual Agenda" alongside a list of things like innocence, family and public health. Through each item is a blurry red line with a few drops of red here and there. Presumably it’s supposed to be spray paint (Vc~at, is the gay agenda written on the xvall of an abandoned warehouse?) but it cotfld also be blood. AIDS blood, of course. "Apparendy, their updated political agenda spans everything from classroom infiltration to legalizing prostitution," FRC’s message continues. I have to ask- what does "classroom infiltration" even mean? Sending in undercover homos to high schools like a gay "21 Jump Street?" And I have a follow-up: "Will there be a reality show? So just what is the "everything" this new agenda covers? "Local groups will try to elect more homosexuals to places of power, push in-school gay-straight alliances, support D.C. sex-oriented businesses, defend adult entertainment, grant special perks to crossdressing prisoners, force same-sex adoption and legalize sex tra~cldng," claims FRC. \Voah: Sounds ambitious. But let’s address some of these claims. First of all, what FRC calls "cross-dressing prisoners" are often actually transgender people, some who have broken the law, others who have been victims of crimes. "Ihe "special perks" include not throwing them into jail cells based solely on what’s between their legs. GLAA also doesn’t want to see them "denied appropriate health care, sexually assaulted, abusively strip-searched, (or) placed in protective custody that amounts to punishing the victim," which are some of the current "perks" of being a trann> As for legalizing "sex tra~cMng," that’s not quite it. GLAA does advocate legalizing prostitution. While a controversial position, they’re hardly calling for a sex-for-mone> free-for-all. GLAA raises a lot of important issues, i~cluding "survival sex," where people - ~’requently gay runaways and transgender people - turn to prostitution out of desperation, when it’s the only option they have left. Throwing them in jail doesn’t address the core problems. "If (policymal~ers) want to provide safer, healthier and more sustainable alternatives to survival sex, you can support the creation of drop-in centers, transitional housing, job training, counseling, addiction recovery programs and other services for at-risk populations," GLAA’s agenda reads. Oooh, counseling and transitional housing. Really racy stuff. "Lots of people in this country mistalcenly believe that this community will be satisfied when it redefines marriage," FRC claims. "That’s not the case. Homosexuals and transgenders (sic) won’t be happy until they sever every moral underpinning in America." That’s right. Because LGBT people have no morals and fantasize every night about living in some kind of lawless neo-sexual apocalyptic hellscape. You hear that, FRC? It’s right here, in writing. It must be true. And it must be true for all LGBT people ,vithout exception. Feel free to use it in your next fundraising letter. Tell your members we said, "Boo!" Ttae occasion prompted OkEq to hold a supportive Town Hall rally at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. "It is a great day to be gay in Tulsa Oldahoma!" said OlcEq President Toby Jenkins, echoing a slogan he has often employed at Pride and on other occasions. "This time I am serious." While the city council vote has been met with optimism throughout the GLBT community, some residents still see the need for progress. "IfI get beat up tonight, will the police actually come help?" pondered one young gay Tulsa man who did not want to be identified. "We can still be fired without cause and we can still be abused and lmow there’s a good chance authorities won’t be interested in helping," said Rogers County’s Brett Peason. "This is a great step but it doesn’t really affect most people in the community." Others suggested that the city should address the issue of equal protection at companies that do business with the city - thus xvidening the scope of the new policy’s effects. Oldahomans for Equality said that it would continue to press the City of Tulsa to add gender identity to the employee non-discrimination policy and also begin the dialogue with other Tulsa County municipalMes. OkEq encourages supporters of the new policy to personally contact City Councilors GT Bynum, Maria Barnes, Roscoe Turner, Jack Henderson, Chris Trail and Bill Christiansen and express appreciation. Tulsa elected ot~cials can be contacted at ~ax~¢~.~v.cityo ftulsa.org/ourcity/elected-oNcials. aspx, �07.0’1.20’!0 �For D~r~c~ Judge Vote...QuMity &Experience in 2010 $5,000 Face Value Cost 35 45 Call 918 o695o1806 $10,000 for accede death H~V Coverage a~ T For Congress uildforcon, ressocom forby G~itd for Congress, PO Box @21, Edmond, OK 738~s 07.01.2010 �Photo’s by Judy G. Photography Downtown Tulsa, Oldahoma June 5, 2010 ................................................................................. Continued on page-!8 �By Andrew Collins t Andrew Collins covers gay travelfor the New Drk Times-owned website About.corn and is the author ofFodor’s Gay Guide to the USA. Exploring Coasta Maine Maine’s classically quaint seaside towns and breezy beaches seem tailor-made for a rela~ing vacation and sure enough, the state’s coastal sections are invaded by pleasure seekers ai! summer. Prestigious, blue-blood retreats like Kennebunkport and Camden overflow with magnificent estates, while the pristine scenery" of Acadia National Park and Camden Hills State Park draw scads of hikers and bikers. Artsy and gay-popular Ogunquit makes a wonderfully low-keyed alternative m Provincetown. while hip Portland and upand-coming Rockland offer sophisticated arts and dining. The state’s shoreline twists and turns for an astonishing 3,478 miles - counting every inlet, cove, and bay; only the states of Alaska, Florida and Louisiana can claim more miles of waterfront. You could spend all summer exploring the dozens of inviting hamlets up . and down tile coast. The southwestern edge of the state - just 70 miles from Boston and about 300 miles from both Montreal and New York City - is not only the most accessible, it has the most to offer gay and lesbian travelers. The region extends from the bustling outlet-shopping hub of Kittery north through Ogunquit and tip to Ken.nebunkport. Fringed by a lovely 3-mile beach, tiny Ogunquit first developed a discernible gay following in the 1930s, with the opening of one of the country’s first successful summer theaters, the Ogunquit Playhouse. It still presents first-rate theatrical productions today. The gay presence grew in the ’60s, when hippies and beatniks started regularly renting cottages and homes here. By the following decade the scene fully blossomed with the opening of a gay guest house, as well as a disco called Anabelle’s (still open but now called 02). U.S. 1 and Shore Road, the main drags through the village, bustle with funky shops, ar~ galleries, boutiques and several good restaurants. It’s a very short walk to the beach from iust about any point in town. Ogunquit supports a pair of lively gay nightclubs, a piano lounge, and several restaurants with inviting bars. In a state xvhere beaches can sometimes be pebbly or difficult to access, Ogunquit has one of Maine’s most celebrated ones - tile northern reaches of this fine, golden spit of sand draw a predominantly lesbian and gay crowd. Consider an excursion south to Kittery’s hundreds of mid- and high-end outlet shops. Or check out York’s Stonewall Kitchen nearly 20 years ago, a local gay couple named Jonathan KAng and Jim Stott started selling their fabulous jams, mustards, relishes and sauces at a farmers market. They soon formed this now-internationally renowned emporium and mail-order company of delicious gourmet foods. For the best scenery on this trip, follow Shore Road south from Ogunquit through York’s Cape Neddick, where you can stop [:or a picnic at the park that overlooks the diguified Nubble Lighthouse (built in 1879). There are about a dozen gay-oriented Boats in Camden Harbor Andrew Collins photo accommodations in Ogunquit, most of them male-owned but catering to a mLx of women and men, Jtist a fe~v of the excellent is just steps from the Portland Art Museum rate restaurants and galleries are just steps possibilities include Moon Over Maine and six warmly furnished rooms; and awa): The gay-owned Camden Harbour Inn (http://www.moonovermaine.com), a fully the Morrill Mansion B&B (http:/Avww. (http://www.camdenharbourinn.com), with restored 1830s Cape-style house with periodmorrillmansion.com), a 19th-century its spectacular location overlooking the town’s decor, well-chosen art, and a great location mansion on a picturesque West End Street harbor, is ideal for a luxury getaway - the 18 in the heart of the village; and the reasonably the seven tasteful room contains period-style rooms and suites are sumptuously appointed, priced Ogunquit Beach Inn (http://www. furnishings. ogunquitbeachinn.com), a handsome litde and the on-site restaurant, Natalie’s, serves To see a less-developed side of the state, 1920s compound comprising a main house exceptiofial contemporary American fare. it’s about a two-hour drive from Portland with five guest rooms, as well as two cottages Still about 75 miles farther "down east" with full kitchens (rented weekly). A bit more - much of it along a very scenic stretch of (Maine lingo for in the direction of the upscale are the lovely Gazebo Inn (http:// U.S. 1 - to the resort comnaunities along Canadian Maritimes - "down" refers to the www.gazeboguesthouse.com), a handsome western Penobscot Bay; including Rockland fact that longitude decreases as you travel 14-room property with two hot tubs and a and Camden. You’re not going to encounter east), lies Mr. Desert Island. Here you’ll gym and sauna; and the beautifully situated as many gay travelers out this way, but find the resort town of Bar Harbor and the Rockmere Lodge (http://www.rockmere. there are a handful of very gay-friendly adjacent 40,000-acre Acadia National Park. corn), which is just offthe famed Marginal accommodations. Maine’s Mid-Coast is A 27-mile Loop Road meanders through the Way walking path - most rooms have ocean a place for quiet vacations, ideal if you’re park, accessing trailheads and many scenic views. a hiker, photographer, fishing enthusiast, Charming Portland lies within striking vistas. Some.hiking trails climb up to 1,530or sailor. Camden is home to a fleet of distance of Ogunqnit, perfect if you need foot Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on a dose of urbanity. Don’t overlook this Windjammer sailing ships (http://www. the Eastern Seaboard, and still others hug the youthful, progressive city as a base, either, mainewindjammercruises.com), which can be granite-strewn shore. In Bar Harbor, the Abbe especially if you’d rather browse museums and booked not only on multiple-day excursions Museum, set in the 1893 former YMCA stroll along shop-filled streets than loi1 about throughout the region but also for afternoon overlooking the village green, contains an on the beach. Portland daims a dynamic arts jaunts along Penobscot Bay. enormous trove of artifacts and exhibits that scene and some of the best restaurants in The craggy 1,000-ft peaks of Camden trace the state’s Native American history. Maine. You can also check out a few very fun Hills State Park are a regional highlight; you Bar Harbor has dozens of motels, hotels GLBT nightspots. can tread along more than 20 miles of rugged and inns, among them the gay-friendly The city crowns a hilly peninsula, nature and hiking trails through this dramatic Anne’s White Column Inn (http://www. surrounded by rivers and harbors - you’ll 5,500-acte paradise, and overnight in a see water from many points and find the anneswhitecolumns.com) and its sister 112-site camping area. The once-workaday bulk of the city’s best restaurants, shops property, the larger and more elegant and bars in the histgric Old Port district, a town of Rockland has blossomed of late, with Clefrstone Manor (http://www.cleftstone. warren of cobbled lanes and vintage redbrick several outstanding restaurants and cafes. The com). ~ae advantage of Anne’s White warehouses fringed by a phalanx of wharves. key draw here is one of the foremost small Column Inn is its close proximity to area A short drive or moderate walk puts you art collections in the nation, the Famsworth shopping and dining. One other excellent square in Portland’s West End, where grand Art Museum, which contains works by many LGBT-friendly option in Bar Harbor is the sea captains’ mansions mingle with smaller noted Maine painters, including the George Aysgarth Station (http://~vw~v.aysgarth.com), row houses. More than two decades of intense Bellows, Louise Nevelson, and the Wyeth which is quite affordable and located very rehabilitation have given the neighborhood ¯ The on-site Wyeth Center explores that close to several good restaurants. a graceful countenance, and lesbians and gay famous family of painters. With so long a shoreline and so relatively men have restored many of these homes. Rockland’s elegant, yet reasonably In the heart ofdowntown’s arts district, small a population, Maine offers one priced LimeRock Inn, is operated by a the gay-friendly Eastland Park Hotel (http:// precious commodity that’s all too rare in the lmowledgeable and friendly couple Frank www.eastlandparldmtel.com) has tastefully northeastern U.S.: space. Although parts of appointed rooms with handsome colonialIsganitis & EJ. Walter, who prepare a the coast has been developed with mini-golf inspired furnishings - several units have delicious breakfast each morning. Rooms in centers and condo colonies, the majority of it kitchens. Amenities include a well-equipped this handsome Queen Anne Victorian are remains beautifully preserved and ideal for a fitness center, and a rooftop lounge with done in period style, but with such modern memorable getaway. great city views. More intimate gay-popular perks as flat-panel TVs with HDTV/DVD options include the historic Inn at ParkSpring and clock radios with iPod docks. First(http://www.innatparkspring.com), which 07.01.2010 �help �Demented Inc.’ Tour graces the Copa to promote their new DVD of madness ’Memoirs of Dmentia" By Victor Gorin Contributing writer this ruling thousands of gay couples got legally married in California, but this new matrimonial freedom would not last long. Anti-gay groups hired companies to obtain signatures to put Proposition 8 on the ballot of the November 4, 2008 election. Successful at obtaining enough signatures, Proposition 8 was on the ballot and simply stated, "Only a marriage beva,een a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." This proposition passed~ not only ending the right of same sex couples to marry in California but also leaving the marriages of those same sex couples ,vho had already married in lega! jeopardy ~e film depicts the astonishing approach of the Mormon Church and their leadership, primarily from Utah, using their tax free financial support to get this measure passed. "Ihere is proof by documentation and video Jenna Zdia, Dmentia Divi~yl and OKC’s Bearded Lad3,. Gotqn photo OKLAHOMA CI~L OK On Sunday the 13th ofJune Rachae! Eik~’s Sunday night show had a special treat as Dmentia Diviw1 / a.k.a, director Glenn Storm) and his sid&dck Jenna Telia performed and promoted Dmented Inc’s new film, "Memoirs of Dmentia.:" With Drnentia showing up in the style of Dawn Davenport. she and Miss Telia put on quite an act promoting this work of art. Nxis 90 minute film is not for everyone, bur &finitely a must for those who love artistic dysfunction, insanity and pure white trash truly in the style of John Waters, who is credited with inspiring this epic. Various ideas and concepts show up clearly with obvious influences from the xT~qzard of Oz, the infamous Female Trouble movie, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the classic Deliverance fli& ~ a real squealer) among maW others. With only 4 people in the cast, it tells the story of mad Scientist Dr.Frankemveenie who creates the lead hermaphrodite, she male Dmenria Divinvl. Dmentiahas ahard life running a bordello, fights off the advances of Hillbilly Cousin Earl only to be impregnated by Officer Baloney Pony. She sells her baby for cat’fare to Cousin Earl, who falls for her neighbor Petunia.. Meanwhile Officer Baloney Pony happens into a gay bar, falls into a slumber, and in his subsequent dream follows the Yellow Bri& Road to see the Queen of Zoe who tells him how he can come back to earth as a gay man. All of these happy events are entered into Miss Divinyl’s diary, who wonders about her lost child. Will there be a sequel??? For cultist movie fetishists, this movie is a Godsend. For more information or to order this DVD check out www.Dmentedlnc.com. deadCENTER film depicts reversal o£Cali£ornia gay marriage law ~orts were in vain. in the film that this information is not fabricated. This documentary follows the activities of the Mormon Church, questioning the legality of their actions supporting Proposition 8 as a tax free entity, donating millions to promote its passage. The passage of Proposition 8 was a crushing defeat for gay rights activists who had hoped that public opinion on dais issue had shifted enough to help them defeat dais measure. The film depicts addition irony in that the Mormon Church claimed to take this action in the name of Jesus Christ. This exploration of the Chur& of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ involvement in the passage of Proposition 8 reveals their secretive, decades long campaign against same sex marriage. More information about the film can be found at wv#;v.mormonproposition. com. By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Oldahoma City, OK In the film ’8: The Mormon Propositioff’ a former Mormon missionary. Director Reed Cowan depicts the events supporting the passage of Proposition 8. He chose to leave our opinions but rather chose to tell the story objectively without opinions, which he felt the public cleady wanted. ~e film was originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received the longest standing ovation in the histmw of that festival., despite that it was held in Utah where Mormons number well above 60% of the population. Emotions ran high during the fight to allow gays to retain the right to marry in California. Their" "I am honored to present this film at deadCenter", said Melissa Scaramucci, deadCenter Board Member and Director/ Producer with Crazy Diamond Productions. Scaramucci and the organizing group invited Oldahoma’s own TEN ( The Equality Network) to talk to the crowd about the fight in Oklahoma toward equality for all. For those who dofft remember, on June 17, 2008 the California Supreme Court ruled that California’s ban on same sex marriage was discriminatory, thus making same sex marriages legal in that state. Following Business is booming for Sean Hayes Things were looking tough for Sean Hayes for a minute there - his coming-out interview in The Advocate came off as cranky and too-late, and then that Newsweek piece suggested he was too gay to be convincing as the hetero leading man of the Broadway revival Promises, Promises. It looked for a second like he was damned if he did and damned if he didfft. But the one-time Will & Grace star is having the last laugh: He scored a Tony nod for the show, reviews for his gig as host of the Tony Awards were glowing, and his prodnction company scored a hit with the sitcom Hot in Cleveland, which premiered. to high ratings on TV Land. Hayes will be keeping his TV mogul hat firmty~in place, with NBC Universa! signing a two-year deal with Hazy" Mills (his company with Todd Milline0 to develop new shows for network and cable. (Yoglt recall Hayes showing off his sitcom-creating acumen On Bravo’s Situation: Comedy.) So yes, naysayers, this gu)?s officially a litde more than "Just Jack~" from her national TV talk show. During July of 2009 she issued her "OHahoma Citizen’s Proclat~aation for Morality" at the Oldahoma State Capitol in which she blamed our nation’s troubled economy on "same sex marriage, divorce, pornograph)~ sex trafficking and other forms of debauchery’. On economic issues she iS likewise far to the right, opposing a minimum wage increase in Oklahoma in 2006 ~vhen it was $5.15 an hour, even requesting that a study be done to see how people living on that wage could better budget their money. Although Brittany has already made history by being the first transgendered person to run for public office in Oklahoma, she isn’t running for that reason. She has publicly stated, " I understand that there are going to be some folks who try to make this election about the fact that my medical history includes a gender transition, but I’m running for office because I believe I’m the best candidate to fight for jobs, education and transportation." Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Ms. Novomy graduated from the University of Arts and Sciences of Oldahoma and went on to get her law degree from the University of California-Hastings and is now a practicing attorney. She is an active member of the Young Democrats, who elected her as a national committeewoman and also honored her as their 2010 Woman of the Year. Oklahoma House District 84 indudes parts of northwest Oklahoma City, Bethany and Warr Acres. She’s ready for the fight and feels "I think our chances are really great. People are ready for a change." 07.01.2010 �Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. Out & Aboa~t in Oklahoma @ Tulsa Eagle. Tulsa Tasha Carrington and Billy Jackson per[orming to the smash hit of Lady Antebelliums’. "Need You Now". tt was well received by the overflow crowd in attendance. Photo by Ernest Atchison @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Pride Parade 2010 @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Pride Festival 2010 @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Mayor Oscar Goodman oI~cially welcoming the award ~vinnmg celebrity Gay Travel Columnists, Donald Pile and Ray Williams to Las Vegas. @ Tulsa Pride Parade 2010 @ Tulsa Pride Festival 2010 07.01.2010 �A Weekend of Pageantry at Angles Newly Crowned Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A Newcomer and Miss By Ed Sikov Gay US of A at Large By Victor Gorin Contributing writer for Me, Marg itff’ Craig was giddy on the ferry: "Margaritas are my tCavorite drink!" He clapped his dimpled hands in excitement and began singsonging, "Goodie goodie gumdrops!" He was still jolly because I had withheld my controlfre~Msh plan. I had no intention of using that sticky-sweet frozen concentrate he loved, and I was too much of a food snob to even let the bottled pigswill variety into the house. Once, in a notorious act of radical foodie-ism, I poured Sa!’s bottle of Yucatan Yuri’s PrimoPapi Mix off the de&. Before I had a chance to tel! an outrageous lie about Yucatan Yuri’s whereabouts, Sal saw me, rushed outside in a fuD4 and punched me in the shoulder. We didn’t speak for a month. "Vge need frozen concentrate, of course. W-e do have orange liqueur .... " "I have to tell you something," I began, but the two nasty Pomeranians owned by the cable sex show hostess Raven Wren - who apparently didn’t have enough smarmy gay men around her in the city, so she bought a place in the Pines - suddenly defined the term "bad canine karma" by attacking a distraught muscle-boy’s twin white Shih Tzus. The ensuing screeching and yelping (by Raven) drowned out further discussion. Vge were in the grocery’s frozen foods section with one of Craig’s giant-size Cabbage-Patch-Ydds fists engulfing a can of corn syrup with artificial lime flavor when I yanked it out of his hand; declared, %XZe’re not using that"; and threw it back into the freezm: Craig looked stricken. "Let’s make our Margaritas from scratch, OK?" I demanded, none too consolingly. "I don’t _want_ scratch," Craig whined; "I want my Margaritas! V/hy are you so mean? Why can’t I have what I want?" "l-hen came big whopping tears streaming down his colossal face, which rippled with despair. whopping tears streaming down his colossal face, which rippled with despair. At first I was mortified. But I’m here to tell you that mortification is preferable to the near-suicidal guilt that followed. I Wasn’t on the ferry any more so I couldn’t jump off. I could do nothing but hate myself to the bone. "Don’t cry! Get what you ~vant! I’ll make Margaritas my way, and you make yours your way." I pulled the can of frozen concentrate out of the freezer. "See?" I said, putting the wretched junk into our cart. Then I took one of Craig’s soft hands in mine and led him toward the unsweetened lime juice. "Ihe Margarita, Two Ways Craig’s way: Dump a can of children’s frozen concentrate into a blender, add ice and enough tequila to keep everyone from realizing how crummy the drink tastes, and press "ultra-high"; if you’re lucky you’ll forget to put the top on the blender. My way- makes four cocktails: 3/4-cup inexpensive white Tequila (it’s dumb to waste fine tequila by drowning it in a Margarita, but then I’m a cheapskate) 1/3-cup unsweetened lime juice 1/4-cup orange liqueur (we had Orange Curacao on hand - you can use any tTpe) l/4-cup Really Simple Syrul5 (you can buy Simple Syrup ready-made, or you can boil sugar and water and stand around staring at a candy thermometer, or you can make Really Simple Syrup by putting equal parts sugar and water in a jar and shaking it until the sugar dissolves) Pour some flaked salt onto one small plate and a thin layer of lime juice onto another. Add all ingredients to a large cocktail shaker with some ice; shake. Dip the rim of each glass first in the juice and then in the salt, then pour the Margaritas in the center. below the neck, the Miss Gay" US of A system allows unlimited alterations except that one must have male genitalia. The At Large US of A system in addition requires that the contestants weigh at least 200 pounds. The weekend marked a special occasion as the Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA Nexvcomer contest was premiering with their first pageant. Emceed by the team of Rache! Erikks( Miss Gay Oldahoma America 1994 and Miss Gay America 2004) and Jozlyn Welch ( Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A at Large 2008), the winner was Carmen Deveraux with 1st alternate Miss Gay US ofA Oklahoma at Large 2009 Lindsay Paige, Ferrah Mikals. N~ey will both go winner Bianca LeBlanc, April Reign Miss Gay US ofa A at to on compete in the national Large and 1st alternate Cordillia 3/Ionroe. Gorin photo Miss Gay US of A Newcomer Pageant held August 11-13 in Indianapolis. OKI~HOMA CITY, OK__ Jack The following Saturday Lindsay Paige passed Calcote, Steve Davis and Nathan Thomas had on her title as Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A a busy weekend as they put on two pageants at Large to Bianca LeBlanc, with Cordillia back to back Friday June 11 and Saturday Monroe as 1st alternate. That festive night was June 12. Angles came back to life as the girls emceed by the lovely Latina Tillie Laine, who competed for their titles, retaining the usual herself was a Miss Gay Oklahoma America in glamour of yesteryear while also reflecting 1983. The winners of that contest will go on changes in the field of female impersonation to compete in the national Miss Gay US of A in Oklahoma. at Large Pageant which will also be held also The trio of Calcote, Davis & N~omas in Indianapolis October 6-8 of this year. owns both pageants as well as the Mr[ Gay 3-he Mr Gay US of A Contest will be Oklahoma US of A Contest ( men competing held this upcoming August 25 at the Copa. as hot men, not to be confused with Mr. Gay For information about that contest e-mail US ofA MI, which is for male illusion). The Mr.Calcote at calcojack36@yahoo com. nationwide Gay US of A system differs from the Miss Gay America System in that while that system does not allow surgical alterations N N 07;0"1.2010 �Chuck Breckenridge Whcthcr buying or sclling I’lI work hard fi~r you. Private Me=~s Reso~ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalleyresprt.com info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-682:1 Abutting Downtown, ::Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Center, Tulsa Gay Cente,: Affi3rdable Homes amd Aparmaeuts. For more L.~fo~ation visit: www.gaybradyheightsmlsa.com E-.~ail- KylesBrd3@aol.eom English Garden Paradise with Private Tree Top Balcony 6365 S. 84th E. Ave., Tulsa web site with full information www.Tulsa4Bedroom.com �With outer planets hanging out near the cusps, Mercury entering Leo and Venus into Virgo kick off a lot of issues. Being cute, outspoken and constructively cdticat (let’s hope!) wilt have broad ramifications. Modesty, compassion and forethought are atways good to check before speaking. ARIES (Narch 20- Apri~ 19): Playful banter can help stimulate a better work environment, but not [oo playful lest your intentions are misunderstood. Spontaneous provocation has its place, but strategic consulting with colleagues will probably prove more effective. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20): Your new playful streak could come off as critical and bitchy. Sometimes a Bette Davis impression just can’t make it right. One should never let go of the Golden Rule - but’cha are, Blanche! Well, you easily could. Be extra mindful and considerate! GEN~N! {Nay 21- June 20): You have a lot to say and it feels very important to you. Your family and boss may disagree. Look for a new perspective and tweak your message a bit. Listen to friends with radical, challenging suggestions. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 December 20): Showing off newfound wisdom could quickly force you to admit to the limits of your recent learning. Instead, ask thoughtful questions of a real expert. Don’t be shy! An outr4 creative approach could spark new directions and insights for both of you. 1!23 14 2"1 CAPRICORN (December 21 January 19): Sex seems to be shifting from practice to theory. That’s OK, especially if you consider deeply what it’s all about. Old messages on the topic take sudden relevance. Tapes to erase? Valuable but forgotten lessons? You could be surprised. 24 25 26 28 ~ 27 129 34 39 48 4~ 42 43 } 3~ 47 4~ AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): Your sex life should be picking up pretty well. What does your partner say about that? A discussion on the topic is at least in order. People do change and grow. Even if everything is hunky-dory, it’s good to talk. PISCES (February 19 - March t9): Being playful is important, but for now focus more on the actual work and responsibility of your relationship, real or hypothetical. When you feel uncertain and use your partner for grounding that may be unfair to him or her. 22 511 61 63 Across Dow~ 1 Dumbledore might cast one CANCER (June 21- July 22): Even if changing jobs seems risky these days, con sider taking the chance. Staying where you are could be worse. Any current dissatisfaction with your job invites self-sabotage. Seek advice from a friend experienced in the work you want to do. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): However you identify with your words, some separation is good. Your partner can help open you up to powerful new ideas. Look past long-held notions to your most basic values; it’s better to take in those fresh notion s. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): Step out of the social whid for a bit. Focus on taking care of yourself inside and out. A new look should honor your age, not hide it. Knowing your limits can help you zero in on your strengths. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Conflicted about social opportunities? You may be better off in quiet retreat with fewer, better friends. Favor the more productive and creative ones. Save time and energy for your partner, even if you don’t have one - yet. SCORPIO (October 23- November 21): Balancing friendly conversations with the boss, and maintaining friendships with colleagues, and could get you a huge promotion. Never forget where you came from and that going up the ladder helps you to pull others up after. Community for People living with H V/A DS 50I c (3) Non ! rofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to hel p 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 ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobat.net Solution page22 07.0t.20t0 @~ 8T~ ! 30 �SuppoR those who suppo~ us. Their ads allow us to distribute your communi~ news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPW Oklahoma Cit?; OK 405-528-222t www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 wv,~v.habanainn.com For dvertis[ng TULSA EAGLE !338 E. 3RD MAGNETIC \(~LEY !?~SORT Tulsa, OK 918-592-1!88 597 Magnetic Road Open 7days week 2pm to 2am Eureka Springs, AR 800-2 I0-8401 ww~v.magneticvalleyresor t.com oa ACCO I~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HAR~v~ARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 9!8-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W2 13th Street Otdahoma CiV, OK 405-226-8585 AUZO PdiYNOLDS FORD LanT Bourne & David Stevens 600 *X’: Memorial Rd Oklahoma CitT; OK 405-639-9940 BAR HELP *IX!ANTED OKC: %e Copa is currently seeking a bar manager ~or ~e Copa and a bar manager for ~amg!es, for appointment [405) 525 0730 ALIBIS 1200 N. PENN Olda.homa City, OK 405-605-3795 Open daily 3pm ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahom~ Cit); OK w~:anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 wwwv;bambooloungetulsa.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Ci9; OK 405-525-2900 ’ w~,v;habanainn.com CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklaboma City, OK 405-761-1878 ww~v.expressionsOKC.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahomds HIV/STD Hotline CRISTtE’S TOY BOX 1039 S. Meridian Oklahoma City; OK 73108 405-948-3333 CRISTIE’S TOY BOX 3126 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-946-4438 PHOTO D JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobaL net 918-743-8636 OKLAHOlvIA STONEWALL DEMOCP,ATES Oldahoma City, OK w*a~aokstonmvall.org CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW ~RESSVTAY O~HOMANS for EQUALITY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 621E. 4th Street www.c21goldcastle.com Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 CHUCK BRECENRIDGE w~vz0keq.org Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK OUR HOUSE, TOO 918-706-188g ................ 203 N. Nogales Ave ................. Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 RED ROCK B.H.S. 4400 N. LINCOLN BLVC Oklahoma City, OK 73105 405-425-0473 Toll Free 1-877-339-3330 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Cit).; OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm E L T A T A N o L R ¢ D THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSVgAY OkJahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 wv~*~:habanainn.com ��"We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What mailers, as always, is not what we can’t do, ~ it,s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Par~. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the comr~uni~y, we are working to make change and shape ~’m p~oud of the Stonewall Democrats on my 234th Birthday! NEXT MEETING iS TUESDAY JULY 6, 7:00 We meet the 7st Tuesday of every month at the k~OMA STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY kIEADQUART � 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 LOCAL NEWS ~ NATIONAL NEWS ~ V¢ORLD NEWS @ LIFESTYLE ~ FITNESS TRA~¢~L ~ ADVICE ~ ENTERTAINMENT THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA Page-!4 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 7 Twitter.com/MetroStarNews ® MetroStarNews.corn JULY 1, 2010 .sa to By Michael W. Sasser Contributing Writer Tulsa Ci~ Council votes to include sexual orientation to ci~y policy. Photo by Mia Bella Images Oldahom s have a chance difference By Victor Gorin Contributing writer 17th meeting. While most rank and file GLBT Oldahomans have no protection against discrimination, Tulsa city employees will enjoy codified defense. "This makes such a strong statement to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming and sensible island in a state that is often ridiculed for being intolerant and unjnst towards marginalized populations," said ~is Wilmes, OHahomans for Equality (OkEq) Director of Advocacy. The policy has been a long nine in coming - 35 years, in fact. In !975, then Mayor Robert Lafortune commissioned a report that recommended the city adopt this polic?; but the report was rdected. In 1994 the Tulsa gay community Commission has recommended that Tulsa adopt an inclusive policy. Wilmes and Oldahomans for Equality worked in collaboration with Nancy McDonald ofPFLAG Tulsa and Alice Blue and Tommy Chesbro of the City of Tulsa Human Rights Commission worked with City Councilor GT Bynum and City Councilor Maria Barnes to bring about the formal vote by the Tulsa City Council. "Tonight, PFLAG parents celebrate with the LGBT community," said McDonald. "No longer can a city employee be discriminated against based on sexual orientation. The majority of City Councilors are to be applauded for their vision and vote for Tulsa to be an inclusive city." ....Continued See CITY COUNCIL Page-11 BrittaW NovotW and Kern to face off November 2 for State Ho se District 84 By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The smoke has finally deared and the race is on. Although the filing ended with 4 candidates vying for the State House District 84 seat, the two others will not be on the ballot. Republican Garrick Voth was challenging Sally Kern for her party’s nomination for the General Election. Voth, a 34 year old Oklahoma City resident who described himself as a conservative Republican, also Brittany Novotny andLt. Governor Candidate Kenneth Corn. Pressphoto described Ms. Kern as ignoring the needs of her district. When publicity surfaced shortly after the filing that he had been arrested in OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ This election cycle is offering GLBT Oklahomans and their allies a major opportunity to vote for real change. Although Oklahoma has the dubious honor of being the reddest state in the country; we have never had so many candidates to vote for who are either GLBT or allied with us. In this issue of the Metro Star there is a candidate for District Judge (Jackie Short), 2 candidates for U.S. Representative District 5 (Tom Guild & Billy Coyle) and an Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1 ( Willa Johnson) each directly asking for your vote by advertising in the Metro Star. running for State House District 71, Democrat Amy Corley running for State House District 53 and Democrat Mike Shdton running for District 97. In the State Senate we can vote to keep Andrew Rice (Democrat District 46), who has always been one of the GLBT community’s strongest allies in the legislature. All of them face opposition from Republican and/or Independent candidates in the General Election. Last but certainly not least, Brittany Novomy is running against Sally Kern to represent State House District 84. Sally has made history and garnered international attention as one of the most anti-gay In addition there are 2 candidates running laxvmakers in the country. Brittany, has who are 0penlygay, Tom Kovach running for already made history.as ~k]ahoma~s first Stat~ Rep~es;~}~[ti~e Di~tricv ~4 and Andrew transgendered candida{e aud Sheis ready Willi~ for Si~di~e Representative in District tO fight for GLBT equality. GLBT and 66. fair ~inded Voters of that district have There are also 2 DemoCratic Candidates an Opportunity to give Ms. Novomy a running for the Oklahom~ City State Ho~e vict(Jr} ~at W~uld likewise no doul~t get DiStrict 93 seat allied with the GLBT community, former legislator Wanda Jo Peltier and Wilfredo Santos Rivera ( formerly of the Oklahoma City School Board, one of only 2 members who voted not to fire openly gay teacher Joe Quigley.) There are other candidates allied with our community we will be able to vote for in the General Election November 2. There is our only openly gay State Representative Al McAffrey- Incumbent Democrat District 88 of Oklahoma City, and our allies Democrat Dana Orwig running for State House District 87 also of Oklahoma city, JeffTracy in Tulsa international attention and give Oklahoma a better image, besides getting better representation. For more information or to contribute to her campaign, her website is brittany4HD84.com. On a further positive note, our allies Anastasia Pittman ( Democrat District 99) and Richard Morrissette (District 92) have already been elected by acclamation ( no opponents filed.) Check out the voting instructions on page 9 if you need any information about voting in this upcoming and future elections. The GLBT community has never had as many candidates seeking our vote, and it’s up to us to make that worthwhile. Will Rogers Park last September, charged with attempting an act of public lewdness with another man ( the case is still pending), he withdrew from the race. The other candidate was Ray Prewitt, aged 40 and a resident of Bethany running as an Independent. Ms. Kern successfully challenged his eligibility before the Oklahoma State Election Board, and he was stricken from the ballot as he had not been registered as an Independent at least 6 months before the filing period as the law requires to be eligible. Brittany faces a three time incumbent who has for better or worse, undoubtedly attracted national and even some international notoriety. She replaced another conservative Republican, Bill Graves who was likewise famous for anti-gay sentiments, when she was first elected in 2004. She was re-elected without opposition in 2006, and defeated Ron Marlett to win a third term in 2008. She is married to Steve Kern, the Pastor of Olivet Baptist Church and has 2 adult sons. She had been a teacher at Oklahoma City’s Northwest Classen High School, teaching American Government and coaching the girl’s golf team. She led opposition to the book "King and King" being in the children’s section of Oklahoma County libraries, daiming that the American Library Association is "trying to sexualize your children." She has made public statements stating that homosexuals are a bigger threat to our nation than terrorism, resulting in countless public demonstrations and demands for an apology; even generating a phone call from Hlen Degeneres placed ........Continued See BRITTANY Page- 17 No matter who are on life’s journ~ 3131 ~. Pennsylvania,Oklaho Straight but not narrow. believe in equality for everybody fight for that in Washington. and I’ll I NEED YOUR VOTE JULY 27. Bi!Iv Covle is orga nized, well fUnded and his beliefs are right in line with the fair minded people of the Fifth District. -Richard Ogden Organized by: leave a message please Major Sponsors: h o m a New Report Shows Surprising Gains for Gay O ahomans P/~oto: Laura Belmonte, President ~e Equa[i~ ~work (TEN). TULSA, OK (PRy June 16, 2010 __ g/ith the Ttflsa City Council poised to add sexual orientation to its nondiscrimination policies fi3r public employees, a new report by the TEN Institute, the research arm ofThe Equality Network, reveals that * several Oklahoma municipalities already extend these protections to their gay employees. Preliminary data from an ongoing project documenting municipal policies on lesbian, gay, adopted inclusive t.heir public explains *Williarns, president Network. bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens challenge longstanding assumptions that LGBT Oklahomans have virtually no legal protections at the local level. "W~nen we began this research, we expected o.nly to validate the widespread belief that few communities protect their ~ ~ LGBT citizens here. To Update: Late Thursday surprise evening the Tulsa City ~bund Gounc~ "qoted 6-3 in favor of adding sexual orientation to the nondiscrimination policy v. for public employees...., our great mad joy, we that maW cities have already LGBTpolicies fo[, employees. Ph.D., ofThe Equality Del Cit)~ Altus, McAlestm; Miami, Noble, and Vinita al! have nondiscrimination policies including sexual orientation among the categories protected in the hiring, promotion, and retention of public employees. Another group of municipalities do not offer employment protections for their LGBT public employees, but does include sexual orientation in their anti’harassment personnel policies. ~aese include Muskogee, Chickasha, and Perry. Oklahoma City" is the only municipality xvith an ordinance outlawing harassment, intimidation, or assault based on sexual orientation. ~is protection is particularly significant because the states hate crimes taw does not currently encompass sexual orientation. Currently, there are no municipalities in Oklahoma that include gender identity or expression anaong the protected categories for either public employees 6r the general citizenry. 2qae study, also shows that Ponca City, Cushing, and Sallisaw appear .to sanction housing discrimination against gay people. For example, in defining what constitutes a disability, Cushing’s housing ordinance states "’handicap’ does not apply to an individmd because of sexual orientation or the sexual preference of the individual or because that individual is a transvestite." qThe Ponca City and Sail!saw housing ordinances are worded similarly. "~9{fe were stunned to discover such bizarre and offensive assertions enshrined in public policy in 2010. These three communities are clinging to the characterizations 0f LGBT people that the medical and psychological establishments rejected ahnost fi3rty years ago. \~ghile we agree wholeheartedly that being gay is not a disability, we believe that allowing landlords to bin" LGBT people from renting an apartment f6r which they qualify as tenants is blatant discrimination." stated Williams. TEN Institute will continue to analyze municipal policies on LGBT Oklahomans and will integrate them into its Municipal Equality Database. The pre.liminary findings may be accessed at http:/l~aw~/v.scribd.com/doc/33127989/ Municipalities-Database ~e E,q.uali~ Network. works, to achieve equali~y and to secure legal *vmcuonjbr /esbmn ~y bzsexua[ and trans ender Oklahomans d;~rough advocao,, coal~)on building, and in~i,idua/ empowerment in the polidcalprocess.. 3 GLBT Organizations honored as U.S. Census Partners at the O ahoma State Capitol SundayJune 12 By Victor Gorin Contributing writer TobyJenkins receives the U.S. Census Bureau’s Partnership Award on beaalfofOk~homansfor Equalio,. ~ his l@ is D,: Robert Groves, National ~& Census Bm~au Direcm,; and w his right Re~onal Dimcmr DennisJohnson. Gorin phom OKLAHOMa\ CITY, OK __ In the Blue Room of the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City maW organizations were honored for their work helping the U.S. Census Bureau obtain an accurate count with correct information for 2010. A tradition every decade since the first tally in 1790, the U.S. Census proves increasingly important as the data gathered may determine ?vhere government resources are allocated, where companies locate, as well as countless other factors affecting the life quality ofAmericans. Working to achieve this goal for 2010 the Bureau worked with a wide variety of diverse organizations to help them reach out to various demographics of society, especially those who might be fearfu! or and/or otherwise reluctant to be counted. In his address Dr. Robert Groves, the Director of the U.S. Census Bureau, thanked the honorees for their efforts that truly paid off, as this year’s operation is already ahead of schedule and under budget. This involved a ~vide variety of faith communities, social groups and advocacy organizations, included among them alliances from the GLBT community: This was significant also in that for the first time, GLBT couples could be counted as married. The three GLBT organizations honored that day were Oklahomans for Equality from Tulsa, Oklahoma City’s Cimarron Alliance, and the Metro Star. Feeling privileged to be included among the honorees on behalf of Cimarron Alliance, Director Scott Hamilton stated "XWe were so honored to be part of it. XWe felt it was a big step forward. The Census people were extraordinary partners, and were so encouraging of our work in the community. I think that in the long term the comraunity ,/viii benefit substantially from the work that we were able to do." N OGRe’s riderless horse ceremoW honors community leader By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer 7he riderless horse ceremony lends respect th# year to Cookie Arbuckle w/so diedApri119th , 2010. Picmred above (r to 0 # K/int Weiden, co-director OGRA 2010 leading t]~e horse with Lina Hineman and ~Ia,y Arbuckle. Photo by Denise Whithorne ofishoo~ru.com OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Once again OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) served the community by hosting a better-than-ever event for their 25th annual rodeo over Memorial Day xveek-end. Nais year’s rodeo charity partners were midtown OKC based - Other Options/Friends Food Pantry, Be The Change, and Expressions Community Center. The amount donated to these charities varies each year based on participation, events and overall donations. "The event went just a smooth as it always does,’ said .... Steve Sublet, a returning visitor to the annual event. ~’OGRA has a history of being a well run rodeo and they sure proved that again this year." Sublet is former IGRA (International Gay Rodeo Association) Royalty as well as a performer who has been selected for the 2011 season of’Americgs Got Talent.’ The Riderless Horse Ceremony was dedicated to Other Options and Friends Food Pantry founder Coolde Arbuclde who died on April 19th of this year. "q]ae saddle is the one we used in our family years ago when we showed Arabians," said Mary Arbuckle, Coolde’s daughter who is now tile Executive Director of Other Options and Friends Food Pantry. "The colors symbolized - blue, for Oklahoma as mom died on ¯ April 19th, the green was for mother earth, which is where we placed her ashes and the red was for the tireless work morn did for the HIV/AIDS community." This ritual adds such poignancy to the event which manually includes this observance. The history of the gay rodeo dates back to 1975 when Phil Ragsdale of Rend, ix~, came up with this most creative idea to raise funds. He thought an amateur gay rodeo would be fun, raise money, and even erase a lot of gay stereotyping. Over 125 people took part in this event and the winners were crowned; first, "King of the Cowboys," second, "Queen of the Cowgirls," and third, "Miss Dusty Spurs" (the drag queen). It was great fun and a minor success. It wasn’t until 1985 that gay rodeo came to Oklahoma. The IGPvA has a rich history of supporting associations that support their communities. They help other groups provide quality events. Naey promote, in a positive way, the GBLTQ country western lifestyle and support amateur sportsmanship through participation, competition and recognition. They are comprised of numerous regional Gay Rodeo Associations from across the United States and Canada. 07.01.2010 Openly- Gay Candidate running for State Represe tative in Norman’s House Dis ric 44 By Victor Gorin Contributing writer No,vnan CiO, Coucilman TOm Kovach NORMAN, OK Tom Kovach ~vas ~ glad but not totally surprised ~vhen he became the 2nd openly gay man elected to the Norman City Council. He’d lived most of his life in Norman, his family locating there when he was only 1 1/2 years old. His father was a philosophy professor at OU, and after graduating from Norman High School Tom earned a undergraduate degree in letters from Oklahoma University. While attending college he worked in a Safe,vay Store, and as a union member there with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCV¢) he won his first election to be the Secretary/Treasurer of his local. Later going on staff for the union he found he enjoyed advocating for people. He and a friend opened and operated a successful bakery called Jason D’s, for over !0 years. He then joined Astronomics, a company that sells quality optics worldwide, where he ~vorks today. Only two years ago he joined the race to be on Norman’s City Council to reprelent \Vard 2, and his victory in 2008 not only made him the 2nd openly gay person to serve on the Council, but the 4th openly gay elected official in Oklahoma history. In 2010 he ~vas re-elected to his City Council seat without opposition. Tom is 47 and has been with his partner, Will Weir, for over 11 years. He takes pride that Will is listed as such on the Normaffs city website, and credits Will for helping him through the tough times and giving him the strength for much of what he has been able to accomplish. Mr. Kovach believes his city council experience will serve him well in the Oldahoma Legislature. As he puts it, "My ward is about 1/2 the size of the district, and I’ve advocated for people and helped constituents with their problems. You also deal with larger issues that affect the whole town. You learn how to work to make things happen." Pleasantly enough, he found that his sexual orientation wasn’t much of a campaign issue, and proved to be a nonissue during his time in office. In 2010 his State Representative Bill Nations would be forced out of office due to term limits, so Mr. Kovach decided he wanted to run for that office where he felt he could make positive change happen on the state level. " I learned at the city council that one person can make a difference, and even if you’re in the minority speaking out can help change direction. The s{ate is facing monumental problems, especially the budget. We are falling behind in many areas that would make a state proud, such as education. We’re last in the nation in the area of women’s health and 1st in the rate ofwomen in prison per capita. These are things we should be working on, and when there is a problem there is also an opportunity to address it," and he elaborated to say, "Instead they have been scapegoating, Randy Terrill with the Hispanics and Senator Russell trying to exdude GLBT Oklahomans from Federal hate crimes laws. You can’t just sit by and let that go." If elected he wants not only to be an advocate for working Oklahomans. He is also pro-choice, and as expected has stated he xvill advocate in favor of equality for GLBT Oklahomans. He has been endorsed by the Victory Fund (a national organization that funds campaigns of GLBT candidates), and on July 27 he will face 3 Democrats in the Primary Election. 2 are OU law students. Emily Virgin who is 23 years old and Isaiah McCaslin who is 26. The third Democrat is Robert Murphy who is 52. This 4 way race will result in a runoff if no candidate garners 50% of the vote. There are no independent candidates, so the winner will face the sole Republican in the race, Kent Hunt, in the November 2 General Election. Although Mr. Kovach feels he has a strong following and is fairly confident, he stresses that no election should be taken for granted, and he isfft going to. N Friend ofOklahoma’s GLBT Community Reelected by Acclamation By Victor Gorin Contributing writer rote Representative Anastasia Pittman J~iend Rachelle Taylor (left). Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Anastasia Pittman, a longtime friend of not only the GLBT community but also an advocate of equality and justice for many progressive groups and causes, has won re-election to the Oldahoma State House of Representatives with the closing of the filing period June 9 when she drew no opponents. She represents District 99, first elected to that position in 2006. Prior to holding office she had earned a Bache!or’s Degree in Journalism at Oklahoma University and a Master’s Degree in Education and Behavioral Science from Langston University in 2002. She garnered legislative experience worldng in the State Senate from 1999 through 2006 as a clerk, media assistant and legislative assistant. She has also worked as a Spanish instructor and has hosted a radio talk show: She has one child, Ayshia, and among her many mi!estones she was honored as Legislator of the Year in 2009 by the Cimarron Alliance. Tom Guild-Democrat for Congress By By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As candidate filing is completed and political season is upon us, community leader and Professor Tom Guild, an Edmond Democrat has filed for U.S. Congress. He hopes to be the Democratic nominee to represent Oklahoma’s Fifth District, which includes most of Oldahoma County, and also Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties. Guild is currently the Secretary of the Oklahoma County Democratic party. "The 5th Congressional District has not had a Congressman who represented all of the district in quite some time," said Guild in an interview with The Metro Star. "We are becoming a very diverse district and as time passes the district will become even more so. I’m the only candidate with progressive values ~vho will be open to the ideas and needs of all of the people in our district." Guild taught 27 years at the University of Central Oldahoma in Edmond, where he was conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Board of Regents; and three years at Oklahoma City University. He taught political science and legal studies at UCO, and in the MBA program at Oklahoma City University. He earned a BA in political science from OU and his juris doctor degree from SMU School of La~v. Guild was a Robert Dean Bass - Memorial Scholar ar OU and the Maurice E. Purnell Scholar at SMU. Guild is proud of the support he has received from various diversity groups. "It was gratifying at our first campaign event we had leaders from at least nine different groups represented," added Guild. "The diversity of that event reflects the diversity of our campaign and hmv we will serve our constituents once As a candidate who supports diversi~ Professor TOm Guild will make his ,vtn at the 7he 5th Congressional District seat in Oklahoma. 7he seat is being vacated by Mary Fallin. Robin DTownsendphow background, which includes 30 years of teaching experience at the college level, taught me how to value different people, different cultures and different ideas and to work with a wide range of individuals." In a previous run for office, Guild had strong support from a diverse coalition in the state’s largest county. Guild plans to work hard to protect and expand the middle class and make the American dream a realistic possibility for everyone in the 5th District. For more information, please visit www. guildforcongress.com. N "At Century 21 Gold Castle our BEST proper#es are ourPEOPL 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 07.0’i.2010 By Samantha Fields and Lisa Keen Keen News Service An informal survey by the Washington Post published June 18 asked a tiW number ofwell-placed experts -six-- to say what they think will happen if federal Judge Vaughn Walker overturns California’s ban on same-sex marriage. Two of the six pointed to existing polling data to warn of the potential for a negative impact. Scott Keeter, director of survey research at the Pew Research Center, said Pew’s previous polling data predicts "bacldash." ~lose polls, and others, have historically shown LGBT victories in court lead to an increase in public opposition to same-sex marriage. It happened a~ter the U.S. Supreme Court struck down state sodomy laws (in June 2003). It happened after the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled gay couples had a constitutional right to marriage equality (in November 2003). And even before ~Talker issues his decision, said Keeter, polls indicate the public opinion climate "remains chilly" for same-sex marriage. Joe Mathews, a senior fellow at the New America Foundation, a political think tank, said that, while public opinion is trending m £wor of marriage equaht~, a d,ws~ve court decision that gets too far ahead of voters could prolong the fight over same-sex marriage for a generation or more...." "Ifjudges strongly support overturning Prop 8 at each stage of the appeal, this emerging judicial consensus that gay-marriage bans are unconstitutional would speed acceptance of such unions across the country," wrote Mathews. "But if Prop 8 is overturned by a narrovdy and nastily divided U.S. Supreme Court, say 5 to 4, such a decision could conceivably do more harm than good." So, where is public opinion on same-sex marriage right now? ~¢o recent reports shed some light on that, and some doubt. First, the light: ~e 2010 Values and Beliefs survey, which Gallup conducts every May, indicated that 52 percent of adults surveyed consider "gay and lesbian relations" to be "morally acceptable," compared to 43 percent who said they are "morally wrong." Five percent had no response or had some other opinion. The results were based on random telephone interviews with 1,029 adults conducted between May 3 and 6, 2010. Hie margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points. ¯ne 52 percent saying "morally acceptable" was up three points over 2009, when 49 percent said "morally acceptable." And the percentage saying "mora!ly wrong" was down four points -from 47 percent in 2009 {o 43 percent this year. (Five percent no opinion or Other response in 2009.) ~is year was the first time since Gallup began asking the question that more than 50 percent ofAmericans said they believe "gay and lesbian relations" are morally acceptable. "W~at’s different this year is that the spread between ’morally acceptable’ and ’morally wrong’ is a whole lot bigger," says Lee Badgett, a professor of Economics at UMass Amherst, and the research director at the Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy at UCIA. It was a nine-point spread this year, compared to only a two-point spread last year. "The question is," said Badgett, "will that turn out to be a tipping point or not?" Gallup polling data shows the "morally acceptable" response has been on a steady trend upward since 2004. It took a sixpoint dive in 2004, .just six months after the Massachusetts high court issued its landmark marriage equality decision. The percentage ofAmericans who consider gay relations to be "morally wrong" --43 percent-- is the lowest it’s been in a decade. And also for the first time, a larger percent of men said "morally acceptable" than women ~- 53 percent of men and 51 percent ofwomen now believe "gay and lesbian relations" are morally acceptable. The change in men’s attitudes was striking. tn May 2006, 39 percent of men polled said they felt "homosexual relations" were morally acceptable. By this year, that number had jumped to 53 percent. That’s a 14-point iump, while, over the same period, acceptance among women increased just 2 percent. Gary Gates, a demographer at UCLA who studies the LGBT population, cautions against putting too much stock in one poll But, he Says, "a varietT ofpolls have been showing, depending on the wording, increased amounts of acceptance towards LGB and, in some cases, T people. That acceptance has gone up in both men and women. To a certain degree, the improvements could have something to do with the fact that Gallup’s wording changed in 2008, from "homosexual relations" to "gay and lesbian relations." According to Gates and Badgett, people respond differently in polls on gay issues depending on the way questions are asked. Questions about "homosexuals" tend to receive more of a negative reaction than the same questions about "gays and lesbians." ~The closer you get to people having to think about sex," said Gates, "the worse gay people do in polls." But experts agree, saying there is probably no single reason for this change in how men are polling, but rather a number of contributing factors. "Some of it is exposure," says Mark Stevens, a psychologist at California State University in Northridge. "Guys are growing up where they have friends who are gaF: There is a little bit more in the media, on the And it’s kind of cool to be a little bit more liberal and a little bit more accepting." Gates agrees that exposure is likely a big part of it, though not just for men. "We know that a higher proportio~ of gay people are being more open and being more open at younger ages. And we do know that 1mowing gay people or having a relationship with an LGBT person does actually have an impact on people’s broader attitudes." Age is, and always has been, a factor, something that was clear in the surveys results. Younger men (like younger women) are generally more accepting than their parents and grandparents. In addition to the increase in acceptance among men, the Gallup poll also found improved attitudes towards gays and lesbians anmng every other sub-group polled: from Catholics to Protestants, Democrats to Independents, moderates to conse,watives. Though the degree to which those views shifted differed greatly, it’s evident that there is a stead}; gradual shift raking place . in the way Americans view gay and lesbian relationships and civil rights for gay people. In fact, Gallup’s polling this year shows the public views "gay and lesbian relations" as more morally acceptable than doctor-assisted suicide (46 percent) and less than having a baby outside of marriage (54 percent). But what about legalizing marriages for same-sek couples?. While the Gallup poll showed 52 percent of people said they consider "gay and lesbian relations" to be "morally acceptable" and 58 percent said those relations should be "legal," only 44 percent said such marriages should be recognized. ~hat is up four points from 2009, and up 16 points since 1996, when Gallup first began astdng about gay marriage specifically. The Gallup polling on gay marriage is now approximately where it was for interracial marriage in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The balance in favor interracial marriage crossed its tipping point with the 1991 survey -when 48 percent approved and 42 percent disapproved marriage between blacks and whites. But do people’s attitudes necessarily translate into how they are likely to vote on an issue? Not as reliably a~s one might expect. Political scientist Patrick Egan, who has done considerable polling on gay-related political issues, examined the results of 167 pre-election polls on 32 different ballot measures concerning either same-sex marriage or domestic partnerships. He found that preelection polls "consi"stently underesn"m’ ated" the number of people xvho would vote for a ban on same-sex marriage -by all average of seven points. And, "the share of the public saying they intend to vote for or against these measures typically chaiages very little over the course" of the ballot measure campaigns. This gap between how voters say they will vote and what they actually do in the voting booth does not appear to be a product of wanting to give the a poll-t~er a socially desirable response of supporting equality for all, said Egan. He could find no evidence for that. For instance, he said, in states ~vith large gay populations, one would expect many people who wanted to ban gay marriage would tell a pollster that they were against the ban. Voters in California, for instance, would be more likely than voters in Mississippi to say they ~vere going to vote against the ban and then vote for it. But there was no such correlation and no other evidence emerged in Egan’s analysis to explain tile gap. Still, it’s clear Americans are becoming inc~reasingly open and accepting and experts and polling data suggest this trend will continue -unless something happens to set opinion back. "You never know how socie9, is changing, and sometimes it’s not very obvious because it’s very subtle," says Stevens. While the reasons such a shift is occurn"ng now "mi"ght not be necessarily explainable," he says, "it’s really good to see." State House candidate openly supports GLBT inclusion By Michael W. Sasser Contributing Writer Jefl~Tracy candidatefor Oklahoma House District 71 with wife Stacey and son Eli. Pressphoto TULSA, OK Hes stralg t, has a beautiful family, wants to be the next District 71 State Rep. - and JeffTracy would be supportive of GLBT issues even if he weren’t already" committed to inclusion issues on principle. "I believe in equality issues but even if for some reason I didn’t, I would still represent the GLBT community’s concerns because you don’t pick and choose who you represent," Tracy told the Metro-Star. "District 71 has the highest density population ofGLBT persons in Oklahoma. The support I have received has been fantastic. I have the moral obligation to support equality issues." Tracy is the son of a police officer and a Registered nurse. He is an Amarillo, Texas native who graduated from the University of Tulsa law school. He said that he has long been interested in politics but finally decided to run as a result of being parent of a son almost two-year old. "Being a parent cha.nges your perspective," he said. At just 27 years old, the attorney hopes to unseat Republican Dan Sullivan in what has historically been a GOP stronghold. Tracy, though, said the campaign is going well. "We’ve looked at the numbers and the numbers took good for us," TracT saKt. It s atway tough to take on an incumbent but I believe that if you have good idea, you can do well." Inclusion issues aren’t the highest profile issues in the campaign. On his website Tracy addresses issues of wastefu! spending, education, healthcare and the need to support the energy sector while developing green job technology. "I am so sick ofwhat’s going on in the State Legislature," Tracy said. "They have no concern for kids well-being. ~xey’re talking about different abortion bills and carrying guns at work." Tract has built a warm relationship with the GLBT community and recognizes that this could be used against him. "I know I will take flack for it - that’s almost a given in Oklahoma," Tract said. "But that doesn’t mean that they are right. It’s a moral issue. We have the moral obligation to respect people. If people don’t elect me because of what I believe in, that’s fine. My family will still love me. They won’t take away my birthday. What would be worse is if I didn’t remain true to what I believe in." For more information on JeffTracy, State House candidate, District 71, visit wvcw. jefftracy.org. Attorney Richard Ogden appointed by Governor Brad Henry to the Board of Regents By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Attorney Richard Ogden sworn in by Districtfi~dge Barbara Swinton and wittnessed @partner Mike McLain. P~vss ghoto OK3~&HOMA CITY, OK __ Attorney Richard Ogden, an openly gay and longtime activist for the GLBT community has been appointed tothe Board of Regents for the Regional University System of Oldahoma (RUSO) June 10, sworn in by District Judge Barbara Swinton. He is currendy vice-president and manager of the Mulinix Ogden Hall ~amdrews and Ludlam PLLC Law Firm of Oklahoma CitT. He has previously stowed as the Chair of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. AS a Regent, Mr. Ogden is part of that governing board responsible for the hiring of university presidents, employment and budgets along with other aspects of administration pertaining to Oldahomgs system of higher education. Governor Henry expressed his confidence stating, "Richard Ogden is a proven leader with the judgment, skills and commitment necessary to make a positive difference for the universities and students in the RUSO system. Richard has dedicated his life to making Oldahoma a better place, and I know he will be a great addition to the RUSO board. I greatly appreciate his willingness to serve that state in this capacity." His appointment is for 9 years, serving six regional universities, East Central University (Ada), Northeastern State University(Tahlequah), Northwestern State University(Alva), Southeastern State University" (Durant), Southwestern Oklahoma State University(\Weatherford) and the University of Central Oklahoma(Edmond). As for Richard he is glad to serve stating, "I would like to thank Governor Henry and the leadership of the House and Senate for their dedication and continued financial support for higher education, especially during these difficult economic times. I took forward to worldng alongside my fellow regents and regional university presidents, as well as the governor and legislature. " Billy Coyle-Democra t for Congress By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Born in Oklahoma City in 1974, his family moved to Florida when he wag a teenager and he graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School in 1993. He then enlisted in the United State Marine Corps, made it through boot camp at South Carolina’s Parris Island, followed by 7 years of se~ice until honorably discharged in 2001 at the rank of E-5 Sergeant. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, he later returned tO Oklahoma City where he graduated from the University of Oldahoma Law School in 2003¯ He has since been a practicing attorney’ with OKC’s Coyle Law Firm. He is married, and his wife Heather is an assistant district attorney for Oklalmma County: Together they have a 2 year old son, Jack. Understandably, veterans issues are important to him. As he sees it, "Right now we have veterans who are unable to get the attention they deserve from the very country" they fought for." Another area is jobs. On this he states, "We continue to have American jobs going overseas while our elected officials have become complacent. That’s wrong and un- American. Very litde is Made in America and I want that to change. And while it may be rdatively easy to be a straight family man in the Bible Belt, he is among only a few candidates willing to openly ask for the support of the GLBT community in the reddest state in the country. He has not only advertised in the Metro Star, he is scheduled to speak to the Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats, and has also rented a booth to meet widi potentiad ;corers at the Pride Festival al0ng wi~ ~ent~ i~ the Pride Parade. Asked if he feared the wrath of Republicans and rightwingers he replied ¯ to this reporter, "I don’t care, they’re going to pick on me anyway." For more information about his campaign, or hove to contribute and/or volunteer Call 405 (600 9161) or access his website wwcw.bill)~coyle2010.com Billy, Heather and their son Jack. Press photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ It isa first for Oklahoma when we have not one, but ~vo candidates running for Congress that are openly asking for the support of the GLBT communitT. Billy Coyle, a veteran and straight t~mily man is one of them, ready to take on "Washington for what he believes is dest,3,erately needed change. , This campaign is about the common " ,nan. I m not running because I nee a job, nor am’I a politician looking for a government career. I want to be a Congressman looking out for the people of O~dahoma, and Billy also added, I m tired of big government, big insurance, and big politics. I am convincedI can make a difference." SAGE (Servi°ceS & Advocacy [’or GLBT Elders) TULSA, OK (PRy __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is launching day time programing for those who are retired or free during the day. OkEq ~vill be establishing a SAGE chapter (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) which is a national program geared toward individuals over 50. Each Tuesday the Center will open at 10 am for Coffee and Bagels followed by a computer class taught by Don Satterth~vaite at 1 t:00 am in the Cyber Center’. Lunch will be provided at noon for a donation. At 1 pm there will be a book Study on classical gay authors such Edward Albee, Oscar Wilde, James Baldwin, and Armistead Maupin. "Pne Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th Street, Tulsa. The following corresponence on ENDA from Senator Coburn should be of interest to your readers Dear Editor A ick Tutoria{ on the Gay/Lesblan Equality Decisions o£the Kende! Powers Supreme Court Moore, OK Dear Mr. Powers, or Frank Rich can be the Best Man at my Marriage Thank you for writing me about S. 1584, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). I enjoyed reading your message and learning about your family’s history of in~olvement with tt~is issue. I hope that you wiil accept my sincere apology {or the delay in my response. A tenfold increase in mail volume has made it difficult for me to stray current in my correspondence. Even so, I am sorry to have kept you waiting. Let me be clear: I believe discrimination is wrong and I am committed to fighting prejudice. As a businessman and a family physician, I believe employees should be judged upon their individual merits and work ethic, and should not be dismissed without proper cause related to their actual performance. I know we can agree that each of us deserves to be treated with respect and without bias. Nevertheless, I have concerns about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). As currently drafted, the bill is ovedy vague and broad, and will spur by James Nimmo O~tHOMA CITY, OK __ As the time draws near for the final arguments of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, aka the Prop 8 trial, we’ll come to the close of chapter four in the ongoing saga ofAmerica’s love-hate relationship with diversity, be it based on sldn color, gender, or sexual orientation. I’ve numbered this as chapter four because there have been three previous chapters in our gay/lesbian history that have been decided by the United States Supreme Court, the first one going against us, vdth the subsequent two keeping us in the game. Bowers v. Hardwick (1986) ruled 5-4 against us, claiming" ... a rig!~t to engage in such conduct is ’deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition" or ’implicit in the concept of ordered liberty’ is, at best, facetiotts." ( http://tinyurl.com/jus3e ) Romer v. Evans (1996) reared its ugly face in an attempt to further keep gay citizens away from full indusion in the political and needless liti~t~on. The bi!l~ text creates , ,............. mcons~stencles w~m ex~st,ng te{aera~ civil , ~ for us, Justice Kennedy wrote ~hat {he passage rights starutes. I am atso concerned that a discrimination claim could be based on ’real or perceived" sexual orientation characteristics. ~][hese terms will require a court to decide their raeaning. Issues such as these require the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to };arther study this legislation and amend these vague terms so Congress does not abdicate its legislative duty to the courts. In addition, ~ also am concerned that ENDA would impede the religious liberties ol:’churches and of other non-proifit religious groups. The current religious exemption in the bill is not robust enough and should be expanded. tn addition, I believe states are already appropriately working to address this issue. In fact, thirty-one state~ have some form oflaw, regulation or executive order that requires protecting employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation including some states that protect transgendered individuals. When a majority of the states have shown a propensity to address an issue as they see fit, Congress should not intervene and unnecessarily preempt state law. I believe government is at its best when it is closest to the people and our states should continue to decide how best to protect employees from discrimination. Again, thank you for writing me on this issue. If you have any additional concerns, please fed free to write again. I look forwad to hearing from you in the future. Sincerely, Tom A. Coburn, M.D. United States Senator of Colorado~ Amendment 2 disallowing any recognition of gay people under the laws of Colorado was unconstitutional. He wrote in the ma ority opinion that "laws of the kind now before us raise the inevitable inference that the disadvantage imposed is born of animosity toward the class of persons affected." The Court implied that the passage of.&nendment 2 was born of a "bare...desire to harm a politically unpopular group". ( http:/Itinyurl.com/49m9er ) Turning the page we get to tbe decision striking down sodomy laws with the Supreme Court’s decision in Lawrence v. Texas (2003) that helped immensely in removing the uncharged felon status every gay man and woman carried with them as these laws were selectively enforced to intimidate us in our public and private lives. ( http://tinyurl. com/br2tj ) The Prop 8 ruling, regardless of~vhich gay or homo-hating party it favors, will eventually make its way to the US Supreme Court where for many years the decisions have been 5-4 with the 5 going mostly to the regressive sides of the arguments, be they social justice or economic equality questions. I was tickled pink when Olson and Boles took up the clarion call from the Equal Rights Foundation ( equalrightsfoundation. org ) to make a full court argument on our behalf~br civil rights in marriage. Even as the purpose of the trial has been to reverse the unconscionable passage ofCalf" fo~rm"a’s Prop 8 that disallows same gender marriage after a favorable California Supreme Court ruling, there’s no doubt in my mind that the extensive media coverage and social conversation of the nearly four-year hist~iry of this latest action to remove gay/lesbian discrimination has been effective in diluting the homo-hating potions and superstitious invectives thrown at us. The echoes of previous court decisions that have been heard across the country will prove too powerful for the cobwebs of prejudice and animositT to resist. Frank Rich, op/ed columnist for the New York Times and first pick for best man at my marriage, has written an optimistic essay ( http:lltinyurt.com/38gornv ) I recommend for anyone down in the dumps over our on-again/off-again progress for civil equality. Mr. Rich writes that approval of same-gender marriage is higher now than the approval for inter-racial marriage a year after i{ was supported by a Supreme Court ruling in 1967 (Loving vs Virginia), I think thanks to the vastly easier modes of communication now available with social networking and the Internet. If Limbaugh can have Elton John sing at his fi~urth marriage can my first marriage be far behind? * CiVi Rights *Criminal ’ment * Family Law * Litigation 625 13,th Street : City’s, OK 73103 07.01.2010 ~’J’~R Celebrations during Hard Times Benefit Our House Too By Judy Gabbard Contributing Writer ]:~rogr~m Director Steve [Vissen and 7E~,rT~ owner Margarita Chand~e~ Judy G. photo TULSA. OK __ Xghen our :ountry and particularly O~ahoma was in the grip.s of severe hardship during the Great Depression, people in their communities came together for hard times dances, bake-offs and rummage sales with the proceeds going to help those in need. %ese events not only made things better for the beneficiaries, but also gave a spirit of community solidarity to those who contributed as welI. Carrying on this proud tradition is Our House, Too. Located in Ttdsa at 203 N. Nogales Avenue, assistance is available there for people living with HIV/AIDS providing household and toiletry needs, weekly meals, food baskets and general support. The weakened economy has affected charitable organizations in Oklahoma and natiomvide, with declining donations combined with ever increasing needs. Our House, Too is also feeling this dilemma, so in the spirit of coming together as a community they are organizing 3 events to generate awareness as wall as raise much needed funds. ~ihere will be benefit shows at TNT’s on both Friday Jtfly 2 at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday September 4 also at 9:30 p.m., ~vhere you can enjoy cold beer, fine drinks, tasty snacks and great entertainment to support this worthy cause. TNT’s is located at 2114 S. Memorial Drive in Tnlsa. In addition to these events is their Sixth fimnual Drag Queen Bingo (bingo like your mother never played). %is grand event of course features female impersonators, but also "all kinds of cmnpy fun. It all happens at Tulsa’s CaMs Ballroom located at 423 Main Street at 8 p.m. on Saturday August 21. Our House too would like to thank their Program Director Steve Nissen, TNT’s owner Margarita Chandler and all those who work hard to make these events happen and keep Our House Too operating to serve our community. Our House Too is a 501c3 organization so donations are tax deductible, and 100% of donations received benefit their clients. For more information about their services, donating or volunteering, or about these events contact Our House Too at 918 585 9552 or visit their website at www. ourhousetoo.com. N Obdahoma Tobacco Domestic Abuse in the GLBT Community A secret shame £or us "We learned that 40% of gay men wind up in abusive relationships. Clearly this is a huge problem we’re just not talking about. I was excited to see people come out for this workshop. It ,vas a chance to inform and educate, and to hear firsthand ka~owledge from those who had been in abusive relationships. I hope this opens the door for more conversations in our comrnunit):’ Scott Hamilton. Cimarron Alliance Director By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Erin Walker OKC ~CA Director ofOutreach and Vo&nteer S~ice~: Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Domestic abuse has never been easy for our society to talk about. Family loyalties ("what goes on here stays here"), guilt of the victim ("If I’d been a better ,vife, he wouldn’t hurt me") and the ego of the abuser ("She made me do it.’) When the women’s movement of the late 1960s and 1970s brought what had been and is still somewhat taboo out into the open these were some of sentiments expressed. However, at the very least some of these beliefs are now being questioned, and there are more options now for victims of abuse to change their lives with more assurance that they don’t need to feel ashamed to get help. As the GLBT community has made great strides towards equality, xvith open relationships more widely accepted and even marriage (a concept not even fathomed only 20 years ago) what inevitably followed were many problems and taboos coming out of the closet as well. In response to this, when Cimarron Alliance held their monthly educational discussion group on June 3 they focused on domestic abuse in the GLBT community. ~eir special guest was Erin Walker, the Director of Outreach and Volunteer Services of the YWCA, which has provided help for domestic violence victims since the late 1970s.As she pointed out during the discussion, domestic violence in the GLBT community occurs with relationships of all types of people and lifestyles, rich and poor, various educational levels, religions and cultures just as it does among heterosexuals. As Erin put it, "Domestic violence is an equal opportunity epidemic." Erin pointed out that as same sex relationships have become better known, so has the veil of secrecy been lifted about domestic abuse that happens there as well. Paula Sophia Schonauer. an Oldahoma City police oi~cer and activist with the GLBT community, has answered hundreds of domestic disturbance calls during her 18 year career with the department, including many involving same- sex couples. Concurring with Ms. Walker’s experience, she saw that the dynamics were the same. Likewise through the years she has seen increased awareness and better handling of these situations by law enforcement. Legislation such as the Domestic Abuse Act has made procedures easier for victims and does not differentiate between heterosexua! or same sex couples. Erin did relate that currently the ~VCA has an excellent relationship with the Oklahoma City Police Department. which is helpful as domestic violence intervention is almost always stressftd and frequently dangerous to the o~cers responding as well.. While recognizing that abuse in same sex relationships follows most of the same patterns as their straight counterparts, there are unique aspects as well. Often a controlling partner will threaten to "out" their partner to their employer or family, k has been reported that occasionally police departments will take same sex domestic violence calls less seriously than those of heterosexuals. Whether valid of not, people abused in same sex relationships may fed they aren’t resources that can help them. The YWCA maintains a 24 hour hodine for victims of domestic abuse which has expanded their services to include assistance for same sex victims as well. As with any caller, the listener at the hodine will try to obtain as much information as the caller wants to give, with priority on safety planning. In the case of a lesbian in need of a place to stay, she could be taken to a women’s shdter. At present there are no facilities for male victims, however a man in this situation would not be turned away, in some cases a hotel room could be provided as a temporary refuge. Erin most stressed this point, " No matter what type of relationship people find themselves in, we want to reach all communities, .especially those that are under served." N~eir 24 hour hotline-- 800 522 SAFE. N to NE~07.0’!.2010 Voter Registration in © ahom Eligibility: A person who is eligible to register to vote must be at least 18 years old, a United States citizen and a resident of the State of Oklahoma. How to Register: ~bu must fill out a voter registration application form. Voter registration applications are available at your County Election Board, post offices, tag agencies, libraries and many" other public locations. You will be offered a voter registration application when you get your driver’s license and when you apply for assistance at some government agencies. You also may" down!oad an application form. ~bu must sign and date the oath printed on t2qe form. "g’nen yon sign the voter registration application form, you swear that you are eligible to register to vote. Changing Your Registration: Ifyou need to change your name, your address or your political affiliation, you must fill out another voter registration application form. You may change your registration at any time xvith one exception. You may not change your political affiliation during the period from June 1 through August 31, inclusive, in any even-numbered year. The last day on which you may change your political affiliation before the closed period is May 31; the first day on which you may change your political affiliation after the dosed period is September t. Submitting Your Application: You may mail your voter registration application to the State Election Board, The card is already addressed, but you must add a first-class postage stamp. If you fill out your voter registration application form at a tag agency when you get your driver’s license or vchen you apply for assistance at a government agency, the agency will mail the form to the State Election Board for you. ~,bter Identification Card: You do not become a registered voter until the county election board in the county where you reside has approved your application. \~en your application is approved, the county election board will mail a voter identification card to you. Your voter identification card lists your name, address, political a~liation and the polling plaee for your voting precinct. When you receive your voter identification card, look at it care~hlly and report any errors to the county election board immediately. Keep your voter identification card in a safe place and always take it with you when you go to vote. If your voter registration application cannot be approved, you wilt receive a letter from the county election board. ~lhe letter will tell you why your applicatior~ was not approved and explain the steps you need to take to become registered. You may be able to return the letter with some additional information, or you may need to fill out and send in another voter registration application forn!. Closed Primary System: Oklahoma has a closed primary system. O~fly voters who are registered members of a recognized political party may vote for the party’s candidates in primary and runoff primary elections. Registered Independent voters may be eligible to vote in party’s primaries and runoff: primaries if authorized by the party. However, nonpartisan judicial offices, state questions and county questions often are included in primary elections. All registered voters, including Independents, are entitled to receive those ballots. At general elections, all voters receive the same ballot and may vote for any candidate or question on the ballot. When to Register: You may submit your voter registration application form at any time. However, voter identification cards cannot be issued during the 24 days prior to an election. If your registration application is received by the county" election board during the 24 days before an election, you will not receive your voter identification card until after the election. tf you will become 18 during the 60 days before an election, you may apply for voter registration between 25 and 60 days before the election. Additional Information: For additional information about voting in Oldahoma, contact your local county election board or the State Election Board. Oklahoma State Election Board PO Box 53156 Oklahoma City, OK 73152 (405) 521-2391 Download and print application: www. ok.gov/elections/Voter_Registration/Voter_ Registration_Application_Form/info@ elections.ok.gov Church ofthe Open Arms to host Homosexuality and Scripture Confederence OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Church of the Open Arms-UCC ( United Church of Christ) of Oklahoma City is hosting a Homosexuality and Scripture Study on Sunday, July 18 from 4 pm until 6 p.m. Tt~e Reverend Kathy McCallie will lead this workshop, shmving ways to defend the belief that homosexuality is neither sickness nor sin. ~ae study will focus on the history of the scriptures and the cultural settings of the texts in the spirit of faith and understanding. In particular "clobber passages" (scriptural references used to demonize or "clobber" GLBT folks) will be clarified. ~is conference is flee, hmvever to RSVP is encouraged. Childcare is available if reselwed no later than July 12. To RSVP or to obtain more information call (405) 525-9555 or check out the church website at wccw.openarms, org. ~he church is located at 3131 N. Pennsylvania Avenue in Oldahoma City. By Steven Petrmv Stewen Petrow. is the author of"7~e Essential Book ofGay Manners &Etiquette. "Send him your questions at queeries@live.com. Can I break up with my boyfriend by text? By Ronald Blake Contributing Xg~riter RonaM Blake, Certified Fimess Inst~wtor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association Sun Tzu ~vas a management conflict philosopher and author who lived in a time and land far, far away. He’had many grand things he laid out in his writings but we shall focus on only one of his wise sayings: "All battles are won before they are fought." My task today is to make this relevant to your health and fitness mode in your life. X~bu are on lunch hour and are driving down the boulevard of broken diets and yo~ are hungry. %ree of your best work buddies are in the car with you. "W’e don’t have much time and we need to just grab something now," is the consensus from the backseat and shotgun positions. You’ve already !ost this battle and you’ll end up eating out of that fat trough with Ronald, Hamburglar, and Grimace. This could have been avoided with a little pre-lunch menu planning or the sack lunch fi’om home. You havefft run in over five years but you used to be the All-Conference runner back in your university day]. You grab those dusty Asics shoes and decide to give that five mile race the old college try at the old college pace. You’ve already lost this battle and will end up limping and muttering obscenities for the next four score and seven hours while you nurse that sore Achilles. This could have been avoided with a gradual training regimen and the purchase ofsome new shoes before entering that Charity 5K race. After one round ofJose Cuervo you announce your retirement from cigarettes beginning tomorrow. After three rounds of Jose Cuervo you announce with mucho gusto your intention to banish Joe Camel from your life beginning tomorrow. After five rounds of~ Jose Cuervo you boisterously and vehemently declare your partnership with nicotine to be dissolved beginning tomorrow. You’ve already lost this battle even before the seventh round of Senor Tequila. This could have been avoided by making a signed declaration to stop smoking while you weren’t half in the bag with agave juice. The sober prover of pen to paper has a great effect on action. Your class reunion is three months away and you want to shed that freshman fifty that you’ve put on since being named most likely to blah, blah, blah in the Quill and Scroll Yearbook. You’ve joined the health club and you want Donna Dixbottom to rue the day she turned you down to the prom. You’ll show her the error of her ways with that great body and that rented Sebring convertible. You’ve already lost this battle and Ms. Dixbottom will only treat you to a haughty cursory glance at the festive soiree. You need more than just a health dub membership and a desire, You need a daily workout routine and a trusty companion to guide you to your fitness goals. Think about what you want to accomplish in life. You don’t need to be Chinese, have a two syllable name, or be a philosopher to achieve successes in your time. You only need a well prepared plan and action. Chmarron Alliance hosts art show to kick-offPride month By By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Pride in Art, an art show presented by Cimarron Alliance Foundation m kick-offPride month, was held at the Istvan Gallery in Oklahoma City. Pictured above are (l to r) foyer Cima,ron Board member Terry Gatewood andMargaret Cox, Cimarron Board member andpast chair ofthe organization. Robin D-Townsendphoto OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__To ldck-off an art show, sale, and reception held earlier LGBT Pride month, the Cimarron Alliance this month at OKC’S Istvan Gallery. The Foundation hosted "Pride in Art," event showcased the creativity and diversity among LGBT and LGBT-supportive artists. The festive, casual evening also featured entertainment provided by Mary Reynolds, Louise Goldberg, and Jamie Bramble. "We came to enjoy the art, celebrate diversity and to support other organizations that do the same," said John Greer, President of the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma. "It is helpful to businesses, the community and those in need when the organizations work together in support." A fundraiser for tile AIDS Walk wil! be at the COPA on July 19th, from 6-10. Pride in Art artists participating in the show include: Jennifer Barron, Gary Bates, Rick and Tracey Bewley, John Carter (Orlando, FL), Sue Clancy (Norman), Sam Echo!s, Ron Ferrell, Richard Ydeffman, Christina Kovash, Kenny McCage, Monty Milburn, Bernadette Martinez, Cindy Mason, Louis Scott, Joe Slack, Sue Moss Sullivan, Frank Troutman, Rhonda Polen X~ernick (Nashville, TN), Cynthia Daniel Wolf- and others. Each artist will provide up to five pieces or original art for the show. Sales will benefit both the artists and the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. Event sponsors were Premium Beers of Oklahoma - Bud Light, Iguana’Mexican Grill, Istvan Gallery, and Art Fusion Studios. Since the incorporation of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, the organization has operated under the leadership of a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. From the very beginning, Cimarron’s Board has been comprised of people within the LGBT community and straight persons supportive of the organization’s mission. For the past 13 years tile Cimarron Alliance Foundation has served as a powerful resource for individuals and organizations vcithin the LGBT community. The mission of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation is to support educational efforts that validate personal identity, promote public enlightenment, and advance equality for LGBT Oklahomans. For more information about Cimarron Alliance visit vcww.dmarronalliance.org. "First " ursday" Art Opening and Exhibit ofOriginal Works: Verisimilitude -New Paintings by Michael Christopher TULSA, OK (PR) _The July Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature the Art of Michael Christopher. "lhe show begins with a reception on Thursday, July 1st from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month. Michael Christopher began figurative painting as a young teen - dropped it by the time he turned twenty - and started again thirty years later. Michael’s other creative pursuits have included professional acting, theatrical production design, composing incidental music for the theatre, writing scores for musicals and an opera. Michael helped organize the Tulsa Artists Coalition and he founded the Tulsa Center for Contemporary Art (TuCCA). What started a few years ago as a handful of illustrations for a graphic novel project became a more serious return to painting. The works in this show reflect an eye for photorealistic rendering and a vision that loves and understands the human form. ~xe works in Verisimilitude spread open the time frame, drawing on the idealized realism of the early oil paintings, touching on themes from his 1987 "Living Arts ofTulsa" shmv, Boys in the Machine, infused with a poetry earned from life as an artist working across many disciplines. The paintings in Verisimilitude raise interesting questions about artistic values. Some viewers have .expressed an initial feeling of disappointment when learning that the works, which seem so realistically to be painted with a physical brush, were really made in the computer as if the digital medium is somehow beneath fine art. The works are not from photographs, but using drawing software similar to programs used in architecture and engineering. After a computer drawing is made it is "painted" using brushes, smudge sticks and other tools, each tool a small computer script written by the artist. These digital paintings take at least as long to create as "wet paint" works. This new dimension within realism is one of the fascinations that drove the creation of these paintings. Follow the progress of new projects and experience Michael’s art and music, at wv#cc.michaelfire.com. 2010 Primary Tues. July 27° General E ection: Tueso November 2. ese Democratic candidates gear up £or an important campaign £or O ahom s f t re: GOVEI~2qOR Lt. Gov. Jari Askins Attorney General Drew Edmondson LIEUTEN~T GOVERNOR State Sen. Kenneth Corn ATTOP&qEY GENERAL Jim Priest STATE AUDITOR & INSPECTOR Steve Burrage STATE tNSUR~qCE COMMISSIONER ~m Holtand (incumbent) STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION State Sen. Susan Paddack Jerry Combrink Larry Huff STATE T~SURER Stephen Covert STATE L&BOR COMMISSIONER Lloyd Fields (incumbent) U.S. SENATOR Jim Rogers Mark )vgil~S ..... ..... U.S. CONGRESS District 2: Dan Boren (incumbent) Jim Wilson District 3: Frankie Robbins District 5: Billy Coyle Tom Guild STATE SENATE District 2: Sean Burrage (incumbent) District 4: State Rep. Nell Brannon Mark Cornell District 6: Jay Paul Gumm (incumbent) District 8: Roger Ballenger (incumbent) District 10: Dale Christenson District 14: Donna Spring, Daryl Roberts District 16: John SparEs (incumbent) District 18: Janice Aldridge District 24: Susan Brooks, John Branum District 26: ~Tom Ivester (incumbent) District 32: Randy Bass (incumbent) District 42: Mike Kelly District 44: Randy Rose District 46: Andrew Rice (incumbent) District 48: Constance Johnson (incumbent) Steven Davis, Mark E Temple, Clyde E. Maddon STATE HOUSE District I: Dennis Bailey (incumbent) District 2: Glen Bud Smithson (incumbent) District 3: Jake Leming, James Lockhart, Jarrod Ridenour, Matt Webb, David Hogan Traci Barnes District 4: Mike Brown (incumbent) District 6: Chuck Hosldn (incumbent) District 7: Larry Glenn (incnmbent) District 8: Ben Sherrer (incumbent) District 9: Eric Cullen District 10: Nick Brown District 12: Vc~ade Roussetot (incumbent) District 13: Jerry McPeak (incumbent) District 14: Brad Clinkenbeard District 15: Ed Cannaday (incumbent) Annie J. Goolsby District t6: Jerry Shoemake (incumbent) James Bo Delso District 17: Brian Renegar (incnmbent) District 18: Donald Condit, John M. Freeman, Carolyn Hilt, Roger Shirly District 19: R.C. Pruett (incumbent) District 20: Paul Roan (incumbent) District 21: Oden Grube, Chris Pierce, Nathan Williams, Jerry Tomlinson District 22: x.X/es Hilliard (incumbent) District 23: Mark Manley District 24: Steve Kouplen (incumbent) District 27: Chris Odneal District 28: Ed Smith District 29: David Narcomey District 30: Donna Marie Vogelpohl District 32: Danny Morgan (incul-nbent) District 34: Cory Williams District 35: Rodger Ensign District 36: Greg Brown District 37: Ken Luttrell (incumbent) District 43: J. E Hemminger District 44: Isaiah McCaslin, Emily Virgin, Tom Kovach, Robert Murphy District 45: Wallace Collins (incumbent) District 49: Samson Buck (incumbent) District 53: Amy Corley DiStric~ 56: Maya To~ralba District 58: Wilson John Adamson District 60: Purcy Walker (incumbent) District 64: Michael J. Corrales District 65: Joe Dorman (incumbent) District 66: Eli Potts, David Phillips, Andrew Thomas Williams, Melani Hamilton District 68: Troy Zickefoose, Seth \gatkins District 71: JeffTracy District 72: Seneca Scott (incumbent) District 73: Jabar Shumate (incumbent) Kevin Matthews District 77: Eric Proctor (incumbent) District 78: Jeannie McDaniel (incumbent) District 84: Brittany Novotny District 85: Gall Vines District 86: John Auffet (incumbent) Jeff Collyge, William Fourkiller District 87: Dana Orwig District 88: AI McAffrey (incumbent) District 89: Rebecca Hamilton (incumbent) District 9 t: Hollis Harper District 92: Richard Morrissette (incumbent) District 93: Wilfredo Santos Rivera, Wanda Jo Peltier, Jeff Pecld~am District 94: Scott Inman (incumbent) District 95: Michael A. Walker District 97: Mike Shelton (incumbent) District 98: Dennis V/. XWeese District 99: Anastasia Pittman (incumbent) District 101: Johnny Laudermilk Creep of he Month ByD’AnneWitkowski "Family Research CounciF’ yes. N~e fabled "Gay Agenda." Having invested so much in the fight against it, anti-gay groups will leap at anything that they can hold up as proof that a sinister gay agenda exists. So when the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance ofg[ashington, D.C., released "Agenda: 2010," the Family Research Council pounced, cla,vs out. GLAA calls "Agenda: 2010" an "electionyear briefing paper on local LGBT issues." FRC calls it a veritable blueprint for a hostile LGBT takeover. In a June 16 W’ashington Update post, FRC posits, "What’s left for homosexual activists to do after they’ve trampled voters on their way to the altar? tn Washington, D.C., where same-sex ’marriage’ is legal (for now), the gay and lesbian crowd is just getting warmed up." The post is accompanied by a graphic reading of the ’,Homosexual Agenda" alongside a list of things like innocence, family and public health. Through each item is a blurry red line with a few drops of red here and there. Presumably it’s supposed to be spray paint (Vc~at, is the gay agenda written on the xvall of an abandoned warehouse?) but it cotfld also be blood. AIDS blood, of course. "Apparendy, their updated political agenda spans everything from classroom infiltration to legalizing prostitution," FRC’s message continues. I have to ask- what does "classroom infiltration" even mean? Sending in undercover homos to high schools like a gay "21 Jump Street?" And I have a follow-up: "Will there be a reality show? So just what is the "everything" this new agenda covers? "Local groups will try to elect more homosexuals to places of power, push in-school gay-straight alliances, support D.C. sex-oriented businesses, defend adult entertainment, grant special perks to crossdressing prisoners, force same-sex adoption and legalize sex tra~cldng," claims FRC. \Voah: Sounds ambitious. But let’s address some of these claims. First of all, what FRC calls "cross-dressing prisoners" are often actually transgender people, some who have broken the law, others who have been victims of crimes. "Ihe "special perks" include not throwing them into jail cells based solely on what’s between their legs. GLAA also doesn’t want to see them "denied appropriate health care, sexually assaulted, abusively strip-searched, (or) placed in protective custody that amounts to punishing the victim," which are some of the current "perks" of being a trann> As for legalizing "sex tra~cMng," that’s not quite it. GLAA does advocate legalizing prostitution. While a controversial position, they’re hardly calling for a sex-for-mone> free-for-all. GLAA raises a lot of important issues, i~cluding "survival sex," where people - ~’requently gay runaways and transgender people - turn to prostitution out of desperation, when it’s the only option they have left. Throwing them in jail doesn’t address the core problems. "If (policymal~ers) want to provide safer, healthier and more sustainable alternatives to survival sex, you can support the creation of drop-in centers, transitional housing, job training, counseling, addiction recovery programs and other services for at-risk populations," GLAA’s agenda reads. Oooh, counseling and transitional housing. Really racy stuff. "Lots of people in this country mistalcenly believe that this community will be satisfied when it redefines marriage," FRC claims. "That’s not the case. Homosexuals and transgenders (sic) won’t be happy until they sever every moral underpinning in America." That’s right. Because LGBT people have no morals and fantasize every night about living in some kind of lawless neo-sexual apocalyptic hellscape. You hear that, FRC? It’s right here, in writing. It must be true. And it must be true for all LGBT people ,vithout exception. Feel free to use it in your next fundraising letter. Tell your members we said, "Boo!" Ttae occasion prompted OkEq to hold a supportive Town Hall rally at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. "It is a great day to be gay in Tulsa Oldahoma!" said OlcEq President Toby Jenkins, echoing a slogan he has often employed at Pride and on other occasions. "This time I am serious." While the city council vote has been met with optimism throughout the GLBT community, some residents still see the need for progress. "IfI get beat up tonight, will the police actually come help?" pondered one young gay Tulsa man who did not want to be identified. "We can still be fired without cause and we can still be abused and lmow there’s a good chance authorities won’t be interested in helping," said Rogers County’s Brett Peason. "This is a great step but it doesn’t really affect most people in the community." Others suggested that the city should address the issue of equal protection at companies that do business with the city - thus xvidening the scope of the new policy’s effects. Oldahomans for Equality said that it would continue to press the City ofTulsa to add gender identity to the employee non-discrimination policy and also begin the dialogue with other Tulsa County municipalMes. OkEq encourages supporters of the new policy to personally contact City Councilors GT Bynum, Maria Barnes, Roscoe Turner, Jack Henderson, Chris Trail and Bill Christiansen and express appreciation. Tulsa elected ot~cials can be contacted at ~ax~¢~.~v.cityoftulsa.org/ourcity/elected-oNcials. aspx, 07.0’1.20’!0 For D~r~c~ Judge Vote...QuMity &Experience in 2010 35 45 $5,000 Face Value Cost Call 918o695o1806 $10,000 for accede a~ death H~V Coverage T For uildforcon, Congress ressocom forby G~itd for Congress, PO Box @21, Edmond, OK 738~s 07.01.2010 Photo’s by Judy G. Photography Downtown Tulsa, Oldahoma June 5, 2010 .................................................................................Continued on page-!8 By Andrew Collins Andrew Collins covers gay travelfor the New Drk Times-owned website About.corn and is the author ofFodor’s Gay Guide to the USA. t Exploring Coasta Maine Maine’s classically quaint seaside towns and breezy beaches seem tailor-made for a rela~ing vacation and sure enough, the state’s coastal sections are invaded by pleasure seekers ai! summer. Prestigious, blue-blood retreats like Kennebunkport and Camden overflow with magnificent estates, while the pristine scenery" ofAcadia National Park and Camden Hills State Park draw scads of hikers and bikers. Artsy and gay-popular Ogunquit makes a wonderfully low-keyed alternative m Provincetown. while hip Portland and upand- coming Rockland offer sophisticated arts and dining. The state’s shoreline twists and turns for an astonishing 3,478 miles - counting every inlet, cove, and bay; only the states ofAlaska, Florida and Louisiana can claim more miles ofwaterfront. You could spend all summer exploring the dozens of inviting hamlets up . and down tile coast. The southwestern edge of the state - just 70 miles from Boston and about 300 miles from both Montreal and New York City - is not only the most accessible, it has the most to offer gay and lesbian travelers. The region extends from the bustling outlet-shopping hub of Kittery north through Ogunquit and tip to Ken.nebunkport. Fringed by a lovely 3-mile beach, tiny Ogunquit first developed a discernible gay following in the 1930s, with the opening of one of the country’s first successful summer theaters, the Ogunquit Playhouse. It still presents first-rate theatrical productions today. The gay presence grew in the ’60s, when hippies and beatniks started regularly renting cottages and homes here. By the following decade the scene fully blossomed with the opening of a gay guest house, as well as a disco called Anabelle’s (still open but now called 02). U.S. 1 and Shore Road, the main drags through the village, bustle with funky shops, ar~ galleries, boutiques and several good restaurants. It’s a very short walk to the beach from iust about any point in town. Ogunquit supports a pair of lively gay nightclubs, a piano lounge, and several restaurants with inviting bars. In a state xvhere beaches can sometimes be pebbly or difficult to access, Ogunquit has one of Maine’s most celebrated ones - tile northern reaches of this fine, golden spit of sand draw a predominantly lesbian and gay crowd. Consider an excursion south to Kittery’s hundreds of mid- and high-end outlet shops. Or check out York’s Stonewall Kitchen - nearly 20 years ago, a local gay couple named Jonathan KAng and Jim Stott started selling their fabulous jams, mustards, relishes and sauces at a farmers market. They soon formed this now-internationally renowned emporium and mail-order company of delicious gourmet foods. For the best scenery on this trip, follow Shore Road south from Ogunquit through York’s Cape Neddick, where you can stop [:or a picnic at the park that overlooks the diguified Nubble Lighthouse (built in 1879). There are about a dozen gay-oriented accommodations in Ogunquit, most of them male-owned but catering to a mLx of women and men, Jtist a fe~v of the excellent possibilities include Moon Over Maine (http://www.moonovermaine.com), a fully restored 1830s Cape-style house with perioddecor, well-chosen art, and a great location in the heart of the village; and the reasonably priced Ogunquit Beach Inn (http://www. ogunquitbeachinn.com), a handsome litde 1920s compound comprising a main house with five guest rooms, as well as two cottages with full kitchens (rented weekly). A bit more upscale are the lovely Gazebo Inn (http:// www.gazeboguesthouse.com), a handsome 14-room property with two hot tubs and a gym and sauna; and the beautifully situated Rockmere Lodge (http://www.rockmere. corn), which is just offthe famed Marginal Way walking path - most rooms have ocean views. Charming Portland lies within striking distance of Ogunqnit, perfect ifyou need a dose of urbanity. Don’t overlook this youthful, progressive city as a base, either, especially ifyou’d rather browse museums and stroll along shop-filled streets than loi1 about on the beach. Portland daims a dynamic arts scene and some of the best restaurants in Maine. You can also check out a few very fun GLBT nightspots. The city crowns a hilly peninsula, surrounded by rivers and harbors - you’ll see water from many points and find the bulk of the city’s best restaurants, shops and bars in the histgric Old Port district, a warren of cobbled lanes and vintage redbrick warehouses fringed by a phalanx of wharves. A short drive or moderate walk puts you square in Portland’s West End, where grand sea captains’ mansions mingle with smaller row houses. More than two decades of intense rehabilitation have given the neighborhood a graceful countenance, and lesbians and gay men have restored many of these homes. In the heart ofdowntown’s arts district, the gay-friendly Eastland Park Hotel (http:// www.eastlandparldmtel.com) has tastefully appointed rooms with handsome colonialinspired furnishings - several units have kitchens. Amenities include a well-equipped fitness center, and a rooftop lounge with great city views. More intimate gay-popular options include the historic Inn at ParkSpring (http://www.innatparkspring.com), which Boats in Camden Harbor is just steps from the Portland Art Museum and six warmly furnished rooms; and the Morrill Mansion B&B (http:/Avww. morrillmansion.com), a 19th-century mansion on a picturesque West End Street - the seven tasteful room contains period-style furnishings. To see a less-developed side of the state, it’s about a two-hour drive from Portland - much of it along a very scenic stretch of U.S. 1 - to the resort comnaunities along western Penobscot Bay; including Rockland and Camden. You’re not going to encounter as many gay travelers out this way, but there are a handful ofvery gay-friendly accommodations. Maine’s Mid-Coast is a place for quiet vacations, ideal if you’re a hiker, photographer, fishing enthusiast, or sailor. Camden is home to a fleet of Windjammer sailing ships (http://www. mainewindjammercruises.com), which can be booked not only on multiple-day excursions throughout the region but also for afternoon jaunts along Penobscot Bay. The craggy 1,000-ft peaks of Camden Hills State Park are a regional highlight; you can tread along more than 20 miles of rugged nature and hiking trails through this dramatic 5,500-acte paradise, and overnight in a 112-site camping area. The once-workaday town of Rockland has blossomed of late, with several outstanding restaurants and cafes. The key draw here is one of the foremost small art collections in the nation, the Famsworth Art Museum, which contains works by many noted Maine painters, including the George Bellows, Louise Nevelson, and the Wyeth ¯ The on-site Wyeth Center explores that famous family of painters. Rockland’s elegant, yet reasonably priced LimeRock Inn, is operated by a lmowledgeable and friendly couple Frank Isganitis & EJ. Walter, who prepare a delicious breakfast each morning. Rooms in this handsome Queen Anne Victorian are done in period style, but with such modern perks as flat-panel TVs with HDTV/DVD and clock radios with iPod docks. First- Andrew Collinsphoto rate restaurants and galleries are just steps awa): The gay-owned Camden Harbour Inn (http://www.camdenharbourinn.com), with its spectacular location overlooking the town’s harbor, is ideal for a luxury getaway - the 18 rooms and suites are sumptuously appointed, and the on-site restaurant, Natalie’s, serves exceptiofial contemporary American fare. Still about 75 miles farther "down east" (Maine lingo for in the direction of the Canadian Maritimes - "down" refers to the fact that longitude decreases as you travel east), lies Mr. Desert Island. Here you’ll find the resort town of Bar Harbor and the adjacent 40,000-acre Acadia National Park. A 27-mile Loop Road meanders through the park, accessing trailheads and many scenic vistas. Some.hiking trails climb up to 1,530- foot Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard, and still others hug the granite-strewn shore. In Bar Harbor, the Abbe Museum, set in the 1893 former YMCA overlooking the village green, contains an enormous trove of artifacts and exhibits that trace the state’s Native American history. Bar Harbor has dozens of motels, hotels and inns, among them the gay-friendly Anne’s White Column Inn (http://www. anneswhitecolumns.com) and its sister property, the larger and more elegant Clefrstone Manor (http://www.cleftstone. com). ~ae advantage ofAnne’s White Column Inn is its close proximity to area shopping and dining. One other excellent LGBT-friendly option in Bar Harbor is the Aysgarth Station (http://~vw~v.aysgarth.com), which is quite affordable and located very close to several good restaurants. With so long a shoreline and so relatively small a population, Maine offers one precious commodity that’s all too rare in the northeastern U.S.: space. Although parts of the coast has been developed with mini-golf centers and condo colonies, the majority of it remains beautifully preserved and ideal for a memorable getaway. 07.01.2010 help Demented Inc.’ Tour graces the Copa to promote their new DVD ofmadness ’Memoirs ofDmentia" By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Jenna Zdia, Dmentia Divi~yl and OKC’s Bearded Lad3,. Gotqn photo OKLAHOMA CI~L OK On Sunday the 13th ofJune Rachae! Eik~’s Sunday night show had a special treat as Dmentia Diviw1 / a.k.a, director Glenn Storm) and his sid&dck Jenna Telia performed and promoted Dmented Inc’s new film, "Memoirs of Dmentia.:" With Drnentia showing up in the style of Dawn Davenport. she and Miss Telia put on quite an act promoting this work of art. Nxis 90 minute film is not for everyone, bur &finitely a must for those who love artistic dysfunction, insanity and pure white trash truly in the style ofJohn Waters, who is credited with inspiring this epic. Various ideas and concepts show up clearly with obvious influences from the xT~qzard of Oz, the infamous Female Trouble movie, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the classic Deliverance fli& ~ a real squealer) among maW others. With only 4 people in the cast, it tells the story of mad Scientist Dr.Frankemveenie who creates the lead hermaphrodite, she male Dmenria Divinvl. Dmentiahas ahard life running a bordello, fights off the advances of Hillbilly Cousin Earl only to be impregnated by Officer Baloney Pony. She sells her baby for cat’fare to Cousin Earl, who falls for her neighbor Petunia.. Meanwhile Officer Baloney Pony happens into a gay bar, falls into a slumber, and in his subsequent dream follows the Yellow Bri& Road to see the Queen of Zoe who tells him how he can come back to earth as a gay man. All of these happy events are entered into Miss Divinyl’s diary, who wonders about her lost child. Will there be a sequel??? For cultist movie fetishists, this movie is a Godsend. For more information or to order this DVD check out www.Dmentedlnc.com. deadCENTER film depicts reversal o£Cali£ornia gay marriage law By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Oldahoma City, OK In the film ’8: The Mormon Propositioff’ a former Mormon missionary. Director Reed Cowan depicts the events supporting the passage of Proposition 8. He chose to leave our opinions but rather chose to tell the story objectively without opinions, which he felt the public cleady wanted. ~e film was originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received the longest standing ovation in the histmw of that festival., despite that it was held in Utah where Mormons number well above 60% of the population. "I am honored to present this film at deadCenter", said Melissa Scaramucci, deadCenter Board Member and Director/ Producer with Crazy Diamond Productions. Scaramucci and the organizing group invited Oldahoma’s own TEN ( The Equality Network) to talk to the crowd about the fight in Oklahoma toward equality for all. For those who dofft remember, on June 17, 2008 the California Supreme Court ruled that California’s ban on same sex marriage was discriminatory, thus making same sex marriages legal in that state. Following this ruling thousands of gay couples got legally married in California, but this new matrimonial freedom would not last long. Anti-gay groups hired companies to obtain signatures to put Proposition 8 on the ballot of the November 4, 2008 election. Successful at obtaining enough signatures, Proposition 8 was on the ballot and simply stated, "Only a marriage beva,een a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." This proposition passed~ not only ending the right of same sex couples to marry in California but also leaving the marriages of those same sex couples ,vho had already married in lega! jeopardy ~e film depicts the astonishing approach of the Mormon Church and their leadership, primarily from Utah, using their tax free financial support to get this measure passed. "Ihere is proof by documentation and video Emotions ran high during thefight to allow gays to retain the right to marry in California. Their" ~orts were in vain. in the film that this information is not fabricated. This documentary follows the activities of the Mormon Church, questioning the legality of their actions supporting Proposition 8 as a tax free entity, donating millions to promote its passage. The passage of Proposition 8 was a crushing defeat for gay rights activists who had hoped that public opinion on dais issue had shifted enough to help them defeat dais measure. The film depicts addition irony in that the Mormon Church claimed to take this action in the name ofJesus Christ. This exploration of the Chur& ofJesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ involvement in the passage of Proposition 8 reveals their secretive, decades long campaign against same sex marriage. More information about the film can be found at wv#;v.mormonproposition. com. Business is booming for Sean Hayes Things were looking tough for Sean Hayes for a minute there - his coming-out interview in The Advocate came off as cranky and too-late, and then that Newsweek piece suggested he was too gay to be convincing as the hetero leading man of the Broadway revival Promises, Promises. It looked for a second like he was damned if he did and damned if he didfft. But the one-time Will & Grace star is having the last laugh: He scored a Tony nod for the show, reviews for his gig as host of the Tony Awards were glowing, and his prodnction company scored a hit with the sitcom Hot in Cleveland, which premiered. to high ratings on TV Land. Hayes will be keeping his TV mogul hat firmty~in place, with NBC Universa! signing a two-year deal with Hazy" Mills (his company with Todd Milline0 to develop new shows for network and cable. (Yoglt recall Hayes showing off his sitcom-creating acumen On Bravo’s Situation: Comedy.) So yes, naysayers, this gu)?s officially a litde more than "Just Jack~" from her national TV talk show. During July of2009 she issued her "OHahoma Citizen’s Proclat~aation for Morality" at the Oldahoma State Capitol in which she blamed our nation’s troubled economy on "same sex marriage, divorce, pornograph)~ sex trafficking and other forms ofdebauchery’. On economic issues she iS likewise far to the right, opposing a minimum wage increase in Oklahoma in 2006 ~vhen it was $5.15 an hour, even requesting that a study be done to see how people living on that wage could better budget their money. Although Brittany has already made history by being the first transgendered person to run for public office in Oklahoma, she isn’t running for that reason. She has publicly stated, " I understand that there are going to be some folks who try to make this election about the fact that my medical history includes a gender transition, but I’m running for office because I believe I’m the best candidate to fight for jobs, education and transportation." Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Ms. Novomy graduated from the University of Arts and Sciences of Oldahoma and went on to get her law degree from the University of California-Hastings and is now a practicing attorney. She is an active member of the Young Democrats, who elected her as a national committeewoman and also honored her as their 2010 Woman of the Year. Oklahoma House District 84 indudes parts of northwest Oklahoma City, Bethany and Warr Acres. She’s ready for the fight and feels "I think our chances are really great. People are ready for a change." 07.01.2010 Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. Out &Aboa~t in Oklahoma @ Tulsa Eagle. Tulsa Tasha Carrington and Billy Jackson per[orming to the smash hit of Lady Antebelliums’. "Need You Now". tt was well received by the overflow crowd in attendance. Photo by Ernest Atchison @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Pride Parade 2010 @ Finishline, Oklahoma City Mayor Oscar Goodman oI~cially welcoming the award ~vinnmg celebrity Gay Travel Columnists, Donald Pile and Ray Williams to Las Vegas. @ @ Tulsa Pride Parade 2010 @ Tulsa Pride Festival 2010 @ Tulsa Pride Festival 2010 07.01.2010 By Ed Sikov for Me, Marg itff’ Craig was giddy on the ferry: "Margaritas are my tCavorite drink!" He clapped his dimpled hands in excitement and began singsonging, "Goodie goodie gumdrops!" He was still jolly because I had withheld my controlfre~ Msh plan. I had no intention of using that sticky-sweet frozen concentrate he loved, and I was too much of a food snob to even let the bottled pigswill variety into the house. Once, in a notorious act of radical foodie-ism, I poured Sa!’s bottle of Yucatan Yuri’s Primo- Papi Mix off the de&. Before I had a chance to tel! an outrageous lie about Yucatan Yuri’s whereabouts, Sal saw me, rushed outside in a fuD4 and punched me in the shoulder. We didn’t speak for a month. "Vge need frozen concentrate, of course. W-e do have orange liqueur...." "I have to tell you something," I began, but the two nasty Pomeranians owned by the cable sex show hostess Raven Wren - who apparently didn’t have enough smarmy gay men around her in the city, so she bought a place in the Pines - suddenly defined the term "bad canine karma" by attacking a distraught muscle-boy’s twin white Shih Tzus. The ensuing screeching and yelping (by Raven) drowned out further discussion. Vge were in the grocery’s frozen foods section with one of Craig’s giant-size Cabbage-Patch-Ydds fists engulfing a can of corn syrup with artificial lime flavor when I yanked it out of his hand; declared, %XZe’re not using that"; and threw it back into the freezm: Craig looked stricken. "Let’s make our Margaritas from scratch, OK?" I demanded, none too consolingly. "I don’t _want_ scratch," Craig whined; "I want my Margaritas! V/hy are you so mean? Why can’t I have what I want?" "l-hen came big whopping tears streaming down his colossal face, which rippled with despair. whopping tears streaming down his colossal face, which rippled with despair. At first I was mortified. But I’m here to tell you that mortification is preferable to the near-suicidal guilt that followed. I Wasn’t on the ferry any more so I couldn’t jump off. I could do nothing but hate myself to the bone. "Don’t cry! Get what you ~vant! I’ll make Margaritas my way, and you make yours your way." I pulled the can of frozen concentrate out of the freezer. "See?" I said, putting the wretched junk into our cart. Then I took one of Craig’s soft hands in mine and led him toward the unsweetened lime juice. "Ihe Margarita, Two Ways Craig’s way: Dump a can of children’s frozen concentrate into a blender, add ice and enough tequila to keep everyone from realizing how crummy the drink tastes, and press "ultra-high"; if you’re lucky you’ll forget to put the top on the blender. My way- makes four cocktails: 3/4-cup inexpensive white Tequila (it’s dumb to waste fine tequila by drowning it in a Margarita, but then I’m a cheapskate) 1/3-cup unsweetened lime juice 1/4-cup orange liqueur (we had Orange Curacao on hand - you can use any tTpe) l/4-cup Really Simple Syrul5 (you can buy Simple Syrup ready-made, or you can boil sugar and water and stand around staring at a candy thermometer, or you can make Really Simple Syrup by putting equal parts sugar and water in a jar and shaking it until the sugar dissolves) Pour some flaked salt onto one small plate and a thin layer of lime juice onto another. Add all ingredients to a large cocktail shaker with some ice; shake. Dip the rim of each glass first in the juice and then in the salt, then pour the Margaritas in the center. N AWeekend ofPageantry at Angles Newly Crowned Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA Newcomer and Miss Gay US ofA at Large By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Miss Gay US ofA Oklahoma at Large 2009 Lindsay Paige, winner Bianca LeBlanc, April Reign Miss Gay US ofa A at Large and 1st alternate Cordillia 3/Ionroe. Gorin photo OKI~HOMA CITY, OK__ Jack Calcote, Steve Davis and Nathan Thomas had a busy weekend as they put on two pageants back to back Friday June 11 and Saturday June 12. Angles came back to life as the girls competed for their titles, retaining the usual glamour of yesteryear while also reflecting changes in the field of female impersonation in Oklahoma. The trio of Calcote, Davis & N~omas owns both pageants as well as the Mr[ Gay Oklahoma US ofA Contest ( men competing as hot men, not to be confused with Mr. Gay US ofA MI, which is for male illusion). The nationwide Gay US ofA system differs from the Miss Gay America System in that while that system does not allow surgical alterations below the neck, the Miss Gay" US ofA system allows unlimited alterations except that one must have male genitalia. The At Large US ofA system in addition requires that the contestants weigh at least 200 pounds. The weekend marked a special occasion as the Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA Nexvcomer contest was premiering with their first pageant. Emceed by the team of Rache! Erikks( Miss Gay Oldahoma America 1994 and Miss Gay America 2004) and Jozlyn Welch ( Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA at Large 2008), the winner was Carmen Deveraux with 1st alternate Ferrah Mikals. N~ey will both go to on compete in the national Miss Gay US ofA Newcomer Pageant held August 11-13 in Indianapolis. The following Saturday Lindsay Paige passed on her title as Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA at Large to Bianca LeBlanc, with Cordillia Monroe as 1st alternate. That festive night was emceed by the lovely Latina Tillie Laine, who herselfwas a Miss Gay Oklahoma America in 1983. The winners of that contest will go on to compete in the national Miss Gay US ofA at Large Pageant which will also be held also in Indianapolis October 6-8 of this year. 3-he Mr Gay US ofA Contest will be held this upcoming August 25 at the Copa. For information about that contest e-mail Mr.Calcote at calcojack36@yahoo com. N 07;0"1.2010 E-.~ail- KylesBrd3@aol.eom Chuck Breckenridge Whcthcr buying or sclling I’lI work hard fi~r you. Private Me=~s Reso~ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalleyresprt.com info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-682:1 Abutting Downtown, ::Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Center, Tulsa Gay Cente,: Affi3rdable Homes amd Aparmaeuts. For more L.~fo~ation visit: www.gaybradyheightsmlsa.com English Garden Paradise with Private Tree Top Balcony 6365 S. 84th E. Ave., Tulsa web site with full information www.Tulsa4Bedroom.com With outer planets hanging out near the cusps, Mercury entering Leo and Venus into Virgo kick off a lot of issues. Being cute, outspoken and constructively cdticat (let’s hope!) wilt have broad ramifications. Modesty, compassion and forethought are atways good to check before speaking. ARIES (Narch 20- Apri~ 19): Playful banter can help stimulate a better work environment, but not [oo playful lest your intentions are misunderstood. Spontaneous provocation has its place, but strategic consulting with colleagues will probably prove more effective. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20): Your new playful streak could come off as critical and bitchy. Sometimes a Bette Davis impression just can’t make it right. One should never let go of the Golden Rule - but’cha are, Blanche! Well, you easily could. Be extra mindful and considerate! GEN~N! {Nay 21- June 20): You have a lot to say and it feels very important to you. Your family and boss may disagree. Look for a new perspective and tweak your message a bit. Listen to friends with radical, challenging suggestions. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Even if changing jobs seems risky these days, con sider taking the chance. Staying where you are could be worse. Any current dissatisfaction with your job invites self-sabotage. Seek advice from a friend experienced in the work you want to do. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): However you identify with your words, some separation is good. Your partner can help open you up to powerful new ideas. Look past long-held notions to your most basic values; it’s better to take in those fresh notion s. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): Step out of the social whid for a bit. Focus on taking care of yourself inside and out. A new look should honor your age, not hide it. Knowing your limits can help you zero in on your strengths. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Conflicted about social opportunities? You may be better off in quiet retreat with fewer, better friends. Favor the more productive and creative ones. Save time and energy for your partner, even if you don’t have one - yet. SCORPIO (October 23- November 21): Balancing friendly conversations with the boss, and maintaining friendships with colleagues, and could get you a huge promotion. Never forget where you came from and that going up the ladder helps you to pull others up after. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Showing off newfound wisdom could quickly force you to admit to the limits of your recent learning. Instead, ask thoughtful questions of a real expert. Don’t be shy! An outr4 creative approach could spark new directions and insights for both of you. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Sex seems to be shifting from practice to theory. That’s OK, especially if you consider deeply what it’s all about. Old messages on the topic take sudden relevance. Tapes to erase? Valuable but forgotten lessons? You could be surprised. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): Your sex life should be picking up pretty well. What does your partner say about that? A discussion on the topic is at least in order. People do change and grow. Even if everything is hunky-dory, it’s good to talk. PISCES (February 19 - March t9): Being playful is important, but for now focus more on the actual work and responsibility of your relationship, real or hypothetical. When you feel uncertain and use your partner for grounding that may be unfair to him or her. Community for People living with H V/A DS 50I c (3) Non ! rofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to hel p 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 ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobat.net 1!23 14 24 25 26 ~27 39 48 4~ 511 2"1 22 28 129 ! 30 34 4~ 42 43 } 3~ 61 63 47 Across Dow~ 1 Dumbledore might cast one Solution page22 07.0t.20t0 @~ 8T~ SuppoR those who suppo~ us. Their ads allow us to distribute your communi~ news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPW Oklahoma Cit?; OK 405-528-222t www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC \(~LEY !?~SORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-2 I0-8401 ww~v.magneticvalleyresort.com ACCO I~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HAR~v~ARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 9!8-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W2 13th Street Otdahoma CiV, OK 405-226-8585 AUZO PdiYNOLDS FORD LanT Bourne & David Stevens 600 *X’: Memorial Rd Oklahoma CitT; OK 405-639-9940 BAR HELP *IX!ANTED OKC: %e Copa is currently seeking a bar manager ~or ~e Copa and a bar manager for ~amg!es, for appointment [405) 525 0730 ALIBIS 1200 N. PENN Olda.homa City, OK 405-605-3795 Open daily 3pm ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahom~ Cit); OK w~:anglesclub.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 wv,~v.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE !338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1!88 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am oa CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklaboma City, OK 405-761-1878 ww~v.expressionsOKC.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahomds HIV/STD Hotline For dvertis[ng CRISTtE’S TOY BOX 1039 S. Meridian Oklahoma City; OK 73108 405-948-3333 CRISTIE’S TOY BOX 3126 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-946-4438 PHOTO D JUDY G. PHOTO’S - Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobaLnet 918-743-8636 OKLAHOlvIA STONEWALL DEMOCP,ATES Oldahoma City, OK w*a~aokstonmvall.org CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW ~RESSVTAY O~HOMANS for EQUALITY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 621E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 w~vz0keq.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave ................. Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 405-840-2106 www.c21goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-188g................ RED ROCK B.H.S. 4400 N. LINCOLN BLVC Oklahoma City, OK 73105 405-425-0473 Toll Free 1-877-339-3330 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Cit).; OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 wwwv;bambooloungetulsa.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Ci9; OK 405-525-2900 ’ w~,v;habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSVgAY OkJahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 wv~*~:habanainn.com E L T A T A N o L R ¢ D ~’m p~oud of the Stonewall Democrats on my 234th Birthday! "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What mailers, as always, is not what we can’t do, ~ it,s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Par~. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the comr~uni~y, we are working to make change and shape NEXT MEETING iS TUESDAY JULY 6, 7:00 We meet the 7st Tuesday ofevery month at the k~OMA STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY kIEADQUART Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 7 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Gabbard Romeo San Vincente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Ed Silkow Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDf Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource ,agzine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, June 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/192 The Metro Star Magazine, September 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/197 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/191 Adopt Anastasia Pittmam-Oklahoma House of Representatives Bitter Girl Brad Henry-Board of Regents Cimarron Alliance cocktailchatter Creep of the Month deadCENTER Domestic Abuse Don't Shop Family Research Council First Thursday Art Exhibit Fitness-Sun Tzu funnies Gay marriage General Election Jeff Tracey-District 71 Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Memoirs of Dmentia Metro scene Miss Gay Oklahoma Miss Gay US of A Movies Nightclubs and Bars non-discrimination-orientation Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association (OGRA) Our House Pride Month QPuzzle Qscopes Sean Hayes Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) Supreme Court Tom Guild-Congress Tom Kovach Too travel Tulsa Pride US Census Voter Registration https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f80e9be73cf574f0d3b023bf677be5c2.jpg b245e197e6ba4ad41902fdf29ba2a624 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/463403ddfb9dfdee3122589cd21bc856.pdf 90512d7e1a86dce7a74088da7b1c55ae PDF Text Text THE VOLUME 7 PREMIER SO,URCE ISSUE 6 FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA Twi~er,com/MetroStarNews ® MetroStarNews,com JUNE 1, 2010 : Coast to Coast, Border to Borde,; fi’om Enid, Oklahoma Cil) "Simply Proud" the eme of Oklahoma City Pride Parade t val° this year Rev Lavanhar took long path to Tulsa Pride Grand Marshal By Victor Gorin Contributing wrker By Michael W. Sasser Contributing gZriter OKLAHObvL& CITY. OK Oldahoma Ci@ Pride Festival and Parade is coming together again this year a’; always, uniting the GLBT communi~" of the OKC metroplex and their friends for a }Sbulons weekend of tim, fellowship, and fi_~r some fond reflection. Going with it all this year are the Pride Banners of Cimarron ~Nliance, which will fly fi’om Oldahoma City lampposts of Classen Boulevard fi’om June 8 to July 8 to highlight the festivities. It all begins with a Block Party Friday June 25 on the N.W. 39th Street Strip (beginning at NT~ 39th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue), this time beginning at 8 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m. The Festival itself will take place again this year in Memorial Park, located at N.W. 36th & Classen Boulevard, opening on Saturday June 26 at 10 a.m. and dosing at 10 p.m. It will reopen the next day on Sunday June 27 at 10 a.m., closing down at 3 p.m. as the Parade lineup begins. N~e festival will feature a varietT of live entertainment, events, vendors, and informational booths. The Pride Parade will step off that Sunday at 5 p.m. at Memorial Park, concluding with the Grand Finale over the Hill past Peunsylvania through the N.W. 39th Street Strip. For 2010 this event was renamed the Paul Thompson Memorial OKC Pride Parade to honor his memory as one of Oklalaoma’s most renowned activists for GLBT equality and human rights in general. Mr.~-hompson had also served for many years as the Male Co-Chair of OKC Pride, and had passed away March 4 of this year. The Festival and Parade commemorates Gay Pride Week, which marks the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Itwas June 28 of that year when patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, fought baek against the police after enduring endless harassment. This was an event unprecedented in American history where the police were forced to barricade themselves in the very bar they came to raid, and the rioting that followed changed America forever. Straight people were forced to deal with a gay community that would no longer accept discrimination, and the GLBT community was awakened to ........ Continued See OKC PRIDE Page-8 Reverend Marlin Lavanba~ Press photo TULSA, OK__ Although Reverend Marlin Lavanhar was surprised and honored to be named Grand Marshal of June’s Tulsa Pride Parade and Festival, he has his sights set beyond on a larger objective. "For me it will be especially worthwhile if the role allows me the platform to speak on for the inclusion of all people, regardless of orientation," said Lavanhar, senior pastor at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa. Lavanhar has been a high-profile advocate for the GLBT community in a state notably light on supporters from the clergy for many years. He has been a tireless supporter of the local community during his 10 years at All Souls and has made the inclusion of the GLBT world key to his ministry. "I realized early on that this wotdd be the major civil rights issue over tl~e era of my ministry," Lavanhar said. Stil!, l,avanhar’s most recent high profile effort was a rislo! one even for a clergyman with a long history of championing human rights. Just months ago, Lavanhar accepted an invitation to speak at a conference in Uganda that was a rallying point against efforts by that African nation to approve capital punishment as the sentence for homosexuality. "We have a sister church in Uganda and my colleague there was the conference organizer," Lavanhar said. "The purpose is to build grassroots resistance to the anti-GLBT bil!. They asked me to speak. Honestly I had to think about it." There was real danger for the conference organizers and those who attended. ........ Continued See LAVANHAR Page-8 ��A LBT Comm ity Center opens in Enid; Oklahoma! On Saturday April 24 the Center held their first Stand Awards Ceremony ~br various Oldahoma groups and individuals who have advanced the cause of GLBT equality. Among them was Pastor J,E Wickey’(pa~tor of Crosswalk United Church of Christ), the M~t~ ~{~r ( m~dia represent~ti0n ~fthe year)Victor Gorin (journalist oi~ the year) and ,p, oetess Lisa Herald for her verses entitled "Sally Sally Ket~ which was a bittersweet lament to that Oklahoma legislator (to see her read it ~on youtube, type in Lisa Herald Sally KemP. As an endorsement from beyond, the sky featured a double rainbow as the ceremonies began. rl~e Center is almost totally funded by loCal gay and gay friendly indiViduals and organizations,, arid is appropriately decorated with gay[icons tl~roughout history. Exi~ansion plans are already being discussed, including possibly a homeless shelter. Everyone and their talents are welcomed, so for more information contact 800-878 5298. Hate Crime victim leaves State By Michael x~ Sasser Contributing writer 773e Cenmr Enid, Oklahoma. Gorin photo ENID. OK The town of Enid, Oklahoma lies 70 miles north of Oklahoma City, is the county seat of Ga~eld County and thehome of Vance Air Force Base. Founded in 1893. Enid has been nicknamed Queen Wheat City because it has the third largest grain storage capacity in the world. ~I~aeir high school football team. the Enid Plainsmen, has a longstanding powerful reputation, and the city at present hasn’t a single gay bar. Yet amid this setting of Conservatism, a gay scene has TULSA, OK A young gay man who was beaten and robbed in Claremore and then claimed to have been further victimized in the subsequent weeks, has left Oklahoma for another state. "I just didn’t feel safe anymore," said Phillip Nelson; 24. "I didn’t feel safe leaving my home. Things are better noxv." Nelsons story captured local hgadlmes m M~rch when he was assaulted outside his’Clm~em0re apartment by several unknown assailants, and when his apartment was broken into and vandalized. Prior to the more violent incidents, Nelson Representative - Dis ric 88 Oklahoma Ci,y Paid for by Committee to. Re’-Elect AI McAffrey 2010, P.O. Box 60668, OKC 73148. Recognizing ~he need fbr a welcoming place for the various At 77~e Center: TJ Re),nolds, Nate Bowen, Bill), Igalke~ Brandon Bidtve~!, Brandon Ratclifl;" Brandon Lopez, Lisa Heral~ Gorin ohoao ~5cets ofEnid’s GLBT community, members of the local P-Flag chapter discovered a vacant site at ! 319 S. Van Buren. v~qth the group’s determination and a willing landlord, it xvas leased Mar& !0 and plans went full speed ahead to make it alt happen. ~,lready several support groups meet at the Center including no~ only Enid’s P-Flag but alsoa youth group, a ~ransgender support group, a group for bisexuals, and one ~or GLBT parents and &ildren. CoUnseling services are also cond ucred tixere, with plans for a legal clinic, employmen~ assistance, and health services including HIV testing. It’s aires@ a place where GLBT and friendly groups can distribute their literature, and it i)atures a lot more than just serious activity. Friday nights are dedicated to social activities such as dances, open mic nights, & karaoke. Social clubs meet there that are too numerous to mention that include a chess club, a book club, a gardening club, etc to give some perspecrive. www.metrostarnews.com "There is something not right there," Nelson said. "They’re not there to protect people from hate crimes. They are iust there to hide it under the carpet and to wait fbr it to go awa3~" Nelson said he finds it most curious that there has been no progress on the Claremore case because he was able to provide an obvious, distinct clue as to the identity of one of his attackers. N~ings did not improve for Nelson after the story broke. N~e former Rogers State University student found himself the target of verbal abuse and hostility in school and around his apartment complex. Less than a month after the attack in Ctaremore, Nelson said that he and a female friend were assaulted in a Tulsa karaoke bar. "A bunch of bikers got very- aggressive and hostile ~vith us," Nelson said. He said that he believed that the ,alleged harassers recognized him from television news reports and that they hurled antiagay epithets at he and his friend. "\Ve’d been in there before and it wasn’t a problem," Nelson said. This time, Nelson said, it was a problem. He claims that he and his friend "barely escaped" when the bar management sided with the aggressors and Nelson and his friend were instructed to leave. Nelson said Tulsa Police would not respond to his calls. He said they did initially respond to his friend’s calls, but he was not sure if anything ever came of it. His friend Could not be reached for comment. rrhe final straw for Nelson was when management asked him to vacate his apartment iust weeks ago. Nelson believes he was asked to leave because of his orientation and said that management representatives had previously made anti-gay comments to him. slide." Toby Jenkins, President of Oklahomans for Equality, said that everyone xvho comes forward after an assault is a hero and that he understands Nelson’s frustration with Claremore Police. "We admire his tenacity in staying after police to be vigilant," Jenkins said; "All crime victims have to stay after police." Nelson said he does not lmo,v if his move is permanent. Interfaith Pride Memorial Service Planned By Victor Gorin Contributing Writer OIC&&HOMA CITY, OK __ Plans are underway for a community wide service ofremembrance on tl~e evening of Wednesday, June 16 at 7 p.m., right in the middle of GLBT Pride Month. This service will be held at Epworth United Methodist Church, located ar 1901 N. Douglas Avenue in Oklahoma City. The purpose of the service is to provide comfort ro those experiencing grief, and to celebrate those who have touched our lives, promising to be an uplifting occasion for everyone who attends. If you have lost a loved one--partner, relative, or friend in the past year and want them remembered in this memorial service, please e-mail their name to scott@cimarronalliance. org. �Bigger and better as cdebrates 25 years Grand Marshalls; fonnding members of OGRA By By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OKLAHOMA CIT~; OK __ As OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) codirectors, Klint Wieden and Paul Boyd have had a busy year. Taking the responsibility on to produce this annual event means planning and implementing the entire event; taking care setting the dates, securing the venue, contracts, scheduling, securing sponsors, appointing committees and so much more. After all this work, the culmination of their efforts are enjoyed when they direct the rodeo itself during the entire weekend of the event, which is each Memorial Day weekend at the State Fairgrounds (Barn 8). "Our goals for this year, our 25th Anniversary Great Plains Rodeo is to make it a memorable event ~vhile commemorating our founding members and board," said Wieden. "We want to increase both contest participation as well as spectator attendance. We have planned more entertainment during rodeo weekend, more parties, and more things leading up to the rodeo." Mmualty OGRA is held in Oklahoma City over the Memorial Day holiday, May 2830 for 20!0. Here is the lineup of events; Thursday, May 27th, 6-8pro VIP Reception pool side at ~e Habana Inn for all of our rodeo sponsors and officials. After that, The Finishline will be hosting a stick horse rodeo with plenty of events using stick horses. A stick horse decorating contest ~vill be on display during rodeo registration and then all day Saturday at the OGRA booth at the rodeo-$1 per vote for the best decorated stick horse with the proceeds going to charity. Friday, May 28, 10am Board of Directors Meeting; from 6pm - 9pm is Rodeo Registration for contestants at the fairgrounds, Barn #9 in the vendor area. 7pm - OGP,~k Royalty Team will be hosting "A Night of Royalty Nikki & Mark" entertainment during registration, at the Fairgrounds, Barn #8.10pm - OGRA Royalty Team will be hosting "A Night of Royalty Nikki & Mark" at PhoenLx Rising. Saturday, May 29th, 8am Rodeo begins with Calf Roping on Foot, Steer Deco, Break Away Roping, Team Roping, Steer Riding, Pole Bending. At high-noon is the Grand EntD" witb~Bronc Riding, Chute Dogging, Goat Dressing, Barrel Racing, Flag Race, Wild Drag Race, Bull Riding and the Rodeo will finish up around 5pm. Texas Gay Rodeo Association will be hosting the Texas Tea Party at the Copa with entertainment and drink specials that evening. OGP,ak and Angles will be hosting a LIVE concert performance at Angles from 9pro til! who knows when! Live vocal performers are lined up featuring James Allen Clark, a new Nashville recording artist, along vdth several popular 16cal performers. Winners of the Stick Horse Decorating Contest and then auction offthe stick horses to the highest bidder to help raise more money for charity. ~ 4 Sunday, May 30th; OGRA day 2 begins 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Central Community with, Calf Roping on Foot, Steer Deco, Break Center, 1028 E. Sixth St. Non-alcoholic Away Roping, Team Roping, Steer Riding, beverages and dessert are provided to guests. Pole Bending, and high-noon again brings the ~ose not attending a dinner may participate Grand Entry with more Bronc Riding, Chute in the dessert event for a $10 donation at the door. Dogging, Goat Dressing, Barrel Racing, Flag Race, Wild Drag Race & Bull Riding. At Tulsa CARES’ Executive Director, Sharon 5pm the Rodeo wraps up and we move to Thoele hopes Feast with Friends ’\vill hdp us the Finish line for a BBQ Dinner put on by bring to light the fact that the AIDS epidemic Head Country BB% and at 7pro, the Rodeo is far from over, and ~ve need everyone’s help Awards CeremoW at the Copa where they to meet the enormous need that exists in our ~vill be awardingbucldes, saddles and cash community." prizes to all of the winners of the Rodeo. "Old friends, ne~v friends, everyone and anyone who wishes to support Tulsa CARES Monday, May 31st at noon will be a is invited to participate in this event - it’s fun Rodeo Wind-Down Party at Phoenix Rising and it’s a great excuse to gather with your where the), will be serving hamburgers and hotdogs along with drink specials, relaxing favorite people and help out a worthwhile and recounting all of the fun times of the cause all at the same time," Thoelesaid. weekend. "Tulsa CARES will use the proceeds to This year’ charity partners are Other support our programs as we assist people who Options/Friends Food Pantry, Be The are living with this disease." Change, and Expressions Community In-kind sponsors for the event are: Hla’s Service. "Several months prior to our rodeo, ’ Dell, QuikTrip, Tulsa Parks and Starbucks usually in November we request letters from Coffee Compan3a qualifi/ing 501 (c)3 non-profit charities For more information about hosting a stating vchy they want to be considered as one party or about the dessert event, contact Ally McGinnis, Tulsa CARES resource of our charity partners," adds Wieden. "Then, as a group, we discuss each organization and development coordinator by calling 834-4194 look at their merits and what they do for the or by e-mail, allym@tulsacares.org. community. We consider their financials and Founded in !991, Tulsa CARES, a United the services they offer to our community, and Way Member Agency, delivers services then vote on the ones we want to support." to low-income people living with HIV/ The amount donated to these charities varies AIDS. Services include case management each year based on participation, events and by professional social workers, access to overall donations. physicians and prescription assistance, "I just want to stress what a vital service counseling services, housing assistance, a food we provide for people in our community to pantry with access to our registered dietician, participate in a sport that they enjoy (rodeo) and many other forms of support. Tulsa while at the same time giving back to our CARES’ mission is "Delivering social services community in volunteer services as well as to people affected by HIV/AIDS." For more financially," concludes Wieden. "Our local information about Tulsa CARES, visit ww~v. charities that we support rely heavily on tulsacares.org. donations from our local community and we provide that link through a fun event such as rodeo. We also help provide a positive outlook to our city, and state as well by our conduct and actions, hdping the gay community at large to be more accepted by everyday citizens." The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association, By Staff Editors Inc. (OGRA) is a nonprofit organization and member of the International Gay Rodeo TULSA, OK__ Erin Taylor McClanahan Association, Inc. (IGRA) which is comprised and Scott Andre Harper were married of 28 state/provincial associations throughout on Friday, May 7th at the Polk County the United States and Canada. OGRA is Courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa at 10:30 proud to be the first association seated at AM. The Honorable Judge Robert Hanson the first ever IGRA Convention in 1985 performed the ceremony. Witnesses were For more information check out the OGRA Linda and Jamie Harper, brother and sisterwebsite at www.ogra.net Tulsa couple marry in Erin McClanahan and Scott Harper at their wed~ing reception May 8, 2010 at the Bamboo Lounge ~dsa. Stajfphoto in-law to Scott. The happy couple left Tulsa on May 6 and made a rest stop in Osceola at a casino called Terribles. Following the nuptials on Friday, they were offto Kansas City were they spent their wedding night at Harrah’s Hotel Casino. Then they went back to Tulsa for a rousing reception at the Bamboo Lounge. The beautifully planned reception including the wedding cake, champagne, flowers and all the trimmings was organized by Philip Simmons and Tammy Randell. It was a family affair with Scott’s mother Evelyn, his brother and sister-in-law, Erin’s sister Kristen and over 100 friends there to congratulate and wish the couple a long and happy marriage. Although Erin and Scott’s Iowa marriage is not legal in the State of Oldahoma, same sex marriages are legal in five states, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Three states recognize same sex marriage, New York, Rhode Island, and Maryland. Couples must first apply for a license to marry in Iowa. You can download an application at www.polkrecorde,:com/ marriages.htm or call 515-286-3160 in Des Moines to request the documen~ be mailed to you. Instructional handouts are available from county officials, who also serve as County Recorders in county courthouses. Feast to Gain Funds for HIV/AIDS TULSA, OK__Tulsa CARgS, a 50!(c)3 nonprofit organization is planning its first "Feast with Friends®" fundraiser for Saturday, July 24. "Feast with Friends°" is an at-home fundraiser where individuals and groups host dinner parties in their homes, workplaces and faith communities on Saturday evening, July 24. In exchange, their guests make a donation to Tulsa CARES whose mission is "Delivering social services to people affected by HIV/ MDS" in northeastern Oklahoma. After dinner, all hosts and their guests are invited to the fabulous "Dessert Extravaganza" from No matter who are on life’s jourm Reeerend Ur. Kathy 3131 N. Pennsylvania, Oklah0 405.525.9555 June 1, 2010 �Wockner News Service Obama selects Supreme Court nominee The Human Rights Campaign "hailed" President Barack Obama’s May 10 selection of U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan as his nominee to replace retiring Justice John Paul Ste,,v.ens on the U.S. Supreme Court. We are confident that Elena Kagan has a demonstrated understanding and cormnitment to protecting the liberty and equality of all kanericans, including LGBT Americans," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. Gay cases that could come before the court in the near future include the Proposition 8 federal case by famed lawyers David Boles and Ted Olson and other same-sex marriage cases, challenges to the anti-gay federal Defense of Marriage Act andto the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban on gays who do not stay in the closet, and cases targeting the new federal hate-crimes law that is inclusive of sexual orientation. .As dean of Harvard Law School, ~C~gan opposed the Solomon Amendment, a 1996 federal law that allows the secretary of defense to deny federal grants -- including rmearch grants -- to universities and colleges that prohibit military recruiting on campfis. Some schools banned military recruiters because Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell amounts to employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, which violates the schools’ policies. At Harvard, Kagan partially blocked the recruiters in 2004 a~er a federal court struck dmvn the Solomon Amendment, then unblocked them after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld tt~e amendment in 2005. "~Ihis action (the arrival of military r~cruiters on campus) causes me deep distress," Kagan wrote in October 2003. "I abhor the military’s discriminatory recruitment policy. (It is) a profound wrong -- a moral injustice Of the first order." HRC’s Solmonese said, ’Sg[e applaud Elena Kagan’s vocal opposition to the Solomon Amendment andthe discriminatory Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell law." In April, CBSNews.com mistakenly called Kagan "openlygay" and, in,,an addendum to that post, also called her apparently still closeted." ~e network later deleted the column because of its "irresponsible speculation." The ~gashington Post reported April 16 that an unnamed Obama administration oi~cial said "ICxgan is not a lesbian." On May 13, Politico.corn reported that it had talked to some of Kagan’s friends and they confirmed that she is "not gay." Richard Socarides, former President Bill Clinton’s gay White House special assistant, told CNN on May 10 that Kagan is "a brilliant, pragmatic progressive xvho is intent on hearing all sides to fashion a solution that works for the most amount of people." California Assembly calls £or DADT repeal The California Assernbly passed a resolution 51-17 on May 13 urging repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban on open gays in the military. The measure asps Congress to pass, and President Barack Obama to sign, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which www.metrostarnews.com would dear the way for LGB service members to come out of the closet. "\Ve are proud of our state’s leadership for championing fairness and equality in the military," said Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors. EQCA said Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has led to the discharge of some t3,500 service members, including some 800 specialists serving in critical operations. More than 300 language specialists have been discharged under the policy, "resulting in a critical shortage of qualified translators in intelligence-gathering posts," the group said. The California resolution now goes to the state Senate, which had passed it last year, for a concurrence vote. Prop 8 £ederal trial likely to conclude in June Christian right leader went to Europe with ’rentboy’ ~giiami New 7~mes’ photo ofanti-gay activist George Rekers and a rentboycom escort returning together to _Miami International Ai,portfi’om a European vacation. The trial in the federal lawsuit against Proposition 8is likely to finally xvrap up in U.S. District Court in San Francisco on June 16, when Judge Vaughn \Valker has tentatively scheduled closing arguments. ~ae trial has been paused since testimony concluded on Jan. 27 because Walker said he wanted to study the record before hearing the attorneys’ final statements. ~lhe hiatus dragged on longer than expected because of sldrmishes between the anti-samesex-marriage side and the gay groups that ran the campaign against Prop 8, who are not parties to the case. The same-sex-marriage opponents demanded that Equality California and the American Civil Liberties Union produce various documents and e-mails from the campaign period. EQ~A and the ACLU fought the demand at length before relenting on April 27. Lawyers for the two groups said they turned over 4,500 documents and "thousands of e-mails" that seemed to fal! within the purvie~v of an order Walker had issued. The opponents also are attempting to strike from the trial record some of the testimony of one of their defendant-intervenors, HakShing William Tam. Walker told the antisame-sex-marriage side to submit its motion by May 6 and told the gay" side to respond to it by May 10. Appearing on the wimess stand Jan. 21, Tam said: "I believe that if the term ’rnarriage’ George Alan Rekers, who co-founded the anti-gay Fatally Research Council, was photographed at Miami International Airport On April 13 returning from a European vacation xvith a male escort who says the two met via rentboy.com, Miami New Times reported May 4. The escort, who has been called "Lucien," "Geo" and "Jo-vanni" in news reports, also told various media outlets that he gave Rekers daily massages in the nude during the trip,. which included genital tonching. Lucien showed CNN a travel contract between the two men that mandated daily hourlong massages, and told the network that Rekers "basically got excited" during the massage sessions. Rekers, 61, has used his professorgeorge. com website and other online resources to fight back against the "slanderous" reports, saying he’s not gay and that nothing "illegal or sexual" took place during his trip with Lucien, 20. Rekers told multiple media . outlets that he will acquire or has acquired a lawyer and may or will sue for "defamation." "I have been advised to retain the services of a defamation attorney in this matter, because the fact is that I am.not gay and never have been," he told the Washington Post on May 6. On his website, Rekers wrote: "A recent article in an alternative newspaper cleverly gave false impressions of inappropriate behavior because of its misleading innuendo, incorrectly implying that Professor George Rekers used the Rentboy website to hire a prostitute to accompany him on a recent trip. Contrary to Internet stories based on this slanderous article, fo!lowing medical advice Professor George Rekers requires an assistant to lift his luggage in his travels becanse of an ongoing condition following surger): ... Dr. Rekers found his recent travel assistant by interviewing different people who might be able to’help, and did not even find out about his travd assistants Internet advertisements offering prostitution activity until after the trip was in progress. ~ere was nothing inappropriate with this relationship. Professor ..... Continued see PROP 8 - page 6 ..... Continued see RENT BOY - page 6 Proposition8 is likely to final~ wr~p up in U.S. Dist~ct Court in San ]~)ancisco on June i ~ ~d Olson, left; and David Boles are lead counsel~r the gay side. Phow @ z~’x ~ckner ~IET~OSTAR 5 �Pelosi promises votes on both DADT and ENDA this year By Lisa Keen Keen News Service House ’Speaker Nancy Pelosi reassured representatives of several LGBT organizations this week that the Employment NonDiscrimination Act (ENDA) and a measure to repeal Dofft Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) will get votes this year. Pelosi made her comments in an hour-long telephone conference call with representatives of six LGBT groups on Monday. One of those representatives, Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), said Pelosi, "in no uncertain terms, without any equivocation or evasion, stated several times that ENDA was her priority and that it would move in this Congress --and there was no question." Concern that ENDA might not get a vote this Congress has been intensifying for the past several weeks, as the number of voting days in the House dwindles during the last months of the 111 th Congress. Some activists said the 2 I8 votes to pass the bill are there but that the House !eadership had not scheduled the bill for a vote. And many were alarmed that the momentum to pass a measure to repeal DADT rnay have been seriously hobbled by missives from Defiense Secretary Robert Gates and the Vc~nite House year, on how repeal could be implemented. But Kendell and others said Pelosi committed to passing ENDA and repealing DADT this year. "St~e seems absolutely committed to getting that done," said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equali*T. Keisling, who has been a key organizer of support for this term’s ENDA, which includes a prohibition of"gender identitT" discrimination, was another one of the participants in Monday’s conference call. Keisling, who said the phone call took place at about 1:30 p.m. eastern time, noted that Pelosi talked about there being a "limited amount of time" and many other things that have to happen on the House floor before the end of this session. "While Pelosi "did not commit to a specific datg’ for a vote on ENDA, said Keisling, she lea the impression it could move in committee as early as this week. And Kendell said Pelosi reassured the group leaders that, while a measure to repeal DADT may move first, "she stated in no uncertain terms that ENDA is moving and it will move under her watch and it will move in this Congress." DADT could coine up as early as next ~nursday, when the House begins consideration of an annual bill on Defense spending. Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill confirmed the call took place and said that, in addition to Kendell and Keisling, the participants included several Pelosi staff members, Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign; Geoff Kors of Equality California; Toni Broaddus, executive director of the national Equality Federation; and Masen Davis, executive director of the Transgender Law Center, a California legal group. HRC spokesman Fred Sainz said Solmonese was traveling Tuesday and could not return a reporter’s call, but Sainz, too, confirmed that Pelosi made a commitment to vote on both ENDA and DADT repeal. He noted this was the first time the Speaker had had a conference call specifically xvith representatives of LGBT organizations on this issue. Broaddus of the Equality Federation said Pelosi "didn’t give us any dates" but "assured us both bills are moving and that she’s very committed to getting them through." Several participants in the phone call said Pelosi expressed concern about the likelihood that Republicans will exercise their option, as the minority party, to ask for a vote on a "motion to recommit" "the bill to committee. Such motions, which Republicans have used recently ~to thwart Democratic legislation, can force votes on whether to send a bill back to committee with instructions to either kill or amend it. The amendments proposed on recent legislation have been designed to both delete essential language from the underlying bill and propose language that could cause embarrassment for any legislator to oppose. Such was the case last on a bill to create more jobs. The raotion to recommit sought to insert language to prohibit paying any federal employee "officially disciplined for violations regarding the viewing, downloading, or exchanging of pornography, including child pornograph> 6n ~ federai~mpute~ or whil~ ~erf0rmin~ official government duties." Democratic leaders pulled the jobs bill when they saw that a sufficient number of Democrats were voting for the motion to recommit. "I’m sure they’ll tiT that with ENDA," said Keisling, "but they’re going to try that with every bill that comes along frorn now on." So, supporters of ENDA and the DADT repeal must ensure they have 2 ! 8 votes in the House, not only to pass each measure but also to defeat any such hostile motion to recolnmit. A spokesman for Rep. Barney Frank (DvMass.), who introduced ENDA, said last week that Frank was urging LGBT activists to continue and step up the lobby effort to secure those votes. Frank was not available for comment Tuesday, and Rep. Tammy Baldwin’s office did not respond to a request for comment. But several participants in Monday’s phone call said Pe!osi assured them she has "no intention of losing either" ENDA or DADT repeal. Keisling and others said Pelosi was "very clear" that one of the bills -but not both-would see action before Memorial Day. The House is slated to take up its annual bill on Defense funding on Thursday and Friday, May 27 and 28. Frank and others have said that DADT repeal, like the hate crimes measure that passed last yea,; would come up during consideration of the DOD authorization bill. Activists held a rally outside the Speaker’s office in San Francisco and a press conference in Washin~on, D.C., on Tuesday to keep the pressure on for a vote. At the National Press Club press conference, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey said LGBT activists are "at the end of our patience." "We have done our work," saidCarey. "We have provided the numbers and the stories; and we have endured as we\’e watched thousands of LGBT workers lose their foothold in a struggling economy-- not because of downsizing, or poor performance or closed businesses but -- because of prejudice .... "So today, Congress must step up to its responsibility, to fully accept its charge to serve its constituents," said Carey. "To step up to its moral obligation to preserve the integrity of the very fabric of our nation by providing an accessible workplace to all Americans- regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity." Noting that activists have been trying for 36 years to pass some form of federal protection against discrimination against gay workers, Carey demanded Congress pass the bill "without delay." ministry to homosexuals and prostitutes in which I share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them .... If you talk with my trave! assistant that the story called ’Lucien,’ you will find I spent a great deal of time sharing scientific information on the desirability of abandoning homosexual intercourse, and I shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with him in great detail." Not everyone in the media bought that explanation. "Here’s the basic idea about cases like this," MSNBC’s IL-tchel Maddow said May 7. "N~e miserable denial and lying in your own sex lives is your mvn miserable, in-denial, lying business -- unless you make it the whole country’s business by crusading against the thing that is true about yourself that you hate so much. Being gay cannot be cured. Being a contemptible, pathetic hypocrite can be cured .... Congratulations, you?ve made the ne~,vs." can be used beyond one man and one woman, then any two person of any age or of any relationships can use the same argument Rekers was not involved in any illegal or and colne and ask for the term ’marriage.’ sexual behavior with his travel assistant." That would lead to incest. That would lead to As the story unfolded, Lucien learned of polygamy." Rekers’ history of anti-gay activism and then Tam said he had learned "in the Internet" decided to tell media outlets about the trip’s that af,er the Netherlands legalized same-sex alleged sexual component. marriage in 2001, it went on to legalize incest "It’s a situation where he’s going against and polygamy. ~ homosexuality when he is a homosexual," "Another person in the organization found Lucien told New Times. it and he showed me that," Tam said. "I look Gay activist XX~ayne Besen, whose Truth at the document and I think that was true." \Vins Out group battles the anti-gay ~e gay side is represented by famous movement, told New Times that Rekers’ lawyers Ted Olson and David Bole), who "fingerprints are on almost every anti-gay attempted to prove that Prop 8 violates the effort to demean and dehumanize LGBT U.S. Constitutiol~’s guarantees of due process people." and equal protection under the law. "His work is ubiquitously cited by lobby Mindfu! of severa! precise legal groups that work to deny equality to LGBT considerations or constructs, they tried to Americans," Besen said. "Rekers has caused show" that there’s no coherent reason for a great deal of harm to gay and lesbian the government to ban same-sex marriage, individuals." that Prop 8 passed primarily because Reports said Rekers also is a member of the board of the anti-gay National Association for California voters are prejudiced, that gays and lesbians need government help to fight the Research and Therapy of Homosexuality. He discrimination and persecution that continue also recently was paid tens of thousands of to harm them, that being gay is usually not dollars by the state of Florida to be an expert a choice and sexual orientation is usually witness against gay adoption. Florida is the immutable, that gay couples’ children fare only state that bans gay people from adopting as well as straight couples’ children, and that across the board. so-called traditional marriage has undergone After Rekers testified in that case, Miamitransformations throughout history. Dade County Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman Passed by voters in November 2008, Prop wrote: "Dr. Rekers’ beliefs are motivated 8 amended the California Constitution to by his strong ideological and theological re-ban same-sex marriage just 4 1/2 months convictions that are not consistent with after the state Suprelne Court legalized it. the science. Based on his testimony and Olson and Boies’ lawsuit is ultimately demeanor at trial, the court cannot consider aimeO at the U.S. Supreme Court, where it his testimony to be credible a0r worthy of could end up as soon as next year, af,er a stop forming the basis of public policy." at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. If Lucien told The Miami Herald he became successful, the lawsuit could bring about the an escort to pay for college, but that he might legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide. have to drop out now. He said Rekers paid If unsuccessful, it could have the effect of him $75 per day during the trip, which is less stopping the movement for same-sex marriage than the $300-$500 he would have charged -- which now is legal in five states and~ for sex. He told CNN there Was no sexual Washington, D.C. -- dead in its tracks for contact other than the massages. possibly a generation. In a message to the Joe.My.God. blog, The suit is without doubt a high-stakes Rekers said no one should be surprised he was gamble, so much so that the gay rights legal establishment initially opposed it and was, found in the company of a male escort. as a result, blocked by Olson and Boles from "Like Jesus Christ, I deliberately spend intervening once it became clear the case was time with sinners with the loving goal to try going to happen and was going to be a big to help them," Rekers wrote. "Like John the deal. Baptist and Jesus, I have a loving Christian June 1,2010 �Sooner State SoAball Association Games promise an exciting S~mer pu fhe °’ Contributing "~;qite r Sunday Services @ 11:00 AN CC United A Metropolitan CommuNb/Church 918-8~8-171~ WWWom~et~saoorg ;uptcv o ~iVil Rights °Criminal ’ment o Family Law o Litigation Oklahoma Chaos Team of Oklahoma City. Godn photo Ot~J_~!OMA CITY, OK __ Sunday May 9 proved to be a beautiful spring day for the Sooner State Softball Association ~raes as they competed at Edmond’s Bickham Field. Currently comprised of 16 teams, the alliance provide~ a great opportunity to play ball for serious or recreational softball players of the GLBT community in the Oldahoma City are~. The.Association has joined the North 625 N.W. lSth Street Citg, OK 73103 American Gay Amateur Athletic Association. Tulsais in the process of forming a league as well, although a competition planned between the two cities, the Turnpike Challenge scheduled for May 15, was rained out. For more information or game schedules check out soonerstatesoftball. com. or contact Recruitment Director Chad Previ& at soonerstatesoftbalt@hotmail,Com. Lm=bda Leag~e &~mmer TULSA, OK (PR) __ Lambda League Summer Bowling Started May t7th and goes tlwoug}~ August %h. Games are each Monday 7pro at Andy B~ Riverlm~es, 871 ! South Lewis ~Asa. No gaflae on Memorial Day. %e Summer league is open to anyone. ~t’s a great way to make ftiends and have fun. Cost is $14.00 each Monday and a one time summer league membership fee of $20.00 For more information call 918-637-0889; or emaiI: bubuinok@yahoo.com or beads4me@ cox.net. Brenda "Grandma" Bolen and Kim Whisenhunt. Judy G. Photo Openarms Youth Center Hosts Prom, Las Vegas By Judy Gabbard Contributing xg~’rite r TULSA, OK__ April 24, 20!0, Openarms ~k>uth Project hosted another successful Prom Night. ~e theme was Las V%as S@e. Tim GilIean and Ken Drape1; once again achieved a successful night of food, dance and entertainment riot area GLBT youth. Approximately 80 yom-h were in a~tendance, dressed in their own unique finer> Parents and volunteers attended as chaperones. ~ae highlight of every prom is to cast www.metrostarnews.corn votes and to crown the annual Prom King and Queen. Openarms selected Royaltywas beyond special. The 2010 Prom King is Kim Whisenhunt and Prom Queen Brenda Bolen. Brenda Bolen is the oldest volunteer at Openarms Youth Centre: Brenda is a youthful and loving individual who reaches out to evewone who comes to the center and is repectfully called "Grandma". King Kim ~/hisenhunt brings class to the King Crown, and is highly respected by her peers. Openarms Youth Center operates on private donations, and is located at 2015B S. Lakewood in ~alsa, OK. For more information or for donations contact Tim or Ken, 918-838-7104 ~ETROSTAR 7: �Month: George By D’~mne Witkowstd course his so-called assistant said, "Oh, by the Say you’ve had surgery that renders you way, want to see pictures of my penis online?" unable to carry luggage and you’re about to Rekers claims that there "was nothing go on a European vacation. What’s a person inappropriate with this relationship" and to do? Wall, if you’re Family Research Council that he "was not involved in any illegal or co4Ounder and ex-gay therapy champion sexual behavior with his travel assistant." He George R~ekers, you look no fnrther than even went as far as comparing himself to RentBoy.com for a "travel assistant." Jesus and John the Baptist saying he ,vas just And then you get caught at the airport ministering to his sinner of a travel assistant with this hot young stud while pushing your and trying to save his soul. own luggage cart. Whoops. Needless to say, it’s all ldnd of hard to ~at’s right, yet another anti-gay so-called swallow. Rekers can claim all he wants that Christian has been caught gay-handed. he isn’t gay has never been gay and just Rekers doesfft seem to think so, however. wants to save the real gays from their evil gay He’S stiddng very hard to his "travel assistant" selves, but he is definitely one confused and story. According to a statement on his hypocritical little man. website, "Following medical advice (Rekers) Rekers has made a career out of requires an assistant to lift his luggage in demonizing LGBT folks and doing his tra:zels because of an ongoing condition everything he can to mal(e this country less follovdng surgery. His family, local friends, safe for anyone who isn’t heterosexual. For and even another university professor example, Rekers was paid real taxpayer dollars colleague have offered to accompany him on to testify for the state in favor of Florida’s trips to assist him in his travel." anti-gay adoption ban. Wow. It looks like he had a lot of people It’s really not a surprise that so many folks he could have asked to accompany him on his who are rabidly anti-gay have turned out to trip, and yet he still went with the prostitute be closeted and suffering even as they fight from RentBoy. Maybe his family, friends and to keep discrimination against LGBT people that mysterious other university" professor written in this countr)?s laws. It’s as if they’re don’t give good enough hand jobs. thinking, "Gosh, this had better stay illegal "Rekers found his recent travel assistant by otherwise I’m going to do it al! day long." intep4ewing different people who might be You know what, Rekers? You don’t end able to help, and did not even find out about up at RentBoy.com by accident and you sure his travel assistant’s tntemet advertisements as hell don’t hire a guy whose credentials offering prostitution activiV until after the include a "large" and "uncut" cock as a "travel trip was in progress," his website’s message assistant." I’m not a doctol; but I don’t think continues. foreskin is usually involved in carrying a i reckon "interviewing different people" suitcase. means "I looked at lots of hot naked dudes on RentBoy befi~re deciding on the one I now D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay dnce refer to as my "travel assistant." It~ kind of 2003. She’s a ~eelance writer and poet (believe hard to believe that Rekers found out about it:9. When she’s not l:aking on the creeps of the the RentBoy profile while the two were in worm she reviwws rock and roll shows in Detroit Europe together, unless of with her twin sister. MOREcolor 2010 E ibi ion to Benefit OkIahomans for Equality a sense of pride that could never be turned back. In June of 1999 the site became a National Historical Landmark, and reopened as a bar in 2007. That consciousness eventually reached Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City held their first Pride Parade in 1987. It was a humble beginning when about a dozen brave souls put it together not knowing if anyone would show up, and around 400 marchers actually did. Now a raajor event marking 23 years of celebration and an OkJal~oma City tradition, the celebrating is pulling together. For more information contact their ,vebsite www. okcpride.com. Homosexuality is already punishable by imprisonment and the Ugandan government shows little interest in human rights. Lavanhar, tho@, said he felt like it was a call he had to accept. "I’m 4! years old and I’ve never been called upon to go overseas to risk my life for freedom," he said. "In some ways this was that kind of call." After discussing it with his family, Lavanhar made the trip to Uganda, spoke at the conference and avoided any trouble. "It was about being an ally - using my Contours H by Laine Godsq power and privilege as an American and as a minister to try to help," I.avanhar said. "It was an amazing experience." TULSA, OK (PR) __ 33he annual Lavanhar said that he has never seen MOREcolor fine art eydfibition organized by people living with such persecution and feat: Oklahomans for Equality (Ok~q) was one "it was a profound experience and the of the first art shows in the state featuring people were so wonderful, so beautiful, so contemporary, and often edgy, art work. kind," Lavanhar said. ~ Begun nearly 30 years ago, the show is still Uganda, facing international attention, one of the largest of its Idnd in Oklahoma, _ has yet to pass the proposed law: Lavanhar offering work by more than sixty artists. MO~olor 2010 begins Thursday, May said there has been some evidence that the government might instead pass a slightly 27 with a free public opening reception watered down version of the legislation. from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Centre; 621 East 4th Street The capital punishment component, for example, might be dropped to acquiesce to in downtown Tulsa, The show runs through external pressure. But the core goal of the bill June 5 during the Equality Center’s hours, - to assail a tiny portion of the population 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday through - remains in play. Saturday. Lavanhar said that the Ugandan A unique feature of the MOREcolor event government has scapegoated homosexuals is the way in which it works with artists. Zhere are two categories; an Invitational in a t~ical effort to draw attention from its own failures elsewhere. The government has categoEr; in which established artists are characterized in{ernal homosexuality as some explicitly invited to exhibit, and a Juried sort of colonialist import from the west, and category, designed as a way for new artists to ironically lined up behind Christianity which join the exhibition. An uncommon aspect is also a colonial import from the west to use of the show is that the organization gives scripture as it s battering rmn against gays. the artist 70% of the price of sold work, "It seems like they are waiting for compared with much lower percentages - or international attention to die down before nothing - in other area charitable art sales they vote," Lavanhm" said. and auctions. Audiences find works under Lavanhar was lauded by Oklahomans some of Oldahoma’s best-loved signatures, as for Equality for his effort in Uganda, and well as a number of exciting new works ftom subsequently named Grand Marshal for Pride names they don’t yet kmmv. "I-his year’s event features dance and 2010. "We wanted to honor this wonderfxil musical performances at various moments during the opening on May 27~ featuring the man, and to let people know that they had contemporary dance team Ari&:Nina:TuMM. this straight minister from Oldahoma as The exhibition is held in the Equality Center’s one of only two ministers who attended the 3,000 square toot event center. For event conference in Uganda," said Oklahomans for information, visit vaa~w.OkEq.org. Equality President Toby Jenkins. For more information on Tulsa Pride or Oklahomans for Equality, visit mvw.okeq. org. �OMahomans £or Equality celebrates 30th By Michael W. Sasser Contributing writer In October 1996 TOHR opened Tulsa’s first Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Community Center at 1338 East 38th Street in the Brookside neighboFhood of Tulsa. Vandalism was common and landlords began to be increasingly apprehensive about renting to the gay community, In June 1997 TOHR organized Tulsa’s first Gay Pride march with 60 participants. Year after year the Tulsa City Council refused to grant the Tulsa Gay community a parade permit. Finally in 1999 Tulsa’s first Diversity Parade was held on Peoria Avenue in the Brookside neighborlmod of Tulsa and featured Rep. Barney Frank, DMassachusetts, O~q as its first President Toby Grand Marshal[ Jenkins said The parade that the latter cuhninated event should with the be particularly Diversity improved over Festival at previous years. Tulsa’s Veteran’s "We’re in Park. a lot better On position this year," October 31 st Jenkins said. "We 2005 TOHR spent the entire purchased the Property at 621 year building,, rdati6n~hips. E~t 4th Street Jenkins said in downtown that the goal is to Tulsa have every- elected ,joining the officiat in the area revitalization to at least visit the Toby Jenkins, President, OhZahomans for Equali~ and of the urban EqualitT Center Ohlahoma State Rel~resenmtive AI McA~ey at the 30th core of Tulsa for the occasion. Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo by Lia Ingersoll, Mia Bella County. In Ot’~q has September expanded and 2006 the thrived despite numerous challenges in a state membership of Tulsa Oklahomans for ~;ar behind many others when it comes to Equality approved the most recent name recognition of equal human rights. change and became Oklahomans for Equality. Otdahomans for Equality was originally a With the help of Tulsgs top architects and chapter of Oklahomans for Human Riglv;s, designers 275 volunteers donated 7000 hours based in OKC. Founder Dennis Neill learned to renovate an 18,000 square foot facility of OHR through his work with the ACLU. now known as the Dennis R. Neill Equality He developed a friendship with Bill Rogers, Center. one of the [bunders of OHR. Additional early In June 2007 Oldahomans for Equality organizers were Bob Inglish, Mike Green and (OlcEq) moved the Tulsa Pride Festival and Gary Durst. OHR amended their by-laws Parade to the premiere dmvntown venue in !979 to allow for chapters and beginning Centennial Park just 2 blocks south of the in 1980 Nalsans began meeting in homes for Equality Center, solidifying the organization’s recruitment.The first newsletter was published commitment to the arts and entertainment and the first public general meeting Was in district of Tulsa. the basement of Harwelden M~sion on Jan In 2009 Oklahomans for Equality had 19, I981 which featured a lecture by a noted over 40,000 visitors utilizing the services and psychiatrist from OU. programs at the Dennis R. Neill Equality In 1985 the Tulsa chapter of Oklahomans Center. for Human Rights became independent Through batdes with institutions, public mad autonomous. They reorganized under and private, through vandalism and threats the name Tulsa Oldahomans for Human of violence, OkEq persevered to reach this Rights (TOHR). ~l-he organizatioffs monthly landmark anniversary. Several events this year membership meetings routinely attracted have already commemorated the occasion. 100s of participants as the community saw "When I realize hmv heroic and faithful TOHR as the principal source of information our founders and members have been for and support. TOHR hosted man}, nationally three decades I am humbled to be at the helm known GLBT spokespersons. The Chicago serving such a great organization," Jenkins Resource Center gave TOHR two grants said. which was the first time an Oklahoma GLBT For more info~ation on OKEq, the Equality organization received out-of-state funding Center or 30th anniversary events, visit www.okeq. Nle David Bohnett Foundation _Awards ’Refresh’ Grants Totalling $500,000 To David Bohnett CyberCenters Nationwide TULSA, OK __ Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) continues its celebration of 30 years in existence with several events throughout the summer. Future Anniversary Celebration events include a tribute concert with Eric Himan at Tulsa Pride 2010 honoring the founders of Oldahomans for Equality. On July 31st Oldahomans for Equality will host a regional summit bringing together the heartland LGBT groups for an afternoon of networking and a rdationship building party. On September 15, they will have a daylong celebration for the National LGBT Center Awareness Day and its 30th anniversary, Paul Moore, Program Manager at the DavM Bohnett Foundation. Press photo TULSA, OK (PR) __ In February 2010 Tne David Bohnett Foundation announced they had selected the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa to be among the 24 LGBT Centers across the United States to be recipients of the "Refresh Grant"~ In establishing the CyberCenters, technology entreprdneur and ~hilanthropist David Bohnett’s vision was to provide LGBT communities with a %Ared" hub through which its members could network, communicate, and explore educational, professional and recreational opportunities. To keep the CyberCenters up-to-date, in 2004, the "refi’esh" program was started, where each CyberCenter is supplied with brand new state-of-the-art equipment on a consistent basis (approximately every three to four years). David Bohnett serves as Chair of the David Bohnett Foundation, the head of the private equity firm Baroda Ventures and was the founder of GeoCities2com, an Internet based media and e-commerce company in 1994. GeoCities was acquired by Yahoo! in 1999. His goals are improving lives, empowering indMduals and building viable communities by connecting like-minded people in meaningful ways. Also central to Bohnett’s vision is his call to action to aspiring philanthropists to begin their giving by getting personally involved with causes with which they identify so that they can experience service first-hand. "The Centers provide a safe environment for members of the LGBT community 2_ from youth who may find themselves without a support system--to seniors, who may have little or no familiarity with computers," said Michael Fleming, Excecutive Director for the Bohnett Foundation. "In today’s increasingly Internet-driven world, the David Bohnett Cyber Centers have proven to be a lifeline for people of all ages. We are happy to provide regular ’refresh’ grants enabling groups to keep pace with the many advances in computer hardware and software." Paul Moore, Program Manager at the Foundation, who oversees the CyberCenter program will be in Tulsa for the Grand Opening of the newly refreshed David Bohnett CyberCenter. The reception and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday May 27th at 6:30 pro. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 East 4th Street in downtown Tul~a Oklahoma. The Dennis R Neill Equality Center’s Technology Team Eric Vogelpohl and Don Satterthwaite have installed the equipment upgrades which include Lenovo al!-inone A70z PCs customized bundle with Microsoft Office software, Windows Pro 7 - 19" XWidescreen Monitors in addition to Documate 5!0 Flatbed Scanners and IBM Infoptint color laser printers. The Equality Center serves as the headquarters for Oklahomans for Equality and received a David Bohnett CyberCenter Grant in 2003. Dennis R. Neill with Sampson donated 10 new chairs for the computer stations. Over 39,000 visits were made to the Equality Center in 2009 and more than 53% of those individuals utilized the CyberCenter. The CyberCenter is free and open to public Monday through Friday 3pm to 9pm. Tulsa 2010 Pride Events Tulsa More Color Pride Art Show May 27th - June 5th Dennis R. Neill Equality Center More info at www.morecolorart.com Equality Day at the Zoo Saturday, May 29th :10am - 2pro PFLAG Night at Circle Cinema Tuesday, June 1st : 7pm Pride Night at The LibraIT Thursday, June 3rd: 7pm Council Oak Men’s Chorale Tulsa Downtown City-County Library PFLAG Spaghetti Dim,er Friday, June 4th: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Centennial Park- Community Building Tulsa Pride OYP Youth Night Friday, June 4th: 5pm -1 lpm Centennial Park (6th &: Peoria) Tulsa Pride Festival & Parade Saturday June 5th:lOam- lOpm Centennial Park (6th & Peoria) Equality Night at Light Opera Oklahoma Friday, June 1 lth: 8pm Tulsa PAC Pride Night At the WNBA Saturday, June 19th: 7pm Tulsa Shock At the BOK Center Equality Night At the Philbrook Tuesday, June 22nd Philbrook Museum of Art and recognition. w~gv.metrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 9 �be Best Time To Start By Ronald Blake Co~ributing ~rker Vghat’s a person to do? N~ere are five options and none of them work. We are right back to this time next year and I would bet that your options ~hen will look just as bleak. The answer is quite simply to just start now; There is never a good dine to s~ar~ any fitness In Memoriam Chuck Nugent 1970-2010 Fb~d a way m ic~corporare fitness into your daity rourbae. Make some changes, rearra~g¢ difl)rence between ~tarboaM and port. ~lhat gw is Ron Blake and you can u~uallv find hira &iAing aimlessly about On somebody of water. Feel fi’ee to guide him back to shore by e-mailing him on his sloop at www. myblakefimess.com. When should you start an exercise program? ~xere are many choices: Saturday the 22nd, Sunday the 30th, or Tuesday the 18th. Maybe you could aim for next year in February or April. Time for a powwow to decide the best time to begin the blood, sweat, and tears program. We’ll write down the possibilities and then pick a winner. The first up for consideration is now. The good part about starting now is that you will actually start. The bad part about starting now is that the holidays are here. You have the Christmas shopping to do for five aunts, four brothers, three best friends, two parents, and that boyfriend in a pear tree. Then there’s the office party, the hanging of the holiday lights, and the ~xanksgiving vacation at ,grandma’s house in Indianapolis. The secondoption is January. The good part about starting in January is that you will actually start. The bad part about January is that you have those two classes you will be taking at the community college. You need those classes to finish the Masters Degree program so you are eligible for a promotion. Between a 40 hour work week and six credit hours of business courses there Ittst ~snt t~me. ~ne third option is April. The good part ~bout starting in April is that you will actually start. The bad part about April is that you are taking that two week cruise in the Caribbean, your morn is visiting from Michigan, and your best friend from Indiana University’s class of 1991 is making his way west to see Controversial OKC School Board Member Gail Vines will run for State House District 85 OKIAHOMA CITY, OK __ Gall Vines, who currently represents District 2 on the Oklahoma City School Board has announced that she is running to be a State Representative for District 85, which is in north~vest Oklahoma City and extends into the suburban municipality of Nichols Hills. The seat is currently held by Republican David Dank, who was first elected in 2006. Ms. Vines was first elected to her school board position in 2005, re-elected without opposition in 2009, and her actions later that year stirred controversy when the Oklahoma City School Board voted to fire openly gay teacher Joe Quigley. She is well known not only for her school board position, but also as the co-owner of Flips’s Wine Bar & Trattoria, a longtime Oklahoma City eatery and nightspot. Gall Vines abstained from voting on the Quigley firing, stating that she didn’t have enough information about the situation. After Joe Quigley was ordered reinstated August 26 by the District Court, the Oldahoma City School Board appealed that decision, then voted September 14 not to reinstate Mr.Quigley pending the appeal despite the court order, and to stop his salary and benefits. That vote was 6-2, this time with Gall Vines voting for his termination. TULSA, OK Chuck Nugent, a former Yale and Cushing resident, passed away on Monda); April 12, 2010, at his home in Broken Arrow, OK at the age of 39 years. The son of Charles L. Nugent and Leora J. Johnson Barrows. Chuck was born on May 20, 1970 in Upland, C_&. He came ro Cusliing as a small child, later moving to Yale, where he was raised and educated, graduating from Yale High School. Chuck was currently a volunteer for the Dennis R. Neill Equali.ty Center in Tulsa, where he enjoyed counseling individuals in a crisis situation. Chuck was th£ Committee Chair 0fthe Center Cinema program on Friday evening. His hobbies included cars, Survivors include his mother, Leora Barrows of CUshi~; two sisters, Deanna Couch and her husband Janaes of Yale and Kristal Kuelll and her husband ToW of Stillwater; four nephews; three nieces; a half brother Steve Nugent; a half sister Pamela Rogers, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Nugent and a half sister, Deborah Nugent. A memorial services was held Saturday May 1 st at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa Oklahoma. Memorial contributions may be made to Oklal~omans for Equality; EO.’ Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 you. ~ae fourth option is June. The good part about starting in June is that you will actually start. The bad part about June is that you are attending your nephew’s graduation in Evansville and your niece’s graduation in South Bend. There are also the life insurance . sales conventions in Schenectady, New York; Eugene, Oregon; and Joplin, Missouri during his upcoming summer. The fiiih Option moves us to September. 7he good part about starting in September s that you will actually start. The bad ~art about starting in September is that ~ou will travel to Texas for your college roommate’s wedding, to Chicago for your iister’s wedding, and to Savannah for the commitment ceremony for the first guy you ad sexual relations with and become such est friends With after the breakup. ~ 10 ~OSTAR June 1, 2010 �For .... lress,com : Larry Bourne & David Stevens Come see us a~d check out that gets 31 mpg! www.metrostarnews.com ~TROSTAR 11 �Major Sponsom: 12 P~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010 �heart-time flaytime discovery breath .sa~E "~ have~i ~ever www.metmstarnews.com ~ETROSTAR 13 �UNEocom Celebrating a month of Pride in No~hwest Arkansas facebook.com/ailoutjune twitter.com/alloutjune bON T DUCK AESPONSIBIL 7/ 14 ~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010 �a~ks of~he So~ By Andrew Collins {:umacecrcekresort.com) [br tru Steakhouse ~ w~.metrostarnews.com #~TROSTAR 15 �16 ~ET~©STAR June 1, 2010 �www.metrostamews.com #~ETROSTAR 17 �Photo~ by,Victor G. @ The Copa, Oklahoma City Kelly Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Nancy McDonald @ the 30 Anniversary Equality Gala,Tulsa. Photo Metro Star Staff @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Alibis, Oklahoma City John Southard (Equality Gala Co Chair), Ann Hampton Callawa); Dennis Neill (Equality Gala Co-Chair) I~_ri Strand @ the Equality Gala Tulsa, Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella Images @ Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa Toby Jenkins President O!~q, Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith District 2 @ the Equality Gala ~ialsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Images Toby Jenkins President OkEq, Tulsa City Councilor Maria Barnes District 4. @ the Equality Gala Tulsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Belta Images @ The End Up, Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City 18 %~÷troSTAR June 1, 2010 �By EI Sikov The "I Dodt Care ~at .~uyone Says" Classic Martini "It’s early AJzheimer’s," I whined. I’d left the duck breasts I’d planned to grill at home. I’d have to rush to the grocery and buy some more. And th~,’d have no time to marinat!! "A]zheimer’s jokes arefft funny," Dan scolded. "Chipotle-Grapefruit Duck is no .joke either." "You k_now what I mean. And it’s not funny. I know 2dzheimer’s. You don’t have Alzheimer’s. So stop it." As Director of Research at CogniTech, a pharmaceutical company that developed new ~zheimer’s treatments, Dau didn’t find fake whimpering about forgotten duck amusing. "I’ll go get more duck. You start the rest of the stuff." Just as Dan was leaving, Chipper burst in. Fie dropped his backpack on the floor and spouted off. "That train was late - again! So, I missed the 6:30 ferry and had to wait at that bar in Sayville, with their watered-down drinks, and .... Martini! Now!" ’TII make you one," I offered. "Hell no!" Chipper snapped.. "Yours are lousy." "I beg your pardon?" "Your proportions suck." He stripped off his sweaV T-shirt and sprinted to the liquor cabinet. I admired his moist, wide, delightful lats while resenting his stupid opinion as he reached t:or the Beefeater. "They da no~U I make the classic ma~tinL’: I was "If~u like a little gin With your vermouth." I watched Chipper in speechless rage as he grabbed the cocktail shakm; filled it with ice, poured in a full martini glass full of Beefieater, then added precisely five drops of d® vermouth and stirred wildly. "If you want straight gin," I said coldl> %vhy bother with that silly nod to tradition w~¢.metrostarnews.com and just go the W. C. Fields route? I’m sure some perv in the Pines gets off on guys with gin blossoms." ?Jag-off," Chipper muttered as he leR the room clutching his martini. Chipper had lived in New York for 20 years but reverted to Pittsburgh slang when he got mad. I was still stewing when Dm~ returned vdth the duck and a botde of Sancerre. He was accompanied by Paolo, who had stopped at BarHarbor, right off the dock, for - yes - a martini, the dregs of which he carried in a red plastic cup. I offered to make him a real martini in a real martini glass. "Thanks, no," Paola said. ’Tll make my OWD "W/~? Aren’t mine good enough for you?" "Good that you brought that up," he said with business school tact. "I prefer my proportions." "Here we go again," I snarled, then told him about Chipper, who had shut himself inside the room he shared with Paolo. "It’s actually quite the reverse," Paolo explained. "You should taste the vermouth clearly. Otherwise there’s no point in adding it." I watched in piqued fascination as Paolo made a distinctly wet martini. "Well," I huffed, ,if you want to drink straight vermouth..." vchereupon Dan swatted my behind, then shoved the paper bag full of duck breasts into my ribs. "ShUt up and grill." This is a Cla~ssic Martini; Paolo aa~d Chipper cm~ write their o,w damn columns: 4 parts Beet~ater gin (If you want to use Absolut, fine; just don’t call it a Classic Martini.) 1 part dry vermout!~ Fill shaker with ice. Pour liquors in. Just let it sit on the counter to chill - no need to shake. Stir just once, put the lid on, and strain your Classic Martini into the proper glass. Add an olive or a lemon twist; a cocktail onion turns it into a Gibson. ~4{E°HgOSTAR 19 �Chuck Breckenridge Whcthcr buyin~ or scllin~ I’H work hard for you. ~nsas~ Bxc1~sive ........ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalleyresor t.com info @magneticvalleyresor t.com 800-210-8401 email: bitterglrl@qsyndicate.com 20 I~?~ETROSTAR www.joanhilty.net ’ 479-244-6821 .~14 June 1, 2010 �By Jack Fertig JUne 2010 "Be careful with your money, Pisces!" Mars in Leo is triggering crises, mostly in the form of fights and misunderstandings that show where we need to wrap things up and move on. Clear away worries and doubts. Analyze problems realistically to find novel solutions. ARIES (March 28 - Apri~ 19): Asserting yourself too forcefully can show people not what you want them to see, but things you’d rather they didn’t. Working to be more truly yourself can be very humbling. That humility will win you great respect. TAURUS (April 20 - Nay 20): Can a person have too many friends? You may find too much quantity and not enough quality in your social circles. Take some time alone to sort out in your mind who are the ones you really want in your tribe. GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Examining the provocations to arguments and staying silent (one can dream!) can prove more educational than actually arguing. Review goals that have recently been accomplished and think carefully about your next steps. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): The best way to avoid arguments is to think twice about what you’re hearing and about how others might hear what you’re saying. Or maybe you’d rather not avoid them. The interchange can open you up to new perspectives. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Sex and money are the biggest sources of domestic disputes. Work on money issues first and be willing to bend on sex. Take the initiative on flexibility. Clearing the air can be rough, but is necessary for a happy home. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): With a little help from your partner or a counselor, your money troubles should alleviate soon. (Given the times, that’s relative!). Acting spacey and lost and trying to deny it could upset your partner. Admitting to being vulnerable and a bit confused will help. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Worrying about your health only makes it worse. Take positive steps. Moderate exercise is good; overdoing it is not. Your ~nances should be going up, but like that first rise on a roller coaster. Be careful with mone CANCER (June 21- July 22): Are your priorities and ideals proving dysfunctional? Be willing to grow and adapt. The time for planning career moves is endiing. Make big, bold choices or events will force difficult changes. Even in those there may be great opportunities. Maybe. LEO (July 23 -August 22): Pressuring your partner to make a decision will backfire. Physical play - maybe, but not necessarily sexual - will help work off frustration. Be careful with the rough stuff and keep your head clear. Accidents. are looking to happen. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): You can meet somebody very hot and sexy while doing charity work. Not a mercy date, but another volunteer. That milieu will also get you out of your own head, which is a dangerous place. Worry only undermines your own health. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): What do you want tonight? What do you want in 14 years? Answer the latter question; then think hard about the first. Somewhere in there is a clue about your next big relationship, or necessary changes in your current one. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Demands at work are keeping you from home and family. If that sounds like a good thing, you need to make changes around the house. Whatever work offers that home doesn’t suggests the changes you need to make. Creating Community for P÷op ÷ iving with H V/A DS A 501 c (3) Non ~ofit 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. 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 ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net ww~v.metrostarnews.com ~ET~OSTAR 21 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. I-L&BANA INN 2200 NW 39TH FY..PRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 ~v.habanainn.com I~L~GNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-2!0-8401 *;~,v. magneticvalleyresort.com ~CCO KELLY KIRBY. CPA 4815 S. HARVARD. 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Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 9t8~838q715 www.mcctulsa.org TCL ALIBIS t200 N. PENN Oklahoma City, OK 405-605-3795 Open daily 3pm ANGLES 2117 NXq 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK wmv.anglesctub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa. OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH ~PRESSXg;AY Oklai~oma City, OK 405-525-2900 v~w~,v.habanain n.coln 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 mw~:expressionsOKC.com OUR HOUSE. TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Okl~oma City, OK wv~c.okstonewall.org CRISTIE’S TOY BOX 1039 S. Meridian Oklahoma Cit> OK 73108 405-948-3333 CRISTIE’S TOY BOX 3126 N. May Ave. Oklahoma Cit3~ OK 73112 405-946-4438 PHOTOG~PHY: JUDY G PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 RFAL ES 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 RagSTA GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 N~" 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 mvw.okeq.org E E THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH ~_PRESS~*7(Y Oklai~oma City, OK 405-525-0730 wvvxv.habanain n.com June 1, 2010 �www.metrostarnews.com ~4ETI~©STAR 23 �"We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have T T Tuesday of every month a~ ~he We meet the STATE 4}00 EMOCIATIC PARTY HEADQUARTERS Lincoln Aven~Je, Oklc~hc~mc~ (ity (4~5) 427-3366 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document THE PREMIER SO,URCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA VOLUME 7 ISSUE 6 Twi~er,com/MetroStarNews ® MetroStarNews,com JUNE 1, 2010 Coast to Coast, Border to Borde,; fi’om Enid, Oklahoma Cil) "Simply Proud" the eme ofOklahoma City Pride Parade t val° this year By Victor Gorin Contributing wrker OKLAHObvL& CITY. OK Oldahoma Ci@ Pride Festival and Parade is coming together again this year a’; always, uniting the GLBT communi~" of the OKC metroplex and their friends for a }Sbulons weekend of tim, fellowship, and fi_~r some fond reflection. Going with it all this year are the Pride Banners of Cimarron ~Nliance, which will fly fi’om Oldahoma City lampposts of Classen Boulevard fi’om June 8 to July 8 to highlight the festivities. It all begins with a Block Party Friday June 25 on the N.W. 39th Street Strip (beginning at NT~ 39th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue), this time beginning at 8 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m. The Festival itself will take place again this year in Memorial Park, located at N.W. 36th & Classen Boulevard, opening on Saturday June 26 at 10 a.m. and dosing at 10 p.m. It will reopen the next day on Sunday June 27 at 10 a.m., closing down at 3 p.m. as the Parade lineup begins. N~e festival will feature a varietT of live entertainment, events, vendors, and informational booths. The Pride Parade will step off that Sunday at 5 p.m. at Memorial Park, concluding with the Grand Finale over the Hill past Peunsylvania through the N.W. 39th Street Strip. For 2010 this event was renamed the Paul Thompson Memorial OKC Pride Parade to honor his memory as one of Oklalaoma’s most renowned activists for GLBT equality and human rights in general. Mr.~-hompson had also served for many years as the Male Co-Chair ofOKC Pride, and had passed away March 4 of this year. The Festival and Parade commemorates Gay Pride Week, which marks the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Itwas June 28 of that year when patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, fought baek against the police after enduring endless harassment. This was an event unprecedented in American history where the police were forced to barricade themselves in the very bar they came to raid, and the rioting that followed changed America forever. Straight people were forced to deal with a gay community that would no longer accept discrimination, and the GLBT community was awakened to ........Continued See OKC PRIDE Page-8 Rev Lavanhar took long path to Tulsa Pride Grand Marshal By Michael W. Sasser Contributing gZriter Reverend Marlin Lavanba~ Pressphoto TULSA, OK__ Although Reverend Marlin Lavanhar was surprised and honored to be named Grand Marshal ofJune’s Tulsa Pride Parade and Festival, he has his sights set beyond on a larger objective. "For me it will be especially worthwhile if the role allows me the platform to speak on for the inclusion of all people, regardless of orientation," said Lavanhar, senior pastor at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa. Lavanhar has been a high-profile advocate for the GLBT community in a state notably light on supporters from the clergy for many years. He has been a tireless supporter of the local community during his 10 years at All Souls and has made the inclusion of the GLBT world key to his ministry. "I realized early on that this wotdd be the major civil rights issue over tl~e era of my ministry," Lavanhar said. Stil!, l,avanhar’s most recent high profile effort was a rislo! one even for a clergyman with a long history of championing human rights. Just months ago, Lavanhar accepted an invitation to speak at a conference in Uganda that was a rallying point against efforts by that African nation to approve capital punishment as the sentence for homosexuality. "We have a sister church in Uganda and my colleague there was the conference organizer," Lavanhar said. "The purpose is to build grassroots resistance to the anti-GLBT bil!. They asked me to speak. Honestly I had to think about it." There was real danger for the conference organizers and those who attended. ........Continued See LAVANHAR Page-8 : A LBT Comm ity Center opens in Enid; Oklahoma! 773e Cenmr Enid, Oklahoma. Gorin photo On Saturday April 24 the Center held their first Stand Awards Ceremony ~br various Oldahoma groups and individuals who have advanced the cause ofGLBT equality. Among them was Pastor J,E Wickey’(pa~tor of Crosswalk United Church of Christ), the M~t~ ~{~r ( m~dia represent~ti0n ~fthe year)Victor Gorin (journalist oi~ the year) and ,p,oetess Lisa Herald for her verses entitled "Sally Sally Ket~ which was a bittersweet lament to that Oklahoma legislator (to see her read it ~on youtube, type in Lisa Herald Sally KemP. As an endorsement from beyond, the sky featured a double rainbow as the ceremonies began. rl~e Center is almost totally funded by loCal gay and gay friendly indiViduals and organizations,, arid is appropriately decorated with gay[icons tl~roughout history. Exi~ansion plans are already being discussed, including possibly a homeless shelter. Everyone and their talents are welcomed, so for more information contact 800-878 5298. Hate Crime victim leaves State By Michael x~ Sasser Contributing writer TULSA, OK A young gay man who was beaten and ENID. OK The town of Enid, Oklahoma lies 70 robbed in Claremore and then claimed to have been further miles north of Oklahoma City, is the county seat of Ga~eld victimized in the subsequent weeks, has left Oklahoma for County and thehome ofVance Air Force Base. Founded in another state. 1893. Enid has been nicknamed Queen Wheat City because it has the third largest grain storage capacity in the world. ~I~aeir high school football team. the Enid Plainsmen, has a longstanding powerful reputation, and the city at present hasn’t a single gay bar. Yet amid this setting of Conservatism, a gay scene has "I just didn’t feel safe anymore," said Phillip Nelson; 24. "I didn’t feel safe leaving my home. Things are better noxv." Nelsons story captured local hgadlmes m M~rch when he was assaulted outside his’Clm~em0re apartment by several unknown assailants, and when his apartment was broken into and vandalized. Prior to the more violent incidents, Nelson Representative - Dis ric 88 Oklahoma Ci,y Paid for by Committee to. Re’-Elect AI McAffrey 2010, P.O. Box 60668, OKC 73148. Recognizing ~he need fbr a welcoming place for the various At 77~e Center: TJ Re),nolds, Nate Bowen, Bill), Igalke~ Brandon Bidtve~!, Brandon Ratclifl;" Brandon Lopez, Lisa Heral~ Gorin ohoao ~5cets ofEnid’s GLBT community, members of the local P-Flag chapter discovered a vacant site at ! 319 S. Van Buren. v~qth the group’s determination and a willing landlord, it xvas leased Mar& !0 and plans went full speed ahead to make it alt happen. ~,lready several support groups meet at the Center including no~ only Enid’s P-Flag but alsoa youth group, a ~ransgender support group, a group for bisexuals, and one ~or GLBT parents and &ildren. CoUnseling services are also cond ucred tixere, with plans for a legal clinic, employmen~ assistance, and health services including HIV testing. It’s aires@ a place where GLBT and friendly groups can distribute their literature, and it i)atures a lot more than just serious activity. Friday nights are dedicated to social activities such as dances, open mic nights, & karaoke. Social clubs meet there that are too numerous to mention that include a chess club, a book club, a gardening club, etc to give some perspecrive. "There is something not right there," Nelson said. "They’re not there to protect people from hate crimes. They are iust there to hide it under the carpet and to wait fbr it to go awa3~" Nelson said he finds it most curious that there has been no progress on the Claremore case because he was able to provide an obvious, distinct clue as to the identity of one of his attackers. N~ings did not improve for Nelson after the story broke. N~e former Rogers State University student found himself the target of verbal abuse and hostility in school and around his apartment complex. Less than a month after the attack in Ctaremore, Nelson said that he and a female friend were assaulted in a Tulsa karaoke bar. "A bunch of bikers got very- aggressive and hostile ~vith us," Nelson said. He said that he believed that the ,alleged harassers recognized him from television news reports and that they hurled antiagay epithets at he and his friend. "\Ve’d been in there before and it wasn’t a problem," Nelson said. This time, Nelson said, it was a problem. He claims that he and his friend "barely escaped" when the bar management sided with the aggressors and Nelson and his friend were instructed to leave. Nelson said Tulsa Police would not respond to his calls. He said they did initially respond to his friend’s calls, but he was not sure if anything ever came of it. His friend Could not be reached for comment. rrhe final straw for Nelson was when management asked him to vacate his apartment iust weeks ago. Nelson believes he was asked to leave because of his orientation and said that management representatives had previously made anti-gay comments to him. slide." Toby Jenkins, President of Oklahomans for Equality, said that everyone xvho comes forward after an assault is a hero and that he understands Nelson’s frustration with Claremore Police. "We admire his tenacity in staying after police to be vigilant," Jenkins said; "All crime victims have to stay after police." Nelson said he does not lmo,v if his move is permanent. Interfaith Pride Memorial Service Planned By Victor Gorin Contributing Writer OIC&&HOMA CITY, OK __ Plans are underway for a community wide service ofremembrance on tl~e evening of Wednesday, June 16 at 7 p.m., right in the middle of GLBT Pride Month. This service will be held at Epworth United Methodist Church, located ar 1901 N. Douglas Avenue in Oklahoma City. The purpose of the service is to provide comfort ro those experiencing grief, and to celebrate those who have touched our lives, promising to be an uplifting occasion for everyone who attends. If you have lost a loved one--partner, relative, or friend in the past year and want them remembered in this memorial service, please e-mail their name to scott@cimarronalliance. org. www.metrostarnews.com Bigger and better as cdebrates 25 years Grand Marshalls; fonnding members ofOGRA By By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OKLAHOMA CIT~; OK __ As OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) codirectors, Klint Wieden and Paul Boyd have had a busy year. Taking the responsibility on to produce this annual event means planning and implementing the entire event; taking care setting the dates, securing the venue, contracts, scheduling, securing sponsors, appointing committees and so much more. After all this work, the culmination of their efforts are enjoyed when they direct the rodeo itself during the entire weekend of the event, which is each Memorial Day weekend at the State Fairgrounds (Barn 8). "Our goals for this year, our 25th Anniversary Great Plains Rodeo is to make it a memorable event ~vhile commemorating our founding members and board," said Wieden. "We want to increase both contest participation as well as spectator attendance. We have planned more entertainment during rodeo weekend, more parties, and more things leading up to the rodeo." Mmualty OGRA is held in Oklahoma City over the Memorial Day holiday, May 28- 30 for 20!0. Here is the lineup of events; Thursday, May 27th, 6-8pro VIP Reception pool side at ~e Habana Inn for all of our rodeo sponsors and officials. After that, The Finishline will be hosting a stick horse rodeo with plenty of events using stick horses. A stick horse decorating contest ~vill be on display during rodeo registration and then all day Saturday at the OGRA booth at the rodeo-$1 per vote for the best decorated stick horse with the proceeds going to charity. Friday, May 28, 10am Board of Directors Meeting; from 6pm - 9pm is Rodeo Registration for contestants at the fairgrounds, Barn #9 in the vendor area. 7pm - OGP,~k Royalty Team will be hosting "A Night of Royalty Nikki & Mark" entertainment during registration, at the Fairgrounds, Barn #8.10pm - OGRA Royalty Team will be hosting "A Night of Royalty Nikki & Mark" at PhoenLx Rising. Saturday, May 29th, 8am Rodeo begins with Calf Roping on Foot, Steer Deco, Break Away Roping, Team Roping, Steer Riding, Pole Bending. At high-noon is the Grand EntD" witb~Bronc Riding, Chute Dogging, Goat Dressing, Barrel Racing, Flag Race, Wild Drag Race, Bull Riding and the Rodeo will finish up around 5pm. Texas Gay Rodeo Association will be hosting the Texas Tea Party at the Copa with entertainment and drink specials that evening. OGP,ak and Angles will be hosting a LIVE concert performance at Angles from 9pro til! who knows when! Live vocal performers are lined up featuring James Allen Clark, a new Nashville recording artist, along vdth several popular 16cal performers. Winners of the Stick Horse Decorating Contest and then auction offthe stick horses to the highest bidder to help raise more money for charity. ~ Sunday, May 30th; OGRA day 2 begins with, Calf Roping on Foot, Steer Deco, Break Away Roping, Team Roping, Steer Riding, Pole Bending, and high-noon again brings the Grand Entry with more Bronc Riding, Chute Dogging, Goat Dressing, Barrel Racing, Flag Race, Wild Drag Race & Bull Riding. At 5pm the Rodeo wraps up and we move to the Finish line for a BBQ Dinner put on by Head Country BB% and at 7pro, the Rodeo Awards CeremoW at the Copa where they ~vill be awardingbucldes, saddles and cash prizes to all of the winners of the Rodeo. Monday, May 31st at noon will be a Rodeo Wind-Down Party at Phoenix Rising where the), will be serving hamburgers and hotdogs along with drink specials, relaxing and recounting all of the fun times of the weekend. This year’ charity partners are Other Options/Friends Food Pantry, Be The Change, and Expressions Community Service. "Several months prior to our rodeo, ’ usually in November we request letters from qualifi/ing 501 (c)3 non-profit charities stating vchy they want to be considered as one of our charity partners," adds Wieden. "Then, as a group, we discuss each organization and look at their merits and what they do for the community. We consider their financials and the services they offer to our community, and then vote on the ones we want to support." The amount donated to these charities varies each year based on participation, events and overall donations. "I just want to stress what a vital service we provide for people in our community to participate in a sport that they enjoy (rodeo) while at the same time giving back to our community in volunteer services as well as financially," concludes Wieden. "Our local charities that we support rely heavily on donations from our local community and we provide that link through a fun event such as rodeo. We also help provide a positive outlook to our city, and state as well by our conduct and actions, hdping the gay community at large to be more accepted by everyday citizens." 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 Feast to Gain Funds for HIV/AIDS TULSA, OK__Tulsa CARgS, a 50!(c)3 nonprofit organization is planning its first "Feast with Friends®" fundraiser for Saturday, July 24. "Feast with Friends°" is an at-home fundraiser where individuals and groups host dinner parties in their homes, workplaces and faith communities on Saturday evening, July 24. In exchange, their guests make a donation to Tulsa CARES whose mission is "Delivering social services to people affected by HIV/ MDS" in northeastern Oklahoma. After dinner, all hosts and their guests are invited to the fabulous "Dessert Extravaganza" from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Central Community Center, 1028 E. Sixth St. Non-alcoholic beverages and dessert are provided to guests. ~ose not attending a dinner may participate in the dessert event for a $10 donation at the door. Tulsa CARES’ Executive Director, Sharon Thoele hopes Feast with Friends ’\vill hdp us bring to light the fact that the AIDS epidemic is far from over, and ~ve need everyone’s help to meet the enormous need that exists in our community." "Old friends, ne~v friends, everyone and anyone who wishes to support Tulsa CARES is invited to participate in this event - it’s fun and it’s a great excuse to gather with your favorite people and help out a worthwhile cause all at the same time," Thoelesaid. "Tulsa CARES will use the proceeds to support our programs as we assist people who are living with this disease." In-kind sponsors for the event are: Hla’s Dell, QuikTrip, Tulsa Parks and Starbucks Coffee Compan3a For more information about hosting a party or about the dessert event, contact Ally McGinnis, Tulsa CARES resource development coordinator by calling 834-4194 or by e-mail, allym@tulsacares.org. Founded in !991, Tulsa CARES, a United Way Member Agency, delivers services to low-income people living with HIV/ AIDS. Services include case management by professional social workers, access to physicians and prescription assistance, counseling services, housing assistance, a food pantry with access to our registered dietician, and many other forms of support. Tulsa CARES’ mission is "Delivering social services to people affected by HIV/AIDS." For more information about Tulsa CARES, visit ww~v. tulsacares.org. Tulsa couple marry in By Staff Editors TULSA, OK__ Erin Taylor McClanahan and Scott Andre Harper were married on Friday, May 7th at the Polk County Courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa at 10:30 AM. The Honorable Judge Robert Hanson performed the ceremony. Witnesses were Linda and Jamie Harper, brother and sister- Erin McClanahan and Scott Harper at their wed~ing reception May 8, 2010 at the Bamboo Lounge ~dsa. Stajfphoto in-law to Scott. The happy couple left Tulsa on May 6 and made a rest stop in Osceola at a casino called Terribles. Following the nuptials on Friday, they were offto Kansas City were they spent their wedding night at Harrah’s Hotel Casino. Then they went back to Tulsa for a rousing reception at the Bamboo Lounge. The beautifully planned reception including the wedding cake, champagne, flowers and all the trimmings was organized by Philip Simmons and Tammy Randell. It was a family affair with Scott’s mother Evelyn, his brother and sister-in-law, Erin’s sister Kristen and over 100 friends there to congratulate and wish the couple a long and happy marriage. Although Erin and Scott’s Iowa marriage is not legal in the State of Oldahoma, same sex marriages are legal in five states, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Three states recognize same sex marriage, New York, Rhode Island, and Maryland. Couples must first apply for a license to marry in Iowa. You can download an application at www.polkrecorde,:com/ marriages.htm or call 515-286-3160 in Des Moines to request the documen~ be mailed to you. Instructional handouts are available from county officials, who also serve as County Recorders in county courthouses. No matter who are on life’s jourm Reeerend Ur. Kathy 3131 N. Pennsylvania,Oklah0 405.525.9555 4 June 1, 2010 Obama selects Supreme Court nominee The Human Rights Campaign "hailed" President Barack Obama’s May 10 selection of U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan as his nominee to replace retiring Justice John Paul Ste,,v.ens on the U.S. Supreme Court. We are confident that Elena Kagan has a demonstrated understanding and cormnitment to protecting the liberty and equality of all kanericans, including LGBT Americans," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. Gay cases that could come before the court in the near future include the Proposition 8 federal case by famed lawyers David Boles and Ted Olson and other same-sex marriage cases, challenges to the anti-gay federal Defense of Marriage Act andto the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban on gays who do not stay in the closet, and cases targeting the new federal hate-crimes law that is inclusive of sexual orientation. .As dean of Harvard Law School, ~C~gan opposed the Solomon Amendment, a 1996 federal law that allows the secretary of defense to deny federal grants -- including rmearch grants -- to universities and colleges that prohibit military recruiting on campfis. Some schools banned military recruiters because Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell amounts to employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, which violates the schools’ policies. At Harvard, Kagan partially blocked the recruiters in 2004 a~er a federal court struck dmvn the Solomon Amendment, then unblocked them after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld tt~e amendment in 2005. "~Ihis action (the arrival of military r~cruiters on campus) causes me deep distress," Kagan wrote in October 2003. "I abhor the military’s discriminatory recruitment policy. (It is) a profound wrong -- a moral injustice Of the first order." HRC’s Solmonese said, ’Sg[e applaud Elena Kagan’s vocal opposition to the Solomon Amendment andthe discriminatory Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell law." In April, CBSNews.com mistakenly called Kagan "openlygay" and, in,,an addendum to that post, also called her apparently still closeted." ~e network later deleted the column because of its "irresponsible speculation." The ~gashington Post reported April 16 that an unnamed Obama administration oi~cial said "ICxgan is not a lesbian." On May 13, Politico.corn reported that it had talked to some of Kagan’s friends and they confirmed that she is "not gay." Richard Socarides, former President Bill Clinton’s gay White House special assistant, told CNN on May 10 that Kagan is "a brilliant, pragmatic progressive xvho is intent on hearing all sides to fashion a solution that works for the most amount of people." California Assembly calls £or DADT repeal The California Assernbly passed a resolution 51-17 on May 13 urging repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban on open gays in the military. The measure asps Congress to pass, and President Barack Obama to sign, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which Wockner News Service would dear the way for LGB service members to come out of the closet. "\Ve are proud of our state’s leadership for championing fairness and equality in the military," said Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors. EQCA said Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has led to the discharge ofsome t3,500 service members, including some 800 specialists serving in critical operations. More than 300 language specialists have been discharged under the policy, "resulting in a critical shortage of qualified translators in intelligence-gathering posts," the group said. The California resolution now goes to the state Senate, which had passed it last year, for a concurrence vote. Christian right leader went to Europe with ’rentboy’ Prop 8 £ederal trial likely to conclude in June ~giiami New 7~mes’photo ofanti-gay activist George Rekers and a rentboycom escort returning together to _Miami International Ai,portfi’om a European vacation. Proposition8 is likely tofinal~ wr~p up in U.S. Dist~ct Court in San ]~)ancisco on June i~ ~d Olson, left; and David Boles are lead counsel~r the gay side. Phow @ z~’x ~ckner The trial in the federal lawsuit against Proposition 8is likely to finally xvrap up in U.S. District Court in San Francisco on June 16, when Judge Vaughn \Valker has tentatively scheduled closing arguments. ~ae trial has been paused since testimony concluded on Jan. 27 because Walker said he wanted to study the record before hearing the attorneys’ final statements. ~lhe hiatus dragged on longer than expected because of sldrmishes between the anti-samesex- marriage side and the gay groups that ran the campaign against Prop 8, who are not parties to the case. The same-sex-marriage opponents demanded that Equality California and the American Civil Liberties Union produce various documents and e-mails from the campaign period. EQ~A and the ACLU fought the demand at length before relenting on April 27. Lawyers for the two groups said they turned over 4,500 documents and "thousands of e-mails" that seemed to fal! within the purvie~v of an order Walker had issued. The opponents also are attempting to strike from the trial record some of the testimony of one of their defendant-intervenors, Hak- Shing William Tam. Walker told the antisame- sex-marriage side to submit its motion by May 6 and told the gay" side to respond to it by May 10. Appearing on the wimess stand Jan. 21, Tam said: "I believe that if the term ’rnarriage’ .....Continued see PROP 8 - page 6 www.metrostarnews.com ~IET~OSTAR 5 George Alan Rekers, who co-founded the anti-gay Fatally Research Council, was photographed at Miami International Airport On April 13 returning from a European vacation xvith a male escort who says the two met via rentboy.com, Miami New Times reported May 4. The escort, who has been called "Lucien," "Geo" and "Jo-vanni" in news reports, also told various media outlets that he gave Rekers daily massages in the nude during the trip,. which included genital tonching. Lucien showed CNN a travel contract between the two men that mandated daily hourlong massages, and told the network that Rekers "basically got excited" during the massage sessions. Rekers, 61, has used his professorgeorge. com website and other online resources to fight back against the "slanderous" reports, saying he’s not gay and that nothing "illegal or sexual" took place during his trip with Lucien, 20. Rekers told multiple media . outlets that he will acquire or has acquired a lawyer and may or will sue for "defamation." "I have been advised to retain the services of a defamation attorney in this matter, because the fact is that I am.not gay and never have been," he told the Washington Post on May 6. On his website, Rekers wrote: "A recent article in an alternative newspaper cleverly gave false impressions of inappropriate behavior because of its misleading innuendo, incorrectly implying that Professor George Rekers used the Rentboy website to hire a prostitute to accompany him on a recent trip. Contrary to Internet stories based on this slanderous article, fo!lowing medical advice Professor George Rekers requires an assistant to lift his luggage in his travels becanse of an ongoing condition following surger): ... Dr. Rekers found his recent travel assistant by interviewing different people who might be able to’help, and did not even find out about his travd assistants Internet advertisements offering prostitution activity until after the trip was in progress. ~ere was nothing inappropriate with this relationship. Professor .....Continued see RENT BOY - page 6 Pelosi promises votes on both DADT and ENDA this year By Lisa Keen Keen News Service House ’Speaker Nancy Pelosi reassured representatives of several LGBT organizations this week that the Employment Non- Discrimination Act (ENDA) and a measure to repeal Dofft Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) will get votes this year. Pelosi made her comments in an hour-long telephone conference call with representatives of six LGBT groups on Monday. One of those representatives, Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), said Pelosi, "in no uncertain terms, without any equivocation or evasion, stated several times that ENDA was her priority and that it would move in this Congress --and there was no question." Concern that ENDA might not get a vote this Congress has been intensifying for the past several weeks, as the number of voting days in the House dwindles during the last months of the 111 th Congress. Some activists said the 2 I8 votes to pass the bill are there but that the House !eadership had not scheduled the bill for a vote. And many were alarmed that the momentum to pass a measure to repeal DADT rnay have been seriously hobbled by missives from Defiense Secretary Robert Gates and the Vc~nite House year, on how repeal could be implemented. But Kendell and others said Pelosi committed to passing ENDA and repealing DADT this year. "St~e seems absolutely committed to getting that done," said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equali*T. Keisling, who has been a key organizer of support for this term’s ENDA, which includes a prohibition of"gender identitT" discrimination, was another one of the participants in Monday’s conference call. Keisling, who said the phone call took place at about 1:30 p.m. eastern time, noted that Pelosi talked about there being a "limited amount of time" and many other things that have to happen on the House floor before the end of this session. "While Pelosi "did not commit to a specific datg’ for a vote on ENDA, said Keisling, she lea the impression it could move in committee as early as this week. And Kendell said Pelosi reassured the group leaders that, while a measure to repeal DADT may move first, "she stated in no uncertain terms that ENDA is moving and it will move under her watch and it will move in this Congress." DADT could coine up as early as next ~nursday, when the House begins consideration of an annual bill on Defense spending. Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill confirmed the call took place and said that, in addition to Kendell and Keisling, the participants included several Pelosi staff members, Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign; Geoff Kors of Equality California; Toni Broaddus, executive director of the national Equality Federation; and Masen Davis, executive director of the Transgender Law Center, a California legal group. HRC spokesman Fred Sainz said Solmonese was traveling Tuesday and could not return a reporter’s call, but Sainz, too, confirmed that Pelosi made a commitment to vote on both ENDA and DADT repeal. He noted this was the first time the Speaker had had a conference call specifically xvith representatives of LGBT organizations on this issue. Broaddus of the Equality Federation said Pelosi "didn’t give us any dates" but "assured us both bills are moving and that she’s very committed to getting them through." Several participants in the phone call said Pelosi expressed concern about the likelihood that Republicans will exercise their option, as the minority party, to ask for a vote on a "motion to recommit" "the bill to committee. Such motions, which Republicans have used recently ~to thwart Democratic legislation, can force votes on whether to send a bill back to committee with instructions to either kill or amend it. The amendments proposed on recent legislation have been designed to both delete essential language from the underlying bill and propose language that could cause embarrassment for any legislator to oppose. Such was the case last on a bill to create more jobs. The raotion to recommit sought to insert language to prohibit paying any federal employee "officially disciplined for violations regarding the viewing, downloading, or exchanging of pornography, including child pornograph> 6n ~ federai~mpute~ or whil~ ~erf0rmin~ official government duties." Democratic leaders pulled the jobs bill when they saw that a sufficient number of Democrats were voting for the motion to recommit. "I’m sure they’ll tiT that with ENDA," said Keisling, "but they’re going to try that with every bill that comes along frorn now on." So, supporters ofENDA and the DADT repeal must ensure they have 2 ! 8 votes in the House, not only to pass each measure but also to defeat any such hostile motion to recolnmit. A spokesman for Rep. Barney Frank (DvMass.), who introduced ENDA, said last week that Frank was urging LGBT activists to continue and step up the lobby effort to secure those votes. Frank was not available for comment Tuesday, and Rep. Tammy Baldwin’s office did not respond to a request for comment. But several participants in Monday’s phone call said Pe!osi assured them she has "no intention of losing either" ENDA or DADT repeal. Keisling and others said Pelosi was "very clear" that one of the bills -but not both-- would see action before Memorial Day. The House is slated to take up its annual bill on Defense funding on Thursday and Friday, May 27 and 28. Frank and others have said that DADT repeal, like the hate crimes measure that passed last yea,; would come up during consideration of the DOD - authorization bill. Activists held a rally outside the Speaker’s office in San Francisco and a press conference in Washin~on, D.C., on Tuesday to keep the pressure on for a vote. At the National Press Club press conference, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey said LGBT activists are "at the end of our patience." "We have done our work," saidCarey. "We have provided the numbers and the stories; and we have endured as we\’e watched thousands of LGBT workers lose their foothold in a struggling economy-- not because of downsizing, or poor performance or closed businesses but -- because of prejudice .... "So today, Congress must step up to its responsibility, to fully accept its charge to serve its constituents," said Carey. "To step up to its moral obligation to preserve the integrity of the very fabric of our nation by providing an accessible workplace to all Americans- regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity." Noting that activists have been trying for 36 years to pass some form of federal protection against discrimination against gay workers, Carey demanded Congress pass the bill "without delay." Rekers was not involved in any illegal or sexual behavior with his travel assistant." As the story unfolded, Lucien learned of Rekers’ history of anti-gay activism and then decided to tell media outlets about the trip’s alleged sexual component. "It’s a situation where he’s going against homosexuality when he is a homosexual," Lucien told New Times. Gay activist XX~ayne Besen, whose Truth \Vins Out group battles the anti-gay movement, told New Times that Rekers’ "fingerprints are on almost every anti-gay effort to demean and dehumanize LGBT people." "His work is ubiquitously cited by lobby groups that work to deny equality to LGBT Americans," Besen said. "Rekers has caused a great deal of harm to gay and lesbian individuals." Reports said Rekers also is a member of the board of the anti-gay National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality. He also recently was paid tens of thousands of dollars by the state of Florida to be an expert witness against gay adoption. Florida is the only state that bans gay people from adopting across the board. After Rekers testified in that case, Miami- Dade County Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman wrote: "Dr. Rekers’ beliefs are motivated by his strong ideological and theological convictions that are not consistent with the science. Based on his testimony and demeanor at trial, the court cannot consider his testimony to be credible a0r worthy of forming the basis of public policy." Lucien told The Miami Herald he became an escort to pay for college, but that he might have to drop out now. He said Rekers paid him $75 per day during the trip, which is less than the $300-$500 he would have charged for sex. He told CNN there Was no sexual contact other than the massages. In a message to the Joe.My.God. blog, Rekers said no one should be surprised he was found in the company of a male escort. "Like Jesus Christ, I deliberately spend time with sinners with the loving goal to try to help them," Rekers wrote. "Like John the Baptist and Jesus, I have a loving Christian ministry to homosexuals and prostitutes in which I share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them.... If you talk with my trave! assistant that the story called ’Lucien,’ you will find I spent a great deal of time sharing scientific information on the desirability of abandoning homosexual intercourse, and I shared the Gospel ofJesus Christ with him in great detail." Not everyone in the media bought that explanation. "Here’s the basic idea about cases like this," MSNBC’s IL-tchel Maddow said May 7. "N~e miserable denial and lying in your own sex lives is your mvn miserable, in-denial, lying business -- unless you make it the whole country’s business by crusading against the thing that is true about yourself that you hate so much. Being gay cannot be cured. Being a contemptible, pathetic hypocrite can be cured.... Congratulations, you?ve made the ne~,vs." can be used beyond one man and one woman, then any two person of any age or of any relationships can use the same argument and colne and ask for the term ’marriage.’ That would lead to incest. That would lead to polygamy." Tam said he had learned "in the Internet" that af,er the Netherlands legalized same-sex marriage in 2001, it went on to legalize incest and polygamy. ~ "Another person in the organization found it and he showed me that," Tam said. "I look at the document and I think that was true." ~e gay side is represented by famous lawyers Ted Olson and David Bole), who attempted to prove that Prop 8 violates the U.S. Constitutiol~’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law. Mindfu! of severa! precise legal considerations or constructs, they tried to show" that there’s no coherent reason for the government to ban same-sex marriage, that Prop 8 passed primarily because California voters are prejudiced, that gays and lesbians need government help to fight the discrimination and persecution that continue to harm them, that being gay is usually not a choice and sexual orientation is usually immutable, that gay couples’ children fare as well as straight couples’ children, and that so-called traditional marriage has undergone transformations throughout history. Passed by voters in November 2008, Prop 8 amended the California Constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage just 4 1/2 months after the state Suprelne Court legalized it. Olson and Boies’ lawsuit is ultimately aimeO at the U.S. Supreme Court, where it could end up as soon as next year, af,er a stop at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court ofAppeals. If successful, the lawsuit could bring about the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide. If unsuccessful, it could have the effect of stopping the movement for same-sex marriage -- which now is legal in five states and~ Washington, D.C. -- dead in its tracks for possibly a generation. The suit is without doubt a high-stakes gamble, so much so that the gay rights legal establishment initially opposed it and was, as a result, blocked by Olson and Boles from intervening once it became clear the case was going to happen and was going to be a big deal. June 1,2010 Sooner State SoAball Association Games promise an exciting S~mer Contributing "~;qiter Oklahoma Chaos Team ofOklahoma City. Godn photo pu fhe °’ Sunday Services @ 11:00 AN CC United 918-8~8-171~ A Metropolitan CommuNb/Church WWWom~et~saoorg Ot~J_~!OMA CITY, OK __ Sunday May 9 proved to be a beautiful spring day for the Sooner State Softball Association ~raes as they competed at Edmond’s Bickham Field. Currently comprised of 16 teams, the alliance provide~ a great opportunity to play ball for serious or recreational softball players of the GLBT community in the Oldahoma City are~. The.Association has joined the North Lm=bda Leag~e &~mmer TULSA, OK (PR) __ Lambda League Summer Bowling Started May t7th and goes tlwoug}~ August %h. Games are each Monday 7pro at Andy B~ Riverlm~es, 871 ! South Lewis ~Asa. No gaflae on Memorial Day. %e Summer league is open to anyone. ~t’s a great way to make ftiends and have fun. Cost is $14.00 each Monday and a one time summer league membership fee of $20.00 For more information call 918-637-0889; or emaiI: bubuinok@yahoo.com or beads4me@ cox.net. Openarms Youth Center Hosts Prom, Las Vegas By Judy Gabbard Contributing xg~’riter TULSA, OK__ April 24, 20!0, Openarms ~k>uth Project hosted another successful Prom Night. ~e theme was Las V%as S@e. Tim GilIean and Ken Drape1; once again achieved a successful night of food, dance and entertainment riot area GLBT youth. Approximately 80 yom-h were in a~tendance, dressed in their own unique finer> Parents and volunteers attended as chaperones. ~ae highlight of every prom is to cast American Gay Amateur Athletic Association. Tulsais in the process of forming a league as well, although a competition planned between the two cities, the Turnpike Challenge scheduled for May 15, was rained out. For more information or game schedules check out soonerstatesoftball. com. or contact Recruitment Director Chad Previ& at soonerstatesoftbalt@hotmail,Com. Brenda "Grandma" Bolen and Kim Whisenhunt. Judy G. Photo votes and to crown the annual Prom King and Queen. Openarms selected Royaltywas beyond special. The 2010 Prom King is Kim Whisenhunt and Prom Queen Brenda Bolen. Brenda Bolen is the oldest volunteer at Openarms Youth Centre: Brenda is a youthful and loving individual who reaches out to evewone who comes to the center and is repectfully called "Grandma". King Kim ~/hisenhunt brings class to the King Crown, and is highly respected by her peers. Openarms Youth Center operates on private donations, and is located at 2015- B S. Lakewood in ~alsa, OK. For more information or for donations contact Tim or Ken, 918-838-7104 ;uptcv o ~iVil Rights °Criminal ’ment o Family Law o Litigation 625 N.W. lSth Street Citg, OK 73103 www.metrostarnews.corn ~ETROSTAR 7: Month: By D’~mne Witkowstd Say you’ve had surgery that renders you unable to carry luggage and you’re about to go on a European vacation. What’s a person to do? Wall, if you’re Family Research Council co4Ounder and ex-gay therapy champion George R~ekers, you look no fnrther than RentBoy.com for a "travel assistant." And then you get caught at the airport with this hot young stud while pushing your own luggage cart. Whoops. ~at’s right, yet another anti-gay so-called Christian has been caught gay-handed. Rekers doesfft seem to think so, however. He’S stiddng very hard to his "travel assistant" story. According to a statement on his website, "Following medical advice (Rekers) requires an assistant to lift his luggage in his tra:zels because of an ongoing condition follovdng surgery. His family, local friends, and even another university professor colleague have offered to accompany him on trips to assist him in his travel." Wow. It looks like he had a lot of people he could have asked to accompany him on his trip, and yet he still went with the prostitute from RentBoy. Maybe his family, friends and that mysterious other university" professor don’t give good enough hand jobs. "Rekers found his recent travel assistant by intep4ewing different people who might be able to help, and did not even find out about his travel assistant’s tntemet advertisements offering prostitution activiV until after the trip was in progress," his website’s message continues. i reckon "interviewing different people" means "I looked at lots of hot naked dudes on RentBoy befi~re deciding on the one I now refer to as my "travel assistant." It~ kind of hard to believe that Rekers found out about the RentBoy profile while the two were in Europe together, unless of George course his so-called assistant said, "Oh, by the way, want to see pictures of my penis online?" Rekers claims that there "was nothing inappropriate with this relationship" and that he "was not involved in any illegal or sexual behavior with his travel assistant." He even went as far as comparing himself to Jesus and John the Baptist saying he ,vas just ministering to his sinner of a travel assistant and trying to save his soul. Needless to say, it’s all ldnd of hard to swallow. Rekers can claim all he wants that he isn’t gay has never been gay and just wants to save the real gays from their evil gay selves, but he is definitely one confused and hypocritical little man. Rekers has made a career out of demonizing LGBT folks and doing everything he can to mal(e this country less safe for anyone who isn’t heterosexual. For example, Rekers was paid real taxpayer dollars to testify for the state in favor of Florida’s anti-gay adoption ban. It’s really not a surprise that so many folks who are rabidly anti-gay have turned out to be closeted and suffering even as they fight to keep discrimination against LGBT people written in this countr)?s laws. It’s as if they’re thinking, "Gosh, this had better stay illegal otherwise I’m going to do it al! day long." You know what, Rekers? You don’t end up at RentBoy.com by accident and you sure as hell don’t hire a guy whose credentials include a "large" and "uncut" cock as a "travel assistant." I’m not a doctol; but I don’t think foreskin is usually involved in carrying a suitcase. D’Anne Witkowski has been gayforpay dnce 2003. She’s a~eelance writer andpoet (believe it:9. When she’s not l:aking on the creeps ofthe worm she reviwws rock and roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister. MOREcolor 2010 E ibi ion to Benefit OkIahomans for Equality Contours H by Laine Godsq TULSA, OK (PR) __ 33he annual MOREcolor fine art eydfibition organized by Oklahomans for Equality (Ok~q) was one of the first art shows in the state featuring contemporary, and often edgy, art work. Begun nearly 30 years ago, the show is still one of the largest of its Idnd in Oklahoma, _ offering work by more than sixty artists. MO~olor 2010 begins Thursday, May 27 with a free public opening reception from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Centre; 621 East 4th Street in downtown Tulsa, The show runs through June 5 during the Equality Center’s hours, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday. A unique feature of the MOREcolor event is the way in which it works with artists. Zhere are two categories; an Invitational categoEr; in which established artists are explicitly invited to exhibit, and a Juried category, designed as a way for new artists to join the exhibition. An uncommon aspect of the show is that the organization gives the artist 70% of the price of sold work, compared with much lower percentages - or nothing - in other area charitable art sales and auctions. Audiences find works under some of Oldahoma’s best-loved signatures, as well as a number of exciting new works ftom names they don’t yet kmmv. "I-his year’s event features dance and musical performances at various moments during the opening on May 27~ featuring the contemporary dance team Ari&:Nina:TuMM. The exhibition is held in the Equality Center’s 3,000 square toot event center. For event information, visit vaa~w.OkEq.org. a sense of pride that could never be turned back. In June of 1999 the site became a National Historical Landmark, and reopened as a bar in 2007. That consciousness eventually reached Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City held their first Pride Parade in 1987. It was a humble beginning when about a dozen brave souls put it together not knowing if anyone would show up, and around 400 marchers actually did. Now a raajor event marking 23 years of celebration and an OkJal~oma City tradition, the celebrating is pulling together. For more information contact their ,vebsite www. okcpride.com. Homosexuality is already punishable by imprisonment and the Ugandan government shows little interest in human rights. Lavanhar, tho@, said he felt like it was a call he had to accept. "I’m 4! years old and I’ve never been called upon to go overseas to risk my life for freedom," he said. "In some ways this was that kind of call." After discussing it with his family, Lavanhar made the trip to Uganda, spoke at the conference and avoided any trouble. "It was about being an ally - using my power and privilege as an American and as a minister to try to help," I.avanhar said. "It was an amazing experience." Lavanhar said that he has never seen people living with such persecution and feat: "it was a profound experience and the people were so wonderful, so beautiful, so kind," Lavanhar said. ~ Uganda, facing international attention, has yet to pass the proposed law: Lavanhar said there has been some evidence that the government might instead pass a slightly watered down version of the legislation. The capital punishment component, for example, might be dropped to acquiesce to external pressure. But the core goal of the bill - to assail a tiny portion of the population - remains in play. Lavanhar said that the Ugandan government has scapegoated homosexuals in a t~ical effort to draw attention from its own failures elsewhere. The government has characterized in{ernal homosexuality as some sort of colonialist import from the west, and ironically lined up behind Christianity which is also a colonial import from the west to use scripture as it s battering rmn against gays. "It seems like they are waiting for international attention to die down before they vote," Lavanhm" said. Lavanhar was lauded by Oklahomans for Equality for his effort in Uganda, and subsequently named Grand Marshal for Pride 2010. "We wanted to honor this wonderfxil man, and to let people know that they had this straight minister from Oldahoma as one of only two ministers who attended the conference in Uganda," said Oklahomans for Equality President Toby Jenkins. For more information on Tulsa Pride or Oklahomans for Equality, visit mvw.okeq. org. OMahomans £or Equality celebrates 30th By Michael W. Sasser Contributing writer TULSA, OK __ Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) continues its celebration of 30 years in existence with several events throughout the summer. Future Anniversary Celebration events include a tribute concert with Eric Himan at Tulsa Pride 2010 honoring the founders of Oldahomans for Equality. On July 31st Oldahomans for Equality will host a regional summit bringing together the heartland LGBT groups for an afternoon of networking and a rdationship building party. On September 15, they will have a daylong celebration for the National LGBT Center Awareness Day and its 30th anniversary, O~q President Toby Jenkins said that the latter event should be particularly improved over previous years. "We’re in a lot better position this year," Jenkins said. "We spent the entire year building,, rdati6n~hips. Jenkins said that the goal is to have every- elected officiat in the area to at least visit the EqualitT Center for the occasion. Ot’~q has expanded and thrived despite numerous challenges in a state ~;ar behind many others when it comes to recognition of equal human rights. Otdahomans for Equality was originally a chapter of Oklahomans for Human Riglv;s, based in OKC. Founder Dennis Neill learned of OHR through his work with the ACLU. He developed a friendship with Bill Rogers, one of the [bunders ofOHR. Additional early organizers were Bob Inglish, Mike Green and Gary Durst. OHR amended their by-laws in !979 to allow for chapters and beginning in 1980 Nalsans began meeting in homes for recruitment.The first newsletter was published and the first public general meeting Was in the basement of Harwelden M~sion on Jan 19, I981 which featured a lecture by a noted psychiatrist from OU. In 1985 the Tulsa chapter of Oklahomans for Human Rights became independent mad autonomous. They reorganized under the name Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). ~l-he organizatioffs monthly membership meetings routinely attracted 100s of participants as the community saw TOHR as the principal source of information and support. TOHR hosted man}, nationally known GLBT spokespersons. The Chicago Resource Center gave TOHR two grants which was the first time an Oklahoma GLBT organization received out-of-state funding and recognition. TobyJenkins, President, OhZahomansfor Equali~ and Ohlahoma State Rel~resenmtive AIMcA~ey at the 30th Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo by Lia Ingersoll, Mia Bella In October 1996 TOHR opened Tulsa’s first Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Community Center at 1338 East 38th Street in the Brookside neighboFhood ofTulsa. Vandalism was common and landlords began to be increasingly apprehensive about renting to the gay community, In June 1997 TOHR organized Tulsa’s first Gay Pride march with 60 participants. Year after year the Tulsa City Council refused to grant the Tulsa Gay community a parade permit. Finally in 1999 Tulsa’s first Diversity Parade was held on Peoria Avenue in the Brookside neighborlmod ofTulsa and featured Rep. Barney Frank, DMassachusetts, as its first Grand Marshal[ The parade cuhninated with the Diversity Festival at Tulsa’s Veteran’s Park. On October 31 st 2005 TOHR purchased the Property at 621 E~t 4th Street in downtown Tulsa ,joining the revitalization of the urban core ofTulsa County. In September 2006 the membership ofTulsa Oklahomans for Equality approved the most recent name change and became Oklahomans for Equality. With the help ofTulsgs top architects and designers 275 volunteers donated 7000 hours to renovate an 18,000 square foot facility now known as the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. In June 2007 Oldahomans for Equality (OlcEq) moved the Tulsa Pride Festival and Parade to the premiere dmvntown venue Centennial Park just 2 blocks south of the Equality Center, solidifying the organization’s commitment to the arts and entertainment district ofTulsa. In 2009 Oklahomans for Equality had over 40,000 visitors utilizing the services and programs at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Through batdes with institutions, public and private, through vandalism and threats of violence, OkEq persevered to reach this landmark anniversary. Several events this year have already commemorated the occasion. "When I realize hmv heroic and faithful our founders and members have been for three decades I am humbled to be at the helm serving such a great organization," Jenkins said. For more info~ation on OKEq, the Equality Center or 30th anniversary events, visit www.okeq. Nle David Bohnett Foundation _Awards ’Refresh’ Grants Totalling $500,000 To David Bohnett CyberCenters Nationwide Paul Moore, Program Manager at the DavM Bohnett Foundation. Pressphoto TULSA, OK (PR) __ In February 2010 Tne David Bohnett Foundation announced they had selected the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa to be among the 24 LGBT Centers across the United States to be recipients of the "Refresh Grant"~ In establishing the CyberCenters, technology entreprdneur and ~hilanthropist David Bohnett’s vision was to provide LGBT communities with a %Ared" hub through which its members could network, communicate, and explore educational, professional and recreational opportunities. To keep the CyberCenters up-to-date, in 2004, the "refi’esh" program was started, where each CyberCenter is supplied with brand new state-of-the-art equipment on a consistent basis (approximately every three to four years). David Bohnett serves as Chair of the David Bohnett Foundation, the head of the private equity firm Baroda Ventures and was the founder of GeoCities2com, an Internet based media and e-commerce company in 1994. GeoCities was acquired by Yahoo! in 1999. His goals are improving lives, empowering indMduals and building viable communities by connecting like-minded people in meaningful ways. Also central to Bohnett’s vision is his call to action to aspiring philanthropists to begin their giving by getting personally involved with causes with which they identify so that they can experience service first-hand. "The Centers provide a safe environment for members of the LGBT community 2_ from youth who may find themselves without a support system--to seniors, who may have little or no familiarity with computers," said Michael Fleming, Excecutive Director for the Bohnett Foundation. "In today’s increasingly Internet-driven world, the David Bohnett Cyber Centers have proven to be a lifeline for people of all ages. We are happy to provide regular ’refresh’ grants enabling groups to keep pace with the many advances in computer hardware and software." Paul Moore, Program Manager at the Foundation, who oversees the CyberCenter program will be in Tulsa for the Grand Opening of the newly refreshed David Bohnett CyberCenter. The reception and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday May 27th at 6:30 pro. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 East 4th Street in downtown Tul~a Oklahoma. The Dennis R Neill Equality Center’s Technology Team Eric Vogelpohl and Don Satterthwaite have installed the equipment upgrades which include Lenovo al!-inone A70z PCs customized bundle with Microsoft Office software, Windows Pro 7 - 19" XWidescreen Monitors in addition to Documate 5!0 Flatbed Scanners and IBM Infoptint color laser printers. The Equality Center serves as the headquarters for Oklahomans for Equality and received a David Bohnett CyberCenter Grant in 2003. Dennis R. Neill with Sampson donated 10 new chairs for the computer stations. Over 39,000 visits were made to the Equality Center in 2009 and more than 53% of those individuals utilized the CyberCenter. The CyberCenter is free and open to public Monday through Friday 3pm to 9pm. Tulsa 2010 Pride Events Tulsa More Color Pride Art Show May 27th - June 5th Dennis R. Neill Equality Center More info at www.morecolorart.com Equality Day at the Zoo Saturday, May 29th :10am - 2pro PFLAG Night at Circle Cinema Tuesday, June 1st : 7pm Pride Night at The LibraIT Thursday, June 3rd: 7pm Council Oak Men’s Chorale Tulsa Downtown City-County Library PFLAG Spaghetti Dim,er Friday, June 4th: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Centennial Park- Community Building Tulsa Pride OYP Youth Night Friday, June 4th: 5pm -1 lpm Centennial Park (6th &: Peoria) Tulsa Pride Festival & Parade Saturday June 5th:lOam- lOpm Centennial Park (6th & Peoria) Equality Night at Light Opera Oklahoma Friday, June 1 lth: 8pm Tulsa PAC Pride Night At theWNBA Saturday, June 19th: 7pm Tulsa Shock At the BOK Center Equality Night At the Philbrook Tuesday, June 22nd Philbrook Museum ofArt w~gv.metrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 9 be Best Time To Start By Ronald Blake Co~ributing ~rker When should you start an exercise program? ~xere are many choices: Saturday the 22nd, Sunday the 30th, or Tuesday the 18th. Maybe you could aim for next year in February or April. Time for a powwow to decide the best time to begin the blood, sweat, and tears program. We’ll write down the possibilities and then pick a winner. The first up for consideration is now. The good part about starting now is that you will actually start. The bad part about starting now is that the holidays are here. You have the Christmas shopping to do for five aunts, four brothers, three best friends, two parents, and that boyfriend in a pear tree. Then there’s the office party, the hanging of the holiday lights, and the ~xanksgiving vacation at ,grandma’s house in Indianapolis. The secondoption is January. The good part about starting in January is that you will actually start. The bad part about January is that you have those two classes you will be taking at the community college. You need those classes to finish the Masters Degree program so you are eligible for a promotion. Between a 40 hour work week and six credit hours of business courses there Ittst ~snt t~me. ~ne third option is April. The good part ~bout starting in April is that you will actually start. The bad part about April is that you are taking that two week cruise in the Caribbean, your morn is visiting from Michigan, and your best friend from Indiana University’s class of 1991 is making his way west to see you. ~ae fourth option is June. The good part about starting in June is that you will actually start. The bad part about June is that you are attending your nephew’s graduation in Evansville and your niece’s graduation in South Bend. There are also the life insurance . sales conventions in Schenectady, New York; Eugene, Oregon; and Joplin, Missouri during his upcoming summer. The fiiih Option moves us to September. 7he good part about starting in September s that you will actually start. The bad ~art about starting in September is that ~ou will travel to Texas for your college roommate’s wedding, to Chicago for your iister’s wedding, and to Savannah for the commitment ceremony for the first guy you ~ad sexual relations with and become such est friends With after the breakup. Vghat’s a person to do? N~ere are five options and none of them work. We are right back to this time next year and I would bet that your options ~hen will look just as bleak. The answer is quite simply to just start now; There is never a good dine to s~ar~ any fitness Fb~d a way m ic~corporare fitness into your daity rourbae. Make some changes, rearra~g¢ difl)rence between ~tarboaM and port. ~lhat gw is Ron Blake and you can u~uallv find hira &iAing aimlessly about On somebody of water. Feel fi’ee to guide him back to shore by e-mailing him on his sloop at www. myblakefimess.com. Controversial OKC School Board Member Gail Vines will run for State House District 85 OKIAHOMA CITY, OK __ Gall Vines, who currently represents District 2 on the Oklahoma City School Board has announced that she is running to be a State Representative for District 85, which is in north~vest Oklahoma City and extends into the suburban municipality of Nichols Hills. The seat is currently held by Republican David Dank, who was first elected in 2006. Ms. Vines was first elected to her school board position in 2005, re-elected without opposition in 2009, and her actions later that year stirred controversy when the Oklahoma City School Board voted to fire openly gay teacher Joe Quigley. She is well known not only for her school board position, but also as the co-owner of Flips’s Wine Bar & Trattoria, a longtime Oklahoma City eatery and nightspot. Gall Vines abstained from voting on the Quigley firing, stating that she didn’t have enough information about the situation. After Joe Quigley was ordered reinstated August 26 by the District Court, the Oldahoma City School Board appealed that decision, then voted September 14 not to reinstate Mr.Quigley pending the appeal despite the court order, and to stop his salary and benefits. That vote was 6-2, this time with Gall Vines voting for his termination. In Memoriam Chuck Nugent 1970-2010 TULSA, OK Chuck Nugent, a former Yale and Cushing resident, passed away on Monda); April 12, 2010, at his home in Broken Arrow, OK at the age of 39 years. The son of Charles L. Nugent and Leora J. Johnson Barrows. Chuck was born on May 20, 1970 in Upland, C_&. He came ro Cusliing as a small child, later moving to Yale, where he was raised and educated, graduating from Yale High School. Chuck was currently a volunteer for the Dennis R. Neill Equali.ty Center in Tulsa, where he enjoyed counseling individuals in a crisis situation. Chuck was th£ Committee Chair 0fthe Center Cinema program on Friday evening. His hobbies included cars, Survivors include his mother, Leora Barrows of CUshi~; two sisters, Deanna Couch and her husband Janaes ofYale and Kristal Kuelll and her husband ToWof Stillwater; four nephews; three nieces; a half brother Steve Nugent; a half sister Pamela Rogers, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Nugent and a half sister, Deborah Nugent. A memorial services was held Saturday May 1 st at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa Oklahoma. Memorial contributions may be made to Oklal~omans for Equality; EO.’ Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 10 ~OSTAR June 1, 2010 For .... lress,com : Larry Bourne & David Stevens Come see us a~d check out that gets 31 mpg! www.metrostarnews.com ~TROSTAR 11 Major Sponsom: 12 P~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010 heart-time flaytime discovery breath .sa~E "~ have~i ~ever www.metmstarnews.com ~ETROSTAR 13 UNEocom Celebrating a month of Pride in No~hwest Arkansas facebook.com/ailoutjune twitter.com/alloutjune bON T DUCK AESPONSIBIL 7/ 14 ~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010 a~ks of~he So~ By Andrew Collins {:umacecrcekresort.com) [br tru Steakhouse ~ w~.metrostarnews.com #~TROSTAR 15 16 ~ET~©STAR June 1, 2010 www.metrostamews.com #~ETROSTAR 17 Photo~ by,Victor G. @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City Kelly Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Nancy McDonald @ the 30 Anniversary Equality Gala,Tulsa. Photo Metro Star Staff @ Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Alibis, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa John Southard (Equality Gala Co Chair), Ann Hampton Callawa); Dennis Neill (Equality Gala Co-Chair) I~_ri Strand @ the Equality Gala Tulsa, Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella Images Toby Jenkins President O!~q, Tulsa County Toby Jenkins President OkEq, Tulsa City Commissioner Karen Keith District 2 @ the Councilor Maria Barnes District 4. @ the Equality Gala ~ialsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Equality Gala Tulsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Images Belta Images @ The End Up, Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City 18 %~÷troSTAR June 1, 2010 By EI Sikov The "I Dodt Care~at .~uyone Says" Classic Martini "It’s early AJzheimer’s," I whined. I’d left the duck breasts I’d planned to grill at home. I’d have to rush to the grocery and buy some more. And th~,’d have no time to marinat!! "A]zheimer’s jokes arefft funny," Dan scolded. "Chipotle-Grapefruit Duck is no .joke either." "You k_now what I mean. And it’s not funny. I know 2dzheimer’s. You don’t have Alzheimer’s. So stop it." As Director of Research at CogniTech, a pharmaceutical company that developed new ~zheimer’s treatments, Dau didn’t find fake whimpering about forgotten duck amusing. "I’ll go get more duck. You start the rest of the stuff." Just as Dan was leaving, Chipper burst in. Fie dropped his backpack on the floor and spouted off. "That train was late - again! So, I missed the 6:30 ferry and had to wait at that bar in Sayville, with their watered-down drinks, and.... Martini! Now!" ’TII make you one," I offered. "Hell no!" Chipper snapped.. "Yours are lousy." "I beg your pardon?" "Your proportions suck." He stripped off his sweaV T-shirt and sprinted to the liquor cabinet. I admired his moist, wide, delightful lats while resenting his stupid opinion as he reached t:or the Beefeater. "They da no~U I make the classic ma~tinL’: I was "If~u like a little gin With your vermouth." I watched Chipper in speechless rage as he grabbed the cocktail shakm; filled it with ice, poured in a full martini glass full of Beefieater, then added precisely five drops of d® vermouth and stirred wildly. "If you want straight gin," I said coldl> %vhy bother with that silly nod to tradition and just go the W. C. Fields route? I’m sure some perv in the Pines gets off on guys with gin blossoms." ?Jag-off," Chipper muttered as he leR the room clutching his martini. Chipper had lived in New York for 20 years but reverted to Pittsburgh slang when he got mad. I was still stewing when Dm~ returned vdth the duck and a botde of Sancerre. He was accompanied by Paolo, who had stopped at BarHarbor, right off the dock, for - yes - a martini, the dregs of which he carried in a red plastic cup. I offered to make him a real martini in a real martini glass. "Thanks, no," Paola said. ’Tll make my OWD "W/~? Aren’t mine good enough for you?" "Good that you brought that up," he said with business school tact. "I prefer my proportions." "Here we go again," I snarled, then told him about Chipper, who had shut himself inside the room he shared with Paolo. "It’s actually quite the reverse," Paolo explained. "You should taste the vermouth clearly. Otherwise there’s no point in adding it." I watched in piqued fascination as Paolo made a distinctly wet martini. "Well," I huffed, ,if you want to drink straight vermouth..." vchereupon Dan swatted my behind, then shoved the paper bag full of duck breasts into my ribs. "ShUt up and grill." This is a Cla~ssic Martini; Paolo aa~d Chipper cm~ write their o,w damn columns: 4 parts Beet~ater gin (If you want to use Absolut, fine; just don’t call it a Classic Martini.) 1 part dry vermout!~ Fill shaker with ice. Pour liquors in. Just let it sit on the counter to chill - no need to shake. Stir just once, put the lid on, and strain your Classic Martini into the proper glass. Add an olive or a lemon twist; a cocktail onion turns it into a Gibson. w~¢.metrostarnews.com ~4{E°HgOSTAR 19 Chuck Breckenridge Whcthcr buyin~ or scllin~ I’H work hard for you. ~nsas~ Bxc1~sive ........ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalleyresort.com info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 email: bitterglrl@qsyndicate.com www.joanhilty.net ’ .~14 20 I~?~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010 By Jack Fertig JUne 2010 "Be careful with your money, Pisces!" Mars in Leo is triggering crises, mostly in the form of fights and misunderstandings that show where we need to wrap things up and move on. Clear away worries and doubts. Analyze problems realistically to find novel solutions. ARIES (March 28 - Apri~ 19): Asserting yourself too forcefully can show people not what you want them to see, but things you’d rather they didn’t. Working to be more truly yourself can be very humbling. That humility will win you great respect. TAURUS (April 20 - Nay 20): Can a person have too many friends? You may find too much quantity and not enough quality in your social circles. Take some time alone to sort out in your mind who are the ones you really want in your tribe. GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Examining the provocations to arguments and staying silent (one can dream!) can prove more educational than actually arguing. Review goals that have recently been accomplished and think carefully about your next steps. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Are your priorities and ideals proving dysfunctional? Be willing to grow and adapt. The time for planning career moves is endiing. Make big, bold choices or events will force difficult changes. Even in those there may be great opportunities. Maybe. LEO (July 23 -August 22): Pressuring your partner to make a decision will backfire. Physical play - maybe, but not necessarily sexual - will help work off frustration. Be careful with the rough stuff and keep your head clear. Accidents. are looking to happen. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): You can meet somebody very hot and sexy while doing charity work. Not a mercy date, but another volunteer. That milieu will also get you out of your own head, which is a dangerous place. Worry only undermines your own health. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): What do you want tonight? What do you want in 14 years? Answer the latter question; then think hard about the first. Somewhere in there is a clue about your next big relationship, or necessary changes in your current one. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Demands at work are keeping you from home and family. If that sounds like a good thing, you need to make changes around the house. Whatever work offers that home doesn’t suggests the changes you need to make. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): The best way to avoid arguments is to think twice about what you’re hearing and about how others might hear what you’re saying. Or maybe you’d rather not avoid them. The interchange can open you up to new perspectives. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Sex and money are the biggest sources of domestic disputes. Work on money issues first and be willing to bend on sex. Take the initiative on flexibility. Clearing the air can be rough, but is necessary for a happy home. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): With a little help from your partner or a counselor, your money troubles should alleviate soon. (Given the times, that’s relative!). Acting spacey and lost and trying to deny it could upset your partner. Admitting to being vulnerable and a bit confused will help. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Worrying about your health only makes it worse. Take positive steps. Moderate exercise is good; overdoing it is not. Your ~nances should be going up, but like that first rise on a roller coaster. Be careful with mone Creating Community for P÷op ÷ iving with H V/A DS A 501 c (3) Non ~ofit 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. 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 ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net ww~v.metrostarnews.com ~ET~OSTAR 21 Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. THE LEDO "EYd~RESSIONS Fellowship 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 405-761-1878 www.habanainn.com mw~:expressionsOKC.com I-L&BANA INN 2200 NW 39TH FY..PRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 ~v.habanainn.com I~L~GNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-2!0-8401 *;~,v. magneticvalleyresort.com ~CCO KELLY KIRBY. CPA 4815 S. HARVARD. SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK :* 9 l 8-747-5466 Certified Public Accountam VA±ERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.~Z 13th Street Oklahoma CiD; OK 405-226-8585 A REYNOLDS FORD L~rry Bourne & David Stevens 600 W. Memorial Rd Oklahoma City, OK 405-639-9940 TCL ALIBIS t200 N. PENN Oklahoma City, OK 405-605-3795 Open daily 3pm ANGLES 2117 NXq 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK wmv.anglesctub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa. OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH ~PRESSXg;AY Oklai~oma City, OK 405-525-2900 v~w~,v.habanain n.coln THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH ~_PRESS~*7(Y Oklai~oma City, OK 405-525-0730 wvvxv.habanain n.com TULSA ~EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pro to 2am RED ROCK B.H.S. 4400 N. LINCOLN BLVC Oldahoma City, OK 73105 405-425~0473 Toll Free 1-877-339-3330 OR TIONS: CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC. OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DI\q~RSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK wmv.realaccepmnce.com GREAT PLAINS RODEO E O. BOX 12485 Oklahoma City, OK 73157 ~wv~:ogra.net HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa. OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pro MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 9t8~838q715 www.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE. TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Okl~oma City, OK wv~c.okstonewall.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 mvw.okeq.org ADULT~ CRISTIE’S TOY BOX 1039 S. Meridian Oklahoma Cit> OK 73108 405-948-3333 CRISTIE’S TOY BOX 3126 N. May Ave. Oklahoma Cit3~ OK 73112 405-946-4438 PHOTOG~PHY: JUDY G PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 RFAL ES 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 RagSTA GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 N~" 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn E E June 1, 2010 www.metrostarnews.com ~4ETI~©STAR 23 4}00 "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have T T We meet the STATE Tuesday ofevery month a~ ~he EMOCIATIC PARTY HEADQUARTERS Lincoln Aven~Je, Oklc~hc~mc~ (ity (4~5) 427-3366 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, June 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 6 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd; Tulsa, OK Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Garland Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Ed Sikov Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas East Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, May 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/194 The Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/191 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/192 anti gay activist Barack Bitter Girl cocktail chatter DADT Repeal David Bohnett Foundation Don't Ask Don't Tell Don't shop-Adopt employment non-discrimination act (ENDA) Enid-GLBT community center Fitness-Exercise: The Best time to start Gail Vines George Rekers Hate Crime-victim HIV/AIDs fundraisers HOPE Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Lambda League Summer Bowling legal marriage-Iowa Marlin Lavanhar Metro scene MOREcolor exhibition National news Nightclub and Bars Obama Obituaries Oklahoma City Pride Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association (OGRA) Oklahoma News Oklahomans for Equality-30th anniversary Openarms Youth Center Pride Parade and festival Prop 8 QPuzzle Qscopes religion Sooner State Softball Association Supreme Court travel Tulsa Pride Events Tulsa Pride-30 year celebration